@Izurich@Ariamis@Card Captor

---

Katarina couldn't help but to smirk as her arrow struck true, the creature roaring in agony and rage. The force of it alone should have crippled anyone without high vitality. The 'arrow' ripped through her entire arm and wing, the dark miasma spilling from her body, confirming the source of this corruption if there had been any doubt left. Kat's smirk faded soon, however. The horror girl wasn't done it seemed. she plummeted to the asphalt, seemingly merging with the miasma she controlled.

Hm, so that's how it was going to be, huh? Why couldn't they ever just die and make this easy?

Unfazed by the darkness, a sword appeared in Katarina's free hand, readying herself for a melee. As resilient as she seemed, she didn't seem particularly agile, and if she could merge with that Miasma, then that left only one course of action left. Lure her out, then strike when she reformed. She wasn't afraid of getting injured in the process - before she could however, another magical girl arrived on the scene. Electricity crackled, arrows of lightning bombarding the creature from the sky. An ally? The arrival distracted her just enough for the dark miasma to reach her before she could prepare herself fully for a melee. Instinctively, the hunter leaped backwards off the building, landing gracefully on the pavement below.

"Stop fighting, you two! Now what the heck is going on here?"

"That thing is a monster." Kat sternly responded to the new arrival, sword still in hand both ready to fire or use in a melee. "She was attacking people here and I intend on making it so she can't do it again." It would be obvious she'd be difficult to dissuade from finishing the job.


@FamishedPants@Shifter_Master

---

Fufu, this girl wasn't so bright, was she? Showing her human guise willingly - how gullible. She wouldn't do anything now of course, that'd just be crass and rude...but it'd make tracking her down easier later, if she had to for some reason. Not that it'd likely help much in the end though - this girl was dangerous, that much she was certain of. Best not to antagonize her intentionally unless she could get away with it for giggles.

"Ah, don't worry, don't worry," Chloe continued, walking down the alleyway. "Lets just say I have acquired something the Mint may be...keenly interested in." After moving away from the street into the alleyway, Chloe stopped walking as she took a breath and concentrated, the door to her apartment manifesting right in the wall of the nearby building. Opening the door and motioning for Sil to follow, Chloe stepped inside.

Surprisingly, Chloe's apartment was simply furnished. It didn't have as many decorations, and wasn't designed as eccentrically as she was dressed for the most part. Aside from the walls which were a black and white wallpaper, with much of the furnishings being of an expensive sleek, modern design. The only eccentric thing, was the light sources - a large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, filling the room with a bright blue colored light. Several more sconces were affixed to the walls, holding violet colored crystals which currently produced no light. The curtains on the windows were currently drawn shut, obscuring any alien landscape that might be seen beyond.

"And I like to think after taking care of a NEET for some time, my cooking and coffee skills are the best." She smirked confidently, closing the door behind Sil as soon as she walked in. Before Chloe could take five steps inside her own home, she was greeted with a rather pleasant sight.

"...Penny?" Chloe's eyes widened slightly. One of her old friends! Ah, she was glad she left that key with her, hehe! Before she gave anyone much time to comment, Chloe grinned and ran over to the other girl, tackling her in a hug Sam might find surprisingly affectionate. "How's my favorite little engine of destruction doing?"

It didn’t take Penny long to learn that the apartment was empty, that fact wasn’t too surprising, though the mechanical girl was a bit curious as to where Isana was currently. Choosing not to dwell on that question, Penny sent about getting a kettle boiling. She had never been much of a tea drinker before her change, but it was something she had come to enjoy as she could make it strong enough to taste normal regardless of her form.

It wasn’t long after setting the kettle on the stove that Penny got a call, granted it wasn’t coming in from Penny’s coms device but that alone told the cyborg exactly who it was that was trying to get in contact with her, moving over to the couch Penny patched the call though to her eyepiece. “I hear you” Penny replied to the vague introduction wondering if Veronica always went about things in this cloak and dagger way.

Silently Penny was glad she was already sitting down, thinking about Thalia still hurt, especially when she was blindsided by thoughts concerning the runaway foxgirl. Gritting her Teeth Penny forced herself to breathe as she tried to keep too much red from bleeding in to her eyes “I’m going to be delayed in getting there” She said after a moment, the anger in her tone soft but noticeable “I’m currently at a friend’s place, and afterwards I’m going to need to check in with Alicia” Penny wanted to race off to Veronica right away, but beyond that everything jumbled together. She needed time to try and prepare for whatever it was Veronica was going to tell her.

“I can be there in two hours; I assume that you’ll find me when I show up” Penny added after a moment of thought, the line going dead was the only response that Penny received. She stayed seated there for a bit just starting at the ceiling as various thought swirled about her mind. Closing her eyes Penny pulled at her magic dragging everything inside and pushing it as deep as she could.

A few moments later there was a dull flash of light encompassed her and when it passed Penny was left in her sealed state. Her white hair had grown a few inches and had taken on a neon blue color that slowly faded to a neon yellow as it neared the tips. Her eyes were a bright gold and she was dressed in simple casual street wear, a light jacket, a tight fitting shirt and loose fit jeans along with a pair of sneakers to finish the ensemble. She found it ironic that ever since joining up with Beacon she had found herself staying in her monstrous state more often then she preferred, but figured that it was due to paranoia towards most of the organizations members.

With a shrug Penny took of her jacket and tossed it on to one of the chairs before leaning back in to the couch. She was fully prepared to stay seated as she worked through the jumble of emotions that Thalia was capable of evoking in her when she heard the Kettle start to whistle. With a sigh Penny pushed herself up and went about fixing herself a cup of Earl Gray.

Penny had just set her mug down to let it steep when she heard the front door open up and the tail end of a conversation. Turning to look she was greeted with the sight her friend Chloe running towards her moments before the other girl tackled her with a hug, one that Penny was happy to return.

“Should never have told you it was named that” Penny snorted but smiled all the same “But I’m having one of my better days at the moment, been kind of a rough month.” Penny would answer with a half-smile “how about you how have you been?” she would ask before noticing the rather nondescript girl that Chloe had brought in with her.

“Who’s the new friend?”

---

”Nice to meet you Kimble” Kyle would reply with an easy smile as he watched bemused as Sally proceeded to pet the catgirl, it was working in calming the feline down so he figured that it was a common enough situation for the people here. Kimble’s answer to the question about her story just brought up more questions than it did answers really, but it told him something about Alicia if nothing else. He pondered for a moment about why it was the Beckoners were okay with this, before shrugging the thought away.

“I’m also curious about the robot, is her story similar to yours? And is it just the two of you?” He would ask as he dropped to sit across form Kimble “I just arrived here, so sorry if you’ve gone over this a thousand times already, it’s not something I’ve encountered before.” He explains with a shrug “And how about you two?” He would continue looking between Summer and Sally as he did “How did you gals come to be working with Beacon? I’d be willing to bet my story is the most ridiculous of the bunch.” He would add with a chuckle at the prospect of being able to explain his origin story once again.

That was... wow.

Amaryllis really should have thanked her lucky stars there was someone nearby to camo her escape, but that would require her to know Tonya was even there. Pretty much mission accomplished, but she would stand her ground until all parties left.

As much as Tonya would have liked to jump back into the shower gym, she would need to start preparing for a meeting as soon as this was over. Hopefully fate wouldn't waste her time with engagements like this in the future. Next time Chloe got in trouble, she was on her own.

---

“Creatures this weak don't even deserve to be called distractions...”

---

Su adjusted her collar. ”I'm sure she's watching us both from somewhere.” The former familiar said under her breath. ”But yes, I'd like to tell you something. It's about Boteg. While he was watching us in the over city, He picked up the magical signature of the terrible one's champion, and he's insistent that we do something about them now.” Her fists were trembling. ”H-he also told me that he thinks they may have been the one who destroyed Amber's ship. They were nearby at the moment it was destroyed.” Su's breath was starting to get noisy. ”After Amber died, I would tell myself every night... At least... We have... Her ship... And then the day we returned to retrieve it-” Su placed a hand over her face, but quickly regained her composure. ”I remember what you said about Justine, and I'm not going to let revenge obscure my vision. There is a possibility the champion isn't the one who destroyed Earth Bastion” Su fret her brow. ” But if they were near Earth Bastion when it was destroyed, that would mean it would have to be someone from Beacon. Provided it wasn't one of Justine's minions. But I find that unlikely.” Su closed her eyes. ”I need to do some investigating. I promise I won't get into any fights. But this is an order from our patron. The very reason Boteg formed a pact with Amber in the first place. I need you to stay here, both to keep Boteg safe, and so that you can let Mika know I'm not here. I don't trust her enough to watch over Boteg by herself yet. ” Su waited to hear Helga's thoughts on the matter.

