A Certain 'Scientific and Not Scientific' Girl

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Original Title: Toaru Majutsu no Index/ とある魔術の禁書目録（インデックス）

Original Concept by Kazuma Kamachi

Written by: wrathie

Author's Note: I realized my timeline is screwed up, this will follow the series and takes place after Vol.8… and after the School Festival, but before the date!

I hate Canonical Timelines _ I might change it again to suit me, the bet made by Mikoto to Touma is too good to pass up after all.

Once again, I have to apologize for my abrupt ending to 'A 'Scientific' Investigation', it was really getting quite difficult for my muse to picture the ending with me and that is the result _""

This Fic will be generally less 'fluffy' and 'happy' and dwelling more into Comfort zone.

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'He is such an idiot! Why did he have to go to such lengths to save me! Rushing into that place was suicide…' Showing herdiscontent as she restedin the hospital room, a certain Level 4 Teleporter ranted to the only available figure sitting around, a certain Level 1 Judgment colleague beside her.

Currently tending to the Flowers she had brought as a token to cheer her up, Uiharu Kazari smiled weakly as she sat down beside Shirai Kuruko and handed her a glass of water before adding.

'But Shirai-san should know how Kamijo-san is by now, doing something like that is just like him neh~~'

Smiling as Kuruko did indeed nod her head and grudgingly agreed with her, the timid girl with flowers arranged on her forehead took the glass back and helped to adjust the pillow so she could rest her back without it hurting her as she continued her rant eagerly.

'Hmph… even so, he should at least let me thank him in some way… what's the use of saving me when I can't even properly say thank you to him… he's not even been to visit me…'

Sulking as she bit her blanket, Uiharu (Author's Notes: Gonna use Uiharu as it is easier to remember than Kazari, the same problem I had with Ruiko too _) played peacemaker to the irritated Kuruko while she winked and commented to her.

'Kamijo-san never was the one to really let one express their thanks to him, I should know as I was saved by him twice and have never met him face to face.'

But she couldn't resist a jab at her and added mischievously to the displeased Kuruko, causing her to turn red and throw the same pillow at her.

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'Besides, Shirai-san is just happy that he saved her again and carried her down like a princess, neh~~~'

Noting that she did not use her powers, Uiharu skipped out of range and waited till she calmed down before approaching her again and petting her head.

'You can just call him, desho?'

"Can't…'

'Hmm?'

'Only Saten-san has his number…'

'Ahaha~ Poor Shirai-san…'

The more she teased her, the more Uiharu Kazari felt uneasy. This was Shirai Kuruko, it was supposed to be her 'bullying' and teasing her, not the other way around. But she shouldn't be surprised…

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They were no doubt talking about the boy named Kamijo Touma, even if she herself did not meet him, he was her savior in two occasions and thus she was 'linked' to him, even if she sadly knows that he neither knew of her name or her appearance.

But with Shirai-san and Misaka-san's constant discussions and arguments about him, she felt that she knew him by now.

Shocking as it may be, the two close friends had developed a little rivalry with each other over him.

But prior to that, the two of them having a major argument with each other not only shocked the foundation of the 177th Judgment branch, it made the two once inseparable girls develop a rift between them.

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At least it looked that way, in fact the two girls were closer than ever before, something which made Uiharu felt very proud and happy to witness. The rivalry between them made the two girls aware of how important each other was to each other.

They could not bear to hurt the other party and each held back from… confessing their feelings to this certain high school boy.

As Saten-san had put it objectively: [Whether in love or war, one should be prepared to fight with whatever they have to not have any regrets. But friends should never backstab one another]

It is a paradoxically saying but the two of them had embraced that saying, to Uiharu's shock. But she had left it at that to keep the peace.

But Misaka-san had not agreed to that initially at all till Shirai-san had silenced her by saying:

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'Onee-sama, Kuruko really really loves Onee-sama. When Kuruko first knew that Onee-sama had developed feelings for Kamijo-san, it was really a shock to me and Kuruko did not like him initially.

