A Certain Infinite Possibility

by Darkbetrayer

An ancient organization has emerged from hiding in order to bring the world into darkness. Will Touma be able to stop them or will his actions make everything worse. Will Touma finally develop the harem he deserves? Magic and Science will collide in ways no one thought possible. Touma X Harem (Maybe, he is really dense.)

91. S4 Plight of the Level 5s: Part 6

The Mikoto fans are out in force. People refused to believe she died. Why is it so hard to believe that I have to kill off someone to make room for more people? Besides, think of all the character development everyone goes through now. Touma can traverse the gates of hell and make a deal with a devil in order to bring her back to life. I suppose I should stop. Don't want to spoil anything too much. This will be the last chapter for the level 5s vs Eve's minion event and next chapter will be moving back to Australia. I know everyone wants to see what Touma does with all the attractive ladies there. This boring plot is getting in the way of what we all want. Hahaha. Onwards to comments and, damn, there was a lot. You people make me work for this.

Brosephg: We could have a big debate on if Aleister was ever really sane. No spoilers? Dang, we all like them. Everyone else does it, so you should too. Join us!

Jujudude: Also, now Himigami has a path into the main story, even if Accelerator has to drag her by force. That is sure to be a fun conversation. Why would I want to cure an adorable chibi vampire? I know. I'm working hard on wrapping up the boring plot for the important scenes. After Australia is done, we will have SOOOOO much good stuff. I want to see Carissa dominate him too. He needs a strong older woman.

Whatever: Vampires are not wicked. Remember what Himigami told Touma. They are just like us. They have goals, feelings, and desires. It's just they drink blood and are immortal. Cain is really the exception to being evil because of who he is as an individual. Being a vampire doesn't make one evil, doing evil things does. The undead part was also kind of explained by the thralls. Over the years, myths blur together. Vampires are actually alive. As for innocence, no one said that was going to end for Last Order after being a vampire.

Whwsms: I think most people figured out she would be the one to kill him.

wildarms13: Not really sure. Last Order can't refine mana, so I doubt the network would be too affected. Many plans with a chibi vampire though.

Handsomistic1: Huh, scientists studying vampires. That could be fun. I refuse to admit anything. The drill that pierces the heavens will never fall.

ultron emperor: I agree completely. Noukan is the best Kihara.

general ironox: He can't let anyone find out, especially Mugino. She would never let him live it down that he had to get someone else to win his fights.

: His wings are tied to his emotional state. If he comes to term with himself, his wings are white. It is possible if his mind breaks, the wings would go back to being black.

anand891996: Never!

Salishious: Accelerator has a way to heal himself, but no one thought of it yet. Huh, interesting groups there, Touma x Seiri x Himigami x Accelerator. You caught an important quote from Eve, good job.

Asler: That is a good question. The story took on a life of its own. I know how I want the story to end, but getting there is the challenge.

AnimeLoverQ8: That is my goal. You get addicted and then I start charging you for new chapters and you have no choice but to pay. Muahaha.

Chen: Size was a little large yeah, but mange didn't really have a size. She got launched into space. She will be able to skate on Saturn's rings soon.

Anon Guest: Himigami got all the XP and loot too. Accelerator got nothing except a chibi vampire companion.

GameCguru: I am a fickle person. I will change my mind in an instant if I feel like I should do something.

FrodoFighter: Mikoto wouldn't risk the safety of the people in the city to protect herself. I'm going to kill her only because you doubted me. Cain is believed to be the birth of evil when he committed the first murder. Using that property, he brought forth the darkness within Accelerator and it manifested itself in his wings. Himigami was always important, but so important she can't be a main character. Aleister and Eve were totally together. Eve taught him emotions. Hehehe.

Yakutsu Zaishiro: Never

Guest: We will see about the soldiers.

vietnamese guy: You have no idea how much your comments made me laugh. Mr? is a jerk I know. I yelled at him too.

Tardis42: She is dead, never to return.

Generation Zero: Never, I shall prove you wrong. Accelerator got no experience for his fight, so no additional transformation. No loot either, but he got a chibi vampire companion, so I guess that is okay. The suit could only kill magic gods because of the drill. The rest of the weapons on it are normal science side weapons. To kill a magic god required Aleister to particularly hate them to transmit it through the AAA. Minor irritation was enough to kill an angel. Congratulations, you are beginning to understand Eve's existence. The vampire thing is going to cause some problems, but not for Last Order. Poor Jason, he doesn't deserve that.

naruhinasakufan1: Choices are just an illusion. You are fated to select one.

321jaz: Getting close to Adam's arc. It's going to be great.

Noise: Nope she's dead and never coming back except in people's memories. Last Order can't refine mana yet, so nothing should be noticeable for a while.

Guest 13: Poor? I think you mean lucky bastard.

Meaningless Us3rname: Level 6 is different. Accelerator is working toward it, but not yet. He's halfway, maybe 2/3 at most.

Syko-Soldier963: Ricane will appear during a very inconvenient time. School is effectively broken up and Kakine's still regenerating. I'm torn between Kami-yan Disease and Accelerator

Disclaimer: Random people do not own Toaru Majutsu no Index or any of the characters. Reading this story may cause you to burst out in laughter or start yelling at fictional characters. This may cause nearby people to assume you have gone crazy. Please read responsibly. Magic Gods own all so they can do what they want.

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Oda swung his blades as twenty green beams were fired at him.

The twin blades in his hand were like flashes of light, as he cut through each one of Shizuri's attacks. Oda was no longer goofing around. Shizuri's attacks were stronger, faster, and more accurate. Each beam was aimed at a section of his body, rather than just his vitals. They both understood a single well placed hit could deal enough damage to tip the fight in her favor. If Oda lost an arm, he couldn't use both of his blades. If he lost a leg, he wouldn't be able to dodge. If she hit his head or chest, the fight would be over. Oda actually was forced to back up to put more distance between them. This would give him a fraction of a second longer to cut and dodge. Normally, Shizuri's energy beams would move too fast for normal people to dodge or even react. When under the assault of multiple attacks, even someone with high speed movement would have trouble. Not only did they have to dodge the initial strike, the trail was still deadly to move into. Oda felt sweat slide down his brow.

He smiled.

This is the fight he wanted. This is why he continued to serve Eve. When he was betrayed and killed by his trusted companion, he thought that was the end. No longer would he be able to complete his goal of unifying Japan. That was, until Eve pulled him out of the dark embrace of death. She offered him an opportunity to continue to fight against strong opponents. At first he was hesitant, because his dreams had died, but Eve was patient. She gave him a temporary life to walk among the living for a couple years. He saw the darkness and corruption he had fought against. People were promoted based on money and connections, rather than skill and honor. People would be starving for food and across the street, the wealthy would be gorging. He believed nobles should live better than peasants, but the poor shouldn't be starving. He did enjoy seeing how art progressed, which was a ray of light for him. Eventually, he accepted Eve's offer and became her sword.

He fought countless foes whose strength surpassed imagination.

None compared to Shizuri's transformation though, except for Cain.

"Is that all?" Oda asked, after the beams stopped.

"Big talk coming from a cornered bug," Shizuri replied harshly. Another wall of orbs appeared in front of her.

"You're a little off there," Oda answered. "You haven't done enough to corner me yet."

"Let me rectify that then," Shizuri said with a sneer. She fired off easily another thirty plus energy beams. Instead of aiming all of them directly at Oda, she fired them straight down the street, parallel to each other. Oda quickly processed the threat and raised his swords.

She's not planning to let me dodge, Oda thought. If he side stepped the beams coming straight toward him, he would walk into more. It's kind of boring though. His blades quickly flashed and the beams that were aimed directly at him were sliced and diverted to his sides, long before they could reach him. He noticed, while her beams were still deadly, they weren't quite as powerful in groups as when there were only a few. She knows this and yet is still using a strategy that does not work. There must be a trick behind this. When he saw Shizuri's face, he knew his instincts were right.

She was smiling.

"Fool," Shizuri hissed. What she did next was something she would never have believed she could do. Her power was pure destruction, but lacked the finesse of adaption. It was one of the reasons she lost to Mikoto. Mikoto could manipulate electricity and magnetism. Shizuri's power was similar, as she and Mikoto both manipulated electrons to different degrees and thus she could push aside Mikoto's electricity, but it wasn't like Shizuri could use her ability for detailed tasks. Once she unleashed her ability, it would keep going in a straight line and she couldn't control it anymore. At least, that was how it used to be. The current Shizuri was performing calculations far beyond what she used to be able to do normally. All the beams to the left, right, and above Oda were her targets.

They suddenly curved toward him.

"Shit!" If Oda hadn't been on his guard, he would have been hit. Because he had expected something, even if he didn't know what, Oda managed to jump backwards as all the beams converged on him. For a brief moment, there was a large green orb, but it quickly exploded in a flash of light. Oda narrowed his eyes, but forced them to remain open. This action saved his life, as two more green beams flew down the street and forced him to roll to the side to avoid them. He smelled something burnt and looked at his arm. One of his arm guards had been burnt away. My armor taking a direct attack is out of the question. He stood back up and dusted himself off. "Okay, consider me impressed."

"I don't care," Shizuri told him and started to walk forward. "I'm not killing you to impress anyone. Your death is merely to satisfy my seething hatred." There was one guy she wanted to impress but, deep down, she knew killing wouldn't do that. He was an idiot and wasn't like normal people. Shizuri would have to do something else to impress him, but she didn't know what. Instead of thinking about unnecessary things, she focused on the target in front of her. He was part of Eve's group and therefore would be a threat to them in the future if he escaped. Shizuri admitted to herself if Oda had been serious from the start, she would have been dead already. By goofing around, he's the one that is going to die. A rookie mistake. Another twenty orbs appeared around her.

"I was told you could only fire those beams in a straight line," Oda commented and laughed. "Seems like my information was incomplete. This is sure to be a great battle."

"You battle hungry idiots are always the first to die," Shizuri laughed mockingly back. "I can't say I dislike fighting, but to actively seek out your death, that's idiotic."

