[center][h1]Umukamui &[/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/JyqXhSX.png[/img]
[@BrokenPromise][/center]

The machinations never ceased. If one had to work a semblance of organization, places must be reached. People must be met. Compunctions must be cast aside. Take nothing for granted, and only stick to the necessary in a deal. Those were strict terms the puchuu Umukamui had gone through in his everlasting mission, and that was not going to change now. Meeting diametrically opposed factions was always par to the course, so after Mint, the rivals of the Mint were a second choice. Beacon, he had already made a deal with. But this Crimson Cradle had begun to reach his ears recently.

Well, it was nice to know and establish a working relationship with every notable faction who wasn’t hell bent in breaking cosmic laws, was it not? Umukamui pondered, and scoured the media for a meeting chance. 

The puchuu had an inkling this one was sick of seeing the usual puchuu cute self, so she switched to her increasingly being used as of late female form, waiting for a chance to meet.

Umukamui was given a simple text message telling her/him/it to wait in a specific location.

It was nothing special. A run down mall with every window inside broken and item looted. It was impossible to tell if rough times had caused humans to plunder the mall, or if monsters had simply set upon the place. It didn’t look safe to inhabit, but all Umukamui had to do was stand in front of it. That was what the instructions said to do. Veronica would never come though. Yet…

[color=#bd71e8][i]”You called?”[/i][/color] The cradle mother’s voice rang out in Umu’s head. [color=#bd71e8][i]”This is Veronica. You requested to speak with me?”[/i][/color]

Umukamui tilted his head and then answered. "Sorry, I do not deal in psychic connections unless it is a trusted source. Policy." She said, before completely shunting Veronica out of the creature's mind. "I do request all my meetings to be in person, or through a proxy. Even the Mint  and Beacon have more class."

A shrine maiden in black scoffed as she wandered past the dilapidated mall. [color=tomato]”Yea, well, maybe if you had written that shit somewhere you wouldn’t have to worry about psychic connections? ”[/color] She pulled an apple out of her robes. [color=tomato]”Even if a magical girl is a mind reader that doesn’t mean her patron is, Sheesh!”[/color] She bit into her apple and munched until the sound and sight of her chewing faded from view.

Umukamui would have to wait a bit longer for anyone else to show up. Several minutes ticked by without any contact. They would consider leaving when the next entity to visit the mall showed up.

It was a [url=https://i.imgur.com/iG1OGet.png]small white creature[/url] with red stripes on its back. It had the body of a fox, with long, slender ears. The creature’s tail was curled up, and the white and red colors made it look like a spiral.  

[color=#bd71e8]”Beacon and Mint are multi-dimensional organizations that have the manpower to entertain all prospective partners.”[/color] Its voice was the one that Umu heard in their head. This was Veronica, somehow. [color=#bd71e8]”Cradle’s agents number less than ten, and operate solely in and around Penrose. You should temper your expectations accordingly, as I wouldn’t get anything done if I personally showed up whenever I was summoned.”[/color] The creature sat down and started to clean its paw. [color=#bd71e8]”So far you’ve been prickly, difficult, and have made dealings with two organizations that not only am I hostile towards, but are hostile towards each other.”[/color] Veronica used her wet paw to groom her ears. [color=#bd71e8]”I can’t say I’m all that impressed, but let’s hear your pitch.”[/color]

"My agents number less than yours, and I personally try to meet each potential candidate. It's not a matter of expectations. It's a matter of being polite." Umukamui said, as he shifted back to his base form, tilting his head. " You don't know half of it. As you might have guessed, I have been doing this for a while." He pondered. "Still, I did not betray my own organizations. Going back on deals is usually reputation damage. Reputation damage means less business. Others can complain about your choice of clients, but as long as you keep it professional, there is hardly a reason not to." The small furry creature then began to groom himself once again.

