Shinigami's Manor. (Shinigami's Entry)

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Jumi had enough trouble at times figuring out what Reika was saying, she tried not to overthink the tone, read too much into things.  She was not too surprised about tension between Reika and Kaida based on what Kaida said earlier, but she had the feeling she did not have the whole picture yet.  Hopefully Reika would not to be too bothered about what happened between Jumi and Shinigami showed up either.  She was not sure how Shinigami would take the surprise of Reika being here again, hopefully it would be a nicer interaction between Shinigami and Kaida.  She looked to Umi, suspecting she and Shinigami got up to things that might leave her with less energy for ‘play’.  Kaida did not seem the sort to try to initiate that either, admittedly based only on first impressions.

Jumi stepped forward, to clarify things a bit for Umi.  “You might have guessed, but this was who we were sent to the school to meet, Kaida.  Was a little surprised we brought back the one who sent us.  She decided to join us on the ride back.”  Also pointing out to Kaida that she had not expected Reika to be here either.  Though there was no negativity in the voice.  She intended to just let this play out as long as everyone was calm, hopefully not accidentally further irritate Reika.

Umi nodded.  She had glanced at Reika with a little surprise to see her again, but did not say anything.  “It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Umi, one of the priestesses of the temple.  We do not see things like your dragon very often.  But the others should relax and not be troubled if it is calm.”

”She knows about Shinigami, that’s what brought her here actually.”  Jumi added, in case Umi was reluctant to mention anything about her.  Umi nodded again.  “I last saw her in the kitchen.  If she does not come out in a moment, I will take you all to her.”  Jumi did wonder if she would come on her own.  Based on before, it was possible, if nothing else, that she was aware of Reika’s presence.

[Warning]

Kaida was not too worried about Jumi possibly trying to hide things from her. In fact, knowing Reika, the girl showing up where nobody expected her was perfectly reasonable to believe with her. "My friend will be quiet. If the temple is in danger in any way, it will be the only reason it will wake up to alert you and defend us.", she explained to them. The topic turning to Shinigami made the Little Dragon curious, especially hearing about the fox having gone to the kitchen, being left apparently free in the temple. She did not question it as it was not her place to do so but it did make her want to see her a little more. Reika came closer with Mao when she was being mentioned.

With them being at the entrance, Shinigami soon found her way there as well, not knowing what was going on there and who was there except those she expected to come back. Jumi and Nall, at the very least. Once there, she poked her nose outside and first noticed the dragon, making her raise an eyebrow before she eyed Kaida being a very red themed woman just there. Her eyes then looked at Reika, this time losing some of her excitement while the reaper simply grinned from seeing her. Kaida however blinked, stared at the fox for the first time, being left speechless in front of this tall creature of deathly colors. A creation of Reika without doubts. Even her jaw dropped.

Shinigami returned her gaze to Kaida and tilted her head. "Seeing something you like...? You would not be the first human to do so.", she teased but Kaida blushed and bowed politely. "You must be Shinigami...", she concluded easily before she moved closer, "You are not like what I expected to see... Such a body, muscles... These eyes of yours and your fur...", she examined her a little, being a bit excited but soon stepped back. "Please forgive me. Once I've heard about you, I just had to see you. If you would allow it, I would like to examine you closer... There is much that I would like to know about you.", Kaida requested, making Shinigami think, looking at her up and down.

"...Interesting offer. And where did you hear of me...?", Shinigami asked, leaning forward to hold the girl's chin, making her face turn red with the fox being this close to her without warning. "That was Jumi... Ah but I did not introduce myself, did I? I am Kaida and I am a veterinarian... You could see me like a doctor but for creatures and beasts. I believe I may be able to prove that you are or not a demon as well.", she explained herself a little more, making Shinigami let go of her, "Hm, about that again. So that beast is yours... Impressive. Fine, then... If that makes you happy.", the fox replied to her before eyeing the others, wondering what happened with Reika being there. 

