Despite Valeria’s night class meant to be an invite-only event, it was inevitable other students would spend their evening watching the training and learning what they could. Given the classroom also served as an arena, it was only natural curiosity swayed the young girls’ hearts. By the time the bee-like machination was destroyed, a good crowd was formed in the stands with marvelous gasps and surprised noises coming from the observers. Charlotte chuckled at the spectacle of it all. She supposed in some way, there were still some fun to be had from being a Magical Girl.

“Hey Valeria, is that the best you got? These girls got you on the ropes if they can one-shot your toys!” Charlotte called out from up high over the railing. She instantly regretted that when a crowd of “oohs” and “aahs” were directed at her now, excitement buzzed high with the revelation that the Crimson Comet herself was watching the class. “Ah, nuts,” she sheepishly said, casting welcome warm waves at the students whose attention she caught before leaning away from the railing again. “I, uh, hope that didn’t come across as showing off to ya,” she said to Maria with only a slight wiry grin.

The audience’s attention was thankfully short-lived. The crowd noises quickly turned into shrieks of surprise that marked Magical Girl Stripes’ return. Several girls leapt out of the way of the tiger who bounded out from the seats and leapt directly into the arena below. She couldn’t help but snicker again at all the commotion, students now huffing and trying to catch their composure after nearly being run over by a giant cat. “Well, that’s good to hear Maria. Frankly we’re in dire need of Magical Girls like you these days,” said Charlotte, now giving the girl her full attention.

She wasn’t sure if Chinami was paying attention anymore and she led Maria away from her to leave the goth to her own thoughts. She didn’t want to disturb her after all, but she kept close enough in proximity in case Chinami did want to continue their conversation. What mattered was being alone with Maria. Charlotte’s voice dipped down as she said, “The Ministry has an idea about what’s causing these Pageless spikes. Some of those girls had a run in with a rogue Magical Girl today.”

Roma Bhakti’s sighting was kept quiet for now. Whispers of her were passed down only by the most senior staff members and the Grand Minister herself. And of course, Magical Girl Ozma. “You might have heard of her. She left the Ministry some time ago and seems to be causing trouble now. I’m not quite convinced the two events are related, but the Ministry recommends investigating in the matter. Worth a shot at least, and I suspect that might be the real reason they wanted you with us.”

Charlotte sighed, voice picking back up. “The serious look really doesn’t suit me, heh. Anyway, the Grand Minister wants us with the girls who spotted her in case a fight breaks out. You should probably start getting used to the teacher role because we start tomorrow. I hear Valeria’s got good tips for it.” She caught the tail-end of a conversation happening down below and noted the class homework was to make two-girl teams to generate better coordination with each other. “That’s not a bad start by the way. Best to start small and pair with one Magical Girl before forming a full team. I suggest you take that as homework too. You know, as your senior~”

Charlotte’s smile widened by the corners just a little bit. She thought she could feel a new magic in the air, one directed at the stadium below….but now closely watching her. “And that goes for you too. It’s better to be part of a team instead of stalking by yourself you know,” she called out from behind her shoulder, wondering if she just imagined the presence. She hoped she wasn’t getting too old and rusty in her skills.

---

"Ergh, I hate jetlag..."

Celina grumbled to herself as she walked up to the grand, and honestly intimidating entrance to her new school. She did have a feeling going from one capital to another will cause her to be a bit late, but it wasn't a good feeling. She had no clue how an academy made for magical girls worked and she didn't want to risk anything. There was a lot she had to learn since becoming Lupin, but this was just ridiculous.

Her phone began to ring. The blonde stopped in her tracks to see who it was. "...Hm!" Looks like her mother's trying to check on her. Taking a deep breath, Celina answered the phone. "Hey mum! ...Yeah, just arrived."

"...Just a bit tired, is all." She idly walked around the front door for the moment. "Does it sound like I'm tired? ...Oh. My bad, I guess? How's Helena holding up??"

Celina paused in her step, as if anticipating her mother's answer. Then, she sighed in relief. "Glad to hear that. Let's hope she makes a quick recovery. Had me worried sick for a while, hahah." She couldn't help looking back to that night. Where there any signs she could've noticed, from that Pageless? Or was it that much of a shrewd bastard? If she hadn't been there to stop it...

No, something told her she had to. She was a hunter. No doubt about it.

"Jason there with you? ...Ah, too busy finding a job here? Too bad. Tell 'em I said hi for me!" Celina's mouth quirked up to a faint grin. It dropped a bit when she glanced back at the building. As much as she wanted to chat, she really had to get going. "Look, I should be heading in, alright? Take care of those two while I'm out. Love ya!" And she finally hung up. Taking another deep breath to calm any nerves she hid, Celina faced the front door to Marrywell Academy, and went inside.

...

..

The commotion from the arena caught her curiosity. A little bit hesitant, Celina followed suite, appearing in the stadium instead of the stands where those not participating observed instead. Not wanting to interrupt what the group had going on, she decided to quietly lurk by the entrance and watch, leaning against a wall. It was...honestly kinda interesting as a whole. Her attention was divided between the audience and the main show-class-thing. Too bad it ended rather swiftly. The blonde slightly frowned at that. Celina caught sight of one girl with her back turned away from the stadium, talking to someone else. She didn't intent to eavesdrop, but couldn't help but wonder. Only thing she overheard was basically what the metal-limbed instructor gave the current class as homework.

