Toaru Majutsu no Index Painted prison chronicles

Gokusai Rikuri woke up early, which was most unusual.

Normally she would slumber until someone else woke her up, but that obviously wasn't the case now. Kaibi was still breathing lightly in her sleep, and Amazora was rolling around in her bed, occasionally scratching her still developing chest for some particular reason.

In truth, Rikuri was pretty restless. Of course, she knew the reason for that. It would be strange if she wasn't surprised.

It was almost that day. And of course, if she was to make a move, it would be by then.

Rikuri slowly exhaled and lifted herself up on her bed.

Everyone in the apartment were still asleep. That just showed how unusual this situation was.

Rikuri, as usual after awakening, stretched her sensual body in the rays of the morning sun. She smiled slightly, remembering times when Touma accidentally walked on her doing that. As this particular wake up ritual accentuated certain parts of her already mature body, there was no other option but for misfortunate boy to turn into blushing mess.

Speaking of Touma... Rikuri couldn't help but giggle to herself as she recalled few times when she watched him sleep in peace of recent days. Of course, his misfortune was never truly gone, but Rikuri saw with immeasurable pleasure that in his sleep he definitely could relax much more, looking certainlymore peaceful than at the beginning of their relationship.

Not that she was actively watching him sleep that often.

Alright, maybe more often than not, but... Rikuri found Touma absolutely precious when he was relaxed. And she was more than happy that she could contribute to this happiness.

She glanced at the photograph on the table. Besides the one depicting her and her sisters together with Touma, there were also more broad ones, depicting their most frequent guests, like Maidono, Hasako, and the neighbouring Hanatsuyu twins, as well as Index and Othinus.

Since they began living together, Rikuri could confidently say that she was happier than ever. Even though they were trying to cope and somehow adapt to society after the de facto collapse of Academy City's Dark Side, it was Kamijou's presence that finally made them able to function as a relatively normal family. Rikuri flourished, met someone special, could enjoy moments of tranquility while still pursuing her interest and not being forced to play someone she was not. She worked alongside one of the younger dark siders she truly admired, and made new friend in form of the girl from Kamijou's school who, although nearly 3 years younger, was great to talk with and had some interesting ideas for the future business.

Rikuri could not easily say how grateful she was for Touma's presence in her life. She owed this time of peace, among many other things, to him and his efforts. She was still in process of thinking about his gift, about a way to properly thank him.

But she needed to act in some way, soon, otherwise she felt that the feelings could as well overflow her entire being. She owed that both to Kamijou, and herself. Those feelings were distracting, in a good way, as she experienced giddiness, warmth, and so many feelings while awake, and even greater spectrum of very vivid dreams while asleep.

But...

Rikuri took shaky inhale, returning to her bedroom and taking the phone from the nightstand. It suddenly felt as if it was weighing much more than in reality.

'I can't run forever, especially if I was already tracked down. But there is much, so much for me to do here... with my sisters, with my friends... with Touma..."

She felt her vision get a bit blurry and she dried her cheeks. But just as she tried to collect herself, a message on her phone made her eyes go wide and face pale.

'No... she's... no, that's not possible! But if it is... doesn't mean that I have to...'

She slumped onto the chair, with heavy thoughts in mind and even heavier feelings in her heart.

(FEW DAYS LATER)

"You have to drink your milk and take the vitamins later on!"

"Nooooooooooo! No, no, no, noooooo!"

"Amazora! You can't just neglect that... get back here!"

Touma walked straight into the occasional morning mess of their familial breakfast.

Kaibi lost her temper, determined to supply healthy elements of diet to her younger sibling, which resulted in the two girls chasing each other around the table. Meanwhile, Maidono was smirking in a mischievous manner, looking at Hasako and Index.

"Touma, check this out! Funniest thing you'll see all day!" she giggled, motioning with her index finger.

"Hoshimi-san, that's not funny at AAAAAAAAHHH?!"

Hasako's protest got cut off, as the hair dryer on the long cable 'came to life' and lifted itself of the floor with whirring and buzzing noise.

Both Hasako and Index practically jumped into each other's arms in fright.

"IYAAAAAAAAAAH! Touma! This growling fan wants to eat our hair!"

"K-Kamijou-sama! H-H-HEEEEEEELP!"

Touma sighed, watching the squealing girls getting chased by the telekinetically propelled hair dryer. Surprisingly, Index found quite the good friend in Hasako. Maybe it was since both of them were a little old-fashioned in a sense, and also because Hasako was a good listener to the nun, not judging strange (from science side perspective) phrases or terms she tended to use. So, two girls conversed with each other frequently when they met. They were similar in certain areas, well, except for the fact that Index was a voracious eater, and Hasako would always consume elegant and rational portions of food. But the other thing they shared was occasional technophobia, caused through the isolation from technology in magic side for Index, and unseen evolution of technology through time of her hibernation for Hasako. Although they fared well in most instances, sometimes it didn't take a lot to scare them, as the practical joker Maidono explored.

Touma looked around the kitchen. From time to time, they got prelude's to breakfast just like this one. Especially since they had frequent guests, often lured by the food or company. Their apartment was incredibly spacious, so it was not like they lacked actual physical space. But still, with more people around, the chance of misfortunate accidents proportionally increased, especially since one involved was Kamijou of all people.

It happened a little bit like domino effect.

Itsuki, who volunteered to prepare salad and drinks for breakfast, walked in with a cup of coffee, for either Kaibi or Maidono, who had the tendency to drink something stronger in the morning. But...

"Onee-chan, I don't wanna!"

"I've been holding back on forcing you to be consequent with this, so do not expect any mercy this time."

"Nego... negotiation! Let's make oysters with milk!"

"Please, don't make me lose faith in humanity's lack of aesthetics, this is positively disgusting!"

And so it happened that running Amazora bumped strongly into Itsuki.

"Aaaah?!"

Who spun with a grace of a ballerina, before falling to the floor...

Or rather almost doing so, because Touma managed to catch her before she collided with the ground.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Itsuki blinked, finally noticing that he was holding her with one arm, slightly bent over her.

"Y-Yes... t-thanks to y-you..."

Inwardly, she was dying out of embarrassment. Why did he always make her act like this? She was a very good actress and was devoted to correct the mistake of their first meeting. She wanted for Touma to yield to her charm and worship the ground on which she stood, like all the other guys before.

Except, apparently, Touma was not just some other guy. For some reason, for each attempt to make him charmed, she was getting twice or thrice as flustered as he was supposed to be. This was putting salt onto her wounded pride even more...

But even still, she couldn't help but find the shivers coming from contact with his arm pleasurable. The fact that his face was so close, and her own reddened quite a bit, did not bother her as much as it did before.

