Kevin was silent. Tam was silent. Berma was silent. After roughly five minutes of silent Tam spoke to Kevin through the crickets and the sound of the leaves. Um, lad, mind lighting up the mood? I don't remember how to light things on fire since I woke u- Kevin told Tam before he cut him off. Not that ya idiot try talking to her! Oh... "Hey, um, Berma right?" Kevin said breaking the silence. "How did you and Lana meet?"

Berma remained quite. Not even seeming to acknowledge the fact Kevin even said anything. Her pace remained unchanged as she walked through the overgrowth. After a few minutes of walking she finally broke the silence. "What were you to Lady Lana?" she said without emotion yet the fact she said anything to him beyond follow meant this was progress.......right?

Congrats laddie made it through the first hurdle. What do mean? She acknowledges your existence. Kevin thought about what she just said. Memories of Lana scolding him when he did something bad along with ones where she would get frustrated in their games of chess flickered in his head. She would rarely smile but those memories where she did Kevin held dear. "I don't know. She knew about my condition and kept it a secret along with my mother. To this day I don't know why."

"Your condition?" she asked but after a few moments the dots began to connect in her head and she gave a knowing nod. It seemed she was able to figure out the main gist of what had happened jut from those few words. Whether that meant she just knew Lana well enough to expect that or if she simply already had enough information beforehand to connect everything remained to be unknown. "And Tam? How long do you expect to remain with this boy before returning home where you belong?" she asked, no longer wanting to continue talking to Kevin now.

Sharper than she looks right Tam? I guess she doesn't know Master gave me to Kevin... Tam? I don't plan and leaving unless he dies. And I keep me promises no matter what. Tam told Berma with pride. Oh I'm being ignored.

"As painfully stubborn as always. You know you can't do that. He is not your master. You belong with the Gardner Family whom has nurtured you since your summoning and first master......or are you going to forsake them?" she asked Maybe because it was Tam she was speaking to her tone was a little softer. Obvious concern laced her words as she searched for his betrayal of the very ones who were responsible for him ever even being here.

For a few moment the crickets and the sound of leaves were the only sound Kevin could hear. Tam? It is because Gardner Family is my master. I'm not betraying anyone, I'm just following me Master's orders. Tam said firmly.

Berma didn't say anything more on the matter. The sound of crickets had stopped a while ago. As they continued to walk they would see a clearing up ahead. Berma pulled out a small locket and opened it, the wisp of flame that illuminated their path shot into the locket and disappeared. As they emerged into the light of the clearing they came across what seemed to be some type of encampment. Military grade vehicles were around as well as numerous tents and a few canteens. This was obviously a camp made to be able to pack up quickly if need be. "Don't say anything and don't touch anything." Berma whispered to Kevin as she walked into the camp. A large man and well built woman stopped the two as they entered. Wearing simple forest camo clothes with a customized assault rifle slung over both of their shoulders. "Stop right there. You can't go any further than this. Either go around or back where you came from." the woman said to the two. "Tell Alfred that Berma is here to talk to him." she said to the two They looked at each other at first before the man looked down at the small girl and pointed his rifle at her. "You expect us to believe you know the boss? How the hell would he know a kid like you." She simply glared at him but that glare was enough for him to understand she wasn't a simple girl. He gulped as cold sweat began to form on his forehead. "Well well, this girl actually has a little fire in her." the man said before nodding to the woman with him. The woman left the three alone as she walked into the camp, most likely to find her superior. Other armed people were walking around the area right behind the man and you could tell they were ready for anything that may happen. They were trained and most probably veterans of numerous battlefields. They didn't seem to have any coat of arms so whether or not they were a military outfit working for any power was unknown. After a few minutes of waiting the woman would return and nod her head to the man. "Well I'll be damned. Hah. Well, I won't keep ya here. You can head in if ya won't but try not to break anything kay." the man said as he slung the gun over his shoulder again. The two would walk in before Berma told Kevin to not cause any trouble and that she'd be back after talking to their boss. She would leave him there by himself. Kevin would see a canteen where they would be serving food and a make shift shooting range. Another tent that seemed to somewhat of a drinking hole where some people were gathered around playing card games. This was probably his first experience in a place like this but it seemed lively enough. Kai would notice the too young to be here kid standing there as if he was lost.

A small idea came to Kevin when he looked around. After he was sure Berma wouldn't be able to see him he walked over to the shooting range, observing where they kept their guns. What are you doing lad? Tam asked Kevin, to which he received no answer.

Hmm? *Kai would eye Kevin from his seat within the canteen a few tables away from anyone else. But he would simply shrug and go back to his own food, mumbling to himself* Little young, but if he wants to throw his life away at an early age, who am I to stop him?

