Ramen

I received a text from Tony asking to meet with me at a spot in Lawrence Kansas called Ramen Bowls. I obliged, and teleported there. He was already outside, waiting for me.

"Glad no one noticed you spontaneously appearing out of no where," he said, after having a quick glance around.

"Meh," I said. "So, is this a legit ramen place?"

"Oh yeah," he said. "You're gonna love it."

We went inside and waited a moment to be seated. We received our menus, and were given some water.

"I'll also have some of your Elderflower Apple," Tony said, gesturing to a list of sparkling sake options on the table.

I had a look at it as well. They also carried Pink Grapefruit Ginger and Hibiscus Cucumber. That one made me raise an eyebrow. I had no idea what a cucumber based beverage would taste like, but the curiosity was killing me. I needed to try it.

"I'll have the Hibiscus Cucumber," I said.

"Okay," the waitress said. "Can I see your IDs?"

We handed them to her. Tony and I both look young, but we're both in our late twenties, with me only being about half a year older than him. She had a look at them.

"Oh, California, huh?" she said. "Alright. I'll be right back with those."

She handed us back our IDs and left us to examine the menus.

"So, how's been business?" I asked.

"A little slow lately," Tony said. "Having those three on board has made things run pretty smooth. Glad you managed to get them away from the Timberwolves."

"Yeah, but Rillek's still pissed at me about it," I said. "Robbed him of three good potential followers."

Tony chuckled.

"Shame we lost Greg though," he said.

"Yeah," I said. "I miss Greg."

We gave Mr. Garland a moment of silence. Then the waitress came back with out drinks and asked if we were ready to order. Tony ordered some kind of seafood ramen (Which looked really good in retrospect, and I'll be sure to try it if I'm ever in the area again) and I had the Double Ramen with extra noodles. She left us alone again. I had a drink of the cucumber sake, and it is the most delicious alcohol I've ever consumed! Like, I was seriously taken aback by how good it tasted.

"So, have you guys found a new base of operations yet?" Tony asked. "I read what happened with the SMSC."

"Not yet," I said. "We're laying low for now. My equipment has all been moved somewhere safe, and I'll set up shop once I find a decent enough place where they'll have a harder time finding me."

"Smart," Tony said. "And that Tyler kids handling things well?"

"For the most part," I said. "Took him some time to get used to the idea of Eldritch Abominations being a thing."

"Did he want you to show off your powers?" he asked.

"Naturally," I said. "I'll go about that when I find a good spot where we won't draw too much attention."

"I see," he said, sipping his sake a bit.

"So," I said. "Now that we've caught up a bit, what's this about? I assume you've found something?"

He nodded.

"Can't prove connection between everything just yet, but there's things we both need to look into," he said.

"Go on," I said.

"I'm planning a trip up to Topeka to see about speaking to that missing person's friend," he said. "If they really do walk their weird fluff thing twice a day, then they can't be too hard to find."

"Good," I said. "I really hope they can be helped. And you say there's something you need me to look into as well?"

He placed a photograph and some papers in front of me. I examined the picture and raised an eyebrow.

"William Dawson?" I asked. "The Egyptologist? I thought he disappeared."

"He did," Tony confirmed. "Shortly after an expedition into the tomb of the ancient thief king Abdalin. The Archive covered u the full details of his disappearance, but I manage to uncover that he angered some Nightlanders by defiling that tomb."

I sighed.

"Classic Archive," I said. "So, what's the deal here?"

"This picture was taken recently," Tony said. "In Emporia."

"So he's still alive?" I asked.

"It would seem so," Tony said.

"And that's what you want me looking into?" I asked.

"Correct," Tony said.

We stayed silent for a bit before I brought up another important topic I had on my mind.

"So, you read all the blogs I told Justin about, right?" I asked.

"Yes," he confirmed.

"Even Genome's?" I said.

Tony nodded.

"Doesn't seem connected to the missing person or stolen books," he said. "So there's only one reason I can think that you would have suggested it. And I have to said that I agree with your suspicion."

"Really?" I asked.

His eyes narrowed.

"It's entirely likely that this 'Kraken' group that Genome has been dealing with may be the culprits behind both incidents," he said. "But we can't prove anything yet. That's why we need to work together to gather information."

"And you think Dawson may be involved as well?" I asked.

"Unless his resurgence is coincidental, it's best to assume so," he said. "Either way, its worth looking into."

"So, we're in business then?" I said, offering my hand.

"We are," Tony said, shaking it firmly.

