NOVEL NEXT Chapter 37: chapter 37
(MEANWHILE)
Shokuhou Misaki looked at the reflection of her star-shaped irises and sighed. Hokaze went to buy them some snacks, as she and Gokusai Kaibi waited on the bench.
"Are you by chance thinking about the things I told you about?"
Kaibi was about to ask if the other girl was reading her thoughts, but stopped herself in time.
"Yes" she admitted" To be honest, faced with something like this, my own problems don't seem all that big and imposing."
"I... didn't actually tell you the whole truth about my worries, mostly because I don't want to burden Junko-san with it. I have no qualms about removing it from your memory though if there will be a need. Simply put, I cannot truly spend time with person I cherish." Shokuhou lowered her head" today is anniversary of the day in which he developed a condition that makes it impossible for us to truly have a relationship. I am thinking of the way to solve this, but sometimes, it seems hopeless."
Both Kaibi and Misaki were aware of who exactly was the subject of their sympathy. Even if they didn't have 100% certainty, it didn't take a genius intellect to infer that they were in love with the same person.
In that moment, Gokusai Kaibi should rejoice over her advantage and relish the fact that while she had her problems to work through, she at least had a viable chance in moving forward. But looking at solemn Shokuhou just didn't get her in the good mood for all of that.
'What would I feel if I didn't have any option to act in my love for Touma?'
Kaibi couldn't help but think that and feel deep gratitude for her own situation.
At the same time, the feeling that was once almost alien to her, but that came into her heart alongside the compassion brought forth by meeting and subsequently falling in love with Kamijou Touma.
She felt pity for Shokuhou Misaki.
And this is why, despite everything, she decided to act.
"Shokuhou-san... you are aware how my ability regulates emotional distances, right? I was thinking that maybe, if you really wanted a way to ease pain without giving up, I have the solution"
"Truly? What would be this wonder ability?" Shokuhou looked at her" Also, I doubt that you would like to help me with no reward"
"Firstly, I think your situation genuinely sucks. Secondly, it is something that someone I want to cherish would do. Thirdly, you are right, I do want to ask something in return from you. But that can wait after we do it"
"You think that I can't control my own emotions?"
"I am sure you can. After all, your ability is stronger than mine. But I think that doing it from the outside increases the change of this being well done. I would like to try it. You know, mental type with mental type"
"Oh well, I have nothing to lose. What do you propose?"
"First, use your power to switch the source of your sorrow from your memories to myself."
click, click, click, beep!
"Done. It will revert back in 10 minutes."
"Great. Now, press my forehead against yours."
"Oh, so we are doing it old fashioned way"
"Yes. That will give the best effect."
Each of the girls pressed foreheads to one another, and put both hands to the sides of the other's head.
This form of using mental powers was the oldest and most efficient, yet usually compensated with devices like Shokuhou's remotes not only because it didn't allow much versatility but was hard to achieve for pragmatic reasons. But for today, it was excellent. They needed basic pathway to link two minds together.
"I can't read thoughts like you do. But I can sense your vague emotional states and mental phenomena that make up emotional distances. I can't distance you from your own problem. But if you trick your own perception that I am the source of your anguish, that's another story. I will now maximally decrease, and then gradually increase our emotional distance. This will also allow you to distance yourself from your problems, without actually losing sight of them."
"Sounds reasonable"
"Then here we go... contact."
"Contact"
(MEANWHILE)
As two girls bonded in an unusual way, Bologna Succubus continued her story.
"One day, the sorcerers from the church burst into my home. I had the power to obliterate them, but they managed to take my son hostage. When I tried to free him, they ganged up on me, putting a powerful charm that made me lose consciousness.
When the succubus awoke, she was laying on the ground, with glowing labyrinth of intricate lines forming a circle under her body.
'A sigil... was I forcibly summoned here?'
"Are you awake, demon?" a voice spoke above her.
It was an older man of rather massive, if not obese body, dressed in a robe with gem-incrusted papal tiara and rings on his fingers
"Cardinal Pietro Barbo... I should have guessed that it was you'
Then her eyes widened as she looked around
"My son... where is my baby?"
"It is your Holliness now" the corpulent man spoke, smacking his lips" My papal name is Paulus II. Now, you normally would wait months for audience, but I begrudgingly admit that you are royalty. So let's talk as leaders."
"Answer my question!" the succubus pounced on her feet, her blond hair swishing beside her as she reached towards the pope's face.
Her hand burned as it left the area encircled by the sygil.
"You underestimate me. I used my own blood for this summoning circle. You can't hurt..."
With a roar of pain, succubus managed to land a blow, scratching older man's cheek with her claws.
He recoiled, looking at blood dripping on his fingers.
"It seems blood of Lilith has not only supreme carnal charm, but formidable magic power, just like the legends say. Chain her!"
Few people in the chamber intonated a prayer which caused the multitude of golden chains to bind the succubus and forced her to knee.
"Even with your might, it will take you a while to break your chains, if you could even try. Queen of Lilith clan, it is not our desire to hurt you. However, your... son... is a different story. The rules don't apply to cambions. If you choose to cooperate, we might, however, find use of him. The choice is yours. We tolerated your very existence, demons, for far too long. The birth of a cambion is a step out of line altogether"
"What... do you want from me, pope?"
"You know what I want. Tell me your secrets. Location of your liar, everything that can be used to defeat you, everything you surely know as a queen."
"I told you and others before you, that I will never do it. Besides what can you do as a humans? You can't enter our realm... unless... the other 3 clans?"
"I shall bestow upon them the knowledge of how to dispose of Lilith clan. Both me and them thought you are too powerful to keep the balance of power. Besides, of all 4 clans, you have the biggest tendency to... dirty human blood"
"No, that's not... can't you see? We are different beings, but it doesn't mean that we can't coexist. Please, stop this madness before it's too late"
"Madness?! I will tell you what is madness, seductress of hell! Succubus tainting the soul that God bestowed upon a human"
"I thought that loving was impossible... that it was a disgrace to my ancestors... but I want to love. I don't want to war, with you or other clans. So just... please... let me live with my son"
"Tell them she didn't agree. Do what we arranged earlier. Apparently, demons really don't care about their children" the large man in exquisite robes laughed.
Succubus, still bent under the chains, cried out:
"No... please, just... stop this..."
"Then speak, demon! Tell me your secrets, and we will release him"
Succubus bit her lip so much that stream of blood poured on a sigil.
And she spoke. Tortured inside, because what she was committing was the greatest treason against her own kind.
