Jonathan approached the Yakuza outpost and the thugs stopped him only for a second. He revealed a specific tattoo that was made with magic, over his right pectoral. The Tattoo was only given to those deemed as family within the Yakuza. Of course the men called ahead and made sure he was legit. Once they did that they all shared some Rice Sake. Jonathan partook and drank a few with them. Soon they got orders to send him to a woman. Once he got there he was greeted by a fairly cute female. Of course most women would seem like little girls to Jonathan, he being older than most.

"So, Jonathan-san, what is someone like you doing here with...those MPC do-gooders?" her voice was still accented.

“The MPC are peacekeepers. But if you believe that where you are isn’t good then I think you need to ask yourself, why? Perhaps you could simply say that honor makes you stay but I’m sure that you just like to kill. Most new blood Yakuza are just punks wanting to prove themselves. Again I say most.” He said noting that she was of higher or high enough rank to have a certain position. He bowed to her as in the old customs and walked a little closer. He stopped once he noticed her move uncomfortably.

“What’s up with that clothing you have hanging around? We lost some students of mine, care to share?” He asked and she knew of what clothing he spoke of.

"I know nothing of said students, but I think I know a clue; you see, just a few hours ago, a man - he looked white, with vague body language, and two Orichalcum-loaded pistols on his hip, spoke to me, paying us an absurd amount of money to hang up several pieces of clothing up a flagpole. Obviously, I knew something was up, but there was so much credits at stake." She smiled and informed him.

“Could you tell me about this man?” He asked looking at her eyes, although she didn’t look back into his. She tried not to stare into his eyes. It was said that specific mages had the Third Eye or could Soul Gaze into someone through direct eye contact.

"He, specialized in three or four Schools, instead had weaker versions of all Nine, giving him limited resistance to Magic. It seemed to be his prime defense, along with Fatesilk and Dura-Ceramic armor. Oh, and he spoke of meeting up with several men in Manila..." She informed him. He bowed and called in his ship, the Glyph. As soon as he was picked up he headed Manila. He plotted the course in the using the navigation computer and then went into his chambers. He closed his eyes he began to meditate. He couldn’t lose focus like he did before, that would get people killed.

GM Post

Leslie paced back and forth, before saying to Ibrahim:

"I don't know what to do; should I remind Ascot that the Yakuza facility is shipping young girls off to prostitution, causing him to go on an offensive, or should I obey the original, technically pacifistic laws of the MPC? On second thought; I should just alert the Police in Manila - I'm sure the guys there must have rebuilt the force by now; after all, that international aid wasn't for nothing."

"Already did," spoke Ibrahim, "The police are sending a skiff in a day or so. The Yakuza, as well as the Mafia, try to vanish as quickly as possible, but the more entrenched the base is, and the more sophisticated Magitech they have, well, let's just say that it'll take a while for them to pack up." He then smiled brightly. "So, as you can see, there is no dilemma."

Ascot, meanwhile, messaged Jonathan telepathically, saying:

What did you find?

Flashback

Myriad and the others had been walking through the forest, investigating a strange noise. The three were good 'fighters', Myriad had his own Fate Magic and his 'secret ability', and they were not going so far from the camp, meaning that they thought they were safe. Then, the group were jumped by several camoflague-clad troops, all of who seemed to come out of nowhere, using flash grenades, followed by dart guns. Myriad lasted the longest thanks to his 'intangibility'...before one of the troops addressed him:

"Well, kid, seems you got the hang of using that ability of yours. Too bad you're not the only one who's intangible." Myriad knew that voice; it was one of the Special Forces who trained him! Major Perry Goldsmith of the NSA, his name was, and to find him among the terrorists who were attacking the group - for Myriad was speculating that the attackers were terrorists, it was a betrayal.

But, what did he mean when -

"Li, do it now!" shouted Perry as one of his companions stopped shooting and instead, summoned a Ghost, a Ghost that Myriad didn't know, but felt familiar to him...perhaps due to his facial similarities to the ghost.

"I died because of you!" Myriad's father - not that Myriad knew who he was - said, his ghostly hands being able to touch the young man's intagible form. "I died because you were a disappointment! And now your mother rots in prison, all because you were born the wrong way!"

"Stop...stop..." spoke Myriad as he fell unconcious, losing his intangibility as he did so...

Unknown Compound, Present

Myriad, Nao, and Alexandria woke up, the first person in new clothes; had someone changed them when he was asleep? If so, that was a violation of his privacy, same for the Supression Cuffs that bound their wrists, Supression Cuffs made up of all Nine Schools of Magic. The three had been sleeping on the floor, inside a cold, but relatively dry room that seemed to be used for storage, and before them was a blast door that was made of heavy steel. It seemed that they had been captured.

"Myriad..." spoke Nao, "where are we?" The young man, as well as his female companion, seemed to look upon him for leadership as they usually did. As for said female companion, she voiced:

"Seems like a secret storage room; used for hiding trafficked persons - Augh! Are we going to be...trafficked?!" Alexandria was beside herself with fear. Myriad, meanwhile, looked at his new clothes, and spoke:

"I don't think that's their purpose for us; if that's the case, then they would not have given me new clothes once they took my old ones away - and yes, they did take my old ones away." Alexandria blushed at the thought of Myriad in his undies, which caused Nao to raise his eyebrow in slight jealousy, before remembering the group's real priorities - getting out of here.

"Anyway, My," Nao broke in, "I saw it; I saw your Phantom act just before I fell unconcious. Care to explain?"

Myriad's eyes bulged. He had been told to kill anyone who found out about his secret, by Major Perry himself - and he held no loyalty to Major Perry anymore once the man had revealed his betrayal; it was safe to tell Nao and Alexandria.

