Although it took longer than the pair initially intended, and despite the fact that they initially got lost or wandered off while trying to reach the right address; that even with the help of few apps, the duo eventually ended up in a shadowy dark, side alley again.
Although Mikoto was initially skeptical that a restaurant could have an entrance from such an untrustworthy location, she became suspicious of Kukoo when the redhead practically dragged her from the main street into these side streets, holding her hand, when they couldn't see the right establishment on the outside. In fact, she was practically prepared for the fight, that would begin; after the unexpected twist with a sudden ambush, if the redhead led her into a thoughtful trap for a fool who got caught in the net. But as she used to say, it was better for her, to be the one who is attacked than the one who couldn't even defend itself. That's why she was surprised when they stopped in front of extremely suspicious thing in a wall. It was a panel set a few millimeters inside the otherwise starkly empty back wall of one of the buildings, big enough to be a door. But her train of thought stopped when this one had next to it a bronze plaque sign, with the name of the establishment set in a friendly picture of a calico cat. [spotted: black, brown, white] But no matter how she looked at it, it still reminded her of a well-thought-out prank, that someone had taken the trouble to create a fake entrance: Carve a space for a door in the wall. Pour down a concrete for a single step and modeled the barely noticeable door frame. Inserted a (fiberglass?) plate that will simulate the door presence. Install a plaque sign of shop. Spread the rumor about the famous establishment on the boards network or uttered word and, in effect, breathe life into a new urban legend. So even if someone found (the restaurant), they would be completely burned (prank out) when they realized they had stumbled upon a prank. Or they would accept the idea and continue to spread the rumor that they too, had been to that establishment. Or rather, in a secretive tone: (That they had been there. And witnessed it.) On the other hand, if the staff from the building noticed this, would they report it as vandalism? Or would they just leave it as if it were some kind of street art? On second glance, nobody will come here if not for as construction worker doing maintenance or similar.
As expected, Kukoo was convinced after the first look at the phenomenon, that they were in the right place. Since there was nothing that resembled a handle, she began to examine (the door) closely, looking for some kind of sensor for a key card, an input display, hidden bell button or something similar. At one point, she wanted to get even closer for a more detailed inspection, so she let go of Misaka's hand to give her a minute.
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For now, the brunette was working with the theory that she would let the explorer of the corners of the Academic City with two ponytails realize the facts herself and, after a short resistance, admitted that she had fallen for a prank. Therefore, to shorten the wait, she decided to look around to see if she could find that hidden camera that would be there to give credibility to this rumor. However, the best bait for the urban legend would be a photo of a low camera with customers in front of the entrance. Therefore, she switched her detection field from passive to active and immediately found the live camera. And not just one. Visually well-hidden cameras that one would not notice if one did not know what to look for, monitored this entire alley in detail so that there was not a single blind spot left. She suddenly realized that the fake door might not be a fake after all, and could be a closet or a security barrier/panel, when she noticed the presence of active electronics behind the wall, which seemed to have some kind of shielding, such as the room having wallpaper with lead glue. Either way, she turned her attention to the door-sized fiberglass panel to learn more.
The redhead stood so close to this door with her hands on it that she seemed to be studying with interest an information stand with an overly detailed tourist map of the historic town.
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Anyway, Mikoto approached the fiery adventurer. "Hey, do you need help with that?" She looked over redhead shoulder and was shocked to see a complex pattern/drawing/diagram/cosmic geometry displayed directly on the surface of the board as if it were a touch screen that didn't work on the usual principle of electronics. It look more like pencil drawing on a wall and it must appeared when the other girl done something.
Of course, when Kukoo side glancing with an eye at the Tokiwadai girl, she immediately smiled when she saw how Princess froze like a hunting dog, that freezes for a moment when it sees a prey. Since the brunette's expression revealed how much she was captivated by the mystery and how much it was working in her head in an attempt to crack this riddle, the redhead's expression softened even more, as if she had recalled an old, nostalgic memory.
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[that picture]
A system of circles, circular patterns, lines and dots, like a drawing from a college [descriptive] geometry, gave the impression that there was a systematic pattern in it, as if it were some kind of writing rather than a schematic sketch or a drawing. One large circle in the middle certainly hid some message within itself.
The four circles below must have represented a word or a clue to the puzzle because under each of them was a set of symbols. The first set had icons of black chess pieces. The second set had icons that fell into the category of what you would find in weather forecasts and raging elements. The third had something you would find on playing cards like a (Hearts), (Spades), (Diamonds), (Clubs), and the like. And the last one set finished it off with icons of some white chess pieces.
At first glance, it looked like instructions for entering the correct combination on an analog lock that would be located in an ancient pyramid built by an ancient civilization. In order for the eminent film archaeologist to get through these massive stone doors to a treasury of untold wealth, he would have to enter the correct symbols. But if he didn't succeed on the first try, an ancient trap would be activated, and a massive stone ball filling the entire corridor, would rush down the alley to crush you, or the floor would collapse under him like a trap door and the hero would disappear into the abyss of history. Or something like that.
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It took a moment before Mikoto spoke with interest, tilting her head to the side. "A riddle?"
