LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 51: chapter 51
(MEANWHILE)
Just when Touma mentally recovered after visit from unnerving guest, fate decided to grant him a dose of irony when the daughter of said guest decided to pop up for a visit.
"So you met mom..." Youen sighed, wobbling on the guest chair" Good grief. If I know her, she managed to scare you"
"You really are related, that's for sure"
"Oh really" the small girl smiled deviously, pushing her chest upwards" Naughty boy, did you think about how they will get even bigger?"
Turning away from Youen's grin, Touma closed his eyes
'C-Crap, that thought crossed my mind, but I can't yield, I have to have a moral high ground here'
"Y-Youen, please, restrain yourself, we are in the hospital. Plus, you are 11"
"There is nothing wrong in imagining for the future reference. You stole my first kiss and saw my naked body~"
"That was a different Youen, e-even if I remember that! Anyway... that person..."
"Mom said something about being our dad?"
"Huh... as a matter of fact... what was up with that?"
"In fact, neither Kaai or myself know for sure. Our other parent left in our infancy, and we don't remember what mom was like when we were very small. But since she wants to be called mom, that's how we call her. Let's settle on woman for our convenience. Changing the subject... I have something for you. Mom is right, we owe you the opportunity to have a good workplace instead of the sewers. S-So I thought that I make you something for you to recover faster"
With the hands (which Touma only now noticed, had small band-aids in quite a few places) she presented him a small plastic box.
"A bento?"
"No, silly boy. It's a... pause for dramatic effect... homemade chocolate by yours truly!"
Touma looked at the box in a somewhat cautious amazement.
"You... you made chocolates for me, Youen? You don't seem like the type"
There was something ominous about this box that Touma could not place a finger on. But it was obvious the younger girl put a lot of thought into the gift so he didn't want to be rude to her.
"Who do you take me as? I assure you that you will find completely normal chocolates inside"
"Hah... if you say s-"
He covered his mouth, while looking at the girl. For a moment he was sure that her twin sister arrived... because he saw in double. In fact all the walls seemed to multiply bend and twist. In addition he felt the taste of vomit in his mouth, dizziness in his head, and soreness of his muscles, which shivered as if he had the fever.
'O-Othinus and Nephthys warned me that there can be side effects. That illusion I put Veritas in was an overkill. Damn, I do feel sick...'
While harnessing the draconic powers could give him an incredible empowerment, overdoing them could be equally taxing, as there were potent side effects lasting up to couple days and varying, depending on overused power. In the case of emerald dragon, he experienced nausea, hallucinations, and lack of orientation. It was not extremely dangerous, but he did throw up number of times and he was sure it would incapacitate in normal functioning. It was the only reason he didn't really fight against going out of the hospital yet.
"Hey, that's not fair, don't look like you're about to puke when you didn't even taste them yet!"
The sickening feeling slowly passed, as Touma shook his head.
"That is not... because of you."
"Hmm, so you are feeling unwell after all. Here, let me help you with that" Youen said, opening the box and revealing 50 chocolates in 5 x 10 setting" say 'aaaaah'"
"Youen-san, I really-"
"AAAAAH!"
Touma finally relented knowing that the small researcher will not give up until he tastes her creation. So he tasted the chocolate.
It was...
"Wow, Youen, this is really good. It's crunchy and crispy but sweet..."
He tried another one.
"And this one is like a cold peanut jelly! Quite refreshing! Youen, you are amazing. I never tasted anything like that!"
Carrier clapped her hands with a gentle smile, that seemed like a reflection of Kuchikusa's one.
"I heard there is nothing more rewarding than someone praising your cooking skills. You still owe me a dat-... an outing, so I am going to make you recover fast. As for the secret flavour... the first one was a crispy tarantula"
Touma froze, with his mouth filled with half-eaten candy
"Come... again?"
"A crispy tarantula. As for the second one... one moment..."
Youen reached forward with her hand and gathered a smudge of chocolate from Touma's lip in quick motion, before sticking her finger into her own petite lips.
"Yes, the second was alphitobius diaperinus, a lesser mealworm larvae."
"Y-Y-Youen-san... you used... insects as filling?"
"Chocolate mixed with insects. They are a source of high quality protein, macro and microelements, have a high content of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are rich in trace elements such as copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. They will help you recover in no time. I used my finest, disease-free specimens."
"But you said I can find normal chocolates inside!"
"Half of those chocolates are just regular cocoa with sugar, you just happened to pull out two surprises in the row. I would be negligent if I didn't supply you with something nutritious. I also added Locusta, Formica, Pentatomidae, Isoptera, Blattodea... in other words locusts, wood ants, stinkbugs, termites, roaches... their tastes roughly translate to fish, kaffir, apple, nuts, mushrooms... now, eat up and you will regain your strength in record speed"
"You and Aradia would surely find a common language regarding nutrition..."
"Who is Aradia?"
"A story for another time... oh, Ayu-san, And everyone else? Thank god... emm, I mean... Did something happen?"
There was a crowd of girls at his door, with Mitsuari Ayu at the front. Touma immediately sensed that there was something heavy in the air.
"Did... did you have another fight?" he asked.
Ayu shook her head.
"No, this is not between me and Shokuhou. We... we're rough on the edges but we will manage for now. But, Touma-san... I have something to ask of you..."
IV. DEPRESSION
It could be seen as very strange that the first thing that the IDEAL girls did together was a funeral. After all, Mitsuari Ayu was filled with suffering through last years.
But it was her insistence to honour Yumiya Rakko's memory.
"I learned that someone I cherished in the past died. I don't think I will be able to try pursuing happiness if I don't say proper goodbye. I think Iruka-san and the others need it too." she said quietly while approaching Touma" Would you help me get the funeral ready when we get out of here? And attend it, if it's not a problem?"
For grief to be correctly dealt with, a great deal of depression had to be experienced. And right now, Mitsuari Ayu felt deep sadness for reasons completely new to her. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
And so, when they were discharged two days later, Touma contacted Sakuragi Naruha and Yakumaru Itsuki, requesting a favour.
After some time for the girls to get ready, at the evening of that day, they all gathered at the bottom of mountainous region of district 21. After exchanging the greetings, they slowly began their proceed up the path.
