A Certain Coincidence

Touma made good on his word and called her first only a few days later. Unfortunately,

"I'm leaving Academy City for 3 days to visit my parents."

Like being splashed with water by a passing car after it rains. All Saten could do was smile and nod, despite being on the phone and Touma not realizing this. She tried calling him a few times during his trip, but whenever answering Touma acted like he didn't recognize her voice. This irritated her and she decided to give up for now and let him have it when he returned.

Unfortunately by the time he did she was distracted by matters of her own. They ran across a Child Error and were running around rampant because of it. By the time that incident ended, they received yet another development.

"Liberal Arts City?"

Well, it's not like this came out of the blue, Saten merely forgot.

For an entire week Saten, Uiharu, Mikoto, and Shirai were selected as Academy City representatives and flew out to an island city off the coast of California. Saten tried to keep in contact, but Kamijou was playing phone truancy once again and only got through a couple of times. For a number of reasons it was a difficult "field trip."

"He's going to forget what I look like!" Saten complains on the plane trip back.

Two and a half weeks have passed since she dragged Touma to her apartment. There was so much more she wanted to do before school started up again, but it's far too late and they'll have even further trouble meeting up. Things seriously haven't gotten any better despite the momentum they nearly had going.

"I don't understand why you stress yourself over some simian. If this one doesn't work out the next one will do just the same. In the end all boys are the same as monkeys."

This cynicism came from the person who has eyes for one and only. Apparently everything else are some blurred colors of gray to Shirai.

"Don't mind her," Mikoto tries to assure, "I'm sure he's just as eager to see you as you are him."

Advice from this person Kuroko wouldn't allow, "And when did you become such an expert on Primatology onee-sama? Don't tell me," rising form her seat with urgency, "you and that monkey from before were, were, gallivanting?"

Suddenly beat red in the face, "What? No! There is nothing between us and that is that!"

It would be a very few who would buy that.

As Misaka is being tight-lipped, Shirai turns her daggers at Saten, "This is all your fault! We had a perfect harmony going until put those crazy notions into her head! If it wasn't for you, onee-sama and I...would be...would be...he he he," and she's gone off to a far away place, light drool spilling from the corner of her mouth.

Telling Misaka Mikoto about the existence of Saten's "boy friend" pretty much opened the floodgates. They began discussing such things openly and generally worked to improve their feminine sides, or at least on Misaka and Uiharu's ends. Still, Saten kept the identity of her crush a secret, and while Uiharu knew the boy's name, she was requested to not share this information. Though it was unfair, Saten tried to dig out the name of the Railgun's crush, but every time confronted she would simply sidestep the accusation. Eventually Saten decided even if they were after the same guy, if Mikoto can't accept her own feelings she'll never stand a chance. Or at least that's how Saten kept assuring herself. It took a little time, but her one-sided war came to a ceasefire. Gradually she came to deny the possibility and wholeheartedly wished her friend the best.

Still, she isn't going to take careless chances.

"You've been quite for a while Uiharu-san," Misaka would do anything to bring the focus off her. "Do you have anything to say about Saten-san's boyfriend?"

Uiharu, ever the picture of serenity, appraises the situation like a pastor would during sermon, "Affairs of the heart should only be discussed behind closed doors. If one were to treat it with triviality, the embers of passion would be diminished and not burn as hot. With Saten-san we should all-"

Saten grabs the hem of Uiharu's skirt and raises it so she may peek inside. This immediately cuts off the girl's rant.

Surveying for herself, "So today is pure white, so we get a pure Uiharu-chan." She nods to herself.

"Saten-san!"

Shenanigans follow for a few minutes until Uiharu can calm down and answer Misaka's original question.

"I haven't met him yet, but from what I heard he's a really fun guy with a lot of stuff going on around him. He seems like the perfect person to keep our curious cat busy hours on end."

"And who exactly is a curious cat?"

There isn't a soul who would disagree with Uiharu's simile. Out of irritation, Saten flips her skirt again.

After pair's bickering settles, "So have you planned anything when you get back?" For some reason, Misaka seems keenly interested in her friend's progress. Almost like she's taking example.

"Well, the term just started and we got shipped off, so we'll have to catch up on schoolwork first. Next shot we have is the coming holiday."

Bringing a mischievous smile to the Level 5's lips, "Ah, the classic date setup. Let me guess, you're going shopping?"

Saten's frozen smile and blatant hesitation gives her away.

"What? Really?" somehow it's Uiharu who's surprised. "You've been telling me it was nothing serious all this time, but the shopping setup is the ultimate of Boyfriend Proclamation!"

"'Boyfriend Proclamation?'" Saten has a bad feeling about that phrase.