"YAKKUN!"

That angry scream that caused both the boy and the girl to turn their heads, originated from Sakuragi Naruha. But what made her so angry?

20 seconds earlier or so, Itsuki's coffee was sent flying through the air.

Maidono, who perched on a couch as if trying to imitate a stretching cat, (as a matter of fact, she and Sphinx stretched next to each other from time to time during their times of laziness) noticed the flying drink.

"I got this!"

The cup froze in mid-air. However, the same could not be said about its caffeinated contents, that actually accelerated thanks to the sudden halt of their container, and travelled straight onto Naru's lower belly and crotch, still steaming and hot.

"YAKKUN!" the purple haired girl wailed in anger and pain.

But the cherry on top was still to come. As both Touma and Itsuki looked at her, the wet paper partially fell down, with Naru flashing her panties in front of Touma.

Soon, the chase around the table grew to 4 people, as well as Sphinx chasing Othinus, who decided it was a wonderful idea to follow the chase along.

"HEEEEELP!"

Plus one very irritated nun, already recovered from hair dryer prank, who was trying to get through.

"TOUMA! There is a Benny Hill chase blocking the fridge! AND I AM HUNGRY!"

"I don't know if I am more surprised with you knowing Benny Hill or the fact that you are proactively going to the fridge instead of dumping it on me!"

"Human, do something before I get eaten and she tries to eat the furniture! Which already happened before!"

Rikuri, yawning and with bed hair, and Hasako, with her own hair partially tied in a bun she usually wore to sleep, stared at this with dubious gazes. Finally, Hasako let out a roar that caused everyone to freeze in place. The first esper coughed slightly and spread her arms.

"Everyone, please calm down! Let's not make Touma-sama any more problems and enjoy our breakfast in peace. I will cook for you, so if you settle down, it would be delightful"

The girl gazed at Touma and smiled shyly

"Do you want something specific to eat?"

"You..."

Touma too looked at Hasako, with huge amount gratitude. It was amazing just how much could she be firm and consequent while retaining her good-natured self. She was gentle, both in her elegant manners and type of beauty, but always held this pressure of immense authority and self-discipline... possibly a remnant of her former life.

"Ekhm... Touma..." Maidono began to snicker from the sofa." I don't think she is on the menu. Not in that time of the day, at least."

Touma blinked, looking at slightly flushed Hasako, and realized that in answer to her question he answered 'You' before spacing out in contemplation.

"I-I meant... you don't have to do it, I will take care of the breakfast!"

"Maybe we shall all do it together then?" Rikuri offered, coming over and pulling Touma into the hug. "And maybe we can go for ice cream together later on? What do you think, everyone? My treat!"

Although Amazora, Maidono, and Naru seemed very extatic for sweet treats, Kaibi, who usually had a particularly potent sweet tooth, didn't seem so enthusiastic. Instead, she glanced at Touma, who nodded back to her.

(2 HOURS LATER)

"So, I assume that you are noticed that something is clearly off with Rikuri nee-san" Kaibi sighed as she and Touma sat side by side of the pool complex in their apartment building, while observing Maidono and Hasako trying to teach Amazora how to swim properly.

Beginning Child encouraged the small girl to reach her, while Maidono swam nearby, pointing various technical details necessary for Amazora's movements to actually propel her.

"Yes... although I can't put my finger on what is actually going on" Touma nodded. Kaibi put a finger on her cheek.

"Well, for one thing, she is never that selfless. She often is helping out, but she is trying a little bit too hard to give us a good time. She spoils Amazora even more than before, goes to your bed even more often than ever, and talks with me about things that clearly don't really interest her. Not to mention being amazingly calm and kind towards our neighbours. She also started coming for you to school-"

"Yeah, I get it. Something changed. The question is... what? And if something changed in regards to Rikuri-san, what caused that change?"

"What is bothering her, huh..." Kaibi muttered, before shifting her gaze slightly" While I would like to believe that it's some emotional turmoil of feelings similar to what I've been experiencing-"

Touma followed her gaze and shivered. To be honest, he forgot they were holding hands.

To understand this, one had to understand the aftermath of Kaibi's confession after their kiss in Seventh Mist mall. Or rather, prelude which this aftermath inaugurated.

After Kaibi's confession, Touma was absolutely shocked. Kaibi, seeing that, asserted with a smile that while she expected him to give her the answer eventually, he could think it through and take his time with it.

'After all, I know you have a lot on your head and I dropped it on you quite suddenly' she smiled charmingly as they sat by the carbon fountain' So please, tell me when you'll be ready. I hate half-assed answers, so this is for my own comfort. For now, I wanted you to listen to my feelings. And when you sort out yours, please tell me.'

Touma was, in fact, quite lost. Even though in recent times he made some progress in getting around feelings that many, many girl around him had for his person, having a girl actually confess to him was definitely something he was not accustomed to (the only other girl who confessed to him like that was Index, and that was a whole another case of post-amnesia awkwardness to sort out).

That being said, it was not like he didn't like it. On the contrary, he appreciated those feelings. How could he not? The very idea that someone would want to be with someone as misfortunate as him almost brought tears to his eyes.

Even if he wanted to respond to her now, it was Kaibi's own request for him to think this through for some time. Although she was denial-prone and often stubborn, she had great ability to learn and over time, she became increasingly mature. This greater patience and maturity, especially in romantic life, was something that Touma found, well, quite attractive as a trait of character.

All of that being said, his response being put on hold for a period of transition didn't stop Kaibi from trying to make him inclined to fall in love with her. Her demeanour, possibly through the ridding of the burden of unspoken feelings, became much more light and flirty, in a way that she often sought the opportunity to be close to him, or held his hand. She even occasionally woke him with a kiss on the cheek after returning from her morning run. Kaibi did not flaunt this newfound closeness but when they were alone, this was a completely different story. It was, in a way, being more than friends, and less than a proper couple.

Going back to the present situation, Touma listened as the girl finished her sentence.

"... but something tells me there is more to it than that"

"Do you have any ideas?"

"I know for a fact that if she tries so hard and lapses into such servitude, she must either feel guilty of something or feel that she must make up for something, probably what. The only question is, what is the thing that make her clean, buy others food, walk them to schools... she is starting to neglect herself through this and...I am honestly starting to worry."

"Did this happen in the past?"

Kaibi squeezed his hand with a slight grimace on her face.

"Yes, but... it always resolved itself rather quickly. Ultimately, she always told us what was bothering her. Right now, as I see it, I don't think she will disclose what is bothering her unless she is pressured."

