The bluenette's dear reunion with Touka was cruelly ended by Touka herself. She purred past curled lips even as she staggered back from the low blow that freed her data-ex-compatriot. That fiercesness was a trait emulated perfectly, or so Touka said with her explanation about Serei and the cards that spawned them. "So you're a one way copy. Knowing all that your outside self does, but what you learn here doesn't go back out."

So basically Kanbaru could do anything to this Touka and the real one wouldn't know a thing. Not that there's much Kanbaru could do that she hadn't already.

The bar filled up soon after with even more people, another Serei being an endearing feline with a prickly attitude like an actual feline. Then a further feline, though one who could accurately be called an NPC, if a drunken one who proferred onto them complimentary healing potions. There was one for everyone, and while Kanbaru was a bit worse for wear from the explosives, she only sipped a bit off the top before stowing the majority of the vial for later. Oh, and one of the sleepers popped in, looking more confused then the Harem Protagonist.

"Hey Rose, I'm happy to let you start grinding affection score on the bartender, but we have to start small. The Mysterious Figure with the ghosts and shit may have let us go with prizes in hand, but I don't think we're getting off that easy if we jump into a boss room unprepared again. Umi's got it right, we need some carts to carry the loot we need to take a pirate ship...and then a motorcycle. In black. And saddlebags for my stuff...."

---

“Woweee!” said the drunken Cait, not minding how grabby-feely Rose was being with her. Unlike Smitten Kitten, she didn’t hiss or claw at the excited adventurer. Instead, a bit of a purr rumbled from her throat as she was given all sorts of kind attention before she was finally released. Naturally, everyone had their questions and concerns about the Serei and the Tower. “I’m trusting you to man the bar while I take care of our wonderful guests newbie!” she said with a salute towards Lin.

Then she spun on her heel to address the larger group at hand. First was Rose. “I’m pretty sure there’s an airship or something like that around the Tower somewhere. There’s so many floors and so many places to go that I wouldn’t be surprised. But you gotta find it first lass~” As vague as it was, it was to be expected of the Tower’s nature and it did confirm one thing. Even the bartender didn’t know what was above or below her café, though truthfully was anyone expecting the drunken feline to?

“Serei are much more than just summons to use in times of crisis dear,” Cait said, now looking at Akiko. “They can be your friends and companions! Maybe something more…and you can even take on their power for yourselves~ There are two ways to use a Serei after all; summon one to assist or absorb their card to temporarily gain their powers. But you better make sure you’re careful if you’re doing the latter. Wouldn’t want to get stuck with a useless card in the heat of things, am I right~?”

How exactly that process underwent was perhaps better to use when the group was actually in danger. It didn’t really matter either way, at least not to Touka. She merely stood near Umi with crossed arms and a forward frown. Once the girl tried to gauge her own abilities, she fixated a piercing glare onto her. “Tch. Why don’t you ask Kanbaru over there what I’m capable of. I’ve got no weaknesses, clearly. Besides, if you’re happy enough to lick my card then you’ll have no problem playing trivia with that idiot.”

And speaking of the blue-haired pseudo-mage, Touka whirled right around to glare on her now. “Don’t even think about funny ideas just because I’m data. Unless you want both of your hands thoroughly cut off.” Huffing once more, she continued to glare at anyone that so much as looked at her with a miasma of negativity and darkness that felt much too real to be empty threats. “Dark Magical Girl” was probably more accurate of a title than one might think if Touka’s card was anything to go by.

“By the way dears, you’re free to explore at any time. But my shop won’t be open 24/7 so better stock up on what you can now.” Cait leaned over onto the bar and her tail swished behind her. The pink in her cheeks began to die down and she stared from Umi to Rose then Tokuda surprisingly enough. “Which one of you’s the leader? Ahh, it don’t matter. But I do need a legal name to call your group and mark down in the records. So, what’ll it be dears?”

---

Umi nearly flinched as Touka aggressively denied talking to Umi about herself. She decided that maybe she should give Touka some space; it wouldn't be good to be pushy about it. "Yeah alright, fair enough. But if you ever feel like talking, just come find me. I'm all ears." Umi backed off from Touka as Cait mentioned that she's not always open, as well as what their team name would be. Umi was extra surprised that she actually looked to Umi for a team name, then to Rose, then to Tokuda. "A team name huh? Hmm." She looked to the others. Before their Seirei awoken, it was only five of them. A name based off those five would be good. There wasn't really a unified color scheme though. Everyone looked flashy and cool but not uniformed in any way. Looking down at her card though Umi was struck by inspiration.

