It was a busy morning in Kamijou and Gokusai household.
Kamijou flipped yet another pancake, earning an "ooooh" from Amazora. The girl was visibly impressed with his skill, so much so that she forgot that she actually stopped eating her food, with her mouth open.
"My dear sister, you will ruin your outfit if you keep your mouth open like that." Rikuri instructed her sibling.
Kaibi was currently finishing breakfast and checking something on her phone. But from time to time, she stole glances to the kitchen. More precisely, at the girl next to Touma, their new part time freeloader, so to speak.
Kankyougami Hasako yawned, and leaned on Touma. As a girl raised in 1940s, she was a well mannered young ojou-sama, keeping traditional japanese decorum of personal space...
...with the exception of Kamijou Touma, of course.
The microwave beeped, and the girl jumped, bumping into Touma.
"I-I am sorry... I just can't get used to all those sounds and lights..."
Hasako spent over 5 decades in cold sleep. And such, all the high-tech inventions were like sci-fi gadgets from alien movies to her.
"Don't worry, I have a friend who is a technophobe. She often tells me hairdryer is going to bite her" Touma sighed and shook his head. "I am here with you, so learn everything at your own pace."
Hasako blushed from embarrassment and took a small bow.
"Thank you for your patience"
While Hasako was a stranger in an unknown world, she apparently possessed few skills thanks to her upbringing in a traditional japanese family. As such, she was a decent cook. While her cooking was not superior to Touma's own dishes, two things definitely stood out.
Firstly, she had culinary knowledge from nearly half of a century back in time, which even Touma found fascinating. Listening to her memorized recipes was like encountering a history in a museum.
Secondly, thanks to her ability, she had a few unique cooking techniques up her sleeve.
For example, as they were preparing for dinner this evening, Hasako placed a black stone bowl with the help of Touma. Afterwards, she created a sphere of effect for her power around the bowl..
She could freely alter climate and environment as long as she had the DNA sample of a living organism that this environment would be optimal for. Magma, sand, ice, water, geysers, lightning, acid, vibrations, or oxygen less void. She could bring any of that forth into reality.
And thanks to this, they could witness cooking on lava plate in their own kitchen.
"Hasako onee-chan rules!" Amazora actually started to clap, as the chicken was grilled with intense heat of the magma.
"Both of you, stop showing off, or else Amazora will be hungry. She will whine about it whole day!" Kaibi reprimended them.
"S-Sorry"
(HALF AN HOUR LATER)
Touma was now debating what do with the day.
Hasako said her goodbyes, as she headed to some research facility. Amazora and Kaibi left together, with middle sister stating that Touma was relieved of his walk with Amazora on the account of Kaibi having a little bit of time to walk Amazora to the bus before school. Amazora herself was not very fond of her idea. It seemed that she grew used to travelling with Touma. Probably because he often gave her piggybacks.
And thus, Touma, going to the school as well, was walking side by side with Gokusai Rikuri.
He was still surprised at the sudden turn of events. For now, they were going to school (or college, in Rikuri's case) but afterwards, they had quite an eventful afternoon to look forward to.
"Rikuri-san, does it really have to be right here?"
"Shush, boy. The longer the better. We need to make it work after all. Or do you want to tell me that you don't enjoy this?"
"I would be lying if I said I don't... but... I am not really used to that kind of attention..."
They were walking together... with their hands intertwined.
(HOUR AND A HALF EARLIER...)
Rikuri made a bow in front of Touma
"Kamijou-san, I need a favour to ask of you. You see, it appears that I have a stalker"
"So you would like me to be your fake boyfriend?"
Rikuri flinched, and looked at him
"That's exactly what I wanted to ask of you... wait, did someone ask this of you before? And why are you not surprised with it?! I might just hit you for that!"
"I-It doesn't matter if someone asked me before, your case is serious in my eyes and you have my attention, so stop pouting at me like that. Even if it's creepy, from pragmatic point of view, it's not such a surprise for someone like you to have a stalker, I mean... you look absolutely beautiful."
Rikuri's anger instantly evaporated. Even though it came out rather awkward from Touma's side, that one comment completely threw her out of her usual control over conversation.
She heard that comment countless times before, during all of her life, from males and females alike. So why was she so flustered now? Was it because of honest and blunt sincerity?
She smiled. Kamijou Touma never ceased to surprise her. But it was what made this little game so entertaining.
"You might have seen this through... but that's only a cherry on top. Because I want you to accompany on the evening anyway! With or without the act."
"W-What for?" Touma blinked in confusion. Rikuri put a finger to her lips.
"That's onee-chan's secret. But I assure you, there is no ulterior motif here"
"I don't feel assured at all..."
"*sigh* Fine. I heard you saying that you have exams next week. If it will put you at ease, I will help you study, and you will be my companion. Equivalent exchange"
"I don't have problems with accompanying you... a-and that help sounds interesting..."
(BACK TO THE PRESENT...)
To resume, while pretending to be a couple, Rikuri and Touma were to spend evening together and help Touma study, while also trying to catch Rikuri's stalker.
They separated for now, but Touma could not stop worrying.
As mentioned before, he was not really against being with Rikuri.
Who was he kidding, this girl was his ideal type. Well, the only thing missing was dorm manager. But what he sought was the aura of comfort and reassurance that such mature woman would surely exude. And while Rikuri was a poison using assassin, she had her moments of gentle maturity.
But leaving all those more shallow thoughts aside, Touma wanted to help merely for the sake aiding Rikuri, and also because she was his flatmate. He wanted to do it because he cared.
Which of course did not cross out the fact that dealing with Rikuri in this specific arrangement wasn't trouble.
(MEANWHILE)
"It's Gokusai-san..."
"That prodigy?..."
"She looked at me? No, no way!"
"Idiot, don't stare at her..."
In a way not different from certain famous students in Tokiwadai Middle School, Gokusai Rikuri made heads turn as she walked through the campus, surrounded by whispers and gazes.
She had no apparent esper powers, but the attention was understandable even beyond that lacking area.
Rikuri was intelligent and skilled. She hailed from a wealthy family. She was talented in painting, ceramic artwork, chemistry, and detailed mechanical engineering. She often volunteered for events in academic community. Add that to the fact that she had a charming smile, gentle and alluring voice, pleasant personality (in her 'daylight' contacts), as well as absolute body of the goddess, and you would get the picture of why she was hailed as one of the unofficial divas of Academy City.
As mentioned earlier, Rikuri did not find such satisfaction from manipulating people as her sister Kaibi, but she had a sultry and seductive flare to her temper as well. She was well aware of her looks and always smiled at the funny memory of how she was asked to resign from the cheerleading squad. The reason was that the guys' games could not be played properly, as players would not be able to focus on the game with her dancing.
Of course, Rikuri's life was not without problems. People had no idea of the story of Gokusai family. They had no idea that they were tainted with darkness. Rikuri was faced with severe jealousy and resentment, mainly from some of her female peers. Quite a few of them mocked her hobbies as unladylike and bland. The popularity often made more harm than good.
Well, Rikuri was asked to dates multitude of times, yet she ended up rejecting all of the candidates. In opinion of some, it made her an arrogant ice queen drunk on her own success and beauty.
But someone making those comments would not understand the heart of a young woman named Gokusai Rikuri. Why was that? Because even if she enjoyed teasing and flirting, Rikuri was a bit of an old style romantic. None of the guys she was with ignited that 'spark' within her heart. It was as simple as that.
Naturally, they would not get such explanation without any negative feedback. Which could lead to the situation of recent times, where she was almost sure that she had a stalker following her.
Speaking of which, Rikuri's mind was so occupied that she swiftly marched to the restrooms without even noticing people around her. And once inside...
