So I wasn't sure about this arc, but from everyone's responses, I take it you like it and look forward to more. There were a lot of comments, reviews, and suggestions. I appreciate them all, even the negative ones from one guy who has moved to constructive criticism so I am not even annoyed. Someone even mentioned something I meant to address in the last chapter but I forgot. Luckily it won't matter until the next chapter where I will make sure to mention it.

Everyone knows how great Misaki is in everything she does. I know everyone wants to read about the game, but we are going to go and follow Accelerator a little bit first to get some idea of the happenings in Academy City while Touma enjoys his little vacation.

Disclaimer: I do not own Toaru Majutsu no Index or any of the characters.

Accelerator was not in a good mood. Every since the tournament, Worst has not let him have a single peaceful moment. She always reminded him of the horrible team name that he and the stupid hero got stuck with. He never did get his satisfactory revenge against the classmates who did it. After a little work, he finally got Last Order to stop calling him a lolicon by telling her Worst was full of shit, and gave her a better definition. Even though he told her in a slightly more respectful way, the same intentions were there. To top it all off, Aiho wanted him to go get her beer since she found she was out after coming home late from her Anti-Skill duties. He had initially told her no but she kept reminding him about how he was a freeloader with her and then Worst joined her to mock him. He left the apartment just to get a little peace and quiet away from those two. Only to find out it was misty and foggy to make the trip even more enjoyable, by making him wet and decreasing visibility. Can this day get any worse?

"Seriously," he muttered irritated holding a heavy bag of alcohol. "What kind of adult sends an underage student to pick up beer?"

"MISAKA thinks it is because Yomikawa-san believes Accelerator is responsible, MISAKA say as MISAKA tries to cheer up Accelerator."

Accelerator looked behind him and to the left as Last Order was bounding after him. He didn't really ask her, she just answered while jumping around puddles. He didn't plan to have her come with him but she just followed when he left t he apartment. He was about a block away from the apartment when he first noticed her and had forced her to go back and wear a jacket. He didn't hate the fact she accompanied him, but he wished she would be a little quieter. "Hey brat," he snipped at her. "Don't go falling into a puddle. I won't help you dry off."

"MISAKA won't MISAKA promises as…OOPS," Last Order had turned to look at him and immediately tripped and fell into a shallow puddle soaking her pants and shirt. "MISAKA is sorry MISAKA says sheepishly as MISAKA tries to act nonchalantly as the water soaks her underwear."

"Dang it brat," Accelerator growled dropping the bag on the ground and pulling her out. "I just told you not to fall in. Now you are going to catch a cold." He looked around. "Dang it, there's no place nearby," he says and pulls off his jacket and gives it to Last Order. "Wear this till we get back. I don't want you being sick around me." Misaka smiles and hugs him the water now soaking his pants too. "Hey, get off…." He stopped and looked around. Something was wrong and he knew it but he didn't know exactly what. The only thing on the deserted street besides him and Last Order were two other people. They were walking on the other side of the street right at the borderline of Accelerator's sight in the heavy fog. They had stopped and looked right at him then, without missing a beat, started walking toward him. When they got closer he saw a very unlikely pair.

One of the two was a woman who was holding a bright red umbrella. She was about average height and probably in her mid to late 20s but what caught Accelerator's eyes was her looks. Even Accelerator knew she was extremely attractive by normal standards and would not look out of place in a movie. She had very long wavy black hair that fell down to behind her knees. Hey eyes were a bright sky blue and she was wearing a very revealing red dress that looked to be made out of an expensive material. It barely covered her ample chest and there were thin straps over her shoulders but the dress reached down almost to her ankles. Even though it was not raining anymore, it was still misty and everything should still get slightly damp, but she looked completely dry, even her red heels didn't have any water on them. She smiled at him as she noticed him checking her out, but her smile didn't meet her eyes.

There did not seem to be any reason for why the guy accompanying this women should be with her, there was no logical explanation for it, he had to be just a punk. He was wearing a leather jacket over a white shirt and black pants and looked to be in his early 20s. His hair was brown, shot, and spiky but at least his hair and clothes looked slightly damp from the weather. He smirked at Accelerator and his brown eyes seemed to have a look of someone sizing up the competition. "Well," he said to Accelerator. "We didn't expect to run into you here."

