[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/sno7KOz.png[/img][/center]

After nodding to Lupin's comment, Stripes did notice Nessie was standing with them today. She had meant to talk with her on the day of her training exercise, but talk about tuning grimoires and the curious oddity that was Lupin stole her attention in the end. Stripes had also assumed that in the time she had been gone Nessie had formed other relationships. It wasn't like what Stripes had done for her was anything special. Sure, it felt great to personally save a future magical girl, but it was just another Tuesday for Stripes. Anyone in her position would have done the same thing. If Nessie had been the one to save Stripes, the last thing she'd want her to do is stick around her as a constant reminder of her former weakness. People should learn to get out from under their heroes at some point. Her dower mood didn't go unnoticed, but as soon as Stripes thought about approaching her, the teachers offered her a ride. There wasn't much point in worrying about her now. Stripes and Lupin had to figure out how they were going to keep up with a magic broom. 

[sub][@Majoras End][/sub]

[color=tomato]"We can get going I suppose."[/color] Stripes's zone of influence was a little strange and seemed to vary in size depending on the situation. In non-combat situations like this, the range was quite small, while it tended to encompass the part of the battlefield that she was in during a fight. It was something she was still trying to figure out, but after a few years she felt like she was more or less in control of her powers. The important important part was that Stripes's "allies" were anyone nearby who was assisting her directly, which was why normal mundane humans didn't steal her power. [color=tomato]"Your turn to carry me."[/color] Stripes wrapped her arms around Lupin's neck and hoisted her legs and back into her arms. [color=tomato]"You should have no problem running along the rooftops. If you get tired, just transform back and you can ride my tabby form."[/color] Stripes wasn't certain if Lupin would be visible ridding atop her back, but figured that few people would even notice them running up there. But Stripes was positive with their combined magical might that Lupin would probably not run out of stamina. It would be different if stripes was fat, but she was pretty light for her height. 

And if Lupin refused to carry her, she'd just turn into a tabby and run there herself, lone tiger style. But demonstrating their teamwork was important to her. 

[hr]

Barriers came up, Ozma explained everything, and Stripes was not surprised. This was Ozma that was leading them around. It would have been a much bigger shock if everything was like it seemed on the surface. Though stripes did have to wonder if this was as "off the record" as she was letting on. The Grand Ministry was run by a nutjob and it made sense that she would confide a special mission in Ozma, as she had a similar mind. But none of this really mattered. They were here to slay pageless and get a good grade. They just needed to watch for friendly fire and go on from there. Lupin seemed pretty tough during training, it was time to see how she reacted in a fight. 

Stripes's eyes flicked up between Ozma's face and the massive lizard behind her. [color=tomato]"Nothing we can't handle."[/color]

Stripes scrambled and climbed up a vending machine against one of the far walls. From here, she could rain magic missiles on the pageless. Voleys of eight or four missiles (depending on Lupin's proximity to her) descended on the swarming monsters. She prioritized hitting closer to the other magical girls, as there was no danger of her glowing projectiles ever hitting an ally. Though this did mean someone would have to watch and make sure Stripes didn't get surrounded. She could defend herself, but not while [i]also[/i] laying down suppressing fire.