'Ah! What did I do?! I wanted to reward that boy with something for his actions during Biohacker incident and then for taking care of us when we were sick. But I panicked and went with an excuse. A really good excuse, but still. It was not meant to be like this. I am Gokusai Rikuri. I don't lose my cool. I just don't, I never did. So why did it turn out like this?!'
That gorgeous and collected girl was totally rambling in her mind while standing in front of the mirror.
In some aspects, Rikuri was not different from all too familiar Saint of Far East.
Ever since their battle in the garage, and witnessing the genuine selflessness with which Touma saved Amazora, she was awestruck with his personality. His irregular behaviour was, in all honesty, so bizarre that it was a little bit frightening, and Rikuri kind of understood the hesitation Kaibi had when they first interacted with Touma. But nevertheless, out of personal conviction and as a head of their small runaway family, Rikuri sworn to pay her debt. There was nothing more important to her than her sisters and Touma not only respected their family, even though they were once his enemies, but ensured their comfort and safety with no gains on his side.
Rikuri found the debt growing and growing, fuelled by Touma's actions and personality when they once again reunited. There was something else about him, as he clearly changed throughout that year. But looking into his eyes, she still saw the very same determination and kindness.
This kind of thinking was alien to her. And to be quite honest, it excited her.
Yes, excitement was a right feeling. Whenever Rikuri tried to do something to repay her debt, he would do something to fully turn the tables on her. Rikuri loved the effect she had on him, it filled her with a sort of triumph young woman has when she can enchant young man with her beauty.
But the fact that he managed to do that to her, with his genuine kindness and sincerirty, that he managed to make her heart beat faster even though it got almost as poisoned as the chemicals she created for the killing...
Rikuri did not know what she was feeling within her chest. But she was almost certain that if she got the chance to keep only one feeling for the rest of her life, it could very well be that.
However, it was still too early to rely on this feeling alone. So, Rikuri wanted to solve two issues at once and deal with her supposed stalker. She felt an inkling of guilt for dragging Touma into her mess, but in all honesty, she was fairly confident that she could aid him if things got bad.
She could easily deal with the stalker herself. With many drones at her disposal, she could easily track him and then inject some sort of poison into him. But she knew Touma would not approve of that.
'Hmm, that boy, since when I don't want to disappoint him as much?'
And so, Rikuri fidgeted in anticipation for the coming afternoon and evening that would follow it.
(FEW HOURS LATER...)
No matter how much time passed, Touma was nervous beyond belief.
He was currently in small park in district 9, trying to do something to keep his mind occupied.
It was a true miracle that he managed to arrive on time. Usually, something would happen to interrupt him.
'Calm down. This is only a mutual exchange of favours. Rikuri-san needs me to resolve her problems, I will get her to help me prepare to the exams. Don't think about the fact that going out in the evening with a sexy onee-san type is so lucky that some great calamity will surely befall me in the future. For now, think about the present.'
And speaking of the present, was it really all right that he was wearing his usual clothes? Sure, they were not dirty or anything, but given who his companion was, Touma was not entirely sure if he was not taking it a little bit too lightly.
Maybe he should...
"Boo!"
Touma jumped in the air, and turned around to find Rikuri standing behind him.
She was dressed in a beautiful, shimmering sapphire dress with a golden accents on the clips. It showed her legs, part of her back, and moderate amount of bosom. Rikuri's hair was masterfully styled as well.
She looked at awestruck Touma. Her eyebrow raised up, and pert nose wrinkled.
"You want to go... dressed up like this?!"
Touma's worst nightmares came true, as he stumbled forward.
"I didn't... I wasn't... you didn't say about me having to wear anything specific, so I just assumed...
But then, Rikuri's stone cold face broke into a grin.
"Pfft!... You fell for it!..." Rikuri laughed, bending slightly with a smile on her lips "Your face... I usually take no pleasure in such trivialities, but that was hilarious!"
"That wasn't funny! I am a poor student, and I kept worrying about you not being happy about how I look! What do you have to say for yourself, you trickster woman?!"
"Itatatatata! Okay, I'm sorry for getting you like this, don't pull on my ear! I just couldn't resist, but I will make it up to you"
Touma sighed, facing Rikuri again
"So, what are we doing right now?"
"Well..." Rikuri leaned forward again, with her hands behind her back. "I have a plan for a few things..."
(20 MINUTES LATER)
"And you have to apply this calculation here..."
Touma and Rikuri found themselves in the cafe, in which they were sitting to focus on Touma's studies.
Touma appreciated Rikuri's efforts, but her presence right next to him was a distraction in its own right.
"Kamijou-san, are you listening to me?"
"Yes, yes, I am."
"To be quite frank" Rikuri looked at him with confusion" I am not certain why do you have such a hard time with this. This is a pure basic for every esper power. Those are some formulas that allow displacement of reality as a whole. The differences in calculations start on much higher level. I would figure that being a student for so long, you would pick such basics."
Normally, Touma would probably feel ashamed. But now, he felt the need to justify his situation at least a little bit.
"You see...my power is not quite an esper power. So even if I were to apply this calculation, I can't produce any results and compare if I am doing it in a right or wrong way."
Rikuri went silent after that, as she played with a pen using her fingers.
"Are you a Gemstone by any chance? I knew for some time that your usage of power is so fluid that you should have it since birth. That would explain the lack of proper calculations. So you modify your AIM field using emotions?"
"I... don't actually have an AIM field. I mean, at all"
"IMPOSSIBLE!" Rikuri gasped and moved so close to his face that their noses were almost touching.
"Well, but... that's the truth..." Touma mumbled as the girl moved back.
"I apologize for my excitement, but... while I may not look at it much, I am a self-made scientist of sorts and things like this intrigue me." she scrunched her brow in contemplation. "If you are not using calculations and you don't even have an AIM field, then where does your power come from?"
Touma was tempted to say that there was also magic, but he restrained himself. Besides he was told that Imagine Breaker was de facto beyond magic/science division. So he in truth could honestly say that he had no idea about true origin of his power, other than it being created by Magic Gods.
"Rikuri-san, you said that the basic principle of esper powers is reality substitution, right? I know this much as well. But what if I told you that there was a power that can revert this process? Or maybe... substitute the reality produced with another one?"
Rikuri looked at him with unusually serious look on her face.
"Then it would be a meta-ability of sorts. The one that would be a stuff of legend because it would surely be in relation of superiority to all other powers."
Touma tilted his head.
"Meta-ability? Superiority?"
Rikuri took a napkin and scribbled a few words on it:
DESTRUCTION
CREATION
MODIFICATION
"A meta-ability is an unofficial term used to describe abilities which affect other abilities instead of creating their own reality. The terms you see here are derived from chemical... and alchemical, I guess... processes that can affect material substances"
"..."
"When you have some clay, you can shape it into something, or assemble it, then destroy it, or disassemble it, and then change into something else, or reassemble it. It's the same with meta-abilities. Usually, once they are awakened, esper powers are like hardened tools or pots. You can use them in some way, depending on the shape, but that's about it. But meta-abilities have the power to soften the metaphorical clay, which for esper powers is AIM field, and change the powers themselves".
She then stopped, looking at Touma with a smile.
"What is it? You've been silent for a while"
"No, it's just...I think that you are really good at explaining things" Touma spoke out" I felt dragged in just by listening for a moment. And it's really interesting for me personally."
Rikuri sported a surprised face for a moment, before smiling back yet again.
"Is it now? Well, it is a rather interesting topic, even if some scientists don't treat it seriously. After all, meta-ability and their users are merely hypothesis."
"Can you tell me something more about them?"
