Chapter 3: In Her Sights
Misaka looked back briefly as she passed the armoury, within it there was a rifle, a old Metal Eater MX. It was a potent weapon that had served her well in countless battles, including one that took place on a rather important day to Misaka...
Misaka watched Touma from approximately 1500 meters away. She was currently on top of a building, and in her arms was her Metal Eater MX. Thanks to it scope and her goggles, she had a easy time reading his expression.
It was fear.
"Such misfortune!" Touma shouted loudly over the communication link he was wearing as he continued to run for dear life from the heavily augmented Type 90 Kyū-maru battle tank that was chasing after him. The chase had already being going on for 22 minutes and 33 seconds. Inside the tank was a Magician known as Jacob Risk, and additionally there was a highschool student called Gushiken Kyoko who was Level 2. She wasn't a powerful Esper from what Misaka had been briefed on, and she had no real combat ability. Jacob motive was he apparently wanted to see Academy City burn for its evil.
"Come on Kami-yan." Tsuchimikado said calmly over the communication network. "You just have to run a little bit further, then those sweet sisters can do there part in this plan, just like Stiyl doing his as we speak by making sure no one come anywhere near here."
"That's easy for you to say!" Touma said as he continued to run from the augmented tank. Amongst other things it been painted a mixture of red, orange and yellow, this was a hint to some of its other argumentations.
"WOOOSH!" was the sound of the flames, followed by the shattering like sound that was the Imagine Breaker taking effect.
"You've not being chased by a magical flamethrower wielding tank!" Touma screamed as he briefly turned to stop the magical assault with his unique power.
Silently, the MISKA network discussed Touma as they waited for there moment.
"He always complains, Misaka 10039 points out."
"But he always continues, Misaka 13577 complements."
"He also always looks rather handsome when he dashing around like that Misaka 19090 adds cheekily.
"He is also becoming mine more and more as time goes by, Misaka 10032 says sternly, reinforcing her authority the oldest living members of the MISKA Network and therefore the natural leader."
"Misaka 19090 still believes the strategy of sharing him is perfectly valid, Misaka 19090 suggests in tone designed to subvert Misaka 10032 weak leadership position based on the timing of birth."
"He still has trouble dealing with multiple Misaka's in the same general area, it would unwise to complicate social interactions, Misaka 10032 explains. Furthermore my strategy is working perfectly, Misaka 10032 notes, adding weight to her position."
"Misaka 19090 believes you just want him all for yourself, Misaka 19090 points out, as she says what the rest of the network believes is true."
"You just read too much of Koroko's less suitable manga and are developing a perverted taste in relationships, Misaka 10032 complains in attempt to distract the network attention from the original topic."
"And I can't understand why we gave him the incredibly cute and fluffy tiger toy, says Misaka 20001 as Misaka 20001 complains about missed opportunities and derails the whole conversation."
"I think we should focus on aiming at the tanks weak points in order to ensure Touma based opportunities continue to appear in our future, Misaka 13577 helpfully hints in a attempt to end the internal bickering of the network."
It seemed Touma was just about reaching the correct point, the point when the fire arcs of the four sisters would cross...
"Now!" Tsuchimikado shouted loudly over the communication device, and 0.4 seconds latter, four perfectly synchronised shots hits the tank in the four most vital points of it's propulsion system, completely immobilising the vehicle with no chance of recovery without the aid of a engineer and at least 28.7 minutes of repair work with the proper tools.
At least that was how it was suppose to go. 22 seconds after the damage was inflicted, the damaged parts glowed a molten red and returned to there original state.
"So this magician knows a spell to fix tanks... such misfortune!" Touma shouted as he returned to a state of running for dear life from the fully functional weapon of war.
"Actually this is my Esper ability." Came a young sounding female voice from within the tank. "Moltenreforge, the ability to return any metal item to its original state, that's within 1.5 metres of my body, as long as the change only happened with the last 30 minutes. My love and I are going to show this hateful city our burning devotion to be together!"
Misaka sighed slightly. It seemed the 'hostage' had fell under the sway of the magician and her 'mostly' useless ability was surprisingly useful when it come to field vehicle maintenance.
Misaka was going to have to think quickly, fortunately having over 9000 minds linked together that were genetically based off a genius and schooled in the most cutting edge combat strategy really helped in these sort of situations.
"Touma it is important you do exactly as I tell you if you wish to achieve victory and avoid being burned alive, Misaka politely informs the cute boy with the strength to achieve victory."
