LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 42: chapter 42
(LATER)
Rita came around 10 minutes later and now was watching the level 5s and Kamijou Touma from the distance.
"How is that possible? For almost all of them to be together?"
"Apparently, they are all here by accident." said Naru.
"I fell through the roof!" came enthusiastic shout of Sogiita Gunha, who somehow heard them even from where he stood.
"This is... impossible. They are clearly..."
Level 5s were acting close with Touma. Even observing for a short amount of time would confirm that. Boys were conversing with him, with a distance but also with respect in case of Accelerator and Kakine, and with overwhelming friendliness and humour when it came to Sogiita. As for the girls, they frequently looked at the spiky haired boy or positioned themselves to be close to him, while also looking at each other with slight suspicion.
Fremea and Last Order also returned. The former, aside from her guardian, spoke with Sogiita Gunha, who was laughing while ruffling her hair. Last Order had a warm reunion with Mikoto, but also surprised everyone by being greeted by Mugino, as the pair met once in the past.
"This guy is... impossible. This can't be happening!"
"But it is. As annoying as it might get, this guy somehow interacted with us as if it was nothing. Not only that, but he managed to get some of us back on the right track"
Three girls jumped. Accelerator appeared behind them soundlessly, with a thin smile on his lips.
"A-Accelerator?!"
"Yo, kindergartner squad. How was it... Vultures, or something?"
"I-It's Scavengers!"
"Oh, that's right, now I remember. Wasn't there one more of you? Hmm, that doesn't matter for you. You see, hero is a very specific person, with both power and mentality that transcends every classification or logic common sense would provide. He even managed to battle us and was never deterred"
"Battle? Don't tell me that he survived battling level 5s..."
"Survived? He claimed victories. In the past, it would be difficult for me to admit, but seeing that it ultimately gave me my justice and family... I admit that I was bested" Accelerator glanced at Touma, as Rita's legs started to tremble
"N-No..."
If Kamijou Touma somehow defeated the strongest in the Academy City... how much of a monster he was?
"W-We don't want to be a bother... girls, let's g-"
Red eyes flashed dangerously.
"I don't remember finishing this conversation. Do you really want to turn your back on me?"
Rita froze as Accelerator slowly walked around her and looked down at her, causing the poor girl to sweat in terror. Naru and Yakumaru also shared looks of fear.
"That's what I thought. You didn't think I would actually let you go, did you? Surely you heard about my Operation Handcuffs. Operation, that you conveniently slept through. I didn't forget about the shit you've done on the dark side, very same that I was also part of. Now that I see you in the flesh, I simply must correct this oversight"
"B-But... you can't-"
"Huuuuuh? Really now? I don't think you're competent enough to talk about what I can or can't do. If I wanted to, I could choke you by removing oxygen, make your bodies break down through gravity, pressure, or radiation... you can't count things that I could do to you. What I would, and will do, is a different story though. I am done playing a villain like that. However, that doesn't mean you can forget the difference of power. Mind your step, kindergartners.
I noticed you earlier during the day and I was honestly close to incarcerating you on the spot. But the hero stopped me by whining and begging not to do it."
"He... He did? But why? We are strangers to him, we didn't do anything to make him act like this"
Accelerator let out a bark of laughter.
"You honestly have no idea about how this guy thinks. He didn't saw criminals, only girls he wanted to save form prison."
"We...we don't need pity!"
"Really? That's wonderful, the guards will be thrilled. The prison is now filled with people from many levels of darkness... some of which you probably screwed over. I can only imagine how much of a warm welcome they will give you..."
Three girls went silent for a moment, before Rita spoke
"What do you propose?"
Accelerator looked back at Touma, still conversing with the other level 5s, Last Order and Fremea.
"I have an idea that seems rather amusing. You won't be imprisoned, but you have to play on my rules."
"What kind of a person is he... that guy?"
"Judge it yourself... he is a hero, he is an idiot, he is someone weaker and stronger than me at the same time. He is the one who forgives."
"Forgives?"
"Yes. Unless you won't to inflict hurt on others. In that sense, he is even stranger than level 5s. Monsters and villains are at least predictable, but there is no telling what can happen when a good man truly snaps"
"What do you wish from us?"
"Let's call it... a special community service"
(FEW DAYS LATER)
"How and why did all of that happen? I know we have no choice but... it's still kind of infuriating!"
Sakuragi Naruha was dressed up in a maid uniform and was cleaning the paintings in the living room.
"Then again, it's only thanks to him that we are relatively safe... I guess we owe this guy, huh?"
In past couple days, drastic changes occurred in the life.
Accelerator told them to expect information from him. Once Touma and level 5s left, they too departed back to their base, where they explained the entire thing to Seike. The fourth member did not want to believe it, until Accelerator somehow appeared on the flat screen of their base, scaring everyone almost to death.
He explained in an authoritarian tone that Scavengers were transferring allegiance through a permanent three sided contract, that was to be obeyed without question. Accelerator warned them that they were under close observation and he had means to know instantly if they overstepped the agreement. Should such thing happen, they were to be swiftly imprisoned, in far worse conditions than originally intended.
One side of the contract was of course Scavengers. The second was Accelerator. As a punishment, they were on Board Chairman's mercy and were now his special unit, his secret task force beyond his confinement. For what purposes, he did not disclose.
But the third party came as a biggest surprise.
"You are to obey him and work for him. This is as much of a binding part of the agreement as mine, maybe even more. This is true form of your sentence. I will leave the details to him."
Yes, the third party was Kamijou Touma. From this day forth, Scavengers were to start working for him as an equivalent of the social service.
Accelerator commanded them to pack all of their stuff and move them to the certain apartament complex. With Accelerator now speaking to them through tablet, they unloaded their possessions, with furniture set to arrive next day, in the smaller apartment at the end of the floor and went to number 913.
It was then when they were greeted by Kamijou Touma, who already known of the situation. With a smile, he proposed to get along, even given the specific situation. He then offered for the girls to join him and his friends to dinner.
Rita (out of uneasiness) and Naru (out of pride) wanted to refuse, but Yakumaru's grumbling stomach revealed how hungry they actually were. With that, they finally relented and stepped through the doorstep of Kamijou + Gokusai apartment.
That was the beginning. Soon, they were given their respective roles. Since then, many days passed.
Naru's task was cleaning and maintenance of all the apartments, a maid and handywoman of sorts. Yakumaru became a cook and assistant of resident chemists (which initially almost gave her a heart attack from Touma), with Touma apparently immensely appreciating her cooking help (with all the permanent residents and growing number of guests, dinners tended to be massive, so cooking in two or three people was a heaven sent). Seike was made an occasional chauffeur, but most of the time, he was doing some surveillance work for Accelerator. Meanwhile Rita was tasked to oversee the shopping and frequent to Touma's school, for the reasons yet unknown.
Of course, this didn't go without an echo. Touma had to deal with visibly jealous Rikuri, who basically hugged him protectively in presence of Yakumaru, as if saying 'enough dark side chemists is enough'. Similarly, the apartament was basically raided by the furious Maika and Maria Kumokawa. The latter was especially vocal on Kamijou not hiring the professional maid and if Touma didn't know better, it almost sounded like she wanted that position instead of Naru.
