Chapter 18 Last Stand: Project End Days
"Why are you here?" I yelled, taking a step back every time the dark figure took a step forward.
"Well... I was waiting for Railgun to show up, but then you came instead. What to do now hmm?" came the reply.
"You're mistaken. I'm the one that's going to destroy the facility, just like the others that went down before."
"Don't take credit for other people's actions. Multiple places hacked in a night? Electricity based damage and destruction? This has "Railgun" written all over it."
"Yet here I am."
"I've seen you on the way in you can't remove yourself from electronic security measures, nor can you fool electronic locks effectively. So tell me, why are you here?" the figure said, finally stepping out of the shadows.
"As I suspected, I had a feeling it was you... But why? How are you involved in this program?"
"Oh, so you know who I am?"
"Who wouldn't? 5th strongest out of the 7 Level 5 Espers in Academy, strongest telepath recorded in the bank, and the rumoured 'Queen' of Tokiwadai... Misaki Shokuhou."
Play it cool, try not to anger her, and I might just make it out of this one alive.
"Oh my! You remember me?"
"Who wouldn't know a Level 5? They are people on the same level as super weapons once they get serious, power enough to instantly vaporise almost any opponent. Of course I'd know you."
"Oh." Misaki said, looking relieved, "For a moment there I thought you realised you had remembered..."
"Remembered what?"
"Nothing!" Misaki said in a sing song voice, "Though, having you destroy this place is something I cannot allow... It'd be easier if you just disappeared."
Shit, she's reaching into her bag! What's in there? A weapon? What kind of Level 5 uses tools when their power is so overwhelming?
"Goodbye Ryusuke." Misaki said as a clicking noise emanated from her bag.
What happened next is still a blur to me as my world turned black and I collapsed, only to land on one knee with my vision returning.
This familiar presence, the loss of control over my own body... Kaho... What's he up to now?
"Long time no see. Mental Out."
"What...? You're supposed to be unconscious! How're you standing up again?"
"I swore to myself I'd never forget that telepathic attack, and I apologise, but I don't fall for the same trick twice."
"Trick? What trick are you talking about Ryusuke?"
"Bzzt, you're asking the wrong person! Try again!"
"Ka... Ho...?" Misaki whispered, regarding Kaho as some sort of monster, "You're supposed to be dead! I was there! I...!"
"You suppressed all remaining fragments of my memory and personality. It's coming back in bits and pieces but you are definitely the last face I ever saw."
Unknown to Misaki, while talking to her to buy time, Kaho was running multiple abilities, calculating potential threats, possible scenarios and preparing for each and every single one of them.
"You were supposed to be destroyed after I was done! How can you return from what happened...?"
"That is the fault of the researchers I'm afraid; Sending a telepath. I hate to admit this, but our abilities, are similar on a basic level. Similar to the point of being identical. The only difference is our scope of application. Guess what they say is true: Never send a telepath to fight a telepath. But still, having an ability similar to something as boorish and atrocious as yours still makes my skin crawl every time I remember." Kaho said, barely stopping a shudder of disgust.
The cool and calm look returning to Misaki, Kaho immediately started to observe his surroundings for immediate dangers like ambushes and hidden traps that might have been triggered.
"Don't bother looking, that isn't my style." Misaki said, pulling out a television remote, "It's been a while but I guess I wouldn't mind fighting Reality Shift at least once."
"I'm resistant to your mental attacks. You're already at a disadvantage." Kaho said cooly, a smirk forming on his face.
He may appear cool on the outside from Misaki's challenge, but inside he was trembling to the core. The time he has left is limited to a few minutes, made even shorter if he engages her. In the time that it takes to transition from him to me the fight could very well end in her favour. His control over all my scope of abilities is far superior but Misaki most likely knows the hand he'll play while Misaki's hand is still hidden.
What will she do? What can she do? Kaho has no intel on what she is capable and neither do I, I'm only aware of the stories that float as rumours or on the internet.
"[That's not the only thing you idiot. I have superior control because of the ability I had before you came along. I disliked using it for fighting, but with careful application it could give me the upper hand against any battle.]" Kaho said to me.