The make shift shooting range was very basic. They had straw dummies set up about 25 meters away as well as small targets hanging on the branches of a few trees. There weren't any guns present as it seemed the mercenaries all had their own personal weaponry to fit their needs. Though that didn't necessarily mean they didn't have any extra weapons but at the very least they didn't have any out in obvious places where anyone could just pick them up. At the shooting range would be one pretty short man about 4'9 in height looking through the scope of his gun without actually firing. Every few seconds you could see him pull away from his scope and tinker with the rifle a little before repeating the process. He would immediately take notice of Kevin's foot steps and look up at the kid. "What the fuck. I thought the boss said we weren't hiring anymore child soldiers. Or wait. When the hell did we even have the chance to pick up any brats. How the hell did you get in here kid?" the short man asked as his hand hovered over the hand gun that sat next to him. A woman with long straight black hair she kept in a ponytail and tanned skin sat at the table with Kai with a mug of beer in her hand. Her name was Misha Cruz, one of the mercenaries that had been in this company for a few years now. The stuff in the mugs, they call beer was obviously some idiots concoction to replicate it. It didn't exactly have a great taste but it did it's job of getting you drunk well enough. The woman looked at Kai before taking a mouthful of the beer. "Boss said the employers'll come in tonight and take the cargo. By tomorrow morning your contract'll be up. What are ya gonna do? Thinking about renewing the contract with us and staying a little longer maybe?" the woman asked smelling a little of the beer she was consuming but being careful to sit upwind so Kai wouldn't smell it or at the very least not as bad. "Also, who do you think that kid is? He sticks out like a sore thumb." she said before taking another swig of her beer.

*Kai takes a toothpick out of his jacket pocket and lights it with a small flame summoned on his thumb before he places it into his mouth.* Eh. Maybe I'll stick around. Depends if someone outbids our employers or if the idiot calls me back in. As for the brat... *Kai glances over at Kevin again.* Hmm. It's not my place to question it. Though he seems a bit young to become one of us nameless nobodies. Though, if he has a past that drove him down this path or some sort of hidden goal, that's his business not ours. Lookin at him, he's either down on his luck or in over his head. Not my place to question.

Kevin smiled and put his hands up. "Woah there I just want a deal. You see a kid and your first thought is to shoot? I thought your mind would go to something like this." Kevin reached into his pocket and pulled out one of the jewels. "Trust me when I say this, just one of these and you'll be set for life. No need to live in this dump anymore. So a deal perhaps. If you can land a single hit, anywhere, gun or no gun, then I'll give you three of these jewels. If not, you give me your gun with a bit of extra ammo. How does it sound?" You're cruel laddie... He's a mercenary, this should work.

The man glared at Kevin. "Do you take me for an idiot? Why would some random brat that somehow got here in without being turned away or shot bet something like that unless he has some kind of guarantee? On top of that you're asking me to bet a mercenaries life line. If I had to guess you're probably some kind of esper with the power to maybe phase through shit, maybe make a barrier, Light refraction or atmospheric control or some such bullshit. Tell me when I'm getting warmer." he said as his hand dropped onto the hand gun but he didn't seem to actually aim it, simply laying his hand on top of it "I'd wager in over his head" she said before shrugging "Then again what do I know. Kids got real balls if he's pissing off Barlow though. Which I've been wondering. Every now and then you mention an 'idiot' but never really say much more than. This idiot got a name? Maybe your old lady back home?" She asked curiously, whether it was the alcohol asking of if she was sober enough to know what she was saying wasn't exactly clear. "You still trying to sleep with tall dark and mysterious over there?" one of the men at a nearby camp yelled over to her. "Screw you!" she yelled back with a scowl "Anytime, any place. You know I'm always ready for a round!" the man shouted back before laughing with the others "And these are the idiots I work with!" she said with a wry smile before practically toasting by herself taking another gulp of beer. "I'll really miss you when you leave. I think everyone here will. But we all understand how this life is. We go where the money goes. Nothing more, nothing less." she said softly as she continued to gaze at her companions making a ruckus at the nearby tent. On a nearby hill a girl had just emerged from the depths of the forest. What seemed like a sledgehammer hanging from a strap on her back. Considering her dirty appearance it was obvious she was out here for a while and considering the relief on her face from seeing the lights of the camp up ahead she was most likely lost. From where she was it wouldn't take very long for her to arrive.

*Kai glances at Kevin before looking back to Misha* There's a differance between being courageous and actually knowing what your up against. I've seen many rookies bite off more than they can chew in this job and having their life ended premeturly due to being cocky instead of smart. Gah. I feel like an old man. *Kai leans back in his chair. He takes his toothpick out of his mouth and exhales a plume of smoke.* As for that idiot, he ain't anyone special. Just an old friend from back home. He's a scientist now-a-days, just not everything he does is... well, legal. He hires me from time to time to get some stuff for him and in return, he keeps my kit ahead off others and passes the pay he woulda given to me down to my... *Kai stops himself before clears his throat.* Someone else. It's a good deal. He's a good friend.

Mariko stepped through the sludge to the beat in her head to keep herself from boredom. She was walking for a very long time, every time she lost track of where she was she made a landmark to head to in order to make herself feel like she wasn't lost. Go to that really green tree! Go to that vine! Go to that ant hill! Go to that hill!! She catches a break when she climbed on top of the hill because finally! Lights! Markio squealed and began running towards it. There's people they probably s directions or some food! Or some... Mariko slowed down as she came closer. She saw that it was a camp where the lights came from. She slowed to a walk as she came closer to the entrance if she could find it.

