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.

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.

“We may not get another update about Mitsuko and what she gets up to her until we hear it from herself after it is over.” If the two of them went any further, it might be kept secret, like the time Jumi would eventually have with Reika. She guessed it was mostly up to if Reika wanted to show off. Jumi was not thinking much about it at the moment, but if she was given a show, it would be hard to not watch Mitsuko have a good time. She trusted Mitsuko though. Neither of them were going to go too far with Reika, as long as she clung to her ways and loyalties. A balancing act, don’t push her away too hard, but don’t get too close either. Encourage Reika’s warmer side, but don’t let it lead them into darkness. She had not known Mitsuko long, but had admired her body plenty. A few times she thought she might have seen something different, that she might have managed to become even more beautiful, but she did not want to jump to conclusions on what it meant. “She admitted she has not told us everything yet…not thrilled about that. But me and her are going to have at least one more good talk before Mitsuko is back, I suspect she intends to tell me those things then. If she did something with the sword, good chance we will find out then.” She smiled as Mitsuko turned, almost noticing her it seems. “So close to seeing me. I’d be half tempted to touch her, but might as well not offend our host. I’d like to stay as long as she intends us to. See as much as we can.” It would be a few days otherwise, she could not be blamed for wanting to spend a little more time with Mitsuko, see whatever Reika intended to show of their interactions.

You have a Novaer signature to update too, not retired anymore. As for me, been a long long time since I’ve been in one. Don’t see it changing at this point. Sort of thing is just too difficult for me for a variety of reasons.

Jumi did not really care what Reika did, as long as she did not hurt or try to manipulate Mitsuko. She could not ignore the hint of how Reika was treating Mitsuko, but it was not enough to make upset or jealous, or anything, as long as Mitsuko was not uncomfortable with it. Mitsuko at first glance at least seemed to have an attitude not completely unlike her own, not hostile, but not cautious. It was hard to tell if Reika would try to push it further, either because of Mitsuko herself or maybe for the audience Mitsuko was unaware of. Was Mitsuko thinking like her, one time only, or had enough of Jumi rubbed off on her that she might be cautiously receptive to the woman she already crossed the line with? It was possible of course that Reika might be tempted but hold back because Mitsuko was healing. Both naked like that, it was hard to predict what might happen, what Reika wanted, how receptive Mitsuko was. Jumi just watched though, not uneasy but not excited either, mostly just curious. ”She isn’t a good person, by her own admission. but she is human. Not as depraved as demons. Her loyalties do make me wonder whether or not we will have to fight in the future, but for the moment at least, I’m not too worried how she will treat Mitsuko. But I’m not sure what she is aiming for at the moment.” She shrugged “She might just be trying to comfort Mitsuko, or feel comfortable with them both being naked. Would not get nervous about her motives there…” Try to keep Nall from getting nervous about seeing something he did not want to, unless a direct move was made. ”Mitsuko has not asked about the sword yet either. Maybe we will get a hint of whether she has an idea of what happend, or just has not thought of it yet.” IF it had been drawn into her body, she might have felt it, even with all the other stuff going on. Or maybe she knew something she did no one else noticed at the time. Or maybe not, Reika left Mitsuko to eat, it was hard to tell if they were nearing the end or not, if they would see much more of Mitsuko or not, or what else Reika and Mitsuko would do in the house over the next few days. But a different statement stuck with her. “Not sure how to feel about her saying I’m lucky…she isn’t exactly happy about how me and Shinigami have got closer. But after last night, I’m hoping we resolved that enough not to be a source of fighting.” The talk last night seemed constructive, of course their later meeting, punishment, pleasure or both would hopefully burn off as much resentment as possible. ’Invisible’ as she was, she walked up closer to Mitsuko. She did not attempt to touch her, but looked her over. Just to be close to her. Also looking for any hint of visible changes. Any hint of the surprise Reika hinted at, though she did not expect to see anything too obvious.

