2767/Path of the Meister: Ethical Sourcing

Path of the Meister: Ethical Sourcing
Date of Scene:	12 September 2025
Location:	Plot Room 2
Synopsis:	In search of a way to keep up in the Device Magic arms race that Takashi has initiated, Rashmi turns to a dear friend to ask for help in catching up, and in the process, goes on a whirlwind tour of the sacred sites of the Mermaid Kingdoms. Will this be enough to push her into whole new realms of Meistership? And how will Chrono react when he sees the fruits of her labor?
Cast of Characters:	Rashmi Terios, Coco Kiumi

---

Rashmi Terios has posed:
It's a couple hours after school on the day following Chrono's rescue, and after making a quick stop at a couple places, Rashmi has shot off a quick text to Coco, and started on her way to the Pearl Pier. On the way, she reviews the information collated by her Device, her mood growing more and more somber as she pages through the information.

This is extremely not good. It is also the beginning of an arms race, and Rashmi *needs* to get out in front of it.

Letting out a long sigh, she climbs the steps out of the Yumegahara subway station, and walks the couple blocks to the Pearl Pier. Why take the long way? Partly to keep Coco from having to rush, partly to get her thoughts in order. This is, after all, going to be a big ask, no matter how close they are as friends and allies.

Which is why when she walks into the Pier's lobby, she has in one hand a stack of bakery boxes, and a bright, cheery smile for the receptionist.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Coco isn't exactly sure what this is going to be about, but being from Rashmi, she isn't really troubled by the request, at least not as far as the idea itself is concerned. She is not sure how troublesome actually carrying it out is going to be, but they will cross that bridge when they get there.

It would be far too soon to start fretting about it.

No, the best approach is to act like she always would. This is a close friend coming over, it shouldn't be a point of tension, no matter how close a call yesterday was.

There are really only two spots at the Pearl Pier that are suitably private for these occasions: the kitchen, and Coco's own room at the hotel, but it's far rarer that the first one gets chosen. It's really best suited when for really big gatherings, and that hasn't really been a need so far. Besides, her room is much comfier.

When the redhead shows up at the doorstep, it is Coco herself that is waiting in front of the door for her (perhaps unorthodoxly, there isn't really an appointed receptionist at the Pearl Pier, and the task is left to whoever happens to be around).

The blonde girl's gaze turns to the boxes for a second, and she makes a gesture to leave them on the reception counter for a moment, taking the opportunity to hug Rashmi once her hands are free.

"It's great to see you!", she welcomed her friend warmly, taking some of the boxes afterwards and starting to make for the stairs. "Let's go to my room", Coco invites Rashmi, already taking the opportunity to walk up the stairs.

Opening the door with her elbow, the mermaid waits for her friend to enter before nudging it close with her foot. The room itself has a very distinct theme, presenting various shades of yellow, and a stringless harp sits atop a cupboard.

"Take a seat whenever", she offers, placing the boxes on the desk, though that's the only place one would be able to sit down at, in addition to the bed. "How is Chrono? Is he recovering well?"

Rashmi Terios has posed:
Coco meeting her at the door is not a surprise, but definitely pleasant, and she immediately sets the boxes down when asked, and returns the hug with energy. "You too!" she says, picking up the remaining boxes and following Coco back to her room. "The top one's actually for you and Rihito," she says as the packages are deposited in their place. "The others're for the rest of the staff. I thought it was only fair!" And, indeed, what's in the other boxes is enough assorted cookies to give everyone plenty, and in the top box are a couple dozen specifically fish-shaped, frosted cookies of varying flavor. Because, c'mon, of course.

"Chrono's... recovering. He'll be all right, but he was shaken pretty badly. I've never *seen* him that serious, not even in Paris, or fighting Walpurgisnacht."

The redhead takes a moment to look around the room, clearly approving of how the decoration matches her own summery tastes, before perching herself on the edge of the bed. "...But you were right, Coco-chan... That attack Riventon was throwing around... It was a really close match to Mermaid magic, according to Nicomachea. Close enough it's fair to guess it was Panthalassan."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Coco smiles at being told the contents of the boxes. "Thank you really, I will call Rihito later", she says, gears turning in her mind. There are certainly ways she can use this opportunity to great effectiveness. She doesn't open the boxes yet, but the fish-shaped confectioneries.

