[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Y8OSnvr.png[/img][/center]

There was a room in a cellar of a house in Penrose. Here, Mariette stood… in the midst of a brightly lit room with walls plastered with drawings for children, water-themed. There were kids having fun literally swimming with fishes, sharks not being shark-like and just looking happy hanging out with their fellow fish, random cartoonish submarines, the lot. In the midst of the underwater-themed middle of the room was a circle made for summoning, in the midst of which stood a tank filled with water. In said tank was a cartoonish animal from another world. The name unknown to Mariette, it was a yellow-blueish person-sized fish that just so happened to have the curious trait of leaving behind a rainbow of colours wherever it swam, a natural evolution to throw off predators, yet it was also supposedly interesting to look at and very colourful.

Mariette had ordered a couple of her Magical Girls to round up the materials to make this and Suzette collected the fish. Now it was simply a matter of hoping the Lesser Force she sought appreciated the gift.

[color=077ae6]‘Dan,’[/color] Mariette called, clutching Bunny as she asked. She was just supposed to call his name, correct?

Soon after calling the Lesser Force, the aquarium filled with bubbles, only to clear as Dan appeared in the water. “Wooo-wee!” He squeaked, marvelling the sights. “What a fun fish! I’ve travelled to countless seas, yet never have I seen one with such resplendent colors.”
He then climbed up and hung on to the edge of the aquarium as he looked around himself. “Not to mention all this art! It’s just like at the beach.” He noticed Mariette, and practically leaped out of the aquarium to hug the dark magical girl, splashing her with water in the process. “Mariette! So it was you who called me; color me both surprised and impressed! This is the first time someone has put this much effort into summoning me.” He floated around her. “The last girl used a can of sardines and a pineapple. But to be fair, those were some really tasty sardines. Yum! So, did you want to make a pact with me too?”

The summoning was a success, Mariette could conclude while breathing out in relief. Now, it was just a matter of- wait, hold on, is he- Mariette’s eyes (even the one under the eyepatch) widened considerably as she saw the big dolphin leap directly for her, using her last free breath to lob Bunny to safety before she was snapped up into the Lesser Force’s soaking wet hug and she seriously thought she’d die. Turned out she did not in fact die, but her dress was drenched and she had an inconvenienced expression.

[color=077ae6]‘I… wasn’t sure how much it would take,’[/color] Mariette admitted, feeling a bit silly that apparently that would have sufficed… [color=077ae6]‘A-anyway, I wanted to ask you for a question and perhaps a favour,’[/color] Mariette said, looking to him if he had anything to say before she’d go on.

Dan blinked, and realized he had turned Mariette’s clothes wet. “Whoops, sorry! I was so excited, I didn’t remember I was in an aquarium. But how to get you dry again? Oh, I know!” He summoned a giant hair dryer, but then dropped it to the floor. “No, that would mess up your beautiful hair. Or maybe-!” He then summoned a giant white towel, but dropped that as well. “Hmm...White doesn’t suit you...” It was then that he realized Mariette had asked something of him. “Oh, a favor? What did you have in mind? And you also wanted to ask something?” He continued summoning new items in a futile effort to find the perfect drying tool, and soon the floor began to clutter.

[color=077ae6]‘Indeed…’[/color] Mariette replied with a sigh as she watched Dan pull up the weirdest selection of things. She really couldn’t keep up with this guy’s pace. [color=077ae6]‘You once used magic to take us to a beach dimension. There, you used some form of power to prevent us from being able to leave said dimension. What was that power?’[/color] Mariette asked.

Dan was mid-way to pulling out another strange object when he stopped, and smiled at Mariette. “Oh, that. I possess the power to destabilize a dimension’s place in the space-time continuum, basically removing it from space as you conventionally know it,” he explained in a casual manner. “It had the unfortunate effect of disrupting the flow of time, but I managed to fix that. That’s why time skipped for you girls when you left it. Uh, sorry about that, by the way. I didn’t think it was a problem as long as you girls stayed and had fun. But now I understand the responsibility I have, and the duty to bring smiles everywhere.” The item turned out to be a portable drying cabinet, which fell with a dull thud as Dan set it aside. “Hmm...Oh, this will work, 100%!” He pointed his flipper at a wall, and zapped it with a blue bolt. Then, a door formed in the spot he cast the spell. “”Let’s go to the beach dimension! Your clothes will dry up there in no time flat! Oh, and don’t worry, I won’t force you to stay anymore. You can leave any time you want.”