Touma thought for a moment, but in truth, he too was worried over Rikuri feeling bad and hiding it. Finally, he let out a sigh of his own, and spoke:

"Tiptoeing around the issue will get us nowhere. Maybe we should talk to her after the birthday party. It would be funny if she was just worried about getting older"

Kaibi chuckled at that.

"I don't think we would have that luck. Especially with you around."

"Oi!"

"But it's a good idea to give it a try"

Kaibi told Touma nearly a week ago that Rikuri's birthday was coming up. Since then, they planned a surprise party for her. From the present's point of view, Rikuri's birthday was due in two days. They were all planning to make it together, with Maidono, Hasako, Hanatsuyu twins, as well as Fukiyose Seiri who apparently became Rikuri's best friends behind Touma's back. They got along through their shared appreciation for health products and Touma was really glad for his older flatmate. Nevertheless, everyone was busy trying to prepare Rikuri the best party in the world.

"Onii-chan, onee-chan, are you talking about part- bhagbaragh?!"

Amazora, somehow overhearing their conversation perked her head up, but that was enough to break her coordination, sending her straight to the bottom of the pool.

Maidono facepalmed and motioned upwards with her index finger.

A large sphere of water, containing Amazora, emerged from the pool, travelled to the floor beyond the water, and then lost its shape, leaving the blond girl laying down and coughing.

Hasako, wringing her long branched ponytail from the excess water, came to Amazora's side, and few seconds later, Maidono was there as well.

"I was so close!"

"There, there" Hasako patted her head" You're doing an excellent job."

"Really?! Owie!"

Maidono chopped her head with her hand.

"Do not lose focus, idiot! You are never going to stay afloat if you react like someone high on sugar and react to every single thing outside of the pool!"

"Y-Yes, sensei!"

Touma and Kaibi got up, while eyeing the teaching attempt.

"Those two... they are really like yin and yang, huh?"

"Yeah, carrot and the stick"

"Kaibi-san..."

"I told you. From now on, you can drop the honoriphic"

"K-Kaibi... I think that for now we should focus on preparing a party. Then we will talk to Rikuri and ask if something is bothering her"

Kaibi smiled at him and nudged him slightly

"You know... if I am being honest, it's nice to have you here in a situation like this"

"In regards to Rikuri's behaviour?"

"Well, that too. You are very welcome in my life for..." she touched her lips with her painted nail, her cheeks adapting slightly pink hue" variety of reasons... but now, I am glad I have someone reliable I can talk with about various issues as well. I love Amazora, she is extremely important to me, but she is not exactly the perfect fit for those type of talks."

With that said, they walked to the other trio.

"Me and Touma will race now. What do you think you plan on doing?"

"Maybe we can do snowball fight?" Amazora suggested.

"I am in!" Maidono's eyes lit up.

"Really? We have summer..."

"Hasacchi, can you do arctic for us?"

"Yes, but only when Amazora-chan dries up. We wouldn't want her to catch a cold just before her sister's birthday". Touma-sama, Kaibi-san, please go ahead and swim on. We will be back in a bit"

So, Kaibi and Touma swam together for a while, before the other girls returned, equipped with warm coats. Hasako had her necklace containing dozen preserved DNA samples required for the usage of her power.

"Ready?"

With a roar, the room became covered in ice and snow.

Soon, Hasako and Amazora went against out to battle against Maidono. This asymmetric arrangement was in part influenced by the fact that Maidono had no equal when it came to remotely sending barrages of snowy projectiles with her power.

Kaibi watched them with amused smile, thinking if she could ask Hasako to switch to warmer environment so that she could sunbath, before realizing that Touma was no longer by her side, or even at the pool.

(LATER...)

Rikuri took a sip of tea and sighed. Her working glasses slipped down her nose and she readjusted them without much of a thought.

She went for a walk. Watched TV. Worked to improve her drones. Done one of her assignments. She also worked with chemicals, which was generally her best way to relax.

Nothing could quell her uneasiness and she felt tired. Tired of feeling worried.

But she couldn't help it. Not when she was alone. After all, tomorrow...

She shook her head and briefly thought about injecting some self-synthesized oxitocine into herself, before rejecting the thought.

No amount of preparation could truly be enough in the prospect of that meeting. And its implications caused Rikuri's heart to yearn, to savour as much of life with her friends and family as possible. To show them her gratitude for being here. To...

'...show them she was still here. Show them that even if she disappeared, she would still care'

"Rikuri..."

She gasped, quickly turning around, to find Touma in the entrance of the living room. She then graced him with a small smile.

"Oh, hello!" she waved weakly, before turning off her laptop, taking off the glassess and strolling towards Touma "I did not see you come in. Did you have fun at the pool? I am sorry that I couldn't come, but I have many projects to work at recently..."

"Right... don't overwork yourself..."

"O-Of course!"

"Are you hungry?"

"No! In fact, I can make something for you if you want..."

Touma took a deep breath and steadied himself. He knew that he and Kaibi decided it already, and it would be helpful if she was here, but he wanted to know what was bothering the eldest sister without resorting to the use of Measure Heart.

He mentally apologized to Kaibi and asked the important question.

"Rikuri... I just want to ask... is everything okay?"

Rikuri's smile didn't change, but her body stiffened at that question.

"W-Why wouldn't I be okay? There is no reason for me to be upset..."

"Yeah... no reason that I would know of..." Touma slowly said" but... you've been acting strange. I don't mean it in a bad way, just... you avoid being with others, but when you are with them you shower them with attention. You are quite pale... also, your eyes are red. Were you cry-"

"Oh, that?" Rikuri shifted awkwardly, and then make few dramatic coughs while rubbing her nose." That's... that's just from the allergies and dust in the air. They are positively dreadful... My nose and eyes are so itchy, no wonder I don't look presentable. "

She quickly turn around. This was of course an excuse to hide her face, with trembling lips and slightly misty eyes.

She hated herself for this deception. For the long time, she debated if she wanted to confine this situation. But... she just couldn't make herself to do it.

Then, she felt Touma put his hand on her shoulder.

"Rikuri-san, you told us multiple times that you are both poison and allergen resistant because you condition yourself. And as much as complains about the forced social service, Naru-san does a good job, so everything is spotless. I know that your eyes aren't red from allergy or anything like this. You've been crying. Can you-"

Rikuri moved away, Touma's hand falling down, and once again smiled awkwardly at him.

"I...I think I will go take a nap. I suddenly felt really tired. E-Excuse me!"

"Rikuri, wait-"

Touma extended his hand, but Rikuri already walked away, leaving him in an uneasy mood.

(20 MINUTES LATER)

Touma went out to the city, deep in thought and with heavy heart.

