View source for 2748/A Tale of A Cursed Painting: The Singing Butler

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2025/08/24
|Location=Plot Room 1
|Synopsis=Upon discovery of another cursed painting, the Princess of Sarek, Snow Angel Mou Fubuki, Magical Rocket Girl Red and an archeologist Device Mage deal with a complex duo of water droplets commanding the rain. Afterwards, they rest on a caterpillar bed.
|Cast of Characters=145,127,107,304
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>"How do they keep getting there?", Veronica mumbles, sprawled on her bed with Emery on top of her, watching the ceiling with a vacant expression, her hand moving across her cat's grey-blue fur repeatedly. News about her calling card had already started circling around like usual (https://ibb.co/5XqgK5Pb), and the general reaction was one of puzzlement and wariness, but it did its job, and the museum had been cleared out of civilians.<br><br>The brunette's thoughts wasn't really dwelling on that. Not with the discovery that this time the relic was affixed directly to a painting's frame, and it still sucked anyone in before they could be approached.<br><br>Was it a provocation? A call to action? A challenge? She still hadn't discovered what was going with these paintings, and she really had no clue how to make any progress. The only thing she knew was the demons of greed weren't involved.<br><br>Or if they had been, they had been defeated before Veronica could reach them. She is not sure which is better, and probably should reach out to her friends, see if they can glean something from a different perspective.<br><br>"Okay, off you go", Veronica meows to Emery, lifting the cat off of herself, and sitting up, watching the darkening sky through the window. It was about time, and she wouldn't want to be tardy to an appointment she set. "Be good this time, and no sneaking out", she adds, smirking at the irony that she was about to do just that herself. Well, she wasn't the powerless cat here.<br><br>"Their fault for not noticing", Emery responds after opening an eye, watching her owner's hair clear in the process and starting to fade with shimmering particles. "But I won't bother", she adds, and the cat thief gives one last pet to her companion while her hand is still solid.<br><br>Jumping off from her room straight to the ground in front of the dorm, the Princess of Sarek leaves a message in the Shed before going to the Art Museum, even if a part of her wonders why they haven't made a group chat already. She should honestly suggest that next time they are all together.<br><br>On top of "The Singing Butler", a crystal rose traps the light, returning it at one moment orange, another one, green, a third one grey, casting it both on the walls and the group of mahoujin in front of it. "That's really pretty", Veronica muses, and looks up at a clock on the wall. Say, she waits... 10 minutes if any other mahou comes in, and then in she goes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Laisa heard that there was likely another haunted painting causing issues, she didn't need to be asked twice. She wanted to help, and also she wanted to go on another adventure with Veronica. So at the appointed time she appeared as Snow Angel Mou Fubuki, finding her way into the Art Museum where, fortunately, it seemed like no one was really around. Well, no one except for a few concerned mahoujin.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon seeing the Princess of Sarek, the snow angel smiles softly as she steps lightly towards her. For a brief moment she hugs her from behind while her chilly blue eyes examine the painting in question. Two people dancing, while a maid and a butler hold up umbrellas. Surely they can't really protect them from the rain like that? Or maybe they can, the man's umbrella is pretty large.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is this where our next adventure takes place, my kitten?" She pulls away before looking up at the art piece, her arms crossed and her eyes curious. "Looks romantic. Not even rain can keep some people from dancing. I bet they're having a lot of fun."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She'd be tempted to tease her girlfriend about the contents, but they aren't alone and she doesn't want to be obnoxious. So instead she turns her cold eyes towards the others who arrive at the art museum to help. "I wonder what we'll find inside this time? Something trippy, I assume. I hope everyone brought an umbrella? Assuming we aren't provided one by the painting itself."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh, it is." Amy answers Veronica as she walks into the room and sees the light. She's transformed already. "So... is that... like can regular people ''see'' that? It's a bit weird of a thing to be attached to a painting, right?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She smiles at the couple being adorable, and then looks back from them to the painting. "Or maybe it's like that story where the cursed shoes make someone dance themselves to death.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In response to Fubuki's question about rain, Amy's cloak poofs in pink sparkles into a raincoat instead. It is a bit too big for her, for extra cuteness. "I'll be okay I think..." She frowns at a thought. "Although wet clothes ''do'' feel kinda gross. Hmm."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>There was eventually some strange event occurring at this museum. The appearance of a calling card has caught his attention for the past few days. Through it was only recently that he got more information on the subject. Messing around with Garmr's messaging capabilities is already coming in handy. Though even if he only had the calling card to go on he knew something magical was afoot. So he naturally came to the Art Museum in his Knight's Cloth. <br>% He cautiously entered the building, noting that two of mahou here appeared to be close as he approached them. Then looked at the painting they were in front of. That other girl's comment was right. It did look strange. Besides that the painting currently seemed harmless. How tricky pf it. <br>% "What a morbid story." If the painting does anything close to that story then it's a good thing there are on civilians here today. Kaoru shook his head in response to Fubuki's question. "Fighting in the rain can't be that difficult through. Plus my hat will provide a little protection from the rain."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>The cat thief's ears perk up at the sound of approaching footsteps, catching the familiar sound with anticipation. Before she can turn around, her beloved hugs her from behind, and the Princess of Sarek has her tail do the talking for her, wrapping it around the snow angel's waist. Extra limbs sure are convenient sometimes, especially when they cover your blind hugging spots.<br><br>"Hi, Mou Fubuki", Veronica speaks warmly, leaning into her snowsweet's comforting hug. Best way to start a mission, really. "Seems like it. Very atmospheric, isn't it? It is one of Scotland's most renowned painters, even if it caused a stir due to Jack Vettriano's approach to painting the dancers." The blonde girl's face is glowing happily at the nice surprise Mou made her.<br><br>She didn't actually think to bring an umbrella, and her lips become thinner for a second. The idea of being subject to the pelting of the rain the whole time doesn't really appeal to her. "Hopefully it does, or let's hope for a very light rain", she considers in reply.<br><br>Veronica doesn't really feel the impulse to stop showing Mou Fubuki her affection when Amy comes up with her point of view on the painting. "Or maybe they just enjoy dancing at a beach claim by render. I would bet on it when it comes to the two dancers ignoring their staff's service."<br><br>The other affirmation makes Veronica look down. Only the male dancer has shoes, so it's really the only one that may be under a spell, without their staff. "Only if the butler, maid and elegant woman are all in on it to trap the man", she replies.<br><br>Her thoughts get cut off by a Device Mage's arrival. "Good evening to you, my good sir. Are you here to try and fix this matter too?", she tilts her head.<br><br>"All we got to do is step in and cut off the magical connection between the relic and the painting", she explains to Kaoru. Though usually the relic is ''inside'' too. "Ready?", she asks, squeezing Laisa's hand.<br><br>Approaching the painting causes the rose's glow to intensify, blinding the surrounding around them, a place as blank as a canvas for any that manage to keep their eyes open. A strange impulse overtakes the mahoujin, visions of an elegant dress, a lustrous smoking, and a maid or butler uniform.<br><br>There is a feeling pushing towards a choice, but resisting it isn't actually any hard, more akin to pushing away a napkin lost in the wind.<br><br>When the white light fades, the mahoujin will find themselves on a beach, and their first impression is the loud sound of falling rain and mysterious chuckles, somewhat distorted by the droplets' unusual size, as big as a fist.