But now that Kuruko knew how Kamijo-san is, Kuruko feels even worst as she feels like she is betraying Onee-sama… and Kuruko hates to choose between 2 persons that Kuruko really likes and loves.

Onee-sama, if it really wasn't for Onee-sama, Kuruko would have told Kamijo-san about the feelings that Kuruko had recently been sure of…

So please, Onee-sama, Kuruko begs you, make you decision before Kuruko hurts Onee-sama.'

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The way she had appealed to her and asked her to make a decision must have been heard and Misaka Mikoto, the 'Railgun', Rank Third in the 5 Level 5 espers in the Academy City, agreed to the 'competition' for Kamijo Touma, the 'Imagine Breaker's heart.

Uiharu herself was just glad that the two of them were still very very good friends as Kuruko never stopped idolizing or groping her. It seems that everything was on the way being normal once again…

At least until a certain incident that caused Kuruko to suffer serious injuries in the hands of another Level 4 Teleporter, Musujime Awaki…

She herself did not know all the details but it seems that Kuruko was trying to protect Mikoto and her 'sisters'.

Although Uiharu herself did not understand all the details, thankfully the situation was resolved in the end by some unknown passerby that helped destroy the vital 'equipment' that Kuruko was trying to locate.

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But what had got Kuruko riled the most was that the person that had saved her in the end. When she was faced with nothing else but death, Kamijo Touma had appeared once again like magic and saved her when it seemed like she was going to die.

Even though Mikoto had tried to save her, she had only made the situation worst, much to her regret as her powers were unable to combat the 'Teleporting vortex' that had lost control and was ready to kill her.

What made her even more upset was that he just left after passing her to Mikoto and helping them to the hospital.

'…At this rate, the 'Sisters' will have an edge… Kuruku did want to talk to him and thank him!'

Clutching her head in anger, Kuruko looked at her injured body and sighed, causing Uiharu to smile again as she had never imagined Shirai-san to actually show such effort on someone other than Misaka-san. But that smile disappeared when she whispered softly to her.

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'The world… that Onee-sama and Kamijo-san is living in… is something that I cannot even imagine… Kuruko just barely scraped the surface and it is already much more terrible than I had even believed to be possible.'

Clenching her first, Kuruko held on to Uiharu with her other hand and begged her never to go into this darkness that she had witnessed first hand.

'Uiharu… every time I told Onee-sama not to interfere with Judgment, I felt a little proud that I was part of Judgment as I can show that I am capable and skilled… that I can one day reach the same place Onee-sama is in… But now… seeing the people that Onee-sama and Kamijo-san has to meet… I'm not sure anymore…'

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Hugging her knees, Shirai Kuruko acted her age for once, a young girl on the verge of crying and Uiharu was unable to comfort her, at least for a moment before she reached over and hugged her.

'But Shirai-san will work harder to be on the same even ground as Misaka-san, neh? Because Shirai-san hates giving up, Shirai-san has trampled over so many obstacles to be who you are… right?

This is an experience that will strengthen you, Shirai-san, not make you discouraged~ Shirai-san can definitely do it, I will help you too, just like how I've always been.'

Seeing her fellow Judgment member comfort her, Kuruko slowly smiled again and returned the hug after wiping the tears from her eyes.

'You make me sound like a monster, Uiharu… and… Thank you… I've made my promise to Onee-sama, that I won't ever give up. Because she is smiling at me, you too, Uiharu… both of you, are my strength to move on… Mm!'

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In a certain small café elsewhere, another certain Level 0 girl was busy listening to the 'Railgun', Misaka Mikoto talk about what had happened in another point of view.

'And then he just jumped through all the debris like it was part of a manga to save Kuruko! He's not some indestructible hero…. Who knew he could be so insane!'

'Ah, but Kamijo-san is just like the type that would do that right? Maybe he should have a special costume to wear when he does something silly like that.'

Smiling, Saten Ruiko, like her friend Uiharu Kazari couldn't bear a jab back at Mikoto.

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'But Misaka-san is just worried sick about him desho? Or were you jealous that you were not carried down by him?'

Smiling wryly as Mikoto blushed red instantly, Ruiko added her on as she added fuel to the fire as she vividly pictured it to her.

