Start of a new Mystery

[ACMI2: A Certain Everyday Spectacle]

Joule checked her watch as she walked down to the Cafe that Misaka had invited them all to in order to enjoy themselves and do some group studying. This week's work hadn't been any easier than before but once her friends had joined her it felt better to Joule.

When she got there she smiled and waved. Saten looked up from her work at a good moment and so saw her and spoke to the others who were already there.

As Joule joined them at the table she looked around to see what everyone was working on. Misaka and Uiharu were doing something together about computer theory and Kuroko and Saten were doing mathematics.

It had interested her at first when she found out that the schools gave out extra homework related to a person's esper abilities but it did make sense as a way to teach them how to work it out better. She herself had some psychology work and music theory that had been assigned. The music theory one stood out since she had noticed people inviting her to join in their schools music club this week. Maybe they figured out how her power related to music and wanted to encourage her to keep on improving it specifically.

Making music was fun for her so she actually had agreed and would be joining them next week.

Seeing as she was likely one of only people to get Esper homework on music theory she did put in the proper effort. Her friends couldn't help that much but they were encouraging anyway.

They all finished up the homework fairly quickly and so ordered some of the cafe's cakes to eat while they chatted. Joule was just enjoying listening to everyone else talk when Uiharu spoke to her suddenly after looking something up on her phone. She showed it to Joule and asked "Is this who I think it is?"

It was a video someone had taken with their phone and it pointed towards a building. Suddenly one of the windows on an upper floor broke and what looked like a person fell from it before slowing themsevels before hitting the ground. The coat made it quite obvious.

"It's Genki." Joule agreed before asking "When was it taken?"

Uiharu checked for a moment before answering "Monday," she then frowned and asked "Isn't that when you were..."

Her words fell away after a moment. By now Joule had told them all the story of her kidnapping but none of them really mentioned it around her if they could avoid it.

Joule simply nodded in answer to her question.

The phone was passed around so everyone could see the video.

Soon the conversation moved on to other topics like the upcoming Daihasei Festival and the opening of the Space Elevator. It seemed that September was going to end up being a very busy month.

[ACMI: The Thing You Lost]

As dusk began to settle over Academy City, GV was taking a walk. Joule was still with her friends so he actually had a rare chance to just walk and relax.

In the world ruled by Sumeragi these chances didn't exist at all. Joule was the only source of calm he had known. Now though, in Academy City, he could calm down and take in the city sites.

Some people would say that a city lacks beautiful sites to see but in Academy city there were plenty of areas that could give you a look over the city.

GV was at one such a place now. It was a seating area near the edge of the city. He could actually see the city boundary from where he sat. He was surprised though when he saw a familiar face.

[ACMI: Strain]

He walked over quickly and found Touma looking between his phone and the edge of the city.

"Kamijou?"

Touma looked around to see him and returned the greeting with a raised eyebrow.

"Genki, why are you out here?"

GV looked back towards the center of the city.

"I was taking in the sights. There's a good spot here."

Touma nodded but he wasn't paying full attention.

"Sorry, I have to leave."

GV raised an eyebrow as Touma began to walk towards the border. After a moment GV caught up to him and walked with him.

As he caught up, GV spoke "I never apologised. You helped with the problem with Kihara after I refused your help."

"I forgive you." Touma spoke quickly and GV realised something.

"Who are you going to meet?"

Touma stopped then and looked at GV.

"What makes you think I'm going to meet anyone?" he asked, suspicious.

"You plan to leave the city and I have a feeling you don't want to. My guess is that you have been called by someone to meet outside the city. Am I close?"

Touma nodded then started walking again, again GV caught up and he continued to theorise.

"They must have something you want if you are leaving. Something or someone?"

He watched for Touma's reaction and at the slight flinch at "Someone" it was clear.

"Let this be my apology," GV requested "I'll help you get back your friend."

Touma snorted at that before replying "You're not quite as sharp as you think. While someone has been taken, I doubt they're in any real danger." He passed a note for GV to read.

"Dear Touma Kamijou,

If you value her life, come to the site of the twilight theater and abandoned playhouse outside of Academy City tonight at seven o'clock. Come alone and do not alert the authorities."

GV was confused for a moment before Touma explained.

"I asked after the person who sent the note. It's someone I know and who is friends with the person taken. They won't harm her, this is just an excuse to get me out of the city. They probably need me and her for something. He's also probably serious about the 'come alone' part, these people don't like getting involved in Academy City."

Sighing, GV gave the note back.

"Fine, I will find a way to pay you back though."

Touma nodded "Fair enough. Maybe I'll ask in the future."

GV watched Touma head to the gates before turning to look back at the city. His curiosity was piqued but if he got involved would cause issues of it's own. He could follow Touma or he could just head home. Choices, choices.

End of chapter.

Oh this, this I hate. Upon rewatching the Orsola Aquinas arc I have realised that there really is no way to get either character involved beyond this. I want to involve them but there isn't really a way. If you can think of a way feel free to share.