[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Pqt7488.png[/img] [b]&[/b] [h1][color=baddab]Binky[/color] Birth of the White Coin[/h1][/center] Following shortly after the granting of the wish of magical knowledge, which wasn’t quite how Janet had intended things to turn out, the knightly twins were invited to a private meeting with the Beckoners of Penrose chapter. The meeting was held at the Conference Hall of Righteous Destiny, conveniently next to the cafeteria. “Jenna and Janet, the Shield Binity,” the lead Beckoner addressed them as it stood on the table, resembling a purple unicorn plushie. “It is wonderful to see you have accomplished your task, and proven your loyalty. ” The other Beckoners nodded, and a tiny elephant Beckoner blew trumpet sounds out of its trunk. “The Red Coins indeed can shape the holy power of the chosen, leading to greater vigilance.” The lion Beckoner agreed with a nod. “We have also come to learn of you now possessing the power of instantaneous purification. We have devised of a way to harness this sacred gift.” One of the Beckoners activated an archaic projector, and pointed at an image displayed on the wall; it was a coin. “A new source of power for the Chosen.” Looking at the projection for a moment Jenna spoke up. [color=plum]”A coin, hmm. That probably would be safer than the potion we were thinking about.”[/color] She said looking at Janet who nodded in agreement. [color=khaki]”We haven't really had the chance to even make a potion yet. Going to have to research how that works. Do you think Binky would be willing to help?”[/color] Janet thought aloud. Aside from the Mint and their Black Coin there was only really one other that they knew of that had the potential to produce coins quality enough to transform an existing magical girl or boy. Mulling it over the two could probably figure it out on their own. But why reinvent the wheel when you can start with something you can already get a hold of. The Beckoners nodded. “The poor lamb can indeed lend us her wisdom. Tabitha will send her the commandment, so join her in your quest for the new power.” [color=khaki]”Of course. We will do our best.”[/color] Handed some instructions in more detail the two girls were sent off to join Binky to begin their work. [hr] Even though Janet and Jenna had a good idea that the council would be interested in the purification magic they hadn’t imagined that they had plans. The documents given to them were magical in nature and tailored to only allow them to see their contents. This was discovered when they tried to show them to Binki and all she saw were blank pages. Even so the parchment was quite old and detailed, among other things, the methods that Beacon currently knew how to purify a corrupted magical girl. It required a lot of things to be right though and a ritual that was time consuming and risky at best. Having been imparted knowledge of the mystic arts talking with Binky had become a very different experience. No longer did the coin maker need to over simplify how or what she was doing. Being on par was odd only because it felt somewhat created in a way. Not that it could be changed now. Having a base with witch to develop a new coin made things much easier. And they were able to get a hold of things they needed from other Beacon locations to hone and craft the new coin. That isn’t to say that things were easy. Infusing enough magic to transform a magical boy or girl took time and patience. Also took being just a little bit crazy because on more than one occasion their prototypes destabilized and everyone had to run behind a protective barrier. Given a few of those incidents they forged a protective casing that they could place over the coin to contain the magic without having to retreat. [color=baddab]"Doesn't this seem a little strange to you two?"[/color] Binky stepped away from the shield. [color=baddab]"I can understand why old beacon would want a purifying coin, but why are we making one now that Beacon is tolerant of monster girls?"[/color] Janet had moved to clear some of the mess but when Binki brought up her question the blonde stopped briefly. It had crossed her mind a bit. It’s hard to say exactly why Beacon wanted this. It could potentially be several things. However there was one answer that stuck out to her. [color=khaki]”While I’m sure some people might see this as a step backward, I would like to believe that they’ll use it to help those that want it.”[/color] Disposing of the mess she glanced over to Jenna. Picking up where her sister left off Jenna tried to fill in some context. [color=plum]”So the potion that we told you about was actually used on us, or Janet technically. She had been brainwashed and forcibly turned into a monster girl against her will. Alicia used the potion to return her to normal which sort of started this whole accepting monster girls thing. That what you wanted Jan?”