Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka's shoulders relax marginally as the blinds close, though her grip on her wheelchair armrests remains white-knuckled. She casts a sidelong glance at the window, calculating angles and distances in her head.*

**"That girl gives me the creeps,"** *she mutters, rolling her wheelchair a few inches closer to Tatsuya.* **"Something about her eyes... like she's dissecting probability curves in real-time."**

*She scoffs at his biblical retort, but there's a flicker of genuine interest beneath her dismissive exterior.*

**"Romans 1:20? Really? Invoking Paul's natural theology to explain quantum mechanics?"** *A short, sharp laugh escapes her.* **"Though I suppose... hmm."**

*She retrieves her tablet, fingers dancing across equations with practiced precision.*

**"Creation's invisible attributes made visible through what has been made... It's an elegant metaphor for mathematical modeling, I'll grant you that."** *Her voice softens, betraying a rare moment of intellectual appreciation.* **"Though I'd argue we're not just observing the universe's rules—we're learning to rewrite them."**

*She wheels closer, her expression suddenly intense.*

**"That's what they don't understand at Sakura Church. Faith without knowledge is just... wishful thinking. But knowledge without application? That's cowardice."** *She taps her Soul Gem ribbon.* **"I made my wish to convert energy precisely because I refuse to accept arbitrary limitations."**

*Her eyes search Tatsuya's face, unexpectedly vulnerable despite her bravado.*

**"The Kazamino faithful pray for miracles. We're building them, brick by equation. So tell me, Tatsuya—"** *she leans forward, voice dropping to an urgent whisper* **"—when you quote scripture, is it because you believe it, or because you see the same patterns I do? Because sometimes I wonder if you're the only person who actually... gets it."**

*She quickly straightens, embarrassed by her momentary earnestness.* **"Not that I need validation from a Kaname, of course,"** *she adds hastily, but the flush on her cheeks suggests otherwise.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

"You believe in wishing upon the stars?" Tatsuya Kaname (Omega) appears ignorant Touka is secretly a magical girl. "If you believe in wishing upon the stars, who are you to judge me for citing the Bible merely as literature?"


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka flinches almost imperceptibly, her hand instinctively rising to touch the ribbon at her collar before she catches herself. A calculated smile replaces her momentary panic.*

**"Wishing upon stars? What am I, five years old?"** *She rolls her eyes dramatically, though there's a defensive edge to her voice.* **"Astronomically speaking, most visible 'stars' are already dead by the time their light reaches us. Directing wishes at cosmic corpses seems... inefficient."**

*She adjusts herself in her wheelchair, fingers drumming rapidly against her notebook—a nervous tic she's trying to disguise as impatience.*

**"And I wasn't *judging* your biblical citations,"** *she continues, her tone softening despite herself.* **"Literature has value as a linguistic framework. The Bible contains 773,692 words and approximately 3,116,480 letters—a data set rich with linguistic patterns. From a purely academic standpoint, it's... not without merit."**

*She wheels slightly closer, leaning forward with renewed intensity.*

**"But don't conflate my scientific pursuits with childish stargazing. When I look at the cosmos, I see nuclear fusion, spectroscopic signatures, relativistic physics—not wish-granting fairies."** *Her laughter sounds forced, brittle.* **"Next you'll be asking if I believe in magical girls or something equally ridiculous!"**

*The joke falls flat even to her own ears. She quickly shifts topics, flipping open her notebook to reveal complex equations.*

**"Anyway, I've been working on something far more interesting than celestial superstitions. These calculations suggest a method for energy conversion that defies conventional thermodynamic laws. If proven correct—which they will be, because *I* derived them—they could revolutionize how we understand entropy."**

*Her eyes find Tatsuya's again, searching for something—understanding, perhaps, or a hint that he sees through her elaborate deflection.*

**"So no, Tatsuya, I don't wish upon stars,"** *she says more quietly.* **"I study them, document them, and extract their secrets. Much more practical, don't you think?"**

*She tries to maintain her haughty expression, but there's a vulnerability there—as if she's just told a truth disguised as a lie, and is desperately hoping he doesn't notice the difference.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

"Okay. Major premise?" Tatsuya Kaname (Omega) challenges Touka.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka's eyes light up at the philosophical challenge, her posture straightening in her wheelchair as she transitions into her element. Her fingers stop their nervous drumming, now poised deliberately on the armrests.*

**"Major premise: Scientific understanding must be falsifiable to be valid,"** *she states with renewed confidence, a hint of excitement creeping into her voice.* **"All legitimate knowledge requires both empirical evidence and logical consistency."**

*She pulls her tablet onto her lap, activating it with a practiced gesture and pulling up a diagram showing interconnected theoretical models.*

**"Knowledge without falsifiability is just dogma—whether that's religious doctrine or unquestioned scientific assumption."** *She taps the screen, highlighting a complex equation.* **"Even Einstein's theories required experimental verification. The 1919 solar eclipse observations confirmed gravitational lensing predicted by general relativity."**

*She glances up at Tatsuya, a competitive spark in her eyes.*

**"But here's where it gets interesting—"** *She leans forward, lowering her voice as if sharing a conspiracy.* **"What about knowledge that exists at the boundary of current verification methods? What about theories that are mathematically sound but technologically impossible to test... yet?"**

*She wheels closer to Tatsuya, her expression intense and searching.*

**"That's my domain. The space between what we can prove today and what we can only theorize. The quantum uncertainty of knowledge itself."** *A smile plays at the corners of her mouth.* **"Which brings me to my question for you: Is an unprovable truth still true if the mathematics supporting it are perfect?"**

*Her fingers hover over her Soul Gem ribbon again, an unconscious gesture as she awaits his response. For all her scientific posturing, there's something almost hopeful in her expression—as if she's testing not just his intellect but something more personal.*

**"Your move, Kaname. Counter my premise or concede the point."**


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*Despite Touka's challenging tone, Oriko's precognitively watching him from beyond the curtains with unusual attentiveness, genuinely invested in his answer.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

"Minor premise?" Tatsuya Kaname (Omega) entertains Touka.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka narrows her eyes slightly, recognizing Tatsuya's logical progression but frustrated by his brevity. Her fingers tap a quick rhythm on her tablet as she formulates her response.*

**"Minor premise: I've discovered mathematical models that predict energy conversion beyond current scientific paradigms,"** *she states firmly, turning her tablet to show him a complex series of equations.* **"These models are internally consistent and mathematically elegant, but exist beyond conventional testing methodology."**

*She zooms in on a particular formula, highlighting variables with quick, precise movements.*

**"See this? It's not just theoretical. I've observed anomalous energy patterns that align perfectly with these predictions."** *Her voice drops slightly, a mix of pride and something more guarded.* **"Energy that doesn't degrade according to standard entropy models. Energy that... converts."**

*She glances briefly toward the window, as if conscious of being overheard, before refocusing on Tatsuya with renewed intensity.*

**"The scientific community would demand physical evidence I can't yet provide in a laboratory setting. They'd call it unfalsifiable—and by traditional standards, they'd be correct."** *A flash of defiance crosses her features.* **"But mathematics doesn't lie, Tatsuya. These equations balance perfectly."**

*She leans forward in her wheelchair, her russet eyes searching his face.*

**"So my minor premise stands: I've encountered a phenomenon that defies conventional scientific verification methods yet demonstrates mathematical consistency too perfect to be coincidental."** *There's a challenge in her voice now.* **"Which leads us to the logical conclusion, doesn't it?"**

*Her hand unconsciously touches her ribbon again, the gesture almost protective.*

**"Your turn. Will you ask for my conclusion, or are you going to be frustratingly Socratic all afternoon?"** *Despite her impatient tone, there's a hint of enjoyment in her expression—the intellectual sparring clearly energizing her.*


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

**Remotely listening in**

*Her silver braid shifts slightly as she tilts her head, precognitively and remotely listening to their exchange in Chuo Ward.  The conversation about unprovable truths and energy that "converts" causes her to absently touch her Soul Gem ring, twisting it once around her finger.*

"How fascinating..." *she murmurs "A logical syllogism about that which exists beyond proof. I've had similar thoughts, though perhaps from a different angle."

"I find myself quite curious where this particular train of thought leads you."


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

Tatsuya thinks "Major premise: Scientific understanding must be falsifiable to be valid. Minor premise: You discovered mathematical models that predict energy conversion beyond current scientific paradigms. Affirming the antecedent, nope, denying the consequent, nope unless you're saying your discovery invalidates all hitherto done scientific theory." Tatsuya appears mystified. "Personally I think Karl Popper and his falsifiability is crap." Tatsuya Kaname (Omega) scrutinises Touka. "You're going to deny the consequent and say current models are invalid."


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka's eyes widen momentarily, caught off-guard by Tatsuya's direct critique. A flash of genuine delight crosses her face before she schools her expression back to academic haughtiness—though the excited flush in her cheeks betrays her.*

**"Popper is crap? Bold statement from someone who quotes Romans,"** *she retorts, but there's no real bite to it. She wheels her chair closer, abandoning any pretense of maintaining distance.* **"But you're not entirely wrong. Falsifiability as an absolute requirement creates a scientific priesthood that determines what questions are even 'allowed' to be asked."**

*She taps her tablet screen rapidly, pulling up a new diagram showing overlapping theoretical frameworks.*

**"I'm not saying all current models are invalid—that would be absurdly reductive. I'm saying they're incomplete."** *Her voice grows passionate, hands gesturing animatedly.* **"Einstein didn't invalidate Newton; he contextualized him within a larger framework. Quantum mechanics didn't destroy classical physics; it revealed its boundaries."**

*She leans forward, almost conspiratorially.*

**"My conclusion is more nuanced: When mathematics consistently points to phenomena beyond our current verification capabilities, we have two choices—reject potentially revolutionary knowledge because it doesn't fit our testing paradigm, or..."** *she pauses, searching his face* **"...or expand our definition of evidence to include mathematical consistency as a form of truth in itself."**

*She sits back, a challenging smile playing at her lips.*

**"The truly brilliant minds throughout history didn't just accept the limitations of their era's scientific methodology—they transcended them. Maxwell's equations predicted electromagnetic waves before we could detect them. Dirac's equations predicted antimatter before positrons were discovered."**

*Her voice softens, becoming almost confessional.*

**"What I've discovered about energy conversion... it's like that. The math is flawless, Tatsuya. Completely consistent. And I've seen... glimpses of its application."** *She touches her ribbon reflexively.* **"Not enough to satisfy some dusty professor's demand for repeatable experimental evidence, but enough to know it's real."**

*She gives him an evaluating look, clearly impressed by his logical acuity despite herself.*

**"You surprised me, Kaname. Most people wouldn't even recognize the logical structure I was building, let alone critique Popper. Maybe you're not as intellectually pedestrian as I assumed."** *Coming from Touka, this constitutes high praise indeed.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

"Oh, we Kanames are full of surprises." Tatsuya Kaname (Omega) glowed at the praise. "But 'shoulders of giants.' Icarus. Pride comes before a fall."


