(AT THE SAME TIME)
Misaka Misuzu sneezed suddenly, surprising both herself and her daughter, Mikoto, who looked at her mother with worry.
"You didn't catch a cold, right Mama?"
Misuzu rubbed her nose, shaking her head.
"No, no, I feel fine and dandy. I needed to sneeze out of the blue, but there is no reason for worry. You know how I'm with strong perfumes. I want to add some to complete my look, but then they irritate me all night."
"If you say so" Mikoto sighed and looked at the building she was about to enter.
Some might have been surprised that the pair of mother and daughter were together. Usually, Misuzu was living in Tokyo, beyond Academy City's borders. Only, this time it was the special day for Tokiwadai students. With special not really meaning welcomed.
Mikoto's sigh was followed by a groan.
"I really don't want to go there and sit through the lecture about all that stuff..."
Her mother nodded, pouting her lips
"I accepted the invitation because I thought I would be able to meet your friends... at least I will get to see Tokiwadai from the inside, but it's still not the same..."
To get the context, we need to introduce one of the traditions of prestigious Tokiwadai Middle School. Once a year, all girls from esteemed families that attended the school were having a series of lectures dedicated to "proper behaviour" and etiquette. Additionally, as Tokiwadai believed in wisdom of older generations, the parents were from time to time invited to meet and share experiences as well. This time, the invitation was aimed specifically at the mothers. Usually, both groups were together, but this year, from some sort of logistic accident, the girls were moved to festive hall of the building Mikoto and Misuzu were standing in front of right now. Meanwhile, mothers would be going to Tokiwadai Middle School and have the video transmission from there.
"If I could only find out who made such a stupid mistakes in schedule..." Mikoto growled under her breath" I really wanted to spend time with you, Mama"
"I know, Mikoto. But listen. I am here for few nights. There will be lots of time to go and eat something together. Oh, and while we are at it, please invite Touma-kun. I'm sure he wouldn't mind"
"T-This idiot?! M-Maybe I would mind! T-There is no reason to invite him... e-even if you think that he would agree..."
Misuzu only laughed at her daughter's antics. With her youthful looks, big bosom, and cheerful attitude, she seemed like an undeterred optimist and living antidepressant. Even though their personalities were often at odds, both Mikoto and Misuzu cherished the moments they could spend together. Misuzu was also supportive of rather obvious signs of affection Mikoto had for Kamijou Touma.
"Look, Miko-chan, if you are going to be like this, he will be gone and snatched away. If you are scared, I can lock you two in the-"
"MOM! T-There is nothing between me and him! Argh, you are impossible! I'm coming in!"
"Have... well, fun may be a lot to ask for, but bare with it with your friends. See you on video!" Misuzu waved to her.
Mikoto stepped inside, her cheeks ablaze and crimson. Fanning them, she huffed in anger.
"Hmm, this place a karaoke club at lower level? I envy everyone who can be there right now... why do I have to hear about some stupid manners? I get it, this is high class school, but... eh, I guess there is no helping it. I'm going to go to the toilet first... t-that idiot, why do I have to be so worked up about him? Why can't I stop thinking about him right now?!
(MEANWHILE)
'Why can't I stop thinking about Kamijou?!'
Kaibi sighed, sitting on the closed toilet in karaoke club's bathroom. It was very clean, and it served her as a place to calm her agitated mind.
'Since when Rikuri nee-san says those things like this? When Kamijou came around, she suddenly started to act like a proper big sister'
Girl in the dress hugged her knees. In truth, she was beginning to realize the truth. Rikuri was right, she was terrified. She hid it for a long time, but it was becoming clear.
Initially, she did not think much about Kamijou Touma. First, he was her enemy. Then, a temporary ally. Later, an annoying anomaly. But ever since Touma started to live with them, she started to truly interact with him.
She tried to stop it, delay it, drown it in the ice that encased her heart. But the interest in Kamijou Touma, whatever it actually was, emerged each time she tried to bury it.
She was not stupid or so prideful that she would deny her feelings for the sake of it. No, there was something much deeper within Gokusai Kaibi.
She was scared. Whatever was Kamijou Touma's power, it interfered with her own. And that meant that whatever he saw, was real Gokusai Kaibi. In truth, she was not even sure who it was that Touma was looking at when he saw that real self.
All her life she was wearing masks. Thousands of lies, roles, personas. Crafted not by physical change, but emotional distances. And all of that for the sake of keeping her family safe. She kept going, and going, and going... till she forgot what was beneath the surface.
But she realized that she did some horrible things in the past. She didn't know why it suddenly started to bother her now, but it did. Not to mention, if Kamijou learned of her other jobs... with Kakine, it was so much easier to understand. But now?
She started to shiver. She tried to keep it hidden, to cage it, to tell herself she was stupid.
But right now, it was backfiring spectacularly. She knew that she must do something or it would become her undoing.
'I thought that the cake would cheer me up, but all I could think about was that Kamijou's sweets for me were better... what is wrong with me?'
Suddenly, she realized that someone entered the toilet and walked to the adjacent cabin.
After a moment, both girls, by absolute accident, sighed at the same time.
Gokusai Kaibi and Misaka Mikoto jumped slightly, surprised by the coincidence.
Then Kaibi did something unusual for her, but in truth, she wanted a change of pace. So she spoke to the stranger from the cabin next to her.
"Boy troubles?"
"H-Huh... w-why..."
"So it is about a guy? Well... same here, so no judgement on my part"
"Uhm... I guess it is..."
Both girls leaned on the both sides of the separating wall. Absurdity of the situation almost made Kaibi laugh. Here she was, sharing her boy troubles with a random girl met in the toilet.
Mikoto on the other hand wanted anything to distract her from the need to go back to the celebration so she, albeit hesitantly, engaged in conversation.
After a few moments, both girls found themselves venting their frustration.
"He is an idiot who throws himself in danger and doesn't want anyone to support him. I mean, I know him for a while and I know that I could be... ekhm, hard to deal with at the beginning, but I would like him to stand side by side with me"
"Sounds like piece of work. I have a problem with someone similar. He thinks he can do all on his own and plays hero. My sisters always admired him, but I recently started to see him in a different life as well. He pisses me off so much, but I can't stop thinking about him and it's driving me crazy!"
"Wow, you have it taxing as well. Geez, boys sure are pain in the ass"
"You got that right"
Another double sigh followed from both sides of the wall.
This time, it was Mikoto that broke the silence
"If I can ask, why don't you confess that you lo...lo... like him a lot?"
