The Scramble [Complete]

[Nanoha Takamachi]

It was a bit disheartening, really; no-one seemed keen to introduce themselves to Nanoha. Not even the girl who had spoken opened with a greeting and introduction. It just wouldn't do, normally, but these were extenuating circumstances and considering that, perhaps some regular formalities should be dispensed with. Now that she was up close, Nanoha took a few moments to carefully study the group. They all appeared to be very unique in their own way. Clearly this Lost Logia had a wide range of effect if it was capturing victims from such varied sources. To apply such a powerful magic on as wide a field as this could possibly be was almost enough to worry Nanoha. But, ultimately, it would just require some careful thought to unravel this mess before it became a major incident. Contacting the TSAB was of top priority, but for now making allies and friends here would be the logical approach.

Besides, Nanoha could never have too many friends.

The questions the young lady asked, however rhetorical they might have been, were certainly worth considering. Nanoha quickly ran through her memory of the events leading up to the present moment, and suddenly remember the details in that strange entry sequence message. That featureless entity that referred to itself as 'Omni'- obviously a magical construct servant of the Lost Logia- had divulged some information that would prove useful, if could be trusted. A place called the 'Omniverse' (probably a pocket dimension), mention of others within this place (clearly indicated by the presence of these strangers), a recommendation to not prioritise self-preservation (this had never been a priority for Nanoha regardless).

"Why are they here? From the looks of it they are scouts, just here to observe. What they want is something I think we'll have to ask of them ourselves."

Want. What did they want.

Suddenly it hit her. There was something else Omni had said. A mention of rules and others who desired something called 'Omnilium'. Whoever created this Lost Logia didn't have much creativity, it would seem.

Master. Anomaly detected.

Raising Heart's voice rang out, jolting Nanoha from her thoughts, followed by some surprised sounds from someone in the group. Looking down at her hands, Nanoha suddenly realised a small glimmering orb lay pulsing in her hand, light playing within as streams of rainbows and stardust. She recognised this from the message from Omni. Was this meant to be Omnilium? Seemed similar to a Linker Core, if she was able to summon it just by thinking about it.
"Rasing Heart, run a scan on this, please."

Substance unknown. Potential energy detected.

"With it, anything you desire can be yours." The words rang through Nanoha's head like it was fresh from Omni's mouth. Anything, it said? Then the best course of action here is to test...

Nanoha focused on the orb, ignoring for a moment the talking that broke out around her. Consider this orb like her Linker Orb. Grasp and pull, grasp and pull.
"Raising Heart! Please!"

Yes, my master. Standby, ready. Axel Mode.

There was a tingling sensation from her fingertips to her chest, then a feeling like something had been unlocked from around her Linker Core. As Nanoha felt a familiar sensation flowing from her, she gentle shut her eyes and summoned forth her Barrier Jacket. The recognisable signature of her magic seal emanated up from the ground beneath her feet, pulsing with Magenta coloured energy. Her uniform winked out of existence ever so briefly, as Raising Heart spun around her weaving spell energy onto her flesh as quickly as it was made bare. The bulked-up layered dress, shortened dress and sectioned over-dress flowed around her in a sudden burst of white light, forming her blue and white protective clothing.

Raising Heart, having generated the Barrier Jacket, turned its attentions to itself. The standby form of the glowing red gem swelled into a jewel the size of two fists, the staff head shimmering into place around it; a partial golden ring with two small exhaust valves at the next where it met the body of the staff itself. A length of shining ivory metal over half as tall as Nanoha herself spun itself out from its golden capping, culminating in a thickened pink rear grip. The gem itself, arcane runes running across its surface, sat suspended within the centre of the ring.

The powered up Device gently landed into Nanoha's outstretched left hand. The entire process had only taken a few seconds.

Systems nominal. External power source unnecessary. Primary use enable.

Nanoha opened her eyes and looked up. The expressions on the faces of the onlookers were mixed, but Nanoha was nonplussed and smiled broadly.
"Well, it would appear this stuff has its uses, and all I did was just think about it!"