Roxanna had never been the greatest of people when it came to expressing interest or making friends, even before they... well, became Roxanna. That being said, they did have experience with people... not really getting their intent and that was the strong feeling she was getting from the Angel; To be fair, it was a pretty piss poor attempt at flirtation anyway because magic or not, there was a part of her that was legit worried for the other girl's health.

Of course, any attempt to explain or follow up was interrupted by... by...

It was kind of hard to put into words just what the third person talking Magical Dream Princess actually was. Despite the fact that it was a cold winter's night, the girl seemed to have a cloud of sparkles and glitter about her that, considering the nature of magic, likely stuck to those with ill intent or weren't pure of heart and burned them or something equally demented. That part she could have forgiven because... well, it's not like anyone had much of a say in what happened to them when they became a Magical Girl... or Boy on occasion.

The tone of voice was bad and easily grating, but in turn that wasn't what made Roxanna dislike this new girl; After all, despite everything she clearly had friendly intentions and just wanted to be friends with people and that earnest desire could excuse a lot. It was the way she spoke that did it. Even independent of everything else, that 'cutest woosy' crap was painful to listen to, but combined with everything else...

Of course, it was around about this point where the conversation between Magical Dream Princess and the Angel turned to include them... and Roxanna looked completely serious, if somewhat disturbed as she took a step back to try and get some personal space back, raising her hands to have them between the both of them before answering "Okay. I get that you're trying to be friendly and everything but... you're coming on way to strong. My name is Roxanna and... look, if it's something about your transformation you can't control that's one thing, but if you can... could you please stop the whole baby talk thing? It's not cute."

---

Dina looked at the scene, before frowning once more. This had been too much of a close call. Scratch the Queen, she herself would want some answers. Eyeing the sky she couldn't shatter the ominous feeling she had, and with only the faintest glance, she decided to go after whoever had controlled the crows earlier, incidentally tailing after Finn and company.

I guess the trail might be cold now... damnit Sann, what is taking you that much time?? She thought as she punched one of the numbers on speed dial, to no avail.

Shortly afterwards, a message appeared on Dina's phone. "Busy. Fight. JVV." she received as she bit her lip, speeding up.

---

Shortly after Sanngridr made her offer, a phone rang. Sanngridr frowned ever so slightly before punching a few keys in a message and closing it. "Sorry about that. Granny kitty."

---

However... a second message was sent as Sann fumbled with her phone. It has been sent to a very special person. "CVV Found." It said.

”Th-That’s not what I meant, it’s just…" Lily attempted backpedaling on her words. She listened as Alex explained his views on the battle, and how he didn’t mind getting hurt in the process.
”Yeah, we’ve been in worse…It’s just, ever since the Christmas party, I’ve started to realize I have a bad habit of not paying attention to how others might be feeling. So I thought that, umm, maybe…" She stopped herself with a nod.
”No, you’re right. We did beat those monsters, after all. If it was anyone else, I’m sure they’d have been worse off." Her smile began to gradually return to her.
”Now let’s finish the job!"

Soon enough the two arrived at the Industrial District. Lily hopped off her motorcycle, and ran to the gathering of Mahou present, waving her arm as she approached them.
”Hey! Sorry for being late! Had to deal with some monsters up on central. Is everything handled here?" She asked, and looked up to the sky; the flock of birds had started to scatter, the mysterious man’s Beast magic having been released from them.

She returned her eyes back to the crowd, and noticed Roxanna in the crowd. She greeted the girl, seemingly ignoring the accusations she threw at MDP.
”Oh, you must be new here! Hi, my name’s Lily Lightning, but my friends call me Lily!" Past her bright smile was a hint of nervousness at the tense situation.
”I see you’ve met MDP, haha! Don’t mind her, she can be a bit, uh, ditzy."

---

As Alicia and Aurelio recovered from their fight with the wendigos, Alicia heard Elora’s voice in the communicator: “The situation has stabilized; the major packs of wendigos have been eliminated, leaving only lone stragglers. A couple of other squads are chasing after them for the cleanup as we speak. Mission complete. Over and out.”

Soon, they saw Sally running to them, having teleported in from a nearby rooftop.
“Hiii!” She cheerfully greeted the two. “How ya doing, Alicia? Looks like you had your work cut out for you this time, huh? We also had some wendigos out at the city limits. The things were all over town, so I thought I’d come in to check.” She pondered with a finger on her lip, having seen the piles of ash scattered around. “But you were lucky you had Aury-Poo here to help you! He’s such a gentleman~” She grabbed Aurelio, and smothered him with her lethally affectionate embrace.

---

Robert smiled pleasantly when Mariette accepted the letter, and bowed like a sophisticated butler. “The Queen of Hearts will look forward to your attendance. Goodbye for now, Miss Pedersen~” And, like an actor taking exit stage right, the boy turned and walked out of the door, having disappeared, but not before Mariette got a glimpse of him taking out what looked like a large golden pocket watch from his pocket. Once he was out of sight, Mariette could tell using Absolute Direction that he had left this dimension.

---

Finn and Mayra, though surrounded by snarling wendigos, quickly got to work in taking them out in a dance of destruction. Having already had experience with fighting a much larger horde, and still blessed by the enchantments from before, Finn successfully destroyed three of the wendigos, his fiery attacks making short work of the fiendish monsters. Mayra, while held back by her decision to take a more localized fighting style, still erupted a shower of lava-hot punches and kicks, accompanied by dark hexes and crooked casts that crippled the creatures, totaling six downed wendigos. The remaining one was shot out by a gauss cannon shot from Penny who had arrived after, flying inches away from Mayra’s cheek.

---

Hanna and Fubu blinked in surprise when Monica approached them and invited them to mourn their friend over at the Sanctuary.
“R-Really?” Hanna asked, baffled by the kindness she showed. “You’re sure it’s okay? I mean, after all that…” She took the minotaur girl’s hand and shook it with both hands. “No, we’re the ones who should apologize. We were hunted by Beacon in every town we’ve gone to, so we didn’t think things would be that different here. Thank you!” Fubu also showed gratitude with a bow. “Of course, we can tell you everything we know. We promise to carry our weight and work, if it means not having to constantly watch over our back. Thank you.”

---

Justine did not notice Valerie’s arrival, having been absorbed by her sister’s tragic fate, until she spoke, causing her to gasp.

”Valerie! Caroline’s dying!” She called out to her, tears, streaming down her face.

”She’s no longer breathing!” She pressed an ear to her chest. ”And her heartbeat’s slowing down! Please, save her! I beg of you!”

However, upon hearing Valerie ask the others and Connie’s tearful response, she sobbed in turn, having lost all hope of saving her…Until she heard a certain magical girl’s voice call out to her: it was the last person Justine expected.

”...Deni?” She whispered, her eyes wide as the little ronin girl knelt next to her; her face was white, as if she’d seen a ghost.

”B-But, Caroline…She…” She tried to put words together, but she was unable to form the sentence, shocked by Deni’s selfless gesture to save her sister. She further flinched when Miko also joined, the two of them having laid their healing hands upon Caroline.
”And Eli too…Th-thank you. Thank you so much!” She managed to say, holding back from bawling as the immense feelings of gratitude and relief washed over her.
Caroline’s breath had returned, yet it was still weak, barely drawing in air. Her heartbeat kept beating weakly. Justine took a firm grasp of her hand.
”Caroline, don’t give up! Don’t go towards the light!”

Then, she felt a wave of magic, like a burst of golden wind, blow out from behind her; Sanngridr had performed a Barrage spell, causing her Reinforcement to explosively reach out to the entire group including Caroline, further supporting her life. Everyone else felt all pain disappear, their wounds from the wendigo fight having been sealed. Caroline slightly jumped, as if hit by a defibrillator, and Justine placed her ear against her chest once again.
”I can hear it…Her heartbeat’s steady!”