[color=077ae6]‘…’[/color] What a very odd, specific power to have. For a dolphin-lesser-force focused on fun and enjoyment to have. Mariette winced when the drying cabinet appeared, and then flinched a bit as the beach dimension portal appeared. [color=077ae6]‘I-’[/color] Nonono. No displeasing the Lesser Force you’re going to make an outrageous request to. [color=077ae6]‘… Okay,’[/color] Mariette said with some hesitation, starting to head for the portal, a bit afraid of if she’d look different in there or something…

When Mariette stepped through the portal, she found herself to be in a much brighter and hotter place. The air had a faint scent of seawater from the roiling waves in the distance, and lush palm leaves shuffled in the pleasant light breeze. She had found herself back in the magical paradise that once held a group of girls prisoners. She saw that she was at the outdoor beach bar, an open-air roof providing shade from the harsh sunlight. Mariette also felt an immediate change on her person; instead of damp, cold clothes that clung to her skin, her uniform had changed to the very same swimsuit she wore during her last visit, completely devoid of moisture.

"Welcome back!" Dan cheerfully said as he appeared a couple of seconds later. "Yes, it worked! Your clothes are now dry." He squeaked happily, and sat on a stool before the counter. "Anyway, why did you wish to learn more of my powers?" A glass of juice with a straw appeared on his flipper, and he sipped on it. "Oh, you want something to drink too?"

Yupp, Mariette was afraid of this. She’d once again ended up in a [url=https://imgur.com/Jn7vOgv]swimsuit[/url], and a really exposing one at that. Still, suppose the warmth wasn’t that bad, she thought as she portalled Bunny back into her grasp. She was a bit wary of being sunburned, though. … Well, better bite it up and go sit down at that same bar as Dan had appeared. [color=077ae6]‘A juice, thank you,’[/color] Mariette said, feeling a tad defeated. In any case. What she wanted to hear about his powers for… 

A glass of pineapple juice, complete with a straw, appeared on the counter of the bar, and Dan picked it up, offering it to Mariette with impossible dexterity. "Here you go. It's on the house," he stated. "But still, I am very surprised that you of all people are interested in what I do," he stated afterwards, bouncing on his stool a bit.

[color=077ae6]‘I’d like you to seal a dimension for five minutes when I give the command, preferably while letting my portals be the only way in and out of the dimension,’[/color] Mariette stated, bluntly.

Dan's beak opened wide. "What? What dimension? Is it taken?" A big droplet of sweat formed on his brow, looking befuddled. "Uh, sorry to disappoint you, but...Uh, I can only seal away a dimension that I control, you see. Uh, why did you want it sealed?"

Ouch, there was such a requirement? Mariette frowned a little, thinking maybe she’d wasted her time. Still, let’s see what he has to say. [color=077ae6]‘My Interdimensional Home dimension. See, extremely evil vampire witch Justine von Visceral is probably going to attack me inside it. It will be a fierce battle. However, even if I win, she’ll be able to slip out through dimension-hopping as easily as, well, I can if I start to lose. In order to settle the deal, I need to create an arena where she cannot escape from…’[/color] Mariette said, and then sighed.

[color=077ae6]‘Not exactly your typical job of spreading joy and happiness, I realize. But without Justine, it would be very much easier for the people of Penrose to be happy, I can promise,’[/color] she then said, having prepared that angle that was sorta true ahead of time which sounded like one someone good-hearted might agree with.

Dan was taken aback but quickly drawn in by Mariette's tale, leaning on the counter with his flippers propped up as if they had elbows to lean on as he listened intently. "She sounds like a bad egg, that's for sure. Well, uh…" His beak scrunched up comedically as he thought hard. "I suppose I can do something if I am in the same dimension. Maybe not completely seal away, but perhaps distract them from escape? I am very talented when it comes to drawing attention to myself," he stated, only to blink. "But only because I want to make my audience smile."

Mariette definitely had to pause all manner of mental activity. Uh. The field Dan would be in would be a complete war-zone. There were no words to describe just how terribly his visage would clash against the area he’d be surrounded with. [color=077ae6]‘… How do you mean? Would this distracting still work in the midst of a battle where I’m trying to defeat her?’[/color] Mariette had to ask.

Dan also looked unsure, but he rapidly nodded in confirmation. "Sure, yeah...I think. As much as I hate violence and conflict, it's much worse to know you can't help someone in need. But I can't rest on my laurels while evil is afoot! So, I can prevent them from teleporting away and escaping. I can promise at least that much." He took Mariette's hand. "So don't be afraid. I'll be there, and you can be happy and smile again!"