After a while, pope raised his hand.
"That's enough. As I said, we will release him now"
Succubus smiled through tears. She looked around expectantly.
"Where... where is my son? Did you restrain him somewhere around here? He is probably hungry, I should-"
"Oh, I doubt that he will feel hunger for a while" pope spoke calmly.
He snapped his fingers and the summoning circle moved, forcing the succubus outside, on the balcony.
When the demoness looked down, her face slowly lost all colour and became a mask painted with true terror.
There were people gathering around something that looked like not yet-lit bonfire.
"As I am saying." the pope licked his lips in dismay"...we are releasing him. We are releasing his human half from atrocity committed by the demon race. By purging flame, we will allow this pitiful creature to at least seek a chance for salvation. By the way, this was to be done even if you didn't spill out your secrets"
The succubus tried to pounce forward, but the chains held her down.
"You... you can't! ISN'T THIS A SIN?! THIS IS MERELY A CHILD!"
"Demon lecturing the pope about sin?! How pitiful you are, queen of Lilith folk. Your nature brings harm to those around you. If you want something to blame for his demise, blame your own blood. Did you try to be human before? Because I tell you, I never saw any child, nor any creature of God's plan, in front of my eyes. You are a sad disgrace"
"You... you monster! No, don't-"
"Light it up!"
The fire spread quickly and was consuming everything without mercy.
Extending her arm through the balcony's lower railing, the succubus' lips opened in a soundless scream as her eyes overflowed with tears, as the flames consumed entire construction.
Then slowly and steadily, rage replaced the sorrow.
As minutes passed, painfully slow, one after the other, chains started to snap. And then, she was back on her feet.
"What? Imp-"
Something broke within that queen. Something was unsealed and released to the surface.
The woman they saw before their eyes changed. She utilized the highest power succubus royalty could use.
Her blond hair lengthened and flew on invisible breeze. Her attire ripped as she stood naked, yet terrible as army with banners. With teeth like pearls, breasts like twin roses, lips like thread of scarlet, with sweetness of honey, fragrance of ecstasy, touch as soft as silk.
"Drop your weapons"
And so they did, with metal clattering on the floor.
In one moment, all people became hers to govern, through their lust and craving.
She became the desire itself. Irresistible, tempting, mesmerizing, enchanting, bewitching. Nothing controlled mankind more than desire.
And this enraged demon used it to her advantage, as her influence reached dozens, hundreds of people on the square below.
She raised her arm and spoke:
"I, royal blood of Lilith's clan, command you to do what you desire and bring end to anyone who might oppose it"
"Yes my Queen!" every woman and man cried out as if hypnotized. The wrath of succubus only spared children who fled from the square in fear.
That was the most primal form of mind control. It was an absolute obedience.
In one moment, she released all restrains from any desire those gathered have. All the lust, greed, and violence. One could only imagine the chaos that followed, as everyone turned against each other.
The pope tried to flee, but he was struck and fell down from the stairs. This accident drastically shortened his life, culminating in a stroke that ended it only few years later. He also remained shaken for the rest of his days.
And in this tumult, the demon spread her wings and dived down, through the flames, and then away from the city.
When she landed, she already knew that it was far too late, even before she disposed of the enemy. Despite all the possible extraordinary powers cambions could have, they still had mortal bodies.
And those were so fragile.
"I am so sorry... I am sorry, my son..."
What she could do was simple.
Her magic usually allowed her to turn pleasure into pain. But now, she forcibly reversed it and brought merciful release to her child, in his last moments.
She didn't know how long she laid down there, with wings folded, tail coiled, hands on her face.
Demons didn't cry. Demons didn't mourn their dead.
But this succubus was different. She didn't know why. She didn't know if that meant that she was supreme or flawed, not being demonic enough to be a true queen but also not human enough to mingle among mortals.
But in truth, she didn't actually care. She didn't care about anything but one thing.
Slowly, she rose her head towards the sky.
"If you hear me, God... if you ever spare a moment of your attention for me, your supposed enemy, please do it now. I never wanted to truly oppose you! I don't know what my ancestors thought, but I never intended to go against you. So tell me this... where is the justice in all of this?! My child was deemed unworthy to live simply because of his very existence. If you have a plan for all that is to happen, why did an innocent child have to die?! There is no justice here at all. If you want someone, if someone really is needed... take me instead! I don't care if all of the demons call me a traitor, and all of humans hate me for it. Bring him back. I will give it all you want, just... bring my child back in exchange for my own life. He had so much to see and I was just broken, love-seeking fool. I am the one that deserves this! So answer me! Come on, struck me with lightning, purge me, erase me or do anything you wish! It's better than to bare this unjust accusation that caused innocent life to be erased. Come on, do it! I am right here! DO YOU HEAR ME, GOD?! ANSWER MEEEEEEE!"
Lightning split the sky... but didn't hit the mourning mother.
She slumped to her knees, as her blond hair became heavy with water from the storm.
It was November, Anno Domini 1467.
"Afterwards, the pope used the information I gave him to allow other 3 clans to attack my own. I was too struck by grief to truly help and almost 3/4 of entire clan perished. Those that survived were turned slaves or hid somewhere through the world. My name was cursed and I became a traitor to Lilith clan. A Renegade Queen. I lost both my child and my home.
I roamed the human world, trying to deal with my anger. But it just kept rising, and rising, and rising. In few years, it would finally erupt and get me my one registered moment of fame.
(MEANWHILE)
Two girls opened their eyes.
"That was...incredible" muttered Misaki." I feel... so much better now. And you are right, this was so much better than doing it alone. Oh, you are crying"
And indeed, there were days flowing down Kaibi's face. She smiled and dried them off.
"Well, I connected to you emotionally. That was quite a bit to take. When it comes to him, your feelings are really intense."
"Oh..."
Hokaze Junko was watching them with her cheeks totally red.
"Emm... Hokaze-san... how long have you been there?"
"I-I am sorry for interrupting youuuuuu!"
"Wait-"
But the girl already dashed away.
"Don't you think that she could misunderstand the situation a little bit?"
"Of course she did... not to worry, she will return when I call her. Now... I am an honourable queen. What is it that you desire in exchange from me?"
"I heard that your information network is excellent. I want you to find to people for me"
"Oh, that's all? Who should my girls look for?"
"#2 of Academy City, Dark Matter. And foreign blond courier with big breasts, known as Oriana Thomson."
"Hmm... that should be done. But isn't there anything else?"
"What?"
