LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 41: chapter 41
Deep within Academy City, there was a group of four sitting within the underground base.
The name of the group was Scavenger. It was (once, at the very least) one of the dark side groups, that killed without a remorse or guilt when the assignment was given to them. Although they weren't recognized on the level of groups like ITEM, GROUP or SCHOOL, they still held considerable firepower. What kept those girls together, besides their darker deals, was shared hatred for teachers and educators. They firmly believed that eliminating them would only better off everyone's lives.
However, their life was recently thrown upside down.
The team was frequently kept in hibernation, only waking up for the missions. Fortunately for them, in the chaos of Operation Handcuffs, sealed room in which they slept was not entered, as the dark side researchers and Anti-Skill officers basically killed each other off. So the 4 girls weren't distrubed. Until months later, they were forcibly awoken when the life suspension system malfunctioned (for the reasons yet unknown). Needless to say, the woke up to a new reality. A reality in which most of the dark side became weakened, if not compromised.
In this new reality, standing out as a dark side's purging survivour would only be foolish, so they felt quite lost. Scavenger members enjoyed their job in the past. But now, their contact with the liaison was severed, and they found themselves craving some form of distraction from the boredom.
Apparently, some topic just arrived on the agenda.
"As you all know, our situation is slightly unclear" spoke small redheaded girl wearing a face mask and plain rosy shirt combined with shorts and suspenders."But it's rather important to do something to form our own path from now on"
She was nicknamed Leader, with a name Izumi Rita. A victim of teacher's abuse, she swore the vengeance and elimination of all educators from the city, and was a core source of that ideal, shared with her fellow members. Her ability, Predator, allowed Izumi to locate and gaze upon any target, regardless of the distance.
"As you all know, in the past... we had our share of great achievements. Yes, let's not forget about it before we move on to-"
"We also had massive cases of fucking up" spoke the black haired teen in a sailor uniform.
The name of said member was Seike Taromaru. Despite female attire, long black hair, and other feminine elements of the outward look, Seike was in fact a boy, however unbelievable it seemed. His appearance stemmed partially from his fondness of cosplaying.
Leader girt her teeth before continuing.
"Thank you, Seike. Well, despite those amazing achievements... we stumbled upon rather... inadequate opponents. Not one, but two level 5s. Because of this, we had to experience some infamy along the way. But after consideration, those fights are not the reason to truly give up"
"Even though we got ourselves in quite the trouble, it was nothing we couldn't handle"
"Easy for you to say. You passed out, while he totally trashed us and slammed me against a wall"
"N-No... we were merely bruised"
"I think you mean obliterat-"
Leader glared at Seike, who mouthed 'thank you Seike' and shut up.
"As I said... this is a new beginning. We were unlucky enough twice, it's time to focus our energy on something productive. But before we can do anything..."
She slammed her small hand with against a table, her eyes flashing with anger.
"... I need someone to take care of this guy"
The holographic display showed a face of a teen with spiky hair.
"Hmm? Who is that?" asked brown haired girl in dark-yellow shirt.
She was the squad's chemist and combatant, with ability allowing the separation of various liquids by controlling the specific gravity. Those allowed her to achieve specific chemical reaction such freezing and overheating the targets, creating substances causing corrosion, immobilization, or distraction, as well as providing aid for other members. Her name was Yakumaru Itsuki.
"Beats me. I never seen a guy before in my life" added the last member, a violet haired girl in dark sleevleess dress adorned with triple bow tie, white underneath T-shirt, and maid-like head accessory.
Her name was Sakuragi Naruha, commonly called Naru. A seemingly childish and cutesy outside of dark side work, she was relentless and malignant for her foes. Another vital source of force within the team, Naru had the ability to manipulate paper. Which, as underwhelming is it sounded, had a lot of cool and practical applications, ranging from creating clothes through weapons to modes of transportation.
"I don't know him too. Leader, what gives?" Seike asked the suddenly furious girl.
"This... stupid imbecile... has to pay for humiliating me." Rita clenched her fists" You want to know what happened? Well, few days ago, when I went outside to think a little bit, he bumped into me. What happened next still makes my blood boil... he said 'here you are sensei, everyone are waiting for you', grabbed me under his arm and dashed away. Only after a couple of minutes I managed to get my voice loud enough to get his attention through the ruckus of the street. Only then he realized his mistake, but I was frazzled as hell! He said, of all fucking things, that I looked like his teacher, and that he mistook me for her because of the bad lighting. They were on some fieldtrip or something, I didn't really care what the hell it was. I wanted to murder him on the spot, because I am anything but a shitty, no-good teacher! But no, he had to put a cherry on top and wanted to walk me to my elementary school. Even though I started to attend middle-school already, it's just that I look small! AND HE PATTED ME, ON MY GOD DAMN HEAD!"
The redhead panted as the other members of Scavenger exchanged glances.
"Wow, it's rare to see you that pissed" Naru remarked.
"This guy really had to push your buttons. But... is he really worth the trouble?" Yakumaru asked.
"I don't know, and I don't really care to be honest. Something I do know is that he keeps coming back to my head with that stupid smile and idiotic behaviour of a teacher pet! I will not be able to move forward if I don't teach her a lesson. Which is why I am requesting one of you to do so"
There was silence, until Naru finally spoke.
"Oh, fine. I was getting bored anyway, so it will do me some good. Can you find him for me?"
"Well..." Rita mumbled, scratching her Gekota badge in embarrassment" I sort of... can't see him with my ability"
The remaining trio looked at each other in shock.
"But... that is not possible" said Seike" Even with the strongest espers, Predator should always-"
"I know!" Rita screamed, her voice going up an octave for a moment" You see why he keeps infuriating me? There is something weird going on here. But don't worry, I observed him and I saw the route he takes to get to school..."
(THE NEXT DAY)
It was basically the same meeting... only this time, there were two pissed people at the table.
"Naru-chan... emm..." Itsuki was not sure how to voice her question, before finally deciding to be straightforward "You look rather... intense"
"Mhmm, hmhhhmhm..." the purple haired teammate was angrily chewing on the piece of paper, with her eyes throwing death glares left and right.
"Come on, spill it, how did it go? You look like a goat while chewing on that paper" Seike voiced something that Itsuki didn't have courage to say.
Naru spat out a half-chewed piece of paper and slammed her hands against the table, just like Rita did day earlier.
"That guy... I ambushed him, and only wanted to roughen him up a little bit, just like planned... but he...HE...
(Flashback)
Kamijou Touma was walking down the street alongside Index
"Touma, you usually don't bring me along now. What happened?" asked the nun.
"Well, I thought, that while I am going to school, we can spend some time together. And maybe go for some crepes? I also thought we can surprise all of the girls. We didn't have a good crepe since we started to live together. I remember how happy Hasako was when I first took her to one. Apparently, there were no crepes during her ti-"
"YAY! Breakfast after breakfast!"
"Human, I don't recognize you! I would expect you would be the last person who would support this kind of expense. Usually, it's three meals per day... no, two... for you, one, if month was worse..."
"D-Don't be cruel, Othi-chan! I am evolved man who learned that bonds are also resources. I shall not use them for anything... but that. Kaibi and Rikuri offer me this, so I may as well treat Index to something good. I-I am not giving up and admit that I am financially debilitated. This is only strategy to start a good and energetic beginning."
