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It was another day in Penrose. Though the threat of Wonderland loomed in the distance, that did not stop the more mundane magical girl affairs that one had to deal with. Hunting monsters, studying to keep up with classwork, and such things. These would not wait, for the world still moved on even with the threat of imminent invasion.

Alicia did her best to assist in activities such as these, whether personally or through her responsibilities as a leader. She was still determined to show that the Penrose Branch could cut it without needing the Ascendancy here, even if circumstances seemed to have conspired against her once more. She would like to say that she was surprised, but she wasn't. Not really. In spite of this she continued to do the best she could to help those under her care and to keep the city safe.

Needless to say, the message from Lily was unexpected. Her mind flashed back to a similar meeting held in that same park and how that turned out, since it did feel like a bit of deja vu. Nonetheless, the decision was made already. Even if Lily did not find much of a response, Beacon would be expected to be there. That meant they would have to go.

Moving through the headquarters, Alicia soon arrived in the Ascendancy's section so she could talk to Rachel. [color=aba000]"I suppose you've already seen the message on Glimmr from Lily?"[/color] she began. [color=aba000]"I just figured I should let you know that I intend to attend the meeting on Beacon's behalf."[/color]

Rachel was at her desk, sifting through work on a laptop when Alicia came in, and stood up to greet her. "Ah yes, Elora did mention something about it. That girl…Lily, correct?" She gave a small smile. "Earnest, but naive. Nonetheless, her contact network is impressive. It makes sense she would attempt a rally of the locals." When Alicia announced her intent to attend, she nodded. "That is fine. Occasions such as this are best for the local branch to handle. Besides, if the Ascendancy were to appear we'd simply get glares and nothing constructive would be done."

Alicia paused, blinking in surprise. Truth be told, that had been easier than she expected. [color=aba000]"Huh. Really?"[/color]
 
Though she would not throw skepticism upon the decision that had been made, her experiences so far made her desire further elaboration. After all, she had expected further resistance to the idea of cooperation at all, regardless of who it was against. [color=aba000]"Does this mean that the decision to be neutral in Wonderland's invasion is out the window now?"[/color]

Rachel squinted at Alicia's confusion. "Yes, really. What, do you want the statement as a written notice?" She sighed, and rubbed her forehead. "Wonderland broke their agreement with Beacon, but the situation still has plenty of "red ribbon" behind it, as Lux would say. So Headquarters is willing to provide more assistance now, but can't declare war on Wonderland, even if they should." She grit her teeth. "That's just how it is around here; we're so mired and set in our ways of properly handling things to the point it's often too late and we're simply picking up the pieces." She scoffed. "Pisses me off."

Alicia was silent as she listened to Rachel explain the developing situation as well as her own frustrations. There was something uncharacteristic in it by the standards Alicia had developed when interacting with Rachel, and she couldn’t help but react a little. 

[color=aba000]”Congratulations,”[/color] she said after a moment, doing her best to hold back a smile. [color=aba000]”You’re starting to sound like the rest of us.”[/color]

Letting Rachel mull that one over, she turned and began moving towards the door. [color=aba000]”I’ll let you know how things go.”[/color]

Rachel did not like Alicia's insinuation, and grit her teeth. "And you're starting to sound too conceited, Paladin Seraph! I'm nothing like the rest of you local branchlings!" She sat back down, waving her away. "Fine, just go already."

Having already annoyed the other girl enough, Alicia did not push further as she left the room. She had a meeting to go to after all.