Everyone was wearing formal clothes, even Touma managed to borrow a black suit and white shirt from ITEM on this specific occasion.
First on the small procession was Yumiya Iruka, younger sister of the deceased, wearing a black kimono. Her kanzashi hair ornament, usually crimson red, was changed to black as well. She carried a bouquet of flowers and a framed picture, which, as Touma suspected, was of Yumiya Rakko.
Slightly behind her were Mitsuari Ayu and Hokaze Junko, good friends of Rakko from times of the IDEAL, in black dresses and flowers in hand. Then, Shokuhou Misaki and Kouzaku Mitori followed, and finally in the slight distance, there was a group consisting of Touma, Index, and Gokusai Kaibi.
Touma was directly invited, but he requested the presence of Index and Kaibi. Although both of them were surprised by this, Touma offered an explanation.
They needed someone with a language fitting of a ceremony to symbolically perform it. It didn't matter that it wasn't a christian funeral, Index was connected enough to spiritual side of existence to be a right person for the job. After he reassured Index with those words, the silver haired nun almost cried from touching sign of faith Touma had in her and agreed to intone a formal part of the funeral.
As for Kaibi, even if she abandoned Rakko at one point, they were still co-workers and friends of some kind while working for SCHOOL. Touma realized that after changing her ways, Kaibi was plagued by guilt for what happened prior to Battle Royale. So he took the opportunity for giving Kaibi the chance to say sorry and goodbye in this symbol of moving forward. The girl was very hesitant at first, and that hesitation didn't leave her even after she eventually left. But Touma wouldn't go without her and now he led her in his embrace, as the girl in the black dress and dark rose in her hair looked unsurely forward.
She knew that she wasn't really welcomed her. Although Iruka didn't pursue revenge anymore, it was clear that she didn't really fancy Kaibi's company. For exact same reason, Kakine Teitoku, who was informed about the event through Fremea and Hamazura, opted to watch from afar. Kaibi was one thing, but if Kakine, the one who actually authorized cutting the ties with Rakko in the past, were to appear on the funeral, it would surely end with a fight over the coffin. Or rather, over the boat.
Yes, after some time of slow march, they once again arrived at the shore of the Ground Geo lake. There, waiting for them, was a canoe-like boat and japanese styled bow with arrows.
The canoe was created by Naru from specially reinforced paper, made so it wouldn't sink like regular paper did. On it, there was a small slit, in which Iruka slowly put Rakko's picture. Other girls gently put their flowers on the canoe. After moment of silence, Iruka gestured at Touma and the others to come closer, as they gathered around stump of a fallen tree, which served as the natural podium. Index lowered her head, praying silently under her breath.
"Now, let's say a few words about Yumiya Rakko from the memory of those who knew her." spoke Shokuhou Misaki, her voice devoid of usual playfulness and glamour" Yumiya-san, please go first"
Iruka nodded and stood on the elevated point, gazing at the boat.
"Rakko... even for me, her sister, she walked her own ways. When we were little, she always followed me around and was afraid of everything. I wish I could ease her fear, one that she had to surely face in the moment of her death. But... even though we grew apart, I sincerely hope that she led a life in the way that she wanted. I will always and forever miss my dear older sister and I would give anything to hear her voice once again. She... she was always socially anxious, dreamed of having many friends. In which I hope she... succeeded, at least in some respect"
Iruka shot a glance at Kaibi, before continuing.
"Even if she dealt with darkness I had no knowledge of, even if she committed sins of grave weight, I decide and will forever cherish her memory as lovable sister, a wonderful companion, and... best family member I could dream ever of. I only wish I could understand many things sooner, because I will... miss her so, so much... Rakko..."
One stream of tears flowed from the closed eye of Iruka, as Junko gently grabbed her hand.
"Thank you, for sharing your grief with us"
Iruka shook her head, choking on tears.
"No, no, it's me who should be thanking you. All of you. And Kamijou-san, you weren't originally included, but you went out of your way to prepare everything here. I am truly grateful to be able to properly bid farewell to Rakko. I will remember your doings here, be sure of that"
Touma smiled warmly
"Sure. But I just did what had to be done"
Afterwards spoke Hokaze Junko.
"Rakko-san was... she was always a gentle, delicate spirit. She brought joy to all of us in the lab, she was like a younger sister to me, even when we were not that apart in age. During the time I struggled with my power and did everything to advance, she cheered me on and supported me in my endeavour. I will always cherish the qualities of character she showed back then in my heart. I liked to think that we reunite and remain friends in our adulthood... s-sadly... this will not be the case. If you are out there, Rakko-san, I wish you knew that people still love you... that I love you... and you will never be forgotten, not eveeeeeeer..."
Even though she prepared a longer speech, tears and sorrow stopped Junko, as both Iruka and herself fell into each other's arms.
"Thank you, Junko-san. Thank you so much. Mitsuari-san, would you mind going next?"
Ayu, unsurely at first, then managing to brave through the uncertainty, took the spot on the 'podium'.
"Rakko-san I knew was remarkably cute, compassionate, kind, and charming girl. Years ago, I would play with her and Iruka-san for hours. Rakko-san was the one of the few people that made my later trauma bearable in my memory. I can't believe she is actually gone. I know she changed... and I can't judge her, given what happened to me... but learning about her death made me realize something important about myself too. Someone once said: 'hurry to love others, because they leave so fast'. And it was never as true as it is now. I was away for so long and kept my back turned because of focus on myself so viciously that I missed the chance to speak with Rakko-san once more. If I could turn back time, I would, but it's not possible anymore. However, I shall take this lesson to heart and live to my fullest, embracing the ones I know and love. I shall never forget you, Rakko-san, and I will always give you respect for changing my perspective. I thank you for everything you gave to our lives."
Ayu went down before suddenly hugging Touma from the side.
"Are you okay?"
The girl smiled weakly
"I will be, eventually. But you are sweet for asking" she whispered, her puffy hair filling the air with calming fragrance.
