1:26 PM
Mikoto was thrown back several meters by the impact of the explosion. There was a chain reaction of explosions because of the numerous cars present. Misaka heard a ringing After a moment, she stood up and observed the intersection as it was bathed in a meadow of dancing fire which spread to the sidewalks and adjacent buildings.
"No..." she whispered to herself. Misaka walked a few inches before dropping to her knees. Then she fell to her palms. She tried to squeezing the street but her average hands futilely shook as they failed to gain a proper grip. "No… why did it have to end like this?"
In her melancholy, she thought of that spiky haired boy and how what he fought for that night. Had his sacrifice and pain been all for nought? In that moment, she felt like she failed that boy, her sisters, and of course herself. And yet, she wondered if his presence here would have changed anything. For whatever misfortune that has been bestowed upon him, he seemed to bring prosperity to those around him.
No. She did not wish for him to be here to solve her problems for her. Not this time.
Tears far too small to matter to the behemoth hellfire trinkled next to her palms.
"Where the hell are you…?"
She just wanted someone to make sense out of this madness. That boy wished for a world where everyone could have a happy ending. And since that night, he showed her that childish ideal was a possibility. But that possibility was torn from her weak hands.
"Over here says Misaka with no sense of dread in her voice."
Misaka's head swung up.
A few feet in front her left was #10032 partially charged curled up on the street and away from the fire. She looked at her big sister with an indifferent expression. #10032 pointed and Misaka followed her finger to meet #13577 across the street as she stared blankly at the sky and drooled. Mikoto was unsure whether or not she was conscious but smiled and sighed in relief that at least two of her sisters mae it out okay but was troubled by the uncertain condition of the remaining two.
"But we appear to be unable to battle any further."
She redirected her gaze to the behemoth hellfire before her.
Her smile was flipped upside down as she spotted a man shaped silhouette slowly emerging from the fire. She did not know if it was the fear making her hallucinate but his eyes glow a piercing red as he approached.
"Your third mistake…"
She stared dumbfounded for a few seconds before gasping as if she has woken up from a nightmare. She quickly stood up and hastily dug into her pocket inside pocket. She clenched a game token between her index finger and thumb and shakily pointed it forward. The silhouette dashed forward with his arms shaking behind him.
Before she could properly aim, Mikoto gagged as a steaming hot metal hand wrapped around her throat.
"... was challenging me."
She couldn't even scream the express the sizzling pain. Her limbs dangled helplessly above the ground. She tried to tug on his forearm out of reflex but quickly retracted her hands as soon as she felt the hot metal. She could not decipher whether it was his powerful grip or the heat from his arm was more excruciating.
With one tear stained eye open, Mikoto looked at Genos' face. The "skin" of the right side of his face was completely peeled off, revealing a metal endoskeleton. More than half of his hair was burned off and still on fire. His shirt and pants are also singed to crumbs revealing more of his robotic body.
Mikoto was taken back to a popular American action movie where a human like robot removed the skin on his forearm , revealing a thin metal endoskeleton. However, the situation was more akin to a horror movie where the antagonist was shown surviving at the end, indicating a sequel hook.
Mikoto feared that she and her sisters would no longer have any sequels.
"I did not wish for things to get to this point," Genos spoke. "But now I truly know how dangerous you ladies are. I don't know what you wanted with my sensei but I am guessing it cannot be any good. I tried to show you mercy but you leave me with no alternatives."
The palm grasping Mikoto's neck slowly glew orange. Mikoto's face paled a bit she spit. Her chest filled with pain as the air escaped her lungs through her mouth. She felt a numbness spreading through her torso. In spite of all that, Misaka struggled to slowly raise her arms.
"It is a shame that the youth these days can no longer find more productive way to contribute to society. But anybody who attempts to harm my sensei cannot be allowed to live. To make this painless, I will blow your neck out. Quick and efficient. Do you have any final message to rely to your relatives and loved ones?"