[/color] [color=khaki]”Yes, thank you. So from the way I see it these coins will give others that don’t want to be monster girls an option to be free of that. That was my intent with learning how to make the potion and why I’m working on the coin now.”[/color] She smiled lightly as she prepped the area for another attempt. [color=baddab]"Well, I've never been a monster, or powerful."[/color] Binky sighed. [color=baddab]"I guess the mental mutations could be a bit bothersome. I haven't done much research on that."[/color] She pointed at the protective glass shield. [color=baddab]"Mostly just, eh, well you know. Mana theory, coin theory, corruption theory, anything pertaining to the creation of the red coins."[/color] She folded her arms. [color=baddab]"Curious about you being a monster girl though. I've only ever encountered one and they gave me the heebie jeebies."[/color] She looked to Janet. [color=baddab]"I trust you don't miss it? Being powerful I mean. I doubt you could give an honest answer given our work environment."[/color] [color=khaki]”I can’t say I was a fan of being a monster girl. Any benefits it may have had were far outweighed by my negative experience. It does give me a unique perspective from the others in Beacon. I know what it’s like to have that mutation and being pushed to do things you might not want to do, either by that mutation or your patron. Justine didn’t really give me a choice. And I can’t say for sure that’s the case for all monster girls but I suspect there are others looking for a way out.”[/color] Having stopped to voice her thoughts an idea popped into her head. [color=khaki]”I could probably show you how I looked as a monster girl using my psychic power, if your curious.”[/color] She could do much more than that, but having had someone else’s will foisted on her herself she was wary of doing the same to others. Binky waved her hands in the air. [color=baddab]"T-that’s not necessary."[/color] she placed a hand behind her head. [color=baddab]"We should probably just finish the experiment."[/color] Nodding Janet turned back to their work. [color=khaki]Right right. I think we're getting close. You've been a big help.”[/color] Jenna stepping away and returning with another potion that they've been infusing into the coins they all got back to work. [hr] As tedious as it was they had made great progress in the last few days. Having basically buried themselves in the project the fruits of their labor still took a couple more days to sort out the method for creating a stable coin. Checking and rechecking by each of them they concluded that they had a viable sample. Now the question was, how do they test it? Contacting Tabitha they let her know of their progress. With that conundrum in mind Jenna put the coin in place on a pedestal where she had been created. Tapping her chin she glanced at Binki. [color=plum]”So how did you choose who would test the coin?”[/color] [color=baddab]"The red coins, you mean?"[/color] Binky hunched forward and tapped her fingers together. [color=baddab]"I just sort of advertised for it you could say. I looked for people who could benefit the most from it. I was looking for people who wanted to change, not people who wanted to be science experiments. None of my subjects were suppose to feel like science experiments. It was both good from a moral and ethical standpoint. I didn’t want to hurt people, nor did I want them to rebel against me. However..."[/color] Binky snorted and looked away. [color=baddab]"It didn’t really work out that way."[/color] She looked back at Jenna. [color=baddab]"But I would test this on someone who is willing to change. Someone who is 100% happy with not being a monster anymore. Or dark magical girl. It should technically reverse any corruption, right?"[/color] [color=khaki]”I see. But yes it should. It took a little tweaking but the magic should be able to purify both.”[/color] That little bit was something of an oversight of their wish. But since becoming a monster girl was a greater corruption it was fairly logical to step back and cleanse a dark magical girl in theory. [color=khaki]”Mm, if I could test it myself I could. I know it’s not the smartest way to do things but I wouldn't want to put someone through something I wasn't willing to do myself.”[/color] Indeed, putting the scientist through a test that could potentially harm them and ruin the whole experiment was a bad idea. Though the mentality could be a manifestation of her new inherent protective nature. [color=baddab]"You’re a monster girl?."