View source for 352/A Watertight Street Show

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/09/02
|Location=Penguin Park
|Synopsis=A magician with her own ends makes an apperance at water park. To her surprise, she gets a welcome team much wider than the one she intended to attract, and ends up having to fight both heroes and fellow beings of darkness.
|Cast of Characters=55,107,159,158,104,28
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:55|Coco (55)}} has posed:'''<br>The air is a bit chilly this afternoon now that the season is turning to autumn. People are already walking around in light jackets, and the strong light of summer is already a past memory. Many people are thronging at Penguin Park, surronding a lone woman with dark red hair and pink eyes.<br><br>She is wearing a black tuxedo with a white dress shirt and a red bow tie, as well a velvet crimson top hat. To her side is a white plastic table with one or two leftover leaflets, many of which can be seen just peeking out from the crowd's pockets and bags. Those who got one would have read the following "Discover the mystical arts of water magic at Penguin Park. The errant magician Isuru is inviting you all for an esotic ride in exploration of her cryptic tricks. No fee, just a sense of wonder."<br><br>The magician is standing in front of Penguin Park's pond, a wide purple carpet covering the floor on which she is standing. About 3 minutes are left until the time listed on the paper, a few impatient people among the crowd staring at their clock. Most are concerned as to the glaring lack of equipment this magician has, the park not all that different from usual. The murmurs among the crowd are things like "Where is her equipment?", "Is this some sort of prank?", "She doesn't even know what she is doing, haha".<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy is here! Dressed in her usual slacks and T-shirt. She frowns at the assholes denigrating the performer. Like, come on, as if someone would gather all these people if they didn't have a show to put on. The trick of (stage) magic is doing what *appears* impossible. Once upon a time, she would have been looking for the hidden devices or whatever, trying to figure out the trick, but today she feels like just... enjoying the show? Like yeah she wants to know how it works but it's too much work. So she stands, and watches, optimistic that something cool is going to happen.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Erika Shimizu (159)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So. Thing is. Penguin Park is where one Erika Shimizu likes to go to refill her stocks. Whenever Zephyr Windstar is about with her cart of Jan Ken Pop soda, Erika is usually there to drain her of her reserves. Though Zephyr doesn't seem to be around the park today, which has Erika frowning a bit as she stuffs her hands into her pockets and meanders a little aimlessly.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Until she spots the crowd.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh? What's all this?" She muses, peeking around a taller spectator to see what's going on.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:158|Overlord Maou (158)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Equipment, huh?' thinks a teenager with red hair and gray eyes. Despite the weather getting a little bit colder of late, he's still walking around in a white t-shirt and shorts. Natsu Oukanno's body temperature just runs a bit higher than most, and being athletic probably adds to that. Higher metabolism and all. He stands by with his hands in his pockets, watching with a rather blank expression on his face. One hand toys with a small object in his pocket.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;People whining before the performance has even started strikes a nerve, and it shows on his face as blank turns to annoyed. He looks towards the woman in the tuxedo, cups his hands around his mouth, and calls out, "Show us some cool water magic, Isuru-san!" That was her name, right? He still isn't quite sure if he fully believes in magic, despite that... Store. And its owner. And the bauble in his pocket. But it has restored something inside of him that he gave up on long ago: Hope.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If not for himself, than hope for others who still have their dreams. Even if this is all stage magic, he isn't about to pour doubt and skepticism on this lady. Even if nobody else likes her performance, Natsu will still cheer for her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's used to being the only one cheering for an underdog.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:104|Tori Morte (104)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One thing that everyone who's met Victoria 'Tori' Morte will learn eventually: Tori loves magic.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sure, she mostly loves ''real'' magic, but magicians are still wonderful - and to be honest, she often can't tell the difference. And wouldn't it be funny if a person with ''real'' magic decided to be a street magician?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So that's why Tori is here. She's doing her best to get to the front of the crowd without getting so cramped that her invisible and intangible best friend doesn't end up intersecting straight through someone. She's not having a lot of luck so far.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She keeps glancing at the giant penguin slide suspiciously, for some reason.