With summer on the horizon, the flowers are blooming in full, painting beautiful landscapes of pastel blues, reds, and purples upon the canvas of Tokiwadai. Home to not one but two Level 5s, it's only natural that it offers the best of the best. Students at the prestigious school enjoys the privilege of exclusive access to state-of-the-art facilities and employ their numerous connections to rise to the top of school hierarchy. After all, that basically guarantees a successful career in life.
However, no one dares to challenge the "Majesty" of the school. She is not yet formally recognized as such, but it is true in all but name. Honey blond hair and striking starry eyes, one does not cross the Queen and get away with it. After all, she is the most powerful psychological Esper of Academy City, a Level 5, the Mental Out. Or, better known as Shokuhou Misaki.
With such a lofty title, most would think she is inaccessible to many, sitting upon a gilded throne and ordering her minions around. Yet upon on closer inspection, this doesn't seem to be true at all...
"JUNKOOOOO!" She had been chasing an eagle who had managed to steal her precious bag of remotes – the thing she uses to compartmentalize her powers – when she tripped over her own foot. The utter lack of physical prowess is laughable and anyone who is even acquainted with the 'Queen' is well aware of this… weakness. Thankfully, she makes up for this oversight with her second-in-command, someone who is exceptionally skilled in all things physical – Hokaze Junko is a Level 4 who is capable of manipulating her own bioelectricity at a cellular level, allowing her to achieve impossible feats such as jumping 15 feet in the air to snatch a bag from an eagle. Well, such is a normal sight in Academy City.
"Are you alright?" After retrieving the bag, Junko immediately rushed to her Queen's side. Misaki, who is obviously embarrassed by her clumsiness, has a face redder than a tomato. Fortunately for her, Junko is the… obliviously kind type, someone who doesn't have a single mean bone. So, it's no surprise that she doesn't bother teasing her Queen for such an oversight. In fact, it's likely that it never crossed her mind.
On the other hand, Misaki is much more nefarious. She's certainly not above using her ability for personal means, even on her most loyal friend. With the click of a button, such an embarrassing event was quickly erased from the mind of one Hokaze Junko.
"Honestly!" She pouted; cheeks puffed like a chipmunk.
"Queen?" Junko's obviously confused as there's now a gaping hole in her memory, one that Misaki didn't bother covering up. After all, Junko is her most loyal follower and wouldn't even think about doubting her, even for a second.
Misaki sighed and shook her head, "Nothing." This was obviously not a random attack – eagles don't target bags. She knew this much, but she wasn't sure about who, or what, was targeting her. Unfortunately, Level 5s have plenty of enemies and she is no exception. However, there's obviously some form of animal communication or manipulation at play – that would help narrow her search down. With her extensive network, it would likely only be a matter of days before the culprit is found, even without her direct interference. There might be something larger at play but it could just as well be something minor.
Still, it's better safe than sorry. Being a Level 5, she is well aware of the underbelly of the city and the many inhumane acts that occur daily. She'd rather not become the target of any disgusting experiments. She can only do so much though – for all her power, she is only a middle schooler.
…
Electrical wisps flew between her fingers, creating an intricate show of lights for only her to enjoy. Her casual wear, which she is not actually permitted to wear, is now replaced by a standard Tokiwadai uniform. The girl, Misaka Mikoto, is enjoying a scenic lunch alone on the rooftop of one of the school buildings. Her apparent lack of friends is not because of a lack of popularity. Rather, it was the opposite. Her various advertisements are displayed globally, and viral clips of her power demonstrations are all over the city's forums. She is the face of Academy City, the goal of all aspiring Espers, and the Ace of Tokiwadai. Or, more popularly known as the Railgun.
Despite all this, she is still without friends. Sure, she has acquaintances with whom she can pass time with, but none truly break down the wall that surrounds her cold heart. After all, her friendly and outgoing demeanor doesn't do much when she never has the time to hang out with anybody – today happens to be a rare exception. Typically, her schedules consist of meetings, experiments, scientific research, classes, advertisements, and occasionally, power demonstrations at different schools. She rarely even has the time to sleep, much less befriend someone.
Surprisingly, she has taken it all in stride, or so it appears. Similar to Hokaze Junko, she is capable of manipulating her bioelectricity, perhaps to an even more precise level and thus, her physically demanding schedule does not take a toll on her body. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for her mental health. This is a secret well-kept by the state and only a few know the true nature of Misaka Mikoto: Insane.