Weel looks lik' th' bet is aff bairn I guess so. I really wanted that gun. "You're pretty warm for a guy I met one minute ago. You deal with kids trying to steal your gun often?" Kevin asked rhetorically. "Since the bet's off do mind telling me what you do around here? You sound really familiar with espers. Fought any recently?" Tell him yer name foremaist laddie "I'm Kevin by the way."

"You sure ask a lot of questions for a random brat. Why are you here? Just to bug me or are you a fresh new recruit? Well, whatever your reason I'd advise stop it. Not many round here like to talk much about work, besides, you could probably figure that out after walking round a bit. Far as espers go sure. I deal with them from time to time. Really depends on the job we take up." the main said before sitting down on a nearby box and looking directly at Kevin. "Yer said yer names Kevin? How about you answer my question then? Why are you here?" Mariko would find a little difficulty finding a real entrance as most of the camp seemed to have the vehicles around as a makeshift wall but she eventually found an opening with a man and woman standing there. The man face-palmed after seeing her. "Seriously? How many more kids are going to just walk up to us like this. Thought the locals knew better." the man grumbled to himself The woman let out a slight chuckle before aiming her gun at Mariko. "Sorry but unless you have some kind of business, there's nothing to really see here. Either go around or turn back." she said, the relaxed atmosphere around her now replaced with a more serious one Misha laughed at Kai's apparent attempt to cover his words. She took another swallow of her beer as she turned her gaze back to Kai. "It seems you have someone important enough to do this kind of dangerous work for. I won't pry any further. We all have our reasons for being here. In the end all that matters is the money." a softer expression appearing on her visage. "Hey, the boss wants to see ya Kai!" One of the other mercenaries called out to him. "Better get going. Ya know how the boss doesn't like to be kept waiting." Misha said as she left Kai alone and walked back towards one of the other canteen tents.

*Kai groans.* Ugh. What does the boss want this time? Well, whatever. *With a sigh, Kai get's up, dropping his toothpick into his jacket pocket and going to find the boss. As he's walking he eyes the commotion caused by Mariko's arrival.* These idiots are always so quick to pick a fight. They must have a fuckin' death wish. Honestly, it's embarrassing to be in the same profession.

Mariko put her hands up in fear, her body shaking. She didn't know why the guards were so angry, she hasn't done anything wrong! Unless they were that construction worker. Or that bear she was chasing earlier the day. Or that cat she threw that bee hive at... Wait she hasn't been here before why are they mad?! Ah! Wait don't shoot I have a family! Mariko re-thought her words. Wait I am here to see my family! My... m-my... Mariko swallowed her words. My... my dad. Do you know about a monst- guy named Antonio. Is he here?

Kevin stretched as he took a seat as well. He stared at the man in the eyes before looking down the range. Heh, if ainlie we knew th' answer. "Which is your target... err I haven't gotten your name yet mercenary." Kevin let his eyes wander to all the targets in the range. "Seems like you guys are trained well. In a way I'm here because of that. Asking me why I am here should be simple. Only a few things an esper could want right mercenary?"

Mariko The two at the entrance visibly twitched at the mention of that name. "Oi, now that I look at her she does kind of look like......" the man said "That little girl in the photos" the woman finished his sentence before lowering her gun and face palming "Shit, now I feel old." "Well I'll be. That little midget actually grew up. Has it really been that long? I feel like all these past couple years just kinda blurred together." he said also lowering his gun and continuing "Sorry about that. Had a couple times in the past with suicide bombers and child soldiers so we try not to take any unnecessary risks." rubbing the back of his head "What the hell you doing out here asking for your old man though?" She said before looking over the dirt covered girl with a sigh "Ya know what? Never mind that for now. You look like you need a bath and a hot meal. You can head on in if you want. The bath is in the center tent." she pointed over her shoulder with her thumb "Oi, you think that's a good idea?" the man said turning to his companion "You don't expect me to turn Antonio's little girl away here do you?" she scowled at the man. He simply sighed and then shrugged, holding his gun and looking the other way as if silently saying he didn't see anything. "If anyone says anything then tell'em you're Antonio's kid. They should leave you alone after hearing that." Kevin: The mercenary at the shooting range quickly looked over Kevin as he furrowed his brow. "No black band." he muttered to himself as realization dawned "Considering you basically just admitted to being an Esper and you don't have a black band then that means you're an illegal." the man sighed again as he took his gun into his hand and began to wipe it down with a nearby cloth "Which means you're either looking for asylum or you're trying to cross the border." he then looked back up at Kevin with a sharp gaze "or maybe both." he muttered once more "Whatever it is you're looking for you won't find it here. We're already in the middle of a contract and we don't take more than one at a time. As for my name, not that it's really any of your business, it's just Bartlow." Kai: Kai would find the boss located in a rather large tent towards the center of the camp. The inside of the tent wasn't very different from the others except for a rug, a sofa for guests, and a desk where a small pile of papers were stacked. On the sofa sitting across from the desk was a young woman that seemed to be in her teens with long black hair and doll like features while wearing what looked like a maids attire. Beautiful almost to the point of being creepy, her red eyes settled on Kai as he entered the tent. Behind the desk was the leader of the mercenary outfit you were currently working for. A tanned man with a streak of grey hair on both sides of his short brown hair that seemed to be in his early to mid forties. he also turned his gaze to Kai as he enter. "This is the one?" she asked Alfred, the leader, her gaze seemed to be analyzing his movements Alfred simply nodded as he began to speak to Kai. "This is Berma. She's......something of an old acquaintance of mine. I originally wanted to speak with you of the terms of renewing your contract with us but in lieu of her request I wanted to know if you would be willing to take a contract with her. My mercenary outfit is already under contract with someone else and I was explaining to her about how we don't take more than one contract at a time. Since she won't budge on the matter I thought of the fact your contract expires in the morning with us. Would you like to hear the details?" he asked as he turned his gaze back to the maid who now had an indifferent expression on her face. "He will do." she said without looking back to Kai

