Toaru Majutsu no Index Painted prison chronicles

I. DENIAL

In the aftermath of perilous battle against brain controlling Multi-Skill user Nouzori Satsuki, better known as Veritas, Touma and group of his female friends were recovering in Heaven Canceller's hospital. After successful and hard fought reunion with Mitsuari Ayu, the time came for the another meeting of tarnished bonds...

In Kamijou Touma's hospital room, Mitsuari Ayu and Shokuhou Misaki stared at each other, one with cold disdain, other with reserved cautiousness, not breaking the eye contact for the long time.

In the distance, there was a distant rumbling. Although the weather was sunny not so long ago, the wind that moved the curtains was merely a sign of something bigger. The line of darkness moved towards them without stopping.

Kamijou Touma looked left to right. He knew that when those two eventually meet again it will be intense, but the atmosphere was downright suffocating. Maybe when they actually begin talking, things may start better.

"Get her out of my sight "Ayu said with a chilly quip, that caused Touma to sigh.

That was NOT a good start.

"I can accept and welcome a conversation with you. But I will not breathe the same air as this..."

Lips of Mitsuari Ayu twisted, as if trying to find appropriate curse to describe Mental Out, before she gave up and simply said

" ... same air as her. You brought her here? Why would you spoil our reunion like that?"

"Yes, I would quite like to know that too" Shokuhou turned her head to look at Touma" You set this up. It's not like I didn't want to save Mitsuari-san... but I don't think she's all too pleased to have a conversation with me. And to some extent, the feeling ability is mutual."

Touma slowly exhaled and spoke, getting up from bed.

"Because the situation that arose around three of us spiraled too far out of control and reached far greater magnitude than just simple conflict. I want each and every one of us to get along. You two are amazing, but in order for both of you to heal and move forward, this conversation must happen. And we can't turn away from it. I am afraid that if we run away from it, it may just fade, leaving the entire thing unresolved."

"Why do you assume that I have a problem too?" asked Shokuhou in surprise.

"I wouldn't call it a problem. But... you two used to be close in some form, am I wrong? And even if you try to hide it well, the way you confronted each other last time gave you scars. I don't know you well, Shokuhou-san, but I can tell from your body language and the way you look at Ayu-san, you harbor some fear"

"After everything she did..." Ayu mouthed slowly" she should be afraid"

Dark clouds were slowly covering the sun. First raindrops began to hit the grass below.

"Can you do this for me? Please?" Touma looked at both girls" It doesn't necessarily have to take all that long. All I am asking is for some heart-to-heart sincerity"

Misaki took a deep breath, before smiling.

"Well, it's not the most pleasant time spending ability I can imagine, but I understand your point, my prince. I shall do it, if that's what you wish"

"Thank you. Ayu-san?"

The other girl was silent for few more moments, before finally mouthing out

"I am doing this for you, even if it repulses me to the core. If it's for you, I can even speak with her"

"O-... Okay. Let's do this orderly. Please, just... speak your mind. About all things concerning either what happened between you two or between you and me."

Silence. Before...

"Mitsuari-san..." Shokuhou began, trying to slowly formulate her words" I... we didn't really see each other all that often in the past... by which I mean the IDEAL times. Of course, I was aware who you were... you were the oldest of the group after all. But although I heard that you were through a lot... of which many things you are accusing me of... I assure you that I had no intention of ever hurting you. More so, our paths did not cross in a way that you're describing in your accusations. So please stop with all of this. We can try to talk it out and help you-"

"So that's what you think? So that's how you see it?" Ayu interrupted her, slowly looking up" That you just happened to be there... no, that you weren't even that much involved in the first place. Oh, that's just brilliant. No, miss bee. Even if you didn't always mess up my life yourself, directly, you were there. You were always there"

Shokuhou clenched her fists.

"I am not denying you your suffering. I am simply saying to look at the bigger picture. Your accusations are not objectively warranted. Why do you hate me so much? In our time together, I never did anything out of spite or malice. To be honest, I am not sure we were even close enough for me to want to do anything to you. Of course, I know about level 5 case and Parameter List now. But what you speak of extends far beyond that."

"I don't care about objectivity! You think you know me and my suffering?! YOU DIDN'T EVEN GRAZE THE SURFACE " Ayu finally broke the silence completely as she screamed, her face paling as she stared at Shokuhou with intense gaze" You speak of intentions, but what about the results? You want to know my reasoning in detail? Very well, Shokuhou Misaki. You utterly and completely ruined my life. Even if we didn't spend time together all that often, your presence messed it all up. It always did and always followed me like a plague! When I got chosen to participate in IDEAL, I couldn't be more happy. Earlier on, I had no friends. But then, I suddenly had plenty. I finally belonged. Iruka-san, Rakko-san, Junko-san... and of course, you. You, Mental Out. The one who had the same potential. The one who walked the same path as me. I viewed you as a sister, a fellow soul, someone who were meant to rise together and grow alongside one another. When someone had to undergo an experiment, I was meant to go because I was the oldest. But because I cared, because I loved all of the girls that became my family throughout all of that time, I relented. That caused unprecedented disaster, thanks to which Senya-chan, a girl that I started to consider a friend, suffered. Our caretaker, Kanari-san, perished, and Iruka-san lost her eye. All because of me! Because of me, the ones who gave me kindness suffered and died. But when I was struck by all of those tragedies, when I was depressed beyond belief, I learned that the one I wanted to walk side by side with was meant to ascend to level 5 without me. After all that time, I was about to be discarded like some trash, when you took all the glory, even if I worked just like you did"

Thunder echoed over the hospital as Shokuhou, also agitated by the conversation, replied back.

"I had no influence on it! I had no way of knowing!"

"You knew damn well. Who spoke to entire IDEAL about effort and hard work, of achieving level 5 together? Who cheered alongside me and the others when Junko-san levelled up in such a short time? Yes, I did not know you that well and our paths didn't cross directly that many times. You may say that you didn't know of our connection and there was no much of it to speak of, but I don't believe that. You preached about togetherness and potential, and everybody listened! But when the time came and they chose you over me, what did you do to defend my position? You had to read the files! You knew what that meant to me, you knew that we had the same potential, you knew how much work I put in this! But when the time came and you could use some of your influence to help me, to cushion the drastic fall that began that day, what did you do, Shokuhou? Well?! What did you do?!"

"Like I said, that was not my decision to-"

"NOTHING! You looked away from the one that once considered you as a sister and kept your pretty little lips shut to not cause yourself problems. I can almost get that. Who would get rid of the status that was bestowed upon them? But you know, you arrogant hypocrite, those words that you said to me when we last met... those pretty speech that my own actions caused my weakness, that I didn't deserve the spot if I became a villain... oh, what a sleazy, hypocritical words those were. It is so easy to speak from the spot of privileged convenience. I dare you, live my life, swap places with me and try to speak your own words again. I can't make sense of your face right now, but back then, it seemed like a pinnacle of arrogance. You were given that place by a coin toss, so why did you speak to me as if it was some gift of the heavens?! After you were given level 5 status, everyone who once considered my promising started to treat me like a rejected design, as a failure, and never as Mitsuari Ayu, but always as 'one that could not be Mental Out'. One that was not Shokuhou Misaki!"

