Orsola Aquinas

Orsola Aquinas (オルソラ＝アクィナス) is a nun-in-training formerly under the Roman Catholic Church, who specializes in preaching to pagan countries, and in decoding written codes. This skill in decoding puts her into the harm's way as she wanted to decipher and destroy the infamous Book of the Law, prompting the very institution she is in to attack her, and forcing her to seek refuge. She is first introduced in Toaru Majutsu no Index in distress, and her plight and struggle is chronicled in the Orsola Aquinas Rescue Arc.

Afterwards she receives the protection of the Anglican Church, and becomes a member of its Church of Necessary Evil, and yet, she never truly abandons being a Roman Catholic, though she no longer serves under its institution and instead serves the Anglican Church.

Etymology
Her given name Orsola is the Italian form of Ursula, meaning "little female bear", and may be a reference to Saint Ursula. Her surname, Aquinas, is most likely a reference to Thomas Aquinas.

Appearance
Her true age is unknown, but Orsola has shown qualities of a mature female. She is noted for her large breasts, and womanly figure, accentuated by her Roman Catholic Church habit. The habit in question, is unmodified unlike Agnese Sanctis and her ilk, and she also wears gloves. Her headdress also has a wimple, which covers much of her head. She has slightly short blond hair and blue eyes.

She wears a long white robe under her habit, which covers her underwear.

Personality
Her mind can trail off from one subject to another, or even forget important details, a fact that Kamijou Touma, who refers to her way of thinking resembles that of a grandmother, and many of her peers detest, such as Itsuwa, who doesn't want to be compared to her. She is best described as an extremely large-breasted nun well known for being airheaded and moving at her own pace.

However, when she gets serious people can't help but listen, for her words bear weight. This is exemplified by her speech to the Agnese Forces regarding the difference between the Roman Catholic Church and the forces that helped her, and her speech before the women of Necessarius regarding the stance they should take in the upcoming War. This is perhaps due to her skill as a preacher, and it comes to no surprise that she has a church built in her honor.

She is very kind and courteous, and has shown that she does not bear a grudge on those that had tormented her, as with the case with her next meeting with Agnese Sanctis, going even out of her way to try and save her alongside the Amakusa Christians.

Despite her kindness however, she has a hidden side. She herself states that there are many sides to women. She seemingly knew the importance of the cross necklace that Touma gave to her, allowing her to at least hope that she will be saved by the Anglican Church. Moreover, prior to her defection to the Anglican Church, she has shown suspicion towards the kindness of others towards her without reward, as with her justification for leaving the Amakusa, and doubted Touma after he mistakenly handed her to the Agnese Forces. She later discovers the faults of her character during her punishment by Agnese Forces, believing that she and the rest of the Roman Catholics are driven by lies and suspicion, while those who have helped her are driven by their in their beliefs and ideals. Although later, she admits that there are all sorts of people in the Roman Catholic Church, in response to Touma's surprise to Lucia and Angelene risking their lives to save Agnese, apologetic of the behavior towards her previous distrust towards the Amakusa. Moreover, she claims that she has no confidence regarding herself, believing herself that she knows what's right and wrong, or have the wisdom and conscience to decide for others.

Regardless, her naturally kind and amicable nature, allows her to gain quick friends among strangers, such as Sherry Cromwell.

Background
Much of her past is unknown, though it is hinted that she might be the nun that Angelene refers to in her childhood that has been serving her, Lucia, and Agnese with olives for three days. She later travels around to preach to three pagan countries, giving her much renown with the Roman Catholic Church. Despite this, she still refers to herself as a nun-in-training.

It is unknown how she gained the skill in decoding written codes, but she is probably learned enough to have confidence in decrypting the Book of the Law through incomplete copies.

Her home is located in Chioggia, Italy, though it is unknown how long she lived there.

Orsola Aquinas Rescue Arc

 * Main article: Orsola Aquinas Rescue Arc

A former decoder of grimoires and other magical texts, she is allegedly able to decode "The Book of the Law", a powerful Roman Catholic Church grimoire. Because of this, she is captured along with The Book of the Law by the Amakusa Christians. The Roman Catholic church sends the Agnese Forces to save her, while Necessarius sends Stiyl, who drags Index and Touma with him.

It is later revealed the the Amakusa Christians were actually trying to save Orsola, and that the Agnese Forces were sent to dispose of her because the Roman Catholic Church labeled her as dangerous due to her being able to decode The Book of the Law. She is saved by Touma and company, and becomes a decoder for the Anglican Church. She works alongside Sherry Cromwell, and the two of them get along somehow.