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Jumi explained a bit again, this time for Shinigami.  “This is who we were sent to the school to meet.  Another link to the woman who brought most of us together, the two have known each other for a while, though it was mostly in the past.”  Other than Jumi and Umi already knowing each other, everyone here was connected one way or another to Reika.  Meetings either directly or indirectly caused by the Reaper back there.  “Wasn’t expecting Reika to come back with us too, or how long she intends to hang around us.  But in the middle of learning of what we could about Reika there, the subject of you came up.  She does want to help.”  She would not say too much about the history between the two women, as far as she knew it, she was sure she did not know everything.  One or both of them could give details if they wanted.  Just a little point suggesting they were not close and this seemed to be their first meeting in quite a while.  Though Shinigami might have guessed that, since she was only meeting Kaida now.

Shinigami was getting playful though, maybe she had not used all her energy on Umi after all, who showed a hint of shyness when Jumi looked at her, hinting she was right about what those two did.  Jumi was happy Umi finally got a taste of such experiences.  “Figured we come here, let Kaida have her look, if you were willing, as a last thing before going home.”  Of course there was now the wild card, was Reika here just to watch, or going to stay long?  She would have to see if that complicated the timing of going home with Shinigami.  Reika and Kaida were likely to have some interaction, now that they finally met again, but Jumi was unsure if Reika planned anything else.

[Warning]

Shinigami appeared to understand a little better but not as quite as she really wished she did. More things Reika hid from her or never told her. Kaida being somewhat related to her was not surprising in any way. "Help sounds good... The last person you brought to me who happened to want to help me ended being quite an interesting human as well...", Shinigami replied while grinning, speaking mostly of Nymphia. However, even that girl looked playful with her dose of shyness and calmness. Kaida looked more reserved, professional. Not to mention that she came with a large dragon to boast. After Umi, it didn't have to end the same way but relaxing some with an examination did not sound so bad.

Kaida was not sure who Shinigami referred to but it did appear like more than one human had interacted with her, this now including the temple itself who allowed her around free or at least without any form of metaphorical leash. To think that Shinigami had gained such trust among humans when Reika herself was nothing but bad news, according to her history with her. The fox eyed Jumi, listened to her then looked at Kaida. "Alright, then... I'll take a nap and you can do your thing. Sounds good?", she suggested, causing Kaida to smile softly. "Yes, that is perfect. I will not be doing anything that would hurt you.", she reassured then looked at Jumi. "Please keep an eye on Reika...", She warned the fairy.

Shinigami also gave a look to Reika but did not comment on Kaida's warning, only leaving with the dragon girl inside, toward where they could both be in peace. Nall flew nearby Jumi and also turned to Jumi. "I agree with her... Though I'd prefer to use my time better than keep an eye on a clear threat. If she's here, what is Mitsuko doing anyway? If she is alone over there, she might be in danger... Or stuck. If something happened to her...", he said, a little unnerved. Reika simply sighed and approached with Mao. "I'm here to see how things will unfold... I thought you may have had questions about your friend as well. She is alright... She has a home and she has food. She is not hurt nor dying.", she said.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

After Shinigami and Kaida left, Umi looked to Jumi.  “I will return to my room to rest a bit.  Let me know when the two of them are done and you are prepared to leave.”  She did need a bit of time to rest, and she did not feel she would be useful in keeping in eye on Reika.  Not knowing how ling Kaida and Shinigami would take, this seemed to be the best option.  Jumi nodded as Umi went inside.  Leaving Nall as the only one left with her and Reika, other than Kaida’s dragon.  Perhaps Hikaru as well in a few minutes.

”It’s always so unpredictable if you will answer of course.”  Jumi answered first.  Not referring to any specific thought currently on her mind, but how Reika treated some earlier questions, including sending them on that trip.  She suspected there were at least some things she would not answer now.  “Still isn’t time for some of those things you said you would explain later, is it?”  No hostility in the more clarifying if that suspicion was correct.  “She’s up though hm.  And you say you want to watch her for a few days.  She’s just going to sit around isolated for big chunks of that time?”  Granted she suspected Reika would be around Mitsuko more than them over these days, but it sounded like they might see Reika more times after this than just the private time she and Reika would have later and she felt a little bad about Mitsuko being isolated in that place.