However, despite having been saved from the jaws of death, Caroline still laid on the ground, motionless, as if in a coma of sorts. Justine caressed her cheek, hoping she might wake, but she knew it to be futile.
”She’s not waking up…She needs the potion.”
She stood up, picking Caroline down from the ground as she did so, and turned towards Valerie.
”Valerie, she needs a purifying potion before her condition gets worse again. It saved me, so it should save her too. Can you call´Mistress and ask if she has one?”

Whether Valerie responded or not, she afterwards addressed Sanngridr.
”Sanngridr, thank you. This meant a lot to me,” She said with hesitant gratitude, and bent her knees, as if attempting a curtsy while still carrying Caroline in her arms.
However, before she could further speak to Sann, Sakura interrupted her, having also been rejuvenated by Sann’s spell. She averted her eyes as she bit her lip, seemingly shamed by Caroline’s antics once she got a good look at the serpentine girl’s severed horn.
”On behalf of Caroline, I apologize. I didn’t expect her to show up again. But thank you for stopping her, Sakura,” She called out to Sakura as she left, hoping her words reached her.

The second message Sann sent received a reply: “Understood.” Sann knew it was only a matter of time before they tracked her down. And sure enough, both the Valkyrie, and eventually Justine as well, could see in the far distance, up on top of a tall building, the person looking down over the scene.

Justine froze, as she recognized the person.

”...Sonia.”

As Alexander got off of Lily's motorcycle, he noticed some girl he didn't know getting annoyed at the bubblegum airhead. "Look, I know her speech can be dumb and annoying, but she's ultimately harmless. And if you spend enough time in Penrose, then you'll ultimately become numb to quirks like that that are annoying but harmless. I mean, she's not likely to start some kind of magical civil war just by talking like that. Trust me, there are much worse traits in people. If baby talk helps her maintain her morale and not have a mental breakdown, I say let her." He shook his head "Anyway, yeah, what Lily said; what happened here? I can heal, so if anyone's hurt really bad I can fix them up, if you didn't already have a healer around here."

Valerie steadied her breathing. She refused to loose her temper. Even as Ronin tried to justify her so called "sensei"'s stupidity, or as Sann tried to pin the blame on her for not showing up sooner. The android simply drowned out the voices that didn't matter, and watched as the only reinforcement users around stablized Caroline back to health. Otherwise she'd assume the others were trying to gaslight her or some shit.

Sakura's recovery wasn't her concern. It was only fortunate that her words were taken another way. Once Justine asked about a purification potion, Valerie nodded, and contacted Maura through their coms.

"You're kidding!"

"Wish I was."

Maura mentally sighed. "We didn't expect her to appear so suddenly. I'll look around, see if Eliza grabbed a potion before she left!"

With that, she turned back to Justine. Though before she could answer, the vulgar serpent had spoken up again, spouting insults like she used to know the vampire. Without looking back, the android's eyes widened at the pathetic apology and thank you Justine gave Sakura.

Dont apologize.

She mouthed to the vampire. Whether or not it'd be noticed wouldn't matter. Valerie coldly watched as Sakura left. As much as she wanted to simply flip her off in return. She couldn't help herself.

<<"You should count your blessings, Susanoo-San. But I sincerely doubt this fool's method will save you forever.">> She'd say as the dragon girl left.

Maybe now thing'll calm down?

Hah. No.

For a moment, Valerie tensed up at the implications that Sonia was nearby. Great. Might as well drag Father here as well, make this a hell of a family reunion! She scanned around the area until she saw the maid in the distance, and her brows furrowed. Sword in hand, she stepped in between the sisters and Sonia.

"Here I was thinking you died during that bullshit raid." The android spoke up. "Well then, are you going to try and kidnap them back to Father? While one of them is in comatose?? Sell them to the Mint, or Beacon? Or are you going to be reasonable??"

---

Finn snorted at Mayra's bold response. "Five's unreasonable but eight isnt?!"

Other than that one response, both their focus was on eliminating the monsters in a dance of flame and darkness. In all honesty, it was kinda fun! And they were clearing them out quick enough before anything bad happened. The dragon lady even chucked one into a portal. Though he flinched once Penny (when did she get here?) made a quick contribution via gauss round. He snapped his head towards the mechanical monarch, and nodded in thanks.

And once it was said and done, the boy spun around back to Mayra with an excited grin.

"That. Was. AWESOME!" He cackled, his eye lit up. "Sucks that the culprit fled before I could shank 'em, but..." Finn drew his attention to the envelope left by the mysterious man. Returning his blade back to it's sheath, he hurried over and grabbed it. Whatever it was, he just knew it'd be important. He opened the letter and read it.

An alias, "The March Hare". An urgeny, to the brothers and sisters of Penrose from the "Unifiers of Wonderland", to welcome them with open arms so they may be freed from the tyranny of the "Powers" (Patrons most likely) and join them as equals.

"Hmm..." Finn held a fist under his chin in thought. So many things to concider. What is the Nexus? Who are the Unifiers of Wonderland? Who was the March Hare speaking to on the Phone? And why do they plan on overthrowing the Patrons? He'd have to find more clues before making any solid theories.

At this point Oliver had appeared, having called off his duplicates and went after Finn and Mayra. Seeing the aftermath of the side battle, the ghost popped up beside the other boy as he looked over the letter. "What'cha got there, Holmes?"

Finn looked over to Oliver, then everyone else that was in the area, and read the note outloud. Afterwards, he'd ask:

"Anyone know about...any of this?" He held out the clue with one hand, and held his cane in the other.

At the sound of Connie’s plea, Ronin raced over to heal the fallen Caroline, with Miko following close behind. Meanwhile, the mysterious winged young woman moved swiftly to stand before Connie, fixing her with an intense stare, which the timid girl found more than a little unnerving (what was it with creepy people getting so close to her today?). Gaia’s grip on her weapon tightened a moment later when the strange girl reached out to touch Connie’s mask, only to relax slightly when the girl merely wiped away her friend’s tears. Giving voice to a startled gasp, Connie’s trembling body instinctively flinched at the unexpected, yet surprisingly gentle touch. Her shock only grew when the winged girl reassured her that she could indeed aid in healing the two fallen combatants. A moment later, the girl (who was apparently a “Chooser of the Slain”, whatever that was), called forth an explosion of restorative power, one which even managed to replenish much of Gaia’s nearly depleted mana reserves, to the verdant maiden’s clear surprise.

“You have my most sincere thanks for your assistance,” the Daughter of Mother Earth bade the mysterious young woman with an elegant curtsy.

“Y-Yes, t-thank you!” Connie added, once she’d gotten over her shock.

Of course, the winged young woman then had to go and make a not-so-subtle insult at Valerie’s expense, causing Gaia’s opinion of her to significantly sour. This was followed by Ronin speaking up in defense of Sakura, and although she made several good points, the verdant maiden was disinclined to accept that Sakura’s decision to impulsively engage in battle was the right one. Still, the Daughter of Mother Earth chose not to address these matters, and indeed, even had she wished too, she would soon find herself faced with a far more pressing concern…

What…? She wants us to eat with her? (sigh…) Why am I not surprised…

In light of recent events, and taking into account how little they knew of the winged young woman, Gaia was understandably hesitant to accept, thus in a surprising turn of events, it was actually Connie that replied first.

“U-Umm, t-thank y-you f-for t-the o-offer,” she told the winged young woman, her voice little more than a meek whisper. “B-But, u-umm, w-we’ve a-already h-had d-dinner…”

“Yes, I am afraid that my dearest Connie is correct,” Gaia concurred, gently placing a hand atop her friend’s shoulder once more and giving the trembling girl a soothing massage. “Although I, too, would like to convey my gratitude for your most kind and generous offer.”

