NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38: chapter 38
"You only compensate for a crybaby you are in a waking world."
"T-That's not true! I am just emotionally sensitive"
"At least I cry when I am playing the part, but you wet my clothes with tears every time we go to the cinema as a family, you exhibitionist."
"Yeah for that matter..." Touma looked Sena's almost naked body" why do you wear a swimsuit? Cover yourself in something!"
"Boo! You sound like your older self, so uncool!"
"I don't care! Shimitsu-san, was it? Please tell me my daughter isn't parading outside in a swimsuit!"
"She tried... it's mainly because aunt Nephthys taught her that clothes block beauty and it's a hallmark of mighty to not care about protective accessories... she also sleeps naked and manifests here just like this..."
"Why am I not surprised... come on, get dressed!"
Finally, fuming Sena conjured up a robe on her shoulders. Shimitsu sighed.
"Seriously, what does Takami onii-chan see in you?"
"She is jealous because I stole her favourite brother. I regret nothing" Sena winked to Touma
"Takami... Misaka's kid?"
"He got enchanted with mom's magic when we were little and wanted to go to train with me. On your promise that Takami will be safe, aunt Mikoto agreed and thanks to that, I began to spend time with him. Before that, Shimi-chan here was the one that spent time with him. Aunties Mikoto and Shizuri didn't like each other all that much even as adults, so they didn't like their kids to spend that much time with one another... but Shimi-chan went rebel and started to meet Takami anyway. He is quite popular, I have to tell you. Even though his girlfriend may not be so happy about it..."
"G-Girlfriend?!"
"Sena, focus! And dad, we are here because aunt Nephthys helped us connect with you through dream, saying that you needed help. This is also why we are able to interact with you. Is there something important right now that is troubling you?"
Upon girls' insistence, Touma told them about the problems revolving around Shokuhou Misaki.
"Oh... so it's this moment then"
"What moment?"
"I think you are finding yourself feeling hopeless. You may think it's not all that important, but if you leave it as it is, you won't be able to move forward." Shimitsu grasped his hand" Dad, I am going to tell you something about the hopeless case. My mom, Mugino Shizuri, was in turmoil over her feelings for you. She couldn't decide for a long time if she wanted to have a child... if she deserved it at all... those feelings caused her to feel frustrated, worthless, angry, and unsatisfied. Mom acts tough and violent, but she is surprisingly fragile when it comes to her emotions.
But you never abandoned her. No matter how many times she was angry, no matter how vicious she was, no matter how lost she was, you were always there when it actually mattered. To confront her in battle, to stop her when she was about to lose herself, to talk to her, to comfort her, to spend time with her, as she struggled to change and gain some light for herself.
It was a hazardous task, ungrateful even, taking a lot of time. Many would give up. In truth no one really believed that Mugino Shizuri could actually change for the better. But you did.
It was hopeless and it didn't have the right to work. But you did the impossible.
Sure, she still is scary when angry and isn't exactly a sweet-talker. But she laughs, she dreams, she isn't perpetually mad now. She managed to overcome her past, not by rejecting it, but working through it with you by her side. She gained popularity, became a model and fashion critique. You worked so hard to give her all of that. But most importantly... your actions returned gave her back her positive feelings. You taught her how to love again. She loves you, and passionately so. She would never say it like that, but she would be ready to kill for you and die for you as well. You are the only one who is allowed to touch her, to kiss her, and to hold her hand. The only one she genuinely compliments... even for me she isn't that nice. Many of her secrets only you came to know. And you gave her me. Even though we argued, we love each other a lot, and I wouldn't trade her for anyone. She can be scary, but with you there, she is a pretty cool mom. She was never really good with expressing warmth through words, but she always protected me and my siblings. Thanks to her interventions, no one ever bullied us and we always felt safe. So... what I am trying to say is... there are many things that will seem hopeless among the way. But you should never lose hope. I am a daughter of a hero and a supposedly heartless killer, who is now a loving mother, in her own way. I am a living proof that things can get better."
Sena also spoke out
"My mother often speaks to me about your adventures and how you interacted with Magic Gods. Even though it happened many years in the past, she regrets what happened to you... your deaths and all. She mourned your brokenness. But when you overcame your fears and managed to save Othinus, mom felt emotions she didn't realize she could feel. You gave her tears of joy to accompany tears of sorrow. You managed to make her think of so many possibilities and impossibilities, you made her life complete. When I was little, we travelled together. You, me, and her... with aunt Niang-Niang joining us sometimes. Those were one of the happiest moments in my life. I am proud of both of my parents, because they found each other in the most meaningful way. You gave mom something to accompany grief and tears, when she didn't even have hope she could feel love. In the moment when you gave her hope and said you would remember her and cry for her, she felt important, she felt noticed. She felt loved, and ever since, those feelings only increased. She once said that she wants to give you as many years of happiness as you had years of misfortune. It's not like your bad luck disappeared, but she isn't deterred and keeps trying. She calls you 'her beloved mortal'... making aunt Othinus have an apoplexy. Would you wish to see it?"
And she spread her hand, as if she was showing something in the distance.
The white void, as if it was canvas filling with paint, was not white anymore.
Touma's heart almost stopped. He knew that scenery.
The park filled with gentle sunlight and people playing on the grass.
