Chapter 14 Heartless Executioner: Murderer of the Sisters
Waking up with a soft yawn, I made a quick check of my alarm clock before looking around. The sunlight's streaming into the room but it's noon so a little heat is expected.
"Nice to see you're up Ryusuke." Akiha said, her voice echoing from the kitchen.
"Really Akiha, you don't have to keep cooking you know." I replied, hearing the distinct sound of something frying.
"Well, if I don't, who will? You? You're definitely not a morning person, judging from the oblique times you like to wake up at." Akiha said, her voice tinged with badly suppressed laughter.
"Well, seeing as you're already cooking, what're you making this time?"
"Cooked spinach and medium rare beef slices with baked potato. Thought I'd try something with a more western feel." Akiha said, turning around without flinging sauce around this time.
"Smells good, but where'd you get the beef? I don't remember buying or storing any."
My eyes now staring at the plastic bags that Akiha was pointing at, I could only guess that she had went out shopping.
"Oh my gawd." I muttered, recognising where the plastic bags were from.
The plastic bags were from a nearby supermarket that I tend I visit when I forget to buy something due to its proximity to my room. Apparently Akih had just visited the place as well.
"How... When..."
"You actually need to ask? I've been alive for hundreds of years, surely buying food is simple enough to pull off. Though meat prices seem to be on the rise in Japan lately..."
"You bought the meat...?"
"Well, yeah, after what happened yesterday night I needed to make sure your diet is iron rich in order to make up for the blood you lost."
"Wait, meat prices have been rising? They've been the same for the last few months."
"Oh, sure they are. But when you take the meat prices over the decades into account..."
"Who the hell studies meat prices over decades? Anyway, shouldn't you have forgotten the prices of meat from decades ago?"
"Well... I remember everything. So prices of goods, stock market trends, even world history are all remembered down to the last detail for me. And I might add, Japan's role in world war two isn't exactly as glorious as your history books say according to other countries."
"Putting world history aside... How did you..." I said, pointing at the plastic bag, "Buy the meat." I said, pointing at the frying pan, "You didn't hypnotise anyone did you?"
The next glare that came from Akiha would have disintegrated me if there was any magic fuelling her glare, "I bought it with money. Just what kind of antiquated old cow do you think I am huh?" Akiha yelled, knocking me on the head with a rolling pin pulled out from the drawer.
"Ow ow! Okay okay! Just where did you get the money from?"
"Your wallet."
"You're kidding."
Putting down the rolling pin, Akiha walked over to the locked drawer I kept my valuables in, pulled the key from inside my bookshelf and unlocked the drawer, pulling my wallet out.
"How did you find... Never mind... Remind me to change the hiding place of the key later..."
"Doesn't matter, I'll find it regardless of where you hide it." Akiha said matter-of-factly.
Resigned to the fact that now my freeloader companion is also armed wit my money, I sat down at the coffee table in the middle of my room while Akiha lovingly doled out large helpings of beef, potato and... Spinach...
"Eat it all up, one or two more days of this and you'll be good to go." Akiha said, chewing on her own slices of beef.
"So... Do you have any hobbies?" I asked, trying to introduce some table conversation to ease the deathly silence.
"Well, I enjoyed horseback riding... Pity it isn't as popular anymore."
"Uhh, I don't think it was ever popular in Japan... You might want to try America..."
Seeing her all knowing smile nearly made me choke on my food, "Don't tell me, horseback riding was popular here?"
"Nah, you're right. I did it in America as you said, though they did find it odd for an Asian girl to be in America at that point in time..." Akiha said, a thoughtful look washing across her face.
"Vampires can ride horses?"
"Again. Just what kind of manga anime and movies have you been looking at? Yes I can ride horses. The older ones were a bit iffy with me but the young ones do just fine. In fact the young ones I rode turned out to be very loyal when they become older..."
Just how long has this girl been living?
"What about you? Do you have any hobbies?" Akiha said, bringing me out of my thoughts and back to reality.
"Uhhh, reading manga and watching anime I guess, a lot of my time is spent outside just wandering around so I wouldn't really say I have any hobbies."
"Mind if I come along while you wander around?"
"Well, no. But you have to be careful, we don't want you attracting too much attention."
A few minutes later, Akiha and I walked out of my room, me with my usual t-shirt and jeans and Akiha in an ankle length skirt and blouse under a long sleeved jumper.