[/color] Binky took a step closer to Janet. [color=baddab]"Didn’t you just say you [i]weren’t[/i] a monster girl anymore?"[/color] Binky was bouncing all around Janet, looking at her from different angles. [color=baddab]"I don’t even see any physical mutations, unless you’ve hidden them."[/color] She pulled back Janet’s shirt sleeve. Taken aback for a moment Janet raised her arms and watched as Binky circled around her. [color=khaki]”How did…? No I'm not anymore. But if I were I would gladly attempt it.”[/color] Pointing to Jenna the blonde attempted to explain her reasoning. [color=khaki]”Since we're practically identical magic wise one of us using the coin would mean the other would be the control. We do still have Monstrous Metamorphosis but I'm not sure if that would qualify as the same thing.”[/color] Binky froze in place. [color=baddab]"[i]Oh,[/i] I seem to have misunderstood."[/color] Binky’s eyes shifted side to side. [color=baddab]"Just remember, most good discoveries came from mistakes. There are too many examples to name."[/color] The cultist-looking girl crossed her arms and stepped away from the two. [color=baddab]"I do not believe a metamorphosis is brought on by corruption. So that would not be enough. But that’s a good idea, using twins for the experiment.. Do we know of any monster twins?"[/color] Shrugging a bit Jenna spoke up. [color=plum]”I don’t think Beacon has encountered that many in Penrose. We’d have to ask. And even then they’d have to want it.”[/color] Glancing at the coin briefly she turned her attention back to Janet. [color=plum]”Since we’re already purified about the only thing one of us using the coin would do is tell us if there are any drawbacks or if it has any effect on normal magical girls. We should probably wait until we have at least a second coin for something like that in case there are already plans for this one. But I think I might know someone that might be interested.”[/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Pqt7488.png[/img] [b]&[/b] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180513/5ef5b8f32a843a2a76c1b0aa903ab393.png[/img] [b]&[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/z6cC6JC.png[/img] [h1][color=yellow]Initiation[/color][/h1][/center] Later, after Penny was told by Sylvia to prepare herself for whatever she had planned, the robot girl and Alicia met with Tabitha back at the Beacon HQ. She was holding a notepad close to her chest, seemingly a bit nervous, and waited until Penny was finished performing maintenance. “Miss Penny, are you busy right now? I have an assignment from Sylvia that I believe you could help with.” She made a map appear on the notepad with her magic, and a circle around a specific room. “Janet and Jenna are currently working on a new project, and they have requested for a magical girl with...Qualities you possess.” She averted her eyes. “I think they may be working on a new type of magical Coin...It might be related to their recently acquired talent of brewing elixirs of purification.” Penny was doing better, once they had gotten her on to beacon grounds Laat’s influence over her dwindled drastically. Her mind still felt like it was full of static and her emotions were still handicapped, but she wasn’t struggling for coherence anymore. She was sitting down at a workbench with her right arm in pieces on the table in front of her. The work she was doing was hardly needed, as her regeneration took care of most of her standard maintenance, but she was using the work as a method to keep her mind off of things with a simple goal of changing what her tattoos looked like. She was adding engravings to the chainsaw’s teeth as Tabitha came over. [color=9e0039][u][b]“We can head over right now”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would respond a bit robotically to Tabitha, her arm pulling itself back together as she spoke. She would stand and look to Alicia before heading for the room that had been marked on the map and knocking. No one came to the door but a magic circle appeared on the floor. Before Penny or Alicia got the chance to react they were both teleported to the lab Beacon had made for the crafting of coins. Among the Binki clones moving around Janet and Jenna were measuring out some magical ingredients to start the next coin. As soon as they identified that their friends had arrived the Howell sisters stood up and hurried over. [color=khaki]”Penny! We’re glad you came. Come and look at this.”[/color] Leading her friend into the testing room she continued. [color=khaki]”Sorry we haven’t been around lately, but we’ve been busy working on this.’