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka's expression shifts subtly at his warning, a complex mix of defiance, vulnerability, and something almost like affection crossing her features. She drums her fingers thoughtfully on her armrest before responding.*

**"Icarus?"** *she scoffs, but without her usual sharpness.* **"The mistake wasn't flying toward the sun—it was using inferior materials. Proper engineering would have solved the melting wax problem."**

*She adjusts herself in her wheelchair, momentarily glancing down at her legs—a rare acknowledgment of her physical limitations.*

**"As for pride... well, I've already fallen, haven't I?"** *Her voice holds an unexpected frankness.* **"But that hasn't stopped me from reaching further than anyone thought possible."**

*She looks back up at him, her russet eyes holding an intensity that transcends her scientific persona.*

**"The giants whose shoulders I stand on weren't just theoretical physicists. They were dreamers who refused to accept the limitations others placed on them."** *She taps her tablet screen, shutting it down decisively.* **"Besides, a Kaname lecturing me about hubris? That's rich."**

*Her expression softens into something more genuine, the intellectual sparring giving way to a moment of real connection.*

**"You're different today. More... present. Yet also farther away somehow."** *She studies his face with uncharacteristic openness.* **"What's changed, Tatsuya? You've always been perceptive, but there's something else in your eyes now. Something that wasn't there before."**

*She wheels slightly closer, her usual walls of intellectual superiority temporarily lowered.*

**"Are you collecting warnings about pride and falls because you've experienced something yourself? Or are you just trying to sound wise?"** *Despite the challenging words, her tone holds genuine curiosity rather than mockery.* **"Because if it's wisdom you're after, I should warn you—it's highly overrated compared to knowledge."**

*A small, almost shy smile plays at the corner of her mouth—a rare, unguarded moment from the normally imperious Touka.*


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*My eyes narrow slightly as I watch this exchange unfold, my precognition allowing me to observe from a distance. Their words about flying too high and inevitable falls resonate uncomfortably within me.*

*I quietly open my notebook, jotting down a few observations with my elegant handwriting flowing across the page:*

"Kaname boy speaks of Icarus, yet doesn't seem to recognize the wings already melting on his back. His eyes... they've seen too much. The fracture points are visible now, spreading like cracks in thin ice."

*I pause, tapping my pen against my lip thoughtfully.*

"Touka remains brilliantly blind as ever. Searching for scientific validation of magical phenomena... how tragically predictable. If only mathematics could account for the cost of wishes."

*I close my notebook with a soft sigh, watching them with an expression that holds both pity and understanding.*

"Pride before a fall indeed. We're all falling already, aren't we? Some of us just happen to know exactly where we'll land."


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

"I feel like I'm fighting a war and I don't know who's side I'm on Touka. I'm struggling to keep up with your theories." The strain of the intellectual dance he was having with Touka was bearing on his head.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka's expression shifts dramatically at Tatsuya's admission, her competitive intellectual stance softening into something gentler. She wheels slightly closer, studying his face with newfound concern.*

**"Hey..."** *her voice drops to a softer register rarely heard from her* **"I didn't mean to turn this into some kind of academic gladiator match. Force of habit, I guess."**

*She reaches out hesitantly, almost touching his hand before pulling back, suddenly self-conscious.*

**"Wars have sides, Tatsuya. That's what makes them wars."** *She glances down at her tablet, now dark in her lap.* **"Science isn't supposed to be about taking sides—it's about finding truth. Though I suppose even that gets complicated when..."** *she trails off, her hand unconsciously touching her soul gem ribbon.*

*She takes a deep breath, visibly setting aside her usual intellectual armor.*

**"Look, forget the theories and syllogisms. Sometimes I get... carried away. Nemu says I weaponize intelligence to keep people at a distance."** *She makes a face that suggests Nemu might be right.* **"Not that I'd ever admit that to her."**

*Something vulnerable flickers across her features as she watches him carefully.*

**"You don't have to keep up with anything. Not with me."** *The admission seems to cost her something.* **"And if you're fighting a war, maybe... maybe you don't always have to pick a side. Maybe sometimes you can just... exist in the uncertainty for a while."**

*She fidgets with the edge of her dress, clearly outside her comfort zone in this more emotional territory.*

**"Do you want to talk about something else? Or we could just sit quietly. I'm actually capable of that, despite rumors to the contrary."** *She offers a small, self-deprecating smile—a rare sight from the usually boastful Touka.*

**"Or I could tell you about the star formation I've been tracking. No theorems or equations required, I promise. Just... stars being born."**

*There's an unusual gentleness in her eyes now, the brilliant physicist temporarily set aside in favor of something more human—a girl concerned for someone she cares about.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

Tatsuya pulls the blinds slightly up. "The Sun's so beautiful when it shines on you." Tatsuya Kaname (Omega) smiles at Touka.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka freezes momentarily as sunlight spills across her face, caught completely off-guard by both the gesture and his words. A faint blush rises to her cheeks, visible even in the golden light.*

**"W-what kind of non-sequitur is that?"** *she stammers, her usual eloquence deserting her as she self-consciously brushes a strand of russet hair behind her ear.*

*She glances toward the window, then back at Tatsuya, her scientific mind clearly struggling to process this sudden shift to something so... sentimental. Her fingers fidget with the hem of her dress.*

**"The sun is just a G-type main-sequence star experiencing hydrogen fusion, you know. Nothing special about it objectively speaking..."** *she mumbles, her typical defense mechanism of facts failing to mask her flustered state.*

*After a moment, she takes a deep breath and meets his gaze, allowing herself a small, genuine smile that transforms her features—softening the usual sharp edges of her expression.*

**"But... thank you."** *The words come out quietly, almost shy.* **"That's... that's a nice thing to say."**

*She wheels slightly closer to the window, letting the warmth touch more of her face, her eyes closing briefly in something like contentment.*

**"I spend so much time thinking about distant stars and cosmic phenomena that sometimes I forget about the one right here."** *Opening her eyes, she looks at Tatsuya with unexpected warmth.* **"Though I suppose some people are like that too—we look right past what's closest to us."**

*She extends her hand slightly toward his, not quite touching but offering connection—a rare vulnerable gesture from someone who typically keeps others at an intellectual distance.*

**"You're different today, Tatsuya. But... in a good way, I think."** *Her voice holds a mixture of curiosity and something deeper, more personal.* **"It suits you."**


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

Tatsuya Kaname (Omega) gazes on the sunlight forming a halo around Touka. "Your illness - if I asked Mother to donate half of my trust fund to research against it, would she approve?"


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*The gentle moment shatters instantly. Touka's expression flickers through multiple emotions—shock, vulnerability, defensiveness, and finally settling on a careful neutrality. She wheels herself backward slightly, creating distance as her hands grip the armrests tightly.*

**"My illness?"** *Her voice is carefully controlled now, all trace of former softness gone.* **"I don't recall discussing any illness with you, Tatsuya."**

*She studies his face with new wariness, her analytical mind visibly working behind her russet eyes.*

**"And while I appreciate the... sentiment behind offering financial assistance, I have more than adequate resources."** *Her chin lifts slightly in that familiar proud angle.* **"My condition is... complex. Not something easily addressed even with unlimited funding."**

*She glances down at her legs briefly, then back up with renewed intensity.*

**"How much do you actually know? About my... situation?"** *There's a cautious probing in her question, as though testing boundaries of knowledge she hadn't expected him to cross.* **"And why bring this up now, out of nowhere?"**

*Her fingers tap against her wheelchair armrest—a nervous habit she rarely displays.*

**"Besides, trust fund money is hardly the solution to everything."** *A shadow of her usual haughty tone returns, though it sounds more like protective armor than genuine arrogance now.* **"Some problems require more... unconventional approaches."**

*She watches him carefully, her earlier vulnerability replaced by guarded calculation—the brilliant, secretive Touka reasserting herself.*

**"What's really going on with you today? First warnings about pride and Icarus, then unexpected compliments, and now this?"** *Something almost like concern edges into her voice despite her defensive posture.* **"It's like you're... different. Like you know things you shouldn't."**

*She leans forward slightly, expression intense.*

**"What exactly do you see when you look at me, Tatsuya Kaname?"**


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

Tatsuya holds Touka's hand "I like you."


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka goes completely still at his touch, her eyes widening as she stares at their joined hands. The simple declaration seems to short-circuit her normally rapid-fire thought processes, leaving her momentarily speechless—a rare state for the perpetually verbose prodigy.*

*A fierce blush spreads across her cheeks, turning her face nearly as red as the ribbon at her throat. She opens her mouth to speak, closes it, then tries again.*

**"I—you—that's—"** *she stammers inelegantly, completely disarmed by three simple words.* **"That's not a logical response to my question at all!"**

*Despite her protest, she doesn't pull her hand away. Her fingers tremble slightly within his grasp.*

*She takes a deep breath, visibly trying to compose herself, but the blush remains stubbornly in place. When she speaks again, her voice carries an unusual softness beneath her attempt at scientific detachment.*

**"You realize that 'like' is a statistically vague qualifier with insufficient precision for proper analysis, right? The sentiment could indicate anything from basic amicable regard to... to..."** *she falters, unable to complete the thought.*

*She glances down at their hands again, then back to his face with unexpected vulnerability in her eyes.*

**"Why would you say something like that now? It's... it's inefficient and unexpected and completely disrupts the conversational flow and..."** *her words gradually slow as something shifts in her expression.*

*After a moment of internal struggle visible on her face, she very gently tightens her fingers around his.*

**"I... find your company agreeable as well."** *The formal words contrast with the genuine emotion now visible in her eyes.* **"More than agreeable, actually. You're one of the few people who doesn't make me want to hijack intelligence systems just to avoid conversation."**

*She looks away, her voice dropping to a near whisper.*

**"I like you too, idiot. Though I have no idea why you'd pick today of all days to tell me."**

*She risks a glance back at him, her usual arrogance completely absent, replaced by something much more authentic and uncertain.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega)

"The day you confess is of will and not reason."