"I am sure Hippo will be all over them lately, he can hardly resist a good treat", she shares with Rashmi winking. "He is really jealous about his sweets. Don't be surprised if you check the fridge later and you see his name on things", Coco warns her with a casual tone.

She nods calmly at the news on Chrono. She has hardly ever seen him not serious, so she wouldn't have doubted that from him, but still, there is a badly concealed surprised look on her face at the notion he is especially so right now.

Though, if Riventon has at least three different magic sources to his name, it is definitely warranted. "I am surprised Riventon found his way to the palace. This was after we defeated Gaito, right? I hadn't felt Panthalassa magic from him before then", she bites her lips, trying to recall past confrontations with Riventon.

Panthalassa magic and mermaid magic are different deals, but she doesn't think it's a distinction that really matters right now, so she thinks nothing of that particular use of the term. "I am not sure if the kindabads were his or Mirage's. He might have her powers too."

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Probably Mirage's, actually," Rashmi says. "I've seen *Hinoiri* fielding Kindabads and Terribads before, back when she was Sunbreaker. I *did* find something else in the magic Riventon was using, but I wanna talk to Ami-chan to get confirmation before I can say for sure. But the point is... if he can incorporate magic that *doesn't* come from Devices or Dark Energy... that's a problem. That's a *big* problem, because I know for *certain* that he's just reckless enough to go duct-taping more things onto Axion until he can't be matched."

Looking down at her hands for a moment, she looks back up, her face serious. "...Which is why I'm here to ask you if the Mermaid Kingdoms could be willing to give me something I can study and install in Chrono's new Device."

The redhead plucks a nondescript metal card -- with a ring shaped tea stain? -- from her charm, holding it up between two fingers. "Durandal, Activate."

With a wordless chime, the card glows, its form shifting and elongating into a kind of spear-headed staff. "Chrono's mom found this in her stuff, but she's been Faded so hard she thought it was a coaster. What it *is,* is probably the most advanced Device ever made... and both of his parents were registered as users."

Rashmi gives her friend a small, wry smile. "Riventon's started an arms race, Coco-chan... and I *need* for Chrono to be able to match him."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
The yellow mermaid's face relaxes at being told that the Kindabads were Mirage's. One less problem they have to tackle, and one more thing they can start preparing for in advance. She is not sure why Mirage was sending out the easy enemies, but she is not going to complain. "Maybe Oresky had dragged the other two generals on a lecture about why he is the greatest", she jokes drily.

Coco's golden eyes focus on the spear appearing before her, only slightly grimacing at the mention of the Fade. The fact losing the memories of your life is possible just because you ended up on the wrong planet makes her blood feel like ice.

She is not sure she wouldn't be frozen in terror at being very close to that age if mermaids weren't being skipped over for some reason. It's already enough of a nightmare that her friends might forget her.

"I am sure we can work out something", she considers, her mind starting to go over everything she knows. Her fingers move to her neck, unraveling the Sealing Key at her neck. "Key Rod, Release", she orders, and for a moment the small object floats between her hands, before likewise lengthening into a staff, one had that of a seahorse head, and the other that of a spiraling circle.

When it comes to things that give blessings, this is the first thing her mind goes to. It is Aqua Regina's own power, after all.

Holding it against the spear, she tries to focus on anything that might bridge the gap, but she only finds emptiness. Is she using it wrong? Or is there something she is not aware of?

"Ok, that did not go like I expected", she smiles at Rashmi, dismissing the staff again and putting the key back. "I am sure there is still something we can use, though. Is there anything else you can tell me about this spear?"

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"That would not surprise me," Rashmi chuckles about Oresky, shaking her head. The grimace that follows is marked, and answered with a compassionate look, and a nod of understanding.

