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[color=9e0039][u][b]“Chloe?”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would call out as she stepped into the girl’s Apartment. [color=9e0039][u][b]“You home?”[/b][/u][/color] she would ask before walking further in too look for her small friend. It had been a few days since Penny had joined Beacon in a more concrete fashion. She had tried to drop by earlier to simply hang out with her friend but life had become rather busy for the cleansed Monster girl.

Granted most of it was Penny’s own fault as she had recently started remodeling her lair. In hopes of being able to start up a project she had wanted to for a long time, but that was neither here nor there.

[color=violet]“On the bed, dear!”[/color] Chloe called out from where she had been idly flipping through a book. It wouldn't take Penny long to find the Dark Magical girl splayed out on the bed, next to a white haired girl who was staring intently at a bedside lamp.

“Mhm...so you want me to start today?”

[color=violet]“The more we have, the better when the time comes, Divina.”[/color] Chloe said. [color=violet]“...and if you run into any Beacon, do behave. I don't want to start trouble with them, but if they try anything you have my permission to defend yourself. Understand?”[/color]

“Yes, of course. Fighting is bad.” The moth girl nodded, still not taking her eyes off the lamp, at least until she noticed Penny. “...Ah, the girl from the graveyard.”

[color=violet]“Penny, Divina. Divina, Penny.”[/color] Chloe briefly introduced them. [color=violet]“New girl. Beacon thinks I poached her with malicious intent but all I did was free her of that silly brainwashing that pathetic excuse of a man put her under.”[/color]

“Now now, it's not good to talk about the dead in such a fashion, Chloe. I'm sure you two had more in common than you think.” Chloe laughed at that, before giving Divina a light whack on the back of the head.

[color=violet]“Yea, probably not. Anyone who does any sort of brainwashing is rather uncouth and I want nothing to do with them.”[/color] Sitting up and turning to face Penny with a friendly smile, Chloe offered her friend a place on the bed next to her. [color=violet]“What brings you here today, my lovely little Penny?”[/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Yeah Elroy was a piece of work alright”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would agree, waving a greeting at Divina as electricity started arcing over her metal chassis. 
Causing it to start to digitizing before it sublimated away leaving her in her human state. 

[color=9e0039]“Still annoyed that I didn’t get satisfying feedback from our clash”[/color] She would grumble as she flopped down onto the bed next to Chloe [color=9e0039]“I dropped in because I wanted to see how you were doing Chloe and I felt like taking a break, had an interesting couple of days, plus I’ve been remodeling my lair.”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“Oh”[/color] Penny would snap her fingers before pointing at Divina [color=9e0039]“If you want to avoid Beacon try to keep out of the North Eastern parks area. One of the scouts called in something over there, so they moved some more girls over to that area”[/color]

“Truly?” Divina tilted her head adjusting her glasses slightly. She walked over to Penny, studying her for a moment before giggling lightly. “Ah, thank you. I'd give you a hug but Chloe says you're a little shy and almost gave poor Aurora a swift end.”

[color=violet] “Don't tease her Divina.”[/color] Chloe grinned. [color=violet]“Only I'm allowed to do that.”[/color] She glanced over to Penny, flipping a page in the book. [color=violet] “Remodeling, though? What for, exactly?”[/color]

[color=9e0039]”It’s not like that”[/color] Penny would groan out [color=9e0039]“Just not comfortable with most people touching me when I’m human”[/color] she would explain before shaking her head.

[color=9e0039]“That’s right, I haven't had a chance to tell you yet!”[/color] She would cheer as she pushed herself up to sit [color=9e0039]“I’m no longer chained to Laat! Apparently Beacon’s been working on some interesting things and developed their own Coin type. It’s a white one and it purifies rather then corrupts. Comes with a Beacon membership and an upgraded Spark as well.”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“Didn’t fully work on me, as I'm still a monster girl”[/color] She went on sounding relieved at that fact, and she was. Her lack of being human was one of the things that had oddly enough brought her the most comfort out of her joining the community, she just always thought that her corruption and her inhuman nature were one and the same. She was glad to be proven wrong.

[color=9e0039]”But I haven't told them that. Still feeling out all the changes it brought on since it changed my standard form but one of the perks is that I can hold either form indefinitely. It’s nice to wake up still feeling the comforting sensation of a blanket again.”[/color] She would explain with a soft smile. [color=9e0039]“Sorry, you weren’t there for it. And I know you tried to help before, but I’m glad we didn’t push it then. Laat nearly forced me into a full transformation and I’m not sure if I could have lived with myself if He had gotten me to lash out at you.”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“Since then I’ve been working on making my lair in to a shelter of sorts. I’m not the only monster girl who’s not evil and I know there has to be other Dark magical girls like you who aren't evil, but there really isn’t a place for any of them to get help. So I figured that I would make one, now that I won’t get punished for building something up.”[/color] She would at last answer the question that had been asked of her.

Chloe listened with only mild interest as Penny started talking about something. No longer chained to Laat? Coin that purifies? How nice-There was an almost imperceptible twitch with Chloe's left eyelid. It got rid of...that corruption? That thing that made Penny, Penny? The thing Chloe had fallen in love with? Did she understand that right? And not only that, she had joined beacon as a lackey? That would explain how she knew of their whereabouts.

Chloe inhaled.

Closed the book she was reading, placing it on a nearby desk.

Exhale.

[color=violet]“That's quite the ambitious little project you have there.”[/color] In theory, it was one she even approved of. In theory. In. Theory. There were so many things wrong with it now though, it was scary, the fact beacon even had something that could purify something so easily was scary to her.

Why.

Why did the world want her to change? Why did any of them have to change.

Pathetic.

Futile. Ah, why couldn’t she just kill them all with the press of a button.

