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[center][h3]Also featuring a small appearance by[/h3][/center]
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After MDP and Amanda had gone to help the Sanctuary, Connie, Gaia, and Mayra had set out to build some sandcastles. Connie and Gaia had just finished their castle when Mayra (who had left to find building materials for a secret construction project) returned, carrying a wooden catapult in one hand and bag full of small stones in the other. With a cheerful shout of [color=fc6828]“AND NOW THE CASTLES ARE AT WAR!”[/color] she promptly used her siege engine to lob a few of the stones at Connie and Gaia’s castle. The barrage ended up overshooting its target, but one of the stones still succeeded in smashing apart the top of the castle’s tower. 

[color=fc6828]“The king of Castle C is jealous of Castle B having a taller tower and has catapults attacking! How will the king of Castle B respond!?”[/color] Mayra asked, looking expectantly at her two friends. 

As it looked like she’d be very disappointed if they didn't play along, Gaia decided to indulge the playful dragon girl.

[color=SpringGreen]“It would seem your royal engineers need to work on the accuracy of their siege engines,”[/color] the verdant magical girl observed with a teasing smirk. [color=SpringGreen]“Thankfully [i]we[/i] have no need to employ such crude contraptions.”[/color] she added as, with a wave of her hand, a quartet of vine tendrils sprouted from the ground around her castle. Picking up the stones Mayra had launched, they wasted no time in firing them back, causing significant damage to Mayra’s castle in the process. [color=SpringGreen]“Our king’s consort happens to be a nature sorceress, and she is fully capable of defending her home from jealous neighbors.”[/color]

By the time Amanda and MDP returned with a new friend in tow, the battle had reached a stalemate, and both sides were happy to see that reinforcements had arrived. After MDP introduced Melisa to the group, the six girls split into teams and got to work building a pair of even larger sand castles (which also went to war upon completion). This was followed by volley ball, before moving on to some water sports (no deep water stuff, like diving or snorkeling, though, since, as Mayra herself put it, [color=fc6828]"Fire dragon and water doesn't mix"[/color]). Connie decided to sit out on these, seeing as how she didn’t know how to swim. Thankfully, Melisa (who couldn't swim either, what with her metal body and all) was kind enough to keep her company, especially after the timid girl had said she was feeling tired and wanted to take a nap.

Casting a spell on the exhausted girl to ensure she had only the sweetest of dreams, MDP left Connie and Melisa on a comfy beach chair and went off to play with the other girls. Much fun was had, but eventually, Amanda said she had to get going, with Mayra also having to depart soon after, due to her other allies leaving the dimension. Now only Gaia remained, but that did nothing to dampen MDP’s bubbly spirits as the two of them walked side by side along the beach. Indeed, as the graceful Daughter of Mother Earth glided serenely across the sands, the playful Princess of Dreams splashed around in the surf, giggling happily as she kicked the water up with her feet.

[color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess just wuvs this placey wacey sooo much~! (giggle!)”[/color] the whimsical magical girl announced as she did a few somersaults, before jumping into the air with her arms raised high. [color=DeepPink]“Like, if she could, she’d stay heresie weresie for ever and ever and [i]ever,[/i] but she’s got lots and lots of super duper boring work to do tomorrow worrow, so she thinks she should probably wobably go back home nowie…”[/color] she added, looking rather dejected. [color=DeepPink]“Oh~! But, like, she just remember wembered she had something super duper important wortant to ask you~!”[/color] the energetic girl exclaimed as she turned her full attention to Gaia. [color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess’s daddy waddy got really super duper sicky wicky right before that big ravey wavey thingie wingie, and some kinda winda shady wady people weple told her that it was because of a magical wagical cursey worsey, or hexy wexy, or something womething like that, so, like, you weren’t responsible wonsible for that, were you, Gaia Waia?”[/color] she asked in a pleading manner as her eyes began to tear up. [color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess really super duper hopes not, but, like, she just wanted to make sure, cause, like, even though Daddy Waddy’s a lot better nowie, it’s kinda winda a mystery wistery how it happen wappened in the first placey wacey, and, like, Magical Dream Princess had just been given wiven a way to stop Connie Wonnie’s nightmare wightmares from bothering wothering Daddy Waddy, and then [i]that[/i] happen wappened, and Magical Dream Princess got sooo super duper scared, and…”[/color] the poor girl paused in her agitated rambling to catch a breath, tears streaming down her face. [color=DeepPink]“I-I j-just wuv Daddy Waddy sooo much…”[/color] she sobbed.

