[center][h2][color=FF54AA]S[/color] [i]a m a n t h a[/i][/h2] [h2][color=baddab]V[/color] [i]i r i d i a n[/i][/h2] [h2][color=turquoise]E[/color] [i]m i l y[/i][/h2] [url=https://youtu.be/1_FG3jvNr4I]"You better watch out (for this lazy header)"[/url] [color=888888]— FamishedPants[/color] [/center] Cradle was down, but not out. Vestiges of its forces remained here and there. Binky attended the meeting, Sam went with Emily to her home. But even its members' continued existence did not mean that they had a patron. But they were oblivious to what happened to Maura. They were still tied to the cradle, and their powers continued to work. There was no reason to assume something was amiss. Except there was. Sam could see shapeless red halos moving around in the distance. Normally Sam noticed these around other cradle agents, but now it seemed like they were alerting her to something out of sight. Something in the walls or just under foot. Emily was in the middle of recounting an earlier event when she noticed Samantha giving her walls strange looks. She hoped something wasn't on them. [color=turquoise]"Is there something wrong?"[/color] she asked a bit hesitantly. [color=red]"..."[/color] Sam only moved her eyes from one halo to the next, slowly standing up from the table she and Emily had been eating at, and her hand dropped to her side. There was a noticeable pause before she answered. [color=FF54AA]"...There might be,"[/color] she bluntly replied, making a quick pass around the apartment with her Third Eye, particularly the walls and floor, where she was getting the feeling. All the sudden inspecting was only making Emily more nervous. She vainly tried to help, but since Samantha was being mostly quiet and not explaining anything, she wasn't even on the same search. But she did notice where Sam was looking, and absolute dread filled her expression as she came to a conclusion. [i][color=turquoise]Oh, please tell me there's no rodents or vermin! This place isn't that bad...[/color][/i] And it really wasn't, as far as Sam could tell. But the nebulous shapes coalesced just outside the front door. A hazy smoke soon became a familiar woman. Without an invitation, she opened the front door and stepped inside. [hider=???][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/TtFbvG5.png[/img][/center][/hider] [color=baddab]”Howdy y’all!”[/color] Viridian waved before closing the door behind herself. [color=baddab]”Glad to see yer back on your feet. Gotta say though, I was kinda hopin’ you’d come check on us once you woke up.”[/color] She looked to Emily. [color=baddab]”Mind if I speak with yer friend for a moment?”[/color] Emily had made a simple assumption that the person entering her apartment without prior notice was the same now as it had been the last few times, so she was halfway through greeting Hilaria when she turned around and realized she had been wrong, letting out a cute shriek as her face turned pink in embarrassment shortly after she realized this wasn't a normal home invader. [color=turquoise]"Um,"[/color] she looked between Sam and Viridian. [color=turquoise]"I-if you two know each other and she wants to?"[/color] she tried her best to answer despite being nonplussed. [color=FF54AA]"We've known each other for some time now, Emily, and I could go for a pleasant chat,"[/color] Samantha stepped forward as she reassured Emily, giving Viridian her undivided attention. [color=FF54AA]"Sorry to worry you, and hello, Viridian. I wasn't entirely lucid when I woke up, and I was hoping to clear my head,"[/color] while her words ended there for Emily, they continued via magicoms. [i][color=red]I'll be fine, of course. But... I admit I wasn't eager to learn why Maura isn't responding.[/color][/i] Though she would normally introduce herself, Emily took a moment to calm herself down after the startle while the two talked. [color=baddab]”Doncha worry, pumpkin! I’m just excited to see my friend is all!”[/color] The green magical girl tried to reassure Emily. [color=baddab]”Afraid the city life hasn’t rubbed off on me yet. Getin’ unexpected guests was par the course in the south.”[/color] Emily accepted the answer without any distrust, a warm smile directed at Viridian, [color=turquoise]"Oh, that's okay, honestly! I think it would be nice if Penrose was like that,"[/color] she motioned for Viridian to come in. [color=turquoise]"Feel free to take a seat wherever you like. Can I grab you a glass of water? Oh, I also have some soda, too, if you would prefer?"[/color] [color=baddab]”A soda would be fine, darlin’!”[/color] When Emily left to get her beverage, Viridian reached out towards Sam. [i][color=baddab]”Maura and her agents were sent to another dimension. They appear to be safe, but it will be some time before they return. Others fled this reality. There are some non-combat personnel that hang around, but you’re the only active agent left in Penrose.”