To Aru Kagaku no Shiritsu

It was a warm April 15th, the new school year was under way. There were white clouds in the sky but there wasn't any rain forecast. Tongue flicking from side to side Trellaria was otherwise quite focused on the work in front of her. There were always reports of all sorts of minor things, it fell to her to choose ones to focus on but at times like this. it was hard. There was very little that could be considered even as almost additional work, there was almost nothing, it was quiet. That was a good thing, though it didn't help her with giving any sort of organisation to the people of the 37th Branch of Judgement. School had ended thirty minutes ago and it was a very quick ride for her to get to the office so Trella was almost always the first there. Shortly everyone else that was coming in today would be here and waiting for things to do. All she could offer right now was various patrols around the normal routes and even a surprise one, but there was nothing to investigate. Hopefully everyone else would be happy with making the most of it.

Her desk was at the back of the office, the only thing behind her was the partitioned rest section and the small canteen. To the side was a wall of shelves full of folders and boxes, then the rest of the office filling the space. Standing up her loose brown hair flicked around as she adjusted her red rimmed glasses, time enough to make some tea before everyone arrived. Still the tasks to give everyone filled her mind, at least they would have the chance to look around the city a little. It still gave her some wonder just to look up at it all.

Bae came to a stop outside the offices of the 37th branch of Judgement and reflexively checked his pulse. Since the start of the new term it had become a habit for him to jog from Kohaku academy where he was a student to the offices of the 37th branch of Judgement, of which he was a member. It was hardly a challenge but it added to his physical training. Bae's ability instinctively reached into the building, and encountered only the mind of Trellaria Germaine, the 37th's leader and Bae's only close friend. Quickly withdrawing his ability from the fringes of her conciousness and suppressing the smile that threatened to ruin his stern mask of professionalism, he made his way into the office. After scanning the room he spotted her in the canteen area at the back.

Bae made his way to through the room, past his station on the middle row while brushing an imaginary speck of dust from his armband. "Good afternoon Trella" A flush betrayed his embarassment as he accidentally called her by her nickname, something he usually only did when they were alone and off duty. Recovering from his error he cleared his throat and asked. "What is my assignment for today...Chief?" He joined her in the canteen area and picked up a cup with Judgement's emblem printed on it.

Trella stood with a letterbox red mug of tea in her hand, smiled politely as Bae entered. He was older than her but she was senior both here and at school, it was an oddity one she tended to take more than little issue with. She hated the fact that he could read her mind, her training against it was still on going. It was an often complain she had with him, especially if he reacted to her thoughts. She didn't have an answer for him yet though, at least not one that was interesting. If it was just setting up the patrols then it would be better to wait for the others before setting up who was going where. “Better to wait for later, when you can all fight over who does what,” Her voice carrying a little cheek for him. Walking forwards and taking a seat on her desk facing him taking a sip from her tea.

Well in the mean time there was nothing wrong with a little chat, “How was school today?” She couldn't help like act like a bit of a big sister, there was also the fact that several of the members in her branch were missing mothers. Trella found herself filling that role more and more these days, or maybe it was just that she was older. When the other's get here, then she'd pair them all off and get them to go out on patrol. Well someone needed to stay here and it was meant to be her unless something happened.

Li let out a rare regular smile as she walked away from the bus stop. It was quite a nice day, especially one to start the new school term. She checked her cell quick and figured she'd still arrive there at a sufficiently appropriate time. She had to stop by her school's kendo club briefly, mainly to give some pointers to some of the more novice practitioners in her usual direct manner. Though she did not attend club regularly, especially after being assigned to the 37th Branch of Judgment, her experience was still in high demand.

She smoothed her long hair back as her fingers brushed over several sakura petals as she approached the entrance to the 37th Branch building. As she entered, she noted that Trella-senpai, to no surprise, was already settled in. Trella, at least in Li's book, was one worthy of respect as she had a good head on shoulders as a student and as a Judgment member. Though, Li admitted mentally, Trella did tend to be a bit hard on herself for any mistake or slight. Then there was Jung-senpai, the supposedly cold-fish. His ability didn't bother Li as much as it would others; she took it in stride and as another challenge with work with. She did respect his professional attitude, of course.