"Well, firstly, power to destroy or suppress AIM fields themselves. It would be most dangerous power to everything that Academy City wants to accomplish. It would be the ultimate power of destruction, able to erase and negate any esper power."
Touma felt as if his right fist felt unbelievably heavy.
He was aware that Imagine Breaker came with a bit of a metaphysical burden, but to be told it by someone was quite chilling.
It could be strange that someone as bright as Rikuri did not realize by now that Touma had power that did exactly as she described, but sometimes, something hidden in plain sight was the best hidden thing of all.
"M-Maybe it is not so dangerous after all?" he suggested in a somewhat choked up voice.
Rikuri shook her head.
"Think about it. Esper powers can put forth their own realities. If someone destroys that, they would revert to some kind of objective reality. But what is objective reality, really? Every human being's senses distort that image, which can actually influence the birth of the esper powers. But if one person has the power that allows him to view objective reality, wouldn't he be in a special position? Wouldn't other people start to accuse him of things? Wouldn't they felt fear or envy?"
Touma never thought about it like that.
To be honest, it made him feel quite uneasy.
Rikuri, without her knowledge, made him realize something that he did not want to consider.
But what she did next was like a balsam over the wound. Maybe seeing his worry, maybe with her subconscious onee-san instincts, she reached and grabbed his hand.
"Did that perspective worry you? I don't know you for long, but you always worry for others. But power is only a tool, right? A lot depends on its wielder. And I just have to say one thing: if you were the one to wield such power, I would not fear you, Kamijou-san. I would 100 % trusted you. Ever since our fight, I saw a glimpse of someone who I never forgot. And I trust that you would know the right thing to do."
Touma stared at her in amazement.
Even though she is not aware of many things, she is so good at picking up details. She realized many things without me telling her. She did not sugar-coated things, but comforted me as well, even if there wasn't a logical reason for it. She is not only pretty, but also smart and fun to talk to. M-My type is a dorm manager, but why I want to hear wedding bells right this instant?
His torments were very real.
"Then there is modification" Rikuri continued her lecture with unyielding enthusiasm" This meta-ability would allow one to do a variety of things, like changing power levels, awakening or even swapping abilities between people. The so called Academy Individual would be able to function as entire Academy... Kamijou-san, is something the matter? You went pale all of the sudden."
"No... it's okay..."
'That so called hypothetical individual is the girlfriend of my own friend' Kamijou thought exasperated.
Some time ago, Hamazura revealed to Touma Takitsubo's real potential, under the promise of biggest secrecy. So he could not say anything about it.
"Well, fine then. Finally, we have creation. That would allow person to craft the entirely new realities. Normally, one does not know what esper powers they would have, although studies suggest that personality and genetics influence it. But for one to create powers themselves, they would have to have influence over reality as a whole. Possibly, the legendary level 6 could possess that power."
'And that sounds dangerously close to what Magic Gods can do'
In a way it was a bit funny that all the hypothetical scenarios were just acquaintances of his.
But thinking about it differently, it showed just how much his bad luck make it all miserable.
"And when it comes to superiority, esper power's are usually in some kind of relation if they were to clash in battle. With the battle between different levels of different abilities, the one with the more skilled user or having environmental advantage will win. With users of same ability on different levels, the higher level will usually win, unless the lower level user had some specific usage of the power. Meanwhile, powers of the same type, like my sister's Measure Heart and Queen of Tokiwadai's Mental Out, are the same type of power, but Mental Out has superiority because it is more refined ability. Meanwhile, a meta-ability of destruction would have superiority to all esper powers. But, that's of course solely an urban legend"
"Now, let's back to the topic. Each esper emits a certain kind of energy or pressure, depending on the type..."
Touma heard of it. Electromasters emitted electromagnetic waves, telepaths influenced others minds, telekinetics exerted pressure, etc.
Well, he never thought about how his hand would look like to someone viewing AIM fields in the City covered in them. Was he walking with a black hole stemming from his arm? Did it look as if reality itself was breaking apart?
Also, Misaka often commented that she felt uneasy during storms because she could sense electromagnetic chaos in the atmosphere. Would holding her hand with Imagine Breaker ease her problem? It probably would.
Thinking about negating esper power's consequences and holding hands of the girls' to ease their troubles seemed like alluring, but also weird scenario in his head.
(MEANWHILE)
Hamazura Shiage blearily opened his eyes.
He was in his bed. Takitsubo was laying next to him, breathing softly in her sleep, and with a relaxed expression on her face.
Hamazura sighed with content. It seemed like another relaxing evening. Just him, Takitsubo, and Kamijou Touma.
Wait... WHAT?
Kamijou Touma was laying next to Takitsubo?! With his right hand grabbing her left hand nonetheless?!
"Boss! What the hell are you doing in our bed?!"
"Oh?" Touma looked at Hamazura with confusion " Takitsubo-san invited me to hold her hand. She accidentally grabbed it once, and since she stopped hearing all the noise of signals from AIM fields, she claimed that she wants to hold my hand to get pleasant sleep. Look at her now, how peaceful she looks"
"Wha...Wha... is that this weird power of yours?..."
"And as a hero that always saves everyone in need, I could not deny her request. And now, to make her comfortable, I will stay here forever... and ever...
"NOOOOOOO!"
Hamazura awoke from the afternoon nap on the couch. The still sleepy Takitsubo looked at him with confusion
"Hamazura? Did something happened" she asked, before the boy grabbed her.
"I would jump into the fire for you, boss, and you are one of the greatest men I ever met, but your harem power will not get Takitsubo! I will hold her hand 100... no, 1000 times better!"
"Hamazura, what are you talking about" the girl whispered, blushing slightly from sudden shower of kisses from her boyfriend.
"Don't give in to the temptation of that right hand Takitsubo!"
"Wha-"
"RESIST IT!"
"Well, I don't know what is going on, but kisses are nice, so carry on..."
(ELSEWHERE, HALF AN HOUR LATER)
Rikuri and Touma were walking through the park. Although they did not manage to review all the topics, Touma was nevertheless grateful.
Although, for some time, something was really bugging him...
"Rikuri-san... can I ask you about something?"
The glamorous girl stopped in her tracks and faced him.
"Yes?"
"Why are you so interested in theory behind esper powers? It's normal to know a little but your knowledge seems to exceed standards"
That question apparently surprised Rikuri. Her body language lost some of her usual confidence.
"Oh yeah, haha... that does seem quite strange, doesn't it? Well, I don't usually say this but... I have a certain problem in tapping into my esper powers."
"You have an ability?!"
Rikuri quickly put finger on his lips.
"Ssssh... it's a bit embarrassing for someone my age, you know... well, all the tests suggest that my ability is there, but I just... can't activate it. I lack a trigger."
"A trigger?"
"In some cases, certain stimulus helps find the brain paths that will lead to manifestation of the ability. Some espers don't need that trigger at all, they are naturally gifted. But well, onee-chan here is apparently the worse sort. So I am looking for something that would help me acquire the power."
"So you are like a level 0?"
"I am a... strange case. My power level would be higher if I could manifest it. But since something is blocking me, I guess I am a level 0. O-Oh, and don't take it in a wrong way. My sisters developed their powers rather quickly, so it may be different for them, but as for myself, I came to respect the resourcefulness and tenacity of level 0s. I want to acquire the power, but not for myself, but for my sisters. It just... doesn't feel right, you know. I am aware that I am not as good as a fighter, but I don't want my younger siblings to overshadow me in caring about this family. We are broken, but we always stuck together. If I can help them have easier lives in any way, I will."
She sighed and turned away, resuming her steps.
"You can laugh right now. It is pathetic, I know"
"How could I laugh? There is nothing funny about it!" Touma spoke with seriousness.