Veronica set her paw down and stared at the other creature. [color=#bd71e8]”Surely you didn’t call me out here just to talk about etiquette?”[/color]

"I have a safe pass for my agents. Negotiated with the Beckoners in person. I never did specify how many of those are… nor they asked. The whole left hand and right hand speech. Thing is, Colonel Cuddles is the one who is a stickler. Others are not as… much. I overheard some… friendly fire issues have popped up between your organization, who is not as deeply rooted… and the big boys in Penrose." He then paused. "Starting your own thing is rough indeed. However, here is the catch. I am currently trying to get enough manpower to get momentum. You need less knives on your back."

"These zealot types like to adhere to their own rules more than self pandering, so they will be reluctant to go back on a deal easily. Just make believe that your agents work for me, and I will back you up. In exchange for me twisting facts, you support my endeavours." 

[color=#bd71e8]”An interesting offer, but not one I can agree to as it is presented.”[/color] Her tail wagged side to side, still pulled into a tight spiral. [color=#bd71e8]”I spoke with Paladin Alicia, and she did not think Beacon would stop trying to attack my agents. I will not support another organization on mere promises of a ceasefire. They will be made to sign a contract of my making, or you will.”[/color] A red contract was pushed out of a shadow, which landed beside the white and red creature. [color=#bd71e8]”Furthermore, you will tell me of these endeavors that we are expected to assist with.”[/color]

"So you want to get a way to avoid plausible deniability. This will need some work, but I can certainly accommodate. As long as it does not interfere with my current assignments."Umukamui said, without making an effort to sign the contract. "Joint strikes, red coins and babysitting." The puchuu said as he wagged his tail."How peculiar. You act with contracts still, even if you were the one who breached an agreement with Mint."

[color=#bd71e8]”If I signed a contract, maybe I would still be working for them.”[/color] Veronica stood up and walked closer to the puchuu. [color=#bd71e8]” I’m not sure ‘plausible deniability’ is what I’m seeking. I just want more than lip service for my agent’s safety. If you say you can do something for me, you or Beacon should pay the price for going back on their promise.”[/color] When the fox was in front of Umu, it sat down again. [color=#bd71e8]”Red coins are going to be difficult to acquire, as beacon and the late Cindy had the monopoly on them last time I checked. Babysitting and joint assaults can be managed if I know what your end goal is. Cradle is not a mercenary organization. We fight for a worthy cause.”[/color]

"Don't we all? Beacon thinks itself worthy. Hell, even the Mint in their twisted beliefs think that debt is the moral superiority. Doesn't really matter if you are targeted, like my organization used to be." Umukamui said. "Probably you never heard of Libra. Keep the balance and things going on, yadda yadda." The small furry creature then leant on. "Allies are precious resources… and also situational. You can only force one's hand so much."

Veronica’s tiny eyes glowed a bright crimson. [color=#bd71e8]”No ‘yadda yadda,’ what type of balance are you trying to maintain? I cannot agree to work with someone long term unless I understand their primary objective. The balance between Mint and Beacon? The balance between monster and humanity? The balance between divine and mortal? Hope and despair? Truth and lies? Madness and bravery? Love and hate? ”[/color]

“Creation and Destruction. Stars explode and collapse, and upon the debris, newer stars ignite. Life feasts on death. I seek to preserve such. Some things, particularly horrors, are good at disrupting it. And keeping also all those things in check could certainly help.” Umukamui answered. “Betterment of mankind? That’s rubbish, more like enslaving gullible fools. The greater good? It’s an intoxicating drug. Being evil for giggles? Bound to bite you back hard.” The puchuu answered.

“What it matters in the end is, are your actions preserving this universe, or accelerating their destruction? If it’s the latter, you’re my enemy. Plain and simple.” 

[color=#bd71e8]”Hmmmm…”[/color] The glow in Veronica’s eyes dimmed. [color=#bd71e8]”Balance is difficult to maintain, as well as subjective. It may be possible for us to collaborate, however.”[/color] the creature squinted it’s eyes. [color=#bd71e8]”For the time being, we will claim to work for you. Just know that at present this is in word only, and we will not [i]actually[/i] be working with you until you can deliver on your promise.”[/color] It squint its eyes further. [color=#bd71e8]”At which point we will forge a contract that will satisfy both parties. Do know that I will not have my agents blindly assist with every scheme you dream up.”[/color] Veronica opened her eyes again. [color=#bd71e8]”If that is acceptable, then we may work together in the future.”[/color]

"Trial period, it is. However I will require a bit more for me taking the Beacon out of your heads. Beneficence work does not suit me, either. You shall assist me with information, or puntual help. And the moment I find you abuse the terms of this, the deal is off. Trial period works both ways."

