> Blanche a bit.> "Oh, uhh...No one was around at the time, and I didn't want to tell anyone about this ability at all anyway..."
> "I did at least ask them, yes."
> Shake our head.> "No, I did not keep them for very long."
> "Because it means we can influence how we present ourselves, if we want. Specifically, how many of us appear to be out and about searching for Lady Patchouli."
> Nod to Flan.> "Very well, Young Mistress."> Look to Sakuya.> "What do you think, Miss Sakuya?"
> Nod and hold out a hand.> "Very well. If you wish to try it, take my hand, and I'll do the rest. You'll be able to speak to me in my head, though I may not respond once we're out in public, to keep your presence hidden."
> Fully absorb Sakuya's life essence into ourselves.
> Look to Flan with a smile on our face.> "And that is all there is to it."
> "I let her out when she wishes."
> Are Sakuya's clothes now on the floor?> Do we feel any fuller or different?> Try tapping into our new power to stop time.>> If such is successful: "Well, I can do this now."
> Try responding to Sakuya in our head, while keeping time stopped.> ("I have access to your abilities now, Miss Sakuya. Now I am as powerful as both of us combined, and none of Lady Patchouli's kidnappers are any the wiser as to why.")
> ("That is true. But it does give us the element of surprise in return. At least for the first few times.")> Resume time.> "Is it something you're reconsidering, Young Mistress?"
> Nod.> "All right. If I may ask, then, what's on your mind?"
> Nod again.> "Okay. In that case, Young Mistress, could you wait outside for a moment? Miss Sakuya would like to return."
> Look down at Sakuya's clothes and gesture at them.> "Those there are the issue."