Beacon & Their Buddy
I'm not coloring the title because only Crusader bothered to color their own text for this reeeeeeee!The bombing of Beacon HQ had been a low point for the Beaconers. The event had been bookended between Justine giving them bad PR and the Bate Twins abducting their “Beacon Buddy” squad. Since then, Beacon had done much better to beef up their defenses. Between their new location, the Shine Spark, and the Ascendancy, they were sitting pretty as the most powerful faction in Penrose. Nothing could rival them save the queen of hearts.
But this added security came at a cost. Beacon’s security was a byproduct of how paranoid they had become. Old habits die hard, and that goes double for a faction that prides itself on traditional values.
An unidentified entity was closing in on Beacon HQ, and they would spare no expense in driving it off. It was difficult to track, but its magical footprint was visible to Beacon’s scryers. All they could tell about the magical entity was it had an unsafe level of corrupted magic. It had to be a monster girl.
Four magical girls were more than enough to deal with the issue. Excess might have been a sin, but nothing sends a message like bringing unnecessary havoc down on those that would oppose you.
The teleporters powered up and transported the squad outside.
'Hope for the best but expect the worst'. It was a mantra that Alicia had been left with after months of hard fought experience. Certainly she hoped that good and justice would prevail, that monster girls and dark magical girls could overcome their darker natures, but too often she found that her efforts prevented disaster only to enable some sort of nefarious scheme that she would have to face later. There were no clear cut victories.
Still, she was the most diplomatic of the Penrose branches leadership, and so the news of an approaching monster girl brought the Ascendancy members to her. SHe would lead the first encounter, and they would come in if things went badly.
Appearing in front of the HQ, Alicia held Star Seraph at her side rather than in a combat stance. Whoever was coming was clearly doing so to meet them. Hopefully it was with relatively benign intentions.
"Alright," she said to the others.
"Stay alert, but do not strike first. If they want a fight then they can start it. But we will end if it comes to that." Alicia then turned and faced in the direction that their guest was coming from. All they could do now was wait.
Aurelio stood back and to the right of Alicia his cane tucked under his arm with his other hand in his pocket. He was likely the most relaxed person that was sent to out to deal with this newcomer, less from naivety, and more from knowing that keeping things relaxed at the start went a long way towards keeping them that way over all.
He kept his senses outward, hoping to get a hint of the intention on who ever it was coming their way.
Whoever was approaching was doing a good job of remaining hidden. That, or they were not feeling especially emotional at the moment. Regardless, Aurellio was able to pick up some determination. There were hints of other emotions, such as annoyance, hatred, and even fear, but these were being held back. Though more interesting than the emotions themselves was their source. Even though they felt far away, he could see someone was appearing.
Suwako faded into reality. She was kneeling before the Beacon kids with her head held low. She didn’t stay like that long. The illusionary Beacon girl pulled herself to her feet and looked at everyone present.
"Oh good, they sent out everyone I wanted to see.” Alicia didn’t need to activate her third eye to know this was an illusion.
"I have something I’d like to discuss with you. Given the relaxed position of your weapons, I assume you find that acceptable?”Ah. It did not take a Third Eye to realize this was an illusion as she watched it fad into reality like it was a loading screen. At the same time, however, Serenity felt a certain nervousness about the occasion as well that she couldn't quite put a finger on. However, this being the same figure who had tried to goad them into battle with Wonderland (before the latter party ruined the treaty on its own accord) did make her feel a bit defensive at the same time. In other words, this would seem to her to be someone who was out to serve their own devices and purposes even if Beacon was made to be a pawn in the process.
At the same time, the magical maid would remain on standby with a duplicate of her knife already in one of her hands. She would have restraint as ordered, and she trusted Alicia more than anyone else frankly, but she would remain prepared just in case. Hopefully this wasn't someone in the service of Thos though. Please, please, please let this
not be another one in the service of Thos.
Anaya, having not been out on the field in a long while, was the odd one out. She didn't exactly know who Suwako was; her own third eye telling her that the figure before them was nothing but an illusionary proxy, and she heard about what happened at Bolorton, but details were still vague. At least to her.
Despite the twin pistols in her grasp, Anaya stood back and let the others talk. This was something she wasn't actively involved with.
Eying Suwako with a justified suspicion, Alicia was forced to acknowledge that what had happened back in Bolorton was, perhaps, not an attempt by Wonderland to trick them into breaking their deal. But it was too soon to tell.
"If we intended to fight, they wouldn't have sent me," she replied.
