Toaru Majutsu no Index Wiki
Toaru Majutsu no Index Wiki
Toaru Majutsu no Index Wiki
3,919
pages
in: Characters, Science Side Characters, Espers,
and 3 more
English

Takitsubo Rikou

Sign in to edit
Articles on
Takitsubo Rikou 		Chronology

Takitsubo Rikou (滝壺 理后 Takitsubo Rikō?) is a character introduced in Toaru Majutsu no Index. She is a member of Item, a mercenary group in the dark side of Academy City. Despite her lethargic appearance, she is the core of the team due to her AIM Stalker. After constant use of the Ability Body Crystal, and the dark turn their leader Mugino Shizuri takes culminating with the execution of Frenda Seivelun for her betrayal, she becomes estranged from the group, and later flees and falls in love with Hamazura Shiage, the third protagonist of Toaru Majutsu no Index. Much of the story that focuses on Shiage revolves around his and Rikou's struggle against the Dark Side of Academy City.

After the events of World War III, Mugino Shizuri reconciles with the remaining members and reforms the group. The organization becomes the only known faction from the Dark Side of Academy City that fought in the factional war on October 9 to have not been disbanded after the war.

Appearance[]

Rikou is a high school girl[2] who often looked tired. Her black hair was cut evenly at shoulder length.

In her original appearance, she is usually seen wearing a pink track suit,[3][Notes 1][4] that functioned as casual wear and sleepwear for her,[3] to the point where Shiage believes that she would probably wear it to a wedding or funeral.[5] According to Saiai, Rikou's track suit is "overflowing with practicality,"[2] likely indicating that Rikou chooses her clothes based on functionality and not on appearances.

In her appearance in Toaru Kagaku no Railgun, she only wears track pants with a white shirt. Her large breasts are apparently hidden by her track suit.

Personality[]

Paired with her tired looking appearance is her lethargic demeanor and is referred to be an airhead,[6] often shown in illustrations as staring blankly into space.[7] She can also sleep with her eyes open. She has shown to rarely express her inner-thoughts, and when she does, she sometimes does it without any emotional expression, an example of this is when she nudged Shiage that they should leave the family restaurant they were in as Mugino Shizuri needed to visit Frenda's grave.[7]

Despite this subdued demeanor, she truly does care about her fellow Item members, rooting for them when they are down as with the case of Frenda failing to stop Misaka Mikoto when they arrive to back her up.[8] In fact, though the others can easily act as the most casual during non-missions, her subdued demeanor belies her kind nature. She is described as a valorous girl,[9] despite her involvement in the Dark Side of Academy City. This indicates that she retains her humanity despite her involvement. This is backed up by Shiage's observations of her after she let him escape and how she may have been affected by Shiage's lamentations regarding nameless corpses being burned in the Dark Side of Academy City and how he might end up as one.[10] Moreover, not only is she kind but quite selfless, as exemplified in the aforementioned sentence as well as showing in many opportunities she offers herself as a bait to lure out enemies while her friends escape regardless of her own physical state; in other times she refutes the possibility of being rescued from danger as the risk is too high. It is likely because of this selflessness that Hamazura Shiage wants to "bring happiness" to Rikou if possible.[11]

Rikou is in love with Hamazura Shiage and has shown to be quite possessive with him, willing to argue with a child over him, and has shown strong behavior towards any sign of unfaithful behavior unbecoming of her, to the point where Hamazura described that attitude as "a dangerous light in her eyes."[9] Moreover, she has shown to be quite impatient towards Fremea Seivelun, often warning Shiage of threats of violence against her when she acts brattish towards them, forcing Shiage to calm her down, an example of this is her wanting to perform an iron claw on her.[12] Finally, as of Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index, they seem to act like two married couples with Fremea as their child. This is shown by a dialogue with them while walking Fremea back to her dormitory regarding the need for detergent, at which point Shiage comments on how her attitude lacks sex appeal.[13]

Background[]

Not much is known about her past, but she herself states that Item is the only place she belongs to,[14] which might imply that she is a Child Error.