This adorable reaction must have struck a chord with Kukoo because in an instant she had that proud, triumphant expression of a brilliant detective from novels, followed by the proverbial explanation of how he managed to crack the case. "My dear-- This is not just any puzzle,-- but a 'Nerd Puzzle'. [A nerd, or a die-hard fan of a (book or any story) series who has taken the trouble to learn the Lore - the backstory of the story and characters.] Therefore, my dear Watson, [A reference to Sherlock Holmes the detective and Watson the assistant.], in order to get inside, we will need to find the correct answer to the question asked by the guard of this bridge between this side and the other. [A reference to Monty Python parodies and expedition to find a holy grail.] If you think you can trick him into letting you through, then those little sparkles of yours will be for no use to us." The long-haired girl probably didn't realize that the girl next to her wouldn't back down from any challenge. Especially if that challenge was an electronic lock, like the one on the door to the 117th branch of Judgment where Shirai and Uiharu works.
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The short-haired girl let out a single warning spark from her temple and already put her hand on the door panel. She closed her eyes and tried with the help of her abilities to find the opening mechanism, or the electronic doorman, and (convince him) to open the passage for her. But what she found right there in the door didn't cooperate at all, to the point that it confused her so much that she started complaining or even barking. "A photonic computer?!! And as a locking mechanism on a door made of composite materials?!! They skipped the necessary step of connection to electrons, by treating the door as a closed system with its own touch screen from the start?!! A digital doorman that doesn't require an electronic key, but lets anyone in who knows how to read the code displayed directly on the door?!! Like utter (a friend) and enter?!! Have they finally managed to develop something that I shouldn't be able to hack?!! Is this supposed to be your challenge to me?!! Are you kidding me?!!" Railgun was charging straight at that door like a bull before a Spanish bullfighter/toreador and his red cape. Suddenly she began to snarl angrily through her teeth. "I could go to the point where I could practically fry the system, or rip the whole thing off the wall, but that would be like admitting defeat."
The fiery redhead's braids fluttered as if they were swaying in the breeze. Kukoo herself was literally captivated by the tsundere's genuine reaction. Her eyes were literally sparkling with excitement, so much so that someone would claim that they had imaginary stars of a true fan in them. "This is amazing, girl, you have a talent. To show off in front of me, you came up with a guaranteed trick that never disappoints, except that a moment later you got slapped with a negative answer slap."
She tried to modify her voice to sound like iconic princess begging for a favor with a puppy eyes. "Door kun, can you open the way for me? Pretty ple~eas."
Then she do the same for a ruffian gate guard who had enough of the cheap trick. "Frag out!" [Get lost!]
Yet she dint wait and continue to speak normally for her. "This is the work of a genius. Plus, such wordplay is literally a gold mine for everyone close to you. The rumors that one is never bored in this city turn out to be true. I assume that you are really popular not only among your peers. I mean, - I mean that you are not only cool, but you can also throw lightning with a grace, which is an eye-catching animation for every game. Imagine all the fan art! Furthermore, you are like an electronic key that doesn't have to stress if it forgets its subway card." Suddenly she imagined something amazing. "Hey, hey, you can also ride thunder and lightning? Right? That must be an amazing experience."
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As expected, when the brunette realized she had an audience and could literally feel the look from the front row on her face, she blushed. "I- I think the ride meant climbing up a lightning rod, and feel the static electricity in air. That is something that anyone can do anywhere. And what's with all the gamer expressions and references these days? If you think you can handle that doorman better, then go for it!" She stepped back from the board in disgust and folded her arms across her chest, her cheeks puffy.
The redhead giggled coquettishly, very willingly taking over the baton. "You just dint like to play according rules of others, following only your owns." However, as soon as she noticed that the mysterious drawing had disappeared, she put her hand on the panel again, the drawing reappeared, but the long-haired girl tilted her head to the side in clear surprise at the fact that the symbols on the bottom had changed significantly. "Time limit? I was almost done and it reset to a new combination? So no peaking above shoulder to spy the pass code? That's it! (Gamer mode, ON!!)" With the precision and enthusiasm of a professional computer game maniac, she solved the puzzle in record time. Humming a certain victory jingle from some game, Kukoo pointed to the opening door, as if a mysterious passage to a secret cave was being revealed. Only the wild green veins and vegetation hanging from top was missing for the mood to be complete.
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Mikoto sounded surprised. "Hey, is that really a door to a restaurant? Or to a nuclear vault?"
At this statement, any enthusiasm from Kukoo disappeared and a suspicious expression settled on her face. "Hey, are you going to tell me, that you've been imagining this whole time, that this is some kind of joke? Or I am going to rob some bank, and tricking you to be a crime accomplice or an alibi? Or that I'm leading you like a sheep into the criminal underworld, where I'll try to sell you as a slave on a secret market?" She wave her hand in a (not going to happen) gesture. "I've already grabbed my double Jackpot in my life and I don't need such desperate efforts to fulfill my life. But on the other hand, my dear, aren't you a little too pragmatic? Or old fashioned? Being adorable is one thing, but if you don't open your eyes, you'll fall hard when you realize the naked truth. This is even more true when someone is powerful."
Mikoto had a remark that she had already gone through this phase and withstand it, but the redhead had already dragged her in, because there was this buzzer beeping like announcing a timer to close the door.
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They entered a small room that could be said to have a different theme on each of its four walls. The first hosted the aforementioned almost magical secret door made of fake stone, which required a mysterious formula on parchment to open. Yet this time the note just state pres hand on the door to open them.
The second had a large mirror, and ledge so customers could check their appearance before enter the establishment or before leaving, or look for unwanted evidence, if we use detective-themed jargon.