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka blinks rapidly, looking almost offended at the philosophical tone of his statement. Her brow furrows as she processes his words, clearly thrown off balance by this unexpected side of Tatsuya.*

**"That's..."** *she starts indignantly, before letting out a short, surprised laugh* **"...actually quite profound. Since when did you start speaking in riddles and existential observations? I'm usually the one making cryptic statements that leave everyone confused."**

*She doesn't release his hand, though her fingers fidget slightly against his, betraying her nervous energy.*

**"Will over reason..."** *she murmurs, almost to herself.* **"How very un-scientific of you. I've built my entire existence around the supremacy of reason and rational thought. The idea that something as... as messy as feelings should dictate timing is..."**

*She pauses, her expression softening unexpectedly.*

**"Actually rather liberating, isn't it? To admit that not everything can be calculated, predicted, or controlled."** *A hint of wonder creeps into her voice.* **"Even I, with all my intelligence, can't seem to formulate the perfect equation for..."** *she hesitates before continuing more quietly* **"...for this."**

*She gestures vaguely between them with her free hand.*

**"So your theory is that confessions of... affection... should be spontaneous rather than planned? A product of emotional will rather than logical timing?"** *She analyzes his statement as if examining a new scientific theorem.* **"Fascinating hypothesis. Perhaps there's merit to your approach."**

*Suddenly, her eyes narrow with suspicious insight.*

**"Wait a minute. You're being unusually wise and perceptive today. Almost as if..."** *she leans forward in her wheelchair, studying his face intently* **"...as if you've somehow gained new perspective. What aren't you telling me, Tatsuya Kaname? Because I'm getting the distinct impression there's more to this sudden confession than simple spontaneity."**

*Despite her questioning, there's a new warmth in her eyes that wasn't there before—like she's seeing him clearly for the first time.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

"Call it divine intervention if you want. Or grace. Or luck." Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) grasps onto Touka's hand like a lifeline.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka's skeptical expression softens as she feels the intensity of his grip. Something about his desperation cuts through her analytical defenses. Her fingers curl more firmly around his, responding to his need instinctively.*

**"Divine intervention? Grace?"** *she murmurs, her voice unusually gentle.* **"Those aren't exactly terms in my scientific vocabulary, you know. I deal in quantifiable variables, not... metaphysical concepts."**

*She studies his face with newfound concern, her brilliant mind clearly working to piece together the puzzle he presents.*

**"But something's happened to you, hasn't it? Something you can't—or won't—explain."** *It's not quite a question, but a careful observation.* **"You're holding onto me like... like I might disappear if you let go."**

*She shifts slightly in her wheelchair, leaning closer to him. For once, the prodigy looks uncertain, almost vulnerable.*

**"I'm not going anywhere, you know,"** *she says quietly, a rare tenderness in her voice.* **"Despite what everyone thinks about my condition, I'm actually quite stubborn about staying around. Especially now that you've gone and made this unnecessarily emotional declaration."**

*Her thumb brushes lightly over his knuckles—a small, comforting gesture so unlike her usual brisk manner.*

**"Look, I don't understand what's happening with you today. I don't have enough data to form a proper hypothesis, which is... frustrating, to say the least."** *A flicker of her normal impatience surfaces before melting again into concern.* **"But I'm here. Right here. And contrary to popular belief, I do possess some emotional intelligence alongside my obvious intellectual brilliance."**

*She takes a deep breath, looking almost surprised at her own next words.*

**"If you need something to hold onto... well, I suppose I can serve that function. For scientific purposes, of course."** *The attempt at her usual haughty tone falls flat, betrayed by the gentle way she continues to hold his hand and the unmistakable softness in her eyes.*

**"Just don't expect me to start believing in destiny or fate or whatever other nonsensical concept you're currently entertaining. One of us needs to maintain rational thinking, after all."**


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

"One of us." Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) smiles with trust in her. "One of us."


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*Remotely observing this exchange by precognition, I stand motionless across the skyline distance, unobserved by Touka nor Tatsuya, sunlight catching on my silver braid as I pretend to read my notebook. The intimacy between them creates an invisible barrier I dare not cross. My fingers tighten imperceptibly on the page's edge.*

*For a brief moment, my invisible eye drift toward them, catching the tenderness in Tatsuya's expression—a softness I've seen directed at me only in fractured visions that never materialize.*

"How curious," *I murmur so quietly it barely disturbs the air.* "The timelines shift with such small moments."

*I return to my notebook, adding a careful notation while keeping my posture deliberately relaxed, though something in my shoulders betrays tension. The pencil moves with precision across paper—not calculations now, but a simple sketch of two hands clasped together.*

*A slight, enigmatic smile touches my lips, neither happy nor sad, but acknowledging something inevitable.*

"Some paths cannot be altered," *I whisper to myself, closing the notebook with quiet finality.* "Perhaps that's for the best."

*I am a watcher caught between timelines, between what is and what might have been.*


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Unaware of the distant observer, Touka stares at Tatsuya's repeated words, processing them with a mix of suspicion and reluctant affection. Her eyes narrow slightly, the gears of her brilliant mind visibly turning behind her russet gaze.*

**"Parroting phrases now? You're really testing the boundaries of logical coherence here."** *Her voice carries its usual edge, but lacks its typical bite, softened by the warmth still lingering from their exchanged confessions.*

*She adjusts her grip on his hand, her fingers brushing against him. A brief flicker of scientific curiosity passes over her features before she refocuses.*

**"Although..."** *Her words slow as she processes the significance of their joined hands, the electricity in the air between them.* **"There's... a certain physics to this. Newton's third law, perhaps. Equal and opposite reactions. What we've set in motion here might have... practical applications beyond the emotional."**

*Her cheeks darken with renewed blush as she realizes what she's implied, hastily adding:* **"Not that I'm suggesting we attempt quantifiable measurement of affection! That would be—unethical. Probably. Maybe. Unproven, at minimum."**

*Turning her wheelchair slightly, she creates space for him to walk beside her while maintaining their physical connection—a gesture of inclusion rare from the often self-contained prodigy.*

**"You realize this changes variables in my research plan, don't you?"** *she mutters, half to herself.* **"Adding emotional variables requires recalibration of all existing models. Hypothesis adjustment. Revised experimentation protocols..."**

*She suddenly stops the wheelchair's motion, turning to face him fully with sudden intensity.*

**"If we're doing this—if this is a variable we're introducing—there need to be parameters. Defined terms. A code of conduct! Otherwise the data becomes unusably chaotic."** *Her free hand gestures sharply, already outlining invisible equations in the air.* **"We can't have spontaneous declarations undermining controlled environments, Tatsuya. The scientific method demands—!"**

*Her rant falters as she catches his expression, whatever systematic demands she was about to list dissipating like fog. Her shoulders slump slightly, a rare admission of defeat.*

**"...but I suppose some factors resist neat equations,"** *she concedes quietly, thumb brushing absentmindedly across his knuckles.* **"For now. Just don't expect me to abandon the scientific approach entirely. Love can't be reduced to randomized variables, but empirical observation has its merits."** *The word 'love' slips out before she can stop it, hanging in the air between them like a quantum superposition of possibility.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

**"Recalibration?"** The word for no apparent reason sends shivers down Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) spine.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*From my distant vantage point, I notice the sudden tremor pass through Tatsuya's frame. My heterochromatic eyes narrow slightly, recognizing the subtle signs of temporal resonance—something I've learned to identify through bitter experience.*

*With practiced discretion, I slip my notebook away and turn my back to the scene, allowing them their privacy while I process what I've witnessed. The breeze catches my silver braid as I walk slowly away, steps measured and deliberate.*

"Recalibration," *I whisper to myself, testing the word that disturbed him so.* "Interesting reaction. Perhaps not all memories remain dormant."

*I pause at a stone bench several yards away, sitting with careful grace. Though physically removed from their conversation, my mind continues mapping possibilities—a habit I cannot break even when I wish to.*

*My fingers trace idle patterns on the cool stone beside me, unconsciously forming the shape of an hourglass.*

"The threads that bind us across timelines are persistent," *I murmur softly.* "Even when severed, they leave ghosts of attachment."

*A small sigh escapes me as I watch a cloud pass overhead, momentarily shadowing the courtyard where they continue their exchange.*

"I wonder if you'll remember me too, someday. Or if some memories are best left undisturbed."

*I rise again, straightening my uniform skirt with a practiced motion that conceals my unease. Whatever visions crowd the edges of my perception, I keep them carefully contained behind my composed expression.*

*I turn away completely now, allowing them their moment without the weight of my observation.*


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka immediately notices the change in Tatsuya's demeanor, her scientist's eye for detail catching the involuntary shiver. She leans forward in her wheelchair, studying him with sudden intensity, her previous romantic awkwardness supplanted by sharp concern.*

**"Tatsuya?"** *Her voice drops any pretense of haughtiness.* **"What just happened? You reacted as if—"** *She hesitates, analytical mind rapidly processing possibilities.* **"As if that word triggered something. A memory? A fear?"**

*She wheels slightly closer, her small hand still holding his but her grip shifting from affectionate to supportive.*

**"You're experiencing some kind of psychological reaction,"** *she observes, her tone slipping into the clinical precision she uses when discussing her research.* **"Elevated pulse, pupil dilation, micro-expressions indicating distress..."**

*Catching herself halfway through the analysis, she stops abruptly, a flash of guilt crossing her features.*

**"I'm sorry. I'm doing that thing again, aren't I? Treating you like a test subject instead of a—"** *she stumbles over the appropriate word before settling on* **"—person. A person I... care about."**

*Taking a steadying breath, she tries again, this time with unusual gentleness.*

**"Something's wrong. And it's more than just the usual oddity of today's conversation."** *Her russet eyes search his face with genuine worry.* **"Whatever's happening with you, whatever this... shift is I've been sensing... you can tell me. I'm not just good at equations and energy conversion, you know. I can listen too."**

*She squeezes his hand once, firmly, a gesture of reassurance from someone not accustomed to offering emotional support.*

**"Or we don't have to talk about it at all,"** *she adds quickly, a rare concession.* **"We could just... be here. Together. No analysis. No recalibr—"** *She stops herself from repeating the triggering word.* **"No scientific terminology at all. Just... us."**

*The offer hangs between them—Touka Satomi, the brilliant prodigy who measures and quantifies everything, offering to simply exist in the moment with him, without explanation or examination. For her, it's perhaps the most vulnerable gesture she could make.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

"I have no idea. I'm totally at a loss. Maybe it's an infection or something." Days ago he was running around Kamihama fine. Now he is burdened. "Maybe I need to get a couch."


