Electric Princess [Railgun]

Since Shokuhou's swimming skills were weaker than that of a wood log, Misaka had to literally push the blonde's ass up on the ladder to get her schoolmate out of the pool, as if she tried to pull the legendary goldfish onto dry land. As soon as Mental-out was outside of danger of drowning, she lay down announcing that if she no longer had to play a judge for today's event, she would like to take a nap from exhaustion. It was because the number of so-called podium contestants was close to zero; When the first part took off into the sky for some reason. The two of them ended up in the water, and the rest were escorted out of podium by the organizers, into the dressing room. The brunette knew, that it wouldn't take a long time, before the purple scarves would start counting heads of a personal and look for the two of them. Since she was not interested in joining the others in her schoolmates care, she decided to took (the goldfish that she had caught with her own hands), saving that goldy its life in process in an unsparing way, and pull-up Shokuhou on her feet. Together with her, Misaka went alongside the pool directly out into the audience. Despite the weakened state of the blonde, she was practically pulling her by the hand. There was a certain wish that this particular goldfish could fulfill with a snap of her fingers, (or by pressing a button on a remote controller). For so, Mikoto had no plans to pass up the window of opportunity.

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The area between the pool and the garden could be called a courtyard or yard. Until a while ago, it served as an auditorium for a festival performance, enriched with stalls with refreshments of various kinds. There was even one particularly well-known mobile ice cream stand, whose owner did not look enthusiastic because his sales stopped the moment the snow fell. For now, the area looked as if an unexpected snow avalanche swept through an unsuspecting summer festival or cruise resort. Fortunately, the presence of mind, education or training of the residents of 'Gakuen-Toshi' [Academic City] was enough to lend a helping hand to those who get overrun by the element and, once under its cover, showed no signs of being able to get out of it under their own power.

In this direction, there was a clear difference between visitors and 'Citizens' of the city. While the firsts could be in shock or frozen in amazement. The seconds gave the impression, that they were having a good time despite being surprised. We shall mention that when the city has once doing a flood prevention/solution research, they flooded some underground areas, corridors, and shopping center, turned that area into summer public pools, that got popular with students. So, even here you can hear laughter or the occasional exiting squeal from such an unexpected experience, which they probably would not have experienced anywhere else but in the Academic City. Whichever one or the other, many gradually made their way to the exit, either by their own decision or by the initiative of those who had the green bracelets of Judgment or the blue uniforms of Anti-Skill.

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Mikoto was worried at one point, about attracting unwanted attention from the audience or the staff, but they were dispelled when #4, Mugino Shizuri, standing on the stage began to freak out. (Or it was a jealousy wrath.)

As it turned out, this overly competitive brunette in a bikini, didn't liked the group leave flight scene of some of the contestants and wanted to subdue her earthly chains of gravity. Triggered up and with indomitable enthusiasm, she shouted that: ('I can do this flying crap too!') Meltdowner adjusted the resulting effect of her ability to the point, where the physical law of action and reaction that drive space-crafts came into play.

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So, when Mikoto turned her gaze to the stage, she saw what could be described as, the launch of an orbital rocket from the spaceport.

Shizuri formed two glowing orbs in her palms, which she directed beneath her. Instead of releasing a death ray, she adjusted the parameters of her ability so that instead of disintegrating the molecules, she began to repel them. This achieved the jet effect of a rocket engine with a steady stream of dense steam. As soon as she reached the minimum buoyancy to obtain lifting, she stood on her tiptoes to do the same thing under her heels. In a few seconds, this human rose into the sky like a shuttle from the launch pad. Drunk on the adrenaline that the flight provided, she climbed to a respectable height with a crazy smile and a dizzying pace. Leaving behind a thick white cloud, she rose higher and higher, like a real space rocket that wants to leave the arms of mother earth.

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Of course, both commentators were ecstatic for such an unexpected performance. A smiling blond guy with sunglasses in a cool pose pointed his finger at the sky as if he wanted to motivate everyone to go on a pilgrimage through the sky. "Ladies and gentlemen,-- it's finally here!! The finale of our show is a promo launch of the first all-human rocket. Please cheer her efforts and clap for our fireball in the clouds!"

"Wo~ow, unreal! She really took her hotness into a new level. No wonder I can't take my eyes off her." The black-haired girl commented while still trying to follow the glowing dot in the sky with her eyes. "Hmm-- so~o-- how far she want to go?" Although she asked quite loudly, she did not get an answer and her colleague stay to grin. No wonder, then, that her face was dewy with horror. "He-- hey!! Don't tell me, she didn't even think about interrupting her ascension? Does she really think, that nothing will stop her on her way to beat the challenge??"