"Our team name... Is Black Pentacle!" Umi drew out star on the counter using some of the blood that was still on Umi's skin. Though for Cait she would see the start upside down like an actual pentagram. "It's symbolic of combining everyone's colorful personalities together. And Pentacle is a five pointed star, since stars can come with different points but pentacles have five exactly. One point for each original member." It wasn't long before Umi's blood congealed and did indeed turn into a black pentagram. She looked up to Cait with a smile. "Also thank you for the potions! I don't have much money right now, but is there any sort of quests we can do for you? Something that easy that could get us a few more supplies or cash?"

A dark figure reaching out to and holding your hand, embracing it, its the only warmth you ever know so intimately and yet all it does is make you feel sad, and yet you cling to it like it is your sister and it will take away all the pain you have felt. All the sorrow. And leave you nought but the brightest you could be.

The dream caused Rosea to rock back and forth, Her mind plagued by the same dream, the same nightmare, and the same thought. Why couldn't she feel sad even when she wanted to? Was that a good thing for her to even fathom inside her mind. Or was that a concept that she really shouldn't dwell on too much lest the thought consumed her. Her dream dying down, coming to its cliff-hanging conclusion. She would awake, her eyes blinking twice as she adjusted to the strange light of the room she was within.

Where was she.

And better yet where was anyone else! "Gosh dammit!" She said in an annoyance. "I fell asleep before I could make any friends, how on earth am I supposed to do that if I keep sleeping." She said getting to her feet. Brushing herself off, and surveying her new locale...

---

“SON OF- Where did you come from?” Lin exclaimed quickly making a short jump to the right to give her some distance from the second cat girl to appear. It didn’t take long for Lin to realize Cait, as she called herself, had just woken up. ”Wait. Were you asleep here too? How?” Lin looked under the counter but could not see where the feline bartender had been. Not that it mattered at this point.

Sitting up straight once more, she walked back to her glass of whiskey and turned her attention back to the group; a courtesy they clearly did not extend back. The closest Lin got to an answer from the group was Akiko who simply remarked something about Lin adding to a harem. It was obviously meant as a sarcastic quip, but the very idea made Lin’s eye twitch. The rest of the group seemed more concerned with the new people they had summoned and the bartender herself (The exception being the pirate girl who was going on about finding a ship.)

Eventually Lin’s patience wore thin. With no explanation of what was going on from anyone, she was then told to “Man the bar” by Cait despite her attending the only actual customers in there. With a sigh the monk looked into her whiskey glass and softly said “Alright. Guess I’ll go fuck myself then.” Before downing the last of the dark liquid.

Tipping the bottle into her glass to fill it again, Lin found only a small sip dripped out. ”Oh come on.” She growled shaking the bottle in vain hopes it might have more whiskey hidden inside. Slamming the empty vessels on the counter she looked around to see what else this bar had. There was a variety of mysterious and glowing liquids, but nothing she could clearly identify as a normal liquor. Not wanting to risk grabbing something poisonous or worse, she decided to pass on the unmarked containers. ”Maybe there’s something in the back.”

Disregarding the instructions given to her previously, Lin abandoned the counter to go through the door behind the counter. Inside was a kitchen area for the tavern to prepare whatever food items they sold, but more importantly that was a set of stairs leading to the Cafe’s storage. Jackpot. Making a beeline down the stairs and into the dimly lit storage room, Lin began examining the astoundingly large stock of items. As she made her way deeper into the labyrinth of shelves, she discovered something she was expecting. More accurately, someone. A pink haired girl who, much like Lin and Cait, appeared to be waking up.

”Hey there.” Lin said approaching the girl. ”Now I’m gonna make a wild guess and say you’re either another member of the staff getting off break, or you literally have no clue where you are or how you got here.” Lin leaned against one of the shelves next to the newcomer. ”Name’s Lin by the way.”

