[Coolshaymin]

The signal in Neo Arcadia seemed to come from a building in the city, though things felt calm for the moment. Well, it would if there was not tons of explosions everywhere. The place was in worse shape than usual, like a horrible explosive hurricane swept through, launching explosives everywhere in it's path of destruction, these trails of explosions leading to sad building. Well, whoever was involved in these Biometals is definitely bad news if there is not someone defending them. "Not so confident when you are too weak to fight back, hm?" A large purple robot walked towards him. This man looked several centuries old... A bit less refined in body shape and he definitely did not have any desire to live with humans so... Definitely a Maverick in any case.

"Full of cheap tricks, huh? You know, if it was not for how confident you are I'd say you are too afraid to take me seriously~."

"Gr, you are like those two combined. It ticks me off!" The Maverick let off another explosion, firing Aile's body through the wall, breaking it and sending her falling to the ground outside. She seemed too paralyzed to move somehow. The purple man jumped down to pursue, she standing over her. "Now tell me. What are these things and why do they give you the weapons and appearance of THEM!" the Maverick presented a purple Biometal... It was a Model she definitely did not recogonize, it definitely wasn't H but then what Model was it?... Though looking at it did resemble him?... But why did the Biometal resemble this guy in paticular. Either way, even if he was not able to merge with it, she can't tell him what it does.

"I don't know who you are talking about. As for the other question, have you tried checking the enclosed instruction man-AGH!"

"You are in no position to make jokes! I will not hesitate to finish all three of you at once. Now tell me what I want to know or I will rid myself of you," the sociopath threatened, aiming his shoulder cannon. Man, if only she did not slip up and let that guy hit her with.. whatever poison was keeping her body so numb. She can only struggle to move her fingers around the ZX Saber. This guy clearly did not care about fair or who he hurts or even finishes off for that matter. Still, while her body was fully paralyzed she stood zero chance against him.

"You could at least ask us out to dinner first. Not that I'd accept of course. Sorry but you are really not my type."

"........ My patience has worn out. Prepare to say goodbye," the Maverick declared as he lifted Aile up and began charging a shot up. Wow, he was really intent on finishing this. She could almost feel her arm again but it might be a bit too late at this point.

"If there is any time I'd pray for backup, now would probably be that time..."

Aile (ZX)

HP: 55

Shield HP: 35

Status: Immobile

Vile

HP:200

Shield HP: 50

Status: Running out of patience.

Mari

[Mari]

“ That's Aile! She's in danger! ”

“ ...You know what you need to do. ”

“ ...But... I'm not an experienced fighter... like you were... ”

“ Don't hesitate. You cannot afford to hesitate if you want to save that girl. Take hold of me and call out 'Rock On'. ”

( ...What an odd choice of words. Still, if this is really... Zero, I need to trust him. I don't think I can handle that maverick on my own. ...I'm about to sound like a complete dork, though. Oh well... )

“ ...Rock On!! ”

Ciel had to restrain the urge to scream as a light enveloped her body, a foreign sensation gripping her and sending chills down her spine. She was ... changing?! A deeply flustered Ciel tried to protect her modesty as she was suddenly subjected to a magical girl transformation sequence without warning. She wasn't sure who she was guarding it from. She was still hidden from Vile at a good distance. Model Z, maybe? After a moment though, she seemed to regain her composure as new armor replaced her clothing, binding to her body. This was too heavy! She wasn't even a tomboy, let alone a bruiser! She couldn't possibly move around in this stuff!! And yet, it felt light on her. She wasn't sure how, but she'd become stronger. She... She'd become redder. She'd become...? Her hands drifted up to her head and she felt at a new helmet covering her hair. Once again she had to stifle a squeak of shock as she abruptly realized the truth. She'd ... become Zero?! What--... Had she just megamerged?!

A new destiny emerges

Ciel had known biometals were special, but hadn't realized she herself could merge with Model Z without any alteration of herself or the biometal. How could that be possible? ...It was too convenient. She was a chosen match for this biometal? Blushing furiously, Ciel couldn't help but question this. "But... why?" she mused aloud in abject confusion. "Why me?" she asked again. Biometals weren't supposed to fuse with just anyone! That wasn't how they worked! "...I believe in you. Now it's time for you to believe in yourself. GO!!" Model Z instructed.