"Yes! You drag the boy you like around to all the shops and store for hours on end. All the other girls who are also shopping see you together. You're basically claiming, 'this one is mine!'"

Honestly, Saten never thought of it this way. Was this subconscious?

"No! That wasn't my intention!" Saten quickly tries to rescue herself. "Autumn is coming and I need new pieces for my wardrobe! I've grown out of most of what I wore last year!"

That last piece of information gets on the nerves of Uiharu and Mikoto.

"If it was just as much as shopping," Shirai isn't effected at all with the same kind of envy, "than you could have just gone with us or by yourself. Why would you want to bring a boy with you?"

Saten simply wanted to spend time with Touma. Of course the "big date" plans entered her thought process in planning for the coming day, but there's a very specific reason she decided to go simple. In basic terms, it's his Bad Luck and Misfortune. Always does it strike, and it seems the higher the middle-school girl aims the worse the blow back on the spiky-haired boy. The batting cage was one example, but there was also the baseball game in District 20 and the fishing trip in District 21. Going simpler had them run across misfortune which didn't threaten to flood the entire southwest districts of Academy City. How exactly is Saten supposed to explain that to her friends?

"You're reading too much into this!" she abandons ship entirely. "We're just going to hang out!"

Honestly, Saten doesn't know why she's becoming so flustered and embarrassed. Hadn't she already declared as much to Mikoto all those days ago? Perhaps it's due to mental immaturity, or having her subconscious intentions read. She wants to get closer to Kamijou, that's a given, but it's the acceleration which makes her hesitate. Maybe it's only natural.

Their times together started with an accident, and commenced with a coincidence. Gradually it grew, but it couldn't be expected to become a giant oak from the tiny sapling it is currently. Saten doesn't want that either.

However, if anything the young girl is distinctly aware of what has motivated this trend, as well as her own actions. It's the girl sitting across from her, the one who "might only be a coincidence." Unease has Saten pushing to meet with Touma, and perhaps causing her to run when a brisk walk would suffice.

Those dark feelings are starting to creep upon her again, so Saten takes a moment to calm herself and return to her friends collected.

"I think that's enough about me. How about you Misaka-san? Have you made any progress on your crush?"

"I already said we aren't like that! How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

The topic is eventually dropped and the girls enjoy the rest of their flight.

Life in Academy City resumes normally with all of them returning to their two respective schools. Studies occupy most of her time, so Saten calls Touma and only speaks with him briefly. Mostly irrelevant stuff, like what they're doing at school and with friends. The girl doesn't want to linger on their calls for too long, otherwise they will have nothing to talk about when they're together. She's saving all the juicy stories of what happened while in Liberal Arts City for that time.

As time swiftly passes by, the day of their meeting arrives in a blink. Saten almost can't believe it's already upon her. Deep down the girl made a secret pledge, but now that she has to act she's getting the jitters. Far more nervous than ever before is the middle-school girl prior to meeting the spiky-haired boy.

Trying her hardest to appear as not putting a great amount of effort into her wardrobe selection, she actually performed the exact opposite. Ending up again in her imported jeans, she also adds a simple black shirt and beret. As Uiharu is busy today with Judgment, Saten doesn't have the luxury of a second opinion. The girl's unsure if this is or isn't too flashy. Never before has she second guessed herself at every step like this, but finds herself doing so more often recently. It isn't hard to understand why.

Like all times previous they meet near the bus terminal. Logistically speaking they're within walking distance between their two respective apartments, but Saten isn't supposed to know where he lives, and Touma arriving at her place would send all the wrong messages to her neighbors. The bus terminal is their hub for all the far reaches of Academy City. They met there because it's economical. If they choose some cliché spot such as a fountain or any of that, it would give their "dates" an entirely different meaning. If it was like this probably neither of them would calm down all day. At least keeping the drab meeting spot only makes the girl nervous.

"Yo, Saten-san!" Touma approaches and addresses the girl casually enough. Apparently the only one now suffering in their relationship is her.

"Casually" is perhaps the only word required in describing today's Touma. Like the girl he's wearing denim, a dark blue color with matches surprisingly well with Saten's light. Also like his companion he wears a simple T-shirt, orange to her black. Minus the girl's beret, they practically match.

"Something wrong?" Touma asks when the girl hangs her head.

"No, nothing."

Becoming more self-conscious by the second, Saten is finding it harder and harder to not call this a "date." Well, perhaps that wouldn't be too bad. Thinking she might actually like it if it was, this does well to cause her heart to calm. But also does it ache. Touma might not wish the same, that if this was a date he would have rejected her invitation. Or maybe not. How Saten wishes this to be true, but she won't fool herself into becoming delusional. That is not their relationship. Yet, at least. All she can do is hold onto hope this will someday change.