[Warning]

Reika shrugged and gave Jumi a smirk. "Did you expect otherwise? Time is not on our side, though. I need to keep an eye on Mitsuko to see what will happen to her... If nothing then she will be back soon but I would not worry about her. What I've shown you was from not long ago... Just before I came to find you. I think you're thinking of something else, though... A sword that Mitsuko wielded. Something around her neck, I am guessing?", she asked the two but Nall suddenly looked upset. "What did you do with it? You stole it, didn't you?", he questioned loudly but Reika grinned. "Stole it? What would I do with such thing, no... Mitsuko still had it when she was put inside the chamber.", she simply replied.

Nall still didn't like that answer. It confirmed that she had it with her before but she didn't when she woke up. "Where is it, then?", he asked coldly. "Still with her, I imagine.", she replied with a sarcastic tone to her voice. "I mean, I have no idea where it would have went if nobody has touched it.", she continued then looked at Jumi. "Your friend is fine. She will not feel too different until she does. I've made her a better magical girl, in fact. Just like Shinigami, the source of her magic will be part of her. Even if she tried to discard it, it would still remain part of her. Hopefully, she will not try to destroy her sword as a way to get rid of it.", Reika jokingly said. "She won't be alone, anyway. Only for now.", she assured

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

It was getting increasing maddening to try to figure out what this girl had or had not heard.  It did somewhat resolve one question and it was looking more likely she had correctly guessed what happened.  She had a hard time imaging it was something like the sword dissolving in the fluids, and if it had been that, she would hope Reika would have figured it out on her own.  Similarly if Mitsuko had tried to use her body to hide it…well not only would that be rather uncomfortable, but Reika would have likely found it as well.  It seemed to be either her guess, or something stranger none of them had considered.

That was the biggest question of course.  Nall being present kept her from discussing what they would do later.  There were no other huge questions to ask immediately, but it would not hurt to resolve the one small mystery Reika might be more willing to answer.  “What is going on with that place.  How is it connected to the house Shinigami took us to before?”  Was the one Mitsuko was in more or less ‘real’ than the one she and the others had been in before?  Was there an original ‘ordinary’ house, or were they all somehow Reika’s creation?

[Warning]

Reika looked proud to finally hear that question. "You are getting closer, Jumi. Where exactly is Mitsuko? The little goddess is lost somewhere where nobody would find her. If I was gone, she still would not be completely lost.", she said, extending a hand to pet Mao. "Here's another secret for you, Mao is the first creature who I've met when I died... I have earned her as becoming the next reaper. Where or when she comes from is unknown but she is special. This little reaper is a soul keeper from beyond. She can do things you would not comprehend but one of those is to allow me to create any place I like. You want to know what really happened to Mitsuko? Let's go see her."

Snapping her fingers, Reika let go of Mao who floated and moved back, forming what appeared to be a crystal floating close to her hand. "I made Shinigami capable of going around as she likes. A simple matter as she can manipulate the magic of void and death.. Mao however... I think you should see for yourself.", Reika explained then watched the catgirl raise the crystal floating still up above her palm before a spherical shockwave emanated from it, making a similar warping sound to when Shinigami had destroyed the manor's gate. This time, an instant later, the four of them found themselves in the manor's hall. "Welcome to my home... Not a dream, this time.", she said.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

More strangeness that Jumi only sort of understood.  And goddess?  Was Reika suggesting she did something with that Lenneth after the rest of them escaped from where Shinigami’s house had been?  Or was she talking strange about Mitsuko?  She kept that uncertainty to herself Reika continued saying some unexpected things about Mao, and bringing her to yet another version of the house.  Not something she expected to see again so soon.

She looked around, the same familiar look.  She would let Reika lead the way.  “Somewhere nobody would find her?  Hid this version of the place from Shinigami?”  She had wondered if this was a place Shinigami could find if anything had gone wrong and they needed to find Mitsuko and/or Shinigami.  “Outside look like what you showed me in that first dream?”  Based on what Reika just said, she would not surprised if this house was in some strange place, whether it looked like that or not.

