Author's Notes: I thought I'd try something new into the mix as well. I've been busy editing this for a while as well. Formatting issues is plaguing me with this testing of mine. I'll leave it as it is for now while I figure out something. I can't put the PDF version here too apparently. So, just imagine the part is split left and right. Enjoy the read and review.

Chapter 4: Putting Things Together

The D752 is the latest series of advancements for cybernetic technology. Ceramic carbon steel alloys with bio-mechanized polymer skins make for realistic prosthetics that are capable of day to day functions. It is light, strong and durable with minimal components, results only a weight increase of ten kilograms over a standard man's limb. To counteract this addition, intricately designed frames, efficient hydraulic systems with enhanced nano structured fibre optics nervous systems allow high strength and intricate motor skills that are capable of matching industrial machines. Various sensors allow the replication of feelings such as touch, pain, hot and cold and can be disabled at will when necessary. These very enhancements are set to restore disabled people with lives they once had.

First Draft Prototype Demonstration Speech for the Medical Sciences Convention

STATUS / BP: 100/70

OPTICS / HR: 80 BPM

ATTACHMENT_/ OP: 50%

SENSORS /

SKIN / ACCESSING ATTACHMENTS

STORAGE /

ADVANCED_/

EMERGENCY BEACON MAINTENANCE ACTIVATED

"Almost…"

WARNING! UNAUTHORIZED BEACON BUS CONNECTION INTERRUPTED

Click.

"Alright, the tracker's gone." Kiyama Harumi pulled the car to a stop by the roadside. Yori flexed his right arm a little. Pinched between his fingers is a small circuit board with a red LED Light. It had been disabled by removing it out of his right arm. It was a simple process but it was creepy for them to see the skin split itself at several specific nodes before allowing detachment to reveal shiny metal underneath. Yori crushed the tracker, rendering it to useless bits of scrap.

"Where have you been for the past three months?" Touma asked now that they're safe.

Yori was confused as well. "It's been three months? That's quite some time. To be honest, I have no clue at all. I just remember the fight against Takeo and then poof I'm awake in this car." Yori is a dead end to answers. "Wasn't I supposed to be dead by now?" He pointed out.

"Nobody knows the answer to that." Kuroko said as she exited the paint scratched, glass broken car. "The best thing we can do now is find you a place to stay." That would be a proper shelter with access to food, clothing and water.

"He can stay at my place for the night." Touma offered. It was reasonable since it was only for the night. It was the least he could do for a friend.

"Then it's settled." Kuroko concluded. "We'll get Kiyama to her car. You two have to travel back yourselves." This shouldn't be a problem since their pursuers have abandoned their task for now. The tracker is gone as well, leaving no trail to follow. They ditched the car in a dark alley after wiping off any incriminating fingerprints. The women went one way, the guys the other.

Now, it is reaching close to ten at night. The streets are quiet with the students at their dorms studying or turning in for the night, the good ones that is. The bad ones aren't around, a good thing for their sakes. Yori and Touma walked side by side to their safe haven. It would take approximately an hour; maybe less if they catch a train on the way back. Again, there shouldn't be trouble along the way. It was quietly awkward for them to have met each other again after a long three months. After a long moment of silence, Yori broke the ice. "How did things go for the three months I was supposedly dead?"

Touma shook his head. "It's been crazy." The past three months had been quite chaotic. Well, has his life ever stopped being chaotic? Never mind…Anyhow, he had faced the Japanese magician with the ancient crossbow and the Roman Catholic Church regarding Orsola Aquinas. In before, between and after those were more fights with delinquents and more moments of being broke of cash. It was a very troublesome three months. The Daiseihai festival is coming soon as well. That in turn will bring more trouble than ever. It's bound to be with his misfortunes.

"No doubt about that." Yori somehow understood Touma's predicament. Shit hits the fan at times. "If I didn't know I was supposed to be dead, I'd reckon I'd be crazy too." He looked his friend for a month. "After my death…how did things go between you and Misaka?"

Touma admitted. "We got together until we broke up a few days back. It was fun while it lasted."

"What happened?" This, Yori was clearly interested. Is it in a good concerning way or perhaps an ulterior motive?

"An accident happened and she mistook it for an affair." Touma nudged the topic on a slight detour. "Are you planning to contest for her?" He knew Yori's interest in Misaka for he confessed it in his last words.