He noticed Itsuwa in an adorable apron handing cookies to the gathered. Her daughter, Shishi, was also present, but had traces of the sweets on her face and few of the cookies on her smaller tray mysteriously disappeared.
Agnese and few of the nuns, among them Lucia and Angelene, were discussing something with Angelo, who was pointing at the group playing with the ball in the distance.
Kaizumi and his mother, Kumokawa Seria, were reading books, until his siblings started to drag him onto the sun, to his protests.
Daughter of Mitsuari Ayu, Kanari, was sunbathing alongside Shizuka and Miya. Tomoya, Miya's brother, interrupted them by spraying them with cold water from a water pistol, causing him and Takami to flee from the scene moments later because of sisterly rage. Nearby, Kongou Mitsuko was also sunbathing, accompanied by Wannai and Awatsuki, with little Hayate sleeping near the chest of the latter.
Kenjou and Aoife were sparring while only in tank tops and panties (because of the heat), cheered on by Rhain and Tsubasa. Haruto, Elizabeth, Mary and, to his surprise, Niang-Niang, were playing poker, Tannia was chasing her mother Lessar, who was running around in almost invisible panties (for whatever reason) while girl known as Kiseki sat on the shoulders of Bologna Succubus, who was playing aerial game of tag with Maidono Hoshimi. Konori Mii was teaching her small son, who had silky black hair similar to his mother, to walk on his own, slowly taking steps towards smiling Yomikawa Aiho.
There was a robot showing the image of Accelerator, through which the chairman acted and spoke. He was accompanied by the girl that looked like younger version of Mikoto, that had to be Last Order. She couldn't stay focused on one thing and was frequently running from one group to the other. Speaking of running, now grown up Kuroyoru Umidori was seen running away from Misaka Worst, who even in adulthood found more creative ways to mess with one of her favourite preys. Kakine Teitoku stoically walked around, occasionally making something from dark matter, like dragonflies or small toys, for children to enjoy. Touma noticed his own parents, who were going around, speaking with multitude of their grandkids or members of the older generation. To his astonishment, Touma could swear he saw familiar hair of Anna Sprengel followed by side ponytail of Kazakiri Hyouka.
There were many more sights. Touma saw Witch Goddess Aradia, talking to a small boy with silver hair and grey eyes, clearly wanting to teach him something, but the boy was obviously more interested in his mother's breasts and the meal he could get from them.
Kankyougami Hasako was conversing with Himegami Aisa, who was gently caressing the hair of her daughter, Sei-chan, who in turn was trying to paint something on couple sheets of paper. Fukiyose was racing her own son, Ryodou, and despite the heat, it didn't look like they were to stop any time soon. There were Lancis, Floris, and Bayloupe, conversing with four regal women under the tent-like canopy. Even though Rimea was reading a book, sometimes she would venture outside and speak with various children running around. Carissa was engaged in vibrantly discussing something with her mother, former Queen Elizard, who even though noticeably old and retired, was still active in her life and performed many hobbies. The old woman was currently looking at the squabble between a tall boy with black hair and girl with wild blond hair, dressed in burgundy red. They were obviously closely related, showed by their facial features and identical blue eyes. Those were children of Rimea and Carissa, Leonard and Kira, as well as grandkids of Elizard.
Villian was speaking and clapping gently for the girl with dark hair and eyes, who was apparently singing something for her. Touma didn't know how he knew it but this girl had to be Seika, daughter of Shutaura Sequenzia, whose mother was waving at someone in the distance while covering the picnic tables.
Slim, indian woman in silver sari complementing her hair, that had to be Sozty Exica, helped Stiyl Magnus and Sogiita Gunha with grilling, with the gemstone showing of his skills by being able to grill 7 different meals at the same time. Sozty's daughter, Parvati Kamijou, wandered off and was now staring in awe at William Orwell, standing near Villian like second shadow, who politely nodded to the little girl.
Hokaze Junko called for lunch and took place by Gunha's side. In the next moment, Index zoomed to the table out of the crowd, almost tripping over her robes.
Then Touma saw even more people coming. The beautiful and elegant Mugino side by side with the daughter that Touma had just to his right. Nephthys, lured by the smell of the food, and Sena, who (once again) wore only swimsuit. He also spotted Sherry Cromwell, Leivinia Birdway and Oriana Thomson, who took place near Gokusai sisters. Kanzaki Kaori was coming to the table speaking with Tsuchimikado, who was obviously making fun of her in some way. Touma even saw Fiamma and Aleister.
Othinus was riding Sphynx, as they too took place by the side of the table, closely to already mentioned Kaibi and her siblings.
Although Amazora didn't restrain herself and dug into the food right in, Rikuri took time feeding her own newborn baby first. As for Kaibi, she was obviously looking for someone. Touma thought for a moment that she saw him but maybe he was mistaken.
Saten Ruiko, looking much more motherly and mature as an adult, but still sporting the same cheerful grin, put her own baby daughter down into the hands of Uiharu and shouted.
"I made some games for you after the lunch! Who wants to play?!"
"YES FOR AUNT SATEN!"
"Good grief, she is as popular as ever." Kuroko muttered, trying to take milk from her breasts into the bottle" Why does my son just has to drink from the bottle and not from the source? It takes insufferably long!"
"Well, he might have a problem if there are almost no breasts to speak o- owowowowow! I am sorry!" Uiharu squealed, as her friend twisted her ear with her free hand.
