[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iteJFoG.png[/img]
[sub][@Emeth][/sub][/center]
[b]“Yup! And the added benefit of that would be to see how good Shatterscape is at swimming with those big-ass claws of hers!”[/b]

There was no doubt about it, and it wasn’t as if it was difficult to reach the ocean either. Sequestered from the rest of Japan by its natural features, Hibusa had ready access to both the mountains and the ocean. From here, Nonsuch figured that she could even [i]throw[/i] Evil Eye into the waves if she used enough force. But…well, that was a bit too much force for a first encounter. And as for the more important part?

[b]“This isn’t another one of those questions-that-aren’t-questions, is it?”[/b] Nonsuch teased, mirroring her companion’s head-tilt and leg-cross. [b]“I think it’d be funny, having everyone dote on you and act all apologetic, while you know what the truth is. And for me? I get to see a Shatterscape that isn’t trying to be all poetic and serious. Maybe.”[/b]

Hopefully.

But the conversation continued, the illusions of less-edgy magical girls drawing a raised brow from the paladin. Cyclic sunrises and sunsets drew a little ‘ooo’ of appreciation out of Nonsuch too, but, if she were to be honest? A light magical girl that wasn’t working alone wasn’t a genuine article. There only needed to be one. Miseria weren’t such overbearing threats that you needed more than a single light magical girl to deal with them, after all. Perhaps, though, it was [i]destiny[/i] then, that foretold Evil Eye would always become fallen?

[b]“A hug would be a wonderful thing.”[/b]

She stood up.

[b]“But from where I stand, Evil Eye, I’m more curious. Everyone falls too easily, you see?”[/b] The sheer numbers that flocked to Hibusa was indicative enough of that. With so many of them, how do any even eat their share? They don’t. The cracks were present since the numbers exceeded more than the fingers of one hand. [b]“And because they all fall, I’d rather like to see…”[/b]

One hand was broken, but the other wasn’t. It was that one that Nonsuch extended, as if reaching for the voyeur’s throat.

[b]“…what would happen if I raised them up.”[/b]

Metal gauntlets closed upon the corner of the offending phone instead, plucking it gently from Evil Eye’s hand. Pinching it like that, she swung it from side to side, a softer, more contemplative expression on her face.

[b]“Would they rise? Or would they hang?”[/b]

Somewhat clumsily, Nonsuch typed a reply into the group chat (metal gauntlets didn’t work well and her other hand wasn’t in any shape for tip-tapping). A simple, vague sentence. One that promised either weal or woe, but one that lacked the context to fall in any particular direction for those who've read it.

[quote]I changed my mind.[/quote]
And the phone was returned to Evil Eye, the paladin’s teeth flashing once more.

[b]“Wouldn’t want to hold up your dinner party, Evil Eye. So, how do you wanna end this?”[/b]