ZujsNgLsp_1d5p_1d5p_1d5 ((Model Z Mega Merge Bonuses))

Ciel flinched, only blushing harder at Model Z's encouragement. Wh-What was he trying to imply?? She wasn't a hero. Not that type of hero. Turning toward Vile, she grimly drew a buster pistol and began charging it. Though she was a pacifist by nature, she was also no stranger to war. She knew how to use a gun, and today she was going to use one to save another aspiring heroine's life. Taking careful aim, she shot a precise blast of plasma soaring through the air to strike him

p_1d20+4 (Ciel's Charge Shot @ Vile; This is a sneak attack and does 67% Damage)

Ciel then abandoned her relative cover, dashing with inhuman speed across the ground and lunging to land nearby! She then stepped over the fallen Aile, who was still recovering from her wounds, and drew her Z-saber threateningly at Vile. Hey Aile, was that Giro?! It distinctly looked like Giro using Model Z, only he was shorter for some reason and put on some weight in the trunk area--No wait. That's definitely a girl. "Thi-This girl is mine now! Attack again a-at your own peril!" Ciel nervously called out from where she stood over Aile's fallen form, only to grimace and hang her head for a moment. "That's... not what I meant to say." she lamented in frustration, taking a defensive stance regardless as she aimed to protect her fallen sister in arms.

((Ciel's Gokumonken! She will counter any attack aimed at her or Aile next turn, taking damage in Aile's steed if necessary!))

Doctor Ciel HP: 180/185 Shield: 65/65 Maverick Strength (+2 Stat Mods, +10 Damage Done) 2 Turns Gokumonken (Countering attacks directed toward herself or Aile) Charge Cooldown: 1 Turn

1d5·1d5·1d5·1d20+4

[Coolshaymin]

Aile gave a bit of a wince. Who was she kidding? She was in the middle of nowhere with no way to defend herself and an angry maverick intent on ending her. This situation is one she can't rely on ANOTHER miracle to save her like when she merged with X and Z... No, this time it was probably game over... She closed her eyes, anticipating the shot only to hear a massive energy collision right in front of her that forced her to fall backwards, her ZX Buster/Saber skidding out of her hands and a bit to her left. Who did that? Wait! Was that?

"G-Giro? Is that...?" Aile took a moment to observe her rescuer, it looked just like him until she noticed the differences here and there... No, this Model Z user was a girl and she had a distinct dorky but.. Wait, it can't be. "Ciel?! How can there be two Model Z's?! I thought the soul inside Model Z was irreplacable-" None of this made sense to her. Only Giro could properly biomatch with Z. She can sort of do it now but that was after years of practice and help from X.

"... While I want to know how there is more than one too, now's not the time. We need time to gather our strength back up. We are counting on you, Ciel."

".... We should undo the Merge for now, Aile. We don't want to strain ourselves when we can not act."

"... Right, I am going to unmerge to preserve my strength. Sorry for making you protect me, Ciel..."

Aile's body flashed in both red and blue before she returned to her normal human form, falling back a bit. She was filling hungry due to the lack of food and the cookpot giving her that craving again. She decided to ignore the impulse best she can. She was not exactly in the position to do any nomming.

"Teach that Old World Maverick who's boss, Ciel! I know you can handle a maverick this old at least! Just watch out for his dirty tricks!"

"... Another one of you resembling that Ex-Maverick... Does not matter. I will have to deal with you both!" The Maverick declared before making a rush for Ciel and Aile, aiming to fire his fist in a short ranged but extremely powerful punch that would make any normal human tremble with the impact.

(Ciel! Vile is trying to hit you with his Golden Right! Roll a 12 or higher to counter, failure results in 35% damage, however if you do counter his blow, he will be stunned and hit for certain with a followup attack)

"... Oh yeah! Ciel! This guy has been pillaging Biometals. He has a purple one on him! You should take it from him and toss it to me! I might be able to work off this paralysis! I have an idea as long as I can get that biometal!" Aile advised... Her... logic would seem somehow flawed without the context she knew but she was a heroine so she might know what she's doing.

Aile (Human)

HP: 55

Shield HP: 40

Status: Immobilized

Vile

HP: 133

Shield HP: 50

Status: Irritated

[Mari]

...Are you sure, Aile? That cookpot seems to be making her out to be pretty delicious. I mean, look at her. She's small, cute, and probably wouldn't even see it coming! Not the least of which because of that visor that came with solo merging with Model Z. She was practically asking for it by existing while within grabbing reach! ...It was noteworthy that the red of her outfit was slightly pinker than Giro's. Must be all that girliness Ciel was bringing to the fusion. Either that or her version of Model Z was just slightly pinker in general. It was hard to tell while they were fused and all. As if on cue, a familiar voice answered the biometals and Aile.

