Charles Patricius

"Of course it isn't. I'm going to be the best, and that starts with having good ideas," Soma asserted. His apparent plan to be the best would go unspecified, but not without action toward an ideal success. It would all start with a little test. Miko talking about boxed thoughts and efforts taken to focus gave him an idea what she was going through. With that being the case, some assumptions were made about the lost, even dazed expression on Anya's face. She must have been hearing the thoughts of all those around her, perhaps with no ability to pick and choose whose mind she read actively. They could benefit each other, Soma thought. Actually... since that was only a thought, he wondered if she could make even better use of his abilities than he originally believed.

Soma had an innate ability to empower or enfeeble others by using his voice, his words. On the other hand, Anya could hear thoughts. Could they really have such a powerful combination work? Well... Soma would be finding out. 'Hey kid! Focus on me!' he yelled in his mind. In that moment, a link would be established between his mana and Anya's. If she found his voice, she may yet be capable of tuning out the white noise while receiving strength of spirit. This would be Soma's first test of ability, and already... he was having an idea. 'Has this worked? If it has, think about sharing with me the feeling you get from hearing thoughts. I'm going to make it possible for this to work in both directions through my ability.'

Soma seemed to inherit from all of his parents, a lack of direct words about his actions and plans. That was sensible as every piece of him included someone who similarly was less direct about their plans but were very active in how they worked. Planning was happening, execution was happening but he wasn't verbalizing any of his real intentions. That was fine, cards played close to the vest and all that. Kaguya was simply left to observe his progress and be happy that he had a goal in mind even if what it was, had an air of mystery about it. Still, what would this young man be doing while Miko sorted through her thoughts and created life? Well... he'd be mentally and spiritually connecting himself to the one most passively affected by everyone else.

Anya had shown herself to be quite the quiet toddler. This was mostly because she was actively hearing the thoughts of everyone else, and wasn't really certain when she should speak and when she shouldn't. It was a lot to mediate as a child of her age and in the moments where Miko's mind had started moving at a higher speed than normal, she'd gotten herself so swept up between that and everyone else's thoughts that she'd gotten lost. Her eyes were swirling and it was like she was drowning, but then, in all that noise she heard a single voice. 'Whuuah?' she thought herself. Ah, it was Soma. He'd been nice to her and his voice was one of the ones she was most familiar with given his proximity to her during her first few moments of life. He wanted her focus on him? He believed she could do that? She turned just a little. Those eyes of hers were still unfocused but, she could see him and it helped. Slowly but surely she'd manage to stabilize cutting out the other sounds in favor of his just his voice. If it worked he wanted to know what it felt like, hearing someone else's voice through telepathy. He was going to try and make their link go both directions. Since he'd offered to keep her secret, it was only right if she help him try and perfect his own skills. She felt, it was right in her soul. So... what did other voices feel like in her head? Well, like little zaps or sparks, until it felt overwhelming and then it felt like... heat and burning in her mind and even in her chest. Did that work, did he understand. 'I... don't know if I can explain it. It just kinda feels like zap...and zapp... and then like zipppppppppppp!' her thoughts were slightly immature but that also made sense... she was actually a child.

Soma's focus remained on the toddler in this room, though his eyes did not remain locked with hers for long. He wasn't the type to let body language show true intent, it seemed. One goal took precedence over all other events presently. If he could establish the right kind of connection with Anya, perhaps he could figure out his first ability. It took some time to find out if things were functioning, but lo... he could see the change in Anya's demeanor through his own periphery. That change eventually heralded Soma's ability to hear her thoughts, just as he heard hers. A baseline link was established.

Alas, Soma couldn't possibly make things work the way Anya explained. Her words carried the sheer ignorance of childhood ─ almost to a point of comedy. 'That's... a good attempt, but it won't work that way. Let's see...' he thought. Soma would go on to consider ways his ability could work. Perhaps he could command a target to forge the link? No, that wouldn't be enough. Ah, but maybe... the existing connection could just function as a base? 'Oh? Actually, that might be just the thought I needed. Zap zapp zip? Yeah...' he mused. That consistent jolt Anya must have been talking about may have been similar to the feeling of magical connection. In that regard, he could deduce she had some sort of area link with all entities in a radius. By that logic and a few trailing thoughts about mana harmonization, he reached a conclusion while Marisbury spoke...