"I support Touma's attitude."
"In the name of me, you two are such... hmm? Human, I feel someone's presence."
In the alley the trio just passed, Naru smirked, pieces of paper swirling around her. On her command, they put themselves together and hardened, forming something between a club and a baseball bat.
'Sorry for that, spiky head. But we kind of have this following the leader gimmick, just like the song goes. Plus... I need to blow off some steam after dark side crumbled without us! Hah, I love this job!'
She then quickly ran from behind the corner, raising her weapon.
But on Othinus' warning, Touma spun around, and by accident, his right hand connected with the weapon.
Instead of taking a massive blow to the head, he was showered with paper. Because of the force of the blow disappearing, Naru lost her balance, and tumbled down to the ground.
"Hey! Be more careful where you walk next time. Oh, did you drop your papers? I will help you collect them."
'What? Did I accidentally deactivate my power? No, I am sure I didn't. So what the hell happened?'
"Honestly, I think this is not ecological at all. You should help trees grow" she heard the voice of a doll (?) on boys shoulder.
Were they mocking her?
She gathered paper in her hand to attack again but in that moment the boy extended his hand, reaching out.
"Are okay? Do you need help getting up?"
She swatted his hand away.
"No! Do you even realize what's going on?"
"It's doubtful, he is too gullible for his own good sometimes" came the voice from the doll.
Naru was too shocked to suddenly see Touma grab his head in panic.
"Wah! Seeing all of that paper made me realize that I still have an assignment for Komoe-sensei to finish. Would you mind if borrowed some of those sheets? Now, let's get you up!"
"I said, I don't need-"
The boy grabbed Naru by the wrist. And in doing so, fingers of his right hand brushed against her sleeve.
With the sound shattering glass, Naru's clothing burst apart in the storm of paper sheets, leaving only her naked form.
"It reacted... this paper was an esper ability?!" Touma screamed in shock
"Isn't this a familiar scene..." muttered Index, her perfect memory reliving moment in the past in which she was a subject to similar humiliating pheonomenon.
Naru was too stunned to speak, which was a rarity, but already happened far too much.
"Why do you walk dressed completely in paper? But seriously, this power is pretty insane. Do you make a battle sound of a printer when you activate it?"
"What the fu-"
"What sound does the printer make, Touma?" asked Index.
"You know, that... printer-y sound. Oh, miss deforestator, don't you get paper cuts while walking around in that. Sounds like a pretty painful fetish"
"IT'S NOT A FETISH, IT'S AN ABILI-"
"KYAAAA! This boy is molesting a naked girl!"
"Oh, such misfortune! Index, let's run for it! Sorry about that, reaaaaaaaly!"
(End flashback)
"By this point, I gathered too much attention. I had to retreat in humiliation!" Naru clenched her fist, with a blush of anger on her face" That guy stripped me of both my pride and my clothes at the same time!"
She was met with blank looks from her teammates.
"What?"
"Naru... I don't know how to put it... but you do strip by yourself. Quite a lot actually" Itsuki finally said to her comrade.
"And flaunt your naked birthday suit in front of our faces, whether we like it or not" Seike nodded his head, before directing his attention to the phone.
"While I have no shame with my body, discarding naked and being stripped naked are two completely different things, you know! I totally get you, Leader. This guy completely mocked us!"
Yakumaru looked at two girls boiling with rage.
"I have bad feelings about this" she sighed, putting a girl to her face.
"Yeah, I got that vibe quite some time ago" came the comment from Seike.
(One more day forward)
"Are we really going through with this?" Yakumaru was trying to be the voice of reason in the group, as they all went out to the city" We shouldn't draw too much attention to ourselves..."
"Oh, we are so doing this. Scavengers are aiming to be elite, to bounce back, so we cannot have this guy making fun of us" replied Naru.
"This is getting out of hand" the brown haired chemist looked at Seike. "Can't we do something to stop them?"
"Beats me, they kind of lost it. I just want to humour them, so I can get back to my free time" shrugged the feminine boy.
"Okay, now we surely won't do it in a half-assed way. With all of us, it has to work" Rita looked at the distance where the silhouette of Touma was resurfacing from beyond the curvature of the street." One... two...three... charge!"
And so, the quarter, consisting of the bloodlusted duo and the reluctant duo sprinted forward.
Their charge lasted only a couple seconds, because of the second figure that emerged, slightly behind the black haired teen.
The triumphant face of enraged Rita drastically changed, with her eyes becoming as big as dinner plates. She abrupty stopped, causing the rest of the group to collide into one another.
White hair. Pale skin. Red eyes. Walking with the crouch.
"A...A-A...Acce.. back, back, BACK! EVERYONE, FALL BACK!"
And so, Scavengers frantically jumped into the back alley, as the boys slowly passed by it few minutes earlier.
But why was Accelerator, the incarcerated ruler of Academy City, out and about?
Answer arrived for the shocked Scavengers quicker than they would expect.
"It is honestly a surprise. With you being... you know, imprisoned and all" Touma said, as he and Accelerator walked together.
"I am still imprisoned. I am rigged with shit ton of monitoring devices that will paralyze me or shut down my device if I overstep my clearance. I assisted with the construction myself so I know that they are real deal"
"I didn't think that you would want to ask for going out. With how serious it was for you, the trial and all of that..."
"I definitely didn't ask for this. It is my conviction to stay in prison. But... the brat insisted that she wanted to see me like this. She pestered everyone, from the Anti-Skill to prison management, over and over and over... until they allowed me one day a month to go out like this, under maximum surveillance, and if I behave throughout the preceding month. As I said, I am monitored as we speak, each and every action of mine. I imagine that they never wanted to let me on a one-day clearance, I should wouldn't let me out if I was them, but I imagine Last Order has a certain appeal here, as she is closely connected to the victims of my killing spree. Her asking for this carries weight"
"So, you have from morning till dusk? That's cool! What are you going to do now?"
"What do you think? I am going to be with her... with all of them, if possible. With the people I started to call a family."
"Oh, of course. I am going for the shopping now. Misaka said something about couples winning the Gekota themed journey to amusement park. So I am going to help her... again... and then I will probably try to give my place to Junko-san. I am sure she will be thrilled with it."
"How do you put up with third string is beyond me... if you managed to stand your ground with me, it is not a problem with her..."
"But I genuinely want to help Misaka and for her to have a good time though..."
"You and that retarded hero mentality again... suit yourself, I am spending a peaceful day here..."
Voices quieted down and faded in the distance.
"Did I... just hear what I think I heard?" whispered Naru.
"He spoke to him... to Accelerator of all people... as if he was his equal... no, that's simply not possible..." Yakumaru was also deeply confused and shocked. "Leader, what do you think?"
Rita's entire demeanor changed, as she sat down, deep in thought.
"I... I don't know what to think. There was legend of level 0 who ran into many level 5s... and survived. You don't think..."
Naru laughed nervously, waving her hand.
"No, no way. That guy wouldn't have the skills. He looks totally plain."
