[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/200228/4ac6d1ed6b8625f62094f5bc160c8965.png[/img][h2]and[/h2][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/200228/531aaad07cce420cebc4171a1ddbb87c.png[/img]
[h2]and[/h2]
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~ [i]Before The Split[/i] ~[/center]

Quietly on behind Miriam, The Boss turned, and stepped towards the access door. A mere few steps passed before Penny’s reply flashed across her face from the blue lit screen in her hand, drawing her attention, and pausing her gait for a moment. Deftly, her numb fingers took to drawing out a reply. With each keypress, her steps quickened, until she reached the door - her left hand outstretched to push it inwards, allowing a flood of white-flourescent light to leak onto the exposed rooftop.

The very space at the top of the stairs, of the access corridor to the roof of a financial building just beyond the centre of the city, bathed in artificial light, [i]bent[/i] and [i]rended.[/i] The light flickered and dimmed, and finally darkened, the bulb shorted out by a cloud of black that wafted beneath the door and swallowed the stairwell atop which The Boss stood.
[right][i]enter[/i][/right]

[quote=Unknown Number]I’m very well acquainted with the owner of a restaurant in Western Penrose, called The Nerine Vista. It’s a short walk from the Beth Lamnnid Memorial Library - it’ll look closed, but the door is open. I’ll have the chef on standby, so we can eat, and talk.[/quote]

[quote=Penny] I can be there shortly.[/quote]

Penny would send back as a response before pulling up a digital map of Penrose and plotting out her course. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Right, I’m off”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say aloud turning to Valerie [color=9e0039][u][b]“As I said feel free to tag along shouldn’t be an issue”[/b][/u][/color] She would say with a shrug [color=9e0039][u][b]“And before I forget”[/b][/u][/color] She’d Ping the other android’s system with a simple message [color=9e0039][u][b]“My number in case you want to get a hold of me later”[/b][/u][/color]

Afterwards she’d jump onto the nearby roof and set off at a reasonable pace, slightly above a jog over all. She was fine after all, no need to go racing off to get away from this alleyway. She was fine.

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[b]"O...kay..."[/b] Valerie hesitated to leave Penny to go by herself. She had detected traces of corruption from the other android, making her worried. Not wanting to take any chances, she followed behind her.

Located in Western Penrose, The Nerine Vista only a short walk from the centre of the city, across the road and northwards on from the local library. Technically, it stood as one of the finer dining experiences in Penrose City. The exterior boasted an elegant aesthetic - a primary red colour scheme trimmed and framed in gold. Above a number of large, darkened windows that obscured the interior of the restaurant, a large nameplate sat, with the name 'The Nerine Vista', written out in cursive, gold on red, punctuated on its rightmost side from the entrance with a flowering lily.

To the ordinary, it merely appeared as a restaurant, but to the magically keen, or a Third Eye user, a number of immediate magical enchantments were obvious from the outside. The darkened windows had an illusion placed over the top of them, obfuscating view in, but allowing those inside to look out on the world in peace. And at the front. just past the main darkened glass doors, was a plaque, reading bold and obvious in golden foil "The Nerine Vista is Open". That too had been obfuscated, overlayed with a “closed” sign, to keep the mundane from entering accidentally, though the door itself remained unlocked.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"Well this is the place"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say as she gave it a look over, somewhat suprised at the fact it was a more upscale local, with a shrug she would venture inside. After all she was fine, no need to stop, she could handle this, she was fine.

On the inside, the chill of the Penrose day was taken over by a pleasant warmth. The restaurant floor itself felt rustic, but never deviated from the upper class presentation it gave on the first outlook; several dozen, large round tables covered the space, partially set, each meticulously covered in a burgundy tablecloth, outlined by a golden seam that tapered at each corner into a fabric gold decoration. Two wooden, delicately carved chairs had been sat polar opposite from each other, backed by rich, dark brown leather, intersected at various angles with golden thread, leading to a yellow-gold diamond design at its centre. And on the walls hung various objects - by the double doors that no doubt led to the kitchen, among the numerous art pieces that lined the room, a sword sat mounted to the wall, in a beautiful, black and silver sheath.