Back with Sena, Shimitsu, and Touma, two girls looked at his one-day-to-be father.
"Well, you see, we are quite a loud bunch. But we are just one of a kind and it's all that matters. Do you know that aunt Othinus actually has a bakery and florist shop in one? Well, she has assistants but she actually manages-"
Sena was stopped by Shimitsu, as she pointed at the boy by their side.
Kamijou Touma collapsed on his knees.
It could be coincidence but this park looked just like the one Othinus showed him in the perfect world.
"It does exist... it can be obtained..." he whispered.
In front of him, he saw enemies talking like old friends. Science and magic being transcended, with no need for violence.
World of smiles and happy ending he fought for.
It wasn't perfect, but it didn't have to be. For him, that was a kind of heaven.
"Yes, this is the world you protected with your hands, dad" Shimitsu whispered to him" According to aunt Nephthys, our foe threatens the existence of this world. Only you can truly confront him. But you don't have to be alone for this. Not mentally, at least"
Sena motioned her hand and Touma saw...
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"Daddy!" Shishi cried out happily, as she ran towards him with smudges of chocolate on her smiling face.
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"Dad" Kaizumi nodded politely, while smiling." Did you have a good day? Mom is expecting you"
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"Dad!" Kenjou waved at him " you and mom just watch me, I will do my very best!"
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"I love you dad!" Kanari beamed at him from the scene. "I could never do it without you"
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"Dad, where will we go today?" Miya and Tomoya grinned at him together
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"I name it: My dad, the hero" Sei-chan whispered, with a small smile
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"Dad, do you need help with that?!" Ryodou looked at him with concern. "I can lift it, no problem"
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"Father, it's good that you came!" Leo rose from his throne to hug him
"You can visit more often, old man" fumed the blond princess by his side." I missed you"
"Kira, show some respect!"
"Nah-ah!" the girl crossed her arms" Not unless he spoils me a little, that is. It's not like I have easy way with mom around"
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"Thank you for this talk dad, you're the best" Angelo said, as they sat on the bench.
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"Dad, I will show you the most beautiful sunset ever!" Shizuka tugged onto his sleeve, preparing her camera for action.
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"Why do you love your dad, Parvati-chan?" the teacher ask on the open day in school
"Because he loves me and mommy... to the moon and more!"
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"Dad, me and mom made you a shirt thanks to the silkworms. Do you like it?" Chousuke presented the gift.
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"Dad, I didn't get to say this... but thank you for helping me when I was dumped" Tannia smiled and hugged him" you are awesome!"
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"Dad, happy birthday" Mary said, balancing a cake in her hands" Liz helped a lot with it, so you should praise her."
"I-I just wanted to challenge myself" said her blushing twin. "So don't think too much of it"
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"Aaaah, you beat me again! Well, no time for crying if I had awesome opponent. Want to have another game, dad?" Haruto smiled at Touma, while patting his arm.
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"Dad! I did it, I passed this exam! We have to tell mom!" Tsubasa grasped his hand, and yanked from under the test results board.
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"I am dedicating this victory to my father!" screamed Aoife, while raising her fist.
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"Daddy, would you tell me a story?" asked Mizumi, smiling gently at him." The one with you and your adventures?"
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"I am sorry that you are sick, dad, but I can sing for you if you want" Seika grasped his hand.
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"Can you and mom give me a brother or a sister?" Kiseki laughed at him, before smiling widely" I would tell him first things first, how awesome it is out here"
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As Kamijou experienced more and more memories, that he didn't yet live through personally, soon children were replaced by not only their mothers, but also friends and uncles in the family. Until finally...
He felt Index's hand touching his cheek. It was all a vision, but it felt so real.
"You are loved Touma. More than you know."
Kamijou Touma was crying. And as tears rolled down his cheeks, he recalled the words he heard in perfect world.
'Your presence in this world will cause it to collapse'
Yet the world he saw now could not exist without him.
As the vision faded, he looked at the girls by his side.
"What am I to do now?"
In the past, the answer that came was 'bring the end to your life'
But now, the two girls, that in the future were to become his daughters, spoke in unison.
"Live. This is what this world needs the most. What we need the most"
"Mom says: 'I love your father, but sometimes he really needs someone to punch him out of his stupidity' So get up off your ass and win. This is what you do best. You are Kamijou Touma and you save people!" Shimitsu said to him afterwards.
When Touma regained ability to speak, he once again looked at people gathered in the park.
Now, he also noticed Hamazura and Takitsubo, accompanied by Kinuhata and two children of their own.
"So, Hamazura had twins too?"
The kids, boy and girl, both had dark hair of her mother, but the boy had golden-brown eyes of his father and the same, slightly messy hairstyle. Meanwhile the girl resembled her mother to the great degree, except for the aforementioned eyes of only slightly darker tone. She had a gentle look on her face that lightened up when she engaged in conversation with either of the family members.
"Oh, uncle Zura? Well, his kids are not related to us but we are still close. And yeah, Kamito and Frenda are twins."
"Kamito and... Frenda?"
"One is named after you, as uncle Zura claims that you set him on the path to meet aunt Rikou, and other after sister of auntie Fremea... she was dead long before our birth but they really wanted to honour her in that way." Sena explained" That's her name, but they usually shorten it to Fren-chan or Fren-san to differentiate them. Oh, and Fren is actually Takami's girlfriend."
