Shinigami's Manor. (Shinigami's Entry)

[Warning]

Mitsuko followed quietly for the moment, curious about what Shinigami was thinking but if she decided to cooperate then perhaps it could facilitate her inclusion among them. The warping gate show did not last too long, as it seemed like nothing but an example so Umi saw on her own. This kind of power, while she did not see it for the first time, still made her wonder what kind of power and magic other magical girls and their enemies had. She did not quite have the chance to see much of Jumi's yet but with the popularity of some of the magical girls and knights, Mitsuko had seen some of what she might expect and even then, she felt like she barely saw anything yet, added to what she saw of Nymphia.

Shinigami, on her side, listened to Umi with attention. Perhaps, she tried to analyze her as well while she had the opportunity. A test to see if she could trust her or her kind. She already had her reasons to believe the loyalty of Jumi and Mitsuko but she could hardly be blamed for being cautious. Still, for the moment, she appeared to be satisfied. "Alright, then... Before we leave, I might leave myself to you. I want to see what happens at that altar as well.", she said at last with half of a grin. The gemmed door in question made her look cautiously but otherwise, the fox kept quiet as the door was opened for the party. She would soon find out about what gods the humans venerated. Maybe along with answers.

Mitsuko herself looked impressed with the sight. It was like stepping in some highly place in some sort of game but it was as real as she saw it. With what she was hearing about gods or demi gods, and to learn about who Maxim was, it gave her a little more understanding about how Nall came to be in her life. The statues were an incredible work of art that only made the valkyrie want to see from closer. As Jumi stepped forward and suggested to go to the altar, she nodded, "Yes... Let's. We should take the time while we're here...", she replied, looking back to Shinigami who looked hesitant, staying behind for now. She did not hide but she watched from back there. Mitsuko turned to Jumi, taking her hand.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

What exactly would happen, if anything?  Jumi had to wonder.  In theory they were going to possibly get answers response from a god or something close to it.  Would they offer advice?  Potentially offer their power to help in some way?  If they did what were they capable of and willing to offer.  If it worked, this was likely their best chance at a real solution.  But Jumi was unsure what to expect.  Apparently these gods usually stayed out of things like that Athena apparently chose to do.  Had this Vanorus done anything after giving that woman a semi-divine child?  A child that remained the source of his descendants’ power?

She walked closer to the altar, knelt in front of it.  As she did, Umi offered advice.  “Do not be afraid to offer honest prayers.  Ask them what is on your mind, for help that is either vague, or very specific.  I can not tell you if or how they will answer, only that you do not need to be afraid of offending them with what you ask for.  You do not have greedy or selfish motives after all.”  If it had to with Shinigami, they should be free to ask for anything, it would remain to be seen if requests would be granted or needed to be negotiated, but there was no reason to fear asking for something they should not.

[Warning]

Mitsuko followed closely to her friend and, like a guest to someone's home, she simply did the same as Jumi did. Shinigami, for herself, leaned against a wall and observed quietly, not judging or anything. Only a glimpse of curiosity shone in her eyes, wondering what this would be about. Once Umi came closer to offer advice, Mitsuko listened carefully. Honest prayers... She was free to ask for anything, even if it might not bring any answers. She was not sure if she could see it like making a wish but gods probably did not work like that. There was much that she could pray for, if she were to do that. Her life was changing but so was her safety. But right now? She was not really worried about her own safety.

Mitsuko really had an idea in mind. She was thankful for meeting with Jumi and other magical girls but she was not worried about them. She could ask about Lenneth but perhaps now was not the time for this. The only one who nobody would pray for yet perhaps needed it the most... That was who Mitsuko thought about right now. Closing her eyes, she started praying with all of her heart. Please, give her a chance. Whether Shinigami is a goddess or death or not, she really is trying even if in her own way. She is learning that humans can be friends, too... Once done, Mitsuko opened her eyes, shifting her gaze to the fox who just waited, respectfully giving them space and time. What Mitsuko saw was hope.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

What to do?  They had little to lose, this was their best chance of finding a better solution.  If it worked.  Some sort of miracle maybe?  Some sort of deal?  Could they get something?  It was maybe worth trying.  If the one was willing to help once, maybe he could again.  Or maybe the Demi-god ancestor and founder of the temple would help.  She decided to be a little bolder (You been watching me for a while?  Friend of Alexandrine, sister of your descendant Hikaru’s wife.  These guys have done a good job of keeping the temple going.  But this isn’t about me.  Shinigami over there, not sure exactly what she is, but she is not a demon.  Trying to help, but we’re a bit over our heads here.  Think you can do anything to help?  If you are a benevolent god, willing to grant miracles just because, great.  If you want to offer us some sort of deal, fair enough, I expect it to be a reasonable one.). Dealing with a god was likely different than dealing with a devil.  If there might be a cost it would not be out of malice.

Umi silently observed.  She considered joining in, but even as a descendant of Maxim, she felt these two were more likely to get an answer.  Was this all fate?  Maybe, maybe not, but whether or not it was, it was a special circumstance.  Just maybe they would get involved…she felt a dim energy, a shift in the room.  Warm.  Was it an answer, or the hint of something more.  “I believe they are listening.”  There was a little excitement in her voice, this was new.  “Let’s wait a moment.  This is different.  They might be willing to intervene.”  It was worth seeing, either just wait a moment, possibly offer further prayer.