This was slightly complicating the matter. Very complicated. She now had a Lesser Force that was willing to help out, but his means of helping out was… still, Mariette had to take help however she could get it. She swallowed a little and nodded, gripping the dolphin’s… grip… back where he held her hand. [color=077ae6]‘Thank you. I’m glad to have your assistance. I’m not actually sure when Justine’s attack will be, as I don’t know her schedule, but I will have a place ready to summon you at any point when the time comes,’[/color] she said instead.

Dan nodded, looking as serious as a cartoon ish dolphin could. "I understand. Please hold on to this." When Dan lifted his flippers from Mariette's hand, a seashell was left in her palm. It was aquamarine, with a shimmer that travelled across its surface like light refracted by the water's surface. "Hold this to your ear when you are in trouble, and I will come."

[color=077ae6]‘Ah,’[/color] Mariette made a noise of realization as she was given the seashell. It was… it was pretty. She heard what Dan said about it, and gave him a nod. [color=077ae6]‘I will. Thank you, again.’[/color]

Dan nodded, and took a sip from his drink. "This is all I can do right now unfortunately. If we were to form a pact, I could help you so much more. But I understand that you're happy with your current Patron, right?"

Mariette nodded slightly. [color=077ae6]‘Yes, unfortunately. You don’t leave the charge of a Horror, and I wouldn’t want to make Asengav enraged at you. I’m not sure you’d survive that,’[/color] she then said, unknowing of that her mind-bending made her unable to even consider the option. [color=077ae6]‘Are there girls that have made such a pact with you?’[/color] she then asked, sorta curious.

Dan seemed to tense up as Mariette mentioned working for a Horror. Even though it lessened as the dark magical girl changed the subject, she could still sense unease from the dolphin. “Yeah, of course. In exchange for bringing happiness and smiles to others, they get to visit this place any time they want to. And for fighting against bad guys, they can channel the ancient wisdom of Keijo masters, kicking butt with butts.” He squeaked a bit after that. “If you’re ever interested, I can form a pact with you, and you too can get to join the fun.”

Oh, he didn’t know? Hm, he could grow used to the idea. Though, what he said next was at least… mildly amusing. Not that Mariette would have much use of it. [color=077ae6]‘Hm,’[/color] she made a noise with the mildest of smiles. [color=077ae6]‘If I ever find myself in a situation where I can consider it, I just might,’[/color] she made a noncommittal answer that still hinted at maybe with no real intention of following it up.

“Uh, sure.” A big sweat drop formed on the Lesser force’s brow. “So, want another drink? We also got other flavors like strawberry and blueberry.”

[color=077ae6]‘I’ll take some strawberry, thank you,’[/color] Mariette said, letting it get poured up before sipping some. Yeah, it was a really sweet taste, nothing that Asengav ever procured for her. [color=077ae6]‘Would these girls be interested in helping fend off an evil vampire, as well?’[/color] Mariette asked, just in case.

Dan blinked, but then put a flipper to his chin. "Would they?" He rubbed his chin. "Wait, does that matter if I want them to help? Yeah, they can help. Let's work together to defeat this vampire. Then we can save so many smiles!" He sipped on his drink. "This is good timing as well, since I plan on hosting a welcoming party to our newest member. I can give them the assignment there without much hassle."

[color=077ae6]‘Indeed, we can,’[/color] Mariette made herself give a first of those smiles they’d save as she lifted her drink to him. [color=077ae6]‘I look forward to working together, then. I’ll have trapped my mansion to help defeat the attackers, but I will guide everyone so we use them against our foes rather than get caught in them ourselves. I’ll get the keys to enter my mansion safely ready, how many do you need? I’ve also established a partnership with Vermillion Veronica for this mission, who has offered to equip my girls in exchange for… something, perhaps. Now, Veronica is apparently also a vampire, but a way more agreeable than Justine, that’s for sure. I could send your girls along to get equipped with artifacts, too?’[/color] Mariette suggested.

Dan's eyes sparkled, and he squeaked from joy. "Ah, the pure smile of a magical girl. There is nothing better in this world." He listened to the explanation silently, and then nodded at her statement about the keys. "Four,” he answered. “I’d like to have one for myself, and three for my Smiling Sisters." He gasped at the mention of the other vampire, but sighed in relief at Mariette's assurance. "Ooh, you have artifacts. The girls love artifacts! Please do!"

Looked like smiling worked. The dolphin’s carrots were easy to give, if a little embarrassing. [color=077ae6]‘Good. I’ll need a means to get into contact with them, then, unless I should be using the shell for it,’[/color] Mariette said, about the equipping the girls with items.

