SataiRolePlayingGuy

Jumi sighed softly, as Nall’s point made sense and they made their way to the gate, where they should not have to wait long. “Hikaru probably has not heard from everyone he asked yet. But I’m still considering the idea mentioned last night, in the altar room. If she is connected to Death, it is not impossible she herself is dead, undead, in someway. If so, she might be older than she appears, another generation…or…”. It was possible she was something else. “She resembles a Broken Girl in some ways, but it is also possible she never was a traditional Magical Girl. Her powers might have started with Death giving them to her. Some sort of deal, possibly…or just drawn to Death in some way. Honestly though, the vision she showed me, putting Mitsuko into the machine, activating it. She came off more like a scientist or doctor, if a twisted one…which makes me wonder if that is why we are being sent here. If she has connections to or origins in that area.” Researcher who made a mistake, or researched forbidden things? Was that what started her down her path? It was starting to look like that, or she had a connection to someone like that. It was not unheard of for Magical Girls to fight mad scientists, that was their primary human enemies other than Broken Girls or demon worshippers. After she finished undressing, Umi stood back, let Shinigami continue eating if she wished, study her options. “I had a pretty relaxed night, with no duties to deal with. And some time before going to sleep, so I figured, I should cover every option I could think of. For you to put power into, or draw it out of yourself.” She did not ask yet about the organ that drew her eyes yesterday, but was missing now. She assumed it was something Shinigami could hide biologically or magically if needed. They would finish their other work before worrying about that. After Shinigami used her power, she stepped forward, took the pendant. Examined it a bit, put it on. She sat next to Shinigami. “I will be careful with it. I have lived my life dedicated to watching for such things. Watch for humans who are tempted to experiment with such corruption, or have begun to. Try to talk them out of it, if they are thinking about it. Save them before they go too far, if they have began to experiment with it. It is unfortunate how many are tempted. Researching things in libraries or the internet. Looking for books or artifacts with dark powers, or in the most dangerous cases, try to make deals with demons. The temple’s greatest duty to the people around us is to try to prevent that corruption.” Umi was not a Magical Girl, though not necessarily an ordinary person either. Between her divine blood, even diluted over the generations since Maxim, and her training, she was not powerless. She just could not fight like a Magical Girl.

Jumi listened to Nall’s thoughts on the possibility, and mentions of apparent politics between gods that she was not very familiar with. He would have a better idea about such things than her. He was probably right. Had she just not noticed the sword in what Reika showed her? It was still worth asking about. The tube and fluids might have hid it from Nall’s senses and her sight. But if he was right, sone of it was just more confusing. Was there something Nall was unaware of, that might have changed his answer? Or something else. It would have to wait until she saw Reika again. Maybe two times later, if the punishment session was too intense to ask questions. She led the two to a central room, something like a throne room, with Hikaru at the end. In a chair and robes that had a semi-royal appearance. But he was no king this was merely where he spent portions of the day as high-priest, head of the temple and Maxim’s heir. His world was law, but only within the walls of the temple complex. He had some influence and connections outside the walls, but not direct power. He looked over the three walking up to him. Especially Mao. “This is about that woman? Unfortunately I have asked around some with various Magical Girls and Knights, I have not found anything yet…”. An unspoken question of how and why Mao was here, one he expected at least a partial answer from Jumi. ”She visited again last night. The guest rooms. A lot happened, I can explain some of it as we go. But I asked who she was. She did not give me much of an answer. But she gave me a name, Reika Kuroha. Told me to go into the city, the academy. Ask around about the name, I don’t know what to expect. But apparently we will learn something. A name you ever heard of?” Hikaru shook his head and Jum continued. “I intend to take these two, see what we learn. Need a ride though. Figured you might want to go along with this. If not, you could arrange something for us. Would havre asked Umi, but Reika interrupted her and Shinigami’s plans for last night. They will be getting back to that while we are out. As for Mitsuko….well, if you give us the ride, I’ll explain on the way.” Hikaru leaned back in his chair. Processed it all for the moment, then nodded. “This all concerns me. I do wish to know more about this Reika. Wish to hear the answers directly from those you ask. May have questions of my own. I will take you there. Go to the main gate. I will drive out to it shortly take you all.” Jumi nodded as he stood up, walked back outside, headed to the main gate. Umi nodded. “You can eat on the way or after we get to the room. Whichever you prefer. There is no rush to do what we wish.” She said, again leading Shinigami down familiar halls to the room they were in last night. “I left the objects on the bed. Several different ones. That have different ways of drawing power or having power put into them. You can decide which is best, as I was not sure.” Once they entered the room. Umi felt it was best to pick up where they left off. Shinigami could eat, if she had not already. Umi began undressing again. Even if they started with the studying, or power use, they would both be naked the whole time. On the bed were a number of objects, some jewelry like pendants or rings. Several short blades as well, among other objects. Though one blade was off to the side. “For the most part they are objects you can simply put power into. But I brought various things, in case there were other ways that were easier for you or would add more power. For example, if drawing your blood and using it was a way you wished to use. That blade to the side is the one to use to draw it. It cannot store power. The other blades could. Whether by blood or just putting power into them.” She did not want to hurt Shinigami of course. But she knew through her studies that there were a number of ways various beings could transfer power. She wanted Shinigami to have any option she chose to use.