"Something is troubling you too... if I can peak into-"
"No! No peaking into my mind!"
"Boo! You already connected with mine!"
"That's different, I didn't actually read your thoughts. If you insist, I can tell you, in my own words"
"Huh... that's highly inefficient, but do it your way, I guess..."
And so Kaibi told Misaki about her reunion with Kamijou Touma, her internal conflict regarding Kakine Teitoku, and few other matters regarding her emotional inner life.
"Hmm..." Mental Out mused, stroking her honey-scented hair" From what I hear... you are limiting yourself on purpose."
"B-But I realized my feelings and-"
"You are scared. Scared of being hurt by your feelings, scared to truly connect with another human being."
"W-Why would you be so sure?"
"Because I've been there too. We are not so different in that regard. Kakine Teitoku and his indifference hurt you, didn't they? You are scared to be hurt, and you are tired of hurting overall. You are scared to love someone without the mask. Your subconsciousness tries to hinder your efforts, because it is convinced that you cannot bother with genuine intimacy. But ever since you met him, you started to crave it, am I right? It's rather unfortunate, given that you deny the chances to confess your feelings."
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
"Accept the risk of pain while learning how to love. Seize the moment and give it all you can... at least, that's what I would do if I could do it at all..."
Kaibi was once again washed with regret. Learning of Shokuhou's situation really put things into perspective.
"Oh well, I guess I can give you one-time push as a thank you, in your relationship with him. Make no mistake though, next time we meet on the field of romantic battle, we will be rivals.
"What are you..."
click, click, beep!"
"Ah! What did you..."
"You will see, it has a delayed effect"
"What has?!"
"It's a sur-prise, kyun!"
"Don't 'kyun' me here, and tell me what you implanted in my brain!"
(MEANWHILE)
Bologna's story was about to reach its climax.
"In 1468, I was staying in the inn inside of city of Bologna. Through all that time, I was attacked by other, rival succubi, who tried to end Lilith's royal blood. I was calm when it was just about me, but when the owner of the tavern was accused of running a brothel, I lost my patience. When they executed him I brought the crowd, happy to see his demise, into the painful agony. This time was officially recognized in the records and made me known as Succubus di Bologna, in the eyes of the people. But no matter how much pain I brought in that moment, my own could never cease.
A lone succubus was standing above the sea of fallen bodies. People, that she brought to their knees with her power, that turned the excitement they felt to agonizing pain. The spell didn't spare anyone of the present. And each time someone tried to get up, she used her power once again.
They were alive. Albeit some would probably prefer death.
But when the furious demoness was about to use magic once again, a hand was clasped on her arm.
"That's enough. They are barely alive"
The succubus turned around to notice a woman hidden in the smoke of extinguished bonfire.
"Who are you, who dares to stop my vengeance?"
"Look at me, Queen of Succubi."
"I am no longer the queen of anyone"
"I said, raise your face. Surely you recognize me. The paths of mine and your folk crossed multiple times in the past."
Succubus finally noticed. The outfit resembling the robes of oriental priestess. Barefoot, with arms exposed, golden keys clattering and silver hair flowing on the wind.
"Witch Goddess... Aradia"
"I heard about the tragedy that struck your clan and family. But is this the way of your vengeance?"
"Don't you get it? I cannot stop this grief over unjust hand of fate... it just doesn't go away. Humans... killed my son! "
"But not human race itself! I heard your speech before you tried to save that man! Speech about unjust accusations. I can only applaud of that. You think I don't know?"
Aradia clenched her fist and for a moment, three shadows stretched under her feet.
"I mourned and lost so many of my children... witches burn so often and I cannot save them all...Humans bring death in name of their ideals and it follows them like a plague. Do you know what they did in times of hunts for heretics? Over 200 years ago, in July 1209, the city of Beziers in France was sacked and all of the inhabitants were killed on the accusation of cathar heresy during Albigensian Crusade. Men, women, and children... among them my beloved witches, whom I tired to rescue. And you know what the main commander of the forces of church said when it was said to him that there could be innocents among the so called heretics?"
The lips of the succubus trembled as she spoke.
"Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius"
"Yes." Aradia's face darkened" He said 'Kill them all, for the Lord knows them that are His'. I was there, I saw that city burn, and walked among corpses of the fallen. Almost 20 000 people, none was left alive. Even though they call witches and demons monsters, only humans can bring their emotions to commit such cruelty"
"Then-"
"But rejecting your moral ground and succumbing to level of those that wronged you... do you really want that? You really want to become one of those fanatics, bent on hatred and destruction?..."
"Then... what am I supposed to do?"
"Let your willingness to stop the unjustly accused from suffering be engraved within your very being, just like I want to protect all of the witches of this world. Act on it and fulfil yourself through it, while keeping your pain to remind you of what you wish to prevent. Now, fallen queen, Bologna Succubus. The choice is only yours"
I managed to listen to her. From this day on, I formed my identity from the concepts taken from the story of that brothel and I focused all my attention of helping the unjustly accused. I did so for months, decades, centuries. In the era of enlightenment, I studied your human law to be able to help through your regular means as much as I could. I fought with other succubi, helped humans, and over the time, became a Transcenent under the leadership of a powerful entity, Alice Anotherbibble, where I reunited with Aradia and met many other people, like Good, Old Mary, Hermes Trismegistus, and Mut Thebes. In fight of influence over Alice, I wished to create world without injustice, so no one would share the fate of my son or other unfortunates. Succubi killed each other over unjust accusations for millennia, same could be said for humans. Maybe it was for my own satisfaction and peace, but at least I had a purpose.
Yes, even though my pain was still inside, my life regained meaning and I had place that I could call my own. But my world turned upside down when, over 500 years after events in Bologna, Misaki entered into my life.
It was almost 15 years ago. I took a pity on the young, aspiring businessman who wanted to go big in clothing and cosmetic business. At the time, Alice dismissed me for a moment so I had time to pursue my mortal career under alias Mayoku. I met him when he was looking for a lawyer. He tried to patent chemical formula that would revolutionize the perfume business, but he was deceived by his co-workers and accused of stealing the materials from the other project. As for the character... he was kind and courteous, yet also knowledgeable in economy. Terrible athlete, he usually worked from home. He also had natural talent to gather people together, not unlike Misaki's clique. He possessed a uniquely open mind for a modern human. All those things made me take liking to him and accepted to be his defendant for the case. Which was long and filled with hard moments... yet ultimately, we won.
We were so happy that we went drinking. In a first moment in decades, I lowered my guard down... and as it often happens, especially if you are a demon of lust, we woke up in the bed without clothes, after a pretty eventful night.