---

After enjoying the rest of that girl's her food, Mika stood up and stretched. "That was really yummy!" Mika noticed that Su's food was ready. A brave wage slave stepped out of the back room and held out Su's food with trembling hands. "Thank you very much sir, you're the best worker this fine establishment could ask for!" She gave the man a salute, who just chuckled nervously before retreating back into the kitchen. It did seem like the spirit madness had died down a bit. Come to think about it, they went away after a girl in a red dress stormed through the Pit Stop. Mika probably should have paid more attention, but the food sure was good!

Once Mika had gone outside, it seemed like the spirit situation was under control. At least in the immediate area. Part of Mika wanted to transform and save the day, but it was probably for the best that she didn't have to do that. Su would never be mad with her if she transformed to save people, but it just wouldn't look good. A magical girl coming out of the pit stop with food for Su. The chances of someone finding out she was connected to Su were pretty slim, but it was still something Su would scold her for. She suspected.

Not that Su had been mean to her for the few weeks she had been around. Su and Helga had been awesome! Boteg too, but he didn't talk to people very much. Probably because everyone has such a hard time understanding him. But the way he talked was so cool! And out of everyone, Mika probably talked to the golden dragon the most. Maybe too much. This was probably the longest she had been away from the Golden Trove Apartment Complex since her arrival here. And she already had a friend! Maybe even a girl friend. The thought made her cheeks blush slightly. She had to place a hand on the side of her face just to get control over herself. But how would she find this girl?

If she was a local, it would be easy, She'd just have to ask around if anyone spotted her. Maybe she even regularly ate breakfast at the Pit Stop! But if she was a visitor, well, that would make things a bit harder. There was even the possibility that they would never meet each other again. Even though they hadn't spoken very much, that thought made Mika a little sad. She had just made a friend, it would be a shame for her to leave before she could say thank you, or even goodbye. Not being able to say goodbye was really eating away at Su...

Mika smacked herself. That was no way to be! As long as she showed determination, she'd see that girl again! Maybe she was even a magical girl just like Mika, who enjoyed fighting for the good of the people. That sounded more like it! And if that was the case, all Mika had to do is find out where all the spirits had dissipated to! Yea! She was probably fighting the spirits! All she had to do was find her locked in combat*! She hurried back to the apartment complex, hoping, no! Knowing that she'd encounter something on her way back.

*Even if Mika saw Katarina, she likely wouldn't recognize her in her magical girl guise. Don't tell her that though.

She had been fast enough to avoid that spatial-collapse spell before it even began to form, but fate conspired against her dramatic reappearance when a whole three other magical girls popped out of nowhere, the first blasting the shit out of her adversary with a javelin that she called a ‘sword’ (her own Patron displayed its displeasure by raking between Amaryllis’s eyes), before the other shot lightning as well, apparently an advocate for “shoot first, ask after”.

All this was relatively awkward for Amaryllis herself, who had been partway scaling an apartment complex from a neighboring alleyway when everything went down within seconds of each other, and though one part of her was disappointed in the ruining of a ‘scene’, a greater part felt relieved at the extra help. The steel ivy rattled softly as they retracted into the veins of her wrist, and instead of a grand reappearance from the high ground, the Knight of Rose emerged from the shadows of the alleyway instead, her heels clacking audibly amidst the din, her immaculate appearance a grand forgery for the mist-shrouded fiend. The rusted petals scattered from the dark implosion pulled themselves towards Amaryllis, dappling her path through the ruptured streets.

“Wrought Iron Hero,” Amaryllis began, quietly noticing that the other darkness girl had disappeared, “Though this foul vulture is despicable, I can attest that she’s naught but a scavenger, an abomination that preys upon the dead. If you wish to mete out your justice upon the perpetrator of this tragedy, then what you should seek is the necromancer that called a horde of revenants upon this world.”

A pause. A smile that did not reach the eyes.

“But that is simply a correction, not a suggestion. If you wish to continue your fight, then push this fiend elsewhere, to a place where civilians won’t be caught in the crossfire. And as for the two who have made such a dynamic entrance…”

In one smooth motion, Amaryllis brushed back her hair while removing her bejeweled rosary.

“My own powers of recuperation are insufficient to heal the vast majority of bystanders in this area. If either of you are capable, I beseech you: let’s save who we can before neglect becomes just as deadly as any other blade.”

…

Uwah, her Sword was really hating her right now, wasn’t it? Definitely shoulda just aimed for the head if this was going to be the case.
@Rune_Alchemist@Izurich@Ariamis@Card Captor

---

A several rooftops away from the group of magical girls, and inky black orb floated in the air next to cover. Through it a being of great power watched what was going on, enough so far before it finally seemed to lost interest. The orb seemed to dissipate into nothing, like ashes scattered to the winds, and seemed to disappear into nothing. Soon, its existence had ceased to be, returned to the void. But for what reason had it been used to watch on at the scene from a distance away? What use was looking at these magical girls to a horror in this instance?



"Ey, this burger isn't bad! Chef, i demand another!" the now untransformed magical girl said as she sat at the re-purposed cafeteria table which now was far comfier than it had once been in its heyday, a few crumbs falling from her mouth as she spoke.

To Annabelle, her orb forming that portal to bring her back here was nice. But then she had gotten...hungry.

The blob of tentacles, aka the "chef" that had made her the large triple-decker burger which had just been finished in minutes, seemed to roll all of the eyes on its body. This magical girl had more of a hunger than some horrors, even its own master. The large, empty plate coated in crumbs in front of this human was proper evidence of that. But it was practice at least for cooking, which had become this particular creature's hobby after helping in the destruction of worlds with its master. Just because it destroyed didn't mean it couldn't have a hobby, after all.

However, its many eyes drifted away from the untransformed magical girl towards the doors into the cafeteria as another four-legged beast with multiple mouths and eyes and skeletal tentacles coming out of its back sauntered in and looked at it. Ah.

"  ?" the 'chef' uttered to its fellow servant of Soth in an alien, rather unintelligible language, though their master's magical girl seemed to understand what was being said.

"   ,         ," the other creature communicated back in the same alien language.

Good, very good for this place indeed. Such a city to be graced with their lord's now-expanding presence, his might, his influence! Though moving forward with using abandoned places like this as footholds, transforming them into his territory, that seemed rather fitting in a twist of ironic fate. This city, though, seemed a magnet for monsters and magical occurrences, and it was here their master could indulge his curiosities and feed his purposes with the blood of his enemies! Knowledge and all things be his, for all returns to the void in the end no matter how hard they try. All shall fear and respect the lord of The Infinite Abyss! Glory to Soth!!!

"....Sooooooo, when's that next burger comin', eh chef?"

---

---

---

"Well....seems it all has worked out decent, i suppose. The one girl isn't actually dead, i like the fake out though as a tactic. That other girl with the void left at least, Alice said, a shiver going down her back after that last sentence as she continued to observe through her scope, having been updating Nina on the situation so far as an observer. As much as the seeming outright murder/consumption of another magical girl almost pushed them to jump in, she had voted to watch for another few minutes to see what things were like.

After all, magical girls could be deceptive things.

But that wall of darkness, that looming void, there was no doubt as to what patron had created that. Soth, lord of The Eternal Abyss. A being that lurked beyond the universe, beyond the stars, but whose reach encompassed all. He'd destroyed worlds, his void had devoured other patrons whole, he could snuff out a sun like it was nothing on a whim. She'd heard rumors of the horror, and more than these in her line of work, but never had she heard of him taking on a magical girl of all things. Not that a horror doing so was abnormal, but among those whose reputation flagged them as dangerous Soth was among the highest on that list. What use could that being have here, however? That answer could be potentially terrifying, or maybe not as bad, dependent on that horror's will.

"Good. But if that other one is still hangin' out there, can't ya take a shot? I'm already tired of hearing about her antics, yare yare.

Alice sighed to herself a bit mentally. Nina's distaste for the devouring darkness of that other darkness girl was something, but her lack of fear in the face of that other girl was not something Alice approved of. Then again, Nina had never heard the rumors, the stories, nor seen that wall of purest void, an emptiness that never would be filled or sated, moving down that street and gathering up the fleeing spirits. She'd try to explain to her compatriot, at least, but....hopefully they never had to face that patron's forces. At least for the city's sake, and their own at that rate.

"And risk a fight with the people who just got to the scene too? No thanks. But if she tries to make a break for it i might take a shot, depending. At least we don't have to go out there for now, eh Nina?"