Kouzaku Mitori and Shokuhou Misaki spoke next. They did not have such direct contact with Rakko as Iruka, Junko, Ayu or Kaibi, but expressed their deep sorrow and pain from the loss of fellow member of IDEAL, sister and friend to their own friends, and someone that they could help in need, but never had the chance because fate was not so kind. They promised to keep Yumiya Rakko in their memories and offered her sister renewed declaration of friendship, with Iruka accepted with gratitude.
Then, there was Kaibi's turn to go. She looked at Touma, but he squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"Go on and speak your own heart out. I am right here to support you"
Kaibi nodded and made her way to the stump.
After a moment she faced everyone. Touma was looking at her, placing his right hand on his heart. Kaibi exhaled and then began speaking.
"As you know, I knew Rakko in a different context than all of you. We met at dark side group known as SCHOOL. Rakko was... and there is no point in denying or hiding this after her death... was our sniper. One of the best out there"
The wave of uneasiness spread among the other girls, as Kaibi spoke, undeterred.
"We worked together quite some time and aided each other in a few situations. I often thought that Rakko did the job done. But I always thought of her as mere coworker, never a friend. I only understood after some time that I regret many things concerning my relationship with Yumiya Rakko. I should be... should be able to understand her. To call her a friend. To be there for her, instead of discarding her to die. I should do so many things that I didn't. And I am, after many changes in myself, ready to say: I am immeasurably sorry. For what happened and what could have been, but did not occur. I will always remember each day we spent together, keeping it in my memory to never stray from the experience it left in me. Yumiya-san... I know nothing I do or say can bring you back your sister... nor I expect to earn your forgiveness... but I want you to know that in addition to my regret and sorrow that stems from it, I am ready to support you whenever you need me, to atone for what SCHOOL did. I know we already settled this... but I just wanted you to know. Thank you"
As she came down, Iruka called to her.
"Gokusai-san... I truly do not know what is my relationship to you... nor am I sure if I can let go of what you cutting ties did to my sister... but I knew Rakko. And even if you weren't sure about your friendship, in her mind, you were her friend. So I can find in my heart to thank you for that flawed companionship... and for what you just said"
Kaibi sighed, looking beyond the crowd.
"Rakko and I had another teammate, Yobou-san. He... I wish he could be here, but sadly, he died too. He never said it, but he was extremely protective of her. And..."
She paused. She could have sworn she saw a white figure watching from behind the trees, but when she blinked, it was gone.
"Gokusai-san?"
"N-Nothing's wrong, I'm fine. Please, continue"
Touma, who did not have any ties with Rakko whatsoever, did not speak. It was time for Index to speak the conclusion, as everyone gathered around the boat. After saying last goodbyes and more personal prayers, Iruka put her hands on the surface of the water near the boat with flowers and photograph. It created small ripples, miniature waves on the calm surface.
There was no body, as it disintegrated upon Rakko's death. It was a pure symbol, but nevertheless a powerful one.
"Today, we lay to rest Yumiya Rakko" intoned Index" missed by her loved ones, friends, family. We say goodbye to a sister, friend, an ally, and a human life on this earth. We pray that with our guidance and grace of the divine, Rakko's spirit will reach peace and blissful repose in the everlasting light. Whatever her belief was, I pray that in the judgement of her own soul and in divine glory, we will guide her to wherever this justice dictates, as she leaves this world through physical ties, but remaining in the memory of love and compassion of those who knew her..."
Iruka closed her eyes and waves created on the undisturbed surface of the water got bigger, just enough for the boat to slowly moved away from the shore.
"... we hope that her virtue will be rewarded, sin will be forgiven, and that she will reach the ultimate happiness. Yumiya Rakko, hear our prayers and be welcomed into the unknown, into indescribable, beyond the realm of humanity, by powers beyond this world. With assurance of love, memory, and kindness towards you, we now lay you to rest, by water and fire, through air delivered and to earth returned."
As Index finished her intonation, Yumiya Iruka sniffed, drying her tears to regain clarity of sight. As the waves amplified by her ability, that could manipulate any wave-like property, carried the canoe to the center of artificial lake, she slightly undid her kimono, revealing the breast plate underneath.
She took a bow into her hand, alongside with an arrow, covered in the rag soaked in flammable liquid. She pointed at the lighter laying alongside the arrows.
"Mitsuari-san... light it up please"
Ayu did as she was told.
With the arrow's end burning, Iruka drew the bow in the calm focus, targeting the white canoe.
"Sleep tight, nee-san"
TWANG! SWISH!
The arrow swished through the air and hit the target.
As per Touma's request, Yakumaru Itsuki infused Naru's paper with flammable, yet harmless chemicals, thanks to which the boat was lit aflame in the matter of seconds.
The group on the shore stood and watched as it burned, in deep contemplation. Afterwards, there was a lot of crying, mainly by Iruka (who cried on the shoulder of her beloved senpai but also, to surprise of all parties, Touma's) and Junko. They stood it for nearly half an hour, and then slowly, very slowly, began their descent down the mountain. Later, they were all to go to restaurant to reminisce, and have more light-hearted moments after the event.
Ayu, Touma, and Iruka were one of the last ones who left. As Index and Kaibi left together, the later extremely hungry after the ceremony, Iruka also thanked Touma by hugging him, bowed to Ayu, and slowly left the scene too.
Ayu and Touma looked as the last flames slowly died down, the embers flowing up in the air.
She took his hand, looking at the surface of the lake.
"This place... brings bad memories" Ayu gestured towards water" Last time I stood on that shore like this... I got up on the higher spot, weighed myself down and... the water was so cold and chilling. You know, it makes me wonder if... there could be a better way to resolve this... I know wondering about what ifs will get me nowhere, but... I can't help but think about it. Was it all really my fault? If Shokuhou didn't want my life to be ruined, like I wanted to believe, if it was really my weakness... could I did it differently? All three of us shared that fate, but... was I foolish to do so? To decide to die?"
Touma looked forward in the darkness of the water, as the last flames of Rakko's funeral fire went down, leaving only silence of the lake with darkening sky.