[/color][/i] She tapped the cylinder Sam had hidden under her clothes. [i][color=baddab]”It might be related to that.”[/color][/i] While Emily was trying to be a good host, Samantha was taking in the situation report Viridian had described to her. She blinked twice. [i][color=red]Sorry? You said 'only'? Did the dolphin get angry, or have dimensional problems become more commonplace?[/color][/i] [i][color=baddab]”Wish I knew more, darlin’. Mint was transporting an artifact designed to harm Veronica, but it seems it blew up in transit while we were goin’ after it. My shadow magic allowed me to escape the blast, but the others? They ain’t in this world anymore. I can feel ‘em, but they ain’t in kansas anymore.”[/color][/i] She clearly hadn't hid her surprise very well as Emily began to worry about the look on her face. [color=turquoise]"Sam, is everything alright?"[/color] [color=FF54AA]"...It will be. Just seem to be having a small headache, is all,"[/color] she looked at Emily. [color=FF54AA]"It occurs to me that I haven't had a drink since I woke up, I could use that glass of water."[/color] [color=turquoise]"I'll just be one moment,"[/color] she hurried into the kitchen and began grabbing cups for the three of them. Samantha reached into her coat, producing the cylinder containing the hunt Veridian was poking at. She read it all the way through for the first time, raising her eyebrow in confusion, then her expression turned to one of disdain. [i][color=red]Slay or drive off the Scarlet Stranger...? Veronica? What is this? Mint propaganda?[/color][/i] She looked up from the hunt, to Viridian. [color=red]"Whatever is going on, I'm not so out of it that I can't do my job. If she needs me, I'm there."[/color] [i][color=baddab]”That ain’t mint propaganda, hun. Veronica left Cradle in Maura’s care so that she could avoid the Mint long enough to enact her plan. She didn’t tell me what that was until recently. You know that Su was a familiar turned magical girl? You know that Veronica has a radio tower that lets her broadcast her magic a great distance? She put that intel together and raised herself a magical girl army. Not that she needs one, since anyone who uses a red coin can be brainwashed by her if they come in range of the tower.”[/color][/i] Viridian pursed her lips. [color=baddab]”She’s going to cripple Penrose before the wonderland invasion. She needs to be stopped.”[/color] It wasn't hard to see what Samantha was thinking. As Viridian spoke, Sam's expression darkened and her body tensed up. By the time they had mentioned stopping Veronica, Sam was grinding her teeth in unmistakable anger. [i][color=red]No. I don’t believe that! She was concerned about that power falling into the wrong hands. That is something the Mint would do, but she wouldn’t. You have to be making some sort of mistake![/color][/i] [i][color=baddab]”Afraid I ain’t, hun.”[/color][/i] Viridian folded her arms. Her smile had disappeared from her face. [i][color=baddab]”I don’t understand your relationship with her, but if you believe in Veronica so strongly, this might be a good thing.”[/color][/i] She placed a hand on Samantha’s shoulder. [color=baddab]”Now now, no need to make a face. How ‘bout you find someone you trust and meet up with her? See how things are and talk it out. If I’m wrong, you can come back to Penrose with her. If I’m right…”[/color] She closed her eyes. [i][color=baddab]”You’ll do what needs to be done.”[/color][/i] Despite her intense glare, Samantha softly placed her hand atop Viridian's. After she had a few moments to ponder Viridian's suggestion, Samantha began to slowly nod her head as the intensity seemed to partially drain away. She didn't exactly look friendly, but then again, when did she? [color=FF54AA]"...Fine. Fine,"[/color] She peeled the hand off her shoulder in a deliberately slow manner. [i][color=red]That sounds like it would be for the best, and I can't imagine you being so confident in it if you didn't believe it. And if you do, then of course Penrose would, which could be problematic. I hate to leave while we have nobody to substitute so I will return as soon as possible.[/color][/i] [color=FF54AA]"But if I'm the only active one left... who would I even take...?"[/color] she wondered aloud, just in time to notice Emily return with their drinks. Emily presented the two girls with their cups wearing a concerned expression. [color=turquoise]"Um,"[/color] she looked between the two, noticing the tension in Samantha and the lack of smile on Viridian. [color=turquoise]"...is something the matter? You guys have been kinda quiet, mostly. Is it something I can help with?"[/color] Sam denied her with a shake of her head. [color=FF54AA]"No. I just need to think..."