[color=#bd71e8]”Negative, you have provided me with [i]nothing[/i] so far. I am only willing to cooperate if it assists with the signing of the contract.”[/color] The creature looked up in the air. [color=#bd71e8]”On second thought, you claim to be an expert. I’ll give you a week to talk to Beacon. During which any special requests you make will go through a trusted colleague. They are free to veto anything you put forward, but should accept if it assists with forging the contract. At the end of the week, we will see what happens.”[/color] Veronica lowered her gaze onto Umu. [color=#bd71e8]”These are my terms.”[/color]

"Hmm, why did the Mint lose you I wonder. Clearly you keep those eye gouging habits from them." Umukamui said, swishing his tail. "Ah well." He said as he took Veronica's contract, and returned it to her. "It was a tempting deal, but so far, not so different from others. " The puchuu began to walk away. "Thank you for your time, and I wish you luck in future endeavours. There are more amenable groups I can work with in the present. Just remember that I am willing to talk a deal anytime."

"Don't let your desires to take over you, just a friendly advice. You want to control everything and everyone. Trust me when I say this: It simply does not happen." 

[color=#bd71e8]”Says the one who wanted to command my agents.”[/color] The white creature’s shadow turned into a talon and closed around itself. Then it sunk into the ground and dissipated.

[hr]
[center][h1]Dina Denisova
&
Dan[/h1]

[@Ariamis][/center]
Dina Denisova was a woman of many concerns and few allies. Getting onto her feet on Penrose was proving harder than anticipated. Here and there, the ravages of war had sown deep mistrust among collectives, and advances were slow.

Perhaps too slow for her liking. Sure, the machine girl had been amenable enough… after flat out demanding proof. The dragon thralls running the hotel were even more reserved than she had initially thought. There was so much one could do with talking. However, she did not give up, and instead took a different path.

She had heard of a certain patron with amenable characteristics. It also happened to have a private dimension, always a plus. She looked at the shopping bag. Mackerel. A favorite of cats… and dolphins. Making way towards one of Penrose alleys, she looked back and forth, securing the spot for her privacy. This was going to be awkward.

First, the mackerel. Then some pineapple, because why not. Beaches. Pineapple cocktails went hand in hand. And last, a couple of drops of blue blood, such as herself. Blood sacrifices were a must when summoning beings right?

“Oh, come forth, Dan, master of the Everholiday Lands.”

...That sounded horrible.

At first, it seemed as if the summoning ritual had failed, the pineapple looking quite sad on the cold ground. But then, Dina saw how the pineapple seemed to sink into the concrete, and disappeared. Then, a pineapple plant rose from the ground, spreading it's lush green leaves, in full bloom. But instead of a pineapple, a tiny blue dolphin wearing an equally tiny ushanka and wool vest appeared. "Mackerels! Yummy!" He squeaked, and hopped down to pick up the can. Dina would immediately realize she was now witness to a Lesser Force, as the magical being opened the can and ate the contents with dexterity impossible for his fins. "Mmm...These sardines were great!" It was then that he noticed the blood. "Yikes! Are you hurt?" He asked.

Dina stood with a blank stare. While she was thankful her summon had been promptly summoned, the whole situation seemed a bit underwhelming… and bizarre to boot. “Not really.” She said, licking the finger of the cut and closing the wound, while still staring at this… Dolphin. Ushanka, really? That was unexpected. 

"Phew, I'm glad. This city has enough blood on the streets," Dan replied. "Anyway, greetings!" He waved his little fin as he floated up to eye level with Dina. "Do you wish to make a pact with me? That is usually the reason why magical girls would summon me."

“That was the intention, yes…” Dina said omitting the second part. [i]Until I saw YOU[/i]. “I hope I got the right Dan. Lesser forces being subtle, it’s hard to know.”

