Mikoto imagined her words would stir the Sisters up. But she couldn't know just how big the commotion actually was. The Misaka Network was buzzing like a beehive, with a new voice pitching in every second.
"Onee-sama cannot fool us. She bought a box of chocolate and ingredients for homemade chocolate, says Misaka 10050 showing off her observation."
"Onee-sama confessing on Valentine's? Impossible, pigs haven't learnt how to fly yet, says Misaka 13577 completely unashamed of her lack of faith in the Original."
"You should be ashamed, 13577. This Misaka believes in Onee-sama. Onee-sama, fighto, fighto! Misaka 19488 cheers on with all her heart."
"Onee-sama followed that boy to a warzone, Misaka 10777 reminds everyone. If she sets her mind on something she would not stop."
"Are we talking about the same person? Is there, perhaps, a different "Onee-sama" confused for the Original? An Onee-sama that is daring and honest with her feelings? Misaka 16836 wonders to herself."
"5 bucks on Onee-sama chickening out, boldly bets Misaka 10782."
"140 rubles say Onee-sama would follow through, counterbets Misaka 19999."
"That is not an equivalent exchange, 19999. Did you miscalculate? Or you don't believe in Onee-sama enough to bet more than me? Misaka 10782 asks snickering to herself.
"Go back to watching penguins, 10782, snaps Misaka 19999 embarrassed of her mistake."
"5 dollars on black, 140 rubles on red. Any more bets? Misaka 15151 prompts being swayed by flashy casinos in Rio."
"Quickly! Send someone for 15151 before gambling sucks her in, calls Misaka 18820."
"We can't have another Las Vegas incident, says Misaka 10040 as she trembles in fear of the memory."
"So Misaka messed with one slot machine and got chased by some gangsters. Big deal, huffs Misaka 10100 annoyed that no one wants to let bygones be bygones."
"It wasn't just "some gangsters", 10100! You got marked by the mafia, says Misaka 16333 wishing 10100 was right here so she could point a finger at her."
"And now they are behind bars and Misaka is working on her tan, says Misaka 10100 casually adjusting her sunglasses."
"Enjoy it while you can, 10100. Word is they are going to transfer you to the Antarctica facility, says Misaka 10039 remembering a talk she overheard last week."
"?! Misaka 10100 falls out of her sunbed in surprise!"
"But Antarctica is Misaka's station, says Misaka 10782 confused."
"You might be returning home to Academy City, guesses Misaka 10039 as she is not exactly sure."
"That is not fair… I don't want to leave Pen Pen and everyone else… says heartbroken Misaka 10782."
"Ha ha ha, snickers Misaka 19999."
"Misaka would not be driven out, says Misaka 10782 arming herself. Let the invaders come, they would regret being born, she adds racking the slide of her rifle."
"If 10782 is going to shoot at Misaka then Misaka would shoot back, warns Misaka 10100 as she arms herself as well."
"145 rubles on 10100, boldly bets Misaka 19999 kicking back in her chair."
"Misaka will take all of your money, says Misaka 10782 preparing traps for invaders. 5 bucks on this Misaka."
"5 dollars on 10782, 145 rubles on 10100, notes Misaka 15151 as she seriously considers opening an underground casino."
"No worries, Misaka will knock some sense into 15151, Misaka 15223 assures everyone as she drinks her tea on the plane to Rio."
"Life of crime is hard, but Misaka is not afraid of a challenge, boldly proclaims Misaka 15151."
"15223 might not be enough. Misaka will go too, says Misaka 16005 heading to the airport."
"You two are too slow, mumbles Misaka 10135 as she looks at 15151 through her binoculars."
"Haha, nice try, says Misaka 15151 calling your bluff."
"And that's a nice steak you are having, notes Misaka 10135 zooming closer on her target."
"C-catch Misaka if you can, says Misaka 15151 feeling suddenly scared and darts into an alley."
"And so the hunt begins, announces Misaka 10135 as she runs after 15151."
"The more hunters the better, says Misaka 10830 as she catches a taxi to the airport as well."
"Misaka agrees. We can't allow this rogue to give the Misakas a bad name, says Misaka 14900 wishing to join the pursuit."
"Misaka will join too…"
"This Misaka as well…"
"And this Misaka too…"
"And…"
"And…"
"But Misaka was just joking! Misaka 15151 confesses frantically running for her life."
The Misaka Network was heading into chaos, but the Sisters' monotonic voices would not try and turn it into a shouting competition. Like text messages, one would only follow after another.
And then a new voice chirped in. Unlike the rest, it carried a certain spark in each word, or even each letter. If the Sisters were akin to automated deeps of a machine, then this one could be compared to a typewriter's ding. With someone cheerfully hitting the keys.
"My, my /return. Just how did "Nee-chan is going to confess" turn into "Misaka hunt" /escape? Well, now we know we can try ourselves in the entertainment industry if we get tired of this toy soldiers gig /return."