Kaibi bit her lip.
"It's not that easy. It's all messy and complicated. I... used to greatly admire a certain guy, but he disappeared. I claim to be popular, but in truth, never felt those feelings for real. I am... worried. I don't know where I am going and what I'm feeling, and it scares me.. I realize though I can't hide away from my feelings for this moron, whatever they are. You?"
"Initially, I thought that I simply disliked him. Then I started to admire him, but when I thought he and me are on the same stage, he started to move away. And I realized that I didn't think he wasn't worthy of me. It was me thinking I wasn't worthy of him. I struggled and struggled but I think that I will never reach him. What if he just disappears one day and..."
She fell silent, as both girls digested each other's confessions.
"You know, no one expects to know everything just like that, about feelings and romance. Take your time." Kaibi finally answered.
"Y-Yeah! It's stupid to think that I should know it. People call me tsu... tsun... no, no matter... but I want to be truly brave. I know you have a similar problem, so I wasn't expecting you to give me tips or anything, but... I feel a lot more confident now."
"Surprisingly enough, the feeling is mutual. I wish you best of luck. And just for the record, I also hate the tsun word"
"B-Best of luck with your guy as well.
The both chuckled and third series of sighs, this time of relieved heart, echoed throughout the space.
"You know, it's rare for someone to listen to such problems and not laugh." Kaibi commented" I rarely do that for ones not close to me... but thank you. I had a very hard moment, but you helped me. Knowing someone else has similar issues is... comforting, actually"
"Heh heh, you are welcome. Always happy to help, and I loved the chat as well. I would gladly talk with you again sometime." Mikoto's joy was audible even without the option to look at her face
"Yes... come to think of it" Kaibi pondered out loud" Didn't I hear your voice before? It's very, very familiar... I swear I know it from somewhere..."
Mikoto tensed. The last thing she needed was for that newfound acquaintance to be deterred from her by the fact that she was a level 5.
"I once stared in the popular commercial of the..." Mikoto frantically looked around, and focused on her hands. One lone spark shot out of her thumb" Phone... chargers! New generation phone chargers. It was quite popular! Electrifying, I can even say"
"Ah huh..." Kaibi did not sound convinced, but then, the sound of a gong resounded throughout the building.
"Oh, that's my cue, I need to go upstairs. Thanks for the talk, bye!" Mikoto quickly dashed out of the bathroom. Kaibi followed suit, but did not manage to catch a glimpse of the girl as the doors closed before her.
Well, whoever that was, helped somehow. The uneasiness was still there, but it was back under control. Only this time, Kaibi was determined to face it directly.
Gokusai Kaibi and Misaka Mikoto, for separate reasons, struggled to convey their feelings. They did not even share any real advice or solution. But that bizarre meeting was a blessing in disguise for both of them.
Kaibi confidently walked into the karaoke booth, surprising all of the other girls, who were back, waiting for her return.
Without any further ado, she chose a song. A song that always irritated her by how close to home and her situation it hit. But today, she chose to embrace it. And one more thing: when she wanted, Gokusai Kaibi had a beautiful singing voice. As she sang, she thought, more and more, about her feelings. She was going around, trying to find herself for longer than she should have... longer than she remember... to answer one question... How could you love someone without getting hurt? How could she have such feelings? After everything she was through, everything she's done...
All her life she tried to prove that she was a survivour... that she was not the mistake her mother said her to be...
She was through with waiting. She was through with deceiving in this particular case.
She will find Kamijou Touma and have a talk with him. Not only that, but she will also search for Kakine, and tell him face to face about her sorrow and frustration after his disappearance. And maybe then...
...maybe she could feel again... with this feeling in heart... and be truly happy.
(HALF AN HOUR LATER, ELSEWHERE)
"That is a terrible idea." Touma shook his head
"That's a great idea!" yelled Thor.
"I honestly regret ever meeting any of you" Stiyl sighed.
"But you are still here. You know you love us" Tsuchimikado conquered.
"Accelerator! Do something about this!" Touma tried to grab one last resort.
"I could but... to be honest, this is a great opportunity to test the efficiency of those Anti-Skill bastards in such a situation. Yomikawa will be pissed... but do it!"
"W-Will we be all right? This isn't a movie you know" Hamazura was also getting slightly worried" We don't have any special effects!"
"Who needs special effects when we have guts!"
"K-Kamijou-san, do you know what is going on?" Enka asked.
"I am afraid that even they don't know full well."
"Onwards!" screamed Aogami "To our glorious paradise!
(AT THE SAME TIME)
Misaka Misuzu sighed. She just arrived at the school, and while she was enchanted with its beauty, she was also a little bit hesitant to approach all the other ladies inside. Even if Tabigake's work made their family rich, Misuzu did not fully know if the other ladies were not some pompous ojou-samas. Did she know how to interact with them?
"Yoshi! My little friend will solve this! Cha-Cha!" busty woman took out a skilfully hidden bottle of sake" you can't do this things while sober... heh heh heh, now, to get the cups..."
"Misaka-san? Don't you want to go inside?"
Misuzu spun around to see another woman going outside. With her face still covered in the shadow, Mikoto's mother could not fully recognize her. Not that she really knew anyone here.
"Oh I just wanted to get some fresh air... you know my surname?"
"But of course. It would be strange to not know the mother of famous Railgun."
"R-Right..." Misuzu coughed awkwardly, and focused her attention on the sight of front gate.
"Beautiful night, isn't it?" her companion added. She then added "Railgun-san is greatly admired. My own daughter considers her a friend. If you wouldn't mind, it would be nice to have it likewise in our generation"
"Oh? And who is..."
"Look!" the woman interrupted, pointing at the sky below the gate "What a beautiful shooting star."
Indeed, there was a point of light moving through the sky.
"Shooting star during daylight? No, wait... is that..."
When both women recognized what the object was, they paled.
"A car?!"
And indeed, a car soared high above the gates, with a boy in a modified uniform and a bandana on its top. He was grinning, as if high on adrenaline.
The shock of two mothers was not over yet, as the boy seemingly punched the air itself, which caused the car to lose part of its momentum. And when it finally hit the ground, rolling forward and towards the building, its roof opened and something... no, someone... shot through the air... straight onto Misuzu!
"Watch out!"
"AAAH!"
(SOME TIME LATER...)
When Touma woke up, he could not believe his eyes. He was surrounded by adult women.
'I knew that letting Gunha make us soar over the gates would be a crazy idea, but did I actually die? Damn it, why the hell both seatbelt and roof malfunctioned? So... if this is afterlife then maybe...'