Our ramen arrived shortly after. I had finished of my sake by that point, so I ordered some of the grapefruit stuff. The ramen itself was... heavenly... No other word will suffice. The broth was great. The pork practically melted in my mouth. The noodles were delicious and thin enough to put angel hair to shame. Kind of questioned the corn... not huge on corn to be honest. I like it on its own, but added to stuff is slightly off-putting to me. But it did not subtract from just how great that fucking ramen was.

Anyway, we spent the rest of the meal just eating, chatting, getting caught up on non-business stuff, and just having a great time. By the time we were finished, I had tried all three flavors of sake, and they were all great. My favorite was the grapefruit, with cucumber being a close second. I highly recommend that place if any of you ever find yourselves in Lawrence.

We finished up, paid our tabs, left a tip, and left.

"So, Emporia, right?" I asked.

"Yep," Tony said. "Good luck out there."

"I'll see you later," I said. "And um... tell Sera-"

"That your doing alright and you miss her," he finished for me. "I know. You end all our meetings like this. Now get out of here, ya' shithead."

"Fuck you too, jackass," I said.

We both had a laugh, and we parted ways.

We're very good friends.

Anyway, I have to go track this Dawson guy down. Peace.

Our next goal

"'A Detailed Guide to Find Spooky Locations' by R.R. Hood!" I announced confidently.

"Um... what?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"Is that a book or something?" Paris followed up.

"Not just any book!" I said. "Specifically, it is one of several books stolen from the University!"

"Wait... the AMU?" Paris asked. "Oh god, this isn't about what I think it is, is it?"

"Look," I said. "That book, and others like it, were stolen by some unidentified group. Suspects pending... That book may contain information that could lead us to more samples."

"Oh, right," That Guy Tyler said. "Samples. But what's the AMU? I'm a little confused here..."

"It's a school," Paris explained. "Daniel has a bit of a history with them."

"What kind of history?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"They expelled him," Paris said.

"Gee, thanks...," I sighed. "Look, if we get those books back,... skim through them a little bit... and return them, that'll clear the air with them. At least a little..."

"Everything you just said was stupid enough to discredit all three of your PHDs," Paris said.

"Fuck you too," I replied.

"How do we even find these books?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"We know a guy," I said.

"Solar Progeny, right?" Paris asked.

"This kind of work is their department," I said. "I'll give 'em a call and see if they can find anything."

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. I got an answer a few moments later.

"Solar Progeny Detective Agency, Ciel Speaking," came the reply. "How may I help?"

"Hello, Miss Potomac," I said. "How have you been?"

"Oh god damn it, it's you...," She answered, her tone shifting. "Justin! Caller on hold! You deal with-"

I was then treated to some soft, royalty free slow-jazz, before someone else picked up.

"I'm judging by her reaction that you're someone we know," came the familiar voice of Justin Gremori Ferin.

"Hey Justin," I said. "How's things?"

"Oh, it's you," he said. "How's the leg?"

"Still hurts," I said. "How's the arm?"

"Still in Florida," he answered. "Unless someone's moved it. What are you calling about?"

"Books stolen from the AMU," I replied.

"You know Tony refuses to do business with them," Justin replied.

"What if I told you there was a missing person involved?" I said.

Paris and Tyler were both visibly shocked by that revelation.

"That could change things," Just admitted. "Any details?"

"I'm not a hundred percent sure," I said. "But this person was in possession of a unique book of their own, and I suspect the same ne'er-do-wells may be involved."

"Who says 'Ne'er-do-well anymore?" Paris muttered.

"I've got some blogs you can check out for more information," I said. "Can you right them down?"

"I'm holding a phone," Justin pointed out.

"Is McCleary there?" I asked.

"Terrence!" Justin called out. "I need you to write some stuff down for me!"

I gave him the blog addresses, and he agreed to look into it and give me a call back on whether they could help. Then we said our goodbyes and hung up.

"Now what?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"Now," I said, "We wait."

Decision

Paris and I met with Tyler outside an old gas station.

"So, kid," I asked. "Have you made up your mind?"

"I think so," he said. "I uh... got caught up on the blog."

"And?" I asked.

"These gods... you mentioned they avoid you, right?" he asked.

"I did bring that up," I confirmed.

"So, if they're as dangerous as you say, I'd um...," he hesitated for a few seconds. "I'd be safer if I stuck around you, right? They wouldn't come for me?"

"Can't exactly promise that, I'm afraid," I said.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"You'd only really be safe from the gods I haven't collected samples of," I said.

"What?" he replied.

"I'll explain," I said. "You see, there's a very specific reason these gods... the Fears... avoid me. You see, if I'm in the presence of one of them for long enough, I'll gain a new power unique to that Fear. And they don't want me reaching my full potential."