The third was covered with screens and displays from the aforementioned cameras and sensors. These showed not only the alley with the entrance, but also the side alleys, and even the exits to the main street. As they switched at given intervals, one realizes that there are more than enough of those cameras for a bank and some are thermal [detecting heat in red shades], others were night vision [amplifying trace light in green shades], and there were even monochrome [black and white] which, with a little imagination, could show invisible ghosts to the naked eye. Looking at this scene, one realizes that a departing customer can choose more routes to leave the facility. But such a security setup, certainly does not help cure someone's paranoia that someone else is watching them.
And finally, the fourth one hosted a normal wooden door, suitable as an entrance door to a restaurant, which with its welcoming appearance encouraged potential customers to visit.
The ceiling socket hosted not only a light but also a fan that launched a stream of air onto them, the purpose of which could be to sweep away any unwelcome debris or odors down to the level of the spores from the figure standing below. This stream escaped into ventilation holes along the edge of the floor, and a certain display displayed its moderately detailed analysis as if it were passing through some kind of sensor, in case the customer had unknowingly brought something unwanted with them.
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Looking at the extremely detailed prison-like camera surveillance, Mikoto couldn't help but ask her current companion an obvious question. "I assume you have an answer to this personal paranoia issue as well."
"Of course, protecting customer privacy is something worth investing in. It also seems that this room has a timer for re-opening doors. When someone comes or leaves, the next person has to wait a few minutes before they can use that exit again. An ideal conditions for breakups. The cameras against paparazzi [journalists] also obey this, the screens probably turn off so that the next person cannot watch witch route the previous one will use." While they stood there in the breeze of that fan, Kukoo caught some of the concerns. "Hey Mikoto-chan? I can imagine that, although normal circumstances, everyone's heart would probably be pounding with excitement if they were on the verge of joining something that evokes a secrets and mystery or even a secret society... So I have a feeling, that with you it would be like fiddling with the fuse on a hand grenade always placed on my belt, before entering a dubious den of the criminal underworld. I think, that your match is easily flammable and the ignition of your sparkling temperament would lead to fireworks wherever you are, so I would like to ask you to keep that beautiful temperament in check. I also say this, because the person I am about to meet is a bit of an eccentric who has not yet matured and with a cut tongue, situation can get out of hand quickly. Especially since its is now in a rehabilitation program and it cant afford additional beat-up. I will keep an eye on my date so the things will not get out of the hand."
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(("Do you even trying to avoid it to sound like a Yakuza hideout?")) "So now I have the idea that you are taking me as the main attraction to some underground arena, where the upper echelons of society meet." [Most high ranked nobility, important people or such.] "Or do you see me as a suitable test subject?"
Suddenly her eye flashed with imaginary sparkle as she got an idea. "I got it! We are heading to underworld coliseum, famous for its fighter fighting in swimsuits and animal like wrestling face masks. As we enter the ring the commentator will introduce you as: (Look at this Amazon warrior from thunder mountain. One bad pun and she will zap you with a thunder.) Seeing that the fish dint bite the bait, she quickly drop the act. "Believe it or not, there's only a restaurant down here. (I think.)" Because Mikoto repeated (You think?) in sarcastic tone, Kukoo shake her head as she wanted believed. "My date invited me here to impress me, which is adorable when I lately get treated by rebellious age and self-proclaimed independence evoking in keeping a social distance and slippery. And I brought you along not just as a witness to testimony my story, or a thank you for keeping me wonderful company, but to broaden your horizons."
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Mikoto still don't bite. "Of course. A restaurant that needs something like that?" She pointed to the front door and monitors. "And for broadening the horizon? Just so you know, something that is as suitable as bank security level, is a rarity even in this city."
She was almost offended by that. "Okay! You got me! The last time I was in this restaurant was before they decided to move, or the opposite. (Don't know the details.) On the other hand, you must agree to me; that its quite exciting to thing, that we visiting a restaurant which serving a criminally good culinary product and meals. A restaurant so classy that its dress code require, that quest in luxury suit or dress, will wear a carnival like phantom of the opera mask. So I really just hope it's still the same restaurant that serves such good food that it's a treasure worthy of the exemplary effort to protect it by its patrons. But if by any chance, it turns out that this place isn't what I hope it is, that it's some corrupt thing that's just using its declared name as a cover for its misdeeds; Then we can make it a competition to see who can give them the most appropriate beating so they'll confess to everything without hesitation. Although, I'll probably get scolded for going beyond my own jurisdiction and not following the local bureaucracy. I seriously doubt I'd be invited as a cover for a raid since even my date sometimes complains about being scolded for the occasional non-compliance with the bureaucracy to the letter. But if by any chance it turns out that this ismy area jurisdiction, then I guarantee, you can sit at the table as my guest and enjoy the show as I proudly declare, that I am more that capable to clear the stage on my own."
Since the fan had already completed its cycle some time ago, Kukoo headed through the wooden door and down the stairs to the basement, determined to find out the truth, and her guest followed her.