Gaia was understandably shocked by this sudden change in her whimsical companion’s demeanor, but she didn’t let that keep her from offering what comfort she could. Wrapping the crying girl up in a big hug, Gaia patted her head gently, while whispering in a soothing voice, [color=SpringGreen]“That’s it, just let it all out. Your father is very fortunate to have someone as caring as you for a daughter,”[/color] she added with a warm smile.

Nuzzling her head against Gaia’s ample chest, MDP returned the hug, before wiping her eyes with some of the verdant magical girl’s voluminous hair. 

[color=SpringGreen]“Are you feeling better now, Your Highness?”[/color] Gaia asked.

[color=DeepPink]“Uh huh,”[/color] MDP nodded, her smile slowly returning. [color=DeepPink]“Thankie wankies for the huggy wuggy, Gaia Waia~”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“It was my pleasure,”[/color] Gaia replied. [color=SpringGreen]“I am just glad to see that you are back to your usual cheerful self. And to answer your question,”[/color] she added, while placing both hands upon MDP’s shoulders and looking her squarely in the eyes. [color=SpringGreen]“You have my word, as the Daughter of Mother Earth, that neither I, nor Connie, had anything to do with what has happened to your father.”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Like, that makes Magical Dream Princess soooo happy wappy~! (giggle!)”[/color] MDP cheered. [color=DeepPink]“But, like, now she has to find out who was [i]really[/i] responsible wonsible…”[/color] she added, her joyful demeanor changing to one of worried uncertainty.

[color=SpringGreen]“I would be only too happy to assist you, if you would like,”[/color] Gaia offered. 

[color=DeepPink]“You would~?!”[/color] MDP asked, her expression dramatically brightening. [color=DeepPink]“Golly wolly~! Magical Dream Princess would like that lots and lots~!”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“Very well,”[/color] Gaia noted with a serene nod. [color=SpringGreen]“In that case, we can start right now. Would you be up to answering a few questions? I know your memory isn’t the greatest when you’re in this form, and, considering your desire to preserve your true identity, I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to change back to your normal self in such an open location as this.”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“You’re probably wobably right about that…”[/color] MDP conceded. [color=DeepPink]“But Magical Dream Princess will, like, totally wotally do her best~!”[/color] the energetic magical girl added, here eyes filled with a look of determination. [color=DeepPink]“Like, she can actually wactually remember wember important wortant stuffy wuffy if she thinks really super duper hard about it~!”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“All right, my first question concerns the people who told you that your father had been cursed. Who were they, and why did they think what happened to your father was the work of a curse?”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“They were, like, a business wisness that dealie wealies in magical wagical stuffy wuffy~”[/color] MDP explained. [color=DeepPink]“They were kinda winda shady wady, too~ They first met with Magical Dream Princess back before she became Magical Dream Princess, when she was looking for whoever wever was giving Daddy Waddy all those horrible worrible nightmare whightmares, and they told her that they could helpy welpy, so she signed a contract wontract thingie, and they eventually wentually told Magical Dream Princess about you and Connie Wonnie~! Oh~! And, like, before that, they, like, gave Magical Dream Princess a thingie wingie to blocky wocky all those nasty wasty nightmares, and also this special wecial phoney whoney thingie wingie that could do all [i]sorts[/i] of super duper cool stuffy wuffy~! (giggle!)”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“I see…”[/color] Gaia said thoughtfully. So [i]that[/i] was why Connie’s magic was no longer able to affect the elder Covington. Very interesting… Even more interesting, and more than a little alarming, was the knowledge that this mysterious organization knew the identity of both Connie and herself. Although Violet was no longer antagonistic towards them, this unknown group could be a very different story indeed… [color=SpringGreen]“Can you recall the name of the organization?”[/color] Gaia asked, her expression becoming slightly more troubled than her usual serene countenance.