"[Then use it! What the hell are you waiting for? Kick her ass so we can move on!]"
"[You just don't get it do you? What do you think will happen if word gets out that I've returned? Have you even THOUGHT about the goddam consequences? You'll be stuck in laboratories until you wish you were dead! You'll be forced to participate in programs where lives mean nothing to the people running them! Do you want that kind of life? And the most dangerous part of all. Using the ability itself. Do you remember what your own ability is? You trace and copy abilities right? What happens if you trace mine? Using it would have side effects even I don't want to think about!]"
His rebuttal made, Kaho turned his attention back to Misaki, just as she clicked her remote control.
Right after the signal, researchers rushed out from every doorway running towards Kaho like a zombie horde.
"Really. This is all you can come up with? Might work on Ryusuke since he's so iffy about hurting innocents..." Kano said as he stomped on the ground, sending the researchers flying backwards from a telekinetic explosion, "But I don't have that problem."
Kaho's counting down... That blast just cut off quite a few seconds from the remaining amount of time he's got left. At this rate... We won't make it out in time...
"[You brought those swords right? I'll use them.]"
Swinging both arms up, out and forward, Kaho summoned the swords I had left around the corner, using them as clubs by swinging them at the closest researchers before embedding them deeply into the wall.
"What are you...? What are those?"
"Tools that Ryusuke was using... Now that I see them, his calculations were flawed, he forgot to take into account several important properties of electrons that he can use to his advantage..."
"[But correcting them would take up too much time... Time which we both do not have...]" Kaho added silently.
His time is running out... He's got less than a minute before it's all over...
Kaho you have to end this now! If you don't...
Focusing my attention to what was happening outside, I noticed a beam of light bouncing between the few prisms around the wall, splitting and multiplying until it had formed a defensive grid around us.
"[It's up to you now...]" Kaho said, his consciousness finally starting to fade.
Quickly continuing the calculations where Kaho left off, I quickly grew tired from the volume of formulae I was handling, from calculating light intensity, to calibrating the angle it hit the prisms to prevent it from missing the next prism, I immediately grew tired and started to sway.
Sorry Misaka, I guess I wasn't good enough to destroy this place after all...
My apology ringing through my head as the concentrated beams faded and vanished, a lightning lance from behind me flew by me just as I hit the floor and passed out.
Waking up outside the facility which was now covered in scorch marks, Misaka stood over me with a concerned look on her face as she looked down before shaking her head, "I'm sorry, I followed you. When you started to take too long I thought something was up and went in as well. Why were you fighting all those researchers anyway? Did you trigger the alarm?"
Racking my brains for the answer, what had happened was all just a blur to me. I remember running into someone... But after that all I remember was fighting the researchers and collapsing.
"No I don't think so... But... I can't remember anything specific..."
"You're in shock, it's normal. And you might have been stressed from fighting that many people at once. Either way, the place is destroyed, mission accomplished. With this, there's only two more places to take care of. We meet here in two night's time again got it?"
"Huh? Why not tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow I'll take care of the remaining facility in district 12. The other two facilities are both in district 16 so we'll meet and dispose of those after I finish cleaning up district 12. It's a single laboratory so I shouldn't need any help for that day. Besides, you need rest."
"And you don't? We're both humans and we both need sufficient rest to work at our best so..." I replied, cut short by Misaka's glare.
"Good night Ryusuke-san." Misaka said, ending the conversation there before disappearing into the darkness.
"Goodbye..." I said, the darkness all the more oppressive now that I am all alone.
So you can't depend on me huh? She did have to save me from all those researchers... But why were they all coming at me like that? There's must be something I'm not remembering... But it can't be that important if I forgot it, probably just a minor detail.
But minor details don't cause all the personnel in a facility to suddenly rush you like that. This needs looking into, but how?
Classifying this mystery as one I'd probably never solve, I headed home for the night.
To my surprise, Akiha wasn't at home. But that didn't worry me to much, she's hundreds of years old. She would definitely be able to take care of herself.