"I was hoping you would understand where I was coming from," Oda sighed disappointedly. "Warriors seek out battles not only to prove their strength, but to also achieve great things." He sheathed his sword and reached behind his back to grab a wooden pole with a curved single-edged blade on the end. "This should be a good opportunity to use this." Shizuri recognized the naginata from history books. Its reach was longer than a sword, allowing the wielder to keep out of reach of his opponent. The long shaft offered greater leverage than that of a sword hilt, enabling the naginata to cut more efficiently. The weight of the weapon gave power to strikes and cuts, even though the weight was usually thought of as a disadvantage by slowing the wielder down.

"You could barely keep up with my attacks using two swords," Shizuri pointed out. "And now you switch to a slower weapon?" She shrugged. "If you want to die that badly, I'm happy to oblige." She fired all twenty orbs at once and Oda responded by swinging his blade.

All twenty beams were cut simultaneously.

"What?!" Shizuri gasped. The cut energy beams rained down all around Oda, but missing him easily. She saw him beginning to slash diagonally downwards with his weapons again and she created a green energy shield. The shield formed almost instantaneously instead of slowly forming from one of her orbs. The calculation was so simple for her right now, so the shield was more refined and the energy was denser than her normal ones. Still, it split in half a moment later. She flinched slightly as she felt a cut on her arm, but she was alive. That's the important part. Damn it, his weapon is slower, but the attack power is insane. If I didn't have this power, I would have been sliced in half. This guy is a monster, though I can't really say that right now. She blinked and suddenly realized it was raining. For how long, she didn't know. She had been too focused on Oda and the energy she was giving off was evaporating the rain before it hit her. The rain was coming down hard enough to start blurring objects in the distance.

"I see you noticed the difference," Oda laughed and held his naginata one handed against his shoulder. "My swords are used when speed is required, but nothing beats a weapon designed to break through groups of people. Sometimes, you need a little extra attack power." He shook his head. "I'm a little disappointed in you again. For a moment, you looked like a warrior, but that expression you currently have. It's that of a child. A true warrior shouldn't be surprised about something as simple as this." He frowned. "You are ten years too early to challenge me. You should have stuck to tea parties and dress up."

There was a loud gasp from Rikou, Saiai, and Shiage. They knew Oda had gone too far.

"You really want to die," Shizuri whispered and anger began to well up within her. The anger roared to life like a fire and engulfed her mind. It was as if her emotions were like her power, completely unstable. They could flare to life at any second and then cool down instantly. The thing was, her rage didn't seem to interfere with her calculations. In fact, the emotions seemed to drown out all thoughts except for the calculations and the desire to kill. Ten orbs appeared in a circle in front of her. Shizuri held out a hand and all ten beams fired, but they didn't fly toward Oda, who expected the attack. He frowned and his eyes widened in surprise.

All ten beams converged at a single point, less than a meter in front of Shizuri, to create a larger green orb.

Oda blinked. He had not seen this attack before, but Shizuri knew what she was doing. There was a limit to the amount of energy she could generate per sphere without them exploding because of the sudden compression. Her new state allowed her to put more energy in them, but they were still limited. By firing the energy from smaller orbs at a single point, she could move all the unstable electrons into a single point rather than trying to conjure them. Once the mass of energy made of ambiguous electrons was too great for even her new form, she could release them into a devastating blast of energy. This was saying something as her normal attacks could destroy nearly everything in their path. The orb grew larger and Shizuri grinned evilly. She looked at Oda with pure hatred in her eyes and fired.

The beam was the largest she had ever fired. It expanded from the orb and would engulf a large section of Oda's body if he didn't dodge. Instead of trying to, Oda pulled back his naginata. Fool, Shizuri thought. Her attack was not something you could strike back with brute force. The last time she used this technique, Touma had tried to block it. His arm that wielded the impossible Imagine Breaker, the ability that could defeat even Accelerator, had been blown away. If it wasn't for the dragon-like beasts that emerged from his bloody stump, her attack would have killed Teitoku. There was no way Oda's simple, yet effective, range extending magic could cut through this power. She had already seen him being forced back by a single beam. As her blast closed the gap, Oda thrust his blade forward and aimed it right at the center of her attack.

An invisible force hit the mass of green energy. The energy separated around the tip of Oda's attack and curved around him. The ground in front of him and to his sides was disintegrated instantly. Oda grinned as he focused his magic into the tip of his blade. The heat started to burn his skin and he felt excitement spread through his body. This was the power of a strong opponent, this was the challenge he sought, and this is how he wanted to test his limits. The energy finally faded away and the dust from the smoking street cleared. Oda was fine and so was the street under the tip of his weapon. He had split an attack that should not have been possible to stop. He stood up straight and hit the base of the wooden end of his weapon on the ground. "That was exciting. You can do it if you try."

"How?!" Mugino gasped. The anger was gone and replaced by disbelief. According to researchers, her ability's energy output was suppressed due to being restrained by her survival instinct. Because of the force of her energy output, the backlash against her body was exceedingly high. If she didn't subconsciously hold back, her body would be torn apart. It was theorized she would be able to instantly kill the Railgun with a single hit if this limiter did not exist. The transformation she experienced could be thought of removing this limiter. She only realized after firing that last blast why her body was glowing. She was emitting the same type of energy to absorb the backlash energy and disburse it, rather than it hitting her body. Yet, Oda still managed to stop the attack with a simple weapon. "Bastard, what kind of monster are you?!"

"Have you looked in a mirror recently?" Oda remarked. "Those things on your back almost look like wings. Humans don't have those." He flicked his weapon in one hand and Shizuri was forced to make another shield to absorb the blow. Shizuri turned her head and for the first time, noticed the meter long diamond shape pedals on her back.

They look like the same type of energy as my attacks, Shizuri thought. But I can't control them. They just sit there. She concentrated on them again to see if she could move them or change the shape. All that happened was a splitting pain went through her head and she felt angry again. She hated Oda's nonchalant attitude. Shizuri was powerful, and yet he treated her like entertainment. She was supposed to treat other people that way. They were supposed to respect her. She barraged Oda with another rain of attacks, but he only swung his blade once and cut them all again. "How the fuck do you do this impossible shit!?" Shizuri roared and the petal like wings on her back seemed to pulse.

"The environments we were raised in are different," Oda answered simply.

"Explain yourself asshole," Shizuri snapped. Twenty orbs appeared around her, but she managed to hold back from firing them. She needed information, even if it was from an enemy. If Oda could show her a weakness, she could find a way to overcome it. "You don't know anything about me. I don't live in the light like the majority of weaklings in this fucking city." The anger in her mind called for his death as revenge for his insults, but she fought the urge back for now.

"That's not it," Oda corrected her. "I can tell by your eyes you grew up fighting. No, the difference is this age." He paused and gestured with his free hand. "Japan has become soft. War is virtually unheard of and the people have grown complacent. Fights and struggles for power, all of that is inconsequential in the big picture." He sighed and then looked dreamily off into the distance for a moment. "My age, that was when the strong were cultivated. War waged across the lands, armies clashed, and men fought and died for their beliefs. People could crawl up from being a slave, to governing over everything they laid their eyes on."

"And you think all these battles made strong people?" Shizuri scoffed. "Quality is better over quantity."

"I agree completely," Oda laughed and his eyes gleamed. "When you use less than three thousand men to defeat an army of forty thousand, you need skill to achieve that feat."

"So you gained your strength constantly fighting in wars," Shizuri muttered. "That makes sense. The more you fight, the stronger you get." She frowned. "But still, that bullshit power to cut pure energy is anything but normal."

"Generals do not fall in line with what is considered normal," Oda explained. "Many soldiers manage to survive countless battles but never get promoted." He took a step forward and raised his blade above his head. The air suddenly grew still and Shizuri raised her guard up immediately. Oda's aura changed. "A general leads thousands of men into battle. We hold our men's lives in our hand. Every decision we make is after we calculate the death toll. Only those who can rise to the top can inspire our troops to fight." He suddenly started shouting. "A leader should have the strength of a hundred, the wisdom of a hundred, the experience of a hundred, and the luck of a hundred! Only then does one have the right to lead." He lowered his arm. "That is the essence of my magic. Speed, strength, technique, it all stems from my role as the leader of an army. The countless men I fought also tried to reach this pinnacle and they fell. That is the difference between our ages."

"Countless people have fallen before me," Shizuri refuted bitterly. "I have fought people whose power dwarfed my own. No matter how much I hated them, there's always a level you can't reach with training alone." Accelerator and Teitoku had been in a completely different league, until Shizuri threw away her pride and received help.

"You grow in life and death battles," Oda told her. "Overcome your limits or die. It is a method that has worked since the dawn of time."

"I think I know an idiot like that," Shizuri said and, for the first time since her transformation, a true smile tugged on her lips. "Though, I think he would be your antithesis to your beliefs that wars lead to strength."

"How so?" Oda asked. There was a slight frown on his face.

"I encountered the most absurd individual not too long ago," Shizuri told him, and then she fired a round of attacks at Oda, who jumped backwards to dodge. "He was someone who lived in the light, constantly trying to be a normal student, and yet had the power to overcome me in battle." Oda raised his eyebrow, but didn't say anything because Shizuri conjured another round of orbs to attack him. The explosions along the street made listening to her difficult. "Yet the strength he possessed, not just his power, but his determination. I had never seen anything like it before. I could not believe that idiot hadn't grown up in the underbelly of this trash ridden city."

"You are talking about the Imagine Breaker," Oda pointed out.

"Exactly."

"You have no idea of the countless battles that boy has been in," Oda laughed. "Eve researched him thoroughly after his encounter with her puppet. He might as well wage war against the world. Actually, I think he would if the world went against his belief."

"Do you see the contradiction in your beliefs now?" Shizuri asked and grinned. His puzzled looked amused her and she actually stopped firing at him.

"What do you mean?" Oda asked and frowned slightly.

"I thought you said Japan was soft," Shizuri explained mockingly. It felt so good to needle him. Since their fight started, Oda had been mocking her and now she could return the favor. "And yet you said he could wage war against the world. It seems to me like you have an issue with keeping your story straight. Maybe you just don't want to admit your age is over. Go die in a ditch you has-been."

"There are always anomalies in any age," Oda argued. "It's the overall picture you have to look at it."

