[sub][@Ariamis][/sub]

Alexandra nodded as the report was given, returning Maria's look with a pleasant smile, as befitted those in the role of master over sometimes less than cooperative servants. But she knew how to play the game, and she would not stoop to unnecessary cruelty. Better to keep up an agreeable face. Perhaps they were sharks circling each other, but to any outside observer it would not seem that way. 

"Well, I am glad to hear that," she said once Maria had finished, indicating her approval as she relaxed a bit in her seat, shifting ever so slightly as she watched the wheelchair bound girl. "We can't have rogues running around inside Aurora, stealing Grief Seeds from the territory of Magical Girls just trying to live as best they can." It was better for all of them, since it lent the city more towards peace and stability, her preference on the whole. 

She tilted her head then, ever so slightly as her gaze narrowed almost imperceptibly. The game, to play your cards close and give away wheat you did and didn't know. Alexandra had her own informants, though she chose to leave things undisturbed, at least for the moment. "Is there anything else of note that you would like to report to me," she asked calmly, waiting to see what answer she would get. 

[hr]
[sub][@Stern Algorithm][/sub]

Byrea continued their fight, crying aloud as icicles rained in scattered patterns, shattering against the ice as Eponine moved and dodged, heaving towards the Witch as it flew amongst the ice passageways inside it's sphere. At least there were no Familiars inside at the moment, which made things easier for her as she fought the Witch solo. At least she had the skill to combat this, besides the fact that the Witch didn't make things easy for her.

But she managed to get in range and attack, blowing landing like thunder as she slammed the witch from three separate angles. It screeched and crumpled under the concurrent blows, the black ichor of it's blood spraying out as it practically collapsed.

Ice shattered in loud noises as the battered Witch slammed through pathways and bridges, proving a distraction for Eponine but one that could be overcome. Byrea herself seemed to be momentarily stunned, weakened by the hit as she came to a rest against crisscrossing bridges. If the magical girl was going to push the offensive, now would be the time. 

[hr]
[sub][@The book of bad juju][@TrixyTrix][/sub]

The Familiar didn't react as it was sprayed by the black tar that fueled Violetta's flamethrower. While they had some level of intelligence, all the Familiar knew was that it was hurting it's opponent, and didn't really care beyond that point. Perhaps to it's detriment, but it did deprive Violetta of a useful weapon in this fight.

That did little to prevent VIoletta from bludgeoning it to death, very successfully at that. But it still left the problem of the other approaching Familiars, especially with her unable to cut loose with her flamethrower to wipe them out in wide swathes. It seemed the time to fight would be quite long at that.

Fortunately, her angry mutterings were soon answered as a telepathic message reached her ear. [i]Sorry we took so long boss. This place is killer without good agility. Be with you in a few.[/i] Well, that would be one less thing to worry about, once they had finally gotten here. Then again, it probably would have been faster without kicking the proverbial hornet's nest ahead of time. By the same tioken, they might stumble upon the other magical girl hiding within the barrier if she wasn't careful.