'Once again son of Misaka... Wait, so that means that son of me and Biri-Biri got together with daughter of Hamazura and Takitsubo-san? I actually... feel rather good with that. Who would have thought...'
"Heh, you should see uncle Zura stalking them on the dates. But to be honest, Fren is rather delicate... even if it doesn't explained parental paranoia"
"It had to be tough, with that many pregnancies. For the girls, I mean..."
"Oh, uncle Kamisato would kill you if you mentioned that you had it tough. Last time he visited, he looked as if he was to collapse on the spot from lack of sleep and tending to his wives"
"But yeah... our family doctor always tells us about the times when you had to deal with during those pregnancies"
"Doc is still around? Knowing him, he can halt aging or something... oh wait, he actually can, I completely forgot about Aleister..."
New set of memories played out.
"Well... " Heaven Canceller checked his notes, addressing older Touma" Knowing your luck, you have to prepare yourself for side effects of pregnancy from the ladies. Let's see... some of the effects include nausea..."
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"Kaori..." Touma asked a question towards the toilets door" are you okay?"
"*pant, pant* I am fi... huuuuuuuuuurgh! Definitely not fine... make it stop, I can't taste anything anymore!
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"... fatigue..."
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"Seiri, you need to lay down"
"What kind of crap is that... I can't be tired after walking to the vending machine 50 meters away. No matter how heavy this baby is, I refuse to believe that!"
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"... food cravings..."
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Mark Space evaded a plate thrown at him
"What the hell is that Mark?! I asked for honey, pickles with liquorice ice-cream and tuna steak!"
"All at the same time?!"
"Do you question me? Should I blast you in the face with ball of telesma?" the older Leivinia Birdway, with her long hair tied up and sporting a prominent belly, yelled at him.
"P-Please calm down boss, the anger is not good for the twins"
"Then bring me my god damn food and do it right this time!"
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"... lack of interest in the food one usually likes..."
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"Ka...mi... jooouuuu!" wailed Saten Ruiko, hugging surprised Touma" It's terrible!"
"W-What is it? It's not like you to be that upset!"
"I got the permission to have a dish by mom's recipe brought here. But it tastes like awfully, like gum. Why do I hate my beloved childhood diiiiiiish?!"
Caressing the woman's head, Touma looked at the doctor.
"Is this permanent?"
"Usually no"
"Usually?" puppy-eyed Saten looked at Touma, on the verge of crying again.
He sighed and kissed her brow.
"If it comes to worst, I will cook for you to make up for this, and we will discover some new and fun dishes together. How does it sound"
"Thanks" Saten hugged him, or at least as much as she could while being on the bed.
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"...Mood changes..."
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"Aisa-san, please calm down!"
"OH, SO NOW YOU NOTICE ME?! WELL, I DON'T SEE YOU NOW! HOW DOES THAT FEEL, HUH?! HUUUUUUUH?!"
"Only minutes ago, you were apologizing for breaking a plate and you were bowing the floor..."
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"... various kinds of allergies and malfunctions in esper abilities..."
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Mugino Shizuri's breath hitched and she closed her eyes, as everyone ducked for cover.
"False fucking alarm." the woman exclaimed after a moment. "Why the hell do I have allergies when I never had them my entire li...HAKSHOO!"
All of the sudden, Mugino sneezed violently. Her meltdowner beam discharged, hitting and melting part of specially reinforced wall.
"It's a normal reaction, Shizuri-san. Your immune system became oversensitive in order to protect your baby and works on getting rid of any possible bacteria or pollution" the old doctor calmly explained.
"Well, make it stop. I never sneezed so much in my damn..."
As she paused and closed her eyes again, everybody, including the nurses, fell onto the ground.
"Hi, Mugino, I brought you something to-"
"Hakshoo!"
The newcomer was greeted by another sneeze of doom.
The meltdowner beam zoomed over Hamazura's hair... setting it on fire.
"AAAARGGGH!"
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"... cases of frequent urination or constipation..."
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The female toilet was mainly quiet, until.
"Is that you, hag?" Misaki spoke from within one stall.
"Oh, if it isn't the cow..." Kumokawa's voice came from the other.
Silence.
"So, how long have you been in here?"
"I think... two hours or so... you?"
"With combined time of my returns, it will be 2 and a half hours in the space of four"
"So let me get this straight... we are stuck here for god knows how long with only each other and this awkward silence?"
Silence.
"This is the worst! WHY?!" screamed both women..
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... itchiness over the skin..."
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"Are you sure, Itsuwa?"
"Yes, please, if that's not a problem... I can't reach there... and it irritates me so much..."
Touma sat behind her and began to scratch her, causing the woman to bend backward and practically purr out of pleasure.
"Oh, yes... that's the spot... yes, ooooooh, yesss... aaaah, slightly higher... oh, I love youuuuu...aaah owaaah..."
"Miss Itsuwa, time for your..." the nurse entering the room blanched at sight of Touma sitting directly behind Itsuwa and the woman herself having rather... intense facial expression.
"I-I will come later..."
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"... naturally, there is a need of abstinence in regards to sexual intercourse...
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"Lessar-san, please calm down!"
"What do you mean I can't do it with Lover Boy? I can't... I can't NOT do it that long. My mental health will not bear it. My eyes need his abs. My boobs need his hands. My ass needs his-"
"Anaesthesia for Lessar-san, quickly!"