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"Ah-- Saten chan. Sometimes, in a journey, reaching the destination is not a real goal. You're very worried about her. She'll eventually get to the point where she'll be satisfied with her performance, or start to feel the lack of oxygen. As far as her well-being is concerned, you're not going to put this girl under a flower bed anytime soon. I know a girl like her, who made a descent from orbit more than once and without a spacesuit. Although it was the rocket that had to get her up there first. For some of earth citizens, a space suits are over-rated. So when it comes to free fall without an additional load like a parachute or an airplane, it must have a magic touch."

She shake her head in a denial gesture. "No, no and no! No matter how cool something like that sounds, the human body has its limits. I'm beginning to feel that pushing one's own limits can no longer be applied to the human race. I must seriously appeal to everyone to be at least a little bit concerned about the risk at hand." She talked to him, but suddenly stopped as if she remembered something that can be applied directly to her and suddenly ended her argument. All she could do for now was smiled awkwardly or defeated. She rise her hand to wave at the departing rocket and wished it luck on its journey.

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While the pair of hosts on stage drew the audience's attention to the human rocket, Mikoto took the opportunity of the audience looking up and raced through the venue. Carefully looking around. Shokuhou, who was dragging behind her and who was looking up behind the rising star, was susceptible to hit any obstacle like; got tripped, lost her balance, slipped, and so on; which significantly slowed down the whole team. When it happened for the Xth time, the brunette's eyebrows twitched until she barked at blonde in a whispering voice. ("Could you finally stop trying so hard to blend in with the crowd and start paying attention to where you're stepping?")

Yet Misaki was not the type to willingly loose an argument. ("I'm sure that you, as a fighting species who are in such extremes like a fish in water, have no idea how everyone else feels when faced with a disaster.")

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("Great,-- I should praise you for finally taking dual handling of whining and insulting into a new level.")

"That would be enough, Misaka swan." The blonde puffed-out her cheeks. "No matter how adorable your misguided view of certain facts is, and no matter how much I'm looking forward to our date together at the end of the festival; I have to point out, that I noticed how much you are irritated by this festival. Besides, I'd like to know what you have planned for me. Especially when I'm dressed like this and I get the impression, that you're pulling me into your nest, so to speak." Then she added in whisper voice. ("At last buy me a diner first.")

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The brunette snarled angrily between her teeth. ("I'm starting to regret, not leaving you at the bottom of that pool.") "Even a bee sting is less annoying than your sweet dreams! I need answers and I just found a person who has them, but play hard to get his tongue to lose." Mikoto was looking for a certain red-haired person who uttered a word about knowing the details of what was going on. Stiyl Magnus, a priest in black robes, was running one of the food stalls, so to speak, with a few girls helping him. Predictably, they were done with their food-stand activities and he took the opportunity to apologize to the Tokiwadai purple scarves that he had to leave. Misaka caught up with him when he was already a few meters away from the mentioned place. "Excuse me sir, I have questions for you!"

The male turned around to them and when he realized who he was looking at, he was immediately startled.

On the other hand, the blonde properly blushed when she looked at the priest. She started fidgeting in embarrassment, putting on the expression and gesticulation of an inexperienced, innocent honey-voiced girl, who has just confessed her secret love and has no idea what to expect next. "Mi- Misaka swan... Eh, how can I say this?... I'm glad, that you saved my life and I should repay you properly, but-- But, to ask me to-- to immediately m- marry y- you,-- it's too much. P- please, don't tell me, it's because of the rescuer kiss reward. Please don't t- tell me, that you're so old fashioned, that you have to follow some old-world customs of all female amazon warriors tribe? Like to ma- marry the person you showed your nakedness b- body? Although in this case, we are talking about receiving a si- sincere k- kiss from a maiden. It is true that we are referred to as a queen and a princess, but we do not have to stick all that way to that role."

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"Hey You..." Railgun threatened as her voice went cold. "Say one more word to that topic and I'll zapping you with an electric shock right after you've done your part in getting what I need to know from him."

This was like a mood killer on Mental-out side. "For some unknown reason, your statement left me sad." She stated disappointedly, looking down at the ground. "I can't believe, that out of all the people around you, you're the one who barged into a place that should be privately reserved only for 'we know who'. However, there's a small problem that preventing your request from being fulfilled."

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Mikoto gave her a very deep look, which she ended with a single question in dry voice, after a few seconds of waiting. "Did you get that monthly thing?"

At that moment, Misaki properly blushed even more. Her embarrassed expression revealed how much Misaka's remark had gotten under her skin. All of sudden, her pretense of a noble like lady was gone, and if she were a cat, she would have scream-hissed at her classmate. "Unbelievable, just unbelievable!! Your cynicism seriously knows no bounds! Just so you know: My 'Mental Out' is, like your 'Railgun', a result of honing my skills to the level of scalpel surgery with potential performance strength of a bulldozer! This ability got so strong, that its needing to out-sorting its second stage safety measure onto external tool for its intended flawless execution. So if you don't want this man's brain to become a fruit compote, or you don't want to spread a love dummy zombie like apocalypse; then get me a remote control with buttons!! Any TV control will be fine and in a few minutes, you'll have what you want. Plus, whit cherry on top in form of scandalous gossip." She was looking at the brunette so determinedly that if she could, she would transform those stars in her eyes into an energy weapon, with which she would severely punish her target for 'disobedience' towards her.

