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.

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,

Jumi shrugged to the question of other dimensions. “Maybe, I have no idea if the dream version was really connected to the real place. My attempts to get answers out of her were not very successful.” Having seen what Reika could do with dreams just made it less certain. She could not say if Reika just had that much control over someone’s dreams or if something else was going on. The question only seemed blurrier with that place. “Kind of like how trying to figure her out got me sent here. She does like to answer questions clearly enough.” Reika also of course would not say much about Mitsuko. It was another reason Jumi still wanted to go through the second dream, even if Reika got carried away with punishment. There was still too much uncertainty, she wanted a better sense if Reika was going to be a problem or not. Best case scenario, Reika would be satisfied and leave them alone. Worst case, she might get a taste of Reika hoped to do in the future, her intentions and her techniques. Then Kaida left though. Any questions would have to wait, Kaida could maybe learn more from Shinigami at the temple, Jumi’s questions would come later, maybe tonight, maybe later. She took a moment to finish the little bit of food still in front of her. “Give her as much time as she needs with animals, after that, should be ready to go back. Shinigami and Umi should have had enough time to do what they wanted to do.” Whether research, fun, or a mix, they had been given a good amount of time. “Should get with enough time for Kaida and Shinigami to have any talk they want, before we work on getting Shinigami home. Though it might be best to wait until fairly late for that.” They would have to see if the help Kaida could provide helped influence the timing on that. Hikaru nodded, stood up. “No need to rush Kaida, but I will go prepare the car, head over when she is ready.” He stepped outside and made his way to the car. It was nice to see that the two of them seemed to have a good impression on Shinigami, though Umi was not sure what she was like before, or what Reika had hoped for. “Yes, my life will likely be more quiet than the three of you. Especially in the short term, but I believe you all will find some way through it.” They were strong, she could see that. Fighting was likely to be in the future for all of them for some time before considering family. Though she hoped they found a way to figure something out in that area, if they reached a time they were more interested in it. It was not as simple as two humans, or a human or a demon, but she suspected it was not completely impossible if they searched hard enough for a solution. She stood and walked over to get a towel. “Yes. The others will probably return before long. Hopefully they learned something useful. Feel free to get more food if you wish or wait for them where you will. I will probably stay out in the open somewhere until they are back.” She had to prepare to take Shinigami and Jumi to Jumi’s place. So she would not go back to her room or anything like that. It was likely there would be somethings to talk about after they returned and before leaving too that might be good for her to hear.

“We have spent many generations fighting demons and monsters, studying them to help us learn ways to do so. Shinigami I could see was different, and I have known the Fairy here for some time. If she will speak up for someone, I trust her word.” Hikaru explained his acceptance of Shinigami, her being welcomed. As for what the temple could do to try to help. “I do have some connections, people I can speak to. The temple is respected by local authorities, unfortunately it will not be quite so easy to convince the average person. Living under the threat of demon and monster attack for so long, the people are likely to be scared by anything that looks too much like one. Sadly the number of such creatures that have been friends to humanity are even fewer than those humans twisted or tortured into joining them.” Things like Broken Girls were thankfully very rare, but still, demons or monsters that wanted to help humans for non-selfish reasons were even rarer. Hikaru was not even sure there were any confirmable cases, though there might have been a few in myth or legend. “The temple is also only a short term solution. The happily accept guests who need assistance. But only temple members are allowed to live there long term. The temple is family, all members either born into it, or joining by marrying a current member.” “I doubt Shinigami would mind meeting you. Not sure what she would think about you knowing Reika, but in the limited experience I’ve had so far she does not seem to be hostile to anyone who is not hostile to her.” Jumi gave her thought on the meeting. It probably would go in the direction it had when she met other new people, especially if she and Umi were doing what Jumi suspected. Hopefully Shinigami would not be uneasy about an examination from someone who used to know Reika. Then a question that was more difficult. How they got where they were. Jumi let out a soft sigh. “I’m still not completely sure everything that happened there. Shinigami could probably explain it better. Goes back to the night I met Reika.” She would have to do her best to explain, somewhat guessing. “Like already said, me Mitsuko and Nall were taken by Shinigami via portal to a house she had been living in. No idea where it was, never looked around outside. After a few days there, Reika decided to introduce herself to me in a dream. A haunted version of the house. Surrounded by what I could say was… ‘post apocalyptic’ surroundings for what she showed me when she opened the door. Whole lot of trying to get me to eat an apple, which I did not. After it was done, well let’s just say things happened. Shingami destroyed the place and some relics that were apparently a significant source of power. Another run in with Reika, and that goddess who is after Mitsuko. We escaped back to the convention on its last night. No idea what happened between Reika and that goddess. Shinigami no longer has that place to go back to is the big thing.” Umi did not want to say too much. She knew very little about Reika, what Shinigami thought of her or their past together. She did not know the sort of pain Shingami referred to, though she was aware of what demons often did to human woman. But that was at least primarily male demons, she had little understanding of what two women did together, willingly or not. She was aware of how casual Jumi was with partners, but it was not like Jumi bragged about the specifics. “I hope it will work out for you. Jumi is a good girl, Mitsuko seems to be as well from the little I have seen. I’m sure they will try there hardest to help others accept you. I don’t know Reika, what she has done or what she might do. But hopefully it end in one way or another that will not be painful for you.” She did not know if a fight was inevitable or not, if Shinigami hoped to be free of Reiko or not. Or if Reika could somehow be redeemed, even partially. She would not hope for a specific outcome, just one that was least as painless as possible, if not happy. “My place is more on the support side. My children may become Magical Girls or Knights but I will likely keep to temple duties, not completely without danger. But less likely to find it than someone like them or my probable future husband.” She did occasionally deal with demon connected things. But rarely demons themselves. Her power was less likely to be good in a fight, but she did usually have Hikaru or others along to keep her safer. She would hopefully never face what a demon could do to her.