"Sounds like someone is just making excuses," Shizuri continued to mock. "Besides, you could consider yourself an anomaly too. I doubt a lot of people have your current level of power. Just admit you are pissed your strength isn't all you thought it was." Shizuri knew she had struck a nerve when Oda's hand twitched. She conjured not one but three shields in front of her simultaneously while Oda thrust his naginata forward. The first of her shields was blown apart, the second one shattered, but the third shield held. It faded away and Shizuri unleashed another barrage of green energy beams, but Oda swiped his blade horizontally and cut all of her attacks. So far, Shizuri was still unable to land a decent hit on him, even though her attacks were more powerful, but now she was striking Oda mentally. When shaken, people tend to make mistakes.

"It seems you understand nothing," Oda hissed dangerously. "I don't suppose it matters anyway. I kill you and Eve takes the Imagine Breaker back with her. This is how it will end." He raised his blade and then stopped. A shiver went down his spine and his eyes focused on Shizuri. With the darkened sky from the rain and clouds, Shizuri seemed to be glowing even brighter, but more ominously. Oda remembered the last time he told her the Imagine Breaker was going to be taken by Eve. She snapped. Eve said it was because she had feelings for him. "What is that boy to you? Why do you care so much?"

"He's my property," Shizuri told him and her words were ice cold, a powerful contrast to the energy she gave off. "The fact you dared to mock me warrants a death sentence, but trying to take something of mine….?" She trailed off for a moment. "Unforgiveable." Five groups of five orbs appeared around her. Every orb in each group fired, but it wasn't at Oda. Shizuri's anger had changed. It was no longer unbridled rage that clouded her thoughts, her mind was painfully clear. The anger was now directed only at Oda and it combined with her intelligence to create a way to kill her target. Five separate orbs were being formed with the energy of each group. She was going to fire multiple concentrated energy blasts. Oda had to use a thrusting motion to stop an attack like this and, with his speed, he might be able to stop two, maybe even three, but he shouldn't be able to stop them all. "Die!"

Four of the concentrated beams fired simultaneously at Oda.

With Oda's heightened senses, the beams were coming in slow motion as he examined his options. If he dodged, he wouldn't be able to maintain the position he needed to exert enough power to block the attack. The technique would be sloppy which would decrease the power of his blow. Each beam wasn't as large as when Shizuri used this attack last time, but he couldn't be sure what the minimum amount of force to block it would be. Oda knew Shizuri had to be firing multiple beams at once because a single attack would not work. She's hoping one will get through. He grinned. I'm not that weak. He moved his left foot forward, braced his right foot, and pulled his naginata back. He then unleashed a barrage of thrusts, faster than the human eye could follow, and each one of the four beams was blown back from the force. Oda blinked when he realized the numbers didn't match.

He didn't see Shizuri grin either because of the explosions blocking his view when part of the energy hit the ground.

This was Shizuri's plan, simple, devious, and deadly. She purposely held back one cluster attack. While Oda was focused on the initial barrage, she fired the last one. This was a big gamble for her, but Oda couldn't be taken down normally. Holding back a Meltdowner orb composed of energy from several normal attacks was difficult, and then she added another step. She wasn't going to fire it in a straight line. The attack was going to curve. Shizuri was not entirely sure it would work, but her hatred toward Oda told her to make it work, even if it hurt her in the process. She fired her last attack to the right of Oda the second her sight was obscured by the smoke form the explosions. Her mind was working so hard to calculate the curvature, her vision was turning red. She thought she felt some blood run out of her nose, but she plowed forward. Oda would not have changed positions, so she knew where he was, but he did not know where her attack would come from. Hence, the reason she forced the curve.

Oda noticed the attack too late, but he still managed to move slightly.

His left arm was hit directly by Shizuri's attack.

"AAHHH!" Oda yelled out in pain. The smoke cleared and Shizuri felt satisfaction through her entire body, even while her vision was blurring. Oda was down on one knee, his naginata still clutched tightly in his right hand, but his left arm was completely gone about three inches below the shoulder. He wasn't bleeding though. The sheer heat from her attack cauterized the wound instantly, or Shizuri might have been able to cause his death by blood loss. However, her attack finally worked. Oda was severely damaged and would no longer be able to duel wield swords or use the full potential of his naginata. This normally would have signaled a victory, but Shizuri did not get over confident.

Magicians always had a last resort.

"Heh." Shizuri couldn't resist chuckling at the sight of a powerful warrior kneeling before her. "Seems like it's time to finish taking out the trash." Oda stood up and glared at her, but there was also a gleam in his eye she couldn't identify.

"That… was a good… shot," Oda gasped and then straightened himself up. "I kind of want to learn how you acquired this power."

"That knowledge is no use to a dead man," Shizuri told him and conjured a couple of orbs. "Even if you weren't, I was never planning to give you that information." She fired two beams, but Oda jumped backwards to avoid it. "Tsk, you're still agile."

"If you could do it on your own," Oda replied thinking. "You would have done so earlier." His eyes fell to Saiai, Rikou, and Shiage way behind Shizuri. "The small girl fought with you and you didn't transform-…" He was cut off as Shizuri fired another round of beams at him and he was forced to dodge. This confirmed he was on the right track. "The boy is clever, but he was with me most of the time and only managed to return to you for a few moments before I arrived. That leaves one person." His gaze fell onto Rikou, whose eyes widened when Oda made eye contact. "She's the threat."

"Die!" Shizuri yelled and fired one of the concentrated beams composed of five orbs. Oda dived to the side and swung his blade one handed. It wasn't at Shizuri though. It was at Rikou. Saiai and Rikou didn't realize this quick enough, but Shiage did and he dived at her.

"AAHHH!" Shiage yelled in pain as a gash appeared on his back. Thanks to his quick thinking, Rikou was spared being split into two. He only got the edge of Oda's attack, but his shirt was quickly being stained red.

"YOU THREE GET OUT OF HERE!" roared Shizuri. She conjured another twenty orbs and started raining down attack after attack on Oda. She didn't have those kinds of feelings for Shiage, but those three were her property too and she would not allow Oda to achieve even a small victory. Oda flipped backwards to avoid the first wave and then jumped upwards onto the ledge of a nearby building. Shizuri kept unleashing her attacks and forced Oda to keep moving up until he was standing on the edge of the roof. The entire wall closest to Shizuri had collapsed into a pile of rubble. "Running away coward!?" Shizuri yelled angrily up at him.

"Just getting a better position," Oda answered. Lightning crackled loudly in the background again and then Oda saw something shoot up into the sky. It was a black column of electrical energy. Looks like Juliet may be in trouble if that's the electric girl's attack. His muscles tightened in his arm and he took a deep breath. All or nothing it is then. He released his breath slowly and his weapon started to glow yellow. Taking the property of the belief a general during the age of war was beyond a normal solider, he could amplify the force of his weapon. The glow grew brighter and the rain seemed to be forcefully pushed away from it. It was like his naginata was growing with every pulse. As the seconds passed, the outline in the rain grew bigger, until it looked like a five meter long naginata outline was to his right. The only downside to this technique was it negated his unlimited range, but Shizuri didn't know that.

What Shizuri did know was the unpleasant feeling in the pit of her stomach as the outline in the rain grew. There was no physical substance there, but that hardly mattered. Shizuri had seen science side abilities do similar things. He's desperate, she thought with grim satisfaction. The downside was cornered animals tended to unleash devastating force when their lives were on the line. Shizuri had seen it countless times and, in a way, she had done that today too. If someone as strong as Oda was going to use a desperation attack, Shizuri needed to be prepared. She conjured six clusters of multiple orbs and they began to create the concentrated orbs to fire her empowered beams. Her head started to throb with the effort of maintaining concentration of so many, but her eyes managed to meet Oda's.

Oda leaped off the edge of the building and brought the full weight of his magical weapon down upon Shizuri.

Shizuri retaliated by firing every one of her empowered Meltdowner blasts.

Shockwaves boomed across the street as the two forces crashed together in midair.

How?! The energy was flying past Shizuri from all sides and was hitting her target directly, but Oda was still approaching her. A lot of the energy was being diverted around his weapon, but he was actively destroying most of it. He wasn't falling at full speed because the force of her attacks was providing some resistance, but he was slowly approaching her. Judging by how easy he was parting her attacks, Shizuri could not allow him to draw near or her body would most likely be obliterated. Shizuri had to keep creating new orbs to replenish her beams, which was a new concept for her. Usually, one beam was one attack and it did not last long. The strain on her mind was astronomical and her vision began to blur again. The pain in her head doubled, but she could not stop. Even when her brain was actively concentrating on keeping her attacks continuous, her subconscious must have been working on a solution to her dilemma.

Her gaze focused on how Oda's attack was crashing through her's.

His weapon was too large to focus the power at a single point. The large naginata outline was acting like a hammer in the center, while only the edges pushed the remaining energy away from Oda's body. Shizuri instinctively knew she had to force the power at a single point, but the question was how. The image of the curved beam flashed in her mind, the one that removed Oda's arm. The strain for a single beam had pushed her mind to its limit. She had no idea what would happen if she tried it with all six of the beams she was currently firing. It's either try or die. She was the one being cornered now and she made the decision after realizing something. Instead of trying to curve the beam in midflight, she was going to try something else. The cluster of orbs, the ones that fed into the single one which actually fired her ability, began to rotate around her in a clockwise orbit. The beams never stopped firing and the orbit speed grew faster and faster. The speed increased so fast the beams were beginning to twist together with each other as they hit the very center of Oda's attack.

It was as if she was making a giant drill out of pure energy.

Oda blinked when he felt his decent slow and then stop. He was stuck in midair as Shizuri's attack bore into his. Then he noticed it. Thin hairline cracks began to appear at the tip of his glowing yellow naginata. His attack was bound to the naginata core, so if it was breaking, that meant his attack was being broken. Impossible! His attack would have wiped out the entire area if it hit the ground. Shizuri may have had pure energy at her disposal, but cutting even the empowered attacks was doable. How is she doing this?! He didn't understand physics as well as Shizuri, but he managed to identify all of her energy was being focused at a single point. I see. This was my mistake. Oda realized he was in the worst possible position. He could not decrease the power of his attack or Shizuri's energy would engulf him. Being in midair, he could not jump to the side to avoid it either. This meant his only options were to break through Shizuri's attack or die. A normal person would have been terrified, but he was not.