That's all you needed me for? Heh. And here I thought it was something important. *Kai shrugs before looking at Berma.* Give me the details and how much you'll pay me for it. I'll decide after I hear everything. Well, whenever your ready.

"Bartlow huh?" Kevin said still observing the camp. "And illegal? As a mercenary I hardly think you should care. Like you said, not like it's any of your business." Whit's th' plan noo bairn? Nothing much, maybe walk around a bit more? Didnae th' lassie tell ye tae bade? Yes. Kevin told Tam while beginning to walk towards the tent that seemed like a drinking hole. She did.

Kai: Berma simply stared at the small opening in the side of the tent towards the stars as she spoke. "It is a simple job. I have an illegal esper with me and as such will find difficulty crossing the border with him. I need you to smuggle us through the border and take us to Ireland. From there we will spend five days there and then need to be brought to Japan. It doesn't matter what part of Ireland or Japan you bring us to as long as you get us there. You will be paid half now and the other half later. Unfortunately I will only be able to pay you in those." She pointed at the desk Alfred sat at and you would see a small leather pouch with jewels spilled out of them. Just from what you could visibly see on the table you counted it be worth at least 50,000 not including whether or not their quality. "We will need to leave immediately so as soon as your contract is up in the morning would be for the best. How we get there will be left up to your discretion. The contract itself should only last three weeks at maximum. There is also confidentiality. Whatever you see during the duration of the contract is to never be shared with anyone even after the expiration of said service. Is that clear." she asked , her gaze never once turning to meet Kai's during the entire explanation Mariko: Mariko would see numerous tents put up around the area. A few tents that served as a canteen and a few others that served as a place for the mercenaries to sleep. There was even a makeshift firing range out to the far right side of the camp. Towards the middle she would see a single tent slightly larger than the others. As she walked towards the tent she could fill the gazes of the other mercenaries on her. Scrutinizing her every movement. But she would notice their attention wasn't only on her but another boy that seemed to be a little younger than herself walking towards one of the canteens. If anything he stood out just as much as her for simply being a kid in a camp filled with muscular adults with guns. Kevin: Bartlow stared at Kevins back as he walked away for a few seconds before clicking his tongue and going back to doing maintenance on his gun. As Kevin came closer to the canteen some of the mercenaries seemed to lower their chatter as they stared at the boy. They seemed a little wary since they didn't know for what reason he was there but maybe because Bartlow didn't really do anything about Kevin they returned to their lively chatter. At one of the tables with a few boxs of beers and a keg sat a large muscular man whom apparently did not seem to like wearing a shirt compared to everyone else present. He looked at the kid with a smirk as he layed a wooden mug on the table before him. "What'll it be lad. Ya ain't come 'ere for a some swill shit right? A real mans drink right?" the man practically bellowed "Hah! Just give the kid some milk. No use killing him with that poison you call brew." another man shouted across the tent as the fellows laughed "Ain't nothing stopped you from drinkin 'bout four mugs of da stuff yer self." he rebuked with a big smile "We're mercenaries. We don't live forever. Might as well poison me self on this swill hog piss than stay sober and look at your ugly mug." he replied Despite the crude words they seemed to get along well.

*Kai folds his arms, scratching his beard in thought.* Hmm. That's quite the distance. Getting through the border ain't that bad. Getting to Ireland is just sitting on a plane doing fuck all for about half a day. Same getting to Japan. What ever your doing in Ireland for five days is likely gonna be the problem. You don't need me otherwise, unless your really that concerned about border patrol being assholes. Hmm. *Kai looks at Berma, his head slightly tipped to the side, watching her closely..* Confidentiality ain't a problem. As long as your rocks are either a good power source or have good trade in value, I don't mind about being paid in abnormal objects. Any of that information your hiding from me gonna be important to protecting ya or would you rather not tell me with the geezer hanging around?