Initially, I didn't pay much attention to it. As I said before, succubi wombs are hostile environments for the forming life. Not many succubi managed to ever conceive a cambion, let alone two. Additionally, centuries earlier, I made sure that I could not have children, through various drugs and spells. So I felt there was nothing to be concerned about.
Yet, despite all odds, the pregnancy test yielded another results. And my growing belly only confirmed it.
Fear descended upon me. I knew that this child would be in danger. Even if times changed and humans forgot about the demons, demons did not forget about me at all. So what would that mean for that innocent baby?
I thought about terminating the pregnancy many times. But the fact that, despite all the odds, this child managed to survive stopped me. And I couldn't bring myself to do that when she was almost fully formed. It was a girl, a healthily developing girl.
To whom I finally gave birth to. I insisted to do it alone, as I couldn't maintain my human form during the process. And then, after many hours, I finally looked my daughter in the eyes.
Eyes that resembled stars. Eyes somehow differing from normal human's, like with all cambions. She also had my hair, with hue so unusual in Japan.
I was scared of what would happen when I saw her. She was someone that wasn't planned, and my trauma from over half a millennium past made me cold to the core when I thought that something could happen to her. But...
'She is so beautiful'
That was my first thought when I saw her.
The name Misaki was chosen by her father. She was conceived when I was in a human disguise, which could help reduce any inhuman elements in her appearance. She was small, yet ate up a lot and was always laughing, reaching her hands to me. When she called me 'mama' for the first time, I actually broke down in tears. I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could be a better mother than I was. I never had good experiences with my own mother, but for first time in centuries, I felt that there was a chance to love again.
When she was very little, I did not hide my true self, only staring to do somewhere between half a year and her first birthday. I remember her crawling to catch my tail or two of us, flying high to watch the city at night.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Shokuhou Misaki blinked as her small eyes took the panoramic view of the city below her.
Bologna hovered in the air with steady beats of her bat-like wings. She gently caressed the golden hair of her daughter, when the small girl laughed, wanting to reach the distant lights, yet kept firmly in place by her mother.
"Look, I think I am not perfect. But... it happened that we are together now. I can promise you that I will try to do my best. And... the rest is history. I don't care all that much beyond my Transcendent purpose... but Misaki, know that I always love you, even if life gets hard for both of us"
She planted a small kiss on the girl's brow. The pair swooped down, on the hill overlooking the city.
The succubus raised starry eyed baby in her arms, allowing her to see entire cityscape and the starry night above it.
She then lowered Misaki to the ground, allowing her feet to touch to ground. While still held up by her mother, the girl made a small step forward.
For now, there was nothing else but mother and daughter who, regardless of their future fates or past circumstances, were happy together.
The woman who was actually a thousand year old demon knew that she couldn't keep that lie forever. But as they played together, despite her nature as a demon, magician, or Transcendent.
Bologna got silent and sighed.
"I wanted to keep this as a secret, but eventually the demon world found out where I was. I was fearing that they will discover her as well. Shokuhou Misaki, half-human, half-succubus, a cambion, and, because of the massacre I caused, the de facto princess of Lilith clan. The girl that could grow immensely powerful with only her human potential, not to mention succubic
"So what caused you and your daughter to lose touch?"
"When Misaki started to grow up, there were attacks on... well, I am not sure if it was on me or on her, but I was possibly the biggest attractor of danger. So I started to leave home to fight or negotiate with my kin. Demons don't forget easily, and many held grudge that I sold some of our weaknesses in attempt to save my son, which resulted in the eradication of my clan. Not to mention, I couldn't exactly say no to Alice whenever she requested something."
"So you led a double life that long... and no one noticed?"
"My husband noticed my absences and when he wanted to confront me about it, he accidentally noticed me in my original form when I was confronting yet another attacker. I didn't plan for him to know this side of me, and he took it without preparation.
As I mentioned, he was rather open-minded, but this change in our relationship strained it to the point of both of us needing some space. We drifted apart, even if we remained friends. I can only imagine that it was terrible for Misaki.
Looking back, I know that as she grew, I became progressively scared to truly connect with her. It was not only because I was not growing older, while she developed and changed. No, I was scared that I will repeat my mistakes and lose her. Misaki did not have friends growing up, and she was occasionally subject of jokes because of her unusual eyes and hair colour. Having intervened during some of those situations, I started to become obsessed with the thought that Misaki would be miserable because of her hidden heritage. I love her, something that is unnatural for lust-driven succubus or Transcendent, bent on one code of action. I feared to connect with her, because I thought that ultimately my presence will bring her pain instead of pleasure... like my magic did. I feared that I will hurt her, that I will get hurt by my own inexperience, just like 500 years earlier.I had nightmares, in which my late son replaced Misaki and reached for me, while being already dead. This repeated night after night, day after day. Back then, I was scared to be a mother, and I couldn't look Misaki in the eyes. So I ran away. I left my daughter behind with her father.
I thought that it would be for the better. My desires, oh the irony, were in conflict with each other and in attempt to make everyone happy, I made everyone, myself included, miserable. As much as I tried to convince myself that Misaki was acting and looking like a human and this was distancing myself was the greatest thing I could do for her, I was wrong. After 2 years, Misaki and her father had a car accident. They survived with minor injuries, but when I arrived at the place of the accident, I discovered the signs that supernatural powers could be behind it. I could only curse my foolishness. I didn't fear any threats, as I was powerful enough to rival magic side, like all Transcendents, but attacks on Misaki to get to me actually scared me. I thought that until I fully deal with issues from my past, I didn't want Misaki to witness it. I thought to give her normal life, even at the cost of not being a part of it.
So I took Misaki back and we lived together until I figured out a solution. I enrolled her in Academy City, because I thought that becoming an esper will block her innate magic and that she will be protected within the walls of City of Science. I knew Aleister Crowley, whom I heard about while in the cabal, would surely recognize immense potential within my daughter. And I wasn't mistaken. She was even ascended to #5 level 5 of Academy City. Even though she still had many things to overcome, her life seemed to be slightly better. With my daughter within the city, I completely focused on my Transcendent life and monitoring if she is well from time to time. It took me many years to realize how irrational I was with reliving my trauma... but now we seem so different. I am a Transcendant, she is an esper. It's exactly how I intended, but also... not."