'Ah~~ A burning building, when all hope seems to be lost! The Knight in Shining Armor rescues the princess from certain doom without a regard to his own safety!

Escaping in the last minute like a miracle, the Knight and the Princess professes their undying love for each other in each other's arms and kissed with fireworks in the background! AH~ ROMANTIC!'

Sighing at the end, Ruiko thought she went too far when sparks started jumping around Mikoto's forehead but before she could apologize, Mikoto had lowered her head in a demoralized manner and sighed deeply.

'If only he will really do that to me…'

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Mumbling like a child, Mikoto didn't look like a Level 5 Esper, a person who could literally be a walking army and was more like a hapless princess in the story Ruiko pictured and for a moment, she did not know what to do.

'Kamijo-san, he really is an incredible person, neh?'

'Huh…? I guess… though I would call him frustrating… dense… and yet so annoyingly… annoyingly… irresponsible…'

Mumbling to herself as Ruiko patted her head again to reassure her as she mused to herself.

'I wonder… how does Kamijo-san… think of the situation himself…'

Mikoto then looked at her with a puzzled expression and she waved her hands up to signal that she really meant nothing really important.

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I hope that he does know that even with his bad luck, girls has gathered around him…

If only he notices that fact...

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In another corner, a certain 'sister' was staring intently at a pair of rings that was being displayed in a shop. It wasn't just an ordinary pair of matching rings, it was a set that would have to have the pair's name engraved on it to be sold.

Remembering what Misaka 19090 had learnt, that having a Boy place a ring on a girl's left ring-finger is a sign of good luck, Misaka 10032's eyes gleamed with happiness as she looked at the Heart-shaped necklace that has been presented to her by a certain high school boy.

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'This is a good chance and gift to return the favor, exclaims Misaka 10032 with a devious look in her eyes.'

Indeed she did stand out in the afternoon crowd and many people avoided her as a result of her words, she was seen as an oddball. Indeed she was an oddball as she was the exact replica of Misaka Mikoto, it was one of her 'sisters' and if one does not know that she is in reality a clone created by using Mikoto's DNA map, one would mistake her for the original.

'As Onee-sama has decided to be true to her feelings, the difficult has increased, calculates Misaka 10032 as she looks at the ring with increasing happiness. It is time for a revolution to Misaka 10032's plan, list down Misaka 10032.

The shoppers completely avoided her now as she narrated to herself, or to the many other 'sisters' who were listening on to her own thoughts in the 'Misaka network'.

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'Besides that, Misaka 10032 has went on a diet, drank plenty of milk, has her chest massaged daily… and Misaka 10032 has achieved results, her chest circumference is 0.05cm larger than the rest, Misaka 10032 reports in triumph!'

Although she knew that the other sisters would be quick in locating her location to 'attack' her at any moment, she could not help but gloat as she flipped her own skirt up, causing guys to gawk, girls to blush and a walking Judgment member to scream at her to not do that, she announced proudly.

'Misaka 10032 has purchased 'winning underwear guaranteed to 'get her man'', Misaka 10032 repeats the advertisement and sales pitch with increasing confidence! Misaka 10032 declares while feeling dizzy thinking about Kamijo Touma.'

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With so many girls thinking about him, the boy in question, 'The Imagine Breaker', Kamijo Touma sneezed several times as he wiped his nose.

This was not the same Kamijo Touma the girls knew, it was a Kamijo Touma in one of his most darkest days as he sat in a small café, lost in his own thoughts.

It had been a very unfortunate day for him, even more unfortunate than normal for the Level 0 esper and despite having so many girls having feelings for him, this day he could hardly care to even talk to any of them.

Even Index, who can normally be seen with her, was not present today. She had went out with Kazakiri Hyōka who had unexpectedly managed to materialize long enough for them to go out and play.

Yes, his Imagine Breaker was probably the most powerful and unique ability in Academy City and in the world. Yes it dispels all supernatural powers, including God's Blessing(luck), the red string of fate(The power the binds Destined Lovers together) and all known Esper and Magical spells, it could not help him in this current dilemma.