Then the red haired girl seemed to call out to her. Celina couldn't help but flinch. So someone did manage to notice her. That's kind of embarassing. But she might as well make herself known officially, maybe someone could team up with her. "Alright, alright." She stepped out of her hiding spot spot by the entrance and walked over to the group nearby.

"Guess the jig's up, aye? Name's Celina. I'm...kinda new here..."The bearer of Red Riding Hood's Grimore introduced herself, feeling a bit sheepish at the end. "Though when we're out hunting pageless..." With a quick transformation, the wolf girl in red took her place. "Call me Lupin. If you want to, I mean, not gonna force anyone." She shrugged.

It was done, the flying menace was destroyed and the team exercise was over and now she could go back to… no… nononononono! More teamwork?! Anyone looking at Tesni would almost be able to see the gears turning in her head, trying to find a way out of having to team up again. As capable as Tesni was in combat, thinking of way to dodge responsibilities outside of literally running away from them weren’t her strong suit.

“But, but… I did it, it’s done…” the disappointment was palpable in her voice. Tesni just sounded exhausted as she wandered towards Valeria, dismissing her transformation. Sure there was something going on about ‘Tuning Grimoires’ or whatever, but that was of secondary importance to Tesni. She felt that her Grimoire was already plenty powerful, what needed to improve was herself. To become more aware of the similarities between the story and herself. Maybe she was wrong about that, but Tesni wasn’t likely to arrive at that conclusion on her own. Good thing she was at a school that correct her if needed.

“Miss Valeria… do I have to? Suzuya could have hit me, but she didn’t. Would I throw myself into the firing range if I thought for a second, I would get hurt? It’s a training exercise. And if it was a real battle, taking the hit to land a finishing blow is always acceptable. Let them cut my flesh so I can shatter their bones, let them shatter my bones to take their life!” even as she was spewing out excuses and justifications, she could tell she was going to have to do this. So, her mind raced, trying to think of the most efficient way to solve the issue of ‘teamwork’. Logically she should team up with someone who was already familiar with her. The conclusion she came to was either double down with Bonbon or go for Suzuya who Valeria already brought up as someone who risked damaging her from a distance. Surely the best way to deal with this whole ‘teamwork’ thing was to take the critique at face value and directly address it? Tesni felt her brain was going to burst before giving up.

“Group assignments suuuuuck…” were her final words before just slumping to the ground and lying down on the cool floor. Looking over at the students swarming the Tuner she suddenly felt envious of them. They were more concerned with getting stronger than the assignment. Closing her eyes, Tesni thought about that some more. Why wasn't she eager to get stronger? Did she subconsciously think she was already as strong as she could be? That she was finished? Completed? No… that couldn't be right. If this was the limit of her strength, then woudln't she have to team up at some point? Was she already a finished painting, no more canvas to fill in? No, that couldn't be right either. If she was already perfectly strong how could she improve?

"How can I get stronger if I'm already the strongest? I have to be weak… I must be weak, because I have to get stronger." The strange recursive logic of her wanting to get stronger somehow made Tesni more accepting of the teamwork idea, even if she still hated the idea of relying on anyone else with a strange passion.

Maria had failed to notice the amassing group of students that came to watch the training and only really took note of them when Charlotte caught their attention. "You really are that known, are you not, Charlotte? That is quite formidable." Maria said, answering her companion's question with a smile - the first honest smile since she walked to the girls' side.

Maria followed that by ignoring Charlotte's comment about needing girls like her. She, of course, disagreed. Maria felt like her presence was a potential risk to everyone around her...but that train of thoughts was redundant. She felt there was no need to bring it up out loud and, anyway, had a creeping suspicion that Charlotte might already know how Maria felt inside.

“The Ministry has an idea about what’s causing these Pageless spikes. Some of those girls had a run in with a rogue Magical Girl today.”

She followed Charlotte away from the crowd, remaining silent at first. She had briefly heard of what had happened but only in whispers. Charlotte, if she was to be believed of course, confirmed it. Of course the Ministry would keep such dangerous news hidden from them. Maria sighed, looking down. News of a rogue magical girl was bad enough - and in a way terrifying - and they wanted her mixed in all of it? It was as if the Ministry twisted her fears on purpose in the worst ways possible.

"I am afraid you might be right." she answered the the red head's last bit about getting used to her designed role and finding a teammate. "It cannot be avoided. I just hope that they will accept my presence. Very well then, Miss Clementine. I thank you for your time and wish you well."

Maria politely bowed her farewell to Ozma and made her way down to the arena, arriving shortly after the blonde haired girl, Celina. Maria would also walk closer and give the same polite bow she gave Charlotte just moments earlier - an act of etiquette clearly betraying her real age.

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Miss Lupin." she began by answering the newcomer.

"My name is Maria de Borbón. It's a pleasure to meet all of you, truly. I had the pleasure of watching the end of your previous training exercise and was... impressed." Maria deemed unnecessary to mention out loud why she was sent here just yet. She did not know how the group would react to that, and did not wish to pass as pompous or pretentious. She then walked closer towards Valeria, who was in her conjured vehicle still.

"Greetings, Miss Weizenbaum. Could I possibly have a word with you if possible?"

Bonnie took some time to regain her footing on the ground and steady out, be which time Nessie had already moved on. "Eh? That's it?" She stared in confusion at the mecha monstrosity's ease of disintegration. "I guess that was like, four of us attacking at the same time? I thought it was supposed to be all of us."