She hides it well, she truly does. But that too, is part of her nature. Her playfulness is akin to that of a child and she rarely takes anything seriously. She could be sitting in a meeting about an impeding nuclear war and be happily humming a children's song. Yet at any given moment, she can flip a switch and freak out. The cause could be anything, even something as miniscule as someone saying the wrong word at the wrong time but the result is all the same – flight or fight is activated and she'll view everything and anything as an enemy. Given her immense power, this is obviously a problem. However, the higher-ups of Academy City do little to combat this since it's beneficial to her power development.
In rare moments of lucidity, she'll recall and regret her decisions that led up to this point. But it is that mounting pressure of immense guilt that causes her to revert, forming mental barriers to keep her from ever confronting the true issue.
And so, she plays the part of a happy go-lucky girl that died years ago. When something forces her to confront this illusion, she seeks only to destroy it. She cannot live with the truth and so, she ignores it. If she could, she would play forever in this world of pretend, where her numerous sins never occurred. Yet in the deepest corners of her mind, the truth lives and seeks to break the cage that her mind has built around it. One day, everything will come crashing down.
Today is not that day.
The bell rings and she sighs, muttering about stupid classes and dumb responsibilities. Even so, she pushes herself off the ground, putting an end to her little show. She takes the scenic route to class, taking the time to admire and sing to every little flower, burning those that displease her. Eventually, she arrives at class and takes her seat in silence. Because that is what the adults told her to do. And adults always know best.
…
The skies are no longer bright and the shadow of night has long fallen upon the city. Curfew is now in full effect, emptying the streets of students and adults alike. Now, the only sound that can be heard are the footsteps of a single person. Mikoto wanders the empty streets with casual confidence, donning neon yellow on black as opposed to her standard uniform. With her shoulder length hair now tied into a low ponytail, hidden beneath the shadows of her hoodie, anyone passing by would assume that it was a boy. However, no one can blame her for the lazy attire – it's already been a long day for the esteemed Railgun. After her normal classes, she had back-to-back meetings with research facilities in which the numerous results of recent experiments were discussed. Then, she was placed under heavy moderation and observation for another few hours after the consumption of a drug that was still undergoing testing – now it's on the market. Scientists and researchers seem to view her as the perfect guinea pig to test products on because her electromagnetism, at such a precise level, allows her to reconstruct even the genetic information in her body. Since she'll never suffer the consequences for the constant substance abuse that her body undergoes, it's completely 'moral' for the scientists to utilize her as a testing rat. In fact, it could be even more so!
Unfortunately, that wasn't the last activity on today's list. There's still another experiment scheduled for tonight – one that is much more vile. And it's not something she could disregard since each and every experiment is essential to this project, and she's been working on it since… well… forever. Because… because… well. It's been a couple of years and she no longer remembers why. It doesn't really matter anymore because she's already started so she has to finish.
Sighing, she comes to a stop in a dark alleyway. In the eerie silence, she can only focus on the biosignature of every microorganism there, and there are far too many for her comfort.
She just wants to get this over with. Usually, she would take her time to devise new and creative ways to 'play', perhaps in hopes of delaying any other activities planned for the night. But today, as a late birthday present, her handlers left her around 5 hours of free time. This is the only thing between her and sleep, something she hasn't had for months. Although she technically doesn't need it anymore, the thought of the mental respite is still enticing.
She groans, counting the seconds that tick by and finally, finally, the minute passes and the experiment officially begins. Almost immediately, she notices a new biosignature on her electromagnetic field. Instinctively, she expanded the field beyond her normal radius to envelop every inch of the alley with her essence, acutely hyperaware of everything.
The new girl is alarmingly identical to herself, down to the very style of clothing, approaches her and states in monotone, "The time is 0006. Experiment 9032 begins, Misaka states." The safety is unhooked in record time and the girl instantly releases a barrage of bullets. Unfortunately for her, they did not even have the chance to approach Mikoto before shattering into thousands of tiny shards, burning into the asphalt floor. A jagged smile spread across Mikoto's face, eyes burning bright blue.
"Sorry little sis, but I'm really tired today. So, I'll cut it short, 'kay?" The lights flickered before shattering into little pieces despite the lack of a discernable source, not a visible one. The typical flashes of light that Mikoto loved to flaunt did not appear.
Her 'sister' did not even have a chance to reply before she collapsed into a heap. If anyone was observing this fight, they would not understand what just happened. The truth of the matter was that Mikoto had simply overloaded the brain itself, killing her 'sister' instantaneously. A merciful death, all things considered.