When the Sealing Key is brought out, Rashmi makes sure to do several things in rapid succession; first, stand up and away from Durandal, to give Coco more space to do her work. Second, henshin in about the time it takes for the Key to become the Staff, and third, set up her analysis configuration... not on the staff, but pointed at *Coco.*

        << *BONG!* >> << MANA INVESTIGATION >>

And while the attempt did not go as Coco expected... by the look on Rashmi's face, it was pretty close to *her* expectations, and she smiles at the Mermaid. "So the working theory of those of us that are studying this kind of thing is... in one very specific way, magic works a lot like radio. You can't actually *receive* a signal if you're not tuned into that frequency, so two magic types don't really interact on their own. But the thing is... Device magic, in a lot of ways, *isn't* fed by the same emotional core that most other magic is. If we're really emotional we *can* pump out more and bigger magic... but that's *us,* not Devices. And Durandal's a Storage Device, it doesn't even have Nicomachea's level of simulated intelligence, so there's just *nothing* for any other kind of magic to hold on to, really..."

Pushing her glasses up her nose, she examines the readings. "But awhile back I got some medical scanning equipment, from a chunk of Chrono's ship that fell. And I've been working on taking it apart, and adding it to Nicomachea... Which means I *might* be able to build, like... a signal converter, that can interpret Mermaid magic, and translate it into Device magic. I just need an *object* that holds Mermaid magic, to build it around."

She falls silent for a moment, looking from Coco to Durandal and back again. "As to Durandal... He's built to contain and seal *huge* threats... Like if a skilled user had him, they could probably fight closer to the level of a Majorina or Hematite. And to give you an idea of how closely tuned he would be to Chrono... his full registered name is 'Durandal, the Staff of Freezing.' Ice-aspected containment magic is its primary specialty."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
A warm look is given back back to Rashmi when the redhead shares compassion and understanding, and the same sentiment is shared with her. Above all, there is still a long time before anything happens, and they just need to use it well.

'Ok, so it works like radio', Coco thinks, eyes fixed on Rashmi as she gets the reply to her question. Radio waves were only really superficially touched upon ever since she came to the surface, but she has learnt enough that she doesn't have trouble following Rashmi's explanation. "So if we could introduce it gradually...", she mutters pensively.

She has never really worked with magic that isn't based on emotions, and it is a particularly strong aspect of mermaid magic, down to its effects, so perhaps that was the missing link that she was unaware of. How to bridge the gap, though?

And the redhead immediately gives her the answer, making Coco give a smile to her friend. Of course Rashmi already thought about a solution, and built a working model. She knows her stuff, after all. "Seems to me like Riventon is going to regret starting this arms race with you on our side", she comments cheerfully.

"So basically, rather than a single source of our magic, it would be better if there were multiple, and different from each other", she reasons, nodding at the revelation about Durandal's specific nature. That is no doubt why Chrono and Rashmi had chosen it, if it carries an ice affinity as well.

Multiple sources... They have been vaguely (and sternly) warned against the consequences of giving up their Pearls willingly, even briefly, but perhaps she knows something else that works similarly. "I would have to speak with the other Princesses, but there are these sacred Pools in our kingdoms, and we could use them to bless Durandal. Do you think that would work?"

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"...Pools?" Rashmi repeats, eyebrows rising. "I... actually that might work *really* well! What kind of blessings is it *usually* used for?"

Nicomachea chooses that point to loose a musical trill of beeps, as the numbers are crunched, and Rashmi's entire face lights up. "...Welp! I have two bits of good news, Coco-chan! First, this was the last test and the spectral analyzer works completely well! It's not gonna have the same resolution as the original machine, but... We didn't really *need* to be able to study mana at the microscopic level. And second... We're gonna need more samples to be sure, but, Nicomachea can make enough sense of your magic that he can translate it into Device math. Which means once I get more samples of Mermaid magic in general, this has a real chance of working! Ooop, already getting a parts listing for what I'll need--"

Cutting herself off, she shakes her head, grinning at Coco. "Yeah, I'm gonna make *sure* Riventon regrets it, and honestly you're gonna get half the credit for it even being *possible.*"

A thought occurs, and Rashmi purses her lips. "...So these are *sacred* pools. Am I gonna need to do any kind of preparation or purifying? Because you know I will, I just need to know how."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"That's awesome news", Coco smiles softly, sharing in her friend's enthusiasm. If everything works so far, she guesses they really are doing this. Even if Rashmi hadn't cut herself off, she probably wouldn't have understood the intimate details of the specs that come into play in how Devices work, but Rashmi is already considering that a microscopic study isn't needed, so that's not going to matter here. "I am glad to be helping out."