[/color] she dismissed the friendly girl's offer, but only momentarily. Her mind raced through all her possibilities and she found... Almost none She was beginning to lament her poor people skills as it left her with few options. Veronica and Veridian were both, obviously, not choices, and Trixie was already with Veronica. Even if she completely disbelieved Viridian, she had to account for the slim possibility it was true, which meant assuming Trixie was probably... Samantha had never felt a sense of dread quite as strong as the one that passed through her at that moment. [color=FF54AA]"...A-actually,"[/color] She quickly cleared her throat. [color=FF54AA]"You might be able to. How would you feel about leaving Penrose for a short time?"[/color] Emily blinked twice, surprised by the sudden change. [color=turquoise]"O-oh, um, I don't mind as long as we can be back before rent is due! What is it that you need help with, though?"[/color] Sam looked at Viridian, the woman's words on her mind. If she had to trust someone, nobody made more sense than Emily. She remembered their talk at their park during their first meeting, and how it had helped her [color=FF54AA]"I just need to squash a nasty rumor going around about my... boss,"[/color] Samantha said, turning back to Emily. [color=FF54AA]"While I don't believe it, Viridian does, which means I can't ignore it. I expect us to meet with them, speak for a bit, and then come back home. It shouldn't take too long, you definitely shouldn't be missing out on rent."[/color] Sam rubbed the back of her neck as she continued. [color=FF54AA]"That said, in the unlikely case that the rumor is true... things will get extremely dangerous."[/color] Emily seemed determined. [color=turquoise]"Rumors can be harmful, I know that very well. Of course, I'll help, danger or not! I'm sure your boss is a very lovely person!"[/color] She gave Sam a curious look. [color=turquoise]"So what kind of rumors have been spread?"[/color] [color=FF54AA]"Uh... the rumors involve mind control and a potential invasion of Penrose with said people under mind control."[/color] In response to hearing this, Emily blinked. [color=turquoise]"T-that's certainly a nasty rumor..."[/color] She looked over to Viridian, her eyes pleading for help to make sense of what Sam just said. Viridian let out a long, tired sigh before forcing a smile. [color=baddab]”If you’re goin’ into this with Sam, I guess you need to hear it all. From the beginning’ then!”[/color] She popped her soda open. [color=baddab]”I’m Viridian, twin soul to Veronica. When I was created, Veronica left her faction in Maura’s hands. Her faction was Crimson Cradle in case you’re not in the know. The faction’s mission was to liberate Penrose from tyrannical forces. That was primarily the Mint, but Beacon earned her ire as well. I think we can all agree the Ascendancy was not one of the better things Beacon brought to Penrose.”[/color] She shook her head. [color=baddab]”But Veronica hadn’t planned for this exchange of power to last forever. She’d been workin’ on ‘Project Wukong’ for a while. She didn’t tell me a lot of the details. Just that it was sure to shake up the power structure around here. So while all ‘yall been hustlin’ in Penrose, distracting the power structure, Veronica was working on her magnum opus. The red coins, the magicom network, it was all a prototype to make an indomitable magical girl army. Anyone who’s used a red coin can’t resist her army, which is all the important folks in Penrose. Even Penny couldn’t stop the invasion.”[/color] She took a sip of her soda, which made her smile again. [color=baddab]”The timin’ of the darn thing isn’t ideal, but are we so far gone that we need Veronica to just hijack everyone’s minds? If she were to get a hold of the nexus, free will as we know it may cease to exist!”[/color] She sloshed her soda around. [color=baddab]”But if it’s a rumor, no harm no foul.”[/color] The recap had seen Emily's eyes widen as the severity of the situation had likely escalated far beyond what she was expecting. She had her free hand over her heart, her soda had barely been touched. [color=turquoise]"Y-you're saying all this about your twinned soul?"[/color] she sounded concerned. [color=turquoise]"I'm sure that's not something you would just do..."[/color] She went to look at Sam, but the girl wasn't there. Sam had slipped into the kitchen at some point while Viridian was speaking to drop off her now-empty cup and had been hurrying back to them when she noticed Emily's lost look. [color=FF54AA]"Hmm? You having second thoughts?"[/color] she questioned. [color=turquoise]"A-absolutely not!"[/color] she denied with a shake of her head. [color=FF54AA]"That is good to hear,"[/color] Samantha replied. [color=FF54AA]"We should leave right away. I'll be outside,"[/color] Sam abruptly said, acknowledging Viridian with a nod before leaving out the door without any further words. Emily stared at the door for a few seconds, taking a big drink from her soda. [color=turquoise]"I don't think I've seen her this... motivated before,"[/color] she admitted while turning to Viridian and offering to take her can. [color=turquoise]"Sorry things are like this. I'm sure it's hard."