In fact, he smiled.

This actually isn't a bad way to go. No betrayal, no sneak attacks, nothing but two powerful opponents fighting with their lives on the line. The cracks in his weapon begun to spread and the entire weapon shook in his hand. The force of Shizuri's attacks began to push him back up. It seems I was wrong. Lady Eve, I'm sorry I failed, but you were right. The world is always an interesting place. The end of his weapon exploded and the mass of force around it faded out of existence. The green energy washed over him.

There was excruciating pain, and then nothing.

Shizuri collapsed to her knees and she no longer needed to concentrate on her ability. The glow around her body faded, including the solid energy resembling a liquid around her arms. The wings flickered and, one by one, disappeared. Her hair fell back down into place and she started panting. She was dizzy, her vision blurry, and every part of her body was on fire. It was hard to breath and move, but she forced herself to look up. Nothing remained of Oda, not even a splatter of blood, from her last attack. She tried to grin, but it hurt too much. Blood ran out of her nose and across her lips. The rusty smell and bitter taste was familiar. She heard footsteps and managed to turn her head slightly. The blurry outline of Saiai was rushing toward her. Shizuri tried to say something and then everything went dark.

Shizuri collapsed in the middle of the street, completely unconscious.

---

Arondight.

That was the name of the holy sword Lancelot wielded. It was a gift given to him by Lady Eve and was etched with the language of the fey to infer onto others it was not forced by human hands. It was a simple design because it was designed for combat, not ceremonies. As a counterpart to Arthur's sword Excalibur, which Arondight's design was based off of, it had similar powers. Both of their blades were a source of Telesma, though Arthur's blade had far more. In a direct fight, Arthur would win, but Lancelot only need to act as a shield instead of a sword this time, so he made use of his blade's unique feature. When Arondight and Excalibur collided, a shockwave blew through the air, pieces of the ground were blown away, and Lancelot felt the force through his arms. The surface of Arondight rippled from the point of impact, like a calm lake after someone threw a pebble in. His sword was like the lake. No matter how powerful the blow, the force would be dispersed and everything would turn back to normal. Arondight could deflect any blow without taking damage and this was the only reason he could stand against Arthur.

"You say you are my friend," Arthur said bitterly as he swung Excalibur. Lancelot parried the blow and tried a quick jab into Arthur's arm, but Arthur knocked his blade upwards and then brought his blade down towards Lancelot's chest. Lancelot was forced to step backwards and swing his blade to force Arthur to parry. "Yet, you continue to betray me. I am beginning to think this friendship is one sided."

"Nonsense," Lancelot grunted in response. "Because you are my friend, I am turning my blade against you for your own good." He stood up straight and held his blade out in front of himself.

"How do you reason that?" Arthur asked skeptically. His eyes were still cold and angry but, as a sign of respect, he would at least listen.

"Killing these children is wrong," Lancelot told him. "Regardless of how noble you try to make it. You gave her opportunities to fight back, yet it was all just an act. We never truly believed they could stand against us, but we were told they had to die. That does not make sense. We should be able to do our job without sacrificing other lives. You know we have a duty to protect the people."

"You have to look at the big picture," Arthur refuted. "Lancelot, I know you have a code of honor. You fight to protect people and strike down evil, but I'm sure you felt it. This city, the darkness it holds. They have hidden a wing of an archangel for their own purpose, they attack each other, and they create abominations. I agree with Eve, we don't really have a reason to destroy the city, but we knew a few causalities would be a possibility to change this world. Those who live here become corrupted and their darkness is brought out, look at those kids!"

"You are passing judgement on all for the actions of some," Lancelot argued. They both swung their blades and a loud clanged echoed across the train station. "You have to see what's wrong with that!"

"If you want to fundamentally change human's dark nature," Arthur said. "You have to start at the top. If we start at the bottom, all you can do is hide the evil tendencies. History has shown this. Eventually, these tendencies will grow until they burst forth and cause war and suffering. Too many people have this potential darkness to stop it." Lancelot didn't say anything to this. Arthur had a point. Plenty of times nations had succumbed to the rules of others. The victor would impose new rules and would regulate what was moral and what was not. Resistances would rise up and more people would continue to fight. Betrayals would occur, friends turn on friends, and then the cycle would continue when a victor was decided. Even though Lancelot knew this, it didn't sit right with him. They pushed each other and jumped back to put a few meters between them.

Might I interject?

Lancelot and Arthur both frowned and glanced back toward Misaki. This was the first time she spoke since Lancelot and Arthur started to attack each other seriously. Arthur and Lancelot were more concern in each other than her. Lancelot and Misaki were allies, so he didn't have to worry about her striking him from behind. Arthur was in a different position. He had felt her try to break into his mind while fighting Lancelot but, even with her new power, he could still fend off her attack. The issue was it slowed his reflexes slightly, so Lancelot was barely able to keep up. However, Misaki hadn't been talking to him. She had been letting the two guys work out their differences and only spoke up when there was a pause. Of course, her words were being sent telepathically.

"I suppose you should," Arthur agreed finally. "Somehow, you convinced Lancelot to betray me. I need to hear the kind of logic you can weave." He looked her up and down. "I would call you by your name, but I think Queen of the Fey would better suit you." He was referencing the skintight white plastic layer over her skin, the blue strings that formed into fairylike wings, and the three black triangle objects that made a kind of halo above her head.

I can kind of understand your point of view, Misaki said to Arthur. When I was young, I saw how this city betrayed so many people. Many people were left behind so that I could obtain power. Once the scientists here considered me a liability, they planned to get rid of me. My life had been targeted not only by them, but by people who were left behind because of their selfishness.

"So you do understand," Arthur said and held out a hand, palm up and fingers curved. "Come and work with us then. With your power, we could do what we have to do without the need for sacrifices. You can escape this city and be free."

I disagree with you on your second point, Misaki continued, as if Arthur had not made the offer.

"How so?"

I disagree with your version of human nature, Misaki clarified. I have met some truly dark people, yes. They would kill without a moment's hesitation and would betray anyone to achieve their goals. Because of how I was being used, what people went through because of my power, I wanted to end it all. I was prepared to permanently erase my memory. Arthur's eyes widened slightly at this confession. Right now, it sounded to him she should have accepted his position immediately. At the last minute, I was stopped by a single boy. When I met him, I saw a completely different nature. He was a person who truly believed anyone could be saved. Even at the risk of his own life, he would fight for anyone who is suffering, but he would never take a life.

"He is a fool then," Arthur commented. "Saying that is noble, but unrealistic. People die, whether we want them to or not. There will always be villains in this world. People care more about their own needs than others."

"You are lumping everyone together again," Lancelot repeated. "You are so blinded by our end goal, you lost track of why we are doing this in the first place."

The fact is this person goes against your description of human nature, Misaki continued. You say this city is corrupting us? The boy's name is Touma Kamijou, the most important person in my life. His very nature would be considered light. He has saved countless people and many of them I know. Rational thought tells us he shouldn't be able to, but I know he will succeed. He always does. You know what drives him? The desire to see us all stop crying and smile. He doesn't do this for power, wealth, or even our affection. He can save anyone, no matter how many people think they are beyond saving. If he was here, you would immediately understand.

"Ah," Arthur muttered, when he realized who she was talking about. "The boy who wields the Imagine Breaker. No wonder he could do what he did. The Imagine Breaker was forged by the oldest, selfish, magic gods from a fragment." He shook his head and swung his blade. Lancelot was forced to strike back, but he was knocked backwards by Arthur's strength. "In absolute darkness, a single speck of light can seem like the sun." He shook his head again. "I was once like you, young, hopeful, thinking I could change the world by myself. When I realized I couldn't do it alone, I created the Knights of the Round Table to help." His eyes moved toward Misaki. "The Imagine Breaker was designed to destroy false premises, so why do you think it can negate God's power?"

Misaki was silent. It wasn't that she didn't have anything to say, it was she wasn't sure how to word it. She didn't know the origin of Touma's Imagine Breaker. All she knew was it could negate the supernatural and also seemed to negate Touma's luck. He had it before coming to the city, so it couldn't be a science ability. Then there was that… thing… hidden under it. A monster that could devour all that stood before it. She was saved from being lost in thought by Lancelot reassuring her. All he knows about the Imagine Breaker is what Eve and Adam told us. It was before his time. I don't have any evidence to prove or disprove his words, so it's best to not think about them too much right now. Misaki agreed and Lancelot spoke to Arthur.

"What she says has merit," Lancelot added. "The boy is spreading the light and the city is slowly improving. All we are doing is setting everything back. We fight against the evil nature, yet can we say we do that when we extinguish the light?"

"If only things were that simple," Arthur sighed. "Then maybe all of this wouldn't be needed. Lancelot," his face looked slightly downtrodden, "you were the greatest knight I could have asked for. You are strong, brave, kind, and fought for the people. Then you fell to the dark nature inside all of us and betrayed me. I wanted to forgive you, but I never had a chance. My own anger clouded my judgement. I regret that now. Even the best of us can fall to our emotions. I wish I was as pure like Mother Teresa, as forgiving as St. Peter, or as holy as the Divine Mother." He looked up wishfully. "I am still a man and I learned the hard way. The strongest light casts the darkest shadows. When one relies on a source of light, no matter how strong, there are always places it can't reach." He turned his focus on Misaki. "Let me ask you a question. What do you think happens to people the Imagine Breaker could not save? The ones who rely on him, but he doesn't know they need him?"

Misaki choked on her words. A name came to her mind.

Ayu Mitsuari.

That girl was part of an unfortunate event Misaki regretted deeply. When Misaki was planning to erase her mind, Touma found her and saved her, but that wasn't their first encounter. Touma had bumped into Misaki at an intersection and lost his phone, which Misaki recovered. The problem was, at the same time, Ayu was planning to commit suicide and wished for Touma to save her. Because Misaki had his phone and turned it over to Anti-Skill, Touma was unable to know Ayu's predicament. Ayu's suicide attempt failed, but she held a grudge for Misaki. Ayu was also a mental type ability user who had the potential to reach level 5, but the researchers had chosen Misaki over her, so Ayu had another reason to be upset. Ayu went mad and tried to kill Misaki at one point, until Touma came in and stopped their fight. He had saved both of them, but it was still something that haunted Misaki. That was because Ayu was what could have happened to her if she had not been saved. It also represented a limit to even Touma's power.

