The hat takes shape first. The distinctive brim forms around the cocoon’s head, spinning out into being like a miniature galaxy. It pushes out smoothly over the course of a good fifteen seconds, the top of the cocoon pointing upwards and upwards. Soon there’s a good foot of hat in any direction, dripping inky darkness and coalescing into a midnight purple color with ornate black filigree all around it, the same color as your eyes.
Watching Dave, you feel with an annoyed touch of satisfaction at how his name becomes Dahlia, or has always been Dahlia. Before you, the cocoon visibly shrinks as the form inside starts to take shape, easily overwhelmed by her still huge hat, nearly two feet in diameter and almost as tall. She, as you’ve noticed is a theme, is obviously the shortest of the trio. As the cocoon shrinks further, you see a head beneath the hat, sculpted features leaving her looking younger or at least more delicate.
With a sudden pop, the cocoon bursts open, unfurling an ornate black and white dress, covering the witch from neck to toe. A black base with white ruffles and lace is up top, highly impractical for any movement. Below is a too poofy to be real ebon skirt that completely obscures the legs and feet and, at the ground, reaches a foot wider in any direction than her hat thanks to the layers of apparent petticoats. Her alabaster face gains its final definition as faint dark purple blush appears on her cheeks and her purple eyes open. Floating a few inches into the air, feet not visible, her cherubic face splits into a wicked grin and a bit of a mad giggle. “And I suppose it would be you both that are lucky enough to be in the presence of the ascension of Dahlia the Witch!” She cackles and you roll your eyes.
As you do, another a rush of energy fills your very being, with the same dark energy floaty sensation that you got when you completed the last ‘quest’. In your mind's eye you see words in dark cursive on blood red parchment appear in front of you.
"You have completed the quest: Make More Friends - Recruit Additional Party Members x1 - 1000 XP per recruit”
Once more your world explodes in a burst of light and bliss. This time you know what to expect, but somehow, it’s better. Like the first high that you’re chasing, but as good. Better, even. If the last was a two, this was a three. You’re weak in the knees as the energy rushes through your form, filling every last bit with power and might that refuses to leave even after the high dies.
You *are* stronger. And you feel better than you ever have.
In moments you feel that tug have Dahlia join your party, the witch looking half dazed. “Tell me, is…is it that good every time?”
You and Lilac smile a bit and then nod. “Yeah, it’s fucking awesome.” the larger woman smirks. “You’re level three too?”
“Hmph! Do not presume you are the same as me, but, yes.” Dahlia sniffs.
“You know, just cause you’re a witch doesn’t mean you have to be a brat. I know you weren’t before…” you point at her.
Another sniff and then an impish grin, lowering her voice conspiratorially and leaning towards you. “Oh, I know Nightshade. But I *want* to be a brat. And I feel as if I’ve always been one.” Smirking at you and Lilac and straightening, she claps her hands, “I say we find more minions for me~ and see how you can get me more experience to level up!” Through the link you know she’s probably just playing and seems to really be having a good time. So why not let her have it?
You give a shrug, having accepted that this is your life now, Lilac mostly equally agreeable to the floating witch. “Alright. Sure, lets find ourselves a few more members of the party and see what other quests we can wrangle.”