The effect was immediate, the fear on his face was replaced by a determination to succeed.
"Tell me what I need to do Imouto." Touma replied over the communication network. His voice far calmer than it had been mere moments ago. He trusted in her plan... but now was not the time to get lost in that emotion.
"Continue to run due north, but turn sharply right and head down the small side street, Misaka advises."
Touma being a human and biped easily made the sharp turn. The tank on the other hand was moving close to its maxed speed and was a wheeled vehicle not known for its mobility, so it overshot the small side street. The tanks nature also made a direct 180 degree turn tricky, so Jacob predictably took advantage of the u-turn in the main road ahead to approach the side street from the other side.
"Ready self in crouched position half a meter from other end of side street, Misaka continues to advise."
The tank came down the street, it turret readying to shoot into the side street as it passed by.
"Leap directly forwards and grab hold of the vehicle, Misaka orders."
Just as 10032 gave the order, 13577 shot the turrets barrel in the side, causing it to spray its dangerous content to the right of Touma, and allowing Touma to land safely onto the tank.
"Grab the hatch after its damaged with your right hand, Misaka informs the brave boy."
A second bullet was fired from 13577's Metal Eater MX, wrecking the seal. Touma right grabbed it and as expected a few seconds latter the familiar sound of the supernatural being suppressed was heard over the communication network.
"Pull hatch open and swiftly move back to avoid counter attack, Misaka informs seriously."
Touma followed her instructions and as expected a gout of flame came from the hatch which Touma deftly avoided.
"Use the right words, Misaka simply instructs, trusting the boy to know what to do next."
Through her scope, she saw Touma briefly grin before taking on a more serous expression.
" Jacob!" Touma shouted over the noise of the tanks engine. "I know your probably a pretty pissed off guy, no one goes on a rampage in a battle tank who in a happy state of mind!"
"Dam right!" Jacob shouted back. "This city full of a darkness that set to bring this world to ruin. The leadership of Academy City wants to actively bring war between the science and magic sides!"
"And you think running around in a tank setting fire to innocent peoples homes and businesses is the right way to fight that?" Touma rebuked.
The Magician leaped out the hatch, a flaming blade in hands, which he brought down on Touma. Touma, on instinct blocked with right hand, but it merely blocked the fire based blade, and did not dispel it completely.
"Don't tell me what's right Chairman's hound dog!" Jacob screamed as there weapons clashed. "You just want to create your little Esper city, that free of magic and full of young minds full of hate!"
Misaka shot her own Metal Eater MX at the magicians feet, distracting him for vital few seconds...
"I've built bonds of friendship across both sides of the divide you fool!" Touma shouted as his right fist connected with Jacob the Magicians face.
Both the Magician and the Esper were handcuffed in the battles aftermath, Kyoko had no real ability to fight past her ability and Jacob was still pretty much out of it.
"I have no real idea what were going to do with thing..." Tsuchimikado sighed as he looked over the tank. "But I guess that's my problem. Necessarius sending over there jailer for Risk here Stiyl?"
The man who looked somewhere between a punk and a priest nodded.
"A couple of nuns from the Agnese Forces are on route, there be here in a hour or so, just a few last minute security clearance matters are being sorted as we speak.
"Good good. I guess Gushiken here is going to become a guess of Anti-skill in the not so distant future, through I hate to deal with the legal side of her case..."
Treason wasn't officially a crime in Academy City, it left a hole in cases like this.
"Anyway Kami-yan, I think you and the Sisters can call it a day." Tsuchimikado explain as he turned to them. "Try not to have too much fun with four beautiful girls ok?" He added with a hint of mischief and a wink.
"We will take very good care of him, Misaka explains as she inches close to the cute and heroic boy".
It was 19090. 10032 thoughts moved very quickly, Touma was getting increasingly embarrassed and nervous.
"But isn't 19090 home close to were there having a sale on large, cute and fluffy tiger toys, Misaka 10032 points out, using her serial number to add clarity to the conversation out of politeness."
"Tiger toy, go go go, says Misaka 20001 as Misaka 20001 takes direct control of Misaka 19090!"
Misaka 19090 suddenly, and likely much to the surprise of the none Misaka's, turned and headed towards her home with some haste. After she left, Misaka turned towards Touma.
"Will you take me home, Misaka says as she makes puppy dog eyes towards Touma?"
He looked relived as he replied happily. "Sure Imouto."