"So they... leave you alone?" Tyler asked.

I nodded.

"No Fear presence, no Fear powers," I said. "So I collect whatever samples I can find for the Extractor. Unfortunately, once I have a Fear's power, they no longer have a good reason to avoid me. Meaning they become a threat once I've added them to my arsenal."

"Add to that the fact that the SMSC hates us now," Paris added. "The company of Dan Ferris really isn't the safest place."

Tyler was silent for a while after that. Eventually he spoke up.

"The reason I took this internship in the first place," he said. "It so that I can learn more about medicine. Get experience that'll help me pursue a career."

"Yes," I said. "I remember."

He looked me dead in the eye.

"You can still promise me that, can't you?" he asked.

"Of course," I said.

He nodded, and outstretched his hand.

"Then I'm happy to remain on board, Doctor," he said.

I smirked, and gave him a firm handshake.

"Happy to have you, That Guy Tyler," I said.

He chuckled, and released my hand.

"And even if some Fears are a threat, the rest will still leave you alone," he said. "So, its still kind of safer near you."

"I'd disagree," came a familiar voice from off to the side.

I turned to see none other than David Kallaway, leaning against a gas tank, watching us."

"Kallaway!" I said, greeting him as if he were an old friend. "It's been ten years if its been a day!"

He glared at me silently. I got a better look at him. Srapped vertically across his back was a longsword, held it a dark black sheath. I think it was a Chinese Jian. He was also dressed in golden-brown robes, with black trimming, and with a familiar symbol on the chest, over his heart. A single eye, with a giant, black pupil, and surrounded by a vortex of small, curved lines.

"Those are Scion robes," I stated.

"They look more brownish," Paris said.

"Not the color Cyan," I said. "The Vision Cult."

Kallaway stepped forward.

"My visions lead me to a man name Dyson Malrick," he said. "He's been... informative."

"Dyson Malrick?" I asked. "I've heard of him. Is he still kicking?"

Kallaway suddenly drew his sword and charged at me. Paris darted between us, blocking the attack with a foot long short sword. Kallaway stepped back a bit, eyeing Paris's blade.

"Where'd he get a sword!?" That Guy Tyler asked, shocked.

"Oh, it's been hidden up his coat sleeve this entire time," I said. "Kallaway, allow me to properly introduce my Sparring partner."

"Paris Jacob," Paris said, smirking a little. "Pleased to beat ya."

"Did you just fucking steal my line?" he asked.

"You stole it from Jason Todd in Injustice 2," Paris said. "So put your high horse back in its stable and fuck off."

Paris thrust his blade forward quickly, but Kallaway manifested his wings and flew several feet backward before the attack could land. I aimed a finger at him, and Paris stepped to the side, out of the way (we've practiced for something like this).

"Bang!" I exclaimed, firing a bolt of lightning.

Kallaway calmly switched his sword to his off hand and raised his gauntleted right hand, stopping the bolt of lightning, and seemingly compressing it into a ball of electricity. I raised my eyebrows in shock.

"He caught it?" Paris asked, just as stunned as I was.

Kallaway slammed the ball of lightning on the ground between us, where it exploded, forcing the rest of us to cover our eyes briefly. He calmly sheathed his blade and locked eyes with me.

"I've seen your last two posts," he said. "And I've come here to inform you that things have only started going to shit."

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"There's a storm brewing, Daniel Ferris," he continued. "And your actions from here on out will decide many peoples fates."

He turned to the side, still holding his gaze.

"Try not to fuck everything up," he warned, as he began walking off, leaving the three of us alone again.

Everything goes to shit part 2

I teleported straight into the middle of my lab. That Guy Tyler stumbled backwards in alarm (I hadn't told him I can teleport yet), and Paris looked up from what he was doing, wearing a concerned expression.

"We have to go," I told them both. "Now!"

I placed a hand on the Extractor and teleported it to a safe location before returning right beside the Enhancer.

"How did you-?" That Guy Tyler stammered, but I raised a hand to silence him.

"I'll explain everything later," I said.

I teleported the Enhancer elsewhere before returning.

"What's wrong?" Paris asked.

"The SMSC are coming," I said.

"Uh oh...," Paris muttered.

"The what?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"An organization that deals with the supernatural," Paris explained. "They've tried shutting Daniel down before."

"Get all of your belongings," I ordered. "We're abandoning this base."

"But-," That Guy Tyler said.

"Do as he says," Paris said.

That Guy Tyler hesitated for a few seconds before exiting the room.

"How do you know they're coming?" Paris asked.

"I had a vision," I explained. "An in it, you were wounded and Tyler was dead."