Dan nodded. “The shell will call them too, so no need to worry about that. Once they arrive they can then be equipped and so on. If you want to, you can do so in advance, and I can return them back here.”

Mariette nodded. [color=077ae6]‘Aside from that, there’s a matter of…’[/color] she was then about to say, when she turned around to look at where she’d come from because…

[color=57a345]‘Er, hi, mistress!’[/color] Eli called from the other side of the portal. She wasn’t alone. [color=57a345]‘Since, uh, the rest of the troops have been sorta exhausting themselves preparing for the attack, they were wondering-’[/color]

[color=9c87c9]‘Could we have a slight, brief, actual, voluntary vacation in the beach dimension?’[/color] Victoria asked, somewhat eager. Also there was Mayra marvelling in amazement over how sticking her arm through the portal made it turn from dragon to human, an inconvenienced Taihei who’d been made to take a break by Josefin who’d made sure she got here, Tullia looking a bit nervous about being chewed out for being here behind Victoria, Jelena here with a handheld gaming device ready, Freya looking a bit embarrassed to have been dragged along and then Ronja and Suzette behind them looking just mostly amused at the crowd. Oh, and Esther, standing like a tree behind them for some reason.

Mariette looked at them, sighed a little, and then turned to Dan. [color=077ae6]‘… Would you allow my girls a brief vacation here?’[/color]

Dan was silent, his jaw having dropped to the ground upon seeing the crowd of girls on the other side of the portal. “Of course, of course! Come one, come all!” He bounced over to the portal, and using magic lifted the portal with his flippers as if it was a giant plate.
“No need to be shy, just jump in!” He said, and angled the portal downwards, causing the girls on the other side to fall as if the gravity at their side had turned sideways towards the portal. However, instead of falling down into the beach dimension, they found themselves sliding on a blue waterslide that extended from the bottom of the portal, sending them out of the juice bar and onto the hot dunes of the beach. Mariette also saw that much like what happened with her and Mayra experimented, their outfits turned into swimsuits upon passing through, some of them assuming more humanoid forms to accommodate them.
“Welcome back, everyone!” Dan floated up to them. “Let me know if you have any questions, and have fun!”

There were some cries of excitement (Mayra, Victoria, Jelena), slight distress (Tullia) and amazement (Eli, Josefin), those holding it in (Freya, Taihei, Esther…?) and those just laughing (Suzette) or giggling (Ronja) about it as Dan had them slide down the waterslide and to the beach. They were immediately put into their various swimsuits again,

[hider=SWIMSUUUIIITS…!][center]Eli
[url=https://i.imgur.com/5qkzALc.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/yoRC7Fx.png[/img][/url]

Mayra
[url=https://i.imgur.com/wYcB1yb.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/dR1VaAx.png[/img][/url]

Jelena
[url=https://i.imgur.com/Hzh37Gf.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/utDNsEt.png[/img][/url]

Victoria
[url=https://i.imgur.com/cvXOTLu.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/D4VMFJc.png[/img][/url]

Tullia
[url=https://i.imgur.com/DiEh1Eg.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/WH3BXEM.png[/img][/url]

Freya
[url=https://i.imgur.com/MqQSqwI.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/Oej6wyQ.png[/img][/url]

Josefin
[url=https://i.imgur.com/kCbjCky.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/q6HfkHY.png[/img][/url]

Taihei
[url=https://i.imgur.com/L5hmJYW.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/7rlxQCD.png[/img][/url]

Suzette
[url=https://i.imgur.com/9tdS6Xs.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/MStau8Y.png[/img][/url]

Ronja
[url=https://i.imgur.com/UNpaXai.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/dBQUc1y.png[/img][/url]

Esther
[url=https://i.imgur.com/H6qtbCJ.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/6NmBsbQ.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider] 

before they were finally deposited on the beach. It took a while as they were readjusting to being back on the beach, but eventually numerous of them started playing off in the water again (Victoria, Tullia, Suzette, Esther pulled along), some started looking after the sports equipment to start doing sports (Mayra, Jelena, Eli, Freya), others were simply chilling about, relaxing during the break in the sand (Taihei, making an advanced sandcastle with Josefin looking on happily, before they both suddenly had to stand in defense of the sandcastle as Taihei’s bad luck assaulted it with waves, crabs, meteors and stray volleyballs… and then Ronja, casually weaving on the side), but otherwise simply having fun.

Mariette thanked Dan for allowing her girls to relax here, and then simply took it easy at the bar for a bit. Even a horror-girl could use a break, you know.