"Of course you could do something better. But there isn't such thing as perfect solution" he stated, bringing the girl a little closer to keep her warm" I wanted to do all I could to save you. Maybe in some parallel worlds, I succeeded. But if all of this didn't happen, we wouldn't stand here now. If I could take your pain away and shoulder it in your stead, I would do so. But I can't stop what already happened from creating ripples in our history. But... what I can and promise to do is to create other ripples with positive moments, good memories, that will balance those bad ones until the water is clear. Ayu-san, it's better to say this now, but... I am only human. I know I often manage to do many crazy things, but at the end of the day... I am just a regular human. The weight of those I didn't want to save... Frenda Seivelun, Kihara Kagun, Komaba Ritoku... to only name a few... it never leaves me. But admitting that I won't be able to save everyone is a part of reality, and even if I strive my hardest to change it, I cannot do this alone. I know that now. If you have me, we can work together so the story won't repeat itself in the future. We can add bright memories, as much as you want, until this place won't be a reminder of darkness that almost claimed you, but instead the beginning of the life of happiness, and the first day of new life ahead of us. Because we are both back to square one. Only this time... I will see you, not only look at you. As long as you would like."
Ayu made a quiet whimpering sound, embracing Touma, who focused on reincorporating the embrace.
"Yes... of course I will be with you, there is nothing I would want more. If you stay with me..."
"I am not going anywhere. And... regarding what you said about Shokuhou... you know what's one of the hardest parts about being misfortunate?"
By touch, he felt that Ayu shook her head.
"It's not the accidents themselves, not physical harm, nor the fact that you may have it worse than the others. There is something else, on par with others suffering through our misfortune. One of the worst things is that when something awful happens to you, it doesn't always have a clear explanation. And one of the hardest things about random misfortunes is that sometimes... no, more often than not... there is not some evil plan, no ulterior motif, no grand scheme designed to bring you down. But you still need an explanation, you still need someone to blame. You need someone to blame so you don't go insane. But... there isn't anyone. It is just some random twist of events. It all follows some rules, sure, but at the end of the day... someone spilled something, someone woke up angry, a wind came through in that moment and not the other. One piece was missing from that puzzle of happiness and that was it. There was never any meaning to it, besides..."
Touma closed his eyes, emotions welling up in his voice, as Mitsuari Ayu's tears were drenching his shirt.
"... misfortune. Simple and random bad luck."
They did not know how long Mitsuari Ayu wept. It could be 2 minutes or 20. Touma allowed her to vent, to truly cry the depression within her out, knowing full well that it was just the beginning of the way to make that poor girl happy. But it was a major step.
Finally, when she calmed down, he spoke again.
"We... you and I... have that misfortune in common. And I don't know if two minuses like us will give a plus together... but if it can be bad anyway, I am curious to test what the two of us can do together. Are you?
Ayu slowly lifted her head. And then, extending her hand to touch Touma's heart, she smiled softly and said one word, carrying more hope than most of her life in the recent years combined.
"Yes, I am"
V. ACCEPTANCE
The other surprise arrived when Touma, Misaki, and Ayu were called by Heaven Canceller the next day. As they arrived together, they were waiting in the hospital caffeteria. Touma took of a sandwich, Misaki a salad, while Ayu opted for coca-cola and burger, mirroring her choice from first meeting with Touma and Seria.
Finally, Heaven Canceller came to greet them, accompanied by...
"Hello!" smiled a curvaceous blond with glasses, sporting a nurse uniform." Your sexy defender of the unjustly accused is here!"
"Bologna?!"
"Mom!"
"Wait... you said mom?!"
Three separate screams echoed throughout the caffeteria.
"Miss... Shokuhou..." Heaven Canceller made a face that immediately told Touma that the old doctor knew, or at least strongly suspected, the succubus's true identity" came to me, claiming that she wanted to consult me on the solution for your problems. And after listening to her idea, I decided to evaluate it from medical standpoint. The results of this evaluation are what I want to talk to you about"
"She did?" Misaki looked at the strangest family connection she had" I am afraid to ask, but how did you get in here?"
"Apparently, my nurse uniform was pretty convincing."
"Ah huh..."
"Nevertheless, I heard about you and Mitsuari-san. So you are Misaki's nemesis? Oh, you are a cute one. So much rage and jealousy and lust"
"Oh dear, now it's two of them" Mitsuari mumbled out" E-Excuse me, how exactly did you know me?"
"Kamijou told me"
"Huh?!" both girls looked at the boy, who raised both his hands in the air.
"I contacted her because she wanted to talk about memory problem, and I happened to tell her about recent events. I never knew she would actually get interested in Ayu-san"
"Of course I would be interested" Bologna frowned, before booping both Misaki and Ayu" Because both of you are unjustly accused... by each other. Thus, I found that it is my duty to try and think about solutions to both of your problems"
"Both of our problems?"
"Shokuhou-san believes that she found a pattern that can help both of your cases. Mental Out's memory issue regarding Kamijou-san, as well as Mental Stinger's prosopagnosia. I took the rough idea, changed it into functioning model... and given the fact that earlier there was almost no solution to either one of those problems... I think it's advisable and promising to test this idea out" said the doctor.
"Really?" The eyes of both girls lit up. At this point both of them, especially Misaki, would take any opportunity to solve the aforementioned issues.
"I should warn you though" Heaven Canceller put up a finger" This plan, should it work, relies on your cooperation. Either you win together or lose together. Shokuhou-san, Mitsuari-san... do you understand?"
The girls looked at each other.
"Well... we... emm..."
"Oh, come on. That's too quick for them to decide. Let's lay out the instructions first" Bologna grinned before running to the corridor and returning shortly after with an old fashion blackboard" So let's explain the basics. I do not really know in detail how your abilities operate. I am more... spiritually inclined, if anything. But, I was thinking, and I broke it down to the relations between you three."
"Relations? Between the three of us?"
Bolgona took a piece of chalk and draw an isosceles triangle, with letters 'T' and 'M' at the points connected by the basis of the triangle, and the letter 'A' at the point connected with two others by legs of the figure.
T - - - - - M
M - - - - - A
A - - - - - T
"Let's start with Misaki's case. We have three relations between you: Touma-Misaki (TM), Misaki-Ayu (MA), Ayu-Touma and of course, their reversed versions, Misaki-Touma, Ayu-Misaki, and Touma-Ayu. The problem here is that relations of Touma with Misaki are disturbed."