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Railgun didn't hesitate and, on her way down the fine staircase that led them a good two or three floors below, she used her abilities to scan the building they had entered. She almost snorted in dissatisfaction when the radar image showed, that upper part dint matter at all and down part, really looked like some kind of restaurant built into an underground hall without any obvious dark secret. The academic city is experiencing an unceasing construction boom with an incredible speed of construction, reconstruction, or dismantling for a new project. Lonely construction cranes on the roofs of high-rise buildings are nothing unusual, when putting them away in storage is of little importance, when you just use a heavy transport helicopter to move it onto next site. The speed of the city's transformation is so fast that you only need to be away for a month and suddenly something else is standing in a certain place. This leads to engineers being able to let their imaginations run wild. For example, it is not unusual for a certain building to have such an oversized basement that it would fit a gym for gymnasts on the horizontal bars. High enough that an athlete would need a safety net in case of a fall. One would say that such places as an addition to a building above the surface do not enjoy a high rate of orders and so it would be wise to give it a chance for a separate purchase, when the above-ground spaces are owned by one person and the underground ones by another. Quite ironically, this results in the possibility of a relatively secret hideout just a step from the main road. It could be a game room, a training ground or a testing area. The perfect place to hide a hangar for building a large combat robot/mech or monster that some crazy scientist would then unleash on an unsuspecting city. Or it could be a secret laboratory or other place of vice. Its like fitting setting to divide day part from night part.
When they descended the last step of the stairs and stopped at the lower door, Kukoo, after grabbing the handle, delayed opening the door for a moment to look back at the brunette to see if she was still following her, and gave her a challenging look that said that, now was the time for the truth about which theory would be confirmed.
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The brunette couldn't help but break out a tiny drop/bead of embarrassing sweat as she momentarily felt like an impostor, as she already partially knew the answer thanks to her radar ability.
Both finally entered the restaurant with a fine classic design as if time here had stopped a century ago: the furniture was completely made of wood, cloth and such, and the decorations were comparable to museum exhibits. The dining area, bar-desk counter with bar stools was a traditional Japanese thing from which the customer had a luxurious view of the semi-open kitchen which was a contrast combination of High-Tech with the ordinary. So not only the consumption of food but also the view of the preparation of such food was considered a pleasure for eyes. Yet no one was here and light was on.
The redhead took a deep breath as if a heavy stone had fallen from her heart. It was clear that she was seriously worried, that this place would not really be what she had longed for. When a smile settled on her face, she only glanced at her companion before enthusiastically heading to the bar counter, leaning on it, and shamelessly at lout asking if someone is home, and directly about the master of this kitchen.
At her call, a guy in chef's white apron attire with the famous chef's hat on his head appeared. He was at first surprised that someone from that side had even deigned to show up at this time. At that, the long-haired girl got excited in a clear indication that her experience had received another plus, through the uniqueness of their arrival through the secret entrance. For a few seconds, he wondered who was standing in front of him before he finally remembered and was surprised to meet her here. As she say she is visiting the city, she proudly puffed out her chest, she turn back to look at the short-haired girl with a victorious expression: (I told you so.) Except when the guy looked at Misaka, for a moment it seemed that he recognized who it was and was not thrilled about it twice. But rather than voice his suspicions out loud, he decided to ask the redhead without a napkin if she was cheating. As if it was a direct hit, she jumped up with wide eyes and a cat-like expression. For a moment, she played the gentle lady in embarrassment before she replied coquettishly, admitting that she would have let herself to be persuade/ seduced, if the other party had even seen her through the Great Wall of China that standing between them. Of course, for educational reasons, it would have been: Okay.
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Mikoto raised one eyebrow and noted to herself that she should make sure that Inoue and Kuroko never got onto a discussion topic where their characters would merge. But she immediately made a loud and grumpy remark that everyone would have doubts if they saw that door up there. At her comment, the chef sighed loudly, saying that perhaps everyone who sees that exit for the first time has similar comments of doubts about it. He admitted for a moment that since he was just a chef, he had no idea that he shouldn't have blindly agreed to the offer, where they make him an adequately secured door for free, adequate for this time and age, fulfilling all requirement for a safety exit. It dint come to his mind at that time to ask for a condition, that it should also look adequately like the entrance to the restaurant. This is what happens when someone is too passionate and he sighed again. But that door thing is clear overkill. He consoled himself that it was some kind of emergency VIP exit, since there should be one like that due to fire regulations. And on top of that, most customers during the peak hour, will use 'William's Door' and the rest normally using the way to the subway station. As if suddenly seized by a stiffness that made him have to stretch, he commented that last Saturday had been extremely hectic, unlike usual, and Monday was a completely different beast from a completely different world, when lots of tourist – adventurer from some group tourist trip decided to make a sudden visit, as if it were a famous place that everyone should visit at least once.
As soon as he finished speaking, Kukoo started complaining with a tingle. She told a shortened version of her fateful adventure with the electric princess she had come here with. In order to look cool in front of a certain person she cared about, she sought out a specific dealer, with the promise that she would get more detailed information over the weekend before the censorship bit into it. But through the accidental intervention of a third party, she lost the document when she wanted to share it with the princess. So she started asking him if he didn't know about something, or if he didn't have anything similar lying under the counter desk. But he curtly commented that he was just a cook. On the other hand, he asked her for help with a certain arrogantly cut-off tongue who constantly thinks that this is a den of crime and is set to investigate it to the root. To which she commented that she couldn't promise anything, since this city wasn't under her jurisdiction.
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Since the conversation between the redhead and the chef was getting personal, the brunette decided to do a little research on the restaurant itself, visiting the small room in the back. Either way, the interior that look like it was designed a century ago, really struck a chord with the idea of whether there was some connection to a certain group from the antique store. In other word, there was still a chance to dig out something about the attacker and the incident.