[/color] [color=baddab]”Darlin’? Livin’ in Penrose is hard. No need to throw me a pity party, I feel a lot worse for you.”[/color] She crushed her soda can flat and pitched it into the recycling bin. [color=baddab]”As for Sam, yea. She and Veronica have an interesting relationship. It ain’t love, but it ain’t your regular ol’ respect either. It almost transcends all that.”[/color] She placed a hand on Emily’s shoulder. [color=baddab]”I can’t pretend to know what will happen, but I do hope things come to a satisfactory conclusion. I’d prefer it if Veronica doesn’t have to die. Partially because I’d stop living, but…”[/color] She trailed off. Viridian looked at the door. Sam was right on the other side. She leaned over to Emily and whispered something into her ear before. Standing back up. [color=baddab]”...It would probably be best if she was unconscious, so that I could properly deal with her. Only if it’s necessary, of course.”[/color] [color=turquoise]"Um, I guess it's at least clear that Sam cares for Veronica. But you're sure it's not love?"[/color] she seemed surprised. But she was even more surprised to hear Viridian speaking about Veronica's death so openly. [color=turquoise]"It won't happen!"[/color] she promised. [color=turquoise]"...I wouldn't be Emily if I killed a sister, let alone two!"[/color] Listening to Viridian whisper to her, she stared at her front door. She nodded when the girl finished telling her something, and her response was just as furtive as Viridian's. [color=turquoise]"Well... I don't think Sam wants to, either. I can feel she's scared about something, and I think it must be that."[/color] she conveyed, returning to a normal speaking voice afterward. [color=turquoise]"Well, if things turn out poorly, we'll just have to make her come around."[/color] She walked over to her sink and tossed the cup beside Sam's. [color=turquoise]"But you'll see as much when we get back. For now, um, I think I should probably get going."[/color] She held the door open for Viridian. Samantha was waiting just outside, pushing off of the wall she had chosen to lean against when she saw the door open. [color=baddab]”Don’t need a house sitter?”[/color] Viridian laughed at her own joke as she hurried outside. [color=baddab]”Ah, if only the mood was a li’l lighter.”[/color] She folded her hands behind her back and looked at Sam. [color=baddab]”I can sense some of the other agents have returned to Cradle’s HQ. I’ll let ‘em know what’s going on. Otherwise, I think I’ve prolonged my stay enough.”[/color] She waved to Emily. [color=baddab]”Keep Samantha safe, ya hear?”[/color] And with that, she sunk into the shadows. [color=turquoise]"Of course!"[/color] Emily waved back as Viridian disappeared, noticing Sam had begun to walk away. She hurriedly followed behind her friend, matching her quickened pace. [color=turquoise]"Wait up, Sam!"[/color] ... ... ... Some minutes after they had separated from Veridian, Samantha hadn't slowed down one bit. Her eyes were focused forward and she hadn't said a word, leaving Emily to follow behind in awkward silence. Even though her expression was neutral, Emily could feel the increasing worry clouding Sam's heart. It only seemed to be getting worse by the second. [color=turquoise]"S-Sam?"[/color] Emily called out, finally. She received no answer as her friend continued on. Emily tried again. [color=turquoise]"Sam! Hello?"[/color] Evidently lost in thought, Samantha finally moved her eyes away from the way forward, to Emily. [color=FF54AA]"...yes? Is something the matter? Did you forget something?"[/color] Shaking her head, Emily mustered up the courage to pry. [color=turquoise]"Oh, um, no! I don't need to get anything. It's just... are you okay?"[/color] she placed a hand over her heart. [color=turquoise]"I can sense when people are feeling sad,"[/color] she explained. [color=turquoise]"...So, um, I can tell you're thinking about something that is making you even more sad."[/color] Samantha stopped walking. [color=FF54AA]"Is that so?"[/color] she remained silent for a moment. [color=FF54AA]"Oh, I suppose it makes sense you would have that..."[/color] Samantha looked at Emily and pondered something. She hesitated to speak again at first, but eventually did. [color=FF54AA]"I don't believe in Veronica's betrayal, I really don't. But... I have never been a glass half full sort of person. I am always considering the worst-case scenario for anything, and this is no different." [/color] Emily nodded in understanding. [color=turquoise]"Even if... what was said about Veronica is true, I'm sure we can make her see reason! She's not just your boss, right? She's important to you. I'm sure that counts for something."