She drew an 'X' across the middle of the triangle's base, the segment connecting the letters 'T' and 'M'.
M- - - - -X- - - - -T
"All right?" Misaki asked" We knew that already. And what does Mitsuari-san have to do with this?"
"I was just getting to that. You see, it would normally end here... but with your abilities, there may be a way of saving your situation"
"Huh? Our abilities? What do you mean?"
"I think I will take it from here" Heaven Canceller sat down, looking at the blackboard" Shokuhou-san, your case is slightly more complex. What we thought of is similar to signal relay in telecommunication systems. If a direct link between a sending device and receiving device can't be established because of malfunctioning component, there is a possibility for another device of similar functionality to serve as medium to transfer the signal. In your case..."
Bologna drew another set of markings, as Heaven Canceller continued his explanation
T to M, disturbed.
M to A, functional
A to T, functional
"Interactions work in both directions. But even though Shokuhou-san can retain memories and accumulate memories from her interactions with Kamijou-san, the reverse isn't true. Now, the reason how exactly this specific anterograde amnesia is occurring is not yet fully understood. I hypothesize that your brain may be protecting yourself by somehow recognizing Shokuhou-san's power signature, that stems from the power that caused your body harm, even if it was to save your life. That is baseless speculation though, even if it remains the fact that your brain has some mechanism of selection, erasing only memories and sensations categorized as connected with Shokuhou Misaki. However, for the sake of our discussion, we don't really need to explain the exact nature of your cerebral inability. We just need to realize that in our telecommunication analogy, you are the malfunctioning receiving device while Shokuhou-san is a functioning sender. And here is where Mitsuari-san comes in"
"Boy, we are seeking not to fully heal your problem, but to trick your brain" Bologna said, sketching the sings on the blackboard.
T to A to M, information in relation T to M relayed through A.
Both Ayu and Misaki leaned forward, realization slowly dawning on them.
"We intend to make use of existing and functioning connections. We intend to relay Kamijou-san experiences of Shokuhou Misaki from Shokuhou-san's brain, through the brain of Mitsuari Ayu, and then finally to Kamijou-san own brain. Even though it would be de facto the same relation, by going through the mind of Ayu-san as a middle step between start and the goal, Kamijou-san's brain will be tricked into thinking that those memories come from Mitsuari-san, even though in reality they will be from Shokuhou-san. And to establish this connection in the first place, we will need-"
"Our abilities. A telepathic connection. But that's-" Ayu covered her lips.
"Brilliant. Far too brilliant" Shokuhou put a hand on her head in frantic excitement" It's scarily simple... why didn't I think of that?"
"Probably because it was not achievable earlier on" Heaven Canceller answered" We are talking about establishing an extended mind, similar yet different to a certain electrode I once procured, but using pure mental type power, a miniature telepathic network running constantly as a background calculation. No other telepath in the city can pull that off... but with you two, considering the level and quality of your abilities, there is a chance, a very noticeable one, of success. The key here is your cooperation"
"I... I think I still don't follow" Touma shook his head, to which Mitsuari said:
"Think of it... as a VPN. Where you change your IP location because you can't watch something in your country, and then you can because your computer appears to be in another one. Similarly, you can't remember Shokuhou now, but you can remember things about me. So if your experiences with Shokuhou come through me, your brain will basically be VPN-ed, tricked into thinking that it is about me, not Shokuhou. Although..."
She faced the pair of adults in somewhat shy display of hope.
"You said something about there being benefits for me too?"
"Indeed. It is even preferable if you both depended on one another, because it will somewhat lesser the tasks for both of your brains. Your case works in a similar way. In other words, you will use the connections to both Kamijou-san and Shokuhou-san to divide what your brain's fusiform gyrus would usually do. You will use their brain processing to gain face recognition abilities once again. The recall speed may be a little slower, but you will be able to recognize any face, provided that Kamijou or Shokuhou-san ever saw it before. It is clearly not the perfect solution, but..."
"It's okay! It sounds way better than anything I could think of" Ayu exclaimed in excitement" Also... that would mean that I have to spend time with Touma, as much as I can. I already wanted to do that"
Heaven Canceller nodded and got up off the chair. Ayu and Misaki began to eat again, contemplating what they just heard.
"Hmm, then I would leave it to you to decide if you want to cooperate on this scale. There are also a few technical details you should be aware of. For example, there is a chance that some of the memories of Kamijou and Shokuhou-san's activities may leak into Mitsuari-san's awareness. It may not constitute a problem in majority of the situations, but I imagine there may be some... intimate exceptions"
For a moment, everyone was silent, before girls' faces exploded in crimson hue.
"Y-You mean I will have to watch those two doing... i-i-it together? Oh my god... no way..." Ayu rapidly shook her head.
"T-There must be some way to disturb certain content of the mental transfer" Shokuhou was practically steaming, her golden hair and eyes accentuated by how red her face was" T-There must be!"
"What if there isn't?"
"Well, isn't it obvious? We get all parties happy by..." Bologna smirked at the girls.
And then, the succubus stayed true to her nature, spreading her arms and joyfully exclaiming a proper bombshell of an announcement:
"A three****!"
"Ghhh?!"
"Bhfft?!"
Shokuhou choked on the salad she was eating, while Ayu did the same with cola she was drinking, to the extent of it gushing through both her mouth and nose.
After few pathetically sounding noises resembling a wheezing cat, Touma had to hit Misaki on the back few times, before she broke into a loud coughing fit. Ayu was already far ahead with that, coughing as if she was to throw up her lungs, with tears falling from her eyes. Her nose tickled tremendously and her throat burned, as she struggled to calm her breathing.
"W-Wait a moment..." Mental out choked out" You can't be serious!"
"Why not?" Bologna smiled playfully" you may not be seeing it now, but you will each wonderfully contribute to the marital bliss. You are similar, but you, Misaki, have the natural sex appeal stemming from one of the most bewitching bloodlines in existence, while Ayu-san... oh, those armpits and legs are to die for. I think anyone sandwiched with them would ascend to heaven-"
"*cough, cough, cough*" Ayu reddened even more after that, trying to formulate any coherent speech, before finally whispering" What... what are we even saying here..."