Daihasei Festival Arc

 * Main article: Daihasei Festival Arc

When Stiyl is talking over the phone with Sherry Cromwell, Orsola is heard over the phone working along with Sherry on decoding information on the Croce di Pietro. Sherry at this point doesn't quite get along well with Orsola due to the difference in their personality, and admonished her there is no time to eat right now while working. Orsola replies this is a muffin made by the Amakusa that helps with physical recovery as she is still hurt from the events of the Book of the Law. Sherry grudging accepts that reason before getting agitated about Orsola leaving crumbs while she's eating. the phone cuts off here after some scuffling.

Later, Orsola tries to call Stiyl to report in the information found but dialed to Motoharu's phone instead by accident. Motoharu and Touma are exasperated by her thought patterns, going from greetings to a good sushi shop near Waterloo Station, before finally telling them the requirements to activate the Croce di Pietro.

La Regina del Mare Adriatico Arc

 * Main article: La Regina del Mare Adriatico Arc

Orsola returns to her home in Chioggia, Italy as she prepares to move her belongings to her new home to England with the help of the Amakusa Christians. She meets Touma who struggles with Italian and she takes her in; in return, Touma helps out in the move. After all her belongings were packed, Orsola is attacked by Roman Catholic assassins, but the attempt was stopped by Touma and Index. Then the assassins summon an ice ship in the canal scooping up both her and Touma and escape into the Adriatic Sea. On that ship Orsola and Touma stow away on the ship avoiding the assassins and hide inside a vacant room. Then both Orsola and Touma encounter her assassin, Agnese Sanctis who was entering the room.

It turns out the Agnese and her forces are held captive and only Agnese was able to move within the fleet due to serving a special purpose. Orsola and Touma decide to save Agnese and the others despite their past experiences with each other, and with assistance from the Amakusa Christians, they thwart Bishop Biagio Busoni's plans of destroying Academy City using the Queen of the Adriatic Sea spell.

Later, Orsola takes Sisters Agnese, Lucia and Angelene, along with the rest of the Agnese Forces to the Necessarius dorm, where they would stay as members of the Roman Catholic division of Necessarius.

Academy City Invasion Arc

 * Main article: Academy City Invasion Arc

Despite being a member of Necessarius, the 0th Parish of the Anglican Church, Orsola maintains her practice of Roman Catholic doctrines, though it is unknown if she joined Agnese's newly established Roman Catholic London branch.

She appears with the other ladies of Necessarius at the Anglican Church Women's Dormitory checking out the new washing machine sent by Academy City. Orsola is enthusiastic in trying out the new washing machine, despite Kanzaki Kaori's protests and fears. She is joined by Angelene, who is has a strong "pro adopting washing machine" voice since whenever the day for her turn of washing the clothes comes her small body is pushed to the limits, while both Agnese and Lucia are silent. Orsola wants to test the washing machine, and does so through the use of the clothes on her back, as there are no laundry needing a wash, the other Catholic nuns soon follow, much to Kaori's dismay. She is later surprised by Kanzaki Kaori not wearing any underwear under her yukata, after she takes off her obi to test the washing machine's waters, to which she responds that is the way yukatas are supposed to be worn. After using the clothes that they are currently wearing to test the washing machine, Sherry Cromwell notes that Kaori's obi's colors may become faded if washed there, to which Kaori frantically tries to stop the machine, despite her being technologically impaired by it. Orsola finally comments that the "stains" on Kaori's obi is being washed off, much to her consternation. After the machine malfunctions and spouts water on the befuddled Kaori, Angelene is amazed to know that Kaori really doesn't wear any underwear, as she tears up from the embarassment in front of them.

Anglican Church–Russian Orthodox Church Prewar Conference

 * Main article: Anglican Church–Russian Orthodox Church Prewar Conference

As two great Churches discuss their position in the War that is about to come. She, and the rest of her group stay in the women's dormitory. Here, it was Orsola's turn to make the meals, which she skillfully done en masse, with a little help from other nuns.

Orsola first appears in the changing room, notifying Agnese Sanctis and Kanzaki Kaori that breakfast is ready. As Agnese excitedly leaves after much trouble with the washing machine, Orsola discusses to Kaori on the queer package has come from Tsuchimikado Motoharu regarding the Fallen Angel Maid Costume to her, to which Kaori states that it is nothing. Orsola then asks about Kaori's katana being too long, to which she replies that having a little weight allows for the to wield it easier. Orsola then says that she thought the sword had religious meaning, to which Kaori adds that it does so from Japanese legend. As Kaori explains to Orsola, she discovers that her mind was wandered off and replies that she is sleepy, much to Kaori's annoyance, and later leaves her for the dining hall. For the most part of the breakfast, Orsola is sleepy and is unaware of the arguments among the fellow nuns regarding her and their breasts, as well as about food.