Each one of the girls coped with the change in a different way.
Yakumaru Itsuki changed in behaviour ever since they became neighbours of Kamijou and her friends. She spent a lot of time looking in the mirror, brushing her hair, and paying her already cute looks a lot of attention. She was also the most touched by Touma's gesture of saving them from prison.
For some context: Yakumaru got wrong idea that Touma didn't find her attractive, because she tried to flirt with him at the wrong time, when he wasn't really paying attention. Because of that experience, she got determined to get his attention and woo him to heal her wounded pride. Meanwhile, Touma actually found Itsuki very cute when he actually saw her for the first time and sometimes her actions caused him to reach out to her. But because the girl assumed she wasn't interesting enough for Touma during their initial meeting, she interpreted such actions as signs of pity, which in turn caused her to withdraw. This caused Touma to became concerned and in the end interpreting it as the sign of the girl not liking him. That in turn caused Yakumaru to once again be swayed in favour of trying to get Touma's attention and entire cycle repeated again.
Naru was the one who found it the hardest to adjust to new life. It wasn't even her work, although it was a bit dull. She was slightly jealous of Seike's apparently more dangerous jobs. But what pissed her off the most was the amount of affection that her Yakkun was giving to the guy she freshly met. Out of spite and bitterness, she confronted Touma over various things, being aware of the consequences, being intent on showing Yakumaru and the others his true self.
Yakumaru fiercely denied any change in her feelings. So Naru convinced to try to take Touma down when he was distracted.
"O-Of course, I am gonna do it!"
"Then... I am going!"
Swirling her vials and holding them between her fingers, Yakumaru slowly approached Touma from behind.
Only couple of drops in the food and he will be dealt with.
But then the boy turned around with a smile.
"Oh, Yakumaru-san? Is it lunchtime already? I can do the cooking for today, so you can rest a little if you want"
Naru clenched her fists. Come on, Yakkun, don't be fooled and just do it.
"I... I..." the brown haired chemist bit her lip.
Come on, come on...
"I want to help you anyway!" the girl finally said, flashing her cuttest smile.
WHAT?! WHO WAS THAT GIRL?! WHY IS SHE LOOKING LIKE SHE IS READY TO HAVE HIS BABY?! MAYBE THIS IS HIS HIDDEN ABILITY OR SOMETHING?!
"Really? Do you have some chemical seasoning in those vials?"
"Those... no, it's nothing important. Just leave it."
Naru wanted to bash her head against the wall. Her irritation reached its peak when Touma and Yakumaru both reached for the fallen bowl on the floor.
"What is this, a C-class movie? Don't blush, both of you! And don't turn away from each other!"
Sometime later, as Touma went out, smiling Yakumaru was patted on the back by less than thrilled Rikuri, accompanied by Hanatsuyu Kaai.
"Hey, would you mind telling me what is this?" she said, holding up one of Yakumaru's vials.
Yakumaru shivered slightly under that gaze.
"Cause to me, it looks like batrachotoxin. Good quality one" oldest Gokusai commented.
"C31H42N2O6." Kaai muttered lazily" Is a alkaloid neurotoxin. Extracted from amazonian amphibians, and infamously used in poison darts. It works by overriding sodium ion channels permeability to excitable cell membrane"
"This depolarizes the membrane and blocks the transmission of nervous signals to the muscles, which in turn causes paralysis, suffocation, cardiac arrest. Cells become necrotic and what follows is death. Did you synthesize this yourself?" Rikuri asked.
Yakumaru nodded slowly. Kaai whistled.
"Mix Master sure is handy ability for the chemist. It lets you speed up the process tremendously"
"We could use help of someone with your talent. But before that... I know that you are not the one who thought that up. You already got quite... mushy with Touma, as irritating for me this might be. Paper-chan, I can see you and I know it was your idea. Come from behind that wall"
When resigned Naru joined them, Rikuri looked at them coldly.
"Listen, I am going to only say this once. I know you might be confused or annoyed with this situation. But I will not tolerate you trying to do something with Touma. I am willing to let this one slide because he would want you to be given a chance. But I warn you. I actually changed for the better since my dark side times, but I also happened to have much more mercy BEFORE I fell in love with this man. Even if I am yet to properly confess, I do not agree to live in the world without him. I will be watching you for a while, hope you understand. If you do something like this ever again, I will make sure you won't get away with it and that you will pay dearly. You get one warning. That was it. Do you happen to know what I have here?"
She put out a vial on her own into the light. Kaai smiled, lazily taking a sip of coffee from the mug.
"Tetrodotoxin, C11H17N3O8. This is a neurotoxin, extracted from the pufferfish. It works as a natural counter to batrachotoxin. While it is not any antidote, it can reverse or diminish some of the effects of your poison. As it works by blocking sodium channels and inhibiting the action potential of neurons..."
"... and batrachotoxin takes effect by keeping the sodium channels overdriven and permanently opened... "Kaai chimed in" by administrating the natural chemical antagonist, they will cancel each other out..."
"... and the action potential will return, as the membrane will once again repolarize itself" finished Yakumaru" That's amazing... you created a perfect counter for my poison."
"Quite interesting chemical, tetrodoxin. Of many poisons I used, this one is one of the deadliest. One of the scariest parts is..." Rikuri's eyes darted to look at the Scavenger girls" it doesn't pass through blood-brain barrier, so as each and every muscle gives out and becomes paralyzed, the victim is consciouss through every second till his death..."
Rikuri was just speaking casually. But, intentionally or not, this desription, combined with a warning she gave them earlier, it gave bone-chilling effect.
It could be easily forgotten because of her somewhat airheaded, bubbly nature and lack of physical prowess, but Gokusai Rikuri could be threatening and badass once her loved ones were threatened. Contrary to Yakumaru, who developed wide range of utility chemicals with lethality aspect being secondary, Rikuri and Hanatsuyu twins favoured poisons and lethality first. Or that was the case for Rikuri, before she met Touma.
"If you promise to behave and get along with us, let's forget about this. I really want you to have a second chance to be honest, so don't make me do anything drastic"
After that, they didn't attempt to use violent means anymore.
Kamijou Touma, despite everything, he had amazing patience. He made sure his flatmates, three blond sisters, and a nun with a strange witch doll, to accept their new, irregular neighbours. He allowed them to dine together, often asked if they needed anything, and acted more like a friend than their boss. They were free to do anything they liked beside their duties too, although it was expected for them to contact Touma first.
By this point, Naru's desperate and rebellious efforts actually seemed like she really cared for the boy.
This realization caused her to pout and cross her arms, as she used her levitating pieces of paper to clean the stains on the table.
"There is no way I am ever, ever, ever liking this guy! No matter how nice he is, how awesome is the food he cooks, and how he generally saved our asses form prison, I am not letting him have Yakkun. I must protect her!"