"Yep yep, it's me! Dan the Dolphin is my name!" He leaped like a dolphin out of water with a sprinkle of glitter in her wake. "And boundless joy is my game! I wish to spread happiness and fun to this world. But there are evil forces who'd rather want violence and suffering. As my chosen one, your mission would be to fight against bad guys like that, and to give joy and hope to the sad and depressed. In return, I can give you plenty of benefits, like access to my beach dimension! That place is the perfect spot for a summer vacation, any time of the year! I can also imbue you with training in a martial art famous in the magical world, without practicing even once. Sounds good, right?"

Dina raised an eyebrow. Vacation resort? That did seem a bit tempting, despite the lesser force looking like a total idiot. Then again, she did need the help.  Swallowing pride was the hard part, for someone high born as her. “I’m all for non-violence. Really.” Dina said, trying to focus hard on the benefits. His reply had been immediate, the benefits he was offering were sort of… acceptable. If only because the entire beach dimension. Lots of idle time for a social butterfly like her.

“It does seem good. What is the catch, though?”

"Well, uh…" Dan fidgeted a bit. "Joy is my essence. Or rather, I need it; I grow weak if I can't have some of that smiley sunshine, and the powers I grant would fade too. Not that much is required of your happiness, mind you; as long as you keep making people happy once a week or so, that would be more than enough. I also like attention, so I might pop in for a visit once in a while. Would you be fine with these conditions?"

Dina tilted her head. [i]Likes attention huh. Well, at least he’s not asking for other things[/i]. “I’m inclined to agree. It should not be that difficult given how my mere presence seems to soothe people sometimes.” She purred.  

Dan squeaked with excitement. "Wonderful! Then, the pact is sealed with a shake of the fin." He extended his tiny fin forward. "And then the magical bond is formed between us."

Dina looked at the flipper. Then at Dan. Then at the flipper. [i]I seriously hope this is not a poor decision, like making a contract with a puchuu. Or coming back to Cindy and finding her dead.[/i] She thought as she carefully stretched her hand, her ears twitching and tail upright in an alert stance, and gave Dan the handshake.

When Dina touched Dan's fin, she first felt how gently warm it was, like the pleasant feel you'd have stepping on sand heated by the sun. Then, that warmth spread through her arm, and enveloped her in it. She floated slightly off the ground as the magic sparkled around her, infusing her with new power. By the time she returned back to the ground, Dan was clapping his fins together like a circus seal. "Wonderful! Welcome to the team, Dina. I'll introduce you later to your fellow companions. But for now, let's celebrate!" Dan pointed his wing at the end of the alley, and shot a blue bolt of magic. Upon hitting the wall, a door appeared with a poof. "See, isn't that amaz-eh?" Dan noticed that Dina was still reeling from making the pact.

“I feel… uh…” Dina blinked…”Is that the ancient martial art!?” She jittered, startled and dropped to her knees, hugging herself, the hairs on her tail standing up, as well as her ears curled against her head. “It’s so crass! And filthy!” She added.

Dan's beak opened comically. "Oh, no! Not at all!" A big sweat drop formed on the side of his head as he floated around her. "Keijo is a pure martial art, with a long tradition and annual tournaments. The knowledge and wisdom of the masters of the art will not only enhance your fighting ability, your magical control is also heightened. It's a wonderful gift, you'll see!"

Dina looked with a blank stare.”...let’s go to that place… and not mention this again.” She affirmed, trying to get her bearings.

The tiny dolphin nodded repeatedly. "I promise you'll love the place." He led the way forward, and opened the doors.
Dina first noticed the hot temperature of the new world she had stepped into; compared to the bitter cold of Penrose, it was like a sweltering heat. Then, Dina smelled the salt in the air, coming from the ocean that stretched through the horizon beyond the sandy beach she currently stood on. But when she looked down, she noticed she didn't wear her shoes, but instead slippers. In fact, she realized she was much lighter in apparel than before; her magical uniform had transformed into a bikini.