Kaori later instructs a late Sherry to go to Orsola and ask for food as breakfast was over, to which obliges after a short chat.

When Kaori introduces Sasha Kreutzev to the rest of them, Orsola can be found still sleepy, and apparently affecting her ability to prepare a meal for Sherry, which was hastily put together. Her sleepiness later waned and offered Sasha a cup of coffee, and here, she joined the others to hear of Sasha's question regarding the upcoming War, though, it looked like she was nodding off.

As Kaori and the others ponder hearts what their answer is, Orsola surprises everyone by replying. She tells Sasha that she need not worry of what side they should choose, as what they will do remains the same. They will always help out those who are in need of help, and arbitrate for those who do not seek conflict. And just because a war has started does not mean it should be a reason to deny those who are asking for help, and not a reason to force others to bear the sword and fight. Sasha is stayed by Orsola's words, who continues by saying that it would be unbecoming of them to not use the small power they have to save the future of their allies, and deprive their enemies of their own future, and have them gather in a single building, before Touma, who had no power, but was able to save many. As if he can save many on his own, how many others can they save together. Sasha asks what they are doing here, to which Orsola states that decision does not place on her alone, as everyone has their own things that they must do. rsola concludes that it is not up to the whole to decide which path to take, but it is up to the individual members, and states that there should be a third option where there is a happy ending where no one is defeated, for the sake of Touma's expectations.

Sasha later leaves, saying she is unable to grasp the situation, with Kaori shaken as wel.. Kaori confides to her that she is embarrassed of her own lack of discipline, and that she is immature. Orsola says that the road to maturity is not an easy one, and that she too felt that she has said something immature before. However, Orsola then giggles, to which she reveals to Kaori, that Tatemiya Saiji and the others have been spreading rumors that Kaori has someone she loves in Academy City. Kaori is shocked to hear it, to which Orsola relates on how the Knight Leader came to Japantown to where the Amakusa Christians are, trying to court Kaori, but is turned away by Saiji, telling him that Kaori prefers younger men, and mentions that Kaori has someone she loves in Academy City. The rumor apparently becoming a legend among them. Kaori however, completely denies this. Orsola then adds that Itsuwa was heard commenting that she will do her best. Orsola later leaves for the kitchen again with a smile on her face.

Acqua of the Back Arc

 * Main article: Acqua of the Back Arc

Orsola is in the British Library hoping to find some clues regarding Acqua of the Back of God's Right Seat. She calls Sherry, who is performing a lecture in the Royal Arts Academy. Orsola mentions that Acqua has been witnessed as someone worked that previously in England, and is referred to as a Knight, which worries Sherry as it would mean Academy City might have to question the Anglican Church's role with regards to a Knight of England. Orsola notes however, that there is no record of him in the Buckingham Palace, to which Sherry guessed that the information might be false. Orsola however says that it is true that he is not in the list of knights, but she tells Sherry that for someone to be a knight there should be some shield heraldry that symbolizes their family background. Orsola then says that there has been a cancelled order from a heraldry manufacturer outside of London from an unknown person. Sherry is intrigued, as that means that she could extrapolate information regarding the mysterious Acqua of the Back using the heraldry. Orsola sends a fax copy of the heraldry pattern to Sherry. With a simple look, Sherry recognizes the meaning of the symbolic animals and legendary creatures in the heraldry, and says that the person was unhappy at being chosen as a knight.

She states to Orsola on how the Royal Family has invited him, tried to reject the offer but failed, and simply accepted the title begrudgingly. She tells Orsola that the man must've been an active fighter as a free man before becoming a Knight. He was a mercenary that was later appointed as a Knight. Sherry then discovers that the order was cancelled ten years ago. Sherry says to Orsola that the person was born in England, was mercenary that greatly contributed to Great Britain, and was primed to be nominated into being a Knight, and orders her to search for information on English mercenaries.