Seike accepted the change without much of a problem. He carried on with his daily activities, sometime picked something up from the city, and remained neutral or cooperative if needed. Well, notable affair concerning him was the reveal of his girlfriend.
When Seike hesitantly showed the photo, Touma almost didn't choke on his drink.
The photo showed the blond haired individual with blue eyes, a brown and yellow tunic as well as metal belt. When Touma looked again, his eyes widened even more.
He knew that person. He knew that person very well.
After asking a few more question, Touma went to the corridor and grabbed his head in his hands.
'How in hell is Thor Seike-san's girlfriend? They are both thinking that the other one is a girl? How... how ridiculous must the web of coincidences here? I heard that dating site's AI may try to correct the assigned gender on its own if someone has long hair or feminine features, but... just wow. And what the hell was Thor thinking?"
Touma got his answers though. According to Seike, his 'girlfriend' who in reality (somehow) was Touma's old buddy Thor of Gremlin, didn't get an account on their own, instead it was created by a friend. However, Thor was using it to find people of matching interest. So, in Touma's mind, the situation presented itself:
1. Thor got account thanks to other party, possibly Marian, who was not as opposed to technology as most magicians.
2. Thor used the profile to scout people to fight or people interested in combat.
3. Seike used the dating app normally and found Thor on it.
4. Somehow, both of their genders got misclassified, causing them to believe that the other party was a female.
5. The lie (again, somehow) functioned till this date.
Touma doubted that Thor really had romantic feelings for something outside the battle, but the absurd of the entire situation was just mindblowing to him.
"Oi, everything alright?"
He turned around to see Naru with hands on her hips. He smiled at her.
"Were you concerned?"
The paper manipulator crossed her arms in the display of theatrical indifference.
"No. I was...I was weirded out. You were acting weird around Seike and the thing with his girlfriend. So what's up?"
"I am not telling you. You have an energy of 5 year old child in a sandbox and there is no way you won't tell him"
"Ugh, next time you will be in the dire need of toilet paper, you will regret that!"
"You are pretty aggressive for a maid. And the thought that you can control toilet paper is honestly terrifying"
"It's not like I wanted to be a maid in the first place, but you are good enough to let you leave. Plus it beats whatever Accelerator had planned."
Naru was bluffing, as it was said earlier. During the very first days, she discovered that all the residents of the overpowered posed significant problems. Yakkun told me about the oldest blond, but that pesky power of mental manipulation and gigantic gattling gun are issues on their own. Not to mention that the miko girl had some strange, multi-layered ability, and girl in a bob-cut actually moved a building on the other side of the street a little bit to not have a sun in the eyes during breakfast.
Also, there was a terrifying threat of Accelerator punishing them and the fact that somehow, Kamijou was able to interfere with her psychokinesis.
"Hmm... let's play rock, paper, scissors. If I win, you tell me what's on your mind"
"Alright..."
"Jan, ken, pon!"
Touma looked dumbly at the rock that Naru was displaying against his scissors.
"Why?"
"Mwahahaha! You fool of a boss! You thought that just because I am all about paper, I will show one now? Everyone thinks that and instinctively tends to use scissors, so I just have to show a rock. Now, spill it out!
'This girl...'
So Touma told Naru all about the absurd dating situation.
"Pffft..."
She failed to contain herself and started to laugh, tears flowing from her eyes. She only paused to burst out in louder laughter the next moment.
Itsuki arrived at the scene, looking at Touma with confusion
"Why is Naru barely staying upright and laughs like a hyena high on laughing gas?"
"He is... and his girlfriend's... I can't..."
Touma sighed and repeated the explanation.
"Gh... hihi... pfff..."
The chemist tried to elegantly giggle into her palm, but she too was nearly folding in half from amusement.
'Adorable...' Touma thought, before getting himself to look away from giggling Yakumaru.
'How the hell am I supposed to tell-'
"Oi, what is going on?" Seike's head popped over the doorframe. Upon seeing him, Naru and Yakumaru laughed even harder. Touma put his hands together and addressed the feminine boy.
"Seike-san... there is something you need to know. Just... be ready for a huge shock..."
(FEW DAYS LATER)
"So what happened later?" asked Izumi Rita, as she and Touma walked through the street.
"Seike-san got mad. He thought I was making fun of him. So I contacted Thor and asked him to come to the Seventh Mist, while taking Seike with me. It got resolved when they both went to the bathroom... believe me, I didn't hear screams that loud in a very long time."
"Hmm... so what became of it?"
"I don't know. They were a bit weirded out, but they are still in touch. I guess they may be bros if there was never girlfriend in the first place.
They continued to move forward in silence, became the small redhead coughed loudly.
"Ekhm... listen, I know this is rather awkward accommodation, given who we are... but I am honourable enough to thank you. If not for you, we would be incarcerated or worse. And now, besides working after school 3 days a week, we are almost free and have a place to stay. I heard that you shielded us from Accelerator's wrath. Why?"
"Why wouldn't I? You deserved to start your life anew after Handcuffs. Besides, I know it pisses you off now, but you really remind me of my teacher"
"Again with that... why am I even going to your school? I am in middle-school, you are in high-school, it doesn't make sense"
"Beats me. I guess there is some reason we are not seeing yet"
"What school are you even going to?"
"Certain High School..." Touma answered, moving forward, until he realized that the younger girl wasn't by his side anymore and instead stood motionless few steps away. If she was relatively relaxed before, now she looked stubbornly defiant.
"What is it?"
"I can't go there. No, I will go anywhere, but not to that school"
"But why? We are almost there"
"That's just the problem! I can't be seen. If she finds me here, I'll..."
"Izumi-chan?"
Third voice from behind them joined the conversation. Touma knew that voice.
He turned around to notice absolutely shocked Tsukuyomi Komoe, who apparently just appeared from around the corner. The small stack of books dropped down to the pavement from her small hands.
"Izumi-chan?! It's you, isn't it?!" Komoe cried out, dashing forward to the similarly small (but noticeably younger) girl.
Izumi's face turned into a combination of panic and disgust. She tried to dodge the hug, but the effort was fruitless, as Komoe tackled her to the ground.
"Where have you been?! I almost lost hope that I see you again."
"Ugh, get off! You can still pretend you didn't. LET ME GO!"
"Kamijou-chan, did you find her? Thank you so much, sensei is so glad!"
"Ehm... can someone explain to me what is going on?" Touma asked, as Rita tried her best to pry Komoe off. "Do you know her, Komoe-sensei?"
The pinkette blinked in confusion, before smiling.
"Know her? Of course I do. After all, Rita-chan is my niece"
Touma's mouth opened numbly.
"NIECE?!"
He knew Komoe was much older than she looked, but the idea of someone 135 cm tall and looking like 10 year old having a relative generation younger was... well, quite something.
That explained the shockingly striking similarity that led to Touma mistaking them for one another in the dark of the alley when he first met Rita.
"She got to Academy City more or less few months after I arrived here. Her parents wanted for me to look out for her, but... she ran away after few months. Even with combined efforts of myself and Anti-Skill, I couldn't find anything except occasional sightings... but now... wah?!"