They say that you can found how much the establishment is carrying about they business, is known by state of its toilets, but Mikoto couldn't help but click her tongue in discontent when the room at the back for ladies was nice and well clean, welcoming and spacious with lots of cubicles/ cabins. Three walls were made up of doors to individual cubicles and the fourth, in addition to the passage to the corridor, had a wall with a mirror, washbasins and a table for a 'beauty (improvement) moment'. Soap made from herbs spread its fragrance all the way to the corridor. In addition, a notice board with messages or instructions in several foreign languages, which differed even in the alphabet, gave the place an air of being a restaurant that had experience with other worlds, not just from the geographical point of view of a certain planet. One of them had this straight made up feeling. Even if it was a joke, just that thought can add a plus to the experience from visiting this restaurant. Someone can thing that these subconscious hints and details are a theme of this establishment.
But finally she rolled her eyes around and with a loud sigh leaned over the sink, resting her hands on the front edge and taking a very fleeting, defeated look at her reflection in the mirror before lowering her gaze. She needed to stop for a moment and gather her thoughts. (("What am I really thinking? What am I trying to prove here? Of course, a VIP restaurant will have at least that kind of security and equipment. This is an academy city we talking about. Plus, the riddle should prevent it from being crowded every time, by those who actually dint care what type restaurant it is, if the claim about the exceptional food turns out to be true. It's not that I have anything against luxury restaurants tucked away in places where you wouldn't say there's a restaurant, it's just that I'm going to end up with an almost dubious person who will either tease me, irritate me, anger me, or simply try to maneuver me into some kind of deal. Just the thought of something like that is enough to bother me me off."))
She sighed again. (("I guess I'm just talking to myself when I'm dissatisfied with the insufficient answers, when the important ones are slipping through my fingers. In this case, the red priest and the transvestite who visited school had the right to be angry when, from their point of view, the side events were directly obstacles to their mission. On Monday, it must have been an outrageously big chess game. However, were these maneuvers with the chess pieces just a cover for a cleaning that only a select few knew about and the rest willingly cooperated as extras? The big-mouthed long-haired girl [Index] who accompanies him, [Touma] had a pretty apt comment: 'An irritated beast that drags a juicy bait with it.' It anger me so much that even holding a titles like a Number-Three, they labeled me as bait in this game. I can imagine that the nervousness and irritability are gushing out of me like a fountain. I should probably apologize to Kukoo and the chef.")) She light smiled awkwardly. (("If Kuroko were here, I would already be hearing her lessons on proper ladylike behavior and other self proclaimed moms like wisdom."))
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As if on cue, one of the toilet flushed and the door to one of the cubicles behind her opened.
It was only a moment when Misaka glanced in the mirror, but both her eyes and her pupils widened in surprise when she saw the Tokiwadai uniform. However, coincidence or fate as her Kōhai likes to babble, can really complicate a chance meeting when the student in question who exiting the cubic, is none other than Shirai Kuroko.
The freshman probably had to deal with increased stress herself because when she left the cubicle with her eyes closed, she looked extremely neutral, like a proper young lady, sending a clear message that she was not interested in chatting with a random passerby and was asking for a moment of solitude.
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It was only when the door of one of the cubicles on the sides closed and the brunette leaned against the inside of the door, that Railgun realized that she had thoughtlessly run to the bathroom in front of her roommate. Her expression literally captured her current thoughts, in which she asked herself: (("What the hell is going on?"))
The redhead might have ignored this frightened run that she registered only after its end, if it hadn't struck a chord in her detective string of the proud protector of this city. She couldn't help it, no not leave it just like that. After finished washing her hands in sink, and a silent sight, she approached the cubicle and gently knocked on the door. "Forgive my intervention, but I think there's been a misunderstanding here. Even though I'm a member of Judgment, which is the volunteer branch of Anti-Skill, which oversees security and order in the Academy City, helping citizen in need of help; please know that I'm here for a private meeting to consider my own future. However, as a Judgment member, I simply can't ignore someone who seems to be having problems. If you need help or consultation, I'm here for you. But I must urge you that the quickest way to solve your own troubles is to simply ask for help. Even if it turns out that I'm not enough to help you, I still have a better chance of finding suitable, more professional help for your specific problem. Most time, the problem is just the lack of perspective. At last let me hear you out."
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Whoever Mikoto make a sour expression. (("Great, so Kuroko doesn't know its me. Wait... what am I doing? Do it happened?, that I'm so annoyed by the idea of her lecturing me directly, that I am trying to avoid it on subconscious level?"))
Her roommate was overly conceited and continued to try to impress. "However, I firmly hope that your distrust of me does not stem from our shared experience. In that case, know that your fears of possible repression are not only unfounded, but also a completely wrong idea about a police officer. People do mistakes, but its not Judgment purpose to seek for people flaws. Then such a trifle as a short conversation with me should be enough to refute all the nonsense that has been told to you and such. However, if you are involved in some crime, I remind you that (turning to the Anti-Skill) is the best option you can take to get rid of your ailments, since we are the fastest way to professional help. Turning to us will not end your life! On the contrary, it is the fastest way to start it again."
