A Certain Divine Visionary

Ruiko's Resolve

177th Judgement Branch, September 2, midday.

Shulk and Kuroko sit around the uneventful Judgement office, while Uiharu sits at her desk, scrolling down a webpage.

As the three officers breathe in the boredom, an earbud-donning Misaka enters the room, listening to some music on her phone.

"Mikoto? What's up?" Shulk looks over to the door.

"Oh, it's nothing. I just wanted to visit. I'm gonna head to the library back at Tokiwadai soon to finish some homework."

Kuroko's eyes study the white earbuds and follow the wire to the Gekota-style flip phone.

"What're you listening to, Onee-sama?"

"Oh, just some song. Normal stuff, y'know..." Misaka panics, trying to draw away attention.

Kuroko calls her bluff and corners Misaka with the help of an equally curious Shulk. Knowing she has no hope of victory or escape, Misaka surrenders. The two offenders put the earbuds into their ears and listen to the music.

Shulk comments unexpectedly, spooking the flustered Misaka. "Wow, this is pretty good! Who's the singer?"

"Oh, erm...she's Kasane Teto. She's a VocalIdol."

"A VocalIdol?"

Kuroko looks to Shulk.

"They're singers who work with master songwriters as idols. Though, I never thought you'd be the type to be into idols, Onee-sama..."

"Shut up!" Misaka snatches back the earbuds from Shulk's hands. "Well, it looks like I'll be going now. I'll see you, Shulk. Bye, Kuroko."

"Wait! I wanna keep listening!" Kuroko jumps on Misaka.

As the two struggle, Shulk laughs. In the background, the door opens slowly.

"Uh, hi..."

At the door stands Saten Ruiko.

Everyone else settles down, but Misaka breaks the silence. "Saten? What's up?"

"Can..." Saten pauses. "Can we talk?"

—

Misaka, Kuroko, Shulk, and Saten sit at the table with the trademark tea set.

"Sorry if the mood's a bit gloomier than usual," Saten apologizes.

"Don't worry about it." Kuroko takes a sip of her tea.

"What did you want to talk about, Ruiko?" Shulk asks immediately.

"Um," Saten begins. "You might not know this Shulk, but the reason I came to Academy City was to become an esper."

"Become an esper? The Power Curriculum failed to develop your powers?"

"I'm not sure. But, that's not the reason I came to talk." Saten opens her mouth to talk, but no words come out.

Shulk encourages her. "We're your friends. You can tell us, right?"

He gives an inspiring smile, and Saten finally gathers herself.

"I want you guys to help develop my abilities."

Misaka, Shulk, and Kuroko look at each other. Misaka opens her mouth to speak, but is promptly interrupted by Kuroko.

"This isn't one of your superstitious shenanigans, right?" Kuroko asks, sarcastically.

"No. It's for real this time. I want you guys to try and help." Though Saten had been talking for a while, Misaka had just noticed that Saten was short on breath and visibly sweating.