[Warning]

"Nobody would find her without the key. This world is only known by me and Mitsuko now. Ah but also Mao, of course.", Reika explained, leading Jumi and Nall around. The part about what the outside looked like made her take a good look at Jumi. "Perhaps... A world of apocalypse does not please you? It's impossible to leave like this and even if anyone did, there is no exit out there. Do not misunderstand, Mitsuko has a lot of freedom in here... She is not held by chains. If you want to know the reason for this world to be like this, I don't have any answers. What you have seen in that dream was completely made up for some fun.", she explained, not really telling much otherwise.

Leading them to where the room of Mitsuko would be, she stepped to the side of the door with Mao floating near her quietly. Knocking gently, she opened the door slightly. "Mitsuko, you have guests.", she warned the girl inside before stepping back. A sound could be heard from inside, like someone was waking from a nap of sort. As the door opened, Mitsuko rubbed her eyes, curious about who Reika meant. The sight of the two made her freeze, though. "J-jumi! Is it really you? Oh hello, Nall. Both of you here.", she said with a happy smile while eyeing Reika but the reaper just shrugged and walked away. "Enjoy... I'll take you back when you like.", she told the three of them.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Were they in that place after all.  Jumi figured it was better not to ask about it, what the world was or how it came to be.  Just hope it was a place that had long or always been like that, that Reika was not involved into making a world into something like that.  She was not thrilled Shinigami could find the place, but if necessary hopefully Mao could help her get there in the short term.  Though it was uncertain if she was going to be hanging around Jumi the whole time until Mitsuko was healed.

Speaking of which, she silently followed, not quite sure what to expect.  It had sounded before like she was not going to see Mitsuko until this was all over.  Now, though, they were walking towards her, something good, or an unpleasant surprise?  She tried to remain optimistic, as they made their way to the room and Reika led them in.

It was a pleasant relief to actually see Mitsuko, she was not how long they would actually be here, but after Reika excused herself, Jumi stepped forward and embraced Mitsuko.  “Just visiting, unfortunately, sounds like we might not see each other for a few days after this visit is over.”  Hopefully Mitsuko had not been worried about it, but Jumi showed no sign of being upset with Mitsuko’s decision that led to this.  Was just happy to see her and that she did not seem to be hurt.  “A surprisingly lot happened since I last saw you.  Maybe too much to go over now, though I can update you when you are back.”  She would answer any question she could that Mitsuko had of course, but it would be a little much to summarize everything that happened over the last night after Mitsuko left and today.

[Warning]

Mitsuko happily shared the embrace, feeling something at least a little familiar again. "Visiting... Reika did mention that she had to keep an eye on me in case. You can't imagine how I woke up. It was frightening but Reika was there, at least... She put me in this glass container and I was floating in there. She said that it helped me restore my energy. To be honest, I feel incredible right now. I have to thank her for it.", she said while Nall seemed to stare at her, a confused expression stuck on his face. "Um... Are you okay, Nall?", the valkyrie asked upon noticing. The white cat snapped out of it and nodded slowly. "I am alright, it's good to see you again.", he replied but eyed Jumi.

Mitsuko looked back at Jumi as well, smiling. "You said that a lot happened while I was gone...? Now I am curious about what I've missed. Shinigami is not with you, either. Is she alright? Nothing bad happened, I hope...", she voiced to her friend, staying close to her for as long as she wanted. Mao seemed to have stayed around for a little longer but she always had her neutral expression with her, observing the three of them until she decided to turn around and leave them be for now. "By the way, this is the same house we were in before. At least I think so... The sealed basement is where I was left to rest. She left it open, this time. It's still a little scary, though.", she told her.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Jumi listen to Mitsuko but caught the slightly strange reaction from Nall.  Now that he was here, in front of Mitsuko, did he sense something unexpected?  Maybe something to ask after they left, since he did not seem to want to say it say it here and now.  “That’s what she says.  She said I would be very happy to see you, after it’s done.  Implying something more than just seeing you again.  But getting straight answers out of that woman is often difficult.  There are things she says she still has to tell us, but now isn’t the time.”  She said with a soft sigh.  “Hopefully she is not too troublesome for you, alone with her over these next few days.  Though she has been showing both of us a side of her I would not have expected.  Hopefully you do not get too bored either.  Big place, but don’t know how easy it is to keep someone entertained or busy by herself.”  She could only guess what the two of them might do, she did not seem too worried though, mostly hoping Mitsuko was not lonely or hoping to get out.