"A dive into the heart, huh? So what's all of this about?" A cheery and unmistakably youngish girl's voice said. The girl in question already laid on her bed, huddled among many layers of soft, warm covers, listening to the stories told to her.

Even though she was on bed, her eyes were wide open and shone with excitement and anticipation for the tales she heard every night. But just like everything else, so too did the stories had to come to end.

"A story for another time?"

A nod and a gentle smile from the person at the other side of the covers confirmed so.

"Aw... I guess that I'll have to go sleep now and find about it when I wake up. Is that alright?"

Another nod and a gentle hand ruffling the girl's bright, orange hair sealed their promise. She just had to sleep fast and, when she woke up, she would find all about this heart of all worlds, and the castle in the sky, and a girl that lives on it.

"Wait. A castle in the sky? And a girl living on it? That's not part of the story and..."

Neither is the darkness that engulfed her. Or the tools she saw in her dream. A dream far too weird and too real to be just a dream, but still a dream nonetheless.

"In that case, I'll..."

Pick up the rod.

"Because it's cute... and you can probably whack people with it too."

...

"Wha!? That's not how it works? Then I guess that I..."

Cannot change it. It's about time you...

---

Akiko glared directly at Rose. The utter audacity this girl had to waltz up and just hug Akiko's cat was remarkable, though it certainly wasn't much welcome when it was able to assault the cat that Akiko had. "Hey! Listen to the catgirl, Cap'n Cleavage, and get your hands off her!" Akiko scolded the pirate mage with an explicitly annoyed tone, a flash in her eyes going off while she gazed into Rose's soul. You don't just walk up and hold someone's cat without telling them first! That's just rude.

"We can absorb our Serei?" Akiko questioned as she looked down at the catgirl with a raised eyebrow. "... while I could likely use your strengths to increase my own for power, I'm pretty sure I'd rather wait to do anything like that. Nothing against you, Smitten, I just feel like we could get to know each other better before any of that happened," she explained as she pulled out her fans and looked at the other party members again. "Rest assured, I'm no biker, and even if you are just a Spirit it could be possible that you just need some sort of incredible power to escape the clutches of the tower. This'll be quite the learning experience, that's for sure."

The bard's attention was quickly grabbed by the arrival of yet another new girl. "Sheesh, why does he get a harem?" Akiko didn't mind exactly what was going on, though they did somewhat wish that there were a few more guys around. So far the ratio seemed to be... hold on...

Akiko, Kanbaru, SK, Touka, Umi, Rose, and Lin... to... literally just Tokuda. Grand, it was a 7:1 ratio. The tower coward had his own personal harem.

"Welp, hello newcomers. This... is the ragtag party, I guess. I'm Akiko, and hopefully I won't have to introduce everyone else." Akiko finally introduced herself to the rest of the cast before she looked back down at Smitten once again, placing a hand on her hip all the while. "I know you're probably gonna react with a 'Do I look like I'm ten?!' response or something similar, but do you wanna get on my shoulders or something?"

---

“Black Pentacle huh? Fancy name for a fancy group of fine ladies~ Oh, and Tokuda.” Cait snapped her fingers and in its place conjured a scroll of paper, blank and somewhat parched. Umi’s blood, which had been used to stain the counter in drawing their symbol, rose up from the surface and blotched itself onto the paper. The symbol of a star stared back at Umi, followed in short by their Guild’s name scribbling itself just above it. And then, it dispersed in colorful flames as Cait wiped her hands.

“Don’t stain the merchandise, by the way. First’s one free cause you’re a cute group, but next time I’ll be taking it out of your payments,” Cait said, eyeing where the blood used to be on her counter. “Just a fair tip for the future. Now, onto your items. You can either pay in money like I said or trade for items like you said. There’s all sorts of quests if you know where to look~” Cait’s tail flickered to a large board next to one of the shops. There were only two sheets plastered to it, no doubt questlines to be contracted.



By the crude, almost scribbled writing on the paper, it was obvious Cait herself had written it out. Or maybe she got one of the lackluster employees to do it. It was certainly possible given her lazy demeanor and prone cat naps so far. Regardless, that was neither here nor there, though the next contract was written on significantly darker paper with red writing this time.