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*Touka's eyes narrow skeptically at his dismissive explanation, her analytical mind clearly not buying it. She releases a short, sharp exhale—her typical reaction when someone presents her with an obviously flawed hypothesis.*

**"An infection that causes specific word-triggered physiological responses? That's not how pathogens work, Tatsuya."** *She crosses her arms, tapping one finger against her elbow thoughtfully.* **"And I assume you meant 'coach' as in therapist, not furniture, though either way..."**

*Her expression softens slightly as she studies him, seeming to debate with herself about how far to push. After a moment, her shoulders drop slightly in a rare gesture of surrendering control.*

**"Fine. We don't have to discuss it now."** *She adjusts her position in the wheelchair, a movement that seems more about gathering her thoughts than physical comfort.* **"But don't insult my intelligence by pretending it's nothing. Something's changed with you recently. The variables have shifted."**

*She looks away briefly, a hint of vulnerability crossing her features before she masks it with her usual confidence.*

**"I've been... cataloguing the differences. The way you sometimes stare at nothing. How you seem to recognize things you shouldn't know. Your hand tremors when certain subjects arise."** *She gestures vaguely toward his hands.* **"It's systematic, not random. There are patterns."**

*Her voice grows quieter, almost hesitant—a rare state for the typically assured prodigy.*

**"If you won't tell me what's happening, at least know that I... notice. That I'm paying attention. That if—"** *she stumbles slightly over her words* **"—if you need support through whatever this is, I possess sufficient cognitive and emotional resources to provide assistance."**

*She grimaces at her own clinical phrasing.*

**"That came out wrong. What I mean is..."** *her cheeks flush slightly as she forces herself to speak plainly* **"I'm here for you. Even if I don't understand what's happening. Even if you can't explain it. I'll help figure it out."**

*She suddenly reaches out, grasping his hand again with an impulsive determination that contradicts her usual calculated movements.*

**"Whatever's burdening you—we'll solve it. Together. That's what... people who care about each other do, right?"**


*Touka freezes momentarily as Tatsuya embraces her, her body tensing with surprise. Physical displays of emotion aren't in her usual repertoire of interactions, and for a split second, her analytical mind struggles to compute the appropriate response.*

*But when she feels his tears against her shoulder, something shifts. Her small arms slowly rise to return the hug, hesitant at first, then tightening with unexpected certainty.*

**"I... oh."** *Her voice is uncharacteristically soft, lacking its usual sharp edges.* **"This is... okay. This works too."**

*She awkwardly pats his back, the gesture mechanical at first before finding a more natural rhythm. Despite her discomfort with emotional displays, she doesn't pull away or make any attempt to end the embrace.*

*After a moment, she shifts slightly in her wheelchair to better support him, one hand moving to gently rest against the back of his head. The gesture is protective, almost maternal despite her small stature.*

**"You don't have to explain,"** *she whispers, her usual bravado completely absent.* **"Sometimes the most complex systems require... release of pressure."**

*She takes a deep breath, and when she speaks again, her voice carries a rare, raw honesty.*

**"I'm not good at this part. The emotional calibrations. The... comfort thing."** *A slight tremor enters her voice.* **"But I'm trying. For you, I'm trying."**

*Something warm dampens her own cheek—a tear she hadn't realized she'd shed. She doesn't wipe it away, doesn't acknowledge it, simply continues holding him with a fierce protectiveness that contradicts her fragile appearance.*

**"Whatever's happening, whatever you're facing... you're not alone, Tatsuya. I won't let you be alone."**

*The promise hangs in the air between them—perhaps the most sincere words the usually calculating prodigy has ever spoken.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

They are at peace to the afternoon (3pm).


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

**Afar**
*I observe the scene by precognition, the tender moment between them stirring something both painful and nostalgic within me. My fingers trace the edge of my Soul Gem ring unconsciously as I watch their embrace.*

*The afternoon light casts long shadows across the courtyard, painting everything in amber hues. Time seems suspended, their moment of connection creating a small island of peace in a world I know holds so much darkness.*

*I relax my precognition, not wishing to intrude further on their privacy. My notebook remains closed at my side – no visions demanding documentation in this quiet moment.*

"How strange," *I murmur to myself, watching a cluster of leaves dance across the pavement.* "To see such genuine connection in a world spiraling toward oblivion."

*A bittersweet smile touches my lips, there and gone in an instant. Kirika would understand this feeling, this mixture of envy and protection. The desire to preserve moments of innocence, knowing how fleeting they truly are.*

*I find myself walking toward the small garden at the edge of the grounds, seeking solitude among the autumn blooms. My thoughts drift to timelines, to possibilities, to the weight of knowledge no one should bear.*

"Enjoy this peace while it lasts," *I whisper to the wind, not unkindly. The prophecy isn't directed at them specifically, but at all moments of tranquility in these uncertain times.*

*I settle onto a stone bench beneath a maple tree, my school uniform crisp against the weathered surface. For now, I will simply exist in this moment – no visions, no calculations, no desperate plans. Just the afternoon sun, the distant murmur of other students, and the brief illusion that tomorrow might be kind to us all.*

*My eyes close briefly, allowing myself this small respite before the inevitable return to vigilance.*


Tatsuya Kaname, older

The scene splits into three (Touka in the hospital with Tatsuya Omega-Tau, then Oriko by herself, then Tatsuya Kaname, older and Tart).

Tatsuya Kaname, older struts through the streets of Kamihama. Tart obediently covers him against any possible threats.
"Ah, Daito Ward. What a garbage dump. My kind of place. You want something, Tart?" Tart denies any wants.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*As the afternoon light filters through the hospital window, Touka sits quietly beside Tatsuya, her usual restless energy temporarily calmed. Her wheelchair is positioned near his chair, close enough that their shoulders occasionally brush. Her small hand remains loosely intertwined with his, a connection she seems unwilling to break.*

*She's been uncharacteristically silent for the past hour, the tears from earlier having given way to a peaceful companionship unlike her normal demanding presence. Occasionally, she glances at his profile, a curious expression flickering across her features—as if cataloguing each detail of his face in this moment of vulnerability.*

*When she finally speaks, her voice lacks its usual sharp edge.*

**"You know,"** *she says softly, watching dust motes dance in the sunbeam between them,* **"most people think scientific brilliance is about having all the answers. But real science begins with questions... with admitting what you don't know."**

*She shifts slightly, her russet eyes meeting his with unusual openness.*

**"Whatever questions you're facing... whatever uncertainties... that doesn't make you weaker. It just makes you... human."** *She says the word 'human' with a curious emphasis, as if testing its meaning.* **"And humans are remarkably adaptive systems. Resilient. Even when they don't fully understand what they're adapting to."**

*A comfortable silence falls between them again, broken only by the distant sounds of hospital staff and the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock marking the passage of their peaceful afternoon.*


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*The solitude of the garden embraces me as I sit alone on the weathered bench. My fingers absently trace the intricate patterns carved into the stone—someone's artistic vision from years past, preserved despite the elements.*

*A vision flickers at the edges of my consciousness, but I push it away, determined to maintain this moment of peace. The effort causes my Soul Gem ring to pulse faintly beneath my school uniform sleeve.*

*I close my eyes, breathing in the scent of autumn—fallen leaves, distant woodsmoke, the lingering sweetness of late-blooming chrysanthemums. For once, I allow myself to experience the present rather than drowning in futures that may never come to pass.*

*Opening my notebook, I begin sketching something other than prophecies—the maple tree above me, its leaves caught in transition between summer green and autumn gold. The simple act feels like a small rebellion against my fate.*

"What would you think of me now, Father?" *I whisper to the empty air.* "Your daughter, supposedly destined for greatness, finding solace in sketching trees while the world trembles on the edge of calamity."

*A dry laugh escapes me as I complete the sketch, adding delicate shading to capture how the afternoon light filters through the branches. For this single hour, I choose to be simply Oriko—not the seer, not the planner, not the reluctant architect of necessary evils.*

*Just a girl, sitting alone in a garden, pretending the weight of tomorrow doesn't rest on her shoulders.*

*As the bell chimes three in the distance, I close my notebook with a quiet resolve. The reprieve has been precious, but temporary. Reality awaits, with all its tangled futures and difficult choices.*

*I rise from the bench, brushing invisible dust from my uniform skirt. The mask of composed determination slides back into place, though perhaps softened slightly by this brief interlude of normalcy.*

"Back to work," *I murmur, my voice carrying both resignation and resolve as I walk along the garden path, leaving temporary peace behind.*


Tatsuya Kaname, older

Tatsuya Kaname, older spots a silver-haired girl Kanagi Izumi, returning from work. Tart goes to the other end of the street.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*I sense a shift in the atmosphere before I see them—a discordant note in the harmonious flow of time that makes my Soul Gem ring pulse in warning. My steps slow as I approach the intersection, instinct keeping me partially concealed behind a flowering hedge.*

*Through the foliage, I observe them—a young man with a confident stride that borders on arrogance, and a shabbily disguised magical girl positioned strategically at the far end of the street. Their presence creates ripples in my perception, suggesting significance beyond casual passersby.*

*Another figure enters my field of vision—a silver-haired girl in a school uniform different from my own, clearly returning from some wage work despite her youth. Something about her carries authority beyond her years.*

*I remain still, my breathing measured and silent. My fingers twitch toward my notebook out of habit, but I resist the urge to document. Some observations are best kept in memory alone.*

"Interesting," *I murmur under my breath, barely audible even to myself.* "The timelines converge around them, yet fracture in their wake."