“Well, answering that, will give you some of what happened.  Shinigami is still at the temple.  After what happened last night, we delayed leaving, but we probably will later tonight.  Two of us spent some time together.  After that got to talking with Reika, partially cleared things up between us.  Tried to figure out more about her, who she was, but like I said, difficult to get answers directly from her.  She surprisingly told me to go to your school and ask around about her.  Turns out among the staff there was someone who knew a while ago.  Found out some about Reika, and she wanted to meet Shinigami, take a look at her, maybe help us with her.  That is what Shinigami is doing right now.  After those two are done, and we are done here, will probably work with Umi, and Kaida, the staff member I mentioned, on getting Shinigami home.”

”It does seem to be the same place, in design.  Asked Reika about it, she answered but it was one of her strange answers.  Not very clear where we actually are.  Though she said Shinigami does not know an out and can’t get to this version of the place…”.   It would not hurt to see if Mitsuko could answer something.  “There is one thing we have all been wondering about, do you know what happened to the sword?  None of us have figured it out.  Reika said the last time she saw it was when she put you in that machine.”

[Warning]

Mitsuko herself was left confused by what Reika could have meant. "Hm, I am not sure... I am happy to see you here, at least. Even if it's only for a moment... Surprisingly, Reika was kind so far. She made me a meal and allowed me to use her bath and walk free. I don't think that she wants to do anything bad to me. But... I admit that part IS strange, coming from her. I can take a moment and search the library while I am here and see if I can find anything. I think I can explore some more as well... I will try not get in trouble.", she said, feeling like being there would not totally be a bad experience, as long as she could find something to have fun about, or read in the meanwhile.

Hearing that Shinigami spent some time with Jumi at least did feel promising. Them talking with Reika and her sending them to her school was the more surprising part of that story. She had not been there for a few days. Who knew what was happening there now? Well, Jumi might now that she had gone there. Someone who knew Reika at her school, though? How could it be? The fox was with that person as well now. A lot did indeed happen, it seemed. "Wait, Kaida...? Miss Kaida from the infirmary? She has an interest in Shinigami... I wonder how she knew Reika. Does it mean that Reika was... I never heard of her before.", She had lot of questions in her mind right now.

If the home was one place Shinigami could not access, maybe Reika kept it hidden. Was it even the same place? Probably not. A version of the place, she said... This meant that there were more of them? As she was thinking, Jumi asked her about the sword and where it was according to Reika. This made the valkyrie look at both Nall and the fairy. "I... I didn't have it when I woke up. Are you sure that it is what she told you? Wait.", she said, closing her eyes for a bit then opened them again. "Huh...", Mitsuko only let out them moved away."I think...", she started then tried to summon the magic before her body magically glowed bright, transforming her into her magical form.

Her wings spread large, reaching both walls of the halls enough that she had to retreat them backward a little, leaving her otherwise naked. With a movement of her hand, she summoned her sword to her grasp before ending her transformation. Nothing about it looked inherently different but a very faint silhouette of a person of sort appeared above her for a short moment before fading out. Mitsuko only eyed her sword for a bit before she gave a look to Jumi. "Well, there it is... I don't know where the pendant is but I can definitely call upon its magic.", she assured. Nall did not look as excited or impressed, if at all reassured by it. Something about this did not feel right.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Jumi said nothing either way about what Reika might or might not get up to.  She had no idea if the girl had any interest in that and would not get Mitsuko thinking much about it unless it happened, just her thoughts about how much time the two of them might around each other.  “Think Reika is going back to the temple after we are done here, she seems to be interested in what is happening there, with those two.  After that, far as I know, she will be back here and probably around here most of the next few days, until you leave, though me and her have a little more to work out at a time I do not know yet.”  Leave it at that for the moment, about what she and Reika might get up to.