Mariko walked past all the adults she could find, still looking if any of them looked like her father. This is getting hopeless, no way I can find him like this, it'll take me hours. I can't talk to any of them I need to find someone wh... Mariko turned to the boy that stood out as much as her. Hey! Another kid! Hey you! She yelled towards him making her way over there.

Kevin stared at the man before sitting across from him and taking the wooden mug. He smiled as he brought the mug to his nose and smelled it before putting it down. Laddie if you have a go at that drink that I'll make sure you won't have a kip for a week. I know I know. Kevin smiled while looking at the shirtless man. "You have any drinks that help you with pain?" He asked not really expecting a serious answer. Um, laddie on your right. Kevin turned to see a slightly older girl yelling. Eh, probably just lost or something. Kevin then heard what she was shouting and turned to her again. Everyone was giving the same weird looks as they did to him. And Kevin assumed that wasn't just because she was covered in mud. People all day today. Kevin waited silently for the girl to catch up.

Kai: "I will explain more on why it must remain confidential upon our departure. As for our protection, it will be the lowest on your priorities. If the Esper dies along the way then you will still obtain full payment and you will only have to escort us to Ireland." she stood up as she walked over to a small cabinet against the side of the desk. "Also, maybe because your leader is more competent than most then you may not have noticed but with the threat of war as well as the illegal smuggling of espers to different super powers then border control has become a lot more strict. If they realize we have an esper then it'll be game over for all of us." she said, opening the cabinet without asking and pulling out a vintage bottle of brandy, no doubt apart of Alfred's personal collection. "In the end, whatever happens I will accept. So what you decide to do in the different circumstances surrounding this mission will all be left to your discretion. That will also include keeping the esper in line in any way you see fit." she said soon grabbing one of the nearby glasses and sitting back down on the sofa and filling her glass halfway with the brandy. "If I am separated from the group at any given time then continue your mission without me under the assumption that I am dead. You will still receive payment regardless" draining the liquid down her throat after pausing and then finally looking back towards Kai. "I assume that is a adequate explanation or do you have questions?" Kevin & Mariko: Mariko would make her way over to Kevin unhindered though the others in the area eyed her. "Hey lass. Don't yer think ya should wipe the grime off ya before running over to a place where food and drinks are served" one of the men called out to her "Yeah, not to be rude. I mean, we're already drinking horse piss over here but don't wanna be drinking horse piss and dirt in our food too." another man called out to her "Fuck off! If ya don't like me special brew then you can shove ya pistol where da sun don't shine. Fucking idget's have no taste. Ain't that right boy" the shirtless man said as he turned his gaze back to Kevin.

Ha! Hell of a gamble. I could just lay back and letcha die if I wanted to, and I'd still get paid? *Kai chuckled.* It won't happen though. I pride myself on getting a job done. Heh. Alright then. I'll take your job. Though, Geezer, I'll need my payment before I leave. I don't plan on coming back round here anytime soon, after all.

Ah um... I probably should have washed... Mariko slowed down as her face turned slightly red. She slowly took a seat ans scooted away from them so that no dirt could get on them or the food. Oh, sorry I just um... Mariko took a deep breathe and smiled. My name is Mariko! I'm looking for my father; his name is Antonio.

Heh, looks lik' a common story fur weans these days Kevin chuckled at Tam's remark. He looked at the girl and sighed handing her the wooden mug. "Sorry, I just got here so I don't know. It doesn't smell half bad, here have a taste if you want." Kevin said handing the mug to Mariko. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you looking for your dad? Lost? The name is Kevin by the way" Why'd ye hand her th' drink!? Her life her choices. Besides I don't really want to offend the guy by not drinking it.

Mariko's eyes lit up as Kevin handed her the drink. She brought the drink to her lips. Her face froze as the beer slid down her throat but she put on a smile and thanked the shirtless man when she finished. O-oh hi! My name is Mariko! And... I already said that... u-um I'm lost! That why I'm here...trying to find my dad. What about you? Mariko eyes became empty when she mentioned her father.

Kevin & Mariko: The mercenaries all went silent upon hearinf Mariko say her fathers name. So much so that even the ones far away that couldn't hear what she said silenced as though they wanted to hear more on the matter. The sounds of crickets chirping in the forest was all that greeted them for a moment before the silence was finally broken by the shirtless man. "You're.....Mariko? Antonio's kid? Holy shit muffins." the man said mouth agape "You've......really grown up" a woman said as she sized her up before suddenly a cheer from everyone in the canteen resounded through the area "Damn, to think that little chika has grown so much! Has it really been that long?" a guy from the side spoke up "This calls for a celebration! Bring out the best booze ya got!" another woman yelled out to the shirtless guy "The booze in your cups is the best you ungrateful mutts." he sneered at the others "Welp lass. Ya got family here if ya care to be related to this sorry lot. We ain't nothing pretty to look at but we take care of our own." the shirtless man said to her with a far more relaxed expression "Speak for yourself. I'm fucking gorgeous!" a woman said from the back They all laughed as at this point they didn't seem to pay much attention to Kevin anymore. Kai: Berma didn't say anything more as she continued to drink the brandy. Alfred then nodded to her and turned his attention over to Kai. "No need to worry about the money. It'll be transferred to your account like always upon the end of our contract in the morning. It'll be a shame to see you leave. I'll hope that the cold touch of death remains at bay during your next contract" he said with a stern and grim expression. His expression was more grim than usual but it was quickly replaced by his usual business look. The one he wore when he didn't need to show any kind of emotion or weakness. The one you knew him for when making a hard decision. He simply looked back to Berma. "Will this be enough for you?" he asked her, eyes seeming to try to look into her being. "It will be adequate." she responded, not wasting her breath on further conversation. Suddenly a cheer could be heard outside from the other mercenaries and Alfred couldn't help but sigh. "What are they doing this time?" he wondered "Our guest should be arriving soon. Think you can head out with Bartlow and bring them here?"