Despite the interruption, the mermaid nods twice and picks that part back up. "If there is something I can do to help you get those parts, I am all in for that too", She comments earnestly, leaning forward a bit.

She sits back straighter when she is asked to clarify the nature of the pools. "Ok, so I am sure you have heard me sing many times about how as long as the melody of the seven seas persists in us, we won't forget our bonds, no matter how far apart we are", she clears her throat, taking a second to collect her thoughts.

"The Pools have a similar aspect. They are the places where all mermaids gather, so hmm... The best way I could put it is something that spans the kingdom, rather than the whole Seven Seas. It contains however the same kind of magic, I think it should be clear", she fiddles with a strand of her hair.

She stops playing with it over her next answer, much more confident about it. "No need to have any preparation", she smiles. "You would only have to be worried about touching it if you carry any amount of dark energy, and that shouldn't be an issue."

Her speech trails off a little at the end, remembering when Chrono was infected with some without her knowledge when she brought him into her kingdom, but at least he didn't get close to it.

"So how about it?", she smiles again after shaking her head. "We could visit Noel, Caren, Rina, and Hanon, and go to my and Seira's kingdoms, to collect the blessing from all six."

She keeps silent for a few moments, licking her lips briefly, and then decides to continue. "The North Pacific is keeping Lucia unaware of her being a princess because she lost her Pearl some years ago, so that's the only blessing we can't get", she explains apologetically.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"...I think in that case," Rashmi says as Coco brings up the specter of Dark Energy infection, "We'll probably want to give me some purification anyway, just to be sure." She, too, remembers very well how it sent an untreated Chrono into a doom-spiral, and remembers sitting with him and taking Usagi's purification right alongside him. "Because the way you talk about it I wouldn't even want to *risk* bringing anything Dark near something so important. But beyond that... Travel to *the Mermaid Kingdoms* and talk to *all your fellow Princesses?* How could I say no?"

When it's pointed out that the North Pacific currently lacks its Princess in practice, the redhead looks worried. "...But what does that mean for the North Pacific? Do the Pearls regrow, or will it have to be found?"

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Rashmi's excitement at meeting the rest of her group is infectious and Coco's smile stretches widely in response. "I am sure they will be delighted to meet you too", she tells her confidently. She can't imagine the opposite from any of them, especially now that Caren has mellowed a lot ever since she got Noel back.

She is however at a loss about the Pink Pearl. "It would have to be found again. The Seven Pearls are not really replaceable. I don't think Aqua Regina would be able to make an eighth now. She did something similar to them that she gave out to other mahous, but they are extremely more limited. They aren't even active most of the time."

Would she have been able to make more before the clash with the Panthalassa reduced her powers? Who knows. "It has to be somewhere", she reassures Rashmi. "If someone with bad intentions got it, or if something happened to it, we would have known. It's just a matter of finding where it ended up."

It would be easier though if Lucia shared how she lost it in the first place, though.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"I can't wait," Rashmi grins, because yes the idea of going on a *Mermaid World Tour* is a treasure beyond price; it's not even a one in a lifetime chance! "And if you *do* need help once it's located, you know you can call on me."

Yes the current problem is worrying, yes the loss of the Pink Pearl is *concerning,* but on the other hand? Reason #lots why magic is just amazing.

<< Nicomachea: Mental Note -- Archive sensory recordings for later display. Hotaru-chan especially. >>

<< COMMAND INPUT EXECUTE. >>

"So," she says, picking up Durandal and returning him to the card form he'd occupied previously, then tucking him into Nicomachea's inventory. "Do you need to get their permission first? Or should I run home and pack now?"