"But..." Yakumaru put a finger on her cheek, still processing what they witnessed" He did speak with Accelerator casually, with no fear... and he also mentioned Railgun. He is clearly well acquainted with them"
"We need to scout him up" came the voice of Rita.
"Huh?" Seike for the first time in a while showed some interest" You were trying to have him by the throat minutes ago"
"I know, but what we saw outweighs our irritation" the small girl frowned" if this guy has some way to casually interact with level 5s, if he somehow manages to have them as his allies... we must have him as an ally as well. Even if he is irritating, we can work on him once he is allied with us. Yakkun, Seike, he doesn't know you yet. Go after him and get him to join. I need to speak with him"
"W-What?! I am not going to work with that guy!" Naru crossed her arms. Meanwhile, Seike stretched out and grabbed Yakumaru by the hand.
"Wow... she changed her tune so quickly... well, I guess there is no way around it. Yakkun, let's go for it"
"I was wondering this for a while..." Itsuki pointed at Seike's phone" What exactly gets you so worked up with your phone in recent days?"
"Huh? It's nothing..."
"No, I won't believe it... come on, tell me..."
"Well, it doesn't really matter... I just... got into dating, that's all. Naru reactivated a dating profile for me, as much as I disagreed"
"WHAT?!"
"Don't scream about it, would you?!"
"Okay, okay, but... wow, that sounds nice!"
"Heh, maybe for you, you are cute and model-like. I tried it in the past, but no one actually wanted to go through with my misleading appearance..." muttered the long haired boy." Is it weird?"
"No, no, although you did surprise me a little bit with this"
"Well, that's fine, because we have a fool to take on our side"
When they finally found Touma, he parted with Accelerator. Instead, there was a group of 4 girls with him, standing out of the shop with house supplies. One of the girls was a small blond with a dark pink dress. Second one was voluptuous beauty that just had to be the older sister of the first, while third and fourth were small girls so similar that they had to be twins. Both wore labcoats, had violet irises, and their long hair was tied up in high ponytails with red ribbons.
Seike looked at the group in mild interest, until he felt Yakumaru's body shivering.
The brown haired teen in dark yellow shirt was sweating, looking at the group in front of her.
"Oi, you okay?" Seike asked, to which Yakumaru looked at him in slightly erratic way.
"Okay? No, I am not okay. I am terrified. Don't! Don't let them see you!"
"What's gotten into you all of the sudden?"
"Are you serious? You don't know who those people are?!"
"Not a clue"
"Those two are... Carrier and Decomposer! And if I am not mistaken, that is the Potion Lady, the infamous drone user. W-What are they doing with this guy?."
"And what?"
"And what?! Anyone who is even slightly into the chemistry on the dark side heard about them!" Yakumaru's voice was now tinged with fear" Carrier and Decomposer, those twins, are absolute monsters. They are the most vile, evil, unethical, and unhinged biochemical specialists in the city. They are respected, but also immensely feared. I only heard rumours about their appearance, but... when it comes to their skill, they are insanely talented."
"They are better than you?"
"As much as I am an accomplished chemist, and as much as it shameful to admit it, compared to them, I am like a child making a first chemical reaction. The things they can do with pathogens and biological contamination, with both organic and inorganic matter, through the usage of drugs and vermin... they are said to bath in dissolute remains of their enemies, to do things so unspeakable that death seems like the highest mercy. As for the Potion Lady, I only have vague info, but she can be nasty while working in the team. That's too much... there is no telling what they're doing with that guy"
"From what I am seeing, one of those monster twins of yours is pecking the guy on the cheek"
"What?!"
Shortly earlier, Youen handed to Touma list of supplies.
"Get those substances and items. We need them for the next experiment."
"Remember, if you mess up with the quality, our floor will most likely become uninhabitable death zone" Kai smiled innocently, causing the rest to look at her in horror.
"What?"
"She is just messing with you. But seriously, do try to get good quality stuff, or we won't get anywhere, and the chance of biopoisoning will slightly increase" Youen motioned to Touma" Bend over"
"Why?"
"Just do it"
As Touma lowered his head, she stood on the tips of her toes and pecked his cheek.
"This is an encouragement for getting a job well done." the small scientist said, trying to cover her content expression, but failing spectacularly. "Now, sister, let's go"
"Hmm, hmm, hmm. Hmm, hmm, hmm. Hmm, hmm, hmm..."
As Kaai and Youen departed with their eerie humming, Rikuri clapped her hands in display of joy.
"Usually, you go with Kaibi for the shopping. It's so nice as a change of pace every now and then."
"Yes, it is. Rikuri-san, can you please check out those chemicals? Me and Amazora will look for food products"
Rikuri put a thumbs up and took the list from his hand
"Leave it to me, I will make sure that we will get those with the best, under-the-counter price. See you in a moment"
As she went inside the shop, Touma looked at Amazora.
"Hey, speak to me. Is everything alright? I can see that something is bothering you..."
It wasn't common for Amazora to be angry at Touma. It happened sporadically, mostly when Touma agreed with Kaibi instead of Amazora on forbidding the youngest sister to do something reckless. Even though Touma had Amazora's best intentions in mind, it usually ended in various objects being thrown at him, some of them really heavy (it was easy to forget, given her small body frame and the fact that she hauled her gattling gun only occasionally those days, but Amazora's telekinetic pull gave her quite formidable artificial strength).
"You like Hanatsuyu-san, right?"
"Well, it's complicated given the history we have and they are quite the strange sisters, but yeah, I came to like them, especially Youen. Why do you ask?"
Amazora sat down and pouted at him.
"She is practically the same age as me, so it's those fat sacks right? Onii-chan loves those fat bags more than me!"
"What? How did you get that idea?"
Amazora looked at Touma for a moment, before grabbing her dress straps and starting to pull them down.
Touma screamed and grabbed her arms, adjusting the dress back up.
"Wh...What are you doing?!"
Tears welled up in Amazora's eyes.
"I knew it! You wouldn't mind if onee-chans did that in front of you! Why must I be the only one who can't?!"
"Amazora, we are in public, of course I would mind. And I am not..."
"Liar! You don't like it because I am small! But my feelings for onii-chan are not worse than theirs. Why can't I prove it?!"
She sat down and it was evident she was a step away from crying.
It was honestly a little bit of mystery than they were having this conversation in front of the supermarket. But Amazora was still 12 and she tended to be rather unpredictable at times.
Touma looked at the sulking girl. Seeing Amazora, the most positive and go-lucky member of their household, so down, was honestly unnerving.
He sighed and sat down near the girl.
Was she upset about this for a long time and only now did her emotions found the right trigger?
"Amazora. Hey, look at me"
As the girl turned his way, Touma spoke
"I won't lie to you, age plays a role here. But I would never look down on you because of that. Do you remember how we fought when we first met?"
"Mhm"
"I went all out against you because I respected you. I acknowledged you as strong, and I will tell you this: I still want to do this."
He put his hand on girl's blond locks and calmly brushed through them in a caressing motion.
"Gokusai Amazora, you are brave and inspiring girl, who will grow up to be a strong and beautiful young woman. Remember what we talked about some time ago? You will make your own brand of wholesomeness, just by being you. And just like that, you don't have to do anything to prove your words."