“The current plan was for one of the priestesses at the temple to take the two of them, probably at night to reduce chance of being seen. But extra help would probably be a good idea.” Hikaru elaborated on the current plan. “After you come to the temple and meet Shinigami, we can decide the next step.” It would be interesting to see the meeting, this woman who had a past with Reika, meeting her creation. He was not sure how long that meeting would last before the step of taking Jumi and Shinigami home would be, but he was willing to let them stay a while into the night. “I suspect Reika will not appear, unless maybe if she wants to say something to you. Hopefully she will behave herself if she does. I believe she knows better than to cause too much trouble at the temple. There is a real chance she might provoke divine punishment. But we will remain on guard until all our guests are gone.” He would not relax too much, but he did believe if Reika became hostile on the temple grounds there was a real chance of Maxim getting involved and he had to hope Reika was not arrogant enough or believed herself powerful enough to fight such a being. If she could, Jumi and himself were unlikely to be able to do much to her. ”She does seem to care about Shinigami. Not necessarily in a healthy way. But one thing I am fairly sure of is she won’t do anything to make Shinigami too angry.” Jumi added, in part adding on to what Mao said. “I don’t know what will happen in the end, but at least for now I don’t expect her to try to attack us or anything like that. She might have some curiosity towards how this whole thing of trying to help humans accept Shinigami goes. She is not helping, but she does not seem like she is getting in the way either, but she might not expect it to be possible.” Was the idea that if it failed Shinigami would go back to her. That Reika might even pull in her and/or Mitsuko? It did not seem impossible. She guessed her next meeting with Reika would be in a dream again though, unless Hikaru was right that Reika wanted to see Kaida. Her first night back home might be a night with Reika that she could not guess who would go, or she might wait longer. All she was fairly certain of was she would see Reika at least once more before Mitsuko was healed. Probably privately. Umi, temple members in general, did not go through the sort of courtship many humans did. While she hoped for love, the relationship would be a bit traditional. “I will likely wait for him to come to me.” She would not bore Shinigami with details, but would explain a little. “We do things the old fashioned way. We hope for our children to be Magical Girls or Knights. In addition to carrying on the blood of Maxim, we try to marry those in such role or families of such. Much like how Hikaru’s late wife was a Magical Girl.” She did not elaborate, not knowing Shinigami had met the sister of the one she referred to. “It is my hope to marry a Knight or a man related to a Knight or Magical Girl. All Magical Girls and Knights did such in the past, though it tends to only be the more traditional families, like ours that continue the tradition these days. There are those out there that know we still do things the old way, and may seek a man or woman to marry here. Until then, I am a bit closer Io Jumi in my outlook.” Now that she had the taste of it, she could not rule out other short term partners before marriage, though she did not expect to have a significant number. She would wait for such a man. If one never showed up, there were ways make her availability known to the various teams out there, see if any were interested.

Okay, there are still some details to work out, have to figure out the exact character profile sheet, still have to look for images first up top as well. Some details other members can help figure out, like potentially the exact nature of the creatures tormenting the world. But I figured it was good to elaborate on my inspirations and thoughts for the atmosphere of the club. It has been rolling around in my head around a month now. When I thought of it, thought it might have been fitting to start it around Halloween, but did not have the chance to make it fast enough. I was inspired by some horror-ish things I was watching at the time, particularly fictional ‘emergency alert’ videos on YouTube. Also thought it might be fun to go a darker route than I usually do. A chance to see characters get bad endings or turn evil. Most characters here are not likely to have happy lives. Though there are chances for happy moments and particular characters can get close to each other, but they won’t have a lot of time relax. Especially if they are still alive. In the afterlife there might be a few more relatively comfortable places, but they may be isolated and have relatively few people. To a degree I am mixing ideas from other clubs, my own and one or two that are not. But with twists to make them both mine and distinct to this club, at least for the larger world. The little side worlds people can play, I think are just ways to explore other stuff, still on the darker side, but the players involved have freedom on the details. Like I said in the description, someone could explore a ‘bad end’ for character(s) from other RPs, but they could also do something new. Those settings could be about anything, modern/fantasy/scif, with or without things like magic/advanced technology/non-humans. Could be a world just like ours, or very different.

This is the place to ask any questions you have, make discussions or discuss anything you wish. I have posted a basic idea of what I had in mind for the setting but I am open to suggestions and may add/change things based on what people think.