[Coolshaymin]

(Tagging Mari in the name of Curry)

A wind flew through the Busy Bee Lobby that picked up chunks of earth and pink leaves before Viridi appeared out of the winds. She walked into a cafe and ignored looks that were probably about her not letting anyone on the Lunar Sanctum. She was growing annoyed with ignorant mortals not taking time to realize that there was no way she could do that even if she wanted to.

They seem to think that the Lunar Sanctum was safe just because it floated outside the atmosphere. In reality it was very risky being up there but she had to use the Starvia she collected to try and figure out a way to purify the air in secret. She was not sure nor cared how they would react to it being used as a base for experimenting on it. On top of that, the Lunar Sanctym's purpose on top of being a weapon was to contain creatures of power that rivaled the gods and were very dangerous. There was enough trouble caused by Pit last time he was up there... She had to wonder what happened to Pit since she has not heard anything of him since coming here... Nor has she heard anything of Palutena... Only Dark Pit and that annoying Hades.

Viridi ignored that and ordered some curry. There was some trouble given mentioned circumstances but she was able to obtain it and stared at it. The server mentioned this was the last curry they could make due to limited resources. Of course it had to be all grown ingredients but Viridi preferred that anyway. Still, it's not like there would be any trouble over that. "The real trouble is the ignorance of these mortals. It's not like it is called the Lunar Sanctuary. You'd think they would just accept it when I say I can't. I wouldn't given how selfish humans and their wants are, guess it applies to more than just them in other worlds."

[Mari]

Nearby too far off, Arle and her companion Carbuncle were lining up to obtain some curry of their own. Whether it was the best curry in the world or just some decent curry, any curry was a good meal to inspire courage and hope. Nothing was quite like it. ...But then...

"Y-...You're out of curry?"

The young girl was distraught. This was--...This was a disaster! Even Carbuncle seemed disappointed by the revelation, but no amount of pouting and heartache was going to procure some curry. She supposed she was straight out of luck, for now. A sigh escaped Arle's lips. "I guess we'll have to fight for whatever we can get out in the world, huh Carbuncle?" Arle asked, shrugging her shoulders helplessly at the situation.

...There was no answer.

Arle hesitated. Carbuncle was usually a pretty noisy and active critter, so his lack of a response drew her attention. She glanced down to her side, only to realize... Carbuncle was gone. "Huh..?" Arle mused aloud, looking about in search of her companion. It was then that she spotted Carbuncle making a beeline for Viridi.

"Guuuuu~!"

...Arle realized what Carbuncle was doing, and she wasted no time in leaping to action.

"Carbuncle, no!"

Arle ran to catch up with Carbuncle, placing her foot down right in front of his path to grab his attention. Carbuncle stopped in a start, just moments away from jumping at the familiar girl. Arle shook a finger at Carbuncle in disapproval. "No. We do not steal food." she lectured sternly. It was sometimes hard to keep control over her little buddy. He was a bit hard to teach, that is. Arle would turn to Viridi, smiling apologetically whilst awkwardly running her hand through her hair.

"Sorry about that. Carbuncle has a mind of his own~"

...It was then that a familiar scent graced Arle's nostrils. Her body would tense for a moment in surprise, her eyes shooting open in shock. Was that...--Was that... Curry? Arle was just sort of stunned into silence. One could see the pain in her eyes as she gazed upon the prized dish. There it laid, mocking her with its deliciousness. It was right there! ...And yet, she could not have it. What sort of cruel fate was this? She was frozen in place, just sort of running back through her day to determine where she'd offended the gods to deserve such a cruel punishment. Had she stepped on someone's favorite cat on the way here?

"..."

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi was about to eat instead of thinking on the stupid mortals until she suddenly heard something... A too familiar sound than she would really like. She looked over to see that it was in fact that Carbuncle speeding at her food. Viridi quickly held her hand out towards the pest. "No! You are not getting any!" Viridi ordered, about to launch an attack.