Mikoto weakly grasped Genos' forearm. Steam rises from underneath the burning flesh of her palms.
"Yessss…" she weakly said positioning her head to look the demonic cyborg in the eyes.
Without saying anything Mikoto sent a surge of electricity up Genos' arm. His jaw dropped slightly as he loosened his grip, allowing Mikoto to fall to the ground. She landed on her feet but immediately fell to her side. She sucked in all of the she could and waved her rapidly hands.
Genos stepped back as his arms spasmed. Finally, sparks shot out of his ears. He fell to his knees with his head slightly arched up. He looked like a child intensely focused on TV show while sitting too close to the screen.
Mikoto looked at the stationary Genos for a few seconds. Then, she gets up and sluggishly walked to the coin she dropped. She walked back right in front of him. With the coin squeezed tightly between her index finger and thumb, she slowly aimed a shaking hand a centimeter in front of Genos' temple.
Genos was part robot. An electromagnetic pulse halts all electronic activity within its range. The outcome did not need to be stated.
"Any...last words…*pant*...b-bitch?"
It wasn't her intention to sound cool. Misaka was under the assumption that Genos was unable to hear at the moment. She only said that to relieve herself of stress. She was slowly gathering her energy up as she talked.
Misaka's master of electrokinesis allowed her to sense electrons within a vast she concentrates on an electrical appliance, she can manipulate it. By focusing specifically on Genos, she recognized his exact electron count. Knowing that, all she had to do to render him inert was create an EMP strong enough to shut him down. Although doing so sapped her of a lot of energy.
(I can't believe a weapon like this was actually developed here. Academy City was made for students to develop their esper abilities… But I guess some creep is always running some sort of crazy experiment that exploits its residents.)
A shiver ran up Mikoto's spine. She again thought back to the Level 6 Shift Project. She wondered what the higher ups within Academy City's chairmen had in mind for this young man. There were already a number of efficient, relatively speaking, guard robots and the only humanoid machinery used are the power suits operated by Anti-Skill personnel.
What benefits would have come from creating a weapon that appeared so human like?
Was it to gain the edge in case some war rang out? Or maybe he was made to be outsourced to the highest bidder? For all she knew, he was just one in a mass produced series waiting to be bought by anyone with the fattest wallet, inside or outside Academy City in exchange for a peace treaty or some resources. with the intent of making some sort of government seem more deadly during international affairs. Or maybe they were new guard robots developed for Anti-Skill usage.
Whatever the case, somebody sent it here on a student. It was possible that Misaka's actions as a freelance fighter have been observed unbeknownst to her. This would put everything she cares about in serious danger. At the same time, this would limit what she could do in case some Eldritch Abomination or some spiteful, angsty esper went on a rampage.
(...But if I were being watched, then whoever's been watching me must know that I'm some form of damage control that works outside of the boundaries of lawful restrictions. No to toot my horn but the city's a lot safer because I'm around. Taking me out wouldn't benefit anybody.)
Academy City had technology decades far ahead of the rest of the world so there was very little reason for them to suddenly implement or update their security system unless they perceived a higher threat in recent times. And it made very little sense to eliminate such a valuable asset.
Unless this was their way of saying that they no longer needed her.
Even though all the databases containing information on Misaka and her sisters were destroyed, there was the possibility that someone had the data somewhere exclusive to them.
(But it doesn't make sense to send an army of robots after an electromaster! Unless they had some sort of insulator that blocks electricity. This plan is way too sloppy. Or maybe they're just that overconfident? But that still doesn't add up!)
A horrible thought ran through the young Level 5's mind.
(If this really is a cyborg… then that means at some point he was just some normal kid.)
The notion that the Dark Side of Academy City used actual human brains to operate weaponized machinery presented itself. The happenstances of what lead to such a twisted scenario would numerous. Maybe it was part of some sick experiment to see how espers brains function in mechanical bodies to test the true limits of personal realities. Maybe it was a project where they abducted certain Level Os to test such a program or see if they could manifest their abilities in a more durable body.