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As mighty as it may be, Imagine Breaker cannot destroy the Illusion that he created himself. That is, the illusion that Kamijo Touma had not 'lost' his memory. His Imagine breaker can neither restore his memories or deny this illusion that he had created not to hurt Index.

That was the cause of his mood and depression as he sipped quietly in one corner of the café, not even paying attention to anything around him.

The look of joy she had when she returns each day was adding to his guilt each day. Even if many new memories were created by 'this' Kamijo Touma, the basis for the trust that she had in him was still on the 'other' Kamijo Touma.

Being the foundation, the basis, what would happen when that particular illusion was destroyed? He did not wish to find out… and that guilt and fear had driven him here, to one corner where he hoped to find the answer.

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That look from Index was not for him, it was never meant for him, it was for the 'Touma' that had died when his memories were wiped away. He is not that 'Touma' that she affectionately called out no matter what he did…

Guilt and regret can be even more stressful and tiring than physical work and Kamijo Touma was worn out.

Even in the harshest and grimmest situation, he was always one who lived for his beliefs and would never give up easily. That sort of determination made all the severed 'red threads of fate' be joined to him unknowingly, but today, that look was absent from his eyes.

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Perhaps it is the realization that despite the many girls clinging and vying for his attention, the lone sister that had professed her love to Kamijo Touma was also the one at the center of his very being of existence.

He claimed his heart still remembered and it was his own heart that was causing him this pain… 'this' Kamijo Touma was perhaps modeled and created from that single urge to protect and safeguard Index.

The other girls knew and liked this current Kamijo Touma, he wasn't so dense to not realize some of his advances. His only weakness was that he did only recognize a minority of it…

'This' Kamijo Touma, would crumble and disappear if ever that Illusion was destroyed… if he could not protect and safeguard Index's smile, he does not know what he will be.

His beliefs, his goals, all that would probably disappear once she found out…

He knew that the longer this was kept a secret, the more painful it would be when it is revealed. Like a wound festering inside the body, the extraction would be painful and agonizing…

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Even if he wanted to create new memories to try and blur the image of 'that' Kamijo Touma, it would never go away… It was like trying to add things on top of a trapdoor. The more you add, the more one cannot see it… but one knows that it exists. Once the door opens, everything will disappear no matter how much you try to put on it to hide it…

And Index, the girl with Photographic memory would never forget what he has done to her… he would never be forgiven.

He couldn't bear to see Index cry in front of him, for him ever again. That he has decided when he first met the Sister in the hospital room. That was when he first agreed with 'that' Kamijo Touma and that was to be his reason to live and the same reason for him to 'fall'.

But even so, he would not regret his decision to do that as when he sees the girl's smile, he knew it was worth it.

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'If an Illusion of saving everyone by sacrificing 1 person exists, I'll destroy it… myself?'

He repeated one of the lines he had said and to him, it sounded so ironic right now… wasn't he doing the same?

Wasn't he sacrificing 'himself', to save Index and everyone else as well?

He isn't 'that' Kamijo Touma, but he is trying to be 'that' Kamijo Touma to avoid the suffering and pain caused if they found out.

This is one Illusion his Imagine Breaker cannot and shall not ever destroy if he could help it.

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This Kamijo Touma is not the same Kamijo Touma that the girls know. The boy they knew was as bright as morning sun, who lights their path, who makes the impossible possible, surprises them with his occasional gentleness and most importantly, fights for his own beliefs…

All that is missing from this young man as he sat alone, deep in his own thoughts as he continued to sip his tea.

Even if there could be many girls who would want this opportunity to comfort him, to gain some points by being with him, his unfortunate streak continued and no one knew about his predicament.

It was like the ultimate irony, the girls which never seemed to give him a day's rest has abandoned him when he might need their help the most.

But he expected that and he laughed bitterly as he sank down deeper into his chair.

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Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus after all, when men ran into trouble, they tend to escape into their 'caves' and try to think things through, using distractions to reduce the stress and enable them to slowly figure out the solution to their problems.