She waved non-chalantly as she headed to her desk in the middle and next to a set of windows as she said, "Afternoon, Trella-senpai, Bae-senpai. Anything going on?"

The REAL crazy spring has started.

As busy as she is, Minako is having a mad, mad day at having to deal with the first day of school. This, along with having to deal with someone at home with no regard to any concept of punctuality, hardly makes the first time Minako steps into high school any easier. All that matters once she is there is hearing everyone from the academic staff making long speeches about how they are supposed to be part of the future generation of leaders, among all the other talk about what they should do to set an example for everyone out there.

It takes a good while before they were shown their respective classes, and all that jazz. Oh, and there’s of course the usual rush for members by the various clubs. Minako stayed out of the whole mess, especially from those thinking that she would be an asset to the creative clubs for some reason that she does not want to elaborate on. Clubs is not something she does not want to do, more like, she just…don’t have the time for it since she have to deal with Judgment duties.

Having already shuffled her way to the part of the district, long brown hair flowing, Minako undid the buttons on her gray blazer to let in some air. She still could not get used to wearing this style of school uniform, since back in middle school it was a generic sailor style school uniform. Looks classy, but…it is going to be a little weird.

Entering the 37th’s office, Minako’s eyes shuffled between the few already assembled there. It feels…off being the youngest among the group assembled, but none of those from middle schools arrive yet. Being the youngest among the ones that attend high school, the girl looks up to the others are older brother and sister figures, having no parents or siblings to speak for herself…

“Afternoon everyone,” Minako bowed to everyone there as a greeting, before heading to her workstation, and taking her seat. “I guess everyone went okay?”

Bae listened to Trella's reply as he put the finishing touches to his cup of tea. The cheekiness he detected in her reply stalled his turning round as he dealt with the involuntary upward movement of the corners of his mouth. He regained his composure then turned round to face her, leaning against the counter. "Understood" He took a sip of his tea as she asked him about his day at school, he let out a quick sigh. "Nothing out of the ordinary, the usual scramble to sit as far away from me as possible, through either fear of my ability or dislike of my personality. Suspicion from teachers that my correct answers were picked from there minds or that of other students. And a request from one of the girls in the class to search the mind of her partner for signs of infidelity." This last example brought irritation to Bae's face. Fear and suspicion were almost natural considering his ability. But since his second year in the city the requests from others to surreptitiously obtain truths for them had steadily risen. No matter how many times he refused they always seemed to think that there problem was so earthshaking and important he couldn't refuse to violate there target's privacy and several laws for there gain alone.

Bae was shaken out of his contemplations on the frailty of human trust when he sensed the mind of one of there comrades enter his range, it was Li-Hua the straightforward Pyrokinesis user. He gratefully released the mind of the unwitting passer-by he had been using to stave off the deafening silence and refocused on the only person that seemed willing to tolerate his intrusion. The background noise dropped considerably, Li was very good at masking her mind from him, he only ever got impressions of what she was thinking or feeling at the time. As she entered the office he got a strong sense of respect for Trella and a small sense of respect for himself. She waved at the pair, greeted them and asked if there was anything going on. Bae walked out of the canteen area and sat down at his desk opposite hers before replying. "Good afternoon Li-Hua, nothing out of the ordinary it would seem." Trella's response was drowned out by the intrusion onto his concious of the ever shifting, overly active mind of Minako Kurofuji. He quickly withdrew from there contact. That girl has enough thoughts to keep three people busy. She looked at each of them as she entered the office then offered them a bow and a greeting before heading to her desk. She also asked a question but Bae decided to take a sip of tea and let the others answer first.

