[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/16a8bf35-d965-4909-ac95-0db9781b733e.png [/img][/center]

[color=SpringGreen][i]“Connie… Connie…”[/i][/color] a gentle voice whispered.

[color=DarkOrchid]“Hmmm?”[/color] Connie mumbled as she slowly opened her eyes. She was greeted by the sight of Mia in her magical girl form, her nymph-like friend smiling warmly down at her. Mia’s emerald hair cascaded in lush waves to cover her like an extra blanket, while colorful butterflies flitted around her.

[color=SpringGreen]“Rise and shine, sleepyhead,”[/color] Gaia said with a giggle. [color=SpringGreen]“We have a big day ahead of us.”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“We do?”[/color] Connie asked, still quite sleepy, and not at all comprehending what her friend was talking about. 

[color=SpringGreen]“Mmm hmm,”[/color] Gaia confirmed with a nod. [color=SpringGreen]“After all, you [i]were[/i] kind of the one who suggested it.”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“I-I did?”[/color] Connie asked again, still utterly confused.

[color=SpringGreen]“Yes, when you asked if we could step up your training. You know, to help you gain more confidence in yourself and so you could learn to use your powers better? Well, I got to thinking, and there’s this nice little forest clearing that should prove most acceptable for some combat practice.”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“A-And we’re going there today?”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“That’s right!”[/color] Gaia announced, pulling Connie out of bed in a graceful swirl of motion. [color=SpringGreen]“After all, there’s no time like the present, so hurry up and get ready!”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“O-Okay!”[/color] Connie said as she stumbled over to the bathroom to freshen up.

[color=DarkOrchid][i]Gosh, Mia’s really fired up today…[/i][/color] Connie thought to herself as she stepped into the shower. [color=DarkOrchid][i]I’m really happy she’s so passionate about helping me, but I’m still kinda nervous about what’s gonna happen today… I really [b]do[/b] want to get stronger, but… but… I’m always… No! I’ve gotta stop thinking like that![/i][/color] She admonished herself as the warm water flowed over her. [color=DarkOrchid][i]Mia believes in me, and I can’t let that belief be for nothing! I have to get stronger. I [b]will[/b] get stronger, for her, as well as for myself.[/i][/color]

Drying herself off, she quickly got dressed, combed her hair, and brushed her teeth. Then, summoning the power hidden inside her, she uttered the words of her incantation, and, after twirling in the center of a whirlwind of amethyst and obsidian energy, became the Empress of Nightmares once more.

Gaia was lying on the bed, idly kicking her legs, while she gazed serenely at a butterfly that had landed on her finger. Upon hearing the bathroom door open, she turned to see Connie in all the dark majesty of her magical girl form, and a bright grin spread across her face at the sight.

[color=DarkOrchid]“All right, Mia,”[/color] Connie declared, with all the confidence she could muster. [color=DarkOrchid]“Let’s do this.”[/color]

[hr]

[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/11844121-70b4-40d4-8d27-6274ede736b1.png[/img][/center]

[center][@Ariamis][/center]


Violet Covington awoke with a demure yawn and a languorous stretch. Smoothly slipping out of bed, she glided across her lavish chambers with perfect poise and exquisite elegance. Entering her bath chamber, she swiftly set about readying herself for the day ahead. Other wealthy heiresses might have been accompanied through these morning rituals by an army of servants, but not Violet. Oh, she could certainly have had them, if she were so inclined, but as it was, Violet Covington preferred her privacy, something her security-minded father respected, even if he didn’t possess those preferences himself. 

The only exception to this was her loyal butler, Winston Stewart, who had attended to her every need ever since she was a mere infant. He was one of the exceedingly few people Violet fully trusted, and she knew with complete certainty that he could be relied upon to carry out any task she chose to entrust him with. 

Confident that her beauty had been fully perfected, Violet emerged from her bath chamber and called out in a clear voice, “Winston, I have need of you.”