Rikuri stopped yet again and looked at him with new light entering her eyes.
"Who cares if you are some strange case and you have to take time? That's fine! Hell, I can't develop any other power, so I can't judge it. What I see is the amazing sister who puts her family before anything else. If that is your reason for falling down and getting up again, I can only applaud you. You should not care about what others feel. I am only a normal guy, so I don't know much about popularity, but if you insist on listening to others, I will confront anyone who would like to laugh at you. You don't deserve someone laughing at you and you never will! I don't know if that helps you, but I will help you find that trigger thingy, no matter what"
Rikuri was stunned. Her lips opened and close, as her cheeks reddened.
'T-This boy... when he does this, I simply...'
"Please wait, I-I... need to go to... t-the toilet... to powder my nose!"
And with that, she dashed away.
Touma blinked a few times.
"We are outside, though. We could just go to the place together. Did I say something wrong?"
In fact, Rikuri ran off to their destination up ahead.
She felt a strange feeling inside of her grow.
This fine young woman was collected and alluring. That was one of her trademarks.
Yet Kamijou Touma once again demonstrated the uncanny ability to make her heart a mess.
Why was that?
Rikuri would not react that strongly if it wasn't for the topic.
Kamijou Touma promised to help her find the solution, the trigger for her power. But...
Rikuri leaned on the nearby tree. She could blame it on the running, but her cheeks were still more red than usual.
She smiled. She was not as prideful and in denial about such things as Kaibi.
"... but... I am still not fully sure... "she whispered to herself"... but ever since that day we met, I wonder if... it's you, Kamijou Touma, who is my trigger"
That was it. For the longest of times, Rikuri was pondering about the question of what she felt in regards to Kamijou Touma.
After that incident, it was gratitude for sparing them and saving Amazora. Over time, it became mixed with intriguing curiosity and attraction.
Was she... in love with him? She was not sure, but she did not discard that idea. However, she needed to feel more to truly realize what her feelings were.
She wondered if her feelings, in whatever form, could be the answer for her problem.
That was yet another reason why she liked to have Touma around.
"Kyah! This is so romantic I can't stand it!" the sucker for romance Gokusai Rikuri let out an out of character cutesy squeal, as her eyes sparkled with happiness.
(10 MINUTES LATER)
"Ekhm!" Rikuri coughed and ran fingers through her styled her to assume professional aura "Thank you for waiting, Kamijou."
She addressed the still confused boy, as she reunited with him at the doors of the establishment they were about to enter.
Putting one hand on her gracious hips and doing a wide gesture with the other, she spoke with a grin:
"Welcome to the Academy City Art Gallery. You probably wonder why we are here. I won't hold you in the dark any longer! You see, your favourite onee-san Gokusai Rikuri-sama has her paintings put on display right here, on this very night"
Touma was actually surprised at that.
"Really? That's amazing, Rikuri-san! You probably have some serious talent"
"Well, it's unbecoming for me to brag, but I do like the fact someone appreciates my talent." although Rikuri still maintained charming older sister style, she puffed her chest up and look in her eyes reminded Touma of Amazora when she wanted to be praised.
They entered the building. And few moments later, a silhouette covered in shadows followed...
(10 MINUTES LATER...)
"Rikuri-san..."
Droplet of sweat travelled through Touma's face as he stared at series of paintings.
"Mhm?" the charming girl hand-to-hand with him had a smile on her face, as she looked at him with questioning look in her pinkish-violet eyes.
"Is that... really your work?"
"Yes, it is indeed" oldest Gokusai nodded in confirmation.
"Not that... on the other side? The one with a really nice background? Or that portrait over there?"
Rikuri jokingly poked him hard on the cheek.
"You are silly. There is no room for mistake. You think that as a creator I would not recognize them? Those are my paintings. Now, what do you think?"
"I-Is that so... they are..." Kamijou gulped, taking on a a look at the 5 medium sized paintings.
The gallery featured variety of art made with the usage of newest technology, but apparently, Rikuri was among the few painters preferring classical, old-school way of using normal paint, only using technology to enhance the minor details.
Rikuri's paintings were well crafted. Touma was no expert on fine arts, but he could appreciate the usage of colour, the proportions, and the shading.
But the thing was...
Touma looked at the titles underneath.
"M-Meltdown in Mercury? Agony of Arsenic? Sulphuric... Suffering? Lead Liberation? Nitrous Nothingness?"
Yes. All the paintings depicted people in agony. One was drowning in the sea of silvery substance that seemed to bend and scatter in every direction. Another was leaning on the wall with foam coming from his mouth. The other held his hands that was bursting with smoke and apparently melting away. All of the paintings felt as if the people were really there.
Touma once heard from Index that stain glasses in some churches depicted scenes of torture to bring forth both fear and awe, which was supposed to make the sinners behave properly.
He felt exactly the same. He looked at Rikuri just next to him. He often forgot, but she and her sisters were killers. They were once, and still were to some degree, twisted in the vortex of darkness beyond the calm waters of the Academy City's surface.
But as he looked at her hopeful face (it was a crime in itself for a killer to have a such a beautiful face!) he knew he should answer.
"They are... expressive. And... original?"
Rikuri nodded with a smile.
"All of those are inspired by real world toxic chemicals. Mercury, arsenic trioxide, sulphide dioxide, lead oxide and nitrous oxide. They are praised for their realistic images. And well..." she coughed awkwardly" I have a firsthand experience, so that's why my depictions are so accurate."
"So those are..."
"Yes. I based them on the victims I used to kill during my actions. Of course, they are under pseudonymus so it would not affect my public image" a look of melancholy entered Rikuri's eyes." Kamijou-san, I am not certain how do you view us when it comes to our dark side history, but I personally never killed for the sake of killing. We three were on our own when we arrived here. Each and every one of us did our best to survive and support the other two. I thought that abandoning my morality would be the best way to ensure my cute little sisters' happiness... so I plunged myself in darkness, to be of any use to our family. It's not like I killed thousands or something along those lines. For some time, I thought everything was fine. We worked as a team and felt like a whole, just like in good old times. I got my own part to play, where my talents came in handy. I also did not kill directly, but through the usage of machines. But... after a long, long while... I met you."
"Wait, me? Also, did you say... used to kill?" Touma was listening attentively, yet he still asked this question.
"You see, our first meeting in that garage... inspired me. I didn't discard my dark side job, but I could no longer take life as if nothing happened. Before I knew it, I started to use paralyzing chemicals that did not have lasting or lethal effects. I was reliving all of my kills. I had nightmares about my murders. So I started to paint my victims, changing them only just enough to not cause a sensation. I remember every name and face. This made me feel that I immortalize them in some form and I also sent the profit I received from art galleries to families I harmed".
Kamijou's eyes widened.
"Rikuri-san..."
The older girl sniffed and looked down with a blank face.
"I lost my morality and the same can be said when it comes to my siblings. Even if I feel that killing is wrong now, I may wake up the other day and melt someone with acid. Killing didn't terrify me. I was unsure in the living in the world of light. But being unsure if I am a human or a monster? Sometimes, it really scares me. How am I supposed to pursue goodness when I forgot what goodness and justice actually are?"
Kamijou Touma watched as the girl got silent. She looked stoic, but her hand and lower lip trembled.
He saw it.
Gokusai Rikuri was definitely not sinless.
Apparently, in the past, he stopped her and her sisters from taking life of a girl known as Mitsuari Ayu.
One would think that Rikuri was nothing more than a killer. But Touma learned it was never that simple. The oldest Gokusai sister, but also her younger siblings and many of Touma's past enemies were prime examples.
