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[color=9b83de]‘Woah-!’[/color] Ronin dodged beneath the arm of a crystal-based monster looking humanoid yet built of what appeared to be black quartz. There were quite a few of them, and they were faster than they looked, but she could smirk. They were nothing she couldn’t handle! One of the quartzmen jumped at her, and-

[color=9b83de]‘Nope! That’s a wall!’[/color] Ronin called happily as the creature hit her Reinforcement wall, and Ronin’s hand went to the sword sheathed on her side. With one quick stroke, the sword swept through the core of the crystal creature, and it was blown apart as if crushed by extreme force instead of sliced. Even so, more of them jumped at her.

Deni smirked within. It had taken some time finding monsters that the Ascendancy hadn’t already taken care of, but they were so numerous that even she could eventually find some. And this, here… was just what she wanted. A fight against a bunch of weaker monsters to practice her new body. Also, the skill embedded within her… it was as if she could see the movements of every monster before they even committed to it. 

Confident in her abilities, Ronin sent Reinforcement magic through herself to boast her own physical capabilities, and then threw herself right under multiple of the quartzmen’s blows and sliced through numerous at once with one fell stroke, but still wasn’t taken by surprise when two new quartsmen formed from the shards of their defeated kin formed to her left and right, Ronin deftly backflipping to avoid their blows before she came to let her blade fall upon them, too. Aaah, this was bliss.

Mid-way through the delicate dance of combat there would be a loud engine roar as one of the quartzmen was struck by what seemed to be a cannon round as it shattered violently. and although the party responsible did not directly join in the fight, they continued to lend firing support from a far, each round accompanied by the same roar. Ronin jolted in surprise at first, but them smiled widely. Yeah, fire support!

A few minutes later, the quartzmen had been dismantled, and Ronin breathed out happily over their shards, smiling in confidence where she stood. Yeah, she still got this! Not being made out of slime anymore wasn’t holding her back! And she’d probably still have got this even without the help, but regardless, it was very cool to have support!

Once the fight had come to it’s inevitable conclusion the mysterious assistant would reveal themselves, albeit cautiously [color=4F8092][u]”Salutations.”[/u][/color] She’d say as she took a step closer to Deni, her voice was notably synthetic. A trait that was blatantly apparent about her entire body, as every part of her was obviously mechanical is some fashion.

[color=4F8092][u]“Do you require further assistance?”[/u][/color]

[color=9b83de]‘I absolutely do! … But not with this, hahahaha!’[/color] Ronin said, laughing out loud, as the small girl in a clearly samurai-inspired attire spun around to look at her help. [color=9b83de]‘… Ooooh, Penny!’[/color] Deni said, without thinking. She looked a bit different, but it was definitely Penny! Deni would know, there was a time in the past she’d stalked the various magical girls in Penrose one at a time! The little magical girl smiled happily at the mechanical one, giving her a salute. [color=9b83de]‘I’m Ronin! New girl on the block! Thank you very much for the help! You’re, like, famous! I’m honoured!’[/color] Ronin claimed, not actually knowing if Penny was famous or not but she was using it as a cover for that she already knew her name.

[color=4F8092][u]“Greetings: Designation Rounin.”[/u][/color] Penny would reply, very robotically before she would tilt her head to the side as she registered the rest of the tiny girl's words [color=4F8092][u]“Correction; My full self is well known. I am not. Misunderstanding is acknowledged.”[/u][/color] She would stop and blink a few times before furrowing her brow in the first open display of emotion. [color=4F8092][u]“Apologies, the separation was not fully equal. You stated a need for assistance in additional tasks. Would you elaborate?”[/u][/color]

[color=9b83de]‘Eh?’[/color] Deni made a confused noise as she looked over Penny for a bit. Whelp, guess she had been away for a while. How long had Penny been like this? Um. [color=9b83de]‘Woah. Is this a “dark twins” situation? Sudden twin souls, maybe? Or just regular twins? Hahaha. Weeeeeeeeell~!’[/color] Ronin said, smirking a bit. Was this the right person to ask? Eh! She totally was! [color=9b83de]‘Do I still call you “Penny” or do you have a different designation? Besides that, I’d like a status-update! What’s been going on in this town, lately? Why’s everything a mess? Any teams or factions to keep track of? Where should I go if I want to make lots of friends? Can you be my friend?’[/color] Ronin asked, rapid-fire, curious to see if Penny would keep up in a computer-like fashion.

