PAST DAYS GONE
~2 years before~
The smoke was surrounding one part of Academy city. It was raising up to skies. Many buildings were heavily damaged and the ruins were scattered. Some explosions could be heard from far. The remnants of the certain space elevator exploded again and people were screaming while trying to avoid them. The ground was shaking in intervals. It was unbelievable but the unidentified group had just attacked city from outside.
The well-known Joseph's Coffee and Restaurant was half-destroyed. Somehow there still were people. They rounded up near the cashier then the ground began rummbling. Few seconds later, a crab-like machine showed up. It was crawling slowly and using the high-tech scanner to detect any signs of hostiles. They silenced and kept a watch on enemy. It's head was leading a circle of lasers to relocate target in the darkness. When it came closer, their foreheads began glowing green. That metal creature opened the hatch to reveal a set of tiny-but-destructive rockets. It didn't make far when a couple of nails pinned one of its legs. Before it could do anything, a huge amount of electricity hit the mechanical system.
"Target neutrilized. We can go on - Says Misaka 10032 as she is watching that useless machine collapsing before her eyes."
Suddenly the immobilized mass blew out. Luckily, Misaka Sisters were hiding behind the counter. They stood up and continued the rescue mission. They were looking after a certain dark-haired girl who, by coincidence, was a few blocks away, sitting on the top floor of 7th Mist Mall.
The said girl was hiding from the pursuers and she just cut them out. Even she had got the power, she still got overwhelmed. Her eyes were telling out the fear and the panic. In the worst nightmare, she hadn't thought about a hell scenario of Academy City.
"W-What was that?"
That poor girl was frightened when another explosion came up. In the hand-made shelter, she was hiding from being spotted and observing the surroundings with binocullars. It was little foggy to see clearly. But...
"Who could do that? It was standing and suddenly ... explosion."
She was wondering when she witnessed an unknown group running from the scene. The exhaustion was building up in young girl body.
"Maybe they are good... shouldn't I follow them..."
She was struglling with herself. It was too risky for her. You won't know when you go out and meet an enemy in next corner. The city was ruined partly and she hardly knew where to go. She looked by right hand just to find a round-shaped device on the edge. How could she forget. It would be easy if she didn't fail to connect Jamming signal countered or energy went out. The girl opened the old bag with her "Saten Ruiko" name on it. Batteries were at the bottom.
"Here we go ...No-no-no!!!"
While reaching out for the communicator, Ruiko pushed it and that poor thing fell down.
BOOOONG!!!
It hit the metal plate on the lower floor and it was such noise. She startled and pull down the whole shelter by accident. She literally stoned and her heart was beating fast. Now Ruiko exposed herself to all threats. She tried to push the button but nothing happened. Only thing she could do now was sneaking out of here. There was a ladder on the opposite side. She rushed and started climbing down, slowly. The girls' hand were sweating so Ruiko had to hold tight. Everything was going smoothly...
WHOOOOM! Something passed by and Ruiko looked up. There was a hovering drone. It was just idle flying, observing. Ruiko stopped and gulped. That thing would attack her any moment with no hesitation. She rised one hand to pull out baseball bat from back. Then that flying drone began lowering to follow the certain highschool girl. Ruiko realized that wasnt't a joke and she resumed climbing. She was at the half way and had to hurry to avoid being located.
THUMP THUMP THUMP!!!
From nowhere, three black discs landed near Ruiko. Her face got white.
"Why is it happening to me??!!"
She yelled and jumped out. Thanks to Aero Touch ability, she could land safely. But her primary priority was getting away before ...
BAAAMMMM!!!
An explosion went off from the point she jumped. One part of ladder fell by side and Ruiko had no choice. She had to run. The explosives made a big mess. It was raining bricks, joints, bolts and broken glass.
"OH MY GOD!!!"
Ruiko was totally sprinting and when she looked back, the certain drone was pursuing her.
"Not again!!!"
Well, that piece of technology had no mercy. It launched a missile towards a 20-floor tower. The whole base floor was destroyed and the tower started collapsing. Clenching the teeth, Saten Ruiko changed the direction to right to avoid. She felt tired but she had to do her best. She wanted to meet her friends again.
To the surprise, the drone appeared and blocked her way. She unleashed the whole rage, roaring.
"DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. I DARE YOU, A PIECE OF CRAP!!!"
Ruiko swung the bat to send the drone to the wall, malfunctioning it. That wasn't over. The huge collapsing mass of concrete and steel was still behind her and it could grave her anytime. She focused the sight and luckily found another shelter. It may save her. She began speeding up. Only few seconds to reach the point and it was like hours. The sound of collapsing bulding was creepier and nearer. The creeching sound of collapsing bulding was creepier and nearer. It was exhausting for her... she could give up now but it was again her thought.
"Not n-now ... I w-will survive ... I..."
She couldn't end the sentence. To the horror, she tripped and fell down. After that, everything went dark. The pain built up and dizziness shown up. Saten Ruiko felt something cut through her hand. She started seeing some white flashing lights. She could't move and her legs were cold. Another white light appeared but it lasted longer. It faded away and a amuzing music could be heard. Something changed but what? Ruiko slowly opened her eyes. It was still dark but she could recognize where she was. Even that "Hello" song coming out the radio was familiar.
"Oh, you woke up?"
Another voice which could make her feel safe.