"Well," he spoke, "it's a long story..."

No matter how much he wanted to just be that asshole he claimed to be. He couldn’t and wouldn’t lose anyone who ever looked up to him. People he trained and called him teacher, sensei, master and any other word that means anything like that. He was just a big softy inside and he knew it. It was sad that his training and past clouded this. As he meditated he could hear Ascot’s voice in his mind. At first it sounded like it was coming from the other side of a tunnel. After a few moments the words finally began to sound clear as if he were there with him.

“What did you find?” Ascot asked.

“Apparently our hidden adversary is a generalist with weak versions of all schools, giving him limited resistance and shielding to magic. He also has Fatesilk and Dura-Ceramic Armor. Supposedly he is headed to Manila to meet with several men. I am thinking that his friends must have done the same. As of now I’m on my way to the meeting location. I will bring the young ones back.” He thought, as it was the only way to speak telepathically. Ascot would be able to feel his emotions through the connection, only because they were close, well, kind of.

He moved to the cockpit after the discussion with Ascot. He was focused and took control of the ship making it go faster. He would soon reach his destination but would he be too late?

The situation the kids were in was in no way unimportant to Omega. After all he got to observe the kids not to mention his past influenced him to not allow any more of his kind to be created. Thus he decided to act, though in a way he wouldn't be detected. One thing you should know about Omega is that once he sets out to do something he does the task as fast and stealthily as possible.

The man, currently residing in Ascot's shadow, frowned. He could easily just pul the children into his realm the drop them off onto the ship. The only problem with that approach was the questions that undoubtedly would be asked, but first and foremost their young minds would get warped if they got pulled into where he resided. The realm of spirits leaves an impression no matter how powerful someone is.

He shook his head. No he had more indirect approach he could use. He left the task of guarding the young ones to his familiars, while he would message some kind need to the others. The thing now was to get it, that though would be less of a problem, even with the interference within the facility they were held in.

Both Kaena and Sanu agreed to take this task and departed. Fortunately they didn’t need any explanations due to the connection between the three of them. Passing as normal animals As they infiltrated the compound was relatively easy for the duo. Not only were they stealthy but also they could easily deceive humans due to their ability to use magic, not to mention Omega equipped them with mana crystals and magic stealth devices.

The two familiars would go to where the kids were held and join them. Keeping them safe from harm, after all they were able to fight and decide the humans planning to get there with fate and other magics they could use. To the kids they'd relay Omega's message. "I'm a friend, the others will come for you soon, my familiars will protect you so don't be alarmed."

The magic interference in the facility was problematic and caused by makes rather than machines, this Omega was sure of. There were at least two or three mages, not to mention the spirits were restless, meaning that a necromancer was on the premises or at least not too long ago.

Once Omega compiled the information on the facility, the children and the enemy he sent it to the ship. Of course he would mention he's keeping an eye on the kids and would advise a direct approach but to be careful. He used one of the lines prepared just for passing information so they should accept it. Not to mention the systems they used were really familiar to him.

Hibiscus crossed her arms, glowering as the kid and the teacher spoke. The decided on action and proceeded immediately. She didn't mind that her suggestion was brushed off, she could use her strength for something other than a field-trip into death, and the two were her superior officers after all, it was the way they spoke about the situation. They were eager to fight, to play with the Yakuza, before determining if the pay-off would be worth it. It could very well be a trap or an entirely pointless endeavor. An endeavor that the Samurai would apparently take on alone...

The hound sniffed and growled at his shadow as he passed, but the action went largely unnoticed.

She found herself in the company of Leslie, Ibrahim, Ascot, and still the trees. She stuffed her seeds into her pocket, still unsure of what to do with them.

She crossed to a case of saplings, young bright things, with tiny prickly pine leaves. Not sharp enough to cut, but enough to annoy and make your hands sticky with their life's sap. Hibiscus winced and ran her hands over her coat, trying to get the sap off them.

"What needs to be done to finish up here? Do you want me to look around and make sure everyone is accounted for? There might be more missing... or extra persons in our midst still."

Kchree, kchree, kchree, kchree...

It was a very rhythmic sound, and very mechanical. A sleek, white mechanical walker strode through the forest. It was full of glowing blue lights, too. A crystal adorned the front of the mechanical creation, glowing with a light from within. Attached to the central, open-cockpit pod were four limbs: two arms, two legs. The arms were equipped for the task of planting saplings, with the right arm meant to pull dirt from the ground and then drop it gradually, while the left was designed to place the sapling within the hole. The legs were a lightweight reverse-joint design, and the footprint was 3 concentric horseshoes.

"How much farther, Vortex?"

"We're on our final approach now."

The energy spirit she called forth during that incident... Vortex. It was hard for Serenity to say whether she gave her the name or not. Whatever the case, Vortex had incredible capabilities Serenity found thrilling that she was, even now, exploring. The spirit could, through the crystal attached to the front of this machine, power and control it. What's more, Vortex could memorize blueprints and utilize any magitech attached to the machine at will. The one thing Vortex seemed to lack was her own desires, which... what was the nature of this entity, in the first place?

The girl rode her mechanical creation in, slowing down and taking more careful steps. Vortex was making small adjustments to avoid stepping on anything, but being careful couldn't hurt. "Hey, am I late?" Serenity smiled from the cockpit and accessed the holographic menu interface installed in the cockpit. She taps it a couple times and the two arms start to disintegrate. The magitech Matter engine built into the central pod was taking them apart and storing the materials for later use. The walker carefully positions itself before bending at the knee joints, lowering the cockpit to the ground and letting Serenity climb down and join the others on foot. As her seat turns and she climbs out, the others can see it's nice and padded.