Carbuncle was stopped though as Arle blocked his path. Looks like Viridi will not have to apply her authority then. "I guess I can accept your apology. Though you should keep better control of him. I do not want another face hug!"

Then Viridi noticed the expression on the girl completely change. She seemed in shock at some kind of major realization... There was also some kind of trace of wanting in her eyes. Viridi raised a hand to her long natural hair and scratched it while giving a confused look. She seemed to be spacing out suddenly... "Are you okay?"

[Mari]

Ashe's body trembled a bit as she forced herself to react to Viridi's words. As much as she was angsting right now, she wasn't about to ignore the goddess. She was a tad too polite for that. Plus, she had apparently pissed off whatever divine authority she answered to enough for one day.

"I'm alright."

The young lady seemed to avoid bringing up what was bothering her. As much as she did want that curry, she was no thief by any extent of the imagination. Sometimes, when life gave you lemons, you just had to suffer. ...Arle wasn't sure that was how the saying went, but it seemed appropriate at the moment. As she kept her eyes closed, Arle managed to distract herself from the curry just long enough to manage a smile.

"Carbuncle's just too eager, you know? He loves curry almost as much as I do."

Carbuncle bounced into the air when his name was called, flipping over in the air and bouncing on the ground as he fell. "Guuuu..." Carbuncle seemed to remark, a rather vacant noise devoid of any meaning. "I'm sure he didn't mean to upset you. Right Carbuncle?" Arle would ask, receiving a sharp chirp from her tiny companion in response. Carbuncle would roll over at Arle's feet, looking up at Viridi with a look that was innocent in it's simplicity. And just like that, Arle's mind was back on the curry. Her eyes drifted open and she found them drifting to the dish longingly.

"..."

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi was not so sure she was okay but an offer to ignore a human's problems was not one she would pass up. She looked back at the curry and was about to eat, ignoring her commenting about Carbuncle. She stopped short however upon noticing Arle blanking out a second... then she realized what was bothering her... Of course she had to come right now. Viridi stared at the food as Arle watched and tried to push her watching eyes out of her mind... She was finding it really hard to eat with that longing stare at her and her food.

Viridi realized there was no point in waiting for her to go away. At this rate the curry would probably get cold before she did that... And she might still be watching after that. She gave a sigh before giving up. She really hoped this human did not make her regret this decision. She pushed the bowl of curry towards Arle. "You can have it if you want. It's not like a Goddess like me needs to eat anyway. Consider it incentive to pay me tribute or whatever," Viridi stated.

[Mari]

Arle's heart fluttered in surprise as Viridi ...offered her the curry? Her eyes widened and she tunnel-visioned in on Viridi and her curry, reaching out but hesitating to actually take the bowl. This seemed too good to bet true! Curry, and without even having to fight for it? She hadn't had that pleasure since she had arrived on Li! Arle glanced between Viridi and the curry several times, contemplating whether it was right to be so greedy. Yet, her stomach called to her. It said she must! It demanded it! 

"...Y-You mean it?"

Arle stammered when she spoke, seemingly shocked by this simple act of kindness. The young girl would wait for just a moment, long enough to give Viridi a chance to take the offer back if she really wanted to. It was then that she would gratefully accept the curry, indulging in a taste of its spicy charm with delight on her features. Oh yes, this--This was what made the future worth fighting for. Her lips twisted upwards into a smile and she swallowed the curry, a thought occurring to her. Now, what was it Viridi had been saying a moment before? She'd tunnel visioned in on the curry for a moment. Sitting down next to Viridi, she scooped the curry bowl over in front of her and turned her gaze upon the other. Her cheeks were a gentle shade of pink, the young girl flustered by the gesture she had received.

"Thank you so much, Viridi~"

Arle would take another bite of the curry, savoring it's taste for a moment before spoke again. "I'm sorry if I don't know a whole lot, but you mentioned something about a tribute?" Arle would ask, her tone suggesting that she was genuinely interested in knowing more. Arle honestly wasn't sure why a goddess would personally ask a mortal like her for tributes. Was Viridi desperate? Did people not like her for some reason? Arle dismissed the thought. The goddess had demonstrated enough of her personality to set Arle's heart aflutter, and she wasn't about to second-guess the warm, spicy feeling in her tummy. "I want to repay you however I can." Arle would go on to offer, her eyes glimmering with something of... Was that adoration? It seemed like a rather extreme reaction to being offered curry, but it all seemed genuine...