She was Will of the Whole Misaka Network, an entity born from the consciousness of 20001 Sisters. Without a body of her own, she could only watch through the eyes of others. A constant observer, Will did, however, care about the outside world and the people in it. Particularly, those close to the Sisters.
"Still, if I know anything about our pain-in-the-neck Onee-chan, it's quite possible she'd overheat and go zappy-zappy at the most crucial moment /return. Either that or Kamijou-chan would get himself in trouble somewhere across the world again /return. Maybe we should help /escape?"
"N-no rigging the game, says Misaka 15151 still somewhat in character."
"Misaka caught up, engaging in combat, says Misaka 10135 blocking 15151's way."
"Stop, Misaka promises to be good and serious and… oh, Misaka stops hit with a tran…qua…li…zzz…"
"Well, that takes care of that /return. Now, those against lending Onee-chan a hand, speak now or forever hold your peace /return."
For a few moments the network was completely silent.
"What, no objections /escape? None at all /escape? Even from 10032 /escape?"
"Don't distract Misaka when she's handling such dangerous substances, says Misaka 10032 rechecking the right proportions."
"Are you making chocolate or a nerve agent /escape?"
"Sugar is more dangerous than poison, says Misaka 10032 quoting a dietarian she saw on TV. It should be used in moderation."
"Well, no objections then /return. But /backspace, how would we do this /escape? Any ideas /escape?"
"Oh, Misaka got one! Misaka got one! Misaka Misaka says really proud of herself."
In a certain apartment, sitting crossed-legged on a coach, a little girl rubbed her hands together. Misaka 20001, better known as Last Order, wasn't meant to be a combat unit, so her physical development was stopped at that of a ten-year-old. Even so, her resemblance to Misaka Mikoto was still unmistakable.
"Fu fu fu, laughs Misaka Misaka as her plan gets a go."
They had a script and two clueless main leads. All that left was to secure a third one. Her thoughts drifted off to a certain person. He would have been perfect for the role. Yes, he would have certainly called the whole thing stupid and then left for some coffee seemingly to escape her nagging. Only to secretly do as she asked.
But that person was not here anymore…
Last Order deflated on the sofa – only for her lips to curl up in the next second as she glomped an older girl with an all too similar short tea-colored hair slouching before the TV set. On the screen, a green racing car missed a curve and went off the track. A moment later a line flashed across the screen – "UmiDol Wins!"
"Ooops… Teehee, Misaka is sorry, says Misaka Misaka trying to save herself by acting cute. But you see…"
Without a word, the older girl put away the controller – and then grabbed Last Order's head in an iron claw. As she turned around, she growled, "Say your prayers, brat."
Through the girl's fingers Last Order saw a malicious, wolf-like grin and a pair of bloodthirsty eyes. None of Mikoto's friends would've believed her face could make such a wild expression. And perhaps that was true for Mikoto herself. For Misaka Worst, however, it was pretty much her usual face.
"Let Misaka go! Misaka Misaka commands in her Big Sister voice. You should respect your elders!"
Indeed, despite looking a couple of years older than the Original, Worst was the youngest of the clones. But when did rebels care about such things?
"Respect? Sure, Misaka will pay respects to her big sister. Well, to her big sister's grave, that is!"
Realizing words were useless, Last Order tried breaking free, but Worst's grip was like a bear trap.
"Time to do what Misaka was made for!" Worst declared. Then she locked Last Order's head with her fists and started pressing mercilessly.
"SOS! SOS! SOS! Misaka Misaka cries sending distress signals over the Network! Misaka's head is gonna crack like a nut!"
The Misaka Network exploded with messages – but not the ones Last Order hoped for.
"It is a valiant death, rest in peace, says Misaka 13577 putting her hands together to pray for 20001."
"Misaka will light up a candle for you, promises Misaka 20000."
"Oh boy… plan A is a bust /return. Back to the blackboard then /return."
"10032, please, help, begs Misaka Misaka in desperation!"
"Vive la revolution, vive la revolution, sings Misaka 10032 stirring her chocolate mixture," came a dispassionate voice from the kitchen.
Betrayed by everyone, Last Order had no choice but to endure. And so she did, quite stoically, too.
Until Worst's knuckles started drilling into her head.
"Nooo! Stop! Misaka doesn't need another pair of earholes, cries Misaka Misaka!"
"You do! Maybe then you would listen when Misaka says not to mess with her when she is playing!"
Last Order's only hope was for their guardians to come back home. But that was like to expect snow fall in July – in Sahara.
It was over two long minutes later.
"Now, scram, pipsqueak. Misaka gotta get back at that goth-borg. And if you mess up Misaka's game again, you are toast."
"Uuuugh, but Misaka only wanted to ask you for help, whines Misaka Misaka rubbing her head."
"Hmph, don't care!"