Maybe he was just some kid who wanted more power.
She was very familiar with that motivation. The number 1 ranked esper's reason for willing taking part in Project Level 6 was to gain so much power that nobody would entertain the thought of standing up to him.
In spite of the utopian image that the government projected to the outside, it was still just another part of the world. A world dictated by the deepest depths of selfishness, hedonism, pride and personal gain to would justify any act of animosity no matter how inhumane and destructive.
Mikoto winced at the notion that the adults would unleash such a catastrophe on children. Tightly hugging herself, she looked down, defeated by the unforgiving, unrelenting, indiscriminate entity known as reality.
(This city really is shit.)
"I have nothing to say on my behalf."
Misaka's eyes shoot open. She quickly looked up at the the robot who carried an equal amount of sorrow in his words and eyes.
"I have failed my duty as a hero… and I have failed to protect my master. I am unable to fight...I cannot continue and I cannot stop you…" Suddenly his expression and tone turned gravely serious as he looked the victor in the eyes. "But before you end me, know this; the man you are after posses power far greater than anything you are capable of imagining. It took the five of you to even stop me but my sensei is far more powerful than I am. He could have easily defeated you and your sisters before you could process it. You don't stand a ghost of a chance.
"So go ahead. Finish me. But your path to vengeance will end in failure. If you are wise, you will quit while you still have the chance and your life."
Mikoto's heart dropped. The way he described Abicus made it seem like he was an unstoppable monster. Not even 10,000 of her could stand up to the last monster she faced.
But what kind of monster would waste their talents stealing ladies underwear?
Casting that thought aside, Misaka thought back to that spiky haired boy. Her anxiety was quelled as he showed her a simple truth that night he defeated Academy City's strongest in such a mundane fashion.
There are no monsters. Only men.
"H-how are you still talking?"
"I am a cyborg. Parts of my body are still organic, like my brain for instance. Your plan was cunning but an EMP wouldn't work the same way on bioelectricity."
Mikoto stared at the motionless body knelt before her. The animosity of this city truly no limits. She did not understand the reason why man and machine were combined to make such a terrible force of destruction. But that was the least of her worries.
She found herself in a state of self contempt in that she was about to murder someone in a fit of rage. She would not acknowledge it but that was truly how she felt even if she denied it to herself.
"W-well so what?! I'm not gonna show you any mercy even if you are a living person! You brutally attacked my sisters so don't expect any sympathy from me!"
"Actually, your sister attacked me first-"
"Shut up!"
Mikoto stomped her foot as she shouted. Her arm trembled before Genos' unflinching expression. In her eyes, that young man was no different than Abicus aside from his methods. However, Mikoto had no intention of killing Abicus over his thievery. The plan was to intimidate him and get back what was stolen from her sister. Now, however, she finds herself conflicted.
(What am I doing? Am I really going to kill someone just because they hurt someone I care about? This guy has a person who cares about him and I seriously thought about taking that away over blind fury. What gives me the right?)
Who dared betrothed themselves to the domain of dictating life and death? Who so called themselves worthy of ending all that one was and ever will be under the pretense of a personal wrong, however subjective it may be? Is it the same person that waves the flag of justice?
Mikoto was unsure about the condition of #s 10039 and 10032.
(In a way, we're alike. We've both got something precious to us that we're willing to put our lives on the line to protect.)
She closed her eyes and rubs her face with her free hand. Misaka sighed heavily.
"Why did you threaten us? Who is this sensei of yours?"
"My sensei is a man I have nothing but utmost respect and admiration for. Actually, I say that but am I not entirely sure how I can accurately describe it. He is...amazing. The most amazing man I have ever met and I am truly glad to be under his tutelage. I guess you could say I idolize him. And even though he can handle any threat that stands in his path, I will still stand by his side and fight with him no matter the personal cost. That is why when I picked up your radio signal and discovered that you were heading to his location as him, I could not stand by and do nothing.
