Chapter 9: A Certain Team Formation
"So what you are telling me is, we know nothing".
Those were the words of Move Point as she listened to all the information, or rather, the lack of information they had on the enemy group known as CLASS.
"It seems that they took a name to counter, or to spite, others like SCHOOL, ITEM, or GROUP. That said, its difficult to believe that this is just a coincidence, after everything that happened".
"Awww, is that a bit of loneliness I hear?"
"Shut it. Anyways, these idiots are just annoying. So, where are they?"
"Sorry, but nothing I have points to where they are. CLASS seems to either have serious backing, or serious skills. I wouldn't be surprised if Crowley was behind them, but...from what I have heard, rumors have it they are not quite stable. Might be some really out there experiments from the Dark Side".
"No clue on any of their identities?"
"They all use Code Names, and we dont have any good images of their faces. But it seems like they have members of all ages and sizes, and they are all at least at Level 4 danger, or extremely capable Level 3s. I heard a rumor they stole some sort of Esper related program from a scientist, and that they take students that show certain abilities and behaviors. Other then that, I really dont know much, just a few code names. Lance, Piper, and they have repeatedly referenced something or someone known as 'Imagine Breaker'. They treat it like its a nuke or something".
Accelerator chuckled a bit on the inside, as he knew the truth about that last one.
"Well, it seems like last night, they tried to kidnap some DJ..."
"DJ? Wait, do you mean the rumored incident at the place where Azul Azero performed?! Did you meet him?! Did you get anything autographed?!"
"Right, I forgot you were a shotacon".
"No I am not, you lolicon! Whoever started that rumor is going to die! ANd if they are already dead, I will just kill them again!"
"Anyways, these people are causing all sorts of issues..."
"Oh no...you are not trying to get me wrapped up in all this again are you?"
"They will go after that DJ again, and..."
"Alright, fine. But I am not joining any team, got it?"
"Yeah yeah...anyways, lets just go already. Seems like we wont get any more information anyways, unless you got something to say?"
The two looked over at the corner, where an Academy CIty Secret Intelligence Officer was tied up in a corner and had a face full of fear and panic.
"I think we got everything out of him already...was this really necessary?"
"Well, he was the one assigned to spy on me, but he also tried to bug the shower room that the brat uses".
"So he is a lolicon like you?"
"I am not a lolicon, you shotacon!"
"I am not a shotacon!"
The two then turned to their hostage.
"Tell him/her I am right!"
"I cant believe you got to meet Azul Azero! YOu should have called me!"
Ai complained to Akari and Kota, who were watching TV at the Hokari residence, as she repeatedly beat her hands on Akari's head while complaining. She wasn't really using force though, it was more playful whining then anything else.
"You were at your sleepover, and Haruka-neechan didn't want to leave me on my own overnight given recent events".
"You should have called me! I could have portaled right over!"
"But you said not to disturb you!"
"Muuuuuu!"
"That said, we did get invited to his next event today. And we got you a pass".
As he said that, Akari held up a VIP pass, which was quickly snatched up by Ai.
"Woo hoo! Thank you! Thank you a whole bunch! Alright, come on! Lets go right now!"
"Eh, right now?" Akari questioned, as Ai opened up a portal right in front of them. "Wait wait! We dont have our shoes on!"
"Yeah! And we are in the middle of watching something!"
"Move it, now!"
"Yes, yes!" Akari said, as his body moved on its own. Kota jumped to his feet as well, and looked at Ai.
"You should apologize to him".
"Yeah yeah, I get it. But come on, we need to get going!"
The two boys got their shoes on, and were dragged along by Ai to the site of the event.
"His music is some of the best I have ever heard. Did you know along with DJing, he can play the piano, the violin, the guitar, and the flute! He can also...woah?!"
Suddenly, while distracted with her talking, Ai ran into someone. The two fell to the ground, giving out an ouch.
"Hey! What is the...Index?"
"Ai-neechan".
"What are you doing here?"
"Making Toma show me this music stuff! He went without me last time and I got lonely! I don't like being left out!"
"I know right! I also got left out last time!"
"...those two get along surprisingly well..."
"...they both are potentially the largest eaters in Academy City".
Kota and Akari conversed while watching the two of them. It was a nice, casual heartwarming scene at lea...
"Hmmm?"
Kota started to sniff the air as they approached the building.
"Something wrong Kota?"
"Its just...remember those bodies from before? Are any of them still around here?"
"No...why do you ask?"
"Its just, there is a scent here that kind of feels close to something I smelt from that crime scene..."
The moment he heard that, Akari went into full observation mode and looked around.
"...I think we just walked right into another mess..."
"Well well, look at this" Shiro mentioned as he looked out from the hotel room at the event below. "So many people. This is going to be a lot of fun".
At the same time, Melody came up behind him wearing a bathrobe.
"Come on now Shiro-chan, lets take a bath together..."