She must have betrayed her thoughts through her expression, because Arthur continued.

"You seem to have experienced what I am referring to," Arthur continued and a trace of sympathy appeared on his face. "There are limits to everyone's power. When we are unable to reach our goals as individuals, we turn to groups. Lady Eve has given us the opportunity to prevent more tragedies, even if we must grit our teeth through unpleasant actions. As a leader, I must look at the big picture for all, not just those around me. If my death would achieve our goals, I would gladly give it up."

You look at it too narrowly, Misaki replied. Every person Touma saved has started to change in a positive way. I've seen it. You probably know all about us, so I don't have to hide this. My friend, she was surprised at these words, not only because it was slightly embarrassing, but she actually believed it to be true, Misaka was saved by him and she devotes a lot of her time to protect her friends. She wields uncivilized powers, but she works hard to control it so no one is seriously hurt. I can't say she has the same ability as my prince in terms of being able to save everyone, but she works hard to protect everyone she can. Accelerator used to be a terrible person, if the rumors were true. Now, he's a little rough around the edges, but he watches over several people. I'm sure he even protects strangers when he thinks no one is watching. My point is everyone who encounters my prince changes. You say this city is corrupt, then all we have to do is grow the number of people who aren't.

"You continue to focus on the wrong thing," Lancelot added and stepped forward. "We both did. We focused on the darkness that is inherent in all people, but we ignored the effects of someone who walks in the light. I truly believe we should not wage war against them. They are not evil. This is wrong. My friend, you know this to be true." Arthur went silent for a moment, and Misaki wanted to believe Arthur would reconsider their fight. After observing Lancelot and Arthur fight, Misaki knew Arthur was still a league above them, even when Misaki assaulted his mind.

None of us want to fight against you either, Misaki added. A few may hold grudges, but they will disappear with time. Misaki knew Shizuri and Accelerator might not be happy without true revenge, but they would get over it.

"Did you think I would not know this?" Arthur asked, his voice growing soft. Lancelot straightened up instinctively and Misaki felt the tension in the air. "Did you think I would be so blind?" Arthur held his sword above his head. "There have been many people throughout history with that power. He was not the first host of the Imagine Breaker. The Son of God had the ability to save all around him, but the world is still decaying. The foundation is too corrupt, so even the good people can't change it." Misaki saw Excalibur start to glow brightly and she couldn't look at it directly. "I will, however, tell you this. I do not believe you are evil, take solace in that fact. War is rarely good versus evil. War is waged by different people believing they are right."

"Then when will this war end?" Lancelot asked. "How many times must we stain our hands with innocent blood to achieve our goal?"

"It ends when there is a victor," Arthur responded sadly and brought down his sword into the ground. Misaki couldn't react, but Lancelot did. He jumped back, turned around, and blocked Misaki with his body.

A golden dome erupted and covered the entire train station.

Misaki couldn't see. There was only a slight shadow caused by Lancelot's large frame. Everything else disappeared in the golden flash. Misaki had to shut her eyes, but the light seemed to permeate through her eyelids. If it wasn't for Lancelot forming a slight shadow, she might have gone blind. The light disappeared and she opened her eyes gingerly. Misaki couldn't make out anything for a moment. Her eyes were still adjusting to the light. She felt water begin to fall on her. She blinked several times and everything began to slowly swim into focus. Lancelot was the closest and Misaki saw how injured he was. His armor was cracked and she heard him panting loudly. His shield had been completely shattered. She looked past him toward Arthur, who had lifted up his sword. He was staring at them with a passive look on his face. Misaki only now realized it was raining. This confused her, as they should have been under cover, until her sight completely returned.

The entire train station was gone.

Misaki glanced around and gasped at her surroundings. Arthur's magical attack wiped the train station off the map. The three of them were now standing out in the open, which is why the rain was able to descend upon them. The ground around them was completely smooth, except for the area directly behind her and Lancelot, since he had taken the brunt of the attack, and the small crater were Arthur's sword had hit the ground. The buildings and the roads in the distance were undamaged, but the entire area under the golden dome had been annihilated. In all honesty, Misaki thought she should have been too. Thanks for saving me, she whispered softly into Lancelot's mind.

"He was holding back," Lancelot told her and flinched as he turned to face Arthur. "If he truly wished for our death, there would be nothing left."

"I am not a monster," Arthur said and he began to walk slowly toward them. "I could not bring myself to kill my friend, regardless of what you did. That girl… she reignited the spark I haven't seen in you for a long time. I don't wish to cause the death of someone who can do that." Arthur stopped and paused. "My orders were to fight until either she or I died." He smiled for a second. "I think I can find some leeway in Lady Eve's order. The fact she wanted us to fight was to prevent you from further hindering our plan. Here is my final offer. I can offer no better deal than this." He looked directly at Misaki. "You will swear to no longer impede our plans, go back to your normal life, and never deal with us again. In return, I will let you go."

Huh?!

"This way," Arthur elaborated. "You will essentially be dead to us. If you are not opposing us, you won't cause Lady Eve any problems. I know you can't speak for the rest of your comrades, but I doubt the others will be as kind as me."

It's a good deal, Lancelot thought to Misaki. You saw how strong Excalibur is and that's only a fraction of its power. You have witness Curtana in action and it's in the same league. If we continue to fight, we will lose. Misaki took his advice into consideration and thought about it. She would be able to survive, but would have to look the other way if Eve's forces did anything in the city. Arthur was noble and he even removed the two girls she arrived with out of harm's way. She could sense their sleeping minds a few meters outside of the carnage Arthur's sword brought. He must have held back enough to ensure their safety. Then there was the fact Eve's forces were attacking her friends and she doubted they would roll over for them, especially 'him.'

"No."

"Excuse me?" Arthur asked. Lancelot frowned under his cracked helm.

"No," Misaki repeated and she was actually using her own words to convey her message. "If it was the old me, I would have agreed. My life would be considered the top priority, but you are asking for the impossible. Your deal would require me to look the other way, while my friends continue to fight and others get hurt. Not only would that be directly against what my prince desires, but I would never hear the end of it from Misaka. I lived in that kind of world once, never again. Pretending to ignore the suffering of others was horrible. When I suffered, only one person truly noticed. I think that's the kind of person I want to strive to be, someone who can help others. It's tough, since I'm not used to it, but I want to change. I already have a little and I've never been happier. So no, I won't accept your deal. I will defeat you here and make you see the truth."

Lancelot smiled and stood up straight. New purpose radiated from him from the power of her words. "You see Arthur, this is what I saw. I won't let a light like this go out."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Arthur said softly and his hand tightened around the hilt of Excalibur. "I tried to give you a way out, but you forced my hand." His voice trembled slightly as he resolved himself. "I'm sorry my friend." Without warning, he lunged at superhuman speeds. Lancelot stepped forward and swung his sword to intercept. The force of their blades colliding released a shockwave. Lancelot felt the force of Arthur's blade increase and he found himself being pushed back. Arondight could no longer deflect the power of Excalibur. Arthur was slowly bringing his blade down toward Lancelot's throat. Lancelot saw the resolve in Arthur's eyes, but also the trace of sadness. He gritted his teeth and pushed back as hard as he could to prevent his friend from making a mistake he would regret.

Misaki took the opportunity to unleash the full power of her ability.

Arthur's mind was still magically shielded, but there was now a crack in the impenetrable defense. Misaki wasn't sure if it was her words, the weight of Arthur striking down Lancelot, or the combination of the two that caused it, but she was able to establish a foothold in his mind. It wasn't enough to completely take it over, but she now had a direct link. Misaki had to continue to concentrate because Arthur was trying to push her out of his mind, while simultaneously bringing Excalibur down on Lancelot. With his attention divided, Misaki tried to press her advantage. Arthur's defenses were different than a normal person's mind, but Misaki found out where she connected too. They were his memories. This wasn't going to help her, as Arthur suddenly kicked Lancelot in the chest and sent him flying. With no one left between her and Arthur, she didn't have time to take over his mind. Arthur stepped toward her and raised his blade.

"I'm sorry," he told her. "It shouldn't have to end this way."

"I know," Misaki whispered. "And it won't. I'll make you understand if words are not enough." Using the link, she forcefully traded the information in her mind with his. Arthur staggered backwards as memories flooded into his mind that were not his. Misaki's mind felt like it was being split apart as she established another connection with another magician who wielded Telesma. The link transferred Arthur's Telesma as well as his memories into Misaki and her memories to him. Both of them were living experiences that were not theirs.

Misaki saw Arthur as a young boy. He was a small, scrawny lad barely capable of lifting a sword from its sheath. She could see the ridicule he received as others mocked him for being a bastard child. With the memories, she could experience the same feelings Arthur felt. While he was sad and upset at all the insults, he never wanted to get revenge. When Arthur pulled Excalibur from the sword, he did not hold onto grudges, but focused on uniting all of England. Memories continued to flash by and she saw an adult Arthur lead his men against invaders. Misaki could feel the sadness every time Arthur took a life, but there was no other option. For every group Arthur defeated, another one would rise up. Bandits would threaten towns and invaders would continue to try to take England for themselves. This was one reason he created the Knights of the Round Table. The group was created to protect the country and promote morals and notions of medieval chivalry.

Then the memory Misaki dreaded coursed through her. With her link, it was like she was living in Lancelot's betrayal. The shock, horror, and anger flowed through her. Arthur could not believe his friend could have an affair with his wife. That was the greatest insult a knight could have done. It was against everything they stood for and a betrayal of that magnitude was not easily forgotten. Arthur felt like every belief he had ever known was a lie. It took years before Arthur could see him again without wanting to strike him down. During that time, Lancelot had sought the Holy Grail. They had never reconciled after that and Arthur grew more distant from the other knights. Misaki could feel him sinking into despair before his eventual death.