A fire had been lit of the opposite end of the chamber, illuminating the restaurant beyond even the half dozen silver and crystal chandeliers, candle-lighting the floor from above. Above the fireplace sat a frame, a painting, of the Earth from orbit, splintered and cracked like a window pain, and illuminated from above by a brilliant white star. And at the centre of the room, by a table kept at slight distance from the rest, was [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/435543965979377665/557700235099635712/Blink.png]a girl.[/url] She was short, at least relatively so. Purple-red hair emerged from beneath her striped fabric newsboy hat, and the collar of her coat, which, upturned, rose partway up the back of her neck. The coat itself ran down almost to her knees, and appeared to be a heavy thing; bulky, covered in buckles and buttons, and nearly multicoloured with the number of patchwork repairs that had been done. A pair of fingerless gloves adorned each of her hands, which took to setting the table for two guests - a set of cutlery, a napkin, a small plate, a glass and a sizeable, leather bound menu. As she worked, the girl [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjST75n8sSM]whistled[/url], a gentle and vaguely sombre melody, seemingly inattentive to the arrival of her guest.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"Exc҉use me"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would call out once she had given the place a look over. She had realized that she didn't know who she was looking for, just thier name. [color=9e0039][u][b]"We are looking for Eden?"[/b][/u][/color] she would explain once she got the other girl, who she assumed was the waitress, attention.

[colour=BlueViolet]"See you found the place alright,"[/colour] the girl replied, back turned to the two as she took to laying a glass, left-most side of the plate. For a moment she drew back, taking in the state of the table, and then she turned towards the door, satisfied with the layout. Her eyes fell on Penny first, but quickly flicked towards Valerie. [colour=BlueViolet]"Who's the new girl? Last [i]I[/i] heard, Beacon Agents aren't meant to wander the streets with Monster Girls in tow."[/colour]

 [b]"Valerie Williams."[/b] she introduced herself, extending a hand out for Eden to shake. [b]"Don't worry, I only work under a lesser force. Just happened to have ended up like [i]this[/i] by chance."[/b] the android pointed to herself with her free hand.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"And how many Beacon members do you know are also Monstergirls?"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would ask quirking an eyebrow at Eden. [color=9e0039][u][b]"I'm not very big on the 'No working with monstergirl's' part of Beacon's Vows as it's more or less impossible for me to follow it."[/b][/u][/color] She would go on to say as she re-examined the girl in front of her. 

[color=9e0039][u][b]"Regardless, Valerie just helped me out. Not going to just cut and run after that"[/b][/u][/color] She would say as she moved to the table, keeping an eye on Eden as she went. After all if the Vixen was scared of her that was more then enough reason to stay on her guard.

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[colour=BlueViolet]"We'll need another chair, then,"[/colour] she commented. Her eyes scanned Valerie's outstretched hand for a moment, until she turned, ignoring the gesture, to pull a chair from one of the other, nearby tables. She gestured for the two of them to sit, and stepped off towards the double doors, which automatically swung open, despite the lack of a visible sensor near them, leading into the vast kitchen. A few moments passed, of near silence, before they swung open in the opposite direction, revealing the girl once more, carrying the necessary table set deftly between her hands. [colour=BlueViolet]"If anything happens with her, I hope you'll take responsibility.

"But we'll deal with that if it comes,"[/colour] as she spoke, she took to setting Valerie's own place. Within a minute, a near exact replica of the other two places had been erected, with the heavy, leather bound menu placed square in front of her. Almost immediately, she took her own seat, directly across from Penny, and just to Valerie's left, ninety degrees around the circular table. [colour=BlueViolet]"We haven't talked since before the beach, right? That mess was a whole lot to unpack, so many different people talking and what not - but apparently you had a fairly eventful two months, at least. I heard Thalia was there, too, did you see her?"[/colour]

[color=9e0039][u][b]"As far as I am aware we hadn’t talked even before then"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would reply as Eden sat down [color=9e0039][u][b]"But yeah I meet up with Thalia. She spoke about you briefly as well"[/b][/u][/color] She would go on leaning back in her chair [color=9e0039][u][b]"Over all it was a pretty decent couple of days. Why do you bring it up?"[/b][/u][/color] So far Penny was getting the feeling that Eden didn't do anything with a reason to do such. Which wasn't too surprising considering that Eden ran a business but Penny tended to be weary of those types on principal.

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[colour=BlueViolet]"Right, right, names and faces, I still haven't introduced myself; I'm Eden,"[/colour] she looked from Penny to Valerie with the statement, her exposed fingertips lightly rapping against the tabletop in a vaguely rhythmic manner. With each word, the neutral expression and apathetic, hard eyes she wore faded away into something softer, until a faint smile crested her face. [colour=BlueViolet]"I'm the co-founder, and current head, of The Penrose Independent. Before we get into any real business talk, feel free to order, on the house. Though I suppose you're both robots, aren't you? - well, take a look through the menu anyway, if you want something to eat, the chef's on standby."[/colour]

[b]"Well, I'm an android, and I [i]can[/i] eat. But half the time, I don't really need to."[/b] Valerie explained, looking through the menu. [b]"Do you suggest anything?"[/b] she asked Eden.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"Technically I'm a cyb̸o̡rg"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would reply as she looked over the menu. She avoided looking at any option that had meat in it, not because anything was wrong, no she was fine. She just wasn't in the mood for that, it wasn't like the sensation of eating someone else was lingering in the back of her mind. She was fine.