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi just left the curry there until Arle decided to take it. It was true that she did not need to eat to live... which was part of why people were not that for her. At least Arle seemed thankful for the curry unlike what she would expect from humans that pratically beg with their eyes... She may be giving them less credit than they deserve when saying that. When you destroy what she has created though that is kind of what happens.

Then Arle actually asked about the tribute comment she made. She actually thought she was serious about that? She really did not want to have some goat sacrificed to her or something else ridiculous humans tend to do to please gods and goddesses... But Arle did not seem that kind of human. Viridi looked to Arle and noticed that look that seemed like adoration... It seemed real enough... maybe she can use this to gain a servant to the Forces of Nature. She did need some more help after the whole Starvia thing no matter how much she hated to admit it. Having her and Dark Pit would put her above Palutena and Pit if needed... "... In that case... You can offer your loyalty and faith to me and the Forces of Nature. Occasional servitude and supporting my cause I think are good tributes. I might even help train you and offer you support if you impress me enough," Viridi offered. She was seeing if her love of curry was really enough to declare loyalty to a Goddess.

[Mari]

Arle listened intently to Viridi's enthusiastic explanation. She heard words that worried her and words that interested her. All at once, Arle was back in the real world. It wasn't a matter of adoration anymore, but a clear-headed judgement call based on the merits of w hat she knew about Viridi. To promise one's loyalty to a goddess sounded like a big deal, the sort of thing that could come back to bite her very quickly if she ever had second thoughts about her choice. Arle definitely seemed to hesitate now that she knew what was actually being asked of her.

"..."

But then... Viridi seemed pretty cool! She also liked curry, and she was really kind to her, so how bad could she be? Arle knew what evil was, and nature wasn't it. The goddess of nature was probably only interested in... nature things! Right? Plus, she might even receive some training! From an actual goddess? Arle could only imagine what sort of magics she might be able to tap into if she accepted the offer. ...Probably nature magics! That sounded really cool! Arle closed her eyes for a moment; she had made a decision.

"...Alright."

Arle would open her eyes, turning to give Viridi her attention and winking at the other.

"You have yourself an acolyte, Vivi~!"

Arle's hesitation had vanished, and in its place was an unabashed fondness for the other. Few had been so kind as to so readily offer Viridi her heart's desire, and so Arle was a tad ... puzzled! What were these feelings, welling up inside of her? It wasn't the curry--Well, part of it was the curry. But there was something else there she didn't understand, something she did not recognise. It was a feeling of warmth, but not the sharp sensation of spice. No... This emotion was much softer. Arle couldn't place her finger on it, and it puzzled her a bit. "Is there anything I should know, to start with?" Arle wound up asking, pushing those odd feelings to the side for now.

[Coolshaymin]

Viridi waited for the girl to think about the offer. At least she can say she is smart enough to consider it. Kind of a big deal to humans about who they serve and all that she guesses. After a bit she finally gives in to Viridi's offer and Viridi guesses curry really is that much of a loyalty gift. She wondered jokingly for a second if food was how Palutena got Pit to be so loyal to him.

Still, it was a bit surprising she did not ask what that entailed before agreeing. She supposes it was a bit of a blessing in that case though since explaining the whole Reset Bomb and War for the fate of humans thing was best left untouched for the moment. Best for her to get a bit more faithful before she mentions her more 'extreme' activities. She was going to need as many people as she can on her side during this whole Starvia mess. Other matters she wants taken care of can wait until the bigger threat is out of the way. It seems those keep coming up and forcing her plans on hold.