MDP’s own expression became one of intense concentration as she tried to recall the requested information. Her eyes were squeezed shut, while her brows furrowed. [color=DeepPink]“Please, brainy wainy…”[/color] she begged her ADHD addled mind. [color=DeepPink]“Pretty pretty please let her remember wember…”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“Please do not force yourself,”[/color] Gaia told her gently, while placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She felt so bad for the poor girl. MDP was immensely powerful, but it seemed that power came at a price, especially where her mental faculties were concerned. While it didn’t normally seem to bother the whimsical girl, at times like these, it was obviously quite upsetting for her.

After trying her best for a few more moments, the childish magical girl finally gave voice to a long sigh of defeat.

[color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess, is, like, really super duper sorry, but she just can’t remember wember their namey wamey right nowie…”[/color] she mumbled dejectedly, her tears threatening to return. [color=DeepPink]“Fluffer wuffer… Magical Dream Princess wishes her memory wemory wasn’t so terrible werrible whenever she’s Magical Dream Princess… Ah~!”[/color] she exclaimed, smiling brightly as an idea seemed to occur to her. [color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess knows~! She can do the thinky winky dance~! (giggle!)”[/color]

Gaia couldn’t help but giggle herself as she watched the childish magical girl preform an incredibly silly (and incredibly adorable) little dance.

[color=DeepPink]“Think, think, think~! Thinky winky wink~!”[/color] MDP sang as she shook her hips in time with her singing, while playfully tapping a finger on the side of her head. [color=DeepPink]“Thinky winky~! Thinky winky~! Wink, wink, wink~! If you can dream it, you can do it~! Don’t give up, there’s nothing to it~! Got a problem~? Dance right through it~!”[/color] she went on, while striking series of cute poses as she acted out her song’s advice. [color=DeepPink]“Take a look around~!”[/color] she sang, while leaning forward with her hand shielding her eyes and twirling in place on her tiptoes. [color=DeepPink]“Make a happy sound~!(giggle!) ‘Cause, when you do your very best, happiness abounds~! So, think, think, think~! Thinky winky wink~! Thinky winky~! Thinky winky~! Wink, wink, wink~! Ah~!”[/color] the playful girl squealed in exuberant delight, before jumping up in the air with her arms spread wide like a cheerleader. [color=DeepPink]“Yaaaay~! Hip, hip, horaaaay~! (giggle!) Magical Dream Princess remember wembers~! She did it, Gaia Waia~!”[/color] MDP shouted with glee as she bounced over to the verdant magical girl and wrapped her up in a big hug. [color=DeepPink]“She really really did it~! (giggle!)”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“I am so happy for you, Your Highness,”[/color] Gaia told her warmly as she returned the excitable girl’s hug.

[color=DeepPink]“Like, super duper thankie wankies, Gaia Waia~! (giggle!)”[/color] MDP beamed. [color=DeepPink]“But, like, Magical Dream Princess should probably wobably tell you what she remember wembered before her memory wemory goes bye bye againsie! So, like, the namey wamey of the people weple who helpy welpied Magical Dream Princess is the Ebon Webon Mint!”[/color] 

Gaia frowned at the mention of the shadowy organization. [color=SpringGreen]“The Ebon Mint? Are you certain?”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Like, absodutelylutely~!”[/color] MDP replied. [color=DeepPink]“It was totally wotally the Ebon Webon….”[/color] her happy smile vanished as a distressing realization fully dawned, and she gave voice to a sharp gasp. [color=DeepPink]“Golly wolly goodness woodness! Like, those were the meanie weanie heads that trashy washied Penny Wenny’s placey wacey! They’re, like, super duper nasty wasty, and, like, Magical Dream Princess signed a contract wontract with them and everythingie wingie! But, she, like, totally wotally didn’t know!”[/color] Her eyes threatened to overflow with tears as she clutched both sides of her head. [color=DeepPink]“Penny Wenny [i]hates[/i] them, and Pastel-chan does, too! A-Are they gonna hate Magical Dream Princess when they find out?! A-Are they?! Magical Dream Princess doesn’t wanna lose her friendy wendies! She really doesn’t wanna! W-What should Magical Dream Princess do, Gaia Waia?!”[/color] she sobbed desperately, falling to her knees in front of her friend. [color=DeepPink]“W-What should she do?!”[/color]

Gaia’s concern was now clearly evident in her normally tranquil countenance. This was definitely bad.  She didn’t know much about the Ebon Mint, but what little she [i]did[/i] know painted a less than pleasant picture. The verdant magical girl could only imagine what such a sinister organization would do with access to someone of Violet Covington’s wealth and influence, but she forcefully put those ominous thoughts aside in order to focus on her whimsical friend’s current plight. By this point it was clear to her that, much like a small child, MDP’s emotions were exceptionally pronounced. Although normally the embodiment of bubbly exuberance, the whimsical girl was now a hysterical mess, and Gaia’s heart ached at the sight. Gently massaging her sobbing friend’s shoulders, the verdant magical girl spoke to her softly. 