Before the girl had a chance to respond, Sakura chose to make her exit, but not before giving a few parting words, including one spoken by her hand, or rather, finger.

What an ass… Gaia seethed, although her serene countenance betrayed no hint of her annoyance, save a slight narrowing of her eyes as she watched the serpentine maiden slither away.

And then…

Sonia?!

Whirling around to face the distant rooftop where, sure enough, Justine’s former maid was standing, Gaia instinctively readied her weapon and pulled Connie close. The botanical beauty knew firsthand that Sonia was capable of teleportation, so it was all-too-likely that they could be embroiled in combat in the blink of an eye. And even though it appeared that she and Connie were mere bystanders to the unfolding drama, the Daughter of Mother Earth refused to take any chances when it came to protecting her dearest friend…

---

MDP’s happy smile rapidly dissolved into a confused frown with each new word Roxanna said. “Baby waby talk?” she echoed, tilting her head. “Not cutesy wutesy? Like, that’s not a very nicey wicey thingie wingie to say, Roxanna Wanna!” she admonished, giving the goth girl an indigent scowl, while placing her hands on her hips. “Like, Magical Dream Princess thinky winkies she soundy woundies super duper adorable worable, b-but, like, even weven if she didn’t widn’t, t-that’s, like, no reason to say such meanie weanie thingy wingies to her!” she added, her watery eyes looking as though they might burst into tears at any moment.

Thankfully, Lily soon appeared and attempted to defuse the situation. Although the green-haired girl might not have been the greatest diplomat, her arrival gave MDP something new to focus her painfully limited attention on.

“Lily Wily~!” MDP cheered, before giving the new arrival a big hug. “Like, Lily Wily is, like, totally wotally right~! (giggle!)” the whimsical girl added, while turning to face the Angel and Roxanna. “Magical Dream Princess is, like, super duper ditzy witzy, but, like, only when she’s Magical Dream Princess~! (giggle!) Like, when she’s her normal wormal selfy welfy, Magical Dream Princess is, like, super duper different wifferent, but when she’s Magical Dream Princess, she has to acty wacty all cutesy wutsy and adorable worable~! Like, she just can’t helpy welpy herselfy welfy~! (giggle!) So she’s, like, super duper sorry worry if she bother wothered you, Roxanna Wanna, but, like, that still doesn’t make it okie dokie to be so hurtful wurtful, especially wecially to somebodywody who just wanted to be friendy wendies, cause, like, Magical Dream Princess wuvs being Magical Dream Princess, and if she didn’t talky walky like Magical Dream Princess, then, like, she wouldn’t be Magical Dream Princess anymoresie~! (giggle!)”

---

Although her kindly countenance gave no evidence of it, the Angel breathed a mental sigh of relief when MDP’s attention shifted to her gothic companion.

Shit on a stick… Someone gave this bitch waaaaay too much sugar…

If there was any bright side to the situation, it was that Roxanna seemed to be equally put off by the hyperactive chatterbox, and unlike the Angel, she actually had the ability to voice her discomfort. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this caused MDP to become rather upset. Indeed, it almost appeared as though she might start crying her eyes out at any minute, and despite her less-than-favorable opinion of the Princess of Dreams, the Angel couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret well up inside her at the sight of the childish girl’s distress.

Fuck… I didn’t think she’d take it this badly… I mean, I know she talks like a little kid, and she totally deserves it, what with how she’s been acting, but… Greatly does it pain my heart to witness an innocent soul in such anguish!

Against her better judgment, the Angel prepared to give the distraught girl a comforting hug, when a new arrival made their presence known with almost as much bubbly exuberance as MDP. She could only watch in stunned silence as ‘Lily Lightning’ was glomped by a suddenly far more cheerful MDP, who went on to note that while her annoying behavior was simply a result of her transformation, she truly liked acting that way, and that people really shouldn’t be made fun of for how they talked.

“This humble servant fully agrees, my whimsical champion,” the Angel felt compelled to announce. “If only more people could simply learn to accept one another’s differences, then I believe this troubled world would finally know true peace and happiness.”

Yep, that came out as cringey as I expected… I can’t imagine how anyone forced to play such an embarrassingly stupid role could actually enjoy it… Seriously, who is this girl?

There was a small sigh of relief at the good news Elora provided them. Alicia wasn't sure how much fighting she still had in her for today to be honest. One brush with death was typically her daily quota, though she'd push it if the circumstances called for it. She was glad they didn't.

"Glad to hear it. We'll be back shortly." she replied over the comms. Maybe not immediately, but she didn't see much of a reason to linger around here. She then turned to Aurelio and his many duplicates. "Good job. And thanks for the save."

Before they could head on their way, Sally arrived on the scene. Alicia watched in amusement as she hugged Aurelio, hardly protesting the display even if it might discomfort the magician. "You can say that again. We had a run in with one of Odin's battle junkies again, and they didn't understand the concept of 'friendly fire'," she remarked as a hand rubbed the general area where her formerly broken ribs had been. "If it weren't for the uniform I wouldn't have made it. and if it weren't for Aurelio I'd probably still be resting on the ground over there."

Just another normal day in magical Penrose

_{@Shifter_Master@Ariamis}

Penny once again was not able to simply stand down once the fight had concluded. She scattered her senses far as she searched her dominan quickly. She only returned her attention to Finn when she was relatively sure that things had actually calmed down. She was just in time to hear as he read the note aloud.

“I’ve got nothing.” She would admit after a moment. Eyes distant as she sifted through what parts of Beacon’s database she had copied. Not that anything she had saved was of much use to her at the moment. For all of her skill and power Penny was still only a basic Beacon member, a grunt, as such her access to some of the deeper parts of the Beacon database was locked.

And that wasn’t even considering the Ascendency adding their own checks and balances on top.

“Did you happen to catch anything from the perp who left the letter?” She would ask, with luck there was more to go on than just a vaguely threatening letter and a potential title of ‘Wonderland’. “Ominous monologue, eye-catching insignia, picture?”

She hoped that there was more that Fin and Oliver had seen, but even if they didn’t this wasn’t something she was going to keep quiet from Beacon. From there she hoped they knew more and were willing to share.

Penny would also nod an acknowledgement to Dina as the cat girl stepped into the factory. Dina’s appearance was a welcome one, Penny wouldn’t have sent out the three she did if her intel hadn’t been faulty. The Regent deciding to get involved was a blessing in that regard.

They would need to convene soon. The Sanctuary needed to be moved somewhere safer, or its defenses increased. Penny had her own ideas on how to do that, some already in motion, but Dina might also have some ideas and the Queen would take all the help she could get when it came to protecting the Sanctuary.

Still shrouded in her holographic armor, energy blades coating her fingers, Penny waited and planned. She could feel the storm on the horizon after all.

---

Even as Penny focused on the mystery that was who had tried to stir up trouble in her home she set aside a decent part of her processing power to check in with Beacon.

‘Elora’ Penny would message to the Ascendency’s second in command. ‘Industrial sector has been cleared but complications were, and are, rife. Will explain more later, right now I need info on Beacon patrol that got sent over here. I’ve got bodies.’

---

Over with MDP Snoopy was quietly observing everything that was going on, compiling a number of data points for his owner.

The little drone for the most part didn’t have the capacity to fully experience and understand emotions, but his bond with Penny did allow him more room in that regard than most drones. Due to that he did enjoy MDP’s company, partly because she liked to gush about him when she caught sight of him but mostly her presence smoothed out Penny’s processes notably.

Snoopy liked Penny. She kept him safe, but never forgot about his primary directive. One she was happy to find new ways for him to make use of.