Jumi thought about it a bit more. A Magical Girl’s source of power. A gift from a goddess. Common sense did not necessarily apply to such an item. She thought out loud. A random thought that may or may not be true. “Maybe she is wearing it in the tube….or maybe it is part of her now?” Absorbed into her body? By the goddess’ power, or something else? When? She was wearing it while they were having sex, wasn’t she? One thing she would not take off, not risk losing, especially with Reika present. Was it during the tentacles? The goddess protecting it? The sword protecting itself?….Mitsuko protecting it? Did Mitsuko draw it into her body while the tentacles were overwhelming her? Was that why they reacted stronger than Reika expected? “Just a random guess. Reika says she will give updates. The next time will only be me and her. After that you and Shinigami might be around, depending on when and how often she chooses to update. I may ask about the sword. Either way, let’s go find Hikaru, then see what we can learn about this Reika.” She turned, began walking towards the main temple, with Nall and Mao following. She expected to know where Hikaru was, if he was not doing his own research on Reika. This could be quick. Umi nodded. “There should be a little out on the tables in the kitchen. We will stop there. Take what you need, and we will go to my room from there.” She led Shinigami back from the guest room, to the main temple, the same route as yesterday, back to the kitchen. A few temple staff were quietly eating but did not look at the two of them. The tables had various bowls running down them, filled with various types of food. Not full but not close to empty. Left so people could take what they wish from them for their own breakfasts. Umi stood nearby, giving Shinigami a moment to choose what and how much she wished from the selections.

Jumi thought of something as Nall spoke. “Can you feel the presence of the sword? Tell if it is with Mitsuko? She is in a machine. A tube filled with liquid, mask with tubes to breathe. It sounds like she will be in there for sone days, maybe a week. She had no clothes, but I did not look closely for the sword, and it was only a short view. Shinigami asked about it, but I could not answer. It sounds like though, if she has the sword in there, it might influence the healing. Not make it faster, but maybe some other positive side effect. Both Shinigami and Reika implied I might like what I see when she is back, but did not give details.” A holy beast connected to the goddess, maybe the sword, she wondered if Nall could answer that question. Though he might not have a better idea than her what might happen, if Mitsuko did have it with her. It was troubling. Umi did not like hearing this. But Jumi earlier and Shinigami now did not seem as concerned as she would have expected. Maxim did not stop this either? Let this girl take her away? Was something else going on? Was Mitsuko meant to go with her? She was not panicking, but had a bit of Jumi’s concern, knowing less of the woman. “Do you believe Mitsuko is safe?” Maybe that was implied in the creature’s message about them being fine, but she wanted to be sure. “Would you like anything to eat? If not, would follow me back to my room? I left the items there. I did not expect us to be alone here.” She thought that room was the safest. Most private, most comfortable. And if Shinigami was still interested in other things, the best place to do that. It could be done here, but Umi would be more comfortable in her room, her bed.

Yes. Mao would make him suspicious of course. But then Jumi saw Umi off in the distance, it looked like Mao was willing to give the message instead. Which gave her a moment to talk to just him. She gestured for him to stay close, not chase her. “She isn’t a threat. Stay here, I have to tell you something important. Just let me say it all, you can ask questions when I am done…a lot happened last night.” She sighed and prepared to go over what seemed most important. “Me and Mitsuko were alone for a while, while I’m guessing you were with Shinigami and Umi. After a while, that girl…her name turns out to be Reika, showed up. Tried to tempt me into eating that apple for something I was imaging. Shinigami apparently sensed that and came over to us.” It was probably best not to be too detailed with Nall, seeing how he was with the subject. Kind of imply what was happening. ”She behaved herself at first. Just watched us, kept tempting me with that apple. Which I eventually ate, but only after Shinigami insisted it should be safe….it probably would have been fine. But Mitsuko asked Reika to try something. To use her power her power to help her train for later….it did not go as intended. She was hurt by it. She is not here anymore, Reika took her away before I could react. There is more.” She was careful for him to not interrupt there. To hear the rest. “I was a lost, feelings things that hearing this might make you feel. I tried my best to get through the night, with Shinigami help, scared what she might do. Then I went to sleep.” A short sigh to catch her breath to continue. “She visited my dream. We fought at first. Then we talked, made it clear what we thought of each other and why. I have seen where Mitsuko is. She is healing, but it will take a while. I know it is hard to believe, without being there, but we have come to an understanding of sorts. She is not my friend. But if she does not betray the degree of trust of trust I have for her, she is not an enemy either. I believe she did not intend to hurt Mitsuko and will return her when the healing is over. After that, I cannot say what might happen with her. She did give me a hint on who she might be though. I intend to research that. I have to go into the city. Probably with a ride from Hikaru. The one over there, Mao, will be going too. If you want to come along, I would be happy to have you. I will answer any questions you have about what I just said first though.” Umi watched Nall come over to Jumi and begin to talk. Probably who she was calling for. She gave them a moment, not knowing if she should interrupt or eavesdrop. She listened to the creature, surprised it approached her. But listened. That made since, if it was connected to that woman, she probably had some connection to Shinigami as well. She nodded at the message. “Thank you, I shall go over very shortly.” She waited briefly then stepped forward. Approaching the building, but at an angle not to hear anything she should not. Stepped inside of the building, to the room where now Shinigami was. Only Shinigami. No Mitsuko. “I made the preparations I told you I would, when we last saw each other…”. A hint of caution in her voice as she looked over the room. “…did things turn out well last night?” She could not rule out Mitsuko just being somewhere else in the complex. She tried not to assume the worst. Wanted to hear what Shinigami said.