Crimson Pact: Survive the dangers of the supernatural and others who dwell in the darkness. Voyage the unbound castles if you dare or choose to scurry among the local life instead. Bring back valuable items or defeat bosses for prizes! Be wary of the red moon.

Whatever quest was chosen and decided upon, the paper would have to be picked up and delivered to Cait. Once that was done, Black Pentacle would see the Café’s front door glow around its hinges. Likewise, the summoned Serei would also glow briefly before returning to their respective cards. Kanbaru’s card in particular, blank as it was, was now pulsing, a signal she was able to trade it for a Serei now.

“Once you exit the Café you’ll be walking into the world you chose. Good luck you all. I’ve got some new recruits to speak to,” Cait said with a giggle, laying her gaze on Sherry. “Be a dear and go grab your companions will you? I don’t think there’s more of you expected to come so we should get your Guild name and next quest sorted out as soon as possible. Unless you three wanted to join Black Pentacle too?”

---

"Ah. Right. Sorry!" Umi clapped her hands together and apologized for bleeding all over Cait's countertop. She made sure to clean off any other blood that Umi had accidentally left when she first showed up here. Soon after Cait revealed some quest notices that they could take to earn some loot. Imperious Expedition sounded like your usual started quest. Explore the world, beat some bosses, easy stuff. Granted the first enemy Umi and the others had to fight was one of those masked weirdos who soundly kicked their butts, but now that they had Serei cards, Umi was much more confident in their battling ability! Sure while the founding members of Black Pentacle might not be the most seasoned adventurers, it was obvious that the Serei had experience under their belts. Umi will be relying for them a lot for guidance, even Touka, as sour as she is. Umi also made a mental note to talk to Kanbaru about Touka. They seem familiar and Umi genuinely wanted to know her Serei better. If they were going to be partners it was only natural that they would learn to get along.

In any case Umi took the Imperious Expedition quest and showed it to the others. "It seems a bit basic, but this quest sounds right for us! Sounds cool too, not as edgy as the other quest. Of course we should be on our toes too but this time we're healed up and have a taste of what fighting here is like. We'll do great!" It was around that same time that Touka, as well as Kitten, was absorbed back into their cards. Umi was confused at first since she didn't do anything to call Touka back, but then Umi noticed that the front entrnace of the tavern was glowing, just like the first time they left that strange lobby. Still Umi wasn't worried. She'll get stronger, so she can protect the others and most importantly, find her friend and bring her home.

---

Kitten glared at Rose while still behind Akiko. However Kitten's attention was turned back to Akiko when she mentioned that she wasn't a Biker. At first she was confused, but after a bit of thought she realized that somehow Akiko knew about her past dealings with a certain hacker. This made Kitten take a few steps back and give Akiko a glare too. Not the same annoyed one she gave Rose, but one with more malice, like a hunter about to pounce on their prey. "Since you already seem to know me, I'll make this very clear: I'm a solo player. I never joined a guild and while I might sometimes work with others I'll never stay loyal to any crew or person. My motives are entirely my own."

As for Akiko's offer to get on her shoulder, Kitten just scoffed and hopped onto the bar counter, sitting with her legs crossed. "I'm only working with you because of that card. If I had a choice I would've ran out of here already. So if you want to get buddy-buddy with me, you're going to have a bad time. Trade me off as soon as possible." Kitten said bluntly. Her eyes never changed from their predator glare as Kitten was trying to figure out who Akiko was that she knew about Kitten's past, especially during a private moment. Was she a hacker too? Or maybe had powers to read Kitten's mind? Neither was something she liked. And soon Kitten could feel herself feeling strange as her body began to glow and vanish. Kitten wasn't dying, she knew that much, and figured quickly that she was just returning to her card. Before she vanished completely she gave Akiko a few final words of departure. "I can tell when you're lying. I hate liars." And soon after Kitten vanished back into her card.

"Black Pentacle, huh? Spooooooky~ I like it." Kanbaru said with a snicker of dark amusement, watching her former partner seeth in her typical vitriol with a nostalgic fondness. It was for the best she didn't get Touka's card or she'd be abusing it to tease the acerbic Serei more then was prudent, at least with her in another's pocket she'd have some material in reserve. Kitten seemed a suitable substitute but bereft of past relations even Kanbaru thought this cat would sooner bite her then tolerate her affections.