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"That being said, sometimes pregnancy has positive side effects..."
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"W-What happened with Misaka-san" asked Uiharu looked at Railgun posing in front of the mirror.
"I don't know but..." Saten, also patient in the same hospital, listened on.
"THEY GREW! THEY GREW BY AT LEAST A SIZE AND A HALF! THEY FINALLY GREW! HAHAHAHAHA! SUCK IT, SHOKUHOU! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Apparently, Misaka Mikoto lost it.
After all, one of the possible side effects was breast growth.
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Touma smiled listening to those stories, when he felt that his consciousness started to fade.
"You are coming back. And you won't remember this moment as clear memories... but the intuitions will remain. Don't worry though. You will experience everything you saw and more" Sena explained.
"Tip for the future." he heard the disappearing voice of Shimitsu" With mom, it's like a coin toss. She likes to dominate, but also appreciates when someone manages to overturn her expectations. If you manage to guess when it's the good time you win. Oh, and she likes blue lilies!"
(KAMIJOU TOUMA AWOKE)
"There is hope!"
"Wah!"
As he was rising up, he caused someone else to tumble down. Touma started to fall down as well but stopped himself with his arms.
He was directly above shocked Kumokawa Seria, who was watching him as if in trance, her hair across the floor and her eyes in direct line with his. Her big chest rose with suspiciously shallow breaths.,
"S-Senpai... what are you doing here?"
"I...I was looking for you... and I thought to check... but you were asleep and..."
Kumokawa was flustered which usually wasn't the case. She came here in search for Touma, and was smitten by the sight of him being asleep. However, she didn't expect sudden awakening that accidentally resulted in her being pinned down to the floor.
Usually, she had the control over conversation but she acted almost... intoxicated, thanks to the 'surprise attack'.
"I would love to chat with you senpai, but I really have to go now. I need to set few things right. Oh... while you are here, can you tell me what you found in regards to Mitsuari Ayu?"
"Oh.." Kumokawa blinked, her glossed over eyes flickering back to reality" Right, right, of course... but, as much as I would love you to take initiative, if I were to show you... you need to let me get up"
Touma only now remembered that he was still pinning the girl to the floor.
"Oh right. S-Sorry..."
"I-It's quite alright. Now, let me see" she opened her phone and browsed through it for a moment. "Look at this"
She showed him a map of the city, with a few red dots marked on it.
"As you can see, my spy network spotted Ayu-san in quite a few places. Those places in itself have no value for us. But when you extend the possible routes from them, you see that they link quite a few places we know Ayu-san was connected with. Ground Geo. The site of IDEAL lab before its shutdown. And the place in which we had our adventure together against this biomechanical dragon"
"Does this mean..."
"That girl is a sentimentalist, I am afraid, so much so and in such obvious fashion that it could fool anyone of a lesser skill. She is on the run, without a doubt, but she has a tendency to return to the places that hold or held value for her. Meaning that if we set ambush near those areas and wait patiently..."
"... chances that we will encounter her are elevated. That's great news senpai!"
"Well, we don't have certainty, there still can be spots I missed or Ayu-san might not show up. But I have a feeling this is a good lead. We will commence the operation in couple days. I will divide the search teams and resources. Expect contact from me"
"Senpai... thanks a lot! You are so wonderful. Regardless of everything, let's go grab something to eat the other day or do something fun together. See you!"
Kumokawa's lips opened partially as Touma disappeared from her sight. Her cheeks reddened once again.
"Did he just... invite me on a date? No, no, it doesn't go that deep, but he actually... actively took initiative... I don't know if I am mentally... and physically... prepared for this change in his demeanor... but I would lie if I said I didn't enjoy it..."
Did something inspire Kamijou Touma to seize life into his hands?
Some would laugh at the notion of dreams having tangible effects. But being an expert on the subconscious matters, Kumokawa Seria was not so sure about that.
(LATER)
Kamijou found Bologna Succubus. They were on their way to restaurant Misaki reserved as the place for their talk. But...
"Bologna, please tell me that you won't give her any ideas"
He did find her... with a new friend.
Apparently, either Lessar developed ADHD or she was sightseeing, because Touma felt she was everywhere in the city those days.
Without her daughter present, Bologna didn't pretend to hide her true form. Some people thought it to be cosplay of some sort.
Apparently, Bologna became slightly overwhelmed in Tokiwadai, after all the girls wanted to ask her questions and spend time with her. She was a mother of Mental Out after all, and it made the clique members go especially crazy.
After she fled, she stumbled upon Lessar. Who was enchanted but for a completely different reason.
Touma found them only after they managed to have a lengthy conversation and were busy complementing each other's tails.
"Such a great young girl! She is 100% human, but she would be a splendid succubus in the making. I would train her in no time. Hmm, you think I can take her home? Maybe Alice won't mind..."
"Bologna, she is perverted enough already..."
"Oh, she still has lot to learn. I gave her lot of tips and she called me master, so I made them a honorary Lilith clan member! Fufu!"
"That wasn't a compliment!
Finally, they were in front of the restaurant. Bologna shimmered back into her human form as they entered. The restaurant was empty. Misaki made everyone leave earlier on.
"You are here" the girl spoke, sipping tea.
Touma and Bologna sat down by the table in the middle of lit, spacious room.
"Misaki... I think each of us has something to say right now..."