"You were your own person! You... you could prove them wrong!" Misaki's voice shook slightly, as Ayu chuckled darkly.

"There was no chance. You can say all of that from the insiders perspective, but people on the outside, including our friends, all they saw was this: we both had the same potential, but one of us succeeded, the other one failed. Only we knew that it was chosen at random, or through other factor... maybe your family was more influential than mine? Maybe they paid them more? Consider it as stereotypes about monozygotic twins. People consider them to be clones, and that they will always be identical. They are not the same person though, because of environment differences and other factors. But there is always sense of comparison if one twin achieves success and the other does not. People will always compare and treat the worse performing as the shadow of superior one, instead of just letting them be their own person. You took my status, even if it was only a description. I could be in that role just as well, but other people treated it as if it actually spoke volumes about our characteristics. You also took my friends with it. Junko-san, who I knew before you did, became attached to you in no time. The others soon followed"

"I didn't steal Junko from anyone! She chose it of her own free will!"

"Both you and me can't talk about free will so carelessly and you know it! I left IDEAL, heartbroken and jaded. I returned to Tokiwadai, but as soon as you shut down the lab and joined in too, the situation repeated. Students, teachers... it was convenient for you not to notice. This preferential treatment continued on and on, accompanied with whispers from every direction. 'Who is that fake?', 'Why is she trying to copy Shokuhou-san?', 'She is not Mental Out, so why does she pretend? She is super creepy'. Of course, in the esteemed Tokiwaidai, no one spoke such things out loud. But it was always present, never leaving, in their minds, even more so for me since I could perceive thoughts.

So after my social life slowly drifted away, and I had my status taken away on the whim, I experienced series of nightmares, filled with death of Kanari and hurt of the others. To distract myself, I started to venture outside of Tokiwadai, despite little to no contact with the city outside of the school and labs. And then..."

Ayu turned to look at Touma, the tense rage on her face momentarily dissolving into pure, warm smile.

"... I met Touma-san. He came to my rescue one time and later tagged along with me on the adventure that was one of the most important points of my entire life. Initially, I did not know much about the boys so I thought about just using him, but he and Kumokawa-san, who I respect even more now that I know she is your rival, didn't have it my way. Despite my own initial selfishness, they came to my rescue. In that moment, and throughout many others, as small as they were in our short time together, I felt accepted. I felt wanted. Because of what they showed me... and what Touma-san told me and demonstrated through his actions... that maybe, maybe, I could be happy. No, I slowly gained certainty of it. Kamijou Touma became my anchor to this world. Because I met him, I thought that my life regained meaning and value. I always felt that he saw Mitsuari Ayu, not one who could not be Shokuhou Misaki, but my own self, as flawed as it could be. And not only because he met me before you. He always saw me and me alone when he looked at Mitsuari Ayu. My needs, my worries, my quirks, my own actions. This is something that made me cry tears of joy. I don't know at which point it happened, but I started to treasure Touma-san more than anyone else. I fell more deeply in love than I ever felt any emotion. Such was the power of someone actually treating me like someone with chance to matter in this life, unlike some people that could not afford even that! However, the shadow of your name didn't stop to stretch, enveloping me in its darkness, even then! When I was kidnapped and separated from Touma and Kumokawa-san, I was tasked to wake Beginning... no, Hasako-san. But things went awry, and I was cursed for not being you again. Seeing someone actively curse me and later dying... that was the final straw. Back then, I was on level 3 and remained in the cursed middle point. Too much power to be ignored, too little to amount to anything when people realized I wasn't you! I tried to make it work for them, and for myself, but it was never enough. But there was someone for whom I was enough! I thought that if in my darkest hour of need comes to be, he will come save me. I knew that even if this world forsaken me, someone like him will never let me down. He will surely come save me. Because, conversely, even if he of all people didn't come... if he didn't come..."

Lights suddenly went out. Although it was only a matter of time before spare generator kicked in, the timing was rather unnerving.

Shokuhou shuddered alongside sounds of the storm, already knowing what came next, as Ayu continued, with her blank tone becoming more and more frantic with each sentence.

"... then I surely had no use trying. If even he, someone who always came to everyone's aid, didn't manage to come for me, there was no worth keeping those feelings, that only served to drag me into false hope that I actually mattered. Until then, I was always able to push through, to ignore this feeling of constant inferiority. But then... I could not face anyone anymore. I couldn't bare another disappointment. That failure guided me to that lake and whispered... whispered and taunted me..."

Suddenly, as thunder made the windows shake, Ayu lunged towards Shokuhou, stopping in arm's reach. As lightning split the sky, both Touma and Shokuhou felt their blood run cold as they saw the look on tormented girl's face.

"And I listened. I waited battling with my own sadness and worthlessness. I gave it one last shot and phoned him. It would overturn it all, it would bring me back. But in that one moment, when all of it converged into single phone call, to the one person in the world who would save me, one tiny factor ruined everything... you. I learned of it later, but it was you. You had to come in, didn't you? Ruining my life in every other aspect was apparently not enough, you had to take him too? The one person that showed me my worth, that called me useful, that saw me besides every misfortune I cast on people. I was like him! I WAS THE ORIGINAL, before you even came into his mind! You just can't stop, can you, until you have everything and take all the scraps from the lesser people? When you bumped into him and caused my link to life to snap, or when you made it all about yourself when he came to search for me. You took everything from me and didn't even have the audacity to react properly. If you want to be in the center of attention so much, I can gladly arrange that. Try standing there, on the edge of death and giving up... feel the weight of stones that drag you down to the depth. Feel when your life burns down in the cold of water as you bury your love and hate in the tomb that you are becoming!"

Tears were flowing from the eyes of terrified Misaki, as Mitsuari Ayu stood in the darkness in front of her, spreading her arms, as she let out the venom of hatred that poisoned her heart for so long, practically screaming straight into Mental Out's face.

"I hate you, Shokuhou Misaki. I hate you with all of my heart. I would like to parade you around the city in humiliation, saying to all of the people loving so-called Queen 'This is the girl you considered epitome of virtue, but here is her rotten heart on display. Hear me, you, who considered her an ideal, while she is a selfish parasite feasting on another's misfortune'. We started as equals. With but a flap of butterfly's wings, our roles could be reversed. Is your alternative fate that unsightly? Face me, Mental Out. See what I've become through you! Remember, in each moment, that it was you who could try to come through death's gate, still alive but turning my heart dead. And now look... the corpse is talking."