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[color=9e0039][u][b]"I'll go with the Fettuccine Alfredo"[/b][/u][/color] She'd say after a moment, [color=9e0039][u][b]"Water to drink"[/b][/u][/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]"Sure, cyborg,"[/colour] Eden echoed, her attention momentarily pulled from Valerie's words onto Penny. As she looked, she made no effort to hide the intention of her gaze; it had reverted in an instant to the sharp, and piercing, eyes she wore before, as though she were performing a detailed scan of Penny's body and face from across the table. [colour=BlueViolet]"Fettuccine Alfredo, not a bad choice. As for you, Valerie... There's the pan seared duck breast I had added, with a reduced red wine and gooseberry sauce. Sasha wasn't sure how well it'd work on the menu, but she's become fairly well known for it since we opened, so it's gotta be worth something, right?"[/colour]

[b]"Hm, sounds good. I'll have that."[/b] Valerie nodded.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"So you mentioned that you wanted to call in that favor"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say calmly as she leaned back into her chair meet Eden's gaze. The apparent scrutiny serving as a grounding rod allowing her to focus on the here and now.

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[color=9e0039][u][b]"What did you have in mind?"[/b][/u][/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]"I felt bad, about the whole favour thing,"[/colour] she replied, standing from her seat. From each guest Eden took their glasses, and carried them off to a nearby table, where a pitcher of water sat. As she lifted it, the ice cubes clinked against the glass, breaking the sudden silence while she poured. [colour=BlueViolet]"Don't get me wrong, I still need your help with something, but I'm not so much of a cunt where I'd call it a favour anymore. I just wanted something that I could use on you later. I'm asking about Thalia - well, I'm asking if there's anything I can do to help with that situation. It's partially my fault anyway."[/colour]

[color=9e0039][u][b]"I..."[/b][/u][/color] Penny took a breath and tried to let go of the tension she was holding on too [color=9e0039][u][b]"I don't know. We had a long discussion back at the Beach, and even got a text from her now that we are back here, but I havn't seen her yet so I'm not really sure what she needs at the moment"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would explain [color=9e0039][u][b]"And from what I hear your the reason she came to me at all, so what makes you say that it was your fault to begin with?"[/b][/u][/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]"Good question..."[/colour] Eden said. She remained silent for a few moments, watching the water drain from the pitcher, and into the glass that had been Penny's, until it reached the same point as Valerie's had. When she lifted them once more, she did so gently; the movements on the return were ever so slightly more cautious, as though she feared spilling a single drop, until she slid the glasses back in front of the places they belonged to. [colour=BlueViolet]"Let's just say, I didn't stop this situation as early as I could of. I had to threaten her - did she tell you that? I was watching you fighting in the Graveyard when she came by again. I don't like threatening people, but she's too familiar to individuals I've worked with before. It was either scare her back to you, or kill her. I want you to think of us as friends, Penny, that's why I'm offering this - if you need help with something after this, I'll see what I can do."[/colour]

[color=9e0039][u][b]"I see..."[/b][/u][/color] Penny would answer as she parsed the information given to her. her hands wrapping around the glass of water passed to her as she thought it over [color=9e0039][u][b]"She did mention something like that. Thing is she tried the second route first"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say quietly, careful to not increase her grip on the glass infront of her, as it would easily shatter if she did. [color=9e0039][u][b]"The Vixen took over her for quite some time as well, hard to say if you really talked with Thalia much"[/b][/u][/color]

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Penny winced slightly [color=9e0039][u][b]"Do... Do you know of anyway to help someone in Thalia's postion?"[/b][/u][/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]"Mmm, potentially,"[/colour] she began. Her coat folded as she slid into the chair once more, and rested her elbows on the table, crossing her hands in front of her mouth for a moment of thought. In the seconds that past, an abrupt sound emerged from the kitchen, as the double doors that connected the two rooms swung open, revealing a heavy set woman, grey-white hair held beneath a chef's hat, and clothed in a full body chef's apron, carrying two plates on one arm, and a glass in the other hand.

[colour=SlateGray]"Fettuccine Alfredo for Ms. Asimov, duck breast for Ms. Valerie,"[/colour] the woman announced, bearing a thick, deep seated Russian accent. She moved the starter plates from in front of the two, and placed the plates near dead centre at the place. Every step was made clockwise around the table - to Penny first, then Valerie, then placing the bubbling glass of black liquid in front of Eden, and finally back around and into the kitchen. [colour=SlateGray]"Please enjoy the meal."[/colour]