Accelerator glared at him. Normally he wouldn't have given a punk like this a moment of his valuable time, but something was wrong here. This guy and the women next to him were not normal but he didn't know why. Their presence felt familiar and he realized where he knew it from. They gave him the same feeling as the one from the tournament, Sloth, gave him. He mentally cursed and whispered to Last Order. "Get out of here and back to the house. Don't argue." Even she could tell the situation was serious, nodded and started to back up then ran off down the street.

"Dear me," the women said in a very sultry voice gently putting her hand on her cheek. "He thinks we are here to do something unpleasant to him. Why do you think that is? I told you to wear something more presentable."

"Well," the guy said shrugging. "I like wearing comfortable clothes and I don't think I would look good in one of your dresses."

She raised an eyebrow. "Your manners still haven't improved, I see."

"Besides," he replied gesturing to Accelerator. "He's a friend of the target so let's just get him to tell us where he is. After all, he wasn't at his home and it would be better then walking blinding around the city."

Accelerator just stared at them. They were obviously idiots but why did they give him a sense of danger. If they were anything like Sloth he couldn't underestimate him. As for their target, he had a good idea of who they were after and like hell he was going to let them do what they wanted. "If you go now I guess I can let you leave in one piece."

The women smiled insincerely. "You seem to be confused dear. You see, you can either answer our questions or my uncivilized partner will have to resort to barbaric measures to get your cooperation." The guy smiled. "I would prefer this to go as painlessly as possible for all of us. Though, I just love young boys with such fire in her eyes." She licked her lips seductively.

Accelerator felt a slight shiver down his spine but he ignored it. "Like hell I am going to tell you were the F %$*#$ hero is. I rather crush you here and get MY questions answered."

"Oh my," she said pretending to be shocked and raising a hand to her mouth and then glanced at her partner. "Such foul language. Please go retrieve the girl. He should be more cooperative after we have her in custody." The guy grinned and suddenly dashed in the direction Last Order had run off in.

A half second and a small explosion later, Accelerator had appeared in front of him. The guy raised his fist and threw a punch at Accelerator which wasn't the best idea for someone in his position. His arm flew backwards as soon as it made contact with Accelerator's skin with a resounding crack. Accelerator then simple pressed his hand against the man's chest and watched the man fly back twenty feet into the street as if he was hit by a truck. "If you try to harm that girl, I WILL kill you," Accelerator growled his eyes filled with fire. He turned to look at the women but she disappeared. "Where did that b #$% go," he asked looking around. "She couldn't have gotten far…." His voice drifted off as something moved in the corner of his eye. He turned to look at it and saw the man he threw like a ragdoll stand up again.

"Nice hit man," he said smirking while standing up and taking his left hand and grabbing his right arm. "You broke my arm and three ribs. You sure are someone who likes to go all out aren't you." He started shaking his right arm and stretched it. "Ok, all better. Man, you should be careful. You could have hurt me if I wasn't me. But I am glad you seem to be strong, I want to see the despair in your eyes when I crush you." The look in his eyes changed from someone goofing around to a tiger hunting his prey.

"What the…" Accelerator said but was interrupted by the women's voice.

"While you two were enjoying each other's company," the women said. "I brought the girl back."

Accelerator spun around on the spot and saw the women crouching behind Last Order who was just standing there with a blank look on her face. The normal smile and life in her eyes were gone and Accelerator had the feeling like he might have been staring at a puppet. "Last Order, if you can hear me get out of here." There wasn't a single response from her. "What did you do b#$%*?!" he roared.

"Such foul language," she said unfazed at his tone. "I simple requested her help and she was kind enough to agree." Last Order nods slowly. "See?"

"Bullshit," Accelerator said taking a step closer. "You did something to her. Let her go or nothing will be left of you except a stain on the ground."

She shook her head. "Dear me, it seems like you still won't cooperator. Last Order darling, could you please take away his ability to fight." Last Order nods slowly again.

"Shit…" Accelerator started when he collapsed on the ground.