"You wanted me to help you carry bags, right?" Touma reconfirms today's itinerary.

"Yeah, and sorry again for asking this. It's probably not going to be too much fun for you. I'll be sure to make it up to you! If there's anywhere you want to go, just let me know."

This thought makes her pause. Anywhere Touma would want to go? All this while he's merely been led around by her. What would happen if he took the initiative? Where exactly would he take her? The rapid ideas rushing into her mind make the girl blush.

"Nah, it's alright," Touma is quick to deny her invitation, "hanging out with you is fun enough. I get out too much as it is."

Honestly, Saten doesn't know what to make of that statement. With slight delight do the words inspire her, but also disappointment. Is there nothing he wants from this girl, or is what they have now enough? If it is, there's little prospect for the grandeur the adolescent imagines in the late hours as she falls asleep.

"Is something the matter Saten-san?"

There is, but she could never say what, "No, everything's fine." And doing everything in her power to cheer herself up, "Let's get going! My Autumn wardrobe isn't going to build itself."

Sighing in exasperation, "Yeah, yeah."

Like all times previous, they take the bus to their destination. It will be a short trip as the largest commercial area in Academy City is in the neighboring district. In fact they could have walked the distance with little difficulty, but considering the nature of this trip, going by bus will save them (Touma) energy to carry everything back.

As with their previous luck with public transportation, Saten expected the route to be packed so they wouldn't be able to sit together. Their last three outings were exactly this way. This time, however, nobody. The vehicle is completely empty, not even a driver as all buses in Academy City are automatic.

"Oh? Lucky!" Touma exclaims. "It feels like forever since I've been able to sit in a moving vehicle!"

Saten was planning on using their anticipated time apart to collect herself and calm her misgivings. Today it seems will be the girl's Bad Luck.

After they've been sitting and there's been more than a good deal of awkward silence, someone finally speaks up, "Um, Saten-san, there's been something I've been wondering for a while now."

"What is it?" her voice urgent, heart pounding for no good reason.

"Well, are your parents rich or something?"

That certainly wasn't the question she was expecting, "No, not really. Why do you ask?"

Clearly uncomfortable with asking it in the first place, Touma isn't too eager to follow up, "It's just, you always pay for everything. I know Level 0s don't get much in terms of participating in experiments, so I was wondering how you're always so loaded." Then as an afterthought, "If you don't mind telling, that is!"

As a form of allowance, students of Academy City receive a wage for participating in different experiments. The amount paid is determined by the severity of the scientific work. As one would expect, those with higher abilities are furthest in demand and receive perhaps more than they could ever spend. On the flip side, those with very low or no abilities are in extremely low demand. Level 0s like Touma and Saten are destined for poverty. However,

"Oh, I don't mind. Did you ever hear the rumors about somebody hiding cash cards throughout Academy City?"

Stopping and thinking about it, "Vaguely."

Wow, that's his bad luck.

"Well, they were entirely true. I found stacks upon stacks of them. Unfortunately a lot of them got confiscated by an overly dutiful Judgment member, but I cashed in on what I had left." Smiling mischievously, "Not my proudest moment mind you, but if someone wanted to play Santa Claus who am I to deny them? Well, the money was enough so I didn't have to worry about my well-being for a while. I've still got a lot left even after nearly a month."

A dark atmosphere tides as Touma goes into contemplation. Eyes narrow, facial muscles tense, and a hand instinctively comes to his chin as he thinks. Then, looking to Saten, he draws her in closer. In a whisper he speaks,

"So you're saying there are stacks upon stacks of unused money cards just sitting around in your Judgment friend's office?"

His thought processes get estimated by the girl friend, "You don't mean-"

"No one has claimed the money, have they?"

Slowly shaking her head, "No. And my friend even told me that money cards fall into a legal gray zone. It's not illegal to dump them, and they don't have to be reported to the authorities."

Touma's sinister smile turns ever the crueler, "Then what right does Judgment have to take them from the honest citizens who found them? What's to stop them from simply abusing their authority to collect them, then use them for their own ends?"

Coming to this revelation, "You're right!" but keeping in a hushed voice. "Absolutely nothing. It's a free-for-all for whoever possesses the physical cards."

"Exactly. Whoever holds the cards is the owner. So, assuming those crooked Judgment members haven't already spent them on themselves, why keep them collecting dust in some file cabinet? If they are possessed by no one, and there is no owner, why not use them for the purpose they were intended? If they remain unused, then it's only the bank who wins."

"And who would ever side with the banks?"