"Onii-chan... I care for my onii-chan. Onii-chan is the one I hate less than everyone ever, the one I am willing to share with, the one I want to guard with my skill!"
"I accept your words. We know each other for a while now, and I came to respect you a lot. It doesn't matter if you are younger than me, I will take what you just told me and treat it with greatest respect. The only thing I ask is for you to do the same for me."
He held up his pinkie.
"I want you to have time to reflect on what you feel and what you wish to do. I am not leaving, and we hopefully have time. I am sorry that I can't react in the way to you would like right now, but can we promise one another to repeat this in a couple of years? There is a chance that all will change many times during that time..."
Amazora hooked her own pinkie with Touma in an instant and shook it.
"It won't! I will repeat that I love my onii-chan as many times as it takes!"
Touma smiled at that.
'It boils down to the fact that I don't know how serious she actually is. Waiting it out seems like the best option and least awkward for both of us. Plus, I honestly find it endearing that she is so straightforward.'
"I am counting on you then."
"Onii-chan... thank you for not laughing it off" the rare glimpse of calm maturity entered Amazora's voice " That means a lot."
"Don't mention it. It is me who should thank you for being patient with me. Hug for-"
He was already being hugged before he managed to finish the sentence.
As Touma reincorporated the embrace, he added
"Thank you for being patient with me."
"Better keep your word, onii-chan"
"I swear I will." Touma said, patting her on the head and separating from the hug" Now, let's get this shopping done"
(5 minutes later)
"Where is this premium chicken Rikuri told me about? I told Amazora to pick something for herself, but right now, two pairs of eyes would be better than one"
Kamijou Touma was in pursuit of various ingredients for incoming days, as he examined the various shelves with studious eye. In the meantime, Yakumaru Itsuki peaked from behind the entrance to the aisle.
"Okay, I will have this guy eating from the palm of my hand in no time." she said, reaching for her big cap.
Yakumaru Itsuki had a secret. Aside from being a morally-ambiguous dark side chemist, she was too cute for her own good. In a way that was rather distracting for her environment and quite troubling for herself. Asking out on a dates or for her to become a model was so frequent that she had to wear the cap to restrain her own beauty.
However...
'Beauty shall rule the world. It's only natural for me to have those fools obey me. It's a birthright of those who are born cute to guide those not gifted.'
Yakumaru was not entirely modest with her looks. She considered it natural gift that she could fully utilize to her advantage. Like with what she planned to do now.
Her long, brown hair fallen down as she fully transformed into her natural, cute self.
She came out of hiding and slowly approached Touma.
"Hello~"
The boy didn't react.
What Yakumaru did not know was that, through many years of hunting for sales, almost nothing could break Touma's concentration when it came to searching for food. He became fixated on it. It was not like Touma was not considering Yakumaru cute. But it was just the case of wrong time and wrong place. Even now, when he didn't really need to hunt for the lowest prices, he was barely hearing or seeing Yakumaru in search for things he needed to buy.
Slightly confused girl tried again.
"Hello handsome!~"
Again, Kamijou Touma didn't stop looking at the shelves.
Yakumaru frowned and slid in front of Touma.
He blinked and finally noticed her.
"Oh? Can you please move? You are kind of blocking the shelves"
Picture perfect smile of Yakumaru twitched.
"I was calling out to you earlier actually, handsome"
"Don't call me that. I am pretty average."
'This guy... looks like I'm really have to up the game'
She tossed her hair and made the most innocent face she could muster.
"Is there something you like seeing in front of you?" she winked at him.
Touma tried to look behind her.
"Well, you see, that's kind of the problem, because like I said, you are blocking the view of the shelves"
The brown haired chemist let out a girly laugh, even though her hand was itching to smash one her hidden vials in Touma's face.
"I like your sense of humour... but I was thinking about more... in front of you... if you would look at me..."
She grabbed Touma by the arms.
"Now, what do you see?" she asked.
Touma's face suddenly changed. Yakumaru saw it and smiled triumphantly.
'That's better. He's about to fall for me, like all the others. I was worried there for a second, but I should not overthink things'
"I see..."
"Hmm, tell me. List all the things. And also, there is someone who needs to talk with you, so if you go with me outside..."
"I see fresh premium chicken!" Touma beamed, manoeuvring behind Yakumaru and opening the fridge shelf " The best portion of low fat protein intake for best, occasional price, that Rikuri praised so much! Thank you so much, you really changed my perspective. I wouldn't notice it if it wasn't for you!"
CRACK!
Yakumaru Itsuki could very well turn into decaying stone statue, that was how she froze in place.
'I was ignored... in favour of a... dead bird... Me? ME? One of the cutest in the city?!'
Her mind was in such a shock that she missed Touma saying his goodbyes.
And this was the state Taromaru Seike found his companion.
"Huh? Yakkun? Yakkun! Get a hold of yourself! What the hell did this guy do?"
" Ignored... bird...rejected... chicken..."
"Yeah... that's not very informative. Guess it's the hard way time."
(LATER)
Touma was on his way back home with Amazora and Rikuri, when they noticed Seike standing by the side of the road.
"Oi. Are you Kamijou Touma?"
Rikuri stepped in front of the boy protectively.
"Who wants to know?"
But Touma put a hand on Rikuri's arm and spoke out
"Yes, it's me. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"I will be honest here. I need you to go with me, right now. My boss wants to speak with you and she is growing impatient"
Touma listened and then shook his head
"Sorry, but I have to go home and make food for my family" Touma said, looking at the sisters, who both blushed at the term. "I have to say no to you"
They made it a few steps forward, until Seike placed a hand on Touma's shoulder.
"Hey, don't give me that. It's really quite important. It would be unwise for you to just ignore that... come with me..."
'Heh, now that I am touching you, you will have to yield. My ability controls the coefficient of friction of everything within a meter around me. You will not be able to mo-"
However, Seike felt that Touma moved impatiently forward, one step, and then another, causing the feminine boy to slide across the ground.
'W-What? How can he walk normally? I maximized resistance throughout his entire body, it's enough to stop the tank from moving. How is that possible?!'
"Look, I don't care who sent you, but I am not going anywhere right now!" Touma spoke, grabbing shocked Seike with his right hand.
Seike, in utter confusion, formed a fist with his other arm. But...
"Leave onii-chan alone!" came an angry scream from Amazora who, in the moment of self-righteous passion to protect her brother, unleashed her own punch at friction controller.
Now, Seike noticed the punch, but wasn't too concerned with it. He could increase the friction of the air or decrease the friction on his clothes to avoid the impact of the punch, so per usual, he didn't pay it that much of a mind.
And that was how it would normally played out. But there was a difference this time, currently touching Seike's arm and being called two words:
'Imagine Breaker'
"Khhhh... aaaaaaaaaah?! O... oooooooooh..."
Amazora's punch in itself wasn't amazingly strong, but given the fact that she was straight in front of her target, was almost of an ideal height, and delivered an uppercut supported by a telekinetic upward pressure that was normally able to lift a gattling gun, it gained great impact.
It wasn't just any punch, oh no.
Gokusai Amazora punched Seike Taromaru straight between the legs.