With my clothes haphazardly thrown into the laundry basket I placed outside the bathroom, my hand outstretched for the shower controls when it happened.
A hand shot out from the shadows covering my mouth and dragging me into the corner before I was aware of what was going on.
Shit! I was careless, I should've turned on the light! But then again who expects to be ambushed in their own bathroom?
Never mind that... Personal Realities online...! Telekinesis, Vector Change! What...?
My assailant ignoring the threat I posed to... It... It pulled me in something soft and wet making its way across my neck.
Ewwww! What the hell is this!
A pair of fangs sinking into my neck solved the mystery behind my attacker: Akiha.
"Akiha? What the hell are you...? Get off!" I yelled, trying to struggle.
"[Stop struggling. I'm biting on an open artery right now.]"
Stopping until Akiha withdrew her fangs and closed the puncture marks, Akiha slowly made her way to the door before heading back to her futon.
"[Akiha...]"
"[I'm still mad.]" Akiha said bluntly, ending any hopes I might have had for a conversation.
-Timeskip 7 hours-
Waking up earlier than Akiha as usual, I took a quick walk to a nearby fast food joint where I ran into Tsubaki and Len.
"Hey guys, long time no see." I said, tapping Len on the shoulder and stealing from his french fries when he turned the wrong way.
"Yeah we've been busy." Tsubaki said, repeating my trick and stealing another fry.
"Well, what've you been up to?"
"We're looking into a rumour that Tsubaki heard about. You know that girl you've got the hots for? Misaka was it? Apparently she's been seen all across the city at the same time!"
"She could just travel fast Len. I heard she has a Teleporter with her. Teleportation could very well explain her rapid appearances as well. We have to make sure the Teleporter isn't around and then get a picture of her across the town to prove that the theory is beyond a reasonable doubt." Tsubaki cooly remarked, sipping her ice lemon tea.
Dammit... These two are on to the experiment as well?
"What about you Ryusuke? You know anything?"
"Well, even when I follow her I don't see multiple copies of her."
"You FOLLOW HER? Oh my, Ryusuke's a stalker! You perv!" Tsubaki yelled, taking the bait instantly.
"I'm not a stalker! I just have a... Healthy interest in her!"
"Oooo... Maybe we should back off. In case Ryusuke gets jealous of us following his GIRLFRIEND!" Tsubaki teased, nudging me.
"Stop it! It's not funny!" I yelled, my cheeks really glowing red.
"Whoa! He's blushing! Check it out Tsubaki, he's blushing!" Len said, pulling out his camera phone.
"Ugh! I'm out of here!" I shouted, storming off.
"Don't worry, we'll stop following your girlfriend!" Tsubaki yelled as I made my way out of the place, ordering a quick breakfast meal for the road.
Well, hopefully that would stop them from looking into this... At the cost of my dignity...
Heaving a long drawn out sigh, I rounded the corner a little faster than normal nearly running into Ruiko as she turned around the corner as well.
"Whoa! Ruiko-san?" I said, stumbling and regaining my balance in the nick of time.
"Ryusuke-san?" Ruiko said at the same time, moving backwards and falling on her butt.
"Saten-san?" Uiharu's voice said, its source jogging over to where her friend had fallen.
"Honestly... You can be so clumsy sometimes." Kuroko said, flipping one of her pigtails out of her face.
"I'm so sorry! Are you alright?" I asked, reaching a hand out to help Ruiko up.
"Yeah, just had a fright... That's all... Oh! Ryusuke-san! Thanks for helping me with my Personal Reality theory the other day! Check out what I can do now!" Ruiko said with excitement, swinging a hand in Uiharu's direction.
What happened next was blatantly obvious, a gust of wind no doubt formed by Ruiko blew through Uiharu's legs causing her skirt to ride up, revealing the light pink polka dot panties underneath. Wait, why am I still looking?
Turning away while Ruiko giggled, Uiharu let out a scream before pushing her skirt down and rounding on Ruiko, "What are you doing Saten-san? I told you already to stop doing that every time we meet someone!"
