SataiRolePlayingGuy

“That’s what it sounds like, to the extent I can figure out anything that girl says.” Jumi said with some frustration, not the old hostility, but wishing Reika had stopped talking somewhat in riddles. Perhaps deep down preparing not to hear any more of it as well. But it was not a good moment to tell Shinigami about that part. “Like wanting to keep an eye on Mitsuko first a few days, then deciding she is healed enough to fight one or two apparently high tier demons and maybe that goddess chasing her, with no combat experience.” Clarifying what happened there to Shinigami and further venting on the frustration of trying to figure out Reika’s thought process. ”Of course she was quite vague on where we need to go too.” She added to Kaida before returning to Shinigami’s point, apparently the two of them were at least somewhat on the same page, though she had no idea what Shinigami had in mind. “I don’t know what you can do to prepare her quickly for something like this, but if you have any ideas that will help go ahead.” She would accept just about anything that might help Mitsuko here.

It had probably been inevitable, Catherine had not been optimistic about avoiding this. At best she might have been able to delay it, maybe not today, if she had done things delicately enough. But it was inevitable, since she could not imagine anyone finding out she was here. She groaned in pain, as he forced himself in, she had never been taken to roughly, aggressively. It was not unlike how imagined the stories she heard of demons violating human women. Of course this bastard’s spirit was essentially with them, even if his body was human. For the moment it was still mostly pain she felt. Motions so familiar yet violently twisted. Worse, her brother-in-law, trying to steal her from his deceased brother. It twisted her. Worse, hearing how he intended to rape her daughter as well. Not just rape her. But kill her afterwards. “…N…neither of us…will ever, think of you…a man…I will die before I let you hurt her!” She was the one he really wanted. She was sure he would enjoy forcing himself on Elie, but he did not truly want her. This was the one thing she could do. He talked about making her submit. That was the only way he had a chance of doing g of what he hoped. To make her submit enough she would choose him over her own daughter. She refused to let him have that victory. Though sadly, now that the challenge was up, and he crossed this line, she expected him to try. It was what he wanted most after all.

There was not much else to say to Umi. Nall and Shinigami at least knew where they were, but Jumi was not sure if they would come up here or wait for them, maybe near the main door. They were in a bit of a rush though, so it was better to not waste time and look for them. “Be careful. I don’t like this, it is not common for one or two demons, as strong as suggested to act on their own here. Remember what they are capable of.” It reminded her of stories of some of Zorn did when he went wandering on his own, found a stray Magical Girl. There was the more obvious danger, what happened to Alexandrine’s old team, but there was also what Jumi had experienced before. Was that what they were planning to do to Nymphia? It did not seem to be a case of a trap/bait. Unlike Zorn and Alexandrine’s old team, there theoretically was no history between these demons and any of them. Not trying to specifically lure any of them over. Reika saying their captive was not hurt presumably also meant not violated, but how long would that last. She walked quickly towards the door, hoping to find the others, sure Shinigami and Kai’s would also be surprised to see Mitsuko, but they would not have much time to talk about that right now.

Jumi mind was focused, walled off, she would likely brush off of any question not related to the immediate issue, at least until the battle was over. Concern about Nymphia, if that was who they were being pointed to, as well if Mitsuko would be able to handle it even with whatever changed in her was weighing on her of course. One or two demons that needed all of them? Really? That made it sound like demons equivalent to Zorn, though probably not Zorn himself. Reika also suggest that goddess after Mitsuko could show up. They were really unprepared for something like this. At Nall’s suggestion, she nodded and took a more familiar route. At least she knew which way to go for this. She walked quickly down the familiar route, to the door, knocked on it. Umi opened the door. A small smile, that faded when she saw the serious look on Jumi’s face and a bigger surprise. “Oh! Your are back, Mitsuko?…Something is wrong though, isn’t it?” Another nod from Jumi. ”Looks like someone else needs our help before going home. Nall is looking for Shinigami and Kaida, sounds like we have to go into a battle that will not be easy. Maybe riding the dragon, not sure if it can fit all of though, probably not an easy for my wings either.” ”That is unfortunate, but I will pray for your success. Will you be be returning here after it is over or seeking another way home?” Umi asked, with an uncertain sigh from Jumi. “Good question, have to figure it out as we go. Safest bet is if you don’t see us by the morning, we found another way. But I’ll reach out to you guys to confirm, when it is over, if we don’t come back here.”