"You seem focused enough. Now, I'm going to create a field around us that extends to Kimura-kun. That should make a stable enough barrier to keep the outside out, and the inside in. As the most accessible father, his energies should be best for stabilizing this one. The results should speak for themselves if you do all of your work within this space," the man said to Miko while focusing two mana sources already in harmony, exposing a tunnel of the effective field toward Kazuhiko. 'That's it!' Soma thought. If he had perfect harmony with himself as the original source, he could connect himself outward to anyone ─ even multiple people at once! Theoretically, a stable connection of that nature would require certain trust between parties, but... that was the end goal anyway.

Anya's recovery had her better able to withstand the almost ridiculous amount of chatter within the brains of those present. With only one other mind to focus on, her thoughts were able to clear quite a bit. Beyond those points, she was also rather impressionable. With her focus on Soma she was able to understand his mannerisms a bit better. With her mind clearer she understood the need for secrecy and went back to more childish and wandering with her eyes. She was perceptive and impressionable. Still it seemed they weren't quite on the same page, as Soma couldn't fully understand the way her power worked by her own description. She was encouraged told it was a nice try but perhaps the difference in their mentality was a problem? Whatever the case, she wasn't given much time to consider amending her statements as Soma changed his mind. He seemed to gain some form of understanding. 'Yosh!' she seemed quite pleased that things had worked out.

Beyond this point, it would seem that Miko only needed a few moments to gain the focus necessary for the task at hand. According to Marisbury he was going to extend the field to Kazuhiko as he was the most easily accessible partner parent. "Hai hai, it's a lot easier to focus right now... it's usually a huge problem for me," she said honestly. Her mind was always in dozens of different places, it was difficult to focus enough, but with access to Kazuhiko and a general idea she could probably make the most of the contributions to this new life to make it something interesting. Whatever the others were busy doing connections and magical understanding were coming together quite nicely. "Sou ka, actually this feels a lot like making music♪~" Miko murmured softly. The previous day she'd spent in the company of someone else who was able to bring order to her chaotic mind and though it was done in a much less direct manner it had the same kind of warmth and surrounding feelings. It blocked out the noise and allowed her to concentrate only on the activity she was undertaking. "Box it." something about that comparison would make it end up in the box about Mikami Takao that Kaguya had given her the assignment of making. But for now, she could begin working though her creation, with Kazuhiko's mana and Marisbury as a focus. Kazuhiko would become the base structure for that girl... like the base melody a chord chosen just integrity of her form.

Soma finally had the understanding he needed to create his first proper skill. Anya had been at least slightly helpful, which was more than he actually expected of a five-year old. He'd gladly give a bit of credit for that. Regardless, the skill was formed within him, and it would immediately be put to use. 'Link!' he thought to activate it. In that moment, he and Anya would be officially connected, mind to mind, their souls as the catalyst. Some would call it a form of mana transfer, but Soma wouldn't think in such barbaric ways. 'We have a connection now. Even if we're not near each other, we should be able to speak with each other like this,' he thought toward the child. 'I'll be using this for people who work with me. Does that include you?' he wondered.

Miko's focus didn't have to be an issue in this case. In fact, Marisbury left open the possibility for her to address numerous matters at once ─ something necessary for complex creation on a spiritual level. Unlike others, she had plentiful sources to work with. Adding a connection to Kazuhiko seemed to help even more; it was as Marisbury expected. "I thought you'd like the feeling. Things should be very open now, and the bridge between souls feels very strong. If it helps even more, I'd say your desire could create something... technically imaginary, but very familiar for the way you work best~" he whispered deviously. If Miko caught his meaning, or even if she didn't, he left her free to control all aspects of creation here. He did, however, extend his own spiritual reach to a few key aspects floating around, as if making recommendations in passing. All the while, Kazuhiko was back at the dining table with cards placed along it, explaining to a few others the way their game was played.