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy certainly doesn't think the PDA is inappropriate, she's happy for her friends! They could be in a life or death battle against the next Beryl/Seriss/Mistress 9/Wiseman tomorrow, for all they know; best to live life while you can! She'd absolutely be huggling Hannah if the princess were still around, and she's not at all shy about showing her platonic affection for Taro, after all.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only if the other characters are all in on it? "Or it could be a spell and not shoes. But now that you mention it, isn't it kinda weird they're all barefoot?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they approach, Amy prepares to do the usual running jump and instead finds herself blinded. "Hey! This doesn't normally happen!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then there's giant rain. "Oh no, we're tiny ''again?!''"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Apparently when you're a mahou long enough, 'it happened again' also applies to being shrunk. Come to think of it, not ''only'' was there Marjorita's Mallet, but there was that Witch Labyrinth that was a huge dining room and kitchen, too...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amanda pulls her raincoat around her tightly, and looks for something other than the beach to establish scale.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou Fubuki takes a moment to notice the newcomer. Laisa and Kaoru had met before, and knew that each other were magic, but they hadn't seen each other in henshin yet. As far as Mou Fubuki is concerned, this is just some new stranger. "It might not end up being a fight," she says. "Though that doesn't mean there wont be danger."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes go then to Amy's raincoat, and then Laisa looks down at the parka that's a part of her henshin. "Hopefully that will be good enough. I'll have to be careful that my own magic doesn't make the rain unbearable. We'll see for ourselves if there's any dancing plague involved."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou squeezes Veronica's hand back. "Always, darling~."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes narrow at the rose, and then squeeze shut as the light overwhelms them. Instinctively she leans a little closer to Sarek, just to reassure herself that they aren't being split apart for some reason. The choice comes and... Laisa isn't sure she understands it? She does rather like the dress, though. Maybe she's not alone in that.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rain falls down from above, and Laisa reaches up to form an umbrella out of solid ice. No, it can't open or close, and it'd be a bit heavy to carry if Mou Fubuki wasn't an ice-themed magical girl, but it's big enough for herself and one or two other people.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Those are... some pretty big raindrops. Not quite what comes to mind when I think if 'heavy rain'." Amy brings up that they may have shrunk, and Mou blinks. "Huh... I suppose that's not impossible."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>"I am," Kaoru responds, "After all, it's my duty as a Device Mage." He went back to staring at the painting. The only sign he was still paying attention was a small nod after her explanation. "I wonder who's planting such dangerous devices everywhere." <br> As he entered the painting he was so overwhelmed with the strange visions it took a moment to register the mysterious scene he found himself in. He stood stiffly, his dog ears lightly twitching as he listened to the laughter. His serious expression changed to confusion hearing Amy's comment through. "Again?" Kaoru yelled surprised. "Is shrinking common in this profession?" He wasn't sure how he felt about that. When Laisa summoned the ice umbrella Kaoru made sure to get under it quickly. "Thank you."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well, no, only the elegant woman is barefoot", Veronica points out to Amy. "Why the others had to be all in on it, or else why wouldn't they be trying to help the man instead of watching him dance with the woman?", she explains, though that is if the spell is in the shoes. "If the spell is on ''them'', there is little they can do about it. At least, it doesn't seem to be what this painting focuses on", she considers smiling. Even if they saved any victim now, it would only be after hours of forced dancing and singing.<br><br>At the impulse that strikes her, Veronica focuses on the butler, and finds herself in a typical getup associated with one, a grey overcoat with a blue shirt, white trousers, black shoes and a white bowtie. The overcoat curves over the shoulders, forming a thicker covering.<br><br>The phantom-thief-now-butler flexes her free hand looking at white gloves first, and then the rest. This doesn't look half-bad", she comments pleased. She wonders what to do with the tray and tea set, but she lets it be for now.<br><br>Meanwhile, Laisa will find herself in a dress, and Kaoru and Amy in a maid uniform. "That dress looks so beautiful on you, Mou", Veronica looks tenderly at her love.<br><br>There is rain, however, unusually big rain that impacts the ground in thunderous splashes, and shifts the ground where they land. Those chuckles don't stop either, and seemingly only get closer whenever there is a splash. "<span style="color:#191970">Prismatic Wall!</span>", she shouts, invoking her barrier of moonlight, covering the sides to complement Mou Fubuki's ice umbrella, just in time for a droplet splashing right next to them.<br><br>"That was a close call, my snowsweet", the phantom thief smiles, leaning closer, certainly having no trouble taking advantage of the restricted space to lean closer. But when has ever needed such an excuse? "Do you allow me to be your butler for the evening?", she giggles.<br><br>Her gaze goes down to the ground, at the many melon-sized rocks they are all standing on. If Amy is right, and they have shrunk, are those rocks... sand? "Are we on a beach?", she wonders out loud, peering at the horizon. There does seem to be water in the distance. How small are they even? "We should be glad there are no people around. That's not a nice sight", she mutters, recalling her time as a cat.<br><br>"Red has been turned into a doll once, and I a full cat", the moonlit thief tells Kaoru. Not shrinking per se, but they still involved larger perspectives.<br><br>"Those dangerous devices are fragments of the magical ward I am protecting", the Princess of Sarek explains to Kaoru. "My duty is to bring them back so the demons of greed don't escape from their prison." But he has a point. That's just what has been keeping her stuck, no?<br><br>"I am not sure this is them, though. They foster greed in people, not get them lost, and there is usually a youma guarding it. I have been trying to find who is responsible for a while now, but they are really good at covering their tracks", she acknowledges with a sigh.<br><br>"Is someone here?", she calls out when one of those chuckles is loudly heard again.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Again?' asks the ''third'' new mahou Amy's seen in two days!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, she didn't get a good look at him before they were sucked into the painting, and the manga that Amy's apparently living in has conspired for there to be a misunderstanding...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ehhh, I wouldn't exactly say it's ''common.'' There was an accident with a Dark General's magic mallet one time, and one time I was in a Witch's Labyrinth that appeared as a giant's dining room and kitchen... So, not that often."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Oh, right. If you don't count the time I was turned into a doll. Or an action figure. Oh right, and there was that ''other'' Witch's Labyrinth where ''everyone'' was doll-size, or rather, the dolls were people-size..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy holds a hand to her chin, thoughtfully. "Huh. I guess maybe it ''does'' happen a lARE THOSE REAL?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy walks around Kaoru in a circle, quickly confirming that the ears have a matching tail, her eyes sparkling. "That's so cool," and just like the raincoat appeared before, there are some pink sparkles on her head and behind her and now she's got dog ears and a tail too, with dark fur. "Is it part of your henshin? Can you feel them?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh I'm Magical Girl-- I mean I'm Magical Rocket Girl Red, niceta meet you!" She holds out a hand to shake, and smiles.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"New to the job, I take it?" Then she remembers the newbie said they were a Device Mage. "...Are you from space? Wait, are there like, entire ''species'' of dog-people in space???" The tail is ''absolutely'' wagging in excitement. "Does that have anything to do with why your Barrier Jacket looks like a maid outfit? Is this a space cultural thing?