Thus Snoopy was lightly distressed to see MDP distressed, not enough to ping Penny, but enough to narrow his focus to that conversation. The distress passed quickly for both MDP and Snoopy, but the little drone touched down on MDP’s shoulder anyway. Letting her know that Penny was still here if she was needed.

---

“We get it,” Ashlyn would say softly. “So does the Queen. That's why she opened her home to all of us. Her highness is unlike anyone I’ve met.” She would go on to say with a huff of subdued amusement. “That living bolt of lightning that dropped in before racing off was her, and if I know her the only reason she didn’t stick around is because she found more monsters lurking around somewhere and went to deal with them personally.”

“She cares” Belladonna would chime in “She understands us, because she has been where we have been, and doesn't judge us for what we had to do to survive.” She vividly remembered her own close encounter with the Queen.

“She will gladly accept any help you are willing to give” Monica would say. As she once again started escorting everyone to the Sanctuary. “But the Queen doesn’t ask for anything other than to not bring more danger to the Sanctuary. She wants it to be a shelter for us when we need it, nothing more.”

“She’s a dreamer and an optimist”

“But she’s got the strength to back it up”

---

---

”Always happy to help” Aurelio stated with a bow and tip of the hat. Or at least one of his clones stated. The real Aurelio was stuck in marshmallow hell, which wasn’t exactly an unfortunate place to be, but trying to extract himself politely was something of a challenge.

“Though I’m curious who knows her” The same clone would ask gazing off in the direction the dark winged Valkyrie had flown away. ”I mean I’m pretty sure I saw her at the Christmas party, so someone in Penrose knows who she is.”

“Think they are just bad at people?” Asked another clone, though it wasn’t hard to tell they doubted the question even as they asked it. Never let it be said Aurelio didn’t take his Vow seriously.

“ Who knows” The first clone replied “But hey it’s still a win for us. No casualties after all!”

For her part, Roxanna just... looked confused. From the moment MDP started to nearly cry, to the arrival of Lily to calm her down, MDP's response to her request and the Angel... kind of chastising her as well? "Why is everyone acting like I just made fun of her for having a lisp or something? All I did was polity ask that she stop actively baby talking if it wasn't something forced by the transformation because it makes her difficult to understand. She admitted that she doesn't have to, she just does it because she wants too. Just because her and her friend says that she's ditzy isn't an excuse!"

Reaching up to start rubbing her forehead with her thumb and index/middle fingers, taking a deep breath as she forced herself to calm down. She was clearly getting worked up by this and that wouldn't help anyone. Forcing herself to be calm until the boiling frustrating passed and she was actually calm, Roxanna turned her attention fully on MDP as she softly explained "Look, I'm sorry. My parents raised me to always try and speak clearly to show respect to the person trying to have a conversation with you. Even if we've only just met, you are a peer and thus deserve respect as such until I know you better as a person... and all your baby talk says to me is that you don't respect me or anyone else enough to talk to them as an equal. I don't like being talked down to Magical... even if that wasn't your intent."

If there was one thing that having the embodiment of Socialism in ones head, it was that one learned how to express a grievous in a clear, easy to understand manner. Roxanna didn't want to get into a fight over this or to turn MDP into an enemy when she clearly wanted to make friends... but to bury the frustrations and ignore the problem wouldn't change anything. At least this way, MDP would at least see where her frustration was becoming from and hopefully wouldn't take offense to it.

Also there was some kind of drone on her shoulder... and Roxanna felt the need to ask "Is that meant to be there?"

With everyone's help the threat had been cleared. Shane couldn't help but feel like this was some kind of test run. The foe was smart and adapted quickly, but the assault was surely not enough to take on the number of defenders in Penrose. Having been occupied with in the air though it took him some time to rejoin the others. He would have to hope and get word of any other details later if there were any.

Hopping off his monut he would pat the enormous bird and let him fly off. The Thunderbird wasn't a fan of crowds. Taking out his phone he would text Mia a call.

"Gaia, how are you? How's Connie?" He wasn't really sure the status of the rest of Penrose. The fact that he got any response was a good sign that things were handled.

---

Having posted herself above most of the battlefield, Ka'ris watched as the magical girls and boys went to work thraching everything in sight. The Queen, Penny Wenny, was notably ruthless. Indeed it would seem that attempting any kind of incursion here would have been met with severe resistance. And it had only taken two to break any chance before. Yikes. And despite this drone's new humanoid form she could tell she was greatly lacking in magical strength to be much more than average.

One thing to note is that even though the defenders worked together, she couldn't really tell what the command structure was. People were running around yelling out this and that. It seemed highly inefficient. As a normal drone she would receive orders at a subconscious level, or at least she used to before her transformation. She needed to figure out how to be "human". Starting with the Queen and Princess sounded risky. If either of them figured out her primary directive she would surely be captured or destroyed. Uh... Probably going to have to pick someone at random and hope for the best. Letting out a sigh she began to float down and see who she ran into first.

Fortunately (or unfortunately for the unsuspecting target) she made her way toward the bundle of people and tugged on a wing of the Angel of Hope. "Excuse me. I'm new here and I'm a little confused on what's going on. Can you help me?"

Sanngridr tilted her head, as her wings sagged a little. "So that's a no." She said, crestfallen. "I whip out one of my best healing spells and I get is a cold shoulder." She said, as she sulked. "Y'know, I could have taken us all to the overcity in a single bound to eat fairy chocolate." She said to the duo. "But I guess why bother helping if I only get polite words in return."

Showtime? Showtime. She thought to herself as Sonia had arrived to stir the pot.

With that being said, she focused on the scene and hand. "Yes, I should do it." She said to herself, as she flew directly above Justine, enveloping her and her sister in a protective shell of fluffy wings. She would gently push Ronin and Miko out of the way, both twins being decent acquaintances in her books. Of course if they objected, she would not mind.

However the now frazzled Valerie was another subject entirely. A barrier was put between the Cradle agent and Justine just as the robotic warrior decided to face Sonia, as she hugged the crestfallen former vampire.

"Shh...It'll be alright. If Sonia really wanted to hurt you she would have done so. All she wants is her Justine. And don't worry. Even if you don't get a potion... I can bring your sister back. I brought Tenebra after all." She cooed to Justine's ear.

"Now...allow me to give you a respite." She would say, and began to focus in a certain move.

Overcity Shift

---

It was a little too soon to call it a victory for Beacon, as something in the vicinity stirred. One of the manhole covers shot up in the sky in a large water spout, before a certain figure slithered out of it, panting, fangs bared. The serpentine creature seemed to have ragged breath and a head injury. In her hand she was clutching a horn.

"I wonder if they have some sort of medical glue here. T'would be most fitting." She said, before eyeing the gathering of Beacon agents.

"Oh, if it's the Beacon-chan with the nice ass, Oreo Lion and Alicia." Sakura said, before doing a double take. "Ah crap you're all Bacon." She thought, finally realizing she was a monstergirl and somehow had forgotten in the spur of the moment. "I uh... you'll never take me alive! Lampheads! I will fight like a true dragon!" Sakura said, before summoning her storm energies.

Only to faint and flop around like a fish out of water. "Fuck, out of fuel." She laconically said. "uhh... I can still fire my mouthwash! Don't come closer, specially you, Oreo Lion!"

---

Dina, for her part, didn't add much to the scene, merely frowning. "I trust there's few intel clues. This was an ill-done operation." She voiced her frustration, as she eyed the crows. "Well, corvids are really intelligent and have good memories. I reckon we can get the truth of the ringmaster out of these. Or at least part of it." Dina would say, and attempt to bag in a few crows for herself, before continuing to inspect the scene in that regard.

Her tail was completely out of control, though. That was how cross she was. A war is coming, probably. Again. Damn Bolsheviks.