He actually spoke with Othinus and Index regarding his worry for Rikuri, with both of them advising him just to speak with her directly. However, now he was sure that he acted prematurely. It would be better if he waited.

No matter what he tried to do, Rikuri's unusual situation occupied his thoughts.

Was she angry? Scared? Upset? Confused? All of the above? Could he actually do something about it or was it beyond his control?

How long was Rikuri off like this? A week, maybe?

As he pondered on those things, certain scene in the corner of his vision.

"You dare bother the marvellous Kongou Mitsuko? The nerve, be gone from here this instant!"

"Come on, just go have some fun with us. It will be cool, right guys?"

It was a familiar Aero Hand being hit on by some guys, who were practically glued to her.

'Ah, déjà vu' Touma deadpanned at the sight.

He frowned. He did not remember it, but he was sure that he saved a Tokiwadai girl from being hit on. Or rather, he saved the guys from the girl. Even without criminals, some things just didn't change in the city that was, for better or for worse, filled with teenagers.

Oh well, Kongou was capable, but knowing Tokiwadai ladies' temper, it could easily turn into esper power blasting left and right. Besides, those guys were not really criminals, or at least they didn't look like that. They seemed to be normal students, who just got a little too interested in a pretty girl.

Knowing that he could not just leave, Touma took a step forward. In that moment, Kongou noticed him and her face brightened.

"Excuse me, this is my girlfriend-"

"Excuse me, this is my boyfriend-"

They both exclaimed before pausing, staring at each other. Both of their faces went slightly red.

The thing that made Touma flustered wasn't what he said. He used that trick multiple times while saving harassed girls, sometimes with failure, occasionally with success. However, this was the first time when someone not only got along with it, but apparently got similar idea from her end.

The guys who hit on Kongou were equally confused, and looked at both Touma and Kongou with puzzled faces.

The airline heiress was the first to move, reaching Touma and grabbing his hand with a smile.

"Darling! You took so long. I was just explaining those gentlemen that I should be going, so it's a wonderful thing that you came around."

"R-Right... y-yes, we should be off-"

They walked a few steps, before one of the boys spoke

"Wait! We heard a guy who plays some hero around here and pretends to be boyfriend of various girls. You're trying to steal her from us! Stop butting in, a cutie like that doesn't belong to some boring rando like you!"

Touma felt Kongou's hand clench tighter and saw her gaze get colder.

But before the girl could enact anything she had in mind, Touma, praying to gods for his actions to yield good results, suddenly swooped her out of her feet and into the princess carry. He straightened his back, and looked at the other guys with confidence and power in his eyes.

"She is not an object that can be stolen! And even if she didn't have a problem with being described like that..."

He slightly pressed the Kongou's body to his chest, adding the finishing touch to the act.

"She is mine! So I would suggest you to back off!"

They stared at each other before one of the other students clicked his tongue.

"Tch, damn it! Let's go!"

Touma did not let himself relax until they got out of their sights... and then his head slumped lower.

'I want to die! I truly want to crawl under rock and die! What the hell was that scene? Also, I acted possessive right after asserting that she should not be objectified. I am just the worse. I bet Kongou-san is...'

As he looked down on the girl, he found her staring at him with uncharacteristically meek and red face.

'Oh no, I totally hurt her pride. How do I apologize for that? I literally pressed her against me!'

However, what Touma did not realize...

'Oh my... I do feel his muscles! No one outside the family ever held me that close before. And I know that it was supposed to be acting, but...'

'I bet she hated that macho act...'

'That possessiveness was really... really... that almost felt like a proposal of sorts... no, no, Mitsuko, calm down, acting, acting... but that was so...so...'

Touma, on his feet, and Kongou, in his arms, kept looking into each other's eyes until the girl coughed slightly.

"Darling, you should probably put me down now. People are staring" she muttered with a slight hint of disappointment.

And indeed, quite a few pedestrians glanced at them strangely.

Touma quickly got Kongou back to the ground. The girl dusted herself off, as Touma spoke hurriedly.

"Kongou-san... I really apologize for-"

"No, no!" she smiled reassuringly" Do not apologize for such valorous behaviour, I take no offense. Though, there was no need for intervention, I could have easily put those uncouth ruffians in their place!"

"Yeah, I know. Which is exactly why I granted them some mercy"

Kongou giggled at that.

"Truly, such a strange gentleman you are, darling. Well, as long as you know my wondrous strength, that's alright" she smiled proudly, spreading her fan in front of her face and striking a pose.

Touma scratched his head

"I do know it. But... I heard that you've been the first victim in some accidents..."

"GEH?!" Kongou wobbled on her feet, as if she received an invisible blow to the side.

"... and were frequently hospitalized because of it"

"T-That was because I was overestimating my strength, even I can admit that much. I learned by now"

"Riiiight, hospital buddy..."

"H-Hush now!"

They began walking together, while still talking.

"What were you doing here anyway?"

"Oh, I was supposed to have a dress fitting for the fashion show next week, but unfortunately it was rescheduled to the evening. I headed back to the dorms, where those guys started to bother me. And you, darling?"

"I just... got for a walk to clear my head."

"Oh? Then you should have the honour to walk with Kongou Mitsuko. And of course, I will have the privilege to be with my darling as well"

"Oh, that's alright, I don't want to disturb you"

"Nonsense! I have free time anyway"

In 10 minutes of time, they moved to the river boulevard. It was getting really hot and Kongou actually used her fan for its intended purpose, her hair fringes waving slightly like mini-curtains along with the motions of the fan.

"Kongou-san..."

"Hmm?"

"There is something I've been curious about for a long time. When we first met, I didn't assume that we will get along. I mean, you are one of the richest girls in town, an ojou-sama from a good family, powerful esper with pride in your power. Meanwhile, I am poor, mundane guy, that's possibly the furthest from this rich world of yours as possible."

"Hmm? So? Darling, did you take me as someone who judges people solely based on the social standing"

"N-No! Not exactly! It's just... I expected that we wouldn't get along as much as we do. That I will make you mad at the first occasion and that would be it. Because of how different you are."

Kongou sighed, wiping off the sweat from her wide brow.

"I suppose you could get that feeling from me, couldn't you? Well, I can't deny that I was slightly confused on our sudden first meeting and surrounding matters. It is without a doubt that we have our differences, and we may not see eye to eye in every aspect. But darling... I am not so petty and shallow to not see how valorous your heart is, and how many qualities you bring around. There are many things I don't really understand about you... yet sometimes, it's those differences that make our randez-vous so interesting. Also... maybe we are not so different, you and I"

"Really?"

"I shall not be wrong, and I am almost sure that I saw it in your eyes. The look of care that I also try to convey to your close friends. How could I turn away from someone who looks at his friends with such an exalted care? I simply couldn't!"