“ This is the first we're hearing about duplicates as well. I don't like it, but if our biommatches are friends, I guess we can work together to figure it out. ”

Ciel turned her gaze to briefly address Aile. The younger and smaller girl seemed very nervous and uneasy. She didn't have battle-hardened nerves, as her soft heart wouldn't allow her to develop them even after her years leading the resistance through a war.

“ It's a long story... B-But it's okay. As a member of the sisterhood, I believe firmly in the power of kinship, empathy, compassion, and solidarity between women. In other words, us girls need to stick together! ”

"Ugh! You nerd!" the disembodied voice of a smash spirit remarked in a tone of disgust.
"Something tells me you don't have a boyfriend." another added rather snarkily.

Ciel flinched and deflated a bit as her own smash spirits bullied her for her beliefs. It seemed to hurt her more than a little, and she became somber for a moment before having her attention demanded by Vile's attack! As he drew in to punch her, Ciel delicately weaved around his blow and used his own momentum against him, driving her Z-saber up and through his arm, cutting it off with one clean slice!

IiYLDxEnp_1d20+5 (Ciel's Counter; Auto-hits, does 45% Damage and stuns Vile)

“ ...'Ex' Maverick? I don't remember retiring. ”

Ciel drew her chain rod and lashed out with it like a whip lined with small energy blades that dug into Vile as she effectively lasso'd him, yanking him closer to her so that they both saw eye to ....visor. Heeeey, did she just imply she was a maverick with that one-liner there?

p_1d20+4 (Ciel's Chain Rod; Grapples Vile and does 30% damage, healing Ciel for half the damage done)

“ You may believe I'm weak or annoying, but I believe that girls have unique opportunities to make our world a better place for everyone in it, and that being a girl is something worth cherishing. ...If anything, Aile, I feel like it's my duty to protect you from creeps who want to do dirty things to us! ”

As Ciel went on, she transitioned from implicitly talking to her spirits to talking to Aile. She seemed quickly furrow her brows at her own choice of words at the end there, though but decided not to correct herself this time as the statement remained true, if not slightly less relevant. As Ciel talked, she plucked the purple biometal from Vile's restrained body and carefully tossed it to Aile.

“ ...Plus, I'll probably need you to protect and look after me sometime. This is actually... new to me... I'm not a strong hero... Or the best fighter... ”

Ciel gave Vile, who was still wrapped up in the chain rod, a sharp look. It only dug its 'teeth' in deeper as he squirmed, which meant she was free to ease his suffering. Turning on him, she calmly and strategicallyically diced and dismembered him with her Z-saber until he trophied!

p_1d20+5 (Ciel's Z-Saber; Does 34% Damage)
p_1d20+0 (Ciel's Z-Saber; Does 34% Damage)

Doctor Ciel HP: 185/185 Shield: 65/65 Maverick Strength (+2 Stat Mods, +10 Damage Done) 1 Turns

1d20+5·1d20+4·1d20+5·1d20+0

[Coolshaymin]

".... Right, us girls need to stick together. I guess I am still used to you being more scientist than fighter without the use of a biometal," Aile replied... Wait, why WAS Ciel here alone? If she was looking for her or her position or even heading out, she had easy connection to Ashe. If it was related to the Biometals then Ashe would of probably made time for it... Some things did not add up here. Last time she saw Ashe she was fighting with her before she went unconscious... This was enough to concern Aile. "Right! I'll be there for you like you are here for me! That is how we can survive this land," the girl attempted to nod.

"Hey! Back off on Ciel! Love and compassion is more than just having something as silly as a boyfriend or some nonsense than that. It's about compassion, protecting and doing what you need to do to protect those close to you. If believing in those things make you some lonely nerd then I'd hate to be whatever you guys are!" Aile defended Ciel from... voices she could not see but she had to say something. She grabbed the biometal as it was tossed to her.

"Alright, X! Let's Double Megamer-!" Aile began before the Biometal suddenly spoke to her. "That won't be necessary." "H-huh?" "I can sense a... destructive force on you and a compatible signature. We will destroy all that oppose our ideals. I want to see this through so say it and we will handle the poison."

"...." Okay, this Model was all kinds of suspicious right away but... She did need a solution to this poison. She was not making Ciel carry her back. If anything she was going to do that. Besides, this Biometal's Soul was.... far better than O's in any case. Plus she could not risk a Double Megamerge in her condition. "... Okay, Megamerge!" Aile's body said as she grasped it and caused purple to flow through her body.

".........."

"Ugh! This helmet is stuffy! How do you wear this?!" Aile took off her helmet from the Biometal link. "Wh-What?!" The Vile declared as he was wrapped up as his arm was severed and he was chained and destroyed in an instant. "Impossible! I will return X! ZERO!" the maverick called before exploding into purple light and turning into a trophy. Oh hey, it looks like the Megamerge somehow helped her through the poison as she was standing up again.