Then came Valeria's assessment, and Lilac's brow furrowed. "That's not how this is supposed to work. It's supposed to not work the first time, and then the failure teaches us to do all the stuff you're talking bout now, right? This would make a terrible story moral! Don't do the stuff that worked fine?" One of the few things that seemed able to get Lilac worked up was when the magical girl stuff wasn't working out like it was 'supposed' to. "Unless like, this is the moment of hubris and a giant super Pageless only defeatable by teamwork shows up later?" She paused for a moment, and then bounced up to the edge of the arena and peered over it to double check, just in case. Glancing back and forth, she was not quick to find any giant Pageless sneaking up on the school.

Lilac crossed her arms, a little upset at another team thing so soon after the other one... "I suppose team names and attacks are fun..." Lilac begrudgingly admitted, and finally lightened up a bit again, now starting to feel a little silly over being upset. Hopefully no one had been paying attention to her since she hadn't been talking to anyone in particular.

As Lilac started looking around again, she noticed a couple of new faces... since when did they have a cute doggo girl? Was she someone's familiar like Rose's friend or a magical girl? Eh, either way, Lilac decided to wave to the newcomers, before thinking more about partners.

It seemed like while she was focusing on other things, Lilac missed the talk about becoming closer to one's Grimoire, but, just as well, it seemed quite a few people were following that path already. Oddly enough it was Tesni who caught Lilac's ear.

Huh, Tesni seemed to make a little sense, wait what was that about weakness? Why would someone want to be weak? Lilac didn't seem to get that. She decided to walk closer, her earlier hesitance forgotten in curiousity, and perhaps a spirit of camaraderie over unsatisfaction with the battle. "Um, I'm not sure I get that. Are you saying like, being the strongest would be boring because you don't have room to improve?" Lilac tried explaining what she thought Tesni said as a way to hopefully get correction on what Tesni meant.

The lessons were concluded for the night, or so Burning Heart believed, her attention pulled from peers and students to find what should have been a lesson was more a spectator sport. How embarrasing would it have been had they failed miserably with so many seniors and peers watching over them? The vulpine Magical Girl shuddered and chose to hop off of Xolys shoulder as more new faces came from stand and shadow alike to either introduce themselves or peruse them like one does a merchant's wares.

With a slow blink, Burning Heart stopped, reconsidering that maybe her sour impressions of, well, the entire landmass of England and all therein, was making her a touch paranoid. Her transformation unfurled around her, a swirl of flame the rose dispersed on the wind to leave skittish, old Suzuya in her place. In Xolys shadow. Her heart slammed into her throat and she nearly bit her tongue stiffling the imminent urge to shriek.

But...she knew he wasn't slimy. That counted for a lot, even without her Grimoire girding her will actively, and she tentatively reached her hand out. Just a pat, light and brief as though expecting to bitten, before withdrawing to her side. She'd touched him, and he was most definetly dry! The blonde perked up, imaginary ears wiggling atop her head before she remembered she wasn't a fox at the moment- Err, at all!

"I think I can sleep without transforming tonight..." She murmured, hands curling under her chin as pulled her sweater to hide the excited flush of her cheeks and the giddy pull to her lips. There was a pleased warmth coming from her Grimoire, and she wondered if she actually needed a tuner to get in touch with it.

Valeria's lessons were not clicking like she wanted them to. She had hoped to be the cool teacher that let the students do the fun stuff the more conservative staff would not allow, but things were not so easy. Perhaps she wouldn't be a natural fit for this role as she had thought but she quickly cast those doubts aside.

"Oh I wanted to go easy on ze kinder. Now I am regretting my choices. They performed very well! No problems on the surface."

Valeria greeted Ozma with a wave and her trademark enthusiasm. She'd clap her metal hands together and return her attention to her protesting students. Suzuya's glare did not go unnoticed, and Valeria was tempted to respond back by sticking her tongue at her. She'd have to remind herself she's supposed to be a good role model and Ozma was counting on her. Instead, she'd take all three girls together in a tight group hug enforced by her steely metal arms, bringing them all together. Probably not much more mature, but Valeria was a hugger.

"Listen. My comments were not meant to be so harsh! You destroyed that hulking beast in a single maneuver, very impressive and your power is in no doubt! But the Ministry does not like lone wolves, I learned that the hard way." She'd pause a bit, recalling very specific memories. "It is not about who is strongest or who is weakest, Lilac and Tensi. I thought that way myself once! I am a big angry German war machine, and I can summon anything I want at my disposal! Why would I ever want to work with a team, they'd get in my way! I thought that way for a long time...and then one day my arm was nearly destroyed in the middle of a battle against a Pageless. Ozma actually saved my life there, with her grimoire. Our stories make us strong but stories are not told alone, they are shared in a group. That is what I've learned. To value what the stories of others can bring to you, and they can make the grimoires you carry even stronger."

Valeria blinked after she finished speaking, shocked to hear herself open up so much. She's left wondering if she was spouting complete bullshit or very insightful teacher commentary. She'd let everyone else be the judge of that. She'd release the students and give them a wave goodbye.

"But either way, don't hide your feelings. I appreciate the honesty from you all. Now if you'll excuse me I think I am being called away..."

Maria finally arrived, and summoned Valeria away from her students. She'd give her farewells and last minute commendations before observing the lovely new lady. Drossel had her items to offer to the class and she did not want to get in the way of her. Always had to help a fellow German.

"Don't call me Miss! Val or Valeria is fine! What do you require of me? I don't think you plan to become my student too, ja?"