[color=4F8092][u]“Soul separation, rather than true Twin Soul, my other half is also about”[/u][/color] Penny would reply in the same robotic tone [color=4F8092][u]“We both are still designated Penny. I would require an accurate time frame for proper status changes. Current status is due to forced vacancy of the majority of magicals from Penrose due to a rogue Patron and then the subsequent arrival of The Ascendency. Factions to monitor are Cindy, self proclaimed queen of Penrose, and her band of dark aligned girls. Second is Ascendency, Beacon fundamentalists. Current projections show that a confrontation between the two factions is inevitable.”[/u][/color] She stood still as she answered all the questions Deni had asked, speaking with the same robotic manner. She would stall out at the last two questions however, her brow once again furrowing.

[color=4F8092][u]“Gather locations are unknown at this time.”[/u][/color] Penny would say slowly as she looked over Deni, closely, gauging where or not she should trust the small samurai [color=4F8092][u]“I would be willing to be your friend however”[/u][/color] she would conclude with a soft smile.

[color=9b83de]‘Woah,’[/color] Deni had to take a pause, just to process all that Penny was saying. Sure, she’d done the rapid-fire questions, now she had to prepare for all the answers, and then just try to remember the questions that occurred to her as the answers piled up. But, most importantly, Penny agreed to be her friend. Deni’s look of surprise switched to a wide, happy grin.

[color=9b83de]‘Wonderful! Thanks for being my friend, Penny!’[/color] Ronin said, reaching forward two hands to take Penny’s, clasping hers over her new friend’s who went along with the gesture. [color=9b83de]‘I have a bunch of follow-up questions, but I need to start with worrying over my friend! How’s things with other-Penny? How’s things with your other friends? Do you have any other problems or enemies? Can I help?’[/color] Ronin asked, happy, energetic and curious.

[color=4F8092][u]“You are welcome”[/u][/color] Penny would reply, a hint of mirth coloring her tone at Ronin’s exuberance. Sadly her face would fall slightly at the first of her new friend’s questions. [color=4F8092][u]“My relation with my human half is strained. A lack of consensus, nearly brought us to mutual ruin. It is why we split. It occured four day ago.”[/u][/color] she would take a small moment, little more than a second but enough to be noticed before she would move on answering the rest of the questions that had been posed. [color=4F8092][u]“The friends that I have made in Beacon have been supportive. Those outside that social circle have not yet learned of the separation, but last  status has them all reading green. No current threats identified. One pending task. A mahou, Designation: Sammy has been abducted by the Mint. Currently objective; identify subject’s location for extraction. Any information or assistant would be appreciated”[/u][/color]

[color=9b83de]‘Wow, just four days ago? … So you’re basically as new as me! Kinda! Well, I’m happy to meet you!’[/color] Ronin called happily, overlooking a great deal of stuff to arrive to that conclusion. [color=9b83de]‘Don’t worry, we can unstrain relationships with time! If any of your other friends minds, they’ll answer to me!’[/color] 

[color=9b83de]‘Huh, missing girl captured by the Mint,’[/color] Ronin commented, considering it without a smile. [color=9b83de]‘Not something I know anything about, I’m afraid, but I’ll totally help saving her if we track them down!’[/color] she said, regaining said smile. [color=9b83de]‘Oooh, if we rally Cindy and Ascendancy behind the common cause of saving this abducted girl, think they’ll stop fighting!?’[/color] Ronin suggested, smiling excitedly. Yeah, Deni knew internally how naive and improbable that level of thinking was. But, she was free now. Free to think however she liked. So she wanted to think optimistically!

[color=4F8092][u]“Doubtful”[/u][/color] Penny would reply but the smirk on her face showed that she at least found the idea humorous. [color=4F8092][u]“Single members within either organization might be able to assist however.”[/u][/color] she would add with a minute shrug.

[color=4F8092][u]“The rectifying with my other half will take time. True. Separation necessary for further advancement. True. Discomfort at loss. True. Your willingness to adjudicate on my behalf. Unnecessary, but appreciated.”[/u][/color] Penny would gently smile at her new friend. at the tail end of her statements. She enjoyed the small girl’s optimism.

[color=4F8092][u]“You are recent in Penrose or magical circumstances?”[/u][/color] Penny would go on to ask, tilting her head to the side as she asked. Rounin mentioned she was new, she was curious about how that was the case.