Trella supped on her tea as she listened to Bae's reply that was far more eventful that her own. It was her last year at school but it wasn't nearly as interesting as it could have been. Just meeting up with her friends and having to hand in homework. The fact that for the last weeks it had been her last real summer holiday was more important to her than all that really. It was normal for it to be so quiet right after terms started, everyone was too busy to get into trouble. She did worry about Bae. He was too quiet and too serious, it made talking to him hard. There was also the power that even made her uneasy sometimes, peoples minds were designed to be private, no one liked their unapproved thoughts to be in the public domain. The final part of his answer and what seemed to irk him the most made her smile. It must be easy for a guy who can read minds to make a girl happy, he should be looking out for one himself. She wouldn't say it, or, think it too loudly.

It was then that everyone else seemed to arrive. Her back was to them, looking relaxed sitting on her desk in a half lean. The first to enter was Li-Hua closely followed by Minako, both part of her team who she was quite close to. Both had questions to answer and there seemed to be enough of them to make it worth explaining. Trella stood up. Her long black hair whipped lightly along her back. She was in her uniform as working for Judgement required. Black blazer fastened with golden buttons over a cream jumper, white shirt and black bow. The pleated skirt short and black revealing silky legs that ran down plain white socks and black shoes. On her face over blue eyes a pair of red rimmed glasses that seemed to dull a little with the bright red cup held to her face. Making a point of it she counted the four of them on her fingers before going any further. Not quite enough to start, at least yet. There was a sound at the door.

There was a peek as a blonde head appeared round the door followed by a bounding blur. Hands took grip of Li-Hua's waist and from behind her a voice called out, each part accentuated. “Hong On-ee-chan.” Nell had her hands gripped around tightly, her cheek pressed into the middle of the girl's back. Then slipping sideways the youngest member let go and slipped to the side with a cheeky grin on her face. She was dressed in her school uniform, one of the few girls her age to go to a private school. Just about the only one to pay for it herself. A cream Argyll sweater with red and yellow diamonds, over a red and yellow tie in the school's colours around the neck of a while collared shirt. A red skirt making up the rest along with short ankle socks and a red shoes. The ten year old's hair was tied to either side in tails making her seem even younger. Everyone was here.

Trella smiled at the playfulness and started to speak after giving everyone a moment, “As its the new school year there isn't much going on. Everyone is busy with things so there are no major events. However as Judgement we need to be seen so we need to go out and do just that.” With a flick of her hand she picked up a window hook from its position against the wall and used it to pull down a map scroll from the ceiling. It showed a map of their section, everyone here should know it well enough. “Just take the normal patrol routes so people can see us around, keep an eye out for anything unusual.” She wouldn't be going herself, unless there was something really important there needed to be someone in the office and those really important things needed to come through her. With a smile she added, “So feel free to pair up however you want and report in every half an hour, I'll see you back here at five.” Trella sipped her tea again before placing it on her desk and starting to pull her seat out to keep working.

[OOC: Figuring out honorifics is fun. I decided to stick with standard practices, 'cept that I'm using your 'first' names, given our supposed familiarity. ]

Li turned and nodded in affirmative toward Minako-kun. She was good at her job, but she carried a lot of emotional baggage that seemed to drag her in every possible direction and had personality flares reflecting such. As such, she tend to be a challenge to deal with. "Then again, that makes things interesting..." Li thought wryly.

"Indeed," Alicia replied to Bae seconds before she felt the rear flank 'ambush.'

But she did not feel a "killing" blow on the approach and knew immediately who it was. She let Nell-chan 'attack' with a hug from behind without retaliating. Nell was another interesting person. Despite her age, she could shift between acting like a spoiled brat to an insightful adult (though those latter moments tend to be rare), even more so given her circumstances. She turned and looked down at Nell and grinned in return (though it partially turned into a smirk; old habits died hard).

She patted her blond head briefly as she said, "Afternoon, Nell-chan. I don't let most people ambush me, but I make exceptions for those I trust to cover my back." She winked at her during the latter part of the statement. She then directed her attention toward Trella-senpai. While Trella explained that general situation, Li double-checked and made sure her green Judgment armband was secure on her left sleeve. She also checked her cell phone to make sure she had the requisite speed-dial settings.

Then she placed her bag on her desk and began to make her way out as she said, "I'll take the Eastern blocks. Whoever wants to join me, come along."

