[sub][@Stern Algorithm][@The book of bad juju][@TrixyTrix][/sub]

The factories were left behind once more as the two magical girls moved away from the factory and back into the mix of upside down trees. The previous domain had always been the backdrop of the scene, never the center of the labyrinth, so it would take more investigation for the two of them to find what they were looking for. And with the enmity between the two of them, it didn't help matters in the slightest. 

Still, it was relatively easy going beyond possibly falling into the sky. Familiars occasionally showed up, but those bunny Familiars were as easily brushed aside as they had been in the factory, making things easier for the two of them. 

Soon the path would change, the trees they jumped on rising into the sky and footing becoming all the more treacherous as a result. Branches met and tangled, providing paths that one could take, though one still had to be careful of the ice. And soon enough they would spot their destination, or at least a likely one for where the Witch could be; a ball of ice lattices hanging in the 'sky' waiting for them. It was likely that that was where the Witch could be found. 

[hr]
[sub][@Ariamis][/sub]

"Yes ma'am," the driver replied with a nod. With Maria inside, the engine revved and the convoy set off through the city and towards Alexandra's dwelling. It drew plenty of attention along the way as the several vehicles drove along, which was unsurprising given the importance of the transport. All were aware that the trucks following were carrying the Grief Seeds that served as tribute, and none were stupid enough to risk earning the ire of both Alexandra and Maria by attacking it. 

The ride was otherwise quiet as they moved along, giving Maria time to think. There was the occasional checkpoint, but the sight of her was generally all that was needed to get them through. It was practically routine, her intentions notwithstanding. 

Soon Alexandra's tower approached, a beacon amidst smaller buildings that breached the skyline. If Maria's dwelling was a base, then the tower itself was practically a fortress, more than able to drive off an attack by terrorists or by a magical girl. A concentrated assault would do damage, but the odds of that sort of thing happening were slim at best. 

Still, guards would stiffen to attention as the trucks pulled to a stop, and Maria could exit as she wished in front of the tower. Time to get this show going.