"Please let him have access to his voice so he may kindly answer our questions." Last Order nodded again.

"I am going to kill you. Last Order, you need to fight it."

"I am afraid that is impossible," the women said shaking her head. "Of course, should you answer my questions, I can let her go. We have researched everyone around the Imagine Breaker who might be or become a problem. I am pleased to say this weakness of yours is quite convenient."

"It's way too boring though," the guy said putting his hands behind his head and looking disappointed. "I was hoping you would put up a fight."

"Damn it," Accelerator said still unable to move and only talk.

"I only have one question of any importance," the women said. "Where is the boy known as Touma Kamijou?"

Accelerator glared at her but decided the truth wouldn't hurt. "I don't know and even if I did I wouldn't tell you pieces of shit."

The man walked up to him and gazed down at him. Then out of nowhere he delivered a swift kick into Accelerator's gut. Accelerator gasped in pain and rolled several feet on the ground from the blow. "Heh, I like the look in his eyes," the man said laughing. "Even stuck laying on the ground his eyes are saying he would kill me in an instant. Is he telling the truth?"

The women looked at Accelerator who was glaring at them, a little blood running out of his mouth. "Oh my, it seems like he is. I suppose it is possible they moved the Imagine Breaker out of the city but I thought it unlikely. After all, Academy City is the stronghold of science. Let us take another stroll around the city and check once more. If we still cannot locate him, then we need to report back."

The man sighed. "I never get to have any fun. I wanted to fight someone strong." He turned to Accelerator. "You should feel lucky you just met us. If Wrath or Greed were here, you wouldn't walk away from this."

"F#%$ you." The man laughed at his response and followed the women as they walked away and disappeared into the fog. Last Order didn't move and just stood there blankly while Accelerator lay on the wet ground mentally cursing himself for letting his guard down. This continued for about five minutes until Last Order suddenly shook her head.

"What happened, MISAKA asks as MISAKA tries to determine why the memories of the last few minutes are blank."

"Brat, don't just stand there. Reconnect me."

Last Order looked at him and panicked. "Right away, MISAKA cries as MISAKA reconnects Accelerator." As soon as she said this Accelerator found he was able to move his body and stood up wiping the gravel off of him. "What happened, MISAKA cries again as MISAKA wants to know how Accelerator ended up disconnected." Accelerator didn't answer her and walked over to her. He then did something to completely surprise her. He knelt down next to her and gave her a quick hug. "What are you doing MISAKA cries while MISAKA secretly enjoys every second of it."

Accelerator stops and gives her a quick chop on the head. "Shut up and follow. We are getting you back to the apartment, and then I am hunting those two b#$$!#^." Last Order looked at him wide eyed and nodded. Together they walked back in silence to Yomikawa's apartment. On the way back Accelerator pulled out his phone. He decided to warn the hero two individuals were in the city, in case he ran into them. The phone rang three times then got disconnected. Did he just F#$&^$ hang up on me? I am going to kill him. Before he could think about how he was going to kill Touma for daring to ignore his good will, he received a message.

Can't talk now, what you need?

Accelerator calmed down. It is possible the hero is helping someone and can't talk. He is also an idiot so he might have left his phone on. Accelerator gave him a quick message of, Just got attacked by two people who seem to be in the same group as the Sloth guy, watch your step hero. He figured Touma would know what to do with that information. He got quick thanks as a reply and Accelerator put his phone away satisfied. Now all that was left was to get Last Order back to the apartment then he could go out hunting.

Mikoto's eyes narrowed at Misaki's suggestion. "What are you planning Shokuhou-san?"

"I don't know," Misaki said thoughtfully but Touma had the feeling she knew exactly what she was doing. "Since it's just us girls, how about a good old fashion game of, Truth or Dare?"

"Oh," Ruiko said clapping her hands together. "That sounds like fun."

"We haven't played that game for years," Hibiki said grinning while Hanabi nodded.

"I hope I can get Onee-sama to do my dare," Kuroko muttered as if thinking out loud.

"Will everything here be our secret?" Kazari asked.

"Of course," Misaki said smiling kindly at her. "We wouldn't want any boys knowing about our secrets."