Although both Misaki and Touma faced their share of horrors and scary sights, both then, and later, when they reminisced, they came to conclusion that few of the things they saw were as terrifying as the face they saw back then in the pale, momentarily brightness of lightning across the dark room.

That pale light deepened every preexisting shadow while illuminating entire outline of the girl's body, and showed lifeless eyes filled with no warmth, but instead, deep inner fire that seemed to collapse on itself. The tense facial muscles, smile wide yet hollow, with no cheerfulness but instead horrifying premise of death. The face devoid of colour despite the wrath and rage, desolated by one yearning for vengeance, devastated by hatred to one person alone, with arms spread as if in some elated dance. Each element, taken separately, indicated happiness, but put together, showed a sight that made skin crawl in terror.

Ah, how terrifying was that face. How unnerving her presence and emotions welling behind it, as if in each moment it could change into something much darker and hollow, in shadows of that room. And the fact that it was a face of a living person made it all that much tormenting.

If Shokuhou Misaki was a star of brightness and life, Mitsuari Ayu was the star of shadow and death. In other words, black hole, void left when life chipped the kindness piece by piece.

A remote corner of the universe that could only be observed cause light caused by the stars vanished. Just like Mitsuari Ayu, Shokuhou Misaki's unwilling shadow.

Where Misaki's blond hair seemed to radiate glow of lightning throughout the room, Ayu's dark locks seemed to consume light. Where Misaki's starry eyes twinkled and shone like small suns, Ayu's seemed like vortexes of burgundy hued shadow, trapping each ray of light within. Parallel paths that stars could take upon their existence. And despite all of that, Mitsuari Ayu's face, that seemed to gravitate all that was bright and good, tainting it with living hatred, it still displayed some horrifying beauty and charm, magnetic energy of fallen grace similar to one felt in the wake of some disaster, that caused one to gaze on upon her in both fear and awe.

Ayu sighed and hid her face in her hands. At the same time, light returned to the room with a silent 'VOOM'.

Both Touma and Misaki jumped slightly, taking in a breath they didn't know they were holding in.

"Mitsuari-san... I...I..." Shokuhou shook her head, before taking a deep breath and confronting the girl after she finished her speech." I... didn't know the extent through with my influence and name affected you, socially and psychologically. I can see now how you may think that it's of my influence those things happen. However, all I can do is assure you that none of it was of my intention"

Although she said that in a controlled way, it was clear that Misaki's own emotions were just bubbling below the thin surface.

"Intentions aren't going to cut it." Ayu rubbed her eyes, trying to stabilize her breathing" As I said before, you have it easy saying things like that from the elevated spot, being praised and adored by your clique and all the other-"

"You seem to carry some misconception ability..." Shokuhou raised her voice, her eyebrows knitting together in anger" That I had happy, go-lucky life because I was chosen on that spot instead of you. Well, then I have to say something to say to you too. A few things, actually."

Seemed like Ayu wouldn't be the only one to vent, as anger overtook Misaki.

"I accept and regret your tragedy. But do not assume that my life was easy only because of my level 5 status. Initially, I had no friends, everyone avoided me because of my power. I was putting up a brave face, but I was deeply unhappy. To top it off, IDEAL seemingly killed one of my only friends, a girl I started to show care ability about despite me being only the substitute for the one who could not make it. I was so, so deeply struck by all of this, that I developed severe depression and paranoia. Some of those issues remained in me to this day. But, as I said, I was so distraught back then... that I sought to erase me own memories. Which, as we both know, is a psychological equivalent of taking one's own life. But... my prince saved me"

"If you must talk about Touma..." Ayu said slowly" Please, do not call him that in front of me. It's sickening. So you say that not only you prevented my salvation, but also achieved your own... when he was searching for me, as I later learned? Oh, poor miss bee, you need to cry?"

Misaki's lips twitched and nostrils flared slightly in barely contained anger. In one terrifying moment, Touma was afraid that two girls will launch at themselves with their fists, but both ladies (somehow) restrained themselves.

"I will call him with any name he deserves. As I was saying, he saved me and then, despite not knowing me or having anything to do with me, gave me friendship and care, not caring who I was. In that aspect, our stories did not differ that much. He spent time some time with me throughout the summer. We befriended each other, laughed together, spent all the fun time-"

"DO YOU ACTUALLY WANT ME TO KILL YOU OUT OF JEALOUSY?! I don't care about-"

"BUT IT ALL CAME TO AN END! AND IF YOU HAD ANY POLITNESS ABILITY, YOU WOULD LET ME FINISH! I was separated from him. There was an accident concerning nothing other than your beloved level 5 status. I was attacked by a group called Deadlock. He fought a valiant battle, side by side with me... no, shielding me and protecting me with his life. The battle was won... but he was too badly hurt, lost too much blood. To save his life, I used my ability on him..."

Any jaded remarks Ayu had got caught in her throat. Because she had almost identical power set to Shokuhou, she realized how risky was using their abilities when the pressure of blood and cerebral fluid was imbalanced.

"... which..." tears appeared in Shokuhou's eyes, as she finished her story"... caused him to lose his ability to ever hold me in his memory. Since that day, he not only forgot me entirely, he can't make any new memory with me and will always forget me. But even so... even so!..."

Ayu paled, rendered speechless, as Shokuhou's emotions reached their peak, the girl choking through tears.

"I still love him! I love him beyond anything in this world, despite how many times I was forced to hide my tears and pain! And I will love him, no matter how much time passes until we truly reunite again. It was cruel, so cruel and stupid, to realize I am in love right before losing him for good. But I couldn't stop. Once realized, that love, even if lost, filled my entire body, my entire world, until I couldn't see its limits anymore. And despite all the sadness and sorrow I felt, I wished for one thing alone: gods, please give me strength to watch over him. Because one way or the other, I needed to love him from afar. So I understand your resolve. You also... also stayed truthful to your love. I think... this might be what caused you to ultimately survive. What drove you to harm yourself in order to reach me. It was for Kamijou Touma and him alone. It was twisted, but ultimately... it was love"

"Is... is that true?" Ayu's lip trembled slightly. She looked at Touma in shock" Touma-san?"

"Well, as far as I am concerned..." Touma looked at Misaki" I know that I am forgetting Shokuhou Misaki and I trust that this is indeed the person to which this names refers to, but as for my memory... this is first time I remember meeting Misaki-san"

"No... it can't be..."

Misaki tapped onto her temple with a finger, narrowing her eyes.

"I can feel you sneaking around my mind throughout the entirety of this conversation. I know it may be hard to process, so why don't I just give you a sneak peak?"

"You are saying this as if you didn't try to access mine too. Our minds are heavily shielded, you know. Mutual antisymmetric mental type non-interference. Are you saying you would voluntarily lower the barriers and show me your memories?"