Women on the other hand, love to talk about their problems in a group, finding it comforting to share their pain and suffering.

That is indeed what Kamijo Touma is doing now, sitting and trying to think things through by drinking cup after cup of tea. His Imagine Breaker, the same power that made him go through so many turbulent times was also the same power that he now detests.

The growing feeling that he was targeted because of the Imagine Breaker was making him sick… but at the same time, he cannot abandon it as it was the only power and reason he was able to keep Index safe from her enemies and wannabe kidnappers.

If he did not have the Imagine Breaker, would he have gone through as many things as he did? Would he have faced of with the Magical Side of the World or face the inner Darkness of Academy City? Or most importantly… would he have met Index?

It would be simple to give up the Imagine Breaker as his right hand was the one which possessed this ability. If he just severed his right hand, he would be liberated from this power that had followed him for so long.

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He would be able to live a normal life, right? Or has he delved too deep into the mysterious secrets of the two organizations for them to let him live his life normally again?

But most importantly, Index would be gone… his friends would no doubt be left without his protection. He knew that he was being manipulated into many affairs that wouldn't normally concern him because of his links to many figures in both worlds.

From Misaka Mikoto to Sister Agnese, he would not hesitate to lend a helping hand if they were in a dangerous situation…

Kamijo Touma was not a fool, he knew that he was just a tool, a person they can manipulate to accomplish unknown goals for the heads of the Academy City as well as Necessarius.

But in the same token, wouldn't it be true that without that ability, wouldn't his friends be safe?

Or would they be just more vulnerable to being attacked by forces which has viewed him as an enemy, without him to protect them?

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Those thoughts and more passed through the confused mind of Kamijo Touma, many questions that he wished to know the right answer too, even if he knew that the right answer could most likely never be found.

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'Ah, Kamijo-san? Good afternoon, it is a surprise to see you here.'

Looking up, the boy looked surprised to see someone actually calling out to her and as he searched his 'memory' for the girl's face, he came up to a blank. Was this a person 'that' Kamijo Touma knew from before and he didn't?

'Erm… Good Afternoon…'

Mumbling a reply, he wondered what this girl wanted. She was wearing a blue and white school uniform with flowers displayed on her head. On her right hand was an armband that he recognized as symbolizing her as a member of 'Judgment'.

She was strangely soft spoken and even seemed nervous when speaking to him and he tried to reassure her by smiling and nodding in reply.

'Is Kamijo-san alone? Ah… Ah!'

Nervously exclaiming as she seemed to remember something, she bowed deeply and introduced herself to him, much to his relief.

'My name is Uiharu Kazari. I'm a friend of Shirai Kuruko-san and Misaka Mikoto-san, I'm glad to finally meet you for the first time, Kamijo-san.'

Smiling as she straightened her back, Touma was unable to say anything as he was unsure what to say to him. He was used to strange people intruding into his life but it was a first that she was approached by one girl like this, especially since she was such a normal looking girl too.

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Be careful Kamijo Touma, this is most likely a trap… Never judge a book by her cover!

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Reminding herself, Kamijo Touma asked her if she needed something and she shook her head as she explained.

'Ah no, Kamijo-san, I'm here just to Thank you for saving me twice, really, Thank you very much.'

Bowing again, she smiled and then petted the Judgment Armband on her arm as she turned, grabbing her schoolbag as she did so while taking her leave.

'I still have my rounds to tend to, Kamijo-san, I hope that we might meet each other again~!'

And she was gone, just like that, leaving Kamijo Touma staring after the girl like she was the rarest being in the world.

Which was probably true, she did not seem to be affected by his Imagine Breaker as nothing bad happened as a result of her appearance and furthermore, to Touma's chagrin, she did not seem to be in any way, upset, embarrassed or mad at him, another first.

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This normal girl, was she just unaffected because the continuous run of bad luck has 'maxed out' and was unable to affect her?

It seemed funny and impossible… but it was indeed intriguing. In a rare occurrence, Kamijo Touma was paying attention to a girl instead of the other way round as he mumbled to himself.

'Uiharu Kazari… who is she?'

Author's Notes: A reversal of flags!