"I don't think this is the best idea," Touma whispered to Misaki. "For obvious reasons."

"I'm sure it will be fine," Misaki said. "It is just for fun and a chance for all of us to get to know each other as friends." She smiled sweetly at everyone but Mikoto glared back at her. "Is something the matter Misaka-san?"

"No," Mikoto said hesitantly. "It looks like everyone else wants to do it." She knew Misaki was planning something but she didn't know what. Misaki was not the kind of girl Mikoto liked to hang out with. Misaki was manipulative, full of secrets, and liked to work behind the scenes. Mikoto always preferred the direct approach to problems and was more open and honest. Mikoto also noticed Misaki seemed to be glancing at her friend, Touya, often. Maybe she is trying to make her friend have fun. I'll give her a chance.

Everyone gathered around together in a circle in the room with Hibiki on one of the beds and Ruiko on the other. Everyone else was sitting on the floor. To Touma, everyone seemed to be really interested in playing except for Mikoto who seemed to be watching Misaki intently. I think they have some sort of rivalry if I remember correctly. Please don't let this game get out of hand. Part of Touma thought this game might be fun since guys rarely did this when hanging out but he was also embarrassed. Who knows what girls do at these kinds of events?

"Who would like to pick first?" Misaki said graciously letting someone else start the game.

"I do," Ruiko called out and everyone agreed. "Kamiko-san, Truth or Dare?"

Touma was surprised he got asked the first question and decided to play it safe. "Truth."

"Do you have a boyfriend?" she asked eyes sparkling.

Touma was aware of everyone staring at him intently and his eyes widened. "Of course not," he said trying to act casual but voice shook a little because of how embarrassed he was.

"Hmm," Ruiko said. "Are you sure you are telling the truth?"

"She is Saten-san," Misaki said giggling coming to Touma's rescue and he looked at her gratefully. "You see, she doesn't like boys. Kamiko-san is into girls."

"EH," everyone gasped looking back and forth from Misaki to Touma. Touma gaped at her and she simply smiled at him.

"Shokuhou-san," he cried but in his female voice it came out high pitched and sounded pretty cute. Several of the girls giggled including Misaki. Kuroko on the other hand was gazing at him thoughtfully.

"But it's true," Misaki said pretending to pout. "I just wanted to show them you were telling the truth." Touma sighed and looked at the floor. Technically she was right but that didn't change the current situation.

"It's your turn to ask someone," Ruiko said encouragingly.

Touma looked around to see who he should choose. Everyone was watching him but Kazari and Hanabi seemed to be the most nervous. He decided to not call on them. "Hibiki-san, Truth or Dare."

"Truth."

Touma had to think quickly of a question. He was not use to this game. "When was the last time you went out with a guy?"

"Hmm," she said crossing her arms and thinking. "It was about a year and a half ago. I was a freshman and an upperclassman asked me out. I guess the first date went ok he was really nice but afterwards things got out of hand and I dumped the loser." She sounded a little bitter and no one decided to ask for elaboration of comment. As it was her turn she turned to Mikoto. "Misaka-san, Truth or Dare." Mikoto opened her mouth to respond but Misaki interrupted.

"I hope Misaka-san is brave enough to choose dare," Misaki said giggling. "I mean being a level 5 and all."

Mikoto glared at Misaki for a second then said, "Dare." Misaki smiled.

"How about this?" Hibiki asked and grinned. She gave a quick glance at Kuroko who looked back slightly confused. "I dare you to give Shirai-san a kiss." Everyone started snickering except Mikoto and Kuroko. Mikoto looked stunned but Kuroko was not.

"Hibiki-san you are the best," Kuroko cheered and teleported in an instant into Mikoto's lap. "Onee-sama, grant me your love." She closed her eyes and leaned forward for a kiss on the lips. There was a quick flask of electricity and Kuroko fell off of Mikoto hitting the floor. Mikoto then leaned forward and gave a very slight kiss on the cheek. Even though Kuroko was stunned on the floor she still gave a wide smile.

"There you go," Misaka sighed. "If she didn't act like that, I wouldn't have had to shock her. Why on earth did you dare me to do that?"