“Yeah, Kaida’s ride here. The dragon might or might not help us.” What emotion had been in Jumi’s last statement was gone, as well as the more positive energy in many other things she said. It was a dull seriousness, a veteran preparing herself for battle, knowing it would be Mitsuko’s first battle, before she got any of that training she desperately needed. “They went inside, to do Kaida’s look over Shinigami, probably still inside, though I don’t know what room they chose. Me and Nall stayed out here to watch Reika, until she decided to take us to you.” She walked to the door and went inside. ”Should find Umi too. She went to her room to rest. She was expecting to take me, Shinigami and Nall home after Shinigami and Kaida were done.” She added, wondering whether it would be better to go to Umi first, but watched and listed for hints that might lead them to Shinigami and Kaida.

Nothing seemed to be going as planned, though it was not all necessarily bad. Jumi was not going to complain about Mitsuko coming with them, though it seemed strange the Reika changed her mind just like that on keeping her for a few days. Not suspicious, Jumi just thought she should have been released already if it was not that important. She was a little more confused about Mitsuko’s words. Not Nymphia, but someone only Mitsuko knew? Maybe she misinterpreted, but it did not seem worth clarifying, they would find out who it was soon enough. ”Last moment, all of us, hm?” That was more on Jumi’s head, conflicting emotions subtly in the tone, with all the complicated thoughts and feelings in her head, she had rather conflicted feelings about also missing the one on one session, punishment or not. A hint of what on her mind without airing it to the crowd or wasting time, sounded like one reason or another, it was not up to discussion. Final made it sound like there would not be another chance. Whether or not Reika being gone from their lives would be for the better would have to be seen. Maybe more difficult for Shinigami. Though she walked through the portal before Reika could say whatever she wanted to that, or anyone else could ask. Her mind switching from that to what needed to be done now. Focus on the fight, those were thoughts/feelings for another time.

“Am I ever going to be able to go home?” A moment of frustration rather than selfishness. Jumi asked with a sigh, after hearing all that, not intending to ignore what had been said of course, she would never abandon anyone to demons, but she was frustrated it was just one thing after another. It was quite rare to have this many things come up in a row with no time in between. But with Kaida’s and Shinigami’s help, hopefully this would not be too time consuming. “Looks like we have to beat some sense into some demons, teach them not to pick on a poor isolated Magical Girl.” She then looked to Mitsuko. “Unfortunately, sounds like you are stuck here for a few more days. I would certainly hope me Shinigami, Kaida and maybe that dragon too can handle one or two demons. If they are powerful enough to dangerous to all of us combined, that is something to worry about. Just try to find something to relax or distract yourself, either alone or with Reika. Wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself in the middle of healing.”

Thankfully Jumi was not actually excited, had been rather skeptical of the idea, though it would have made things a lot easier. This might help, there seemed to be some sort of improvement, but was it enough? Beauty? Certainly was an improvement there, Jumi did not have any goddesses to compare it too, but she was certainly not going to complain. She glanced to Nall at the question of the source of the sword. She assumed it was ultimately from this Althena in some way or another. The original source, if not the direct one who put it in Mitsuko’s hands. She did not know much more than Reika about any of this stuff though. The talk of another potential ally distracted her though. Someone with Shinigami’s scent over her? A playful fox? Didn’t exactly describe Nymphia, the one person who immediately came to mind that might have Shinigami’s scent, unless there was more than she knew. “Just can’t ever be clear, can you?” She was half tempted to think of Reika as some trickster goddess, or spirit, in spite of her denials, with the way she loved to talk in riddles. “Though yeah, we probably need about any help we can get.” Short of making deals with actual demons, Jumi was willing to consider just about anyone, probably needed to, if they hoped to fight a goddess.

