I apologize for the hiatus and the previous muddy chapter. I need to remember that I need to edit and reread my stories. I'll be sure to do more of that!

Also, I'm very happy by the new readers. Thank you!

Since I've finished my first year of college and I'm now on break, chapters should come more often. As it turns, this story will be longer. I don't know how long but possibly reaching the ten chapter mark. I hope thats not too much and I can end it by then.

Hopefully this chapter can clear some stuff up.

CHAPTER FIVE

Clarification

"How are we doing Kazen-san?" Konori-sempai asked entreatingly. Uiharu, eyes glued to the screen and fingers rapidly typing, responded. "I've completed work on reports and finalized some of the details. Right now I'm looking into that inquiry of yours." Konori nodded and looked at the other side of the room. A dejected Kuroko was seated at her desk with a seemingly too-close-to-her-side Tsukino. "Shira-san?"

"Yes, Konori-Sempai?" Kuroko mumbled, turning around. At that sight of Konori's furrowed brow, she whipped back to her computer. "Ah, that is, ahem, Miyabo-san has a rough idea of how we work. I'm currently updating her on how to use our database and whatnot." Konori nodded and turned around, satisfied. "That's good, Shirai-san, I'm glad you're not distracted."

Kuroko simply sighed. "Yes, ma'am." Then, someone nudged her shoulder. "What is it?" Tsukino looked tired as well. "Not that I don't appreciate your efforts, but can we take a break? Computer work gets me tired as well." Kuroko nodded and allowed the girl to wheel her out of the room and towards the vending machines outside. Konori didn't so much as blink as they left.

Once they did, she spoke, in a lowered voice. "Uiharu-san, any more updates on where Mikoto-san is?" The flower girl turned to her, slightly surprised. "Konori-sempai? Umm, as of now, no mention is made. What does that matter?"

Konori let out a sigh and leaned back against her chair, stretching her arm upwards. "I really do not like the fact that I've been held against my will. I'm a part of Judgement after all, you as well. And it was a student. I can ascertain that, by not contacting the superiors, we may still be underneath her control. Don't you think so?" Uiharu fidgeted. "Umm, maybe?"

"Uiharu."

"Yes?"
"What are you researching so intently?"
"…The Stargate Project."

"Ah. Well?"

"I've only found things I discovered prior. I'm reading through them again to find any correlations or discrepancies. Nothing new, though."

"…does it bother you that we're being used?"

"…I don't know. Although, the fact that I can still feel things, like frustration or sadness, makes me think that I have some will. And personally, I've been curious about the Stargate Project. And, yes, she is a student, but I don't think she's evil or anything. I mean, maybe, she just has a roundabout way of doing things. She doesn't seem like the type to request assistance. Ahh, I'm rambling now." Uiharu awkwardly chuckled. She was interrupted by Konori standing up suddenly. "That's it. Technically speaking, we weren't harmed. But its still an infiltration of our minds. For now, let's get along with her. We've interacted with a Level 5 before. Besides, we can't make any judgments or notes as we're still not certain about the control. Afterwards, I'll contact our superiors." Konori sat back down, a bitter look on her face. Uiharu watched her and then bit her lip.

"Yeah, but Misaka-san is different…"

As if speaking of the devil, something beeped. Uiharu turned to her computer, startled. "What is it, Kazen-san?"

"Misaka-san! She just entered the building!"

Misaka Mikoto walked into the lobby and stopped. Her electrical field, constantly surrounding her, picked up on a small signal. Glancing at the source, it was the security cameras installed in the building. What was unusual was that it was moving, no, concentrating on her. Misaka simply shrugged and continued to walk. Constant surveillance was a bother but she was used to it.

Classes were ending as students milled about. Misaka blended in with them until she was walking towards another door to outside. Exiting it, she was nearing the vending machines. She wasn't expecting students to be there—in fact, wasn't that-?

"ONEE-SAMA!"

…indeed, it was Kuroko. Misaka trotted up to the teleported and her companion. "Hey, Kuroko. Who's your friend?" She never saw her before but the girl was sporting the same uniform and a rather unsatisfactory look. She seemed to be checking out every part of Misaka studiously, her quick blue eyes scanning everywhere. "Who cares about that, where have you been?!" Kuroko practically shrieked. "Well, since she won't do it, I will." The other girl smoothly spoke, placing herself between the two. She held out a hand. "Tsukino Miyabo. I'm Kuroko's new partner in Judgement. Nice to you meet you."