A faint smile is all that Minako can come up with as a reply to the lone male senior in the branch right now, considering that the girl is having perfect knowledge of what Bae is capable of as an ability user. From the start, it has been a known fact that the senior of Korean descent is one of those with extreme telepathy abilities, capable of reading what is in someone’s mind at the snap of the moment. This is the one thing that she knows, however, for some reason Bae never managed to get a good grasp of what is going on in Minako’s mind, perhaps a result of over-thinking on the girl’s part.

Maybe I should not worry too much about simple matters like these…

Or perhaps, it does not sound too bad having some kind of telepathic ability. Minako have a huge dislike for rather annoying people, most of them guys. In fact, she can easily spot out which of these people that girls should not trust rather easily, since she can semi-read what someone could do to an unsuspecting victim. One of the challenges of working with her is that she got a well…short fuse. Perhaps having to run a household is the cause behind it, taking care of a spoiled rich girl the same age as hers, along with having a bodyguard-and-Anti-Skill operative who seems a little too happy to make fun at Minako’s expense, to watch over them.

Thankfully none of it has gone too far…for now.

Her eyes opened wide at the manner of which the newest arrival appeared. Youngest among the ones assembled, Flowers is…scratch that, she IS the youngest member of Judgment at their branch. Minako breathes a sigh of relief, that Flowers have the raw energy most of the ones here struggled to generate these days, in part of school preparations. Crossing her legs, shod in black thighhigh socks leaving very little skin exposed from the top of them to the hem of her skirt, at her seat, Minako smiled back at the appearance of the young one.

“Afternoon, Flowers,” Minako addressed the girl in a rather formal manner, something she got probably too used to doing around that place, like an annoying habit to her. The girl has heard everything about Flowers, but Minako merely brushed the issue aside out of reasons of courtesy.

At least she have a parent…

The call by Germaine somewhat shook Minako out of spacing out (sort of) for a moment, but enough for Minako to catch the contents of the briefing. At these times of the year it is not that strenuous, but there is always a chance that something might happen. Having heard what they are supposed to do, Minako made sure that her Judgment armband is pinned onto her blazer’s left sleeve, before leaving her belongings except the important ones like her purse and mobile phone on the workstation. Buttoning the buttons on her gray blazer, she turned her attention to Hong.

“Hong, I’m coming with you,” Minako stood up, and followed up to Hong’s tracks.

Bae put down his now empty cup and turned to face Trella as she stood up, counting the members who were present. He wasn't surprised when Nell came flying through the door and latched onto Li-Hua, he'd sensed her approach but decided not to spoil her ambush, taking slight enjoyment from the fact that he was not the target today, she detached herself from Li, slipped to the side and Minako, Bae and Li greeted there young compatriot "Good afternoon Nell." After one of her brief smiles that so enchanted Bae, Trella outlined the situation and there plan for the day.

Li was the first to move stating her intent to patrol the eastern sectors and Minako hurried to join her. with the pair of them gone that just left Bae and Nell. Oh well at least patrolling with Nell is never dull. He straightened his Blazer and turned to where the young girl was standing. "Then once your ready Nell shall we start with the northern sectors?"

Nell frowned a little at being picked last, it was never fun knowing that you were the least wanted even if it didn't mean anything. It wouldn't get her down though, she was too excited for it to last more than a few seconds. Stepping further away from Li and Minako, Minako being one that still called her by her last name. It gave the impression that she didn't like her very much, it was a little troubling for the young girl. Old enough to realise it but not enough to be able to explain or understand it. At least Bae would be nice to her, nothing to worry about there. Really she would have liked to go with Li but she wasn't fast enough, it wasn't fair sometimes, why couldn't she get what she wanted? No, she was a big girl, she knew the world didn't work like that, at least most of it didn't.

With a bound she moved to the young man's side, smile broad and eyes full of life. Her reply to him loud with a little pinch of extra childish tone to grate on Minako especially, “Lets go Bae Oniichan.” Nell's arms flew out with a motion to make her seem even more excited, “Lets have lots of fun today.” The green band on her arm was quite clear with her arms like this, her face beaming up at the man. She didn't care in the slightest that he could read minds, it didn't really seem to her that there was anything she was hiding, there was though. Buried away was her pain, her own constant worry hidden deep, where she could forget about it.