As their nefarious designs come into conception, Saten completely forgets about her previous nervousness and unease. Perhaps it was due to the insight of the boy, or just dumb luck, but his silly idea has calmed his friend and has her once again acting like herself. Of course such a heist of the Judgment 177th Branch Office would never succeed, but it's a fun mental exercise nonetheless. It helps melt away the short minutes as the bus runs it's route to their stop.

A plan of action far from being set, they arrive at their destination and continue as originally intended.

Their first stop is the autumn/winter line. Looking through overcoats, gloves, beanies and scarves, Saten digs through the off-season selections which are currently on discount. Touma can appreciate this thriftiness and considers doing the same. Next time. If he has any money by then.

While it's still early and they have many stops left to go, the aroma of one of the vendors is simply too great to resist. They take an early break as Saten foots the bill.

Next they pass a store with huge clearance sales on swimwear. Saten is eager to head inside and even try some on.

"Isn't the entire reason we came here because you grew out of what you wore last year?" being logical, Touma points out the obvious. "Why buy something now you won't wear for at least 6 or 7 months?"

Was he honestly trying to be helpful or just slipping away from the embarrassing situation of having her model the suits for him? Whatever the case, Saten sees an opportunity.

Covering her breasts with both hands, "Are you saying you think my chest will get bigger? Or are you secretly hoping it will? Ecchi (pervert)."

Of course he gets flustered and reacts entirely like she hoped, but Saten passes on the store entirely because he's right and she doesn't want to waste the money. Although showing off her body for him was an idea, perhaps it's a bit too much at the moment. Plus if she attempted to try on a swimsuit, she'd just be asking for his misfortune to strike. Maybe for regular clothes she would risk it, but anything that requires her to take off her underwear is definitely a "no."

They continue to hit up a few more stores and take another moment to break. So far Saten's purchases aren't too terribly inconvenient, but she's not even seen half the stores she intends. There's still hats, shoes, cosmetics, and jewelry (though she doesn't have nearly enough money for the latter).

To be completely honest, Saten expected Touma to yawn at least once by now. All this while he hasn't. Today he possesses a calmness, a peace. Almost like an elderly gentleman on taking one of his morning walks, he appears so relaxed he might close his eyes and slip into a very light sleep. Kind of like what might happen after receive a massage or sitting on a couch under the rays of a late morning sun.

"You're not nodding off back there are you old man (jiji)?"

In chagrin, "What? No. Of course not."

"You're totally going to be one of those old men who walk around with a hunched back and both hands behind his waist."

"And you're absolutely never going to slow down until you have a heart attack at 90 skiing down the Swiss Alps."

God she hopes so. And hopes further he's still by her side even then.

Nearly did she ask the question, that question, but the though vanishes as quickly as it appeared. So far today's been entirely pleasant. While it may appear the perfect time to lay all the cards on the table, it's also the perfect time to have it all explode in her face. Days such as these can continue a little further before she starts thinking about taking risks.

"Come on, we still have plenty of shopping to do!"

The remainder of their "date" continues as any in a shoujo manga might. They continue shopping, eat delicious snakes every now and then, and joke all the while. There are no pretenses, no insecurities, no uncomfortable or awkward moments. Truly is it a blessed day. Touma's signature Bad Luck is nowhere to be found, and they almost forget it exists entirely.

"-flying wooden ships that maneuvered greater than fighter jets?"

"Yes! It was incredible! I don't know what kind of science produced this, but it just goes to show Academy City doesn't have a monopoly and everything cutting-edge."

Saten's currently telling him about her trip to Liberal Arts City, and the craziness involved there. She's just about to get to the part where her Level 5 friend-

"Did something happen?"

Saten distracted herself from her retelling as the current situation demanded. Together her and Touma were just about ready to call it a day and head back, and as they approach their bus stop a distinct problem becomes apparent.

Touma observes, "The traffic, it's all backed up. Did the traffic control systems go down?"

To say the least, it's gridlock. Bumper to bumper, horns blaring, commuters stuck behind the wheel with absolutely no where to go. This could have been any street during rush hour in Tokyo, but this is Academy City with supercomputers regulating every single stoplight, lane closure, detour, and whatnot to cut the normal congestion. Unless there's some kind of accident or disaster, driving in Academy City should always be entirely smooth. Today however, it is not.

"I guess so."

Saten takes a moment and surveys their current situation. Currently 8 bags worth of Saten's new wardrobe are being carried. Touma packmules the bulk of it while the girl has taken one in each hand. It was an unequal distribution of labor, but Touma's a boy and the reason he was invited in the first place. On it's face that is. Not that he has reason to complain; he knew what he was getting into. Still, from a bus to walking the entire distance are two different matters entirely.