"It's alright! If you want, I'll show him mine as well!" Ruiko said, starting to raise her own skirt as well.
"That won't be necessary!" I quickly said, reaching for Ruiko's hands and yanking them off her skirt eliciting a short and sudden gasp from her.
"S-sorry!" I stammered, taking a step back and releasing Ruiko hands.
"It's okay, I was just startled. That's all." Ruiko replied gently.
The time ticking close to noon, the four of us decided to have lunch at the family cafe the group frequented regularly.
"So where is Misaka-san lately Shirai-san? I haven't seen her lately." Uiharu asked, digging onto her parfait.
A small tug of her lip, a momentary tightening of the her fists, a downcast look of... Sorrow...? She doesn't seem to know because Misaka hasn't confided in her own room mate about what she's been doing for the last few days and Kuroko feels uptight and sad about it...
"I'm not sure... She says she's searching for accessories." Kuroko replied, sipping her Earl Grey tea.
These are her friends. Can't she share her burdens with them? It's just like her! Selfless to a fault!
A wave of nausea assaulting me as I silently fumed, I quickly got up and excused myself, leaving enough change on the table to pay for my meal before running out the door. With no particular destination in mind, I wandered the streets until a familiar face stopped me in my place: Maka's
What is she doing here?
"What are you doing here? Why are you following me?" Maka said, her tone demanding.
"Sorry I didn't realise I was following you. I'll take my leave now. If you're looking for a fight, look elsewhere. I'm not in the mood."
With the fastest way off the street plotted out in seconds, I turned to execute it until a hand on my shoulder stopped me, "Wait."
"What is it." I growled, not bothering to turn around.
"I... I need your help." Maka said, her voice quivering.
Whether from rage, embarrassment or some other strong emotion, Maka's actually swallowing her pride to ask. Although every fibre of my being's screaming for me to keep on walking and to hell with her request, a small part of me still wants to hear her out.
"What is it." I replied, keeping my tone harsh, though still retaining a softer edge to it.
"I've heard of a laboratory nearby experimenting on items related to Misaka Mikoto. I was hoping to break in when the guards change shift in half an hour and was hoping I could count on you to... Help me raid it..." Maka said, her voice fading out at the end.
"What's in it for me, and what's in it for you. You wouldn't propose this if you didn't stand to gain somehow."
"The laboratory might have a link to our past."
"Bullshit. The only laboratory close enough to us to even be considered as 'nearby' is the Technical Research Advancement Laboratory. It's an R&D facility that improves on technology whether from the outside or even our own. Most of our gadgets come from places like these, how would it possibly be involved in our past?"
"Testament."
And with one word, Maka shattered my whole argument. Of course. Why didn't I think about it? Testament had to be designed somewhere. Why not here?
"And what would you gain from knowing how those infernal things are made? You mean you plan on reversing whatever they did to you from just a few blueprints?"
"Perhaps, but it's a bigger lead than what you've got now."
Shit... She has a point there...
"Fine. I can spend a few hours." I said, following Maka to a large building a few streets down.
Security change is in a few minutes. Time to get busy. We only have a small window to get in before they become aware of us trying to get in.
Hopping over the wall and up the wall, Maka and I leaped into an air duct via the roof and into the facility.
That was easy... Too easy.
"We have to get out of here."
"Already? But we just got in."
"Not out of HERE you idiot! Out of HERE you bloody idiot."
"You know that isn't making much sense."
"Out of this air duct you retard! Before the infra red sensors get us!" Maka whispered venomously before dumping me out of the nearest vent and face first into a pair of security robots.
Nice one Maka.
Shooting a bolt through both robots to stun them before flinging them into the vent for safe keeping.
"Hey!" a shout came from the vent, Maka dropping out of the vent nursing a pair of new bruises from the security robots.
Two birds, one stone.
With the echoes of what is no doubt a patrol coming around to find out what was going on, Maka roughly shoved me into a nearby room before ducking in as well, a pair of guards shining their flashlights through the darkness.