Nina rolled her eyes from her position, lying back on the comfy couch and watching one of those daytime cooking shows. Something about food trucks and such, it was at least giving her some way to cool the nerves and keep a level head. Personally she'd want to ensure that body-eating filth was gutted and smashed into a fine pulp. However, Alice was the type of experienced head to help her in this too. The world of magical girls was an odd one, stupid sometimes really in her opinion. At least their "useless goddess" was good for some things overall, including payment in coins. Speaking of which, said goddess had promised to contact them again today, right?

'...dammit'

Alexander facepalmed "Wonderful, stuck on medic duty again." He got off the motorcycle and sighed. Looking around, he spotted a grown man face down and missing a leg. Jogging over, he knelled, flipped him over and put his head to the man's chest, using his magic to boot his hearing. He quickly heard a heartbeat "Okay, good." With that established, Alexander began to pump healing magic into him. The man's wounds started to vanish, and his leg began to regrow.

Once he was fully healed, Alexander sighed. Then, he boosted himself with his Reinforcement magic, and began to slam his fist against the asphalt street. He kept doing this until he had half a dozen chunks of asphalt. Creating a cone shaped barrier around his right ring finger, he grabbed one of the chunks and started carving a rune into it while pouring healing magic into it as well. Once he finished the first, he grabbed another and did the same "Alright, I'm going to need some mobile volunteers here. I'm not sure how many wounded we have, or where they are, so I'll need some people to go and find them. Anyone who's going body hunting, take one of these; they're slapdash and crude as fuck, but they'll be enough. When you find someone, press one of these into them, rune touching them, and pump a bit of magic into it. If nothing happens, then they're dead, if it starts glowing, then they're alive. If they are alive, then keep using this on them until it stops glowing, it'll patch them up enough to survive to trip to me, where I can actually fix them up."

"Huh. I don't think I've met a monstergirl who acted so much like their namesake before. Still, it's great to meet you, Kimble." Sumer gave a slight bow to the catgirl. It seemed that maybe this branch wasn't as similar to her as she'd hoped, but any progress was still progress.

"Ah. That's... not something I like to talk about." she replied to Kyle. Thinking back on it still hurt, to be honest. The boy apparently had asked what she was thinking for her, trying to get more information about the robot girl. At least it seemed like she'd get along decently with these mahou.

---

\\\Was possibly found out{ No trouble{ The two left through magical door{ Returning to battlefield{ Lightning struck{

The simple copy did as she reported, and began streaming the scene before her, now with the arrival of an electric magic user and a sword-bearing monster hater.

Meanwhile, a certain owl seemed to be patrolling the area, looking for something. Or in the bird's case, someone. The strange bird glanced around as it flew, until it spotted the clone. "Hoo." The owl perched next to the clone, staring at her. Possibly in thought.

"Hello." That Shion responded to its presence before returning her attention to the other mahou.

"Greetings." Theresa replied, looking between the fight and the clone. "So why are you in the peanut gallery for this?" She asked, pointing a wing to the other magical girls.

"Shion" blinked. "Oh. You speak. Her response was somewhat monotone. I don't have a horse in this race. She moved her phone to record the mysterious owl for a few seconds before returning it to its previous position.

Theresa nodded. "Of course, this is just one of my forms as a familiar. She explained. "Oh shoot! I forgot something! I'll be right back. the familiar facepalmed(?), and flew away.

"..." Shion watched it fly away and went back to what she was doing.

In reality, Theresa was flying back to Eliza, who had been waiting by a building near the alley Samantha and the spirit user dissapeared to. "So?" the witch asked. "We're in luck. Follow me." Theresa motioned for her to follow, before flying back to "Shion." Multi-colored ribbons grew out of Eliza's back, as the witch made her way to higher ground, using the ribbons as rope.

"Shion" didn't notice the colorful display above her as she focused on recording.

Landing behind the clone, the witch's ribbons slowly trailed up behind "Shion" like snakes eyeing their prey, until they suddenly shot at her, wrapping the clone up until she was imoblized.

The Shion copy didn't sem to react. She simply kept recording what was in front of her now that her hand was stuck to her side.

"Wow. You're a stubborn one, aren't ya?" Eliza chuckled, lifting the copy into the air. "Look, i'll make this quick. You a clone or the real deal?" she asked, placing a hand on her hip.

"..." Shion kept silent and moved her hand so that the phone would record the witch who was interregating her. "I'm real, if that's what you're asking. She continued in monotone.

"Can't be sure till you give me proof, buddy. Sorry." the witch shook her head with a slight grin. "I've been sent to search for you, so all I ask is that you come quietly, and we'll be fine, capiche?"

"Sure."

"...Huh." Eliza blinked, before squeezing her comunicator bow. "Veronica, it's Eliza. I've suceeded in locating Shion. A Shion? I think?" She talked into it, looking back up at Shion. "Hard to tell if it's a clone or not." the witch mumbled.

"..." Shion said nothing as she waited for Eliza to do whatever it was she intended to.

"So, I don't know if I should wait on Ms. Veronica or not. Maybe we could get to know each other before your interrogation?" Eliza suggested, unable to shake the suspicion that her misson was a bit too easy... Eh, she probably just had a lucky break this time.

"No thank you. I don't like talking about myself. "Shion" replied.

"Oh. Okay..."

Samantha found herself taking in the sight of the apartment as she stepped inside, noting every little detail of the place. She found it rather simple compared to the expectations she had when gazing at the target's odd apparel, but in all honesty, with a flashy outfit yet no home to call her own, she was no different in that regard. But there remained more important things that the admiration of one's home, or lack thereof.

It did not take more than a split second for Samantha to recognize the other figure in the room once her name had been spoken, her eyes locking onto the girl as though she'd found prey. This, however, lasted only a moment before she returned to a normal, almost-bored look. Samantha honestly held no strong feelings for the metal magical girl, but it was possible the same could not be said for her. And the last thing she wanted would be a fight, inside enemy territory, with two magical girls, especially when she was not given the order to eliminate either one. Yet, thankfully, it seemed that this "Penny" was unaware of who she was, not that this was a surprise. Even if showing her human guise was a risk later on, for now it may have prevented things from escalating. Her guard, however, would still be up.

"I wouldn't use the word "friend"," Sam said, a bit of distance between her and the two girls, since she hadn't run up to hug Penny, for obvious reasons. She caught herself before she could accidentally mention how she and Penny were technically much closer than she and Chloe. "And," she focused her attention back on Chloe, who'd acted out of her perceived character, "I am a very busy person, so I would appreciate it if we could keep distractions to a minium." she explained, obviously hinting at Penny.

Alicia Hayden @Flamelord and Janet Howell @t2wave

Though the surface of the water obscured her vision, Janet could tell by her second specialization that Alicia was indeed alone. It could still be a trap but she trusted her friend. Rippling for a moment the monster girl rose from the lake and crawled onto shore. Even though her form had been this way for a while ever since geing freed from Justine it took time to readjust again. "I wasn't expecting you to come so quickly."

Alicia's heart thudded in her chest as she looked around, trying to locate her friend. Anxiety and worry swirled together inside her head, leaving her hoping that this wasn't some kind of trap or trick, and that everything would work out. It just had to, for her own sake if not Janet's.

The motion in the water drew her gaze, and she froze still as the monster girl emerged on to shore. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, confronted by the sheer wretchedness of what Justine had done to her after she was captured. "J-Janet. Is that you?" she asked after a moment, taking a hesitant step forwards. "They...they said Justine had done something to you but I didn't expect...this." As taken aback by this as she was, it only made her all the more angry at Justine. A good thing then that she was dead and gone.

The Beacon girl's reaction was understandable if not disappointing. Janet frowned slightly and lowered her head. If one didn't already know she doubted anyone would identify her. Since she was on land Janet donned her disguised self that Justine had also given her. The corrupted dress had become a part of that. "Sorry. I thought you should at least know what I've become." She rubbed a couple tears from her face. "The Beacon are surely looking for me. I've done a terrible thing." The girl looked weak and was clearly distraught.

It was not unlike Janet to be this way. There had always been doubt in her mind given her previous life. No one could have imagined that her fear would come true and she would become a real life monster. Glancing back up the blonde waited for Alicia to react. What would happen now that she was standing there vulnerable.

She had imagined what she would say in this sitution, had imagined how it might play out in her head, but what preparations she had made were swept aside by the reality Alicia was faced with. Janet stannding in front of her looking terrified of what might come next, justifiably worried about what someone of the Beacon might do to her, and haunted by what had happened. It took all she had to hold back her sadness, her anger, and to keep it from overwhelming her.