“Maybe after I’m back and you finish with Umi then.” She suggested, not sure if they would go very far tonight, especially as she waited for Reika’s punishment session, which might or might not be tonight. But they could give each other sone attention when they were alone again. It also depended on what Shinigami and Umi did, she hoped Umi would enjoy it, if they did more than research. She gave Shinigami a soft kiss before turning to the door. “If I see Umi, I’ll tell her you’re still here. Otherwise, I’m sure it won’t be much longer.” She said, a little wave as she stepped out of the room, and then the building. “Nall, are you nearby?” She spoke up loudly, but did not yell. Testing if he was still roaming around this area, looking for Mitsuko or the others maybe. She took a steps into the walled outdoor portion, but did not wander too far, while waiting to see if Nall heard her, or if they had to search more. Umi was on her way, having finished her sleep, breakfast and morning rituals. She had eventually stepped away when Shinigami did leave the guest building. She trusted the group, and Maybe Maxim to deal with any danger. Had gathered the items, she mentioned to Shinigami before going to sleep. And waited. Feeling something significant may have happened, she decided to give them some extra sleep, before seeing if they wanted breakfast. The ride back to Jumi’s apartment would have to wait. At least until Shinigami and her finished…the study with the artifacts….maybe the excitement Shinigami mentioned yesterday, if she still had interest. There would be no harm letting them stay one more night. She had just left the main building, was beginning to walk towards the guest building. She saw only Jumi outside…Jumi and that creature with the woman who served death. What was that about? Jumi seemed to be calling for someone, though not loudly enough to hear who. She walked slower, giving Jumi a chance to find whoever it was without interrupting.

Jumi softly laughed a bit, liking this side of Shinigami. In a way she was submissive towards her now, in subtle ways, but better than that, the warmth between them now. Jumi was not just some human to Shinigami anymore, not someone protecting out of obligation or anything like that. No, there were feelings there. Which made her happy, whatever they were precisely. But the laugh had a more specific reason. “You thought of that too hmm? Me and Mitsuko, side by side, each drinking from a different breast, together? You had that image in your head? I was going to wait until Mitsuko was back to suggest it. But I had the idea too, and I’m sure Mitsuko would like it as well. I’m not greedy enough to try to keep it only to myself.” She teased Shinigami to imagine it more. Something Jumi could very easily see happening in the future. But there might another time or two of just Jumi drinking, depending on how long the healing took. But before they could talk more of that, Mao appeared. Let them know about Nall. She let out a soft sigh. “I should be the one to tell him. I can guess how he might feel when he finds out. I might be the best person to calm him down.” Nall feelings about Reika were closest to what she felt until the dream. She would understand his reactions. Probably be the one most capable of convincing him it would be fine. She stood up. Transformed as a quicker way to get dressed, since she would need to be in this form at least. “Come with me, we’re going to learn some things about Reika soon. After we talk to Nall and find Hikaru.” She turned to Shinigami before stepping out. “I’m sure Umi is up by now, might already be on the way. I’m guessing she wanted to give us time to rest, or she would have already come over.”

She should have looked closer. Jumi had not considered it, expected Mitsuko to be put in completely naked. But after how Reika talked about using the machine to create Shinigami, she did have to wonder whether it would have an effect or whether Reika realized it before putting her in. But then she had also talked about some strangeness with Mitsuko before going in the machine. Especially how the tentacles treated her. Was there already something about Mitsuko no one, including herself, was aware of? “I may or may not be gone a while, depending on how quickly answers come, but I’ll be back by evening. Probably see if I can get the ride from Hikaru. He’s probably very interested in the answers now too.” She was not against bringing Nall and/or Mao too. Meant she would have to enter the academy transformed, which might or might not make getting answers easier. “Don’t worry about my breakfast. I’m still feeling full from the meal you gave me last night.” She added with a smile. “Won’t ask for that every day, but if it isn’t too hard on you, would like to do it more regularly from now on.” Maybe they would work something out later, figure out how often she could do it. She enjoyed it. The taste of it, and the intimacy of drinking directly from Shinigami’s breasts. She did remember what Shinigami said, while taking her to bed. “With what we know now, no issue telling Nall what is going on?” Shinigami had been quite insistent last night, but it sounded like she was more optimistic now. Jumi was herself as well. Expecting Reika to properly heal her. Though Shinigami was warning her to be careful. Looked like complicated feelings after all. “I’ve got it under control. I’m willing to give her a chance now, not automatically push her away when she shows up. Take her word, but it will take sometime of seeing it for myself before trust becomes stronger.” She believed what Reika had said. No more lies between them. She would give Reika the chance to prove she meant it. If she backed it up, Jumi was open to getting closer to Reika, cautiously. Depending on just how ‘bad’ she was.