"What are we going to do?" more specifically, Saten's asking her boy friend's opinion.

And is the obvious conclusion, "I don't think we have much of a choice. We're gonna have to hoof it all the way back."

Who knew how long this disaster would last? And frankly, it doesn't involve them unless they want it to. As pedestrians they have the luxury of simply bypassing all the congestion, which some bicycles and motorcycles are also taking advantage of their maneuverability and zigzagging around the stuck cars. There's no way through this traffic jam, only around.

Thankfully the pair aren't stranded in some far corner of Academy City; only the neighboring district. Though laborious while carrying all these clothes, it isn't impossible. So at least they have a little luck.

"I had a feeling this was going a little too smoothly," Touma feels the need to point out.

Saten views this reaction sardonically, "That sounds like you wanted something bad to happen. Was being with me so terrible you wished today to be a disaster?"

"No! That isn't what I meant!"

The girl has to stop. She only meant it as a joke and tried to veil the teasing in her voice, but his outburst takes her entirely by surprise. He entirely thought she was serious; that was Touma's reaction. Saten knows he wouldn't wish for something bad to happen on a day like today, he is nowhere near that cruel a person, but this surge of raw emotion nearly makes him transparent. What he truly feels in his heart is nearly realized by the girl.

"Touma-kun?"

And only now does he realize he said far more than intended. Embarrassment strikes and he looks away. But Saten can't let this go. She can't simple tease him and pretend it didn't happen. Her heart's thumping so loud, she can barely breathe. She has to, she has to, she has to do something! Ask him! Confess her own feelings! Something to take advantage of this moment of transparency and reveal the truth for the both of them to bare! A moment like this is what can shape and change destinies!

"Touma-kun, do you," the next words utterly terrify her, for they have the power to alter their entire relationship. Is this truly what she wants? Is she ready? But if anything, she can't stop now, "do you like being with me?"

She couldn't make that leap. Not yet. The question which lies deep in her heart is another, but it's one not far removed. It was merely a step, a step which leads to the same conclusion. It's an important question, and it will be an important answer.

"Um," scratching the back of his head while still holding the bags, all kinds of timid and embarrassed, "yeah, I like being with you. This is a lot of fun for me."

Saten did not fear he would say "no." If Touma did not want to be here, with her, he wouldn't. She never twisted his arm, she never guilt tripped, never did anything further than ask. His answer wasn't always "yes," but at worst it was "maybe later." "Later" always came, so she did not question is willingness to be here. All the same, it must be asked. Because now the path is clear. Only one question lies beyond.

"Do you like-"

Thump thump thump, ring ring ring.

Both remain frozen in time.

That low-pitch tremble, follow by synthesized melodies, it could only be a cellphone. Quickly the escalation deflates and Saten can no longer feel her heart pounding in her ears. The moment has passed, she's acutely aware. Her opportunity to press that important question is no longer present, so she's left only to relent.

"Go ahead," Saten gives her permission, "it could be important."

Almost apologizing, "Thank you!"

The girl can only nod and give a somewhat disappointed smile. Did she miss her chance? Was she taking too much for granted? For a moment she honestly believed both, and neither. But such duality is common in the hearts of all girls. Even if that was an opportunity to advance their relationship, there will be others. An inclination was born the moment Touma reveled naked emotion, and such can come again. No, if the answer was positive to the question she didn't ask, it will come. After all, it's only natural between a man and a woman of mutual interest, desire, and companionship. The recipe is already boiling.

"What?" Touma's urgent voice breaks such thoughts and fills the air with tension. Saten made no effort to eavesdrop, but a raised tone makes that impossible. She can't help but be drawn into the conversation of which she can hear only one side.

But Touma sees Saten's growing concern, turns away, and tries to keep this call as private as possible. Responses from his end are nothing more than "ah huh," "understood," and finally "yes." After hanging up, he pauses several moments before turning and facing Saten.

"Saten-san," his voice is firm, but also apologetic, "I have to leave."

Whatever was on the other side of that call, Saten knows it's important, and he's serious. This isn't the kind of issue that can be argued over. However, an obvious rebuke is in her hands.

"What! You're leaving? You can't leave me here and like this! It's dark, and I'll be alone, and I'll be carrying all these expensive clothes! I'd be a prime target for whatever delinquents or hoodlums are prowling around right now!"

She's entirely right, Kamijou cannot deny this. But where he must go might even be more dangerous. Or at least that's how he reasoned. There isn't a good answer.

"I'm sorry, it's important!"

"Am I not important?" she almost said. This isn't the time for arguing, Saten realizes this. Whatever was the topic of that phone call, it's of dire importance. This isn't the time for conflict, it's a time for action. On both their parts. So the solution to this problem is extremely simple.