"Each? You too, Kamijou-san?" Misaki looked at Touma, who nodded.
"Shokuhou-san, right? I am sorry to say this... I don't remember ever meeting you before. But... I am now aware that this is not the truth. That even if I don't remember it, we actually met many, many times before. And you are the only one left with memory of those events. I won't even remember who I was saying this to or maybe even having this entire conversation once I leave your presence. But I want to say... that I don't want you to suffer. Please, it's not too late to move on and-"
"That was never possible" came short reply from the girl. Her lip trembled as she looked up to meet Touma's eyes with teary eyes." Listening to you, speaking of this... I only wish for the way to be with you more. I didn't plan to say this, because you will forget it anyway. But since you know it by now... Kamijou Touma, my beloved Prince, I love you. I loved you ever since I spent time with you on the summer and after the incident stole you from me. I loved you ever since and I never stopped. I loved you when I followed what you gave me and formed my clique. I loved you when I suffered hardships, because you gave me strength, and when I was happy too. I don't care how much time will pass, how we will change, what obstacles we will face, how many times I will have to say this... I love you. I will not discard my memories with you alongside that love. I cannot love anyone else... because they are not you. I know it's hopeless and pathetic, that you wouldn't approve of it, but I just want to find a way for you to remember me."
Touma was shocked and shaken after hearing that confession.
Bologna coughed slightly and spoke to him.
"Those things earlier weren't actually the ones wanted you wanted to say to her, right? Can you say them now?"
Touma opened his mouth and inhaled shakily, before speaking
"The truth is... I didn't want to let you go too. Ever since I realized I keep forgetting you, I was impressed by your devotion to our shared memories. I... wish to meet you. Truly meet you. To know you better... to spend time with you, have fun... maybe even fall in love with you... I f-feel strange saying it to someone who I just met from my perspective, but I... want to be a part of your life, Shokuhou Misaki. Would you please work together with me to save me and to give me a chance for a new start? Even though I caused you so much pain..."
"NO, YOU DID NOT!" Misaki shouted, grasping his hand." What happened to us was cruel, but it wasn't your fault. You protected me with your life, body, and soul. You gave me happiness, you saved me in all ways possible. You are someone I fell in love with. I accept your request and I will be with you for as long as it takes. But with your memory..."
"I won't stop even with a few holes in my memory. Believe me, I know a thing or two about amnesia. Although I would be obliged if you would be patient enough to fill me in on the basics each time till we resolve this. Now that I know that there is a problem, it will be much easier for me to catch up"
"And I guess..." Bologna sighed, spreading her arms and looking at Touma with a smile" I will try to help out too"
"Mom?" asked bewildered Shokuhou" You rarely do something if it's not in the interest of your personal credo, which is-"
"Help the unjustly accused. I know, starlight, but with Kamijou here, he gets in trouble because of bad luck and with it, there are lots of false accusations to go through. And while helping out with those, I can do few things around in my free time... including the search for your problem. It seems our family really has been cursed with love..."
"What?"
"I have something to confess as well. I wasn't honest with you. The reason me and your dad are not together anymore, is because of my side of the family... and who I really am..."
She gave Touma a brief glance and exhaled as her disguise disappeared. Wings spread, horns grew, and tail whipped through the air, as Bologna Succubus spoke.
"This is how I really look like"
Misaki straightened up on her chair before uttering a short/
"Oh... well, that explains things"
"What?!" both Touma and Bologna shouted.
The wings of the succubus fluttered slightly as she stared in shock at the younger blond.
"That's it?! I expected... panic, shock, horror. This is quite a revelation, you know"
"I... I don't know what to think." Misaki muttered" but I had vague... memories of something looking like you do now. Besides, this might be related to the inconsistency in your memories"
"You read my mind?"
"Last time we met. I knew that you were lying to me, mom"
"I did it to protect you. Even now, you don't understand..."
"Then why couldn't you tell me when I was older? It would change a lot."
Bologna looked into Misaki's eyes.
"What did you see in my memories?"
"You as a lawyer, you helping out others, but there was something... strange. As if something was able to resist my power... parts of your memories being vague or blurred beyond normal."
"Well, this is actually due to the power of my disguise... but also due to the fact that I have the mental ability. It might be interfering with Mental Out on some ground"
"You? You're an esper? No, maybe a gemstone? But you shouldn't have more than one ability, so what's with the haloween look? I thought this was your hidden power"
"My power is not something I use like you do with your ability. It is to be utilized only in dire situations. And contrary to your Mental Out, my power uses not brain fluids, but passions and desires"
"T-That... that's impossible. It has to have some form of physical medium"
"It would if it was an esper power. But I operate under different rules. I am a succubus after all, a demon"
"Mom... I can take wings, horns, and tail as manifestations of some body-altering ability... but what sort of joke ability do you say now? A demon? Do you breathe fire and have a pitchfork too?"
"Don't take it lightly. I am not asking you to believe right away, but don't laugh it off. There are many kinds of demons. Succubi are race of primordial forces of lust and desire. We need sexual relationships to supply our energy, but besides lust we also feel different emotions. Even if some of us suffered because of that. The reason I did the things I did was because I suffered too. I lost my child, a half-brother of yours, a long, long time ago. And I was scared that I will lose you too. I thought the more human you will be, the safer will be your life. I miscalculated... and you paid the price for it. Loneliness, divorce, even your heartache... I needed time to get things together. I... wasn't expected to ever have a child again. So I... I failed. It began good, but when you started to grow up, when we kept being attacked because of me... and because of your heritage... I couldn't be a mother I wanted to be for you. I wish to do it better, but I can't. We are part of different words but... if you find it in your heart not to hate me, that's enough for me"
And with that, she kneeled down. With her wings spread, her forehead touched the floor.