"But... maybe it's not too late. You can surely reach out to your daughter and tell her the truth"
"It sounds easy... and come to think of it, you are right. There is something strange about the fact that such powerful telepath didn't discover the truth. I am sure Misaki had some suspicions or theories, but didn't have much of an opportunity to verify them"
"So... why don't you tell her?" Touma asked, grasping Bologna's hand, who looked at him with slightly sceptical look.
"As you may remember, I don't really care about magic side secrets exposure or all this stuff. However, even for me, this is a delicate situation. It's not exactly easy to just walk up and say 'I am sorry for failing to take care of you, but you unwillingly triggered a memory of a trauma I went through, caused by the fact that I am over a thousand year old demon of lust from one of the oldest bloodlines on earth, who is in addition a being of great power, together with others like me that seeks to influence actions of powerful entity able to shape reality on the whim'. Do you really think something like this?"
"When you say it like that, I can understand where are you coming from. But at the same time, I think it's still better than lying or deceiving. I think you both can become close again if you share your true hearts and stop presuming things"
Bolgona smirked at him. She squeezed his hand.
"I keep being remembered why do you put Transcendents through such a turmoil and managed to influence Alice so much. Maybe you just happen to be in the right when it comes to this... thank you. Let's head back now, shall we?"
They started to walk towards the street, as Bologna's original form shimmered back to her disguise.
"But seriously, how did you pull this up through all this time? What about your voice thingy?"
"Common tone works in unified fashion, without any glitching, while I am in this disguise. I had to pick one form of speaking though. Besides, when it comes to particular accent, I do look, and am, a foreigner, so I convinced Misaki that I sound like this because of my upbringing"
"What about your eyes? Or the fact that you are unable to have a transfusion from a human?"
"Rare genetic mutation and even rarer blood type. Maybe she believed it easily because she too has characteristic eyes"
"Okay... I have just one question more. You speak of your daughter, but have I met her? It's hard to imagine things without knowing who it is..."
The succubus stopped in mid-motion, sharply turning to him .
"Is that a joke? If it is, it isn't funny!"
"N-No, who is this... Misaki?"
"You're serious... you met her, just 20 minutes ago or so! You spoke with her and yet you don't... remember..."
Bologna furrowed her brow.
"You don't remember... and after such short period of time... is there something wrong with your memory in regard to her? It may be a farfetched hypothesis, but it would certainly explain a few things, such as why your bond seemed so strange in my eyes. It seems I must speak with her regarding more topics than just one"
(FEW MINUTES LATER)
"Where were you?" Misaki fumed, looking at Touma and Bologna arrived where she was. "You did something to him, right mom?"
"Who, me? Well, it's not my fault that I cannot resist such charming young man. But, who is this adorable creature next to you?"
As Kaibi retreated out of desire not to be seen by Touma (Misaki didn't know were exactly) the Queen of Tokiwadai was left with her Hokaze Junko. Who, upon Touma's and Bologna's arrival, turned into an adorable mess.
"Oh my stars... it's a pleasure, no, an honour... I can't believe I get to meet you, Shokuhou-mama... pardon me, Shokuhou-sama... h-how should I address you?"
"M-Mayoku is fine... but you can also use Bologna... that's my nickname of sorts"
"Bologna? Like the city in Italy?"
"Exactly like that city"
"Mom was in that city when she was younger. She said that one legal affair within it inspired her to become a lawyer"
Touma and Bologna looked at each other. The hidden succubus took a deep breath.
"Misaki, I would like to speak with you about something important."
The girl with stars in her eyes turned to her mother.
Still flabbergasted, Bologna gave Touma basic rundown about who Misaki was before they arrived.
He was still a little bit surprised that most powerful mental esper was kept in the dark like this. She could easily find out the truth, even with memory altering property of Bologna's disguise.
But ability to find the objective truth and desire to shatter illusions were two different things.
Even with Bolgona's mistakes and their somewhat estranged bond, Misaki loved her mother. And so, she was cautious to reveal the truth, even if she had suspicions.
The golden-haired middle schooler spoke, and what she said surprised both Touma and Bologna.
"Actually, I have some confession ability to perform for you as well"
"O-Oh... then it's settled. Actually, I would like for Kamijou to be there too"
"My pri... Kamijou-san? It's not like I don't enjoy lovely company, but what reasoning ability is behind this?"
"We ALL have confessions to make... and he has some to listen too"
Misaki looked at Bologna. As two blonds engaged in staring contest for some time, finally Mental Out sighed.
"Well, I have no reason to decline. Every moment spent with him counts."
"Excellent. Then we should go at-"
"STOP!" Touma spread his arms." I already missed the homeroom, there is no way I am missing anything more. Besides, there is something important I have to discuss at school. I can join you after it, though"
Shokuhou Misaki looked as if it was sad for her to separate with him, and it made his heart squeeze a little in mysterious sorrow.
"Well, we need everyone to be able to focus, so let's meet up later on" Bologna smiled at two of them" In the meantime, I would love to explore some more. I have quite schedule in my daily life, so I usually can't do so"
"Oh, how lovely! I can surely take you to Tokiwadai. Have you ever been?"
"Not really, I only ever see it from... flight's perspective, I suppose"
"Drones are impressive technology" mused unaware Hokaze, practically dragging Bologna away" but you must visit yourself! Your daughter's clique would love to meet you..."
"A-Are they really? Well, I am already glad to meet such a charming young lady..."
"Me? Oh no, I am not near my queen and honestly, not that impressive..."
"Quite the contrary. Believe me, I know a thing or two about looks that can bring pleasure... does your school have baths? I find japanese bathing culture particularly interesting..."
The voices started to disappear. Bologna bent back, smiling at Touma and Miski, while blowing them a kiss.
"She didn't do anything weird? My mother... she is rather... eccentric." Misaki muttered in a slightly embarrassed tone.
"No, that's alright. I am glad to meet her. And you as well, I can't wait for the dinner."
"Oh, yes" Misaki muttered, trying her best to remain calm" I shall see you there."
She then smiled softly at him.
"It's always lovely to see you. Any time, any place."
And with that, she departed.
Touma watched the girl walk away, before looked at his phone.
Upon Bologna's insistence, he set up once-every-3-hours memo from his phone.
'You are forgetting Shokuhou Misaki'
(LATER)
Touma managed to endure berating by Fukiyose and Tsukuyomi Komoe, teasing of Tsuchimikado and Aogami, and stream of words that possibly made up a lesson he was supposed to memorize.
But he couldn't focus. Not to mention...
"Hmph!"
"Nephthys-sama!" he whispered to the brown-skinned girl sitting next to him" I am so sorry about you having to walk alone to the school. But can I please have notes? It's really important for me."