"I noticed that before, but you are really focused on quality friendships and creating interpersonal connections. Is there some special reason behind it?"

Kongou looked at him with a sudden flash of coy shyness in her eyes. She looked rather dramatically to the both sides before whispering.

"You shall not spread this around, but... let this not shock you... even me, the great and beautiful Kongou Mitsuko... didn't always have the greatest luck with company"

"So you were..."

"Lonely? Well, I did have my household staff and family, but... I might have taken wrong approach when it came to peers my age. I wanted to dazzle them with my glamour, but I guess it had quite the opposite effect. So now, when I already know better, I want to cherish my friends with all of my heart and give them something that they would want as well"

She inspected Touma and shook her head.

"But enough about myself! Darling, this simply won't do! There is clearly something troubling you and I am insisting that you confide it with me."

"There isn't really-"

"Mmmmmmm!"

Touma sweatdropped, seeing pouting Kongou right in front of his face.

"A-Alright, but I would rather lie down for it."

He stepped onto the grassy hill of the riverbank and streatched on the green steepness.

"Come on, this is the best day for it, it's warm but not overly so"

"B-But..." Kongou hesitated, looking at the stretched out spiky-haired boy" I am a lady!"

"As far as I can tell, there should be no difference"

"B-But, ladies shouldn't roll in the grass!"

"Just try it!"

"Woah!"

Touma 'persuaded' Kongou into laying down by grabbing her hand and causing her to slump down on her butt, and then, on her back.

Although for the few moments the girl was wriggling around...

"Oh? This feels..."

The sun was gently warming up her skin, the grass was surprisingly nice, and the wind was just enough for relaxing atmosphere.

Touma smiled to next to a surprised Kongou.

"Pretty nice, huh?"

"Yes, yes it is... I suppose commoner customs do have some occasional merits. Now, shall you tell me what's on your heart?"

"Well, I guess you will keep asking. I didn't want to trouble you, but... the thing is..."

And so, Touma told Kongou about Rikuri's strange behaviour and his lack of knowledge regarding its cause.

"Hmm..." the raven haired ojou-sama pondered for a moment" This does look strange. You say you neither of your friends nor you did anything to offend her"

"I can't think of anything! Maybe she is upset because of her birthday? Girls are sensitive about age, right?"

"Maybe... but I doubt that's all it is to it. I can't tell you the reason behind it, but I think the idea of Gokusai-san was correct one. I know you worried, but you shouldn't approach her along. She might respond better if she is asked by all of the people she loves, not because she has a problem with you specifically, but because this problem may concern all of you, as a whole"

"You think so?"

"Like I am saying, I am only guessing. If you honestly approach her, it should make things easier."

"Are you speaking from experience?"

This caused Kongou to fidget slightly by his side

"W-Well...you see, I had the tendency to give a little... over-imaginative accounts of my endeavours to my friends..."

Touma gasped.

"You? Over the top? Get out of here!"

This earned him a small whack with a now closed fan.

"Ever since I met them, Wannai and Awatsuki-san were nothing but a faithful and magnificent company, most wonderful of friends. I boasted about myself to them and they not only believed me, but praised me on their own. It felt so good after long time of being on my own... I can honestly say that I got addicted to it. But ever since spending time with Misaka-san, and the curry flop...

"Curry flop?"

"Ekhm... I realized that I started to feel bad about this deception. After some time, I managed to face them about it. I was so worried that they will stop seeing me as a friend... but they still managed to support me, even as a version of myself that was less accomplished."

"Speaking of Wannai and Awatsuki-san, how are they?"

"Oh, they are doing very well. They're very, very eager to meet you again too. Wannai-san rose in popularity because her power shot up in a very short amount of time. She just keeps recalling your effort in helping her. And Awatsuki-san actually does plans for spending time with you when you reunite. While I am really happy that they are in such good moods, they do get rather giggly and red... darling..."

"Y-Yeah?..."

"The fact that you conducted some special alone-time training with Wannai-san to boost her power and confidence... and the fact that Awatsuki-san returned to Tokiwadai completely sticky and wet after walk with you..."

"T-There wasn't anything weird involved! Wannai-san was technically trained by my colleague, and Awatsuki-san fell into the emergency water basin!"

"Oh, that so... thank you, they never told me details..."

Kongou said so, but inwardly, she breathed the sigh of relief.

Even though she wished Wannai and Awatsuki luck with their relationships, she still desired to be the first to have some kind of alone-time experience with Touma of more intimate nature.

The sun seemed even warmer and the girl unwillingly yawned.

"Ah... and how was our present? Did you like it?"

Touma blushed slightly and muttered

"W-Well, yeah... it's certainly something specific, but... what guy wouldn't be happy? Having the photobook of three beautiful girls, who happen to be your friends, and with such heartfelt message..."

"O-Oh...I see, that's splendid..." Kongou replied, feeling her heart flutter a little.

She was used to compliments and praised, but for some reason, she felt tangible rise in happiness and glee when it was coming from the boy in front of her. It prompted her to act in a way that would get her more praise.

They laid in silence, in the rays of the sun and breeze from over the river, as Kongou soon found herself unwillingly fantasizing about things rather unbecoming of well-mannered young lady, as she was enveloped by tranquil warmth.

(...)

Kongou found her face pressed into something warm. It smelled nice and comforting among sharp scent of grass.

She opened her eyes to find herself with the cheek squished onto Touma's arm.

Wait... she opened her eyes?...

Kongou jumped backwards, almost rolling over in the grass.

"I... I... fell asleep?!"

"Umm, yes, though I don't blame you, this weather can surely make you sleepy."

"F-For... how long?"

"Ten minutes... maybe fifteen"

"I didn't do anything weird, right?"

"No, you just rolled over and pressed yourself to my arm."

"H-How utterly inelegant! You should just wake me up."

"But you looked so relaxed and peaceful that I just couldn't do it. You looked like you were happy"

The Aero Hand user found no words to that.

"Thank you for your consideration. Well, I suppose I was here quite some time."

Suddenly, she paused and looked at Touma.

"Darling, before we part ways, can I ask you for a favour"

Touma shrugged.

"Sure, fire away"

Kongou brushed her hair with her hand, her cheeks going slightly pink.

"Could you check it?"

"Ch-Check it?"

"I don't mind time on the grass, but there could be some nasty bugs there. Not to mention ticks. They spread many dangerous diseases and it's hard to check your own head and hair. So, please check them out for me."

"A-Are you sure?" Touma's asked in surprise at the request.

"M-Mhm!" Kongou tried to not give away the mixture of uncertainty and strange excitement" I trust you not to do anything strange. I use finest shampoos, so you should be greatful for being able to touch it."