[/color] [color=FF54AA]"Maybe. It would be nice if I could believe that. I am her number one agent, after all,"[/color] there was genuine pride in that statement. It clearly meant something to her. [color=FF54AA]"But if she's doing this, she's doing this for a reason she's mulled over and considered alternatives to,"[/color] Samantha sighed, then turned and kept walking, motioning for Emily to follow. [color=FF54AA]"Which would mean she probably isn't going to just stop because we tell her mind controlling Penrose is bad."[/color] Emily frowned behind her. [color=turquoise]"If you mean as much to her as she means to you, I think your words might have more impact than you might think! Sometimes, people tunnel vision when focusing on something they feel really strongly about. I can't say I know why she might want to do all of that, but maybe she just needs someone she knows to talk some sense into her? Sometimes it's more about who the words come from than what the words are."[/color] Emily could see Sam shake her head. [color=FF54AA]"If that were the case, Veridian would have been enough,"[/color] Sam dismissed the idea. [color=turquoise]"Um... I think it's still worth a try, at least. Wouldn't it be best to do everything you can before assuming she's not gonna listen? If you give up before you've even tried that'll only leave one option..."[/color] [color=FF54AA]"...I suppose,"[/color] Sam replied, keeping her eyes forward again. [color=FF54AA]"But we're only speaking hypothetically right now. Veronica is probably not doing any of that. When we reach her and meet up, I expect her to be irritated. She'll wonder why I went out of my way to meet up with her instead of just asking over magicoms, and then she'll peer into my mind and chide me for being having such unwarranted thoughts. Maybe that's downplaying how upset she'll be..."[/color] she shrugged her shoulders. [color=FF54AA]"But at least Trixie will probably be happy to see me."[/color] Emily couldn't follow the conversation entirely. [color=turquoise]"Um, so what exactly are magicoms? And Veronica can just peer into your mind?"[/color] if Sam had turned around she would have seen the confusion on Emily's face. [color=turquoise]"And Trixie? Is she a friend of yours?"[/color] Stopping again, Sam turned to Emily. [color=FF54AA]"Oh, I guess you wouldn't know that. To put it shortly, Veronica's powers allow us, the Crimson Cradle, or whomever she decides to share the power with, to speak to each others nonverbally from wherever we are. I could speak to her right now, but I... have decided it's best to wait until we're in person. Anyway, she's also able to read my thoughts due to a contract I signed with her a bit back,"[/color] Sam broke eye contact momentarily. [color=FF54AA]"...but as far as I'm aware she's only able to read my own. You don't need to worry about your own thoughts. Instead, you should worry about Trixie."[/color] [color=turquoise]"Huh? What does that mean?"[/color] Emily asked. Sam shook her head and Emily could swear she saw a smile trying to creep onto Sam's face. [color=FF54AA]"That she is... uh, what is the term people on Glimmr use? 'Thirsty'? Well, she's really open about her attraction to people, and she has way too much energy most of the time. She might be a bit overbearing, but if that ends up being the case, one good strike to the solar plexus should work,"[/color] Sam said nonchalantly suggested. [color=FF54AA]"I don't honestly expect her to flirt in front of her girlfriend though. We haven't seen each other since she left, so I am hoping she'll direct most of her energy towards me."[/color] [color=turquoise]"Girlf-- OH"[/color] Emily suddenly realized it. [color=turquoise]"I-is she the one you were talking about at the park when we first met?"[/color] Samantha nodded. [color=FF54AA]"Y-yeah,"[/color] she rubbed the back of her neck and turned a bit pink. [color=FF54AA]"She's a handful to say the least. But... she's also very hardworking when she's motivated, and... really patient, despite her appearances. You two will get along fine, I know it. Just... don't give her your glimmr if you have one. You will live to regret it,"[/color] as she said this, Samantha once again turned back and continued to walk, her smile fading immediately. Emily followed behind, mostly silent after the uncharacteristic show of emotion from Samantha. On one hand, she was happy because he saw a side of her friend she didn't get to see much of and it was proof, as far as she was concerned, that there was genunine trust between them. On the other hand, however, was the realization that Samantha might have had everything to lose here. It made too much sense, now, why she was giving off such negative feelings. Emily became determined more than ever. [i][color=turquoise]That smile... if I'm really her friend, I'll protect it![/color][/i]