".... Oh, he's already a trophy. That's kind of a disappointment. I needed something to help with... a problem..." Aile stated as she looked somewhat disappointed. It would of been nice payback too but she just really needed something to eat after being lost for... how long has she been out? Oh right!

"Ciel! Where's Ashe?! Did she survive our encounter with that X?!" Aile franctically requested.

".... I am not picking up any signs of Biosignatures nearby. Now might be a good time to clear up some confusion. There being two of me as well as Z is a possibility even I did not consider... Twice."

".... Yeah, even with... this untrustworthy biometal we are still feeling... a bit weak due to Aile not having food since she was knocked out. The Cookpot sustaining her hunger does not help."

"... Can we not mention the cookpot, Z? That strange cookware will never be understood."

(Due to the mission... Needing a few more posts to fit rules as I recall, a bit of social time.)

[Mari]

“ Heeehee, well... I am a lot more comfortable finding peaceful and scientific solutions to problems that help others, rather than fighting.  ”

Ciel promptly de-megamerged, taking on a more delicate appearance more familiar to Aile, cupping her hands in front of her politely as she turned to address Aile. Model Z now floated alongside Model X behind her. She was somewhat surprised when Aile stood up for her. She may have been a bit of a dork sometimes, but she was a very, very smart dork who was very self-conscious as a result.

“ ...Thank you, Aile. Some people do not fully realize or respect how easy it is to hurt someone with their words. ...Especially children. ”

Ciel still seemed a little dispirited, however she seemed to quickly recover. "Haha! You got told off by the girls." a Smash spirit remarked. "...I am a girl." one of the first spirits replied. "Oh..." the first spirit awkwardly replied. Ciel decided to ignore them again.

“ --Problem? ...Oh... Ashe... There was an incident where she lost control over herself. She hurt a lot of people, and gave herself up after she realized what she'd done. She's currently serving a prison sentence, though I'm working to find out why exactly she lost control so that we might be able to prove she's no longer a threat so that she can get out. ”

“ I found Model Z here in a mirage and Model X was in a magical christmas present. I have a theory that they are both related to the mirages, and that the mirages themselves may be more real than they seem initially. My theory goes that what we are witnessing are tears in space-time that lead to other universes. As for why I was able to megamerge with Model Z.... I'm not... sure... All my research suggests that should not have been possible. I haven't really had the time to investigate further. ”

Ciel pondered this for a moment before becoming rather curious about something else Aile had said. You could see it on her face before she even mentioned it by name. She wanted to know more, as was the curious teen's nature.

“ ...Speaking of science, what's this 'strange cookware' you speak of? By any chance is it a black pot with strange psychoactive properties..? I discovered one of those myself, but I've been unable to figure out what it's true purpose is as of yet.  ”

[Coolshaymin]

"Childern...? ... Ashe lost control of herself and harm that many people? I can see why she'd feel guilty... I know I would. If I let the corruptive soul of that biometal overwhealm me the same thing could happen. That's why I don't Megamerge with it unless the situation is extremely dire," Aile said, pulling out a... strange rock. It definitely didn't look like the normal Biometals and it presented a much more dangerous energy to it.

"... We have dubbed it Model O. It is extremely dangerous. It transforms the person that uses it into a... False Mega Man reminecent of Omega and it's easy to lose your mind if you're not careful." Z added in to Aile's explanation.

"... Yeah, pretty much. So, your Biometal comes from a mirage? I recall that place. That's where I got this bracelet and this Cookpot... Which you seem to have one too. Didn't think the place could have it's own Biometals though... That could spell danger if the Model W's could be recreated too..." Aile went on to comment as she shifted a bit onto the topic of the strange pots. Ciel had one too?.... Almost glad it did not tempt her to eat her while was helpless... Ciel did sound like a good holdov-No! She is not nomming scientist!... Unless it was for science. She seemed to hesitate before pulling out the pot in question.

"Yep, this is the one. It seems to make me hungrier than normal and consider options I didn't think would be possible otherwise. I do know what it does... I used it to eat an entire food thief whole. I could not figure out how to get him out either. It was... part of that problem I mentioned before. Now that I am actually hungry it's kind of hard to not consider it than normal. I don't even know if the food situation back home got better since I was out... Anyway, it also seems to improve a person's ability based on... who they ate I think? I only used it once so not really conclusive I guess..." Aile tried to explain, shifting a bit more.

[Mari]

Ciel nodded in understanding.