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"Wow-- So this is what the proverbial 'uncertainty' looks like up close." Brown-haired commented bluntly with a hint of astonishment.

This of course raised an eyebrow at the blonde. "That's enough!! Today, you are suspiciously heavy on metaphors and personifications. So let me ask you the same question! Dear Misaka san, did you get, (that thing)?"

Stiyl, who watched this interaction with a blank expression, finally came to the decision that it was a high time to disappear unnoticed. However, the moment he took a step back, both girls proved to him that they hadn't forgotten about him in the slightest and gave him fixed looks that telling him to not try to escape. He quickly put a defensive smile on his dewy face and as soon as they took a step towards him he held up his empty palms in a defensive gesture, to stop them from charging at him. "Ladies, please. I understand how much you want answers, but lets think about it for a moment!: Isn't there a more appropriate person to interview, to get them?"

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Yet those two barked at him. "That idiot flew off from the scene as soon as he could!"

"Shall I have to remind you, that it was your samurai colleague, who take him away?"

So to speak, they bristled at him with jealousy to such an extent, that it seemed that if he could switch between dealing with these two and a duel with a deadly dangerous and immensely powerful mythical creature, he would immediately go for the creature. "Ladies, please!; shouldn't you be focusing on the more important information you already have? Even if the two of you doesn't meet him today, you already know where he will be all day tomorrow. Isn't that right? With so few people who will be there, it shouldn't happen that he doesn't make time for the two of you." That reminder or image, calmed the duo of bristled gentle beast. But he saw something in the background of their expressions, which he decided to bring up. "Therefore, the more important question arises..." He paused for a second as if thinking it through. "Tomorrow will be like a vacation on a private beach. Shouldn't you rather be focusing on what swimsuit to wear?, so that the plan (The idiot will finally realize it!) will succeed?" Observing that they were suddenly so interested to the point that they stunned for second, he decided to push forward as if he was scheming; playing/pushing through his own agenda. "As long as the (tropical island) atmosphere will be at least good for something,-- as long as you two will be good for something, and don't let yourself be distracted or push away,-- I'll support you as much as possible." In a thinker gesture, he put his fingers under his chin. "Actually; a gazebo, a white veil over your face,-- make it to that point and I can take care for everything else on the spot. With all (the noise) that will be surely happening around, we can say that it was planned from the beginning and the others just don't picked up the hints. Keep on mind, that is already clear, that you two going on a two-day vacation on the romantic island. All it takes is for people to start thinking about it this way, the result will no longer be questionable, and you've won."

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As the two girls listened to him, they blushed at the thought until they started acting embarrassed. The first one was immediately in her tsundere mode. "Wh-- wh- what?!! A-- A- are you out of your mind?! What the hell are you talking about?! Me and-- beach?-- w- w- w-wedding?! R- r- ridiculous!"

"Too good to be true. Too good to be true." Mumbled the second, until she trow an unsatisfied eye glance at him, sniffing a conspiracy. "So what's the catch? What's in it for you, to offer such a great service?"

"The hook?" He nearly giggle and tried very hard to not start evil grinning. "The final question of who will be with whom, shall be finally answered. That fish will finally be caught. That force the others who after it to be free So they can swim wherever they want without being unnecessarily tempted. Maybe,-- certain one, will returning home on its own. That's what, I will get from that. Its to good for me to not go in offering a helping hand. In other hand, you two should know, that the Archbishop has already blessed our efforts In this respect, it is legally correct. If anyone objects, at some point, they should turn to the highest authority of our church, which is a bulletproof thing in principle, because that fox will not let others to (talk her out of her fun) on others account."

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Both girls would have gone into an emotional explosion, if they hadn't been shocked by a sudden speech from a person who had joined them unnoticed and had actually been standing right behind them for some time. "Misaka knows a potential answer to a question that this currently dubious person does not want to answer. From Misaka's observation, it is clear that this person is not happy with a certain white-robed nun staying in the presence of a certain spiky-haired person. The same could be told about certain person with a Katana-sword who often accompanies the said person in black-robe, person in white-robe and the special one person with spiky hair."

The two fifth level figures, still holding hands, rolled their eyes at her.

Yet this sister eyes descent a lite for a moment to observe the connected hands. "That's what Misaka says, but she actually wants to congratulate big sister for taking such a drastic and unexpected step towards the partner she's holding hands with. Misaka didn't know about 'that' side of big sister, Misaka points out in shock, not believing that things have escalated so quickly, that neither of you confided in her." Yet her expression stay the same as she return her gaze at they faces. "Misaki dono, the entire network is in shock at the announcement of your engagement together. It's completely unimaginable that you've been able to keep it a secret for so long; complains Misaka in disbelief"

The jaw fell down off both of Level-fives as they opened they mouths open widely.