Yori was unsure. He turned his focus back to the street in front. "I don't know….I mean I lost three months of my life. I was brought back to be something for someone for God knows what. A relationship in the midst of these problems is inviting death isn't it?" One thing's for sure, that plan isn't for a good thing.

"We'll find out who's behind this." Touma assured.

Yori smiled. "That my friend, we're going to do just that."

Using public transport, the three battle brazen women have returned to their original escape vehicle. Now, Kiyama Harumi was driving her Lamboghini Ballardo, sending the two Tokiwadai girls back to their dorms. Kuroko flexed her right wrist with an in depth examination. Misaka noticed. "Is your wrist okay?"

The Judgment girl nodded. "It's just a little raw from having Yori grab it suddenly so tight. It'll be fine in the morning."

Misaka noted. "With Yori all normal now, I think we better inform Uiharu and Saten that he's back."

Kiyama noted. "Ah, those two girls. I wonder what they have been up to as well."

"They're fine." Kuroko answered with a flat tone. She turned her attention to her Onee Sama. "I'll let them know tomorrow. For now, I'm really curious. What happened to Yori?"

Misaka was unsure "I don't know. Did you see that blade pop out of his wrist?" Yori used it to access the car boot from the seat section in search of weapons.

"Of course I did Onee Sama. It was practically in front of me." Kuroko had been reflecting on it for a little. "It doesn't appear to be any esper ability as well."

Misaka concurred with her kouhai's thoughts. "It shouldn't be. After all, Yori's ability is related to time."

Kiyama noted. "Time…that is very interesting."

"Don't get started on that. He's off limits." Yori had already warned to them beforehand. If any word of his real abilities was found, the entire Academy City or even the world would come down crashing on him for research or use as a weapon.

Kiyama gave a hint. "Your friend should be careful. Whoever manipulated your friend's memory might already know his ability." That is true since the duration of disappearance was for three months.

Misaka requested "Please stay out in the meantime while we try to find out about it. It might not be safe for you or the kids if you try to help us."

"I understand. After all, you are the Railgun." The neurologist smiled lightly with that. The car pulled to a stop. "If there's anything I can do to help, let me know." The two girls disembarked and the Lamboghini drove off.

Kuroko flexed her shoulders. "Aih, my body feels so stiff. A nice hot bath would be perfect."

Misaka flexed her joints as well. "As your Onee Sama, I get to use the bath first."

"No fair!" Kuroko teleported the two of them into their room. Kuroko was expecting a retort from Misaka but there wasn't any. She apparently… froze. "What's wrong?" Wait, is that sweat on her forehead?

"Do you know what time it is?"

Kuroko's blood froze to ice. It is the dreaded voice of the Tokiwadai dorms. Kuroko turned around to see the dorm mistress, sitting in wait on her chair. The elder woman stood up, glowing imperial authority. "Ah….you see….there was an emergency…."

"An emergency you say…I wasn't informed of any emergency beforehand…"By now the dorm mistress stood right in front of the two ice girls. The aura of death now spurted forth from the dorm mistress. It paralyzed the two young espers. She cracked her knuckles before…

CRACK!

"KUROKO! EEYAH!"

CRACK!

Touma quietly opened the door to his home. Inside, Index was already asleep on the bed in her night clothes. Touma gestured at Yori. They will have to sleep on the floor. The bathtub wouldn't fit them both comfortably either. Yori gave the A OK. Touma lied back beside the TV to notice the wakizashi short sword. He took it and returned it to Yori. He whispered by the ear. "This was yours." Yori silently thanked him and pressed his fingers on the flat end of the blade. He moved it gently along its side, feeling the metal that had been cleaned previously of blood and dirt. He put it back before beginning to sleep.

Feeling satisfied, Touma prepared to sleep as well when he heard a dreaded moan. He turned to see Index sleepwalking. "Touma skipped dinner with me again uuu~~" Touma became stone cold instantly. Please don't come here.

Index turned towards him. "Touma is so mean….I wants to bite him all I want." Her canine fangs appeared as Touma prayed for her to turn away. Please!

CHOMP

"FUKOU DA!"

3 Months ago in an undisclosed location…

Plop

"…"

"Hmm?"

"What's in the body bag?"

"A test subject like you asked."

"I need a live one, not a corpse."

"It is still alive, albeit barely."

Zip….

"Is this a living corpse?"