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Look, there being a culture of dog-eared people who dress like maids might not even be in the top three most anime things to happen in real life at this point.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, she hasn't noticed she herself is in a maid outfit now.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then they're saved from giant raindrops, and Amy smiles to Veronica, "Nice save, ooh, and you're ''rocking'' that look, nice!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Veronica's already asked if someone's there, and Amy's ears perk up to listen.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou Fubuki notices Sarek's outfit before noticing anyone else's, because there's just something about being in love with someone that causes your attention to go to them first. She smiles and tilts her head, before hearing her catgirlfriend point out her own wardrobe change. Mou looks down at the long dress and looks herself over. "Oh. I see I'm dressed for the occasion, but so are you my dear. I have to say it looks good on you. Charming, as usual." She winks at that last comment, then looks over at the two maids. "I suppose no one wanted to be the dancing man, hm? Not that I can blame you after all the talk of curses."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those too-large raindrops are getting a bit close. Mou grips the handle of her umbrella a bit tightly in a likely vain attempt to brace for impact, but fortunately her beloved comes to her rescue. To her question, Mou lilts, "My dear kitten, I would be delighted."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The chuckling is odd, and maybe a bit unnerving. The snow angel looks around for any sign of the source. The sand beneath their feet is a little distressing just because of how ''large'' it is, but that's something she can get used to. If nothing else it just means that she may need to make her own terrain to stand on, if anything goes wrong.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If we're shrunk, and someone else is here, are they going to be taller than us, or the same size?" Then she notices what Amy ''hasn't'' and says, "You're wearing a maid outfit too, Red."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>Kaoru sighed in relief when the Prismatic Wall was put up. He didn't want to go get drowned by rain anytime soon. He listened to Veronica's explanation carefully. Frankly the situation listed sounded even less pleasant than simply getting shrunk. "Thank goodness we are only shrunk down then." Kaoru stared at the over-sized beach before them before continuing. "Maybe we're encountering another breed of demon? Or whoever is doing this is getting them to change up their tactics." He noted that his should look into these demons more. <br> He was startled by Amy's question. "What real?" He did a quick scan of himself, which was when he finally noticed that he was wearing a maid dress. So that was what the visions were for. Between this excited girl and the sudden realization of what he was wearing, the overwhelmed feeling was starting to come back again. "Yes. I can feel them. The thing I'm more impressed about is how you can copy them on a whim like that." Kaoru took her hand and quickly shook at before withdrawing. "I'm Kaoru Kyragrim. Rocket Red must be a title I assume." He tilted his head. The ears and tail fit her with how excited she can be. "I'm Midchildian so the dog ears seem to jist be a strange side effect of the device. As for the maid outfit, it was an accident. I'm very unused to magical travel." He seemed embarrassed explaining the outfit. <br> Laisa's question was an important one. "Hopefully the latter." Though fighting a giant would be good practice. He was sure it wouldn't be uncommon to encounter a something much bigger than him in his line of work. So maybe this is a blessing in disguise.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>There is something about suddenly being surrounded by two dog people that feels weird to Veronica. Is it simply being the only catgirl around? Maybe she would feel better if Catra were here too. Or maybe not, since her and Catra are barely even acquaintances. She is not really surprised that Red can do that, with her cuteness magic.<br><br>At least, she has her girlfriend's wonderful presence by her side. And Mou Fubuki's compliment does have a positive effect on her, a happy blush colouring her cheeks. "Thank you", she replies to the snow angel, glad that she likes it as well, bringing herself closer for a quick kiss. "I will be the best butler", she winks at the white-haired girl.<br><br>"<span style="color:#191970">Uncloaking Shimmers</span>", she calls out, sending a mist of twinkling moonlight all around them, very careful not to send it over Amy. Yet, nothing happens, making the Princess of Sarek blink twice. Whoever is responsible can either ignore her magic, or is not actually disguised. Ok then.<br><br>Well, someone else does reveal their identity, though it has nothing to do with her powers. "It's really unusual to reveal ourselves after you didn't really progress, but those antics are very funny", another voice remarks, similarly close and yet indistinct to them.<br><br>"Anyone there?", she repeats, frustration mounting in her voice. "Were you trying to suss us out? You could only make us prettier", a voice says mockingly. Another raindrop starts falling, but this one only drops till a certain point, hovering in the air. "You all look so funny discussing space species and evil schemes without getting closer to the solution, any", they chuckle again.<br><br>"We are just here to solve a problem, nothing you need to worry about", the Princess of Sarek tells them, just as things get close enough to good that it doesn't really matter. Watching the second liquid stop in midair next to the first one, she takes in their proactive personality. "Is this your responsibility?" comes her question, and the second raindrop jumps up and now.<br><br>Who giggles again and then starts to seriously consider what has been said. "Is it? Did we have a plan? What are we doing?", the second one asks about, to the other's irritation. "We are here to drop challenges!", it replies.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It takes a moment for Mou to pick up on Veronica's awkwardness, and then a couple more to clue in on the fact that she's a cat girl and there are two dog people here. Which of course leaves the snow angel being the only person here with purely human ears.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's when she's thinking that over that Mou notices Veronica getting closer and... oh! A kiss! Mou smiles, holds Veronica with her free arm for a moment and kisses her back. While they're still close she whispers, "Ah, but you're already my best girl~!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anti-illusion magic is cast, and yet nothing changes. Mou Fubuki frowns pensively and considers what this means. Whoever is here... likely isn't disguised.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laisa considers using snowfall to reveal hidden enemies just in case, yet as the raindrops start halting in mid-air she starts to have suspicions about their true nature. "Are they controlling the raindrops or... oh, are they the raindrops themselves? Are the raindrops sapient? Is that why we're so small?" she speculates out loud. With a smirk, she places a hand on Veronica's shoulder and calls out to them, "And what kind of challenge did you intend to... drop on us?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That she can copy them? Amy stands up and holds up one hand, with the other on her hip, and smiles. "I'm magic!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And it's Magical Rocket Girl Red. ...That's a title I made up myself, it's not, uh, assigned."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the Snow Angel pointing it out, Amy looks down at herself. "Oh! So I am!" She spins back and forth a bit. "You know, what with my life apparently being a manga, it's almost weird this didn't happen sooner? But classes do not, it turns out, ''usually'' do a crossdressing maid and butler cafe for the cultural festival in real life."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Although I guess I wouldn't be wearing a maid outfit at that..." she mutters, as she strides over to Veronica and, if she doesn't object, takes a selfie with her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And that's a good question... I wonder just what sort of world we've landed in... if there are dancers here, we might get stepped on."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy doesn't realize she's making Veronica nervous with everything else going on, she doesn't consider herself a dog, after all. But then... The voice speaks up.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks calmly in its direction. "It's not like we're in a hurry, after all... and it seems that you came to ''us.'' Why not reveal yourself?