People had multiple aspects to themselves. Some of those aspects changed, some reverted back, some were even in conflict and contradiction with each other.
It was often illogical. It was often an ugly thing.
But it was undoubtedly human.
It would be so easy to classify Gokusai Rikuri and pin her with some name. She could be seen as a pretty face, or a killer, or a lost soul, or so much more.
But in truth, she was all of this and more. She seemed confident, but was also unsure. She was enchanting, but also affected by emotions. She was between worlds, unsure what to do next.
It was a flaw on her seemingly ideal self.
But to Kamijou Touma, this flaw made Gokusai Rikuri even more beautiful than she already was.
As shaking of Rikuri hand intensified, Touma gently placed his own on top.
"Rikuri-san...I am not saying I completely understand. I did not take lives and I am not the wisest man in the world to get all the ethics. But I know that you did it for reasons beyond yourself. I am aware by now how much you love your sisters. I will never condemn you for wanting them to be happy. And even if your crimes can't be just washed away... I don't care if you decide to blame yourself and decide that you don't deserve salvation... because I am going to drag you back to the surface. No matter what"
"Wha-"
"It does not matter that you might want to do something wrong tomorrow. What matters is that you want do something good today. If you think that something bad will happen in the future, work today to prevent it. If you worry about it, I will be there to set you straight. You said that as the oldest, you want to bear troubles for them? I won't take that from you, as it is your choice. But if you will stumble and feel that you will fall under that weight, I want to be there to help you shoulder it. And Rikuri-san... this feeling you are talking about... I know it as well."
The girl was about to protest on such statement, and point out how different their circumstances were. But something in Touma's eyes stopped her.
This look was something she never saw before. She felt as if she was looking into eyes of someone different. Much older, much more troubled by experience... it was as if she looked into the abyss of some sort or screamed at empty mountain valley to hear echo come back.
It was somewhat hollow gaze, but also one that held more wisdom than anything else.
She had no way of knowing that. Kamijou did not actually tell anyone in full detail.
But the boy in front of Rikuri once faced Magic Goddess who shifted the phases of the world. As he battled her, he travelled throughout infinite worlds, altered realities designed to bring him death and suffering, before he and the goddess found their understanding.
He experienced each and every conceivable death that could be imagined by human mind or even those beyond this imagination. His torture extended beyond the lifetime of universe.
There were many aspects of those so called Infinite Hells. However, if Kamijou was asked to tell the whole story of those hells, he would be unable to do so.
He actually repressed majority of those memories. Repressing, mind you, did not mean forgetting them.
You could say that he went so insane from pain and PTSD that he reverted back to sanity after a few millennia. It sounded crazy but it was possible.
"If you are in doubt, I will be there to talk to you might want to do something wrong tomorrow. What matters is that you want do something good today. If you think that something bad will happen in the future, work today to prevent it. If you worry about it, I will be there to set you straight. You said that as the oldest, you want to bear troubles for them? I won't take that from you, as it is your choice. But if you will stumble and feel that you will fall under that weight, I want to be there to help you shoulder it. And Rikuri-san... this feeling you are talking about... I know it as well."
The girl was about to protest on such statement, and point out how different their circumstances were. But something in Touma's eyes stopped her.
This look was something she never saw before. She felt as if she was looking into eyes of someone different. Much older, much more troubled by experience... it was as if she looked into the abyss of some sort or screamed at empty mountain valley to hear echo come back.
It was somewhat hollow gaze, but also one that held more wisdom than anything else.
She had no way of knowing that. Kamijou did not actually tell anyone in full detail.
But the boy in front of Rikuri once faced Magic Goddess who shifted the phases of the world. As he battled her, he travelled throughout infinite worlds, altered realities designed to bring him death and suffering, before he and the goddess found their understanding.
He experienced each and every conceivable death that could be imagined by human mind or even those beyond this imagination. His torture extended beyond the lifetime of universe.
There were many aspects of those so called Infinite Hells. However, if Kamijou was asked to tell the whole story of those hells, he would be unable to do so.
He actually repressed majority of those memories. Repressing, mind you, did not mean forgetting them.
You could say that he went so insane from pain and PTSD that he reverted back to sanity after a few millennia. It sounded crazy but it was possible.
"If you are in doubt, I will be there to talk to you. You keep surprising me with many things, and I would not like all of it to end just like this, because of your past. I want to save you all and throughout. What I mean is... you are not alone, Rikuri-san. I know that walking this painful path of rebuilding yourself is like walking in a dark, scary tunnel. But if you walk far enough..."
He looked behind his own back, at the lighthearted and gently painted landscape.
"...You arrive at much better place. I am often scared as well. But if I don't try, I won't ever find out if my efforts pay out. So... can we both take this risk together?"
Rikuri stayed silent for while, before sighing and looking at him with amused face
"You really are a fool, Kamijou Touma. I can kind of see why my dear Kaibi-chan suffers such headaches because of you. But..."
To Touma's shock, Rikuri twisted her palm and grasped his hand into her own.
"... can't say I dislike that part of you. You made some interesting promises... now, take responsibility~"
She whispered that into his ear, while also giving his hand a squeeze.
"W-Wha... don't blow into my ear like that! And that comment is really misleading if someone heard that..."
Rikuri laughed, as she forced him up, and the pair followed through the further exhibitions.
A person hiding behind the corner narrowed her eyes and in time, followed suit.
(1 HOUR LATER)
The rest of the gallery was quite interesting, even if Kamijou was not an expert.
However, there was something else he needed to address...
"Rikuri-san..." he asked, as they were walking through the park yet again. "Are you... nervous by any chance?"
"W-Why do you think that?" the girl was not so secretly hiding her face behind veil of luscious hair.
"Because... emm... you seemed like you wanted to see every possible corner of the gallery and delay our exit as much as possible. Now, you walk as if you swallowed a stick."
"That's an outrageous accusation..." Rikuri tried to defend herself weakly.
"Really? You spent 10 minutes staring at a trash can!"
"That was a modern art installation."
"No, I am pretty sure that was a... trash... okay, that's not the issue. Rikuri-san, if something is bothering you, please, just tell me."
Potion Lady clenched her fists, puffed her cheeks, and finally...
"Tch. All right, you see... " Rikuri's voice was getting quieter and quieter, and finally turned into mumbling "I planned out some pretty big events for us to come to... but I actually have no experience in opera, fancy restaurants and high society."
"So... you wanted to go to take me somewhere without taking into account how you feel? Why would you do that?"
Once again, Rikuri appeared slightly flustered.
"You know... I didn't want you to lose an image of me you have in your head: a good older sister should being like a true lady. When I was little, I attended all sorts of things, like dinners, high society balls, opera, and such. But I am a little out of practice. So I... basically got cold feet. Happy? You may laugh now!"
Kamijou just looked.
And then he laughed. Boy, did he laugh.
"T-That was rethorical, you are not supposed to really laugh! Is my anguish really that funny?! I will slap you, I really will!"
Kamijou's laughter stopped as he looked at still fuming Rikuri.
"I am sorry, I just...I am relieved as hell right now!"
"Huh?"
"I was so worried that I will be out of place and embarrass a classy lady like you. I am a poor and simple guy, and I thought I will trip on my feet or something. But knowing that you are not some know it all when comes to those things...that makes me feel so much better!"
"What?" Rikuri was flabbergasted" But... I thought that you would think less of me when you learn it. I lost my touch in some areas of being a lady."
"Why would I? If being a lady depended only on the fact that you go to fancy parties or come from a rich family, I would not like to be around someone like that. You are in my opinion amazing lady, Rikuri-san. Your attitude, professionalism, and love for your sisters make you more of a lady that some of those snobbish ojou-samas can ever dream of... R-Rikuri-san?"