"We've already stabilized him. He might not continue living for long but with your intervention, it's certainly possible to keep him going."

"The immense of the injuries…it's certainly very interesting on the possibility spectrum."

"Do not doubt what you see. We will not tell the specifics on how it's done."

"I see…then I'll prepare the operating table. We have a lot of work to cover."

"Yes we do. In return, we will provide you with everything necessary for our initial proposed project venture."

"Very well then… I accept your conditions."

"I thank you for your cooperation, doctor."

"I am not a doctor. I am beyond that."

Stiyl Magnus entered the terminal of the Shanghai Pudong International airport. In his hands is some light luggage at hand, three days of necessities at best. He flicked his phone open and read the local time. It is 10.00 A.M. He closed it back and looked around. Shanghai…the most modern city of China. In comparison to Academy City, there is a league of difference in terms of technology. Shanghai though had something Academy City doesn't, raw manpower. The number of people on the streets is enormous. There are over twenty five million people living in this city. That is just the official statistics. Add in the other billions in the rest of the country and Academy City can be destroyed just alone with simple pitchforks. That though will never happen.

For over decades, China has been a powerhouse in world manufacturing, producing goods at unparalleled counts as of any nation. Cheap labour and land has made various companies invest in China and in turn develop the country into a modern powerhouse of the world. True to its origins however, China has maintained a grip for preserving old cultural traditions and history, leaving various oriental constructions intact in the otherwise China's New York.

To Stiyl, these facts didn't matter. What he's concerned with is getting his mission done. His mission of investigating the plans weaved by the Roman Catholic Church starts here. Step one to getting that done is to find his supposed contact, a local translator / guide hired for necessity of travel. Passing customs, he looked around for any signs of his name, customarily used at airports for receiving tourists by their respective guides. The crowds here are huge. It takes a snail's pace to be able to read every sign there is. Thankfully, his name is not in the Chinese character, reducing the difficulty to a degree. What he saw though was a premonition of what's to come. It is a very bad premonition.

Stiyl Magnese

He face palmed. This is going to be a troubling mission. He greeted the Chinese local in English and straight to the point. "I'm Stiyl Magnus. You got my name wrong."

The translator bowed slightly in response. "Ok ok. Apology. I speaking English to you. Mai name ish Gui Ying. Welcome to China." His tone was strong, clearly accented with the native China. The pronunciation and tone of the world language is clearly bad. "Please fallow mi."

Stiyl followed the guide to a Chang'an Suzuki. The small car for four looked horribly old, worn out from years of hard wear and tear. The green paint is chipped off at various parts of the back and sides. The exhaust pipe appears to have rust on it. Stiyl guessed the car's manufacture date to be in the 1990s. God, what kind of translator did they get me? Necessarius Logistics surely can't be a cheapskate and they've been rather efficient with their work. This is miles away from that standard.

"Where you wanna go? I know nice places." His guide said as he took the driver seat.

Stiyl said as he took the passenger seat. "Take me to the Moore church." His investigation will start off easiest from there.

"Mu'en church. Okie boss." The Chang'an kicked to a slow start before driving into the crowded city. Originally, the journey would have taken less than an hour. However due to some unfortunate luck of his, the travel ended up taking two hours with delays being caused by traffic jams and accidents. Don't forget the random engine shutdowns as well. It can make even the most patient man's blood boil.

The Moore or Mu'en church is an old church. It had been established by American Missionaries in 1887. It had been closed during the Cultural Revolution of China. After its reopening in 1979, it had gathered thousands of members and become one of the largest churches in Shanghai. Here, this is step two.

Stiyl entered the building alone. The Chinese characters may make no sense but a picture of Jesus speaks a thousand words. As to any church, the core layouts are generally standardized. He looks for someone. That someone appeared for him. "Father."

The man of the church greeted him. "What is it that you are looking for?" He spoke in relatively fluent English, definitely better than Gui Ying. This man had learnt the language well.

"I'm looking for answers, father. I'm from Necessarius and I want to know what the Roman Catholics are doing here." Stiyl was straight to the point. Due to their ideals and histories of the world, there are many churches in the world separate from one another. Having been this way for decades, they grow to become distinct with their own characteristics and of course abilities. Now, Stiyl refers to the church of Chinese Catholics. The relations between the two churches are respectable since England's withdrawal from China and Hong Kong in the 21st century. Beforehand was met with competition and sometimes diplomatic conflicts which involve throwing verbal insults and kitchen utensils.