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"Yes, I am going to ask them, I don't want to show up uninvited", she considers. Besides, Coco can only open the portal to her own kingdom, so they would need to get the respective princess' help anyway. Well, Seira's manipulation of the Dream Corridor would give them a different path to getting there, but it still would be a mistake.

"You could probably start packing now anyway, we are at the very least going to visit mine", she winks with a relaxed smile. Not the same thing as a world tour, but probably better than nothing.

Regardless of Rashmi's choice, Coco starts moving to get into contact with the others, starting from Seira, what with her being already there. The others are contacted very quickly, and they have no problem agreeing to it, and helping out with their problem.

"Hello, Coco", Rina shows up in jeans and white shirt, raising a hand in greeting the fellow princess once Rashmi is ready for the trip. "You must be Rashmi-san", she turns towards the redhead with a bow, and then she turns around.

"If you are ready now, we can get going", she checks with the two of them, opening up the portal, but only actually getting inside once they are both ready.

On the other side, both of the mermaids have cast aside their disguise, and Rina in particular has changed from light green hair and grey eyes to dark green hair and emerald green eyes. They don't actually show up in front of the Pool right away, but in the corridor that leads up to it, to give Rashmi time to get accustomed to being underwater once she crosses the portal.

Much like it happened when they visited the Kingdom of the Panthalassa in the other timeline, she will find no problem in breathing underwater, and her clothes won't actually feel wet. It is predictably all in hues of green as far as the eye can see.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
Rashmi has never been so ready to take a trip *in her life,* even if it's 'only' to the *South Seas Palace.*

Seriously that's like saying visiting the moon isn't that big a deal because it's not even outside of the solar system. Who cares, it's *on the moon.* Same attitude applies to Rashmi in this case.

But it turns out she doesn't even need to pack! They can go *right now!* This is one of the best days of Rashmi's life.

As before, Rashmi prefers to stay in henshin as she visits the underwater kingdom; not so much because she thinks it'll protect her somehow, in case the mermaid magic fails, but... To help orient her brain, really; the things she's going to see will make more 'sense' to her if she's magiced up herself. And Rina's bow is answered, much more deeply. "Rina-san, it's... I mean a pleasure to meet you sure, but also just amazing? Thank you *so much?*"

And when they go through the portal... luckily, she's already made this trip once before; there's not so much of the flailing and panic that comes with being convinced you shouldn't be able to breathe.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Rina's eyes widen for a second when she is put face to face with Rashmi's excitement, and yet she is back to her usual composure but a second later. "You are welcome", she calmly replies. "It's really nothing to speak of. All of us are devoted to keeping people safe, and if it weren't for certain duties keeping me here, I would already be at your side", she nods, her voice ever so slightly lower, then looks at Coco. "It's a comfort you have one of our own there", the green mermaid adds.

"Don't worry, I will be working hard for you too", Coco replies, her hands joined together, stretching even straighter. "Well, now, I am not suggesting that, Coco", Rina puts a hand to her forehead, and shoots Rashmi a look. They don't have to deal with this frequently, hopefully.

As if perceiving her thoughts, Coco rolls her eyes. "Last I checked, I was the elder", she protests, even if she is still smiling. "The surface is fun too, not all work. Just wait for when you will be able to see for yourself", she speaks with a slightly chiding note to it.

"And I bet some part of it is your new boyfriend. You are very lucky he isn't human...", the green mermaid shakes her head. "Even if he were, I don't risk turning into seafoam anymore, remember?", Coco reminds her, swimming forward before she could add a reply. "This is not really time to talk about it, anyway. Are you ok with giving Durandal your blessing now?", she asks, already opening the door to a very wide room with a rectangular pool at the center.

Several pillars stretch to the ceiling, austere and scarcely decorated, and alternating with them, statues of a green mermaid holding up a star-pointed jewel by a baton. At the center of the room, the pillars give way to a rectangular Pool, in the middle of which a small pillar holds up a giant oyster, keeper of an equally big and lustrous white pearl. Shimmering waters flow from it, mingling with the ones beneath, strictly staying within the Pool's borders.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
The conversation between the mermaids is observed with great, visible amusement; clearly the two of them are good, close friends to be able to sass on each other like this! But she *definitely* does not insert herself into the conversation, instead swimming after Coco. And when the doors open...