GM Post

As the Glyph entered Manila, Jonathan can sense his power being increased, far beyond any Desmene that he had ventured into before; unless of course, he'd gone to either Manila or Pearl Harbor in his past. Was this what a Mega-Demesne felt like? If so, it empowered him, to almost intoxicating levels. He had to make remember, if he would be empowered, so would his enemies, and they had the advantages of infrastructure.

Thankfully, this was also the time when Omega's message got to the Glyph, as well as the Alfred Nobel and Ascot's Base Camp. The compound where the three kids were kept in was indeed in one of Manila's shipping districts, where magitech, handicrafts, and 'traditionally grown' foodstuffs flowed to and from the city. It was at the bottom of an Import-Export business, a minor establishment whose propeitors had been subjected to Mind Control.

Said propeitors were at the front of the establishment, going about their business, not realizing that they have been turned into a conduit for smuggling people - yes, this place had been used for that purpose more than once. Either way, as the Glyph drew closer, Jonathan would have to discover some way of infiltrating the facility; it wouldn't do to cause a public commotion now that he was a part of the MPC...

Inside the Facility

"I see," spoke Alexandra with compassion. "So, basically, you lost your memories, found out that you had an ability that would turn you into a weapon, and was put in foster care while at the same time being trained by NSA Agents. You were also advised by one of them, the same one who betrayed you, to kill whoever found out your secret. Gods, Myriad, your story's sad...although I'm miffed that, apparently, you may have pondered killing us."

"I'm miffed too," voiced Nao. "But, yeah, I can understand how you feel, Myriad. Anyway, we need to ponder an escape plan. You're the one with NSA training; how would you try and get out of here?" But, before Myriad can answer, two...(edit: Talking Animals) just came in, a cat and a fox. They were carrying a message from a person who seemed to be friendly to the MPC, perhaps one of Ascot's contacts?

Myriad sighed; he was already on the early stages of coming up with an escape plan. But, realizing that he shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, he began asking the two familiars a crucial question:

"Can you get these Suppression Cuffs off us? Not only do they chafe, but they prevent us from using our powers at all, which is what we'll need if we're to escape from this place." The cuffs can be broken with enough brute force, but that might cause some noise...

Aurora Province

Ascot felt a little ashamed that he just brushed off Hibiscus' suggestion; he and Jonathan had been a bit overeager; that, and he was a bit too certain that Myriad and Co. weren't dead; if they were, Amelia would have sensed it, and informed him through comms. But enough of that; he had been neglecting Hibiscus without wanting to - he liked her, and considered her experiences valuable. The boy finally answered:

"That would be a good idea," he was in better emotional shape now. "I should probably make sure that we're not so distracted that we, well, don't lose any more members. Plus, you might need to inform a few, especially those at the outer parts of the clearing, of the news." He noted the new member, Serenity; was she here yet? He had been told earlier that she was working on her own project...

Suddenly, the group heard the sounds of a machine coming closer, rumbling and glowing as it aproached. Ascot smiled when he saw what it was - Serenity and her project! And it was a good project, too; a 'planting machine' that sowed saplings as though they were sprouts, ran and powered by a Spirit, a genius fusion of Science and Magic. The boy would have spoken, if Leslie hadn't broke in:

"Serenity!" the well-built woman shouted. "Glad to see ya! Anyway, something bad has happened; Hibiscus will explain the news." There was no trace of negativity when saying Hibiscus' name; Leslie didn't want to bring her...issues with Necromancy out in the open when talking to Serenity - she cared for the girl that much, and perhaps even admired her a little.

Hibiscus crossed to where the new arrival and Leslie stood... and Serenity. White hair, golden-coin eyes, spiffy red outfit, and a huge Mecha.

No wonder Leslie was so smitten. Hibiscus turned to Leslie. "Sure Les, I'll get her up-to-speed. In the meantime, send this boat a list of everyone we need to account for." Her face remained a neutral mask, her voice was low and gravely. Then she turned away from Leslie and walked toward the machine.

Hibiscus was not a fan of all this newfangled technology, however, there was no question in her mind that that thing was the fastest way to get around the forest. Hibiscus squinted and leaned forward, trying to better see the light of the shimmering crystal... or was she glaring?

"Can I call shotgun? Or am I riding up-top cowboy style?" Hibiscus turned to Serenity now. Her undead hound approached the parked machine, calmly sniffing one of it's long legs.

Omega planned to wait till Jonathan was closer to take any action, after all he knew that by himself he wouldn’t be able to protect the children while fighting. He sighed inwardly as he could just kill the enemies, however he promised Ascot he wouldn’t take any lives as to not complicate the situation with the MPC. Though from various sources he knew that it wouldn’t be long now, not to mention the kids could probably take care of themselves... That is if the more powerful targets wouldn’t be there. Omega shook his head ”Targets... I’m beginning to slip back into my old self. I should have just...” He cut off.

Sanuta and Kaena relayed what they heard and saw to him, fortunately the realm of spirits allowed a lot of leeway when it came to time. Omega scratched his chin wondering what the duo he sent would do. He smiled as their intent was rather clear to him. The two are as mischievous as ever. Chuckling slightly as he just watched, after all the two were given free reign and could do what they wanted, provided they kept the kids safe.

The two familiars just looked at each other after they heard a question. The kids would then telepathically hear two voices, each having a pleasant yet different melody to them, both different in tone and intensity than the one that spoke to them before. ”We can do that, but force won’t really be necessary, nor will there be noise.” Said the first voice, it had a mischievous undertone and belonged to the fox, which looked at the trio intently. The cat slightly nudged the fox, as if sighing, then took over. ”Our master equipped us with a many abilities.” That said the duo moved in closer to release the children.