The sister closed her eyes nervously. "For some reason, this particular Misaka feels left behind at the starting line, when you two are practically at the finish. Therefore, Misaka must seize the opportunity at tomorrow event and right now notify the proposer of the given highest priority action, that a list of applicants has already been formed, wishing to use this service at one point. So it won't be the most important day just for the main couple of the shifted weekend. In doing so, she highlights herself as Misaka Inoue and the particular spiky-haired person to be written down in a joint line, for the data associated with the ceremony. In this way Misaka claiming the initiative on an administration level."

Somehow she seemed so determined and passionate, that somebody can see that both girls almost passing out from the shock.

"Before the question, about how much Misaka knows, about the secret agreement between the celebration-event girls and the priest is asked; she directly answers that she joined the group from the moment when there was talk of an activity at the end of the festival. Specifically about something unspecified requiring a privacy for a couple. Misaka is just guessing if it was a reference to that famous first night. However, as expected, Onee-sama is running at a dizzying pace. Misaka doesn't like to be outpaced and will do what she can, so that she no longer lags behind."

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Normally, a casual observer would have expected Mikoto to turn completely tomato red in panic, or to erupt in a geyser of lightning, but instead she was overcome by weakness and her shoulders slumped. Inoue's explanation overwhelmed her so much, that she hunched over. "This is too much for me…" She put her free hand to her face [Facepalm], trying hard to throw away the entire description that was thrown in her face, by the explanation of how the whole scene with Shokuhou must have impressed her. She was already oblivious to any future comments referring to this moment.

The blonde next to her hurriedly shake her head releasing herself from stun status. So to speak, she gathered herself, to remember that she possessed some kind of authority and adapted the seriousness of the tone in her own voice to that. "This scheming got so wild, that is no more wort to think about it. So many Misakas appeared here so suddenly, that one would say, that the reference about quite shocking level encounter whit your Imoto was not an exaggeration. Dear Misaka dono, may I ask you if you will explain to your nimble-tongued sister, how wrong she was in her analysis? All this it's just an embellished misunderstanding that arose from a misinterpretation of terms. If you don't fix it yourself, please allow me to arrange for her a retraining."

Stiyl watched the whole thing with concern on his face. Not only did he light a social bonfire that can get out of control very quickly, it turned out, that this imaginary bonfire is on top of a gasoline tank. It was already clear to him that he had caused more problems than benefits. "Offer a finger and you will lose an entire hand. I shall stop making an oaths for things."

However, the other brunette objected to the blonde. "Misaka already finds the suggestion of an allegedly irresponsible retraining unpleasantly annoying. Therefore, she suggests that the supposed queen should show her supposed magnanimity and give up on her unattainable ideas. As Misaka explained to her big sister earlier and now explains to the future addition to the family [Shokuhou], she will choose another approach, regarding a certain person with spiky hair, than the rest of the contestants in this additional discipline. Misaka expresses her belief that the Onee-sama and her partner should take all steps to ensure that Imoto in front of them reaches that happy point as well."

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Shokuhou, was angered as the first brunette still did not outwardly react to this stimulus. She was about to whisper something from the heart to the second brunette, but immediately switched to her business-face pretense, when one more person decided to join their relatively 'private' conversation.

The dorm manager of the Tokiwadai external dormitory approached the group. Back on feet, in her jacket and conducted with a strictness that shined directly from her body language, she launched her already famous opening speech, which more than once chilled Mikoto to the bone. "Oho~o??" She adjusted her glasses with interest in her voice. "Truly unexpected statements were made here. Bargaining a dating meeting is one thing, but this goes beyond matchmaking at the royal court. Yet this time, you didn't even bother to go outside under the dormitory windows. Instead, immediately announced your intention to the whole court? I really have to admit, that you have a hell amount of courage. Or is it something like an intellectual protest against the rules you're both notorious for breaking? This is seriously beyond me." She sighed. "But even so, I have to warn you, so that you to don't forget, that you still belong to Tokiwadai and therefore you should behave as young ladies should. One way or another, you've made quite a mess here."

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As always, the unexpected appearance of the 'Tokiwadai Iron Wall' snapped Mikoto out of her thoughts. But the last remark from the woman made her hedge. "Hold on for a moment! You definitely can't blame me for dropping that snow atomic bomb with the white hair!"

The other two followed Railgun's example. "Don't even look at me! I tried to forcefully end the show, the moment she enter the scene. But even that was not enough and my vision turned white. Literally!"

"Report: We have achieved zero casualties and material damage is negligible. Misaka proudly announces the successful completion of the project, having achieved the fulfillment of all points."