Mitsuko’s sword? Could that be used with the healing? Have some impact with the result? “Dammit, I did not think about the sword. She did not mention it. I did not see it, but she might have had it somewhere out of sight.” Did Shinigami have some idea of what Reika was implying? Or had she thought of something that even Reika had not considered? “You have a much better idea of what is normal with that machine than me, I’ve never seen anything like it. I only had a short look too, of her putting Mitsuko in and starting it up. What would you consider normal?” The easiest thing would be to try to compare what Shinigami described to the little she saw. Her hand rubbed Shinigami’s side a little as she continued. Things she liked to hear. “Have to see what I can do for you after we get home. But it is still probably best to stay at the temple for today. You can finish things with Umi. I have some research to do, back in the city. One of the little whiles we will have to be apart.” This part was something she was planning on telling Shinigami about. “I wanted answers. Who Reika really is, what she is. Whether she was a Magical Girl or not. How she got connected to Death. She would not answer directly. She asked me to do a favor, as she put it. Reika Kuroha may be her full name. She told to go to the academy in the city, ask around about it. Assume I will either get answers or a hint of where to find them. She did say she would give updates on Mitsuko, but don’t know when or how often. We did not finish things between us either. The two of us are going to have one more one on one meeting, maybe in my dreams tonight? Maybe some other time or place, she seems to like surprises. I told her to pick a time. Depending on if it is a dream or not, don’t know if I will get told ahead of time.”

Jumi said the most important thing first. “She showed me where Mitsuko is. In a machine. Healing. Days, week. She could not answer how long it will take, but it won’t be soon. She said strange things, that I did not really understand. Suggested something unexpected happening there. Not bad things, as far as I can figure, claimed I would be happy with what I saw when she’s back, but beyond that, I don’t know what to expect, except that she will be brought back to us when it is over.” Shinigami seemed uneasy. Better to keep explaining. “I don’t consider her a friend. But I am willing to give her a chance, set aside my fears and suspicions, see where it goes if she does not betray the trust or do anything I can’t overlook.” They were on better terms, but it would take time to see whether or not they got closer than this. Jumi would give it a fair chance, but they would have to see. She turned pressed herself against Shinigami’s back. Her turn to help a little. “I still don’t know what to expect from this Death, but I don’t have any regrets. I am going to stick with you. First until Mitsuko is back, and then we will all return to the bigger question. Find a way you can be accepted and move openly among humans. Until we figure that out, there will be times when we have to separate for parts of the day. But I promise to always come back.” She cared about Shinigami. Wanted to help her, be with her.

Shinigami was awake. Well then she should probably get up soon. There was no rush though. They could take some time. Shinigami and Umi could get back to their research, maybe she could do the research in the meantime. It was not something she could easily bring Shinigami along for. Best to go on her own…maybe with Hikaru, since he was trying to do similar research? Better to be up front with Shinigami. This was connected to her, and the two of them were also much closer now. “Don’t worry about me, I slept well.” She spoke into Shinigami, voice a little muffled, before letting go, rolling onto her back. ”Certain someone decided to visit my dreams again last night.” The stress of the previous night was gone from her voice. “The beginning went in ways you might have guessed. We made it clear what we thought of each other, but to I’m guessing everyone’s surprise, we have come to an understanding you could say.” She would not be surprised if Shinigami had more questions. But she had a question that had been lingering since last night. “She has made her feelings for you pretty obvious. She asked you if you trusted her as she took Mitsuko away? This question is just my curiosity, no answer will upset me, but especially after everything that has happened since the manor, and now yesterday, what exactly do you think about her?” A more general question, not really asking about love, but that could be an answer. More about trust, as well as Shinigami’s general feelings and thoughts about Reika. Between the punishment at the manor, and everything yesterday, she was not sure. They did not seem to be hostile. But to Shinigami was Reika just someone that always been there, claimed to be her mother? Or did she have stronger feelings? She would accept any answer, not likely to change her plans. But if fShinigami truly did trust or have positive feelings, at least sometimes, for Reika, that would make this a lot easier.

“Your choice, anything you want, trusting you will restrain yourself enough I don’t need the tube. Or another dream, where there is less danger of that. I have a better idea what I’m getting into, more preparation, but feel free to try to surprise me.” It was and was not like what Mitsuko was asking for, though maybe part of it was in fact that she did not want to be the only one of them who had no experience like that connected to Reika. She was surprising herself a lot lately. Her domination of Shinigami, now this. She had not imagined she would be planning this with Reika. But she committed to it, eager to see if Reika was willing to go further. Give Jumi something rather intense. She was still not sure if something was being implied with Mitsuko. The surprise she was hinting at earlier? But as she pointed out to Reika, she had not known Mitsuko long, knew less about her potential as a Magical Girl. It was entirely possible there were surprises she could not guess. She simply nodded to the apology. While trying to figure out what she was hinting at. But then she was gone. As Jumi put it, not friends, but on much better terms. And after their next time, and after Mitsuko’s healing…who could say? She was not as powerful as Shinigami, probably not as powerful as Reika, but she sure pulled an unexpected group of women into her orbit since the convention. And she had thought Alexandrine was the one who would be building a new team. She supposed she could play around with the image and dream. But it was less appealing. Finally time to wake up. She took a few breaths, tried to force her actual body’s eyes to open. Eventually they did. The softness of the bed. Shinigami’s body too. That was nice. She did not make a noise or move, unsure if Shinigami was awake. Just enjoying the feel nd warmth.