”Don’t try to escape by yourselves yet, help is coming so just sit tight.” said Sanuta. ”Yes, yes~ Or we’ll have to restrain you and you wouldn’t like that~” Kaena added. Frankly the two familiars hoped to get some action, it was a long time since their master allowed them to use their magic freely. Still for now they waited as completing their mission was of utmost importance.

That said removing the cuffs was easy, after all their master thought them how to deconstruct both magic and objects, though it needed several schools of magic, which of course they could use due to their unique physiology. The first process was to neutralize the binding and magic nullification spell. A simple counter spell composed of the same schools of magic as the cuffs were engraved with would do the job. Of course they took care that if any monitoring spell or device was added they'd make it send a permanent all is well signal before disabling it. The second process was to remove the cuffs, which normally would need them to be destroyed but the trick was decomposition. In nature everything would be decomposed given enough time. The trick was to accelerate the process but to limit it to the target, which was hard to do if you didn’t know the trick to it. Needless to say the kids were freed of their bonds in a couple of moments.

As Jonathan got closer to his destination he flicked a button marked Stealth. He used his power to stretch out to the wildlife. This action was probably making him a beacon to the enemies as he approached. Thankfully the stealth mode of the Glyph would create a mirage of a flock of birds. Other birds from the lands below joined in and made a huge force of birds. On the ground wildlife of all kinds moved towards the complex. He could feel each life he asked for help coming to his aid. He didn’t like to control the creatures but instead gave them suggestions.

As he got closer to the complex he felt strange. It was as if he was stronger within this area. This could be very bad or very good depending on what happened. Instead of using his blood magic he would rely on his beast forms. He made sure the ship was calibrated to fly on its own and not too quickly as to look strange. Once finished he put on his special battle suit. This suit would form with his body if he chose to transform into any kind of creature. It would take on the creature’s characteristics; Skin tone, skin color, hide thickness and also change shapes. He let out a low sigh as he visualized the creature everyone called demon. It was a splice of many of nature’s most fearful creatures.

“Open hatch when we get over the base. Scan for their bio signatures and verify, then send me their location.” He said to Amethyst.

“I am worried about them as well Jonathan.” She tried to comfort him, he looked back and smiled. “Scanning has begun and we are on course. Base located below.”

“Thank you.” He whispered and he jumped. Once he was out the ship went into cloaking mode, its door closed. He fell through the air turning into one of the many birds in the area.

“Why not just use the power you know is there?” He twitched at the thought, another demon. His past self would have relished in a battle like this. Going berserk and using every kind of magic he had to enhance himself. He plummeted towards the ground and all the birds followed him as he did. He pulled up right before smashing into one of the guards. It seems that his actions didn’t go unnoticed. But they didn’t really get mobilized quickly. The swarm of sparrows mostly scared the guards. They for whatever reason wouldn’t open fire upon birds. He darted into the entrance as it opened. Once within he transformed into one of the guards he saw. The one barking orders outside. Slowly he withdrew his power and in doing so all of the animals broke off and left the area.

He walked up to one of the people at a reception desk or what looked like one.

“Where are the prisoners being held again?” He asked as if he had forgotten. The persons hawk like eyes shifted over him, some young woman.

“Damn it David I have told you three times now.” She scolded Jonathan and pulled out a piece of paper. “There so you don’t have to ask again.” He smiled at her and took the paper although she didn’t let it go.

“Yes?” He asked as if waiting for something.

“Well, where is my kiss. No one cares and besides no one is around.” She said blushing slightly.

“Don’t worry later tonight I will kiss you all over.” As he said these words she went beat red and coughed. Making it look as if she was doing something important. He studied the paper and began to walk. He was somewhat surprised that he happened to transform into someone with such a cute girlfriend. He made it to a gate with a guard stationed.

“Attention! Falling asleep on the job again!” Jonathan yelled at the obviously unaware man, sounding like a drill instructor. The man fumbled with a book on his lap and stood to attention. Jonathan’s eyes surveyed the man and he slapped the man everywhere.

“Sloppy!” He said slapping the poor young man’s back.

“Tuck in that shirt!” He yelled as the man did so and he smiled at him.

“Good, I think you should take a little stretching break, get the blood flowing again. It will probably be good for you.” He said and the man saluted and ran off. Once he was gone he found the keys on the ground. He must have dropped them when he was fumbling with his book. Something was off… This was a little too easy.

Serenity raised her head from the menu when she heard Leslie speak. Something happened while she was away...? She needed to get to the ground so she could talk with Hibiscus, then. The young woman climbed down the ladder carefully built into the side of the leg. Only when it was set down, like this, did the ladder really look like anything.

As she rounded the machine, to find her informant, she felt Vortex shift uneasily. While the two couldn't communicate without some form of external medium, Serenity could... sense Vortex, somehow. It was hard to explain without talking about philosophy first. But, that feeling set her a little on edge. She stepped to the front of the machine, waiting a moment before she'd speak. "Hibiscus."

"Can I call shotgun? Or am I riding up-top cowboy style?"

That's what she wanted to discuss now? "I... don't have any designs with passenger seating, so... Er, you're supposed to be briefing me on something, right? We can discuss passenger arrangements later." She eyed the dog sniffing her machine, once. She didn't really like Necromancy, herself, but it had its uses... she supposed. There were other ways of getting things done, though.

"What happ-" Serenity had raised a hand to lay on the side of her machine, and found a handle materialized for her to put her hand on. She looked at the handle, then the crystal, and after a beat turned her gaze back to Hibiscus. "Uh... what happened while I was away?"

Hibiscus listened to the pilots reply. Briefing? The necromancer shrugged. She was trying to save time, figuring that they would be able to walk-and-talk, but she supposed she could keep the story short and simple.