[color=9b83de]‘Ey, “doubtful” does not mean “impossible”!’[/color] Ronin said with a smirk. Then when Penny said the next part, she chuckled a bit. [color=9b83de]‘Unnecessary, hahaha. I’m unnecessary. Tell me if that ever changes~’[/color]

[color=9b83de]‘Yupp! I’m new, both in Penrose, and as a Magical Girl!’[/color] Technically not a lie, she was a Monster Girl previously, and new as a presence! [color=9b83de]‘I somehow ended up without a patron. I’m honestly not sure myself how that happened,’[/color] Ronin said, referring to the fact she clearly got power from somewhere new, but she did not know from where. [color=9b83de]‘And with this obviously eastern-inspired Magical Girl look, that makes me a tiny masterless samurai! Hence, “Ronin”~!’[/color] she told, an excited smile on her face as she placed a resting hand on the hilt of her sword to emphasize the samurai-look.

[color=9b83de]‘And now I’m on a quest to make as many friends as I possibly can, and make up my own web of contacts! But, huh, there’s a conflict starting here, huh. I [i]really[/i] don’t want to make unnecessary enemies, so I don’t want to be roped into a faction, but I also want to make friends and take on assignments. Hmmm, what to do…’[/color] Ronin told, thinking on matters towards the end there. [color=9b83de]‘Eh, I’m sure it’ll work out!’[/color] she ended that, grinning widely.

Penny would take a moment longer to reply this time and there was an odd glint in her eye for a moment before she did. [color=4F8092][u]“Logic surrounding your chosen name is sound”[/u][/color] She would acknowledge with a nod [color=4F8092][u]“Penrose continues to be a hot spot of magical activity both good and ill. Ascendency and Cindy are the third such major event. There is a scattering of un-affiliated mahou, advisement to stay away from Chloe Irving, seek friendship with Lily Lightning and Amaryllis. If affiliation with a faction is required; Beacon, local faction, is prefered. Current leader is Alicia Hayden. She is a good person, and a friend.”[/u][/color]

[color=4F8092][u]“Regardless of choice”[/u][/color] Penny would go on after a moment, reaching into her leg compartment to pull out a slip of paper [color=4F8092][u]“My contact number. Caution; Other half shares the same contact information.”[/u][/color]

[color=9b83de]‘Yay, approval~!’[/color] Ronin called happily about the sound logic of her name. Afterwards, she paid attention to Penny’s little row of names. Avoid Chloe Irving eh? Oooh, the lovebird is still around, and a major player! Amaryllis, eh? Never heard of her! And, Alicia made Beacon leader!? Well done, her! Moving up in the world! Ronin grinned so happily as Penny offered the slip of paper.

[color=9b83de]‘Ooooh, thanks!’[/color] Ronin called as she quickly drew her own phone that she’d obtained pretty recently, and quickly sent a message to the number. [color=9b83de]‘Then you and your other half are about to get a message happily introducing me! With that, you can save my info, too!’[/color] Ronin called happily, very much intending to send the message. The message read “This is the number of solo samurai-themed magical girl of Penrose, the Tiny Ronin! If I can help with anything, don’t hesitate to give me a call!”

[color=4F8092][u]“Message received”[/u][/color] Penny would say once she got the text. [color=4F8092][u]“Final note about Penrose, two new types of coins have recently begun to circulate. Red and White. Reds are more common of the two and shuffle ones magic. White are rarer, practically Beacon exclusive, result in rapid purification and shifting affiliation to that of the Beacon.”[/u][/color] While Penny had her doubts about just how new Ronin was, she was honest about being friends with the tiny warrior, thus she felt it was a good idea to let her know about the possible strange Coins that were now out and about.

[color=9b83de]‘Nice!’[/color] Ronin grinned as the text was received. Then she heard about the new kinds of coins… and got a bit wide-eyed. [color=9b83de]‘Huh? People can just… [i]make[/i] new kinds of coins?’[/color] But then she heard about the kinds, and… [color=9b83de]‘Eh, I’ve not gotten bored of my current magic yet, I’ve barely started with it! And, yeah, while Beacon’s alright, I’m not interested in becoming one myself! But, thank you so very much for the information! You’re the best!’[/color] Ronin said, grinning happily as she skipped up to take Penny’s hand again with both hands to shake with appreciation.

[color=9b83de]‘So, what do we do now? Patrol and fight monsters together? Solve the Cindy Ascendancy problem? Have a sleepover? Follow any clues we have to find Sammy? Go to a dark spot and tell ghost stories? Find more magical girls to befriend? Get existing friends and play Magical Girl tag? Honestly, I’ve been fantasizing about that last one, it’s [i]got[/i] to be a blast!’[/color] Ronin grins as she happily suggests things they could do now~!