They walked down the late afternoon street quietly for a few minutes before Touma spoke again.
"Your making a real habit out of this Imouto" Touma said quietly as they walked together. "You keep turning up when I need a hand with saving people, or if I'm being more accurate, when I need a extra set of eyes or four covering my back."
"Yes, I feel the best way to help you is via improving your battlefield awareness and doing strategic actions, Misaka explains."
"Like hacking that door for me the other week?" Touma pointed out.
"Exactly, Misaka replies."
Touma grinned slightly to himself.
"You know, some people might think you were after something the way you been acting around me recently. " Touma theorised. "And you know, I think I have a pretty good idea what it is."
Touma stopped and Misaka's heart skipped a beat.
"Can we talk in a bit more privacy Imouto?" Touma asked as he motioned towards a quiet side ally.
Was this it? Was this as Kuroko had predicted, the moment when Touma heart would open? Misaka felt a strange feeling, something quiet alien to the network...
"Of course we can, says Misaka as she nervously follows Touma into the ally."
As she followed Touma into the ally, he genteelly took her right hand with his left, and as they made there way deeper into the ally he pulled her softly towards him, before wrapping his left hand around her waist and placing his right hand over it. Misaka pulled herself closer, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"You are avoiding touching me with your Imagine Breaker, Misaka notes, her tone still rather nervous."
"I am." Touma replied as he spoke softly in her ear. "I know sometimes I try to forget that your networked.. but if I'm going to step forward with this, I'm going to have to talk to you as the MISAKA Network..."
It was a unexpected development.
"Your all linked, your all individuals too, but you share a lot of information, what one of you knows, the others will know... right?" Touma asked, his voice softly whispering in Misaka's ear.
"Its not instant, but it can be very quick, Misaka explains. It's mostly a matter distance and attention, Misaka adds, as she share more of the details."
"And how many of the Sisters are paying attention right now?" Touma inquired.
"4063, Misaka honestly replies."
"Can you contact the rest of the Sisters, I need all of you properly paying attention." Touma asked before adding. "I apologise in advance for disrupting there life's."
"Perhaps he seeks to do some grand romantic confession, Misaka 19999 says hopefully?"
"Or maybe he finally going to give us back the incredibly cute and large tiger, says Misaka 20001 as Misaka 20001 finds a distinct lack of them near 19090's home, much to her annoyance."
"Listen carefully to his voice, Misaka 10033 points out. There is something troubling him."
"I hope this is important, Misaka 10070 says she wakes from her bed in Berlin. Its a unsociable hour for me, Misaka 10070 complains."
"He would not ask for all of us, if he did not deem it important Misaka 10076 says as she raises herself from her slumber in Paris."
One by one her sisters reported in, the whole process took the best part of ten minutes, Touma quietly waited, much to his credit. 14444 was the last, she really hadn't wanted to wake at all, but the jabber of over 9000 sisters loudly shouting her name eventually woke her.
"You have the full attention of the network, Misaka 10032 explains as she talks for her sisters as a whole, her nerves clearly eased by there collective presence."
"Thank you all for taking time out of your days for me, I really appreciated it." Touma replied, his voice was somewhat louder than before, like he was whispering to a small group with many ears, rather than a large group using one set of ears.
"I need to ask a serous question of you all." Touma continued. "Its a question for you all, because your all know what each other knows, and I can't just ask it of Imouto, even if I want to ask it because Imouto..."
He seemed to have greater and greater difficulty speaking, bit by bit his voice was breaking up.
"As I thought, he is troubled and his nature makes it hard for him to ask for help, Misaka 10033 observes with a somewhat smug expression at her good instincts."
Misaka pushed her chin into Touma shoulder somewhat, research had suggested that this was a good way to reassure stressed people and would work better than words.
"Will you Sisters keep my secrets and tell no one else of them?" Touma asked in a troubled tone, as he gripped Misaka tightly.
Misaka didn't need her Sisters thoughts to tell her that Touma really needed someone to tell his secrets too because they weighed heavy on him. Neither did she need them to tell her that Touma sharing his secrets with her was sign of deep trust. But for how quiet that little ally in which Misaka and Touma stood, her mind was alive with the loud and numerous voices of her sisters and they agreed on one simple thing in close to 10000 ways.
"We will keep your secrets Touma and we sincerely promise to tell them to no others, Misaka 10032 swears for herself and her sisters, as she pulls back her head and looks Touma deeply in his eyes."