“ Mhm... A lot of people treat me like an adult that can take care of herself because of my intellect. And to a point, they are correct. But at the same time, they aren't completely right either. I'm only 15, and ... although I have been gifted quite strongly when it comes to learning and problem solving, there are other ways in which I'm still just a kid trying to grow up without the guiding hand of a parent... Sometimes not even I know how to feel about who I am. Am I a fully independent adult who can take care of herself using her incredible knowledge? Or am I a teenager trying to understand all these new feelings and emotions as I struggle to find my own identity in a society that looks at me only based on my appearances and accomplishments? Sometimes, I feel like I'm both. Other times, just one. And sometimes, neither... ”

...It was uncommon for Ciel to get really long-winded like that. It seemed like she'd abruptly opened her heart to Aile in a way she usually just didn't. Because who on this earth or the next could possibly understand her struggles? She was unique, an artificial creation made in defiance of humanity's natural limitations. There would never be another like her because there would never be another 'utopia' corrupt enough to so recklessly play God with human life without fully understanding the potential consequences of changing a human too much from their base evolution-given designs.

“ ...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to talk so much. ”

Ciel seemed a bit somber about her apology, however, the prospect of learning more about this strange pot once again provided a much-needed distraction. So it not only altered a person's mental state to make them hungrier but actually implanted suggestions in your consciousness. It was a troubling idea. She pulled out a digital PDA with a holographic screen and began transcribing some of this information down for later like a proper researcher. However, nothing could prepare her for what Aile said next. She just kinda froze up, a smirk crossing her face. You could see her squirm where she stood a bit, her smile growing. She giggled, covering her mouth as if to hide her reaction, but it would soon be a moot gesture. She then covered her face, turning her head away in a further attempt to hide the tidal wave of laughter quickly overwhelming her sense of restraint. She sputtered a bit and snorted like a true dork before breaking out in laughter at the idea.

“ Pfftshahaha! What?! Oh my gosh, you ATE HIM?? Whole?? That's... Hahahaha~! That's ridiculous~ Pffhahaha, I'm sorry! I mean, it's hilarious!! I can't believe you did--...Haha--Oh my gosh how'd he get out?? Was it the way he got in or... Pfff... Or did he...?? Pffhahaha~ ...Y'know!! ”

Ciel's unrestrained, childlike laughter only grew louder as she continued trying to imagine it. At that last bit, she burst into wheezing, hysterical laughter at the idea and doubled over a bit, clutching her stomach and occasionally gasping for air. She normally tended to act somewhat mature, so seeing a more immature side of her as she struggled and failed to describe an 'alternate end' for the food thief, perhaps one hidden in the back, was perhaps a little surreal. Y'know what else was unusual? Such genuine happiness on her face. She never laughed like that! Combined with her earlier seemed to hint that she often wasn't quite as happy as she might appear. And of course, her PDA was capturing this all both in audio and text form.

[Coolshaymin]

"... You're only 15? That's was about my age when I took down Serpent..." the girl acknowledged. She wasn't really aware Ciel had such conflicct about this... She wasn't sure what to say either except... Fortunately the topic diverged but she still can't just leave Ciel in that state of confusion. She will talk to her when they are back home and not in such out there territory.

".... I tried getting him out when I came back to the Life Sphere but I think it was a bit late to figure out the... way he came in... I'd... rather not talk about it," Aile shifted uncomfortably for a moment. Nice to see Ciel happy but the Cookpot kind of concerned her. ".... We should probably head back to the Life Sphere but.... I have not eaten since I disappeared and I am... well, starving might be putting it lightly. Do you have some food to tide me over until we get back? I could probably make it there without any but I'll slow you down a bit," she requested, seeming to want to change the topic again. They did probably need to go before something attacked them and she wanted to check on Ashe as soon as possible. Asking Ciel if she had food was kind of a longshot but she didn't want to ask the question the back of her mind was offering.

[Mari]

...Hoo. Ciel could feel her inner dork welling up again. She saw an opportunity... but decided to restrain herself for the sake of avoiding poor comedic timing. Approaching Aile and moving to stand beside her as she spoke, she began to reassure the larger girl in a sympathetic tone.

“ ...It's okay, Aile. I don't think any less of you for doing it. If anything I think you, I and that thief are all in agreement that he is the one that has something to be ashamed of~ ...You did the right thing by putting an end to his antics. ”

...What a sweet gesture. It did seem like Ciel was willing to accept an awful lot in terms of weirdness. Though it helped that they were currently engaging in girl talk, the magical phenomenon whereby girls, when among trusted girl friends, become more willing to put aside societal expectations of modesty and talk lucidly about things they probably wouldn't in a more public setting. Without missing a beat though, she promptly continued in a decisively hammier, light-hearted tone.