"Showing the base of wings is sign of greatest apology for a demon. Even if we can't change the past... I am sorry, Misaki"
Misaki looked at succubus with unsure eyes.
Touma spoke for the first time in a long while, getting in front of Bologna.
"Shoku... no, Misaki... I beg you to consider her words as well. Bologna is far from flawless. She fell prey to her fears and you suffered because of it. She lied to you, even if she had good intentions. But she is a good person... succubus... and I really mean it. She was one of the most selfless beings I ever met. She saved my life and I would be long dead if she wasn't there to aid me. So I swear, I know she means what she says. Give her a chance!"
Something new entered Misaki's eyes, as she looked at her mother.
"Is that... true?"
"If you want proof, read the memories from New Year's Eve. From either of us!" Touma nodded" I know you feel hurt because you figured out that I met your mom before. So now, see what happened back there."
Bologna raised her head and nodded too.
"In this form, there will be no interference. Go for it, I can at least show this to you"
Shokuhou Misaki slowly pulled out one of her numerous remotes and pointed it at the succubus.
Click!
Her face changed in an instant. The remote dropped from her hand.
"What... what was that..."
She shivered and tears welled up in his eyes, as she suddenly jumped forward...
Hugging not only Touma, but Bologna as well.
"I really could have died! I am so glad you are alright..."
"T-Thanks... I happy too..."
"Mom... you really made all those transfusions... you almost died too... and thanks to this, my prince survived..."
"Misaki..."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you... thank you for saving his life, mom"
Bologna smiled, as her tailed coiled around both Touma and crying Shokuhou.
"Well, I was not acting for all that pure intentions, during the whole affair with Alice, Killers, and Rescuers... but that makes me all the more glad that I decided to protect you, Kamijou. I just might start to really love both of you"
"I... don't know what I actually saw. But this... witch... Aradia, was it? She also seemed to follow that different set of rules you mentioned. Some time ago, me and Misaka-san fought with one Anna Sprengel... when I put my mind on it, I see many, many examples of this deviation from the norm. This is... a lot to think about. Mom..."
"Misaki, are you scared of me?"
"No, I... I saw many strange things in my life. I didn't expect you to look like this even if I suspected you were leading a double life... but, this is not the reason for me to hate you. What happened between us in the past is another story... but for my prince and because of what I just saw, I am willing to began anew... this time, with truth and telling one another about our problems"
Stars met hearts in one gaze. Both pairs of lips, slowly and shyly, stretched in almost identical smiles.
"Well, that's great by me. We can work on solving your memory mystery and start anew... let's celebrate with partaking in Kamijou-san!"
"Doing what in whom?!"
"M-M-MOM?!" Misaki went so red that she looked as if she was close to fainting.
"What?! It's a common tradition for older succubi to have an intercourse with her offspring's partner." Bologna winked at Touma in seductive fashion" Misaki, your grandma and me did that too. It's a mother-daughter thing, it strengthens the familial bond"
Something was telling Touma that Bologna wasn't joking.
"IN WHICH FAMILY?!"
"The one straight out of hell! I am on a roll!"
(LATER)
After the very emotional set of confessions, Touma went with his intuition and set off to Mugino Shizuri's place.
The doors were opened by Kinuhata Saiai, who looked at Touma in interest
"Sup, Kamijou?"
"Is Mugino here? Also... wow, this place is really nice. And really clean too, not a trace of dust or dirt. I would think that with 4 people living together, it would be messier"
"Yeah, that's mostly because of our dear boss. She likes everything super neat and clean, that perfectionist. Also, we neglected dusting once, and Mugino just happened to have a super sneezing fit. There were losses... *sob*... goodbye, my super rare collection of B-class movies, disc pack 7. Melted down, completely! I super swear that she actually did that on purpose..."
"Kinuhata-san..."
"Ah, oh, right, super sorry. Hmm... MUGINO! Your boyfriend is here for you!"
Touma blushed lightly. Accompanied with a clamour from behind the corner, Mugino emerged dressed in a night robe.
"Kinuhata! What shit are you spewing?!"
"Relax Mugino, it's just a joke! It's not like he will pull out flowers or any... thing..."
Kinuhata trailed off, as Kamijou did in fact pulled out a small bouquet of flowers.
"Hey Mugino-san... I just wanted to say... life was pretty busy for me recently. I know you've been calling and was rather... vocal, about spending time with me. Sorry for ignoring that for so long. So, I came to apologize and to make it right. I don't know if you even like flowers but I thought it would be a nice touch. So anyway... maybe we can hang out or something..."
Mugino was too shocked to even speak, and only single, ripped sounds were emerging from her throat. She stood there, completely frozen, as Touma discreetly put the bouquet into her hand.
At the same time, Hamazura and Takitsubo peaked out
"What is... HOLY SHIT, WHAT AM I EVEN SEEING?!" Hamazura screamed.
"I think Kamijou broke Mugino" Kinuhata muttered, trying her hardest not to laugh.