Mitsuko at least seemed to know who Kaida was, though based on what Kaida said, it sounded like they had not interacted much directly if at all.  “…Oh, she’s a Magical Girl too…or something like one, still don’t know all the details.  Called a dragon and rode it to the temple.  As for Reika, seems she was also a student there at some point, though I did not ask how long ago.”  She would not say anything about what Kaida told her about Reika just yet.  This would go easier if there was not hostility between them.  Last thing she wanted was Reika to mess with Mitsuko’s dreams or anything like that.

She let go of Mitsuko and let her step back as the question of the sword came up.  Apparently she had not intentionally done anything with it after all.  “Honestly, until she said it was there in the machine, I wondered if you did something with near the end at the temple.”  
She watched the change.  Briefly noted what seemed to be someone else, but it was too short to get a look, no idea who it might have been.  Had Nall seen it?  Recognized it?  She would probably also ask him that as they left.  “Absorbed into your body as you healed, or something else?  I had wondered if it became part of you somehow, whether intended or not, to protect itself….”

[Warning]

Everything about Kaida at the very least amazed her knowing what she had done that she was not aware of. Perhaps she would be lucky to meet her later and speak with her about this new life of hers. What concerned her the most right now was what Reika had done to her, if anything. Whether intentional or not, it sounded like something had happened and Nall did not look fond of it, as he kept looking at her in odd manners. "I did not think about my sword at all until you mentioned it, to be honest... Do you think Reika knew...? I don't think she took it if I can still transform. At least, it is not in the hands of Lenneth.", she concluded, not sure if it would be worse with Reika.

As for it possibly being absorbed into her body, by magic or else, only one person now could probably really answer her and he was close to Jumi. "Nall... Is there something on your mind? Do you know anything?", Mitsuko asked, getting the cat to look at them both before he sighed. "...I think Reika did something to you. She has been acting weird for a while. I was not sure why I could not feel Althena anymore but you feel like her just now. I don't think I like where this is going but she is trying to change you into her.", he said, still worried about the chain of events. Looking at Jumi, he looked serious. "We have to ask what her plan is... She will be alone with her.", he whined.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Jumi bit her lip a little, considering what was being suggested.  “I did briefly see a a figure as you transformed now, though I had no idea who it was.”  She thought about the implications.  This was very likely breaking that agreement about no lies, if that suspicion was correct.  Reika also suggested she had no idea what happened to the sword.  “Could she do such a thing though?  Does she really have the power to do such a thing to a goddess?”  But then Reika’s just mentioned a little goddess, did she mean Mitsuko after all?  Did she realize what happened after all?  There was also the question of whether it was something she intentionally did.  It could have been unplanned but she figured it out later.  If Reika was being honest, when she asked what use she would have for the sword, this would seem to be a use for it, if she had intended it.

There was some unease, she hoped there was no betrayal here, but as she said, she had completely let her guard down.  She had a cautious momentary trust of Reika, not an unbreakable one.  She would not rule out betrayal, but she would give Reika a chance to defend herself and accept a defense that provable or reasonable enough to believe.  “I do want to hear what she knows or thinks about this.  None of us know what her final goal is, but this all feels too unplanned for something so significant.  She had no idea Mitsuko was going to make that offer last night.”  Reika clearly had some longer plan in the works, but that would have been about Shinigami, not Mitsuko.  There was of course still the biggest uncertainty, if this partially or completely Althena’s idea, to protect this girl she chose.