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:28|Lamya (28)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The last time Mie was at Penguin Park was when she was here as the Dragon Girl Lamya, sucking all the Bad Energy out of the park goers and turning the penguin slide into a clown faced horror. Now she's here in her civilian guise, Mie Kitamura, just a normal regular schoolgirl. If she recognizes Tori from that incident, she isn't showing it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The green haired girl with red eyes, has her hair tied up with a red bow, and is wearing, of all things, a violet summer dress. She doesn't seem to be all that concerned with how chilly it's gotten, though, looking quite comfortable. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's here for the magic. She's familiar with witches, especially Majorina who is a Bad End Captain just like she is, but Majorina's magic is... really hit or miss, when you come down to it. So she's there in the crowd, her arms folded and scowling as waits for the magic to begin.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco (55)}} has posed:'''<br>Coco is at Penguin Park to look at the magic show too, not out of a desire to relax, but out of nervousness that itches at her mind ever since she was given the leaflet by the stage performer. 'It can't be the same Isuru, can it?" she says, waiting for the clock to strike 4 pm much like everyone else. The woman is dressed impeccably, and she does look the part of a magician, but the remarks about the lack of equipment only serve to unsettle her more, given the abilities of the Isuru she shares a name with. Nonetheless, she waits and see, keeping watch and being ready to intervene if things turn out like she fears.<br><br>A woman overhearing Erika's question turns to her. She has an unsure look on her face, and her tone matches it. "She is supposed to be a magician performing some water show. The idea sounds nice, but this would be the first show I see without anything in the way of support." She brings out one of the leaflets from her pocket and hands it to Erika. "Here, see for yourself."<br><br>Isuru turns her head towards Natsu, as he shouts his encouragement. "Thank you for the vote of confidence, young boy", she replies, a confident smile on her face. "Now then, it's about time we give this crowd what they want, isn't it?" she says, her tone just a smidge more scornful. "Welcome one and all to my humble show. I am Isuru, and I will be delight to give you an unforgettable experience. Now I have a rather tight schedule here, and my superior, the esteemed Lord Gaito, wants me to get this done sooner rather than later, so I would like it if the lots of you could scream in fear and cause a bit of chaos to let me do my job."<br><br>A murmur of confusion spread through the crowd as Isuru ends her speech by tapping the carpet under her feet, which suddenly flies upwards and envelopes her figure. A second later the carpet has disappeared, and Isuru is standing there in different clothes, wearing a dress which reaches the floor of the same colour as the carpet. On her head is a diadem with pointy triangular rocks, roughly resembling shark teeth. With a snap of her fingers, the pond behind her erupts upwards losing a lot of its water, which has taken the forms of water dragons. The beasts starts rushing at the crowd, who has broken into Isuru's intended reaction, rushing in all directions with cries of panic and confusion.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Isuru comments on Natsu's cheers, Amy joins in. "Yeah! You show those doubting Thomases!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then... hang on, what did she say? Amy's eyes go wide. "Oh, come on..." She runs as if one of the panicked crowd, to find some obstacle to henshin behind...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And a moment later, the red-themed Puella Magi is standing on top of one of those hand bar things firing a rocket at one of the water dragons, to see if it can be exploded. "How could you?! We just wanted to see a cool magic show!" ...After a beat, she holds her finger to her cheek. "...Okay, actually this is objectively pretty cool, but *still*! These people are here for a good time, not to run for their lives! What do you get from their fear, anyway? What does this 'Lord Gaito' want?" She pretends to not recognize the name, in a last-second whim of improvisation.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Erika Shimizu (159)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a leaflet handed over, Erika furrows her brow thoughtfully as she pores over the paper in hand.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh well that sounds pretty cool." She does consider. But then... THEN...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What Isuru says...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That she wants the people to scream and panic and run in terror.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh." Erika says as realization hits.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"''Oh!''"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's not good at all. Not in the least as the covers her face with her arms as the pond erupts with horrorterror sea-life.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You... That's... This isn't..."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This isn't a cool magic show at all and that makes Erika kind of mad.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's when the glint of something golden glimmers in her hand, as a single ancient coin; a Spanish gold doubloon, dances from knuckle to knuckle.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the crowd disperses in a panic... She stands her ground and flips the coin into the air with her thumb.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Under a black flag we sail and the sea shall be our empire! Take what you can. Give nothing back!