[/color] Janet picked up the White Coin and presented it to Penny. [color=khaki]”I told you I would keep an ear to the ground. With the help of Binky we were able to create this coin. It contains the same purifying magic that was used to change me back into a normal magical girl. It also has the power that whoever uses it will be converted into Beacon.”[/color] [color=plum]”We wanted to offer you the chance to test it before anyone else.”[/color] They both eagerly waited for Penny’s response. She stood there blinking and It took a few moments for Penny to work through what Janet and Jenna were saying to her before she could respond. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Thank you”[/b][/u][/color] She would reply with as much emotion as she could muster. This made her coming clean to Alicia and Sylvia earlier so much sweeter. She doubted that she would have been able to accept such a gift without drowning in guilt were she still silently betraying them. Cautiously the mechanical girl reached out for the White Coin. Treating it as a priceless wonder, because for her, it truly was. She turned slightly to give Alicia a chance to look at it as well, after all it wasn’t going to be around for much longer. Having arrived with the others, Alicia had followed along with Penny as they went deeper into the headquarters. They were in areas that she wasn’t entirely familiar with, mostly because her work didn’t tend to take her to spots like this. She had some idea of what was going on, but even she was surprised to find the Howell sisters waiting for them. Though she had some idea, her expectations turned out to be very off as the Howells produced a White Coin, rather than the red one she had been assuming they would use. That explained the risk at least. [color=aba000]“Huh, I didn’t know you guys had become scientists,”[/color] she remarked as she examined the coin when it was shown to her. [color=aba000]“Fingers crossed, right?”[/color] Penny having taken the coin, Janet stepped back. [color=khaki]”It’s a new development. But we’re all confident it will work.”[/color] Gesturing to a line on the floor Jenna stepped behind it. [color=khaki]”We’re still going to follow safety protocol though so if everyone could step back we can make this happen.”[/color] Following her own instructions she had the magic enclosure come down over Penny once everyone was clear. After the experience Janet had with how small it was they had made the space inside larger. Penny’s gaze once again return the the pure White Coin in her hands as the enclosure came down around her. She was idly running her thumb over the, now softly glowing, coin, scarcely able to believe that she was about to be rid of the corruption that had almost become second nature to her. To say nothing of being able to give Laat a giant middle finger. Suddenly the coin sublimated to motes of light that surged in brightness and size as they overcame the monstrous girl to quickly for her to do anything other than look surprised. It no time at all the entire inside of the enclosure was filled with a brilliant white light, that oddly wasn’t painful to look upon and In the center of the white light they could see Penny’s outline as a twisted mass of oily black shadows. The twisted mass of black seemed to be in agonizing pain as it thrashed around, but there was no sound coming from within the enclosure. Then suddenly there was the sound of a bell tolling as part of the silhouette vanished. The thrashing would escalate in intensity but just as quickly the bell would toll again. Each time more and more of the black shadow in the center would fade away. Very quickly there would be only a vague outline of black slowly stumbling around in the case of light. The light would dim then, turning a steely gray, before the bell would ring out one final time causing the light return to its pure white and flare up. Just before it would become blinding the light would vanish. To reveal Penny. She was standing right in the center of the enclosure exactly where she had been before the coin activated. It was easy to tell something had happened, as she was human. She also seemed to be missing most of her clothes, save for her jacket and the necklace Chloe had given her, and she was covered in sweat and was quite literally steaming. The steam seemed to be primarily coming from her tattoos, were still there, but they had been changed as they seemed to have a rainbow sheen depending on how they caught the light, and most of the designs had changed as well. The girl herself hadn’t yet seem to notice the light had left, her eyes were closed and she had a serene look on her face. It was ruined somewhat, when she collapsed to the ground, but