Hibiki laughed. "All Shirai-san talked about how she was so sad about not rooming with you. I thought it would cheer her up."

Mikoto groaned. "Well it's my turn now. Shokuhou-san, Truth or Dare? Of course being a Level 5…"

Misaki smiled insincerely. "I feel like lowing myself to your petty taunts would be childish of me but I am sure any dare you can come up with shouldn't be too difficult. Dare."

Mikoto grinned evilly. "Ok… I dare you to go the entire weekend without eating any sweets." Touma was confused, how was that a dare? It seemed like a really easy dare to do. When he looked at Misaki he could tell this wasn't the case.

Misaki had the look of a child who was just told Christmas had been canceled. She looked stunned and horrified at the same time. Mikoto's apparent grin confirmed that this dare was obviously Misaki's weakness. Misaki quickly tried to act unconcerned but she loved sweets. "Such a silly dare Misaka-san. It will be quite easy for me…" The look on her face said otherwise.

"If you say so." Mikoto said sarcastically and wore the expression of someone who beat her arch rival.

"Well anyway," Misaki said trying to regain her composure. "Hanabi-san, True or Dare?"

"Umm, truth," she said softly.

"What do you like about the Kami guy from the tournament?" Touma gulped and Mikoto exchanged looks with Ruiko and Kazari. Kuroko just watched Hanabi with occasional looks at Touma. Touma really didn't think he should hear this. Misaki though, was actually interested in what made Hanabi fall for Touma, but she had a good idea why.

"Well," she muttered but as she went on she got a little louder. "When we first met I thought he would be intimidating. But while Hibiki and Accelerator were arguing he was really nice to me. He even tried to get them to stop fighting. Then in the tournament he went out of his way to save me from Accelerator. I mean, with the tournament, nothing Accelerator did would have been against the rules and he could have defeated me his way. Kami actually stood in front of him to save me and was really nice to me afterwards too." Mikoto, Ruiko, Shokuhou, and Kuroko sighed. They all knew about that side of Touma and none of them could hate him for saving someone and being nice, except for Kuroko. Touma felt himself turn red with embarrassment.

"How romantic," Kazari said sparkling while Hibiki made a noise of irritation but didn't say anything.

"Um, Uiharu-san, Truth or Dare," Hanabi said trying to direct the attention to someone else.

Kazari was quiet for a moment then said, somewhat nervously, "Dare." Everyone just looked at her in amazement. No one thought she would be that bold.

"I believe Saten-san mentioned you had a boyfriend," Hanabi said mysteriously. Kazari say up a little straighter and everyone leaned forward. "How about you call him, put him on speaker, and tell him you love him?" All the girls except Kazari simultaneous went "Oh!" Touma wanted to laugh but felt sorry for Kazari when he saw she had turned crimson. To his surprise Kazari pulled out her phone with a look of determination on her face, still bright red, and dialed.

"Hey Kazari," Jason's voice came from the phone which she had set to speakers so everyone could hear."You usually don't call this late, is everything ok?" All the girls had their hands covering their mouths trying not to laugh as they watched Kazari.

"Everything is ok Jason," Kazari said her face, if possible, turned even redder. "I just wanted to say I love you and I am glad we are together." Everyone was pressing their hands as hard as they could to their mouths to not make any noise but Touma saw many of them were struggling.

After a brief pause Jason responded. "I love you too but this was unexpected. Did Saten-san put you up to this? This sounds like something she would do. I mean, if half of those things you tell me is true…"

"Ahh," Kazari cried interrupting him. "She is here, but she's not the one who was responsible for this."

"No wait," Ruiko said covering Kazari's mouth. "What were you going to say Kagere-san?"

They heard Jason snickering. "I knew you had to be there Saten-san. I wasn't serious, but who else is there? I take it there's a reason you called me."

"Ah it's us, Misaka-san, Shirai-san, Hibiki and Hanabi Nakano, you know from the first round of the tournament, Shokuhou-san and a friend of hers, Touya Kamiko. We were just playing a game and Uiharu got dared to call you."