She wouldn't lose any sleep over it, instead pushing herself off the bar as the newly christened group of magical women plus Tokuda turned to face a glowing door leading out of the inn. If nothing else, this Tower was heavily inclined to shorten commutes given how far one door could take them. The Imperious Expedition at least sounded to be more inviting then the openly supernatural horror one, the bluenette finding herself to be lacking the interest to plunge into the depths of castlevania till she had some more firepower of her own.

Firepower like a Serei of her own, something she didn't expect to receive till after they'd overcomed some further trial, yet the Mysterious Dude's gift shined with an inner power that just screamed 'Summon Me!'. "Why hello, handsome!"

There was a bounce in her step as she made for the door, card clutched tightly in hand as she bounded towards adventure pausing only to turn back to assembled cast of oddballs. "Well come on, everyone! We've got a Tower to loot and friends to collect!"

---

_{"The smallest courage can turn a tide of war."}

---

When all was said and done, when Black Pentacle had properly prepared and said their farewells, only then would the Café’s exit allow them to pass from this world to another. It would linger its gates for just a while longer in case the second group decided to follow in this new plane. Black Pentacle and the rest would stumble into the middle of a hearty village that looked to be in the middle of nowhere. A quick look around revealed a town sign conveniently placed in sight that read, “Welcome to Rivenwood”.

In truth, they had entered a world of Shattering and one that looked much more typical of a fantasy game than anything else they’d encounter so far. It was perhaps a blessing they were dressed as they were then. The group’s outfits would work in perfect tandem to the environment around them and blending in wouldn’t be a problem. Indeed, barring them suddenly teleporting in the middle of the village square, none of the occupants paid them too much mind.

After all, magic was no stranger in this land. In fact, the only trouble they would have upon arrival was the concerning sound of thunderous hooves plowing right towards them. “Stop them! Thief!” Faster than any of them could react, a dark-cloaked figure sprung in between their little group before leaping away further and further among the village. A few seconds later and the sound of hooves became stronger, a platoon of soldiered men in armor riding on horseback surrounding them.



Each of them carried about long spears that were pointed in conjunction at the group. Each soldier also had a leather-bound book attached to their hips as if they were also weapons. There was general confusion on the soldier’s faces, but their steely resolve soon returned. “Halt where you stand! Are you working with the thief? Where did they go!” Whether or not it was true to them, Black Pentacle and others had seen the thief literally pass them by. It only made sense now to interrogate the newcomers.

Before more questions could be spilled, a roar split the air around them. Most of the villagers watching now shrieked and huddled back to their homes behind closed doors. But the soldiers remained firm, even parting around Black Pentacle to let someone else come through. “Make way for the commander you fools! She’ll know what to do with these close-lipped foreigners,” said a soldier. The others followed immediately after as their commanding officer towered forward.

---

A commanding roar was followed with the thunder of steps, heralding a bulk that could be seen with ease over the helms of mounted knights with ease. A mane that looked like like the flames of the sun wreathing a beastly visage was the first to be seen by the adventuring party. When the knight's parted, the terrifying maw of a beast larger then most peasant houses was angled towards them with jaws agape and eyes unnaturally focused. It spared no notice of armored man and horse alike, a familiarity borne from service leaving mortal and monster to tolerate each other without outward issue.

Atop the beast was a saddle, two open sacks on either of its flanks that clanged with a racket of metal, the hilts of swords pearing from one while the other had the more noticeable hafts of spears. Between them was an armored maiden, eyes a pale amber taking in the surrounded group with a mixture of open curiosity and irritation. In the crook of her elbow was the thick shaft of an Imperial standard, the flag waving proudly behind her, while the opposite hand drummed along the spine of an onyx tome marked in scarlet filigree.

"A crowd of foreigners barring the road in time for a brigand to escape my justice. Complicit or not your fortunes are as ill as mine this day." She tutted, looking afield to find some sign of the cloaked figure only to settle back upon them with a palpable ire. "I see no Tomes upon your person yet look neither like a peasent or a member of gentry. Are you some mummers troupe here to entertain, or perhaps you hold some Warovian allegiance we should be awares of? Speak candidly, for Durgan will sense dishonesty, and his appetite is already stoked from that cloaked coward's flight."