"I know, I know. I'm really sorry, I usually play with you a little more. But next time, I'll make sure to give it my best, so excuse me just this once!" Mikoto bowed her head in genuine remorse before turning away. She really, really wants to sleep.
Once upon a time, the sight would've mortified Mikoto. Such utter and careless murder, even of someone who had attacked first, was inexcusable. But by now, she's already normalized the behavior. It could even be considered a habit, with how often it happened.
Instead, she hummed a happy tune, ecstatic that she would finally get some rest.
It barely took any effort to fly across multiple districts to reach her private little apartment. With how little it was used, it's completely empty of personal effects. Still, it has a big, comfy bed that's all hers to enjoy.
She let out a tiny squeal as she jumped into the comforter, twisting herself until she made a blanket burrito. Then, with a little conscious effort, she compressed her EM field to only surround herself. Otherwise, she would be constantly hyperaware of everything happening around her and would never be able to fall asleep. In the past, it'd been a common problem until she realized that she could control her passive EM field as it was just an extension of herself.
Unfortunately, she forgot why she'd gotten rid of her need to sleep in the first place – nightmares. It is in her most vulnerable state that the truth comes back to haunt her.
Whispers of hatred, of fear, tickle her ear. Haunting visions of an endless sea of blood and bodies, mutilated and contorted in horrific ways, are the only thing she sees. She wades through the crimson liquid, her limbs uncomfortably heavy. Hands gripped at her ankle, clammy with sweat and grime. There was no land, no respite, in sight. She could only drag herself through the sea of bodies, searching for something that she could not find. And god, there were screams, so many screams. They echo and pierce her ear and she could not even deafen herself using her ability – she can't use her ability!
Suddenly, the screaming becomes deafening and she can no longer move. She tries to scream, to pull at the familiar well of power but nothing comes out. Not even the tiniest spark will light at her fingertips. No, no! This can't be happening! Everything she has ever done, everything she will do, is all dependent on her power! She is nothing, nothing, without it! Her entire life, her entire purpose, is to be the strongest. To become a god. Without it –
Oh.
That's the reason.
She needs to become a god so that this game of life is fair. For everyone. No one will ever suffer unjustly again.
That's the reason.
She knows that's the reason now, so why won't her powers return? Isn't everything justified now? Her actions, they have meaning! It was for the good of everyone!
Why is the blood still rising? Why won't it stop? It just won't stop! Why, why, why? What is this blood? Where did this blood come from? What… what caused this?
Did… was she the reason for this blood? The bodies… are they because of her too? Did she spill this much blood? Why? She would never do this! She would… she would never do this! …Right?
Blood falls down her cheek. Is she crying? She hasn't cried in years. Not since her mama and papa died. She's already learned that the world is unfair and that it doesn't care when you cry or wail in pain. Which is why she needs to make it fair, so that no one would ever have to cry again… right?
Then why does she see so many tears? Why did she cause so much pain?
She doesn't remember, she can't remember. She tries and tries, searching every corner, but cannot find a reason. Is she just a monster? Maybe that's why. She's just evil and she doesn't need a reason. Maybe this is just karma for being a monster.
She's drowning now; in the blood she's spilt. Her ears are full of it, but even that doesn't stop the screams from piercing through. She tries to say sorry, for all the pain she's caused, yet nothing comes out.
She claws at her throat in an attempt to beg, not for mercy but for forgiveness. She knows she does not deserve it, but it is all she can do. She claws and claws and claws, as if her blood will repay her sins. As if she can pay back blood with blood.
How much time has passed by then? A second? A year? She doesn't know but all she can do is beg and plead with soundless words.
When she wakes, she wakes up screaming. The sun has not risen and it has not even been an hour. She falls to the floor, shivering despite the warm spring air.
Her dream – it is already fading in her memory. She tries, tries to remember the guilt and the pain and memories but they all fade into the abyss of her mind. By the time the sun rises, all that's left are the marks on her throat, burned into her skin by the sheer heat of the electricity, and her tearstained pillow. Even the marks heal quickly but she keeps the scars. For some reason, she keeps the scars.
That night, she learned something new. Pain, pain makes her feel good. It scratches an itch that she didn't know she had. She doesn't know why, just that it was true.
No one has to know this vice. Her ability to manipulate her own bioelectricity allows her this much. Plus, she can stop any time she wants to. It's just for fun. Just to scratch that itch.
She's in full control. She always is.
