Magical Fracas, Episode 5: New friends and enemies?

[phil_]

Synopsis: Panko punks Picky, alludes to mysterious power ups, then chases Picky toward the Verda distress call.

Picky turned off the faucet and fluttered towards Panko's room, glass of water in hand. He'd let her sleep far too long, considering what he had planned for the day. Sliding through the slightly ajar door, Picky prepared for his standard wake-up call. But something was wrong...

"Crud, what's she up to?" he said to himself and the pillows she had left under her covers. "She's not smart enough to--"

"Huzzah!" Picky whirled around to see Panko's grinning face as she slammed a bucket over him, trapping him on the floor. "I guess this means I'm better at hiding now," she said cheerfully as she sat down on the bucket. "Oh, sorry, I can't hear you? Are you saying that you're going to stop splashing water in my face?" Picky's muffled curses were nothing of the sort. "Seriously, I get it. It's all very important that I get better and all, but this isn't boot camp. Whoa!"

Picky managed to somehow knock Panko and the bucket off of him. Glaring, he growled, "You should be glad it isn't, or you'd get a lot worse for this stunt." His face quickly softened. "But, I guess it's good you're awake."

Panko laughed. "Yep, all dressed and ready for whatever we're doing this weekend. I'm actually sorta excited." She stooped down to pick up the bucket and the dropped glass, bringing her an Picky to eye level. "Making sparkles and stuff is awesome and all, but I'm ready for this next level or whatever."

"If you didn't say it in such a stupid way, I'd almost be proud. Come on, let's get on the train--" Picky suddenly looked very serious. "Wait, this is bad. Panko, change of plans." He ignored her puzzled expression and floated toward the door. "Transform and get ready to run. Something's going down, and I feel Verda and Autekkan magic. It's a distress call. We're going, come on. I shouldn't have to tell you after a week that we're in a hurry."

Panko followed Picky in her cat suit as he flew toward the Verda signal, hoping to arrive as soon as the scene was set.