As she is an esper, she likely went through to the Power Curriculum Program. After discovering the rare potential of her AIM Stalker of making her the 8th-ranked Level 5 or even something much greater than that, researchers ran a simulation on her with Tree Diagram but it found that making her one had conditions that were too severe. As such the researchers were forced to turn to the research of the Kihara Family, specifically the Ability Body Crystal as it had similar effects. However, according to the helmeted woman, simulations using the Ability Body Crystal had hopeless results. Despite this the researchers continued to tamper with Rikou's body as the possibilities of her power were too valuable.[15]

At some point, she was framed for a crime she didn't commit and arrested on these false charges. This was presumably a plan by some lab to get a hold of her or test the Ability Body Crystal, using her arrest to get her thrown in prison and then make her disappear once interest in her faded. However, Mugino Shizuri saved her, getting the charges against her dismissed through some unknown means, and subsequently recruiting her as support since Meltdowner is too powerful.[16] She's been with Mugino the longest out of all members of Item.[17]

Her entry into Item, with Mugino Shizuri giving her Ability Body Crystal, was, unbeknownst to them, part of the research on Rikou.[15][18] In fact, it concerned both, with Academy City trying to see who between Mugino and Takitsubou would be perfected as a Level 5 capable of creating more Level 5s, while the other would be discarded.[18] Due to her knowledge in the inner-workings of Rikou and her AIM Stalker,[15] it is likely that the Item liaison was the one recruited her into Item for this purpose, though she implies Director Nakimoto Rizou had a hand in the false charges that led to the two meeting.[18]

Abilities[]

AIM Stalker[]

Takitsubo Rikou's ability is AIM Stalker (能力追跡（AIMストーカー） Nōryoku Tsuiseki (AIM Sutōkā)?, lit. "Ability Tracker", Yen Press: Ability Stalker), a passive power derived from Clairvoyance and remote viewing,[19] which she uses to record other espers' AIM field and track them down. Rikou herself boasts that as long as she recorded their AIM diffusion fields she can track them down even if they were to leave the solar system.[6] The ability also allows Rikou to accurately gauge the distance and direction of the target, as exemplified by Mugino utilizing it to hunt down Mikoto from a safe distance.[20] So useful is her ability in Item that she is essentially its core, much more than Mugino Shizuri who is a Level 5.[21]

Initially, she required the consumption of the Ability Body Crystal to use her powers, as it was one of those abilities that can apparently be used when she is overloaded. Her continued use however have worn her body down to the point where she will collapse and become seriously ill if she uses it again. What's worse is that it can also be fatal.[21] Under the effects of the Ability Body Crystal her eyes widen and enable to use her power. However, prolonged usage of her power eventually tires her out.[20] During the events of World War III, she was eventually healed by Elizalina when she and Shiage managed to escape into the Elizalina Alliance of Independent Nations.[22] She would then later use the powers on Mugino Shizuri,[15] and later be able to search espers with the ability without the use of drugs, as for example when she searched for Fremea.[23]

Later, it is shown that, strangely, Rikou's esper power can also sense magic in some ways. She gets sick from Orsola Aquinas fused with Isis-Demeter passing nearby her, prompting Niang-Niang to call her a "connective type" and advising her to not "channel" that.[24] She could also sense the presence of Annie Horniman and Westcott,[25] as well as Madame Horos.[26]

Potential[]

Rikou has the potential of becoming the 8th ranked Level 5 esper. This is because of the potential her ability has, which has overturned the idea that there can only be seven Level 5 espers.[15] Both Mugino[27] and Kakine[21] have stated that her ability allows for the control of their respective powers; they claim this to be done by reversing the flow of their AIM diffusion fields. Mugino further speculates that she could strengthen an esper and force them out of control if she desired.[15]

During World War III Rikou was able use her ability to help Mugino's erratic Personal Reality with Meltdowner and in turn, that move was used to save Shiage's life.[28] Much later, During the Ichihanaran Festival as Kakine he loses control of the Dark Matter due to Beetle 05 rebelling against him, and now was no longer being recognized as the originator he recalls on Takitsubo Rikou presence in the group when he attacked them for the first time. He also recalls the information on her ability and that she also had the possibility of using others’ AIM diffusion fields to distort their Personal Realities. He then theorized that she might have, either consciously or subconsciously, incited the change in Beetle 05.[29] This seemingly backed up when Kihara Yuiitsu comments on Takitsubo Rikou's progress, referring to it as going "exceeding well" tagging her interest with her as gold.[30]

Knowing her potential researchers have speculated that if she becomes the 8th-ranked Level 5, her AIM diffusion field would be able to use as an intermediary to freely control other espers' Personal Realities, beyond Mugino's speculation. As Personal Realities were the source from which espers powers and phenomenon were brought into the real world, controlling it would not only mean increasing or decreasing an esper's level, it would also mean she could give different kinds of powers to anyone, switch powers between espers, or remove esper powers all together. For example: Hamazura Shiage would be given the Meltdowner while Mugino Shizuri would be brought down to being a Level 0. Moreover, Dual Skill a previously impossible phenomena would become reality. Furthermore, she can do it freely at any place she wanted to.[15] According to the helmeted woman, if Rikou's potential is realized she alone could out every function that Academy City does, becoming an Academy Individual (学園個人 Gakuen kojin?) and practically making the Power Curriculum Program obsolete.[15]