Was she taming the reaper now? Not necessarily a bad thing, reigning in Reika’s darker side might be a good thing. But beyond that, it was not Jumi’s intention to change her. Not doing anything to hurt Mitsuko again was a very good thing at least. She did not know though if she had any impact on her coming punishment. It was maybe better to leave it a surprise. Jumi had established the permission and more or less where the lines were, it was up to Reika to decide what to do. The key was to vent any feelings she had, as long as lines were not crossed, Jumi did not want Reika to hold back for her sake. If that meant feeding the darkness, she would endure it the one time. If they continued to see each other, it was not likely the other times would be quite so intense, not that way at least. What she felt about Reika was still uncertain, no longer hostile, but not warm like the others. But she was beginning to kind of want that intimate moment. Only the two of them the first time, and she perfectly willing to let it be her punishment over what happened with Shinigami. That it might heal things between them more. ”If that is your choice, I will respect it. But before you cut back too much, I want you to show me how you really feel when that time comes…we need complete honesty between us now. I’m giving you permission to let it all out, as long as there is nothing like what happened to Mitsuko. That is the time we will really figure everything out. No lies, though I will let you keep your surprises from me, until the best moment to reveal them. As long as you think I will enjoy the surprise or other good reason.” A hesitant small trust, that could be built upon. While, slowly encouraging what she thought might be an experience unlike her others. “You can choose the time and place, as long as it private, only us. No one else, at least no other people.” Might they do more around others later? It looked increasingly possible, but just them the first time, other than maybe the tentacles, since they technically counted as someone else. Venting off the tensions and ways they hurt each other. Figuring out what they wanted from there. That was it then? She was not sure if she was building a scene, or just an image but it looked like this is the end. She told Reika to decide when to end it. “Fair enough. Your choice next time we meet. Tomorrow night, some other time, whatever. You can keep it as a surprise since you think it is fun. Leave me wondering when and what will happen”

“I would not say pity. Correcting my own mistakes. Not making someone an enemy, who does not deserve it.” Jumi could see Reika getting into it…getting into her, more. It seemed less likely anything too exciting would happen here, but their next meeting, dream or not, might go rather differently. She was not sure whether to be happy or nervous. But even the nervousness was different than before, mostly an uncertainty, possibly excitement? over just how far Reika would go with her. How harsh her punishment might be, especially since she suggested it. She thought she should return the compliments at least. “I will admit, whatever else I thought about you earlier, you always have been pleasant to look at.” Even with all the suspicion, tension, there was a beauty and sexiness to the reaper as well, that Jumi saw from the beginning. “If last night had gone differently, I’m not sure how I would have reacted if you tried to have a turn with me.” The idea had made her uneasy back then, but if Reika had initiated it, she could not deny the possibility they both would have enjoyed it. With only the slightest hesitation, Jumi put action behind her words, perhaps encouraged by the compliments. Her arms raised and returned the embrace to the reaper, soft but firm. Trust that she was not walking a dangerous path, would not be corrupted by this. “…If that is how you wish to punish me, I will not complain….unless that is the point.” Still not asking for it, but preparing for it, making it clear she would not be upset by the choice, not break the delicate place they were now in. Clarifying, she trusted Reika not to go too far, but was willing to let her push things, approach the edge of acceptability. To possibly join Shinigami and Mitsuko, all three embraced by her tentacles. Of course she could do other things instead, or a mix of things. Jumi was rather prepared for a rather intense punishment session, for the pain she caused this girl. She simply accepted the explanation of Mao. Understanding why she was there, but not knowing much about her, except she seemed to enjoy being around Shinigami. She would wait to see what happened there. Figure out more after waking up. “I have not interacted with her much, but Shinigami seems happy she’s there and I’m happy with more company.” More strange references to Mitsuko as well. Referring to her as a goddess. She realized though it was best to not try to push for answers, to wait and find out what she meant when Mitsuko was better. ”I don’t know. Letting it flow.” She answered the question. Letting her subconscious do most of the work. But took some more control. A city? She wondered. She tried to remember what she saw that night. When Reika opened the door of the manor for her. Something like that, but more pleasant, without the damage. Something connected to Reika’s past, or something else. She was still not sure what that was about. But she would go with it. The image of Reika, dressed in her usual clothes. Something more. She was not sure where this was going to go. Just a vision after all. An image of Jumi appeared next to her. Same style of clothes. Not suggesting joining death, but her attempts to fix things. “Just a fashion statement.” Was how she chose to explain it. Still just shaping things for now.