Whit are th' chances eh laddie? Kevin looked around him, surprised at the sudden reaction of the people inside the mercenaries. He felt their gazes shift off of him. "Well you've got a family here. Why am I here? I'm... also lost. Looking for my father too heh, not as popular as yours though. At least not here." Kevin said rejecting any drinks handed to him due to what he fears Tam will do if he drinks. Kevin decided not to pry any farther into Mariko's past when he saw the empty look in her eyes.

*Kai sighs.* I'll go see what their up to. You both seem to have something planned, so I'll leave ya to it. See ya tommorow morning, Miss Berma. I hope we have a good time on the job. Good luck to yer future endeavours as well, Geezer. *With that, Kai would leave, brushing some ash from his coat. He would look over to others. With a sigh, he wandered over.* Alright. What are ya jokers yellin for?

Mariko jumped when everyone suddenly started cheering. Why are they celebrating? To him? Mariko wished that she took a shower even more now that they were drinking to her honor. She turned to Kevin though, something about him constantly reminded her he was there. Not that he didn't give anything off to her, it's just how nothing came to him. He felt like a rock in a river, every single thread avoiding him. Um... thank you! I um... tried really hard to grow... Mariko took any drinks handed to her and drunk it in case they would get mad she didn't since they were toasting to her. Can I ask who he is? I mean I know a bit about mine, as you can...see.

The celebrating started quieting down upon Kai's arrival. Misha sitting in one of the seats in the canteen as she looked up to Kai to answer him. "Antonio's kid is here. You don't know the bastard but he was a guy that was here a couple years ago. Every time he got pictures in the mail of his kid he'd go around the whole camp showing everyone with a big stupid grin on his face. He was the farthest thing you'd think of when it came to our line of work. Wasn't too good with a gun either." she said before taking a few more gulps from her mug then turning her attention to Mariko. "Assuming you're here then that means you don't know where he is huh?" she asked, looking more sober than her red face would have you think "Ain't that kinda weird? He left us a couple years back. Said he'd be handling some business and then heading home to his kid. You mean to tell me you ain't seen 'em?" The shirtless man asked as the others became silent after hearing those words. "Hey Kai. The trucks been loaded. We're heading out now. You ready?" Bartlow called out to Kai as he place his hand gun on his leg holster.

*Kai glances at Bartlow.* Keep your shirt on, Bart. I'm coming. *He folds his arms looking back to the group.* So, she's the kid of a guy ya used ta know eh? Least that's some relation, but nothing I'd consider to start a party over. Guess you idiots use any excuse for to start yelling. *With a chuckle, Kai turns and starts heading towards Bartlow* Though, I am gonna play the boring old man here and say don't get those kids drunk. I ain't gonna haul your asses out the fire if the Geezer gets upset with ya and docks your pay. *Kai walks past Bartlow, tapping him on the shoulder as he does.* Shall we go be an escort then? Our prince awaits. Ah ha ha ha.

Mariko sat still hearing the new of her father. A completely different side of him she never heard before. She felt her stomach drop. This was making her sick for some reason she couldn't describe. I... need some fresh air... I'm sorry keep going without me... Mariko stood up and made her way outside the tent.

Kevin looked at Mariko walking away. He sighed to himself, following her before Tam would tell him to. He walked past the other mercenaries to outside the tent. You're learning lad. "Finally going to take a shower?" Kevin mocked Mariko.

Mariko stopped from entering the showers until she heard Kevin talk to her. She reflexively reached for her hammer before seeing who it was. She gently put her hand down and laughed nervously. Oh, yeah I was just about to do that... um... Once again she felt the threads avoid him, making a pit in her stomach form. Can I please just ask one question? Are you an esper... like me?

An esper as well? I guess that Bartlow guy knew a lot about espers because there are so many of them... Are you really an esper lassie? Tam asked Mariko. Nae to be rude but ye don't pure sound th' type, way ye have bin acting n'all. "You want to check?" Kevin asked Tam. Hold me up to her, if she's fine with it. Kevin looked at Mariko. "You mind if we check?"