"Oh shit," Paris said. "This is serious..."

I teleported some more of my equipment to different locations, then grabbed a specialized suitcase made to safely hold mason jars and brought it over to my samples.

"But how do you know they're already coming?" he asked.

"Why would the Vision choose to show me that at the time she did? I replied. "Because if she waited any longer, it would be too late to change it. I would've taken too long to get back, and I would have returned to find your corpses and a possible ambush. She was giving me a chance to stop that from happening."

That Guy Tyler returned with his backpack, and I began loading my samples into the suitcase.

"Sorry, Wolfie," I said, placing them in the suitcase as well and locking it shut.

I moved over to a window and scanned the streets. I saw them pull up in a black van.

"Shit," I said. "They're here..."

"What should we do?" Paris asked.

"I go greet our guests and keep them busy," I said. "I'm the one they want. You two sneak out the back and leave with in your car. I'll bail on them once I know you guys are safe."

"Are you sure?" Paris asked.

"Go," I commanded.

Paris nodded He lead That Guy Tyler out of the room. I took care of one last thing before teleporting in front of the lab to confront the two agents. They were in the process of approaching the front door, and took a step back in surprise when I arrived.

"Greetings," I said. "The Vision has informed me that you two have some business with me."

"Mr. Ferris-," the man began.

"Dr. Ferris," I growled back. "And you are?"

"I am agent Moss Garden," the man said. "And this is my partner, Agent Touchshriek."

I shrugged.

"Not Bowie's best work," I admitted. "Moss Garden is some nice ASMR, but Algeria fucking Touchshriek? You could've picked a better one than that."

"I notice you're alone," Agent Garden said. "Where are your colleagues, Paris Jacob and Tyler Vines?"

"Elsewhere," I stated, wondering what was taking them so long to get out of here. "Why do you asked."

"We have orders to take the three of you in," Agent Touchshriek said.

"Let me guess," I said. "Dead or alive, right?"

They both shared a confused glance.

"I know because of the vision I was shown before coming here," I explained. "I saw Tyler dead, and the two of you demanding my location from a wounded Paris. Kind of a dick move on your part."

"You have to understand, Dr. Ferris," Agent Garden said, placing a hand on his gun. "You're a dangerous man. As such, we've been authorized to use equally 'dangerous' force if any of you resist."

I promise you all, that I am far more dangerous than a couple of pistols. However, as my attention was drawn to his handgun, I became aware of something very worrying.

Eldritch energy. Like the stuff I use my Extractor to collect. I could sense various forms of it radiating from they're guns. That's when another detail clicked with me.

That's what happened to Elie's blueprints. They had them. They had an Extractor of their own.

At this time, Paris's car peeled out from the back of the lab, tearing past us. the Agent Garden quickly drew his gun and fired at the ground the car was approaching. A bolt of silver-blue light shot out from the gun, and the ground it hit suddenly froze over, just as the card drove over it. Paris spun out of control and ended up crashing into a streetlight.

"No!" I shouted.

I dropped the suitcase and teleported between the crashed car and the Agents and turned on them angrily.

"You stay right fucking there, you bastards!" I hissed, aiming my finger gun at them. Agent Garden looked almost ready to fire again, but hesitated.

I turned to check on the wreck. Paris, seeming to be unharmed, for the most part, had gotten out of the car and was in the process of opening the passenger side door to help That Guy Tyler out. He has clearly in shock, and was bleeding from the forehead. I'd later learn that this was due to the passenger side airbags being delayed slightly.

I turned back to the Agents, and stood straight, glaring them down.

"You come here," I said. "Challenge me. Demand my cooperation. And threaten the life of my second favorite intern. And all of this on the day of my daughters wedding."

The two of them shared a confused look. Why do my references always fall flat...

"Look, let me make this perfectly clear to you two," I said, raising five fingers. "You have five seconds to leave us the hell alone and get the fuck out of my sight. Otherwise, I'm going to start getting serious."

I ticked down one of my fingers, but I seemed to have failed my intimidation roll. While Agent Touchshriek hesitated, Garden raised his gun again, firing a literal ball of fire at me. I quickly grabbed my whistle and blew hard on it, amplifying the noise as much as I could and directing it forward. The fireball slowed to a halt, and I concentrated on making the soundwaves surround it, slowly snuffing the flames out, until the depleted bullet fell to the ground, useless.

I didn't give them another chance. I teleported right up to Agent Garden and smacked him over the head with my cane, bringing him down. All that teleportation was wearing me down at this point, but I sucked it up and turned to Agent Touchshriek.

"Don't give me a reason to hit a woman," I warned her.

She raised her gun, but I quickly teleported behind her.