‘It’s all a matter of perspective~!’ Mayra called back to Finn as they beat up a bunch of Wendigos. Because why not.

‘HYAH! Take that!’ Mayra shouted out as the burning smoldering corpses lay about her and her parner-in-fight for the battle. He called out about this having been awesome, and Mayra grinned. ‘Hehe, that was pretty cool, yeah! Still, if you react like that to this fight, I wonder how you’d react to a bigger fight…’ Mayra pondered with a smirk, because to her this was a decently small battle. It was just against a bunch of the same monster over and over. The world can do better than that!

Then the Queen of Penrose strode in. Mayra’s eyes widened a bit looking at her.

‘Oooh, you. I want to fight you someday,’ Mayra stated simply, before turning to look at Finn as he read the note out loud. When he asked his question, Mayra’s hand shot into the sky.

‘Me, memememe! Well, kinda me! I’ve seen their stuff before. Looked like some magic-machine-things I’ve seen in a dimension somewhere before. I don’t actually know who they are, but I know I’ve been in the dimension with such stuff before!’ Mayra said rather loudly and excitedly. ‘I bet Mariette knows!’

Mariette, in her basement but eavesdropping, momentarily grunted about Mayra unnecessarily drawing a connection between her and the mysterious attackers. She decided to open her mouth.


‘I’m afraid not,’ Mariette said through a portal she partially opened. ‘What Mayra said about their technology checks out, but I don’t know who they are. I will be conducting my own investigation into the matter. For now… I have to leave. Good bye.’

And the portal winked out of existence and Mariette made a sudden exit… because Mariette was late for class.

She spun, opened a portal, and dove into the streets of the Overcity. If the academy has school uniform she quickly dove into her new secret base to change her wardrobe as quickly as possible using portals to get the clothes to her, and then she dove through another portal directly to the academy in the Overcity, to just outside the classroom. She withdrew a notebook and pen from her hammerspace portal handbag, and somewhat excitedly, somewhat worriedly made her way into the classroom.

This… this would mark the first time ever Mariette went to school.

---

So not entirely sure what’s going on here, but they’d be suddenly on-guard when Sonia showed up and then they’re pushed aside by Sann a bit. Are they close enough to be brought along an Overcity Shift? Who knows. They’re around.

”Oh, Hi MDP, good to see you!"

Lily accepted the hug from MDP with a bit of reservation, but it was a distraction that allowed her to momentarily ignore the initial awkwardness of the situation. She nodded as MDP made a case for her speech mannerisms to Roxanna, followed by the Angel girl agreeing to it. Come to think of it…Wasn’t that girl at the rave way back when? Lily intended to ask her about it.

Unfortunately, it seemed that Roxanna interpreted Lily’s words as chastising her.

”Ahh, that’s not what I meant!" Lily moved her open-palmed arms before her frantically, looking flustered.

However, that was when Roxanna apologized, and explained her own point of view, causing Lily to calm down with a sigh of relief.
”Ahh, so it was a bit of culture shock! Like when I explained about the daki I ordered!" She blurted out, before turning silent for the rest fo the conversation.

At the end of it, she simply nodded, letting MDP speak first out of politeness. Once MDP was done, she added:

”I’m sorry if I came off as condescending or rude, Roxanna. I didn’t intend to dismiss your feelings on the matter."

She then pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket, and gave it to Roxanna. The paper had a row of numbers with Lily’s name on it.

”Anyway, if you ever want to…you know, do magical girl stuff, hang out, or whatever, umm, here’s my number. For the phone, I mean, haha."

---

“The Valkyrie girl, right? I saw her at the party too!” Sally piped in as Alicia explained what happened, having released Aurelio when he struggled to breathe. “She’s cute, but a bit loco in the coco if she does stuff like that. I mean, I can be a bit careless too, but that’s going too far…” She leaned her head to look at where Alicia’s hand circled her recent battle wounds.
“How about we celebrate this with some pastries? I heard Silverburg has this really nice cafe where you can get chocolate mousse! I could really go for something sweet!”

However, before Sally could fangirl over cakes too much, Sakura arrived with perfect timing.
“Hm? Who’s that? Hey, watch your mouth! You can’t just-” The ditzy girl started, before she puffed her cheeks upon realizing who she was. “Sakura! Why you little rascal!” She blinked as Sakura looked like she was about to once again call the storm…only to cutely fail, causing Sally to giggle as she walked up to her-.
“Oh, you’re so silly, Sakura!” Before the serpentine girl realized it, now she was the victim of Sally’s suffocating hug, looking like a wiggling salmon that’s been caught by a bear.
“You’re so cute~!”

---

Using her Beast magic, Dina successfully called in some of the crows that had been flying around the area; the birds were compliant as they perched on Dina’s arms, as if they were trained animals. Afterwards, Dina inspected the area where the March Hare had made his “burrow”, and noticed a stray piece of the magitek radio that he had used: it resembled some kind of microconductor, only it had a tiny yellow gem installed inside it. The gem still seemed to hold a miniscule amount of mana inside it as it faintly glowed.

Penny contacted Elora, who only took a second of typing before she responded back: “Patrol identified, codenamed Winky Puffs. Members are Bloom Belle, Stella Stars, Riven Rock, Stormy Sea, and Marine Plunder. Estimates based on data indicate only one survivor. Sending a cleanup crew to the area,” she stated professionally, with no hint of emotion. "Oh, and in case she didn't mention it," she added, "Penny, Alicia, the Cardinal has requested a meeting with you both for next week."

---

Justine’s eyes met Valerie’s when she non-verbally chastised her, and she averted her eyes; there was still tension between her and the android girl, and she had difficulty facing her admonition. Right now, Caroline mattered more to her than her own pride, and she wouldn’t try to excuse her feelings. Not that she had much time to ponder that once Valerie confronted Sonia. Justine did not know what to think about her sudden appearance. Did she look for her? And now that she did, what will she do.

The former maid’s glared daggers upon her, her expression cold like ice. At an instant, she disappeared from the rooftop, and appeared at talking distance away from the group.

”Who gave you permission to speak on behalf of Lady Justine?”

She spoke the words out with thinly-veiled hostility.

”Or do you need to be taught manners?”

Having expressed her displeasure at the android, she shifted her attention to Justine.

”Please excuse me for taking this long to find you, my Lady. Now, shall we depart? Father has waited for your return.”
She asked, holding her hand out for Justine.

The former vampire’s eyes widened as she looked at the offer. She then looked down at Caroline, who slept in her arms.

”...No. I’m not going back, Sonia.”

Sonia’s expression tightened.

”But why? Are you not Justine von Visceral, the Sinner of Lust and champion of Father’s will? Why would you grovel before these peasants? Why would you let them shame you like this?”

Justine's expression turned angry, and she bared her teeth.

”You’re the one who shamed me! You were supposed to look after Caroline, and she disappeared! And did Father help? No, he abandoned her!” She caressed Caroline’s head.
”No matter what happens, I will not lose her. Not ever again! I’m done with Father.”

Sonia’s open hand curled up into a fist, and she took an exasperated breath.

”So it is true…They ruined you.”

”No, Sonia. You don't understand! Father has just been using us, all this time. It was only after I was purified that I could accept that. Or are you also brainwashed by him? Is revenge the only thing you care about?”

Sonia shook her head.

”That’s what these mongrels deserve for hurting you and Lady Caroline! You wanted revenge, didn’t you? It’s still not too late to take it, my Lady!” She now gave her hand out in a more demanding manner.

Then she sighed.

”I believed you would rise up above all else and attain glory and power, to be Father’s vengeance upon the mongrels. You would have shone a radiant crimson, like the blood moon. But you've lost your drive...It seems I was mistaken.”

”Sonia, enough!”

Justine trembled.