Mariko was shocked at the boy and that weird voice also accusing her. She felt her cheek become red with embarrassment and rage. What do they mean by not sounding an esper! I am an esper, any way I talk is how an esper talks since I am one! Go ahead! Check! I can tell you are one why can't you tell I am one too!? Just look at the threads!

Threads? Wait does she mean...? Ye heard th' lassie, go ahead Tam told him. Kevin took off his necklace and held it towards Mariko. Kevin began to realize something, Tam would have to confirm it. Like I thought, I can sense her clear as day. No way you're an esper. Tam said, Mariko would realize that the strange voice was coming from the necklace he held towards her. "Like I thought... before you begin to say we are wrong hear me out, you aren't an esper. No matter how much you believe. You're a Magi, why a Magi want to be an esper I don't care."

Mariko opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. She has so many questions from just the three sentences he said. Even about the necklace. W-what?! A Magi?? Why does your necklace talk! And does that mean you aren't an esper! What's a Magi? Why aren't I an esper but a Magi?! Mariko yelled stomping her already dirty shoes.

...How aboot ye explain it laddie? Tam said dumping the questions onto him. Kevin sighed and looked at Mariko, beginning to worry someone would overhear them from all the shouting, Kevin began to whisper. "Ok, listen, you know those threads you were talking about? Tell me, are they avoiding me? Then that means I'm an esper, but those same threads aren't avoiding you right? Well the fact that you can see them means you aren't an esper. A Magi from what I remember is something who can manipulate those threads to do magic. Got it?"

Once again Mariko now had more questions. This is getting me nowhere! He clearly knows more! Why is he so vague?! So you mean my entire life I wasn't an esper, but a Magi? What do you mean I can manipulate the threads?? Do you know how to...?

Aye basically Tam answered to Mariko's first question. Kevin's eyes froze when she asked on whether he knew how to manipulate that threads. Irony dulled his sense of humor, only allowing a chuckle to escape. "...yeah. I know how." Kevin said softly as if ashamed.

Mariko glared at the necklace before turning back to Kevin. Her eyes widened with excitement when he said he knew how to use magic. You do?! You know how to use the threads even though you can't see them?! That's amazing, you must be really good! You... can you show me? How to use the threads?

... "Ha! You want me to teach you? An esper teaching a Magi on how to use magic, ahaha!" Kevin wiped a tear from his eye and began to walk back into the tent. "Sorry, there's no way I can show you anything."

Mariko began to panic, seeing a kid just walk up to her and destroy her world view, saying she isn't an esper in which she thought she was her entire life, calls her a Magi, and then just... leaves?! Mariko grabbed Kevin's shoulder before he could go into the tent. Wait! I thought you said you knew how! What's wrong with an esper teaching a Magi? Can you at least give me a reason?!

Heh, reminds me of someone... Tam said out loud to no one. Kevin's eyes were deep in thought before he began to smile. He turned around and pried Mariko's hand off him with great effort. He then looked her dead in the eye. "Alright, you want me to teach you? Ok I will, but on one condition." Kevin's smile grew bigger. "If you can land a single hit on me then you win. I'll teach you."

Mariko felt sweat begin to trickle down her neck. Land a hit? A blow from my hammer looks like it could kill him, he has to have something. That talking necklace is proof that he has tricks up his sleeve. But I don't know anyone else who knows about magic... Ok, but you asked for this. Mariko pulled out her sledgehammer from her back and aimed at his hand before swinging; she wasn't trying to kill him.

Kevin stood there motionless watching the hammer go through his entire body. He shook his head and sat down. "No shame in giving up, I won't even move."

Like before Kevin didn't react, letting the flames engulf him. Though once the died down Kevin was still sitting there in the same spot with the same defiant smile. "Just a question, what does the threads look like when things fade through me?"

Mariko grit her teeth and stared at him. Take this more seriously! This is a fight to change my life! That child! I can't hit him, everything phase through him, and all around his body... wait if he's phasing all around his body then why doesn't he go into the ground? There must be some part of him that keeps him on the ground like... Mariko looked at his legs. She smiled before swinging her hammer towards them.

Kevin laughed nodded at Mariko. "Oh sorry I didn't know this was that important to you, you can continue." Kevin said as she swung the hammer towards his legs. He didn't move as always, but was caught off guard when the hammer collided with Tam's barrier before it could reach his legs. Congrats lassie, ye win. Tam announced. He spoke to Kevin next. Looks like ye needs to get the books ready. "What are you doing?!" Kevin quietly yelled at Tam. Saving your legs. Kevin sat there confused, but he eventually sighed and stood up. "Alright, you win. I'll teach you how to use magic. Can't promise that much out of the basics."

Mariko's eyes lit up again with joy and excitement. I won! I will finally learn how to use magic! I'll be the strongest one! No one well ever die again when I'm there! I'll be amazing! No one would ever want to be away from me! I won! I won! When can we start?! I can start now! I can move the threads and stuff or you can show how to use them or anything, I can even show you my balloons! I really love them aren't they cool?! They explode fire, water, gale, and best of all, rocks!