“…Not too surprising, we are only sort of here, after all…”. Jumi said with a sigh, her eyes still roaming. “We can continue to keep an eye out for it at least…though I still wonder if it was absorbed into Mitsuko’s body earlier.” It was the easiest answer, if Reika did not move it. It was maybe a cause or partial cause of the changes Reika hinted at maybe? All they could do was follow around, look around as they did. “Mitsuko can’t see or hear us, can’t tell if Reika can or can’t right now either. I’m mostly interested in hearing as much as we can from Mitsuko. See how she is doing what she feels about this. See how those two interact.” Jumi was going to juggle multiple influences in her opinion of Reika, Nall of course, but Kaida’s information influenced it, Shinigami and Mitsuko’s opinions of the woman were especially important, all that mixed with what happened between the two of them in private later. As they stepped out of the room, in someways it reminded her of the dream, except without all the undead running around. “It is strange, I have to wonder if Shinigami understands. That woman’s power, what she is and is not capable of, are hard to predict. Kind of like Diamond, in the variety of it.” She had no idea if this house was a creation of hers or not…or… “Maybe it was Shinigami that lived in a copy of this place, made through her power…”. With how it was destroyed, the end of Shinigami’s relics, she could not rule it out. “Hopefully it is nicer outside than what Reika showed me in the dream where I met her.” Reika was doing a good job, treating Mitsuko nicely enough, inching the scales a bit towards Jumi desiring the later private meeting between the two. Was it the real Reika, or a trick? Jumi was not being too naive, but as a proper Magical Girl, hoped Reika was not completely twisted, capable of showing genuine warmth at least to the right people, at the right time. She would give Reika the chance to prove it one way or the other. “…She is hard to figure out. I’m not letting my guard down completely, but I’m willing to watch. Hopefully this is what she really feels. She has done very unpleasant things, may continue to do so, as long as she is connected to ‘Death’, but I’m going to give her a chance to prove this is how she really feels, not an act. She must know neither Shinigami or I will accept it if she does anything to hurt Shinigami. I truly believe she does not want Shinigami to hate her, at least. What she thinks about Mitsuko is harder to guess.” There would be consequences if her trust was betrayed, but Jumi would try to trust her as long as she behaved. But her eyes were mostly on Mitsuko, curious how she would continue to interact with Reika. Whether the earlier experience, and how they were interacting now would lead to positive responses or not.

Missed this. I have not got around to reading any of the books yet (long term project after all and busy end of year), but will see about including you if I ever get anything going. The last few things we’ve tried to do together here and other clubs have had roadblocks, but I’m up to keep trying. After my writer’s block with Cortex, I’m less likely to volunteer for other people’s stuff, unless maybe in one of the systems listed above (though if someone suggests I specifically join something else, I‘ll at least consider it), but may eventually get something of my own set up.

Jumi was left uncertain with that wording, she was sure Reika intended to have fun when the time came. But it remained to be seen if Reika intended for it to be fun for anyone else who was not a masochist. She was not going to bother asking for details, she suspected Reika would say something like the surprise was part of the fun. She would just wait and find out when the time came. Besides, the apple’s magic prevented her from saying anything else, until she found herself back in that room. From what Reika said, she was not positive if this was Mitsuko in the moment, or a flashback of sorts, just to see her as part of the healing. “I barely know more than you about that one, it is Mitsuko and maybe Nall she is after.” She answered questions about the god in question first. Not something she considered herself enough of an expert on to answer. As for the not intending to hurt her. “Like I said, I’m trying to take your word on that, though I will reserve final judgement until it is all over.” What she learned from Kaida had an influence on her thoughts of Reika, but in the end it would be Reika herself who determined Jumi’s final opinion of her, good or bad. She had a feeling it would end more ‘complicated’ as Shinigami described her own feelings towards Reika, but it might end either more positively or negatively compared to Shinigami’s feelings. She was not thrilled to hear about lies, but she bit her tongue about pointing out again, she hoped they were at a point of honesty at least. It was more important to check on Mitsuko than get in another argument with Reika, she was trying to be better than the first few times they talked. “Do whatever you need to when the time comes, whether tonight or some other time.” She reasserted she was not backing away from that, punishment or fun. Though now was not the time to explain her reasoning. Not a lie or omission, just waiting until later to admit it, for the time that would be just the two of them. She did not know if Reika would mock her for it, or like it, she would find out later. Then she watched Reika pull out Mitsuko, wake her up. If she was awake, did that mean the healing was closer to done than expected? Maybe Reika could answer that in a little while. It now appeared more likely to be the present, but Mitsuko seemed only aware of Reika. Maybe this was a way to learn more. She was interested in what Mitsuko thought and felt about the whole thing. She did not seem upset. Of course that was another influence on the scales inside her. If the two of them continued to positively interact it would lean Jumi to wanting to have at least one experience with Reika, something else she Mitsuko and Shinigami could share. She knew the risks, had no intention of joining Death or giving Reika her soul, but her own complicated thoughts towards Reika did not leave her with absolutely no desire. She expected it to be a one time thing though, unless Reika was pulled away from her past and death. ”We should probably follow. See as much as we can of Mitsuko.” She told Nall as her eyes roamed the room, and Mitsuko’s lovely naked body. Though Reika answered one question. At least a few more days. “Do you see or sense the sword?” She asked Nall, while Reika was still focused on Reika, prepared to follow, if she could, when the two left the room. She was not sure just how long Reika intended to let them watch, if it would end as they left the room, or she would let them see a little more.