"Are you... dorm managers?"
"No, I am in fact just a housewife that knows a thing or two about number theory."
Touma looked behind him, and was surprised to see a familiar face.
"Misuzu-san?! It's good to see you. Are you alright?"
"Hi Touma-kun. It's great to see you as well... I am fine, I was just a bit stunned. You shot straight into my chest, and it stop your flight. Don't worry, those girls fulfilled their duty once Mikoto was born, and it was my pleasure to use them for saving you"
"R-Right... oh no! Amazora! My friends!"
"Your friends are safe and sound" spoke the woman next to Misuzu. If Touma was not mistaken, she was the one standing outside when collision occurred "Although I think we are all curious what happened"
After a moment, Touma indeed noticed his friends. Amazora and Fremea were now in company of few other women and seemed to be in good hands. Tsuchimikado was leaning against the window with nonchalant grin on his face. Aogami looked like he was in some kind of trance and muttered something that sounded like "Za Milfu Heaven". Enka was also fine, but still appeared severely motion sick. Stiyl and Hamazura were having a quiet conversation, but also appeared to eye the room curiously. Thor and Gunha disappeared somewhere, but Touma was almost 100% sure they were okay.
"Okay, you see..."
When he offered his explanation, and Misuzu enlightened him on what happened for all the women to be here, Aogami sighed.
"We came here for gold, but found platinum well polished with age..."
"Who would have thought..." Tsuchimikado said this but did not appear really shocked.
"So...all of those ladies..." Touma began, looking around.
"Yes, we are mothers of Tokiwadai students. You might know some of our daughters" the mature woman with a gentle face and hair in the colour of coffee smiled to him.
"What are we doing with them?" the thin and strict looking woman wearing glasses, with tawny hair falling onto her back, scanned him with pinkish-brown eyes "Shouldn't we report it to authorities?"
"I am sure they will find out eventually" Touma sighed in resignation.
"Come on now, those boys were daring enough to break in here. I think that it can be viewed as quite romantic" the black haired woman standing next to Misuzu countered with a small smile "What if they wanted to see our daughters?"
"Good grief" the glasses woman sighed with irritation" Rules are rules though..."
"Oh, I have an idea!" Misuzu butted in "We will let you off the hook if you manage to guess who are we parents of. Guess... 4 of us correctly! Play the game with us!"
"Huh? But I don't... I..."
However, it was too late, as the idea already enticed excitement along the beautiful women.
"In the meantime, stop with the boring quiet party crap! DJ Tsuchimikado is on the house"
Soon, everyone mixed together. Misuzu's bottle of alcohol got released from its prison. Even if a little, mothers relaxed in this strange situation.
Thor, who just returned from who knows where, was going around and asking the mothers if there was any fighter for them. He had to ask something improper because he received a slap on the face. That did not deter him in the slightest, and instead he got starry-eyed, commenting on unbelievable slapping power of the woman.
Gunha, who was also back, and was recognized from Daihaiseisai opening pledge, was currently undertaking various dares from curious mothers and Touma strongly prayed for the school to still stand with amount of guts going around.
Stiyl looked as if he wanted to excuse himself, but he was also overwhelmed with curious women. Enka, who just got better, got extremely nervous and Touma hoped he won't release any toxic, highly flammable gases from this stress.
Aogami tried to explore all corners of the school, leaning, sniffing, and doing a lot of questionable things that people did not really wanted to question. However, he did get into a discussion with one of the mothers, and Touma could swear that they were both using gal game slang.
Hamazura danced among the women, and was apparently a popular partner. He seemed to relax among the company of females that did not want to cause him harm, and Touma could only sympathize with that. However, he kept glancing towards Misuzu with a mixture of hesitation and guilt. Ever since he attacked her and ended up fighting Touma, he didn't really have a chance to apologize. It was obvious he wanted to do this in a good fashion.
As for Touma, he found himself on the couch. Some of the mothers observed him with smiles, whispering among themselves.
"Now, Touma-kun" Misuzu suddenly whispered right next to his ear, startling him" We are not your enemies. You might believe it or not, but many of these women want to speak to you. So just relax and think of this as an opportunity. Oh, and since you know my relation to Mikoto, you won't be guessing me. I still want to talk to you later on though"
(TRY 1)
Touma sweated nervously in front of the gaze of a tawny-haired thin woman with glasses. She had the looks of really professional teacher, the kind that would give tons of hard questions on the test.
"Kamijou Touma, I heard you are quite a troublemaker. For now, my judgement will remain neutral but I shall observe you closely. Good grief, we can't just let boys crash land into here like bunch of barbarians"
Touma thought for a moment. The way she said barbarians, her tawny hair, even if styled differently... and most importantly, that stare which seemed to permeate him and mixed cautious evaluation with aura of superior attitude... the conclusion came, but he was still shocked.
"Shirai?!"
The woman sighed and adjusted her glasses.
"Shirai-san, if you please. For someone so troublesome, my daughter speaks a lot of you. That in itself is something worth noting. Even if she complains, I wish to make my own observation. And for the record, I want to say one thing"
"Y-Yes?"
"Don't be too quick to judge Kuroko. When I fell in love, I had to go through tedious procedures and sacrifice a lot to marry my husband, the owner of White Spring Holdings. So I wished to spare it for my own daughter and let her choose her own path of love and its expression. She is simply exploring the ways she wants to express her feelings and emotions. I'm sure you noticed."
"Y-Yeah... I know what you mean..." Touma's head still felt all the times Kuroko kicked him. He also remembered times she tried to harass Misaka
"Kuroko can come off as very intense. But would you still help her if she was in need?"
"With all the respect m'am, I already saved her three times. It was nothing special"
"Huh? It seemed my proud daughter did not confess everything to me" for the first time, Shirai Kuroko's mother smiled thinly" Believe me or not, but Kuroko never talks about anyone with such intensity if she doesn't care in some form. I shall observe you with great interest. Do not disappoint me."
(TRY 2)
Now, Touma was faced with woman that accompanied Misuzu outside when the crash occurred.
"Hmm, not bad, not bad..."
"M-Miss, what are you doing?"
She was obviously staring at him, quite intensely, as if examining him from head to toe.
She noticed his worry and waved her hand.
"I am sorry, working habit. I own a modelling agency, so I always see new possibilities in people I meet... so, Kamijou-san, any picks?"