“I hurt you more than I realized at the time. What happened with Shinigami is done, but I am willing to try to make up for it in a way of your choosing.” She decided to make things clear. “I will let you choose when this dream ends too. We are not exactly friends, but I won’t push you away anymore, or question everything you say and do.” No more of the insults, trying to get her to leave. As long as Reika did not cross lines, do anything more openly cruel/evil, Jumi would accept her, see what happened. Would not try to drive her and Shinigami completely apart. ”I am not suggesting anything specific. Whatever you want to do to me. I will trust you not to go too far, but I will accept punishment if it will make you happy. As for your one method, I am more experienced than Mitsuko with that sort of thing, though I have probably never had such an intense experience.” She had had tentacles inside her before, but not quite like what Reika did to Shinigami or Mitsuko. If Reika wanted to give her a variation of it, she would not protest. Share in Shinigami and Mitsuko’s experience. Especially in a dream, safe from what it did to Mitsuko. But she was not specifically asking for it either. She would let Reika decide if and how she wanted to do it. Would let it be a real punishment, uneasy/uncomfortable/painful, within reason. Let her make up for how she hurt Reika, when she could not and would not take back what happened with Shinigami. Her more pleasant suggestion was completely acceptable as well. She accepted the answer on Mitsuko, though not sure what to make of the suggestion of surprises. She just tried to accept they would be pleasant ones. Would try to wait it out. It would still be difficult, but no longer with the fears she had before. That it would be happy when it was over. She would also wait and see what Reika was hinting at, with the research, it was difficult to guess what she was implying, but would not try to learn more before researching. The last answer made it seem like punishment might wait, or not, it was hard to say. Reika spoke of a connection. There were things that connected them. They were rather different, but had some similarities to each other. It was probably not surprising they got off to a bad start. But now, she closed her eyes, concentrated. Put the vision of Reika in her head. Something about her, to see something about her, about them? It was not anything specific just yet. Her mind wrestled with if she wanted more specific or if it would act on its own. This was her dream after all. Now that she was aware, it should not be impossible to use her mind to shape it. Her thoughts, her subconscious, but with this connection, as she put it, it was not impossible Reika’s thoughts and desires would contribute.

“I was going to offer to let you punish me, if it helped. Maybe you have already done enough? I forgive what you already did in this dream. I should not have disbelieved that you loved her.” A very cautiously made point. Not exactly encouraging the punishment she gave to Shinigami, that Mitsuko experienced. But especially now that the girl seemed truly remorseful, the offer was technically still on the table. Jumi was still willing to allow her to do something, within reason. They seemed to have repaired the worst of the damage between them. In her case, Reika literally repaired the damage, in a rather unusual way. Jumi was at least willing to give her a genuine chance from here on. Though with the admissions of being bad, it might still take time to develop a stronger trust. But unless Reika gave her a reason, she would no longer treat her with same level of hostility or mistrust. An acceptance of sorts, with some caution, that had the potential to warm with time. If they remained in contact, and nothing unpleasant happened. ”Another game of sorts?” She asked about the favor, with some amusement rather than suspicion. “But sure, I’ll go along with it. You have me curious what you think I’ll find. I need something to do, anyway…how long do you think Mitsuko will take? I’m fine with an estimate.” She was no longer scared what they might do. If Mitsuko wanted to do something to thank Reika, after healing, she would have no issue. At this point she was willing to trust Reika enough not to abuse it. The final offer, was a little hard to decide. “Hmmm you offering the chance to see secrets of the universe or something. Or try out some fantasy I could not in the real world? An interesting offer that needs a little thought. I can consider it…”. Maybe one other twist. “Unless you want to take for another ride. Show me something else, without my mind confused by being in the dream.” It might not be especially long. But she was willing to spend more time with Reika, make up for the pain over Shinigami, figure the girl out a little better.

“So that’s how you are Shinigami’s ‘mother’.” Not the one who gave birth to her, not created with some power of hers. But the term was not as completely wrong as Jumi had guessed. Though as far as she could tell, the girl never played the role properly or well, assuming she tried. Hearing what she said about Mitsuko, watching what she saw, she did not know if it safe to try to be friends or get close to this girl. But she was willing to a knowledge her own mistakes, maybe repair a little of the damage. ”…You said I better be grateful, for taking her to heal. I am, and I will show it more when it is done and you bring her back. I will admit it when I am wrong.” How exactly, she would have to figure out, but she meant it about feeling a great deal of gratitude and relief. “I spent the night, scared what you might do to her. The same fear that caused me to follow her to Shinigami in the beginning. Both times it was paranoia, I was wrong, but understand I have seen what can happen in these cases, when girls are taken away, there have been numerous cases it turned a lot worse than Mitsuko. I apologize for jumping to that assumption and doubting what you feel about Shinigami.” She still was not certain the feelings there were healthy, but there appeared to be genuine love of some form. In Shinigami’s case, at the convention, she was more afraid of Mitsuko being broken, or at least kept permanently. Never seeing the human world again, there was some fear of that with Reika, but also fear of revenge, making Mitsuko crave and care about Reika more than anyone. But Mitsuko was just healing. It might be too late for this, but it was worth at least making a try. It was important to try, even if it failed. There was one more thing she thought she would attempt, if this went well. “Prior this, I have not hid my distrust for you, but I have tried to make it clear why. I still don’t really understand you, what you are or are after.” There was the mystery, it was good to know these answers. But if she figured this woman, there was a chance, Jumi would not be as hostile towards her in the future. “If you are willing to answer. Just who are you? Not your life story and every secret, but more than I have now. Are you or were you a Magical Girl? Why do you serve Death? And is all that equipment connected purely to that? Not the image I expected of something connected to Death.” Was Reika willing to explain herself? Would she be happy Jumi was willing to apologize and attempt to at least begin to make for her part in this? Jumi was not sure, but she had to make the attempt, whether it worked or not.