she did open her eyes at least. [color=9e0039]“I…”[/color] she croaked out before swallowing [color=9e0039]“I think it worked”[/color] Unsure as to what she should expect, Alicia was quick to follow the others behind the protective barrier as the coin was activated. Her expression must have matched the others at least, as she watched the impressive procedure with wide eyes. Geez, that looked like it had to hurt. But the fading black was good, right? Right? Then at last it faded away, to reveal a dramatically changed Penny. [color=aba000]“Wow,”[/color] Alicia remarked, stepping out from behind the barrier now that it was over. While doing her best not to stare of course. [color=aba000]“That was...a thing.”[/color] It certainly looked like it had worked. Tabitha was once again in utter shock after a Coin had been used before her. She held the notepad before her face, her cheeks bright red as she realized the breezy result of Penny’s transformation. “I-I’ll go get some clothes for Penny!” She blurted out, and left the room as if escaping it. Soon enough, she returned with Sylvia, carrying a pile of clothes consisting of a white button-up shirt, a pair of white panties and socks, and a school uniform consisting of a jacket and skirt. There was also a long towel of a bright yellow color in the pile. “Th-These were the only ones we had in stock. A lot of our members attend the local school, and, uhh...” She bowed as she held the clothes out to her, keeping her face down. Sylvia on the other hand seemed to not believe what she was looking at. “Well slap me sideways and call me Joe, it worked!” She turned towards Jenna and Janet, and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. “Janet, Jenna...today you have made history. The Beckoners will surely be happy about this. I think we can even convince the central government, if this proves to be capable of granting the ShineSpark.” Congratulating one another on the successful test, Janet and Jenna beamed. Turning her attention to Binki for a moment the blonde put a thumbs up. [color=khaki]”We couldn’t have done it without Binki. She made this possible as much as we did.”[/color] Giving Binki a pat on the back as she smiled. Jenna looking over Penny without much regard to the fact that she had essentially nothing on. [color=plum]”How are you feeling?”[/color] She wanted to ask a ton of other questions, but not wanting to overwhelm her friend she left it simple.to start. There would be plenty of time to talk. Something Sylvia said drew her attention. [color=plum]”ShineSpark?”[/color] While the coin production was in large part thanks to Binki, Janet and Jenna provided the purification component. However, the last portion that they had worked in, the part that brought the coin user into the fold, was based off of magic that Beacon had provided for this specific project. While the three had figured out how to work it into the coin it was quite complicated and above their pay grade at the moment. Penny had huddled up in her jacket trying desperately to hide her scarlett blush at the unexpected result of the coin. Though in hindsight it made sense, the clothes had always been a part of her disguise alongside human skin, but she was no longer using magic to hide who she was. That or it was a vindictive parting shot from Laat. Regardless the newly purified girl was immensely grateful to Tabitha for the spare clothes and delayed only long enough to find somewhere private to preserve her modesty before she quickly toweled off and changed in to the school uniform. [color=9e0039]“I... feel great”[/color] She would answer Jenna when she finally returned. A part of her kept expecting to feel the strain that was normally associated with being human start up any second, but the longer it went without showing up the wider and wider her smile would grow. To say nothing of how her thoughts felt, that compulsive itch, the wrapped and twisted need to tear things apart was gone, her mind felt like it was her own again. She could also feel her magic flowing smooth and calm within her. It didn't feel very different, which Penny took as a good thing, but there was something settled into her core that hadn't been there before. [color=9e0039]“Is that the Spark I’ve heard about”[/color] she would murmur to herself entranced with getting to know her own body again. Alicia waited patiently until Penny had gotten dressed, instead focusing on Jenna, Janet, and Binky. It seemed her decision to cut that deal was working out for them, in ways that she couldn’t even have anticipated when it happened at the time. A coin that did something like this? It was amazing. [color=aba000]“I know my word might not mean all that much, but I’ll do my best to ensure your hard work doesn’t go to waste,”[/color] she assured the Twins. A discovery like this, she could tell that it was too important to simply ignore. The real question was just how much of an impact she could have, since she certainly didn’t feel all that influential. That said, she turned and stepped over to Penny, offering her a handshake. [color=aba000]“That’s good to hear.”