[color=SpringGreen]“Shh… Shhh… It’s okay, just take some deep breaths for me, and we’ll get everything sorted out. I promise.”[/color]

The nymph-like girl’s soothing voice, combined with the relaxing fragrance released by several colorful flowers in her hair, managed to break through MDP’s hysteria, and, after taking a few deep breaths, she slowly began to calm down.

[color=SpringGreen]“There,”[/color] Gaia whispered. [color=SpringGreen]“Doesn’t that feel better?”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Y-Yeah…”[/color] MDP sniffed, once more using her verdant friend’s hair to dry her tears.

[color=SpringGreen]“Now, from what I can tell, you didn’t know what the Ebon Mint even [i]was[/i] when they approached you, correct?”[/color] Gaia asked. [color=SpringGreen]“If that is indeed the case, then you cannot blame yourself for accepting their offer of assistance. In fact, since it was your concern for your father’s well being that prompted you to need that assistance in the first place, it could be argued that [i]I[/i] am ultimately to blame for this entire situation, as much as I wish that were not the case.”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“B-But, w-what about Magical Dream Princess’s friends?”[/color] MDP asked in a shaky voice. [color=DeepPink]“She doesn’t want her friends to be angry with her…”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“From what I know of your friends, and Amanda in particular, I am confident that they will not blame you for making a simple mistake due to a lack of knowledge. After all, you were not even a magical girl at the time, yes?”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Y-Yes…”[/color]

 [color=SpringGreen]“I do not know Penny,”[/color] Gaia continued, [color=SpringGreen]“but if she is anything like the rest of your friends, I am sure she will forgive you as well. The next time you see her, simply tell her the truth. You can do that, right?”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess guesses wesses she can… But, like, she’s still super duper nervous… She really likes Penny Wenny a super duper lot,”[/color] she added as a blush began to color her cheeks. [color=DeepPink]“A-And she really really wants Penny Wenny to like her, too…”[/color]

Smiling sweetly, Gaia gave MDP’s cheek a gentle caress. [color=SpringGreen]“I do not see how [i]anyone[/i] would not like someone as adorable as you, Your Highness,”[/color] she told her childish friend. [color=SpringGreen]“Especially when you have such an obvious crush on them,”[/color] she added with a playful giggle.

[color=DeepPink]“M-Magical Dream Princess doesn’t have a crushy wushy!”[/color] a flustered MDP attempted to deny, before turning away as a dreamy smile spread across her face. [color=DeepPink]“Weeell~ Maybe waybe she [i]does[/i] have a little wittle one~”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“You are just too precious,”[/color] Gaia observed as she watched MDP write Penny’s name in the sand, before putting a big heart around it. 

[color=DeepPink]“Gaia Waia?”[/color] the whimsical girl asked after a moment. [color=DeepPink]“What do you think Magical Dream Princess should do about her contract wontract thingie with the Ebon Webon Mint? Like, she promised womised that they could use some of her company wompany’s stuffy wuffy, but she doesn’t know what they’re gonna do with it, and, like, that makes her super duper uncomfortable womfortable…”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“Yes, that makes [i]me[/i] rather uncomfortable as well,”[/color] Gaia agreed. [color=SpringGreen]“But perhaps it provides an opportunity…”[/color] she mused. [color=SpringGreen]“If you were to continue to go along with their requests, then that might provide us with valuable information on what the Mint is planning.”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Ooooh~! Like super duper secret wecret agent wagent stuffy wuffy~?!”[/color] MDP asked, clearly excited by the idea.

[color=SpringGreen]“Something like that,”[/color] Gaia agreed with a melodious giggle. [color=SpringGreen]“In any case, I believe it might be best for you to think on this some more when you return to your normal self. You may remember something important we haven’t considered.”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Like, Magical Dream Princess will totally wotally do that~! (giggle!)”[/color] MDP replied with a playful salute. [color=DeepPink]“Gaia Waia is just sooo super duper smart~! (giggle!)”[/color] she added, while giving her verdant friend another hug.