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"When you say that, you're right, in a way." The dorm manager sighed, knowing that she would not outwit/outsmart them at all at the moment. Therefore, she turned her gaze to the red-haired man, who seriously gave the impression, that he would like to go. "As I understand it, you were the one who created the magical healing dish? So let me thank you for that, it really got me back on my feet. You can't even imagine what would happen, if that college girl from 'Certain High School' [Hyouka] didn't show up in my room and literally wouldn't kick me out of bed. Seriously, what a pain: I'm out off duty for a single day; and some shady elements already trying to take over this sanctuary, trying to use some-- leverage trick. The recklessness of some knows no bounds." She sighed, easing from her stern demeanor into a more or less relaxed state. "So again, thank you for your hard work." She gave him a slight respectful bow.

The priest measured her with his eyes before extending his open palm to shake her hand. "You giving me to much credit for that. However, it's been a pleasure." She hesitated at first, but when he persisted in that pose, she finally gave in and shook a hand whit him. As soon as their hands connected, Magnus thought for a second or two before letting drop some tension in him, as if he ensure himself about something. "Hmm-- Based on the clues, I'd say it was probably some kind of temporarily (day or two) curse, that no one was supposed to notice. So~o,-- you should be fine by now. In a summary, that girl is seriously worthy of her title of guardian angel for this city."

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The manager looked stunned for a moment before relaxing enough to smile at him. "You say it as if the Tokiwadai ladies were too dependent on me. Yet the school does so much work to make sure they become independent."

"I kind of know where you're going with that mindset. It's fine that they have the necessary skills, but they're simply betrayed by their own audacity when they think, that they have the upper hand and it turns against them. Especially when I tell them to wait for my arrival. No, they have to show off and get in trouble." He sighed, referring to his own experiences.

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"Oh? Does that mean you're also in charge of those young ladies of rebellious age?"

That question make him nearly to chuckle. "Its more in a way, that I had them on my neck when it comes to field work. Not quite like a teacher, I trying to avoid being called such. Those youngster are more like an apprentices in training. Unlike you, I only have a few of them, but you still have my respect for the numbers you work with. But if someone tries to convince me, to become a manager of the women's dormitory with hundreds of inhabitants that we have in London, I will run away by jumping out of window. However, I would rather say, that this sympathy come from the fact, that we are talking about two different worlds here." Stiyl made a movement to take out the cigarette from his mouth and exhale the smoke from his lungs, but he forgot that he didn't even have one in the first place. Therefore, he automatically wanted to reach for the cigarette box in the fold of his robe, but when he remembered that in a moment he would be scolded through the non-smoking areas policy by the first person who would mind, he stopped with a great displeasure on his face. The black-haired woman with glasses smiled amiably at his grimace.

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Both of them would have continued their already flirtatious conversation if they hadn't been interrupted by the direct stares from the trio of girls standing in front of them. Especially from Inoue, who spoken up the moment they suddenly turned their attention to them. "Contradiction, Misaka reports to the claim that the authority of the local facility shall not even able to form the facial expression she currently have. That's a shocking miss information. Misaka experiences one shock after another as she goes from one revelation to the next." This comment caused a pair of her supposed classmates to look at her again with their mouths hanging open, as if they want to scream: (What the heck?!, she talking about again?)

The dorm manager panicked for a moment and quickly tried to reestablish control. "Eh?! It doesn't matter! Actually,-- Tokiwadai Dormitory is closing to the public for today! If you allow, I'll escort you to the exit. Follow me!"

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"Oh, says Misaka excitedly. So this is the proverbial method of adjusting the route to a detour, to archive the necessary time for gathering the necessary data, that can only be obtained if the relative privacy of walking as a pair is achieved? Or is it a security feature? Like when another pair of names will be written on the next line of the aforementioned list? Misaka needs to know that, so she has a reference in case she wants to use this method more effectively."

The hawk eyed woman hissed at her to stop, and they quickly moved away from them with the mage in tow. A trio of girls of different height followed that duo enthusiastically as if they were to eager to eavesdrop on their conversation. On the other hand, Level-fives duo, with disbelieving expressions seriously doubted whether this particular Misaka was sane/okay.

Especially the blonde who sent her way a scolding gesture. "Well, I don't know if it's because of this quasi-festival, that you're so hype, that you've gotten into a kind of random matchmaking pairing mode for the purpose of a (maiden romance) date. Or you've evolved to the point where you're having fun when everyone else would be walking home. When it comes to a friendly smile, everyone can do it, even you if you try!"

Said Imoto thought first and then actually conjured a (weird smile?) on her face, even though it was her own version of a smiling expression. The blonde immediately soured and the first brunette finished the intervention with her merciless assessment. "This failure is all your fault Shokuhou! And you Inoue, that creepy expression completely missed its intended purpose, so stop it immediately!"