"Three of our members have been kidnapped during this operation. We are going to take a walk to make sure that everyone else is accounted for. It is possible that there are more missing, they used some sort of magic to keep us from noticing for awhile, but I think or awareness of the situation will counteract those kinds of spells. We are basically taking attendance." That kind of magic worked best when it had the element of surprise, a strong will and correct information were the best antidote.

Hibiscus eyed the magic handle that appeared on the machine for it's pilot to lean upon. How convenient. "I can hang on the outside of the machine. The hound will follow and scout. Leslie is going to send us a list of people, probably to your computer." Signed with a smiley face no doubt. "That's all I know, so if you have any other questions ask the Kid, or someone." Hibiscus stepped aside so that the pilot could speak with Ascot, Leslie, or Ibrahim if she wished.

The necromancer would look at the machine, it had made a ladder for the pilot, and then a handle. Did it have some sort of sentience? Or was it responding to the telepathic commands of it's pilot, Serenity?

In either case, she didn't think it wise to touch the thing without invitation. The hound, as if having the same thought, trotted away from the machine and began to walk in a large circle around them, beginning to scout already. Hibiscus wanted to get going, but she'd have to wait for Serenity.

GM Post

For Hibiscus, Ascot, and Serenity, all will be well, at least, once Hibiscus explained the bad news to the young woman. Of course, knowing how anti-social the young woman was, she might not want to respond to Hibiscus' (or Leslie's) attempts at forging a friendship. But, apparently, that worry was wrong, at least for now, because Serenity's mind was focused on the present 'business'.

Anyway, if Serenity asked further questions, Ascot would be glad to answer them; elaborating more on Hibiscus' (very good) explanation, saying that the enemy were powerful, experienced terrorists, and that they had tried to frame a nearby Yakuza base for the kidnapping, signifying that they must have some smarts. Also, that Jonathan, one of the other teachers, was going to the Capital, Manila, to retrieve the missing students...

Unknown Compound

"Thanks, guys," spoke Nao to the talking animals while Alexandria looked at the fox with a longing gleam in her eye - she wanted to hug it. Myriad, meanwhile, sighed at the thought of not being able to escape yet, but, at the same time, had...faith(?) that Ascot and Jonathan would rescue them soon. So, for now, while he waited, he would relax; there were things he needed to think about, after all.

The shade who had strangled him to unconciousness, the shade that was eerily similar to him in facial features...was that someone related to him, perhaps even his father - his birth father? If so, perhaps there was a connection to his lost memories; lost memories that he can bring back using the Mind School! But, should he? It was hinted that those memories were painful, very much so...

Suddenly, the two heard footsteps heading towards them; could it be rescue, or their captors checking up on them? Thinking quickly, Myriad cast an illusion hiding the familiars, as well as showing them as cuffed. But, thankfully, when the door opened, it would be Jonathan; the man would back to his original form, Myriad too would dispel the illusion, and he, Nao, and Alexandria would hug their mentor.

Anyway, to continue: The group would then try and move from the room they were in, only to realize that the corridors seemed to have changed and shifted halfway; the Building's Spirit seemed to be on the side of the would-be captors, it seemed. Not merely that, but every so often, a shot would ring out, either from the ground below or the ceiling above, or from the corners.

This technique was called phasing; a less powerful, less practical version of Myriad's intangibility. Basically, the idea was that one uses Timespace to 'swim' inside a surface of a structure, then emerge for short gasps in order to conduct potshots at people, or, better yet, hide inside the ground and then rise up, surprising the enemy. Again, this technique was less powerful or practical than Myriad's technique, so it didn't compare.

Alexandria reached for her bow, but found that the enemy had relieved her of her weapon...which was the same time that the house itself decided to intervene on behalf of the enemy, creating one giant maw, filled with razor-sharp teeth, to swallow the group whole...or at least capture them again. At the same time, Perry Goldsmith, the one who had been doing the potshots, now emerged out to the open...

...Tossing a net of pure Orichalcum at Jonathan, while at the same time, Li Chang, the small-n necromancer, unleashed a swarm of ghosts at Myriad and Co, as well as the Familiars. The place where this skirmish occured in was an abandoned office on the upper levels, close to Jonathan's landing spot. In this abandoned office, several of the chairs, tables, and even computers were...

...Transformed into crude barricades and emplacements for more terroristic 'mooks', who now shot a volley of Microwave Beams that would break any energy shield, as well as
pulses of sound that would disrupt one's concentration, preventing them from casting spells. Grenades containing foam that suppressed Timespace and Energy Magics were also tossed; it was clear that the enemy wanted the group captured alive.

Both Perry and Li were clad in black, form-fitting Special Forces gear with ominous black masks, hiding their descriptions except, of course, for their builds, which were muscular.

Omega decided he had enough, Jonathan was there but the two kidnappers agitated him. Still there was enough time for him to let his familiar duo loose. They couldn’t do anything about the net, however magic was a different story, after all, both familiars could use all nine schools of magic if they were provided energy that is... And energy they had, Omega gave them a few mana cells or batteries as they were also called. As the spells, net and grenades came closer to the group, the two familiars went into synchronized casting mode, something that is very helpful when blocking magic as it tripled their power, normally it would double it but the hardware and magic runes engraved into their bodies increased the processing speed they had when linked. Needles to say this drained mana very quickly and without a powerful external power source they couldn’t use it for long.