*doki* *doki* *doki*
Rikuri was staring at him, with her eyes sparkling in the park lamp. Her heart was beating so loudly in her chest that she was worried that it could be heard on the outside.
"I-Is that so? Well..." she could not stop a smile from appearing alongside a pink hue on her cheeks" That's interesting to know... so we both worried about what the other might think"
"Seems like it" Touma sighed, looking to the sky" Guess we were both fools"
"That we were" Rikuri whispered next to him.
After some silence, Touma spoke
"Rikuri-san... I have an idea..."
"Whatever it might be?"
"Let's promise each other to not worry in advance. We will both take turns proposing what we want to do next, and then talk about how we liked it or disliked it. How about that?"
Rikuri put a finger to her cheek, and nodded her head with a small wink.
"I would like that very much"
As they once again departed, the silhouette in the shadow shook in anger.
That person bit his lip as he growled
"Rikuriiiiii!..."
(LATER...)
It was nearing to 9 PM when Touma and Rikuri walked to their last point on the list.
"That was marvellous, Kamijou-san." Rikuri chuckled, looking at spiky haired teen" I don't remember when was the last time I had this much fun"
"Yeah, me too. I did not know what to expect but that was really great" Touma answered honestly.
In accordance with Touma's proposition, they tried a few things.
Firstly, Touma offered Rikuri to try some of the festival food, since the sisters did not have many occasions to try it. The two were both relaxed with simply slurping yakisoba while watching the street in front of them.
Then, Rikuri took Touma to drone studio, from which she took parts to her machines. The establishment offered the variation of game of paintball, only difference being that it was played with flying drones controlled by players travelling through a maze.
Rikuri utterly destroyed him, as she flew the drone so effortlessly that Touma wouldn't be surprised if she could fly the machine with only one finger and without really looking. Despite rather humiliating defeat, the older girl took the time and explained the drone flying techniques to him, which in truth was something really valuable.
Following, Touma took Rikuri to arcade, in which situation was reversed, as the oldest Gokusai was furiously trying to beat the veteran gamer level 0, and even started to bang her head on the console as she failed time and time again. Afterwards, Rikuri decided to take Touma to shop for clothes. Although Touma had certain hesitations, the trip was successful (well, besides yet another button shooting into Touma's face). Rikuri got Touma a new hoodie and bought a pair of blue and violet sundresses for herself. For whatever reason, she was very clear on the fact that Touma had to check how she looked in dresses she chosen, despite Touma's hasty (yet true) assurances that she looked amazing in everything. He found himself sweating at the glances of girls (with some giggling and some staring coldly) and guys (mostly oozing with killing intent) as Rikuri posed in front of him. He nearly toppled over when she revealed that she also took a hoodie to match his own.
Quick note on the sisters style: the dresses, trademark of Gokusai family, were more of their dark side work attire, although Kaibi liked to wear them even outside of it, as she felt strongly connected to dress as a sense of style. Amazora liked to try bold clothes, yet with moderation of her sisters, she usually wore T-Shirts and skirts looking her age. Rikuri opted for lose casual clothes, with customized patterns, handy pockets, and breathing space. Some of her clothes were also revealing.
Touma and Rikuri just exited the manga store. It turned out that while Touma liked classic Shounen Jump series, Rikuri was a big fan of shojo manga, albeit she did not have time to read frequently. As they were discussing the superiority of each genre, they turned around the corner... to be greeted with an assault.
Not that they weren't completely expecting it. Both had experience with dark side, so Touma and Rikuri realized that they were being followed for some time now. One of the reasons they were out was to catch the mysterious stalker after all.
So Touma managed to intercept the punch of the mysterious attacker and initiate his own.
"So you finally decided to show yourself!"
They both threw punches and both collided, although Touma managed to shake it off.
"Get away from Rikuri-san, you bastard!" the attacker roared at him "I need to talk to her and don't need you here."
He pounced on Touma and pinned him to the wall. As they both struggled, Touma heard Rikuri's yell.
"Kamijou-san, now!"
Touma mustered all his strength, pushed the attacker away and jumped back, as the glass vial shattered.
He quickly swipped Rikuri off her feet, as he felt that something changed in the air.
It tasted sweeter and...
He chuckled out of nowhere. Rikuri also looked slightly elated for some reason.
"Rikuru-san... I figured you would use something like this, but what exactly was that?
The girl let out a seemingly involuntary chuckle as well
"Nitrous oxide mixed with pure oxygen and etomidate. NO2 is a strong oxidiser and has a huge sleep inducing properties. It is also known as the laughing gas. Good heavens, I think it affected me a little bit as well"
"It's good that we had a plan before. When this guys passes out and the gas clears away, we shall take him and ask him some questions "
So they waited. And once Rikuri declared they were in the clear, they set out to find the masked guy on the ground, laying completely still.
But once Touma took the mask off...
"What the actual-"
(HALF AN HOUR LATER)
They were in the enclosed room made of concrete. Apparently, Rikuri rented that small place to stash her equipment in seclusion.
The guy tied to the chair slowly regained consciousness. And when he did...
"Hi again... Enka-san"
The now familiar methane esper looked at Touma, grinning widely, possibly as the side effect of the gas that knocked him out. Touma had a palm of his hand across his face, as he sighed, and addressed somewhat embarrassed Rikuri.
"Rikuri-san... let me get this straight. You and him were actually going out, and neither of you recognized each other when we fought him?"
"I-I said I am sorry! I used drones with thermovision so I did not exactly see his face. And he technically robbed Amazora and didn't see me, so it is possible that he didn't linked us as sisters. While the methane ability could give him away, it is not a unique power... so..."
"This..." Touma groaned again" This is so dumb! How could both of you be so oblivious?"
"Screw this" Enka finally spoke" Do you just want to torment me again, man? I need to make Rikuri-san realize her mistake!"
"What mistake?! There is no excuse to be stalking her!"
"You pissed me off so much today that I wanted to just attack you. But she was so happy that I did not want to ruin it till the end!"
Touma went silent afterwards.
It was possible that this guy honestly got a genuine crush on Gokusai Rikuri. Fate was a strange thing sometimes.
"Aikawa-san..." Rikuri said gently" I said this could not work out..."
"You never gave me any explanation! If it's because of spiky head here, then I will just eliminate him right then and there!"
The gas erupted around him... only to clear out, after a few moments.
"Huh? What the-"
"You won't be able to use the methane efficiently in here" Rikuri pointed out on the set of lamps on each side of Enka" Those lamps are not for interrogation or something like that. Methane oxidizes into carbon dioxide and water when exposed to source of ultraviolet light and air, among the others."
Touma hold his hand up in the air.
"Wait, I don't get it. Enka-san said that he was dumped by his girlfriend. But you were not dating long so...".
Rikuri massaged her temples with perplexed look on her face.
"Enka-san apparently got some idea that we are match made in heaven when he met me and started calling me that on his own. He could not let it go even if I stated that it cannot work out and we should stay friends"
'Ah, so he is that type' Touma thought. Was that a so called male yandere?
Enka was still frustrated, despite the grin on his face that, to be honest, gave off quite unsettling aura.
"Rikuri-san... I really care about you. I am sorry I decided to rob your sister, I didn't recognize you there... I would never do that. Rikuri-san, I will do anything, just come back!"
"I am sorry, but there is no back to come to"
Enka closed his eyes and yelled
"Shit! Is this stupid life really going to drown me alive even more?!"
"Rikuri-san..." Touma whispered to the girl "As much as his approach is wrong, he seems to genuinely like you. He deserves a proper talk. What was the actual reason you dumped him?"