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Yet another person approached the trio.

"Hello, Misaka-san!-- Misaka-san!!" Black-haired Kongo Mitsuko made her way to the trio with difficulty. Leaning on her own shoulder, she dragged with her, a mysterious green bush or shrub, shrouded in a too dark aura of withering or decay. Almost as if the plant was decomposing right on her shoulder. "Misaka san, finally give me your attention, this is important!"

Railgun looked her way. "Oh,-- Kongo, why are you dragging the poor little thing with you, who's clearly passed away? Did you join the gardening club?" (("An another clumsy incident happened."))

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"What? What are you talking about? Even you can't see past that weird illusion? This is no bush, but Shirai san."

It took Mikoto a few seconds of focusing and staring before her eyes actually saw through that illusion, that Kongo had indeed caught up with her roommate, supporting her with her own shoulder. Her eyes widened. "Kuroko!!" The dark Aura that her Kouhai emitted would fool anyone and he would try to avoid her like a rotting vegetable on the side of the road. "What happened?!!"

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"Finally, at least you sensed what it truly was. I found her lying right here around the corner, dying without water-- I mean, she was like spiritless. I don't understand what happened to her to make her like this. " The black-haired showed concern for her red-haired rival.

Mikoto reached out for her roommate. "Hey Kuroko!! Answer me what happened?"

Inoue was trying to imitate the ghostly voice used to tell ghost stories. Especially scenes in which a ghost or poltergeist appears and talks to the living. "Looks like the mighty Kuroko Shirai losing her own spirit throughout her mount, after overhearing a certain conversation. Misaka says in a cre~epy voice."

Of course she earned a sarcastic remark, from Mental Out in the background, that she already knew who was behind this (speaking ghost) idea and that she would deal with that person later.

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Yet Mitsuko has not been done yet. "Misaka san, whatever it is, please take her away from me, because that aura scares me. You take care about Shirai and I'll hold madam Shokuhou." Kongo pointed out the fact that the Level-5 girls were still holding hands. Even though, probably only Mikoto knew, that it was so that Misaki will not: (Kick the ground, making a desperate escape dash and running away.), the moment when she would have the slightest opportunity to do so. Kongo, so to speak pushed the unruly Kuroko into the brunette's arms and took the blonde from her. The second brunette who watched this exchange naturally asked why they had to hold the blonde's hand. The user of the air element looked very surprised for a moment. "Eh, you're asking why? I myself don't know the details, but it's said to be a rebellious trait of her abilities, that plagues Shokuhou dono and can't be effectively suppressed. Something along the lines of her mysteriously instantly disappearing to an unknown location the moment all types of observation contacts are cut off or something like that. I don't know how she deals with it, but I don't like the idea of randomly changing my geographical position every time I find myself completely alone. I even heard that she sometimes disappears from the memories of the people she was with conversation."

Railgun rolled her eyes. ("Someone here, maxed out her getting lost ability.") Instead, she turning her attention to her kōhai. "Kuroko!! Come on, wake up!!" She began to shake her roughly mechanically, imagining that she would wake her this way, or rather shake her out of the stunt state she was in. In response to this rough treatment, the redhead began to make moans or groans that proved that she was still alive, even though they were not pleasant to listen to.

Inoue imitated the spirit's hooting with her voice. "Spo~oky-- Misaka remarks in a creepy accent to the potentially mysterious disappearances and reappearances of female students. It's possible that Tokiwadai middle-High is actually under the influence of a ghost and inhabited by entities other than humans. However, no worries as Misaka is already here and heading for position to become the most popular transfer student. That's why, in a winning pose and with a prominent 'V' finger gesture, she declares that it's going to be a very fun year."

"Of course. As usual." The blonde added sarcastically. "Ghost chan [the name of the supposed restless spirit/(Poltergeist) of the Tokiwadai girl], get out of her immediately!" Shokuhou showed her offended expression. "Come on girls-- You make me angry with the way you get into mischief one after the other on a whim. You should finally learn, that there are certain boundaries that should not be crossed for the sake of living together. Have you ever wondered, how feel the one who will clean up after you? But for a change of topic, could someone lend me a remote control for a moment? Any one with buttons will do. Don't ask why!"

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Although Kongo did not understand and tried to ask about Ghost chan, Poltergeist and what they meant, but the supposed queen of Tokiwadai seemed so eccentric that no one paid attention to the black-haired girl.

On the other hand, Mikoto stopped bothering her helpless roommate and gave the blonde a very cold look. "Well, now I wish I had a recording of what you just said, so I could play it to you at the next convenient moment. That would be in about ten minutes. But speaking of which, you're not even five minutes unsupervised and you're already thinking of brainwashing everybody here. You're talking about how everybody shouldn't overdo it with jokes and pranks. Yet, you don't even bother to stop at the fact that you 're the biggest troller of them all. Actually, they should call you the Queen of Harsh jokes and not the Queen of Tokiwadai."