"Wooooah..." Takitsubo nodded" she is lagging..."
The fact that she of all people was saying it spoke volumes of the mental state Meltdowner was in.
When Mugino finally managed to flare up in rage, Kamijou was already gone.
She breathed heavily for few moments before looking at the flowers.
"Blue lilies... how the fuck did he know..."
Touma in fact, didn't remember why he know. He just went with his gut.
Mugino spent the rest of the late evening screaming at her roommates to not make assumptions.
But even though she got angry, she kept the flowers.
Because of who she was, no one ever gave her flowers. It was new to her.
Kamijou Touma overturned Mugino Shizuri's expectations.
And so, she sent a text message, after which she went to rest.
At least, it supposed to be rest.
But her mind had other ideas, as it began a dream sequence.
Her, Kamijou, and wall, that one party was pinned against in passionate kissing session, until the other managed to get on top. In her imaginations, they wrestled for control, with his lips on her lips, his body pressed against hers, with his hands in her hair, and her all over his torso.
It was not a known fact, as the girl recognized as Meltdowner was a ruthless killer for some part of her life and had a rather gruesome reputation.
But Mugino Shizuri's intense hate could only be outshined by how intensely she could love.
Although, even she didn't realize it yet.
(AT GOKUSAI + KAMIJOU APARTAMENT)
"Welcome back" Rikuri welcomed him as he returned to their home.
Index and Amazora were already fast asleep, and were covered together at their spacious sofa.
"I guess I will turn in as well." the oldest Gokusai yawned, as she limply fell into his arms" So tired..."
"Hard day in college?..."
"More like long... I missed all of you."
"That was only 10 hours or so..."
"Yeah, but it felt like 10 years..."
"Yeah..." Touma chuckled" It was a long day..."
Rikuri affectionately rubbed her cheek on Touma's.
"Well, be sure to tell me about it during breakfast. Sweetest of dreams for you. Oh, and can you-"
"I will take Amazora and Index, no problem"
"Love you for reading my mind. Bye for now"
As Rikuri departed and Touma tucked the younger girls in, he checked on Othinus. She sleepily nodded to him from her dollhouse, before falling back to slumber. Sphynx was napping underneath, although it was only a matter of time when he will wake up to roam the apartment.
But as he went to his bedroom, he realized that he wasn't alone.
Kaibi stared at him from the darkness.
"Kaibi-san, did something happen?"
"No, it's just..." the girl said, suddenly feeling the rush of... confidence.
She felt braver and more daring than ever before. This was the gift of Mental Out?
"Touma..." she walked to him, never breaking an eye contact" I need to say something to you. And you will listen to me. No buts, just... me and you."
Touma felt wall behind his back.
Now, Kaibi really was all he could see.
"I am asking you to accompany me tomorrow. I want to show you much our bond means to me... how much you mean to me too..." she said, leaning over next to his ear.
The stimulation caused Touma to gulp, as his mind was thrown into chaotic disarray.
Kaibi was mesmerizing in some strange, intense way. He never saw that side of her... and his hormones were not helping the case.
"K-Kaibi-san..."
"I am assertive enough to say this: My eyes will be on you. You will be all I will like to see, happy and having fun. Go out with me, Touma, to Dianoid. I will dedicate this day for you and our relationship, so... have eyes only on me only. And I give you good reason to look"
"O-Okay..."
Touma was fully red when triumphant Kaibi pulled away.
'I did I actually did it! It was perfect! I...'
"I want to have your babies!"
Still flustered Touma turned his head.
Horrified Kabi opened her mouth
"T-That wasn't me! I just think of you all the time and I-"
She covered her lips and, after a moment of thought, grabbed Touma's right hand and placed it on his head.
There was a sound of breaking glass.
Kaibi opened her mouth. But no strange exclamation came out anymore.
"K-Kaibi-san?"
"Please pay no mind to what I said in those last two sentences, it appears someone made fun of me. Think about the rest of what I said though. G-Good night!"
And with that she sprinted outside.
Exiting onto the balcony, it was Kaibi's turn to have a fully flushed face.
"I knew she would not do it without any trick. Even though she helped me in the end... you will pay for that humiliation, Shokuhou Misakiiiiiiiiii!"
(MEANWHILE)
A message from Mugino appeared on Touma's phone.
'Meet me at Dianoid. I will sent you time and place in the morning. Don't be late'
He was happy until he realized...
"Did Kaibi and Mugino requested a meeting not only the same day but at the same place? During moment like this, it's awkward to request rescheduling... such misfortune! What I am to do? What kind of bad twist is that? Who else coincidentally will be in just that time and the same place?"
He still didn't calm down from what happened with Kaibi. He looked down at his pants.
"I can't go to sleep like this! Okay, focus... High Priest in a swimsuit, High Priest in a swimsuit...
(ELSEWHERE)
The boy with a body made of pure white, neither gaseous or liquid substance, spread his wings as he dropped down, flying across the streets.
"Fremea wanted a special keychain to go with her backpack. I think Hamazura mentioned that some market in Dianoid has it. I would rather not return empty handed... I could just create it, but I guess it is not the same..."
Kakine Teitoku, once known as Beetle 05, smiled, as he shrugged in mid-flight.
"I guess I drop by Dianoid tomorrow. It's been quite a while, maybe something surprises me".