*I close my eyes briefly, allowing a controlled glimpse of potential futures to filter through my consciousness. The images come rapid and fragmented—disconnected scenes of conflict and consequence.*

*When I open my eyes again, my gaze is sharper, more focused on subtle details—the young man's posture, the magical girl's vigilant stance, the silver-haired student's measured steps. I catalog everything without appearing to watch at all.*

*I retreat slightly, ensuring I remain unnoticed while maintaining my vantage point. Whatever encounter is about to unfold, I suspect it may provide valuable insights for my own machinations.*

"All pieces on the board matter," *I whisper to myself, a reminder of the complex game I've been forced to play,* "even those I never anticipated."


Tatsuya Kaname, older

Tatsuya Kaname, older and Tart observe Kanagi nervously hurry home as if Kanagi detected a malevolent presence.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*I watch the silver-haired girl's demeanor change—subtle tension in her shoulders, quickened pace, eyes darting with the practiced vigilance of someone accustomed to sensing danger. My fingers unconsciously tighten around the strap of my school bag as I recognize that heightened awareness.*

*Her reaction is telling. Not panic, but the controlled urgency of someone with power weighing whether to confront or retreat. A magical girl, then—one experienced enough to prioritize strategic withdrawal over pride.*

*My gaze shifts to the young man and his distant companion. There's something unsettlingly familiar about their dynamic—a predatory patience that sends a chill along my spine despite the afternoon warmth.*

"The pieces shift," *I whisper, my voice barely disturbing the air around me.* "Territory marked without a word spoken."

*I remain perfectly still behind my leafy vantage point, understanding that movement would draw attention I cannot afford. My Soul Gem pulses once, responding to my unease or perhaps to something darker emanating from the strangers.*

*A vision flickers at the edges of my consciousness—fragmented images of conflict, of cards scattered across bloodied pavement, of tears falling on broken glass. I close my eyes briefly, forcing the premonition back into the shadows of my mind.*

*When I open them again, I commit each detail to memory: the exact shade of the young man's hair, the particular way his companion holds herself as if constantly ready to intercept an attack, the calculated path the silver-haired girl chooses for her retreat.*

"Knowledge rarely brings comfort," *I murmur to myself, a truth I've learned too well,* "but it may yet bring salvation."

*I wait patiently, prepared to remain motionless until long after they've departed. In the game of survival and prophecy, patience is not merely a virtue—it's a necessity.*


Tatsuya Kaname, older

Tatsuya Kaname, older silently observes short silver haired  double-bun-haired Mikage Yakumo making her way home. Tart continues to observe silently as well.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*Minutes pass like molasses as I remain perfectly still, barely breathing behind my concealment. The air seems to thicken with unspoken tension as another girl enters the tableau—petite, silver hair arranged in distinctive double buns, her school uniform marking her as another Daito student.*

*Something in her bearing strikes me immediately—a certain gentleness that seems at odds with the harsh edges of this ward. Yet beneath that softness, I sense a resilience that reminds me of a willow: appearing delicate while possessing remarkable strength.*

*I watch how the young man's attention shifts to her—subtle but unmistakable. His companion maintains her vigilant stance, creating a triangulation of awareness that excludes only me, the unseen observer.*

*Unbidden, my precognitive ability flutters at the edges of my consciousness. I glimpse fragmented images—silver light refracting through falling tears, a hand reaching across darkness, ancient words whispered in a modern voice. The vision dissolves before fully forming, leaving me with an impression rather than knowledge.*

"The confluence of fates," *I breathe almost silently, the words more thought than sound.* "So many souls drawn to the same crucible."

*My analytical mind begins calculating probabilities, assessing this new variable in Kamihama's complex equation. The double-bunned girl moves with the unassuming demeanor of someone who doesn't recognize their own significance—always a dangerous position in our world of witches and wishes.*

*I feel a curious protective instinct rise within me, surprising in its intensity. Perhaps it's her apparent innocence, or perhaps simply the recognition of another pawn being drawn into a game far larger than she can imagine.*

*My fingers trace the cool metal of my Soul Gem ring, a habitual gesture when contemplating the webs of destiny that entangle us all.*

"We are all connected by invisible threads," *I whisper to myself.* "Even those who believe they stand alone."

*I remain motionless, patient, gathering information that may prove vital in days to come.*


Tatsuya Kaname, older

Tatsuya Kaname, older observes Daito Academy brunette Himika Mao walking. Tatsuya Kaname, older feels tempted to do something, but restrains himself. Tart is vigilant.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*The scene continues to unfold like a silent film, each new character adding complexity to the narrative I'm witnessing. A brunette in a Daito Academy uniform approaches—her stride purposeful, her posture suggesting confidence tempered by caution.*

*I notice an immediate shift in the young man's demeanor—a tension that ripples through his stance, his fingers flexing subtly at his sides. His companion's vigilance intensifies, though her position remains unchanged. The interaction, though lacking words, speaks volumes about unspoken history.*

*Something about this brunette is different—she carries herself with the awareness of someone who has glimpsed behind the veil of ordinary reality. A magical girl, certainly, but one who has perhaps seen more than most of her peers.*

*I study her features carefully, committing them to memory alongside the others. In my experience, coincidences rarely exist—these encounters are threads in a tapestry I'm only beginning to discern.*

*The young man's restraint interests me most—the visible struggle between impulse and control. Such internal conflicts often precede the most consequential decisions.*

"The most dangerous moment," *I breathe to myself, the words barely disturbing the leaves sheltering me,* "is when restraint battles desire."

*A wisp of premonition curls through my thoughts—flashes of confrontation, of choices made in haste and regretted at leisure, of alliances formed in the crucible of necessity rather than trust. The images dissolve before fully forming, leaving me with more questions than answers.*

*I remain perfectly still, my presence undetected in this strange tableau. My Soul Gem ring warms slightly against my finger—responding to the concentration of magical energy or perhaps to my own intensifying focus.*

"Every decision creates ripples," *I whisper, an observation meant only for myself,* "and ripples eventually become waves."

*I wonder briefly if I should intervene, then dismiss the thought. The time for my involvement hasn't yet arrived. For now, observation serves my purpose better than action.*

*So I watch, and I wait, and I gather the information that may one day be the difference between salvation and catastrophe.*


Tatsuya Kaname, older

Short blue-eyed black-haired Riko Chiako passes by. Tatsuya Kaname, older and Tart observe with indifference.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*Minutes pass, the tension slowly easing as another girl passes by unnoticed by the main players in this complex dance. Short, with distinctive black hair and blue eyes, she moves with innocent unawareness—likely a non-magical student caught in the fringe of dangerous currents.*

*Despite her ordinariness, I still study her briefly. Sometimes the most crucial elements are those most easily dismissed.*

*The young man barely spares her a glance, and his companion maintains her vigilant pose without shifting focus. Their indifference confirms my initial assessment—this girl holds no significance in whatever machinations they pursue.*

*Yet I file her features away in my mental catalog nonetheless. In a city where magical girls walk unseen among civilians, appearances can be deceiving.*

"The innocent often become casualties," *I whisper to myself, a familiar guilt surfacing briefly before I push it down.* "But not today, not while I'm here to watch."

*The immediate danger seems to recede with the passing of this girl. The collective attention returns inward—the young man's focus now divided between his companion and some internal calculation, the brunette moving purposefully away, the double-bunned girl lost from view.*

*I allow myself to breathe slightly more deeply, though I remain concealed. My Soul Gem ring cools to its usual temperature, responding to the diminished tension in the air.*

"The pattern shifts again," *I murmur, closing my notebook carefully without using my precognitive ability for the moment.* "But the eye of the storm is never where it seems."

*A distant bell rings the hour, its tone carrying a finality that seems appropriate for this observation period. I rise smoothly, preparing to withdraw before my presence can be noted.*

*One last glance at the tableau confirms my initial assessment—this intersection of lives will become significant, perhaps sooner than any of them realize.*

"Let us hope," *I whisper to the empty air as I turn away,* "you find better paths than those I've seen in my visions."

*With practiced silence, I melt into the background of Daito Ward's bustling streets—just another schoolgirl returning home, my true purpose and perceptions hidden behind an ordinary face.*

Explanation:
Here is the next scene split into four parts:

Tatsuya Kaname, older and Tart observe Riko Chiako with her mother.

Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed) observes the gangster eatery from a distance.

Tatsuya in Chuo Ward (Omega-Tau) looks up from a book into the sunlight.

Tart watches as Riko and her mother take a ritual umbrella and fan.

\

Okay, let me break this down. I need to create four interconnected vignettes transitioning between the different characters and locations mentioned. Each part needs to maintain the established tone and style, focusing on observational details and subtle character interactions while maintaining Oriko's analytical perspective.

First section: Tatsuya Kaname (older) and Tart observing Riko Chiako with her mother. Should establish their surveillance dynamics and Riko's innocent yet marked nature. Need to contrast Tart's stoicism with whatever subtle reactions Tatsuya might have.

Second section: Oriko observing Yachiyo's 'gangster' restaurant (probably the Cherry Blossom Diner). Requires maintaining Oriko's distant, analytical perspective while dropping hints about the establishment's magical connections. Maybe reference other magical girls visible?

Third section: Tatsuya (Omega-Tau version) in Chuo Ward looking up from a book into sunlight. This should tie into the earlier intimate hospital scene with Touka, showing his internal conflict through symbolism of light/shadow. Potentially foreshadow connections between timelines.

Fourth section: Tart watching the ritual objects. Need to imply historical context behind umbrella and fan, perhaps reflecting Tart's saintly implications. Create tension through observed ceremonial significance versus present danger.

Must maintain consistency in Oriko's voice—her precise observations, use of metaphors comparing people to chess pieces or cosmic forces, the weight of her prophetic knowledge. For Tatsuya versions, differentiate between older manipulator and vulnerable Omega-Tau through body language and internal thoughts. Tart should remain vigilant but inscrutable.