Komoe cried out as fell down, Rita finally managing to free herself. She looked at surprised Komoe with contempt and spoke with venomous hate Touma never heard from her in nearly a week that passed since they met each other.
"NOTHING CHANGED, stupid aunt. Listen here and listen closely: I don't have a connection to you anymore. In fact, I have a group of close friends that actually care about my cause and myself. You were worried about me when you were the one who caused me to run away? Good joke! I am not fucking going back. To you or to any god damn teacher in the city. You can all die in a ditch for all I care. Don't suppose that time that passed made me forget that time. Time when you were supposed to be there for me. And what you did? WHAT THE HELL YOU DID?! You abandoned me! You didn't know shit about what was happening to me, how much I suffered because of this sick system!"
"Izumi-chan... I... I told you that..."
"I am through with you! And don't you dare make those puppy eyes, they don't work on me. As I said, forget this unfortunate meeting. I will be on my way, oh honourable Tsukuyomi sensei, so you go on yours. I bet you are very busy. Farewell!"
"Iizumi-san, wait..."Touma tried to protest, but Leader glared at him.
"This is a family matter, don't butt in. Thanks for everything you tried to do, but... I can't. I will accept my punishment for this, but I can't be in the same place as she is. It's just... sickening."
And then she took off running.
Touma clenched his fist.
"Hey, that's going too far! Come-"
"Kamijou-chan..." Komoe tugged on his uniform, and shook her head" I appreciate it, but... you know how to find her, right? Then leave her. I am afraid... she has every right to hate me."
"Sensei... I can't imagine anyone actually hating you. You are a wonderful teacher, sometimes more amazing than our school deserves"
Komoe blushed bashfully at that and gave Touma warm smile
"I am very happy you feel this way. But... we all make mistakes, Kamijou-chan. I am in this city for many years now, but the first year was a nightmare for me. You know, my growth stopped when I entered my early teens... and I can't count the amount of times I was bullied, ridiculed or discriminated against because of that. I had supportive parents and dream of becoming a teacher in mind. It helped me slowly march through it. But people always took time to actually take me seriously, even if they knew how old I actually was. I got used to the people trying to hide their smirks of disbelief. It was at its peak when I was attending university. Because of this, from upper elementary to university, through my teenage years, I had virtually no friends to speak of. When I came to Academy City, I hoped it will get better... and it did, but this too took time. During first year, I had to prove myself over and over again, try many times as hard as other researchers just for my ideas to be considered. Although I put a brave face, it put a strain on my mental health. Fortunately I met two wonderful people in that time, that helped me through it, even if indirectly. Yomikawa-sensei, who was on the same course as me when we came to this city and who was the only one reached out to me and wanted to become my friend. And also... you, Kamijou-chan. Do you remember when we first met? My car was being fixed and I was walking home from the train, carrying an enormous pile of books. It was a windy evening, it was starting to rain. During one of the stronger gusts, I lost balance and all of my materials fell to the ground. As I was trying to gather them, I saw a boy with a spiky hair...
"Oh no... my pyrokinesis case studies... they can't get damaged or my boss will kill me..."
As younger Tsukuyomi Komoe tried desperately to save her work from the cold rain, the spiky haired boy of elementary school age came to her side, spreading umbrella above them.
"Everything alright? Here, I will help you with this."
"Huh? T-Thank you..."
They quickly gathered the materials and stood up.
"I appreciate your help. What's your name?"
"Kamijou, Kamijou Touma."
"I am Tsukuyomi Komoe, Kamijou-san. What are you doing out in the storm?"
"My door lock... got broken. Just a bit of Kamijou-san's misfortune for you. And the reception is not good in the storm, so I ventured out to get some help in fixing it, before I saw you"
"That's not good. Students should not be out in such weather"
"Well, but I had to... wait... you are saying students... as if you are not student yourself?"
Komoe took a deep breath.
"Well, I am actually a teacher. One still completing the final certifications, but teacher nonetheless..."
Touma blinked in confusion.
"Teacher..."
"That's right"
"That's... that's so amazing!"
Komoe, preparing mentally for the usual, cynical reaction, was completely blown away.
"Huh?"
"I mean, if you really are a teacher, then you had to work really hard. It probably wasn't easy to get to that if you look so small. So yeah, it's amazing. You look like a nice person, so I hope you will get what you wish for."
Komoe stared in awe at that spiky haired boy.
A feeling of profound gratitude bloomed in her heart, as she spoke with a slight tremble in her voice.
"Why... why did you not question it?"
"I don't know but... your eyes. They look more serious and smart, compared to many people my age. Even if you look like them, it's like... there is someone else looking through your body. Do I sound stupid? Maybe I am imagining things or something..."
In that moment, Kamijou Touma, through open mind and intuition, truly saw Tsukuyomi Komoe. Not just her body, but the real her, much older than her external look. No one except her family and one other person ever saw it before.
Komoe was so deeply touched, that she lost track of how many seconds she stared onto that perceptive young student.
Her chilled body brought her to reality though.
"Ah...achoo!"
As Touma saw Tsukuyomi Komoe sneeze multiple times, he reacted quickly.
"Oh no! Here..."
Touma took off his coat and put it on the small woman. Even in few years there would be great difference in size of their clothing, but back then, it was only slightly too long.
"I can't possibly take this..." Komoe mumbled, blushing slightly.
"I can't have you catching a cold, sensei. My apartment is closed for a time being, so can we go to your place? Sorry to impose..."
"N-No, be my guest, in fact it's quite nearby...let's hurry then..."
Touma was actually very sad that he had no recollection of that memory.
"I was so happy that there was a student like this in the city. I met you couple times later on, albeit briefly. Imagine my surprise when I was assigned to you as your teacher, ehehehe...
But as for Rita-chan... during that early period, she used to stay at my place. The things she said... to an extent are true. I was so tired and frustrated with my own difficulties that while I made sure she was fed and had other basic accomodations, I didn't have mental capacity to truly listen to her problems. And problems appeared. Apparently, teacher at her school not only didn't interfere with other children bullying Rita, but mocked her as well. I only learned it after my niece disappeared. One day, she didn't return home. And no amount of searching could find her. I knew she was alive because she was sighted in a few locations, reportedly with a criminal group too... but I can't complain when it comes to her. As I said, she has every life to hate me."
"But sensei, you had it rough in that time too, she goes too f-"
"Kamijou-chan, I am, and back then I was also, an adult. My own problems do not justify my carelessness that ultimately transformed my own niece into young woman filled with resentment. Adults should not pose problems to younger generation, at least ideally speaking. Albeit indirectly, I abandoned her for that time, and she assumed that I prioritized my academic career and students over my own niece's well-being, neglecting her. I take that her hate for teachers stems from that, combined with awful things her original educator did to her
Only after she left did I realize what happened, and I felt so awfully bad... maybe that was one of the reason why I always liked to bring someone home. To fill that empty place... Shokuhou-chan, Himegami-chan, Awaki-chan, to name only them... I was just... so sorry that I couldn't fix this..."
Touma listened to his teacher's story before sighing, rising up, and clenching his fist.