“Yes, Miss Covington?” responded a refined voice. Its source was revealed a moment later, when an [url=https://imgur.com/LJ9iI0Y]impeccably attired man[/url] appeared from a hidden passageway at the back of a small alcove.

“Please convey to my father that my presence at R&D shall be somewhat delayed. Inform him that important matters have made themselves known, but that I shall tend to them in as swift a manner as possible, and shall join him in no later than ninety minutes.”

“Very well, milady,” the butler said with a nod. “I shall inform him thusly.” With that, he disappeared into the alcove once more.

Yes, Violet mused, there were indeed important matters to tend to. Foremost among them was the “communication device” Al Scarp had bequeathed her. It’s promise of new insights just waiting to be gleaned could be postponed no longer. Retrieving the device from where it rested on her nightstand, Violet activated it and began the introductory tutorial. Something of a prodigy in the realm of advanced technology, the young heiress quickly moved past the basics to thoroughly explore every facet of the device’s functionality. Truth be told, in less than thirty minutes, she had fully mastered her new “Smartphone”, having familiarized herself with dozens of fascinating applications, and discovering an entire mystical cyber-realm hidden from the eyes of those who browsed the mundane internet.

One site, Glimmer, was particularly intriguing. It was apparently a social media platform for magical girls and other mystically attuned beings, and if it was anything like more mundane social media, it would provide a treasure trove of valuable information, such as this upcoming event here, for instance. This “Monstrously Dark Rave Party.” From what she could ascertain, it was going to be a gathering of mystical beings of the darker persuasion, organized by some internet celebrity known as “Vi-Chan.” Now this was interesting. Most interesting indeed… If someone was launching attacks via dreams, then clearly they were attuned to the darker forces of the mystical realm. Therefore, it stood to reason that, based on this rave’s obvious popularity there was a very good chance that this individual would be in attendance.

[i]What a fortunate turn of events…[/i] Violet thought to herself.

But wait… There didn’t seem to be any mention of a location… No matter, she now had ways of acquiring that information. Opening the device’s contacts list, she tapped a slender finger on the only name currently listed. Placing the device to her ear, she waited for a brief moment before hearing a voice on the other end.

Soon enough, a familiar voice greeted her. “Good morning, miss Covington. As expected, you learned to use the device in good time.” It was the voice of Al Scarpe. “What can I do for you?”

“A good morning to you as well, Mr. Scarpe. I would like to converse with you further about perusing possible assets for use in the upcoming investigation and neutralization operation. In particular, would you be so kind as to provide me with the dossiers of those you consider to be most capable of undertaking such a task? Additionally, I have a need of informative resources via which to properly acquaint myself with the workings of dream and nightmare magic. Specifically, I would like to peruse the pages of [i]The Dreamscape Almanac[/i]. During my research, I found that this tome in particular was considered to be one of the best ever scribed on the subject. Do you happen to have access to it, by chance?”

Al Scarpe made a light chuckle. “Very well then. Now let’s see...Here.”

At that point, a holographic screen emerged out of the device, forming an image before Violet; it was a scrolling list of agents, with mugshots on the left side and information labelled on the right side. Violet could tell that they each carried a dangerous aura about them; whether it was in black clothes, tattoos, or expressions unfit for young faces, ranging from stoic and emotionless to unsettling smiles. “I hope you do not mind that I have activated the device’s functions remotely. It is purely to expedite the agent selection process.” Al paused in his speaking, and Violet heard a puff of smoke before he continued. 

“As you can see, each of our agents are unique in their talents and skills. Some are specialized in intelligence gathering, others in sabotage, and even assassination. As we have agreed, you may select a certain number of agents; they will obey any order except those that are impossible to achieve or have negative consequences for the Ebon Mint or their interests. Their contact information will be added upon selection, and deleted when removed from service.”

He paused for another smoke.

“The initial package is three agents per month, but you may upgrade your subscription at any time for an additional fee. Now, you notice that we have a tag system for categorizing agents based on their skills. In your case, I recommend the Intelligence Gathering and Assassination tags.”