For a several hundred year old being, she sure does know what clothes to wear in order to avoid attention... Ow!
"Hey! What was that for?"
"You do know that our minds are still linked so I can hear residual thoughts you have right?" Akiha said, lowering the hand she used to karate chop me.
"Then why don't I hear any of yours?"
"I think you have to concentrate in order to hear them. Besides, I don't have anything worth listening to."
"Pity, I wouldn't mind having an insight on what you're thinking."
"You? You want to know what goes on in a girl's head? Dream on, so many have tried and failed."
"Yeah but most men don't have a psychic connection to one. Then again, you don't really count as a girl, more like a grand... Ow!"
"Grand? Grand what pray tell?" Akiha said, her eyes now glaring intently at me.
"Grand master!" I yelled, the first grand word coming to mind.
"Hmph." Akiha huffed, stalking off in another direction.
Well, maybe I should give her a little space, that was uncalled for after all...
Walking by an abandoned factory in the 18th district, I kept my distance behind Akiha as she stomped ahead, about 50 meters between us with her leading the way.
I wonder how long she's gonna stay mad at me... Well, no point dwelling on that now...
Opening the Personal Reality I had traced from Ruiko, I started playing with the nearby winds, randomly shifting them in different directions. Though it was a recently acquired ability, the basics to use it were already stored in my own Personal Reality; Telekinesis which is what Aero Hand is derived from, and the vector calculations needed to accurately move air from Accelerator's Personal Reality. However, my math and computing power are still lacking, so complex movements and large gusts of wind are still out of my ability. Though... Let's try and see what's the maximum output...
Pointing my hand, at the nearby tree, I quickly performed the calculations and let out a blast of air that shook the tree shaking most of the drying leaves off.
Cool... That amount of output would easily be a Level 3... Though... Isn't that the same as my own Telekinesis?
Startling revelation. Aero Hand is a redundant ability.
Finally turning around after more than half an hour of fuming, Akiha finally turned around, "Aren't you going to apologise?"
"For?" I replied, now analysing the similarities and disparities between Aero Hand and Telekinesis.
"For constantly highlighting my age!" Akiha yelled, unaware of the nearby broadcasting tower that was tilting dangerously in her direction.
"Akiha..."
"Don't 'Akiha' me! I want an apology!"
Dammit! Take more notice of your surroundings more Akiha!
With a large bang, the tower started to fall, Akiha turning to the source of the noise, standing there stunned when she discovered a 30 meter tower falling on her.
Shit... Active abilities... Energy Manipulation, Telekinesis and Aero Hand.
Energy Manipulation's maximum range is 10 meters, the same for Telekinesis. Distance between me and Akiha... About 50 meters give or take. Crossing 40 meters before the tower crashes on her is possible, but I wouldn't have enough mental capacity to compute anything as all my concentration would be solely focused on getting there. Counting on Akiha to react would be pointless because by the time she overcomes the shock, the tower would crash right through her.
Which only left one option... Aero Hand.
Telekinesis would take too long to configure into pushing only air and with an ability already tailored to suit my needs, configuring Telekinesis would squander precious seconds. The calculations are already done, I already did them just now, all that's left is to execute. Could I use Telekinesis to boost the air blast of Aero Hand? No... Aero Hand's still a subsidiary of Telekinesis, using Telekinesis would indeed boost the output, but not to the multiple of two like I was hoping for.
Calculations done, Energy Manipulation configured to pressurise blast and reduce air resistance bleed out... Fire!
With the sound of a shot ringing out not unlike an air gun, I fired a stream of compressed air no larger in diameter than a fist right at Akiha's centre of gravity causing her to skid back a bit before landing ungraciously on her ass; the tower falling in front of her less than a second later.
Only one thing would have caused that tower to crash, and it wasn't wear and tear. Esper abilities.
"Well Akiha, I'm sorry. There's your apology, now stay here while I find out what's going on." I said, running by a stunned Akiha and into the factory grounds itself.
If this is what I think it is, which I have a bad feeling that it is, it'd be better for Akiha if she didn't get involved. This is no doubt one of the experiments between Accelerator and one of the MISAKA clones. Knowing about this vicious program would lead to awkward questions even I didn't have the answer to.
Just as I expected, Accelerator was engaging one of the clones, in the most bizarre combat scenario ever. What shocked me wasn't the fact that the demon Accelerator was having fun playing cat and mouse with the clone, that much happened pretty much every time I accidentally ran across them, but the clone was using an assault rifle that was usually carried by military trained adults, not middle school girls.