[Warning]

Mitsuko waited, with a sort of smile. She was exactly thinking about sending further prayers, assuming that it was enough but her eyes watched around, unaware of what Jumi had prayed about. What Umi said only managed to get her a little excited, without really expecting anything. Shinigami's case was a difficult one but she was still hopeful. Her trust in Jumi made her wish that, whatever she had prayed about, her prayers would also come true. Their coming there to this altar at least felt more comforting than the experience at the library. There was something positive and wishful about what was going on and the valkyrie hoped to see more of it. She was still nervous, in case a god or demi god would appear.

Shinigami, however, wasn't sure what to feel about what was going on. Unless evident to all, she probably could not feel the energy going on but she still was not sure if she trusted what might happen. In most cases, she was still an enemy of humans. Maybe not a demon but still a dark force that, originally, didn't mean anything good for humanity. Right now, though, whatever she represented might still be judged by gods yet unknown to her. Shinigami kept her distance for now but watched curiously until something made her ear twitch. A flapping sound that came closer and closer. Looking back, she saw a familiar figure heading toward her. Nall finally showed up after a while, apparently having found them.

"Hey~", the small voice squeaked but Shinigami was quick to grab and glare at him. "Shut up, you twerp... Don't you see that they are busy?", she snarled quietly. Nall only whimpered, already not wanting to provoke Shinigami but he still couldn't help but pout about the accusations. "Where were you anyway? I thought you would go and help find something useful...", the fox queried, especially as Nall only just appeared now, of all times. Nall still pouted, looking away while stuck in her grasp, "I may have taken a nap.", he only admitted, making Shinigami sigh and let go. "You stay here...", she said to him, but Nall boldly perched himself on her shoulder, watching toward the girls. If he had to stay, he would sit.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Umi turned her head to watch Nall make his appearance.  She was glad he did not get lost, though she had not been too worried about him and was convinced he would he would have been found before they had to worry about leaving.  But she just watched him and Shinigami for a moment, before turning to the other two.  Something appeared like it was going to happen, perhaps something unprecedented, but she had no idea what it might be.  She was hopeful about it though.  At least a chance a chance for a solution.

Jumi decided to give it another push.  It looked like she and/or Mitsuko were accomplishing something.  She took a breath, tried to push a little more.  (One or both of you listening?  Sorry if I don’t come off as respectful enough, I don’t pray much to any gods out there.  But we aren’t going to be here much longer.  So if you want to talk, now seems the best time, or if you just want to work your magic, some sort of miracle, I won’t be arrogant enough to push hard a time, though before we leave would be nice.)

She waited another moment.  Before a dim golden glow surrounded her body, as well as Mitsuko’s.  Jumi’s eyes went a little dim.  Umi made her observation of what was going on.  “They might not come to us….but perhaps they want to talk to those two.  Maybe you as well.”  She said to Shinigami.  This was about Shinigami after all.  But maybe they wanted a private talk with Jumi and Mitsuko, bring Shinigami in a little later, if it went well.

For Jumi there was a flash of light, then she found herself somewhere new.  Floating.  Her wings showing, the clothes she had been wearing gone, but her body surrounded in something like a gown of light.  “Just my soul?  That how we are doing this?”  No one else was there, but there was a light by her, that she guessed might soon be Mitsuko brought here a similar way.  Maybe they were actually going to talk to gods, maybe get a solution here, or help towards one.

[Warning]

Shinigami and Nall watched for now but the glow only seemed to annoy her a little. Mitsuko felt at peace though and she didn't look like she was in danger but something in the fox made her feel slightly concerned against her will. The explanation from Uni made her more aware and cautious but Nall, on her shoulder, just looked amazed like this situation did not mean anything harmful. The twerp was not just any beast after all... Maybe he had experiences with the light side of things but her own universe was darkness and void. Giving off a sigh, she stayed still and remained calm. Certainly, she didn't have to enter the room if gods were to notice her. If they were merciful enough, they would not hurt her either.

Not having much time to really notice Jumi, Mitsuko felt the flash of light as well. She did not really worry, even if that feeling was completely new. At first, she had not realized that Jumi had went through the same thing. She was floating... Her wings spreading behind her back but a familiar feeling of nakedness and yet, not completely. In her eyes, she thought that she had been teleported to this place. She didn't really understand the concept of this place just yet. "Oh Jumi, you're here too. Where are we? And why are we, um, like this?", she asked, not really minding her state but she looked around, trying to understand where they were. Shinigami probably could not start to understand what was really happening.

Even Nall didn't really have any idea. The concept of how gods communicated with humans were many. He was not new to statues of gods or goddesses holding a certain power, though. He was the least worried of the two, feeling like it was best to obey Shinigami for now and not disturb the two. Only Umi really seemed to be aware of what was happening. Nall could easily take a guess but from behind, it was hard to tell. The only thing he was curious about was what Umi had told the fox. Would they talk to her? He could hardly imagine Shinigami meeting with Althena but maybe these gods would be fair to her, as she probably would be. For now, he smiled as he witnessed and watched what might happen.

Edited 4 hours ago by Warning