A call would be heard by Anya and it was simple... Link. And through that she felt a strengthened connection between her and Soma, a zap of stronger initial feeling that faded soon afterwards into something more akin to a gentle buzz once it occurred. They'd not even been alive that long, and he'd already made a skill and figured out how to use it, based solely on her admittedly lacking explanation and his own thoughts, 'Cool!' she squealed happily. What was more he explained it fully. According to Soma this connection would remain between them regardless of distance and he'd use it for others who worked with him. He asked if this would include her, 'Hai! Of course I want to work with you!' she had several passing thoughts about the cool guy who was one of the first to be here and he helped her. Working with him was a no brainer.

Meanwhile, Miko was being given control of a small space which could function as she wished it too. She was still talking to Marisbury who had something rather devious to say... he made the claim that she could work as she did best. Even if the actions themselves were technically imaginary. She gave that a bit of thought and remembered her first day in Munetsuchi. "Sou ka, I can do that kind of thing here... I figured that was a one off kind of thing," she said still trying not to think about the box she kept closed with purpose. The grin that broke out across her face was devious as well. "Arigatou, Mari-sa♪!~" she sang her thanks and what began to happen in that place, even as she considered several suggestions and the like were various images of her having the kind of sex she'd imagined when speaking to Kazuhiko earlier. A sexual endeavor from the girls own imagination wasn't too far outside of her norm, she'd liken it to her own dream state, only without all the random scenery changes, but those could wait until she had some free time. No for now, an imaginary version of Miko was having a lot of sex with the imaginary version of Kazuhiko as both parties bodies remained in place. She wondered if he'd notice, she assumed if he did, she'd hear something about it, as the entire scene started with her little self sliding under the table for the drink she'd been offered earlier. Before an evitable set of other switches, like in the chair, facing forward, facing backwards, bent over it, laid out on top if it... all of the ways she would have liked to spend her morning. All happening rapidly as she pieced together a whole being past its skeleton on to more layers.

Just like that, Soma had his first underling. Well, perhaps Anya couldn't be called that. Soma gave it some thought. Perhaps it was the best moniker. She clearly wasn't the strongest of individuals as he would like her to be, but he would have quite the accomplishment under his belt if he could elevate her to that level. What better climb to the top could one have? Soma's mind contained the ideal power fantasy, likely stemming from his parents' preferences. 'Then we're partners. I'm going to become the strongest by controlling the strongest. Your job is to follow my orders when they're given. In exchange, you'll become the strongest mind-reader there ever was, and we'll rise to the top ─ wherever that may be. Deal?'

A party was being organized on one front, and on another... there was more deviance. Marisbury figured that if anyone understood what he was getting at, it would be Iino Miko. She seemed almost made for sex, even more so than someone literally made for it. It went without saying that she'd create within her own soul the event of a full mana transfer when given the knowledge. Oh, and what a creation it was. Given their connection, Marisbury became something of a voyeur; he could see everything Miko imagined. In the same regard, there was certainly an effect on Kazu's end due to the link itself. Between pointing at one card or another and offering explanations, he experienced the occasional invasive thought. A few glances were shot in Miko's direction, and they came along with mental images... or rather, things he thought were mental images. It wasn't the first time Kazuhiko randomly envisioned public degeneracy, nor would it be the last. It was, however, the most potent of all. How he had such vivid imagery of experiencing Miko under, on and around that strange table was a mystery... but he wasn't going to try stopping an impromptu dribbling erection at this point in life; certainly not in present company.

In the moments following the development of his first skill, Soma had something to share with the young girl who'd helped make that possible by her own oddity. So then, what was his plan now that Anya had agreed to be part of his organization? He wanted to go to the top, and become the strongest by leading the strongest people. His claim to Anya was that if she stuck with him and followed his orders, she'd be the strongest mind-reader either world would ever see. The ultimate power fantasy had much appeal in the mind of a five year old. The kind of imagination that led one to dreaming of super heroes and ones own super powers would easily make the girl into the sort of person who could say this with certainty. 'DEAL! I"LL BE THE STRONGEST TOO!' Anya agreed like a child playing a game, but... there was much conviction in her and she'd be doing her best to help him achieve his dreams and now her new ones. Her eyes were sparkling and she was beyond pleased.