The popping of the batteries indicated that they were being drained rapidly, but the familiar duo would block any magic cast in the vicinity, granted it had a short range but they could at least cover the group and part of the corridor and room, for at least half a minute given the batteries they had, after this time their counter ability would vanish as they wouldn’t have any external power supplies left. Sanuta and Kaena furthermore used 50% of the batteries’ power to sent out a surge that would block most if not all of the microwave beams’ power by blocking and refracting the beam using fate, energy, matter and law, while additionally using timespace and fate to bounce the grenades back or at least change their trajectory before they explode, furthermore they used a bit of fate magic to influence their detonator as to prevent them from going off. With all of this they had roughly 15 seconds left of the magic counter shield they could employ.

Omega knew that Jonathan would be able to take care of himself so he didn’t interfere, after all he thought the man highly capable, not to mention he had the two familiars helping with protecting the kids. The man knew that no matter what Jonathan would protect the kids and get the job done, that was one of the reasons Omega grew to like and respect the other man. But now he had a different job, that is to neutralize the enemies in front of him, but to get close to them, or rather to appear behind them unnoticed, more than his assassination and cloaking devices were needed. He would need a distraction something more than the familiars or their abilities. A part of it was already prepared by one of his targets, the necromancer...

Yes the necromancer... Omega had no problem with them, even liked many of them as the ones that respected the rules would get his counsel on spirits and contracts... This one however... He bound spirits against their will, broke them... Made them into slaves... That was one thing you didn’t want to do or come out in Omega’s presence... As it would make him displeased... That is something one would not want to live through, even if he is supposed not to kill... But there are things far worse than killing a person or tormenting them... Yes... Far worse...

The spirits attacking or rather going to attack would stop abruptly... Only to turn around and look at the necromancer with hatred, pity or some with a hint of compassion. This display should be enough as a distraction to give Omega, who attuned himself to the spirits and set them free from Li’s control asking them not to attack but wait a while as they would be set free if they wanted or be allowed to contract. But this would come later.

Omega wanted to come out behind the enemies from within the shadows at the back of the room... This succeeded... And more.

As he came out stealthily with his magic cloak on, but the effect the Demesne had on him was something he did,’t factor in.His powers were amplified to the point that his gate, the one he used to travel from the spirit realm to the realm of man would expand... The shadows grew and merged, rapidly swallowing part of the room, becoming a gate for Omega and his contractees to come through. The back end of the room behind the terrorists would be completely swallowed in darkness, the only one visible would be omega, wearing his ritual garb, with his hood and mask on, his aura extinguished but he emanated a feeling of dread, an otherworldly feeling of something that didn’t belong. Where the shadow ended s small boundary line would slowly pulse in a pale crimsonbluish light.

Omega stood there, unmoving, quiet, He only said one sentence, each word accented and brimming with power. “I am Omega.” this was enough or rather he couldn’t say more as when he announced himself, the darkness that surrounded, but hadn’t enveloped, opened. The darkness looked at the two men before Omega... Literally. Many eyes, in different shapes sizes and colors opened one after another, focusing on the men. Each belonged to a spirit contracted to Omega, who stood there still unmoving, he concentrated hard as to not loose control and unleash the horde onto the men, he knew they would tear them apart.

Still many of the spirits came out, in different shapes and sizes, some big, some small, but each looked menacing. Even though they mirrored the darkness of the gate, they could be seen clearly as day, standing next to and in front of their master ready to attack if provoked. At the same time, many tentacles purtruded from the gate, prepared to repel attacks, even if their combined power was low. This display even if it might seem like it took a lot of time, took place in the 15 seconds that were left on the familiars’ batteries.

“Surrender or I will have to kill you.” A silent order, yet with so much pressure after each word. Omega wouldn’t in fact kill the men, the spirits would maim but not critically wound them, though the shadowbind spell was still active and ready to trigger on some of them.

At the same time, Perry Goldsmith, the one who had been doing the potshots, now emerged out to the open tossing a net of pure Orichalcum at Jonathan. While at the same time, Li Chang, the small-n necromancer, unleashed a swarm of ghosts at Myriad and Co, as well as the Familiars. At that moment time almost froze for Jonathan as he concentrated. It was as if his body rearranged itself. His features looking more like creatures; Aquatic, Animal and insect. His legs bowed back like that of a cheetah. His torso twisted becoming somewhat smaller but somehow had more muscle definition. His arms became slender and compact. His hands became more muscled and somewhat boney. His neck looked a little different or perhaps it was his skins color changing, a steel blue and somewhat white. His ears elongated and became somewhat harry, they resembled a moth. His eyes changed and turned black. His forehead became somewhat blocky and hard. A forked tongue flicked out between his lips, past sharp fanged teeth.

Sadly he was holding back because he didn’t know what repercussions would occur if he used all of his abilities within this area. It almost seemed as if he could draw mana from within this area. He felt strong and almost unstoppable. He shook away those thoughts and moved quickly. He threw an EMP Grenade at the men with the microwave guns and at the same time he shut off his shields. He found that if these things were off they were mostly protected, not the energy source but the machinery within. The Orichalcum almost hit him but with the assistance of his massive sword he caught it. The sword having no real magical properties held the net as he spun and threw it back on the person who threw it at him.

He used his ability to blood bend to stop the man from phasing through the ground. His powers would have offered him some kind of protection from Jonathan. If he were gaining a bonus to his life school and Jonathan wasn’t. This zone made Jonathan the “master” of the area, it frightened him somewhat. The man mustered enough magic to evade the net, which didn’t surprise Jonathan as he was on him sinking his fangs into the man. The poison that entered the man was like an alkaline venom intended to paralyze its victim. Perry however wasn’t done fighting as he punched Jonathan in the sternum. This would have knocked the wind out of any regular person or perhaps someone not well versed in martial arts. Perry tried again by kicking Jonathan in the testicles. Jonathan rose slightly into the air from the kick but Perry’s foot seemed to have suffered some damage. Jonathan released his bite on Perry and venom poured out of the mouth shaped wound.

