@musingmasquerade
Was protecting the Bad End Kingdom part of their duty, now? Miyukiwasn’t so sure about it, but she knew she just couldn’t refuse offering a hand to Joker after he went through the trouble of asking for an audience with the current regent of Marchenland.
This being Pop.
“It seems there has been a lot of strange disappearances in his kingdom, -de gozaru.” The little lion told his human friends through the Decor Decor the evening after his encounter with their former enemy. Only Miyuki, Nao and Yayoi could make it to the Mysterious Library that day. “He has requested your assistance... Though he would understand if you decline.”
The debate on whether Joker could be forgiven or not was one they have had quite a lot these past years, and they always came to the same conclusion. The jester was no longer dangerous, but the degree of trust they could put into him varied greatly. Miyuki believed he did move on since that time they definitely rid him of Pierrot’s influence. Yayoi wasn’t against the idea of helping him despite how uncomfortable she knew they all still felt around him. As for Nao, much like Akane and Reika, she wanted nothing but the barest minimum of interaction with their old foe.
They did accept to help Joker in searching - and perhaps, fighting - whatever was taking his people away. The three young women arrived in Bad End, already transformed. Just in case.
“Joker! Uh... Good evening!“ Happy was the only one to greet the king as he arrived to meet them. “We’ve come as soon as Pop warned us. We don’t have the detail, though. What happened?“