"Then it seems it is clear of what she and I should do here"
"Kamijou-chan?"
"I am going to bring you two back together"
"You will? But how?"
"I know now that you made a mistake and acted wrongly sensei. But Iizumi-san should still give you a chance. People do change! You wouldn't do the same thing again, right? You can apologize to her, but you shouldn't be completely turned away. Family is important, and that's why I will help you reunite. Even if I don't how yet"
Komoe was stunned for a few seconds, before smiling warmly.
"Taking such task sounds just like you and I bet I won't be able to deter you from it. But don't let it disturb your school duties. It's already 6 minutes after the bell."
"How did you... oh, right, internal clock"
"And you are still to come to our remedy classes."
"Fukou da..." Touma sighed, as his small teacher giggled, her spirits renewed.
(CERTAIN MAGICIAN'S INTERMISSION)
The woman in beige habit smiled while taking a sip of tea. Her companion, a labrador known as Kihara Noukan, sipped brandy from dog bowl.
"Don't you find it ironic?"
"What exactly, Aleister?"
"In the end, this city may be a reflection of my own heaven on earth, albeit in different way that the original means that I intended."
"How so?"
The woman made few motions with her fingers. Something similar to bright sparks painted intersecting lines on the surface of the table. It was a seven-pointed star. And with each sentence, a flickering like hologram created by Aleister's magic came to rest on one arm of the star.
"Accelerator, the monster born from blood and raised in disregard for any life changed his ways, as he individually brought himself and other members of the darkness to face justice, as he confronted his own flaws to stand by the side of ones he cherished..."
"Kakine Teitoku, the tyrant and sociopath, found willingness to change, restraining his ambitions and arrogance by practicing humility, and found newfound peace in practice of temperance..."
"Misaka Mikoto, the poster child oblivious to true meaning of darkness, became a star for many, and reached out to countless hearts, giving inspiration and promise of hope for the better future..."
"Mugino Shizuri, the heartless psychopath, found it in herself to discipline and control herself through prudence, to remain with the ones she dared to cherish as friends and loved one, to dissuade herself from the way of fury"
"Shokuhou Misaki, the detached, mistrustful loner, embraced true love, that forever changed her heart and endured despite faulty limitations of time and memory, giving birth to most sublime of feelings..."
"Aihana Etsu, the mysterious puppetmaster, relying on others and manipulating from the shadows, lending countless people their name and transforming them into their ideal selves, through the faith in the identity that had no actual face it could be fixed to..."
"Sogiita Gunha, the relentless pursuer of ideal fight, confronting danger with free spirit, diligent heart, unwavering courage, and fortitude to confront pain and danger with valorous bravery in his life"
On each of the 7 points was a familiar face of a level 5 esper. Noukan looked at Aleister in disbelief.
"I am not well versed in those matters. But... prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, faith, hope, and love... aren't those..."
"Seven virtues of heaven. According to laws of Kybalion, correspondence between planes of existence occurs constantly. 'As above, so below; as below, so above.". When you embed a symbol into reality like this, the meaning comes naturally over time and makes itself known as if it was there always"
"So... Academy City could be the heaven on earth... with those 7 as the catalysts, would you rewrite the christian rules that you so detested and changed them into your own heavenly system?"
"There is a bit of truth in that. A flawed plan like all the others, but a try nonetheless"
"But did you really predict that they will at the very least try to overcome their sins? Did you really plan that far?"
"Who do you think you are talking to? As a matter of principle, it wasn't fully successful plan, but it still elevated them to new height. Just like 7 sins, 7 virtues are powerful symbol. They are said to create holiness. Together, they make man who understands will of heaven itself... but in themselves, they can't come together." Aleister explained, as respective mirage-like photos lit up under his touch" No matter how justly will Accelerator act, how temperate will Dark Matter's new personality be, how much hope will Railgun bring to her companions and bretheren, how prudent and reasonable Meltdowner might be, how deep and blissful might be the love that Mental Out learned to feel, how far can Aihana Etsu go on his lent identities, how of valorous warrior Number Seven might seem... they can't achieve the wholeness without one additional element... the virtues themselves will not achieve humanity without..."
Centerpiece of the star, between 7 arms, was the image of Kamijou Touma.
"... an equanimous kindness. The one that reaches the extremis and remains a constant in a changing world. Actions without witness and without reward, done from the feeling, not material desire. This is what brings true humanity to any virtue and what allows true salvation of everyone around. The light born from experiencing darkness and loneliness, from obstacles I piled up in front of that boy. The strongest light, birthed in the deepest darkness."
The two were silent for a moment, before Aleister sighed.
"Well, wine here is certainly like heaven. Let's get wasted."
"Aleister, do restrain yourself..."
"What's the point of being retired then?!"
PART 2: THE ANTHOLOGY'S FIRST COLLECTION
I. NIGHTTIME STORY
"Dad! Mom!"
Touma slowly woke up in an ornamented bedroom, blearily differentiating the silhouettes of furniture illuminated by the pale glow of moonlight.
He was laying in a big bed with a canopy from imported ebony and golden leaves. Next to him, there was a naked form of a woman pressed to his side, with black hair spreading out like a cloak of darkness, contrasting with light, flawless skin.
He tried to delicately slip away, but the woman firmly held him in place.
"Mhmmmm... don't leave me..."
Kongou Mitsuko made him fell back to the bed, as she kissed him, entangling him in the sheets.
"Mitsu..."
The half-awake woman was far too preoccupied with bombarding Touma with kisses to register what was happening, until Touma stopped her by cupping her cheeks into his hands, which caused her eyes to open, with amusingly puckered lips.
"Good morning darling... do you actually wish to continue where we left off before falling asleep?"
Even if they were close to one another for years, Mitsuko never failed to blush when she conveyed intimate proposition.
Touma had to force himself very hard to not agree and indeed continue their rather intense pre-bedtime activities.
"Mitsuko... actually it's still night time... and it's the kids. I think they need me"
"Oh, is that so?" raven haired beauty yawned and stretched, before rising up" You should sleep, darling, I will go to them."
"No, I will go, you have a conference tomorrow" Touma protested,
"Nonsense, don't talk as if you are not busy yourself" airline magnate sighed and smiled at him." You know, what since we're both up, let's go together, shall we?"
She grasped his hand and looked at him expectantly.
"You're waiting for something?"
"But of course"
"You grew a little bit spoiled, don't you?"
"Hmm, after all, I am a noble lady, and you are supposed to be a commoner" Mitsuko said playfully.
Touma smiled back
"Alright..."
But to Mitsuko's surprise, Touma didn't kiss her on the forehead, in the name of the little tradition they had when getting out of bed, but swiftly and flawlessly stole a few seconds long kiss on the lips.
After they separated, Mitsuko touched her lips with a small blush, concealed by the shadows.
"You cheated"
"Consider it a payback for all the princess carries to the bedroom."
"Quiet, you"
(MINUTE LATER)
"So, you had a bad dream?" Mitsuko smiled at Miya, as she and Touma sat down in the twins bedroom.