Meanwhile, Miko was abusing an 'imaginary' version of Kazuhiko all over that table he was sitting at with the watchful eyes of Marisbury on hand. Even while she did this, it became ever easier for her to fully put together the things in the box that would create the girl she was making. Those eyes of Kazuhiko's which apparently traveled to her throughout her new adventure in sex was something she felt almost indirectly. But she'd experienced this from the other side already and was simply amused by his lack of outward reaction. Still more positions would be abused as maybe control shifted one way or another. In the end, as the last pieces of this individual came together, the phantom versions would be seen up against the back of one of those high backed chairs. One of Miko's legs was dangling over Kazuhiko's shoulder as she clung to the back of that chair and rocked into him. Yes, that one looked interesting. They'd definitely have to do that. "Wooh, this is great for ideas... I think, she's almost done now, she feels properly harmonized now♪~" Miko mused most happily even while the other version of herself seemed to be experiencing something of a massive orgasm. Such was laden with tightness that the girl herself felt even in the form of her quivering womb. This was a great idea. The fact that it was happening even as Marisbury was directly within her face, made her wonder if she didn't just discover a certain leaning of her own. Oh well, observation was important, she supposed that would be slipped in as well.

The strongest of mind-readers. That title probably shouldn't belong to a child with little worldly sense, but Soma liked the idea of it even more because of that. He could barely keep himself from smiling. 'Stick close to me. I'll need you when the time comes to find the value of the next member. Until then, just act normal,' Soma said, content from there to see what this trading card game of Kazuhiko's could become. Perhaps he'd even find himself a second strategist among the players? The amount of brawn he intended to collect left room for a bit more brain, after all.

Meanwhile, the amount of activity between Miko and Kazu. It didn't make sense to Kazu how many things appeared in his mind; it was far more than normal, and completely unprompted. One particular mental image was stronger than the others, and moreover... quite interesting to imagine. Those chairs were created/modified by Marisbury, whose magic seemed quite powerful. If nothing else, they could easily support a bit of heavy activity against them. He even began picturing the act of lifting Miko's other leg, turning her and himself around to pin her against the chair's back. He could easily keep her lifted from the ground by both legs, supported horizontally by the chair, and entertained by a long series of thrusts from his end. Kazu could almost feel himself bursting at the seams inside the brunette... but why was it so vivid? Why did it feel so real? He didn't know, but there was definitely a conversation to have later. Just the same, there was a pause in his rule explanation for the others ─ one Soma realized had purpose. 'Oh? Is this similar to Link?'

Should a relative toddler become the highest tier mind-reader on the planet? Probably not, but that didn't mean she wouldn't do it. In fact, she was fairly motivated to do so, simply because Soma made it sound cool. She was definitely among those who liked the idea of being cool as she grew older. 'Hai, I'll be normal,' Anya mentioned. She actually didn't know what normal entailed, but she'd start by moving towards her mother and extending her arms in such a way as to find herself in the place called up. Chika, who'd taken a seat at the table picked the little girl up and stood her in her lap so she could see better. All the while, she was able to more easily look around without anything blocking her vision. At the same time, the smile on Soma's face was noticed by his mother, she had no idea what he was up to, but if he was amused then all was fine.

Meanwhile, a rather vivid exchange was being shared between Miko and Kazuhiko without his direct knowledge. If he wanted to talk about it later, that would be fine as well, Miko knew that such invasive thoughts were very hard to deal with, but it didn't stop her from enjoying her various positions and methods until the end. When that last escaped her, the light in her eyes jumped as she was sure she felt the sensation of her filling womb, not that she needed that but it was still a great feeling in a rather sudden way. She noted the pause in Kazuhiko's speech and it seemed that it was noticed by others as well. When Soma wondered over whether it was like like, Anya found herself gazing around the whole of the room. 'Kinda, but they aren't just thinking, like normal. It's like they're going woosh, but with two people!' she explained of the situation in a manner most would consider childish. At the same time, Miko was separating out a few last things and slipping them into other boxes while, putting the finishing touches on this last one. "Oh and while I am thinking about it... I can definitely do that thing we were talking about last time. If you wanted to catch up later, Mari-sa♪~" the lass nearly sang that statement but mostly she was in the recovery phase from the phantom feeling of having her womb filled.