[color=SpringGreen]“I am most grateful for the compliment, Your Highness,”[/color] Gaia told her. [color=SpringGreen]“But I imagine that if we were to assume our mundane forms, your mental prowess would far surpass my own.”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Gaia Waia’s probably wobably right about that~”[/color] MDP agreed with a playful smile.

[color=SpringGreen]“Come on, Your Highness,”[/color] Gaia giggled as she helped MDP to her feet. [color=SpringGreen]“Let us return to Penrose. I know you have a lot of work ahead of you, but please remember that your friends are here for you,”[/color] she added with a warm smile. [color=SpringGreen]“If you ever need help, all you need to do is ask.”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Like, Gaia Waia doesn’t have to worry~! (giggle!)”[/color] the whimsical girl declared as she struck a cute pose. [color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess’s memory wemory may be terrible werrible, but she’d never [i]ever[/i] forget [i]that[/i]~!”[/color] 

Sharing a happy giggle, the two friends headed back to where Connie and Melisa were waiting for them.

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After bidding Connie and Gaia farewell, Melisa and MDP watched the pair vanish through one of Dan’s portals. [color=DeepPink]“Like, Magical Dream Princess is gonna head back to Penrose Wenrose nowie, too~”[/color] MDP told the doll girl. [color=DeepPink]“Is Melisa Wisa staying heresie with Danny Wanny and the other people weple from the Sanctuary Wanctuary~?”[/color] she asked with a smile.

[color=pink]”Mmm, I think I’d like to see what else there is in Penrose. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in town. It’s sad to see the place in such a mess.”[/color] She waited and looked around while she thought about what she might be able to do.

[color=DeepPink]“Soooo, are you, like, going back to the Sanctuary Wanctuary, thensie~?”[/color] the whimsical girl asked, tilting her head with a look of slight confusion. [color=DeepPink]“It, like, doesn’t really seem all that safey wafey right nowie…”[/color] 

Looking unsure, she kicked at the sand a bit. [color=pink]”I could go back to my place I guess, for a little while. But I don’t really want to be alone like that.”[/color]

[color=DeepPink]“Like, Magical Dream Princess knows~! (giggle!)”[/color] MDP declared. [color=DeepPink]“You can come stay with [i]her[/i]~! At least, for a little wittle while~! (giggle!)”[/color] she added with a wink. [color=DeepPink]“Would Melisa Wisa like that~?!”[/color]

Looking up for a bit, MDP’s energy seemed to draw her back in. A smile slowly came across her face and she responded back with a high child like voice. [color=pink]”I would love to!”[/color] 

[color=DeepPink]“Yaaay~! (giggle!)”[/color] MDP squealed as she bounced up and down with glee. [color=DeepPink]“That makes Magical Dream Princess, like, sooo super duper happy wappy~! (giggle!) Magical Dream Princess and Melisa Wisa are gonna have, like soooo much fun together wether~! (giggle!)”[/color] she added, scooping up the doll girl and playfully spinning around. [color=DeepPink]“Okie dokie, Danny Wanny~!”[/color] MDP called to the dolphin. [color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess would like to go homey womey nowie, so, could Danny Wanny, like, pretty witty please make one of those portal wortal thingie wingies~?”[/color]

After a portal had been opened, MDP cheerfully skipped through. [color=DeepPink]“Super duper thankie wankies, Danny Wanny~! (giggle!)”[/color] she called back to the dolphin. [color=DeepPink]“Bye bye for nowie~!”[/color] 

Once on the other side, Melisa would find herself in an opulent bed chamber, one that exuded elegance and refinement.

[color=DeepPink]“Ta daaa~!”[/color] MDP announced as they entered. [color=DeepPink]“This is Magical Dream Princess’s homey womey, and, like, this over heresie is her bed~! (giggle!) It’s, like, super duper comfy womfy, and Magical Dream Princess just [i]knows[/i] that Melisa Wisa will totally wotally wuv it~! (giggle!)”[/color] she added, while jumping up and down with childish delight. 

While Melisa had made a decent living for herself as a business woman, the scale of expense for just a bedroom was something else. Eyes widening her pink eyes lit up as she looked around. Stunned silent for a bit she turned her whole body around as she looked. There were a number of questions she had, but she would wait to give those a little later. For now she would give MDP her attention.