A falsetto wail came out of Seike's throat as he grabbed his crotch, and collapsed to his knees, before promptly falling over to the side, his face contorting in pain.
Rikuri gave Amazora a concerned look
"Was that really necessary? That was quite an unladylike blow"
"But I was protecting onii-chan from evil onee-chan. And I did it only because it was against a girl"
"Well, I guess it's a bit of luck. If it was a guy, I assume that it would be tremendously painful"
Seike bit his lips to not hiss in anguish, as Touma ruffled Amazora's hair.
"Thanks for protecting me, that was very brave."
"Come on! Index onee-chan will again eat my portion in the fridge if we don't get the lunch ready soon"
"But... is it okay to leave her like this? She seems to be in a great pain"
"She will recover. It's not like anything like with the guy was punched there, she will come around soon enough"
"Okay then. Sorry, miss, I will try to find you another time. For now, we are leaving"
And so they left. Seike groaned, managing to overpower pain long enough to roll onto his back.
'That... little brat... 'if it was a guy' my ass!'
(LATER)
"What is wrong with our life lately? We run not into one, but two level 5s, then we go to sleep and wake up to almost completely eradicated dark side, and now some random guy seems to be leading us in circles. Am I going insane? It all shows that he somehow manages to stay in level 5s good graces or maybe even interact with them as equals. But what qualities would he bring for them to respect him so? I can't figure this out. It's like a law of nature, this city should not allow something like this to happen. It has no sense whatsoever."
"Leader, you are being too loud-" Naru, sitting on the stool by the bar counter and sipping apple soda, tried to calm the redhead down, but to no avail.
"No, I will not calm down. I didn't run away from my guardian here in the city, and risked my life in the darkness, to be turned into a god damn joke. I mean with this level of absurdity, what's next? Magic is real or something?!"
SLUUURP!
SLUUURP!
Meanwhile, on the left of the furious girl in the flu mask, Itsuwa and Kanzaki Kaori, who reunited in the bar with the intention to catch up before visiting Touma together, suddenly got very invested in the consumption of their respective beverages.
Naru sighed. Then, something behind her got her attention.
"Oh, Yakkun and Seike are ba... ahhh?!"
"Oh, great" Rita muttered, turning around "I can use some good news right... now?! What the hell happened to you?!"
Yakumaru was swaying from one side to the other with blank look of her face, mumbling something about a... chicken? Meanwhile, Seike was hobbling while holding his crotch area with one hand, as they sat down nearby.
"What happened to you guys?!"
"Honestly... I am starting... to question... if this guy is as normal... as you say he is"
(LATER, AT SEVENTH MIST)
The all members of the group was now heading to Seventh Mist shopping center, to relax a little bit and talk about their future plans.
Well, almost all of the members of the group were present.
"Where is Seike?" asked Rita, to which Naru shrugged.
"He said that he is taking a break. Besides, as unbelievable as it may be, he has videoconference with his date."
"Really? To like his style... it must be a really specific girl. I kind of want to meet her..." the small redhead shook her head" Well, no matter. Yakkun, Naru, listen to me. I made a decision"
Rita clenched her fists, as the group boarded the lift that was to take them to upper floor. The doors closed, as the ride up began.
"We lived under the fatum and terror of level 5s for far too long. I was incompetent, for allowing my fear to dictate our course of action. I should always remind myself of one simple thing: that we are together to bring down those shitty teachers. So let's focus on that. All of us, together! We will stay away from trouble, and slowly build our position in the city hierarchy. It might be a little though, given that with dark side's purge we will have to keep low profile, but we were in greater dangers together. We will be careful about this, we will make it through and take things on more reasonably. No more unpredictable elements, no more straying from our path, and most importantly..."
DING!
The lift ended its journey and the ecstatic Leader stepped through its doors, lifting her arms in the air.
"... no more of those accursed level 5s!"
As Yakumaru and Naru also exited the lift, they looked forward. And their jaws dropped at once.
Six pairs of eyes were staring at them.
"Huh? And who the hell are you?!"
"Oh, it's my fellow Gekoer! Hi!"
"Honestly, if I wasn't so evolved, I could have taken this rudeness ability personally"
"Oh, would you look at that... quite a familiar damn faces we have here..."
"Gutsy words for someone so tiny! Can I challenge your spirit then?"
Izumi Rita first noticed the clothes and accessories. A crouch, body of pure white, two sets of Tokiwadai unifroms, a fashionable dress, and what looked like a gym outfit.
At that moment, a now familiar spiky haired teen entered the scene, carrying what seemed a array of drinks.
"Sorry, I had to wait a little bit for a... oh?! Did I just walk into something?!"
'Why... why are almost all level 5 present in one place, and with that guy as well' both Naru and Yakumaru thought at the same time.
As for the Leader, Izumi Rita, she slowly fell backwards without batting an eye, passing out.
(SOME TIME EARLIER)
It requires some explaining to see why Scavenger girls walked into the surreal situation. After all, 6 out of 7 members of the level 5 in one place.
Kamijou Touma was walking through the mall after picking up one of Kaibi's dresses from the extra ironing treatment, when he noticed (second time this day!) noticed Accelerator, accompanied this time by Last Order, who quickly ran forward to greet him.
"It's been far too long, says Misaka Misaka as she jumps to Saviour's arms"
"Hello there! Did you grow a little?"
"Misaka is pleased with your good eye, says Misaka comparing you to certain someone who can't give a compliment for a life of him. Come join the cuddle, Misaka Misaka begs with puppy eyes."
"Hard pass." Nevertheless, Accelerator patted the girl's head as she separated from Touma" Hero, how are the criminals living in your vicinity?"
"Maidono is... wait, you said criminals? You know about..."
"Carrier and Decomposer? Of course I do. Seriously, this old prick left lot of mess, but also one of the greatest surveillance system."
"Oh, I guess so. Maidono is fine and doesn't really cause problems, same with the twins"
"Hmm... I have no reason to doubt that. If anyone can create such an absurd result, it is surely you"
"Thanks... I guess?"
Two boys looked at each other. With very specific kinds of smiles. Not overly warm, but also not dry and forced. They conveyed the spirit of cooperation in the present and the future.
Then, Last Order's eyes picked someone approaching, and grinned, while waving vigorously.
"Fremea-chan, screams Misaka Misaka happy to see yet another precious person"
"Do you see it? My friend is here as well!"
Small blond girl known as Fremea Seivelun ran forward from the side of the boy made almost entirely from gleaming white. Last Order did the same and they hugged mid way.
Accelerator and Kakine Teitoku tensed up, while carefully eyeing one another, with Touma standing by in a rather awkward silence. Fortunately for the atmosphere, girls had no such problem.
"Misaka wants to go to this toy shop with her friend, says Misaka as Misaka expectantly points at the shop in front of her"
"Nyah, I want to buy something cool to show Hamazura! Can I, can I?"
"If it stops you from whining about it... always stay by each other and don't stay be there long" Accelerator said.
"Fremea, don't leave my sight" Kakine also added, as he glanced at the shop with a see through windows" Be a good girl and behave!"
"Mhm!"
"Yes sir!"
As the two girls ran into the shop, Accelerator smirked at Kakine.