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a moment before she realizes... "The ''raindrops''?! The ''raindrops'' are the, uh... whatever's going on here? Alright, let's hear it! What are your challenges?" She asks, grinning cockily with one hand on her hip.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>Kaoru couldn't argue with that logic, especially when magic is the reason behind his dog ears too. Veronica seemed uncomfortable. He didn't blame her considering the shrinkage and the mysterious laughter. He wasn't feeling the best himself. <br> "It seemed the culprit decided to reveal themselves," he said looking at Garmr. He looked up at the two droplets and straightened himself in an attempt to look imposing despite his...cute outfit and short stature. "As much as I hate to admit it, these things are right about one thing. We'll wasting time with silly questions. Therefore I decline your challenge. We will instead capture you by force, as opposed to playing your games."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>Veronica hugs her beloved. She is always so sweet. Truly the highlight of her life. When Amy comes over to take a photo, Veronica agrees. "Do you want to come too, Mou?", she offers after undoing the hug.<br><br>"It's simple, we want you to dance around and sing while the maid and butler protect you", the first raindrop bounces around proud of herself, shaking the ground all the while. Stabbing between two "rocks" with her cane, Veronica keeps her balance as best as she can, offering Mou a hand as support against the vibrations. These raindrops are rather clueless, she thinks passing her tongue over her lips.<br><br>"But nobody picked the second dancer", the other raindrop points out, catching its companion off-guard. "Uh, then they can... They can...", it starts hesitating, vibrating stressed as it racks its brain. "What, we broke up your only plan?", the cat thief takes this opportunity to tease it in return.<br><br>"No, just...!", it exclaims, angrily looking until it lands on a pole dug into the sand. "Ok, here is what you will do! See that pole over there? We will bring you all up there, and try our best to knock you off of it. The moment one of you falls, it's game over. But if you succeed, you can take the relic and get out of here."<br><br>The Princess of Sarek looks at the pole in question. It was quite high up, and barely wide enough for all 4 of them. They wouldn't be packed, but it still wouldn't be much space. "Well, let's go right? We can deal with them", Veronica crosses her arm, looking up at them with no hesitation.<br><br>But this is brought down completely by Kaoru's refusal. "You want to do what?" it shrieks. "If you want to pick the hard way, all of us will come at you. We will see if you like it then", it bounces up higher. "Wait, wait, I am here too!", the second scrambles to go after it not to be left alone.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy listens intently. "But you don't have a second dancer..." she notes, at the same time they do. "Sorry," she rubs the back of her head, "This was the cuter choice, and like... I've been in pretty dresses a lot of times, and like, the way my life goes it's a surprise I didn't end up in a maid outfit sooner."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She taps her chin. "I guess I could switch to the dress and dance, but shouldn't Sarek and Snow Angel be the dancers?" She looks at the two of them. "...Or maybe the protectors, together. I could dance with the young lady here." She waves a hand towards Kaoru.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or we could do that. I'm not really the 'stand on a tall pole' martial artist type, though. Oh wait, I guess as a magical girl it's easy!" And she's running and tries to leap up the pole when that all sort of falls apart. "Uh...?" She looks to Kaoru. "I mean, I'm not opposed to doing things that way sometimes... but I need to conserve magic, when I can."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Challenge or fight, she'll role with either.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a group photo op, and while Mou Fubuki's frozen heart is currently too cold to get very excited about nearly anything...<br><br>(A) She knows the moment she drops henshin that she's going to wish she had taken the opportunity.<br>(B) It's an opportunity to continue standing close to her favorite person.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sure!" she says with all the enthusiasm a snow woman can muster, and stands close enough to lean against Veronica while smiling cooly at Amy's camera. It's a good thing she's standing so close too, because the moment the ground starts to shake Mou grabs for the hand of her taller girlfriend for support. She points down to create a flurry of snow beneath their feet, packing the space between the melon sized sand with soft white.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Were you merely trying to recreate the picture?" she asks. She doesn't comment on the lack of a second dancer. Laisa already knows who she'd pick first, if given the choice. The second challenge is issued, and Mou Fubuki looks up at the pole. Already she is thinking of ways to use her powers to cheat the game in ways that might trivialize it, but is humoring the raindrops the best option? Maybe so, if they're good to their word.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Kaoru wants to capture them, and Mou Fubuki frowns slightly. She doesn't know what the new guy can do, but between Mou freezing them and Amy evaporating them, it's probably not ''impossible''...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Amy brings up the fact that she's a Puella Magi. Wasting magic when a peaceful option is available would be... inadvisable.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I say, we give them one chance." Looking up at the raindrops, she declares, "I agree to play exactly one of your games. If you fail to keep your word..." The wind picks up around her, chilling the whole area. Small flakes of snow drift through the air. "... I'll leave you out in the cold."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>Kaoru crossed his arms and gave the droplets an unimpressed glare. "It would do good for you to plan for these obvious contingencies. Luckily-" Amy couldn't possibly be gesturing at him when she say young lady. "Me?" He pointed to himself with a flustered expression. It was a ridiculous thought that he could be mistaken as a lady, maybe he misheard. <br> <br> Kaoru pointed his sword at the leading raindrop. The dresses hem dramatically rippling at his feet. "There doesn't seem to be a lot of you," he looked between the two droplets, "Even if there were I faced much worse before." They didn't even seem all the competent, he had to actively remind himself to not let his guard down. <br> <br> Kaoru gives Amy a blank stare with her failed attempt. "Your initial assessment was correct. Not a surprising from my experience, magic can't be a *complete* substitute for skill." Interesting, her magic seemed to be limited. It's not that much of a loss though he can just fight them himself. In fact, it would be the preferable option. Though he didn't argue against Laisa's proposal. Getting the relic is the ultimate goal in the end and the challenge would be easy for him. Back at home he was known for his athleticism, after all. Slow to tear his eyes off the droplets, he lowered his weapon to the ground. "Himmelsschritt!" A white Belkan seal glowed brightly under him before he leapt to the top of the pole.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>From its position high up, the droplet glowers at Kaoru when he still goes on top of the pole? Does he still think that they are going ahead with the challenge? Worse for him, he is only more of a target on top of the pole. It scoffs at the dog mahou's words. "Why, don't you see the rest of us all around?", it bobs its head at the rain. "We will drown you."<br><br>But before It has the chance to follow up on its threat, the second raindrop sees this as a chance to get its sibling to calm down and bumps into it. "Come on, don't be like that. You seriously are gonna get angry at one person while ignoring the other three? That's really not like you, you are better than this."<br><br>The other droplet squints its eye at its sibling. Seconds pass quietly with only the noise of other raindrops reaching the soil while the two seemingly get into a staring contest.<br><br>The angry raindrop deflates slightly. "Yeah, I was being too much. Let's go back down." Following the path back, the first droplet addresses the group. "We have decided to go back to the first challenge."<br><br>"Guess they still got to chill", the Princess of Sarek smiles at Mou Fubuki, relieved that they don't actually have to get into a fight in a painting. That would have been a first, and not a precedent she wants to make.