What made matters even more startling, the girl was operating the rifle with a certain measure of efficiency, however the clone did not even get one shot at Accelerator. Whether this was due to crappy aiming or grand design was beyond my knowledge.
"Target's shield seems to have very minimal of any range. MISAKA reports, as none of her shots have been affected."
"Acute observation! But you know it's game over once I get you right?... Eh? Who's that?" Accelerator said, noticing me hiding around one of the corridors.
"Huh?" Accelerator said, walking over to where I was."
"Fuck!" I whispered, turning around in time to see a figure wearing a black t-shirt land in front of me, scattering rocks and gravel in every direction.
Taking several large pieces to my chest and arms, even though Energy Manipulation had reduced the impact, I was sent flying backwards several meters into the miniature clearing Accelerator and the clone were fighting in.
"Eh, this shithead's been butting in on the Experiment several times already. Does the 'eliminate witnesses' order still stand on people who aren't supposed to know about the Experiment?" Accelerator said, calmly walking over to my prone form.
This isn't a fight, it's a one sided slaughter. Face it, no matter how hard I try, no matter what I do there are just some things that can't be done. So what if I have this versatile ability? I still can't stand up to this demon!
Wait... Kihara Nayuta... Didn't she have some kind of counter to my Vector Shield...? Some kind of attack method? If I'm not wrong, I was set to reflect any physical attack that was kinetic energy based and she still hit me. She said something about pulling back right? That's it!
Getting back up my feet, I closed the distance between Accelerator and I in less than a second, my fist reared back and ready to strike while roaring a loud battle cry.
Pull back... Before impact!
Pulling my punch back before hitting Accelerator, he and I stood and stared at each other before he formed a murderous grin, "The fuck was that? If you're gonna hit me do it all the way you lowlife! At least give me the pleasure of seeing your arm explode!
Personal Reality Vector Change online...!
Stomping on the groundb efore I could activate Vector change fully, Accelerator set off an explosion of gravel and rocks that sent me flying back near the half dead MISAKA clone.
"What are you doing here? Hurry up and run!" I yelled, clutching my bruised chest.
"Why are you doing this? MISAKA was always meant to die in this experiment. Why are you trying to delay the inevitable? MISAKA asks as she gets to her feet, ready to continue fighting."
"Shut up and get out of here!" I yelled to the clone, getting in between her and Accelerator.
"You actually think you can protect that doll as you are lowlife? You can't even protect yourself!" Accelerator yelled, shooting forward like a bullet throwing me aside like a rag doll and continuing on towards the clone.
Damn, luckily I broke my fall with Energy Manipulation and Vector Change, but my landing had still caused quite a large crater in the wall, with several rocks stabbed into my back at odd angles.
Dammit, to get a headache in the middle of this... This is definitely not my day.
Limping out of the wreckage, Accelerator had the clone by the neck, hoisting her up into the air, "Hey lowlife! Since you're so adamant about saving this clone, let's share her!"
"No!"
Leaping out of the hole in the wall, I ran towards Accelerator as his face showed a smile of pure malice before he drew his arm down and split the clone in two, the upper half landing at my feet.
No... No... This can't be... This didn't happen... This can't be happening... He just murdered a girl... Screw the fact that she's a clone, a clone is still a human life... I won't believe this... I can't believe this...
The thousands of thoughts running through my head about the twisted mangled flesh that was in front of me, the half of a girl who's sole purpose in her creation to die, drove a stake through my heart. Like Fate's cruel reminder that those with power dictate what's right and what's wrong, that ultimately in the grand scheme of things, I simply can't do anything. I hated the darkness of this city, the twisted experiments and cold blooded murders that were carried out in the shadows away from the public's eye. Idealists always say that light will always purify darkness. But sometimes even the darkness is too absolute to be purified. I cursed the fact I couldn't do anything.
I hated myself for not being able to do anything.
The headache getting worse until I lost my lunch and keeled over on the ground, I saw Accelerator slowly walk over to me undoubtedly to finish me off.
Getting back up to my feet, my head still pounding, I tried to move my arms and legs to no avail, I was no longer in control of my own body. This is... Kihara Kaho?
"[Yo, long time no see. Sorry to suddenly pop put like this, but unless you don't want to die, I'm going to have to borrow you for a while.]"