Dina’s ears twitched slightly, as she felt the warmth soothe her to a degree, as well as the gentle breeze. It seemed to blow around her, comforting her… and tickling her bare skin. That was a lot of bare skin.

[hider=Dina][img]https://safebooru.org//images/2788/27418ae373b6107669aa5931fcc3a4f5434ca4bd.png?2903705[/img][/hider]

Dina’s eyes snapped wide and looked at how her clothes had changed. Her eyes narrowed like pinpricks. “This is -your- idea of a dress code, my lord?” She asked, her tail swishing in annoyance.

"Of course!" Dan answered; he now wore a straw hat and sunglasses. "Swimsuits are perfect for a fun day at the beach. They don't get sweaty and damp like normal clothes, and offer freedom of movement for all kinds of sports and activities, not to mention a killer tan!" He landed on the sand like a bouncy ball. “I think you’d like to take some time sunbathing. Let me help with that.” He clapped his fins together, creating some sparkles. Then, Dina heard a faint sound from above, and saw that a parasol floated down, much like certain types of flowers. As it embedded into the sand, a beach chair dropped down from under the parasol’s hood, complete with a little glass of icy water. “Anything else you’d like?” He asked.

"This appeases me." Dina said sincerely as she took a seat like the graceful lady she was, drinking some iced water as she purred softly. "This should do for the time being, even though I am more of a court lady. You shall not find a vassal like me easily, and I hope that my performance shall be rewarded in kind." Dina said, as she looked past Dan. "I do wonder… will this work over here?" She pondered, as she used her gift over beasts to try and summon a mermaid.

Dan squeaked with joy. "With your charismatic presence, you'll bring lots of smiles to everyone's faces. And as the saying goes, a good deed goes a long way." He waddled over to Dina using his tail, and blinked as Dina cast a spell.

Dina felt as her magical call swam through the sea, and dove further down. Soon, the surface of the water burst, and a [url=https://img2.gelbooru.com/images/36/6f/366f6c95c929aeadd25d9dffefa5e911.jpg]cute mermaid girl[/url] hopped out on the beach. She had webbed hands and a set of fins on her hips, as well as a long tail that flopped behind her. Her human half wore what looked like a modified maid uniform, complete with a skirt and black bikini top.
"Ooh...Who had called me from the depths?" She asked, lifting herself up from the sand by her hands. She noticed Dina, and began to move towards her with slow hops. "Oh, you called a mermaid!" Dan exclaimed. "I didn't know anyone could do that. But uh...They're not that suited for land," he then added, as the mermaid had still not managed to reach the two.

"I am a bit of a special case, being born of blue blood, I can limit myself not to mere beasts, but mythical beings actually heed my call." Dina said as a few barriers created a makeshift saltwater bath for the mermaid, coupled with a darkened barrier to shelter her from the sun. "Would you be so kind to sing for us?" She asked.

"Wow, that's a lot of talent!" Dan reacted. "I sure am happy that you joined my merry crew!" The mermaid visibly sweated and looked uncomfortable trudging closer, until Dina provided comfort; with barriers providing both shade and water, the mermaid was re-energized, and swam up to Dina with her fingers clasped together. "Oh, thank you, Mistress! I always longed to be on land, and you have given me the opportunity to do so without drying up." She nodded with a smile to Dina's request. "I would love to." Then, a beautiful melody drifted through the air, surrounding Dina like the gentle waves of the sea. She sang of being part of Dina's world and other songs that definitely didn't break copyright laws. Dan also joined in; he summoned a little trumpet and provided background music for the singing. "Do you know any songs, Dina? I'd like to hear you sing too."

"Only Russian ones. And not very suitable for this environment." said Dina, her ears somewhat downcast at Dan's voice mucking up the mermaid's song.

"Well, it's all up to personal taste," Dan said. He stopped playing music after he felt the catgirl's disapproving stare, soon followed by the mermaid as she held a hand up to her chest. "Aah, it has been ages since I've sung to an audience. Thank you so much, Mistress."

Dina looked at the mermaid. "It's been a delight, I assure you." She paused. " You may keep singing if you wish or return at your leisure." She eyed Dan. "Well, at least this place does have perks."