Chloe hopped up off the bed, walking over to Divina. Even if Penny was doing this with the best of intentions, would Beacon really let them, unpurified monster girls and dark magical girls live? Doubtful. Unlike Penny...most didn't mind their mutations. Most were incredibly fine with it.

[color=violet]“You should get going, and if you see Aurora tell him to return here soon. And if he's late he's not getting any cake.”[/color]

With a nod, and a goodbye to Penny, Divina made for the door. Maybe she could use this to her advantage. She was in the market for girls. For people. For ones pure enough for it. Pure enough for her world. It was a dirty thing to do, leveraging your friends like this...and it certainly pained her to potentially deceive Penny like this, but it was an opportunity.

[color=violet]“A project I approve of.”[/color] Chloe smiled briefly. [color=violet]“...I would help myself, but well...Beacon currently has it out for me. I’m assuming they would be all over that place, or at least watching it closely.”[/color] She frowned, shaking her head. [color=violet]“If it wasn't for Divina, it'd be baseless accusations simply because everyone always blames the dark magical girls for bad times.”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“When they learn of it, you’re probably right”[/color] Penny would agree as she stretched out on the bed [color=9e0039]“I’m hoping to get the place fully set up and running before Beacon catches on though. There is a few of them, like Alicia, who would be alright with it but doubt most would be happy with it. Or me for that matter”[/color] She would explain easily, unaware of the turmoil she had caused within her friend.

[color=9e0039]“And as I still see it as baseless; Divina hasn’t asked to go back, cause I’m sure you’d let her go if she wanted too.”[/color] Penny added before shaking her head [color=9e0039]“Not everyone wants to be human, and there is nothing wrong with that. One of the things I’ll just never agree with when it comes to Beacons policies”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“Oh, before I forget! Would you mind if I moved in here?”[/color] Penny would ask, remembering one of the reasons she had wanted to see Chloe.

Well, at least it seemed like Penny was still being cautious about this. That was good. Maybe she hadn't completely lost control of her yet. Just yet. Still, her being part of beacon – having that spark, it wasn't something that Chloe was ever going to feel right with her having. So many things could go wrong. So many hurtful, painful, impure things. She didn't want Penny to be in such a position. Ah, but such pains were also part of love so who was she to complain?

But for now, she just listened with her usual smile until Penny made quite the suggestion.

[color=violet]“Eh?”[/color] Chloe blinked. [color=violet]“Move in...with me?”[/color] Chloe visibly wavered, holding a hand over her heart as her breathing quickened slightly. Penny? Move in? With her? Ahhh, her little love nest was getting a new little love, heh! Ah, it had felt so empty after Isana left.

[color=violet]“Ahaaha~”[/color] Before Penny could say anything, in a perhaps mildly off putting manner, Chloe had wrapped the girl up in a hug, pressing her face against hers and giggling happily. [color=violet]“Ah my sweet little Penny of course you can move in with me! Aaaah, we'll have so much fun! Of course Divina and Aurora also kind of live here now, but that'll be fine! Eeeh, what should we do first? Movie night? Tea party? Clothes shopping? You need to let me dress you up one of these days! I have the loveliest dress for you. Oh-I know~”[/color] She pressed her lips dangerously close to Penny's ear.

[color=violet]“Maybe...you want...me for your first night here?~”[/color]

Penny had some ideas about how Chloe would react to her request, and she had been nervous about asking. Being glomped had levied her worries, but hadn’t been one of the outcomes that she had been expecting. Still she returned the hug as a bit as Chloe started to gush with ideas of things to do in what Penny assumed was celebration.

[color=9e0039][i]‘Why do people keep wanting to dres- Wait... WHAT!?’[/i][/color]

Penny went rigid as she first processed what Chloe had just suggested, an utterly stunned look on her face as she did. [color=9e0039]“Bwa..”[/color] She replayed the words in her head over, assuming she misheard or something. [color=9e0039]“Di..”[/color] She tried laughing it off [color=9e0039]“Haa…”[/color] She tried asking for Chloe to say it again [color=9e0039]“Wha..”[/color]

The unfortunate thing is that she was trying to do all of them at the same time, and only succeeded in babbling incoherently as she tried to make heads or tails of the situation she found herself in. All the while her face was turning brighter and brighter as a blush started to grow rampantly due to the words looping in her head.

After a few moments Penny gave up trying to verbalize a response and settled for trying burying her face in her hands as she waited for her brain to reboot.

Penny's embarrassed reaction caused Chloe to giggle impishly, not releasing the mecha girl from the hug so easily. Instead her grip seemed to tighten almost possessively on the girl, obviously not wanting to let her go. Before Penny could even question what she was doing, Chloe placed a playful kiss on Penny's cheek before hopping off the bed and clapping excitedly.

[color=violet]“Ah, you've made me a very happy girl, my adorable easily teased Penny.”[/color] She held a hand to the side of her face, a wide grin forming on her lips. [color=violet]“I almost don't even know what to do with myself.”[/color] Calming herself down a bit, Chloe knelt by the edge of the bed. [color=violet]“Ehe, is there anything you want to do, first my little Penny? With me or otherwise?~”[/color]

Penny tried to level a glare at Chloe, she really did, but with blushing, and trying to keep the blush hidden, the whole thing came off more as a pout then anything.  [color=9e0039]“Wasn’t expecting such a reaction”[/color] she would mumbel before shaking her head while taking a steadying breath.

[color=9e0039]“Movie night doesn’t sound bad”[/color] Penny would offer up after a few moments of clearer thought, [color=9e0039]“I’d need to head back to my lair to grab what little I care to keep from there, but I was there before coming over so it wouldn’t take too long.”[/color]

[color=violet]“I'll get some popcorn and see if I have anything good around here. Anything you wanna see?”[/color] Chloe merely giggled at Penny's attempts at being angry. [color=violet]“I'm not really up to date on movies and stuff.”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“I’ve not had much of a chance to watch anything in the past year, so I’m up for whatever”[/color] Penny would explain, hoping that Chloe wasn’t a fan of horror movies as Penny really wasn’t a fan of them herself but knew better then to out herself on that fact if she wanted to avoid more teasing.