“ In fact, I think you put them to the '''end''' they deserved~ ”

Ciel playfully leaned out and bumped bottoms with Aile to accentuate her already heavily emphasized pun, stifling her laughter as best she could--not all that well-- as she proceeded to walk away at a modest pace. She motioned with her free hand for Aile to follow while she was closed-mouth snickering too hard to speak. She then lead Aile to Ciel's bike, which was parked nearby. It was a ground-based bike with large wheels fit for rough terrain, much like the bikes Aile had owned when she worked with Giro Express. Only this one was pink. Ciel walked up to it and bent over the seat, popping a cache open on the other side and beginning to rummage through it.

“ I don't have any food, no. But I do have some isotonic flavored water that would probably be nice and easy on your tummy on the way back. It'll give you a small boost of energy and help you avoid getting sick once we get back home and start feeding you real food. I'm also willing to let you stay with me for a while so I can help take care of you. It usually takes at least a few days for your body to recover after an extended period without eating. ”

Ciel stood back up and held out a pink water bottle to Aile. The fluid inside tasted like a mix between water and fruit juice. It was pleasantly mild. She then beamed at Aile, though she hesitated to actually set off on the bike right away. She then pulled out a second PDA identical to her own and set it on the seat. 

“ ...I know you didn't want to talk about it, but I'm actually really intrigued by what you did with that thief and the pot. I'd be interested in a more controlled test with a less... unwilling subject that can help relay their experiences and details from inside for some multi-perspective documentation...--if you're willing, of course! I promise to be as gentle as I can and do my best to make it worth the ...*restrained giggle* ...grossness. ”

...Huh? Ciel seemed really chill about this idea for whatever reason. She spoke almost as if she didn't mind at all. Of course, it was really easy to open your mind to the idea of trying new food... when you had a very different idea about who would be the food in this little experiment. Although she hadn't explicitly stated this and it could likely easily be taken the other way around, her intention was to try out using the pot for herself. An honest mistake caused by her own reluctance to be crass, but one that could easily backfire if Aile acted without waiting for Ciel to confirm she was ready. As if she waited for Ciel to be ready, the smaller girl would simply take the pot for herself when the time came and casually reverse their perhaps expected roles without realizing her own mistake.

[Coolshaymin]

".... When you put it that way... I guess..." Aile replied, a bit reluctantly. The thief was stealing food, a very valuable resource and holding it to himself. The punishment for that was... fitting in a way if not a bit ironic. Still, that had to be the strangest way she has taken someone down. Still, now that he was properly... detained they had one less problem to worry about in that regard. She kind of let out an intentional chuckle at the bottom bump.

"... Oh, your bike is a lot like the ones we used at the Giro Express!" Aile seemed to cheer up at the nostalgic moment, running over to the bike. She hasn't seen that many vehicles at the Life Sphere but this one in paticular reminded her a lot of old times. "It's even customized for your color! That's pretty cool," she went on for a moment before turning her attention back to Ciel. "Thanks, Ciel, that means a lot... Judging by how long I might of been gone I may need to look into new homes in the meantime anyway. I doubt they left my apartment empty if it's been as long as I think it might of been..." Aile commented as she took the water and tried it out, well it did help a little bit. Still, the.. effects of the cookpot did not seem satisfied.

"..... Well, a test would help if this problem is more common than just me. I guess if it's for science then..." she took a moment to consider. It was hard to deny the rising feeling when Ciel was offering a... 'willing' subject. And she could drive them back as much as Ciel could and she has had more experience with the cookpot so... there was some implication to who Ciel meant that was not lost on Aile but she never said who the subject had to be and the water may help in control... Still, she didn't want an incident that is more likely with her current situation... To be honest, there wasn't exactly zero chance she would of tried anyway.

".... You know, Ciel, would help if you were to be more direct. I could of taken that as an invitation to lunch. Still, I trust you better than me right now and finding more data on this Cookpot would help in the long run. Just try being a bit more assertive next time. If I wasn't afraid I'll mess up again I would of took the other offer," she pointed out and accepted the test as she picked up the PDA.

[Mari]

“ Thanks! I did a lot of the work on it myself. I found it abandoned and dysfunctional. Now I'm the world's pinkest mechanic~! ”

Ciel bashfully smiled at the claim. It was perhaps pretty odd, seeing a teenage girl mechanic. While her gender only made it mildly unusual, her age when combined with that likely put her in a group of people that could be counted using only your fingers. As Aile started to lecture Ciel though, the smaller girl just looked confused.  cheeks turned a nice shade of red in abject embarrassment.