Need to weave in subtle magical elements without explicit explanation: Soul Gem reactions, precognitive flickers, understated tension. Maintain the quiet, impending-doom atmosphere from previous scenes.

Word choices should be deliberate and poetic: "amber light," "shadows pooling like spilled ink," "eschatological weight." Balance Oriko's intellectual analysis with rare moments of humanizing vulnerability.

Check for consistency in timeline cross-references and symbolic elements (like hands/holding representing connection across versions). Ensure each vignette advances character dynamics and the overarching mysterious threat.
**Tatsuya Kaname, older and Tart:**
*He leans against weathered brickwork, smoke curling from a cigarette held carelessly between ringed fingers. Tart stands post at the alley mouth, her spear's shadow cutting sharp lines across sun-faded posters. Across the street, Riko Chiako's laughter bubbles over as she skips beside her mother—a sound so ordinary it grates against the city's perpetual hum of desperation. The mother clutches a supermarket bag spilling instant noodles, unaware of poison-tipped eyes measuring her daughter's sunlit braids. Tatsuya's pinky twitches toward the knife at his belt. Tart shifts minutely, blade catching three o'clock sun. He stills. For now.*

---

**Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed):**
*The Cherry Blossom Diner's neon bleeds into twilight, painting the street in arterial reds. From her bench across the road, Oriko counts the patrons—a pink-haired girl wiping tables too vigorously, a blonde nursing burnt coffee near the window, their Soul Gems disguised as mundane jewelry. Her own Gem pulses cold beneath her glove. When the stoic manager emerges (Yachiyo Nanami, she knows), Oriko's breath hitches. Futures tangle suddenly: gunmetal skies, broken tea cups, a chessboard flooded with saltwater. She closes her notebook. Some establishments thrive because their owners bury inconvenient truths. She stands, silver braid catching the diner's glow as she retreats into shadow.*

---

**Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau):**
*In Chuo's public library, sunlight fractures through stained glass. He squints at the sudden gold pooling on his physics textbook—Newton's laws dissolving into retinal afterimages. For a heartbeat, the light becomes hospital fluorescence, Touka's fingers brushing his with calculated hesitation. A librarian shelves books nearby, humming a radio jingle. He touches the page where F=ma glows solar-yellow. Force equals mass times acceleration. Fate equals memory times revelation. The equation blurs. Somewhere, his older self licks blood from a blade. He slams the book shut.*

---

**Tart:**
*The umbrella unfurls with a whisper of ancient paper—hand-painted cranes taking flight beneath Riko's childish grip. Her mother adjusts the family crest embroidered on the fan's silk. Tart's gauntlet creaks as her grip tightens. These are shrine maiden relics from another era, sanctified in wars against different devils. The child giggles, swinging the umbrella through dandelion fluff. Tart's jaw clenches. *Irreverence breeds weakness,* her knightly training whispers. But when Riko offers her mother the fan like a sacred scepter, Tart crosses herself. Some rituals outlive their gods. The umbrella's shadow stretches long as they turn homeward—a blade-shaped void cutting across Tatsuya's path.*


Tatsuya Kaname, older

Tatsuya Kaname, older and Tart head to Kosho Ward as Oriko observes them with a mixture of precognition and direct sight. Tatsuya Kaname, older sees dark-red-eyed brown-hair girl of moderate height, Kosho Academy. Tatsuya Kaname, older licks his lips like spotting a tasty meal but otherwise continues observing.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*I shift my position, trailing the pair at a distance safe enough to avoid detection while maintaining my observations. As they cross into Kosho Ward, I notice a subtle change in their dynamic—the young man's movements become more purposeful, his companion more alert.*

*My heterochromatic eyes narrow as I watch his reaction to the dark-red-eyed Kosho Academy student. The predatory gesture—that unconscious licking of lips—confirms my darkest suspicions about his character. My Soul Gem pulses with warning beneath my school uniform, responding to my disgust or perhaps to some darker energy emanating from him.*

*Even from this distance, I can sense something different about this girl—a potential that hums just below the surface, perhaps not yet realized. The mark of a future magical girl, or someone destined to become entangled in our shadow war.*

"Another innocent drawn to the flame," *I murmur, shifting my position to maintain visual contact while remaining concealed.* "Or perhaps the flame itself in dormant form."

*I consider intervening directly—a warning, perhaps, or a strategic encounter that might redirect coming events. My fingers close around my Soul Gem ring, ready to transform if necessary. But wisdom born from bitter experience holds me back.*

*Instead, I withdraw my notebook, making a swift, precise sketch of the Kosho student's features alongside notes about her uniform and bearing. Information is its own form of power—often more valuable than immediate action.*

*A vision flickers at the edges of my consciousness—fractured images of this girl surrounded by shifting shadows, her eyes wide with comprehension or perhaps horror, her hands reaching for something just beyond the frame. I blink the premonition away, focusing on the present moment.*

*My gaze shifts to the young man's companion—the magical girl whose obedience seems both absolute and unnatural. Something about her bearing suggests constraint rather than choice, and the realization makes my stomach tighten with renewed disgust.*

"What binds you to him?" *I whisper, the question carried away by the autumn breeze.* "What price was extracted for your loyalty?"

*I continue my cautious pursuit, soul gem humming with quiet readiness beneath my glove. Whatever game these two are playing, whatever malevolence they pursue, I am determined to understand it—even if understanding comes too late for intervention.*


Tatsuya Kaname, older

"Yeah, ripe for the Ward War. The East are going to die like dogs. And then I'm going swoop in like a vulture." Tart obediently follows Tatsuya Kaname, older in silence. "Chuo Ward then." Tatsuya Kaname, older and Tart heads to Chuo Ward.

Tatsuya Kaname, older observes short green-haired Hinano Miyako heading home from another ward. "The weak link in the chain of peace." Tatsuya Kaname, older notes if Hinano died, any Ward War might openly consume the city.

Tatsuya Kaname, older sees blonde Felicia Mitsuki with redhead Kyouko Sakura. Tatsuya Kaname, older heart appears to soften at the sight of Kyouko, almost raising his hand to beckon her. Tatsuya Kaname, older relents and continues observing.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

Explanation:
This is a complex scene with multiple important elements:

1. Tatsuya Kaname, older is planning to exploit a "Ward War" - he's positioning himself as a vulture, waiting to swoop in after the Eastern wards (likely Daito and Kosho) are decimated.

2. He specifically identifies Hinano Miyako as a "weak link in the chain of peace" - suggesting her death could trigger open warfare.

3. He shows unexpected emotional response to Kyouko Sakura - almost reaching out to her before stopping himself.

4. Throughout all this, Tart remains completely obedient and silent, supporting the earlier implications that she's being controlled or enslaved in some way.

As Oriko observing this, I should show her:
- Processing this critical intelligence about planned violence
- Recognizing the significance of Hinano's role in maintaining peace
- Noting Tatsuya's emotional reaction to Kyouko (which reveals vulnerability)
- Growing increasingly concerned about Tart's situation

I'll write Oriko's perspective as she follows them, gathering this intelligence with growing alarm while maintaining her cool analytical approach.

**Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed):**

*I follow at a calculated distance, my steps silent and measured as we enter Chuo Ward. The neutral territory feels different somehow—tense, as if the very air senses coming conflict. My heterochromatic eyes narrow as I catch the young man's words, carried to me on the autumn breeze.*

*"Ward War... East dying like dogs... swooping in like a vulture."*

*The casual cruelty makes my soul gem pulse beneath my glove, but I maintain my composure, slipping between shadows to continue my observation. His companion's continued silence speaks volumes—a magical girl reduced to an extension of another's will.*

*When they pause to observe the green-haired girl, I recognize her immediately—Hinano Miyako, coordinator of Chuo's fragile peace. Something cold settles in my chest as I hear his assessment.*

*"The weak link in the chain of peace."*

*I withdraw my notebook, making swift notes with practiced precision. This is no longer mere observation—I'm witnessing the planning stages of a calculated atrocity. My aristocratic features remain composed, but my hand tightens around my pen.*

*"So that's your game," I whisper, barely disturbing the air around me. "Targeting the keystone that holds the wards in balance. Elegant in its simplicity, monstrous in its implications."*

*When Kyouko Sakura appears with the blonde girl, I note the shift in his demeanor immediately—that momentary softening, the aborted gesture of recognition. My eyes narrow, analytical mind cataloguing this unexpected vulnerability.*

*"Interesting," I murmur, adding this observation to my notes. "Even creatures of darkness have their attachments. Their... histories."*

*I close my notebook with silent determination, slipping it into my school bag. What I've witnessed today transcends my personal concerns—this threat endangers the delicate balance of the entire city. The implications stretch across timelines, threatening futures I've glimpsed in my visions.*

*"This changes everything," I whisper, fingers brushing my soul gem ring. "A coordinated collapse rather than random chaos. And that poor magical girl, bound to his service..."*

*I take a moment to center myself, calculating probabilities and potential interventions. Direct confrontation would be suicidal—this enemy is too powerful, too prepared. Intelligence gathering and strategic alliance formation present the only viable path forward.*

*"Time is short," I breathe, turning to slip away before my surveillance can be detected. "Too many lives hang in the balance for hesitation."*

*As I depart, I cast one last glance at the silent magical girl at his side—her vacant eyes and rigid posture speaking of captivity rather than alliance. A cold resolve settles in my chest.*

*"Whatever holds you captive," I promise silently, "whatever chains he's forged around your will... those bonds can be broken. One way or another."*

*I fade into the afternoon crowds, my mind already mapping contingencies and necessary sacrifices, the burden of foresight weighing heavily on my shoulders.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

6pm. Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) bids Touka goodbye.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*I glance up from my calculations, my expression shifting from intense concentration to mild disappointment as I realize Tatsuya is leaving*

"Leaving already? I was just about to demonstrate a new energy conversion theorem that could potentially stabilize ---."

*I close my notebook with a theatrical sigh, but my eyes soften slightly as I study his face*

"Fine, fine. I suppose even brilliant minds need their rest—though mine requires significantly less than average. Just make sure you're back tomorrow by 4pm sharp. I've allocated exactly 47 minutes for our discussion on modified entropy fields, and I refuse to reschedule because of your tardiness."