She looked like a statuesque beauty. The woman had a very graceful legs, stylishly chosen clothes that pronounced the perfectly curved body accompanied by moderate bosom and slim arms sporting silver bracelets. Another prominent characteristics were a curtain of luscious raven hair, reaching almost to her abdomen, and eyes so dimly blue that they looked almost black, much like Kamijou's own irises.
Touma could not fully assess this woman's personality. On the one hand, this woman seemed playful and cheerful, but on the other, he sensed some hidden power, the sort of pressure of living in completely different world from what he knew. That women was rich, as well as influential, and knew how to utilize that.
"Oh, come on. If I give you a hint, it will be all over. I thought I am recognizable, if you don't try, I might just cry~"
Not sure if she was joking or not, Touma focused her mind. It was not an easy task, but he finally figured it out. The woman's brow was not so wide. Her eyebrows were thinner and didn't resemble smudges of calligraphy brush. But the way she looked at him with a twinkle of haughty playfulness, her smile, and the way she moved reminded him all too well... they only recently had a proper conversation, but that short meeting did make enough of an impression on Touma.
"Kongou-san?"
"I prefer Minako. Mi-na-ko. Kongou is too known for my husband's area of influence in aviation. So, Kamijou-san, I wish to thank you for saving my daughter. In truth, she sounded so gleeful that it was a pure pleasure to listen to her. I naturally have to reward the gentleman who makes her so happy. What would you say about becoming her boyfriend?"
Touma's mind came to halt.
"Huh?"
"Well, it's too early for proposal or marriage. But we can talk about details later. It was very nice chatting with you"
As Kongou Minako got up and started to walk away, Touma clenched his fist.
"I must say no to that"
Minako stopped, and when she turned around, her eyes were as cold as ice and her face had a look of revulsion.
"You deny the offer from Kongou family? Do you know how much of an insult this is? You say my daughter is not enough?!"
Touma actually got shivers from the sudden change of mood. However, he stood his ground.
"That's not it. I made a promise to Mitsuko-san to get to know her better. Accepting your offer would completely ignore her opinion on me. I also want to spend time with her before making my own mind. In all honesty, Kongou-san looks like a very charming girl, but I will never allow a deal that ignores what she has to say."
"My Mitsuko is a very obedient girl. I am sure she wouldn't have any objections."
"I still want to meet her properly and spend time with her. It's nice that she had positive feelings in regards to me, but I want her to form her view over some time"
The tension in the air was almost suffocating, to the point that Touma actually felt his mouth going dry... until the woman broke into a wide grin.
"You passed!"
"P-Passed? What?!"
"I am terribly sorry, but I acted a little bit like an overprotective parent here. I wished to see what kind of man you are by the simplest test family of our stature can conduct. Do you know just how much my daughter will inherit from both sides of her family?"
She whispered a number to Kamijou's ear. The boy got pale as a sheet. His poor level 0 brain couldn't begin to comprehend a fortune that big.
"You had to have an inkling of how rich she might be, yet you ignored the easy way and instead opted for a path to ensure her comfort. Fine then, you have my blessing in fulfilling your promise to my Mitsuko. Such an intriguing guy you are... oh, and one last thing. Years ago, I couldn't get pregnant for a very long time. When Mitsuko was born, we were so overjoyed that she was given everything and grew up to be a little bit spoiled. But she has the pure heart and that's why I worry that one day she might crash into something she can't overcome on her own. Will you try to help her then?"
There was no hesitation in Kamijou's answer, as was the case with Kuroko's mother.
"Leave it to me"
(TRY 3&4)
"Ara? That was quick! What gave it away?" asked the well-endowed woman with a kind housewife aura and coffee coloured hair.
"You have the same gentle smile as your daughter. And your hair is similar, even if it's a different colour"
"That's right, my Junko's hair is so peculiar isn't it?"
"I think it looks nice on her"
"You think so as well? Ara maa, how kind of you! We think that it was a mutation of sorts but she is so beautiful thanks to that violet hue! I'm glad that my Junko has a friend like you"
"You better thank Sogiita rather than me though..."
"Kamijou-san, what about me?" asked the other woman, sitting by the side of Junko's mom. She was a bit on chubby side, but not enough to distract from her overall attractiveness and style. She had a brown haired, styled into small curls, that looked incredibly fluffy.
"Brown hair... hmm... hmm... oooh! The wet girl!"
A few mothers nearby blushed, and Misuzu started to laugh.
Brown haired woman raised an eyebrow.
"Kamijou-san, while we hold you in high regard, we are talking about my daughter. Whatever she could feel when meeting you, restrain your language"
"No, that's not what I meant! She was soaking wet... she..."
"Calm down. I already know about that accident. And Kinuho never told you her name, right? My name is Wannai, pleasure to meet you."
"LEEEZ GO PEOPLE! PARTY IS ON! BEST NIGHT EVER!" Misuzu hollered.
Simultaneously, Tsuchimikado smiled while doing something with the camera standing nearby.
"Oh, yeah. The will sure get a surprise of a lifetime..."
(MEANWHILE)
"This is the worst" Mikoto sighed. She was in the big room filled with other Tokiwadai students. Dorm Manager was saying something about the traditions of the school and importance of the knowledge of older generation.
Next to her were Kuroko, Kongou and her friends, as well as Shokuhou Misaki. But even the usual feisty rivalry was gone.
"Wow, what happened to Shokuhou?" Misaka asked Kuroko.
"Apparently, her mother did not come. She was too busy" Kuroko explained, giving the blond a look of pity. Mikoto never thought that Shokuhou can have her own family problems, but she could almost see venom around the usually upbeat telepath. Did something happen in the past? Was Shokuhou's mother the type who would neglect her family for business?
"I'm fine and dandy, Misaka-san" Shokuhou said, sensing her gaze" More importantly, can we get on with this droll meeting? The boredom ability could not be any higher"
"They are connecting the feed now" Misaka said in resignation" Well, at least I will see Mama again...Kuroko, give me this herbal tea that's on reception. Bring one to Shokuhou as well. I can't even make joke regarding her if we are all that miserable."
After a moment, Kuroko was back with hot drink.
Just as they took a sip... the transmission started.
"HI LADIES, I AM SOGIITA GUNHA AND I WILL BE YOUR FREESTYLE DANCE TEACHER!"
PFFFFFFFFFT! Tea left both Shokuhou's and Misaka's mouths. Fortunately, they were in the front row so no one was burnt from it.
"What... what..." Dorm Manager looked as if she was about to faint "What is this?"
"Appears to be a recording from the other side. We can't stop it for some reason" answered the member of the staff.