“You think I would fall prey to something like that when I look like this?” He asked his voice somewhat deep and he growled a little as he spoke. He smiled as he allowed the venom to course through Perry. Yet again the man tried to fight him but his hits lacked any real power as he fell to his knees.

“You son of a…” Perry began to yell as his face became num. “Bichhh.” Slowly his eyelids became heavy and he fell onto his chest. It seemed that the microwave gunners had used their beams to disable the EMP Grenade by focusing fire onto it. This however allowed others to act. Jonathan had acquired weapons from his fallen foe and placed them onto the young people in the group.

“Defend yourselves!” He growled at them. “I can’t take them all down.”

He moved and kicked one of the foam grenades back to the people who threw them. Sadly it exploded halfway between both groups. Opening his mouth he shot webbing at the other grenades plastering them to a wall. Although strangely enough they were already headed towards the walls. He looked back and could see the two pets of Omega, he assumed it was them. He looked back and could see only darkness. The necromancer wannabe and his lackey, Jonathan assumed. All of a sudden his body convulsed and he fell to his knees. His body wanted to use the full power this area granted him. As if taunting him and he knew the power that he would have if he gave in. His eyes drifted to the younger adults that he called students. The mixed emotions within their features helped him hold back the true demon. After that point he would use all of his unlocked ability to protect the small group of people.

GM Post, Part One

((OOC Note: Lucek, Aqu, don't post yet. Eyeris, Cirus, sorry about blindisding you with a GM Post, but there's a good reason for that; the planned fight between Omega, Jonathan, and the Immortals ended up longer than planned, and to wait for your posts would have just made the GM Post larger. Just post what you were originally planning.))

The Compound

Li Chang, the small-n necromancer, stared at Omega and the mass of Spirits behind him - he had been outmanned and outwitted, his group's 'perfect' ambush no match for the Sage of Otherness' combination of intelligence and power, as well as raw conviction. That, and he did not expect the Sage of Otherness to come into the picture this early; the group had been looking to lure out the boy - the boy, the genius and the Sage of Law/Prime on top of that! It was all his fault! Li raised his hands above his head, and knelt in surrender; while his own Law Magic can theoretically kill even Omega, he would not risk it, not when the Sage had so many options for subduing him, while he had just one. Curse Roland, their absent leader, for cooking up the wrong plan!

The terrorist minions would surrender in droves, while the Spirit of this place would quiet down, especially as Perry, its controller, was incapacitated by Jonathan's 'Demon' form. It seemed that between the Sage and the Samurai, the two members of the Immortals, and their mooks, were just outmatched. However, the Immortals were the elite force of China's espionage for a reason, and there were more of them, more elite Magi that can be thrown into the fray. As Myriad, Nao, and Alexandria savored their mentors' triumph, a counterattack was already proceeding; Joanathan and Omega were not the only ones empowered by the Manila Mega-Demesne. Thanks to a glamour made by a combination of Fate, Mind, and Law spells, no one, especially not the police, would notice what was going on in the building...

"Matter Magic detected!" shouted Nao, the student suddenly putting his hands on the floor; a second later was the sound of a muffled explosion, as the young man held together the floor as someone below attemted to blow it up. He then smiled...only to find the floor turning into liquid right underneath him; thinking quickly, he counteracted the magic with both Matter and Law, but he now realized that he was facing someone with the same Schools as him.

And he was, as two new figures rose up out of the floor; figures who did not get, or even hear, the surrender order....

The first figure was a young man, of 18 years of age, blond and blue-eyed, carrying a Stuffed Tiger...who would then transfom into a real one that would growl at the Spirits behind the Sage, who can detect that unlike Perry, the 18-year old did not mistreat his spirits, and in fact willingly contracted with them. Said young man also conjured up Fire, Water, Earth and Air.

Otherness, Matter, Energy, Law; none of those would have helped him phase through the floor, so the second figure must have Timespace, then. Said second figure was a woman of about 20 or 25, with hair tied in a bun, wearing a red chenogasm; Jonathan can see that said second figure had both Life and Law Magics, allowing her to counteract Jonathan's bloodbending. And, of course, she had Timespace and Energy, allowing her to do advanced Kung Fu.

And, finally, there was the Pistoleer who had confronted the group back at Baler, the one with the Orichalcum Pistols. Li gasped; their leader was here - he can expect rescue! Said Pistoleer smirked, and threw a flashbomb high into the air, no, not just a flashbomb, but a grenade that gave off alternating pulses of great light and great darkness, as well as a screeching sound that disrupted concentration.

This signified that the Pistoleer was someone who knew the main weaknesses of Magi, most notably their reliance on concentration. But enough tangents; Omega and Jonathan would find that at least one of the three figures were gone - Jonathan and Omega might be able to intercept one of them with Timespace - and so are the mooks, Perry, and Li.

"Kidnapped." She raised her free hand to her lips. Her hand was gloved, and there was a set of crystals set into the back of the hand, connected by magitech cloth wiring in a very particular pattern. A pattern that, she says, came to her.

Whatever the case, Serenity took the opportunity to talk to Ascot. She considers the information he'd given to her before nodding solemnly. These... were not small forces at work, here. She'd thank him for the information before returning to her mech. "Vortex, blueprints. I need to design a proper seat for our passenger, as well as defense and offense... The seat should be easy enough. I'll just attach the compartment to the arm socket for primary support, and build the rest as an extension of the body. We can re-purpose that rotor, too..." As she was speaking to herself (and Vortex), the spirit projected holograms in front of her. She'd make certain gestures over the holograms and certain changes would be made. When she finalized a change, the matter engine would kick in and make the changes, even as Serenity worked on the next change.