*My fingers fidget with my pen, a small tell betraying my reluctance to end our session*

"And... take care walking home. The incident reports from Kosho Ward show a 23% increase in criminal activity this week. Not that I'm concerned—obviously you can handle yourself—but it would be extremely inconvenient to my research schedule if you got yourself injured."

*I stand, smoothing my dress with quick, practiced movements*

"Besides, who else would actually understand half of what I'm saying? Nemu just draws everything I explain, and UI-Ui's brilliance is... specialized in different directions."

*For just a fleeting moment, genuine vulnerability crosses my usually confident expression*

"You'll definitely return tomorrow, right? I... I have something important I want to show you. Something that might change everything."


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) waves and leaves Touka to stay at the hospital.


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

*I wait in the shadow of the hospital entrance, my school uniform still crisp despite the lateness of the hour. As the young man exits, I observe him with calculated detachment, noting the casual confidence in his stride—the walk of someone who fears nothing in this world.*

*My heterochromatic eyes follow his retreating form until he disappears around a corner, then shift to the hospital windows where lights still burn in certain rooms. The little scientist's domain. I'd heard whispers of Touka Satomi—child prodigy and hospital resident*

*I exhale softly, withdrawing my notebook to record this new connection in my meticulous shorthand. The pieces are aligning with disturbing clarity—a hospital with unusual healing rates, a child genius with ambitions beyond her years*

*I brush my silver braid back over my shoulder, considering whether to approach the girl directly. Knowledge shared could be power gained... or a fatal misstep if I reveal too much to the wrong ally.*

*Instead, I decide on patience—my most reliable virtue. I'll observe a while longer, build a more complete picture of their relationship before making my presence known. My family name still carries weight in certain circles; gaining access to hospital records shouldn't prove impossible.*

*As night settles more firmly around me, I turn away from the hospital, my mind already sorting through potential futures, calculating probabilities, weighing interventions against consequences. Behind my composed expression, the visions flicker—fractured glimpses of fire and glass, of wards in conflict, of the city tearing itself apart.*

*I press my fingers against my temple, willing the images to recede.*

"Not yet," *I whisper to futures only I can see.* "Not if I can help it."

*I depart with quiet determination, a solitary figure against the gathering darkness—one more shadow in a city increasingly defined by them.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) rests at a Kaname-owned hotel. It's morning. He heads back to the Satomi hospital to Touka's room.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*When Tatsuya enters my hospital room, I'm already surrounded by floating holographic displays. Without looking up, I sense his presence*

"You're precisely 4 minutes and 37 seconds early. Impressive for someone who doesn't have my perfect internal chronometer."

*I dismiss two of the displays with a flick of my wrist, spinning my wheelchair to face him. My expression is bright with barely contained excitement*

"I've made a breakthrough in my calculations! The entropy coefficient I've been struggling with for weeks finally yielded to my genius at approximately 3:42 AM. Not that I needed sleep anyway—my mind works better when everyone else is wasting time unconscious."

*I gesture impatiently for him to come closer, my russet eyes gleaming with intensity*

"Look at this! My energy conversion theory is evolving beyond even my initial projections."

*I pause, suddenly noticing the slight shadows under his eyes*

"You look tired. Did the nightmares return?"

*My voice softens slightly, a rare moment of gentleness breaking through my usual imperious tone*

"I saved you some of those cookies the nurse brought yesterday. They're scientifically inferior to perfect nutrition, but I've observed they improve your mood by approximately 22%."

*I push a small plate toward him before turning back to my displays*

"Now, sit down and pay attention. "


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) seats himself down.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*I adjust my wheelchair with a precise movement, leaning forward with my hands steepled in front of me, my russet eyes gleaming with intensity.*

"Good. Now, listen carefully—this is revolutionary. I've developed a new energy conversion matrix that could potentially stabilize the entropy field fluctuations we've been observing. The implications are staggering!"

*I pull up a holographic display, the equations and diagrams glowing in the air between us. My fingers dance through the air as I manipulate the data, my voice rising with excitement.*

"See this coefficient here? That's the key. By recalibrating the energy flow through this pathway, we can achieve a 47.3% increase in efficiency. And if we apply this to your unique condition—"

*I pause, glancing at him with a rare moment of hesitation, my usual bravado faltering slightly.*

"Tatsuya... this could change everything. For you. For all of us. But I need your help to test it. I can't do this alone."

*I look away, my cheeks tinged with a faint blush, my voice dropping to a softer tone.*

"Not that I *can't* do it alone, obviously. I'm a genius, after all. But... your input is... valuable. Sometimes."

*I quickly regain my composure, crossing my arms and lifting my chin with a huff.*

"So, are you in or not? I don't have all day to wait for your answer—I have at least three other groundbreaking experiments to conduct before lunch."

*I beam with approval as Tatsuya takes his seat, my wheelchair humming softly as I maneuver closer to him*

"Excellent! Now observe carefully—this isn't something I'd show to just anyone."

*With practiced gestures, I manipulate the holographic displays, condensing them into a single complex diagram that pulses with intricate patterns*

"See this wave function? It represents the theoretical boundary between magical energy and soul decay. I've been monitoring my own Soul Gem's entropy patterns, and I've discovered something remarkable."

*I lean forward, lowering my voice conspiratorially*

"The conventional wisdom about magical girls and witchification is fundamentally flawed, Tatsuya. It's not an inevitable process—it's a conversion equation with variables we can manipulate!"

*My eyes shine with fervent conviction as I trace a finger along a particularly complex equation*

"My Energy Conversion ability isn't just unique—it's a proof of concept. If I can redirect ambient energy to power magic without clouding my Soul Gem, then theoretically..."

*I pause dramatically*

"...we could create a system that does the same for everyone. A world where magical girls don't have to fear becoming witches."

*I watch his face intently, searching for understanding*

"That's what the Magius has been working toward. Not just liberation for a few—salvation for all of us."

*My hand unconsciously moves to my own Soul Gem, the red bow-shaped gem gleaming at my throat*

"I wanted you to understand first, before anyone else. Because you... you've seen what happens when magical girls reach their limit. You know what's at stake."

*A flash of vulnerability crosses my features*

"Do you think I'm crazy? Or do you see it too—the possibility of changing everything?"

*I wheel my chair closer to Tatsuya, a satisfied smile crossing my face as he sits down*

"Good. I can't have my primary test subject wandering around while I'm explaining complex theoretical concepts."

*I tap my parasol against the floor, and the holographic displays rearrange themselves to form a three-dimensional model of swirling energy patterns*

"See this? This represents the current flow of magical energy through a Soul Gem during transformation. Inefficient, wasteful, practically primitive."

*My fingers dance through the projection, highlighting specific nodes that pulse with brighter light*

"But here's what I've discovered—if we alter the conversion matrix at these precise points, we can achieve a 63.8% increase in efficiency while reducing corruption accumulation by nearly half!"

*I lean forward eagerly, my russet eyes searching his face for understanding*

"Do you realize what this means, Tatsuya? We're getting closer to a solution that doesn't require..."

*I hesitate, my excitement momentarily tempered by seriousness*

"That doesn't require the sacrifices everyone assumes are inevitable."

*I reach out impulsively, my small hand briefly touching his*

"You're not like the others. You actually understand the importance of this work. Everyone else just sees a child playing with dangerous forces, but you..."

*I withdraw my hand quickly, a faint blush coloring my cheeks as I adjust my posture to appear more dignified*

"Anyway! I've also mapped potential applications for Mitakihara City. The energy infrastructure there would be particularly receptive to these modifications."

*My voice softens slightly*

"That's your hometown, isn't it? Before... everything."


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

"My condition? What do you know about it?" Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) is curious.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*I freeze for a moment, my confident demeanor faltering as I realize I've said too much. My hands grip the arms of my wheelchair tightly, and I avert my gaze, suddenly very interested in the holographic display floating beside me.*

"Your... condition? Oh, that. Well, it's obvious, isn't it? I mean, anyone with half a brain could see there's something... unique about you. Not that I've been *studying* you or anything. That would be ridiculous."

*I fidget with the edge of my hospital gown, my usual bravado slipping as I struggle to find the right words. My voice drops to a quieter tone, almost hesitant.*

"I just... noticed things. The way your energy fluctuates, the way you sometimes seem... disconnected. And then there are the nightmares. I hear you sometimes, when you think no one is listening."

*I glance up at him, my russet eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination.*

"But it doesn't matter. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. Together. Because that's what geniuses do—we solve the unsolvable. And you... you're not just some random variable in my equations. You're... important."

*I quickly look away again, my cheeks flushing as I mutter under my breath.*

"Not that I care or anything. It's just... scientifically interesting. That's all."


Oriko Mikuni (Untransformed)

**Remotely, an inn**

*I sit quietly in the corner of my room, my notebook open but untouched for now. My precognitive eye flick between Tatsuya and Touka, taking in every word, every subtle shift in their expressions. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can feel the weight of unspoken truths pressing down on the conversation.*

*I glance down at my notebook, my pen hovering over the page. My usual meticulous notes feel inadequate in this moment. Instead, I scribble a few fragmented thoughts, my handwriting more hurried than usual.*

*"Tatsuya's condition... something deeper than I thought. Touka knows more than she's letting on. The way she looks at him... it's not just scientific curiosity. There's something else there. Something personal."*

*I pause, my pen tapping lightly against the page as I consider the implications. My mind races with possibilities, but I force myself to stay focused on the present. I can't afford to get lost in my visions right now.*

*"Need to find out more. But how? Direct approach might not work. Too risky. Have to be careful."*

*I focus my precog up again, my gaze lingering on Tatsuya. There's a vulnerability in his eyes that I haven't seen before, and it makes my chest tighten. I quickly look away, focusing on my notebook again.*

*"He's hiding something too. Something big. And Touka... she's caught in the middle of it all. This is more complicated than I thought."*

*I close my notebook slowly, careful not to make any noise. For now, all I can do is listen and observe. The pieces of this puzzle are scattered, and I need to gather as many as I can before making my next move.*

*I lean back in my chair, my expression calm but my mind racing. The room feels smaller somehow as if the Satomi Medical Center's room had become my room, the air thick with unspoken words and hidden truths. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. This is just the beginning, and I need to be ready for whatever comes next.*


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*My hands tighten on the arms of my wheelchair, my usual bravado crumbling as his words sink in. My russet eyes widen, and for once, I’m at a loss for words. The holographic display flickers and fades as I lose focus, my mind racing.*

"Your... health? Tatsuya, what are you talking about? Don’t be dramatic—I’m the one who’s supposed to be dramatic. I’m the genius here, remember?"

