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Ember had been busy. Not only had she been trying to mop up after the warrior’s outburst, she had been experimenting ever since she had met Nyxia that night. Though the other dark girl had been a blunt instrument when compared to her, she told the truth: Sylvia and Ember performed abysmally in combat. It might have become better now that they had nights to practice, but the schemer no longer fell under the illusion that they would come across as anything remotely competent.

So she experimented. She ripped an Oss to pieces, then tried to change whatever she could about its composition while Sylvia ‘rested’ in the back of Shuuko’s mind. Her magic burned bright every night as she worked hour after hour, the mental exhaustion taking such a toll on her that Sylvia had to front most of the days. That likely had an effect on their social relationships which… honestly, it was not worth it. The results, while promising, where nowhere what Ember had hoped for: while she could manipulate Oss more easily now, she could not use them as suicide drones just yet.

And who even could help her with such a project? Perhaps Kiyo, but laying another burden on the shoulder of her ‘big sister’ felt as though she were making use of Kiyo. Roche would refuse to help because she looked at Sylvia with doe eyes throbbing from love. Or lust. Or both. Maybe Nyxia after their last talk, though she still knew little of how the Tempest really behaved, so she did not want to hedge her bets. Besides, the less people knew about her issue, the better. There was no need to rub it in their noses.

[color=teal][i]”But what if we have to fight?”[/i][/color]

The million yen question. If only Ember knew the answer.

Regardless, the schemer applied a smile to Shuuko's face. She got rid of the signs of exhaustion on this body earlier today, so it appeared pristine and she could pay enough attention to her posture to enter like she belonged. She then knocked on the door - as was polite - before she stepped in to regard that she arrived last. Again.

[color=red]”My apologies for my tardiness,”[/color] she bowed slightly. [color=red]”Could you please elaborate on what I surely have failed to hear?”[/color] Her eyes swept over the room, naturally spotting Haruna as they did so. [color=red]”I see we also have someone I have not met before. Kuroki-san, you did speak of adding a new member. Would she be the one who is to dwell amongst us?”[/color]

As Shuuko's body spoke, Haruna could no doubt sense that even for a magical girl, there was something wrong with Shuuko's desires. Contrary to their previous meeting where she could read a focused desire from them, it was a jumble: Ember's wanted to be seen as proper, Sylvia wanted to hug Roche to see if it would feel as good as last night and Hotaru wanted to be rid of Haruna. At least that last one seemed to be consistent, if nothing else.