Though she was short, she definitely had more strength than she looked she did. With little effort she jumped up onto the bed. [color=pink]”Woooow.”[/color] She plopped down with a small thump. [color=pink]”I don’t think I’ve ever been in a bed this soft.”[/color] It probably helped that she wasn’t all that heavy even made of metal. Her arms where spread out to her sides and she enjoyed the floof.

[color=DeepPink]“Like, Magical Dream Princess [i]said[/i] it was comfy womfy~! (giggle!)”[/color] the whimsical girl told Melisa as she jumped onto the bed next to her and spread herself out like the doll girl had. [color=DeepPink]“Oh~! Does Melisa Wisa wanna know something special wecial~?!”[/color] MDP asked excitedly. [color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess has never ever wever had a friendy wendy sleep over beforesie, not even Pastel-chan~! Melisa Wisa gets to be the very wery [i]first[/i]~! (giggle!) Pastel-chan was gonna come over wover, but she’s been really super duper busy wisey lately wately, and, like, so has Magical Dream Princess~! And, like, golly wolly!”[/color] the innocent magical girl exclaimed, her eyes going wide. [color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess just remember wembered! Now that you’re heresie, Magical Dream Princess kinda winda has to let you know her secret wecret identity wentity! Maybe waybe she shouldn’t have invited you over wover, but she was just sooo happy wappy to have a friendy wendy spend the nighty wighty…”[/color] she added, looking somewhat worried and uncertain.

Melisa would look at the magical girl for a moment and seemed to be considering things. After a bit she rolled over and sat on her legs. [color=pink]”I don’t really know that many people in the grand scheme of things. You’re also super nice and kind. I won’t tell anyone. I promise.”[/color] She crossed her heart. Something occurred to her and she held up her hand with her tiny pinky outstretched. [color=pink]”Pinky winky promise.”[/color] She would giggle a bit.

If MDP felt any trepidation about revealing her true identity to Melisa, it completely evaporated after hearing what the doll girl said. Giving voice to a squeal of joy, the whimsical girl reached out her pinky to touch that of her friend. [color=DeepPink]“Pinky winkie promise~! (giggle!)”[/color] MDP told her with a smile spreading from ear to ear. [color=DeepPink]“Okie dokie~! Magical Dream Princess is gonna changey wangey back to normal wormal nowie~! But, like, she has to warn Melisa Wisa that she’s totally wotally different wiffernt when she’s not Magical Dream Princess~!”[/color] MDP added. 

The next instant, there was a bright flash, and the whimsical girl was replaced by a dark-haired young woman wearing a silk bed robe. She gave Melisa a small smile, as her cheeks took on a crimson shade.

[color=BlueViolet]“So… this is what I really look like,”[/color] the young woman said somewhat hesitantly. [color=BlueViolet]“I-I hope you still like me this way,”[/color] she added, clearly a bit embarrassed. [color=BlueViolet]“I know I am nothing like how look or act as Magical Dream Princess, but I am [i]still[/i] your friend, and I am still so very happy to have you here.”[/color] she told Melisa, while gently patting the tiny girl’s head.

The tiny girl smiled brightly from the head pats. Seemed she didn’t mind being treated in such a way. Looking over her friend she shook her head. [color=pink]”I don’t mind. I sometimes get carried away with whatever magic changed me too so I don’t exactly act myself if I’ll be honest.”[/color] She offered with a knowing nod.

[color=BlueViolet]“Thank you, Melisa,”[/color] the young woman replied with a warm smile. [color=BlueViolet]“Oh, and please allow me to introduce myself,”[/color] she said, rising to her feet and giving a curtsy. [color=BlueViolet]“My real name is Violet Covington. Yes… [i]That[/i] Covington…”[/color] she added when Melisa seemed to recognize the name. [color=BlueViolet]“We are actually in the penthouse of Covington Tower right now,”[/color] Violet explained.