[/color] She wore a smile of her own, though it was not as vibrant as hers was. [color=aba000]“Welcome to Beacon, for real this time.”[/color] Tabitha seemed to continue blushing, even as Penny came out fully dressed. She smiled with a bright, nervous expression, and then bowed once more. Sylvia nodded, her arms crossed. “Yes, I suppose it is time.” She took something from her pocket: it was the Black Coin that Penny had entrusted her with. “I will show you.” She looked at Penny, and offered the coin to her. “Take it.” The moment she would do so, a flash of light would burst out from Penny, sending the coin to shoot off. It hit the wall of the room with enough force for it to leave a small, coin-sized indent as it dropped down with a clink. Sylvia smiled. “It works,” she declared confidently. “The ShineSpark will protect us...For good.” [color=khaki]“Don’t sell yourself short Alicia,”[/color] Janet spoke. [color=khaki]“You and me, our magics kind of puts us in a support sort of role. But I never would have thought of trying to make something like this if you first hadn’t made your wish for that potion. And you chose to give it to me and support me during the trial. I might be helping with this magic stuff but you’ve helped change Beacon and pave the way to make this possible.”[/color] Beaming she hugged both Alicia and Penny. [color=khaki]”Now we can make a big difference together.”[/color] The hug was cut short as Tabitha approached to demonstrate something. The twins watching as the coin shot off. Then Jenna spoke up first. [color=khaki]”Wow, so from the looks of it the ShineSpark actively protects from corruptive magic. That’s huge.”[/color] Jenna picked up the Black Coin and quickly returned it to Tabitha. She was none too willing to hold onto the dark object knowing full well what it could do. [color=plum]”It also means we’re going to be busy. It’s going to take a while to make enough coins for everyone in Beacon to use. Even if more than one person uses one.”[/color] Pausing briefly Janet eventually nodded in agreement. [color=khaki]”And we’ll want to check that it has the same effect on regular magical girls. Though I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t. I suppose the next coin will tell.”[/color] [color=aba000]“I suppose you’re right,”[/color] Alicia conceded, returning Janet’s hug even if she didn’t have as much energy in it as the other girl did. But any concerns of hers had been laid to rest for the moment, as a result of the encouragement given. It was just two different aspects of the same thing, and one was not more important than the other. That was drawn short by the demonstration, having quite the visible result as the Black Coin was sent slamming into the wall with considerable force by the effect of this ‘ShineSpark’. She just had to wonder when she would get one of those. [color=aba000]“Well it’s about time,”[/color] she decided with a nod, hands resting on her hips as she glanced at the impact crater. [color=aba000]“First Justine and then Regina, I was worried that we were in trouble with how many of us were getting taken over by darker forces.”[/color] It didn’t exactly speak well for Beacon if they were so susceptible to such forces. Penny would disregard the handshake, instead pulling Alicia in to a tight hug. Penny was free, and there were no words to explain how that felt. In the the brawlers mind in was all due to Alicia simply because she was willing to give her a chance. [color=9e0039]”None of this would have happened without you.”[/color] She would add on to twins encouragement [color=9e0039]“You didn’t argue against me being a Monstergirl back when the Beckoners were seeking the help of Laat. You chose to give Kimble a second chance. Your wish and defense of Janet lead to this new Coin that will change the world. You did something that not even a God with millennia worth of trying was able to accomplish. You changed Beacon, simply by being you...”