Trella smiled still, watching her friends get ready to go. All she did was make note of where they were going and start typing on the computer again. As they got ready to leave she added, “You all take care today.”

while waiting for Nell to be ready Bae reached into his pocket and turned on his phone, he viewed it as more of a work tool than a way to keep in touch with friends so it was off most of the time. He nodded with satisfaction as the screen lighted up with his network details and after engaging the key lock slid it back into his blazer pocket. As it turned out he didn't have long to wait as the young girl bounded over to him, her face alive with excitement. She stated her readiness to go and added outstretched arms to the excited pose. Nell was either too innocent or too young to care about his ability and that made her easy company and probably the closest to joining Trella as a true friend of those he trusted. The intent to irritate Minako came to him from her mind so he looked down at her smiling face and gave her a surreptitious wink as he spoke in a tone totally unfamiliar to him. "How could we not have fun? A patrol with Nell is never dull, your like a fun magnet!" Cringing internally as he forced the role of a comedic yes man he turned as Trella told them to take care. He nodded and said. "As always Chief." He gave her a perfect salute and started out of the office at a pace that Nell could keep up with.

Nell grinned at Bae's reaction, so full of life, like people should be. It wasn't apparent to her that he wouldn't want to be doing it. She was still of an age where she didn't quite get it when people pretend, still accepting most things at face value. Eyes still full of delight and excitement at being back with her friends after a day of school she mimicked his salute. In a series of skips she then followed him from the office, her skirt flicking out with each leap. Just before leaving she made sure to call out, "Ittekimasu," It was only polite after all. After than she closed the door behind them and kept following Bae.

Down the stairs, carefully now, making sure to hold onto the handrail as she took sure footed steps. At the bottom, the ground floor that belonged to a small accountancy office she asked, “Did you have fun at school today?” Her steps matching his though it was still a fairly quick pace. Nell had lots of fun, meeting up with friends she hadn't seen in the holiday and hearing everyone's stories. Getting to show everyone her new necklace that was hidden away under her shirt. A completely clear heart shaped diamond that had a very small heart shaped pink diamond inside at the very middle. Though no bigger than a fingernail it was Nell's proudest apiece of work so far and worth a few million Yen. Enough to live nicely on for a long time. Not that she needed the money, for a weeks work it wasn't bad at all though. It hung on a very fine silver chain around her neck, hidden for a reason.

Other than that there were new lessons on powers this year, very exiting and then there was the pool that had been renovated over the summer, and then. Her mind kept tracking like that as they walked, occupied but still listening, Bae had to have an interesting day himself hadn't he?

Li nodded toward Minako before they went downstairs and walked out toward the general direction of the east blocks. She walked in a seemingly casual manner, but her stance shifted ever so slightly. Some joked that it was her 'hunting' mode and Li couldn't argue with that. Even though this was a civilian-side duty, Li took it very seriously.

The East blocks consisted of a mix of residential and commercial properties, as there was a number of small restaurants, shops, and a supermarket near several apartment complexes, with several small tech firms on the far side. Of course, most of the people out on the street at this time were students; no surprise considering the student population percentage was about 80 here in Academy City. As they walked into the general area of the East blocks, Li turned and asked with a wry grin, "Another bad start to the school year, huh, Minako-kun?"

Following the tracks of the other girl, Minako followed Hong down the stairs from the office of their Judgment branch, heading into the open. The girl does not have anything much to say about how Hong walks, after all, Minako knows just how much of a fighter Li is compared to probably everyone else in the branch. It was said that Li can single-handedly take down several guys, and there’s nothing that would take that sort of claims away from Li.

Minako was left to bit her own lip, not having much to say in fear of offending the ever-righteous character next to her. However, it does not take that long before Li called out to Minako, asking the brown-haired girl about her first day in school. Holding a pause, Minako does not have anything – good – to say about what happened from this morning.