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With that declaration, she catches the coin, snatching it out of the air. In an instant her casual clothes are replaced with the regalia of a pirate, complete with jaunty hat, greatcoat, and everything.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ye scurvy bilge rat!" She snaps. "Promisin' wonder and joy, only to scupper the dreams of the innocent! I oughta keel-haul you!" The diminutive pirate captain stomps, fuming, while holding her hat down with one hand and dodging water dragons.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:158|Overlord Maou (158)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Y-young boy...! Sure, he's 16, but he still looks very mature for his age (in his own totally unbiased opinion). Well, maybe compared to this lady he's young. Maybe she's a vampire or something. He doesn't know! Guessing what kind of creature someone might secretly be is a pass-time he has been doing since middle-school. He isn't about to stop now. More people are gathering, and Natsu is actually getting a bit excited. From the mutterings and conversation around this, he is really hoping that Miss Isuru shows everyone that she's being underestimated. He wants her performance to blow them out of the water (so to speak)!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It has been so long since he has felt even an inkling of the hope that used to burn inside of him to see the one at a narrative disadvantage triumph over those who doubted them. And besides, if people don't want to have terrible vengeance wreaked upon them then they shouldn't have been such jerks in the first place. Like, just imagine if the person with the weird idea got SUPPORT from those around them instead of scorn. The mad scientist population would surely have decreased tremendously. Y-you know, in the, uh... Fictional works. Because Natsu can totally tell the difference between real and fake. Definitely.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyway, he is excited, and hopes for the first time in quite a while to see an upset. It seems he's not the only one either! Some girl is calling out encouragement as well! Yeah! There has to be an upset now, right!?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which, you know, they just got. Natsu's gray eyes glitter with excitement when the carpet does that cool trick and the quick-change trick. He has seen performers who specialize in quick-changes, but that swirl of the carpet is a new method to him. And then the pond erupts into watery dragons!? Oh my gosh, this is so cool!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Natsu's jaw, hanging open, snaps shut and he grins as he watches the water golems (he has labelled them as such in his mind, anyway) start flying out towards the audience. Unlike those around him, he doesn't run. Sure, maybe he'll get wet a bit, but he is loving this. Especially the part where the doubters and skeptics are being shown up, but he's also just an appreciator of theater and magical craft -- real or not.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though, obviously, he hasn't exactly had a lot of exposure to 'real' magic before now.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His arms are in the air, fists pumping, as he cheers for Isuru.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He was about to turn to the girl who was also cheering, but he didn't see who she was or where she went, so is left disappointed. Instead, he turns in place, watching the constructs. If he gets soaked by one flying over or into him, oh well. This is the show of a life time! Though... Though there's suddenly... What? What is this?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magical girls!?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, so this is... Some sort of big, staged event. Probably promotional for an anime or something. Well. He can appreciate the trouble that they producers went through to set this up, but he can already tell the pattern the story will follow. The villain will be overwhelmed by truth and justice, and then the good guys will celebrate while the villain has to run away or be turned to dust or purified or whatever.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So disappointing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The enthusiasm leaks out of him like the water from that pond.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without even thinking about it, he puts his hand in his pocket and feels a foreign object there, alternating almost-burning-hot and then almost-skin-peeling-off cold, over and over. Natsu blinks. "What have I got in my pocket?" he asks aloud before pulling out the trinket he had forgotten he had. A black marble the size of a gumball, with swirling red and patterns, and little symbols and indentations. Is it...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Reacting?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:104|Tori Morte (104)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as the show starts, Tori is suspicious. And then the mention of a superior named 'Lord Gaito' makes her even more suspicious, suspicious enough to start worming her way the opposite way through the crowd to somewhere maybe a bit more secluded.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mention of screaming in fear causes her to quicken her pace.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result, she doesn't actually see the transformation, as she's leaping into a bush at just that moment. She does hear the resultant screaming, though.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*****<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#737373">"Memento Mori."