Weeks had passed since Accelerator had left the safe house. He checked in with Yomikawa every so often to find out the latest on Anti-Skill's case against Kihara. Yomikawa would let him know how 37 was doing, and despite acting like he didn't care, he was relieved to hear that she was safe. He never told her what he was doing, and she was wise not to push the issue. She knew a kid like Accelerator needed space right now. It didn't stop her from giving up a deep sigh whenever she hung up with him though.

"He'll come back soon I'm sure," said 37 one morning after the two girls had sat down for their breakfast. 37 knew that Yomikawa worried about him, and tried to reassure her that things were okay.

"I know. I'm just glad this case will be over soon. It's sickening to think that a slimeball like Kihara could have so many connections with the higher-ups in Academy City. I'd hate to think of what would happen if he gets off with a slap on the wrist... You know what he'd do..."

"It won't come to that. I believe that justice will come through. I just want Accelerator to come back soon. It's a shame that he missed my birthday, but I wouldn't have expected him to remember it after so long. But I wonder if he's even aware that his birthday is tomorrow."

"Really? To be honest, I didn't know when his birthday was." Yomikawa said.

"Yeah, October 24th, 1996. He entered the SAI on his fifth birthday. Can you do me a favor? When he calls in today, could you remind him of his birthday? Not remembering others birthdays is understandable, but it'd be a shame for him to forget his own. And if possible, see if he can stop by, I kinda have something I'd like to give him..." 37's voice trailed off as she looked at her guardian.

"Of course, and no need to get embarrassed, I think it's sweet that you want to give him a birthday gift. I know it doesn't seem so lately, but he does have a soft spot when it comes to you, 37."

"You do? Why do you say that? The last time I saw him, he was angry with me and stormed out. That doesn't feel like he has a soft spot to me." she said, slightly pouting.

"Call it a woman's intuition. He may have been upset, but as he left his last words to me were to make sure you didn't get yourself hurt again. He's concerned about you. I don't think I've seen him show that side of himself to anyone else."

37 smiled as she pondered what she had just heard. Just then, Yomikawa's phone rang.

"Yomikawa here... Okay, yeah. Sure thing, I can be there within the hour. Gotcha, I know that location. On my way." She looked over to 37 who was nearly done with her pancakes and eggs. "I'm sorry, there's been a report of an anti-Esper terrorist attack downtown. I'll be gone a few hours, when I get back we'll see about making plans for Accelerator's birthday, okay?"

"Okay, sure!" The young Esper went back to eating her breakfast as Yomikawa walked out of the house.

...

"Tch, sometimes I wonder if there is anyone that DOESN'T have connections to the Dark Side of Academy City here," said Accelerator angrily as he stepped out of the darkened alleyway where he had just taken out one of Kihara's supporters. The past few weeks he had gone off the grid, collecting information on anyone with connections to Kihara. He mainly wanted to neutralize anyone that could help Kihara 'disappear' should his Anti-Skill case finish with anything other than a guilty verdict.

"I promised that I wouldn't go after Kihara just yet. I never said I wouldn't make sure he couldn't slither away into the night either. That guy should be the last one with enough pull to get Kihara out of the city quickly. The court verdict will be delivered the day after tomorrow, the 25th. All this time and work disposing of the scum of Academy City all boils down to that day. I have to say I did appreciate the chance to strengthen my ability in the process. I'll let the girls have their chance for 'justice'. But if he walks out of that building without cuffs, then my kind of justice will be swift and devastating."

Accelerator walked through Academy City's downtown area, his gray hoodie concealing his face from the other pedestrians. He noticed some Anti-Skill vehicles parked near a well-known hangout for students. Hmm, maybe I should contact Yomikawa and see what's up. Just as he was about to dial her number, he recognized her as one of the officers in the crowd. He tugged his hood down further around his head as he made his way to the scene.

"Hey, what are you doing on this side of town? Is 37 with you?" said Accelerator as he casually walked up to Yomikawa.

"Well speak of the devil, she and I were talking about you this morning. She's still at the safe house. I got called here over a report of an anti-Esper terrorist cell planting bombs in this area hours ago. So far we don't have any evidence other than the anonymous phone call informing us. I'm starting to think someone is pulling our leg here. Are you coming back to the house? I know 37 would be relieved to see you."

"No, I think it'd be a good idea to keep the two of us separate for right now. At least until this case is over," he said uneasily. Not to mention that I may have the entire criminal underground pissed off at me right now for attacking their guys. You girls don't need to be in the way with that kinda heat on my back.

Yomikawa looked genuinely saddened, "Are you sure? You've had us worried these last few weeks. I know you're able to handle yourself, but sometimes having others around for support isn't such a bad thing, you know."

"This isn't one of those times, trust me. I'll see you on the 25th, Yomikawa." Accelerator began to walk away when he heard Yomikawa's phone ring. Maybe it's 37 checking up on her. Maybe talking to her over the phone won't be so bad... He had gotten distracted with that thought and had halted his steps. Moments later, a frantic voice echoed his name over and over.

"Hey, Accelerator, snap out of it! ACCELERATOR!" yelled Yomikawa.

Snapping out of his daze, he looked at Yomikawa and answered her, "Uhh yeah, yeah what is it?"

She held out her phone towards him, her usually calm demeanor now shaken and unsure, "It's for you. They have 37."

His eyes widened with fear as he took the phone out of her hands. "Where's 37? Who is this? I'll need a name to go with the bastard who is foolish enough to make me angry. They won't be able to ID you otherwise after I'm done with you!" He heard a low chuckle before the other person started to speak.

"I'm a little hurt that I wouldn't be the first person you'd suspect, Vector Boy. Do you think that I'd just sit around peacefully and let the legal system attempt to put me away? Aww, it looks like your little girlfriend wants to say hi." Accelerator heard some muffled sounds as the phone was getting moved around. Finally, 37's frightened voice came through over the line.

"Seij... Uh.. Accelerator, don't fall for it. He's baiting you, don't come after me! Please, just forget about me, don't let him w-" a loud smack echoed over the phone. The unmistakable sound of metal against skin. Accelerator's rage grew exponentially as he waited for Kihara to start talking again.

"To be honest, I was expecting her to go with the typical 'Oh please come save me!' shit. But then again, the thought of you being someone's knight in shining armor is just as ridiculous. Do you really think all your little activities over the past few weeks have gone unnoticed? Well, it looks like we're overstaying our welcome. Though I gotta say, this wasn't much of a safe house, after all, now was it?"

"YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU ARE DEAD WHEN I SEE YOU! DEAD! IF YOU HURT HER AGAIN, I SWEAR..." Accelerator's rant was cut short after he heard the dial tone.

"Where are they? Accelerator, answer me dammit!" yelled Yomikawa.

Accelerator was livid, his chest heaving with anger and rage. "They got into the safe house. So much for all your 'justice' bullshit... I'm going to choke the life out of that bastard."

Before she could respond, Accelerator tapped the toe end of his sneaker against the ground and used his ability to propel himself away from her and towards the safe house with astonishing speed.