[22]

[windswrath]

[ It's evening and Saleh's outside, bundled up in his new jacket and his scarf. He's sitting on a bench and watching the snowflakes as they fall in the light of the lamp posts. As if he's conducting an orchestra, he waves his fingers to manipulate his Force, which causes the snow to swirl and mix in midair. ]

Comments

[vectortime]

[accelerator was out buying some of his favorite canned coffee (he likes it better than brewed, weirdo), and now he was on his way back. since he doesn't rely on his ability all the time anymore, he too was pretty bundled up. though while his entire outfit was black, there was a pink scarf around his neck. last order probably got him to put it on before he left. he doesn't mind.

anyway, as he comes up to saleh's little show, he stares for a moment, wondering just what the hell he was looking at--until he finally glances to the side and sees just who the conductor is.]

... Son of a...

[vectortime]

[you son of a--]

Haah?

[windswrath]

One: you only acknowledge or point out your handicap when it is convenient for you.

Two: you seem to insult me whenever I have a point or the edge in a conversation.

[vectortime]

Hah! Look at you, Mr. Analytical! Having fun analyzing me as always, huh?

Maybe I'll concede to number two, but you're hardly right about number one.

[windswrath]

You're not the only person I analyze, but certainly one of the more fun ones.

Really now? While I'm not definite on the reasoning behind it, it certainly seems like a plausible argument.

[vectortime]

You know what my ability is, don't you? With a power like that why don't I just walk through without a care? Don't go assuming I use the condition I'm in as a convenience.

[windswrath]

Then why don't you walk through without a care, rather than bringing up your handicap?

[vectortime]

Truthfully I'd rather not tell you, but if I don't you'll just keeping assuming things which just pisses me off even more.

[taps his choker.]

You know what this does, don't you?

[windswrath]

Based on our previous encounter, I'd have to say it controls your ability, among other things you probably lost during that shooting.

[ "Other things" being his ability to walk. He doesn't know about the other losses. ]

[vectortime]

I got brain damage. My speech and calculation abilities were ruined as a result. Moving, talking, comprehension in general--I can't do any of it without this choker.

[windswrath]

You seem fine now, other than needing a crutch to walk. However you don't seem to be able to use your ability, so there must be another setting, other than "off." In fact, I even witnessed you switching it to that setting where you are practically invincible.

I will admit to not knowing why you don't leave it on that setting though. Why burden yourself?

[vectortime]

There is. But back home the battery only lasts for 15 minutes if I use my ability. 48 hours without using it. There's no limit to it in this place. But...

[he pauses, just staring at saleh for a moment--contemplating if he should say anything. well... the railgun already knows, if he doesn't tell him there's the chance she could.]

... The way this choker works is by borrowing the processing power of the Misaka Network.

[while accelerator's never said anything about his feelings on the experiment to saleh, that remark might be enough to make one wonder...]

[windswrath]

...

[ Saleh slowly pieces it together in his mind, based on what he's heard from Mikoto. No grin; his face is completely blank. ]

[vectortime]

Even though I could leave this thing on all day, I'd rather not. I'm borrowing the processing power from other people, I shouldn't have the right to abuse it.

... Especially considering who they are.

[windswrath]

... And considering that you're especially close to one of them?

[vectortime]

[ohhhhh no. back the fuck up.]

Come again?