</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Energy swirls around Tori as she stands there, hand gripping the memory stone she wears around her neck. Sayo Hasegawa clutches at her free hand, then does a hop to the side, interposing her own body over Tori's. A flash of dark violet light erupts from the girls, while salmon-pink ribbons wrap around them. A salmon pink undershirt replaces her t-shirt, to be covered a moment later by a black, white-laced corset, then a short black jacket. Her skirt shifts and transforms into a black pleated skirt and salmon pink petticoats, and her socks becoming long black stockings.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A salmon pink bow ties up her hair, and her eyes turn red.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*****<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Memoriatrix Tourmaline dips down under the ground, then rises up from the ground a few yards away, hovering up into the air. She points an accusatory finger at Isuru, opening her mouth - but then Erika beats her to the Justice Speech punch.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sort of.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why is this park so popular with monsters?!" she asks the universe, instead.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:28|Lamya (28)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mie is unimpressed. See how unimpressed she is? She's just standing there, with her arms folded, still scowling as all the humans (save for a few brave souls) run around screaming. "You call those dragons?" she scoffs. "Well, I'll show you a drag-" she stops, when she realizes that Coco is there and could recognize her. That would mean revealing her secret identity. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now there are magical girls here. One she recognizes, one she doesn't, and the other, well, she's less a magical girl and more a pirate. And now the Bad End Captain is torn. On the one hand, she really wants to show this upstart what a //real// dragon is like. On the other, she just wants to stay back and see how this plays out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She tries staying back and watching, and that lasts for all about thirty seconds before her agitation gets the better of her. She looks around for somewhere to change, and finding the bathrooms hurries on over. Soon, a woman comes screaming out of the bathroom yelling, "D-d-d-dragon!" and the Dragon Girl Lamya bursts out after and flies into the air. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She points an accusatory finger at Isuru and shouts. "How //dare// you attempt to summon the elegant and regal dragon out of water! Dragons are creatures of fire! I demand you to put those away right now!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco (55)}} has posed:'''<br>Isuru smiles complacently as she obtains the effect she wanted and chaos emerges. 'This is all too easy, they should be here soon', she smiles. 'I can't wait to give the good news to Lord Gaito.' The impact of a missile onto one of her water dragons distracts her, the droplets falling to the floor. She looks around searching for the person responsible with disappointed annoyance. "And who are you supposed to be!?" she yells at the red Puella Magi, who doesn't look like anyone she is supposed to recognise. "Why don't you mind your own business and disappear!?" she replies at her question, sending another one of the water dragons going around towards her. "I am not here for you! Just be a good girl and let the mermaid princesses deal with me! I am supposed to draw them here, not you!"<br><br>She gives a scowl as Jolly Roger makes her entrance too. "What are you saying? Can't you speak like everyone else?" Isuru says as she takes note of this new obstacle, a hint of confusion mixing with her annoyance. She shakes her head as she continues talking. "I am trying to draw out the mermaid princesses, and I am going to leave on my own after that is done. So join your little red friend and especially shut up!" she says, sending a water dragon after Jolly Roger too.<br><br>Meanwhile one of the errant water dragons is aiming at Natsu too, since he is the only one of the crowd who isn't running away!<br><br>Isuru takes note of Tormaline when she appears up in the air from the ground. She is unsure of how to deal with this new arrival, since she is just standing in the air, but she figures she should start talking to her, just in case she isn't going to be a pain like the other two. "Hello, young girl. I hope you aren't going to interfere like the other two. I am Isuru of the Dark Lovers, and when my Lord takes the seven pearls and gets back what is rightfully his, there would be much to gain from cooperating. So what do you say, does that offer interest you?" she says, trying to collect herself after the unexpected factor the other two magical girls have introduced.<br><br>Only for that to go right out of the window as Lamya makes her appearance. Ok, a dragon girl does give her pause since that's somewhat new. Isuru taked a look at her black getup and fully realistic set of horns, wings and tail. "Why do you take issues with dragons being made out of water? You should go back to school, instead of reading just western books. Anyway, if that's the only issue you have here, I would rather deal with the actual annoyances instead of spending my time on you." One of the dragons Lamya has spent time criticising turns on her, mouth open and roaring.<br><br>Meanwhile, as all of this goes on, the mermaid princess grimaces as her fears become reality and the magician turns into the Dark Lover Isuru she knows all too well. 