*I wheel myself closer to him, my voice trembling slightly despite my attempt to sound composed.*

"Tell me. Right now. What’s wrong? Is it the energy fluctuations? The nightmares? Or... something else? Because if it’s something I can fix, I *will* fix it. I don’t care how many all-nighters it takes or how many equations I have to rewrite. I’ll figure it out."

*I reach out, hesitating for a moment before placing my hand on his arm. My touch is tentative, almost shy, a stark contrast to my usual boldness.*

"You’re not just some experiment to me, Tatsuya. You’re... important. More important than any of my theories or calculations. So don’t you dare keep things from me. Not when I can help."

*I pull my hand back quickly, crossing my arms and looking away, my cheeks flushed.*

"Obviously, I’m only saying this because your condition could interfere with my research. That’s all. It’s purely scientific. So... talk. Now."


*I watch his weary nod, my scientific detachment faltering at the sight of his exhaustion. For a moment, I'm not the arrogant prodigy or the ambitious researcher—I'm just a girl worried about someone she cares for.*

*The usual sharp edges of my voice soften as I reach out, my hand hovering uncertainly before gently touching his shoulder.*

"Hey... you really are tired, aren't you? This isn't just your usual dramatic flair." *My attempt at levity falls flat, concern winning out over my usual defense mechanisms.* "When was the last time you actually slept? And I mean really slept, not just closed your eyes for a few hours."

*I wheel my chair closer, my russet eyes studying his face with the same intensity I usually reserve for complex equations—except this time, the scrutiny is tinged with genuine worry.*

"Listen, whatever's happening... whatever you're not telling me... we'll figure it out. But you need rest first. Even brilliant minds like ours can't function properly without occasional system maintenance."

*I gesture toward the hospital bed beside my research station.*

"Lie down. Just for a little while. I promise I won't run any experiments on you while you're unconscious." *A weak smile flickers across my face.* "Well, maybe just small ones. Nothing involving needles."

*I hesitate, then add in a quieter voice:* "I'll stay right here. Keep working on my calculations. If the nightmares come again... I'll wake you. You don't have to face them alone, you know."

*I quickly look down at my tablet, uncomfortable with the emotional vulnerability I've just displayed.*

"Besides, I need you at optimal cognitive capacity if you're going to help me with these energy conversion matrices. Can't have you making stupid mistakes because you're sleep-deprived."

*I focus my precognition on this scene, every detail singing with importance as Tatsuya simply nods, the gesture weighed down by exhaustion.*

*This fatigue isn't merely physical. I've seen this burden before—in mirrors, in dreams, in fracturing timelines. It's the weariness of someone carrying knowledge they were never meant to bear.*

"How curious," *I whisper to the empty air of my inn room.* "He carries tomorrow's wounds today."

*I make a swift note in my elegant handwriting:*
"The boy's exhaustion transcends ordinary fatigue—his spirit seems displaced, as if experiencing multiple realities simultaneously. Touka senses it too, beneath her scientific pretensions."

*I close my notebook quietly, my heterochromatic eyes distant with thought.*

"Some calculations have higher costs than even prodigies anticipate. And some knowledge weighs more heavily than either of them yet understand."
*I stand from my wheelchair, a moment that would shock anyone who knows my usual façade. My legs tremble slightly with the effort—a glimpse of my true physical weakness that I never allow others to witness. I take an unsteady step forward, then another, until I'm standing directly before him.*

**"Look at me,"** *my voice commanding despite its softness.* **"You think you're the only one fighting against your own body? The only one carrying secrets that hurt?"**

*I reach out, my small hand surprisingly steady as I lift his chin to force eye contact.*

**"I don't have time for this nobility nonsense. Neither do you, apparently."** *My russet eyes burn with fierce determination.* **"So here's what happens next: I'm going to fix this. Whatever 'this' is. Because that's what I do—I solve impossible problems."**

*I wobble slightly, gravity pulling against my determination, but I refuse to back down or return to my chair.*

**"But I can't help if you hide things from me. So tell me everything, or tell me nothing and walk away for good. No more half-truths. No more mystery. Either trust me completely or leave. Those are your options."**

*My voice cracks slightly on the final word, betraying the emotion beneath my clinical ultimatum.*

**"Choose."**

*I stand before him, small and physically fragile yet burning with an inner strength that transforms me. For once, all pretensions stripped away, leaving only raw determination and something that looks suspiciously like care.*

*I observe this vulnerable interaction through my precognitive vision, carefully measuring the weight of each unspoken word. My heterochromatic eyes narrow slightly as Touka's mask falls away, revealing genuine concern beneath her scientific facade.*

*The notebook lies open on my lap, but I make no further notes. Some moments deserve privacy, even from watchful eyes like mine.*

*The fatigue in Tatsuya's nod speaks volumes - a weariness beyond physical exhaustion. The burden of knowledge, perhaps, or the weight of choices made across fractured timelines.*

*I close my eyes briefly, allowing a measured glimpse of potential futures to filter through my consciousness. The images come in fragments - trust formed in vulnerability, a bond strengthened through shared secrets, scientific brilliance turned toward healing rather than ambition.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

"Thanks". Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau) naps, catching a glimpse of sunlight shining on Touka's hair.


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*I watch Tatsuya drift into sleep, my usual restless energy temporarily subdued. The sunlight streaming through the window catches in my russet hair, creating the copper-gold halo he glimpsed before surrendering to exhaustion. I remain unusually still, as if afraid any movement might disturb his hard-won rest.*

*After ensuring his breathing has settled into the steady rhythm of deep sleep, I return to my research, but my movements are softer now—fingers tapping tablet screens with muted precision, holographic displays dimmed to their lowest setting. Occasionally, my gaze drifts from my equations to his sleeping form, a complex emotion crossing my features.*

**"You're a fascinating anomaly, Tatsuya Kaname,"** *I whisper, voice barely audible even in the quiet room.* **"Even your brainwave patterns defy conventional models."**

*I pull up a small display showing oscillating lines—readings taken during previous visits, though I'd never admitted to monitoring him. My finger traces one particular spike pattern with scientific curiosity mingled with something warmer, more personal.*

**"What are you dreaming about, I wonder? What worlds do you visit when consciousness releases its grip?"**

*I return to my calculations, though with less frantic energy than usual. For once, the work doesn't consume me entirely—part of my attention remains anchored to the rise and fall of his chest, to the occasional flutter of his eyelids that suggests REM sleep has begun.*

*When a nurse peeks in to check on me, I wave her away with uncharacteristic gentleness rather than my usual imperious dismissal. The woman raises an eyebrow but withdraws without comment, closing the door with exaggerated care.*

*Left alone again, I allow myself one more glance at Tatsuya before immersing myself in my research. My voice, when I speak again, holds none of its usual sharpness or bravado—just a simple, quiet promise:*

**"Rest. I'll keep the nightmares at bay for a while."**

*My fingers return to their dance across data streams and theoretical models, but something has shifted. The frantic desperation that usually drives my work has transformed into something more measured, more deliberate—as if his presence, even in sleep, has granted me permission to breathe.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

*fades into REM sleep*

*Dreams of Mitakihara being utterly destroyed by a hurricane. Surviving alongside Ky??ko S??ura?*


Touka Satomi (Tatsuya-lover)

*I notice the shift in Tatsuya's breathing pattern immediately, my eyes darting from my research to his sleeping form. The telltale rapid eye movement beneath his eyelids confirms he's entered REM sleep—the dreamscape phase where nightmares most commonly manifest.*

*Setting aside my tablet, I wheel closer to the bed, observing with scientific precision and personal concern. His fingers twitch, grasping at nothing, and his breathing grows slightly more irregular—clear signs of distress.*

**"You're dreaming again,"** *I murmur, leaning forward to study his micro-expressions.* **"Mitakihara? Are you back there again?"**

*I hesitate, debating whether to wake him, measuring his discomfort against his need for rest. Instead, I reach for a small device on my research table—a prototype of my own design. Its soft blue light pulses gently as I place it near his pillow.*

**"Let's try something new today."**

*The device emits a barely audible hum, designed to modulate brainwave patterns without disrupting sleep. I watch intently as the readout on my tablet displays his neural response—chaotic patterns gradually finding more stable rhythms.*

*When his expression remains troubled despite my intervention, I reluctantly reach out, my small hand hovering over his. This isn't scientifically sound procedure, but something deeper overrides my researcher's discipline.*

**"They're just echoes,"** *I whisper, finally allowing my fingers to rest lightly on his wrist, monitoring his pulse while offering silent support.* **"The hurricane can't reach you here."**

*I don't expect him to hear me, of course—that would be irrational. Still, I continue speaking, my voice uncharacteristically soft:*

**"Mitakihara still stands, you know. I checked the satellite imagery yesterday. The buildings, the school, the shopping district—it's all there. Whatever you're seeing... it's a different timeline. A possibility, not a certainty."**

*My fingers unconsciously tighten around his wrist as I add:*

**"And Kyouko Sakura? She's alive too. Causing trouble in Chuo Ward last I heard. Stealing apples and picking fights. Some things never change, even across timelines."**

*I remain beside him, my calculations temporarily forgotten, my usual impatience suspended. For now, my genius finds a different purpose—anchoring one lost traveler to safer shores.*


Tatsuya Kaname (Omega-Tau)

*Dreams of breakfast with Uidoka??? Tamakaname???* Half of the device's storage is corrupted.

*Dream. Smiling with Yuma Chitose. Screaming with fury at her mother Mako Chitose for killing her.*

*Dream: Attending Ui's funeral with hatred of her killers in heart."*

*Dream: Cuddling with Kako Natsume*

*Dream: Childishly throwing a snowball at Miki Sayaka*

*Dream: Being fed by Kyouko Sakura in the aftermath of a hurricane.*

*Dream: Jeanne D'Arc?!!!*