And so, Touma, bracing through the unusual task, took Kongou's hair in his hand.

If he was already at it, he made sure to be throughout with the search. As ticks would be black against black hair, he made an effort to examine the hair with care. After some time, he touched skin on Kongou's head and the girl shivered slightly

"I-Is everything ok?" he asked, backing up a bit.

"Yes...yes, alright. Do continue" the girl answered, quickly composing herself.

Although it was not intentional, Touma's search ended up being similar to the scalp massage, and Kongou couldn't help but feel immensely relaxed and pleased because of it. To distract herself from once again drifting into sleep or into something even more undignified, she asked

"When you spoke of your worries regarding Rikuri-san, a lot of it sounded like you blaming yourself... did you blame yourself for her mood?"

Touma was quite for a moment,

"Kongou-san... there is something that cannot quite be explained rationally, but I am a really, really unlucky guy. More so, when I was little, people believed that I actually caused them misfortune. I was called God of Pestilence. And so, as years went by, I couldn't help but... be wary. I didn't think it would really work out"

Kongou actually turned her head at this, with her hair still in Touma's hands.

"What... What do you mean?"

Touma felt a little bit of guilt at the sadness that suddenly appeared in her eyes.

"I never truly believed that people stay with me. I mean, everyone prefers to be with someone who doesn't have the potential to turn their life into a nightmare. Sooner or later, everyone might just-"

"THAT CAN'T BE TRUE!" Kongou exclaimed, in a tone of self-righteous anger" Those who would abandon you are not your true friends! As someone who tries to focus on making friends, I can only look at you in envy. I still don't know much about those around you, but I do know that you have a lot of people who genuinely care. If in such a short time you touched hearts of myself and my friends, I can't imagine the hearts of people who knew you longer. As someone who does care and who won't turn away, I will not allow you to think badly about yourself like this. There are many things I don't understand about your situation, but I am still standing my ground on this"

"But-"

"No buts! Let me assure you, Kongou Mitsuko associates herself only with life's finest. That also includes you!"

Touma stared at her, before sighing and chucking a little bit.

"You are right, I got negative there. Maybe it's true, I am just worried over Rikuri and my frustration got me overthinking things."

"That's right. No time like the present for genuine talk with her. Worrying about what might be won't get you anywhere"

"Hah, that's true. Also, it's so strange to even consider the future sometimes. With my luck, I sometimes thought that I would be long dead..."

"That's quite dark, you know..."

Touma laughed and then dropped a sentence that was everything but expected

"But it's actually funny! Imagine us as adults. Oh, or as parents!"

Kongou made a loud noise, shooting forward with red face, practically folding herself as she suddenly felt as if punched to the gut

'W-W-What?! What does that have to do with anything?!' she thought, looking at the boy 'Rationally, I know that he didn't mean being parents together, but... but still... this is bad for my heart!'

"A-Are you alright?" Touma commented without missing a beat. .

"Y-Yes!" Kongou said, fake-coughing a few times. She would die of shame if she admitted that she essentially chocked on air.

After a few minutes, they were ready to part ways.

"Thanks for listening to me. Now, I feel much more confident and know what I am about to do" Touma smiled at Kongou.

"That's good to hear. I wish you luck."

"Really? That's like wishing darkness to be bright"

"Hmm... that reminds me. You not only checked my hair, you even tidied it up and brushed it properly. You need a reward"

"I really don't need-"

"Darling, you should not reject lady's offer like this. Now, close your eyes"

"Huh? Why?"

"Just close them"

As Touma closed his eyes, Kongou took a deep breath, took a step forward and planted a kiss on his cheek. She allowed her lips to linger there for a few seconds before separating and smiling at the flabbergasted boy.

"Hmm... you keep saying that your misfortune will keep people from staying... but I for once do have abundant fortune. In more sense than just one. So if you feel at loss with your bad luck, you shalt not fret, because I am more than willing to share mine with you. T-There, see you around!"

And with that she turned around and walked away, waving her hand. Although she tried to look dignified, not looking back was rather purposeful, since her face was still rather red. She had the opportunity to go for the lips, but...

'It's all the matter of pace. Let him fall in love piece by piece. It's a strategy of natural victory'

Touma snapped back to reality after a moment and tried to collect his thoughts.

"Wow, ehm... right, I know what I must do now."

(1 HOUR LATER)

"What is it, boy? You seem rather surprised, if I may say so myself"

Oriana Thomson winked at Touma who gave her a rather sheepish look

"I am fine, I'm just... surprised that you answered my summons that quick."

"But of course. We are well acquainted by now... although there is still much to be desired"

Touma jumped slightly as magical courier's foot nudged his own leg, which earned a small smile from a gorgeous blond.

"You happened to forget that we exchanged numbers, didn't you?"

"K-Kind of... Kaibi is going to kill me for this... what I meant earlier, she tried to locate you for days now, but you never allowed her to find you"

"Of course I didn't. I wouldn't be a good messanger if I allowed just any people to find me. "

"The thing is... she is not just any people"

"Oh? Colour me intrigued" Oriana rested her head on her hand as she glanced at Touma" Then, who is she to seek the attention from dear old me? I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't you who sought me"

"D-Don't get me wrong, I wanted to see you as well!"

"I know, I am just messing with you. Truth be told, I wanted to speak with you as well."

"Really?"

"Yes" Oriana sighed and looked at him with more serious gaze" I thought about it for a while and I came to a conclusion that I owe my relatively stable situation of life in recent times to you."

Touma wanted to speak, but Oriana extended her arm across the small table and put a finger on his lips.

"Let me finish. When I became a magical courier, when I left the church... my reason for this change in myself wasn't to become a proper mercenary. I maintained my freelancing policy at all times, but it was not through the search of personal gain. I wanted to align with someone who would bring about the benefit of people through his actions. That's why I wanted to stay neutral. But I betrayed that principal during the time we first met and got too consumed in my task to notice I could bring harm to those I wanted to bless. You alone reminded me of those things and woke me up to who I wanted to be. More so, you are the one who embody the very actions I wanted to align with. Kamijou Touma, you have my thanks for battling me and reminding me of what's important in my life."

"Oh... there is no need for thanks..."

"I insist that there is. And that's why I thought that it's a pity that we don't know each other better. That's why I propose something. I want to thank you, yet I suppose that I also can count on a favour for agreeing to meet this Kaibi-san. So, let's play genies."

"Genies?"

"Yes. Each of us will get three wishes for other to fulfil."

"Do I have a right to refuse?"