Her words brought a sense of tension to the gathered soldiers, as even as her posture remained unchanged and her gaze still steely, the gathered knights gripped their weapons tensely, some of the older ones scowling at the mention of the Imperium's bloody neighbor and their barbarous people.

---

Before the crew entered the next world, Akiko caught the rather boring glimpse of Rose's life. The five seconds she saw for Rose equated to literally just her sitting at a classroom gazing out the window. How exciting indeed. Though, that certainly meant there was something to leverage a position with Rose in. Though, she had to admit, somehow the rest of the party kept seeing her as this shift and uncaring girl. Sure, she didn't really care for the party, but so far she felt like she hadn't been too malicious with them, if at all. In the end, she was a member of the party, and like it or not she was going to help them. She couldn't do this on her own, after all.

All that was currently besides the point, though. After entering the world and looking around, the group was passed by a thief and then swarmed by the nearby town guard. On their hips were tomes and in their arms were spears. They raised their spears in defense and demanded for Black Pentacle to explain themselves, though it was certainly only about three seconds before a loud roar interrupted the guards as everyone else around, sans the guards themselves and Black Pentacle, rushed into hiding. From behind the guards emerged a massive beast, and from atop the beast sat a woman, no doubt the commander to the soldiers.

"A crowd of foreigners barring the road in time for a brigand to escape my justice. Complicit or not your fortunes are as ill as mine this day."

Well, that was certainly a statement. Quite the one to open up with, too.

"I see no Tomes upon your person yet look neither like a peasent or a member of gentry. Are you some mummers troupe here to entertain, or perhaps you hold some Warovian allegiance we should be awares of? Speak candidly, for Durgan will sense dishonesty, and his appetite is already stoked from that cloaked coward's flight."

Nobody in the group had spoken yet. It seemed like if anyone was going to talk, it was going to be the Bard. Oddly fitting. She paused to see if anyone was going to speak, but when everyone else remained silent, Akiko took the initiative and slung out her fans, putting herself into a bow in one fluid motion.

"Pardon our obstruction in your path, commander of Rivenwood. We're only a simple party of nomads, travelers, and adventurers, whom have which banded together to make our own journey less dangerous. We've brought with us no ill intent towards you, the nobility, or the peasantry of Rivenwood." Akiko's opener was as genuine as she could fake. No doubt it'd be difficult for Durgan to sense any sort of dishonesty coming from the bard, as for the most part, her words were in some way genuine. She didn't want any trouble with the guards, but she certainly didn't agree with them being a "spears first, questions later" mentality. "I before you am the bard known as Akiko. I'm afraid I've no knowledge of any Warovian customs or circumstances. We all hail from a land far east, so please excuse our ignorance regarding any sort of dispute that your town is currently going through."

While Akiko was explaining herself and Black Pentacle's position, trying to avoid any sort of trouble, she couldn't help but look at the commander with a single small glint in her eyes. Certainly if it helped her see Smitten Kitten and Rose's past, she could find out something about Lorelai to help keep her from being threatening.

---

...wake up.

This was all that Sherry remembered as she came back to her senses. She was hunched over a table in a perhaps known, perhaps not known, tavern, in a perhaps known, perhaps not known tower. But, more important than all of this, she was wondering why she was having this same dream all over again.

"Woah! Wait, what the—" she said as she bolted out of the chair she had been sitting in, much like a surprised cat. "Oh, it's you," she sighed when she noticed that it was Cait that woke her up.

"So, we have new people around here, huh? It's been a while since that happened," Sherry commented as she stretched her muscles while looking around. "My companions?" she asked in a confused tone before realizing what Cait meant and dashing off to pick the other remaining members of her group who were currently in the tavern's cellar.

"By the way, I've been thinking of party names, I guess that Ruby Chariot is nice. I don't know if there'll be a party for it, but it's cool anyway," she said as she was about to go down looking for the others.

---

@Awesomoman64@1Charak2

Shortly after going through the door, a lot of things happened at once. They appeared to have been teleported into the middle of some town, and just as they were getting their bearings someone ran past them. Not long after some guardsmen looking types showed up and started harassing them! ”Oh I know this whole song and dance. Incompetent cops lose their trail and pin the blame on anyone nearby so they don’t get the heat for being bad at their jobs.” She thought maliciously as the guards started asking them about their business. Than someone else came on a large wolf-dog monster and made more threats.