"I was thinking about sending them to you"

"I am not letting you into my head. You can use that to your advantage"

"Of course. But... as for the proof..." Misaki looked at Touma" we both know that one thing that connects us is our shared love. We both don't want him to hate us, so it must serve to keep us from acting out of line. I would rather die than do something that would hurt him. And I know that he wants to have you safe. So despite our own animosities, I will not do anything to you. You suffered enough. Come on, don't you have a curiousness ability? You know that this kind of relay is the best way to verify information"

Ayu was silent for a moment, before finally sighing.

"Okay, if you lower your own barriers, I can go for one memory transfer... but one move in wrong direction and I am attacking your mind"

"Of course, of course, now get your phone ready"

And so they both pointed the remote and phone camera lens to their own heads. After two respective beeps, they pointed them at each other.

"Ready? Here goes..."

BEEP!

Ayu's face froze, as if paralyzed. But slowly, new light entered her face as she shifted her gaze at tear stained face of Misaki. Despite her earlier wrath, she looked like a lost child, when tears began to unwillingly well up in her own eyes.

' It's true... all of it... I don't know what to think...' she send her thought through temporarily established channel, normally closed off by the mental shielding, before hearing Misaki's voice in her own head.

'I still think your suffering is immesurable. But if you don't deny me my own, maybe it will be enough' Misaki thought back, as two of them stared at each other, with intense emotions expressed in both eyes and their linked minds.

'After all this time... you still...'

'Every single day.'

'Well... I suppose... after something like that... I can only respond in turn...'

Ayu's hand lifted the phone once again. Soon, Misaki was thrown into the stream of feelings and memories of love and pain of Mitsuari Ayu.

After few seconds in reality, but much longer in subjective, mental time, Shokuhou wiped new streams of tears from her eyes.

'I am... so sorry... it was not direct influence... but regardless...'

' I... I am still angry at you. I am still furious, but... I not like before. This revelation changes a lot. I can't... my head is a mess right now...'

'No wonder, I am still processing what you told us. It's a lot to take in. I think that-'

"Girls?"

A question from Touma made them realized that to the boy on the hospital bed, they looked as if they were engaged in the staring contest and suddenly bursting into tears out of the blue.

"We are alright" Misaki assured him, as they severed their connection, reverting their minds into regular, shielded state." We just had a mind-to-mind moment to clear some things better than with mere words."

Ayu looked confused and angry at the same time, shaking her head, before slowly walking to Touma's side and sitting down by him.

"It's unsightly, isn't it? How I changed, with my true emotions on display. Are you really willing to do something with this? With someone who changed so much?"

Touma sighed and reached forward slowly embracing Ayu in a hug

"You were someone who needed to be saved on the day it was impossible to get it right. It's different from what you've experienced, but... I too were once in a situation when my heart broke so much that I didn't even know for how many pieces I needed to reach to make it whole again. I travelled throughout this brokenness for a long, long, long time... and died each time I thought it was getting better..."

Misaki and Ayu looked at each other, their animosity dispersed for a moment. Even if they thought Touma was speaking in metaphors, it still didn't help them in feeling worried.

"So I can relate to what you felt and how you changed."

"But you are still here. What made you go through it without giving up?"

"Hope. Always hope. And the thought that someone was waiting for my return. You retained the smallest spark of that hope, didn't you?"

"I... I didn't..."

"I know you did. I know you didn't discard it all away. And for that, despite all of the terrible things that happened to you and because of you... I am so happy for you, Mitsuari Ayu. I know how hard it is. I too thought that the world could only be okay without me. I too thought that I had to die for others to live."

"W-WHAT?! ARE YOU OKAY?!" Misaki shouted even louder than Ayu, as both girls had no knowledge of what happened in Omega World.

"Yes, I am. Because someone helped me see my own worth. And if you need me, I will be more than happy to be someone like that for you. I know that you wanted to end it all because you didn't feel of use. Like I said, I can't turn back time. But what I can do, and will do if you let me, is to ensure that you will never feel inadequate again. My friend, who is a nun, says that with a presence of faith and hope, true love can arise. So I hope that I can give you at least as much love as you suffered... no, even more than that. I will dedicate myself to that"

This caused Ayu, who was already a mess of frustration, guilt, and flustered love, to redden and grasp her cheeks, before abruptly standing up.

"I-I... need some fresh air. I will visit you soon, Touma-san."

She then looked at Shokuhou, before nodding awkwardly, and sprinting outside. Touma sighed, leaning back on his bed.

"Are you okay?" Misaki walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "If you are worried about Mitsuari-san, she will be fine. She has the amazing tenacity and will to live, despite her actions contradicting themselves and showing equal death drive ability. That conversation went better than I expected, but was still rather intense."

"Yeah... I know. I just hope everything works out"

Misaki yawned and rested her head on his shoulder.

"You will not remember my input to this conversation, but I want to assure you when you still do, that every declaration I made is true. I truly love you beyond anything"

"I... thanks. It's... not something I would expect. But... I am happy. Heh, I was only surprised hearing that from someone I don't really remember. Major skipping steps. Like going straight to marrying and having babies, imagine that"

Shokuhou smiled sleepily

"One can only hope..."

"H-Huh? D-Do you..."

But Shokuhou completely drifted into a peaceful nap, leaving only a smile as an answer.

II. BARGAINING

In the next day, both Ayu and Touma had visitors. In the case of Mental Stinger, it Kankyougami Hasako, with the girls talking and catching up, Hasako gleefully retelling her newly claimed friend what she was up to since her awakening in the modern world.

As for Kamijou Touma...

Shirai Kuroko walked through the corridor, taking deep, calming breaths and rubbing her sleep deprived eyes. She then clenched her fist, muttering under her breath.

'Curse that ape... I am still having those stupid, foolish dreams. Even more so after this rescue mission. Argh, why is he so goddamn muscular and sparkly there. It pisses me off so much! Not only that, but he actually visited me after the battle, even though I wasn't all that injured. It was so much easier when I hated him. Why did he have to be caring, and actually be a decent guy?!'

Kuroko furiously ruffled her hair, before slapping her cheeks so hard that she almost winced in pain.

"Okay, this simple act of kindness and charity... no, it's paying the debt to go back to being acquaintances. He just happeend to save me few times... and h-hold me in his arms more than many people, heh heh... no, I am getting sidetracked! Most importantly, I am doing this to keep an eye on him so he does not progress his relationship with my onee-sama. That must be it!"

She knocked, before opening the door.

"Kamijou!"

Touma looked at her in surprise

"Shirai? It's strange to see you here. Is something wrong?"

"I-Is it that strange? I guess we weren't in the best of terms, but I still have feelings and I am not a monster. You did get injured for a good cause and..."

'Huh? This is not what I planned to say! I sound like an overprotective girl with a cru... no, perish the thought. No way in hell'

"... well, I just thought that I might... might... help you eat this apple!"

'Good, good, steer the situation in your favour!'