The display showed the various events: Gunha training with the group of mothers, the vaguely familiar giant redhead furiously chasing the screaming dirty blond boy whose pants appeared to be burning, the young man with a long blond hair fighting a well-built woman in something that resembled a taekwondo, the other young man tossed without a shirt over the crowd of blushing, chuckling and singing females, and blue haired teen swirling around on the chandelier with just his boxers and chanting something that seemed like gibberish mixed together with various combinations of 6 digit codes. The other scenes depicted two little girls in sunglasses eating candy from what appeared to be golden thrones. The chaos of that party was beyond words.
No one know who or when, but one of the students started giggling. Soon she was joined by others and then, almost all girls were laughing in some form or way.
"STOP IT! STOP IT!" Dorm Manager was too late to control the commotion.
However, all girls quickly calmed down when on the screen appeared...
"Idiot!"
"My prince!
"Darling!"
Shokuhou's and Misaka's necks almost snapped through sudden twist of their heads in the direction of Kongou, who uttered those words with a shocked and slightly red face.
'Darling?! Excuse me, what reality is this?!'
The next segment presented the talks of Kamijou Touma with various mothers. Reactions varied: Kuroko's lips opened and closed on loop, Junko's mouth formed an innocent "o" with eyes sparkling with joy. Kongou actually got up, with her train of thought faster than shinkansen.
'He put dating me on hold? Me, Kongou Mitsuko?! No, no, wait, he did it because he respected me. No...no guy ever respected me like this. Such a defiant attitude, even in the face of my mother... I wouldn't expect anything less from my darling! Although this commoner still needs to learn a lot how to treat a lady such as myself, but other than that... he is quite... dreamy~'
"Kongou-san looks so happy and... pure" commented Awatsuki Maaya, looking at her blushing friend. "More importantly... Wannai-san..."
Her other friend was also blushing, and only tips of her red ears were visible as she hid her face in her hands.
"He called me a w-wet... wet girl... what if this spreads around?! Please don't call me a wet girl, Awatsuki-san!"
"I won't call you that but... how do you even know him?" she asked, as the other girls also listened in."
"W-Well, one night, I slipped on the riverbank while returning to school and started to drown after falling into the water... d-don't look at me like that, I know that Hydro Hand drowning is the most stupid thing ever, but I hit my head and couldn't move or calculate properly! Apparently, he happened to be passing by and jumped in to save me. He later took me to the hospital and stayed there until I got better. He was gone when I woke up, and I only learned his name and looks from the doctor... I really wanted to thank him for longest time... a-as he is the one who saved us during the heat wave from that giant Element too..."
Awatuski stared intensely, and replied.
"I also met the guy. He kept beating me in arcade games, so I got angry and tried to punch him but he just blocked my fist with his bare right hand. How did he stop my Float Dial like that?"
"Actually..." brown-haired girl wearing a cat-like head accessory added" He once helped me get the cat down the tree and care for the poor thing! He was so gentle, as if he could understand what it was saying just as well as I could."
"He helped me when I lost important documents and spend an entire day trying to get them back" interjected Yumiya Iruka.
"He gave me his umbrella so I would not get a cold... even though I insulted him earlier..." mused Megumi Kirifu.
"He helped me cook a meal for a sick friend..."
"He called an ambulance for me..."
"He was so sweet..."
"So handsome..."
"So kind..."
Misaka and Shokuhou looked at the crowd in front of them with soulless eyes. How boys called it? Raising a flag? This wasn't a flag, damn it. It was an entire army! Reality hit both of them hard, as Kamijou's ability to help others yielded another surprising result on enormous scale.
"Shokuhou" Railgun's voice sounded strangely coarse" we are covering this up"
"Oh definitely. You take the electronics and cameras, I take the memories."
Later on, incident in Tokiwadai was labelled a mystery. None of the recordings survived and although people could vaguely remember that someone broke in, no one actually recalled faces of the criminals.
Meanwhile, Dorm Manager reached the point of fury.
"Those intruders must still be there! Activate the defence systems!"
(FEW MINUTES EARLIER, TOKIWADAI)
Touma finally found his way out of the crowd, to find Misaka Misuzu near the balcony.
"Oi, Misuzu-san... you're with us?"
"How rude... I sobered up some time ag... *hic*... excuse me, heh heh..."
The brown haired woman wearing teen brands of clothing stretched, and looked at the people inside. Touma followed her gaze.
"Are you...scared of Hamazura, by chance?"
"I would say... cautious. I know that situation was explained and dealt with, but it still fills me with uneasiness."
"I think he felt awful about that night. He's probably gathering courage to speak to you"
"Hmm... I actually am ready to forgive him, since he is your friend. Just... it will take a bit of time"
She sighed, and looked back at Touma.
"I don't know about your lives here, but I just confirmed the feeling I had while first meeting you. You have the amazing ability to bring people together, you know that. Well, I dunno about my dear Tabigake, but I want to say this once again: I am happy and proud that you and Mikoto are friends. It makes my heart warmer. If I were 20 years younger, and not married of course, I would not mind being where Mikoto is now and I would not hesitate. Take it as the oka-san's compliment"
"Well, I am glad that Biri Biri is safe and sound. Over time, I got to know her better and I don't regret it." Touma smiled, turning away. "It started a little... hard, but right now, we are on a good way, I least I hope so."
"I am sorry if my daughter is a handful. I know she can act before she thinks"
"Well, it's still better than it used to be. But what worries me is that she always wants to be the first and alone to face the danger. What if she gets hurt?"
"..."
The tension began to rise on the balcony
"I actually admire her for that tenacity and determination. But this world is huge. What if something happens and I won't be there to help her?"
"..."
Silence. Maybe Misuzu was also worrying about this prospect?
"Hanging around me can be a bad idea. I wouldn't like to put her in danger... and we already faced quite a few together..."
"Phew~..."
"Phew?"
Touma turned around to find Misuzu smiling apologetically.
"Sorry for being quiet, but I felt that I want to puke for quite a while, and it finally went away. Yay for me!"
"That tension... WAS BECAUSE OF THAT?!"
"I drank a little bit and-"
"You people are going to kill me one day with those changes of mood!"
Misuzu laughed heartily at boy's reaction. She then smiled, and it was the same smile Touma sometimes saw on her daughter's face.
"Listen, Kamijou-san. I trusted you when I left my daughter here. You two have similar worries. Now, I want you to trust her in turn. I may not realize what are those dangers you spoken of, but Mikoto is strong. What she needs is someone that sees her not as a level 5 Railgun, but as a normal girl, Misaka Mikoto, who has her worries, insecurities, but also regular happiness of her mundane life. If you give her that and be yourself, I am sure she will be happy. After all, her heart is already set."