'They have started then', she looks around with regret as the people run away. She makes a break for the water slide as she tries to dodge the water dragons, which luckily aren't aiming to anyone in particular. "<span style="color:#FFFF00">Yellow Pearl Voice!</span>" she says, the pearl in her shell locket responding to her will and starting to shine with a yellow light. A keidoscope of colours covers Coco's clothes as those change into her yellow gloves and boots with flowy extensions, as well as a yellow blouse with a yellow skirt, while her pearl expands into her trusty E-Pitch microphone, its blue shape settling comfily into her hand, the jewel nestled safely in the head's center. She runs back to the chaotic zone where the water dragons are still raging. "So that was you Isuru! Leave these people alone, I am here as you wanted me", Coco addresses the familiar foe who is still looking with annoyance at Lamya.<br><br>The oldest of the Dark Lover grins as she sees Yellow Pearl Voice. "Mermaid Princess, finally! I was about to think I was wasting my time. And to think it's you out of all the ones that could have appeared. Lord Gaito was very disappointed after you escaped. Now it's time to go back to your little tank!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco (55)}} has posed:'''<br>As she finishes her piece, a water dragons gets aimed at her too, taking care of all the ones that have been roaming around. Just like the others, Coco isn't particularly intimidated by the assault and declares. "Legend of Mermaid: Pichi Pichi Voice, Live Start!" The song of the seas contrasts with the water and the water dragon erupts in droplets just like the one Amy dealt with. Isuru looks back at the water remaining in the pond, before scowling and deciding to keep that for later.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Red sighs. "Are you stupid? Of *course* if you lure people to a magic show and then spread chaos, every local hero is gonna show up! If you *only* wanted the mermaid princesses, then you do something that *only* gets their attention! We're not gonna stand by while you--"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Red has a thought as she runs around ahead of the dragon, hopping up and off playground equipment with her enhanced mahou shoujo physical abIlities. "Wait, so you're not... collecting chaos energy, or spreading despair, or anything? You just wanted to see the mermaids? How about we stop and talk--"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, Yellow Pearl Voice is here.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Did you say *tank*? Lord Gaito is putting them in *tanks*? That's messed up. But look, we know how this goes. The heroes blow up your monsters and you're driven away to attack another day. Then you attack again and we do this whole song and dance over again. So can't we *talk* and see if there's anything we can do besides... destroying your ability to attack, or handing over the mermaids? What do you want, *really* want?" Amy wonders if this is really worth saving the magic to *not* blow up the dragon chasing her yet, but can't this person just summon more? Hmm. If nothing else, stalling is a chance to observe this latest villain and look for potential weaknesses.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Erika Shimizu (159)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For all her stomping and storming, Jolly Roger is forced to tumble aside, rolling in the dirt to her knees as a watery dragon comes sailing at her.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mermaid princess?" She mutters, repeating Isuru's words as realization strikes.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She knows just who the hag is talking about.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But there's no time to ruminate on that much further when she's really forced to keep her eyes on the dragon. More evasive maneuvers are her first fallback before she calls out...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"BELAY THAT!" The pirate-themed mahou snaps, pointing a finger at Isuru and Tourmaline. "Don't listen to the scabrous dog! She's as likely to cleave ye to the brisket than she is to parley!" She warns.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then. Then there's Yellow Pearl Voice.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, definitely can't let her compatriot and ally be put in a tank.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's as the mermaid princess starts to sing that Jolly Roger flashes a grin.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o/` ~ "Come all you young mahou girls, listen to me,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I'll sing you a song of the fish in the sea!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it's windy weather, girls, stormy weather, girls,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the wind blows, we're all together, girls;<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jolly sou'wester, girls, steady she goes!<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Up jumps the eel with his slippery tail;<br><br>Climbs up aloft and reefs the topsail!" ~ o/`<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The pirate starts... Singing a shanty. It is AS SHE DOES THIS, however that the nearby pond stirs. The very same pond the dragons had come from, anyway. As multiple spectral starfish and phantasmal fish leap from the water, flying at the nearest dragon at top speed to try and slam themselves into the watery dragon headed for...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oi, lad! What're ye just standin' around for mumblin' about what's in yer bloody pocket? Tis no time to dilly dally, lest ye want a one way trip to Davy Jones' Locker!