After a moment she took another step towards Janet, offering her hand. "I...I tried to find you when we went to stop Justine at her castle. But the castle was destroyed and Justine was beaten, and there was no sign of you. I thought the others had...i thought you were dead." The words sat like a lump in her throat, as painful to say as anything she could have imagined. She should have been happy, but she couldn't. Not while things were like this.

She didn't give Janet the opportunity to speak as she shook her head. "It'sokay. We know Justine was controlling you. She did that to a lot of the people we rescued. You don't have to blame yourself for what happened." It wasn't much, and it might not make up for what had taken place, but it was a start.

Crossing her left arm to hold her right Janet still shook her head. "Maybe, but that doesn't really change that I'm an enemy of the Beacon now. I can't go back like this. Penny was stretching it but she was less a monster and more machine." There was a tinge of frustration in her voice.

"What if there was a way?" Alicia asked, reaching into her pocket to pull out the vial that she had grabbed amongst her stuff on her way out of the garage. She held it up so Janet could see, a liquid swirling inside that made it seem like one was looking into a sea of stars.

Quickly she explained. "After the....bombing, I ran into a couple of magical girls, with Djinn powers. They said they could grant wishes, so I made one. This vial, it can cleanse any corruption, no matter how dark it is. It could turn you back to normal." She would understand if Janet refused, but this was the whole reason she had asked for it in the first place. Alicia had to try.

To the girl's surprise it seemed her friend had already worked out some kind of solution. Eyeing the mysterious bottle Janet contemplated what to do. Djinn were somewhat known for being shifty despite what some popular Disney characters might suggest. That said there were not really many options open to her. As is even if she wasn't killed outright by the Beacon she surely would be excommunicated and later be killed. Glancing at her watery hands she knew that she didn't want to be this way.

Still having some questions though the girl moved over to a rickety old bench and sat down. "Okay. And you trust these girls?" It seemed a little too good to be true. How is it they just show up right after the bombing? Alicia was the one that made the wish though, so it wasn't like they just handed something over saying it would do xyz... right?

Alicia wasn't entirely surprised that Janet didn't leap at the opportunity, seeing it as too good to be true perhaps. Trust was a hard thing to come by these days, especially in the world of magical girls. But there wasn't really much other choice, and they both knew that. If she didn't, there wouldn't be much choice beyond staying like this. And as Janet had noted herself, Beacon probably wouldn't welcome her back with open arms.

"I do," she confirmed with a nod, offering the vial. "They didn't seem like the type to play tricks with their wishes, and I didn't feel anything that indicated they were lying. You know, with my powers." It was possible they had nullified that aspect of her light abilities, or that she had simply ignored it in her emotional state, but she didn't want to consider such possibilities. It had to work. It just had to. "I don't have any other suggestions besides this."

It hadn't crossed Janet's mind that Alicia's powers could tell if someone was lying. Hearing that was somewhat of a relief. Wringing her hands for a few moment she eventually nodded. Time was limited as well in her mind. Beacon likely wasn't the only one she'd pissed off. While the Mint hadn't made any move against her, the familiar turned magical girl likely wasn't a fan. And no telling who else.

"How does it work?" She asked as she slowly offered a hand to take the vial.

Alicia passed the vial over to Janet, letting her go about taking off the stopper that kept it all in the bottle. "Drink it," she offered with a shrug, not entirely sure herself. But that seemed to make the most sense. She'd been a bit distracted at the time and forgot to ask. "It will probably hurt a bit."

Now, it was all up to Janet, and the hope that her wish came true.

Probably hurt a bit. Was that just a requirement for this job or something? Then again becoming a monster girl in the first place was pretty painful so it only made sense reversing the process would as well. Taking a deep breath she held it up. "Here's hoping." Downing the contents of the vial her face soured. "Oh god... that tastes aweful." Swallowing hard her disguise fell. The fluid was visible inside her translucent body. It was suspended like oil in water.

Nothing happened for a moment before the starry fluid began to wriggle and move. Janet's waist jerked as around as the magic in her stomach tried to get out. "Crap, I... I think that was the wrong way to use it." Wrapping her arms around her middle she tried to hold things together. Beneeth the magic pierced through and began to seep out. Spreading rapidly over her body she began to panic. "Alicia, its- mmph" Her face was covered in seconds.

Fully engulfed the monster girl's movement was restricted. Her tentacle limbs were being pulled together which caused her to fall. What little movement was afforded her the girl squirmed as the wish took effect. Minutes passed as the struggling died down. Normal looking legs began to take shape as the corruption Justine had placed was being reversed.

It was weird, watching Janet change back into some sort of jellyfish girl, the potion she had swallowed just hanging inside of her like one of those science experiments she did back in high school. Yet after a moment it began to move, much to the alarm of them both as Janet voiced her discomfort.

Alicia shared the panic that Janet expressed, and she leapt forward with wide eyes as her friend's plea was cut off. Before she could touch it though she was brought to a sudden halt of her own volition, chastising herself for her haste. She had no idea what was supposed to happen, and she'd never seen a monster girl being changed back to normal. Maybe this was just part of the process? If she interrupted now, it could ruin the whole thing.

"Fine, we wait," she muttered to herself as she took a few deep breaths and relaxed. She'd give it a little bit. If it didn't look like it was doing what it was supposed to, then she would act. But for now she would wait.

A correct choice it seemed, for as the struggling inside the cocoon of stars died down, human legs began to form beneath the veil. Her heart felt like it was going to leap out of her throat as Alicia tensed in anticipation, eying every change that happened. This was...it was really working! It was only a matter of time until it had finished and Janet was back to normal. She was sure of it.

One by one the stars in the pitch black began to fade. The magic confining Janet began to weaken. Waking with a start the girl began to move. Reaching up she grabbed hold of the inky darkness and began pulling. Not giving right away the girl began clawing at the top of her head to free herself. Gaining some grip and with one final pull the wrappings split open at the top of her head. Water began to spill out. A second later Janet pulled the magical skin off her face and gasped for breath,

Having been broken the magical veil surrounding the rest of Janet began to dissolve, revealing that most of her had returned to that of a normal magical girl. It was immediatly apparent that not everything was in its previous state. The water that had come out before wasn't just some left over from the transformation. Her usual golden locks were gone, and in its place was long streams of flowing water tied in two pigtails. Her normally green eyes were glowig a brilliant blue.



As the stars of the strange mixxture began to fade, Janet stirred. Alicia watched as she tore her way out of the strange magical cocoon, her anticipation reaching a cresceendo of emotion inside of her. Yet she was taken aback by what Janet came out looking like. She might not be a monster anymore, but it was clear that not everything had returned to the way it had been before. She couldn't even guess as to why that might be.

Alicia hurried over as the veil vanishes, leaving her friend free to move. She reached out to support her friend, arm wrapped beneath Janet's shoulders to keep her from falling over if that was needed. "It's over," she said, though that had probably been noticed by now. "How do you feel?" Even though it wasn't a complete reversion, it was still a lot better than what she had been before, as far as the Beacon was concerned.

Janet was cold to the touch and shaking. She pulled her legs in and rubbed them, both to confirm that they were real and to warm them up. Turning her head slightly she glanced at Alicia."I f-feel alright." The chill must have had Janet distracted because when her watery hair floated around into her view Janet jumped slightly. "What is...?" Letting go of her legs she reached out and ran her hands through the water. Following it with her fingers she eventually reached her head. Removing her hands revealed them to be dry. Silent for a moment her eyes wandered as she tried to process everything.

The sudden cold caused Alicia to flinch a bit, though she didn't have a blanket or antything like that to help her warm up. They would have to go back to the HQ for that. Nonetheless, it was good to hear that she was feeling alright, and that there weren't any other adverse effects from her stint as a monster girl that they could see for now.

Watching as Janet came to a sudden realization about her hair, Alicia swung into action once again. Moving behind Janet, she began to rub Janet's upper arms, helping her warm from the cold while at the same time guiding her over to the water of the lake so she could see herself in the water. "Here," she remarked. "I guess not everything could be completely reversed." She didn't have a better explanation, so instead she stood ready as a shoulder to lean on if Janet needed it.

At first Janet didn't want to look, but eventually the girl leaned forward to take a better look. The surface flattened out as her magic manipulated the water. Trying keep herself together Janet took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay. So I think..." Pausing again she glanced up and listened. "Uh, I still have Sound magic?" Covering her ears for a second it was pretty easy to confirm. "That's weird."

All things considered Janet took the changes better than Alicia had expected she would, the Beacon girl waiting quietly as her friend went about testing her powers. She still had her water powers, and it appeared she had picked up Sound powers while in Justine's service that she still retained. "So what do you think?" she asked, her hands coming to rest atop Janet's shoulders. "Feeling better about coming back to Beacon?"