Then something came to his mind, as he recalled previous meeting with methane esper.
"This wasn't about his ability, was it?"
"No, a-absolutely not..."
"Then why are your eyes darting to the side?!"
Rikuri moved passed Touma, and knelt in front of Enka.
"Aikawa-san..."
'She totally avoided the answer just now'
"I am really grateful that you like me. You are a really nice guy, honestly. You have a great sense of humour and you have devotion that many can dream of. But please understand that I just can't force my heart like this. It is not going to work. So instead, I am going to offer you this: I will stay as your friend and I will help you on your quest to find love. I am quite popular and it means I have lot female acquaintances to set the dates with. I really am not particularly against being a help to you if you stop obsessing over me."
Enka lifted his head up. The look in his eyes was extremely bitter.
"Rikuri-san... that will hurt, and I can't do it easy... but I don't want to see you sad, so I may try... although I never saw anyone as beautiful as you..." he looked at Touma vengefully" but him... he is the other story. As soon as I get out, I will-"
"However..." Rikuri's tone shifted, and made both guys, even Touma to whom the words weren't directed, to freeze.
Rikuri's face was devoid of her usual charming allure. Instead, her eyes looked like gemstones encased in ice.
"If you decide to do something to Kamijou, someone who I personally owe a lot to and who offered to be your support as well, I swear you will regret it. Methane oxidizes into carbon dioxide and water with enough air. But I have all the means necessary decrease level of oxygen to partially oxidize methane into liquid methanol. CH3OH, most basic alcohol, quite volatile... and a rather deadly poison. Even though I am weak in physical combat, aside from infamous Carrier and Decomposer, there is no one better in chemical warfare than myself. I have more ways to counter your ability than you possibly think. So now, you have 3 options: leave without commotion and we shall all revert to how things were. Accept your help and we will become friends. Or hurt Kamijou-san, which will swiftly lead to your permanent... end."
In the silence that followed, Aikawa gulped.
Touma was also bating his breath. He did not know if Rikuri was bluffing but...
Shit, that was badass. Even though he knew she could not even hit ball in the batting cage and was not extremely fit, he knew that pissing Rikuri off would be a bad thing for everyone.
Aikawa clicked his tongue but finally gave up
"Understood. I am aware that you are good in what you do"
"Great" in the blink of an eye, the coldness left the girl's eyes" Now, can you promise you won't do anything reckless? I will release you"
"I promise, just get me out of this cage already"
Albeit Touma thought that the attitude of the methane esper changed rather fast, he assumed that Rikuri deemed the situation was in their control to subdue Enka again if needed.
(SOME TIME LATER)
Two guys were left alone as they yet again returned to the street. Rikuri went back to organize her equipment and said she will be back in a couple of minutes.
That left Kamijou Touma and Aikawa Enka in rather awkward silence... again.
"You know, I am sure you are nice guy. I know that being single can hurt sometimes"
"I am not talking to you. And you are not saying anything I don't know. It just... sucks so much!"
"Come to think of it" Touma looked at Enka, who sat on the metal stairs with his arms crossed" Weren't you supposed to be in prison?"
"They kicked me out. Blacklisted me, even from solitary confinement. Said that because of my ability, I was not making the living conditions bearable. I wasn't even using it much, and they are supposed to have AIM jammers, damn it! But apparently, the methane plus sulphur combo stinks anyway, so hey, here I am"
'Well, that's just awful. What was Anti-Skill thinking?' Touma was actually really sorry for the thug right now. He coughed to break the awkward silence.
"Anyway, this is no reason to torment Rikuri-san like that"
"Torment her? I really wanted to make her happy! Don't act like you can lecture me! She actually likes you, you know, so you have a straight road ahead!"
Touma gave him a confused look.
"What are you talking about?"
"Shit! You are really tempting fate right now. I promised Rikuri-san, but I don't want to give a victory to some idiot who has the denseness of a brick!"
"Rikuri-san and me know each other for merely a week... well, we met once before, but that does not really count now."
"Love is weird! Don't try to apply logic to it!"
"Anyway, even if some hypothetical, farfetched scenario where she likes me, I doubt she would like to rush things. That's why I said that what you did was wrong. Admit it, you just went for her looks!"
"Lies!"
"But you rushed things! You clearly did!"
"I might have thought about it because of how she looks... but you would do the same. Do you deny her beauty?"
Another moment of silence.
"No.." Touma finally answered" She is one of the most beautiful girls that I know"
"You see, so-"
"But that doesn't mean that I would be seduced by merely that illusion of beauty. There is so much to learn before that."
"So you think that you learned everything about her in such short time?"
"No. But I am open to experience with each and every person that I meet. It would be so easy to just put Rikuri-san in one category. But there are many different things to learn about her. Rikuri-san has characteristics of a mature girl in many areas, both physical and emotional, but does not like to rush things which she needs to think through first. She likes painting, classical music, and romance movies. She also has small bonsai tree that she keeps in the apartment. She is skilled in mechanics and chemistry, apparently she is also a prodigy in other areas. When she thinks no one hears, she likes to sing some foreign soundings songs. She is not athletic type, but can boost some strength on occasions when someone she cares about is in danger. Her favourite food consists of Italian cuisine and variety of vegetable dishes, she is a vegetarian out of preference. She dislikes horror movies and lightning, she also can't stand spices, because after them she has sneezing fits and has to drink tons of water. Her zodiac sign is Leo, favourite colour is violet. She is aware of her own charm, but does not use it in malevolent manner. And most importantly, she loves her sisters more than anything else in the world. I, Kamijou Touma, deeply admire her for that!"
Touma did not know why that stream of information kept flowing. He just felt the need to stand to Enka's earlier taunts.
The methane esper looked at him in shock, and then laughed.
"Wow, and you two called me creepy. Why do you know all of that? Don't tell me you know her three sizes too or something like that."
Touma's eyes widened as he frantically waved his arms
"No, no, you are wrong, that's simply..."
"Relax man. All of that stuff can be deduced from observation. You probably had a good reason to be so observant too. Although... "Enka's teeth were gritted hard" you two are probably close if you see such things"
Touma actually had a good reason. He was very observant because he had to be careful so he would not slip regarding his memory loss. In a way, he and Rikuri were also close because they temporarily living under the same roof. Of course, he did not reveal any of that to methane esper.
To not anger Enka, Touma quickly altered the course of conversation.
"Rikuri-san is right, you know. You are in a low place right now, but you are nice guy"
"You're just saying it to make me feel better"
"No, I mean it. Believe me, I know what it's like to have all the unfair and misfortunate circumstances in the world thrown at you and being viewed through their lens."
Aikawa sighed and stretched while still sitting down.
"You know... I never asked to be seen as a villain. But everything just started to crumble. I was bullied because I didn't have power, then I got one that ruined my life. I got kicked out of job, the girl I fell in love with ditched me, hell, even prison did not want me. I wanted to grasp at any possible happiness I saw."
"I don't blame you for trying. However, it is important to know where to stop and change your approach. I know it is not easy. And that's why..."
Kamijou got up and offered Enka a hand.
"I truly want to help you. I promise that I will not laugh at your efforts and support you, just like a friend would."
Enka looked at Touma's hand.
"I still dislike the fact that Rikuri-san is near you... but... from what doctors told me, you didn't ditch me after our fight and took me to hospital. In a way, I owe you, even if it pisses me off. I didn't throw my dignity away, so... fine, I accept."
He took Touma's hand, as he rose up to his level.