"I said don't," I snapped, before striking her in the back of the head, seemingly knocking her out.

I slowly limped over to the others to check on them.

"You guys okay?" I asked.

"Been better," Paris said. "Alive, at least. Tyler's airbag was faulty. He got hit on the head, but it trigger in time to stop any more damage than that."

That Guy Tyler looked behind me and frantically pointed in the direction of the agents. I turn and discovered I hadn't hit Agent Touchshriek as hard as I'd thought. She was on her knees and elbows, and had her gun raised. She pulled the trigger, and a bolt of lightning shot from the barrel.

I reacted quickly, aiming my finger gun and shouting "BANG!"

A bolt of lightning shot out from my fingertip, and the two of them exploded as they collided. I quickly grabbed the other two and teleported somewhere else. We all collapsed in pain from doing so. I had really pushed the teleporting too far that day...

After a few minutes of recovery, That Guy Tyler sat up, slightly, and asked "This hurts. A lot."

"I hate when you do that," Paris said.

"Sorry," I said.

"What was that?" That Guy Tyler asked. "You can teleport? And why does it hurt so much?"

"Yes, I can teleport," I said. "And the reason it hurts is because whenever I do it, I briefly pass through another world. A world humans aren't designed to survive it. I've gotten used to it, more or less, but I've only had to drag Paris through there a couple times, and this is the first time for you, so naturally, it was a painful experience."

"And... the lightning bolt," That Guy Tyler said, clearly still processing the whole experience. "How did you...?"

"I can generate and manipulate electricity," I said.

"And... that thing with the whistle...," he continued.

"Sonokinesis," I said. "I can control the volume, frequency, and direction of sound waves."

I managed to sit up and look down on him. He was still visibly shaken, barely propping himself up on his elbows. Paris shot me a look that clearly said 'you need to tell him'. So I let out a sigh and addressed the kid.

"You wanna know how I can do all that, and what's going on," I said. "That's pretty obvious. The answer is that I'm a demi-god."

"What?" he asked.

"I have powers," I said. "You've seen a few of them tonight. I'm more powerful than normal people are. In fact, the purpose for my experiments... all those samples I collect and extract energy from...it's all in order to make myself stronger. And if a few people have to get hurt in the process... well, that's something I can live with."

I waited for a moment, while he gathered his thoughts.

"Who were those guys?" he eventually asked.

"The SMSC," I replied. "They deal with the supernatural. Specifically, the Fears."

"Fears?" he asked.

"Well, about how I just called myself a Demi-god," I said. "The Fears are basically gods themselves. They are far stronger than I currently am. The SMSC's goal is to combat, and hopefully defeat them someday. A lost cause, honestly. But they've deemed me a threat as well, which puts us in danger."

He fell silent for a few minutes, processing that information.

"Now's your chance to back out," I informed him. "Neither of us will hold it against you for leaving now."

"I... I need to think abot… everything," he said.

"Take your time," I said. "You're free to contact when you've made your decision."

He finally managed to stand up, and looked around.

"I know where this is," he said. "I have a friend around here. I should be able to crash with him."

"Good idea," I said. "The Agent's new your full name. Might be a good idea not to go home right away."

He was about to walk away, when he realized something.

"Your suitcase," he said. "Those dangerous samples of your. Where is it?"

"I left it behind," I said.

"But, if they survived that blast, then they'd have access to all of it," he said.

"No they wouldn't," I said. "I swapped it out with some fakes just before confronting them. Fake blood, some tar, regular flowers, etc. I left them behind as a decoy to trick them into thinking they'd got something out of all this."

And I'm comfortable admitting that here, because it's been a few days, and they've probably already figured it out.

That Guy Tyler then left me and Paris alone.

"You could have gone about that better," Paris said. "So, what do we do now?"

"I don't know," I said. "The old base is a lost cause now. We'll need to find a new one. Until then, we'd better keep a low profile."

Everything goes to shit part 1

It doesn't all go to shit in this post, but I'll get into that later.

I met with Elie, Kimiko and Jane a block away from the Black Garden. Contrary to what the name may suggest, its not a literally garden. Doesn't have anything to do with plants at all. It's just an abandoned, run down building that some cultists use as a base.

"Glad you guys could make it," I said, as they pulled up in Elie's car. "I've been staking this place out all day. Not much activity. We play this right, there won't be any trouble."

I noticed that Kimiko was carrying a daito with her.

"Let's hope you won't be needing that," I told her. "Here's the plan. We'll go in the side entrance. Stay hidden. If anyone spots us, let me handle it. You all just keep your eyes out for any Azoth."