"That was close..." I whispered until a fist collided with my temple sending me sprawling backwards.
"You idiot! Do you know how close we were to getting caught? Dammit!"
Screw her and her violent tendencies... Huh? What's this?
My attention roused by the room that we were in, I opened the nearest container to me to find plastic sheets inside them.
Just what are these things?
Noticing that I was no longer at her side, Maka crept over and peered into the container as well, "What are these?"
"Augmented Reality projectors." I replied.
"Always the pompous smartass I see, and how do you tell? Don't tell me you're just making it up."
"I'm not."
"How would you know?" Mama said, picking one up and inspecting it.
"Because I'm reading the disassembly findings report." I muttered, turning the page.
"Tch. Cheater..." Maka muttered, "So what do they do?"
"They're on board computers apparenty, like a laptop with a holographic display that can wrap around your forearm. But if it was something that convenient, why don't they release it to the general public?"
"The time stamp is in July. Slightly more than a month. Maybe they haven't done testing?"
"Testing isn't measured by weeks in this city Maka, it's measured in days. No, there's something else behind the reason they were withheld." I said, reading further into the report.
"Acquired in Russia... Condemned for destruction there... Rebuilt and improved upon... Oh... I see..." I muttered, skimming through the pages.
"What? Tell me you idiot!"
"These panels are fitted with power sources, but as a result have had their processors removed. So as a result..."
"What? What?"
"It can only be used by Espers."
So thats how it is... The lack of a processing core would require a processing power greater than that of a normal human being. Normal human beings could still use it, but the output of the device would only be a fraction of what it can normally do, and the user will feel extreme mental fatigue.
I've got most of the manual memorised but not yet processed. I guess I'll just take this and call it a day, this equipment alone would have an infinite amount of applications.
"I've got enough here to make this trip worthwhile. What're you going to do?" I asked, ready to go.
"Fine you chicken, I'm out as well!" Maka whispered angrily, leading the way out the way we came.
Leaving on our separate ways as soon as we made it out of the facility, I quickly made my way home and started playing with the Augmented Reality projector. It was totally transparent, making it easily hidden on my arm unless it was in use in which it would generate a 3D projector.
I'll play with it some other time, right now I have to focus on the mission at hand.
With Akiha still not around at home and the smoke detectors deactivated, I pulled out the materials I had been gathering before I headed home: several pieces of steel and a jar of sand.
Finishing the job a little shy of 4am, my finished work lay on the table in front of me, an array of needles with glass bulbs on one end, attached to a kevlar wristband to be wrapped around my forearm.
Melting the needles with bad workmanship, I stowed the needles in my study desk drawer, sleeping in the wee hours of the morning.
-Time Skip 16 hours-
Meeting Misaka at the midway point between the two final targets, Misaka looked me up and down before asking, "Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be, have you even been getting enough rest?"
"That's unimportant. What matters is ending this. Tonight. There are two facilities remaining, the 'S-processor Cranial Nerve Application Analysis Lab', and the 'Pathology Analysis Research Lab'."
"Which one are you taking?"
"The Pathology Analysis Research Lab. It's larger and has more critical points that needs destroying. After we're done, meet at the bridge in district 7 ok?"
"Got it. And Misaka..."
"What?"
"Please be careful."
I nearly confessed then and there, at the worst time possible. I'm such a horrible person.
Locating the S-processor Cranial Nerve Application Analysis Lab wasn't difficult, the facility itself had a giant stone wall with the name plastered across in gold letters, pretty ostentatious for a facility trying to hide illegal experiments really.
I'll take the service entrance, it definitely has less security and I'll face less resistance on the way in that way.
Ignoring a large black van parked in front of the loading bay, I snuck in quite easily, the basic defence abilities all active.
Hearing a several female voices from around the corner, I quicky ducked into a nearby side corridor, the female voices getting louder by the second, "But really, to not run into her here, that just meant Frenda got the catch."
"We'll catch up. Lets' go." The second voice said, finally coming into view as they both rounded the corridor.
Oh no... It's them...?
-End of Chapter 18-