"What do you wish to say?""I don’t want to just ‘say’ something, I’m hoping for something more along the lines of a friendly debate.” With a sigh, ‘Suwako’ looked over at the girls again.
"Beacon is a controversial group. Even the lot of you see that. No one can deny that many monster girls struggle with their mutations. Even the most resolute ones can’t help but hesitate when their desires run wild. It’s a problem, and it needs to be dealt with.” She thumped her bow into the ground.
"But must Beacon be so cruel? A single glance at the Ascendancy is all it takes to see what happens when you take your ideas too far. They have a weapon that can wipe out cities. They eliminate monsters with impunity. They don’t even follow their own code. They’ll happily work alongside Justine, someone who nearly ended the world, to get at Mariette? I understand she’s ruffled some feathers, but she’s nowhere near as horrible as Father’s chosen.” She extended her arms.
"I know you don’t like them either, so why do you continue to tolerate them? Why work with people who have no respect for your ideals?”Hmm.
"Indeed, Beacon is a controversial group in general. The Ascendancy even more so for what would look and sound and act like a dogmatic purge cell sent to destroy all in their path. When looking at working with the likes of Justine and others as well, it isn't hard to look at that and call it hypocritical for sure when regarding the target they sought by working with her.
On the other hand I would pose you similar questions in turn, not to distract from the matters you brought up nor trying to make some clunky defense. In truth I want to see more of your own mind and perspective on these matters in this 'friendly debate'. Some more insight into that mind of yours for purposes of discussion about this topic, if you are willing of course."As she spoke, folding her arms and her brows furrowing a little as her mind focused on the matter, the magical maid felt some of her nerves settle down as she focused on what the illusory stranger had to say. Or rather, what she seemed to challenge them with. It was easy to criticize Beacon and the Ascendancy, to point the finger and say how one did more harm than good. Etc. But at the same time, what was the perspective of this person on the matter beyond that of making criticisms? That Serenity was more curious about.
"How would you seek to approach and handle the existence of monster girls in general? As you said, even the most resolute can't help but hesitate when their mutations run wild. There are also those who give in to them whole-heartedly, those who try to resist but can't, and otherwise if we are to look at the overall situation.
Furthermore, would you make distinctions based on how they became monster girls? Would you try to figure things between those who did not choose the life of a monster girl or were forced into it from the start, or who maybe otherwise who sought a Black Coin or greedily become one to gain more power and paid the horrible price for it?
And finally, what would you be willing to do or compromise or so forth along those lines in order to see your ideas, approach, and methods in this scenario come to fruition?"‘Suwako’ blinked exactly once during Serenity’s speech.
"I think that someone should be judged by their actions and the strength of character. Dark magic is powerful, and power warrants responsibility. If someone can’t handle their responsibility, it should be taken away from them. I think everyone should be treated like humans, with a fair trial for their wrongdoings. As for how far I’d be willing to go…” Suwako smiled.
"I don’t think you want me to answer that. But I think risking discovery in enemy territory should put my determination on display, no?” The grass under her feet parted as she walked closer, but she stopped after a few steps.
"I'm aware Penrose Beacon is less trigger happy than the rest of your organization. That’s why I’m curious why you’re letting the Ascendancy run your lives.”"I'd not go so far as to say that the Ascendancy is running our lives, The Paladin here was the one to push though the evacuation effort for Bolorton after all." Aurelio would comment. Tilting his head at the illusion for a moment before glancing back off into the distance.
"But I can see why you'd think that.""Alright, maybe I was being dramatic.” the false Beacon girl conceded.
"And it's not like the Ascendency is the end all be all of Beacon. They too still answer to the same higher ups that we do at the end of the day. And those higher up are supporting us as well."Eying the illusion once more, Alicia was silent for a few moments as she formulated her own thoughts. It wasn't quite what she expected to come of this encounter, but it was hardly the worst thing she could envision. Very well, she'd play along with it.
"I work with them because Beacon provides more good than it does harm. And because I still think that we can show our way works, and prompt a greater change. Maybe not as fast as I'd like, but it's better than the alternative."Suwako appeared to be forming her thoughts when Alicia spoke up.
"And I’m glad you feel that way.” She turned towards her.
"But what sort of change are you hoping for? Is it Penrose that you want to change, the organization? I’m curious. Lay it all out for me. But while you’re thinking on that…” She turned to Aurelio.
"You’re bringing the Cardinal into this? I hope you don’t take offense, but she is far more wallflower than supreme leader.” Suwako’s bow faded away so that she could fold her arms together.