…
"The Espers of Academy City are ever so elusive, but their spokesperson seems to be Misaka Mikoto, ranked 3rd amongst seven Level 5s! The Level 5s are the peak of the Esper ranking system, reportedly having the power of an entire army and are capable of mass destruction alone. Given her rank, we can only assume that Misaka Mikoto is ranked 3rd strongest amongst the seven Level 5s in existence. According to reliable sources, she is an 'electromaster', someone who is capable of manipulating electromagnetism, one of the four fundamental forces of the universe. Unfortunately, as outsiders, we don't have access to Academy City's forums, and by extension, video footage of her powers. This is true for any and all footage of supernatural powers… at least, it was. We are now proud to announce that the Railgun, Misaka Mikoto, is slated to perform the first international power demonstration in… New York City! You heard it folks, New York City! This means that it'll be the first ever video of real-life superpowers, available to the public! Come see this supernatural phenomena with us, live, on June 1st!"
Misaki feigned disinterest, tapping her fingers impatiently as she waited for her drink to arrive. She can already hear the whispers of the Railgun and her excellence. Sighs of admiration and aspiration filled her ears and Misaki could only scoff at their ignorance.
If only they knew.
After all, Mikoto was not the benevolent and generous Esper that her classmates made her out to be. No, Misaki knew the truth. Amongst the seven Level 5s, the Railgun is the one who is closest to the government, attached to almost every single scientific facility in the city. Every cry of pain or joy within the premises of the city could be attributed to her in some manner or form.
Perhaps Misaki would feel a sliver of pity for the girl, undoubtably overworked to the bone, if she wasn't directly responsible for thousands of deaths. They weren't even merciful ones, no, almost every death was dragged out in an unnecessarily painful way. Any dash of sympathy Misaki had left for the girl was extinguished after finding out about the cruel project. Of course, at some level, she understood that Railgun had been manipulated but even then, that doesn't excuse all the pain she wrought.
Plus, it certainly doesn't help that they were technically related. All of them are related to her, so it's inexcusable that the Railgun was killing them. She knew she had to put it stop to it, but how? It'd been months since she originally found out and slowly infiltrating the numerous organizations involved was not only tedious but it didn't achieve anything.
The only valuable thing she had managed to find were the reports she had extracted from the Railgun's 'handlers' that reported on her mental and physical health as well as the development of her ability. Yet the only thing she could glean from those is that she's playing with fire – she has no counter to any of Railgun's abilities and the difference in power is simply too large. In a direct confrontation, there's no plausible chance she has a chance of survival, much less victory.
However, it's not like she can just ignore the issue either – these were her sisters! But how can she put an end to the Level 6 Shift, a project that has been painstakingly funded by every facet of the city? The scale was simply too wide for her to deal with, it's simply not feasible.
She let out another sigh, glancing at her drink which just arrived. She doesn't feel like drinking it anymore. Who can, with their conscious heavy with thousands of deaths?
What to do, what to do… hm?
There's no feasible way of taking down the organizations that manage the project as there's too many and they're all backed by the government but there's also no way she could win in a fight against the Railgun. However, Railgun is just one person and she doesn't really have to win to stop her. If she can just convince the Railgun to stop, then the entire project would come to a standstill. After all, she's the main component. Without her, no matter how much money Academy City pours into the project, they wouldn't be able to do anything.
But how does one go about convincing a psychopathic killer to stop killing? Probably impossible… but it's still far more possible than any of the other options. Plus, if the reports can be trusted, then the Railgun was not always like this. Once upon a time, she was normal, innocent child. Maybe… just maybe… it's still somewhere in her.
Hah. Misaki groaned again, she really needs to stop taking those pills. They're making her delusional.
Still. What if? The chance is so miniscule that it might as well not exist. But it does. So isn't it a risk worth taking? If it meant saving one of them, then maybe.
It's time to place all her chips on the table. All or nothing. If this doesn't go well, the Railgun might just hunt her down and rip her to shreds. If it does go well… well, all her problems would be solved in one fell swoop.
…
AN:
They're all druggies, all of them. Also, I'm proud to say that I have the next 4~ chapters' plot plannet out, so that's great. As to whether I'll actually write it… haha. That's a different story. But this story, if all goes smoothly, should probably be around 10 chapters. Maybe.
Also obviously, Misaka is a lot stronger here than canonically. I've taken a few liberties with her versatility but since electromagnetism is the thing holding atoms, and all known matter together (?), it's all technically possible (?) I just believe that canon Misaka is not using her full potential. But also I'm a high schooler so what do I know?
Social media promo cuz I need college app points :(
03_afu/?igsh=bXlwMXkyc2cxOHoy
mostly for art, but dms are open for comms or requests?