With that said, Kaho faced Accelerator, a smile announcing his intentions: to fight Accelerator and get out. Alive.
Sensing the sudden change in stance, Accelerator slowed his steps, looking me up and down like a predator sizing up his prey. He obviously didn't see Kaho as a threat as he immediately started running towards me, hands outstretched.
Taking a step to the side, Kaho started to calculate numerous vector equations, using his right hand unclenched, he reached for Accelerator's chest and before he touched him, executed the calculations before pulling his hand back.
The effect was instantaneous, Accelerator's body shifted in another direction at a 90 degree angle, a direction impossible if one took the original trajectory into account.
Landing on the ground several meters away from each other, Kaho and Accelerator glared at each other before Kaho immediately altered the vectors below our feet, sending us flying to a clear field in another district.
"[Why didn't you beat him?]" I asked, incredulous at having to run away.
"[Do you know how much computing power is needed just to activate my ability? I can only manifest myself for a few minutes, using it cuts the time down to a mere fraction of that.]" Kaho retorted, not sounding pleased at all, "[Anyway, keep out of his way for now, I was hoping I wouldn't have to use that flaw in his shield against him. You won't be so lucky in the future.]"
"[Then why'd you save me?]"
"[Oh great, not only did they make me naive they made me a complete idiot. Listen you twit and listen well, you are me. I am you. My memories of what caused this is missing but I do know this: my persona is nearly destroyed. Anything else you'll have to find out yourself. I'll be watching in case you come across anything that explains what happened to me.]"
Feeling the presence disappear as if it was never there, I sighed as I picked myself back up. It seemed that Kaho isn't really the talkative type.
I might need to get these injuries checked up... The dull ache in my back doesn't seem as simple as it feels. It could just be minor bruising, but because of the rocks I fell on, I wouldn't be surprised if there was some bleeding that I don't know about... But if I get admitted I'll definitely be kept in for a few days and lose precious time that can be spent searching the other laboratories for clues on my past.
"Ryusuke!" a voice called out, Akiha running towards me from the other end of the field.
"Akiha? How'd you find me here?" I asked.
"Well, I saw you flying away so I just followed you, "Wait, hold it Ryusuke! You look injured..." Akiha said, going into 'doctor' mode immediately.
"Akiha, don't treat the wounds, just tell me where they are I'll do a rough job and just patch up the rest."
"But, why?"
"You need to consume blood every time you do excessive amounts of magic right? Then I'll need to at least reduce your magic usage. I can't have you drinking me dry can I? And I'm sure you hate going to other people who don't like you for blood..."
Nodding in agreement, Akiha sat next to me as I lay down in the grassy patch, "Minor bruising on your lower ribs, those will heal in time... Ah, internal bleeding near your left kidney."
"Alright."
Closing my eyes and concentrating, I found the bleed just as Akiha had said with Akiha mentally guiding me to the exact spot. Absorbing the kinetic energy of the blood flowing out and using Vector Change to stop the blood from flowing out, Akiha did a quick fix on the vessel before tapping me gently to let me know the job was done.
"You should take it easy, the vessel is still fragile, I can do a complete heal but... I'll need to manage the bloodflow myself and if I do that..."
"It's alright, a quick fix is fine. How long will it take to fully heal though?"
"Few days."
"Alright alright, next injury?"
"Clavicle crack, you dinged your collarbone... Need me to handle that?"
"I guess you should... I don't have an ability to fix those..."
A moment later, an intense shooting pain coursed through my left shoulder as Akiha forcefully mended the weakened area, "G-ahhh! FUCK! Akiha! It hurts!"
"Well of course it hurts, if you don't want it to be hurt, don't do something so dangerous next time!"
This continued on for another hour as Akiha forcefully (and painfully) did minor corrections all over my body for every injury I sustained. By the end of the treatment, I actually regretted not asking Akiha to just do the healing and feed her later, though she usually fixes the damage while I sleep, the pain was excruciating.
"Well, I guess it's bedrest until to tomorrow for me?"
"It's not a guess, it's a certainty." Akiha said, helping me to my feet, placing one of my arms around her shoulder and taking a slow walk back to my dormitory room.
-End of Chapter 14-
Well, Read Review, Favourite or Alert after doing both... You know the drill. I might be making this into a sequel... (I'd hate to have the story reach 50+ chapters without creating a new story)