"The reason why the Ascendancy gets away with so much is because Rachel just has to point to some clause or rule in your code that supports her actions. I don’t doubt that she wishes to see Penrose Beacon succeed, but she will never challenge Beacon’s codex. Thus, you’re all more or less allowed to do what you like so long as it agrees with Beacon’s core principles. It is, quite frankly, a mess, and just a matter of time before infighting starts.” "I'm meaning their bosses, more than anything." Aurelio would clarify, his attention notably split between the illusion and what he was feeling off in the distance.
"The Beckoners and such. And with any sufficiently large organization there is going to be some level of infighting. Beacon's core principle is 'To safeguard Magical girls and Humanity' and there are a lot of ways to do that. Some, like the Ascendency, feel that means retribution and vengeance are the right virtues. Some think that it means mercy and salvation are better. But no one answer works for all circumstances.""Just because we disagree doesn't mean we have to be at each other’s throats over it. Even Rachel has been willing to show understanding towards us and our methods."Serenity's arms came to her sides, resting on her hips as she spoke as she tried to change her posture to stay comfortable as she talked. Even so, her voice was that of a polite yet determined tone as she tried to verbally lay out her next thoughts clearly. Hopefully it all came across as she meant it at least.
"...On that note, I think there is also an observation to be made maybe.
You insinuate I wouldn't want to know how far you would go...even just to see what you laid out in my scenario to be made manifest then. This insinuates a great deal of what you are willing to do for them then in general, and you've seemingly implied such a drive applies to you own goals and desired ends currently at that. Your brazen display of 'guts' here in risking discovery in enemy territory, as you so noted to me, and what you did before back in Bolorton have shown that at least in some capacity thus far.
At the same time, however, I notice how hard you are on the Ascendancy simultaneously for their actions and tools and methods. Not wholly unjustifiably by any means, but also not entirely rightly either I believe.
You bring up examples of what they have done and do, of what they are capable of even, before in turn talking of infighting and asking us why we align with them and so forth. I feel a bit like it is the pot calling the kettle black a little bit as well in this instance.
Criticsm is something we can indulge in no matter who we are, and none of us are free of it. Especially myself, as I'll honestly admit. Yet if you would potentially stain your hands bloody red to no end to see your end goals in sight, or do whatever else you think 'nessecary' by means of your insinuations, then can you truly regard yourself as any different than you regard the Ascendancy to at least a certain extent? Could you say you would never stoop to similar or same lengths, even if you had the same resources, same capabilities, and potentially even same type of experiences as they have had in pursuing and trying to enforce what they beleive is best?"While Suwako appeared to be relaxed, Aurelio could feel the distant vestiges of fear and annoyance growing stronger. But determination was still winning out. Even more interesting was that they seemed to be approaching, albeit slowly.
"I have already stated that I believe that some dark magicals cannot be saved. They should be put out of their misery or purified, ideally after a fair trial. I haven’t said anything about my intentions, so I’m not sure where my hands being stained ‘bloody red’ is coming from. If I was an Ascendancy girl and you were all monster girls, I’d attack you no questions asked. But here I am trying to reason with you so that I can understand where you’re coming from. Have you ever met an Ascendancy girl who’s first impulse wasn’t to attack? Is the first idea in their head anything other than ‘exterminatus maximus’, or do other ideas always have to be pitched to them? The core difference between the Ascendancy and myself is that killing is always a last resort for me, not the first. And that’s why I find their views so dangerous.” She shook her head.
"But Aurelio, you aren't bothered by them because they don’t interfere with how you do things. Is that correct?”"Not correct at all." Aurelio would say with a shrug.
"I've gotten into more than one heated discussion over how we should deal with things with various members of the Ascendency, Rachel included. Just becuase I disagree with them doesn't mean they have to be my enemies."Suwako nodded with a smirk..
”Thank you for the clarification.”Crap. The magical maid would dissipate away the knife in her hand, though a certain look of controlled embarassment would come to her face before she spoke futher.
"My sincerest apologies to you, then, for the ultimately unwarranted comparisons and so forth I made there. Genuinely so.
I am not fully accustomed to circumstances like this in my life experiences in the overall sense, mostly having been familiar with...well, let's call it 'horrible experiences' as a start. The terror of potential death and being obliterated since my 'birth' has likewise been a thing I perhaps haven't fully shaken off either when it comes to strangers and assumptions. So when you spoke before I read into things with what first came to mind for me.