Akiko spoke up first trying to play nice. However Umi knew the more time they spent with these people, the more annoyed they were going to get. Bad enough that, from what these guards were saying, the group likely doesn’t have the papers to prove who they are or some such. But if they continued to talk the guards might just accuse them of obstructing justice or some malarkey. And as much as Umi wanted to tell these people off she knew that cooler heads would prevail. She needed to keep her temper in check, try not to appear hostile, but leave as soon as possible.

”I know it’s not my place to tell you fine folk how to do your duties, but I assure you we’ve no business with whoever your chasing. If you do intent to capture him however, he went that way and he’s moving quickly. Every moment speaking with us is another minute for him to escape your justice.” Umi also made the conscious effort to try and clear some space for the guards and their mounts to make way, so they can’t continue to bother them about obstructing their path or something.

Their arrival was sudden and abrupt, a thief passed them by, they were interrogated by what seemed to be the local guards as well as a woman riding a very large puppy. Rose had of course pointed in the direction that the thief had leapt off to, but nobody seemed to really care, they were all much more focused on their group. Akiko spoke for the group, probably the right choice considering Rose was just gonna say they got teleported here and don't know what's going on. Honesty is not always the best policy in the end. Umi seemed annoyed about everything, trying to get everyone moving on their way as she moved aside to point at where the thief went. Perhaps now was the best time to speak up.

"Speaking as the captain of this crew, we're just looking for treasure. I don't know anything about thieves or tomes or any of that stuff. I'm just looking for cool stuff! So unless you're gonna arrest us for no reason, could you just point us towards the nearest ruins or dangerous monsters? After that we'll get out of your hair, I'm sure you have lots of thieves to chase down and other important things!" Rose spoke nothing but the truth, she really did just want to find treasure and adventure.

The inquisition was silent for a time on the Imperials side, the wall of armored guardsmen not shifting an iota out of place from their rigid formation. Contrary to what some of the Black Pentacles thought, these were not sloven or lax men lording over a small town and they took to their work with a zeal passed down from their commanding officer. Said officer quirked her head curiously as the first to speak was every bit the bard she claimed to be, siver tongue included, yet Lorelai held her own and turned her gaze to the next to speak.

It went unnoticed that Akiko's gaze peered beyond the surface layer.



While Akiko was struck with memories and a feeling of blind adoration for the bloody figure, the present Lorelai frowned in the face of Umi's objections to the interview. "They are already gone, but it is the nature of a thief to strike yet again. Their capture is an eventuality and in the face of greater concern, it is one I will accept the responibility of forestalling fu- Excuse me?"

Her composure wavered, genuine surprise overflowing as she, and several of the normally stolid soldiers, turned to eye Rose speculatively. Yet Durgan wasn't signalling Rose out for blatant falsehood, leaving the Imperials with more questions then they were comfortable with.

"It would seem you are an....ecclectic troupe. Treasure hunters too. You'll pardon me if I insist, but I would not be comfortable leaving those so unaccostomed to our ways to roam about. I shall escort you to the most honored Lady Asgard's chateau and we can better orient you there." Lorelai said, gesticulating vaguely with one hand that spurred the encirclement to break into two neat lines girding the sides of the avenue with steel and discipline. "Miss Akiko, perhaps you could tell me of your journey here from the east. Surely you must have passed through the Rexicorg if you were in search of treasure? I've heard of it only in passing but I'd be delighted to hear a first hand account as we walk. The Lady's abode is only an hour away so the time should certainly fly, no?"

---

Akiko was hoping that the rest of the party didn't make any heads turn in anger or bewilderment as they talked after her. Umi speaking seemed to be fine, but then Rose spoke, and even Akiko's eyebrow twitched in a bit of confusion. What in the world was she thinking?! After a moment passed, it seemed to have resolved decently enough, with everyone else still expressing confusion but shrugging it off.

"It would seem you are an....ecclectic troupe. Treasure hunters too. You'll pardon me if I insist, but I would not be comfortable leaving those so unaccostomed to our ways to roam about. I shall escort you to the most honored Lady Asgard's chateau and we can better orient you there."