It sounded like the students were wrapping up their night class. Charlotte kept one ear on the arena and one on Maria and the newly introduced Celina. It wouldn’t be long before everyone was dismissed back to their dorms for the night but for now, they had a minute or two to lounge about. After all, the only consequence was, of course, being late to their morning classes. Charlotte turned her full attention on Celina even as she gave Maria a nod and farewell wave.

It was like night and day seeing the two girls beside each other, if only momentarily before Maria left to bother Valeria. The difference in their magic, the difference in their experience; it was like a contrasted conduction of energy between Maria and Celina. Soon enough Charlotte’s instincts were confirmed when the blonde introduced herself as a new student. Somewhere in her head the redhead wondered if Celina assumed she was a teacher. Or maybe the Grand Minister set the new girl up to approach her? It was all coincidence and, frankly, doubtful. But one could never be too sure in a school where the dean predicted all possibilities.

She was just about to welcome Celina as the new student she was before a rush of magic plumed in front of her. Gone was the blonde, now replaced with a stark red hood and wolven ears that could only mean she held the Little Red Riding Hood Grimoire. Charlotte’s expression paused for a good moment before her eyes twinkled and smile widened. “Oh wow you’re…so….cute!!!” The Crimson Comet was mere inches away from the new girl in a matter of moments, gaze sparkling as she looked up and down the wolf girl’s transformation.

“We haven’t had a student with that kind of Grimoire yet! Your ears look so fluffy too! Can I pet em? I’m gonna pet em,” the Brit said with confidence that would not be shaken. She did just that, marveling at how soft Lupin’s ears were with gentle pats, the gray tufts just peeking out from under her hood. “So cool, so cuuuuute….oh, uh, welcome to Marrywell too. I’m, uh, not actually part of the staff so….” Charlotte unconsciously kept patting even as she said, “I can point you to a teacher but your schedule should be in your dorm by the time ya get there.”

---

"Su-- Sure, Mi-- I mean, Val!" Eins replied with a start, after Valeria's answer. She sounded almost like a startled deer caught in the sights of a hunter. In a way, maybe that was the case considering both magical girls' motifs. "I-- thank you for your consideration!" She added hurriedly, before turning her attention back to the eager rookie magical girls.

"Oh well, that... certainly makes it easier to explain..." Eins said to herself, following Suzuya's declaration. The silver-haired magical girl's voice carried a hint of disappointment, almost as if she were holding herself back from pouting after one of the girls got the gist of how her abilities work on her first try. "It's just like she said, in a way at least." Eins addressed Stripes' answer about what her proposal entailed, pointing to the flame-tailed magical girl.

"I trust most of you girls worked with, or at least know about Goodhope's skills. Well, mine are similar... but of a more permanent nature. In a way, I guess you can think about it as a fast-track trainign regimen, since I can't help you get any abilities you wouldn't naturally have, even if you don't know you have the potential for them," Eins continued her explanation, puffing out her chest with pride as it finally looked like she was in control of the situation. "I'll give you girls time for some consideration. Just beware of one thing... nothing in this world comes for free. I can help you learn about your grimoires' faster. But if all you desire is power, you should take care to not end up twisted by your own desires."

"At any rate, if any of you still want my help, feel free to come see me at either the Arts and Crafts room, or the Library. I'll be more than glad to help," Eins said before also taking her leave from the training grounds, as if on cue with the rest of the disbanding crowd.

---

Of course, why would Stripes expect faculty members of a school to say anything enlightening? "My skills are like Captain Goody-Two-Shoes, but not really! tee-hee!" Followed by a thinly veiled threat about seeking power for power's sake. Stripes didn't really care one way or the other. It was a warning wasted on someone like Stripes. She understood that the power they each held was not their own. That it was something they inherited from their stories. Even if Stripes became the most powerful magical girl tommorow, she wouldn't feel like that power was hers for a moment. The meek power of the tiger striped tabby was something she inherited. She shouldn't have even been a magical girl, it wasn't something she associated with her identity.

But maybe she would be skipping out on this benefit after all.

Stripes's power was relative to that of her opponents. If she was just going to "get swole" as a result of this benefit, maybe it wasn't really worth it. The idea of accepting help from someone who might be a mythical or legendary grimoire holder rubbed her the wrong way. Charlotte might have been a little weird, but she was a fable like herself, and proof that you didn't need to have a mighty story to be a mighty magical girl. Perhaps "Ozma" would be a better person to talk to about forwarding her learning as a magical girl. Besides, her grimoire was all about learning abilities from other arcane beings. Wouldn't it be wonderful to learn a spell from Charlotte?

Then again, if she learned how to use the tuner's, well, tuning spell...

"Thank you miss, I will think on it." She blinked once before looking all around her.

There wasn't anything going on that commanded Stripes's attention. The Fox girl was being a total Cinnabon, dunking her head in icing. The monkey was trying to sound philosophical. Bonnie boy was trying to make sense of such philosophy (You're wasting your time, kid) but would end up confused. Rose and her highschool date were talking, no surprises there. Satan was here, didn't need to dress that up to make it sound negative. And wolf girl was gradually turning into Toto as Charlotte pat her on the head.

Despite Stripe's best efforts, she couldn't supress her yawn.