I led them inside. No one was around that area.

"Okay, we're good," I said. "Remember; get it, get the sample, get out."

Jane and Kimiko took one side of the room, trying their best to keep quite, while Elie and I searched the other side of the room.

"A couple things have been on my mind," Elie whispered to me.

"And what would they be?" I asked.

"That spider of yours," he said. "It's part of the Intrusion, correct?"

"Yes," I said. "I've been observing it. It's intelligent. More so than a normal wolf spider. But the extraction seems to have weakened it's link to the hive. I don't really have proof of it, but that's what it looks like to me."

"If that is true, then it would mean you've effectively created an Indesin," Elie said.

"Possibly," I said. "There's nothing in this room. Let's move on."

I approached a door, and listened to the other side. I couldn't hear anything, so I took a peak through. There was nobody in my field of vision, so I motioned for the others to stay there as I slowly entered the room and looked around. It was, for the most part, empty. No people, just furniture. I nodded t the others, and they followed me in.

"What else is on your mind?" I whispered to Elie, as Jane and Kimiko began examining the furniture.

"You and I aren't the only ones with Extractors," he informed me.

"What!?" I hissed back.

"My original blueprints were stolen two months ago," he said. "I don't know who it was, but its entirely possible they were able to make one of there own. Unless they're technologically inept, which is wishful thinking at best."

"So somebody else out there has the means to extract, and possible make use of, Eldritch energy?" I asked.

"I'm afraid so," Elie confirmed.

About then, Kimiko waved at us, excitedly.

"I think she's found something," Elie said.

"Let's go," I said, nodding.

She had, in fact, found a sample of Azoth, dried up on an old hand towel laying in a chair. Not a big sample, like the one I was able to find my first time here, but Elie's Extractor would be able to work with this. Elie picked it up with a pair of tweezers and placed it in a jar, sealing it shut.

"That was easier than I thought it be," Jane said.

"We didn't run into any-" Kimiko started to say, but I cut her off by rapidly raising a finger, causing them all to fall silent.

A soft tapping noise had started up, and I took a couple seconds to seek out its source. I noticed a man in the corner, dressed in dark robes, with a blindfold on, and two toned, black and crimson hair. The sound was coming from him rhythmically tapping his fingers against a large wooden staff he was leaning against.

"I didn't expect you to be foolish enough to return here, Mr. Ferris," he said.

I teleported between the others and him, standing straight with my can in front of me.

"Dr. Ferris," I said. "We didn't come looking for trouble, Raoul. We just need the sample. We'll be leaving now."

Raoul wordlessly slammed the end of his staff on the ground, and several portals opened up all around us, and cultists wearing dark robes stepped out of them, surrounding us.

"Shit...," I muttered.

"How did he-, Jane muttered.

"Raoul is hundred's of years old," I said. "His master may be out of the picture now, but he's been around long enough to learn some magic tricks of his own."

Raoul approached me slowly.

"Last time you came here, you insulted me deeply," he said. "Why would I let you leave so easily?"

"Look, let's all just calm down," I said. "I'm sure we can work something out."

Raoul stopped in front of me.

"Such as?" he asked.

I produced a few syringes from my coat and showed them to him.

"This is a vaccine I developed for a poisonous ointment that local Oathbreaakers have been spreading around," I informed him. "Let us leave peacefully, and it's yours."

"And how do I know you're not plotting to poison us yourself?" Raoul asked.

To prove it, I uncapped a syringe and jabbed it into Elie's chest, before pushing down on the plunger.

"Ah!" Elie exclaimed. "Why'd you do that to me?"

"I have poison immunity," I said. "It wouldn't have any impact if I did that to myself."

Raoul waited for a minute, but Elie showed no signs of harm.

"I see," Raoul said. "Unfortunately, Oathbreakers are no issue for us. That vaccine of yours will not be enough."

The cultists all took a step toward us. Kimiko reached for her sword, but I motioned for her to stop.

"Ie!" I hissed. "Keep it sheathed! I can handle this."

She stopped herself, but kept her hand hovering near the hilt. Raoul took another step closer to me.

"So, what else are you willing to offer in exchange for mercy?" he asked.

Before I could answer, a woman appeared a few feet behind him. She was stunning, with long, fiery hair, and a pair of crimson wings growing from her back. She was dressed in a gown of cyan and violet, and her eyes were shut closed. No one else seemed to notice her presence. That made sense. The Vision rarely shows herself to more than one person at a time. Or so I've been informed.

"Why are you here?" I asked her.

"Excuse me?" Raoul asked, but I raised a finger to silence him.

"Not talking to you," I said. "Something more important just came up."