[Warning]

Mitsuko blinked as she heard about the figure, "What...?", she let out, looking around but clearly, there was nothing to see now. Nall eyed Jumi, "There is no way for Reika to do anything. Even if she is a demon, she can't go to where she is. The sword does not allow it. Messing with it this way though might do something... Althena is connected to the sword through her magic. What she never told me is why she chose Mitsuko when Odin challenged her. Althena only told me that I should stay close to Mitsuko and protect her.", he explained. Mitsuko didn't exactly know why she was chosen either. She did like the feel of the sword, though. She always had it in her to fight.

Mitsuko still took Nall's worries seriously, though. Reika did not feel like a threat but if she was hiding something, it would change things. "You're right... I did that on a whim. You and Shinigami looked like you were having some fun and I felt bad for her... Besides, I... you know... What I told you before.", she told Jumi, not wanting to spell it out too loudly. Nall obviously did not get what she meant. "Maybe we should go and ask her for all details... She has us where she wants us now. It would be either we find answers or we find worse. At least, I am glad we are together again. I'd hope to see Shinigami again, though.", she told them, wanting to go back to her sometimes.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

“I’m not upset about what you did with her, or how you pass the time here over the next few days if you get too bored or restless…besides…well that is something to talk about later.”  Jumi made it clear she was not upset over the choice Mitsuko made, or if those two got up to more while Mitsuko was stuck here, though she did not openly encourage it or make it clear what she was implying.  She also only very vaguely implied what she might be doing with Reika later, not caring whether it was figured out or not, though if Nall was not there she might have spelled it out.  More likely she would tell Mitsuko and likely Shinigami too, after it was over.  As long as Reika did not break the trust at least.

”The figure was only there very briefly, too short for me to even really describe it.  Just knew I saw something that was not there previous times.”  She further clarified about that as Mitsuko looked around.  She took another soft sigh.  “We can try to get answers out of her, but like I said, it isn’t always easy and I don’t know if this is the ‘time’ she suggested for things she says she wants to tell us.  Not sure how long we will be here, how long Kaida and Shinigami will take at the temple.  Doesn’t hurt to try to talk to her some more.”  There probably was not time for much else, though she supposed it depending on if Reika was right, if Shinigami still wanted to ‘play’ and if Kaida was open to doing that with Reika’s ‘daughter’.  That might influence how long they were here.

[Warning]

Mitsuko nodded to Jumi about what happened. She was glad that all was fine on that side but then more important matters came up. The fact something forced when she transformed felt spooky enough. "I did not feel any different, I think... Actually, I normally rely on that sword to transform but this time, it felt natural. Like it is part of me...", she told the two. Something about what Reika may have done to her or someone else, if Nall's goddess was involved in this. The cat himself did not sound sure about how this situation had come to be but his distrust of Reika pushed him to instantly doubt her motives. Mitsuko could hardly blame him since Reika was very mischievous...

Reika herself did not appear to be very far as she came out from another hallway to head toward them. "No need to seek for me, then. Forgive me if I eavesdrop... I just had to figure out what you all thought you knew. Not that it matters... I was planning something but it's not something you need to worry about. Jumi, I did tell you about the process that made Shinigami who she is, didn't I? The very same process was used on Mitsuko. Instead of seeing herself magically bound to relics of death, Mitsuko effectively absorbed the sword she had. Let me tell you a secret. That process would not have worked so well if she was not meant for it. So who are you, really?", she asked.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Jumi was not really surprised Reika came to them, at this point she always assumed there was at least a chance she was listening, even if she only seemed to some of the time.  It was easier anyway.  Not like they were saying anything she was trying to keep secret.  She was mostly quiet as she listened.  Yeah, there was an explanation of that in the middle of everything last night, but Reika could reexplain that better than she could, and of course she could only guess at what was being suggested with that final question.  A few random ideas, but not any that she was confident enough to suggest, and they were very big implication if it was true.  Of course another similarity between Mitsuko and Shinigami through Reika, but this was not one she was as likely to want to share in the experience, even if she could.  But as far as she knew she was ordinary, at least compared to other Magical Girls.

 As the last question was asked, she looked to Mitsuko.  “I’m suspecting you don’t have any good answer for that?”  Based on what she heard so far, she doubted Mitsuko would have any idea, did not seem to think there was any special like that about herself until the night she ran to the convention.