Death at the hands of his own son.

Misaki mentally gasped when she witnessed the final battle between Arthur and a man named Mordred, Arthur's illegitimate son. Mordred wanted the throne and was willing to kill his own father for it. Misaki could feel every ounce of pain, physical and mental, as she witness Arthur being stabbed in the chest. As the last memory faded, she felt his last desire. A world without betrayals. The next memory she saw was Eve standing before him and offering him a chance to make his dream a reality. Misaki couldn't believe how open and honest Eve was to him, explaining he may have to perform vile acts in order to save everyone in the future. She could only prevent so many. The memories faded and Misaki understood what Arthur had gone though and what he was trying to do. She didn't hate him and almost pitied him. He had not been saved.

Understanding and acceptance were different though. Misaki would not surrender.

Arthur was simultaneously experiencing Misaki's memories. He saw her as a small child and could feel the joy and happiness she felt when she was informed she could reach level 5. Then everything went downhill fast. Misaki was constantly attacked by other people who were jealous of her. They believed she was the reason they could not progress. Arthur could see every thought Misaki read in their minds. He experienced the loneliness and sadness that overcame Misaki when she found out everyone around her didn't see her as a person. Scientists saw her as a tool, people she thought were friends were only pretending, and strangers thought she was a monster with her powers. The feelings only grew until she was about to end it all, until he saw the boy Misaki held so close to her heart. Arthur could tell how noble the boy was, if a bit thickheaded, and Misaki decided against erasing her mind. The feelings Misaki had were being transmitted to Arthur and his arm shook. For a short time, Misaki was happy again.

Everything went downhill again for her though. Because Touma saved her, he wasn't able to save another and it caused the other girl to go insane. Misaki almost died, but the boy appeared at the last minute again. He not only saved Misaki, but the other girl too. Arthur wasn't sure if he could have done that. The happiness Misaki felt every time she met Touma was evident, and then another tragedy occurred. Touma was injured and to save his life, Misaki's power made him unable to remember her. No matter what she did, he always forgot. Arthur noticed a change come over her at this point. She was sad and lonely, but she kept moving forward. She was going to waste the life Touma gave her. It was as if the flame Touma wielded to fight darkness had spread to her. Misaki started using her powers a lot more responsibly and tried to help Touma from the shadows whenever she could.

The unrestrained joy Misaki had when Touma could finally remember her almost cause Arthur to fall. After the depression of the previous memories, happiness was a breath of fresh air. Misaki was no saint. She felt jealousy at other girls around Touma, she got irritated when people made fun of her, and she liked to eat sweets way more than she normally should. However, she had changed greatly. Misaki had a hard time trusting people whose mind she could not read, but she started to find out, she didn't need to follow that logic anymore. Mikoto was one person who Misaki could not manipulate, so Mikoto knew the real Misaki. Being around Touma, Misaki naturally hung out with his other friends and the number of times she used her power on them dwindled to almost nothing now. Misaki had made friends and, through her eyes, Arthur saw the same flame being lit up in them. Many of the people around her and the boy had troubling pasts, but they kept moving forward and smiling.

"You have gone through much at such a young age," Arthur muttered. His left hand had grabbed his head.

"You too," Misaki replied. She was trying to limit using her ability to talk, as her head was threatening to break and knock her unconscious. If I do, I will never wake up.

"You lived in hatred and betrayal," Arthur said and took a step forward. "Yet you found a way to leave. You understand what happens to those who were not saved, but you didn't give up on them. I take it by your response, you saw mine too?"

"I did," Misaki confirmed. "Having your love and best friend go behind your back, I doubt I could truly understand the pain before that memory. It would be childish to say I could. I do believe I understand why you joined Eve and what you hope to achieve now. The Eve you know seems vastly different than the one we know, but I think she could be doing that on purpose. I know you are a man with integrity, but I still can't accept your logic. I will continue to stand against you. If I fall, I know others will take my place."

"You are still defiant," Arthur continued and took another step toward her while twirling Excalibur. His eyes darted over to Lancelot, who managed to sit up. Arthur gazed down at Misaki. Her form had not disappeared, but he saw strength in her eyes, along with something else. It was something he had lost, until Eve gave it to him. He took a deep breath and raised his sword high above Misaki.

"Don't do it!" Lancelot yelled. "You won't be able to recover from this!"

"I won't beg," Misaki told him. The countless threads from her back circled them, but did not attack Arthur. She did not believe her mind could take the force of linking with Arthur again. Her body felt light, like it had grown accustomed to her new form. "We both know this is wrong, but you are physically stronger than me." I said what needed to be said to him.

"I'm sorry," Arthur said again and brought down the blade. Misaki didn't even close her eyes, as the blade approached her neck.

It then stopped less than an inch from her skin.

"Why did you stop?" Misaki asked rhetorically.

"How did you know I would?" Arthur asked back.

"I just knew," Misaki said with a shrug. "It was like I could feel your intentions."

"Arthur?" Lancelot asked and slowly rose to his feet.

"I can't do it," Arthur told them. He actually sheathed Excalibur. "You are right Lancelot. This is wrong. After everything I witnessed, I know. I think I always knew, but I hid it by telling myself it is for the greater good." He walked passed Misaki and toward Lancelot. "It was thanks to you for holding me back so she could show me. Thank you my friend." He put his hand on Lancelot's shoulder.

"I am more than a knight," Lancelot responded. "I'm your friend first." He put his hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"I forgive you," Arthur said. "For everything. We all make mistakes, but how we choose to move forward is what takes true strength. That girl there is probably the strongest person I ever met."

"You should meet the Imagine Breaker then," Lancelot said with a chuckle. "He's the one who helped her along the way."

"I might have to if there is time," Arthur agreed and then stepped back as Lancelot started to glow. "Good-bye. Time is short and our pact is finished-..."

"But our bond will last through death," Lancelot finished. "Should you ever have need of me, I will return." Lancelot's body started to grow transparent until he completely disappeared. Misaki and Arthur stood in the rain in silence for a moment, lightning crackled overhead, before Misaki found her voice.

"What happened to him?"

"When he broke the magical bond that tied the knights and me together," Arthur explained without turning around. "It caused a ripple effect that strained my relationship with the rest of them. It cursed him and he was unable to rest in peace. When Eve revived me, I took that bond and pulled him from the prison he was in to give him an opportunity for redemption. For a moment, it looked like he was about to do it again, but it was only because his eyes were open. I bet he also had a reason for the first time, but I never tried to find out what." He turned away from Misaki and started to walk away. "You win Queen of the Fey. I shall return to Lady Eve to face her after this lost."

"You didn't lose," Misaki told him. "You simply found the truth."

"Your eyes held the belief and hope I had once lost," Arthur replied and lifted his right hand in a waving gesture. "No matter my oath, I would never extinguish that. It is what I fight for. When you see the Imagine Breaker, tell him King Arthur respects his light." Misaki felt a sense of pride well up within her as she watched him leave, until she turned around because she heard a couple people rushing toward her.

"We just woke up," Floris panted. "What happened?"

"We talked and he left," Misaki answered simply.

"Talked?!" Floris fumed. "Care to explain what happened to the train station then?" She gestured to the open area around him.

"He had a small fit," Misaki added, like it was natural.

"Is everything settled then?" Lancis asked. "And are you okay? That form, there are cracks appearing all over." Misaki looked down and noticed she was right. The white plastic like substance was breaking apart.

"Do you have your phone?" Misaki asked quickly and Lancis nodded. "Take a picture of me before everything fades away."

"Why?" Lancis asked confused, but did as Misaki requested.

"My bag was probably destroyed," Misaki sighed. "And I would like some documentation of what happened so I can figure out why it did."

"Well," Floris said. "If the fight is over, we better contact the others and see how they are doing."

"I still need your help," Misaki interjected.

"With what?"

"My friends are over there," she gesture to the right. "And I'm about to faint."

"Huh?!" Floris and Lancis asked, but Misaki fell against Floris and lost consciousness.

---

Juliet wasn't entirely sure what to do now.

She did not expect Mikoto to sacrifice herself like that. After all, Juliet was supposed to be the one to kill her. When Mikoto had transformed into some kind of nonhuman entity, Juliet thought the task had become impossible. The mass of energy Mikoto had created was beyond anything Juliet was capable of handling. With science developing some kind of force similar to Telesma, Juliet didn't believe even her shadow form would have been able to survive. "Eve had to have known about this," Juliet scoffed. "Evolution my ass, this was beyond that. I'm better for subterfuge and manipulation, not direct fights." She didn't even need to use her magic based on her name to cause Mikoto to snap and Kuroko knocked herself out before she had been affected.

Juliet turned her gaze to the remaining unconscious girls. The two who looked exactly like Mikoto were closest, while Kuroko was further away. A rush of anger flickered through Juliet at the sight of her. Juliet walked toward them through the rain and her arms transformed into shadows. The shadows extended toward the two Sisters and lifted them up into the air. Juliet smiled for a moment. She had their lives in her hand and no one could stop her. Mikoto was dead, Kuroko was unconscious, and there was no one else rushing to their rescue. With a simple flick, she could snap their necks. Juliet took a deep breath and moved her arms.

The Sisters were lightly tossed under an overhang attached to a building that had not been destroyed by their fight.

Juliet was not a monster, no matter how easily she lost control of her emotions. Eve wanted her to push Mikoto to the edge of her limits and beyond. Mikoto had to be broken mentally, recognize her weakness, and then surpass it. By threatening her friends and the girls who looked like her, Juliet managed to do just that. The reason why she left the Sisters' alone wasn't because she felt guilty, but because she had no reason to kill them. They were not part of her mission nor did they have any significance to her anymore. Torturing them had caused Mikoto to snap, which was the goal. Juliet had moved them under shelter as her way of apologizing to them. She smiled again. Now I can look him in the eyes without feeling guilty. He doesn't like killing. She held her hands up to her cheeks for a moment when she imagined them together again. Juliet then lowered her arms and turned to her true adversary.

Kuroko was an exception to the rule.