Taking note to downplay her electricity, Misaka shook her hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Misaka Mikoto." The girl named Tsukino nodded and smirked somewhat. "Of course," she purred, "Everyone knows you." She suddenly coughed when Kuroko banged her ankle with her wheelchair. "Hey, imposter, get out of the way." Tsukino glared at her balefully. "Why you—"

Misaka watched the two interact for a bit before interrupting. "So, um, can I get some juice before we talk?"

She was able to and soon they were sitting in the shade of the nearby tree, drinking. "…so, from America? That's fun." Misaka said. She was making small chat but she really wanted this to be a small break. But nope, she sighed, I just had to run into Judgement. Tsukino looked up, shocked. "Ehh? You think so? Its so big and everyone's really desperate. Not to mention we're far behind you guys." Kuroko huffed. "Hah! This is where you can truly live in the future!"

Before the teleporter could launch into her spiel about Academy City and its many benefits, Misaka interjected. "I noticed you have a Japanese name, though." Tsukino nodded. "Yeah, my dad. He's from here and my mom's from there." Kuroko blinked. "So what brings you here?"

Tsukino gave Kuroko a strange look and Misaka noticed that the two seemed to be close. Of course, Misaka, she thought, watching, they work together. "I've already told you that, Kuroko, I thought we already went over that. Sheesh, it must be a bother having to be around her, don't you think, Mikoto-san?"

"Huh? Well, sometimes she gives me trouble but I know Kuroko is always working towards improvement for everything. She's a hard worker, you'll have to watch out for her." Misaka spoke quickly, not liking how Tsukino was quick to judge. How hypocritical she thought, sipping on her juice.

Meanwhile, Kuroko had stars in her eyes. "O-O-Onee-sama, I did not think myself worthy of your words, owaaa." Misaka twisted her mouth. "Hey, don't get carried away. You're great at your job. Speaking of which, I have some stuff to do." Misaka was careful to no betray any edginess or anxiety as she spoke. "It was nice, though, meeting you. See you later."

"But—"

"Kuroko, don't worry, I'll be back by tonight."

She left quickly before the teleporter could respond.

She made it to the door and sighed. "You're busy." "Yeah, yeah, I know—" Misaka whirled about and found Tsukino standing next to her. "Ahh! I mean can I help you?" Misaka reacted way too strongly and struggled to compose herself. Where did she come from?! Tsukino was walking towards her, getting way too close. "Yes, yes, you can, just answer truthfully, what's the stuff you have to do?" Misaka started walking, faster this time. Who was this girl? Possibly more persistent than Kuroko…"I'm sorry, its personal business and—"

"Oh, well, I'm right here." Misaka froze. There was no mistaking that voice. She turned about. It was that troublesome blonde. "Sh-Sh- Shokuhou? What are you—" As quick as she appeared, she was gone, replaced with Tsukino. "Not her exactly, but you get my point. My, my, to think that the woman of the hour is not your roommate, but the Queen…that narrows my estimations, greatly, I think." Misaka gulped. WHO WAS THIS GIRL? But she took a deep breath and spoke before the other girl could muddle her thoughts.

"…That's a handy ability you have there. I didn't think there were shape shifters, especially of your caliber, working in Judgment of all places." Misaka said, readying herself for anything. "Cut the battle stance and lets move elsewhere." Tsukino bluntly spoke. "I'm pretty sure you don't want to involve your kouhai." Misaka trembled. "Really? You're going to play that card, huh?" She couldn't help it, her electricity was buzzing and she could glimpse small bursts in the air.

It was a stressful day, Misaka thought, balefully. And now, like a rotten cherry on top, this girl was here, ordering her around. But before she could teach her a lesson, the girl seemed to back off. Tsukino was trembling, slightly. "Alright, alright, lets just move somewhere less watched. I bear no ill will, I truly do." Misaka scoffed. "Sorry, I'm not that great at trusting people. What proof do I have?" She clenched her fists as Tsukino blinked. "Proof? Sheesh, okay, fine, I have your proof." The other girl reached into her shirt and drew out a card, holding it out. Misaka took it, carefully, and looked at it.