Understanding seemed to come to the doll’s eyes. [color=pink]”Mmm. Well the room makes more sense now. Melisa Reese. I don’t really have my old identity anymore so…”[/color] She shrugged. Her “disguise” wasn’t much use to her most of the time. Didn’t help that if it was night and she drops the disguise then she couldn’t put it back up. [color=pink]”I don’t know. I didn’t really have much other than work anyway so getting dragged into this was more of a shock than anything.”[/color]

[color=BlueViolet]“Work pretty much defines my existence as well,”[/color] Violet commiserated. [color=BlueViolet]“I was trained since early childhood to be the successor to the family name and the CEO of Covington Industries. I never had any time for fun, games, or dolls. That is why I so dearly love being Magical Dream Princess! When I am her, I can do all the things I was never permitted to. I can make all my deepest dreams come true,”[/color] she added, slightly bushing upon realizing how corny she sounded. [color=BlueViolet]“But I can understand if it is not the same for you, Melisa,”[/color] she told the doll girl with a small frown. [color=BlueViolet]“I know you did not ask for this, and it is not like you can still maintain your old life as I am able to. Do you… truly enjoy your life in this new form?”[/color]

That was a good question. She hadn’t really had a whole lot of time to feel out this new life. If anything she’d come to the realization of why Penrose was coming apart. With something of a sigh she leaned a bit. [color=pink]”I don’t think it really matters how I feel about it. As far as I understand I’m stuck this way so complaining about it isn’t going to help. I think whatever this doll is encourages me to accept it is some way though. It gets better when I’m having fun or get the chance to eat.”[/color] Given she was hollow it was a little hard to tell exactly how consuming anything would help at all. With all the commotion though it had been a while since she’d had the chance to consume a dream.

[color=BlueViolet]“Well, I am sure that we shall have lots of fun together,”[/color] Violet told her. [color=BlueViolet]“As for food, I can procure a great deal. I [i]do[/i] have my own private chef, after all,”[/color] she noted with no small amount of pride. Violet was a bit unsure of how a doll could even [i]eat[/i] food in the first place, but then, she [i]had[/i] seen Melisa eat the ice cream she had made back at the Sanctuary…

[color=pink]”Oh uh, I don’t eat food. I feel hungry until I ‘eat’ someone’s dream. The ice cream tasted good but it didn’t really do it for me. I have to find people that are asleep. At the Sanctuary I would find people with nightmares and eat those. I have to be careful not to enter the dream too long though. They tend to get worse the longer I’m in the dream.”[/color] She would explain a bit about her unusual needs.

[color=BlueViolet]“Eat… Dreams…?”[/color] Violet wondered aloud, frowning slightly. Melisa then went on to clarify, and the heiress’s expression softened once more. [color=BlueViolet]“I see… So you try to mitigate the problems you might cause by taking away people’s nightmares? I actually do much the same as Magical Dream Princess, although I don’t consume the nightmares themselves, only convert them into sweet dreams. Perhaps we could work together to help banish nightmares from Penrose once and for all?”[/color] she suggested with a smile. 

[color=pink]”Yeah. I found out they're pretty much the same thing as far as my hunger is concerned.”[/color] Considering Violet’s offer for a bit, she would smile. She wasn’t all about getting rid of nightmares per se. It would help her feel better either way though. [color=pink]”I can help with that, I guess. My magic isn’t all about dreams, but I try not to take away ones that are good if I can.”[/color] She would tap her singers together nervously. It seemed like a task that was bigger than she was ready for.

[color=BlueViolet]“I am glad to hear that,”[/color] Violet told her. [color=BlueViolet]“And I certainly do not wish to force you into anything you are not comfortable with. On that subject,”[/color] she continued, becoming slightly more serious. [color=BlueViolet]“I want you to know that you have my full permission to enter my dreams whenever you are feeling hungry. Do not worry about me,”[/color] the heiress would reassure her small friend if the doll girl seemed concerned, [color=BlueViolet]“I shall be fine. Besides,”[/color] she added, her voice taking on a more somber tone. [color=BlueViolet]“It is only right that I atone for may past mistakes…”[/color]

Looking a little confused for a moment the girl nodded. [color=pink]”Thank you. But uh…”[/color] She looked at the girl a bit. Despite her current stature and sometime behavior she was quite a few years older than the girl in front of her. [color=pink]”Mistakes? You seem a little young to have a lot to atone for.”[/color]