<br><br>A wind impatiently picks up, lifting them on the pole, about 60 meters from their perspective, Veronica's hiss of protest canceled by the wind's howl. "Ready? If you can withstand this, then you are free to go", the droplet warns, as it makes them land next to Kaoru.<br><br>Veronica staggers to her feet and calls her cane back, holding it in front of herself, and gives the water mass in front of her a glare. "I think we are. We have always worked together, this will be no exception", she smiles confidently.<br><br>The next few seconds, the rain rapidly intensifies, and alongside it, the wind from earlier picks up again. In the distance, lightning flashes blindingly, thundering heavily in the grey sky. The top of the pole itself is spared from direct landings, but the droplets crash vertically against the wood.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy looks at Kaoru in shock and then annoyance (the dog ears flatten back against her hed.) "Why you..." Despite how they look, this person could be a veteran like Chrono was even two years ago... but also that jump doesn't count, because the plan changed!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then it changed again. Amy crouches down and then<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Boom!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An explosion under her feet as she jumps launches her to the top of the pole! She lands and does a little twirl, looking pleased with herself.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ready, the droplet asks. Amy drops into a ready stance, smiling. "Bring it!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then the way the fairies(?) try to push them off is... weather?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wind could be a ''problem'', Amy's not sure if physics applies here -- at this size, they have a greater surface area to volume ratio, but on the other hand, if ''all'' of physics applied their bodies couldn't function at this size. With magic, who knows!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While she's trying to think of a good way to hold herself in place, the wind picks up and she stumbles towards the edge.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You won't win that easily!" Just as she's pushed off, Boom! An explosion drives her back against the wind, and onto the top of the pole, just in time to dodge a droplet that would have smacked her down away from the platform.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou Fubuki watches with cold eyes as things unfold. Kaoru agrees to her suggestion, but one of the raindrops still seems angry. There's a quite tenseness in the way she carries herself as she watches the living rain, but eventually they agree to her terms. She's relieved, but she's still not lowering her guard. Once they're blown on top of the pole, Laisa lets out a sigh. "Well, I'm glad they chilled out. It would really dampen my mood otherwise."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The challenge begins, and the rain and wind is intense, but Mou Fubuki has wind of her own. Her chilly air picks up around them, whipping her white hair around as a flurry of snowflakes coat the ground beneath her feet. The snow melts, and then freezes, forming into solid ice that binds her feet to the top. The ice creeps up her leg, like a pair of frozen boots, providing her with a bit of extra stability. Her icy wings spread from her back, but they aren't made for flying and they certainly don't catch very much wind.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet it's not enough for she herself to stay on the platform. If any of the others fall off, it's still bad, so she reaches out to the others saying, "Take my hand, or grab onto my parka if you're afraid of falling off."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar ice freezes the sides of the pole, especially near the tip. Fingers of cold steadily creep upwards, slowly forming a cage. Mou Fubuki has to be careful, because if the wind gets too strong those icicles will break, but if she can use her magic quickly enough maybe she can form a cage to keep everyone else from falling.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>Kaoru tilted his head. "You're a collective creature than." He had gotten brash he's afraid to admit. Not because he couldn't handle so many raindrops at once, (Which *did* sound very difficult to do) but because he still managed to underestimate the opponent. He still looked unconcerned with the threats. "I am the first that challenged them first. No need to scold them for responding." If anything that would be the preferable outcome, if he were currently fighting them at least. <br><br> It seemed like he paid no attention to Veronica's arrival at first, but he soon pointed his weapon at her. "Schutz des Geistes." His weapon responded with an obedient "Varstanden." And a shield appeared aroun her. His blank expression quickly became one of annoyance when the rain started. How cowardly trying to avoid getting hit like that. Worse, the droplets were doing a good job pushing him off. He dug his weapon and his feet into the ground deeper. <br><br> Amy looked annoyed. He knew this because his ears were doing the same thing right now. He wasn't sure why though. "Why I what?" The confusion didn't stay for long because she had fallen before he could get to her. Though the quick save she did calmed him down, but he still shielded her too. The attempt almost pushed him off too but it was worth it. Didn't she say she needed to conserve magic anyway? <br><br> Karou simply shielded Laisa too when she offered to help the others. He could do it himself, grabbing onto to her would be selfishly weighting her down.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>"That's a good one", the Princess of Sarek's eyes glisten when Mou Fubuki joins in on the wordplay. "We can warm up once we are done with all this", she offers, bracing herself for the assault.<br><br>The wind... is really strong. More troublesome than anything else the droplets are doing, and she can feel herself start to lose ground. Her thoughts start bouncing through the various possibilities, visualising her moonlight prism wall covering her against the air's push. "<span style="color:#191970">Prismatic Wall!</span>"<br><br>Collecting herself, the moonlight blossoms in a protective wall, swirling with traces of a rainbow pattern, and she smiles in relief when she feels the pressure of the wind lessen."I wouldn't mind joining our effort together", she smiles at the snow angel, reaching to hold her hand. She certainly feels happy at that, and her tail twists and forms a little heart shape closer to the tip.<br><br>With the rest at her sides, she doesn't really feel herself stumble, and there are so many things there protecting all of them. At first it seems like they will have to work on an account then, so everything seems in order.<br><br>Even now, she can certainly feel the wind all around, and feeling like a barrier is still trying to force them all off, but the force is a lot better than being alone with her own efforts.<br><br>She starts reaching concerned when Red is pushed off, but a smile resurfaces on her face at the explosive success.<br><br>Eventually the storm cedes and the need to worry slowly disappears, and she can look up at the two droplets again. "We did it! So that confirms it, right?" The two of them agree, and it's the calmier droplet who talks. "We won't drag you into the painting, again. You can take the relic off yourselves."<br><br>If you put your protections away, we are going to bring you close to the ground again, it suggests calmly, while its sibling moves around embarrassed behind it. "We are off then", Veronica lowers the shield and lets herself be brought back down.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, nice!" Amy comments when she sees the shields helping them.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before too much longer, with shields and rainbow walls and her own explosions helping her stay on, the challenge is over. She lets them lower her back to the ground.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So... what was all this about, anyway? Sarek said this wasn't the work of the usual demons... what did you want, and what happens to this world -- well, to ''you'' -- when we take the relic?" she wonders.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou Fubuki smiles at Veronica's reaction to her joke. The snow angel can't help but think about how cute her girlfriend is, and that's before she even notices the heart shape in the Princess's tail. "I can feel my cheeks starting to warm already," she teases.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, the wind demands their attention. When Veronica reaches out for her hand she happily squeezes it tight, combining their efforts to resist the water droplet's efforts. Victory isn't free, but the mahoujin are well prepared for such a task, which is why Mou Fubuki was happy to accept the challenge.