"Oh dear, I forgot that it made turn into a four**** if I get serious alongside my daught-"
"STOP... *cough, cough, cough*..." Misaki pointed her finger, before another fit of coughing"...right there!"
In the meantime, Heaven Canceller exchanged his goodbyes to Touma and left, saying that he would be expecting their answer regarding the procedure. Should they agree, he would give them further instructions.
(5 MINUTES LATER)
After Bologna finally left, the three of them were left in somewhat awkward silence.
Touma tried to focus on random fragment of the ceiling as both Misaki and Ayu looked blankly in front of each other, glancing at each other or the boy, and then quickly returning back to flustered mess.
They tried to watch TV to get their attention somewhere else, but the randomly selected channel playing a biology documentary somehow made it worse.
'In the direct battle of ants and bees, it would seem that a bee, with strong stinger and the ability to fly, has absolute advantage. However, the tenacity and collective work of ants can prove her undoing. Some bee species are able to lay eggs in the anthills or even into ants themselves, controlling their actions to their advantage. Conversely, ants are capable of organizing a raid at the beehive, eating the bees alive to the-'
Both girls almost simultaneously switched the machine off.
Although no one wanted to admit, very vibrant scenes were in their minds, as much as they all tried to deny it, as evidenced by Misaki glancing at Touma's chest and Ayu's legs, Ayu stealing peaks at Touma's arms and Misaki's breasts, and Touma trying has hardest to look up and don't look at them both of them. Despite their actual attractions, Bologna's suggestions worked a little bit too good.
Finally someone broke the silence, but not really out of willingness to speak first, as one of the girls closed her eyes.
"Achoo!" Mitsuari Ayu sneezed forcefully, finally getting rid of irritating sensation of carbonated drink in her nose.
"Bless you" Shokuhou mouthed absentmindedly, while Touma handed Mental Stinger a tissue, which she gladly accepted.
"Thanks, I needed that" she muttered, rubbing her nose. The burning sensation in the throat and nasal passage lessened to the point in which she could concentrate" So... ekhm, discarding that small... distraction... do you actually wish to do it?"
"That should be my question to you. You are the one that didn't seem to want to have anything to do with me. And if we are to do this... we will have a lots of things to do with each other, even excluding flashes of my memories within your head"
Ayu sighed, intertwining her fingers with each other.
"It's true that I don't yet know if I can just move on. But I will go with Touma on this and say that I want to see what we can do. Because we were at war with each other, this was never a feasible option. But now... if we join forces... I am tired of hating, Shokuhou. That doesn't mean that I am ready to fully move on, but I... want to create something instead of destroying. And if it's with you, so be it."
Misaki smiled back, twirling the remote in her hand.
"I wouldn't say this better myself. I still don't what feelings I hold for you. But I would give up anything, my level status included, to be with my prince again. If working with you is the best, maybe the only solution I had, then I am not above it."
"Yes. Let's tolerate each other till we figure it out, for the sake of our times with Kamijou-san"
"Yes, I imagine any other situation would be quite sad. Having means to an end and not acting on them is like a bad joke"
"More of a joke than ourselves, Shokuhou-san?" Mischievous sparks appeared in Ayu's eyes" Imagine two strongest telepaths in the city falling in love with the same man and not knowing each other's thoughts until last moment before the tragedy"
No matter how much Shokuhou tried to restrain herself, her cheeks puffed out and lips formed a bright smile. Ayu put a hand on her own, until they both exploded into fit of laughter and giggling. Touma watched with nostalgic smile of happiness as the girls shared first laugh in years, possibly one of its kind.
"So we are doing this, huh?" Touma looked at both girls, who nodded with determination in their eyes.
"Let's get to work. We have a lots, lots of calculating to do."
"Tell me how can I help?"
(5 DAYS LATER)
In the end, Touma's role was that of support, which seemed underwhelming but was actually really crucial.
Apparently, Shokuhou convinced who she needed to convince in Tokiwadai that she was out on the series of medical tests regarding her level 5 status. That was a lie obviously, as she and Ayu went crazy while calculating the parameters needed to establish a network including themselves and Touma.
Touma never saw them in such state. They didn't sleep and barely ate, writing calculations on blackboards, napkins and other things they could find. Practically sharing the same ability made it easier for the work to move forward, but also led to the discussions over the math. Touma, having no idea what equations or brain sketches really meant, resorted to bringing the girls food and water, because, as mentioned above, they didn't really concerned themselves with food or sleep. And although Touma kind of forced the former, Ayu and Misaki didn't get even a bit of rest throughout 3 consecutive days. Besides going to the toilet, washing themselves, and eating when forced by Touma, they were checking and perfecting their part of the plan, relying on their abilities and calculations, over and over again. It seemed as if they were possessed. During that time, Shokuhou tried caffeine for the first time, which ended in a somewhat comical yet scary result, and Touma now knew that one thing scarier than mind controller was a sleep deprived yet hyperactive mind controller.
Finally, at the dawnbreak of the 4th day, the girls finally screamed with joy, completing the final calculation... before almost instantly falling asleep and deeply slumbering for over one day.
But then... then... everything was finally ready, as they all gathered, observed by Heaven Canceller and Bologna.
"Stand between us, Touma" Ayu instructed" yes, that's it. Keep your hands by your body. Also, this might give you a small amount of pain in the initial moment. "
"Right... thanks for the warning"
Alright... let's do it. Shokuhou?"
Ayu pointed the phone at the boys head.
"Remember, get the angle right. On the count of three. Establishing connection in 3...
"...2..."
"...1..."
"NOW!"
BEEP!
Touma felt as if something was injected into his head from both sides, a sharp sensation of pain that soon passed into slight feeling of dizziness and then completely vanished.
"Both ways connection established" Ayu looked at Shokuhou, who nodded.
"First part is clear!"
"Doc, I didn't ask about this before... but would my right hand mess all of this up?"
"Well, only if you touch your head." Heaven Canceller explained" those ladies researched how to connect with you, which in itself is kind of a feat. Your hand would react if they wanted to control your body, because that would also include your right arm and your ability embedded into your hand. It would immediately be nullified. But with information relay, it should be fine, although, like I said, the background telepathic link will be severed if you touch your scalp on the height of the brain."