Magic Goddess's displeasure was actually rather cute to watch, as her crossed arms, pouting, and nose high in the air were clearly over the top. But Touma didn't tell her that, as her irritation was obviously real. He desired her notes because with her knowledge, she was already at the top of the class, even if she was a magician, not an esper.
"And I even walked extra slowly. I only engage in mundane activity of walking because I can do it with you! I am a goddess you know, I have lots of important matters to attend to. How are you going to repay me for my lost time?"
But before Touma got to start wrecking his head over possible ways to do just that, the goddess giggled to herself.
"Hmm, you're lucky that you are so lovable and entertaining for me. So... hmm... I will forgive you if you give this beautiful lady a kiss"
"W-WHAT?!"
Nephthys pointed at her cheek, just below the green symbol of teardrop.
"Go on. Close your eyes."
After moments of hesitation, Touma closed his eyes.
Was this really happening? Kiss on the cheek... could he do it?
No, that was his moment. She was his type and was giving him a permission to do it. She was the one wanting it. Did he desire this? He would spit on his love of mature women if he lied in this moment.
The answer was obvious and eternal yes.
And so, he puckered his lips, leaning slightly forward.
But he didn't touch Nephthys' soft skin.
After a moment of confusion, he opened his eyes to find familiar spheres of gold and indigo just in front of him.
Nephthys wasn't turn sideways anymore. She was right in front of him.
"Got you"
And she pecked his still puckered lips with her own.
If the skin of Goddess of Tears was soft, warm, and pleasurable, her lips dethroned it in all those qualities by infinity.
The kiss was brief, just 2 or 3 seconds, but Touma felt as if his brain was melting down. After which Nephthys fell back, licking her lips in contemplation.
"That's first time I kissed a mortal in... I don't know how long actually. Now this is something that destroys my boredom... wouldn't mind to repeat it actually... hmm..." she started to mumble to herself, as Touma was still recovering from surprise attack on his heart" I actually don't need to breath and I think that I can omit your body's oxygen need if I cut Imagine Breaker and modify your respiration system. How about half an hour for starters, without unnecessary distractions?"
"H-Hwah?!" Touma added his bit to a discussion.
"Or maybe you think that it's too little? You are a boy after all. Oh, I know as a protector of mummies, I know a lot more about bandages than you may expect. There is more to them than just wrapping. With proper material and elasticity, we could..."
But before Touma could Nephthys what the hell was she talking about, he noticed a figure standing in the doorway.
"Kami-yan..."
Of course, it had to be Aogami.
"Hmm, your friend? That's unfortunate. Well, I'm satisfied for now." Nephthys got up and snapped her fingers" The copy of the notes is now in your bag. Ta-ta!"
"Wait-"
But Touma didn't manage to utter anything else, before Aogami grabbed him by the collar.
"Kami-yan, what you think you are doing?! First, you made her cry when you arrived at the school because you ditched her along the way!"
'W-Well, given who she is, making her cry is actually not that hard'
But right now, Aogami Pierce was truly loosing it.
"Not only you fool around with this foreign cutie, but you discard her when it seems fit for you! I would lick her feet and do all of her chores for her... to have a walk with a girl that beautiful! And not only that, but somehow, you and her..."
He inhaled and practically roared out a scream.
"KAMI-YAN KISSED HETTORI-SAN!"
Slowly, the rumbling started to spread through school. But it wasn't an earthquake.
Those were sound of many approaching males from all around the school. It was a furious stampede of doom.
"A-Aogami, it wasn't like this. She kissed me, not-"
"HOW DARE YOU DESCRIBE IT! Do you mock me?!"
"Nepht... Hettori-san, please help me!"
Nephthys turned around.
"I wouldn't like to interrupt your male bonding through senseless violence"
"T-This is not a bonding! They want my blood!"
"Oh dear me... try to survive for me, then. We have a promise, remember? But if you happen to expire, don't worry! I am a goddess of funerals, so I will outdo myself for you!"
"THAT'S NOT THE KIND OF THING I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR RIGHT NOOOOOOW!"
(LATER)
Kamijou Touma was hiding in the storage booth on the rooftop.
It took quite a bit of time before teachers managed to calm agitated male populace of the school down and get them back to the class.
Touma was honestly terrified. He barely survived the wrath of the crowd.
Through changing place of hiding and escaping, he managed to lose the pursuers but he still wasn't completely calm.
But finally, he peaked out and upon inspection, he went outside. The school roof. It was a quiet and secluded spot, ideal for a conversation like this one. There was still some time, so he stood there, his mind trying to piece together things he learned today.
Until his phone rang, scaring him to the bone. Shaking himself off, he picked up.
"Hello, Kamijou here. Wait... this number... Agnese?!"
"K-Kamijou!..."
"What? What is happening?!"
"I couldn't wake up, I just couldn't and... c'era sangue, sangue dappertutto! Non respiravano e non potevo aiutarli in alcun modo e..."
"S-Stop, Agnese! I can't understand you... take a deep breath and tell me... is this that nightmare again?"
"Yes..."
"Okay. Calm down and focus on my voice... look around you... where are you right now?"
"N-Near London, in England... Lucia and Angelene are in the nearby tent..."
"Take deep breath... you are safe... if you have anything you are still afraid of, please talk to me now..."
Something that could be surprising given their past circumstances, Kamijou Touma and leader of nuns known as Agnese Sanctis shared a secret. Well, it was more of Agnese's secret that anything.
The red headed nun was plagued by nightmares. And through few accidents and some honest talk, Kamijou Touma became a sort of a hotline for Agnese to vent in crisis.
It all began at the time when Touma was in England to answer queen Elizard's request regarding his correspondence with princess Rimea. He met Agnese and her nuns when sightseeing the town after the audience. It turned out that the nuns were investigating a certain monastery on the nearby moor in such of religious artifacts that needed to be brought to archbishop's treasury. During their search, they discovered a complex magical seal that slowed down their advance.
As Touma's right hand could save them a lot of work, being ever so helpful, he proposed to negate the seal before heading home the next day. Agnese had no reason to decline the offer, as it was efficient and truly saved time.
Kamijou was naturally given his own tent, far away from the rest of the female order. But...
He still woke up with Agenese Sanctis' body pressed next to him and her face being so close that he felt her breath on his own cheeks.
Naturally, she woke up shortly afterwards. As one might expected, the situation ended in a scream, kick to Touma's gut and flustered nun leaving the tent. It wouldn't have been so out of ordinary if not for that fact...