[color=9e0039]“I’ll go grab my stuff while you set up?”[/color] she asked as she sat up from the bed.

[color=violet]“Maybe a superhero film? I think I have a few horror flicks around here too...”[/color] Chloe tilted her head slightly to the side. [color=violet]“Geh, not having access to basic cable or internet...eh, never mind. I'll figure something out. See ya in a few?”[/color]

Penny hoped that her slight flinch at the mention of a horror movie went unnoticed as she replied [color=9e0039]“Yeah be right back. Also I might have a work around for the internet thing but I’ll have to play around with it later to figure it out.”[/color] With that she ventured back to her lair to grab the very limited things she wanted to keep safe and not on her person.

It was the work of only a few minutes, and a couple trips as Penny didn’t feel like changing back to speed things along, but soon Penny had everything she cared to bring with her. A couple boxes labeled ‘Scrap’, one labeled ‘Food’. Her box of clothes, her computer, her pile of blankets and a smaller box containing the pieces of Thalia’s flute.

 She had set most of it in Isana’s old room, but placed the computer in the living room to play around with trying to establish an internet connection to it via wifi and her transdimensional commlink. [color=9e0039]“Moving is much easier when you can teleport between the two places”[/color] She would announce when she was done grabbing everything, sitting down on the couch as she did so.

While Penny went about getting all her stuff, Chloe set about making some popcorn, other various snacks, and getting a couple of drinks from the fridge. Unfortunately for Penny, her little flinch didn't go quite unnoticed. She wouldn't be too mean, but she couldn't not take this opportunity to tease Penny a little. She placed some popcorn on the couch next to her, and a handful of drinks on a small coffee table in front of the sofa.

[color=violet]“I just have someone else do the moving for me.”[/color] Chloe chuckled. [color=violet]“Being peoples boss is really nice, heh.”[/color] Cozying up next to Penny, Chloe wasn't shy about sitting as close as she could to the other girl. [color=violet]“So. I got the new one about that giant lizard, the new one in the 'Circlet' series'.”[/color] She glossed over the name quickly – it was the horror movie. [color=violet]“annd that super hero movie everyone was talking about.”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“Hmm, choices…Not feeling the supers movie, feels a bit too much like the day to day now”[/color] Penny would think aloud, not really minding Chloe’s proximity. [color=9e0039]“Haven't seen any of the other ‘Circlet’ movies.”[/color] Nor did she have any plans to [color=9e0039]“So giant lizard flick it is I suppose.”[/color] She would decide before she took off her jacket and threw it on one of the of the chairs in the room. 

[color=9e0039]“Wonder if the appeal of giant monster films will go up or down now that I can become one?”[/color] Penny would wonder absently at the slightly absurd realization that the Monster girl had voted to owatch the Giant monster movie.

[color=violet]“Tsk~”[/color] Chloe didn't understand the appeal of it, and she wasn't about to miss this chance to mess with Penny just a bit more. [color=violet]“Alright alright, just for you.”[/color] Walking over to the TV, Chloe quickly turned on the movie before retaking her seat next to Penny. Except, it seemed like before hand someone put the discs in the wrong case before hand. While the DvD booted up, Chloe snuggled up next to Penny again. Soon the main menu for the DvD booted up - and it was most certainly not the giant monster movie.

[color=violet]“...oh. How did that get there.”[/color] She wondered innocently.

Penny winced as the title theme came on, and couldn’t help but give Chloe a look. She wasn’t buying the innocent look. Sadly she also knew that she had been caught out as well so she just sighed, [color=9e0039]“It’s your call in the end, but I grabbing a blanket if you're actually putting this on and you can’t stop me”[/color] She would say pointedly.

[color=violet]“You mean to tell me my brave little Penny is scared of some obviously fictional monsters?”[/color] Chloe teased. Chloe coyly glanced off to the side with a small smile. [color=violet]“You spoil me, letting me get away with this Penny. We can watch the monster one after this one. It'll make you feel better, heh.”[/color] Pressing the play button the movie started.

[color=9e0039]“Hey! You can say they are fictional all you want, but according to most people so is magic.”[/color] Penny would call out as she went to grab a blanket as threatened, it was as close to admitting it she was willing to get.

She came back a moment later with a large comforter and proceed to cocoon herself in it as she returned to her spot on the couch. [color=9e0039]“I fight it now, it gets worse later”[/color] Penny would quip [color=9e0039]“‘Sides you’re letting me move in”[/color] she added as if that explained it, before setting in for the movie, partially curious what brand of terror Chloe had put in.

[color=violet]“Heh~”[/color] Chloe giggled airily. [color=violet]“Feel free to hug your nearest dark magical girl for protection if you get too scared. She won't mind.”[/color]

The movie opened on a scene of two girls discussing a cursed tape. A tape that kills people in seven days, and one of them watched it a week ago. Later that night she and four other teenagers were killed in a horrific accident. The friend, morbidly curious tries to unravel the mystery. Finding the tape, she watches it – only to quickly realize she has been cursed and has seven days to live. The movie eventually ends with the heroine living by making a copy of the movie...and giving it to someone else to watch.

Penny tried her best to not let the movie get to her, partly out of an attempt to save face, partly in an attempt to now give Chloe what she wanted. Which the mechanical girl felt had something to do with the dark girls last comment, but it hit all the right points that set Penny on edge. 

It dealt with Curses, which Penny knew to be real, vengeful spirits, another thing she knew to be real and was generally a more suspense horror. Penny could deal with slashers, mainly by laughing at them, but the ones that set up an atmosphere pulled Penny in all too easily.