What she ends up with a return to an earlier six-legged design she had found a way around, previously. She was glad she hadn't disassembled the joints. The cockpit had been lowered into the area previously occupied by materials, and passenger seating added behind. There was seating for about 4 passengers with good leg room, and even a little space to walk around. It was supported by a strut she had wrapped around behind the main chassis, from arm mount to arm mount. The seats were set into the wall, an a transparent canopy now enclosed the deck. On the front of the larger chassis was an open hardpoint, as well as on top.

"Vortex, could you throw a radar together for me, on that hardpoint there? And have my tools ready for me, I want to have some new parts ready to go if our... 'friends'... come back." They had already absconded with three, who's to say they wouldn't come back looking for more? "Hibiscus, we're ready." Serenity rounds the machine to the back and climbs a ramp into the cabin. The woman and her undead creature would be allowed on board, and anyone else interested in coming, before the machine would begin to move. The ramp would raise, folding into the back of the magitech creation. Serenity was seated in the slightly raised cockpit, working at a workbench while the machine seemed to be on autopilot. She would name a tool and hold her hand out, and it would materialize in her hand. The machine would chime and display a holographic pop up when they received their list from Leslie, and if Hibiscus's dog wanted to scout or return, the ramp would lower for the creature.

Hibiscus took a step back, a brow raised. "Do we really have time to--oh." Hibiscus imagined that machines took a lot of time and effort to make, or rebuild. It was not so with Serenity's machine. As soon as the girl began to talk about redesigning the thing, the necromancer thought that the pilot was daft. Surely their task was quite simple, and could be conducted more quickly on foot than it could be waiting for a machine to be rebuilt. Instead, Hibiscus learned that there was technology beyond her comprehension. It appeared as if by the girls thought, or by magic, the machine itself began to shift and reform itself. In moments it was a larger lower vessel, capable of taking on many passengers.

The hound stepped onboard first, sniffing around the seats of the passenger area. Then Hibiscus followed shortly after, choosing a spot near the door. The hound would hop up and sit on the seat beside her.

"Cozy..." She thought aloud. She felt unsettled. 'What the hell is this thing made out of? And what could possibly be fueling it?'. She didn't like not knowing. Could it collapse and reform? Crushing them while they were still inside? It was clear that within 'the belly of the beast' she was completely in Serenity's power. Hibiscus did not like being under another's power... Tools appeared in her hand, the machine responding to her every thought and need. Did it respond to her emotions? What would the machine do if she became distressed?

So, why join this MCP thing in the first place? she teased herself. She crossed her ams, settling back into the seat, trying to look relaxed.

'Maybe it is not a machine', she thought, Maybe it is something else disguised as a machine. She touched her armrest, experimentally.

GM Post, Part Two

Ascot watched with a fascinated look as Serenity remodeled her machine to accomodate four people in just less than an hour. Mechanics and Physics had never been his strongest suit, despite being, well, highly intelligent. Art, however, was another matter, and if times weren't so tense, he would have drawn a picture of Serenity's machine. Either way, it was time to mount the machine, and scout the place for any marauders.

The boy was going to use his mundane senses, for now; overuse of one's magical sight, even for Sages, had deleterious effects upon the psyche, and he needed to be in good fighting order. As for Serenity, she would find herself sitting besides Leslie, while Hibiscus would be beside Ascot. Ibrahim, meanwhile, would be down on the ground, watching out for anyhing that can happen.

The total number of MPC members on the site was ten, excluding Myriad, Nao, and Alexandria. It seemed that no one else was missing; that the enemy hadn't come back as of yet. Which caused Ascot to try and speculate: What did they want? Why were they targeting the Magical Peace Corps, or, judging from the Pistoleer's words, him? They needed a Sage for something, that was sure...

The boy looked at Hibiscus' expression, having noticed her attempts to appear relaxed. Was it because of the kidnapings? Did they unsettle her far more than it looked? Or was it because of Serenity's magitech, which was powerful, unexpectedly powerful, and versatile. Of course one would feel unsettled by that. Either way, the vessel would begin circling the camp, seeking out anything out of the ordinary.

They would find none, so it was time for personal interaction and development.

Serenity busied herself with working on... whatever it was she was working on. A magitech something or other. "Vortex, do we have any more iron to spare?" She was just about done building the physical container for what she was building. Access to Matter magic really helped speed the construction along. She was a little worried, though... a shield generator would be a large power drain. Not that she could build a great one in the field like this, but it would be better than nothing, if they came under attack. She spends some time weaving Energy and Law. At least... calling it Energy was simpler. She could still do some things she used to, but... it was different, now. She could shape it or sculpt it, where before it was more like she was controlling it.

She set the finished component down on the floor, and the floor ate it.

Meanwhile, Serenity pulled up a holographic display of statistics, regarding Vortex and her machine's operational parameters. There's a graph displaying power consumption, which made a small peak with every step. "Alright, Vortex. Shield on." The lights inside dim for a bit and movement becomes a little sluggish, the power graph topped out before coming back down, though power consumption was a good deal higher. "Whew." The lights and movement returned to normal. "I'll have to increase power capacity... A reserve supply would be cheaper, though. Might be the better idea..."

Serenity sighed and stretched in her seat, dismissing the information screen and then slumping into her chair. Gold eyes flit between cockpit displays idly before they turn to spot Leslie. "Oh, hey. Sorry, didn't notice you. I... guess I was a little absorbed. Enjoying the ride?"

~

The seat doesn't seem to immediately react to Hibiscus's touch. After a moment, though, a lump pushes up into her palm, from the armrest. Upon inspection, there would be nothing there.