"Whaaaa~!" Rashmi's sparkly-eyed wonder practically radiates from her, and she's trying to take in the whole room at once but there's *so much to see,* and all of it is *so wonderful and magical,* and if she weren't here on a mission she could probably just float here and stare for *hours.* And pester anyone who'd have the patience for it, to tell *all the stories about this pool.*

And there's *five more left to see!*

Shaking her head, she tries to pull herself together... and mostly manages, though she is pretty visibly vibrating with excitement. Though she *does* mostly keep her voice calm as she turns to Rina, and bows deeply. "Just being able to *see* this is a treasure beyond price, Rina-sama... but if you *are* willing to give your blessing, then no words will be enough to tell you how grateful I'd be. Durandal... it was made for the purpose of protecting those who deserve protection the most, the people who have no power to themselves."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Rina is starting to be quite impressed with the sheer strength of Rashmi's excitement: it must mean a whole lot to her, to be able to see all this. She would be more than fine to answer all her questions in other circumstances, but there is still something she can do about that. And clarify a thing while they are at it.

"'Please, no 'sama'. 'Rina-san' is perfectly fine, Rashmi-san", she asks. Of their entire group, only Caren wouldn't bother correcting Rashmi, but with a friend of one of them, she is not comfortable with that much distance. "If you find the time, even if today isn't good, you can always come back later."

"We really need a lot of that", she smiles at Rashmi once she goes over Durandal's purpose, and starts swimming to where the oyster is, sitting just next to the pearl. "It would be my honour to bless Durandal. Please, come and place it into the water", she invites the redhead.

Coco meanwhile is staying silent, but is giving Rashmi a thumbsup of encouragement in the background.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Rina-san, then," Rashmi answers immediately; it might be embarrassing for Rina, but, if you *start* by respecting someone's position, you lay a foundation that familiarity can rest comfortably upon. "And you can be sure that the next opportunity I have, I *will* be back. With presents."

Coco's encouragement is answered with a beaming smile, and Durandal's card is extracted from the charm around her neck. With a murmured command, the card elongates into the spear-headed staff, and another command sees a half-dozen knife-shaped drones flash into being next to it.

After a moment's thought, she selects one of the drones, storing the rest away, and approaches the pool with all the wonder and reverence of someone who *fully understands* the weight of history surrounding such a magical place.

Drawing in a steadying 'breath,' she lets it go in a long sigh, then lowers herself to the edge of the pool, gently pushing Durandal and the Bit under the 'surface' of the water.

If only she knew how alike she and Riventon are in wondering how the hell water can act like water, *underwater.* It would probably give her the all-over shivers.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Really a question for the ages, that. At least Rashmi could take comfort that it wasn't just Riventon who had to ask it, but others who she feels more at ease with. And that question may resurface later anyway, if she will happen to be given something to drink.

In the meantime though, Rina clears her throat when she sees Rashmi is ready to begin. It's really a rare occasion that she is asked to give this speech, and she purses her lips for a moment, worried that she may skip something.

With a second breath, she reaches into the power of her Pearl, and the water, shimmering in white, turns brighter, a green glow spreading over and through it. The emerald light even reaches the white pearl through the water flowing from it, and that's when Rina starts talking.

"From the musical pitch of miracles, let a new song be born, shimmering like the story that leads all life toward paradise. To sever the wheel of strife, take hold of your wishes, even those worn thin, even those left aching and forgotten."Durandal too, starts glowing green, and despite it being the same hue, it is clearly distinct from the rest of the light around it. The same thing happens to the Bit, and the water starts pushing them closer to each other.

"Remember... Those who have turned from love... Those who have defiled the sea... Even if they walk their own path, they were born from that same love, cradled by that same mother. So take the heart within you, the one that has become immersed in truth, and let it become one with the seven-pitched melody. That melody, that transparent arrow connecting beyond the Seven Seas, is nothing less than the feeling of a mother's love", she keeps praying.