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At this point, number-three had doubts about whether the Teleporter actually knew who was behind this door and was just trying to get her out of the cubicle. Or maybe the first year noticed by corner of her eye, that the person who run to hide wearing a Tokiwadai uniform and that's why is so persistent.
"I can imagine that even something like an arranged acquaintance within the framework of family obligations, when you simply cannot afford to say (No!) to this politically agreed relationship, can put a lot of pressure on your conscience. But even in this case, even a small confidant can make things easier for you and it can suddenly be revealed that both parties have the same opinion and the whole thing can just be a delay with the label: (We are already engaged by someone else, look elsewhere!) Therefore, I urge you again, confide in me!"
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Mikoto was glad that no matter who was in need for help, Kuroko was still the same self-involve person she'd always been. She smiled and mumbled (Hm) in agreement. Only to suddenly stop in shock. It was a close call, but she'd somehow managed to keep herself from speaking.
Of course, such a cut sparked curiosity in Shirai, who would have been ready to leave the toilet room again, if the humming had not sounded all too familiar to her. So she knocked on the door again. "Excuse me, but are you okay?" The sassy big-mouthed short girl probably newer though about the possibility, that someone hiding from schoolmate just in fear from she spreading a gossip by uttering a word or two.
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There was silence without a single word or sound, broken by the all-too-familiar sound of a particular ability, followed by the sudden imposition of additional weight on something wooden, such as the door frame to this cubicle. Mikoto didn't even have to guess, let alone use her radar, to know who teleported where.
Kuroko, who was so annoyed by the silence, simply (jumped) up and peeked over the door since there was no up wall between the construction and the ceiling. Suddenly, she saw a person below her who, from that angle, looked too much like someone she wanted to stand next to, and she stopped her toughs for a moment.
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On the other hand, the brunette felt in detail (that familiar stare) that described how the redhead's eyes widened with excitement (by realization) and only seconds remained from the moment when her doubts would melt away and someone would definitely break free from the belt/leash. The second year student vividly imagined how the first year student would soon (jump) down into this booth in manners that do not belong to the repertoire of the lady from Tokiwadai. And then it hit her. (("She teleported...")) In a moment and in all seriousness, Misaka turned her body a little so that she could frown and look into Shirai's face, before the redhead had a chance to beamed up. "You teleported yourself unnecessarily a moment ago, didn't you?"
The rising smile of the roommate from number 208 froze as she froze completely with confused (Wait, what?): "Eh?"
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The tsundere was in her element as if a switch had been flipped, grasping the pace of the situation, and this loud argument could no longer be prevented. "I wasn't kidding when I told you, that if you don't take a break from work and Esper abilities, I'll fetch you an official order. And you're doing both behind my back and it's not even life emergency! How can I trust a single word you say after all this?!!" As her nerves boiled, she instantly stepped away from the door and hit it hard with a spin high kick. The loud shock was enough to send the offender flying out of it into the middle of the room. A moment later she galloped out of the cubicle, ready to bark. "I was honestly worried about you, so that you wouldn't overdo it. But you don't let it go!! You just have to, like some workaholic!!" Dropping a warning sparkle from her forehead, she rushed forward like a beast after its prey.
But the redhead used the teleport again to get out of the way of the beast this time. She shouted back. "Sissy, please calm down!! An arranged marriage that leaves both of the couple in misery is vital!! A life emergency!!"
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However, the brunette clenched her hand into a fist. "Excuses that just happen to suit you!! And didn't I tell you to cut that teleporting part for a while?!! What should I do to you to keep you in place?!!"
The redhead reacted irritably. "So you're only asking now?!! Didn't I tell you before that what I want is a joint after-party, loving cuddling and skinship?! In short, the things that true lovers do!!"
The situation, from outsider perspective can look like a wrestling match inside a ring, where fighter moved around in some kind of touche-less/not-touch dance, trying to get into better position against they opponent before they run to each other and grab.
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"Stop those wild ideas, finally!! It seems, that you are suffering from particularly great illusions today. Your body is overtaxed and the symptoms are also showing in your ability, which you can no longer use properly!!"
"Beautiful speech for someone, who overdid it so much that she couldn't even let out a single spark yesterday and thought her Esper days were numbered!! You're the one, who should be having a break and resting!! But instead, you bravely embark on an investigation, when perhaps everyone involved is clearly telling you to turn off the voltage for a while. But are you?!"
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"You don't realize how dangerous a single mistake in your calculations can be!! With every jump, you get closer and closer to a tragic accident!! Stop this madness while there's still time!!"
"That didn't stop you from turning yourself into an electromagnetic catapult [mass driver] and launching a payload into orbit. I 'm the one here whose heart is about to jump out of my chest at your repeated displays of recklessness!!"
Since they were quite noisy in their argument, they finally attracted the attention of the chef and Kukoo. Redhead rolled in first and like a comic book hero, she entered the scene posing with the flame speech. "Whoever you are, stop this antics, right now..." As soon as she looked around properly, her heroic approach lost the wind in her sails. When she looked intently at Shirai, her eyes and pupils widened to the maximum. It was like a rainstorm when a certain short redhead greeted her brown-haired tomboy roommate too enthusiastically with a cheerful leap - long jump/arms, with wide open arms and a wide smile on her face. But this time it was a taller redhead on a shorter redhead. Kukoo shout happily: "Kuroko chan!! ♥"
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(("Now I know exactly from where Kuroko gets her mannerisms from!"))