Al paused to let Violet browse the agent list for a short moment before he spoke again.
“Regarding [i]The Dreamscape Almanac[/i], I have both good news and bad news. The bad news is that the Ebon Mint does not currently possess the Almanac in question. The good news is that I have confirmed the location of the tome; it is currently in the possession of a dark magical girl named Mariette Pedersen. Her current location is currently unknown, but we have confirmed she has been recently seen in Penrose engaging local monsters. Given a proper investigation, we believe it is possible to acquire the book. We also believe copies of the book exist elsewhere.”

“I see,” Violet replied as she scrolled through the list of agents, seeking out those with the highest success rates. “If this ‘Mariette Pedersen’ is known to have a copy, I should think seeking her out would be the most expedient option. Are you capable of making contact with her? Perhaps arrange a meeting? I only have need to acquaint myself with the tome’s contents. After I am finished, she may have it back. If she is amenable to this, I am sure I can provide her with some form of compensation.”

“Might take some time since she has space-traversing magic, but it is possible,” Al responded.
“You can discuss details with the agents you choose for the assignment.”

As Violet browsed the selection of agents, two profiles caught her eye, codenamed “Viper” and “Vermin Killer”. The former seemed young even by magical girl standards, with silvery hair bound in twintails, but nonetheless had a smile and a sharpness in her gaze that left a lasting impression. The latter on the other hand had his face shrouded in shadow, his expression a complete mystery. Both had mission success rates above 95%, with abilities suited for spywork and precision elimination.

“Very well,” Violet replied after Al had noted the difficulty of tracking down someone like Mariette. “Although I trust it shall not take [i]too[/i] long. As for the agents, I think I should like to employ the services of both Viper and Vermin Killer. It is my hope that their mission success rates are more properly indicative of their competency than their overly pretentious codenames. Can you arrange a meeting with them so that I may personally inform them of the specific details of their tasks?” 

"Those two, huh? Can do, Miss," Al replied. "I'll send them your way. I assume the meeting time the two of us had is suitable?" He asked, while low sounds resembling the crackling and wooshing of fire could be heard. "Same place too?"

“Yes, I believe that shall be most suitable. I assume that they can safely bypass the security as you did?”

Violet heard a laugh-induced cough from Al. “Do you take us for mere amateurs, Miss? As I’ve stated, we work with full confidentiality.” He paused for a puff. “Anything else, miss?”

“Yes, there is one further item. It has come to my attention that a social gathering of so-called ‘dark magical girls’ and ‘monster girls’ shall soon be taking place somewhere in Penrose. A ‘rave’ I believe they called it. If possible, I should like to know the location of this event. Is that information you are capable of providing?”

"That is correct. I'll have the agents confirm it and hand it over when they arrive," Al replied. 
"But I gotta say, I didn't expect you to take an interest in something so vulgar, Miss Covington," he noted, his tone of voice a bit intrigued. "It is no ordinary social gathering, and certainly not an event for any proper person, I assure you."

“I am well aware of its nature, Mr. Scarpe,” Violet informed him, “and that is precisely the reason for my interest. I should think someone who attacks others through their dreams would most certainly be considered ‘dark’ and ‘monstrous’, so it would stand to reason that such an individual would likely attend an event of this sort. If they [i]are[/i] to be found there, then I should like to personally see them suffer the repercussions of their offenses toward my family in full view of the other attendants. I hardly think such a request is too much to ask.”

Al Scarpe was silent for a moment, until he answered: “That can be arranged.” The sound of him sipping on something could be heard before he continued. “But for now, I shall see to it that the agents you have selected are briefed and ready for your orders.”

“Excellent. I believe that covers everything, Mr. Scarpe. Thank you for your time.”

With that, the line went dead. Her tasks complete, Violet checked the time and was slightly alarmed to find her ninety minutes had almost completely expired. She only had a mere five minutes to reach R&D, where her father would be waiting. Giving an exasperated sigh at her less than exemplary tracking of the time, she strode purposefully out of her chambers in the direction of Covington Industries' renowned R&D lab.