Have not forgotten this place. Will find something to put at the top to decorate the place up eventually. No one joined yet other than the few of you I invited so far, may change as activity picks up. Some details about the setting probably still have to be figured out, but I have been thinking about something character-wise to start with. On my side I have been thinking about using altered versions of a characters I had used a little in a another club. 'The Hanari sisters', technically two girls and one futa. A trio trying just to survive in a world where that is becoming increasingly hard. Will have to adjust them some, age them up a bit. The original version of the younger two were two young with the original versions. That being the case, will probably also have to look for new pictures for them. In their attempts to survive, they might run into and/or be with characters of others.

Once again, not a straight answer. Just like how she was sent here instead of Reika just answering who she was. Though that did pass some time. Meeting Kaida also was at least a potential for someone else who might be able to help at times. So maybe it was for the better. “I know as much as Kaida can tell about you at least. As for Mitsuko, I’m trying to take your word.” Jumi was not as worried about that as Nall was, though she would be happy when Mitsuko was finally healed. Her concern was more about what Nall was concerned about, which hopefully had nothing to do with Mitsuko, and also hopefully was not anything too dangerous. But if it did not have anything to do with Mitsuko, Reika was not likely to know anything about it. ”Unfortunately you probably don’t know anything about what is actually concerning us, would hope you already know what it is and would be telling us about it if you did.” And then there was another apple, and words that could not really be ignored. “Can’t ever just spit things out can you? Or do you think that time is the best to tell it?” Was that going to happen now, if she took a bite, or was Reika still waiting for a certain time. “I keep my word, what I learned won’t change that.” Perhaps an answer to Reika saying she did not feel bad about something because of her and Shinigami. Jumi was still willing to let Reika vent, take things out on her. Her thoughts about Reika were more complicated now, but she still intended to go through it. She could endure it. Part of it felt symbolic too. She and Mitsuko were technically united with Shinigami by this woman. Mitsuko and Shinigami both had their experiences with her, even if it was short for Mitsuko. Part of her felt she should at least once experience something with Reika, though what that experience was would be up to Reika. It might be more pain than pleasure, but she would go through whatever was offered. Were these things something she wanted to gloat about while punishing her? Or wanted to wait until Mitsuko was healed for one reason or another? She glanced to Hikaru, then in the mirror to Nall. “Don’t worry about me. I’m going to go check on Mitsuko. Up to Reika there if she wants to spell things out or take care of last business between us now or later.” The details of the punishment session of course were a secret between her and Reika, Jumi assumed even Mao did not know. Since she did not consider herself in danger, she would not say more about it. She might or might not tell Mitsuko or Shinigami after it was over. Of course she did not know if it was going to happen now, or later. But she prepared herself, just in case. At the very least she would check on Mitsuko and see if the sword was anywhere in sight. Taking a breath, she took the apple to her mouth bit into it. At least Nall probably did not have to worry about Reika petting him now.