"Look at you, being all parent-y. It's a little bit underwhelming to see that for someone who can create everything, you focus on making most mundane of things, single dad"
Kakine gave him a wry smile.
"I don't want to hear that from you. Also, I would rather not hear from you at all, if possible"
"Then turn into something earless. And maybe lipless, that would be fucking amazing"
Touma watched in a certain fascination, as the conversation resembled two fingers balancing over nuclear warhead launch buttons. He heard that relations between two highest ranked espers in the city were tumultuous and bloody in the past. Even if they got better now, it was still unwise to let it all to escalate.
"H-Hello there. Let's be civilized here"
Kakine looked at him.
"Oh, Kamijou. I expected for you to be with Gokusai"
"I was with her but I had an errand to run and..."
"Oi, do not ignore me! Hero, we were speaking earlier"
"Kamijou is currently speaking with me"
"Huh?! You arrived later on!"
Touma backed away slightly
'It's no good, somehow it only got worse. I need to-'
"Guess who~"
Pair of female hands covered his eyes.
Touma froze, but he honestly had no idea. The girl was panting rather hard into his ear, making it hard to concentrate. She had impressive chest, but other than that, he had no clue. Maybe... the smell was something he experienced before.
"Just kidding. There is no way you would have guessed it in your current condition. Hello, my prince. I am the one you keep forgetting. Since you don't remember it, my name is Shokuhou Misaki"
Realization dawned in Touma's head, as he now realized that this was yet another meeting with the person who he repeatedly forgotten. He switched his way of acting.
"Nice to see you again, Shokuhou-san. Did you run to see me?"
"Call me Misaki" said the girl, embracing him with one arm. "I just got so excited when I noticed you in the distance that I had to come quickly and greet you. Besides, I wished to tell you that everything is fine both with me and mom. I am analyzing her memories and it's honestly... a lot to think through. But it will get better"
Touma decided not to comment on the fact that 'distance' Shokuhou spoke of was 60 meters or so, and instead reincorporated the hug. This caused the girl, who up to this point looked like she was in control of flirty exchange, to blush and look at him with an uncharacteristically meek face.
"Wha-"
"I don't truly remember you, but I know that I am important to you and that you went all this time without any sign of mutuality"
"But... you don't actually..."
"Even if my memories are not complete, I am deciding to trust you on this. I also felt that you needed this"
Misaki giggled and let her head rest on Touma's shoulder.
"Yeah, you are right. To think that you are so compassionate towards me even in the situation we are in right now... some days I can't find right words to describe how much I love you, my prince..."
"It's one of them after the other..." Accelerator looked at the Mental Out with look of bored acceptance
"And it seems like it's not the end..." Kakine pointed at the quickly approaching person, who practically slid between Touma and Misaki.
"W-W-What is the meaning of this?! Shokuhou, I knew I was right in tailing you!"
"Ara, Misaka-san? What a timing ability! To what do we owe this displeasure?"
"Idiot, you said you were going to spend time with me today!"
"And I will. There is still 2 hours of time... don't tell me you came here that earl-"
"N-N-No, of course not! Shokuhou was acting in a very suspicious way, so I followed her!"
"Marvellous stalker ability, Misaka-san, but I think someone who dances around the subject without addressing it honestly is even more suspicious"
"What do you mean by that?"
'What is going on. At that rate, things can't get any-'
"Huh? What the hell are you all doing here?"
'Seriously, Mugino-san toooooooooo?! What are you doing, fate?!'
"Accelerator" Mugino gave a curt nod, with begrudging respect" It's rare to see you outside those days"
"It's not like this is a regular thing" grumbled the strongest esper "Believe me, it's starting to get so annoying out here that I am honestly grateful for my cell"
"He says that, even though he was making a goo-goo eyes at Last Order moments ago. And going out won't help you with your pale skin" Kakine teased the number 1.
"You are literally a walking, talking, humanoid mass of glowing white substance, so you have no fucking right to lecture people about being pale"
"For some reason when you describe my dark matter, it sounds really disturbing"
"You hear what you wish to hear. Your ability is okay. If only you weren't its user..."
Leaving discussion of two boys aside, Mugino turned her attention to the part of the group that interested her much more.
"Well, well, well, I keep hearing about you being a center of attention, but this is something else"
"Why do you care?" Mikoto stepped between Touma and Mugino" And why are you even here?"
"For your information, I was here searching for clothes. Places like this one have undiscovered hits from time to time. Then I saw you wasting time"
"W-What do you mean by that? Idiot, at which point that this psycho got invested in you?"
"Kamijou-san, this is something that would be really nice to know for me too" Misaki smiled wryly at two other level 5 girls.
Poor Touma was forced in the middle of triangle formation, with each girl giving the other a cross look. He tried his best not to lean onto Mugino's or Shokuhou's breasts, given close proximity, and not to be noticeably aware that there was a lot more space from Mikoto's side.
"Can't say I approve you getting close to him. I heard some rather nasty stories" Misaki pointed out to Mugino.
"Can't recall asking for your opinion"
"I can't allow him to be with you either. Besides, what qualities do you bring?" Mikoto addressed Mugino with a tinge of venom in her voice" I know him the longest, we were through a lot and I think we make a really great team. I bet you won't even respect what he wants and only force him onto having things your way"
"Oh please, Misaka-san. This might be true, but it has no worth without considering actual feelings. I, on the other hand, can say them day and night."
"A-Actions may speak louder than words!"
"If we are concerned about that, I am clearly superior to both of you, brats"
"If we are talking about murder and other cruelty, maybe, but actual relationship? Don't make me laugh!"
The discussion turned into a verbal hot potato and Touma was actually pulled in three different directions from time to time.
"I think the fact that we know each other for so long and got to know each other quite well through battles speaks out a lot. Also, I am more than willing to support him in any way that I can. Not like someone who can't run 50 meters or who will try to kill him on a first tantrum"
"From what I've heard from my network, you tormented him as well."
"That was... in the past, or when he really pissed me off. B-But I am not the judge here, this idiot still wanted to spend time with me and we were about to go on a trip together"
Misaki and Mugino looked at Touma with eyebrows raised and he shivered.
"Well... Misaka was quite intense about this... but it's true that I wanted to spend time with her. We could have a rocky start, but as of now, most of the time she is actually really fun to be around"
Mikoto felt honestly touched at those words and couldn't help but puff her chest in pride.
However, the sudden wave of irritation only motivated two other girls
"That may be so, but in my case, we are in the anteroom of something truly beautiful. I am willing to give up my own safety just to keep him safe. And besides that, I already have a blessing from my own mother!"
'Who happens to want for me and her to do the deed together with him, but there is no way I am saying it now.'
Now, both Mikoto and Mugino became unsure.
"W-Well... if it came to pass..." Mikoto mumbled, her cheeks turning to darker shade of red" Moma also approved him. And as infuriating as it may be, they became close without my knowledge..."
Meanwhile, Mugino bit her lip, as she slightly glanced at Touma.
If she could help it, she would keep him away from her family.
Shizuri's father was a ruthless, manipulative, and dangerous man. She remembered him as always flanked by bodyguards, as he oversaw the dark side of their family dealings, like drugs, weaponry, and illegal gambling. He sat on the chair with a look of bored disdain of someone who has everything and is getting tired of thinking what to get next.