The Father's face turned serious. "We are not involved nor do I know what they are doing in the name of faith." From his experience of dealing with the world's dark magic side, Sityl can tell generally whenever a person of faith is speaking the truth. Some though slip by his ears, one of those being the Archbishop Laura Stuart. She was one of the most cunning women he ever met. Her youthful looks can beguile young men, her intellect hidden far behind her behavior that sometimes he's unsure if it's real or fake. This father here though spoke the truth. The elder man advised. "It is unwise to dig deeper into their agenda." Even in religion, there is politics. That is a norm of human society.

"I am already prepared. " That was Stiyl's response. He will bear all consequences should they happen. Necessarius will do almost nothing for him. A church cannot do much without great repercussions. However, rogue elements such as a Saint such as Kazaki Kaori or the annoying spy Tsuchimikado Motoharu will be doing something behind the scenes. If misfortune bestows it, even Kamijou Touma will be brought to save him.

The Father observed Stiyl's body language. His truth must be seen as well and Stiyl proudly shows it. The father gave a moment of silence as he considered his words. "I do not know the answers you are looking for. If you insist on your search, then I suggest you go to the Underground."

"Where is this underground?" The Underground is something Stiyl is not acquainted with.

"It's originally a market for tourism and still is. You will need the Dragon to lead you through it to find what you seek." That was all the man of faith could say.

"Thank you Father. I shall be on my way." Stiyl turned around quietly toward his new objective.

Outside, Gui Ying was waiting by the car, finishing off a cigarette. "Where you wan go now? I know good places."

"Take me to the Underground." Stiyl directed his next destination.

"What is this Underground?" The guide gave a puzzled look. God help Stiyl.

Stiyl said to himself in Italian. "What an idiot."

An Italian response came back. "I heard that." It surprised Stiyl immensely. It came from Gui Ying. The guide wasn't amused with Stiyl's antics.

Stiyl was surprised. "You could speak Italian?"

Gui Ying replied in Italian. "It is definitely more fluent than my English. I was hired for that." The accent, the pronunciation, the fluency is at a much greater level beyond his English. Stiyl face palmed. They got him an Italian capable translator. Stiyl miss assumed it to be the universal English translator. Seeking to accommodate him, Gui Ying tried his best at speaking English with him. What a screwup…

This time, Stiyl talked in full Italian. "Take me to this underground."

Gui Ying now understood the instructions. "Ah, that place? No problem."

"Touma, what have you been doing behind my back?" Index wasn't pleased. She had her hands on her hips as she interrogated Kamijou Touma. The stage of interrogation is set in the morning in his apartment.

Touma scratched his head. How should he proceed with this problem? Should he speak the truth or simply the truth of incomplete data? Yori is in the kitchen, having a glass of water. Hell, should he even lie about it? Touma told the real truth. "I've been out to help my friend here Yori. I'm sure you remember him right?" Index does know him as well since three months ago. However, her relationship with him is merely an acquaintance. They knew each other in the simple terms of Cannibal Girl and Buffet Boy.

Index nodded as Yori left the kitchen to join them. "Of course I remember! My perfect memory has never failed me. What have you been helping him with?"

Yori explained. "He has been helping with getting something back." It was vague but it was still the truth. Index tilted her head slightly, expecting something more than just that. Yori gave the extra detail. "The memories of my past three months."

Being the concerned nun she always been, Index asked. "What can I do to help?"

Yori pondered on that as he looked at the ceiling, fingers holding his chin. "Hmm…perhaps you can start by reminding me anything I had to do with you before that."

Index instantly gave a smile. "There is something." She raised her hands high. "You forgot your promise for the one month buffet."

Touma frowned at that. "This isn't the time for such things."

Index frowned back. "It is true! Yori promised for the one month buffet when you wanted to go to Russia!"

Yori chuckled. "Ah, that. I'll see what I can do about that." The doorbell then rang.

Touma said. "I'll get it. You two play along or something." He answered the door. It was his neighbor Tsuchimikado Motoharu.

"Yo Kami-yan. I see you brought someone to your room."

Touma glanced behind at Yori. The two were talking about something. "Ah, yeah. What's up anyway?"

Tsuchimikado became serious. "I'm bringing you a warning in advance. It appears there are things going on in the magic side."