Enjoy it you'll be teaching this thing. Tam told Kevin happily. Kevin was nearly overwhelmed with the questions but he kicked his brain into overdrive and answered them. "No you can't start right now go take a shower and wait till morning or till I've rested. It's been a couple days since I've had a good night's rest." He told her heading back into the tents.

Mariko: Mariko would find a few metal barrels sitting inside the tent as well as a small table off to the side with things like soup, towels and other small things of no consequence. under the tubs were small plates that were used for heating the water inside the barrels as well as small buckets on the side of the barrel for cleaning off the initial grime before getting into the hot water. Kevin: Kevin would be on his way back to the tent before he saw Berma walking looking around, most likely looking for him. Her eyes landed on Kevin as she showed a slightly annoyed expression and waited for him to walk over. Kai: The truck was mostly empty with only the bare minimum. Bartlow and two others were in the armored truck. One was Misha and the other a more silent type compared to the others named Jacob. Compared to the others he had tattoos completely covering his body of all kinds of things but all of them seemed to be related to the religion he believed in. Hanging from his neck was silver crucifix. Once you got into the jeep Misha drove out of the camp and headed into the forest. Bartlow was looking out of the metal blinds of the truck for any signs of being followed while Jacob payed more attention to the small radar in the van that was supposed to pick up on any electrical signals that weren't already registered in the truck. For the most part the trip was silent as everyone stayed on guard while Misha traded a few jokes to lighten the mood. How she was able to drive so safely while being drunk is beyond anyone but she has always been able to make it work. Soon the car stopped near a small clearing between the numerous trees. Near a cliff wall with only enough space for a small company of vehicles. Everyone got out of the vehicle except Misha who stayed in the truck just in case they needed a speedy retreat. "This should be the place we'll be meeting with our contacts." Bartlow spoke to the others as he leaned against the side of the truck.

*Kai gets out of the truck, putting his hands in his jacket pocket.* This could either go horrendously or decently depending how this goes. let's hope this guy gets here quick. I could do without long waits.

"Maybe I should run...?" Kevin joked sighing when he saw Berma. No dice laddie she's quicker than ye. Tam laughed. How are ye going to explain yer fresh student? "I got a plan..." Pure? "Not really..." Kevin began to walk to Berma, hands in his pocket as if he did nothing wrong.

Kevin: Berma's gaze turned from Kevin to Tam as she simply asked with no intention to listen to Kevin at all. "What did he do?" Her question was simple and yet her gaze was soul piercing. Maybe to Kevin, he wouldn't be able to really tell the difference from how she was now compared to how she always is but Tam would be able to tell the subtle difference. Since she had been with them up until now she was always simply indifferent but right now he could tell that she was currently annoyed if not down right angry. She didn't want to hear excuses. She simply wanted to know the short version of the truth. Mariko: Mariko would wander around a little before finally seeing a tent a little larger than the others however something else stuck out to her. It was something that was always there since she arrived but now that she had walked around a little it was more prominent and harder to ignore. There were two tents in the camp that were without a doubt larger than the others but the thing that kept attracting her attention was the fact that the threads of multicolored light that she had always seen were, like with Kevin, flowing around the tents. As if they were avoiding coming near it, she could tell those tents were different from the others. They were completely covered and closed as opposed to the others that were wide open (excluding the bathing tent). Whether or not she ignored that and headed straight for the bosses tent was up to her. Kai: "Don't do anything to piss them off. Especially the Japanese woman that's with them. Also, for gods sake don't sleep with her either?" Bartlow said as he saw the aircraft slowly land in the clearing. The back of the carrier plane slowly lowered and out walked three people. One was a kid that seemed no older than 14, another was a Japanese woman with long black hair that was missing her right arm, and the last was what seemed to be a magician if his attire was anything to go by. Bartlow walked over to the boy holding his cell phone out before the boy nodded. Whatever was on the cell phone screen was probably what they used to verify their identity. "I am Krill Telos. Will you be taking us to the cargo from here? We would like to confirm the quality of the goods and to speak with Alfred." the boy said to Bartlow, apparently for some odd reason this child seemed to either be their leader of their representative. The black haired woman seemed to smile and say something to the magician before letting out a small laugh and then waving her left hand at Kai. Bartlow simply escorted them into the armored vehicle where they began to make their way back to the camp.

Now why would I do that? *Kai joked. As the group got out of their car, he observed, thinking to himself. Hmm. A Kid, A mage and a wierd chick. Strange guests the geezer's getting. With that he would get back in the vehicle, sitting is silence.*

Chirst she's got a stare almost as chilly as mah master laddie "Y-you do the talking." Kevin said tugging Tam's string Aye... Weel berma me 'n' th' laddie were just exploring a bit when we saw this lassie who wanted a teacher. We said na honestly but she "convinced" us to help her. Anyways so noo we'll take her with us. Not a kinch right? Don't fash yourself she can pull her weight from what I can see. Kevin stood still looking around while Tam tried to talk his way out of this situation.