“ --O-Oh, I'm sorry. I--... I didn't even realize... ...I'm not sure I'd be very good at it, but I can try to be more assertive if that's what you want... ”

...And of course, like a true girly girl, Ciel responded to being told to be more assertive by apologizing profusely and yielding to Aile's authority.

“ It's just... People usually don't... let me be assertive. I feel like if I'm not very careful with what I say and how I present myself, people will get mad at me or think I'm selfish. ...I don't ever want anyone to feel like I'm being selfish toward them... ”

Once again, Ciel hesitantly seemed to open her heart to Aile, relaying a perhaps familiar sounding struggle. Familiar because it was a struggle most girls could relate to on some level. While you could definitely get away with walking around acting like the boys, speaking your mind and asserting yourself whenever you weren't at risk of getting punched in response,, the social consequences for that sort of behavior were quite a bit harsher than when the actual boys did it--especially when you were young and unimposing like Ciel. Even someone like Ciel, who was pretty openly selfless and sweeter than cake a lot of the time, had to worry about being misconstrued as some kind of punk if she didn't exercise a certain amount of deference. Ciel shuddered, a grimace overtaking her for a moment. The observant eye could pick up on some serious pain in her body language. One got the impression Ciel usually bottled these feelings up. 

“ ...I'm... sorry. I'm just being dumb. I'd be happy to get started with the test if you're still interested.  I... don't know how common this is, but if we can use our 'tummies' to help and protect people or at least teach others how to control their own abilities, I bet just putting that knowledge out there for others to learn will help make a meaningful difference in some people's lives. ”

...A hint of self-loathing, but Ciel quickly changed the subject. She then offered Aile a nice smile with only a little bit of weakness in it. She then handed Aile a closed headset that looked at a glance like it was waterproof.

“ Please put this on and hand me your pot. Mine is back at the lab. I quarantined it after realizing it was psychoactive, but if this goes well I won't need to do that anymore. In return for your continued help as a research assistant, you are welcome to stay with me for as long as you need or want. I'm currently in the process of studying Biometal Models A, Z and X. In fact if I had to guess you'll be there when I'm working with them tonight. Hehe~ ”

[Coolshaymin]

".. You repaired this by yourself? Pretty impressive... It might actually be from my era... No real way of telling for sure I guess," Aile kind of got where Ciel was coming from. She had some sensitivity herself when it came to the fact she was kind of a girl agent. Still, she supposed at that age and what she said, only natural she'd have trouble. Still, if she can help the girl feel more confident.

"... Yeah, honestly I am surprised to hear there was another. If there's even more or people gaining the ability otherwise, this knowledge can help prevent incidents or accidents. Good to be aware and I am not sure we can just hunt them down," the girl nodded and took the waterproof looking headset, figuring it was picked with this scenario in mind and put it on. "... A lot of my work experience has been as a transporter but if you think I'll be of help around a lab, I'll be glad to help out. Discovering information is very important and I can give you any rare items I find for research if you want. This bracelet I have also seem to have it's own abilities so that might help..."she replied before handing over her cookpot to Ciel. First time she was losing touch of this thing. "... But if you're going to be my boss, I expect you to be a good leader too. I am sure you won't disappoint me. You reminded me a bit... of an old friend when you saved me. Anyway, here's the cookpot, we can start when you want, Ciel. It'll be a first on my end as well as for you so... I hope you can be as gentle as you say. Don't want to go too hard on your new assistant, huh?"

[Mari]

Ciel bashfully squirmed a bit at Aile's praise. She wasn't sure why. It had been a simple task for someone like her, but then she guessed it kinda felt nicer coming from a friend. ...Like she was having a more genuine connection. Aile could probably tell it meant a lot to the younger girl. She seemed like the type who needed the encouragement sometimes.

“ Heehee, thanks Aile. You're really nice, you know that~?💕 ”

Ciel's cute embarrassed squirming stopped after a moment though.

“ I'll do my best. Half the trouble is just finding people who can follow directions and don't mind taking them from ... well... a little girl. And of course, it's a significant investment of time... Sometimes I wonder if maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I were just half a foot taller... Or... Y'know... S-Somebody else. ”

Ciel briefly seemed to become upset over the idea, grimacing and shaking her head rather hard as if to shake it free from her thoughts. It seemed to work though, and she promptly smiled up at Aile again.