"It's for the Original and that boy, stresses Misaka Misaka making a pleading face."
"No way in hell Misaka is playing cupid for that Bakaneki! Go ask the goody-two-shoes messing in our kitchen."
"Anyone disturbing Misaka would be shot on sight, warns Misaka 10032 carefully pouring the chocolate in the molds."
"But you are the best suited for the role, says Misaka Misaka with sparkles in her eyes!"
"Don't care! Shoo, shoo, Misaka has a score to settle," Worst turned to the TV grinning but her fun was cut short. "The hell? Did she log out? One win ahead?! The cheek! Oh, Misaka is so gonna screw cat ears on that cyborg head of hers!"
She kept cursing and dissing her friend, lightnings were about to be striking left and right. Anyone with half a brain would have retreated by now. Last Order simply smirked and tiptoed closer.
"Hey, Worst, Worst, calls Misaka Misaka as an idea pops up in her head. Let's have a match."
Worst looked at her wide-eyed as if she just grew another head, "Huh?"
"You wanna crush someone in this game of yours, right? Then play with Misaka, offers Misaka Misaka with an ulterior motive. But if Misaka wins you will help her, no questions asked."
"Not giving up, are you? Ha, well, whatever. Misaka does need to blow off some steam. And when she wins you are giving her all of your allowance!"
"It's fine by Misaka – because she is not gonna lose, announces Misaka Misaka puffing her chest out!"
"Sure, sure. Just don't go crying to Yoshikawa after Misaka crushes you!"
…About five minutes later Worst was staring at the screen, her mouth agape, as it said "Misaka2 Wins!".
"N-not fair! You kept ramming Misaka off the track!" she protested and glared at Last Order.
"But you did the same thing to your friend, reminds Misaka Misaka confused. So, Misaka thought it was in the rules."
"Grr… fine! But we are playing 2 out of 3!"
"Ok, agrees Misaka Misaka as she shrugs completely unconcerned."
"Misaka will wipe that smirk off your face!"
…Some odd time later.
"Grrr… 3 out of 5!"
And a few more frustrating losses later.
"4 out of 7!"
Then it was 5 out of 9 which in turn became 6 out of 11. And so on and so on.
"Give up already, says Misaka Misaka with eleven wins under her belt."
"Since when are you so good at racing games?!"
"Well, Misaka will have you know, while you were out at night pretending to be one of the big kids, she was stuck at home like a child. And nothing kills boredom like games! Misaka can beat you both on a track and in a ring, boasts Misaka Misaka confident in her skills!"
Worst growled defiantly.
"Come on now, you aren't gonna throw a tantrum, are you? Misaka Misaka asks disappointed at her sister's lack of maturity."
"Grr… fine. Fine! Misaka will help you with your stupid romcom plot. She will be Bakaneki's… cupid… bleh."
"Hurray, cries Misaka Misaka jumping with joy! Actor 3 secured. But you see, Worst, you won't be a cupid, adds Misaka Misaka smiling proud of her plan."
"Oh?" Worst raised an eyebrow looking slightly more interested.
"Yes, Misaka Misaka nods vigorously. You will be…"
Last Order explained her plan in detail, and the more Worst heard the wider her grin became.
"Alright, pipsqueak, you won Misaka over. She is game!"
The two sisters exchanged conspiring smiles. One radiated childish triumph, while the other snarled in wild anticipation. The air in the room got quite intense and the black cat peeking out of the kitchen hesitated before coming in.
Its owner followed suit with a plate of homemade chocolates.
"You look like a pair of criminals planning a heist, notes Misaka in disgust."
"Don't be such a teacher's pet," grumbled Worst as she watched 10032 put the plate on the tea table. "Weren't you making these for someone else?"
"Misaka made enough to share. This is a thank you for lending her the kitchen, says Misaka with a bow."
"Such a good kid," said Worst mockingly. Strangely so, the look she gave the treats was full of disappointment.
"Yay, says Misaka Misaka ecstatic as she grabs a handful of sweets!"
But Last Order only got to chew once. The next moment her face shriveled and she spat the chocolate right on the floor before running into the kitchen. There a sound of water flowing from the tap could be heard followed by loud, greedy gulps.
Misaka 10032 frowned confused. She nibbled a candy, then instantly winced.
"Salty, mutters Misaka utterly shocked."
At the table, Worst looked away pretending to be more interested in the outside view.
Misaka 10032 narrowed her eyes. She kept staring and staring until her sister snapped.
"What?"
"You look awfully guilty, says Misaka studying your face expression."
"Well, if Misaka knew you'd be sharing she wouldn't have pranked you by switching sugar and salt in the kitchen. So, it's not Misaka's fault, really. Man, look at all this chocolate. Such a wa… blegh!"
As her eye twitched, Misaka 10032 grabbed a handful of her ruined chocolate and shoved it in Worst's mouth.