She was, actually, a little interested in their teacher. Valeria was a fable too, if memory served. She wasn't too certain what her grimoire was, but anyone with a fable that made it to the position of a teacher was a hero in her book. One that brought absolutely no joy to her cold dead heart, but maybe if the tuning thing or the Ozma thing didn't pan out, maybe doubling up with someone could help teach her some new spells. Only problem was there wasn't anything for her to do presently. Ozma was preoccupied petting the wolf girl, Satan and the cyborg were talking, Lilack and monkey girl were philosophizing, fox girl was departing, but rose would be on her before long, and thus wasn't someone Stripes presently wanted to interact with.

She squinted her eyes at the tuner, who seemed to be the only one not tied up in a conversation or with Rose right now. This was going to be the route she had to take, wasn't it? "If you don't mind me asking, what is your grimoire based off of?"

With any luck, Eins was out of fortune cookie riddles.

@KoL

"Our stories make us strong but stories are not told alone, they are shared in a group. That is what I've learned. To value what the stories of others can bring to you, and they can make the grimoires you carry even stronger."

"Well said, Miss--Hrm, that is, Valeria. An important lesson for this group to learn, I have been told."

And, perhaps, for myself. Maria thought. Maria took a moment to take in Valeria; she seemed relatively short, or had been at one point. Her modified limbs made it hard to tell. Otherwise, she looked like other girls if not also a little out of time, not unlike Maria herself.

"Not...quite." Maria said to Valeria's bit about becoming a student. "In all honesty, I have been tasked by the Ministry to take care of this particular group." she motioned to the other girls around before resuming.

"I believe their reasoning was that I could replace someone that came before me, but had to leave. You seem to have temporarily taken the role of teacher already, and know these girls well. At the very least, more so than me. Being an outsider as of now, I was wondering if I could count on your support in this new endeavor?"

The question was maybe too overkill - not that Maria would notice it herself - but it seemed clear and polite enough. Beside, it was true. Maria had been a loner for a long time so if Valeria agreed , well, having someone like her would surely be beneficial.

Olivia listened with rapt interest as Drossel explained the nature of her powers, although perhaps not exactly in the most detailed manner… The Tuner also cautioned against seeking power for power’s sake, which was something the Ethereal Rose was mostly unbothered with. After all, the only reason she would want a “tune up” was the possibility of getting even closer to her darling Xolys, and to improve their ability to fight Pageless together, of course. She was just about to say as much, when Drossel revealed that she would not, in fact, be performing any tunings at this time, and instructed the gathered students to seek her out at a later date.

“Huh… How very peculiar…” Olivia observed with a frown as she watched The Tuner depart. “I was certain she was going to give at least one demonstration right now… All that build up, and then nothing… It’s kind of disappointing, don’t you think, Suzuya?”

However, before the now-untransformed fox girl could answer, Olivia’s attention was drawn to where Charlotte was gushing over a young woman the Ethereal Rose had never seen before…

“Oh gosh!” the azure-clad beauty exclaimed in delight as she got a better look at the new arrival. “She has a tail just like you, Suzuya! I’m so sorry I didn’t catch your name before,” she added, while moving closer to the wolf girl in an effort to introduce herself. “But I’m Magical Maiden Ethereal Rose, although you can just call me Olivia if that’s more convenient,” she told the still-being-petted young woman with a giggle. “I’ve noticed that most magical girls have really long titles, but I’ve never managed to find out just why that is… Oh! I’m so terribly sorry! I completely forgot to introduce my companions! This is Suzuya, aka Burning Heart, and this handsome creature is my darling consort, Thyerg’Xolys!”

“A most delightful pleasure to make your acquaintance,” the eldritch beast told her, while giving a polite bow.

“What with looking like a wolf and all, is your Grimoire perhaps Little Red Riding Hood?!” Olivia asked with an eager smile. “I’ve always been fascinated by how the big bad wolf in that story was able to swallow multiple people whole!” she added. “He must have been very big indeed! Or perhaps his stomach was actually connected to a pocket dimension where he stored his food until it was ready to be digested… What do you think?” she asked the probably-overwhelmed-by-this-point young woman expectantly.

...Huh.

The more time had past with little response, Lupin felt a bit self-conscious. Seemed this group was too busy with other stuff like complaining about the assignment from the teacher or the tuner's offer to notice her. Maybe she was in a different class? Maybe she was too quiet? The fancy looking girl did wave at her, to which the wolf girl lightly waved back. Then there was another blonde that properly introduced her. One that carried a certain elegance she couldn't pinpoint, she made a mental note not to antagonize her.

Then there was the red-haired girl that went over to greet her too. But when she transformed? Lupin looked over to Ozma soon as she started speaking.

Cute?!

Then she promptly turned flusted at the sudden marveling at her transformed state. Her ears popped out of her hood, revealing themselves. She was going to tuck them back in when the red-head asked to pet them. She did it anyways. The audacity. ...But it did feel nice, if not a tad bit embarassing. She nearly zoned out for a second there.

"Hm? Oh, my bad. Don't know how this all works yet so..." She trailed off in response to Ozma's explanation, then cracked a smile. "Thanks for the help, even if it isn't much. _{...You can stop petting me now.}"

Then another blonde in a ball gown (frankly, very impractical for combat) took notice of her. And her tail. Are magical girls with abnormal features uncommon in this circle? Yeesh. Anyways, she introduced herself as... Okay just gonna stick with Olivia or Rose, cause long monikers like that can be a headache to remember. Lupin's own was intended to be short, sweet, and to the point. Something like "Magical Wolf Scarlet Lupin" is kinda stupid. Olivia then introduced the currently untransformed fox girl, Suzuya, and...