"…this is…" It was a note addressed specifically to her mother. Tsukino spoke up. "I have not read that, but today, after my transfer and whatnot, I was walking around Academy City and she saw me. She noticed my uniform and Judgment badge and told me to give that to you if I get the chance."

Misaka read it once more. It was a simple note, really, "Work hard and play hard!" and she hurriedly gave it back, still on her guard. "So what?" Tsukino rolled her eyes. "Come now, I could've hoarded that. Actually, no, if I was more nefarious, I would've captured your mother and done who knows what. By enrolling in this school and wanting to contact you, I would have your entire background. I swear I have not done anything."

Misaka considered her words. She really, really, REALLY wasn't in the position to trust anyone, but then again, she needed someone. She couldn't ask Kuroko or Uiharu or anyone else. Misaka still wasn't sure herself as to what she should do. But an outsider…she didn't want to involve anyone. She knew pain and injuries would be the outcome, no doubt.

Misaka relaxed and the tense atmosphere generated from her power dissipated. Tsukino's shoulders dropped and she sighed melodramatically. "Wow, you sure know how to make a girl feel welcome, Railgun."

"Whatever. What is that you want?" Misaka was in a hurry.

"I don't want anything. What I need is to be able to provide others with help. I'm here to assist." At that Tsukino bowed and came back up. "And to do that, I registered with Judgment and as I have experience in such matters I was accepted. My guise is being with them while my real mission is to help you."

Misaka was taken aback but recovered quickly. "Are you here by yourself?"

"I've gotten here with the help of my father but everything else, including motivation, have been purely my own."

Misaka sighed. "What's your motivation?"

Tsukino blushed a bit and then: "You, obviously. But not in the way you may think, its more of like…agh, how do I put this…?" The girl turned around, mumbling to herself. Misaka was ready to leave. Seriously, she needed to do some stuff and this girl was becoming weirder… "If you don't mind, could you hurry? We need to leave fairly soon." Tsukino whirled about. "Okay, I've go it, its more of a mix between, "you scratch my back I scratch yours" and "you teach me I help you" kind of thing, you know?"

Misaka quietly rubbed her temples. "Okay. I don't care. It was nice meeting you, but I have to go now." At that, Misaka took off quickly, breaking into a sprint. "H-Hey! Wait a minute!" Tsukino struggled to keep up.

Misaka snuck a glance behind her. Apparently the other girl was lacking in physical strength. That was good for her. She sped up more and, having reached the cityside, launched herself onto the wall. "What the-?" Due to her electricity powers, Misaka was able to run up the wall with magnetism. "Damn!" She ignored Tsukino and finally was able to reach the top. She hauled herself over the edge of the building and ran to the other side of the roof. "Alright, now—"

Where was it again? The meeting spot?

Ah. Of course.

Misaka took a running start and leapt onto another rooftop. She cautiously looked downwards on the street to see if Tsukino was monitoring her. Nope. It was getting dark and the night would provide an excellent cover. She took breaks every now and then, until she reached it. She made sure to keep some distance and readied herself.

Below was downtown, the streets lit up by store decorations, neon lights, and street lamps. Older denizens were walking and relaxing, enjoying the ambient atmosphere. Misaka waited until there was an alleyway that seemed to be empty and made her way down. She was hoping no one would notice her, her uniform being way too conspicuous, and ran into one of the clothing stores. She wished she had enough time to change back at the dorm but plans changed.

She made her way out in casual clothes, sporting a scarf as well. The night was chilly and it would help cover her face. With that, she stuck herself in the alleyway, a different one, and waited. Come on, she thought, you should be here anytime now. Finally, the person came into view. As promised from an earlier exchange, via email, they would be by the fountain.

Misaka breathed and went through the plan again in her head. Electricity buzzed a bit over her head but it was minimal. Just like how all of this started.

Lately, other girls at school kept asking her to join the Queen's faction and as much as she declined, they kept coming and coming until one with glazed eyes told her to come to the Library. Shokuhou was there, waiting. They had a brief chat and Shokuhou apologized for the roundabout way of contacting her.

"You see, I feel like something big is happening, but none too large, at the school, mostly. You understand, right? We must keep the order in the school. Its something that only we could do, as Judgment is far too lacking." She had flipped her blonde hair before talking once more. They were in the depths of the Library, in the darkened bookcases far from the overhead lights. They were much too close towards each other, Misaka unpleasantly remembered.