[/color] Penny was more then willing to go on, due to being somewhat overwhelmed with relief and joy at being cleansed, but was internally thankful for Tabitha and Sylvia interrupting before she got too carried away and did something embarrassing. The outcome of the demonstration left her transfixed, she stared at the indent in the wall caused by the Black Coin being violently rejected by the Shine Spark. There were a few reasons for why Penny had been entranced by it, the first was a fear she hadn't even gotten around to realizing had been banished with that small demonstration. Nothing, and no one would be able to force her back into the hell she had just gotten out of so long as she held that spark close. Next was the instinctive desire that welled up within her when she touched the coin. It was almost identical to the one she used to struggle against everyday, but calmer less frenzied, and entirely focused at the Coin. She would need to transform to be sure, but she had a suspicion that she still wasn’t fully human. [color=9e0039]“Alicia get’s the next White Coin”[/color] Penny would say solemnly as she tracked the Black coin as it was put away into safe storage, wondering, not for the first time, if there was anyway to destroy the corrupted thing without using it. [color=khaki]”Four to a coin should be a safe number I would suggest along with Alicia that Binki, Jenna, and myself use the next coin. While we all might not have all the pieces to making this coin we need to protect how it was done.”[/color] Janet stated definitively. [color=khaki]”Once information about the White Coin comes to light I have no doubt that someone will be after how Beacon made it. And we would be the links to that.”[/color] Stopping she looked over to Binki. [color=khaki]”Not that I’m trying to force you into Beacon, but you understand what I’m saying.”[/color] [color=baddab]"Yea."[/color] Binky whimpered. [color=baddab]”I don’t really have a choice.”[/color] [color=aba000]“No, that’s not right,”[/color] Alicia said with a shake of her head, once she was free from the tight hug. She ignored what Penny said for the moment, having moved past her own feelings, and not particularly caring if she ended up getting the next White Coin. They had a solution for that, and she was more worried about the others anyway rather than herself. Nothing unfortunate had happened to her yet anyway. Not compared to the others. Looking over at Binky, she flashed the scientist a warm smile. [color=aba000]“Forcing her to join us isn’t going to incentivize her to protect anything, and forcing membership isn’t what we’re about. There has to be another way.”[/color] Binky was twiddling her thumbs. [color=baddab]”I agree, but I was under the impression that-”[/color] Admittedly, she didn’t have much of a solution, but they had to at least try, right? [color=aba000]“Janet, Jenna, maybe you guys could put a mental block in her mind to help her resist that kind of interrogation? Or at least something to tell us that she’s in trouble so we can stage a rescue?”[/color] Psychic powers weren’t her domain, so those two were more likely to know what was possible than she was. “Alicia makes a good point,” Tabitha spoke as she took her backpack and quickly dropped the Black Coin in it. “Binky should not be pressured into joining as a member. We would then stoop to the level of the vile Ebon Mint. We are a family.” She took Binky’s hand with both of hers. “No matter what happens, we’ll be there for you, Binky.” She stared intensely at the girl. “I won’t let anyone hurt my precious-I mean, my friend.” Sylvia shook her head. “That might work for now, but I have a feeling it won’t just be the Mint who’s after her. I’ve heard some worrisome reports of a certain girl rising in power...Here.” She placed a token on Binky’s palm. “Hold on to that. We will come rescue you if you ever get in trouble.” She then turned. “Tabitha, begin preparations for the further production of White Coins; I want a full demonstration by Friday.” And with that, she walked off, though Alicia could spot a relieved smile faintly on her lips as she left. Binky was still looking at her palm. [color=baddab]”Is this what I think it is? Oh dear.”[/color] her fingers tightened around it. [color=baddab]”Do we get attacked that often?”[/color] [color=9e0039]“No, but it never hurts to be prepared.”[/color] Penny would say fiddling with her own given token. [color=plum]”Friday? Well I guess we’ll be busy this week.”[/color] She glanced over at her workbench. Nodding in agreement Janet turned to Binki. [color=khaki]”That should give us the time to protect you as best we can. With a few days I think we could get some pretty strong wards around you so won’t have to worry about anyone getting to you too easily.”[/color] [color=baddab]”Guys, I’m scared!”