"But I am not all that injured. Just bruises and minor damage, they are just observing me."

"Don't be absurd." Kuroko fumed, starting to peel off the apple." This is simply an act of charity"

"Heh... I knew it. You really did change. Even though our encounters were always so painful... since I knew that you dreamed of being a hero, I knew you were someone worth of admiring and that we could find a common language. We are companions in arms!"

'STOP MAKING IT HARDER BY TOUCHING THINGS THAT BROUGHT ME TO ACTUALLY LIKE YOU! It's already distracting enough that my body decided to remember that my interests actually go in both ways! A-And for the sake of my sanity, don't mention arms, I beg you!'

"D-Don't read too much into this! You are still an uncultured primate that must not taint the glorious beauty of my onee-sama. Which is why... ekhm... I was thinking... you were having a part time job in White Springs, isn't that right? I was thinking that to make it even, I can give you a permanent discount in our supermarkets... and if you ever need a part time job again, because I am a heiress and I can say a few words-"

"W-What brought this so suddenly?"

"I... despite our differences, never properly thanked you for everything you did for me and for aiding onee-sama despite being only level 0. Even if we differ and I did hate you, I realized that not rewarding you is simply unjust and-"

"Thank you so much! It's like a gift from heaven for someone like me. Heiress of supermarket year... no hunting for sales, no shortages of food... I must say, you really know how to make someone happy"

'D-Don't grasp my hand while speaking about the future! Is it really that amazing? I heard that ape was in poor financial situation... huh, so after all this time, I could have give him that much satisfaction... w-wait, why am I interested in the implications of this?'

Kuroko then realized that the apple was already pealed before Touma grasped her hand.

"A-Anyway, you can have this-"

'Moment... I can't just make him say 'aaah', no way! So then... I will..."

"Gaah?"

Touma suddenly gagged when an large chunk of the apple was teleported between his lips and into his mouth. He bit through it and the rest rolled down. And as Kuroko reached for it...

She suddenly found herself under the blanket.

"Ghhh?!"

'I-I teleported on instinct to reach for that apple. Right under that blanket... no, this is only to retrieve that apple, not because I suck at controlling my libido. Here it is...'

Kuroko teleported the other half of the apple, before...

"MHHHMMM?!"

"I know, I know, I am-"

Suddenly, the covers were partially lifted.

To reveal a sparking Misaka Mikoto.

She arrived at the hospital as fast as she could, worried and troubled about the rescue action she only now heard of from Kuroko and Touma. Even if she realized they kept it a secret to keep her out of trouble, she was bent on giving them a piece of her mind.

Yes, that was her initial reason. But what she saw in Kamijou Touma's room was different matter...

Kamijou Touma, choking on an apple, was having his head between Shirai Kuroko's lower legs, with the other half of the apple rolling down once again under covers, where Kuroko's upper body was. When absolutely abashed Mikoto lifted the covers, she found Kuroko's head right in front of-

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"

Both girls screamed out loud.

(5 MINUTES LATER)

To Touma's utter shock, Mikoto didn't shock him directly.

Instead, panting angrily, she held a black tube with her hands, that was glowing blue on edges.

"How did you even find yourself in that position? That was the most chaotic apple feeding I ever saw."

"I-I don't know what to say, onee-sama"

"I mean, you were almost on his-"

"C-Can we move on from that part?"

"Misaka-san, what is this thing that you are holding?"

Mikoto looked at Touma and sighed.

"After recent encounters with other... girls around you... I realized my approach could have been inefficient. So, to make it up, I control my anger by charging those high-level accumulators. It helps me relax enough to have conversation with you. Isn't it nice?"

"Hah, with your ability, you can actually lit the lightbulbs when you have the idea"

WHAM!

"Ow!" Touma yelled, after the girl punched him on the arm.

"Don't push it! Anyway... can you just tell me what was the fuss about? I promise I try not to get mad for not involving me. Just... do it the next time, when something likes this pops out. Right?"

"But-"

"RIGHT?!"

"Y-Yeah"

"Yes, onee-sama"

(10 MINUTES LATER)

Mikoto sat deep in thought after Touma told her Mitsuari Ayu's story. Ayu told him that he could tell whoever he wanted, and if he wanted to go by his intuition, Mikoto was the right choice. After everything they were through, he trusted her completely with Ayu's tale.

The more Mikoto heard, the more she realized something that she already knew from interacting with many girls surrounding Touma in recent times.

She, in fact, did not draw the short end of the stick, at the very least not in relation to Touma. While others had her happiness stolen or possibilities taken, she had straight path to befriending and socializing with the boy. Contrary to some of the girls, like Shokuhou or Mitsuari.

It was not like her path was without problems. But all in all, she should have used her luck better. Instead, she spend her initial encounters with the boy on petty chases and immature challenges he didn't even want.

Who would have thought? She had her denial going strong in the past, for such a long time. When she became aware that there were other girls around Touma, she felt jealous and insecure. But, as it turned out, even though they were her rivals, their stories enriched Mikoto herself in the way she couldn't ever anticipate.

"That's a very sad story. One that I wouldn't wish on anyone." she finally said to Touma and Kuroko" I don't really know Mitsuari-san like you do, but I think I may talk to her about all of this. I may be able to help her should she ever want to return to Tokiwadai..."

"I don't know if she is willing to talk with another level 5." Kuroko added wistfully.

Touma shook his head.

"I don't think she has a problem with level 5s, it's more of an issue with..."

He narrowed his eyes, and tilted his head. Finally, Kuroko finished.

"With Shokuhou Misaki?"

"Yes! That's it... that's probably it."

"Even so... I feel really bad for her. To think such story was under my nose and I had no part in it... something about what you said bothers me. If those two, Mitsuari-san and Shokuhou were the chosen ones, did Mitsuari-san really need that shady enhancement? Because if I am understanding correctly..."

(ELSEWHERE)

"... that means you would achieve level 5 regardless. You do have necessary potential" said Hasako, before taking a gentle sip of green tea.

She and Mitsuari Ayu moved to the hospital's courtyard, filled with walking patients, enjoying the sun or conversing with one another, as Beginning Child and Mental Stinger did.

Ayu shook her head.

"You forgot to add that it would be only if Shokuhou died. And only if I got resources, which I wouldn't if she was alive. Kankyougami-san..."

"Hasako is fine"

"Why are you so intent on asking those questions if you already have the answers figured out?"

"Because I am on your side. And I want you to realize and reflect. Is what you want really the level 5 status? Is that really what you are angry about?"

"Angry? I am not angry. And if I was, I already got it out of my system"

"Maybe partially, but it will not help you, because that was not the thing that really tapped the source of your inner madness. You two were similar, but Shokuhou-san was strong enough to gain friends and brave through terrible loss. Do you suspect now what can be the source of your anger?"

"I... I am not sure..."