[Warning]

Mitsuko looked like she was the most surprised as Jumi asked that to her. "I certainly don't... Besides, I'm the real me. The one you have met back at the convention, even if she toys with her magic manors.", she assured, shifting her attention to Reika. "What exactly are you planning with us? For a moment, I thought you really were only helping me recover. What is it you want from us?", she then asked, coldly. Reika smiled, not really looking worried about the reaction. "Nothing... What happened, happened because it was meant to happen. Someone out there is looking out for you. I only helped haste things. What you should really ask is. What does that girl want?", Reika questioned.

That girl? Why did Reika need to sound so cryptic? "Do you mean Lenneth...? She looked like she wanted my sword. I am not sure anymore but it does not matter, now...  We have not seen her in a while.",  Mitsuko observed but Reika sighed. "Dumb girl, do you think she gave up on you? When she interfered with us before, I barely made it out of that encounter, which is a lot said when I am already dead. You walked away in a gate but that girl was looking for you, thinking I knew where you had gone. The sword, you, it doesn't matter. Even Shinigami played with her before and lost. She is a high level threat. Gather your allies and defeat her. The wheel of fate is turning.", she replied.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Of course they still had to worry about that one.  An enemy fairly higher ‘tier’ than she was used to fighting.  If this was someone else’s plan, maybe it was for the better.  They did not have a huge number of allies and some, like Alexandrine, were busy with their own battles.  It was hard to say how much help they could get from the Demi-god they recently met in this area either.  Jumi was not panicking, but it was troublesome.  Hopefully this would help enough to not make it as difficult as it would otherwise be.

”This what you were telling me I’d be happy to see when Mitsuko was back, or are there more surprises?”  This certainly felt like what Reika was hinting at, but it seemed worth checking if something else was meant when she said that.  It was always hard to tell if there was more or not when it came to this woman.  Make sure nothing else was going on.

[Warning]

Reika eyed Mitsuko then Jumi, wondering if she had seen her well enough but perhaps this whole situation distracted her. "Oh, did you take a good look at her? Put the sword aside for a moment, focus on what is in front of your eyes. The bath she has been put inside was not only for the sake of giving her more power. Surely you could see what only a few eyes may notice.", Reika said then moved behind Mitsuko to hold her close, making sure to display her body for others. "She has been reborn, in a way. Remember when I said that... Her body has gained the magic of a goddess and therefore has become one herself. So to speak... Who would not like this?", she teased with Mitsuko.

Nall however frowned a bit. "What do you know about Althena?", he asked directly but Reika eyed him, "Althena, hm? Nothing. Do you think I have access to the realm of gods? I am nothing but a small reaper. Oh but I am not lying on this one. I could not study that sword but its magic was strong since the first time I have seen it. It granted Mitsuko power so I thought... Why not give her this magic that longed to be hers? You feel it ever since before I did anything with her. The magic she emanates and what confusing feeling it gives you. I might have made that feeling worse, didn't I? If this goddess came down upon you, what form would she take?", she asked, playing with Nall.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Jumi had looked before and looked again, there were the subtle differences of course, though it was still Mitsuko’s appearance.  It was also not completely clear what happened, what Mitsuko was.  The sword was apparently part of her now, and the power within it.  But… “The power of the sword makes her goddess?”  She asked with some skepticism.  She did not doubt it changed her, maybe made her more powerful, but was there really enough power in it to make her comparable to one?  Did that goddess put so much of her power into the sword, or was it more complicated?  Something divine but distinct from her?  But then what was causing the difference in what Nall was sensing.  “You suggesting those two have become one, that was the figure I saw when she transformed, or something else?”  Of course it was possible even Reika did not completely understand what was going on here, but she would welcome any sort of clarification.  Only taking some comfort in whatever was going on here, it seemed at least partially to be what this goddess Althena for out of Mitsuko, Reika was not screwing with anything other than maybe making it happen sooner than expected.