”Don't you see? If I actually succeeded in that plan, I would have destroyed all emotions, all feelings…So what would happen to you, Sonia?”

Sonia froze, taken aback by the realization she had. Her eyes then turned wide, and she slightly shook at the weight of the truth.

”No, that's not...I didn't...”

”That’s right. You never considered that possibility, because Father blocked it off. But now that I brought it up, you’re forced to comprehend it. Father can take over your mind…But he can’t take over your heart.”

It was now Justine's turn to offer her hand.

”But it's fine. You don't need to listen to him anymore. We can-Ah!”

However, before Justine could speak any further, Sann swooped upon the sisters, a sweep of her wings enough to blow a gust of wind that caused the twins to stumble. Enclosed in her egg-like shell, the Valkyrie’s roost caused Justine to be still in surprise.

And then, the three of them shifted away, causing Sonia to gasp.

”That harpy! What does she think she is doing? Ahh, this is all so irritatingly confusing...What did you mean?”

Then, she disappeared without so much as a goodbye, as if it all was but a passing daydream.

---

Sann’s Shift brought the three of them to a deserted region of the Overcity, where a sparkling lake of gentle blue shimmered. In the far distance, the colossal Crystal Wall of the Overcity could be seen, glowing in colors of the rainbow like a multiversal lighthouse.

Justine removed herself from Sann’s embrace while still holding Caroline, seemingly upset.

”W-What are you doing? Why did you take me here?” She asked, looking angry.
”I know you can bring back the dead…But Caroline is still alive. I know she is! All she needs is one of those potions, and I’m sure she will recover.”
Her eyes glowed red as she realized Sann’s intentions.
”Does the Mint want to make a new deal with me?”

"Okay, if that's settled, maybe we can move on?" Alexander spoke up, trying to move the conversation away from Magical Dream Princess weird speech pattern "Lily and I just got finished wiping out a herd of beasts, and it's clear that something similar happened here too. So it's very possible that there's even more groups of monsters roaming around. We should start sweeping the city for any remaining pockets of monsters, just to make sure." Then an idea came to him "Actually, better idea, who here has their phone? We can try to get in contact with people to see if any of them can point us in the right direction" he suggested

Connie and Gaia could only listen as Justine and Sonia engaged in a tense conversation, and with their attention firmly fixed on the unfolding drama, the two friends were only vaguely aware of the dejected grumblings Sann directed their way. A moment later, however, the dark valkyrie’s actions gained a far more significant importance, as she swooped down upon Justine and her sister, before promptly warping herself and her two captives out of existence.

“W-What just h-happened?!” Connie gasped, placing her trembling hands over her mouth.

“I am not entirely sure, little sister,” Gaia conceded with a frown as she watched an equally confused Sonia also teleport away. “But I think our new winged acquaintance has proven that she is not to be trusted…”

No sooner had she given voice to this concerning observation, than the verdant maiden’s phone began to buzz. Although she normally didn’t like taking it with her when she went on patrol, since she’d started becoming more connected to the various members of Penrose’s magical community, she’d reluctantly begun bringing it along. Retrieving the device from the folds of her cold weather robe, the Daughter of Mother Earth smiled when she saw that it was a text from her boyfriend, asking if she and Connie were all right.

“We’re both fine, thank you for asking,” she texted back. “All the wendigos at the bank have been dealt with, but there was a bit of drama afterwards. I’ll tell you more later. Stay safe for me, okay?”

With that done, she turned to face Valerie and the twins.

“So, I don’t suppose any of you know where they just went, or better yet, have any way of following them?”

---

MDP was happy when Roxanna apologized, but her frown returned a moment later when the goth girl accused her of talking down to people and not treating them with respect. “But, like, Magical Dream Princess isn’t wisn’t talking down to you, Roxanna Wanna!” she insisted, once again sounding rather distraught. “She super duper pinky winky promises womises she isn’t! Like, she’s super duper sorry worry if the way she soundy woundies bother wothers you, but like she told you beforesie, she just can’t helpy welpy herselfy welfy! Like, Magical Dream Princess wishes Pastel-chan were heresie weresie…” the whimsical girl pouted. “She’s, like, lots better at explaining waining this stuffy wuffy than Magical Dream Princess is… But, like, she had to go bye bye, because Magical Dream Princess did something womething super duper dumb, and she wasn’t even Magical Dream Princess when she did it…”

The poor girl was looking as though she might cry once more, when Roxanna asked about something, just as said thing gently tapped her shoulder. Upon seeing just who it was, the childish girl squealed in delight, her typical bubbly demeanor fully restored. “Snoopy Woopy~! (giggle!)” MDP cheered, before giving the small drone a hug. “When did you get heresie weresie~?! Like, did Penny Wenny send you to make sure Magical Dream Princess was okie dokie~?! Like, you’re such a good little Snoopy Woopy~” she cooed while gently nuzzling the robotic scout. “Yes you aresie~ Yes you aresie~ (giggle!)”

---

As the “discussion” between Roxanna and MDP wore on, the Angel was beginning to feel increasingly troubled. A part of her fully empathized with the goth girl’s annoyance and confusion in the face of the bizarre Princess of Dreams, but another part of her felt moved with concern for the childish girl’s clear distress.

(Sigh…) I should probably say something to try and clear up this clusterfuck…

However, before she could speak, MDP’s frighteningly fickle attention was drawn to the small drone, which had begun hovering nearby.

The fuck? She knows that thing? And where the hell did it even come from? Oh, but regardless, I am so very glad its presence has allowed the poor darling’s joy to be restored once more!

A moment later, the Angel’s attention was drawn away from the wholesome sight, when she felt something tug her wing. Turning around, the Angel was greeted by a small girl with a crystalline theme, who proceeded to express her confusion at the current situation and inquire if she could have some help in understanding it.

Join the club, kid…

“Oh, my deepest apologies, little champion,” she told the girl with a submissive bow. “I did not notice you at first. But, yes, I would be more than happy to assist you, although I must regrettably confess that I, too, have only recently arrived in this fair metropolis, and thus, am also at something of a loss as to its current state of affairs. Indeed, all I truly know is that a pack of monsters most foul has just been defeated, after attempting to visit great misfortune upon the populace of this noble city. If this humble servant may be permitted to be so bold, perhaps the most advantageous way to learn more would be to converse with the various noble champions gathered here?”

After all, better them than me…

Sanngridr looked at Justine, her usually coy smile melting away in a little frown. “Oh yes, I’m going to rip your sister’s soul right now, eat it, and go mwahahahahahaha about it.” Sanngridr snapped back. “Plans, schmplans. I want a minute of your time, and in the middle of that scenery I wasn’t going to get it. Don’t worry about little Caroline. You know that as long as I am here, she won’t die. I can even make her come back without a potion, even. A little tricky, but doable. And Sanctuary has some of those too.”

“First, Privacy… If you would be so kind.” She added, as she handed Justine her Witch’s Queen crown.

Justine stayed tense as Sann joked about Caroline, cautious about her.
”Well, now you got your minute. Make it count.”

That was when Justine was given the Crown, and she put it on without hesitation: it wasn’t the first time she has done the gesture.
”There. Now what is it you want?”

“There is an offer, yes. But not from the Mint. I mean I could give you the Mint offer but who am I kidding? You’d be made their bitch in 0.1 seconds. Not to mention you’re working already for an offshoot of the Mint. Just washed over. And the fact they brought Valerie back means they’re desperate enough to try and bind you to them more using Caroline.” Sanngridr did say.

“But there’s always options. There’s even a harder path that might allow you to get Sonia. Because at this rate, you’ll have to fight. Or Sonia defaults on ol’ Al. That would be …bad.” Sanngridr said.