But Shirai was on the defensive like a frightened rabbit, not only having dropped her Mikoto from her mind, but even oozing rabbit-like intentions. To escape the involuntary embrace from the fiery redhead, she used her Teleport to jump herself to the other side of the toilets.
Of course, when Kukoo on her landing, hug swung grabbed an empty air, she froze for a weak/split moment. Only one of her eyes, move to side, tracking her prey with a sideways glance, as if to say: (Game On!!) Or (Challenge accepted!!)
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Watching this rainy scene from a third-person perspective and the characters being shuffled around made Misaka completely freeze, with a sarcastic, almost sour expression on her face.
The junior policewoman teleported again, this time to the door that lead to the hallway, in clear intention that she was going to escape from the bathroom.
But a certain adventurer must have had plenty of experience with this jumping spider and was not fooled by its tricks.
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Mikoto realized that what was going on around the place, from where her Kōhai teleported from; was already just an 'After-Image'/ mirage/ transparent 'fata-morgana'. The real long-haired girl was already heading to the place where Level-4 was supposed to appear, as if she had foreseen it with unprecedented advance notice.
The freshman had no chance of escape under the current conditions. She barely managed to touch down for a jump and immediately jitter from the 'beastly gaze' presence that appeared behind her, like a shadow of a doom.
Suddenly, Kukoo finally hug-grabbed Kuroko in her arms, pulling her back into the middle of the room where she happily pirouetted with her like she was some teddy bear she had just found again after a long time. Shirai, her eyes rolling as if she was going to get sick, looks like she lost the match. She was instantly submissive, giving up her attempts to escape and not looking twice as enthusiastic or motivated or warm as the other redhead. In fact, she looked a little crushed. But that didn't stop the older version of her from immediately starting to cuddle with her cheek to cheek, really going for the skinship.
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Mikoto, on the other hand, had a strange feeling of deja vu [Something that happened before.], when the thought of a psychological problem came to her mind, that Kuroko's outburst could be caused by Kukoo, who traumatized her with her intensive skinship to the point that Kuroko began to faithfully imitate her in this regard, literally adopting her mannerisms. And what's more, there was still the possibility, or rather the belief or a premonition, that there was someone else, an even older member of this chain puzzle with a reddish hairstyle, skinshiping Kukoo, who had triggered this psychological avalanche of traumatic experience and subsequent imitation of the given activity by the traumatized person, to which Sigmund Freud himself would have to be summoned. [World-famous psychiatrist] Actually, Misaka had to chuckle to herself desperately when she realized for how long she had been able to resist it. [No, a certain case of torpedoing a gentleman's head-first into his stomach and force him to fall onto ground; tells a different story.]
Of course the smaller redhead started to demand release. Her larger version transfer the little one into a more comfortable embrace of standing couple where they could look at each other. Fiery one started sending (signals) by blinking, to which Level-4 completely soured, looking away from her, but after a few seconds she subdued. Yet, due to her pride, Kuroko had a hard time to comply. "Ku-- Kukoo ch-- chan--, please let me go."
As the firely hunter giggled motherly, she turned her attention to the brunette. "Oh Mikoto chan? The person I wanted to meet here..."
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But Misaka interrupted her, with raised hand gesturing her to stop. "It couldn't be more obvious at this point. I'm actually surprised that it doesn't surprise me, considering I've been trying not to think about it all this time!-- But on the other hand..." She walked over to Kuroko and grabbed her loose cheek, pinching it, causing the smaller redhead to be on the scolding end. "Once again. You're empty-handed and talkative again, with an empty words."
"Oh Sissy... what are you talking about now?"
Like a detective, Kukoo came to some understanding of the situation and the relationship between the two students. With a cat-like smile and a conspiratorial (Ohoooo...) she scanned Misaka from head to toe again, causing the brunette to take a few steps back. As she held her smaller version in her arms, a motherly tear of pride and emotion welled up in her eye. "Ah, so my little samurai has finally found his emperor to whom he dedicated her life." Kuroko wanted to object, but her mouth was covered by the taller redhead's hand. "So once again! Nice to meet you, Misaka Mikoto, the electric princess of Tokiwadai."
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The brunette rolled her eyes around at the title and quickly changed the subject. "So she's your date, hmm."
Kuroko pulled her mouth free from the covering. "W-wait, Sissy! No matter how it sounds, it's not what it seems at first glance. Kukoo-chan and I... it's completely different!"
But Kukoo was suddenly like a tearful actress from a romantic telenovela. "How awful! Kuroko chan is just using me to score points with someone else. Kukoo is devastated."
But that was the last point Railgun intended to attend. "I can't stand how similar you two are. Like an egg to an egg. The more I know about you two, the less interested I am in knowing more! This has gone too far. Let's get this lunch over with!" And with those words she galloped out of the small room that was usually found at the back of the establishment, walking past the wary head chef as if he wasn't there.
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[notes, explanatory notes]
- Photonic/ optical computing [optical computing] is a technology in computer science that uses photons generated by a laser or laser diode for calculations. The use of photons should allow for higher data transfer rates and coherence, lower energy costs (especially when transmitting data over large distances) (as the unit of information is photon particles and not electric potential - energy) and wear than the use of electrons (Electric potential) in classical computers. Plus, information in photons is not necessarily limited to one and zero (the electron either passes or does not), which opens the door to more complex computational logic.