Orsola later calls Tatemiya Saiji, who begins preparations to assault Acqua of the Back anew after his attack on Touma and Itsuwa. Saiji is relieved as Orsola's call manages to lighten up the tension that Itsuwa's preparation has brought. Here, Orsola tells them the latest information about Acqua of the Back. She tells them that Acqua of the Back's real name is William Orville, his past religious affiliation, and his sorcery name, Flere210. She also tells of his accomplishments as a mercenary, which is countless as the their time is short, as well as the kind things he does in the battlefields when not fighting. However, she tells them that no information about him can be called a weakness. Orsola continues, saying that Acqua disappeared a week before he was to become a knight, leaving the heraldry prepared for him, as well as the fact that he is self-taught, making his own fighting style, and the weapon that he uses, a 5 meter long iron rod that looks like a lance. Finally, Orsola tells Saiji that Acqua does not run in battle, but seems to glide on the floor, using a water spell. With this, their conversation ends, and the Amakusa once again prepares for the storm that they shall meet head on.

British Royal Family Arc

 * Main article: British Royal Family Arc

Before the start of the attempted coup d'état, Orsola is first mentioned by Sherry and Itsuwa, relating to her airheadedness, but as well as her skill in analysis work. Sherry states that she did not call her as she would like to avoid difficult situations, such as a suitcase suddenly turning into a boat.

English Civil War

 * Main article: English Civil War

War then covers Great Britain. When the members of the Anglican women’s dorm began to evacuate during Carissa's coup d’etat, she claimed that she couldn't keep up with the others so she stayed behind. When Touma arrives with Lessar wounded in his arms, she begins medical treatment for her. She then asks Touma what he would like to do in return, to which he says that he will help the escape as a member of the rear guard. Orsola tells that other than the back entrance he came in through, the Knights of England have fortified the escape routes. Their escape plan is to shake the knights off with a long distance bombardment, and scatter to sow confusion among the knights.

Touma then discuss with Orsola the state of the war on the people of Great Britain, with regards to food and resources. Orsola then changes the topic, saying that after they break through the knights surrounding the dormitory, they will head to the designated rendezvous point, but tells Touma that he should head to Waterloo Station so that the Eurostar line can take him to Folkestone, where Index is. Touma counters that the battle has taken down the powerlines, making trains moving impossible. Orsola however, states that Carissa is wide open in Folkestone and is unable to get a special fortress, and that, to deal with combined forces of them and the Church, the knights have to transport personnel and materials to quickly fortify a defensive position, which means they need to use the diesel trains in case of power issues. With that, they begin to try to escape the dorm.

Later Orsola reappears with the remaining forces of the Anglican Church before they begin their attack on Carissa. During the last supper, she joins the lonesome Sherry Cromwell and offers her sandwhiches, much to Sherry's chagrin as Orsola tries to shove some into her mouth. She questions on how Orsola left their dorms in a later time, to which she says that she was busy when everyone just left, and she also carried an incredible amount after being told to only carry necessities. Sherry laughs, saying that it is just like Orsola to do so. Sherry then discovers that Orsola carried and risked her life for the bust of Ellis, Sherry left back in her workshop. She berates Orsola for risking her life for the bust, and tells her that it would have been refreshing to her if it disappeared. Orsola replies by saying that she shouldn't force herself to change, and tells her that there is a big difference between removing regrets and denying the dead. She tells Sherry that she thinks it is not right to cut herself from her past, and states that there should be no reason why people who treasure the memories of the dead cannot also start their own lives anew. Sherry voices her complaint, saying that Orsola wouldn't understand, though she doesn't add any further protests. Orsola then says that since Sherry's clothes have been incredibly worn, she has brought a change of clothes for her. Sherry explains that she likes the clothes she is wearing and that there is no need to change, but then discovers what Orsola is implying, a Goddess Goth Maid Outfit. Sherry airs her extreme dissatisfaction with the clothes, and states that it has no connection to gothic outfits other than being kind of Western-looking and old-looking, which disappoints Orsola. Sherry then says that Orsola's fashion is that of an old grandmother, as such she is no help to her. Orsola says that it would be a waste if someone were to throw it and then concludes that she would just have to be the one would wear it. Sherry then frantically tries to stop Orsola from wearing the maid outfit, since she has a considerable bust size.

During the battle between Kamijou Touma and Kanzaki Kaori against Princess Carissa, Orsola and Sherry, with her golem, arrive as reinforcements. Here, she and the rest assist each Kaori in trying to take down Carissa, but is unable to penetrate her defenses. The Griffin Sky mobile fortresses however arrive as her reinforcements, and rain lances upon Sherry's golem, knocking her out of the fight. After a bunker cluster missile was shot towards London, Touma tries to call out to his Anglican Church comrades, Orsola being one of them, but cannot find any trace of them. It is unknown what possible help Orsola could have done during the battle as she is not known to have offensive spells.