It would appear though she had questions on the group she agreed to join already. Maybe the curry was really effecting her priorities after all... which did remind her of Pit in some ways. "First of all, the Forces of Nature's job is to assure the balance of nature is kept in tact," Viridi said, leaving out the fact they routinely try to destroy humans because they are a major source of the problem. "The Starvia as you can probably tell is a major problem, especially to me, because of this!" Viridi started.

"So that makes whoever is the cause of them enemy number one right now. I also have a strict nature rule that you must follow. That means you may not cause any harm to nature unless I make an exception. It also means you are required to recycle, use cloth shopping bags, and compost food scraps regularly! Any harm to the environment by your actions I will not tolerate," Viridi ordered passionately.

"Also, your friend there is counted towards your actions so I expect him to follow the same rules. Any further questions?"  Viridi finished.

[Mari]

Arle listened intently to what Viridi had to ask of her. Protect the balance of nature, the environment, destroy evil world-devouring viruses... It was all very simple as she'd expected, yet crucially important in principle. Who would want to hurt the environment anyway? ...Satan, probably. Arle wasn't entirely sure about how recycling worked, but she assumed she could figure something out. Cloth shopping bags sounded pretty efficient, actually. And Arle was, of course, the last person to waste food. A spec of curry uneaten was a sin against good taste~! Badumtish. Arle would glance down at Carbuncle, only to catch the chub monster striking a pose and saluting Viridi. "Gu gu gu guu~!" Carbuncle blurted out, imitating the tone of human speech. It vaguely sounded like he was attempting to reassure Viridi.

Arle's gaze returned to Viridi and she held out her hand, making a peace sign and winking to the other.

"Looks like we're both on board. We'll do our best, Vivi~!"

Arle seemed to consider something for a moment. She would shift to  bashfully tap her fingers together.

"I guess I'll have to find a place to live so I have a place to put those bags and recyclables."

Arle... had no place to live. She was just a child, and she had become addicted to her travels. She had no idea how to even find a place to live, let alone make city life work.

[Coolshaymin]

It would appear Carbuncle and Arle understood and accepted her terms... Well, Arle she was more sure understood what she meant. Carbuncle was really hard to read. He did not seem very bright at all. The remark she made about not having a home was kind of surprising though. The Life Sphere tended to offer everyone free homes when they came. "... The Life Sphere gives away homes... You do not have one?" Viridi asked before thinking.

She did let Dark Pit live on the Lunar Sanctum but he was an angel... She was not sure she could have a human up there... She did give her loyalty to her though so maybe she can make an exception. It's not like she seemed the type to break things. It was better than making her new minion live in this city she was not a fan of. She was not even sure why she was considering this but she might as well. "Very well, I can set up a room for you at the Lunar Sanctum. Just do not break anything or inspect prohibited rooms or I will revoke the privelage!" Viridi offered.

[Mari]

Arle once again listened to what Viridi had to say, cheerily enjoying her curry while she listened. The young girl had to pause when Viridi mentioned that housing was free. Was it, really? That made her feel a little silly about having never asked for one, but wasn't it a little odd to expect a child to take care of themselves anyway? ...She supposed that the good citizens of the life sphere were doing their best, given the situation.

"Oh! Really..?"

Before Arle could respond and apologize for her airheadedness, however, Viridi shocked her by offering her a home. ...She was shocked. First curry, and now friendship and training--and now a home? ...No one had ever really been that nice to her, before! I mean sure, she had friends, but they were mostly her age and they mostly didn't ask about her home situation. Arle was taken aback momentarily, but she quickly reigned in her feelings in favor of not staring like a slack jawed fool. Her cheeks were now burning a bright shade of pink, however.

"That's... the sweetest thing anyone has ever offered me."

Arle seemed to squirm anxiously where she sat. The urge to hug Viridi washed over her like a tidal wave, but her better judgment told her the other probably didn't want to be touched by a mortal like her. She hadn't appreciated Carbuncle's 'hug' either. She clearly struggled with the choice but managed to resist the urge--much to her own chagrin. "I-I'll take ca-care to follow every one of your rules, V-Vivi." Arle replied rather quietly. She had suddenly developed an involuntary stutter, and now appeared very bashful; what was that all about? Her mind raced as she tried to think of a way to show Viridi how she felt.