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the winds recede, and the droplets agree of their success, the snow woman smiles softly and gives Veronica's hand another squeeze. The ice and snow around Mou Fubuki shatters and fades into nothing, and follows her darling down to the ground.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, that concludes another adventure, right? I'm glad we were able to get the relic, my kitten," she coos. Her eyes go to the droplets and she considers them for a moment. For being amorphous blobs of water, they are very emotive. She'll likely remember this image for a while, she thinks.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well. That was an adventure." Then she hears Amy's question and shrugs. "Good questions. I wonder what the cause of all this is."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>Kaoru could finally get a good grip on the pole. That wall was a helpful addition, along with anything else. <br><br> Eventually the trial ended and the villains surrendered. At first he was skeptical of their acceptance, he assumed it was a trick to let down their guard. Seeing Veronica safely get lowered to the ground finally showed him that it likely wasn't a trick. Kaoru jumped down the pole. <br><br> "Mmmm. These things are surprisingly honest for monsters in general. No wonder you wanted to approach them peacefully." <br><br> He turned to Amy, "I imagine they would disappear. That's the hope anyway." They were still dangerous no matter how honest they were.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>It really was a big hurdle, that of these droplets, but they can definitely leave it behind them now that they have gotten their approval. Well, Amy has some questions for the droplets first. "We have no clue, but we are not really here?", the droplet trailing behind vibrates dismissively.<br><br>"We are just figments of imagination that can move for a little while." That's how it feels to them. No need to have concerns more than they would have for a youma that's briefly animated by magic. They aren't even the main part of the painting. The dancers and singers are. "We haven't seen anyone who could have caused it."<br><br>"I still intend to keep looking", Veronica remarks with assurance. "They won't be able to hide away forever. I am actually not sure why they are hiding. None of the paintings has even hurt someone innocent."<br><br>With that consideration, she starts walking speedily to where the exit should be, still balancing herself on the big grains of sand. It doesn't take long for plants to start showing themselves closer to the exit, and in her speedy pace, the blonde mahou stops abruptly.<br><br>In front of them, numerous and completely unmoving fuzzy caterpillars are having their fill, just a few meters away from the exit. They give the group no consideration, just feeding meekly. Veronica presses a hand against one of the huge insects curiously, and giggles candidly when it sinks. "They are quite squishy, and fuzzy. What do you think about them?", she asks the others.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy blinks as they just admit to being figments of imagination. "Huh. You seem awfully unconcerned about that."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks around in wonder, hopping from sand grain to sand grain.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks a bit warily at the giant caterpillar, but when Veronica walks up to pet one, she does too. "Wow... I mean, I've pet fuzzy caterpillars with my fingertip before, but... this is a trip." She smiles, taking in the strange experience.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Stuff like this... being small or changed... does it remind you of when you were a cat?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well. All's well that ends well. Mou Fubuki watches the droplets for a moment and reflects upon the fact that they ''know'' they're figments of the imagination. That they aren't ''real'', fundamentally. Is that self awareness, or is that even possible for a fictional being?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well that kind of philosophizing can wait until later, she decides. Mou is certain that it will keep her up at night, but there will be plenty of time to think about it some other time.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for the topic of the unknown cause, Mou Fubuki shrugs. "Who knows? They are hiding for some reason I'm sure. I can't imagine that they're doing this by accident, with the given evidence."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any thought along those lines soon vanishes from Mou's mind. Now there are caterpillars, and they are ''huge''. The snow angel blinks, then walks up to one, pressing her hand against it while saying, "Huh... squishy. They are kind of cute like this. Almost as if you could ride one."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou glances towards Veronica and notices that her girlfriend is having fun, so she smiles and enjoys the moment. "I have to admit, giant caterpillars was not something I expected to see today."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>Kaoru quietly observed the conversation. What a disappointment they couldn't get a clear answer to the culprit. "Despite your comparison, you seem better natured than the average youma." 'Therefore I'll believe you' were the hidden words in his statement. "Figaments of imagination? I wonder if you could turn up in other mediums than. Through your kind seem new so I doubt I'll get a clear answer at the moment." <br><br> Hopping along with the rest of the group he was a little stunned seeing the caterpillars. He knew they were small but it's still weird seeing such a big creature, especially when he has seen normal caterpillars before. Correction, he had seen caterpillars at his normal size before. He approached cautious and pressed into it with his whole body. It do feel squishy, probably make a nice bed. Having no more duties at the moment reminded that he never answered that weird question Amy asked. "Wait," He pushed himself away from the caterpillar, "You were asking me why before. Why what?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>If it reminds her of being a cat? Veronica stares back surprised at Amy. That's really not a line of questioning that she would have expected. "I wouldn't say so. I was much bigger than caterpillars as a cat, and there is nobody here wanting to pet me non-stop", she nods, focused on petting the looming bug.<br><br>She had gotten a lot of that, both when wandering around and when living at Mamoru's cat cafè. Especially the latter, since that's why people came to a cat cafè. "It was a lot when all the sounds kept mixing together, and no matter how nice it felt, it coming from strangers had a different feeling, you know?", she considers, having flashbacks to those days.<br><br>"It was all a bit unusual, especially when you know the truth accompanying that whole experience, but I didn't really mind being pet when it wasn't being done for the thirtieth time in an hour and people knew it was me, it still felt nice", she clarifies.<br><br>But it does feel something like what to expect at this new party, and the sensory feelings Amy is getting with this experience is probably quite different from simply being on the other end of it, no matter how it feels.<br><br>She watches Kaoru sink into it, and her eyes shine excitedly at them being ridden, she considers. "I want to try, my beloved", she announces and leaps on top, giggling happily at the bounce when she lands. "It's really just as soft as below, and I think it's going to be incredibly nice", she comments, bouncing a little bit more.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou Fubuki glances at Veronica as she recounts her experiences as a cat. It is, naturally, a very different scale. Plus, no matter how adorable Veronica is in her eyes, seeing a cute person isn't ''quite'' the same as seeing a cute cat. For one there probably aren't a lot of people wanting to crowd around you and touch you without asking first.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I suppose there's always a point at which you tire of something, no matter how good it may feel," she considers out loud.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The snow angel watches Kaoru sink into the giant bug, and then her darling takes her idea seriously and decides to ride the caterpillar. After her cold eyes watch Veronica enjoy herself for a moment or two, Mou shrugs and says, "Eh, why not?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a cold wind-boosted jump up to the top of the many-legged bug, Mou lands next to Veronica. She does a few test bounces on the caterpillar's back and then starts to wonder at what point the insect would get annoyed.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou crosses her arms and considers, "Do you think if we stay here long enough, it will turn into a giant butterfly?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy giggles when Veronica mentions everyone wanting to pet her, and then sombers up when she talks about how the experience was a lot, and nods, listening attentively and also thinking back to those times.