[color=4F8092][u]“I am currently on a patrol route assigned to me by Beacon.”[/u][/color] Penny would say slowly as she mulled over the options that Ronin had put forth [color=4F8092][u]“I would not decline company if you wish to follow. The Cindy Ascendency problem will likely reach critical long before we could stop it. A sleepover is outside of my capabilities, as I don’t require sleep. I lack the strength of emotion to properly enjoy the telling of ghost stories. Finding more friends would be appreciated. And..”[/u][/color] Penny would pause before a large smile would play across her features making her look like she had back when she was one person [color=4F8092][u]“Tag is as fun as you think it is. Played a game of it before.”[/u][/color]

Ronin just grinned happily as Penny went through the list of things Ronin had suggested they do, and then finally, she arrived at the final one. [color=9b83de]‘Yeeeeeeeeeeeessssssss…!’[/color] Ronin closed her eyes and arm-pumped with both arms in sheer excitement over how amazing Magical Girl tag had to be. [color=9b83de]‘Alright! For now, we’re patrolling the city together! They won’t be able to resist the might of D-’[/color] “Deni and Penn(i)” had a nice ring to it. [color=9b83de]‘Penny and Ronin! Alright! So, I’m Reinforcement-specialized, so I can enhance myself and make random barriers to stop enemies and such! Now, then, we’ll do the tag later, for now let’s go!’[/color] Ronin called happily, and was already on the way.

Penny just shook her head before following after the excitable girl so she could get them on the correct path, her more robotic mannerisms slipping back into place as she went.

[hr]

[h1][color=077ae6]M[/color]ariette and [b]N[/b]uncio[/h1]
[sup]Phone Calls and Stealing Styles[/sup]

[color=077ae6]‘… Find out what you can from your end, and I’ll do what I can from mine,’[/color] Mariette said into her phone. [color=077ae6]‘Yes, I know. I’ll make sure it’s worth something,’[/color] she told, before ending that particular call. She was seated on a couch inside a mostly empty apartment, Penrose being in a semi-abandoned state made it so there were a lot of those for Mariette to hide out in. Eli was in the kitchen, the slime harpy humming something as she used some leftover ingredients from the fridge to cook something for them both. She’d been learning recently, using food people had left behind as they left the city, and it had produced some decently nice edibles. Anyways. Mariette had more business to tend to.

In order to find out what she could… Mariette dialed the number she’d gotten from Amaryllis, and then gently held the phone to her ear.

The phone didn’t ring two times before she was greeted by the voice of a young man. 

[b]Nuncio speakin’. Who might this be?[/b]

[color=077ae6]‘I am Mariette Pedersen, Sage of the Mirrored World. I received your contact information from Amaryllis Evenings, Knight of the Rose,’[/color] Mariette told him. That title of hers was actually straight from Amaryllis’ mouth, and Mariette had no idea where it came from, but she was using it. [color=077ae6]‘I’ve been requested to find your Sammy. Since it’s Amaryllis asking me, I’ll at the very least keep a lookout. However, [i]finding[/i] her will require that you tell me everything you’ve found out while searching for her, and that you provide me with some form of incentive.’[/color]

She paused there, allowing Nuncio to consider what she’d said.

[b]”The dame came through for me eh?”[/b] Mariette could feel Nuncio smile through the phone. [b]”Did Amaryllis tell ya anythin’? Everything I found says she was last seen at the Pit Stop. Beyond that, she only really searches for missin’ animals and details about Binky. Occasionally she’ll track down missing people, but that’s rare. Also talked to Brittany at the magic shop. Gotta speak with her again ta see if she knows anythin’. Been meaning to look at all the zoos in Penrose since she likes those.”[/b] A tiger roared into the phone. [b]”You’ll eat later Rossa! Where was I? Yea as far as incentive, what kinda stuff interests the ‘Sage of the Mirrored World’ eh? Cuz the ‘Feline Mafioso’ ain’t exactly rich.”[/b]

Mariette considered the sounds of the tiger decently interesting. In any case.

[color=077ae6]‘Amaryllis told me that the “Elucidator of the Amplified Scope” was not present for our impromptu unsolicited vacation, and that she remained missing now, and that you were searching for her. I was told Sammy was her friend, in a world where she’d lost a considerable number of those lately. And, I was also told you were a member of the Outer Penrose Alliance, which was beseeching this of me?’[/color] Mariette asked. [color=077ae6]‘Surely, an Alliance has some resources to spare. If you have monsters or magical girls you no longer need, I will gladly take them off your hands. I also accept magical artifacts that could be of use to me. That, or… I’d also accept a single Red Coin, if you could find me one of those. Or more, if you’d like me to look upon you more favorably in the future,’[/color] Mariette said, a little amused.