"Melody, dont you dare. I dont want you causing issues between each other right before an op. And you definently are not allowed to abuse Shiro and risk putting him in a state where he cant help us".
Lance warned Melody as he held a gun to her head, coming out of nowhere. She looked back at Lance, and glared scornfully.
"I hate older guys like you, so pushy and bossy".
"You see, I would be more sensitive, but you are more of a perpetrator then a victim".
"I just want to be with someone who I know is not after my body, like Shiro-chan".
"...you mean, you only want people who are physically too young to possess those emotions, since those are the only people you know for a fact wont treat you like..."
"You should shut up Lance, or I might just go and kill you".
"Can you both stop being so noisy?" Shiro asked as the two bickered. Shiro didn't really like or trust either of them, respectively. In terms of Melody, during her Esper power development, she ended up waking early to find one of the scientists...well, they were taking advantage of people while they were unconscious. That should make her a victim people feel sympathetic for, but the resulting shock caused her to kill him, and several other scientists whether they were aware of it or not, which also resulted in a spike in the development of her Esper powers.
Apparently after escaping though, she was consoled by a boy younger then her, an innocent boy who knew nothing and just wanted to make her feel better because he was kind, without any additional motivations or feelings due to his age, and who she only met in passing. Because of all this, she developed a psychotic and selfish personality where she always wants to be the one in power, and she also only likes young boys. She will happily carry out any assignment that involves killing older men, especially scientists and perverts, and will carry out any order that lets her keep that power. This has also made her show unconditional affection and support for Shiro. So while Shiro finds her bothersome, annoying, even embarrassing, he can at least trust her to not abandon or betray him.
As for Lance, he was the class president due to his overwhelming intellect and strategic ability. He fought with weapons and relics, but aside from Sensei, no one really knew if he used magic or Esper powers. He had secrets and authority, and also often assigned Shiro to missions where he could kill people. Shiro has so far learned how to manipulate him to some extent as well, but knows better then to trust Lance. However, Shiro does like Lance a little bit, enough to show him respect and listen to orders.
"Awww, you made Shiro-chan mad Lance!"
"You are the one who creeped him out with you pervertedness! Come on! Lets just complete the mission and abduct Azul...Shiro, the security situation?"
"I am seeing Anti-Skill pressence, a few members of Judgement, and...well now. Hokari Ai, Vector, Vector's friend, and...is that the Index?"
"Index? Tsk, that means Imagine Breaker must be close by. Anything else you see?"
Towards that question, Shiro seemed to freeze up.
"...Accelerator and Last Order".
"What?"
"I see them both, walking around in the open...oh, oh oh oh!"
Suddenly, Shiro dropped the binoculars and grabbed his sniper rifle, getting into a sniper position as he began to target Accelerator.
"No, Shiro! Stop! Do not target Accelerator! It will blow the whole mission!"
"But there he is! Academy City Number 1! Right there and vulnerable!"
"Don't do it Shiro! Its a trap! He is trying to get the better of you!"
Those words seemed to strike a nerve, as Shiro stopped targeting Accelerator.
"What?"
"Think about it! Accelerator, in a crowd in the open? Surrounded by actual normal people?! Its bait!"
Shiro looked back through the scope at Accelerator, then at Lance again, and then back at Accelerator, before clicking his tongue.
"Damn fool. Thinking I would fall for it".
No one bothered to remark that Shiro almost did fall for it, and would have if Lance had not intervened.
His barrel and sights then ended up drifting towards Vector, also known as Hokari Akari.
"...do we really need him alive? We could easily learn all we need from his corpse".
"Shiro, no. No killing. At least not yet".
"Yeah, come and take a bath with me instead".
"Melody, how about instead of trying for something impossible, you use your talents on our target, Azul. Who knows, Sensei might even let you keep Azul as a pet when you are done".
"Oooh, my own personal cute DJ. He is not as young as Shiro, but it should still be good!"
Melody went and skipped off, and Shiro sighed.
"At this rate, she is going to be retired just like Kunai-kun".
"You sorry or happy about that Shiro?"
"She is annoying and bothersome, but its guarenteed that if you try to betray me, or anyone else, she will side with me. So, I suppose both. But if she tries to crawl into my bed again, I will shoot her".
Shiro told him that as he scoped out the area.
"Alright Melody, freshen up and get dressed! We are moving out! Shiro-kun, you are on overwatch!"
"Yeah yeah, I got it!" he said as Melody skipped out of the room. "Just keep her away from me".
"I thought she was like, the only one you trusted?"
"Only to not stab me in the back".
"Well remember this. If this mission goes well, we will all get rewards".
Shiro smiled as he heard that, while the other two went to get ready.
"You ready to amp up the beats?!"
The entire crowd cheered yes as Azul, also known as Azu to his friends, as a certain group seemed to have formed. A very odd, very eye attracting group.
"...how did this happen?"
"Well of course I would come as well!"
"Toma! I am hungry! Lets go get food!"