That it repeated twice more in next hours. Agnese still found her way to the tent and woke up next to Touma.
During 3rd time, Touma decided to take things in his hands. He thought that there surely had to be a reason for Agnese's behaviour. So he proposed for the redhead to lay down (he gave her his blanket and kept the distance) and simply talk to him. Just and as much as this.
The rain was pouring down on the tent.
"Agnese, if you keep going back and forth, you will catch a cold."
"D-Doesn't matter. I shouldn't be here anyway" muttered the nun, laying on the mattress.
"But you are. I won't hide that I was a bit surprised... but there must be a reason why you need to be here. Listen, I just want to talk with you"
"Talk?" Angese raised an eyebrow. She seemed unsure of what to do.
"Yes, talk. You know, I still don't know you all that well. We were enemies, now we are... friends, I hope. If we talk we need to find the reason why you coming here and maybe I will be able to help you..."
"But-"
"I already saw you trusting me some times before. Also, that time in Denmark, I really felt like we could connect, at least somehow, during our discussion. It felt really nice and I never got to thank you for it. Come on, you have nothing to lose"
"Huh... well, I am the violator here, so I suppose you have the right to request something like this..."
And so they spoke. At the beginning, Agnese was harsh but slowly, she warmed up to conversation. About various things. They shared stories, complained about the antics of nuns and Index, plans for near and farer future.
But of course, they also spoke of the crux of the matter. The reason of Agnese's sleepwalking.
"You see, during nights like this one, I have nightmares about my parents' murder" Agnese said grimly" They are very vivid and I can't wake up. In the dreams, I am entering that room and they are laying there lifeless... or their corpses rise and try to bring me with them and..."
Her breathing sped up and Touma gently grasped her arms.
"Okay, that was only a dream, it didn't happen. I am sorry you have to go through this... but what does this have to do with you being in my tent?"
Agnese turned away slightly, hiding her face
"Well, I am always desperately trying for those awful feelings to go away. And... remember that time when we first met and I sleepwalked into your tent, just like tonight? W-When I am with you, I just sort of... don't have those nightmares. This is probably why I keep...coming... back..."
Both boy and the girl turned around in slight awkwardness of the situation
"So does it mean you feel safe here? I am... really happy if it's this way"
"D-Don't read too much into it. It is unbecoming for a nun. This is why I want you to keep quiet about this."
"Of course, if you want. But why won't you tell others about your problems?"
"They don't really know this side of me. They expect a strong, disciplined leader. And you know my mistakes, yet you are an outsider... so it's another story"
"I see... then, feel free to contact me any time you need to talk, nightmare or not. I will talk and stay with you. But for now... goodnight, Agnese-san"
The nun leader watched the boy lay on the floor of the tent and bit his lip. Reddening even further, she mumbled something to herself, before finally saying
"You... you can sleep... h-here..."
"Huh? Were you saying something?"
"The night is cold... and I basically broke a commandment, taking your covers and sleeping here... so, it's only natural for benevolent nun like me to share with shivering soul in need..."
"I am not shivering, really... and in which world was 'benevolent' first word to describe you..."
"GET UNDER COVERS, BOY!" she growled at him, before sighing" I am so going to the confession for saying that..."
So, with rather embarrassed atmosphere from both parties, they laid down, with space between their backs.
"Swear on the holy cross that you will not violate the trust I put in you"
"I don't know how much worth the declaration from non-christian would be of worth to you, but yes, I promise. But what would you mean by violation?"
"That you won't kiss me all over my face, take off my clothes and fill my mind with lustful thoughts, as your body keeps touching-"
"That's... a strangely vivid description... I would never do something like this, given your age and all! Why would you even suspect me?"
"So you are saying you would do those things if I wasn't that age?"Agnese's voice, despite its agitation, carried also a secret tone of curiosity, which Touma obviously missed" And as for why, you've seen my... p-p-panties so many times now! It's a step to a sin!"
"Since when glancing at panties suggests that you will go to bed?"
"Since kissing equals pregnancy!"
Silence.
"You... you know you don't get pregnant from kissing, right?"
More silence.
"Moshi moshi? Agnese-san?"
"I-I heard you! O-Of course I knew that!"
Spoiler alert: she didn't know that.
After all, Agnese was raised by nuns, who slightly bent the truth to keep her from inappropriate behaviours.
" I won't do anything to you, so you can rest assured!"
"U-Uhm..."
"A-Anyway..." Touma tried to desperately change the atmoshpere" This is the first time I saw you with loose hair. You look really pretty with it. More mature, I mean"
"Y-Y-You fool, that's not something you tell a girl right after saying you will not touch her!"
Finally, they both fell asleep.
At least for a moment.
Because when Agnese woke up, she was snuggled in Touma's arms.
She was about to scream, but in time she noticed that she was in fact the one who moved from her spot. Touma remained where he was before.
'Kh... after that speech, I can't possibly be the one that is sinful, can I?'
Sinful... was that really it?
Were the feelings of safety and comfort she got really a sin? Was the pleasure from talking to him a violation of God's law just because he was of opposite sex or non-religious?
Kamijou Touma forgave her and helped her when she was twisted and overzealous. He befriended her, not holding a grudge, and exemplified some of christian virtue better than Agnese of that time. He truly wanted to help her and thanks to him, she was able to regain some of the purity of her heart and serenity of the soul.
She pursed her lips and got more comfortable with her hug, encircling the boy with her arms.
'God, forgive me, but I refuse to believe this... if you really gave us freedom, then just now, I refuse to believe that this feeling I am sensing in my heart right now, the feeling that brought me back to your light, that made me love You even more, the feeling that Kamijou Touma brings up in me... all of this and more, I refuse to believe has origin in malice, sin, or work of the devil.'
What she felt towards Kamijou Touma was similar, yet different to the feeling she experienced when she attended the mass or enjoyed days with her fellow sisters.
All of those instances her heart trembled with a sort of...
Excitement? Adoration? Bliss?
One of divine kind, familial kind, and...
The girl's face became red even as she drifted into sleep.
Even that in over 2 hours Touma would be scolded by a bunch of furious nuns, for now Agnese, breathing softly next to Touma, was feeling more secure and cared for than ever in her life.
(BACK TO THE PRESENT)
When the call was over, Touma felt satisfied that he could help... but also felt overwhelming sadness.
He knew Agnese's values a little bit by now. Family was among the most important. As an orphan, she would give anything to meet them and spend time with them once again.