“Sigh. Let’s see, short version of everything,” feeling rather exasperated from what had happened; Minako begins on the madness that prevailed on the morning. “Thanks to someone at home, I’m almost late to school. That’s the start. Then, having to fend off people asking me to join their clubs just because “miss, you would do well”, and then…” taking a breather between the lines. “I got my ear blasted with ridiculous questions. They…even have the nerves to ask about my relationships,” red tints on her cheeks are developed from what is on her mind.

Li quietly listened to Minako vent while keeping an eye on their route and any potential situations, which there weren't any at the moment. She swept her hair back before she turned toward Minako and saw the girl's blushing face. She then slapped Minako's back lightly to shake up the kouhai's moody demeanor.

"I can't say much regarding your home life, since I live on my own. As for the clubs, it's a matter of perspective and assertiveness. Instead of looking at those students urging you to join their respective clubs as annoyances, think of their requests as compliments, that they think you of being worthy to 'invite' you. Of course, you'd also have to be clear that your duties with Judgment would prevent you from participating," Li advised casually, as she initially had no intention to lecture nor direct Minako as she added, "And you're right, people shouldn't pry into things like relationships, but it's likely you left that topic open to questions based on your behavior and/or activities. Or they were just too curious for their own good, perhaps."

"I went through the usual motions of the first day. It was fairly dull except at one point where I had to twist an arm of some first year bozo who tried the 'Something in your hair...' trick though he aimed low on purpose. I also stopped by to give some advice to the kendo club regarding their demonstrations for new/potential members," Li said nonchalantly. She wasn't trying to one-up Minako; it was a fair exchange to tell about her own day, as she figured Minako was a bit subdued to ask in return...

After exiting the Office and making there way down the stairs Nell asked whether his day had been fun. He thought about his answer as they walked towards the expanse of parks and schools that made up the northern districts. the flitting of her mind filled him with examples of what she wanted to hear and he struggled to modify the story he had told Trella to fit the young girls expectations, in the end he gave up and told the truth. "It was nice to see my acquaintances again after so much time, we were split into different classes this year. Luckily one of those who's fairly resistant to my ability was with me and consented to let me focus on him. That didn't stop most of my new classmates avoiding me, some were curious enough to talk to me and one tried to convince me to get some information for her, I refused politely but she didn't take it well. Oh and the teachers were suspicious of my right answers of course, they always are they just have an excuse in my case. Nothing too exciting as you can tell, How was your day Nell?" Bae's tale had carried them to the entrance of one of the parks that made up the northern districts and he took a deep breath to help calm himself and aid his concentration. He extended his ability over the area, searching for signs of trouble or danger in the minds he encountered.

Nell's steps were quiet, nimble and very quick to keep up with the adult that walked next to her. Eyes were mostly on him, other than the odd glance around at the people. It was nice to be out in this weather even if it was still a little cool, the breeze was nice. Carefully she listened to Bae's reply, glad that it was good and there were positives. It wasn't fair that people were scared of him though. He didn't do anything wrong his ability was just his ability. He wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone and he wouldn't tell anyone anything, so what did it matter if he knew? Knowing the answers to questions was a problem though, the answer seemed simple enough to her. Just have a different teacher write the questions, then just hand them out. The fact that Bae could take the answers from other students escaped her.

In return he asked her about her own day, what to say, there was so much to choose from. Placing a loose fist to her lips she thought for a while before giving her answer, picking the most exciting bits. “Milly has a new kitten that is really cute, its got black and grey stripes and big yellow eyes.” She pointed at her own as if words weren't enough, “My friend Kaito must be at least a level two now, he can make the wind blow across the room and we even have a new teacher. He has glasses and is really cool, he was teaching us about the solar system and had us all stand up and intact it rather than just listen. I got to be the Moon.” A smile spread across her face, her thoughts almost all being verbalised now. “We also had a swimming lesson, and I got to help everyone in our English Lesson.” Then with an almost regrettable tone she asked, “How do you think I should go about being a Level two?” Nell didn't dislike the fact she was only a Level 1, it was just that she would like to be more, especially now that one of her friends was more powerful.