Touma unsurprisingly looked relived.
"Thank you." Touma simply said as he rub his check across Misaka's, she felt a charge pass through her, as her power's reacted involuntary to his touch.
They stood there a while, cheeks touching and Touma seemed content to hold her in that silence.
"Your giving off a fair bit of static tonight Imouto." Touma spoke after a while.
"I have no control over that effect, Misaka 10032 explains in a embarrassed tone."
He made a "hum" noise.
"Your a very transparent person to read Imouto." Touma noted. "You can't actually lie in your little third person comments can you?"
"Its is involuntary, Misaka 10032 explains as she happily holds her Touma."
"I guess I am your Touma then." Touma admitted before he added. "Through I'm no were near as transparent a person as you."
"But you desire transparency with me, Misaka 10032 points out."
"It seems only fair, since your clearly willing to give me so much." Touma replied. Misaka's issues with static were only increasing.
"Speak then, Misaka simply says".
"Last July, on the 28th, I lost all my memories before that point. I don't know all the details, but I was protecting Index from having her memories wiped at the time. I don't think I need to explain to you how much it would hurt her to know that truth."
Misaka was shocked into silence as she took the revelation in. He must have struggled so much to hide his grievous wound, he must have longed so much to break down and cry at the misfortune, but instead he chose to hide it, just to save Index from tears, to act strong when he was at his lowest ebb...
"Memories are identity, Misaka 10098 screams as she remember her dead sisters!"
"He pushed Accelerator onto the right path when he barely had a path behind him Misaka 20001 shouts as Misaka 20001 is shocked by Touma secret!"
"He can fight like a man with nothing to lose, because he has no past holding him back, Misaka 10033 loudly shouts as she figures out what makes the brave boy tick!"
It was rare for the whole network to be so focused on one subject. Misaka felt her mind struggling to keep up with the heavy network activity, but a few words broke her from her daze.
"Please speak to me Imouto, I need to know how you feel." Touma said with a uncharacteristic weak voice. With those words, Misaka knew what she needed to do.
"Its ok Touma, Misaka says reassuringly as she recovers from the shocking words of a brave and strong boy who shouldn't ever fear to show his wounds in front of her."
She felt a wetness roll onto her cheek as Touma wordlessly showed his feelings.
Touma being strong all the time was a good way for him to break himself, additionally by showing his weakness to her, he was committing a serous act of trust.. so she would keep his secrets, she would let him be weak in front of her, so he could be strong for others with no fear of breaking himself.
For a while they once again stood in silence. It seemed Touma was the sort of person who needed time to think, when she heard his voice again, the weakness had gone.
"Well I guess the network has heard everything they need to know... through I will regret losing the static."
He moved his right hand onto her neck, the voices of her sisters vanished as its power took effect.
"I rather what happens next be just between you and me Imouto." Touma spoke as he pushed his forehead against Misaka's. She could see his eyes, there was a tenderness in them.
"I can't resist you." Touma spoke as he softly kissed Misaka on the lips. "Your so sweet and honest. Your stong, but you haven't forgotten how to be gentle"
"I can't resist you either, Misaka admits. There something about the depths of your mercy, that draws me like moth to a flame, Misaka continues, using a metaphor to help convey her emotions."
"Partners then?" Touma asked before he kissed Misaka on the cheek.
"Of course were partners, Misaka replies in a firm tone. Why else do you think I've been so keen to help you in your work, if not to open your heart that I am your partner?"
"Thanks." Touma replied in a happy tone. "I always seem to meet so many crazy girls, but having such a nice one watching my back is a real change to my fate."
Misaka rather liked the words 'real change to my fate'.
"Shall we kiss some more, Misaka asks with a playful look in her eyes?"
Touma smiled quiet mischievously as his lips locked with Misaka's again. How long this would have continued was unknown, because the very next moment there privacy was rudely ended.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WITH MY SISTER!" It was the original, her older sister, Misaka Mikoto. She seemed rather angry, it was unlikely any electronic were working in the general area anymore as a result. "I come running here because I feel a electromaster's powers going all crazy, followed by going dead and half expect to find some poor soul being mugged... instead I find a fool trying to steal my sister chastely instead!"
"Hello Onee-sama, Misaka says as she politely greets her older sibling before adding in a mischievous tone, Touma and I have been kissing and having deep conversations together."