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keeping Veronica company during the month she was a cat and trying to make things easier and more normal for her are fond memories, for Amanda -- times of sorely-needed peace and comfort in days when the murderous Black Moon Clan was running free and in the wake of Molly's (seeming) death. As weird as it all was, for Amy it felt more comfortable and familiar than everyday life.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She nods at the part about it being nice sometimes, having inferred as much from Veronica's reactions at the time.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She giggles again when she sees Kaoru lean into the caterpillar. "They only eat leaves, and they're pretty soft, so I guess we're not in danger." She also tries leaning into it. "Soft..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She rolls over so she's leaning her back against it, and gives Kaoru a puzzled look. "Huh?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a moment of trying to recall what they're talking about, she realizes. "Oh. Uh, that's not it... So I said you* in an annoyed tone. Uh... you, it's a bit ruder than you, or you, but all forms of uh... second-person pronouns are a little rude in Japanese unless you're in a situation where it's really not practical to avoid using one. Except for when there's exceptions because of course there are exceptions. I'm sure space languages are the same way, right?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She stretches her arms. "Uh, I was annoyed because when I didn't climb the tower because you were turning it into a fight, you ''then'' said 'magic's no substitute for skill' as if I didn't know what I was doing."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She frowns. "Still kinda rude, but I get that you're from space and had all this fancy agent training and past deployments and stuff and think we're rubes and amateurs." But then her frown changes to a grin at a thought. "Ooh, wait 'till you get to read Officer Harlown's reports. They're ''all true''. He's not the type of man to exagerate, after all."<br><br><br><br>TL note: The 'you's in this speech are omae, omae, anata, kimi.<br><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Veronica and Fubuki jump on a caterpillar, and alright, Amy will climb atop it too. "On the one hand, this is probably pretty weird for the caterpillar. Imagine if a Chara had climbed on you without asking, back then. But on the other hand, it's a caterpillar. It hasn't really got much of a brain. As long as we're neither tasty leaves nor a hungry bird, it may not particularly care about us." Although she does frown at people repeatedly jumping on it. Even if it is just a bug, they needn't ''try'' to irritate it...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you think it will turn into a butterfly? "That would take a very long time, unless it happens magically fast in here. I don't remember how long it takes," Amy comments, as all that her brain can call to mind is manga where ''humans'' undergo such transformations, of which she has read... more than most people, probably... "but I don't think it's really something you can practically stand there and watch the whole time."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>Veronica wouldn't say something like it being fond memories to her, but parts of it absolutely were nice enough that she looks back on the experience calmly and doesn't mind talking about it with others.<br><br>"Welcome aboard", Veronica greets her beloved, nuzzling briefly against her cheek, ears happily perked up at her snowsweet's closeness. "It's really soft, isn't it? Almost like a bed", she smiles, looking down at their fuzzy ride, having a similar question to Laisa's. It is still leisurely munching on grass, so it doesn't seem to have paid any mind to them. "A really patient or uncaring bed."<br><br>"Pretty much, but my friends were always nice about it, so it was never a bother with them", she confirms. Knowing she wasn't a dumb animal really made that much of a difference. All the more so since she was never going to express her disappointment in the way a cat would if a patron of the cafè got too far.<br><br>She tilts her head while thinking about Laisa's question. "Maybe? I wouldn't want to be on it though, when it's time to enter a chrysalis", she replies to the snow angel. She imagines the next step of it, though, flying atop a giant butterfly. It certainly seemed like a colourful experience. "I would love to be flying with you."<br><br>Were she the caterpillar somehow, she probably would have minded, but she doesn't think any animal would have also hesitated to express her disappointment, so it was safe to say they are in the clear with the big beast since it did nothing like that.<br><br>The cat thief leans down, giving the caterpillar a hug with her whole body, humming lightly at the sensations.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, it's weird that that's when Amy felt the most comfortable and normal, and Amy knows it's weird.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand... at times like this? She's ready with fascination to find joy in the experience.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Veronica relates her feelings on the experience, Amy pats the caterpillar's back next to her like one might a more normal-sized mount. She smiles and nods when Veronica mentions friends made the experience so much better.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wouldn't want to get trapped with it in a chrysalis. "I don't think it happens ''that'' fast." She imagines the caterpillar suddenly making a chrysalis with magic in seconds. "At least, I ''hope'' not..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy giggles at Veronica hugging the caterpillar, and leans over to do the same. "Kinda like a big pillow... I don't think it's going very fast, though. Decided to take your time with this one? The paintings ''are'' a pretty novel experience a lot of the time..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou is cold to the touch when Veronica nuzzles against her, though the phantom thief is likely used to that by now. The snow angel smiles at the display of affection, and leans against her catgirlfriend for a moment. With the 'ground' of a caterpillar's back being as soft as it is she's a little bit unsure about her footing, so she doesn't want to be too rambunctious. "It's ''very'' soft, yes. I almost feel like I should take off my shoes, though... that's likely very inadvisable."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smiling softly at Veronica, Mou says, "I'd love that, too. The flying bit, not the chrysalis bit." Of course, that's assuming that a figment of an imagination would even transform in that way. The snow angel carefully takes a seat on the caterpillar's back, sitting on her knees like a proper, graceful Japanese lady.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not sure how I'd feel about a Chara climbing me. I suppose a lot of mascots will ride your shoulder, though I haven't really had one of my own to speak of," she admits to Amy. "It would probably take a very long time, assuming this place would even be scientifically accurate about that. We'd want to leave eventually, and we probably shouldn't just leave the relic as it is for days on end."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She reaches down to pet the caterpillar's relatively enormous back, and even gives it a pat or two as she smiles. "I have to admit, each painting so far has been a pretty unique experience."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>She has just given it a full body hug, so the answer is kinda obvious, but looking again a second time makes Veronica confirm it doesn't have spines or anything troublesome. It's probably fine to take off your shoes as long as you are not ticklish", the catgirl comments to her beloved. She doesn't really see why it would be unadvisable. "Why do you think that's a problem?"<br><br>"You are very elegant", Veronica replies as she picks up on her girlfriend's posture. There is something very surreal about being proper on the back of a giant caterpillar, in a way that pokes Veronica's sense of wonder. It's definitely a very pretty scenario. Too bad they will likely never relive it again once they detach the relic.<br><br>"Emery climbs on me a lot, and I am not really bothered by it", the blonde mahou comments, though she is aware that it not bothering her doesn't mean it can't be.<br><br>The Puella Magi's question gets her to nod in acknowledgement. "We already dealt with the rain. The worst thing that can happen if somebody comes in now is they join us on a caterpillar, or we explain how to walk out." She isn't really feeling urgency at their situation.<br><br>"The paintings really are beautiful experiences. I wish I could have shown Mou to the mermaid painting", she muses. Both to see what she would look like, and both because swimming underwater so freely was an experience worth sharing.