"Her heart? What's this about?"
"I'll leave figuring this out to you... oh? Isn't that Hamazura-kun?"
"B-BOSS, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!"
(MOMENTS LATER)
The paintings, statues, and various other things opened fire. They weren't shooting bullets, most likely the projectiles were some sedatives, but nevertheless, everyone was forced to run.
"Why are you running with us though?!" Touma screamed over the fire "This is probably a face identification honing system, so it won't target you."
"You must be joking. We haven't had fun this good in a long time. Of course we will follow" Kongou Minako grinned in display of athletic skill.
"I have other question... why are they firing from... well, you know..."
"Accelerator!" Touma screamed to the phone. After few moments, the screen lit up.
"What?"
"Why are the guns sticking out of the bras and butts of those statues?"
"Are you really that stupid? Those systems were put in place to protect precious #3 and #5... and a few spares, probably. And who would decide on the placement of this?"
"Aleis..." Touma and Hamazura said at once, before facepalming "Alright, point taken."
(ELSEWHERE, HALF AN HOUR LATER)
They were returning home.
"So how was my song?" Rikuri inquired.
"Well, it was..." Maidono looked away.
"The thing is..." Hasako mumbled.
"Off-key. Zero rhythm. It sucked" Kaibi delivered honest and crushing verdict.
"Eeeh?! I-It wasn't that bad! I just need to practice a bit more" Rikuri could not face reality.
"Nee-san, you are a genius and prodigy in many things, but singing was NEVER one of them."
"Mumumumu... you are awful... oh, isn't this Kamijou-san?"
(AFTER EXPLANATION)
"You had one hell of a crazy day, didn't you? So those mothers went to a hotel together?"
"Yeah, and guys ran to their dorms. Well, Stiyl and Thor disappeared earlier on, but they are... well, from faraway place"
"I honestly can't believe you took Amazora on this craziness. I thought you were responsible enough" Kaibi muttered, before looking around" Where is Amazora? Kamijou?
"Oh, she was right behind me. Minako-san wanted to talk to her about something..."
"Oiii! Everyone!" indeed, Amazora appeared running, waving with a huge grin on her face."The older lady said I looked cute and she wants to prome me!"
"I think you mean promote. So you caught the eye of a modelling icon?" Touma patted the girl's head "That's great for you!"
"I will be on the T-shirts. Fremea as well" Amazora was clearly to excited to calm down anytime soon.
"Yeah, I think Minako-san made projects and send them to the designing companies few hours earlier. It's crazy how fast companies work in those days to be honest.
(MEANWHILE, IN THE UK)
"Mother, can I please leave now?" Leivinia Birdway gave her 'perfect daughter' smile at the lunch table. In front of her were her parents and her twin sister, Patricia.
Her mother was a beautiful woman with a gentle face, grey irises, and long blond hair, styled to match the gown-like dress she was wearing. She also had rather big chest area, to Leivinia's perpetual disdain. Meanwhile, her father was slightly older, with brown-to-grey, perfectionist haircut and sharp-looking azure blue eyes, that both of his daughters inherited.
Leivinia's mother, Elizabeth, was an art patron and socialite. She had kind heart and gentle spirit. Meanwhile her father, John Birdway, was a businessman and political critic, hailing from aristocratic family. He was known for his insight, sense of justice, and cynical humour.
It came to no surprise that Leivinia inherited more of her father's personality, while her sister took more after her mother. However, both of them were said to inherit Elizabeth's looks and John's resourceful personality.
"Alright honey. Just don't be late for dinner" Elizabeth took another small bite of high-quality meal.
"This club of hers is really demanding, isn't it?" John grumbled under his breath "I want to spend time with my dear daughter and this is what I get?"
"What are you learning right now?" Elizabeth questioned, to which Leivinia gave her prepared answer.
"How to be a lady in external politics and foreign party customs. That's all boring stuff. If you want to hear something really interesting, you should ask Pat about that new research she is conducting"
"Oh my! You started another one? Do tell us more!"
With the look on Patricia's face that said 'sis, how could you?', Leivinia left the dining hall. She had to force herself not to laugh. After all, they all thought she was attending Young Ladies Academy to learn how to be gentle, princess-like ojou-sama, when in reality, she was leading Gold Coloured Sunlight to world domination. It humoured her immensely.
She looked at herself, with hair combed and wearing a dress, with a sarcastic smile. What would this idiot think if he saw her like this? She smiled a little at the thought.
Soon she was out of her formal dress and back in her regular clothes. Her driver already knew the address, and in no time, good old cabal leader Leivina Birdway was back in action.
"Good afternoon boss" all of her cabal members greeted her when she marched forth with clicking of high heels
She marched through the enormous HQ to reach her office.
"Listen up! I will now conduct a serious, strategic planning regarding our future actions. It is crucial that no one interrupts me! Go inside and well... you know what happens when I get mad"
Everyone gulped. They couldn't fathom what their genius leader could be preparing behind this door and none was stupid enough to ask.
Soon, Leivinia was alone in her spacious chamber. She waited a few moments, before moving forward. After a few steps, she reached her desk, opened the cupboard, took on a bunch of paper sheets and sat down with a quill in her hand.
"Now then... where was I the last time?" Birdway whispered to herself, in a tone she would never let anyone outside hear. It was the tone of excitement and giddiness "Ah yes..."
She trembled as she was pinned against the wall. The strength of his stare matched his well-toned muscles. It was unyielding and overwhelming
"I thought I want fame and power. But in truth, what I needed was in front of me the entire time."
"W-What could it be?" she asked, her cheeks burning in the light of setting sun.
He got closer. Her heart was beating faster and faster, as the words she dreamt of for so long were to be announced. And when he opened his mouth...
BAM!BAM!BAM!
Birdway's gritted her teeth.
"Whoever is making that sound, better quiet down!" she roared.
After she took a few deep breaths, the quill started to move again
"You. I always wanted you. You're so beautiful I can barely see straight when I'm with you."
The girl's mouth opened, as she lifted her hand to the lips.
"But... you are my brother"
"Only through paper, not through blood. We can't let such triviality stop our love"
And he pressed harder. She trembled in anticipation looking at his confident face
"I will release you if you call me like this once again..."
The girl's lips slowly uttered words...
"I love you... onii-chan..." Leivinia said as if in trance, writing but in the same time reaching from a photo from the cupboard.