Sweet Baby Christ's cradle, how is she not being driven insane by simply looking towards this sight for sore eyes??? It'd make sense for Rose to have some form of immunity from being driven mad by the presence of a cosmic entity beyond comprehension from how she described him, but hey, at least he's polite. Lupin casually waved back to Thyerg before turning her attention back to his waifu.

"Surprised the red jacket wasn't the dead ringer, but yeah." She answered her question about her grimore. Olivia went on to ramble her fascination about the wolf she took traits from. Lupin's brows rose. She certainly didn't adopt his size in that case, or his stomach. "He'd have to unhinge his jaw too in that case, wouldn't he? In fact, the wolf managed to survive being gutted and stuffed with rocks before he was killed, so what if the wolf wasn't a normal wolf at all?" She humored her, giving her a playful wink. "They do say monsters prowl the woods after all~ And ah, wolves don't usually talk unless they got something going on with 'em. Trust me, I would know." She joked.

Having finished her business with the newbie magical girls for the time being, Eins was just about to call it a day, leave for her room, and find some way to spend the rest of the night. At least that's what she meant to do before being intercepted by one of those very same girls before she could do any of it.

"Wha--!?" Eins replied with a start, as Stripes' question snapped her back to reality. "I... hmm... If I'm not wrong, your Magical Girl name is Stripes, huh?" She asked as she tried to recollect the other girl's name.

"Hmm? It's not like I mind sharing, but I thought the costume and name already gave it away. Well, that's my bad, I guess. After all, I can't quite expect everyone to know about a mere Legend." Eins sounded almost bummed that her Grimoire wasn't recognized. Still, dusted her cape and introduced herself properly. "Well, as my friend here implies, my tale is that of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. While I may draw some inspiration from that story's protagonist, I suppose most of my skills are more in tune with Godfather Drosselmeyer, the miracle inventor. That's why I chose Drossel as my codename, you see?" she said, with a proud smile on her face.

"Anyway, now that I answered your question. Can I help you with something? If it's about my offering, I'll be happy to help you. That said, I can't quite do it here. Tuning is a lengthy and delicate process, so it needs a proper time and place to be performed."

---

@FrogRFlowR

Valeria was flattered by Maria's high opinion of her abilities when she remained a fish out of water just as much as Maria if not moreso. The substitute teacher didn't think her position was worth all the formal language, and saying she had 'knowledge' of the Ministry she so loathed would've been insulting had Maria not spoken so carefully.

"Oh it's no problem at all! Of course I can assist you, we're on the faculty together after all! If we cannot understand these students, I'm sure we can mold them into shape with hard steel! I kid, I kid!"

Valeria laughed, and smacked onto Maria's shoulder with her heavy metal arm. A friendly gesture that would leave the teacher's back sore for the evening.

"I suppose I need a team too, so you can count on me. Ozma is off on her own adventures. As usual..."

_@KoL

"That's right." Stripes confirmed. Indeed, her name was less pretentious than most other magical girls, but that just meant it was easier to remember and call out in a battle. Also short names like that are hella cute, not that Stripes would ever openly admit something like that. It was strictly because she was challenging social norms for magical girls by not having a name like "Magestic Tiger Striped Tabby Chan." Besides, you had girls like Ozma who more or less kept the details of their powers super secret, and she was a teacher, or something? The point was that there was clearly some value in not telling everyone and their brother what your power set was. It was odd, even Stripes could atest to that. The pageless likely weren't collecting data on them or anything, but the secrecy was still there.

But it didn't last for Eins.

Mmm, yes, she was definitely a rambler. Though most of Stripes's teachers were that way, so it was hardly worth fixating on. Ultimately, it was a story that Stripes wasn't too familiar with. She had never been well read when it came to the classics, and since becoming a magical girls she tried to spend as much time reading about fables as possible. The important part was that Eins was a legend, which wasn't surprising and somehow still disappointed her teacher. It was breathtaking how the tuner would go from reprimanding students who sought power from her services to being disappointed because she was a "mere legend." Would she only be happy if her grimoire were a myth? Or was it that even with a legendary grimoire she was considered weak by hear peers? Hmm, this "Drossel" fellow was more complicated than Stripes originally thought. This might be one of the few faculty members she actually liked.

"Oh no, I'm still thinking about it." She'd probably end up getting it anyway, if just to keep up with the other students. "Thank you for your time." It was at this point she noticed that Rose had her attention snatched away by the puppy girl, which meant that she could approach Suzuya without being talked to death.

_@Lonewolf685

The last time Stripes saw "Burning Heart" was when they fought that pageless in the construction zone, though there were too many magical girls present for Stripes to really do much. They hadn't really spoken, but Stripes more remembered her just because she was one of the new arrivals that showed up before she left. Someone with a Fable, and a Japanese student no less. It was an odd combo and one that resonated deeply with Stripes. But she wasn't sure if she liked it or not. Regardless, there was a pretty easy way to tell if Stripes would like Suzuya or not.

She just had to ask them a deeply controversial question.

Stripes ran up beside Suzuya and looked at her out of the corner of her eye. "Hey." the witch said to get her attention. "Are pineapples good on pizza?"