Arle slid the bowl of curry back over, settling it between the two of them. She then produced a hidden utensil with trembling hands, offering it to Viridi. "...Wanna share?" she would ask, after a moment. "Gu..?" Carbuncle asked, tilting his head at Arle. It was an unprecedented gesture, and the both of them knew it.

[Coolshaymin]

The magical girl thanked Viridi for her kindness... Before she seemed really odd all of a sudden... She seemed to be struggling with something as she squirmed. Viridi raised a questioning eyebrow at the unusual gestures. It was times like this she wished she could read minds and not just communicate via long range telepathy.

That was not the end of Arle's sudden weirdness however as she started involuntarily stuttering very quietly and seemed... bashful? Viridi did not understand these weird forms of human breakdowns. She then pushed the bowl of curry back over and offered to share... She practically begged for that bowl of curry and now she was offering to share?! Viridi looked to the bowl of curry for a few seconds as she scratched her head.

Did this human suddenly fall for her? She did not really know Arle on the missions they been on to be like this. She was not sure and this weirdness made her want to eat even less. Besides, even with a new utensil, the utensil she has been touching has been used with the same bowl. As if she would eat from the same bowl as a human. No telling what weird human diseases a Goddess could be somehow vulnerable to. "I am good. I am not into eating out of the same bowl. No telling what a Goddess can fall from eating after a human. No offense," Viridi declined. Besides, the illness the human has could transfer to her if she is not careful.

[Mari]

A tightness welled up in Arle's chest and for a moment and she felt as if she couldn't breathe. The mage raised one of her hands to her mouth as if to hide her expression, but like a klutz her eyes revealed all of what she was feeling. It was some sort of anxiety stew, with an infusion of disappointment.

"O-Oh. I didn't realize..."

Arle trailed off as she realized she was out of breath. Why did she feel this way? Surely it was an honest mistake, right? Even Viridi didn't seem particularly upset by it, so why was she beating herself up? Arle took the bowl back and cradled it in her arms.

"I k-kinda thought a goddess might be im-immune to all our germs."

Arle took a bite of the curry to distract herself as she fought for control of her emotions. Y'know, for an all powerful deity Viridi, seemed awfully... human! It was an odd thought to have, especially since she wasn't a hundred percent sure her thoughts were safe, but she couldn't help but find it endearing. She finished a good portion of her curry before she next spoke, deciding to try and distract from the subject of her out of control feelings.

"So um--What's the plan for defeating the starvia? Is there some sort of goals list of things we have to accomplish?"

Arle wondered the obvious. Sure, destroying the starvia was a noble goal, but where did they start?

[Coolshaymin]

The human still seemed to be floundering a bit for some reason as her declining to share curry seemed more... shocking than it felt it should of.  She then seemed to focus more intently on that curry as she seemed to be thinking to herself. Or at least she was trying to get rid of a thought for some reason.

She seemed to still be doing it too as she asked what her plans were for dealing with the Staravia. She was smart to ask the question of how she planned to deal with such an issue though. "The first thing we need is what any kind of effort to take down a threat like the Starvia needs... an army and tactical ground!" Viridi began.

"I need to set up bases for base of operations to combat the Starvia. I need a factory to make Reset Bombs to restore the land to rejuvenate the land. I also need various tactical points to set up for breaking the Starvia to weaken their numbers! While that is happening, I need to build up an army of forces to help in taking them down. I also need generals to help command my forces! While that is happening, I must find a way to purify the land, sea and air. Purifying it in mass will be difficult but finding a way will severely harm their ability to gain minions! For that I will probably need to make some bases suitable for performing the duties I need accomplished. They may seem small and simple steps, but it's the best way to make sure the Starvia becomes a small time threat at most before we vanquish it!" Viridi explained passionately.

"And that is my plan to take down the Starvia. Much more reasonable than that hedgehog and definitely more reliable and thought out than that plumber," Viridi finished.