"Mmm..." The girl didn't entirely look convinced. After a while she nodded a bit. "I'm ready to confront them at least." This could be hard. It would still be tough to know how she would be received because of her actions and the unorthodox way she was purified.

It wasn't as confident as Alicia had hoped that it would be, but she supposed that it was better than nothing at all. "Alright," she agreed with a nod, ready to summon her Beckoner or lead them to the new HQ, whatever Janet felt more comfortable with doing. Things might have been more unorthodox, but she was confident that they could succeed. "I'm sure it will work out. They trust my word, and they know what Justine did. They'll have to believe you."

Sighing a bit, Janet had to go by what her friend was saying. "Okay. Do you think I should go to headquarters or have them meet somewhere else?" At least she was willing to try. By this point she almost could fly under the radar given her new appearance.

"I think this will be easier if you go to headquarters," Alicia decided after a bit of thought. There might be dangers inherent but it seemed better than a remote meeting with a Beckoner and the mistrust that might be engendered with the other girls. This could, hopefully, put some of those to rest. With no objection from Janet she began leading her back to the HQ so they could get this underway. Now, they just had to hope that it worked out as well as she wished it would.

Despite normally being more nomadic, ever since the big attack by evil forces Shannon's Puchuu saw it fit to station here at the magical epicenter. Her somewhat unique ability to cross to and from the Overcity proved useful for transporting many back after the groups got separated.

Now things had been somewhat quiet, but from what the Puchuu girl understood there was potential for more activity on the horizon. A large group of girls had been taken by a dark magical girl for some purpose after already having been captured before that. But until something came of that she wasn't going to be worrying needlessly about it. A power vacuum had been made and it surely would be filled. Light and dark alike were vying for a piece of it. So that in mind Shannon busied herself with repelling monsters that began popping up.

One particular den proved to be problematic for the Earth mage. This was because the monsters, though they lived on the surface, would tunnel in a way to escape. Their magic allowed them to swim through the soil. And every time she would track down their new den they would slip away and make a new one elsewhere. Slightly frustrated after once again losing her targets Shannon began to think through who she knew that could help.

‘CHA!’

‘HA!’

‘LEFT BUTTON, LEFT BUTTON!’

‘WHICH ONE KICKS UP!?’

‘UP!’

‘OH, THAT!’

‘YOU GOT ‘IM!’

‘OOOH-!’

Freya Cameron sat, somewhat bored, breathing at an empty table beside the arcade cabinet where Jelena Dias was trying to teach Mayra McCullough how to play a fighting game against a computer. Freya was an underdeveloped 16-year old, with short black hair and currently wearing a Japanese kimono for no other reason than that she liked its style. Mayra, a tall 15-year old with wild black hair and casual pink sweater that doubled as a dress because of the length, was from a world without technology like this and as such was having a blast. Meanwhile, Jelena was transformed, because that was the only way she could move about.

Jelena was physically seven years old, yet had built herself a metal body that was far taller than that. The physique she had built herself was closer to 14 or so. That was, of course, because Jelena’s limbs were metal. They were currently shaped like prosthetics, to give the illusion of simply a girl that had been in an accident, but the rest of her didn’t help. She had white hair, a large, black coat wrapped around her body, a metal eyepatch and her hair combed over her left eye. She had a hood with bunny ears currently resting on her back. Metal hands were trying to help Mayra play on an arcade game. They were both significantly enthusiastic, while Freya could but watch.

… Freya was from a world of war, and as such could only see what the other two were doing as a meager waste of time. This world in general was way too entertainment driven, these citizens couldn’t defend themselves worth a damn were they to be attacked by the monsters of her home. Mayra and Jelena were both sinfully innocent when it came to the evils they faced, despite being the servants of a horror. Freya silently judged them, as the time she had granted them to play came to an end with the match and Freya stood to speak to them.

‘THAT’S HOW YOU DO IT!’

‘AWESOME…!’

At the end there, Mayra had been about to lose and as such Jelena had stolen the controller and thoroughly defeated their opponent. The girls stood with hands high in triumph, and that was the time Freya approached to cut into their fun.

‘Girls, it’s time to leave,’ Freya told them.

‘Agh, already!?’ Jelena threw a frown at her, very unsatisfied.

‘Ooh, okay. Thank you, Jelena, for showing me this. It was a ton of fun!’ Mayra grinned happily, more than satisfied.

‘Keh. Sure. It was a crime that you didn’t know anything about digital sports before this, had to be rectified.’

‘Sure. I think I still prefer sports where I move my whole body, but this was fun too! Thanks! Let’s play for real, next time!’

‘What do you mean, for real!? Games aren’t real to you!?’

‘Mayra’s idea of “playing” involves transforming and going all out on each other with magic powers and hopefully surviving,’ Freya idly informed. Jelena was taken aback and threw a hesitant at the widely grinning Mayra.

‘Ah-hah-hah-ha… I’ll consider it…’

‘GREAT~!’

Yeah, they were having a good time, but… Freya sighed again, and looked to Jelena.

‘Jelena, I’m going to have to ask you to detransform.’

‘Wha- why!? What for!?’ Jelena looked to her angrily.

‘There are those in this city that might detect a transformed individual. I’d rather that not happen when we’re walking around peacefully.’

‘Grrgh.’ Jelena obviously wasn’t happy. Still, to not be seen by someone’s Third Eye, it needed to be done. Fortunately, the Trespasser was on their side, but there was nothing saying there wasn’t someone similar that was an enemy. As they made sure nobody watched, they sealed Jelena into a bathroom for the moment, while Mayra and Freya waited outside.

‘Hey, they work with a bunch of fancy cables and stuff, right?’ Mayra asked, curious finger on her lips looking out over the arcade machines.

‘Yeah, why?’ Freya frowned, asking. Mayra gave a stupid, mischievous grin.

‘I wonder, if I just burn a wire here and there at night, and then come back in the morning and get to see them all when they try to-’

Freya swatted her fingers into Mayra’s face, the girl flinching back from the cold expression of her companion.

‘No. Bad Mayra. It’d attract attention, and Jelena would hate you.’

‘Aw, ow, okay, okay! Hahaha!’ Mayra laughed a little, clearly not entirely figuring it to be a bad idea. Freya sighed again. This girl was powerful, but she needed to be kept an eye on so she didn’t get up to no good.

After a bit of time, Jelena was ready.

‘I’m done,’ said a very unhappy Jelena, and so Freya opened the door the the bathroom. There was Jelena, frowning from the wheelchair she built out of her own magic within the bathroom, completely limbless with white hair, white shirt and red shorts. No arms or legs, a pitiful existence had it been her only form. Freya nodded to her, and waved to Mayra to take the handles on the wheelchair.

‘Sorry, but we need to not attract attention,’ Freya stated, as they turned and left the arcade out onto the busy streets of Penrose.

‘Yeah, ‘cause a completely limbless white-haired girl in a wheelchair and you in a friggin’ kimono attracts less attention,’ Jelena retorted, more than a little annoyed.

‘Let’s go!’ Mayra went before Freya could respond, and suddenly dashed in full speed down the street with Jelena’s wheelchair, the limbless girl unable to hold on and giving semi-panicked remarks of slowing down while Freya was left behind.

Freya sighed, with a slight smile. Okay. Relatively under control. She brought up her phone from her pocket, because neither of the other two could handle being the phone-girl. One because lack of knowledge, the other because of lack of limbs. She typed the message.

‘“Black Rabbit”, “Demonborn” and “Union Beast” are on the way.’

There, she thought as she put down the phone. Now they just had to get to the rendezvous and-

Her eyes went wide, as a sudden emptiness from within shook her core. It needed something to fill it. Something with meat in it. Every humanoid walking the streets… their long limbs, their tender torsos, their juicy heads. They looked so tasty…

Wait, no, ALREADY!?

She had already satisfied the beast just yesterday when she feasted on that old guy! She generally tried to aim for older people, those who already lived their lives and only had death to look forward to. Within, she felt that was a relatively morally acceptable compromise. But, could it be, the beast was not fully satisfied by that? Did it desire the blood of the young and fresh?

Freya internally cursed. She knew, with this beast within her, only a Horror would truly want to work with her.

But, fine. She’d just have to pick a young, fresh and innocent sacrifice for next time. What did it matter?

They’d all be dead soon, anyways.