"So I... can't scratch my head for the rest of my life?"
"It would be advised not to do this with your right hand. You may teach yourself how to rely more on your left side in things regarding touching your own scalp. But we understand that you will sometimes have to touch it, so don't worry. Yes, the link will be severed, but if I am not mistaken, Shokuhou-san and Mitsuari-san already remember calculation forming the network and can recreate it without problem. Isn't that right? In that case, you will not lose your already created memories with Shokuhou-san, you will just lost the ability to make new ones before connection is established again. It seems your amnesia of your actions with Shokuhou-san prior to Deadlock accidents and your inability to create new memories are different cases connected by the same mechanism. In other words, if we make your short term memory work, then you will be able to store your memories with no issue"
"What?" Touma turned to Misaki and Ayu" You remember this monstrous calculation you were working on for 3 days? But... this is..."
"Don't underestimate the strength of maiden's feelings..." Ayu smiled to him.
"...especially when one waited as long as I did." Shokuhou smiled, programming something on her remote.
'Wow, this is the level 5 intelligence for you'
"Now, all that is left is apply the calculations regarding both our problems to establish a link between Mitsuari-san and Shokuhou-san. This is the most crucial moment. Would you mind going over to these mattresses in the middle of the room?"
When three teens did as instructed, Heaven Canceller described last part of the ordeal.
"Open up your minds, and lower the defences for the specific AIM signature. As if you tried to force your ways into each other's minds, but the other must not try to stop it. Thinking about strong emotions may help with that. When you connect, the network will be properly established. Do not be alarmed, but when the connection will be established, your brains will have to readjust to this new situation, which will be rather strenuous task. All of you will fall unconscious, that's what those mattresses are for."
"Unconscious? For how long?"
"Unfortunately, I don't know. This is an unprecedented procedure in the history of this city. But rest assured, you will be in safe care here"
Touma looked at the girls.
"Are you sure? This might knock us out for years as far as we know it"
"I am sure it will be okay" Misaki smiled" Besides, much more important things are at stake."
"Indeed. If there is one thing that we agree on, it's that we want to be by your side more than anything. So it's a low price to pay. Although the same may not apply or not. You may waste time for the selfishness of two of us. You can still say no"
"And leave you unhappy? Besides, I want to be with you as much as you want to with me. Let's do it!"
Misaki and Ayu closed their eyes. Normally, mental types interference was problematic and almost nonexistent. But now, they were working together, consciously lowering their defences for that single person on the other side to come through. Also, each of them had experience in breaching the impossible. Misaki focused on her feelings while she overpowered so many people in Windsor Castle, including Misaka Mikoto. Ayu focused on the moment in which she dragged Misaki into her own mind in the battle of Ground Geo. But this time, they didn't fuel it by rage and sorrow.
As corny as it could sound, they used their emotions of love and longing, as they raised remote and phone to the air and pressed them to their heads.
BEEP! BEEP!
"This might not sound like much, coming from me..." Touma spoke, looking at two mental espers" But good luck to you"
The girls looked at him and smiled gently.
"No. Good luck..."
"... to us!"
They faced each other once again and this time, pointed their devices at each other. After few seconds, they both nodded.
"Establishing a connection and embedding the telepathic network in 3...
"...2..."
"...1..."
"CONTACT!"
BEEP! BEEP!
A feeling similar to heatstroke passed through Touma's skull. It seemed as if his brain matter was boiling.
It happened all too fast.
Before he fell down, he noticed that the eyes of both girls become blank and they begin to fall like cut-down trees. On instinct, he wanted to reach to catch them.
But he couldn't. He fell into the darkness as his consciousness was snuffed away.
(? LATER)
Touma slowly opened his eyes.
"An unfamiliar ceilling..."
His mouth was dry and body sore, as he slowly raised up.
"Where am I..."
"In my hospital, as you may expect." said Heaven Canceller, coming into the room" I got notified that your brainwaves changed, indicating your awakening. Rest for a moment, I will have to run a few tests"
"Did it... work? How long were we out?"
"Not we. You were asleep for two and a half days... and you are the first to awaken, so we don't know if it worked or not."
Indeed, looking left and right, Touma noticed both girls hooked up to the various monitoring devices, with their eyes closed.
"A-Are they okay?"
"They are strong girls, of that I assure you. All we can do now is wait" the old medic stated calmly, putting a hand on Touma's shoulder" Index-san and Gokusai sisters visited you here. Do you want to contact them?"
"Y-Yeah... of course..."
Touma contacted and met with members of his household, explaining the situation in detail and requesting more patience, as he, disregarding his absence record probably drawing its last breath, stood vigil near in the room of both girls.
But Misaki and Ayu did not wake up that day. Or the next. Or the day after that.
Finally, after Touma began to seriously worry...
"Kamijou-san, you may want to come here quickly. It's the ladies... they are waking up..."
"What? Both of them? Thank gods... what are the odds..."
"Hmm, if it's those two young women..." Heaven Canceller mused humorously" I suppose that even in sickness, they don't want to be outdone by each other"
(HALF AN HOUR LATER)
"Ow, my head... I am so hungry..."
"How long were we out... did it work?..."
Touma barely got the girls time to recover, before embracing both of them in a hug.
"Gyah?!"
"My prince?!"
"I was so worried about you! I was scared that you may... you know... not wake up anymore..."
"H-How long were we asleep?"
"Five and half days, while Kamijou-san awoke three days before you"
"I see.." Misaki sighed, before smiling apologetically" I am sorry we worried you..."
Meanwhile, Ayu reached to Touma's face. Sun shone on the pair, as the girl began to smile, initially with uncertainty of a child, but soon, the happiness on her face growing brighter and brighter.
"I... see you. I can see you, I truly see you. I can see everyone's faces! I finally... after those lonely years... I see your face again, Touma"
"That's great" the boy smiled, reincorporating the happiness of both smiling and crying girl" So... was it worth the wait?"
Ayu gently brushed aside her burgundy hair and locked her lips with Touma.
After 20 seconds or so, she backed away, both of them gasping for air.