It isn't an excuse, but I will freely admit my wrongs there. I hope both of us will continue to keep killing as a last resort as well..."”It’s fine. I could have been more clear” The illusion reassured her.
Letting the others speak in the short term, Alicia considered her next words another time.
"My goal is to change Beacon as an organization," she said at least.
"You're right, the Ascendancy's first instinct is to attack, or to prevent threats for developing further. That's how they've been trained, that's what they know to do. We haven't even managed to convince them we can keep a handle on things here yet."She held back a sigh as she continued expressing her thoughts.
"Still, I'd like to take the fact that they're more willing to listen to us now than they were before as a good sign. Especially with how...not normal things have been."Suwako thrust a finger at Alicia while looking at the other Beacon girls.
”This! This right here is what I was hoping one of you would say!” She turned to look at Alicia.
”And I’m glad Alicia was the one to say it. The Ascendency do not need to be put to the knife, they only need to be reformed, much like you’ve been doing with corrupt magical girls. People can change, and those that can’t should part with positions they aren’t fit for. Oh but I know I’m preaching to the choir here!” She waved her hand at Alicia.
”Do you have any plans to make such changes come about? Or is that why this development with Rachel is so good, because you may be able to break through to her and change that side of the organization?”But as jubilant as Suwako seemed, the distant emotions weren’t changing at all.
As pleased as Alicia was to have the affirmation, something tugged at the back of her mind. Something that indicated this was, perhaps, a bit too easy. Most people didn't just swing by for a chat on philosophy,
"Perhaps I do," she replied with a nod.
"But forgive me if I don't see why I should lay it all out in detail for a stranger hiding behind the image of a friend."Suwako smirked.
”I didn’t figure you for a cautious sort, Alicia. But alright. You can tell if I’m lying or not without fail, so just stop me if I’ve said something dishonest.” She turned to look at Alicia.
”My name is Tonya, though I have not used that name in a very long time. Like most of you, I became a magical girl to defend my home from an oncoming apocalypse. Only my patron filled me to the brim with as much magic as my form could bear.” She looked into the sky.
”It’s been a good decade or so now. What happened at Bolorton reminded me of the day I was turned into a monster. The overwhelming forces, the need to retreat in the blink of an eye, the carnage. It was everything I wanted to prevent. But I’ll be honest with you, I was numb to it this time. It almost felt expected. Penrose can’t go a few weeks without having a cataclysmic event, and the city’s magical girls are more divided than ever. It all looks a little grim.” With a hop, she landed in front of Alicia.
”The old world fell because of a feud between Beacon and Mint. I’ve been wary of your lot since I got here. I’ve even conspired against Beacon a few times, like any dark magical would. But I’ve realized the Penrose branch is not like the others. I think this incoming threat will require everyone’s cooperation. I don’t need to know your plans Alicia. But if I did, it would make uniting Penrose easier.” Suwako shrugged.
”But if you must keep your secrets...”"Hmm...no wonder you wished to prod our minds using this 'friendly debate' style of approach then.
Fair enough I suppose, but Alicia really is the best one to haved asked more directly in the first place if we had a plan for all this I believe. I was metaphorically speaking 'just born yesterday' after all, and my life hasn't lent me to come to such a response as you seemed to wish for quickly really. Beyond that, though, I'm here with her even now because I both believe in that goal and in Alicia herself more than anyone."The magical maid simply let a smile come to her face as she spoke with nothing but a purely honest conviction and determination of her own. A sincere expression both emotionally and verbally to boot. At the same time, however, she hoped it wasn't as 'foot in mouth' as her words at times had been in a prior meeting with another friend after the events of Bolorton had been. Maybe. She'd been practicing!
Yet before she would continue, her expression and mood would slide gently back into what it had been prior.
"Though my own issues and faux-pas of not long ago here aside, I do remain on the cautious end of things myself as well. You are still a stranger to us who hides behind the image of someone else, so even your expressions given via illusion can be called into question potentially as well. Or perhaps in this case it is properly expressing your feelings on your behalf. Either way we cannot know for sure.
Likewise, it seems what you wanted was a bit easy to get ahold of as well...conceptually as well as comparatively in this case now. So was this all you wanted out of us this evening, if I may ask?"The Illusion continued to stare in Alicia's direction.
"Considering you're the fourth person to try and get on her good side with potential shady reasons can you really blame her?" Aurelio would ask his attention focused out towards the emotions he felt.
"Also, as an aside, do words spoken through an illusion still register as true or false to Light magic?"”Of course it does!” Suwako continued to look at Alicia with the same level of intensity Aurelio looked at the approaching emotions.
