Chapter 2:
Last Order fumed to herself in silence, noticeably stomping. She was slightly put off by Accelerator. Now that her source of entertainment for the trip back had silenced himself, she went back to her original hobby: analyzing the surroundings. Her eyes moved around slowly and curiously at the park's flora.
The lampposts aren't giving enough light for Misaka Misaka to analyze the bushes and trees properly…Awww…Misaka Misaka thinks to herself in sadness.
She didn't bother walking in front of Accelerator to see the similar plants in front of her. It just didn't seem right at this time.
Misaka Misaka calculates it'll take about 10 more minutes to get back into the apartment…Awww…what will Misaka Misaka do until then?
The impending boredom caused whatever thoughts that were in her head to evaporate.
It was only then that she noticed the gradual heaviness of a feeling in her mind.
An AIM field, Misaka Misaka notes.
Now, it wasn't abnormal for her to sense AIM dispersion fields of other people, considering that she lived in Academy City. But there were few times she was only in the presence of Accelerator's. Or no one's.
This steady increase in AIM field strength means that…huh? Misaka Misaka becomes confused at the data.
"Accelerator, Misaka Misaka tries to get his attention." She finally spoke. The straight cobblestone path lead them through a boulevard of trees lightly swaying in the wind. It chilled her, but what she calculated seemed even more chilling. She could feel the position of the field; the AIM field's source was at the next right bend. It was only a few paces away.
"…What?" Accelerator finally spoke.
"There's a stronger ESPer nearby, Misaka Misaka states. The person seems to be a Level 5, Misaka Misaka predicts in a concerned tone."
Accelerator said nothing to her, but Last Order sensed concern. He appeared to be scratching his neck.
The switch, Misaka Misaka remembers. Accelerator is actually listening to Misaka Misaka.
As the two arrived at the bend, Accelerator stood still, his right hand in a jeans pocket, his left hand carrying the bag of drinks.
The silver can caught the light of the lamppost across from Accelerator, briefly blinding Last Order.
と あ る 臨 時 の 人
Last Order blinked repeatedly. She stepped to the left in order to see the assailant and Accelerator's actions.
Misaka Misaka heard a sickening crunch.
Accelerator's right hand was holding a crumbled piece of silver metal. He was glaring steadily at the bush near the lamppost. But there was still no one near the bush.
He didn't even need his "Vector Change" ability, Misaka Misaka notes.
"Whoever the hell you are, come out." Accelerator said, sounding surprisingly menacing and bored at the same time.
Last Order was beginning to see a head of brown hair slowly appear from the bush.
"Aww, it didn't work correctly. I'm sorry." A face popped out. The young, pale, and female face had long brown hair, a slight frown, and sad chocolate brown eyes.
I feel like I've seen her somewhere before, Misaka Misaka tries to recall.
"Ah, where are my manners? I apologized before I even greeted you!" The girl bowed hurriedly. She was wearing traditional blue skinny jeans and a white chiffon, high collared shirt. Brass-like circular buttons were lined vertically in the middle of her shirt, reminding Last Order of a Chinese-style shirt.
"I'd say your manners flew out when you threw a can at a stranger. Do I even know you, brat?" Accelerator said, opening his right palm. The crumpled metal made a hollow sound as it hit the ground.
Did the can lose mass somehow? Misaka Misaka questions.
"Well, yes, I guess…But I wasn't intending for THAT to happen." Only Last Order could hear her mumbling the next part: "I was hoping for the wind. Or, you know, you deflecting it back…"
"Oh yeah? What else then? Just get lost, I don't have time." Accelerator growled, but he stayed put.
The girl looked up at him after she took a deep breath, which Last Order only noticed as well. Her gaze was surprisingly steady.
For such a person, she doesn't seem to fear Accelerator, Misaka Misaka observes. Misaka Misaka is surprised.
"I…I am Ryuuzaki Rei. I am a Level 4 ESPer. I have the same ability as you, 'Vector Change', and I really, really need your help."