Jumi was mostly ignoring the feel of Reika’s head against her belly, not really sure what to make of it, what was going through her head. This one was too hard to figure out. “You knew she was not ready. She has barely been a Magical Girl for few days. Almost no use of power, never in danger from that supposed goddess.” Yes, Mitsuko asked for it. But she had no idea what she really getting into. It should have been stopped or more restrained. The result was the proof. She was going to hold to that. Even if Reika seemed to maybe show some actual remorse. Then she kissed her stomach? Seriously, what was going through this girl’s head? Did she desire her body after all? But she would ‘shut up’. If it gave her the answer she demanded. Let Reika pick her up for whatever reason. Make herself into a chair kind of. The sight was…not what she expected. There was no laughter, but a confused look. This was same girl as the one behind her. Almost some strange mix of doctor and scientist, in the look of the room, how she was acting…and Mitsuko. In some strange equipment that seemed out of story. Was this where Mitsuko still was? The only thing she had gone through? Reika had not seemed to have done anything to her, but mostly because there was nothing else she could have done? Reika had no desire to make her feel what she had watching what Jumi and Shinigami did? She was not 100% certain, but willing to give her a slight benefit of the doubt. She did not ask anything about the room or how strange it seemed to see her in such a role. She could only make sure she was not overthinking a few of the words Reika said. “What did you mean by ‘rough awakening’, ‘born anew’? She is just healing?” They were more ambiguous than she liked. It might just refer to this healing process, but it could also imply a change.

“This isn’t me…not my body. I’m not scared of what you do to me here. You’re screwing with me in a dream again.” Jumi answered, the fear a little less but lingering. As they faded back to that void. It was probably best not to provoke too hard though. She felt safe from death, but she was sure Reika was capable and more than a little willing to make this much much more painful for her than it already was, to actually rip her apart. But, no she was not afraid for herself. Only about Mitsuko. She did not know if she was more afraid of the answer or not knowing. Just what this girl had done to Mitsuko already or might do. “She asked for your help. You hurt her.” Fear and anger. “You could have had your turn, if you could have controlled your damn tentacles. You knew she was not ready for that.” She softly snapped. She had in fact been willing to share, let Reika have Shinigami while she had another turn with Mitsuko. It was only because Mitsuko needed to be taken away, from Reika’s carelessness, she lost her chance. And had to watch Jumi and Shinigami have a lot of fun and get much closer. But if they were going to be honest…did she really want to expose her weaknesses to his dangerous woman? “If you were not lost in your tentacles you could not control, maybe you would have been able to gloat.” Not quite spelling it out, the jealousy, inadequacy, fear she felt watching those two. “Taking her away without me being able to say anything.” They had both hurt each other, in at least somewhat similar ways, ways that could have been avoided. ”You just stabbed me in the chest and repeated your first words, that I will be yours. I don’t want a lecture about trust.” Reika had not exactly made her think her suspicions were unfounded. Only made it harder to give her a chance. Though not necessarily impossible. She feared it, but she needed to know the answer. She was hearing mixed messages, that she might laugh, or dislike it. But scared as she was, whether it hurt or not, she needed to know. “…No tricks, no lies, no illusions…show me what Mitsuko is doing right now. And if you have done anything to her other than help her heal, show me.” She said it intensely, there was fear, but also insistence. She had to know, even while it twisted her stomach.

What would they become? Something like Reika? Something else? She could not remember if it was explained? Strange, but not concerning. She was just excited, preparing herself. Exactly how would she and Mitsuko end each other’s lives? She smiled at the sight of Reika, the praise. She did not mind the idea of sending Mitsuko off to spend some time with Shinigami. She was content to be alone with Reika, to make the final preparations, maybe hear some last advice? Get some preparation? Something else, she was at ease, but mind open to adapt to any sort of treatment.… Except for that…it happened before she could realize it. A grunt, pain, a lot of pain. Blood. A lot of blood. The cloud over her mind shattered. “…Smart….trying to rip me apart, before I could…rip you apart…cocky little bitch, though. Who knows what you could have done…with more patience…”. She was ashamed of herself, but this was exactly why Jumi had been worried about Mitsuko. Reika even managed to briefly wrap her around her finger. If she had been more patient, really worked on her, who knew what she might have accomplished. She was at a severe disadvantage though. This was a dream again, obviously now. The stab to her heart still made fighting much more difficult though, and she could not break Reika’s grip on her. “…Kept watching, did you?” Her voice softer, but defiant. “Wasn’t I following your advice? Either way, Shinigami made her choice.” Jealous psycho girlfriend, was she dealing with that here? The only thing that shook her was talk of Mitsuko. Reika just wasted her best chance to make Jumi’s hers. That threat did not scare her, she was almost tempted to taunt her to try. But Mitsuko, that shook her. Was there a point in asking, would she just be shown more lies. But Reika might have already that was Jumi’s only weakness. Less defiance, as her face was licked? “No more games…what have you done to her?!” There was still bitterness, anger, but also what Reika craved. Fear. Fear of what she might have done or might still do to Mitsuko.