“You’re a great girl, Justine. I was angry. And we might have to fight. I only regret that I can’t give you a stud to look at any longer.” She said, pulling a gem from her collar. “This is all what’s left of me. This body? a meat puppet. Crush the gem, I die.”

Justine kept quiet as Sann made her offer, and while still, her hostility ceased once Sann showed her new weakness to her.
”It is true that Cradle could try to use Caroline too…” She mumbled.
”But how would I be able to save Sonia?”

“Well, Sonia is someone who projects a strong exterior but she needs a strong person to follow. As far as I know. Do you even look strong now? No, you try to please and be subservient.” Sanngridr said.” And thus you’re Cradle’s newest doll and poster girl, in an act of forced redemption.”

”But this is who I really am!” Justine retorted.
”Call it forced, but I am glad I was able to become free of that monster’s influence. Now I can at least make a choice for myself.” She bit her lip, showing signs of doubt.
”Are you trying to suggest I go back to that? Back to being an insane lunatic?”

“I refuse to believe the girl who made the world its enemy for the sake of her sister is only this.” Sanngridr said, before energetically plucking one of her feathers, and began to dab a rune on them. Ansuz. His Rune.

“No, He wants you to become a Valkyrie.” Sanngridr said. “Show some more of that determination and pride, and serve a Father who isn’t a Horror mockery, but an Allfather.” Sanngridr added. “And this is the choice I am offering to you, besides what you have already.”

”The Norse God?”
Justine did not expect the answer, and nearly dropped Caroline, causing her to slightly stumble.
She averted her eyes, looking shocked.
”I don’t know…I’ve really had it with Patrons serving as parental figures.”
She looked down at Caroline, and scowled.
”Would Caroline also be recruited?” She asked, weighing her options.
”I can’t say I’m too happy in the Cradle, but what does Allfather have to offer, besides this so-called pride?”

“Odin recruits on a one on one basis, and only courageous wills…your sister can apply if she wants, but she seems more like Freya’s lot. He doesn’t force things because he knows it’s best to join out of free will.” Sanngridr said. “Ancient resources, mainly. Freedom to tackle your objectives at your own pace as long as you don’t show cowardice. Wisdom beyond human’s understanding, too… and…and…”

Sanngridr clutched her head, as if she had a splitting headache, before blinking twice.

“...I’ll take over.” said in a much somber voice. As if she wasn’t Sanngridr. “What do you wish to know, oh kin of Visceral?”

Justine hesitated for a moment, before she addressed the Deity that had manifested through Sann.

”Great Allfather, Alföðr, your Chosen has spoken of your Wisdom. What mysteries can you unveil to one who may act as your sword?”

“Ah… a proper greeting. So unlike this fool who choked on a Red coin and had to salvage him as a valkyrie. Sorcery, Healing, Poetry for starters. Things that not even gods or horrors are supposed to know. I read upon all the runes, as you should know. And your actions have garnered my attention. But that one queer Mother fished your sister before I could…use it as bargain.”

Justine nodded. ”I see. That is how Caroline returned.”
She looked over at the lake.
”I need time to think about my future, and what I wish for it. I have not yet cast aside the kindness the Cradle has offered. However, that may not last for long. I am interested in what your Chosen spoke about regaining my strength. Allfather, If you may grant a boon, a means to commune with your will again, I would gladly offer something in tribute.”

"My offer does not expire." The voice said. "Yet Ragnarok does not wait for anyone, be mindful of that. I will not protect you unless you are under my service." The deity handed the feather. "This token shall suffice. If you ever lose it, you may instead pray with that rune and offer some blood or flesh as payment."

Justine blinked from the mention of blood, but surprisingly accepted the feather without questioning, placing it in her pocket.

”Blood and flesh…The lifeforce of earthly creatures seem to be a common nourishment. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for granting me an audience, Allfather.”
She slightly bowed, encumbered by holding Caroline. She then took off the Witch Queen’s Crown and placed it back on Sann’s head.

”I’m now ready to go back, Sann. I have much to think about now.”

"Ugh.." Sanngridr took a few moments to get her bearings. "Ah well. Do you need Sanctuary assistance? This might be the last time we don't meet as enemies… so make it count, okay?"

Justine didn’t respond, and simply looked on at the blue lake. She could see her reflection in it.

Sanngridr just sighed, and grabbing her blade, slit her palm, allowing for some blood to seep into Caroline’s mouth, before sending all of them back into the real world.

---

“Sann is sad. No dance partners want her…” She’d say as she returned, before stepping away from Justine, with an obvious pout, as her gaze rested on Valerie, then the twins and finally Connie and Gaia.

Alicia nodded in agreement with the Aurelios. No casualties could be considered a good job, though she had unintentionally sought to prevent that. But it was best not to dwell on that. At least the other areas had worked out well too, so they could take the rest of the day easy.

An eyebrow rose as Sally's suggestion, Alicia shooting her a surprised glance. "Silverburg? I'm not opposed, though I guess I didn't expect you to go so far afield." She hadn't been to that city too often, so it might make for a nice change of pace.

Before anything like that could happen as a manhole cover flew into the air, clattering to the ground somewhere nearby. One might have thought something had gone wrong with the sewers, were it not for a monster-girl emerging shortly thereafter. Turning to face her, Alicia's mind struggled with the feeling of familiarity even as the new arrival proved they weren't too much of a threat. Certainly they didn't seem all that violent from how they had arrived.

Sally ended up connecting the dots before she did. "Hello again," she said with a nod. "You've got a bit of a makeover since the last time I saw you." She then gestured to the hospital. "That said, you are still part monster, so I can't let you in there." She tactfully kept the joke that leapt to her mind to herself. It would have been in poor taste.

_{@Shifter_Master@Ariamis@AtomicNut}

So, many things happened in the short span of time. Sonia chastized Valerie behavior, to which the latter simply rolled her eyes. Surprisingly, Justine stood her ground against her past maid, revealing a truth that made Sonia conflicted. Perhaps things could finally get better today?

Sadly, we can't have nice things. Sann had the bright idea to snatch Justine away cause Connie didn't want to go on a date.

"!?" At the sound of the vampire's exclamation, Valerie spun on her heel and grit her teeth once she realized what the demented valkyrie intended to do. The android sprinted forward to attack, only to hit a barrier. "Damnit!!" Her sword struck at it again and again, trying to break it before-

Aaaand they're gone.

At this rate Majora didn't know what to do from here. With Justine concidering mutiny two weeks into her new employment, one must ask themselves: "What was the point of all this?"

I mean, really? Are you trying to cuck someone here?

Valerie had called both Lauren and Maura about what happened, but the two reappeared as quick as they left, and only then was Maura able to pass Justine a purification potion via her shadow. The android glared at Sann, and walked back to the vampire sisters.

"The waves of monsters have been neutralized, and Sonia left for now. You ready to go?"

...

..

"Hmm...something doesn't seem right here."

---

Finn crossed his arms in thought. "No insignias, but we've overheard him talking on the phone to a higher-up about something called the Nexus. They originally intended to enter Penrose after seeing the results of this wendigo attack, but since we've culled their minions, they're concidering Silverburg instead." He explained. "I've also got a good look at the March Hare's face if that'll help indentifying the perp."

Dina investigated the area with the stray crows, and Mayra...only revealed that she barely knew what tech the Wonderland characters used. Something from another dimension. Doesn't sound good. Marriete didn't help much either, instead saying she'd investigate on her own accord. Finn couldn't help but pout. They could work together, but instead she wants to take a perfectly good case for herself? The audacity!

"She had to leave? Wait, what time is it?" Oliver spoke up, searching for anything to check the time.

Finn reached into his sleeve and grabbed his phone. "It's- Oh damn, we gotta head to class!" The duo's eyes widended once they saw they were late. "Sorry we can't stay any longer! Thanks for the help!" He said, both hurrying out.