Minako was left wondering about what her senior basically told her about why there would be differences in how seniors treat the juniors on the first day of school. Li is right, Minako realized that half of the time she is just taking things a bit too…literally, so to speak, and to think that her mind is full of useless nuances would be an understatement. She is more worried about Chitose at home though, that girl is pretty much out of control in terms of being moderate…

If there’s one thing about having Chitose to overshadow Minako at school, it’s a good thing because all the attention shifts to the other. She is never interested with what her in-house companion does outside of school hours, though it does get worrying because the other girl is always in company of random groups.

“I guess you’re right,” making a smile on her face as a sign of regained confidence, after all, half of her issues are rather pointless given that she got a job to do in Judgment, just like how she already is. What she did not expect is that, Li is way more…assertive about male seniors trying their tricks?

“Suppose that teaches him a lesson not to simply mess with you,” Minako puts her own two cents into the story. “Perverts like those are the most annoying, especially when they go ALL OUT to do their brand of rubbish,” she speaks her mind, feeling a bit crossed, and uncomfortable about the subject…she did have the ‘opportunity’ to run into groups of them during school.

The concern Nell felt for him was quite touching and her innocent, untarnished view on his ability made him smile. If we all kept that childhood innocence humans would probably be a much better species and the world a happier place. Bae split his concentration between scanning the area and listening to Nell, filtering out the innocent minds as he detected them. She talked about her day, the joy she took in describing one friends cat, the progression of the ability of another and her new teacher and his lesson. Then she asked a question he had not expected. Bae's concentration was shattered as his mind went back to the horrific way in which his home nations scientists had raised his own ability level. The look of pain on his face was undisguised but short, he soon regained his composure and framed a response based on his own attempts since his move to academy city. "First of all have patience, it's not going to happen overnight, level fives weren't born as level fives. Practice, belief, determination to surpass there previous mark and even love of what they can do with there power pushed them to grater heights. I believe that if we do the same we will someday join there ranks." Bae scratched his head, he was surprised by the conviction he had heard in his voice and slightly embarrassed by his intensity he spoke again. "That's just my personal opinion though you might want to ask the others too." They had made there way deep into the park and were taking a path beside a large boating lake. Bae took a deep breath to settle himself and set himself back to the task at hand, re-establishing his concentrated scan of the area.

Nell looked on politely as Bae spoke with an answer to her question that mostly missed the point she was asking. Just about every one of her teachers had said the same thing to her before but it wasn't what she meant by asking the question. It was nice words still but at the end all Nell could do was look confused and reply in her own sweet way, “I know all that. But you don't get to be a good runner just by wishing really hard and waiting do you?” The little girl smiled at the implication that he wasn't being realistic. “What should I actually be doing, there must be other things than just making gems right? Like meditate under a waterfall, fight wild bears or breaking diamonds by looking at them, that sort of thing.” She wasn't expecting to ever be a Level 5, Nell just wanted to get better at her gift however far it took her. It was profitable already, she was never going to lack for money in her life. More importantly it was something she took great pride in and anything to improve it was a bonus, bonuses that she looked for.

Now though she looked out over the water trying to work it out for herself. It wasn't just as simple as just waiting and doing the same things over and over again for years, there had to be more to it. If it was that simple then everyone would end up with higher level powers, most people stayed around one or two though. She wasn't old enough to really accept that that was just the way of the world, that there wasn't some trick to it all. The waters were clam, the wind peaceful and the sky a mottled grey-white. There was a rowing-boat out on the lake, a few birds around, nice. Looking back to Bae Nell walked placing one foot in front of the other on an invisible line listening for his answer

"Indeed. And they lack the intelligence and common sense to not do such things...unless you teach them the hard way. And even then, some just don't take the 'hint'," Li replied, mentally noting Minako's discomfort. As they entered deeper into the East blocks, Li quietly moved along the nearest street which would start their patrol 'route."

"Enough chatting around, I suppose, considering that we have our ever-important duty," Li said as she casually checked several side streets and alleyways. She also waved in greeting to some of the shop owners, most of whom were elderly.