The blonde protested that the first brunette was exaggerating in her claims, but apparently she had no idea that the second brunette had seen her commit such a criminal mischief today. Inoue immediately reported as the culprit, reaching her hand into the swimming pool dressing room to turn off the lights for a second and then turn them back on. Then the defendant in haste headed to the back alley behind a dormitory building.

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Mikoto suddenly put the pieces of the puzzle together and came up with a theory about how #5 managed to disappear unnoticed by her own 'Clique'. [interested study club at their school – different from gardeners or swimming team] Whether or not, she put sleep commands into them, for that matter, in an emergency she should be able to use a simple switch on the wall to influence someone to the point where they don't pay attention for a moment. Just like a short blackout in a dark alley, after which one has to look around again because the information input has been reset.

Of course, the accused blonde's body language speech told Railgun that Mental-out couldn't afford to reveal her lifeline to the world. So she looked at #3 and barked at her in a low voice. ("Infuriating! Your dense ability shall have a top limit! Stop being such an ignoramus and look around! When your brain starts working again, finally get me the remote!")

As expected, Mikoto was so burdened by the ramblings of the members of their little group, that she only now realized that they were practically the center of attention of their school's body. Not that she would be harassed twice by random bystanders if they were outside, but her classmates were different. Just like at breakfast, they were literally a feast for the eyes in this courtyard of their dormitory. Their classmates deliberately left them space, so that they could have a good view of them from everywhere. Since the group was quite loud, the small talks and giggles in the background added a backdrop that created an atmosphere where the group failed twice to hold onto the strict etiquette of a rich young lady. It was no wonder when there were enough girls in this place to create a perfect backdrop for their own mini-festival, with a live performance of certain actors in its center, just by serving the stands or standing in front of them.

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While the first brunette looked around, this time it was Inoue who immediately cooled Mental Out in her plan to mass brainwash the entire Tokiwadai. "No, no! Misaka denies the request for this forbidden tool, before someone inadvertently proceeds to handle it." She made a dismissive gesture. "Misaka has to publicly announce that Shokuhou san is banned from accessing that type of device for the duration of project. In doing so, she quotes: (The moment that lazy bee gets near that TV remote, she becomes an absolute nuisance that will eventually be erased from memory of everyone around. The only way she can enjoy any festival, is to prevent her from using her abilities completely.) In order for Misaka to answer even the last question, the aforementioned poltergeist is not present in this Misaka."

Shokuhou hummed like a pro chess player, or Shogi [hard chess game], who got into a tight spot, has to change her strategy and now plans her next moves in the same way. "Hmm, with such a scientific-professional sentence composition, I can cross off several names from the list right away. So-- who could possibly come up with such stupidity and at the same time be able to include this one in it? I already have an idea. But surely, none of the candidates that come on mind will want to facilitate the final revelation."

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A change occurred on the court when another person asked for attention by her presence.

Hokaze Junko, third-year and Shokuhou's number two, stepped into the courtyard. "Classmates, I beg your attention!!" She demanded the attention of all the girls around. Her long hair once again formed powerful curls resembling drills that would break through a stone wall. Lets ignore the fact, that the wall can fall just from she leaning against it. "I regret to inform you, that today's festival is over. The board of directors and the shareholders put pressure on the school management and they issued a binding order. (All female students are to immediately return to their assigned dormitories and stay in they rooms until further notice! In addition, the curfew applies for today from this moment!) For those who would like to circumvent this regulation, I would like to inform you that the Anti-Skill has deployed mechanized infantry around this dormitory. I'm sure you all want to continue to watch the friendship blossom between the Queen, the Princess and their very good friends, but the transport has already arrived, accompanied with armed escort. Obviously, such a display of muscle is a clear message, that no one shall to deny this orders. I am asking everyone to leave what you are doing to be. Everyone from the internal dormitory, please go to the waiting buses. I hope that someone again exaggerating, and situation will calm in time. But we must wait until tomorrow to know more. Until then, lets go." She pointed to the exit with a forceful gesture.

The crowd of girls began to move toward the buildings without resistance. Although there were (boomers comments), their good mood did not leave them, and many of them still talked enthusiastically while walking side by side.

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Mikoto spoke to Misaki in a whisper. ("Shokuhou, didn't you go too far with her brainwashing?")

("I dare to object, because the cause for her actions lies elsewhere. Someone trying to blame Tokiwadai for something or higher-ups wet they pants on the idea of pairing a level-fives. On other hand. I do saved her life in more ways than one, and now she is so devoted to me that she to zealous for my comfort. Just like yours roommate. You better take care of your untamed wild puppy, so that she can blossom into a beautiful flower! Seriously-- If you would care for her a little more and guide her properly as proper senpai should, she will be a lot more popular.")