---

"Is that true, bat girl?" Lily shouted towards Valerie, her bow drawn and aimed towards her.
"If you don't answer quick you'll get shocked and awed!" Unlike her playful and fun-loving self, Lily went serious when human lives were endangered. She wouldn't kill unless given good reason...But that wouldn't mean she can't paralyze her enemies with jolts of crackling justice. She drew back on her glowing bowstring, about to loose an arrow, when she heard the distinct sound of a heel clacking against the pavement.
She turned, and her eyes widened upon seeing the woman who emerged.
"Whoa...She's so cool..." Lily mumbled as Amaryllis spoke.

Lily blinked at Amaryllis' words.
"Wait, a scavenger? But who attacked these people in the first place?" She looked back to Valerie, and cursed when she fled, coated in effluvium that blended into the dark alleys around them.
"She ran away! You cowardly jerk! What should we do?" She looked towards Alex, as if expecting some kind of answer, and only got a facepalm in return. She jumped down, and took one of his runic chunks. "Right, we need to rescue lives!" And so she began running around the place, using the item on nearby victims and carrying them to Alex for first-aid. Alex would notice that the wounds on the civilians were unnatural, lacking the usual scarring on the skin; it was only possible for a spirit...or more accurately, someone capable of controlling spirits.

At one moment, Lily stopped to quickly salute Amaryllis with a big smile.
"You're really cool! I'd like to talk more later!" She then quickly ran away, and soon returned carrying another patient, only to run off again in search of more victims. As she did this, she realized she needed more people who could help. Even with her, Alex, Katarina and Amaryllis all saving folks, it wouldn't be enough. She then gasped out loud. "Shannon! Oh geez, she must be so worried about me!" She slung a middle-aged man groaning in pain over her shoulder, and took out her phone with her free hand; she tried to call Shannon.
"Hi Shannon! I'm super sorry for ditching our meeting. You see, some stuff happened, I got captured by a maniacal bat girl out to destroy the world, had to teach her how to love, you know how it goes. Anyway, could you come over to downtown? We could really use your help."

---

Kimble grinned. "Nice to meet you too, Nyaa!" She stood up, and immediately walked over to Kyle. She leaned forward, and sniffed him. Sally gave an awkward giggle in response. "Oh, please don't mind Kimble; she can be a bit, uh, strange." Kimble then crouched down next to Sally, searching through the basket the green-dressed girl still held on her arm. "Oh, Penny joined us earlier than Kimble. I don't know the exact details, but it seems the Beckoners allied with a Deity." She looked up at the ceiling in thought. "What was it again? Laat...something or other. She can be a bit cold, but once you get to know her she's a nice girl."
Kimble purred, and nudged Sally's side. "Nyaa, I'm bored! I want to play!" Sally petted her again, but then joined her hands in surprise at Kyle's next question. "Oh, I know a good place where we can talk. Follow me."

Kimble cocked her head to the side as she was crouched down on the couch with her back straight, legs hooked and arms right before her as the group settled down in the rec room. It was a comfy place where Beacon members could relax after a mission. There was a table that could be used to sitting around or playing tabletop games. It was also engraved with runes, allowing it to magically transform into table tennis or even a pool table. There was a small bar stocked with juice of various flavors, wall with a target sign for darts, and a big couch in the corner fitted with a TV and video games.
However, even there the girls were reminded of their duty; the walls were fitted with posters of Beacon slogans such as "Burn the Witch, Kill the Mint, Purge the Unclean" or "In Beacon We Trust". There were also small portraits and busts of "famous" Beacon girls; all of them except Alicia's had the time of service engraved, and none of those had a service longer than three years. They all had an honorary title fitted under their name, and Alicia's picture was the latest, titled "Seraph".

"So, do you like it?" Sally asked Kyle and Summer as she sat down with a drink in hand. "There's some games back there, but nothing interesting, whioch is too bad. it's all. If one were to search through the box of games, they would notice all of them shared a singular theme of slaughtering horrible monsters or evil cultists in gory fashion; the genres were mostly shooters, fighters and slash-e'm-ups...And a simple hockey game from 2014.
"I like playing card games more, anyway. So who's up for poker?" She suggested, giving a little giggle.

---

Just outside the Beacon headquarters, the two girls guarding the entrance waved with a big smile upon seeing Alicia. Their eyes opened wide upon seeing Janet following after her, and they summoned their weapons; a hammer, and a pair of revolvers. "Alicia captured Janet!" They could be heard shouting. "The traitor? Oh my god! Call Sylvia!" The guard with the hammer walked towards Janet, and gave her a mean look. "Didn't expect to find yourself back here, did you?" She smirked. Suddenly, the guard punched Janet in the stomach, causing her to fall. She turned to Alicia with a thumbs up, and wide smile. "Great job, Alicia. I'm sure the boss will be pleased. We'll take it from here." The other guard tied Janet's hands behind her back with golden rope, and lifted her up to stand. She then shoved her violently through the entrance. "Come on, move it, traitor!" The other ordered, her voice very high-pitched.
"You'll soon face judgement for your sins," the grade-schooler-looking girl said with a cheerful smile on her face.

---

Helga blinked at Sue's words. "The terrible one's champion?" She seemed confused at first, and nervously buried her fingers into the folds of her dress. She then drew in a sharp breath when she mentioned the ship. "They destroyed Sky Bast-!" She raised her volume before she realized it, and quickly put a hand to her mouth.
"I mean, Earth Bastion?" She nodded quietly as she listened to the rest, and bit her lower lip at mention of Beacon. "But Amber never had any beef with the lampers!" She took a hasty step. "Why would they have done it? Still...We need to go." She grit her teeth when Sue stopped her, and asked for her to stay. "But..." She struggled with her feelings of duty to Boteg, and her loyalty to Amber's memory. Finally, she sighed, and took Sue's hand. "Promise me you return the moment you find something, Sue. As much as you'd want to fight all on your own, don't make the same mistake...she did..." She squinted her eyes, holding back tears. "...and leave me behind."

As much as Alexander hated his clone's guts, he had to admit that they made decent nurses. Then stopped, once he realized how girly that made him (the original) sound. "Next!" A clone took away the little girl who had been working on, while another dropped a boy younger looking then the previously mentioned girl, and he started getting to work. "Geez! How is this kid still alive!? I never went to medical school, but I'm pretty sure most of those organs are vital to not dying!"

"Well at least he's not missing any limbs" one of the clones shrugged

"Yeah...I guess." Alexander sighed "Why the hell am I the one stuck with this!?"

"Less bitching, more healing!" one uppity clone responded

"Ass" Was the extent of his response "Alright, mostly done" he passed the kid off

One clone rose an eyebrow "'Mostly'?"

Alexander waved it off "Meh, he doesn't really need his appendix back"

Far from the mortal plane a lone deity sat working on one of countless plans he had in motion, some big, some small but all important to the destructive god. Many would wonder how it was Laat'AlOfan was able to take care of his task with such little assistance, few would ever learn.

After putting the finishing touches in place for the small occurrence he had been working on he would turn to the side and double check the letter he had written up. It was a simple message a request to meet when the recipient had ample time to spare, it would go on to explain that the letter it's self would grant the bearer access to his domain and that the invitation had no expiration.

With a nod to himself Laat would place the letter in a blank envelope and with a simple flick send it off to its intended recipient; one of the Beckoners of Beacon. The one who wore an angelic visage and had originally offered to deal with Laat and his chosen. With that matter taken care of all that there was to do in regards to that matter was wait, and in the meantime continue his endless task.

A great light shone upon Laat's domain as a heavenly parade of Beckoners arrived, blowing trumpets of glory and plucking strings of harmony on their harps. The angelic Beckoner floated up from among them.
"God of Cycles, we have answered your calling. Those who seek it shall find it; the light of Beacon reaches all, even those lost in the darkness." Two other Beckoners lifted up the envelope. "The holy pact we have together bound to the chosen has further brought benevolence and prosperity to mankind, as we have preordained."

The destructive god paid little attention to the holy congregation that appeared within his realm at first, his attention focused upon a small pale blue speck, but turned to face them as his intended guest began singing praise of the deal that had been made only a short time ago.

Came Laat’s amicable reply his domain shifting as he spoke, changing its self so that when he stood from his task he could stand eye to eye with the one he invited here

Turning to stand his seat and work bench sublimated away

"As expected of one embodying metamorphosis, you understand the importance of the ability to see things in a new light," the Beckoner answered, and played a somber tune on a harp. "Since ages past, we of Beacon have kept watch over mankind, and stood vigilant against the encroaching darkness that would consume it, entrusting our chosen to be shields of peace, and swords of mercy." The Beckoner then struck a sharp chord.