World War III

 * Main article: World War III

There is no record of Orsola being involved in any battle in the War, though it can presumed she stayed back in the Church of England.

She is mentioned in passing in the narration, chronicling to the triumphs of Kamijou Touma as he dives into the oblivion of the Arctic Sea to defeat Archangel Gabriel.

Homecoming Arc

 * Main article: Homecoming Arc

Sherry references Orsola in passing, apparently surviving the War, stating that she is trying to investigate with the others which side the Radiosonde Castle belongs.

In the third part of Leivinia Birdway's lectures to Touma and the others, she cites the conflict with Orsola trying to decipher the Book of the Law as the trigger that heightened the tensions between the various forms of Christianity.

Toaru Majutsu no Index-tan
Orsola's static picture is part of the false ending in the third episode, where it details the obscurity and suffering of Yamisaka Ouma.

In the fourth episode, Touma's final lines to Index-tan as he carries her upon his head is that he would like to talk about Orsola instead, which enrages Index-tan.

Abilities
She is expert decoder of written codes, and many times, have been called alongside with Sherry to help Touma and the others in missions.

Orsola is also an expert in spreading Christianity in pagan lands and despite being subjected to countless hostility and violence from all sides, she carried no weapon. Her experience as a preacher allows her to negotiate or deceive enemies, and of course, help those who are in need.

Although she is not known to have any offensive capabilities, she was forced to carry the Lotus Wand for her own protection, though she was not very good at it, focusing too much on casting and tires out when using the staff. Orsola is not an expert in Healing Magic, she can at least carry out emergency aid by reconnecting torn blood vessels, as what she did for Lessar.

Design evolution
Apart from her clothes that are due to the storyline, Orsola's overall design has remained fairly static. Orsola was designed by Haimura with the intention of making a somewhat normal-looking nun, since both Index and Sasha Kreutzev look nothing like a real nun.

In her appearance for the 11th light novel volume, Haimura had to decide what hairstyle she would wear if she did not wear her hood and wimple

Trivia

 * According to the interview on Kazuma Kamachi featured in "Toaru Majutsu no Index no Subete", Orsola is the one whom he want to choose as his wife among all Index characters.
 * Orsola's seiyuu, Endou Aya, also voices Tessou Tsuzuri in Toaru Kagaku no Railgun.

Quotes

 * (To Touma, Volume 7): "The power of the grimoires has never brought forth any happiness to anyone."
 * (To Agnese, ibid): "...I can no longer run away from you people. According to your plan... I’ll be sentenced for a false crime... and buried in darkness... but I don’t care... I can’t lie to myself any longer... and can’t even lie to those friends of mine who never asked for anything in return… I don’t want to... be seen as one of you."
 * (To Touma, Volume 11): "It’s not about eliminating who’s bad; everyone has their own characteristics. You have a bad impression of the Roman Catholics, and actually, I also had…I didn’t believe in my Amakusa friends in the past, thus I caused quite a lot of trouble for everyone."
 * (To Agnese, ibid): "In actual conclusion, I don’t know the answer. I’m still undergoing nun training. I have no confidence about myself, always thinking that I know what’s right and what’s wrong, or have wisdom and conscience to decide this for others, and for myself."
 * (To Sasha, Volume SS1): "Do you understand the meaning of the small power we have? That small power allows us to continue forward without giving in when faced with a dispute that seems inescapable or it seems inevitable a life will be taken. That power gives us the opportunity to save the future of our allies, to not have to deprive our enemy of their future, and to all gather here in a single building afterwards. ...He had no power and ‘he’ did not have the proper background, but he was able to do it. So why are we not able to? If he can save so many people on his own, just think how many more we can save if we work together. There is no meaning in giving up. If you want to find meaning, it is crucial that you never give up."
 * (To Sasha, ibid): "Do not place the decision on me alone. Everyone has their own things that they must do. But... I personally do not at all see this in black and white terms of winning and losing. There is a third option. If we do not prepare the kind of happy ending where no one is defeated, we will not be living up to what ‘he’ would want."
 * (To Kaori, ibid): "The road to maturity is not an easy one. It’s simple enough to want to understand the teachings of the Lord, but truly understanding that path is extremely difficult. In fact, I feel that I said something rather immature before."
 * (To Sherry, Volume 18): "Wiping away your regrets and denying the dead are not the same thing. I do not think it is right to cut yourself off from your past. There is no reason that people who treasure their memories of the dead have no right to have a new life and construct a new house."