“ It's alright though! What's important is that the people who make the best friends can look past that when they need to. My staff team may be small, but they are wonderful~ Now, let's get you set up with your gear. This camera should help me see what you see, and this communicator will be capturing everything you hear and say. I'll need you to tell me everything you feel, though. Both emotionally and physically. We're going to be spending the next 24 hours or so having a heart to heart. ”

Ciel giggled at her choice fo words as she accepted the cookpot, beaming very brightly at Aile. She did make it sound rather intimate, though in practice while intimate it would probably be a bit exhausting. Thinking about it for a long moment, she could feel a deep hunger in her stomach and a driving nudge to do ... something. It wasn't hard to figure out what now that she was aware. What had her curious was the how. She felt a desire to get closer, and she closed what little distance between the two of them looking up at Aile. A shiver ran down her spine and she tenderly reached up to grasp Aile's face, affectionately shifting to wrap her arms around her neck before gingerly and guiding her to bend down so that they were face to face. She then leaned in and experimentally pressed her lips to Aile's forehead. With just a good push further, Ciel was shocked to find that space itself contorted around Aile so that her head almost effortlessly slipped inside! Curiously moving to finish the job, she grasped Aile by the hips and lifted her with her very meager strength. A few moments later, and she had banished Aile to the pit of her stomach, leaving Ciel looking noticeably rounder around the mid-section. Aile would find herself in a very tight, yet soft pink space that hugged her from every direction in a slimy embrace, holding her now curled up form against Ciel's abdomen. She would feel smaller, just small enough to fit safely inside her captor. Ciel's heart could be heard and to a slight extent felt beating ...below her. ...Huh? Oh, she was upside-down. Aile could feel a pair of hands grasp her softly as Ciel held her stomach, observing the results.

“ That was ... weirdly similar to how I thought it would look in my head! It's almost as if cartoonists were inspired by this pot. Or perhaps the pot was created to mimic the cartoons... ”

...Easy on that fourth wall there, Ciel. You're too smart for your own good.

“ Pleasantly smooth, with some sort of spacial compression effect that made it so I didn't have to do any hard work. It felt as if she wasn't solid at all, and yet now I can feel her intact and curled up, as if she barely has enough space to move... Aile, are you okay?

This was accompanied by a little pat to try and get her attention. She was definitely gentle, as gentle as she could be given the circumstances anyway.

[Coolshaymin]

"It's not the size of the group but the size of the bonds I feel. Just speaking the truth," the Mega Girl stated as she took the equipment and put it on to make sure it works. Wait, did she say 24 hours?... Was... Ciel certain that was a good idea?... Oh no, it's not like she would not consider the possible threats of accident right after explaining them. She didn't have the cookpot when making it. Aile waited for Ciel, well aware of how the Cookpot... kind of worked. She lacked quite a bit of the scientific parts. "..." the girl was not... sure what Ciel was doing, making it oddly affectionate. Come on, Doctor, if anyone was watching they might get the wrong idea... Though getting the right idea would be near impossible anyhow.

Though when it did start to happen, the affection did not completely halt a panic response as Aile tried to push away for a moment before she forced her body to relax... She agreed to this, she knew the risks, almost made her question why she agreed then until she remembered this knowledge is beneficial to prevent those risks. Fortunately, if Aile was anything, it was strong willed as her face was pressed against Ciel's stomach, her body following suit as she was forced into a more confined form... Well, she was highly flexible at least so this contortion was not... too uncomfortable... she was also a bit smaller apparently? She didn't really notice that with the thief but it made sense, she was taller than Ciel, it'd be beyond hampering if Aile was the same size... The heartbeat was... oddly soothing actually? Maybe it was because she agreed to this but it... was kind of comforting? A little bit at least, since the fear of this experiment going wrong still kind of permeated her mind.

"... Oh right, sorry... um..." Aile was snapped out of her train of thought at Ciel's pat pressing against her along with... the voice was definitely different on the inside. "... I am fine so far... I don't feel anything bad yet. The heartbeat is kind of soothing actually? As weird as that might sound. You're right though, very little wiggle room. I think I am actually a smaller size if just not to be too straining. Hard to tell for sure. I had a bit of a panic as you might of noticed back there but outside... you know, the fear of what might happen in a girl's belly it's not so bad? Kind of weird, don't get me wrong, a lot of getting used to but unless pain is just slow to kick in, it's oddly.... comforting? Probably because I know you won't hurt me if you can help it but it's not as bad as I thought it would be? Also you are... kind of soft..." Aile went on to note.

"... Um, by the way, unrelated but I guess it counts as emotional response, you... do have a plan to get me out, right? Preferably, you know, back up and not... Yeah, I should of asked before but I figured you wouldn't suggest this if you thought there was a risk of losing me..."