In this case, Vinnie's goals do match - the chance to avert something that would otherwise inevitably eventually kill the Parodyverse. The taunt about "a real sorcerer supreme" not hesitating to make the hard, edgy call goes right to his weak spot.

All of which may tell Chiaki that the mystery opponent is well-informed about the obstacles that must be removed and how to do that without always relying on force.













Good distinctions.







It was useful narratively having Chiaki there so that she could foresee two different unpleasant outcomes on the decision tree - helpful for establishing menace.




There are some more consequences too. Chiaki is now in Faerie, somewhat insulted from the effects that were crippling her.

Now Magweed is effectively trespassing in the Faerie Queene's backyard (and also that of the Unseelie King, who is another nasty problem we probably won;t look at in this story, but...). Magweed, Griffin, and Sam just could not take on the overwhelming hordes of servitors that Mab could array against them, or the strategies she might use. But look at the line-up of skills and personal qualities that are arrayed beside Magweed now, from Mumphrey and the Hooded Hood, through the Baroness, Moo, and Boss Deadeyes and their primary minions, to Lara, Chiaki and the acting sorcerer supreme, to the newest cosmic office-holders dealing in luck and borders. That's a force that would make any dimesional regent pause and think hard before starting something.

I'll cover some of that in the next issue, because it should be fun to see what that very unusual collection can accomplish! I'll be adding in another old ally of the Psychic Samurai's too, so there'll be a bit of a personal stake for her also.