Memories, if you could call them that, or perhaps just accepting she was presented came to Jumi. She did question the slight brief distortions in Mitsuko voice…or did they just make her believe even more? Have a power over her? “Ah yes. I have experience comforting friends going through that after all.” The name slipped her mind, but a vague memory of sorts of helping Alexandrine as best she could with her loss. Then comforting Mitsuko through the mentioned dreams. “I guess it is natural. We were so scared when we first started to think about this.” The mention of the name Reika, another short spark, swallowed up immediately. Her waking feelings replaced by….what? Respect? Loyalty? Something else? But she was their guide. To walk the path of Shinigami’s father. No one could prepare them better than Reika. She eased their fears about death. Their own deaths. She squeezed Mitsuko’s hand at the thought. “Did she give a hint if there was any final test? I hope we are ready. We have been trying so hard to prove ourselves.” It came naturally, as many dream oddities did. A basic notion that this was not an easy solution to come to. But their feelings for each other, and Shinigami. With some hesitation they listened to Reika, followed her path. It was scary and hard at first, but Jumi slowly started to agree. That began them on this path. Now, now might be a very big day. The ultimate commitment to the path.

Jumi was ready for anything, but did not know how well this was going to work. Did not know if she could avoid getting pulled into it. Her anger intensified by the wounds she saw on Mitsuko, was it worse inside? With Reika actually trying to kill her?! But before anything could happen it was over. Something twisted in her mind. Not able to adapt, perhaps getting herself trapped in a power she could not easily avoid the manipulation she feared. Then she was in a bed with Mitsuko. Peace. She did not question it, it felt like another day in her life. The mention about nightmares briefly cracked the illusion, but almost instantly her mind accepted her surroundings. “I must have…but I can’t really remember what it was about.” She felt like she had a nightmare, but not remembering them was not that uncommon for her. That did not worry her. She was just happy to be with Mitsuko. She smiled, let Mitsuko pull her up. “They were not too bad for you?” Curious about the nightmares but not worried, content. Felt like she belonged here. This was her life. She did not think about how she did not know how long she had been here or what their life was like. ”What is it today?” She asked casually, almost cheerfully. Realizing she did not know what Mitsuko was talking about, but not concerned. She was so into it. Was not likely to question anything Mitsuko answered with.

The sounds were disgusting. Jumi could guess what they were. Just made her move faster. There was pain in the voice of Mitsuko! She could only hope it was nothing too severe. At least Mao was not taking her time. Was she on Reika’s side, or was there something more complicated there? Right now she just moved as fast as she could. To the sight that twisted her stomach. One could say it was Mitsuko’s fantasy, but taken much too far. Something closer to Shinigami’s punishment or worse. It was hard to tell how bad the pain had gotten for her, if there was injury. But hearing her, seeing her hand, she had to act. ”I’m going to rip you apart before I leave, you bitch!” She called out to Reika. She wished she could transform. This was incredibly dangerous, even if she could transform. But she was a Magical Girl, she would not leave even a stranger like this. Especially not Mitsuko! She had to rely on her years of fighting, reflexes. To avoid or block any that tried to get her…but that would be very difficult. She closed the gap, reached for Mitsuko’s hand. Tried, without hurting her to pull the tentacle out of her mouth with her other hand. On guard for any that might target her.

Sleep, peace. It should have been at least. But there it was, her voice, in her head. Opened her eyes. Emptiness, both like and unlike the place Maxim had brought them. Would he hear anything? It had not yet occurred to her this might be a dream. Even with Reika involved and past experience there, her mind was in one of those unaware of dreaming modes. If it was a proper dream. As it spoke the void shifted, a setting that felt more familiar, not identical of course, but sharing similarities with places she had fought various enemies in the past. She did not like it though, especially alone…except for Mao? Why was she here? It seemed like just an irritation. Deal with that woman again. She had things she wanted to say anyway, after her sudden departure. But she was taunting about something. Saving someone? She listened, faint another voice? In pain? Just fear?….Mitsuko?! It was too faint to be positive, but it sure sounded like it! “If you have done anything to her…!” Voice mixed with fear and rage. “I’m not in the mood for her games.” The same voice to Mao. “If you know where she is, get me there quickly.” She followed, hating this. Having to follow, at what pace Mao went, not knowing how long it would take or what she might see.

Don’t tell Nall yet? Was that for the best, Jumi was not sure. But she was a little lost on what to do with anything regarding Mitsuko. The thoughts inched in again as she was dried. The image of Mitsuko and Reika wrapped around each other, with the tentacles. Even after her shock recently, that and Shinigami earlier, she could not imagine how Mitsuko felt in the moment. She said it was for training. Not a bad idea in theory, but as seen, it was too much too soon. How much had she recovered by now? Was Reika keeping a distance, or following the example of what she did with Shinigami. After how it all happened, it was easy to believe they would keep having sex. Would it just be the casual fun like with Nymphia though? Or would other thoughts tempt one or both of them? She was overthinking it again, she realized, these thoughts as she was being dried. Trusting Mitsuko, but not knowing if she had the strength or experience to avoid being manipulated. Especially if Reika starting feeling like she supposedly did about Shinigami. She still did not trust Reika of course. Of course she had realized earlier she was being a little hypocritical, which might have fueled it. But what Jumi most feared was a corruption, or Reika becoming Mitsuko’s favorite. Not quite what she was going for with Shinigami. She held Shinigami as she was picked up, relying on it a little to calm down a bit. As she was taken back to the bed. Laid down, closed her eyes. She did not say anything but held Shinigami tightly, the tenseness in her body, maybe her heartbeat, giving away her unease. But she cleared her mind as best she could. It felt so slow, so long, but she did not know if it really was. But she clung to the soft, warm, strong, furry body next to her waited…waited…eventually drifting off into an uneasy sleep.