Kuroko was one of Juliet's primary enemies. The other girl was the one who actually held the position of girlfriend, but she was weak and could be removed at any time. Kuroko was always with someone strong, usually Mikoto, and her teleportation made her hard to catch. Juliet walked over to her unconscious body and looked down. Kuroko was breathing lightly, but her face was flinching slightly in the rain. Lightning crackled overhead and Juliet made a fist. This slut dies now. Kuroko had admitted she loved him and Juliet would not stand for it. Even though the slut wasn't dating him, they shared a special connection. It was only a matter of time before something happened and Juliet would now allow that. He belonged to her and her alone. Her hand slowly turned into shadow and stretched out into a sinister, curved blade.

Juliet raised the blade above her head.

Huh?

She found herself hesitating and didn't know why.

Juliet was about to get rid of one of the greatest threats to her happiness, but something was gnawing at her mind. She blinked and realized what it was. She imagined the look in his eyes if he ever found out Juliet had killed Kuroko. The look of shock and horror, along with anger and disappointment, gripped at her more than Eve's punishments could ever do. She had met him briefly, even if it was an unusual circumstance. The look on his face still haunted her. His eyes betrayed what he thought of her actions and it continued to send shivers down her back. Juliet trembled slightly, but slowly resolved herself. He won't know it was me. He will be happier with me in the long run. We were destined to be together. His expression swam to the front of her mind once more and she hesitated again.

"This shouldn't be so hard!" Juliet yelled. "I could do it before, why not now?!" Is it because she's defenseless or is it because I know how he would feel. Her heart hurt when she remembered their time together. They were two young kids sticking together, while their other friends grew distance. The adults were pitting them against each other, but they would not cave. Romeo and Juliet were their aliases, not only because they both liked Shakespeare, but because they went through trials and tribulations. It was because of those experiences, Juliet developed her magic under Eve. My resolve can't waiver now. I won't lose him again, even if I have to live with the guilt. She shook her head and the hesitation vanished.

She raised her shadow blade again.

This would be quick and Kuroko would not suffer.

The lightning continued to crackle ominously above her as the storm raged.

Juliet's eyes narrowed and she jumped backwards as a small bolt of lightning hit the ground in front of her. Juliet couldn't' believe something that coincidental could happen. The strike wasn't very strong, but Juliet's instincts had warned her of the danger. Being hit several times by random lightning strikes had made her body keen on avoiding them. Juliet's eyes widened as something appeared. It was as if the electricity hadn't been an attack, but a way of travel. This thing was somehow able to ride the lightning. "How are you alive!?"

It was Mikoto Misaka.

At least, Juliet assumed it was.

The appearance was similar to Mikoto before she had been swallowed up by the mass of black electricity. The complex halo was still over her head, the circle with four points in each direction, with the floating vertical rectangle tapered on both ends inside. The remains of her human hands and feet had not reappeared. Her hands were still claw-like with ribbon like protrusions, while her legs were still abstract. The difference was it was like her head and body had switched colors. Instead of her head, everything from her neck down was the void like space. It was pitch black, but decorated with countless dots of lights like stars. Her head was glowing brightly with bluish-white energy. Her hair had been swept back, but looked like it was made of the same energy. Mikoto's face was now visible and Juliet could make out facial expressions. The eyes were glowing pure white and, even though they had no irises, Juliet didn't feel a single trace of malice from them.

"Answer me!" Juliet yelled.

Mikoto responded by smiling kindly at her.

---

Where am I?

Mikoto opened her eyes and felt herself flouting in empty space. She looked down and gasped. Below her was Academy City, but strangely different. Nothing was casting shadows and everything was slowly moving in waves, as if heat was distorting the scenery. The colors also kept changing. It was as if the aurora, or the northern lights, had fused with the city. Mikoto was momentarily mesmerized by the changing shades of blue, yellow, green, and everything in between. Mikoto glanced down at her body and would have cried out if she could. She was naked. Well, more precisely, her body was glowing softly in white light and she just had an outline of her body. It wasn't quite being naked, but it was like having a very tight skinsuit. There was no wind and the air was still, which Mikoto found suffocating. She tried to breath, but couldn't find any air. This caused a moment of panic, but the lack of air didn't seem to faze her.

She felt something move behind her, but she couldn't turn around.

Misaka-san? The voice was so familiar, but it was like a whisper in her ear.

Kazakiri-san? Mikoto responded. She tried to speak, but couldn't feel her mouth move. It was more like her thoughts turned vocal. How? What is-…? Where am I?

I felt you, Hyouka told her. I don't know why. I was drifting around and suddenly I found myself in an area that seemed to grow substance. My district has changed.

Substance? Mikoto asked. But I thought when you were in the Imaginary Number District, there wasn't any weight or anything. That's what Touma told us.

Normally yes, Hyouka agreed. But look out toward the edge. Mikoto did as she suggested and would have gasped. Only the area around them seemed to have the lights and actual resemblance to the city. Several blocks away the lights abruptly end and the buildings kind of vanished. There were shapes, but there weren't shadows, markings, lights, or anything else that resembled Academy City. For some reason, the concentration of AIM fields is now much greater and I was forcefully pulled here.

That was my fault, Mikoto explained. Something happened, and I developed this evil power. The first time I used it I nearly killed Touma. Last time, I tried to kill someone else. This time, I almost killed everyone in the city to get to…. Juliet! She should still be out there, along with Kuroko and my Sisters! I got to stop her, but… She trailed off. Am I dead?

No, Hyouka reassured her and Mikoto felt Hyouka embrace her from behind. Mikoto was surprised by her warmth. Hyouka's arms wrapped around her stomach and they appeared to be similar to hers. When I tried to figure out where I was, I felt you. Or maybe it was your feelings. I saw shadows of what was happening and something that resembled you was wielding a strange power. I felt the fear, hatred, but also sorrow and loss.

I lost my mind for a moment, Mikoto admitted. I was told once if I tried to reach level 6, I would lose my humanity. A friend told me that. I felt like I did and nearly blew up the city because I hated Juliet. She felt Hyouka's embrace tighten.

I become a monster once, Hyouka told her. You remember what he told you? Mikoto nodded. But even then, I came too because of my friends. I felt that from you too. At the end, you remembered why you were fighting in the first place. I could sense the strength radiating from you.

My friends, Mikoto said and she something well up from deep inside her. Tears began to form, but she couldn't move to wipe them away. They kept me human. All of them, even some people I wouldn't think of.

Then I actually heard your words, Hyouka continued. I couldn't let my new friend die, especially for fighting to defend others. Right before the explosions destroy your body, I did the only thing I could. I tried to pull you into my world.

What?!

The AIM field was so dense, this area almost became solid. I don't really know how I did it, but I pulled you in. I wanted to help. I couldn't let you die. Hyouka sniffed. It wasn't perfect and you are caught between your world and mine.

Am… am I stuck here? Mikoto asked anxiously. I need to make sure my friends are safe.

You are too solid to remain here, Hyouka reassured her. This area is rejecting you. When I pulled you in, your body was composed almost completely of some kind of pure energy. Now that you are in here, your body is changing back, or maybe it's your mental state. I found out my emotions can cause weird things to happen here. Her voice was sounding farther and farther away as she talked. Mikoto felt her embrace loosen and disappear. When you get back, you need to stop that other girl. I can hear her yelling. She's in pain.

I'll face her, Mikoto told Hyouka. And I'll stop here from hurting anyone else. The Imaginary Number District was getting dimmer and she begun to hear the sound of rain.

When this is done, Mikoto heard Hyouka whisper from so far away. I need to talk to you and Kamijou. I found it-… Her voice died out and Mikoto found herself high above Academy City. She glanced down and saw the tiny figure of Juliet standing over Kuroko with her shadow arm blade held high. Mikoto panicked for a second and her instincts moved faster than her brain worked. She fired a bolt of electricity and then grabbed hold of it with her feet. This was a weird sensation, as she was suddenly traveling with the electricity, but she had more pressing matters to deal with. First, Kuroko was in danger and, second, her body was like a patch of night sky. She blinked away the second issue, as her body was not in danger, and focused on Juliet. She rode the lightning directly at Juliet but she must have seen her. Juliet jumped back at the last second before Mikoto landed.

"How are you alive!?" Juliet yelled at her, after taking in Mikoto's appearance. Mikoto didn't answer, but took in her surroundings. Kuroko was still alive and the Sisters had been moved under shelter from the storm for some reason. Mikoto had no idea why Juliet would do that. "Answer me!" Mikoto only smiled. Her mind was clear, her friends were safe, and all that was left was to capture Juliet. She could feel her power all around her, her body was overflowing with it, and her mind was able to do extremely advanced calculations and algorithms without any effort.

"A friend saved me," Mikoto explained at last. "Actually, all of my friends saved me."

"What does that mean?" Juliet snapped.

"It means people are stronger together than they are separate," Mikoto answered. "You could experience this if you would stop attacking people. Please Juliet, surrender and come with us. I'm sure Kagere-san would want you to."

"I have nothing to say to you," Juliet replied angrily. "You grew up with friends. I lost mine and was stuck in a void for years. I'm past trying to play the victim card. I made up my mind and I'm going to carry it through to the end. Eve wanted me to kill you and I want to kill the slut." Her arm twisted in the area. "What he doesn't know won't hurt him!" She extended her blade and aimed for Mikoto's neck. Mikoto didn't even flinch.

The shadow blade stopped like it hit an invisible wall and several bright blue sparks crackled out of thin air.

"What is this?!" Juliet yelled and started using both of her arms. Each hit of her shadow form caused more sparks and loud crackling sounds, but she couldn't get closer to Mikoto. Her anger and frustration grew and she transformed her entire body back into shadow. She started slamming it against the invisible wall, but all that caused was a ripple of bluish-white electricity. That's when Juliet noticed her situation. She flew backwards and hit another wall. "Ah!" she involuntarily cried out in pain. She tried to move straight up, but there was yet another wall of invisible electricity.

"It's no use," Mikoto explained and felt grim satisfaction. "I boxed you in. You are surrounded by very concentrated, invisible to the eye, electrical circuits. While thinner than hair, it's much more powerful than my normal attacks. You won't be able to break out. I won't kill, but I'm taking you in for threatening my friends."

"I won't go out like this!" Juliet cried and slammed against the barrier again.