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her beloved asks Mou why she thinks is inadvisable, and Mou has to consider it for a moment. "I... well, I suppose if it's fine. It's not a real caterpillar after all. I'm not sure I'd put my bare feet on an unknown creature in general, but... if you think it's fine." Well, she does trust Veronica's input on this. After all, she's the expert here, and Mou will likely never experience this moment again.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The snow angel adjusts her seating for a bit in order to take off her shoes, only to blush slightly when her elegance is pointed out. With a soft smile and a tilt of her head, she responds to her kitten, "I suppose I don't really show that side of me very often, do I? I admit I was behaving a little uncouthly out of spite for a while there, but old habits die hard."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a smile, she recounts the time that Veronica took her swimming off the coast of Sarek. "Being carried around by your mermaid form was quite the experience. It would've been interesting to see what kind of form I'd take in that situation. I wonder if it'd be based upon any particular kind of fish?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She lays down face up on the back of the giant caterpillar, looking up at the sky. With the rain taken care of, this is a pretty leisurely experience, all things considered.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never again? When some of their adventures are in dreams, you never know...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy hmms as Sarek mentions the mermaid painting, and rolls over onto her back. "Is there really no safe way to revisit it? ...Can you like... now that ''you'' have the relics, can you use them? Or is it the demons' magic that makes the painting worlds?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy looks up at the sky. "A particular kind of fish, huh...?" She thinks about the form she took. It was pretty, though... "What kind of fish is associated with ice...? Narwhal...? Can you be a narwhal mermaid...?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>"You are always my elegant snowsweet", Veronica laughs. "You don't have to worry about something making you angry", she adds, cupping her beloved's cheeks and pressing her forehead against Mou's.<br><br>It's hard to say what would happen to Mou's form. Amy discussing existing species makes sense, magic operates a lot by association, and while Veronica's doesn't have a real life equivalent, she also directly crafted it, so it'd make sense it would be an outlier.<br><br>"Whatever fish you end up resembling, I am sure it would be just as beautiful", she comments. "But probably a fish native to the Arctic or Antarctic. Magic enjoys symbolism."<br><br>The Princess of Sarek shakes her head at Red's question. "Even if it's not the demons' work, I have no idea what was done with them. I can't replicate it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:304|Kaoru Kyrkogrim (304)}} has posed:'''<br>Kaoru tilted his head. "Isn't that accurate though, it's not rude to simply point it out. Though I realize it was not the right time to state that if you fell on purpose. I did make things confusing, I'm not used to the concept of a non-violent confrontation with troublesome beings like that. As for being a officer I never joined the TSAB, I'm an archaeologist," his blank face than gained a smile upon realizing something, "Through the fact you think I'm skilled enough to do so is flattering. Maybe you should introduce me to Officer Harlown, it would be good for me to interact with another Device Mage. Especially on as skilled as him." <br><br> Kaoru jumped onto the caterpillar alongside the others. Unlike a bed, he sorta sank into the creature before he flopped down on his back. Though he still managed to have a sturdy landing. It wasn't the proper riding position but he doubt he'll fall off a caterpillar of all things. He considered what Amy said for a second. "It would be nice if it suddenly turned into a butterfly."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I could see myself as a narwhal," admits Mou Fubuki, visualizing it for a bit. "Or maybe a species of whitefish, if we go by color scheme."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She then smiles softly at Veronica as her kitten compliments her, and blushes as her cheeks are cupped. "You're always so sweet to me. No wonder I fell so hard for you. Such an amazing girlfriend you are, as cute as you are wonderful"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Though I agree, something native to cold climates would likely suit me best. Especially if it was white or blue. Assuming it was based upon a real creature at all."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the topic of replicating the painting worlds, Mou Fubuki looks on with curiosity. So... it's not simply a matter of attaching a relic to a painting and calling it a day. There's likely a more involved process that Veronica doesn't know about. "How interesting, though that does make sense. I suppose if it was something you could do on your own, you'd paint yourself a fun little world and then go have an adventure in it. Clearly it's not that easy."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Kaoru, she says, "Yes, it would be, wouldn't it? As long as we didn't get caught up in a cocoon or something."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic enjoys symbolism? "Yes, I suppose so." She glances in Mou's direction. "I was a clownfish mermaid. No surprises there. But it ''was'' a pretty pattern." But was being a clownfish mermaid symbolic of her situation, or her constant ''awareness'' of her situation? Amanda doesn't know.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Paint a fun little world and explore it? "Yeah, that'd be ''cool.'' Imagine the worlds you could see..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for butterfly rides... Amy smiles. "Flying is cool."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaoru explains their situation. "Ohhhh. It's alright, you're not used to situations like that, right? Especially if you're not an agent, but an archaeologist. Wait, then how'd you end up on Earth? And archaeologists in space are trained for magical combat?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy looks up at the sky. "Damn. I really would like to see the world out there... the ''worlds'' out there. At least Tharkad, anyway. Princess Hannah made it sound nice. But it must be really something, a world where everyone can learn magic and you fly around in space..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:145|Veronica Perenna (145)}} has posed:'''<br>The mention of her painting herself her own little world to go have fun in It makes Veronica blush guiltily. "Hehe, that does sound like me. It would be a very nice prospect. So many possibilities I could explore. I would spend all my free time painting and exploring." Especially if her curiosity takes over.<br><br>"It would be pretty fun if it did", the catgirl agrees. As long as they jump out of the way in time.<br><br>"But the realm of Sarek is basically what I would enjoy, so I can't say I have much trouble there." Which is a ''weird'' thought considering the hidden island is at the very least 200 years older than she is. And possibly was around ever since magic came to be.<br><br>"If I did have that power, making a world where flying is normal wouldn't be too hard. But I would need a description of Tharkad to actually make it similar", she tells Red.<br><br>"Maybe one day I will find out how. Would you enjoy a little world of your own, Mou?", she suggests. It's a pretty long shot, but it doesn't hurt to imagine. That's pretty much what she always does when she paints. Or uses her disguise magic.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:127|Laisa Samuiko (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mou Fubuki smiles as she listens to Veronica talk about what kind of worlds she'd make for herself if she could. Though, granted, the island of Sarek ''is'' a nice place already. The snow angel can certainly see why she'd like that well enough on its own.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A little world of my own? Hm. I suppose..." She taps her chin as she considers. Would she like a world made of snow? That hardly seems necessary, when she can make snow wherever she goes. The world where she could turn into a mermaid would be a ''curiosity'' at most, and while that would be very interesting...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Honestly, while I could think of a few ideas... Our own private ballroom, maybe... in truth any world where I could spend time with you would likely be my favorite."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a sappy thing to say, and she knows it, but it's also a sincere answer.<br> <br>
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