The colours reach their brightest for a moment, and then they start dimming again. The waters return to their white glow, and they push Durandal and the Bit close to Rashmi, while Rina leaves the top of the oyster. "I hope that helps you, Rashmi-san, but I think it at least did something", she observes pensively.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
Curled up 'kneeling' by the side of the pool, Rashmi can only watch in wonder, eyes as wide as dinner plates, as the shimmering white water turns to liquid, luminescent emerald. Then Rina begins speaking, and she looks up at the Princess for a moment, before bowing her head and closing her eyes.

Listening to the Princess invoking the blessing of the North Atlantic, the Devicer feels a sense of deep understanding; this is why Coco's songs purify, why just hearing her friend's lyrics makes *everythig* feel possible, obtainable.

When you're surrounded by love, what *can't* you do?

She opens her eyes in time to see Durandal and the Bit glowing warm green, and smiles. The magic *is* taking hold; not because the magics are compatible, but because infusing an object with a blessing is its own thing, almost universal across *all* varieties of magic.

This is going to work. It's *going to work.*

As the magics reced, and Durandal is washed toward Rashmi, she reaches into the water to take up Device and Bit, cradling them in her arms for a moment. "I'm sure it did, Rina-san," she says quietly, wonder stealing the strength from her voice. "And I *know* it'll help."

When she looks up at Rina, her smile is nearly as bright as the waters. "Thank you... *so much.*"

With that, she looks for Coco, because the impulse to find her friend and go 'Look! Look!' is *powerful.*

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Coco is already there when her gaze turns to her, and her eyes reflect Rashmi's joy like a mirror, thinking that their plan is indeed working. She is indeed looking at Durandal, and though she doesn't really have anything that really analyses the ebb and flow of magic, she can only feel a faint familiarity within the spear.

"Durandal feels so much smoother", she cheers, placing her hand on the bit for a moment. "You really did it, Rina!", she turns to look at the approaching green mermaid.

"Seems really fine", Rina says, looking up and down the length of Durandal. "Did you get any information while the ceremony was underway?", she turns her head at the redhead after a thorough check.

Once that is done, they start preparing to seek the other blessings, and Coco and Rina share one hug before they start walking away, alongside the green mermaid bowing to Rashmi.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"I did," Rashmi confirms, nodding as Nicomachea starts reading off initial analysis. "Enough to know that there *is* mermaid magic in Durandal's parts, now; once everything's done, it's just gonna be a matter of building something that can help make use of it." Rashmi closes her hand over the bit, joy swelling up inside her, and she bows deeply to Rina. "Thank you so, *so much,* Rina-san... I can't wait to show you what all this has built towards, when I'm finished. And if you have any preference for snacks, when I come back I'll bring enough for a *month.*"

With another bow, she turns to follow after Coco, excited enough she's actually generating bubbles in the water through sheer energy.

And then it's on to the South Atlantic, where the peppy and devilish Hanon reminds Rashmi delightfully of some of her friends in Tokyo; there's strong shades of Hinoiri in her brash attitude.

    "From the musical pitch of miracles, let a new song be born, shimmering like the story that leads all life to paradise..."

Bathed in aquamarine light, Rashmi can't help but let herself soak in the feeling of love that suffuses the heart of each Kingdom.

Then, to the Antarctic Ocean, where Rashmi vaguely feels like she should need a big puffy winter jacket as she meets Caren, whose cool, competent pride Rashmi can easily see being a source of strength in crisis, so much like Chrono's.

    "...To sever the wheel of strife, take hold of your wishes, even those worn thin, even those left aching and forgotten..."

In waters that shine like glowing amethyst, Rashmi reflects on Chrono's mission as an Enforcer, and how surprisingly aligned it is to the heart of Mermaid magic.

In the Arctic, Rashmi practically finds a kindred spirit in Noel's gentle shyness.

    "...Remember... those who have turned from love... Those who have defiled the sea... Even if they walk their own path, they were born from that same love, cradled by that same mother...."

Bathed in brilliant indigo light, Rashmi thinks of Riventon, and how sadness touches her heart at the realization that this very love is *actively inimical* to him. But that feeling is set aside for the moment, and when Noel's blessing is complete, Rashmi promises not only to return, but with a sackful of books.