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:158|Overlord Maou (158)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Natsu looks up in alarm, distracted by the bauble in his hand, just in time to see a water dragon roaring towards him. Huh? Did Miss Isuru not see him cheering her on? Or did that not matter? He is just a random bystander after all. No reason for her to see him as any different. Though... He's also just a random bystander. Why is one of the water dragons focusing on him at all--<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*WHUMPH*<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ooof!" Natsu lets out as he tries to block the dragon with an x-guard and getting thrown up into the air regardless. He managed to land relatively safely and break his fall by rolling across the grass, but that was unexpected. If he isn't going to take part, then he should get out of here is the message, he guesses?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Using the push as motivation to take action, rather than perceiving it as a personal/impersonal attack, the now-drenched boy sneaks behind a tree. He didn't drop his bauble, did he? He had to pay for that, so it'd be annoying to have lost it--Nope. It's right back in his pocket. Grasping it, and wondering if... If this is actually real magic after all... Does that mean Miss Isuru is a real villain?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just the thought of it has his blood pumping. What was it he was told the bauble was called?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holding the black and red marble in the palm of his hand, Natsu chants, "Oculus Obscura."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a huge rush of wind coming from all over the park, and an even bigger surge of Dark Energy. All of it seems to be flowing towards a single location, but producing such a storm that it's hard to see what's at the center of it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Natsu's hair grows longer, he feels black armor practically bolting itself to his body, horns sprouting from his head, his flesh and bones being reshaped, strengthened, and infused with dark magic...!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hovering in the air with his head back, and eyes closed, just letting this enormous volume of sheer power infuse him, he doesn't pay attention to the smaller details of his new form. He is barely aware of what's actually happening, even when he opens his eyes and they are red, and glowing, with vertical pupils, and he can ''feel'' that his eyes have vertical pupils, because he can see all around himself, all sorts of things, the flows of magic, the power animating the water dragons, the energy of the Magical Girls, the dragon girl, the idol singer, and Miss Isuru as well!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Feet clad in armored high-heeled boots finally touch the grass again, as black winds swirling all around begin to die down.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overlord Maou. That's the name that appears in Natsu's head for this new identity, along with an encyclopedia of knowledge about his new powers. Though there is a strange sway in his walk and his center of balance is a bit off, Natsu, grinning and hoping that if this is a dream at least let him stay asleep a little bit longer, strides out into the open. The sky has become stormy and overcast, and a chill wind blows through the park. Black electricity crackles along the ground ahead of and around the newly-born Villain.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fools... You thought numbers would overcome an Agent of Darkness? Then let me show you the folly of your plans!" The Overlord calls out in a voice that carries without even being overly loud. Also, hey, what's up with that voice? It's a bit high-pitched, and female-sounding...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:104|Tori Morte (104)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tori stares at Isuru for a moment, and then looks down at herself. "...Look, I know I have this whole kinda creepy dark aesthetic and ghost powers and everything, but..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She flies up into the air, does a twirling half-loop, and flies down towards one of the dragons - the one headed for the pirate lady who's busy saving someone else, incidentally - with one hand outstretched. <span style="color:#737373">"Kinetic Blast!"</span> she calls, her voice being doubled up with another, similar but distinct voice, as her visage is overlaid for a split second with the image of a girl with long white hair, blank white eyes, and an outdated version of Radiant Heart Academy's school uniform.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nothing seems to happen for a moment - and then suddenly an invisible column of psychokinetic force slams down atop the dragon with several tons of pressure.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am a guardian of memories, and we would never join you!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances over at Jolly Roger. "H-hey, I wasn't gonna! I'm young, not stupid!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now recovered from her usual laser focus on the Bad Guy, she notices Lamya. And also a woman being very dramatic and wearing black armour.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Is this a bad guy convention or something??"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:28|Lamya (28)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Actual annoyance?!?'" Lamya sputters indignantly. "I'll show you who can be an actual annoyance!" She lets out a roar that's much louder and deeper than what a dragon girl like her should be, answering the water dragon in kind. She, then, opens her mouth wide and spews forth a great gout of flame to vaporize the water dragon before it'd get to her. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then somebody says the magic words. "Princess!?" She looks wildly about and spies Yellow Pearl Voice. Her red eyes narrow and she points at the girl. "There! She's //mine!//" With a mighty flap of her wings, she dashes towards her, intending to scoop her up and abscond with her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco (55)}} has posed:'''<br>Isuru waves with nonchalance at Amy. "I am going to spare these people once I have the mermaid princesses. Lord Gaito will still need subjects to rule over. So you local heroes don't need to actually intervene, as things won't be that different after." Isuru clarifies, though she doesn't really know the last thing. 'The important part is that these people believe it.' she thinks to herself.<br><br>She laughs loudly as she hears Red's proposals. "Back at you: are you an idiot? Isuru replies, pointing at Amy. "My Lord needs those pearls to take his revenge, and you think we are going to stop, just you might stop us once, twice or more? You need to win every single battle we have, while we only need to win 5. The advantage is rather imbalanced towards us, don't you think?" She looks at Red with gleeful superiority.<br><br>Yellow Pearl Voice's song is already corroding at her energy, and now this other girl starts singing too? Isuru instinctively winces in pain before realising... nothing is actually happening? "Ah, your songs hold no power, girl!" She yells triumphantly watching her move uselessly throughout the park. "How about you just give up and..." she begins saying before hears water erupting from behind her again.<br><br>"Why did...?" she turns towards the pond astonished, looking up as the fishes Erika summoned crash into her dragon, both depriving her of one of her minions and drastically reducing her available water. "You and your silly songs! Wait until I get you!" she rants at Jolly Roger, before recollecting myself. "Nevermind that, I still have some more."<br><br>The appearance of the Overlord Maou distracts her, the clear darkness of the girly figure she sees up there making it clear she should reconsider how she moves. "You are clearly a queen of great power and majesty, unlike these other examples here", she begins her diplomatic approach. "Lord Gaito would love to talk with you. I'm sure you would have much to gain if you helped one of his servants out."<br><br>She scoffs as Tourmaline rejects as offer. "You should have stayed impartial when you could, girl." She waves towards the pond, using about half of the remaining water to show her what happens when you reject an offer so important. She will have to make do with the other half to subdue the mermaid princess.<br><br>Who, meanwhile, was still singing her song, weakening the dark magical energy in the area as she usually does. 'Amy, and Jolly Roger, you are here!', she thinks once her allies make her appearance. She prepares for trouble when two more dark figures appear, but apparently one of them is on their side? That's good, but the bad vibes of the other one really unsettle her, especially once Isuru tries to strike an alliance.<br><br>Coco is about to focus her efforts on Isuru when she hears a cry of "Princess!" and a dragongirl is swooping towards her. 'What does she want with me?' she thinks with barely any time to react.<br><br>"What are you doing with my target!?" is the surprising cry of Isuru. The water demon sends a jet of pure water towards the dragongirl, grimacing when she looks at the completely empty pool. "To think I would be protecting a mermaid princess...!" Coco meanwhile takes advantage of the opportunity to direct her attention towards Lamya, continuing to sing her purifying melody towards the dark creature.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy does not trust Gaito for a second, so she doesn't believe Isuru. She just stares at Isuru a moment as Isuru claims they have to win every battle.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...You realize this is a rocket launcher, right? I only have to win once if I *kill* you." She aims it at Isuru threateningly. "Leave my friend alone, or YOU'RE the one going in a tank. As fish food. Or, we can talk."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then ABSOLUTE CHAOS ERUPTS. There's a dragon (girl) who's insulted that there are dragons (water). There's a goth-aesthetic heroine. There's someone full of herself apparently taking the villains' side, hold on, did she say 'ore-sama'?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Coco is being snatched by a dragon. "HEY! Wait, hang on!" She gives chase, "What are you doing?! Give her back!" She doesn't open fire yet.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OH RIGHT THERE'S ALSO A GHOST PIRATE WITH A REALLY CATCHY SEA-SHANTY. That makes Amy smile. There's a lot going on!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Erika Shimizu (159)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A lot of things happen at once.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lamya tries to kidnap Yellow Pearl Voice.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Isuru attempts to protect the mermaid princess.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lad, Natsu, bails; which is all well and good. But someone new appears- an overlord; a queen. Not dark but beautiful and terrible as the dawn, as treacherous as the sea, stronger than the foundations of the Earth. All shall--...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh bloody hell what now?" Jolly Roger snaps, holding her hat down with one hand as she grimaces.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is getting to be a little too hectic.