"I'm coming with you," her proud declaration leaves no room for debate.

"But you-" trailing off, even he realizes he holds no power against her. If she chooses to follow despite his urging, he can't prevent her. Inwardly he curses. If he could have played it off, if he wasn't surprised, maybe he could have downplayed the urgency of what took place over the phone. Saten's response wasn't abnormal. Touma is going to place himself in danger, and like a good friend the middle-school girl didn't want this to happen. But this is a danger he must be face, so in that case, like a true friend, she refused to abandon his side. There is no dissuading.

"Alright, but you have to do exactly as I say. When I tell you to hide or lay low, you do exactly that."

With conviction, Saten nods.

Placing chivalry in the back seat, Touma and Saten split the luggage evenly. This is a matter of time, and Touma needs as much of his strength as possible. Maybe this could be handled differently were he on his own, but the girl's presence itself creates a hindrance. He can't simply leave her behind, but to achieve his objective he also can't be mindful of her either. Saten also realizes this and gives priority, not obedience, to Touma's instructions. Were she any girl, any girl who hasn't braved some of the darkness Academy City has to offer, she would not be so intent at this point. In the back of her mind, she believes there's something she can do.

Touma puts a pause to his race at a rather vacant intersection. Either the traffic jams were clearing or nobody chose this route to attempt to fight the commute. Nearly they're entirely surrounded by tall buildings, but there's a rather suspicious under construction site that seems to have fallen some sort of misfortune. Beams and girders lay strewn and piercing the ground in unnatural ways. Apparently someone fought here recently.

"It's somewhere around here," Touma mumbles. "We actually weren't that far-"

A thunderous crash erupts from on high, causing both the pair to flinch. Only is there a moment to react as the girl's eyes naturally trail upward. Touma's did the same, but his reaction to this sight prompts something else entirely immediately after.

"Saten-san!" he cries, rushing to her side.

Nearly tackling her, he covers her body with her own and drags her to the ground.

Moments after, further crashes commence in a rain right behind them. This time it's on ground level, but not of the explosive nature. It's as if multiple heavy objects are falling to earth. It takes all her effort not to scream, and instead focus on the warm body protecting her. Somehow, her heartbeat calms.

In reality it lasted no more than 3 seconds, but felt immensely longer. When the calm finally arrives, they both take time to survey.

Saten would laugh, but she feels far too secure to find the humor in this situation. What fell was broken glass and furniture, from somewhere in the buildings above. It's actually a good distance from their current position, but Touma still felt it necessary to shield her. For these brief moments, she relishes his body pressed against her own.

"I guess I found the place."

Sure enough, that initial explosion was a window bursting. As much is plainly obvious by the visible opening in the building. Without a doubt, that is the destination as described by the mysterious phone call.

"Saten-san, I need you to stay here."

Those words the girl fully expected. If she asked "why?" he likely wouldn't answer. Why she needed to stay, or why he needed to rush into danger; neither of these questions he wouldn't answer, but neither is it the question she wants to ask. Her question, "why you?" Touma is little more than a Level 0 like herself. Against those with abilities, she herself isn't a match. The humiliation of being helpless, she's felt it plenty. However, she does not see helplessness in Kamijou currently. So then what? What exactly does she see at this very moment? She cannot identify.

"Yes," but chooses to believe in his strength.

His is a life of misfortune. Every day he struggles against whom could be considered the entire world. Bad Luck will always follow, yet to this day he has never been crushed. This is what allows him to face whatever it was that caused this destruction before them. Bolstered by his confidence, Saten can't help but see him off with a smile.

He's going to be fine, she believes with her entire being.

At this point she has every intention of obeying, but something catches her eye. Within the rubble, there lay a coin. Normally she would have simply overlook as much within this pile of destruction, but it reflected the nightlights differently than the broken shards of glass. It makes her curious, so she approaches.

Indeed it's a coin, this was easy to guess even from far away. However, up close it's determined not to be any normal kind of coin. It isn't something used for normal transactions. In fact it's more of a token than a tender of currency. There's really only one kind of establishment which would go through the efforts to print their own money for microtransactions. It's an arcade coin. This much most people would guess. However, for Saten, it's not only obvious; it's familiar.

In Academy City alone, being it a city of students, there are literally hundreds of arcades. Not all mint their own token, some electing to simply stick with yen. Still, there are hundreds of variations of arcade token within Academy City, yet Saten knows exactly from which establishment it came. She should know, because she's been there before. Many times.