"Does this answer your question?" Ayu whispered to him.
"A-Ahm... I..."
"EKHM!" Shokuhou's mild annoyance at having an opportunity stolen was soon overpowered by a stronger desire, as she turned Touma toward herself.
"I am Shokuhou Misaki, #5 level 5 of Academy City. Focus on this whistle for a moment.." she took a plastic whistle from behid her hospital robe" And with that knowledge, go!"
"What... but..."
"Go to walk around the hospital until you are called. Please, do this for me!"
And so, Touma left. Minutes passed, Shokuhou tense from anticipation. Ayu looked at her form the side.
"If you are curious, that calculation is still going. The network is fine"
"Thank you. In truth... I was never more nervous in my entire life. But no more stalling... this should be more than enough time"
And so, she called the nurses to summon Touma back. Not able to wait, she ran out to the corridor, just in time for Touma to ascend the stairs and face her.
Golden haired girl and spiky haired boy looked are each other for a while, before Misaki asked in a shaky voice
"Do you... know who I am?"
Touma sighed.
"As I was told by the doc, and by yourself too just 15 minutes ago, you are Shokuhou Misaki, level 5 of Academy City known as Mental Out. You command Tokiwadai's biggest clique, Junko-san is your best friend, you have a terrible stamina, and can't stand any additives in your food, so you always eat it from specifically selected stores. There is only so much I could learn in those 3 days since I awoke so I still don't know the true meaning of that whistle, but I bet it's something import-"
He didn't get to say much more because Shokuhou, who was already closing in since he started talking, sprinted forward in the uncharacteristic burst of athleticism, and pounced at surprised boy, her golden hair flowing through the air behind her.
THUD!
"Agh! S-Shokuhou-san..."
"Misaki. No formality will ever be needed between us"
Touma felt something rapidly wetting his cheeks. He looked up.
Misaki had her face over him as she supported herself on her arms, her starry eyes glinting through the overflowing tears of joy that accompanied a beautifully serene smile on her face.
"I... dreamed so long of this... I longed for this for so many sleepless nights... I had to hold back on my feelings for so long that... I can't... think... you are here... I am... we can finally..."
Ironically, even if Touma regained the ability to remember Shokuhou thanks to Mitsuari Ayu's 'mental VPN', neither Touma nor Shokuhou could remember in detail what happened in the span of next 10 minutes. But from the outside perspective, it was clear.
Shokuhou Misaki got so overjoyed that she began speaking gibberish, laughing, crying, hugging Touma and caressing his face almost at the same time, while also, most apparently, kissing him so fervently that it seemed less of a make out session and more of a kissing bombardment all over Touma's face, as if the girl wanted to kiss each fragment of his skin for each second lost to their forced separation. Never before in her life and in only scarce number of events in the future, like eventual birth of her daughter Kiseki, was she so elated and ecstatic.
Even if Touma didn't remember Misaki, after a moment he also gave in to her excitement, reincorporating many emotions experienced by the girl, and in fact, only the plea by the nurse pushing the operating table through the corridor made the pair snap back to reality and realize that they were basically making out in the middle of the corridor.
(1 HOUR LATER)
They went to the hospital's roof and were looking at the cityscape of glass and steel.
"So... what are we doing now?" Ayu, smiling gently in the rays of the sun, with Misaki and Touma by her side" I want... I want to try it. Experiencing the world again, with you by my side"
"And we will. Wherever you want to go... as long as I can get away with missing classes"
"I am sure I can press something on this phone of mine"
"I... still can't believe it" Shokuhou laughed, spreading her arms to the sky" I feel so happy I can't even experience all of it at once. Suddenly, possibilities are endless. Heh... who would've thought that my miracle would involve you."
"I can say the same. I would never guessed that without the one that I thought destroyed me, I couldn't be truly saved."
As they sat there, Touma got a text message.
"Oh, it's from Kaibi. After I informed everyone you woke up and our experiment worked, Amazora really wanted to throw a party for everyone to celebrate. Our neighbours and friends will be there too. Do you want to come?"
"Of course" Ayu spoke sweetly with a small blush on her face.
Shokuhou nodded
"I am in such a good mood that I don't even care about that cow being there. But before we go..."
She looked at Ayu, who smiled and nodded in approval.
"... we have something important to tell you."
"Important?"
"When we were working on the calculations for telepathic network, we decided that... shall it work... we both have something to tell you." Ayu explained, as both her and Misaki walked closer to the boy" And now, when each of us had our separate moment with you, it's time to say it. The fact that we arrived at that conclusion, at that happiness... it is the achievement born from all three of us. And this is why... we will say this together. Because not only we share this feeling, there are also similar circumstances involved. Shokuhou?"
"Ready when you are"
And so, both girls began speaking one after the other, differently yet completing each other. Touma did not know if it was rehearsed but the effect was mesmerizing...
"You were there for me...
"...when I didn't have any hope..."
"...You offered me your hand..."
"... when no one else would..."
"... You gave me so much..."
"...While asking so little in return..."
"... But when I realized what I truly wanted to say..."
"... fate separated us, leaving only pain..."
"... I regretted not being able to say it for so, so very long..."
"... in the cold darkness of solitude and pretending..."
"... So, to never regret again, and follow my heart..."
"... I am going to say it now..."
"... and stay true to it for as long as we are together..."
Despite speaking as individuals, both girls arrived at the same, emotion filled conclusion, as they spoke in unison, there voice creating a harmony for that bright period, that single confession
"Kamijou Touma... I love you"
Then they smiled to amazed Touma, and extended their hands to him.
"We don't ask you to reincorporate it as you are now. Our relationship is still new to you..."
"... But I promise to try my hardest to make you feel loved as you once cared about me..."
"... To make this confession of love truly gain meaning and make your heart feel the same..."
The girls kissed each of Touma's cheeks, before facing the City by his side once again.
"So, if you have me and stay by my side..."
"... should we begin? This bright new life in which our feelings paint the sky with happiness?"
13 days after battle with Veritas and 10 after the beginning of the plan to link their minds together, two girls, once forever lost, returned to Kamijou Touma's life, with light of love banishing the shadow of grief.