"But a shield cannot protect peace if it is pierced, and a sword cannot give mercy to those who ask for it. Mankind no longer has the faith in Beacon it once had. Their belief has weakened, and so has our power. If we stay to the old ways, mankind's fate will be one of perdition."

The Beckoner then played a hopeful tune. "But there is hope, for Beacon shall have a reformation. For the longest time, we were ignorant of the plight of unfortunate souls who have lost their way. They are different, but they can open their hearts, and accept Beacon's light. Those who realize they are monsters, who want to be saved...They are not monsters, but stray sheep. As shepherds of mankind, we shall also accept them into our flock. Thus we will save mankind; not with hate, but with love."

Laat chuckled briefly at the Beckoners words He added before casting his gaze off to one of the vast nebula’s that covered the horizons of his plane contemplating the Beckoner’s words as he did so.

Laat Started after several moments of silence The god held up a hand as he spoke to forestall any potential arguments the Beckoners might have levied at him

AlOfan’s gaze returned to the small gathering of Beckoners that had answered his invitation, the weight of his scrutiny unmistakable as it slid across them all

The Beckoners nodded at Laat's words, fully aware of the consequences. "A schism will form, and the faith of many shall be tested, but in the end, justice and virtue shall prevail over the sinful indulgences in hypocrisy and pride." Then, the brilliant-winged congregation looked at Laat, then each other, and in unison they nodded before turning back to the god. "We would be honored to have the God of Cycles stand with us when we nail our theses on the door to the future," one of the other Beckoners, a winged bear cub, said reverently.

"We ask you to keep your holy pact with only us, the pure-hearted, and to forsake the sinners who would keep to the path of ruination. To that end, we shall also request that your chosen lends their strength, and protect our chosen if the sinners were to resist reformation."

The God Replied, satisfaction evident in his voice as he spoke, his domain slowly swirling at the grand change that they were discussing.

He added firmly his true size echoing out for a moment as he spoke, emphasizing the seriousness of his request.

He stayed Silent for a moment, to let his guests think over his request before he continued He summarized, before tilting his head to the side

The Beckoners did not think long on their reply. "So shall it be willed. Your chosen shall be the knight who rides us to the Promised Land." A mass of Beckoners offered a giant golden grail filled with wine to Laat. "Let us join together in communion, and pray for the souls of those who would oppose change. Let their darkened eyes be illuminated by Beacon's new light." The Beckoners all took a sip of their own, smaller grails, and then disappeared, their rite having ended.

Laat raised his glass in toast but did not drink from the cup, not out of disrespect, it's simply impossible to drink when doesn’t have a mouth. It would be a few moments after the Beckoners left before Laat would once again move. Pouring the wine from the goblet he would place it on the far corner of his workstation. He would say softly to himself as he returned to his never ending Task.

“Of course, my kitten,” Amaryllis said with a gracious smile towards Lily, “Though I have an appointment to attend to immediately after this matter is resolved, the rozen threads of fate will doubtlessly bring us together once more, underneath the stardust and moonglow.”

As she spoke, the swordswoman snapped a finger, a silver clover blooming on the side of the green-haired girl’s head, before Amaryllis herself sped off as well, graceful steps propelling her through the soul-slain and the suffering. It had been misdirected anger that had caused her to challenge the scavenging monster girl, but her own priorities were never so heroic to begin with. Making a beeline towards the alleyway she stored Aurora in, Amaryllis slid to a stop, twisting on the tip of one toe before lifting the woman up. Against her chest, she could still feel the weak beating of her acquaintance’s heart. Still alive. Still stable. Good, between the void of that magical girl and her own silvered blade, none of the spirits had escaped to wreak havoc elsewhere.

Bridal carrying her, Amaryllis rolled her shoulder blades and extended four other chains out, latching onto others whose hearts still moved despite their monster-inflicted injuries. With much less care, the rosary gleamed its pale glare over them, doing the bare minimum to extend their lives further before Amaryllis shot off, bounding over upended cars and fallen corpses. The healer boy with his clones had already established an area for aid, and after depositing the contents of her ivy chains in an orderly row on the ground, the Knight of Rose approached the only one of the copies that didn’t seem to be a snarky little shit. Presenting the blonde-with-pink-highlights accounting student to the masked magical boy, Amaryllis said, “Heal her first, and heal her fully, please. I don’t want anyone I know to die.”

There was no flowery pretense this time.

Just concern undercut by frustration with a smidge of homicidal rage and pain.
@Card Captor@Ariamis

@Ariamis@Card Captor@ERode

---

Damn it! Before she could engage again, the creature fled. The wispy, dark miasma leaving along with her. Narrowing her eyes, Kat lowered her bow, the swords that passed as her arrows vanishing in an instant. Ugh, so many people. Always complicated things like letting the quarry get away. Even if it was true she was nothing more than a scavenger, Katarina had no intention of letting such an obvious danger to humanity stay loose. Turning her attention to the gathering of girls, the hunter gave each of them a brief look over.

"I am not sure where the name 'Wrought Iron Hero' comes from," Katarina replied curtly. "but thanks to you all interrupting, that creature has fled." Well, at least they were making themselves useful by saving those that they could. Whoever made those spirits obviously weren't intending on making a thorough job of it, were they? What was there purpose then? Fear? Katarina didn't know, and it didn't matter. They just needed to be found and dealt with. Sighing, Katarina let her bow dissolve into nothing.

"Any idea on who summoned those spirits?" Katarina asked, approaching Amaryllis. She'd hunt that scavenger later. The main issue here was someone who seemed to actively be attacking people.

As the Beacon HQ came into sight, Alicia could feel her anticipation rising. So many things seemed to have been building to this moment, and another minor success from the near debacle that had been the assault in Justine's castle was something that she was not going to pass up on. She had thought that Janet was gone and that they had been used by Mariette more than they had gotten anything, but she was wrong. And now she was making amends.

Approaching the guards, Alicia stood beside Janet as she moved for the entrance. "Good day," she called to the guards, thinking nothing of passing by. At least, until they realized what Janet was. "No, that's not what-"

Her explanation was cut short as the guard approached, punching Janet in the stomach and tied her up, hauling her through the entrance. Alicia froze in shock, not expecting such a violent response from them. She knew that they might not like Janet, but she had thought that her presence would have made their reaction different. But now, now she was angry. Were they blind? Were they dumb? Hadn't they heard anything about the affair with Justine?

No, she had to put a stop to this. Now.

"Chains of Darkness, break! Light, shine forth!"

Her head bowed, hands clasped together as if she was praying, Alicia was embraced in a cocoon of blinding light. Her civilian clothes faded, and bright light blossomed into existence. It sparkled around her fingers and traced its way down her arms, while flaring into existence and rising up from her toes as well as it moved to meet at her torso and finish forming her magical girl outfit. Soft yet magically reinforced fabric blossomed, swaying in the wind before the cocoon of light shattered, allowing the now transformed Alicia to emerge.

She glowered at the duo as she strode forward, ethereal wings of energy springing into being and stretching wide as she hammered home her presence. "Stop right there," she demanded, summoning Star Seraph and smacking the wrist of the girl holding the rope that held Janet with the bow. "No one touches Janet until I've taken her to talk with the Beckoners. Am I understood?"

Turning, her gaze shifted between the guards as she let them see just how pissed off she was at the treatment of her friend, and so they could understand that they had better do what she wanted. "Or are you going to question a Seraph?"

@Ariamis@t2wave

'Fuck this is tedious'

Alexander sighed as he finished up with a man who had managed to loose both his legs "Next!" A women with odd hair was practically shoved at him "Woah! What's the rush?"

"Shakespeare girl brought her over. Sounds like she has a personal stake in this one"

Alexander sighed even harder "Wonderful." And he got to work 'I really hope that what ever revenge she decides to get, she keeps it low key and with little to no collateral damage. I really don't want to have to to this again any time soon...or at all really'
@ERode

As if on queue her phone began to ring. Answering she managed to say hello before Lily began to go on about why she didn't meet with her. Part of the info she knew, but it seemed that she was needed. "Alright, I'll meet you there." She would have asked for more details but there was urgency in the lightning girls voice. Shannon would just have to get the rest later.

Transforming and shifting into the Overcity, the Earth user was able to travel to the downtown area without attracting unwanted attention from the public. Within a couple minutes she arrived to see the aftermath of the attack. Other magical girls and boys already on scene working to save the lives of those that had severe injuries. "Tell me what to do." She herself didn't have the tools needed to heal anyone. Though it looked like the others were bringing people to the magical boy present.

With Chloe safe, there was no reason to let the monster attack persist, so Tonya began to silently dispatch the remaining spirits.