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This ship's sunk." She mutters deciding that discretion is the better part of valor for the time being.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She can refill her soda supply later.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:158|Overlord Maou (158)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This still doesn't really feel... Real. Especially with the wild changes to his body. Wait, changes? Natsu thought he was getting stronger, sure, maybe a body better equipped to smite heroes with, but it all starts coming together when Isuru address him as a... Queen. The voice change. The body change. People seeing him as female... He has seen enough anime and read enough manga to know where this is going, alright? Maybe that's why it still doesn't feel real. Anyway, 'Overlord Maou' doesn't show 'her' surprise or any displeasure. She just raises a hand and says, "I should be quite pleased to have such a discussion with your master. We must stand together or be felled apart. For now, however, retreat knowing you are not alone."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That isn't what Natsu meant to say at all. Is there some kind of... Of... Translation effect? From normal gd person to Overlord? ...That's pretty cool!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sneering at the heroes, Overlord Maou says, "This is our first meeting, but it shall not be our last. Remember the name of Overlord Maou! It shall soon haunt your every dream!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then the Overlord lifts off into the air as a huge pair of bat-like or demonic armored wings protrude from her back, and she flies away as fast as she can, because oh my god she has some questions she needs answered and she isn't about to freak out in front of the heroes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:104|Tori Morte (104)}} has posed:'''<br>Tori has a jet of water coming for her!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She holds up a hand. <span style="color:#737373">"Kinetic Shield,"</span> she says. Nothing seems to happen... and then the water jet hits an invisible bubble surrounding her. Tori grimaces a bit, and holds out both hands.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, nothing visibly changes. Her powers are incredibly un-flashy.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the water jet dissipates, Tori looks around in confusion. "I... what is happening?" she asks no one in particular.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:28|Lamya (28)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lamya gets blindsided by the water jet, she was so focused on kidnapping an actual to goodness princess! She knows that she probably should have been paying more attention, but she can't fight her nature. Being a dragon is what she //is//. Kidnapping princesses is what they //do//. Therefore she must do it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's knocked out of the air before she can reach Yellow Pearl Voice, and skids along the ground, drenched in water. "Curse you!" she growls, grinding her teeth. "You won't come between me and my princess!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco (55)}} has posed:'''<br>"My devotion to Lord Gaito is unparelled", Isuru looks at the threatening missile without a shard of fear. "Even if you managed to hit me, I would be happy knowing his fight continues."<br><br>She has enough of all these magical girls and dragons who think every dragon is like them, so she decides to do what the Overlord Maou suggests. "I shall do that, Queen." She tosses a last glance at the group of annoyances. "We shall meet again", she says, before whisking away.<br><br>With Lamya being down and both the Overlord and Isuru having retreated, Coco can breathe in relief. "Thanks a lot for the help, Red. I guess you finally met one of the Dark Lovers. That's the oldest and most experienced of them, Isuru." Though that's still a relative thing, since one would have to point out how she is just 30 years old."<br><br>Coco waves at Jolly Roger as she goes away, thanking her profusely for her help today, before turning to Tourmaline to address at least some of her conclusion. "That was one of the Dark Lovers, a group of people who serve the King of the Deep Seas, Gaito. He seeks to gather all of us 7 mermaid princesses and use our pearls to take Aqua Regina's throne, the Goddess that has created our pearls to protect the sea, then conquer the world."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:104|Tori Morte (104)}} has posed:'''<br>Tori rubs the back of her head.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This whole situation is... kinda turning awkward. The bad guys seem to... be neutralised?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wordlessly, the Memoriate hovers to the ground, then sinks below and out of sight.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:55|Coco (55)}} has posed:'''<br>Yellow Pearl Voice quickly goes away to a separate location, wondering how it was even possible that she could be the target of a double kidnapping on the same day. 'And to think Isuru ended up defending me', she thinks, her mind still trying to accept that notion. It was obvious it was rather reluctant on her part, but still.<br><br>'Well, the important part is that it ended well', she thinks, transforming back to her normal human self. 'I should catch up to Amy now', she decides, running back to the part where the redhead is.<br><br>"Hello, Amy, I hope I didn't make you wait", she says, waving to her. Once there, the two of them start walking back to the Radiant Heart dorms, going to take a good break.<br> <br>
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