Her father was impeccably dressed, elegant, and articulate. He didn't seem like a gangster and fit perfectly into the image of a wealthy wheat investor and distributor, who helped feed the hungry of the world. But there was an intense fire in his eyes with a clear message that people will get burned if they got too close.
He was a man of such influence and power that most rules didn't apply to him. He was a perfectionist and didn't tolerate failure, albeit he could also be generous if he deemed the action remarkable enough.
As for Shizuri's mother, she and head of Mugino family didn't come together from love. When one of the biggest rival mafia in a wheat market industry tried to steal from Mugino's turf in the desperate attempt of maintaining their pride, they were raided in retaliation. Some perished, majority fled. Needless to say, the company went bankrupt and the head of that mafia gave his own daughter to Mugino family, trying to save his own life. He failed, but Shizuri's father took the youngest daughter of his rival nonetheless, as a victory award.
Now, as an incredibly rich bastard dealing with darkness, it was not at all surprising that the boss had multiple mistresses and concubines. Like a certain english king, he was conservative in his pursuit of a male heir. He usually got frustrated or angry at his female partners, sending them away quite frequently, as for some reason, fertility or not, he couldn't get a child for a long time.
Shizuri's mother, Shizue, was different than others.
When she arrived, she had it rough. She was a rather distant and cold woman, seemingly submissive. She allowed herself to be used and violated in various ways, as she had to endure being the odd one out in the structure of the mafia.
There were always internal factions within the organization. Everybody had their favourite among boss's lovers, for varied reasons. Even though Shizue's opponents claimed she was only interesting to the boss because she was, to put it vulgarly, "a very sexy piece of meat", they usually overlooked one crucial detail. Albeit the 'victory price' of a young woman was indeed very attractive, there was something more important to the whole picture. In contrast to many other mistresses, Shizue was a true daughter of a mafia, even if smaller than Mugino family. Behind calm and obedient mask, lied cunning, resourceful woman, intelligent enough to not get accused of anything, but determined to get everything she wanted. That included revenge on those who wronged her. She never raised her voice, and her wrath was more similar to the predator silently laying in wait.
That determination eventually led to birth of Shizuri. But as other mistresses still could bring the danger to Shizue's position, she used her skills to diminish the threat. Some of lovers around the boss mysteriously disappeared, some had accidents, and when one started to show signs of pregnancy, she was sent away, neither she or her child ever returning.
Shizuri, who learned about it later on, could only wonder about this situation. Did her mother do this to protect her from possible future attacks (her potential half-siblings could cause others to try to get rid of her) or did she used her to secure her own position in the family, as the mother of the only heiress? And how much of that did her father knew and allowed?
Both of her parents were rather distant. As Shizue practically monopolized her lover's attention, she brought her daughter up by instructing her how to act and navigate through the world of darkness, just like she did. By this point, she became respected in the family. Although no one could prove it in all certainty, everyone knew that she seized control of all the women in the house, with remaining mistresses turned into secretaries or servants, and disposed of the rest. Shizuri had a theory that her father allowed that because he saw potential in the mother of his only (as far as it was known) heir.
And so, Shizuri had everything as long as she behaved and acted like a proper member of their familial darkness. She had everything and was everyone's favourite 'milady'. Even though she never experienced true parental love. Her parents were definitely supportive and she couldn't say she was discarded, but closeness? Empathy? Warmth? Emotional support? She never got that and never knew warmer side of emotional spectrum until she met ITEM and Touma. Her father saw her as extension of his family business, being finally convinced in her strength, while her mother secured her own position through the fact that she birthed Shizuri. So while she interacted with her, she didn't do it as a caring mother, but as a rather demanding woman, who happened to give her life.
In fact, if Meltdowner were to compare it to something, her parents together were like players of 3 dimensional chess with loaded guns beside their backs. They had their own twisted game of control and revenge, and Shizuri would not be surprised if her mother actually wanted to take over the organization. Not that father would allow it, but she still could plot it.
Pushing those thoughts away, she decided to say something else.
"All of that is nice, but me and him actually did something substantial"
"What kind of... substantial?"
"We kissed. On the lips. You know, like someone who doesn't immaturely obsess over indirect kisses" Mugino didn't even try to hide the inflection of superiority as she said that. "You are all talk, but when it comes to actually doing something, you will lose with your elders and be only undetermined brats."
Misaki and Mikoto almost visibly recoiled at that. After all, despite their longer history with Touma, neither of them had opportunity to truly kiss him, not counting Misaki's kiss on the brow.
"I... I bet that it was accidental" Mikoto shouted in defiance, sparks scattering from her body.
Misaki frowned. She could feel the frustration rising within her, and she pouted, with her fists clenched. She turned to still shocked Touma
"Misaki-san?"
"I apologize in advance from what's about to happen. It might be awkward for you, given your memory situation, but I promise to make it worthwhile to the point when you'll forget it"
"W-What are you talking about? What are you doing now?"
"Something you sadly won't remember, but it's just a little bit of selfishness ability from me. Hope that's okay."
"I don't und... mmhhmmmm?!"
Shokuhou Misaki enveloped Touma with her arms as she pressed her lips against his. They stumbled backwards a little bit, as Misaki tested how much feeling she can put into the kiss for the best effect.
It seemed that she intended to kiss until their air ran out. But as it did, the girl gave them only time to inhale.
"Misa...ki...san..."
"Not... yet..."
He was kissed more ferociously than before. Meanwhile, Mikoto stood in absolute shock and horror, her fist clenching and unclenching. Mugino wasn't fairing much better, the display in front of her being a total surprise.
Touma was torn on what to do. On the one hand, he had to admit that being kissed by someone he didn't remember (even if he had the general idea who the girl was supposed to be) was strange, to say the least. On the other, he couldn't deny that it felt immensely good. The distracting factor was that Misaki was making sounds (Touma couldn't even really classify them) that did not help him make the decision any faster.
Until Shokuhou finally separated from him, her slightly glossed over eyes slowly returning to normal.
"You won't remember the touch or taste of my lips, but I am definitely remembering this, and saving it for the future reference, when we will get your memories back" she whispered to the flabbergasted Touma" And just like with my confession, I am willing to repeat this. As. Long. As. It. Takes."
Last 5 words were each accentuated with 5 respective pecks. Honestly, Shokuhou looked like she was a step from starting to kiss him again, but was stopped by the sudden electrict spear launched in their direction. Touma quickly shielded the girl and negated the blast.
"Biri-Biri, let's calm down..."
Mikoto was looking at Touma with a look of hurt in her eyes. Lights around them started to flicker.
Mugino wore one of the scariest smiles people present ever saw on her face.
"Do you dare to mock me, Mental Out?"
Despite a very obvious warning, Shokuhou still winked to her rival.
"How is that for the undetermined brat?"
Orbs that appeared around Mugino made a sound Touma never heard before in real life. It was a little too similar to the sounds used in movies when core of the nuclear reactor was having a meltdown.
He quickly grabbed the hand of Meltdowner, causing the orbs to disappear.
"Let go, Kamijou. I need to teach her who is the boss here"
"By this point I know you a little bit and whatever is going to happen isn't going to be good for Misaki-san's body staying intact."