"Whatever appears in your mind, it's okay. It's okay to feel anger after everything that happened. Right now you are bargaining, exchanging 'what ifs' and pretending that all it takes to achieve happiness is to get to level 5 spot. But you are already there, in all but name. So how does it feel?"

Mitsuari pressed a few commands on her phone.

Everybody on the courtyard froze mid-motion.

"I can read their thoughts" the girl whispered quietly" change their memories, paralyze their bodies, alter their perception or sensations. I can cause them to part with life or change the course of their lives with a single command"

"And how does that feel?"

"Powerful. Mighty. And..."

Ayu sighed, pressing something on the phone, and causing people to move again, as if nothing happened.

"Hollow. Really empty."

"You should think about what you really desire and what you wish to achieve. Then you might understand that it's not the title that makes you who you are or changes your life. It's your actions that embody the meaning of the title and truly define what it represents. Each name carries a meaning that makes a thing recognized. But humans have the ability to shape our own meaning through our actions and choices. It's one of the greatest freedoms but also one of the most terrifying parts of our lives. Realizing the illusion of external limitations imposes the sense of responsibility. Are you strong and brave enough, Mitsuari-sama? To embrace your own self and responsibility that comes with it?"

"I... I don't know. You are really, really wise, Hasako-san"

"Am I? I don't think so about myself, but I graciously accept the compliment. I suppose I lived quite a bit, being born over 80 years ago. Although mentally I am not really that much older than you"

III. ANGER

In the afternoon, Touma had a long conversation with Index. After assuring her that he was alright and promising to keep her informed about the time he went out of the hospital, she left to eat something with Kaibi and Amazora, while Touma stayed in his room to have an alone time and talk with Othinus.

"You really told them?" the small girl asked, as they were resting, her body pressed alongside warmth of his cheek" About what happened in the last phase at the end of infinity?"

"Yeah, I guess I did. I mean..." Touma gently rubbed her small blond hair with a finger, a sign of affection he often conveyed when they were speaking."We all shared the same experience. It was different in circumstances and I of course omitted the details of what happened with the world and the two of us... but if that helped to connect me to them... then that's fine"

Othinus stayed silent for a moment, looking at the ceiling.

"Sometimes I think you should really resent me. That the happiness we have isn't right"

"I do not care about this and neither should you"

"Your mind forced you to have some of those painful memories sleeping within deep waters of your subconscious. But I remember. I can remember it all. Every second of that eternity. This is what it means to have a mind of the divine. And this mind is filled with pain that I caused one that my world can't be without"

Touma covered Othinus with a hand, lightly pressing her to his cheek. It was one of their equivalents of the hug.

"Then remember it. Remember not to forget, because through this sorrow, you truly learned what true joy meant. In fact, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't ever find myself through others. What you did to me was cruel, but I still learned many things. Back when you convinced to end my life, I was lost a long time ago, and if it wasn't for others, I would give up. It was them Othinus, it was always them. You know what I was thinking, when I walked through this city of golden wonder? Throughout all the loss and sorrow and misfortune, all the pain that stemmed from me just going around and trying to live my life... as I walked, there was fear. Of death. Of the unknown. Sadness, of not being able to go on. Of not being able to see anyone I love again. But also... when I stood there, before doing that last step away from oblivion, I thought about every single person I saved and tried to save... both in my mind and heart... and in that single moment, I was so proud. So proud of being alive to meet them all"

Othinus shook her head.

"Honestly, what did I do to deserve someone like this..." she whispered.

However, their further conversation was interrupted as there was a something rolling inside through half-closed doors.

"Oh my my, how careless of me..."

Touma quickly put Othinus on the shelf, just in time for the woman in the blue uniform with what appeared to be a five digit number, reaching for the vial with pink liquid.

"There we are... oh, my, what do we have here?" she gently spoke, turning in Touma's direction.

"H-He-Hello..." Touma mumbled, as the woman walked to the bed and leaned over him. "C-Can I help you with some... thing..."

The woman had ankle length black hair and purple eyes. But her gentle face was not what attracted the most amount of attention. Her chest was absolutely massive, on Rikuri's or Oriana's level, barely contained by the material of her clothing. That made a tremendous impact on her sex appeal, combined with curvy yet delicate looking body.

"My my, quite a handsome boy. For someone alive, I mean..."

Both Touma and Othinus were completely baffled as the newcomer examined the boy.

"M-Miss..."

"Oh, don't mind me... I am just here for a family matter. I happened to be on a short period of release and got here under escort to extort some chemicals for my work... I was captured during Handcuffs, but got slightly favourable sentence because killing is not my forte. Now, I assist morgues by dealing with all those cute cadavers."

"Cute... cadavers?"

"I rarely visit this hospital because the main doctor never messes up and everyone lives under his eye. But here I am, by absolute chance, to learn that the boy who got involved with my girls. So it's only a parent's instinct to see what kind of person I am working with here"

"E-Eh?"

The strange woman eyed him carefully for another dozen seconds, before nodding

"So far, my impression is medium-good, but one can't judge by simplicity. Just because something looks ordinary, doesn't mean it lacks potential. Just like my darling converters, that are get such an underrated opinion in the world of science. "

"W-Wait... you mentioned girls..."

"Oh my, didn't you notice our family resemblance?" the woman giggled, showing off a photo pulled out of the blue uniform" I believe you made quite a strong impression on my adorable twins."

Touma's eyes widened as he looked at the photo.

"You're... Kaai and Youen's..."

The woman blew him a kiss.

"Hanatsuyu Kuchikusa, also known as Converter, parent of two, age and gender being my sweet secret. But for simplicity's sake, you can call me mama. First of all, I am thankful to you for taking care of my twins. I was intrigued just who managed to worm his way into my little Youen's heart. Thanks to you, they can still grow in beauty of their defilement. So in terms of blessings, you have a green light. In time of my prison-caused indisposition, they are in your care. I owe you a debt of gratitude. Oh, but a word of advice... if you hurt them or break Youen's heart..."

A smile never left the woman's gentle face as she put a hand to her cheek.

"...I will induce a necrosis throughout your entire body, starting with your testicles"

"A-Ah... r-right..."

'She is definitely related to them! So scary!"

There was a sound of heavy boots from the outside and two Anti-Skill Officers came hurriedly inside.

"Detained Hanatsuyu! You know you are not to stray from designated path while in the hospitals. Should you do that again, you will be punished!"

"Alright, alright... oh my, not so roughly. So then, I will be watching you with interest, handsome boy! If you have any corpses to dispose off, be sure to call. Ciao!"

And with that, they left, leaving slightly pale Touma sitting on the bed with blank face.

"Human... are you okay?"

"Suddenly, it all has too much sense with those twins. How the hell someone so beautiful can be so damn terrifying?!"

"For that matter, why do you sound more terrified than throughout many of the deaths I put you through?"

"Othinus, never underestimate the power of fear that the prospect of balls falling off has on man!"