"Oh, don't be so pessimistic. I assure you, we will both benefit from those requests. Besides, think about positives. You have a beautiful lady at your disposal. Just what can you do with it~"

"Oriana-san, don't tease me!"

"Am I teasing you now, I wonder?~... well, since I just told that to you and I want you to take time in thinking about it, I will take the liberty of announcing my first wish. Boy... no, Kamijou..."

She smiled coyly at him and declared:

"I wish you to go on a date with me"

Touma, who was in process of lifting a can with a drink, froze and small stream of carbonated beverage started to trickle down from the tilted can.

"W-What did you say?"

"We shall get to know each other better and I think it's an excellent way to relax. I know how your life gets and believe me, my job is stressful at times as well."

"B-But... do you even imagine... me and you on a date..."

"Oh, I do imagine it. Quite vividly in fact. Don't worry, I will plan it, but I won't make you do anything you're uncomfortable with. That being said though..." Oriana licked her lips ever so slightly" I am not against testing just how far your comfort zone streatches, so take that into account"

"Is that really alright?"

To his surprise, a faint blush appeared on Oriana's cheeks.

"I think it is quite normal for a girl to go out with someone who managed to impress her. Unless of course... you don't want to?" the voluptuous girl asked, her face saddening.

Touma once heard that there was an experiment against free will that proved physical actions were taken by the body seconds before the will to perform them appeared in consciousness. Now similar phenomenon occured, with him shaking his head so fervently that it was a wonder that it didn't come off.

"Wonderful. You take your time with your wish... not too long though, as I am eager to hear your ideas... oh, it appears your friends are here"

And indeed, Kaibi and Amazora entered small caffe Touma and Oriana were stitting in.

Amazora actually ran forward with a smile, ready to greet them.

"Onii-chan! Riku-ne..."

"Sorry, little one, but I am not her" Oriana said, turning around.

The look of overdramatic confusion on Amazora's face was utterly comical, combined with the fact that she tripped and fell front in her shock.

"Huuuuuuuuuh?! But you look just like my nee-chan!"

"So I was told" Oriana shrugged, before looking at Kaibi" I assume you are the one who wanted to meet with me"

"Yes, I am. Touma..." Kaibi looked at Touma with a look of surprise" You got her here so quick."

"Well, we are acquainted and-"

"TOO QUICK. I know by now you have a particular effect on the girls, but is there something else you want to tell me?"

"Ehm... I kind of..."

"Yes?"

"Forgot that... I had Oriana-san's... number..."

"Oh, I see, I see..." Kaibi smiled sweetly, her hand reaching to the nearby table...

(5 MINUTES LATER)

Touma sighed, his head pulsing with pain. Before everyone settled down, Kaibi chased him and managed to whack him on a head over a dozen times with an old-school menu in hard cover from one of the tables for making her waste a couple days of futile search. It was nothing concussion worthy, but it still made his head hurt a bit.

Amazora proudly claimed a spot on his legs. Touma absentmindedly ruffled her hair, the ritual that had a calming effect on both of them, as they both watched Kaibi explained the situation to Oriana.

"And there you have it. Well, I just wanted to tell you my side of the story. We suspect that your mother may be our aunt, and thus, it would make you our older cousin. Do you confirm it?"

Oriana listened intently, her face showing various degree of surprise and amusement, before shrugging and smiling.

"Everything seems true, at least from my perspective and as far as I can contribute to the information. I didn't have much details on mother's side of the family. I knew there was some discord and I briefly remember some funeral, the one you mentioned too possibly, but besides that, there is nothing.

"I remember now, I know for a fact that I saw you there"

"Well, I didn't recognize that girl from back then in you. Possibly because you had a different hair colour. Regardless, mother never talked much about her own past. When I was little, I didn't ask, and when I got to the age when I was curious enough... she was already gone. Father was not much of help either. All I knew that her family was rich and she was estranged. State of my knowledge didn't really change through years. But listening to your side of the story, it actually allows me to fill a lot of gaps in a sensible way."

"Does this mean..."

"Well, until something disproves it, I think it is safe to assume that it is true. It means that we are... oh? W-What are you doing? It tickles a bit..."

Amazora, in a very quick fashion, jumped off Touma's legs, walked around the table, and curiously poked underside of Oriana's breasts.

"I can believe Riku nee-chan is related to you" smaller girl said dejectedly, poking older girl's chest with a finger" This looks the same too..."

Oriana blinked in confusion, before smiling softly.

"You know... Amazora, was it... it certainly explains a lot if we say that rip o... Rikuri, is my cousin. But you know, that means you are my cousin too. I can safely say that if you'll care for yourself and drink your milk, you will grow as big as me."

"I will? Then just you wait, unexpected cousin! Also, there are things that are still my own specialty. Look at my ultimate thigh fla-"

"Amazora! We are in public!"

"That's okay, I don't mind. At least she is creative" Oriana laughed.

"That's not the point here! What a crazy cousin we have now" Kaibi exclaimed in exapseration" Still makes me wonder how two of you even met up."

"W-Well..." Touma fumbled slightly, which Oriana quickly exploited, with a devious smile on her face.

"Oh, I met him during a delivery. He fell straight onto my chest. Then he chased me all throughout the city, before finally getting me in the secluded part of the airport and..." Oriana hit her open hand with her fist a few times" and pounded repeatedly for an hour"

There was deafening silence, with Kaibi's eyes becoming empty as static TV.

"Oriana-san! Kaibi is looking at me as if I was some form of excrement!"

"Oh? No sexy jokes with double meanings? I thought I got it from this side of the family!"

"This is no joke, you are dropping my life expectancy!"

"Onii-chan really goes for everything and everyone that looks like onee-chan..."

"A-Amazora, don't say it in that blank tone while holding onto the knife from the table! Halt that route at once, my luck will not handle a yandere with gattling gun! Everyone! I fell onto Oriana's chest by accident, I was chasing her because I needed to stop her from doing something... problematic for the city, and then we fought. As if, in battle against each other, with pounding being done with a fist! A fist!"

Another moment of silence...

"I don't care if you include fist and beating up in your deviancy!"

"Why is it every time I try to make those misunderstandings better, they somehow got even worse!"

"Onee-chan, can I also get chased by onii-chan into secluded space?!"

"Not on my watch!"

(LATER...)

They went out. Apparently, Rikuri couldn't come because she had something important on the college and had to stay there longer, with Amazora and Kaibi going to meet Touma and Oriana from their respective schools. They decided, with Oriana agreeing, to surprise her with her newfound cousin.

"You are taking it really well, Oriana-san. And accepted it fast" Touma commented, as Oriana, who volounteered to piggyback Amazora, walked next to him and Kaibi.

