[right][color=1462ba][i][h2]Mariette[/h2][/i][/color][color=57a345][h3][i]and Eli[/i][/h3][/color][/right]

To say Mariette hadn’t entirely counting on that her speech would have been this effective would be an understatement. Suddenly, she was being called “savior”, lifted up by the girls and carried along, a very surprised Eli following along carrying the mirror.

The vast majority of the girls were those she had kidnapped. However, she noted, there was the occasional unknown stranger mixed into the bunch who Mariette did not recognize. It was possible that they were simply girls Justine’s other minions had kidnapped, but her cautious nature immediately warned of a potential trap. She had to trust Eli to keep a sharp set of Third Eyes on that.

Hm. There were 42 girls under her command. All weakened, mentally and physically, they probably wouldn’t be a match for a proper enemy should they run into one. Still, there were multiple ways she could use this.

[color=1462ba]‘Does anyone have a power that could restore my mana? We might need it,’[/color] Mariette asked. Magic power was far more reliable when it was under her command, though she knew abilities to restore it was extremely rare. She only knew a single magical girl that could do that, and she wasn’t here. That said, there could be surprises among those present.

[color=1462ba]‘Alright, everyone!’[/color] Mariette called after, preparing her plans. [color=1462ba]‘I want us to split us up a bit! Firstly…’[/color] she selected around ten of them, [color=1462ba]‘I want you to seek through the mansion for magical objects or tomes belonging to Justine, anything that might be fueling her operations. If you can, bring it to me and I’ll investigate them. If you can’t, destroy them. I should be heading for the center of the mansion, where Justine is, but if I’m in a fight you could give them to Eli over there to hold on to, too. You can split up if it appears safe, but stick close in small groups so you can support one another in a pinch. Avoid engagement with hostiles as they’re likely far stronger than you, but don’t be afraid to fight if you think you can handle them!’[/color] These prioritized those who weren’t much use in a fight, if she knew enough to reason. Stealth and speed were good traits. Also if she knew anyone with Hammerspace Handbag or Third Eyes, those were good choices to go searching.

[color=1462ba]‘You two,’[/color] Mariette looked for fast or people able to communicate / watch over a distance, if they at all had access to their powers. [color=1462ba]‘scout out the entrance and outside the mansion, some of my allies were fighting the enemy there. If the winners include a white-haired mechanical girl named Penny and a dark-haired Beacon girl with a bow named Alicia that don’t attack you on sight, tell them what happened here and that I am going to have us help the fight against Justine.’[/color] So she said.

[color=1462ba]‘Everyone remaining,’[/color] Mariette has intentionally left those who were the most capable in a fight, once again assuming they had any might at all left. [color=1462ba]‘We’re going to take the fight directly to Justine, and we’re going to support my allies, who should be fighting at this very moment. Let’s go!’[/color]

Plans forged, she pointed ahead and that they should head off. … She didn’t really care if any of those she suddenly commanded were hurt, and their faith in her could potentially be swiftly overturned by a similar speech by someone else. However, she’d be foolish not to attempt taking advantage of this. Some of them could seek to loot the mansion for things Justine left around, two could scout the front of the mansion for the fight that was, and the rest could bring their arms to bear on Justine, if nothing else temporarily bringing her firepower away from those who could actually hurt her.

This mansion was likely toast. Beacon knew where it was now, thanks to Alicia, so setting up shop here wouldn’t be advantageous. This situation could go south at any point, which is why Eli stuck close with the escape-route mirror, ready for when Mariette wanted to bail.

So, Mariette was now heading for the cathedral/ritual chamber/whatever that place was called, where the battle [i]should[/i] be taking place…

[color=1462ba]‘And break any lit candles you pass! They’re a potential asset to our enemies!’[/color] … Just because.