[color=BlueViolet]“Perhaps,”[/color] Violet conceded, [color=BlueViolet]“but I have been entrusted with far more responsibility than most people my age. Although,”[/color] she added with a sigh of resignation. [color=BlueViolet]“That was not exactly what I was referring to… Melisa,”[/color] Violet said, a hint of sadness in her voice. [color=BlueViolet]“There is… Something I need to tell you. Now may not be the best time for it, but it is something that cannot wait. I did not realize it at the Sanctuary, because of my… memory issues when I become Magical Dream Princess, but the Ebon Mint, the organization that attacked the Sanctuary? I… I am sorry to say this, but I… I once made a deal with them,”[/color] the heiress told her, wincing as if she were pulling off a bandaid. [color=BlueViolet]“It was before I even became a magical girl,”[/color] she added. [color=BlueViolet]“Someone was attacking my father with magic, and the Mint approached me and offered their services to discover the attacker’s identity. Not having any other options, and not knowing how monstrously evil the Mint truly was, I accepted. Since then, I had not given my association with them any further thought. At least, not until tonight, not until I saw their vile actions with my own eyes. Melisa,”[/color] Violet pleaded, gently taking the doll girl’s tiny hands with her thumb and two of her fingers. [color=BlueViolet]“Please believe that I [i]never[/i] would have worked with them had I known what they were really like, and please, [i]please[/i] trust me when I say that I will never, [i]ever[/i] allow them to hurt you. I pinky winky promise,”[/color] she told Melisa, holding out her smallest finger and hoping her tiny friend would accept it.

To some degree Violet was lucky that Melisa didn’t know much about the various magical groups. Her opinion of the Mint was sour, but she’d only heard them talked about and she wasn’t entirely sure how people knew it was them that attacked to begin with. Seeing that the girl took it seriously though it had to mean something. Looking at their hands for a bit she accepted the promise.

[color=pink]”I believe you. This magical girl stuff sounds like it can be shady business sometimes.”[/color] Putting a hand to her face she thought for a little while. She would need answers from people more knowledgeable with the kind of activity that went on here in Penrose. Setting that aside she looked back up to her new friend. [color=pink]”Is your father alright? Did they find who attacked him?”[/color] Seemed a reasonable question to ask. 

[color=BlueViolet]“Thank you, Melisa,”[/color] Violet replied with a relieved exhale. [color=BlueViolet]“And, yes, Father is doing much better now.”[/color] she told the doll girl with a smile. There [i]was[/i] still the matter of the “curse” the Mint itself had very likely placed upon him, of course, but he was currently in stable condition, and the heiress felt it wouldn’t do to worry Melisa about it. The tiny girl seemed to have enough problems as it was. [color=BlueViolet]“Shall we retire for the evening?”[/color] Violet asked, as she slipped under the covers. [color=BlueViolet]“Although,”[/color] she added after a moment’s thought. [color=BlueViolet]“Are you even capable of sleep in your current form?”[/color]

[color=pink]”I… rest I guess. I’m also still somewhat damaged from the attack so I can use that time to fix myself.”[/color] She gestured to some rough repairs that her patron had made. Her magic would deal with the rest over time. Really all she needed was the raw material to get it done.

[color=BlueViolet]“Very well then,”[/color] Violet replied. [color=BlueViolet]“I suppose I shall leave you to it.”[/color] After laying her head on her fluffy pillow, the heiress closed her eyes for a few moments, before asking hesitantly, [color=BlueViolet]“Um, Melisa…? C-Could you, maybe rest next to me for a short while? I-I’ve never been allowed to have a dolly of my own, a-and I’ve always wanted one… N-Not that y-you are a dolly…!”[/color] Violet hastened to add, her flustered face growing a bright shade of crimson. [color=BlueViolet]“I-I mean, you [i]are[/i], but you are also a person, and… I’ve never had a friend spend the night either…”[/color] 

The request was silly and sad all at once. But the small girl didn't take long to decide. [color=pink]"Of course."[/color] She said cheerfully. Crawling over to one side Melisa lay down on the bed and snuggled up next to Violet. Thanks to her patron's influence she almost craved being seen and treated as a doll. 

[color=BlueViolet]“Thank you,”[/color] Violet whispered, giving Melisa a happy smile as her eyes began to tear up ever so slightly. [color=BlueViolet]“Goodnight, Melisa,”[/color] she added, giving the top of the tiny girl’s head a kiss. [color=BlueViolet]“Rest well.”[/color] With that, the tired heiress drifted off into a peaceful sleep.