"What?" he said.

The woman opened her eyes, locking them with mine, and suddenly, a very clear vision filled my mind. My lab. Paris was there, on his knees, bleeding from the forehead, and clutching a bullet wound on his right arm. That Guy Tyler was dead in the corner. My samples were all on the ground, some of the jars containing them being smashed.

Two figures stood before Paris, each holding a gun. A man and a woman. Both wearing the trademark suits of the SMSC.

"The man you work for is a dangerous threat," the man said. "Now tell me, My Jacob. Where. Is. Dr. Ferris?"

I came to. The woman was gone, and we were still surrounded.

"I have to leave," I said.

"As I said before," Raoul said. "We have no intention-"

I cut him off angrily.

"Look, Raoul, I tried being civil, but I no longer have time for that," I snapped. "We're leaving."

I teleported behind the three cultists who were blocking us from the door. I quickly knocked them all out with my cane and shouted at the others to run for the exit. The three of them ran past me, as Raoul commanded the cultists to stop us. I wasn't letting that happen.

IT was time to try out my new superpower.

I raised my cane above my head, channeling power into it, and then slammed it down on the floor, unleashing all that power into the floor in front of me, causing it to rapidly freeze over. The cultists and Raoul quickly found their legs encased in ice. I then pointed at the frozen floor, making a typical gun shape with my hand.

"Bang!" I shouted.

A bolt of lightning shot from my fingertip. It hit the ice, and spread throughout it, electrifying all of them.

I didn't stick around to see if any of them survived. Knowing Raoul, he at least did.

I ran after Elie and the girls and l told them to get the hell out of there. I, on the other hand, had to take care of that vision. I teleported back to my lab, and that is where I will have to end this post. I'll explain what happened next later. Until then, goodbye.

An Old Acquaintance

I arrived at the library of Seline Dhark at the appointed time. Elie was there to greet me.

"Daniel," he said. "It certainly has been a while. How's your leg doing?"

"Same as always," I said. "Still hurts when I put too much weight on it. How are you, Elie?"

"I'm doing well," he informed me.

We spent a minute catching up before I brought up the extractor.

"Ah, yes," Elie said. "I've reserved a back room in the library for it. Follow me."

He led me into the library. It was a big place, and in the foyer was a portrait of a kind looking woman, with dark black hair with a single gray streak. She was dressed in a violet and soft blue dress, and her eyes lacked any visible irises, instead having very large pupils.

"Seline Dhark," Elie said. "Founder of this library."

"And one of the most powerful and respected Scions," I said, recalling some old lessons from the Academy. "Said to be alive for centuries."

"And supposedly, she's still kicking," Elie said. "Perhaps we may even get to meet her."

"I'd rather not," I said. "If what Kallaway saw of my destiny has any truth to it, I doubt a Scion would be please with my presence."

"Fair enough," he said, continuing to lead to the back room.

He didn't ask about who Kallaway was, or that he had foreseen my destiny. Which would imply that he's aware of my blog, and has at least read that post.

We entered the room, where a few other students were sitting around.

"Who are all these?" I asked.

"Some underclassmen I'm tutoring," Elie replied.

"No Kimiko?" I asked.

"She can't teleport like you can," he whispered to me. "She'll be joining us over skype, since she can't make the distance here in one day."

"I see," I replied. "So, shall we have a look at this Extractor of yours?"

"Let's start things off with an introduction first," Elie said. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce my old friend and colleague, Daniel Xavier Ferris."

"Dr. Ferris will do just fine," I said.

"Of course," Elie said. "Now, before I begin the presentation, I'd like Dr. Ferris to have a look at my Extractor. He's been successful in producing one of his own, which is, for the most part, functional. However, I believe I have produced a perfect version of the machine, lacking the flaws that his does. His input is still valuable, though. So, Doctor, would you mind?"

"Not at all," I replied, stepping up to his machine.

It was a lot more sleek and professional than mine. Mines just a modified toaster oven. His looks more like an Apple product. I examined it closely. Every aspect of it. He'd clearly spent a lot of money on it. It seemed, like he had said, flawless. It even had the compacity to hold and charge two Cells at once. However, that fact actually presented a problem I needed to address to him.

"I don't think there's enough wires," I said.

"Would you care to elaborate?" Elie asked, seeming legitimately curious.

"Transferring energy to the Cell is generally easier and safer to do if the energy is distributed evenly through multiple wires," I explained. "Less chance of any of them overloading and getting fried. Normal wires won't do either. You need wires that are specially crafted to transmit Eldritch power."

"Well, we're in luck then," Elie said, producing some wires from his pockets. "I have just what we need here. Furthermore, they shouldn't take long to hook up. The question is, how many do you think we'll be needing?"