So her call and the talk they had reminded him all the more of the family affair he was supposedly involved with.
Bolgona Succubus turned out to be a mother of #5 level 5 that he heard rumors about. And if that wasn't crazy enough, said level 5 had, according to Bologna's suspicions, some past with Touma and cared about him.
Touma could not recall any memory regarding this level 5 known as Mental Out. No face, no characteristics, no memories. But now he knew something was amiss.
And that pained his heart, moment by moment, until he felt like was standing under a heavy curtain of rain.
The words on his phone already lost meaning. Even if he could comprehend the name 'Shokuhou Misaki' he could not link it to any particular thing or memory. In other words, term 'Shokuhou Misaki' had no connotation, no meaning, for Kamijou Touma.
But despite that, he knew now that he was forgetting something or someone. And this made him sad and uneasy. He wanted to change it... but he didn't even know where he was supposed to start.
He felt helpless and alone.
If that person, the one that he was forgetting, was trying all this time to reconnect with him... if they shared some kind of meaningful bond before he lost the ability to remember that person... what did she feel when she had to greet him as if she was a complete stranger? What did she feel when he didn't recognize her?
How many times did he pass by that person on the street and his face didn't change one bit?
He wanted to run around the city and find her. Tell her that she didn't need to suffer anymore.
But he couldn't do this. Because even if he looked at that person, he would not see her, would not recognize that it was the one he was looking for.
To not only be forgotten, but to never have a chance to be remembered again...
He felt sick and heavy with guilt.
He went back to the storage booth.
And as he sat there, the heavy feeling and hopelessness compelled his body to give up...
After a moment, he fell asleep.
(ELSEWHERE)
"Is that really him? You didn't bring some random guy?"
"Who do you take me for?"
"Oh, where should I began... wait, he is awake!"
Touma opened his eyes to notice a teenage girl staring down at him. She had long, slightly wavy hair in the colour of dark chocolate, mature, but not overly adult face, slim body and long legs. She was wearing dark purple hoodie with a golden-coloured miniskirt, a rather interesting but nevertheless good-looking choice of fashion. For that matter, the girl herself was very attractive in her looks as well.
"Do you hear me?" she asked.
Touma sat up.
"Ugh... did it finally happen? Did my misfortune got so bad that something caused me to die in my sleep? Don't tell me... you are an angel? Finally, I get some reward! Now I can rest in peace..."
Kamijou Touma puckered his lips for the second time that day. And for the second time, he didn't get the reaction he expected.
His cheeks got slapped, multiple times, as the girl cried out.
"Gross, gross, gross! What the hell is your problem, dad? This is the first reaction you have? You are god damn alive, so quit acting like you are dead and indulging in your fantasies! E-Even if I liked that compliment... so thanks, I guess..."
"Ow, you have a strong hand... wait, did you say... dad?"
Touma looked at the girl, who scratched her cheek in embarrassment.
"W-Well... it may be strange when you are the same age as us... but you are supposed to be my dad."
"Mine too, for that matter"
They weren't alone.
In the white void, another teenage girl was floating above their heads.
She had darker skin tone than Kamijou or the girl by his side. Not dark enough to be ebony or deep brown, but also not light enough to be a white carnation. She could be mistaken for being deeply tanned. She had blue eyes with golden rings among the iris, dark silver hair that was bordering on the shade of grey and very proportionate body that for some reason wasn't covered in anything but a swimsuit.
She floated down and grinned to him, while making a peace sign
"It's nice to see you like this, dad. Mom was right, you were adorable when you were our age!"
"W-What is happening? Is this the future phase?" by this point, Touma wasn't even shocked by the fact that the future phase was popping out of nowhere" If that's so, why can I interact with you?"
"Okay, we will tell you everything. Would you seat with us?"
They were in a white void. Pure whiteness, no matter where one looked.
"It reminds you of what auntie Othinus did, don't you?" said the darker skinned girl.
"Yes, but it's more... wait, how did you know?"
"We had lot of time to unravel our secrets. We are family after all"
Suddenly, a bench appeared in the void.
As if it was a natural thing, two girls and Touma sat down on it.
"Well, I am not the girl to keeps beating around the bush, so..." the chocolate haired girl began" Dad, we are here to help you. And remind you of something."
Touma looked at her and into dark blue eyes, so dark that almost black-grey. Those were identical to his own eyes, as he now realized.
"You said you are my... ekhm, daughters... but who are your mothers?"
Girls looked at each other and sighed.
"My mom is right too. He really is stupidly dense"
"Well, if he wasn't our dad, that could be a cute quality though"
"Okay, maybe this would help" chocolate haired girl covered her face and when she revealed it...
"What the hell are you staring at, you retarded bastard?! I will fucking roast you alive!"
It was as if two faces overlapped, one of them familiar to him. Touma actually jumped back a little.
"Mugino?!"
"Well, half-correct" chuckled the other girl" statistically, auntie Shizuri gave her half of her genes, while the other half... came from you"
"I-I am so sorry" the chocolate haired girl apologized to Touma" I can get a little intense when I get into the part I enact"
"Yeah, seriously, it's rather creepy when you channel your mom's bad side, sis"
"Shut up! You know this is not my style, I just wanted to prove it to dad"
"And couldn't miss the opportunity to act~"
"Quiet you... my name is Kamijou Shimitsu. And yes, my mom is the Meltdowner of Academy City."
"Although you don't have to fear a thing. She is totally a daddy's girl. And weak to compliments too...oh, dad, by this point you must know who is my mom too! She said to tell you that I am the 'outcome of the reward' and that you will know what she meant!"
Ignoring girl known as Shimitsu shouting something angrily, Kamijou looked at the other girl.
The answer came rather quickly. The lighter skin... was from his influence... but the similarity was unmistakable.
"Your mother is... Nephthys?"
The girl smirked and bowed down.
"Nefertari Asenath Kamijou, at your service. I love my name, you know, both you and mom decided on it. It means 'Beauty-for-whom-the-sun-rises' in ancient egyptian. But is not good for casual talk, so everyone calls me Sena, from the shortened form of my second name. To tell you the truth dad, mom sent us here. The mom from our place"
"Nephthys did?"
"She said something about you needing help. So I decided to take Shimi with me to the dreamscape."
"Dreamscape?"
"After Sena onee-san was born, she travelled around the world and various phases with her mom." Shimitsu rolled her eyes, as if she was reminded of that fact each and every day" She learned magic ever since she was a kid. She can manipulate dreams, that's her gimmick"