This in and of itself could be considered a coincidence, but because it came from that particular arcade it also came with another meaning for her, one of which she's been sensitive of for a while. No matter how she tried to convince herself, told herself the odds were too high, and whatever logic deemed her instincts to be false, she always found hints that led to a heartbreaking conclusion. This too is one. This very same type of coin is also what a certain Level 5 uses as ammunition for her signature move. Railgun.

Dropping her bags, Saten sprints into the building after Touma.

The lobby is unnaturally quiet. Like most in this district, this too is a mall of sorts. At this time it's entirely vacant. Not that the shops are closed, though they are indeed locked, at this hour there should still be many shoppers. They are not "closed." They are "abandoned." Whatever is taking place on the floors above frightened them and they fled. This is where she currently must head.

Trying her best not to lose sense of direction, Saten retraces exactly where she believes that explosion to have occurred. Judging from the furniture which crashed to the ground, it looked like a restaurant. A quick directory search got her in the right direction rather quickly.

As stated, it's unnaturally quiet. If Touma is rushing there now, he has yet to come into contact with whatever, or whoever, caused the disturbance. Danger he might miss completely.

In the distance, below, Saten here's a "ding." It's the unmistakable sound of an elevator. Due to the unnatural state of emergency, Saten wouldn't chance it and took the stairs. As she was going up, another was going down. If it's someone attempting to flee after this late a stage, it can only be a party at least partially responsible. The girl rushing behind her boy friend ducks low and spies what she can.

The person who exits the elevator is a girl. Taller, she's more than likely in high school. Long red hair tied in twin-tails is obvious from Saten's high vantage, but the girl can't distinguish any other personal features. However, she's littered with injuries and in a compromised state of dress. In fact she's nearly entirely topless, with little more than a jacket hanging from her shoulders! What in the heck took place here?

Saten hesitates. What should she do now? Follow who might be the perpetrator who Touma more than likely missed entirely, or follow her friend? Shaking her doubt, if that redhead caused this amount of damage, the middle-school Level 0 doesn't stand a chance. Besides, that wasn't why she ran here in the first place. She didn't come to be a hero, but to answer her own questions. This might not be very heroic, but Saten leaves who might have been the villain for another. She continues to race in an attempt to find the source of a certain arcade token.

Just as she reaches the floor she believes the shatter window to have came from, a rumbling nearly makes her fall. Bracing herself against the handrail, she puts her entire strength into staying completely put. From this height, were she to fall it would be all the way to the ground level. To say the least, it would prove fatal. She stays put.

Still, it feels somewhat odd. This isn't exactly like an earthquake. It feels less like the ground, but the air shaking. Maybe it's what one would feel from a disturbance in the atmosphere created by a meteor.

Yet even this isn't enough to make the Level 0 cower. Carefully bracing herself, she searches for anything which may be causing this phenomenon. It doesn't take her long.

At this point everything happens so fast, and there's so much to see. First, Saten finds Touma. He's running away from her present direction. Ahead lies one distinct figure, and one indistinct. Of what can be identified, it's a short twin-tailed Judgment member who would be recognized immediately. It's Shirai Kuroko, heavily injured and bleeding, hapless and laying on the floor. Before Saten even has even a moment to consider her friend's situation, the indistinct figure demands attention of all. It's a mass. There's no other way to describe. Some apparition hovers above the injured middle-school Judgment, and it can't be anything good. It's this exact thing which has the entirety of Touma's focus.

The spiky-haired boy charges directly at the overhead mass, reaches with his right hand, and shatters it.

Truly, there is no other way to describe.

With the mass broken, the quaking stops. Saten is hit with a sudden sense of disorientation, but recovers soon enough. And before she can even attempt to comprehend what happened,

"You are," it a voice she knows so well, taking a weak tone she's never before heard. Saten is completely breathless. "-why did you save me? One misstep and you would have died too. To be honest, I though our friendship gauge was in the negatives."

Touma and Shirai actually know each other? Hundreds of questions and ideas run through Saten's mind by the second. They don't appear to be friends. So she was fighting that redhead? Does that explain the arcade token? Was Shirai carrying it on her? What was that mass? What did Touma do? Is he really a Level 0? Who called him? Is he actually a member of Judgment? Or does he volunteer?

If anything, at least Saten is able to draw one conclusion. That coin did not belong to the Railgun. Actually, it could have. After all, it wouldn't be surprising to anyone if Shirai took one and held it on her person at all times. There is no doubt, that coin fell from Shirai's possession.