There was now definitely laughter on Jason's end. While the girls thought he was laughing about the dare, Shokuhou and Touma knew what he was laughing. Touma made a fist no one noticed and he swore he would make sure to punch Jason next time they met. "Well if that's it," Jason said. "Have fun with your trip Kazari. I'll see you Monday." Suddenly they heard a loud boom come from the phone.

"What was that?!" Kazari asked immediately while everyone else sat upright and stopped laughing.

"Umm," Jason said. "It was….work? Yea work. Nothing big."

"Liar," Kuroko cried angrily. "You never tell the truth and I always see you slack off. There is no way you are working."

"You watch me eh," Jason said suggestively. "You shouldn't flirt with your friend's boyfriend. Kazari and Misaka-san might get jealous." Mikoto sighed while shaking her head and Kuroko choked on her words from rage and before she could reply another boom came from the phone. Jason said, "Nice talking to you all, got to go." Then he hung up. Everyone else was snickering except Kuroko.

"So that's your boyfriend," Hibiki said laughing. "He sounds interesting."

"He is and really nice," Kazari says smiling but still bright red. "He just jokes a lot and likes messing with Shirai-san."

"I can't stand him," Kuroko fumed.

"Let's continue," said Misaki clapping her hands. "We haven't even made a full circle yet. It is your turn Uiharu-san."

"Umm," Kazari said looking between Kuroko and Ruiko. "Saten-san, Truth or Dare?"

"Dare," Ruiko said grinning. "I want to see what you came come up with."

"Ok," Kazari said then grinned back. "I dare you not to flip my skirt for a week."

The grin fell off Ruiko's face and crashed into the floor. "You can't be serious." Kazari's grin did not leave her face. Ruiko grabbed her own head with both hands. "NOOOOOO, that week is going to be so stressful if I can't have my favorite relaxation therapy." Mikoto and Kuroko were laughing since they knew Ruiko liked to flip Kazari's skirt. Hibiki, Hanabi, and Shokuhou did not get the joke but were laughing at Ruiko's reaction. Touma just shook his head.

Ruiko collapsed on the floor and said sadly. "Eh, Shirai-san, Truth or Dare?"

Kuroko thought for a moment and looked at Mikoto and caught her eye and shrugged. "Dare."

A slight grin appeared on her face. "Ok, Shirai-san, I dare you to not grope Misaka-san for a week."

Kuroko gasped in horror and tackled Ruiko. "Saten-san, how could you?" Behind her Mikoto gave Ruiko a thumb up. "I won't last a week without my lovely Onee-sama's contact."

"This way I have someone to suffer with me," Ruiko said grinning. "Misery loves company right." Kuroko just grabbed her head and muttered several very un-lady like things under her breath. Everyone else was laughing even Touma. A knock on the door interrupted their fun. Hibiki answered the door and everyone saw a couple older girls. Hanabi got up and joined her sister to talk with them. After a few minutes Hibiki called out to everyone.

"Sorry," she said. "We are going to meet up with our classmates. We will talk to you later." They both waved and left.

"Aww," Ruiko complained. "They had to go. The game was just getting good." This got daggers from Kuroko's glare directed at her.

"Well," Mikoto said. "They are high school students. They have their own group of friends instead of us."

"That reminds me," Shokuhou said standing up. "I have a couple things I must attend to." She turned to leave and Touma got up to follow her. He was a little afraid of being alone with his friends in case he was recognized, but Misaki had other plans. "You can stay here Kamiko-san. I should not be long." She looked at Touma, winked, and left.

"Looks like the game is over," Kazari said standing up and yawning. "It's not very late but I think I am going to go to bed. I was so excited I didn't sleep much last night." She waved good bye to them all and went through the door connecting their rooms.

Mikoto stood up and stretched. "I promised to visit a few classmates of mine tonight too. I'll be back in a bit."

"Oh can I come?" Ruiko asked. "I would love to meet Misaka-san's classmates."

"Sure," Mikoto said. "Kuroko did you want to come?" Weirdly she decided not to and just continued to be slumped against the bed. She must still be stunned by Saten-san's dare. I'll check up on her when I get back. Mikoto and Ruiko left the room and closed the door behind them.