"Please stop," Mikoto said worriedly. "It's still energy and you are only going to get hurt." It had not escaped her notice the energy was able to hurt Juliet. Whatever new power she accessed, was now coursing through all of her electricity.

"NO!" Juliet screamed. "I won't be trapped! Not again! Never again!" She slammed against the wall of energy closest to Mikoto and Kuroko. Sparks flew out in great numbers, but Juliet refused to get pushed back. She continued to press up against it and ignored the pain coursing through her body. I won't be separated again, physically or emotionally! Not when I'm so close! "I still have to get rid of those two so he will be willing to leave!" Mikoto flinched. "I won't leave until they are dead!" Juliet used every ounce of force to keep pushing against the wall of electricity. It was now a blinding barrage of blue and white light. The physical pain she felt was nothing compared to the pain in her mind. Her shadow form was beginning to break apart and pieces were flaking off before disintegrating.

"Stop!" Mikoto cried. "You will die if you keep this up!"

"Not until she is dead!" Juliet grunted through the pain. Her eyes were not focused on Mikoto, but on Kuroko. Even though Mikoto couldn't actually see them, she could feel it. The rage coursing through Juliet was making her oblivious to her body being destroyed.

"Please!" Mikoto begged. "We don't need any more deaths! You have to stop!" Mikoto knew if she lowered the barrier, Juliet would live, but she would be aiming for Kuroko. Mikoto could probably knock Juliet back or move Kuroko out of the way, but her new power was still fully untested. Mikoto could not guarantee she could safely interact with Kuroko in this form.

"I would rather die than be locked away again!" Juliet yelled furiously. Mikoto's eyes widened at the force.

"Please," Mikoto begged softly and she felt tears begin to fall. Juliet's body was being destroyed, less than half remained. "You have to… It's killing you."

"Then I will take you with me!" Juliet declared. "I can't truly die, since I'm not alive anyways. I will come back and find you, even if it takes a lifetime." The electricity started flying everywhere as Juliet used the last of her strength to push against the wall. Mikoto was forced to look away, not because of the light, but because of the scene. When the light faded, she turned back and Juliet was gone, yet Mikoto's barrier remained.

"Juliet," Mikoto murmured and took a step forward. "Why? Why would you go so far? Kagere… he's going to be devastated." She blinked back the tears and then saw it. It was a small black sphere, maybe an inch in diameter floating right in the middle of her cage. Mikoto frowned and shrunk the cage down until it was only a few centimeters from the edge of the sphere. When Mikoto moved the cage, the orb moved with it, keeping perfectly in the middle. I have no idea what this is. It has to be magic in origin though. I need a way to transport it. She could feel her power fading, so she needed to hurry. She looked to her left and saw a thin piece of metal from one of the buildings. She used magnetism to pull it toward her and twisted it into a sphere around the black orb and her electrical barrier. Then she used concentrated electricity to fuse the metal perfectly together. "This will have to do, but I need to be careful. Index should probably have a look at this." The rain became noticeable on her skin and she looked down.

Only to discover she was naked.

"NOOOOO!" she yelled and covered herself up. Since her power faded, the form broke apart and her clothes must have been disintegrated form being in contact with it. Now Mikoto was crouched in the middle of a destroyed street, in the rain, with an unconscious girl behind her, and now she was naked. This day can't get any worse. Touma would never have uttered those words, as the universe would go out of its way to prove him wrong, but Mikoto wasn't that unlucky. Instead, the universe must have decided to help her.

"Onee-sama?" Mikoto turned toward the two Sisters.

"You're awake?!" she gasped.

"We just woke up Misaka 19090 reports." She looked around. "Misaka takes it the threat has been neutralized?"

"Yes," Mikoto replied sadly and looked at the metal orb on the ground in front of her.

"Is there a reason onee-sama is on the ground without clothes? Misaka 13577 asks."

"It wasn't like I had a choice!" Mikoto protested. "They were destroyed in the battle." She decided not to mention the transformation.

"That's good, Misaka 13577 sighs. Misaka was afraid onee-sama was discovering an unusual hobby."

"WHAT GAVE YOU THAT IDEA!?"

"Here." Misaka 19090 took off her Tokiwadai vest and handed it to Mikoto. "This should help get you to your dorm without notice Misaka 19090 states plainly. Sorry it is soaked." Misaka 13577 nodded and removed her skirt before handing it to Mikoto.

"Are you sure?" Mikoto asked, especially the one who gave her the skirt, as she only had striped underwear on her lower half. They both nodded.

"We have a nearby base we can acquire additional clothes, Misaka 13577 informs slightly embarrassed. Misaka does hope no one sees her though."

"In case you were wondering Misaka 19090 adds. The moderator reports she and Accelerator were attacked but Accelerator emerged victorious."

"They were attacked too?!"

"They were victorious Misaka 19090 repeats slightly irritated."

"Thank you," Mikoto told them gratefully and she meant every word. If Accelerator and Last Order were fine, she wouldn't need to worry about them tonight. Suddenly, Kuroko behind her groaned. "She's waking up. You two have to get out of here before she sees you." They nodded and turned around to duck down a side street. "Thanks again for all your help!" Mikoto then turned toward to Kuroko, as she managed to sit up.

"Owe... my head...," Kuroko moaned. "It feels like I was hit by a truck. I'm also soaked. What happened while I was-…?" She was cut off as Mikoto lunged toward her and hugged her tightly.

"I'm so glad you are okay!" Mikoto cried through the tears. "I thought you were going to die. Juliet was seriously trying to kill you and she wouldn't stop no matter what I did. I tried to escape with you, but she was too fast. It took everything I had to beat her, and now…. Now she's…" Mikoto couldn't finish the sentence.

"Huh?" Kuroko asked in confusion. Normally, having Mikoto embrace her would be a dream come true, but now, she felt weird, like this was wrong. It made her uncomfortable. "I'm fine." She pushed Mikoto off her and stood up. "Wow, you did a number on the street. What happened to Juliet?"

"She's in here," Mikoto answered and held up the orb. "I trapped what was left of her shadow."

"Will that hold?" Kuroko asked wearily.

"I don't know," Mikoto said truthfully. "Index will have to look at this. Right now," Mikoto looked around, "we need to get out of here and back to the dorms. I lost most of my clothes in the fight and we are going to catch a cold if we stay out here. Can you get us there unseen?"

"Shouldn't be a problem," Kuroko confirmed and reached over to touch Mikoto. At the moment of contact, Kuroko felt a slight wave of nauseous wash over her. Kuroko pushed down the feeling and attributed it to the previous events. Her head hurt slightly and she wasn't sure why she didn't want to call Mikoto onee-sama. Kuroko purposely avoided saying it. I need some rest and sort out what happened. My head really hurts, but I should be able to teleport for a bit. She and Mikoto began to teleport toward their dorms and left the wreckage of the fight behind.

Unknown to Mikoto, before the Sisters' woke up, something was nearby and saw everything. On top of a nearby building and looking down at Mikoto, a golden haired being, with a tall and thin humanoid stature, was watching her. It appeared to be wearing loose white clothing that covered its body entirely. It was effeminate-looking, but its gender hard to ascertain. The expression on its face was also difficult to ascertain, as it had a mixture of happiness, sadness, grief, and anger. Whatever emotion was being displayed had to be different from humans. When Mikoto's new form faded away, so did it, but it said a single word.

"Interesting."

---

Meanwhile, far away from the fights, a lone boy and girl sat in a room, completely oblivious to the ongoing events around them. Well, one of them was. The boy was observing the battle through a type of detection magic, though it was rather flawed. All he could do was detect the enormous amounts of magic clashing against something. When he felt four different forces similar to Telesma, he grew apprehensive. As the fights ended, he couldn't resist smirking. The smirk became a full fledge grin as the final fight ended. The girl was too preoccupied with a movie to notice. A single thought passed through the boy's mind.

This is better than I could have imagined.

---

Feel free to leave a review, comment, suggestions, or ideas, I love reading them. If you have a question you wish I ask and would like a quick answer, feel free to message me directly. I try to respond to those within a day or two. Comments, I tend to respond to in the next chapter.

The hardest part of this story was trying to write a debate myself. It's hard to argue with yourself to support two different sides. I got some strange looks when people saw me standing and talking out loud as I debated. I bet they thought I was crazy. Yes, Mikoto is alive you guys. I lied to a lot of you. Most of you suspected that because of the lack of body. I will remember that the next time. I was going to have her die and everyone else would go through a lot of character development, but then Brosephg used his Canadian mind trick on me to save her. Blame him.

This chapter also is the last fight for the level 5 arc, so next chapter will be transitioning between Australia and Academy City and then the awesome Australian fight. I have been looking forward to this for a long time.

Arthur: Who would think I wouldn't be able to defeat a middle school student? (Opens door)

Chris: Welcome. Why don't you have a seat over there? Yes, right over there.

Arthur: Chris Hansen?!

Chris: Now, Arthur. What were you doing trying to whisk a fourteen-year-old girl off to be your 'Queen?' You're a five-hundred-year-old man!

Arthur: It wasn't-…

Chris: I have the chatlogs right here, Arthur! Come on! We also have video evidence and a police report Miss Shokuhou filed against….

(TV screen changes back to Academy City.)

Touma: What was that!?

Jason: Sorry, sat on the remote.

Ruiko: Wait, can this TV have a channel for everything?

Pierce: Sure does. I use it a lot since I'm not a primary character.

Frenda: Could we spy on Eve with it?

Pierce: Yes, but spying is bad. You wouldn't want people to know you have a Kami-yan doll you sleep with right?

Frenda: How-…!? No, that's a lie! You die now!

Motoharu: Sorry everyone, you have to vacate the premises. Once we switch back to Kami-yan's group, the characters in Academy City are going to be here and comment on your fights.

Touma: Great… just what I needed, an audience.

Kazari: Cheer up Kamijou-san, I'm sure you will do great.

Touma: Thanks Uiharu-san.

Jason: Are you trying to infect her with Kami-yan Disease!?

Pierce: Not cool man. You don't steal a bro's girl.

Motoharu: That's low.

Touma: That is not happening. Jason, put down that blade! GAH!