”Even if I'm communicating to you through an illusion, my words are still my words and be true or false. The only known way to trip up someone like Alicia is to say something with the intent to misdirect. Isn't that right, Alicia?”"Good to know." Aurleio would say with a nod
"I mean I figured it would seeing how your emotions still carry though, but I havve not had much time to play around with illusions myself.""...Then what if you do not speak with intent to misdirect, or truly believe what you speak to be the truth? Could you get around those restrictions and still try to direct or misdirect another to some end or another?""Relax guys, this isn't our first time on this ride," Alicia assured them. As unfortunate as it was, she knew full well that even the truth could hide layers of duplicity behind it. They would deal with the schemes as they arose.
Her focus then returned to Tonya, now that she knew a bit more about who she was dealing with.
"It's a flexible plan," she replied.
"Use diplomacy and cooperation to defuse conflicts, support neutral girls, and show the Ascendancy that we can restore stability to the city without indiscriminate violence. Bring back members who lost hope, train new recruits with more modern sensibilities, and then push to convince those at the top."A wry smile then graced her features as she thought.
"Of course, this is Penrose. After what happened at the Rave. I doubt it will all go quite that smoothly. But it's what I have right now." Suwako gave Alicia a blank stare that lasted just long enough to be awkward.
”Holy mother of Moses! It’s a miracle!” She cast her arms up in the air.
”What a concise yet sensible plan that is! You really earned that Paladin designation Alicia, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Unfortunately, I don’t have a way to confirm that you’re being truthful. And because of that…” And then it happened.
That surge of emotions that Aurelio had been tracking were finally in the area. It was too late to intercept them, they had already discovered them. Fortunately, the person harboring those emotions was plainly visible. It was a little girl with brown hair and Barbie girl pajamas. Regardless of how many third eyes were directed at her, she appeared to be a normal little girl. She was holding a piece of paper that seemed to be a map.
“Treasure?” She said while looking over the group. Her fear was growing, but her determination was still holding out strong.
She didn’t wait for any of the others to approach her. Her eyes scanned her surroundings and eventually fell on a nearby tree. She approached it and discovered a pile of stones. After moving the stones aside, her determination and annoyance subsided in the presence of wonder. She reached into the pile of stones and pulled out a bag of chocolate coins. Or at least, the label said it was chocolate coins. It also looked like there was still a price tag on it. Shortly after getting her treasure, the little girl walked back the way she came.
”Well that was random. Now where was I? Right.” Suwako lifted her finger.
”So basically, just as you can’t fully trust me, I can’t fully trust you. But all the same, I really want to believe Beacon is headed in the right direction. In fact, I have to, because we aren't going to get anywhere being at each other’s throats. Especially with that extra queen headed to Penrose.” She pretended to look at her wrist watch.
”I feel like we should do something significant while we’re all here, but I’m running out of time. But hey! I’ve got a lot of connections to people and venues that would be off limits to Beacon, so if you need me…” She tossed a cell phone at Alicia, only for it to fly through her chest.
”Right, uh, maybe just hit up ‘High Priestess’ On Glimr.” She turned back to Serenity and pointed at her.
”And you!” She thrust her finger.
”Magical girls have light magic, mystic artifacts, scrying, and various other forms of divination magic. Figuring out what you guys are doing hardly requires me to appear in person. But to change their minds or forge alliances? That’s always going to require interacting with people face to face.” Alicia got the strong suspicion that she was being flattered, though it was exaggerated to the point where one could consider it as parody too. As Tonya was reacting another girl appeared on the scene, locating a bag of 'treasure' under a tree nearby. That was probably more important than she knew for it to happen in such a narratively random manner, but for now she decided to ignore it.
Back to the matter at hand, it seemed that things were going alright. She supposed she couldn't blame Tonya being suspicious. It wasn't the first time she'd had to handle such things either. An attempt to provide communication ended in failure though, since the phone she provided was also an illusion.
"I can do that. We'll be in touch to see about proving that trust, in both directions." ”Sounds good. Remember! High Priestess on Glimmr.” And then Suwako’s form faded away.
Aurelio keep his focus outward even after the little girl made her apperance, if anything his focus ramped up at her apperance, though he wasn't looking at the girl at all as she found and made her way out with her prize.
That said a clone would pop up behind him with phone in hand to get started on adding this High Priestess to his contacts.
But while Aurelio didn’t notice any far off emotions, he did notice the little girl was throwing off far more joy than he would expect.
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