Tesni was frankly a bit shocked that anyone was actually listening to her mumbled little monologue. Looking up at Bonnie, she furrowed her brow not expecting to have to justify herself to anyone else, but she also couldn’t just leave someone with a misconception about her… especially when she was addressed directly. Then of all things the teacher pulled her into a hug! No that wasn’t right. She was the one who initiated hugs, it was on her terms and when she wanted it to happen. The metal arm also made the hug feel strangely ‘clunky’, but she suppressed the urge to squirm out of it. Instead answering Bonnie’s question about her mumblings.

“No… no that’s not right. It’s not about the boredom of being the strongest. Bon bon, it’s about not having the power to be self-reliant. It’s well and good to have teammates and friends, but what do you do when you’re all alone? It’s not about me being weak exactly. I frankly think I’m rather strong, but it’s the idea that I’m already strong is a subconscious limiting factor.” Tesni was not having a great time trying to explain herself, she felt she was doing it wrong, but couldn’t think of any better way to put it than the metaphor that popped into her head earlier.

“It’s like… let’s say I started my magical girl life as a crude stick figure on a canvas. That’s little baby Tesni. Over time, experience and familiarity with my power is like painting a self-portrait of who I am now. Lately I felt like there wasn’t much room for me to add more within my ‘canvas’ if that makes sense. Like I had a complete picture, it’s framed and hung on the wall in a gallery.” Looking Bonnie in the eyes she got up off the ground and put a hand on her shoulder.

“The point is, that there is the limiting factor of the picture frame. But paint can go anywhere; the artwork doesn’t have to stop with a frame. There is the wall it is hung on, or the floor or the ceiling. Why not break free of a simple portrait on canvas and add some landscapes? Make it a mural on the wall?" Tesni quickly felt that her metaphor was escaping her.

“In simple terms, lately I've had a crisis. I've felt as if I had reached the limit of what I can achieve on my own. But Valeria’s little speech as shifted my perspective, which thanks by the way Valeria, I really did need that... oh, she's busy with a... new kid? Bon bon, when did we get another new kid? Were they always here? Did I forget about a classmate? Whatever, not important. At least not important to the conversation we're having. Briefly turning to shout after the teacher, Teni focused on Bonnie once again.

“I still want to be independent, that will never change for me. Because I don't like the idea of bugging others with problems I have, but I'm gonna be trying to work as a team because that’s a new way for me to grow and improve. So although I won't ask for help... I will offer it. I realise it's kinda an arbitrary line in the sand, but it's making me feel better about the whole thing.” Tesni had no idea if she made sense to anyone else, but it felt right to her and that’s what mattered.

“C’mon, Bon bon. We’re gonna do this whole team up thing. But like… I’m one of those big ice breaker ships. Cracking through the ice, breaking the shell and releasing the gooey weak point centre… whatever, it’s not like we have to have everything sorted out literally now. We have time and can figure it out as we go… I talked to much, I have a tension headache at the back of my skull, need a drink.”

@The 42nd Gecko

“Oh! Sorry, sorry!” Charlotte said without actually moving her hand away. She couldn’t help it and gave Lupin one more round of pets before finally relenting. By the time she was done there was a small crowd around the latest Marrywell student. Charlotte stepped back as the other girls took their turns admiring and fawning over Lupin. Good; it was better she made some friends now and this early on her first official day in the school. Charlotte simply nodded in approval even if she couldn’t join in the fun herself. Her mind returned to the tasks at hand after all.

She had other things to take care of especially when the Ministry expected results on this Roma case. And so Charlotte was gone before anyone noticed, vanished and poofed without much of a farewell. She doubted she’d get one when the others were so wrapped up in their own conversations. For now she’d work out of sight and beyond their notice to make some arrangements. Whatever else the others had to do for the night’s class, they would do so and finish up before the morning hours reminded them all this was still a school.

All of the girls were expected to be present and punctual for their classes over the next couple of days. In that time, they’d learn the basic curriculum taught in Marrywell’s walls. But beyond the public view and outside of everyday sight, they were learning the methods of their magic and the inner-workings of their Grimoires. Being one of the newer students, Celina was placed in the same classes as the other new girls with dorming arrangements sorted out between them. All of it, including Charlotte’s unseen efforts, paid off when the girls were assigned their second patrolling mission shortly after. For some it was their first.

By choice or chance, the girls found themselves gathered in one group at Marrywell’s entrance. As per Valeria’s homework, each of them was expected to have formed some group of two or three, though Charlotte didn’t seem care whatever sort of order they were in today. She flashed all of them, gathered teachers Valeria and Maria included, a wiry grin as they assembled. “Oi lasses, glad you could make it! The Minister’s appointed me to look over your patrol for today so let’s see if you girls actually learned something the last week, ya?”

A crowd of students were also watching the group depart. It was rare for the Crimson Comet herself to head such thing as just a meager patrol, let alone act like she was a teacher after avoiding the role for years. Naturally it’d cause quite some buzz in the air. Charlotte paid them no mind, spinning around and transforming into her magical uniform. “Remember, muggles can’t very well see us when we’re transformed, so try not to make such a fuss. Students keep up with your teachers and teachers, try to keep up~” Magical Girl Ozma announced with a wink.

A twirl of her hands summoned a bright white witch’s broom that sparkled in sheen with the morning light. Ozma hopped on the length of it with the balance of a skateboard before zooming forward into London with a crimson streak. Her smirk was…slightly off today, something Maria and Valeria would notice. Maybe there was more to this simple “patrol” than the senior girl was letting on but that could only be confirmed if they started catching up.