“I was not thrilled leaving Mitsuko with her myself, but Shinigami seemed to trust her enough, and she knows Reika better than any of us.” Jumi was trying to give Reika the benefit of the doubt, but she could only wait to see if Reika lived up to her word or not. If Reika was right that she would be happy with the Mitsuko she saw after it was over. “I should have a chance to get updates soon, maybe or maybe not tonight. I don’t know if I will see Mitsuko herself, but if I do, I will see if I see the sword on or around her.” Was it risky or not to say this, with the uncertainty over whether Reika was listening or not? She could only hope that whatever happened later, Reika would not be their enemy at least until Mitsuko was healed. They were not in the greatest position to do much else. …or so she thought, but it looked like the question of whether they were being listened to was answered. She was not entirely surprised to see Reika appear. Hikaru was a little more surprised, glancing at her through the rear view mirror, but otherwise focusing on the driving, and letting Jumi do the talking, maybe Nall if he wanted to join in. “If you heard everything we’ve been saying, you already know.” Of course it was possible she was only half listening, just noticed she was being talked about. For the moment she was somewhat willing to give the benefit of the doubt. ”On the way back from that little errand you sent me on, learning about you.” She kept her thoughts on what she learned about Reika to herself for now. “Since you aren’t saying anything about it, I’m assuming you don’t have any significant updates about Mitsuko.” She would be disappointed at least, if there were and Reika did not say it on her own. But for now, there was no hostility or suspicion in the voice, just a reminder. A confirmation, she’sstill hoped for at least complete honesty between the two of them. “Your work is not having unexpected results unrelated to Mitsuko?” She would wait a moment to ask about the sword, a more general question first. There was a chance Reika was not intentionally up to anything, but just the way she was doing things was having unintended side effects, causing what was troubling Nall.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m reminding her to say something, if something important happens. Assuming she’s listening.” Jumi addressed Mao’s point first, clarifying that was for Reika. That was the easier and quicker thing to address. Nall’s concerns were more troublesome, no easy way to check on. “Concerns just keep piling up. Well, a Magical Girl’s life is rarely easy.” She was not shrugging it over, but she was not going to panic about it either. Especially when they still did not know exactly what was going on. Hopefully it was nothing too problematic. “No easy way to check on it, I suppose?” No communication, but she had no idea how easy it was for Nall to go to and from such a place. There might not be an options there other than wait and see what happened, or maybe pray for some insight from Maxim, whether or not to do that could be decided at the temple. For now, she had reached the car. She got into the front seat and waited for Nall and Mao to enter. “Kaida is ready to follow us, but she has chosen a pretty unique form of transportation, see if you see it from the car, or after we reach the temple.” She updated Hikaru, who seemed surprised but did not ask any questions just yet, as he started to drive.

“Funny, I was going to say the same thing.” Jumi remarked, with an amused smile, to the suggestion that Kaida might have transformed into a dragon. Would have been unusual, but not completely impossible. Some Magical Girls or Knights did appear somewhat inhuman after transforming, but usually not to that extent, and usually when it happened there was a good chance their father or grandfather was a demon who forced himself on a Magical Girl. “If she had, that might have explained what you thought was familiar, you might have known her.” She also had a suspicion it was occasional possible for certain non-humans to take human disguise. A Guardian Beast could have something like a dragon’s body, but be able to transform into human form at times. Kaida appeared to be a human though, if she was capable of such transformation she probably would have done it. What he said after that was a little more concerning. But whether she could do anything about it, depended on exactly what Nall meant. “Do you mean, in general, some connection you have to her or where she lives…?” If it was that, it was maybe something to be concerned about, but not something she could do much about, might need help from the godly side at the Temple. See if Maxim could do anything, at least look into it. “…Or do you mean Mitsuko specifically?” That would be more troubling, but something she might be a little more capable of handling. She glanced to Mao. “…Someone told me she would give updates on Mitsuko, if needed…”. She was not saying it to Mao specifically, not upset at her, but was not sure if Reika was listening through Mao. Whatever else might happen, whether Reika made herself an enemy or not, Jumi would like to believe what was said earlier. That they would be completely honest with each other, no lies or deception between them. That if there was something that needed to be said about Mitsuko, Reika would tell her. Of course, if Reika was distracted by something sudden with Mitsuko that needed her attention, Jumi would accept that and be fine waiting a little to hear about it. “Either ay, it is probably best to get back to the temple first. See what we need to do from there.” She began walking, a little fast to Hikaru’s car. “We all have our skills. It is impressive what some of us have come up with.” Umi did not take credit for what a small number had accomplished over the years. But it was nice Shinigami found it impressive. “The first step does not take long to start, but it takes some time to wash. You may or may not still be here by the time it finishes.” She let Shinigami watch as everything as put in, she added detergent they closed it and pressed the buttons to get the setting she wanted and started it. “There is nothing else to in this room for now. It would probably be the best time to get your food then see how long it takes the others to be back.”9