"I will just fry her a little bit. Railgun, what do you think about frying her chest off"
Shokuhou actually paled a little, backing away to where Mikoto stood.
Even though she would normally clap with joy on that suggestion, #3 esper only nodded absentmindedly.
She felt terrible. Even if she was tempted to just blast Touma again, she began to understand that it wouldn't change a thing.
For a longest time, she didn't want to admit that she wanted Touma's attention. But because of that indecisiveness and some strange, stupid pride, she was now left in the dust.
She knew she was being left behind. She recalled her talk with a girl in the toilet (that, although Mikoto had no idea about it was Gokusai Kaibi). Did she apply anything, any advice from this conversation? No, she kept telling herself that she will figure something out, even though she knew Touma was object of attention of many other girls.
What did her actions even accomplish? Confronted with the fact that despite her knowing Touma the longest time, other level 5 girls seemed to be on the front of rivalry, Mikoto's heart twisted and ached. She didn't want to feel like this. She needed and wanted to do something.
As it all was happening, Accelerator and Kakine, who were earlier engaged in rather vibrant arguement, stopped and started to watch the scene between Touma and the girls.
"This is... strangely relaxing" Kakine admitted.
"I don't know, it's as much of a hassle as everything... but the faces hero makes at all that are amusing, that's true"
"Hypothetically... who do you think will come out on top in regards to Kamijou Touma?"
"Out of those that we are forced to share a level with? I really, really don't give a shit, but if I were to say... third string, I guess"
"Huh? Railgun?"
"You have a problem with that?"
"But obviously Meltdowner has a natural advantage here!"
" If that Railgun is in any way like her clones, which I know quite a lot about, she may change everyone's expectations on a whim."
"For me that's a little overrated assumption. Meltdowner certainly has what it takes, I guarantee it as her former enemy"
"Well, if it was a contest who can kill him first, then I would agree, but..."
The fact that Kakine and Accelerator were having that kind of uncharacteristic conversation and managed to argue about it only showed the absurdity of the situation around them.
And then...
"If you were to kiss any of us" Mikoto spoke" If it was your free choice... who would you like to kiss the most?"
Mugino and Touma got quiet, Shokuhou also looked forward curiously.
Mikoto did not know why she chose to say this specifically. It just slipped through.
"W-Who would I..."
"For once, I want to go along with Railgun" Mugino nodded" out of 3 of us, who would you go to kiss out of your free will?"
Touma looked at Misaki, but she also seemed intent to hear his answer.
"You are all very beautiful... I can't possibly choose..." Touma said nervously, as the girls began to close in once again.
"That's still not the answer" Mikoto said firmly.
But it was the truth. Touma considered each of the girls interesting and attractive. He also knew that any answer would result in something unlucky. It reminded him of the myth he once read. 3 goddesses arguing who was the fairest one and prince having to do the choosing.
'We are a great team, we were with each other through and through. I am someone you can relay on. I changed myself for you' whispered vision of Mikoto.
'I came so far in journey towards your love, I will always stand by your side with everything I have. I will give you my body and soul each night and day' tempted vision of Misaki.
'I opened up for you and trust you in walking together through the darkness. I have everything you want. I can make you feel and experience things you never even imagined' sang the vision of Shizuri.
The problem was that said choice started the war in the myth. And Touma didn't want that here.
As he desperately sought a way out, he noticed something while looking up.
"Is that... Sogiita?"
"Nice try, but don't avoid-"
"No, I mean seriously, he-"
CRASH!
Something, or rather someone, crashed down through the ceiling, only to emerge a moment later from the pile of rubble.
"Hah hah! I guess I got a little carried away with my guts!"
"Him too?!" exclaimed everyone present.
"Get... off... of me!"
A pile of rubble exploded and frazzled Accelerator emerged. Next to him, a white mist swirled up and formed a body of Kakine Teitoku.
"What the hell are you doing here? We seriously don't need our shared IQ to lower even more. It's enough that he is here" Accelerator pointed at pure-white esper, who rolled his eyes.
"I was training and doing high jumps. I thought I can surpass my limits and finally, I jumped so high that I ended up falling and smashing all the way to here... oh, Kamijou! How is my gutsy bro doing?!"
"Nice to see you too. I was just... thinking... to get some drinks!"
Touma said that, breaking away from the girls' encirclement, and leaving before anyone could stop him.
"He got away" Mugino crossed her arms.
Mikoto suddenly got the realization. She was to still spend time with Touma later on. She should do something that would make him happy. This was the first step she could do. All this time, all she did was doing things that pleased her, with no regard to Touma. She really should listen to him instead. Yes! This was something she should strive to do. Being focused and kind to other person mattered much more than all of the flirting in itself.
However, she still didn't know what to do when it came to a physical intimacy. She... She couldn't just get so personal all of the sudden. But she probably should, given that she was now the only one without kissing on the lips.
Honestly, what kind of person would just shamelessly all those small steps and went for the kiss?
In that moment, Shokuhou sneezed next to her. Maybe it was because it followed Mikoto's thought, as if answering it, or maybe because this small, cutesy achoo made Misaki's breasts bounce to a ridiculous and clearly exaggerated degree, Mikoto's mood went back into darkness.
"Don't you dare give me a cold"
"As delightful as it would be to have you away in bed for a few days, I am not sick. Air pollution has some ticklishness ability over my sinuses."
"You know what, to improve my mood, maybe I should try to fry those sacks of fat"
"Hyah? D-D-Don't say something so disturbing!"
"Disturbing? I will do you a favour, it will be much greater for your back... now, stand still... Poitrines de Shokuhou bien cuites aux herbes et au miel"
"Even if you switch to french, it doesn't sound less threateniiiiiiiiiiiing!"
The three level 5 boys watched Misaka chase Shokuhou for a moment, before Kakine spoke
"Number 7... we need a tie-breaker to kill the boredom. It might sound stupid..."
"It really is" Accelerator nodded, massaging his face with a hand.
"...but out of 3 of those girls, which one would give the highest chances of becoming a pair with Kamijou?"
"Hmm..." Gunha did a squat, examining the girls, before snapping his fingers" I've got it. I think star-chan"
He gave a response no one was expecting.
"Mental Out? Why?"
"Even though she has no stamina, her guts and loyalty are high. I feel her conviction when it comes to her feelings"
"How do you 'feel' the conviction... wait, don't answer, with you fucking 'guts', don't you? I swear, this is so dumb..."
In that moment, a lift arrived. The doors opened and...
"... no more of those accursed level 5s!"
All the members of said level looked at 3 girls who appeared on the scene
"Huh? And who the hell are you?!" Mugino spat out in irritated tone
"Oh, it's my fellow Gekoer! Hi!" Mikoto smiled and waved to stunned Rita.
"Honestly, if I wasn't so evolved, I could have taken this rudeness ability personally" Misaki wheezed out, tired after being chased.
"Oh, would you look at that... quite a familiar damn faces we have here..." Accelerator grinned in a way that chilled to the bone.
"Gutsy words for someone so tiny! Can I challenge your spirit then?" Gunha smashed a fist against a open hand.
What happened next is already known to history.