---

"What a relief--" she began, before being smacked into the shoulder by Valeria as a sign of what Maria could only describe as camaraderie. Depending on Valeria's levels of awareness, she might notice that while Maria did indeed recoil, she took this hit better than what she german girl might had expected for such a powerful arm. While the tall blonde was completely unhurt, she still brought a hand to her shoulder in fear of vexing Valeria if she didn't. Perhaps a foolish thought born from Maria's lack of social interactions in the last decades, but still.

"Yes, it does seem like Miss Clementine has left us. She is as mysterious as I had heard before, isn't she? Well, Valeria, rest well and see you soon." she said she said with another subtle bow before heading out herself, politely smiling and bidding farewell at anyone who would meet her gaze. The girls were busy in their discussion, and Maria came to the same conclusion Ozma did in that now was not the time for additional interactions.

Time passed, and Maria began teaching along with Valeria. As discussed, they would split the charge of different courses. Maria was a woman of...few words. She was always polite to a fault and followed almost perfect etiquette, yet tended to keep conversations short and to the point, avoiding unnecessary interactions for the time being. She preferred to teach in a hands-off manner. Anything that was theoretical seemed to be her cup of tea, and the times when the Girls would change she would remain unchanged and give advises, pointers and tips as and if necessary. She would leave everything that needed direct interactions and action to Valeria - such as combat practice - and never once in those few days did anyone see Maria change into her Grimoire. If asked why or asked to do it, she would simply say that it is not necessary at this time and leave it at that.

On the day that Ozma gathered everyone at the Academy's entrance, Maria stood towards the front with Valeria. All of their charges were supposed to have chosen teams already, so in that regard they were covered - in theory. Maria did notice something off with Charlotte, but did not care to bring it up yet. She did however looked at Valeria to see if she, too, noticed it.

That alone would not be deranging if it wasn't for what Charlotte told her a few days ago about what was happening. It led Maria to believe that, perhaps, the Ministry expected things to go wrong with this sortie, too. Anyhow, they still needed to go.

(EDIT:)
She knew their students had formed their teams as asked, so she simply faced the group and said;
"As your recently appointed Teacher it is my duty to make sure everyone come back to this Academy alive and well. Keep a close eyes on your partners and each others and remember Miss Weizenbaum's words; Stories are shared in group. I expect to see a marked improvement out there, today - I am certain I will not be disappointed."

Maria turned to Valeria and politely asked; "Valeria, may I ask to ride alongside you in your vehicle if possible? I would greatly appreciate it."

The wallflower in Suzuya could see a flash of hurt across the metal limbed Teacher's face, and regret bloomed in her heart for her hostility. Perhaps she too wasn't fitting into this country and had been putting on a brave front to match the vilence and barbarism of the English? She winced uncomfortable trying to put herself in the shoes of a new teacher in this place and shook with fright, unable to consider even approaching that task without sinking so heavily into Burning Heart's mental fortification she'd be Tomoe Gozen in the flesh and nothing more.

But the great gathering of Magical Girls clamoring for fluffy ears and introductions made for a poor space to apologize and she resolved herself to confront Valerie after classes someday. Certainly there was no time that night as it stretched on, Olivia moving on to befriend a lupine themed Magical Girl who seemed far more accepting of the idea of ear rubs then Suzuya would ever be. It seemed standing so close to Xolys was serving as an effective barrier to most social interaction. With any luck besides a few small greetings to be polite, she could-

Suzuya startled, shouldering rubbing against a mass of tentacles that were almost as horrifying as being surprised by sudden questions from felines she hadn't noticed prior. The scottish burr to her voice made Stripes stand out but Suzuya couldn't recall interacting with her. There were vague recollections of a Tiger being present on that first night in England but there hadn't been an introduction and her Grimoire hadn't formed a strong opinion either way. Still, she seemed a quiet enough sort and Suzuya appreciated a companionable silence.

"Umm, I haven't had pissa before." Suzuya said, finding the z's rolling weirdly off her tongue. She knew vaguelly it was some kind of cheesy bread dish, but her household was rather traditional in its diet. "Though I like Pineapple juice, so I wouldn't mind trying it."

She couldn't know how big an impact those words would have.

---

It was a week later and things had settled into a quiet rhythm of nearly normal schoolwork and less intensive magical girl education. Some no doubt chafed under the lack of action but both Suzuya and her Grimoire savored the peace, going so far as to make a habit of enjoying a cup of green tea on a patio regardless of weather. A little slice of tranquility and peace, moving past the horror of sleeping across from Xolys without the protection of her transformed state. It was getting to be less and less of a shock, familiarity breeding resilience. She needed it now that they were partners, the two Magical Girls working together quite nicely in both theory and practise.

Xolys was the artillery. Suzuya the spear. Oliva the Lord- Err, Lady. They each had roles and complimented one another, and if she were honest with herself, riding on the Gentleman Horror's shoulders was the most exhilirating thing she'd ever done. Likely the closest she'd get to riding a dragon, and well worth the feeling of her skin peeling off whenever she looked away.

It seemed that she'd be experiencing that soon enough as they all gathered for an oncoming patrol, with Suzuya hoping that Ozma's presence didn't herald this one being more dangerous then the last had been. She transformed and joined her roommate / partner, fox tails waving as she jumped onto Xolys shoulder and rested one hand on what she wanted to believe constituted hair.

Her eyes panned along the thinning group making ready to depart and caught sight of stripes. With a forwardness she had yet to grasp outside her transformed state she waved to her, flames dancing behind her swishing palm to catch the eye. "Did you want to get that pissa on the way back?"