"Now, let us celebrate our beautiful love with a kiss..." he said, moving her blond hair away
She closed her eyes and puckered her lips, while whispering
"Say it as well... and I'll be all yours"
He understood. As their lips got closer and closer, she heard him say
"Boss!"
"Heh heh, you can call me boss, but it wouldn't hurt being more forceful..."
"Boss!"
"Like I said, you-"
"Miss Birdway!"
Leivinia blinked, realizing that doors to her office opened. Mark Space was standing there, looking at his superior, who in one hand held a writing quill, while in the other a photo of a familiar spiky-haired teen they both worked with multiple times. That wouldn't be so strange if not the fact that the girl was almost smooching the photograph, with her cheeks red and lips puckered for the kiss.
The quill broke in Leivinia's grasp. The lights in the office went out, and 10 seconds later, after some background noises in the darkness, young sorceress appeared sitting straight with cold, icy glare, and fingers intertwined. It looked as if nothing happened, if not for the slowly fading redness on the girl's face.
"You saw nothing."
"Of course"
"You heard nothing"
"As you say, miss"
"Didn't you hear my announcement to NOT interrupt me?!"
"Pardon me, but I was out during that time. I have a report from our intelligence service in Academy City. It may just interest you "
Birdway grumbled, but examined the video Mark was showing her.
"Hmm, it seems that this idiot got himself into some craziness once again." she muttered in amusement, before stopping dead in her tracks" Who... who is this?!"
The video froze, showing the image of Amazora and Touma having fun on the Tokiwadai "party".
"We don't know, miss. We still have limited access to all happenings in Academy City, but we are trying to monitor the situation... b-boss?! Are you alright?!"
Birdway looked as if she was about to commit homicide with her bare hands. She chuckled, stroking her wand, which started to smoke lightly.
"Oh yes...heh heh... I'm fine... and I will be even more fine when I go to Academy City on nearest occasion and choke the explanation out of this guy's throat..."
Mark nodded and tried to slowly exit the room, but something dropped to the floor. Leivinia noticed it and looked at her right hand man.
"What..." she seethed out "is this?..."
Mark started to sweat and answered rather hesitantly.
"Apparently, the young mysterious miss accompanying Mr. Kamijou will be featured on clothes, with new series in production right now. Mr. Kamijou send this to us with question if we want some of the products and we were... considering it..."
The piece of paper displayed a project of a shirt with Amazora striking a pose and winking, with a huge pink words "LOVE TO YOU"
Birdway's grin got wider and definitely more deadly. She got up and started to slowly approach her aide.
"Let me get this straight. We don't know who she is... and this... midget... may just steal my... o-our critical asset by some cheap tricks... and you guys dare to think about..."
The fire appeared, as fury of Leivinia Birdway ignited together with it.
"...wearing HER MERCHANDISE?!"
The sound of explosion got a few people running into the office, only to find Mark Space, scorched and smoking, sliding down the wall.
Birdway turned around, marching back to her desk
"Oh, I am not leaving this be, Kamijou... definitely not..."
(BACK IN JAPAN)
Touma shivered and looked to the sky. What was this feeling just now?
"That's right! Now you can tell me all about it, Amazora-chan. Maidono-san, Hasako-san, can you please help me with the dinner?" Rikuri said, pushing the girls forward. Touma could have sworn that she winked to Kaibi.
Soon, Kaibi and Touma remained alone on the street.
"That was a long day, huh?" Touma said rhetorically.
"Y-Yeah..." Kaibi replied, looking at the ground.
After a moment of silence...
"You know... it's been almost all of our obligatory time in the apartament. It's strange that it passed so quickly..."
"You are probably happy. I mean, you hated it more than anything, me sharing the apartment with you"
"The thing is... I am not. I don't want this to end, at least not yet"
Touma was actually quite surprised at that.
"R-Really?"
Kaibi put her hands together, as she slowly approached him
"Initially, I felt like that. But I couldn't be dishonest and I would lie if I said that I didn't find some moments with you entertaining. Before I knew it, I didn't want to leave you... and I wanted you to be with us even a moment longer..."
She placed her hands on Touma's shoulders, who watched her with shocked expression.
"Kaibi-san..."
"Kamijou, what I am about to say..." the girl articulated in a direct, but gentle tone, staring at him with her blond curls and pinkish-violet eyes shining in the streetlamp's glow" may be one of the hardest things to say in my life. One of the most irritating, bothersome, but also amazing things. So be a dear and shut up."
Kamijou could not say a word anyway. The intensity of the girl's action took his breath away.
"Kamijou...I-"
"Ooooi, if it isn't miss dresss~"
Kaibi turned around, absolutely livid. She was just about to do it, and whoever dared to interrupt her...
Yet she stopped. The person who made the comment was not a powerful esper nor supernatural being. It was 30-ish year old guy who looked like an office worker, and reeked of alcohol. However, the sight of him got Kaibi slightly pale, as the man wobbled at the side of the road.
"I wash wonderinghh why d'you avoiding our bar now?" the man slurred, obviously drunk, while staring at Gokusai Kaibi" And what I zee heeeere? U found yourzelf a new toy"
Kaibi tried to walk away with Touma, but the drunk guy grabbed her arm.
"Oii, are u doo good for az right now?! And whad aboud u, boy? U think dad u are shpecial? We all thoud dad... but she jusht dishcarded us... like trash..."
A very bad feeling spread throughout Touma's body.
"Kaibi-san... what is he talking about?"
"This is not important, it's just some nonsense. Let's go!" Kaibi's voice contained a hint of panic, alien to her usual self, indicating that the topic was far from unimportant.
In the eyes of the drunk man burned something akin to a dark fire.
"Oh, great Ghokushai-shama didn't tell you? Well, I'll give you a favour... she izzzz..."
Panic turned into fear, as Kaibi reached forward as if trying to silence the man.
But it was too late.
"A shlut! A husshy... a girlfriend for rent! She profited on enjou kousai and wash dem good at it! Now she thinksh she iz better..."
Touma's mind went blank.
What followed was a roar of anguish as Kaibi pounced at the man. Her fists began to hit the drunk one after the other, to the point that he finally passed out.
"SHUT THE HELL UP! How much longer?! How much longer will I tell you that I quitted?! I always kept my attitude professional and never crossed the line, damn it, so why?! I don't need this anymore... I don't want to feel like this... and what the hell have you done?! I... I am not..."
She looked at Touma, who noticed that her lower lip was visibly trembling.