"Yes! I knew you'd get into the spirit of it," Dan responded. "You can open a portal here after ten seconds of concentration, so you can come visit me and relax at any time."
The mermaid shook her head. "No, I can stay here since you so graciously offered me this bath. But unfortunately I don't know any Russian songs. Could you teach me?"
Dina looked at the mermaid. “Well, since you’ve answered my summons, I suppose… I can oblige.” She cleared her throat and…

[hider][Youtube=7Th8eEBMYmw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Th8eEBMYmw[/youtube][/hider]

The mermaid quietly listened, her tail whirling the water around her as she seemed entranced.
Dan also stopped bouncing around, and hopped on the mermaid's head.
When the song was over, both of them clapped their hands. "Encore! Encore!" Dan cheered, while the mermaid began to shed tears. "So beautiful...Your voice is like the current of the deep; it pulls you in."

Dina tilted her head. “I’ve had some practice.” She said, fussed about the effort as she drank the drink, while licking a couple of water drops that had fallen on her forearm. She then curled her mouth upwards in a grin. "Well if you wish for me to sing more, I'd need something better to moisten my throat. And food."

"Of course, of course! What'll it be?" Dan said, and transformed his appearance to resemble a tiny dolphin waiter, complete with a black suit and a curly moustache. He held a regular tray with a dome cover above his head. "Ice cream? Sandwiches? Cheese hamburger?" As he listed each choice, the dome cover magically lifted up and revealed the choice of food each time before lowering. The mermaid merely looked on with a baffled expression.

"Roasted dolphin." Dina said. "I heard it's delicious. Failing that, tuna."

At the command, Dan nodded, and a red apple appeared in his mouth. "Okay, roasted dolphin, coming right u-WHAAH!" Dan was taken aback in comedic fashion, and turned even more blue than normally. The tray stopped midair, and he spat the apple out, causing it to splash in the water and turn into a giant apple. "I seriously hope you're joking, Dina. Dolphin doesn't taste that good, you see," he quickly added with a droplet of sweat on his brow. The tray returned to balance on his fin, and the dome cover lifted, revealing a plate of gourmet tuna. The tray lowered into a table that was also summoned, complete with a white tablecloth. "So let's go with tuna. Would you like some wine with your tuna?" A round glass filled with red wine appeared next to the plate, alongside eating utensils and a wooden chair.

Dina's nose twitched, as her tail reacted upwards, a soft purring sound could be heard. "That would be … great." Dina said, visibly struggling between her cat impulses and ladylike demeanour. She sat beside the table and began eating in earnest.

Dan looked pleased, and proceeded to bounce on the mermaid's head like a squishy toy. "Isn't it really fun here, Dina? You can stay as long as you want, and-Wah!" He then stumbled, and ended up falling right in the mermaid's cleavage, causing her to yelp lightly from the sensation.
Only his head could be seen poking out. "Oh no...Not this again."

Dina looked at the dolphin's antics, narrowing her eyes. "Yes, really fun. But I suppose there are places to see and people to meet too." She focused as she snatched the little dolphin from the poor mermaid's assets with catlike elegance and then she eyed the creature she just summoned. "You may leave, apologies for his behaviour." She indicated.

The mermaid didn't seem that disturbed by the Lesser Force's mishap, though she seemed a bit embarrassed "No, I should apologize. I didn't pay attention to Lord Dan." She then gave a light smile. "I suppose my sisters are wondering where I am, so I should return to them. Thank you once more for letting me share in your world, even if for a moment." She waved goodbye, and swam back to the sea.
Dan was relieved to be released from his prison, and nodded when Dina expressed the duties she had. "Yeah, it's fine. But promise that you'll come visit once in a while, okay?" Dan asked, and created a portal back home to Penrose. "Also, I'll let your companions know that you've joined us. Goodbye!" He waved his flipper enthusiastically..

Dina looked at the small creature. Quirky as he was, he would be his boss from now on, so she performed a curtsy as a farewell greeting and returned back into the world.

She had hoped the perp actually did change back her clothes.