"Tch," Minako groaned at the last comment made by Li over what she have said. The other girl is right; some people just have to be taught the hard way, be it a random bully or someone with 'decent level of training'. Brushing the issue aside, Minako followed the tracks of the lead into the start of their patrol route, noting that today would be a bit busy.

"Guess so," constantly checking for any signs of danger, nothing shot into her mind as to what could happen next. The side streets and alleyways concerned are empty right now, stragglers probably finding their business elsewhere. Anything happens, she could just call up the man at home for help.

Passing by the shop owners, she only take small bows and smiled back at them. None of them are too familiar to her, unlike Li.

Bae was not surprised when Nell doubted his statement. Even those his own age refused to believe it was that simple and though he never said it to there faces he considered that the reason for there lack of progress. He smiled as she gave him examples of what she thought would provide advancement. her mind was running the problem over and over again, deducing the stumbling block that made most people disbelieve - if it was that simple why isn't everyone higher in level. Bae sighed and wrestled with how to respond to the youngsters doubt "It's pretty hard to believe isn't it? I had trouble with it myself to start with. I thought to myself, just as you do. If it's that simple why doesn't everyone reach the higher levels? From what I have learned, on the path through the levels you encounter walls, some people break through them but for some reason most don't. Some lose patience and give up, some get frustrated and try to force it, usually doing more harm than good and others get distracted by other factors in there lives."

Bae scratched his head and sat on a nearby bench, gesturing for Nell to join him. "I'll give you an extreme example. I was thirteen years old when I arrived in Academy city and my power was completely out of control." Bae's voice took on a pained tone. "I wont go into detail because it's too painful for me to speak about, but I had been forced up to level two and the minds around me constantly threatened to overwhelm me with there thoughts and emotions." He sighed as he quickly scanned the area with his eyes and mind. "After my first system scan they referred me to a specialist in telepathic abilities. I struggled for months under his guidance to wrestle my ability into control. When I mastered my ability I was overjoyed, I could finally stem the endless tide of feelings and emotions." Bae chuckled as he remembered the mistake he had made "At first I shut down my ability completely but the silence that left behind was painful, so I usually keep at least one friendly mind in contact at all times. The specialist said I had succeeded in pushing through the wall that was impeding my development. If not for pushing through that wall I would probably be either dead or completely insane in an asylum somewhere." Trying to lighten the mood after his rather grim example he turned to Nell "I'm glad I pushed through that wall, thanks to that I met you and the rest of our team. Speaking of which we'd better get moving, don't want them to think were not doing our duty." Bae waited for Nell to join him before moving on through the park.

Normally Nell was quite polite and would look at whoever was speaking, Bae just had so much to say though. She listened but before they even sat down more than half of it had been forgotten, was this heading back to the fact that there wasn't an answer? The girl just wanted someone to tell her something else that was useful for her skills. Not a lecture that wanting to be a higher level made you a weak person. Still she listened as best she could and took a seat on the bench when Bae motioned her to do so. Her concentration peaked when his tone changed, she'd heard parts of the story before, it was more exciting than most peoples. However it was on a completely different tangent than her question. Nell didn't understand, it had all taken so long though that the idea in her head was long lost.

The girl stayed quiet for a while, not really knowing what to talk about after a life lecture so long and not understood by her. There weren't any ducks, that was about it and she wasn't going to say that after the tone Bae had taken. So silence prevailed, for a little while, the mood quite broken. After about a minute something unexpected happened. There was a rushing hiss, turning to look Nell could see what it was, very strange. A column of water shot up from the far side of the lake. It was slender, only about a meter across but quite high. Enough to gather attention from the other people around the water. Rather unsure she looked up at Bae, what was this?

-------

From the alleyway at the end of the row of shops there was a shriek of a teenage girl. Seconds later she staggered out backwards into the street, hands over her face. Coming to a stop she dropped to her knees, face still covered. Brown hair cascaded over her shoulders over a plain school uniform of a white shirt and blue skirt.