Did not have much time for this, so this post will focus on one sub-idea I had. ‘The Forgotten’. While most who die in the world, at least in the middle of this crisis, go to a Hellish works for the afterlife, there is an alternative. No paradise or anything like that, but an area of the world isolated from the rest, spared from much of the suffering. It is an elaborate building, appearing as a large fortress from the outside. But once inside one does not leave, but the place also seems to shift, halls going different ways from one day or another, rooms disappearing or (re)appearing at seemingly random. But who finds themselves in such a place? The purehearted, who have no where better to be sent? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Perhaps it was always like this, or perhaps the afterlife was twisted along with the living world. But if one dies while others grieve or morn, they get thrown to the demons, to face life under their torment. While those who are forgotten, who had no one to remember them, find themselves in this quiet place. Watched by the ‘keepers’. Who are the keepers? Even they perhaps do not know, or forgot. They are not demons, but always been part of the world. Something other than human, maybe they were once angel like, or at least some were, maybe they were something else. But they are there first the forgotten souls, try to help them adjust to their new home. (This is my initial thought at least, open to make additions/adjustments).

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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….”

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.”

Over the weekend hope to add some more here, both details on the setting and initial profile for the sisters I mentioned. What I post will be open to feedback, and may make adjustments/decisions based on others ideas.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Jumi let the waking come, still relaxing for the moment before hearing that voice again and opening her eyes. “Staying with us, hm?” She had expected Reika to go back to watching Mitsuko, not seeing her again until their private moment. The comments about Kaida shifted her thoughts. Looked like Reika did not listen to everything that was said earlier, if she listened at all. “Surprised? She wanted to see Shinigami for herself after hearing about her.” Did not age though? That brought up questions about Kaida again, perhaps more than she seemed after all? A hint of Nall’s recognition? She would not ask though, it might come up on its own if they talked. “I asked her if there was anything she wanted to tell you earlier, in case you were listening. She declined to do so, don’t know if that will change with you standing in front of her.” She had no idea where this was going, how long Reika intended to hang around or what else she had planned. Though at least the girl would not be following her and Shinigami home after finishing at the temple….probably. They were getting close to the gate now. Hikaru briefly stopped the car. Those who watched it of course recognized it. They might have been a little distracted by the dragon, but since it was not acting hostile and the car was not trying to escape it, they took it to be an approved guest and the gate opened. The car slowly drove in towards the main building. “I hope you two will both be civil in my home.” He calmly stated towards Reika, hoping Kaida would do the same, if not provoked. Umi stood near the door, after staring the laundry, and following Shinigami to the kitchen, she had excused herself, letting Shinigami know she would be waiting here for the others to return. That she would take them to Shinigami, if she did not join her before then. She watched the car stop. Jumi stepped out first, she guessed Hikaru would let them all get out, take the car to its garage before rejoining them.

Jumi could not blame Nall for his suspicion. His attitude felt similar to what Jumi felt about Reika before last night. Jumi would like to believe that side of Reika she saw was genuine, that she at least sometimes showed it to some people. That Mitsuko would see more of it over these few days, but it looked like she would not get to see more of it, unless Reika showed her later. She did not say anything about the state of Mitsuko’s body or the sword. If it was here and not part of Mitsuko now, they would not likely be able to touch it. She thought the place was probably real, but she and Nall were not completely present. “Probably not too bothered, I would hope, but fair enough.” It would be Hikaru doing it, carrying her, if necessary, might slightly annoy him. She would hope Shinigami would not be too annoyed, especially about checking on Mitsuko, but it would be nice to be up to see her, and see Shinigami and Kaida meet. “Don’t keep me waiting too long, have something to tell you myself when that time comes.” A hint of the admission she intended to make next time it was just the two of them, one she could only guess how Reika would react when she heard it. She did not know if Reika would care, but it felt right for her to also have something she intended to wait to say. Reika would decide the time, tonight or another time, she did not know if that would influence it. She closed her eyes, relaxed, would let the gate do its thing. She had not had a chance to try to comfort Nall, but hopefully he would calm down a little once they were back in their bodies, in the car.