(MEANWHILE)

"Senpai, are you sure that you should be walking around?" Ayu asked heavily bandaged Hokaze Junko, who was leading her somewhere.

"Don't worry. Only few more days and those injuries will heal completely" Junko smiled brightly at her, before they stopped in front of one of hospital's conference rooms" Anyway, we are here. Please come in Mitsuari-san, it is very important"

"Where did you take me, Hokaze-san? What are we doing here?"

"Well, we have a surprise for you"

"We ?" Ayu muttered, as the doors opened.

Inside, there was a moderately lit room with a single window, large round table, and six chairs around it. One was taken by Shokuhou Misaki, which almost caused Ayu to exit on the spot, only stopping at the pleading eyes of Junko, who took a chair on Misaki's right. Next to her, was a redhead wearing black stockings, with one eye covered by fringes. On Misaki's left sat a girl with violet hair and black suit. She was vaguely familiar, and Ayu hesitantly took a set to her right. The sixth seat, the one between Ayu and the redhead girl, stayed vacant.

"Mitsuari-san... as you can see, we gathered a lot of familiar faces here..."

Ayu stared at her blankly, before Junko's face exploded in red hue and she started to frantically wave her hands in front of herself.

"M-My apologize for such untactful comment, you... you can't distinguish faces right now, can you?! I am so sorry! I am so-"

"Non taken, just tell me who got here. And why?"

"Mitsuari-san, you surely remember Iruka-san..." she pointed at the redhead, who waved back with a small smile.

Ayu's eyes widened.

"My gods, it was so long... I can't tell by your face, but you grew into a fine woman."

"So did you, senpai" Iruka sighed and stretched on the chair" It seems like decades and not years since we were together in the lab"

"And this person is Kouzaku Mitori" Junko motioned at the purple haired girl, who bowed slightly" She was partaking in our rescue mission, but the two of you didn't really cross paths, so-"

"No, no, now that you mentioned it, I am sure I heard this name before."Ayu reincorporated the bow.

"I heard about you, too. I am pleased to finally meet you"

"As for the reason why we gathered here." Shokuhou spoke for the first time since Ayu entered the room" Is because this first reunion of IDEAL subjects since I shut the project down can serve to help you recover..."

"Well, then I am done here. I do not want any psychological charity from you" Ayu turned around. Junko got up from her chair.

"Please, Mitsuari-san, don't go! We all want to help you!"

"Help..." Ayu's lips twisted, as if she remembered something unpleasant" Help?!"

"Yes, we all have your best interest-"

"I don't need help!"

"Yes, you do." Shokuhou interjected" so please, calm down"

"I will not calm down and especially not since you told me to"

"Mitsuari-san, I realize I don't know you as much as the others, but I don't want to see you unhappy" added Mitori.

"Yes, you are among friends now"

Mitsuari's eye twitched slightly on Iruka's comment, as she slowly approached the table.

"Then tell me, friends, do you have the slightest idea how much of a hell last years were for me?!" she slammed her hands on the metallic surface, causing a dull echo to resound around the room" How much I suffered, how much I lost, how much I sacrificed?! You are all wise after the damage is done, but where were you when the tragedy could be prevented? Who of you noticed that something was wrong, who reached their hands to me? Oh right..."

She pointed a finger at silent Shokuhou.

"You were all too busy with her to even think about me!"

"Senpai, that's not true" Iruka shook her head" You just... vanished. We couldn't reach you even if we wanted and we did-"

"LIES! Look at all of you, all happy and together" the venom laced words were shooting out like bullets" Hokaze Junko, you are her best friend. And the one that once played with me so much, my kouhai, Yumiya Iruka... Hokaze is your precious senpai now. And through her, you have a rivalry with Shokuhou Misaki. And I don't know you that much, but I bet that you, Mitori-san, are also Shokuhou's friend."

"W-Well... I..." Mitori stumbled upon her words slightly" That was unavoidable. The project was in a way centered around Misaki-san. But that doesn't mean that you-"

That was a phrasing that, although unintentionally, was absolutely worst in that situation, as Mitsuari's wrath exploded.

"NO! IT WAS NOT ABOUT HER! It was about us. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT US, AS EQUALS! But through one decision, she was chosen as the one to be spoken of, to be befriended, to be rewarded... even to be loved!"

"Maybe it would be easier for others to rescue you..." Misaki spoke slowly" if you actually allowed them to do so?"

Ayu looked at her with face twisted with rage.

"I am sorry, what?!"

"Misaki-san, that's not-" Mitori tried to speak, but Misaki was already giving in to her own emotions.

"You spoke about convenience on my side, but your behaviour is equally convenient for you. Instead of being proactive, you wait to be saved and accuse others, instead of stating what you actually want. You are a self-absorbed, self-pitiying, glorified martyr"

"You want to talk about self-absorbed?! Go ahead, throw your curses at me. I assure you, there is no insult that you can use that I already didn't hurt myself with. Is that little gathering of your friends a provocation in disguise?! Fine!" Ayu sprung into her feet, launching and grabbing Shokuhou by her uniform" If you want to fight, I will give you a fight"

Other girls gasped and got up, but Shokuhou lifted her hand.

"Let her be"

"If it was only the difference in success, if it was someone else merely being better than me, it wouldn't make me so mad. But you took what could have been mine, and I became an inferior version of you. Do you have any idea what does it feel like, when no matter where you go, you are compared and then discarded because you are not someone else? It's like my very life is an error purely because yours continues. So I wanted to kill you... I wanted to do this so badly... but I can't. Not only because I know that killing you won't bring me peace, but because... if there was one thing that worried me in all of this... is that I won't be able to look Touma-san in the eyes anymore... and even more, after my actions. I can't kill you... and it would be so much easier if I could. Because now I am left with all of this blind rage... and I just... don't know what to do anymore..."

"Well..." Junko voiced her opinion, sounding genuinely caring" that's why we are here. We are here to listen, talk, and even confront you, should it be your wish. I don't want you to suffer more, Mitsuari-san. I know it will take a lot of time for you to fully recover, but we just want you to accept our help"

Ayu bit her lip till a single drop of blood flew down her chin and dropped to the floor.

"Suppose I believe you... what do you even plan to do with me?"

"Well, you obviously hate me" Shokuhou began" that is already quite clear. But why do you hate me? Is it really about level 5 status?"

"W-What do you mean... of course it's about-" Ayu began to speak, before getting silent, remembering what Hasako told her.

"Yes, Mitsuari-san, tell us why are you so angry" said Junko

"B-But I...

"Are you angry at the system of this city?" asked Mitori.

"Y-Yes.. maybe...I..." the questioned girl stumbled on her words

"Are you angry at us for not realizing earlier? inquired Iruka.

"Stop... I..."

"Please, tell us." pleaded Junko

"I..." Ayu whispered, hiding her head in the

"Mitsuari-san!"