As it stands now, Saten has yet to be noticed. So what should she do? Run out and help her friend? Normally this would be the case no mater the situation, but Touma is doing well a job of that now on his own. From this distance the girl can't tell the extent of the Judgment member's injuries, but judging by Touma's reactions it isn't immediately critical. And even if Saten reveals herself here, what can she do? Help with first aid? Far is she from a professional. The extent of her abilities is patching up her little brother after doing something reckless. Administer aid after an esper battle? That's far beyond her purview. Even if it's just to give support, how is Saten supposed to explain her presence to Shirai? "I was on a date and the one who just save you is my boy friend?" Actually, she likes the sound of that.

"Kuroko!"

But it is not Saten's voice who cries for her friend. It's a voice who make's Saten's heart stop. Goose flesh breaks from the tips of her fingers all the way to her spine. Something terrible boils from the pit of her stomach and nausea sets in. She has to clutch her chest to brace herself. Breathing ragged, she nearly faints. Thoughts in a complete distorted mess, a voice from deep below tells her to flee. To turn away. To escape this scene before she witness that which she should never. However, Saten Ruiko was never one to listen to this part of herself, and she does not now.

No one saw her arrive. Now standing where the window was broken, through some special feat she must have climbed her way to this height. Considering her abilities, this would have been simple for her. Her first sight upon entering the damaged restaurant was her injured friend, but another has now taken recognition.

"Why, why are you here, again?"

Saten flees.

It wasn't the words spoken by Misaka Mikoto, it wasn't even her presence. Any number of reasons could explain why the Level 5 Railgun arrived at this scene, perhaps none of which could be linked to Kamijou Touma. No, the reason Saten ran wasn't because of coincidence, wasn't because of misunderstanding; it was the expression Misaka wore. Never had Saten seen her friend that way. The tomboyish, confident, gracious, mature yet childish, Level 5 Ace of Tokiwadai gave an expression towards the spiky-haired boy which couldn't even be written of in poem. All the same, Saten recognized it's identity and it made her soul weep.

Misaka Mikoto is in love with Kamijou Touma.

Saten ran. Leaving the floor of the incident, exiting the building, running down the street. Sirens approach and she leaps into an alley. While hiding in the shadows, catching her breath, Anti-Skill APCs race to the scene of the destruction. Having no idea why she chose to hide, all matter of torment ravages the middle-school girl's heart. No longer able to support herself, her back falls against the wall, and slides all the way to the ground.

Tears stream down Saten's cheeks, but she doesn't weep. After all, what's the point? What did she lose? Merely did she confirm the darkest of her suspicions. Did that mean she has to stop seeing Touma? No. If anything, it now leveled the playing field. All obstacles are now visible.

But she can't be that optimistic. No, it's for very good reason she fears a possible relationship between Touma and Misaka. To put it bluntly, how do the two girls stack against each other? Mikoto is older, taller, cute, intelligent, cultured, wealthy, popular, and let's not forget a Level 5 esper. In practically every aspect Saten is outshone. If split between the two, who would Touma pick? Saten can't imagine anyone pick the middle-school Level 0 over the Ace of Tokiwadai.

"This sucks," her lament of this situation escapes through her lips in broken words.

A pair of footsteps halt to her side. Due to her shattered state of mind, Saten didn't notice until they were this close. As she's already damaged, the girl immediately fears the worse and backs away in fright. And what stands before her is,

"Did you not forget these? After carefully hiding these belongings prior to running into the building, you did not return for them upon running out, MISAKA attempts to curry cosmic balance by doing a good deed after one for her has been performed, and not at all envious of a supple young girl who can wear more than a single outfit."

Misaka Mikoto stands before Saten, holding the spoils of today's date before her. Except it isn't Misaka Mikoto. They have the same build, the same voice, and the same face, but it is not her. Anyone familiar with the Level 5 Railgun might make this mistake at first glance, but not after that. Yet Saten realizes immediately even before the first glance, that this is not her friend who should still be with Shirai and Touma. Even further, this girl is recognized for who, or what, she truly is, the doppelganger who walked home with Touma that day.

Every one of her fears made manifest, Saten screams as she runs away.

Work sucks ho hum ho hum. I must be sounding like a broken record by now, but sorry again for taking so long. Practically nothing has gone according to plan this month and I keep getting sidetracked, distracted, or otherwise occupied to put forth the time I want to into this project. Like Saten and Touma's relationship, is just one thing after a-freaking-nother.

Griping aside, this chapter we find Saten stepping infinitely closer on Touma's world. The developments in the coming chapters are going to come fast and going to come hard (didn't mean that as a pun). As to how far I intend to take this story, I like to consider the next chapter the halfway point. But who knows as I haven't finished it yet.

I would like to say I'm back on track, but I doubt my release speed will improve for the remainder of the month. April should have things cooled down and my IRL schedule back to some kind of normal.

~Kyle Castorena