“Shit” Penny would run a hand though her hair as she processed the latest bit of information. An established group coming into Penrose after the Nexus? Yeah, this was going to be a pain to deal with. At least there was more of a heads up about this compared to normal.

She would glance up in time to see Finn and Oliver rushing away and would replay the past few seconds to make sense of why. Sighing she would turn towards Myra. “I’m up for a spar, just let me know when and where. So long as it’s not at the Sanctuary” She would say before turning to head out. “Freya’s got my number.”

Penny would once again nod at Dina, but wouldn’t interrupt her dealing with the crows. Animals tended not to enjoy Penny’s presence all that much. “We got cleaners inbound” She would inform the Regent. “I’m going to start getting everyone else to cleared out for them. I’ll explain the mess we just learned about back at the Sanctuary.”

---

‘Understood.’ Penny would reply to Elora over their private channel. ‘Survivor isn’t in the Industrial district as far as I can gather. Let me know if they need heavy fire support when you locate them. In the mean time I’ll start clearing the area for the cleaners. And I did see the request. I will be attending the meeting.’

---

Snoopy would belt out a few up beat beeps, both at Roxanna noticing him and at MDP’s typical joyous and bubbly greeting. It was enjoyable to be seen. The tilling beeps it gave off as a response to MDP’s question would be practically incomprehensible, unless one knew and could translate binary on the spot. And even then, it was little more than a confirmation of the fact that Penny had placed him in over watch of the area.

Penny herself couldn’t help but smile at the sight either. It was rather cute after all. She stayed back from interjecting for the moment however. She was a bit away still and was using the distance to get a better read on everyone that was present. In the middle of a fire fight there is only so much that can be gathered after all.

Nevertheless, she would step forward when the next lull over took the group still lingering in the alley. “Hey all.” She would greet casually as she stepped up next to her girlfriend, she knew most of the people here at the moment after all. “Angel, good to see you up and about again.” She would add with a nod to the demure seeming girl. She was one of the Penrose denizens that Penny respected even though they had never really interacted before, and with luck they would have a chance to do so more, or at the very least Penny would be able to thank the other girl for her actions back at the Rave.

“Not that I’m opposed to sitting here and chatting, but Beacon’s got a clean-up crew inbound” Penny would go on to explain. “So we might want to move to somewhere less likely to get in their way. Also, Alex, from what I hear everywhere else has been cleaned up for the most part. Though there might still be a beast or two scattered about.”

---

Aurelio was more than a little surprised at the dramatic turn of events. Poised for another round of aggressive negotiations Aurelio was unable to halt the facepalm at the rest of Sakura’s failed attempt at warding them away. Though it wasn’t without a smile on his face as he did so.

”No worries about that Alicia” He would say amused both at Sally’s complete lack of worry and at the situation that the now draconic girl had found herself in. “I’m pretty sure I can help with whatever it is she came calling for.” Walking over he would run a critical eye over Sakura’s new look, doing his best to asses just how hurt she might be. Though knowing his and Sally’s luck as soon as he started healing Sakura Sally would inadvertently pull the girl into the best position for his magic to work.

Back near Alicia one of his clones looked up from his phone with a soft look of confusion. “Are we brining her along to the café or are we holding off on that?” The clone would ask aloud. Wanting to know if they were heading out or not before he finished putting in the order he had queued up on his phone.

“This would be good to know for me as well” called over the last clone who had his eyes closed in concentration as he attuned the teleportation matrix for the quick jump over to Silverburg. Said clone was now slightly annoyed as he had to juggle the calculations for both three and four people until he had an answer.

‘Heeeeeeeey, you’re just gonna leave!? I thought we were gonna play!’ Mayra shouted after Oliver and Finn as they dashed off to class. Mayra, who did not have class, grunted and crossed her arms instead. So, she was left here with Penny… who told her that she’d be up for a spar. The dragon-girl turned and gave her a slightly surprised look… then chuckled loudly.

‘Hahahaha! Oh, Penny… you misunderstand. I don’t want to spar with you. I want to fight you,’ Mayra clarified, grinning widely. She leaned forward to gaze after Penny, crouching her scaly body, looking at Penny with a sharpened gaze, and spoke with a voice filled with purpose.

‘I want us to have a battle in which there is no holding back. I want us to have a fight with a goal, that is not the kind of fight you have because you decide to have fun. I want us, in the middle of an intense battle, to encounter one another by chance as we pursue our conflicting goals. A fight where we both carry the trust our allies have put in us, where both of us know the goal of the other and know that we can’t proceed without battling it out. Retreat is not an option, no allies backing either of us up. Just you and me, in a real, gruesome battle, with real goals and stakes. A battle in which neither of us can afford to lose… That’s the kind of fight I want to have with you. That’s the kind of war I want to have with you. Then, and only then, will our clash find out which of us is truly stronger…’ Mayra took a deep, gratified breath, smiling as she looked to be in bliss just imagining the situation… before she locked her gaze at Penny again.

‘Before that happens… I don’t want to spar with you, Penny. It won’t feel the same unless it’s our first time fighting. You understand… don’t you?’ Mayra said, before chuckling once again with a wide smirk. Then, she sighed, and lifted two arms to shrug.

‘Though, guess this whole “being allies” thing is getting in the way of that, right now. Oh, well!’ Mayra’s eyes opened wide and she grinned widely as she finished the shrug and spun around.

‘But, when the time comes… you’ll think of me, won’t you? Hahahaha! I’ll see you later~!’

With those words, Mayra intended on jumping off… but if Penny spoke she’d probably freeze and spin around in sheer curiosity as to what Penny’s answer to her little speech would be. that is if Penny didn’t just leave mid-speech, that is

---

So, Ronin most certainly would not have stayed quiet when Sonia appeared. Ronin and Miko exchanged a glance, nodding to each other. Then, Ronin brandished her blade and faced the opponent over there. ‘Hey, haven’t you had enough bothering these sisters? They’re not your masters anymore! Unless, uh. Unless you’d like to join them in freedom, then you’re very welcome!’ Ronin shouted at Sonia if she had the time, going from frowning to then smiling welcomingly as the contents of her mind and words changed on a dime.

‘Oh, dear sister, do decide on a goal before you start speaking,’ Miko sighed a bit, facing the opposite direction with her sword drawn, facing nothing. Because, of course, they knew Sonia could appear anywhere, one of them needed to cover their backs.

‘If I did that, I could be too late!’ Ronin replied to Miko with a grin. Then, though, Justine and Sonia had their talk, the both of them listening intently… and then both twins were surprised as Sann dove in and pushed them gently aside so that Sann could Overcity Shift them away.

‘S-Sanngridr?’ Ronin asked, confused.

‘Oh, no. Have our trust been betrayed?’ Miko asked, looking with fear at the location as they had no idea what was happening in the Overcity.

‘Let’s not be hasty!’ Ronin said, both to Miko and to Mia. ‘Maybe Sanngridr took them somewhere safe to hide from Sonia… or something,’ she said, shrugging with a hopeful smile.

‘They are in the Overcity. That was an Overcity Shift,’ Miko said. ‘It can be followed by another user of the skill Overcity Shift… which I’m afraid we lack,’ she continued, and PlatinumSkink sure hopes this is accurate as far as Overcity Shift works. Third Eye can tell exactly where the shift took place.

After a while, though, Sann returned with Justine, so.

‘Hey, see! They’re fine!’ Ronin called happily.

‘What… were you doing in the Overcity? … What will you do with her, now?’ Miko asked Sann first, then Justine, and then finally also Valeria about Caroline. The girl made Miko very uncomfortable, still…

If nothing else of interest happens they’ll eventually be departing out into town again for the free-time.