[b]”I pay more favorably for favorable results.”[/b] Nuncio sounded a bit irritated, but Sammy was missing, and a tiger just roared into his ear. [b]”But yea, glad she told ya all that. Saves me from havin’ to do it. A red coin shouldn’t be too hard to find. You’re talkin’ to the guy who swept em up during his escape. I’ll talk to the others and see if we have any to spare.”[/b] He chuckled. [b]”Barrin’ that, I make pluses. High quality ones. Ya can see my handiwork at Brittany’s shop. Cheapest one is like 5 gold coins. I could make you a plush of anything ya want  a lot cheaper. Skip the middleman.”[/b]

Mariette positively froze.

Red coin… or plushie.

A red coin was something she’d been hoping to get her hands on, not to use but to examine closely for its functions and simply analyze in greater detail. The research of actually having it and knowing what they could about it could potentially be a great advantage to Asengav and her entire faction. The choice was obvious.

But… plushie.

High quality plushie.

Especially made for her.

Now, she’d never betray bunny. Bunny was her one most important possession, and this would never change. That said… plushie.

Cute, adorable, custom-made plushie. Just for her.

Mariette was frozen.

[b]”Hello?”[/b]

[color=077ae6]‘A-ah,’[/color] Mariette made a mildly startled noise, but refocused her thoughts. [color=077ae6]‘I-I'm… obligated to request a Red Coin. It is for the benefit of my patron…’[/color] Mariette said, her tone with regret. [color=077ae6]‘… but, um, is there any way I could convince you to make me a plushie, on the side? I-I, would love to, um, I'm… rather fond of bunnies, and my bunny could use a companion… Could I… somehow sweeten the deal for you to…?’[/color] Mariette asked, momentarily reverting to a somewhat younger age in her tone.

[b]”The coin ain’t a sure thing ma’am. But all the same, I’ll work on tryin’ for one and makin’ a plush for ya.”[/b] Mariette could hear the sound of something snapping, followed by some chewing noises. [b]”That okay for breakfast, Rossa?”[/b] He cleared his throat. [b]”This bunny, should it be big? Maybe one floppy ear? Gotta color preference? I’m fine suprisin’ ya too.”[/b]

[color=077ae6]‘…’[/color] Mariette would have commented on the coin not being a sure thing, but currently she was overwhelmed about the other subject of the conversation. [color=077ae6]‘The size should… match mine.’[/color] Mariette said, and then looked down on bunny, and also had an Eli peeking in from the kitchen looking a bit surprised. Now, unfortunately, Mariette had no idea how to actually convey size through words. [color=077ae6]‘Um, let’s see, this thing can take pictures, right?’[/color] Mariette said, and then had an Eli run in to guide her in how to actually use the phone to take pictures. Eventually, Nuncio would get a picture of bunny sitting on a table with a helpful set of items nearby to get a sense of scale. A plate and cutlery, a couple books, a couple fruits they found, a milk carton with a specific size…

[color=077ae6]‘You can… surprise me with the rest,’[/color] Mariette said, sounding a bit embarrassed. The bunny in the picture was well-loved, to say the least.

[b]”A bit biggah than my normal requests.”[/b] He let out a long, endless sigh. [b]”But it sounds like ya really want it. And I really want Sammy back. So it’s gunna be my goddamn masterpiece.”[/b] Mariette could hear some beeps on his end. It sounded a bit like her own phone buttons, maybe he was saving the picture? [b]”I’ll need a moment ta form a concept, but it’ll be the next one I make. And thanks again for helpin’ me out. I hope it leads to somethin’ good in the future.”[/b]

[color=077ae6]‘Yes… thank you,’[/color] Mariette said, nodding. [color=077ae6]‘I will do all I can. I’ll call you when I find something,’[/color] she said, ignoring the curious looks of the slime harpy to her left.

[b]”Ya got my number. Buh-bye, Mariette. Take care.”[/b]

[color=077ae6]‘… You too,’[/color] Mariette told, a slight blush on her cheeks as she ended the call, and then took a long look at bunny. Bunny would possibly have a friend, soon… … … Oh, and there was Eli looking at her with very large, interested eyes to her left. Mariette slowly gazed towards her, slowly regaining her usual stoic persona.

[color=077ae6]‘… Not a word of this to the others.’[/color]

[color=57a345]‘Wouldn’t dream of it, my mistress.’[/color]