"Well, it was a big surprise, but it kind of makes sense of the many holes I had in my own history. Plus, what can I say, the more, the merrier."

"Seems like Amazora took a liking to you"

In short span of ten minutes, Oriana and Amazora managed to befriend one another.

"Ori nee-chan is so cool! She was in so many places all around the world. And she promised to bring me souvenirs"

"Don't be so surprised" Oriana said, noticing Touma's look" I always loved to play with children when I had the occasion. Which, unfortunately, didn't happen all that often since my nun days."

As they continued on their way to the apartment, Kaibi grasped Touma's hand with a slightly angry face.

"Listen, I am giving you the time to think about my confession, but I am not allowing such foolery, even if it's with my cousin"

She gave him a cross look, but it seemed earlier irritation already left her, and was doing it more playfully than angrily.

As they arrived before the apartment building, Kaibi spoke to Oriana

"Wait for a moment. We will check if she is still out. Well, she ought to be, as me and Amazora ditched the school earlier today to meet with you. But wait for a signal, so the surprise won't be ruined"

"Alright, alright, I entertain myself for a moment" Oriana waved at them" You go ahead"

And so, Touma, Kaibi and Amazora went inside, took the elevator, and walked to their apartment.

However... the door were open. Not widely so, but evidently someone didn't pay enough attention to fully go inside.

"Kaibi... where is Index?" Touma asked quietly, as both he and the girls tensed in their movements.

"She went with Maidono to check some restaurant. Hasako-san should be out with that bilboard brow know-it-all"

They all got quiet, even Amazora, as they entered the corridor leading to the rest of the apartment.

For few seconds, everything seemed normal.

Until a female voice spoke out

"Don't you think that this is going on for long enough? In a way, this can be beneficial for you in learning independence. But I am sure you are aware that this acting out has its limits"

That was an unfamiliar voice that Touma never heard before. Amazora also didn't appear to react to it. The same could not be said about Kaibi, who paled, with face contorted with shock, anger, and revulsion.

"No..." she whispered" It can't be..."

"But... I can't..."

That was Rikuri's voice, although slightly trembling and choked up.

"Gokusai Rikuri, you couldn't possibly think that this charade of the three of you can go on forever. Think about this rationally. There is no better way for you. All you need to do is come with me. You don't want to let me down, right?"

"I... I don't..."

In the next moment, Kaibi stormed off forward.

"Kaibi, wait" Touma had no option but to follow, and soon...

All three of them went to the living room, where two people were sitting by the table.

First was Rikuri, whose eyes became big with shock as she noticed them.

"Everyone! Why are you here?! You shouldn't be... I am..."

"So they are here too. Perfect, this might be for the better. It will help you close the chapter"

The other woman on the table seemed to be in her upper 30s. She wore an elegant burgundy dress with sapphire lining that matched her blue eyes. The dress was quite daring, showing a lot of impressive yet balanced chest and statuesque legs, identical to those of Rikuri and Oriana. The woman had voluminous hair of a greyish-brown hue, that curled at the ends of each lock. Even if she was in mature age, she looked extraordinarily good. From her eyes and overall body language emanated both beauty and power, as she watched the trio of newcomers.

But that wasn't the most crucial and shocking part. No, it was...

"What are you doing here, mother?" Kaibi asked coldly, not taking the eyes out of the woman.

... the fact that Touma recognized her. Identical with the image of certain photo, the similarity to her daughters was unmistakable.

Without a doubt, sitting in front of them, was the mother of Gokusai sisters, Gokusai Yua.

"Can't I see my daughters? It should be normal for a mother"

Amazora's mouth opened and she wobbled unsurely on her feet. Out of the three sisters she had least amount of memories with her mother, which warranted even greater confusion from the girl's side.

"Yes, it should be. Except you didn't care for years after our escape. Why would you be interested now? No, wait a second... how can you even be here? You didn't know where we were... unless..."

She turned to Rikuri.

"Nee-san... you didn't..."

"Kaibi... I... please understand, she told me..."

"HOW COULD YOU?! I thought we agreed to leave this behind."

"I see you still have that foul mouth and sharp tongue" the woman sighed, crossing her arms" You could have thought you lost sight of me, but I am one of the richest women in Japan. Locating you, even in here, was only a matter of time and patience"

"Onii-chan... onee-chans... who really is that lady?" Amazora asked, with uncharacterisitc uncertainty" What does she want with Riku nee-san?"

The elegant woman looked at the small girl with somewhat melancholic expression.

"Oh yes, because of your little escapade, you barely remember me, is that right? Gokusai Yuamiko, Gokusai Yua for short. I am your mother, Amazora."

The girl gasped slightly and grabbed Touma's trousers, as if in gesture of seeking support.

"Amazora asked you a valid question" Kaibi didn't change a tone of her voice even for a moment" You were absent for so long, yet you show up now. I won't believe pulling any 'loving mother' crap, so just spare as some time and tell us why you are really here"

"Straight to the point then" Yua narrowed her eyes" Fine. But I suppose, since this concerns her, it would be best for your older sister to tell you what's happening. You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Rikuri gulped slightly, before nodding.

"She... Mother's been phoning me for some time now. Ever since I turned 18, in fact. And since I am going to be 19 soon, she doubled her insistence... that I will go back and reassume my position as a heiress. She was very...persuasive, and said that all will be forgiven, and I will be treated like a member of royalty. All I should do is to go back and to leave this life behind..."

Kaibi opened her mouth in outrage

"FORGIVEN?! After we were the ones who suffered?! You can't possibly agree to that!"

"You don't understand! The part of the deal was that you two will be left in peace..."

"There is no way I'm ever losing my sister like this!"

"Losing?" Yua raised an eyebrow" You talk as if she will die or something alongside those lines. On the contrary, I think she would be found. She will inherit what is rightfully hers and then she might be able to help you two as well"

Kaibi stared for a moment, before exploding into loud laughter. It was kind of unnerving, seeing someone so calm and collected getting engulfed by such strong emotions and consuming anger.

"Are you hearing yourself right now? You think I didn't see how you treated nee-san? Ever since dad died, you've been overworking her to the bone."

"I only did that to prepare her for troubles of life. To make her stronger, responsible, mature!"

"Mother, don't act like you actually cared! It was all about business. She was exhausted"

"No, Kaibi-san!" Rikuri got up, voicing her own thoughts" you had it much harder than me. That's why this should never repeat again. Just let me be a good big sister for once and-"

"That's not true at all!" Kaibi screamed back" Yes, I was ignored, and treated like empty air, and it hurt a lot, but I at least didn't have to suffer all the emotional burdens mom put you through. You want to be a good big sister? Then think about me and Amazora. We would never let you go!"