"We would be absolutely honored to be escorted to Lady Asgard. If the taverns I've visited and the tavernkeeps that've assisted me told the truth, I simply cannot wait to see her beauty." Akiko smiled, folding her fans back up and tucking them into her... sides? Hips? Nobody could be immediately sure where the fans went, other than none of Akiko's clothes moved notably to accommodate for her actions. Strange. Ah well, certainly this would be a nice and eas-

"Miss Akiko, perhaps you could tell me of your journey here from the east. Surely you must have passed through the Rexicorg if you were in search of treasure? I've heard of it only in passing but I'd be delighted to hear a first hand account as we walk. The Lady's abode is only an hour away so the time should certainly fly, no?"

WHAT IN THE EVERLOVING FUCK WAS A REXICORG?!

"Ah, the Rexicorg!" Akiko exhaled in feigned splendor. She didn't know what it was truly, but she'd certainly be in a heap of trouble if she didn't respond with anything here. Refusing wouldn't get her any points either, so she had to come up with something on the fly.

"It was certainly something, I can say that much. Though, I must regretfully inform you that I cannot find the true words to describe it's enthralling aura, even with a tongue as fine as mine through all my studies of poetry and such. In all honesty, I wish to write a fine poem truly describing what it truly is." Akiko went on, her eyes closing and hands covering her heart as she cooed. "... but to describe such majesty and grandiosity with a poem would hardly be doing it any justice!"

Akiko's eyes opened before she looked at the commander with a tilted head. "... if you'll excuse my ignorance, may I please place a name to a face such as yours?" She ended her sentence with a smile before one of her fans returned to her hand, coming up to fan her face off. It was actually a bit warm, so there wasn't much in the ways of lies with the fan.

"Aaaauum. That was a weird dream. I have the strangest desire to make donuts. I suppose they are a breakfast food-huh?" Hannah yawned before muttered to herself. As she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, she found the mask upon her face. A quick pat down and look about revealed to herself that she was in a fancier, more real version of her usual stage uniform. And more to the point, she was in a cafe she didn't remember falling asleep in.

"Ah? Did someone request a performance from Caprice so urgently that they couldn't wait for me to wake?" Caprice found herself slipping into the third person, her stage performer persona. It was always a bit of a rush, if stressful, to perform, and now she found adversity sometimes goaded her into adopting her magician presence. She lifted herself as gracefully as she could from her seat, aided by the candy cane that whipped out of her sleeve.

It gave her a moment's pause to see that she had just summoned food out of thin air, but something about her transformation helped her roll with it, straight up to the bar. She tucked the cane under her arm with poise as she slid herself onto the stool closest to Cait. "Mmm, pardon me, but, do you have something in your ear?" She asked of the catgirl, reaching forth halfway with her right hand.

---

There was an awkward pause after Lin introduced herself. The newcomer hadn't responded in any way leaving only the muffled sounds of chatter from upstairs to fill the void. After feeling she had given plenty of time for the newcomer to acknowledge her presence, Lin opened her mouth to say something, but whatever words she had ready would be held back when yet another unfamiliar face came down the stairs.

"Okay seriously? Where were you? In the pantry?" Lin asked dumbfounded at the number of people she was suddenly meeting. "Actually, never mind. I'm going to give myself a migraine if I keep questioning this place." With a defeated sigh, Lin pushed herself from the shelf she had been leaning "I suppose the bar cat sent you to get us. Come on, Pink let's go." Lin motioned for Rosea to follow, begrudgingly climbing back up the stairs without the liquor she had gone down to find.

Opening the door leading to the cafe, Lin found the Black Pentacle was, gone. Every one of the colorful characters who had occupied the establishment mere minutes ago were now nowhere to be seen. In their place was a lone girl sitting at the bar with a white mask and a cane that looked to be made of peppermint… No, Lin. You said you'd stop questioning things. Just roll with it.

With no regard to the magic trick currently being displayed, Lin walked around the bar and took a seat next to the magician. "Alright, barkeep. Let's get straight to the point. There's treasure somewhere in this tower and I want it. Tell me how I get it and I'll be out of your hair."