[/color] Binky’s knees trembled. Alicia was pleased to find that her point was supported by other members of the group, and a situation quickly worked out. For her part she would nod in agreement, leaving the specific details to those who were more knowledgeable about such things. [color=aba000]“I’ve already met people looking for her. But at least we’re in one of the safest spots in town,”[/color] Alicia confirmed as the topic of potential attack came up. Most people weren’t that dumb, but for a target like this they would be more than willing to make an exception. Hence being prepared. She turned to Janet and Jenna, offering the two of them a warm smile of approval. “I’m sure you two have got this under control. But if you need anything, feel free to ask.” Considering the matter Jenna tried to put together what she knew. To be fair it wasn’t all that much. Penrose had become more and more complicated with so many factions popping up since she had shown up. [color=plum]”Faith and Lotus were pretty adamant about being cautious about letting Binky continue making coins, or at least the Red ones. Our efforts haven’t really focused on that much aside from Janet. Maybe we should try and talk with these girls and try to make peace.”[/color] [color=khaki]”Might help if we knew exactly what their grievances are. Circumstances were pretty different for me. But given my understanding more or less how the coins work I can’t really say they’re malicious.”[/color] Rubbing her chin she didn’t have enough of the pieces to properly give options. [color=khaki]”But right now in my mind the wards are to keep you safe from sneak attacks and whatnot. Having been kidnapped once myself I’m pretty sure we can come up with something. And then the rest of Beacon can back you up. We’ve learned a lot over the last few months and no one is just going to bully Beacon or its allies anymore.”[/color] She smiled with that added determination. It may not be the most encouraging speech ever but she hoped the support would lift Binky’s spirits. But Binky had sunken to her knees, still clutching the token in her hands. [color=baddab]”T-those two? You talked to them?”[/color] Her voice was trembling. [color=baddab]”I don’t think they’re going to settle for anything less than my head. They were part of my original experiment program. They both agreed to join by choice but-”[/color] Binky swallowed. [color=baddab]”Lotus was not really that happy about her new transformation. She’s with Sammy, that girl who almost mauled me with her cats.”[/color] She fell on her side and started to shiver. [color=baddab]”They’re the reason I don’t try to escape from here.”[/color] Binky’s eyes scanned the room. [color=baddab]”I mean some of you are pretty scary, but no one compare to Lotus!”[/color] Raising an eyebrow slightly Jenna wasn’t completely sure how to take that. [color=plum]”Thanks?”[/color] She supposed she couldn’t blame Binky not really wanting to be a part of anything. What with moving from one organization to another. So far it seemed that she was wherever she was to avoid some other threat. It was somewhat disappointing that she didn’t trust them. Maybe not them specifically, but perhaps Beacon. She was there because of what she knew after all. [color=khaki]”What can you tell us about the people you tested on before? What should we expect of them?”[/color] [color=baddab]”I was unable to fully gauge their new abilities, so I can’t help you much there.”[/color] Binky tucked her knees into her chest. [color=baddab]”But I know about their personalities. Faith is the leader, regardless of how menacing Lotus seems. She will do anything Faith asks of her. There are a few others who follow them, but again, I know very little about them.”[/color] Binky sighed. [color=baddab]”Um, actually yes! Aside from Sammy there was a pair of twin souls. What were their names? Well, they were big on music at least. Obsessed with the idea of becoming famous. There might have been another, but I was so busy running away from Sammy I can’t really say. But there are at least five of them, and if you want to talk to them, talk to Faith. She runs the show.”[/color] She placed a hand over her face. [color=baddab]”Thanks for setting this all up. I do appreciate it. But you must forgive me, as all of this excitement has me feeling really tired. And I think my clones are sleeping in my bed. So...”[/color] Binky started snoring. The girls had never seen anyone fall asleep nearly instantly. They had been at this pretty hard for the last several days, so it made sense. And given that Janet and Jenna shut up and glanced at Penny and Alicia. Motioning to the other room they stepped out so as not to disturb their exhausted friend. [color=khaki]"Well I guess we're done here. Jenna and I still got to get everything else done but you should probably get going. We'll have to wait to hang out once this whole project is wrapped up."[/color]