"I-!"

"Mitsuari-san, tell u-"

"I AM ANGRY AT MYSELF!"

The deep-throat, desperate, shrill scream echoed not only through air, but also through mindscapes. Just like electromasters could scatter sparks in distress and telekinesis users crumpled objects in anger, Mitsuari Ayu's tormented wail involuntarily echoed through minds accompanying actual sound, like a violent static. Everyone besides Shokuhou winced slightly, before looking at the Ayu, who was still hiding her head in her hands, with eyes wide open and slowly filling up with tears.

"Why?" Shokuhou asked" Why are you angry at yourself?"

"I... I am angry..." Ayu choked out, her throat slightly sore from soul-twisting scream from earlier." I am angry at all of the things you mentioned. But... I am jealous. I am jealous of you. From what you've told me, you faced terrible tragedy regarding your relationship with Touma-san. But you're still able to push through. I can't help but admire... person I hated. And I can't deal with that. How did you do it?"

"I... was not okay, Mitsauri-san" Misaki spoke, passing her hand over her face" I am still not fine. But..."

Although the rest of the girls, didn't know what Ayu was referring to, Misaki sighed, looking into the eyes of the burgundy haired telepath.

"I forced myself to be okay, in hope to finding a solution for this problem. But also... because of adhering to his principles... I managed to find amazing friends. I established my wonderful clique. I would never survived without them"

"Then... that's probably it. Through it all..."

Tears began to drop on the floor, as Ayu spoke, with her fists clenched and face contorted in pain.

"I was... so alone. So very, very alone. Everyone left me... some because of my actions and some because of the fact that I didn't turn out to be the level 5 they hoped me to be... and I was forced to endure that loneliness... so long that I finally broke and started to drown... both metaphorically and literally. And after all that time... I don't remember what it's like. Not to hate, to have good dreams. Who am I anymore... if I don't hate you. What's even left of me at that point?"

"Mitsuari-san..." deeply saddened and already crying Junko choked out.

Misaki looked outside, at the rays of sun permeating through the cloudy sky.

"You know... you always pronounced that you are not me. And you are right. You are not me, and you should never be me. You are not a failure or rejected design of a level 5. Don't regret that you fell where I didn't. Who knows, maybe there will be time in which I collapse and you stay strong. And when it comes to friends... even though it may take longer to fully settle the hurt between us, I am ready to be here for you, to accept you, and to befriend you. We all are"

"Mitsuari-san..." Junko spread her arms" Please, come here"

There was a long moment of silence. The sun in the sky seemed to move a little.

But time didn't speed up. That was just for how long Mitsuari froze up.

And then... taking one step, and then the other...

Ayu broke down into tears, embracing Junko.

Misaki sighed, smiling slightly.

Although they had their differences in the past, she wanted to settle it down and get along with Ayu. As long as Touma wasn't denied to be her hero, she had no problem with him fitting that role for someone else.

She placed a hand on Ayu's shoulder and spoke.

"We are here for you. As is Touma. And others."

"We will never discard you, Mitsuari-san." Junko whispered to the crying girl.

"The Mitsuari Ayu I knew was the kindest girl who everyone loved. It's only natural we'll work hard for things to return to that state" Iruka concurred, joining the hug.

"We are ready to be your allies for good and bad." Kouzaku Mitori also reassured Ayu, embracing other girls.

Ayu did not know how long they stayed like this, but finally her lips spoke out

"Then... I... am in your care. Please... be my friends again"

There was a loud cheer echoing through the room.

After a moment, the girls found themselves talking, one over the other, over large variety of topics, the tense atmosphere slowly dissolving. Even the conversations between Ayu and Misaki, although still quite stiff, didn't carried earlier malice.

"So let me get this straight" Ayu pointed at every girl in the room" You all are acquainted with Kamijou?"

A wave of nods.

"Seriously?"

"My exact reaction when I first realized it" Misaki sighed" You wouldn't believe what a vast array of acquaintances he now has."

Shokuhou knew this best. She took the liberty of sneakily gazing into the minds of some of Touma's new friends. And the results were as fascinating as terrifying and made Misaki glad that those girls actually fell in love with Touma instead of being his enemies. Although, this was double edged sword should something ever happen to the boy.

The results could be catastrophic, and that was only on two examples

Maidono Hoshimi wielded telekinesis so powerful she could create city-wide fault-lines and shake parts of tectonic plates. She was capable of easily causing enormous amounts of destruction without even restoring to lifting objects. As powerful as Misaki was, the fought of confronting someone who could levitate skyscrapers or create new mountain chains unnerved her to no end.

Kankyougami Hasako, former name unknown, an esper from bygone era, could alter environment on the unprecedented scale within a spherical domain of her choosing, to match the DNA signature of a living being. There was no telling how far this domain could really reach or how many environments she could create. One could guess that her true limit was the number of living beings, but was that accurate?

Pushing those thoughts aside, surprised Misaki was greeted by another question from Ayu, shyly pressing her fingers together.

"So do you all... like like him?"

Junko tilted her head in bewilderment. Mitori covered her embarrassed face with her hands. Iruka stood straight with arms crossed, pouting and turning away to hide slight pink hue on her cheeks.

"It was an accident!"

"A-Although Junko-san will always be my first, he is a... s-strong second!"

"Like like is liking someone twice as strongly? Then I guess I have both Kamijou-san and Gunha-san because I like like like them!" light of innocence radiated from Junko's face.

The other girls looked at her.

"You didn't understand it, did you? It's not just multiplying liking, it turns into something more... physical" Misaki deadpanned.

"Physical? We do fight and train a lot. So what did you mean?"

Even more innocence followed.

"Well, Junko-san, when a boy and a girl are really attracted to each other-"

"Everyone!" came abrupt voice of Mitsuari Ayu" I want to continue this conversation, but you did one of us dirty!"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"We can't really do all of this reunion without all of us from the IDEAL team! C'mon, I see that we are still waiting for her, there is even a chair. Tell me, where is Rakko-chan?! Back in the lab, I often spoke with her when she was feeling lonely, it would be nice to catch up with her"

The merry mood was suddenly extinguished, as Iruka's face fell into a distraught mask. Junko quickly rushed to her side, as Ayu looked left and right to see the small crowd suddenly saddened faces.

"You don't know?" asked Mitori.

"Mitsuari-san..." Junko spoke quietly" Rakko-san won't be coming"

"H-Hey, if you are having some kind of argument between you, I understand. I don't have a monopoly on being a brooding loner..."

Iruka made a sobbing sound, as Shokuhou Misaki shook her head, looking directly at Mitsuari Ayu.

"No, you have it wrong. Yumiya Rakko... is no longer with us. She... already left this world"

Mitsuari Ayu froze. And slowly, as if time stretched like molasses, her face turned into the one of shock and horror.

"What?..." a single, choked out sound resounded through the silence of the room.