--Triviality from reality: Currently, there is active research and attempts to integrate optical components into current computers, because such a deployment of hybrid technology allows for the fastest short-term successes and the use of its potential. So far, the biggest obstacle is the conversion of optical signals to electrical signals and back, which causes delays and 30% energy losses. Only completely optical computers can solve this problem. (Wiki) [Information can be obsoleted]
-Doctor John Watson or Dr. John H. Watson is a fictional character created by Arthur Conan Doyle. He is the best friend and biographer of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Watson is the narrator of almost all of Holmes' stories. Two are narrated by Holmes himself and two are told in the third person. According to Doyle's stories, Watson and Holmes lived in a Victorian house on Baker Street - London from 1881 to 1904.
-Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a 1975 comedy film parodying the legend of King Arthur and the obstacles he and his party had to overcome on their quest. One of them is the scene with the old guard of the bridge of death and his three questions. Whoever answered incorrectly was thrown into the abyss.
-Glass fiber is a material similar to textile fiber, which is used in industry, construction and engineering to strengthen composite materials. Its specific tensile strength exceeds that of ordinary steel by 2 to 3 times. Glass fibers began to be produced at the end of the 19th century. Two large groups are distinguished in the professional literature: 1- Optical fibers intended primarily for data transmission. 2- Fiber used for textile products made of glass, for insulation and for strengthening other materials. (in the form of fiberglass) for example bulletproof vests. Please remember that glass is in classification a very cold liquid, acting like a solid material capable to withstand a certain level of stress.
-One of the ingeniously diabolical ways to track objects and people is by smell. For example, using special perfumes, you can mark a person or gold bars and then follow the trail to a secret hideout with your free step. The dominant device in this direction is the 'Olfactory Sensor' (originally used in the perfume and deodorant industry), a handheld device resembling a metal/mine detector, far surpassing any dog's nose, able to work even in the rain and used almost exclusively in the services of 'Hound Dogs'. [An elite unit for black (officially never happened) and covert operations, directly under Alister, under the command of Kihar Amato, who, unlike Anti-Skill, does not bother with ethics and morals.] Some perfumes are used to mark an items, equipment or even aircraft marked for recovery if something happen. Like a super aircraft is crashed and someone think it can steal a piece of it and sold it for quick money.
-Mass driver, or electromagnetic catapult is a non-rocket launch method that would use a linear motor to accelerate and catapult a payload to high speeds. Usually for the purpose of escaping the gravitational pull of the celestial body from which it is launched. AC has one at its spaceport from which it can launch cargo or an immortal person into space, but after the launch of the space elevator that connects the city to the station in orbit, it remains unused as a backup.
-The concept of physical contact, known as skinship (a play on words from 'skin' and ' inship'), is familiar to most, but few practice it. For immigrants from cultures where daily physical contact is common, the lack of skinship can take a heavy toll.
-Sigmund Freud, was an Austrian physician, psychologist and psychiatrist, university professor of neuropathology in Vienna (1902 – 1926), founder of psychoanalysis. He was the 3rd most cited psychologist of the 20th century. He is also a member of a strange group of superheroes using their super powers for (ahem) the greater good called Super Science Friends which can be found on Y2B. (It's better than some boring biography that goes in one ear and out the other.)
-Episode is inspired by anime Restaurant to Another World, where certain door pop up across different world, and once per week they connect to one that leads to a certain restaurant.
-Gallifreyan is a fictive language, (that look like a geometry of circles, operating on real principles), used in series of (Doctor Who) a last time lord traveling through time and solving problems on his adventures. Reference from Doctor Who, reached into several others scifi stories, like Star-Trek and such.
Fun fact: I had this scene in the underground tavern and especially in its toilet (including the Gallifreyan writing on the entrance door) already in mind when I was working on the first chapters of this novel/story as part of the outline. But when I looked for notes for it, they mysteriously couldn't be found. When the time to write this Tuesday arc come, the Restaurant to Another world had such influence that it push out the original concept for the restaurant episode, to such extend that a new Wednesday arc was needed to establish, as the original outline dint fit anymore.
For the Gallifreyan, at first I had a simple story part, where explorer saw that complex math formula on a wall that seems to be indestructible. But when a (out-lander) person, who was from different world, saw it, it recognize as a language of Time lords. And that person says that it can mean only two things: (A yoke! A pun reference left there by other out-lander.) or (A warning! Don't mess with this!) But because that person only faintly, know the basic rules, it just describe a simple rules on paper and give it to they party linguist saying: That it need to find in witch language it is written it.
As for Kukoo and Kuroko, this duo is almost Canon from the story about a certain (supposed goddess) who eventually fell in love with a hunter of gods, with whom another goddess was one-sidedly infatuated, and she was one-sidedly infatuated with this one. And of course Kuroko is the perfect result of the work of this overly lively family. Her hairs waves like flames, she can produce a burning aura, and using rods like darts, while she can still use dinning equipment she choosing something compact for herself. Her family running/having a family restaurant and they were involved in the production of Tokiwadai uniform somehow. Also, there is this personality of Kuroko.
[If the picture was there.] Who on earth managed to crack the riddle? That is, as long as it was displayed to you. (I made a drawing of what was on the door, but not all websites on which I posting the story, supports inserting a pictures into a text.)
Link to the illustration drawing on the door: https://www.deviantart.com/dretnoth/art/Mesage-on-secret-door-in-Galyfreyan-879679044