"My extractor charges a single Cell with three wires on each side," I said. "Yours charges two Cells with four wires on each side. I'd suggest adding two more wires on each side to help transfer the power safely."

"All right," Elie replied. "Thank you. Mind helping with that?"

"Sure," I said.

We got to work, and after maybe ten minutes, we had successfully added on the extra wires.

"Now, If everyone is ready, I will begin the demonstration," Elie said.

He pulled a couple Cells out of his pocket and plugged them into their respective slots. I could tell at a glass that they were made of a much better material than mine, and were superior in their design. He didn't just improve upon the Extractor, but the method of containing the energy.

"Jane, if you would, please," Elie said to one of the young students.

A young lady, probably in her early twenties, opened up an ice chest. I caught a glimpse inside it, seeing several cans of beer and soda. Instead of grabbing any of them, she removed a Ziploc bag containing... ice. A single shard of ice. However, as she brought the ice to us, I could feel a strange power coming off of it.

"Is that what I think it is?" I whispered to Elie.

"Some of His ice," he confirmed. "Jane here was one of his runners before joining the Academy. We never would have gotten this sample without her."

She made it over to us, and handed the sample to Elie, before turning to me, nervously.

"Mr. Fer..." she began, before I interrupted her.

"Dr. Ferris," I corrected her.

Rude? yes. But god damn it, I have 3 PHDs, and people need to respect that.

"I'm sorry, Doctor," she said. "I've heard a lot about you. Is it true that can... um... tele-"

I answered her question before she had a chance to finish asking. I teleported over to the ice chest, and opened it up with my cane. I then hooked a beer with it and pulled it toward me. I then knocked the cooler shut with my cane and turned back to her, casually opening the beer and taking a sip.

"Yes," I said. "I can teleport. Dr. Grave, would you care to continue your presentation?"

Elie chuckled.

"Unlock you, Doctor, I've yet to gain any PHDs," he said. "But I'm working on it."

Elie placed the shard of ice inside the Extractor and turned it on. He slowly turned the dial to extract its power, before turning a different dial to amplify the power. The energy took the form of a silver and blue light, that swirled around slowly, shivering slightly as it did. He then turned a third dial, which began the transfer of the energy into the two Cells.

It all went off perfectly. No damage to the machine. No short circuits. No power outages. He had done it.

"There you have it," Elie said. "With the assistance of Dr. Ferris, I has successfully constructed a functional Extractor!"

He then spent the next five or so minutes giving a closing speech to his fellow students, which I won't bother posting here, but once it was done, he dismissed everyone, save for me and Jane.

"Thank you, Daniel," Elie said. "Allow me to properly introduce you to my understudy. Jane here is very interested in your work."

"And my power?" I asked.

"Of course," Elie chuckled. "Few people can do the things you can."

"I see," I said, turning to Jane. "It's nice to meet you, Jane. You are free to ask me any questions that are on your mind. But first allow me to ask your tutor a few things."

"O-of course!" Jane said, blushing a bit.

Adorable...

"So, Elie," I said. "We're awfully far from the Academy. Why hold our meeting here?"

"The Academy requested that I examine some of the rare books available here," Elie replied. "Since I was already here, it seemed logical to call the meeting here."

"I see," I said. "One more thing. Why do you need two Cells?"

Without speaking, he simply smiled at me, before removing both Cells, pocketing one, and tossing the other to me. I caught it, and shot him a suspicious look.

"What's the price?" I asked.

"An answer to what I hope is a simple question," he said. "As I'm sure you've guessed, I've seen your blog. I'm particularly interested in the post you allowed your intern Tyler to make. In it, he listed off some of your samples. One of them was of interest to both the Academy, and myself."

"The Azoth?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied. "However did you acquire that sample?

"That god may be long gone," I said. "But something as powerful as that doesn't just vanish without a trace. It took some digging up, but I found a location in LA, that the cultists refer to as the Black Garden."

I grinned at him.

"I can show it to, if you'd like," I added.

He thought for a moment.

"And Azoth samples can be found there?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "But, I belief some cultist still linger there. IT would be foolish to go in without a way of defending yourself."

Elie thought some more.

"I bring Jane along," he said, after a few minutes. "Kimiko should still be in the area as well. The two of them will be enough backup. However, I'm sure the two of us can handle the cultists ourselves."

"Very well," I said, looking down at the Cell in my hand. "I'll head home to prepare. Let me know when you're in the area, and we'll check the place out."

"Okay," Elie said.

I'll update you all on how the investigation of the Black Garden goes.