"I will help you if you stop stalking Rikuri-san." Touma pointed out. "Otherwise, I will oppose you to protect her in everything I have"
"I will cooperate and try to give up" Enka nodded" But if you ever hurt Rikuri-san, no matter what strange power you have, I will blow you up to hell itself with my strongest methane"
"Deal"
"Fine"
They shook hands. Enka smirked slightly.
"Maybe when we both get girlfriends, we will joke about this."
"Eh? With my bad luck, it will take years for me to get one!"
"Better for me!"
"Anyway... can I put you under Fart Guy in contacts?"
"You really want to die, don't you?"
But even when he was saying that, Aikawa's smirk did not go away.
(MEANWHILE)
When the two boys talked, Rikuri was hiding behind the corner.
She did not have intention eavesdropping. She simply finished cleaning faster than anticipated. But when she wanted to announce her presence, she heard the conversation. And she just could not move.
So she listened, listened, and listened some more. She heard a lot. And now...
She was blocking her lips with both of her hands as she leaned on the wall. Her face was redder than ever in her life. Her eyes sparkled as if she was drunk.
Rikuri's mind was pure chaos. But even there, some things finally came together, all at once.
Kamijou Touma saw her as woman, sort to speak. She was not crept out by the fact he announced her as beautiful. If he didn't and pretended to be a holy gentleman, she would be actually quite sad that he did not perceive her efforts to stay attractive.
But there was so much more. He did not laugh at her hobbies or said they made her less of a woman. He understood and supported her dreams, he consoled her fears. He admired her devotion to her younger siblings. He paid amazing amount of attention to her and never once forced himself on her. He never took easy route and really, truly wanted to know her. He did not deny her insecurities and did not solve them for her, but insisted for her to have a shoulder she could lean on.
When he said some of Rikuri's traits, she knew he was not the type who would creepily spy on her. That was the same kind of attention he used to figure out other person's problems and worries. That was why she was more touched by his attention to detail than anything.
Her heart beat fast. Her blush spread even to tips of her ears. Her breathing was more shallow than usual.
She looked up to the sky and found herself smiling.
'Father... I think I found it... the feeling I was looking for.'
(10 MINUTES LATER)
Enka departed just moments before.
As Rikuri joined them, she was fanning her cheeks, which were strangely red. She quickly explained that the lamps heated the air too much and caused blood to rush to her cheeks. Enka raised an eyebrow at quiet stutter Rikuri had while explaining, however Touma remained oblivious.
"There he goes"
"Yeah. I wonder if he will be fine. O-Out of curiosity, did you bluff when you threatened him?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah, there is no way one can efficiently half-oxidize methane to methanol on the spot. The reaction is extremely delicate"
"That was a surprise though. With Enka-san I mean"
"Well, he was not first one. You can blame it on genetics, but-"
"Huh?" Touma was quite confused at that statement.
"Oh, right, you have no way of knowing." Rikuri put a hand on her chest" My... mother... and by extension, mother of Kaibi and Amazora, is, among other things, one of the most praised, attractive-acclaimed, and famous models of her generation. And well, head of the rest of Gokusai family"
"Rikuri-san, will you tell me more about your family history?"
The gorgeous girl's lips formed a thin line.
"I surely will. But not today. There is a time and place for everything."
"Well, you got that right. Guess we will have to call it a day, so..."
"A-Actually..." Rikuri tugged onto Touma's shirt" there is one place I want to visit..."
(1 HOUR LATER)
Nearing 11 PM, Rikuri rented two rooms in the hotel. For someone like Touma, doing it, especially this late, would be fiction, but Gokusai family apparently had some cash to throw away.
One of the rooms was actually a spacious micro-apartment with a kitchen. Said kitchen was linked with Rikuri's plea.
It turned out, one of Rikuri's embarrassments was her inability to cook. When she tried once, Amazora spent almost all day heaving over the toilet, and Kaibi joked for many, many years, that Rikuri's affinity for poisons was so strong that it transferred onto her food.
And so, despite late hour, Touma helped Rikuri improve, moved by her honest desire to better herself. In the end, they ended on a somewhat edible and pleasantly smelling result.
Touma wanted to go to his room, but suddenly felt dizzy. Was the tiredness of the day getting to him? Maybe if he laid down a little bit, he would got-
He immediately fell asleep on the chair.
Meanwhile, Rikuri smiled, as she finished tidying up the kitchen.
"This lesson gave me the perfect opportunity to offer you this sleeping drug within the water. I know you would probably want to be conscious for this and I apologize in advance, but I am not fully ready to do it with you awake."
She finished cleaning and then reached to her clothes. They fell, exposing exotic sleeping gown. Besides panties, bra, and delicate, see-through sleeves of the sleeping gown, she had no clothing whatsoever.
Struggling a little, she dragged Touma and placed him onto the bed. She smiled, as she stood over him, bare in the moonlight. She faked a shiver.
"You know, Kamijou-san, it's quite cold at nights right now. Poor me does not have anything other than this thin, see-through sleeping gown. Wouldn't a gentleman like you offer to warm a noble lady like me with your body?"
And with that, she laid next to him.
"You are quite handsome. And you have a nice smile when you are not... ekhm, not suffering. Seeing this and hearing you talk makes me want to abandon all my rules right here and now. The instincts are screaming within me. No one ever made me feel those things, so I am new to all of this. But..."
Her lips parted, and eyes glossed over, when the heat spread in beautiful blush over her cheeks.
"I want you, with my whole heart. For what you said and done, I want to be here with you. I am sorry I can't say it outright just yet. But I firmly believe that there is a time and place for that feeling to be confessed. And when it comes, I will be all yours, with no limits of heart and body. For now...
She hugged Touma, while in the same placing passionate and deep kiss on his cheek.
"Have a reward, brave hero. I stay here with you, because there is nowhere else I would rather be. And I swear, when the time comes and we both feel alright with it, we will do... the rest~. I am certain it will be something we will never forget"
One could be surprised that such seductive young woman did not take advantage in its full glory. But as already stated, Gokusai Rikuri was also a romantic at heart. She believed that getting the deed done after confession of love, would be the ultimate act of beauty leading to the union of their bodies. Of course, she was very much aware that with the hectic life the sisters and Touma led, something could stop them before that moment came, by separating them or taking their lives. But the fact that she decided to wait when they were both truly ready showed how much she trusted Touma to maintain peace they lived in.
That however didn't stop her from snuggling into him and caressing his spiky hair. Touma, even in deep sleep, smiled at nice sensations surrounding him.
The bed in this one-night apartment had a beautiful skylight. Rikuri looked up at the stars.
"There is something strange yet beautiful about you, Kamijou Touma. The way of your living... this shattering of your illusions, as you call it... it may be just what our family needs the most. Gokusai means Painted Prison. This surname could not be more true with us. Myself and my cute little sisters are putting a facade, and painting our exterior into pretty colours to hide our imprisoned hearts, bound by our fears, expectations from others, and old wounds that need healing."
Rikuri's quiet mumblings broke into a small yawn, after which she looked to the boy within her arms.
"I believe that you are the one to heal our family and finally give us peace. I don't know if it is possible and I don't want to force it on you... but I believe in you, Kamijou-san"
She gave him yet another kiss on the cheek, this time shorter and less lustful.
"Goodnight, and thanks for the lovely day."
After tonight, she will resume their relationship as before, as if nothing happened. But in truth, today changed her heart to an amazing degree.
She positioned the boy's head on her big chest and snuggled close to him. Soon, she too fell asleep, drifting into a pleasant blissfulness. They both breathed softly, bathed in soft glow of moon and stars, enjoying each other's warm and safe feeling of closeness.
Rikuri was generally a heavy sleeper, but for a moment, she thought that she heard sound of door creaking open. However, the silence still reigned yet again as she fell into slumber by Touma's side.