"Well, apparently, there have been cases of attempted kidnapping. I don't know much but I can estimate that someone is trying to find out how the students are taught to improve their powers at our illustrious school." Shokuhou sighed. "They've been targeting those with improvements, from now to when they first applied. I don't know why, its not like we have something special to kickstart our abilities. I think you, of all people, can prove that." Shokuhou grinned. "This is where you come in. I can't really leave but I've been monitoring the school with my helpers. So far I haven't seen anyone suspicious, so it must be an inside job."

"One of the students, then." Misaka briefly mused. Before she could elaborate further, Shokuhou leaned towards her. "Yes, yes, of course, but they would have to be very good at familiarizing their selves, otherwise, how could they get the girls out? So far I have some suspects, but tonight, they should show themselves." After that, Shokuhou gave her the specifications and wished her luck.

Misaka herself hated the fact they were working together but it definitely was a big thing—even Judgment was not aware. One of the girls was found outside in the garden, disoriented, and so as to cover it up, everyone treated it as a case of sleepwalking. The cause was not so innocent: Shokuhou made sure to inspect the girl and found something alerting. The girl's brain was found to be under the influence of some powerful psychotropic drugs. It heavily affected one's perception. To what end, was the real question.

"And," Shokuhou added before she left, "what better way to get someone to take it during a night downtown?" She smirked and dissipated into the shadows. And here was Misaka, watching. The first girl, mild-mannered apparently, showed up ten minutes early. She sat at the fountain, waiting, and jumped when the water came out. Two more girls came, chuckling at her being frightened, and were soon joined by three others. The last one was set apart from the others and said something about being "fashionably late." She was the leader, Misaka concluded, as the rest of them followed as she led them to a café.

Misaka trailed them and seated herself in a booth by herself, ordering a root beer float. They were three booths away and extraordinarily loud. She could pick up bits and pieces of the conversation as she drank.

"Ahh! Sure is nice to finally leave that school!"

"Right, right, all that training?"

"Oh, have you finally made some developments?"

"Eh? Well, um, not so much…"

"Are you kidding?"

"She's always working, you know!"

"Don't be modest! What was your ability again?"

"Oh, well, its pyrokinesis, actually."

Even Misaka was impressed. She knew that there were those talented with fire but due to its overbearing and accident proneness it was hard to develop said powers. And judging by the voice, it had to be the girl that came early. She continued to listen.

"Owaaaa, could you show us?"

"What? No, not in here!"

"Of course not, silly, maybe later."

"How about a treat for your good work?"

There it is. The girl. "Huh? Well, if you insist." Misaka could hear the girl smile. "What do you like?" The pyro replied quickly. "Oh, well, I've always wanted to try the new watermelon drink they have here."

"Alright, it's settled. Ma'am?"

Misaka breathed. Here was her part. It was hard. She wouldn't be able to stop it from happening but at least she could prevent the aftermath. The waitress came and got the order. Misaka stood up and walked towards them. The restroom was some feet away from them, providing a valid excuse for walking by. The waitress came. Misaka stopped to let her pass and she set down the drink.

The leader got the drink first. "Hey, can I try it?" The other girl nodded. It was very quick, what she did, since the other girls weren't concentrating, but Misaka noticed. As she brought the glass to her lips with her fingers, a small canister spilled out something into the drink. But she didn't drink it. "Haha, I wouldn't do that to you, go ahead." Misaka breathed once more and walked into the restroom. She strained to hear what was going on outside.

Some minutes passed before one of the girls said something.

"Hey, you look tired, did you want to go back?"

"Yeah, you're not looking so hot…"

"Huh? I don't know, I just got really tired…"

"Haha, are you up past your bedtime?"

"Hey now, don't tease her!"

Here it comes. Misaka walked out of the bathroom and back to her booth. She drank the rest of her float and paid the waitress. During this, the leader had offered to take the pyro girl home and the others agreed. Misaka watched and before they could disappear, she exited the café, following. The other girl was now feeling pretty bad and the leader was holding her close. Passerby's paid no attention to them and they walked past.

Misaka gritted her teeth. They had no idea what was going on.

They weren't walking towards the campus.

The other girl seemed to notice but the leader quickly noted that "they were taking a shortcut!" They were walking towards some of the abandoned buildings, making it hard for Misaka to trail them. How else could she explain being in the boonies if they saw her? Nonetheless, she kept going.