"Mhm..." the girl nodded with small traces of tears still on her face.
"I told her not to worry" spoke Tomoya, Miya's older brother, from the bed on the other side of the room "There is no way something could happen with mom and dad here"
"What a good brother you are, Tomo."
Touma looked at both of his children with only daughter of Kongou family. For some reason, both his and Kongou's friends, including notably Wannai and Awatsuki, discussed to which parent were the twins more similar to. It was not an easy question. Both Miya and Tomoya inherited her mother's silky black hair and eyebrows resembling smudges of calligraphy brush, but face shapes and eyes were definitely spitting image of Touma. Even if Miya were emulating her mother in many respects, people often pointed out how similar she was to Touma's mannierism. And conversely, even though Tomoya was close with Touma, he had that stately grace of high class that characterized Mitsuko.
Not that it really mattered to Touma. For him, they were simply two brilliant kids of his.
"Can you tell me a story, mom?" asked Miya expectantly.
"Hmm, what kind of story?"
"Maybe something fantastical..."
"Please no" Tomoya sighed in exasperation" It's always fairy tale setting"
"Onii-chan, you don't have taste at all!"
"I let you chose last 3 times. It always the story about how mom first met dad"
"Because..." Miya clasped her hands together" It's so romantic"
"Isn't it?" Mitsuko ruffled her daughter's hair, while father and son deadpanned at that.
'Well, it would be...' Touma thought ' if it was in some realistic convention. Last time I was a knight, Imaigne Breaker was a shield, Mitsuko was a princess, and Mugino was downgraded to the dragon shooting lasers instead of breathing fire'
"Alright, then how about this. Did we tell you a story about how me and your father got married?"
Both twins shook their heads.
"Well, me and your father became close over the years, dating for quite some time. As I graduated from the college and was about to inherit the company, I was happy with planning my future, and of course, I only pictured it with my darling by my side. Everything was splendid. My modeling career was going splendid, I wielded a powerful esper ability, and I found true love. Your father, despite his misadventures, proven time and time again that he is a valiant gentleman, a true companion befitting a lady, in his own, unorthodox way. But even when my mother approved, my father, and your grandfather, was not convinced. He respected Touma on a personal level, but insisted for me to marry one of the sons of families invested in transport industry, which would expand the share of our company. But when I was still in love with Touma, he still tried to arrange my marriage and became angry at me for not taking company interest seriously."
"Wait... are you saying that you were forced to choose between company and love?"
"Don't tell me you choose false arrangement, mom!"
"I... I am truly ashamed that I did. Back then, I panicked and didn't even dream of defying my father, I never did that before. My father believed that what he was doing was for my own good, as he and my mother met through the connections of business. Well, the only difference was that they actually fell in love, while I felt nothing for my arranged marriage partner. I didn't have a strength to truly rebel, so I grew distant to your dad and aunts."
She looked at Touma, who resumed the story
"Fortunately, Kinuho and Maaya were really smart and observant back then. They realized what was going on and begged me to intervene. They didn't actually have to convince me for a long time, because I too was suspicious of the way my contact with Mitsuko suddenly got severed. So three of us, that is, me, and your aunts, rented a plane and flew to location that we suspected held the ceremony. It took a while, because we almost crash landed, but after some adventures along the way, we arrived at the scene of that arranged wedding. If I am not mistaken, we have a footage from this"
"M-Maybe let's not show this. Looking back it was rather embarrassing."
"Too bad, I have screenshots on my phone anyway!" Touma smiled, searching for correct photos and showing them to the twins.
"Kyah! Mom looked so pretty in that wedding dress."
"And her look when she saw dad was so beautiful. Did you do the 'I object' thing, dad?"
"Something along those lines. Your mom started running to me, before tripping in the middle of the temple..."
"T-Try running in those boots. They were made for majestic, slow strolls!"
... and so I took her in a... well, bridal style, and fled. Kinuho and Maaya provided enough distraction for us to flee and in the meantime, Mitsuko got a little bit... overexcited."
"I did not!"
"You slapped a limo into stratosphere. And a buffet too!"
"Okay, maybe a little. For the first time, I was actually rebellious and it was just... amazing"
"So what happened next?"
"We sort of went into hiding. I asked few of my friends to help conceal us. We travelled from place to place, until founding ourselves in Hawaii. I knew a hotel there..."
"The one that aunt Leivinia and aunt Mikoto were talking about? Where the president showed up and you tried to stop the volcano?"
"That's the one"
"It took some time..." added Mitsuko" but with my mom's convincing, his anger cooling down, and few other factors, my dad accepted Touma, even praising his guts for stealing me, as he called it. We got a quiet, private wedding before organizing celebration months later. Also, the reason my father was convinced could be that I was overpowered by overwhelming gratitude for your father and... things happened"
"What things?"
"Various... ekhm... things. The most of which you are too young to hear" the mother of the family twirled her hair between two fingers, with a small, sly smirk on her face "We were definitely occupied... and it was more beautiful that I ever imagined."
'You tell me' Touma thought' in the morning you were asleep with a smile on your face and I kept thinking: 'I just slept with one of the richest and most popular women in Japan'. Me and that sentence should not even match'
"So... you made us?"
"EKHM! T-That's quite enough of this for now. How about one more story and then you try getting some sleep"
It took some time but the twins finally fell asleep.
"You want to watch a movie? We both now those memories made us more awake than ever."
"Sure, why not. I am choosing the movie though"
And so, Touma and Mitsuko settled on a couch in a mansion's living room and played a thriller that one of their friends recommended.
After watching half an hour, movie bored them and soon enough, the pair found themselves more interested in one another.
"We shouldn't do it here..." Mitsuko whispered, as Touma blinked in confusion.
"I only wanted to kiss and cuddle, prevy ojou-sama. Are all Tokiwadai students actually hidden perverts?"
Mitsuko pressed her wide forehead to Touma's own and smiled.
"You know what actually was the most surprising thing in all of this? In falling in love?"
"Hmm?"
"I always imagined that when I fall in love, it would be with a rich prince charming that would fulfil my every desire. But... ever since I met you, ever since I genuinely started to understand love, I realized that I wanted to give you more than take when it came to you. That even without my insistence, you gave me more than I could. I wouldn't change anything in that"
"Is that so? So this old Kamijou was of some use for that magnificent ojou-sama? I say that the road could be bumpy, considering that Ekaterina tried to strangle me at least three times."
"She only did so to get to know you, she never intended to digest you, I would know if she did"
"Great, broken ribs instead of being killed... that snake was a total yandere for you"
"Darling, maybe we should get children their own snakes?"
"Not a chance, they are still not old enough. I can totally see Tomoya getting swallowed because he got too cocky"
"Mou, it's all the matter of proper behavioural therapy. You are such a stubborn commoner... but then again, you are my commoner"
She kissed Touma lightly on the lips, before resting her head on his shoulder.
Although their minds and attraction had other plans, they finally fell asleep, covered in blanket, and with heads resting close to each other, until they were woke up by the rays of morning sun 3 hours later.