---

@Majoras End@DarkwolfX37

Shion's clone and Eliza would not have to wait long for Veronica to show up. Anyone who knew anything about the Ebon Mint in Penrose knew about the infamous immortal red vampire. While she isn't actually a vampire, she is certainly as powerful as one, and is most frequently seen at night. It was not common to spot her moving around, least of all during the day. Perhapse that was why she looked so irritated.

When Veronica approached the two, she locked eyes with “Shion.” If Eliza was paying attention, she might have noticed Shion's eyebrows twitch. Veronica was furrowing her eyebrows as well, which was getting more prominent the longer she looked at Shion. As the staring match continued, Shion slowly lifted her hands up to the side of her head, while Veronica grit her teeth in irritation. The vampire took slow, agonizing steps towards Shion. As she closed in, her hand swirled with a myriad of cursed energy. But as soon as she touched the clone, it blew apart into magical energy. Veronica bounced back in surprise, before turning to look at Eliza. The vampire growled, and Eliza could feel a sharp pain probing at her mind.

“This is going to feel unpleasant, but it's mostly to keep up appearances. Mostly.” She took a step towards Eliza, and the pain became more substantial. “You do not need to become friends with your targets. It is imperative that you don't tell everyone you meet that you work for Ebon Mint. You'll live a lot longer if you do.” Her arm swirled in darkness. “That was one of Shion's duplicates. She deceived you by carefully walking around your questions. Otherwise, you'd have picked up that she was lying right off the bat. You will not be fooled so easily next time.” When Veronica touched Eliza, she felt the strength leave her legs, and she fell to the ground. “Shion and her clones do appear to be resistant to my magic. I was not able to extract her exact location. However, I did get a few hints...” In Eliza's mind, she could see a tent with Shion(?) and her clones. They also appeared to be on top of a building. “Shion was likely in contact with her clones. She will soon become aware one of them were taken out. Your have a limited amount of time to find her before she moves again.” Veronica turned around and started to walk away. The pain by this time had entirely subsided. “Get up, and complete your mission.”

---

Su closed her eyes with a growl. ”You know I have no intention of leaving anyone behind.” Su found herself biting the inside of her lower lip. That's right. Even though sometimes Su felt alone, Helga must have still been hurting from Amber's death. She might not have known her as long as Su did, but she used her wish to grant Helga flesh, and was the one who gave her a chance to turn her life around. Even so, Su hated the fact that Helga would even suggest Su could die the same way Amber did. Su was strong, fierce, like a dragon! She could feel her blood boiling. So took a breath before sliding her hand out of Helga's grasp. ”I would never...” Make the same mistake she did. But su wouldn't let her say it. This conversation was already running longer than it had to. ”Thank you.” She gave Helga a quick bow before turning around to enter her room.

While no one saw her come out of her room, a few people outside might have seen something fly out of her window. Most people would catch a glimpse of a black shape flying out the window and quickly maneuvering around the city streets. But few would be able to identify the object as a woman in a black Chinese dress. ”Where are you, champion?”

---

@Card Captor[@t2wave]@Rune_Alchemist@ERode

Mika eventually found herself bounding towards a desperate looking scene. A magical boy appeared to be saving as many people as he could while other helped. "Oh no! So uncool!" Well, Mika did remember that Su explicitly told her not to join in on any magical girl related activities, but this was the type of situation that she simply had to be a part of. There were so many wounded, and not everyone could be easily accessed. She quickly snuck into an alleyway and placed Su's food on the ground next to a garbage can. "Tooth and claw, beak and paw, It's me you saw!" A brilliant flash of light beamed out of the ally way, followed by a lumbering bear with the voice of a small girl. "I'm here to make this situation a bit more bear-able!" While the spirits themselves were targeting civilians, this did cause a few auto accidents. A car had veered off course and drove into the back of another car. The door was jammed, and there seemed to be an unconscious man inside. "Alright, I got this!" When Mika got next to the car, she took hold of the car door and wrenched it off with a mighty tug. It skidded across the street until it was stopped by a mail box. The man inside was barely conscious, and didn't even realize he was being saved by a bear. "I got your back!" She picked up the man like he was a bear cub and lumbered towards Alexander. Or was it one of his clones? "Here!" After setting the man down, she scampered off to find someone else to rescue.

---

@Crusader Lord

The sewers were an ideal hide out for the bates in many regards. Aside from being a vast subterranean area sroud in darkness, it let them travel around Penrose quickly, quietly, and undetected. But the one thing it didn't supply them with was food, and sleeping in the sewers was also something that even Elroy wasn't especially fond of. And while the darkness was very useful to the Bates, their recruits had no real need for it. With their growing numbers, they were going to need to lay claim to a “surface side outpost” sooner or later. They would have loved to discuss such arrangements with a certain magical girl, however, they did not have luck finding her. So they were foced to look for an outpost in a less conspicuous location.

"So much for finding scarf girl, huh?" Elroy squeezed the last of his “MTN Dew” into his mouth before chucking the can at an overloaded garbage can. He missed anyway. "She was like perfect girlfriend material, am I right?"

Regina rocked her jaw left and right. "Is there a reason why you insist on pairing me up with every magical girl we encounter?"

"You use to be all over those romance manga." He chuckled. "Or I guess 'we' were, since we weren't magical at the time." He lifted a finger up to his lower lip. "But I guess you have a harem now, so maybe you're not really looking for romance?"

"I'm looking for protection, Elroy. Just as you seek out 'fun' and 'havoc,' I seek control of my surroundings."

Elroy shrugged and cast his arms out to either side. "So you've got a bunch of magical girls all mind twisted now. I'm probably among them."

"What are you trying to imply?" Regina looked away from Elroy. "When this first happened to me, to us, you saved me. Out of everyone, you're the one person who I'd never do anything like that to."

"Maybe you just make me forget something every once in a while?"

Regina's head shot up. "Save it." Regina locked her eyes on an abandoned school in front of herself. "I can sense a mind in there. It could just be a squatter or..."

"A magical girl." Elroy took his shield off his back and walked towards the school. Meanwhile, Regina sunk into the shadow of a tall building so that she could support him from a distance. "Yoohoo!" The incubus yelled and waved his arms. "Come out with your hands up! This is the police, the fashion police! No shirt, no shoes, no service!"

From Regina's vantage point on a two story window (there weren't any tall structures near the school) She placed a hand over her face and slowly dragged it down. . "Where did you learn how to say so many ridiculous things?"

---

Expansion was underway in a couple of the other nearby abandoned buildings in the area. One next to the school, the other right across the street and to the left of the school. In other words, setup for an area of operations, a modest but large place within which Soth had direct influence and control. Even now the sigils, the signs, the circles and such were being drawn within the other abandoned buildings, by horrors and creatures slinking about after being brought into this world to serve their lord.

The one two buildings to the right of the school was a former home of some sort, perhaps someone who had once lived across the street from the school many years ago? Windows were either boarded up or broken, the yard overgrown like a jungle of sorts, though its overall stability had overall remained rather intact.

The other that was to the immediate right of the school and directly next to it, meanwhile, was a far longer (but still shorter than the school) abandoned building similar in shape to a gymnasium or a very old YMCA. Something that contained a large pool and similar equipment, perhaps built for the school back in its heyday for gym class and such things. In part it had been a community center, perchance, though it had been seemingly decades since its last time being used for...anything really.



Elroy had gotten attention, alright. Minor horrors and beasts lurking, obscured by their lord's from notice within the school's territory that kept watch over the place for their master. The message they had was then passed along, and the entire school grounds was on alert. Defenses ready to be used, magic circles ready to activate, and....

"Ooh! You have a tail?! Awesome!" a voice cried aloud where Elroy and Regina could hear.

.....one slightly bored magical girl who had decided to barge out here in her transformed state because she had become curious about the alert.

Elroy and Regina would have seen a magical girl burst out of the front doors like she owned the place, though the gleeful smile on her face spoke a rather friendly manner. A black, inky orb was floating by her side, a fresh new one from Soth after he'd used the last one for...something. Annabelle had no idea what he had wanted to use it for, really, but she had enjoyed the burgers she'd proceeded to order up and eat. Though the third one had been interrupted by this little alert, so she'd asked the "chef" to store it in the fridge until she got back.

"Hey there! I guess its nice to see a new face around here. You look kinda cute, but sadly i'm into girls if you're here for me! What ya doin' around my boss' place here?" Annabelle said as she walked over, giggling after she spoke, as she was standing at the edge of of the border into her patron's territory...on the Soth-controlled side for fear of getting nagged by her Patron...again.

The air about Annabelle was rather tame, friendly and open even more than anything. Oddly so for the situation, but it wasn't a lie in any sense either.