Finally, they were walking into one of the buildings. The other girl weakly held on. "Hey, this isn't the campus…" The leader seemed to lose her patience momentarily. "Will you shut up? Not that it matters anymore."

Before they crossed the threshold, Misaka sprang into action. She quickly knocked the leader to the ground and grabbed the other girl. "What the—you!" The leader got up and put her hand in her pocket. Misaka noticed the slight electrical signal emanating from it and dismantled the device. A spark of electricity sprung from her and hit the girl's side. She cried out and threw it out of her pocket before it exploded.

Misaka set the other girl down and launched herself at the leader, tackling her to the ground. She was weak, Misaka bitterly thought, as she was able to easily hold her down. "What, what do you want?" She spat out at her. Before she could say anything else, Misaka knocked her out. Quick and efficient.

It wasn't her job to interrogate. She left that up to Shokuhou. Speaking of which…Misaka took out her cellphone and dialed quickly, the dial tone droning on and on before someone picked up. "Hello~?"

"I'm done. Hurry up."

"Alright~!"

Shokuhou hanged up and Misaka put the leader next to the other girl. She had passed out, no doubt because of the drugs. At that, Misaka stood and waited. She wasn't sure if someone was going to come out of the building and it would take 5 minutes for Shokuhou's reinforcements to arrive.

2 minutes passed and someone came out. A burly looking guy. "Hey, what are you—" Before he could finish, Misaka knocked him out with her electricity. He coughed and fell down, singed. At that, two more guys came out and were met with the same fate.

2 more minutes. "Shokuhou, hurry!" Misaka hissed.

Finally, she came, stepping out of SUV and waving. "Hey! Oh, I knew it was good to hire you! Such a good biribiri~!" Misaka glared at her. "Knock it off." She looked towards the SUV and two men came out, wearing armor and brandishing stun guns. "Anti-Skill?" Misaka wasn't aware that they would be involved. In fact, how big was this? "Don't worry about that," Shokuhou purred. "For now though, you've done your part, now leave it up to them."

Misaka made to protest before one of the Anti-Skills walked up to her. "Hey there!" She waved. Misaka blinked. "Oh, I've seen you before." The taller, older woman smiled timidly. "Yes, yes, from the other incident." She nodded. "Well, I better go now. But I wanted to thank you for your help. Most of us in Anti-Skill are usually teachers but sometimes we can't always reach the students when they need us. Its good that we have volunteers like you and Shokuhou-san. Ah! I better go now!" She awkwardly ran after the others.

Misaka turned to Shokuhou. "I thought—" She interrupted her. "Ah ah, we better go now." She led her to the SUV as more and more members of Anti-Skill surrounded the building. "We can't be seen now, can we?" They entered the vehicle. "Take the longest route you can to the dorms. Thank you!" Shokuhou sweetly asked. The car drove off and she turned to Misaka.

"You know how when you think you just finished something, something else pops up? Usually more worse, more difficult?" Before Misaka could agree, Shokuhou continued. "Well, seems like its happening now. I would like to hear your input on the matter. Once I describe it, of course." Misaka sighed. "Sure."

"It seems that this case of kidnapping leads to a much more bigger scheme: a part of the whole. In any case, it matters the Americans and their progress in psychic affairs. Compare our renowned Academy City and its talented inhabitants, with top-notch science and whatnot. We've no idea what they've done so far, and you know, with Americans, they're flashy and trying to prove themselves."

Shokuhou looked outside for a bit, as if to ruminate. "No doubt they would do anything they can to match our success, and maybe, try to overcome it. By any means possible." She turned to Misaka. "Well?"

Misaka sighed once more and unraveled the scarf around her neck. It was far too stuffy in the car and it was going to be a long drive. "I think there should be a basis for your claim: but I won't deny that this city attracts attention. Not always in a positive way." Shokuhou nodded. "Yes, well, I am not one for explaining data and information, I'm pretty sure others can fill you in on the matter."

Misaka blinked. "Wait a minute…you have no idea whether or not you're right, don't you?" Shokuhou returned her gaze towards outside, silent. "I am not going to deny or confirm my statement. It's not entirely mine, mind you."

Misaka let out a breath. "Then who said it?"

Shokuhou turned back to her and smiled.

"You've already met her today. Tsukino Miyabo."

TO BE CONTINUED