II. GOLDEN BLOOD
Parvati Kamijou should be dead. She didn't have any doubt. After all, one should not simply be okay after getting hit by a truck.
It happened when she was visiting the city. Just like with other members of her generation in Kamijou family, they shared a father but different in mothers. In Parvati's case, her mother was Sozty Exica, who was a part time professor of Indology in Tokyo University, part time magician affiliated with Necessarius. Upon Parvati's birth, Sozty and Kamijou Touma, Parvati's father, decided that Parvati will travel with Sozty on her many journey's, required by both magical and everyday side of her life, but they will regularly visit Academy City as well.
Parvati grew up to be a curious, free-spirited, and selfless girl. She read a lot and aided her mother in her studies. With that willingness to help, Sozty was only half-surprised when her daughter exclaimed proudly, that she dreams of becoming the hero of justice. It was probably not without a difference who her dad was. Among Touma's many children, Parvati was not alone in the admiration of his heroic actions.
Even though both Sozty was initially worried that because of their travels Parvati won't fit in with her siblings, everyone was always extremely welcoming and Parvati was never alone when she spent time with her dad. Her brothers and sisters always made sure to do something fun when she arrived.
Parvati loved all of her siblings, but she got particularly close to Seika, daughter of a military commander Shutaura Sequenzia, and Angelo, son of religious leader Agnese Sanctis, as well as quartet of children of New Light: Aoife and Tannia, her older half-sisters, as well as Etain and Rhain, younger than Parvati. The reason for this sympathy was probably because all of them lived abroad and could sympathize with Parvati's situation. Speaking of abroad, Parvati was also half-sister of royal children of UK, Leonard and Kira Windsor-Kamijou, but she sometimes felt shy when it came to contact with this part of the family.
It was a day, just like every other, when Parvati visited Academy City. After school, she was fetched by Seika, who synchronized her visit to the city to meet with her specifically, as well as Chousuke, son of aunt Youen. The boy with a hair in samurai knot was an introvert and preferred staying indoors, so Parvati was all the more happy to see him. Chousuke was apparently on the way to a research lab, but wanted to walk with his sisters before he had to go to his duties.
Seika told others a lot about her mother... or rather, her mothers. All children of Touma knew the story of Endymion, and the story revolving around Shutaura Sequenzia and Arisa Meigo. However, not even Seika knew how exactly Touma reunited with fusion of Shutaura and Arisa. Out of all partners of Kamijou Touma, this history was certainly filled with great amount of mystery. That being said, Shutaura herself was frequent companion of Touma, as she often accompanied him on his endeavours as a self-appointed bodyguard.
Kamijou Touma, besides being a househusband of sorts, worked as a freelancing private detective. It was a joint idea of Shirai Kuroko and Misaka Mikoto, who assessed that "if Touma was going to risk his life anyway, might as well profit from it a little" and that "this way he could at least be legally recognizable and count on quick support of Anti-Skill". Basically nothing changed in his line of action besides that.
Even though this new entity called herself Shutaura for administrative reasons, that woman was a balance and blend between two people joined together, creating a completely original individual who at the same time retained personalities and memories of its respective counterparts. Even though through majority of time those personalities were balanced, from time to time, usually in the times of distress or new situations, they differentiated each other, changing Shutaura's speech, or habits. Seika was accustomed to her mother's duality, but to other people, it came as a major surprise.
Touma treated the new Shutaura with respect and attention whenever they met, being aware of her specific mental situation. As far as Seika could tell, her mothers were deeply in love, if frequency of Shutaura mentioning Touma, as well as particularly good mood of both personalities after exiting bedroom in the morning were any indications.
Seika loved her mom as a whole and honestly wouldn't trade her for anyone else, even if Shutaura tended to be very strict. However, she was also very protective and supportive, even though her selves were split on how to specifically raise Seika, or what to leave to Touma.
It was when Seika was telling her siblings about latest song she wrote, when the tragedy struck.
The truck came out of nowhere, despite it being green for the pedestrians. With the driver seemingly losing control of it, the vehicle was heading straight towards Seika.
Or at least until Parvati managed to push her older sister away.
With a sickening sound, the body of the brown skinned girl was sent flying and crashed into the street few meters further, which was followed by the screams from both Seika and Chousuke.
(LATER)
Kamijou Touma arrived to the hospital, accompanied by two women.
First, dressed in a tight jeans and light T-shirt was Sozty, who immediately ran to see her daughter. The other, wearing her civilian clothing, consisting of black T-shirt with red underline and khaki trousers, was Shutaura Sequenzia, who leaned over Seika
"Are you hurt?"
"N-No... but 'Vati-chan..."
"Honestly, how much of an airhead are you?! Why couldn't you avoid it?! This is not what I trained you for!"
"I am... sorry, mom..."
Shutaura's stern gaze softened a little bit, as she put hand on her daughter's head
"I was worried, you know..." almost unnoticeably, a tone of her voice shifted slightly" Please, be more careful in the future"
Touma walked over to Chousuke.
"Son? Hey, can you tell me what happened? That would be very helpful"
Chosuke slowly nodded and spoke
"We were crossing the street when the truck appeared. The driver said that he accidentally stepped on accelerator instead of the breaks and lost control over the vehicle. We had no time to fully avoid it and Seika would take the hit but Parvati pushed her away in the last moment before taking the hit herself. She was sent flying, and at the same time, the truck crashed into the lamppost. I wanted to perform some medical aid, just like mom taught me to... but... the thing is..."
"Touma!" sounded the voice of Sozty.
As they turned around, the hindu magician looked at them with tears in her eyes.
By her side was Parvati, standing and looking at them with curiosity.
"Sis?" Chousuke rubbed his eyes, before turning to Touma" Dad, do you see it too?"
"Parvati!" Touma ran forward and grabbed the girl by the shoulders" Are you okay... no... how are you okay?"
"I am fine, dad. A little sleepy and very hungry, and world is a little blurry... but it's okay. What do you mean how? I simply got up..."
"No, you don't understand" Chousuke said, mirroring Touma's shocked expression" I have basic medical knowledge. You had fractured bones, multiple cuts, possibly internal bleeding... yet there is no wound. No wound at all"
Shutaura also closed in on the girl and examined her closely.
"Miss Shutatura?" asked Sozty" is it really that important? She is alive!"
"Yes, yes, of course..." Shutaura squinted her eyes, examining the flawless tissue " I have plenty of experience with miracles, but this is truly strange..."
"That's no miracle, Shutaura-san" spoke the elderly voice behind their back." that's an esper power"
Although he was incredibly wrinkly, lost almost entirety of his hair, and he slightly hunched his back a bit, Heaven Canceller still enjoyed relatively good health and unclouded intelligence.
"Follow me, miss Sozty, Kamijou-san. I will explain everything"
(IN THE HC'S OFFICE)
"Gemstone ability?" Touma asked in shock.
"Yes, an innate esper power. They manifest randomly and people can use them since birth. It's no surprise that in family such as yours there is at least one Gemstone."
"Yes, but... how come we never noticed?" Sozty looked at Parvati, who was joyously enjoying protein bar from the vending machine.