Well, that was something. Jumi had not quite expected to see anything like today, and she had had a share of sights over the previous days. It would certainly make an easy ride for her. Though she wondered how it was going to work when they made their way to her place. Use the dragon as a distraction to keep eyes off Shinigami? Could work outside, though there was still the trick of moving her around in the building. ”Looks like you can get a better flight than the sorts I am used to. Hikaru will do his best to go fast enough to keep up and lead the way. But going like that, you could find the temple on your own. Probably sticks out in those woods, when seeing it from above.” If she wanted to at least, but looked like she would be keeping close enough to not get there a head of time. “I’ll go let Hikaru know how you are coming. I’m sure it won’t be an issue at the temple, with you coming with us.” Jumi turned and began walking to Hikaru’s car. Coming along with him, she could not imagine Kaida’s ride being an issue, though if she she showed up alone and by surprise it sure would have caught the temple off guard. ”Yes, the details vary, but we have our ways of washing such things. I will lead you there first.” Umi was not going to bother Shinigami with descriptions of all the different ways such things could be washed, with or without machine and the variations in the machines. Shinigami would probably see at least several variations over time. For now, after finishing dressing, she opened the door, let Shinigami gather things and led her down. “It is in the general direction of the dining area, but a few rooms away.” Down the stairs, through the halls, but taking a different turn, to the laundry room, with several rows of machines. “People living by themselves, or with just one smaller family do not need so much, but this room is shared by all of us.” She explained, opening one of the machines so Shinigami could put stuff in.

“Familiar.” That was an unexpected thing to say. Jumi would not have thought Nall would have known anything about the woman. Granted the name was slightly unusual for a Magical Girl, if anything sounded a little more like Nall. Kaida had not seemed to act like she knew Nall either, but it was probably not something to think too much about. “Nice to another friend, though don’t know how often we will see her after we get back home. Nice to have some more experienced who will be closer to Mitsuko when she is in classes though. Some extra help if she needs it.” Hopefully the school would be left alone, not very likely for demons to attack such a place, but that goddess was less predictable. ”But yeah, temple first, see how long we stay there. Then take you and Shinigami to your new home. Figure out how that will work out. Make some more adjustments after Mitsuko is back.” It would not be too crowded tonight. But after Mitsuko was back some things, especially sleeping arrangements would have to be figured out. Shinigami and Nall would be secret additions too, while there would be paperwork with Mitsuko. An official roommate, among other things. But that was a little in the future. Possibly a few nights spent with just Shinigami and Nall. She made her way out of the building, took a moment to look for Kaida and stepped over to her. “Hikaru already went to the car. If you are ready, I’ll go over and join him. Up to you, if you think it will be easier to sit with us or follow in your own car.” Better to let Kaida decide what was easiest, with first the drive to temple, then Jumi’s place, either back to the temple first or to Kaida’s place, depending on what vehicle she chose to take. “Should not be too long, at least for the temple, just outside of town. My place is a bit more of a drive.” She did not live in town after all. This was Alexandrine’s territory. That said, it was not too long by car to get where she lived. Thankfully Mitsuko’s commute to school after getting back would not be too painful. After drying herself a bit, Umi stepped through the portal. It was perhaps the best way to do it. In the novelty of using such portals, she had forgotten her clothing was left behind her, not brought along as she usually did. She took out some fresh clothes, more or the same as what she wore before and began dressing. It would not have been a big deal to get the sheets washed herself or ask someone else in the temple for help, it was nice Shinigami was willing to do it though. She did not yet wonder if it would be stranger to sleep in the bed tonight, after what happened, her mind was focused on the next task, as it often was. “I will keep you company until the sheets are clean then at least, see what happens from there. Though I doubt we will be apart long, before the others return.” Their proper patting would be after they got everyone to Jumi’s place. Any time separate before that might not be very long,