Four blessings down, and already Durandal fairly thrums in her hand, as she looks to Coco. "Okay... Where to next?"

Coco Kiumi has posed:
At Rashmi's question, Coco just smiles and reaches to touch the orange shell locket right next to her yellow one. "Seira, it's your moment now", and orange particles escape from the locket, forming Seira's spirit. "We are about to head to the Indian Ocean now", she tells Rashmi eagerly.

"So take the heart within you, the one that has become immersed in truth, and let it become one with the seven-pitched melody."

And there, in between the ruins of the forgotten kingdom that still awaits its reawakening, the pool lies pristine despite the crumbled palace. Like the others, it glows orange as Seira calls on the feelings of love at the center of her magic.

Seira does a somersault and waves at the two of them before disappearing, and now it's just Coco and Rashmi again, leaving her to take Rashmi's hand, and guide the redhead to the last of the sacred halls.

"That melody, that transparent arrow connecting beyond the Seven Seas, is nothing less than the feeling of a mother's love."

The sixth Bit glows yellow, and Durandal is enveloped for the last time in the glow of the Seven Seas' magic, joining the other five like a tassel falling into place, feeling the sister colours. Much like before, the spear and the bit float back to Rashmi, and they are left to admire their work in the yellow chambers stained by white light.

"We did it, this is all of them now", Coco comments proudly, and watches Rashmi take back the storied Device. "So how does it feel? Is it what you and Chrono expected?"

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Seira-chan," Rashmi whispers, *overjoyed* to see the lost mermaid, and even with the palace in ruins, the warm orange light suffusing the pool makes Rashmi so happy it feels like her heart might burst. And indeed, it is with tears in her eyes and a smile that could light up a dark room that she waves her goodbyes to Seira as well, before wiping uselessly at her face as Coco guides her to the South Sea palace, and the final blessing.

As she takes up the Device, she looks at it for a long, long time in silence. "It feels... *right,*" she manages, finally. "It's like... you have a friend, and you introduce them to another friend, and like almost instantly they are *best friends?* It's kind of like that..."

Sniffling, she takes care to put Durandal away, then lunges to throw her arms around Coco's shoulders. "Thank you *so much,* Coco-chan. I knew this was a good idea, but I didn't expect it to be *this good* and without you it just wouldn't have been possible at all thank you *thank you.*"

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Maybe another time Seira will get to spend more time with Rashmi, because even as a spirit, she doesn't let it be an impediment, and you don't need a body to watch a movie or spend time talking. And even now, she looks back to the memories they made in the world with joy, not feeling the lack of it.

The warm comparison that appears in Rashmi's mind makes Coco react with a very warm smile, hugging her back. "Thank you too. I am happy to have helped. It means a lot to me, and I am glad you got to meet with the others too", she happily tells her friend.

She does get what she means with that. Durandal feels a lot more familiar than it started, and it would be very right to consider it a representation of what ties them together now. "I think you might want to show Chrono your gift soon. Let me know how it goes, ok?", she asks, opening the portal from the South Pacific to Tokyo, and swimming in it after Rashmi does.

Rashmi Terios has posed:
"Oh you can *bet* I will," Rashmi grins, swimming after Coco and through the portal. Once on the other side, she takes a moment to swipe down her hair, shirt, and skirt -- magic may keep her from staying wet when they leave the ocean, but *man* does it really feel like she ought to be -- and draws in a log, steadying breath. "...Oh right. Chrono doesn't actually know about any of this; his mom waited until he was out of the room to even give Durandal to me. So, this is gonna be a *surprise.* ...I might even actually wait to give it to him a little bit, my birthday's coming up in two weeks. And I can't think of a better birthday present than seeing his face, so... Yeah," she chuckles, giving Coco a final hug.

"I hope you and Rihito-kun enjoy the cookies! And the staff theirs too! But I gotta get, *so* much to do!"

And as if she didn't just drop the bomb that her birthday's coming up quickly, she turns and heads out, mind awhirl with plans and possibilities.

It's a good thing there's not much *left* to do, because she could spend *forever* trying to come up with the perfect thing...