"I do not know you personally but I assume you have the same sentiments for your sisters. Surely, you understand my feelings. And that is why I am perfectly fine with your decision to end my life right here and now. I have failed. But I know that I have lived a fulfilling life in spite of the tragedies that befell me. And I will die knowing that I fought for my beliefs to the bitter end. Even though there is still work left for me to do, I feel an odd sense of closure and content."
Genos closed his eyes and smirked or the first time since his arrival. He must have thought of something pleasant like his sensei or his family.
Mikoto felt a lump in her throat. She thought back to the time Accelerator brutally murdered one of her sisters in front of her, ripping off her leg with a sadistic smile before ending her life in ecstasy. That was the strength of his resolve to gain power. He mercilessly mowed down anybody who would stand in his path to achieve his goal.
(Can I really put him on the same level as that bastard?)
The fire in the street flickered as Mikoto stared at Genos armed with an attack to could effortlessly end his existence. Another explosion erupted but neither of them flinched.
(Maybe I'm just being selfish… but even so, isn't this the right kind of selfishness? Isn't it okay to want to protect those you care for no matter the cost? No… that isn't right. Looks like I'm too immature to do anything in this situation.)
If Mikoto didn't act on her urge to seek justice, then that would also make her pilgrimage to find Abicus pointless. After all, both him and Genos harmed her sisters in one way or another.
(...What would that guy do in this kind of situation?)
Mikoto thought about the philosophy displayed by Touma Kamijou during his interference with Project 6 Shift. She intended to fight Accelerator with the intent of dying, rationalizing that if she died while fighting him, the scientists behind the project would be forced to halt the experiment altogether due to an erroneous premise. Their research would be deemed inaccurate and defeat the purpose of the project altogether. She would be dead but her sisters wouldn't have to be slaughtered. Instead, after somehow discovering her plans, Touma confronted Misaka.
He told her that her actions were selfish among other things. After all, would her sisters want her to throw her life away for their sake as well?
It sounded like something out of a fairy tale but his justification for intervening was quite simple.
It was because he believed in a future where everyone could have a happy ending.
It was a reminder that this cruel and indifferent world still had room for simplistic ideals.
Mikoto made up her mind. However, she did not put her hand down. Not because she truly wanted to kill Genos. It was an interrogation tactic.
"How could someone as noble as you have such a massive pervert as a master?"
Genos stared blankly at Mikoto for a brief moment.
"My master is many things. Lazy. Childish. Bald. But he is not a pervert. Actually, I do not think I have ever seen him take an interest in sexual relations. I think he might have erectile dysfunction. Can you direct me to the nearest store that sells viagra for my sensei?"
"The hell should I know where they sell viagra?! But...wait. Your sensei isn't a pervert?"
"Not that I know of. And I have been living with him for some time. There are no perverse magazines in his house and his browsing history is clean. Although he seems to take a liking to cabbage. Ah, my mistake. He has a jacket with a crude depiction of breasts but that is about as far as he has outwardly explained any sexual interests. Why do you ask?"
"I could have sworn this was the same guy who one of my sisters panti…"
Mikoto stopped herself and blushed heavily. She then waved her hands in front of her face defensively.
"Actually, you don't have to know what he stole. It's not that important!"
"Did you say panties?"
"Wah?! As a man, you shouldn't be casually talking about a young lady's undergarments!"
"Pardon me, but when did this thievery take place?"
(Have you no shame?!) Mikoto thought. (Oh wait… I guess he's still part of Anti-Skill. Telling him might have some advantages. But he should already know if that's the case.)
"Earlier today. I'd say about two hours ago."
"And what did this man look like?"
"According to my sisters, he was dressed like some dorky old, balding magician with a cape. Is this a test? Shouldn't you know what your own sensei looks like?"
"... Young lady. This might be hard to believe but I am part of an association of heroes called the Hero Association."
"Yeah right. No one who attacks innocent girls is a hero in my book."