"This is the best part! Lets stay here!"
Toma was caught inbetween Misaka and Index somehow, while Akari, Kota, and Ai looked on with pity.
"Thats a really dangerous situation..."
"Indeed".
"...what is it with that guy that attracts people like that? Look, isn't there one or two more people watching them from the corners?"
Indeed, there were others, including one person with a spear she was just barely holding back.
"...is this what we call an ikeman?"
"...seriously?"
"No no! Both of you, dont take his example! In fact, just stay small and adorable!"
"...Ai, what are you saying now?"
"...actually, I hope he follows Index away to the Food Court, instead of staying here...or maybe, I should just go and..."
Akari tried to get away, but Ai grabbed the collar of his shirt and held him there.
"No way. You have to get over this fear".
"He can litterally kill me with an accidental touch".
"Just relax and enjoy yourself!"
"Fine, fine. Then lets just..." Akari started to say, when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. "...actually, fun time is over".
"What? DO I need to give you an order to have fun?"
"No, not that...I just saw that guy, from before. Lance".
At that name, the other two suddenly tensed up.
"Look. He is heading up those stairs, moving towards...towards Azul?"
"So CLASS is behind this...alright, come on! We cant let them reach him before we get there!"
The trio started to make their moves, and Mikoto and Toma noticed as well. They quickly followed their line of sight, and also began to move, telling Index to take care and stay safe.
Azul also looked around, but just let loose a bit of a smile and started to amplify the music further. However...
"Hold on, what the..."
"...is that..."
As a strange chime rang out, Lance and Melody suddenly found themselves blocked...by Accelerator.
"Melody, do it now. Localize it".
"Hey, dont ignore me. I seem to remember you sneaking away before we got a chance to talk last time".
"Sorry, Accelerator...but I dont feel like dealing with you today..."
"Well too bad, because I dont give a shit about your feelings. Besides, neither do they it seems".
Accelerator and Akari locked eyes for a moment, but quickly looked away from each other and focused on Lance.
"Its six against two. You cant honestly think you will win, right?"
"That all depends on how you play the numbers. In Blackjack, two cards could be a perfect hand. Right, Melody?"
That was when they noticed...Melody was playing a flute, but no one could hear any sound from it.
And then, explosives detonated around various supports near the ceiling. Including some pieces over Last Order. This forced Accelerator and Ai to get involved, Accelerator using his powers to divert the rubble and collapsing pieces while Ai created wormholes to move it over to safe places. However, due to the placement of the explosives, they could not move back for a second as more pieces fell one after another, crumbing and destabilizing.
And meanwhile, Lance took out a capsule, and threw it to the ground and broke it open. Almost immediately, Kota was practically incapacitated, holding his mouth and nose.
"Extracted Concentrated Wolfsbane Gas. Dont think I didn't do my homework..."
"...you didn't tell me about that...so he is a puppy huh?"
Melody mentioned as she finished playing. And that was when they noticed, a number of people around them were acting weird now...almost like erratic zombies or enraged super fans. Several of them attacked Akari and Mikoto, who shook them off, but were still facing a large number of them. Furthermore, they seemed numb to Mikoto's electrical powers, and Akari even found them harder to move. In fact, their own abilities seemed weakened.
That left Toma, but before he could move Lance hit him with his weapon, that he seemed to take out and have extend from a small portable form into a large lance, to keep him away. After all, Toma couldn't really do anything against a foe with superior abilities not tied to Esper powers or Magic.
"Now, then" Lance mentioned, quickly turning to Azul and heading for him. "We need you to come with us and tell us what we want to know...huh?!"
Suddenly, a powerful sonic blast slammed into Lance, nearly knocking him back. As for the source of that, it seemed to be Azul's stretched out arm, which included a strange glove and a sort of lightweight arm brace like thing with a digital screen and various buttons and such on it.
And it was also displaying glowing magic runes on it.
"Sorry, but do you mind not disrupting me till after the concert?" he said with a serious tone, while he continued to work as a DJ. "I am afraid I will be forced to ask you to leave if you continue to be a disturbance".
And so, a new combatant joined the frey unexpectedly in the form of Azul.
Meanwhile, at the entrance...
"Excuse me".
"Hold on! No admittance without a ticket!"
As the guard went to stop him, he was suddenly blown backwards.
"I am afraid that I cant allow that to happen. After all, I have a very important task to do here".
AN: Kota: *puking in the corner*
Accelerator: Get out of here Last Order!
Ai: Damnit!
Shiro: ...they are all useless.
Lance: Well of course, thats why they were not invited to CLASS.
Azul: At least they are not mentally unstable.
Akari: You know, I am noticing we have quite a few names that start with A.
Shiro: Losers.
Akari: Your name is a color!
Shiro: Thats it! Your getting a bullet to the head!
Me: ...cant even get a word in. Well, whatever! Hope you enjoyed, and stay tuned for more!