"What kind of things? The good or bad ones?" Touma inquired further.

"Most likely it'll be the bad ones. Necessarius is already on it but who knows the trouble might come after you. I thought it would be wise to give you the heads up."

"Okay, thanks for that." Touma appreciated the effort.

Tsuchimikado did his own questioning instead. "Is your friend here new to you? He's an esper too right?"

"He's not new and he's an esper. Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing. It's just a hunch of mine."

"What hunch of yours? Spit it out."

"I thought it might be the first step to something but it isn't. Be assured Touma." Tsuchimikado spat it out. He took a step back "I'll be off then. I have things to take care off. See you." With that he took his leave. As Touma shut the door to his home, Tsuchimikado didn't feel at ease. Is this one of your plans, Aleister?

By now in China, it is two in the afternoon. The sun shines brightly and its sister heat hugged the earth. The two mismatches of magician and translator stood outside a large hole on the road. The way is down below. "The Underground is really underground."

"Yes, this is one of the many entrances into the Underground." Gui Ying explained. The translator went down first. Stiyl went down next to see the tunnel very well lit. The air is dry and clean despite smelling a little musty. The concrete below is also dry and relatively clean of garbage and such.

Inside, the number of paths is numerous. Some are lit with Chinese characters for directions to somewhere. Some are pitch black, inviting daring adventurers to traverse these paths. The answer lies in them.

Gui Ying asked. "What would you like to see? We have silkworm workshops and massage parlours here."

Stiyl watched the dark paths. "Take me to the workshops." He needs the Dragon to guide his way. That Dragon of darkness comes from money and silk means big money.

The workshops are an all in one kind of thing. From production to packaging to market, the entire system is there. The silk is commonly used to make bed sheets, clothes and even underwear. A good number of the local populace purchase these silk made goods but the main consumers are the tourists. The number of tourists that visit these workshops is plentiful. There's even a local tour that is describe the entire silk process. Stiyl simply cut through the number of tourist right through the chase. "I'm looking for the Dragon."

Gui Ying translated Stiyl's demands to the male tour guide. The guide shook his head in the universal gesture of no. Stiyl was unconvinced and insisted. "Tell them…I'm from the Roman Catholic Church." The message relayed this time bore fruit. The guide hastily led them out of the workshop and through the dark tunnels with a portable flashlight. After a long series of turns, the journey stopped to a fine white door.

The guide rapped the door which opened shortly. He spoke to the receiver, a man in formal clothes. The guard ushered them into a small meeting room. Shortly, a bald Chinese man entered the room. He wore a regal suit that matches his age around the forties. Accompanying him were two guards. A middle aged maid brought in drinks. The boss spoke in Italian. "Would you like coffee or tea?"

"Tea will do just fine." The maid poured their drinks and left discreetly. "You are the Dragon, yes?"

The man brought the topic to business. "Yes Mr Catholic, what brings you here today? We've already done our part of the deal."

Damn…this is tricky. Stiyl has to think of a way to pry information out peacefully and secretly. The drink itself is a challenge as well. What if some poison or drugs have been added into it? He couldn't assess anything abnormal from the Oolong tea. He took a sip. "From what we heard, that part of the deal wasn't done."

"Impossible!" The Dragon slammed his fist against the table. The drinks surface became little waves. "We've done exactly what you wanted, down to the correct figures."

"Then to keep us on the same page, tell me what your side has explicitly done." Stiyl enticed them to recollect the past for him to listen.

"We took your money and sent it off to that company your leader wanted. We took our commissions accurately as well. I made sure of that."

"I see…but that is not what they say at the other end. Perhaps reviewing the transactions should be enough convincing to me."

"Al…" Dragon paused. "Something's amiss." Uh oh. "Tell me who your supervisor is."

Damn, he caught me on. This covert operation is busted. He'll have to fight his way for his information and life. He stood up and his hand burst forth with fire. It formed a sword as Stiyl charged forward. He disarmed the two guards of their pistols with deft flicks of his blade. He held the hot sword below the Dragon's neck. "You will be telling me everything."

Five minutes later, Stiyl received a stock of documents by involuntary hands. He and Gui Ying left the place safely and unhindered. All witnesses had their short term memory removed. As the Chang'an rode into the city, Stiyl read the documents written in both Italian and English. He had a surprise. These files….I must return to Academy City.