Touma had sat down on the bed when Misaki told him she didn't need him to follow her. She must have had something personal to do. After all, she has her own life to live. He was pretty uncomfortable for two reasons. The game wasn't as embarrassing as he thought it would be but Hanabi's confession made him feel bad for hearing it. The other reason was he was alone in the same room with Kuroko. The last time this happened, he was almost killed, or as people kept telling him, hospitalized.

"Hey Kamiko-san," Kuroko asked out of nowhere. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure Shirai-san," Touma said a few beads of sweat formed on his brow.

"When did you start liking girls?"

Touma looked at her wide eyed. He wasn't sure how to answer this because he had to make sure he didn't let her find out he was actually a guy. "Well, I suppose always. I always found myself attracted to girls and not boys. I mean, I have friends who are boys, but I don't like them the way I like girls." All of this was true so he didn't feel bad as if he lied.

"Hmm," Kuroko said thoughtfully. "I think it was a little different for me. I didn't really like boys or girls then I met Onee-sama and she saved me and I just sort of fell for her after that. No one was able to match how wonderful she is."

Touma shrugged. "Other people can't tell you who to like." He thought her response sounded a lot more like infatuation then actual love but he wasn't exactly sure how girls think. As a guy, he would probably never know. He hoped his response was pretty reasonable, but he got a surprise.

Kuroko teleported right in front of him and cupped his hand. "I knew you would understand. Most people don't understand the purity of girl love. I don't know who you like, but I will support you. If you ever need someone to talk to you feel free to contact me. I am sure we will be good friends." She smiled kindly at him.

Touma was taken back. This was a completely different Kuroko then the one he knew. The one he knew cared deeply for Mikoto and was willing to destroy anyone who would harm her. That Kuroko also hated his guts to the point of pure loathing. The Kuroko he saw now was kind and caring. She actually thought Touma might need support for, since he was a girl now, loving another girl. He didn't know what quite to do or think but settled on thanks. "Thank you Shirai-san," he said. 'It means a lot."

She smiled again at him. "You're welcome Kamiko-san." Her smiled faulted for a moment and she glared at him. "However, Onee-sama is off limits. Is that clear?"

'Crystal."

Touma laid wide awake in the hotel bed. After the strange conversation with Kuroko, she went back to her own room. Being the only one left in the room, he turned on the TV and just flipped through channels until everyone got back. Shortly before the curfew for lights out, Misaki, Mikoto, and Ruiko all started changing to their sleep wear. Touma caught a full glimpse of their underwear before excusing himself to the bathroom to change. If he had stayed there, he was sure he would be the biggest piece of human garbage in existence. Of course his normal male mind would only concentrate on what he saw, Misaki's red lacy garments, Mikoto's childish Gekota ones, and Ruiko's black plain ones. What was worse, because there were only two beds, he had to share with someone. It would be too suspicious if he tried to sleep anywhere else.

Even though Misaki assured him she would not do anything and she trusted him not to do anything, he still felt uncomfortable. He was laying on the right side and Misaki had fallen asleep while cuddling him. He could feel her very well endowed chest touching him, which didn't help him to sleep. He still wasn't sure why she liked him so much, he wasn't anything special to deserve such an amazing and talented girl like Misaki. He sighed, got up quietly in order to not wake anyone, and opened the screen door leading to the small balcony. He silently closed the door behind him and looked out across the beach and past the ocean. Outside of the city there were virtually a limitless number of stars surrounding an almost full moon. It was quiet, calm and the cool night breeze felt good through his dark blue long-sleeved pajamas Misaki had picked out. He heard the door behind him slide open and he turned to look who it was.

Mikoto had joined him on the balcony. "Hey Kamiko-san, what are you doing out here?"

Touma gulped. "Nothing Misaka-san," he said forcing himself to remember to address her differently then he normally did. If he said Biribiri by accident, his life would be over. "I just couldn't sleep."

"I see," she leaned against the railing and looked out at the ocean. "It is really beautiful out tonight."

"Yea," Touma agreed but he wasn't looking at the scenery but the girl in front of him lit by the moon. She seemed to admit a glow that didn't belong in this world to him. "I hope I didn't wake you." She shook her head.