Junko approached them. "Misaka sama, Misaka san, Kongo san... Thank you very much for your hospitality towards Shokuhou dono." The tall girl bowed respectfully to them. She then took the blonde from Mitsuko and with another (thank you), she drag away the honey-blonde by the hand like a child, despite the queen's childish displeased expression. Somebody can nearly say that there was a possibility that someone will take an advantage of what the nonathletic level-five was wearing.

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Of course, instead of a short greeting, the black-haired Mitsuko started her important parting monologue, which looked like it would drag on if her friends Awatsuki Maaya and Wannai Kinuho didn't show up. They exchanged a short greeting with the brunettes and gently pushed the chatty blacky to their bus.

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The courtyard was quickly emptying out and it was time for the pair of brown-haired girls to go to their rooms. Since Kuroko was still limp, Mikoto had no choice but to take her in her arms and carry her like a prince will her princess to they lodge.

At first, she had planned to take red-head to the infirmary, but even before entering the building, the dorm manager caught up with them with a bowl containing the remains of the allegedly miraculous food that the priest had prepared and blessed by the holy swordswoman. She explained to them that this should solve their problem with Shirai and the mysterious state she was in. So they headed to the room.

Mikoto didn't even bother to rebuke Inoue, who carried the bowl and of course took a toll on its contents.

.

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Even when they were already in the room, the redhead still remained weak, so Mikoto had to put her to bed and then feed Shirai before her sister secretly reduced the contents of the bowl even more. The food, or rather the care from the tsundere, had a magical effect on the (sick person). Kuroko was melting and with a blissful expression she was babbling something about a bad dream, or rather a nightmare to the point, where the brunette had to soothe her so she wouldn't try to climb out of bed. As soon as the Judgement member closed her eyes, only a few seconds passed and she slept like a log so convincingly that Railgun had to verify it with her abilities.

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Of course, #3 Railgun wouldn't be herself to just sit idly by in her room when something happened in the city and she was needed in field. Using the excuse that she was going to take the empty bowl away, she decided to left their room. However, her plan to sneak out of the Dormitory got a crack when a guard in a blue Anti-Skill uniform stood in the corridor outside their room. With a smile on her face, this police woman followed her closely at every step. At one point, the brunette talked to her, to make the woman more amenable to letting her guard down. But she quickly realized that her escort was very familiar with the game and did not let her guard down in the slightest. Also there were other stationed female officers at every important check point. From the conversation they had, Mikoto learned that the city had actually deployed its army not just around their dormitory. At one point, she got the feeling, that they were there to prevent her from getting out, rather than anyone else getting in. After a very brief visit to the kitchen and assurances from 'her guard' that they would get a ride to the aqua park the day after tomorrow, she gave up on her plans for the today and this time she actually anchored in her room. The only thing that comforted her at that moment was the fact, that if someone really cared to get all the remote controls out of the reach of a certain manipulative blonde, she wouldn't be able to get out of her dormitory either.

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For one last check, she peered through the window into the courtyard to give the 'watch guards' there her frown, until finally she drew the curtain behind this day.

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[Notes/explanations (in case someone doesn't know something)]

-Swan/Chwan - very adorable version of san and chan, usually expressing great (romantic?) affection.

-I tried to not use the wording that will directly point on girls monthly debuff, but in English; "Do you get that?", mean something else that; "Do you get-- (that)?" [menstruation, because they are middle-high schoolers] (Not sure if my explanation is enough.)

-["Cynicism is the art of seeing things as they are and not as they should be." (Oscar Wilde)] Basically it has two forms: 'Practical cynicism' manifests itself in reckless and callous cynical action with the principle: ["Unless there is a god, everything is permitted."] 'Intellectual cynicism' is like a bitter and resigned criticism of reality. ["A cynic is one who has ideals, but is convinced that they cannot be realized anyway."] Also black humor, is a playful form of Intellectual Cynicism. (Wiki)

-"Thank you for your hard work." She gave him a slight respectful bow. [In Japan, a common thank you used at the end of the day or shift, between supervisor/subordinate or between workers.]

-Kouhai is the opposite of Senpai. Officially younger (less experienced) when it comes to work, school or group. It can be a designation for someone who entered the same field of activity (sport, profession, industry...) as you, but later than you.

-Dono - a suffix indicating a person of great respect or status, for example a ruler.

-Ghost chan can be found in the spin-off manga Astral Buddy.

-Mechanized infantry in AC means hermetically sealed mechanical suits, robotic tanks with a human inside. It is supposed to be about machines that can be deployed both on the street and in premises with the possibility of moving up stairs or in side alleys. Not to be confused with 'body armor' which is actually a custom suit. This infantry uses multi-functional heavy duty shotguns that can fire everything from compressed air to anti-armor rounds. Actually a mechanic infantry can be even construction robots and fully automated drones.