"Before you ask I'm not mad at you sister..." Mikoto explained in a voice that was quiet gentle to Misaka before adding in a voice that was far less gentle and aimed at Touma." I'm mad at this perverted monster, who taking advantage of your naivety to have his wicked way with you!"
Touma was looking nervous, still he step forwards to get between Misaka and her oldest sister. It was a very Touma thing to do.
"Now Bri Bri, I know your probably feeling a bit emotional right now and protective of your sister.."
A arc of electricity was thrown towards Touma, instinctually he blocked it with his right hand, through the attack failed it was clearly having a detrimental effect on his nerves.
"Its Misaka Mikoto to you!" Mikoto screamed as she attacked. "And I know all about you and your habit of 'accidently' walking in on girls undressing, as well as your habit of 'accidently' landing your head in there chests. Oh and while were at it, how many girls heartstrings are you pulling at the moment?!"
Mikoto was dangerously out of control. Fortunately Kuroko had given her some advice for this very situation.
"Chances are, once Onee-sama finds you with Touma, she will likely loses her temper and want to do all sorts of violent things towards him, but your her little sister, she will never try to hurt you... so protect him."
Misaka stepped forwards, and pushed her back into Touma's chest, before taking his left arm and wrapping it around her stomach.
"I won't let you hurt my Touma, Misaka says defiantly. He may have a bad habit of ending up in embarrassing situations, but I have fought beside him many a time. His true desire is always to save people and as many of these people are grateful... so the girls inevitably take a liking to him. But Touma doesn't want dozens of girls, he wants me, Misaka shouts as she protects her Touma."
"He still too old for you!" Mikoto shouted as she pulled out a coin from her pocket. "Now get out my way she I can punish him for taking advantage of a young and innocent girl!"
"Also, Misaka adds in tone that suggest her Onee-sama should pay close heed, I had help in winning over Touma's heart."
Mikoto looked to Misaka sharply.
"Who helped you get with Touma?" Mikoto asked in a tone as sharp as her look, Misaka could feel the dangerous energy in the air.
"Kuroko, Misaka says bluntly."
The dangerous energy in the air exploded into electric sparks as Mikoto shouted extremely loudly.
"THE PERVERTED BITCH, SHE HAS GONE WAY WAY WAY TOO FAR THIS TIME!"
Misaka could feel Touma's nervous shaking. Mikoto's temper was effectively going critical.
"She also left a message with me, Misaka explains calmly to her out of control sister."
"And what message did the pervert who lead you astray leave you with?"
"She is not afraid, Misaka says, recounting the message she was entrusted to by Kuroko"
"Well she should be!" Mikoto shouted as she stormed of, leaving Misaka alone with Touma once more.
Touma sighed in relief once Mikoto was safely gone.
"Kuroko really asked you to do that?" Touma asked curiously.
"She did, Misaka says honestly to the boy who was mere minutes ago calling her transparent."
"Erm.. sorry Imouto" Touma replied apologetically as he put his chin on the top of her head. "It just seem a pretty suicidal thing to do."
"My understanding is it's part of a elaborate seduction method, Misaka explains."
"Wait.. seduction method?" Touma said in a surprised tone. "Kuroko is a lesbian and in love with Bri Bri?"
"If lesbian mean liking to do nice things to girls, then yes, Misaka states as she looks to her partner to verify her logic."
"In a sense, but it exactly means to do things of a romantic and... and" Touma said, through he seemed to struggle to get the second part of its meaning out.
"Touma please explain, Misaka says she repositions herself to look into Touma's eyes and put pressure on him to finish his explanation."
"This.. this is Bri Bri's job!" Touma shouted in protest.
"But this is clearly the second L word that cause her fear other than love, it be unethical of me to inquire with Onee-sama, Misaka points out."
"Please please Imouto, can we change the subject!" Touma continued to protest.
It took her a good 28 minutes and 32 seconds to get the truth out Touma. It turned out to be a surprising simple thing really, Touma was just really awkward and imature sometimes. The other simple thing that day had been Kurokos plan and all these years latter, Misaka was still running off its basic and key principle...
Be there for him, no matter what and be the one he can always turn too when there no one else.
Misaka smiled softly to herself. Her Sister-in-law often had good advice.
A/N: I'll likely do a little Kuroko/Mikoto one shot after I've finished this Misaka narrated story (she can't see inside her sisters head! ) but for now I've got another two chapters to do of this.
Free cookie for anyone who can guess what the last scenes going to be :)