"No, I was already awake," she said. "I was just thinking of someone and couldn't sleep." He swore her face got a little red but it was dark.

"I see," Touma said. He decided not to pry and looked at the ocean again. After a minute he felt her eyes on him and he looked at her.

'Can you keep a secret," she asked. "I know it will be hard to keep it from Shokuhou-san since she can read minds, but can you try?"

"She actually hasn't tried to use her ability on me at all," Touma commented. "If you need someone to talk to I will listen, but wouldn't one of your friends be better?"

"Well," Mikoto said hesitantly. "I can't really talk to them about this yet. I have a problem that I really need to get off my chest until I can solve it. I think they might suspect it already but I can't ask in case they don't."

"Okay," Touma said a little confused of what the problem could be but he was always willing to help anyone. "I will help in any way I can." She smiled at him and he felt his heart beat harder. She looked beautiful in the moonlight. Even her hair seemed to be sparkling.

"Well," she said embarrassed and looked back out at the ocean. "I really like this guy back at Academy City but I can't ever get the courage to confess. Every time I try it turns out wrong."

Touma felt his heart drop at the news she likes someone. He didn't know why. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I get really embarrassed and just shock him whenever I try to confess. I thought I would get courage after the tournament but due to the unexpected incident, I never got the chance."

"He must be a pretty good guy if you like him," Touma said but inside he felt sick thinking of another man with Mikoto. Was he jealous?

Mikoto laughed. "Well he is an idiot, dense, unlucky, and always runs off on his own and leaves me behind even if he knows he needs help." Touma felt a wave of irritation but wasn't sure why. "But he is kind to everyone and will never leave someone who needs help. The reason he always leaves me behind is he never wants me to get hurt. It makes me so mad because I can protect myself, but I can't stay mad at him though. The reason he does what he does is his only goal is to get everyone to smile at the end. He even saved my life once for no other reason then I needed help." Realization was finally penetrating Touma's skull about who the person Mikoto likes is. "But I think the reason I really like him is that he always treated me like a person. Other people see me as the Level 5, the Railgun, or some celebrity, but not Mikoto Misaka. This idiot always treated me like a person regardless of my status. I am happy just being around him and my heart beats so fast it hurts when I think of him. I think I might be in love with him even if he considers himself misfortunate." She laughed. "It's hard to confess because we just got closer as friends and I am afraid he won't feel the same way and it would ruin our friendship."

Touma didn't know how to respond to this. He didn't want to think she was talking about him but the second to the last line confirmed it. "I see," he said. "I never had a serious relationship before so I don't think I can give you any good advice."

"You don't need to," she said. "I feel much better talking to someone about it. When we get back, I am going to make sure to confess to him." She gave him a hug. "Thank you so much for listening to my problem. It feels really good to talk to a friend. If you ever need help with anything let me know." She smiled, he was transfixed by it, and she slid the door open and went back into the room.

Touma just stood on the balcony for what seemed like ages as he was lost in his own thoughts. He heard something he knew he shouldn't have. Eventually he entered the room quietly and snuck back into his bed, Misaki started snuggling against him again. However, he was too preoccupied to be nervous about that. How was this possible? He looked at the beautiful girl sleeping right next to him and the beautiful girl sleeping on the other bed. He knew Misaki loved him for some reason but he thought Mikoto saw him as a friend/rival. He realized now, Mikoto loves me.

Seems like a good point to end the chapter before the following day. Mikoto accidently confessed to Touma and now what is going to happen at the beach tomorrow? Touma better hope his disguise holds or, well, let's say it won't be pretty. This was planned out for awhile and I know a commenter mentioned that should happen. Tomorrow might be a little awkward.

Accelerator is pretty pissed off to but you know him. He will destroy a couple buildings and be back to his old self in no time. I wonder who the two people he met were. He is still my favorite character and will be in a lot more chapters.

Next chapter will be fun, an entire day at the beach surrounded by noble girls. Touma has to be the luckiest guy in the world even if he won't admit it. Next chapter is The Forbidden Garden.