Thus long before the movie ended Penny had latched on to Chloe, and often hid either behind the spirit witch or under the cover of the blanket she had brought out.

[color=9e0039]“Brr...”[/color] Penny would say as she shivered once the movie reached the credits her normal calm returning now that the movie had ended. [color=9e0039]“Still don’t get why people enjoy those”[/color] She would give herself another shake.

Tilting her head to the side she looked at Chloe, who she had yet to relinquish from her hold [color=9e0039]“Would you be able to do something like that with your magic?”[/color] she would ask out of morbid curiosity. 

Chloe herself, obviously enjoyed the movie, and spending time with Penny.

[color=violet]“...Hmm, if I could find the correct spirit, I could probably do it.”[/color] Chloe replied in a fairly nonchalant fashion, enjoying the Penny hugs. [color=violet]“It'd be quite the effective way of getting away with murder, heh~”[/color] With an impish chuckle, she patted Penny on the head. [color=violet]“But it'd be quite ineffective against other magical girls, wouldn't it? They could just blast it to pieces. Suppose it'd depend on how strong it was, though. Anyways, want to put on the monster flick? I'll go make some more popcorn. Anything else you want?”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“Hmm, True”[/color] Penny would concede as she detanged herself from the mess of blanket. [color=9e0039]“Could you set the Spirit to trigger when they fell asleep?”[/color] She would ask, as she set about switching to the Monster film. She was always curious about the finer points of magical capability, mainly due to lack of it.

[color=9e0039]“Refill on drinks would be appreciated”[/color] Penny would answer as Chloe started towards the kitchen. Afterwards she would get to the DVD menu and explore some of the side menus as she waited.

[color=violet]“I could probably do so.”[/color] Chloe replied, grabbing something fizzy for Penny and just some water for herself. It'd be incredibly easy too, really. Just like any ambush though, it'd depend on a number of factors. [color=violet]“I'd really not rather mess with it unless I have to though.”[/color] Chloe sighed. [color=violet]“While it would be useful, it'd be incredibly dangerous. Especially if it fails, then the other person knows your coming for them giving them ample time to prepare.”[/color]

Walking back into the main room, Chloe sat the popcorn down on the coffee table, handing the drink to Penny as she took a seat next to her again.

[color=violet]“Why? Want to be a test subject for some new spells of mine?”[/color]

[color=9e0039]“Pass, hard pass.”[/color] Penny would say accepting the drink. She may trust Chloe but she wasn’t sure how she felt about being on the reciving end of assassination spells that were a work in progress. [color=9e0039]“At least as long as your working on spells that would end up killing me in my at any rate. I’m just trying to get a feel for what Magic can do still I guess, lots of ideas, no clue what works or not.”[/color] She would say in hopes of explaining her curiosity. 

[color=9e0039]“Anyway, Now for something a bit more actiony”[/color] She would say before hitting the play button.

The giant monster movie, started off with a view of the ocean, before sinking under the waves to reveal the titular creature waking up. From there it cut to a government facility as various suits talked about the newest defense platform they had constructed, a giant mechanical replica of the monster, to deal with any more monster attacks that might befall their nation. Just as soon as they finished explaining its capabilities an alarm went off signaling a monster attack. A massive fire breathing bird was attacking. Mid way between the fight with the Robot replica and the Fire breathing bird, the original Giant Lizard decided to make an appearance, turning the fight into a three way brawl that threatened to level the metropolis. The movie ended with the Lizard returning to the Ocean heavily wounded, the Replica in dire need of repair and the Bird dead, before showing the suits again talking about how they only nearly pushed the Monster back and how next time it would be prepared. 

This time Penny was much more active in her watching, oohing and awing at the monsters, openly wondering if she could incorporate any of the Replica’s weapons into herself. All the while the grin she wore just grew everytime one of the monsters ended up bringing down one of the skyscrapers that dotted the battle field.

[color=violet]“So brutal.”[/color] Chloe off handedly mentioned as she watched the sky scraper fall. She could appreciate the chaos, at least. While she didn't find it outright boring, it really was just more background noise than anything. It was kind of cute, seeing Penny get all engrossed with such fantastical monsters. Still, in the back of her mind...something just wasn't right. Slowly nagging at her...but for now, she ignored it. She had Penny, right? Penny was hers, right?

For now she was...

Yawning, Chloe snuggled up closer to Penny.

[color=violet]“Like fighting giant monsters, Penny?”[/color] She teased lightly.

[color=9e0039]“Yes!”[/color] Penny would reply earnestly [color=9e0039]“It’s exhilarating most of the time, trying to keep up with all of the shifting variables, trying to predict and out maneuver your target, the satisfaction when you land the killing strike and there is still nothing quite like the sound of combat.”[/color] She would explain nearly bouncing in her seat. It was an opinion she didn’t convey to the rest of Beacon, but had no qualms telling Chloe about. [color=9e0039]“I can understand why some of the other Monster girls are so obsessed by it.”[/color]

She let out a wistful sigh as she recalled some of her more enjoyable fights, before she turned her attention back to Chloe. [color=9e0039]“You getting tired?”[/color] She would ask not that she would be surprised if it was true. It had been a long day, even before the movies.

[color=violet]“Heh~”[/color] Chloe smiled, though it seemed to waver momentarily. Don't ruin the moment. Don't ruin the moment. Don't ruin the moment. [color=violet]“It's so cute seeing you get worked up over giant monster fights.”[/color] Ahhh, good. She managed to refrain from probably asking quite the dark question. Stretching and hopping off the couch, Chloe smiled lightly. [color=violet]“A bit. I met with the Mint earlier this week, and let me tell you I am so looking forward to getting free of them.”[/color] She shook her head. [color=violet]“...sooo, care to share a bed or would you die from embarrassment still?~”[/color]

Though she noticed the wavering smile Penny assumed it was due to exhaustion, this assumption was only reinforced when Chloe mentioned meeting up with the Mint.

Her face still went red at mention of sharing a bed, but she didn’t shoot down the idea. Part of her, a large one if she wanted to be honest, still hurt everytime she curled up in her nest alone. So, eyes looking everywhere but Chloe, Penny would quietly ask [color=9e0039]“Would it be just sleep?”[/color]

The day she was granted being blessed with such an adorable creature, was the day the universe certainly smiled upon her. Chloe took a moment to reply, having to calm herself from jumping on Penny.

[color=violet]“Is my little Penny asking me for what I think she is?”[/color] Chloe teased, before giving her a gentle smile. [color=violet]“...Do you want something more, Penny?”[/color]

There was a small war being waged within Penny, not very noticable beyond the vibrant blush, but clear within her eyes. She found Chloe attractive, hell she found a lot of the girls she interacted with attractive. The issue was that she didn’t feel comfortable with herself. That had been getting better, helped along with her self modifications and the loss of her mental corruption, yet she still struggled with it.

So when opened her mouth to speak [color=9e0039]“...”[/color] only silence emanated. For a moment blind panic started to bleed into her expression as her eyes started to take on a red glow, but slowly and carefully Penny would withdraw into the couch, closing her mouth and her eyes as she went, before she started to breath.

It was not a line she be crossing tonight.

[color=9e0039]“...No”[/color] She would whisper quietly once she re established some sense of stability [color=9e0039]“Just sleep”[/color]

[color=violet]“Rude~”[/color] Chloe teased lightly. [color=violet]“Make a girl an offer and then decide not too.”[/color] Ah, she was kind of hoping Penny said yes. Still...perhaps it was for the best. She was still uncertain about this whole thing after the news Penny had given her. She needed to sort through her own thoughts, try and suppress these more...violent impulses she was starting to get.

At least, for now.

For now.

[color=violet]“It's alright though, my little Penny.”[/color] Chloe walked over, giving her a light hug and a kiss on the forehead. [color=violet]“But we are sharing a bed tonight. I don't care what you say. You're not sleeping alone tonight, nope. I'm not having it~”[/color] Before Penny could protest, Chloe grabbed her hand and attempted to pull her off the couch and lead her over to the bed.

Penny let herself be lead to the bed, some of the anxiety dissipating as they went. She hadn’t meant to imply that she was looking for anything more, she was trying to verify that she only wanted to sleep with Chloe not [i]sleep[/i] with her.

[color=9e0039]“Shouldn’t we change into pyjamas?”[/color] She would ask as they were on the way. She was wearing jeans at the moment and they weren’t the most comfortable things to sleep in, and besides she had actually bought some not that she would wake up in whatever she went to sleep in.
[color=violet]“Oh...whoops~”[/color] Chloe laughed lightly. [color=violet]“Silly me. I have some around here somewhere. Shall we get changed and turn in for the night?”[/color] Translation: Normally she slept in nothing but her underwear.

[color=9e0039]“Yeah”[/color] Penny would nod [color=9e0039]“Give me a moment”[/color] she would add before heading to her new room to get changed. Her night time outfit was a pair of fuzzy long pajama pants and a very large T shirt. She went and knocked on Chloes door once she had changed and waited for a response.

Aaaah, she really didn't want to wear that. She hadn't worn actual pajama's in ages. Mulling over the options, Chloe finally decided to wear. Walking over to a drawer, she pulled out a dusty set of pajama's that looked like it hadn't been worn in a long time.

[color=violet]“All dressed, Penny.”[/color]

A white colored shirt, with a set of striped pink and white pants. On the shirt was printed an image of a penguin on it. The frilly white pants were covered in images of fish attempting to run from the penguins in little dream bubbles.

Penny entered after getting the all clear with only a slight amount of hesitation and didn’t bother acknowledging anything other than the relief at seeing that Chloe had decided to wear pyjamas. Well, that, and the thought of how the outfit clashed with the personality of the girl wearing it. Penny did find it oddly adorable all together though.

Without much further ado the two climbed into bed and settled in for the night, with Penny curling up behind Chloe loosely holding on to her. Penny didn’t care how it would look if they were walked in on. She wasn’t in love with Chloe, not yet at any rate, but she sought the comfort her friend offered regardless.

Once settled, Chloe accepted the cuddles, grabbing one of Penny's hands. She tried her best to keep her mouth shut, but...

[color=violet]“I love you, you know that, Penny?”[/color] She quietly said. Ah well, it was fine. Yes, it was fine. Best to be honest.

Penny stiffened for a moment at that admission and she went to reply before her mind could fully catch up [color=9e0039]“I..”[/color] Penny first instinct was to lie. To admit to the same feeling, it would be easy. No one seemed to have noticed just how often she lied to people, or how easily, other then perhaps Alicia.

But this was Chloe, and that made all the difference. [color=9e0039]“I know… But I’m not there yet.”[/color] She would reply pulling Chloe a bit closer, but prepared to let go in case the smaller girl wanted to be. [color=9e0039]“My heart is still a mess, from... Thalia. Abandoning me. And I doubt my heads all in one piece either.”[/color] Her voice was shaky as she started to ramble hoping that she was making sense [color=9e0039]“I care for you, immensely, I do. I’m just a bit banged up right now, internally. And afraid of getting hurt again, ya know? And, and I know you wouldn't do so intentionally. Your not that kind of person. I know your not. But that doesn’t make the fear go away, ya know? I don’t want to lose you, or your friendship. And that just makes the fear worse, because you’ve always tried to be there for me. I’m not sure how I could manage if I lost that. I can’t say that I love you like that yet… It wouldn’t be fair to you, But…” [/color]

Penny swallowed hard, blinking back tears. She felt terrible for seeking this comfort from Chloe now. Almost like she was just using her friend, but she just didn’t want to lose her. Chloe was the first real friend Penny had made in the community. The first bit of consistency in her upturned world. Thus the desperate hope that Chloe would understand.

[color=9e0039]“...But I could”[/color] She would continue in a whisper, fighting the urge to tighten her hold and never let go [color=9e0039]“I know I could… I just need a bit of time to get over Thalia… So that I know. And that you know. That your not just a stand in, a replacement, because you're worth more than that!”[/color] She would not cry. No matter what Chloe said. Penny refused to let her tears fall. She would not burden her friend with that.

[color=9e0039]“Can you wait for that? For me?”[/color]

Chloe listened to Penny's voice. Each word that left her lips felt like a stab. A sharp, painful, bleeding wound upon her heart. The truth hurt, didn't it? Yes, that's what this was. A hurtful truth. That was fine, though. Much better than a blissful lie.

Yet

The longer she talked, the darker Chloe's thoughts turned. Had she not already done enough? Urgh, she shouldn't have left, but still! How could Penny just reject her like this? Wait? She had enough of that. Enough of waiting. It was wrong to desire it, but she couldn't help it. but had she not already done enough? What more could she do?

...who would she choose? Her, or beacon?

Chloe's hands tightened around Penny's.

She was losing it. Losing control over the only thing she wanted control over.

[color=violet]“...ahaha.”[/color] Chloe giggled lightly, taking a small bit of comfort in Penny's embrace. [color=violet]“I suppose you wouldn't be you, if you had just come right out and said it, would you?”[/color] Chloe smiled. What was one more lie for her? [color=violet]“I've waited this long, so I think I can wait a bit longer.”[/color] Leaning against Penny, she replied once more. [color=violet]“No matter how long it takes, my pretty Penny. I will love you.”[/color]

The only true statement she had just made.

[color=violet]“Now now, get some rest!”[/color] Chloe quickly switched gears. She needed to think about something else. Or not at all. [color=violet]“We're both tired and I have work to do...I may not be here when you get up, just so you know.”[/color]

Penny just nodded her understanding, and tightened her embrace. She didn’t fully believe that Chloe was fine, she wouldn’t have been if their positions were reversed, but she trusted two things. That Chloe would wait for her, and that Chloe loved her.

[color=9e0039]“Sleep well and dream sweet”[/color] Penny would say quietly, still fighting back tears. She doubted that Chloe would be up before her, and was glad for that. She had a lot of thinking to do when she woke up after all.

[hr]
[hider=A Moth and Music]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/kFnAR84.png[/img][/center]

[color=f6989d]"Helllooooo, Penrose! It's ya best girl Vi-Chan here!"[/color] The up-beat, bubbly and slightly boyish voice echoed from the speakers on the computer. [color=f6989d]"Hey hey, hows all my favorite little normies doing? Ya'll doing well? Great! I know some people say I'm waaaaay too harsh and am kind of a bitch - but they're just butthurt cuz they ain't got a butt as fabulous as mine."[/color]

Some upbeat, fast paced, electronic music began playing in the background.

[color=f6989d]"And ya know what? Those people are total losers. Looooosers. Like holy hell they ain't got anything better to do than hate on ya girl. Sad, ain't it? Well that's fine, I have all of you, my lovely little gaggle of miscreants. You guys are the best! And as such, I'ma answer some questions from fans! First up!"[/color] The screen lit up with some drawing of a pink-haired girl wearing some simply drawn jacket in the chibi style. Chibi Vi then pulled out a letter.

[color=f6989d]"Vi-Chan, You're amazing! What can I do to be like you?"[/color] Chibi-Vi then tossed the letter, which then burst into flames. [color=f6989d]"Ahaahah, woooow what a looser of a question. Ya'll seriously wanna be like me?"[/color] Chibi Vi then flopped into a bed in what one could only assume was an attempt to be 'sexy'. [color=f6989d]"Well lemme tells ya that ain't possible. You guys ain't got half the moxie I do. Next question!"[/color] Pulling out another piece of paper, Chibi Vi read from it.

[color=f6989d]"Vi-Chan! Your voice is amazing! You ever thought about doing ASMR?"[/color] Chibi Vi began laughing. [color=f6989d]"Woah woah, isn't that like what I already do almost? Aside from my fire mix tapes I give ya guys. But hey, hey...maybe. Would you little weebs love that? Vi-Chan doing some questionable ASMR for ya? Next Question!"[/color]

[color=f6989d]"Vi-Chan! Have you settled your debts?"[/color] A pause. [color=f6989d]"...woah weird question."[/color] The piece of paper was carelessly tossed to the side by the digital drawing. [color=f6989d]"...Do you intend to run forever?"[/color]

A longer pause.

[color=f6989d]"Ahahaha, some people are stupidly creepy, aren't they."[/color] Another pause. The sound of something hitting glass echoing over the speaker. [color=f6989d]"Ahaha, something just hit the glass on the recording booth...I think I'm gonna call it a day here, lovelies! Catch ya later!"[/color]

The live stream cutout.

[hr]

Rolling backwards in the chair, the bubbly pink haired girl glared at the glass, quickly checking some video cameras she had watching the place. Nothing was showing up, which was just as odd as nothing. In fact, after hearing an odd noise and getting basically threats in her mail, that was probably the worst.

Inhaling sharply, Elvira grabbed a battery powered lamp from her nearby desk.

[color=f6989d]Alright Vi, you're a big girl."[/color] She held the lamp in front of her protectively, slowly opening the door. She was met with nothing but the darkness of the warehouse below. [color=f6989d]"A few spooks ain't gonna hurt ya...H-hey! If you dumbass Mint agents are out there, just run and I'll let ya live!"[/color]

Just the sound of a helicopter flying overhead.

[color=f6989d]"Okay, okay..."[/color] A cold sweat dripped down her forehead. What was the noise? Was there even a noise? Was her mind playing tricks on her? Surely not. She couldn't assume that. She had to make sure there was nothing intruding upon her home. Lamp in hand, Vi began walking down the catwalk towards the main warehouse floor.

A shadow leaped overhead.

[color=f6989d]"...not a horror movie not a horror movie horror movies aren't real...unless you're dealing with a spirit girl. Not real."[/color] She repeated this to herself several times, but it had no effect on her calmness. Once, she stepped onto the ground floor, Elvira quickly ran over to the warehouse doors. Locked and sealed. No one could have gotten in. She relaxed.

Should have been the only entrance.

Should have been. Nothing else. Any other door aside from the roof was locked, and she had the only keycard in existence to it strapped to her leg.

[color=f6989d]"Jeez, its getting worse."[/color] Vi rubbed the back of her head. [color=f6989d]"And where the hell is that draft-"[/color]

Wait.

There shouldn't have been a draft.

Slowly. Slowly, she craned her head upwards.

A window was open.

[b]"Looking for me?"[/b] the face of the most horrific looking moth person she had ever seen was now upside down in her field of view.

Silence. But there was no scream. Only a face frozen in fear as cold sweat formed a river down her forehead.

[b]"...you're frightened, I understand, but if you could-"[/b]

[color=f6989d]"....That's an understatement!"[/color] Before the moth girl could do anything, she bolted in the opposite direction. [color=f6989d]"Nope, not being moth food! Nope nope nope!"[/color] Rolling her eyes, Divina followed after, wings gliding slowly across the cool air of the empty warehouse. The expected outcome.

Vi had reached the catwalks, quickly trying to use them to make an escape as she headed towards the roof.

[b]"Trying to outrun a flying moth is really rather futile, you know?"[/b] Divina landed on the catwalk in front of her, insectoid feet clattering against the metal grates. Narrowing her eyes, Vi swiftly changed course, making a sharp right turn and jumping over the catwalks railing to one just a yard or so below. She hit it with a thud, rolling acrobatically as she landed.

With a huff, Divina followed after once more.

Soon, Vi had run into a large hallway, seemingly with no exit.

Ah right.

She boarded that fire escape up.

Divina landed just outside the door, dusting off her wings as she folded them around her like a cloak.

[b]"Ah, there we go. So tiring. Done yet?"[/b]

[color=f6989d]"You stay the hell away from me, Mothra."[/color] Vi glued her back against the far wall, still holding the lamp towards the moth girl.

[b]"Rude."[/b] Divina responded, a troubled expression clear on her mismatched eyes as she lightly fluttered her wings. [b]"First ignoring me then threatening me."[/b] Vi didn't say anything. She had glued herself to the opposite wall, hands in front of her, tightly gripping a brightly colored lamp. [b]"Here I am only trying to help."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"Don't move a muscle, moth lady."[/color] Vi snapped, trying to reaffirm her position by shaking the lamp. [color=f6989d]"Or I swear to god I'll...I'll Uh, beat you up? Yea, that. And I definitely won't hand over this lamp. You're the one who left me those little notes?"[/color]

[b]"Please don't be angry - I simply ran out of options to get your attention."[/b] Divina replied softly.[b]"You ignored me on the streets and didn't even come to the door-"[/b] Before she could even finish the sentence, Vi tossed the lamp at Divina, hitting her squarely in the head with a 'pomf' noise and a pained 'ouch' from Divina.

Vi bolted out of the room leaping down the metal stairs of the warehouse. Divina swiftly retaliated, quickly zooming out of the room, landing on the bottom of the stairs with a graceful flap of her wings.

[color=f6989d]"Stay back, I'm warning you! I got uh, deadly stuff if you don't!"[/color] Divina, humming a quiet tune followed after her, doing an acrobatic little loop as she rounded a corner. Continuing to flee, eventually she reached the end of the hallway where the rooftop exit door was.

[color=f6989d]"Oof-Geh!?"[/color] Except, it was blocked by something heavy. Did that moth-?!

[b]"If you could please stop running - "[/b] Before she could contemplate her next move, Vi glued her back to the door. Divina was standing mere inches away from her. [b]"I only want to help you, you know."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"And what kind of 'help' can a Mint moth help me with?."[/color] She shakily replied.

[b]"...I don't work for the Mint."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"...unknown people do not make me a happy Vi-Chan."[/color] Divina sighed, landing on the floor with a light click of her feet, wrapping her wings around her again.

[b]"If you listen, perhaps we could not be so unknown to each other? I mean you no harm, truly."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"You'll excuse me if I don't believe you."[/color]

[b]"Of course, I've read your file."[/b] Divina replied quietly. [b]"You were quite the hard girl to track down, understandable given your history though. Poor little thing. Used by the Puchu then forced into service by the Mint."[/b] Divina shook her head.

[color=f6989d]"I don't need your pity, mothballs."[/color]

[b]"Mhm, look. I understand you don't trust me, but perhaps we can learn to trust one another on some level? How about we start by getting you somewhere more comfortable so you don't look like the most adorable deer in headlights."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"...Adorable?"[/color] Vi frowned. This moth girl was just sending up so many red flags, she wanted to flee in the exact opposite direction. At the same time, this chicka had the audacity to intrude on her home and then try and be all friends with her? Kinda pissed her off if she was being honest. Still...she wasn't a fighter, no matter how much the Mint and Puchu tried to make her into one, and she really didn't feel like upsetting some random hobo lesser force or patron that found her seemingly easily. [color=f6989d]"...alright, alright."[/color] Her shoulders relaxed and she unglued her back from the door. [color=f6989d]"Uh...I got a room over here. Kinda my bedroom? Don't really have a bed. Don't sleep well, hahah."[/color]

Divina let her pass. Vi quickly sped past her, making sure to avoid bodily contact with Divina. Part of her screamed to run. Another part wanted her to level this girl and the entire building. She could probably do it. She had the means to level the entire city block, but...she really didn't like drawing such attention to herself.

...actually, for some reason she was fairly oddly calm.

Once passing through a large set of double doors, Vi grabbed a rolling chair, taking a seat in it and rolled her way across the makeshift living area. She didn't once take her eyes of Divina as the moth girl entered.

[b]"How utilitarian."[/b] Divina observed, noticing the lack of any sort of home like decor. A computer, a work table. Several mundane looking devices seemed to be half built on them. A few posters of various music groups hung on the wall, most of them were metal, classical and a few techno bands, but for the most part the room lacked any furnishings.[b] "Makes me a little sad to see such a talented girl squander herself away."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"Heh, well, I am pretty good at-not important."[/color] Vi focused her attention back on Divina.[color=f6989d] "...Normally I'd have just yeeted whoever broke into my home out the nearest window."[/color] She frowned suspiciously. [color=f6989d]"but you're pretty...uh, calming? You doing something funny with my head?"[/color]

[b]"You noticed?"[/b] Divina laughed nervously. [b]"I'm a psychic specialization. I thought it might be a little easier to talk with you if I...made you more comfortable."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"...I don't know if the fact you just openly admitted to manipulating me makes you more trustworthy or not."[/color] Vi slumped her shoulders, leaning back in the chair. [color=f6989d]"Alright, moth, you got my attention and I don't guess you're here to kill me so...what do you want and who the hell are you?"[/color]

[b]"As I said, I am Divina, and I represent a small group of like-minded individuals who wish to extend you a hand of amnesty for your services."[/b] Divina moved a few steps closer to Vi, floating just slightly off the ground as she replied. [b]"You see...my mistress, my Lady is tired of seeing Dark Magical girls such as yourself have no choice but to be abused by the mint or hunted by Beacon simply for being what we are. Oh certainly, you could go work for a Horror or Lesser force, but in the end it's the same, isn't it? It's cruel, isn't it? Do we not deserve a chance to be happy as we are?"[/b]

Divina paused, letting Vi hear here words, but for the most part the dark magical girl seemed unimpressed.

[b]"...she wishes to unite us under a single banner. Give us a chance to no longer have to cower in the dark, afraid of Beacon coming to kill us simply for existing, or the Mint coming to force us into their corrupt service. We will serve no one but ourselves and our sisters and brothers within our organization."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"That's an awful lot of promising you're doing there."[/color] Vi finally replied. Thinking about it logically...the more people she had between herself and whoever it was targeting her, the better. If whoever this was could pull it off, then it'd be very good for her at least, in that regard. [color=f6989d]"And how do I know you're not just gonna do whatever the moment I say yes?"[/color]

[b]"I can not say, nor do I have any proof."[/b] Divina replied, taking a few steps closer. [b]"But I will be upfront - you will be expected to fight occasionally. We are still a fledgling...not even an organization right now, even really. Just a handful of girls who are tired of this, but we will fight to make what we want a reality."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"I have no interest in saving the world or being some savior. I'll pass."[/color]

[b]"You have to know the mint will eventually find you."[/b] Divina frowned, taking a more aggressive step forward. [b]"You think you can fight them yourself? You know it, already don't you? You can feel it. Their hands tightening around your neck? I identified a few Mint Agents already scoping out this place."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"I'll run and move again. Start over. Simple."[/color]

[b]"You can't run forever, Vi. They will find you."[/b] Vi began shiftily looking around as Divina took another step towards her. [b]"And you will die - but...but if you help us. Join us, we will do everything in our power to protect our own. So please,"[/b] Divina held out one of her four hands for Vi to shake. [b]"Won't you let me - us - help you? I don't want to see such a promising girl reduced to a mint slave, or worse."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"...haha, you talk good, Mothballs."[/color] Vi nervously chuckled. [color=f6989d]"...I...fine. Fine. You're right, you know? I know. But fine. If you can do what you say, then fine. I'll join this little group of yours."[/color]

[b]"Wonderful!"[/b] Divina smiled, genuinely happy seeming, a few happy chirping noises coming out of her carapace. [b]"Oh, I was so nervous. This was my first recruitment and I was halfway expecting this to end badly, ufu."[/b] Switching back to serious, Divina placed a gentle hand on Vi's shoulder. [b]"Welcome to the Crusade, Elvira. You won't have to worry about anything ever again, I assure you."[/b]

Ah, it felt so wonderful to be able to bring another into their fold. Bring another into their embrace. No true greater joy for her after being enlightened so.

[color=f6989d]"So, uh, what now?"[/color]

[b]"For now I have more work to do. More girls to contact to see if they are...open to the idea of working together, and you...there's a small abandoned quarry not far outside Penrose. It's where our main base is located. Head there. Another one of ours will be waiting."[/b]

[color=f6989d]"So, uh, how do you plan on getting a bunch of monster girls and dark magical girls working together?"[/color] She asked. It seemed rather implausible. DMGs and Monster girls were inherently selfish and violent beings. Working together as an organization was certainly going to be difficult.

[b]"Ah...you leave that to us for now, please?"[/b] Divina asked with a friendly smile. [b]"There will be something to bind us as comrades, but that is as much as I can say for now. So please, be patient."[/b] With those final words and a friendly wave, Divina zoomed away from the warehouse, quite pleased with the turn of events.

Leaning back in the chair, Vi considered her options. She could just run. She could indeed, just leave Penrose, but the Mint would find her eventually. No matter where she went. 

...maybe if they could keep the mint off her, then working for this 'Crusade' wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Hmhm, maybe, maybe indeed.

[/hider]