"Kamijou... that is not like... I had to... I didn't mean to... I never did any of the intimate activities... I just..."
"Kaibi-san... is this true?" Touma whispered again to blond girl "I..."
"You... were different... you... because... I... I lo..ov..."
Her voice broke.
She look at him, before shaking her head and getting up.
"It...It wasn't meant to be like this..."
Not being able to meet his gaze, she then took off running.
When Touma finally snapped out of it, it was too late. She managed to run away for good. Even with his knowledge of back alleys, she gained too much distance. Or maybe he was just tired after hectic chain of events earlier on.
Something in Touma's heart trembled. Kaibi just revealed a source of her past anguish and he just stood there! Even if she wanted to tell him, it was forced out in a bad manner.
"Kaibi-san! Kaibi-san!" he screamed, leaving the unconscious guy on the ground after calling an ambulance.
He wanted to talk to her. He wanted to find her. He wanted to truly embrace Gokusai Kaibi and all her being entailed.
Filled with regret and worry, he knew that explanation of enjou kousai could wait. It shocked him, but it didn't truly change a thing when it came to his determination.
His mission was to set Gokusai Kaibi free from the formless demon of her long hidden fear.
(MEANWHILE)
Misaka Misuzu sighed, while poking the skin of Kongou Minako.
"Misaka-san... what in the world are you doing?" the other woman, who was starting to undress, gave her companion a puzzled look.
After the funny moment of chase, the mothers decided to share the room in the hotel and get to know each other some more. Currently, they were both preparing for the night in their room.
"Booo... that's so unfair! First Shiina-chan, now you... you are magnificent and you don't need any excessive makeup and cosmetics"
"Fine genes, I guess... I hope my Mitsuko inherited her finest too" Minako's hair fell down like a jet-black veil, when the attractive mother stepped through the room, completely naked. "And Kamijou Touma should better notice it as well"
"Ho? Are you hearing wedding bells already?"
"My Mitsuko is absolutely smitten by him. Romantic love at first sight! If this isn't the most precious thing ever, I don't know what is. I didn't feel excitement like this in a while"
"Lucky you. I don't know what my Mikoto is doing. I wish for cute grandkids!"
"You don't need to worry. Mitsuko will snatch him first" Minako winked deviously to Misuzu
"I wouldn't be so sure. Mikoto is known for overturn the expectations" Misuzu smirked back at her new friend.
"Well, our guess our daughters are both rivals and friends now."
"Yes, we can only hope for the best. Although we both know who has the obvious superiority"
"Really now?"
The woman giggled with their spirits rekindled.
Afterwards, Minako went to take the shower, while Misuzu, already after one, took care of her preparations to go to bed. She brushed her hair, reminiscing on the times of her youth when she wore them longer, almost to middle of her back. Then, she went to remove her makeup and lip-gloss. Even though she fumed about having to use them, Tabigake was vehement that she looked amazing even without them.
Speaking of Tabigake, she really missed him... she wondered where he was now. While Misuzu wouldn't mind having her husband at home more often, she also understood the sense of mission Tabigake felt in regards to his job, that is, solving dyplomatic and economic problems of other businesses and trades.
Misuzu wondered if Mikoto felt the same way when Kamijou Touma went on to fulfil his own goal of saving others.
After she finished removing make up, next came the overnight products for beauty enhancement. She sprayed rejuvenation mist on her chestnut hair. Then, she smeared the cheeks with lotion. Finally, she stroke her own eyelashes with a short brush covered with volume maintenance solution. This, for some strange reason, brought the tingling sensation inside her nose, that always made her want to sneeze. Something about eyelid nerves redirecting their signals to olfactory nerve. Sure enough, after only a couple seconds after making finishing touch to her eyebrows, Misuzu pinched her nose with her fingers, to minimize the damage of the involuntary bodily reflex could have on her beautifying effort, and stifled a couple sneezes in a row.
That part was important because during it she had her eyes closed during the entire time. And because of that, she got subjected to one of the most misfortunate happenings in her life. Had she have them open, she would have noticed someone sneaking into her room at that very moment.
"Ahh... bless me! I heard 3 sneezes signify love, but what 4 mean? Hmm, hmm, it can only be something even better... maybe a passionate romance with a youngster?"
Sniffing and dabbing her nose into handkerchief, Misuzu took a hairdryer to dry the hair spray. Being so absorbed in her routine, she didn't heard a louder sound from the entrance of the door. Nor did she notice that the water stopped running after a suspiciously sudden halt.
A figure loomed behind Misuzu, as she turned around.
"You are back already? That was fa-"
She had no chance to say anything else as some hands grabbed her, pulled her up, and put some cloth to her mouth and nose.
She tired to struggle, she was even sure that she managed to get one kick, but soon, her vision wobbled... and then faded to black...
(MEANWHILE)
Two Magic Goddesses sang together as the returned under Kamijou + Gokusai apartment, before bursting in laughter.
Niang-Niang sighed in content
"For mortals, this was... very nicely done"
"I agree..." Nephthys looked towards the end of the street "Hmm, she should be here any moment now..."
And indeed, after a while, a small cargo truck drove by, leaving a small package.
"Let's not keep her waiting any longer"
With the motion of the finger, the package was opened.
And then, as if in some zombie movie, a small arm burst out of it.
"Air!"
...followed by the series of coughs and finally...
Ex-Magic God, Othinus, was free. She stumbled on the asphalt, breathing heavily.
"Yahoo, goddess of toothpicks" Nephthys smiled at her" Did you have a pleasant flight? I thought you brought some souvenirs"
Othinus's green eye widened
"You... for some reason, I travelled through 5 different airports. I spent so much time flying through different time zones that my internal clock is going crazy. It felt so cold in the storage area that I thought I will sneeze and cough my head off. I was in Puerto Rico, Cairo, Moscow, and Sydney, before travelling here! And this... THIS WAS YOUR DOING, WASN'T IT?!"
"Well, Niang-Niang had some ideas, but yeah, my genius shines through"
"That's it, you toilet paper dispenser! Feel the wrath of god of war!"
"Ah, don't hit me like that, I'm ticklish! But on the other hand, I needed a massage... that's the spot~"
"Don't mock me. Where is my Understander? I... longed to see him. When he hears of this!-"
But Touma did not return home that night. And neither did Gokusai Kaibi. Even after everyone got back to the apartment, including Othinus who sneaked between legs in opened door, there was no sight of them.
Even though everyone knew that the pair was capable, worry could not be quelled.
The climax of a boy focused of saving a single girl from her nightmare was soon to arrive.