The problem with Rikou was though she had a rare potential, getting her to "bloom" was difficult.[15] Hence the reason for the Ability Body Crystal,[15] apparently to force her to show her potential through overloading her ability, though even this wasn't enough. During the course of the series, her relationship with Shiage and the struggles she had to face with him has opened up the path to her realizing her full potential as the 8th-ranked Level 5.[15]

Character Art Designs[]

Design Evolution[]

Rikou's overall design remained the same for most of the series, having larger eyes and bigger heads as Haimura's style evolved. Rikou was designed to have the least presence amongst her colleagues.

Gallery[]

Quotes[]

  • (To Frenda talking about Item, from Railgun Chapter 30) : "I'm fine... This is the only place where I belong, after all..."
  • (To Shiage, Vol 15) : “I told everyone about what you said by the furnace. I don’t want you to become ash like that. Don’t worry. I’m a Level 4 and you’re a Level 0. So I’ll protect you, Hamazura.”
  • (To Shiage, Vol 21) : “It’s okay, Hamazura,” -- “Even now, you’re fighting to protect me. So you aren’t pathetic.”
  • (To Shiage, NT1) : "…Don’t NTR anyhow, Hamazura, you’re mine" (NTR is slang term to describe a cheating plot in fictional media or a related with it fetish.)
  • (Sensing Shiage's actions, NT1): “…A signal is coming from north-north-east… I sense that Hamazura is flirting with another girl…!!”
  • (To Shiage, NT2) : “…Kinuhata always says you’re super Hamazura-y, but I’m a little disappointed that it’s at the level of a wild beast…” -- When Rikou found Fremea and Hamazura on what she perceived as a unsightly position.

Trivia[]

  • Rikou cannot swim, though she can float.[31]

Notes[]

  1. ↑ According to Ainame Caroline's analysis in early August of the year before the main story, Takitsubo's pink fitness track suit is from the Robe of Feathers brand and her sneakers are a limited White Noise edition from Victoria, of which only 100 pairs were made.

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22 Epilogue
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 19 Chapter 1 Part 4
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 19 Chapter 1 Part 2
  4. ↑ Toaru Anbu no Item Light Novel Volume 02 Between the Lines 1
  5. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 01 Prologue
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 15 Chapter 2 Part 7
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 01 Chapter 1 Part 1
  8. ↑ Toaru Kagaku no Railgun S Episode 09
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 02 Chapter 3 Part 7
  10. ↑ Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 15 Chapter 4 Part 4
  11. ↑ Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 19 Epilogue
  12. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 06 Chapter 5 Part 8
  13. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 05 Chapter 2 Part 2
  14. ↑ Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 030
  15. ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22 Chapter 12 Part 7
  16. ↑ Toaru Anbu no Item Light Novel Volume 01 Chapter 3 Part 2
  17. ↑ Toaru Anbu no Item Light Novel Volume 01 Chapter 2 Part 12
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Toaru Anbu no Item Light Novel Volume 02 Epilogue
  19. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22 Chapter 4 Part 10
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 029
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 15 Chapter 4 Part 5
  22. ↑ Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 21 Chapter 7 Part 1
  23. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 07 Chapter 4 Part 5
  24. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 20 Chapter 4 Part 1
  25. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 21 Chapter 2 Part 12
  26. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22 Chapter 2 Part 12
  27. ↑ Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 19 Chapter 4 Part 2
  28. ↑ Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22 Chapter 11 Part 2
  29. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 06 Chapter 7 Part 12
  30. ↑ Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 06 Epilogue
  31. ↑ Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 043

Navigation[]

v • e
Item
Original Incarnation
Operatives
Mugino Shizuri Takitsubo Rikou Kinuhata Saiai Frenda Seivelun
Members
Hamazura Shiage
Middlemen
Item Liaison
Unnamed Combination Team
Operatives
Kinuhata Saiai Gokusai Kaibi Tetsumou Teshio Megumi
Middlemen
Item Liaison
Second Incarnation "New Item"
Mugino Shizuri Takitsubo Rikou Kinuhata Saiai Hamazura Shiage
Español Français 中文
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms