[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/zLmcB5Q.png[/img][/center] Lily winced as Alexander walked up to her, looking away with tears welling up. Even though Lily knew he would never hurt her on purpose, a part of her expected the moody magical boy to scold her; she knew how temperamental he would get when it came to harming innocent people, and how swiftly he would enact revenge on those who wronged him. Yet, no words of reprimanding were uttered, and instead he in turn looked like he was at a loss on what to do. [color=fff200]”Umm, Alex…?”[/color] She mumbled as he came closer- Suddenly, at that moment, when she was drawn to Alex, she blushed heavily, her eyes wide at his gesture. Her heart skipped a beat...And so did the world; she alone perceived how time was erased for that missing heartbeat, laws of causality crashing together from point to point to preserve the laws of the space-time-continuum. It was over before she could blink twice, yet that feeling lingered. [color=fff200]”Aaa...Hawawa...”[/color] She uttered gibberish, feeling like she could faint from how endearing Alex was. To not lose face, she hugged Alex back, choosing to embrace his forgiveness. [color=fff200]”Thank you, Alex. I’ll do better next time...”[/color] It took a moment, but Lily successfully calmed herself down, having accepted her mistakes and choosing to move on. She was happy to hear how Su was grateful to Alex, only to frown as her gaze moved to her. Her memory flashed back to the time when she had an argument with her over Justine’s fate. But before she could say anything, Su already made her offer, surprising Lily. [color=fff200]”A b-bronze coin...”[/color] She repeated the word...And then, gradually, her expression turned cheery, and she took sU’s hand, waving it frantically. [color=fff200]”We’d be glad for any room! Thank you so much.”[/color] Then she realized something, and she whispered to Su: [color=fff200]”But, uhh...C-Could you make it two rooms? Alex is kind of...well, you know...snory.”[/color] She grinned awkwardly afterwards, and then petted Mika gently on the head. [color=fff200]”I’ll get you the most delicious ice cream in forever, Mika!”[/color] Finally, she bowed before Tetrad. [color=fff200]”Grandma Tetrad, I’ll keep your words in my heart, even long after you have passed.”[/color] As punishment for her ditzy mistake, she was the one to carry Tetrad back to home as the group returned back to Penrose, and finally had a chance to get a good night’s sleep at the Golden Trove. [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/NngpAdx.png[/img][/center] Helga was startled as the rock on the floor suddenly buzzed like a phone, causing Helga to leap over the desk parkour-style and snatch it up in a single fluid motion. “Su? Where the hell have you been!” She screamed the moment she put the stone to her ear, sounding quite upset. “You made me so worried I was gonna crack a-” She stopped to listen to Su, holding a hand to her mouth. “The Overcity? No, I’ll make us dinner, you get your butt right over here.” She then listened to Su say her goodbyes, “Yeah. Bye for now.” She put the stone in her pocket, looking upset. She breathed heavily, regretting her outburst upon hearing how weary Su was. She then went to the kitchen to cook, making sure everything was ready for when she would inevitably return. And when she did, she would be met with a hug from a crying girl who missed her more than anything else. [hr] Jill’s intense eyes burned down on Ronin for a moment longer...before she closed them with a cute smile as she agreed, accepting the handshake. She also looked at Amanda with a warm expression, nodding at her offer. [color=662d91]”Excellent~ In that case, allow me to provide you two with a means of communication.”[/color] She held her hand out, and Stacy placed two phones on it; their cases were colored platinum and black, respectively. She handed the first one to Ronin and the second to Amanda.. [color=662d91]”These magical phones will allow you to call my number among others. They are tuned to reach the Overcity as well.”[/color] Afterwards she put a hand to her chin, thinking. [color=662d91]”Mariette on the other hand...She has become formidable indeed. I will need servants if I am to be victorious...Hmm, yes, they will do quite nicely..”[/color] She turned away, making a flippant wave of her hand. [color=662d91]”Until we meet again...Let’s keep in touch, my little Ronin~”[/color] And with that, both her and Stacy disappeared, leaving Ronin, Valkyrie and Amanda. Valkyrie looked a bit confused. ”I have a feeling I’ve missed out on some important exposition,” she finally spoke, before turning to Ronin. “Regardless, if you are to embark on a dangerous quest, then I would be honored to accompany you on it, Ronin. I know of a place where we can stay for the night. Follow me.” And so, the three left the roof of the station, having now found themselves embroiled in a growing conflict as the night of fear came to an end. But in time...It would be but a prelude to a nightmare that would swallow Penrose whole.