"Do I need to remind you that you were riding in a stolen vehicle along with four armed girls who, once again, attacked me first?"
"... So you're a superhero, huh?"
"Yes. And I along with a few of my colleagues have been in pursuit of my sensei and this man. I have left them to trace your radio signal under the assumption that you were a threat to my sensei."
"Yeah, you see where assuming leads you?"
"Young lady, I think you should look up the word hypocrite in the dictionary."
"Yeah well, you hair is takey! Was takey!"
"Also, I would like to point out that we are not from this dimension."
"...What did you say?"
"That we are not of this universe. And the person you described is actually a panty thief that has been at large for two weeks in my home dimension. In spite of his petty crimes, he has easily evaded several low ranking heroes. The Hero Association never took him seriously due to the nature of the crimes. But the reports of his methods from the C-ranked heroes indicated that he was actually an immensely powerful magician.
"I suspected he was holding back in order to only deal low ranked heroes. I pleaded with the chairmen at Hero Association to send higher ranked heroes or even me since his string of crimes took place in the area where my sensei and I resided in but they scoffed. They told me an S-rank shouldn't worry about such petty crimes. They simply criticized the C-ranks for being incapable of capturing him and would only agreed to send out higher ranked heroes if he proved too evasive for the C-ranks.
"But waiting that long would allow for an immense splurge of crimes. However, since I am contracted by the Hero Association, I am obliged to listen to their orders. But my sensei is a B-ranked hero so I informed him of this perverted magician. Since he has better things to do than deal with villains he deems too weak, he won't do work unless they seem threatening enough."
(Wow, this guy talks a lot…)
"I am sorry but I must go."
"Huh?"
"I apologize for this pointless fight but I am still a hero with responsibilities to attend to. If you would be so kind as to reverse the effects of this EMP so that I may perform my duties. Do not worry miss. It appears we share a common enemy. After I locate my sensei, I will ensure that Abicus is brought to justice."
"You think I'd let you get away with hurting my sisters?!"
"Actually, Misaka is fine bar a few minor injuries, says #19090 as she holds her aching arm."
Mikoto swung around to see her sisters lined up, slightly bruised and burned.
"Well...even so! You owe us a favor after beating us up!"
"Sorry, but I do not have the time. Maybe when this is all over I will-"
#10032 karate chopped Genos in the temple.
"Misaka will not forgive you for assaulting her unless you pay you reparations, says #10032 as she continues to punish the damaged robot man."
#10039 joined in.
"Do not think your handsomeness will excuse your from swift justice berates #10039 as she joins the fray."
#19090 walked over and did the same.
"The wrath of Misaka has been cast upon you. Bow before your new goddess says #19090 as she adds her power to the combined assault."
While hunching forward, #10356 walked over to Genos and stopped right in front of him. He looked at her for a moment before cocking her head back and placing it on the side of his head.
"Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh," she said with a lame grin and unfocused gaze.
Mikoto stared dazed at the farcical scene that played out before her. Genos looked at her with a frantic countenance.
"Make it stop," he pleaded.
As the assault continued, Mikoto placed her hand under her chin and straightened her posture, taking a smug pose.
"Welllllllll…"
#10032 turned her head slightly to refer to her big sister.
"Oh, and two of our sisters have reported that the unfortunate young man appears to be in the same location as the pervert, says #10032 as she chops the badly damaged man in the face without looking."
"...What did you say?"
"It appears that fate has cast a die that has placed him in a chaotic turn of events that has placed him as the centerpiece of our problems yet again, says #10039, very proud of her metaphorical prowess."
Mikoto felt a sinking feeling in her chest. Without noticing, she placed her hands on top of it as if she were having a heart attack. She wore distraught expression before squeezing her chest and switching into a concerned scowl.
"Dammit. Why is he always getting involved in dangerous situations?"
#19090 turned to Mikoto.
"You really should look up the word hypocrite, says #19090 as she points out-"
"Shut up!"