"Usually people look for the obvious manifestations of power. But... did you ever see Parvati-chan injured?"
Both parents opened their mouths, and then closed them again.
"No... I don't think so"
"Listen" Heaven Canceller pointed out at some charts displayed at the desk" your daughter has the Gemstone ability that is closely connected to the physical characteristic of extreme rare kind. I am not sure if the blood itself changed in response to AIM field, but..."
"Get to the point, doc. What is going on with Parvati?"
"Parvati-chan..." the old doctor called to the girl " Be a good girl and come here. Don't worry, it will only hurt for a moment..."
As the girl came to his side, he took out a scalpel and with a quick cut, slit the fragment of her arm with a scalpel.
"What do you think you are-" Sotzy rose from the chair, but Touma stopped her.
"Wait..."
After 10 seconds or so, he saw it. The edges of the cut were closing in on each other. Then they connected, with the wound turning into red smudge, then into pale white line... before completely disappeared, leaving only light-brown skin.
"Well, your daughter's ability is powerful, but also has certain dangerous limitations. This ability, dubbed Golden Blood, is closely related to Auto-Rebirth, but even more potent. It allows the body of the user to regenerate and repair bodily tissue on genetic level, leading to very fast healing of physical traumas, as well as the nullification of diseases and poisonous substances. And that's only one way to use it. On its own, and for the user himself, it's very powerful. I imagine that without limitations, only decapitation would be the way to kill the person using it. But... as I said, there are certain limitations. This ability works through the medium of a very rare, mutated blood. We are talking about a Bombay variant."
Sozty looked at the doctor unsurely. He smiled slightly
"The ethnic background of you and your daughter is coincidental in this case.. Now, for a little bit of a biochemistry. You are probably heard of blood groups and the AB0 system. The main blood types in humans are A, B, AB, and 0. Each of them has antigens, antibodies, one or the other, or both. A type has A antigens and anti B antibodies. B type has the opposite parameters. AB type has both antigens, no antibodies. 0 type has no antigens, but both antibodies. In transfusions it is important that the recipient's antibodies do not attack the donor's antigens. Therefore, groups AB and 0 are universal recipients and donors, respectively. But getting to the point, the other classification is Rh+ and Rh-. Although the system has different antigens and antibodies, the basic idea applies here as well. Normally, blood must have antigens or antibodies. But there is a blood type that does not produce a certain factor needed to create them. It's a blood type with naked cells... Rh null."
"And Parvati-chan has this blood type?"
"It is the rarest type in the world... also known as the Bombay variant because it is most common in the Indian subcontinent. But sometimes, very rarely, mutations can occur... Parvati-chan has a blood chemistry that, combined with the influence of AIM field from her brain, allows her to regenerate and repair her body incredibly fast. Tissue regeneration rate is remarkable... this healing ability can in theory close any wound, repair every organ, destroy every disease, restore sizeable portion of the body, maybe even prolong life. Also... and this is quite ironic... Rh-null is called "golden blood", hence the name of the ability, but Parvati-chan's blood ... it's actually golden contact with oxygen."
He took a small vial from the table. The liquid inside was orange-gold in colour.
"It's blood from her arteries. Her blood is normal while inside of the body, but turns to this colour while exposed to the air. It also slowly oxidizes and evaporates on contact with the air. However, if you put it into another body, this ability will temporarily heal another person. Parvati-chan is a walking panaceum. But it is both a gift... and a curse."
"Because everyone will want her blood?"
"Possibly, though I doubt they'd be able to replicate that effect. It is the combination of the Bombay variant, and the supernatural power of Parvati-chan that gives this healing effect. The extracted blood actually loses its properties either after 10 minutes of exposure to air, or when it is taken far away from the source, since it is linked to AIM field. No, the real danger lies elsewhere. On the one hand, because Rh-null has no antibodies, it will never attack the recipient's blood. This blood can be universally taken by anyone, which means that Parvati-chan is able to heal anyone she chooses. If there are no antibodies, there is no attack on the new cells. But on the other hand... what happens when there are no antigens?"
Sozty grasped Touma's hand, who started to understand, as the Heaven Canceller concluded
"One who has Rh-null can only receive it from another person with Rh-null type... and there are only a few dozens in the entire world. The chance that the hospital knows about such a rare blood type is small. Therefore, most accidents that are only dangerous for ordinary humans are fatal for people with Rh-null. If she loses too much... that's it, no coming back, certain death. I can get the blood here, but it takes time."
" But... you said it yourself, Parvati has self-healing abilities! She'll regenerate before she loses too much blood."
"Possibly, but it may as well be a gamble. Her blood causes her cells to divide and differentiate with great speed. But that takes energy. Very little is needed for shallow wounds. At deeper levels, the energy escapes as steam. But if she has to heal too many times, takes too much damage in a short period of time, or if she's weakened for some reason... regeneration will slow down at best, stop completely at worst. Therefore, she must eat well, sleep well and take care of her body. Consumption of sugar and proteins should support its potency. I would also suggest donating the blood for her own use, just in case, and avoiding damaging the tissue in the way that may cause major blood loss"
(LATER)
"What happens now?" Touma asked Sozty, who shurgged with a smile.
"We will do what the doctor ordered. She will donate blood for her own potential usage and try to keep herself safe. Though I think there is only so much of a capacity in which we can protect her.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because, for what it's worth, she is just like you, my selfless hero"
(YEARS LATER)
The burning building was close to collapsing. The fire brigade recoiled from the explosion inside of the building.
"Is everyone out?"
"My...my parents! There are still inside!" shouted a small girl.
Meanwhile, in the blazing inferno, man and a woman was trying to escape. The flames were about to consume them and it seemed completely hopeless. But then...
"Follow me!"
Someone grabbed them by the arms, and pulled through the labyrinth of burning rooms, until finally showing them the window.
"It's not high up. Jump!"
"But-"
"Jump, now!"
And with surge of adrenaline, the couple managed to jump through the window.
The mysterious helper smiled.
Then, explosion shook the entire building. And the burning roof caved in.
"No!" the wife screamed as their saviour was seemingly buried inside.
But, after few minutes, a silhouette emerged from the flames.
"Thank god, you are..." the man started to speak, before he and his wife saw the silhouette well.
"Kh... haaaayhhhh..."
They screamed.
The creature was covered in 3rd degree burns and turned into a walking, charred remnant of a person, with only eyes visible.
It leaned over the wall.
"Kah...aaaaaaaah... gyahhhh...gaoooaaaahhhhh!"
With each scream of pain, the charred skin on the burnt body began to change colour, going from black to red, and then, slowly, as the burns disappeared, to brown. Finally, as the hair appeared again, the terrified couple looked at young indian girl, practically naked, panting against the wall.
"Are you... alright?"
"You just..."
"Yeah. I did."
"What... who are you?"
"I..." the girl smiled slightly" am just a normal high school girl, who wanted to help people in need"
Her heroic pose broke when she looked around.
"That being said... do you have some clothes? And something to eat? I am very hungry"