[colour=BlueViolet]"Can't say I'm an expert, but in the end, the issue will be corruption based,"[/colour] Eden continued. She reached forward, and took the glass in her hand - a large pint glass, filled almost fully with cola. [colour=BlueViolet]"Her corruption is fighting against her. The Vixen is probably some kind of security mechanism put in place to prevent her from being damaged or purified, but somewhere along the line she let it in too far, and it developed its own sense of self on a schema of her personality. The fastest way to fix it would be purification, but there's no chance The Ascendancy lets her live, in which case - I never got my hands on one, but a Red Coin [i]might[/i] scramble the corruption enough as to where she can take control again. I could... force her into shutdown, and restart her in a safe mode of sorts, where Thalia is the one in control. It'd only last for a little until The Vixen realises her host isn't disabled, but it could be enough for her to use a Coin. If I can find one."[/colour]

Penny would sit back and ponder the information given to her. Some of it rang true, the metamorph being a security measure from being damaged fit in line with her own triggers after all. But the purification defense didn’t really fit, unless Thalia own psyche was more damaged then Penny’s currently was. And didn’t that thought send a shiver of dread down her mechanical spine.

Still the matter of a Red coins was much easier after all [color=9e0039][u][b]“I-“ [/b][/u][/color]
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Penny would take a drink from her water before trying again [color=9e0039][u][b]“I know where you might be able to get one. Cindy currently has a stock of them, getting in touch with her you should be able to work something out.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny herself had no doubt that the Red coins could fix such an issue, but she didn’t need to use hers yet. She was still fine after all, perfectly fine.

[colour=BlueViolet]"Well that works out perfectly,"[/colour] she set her glass down, after a number of sip. [colour=BlueViolet]"That favour I needed from you was all about Cindy Ford. I gotta speak to her on a few things, but I doubt she'll just meet me if I rock up to your hideout uninvited. I know you two have an arrangement, so I was hoping you could, well, introduce me, I guess, maybe vouch for my intergrity, something like that. I'm pretty sure Cindy and Thalia are already acquainted as well, she might just agree to give up a Coin on principle. What do you say?"[/colour]

[color=9e0039][u][b]"Not really mine anymore but I get what you mean"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would hedge while she though about the offer. She couldn't see any reason why not to agree to this, plus it was a rather simple way to pay off the debt. So with a internal shrug [color=9e0039][u][b]"Sure I could do that. It'll take a day or two I think"[/b][/u][/color] She would muse aloud, not fully sure of what her own standing was when it came to the selfproclaimed Queen. Besides there was the issue of the Spark tracking her as well to deal with first.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"How do you want me to get a hold of you when I've got it set up?"[/b][/u][/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]"A day or two is perfect,"[/colour] she lifted the glass to her lips once more, and for a few seconds drank deeply from it. When she reemerged, she placed the glass back gently, and sighed. [colour=BlueViolet]"If you could just send me a text, that'd be fine. I'll let you know if she agrees to give up one of her coins, and if she does, then, I guess we'll discuss what to do about Thalia at a later date. Thank you, genuinely. With all that said and done... I have to make some preperations.

"Valerie, I'm sorry about this. I wasn't expecting anyone other than Penny, so you've been a bit left out. Before I leave you both to eat,"[/colour] Eden reached into the large, bulky jacket that made up the main part of her attire. The sheer size obscured most of her true physicality, leaving everything below the neck and above the knees a mystery. Her hand seemed to disappear into the left breast, venturing into a pocket of dubious contents, and when it returned, it held a business card. 'The Penrose Independent. Keeping the Truth Truthful', covered neatly in a myriad of contact numbers and addresses, which she handed to the android. [colour=BlueViolet]"I don't know your position or standing with your Patron and the rest of Penrose, but if you need somewhere to work, we're always hiring."[/colour]

[b]"Oh?"[/b] Valerie grabbed the business card. [b]"Huh, I was actually going to offer you my services, if you ever needed me. I [i]am[/i] the hacker of my group, after all."[/b] With a wink, the android had added herself onto Eden's contacts, and vice versa.

Penny would nod [color=9e0039][u][b]"I'll contact you when I can"[/b][/u][/color] she would say before tuning her attention to her food. After all it would be rude to just leave it with out eating.

[colour=BlueViolet]"I'm glad to hear it, both of you. If you'll excuse me,"[/colour] with a nod to each of them, she stood from the table, grabbing and pulling the glass with her to quickly finish the remaining liquid. The moment the last drop emptied, she placed it back on the table, and began walking towards the door, until, just at the entrance, Eden turned to look back at them. [colour=BlueViolet]"Penny. As a friend. Don't go to the party. And... if there's anyone in Beacon you care about, make sure they steer clear too."[/colour]

Before either of the two girls could answer, she pulled the door ajar, and ducked out into the cold of Penrose City.

[hr]

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Vi sat in her chair, nervously drumming on her desk with her fingers as she waited for the PI to show up. After discussing a few things with Chloe, she had at least agreed this would be the best course of action. The other girl still wanted to make no appearances herself, it seemed. Content to hide while others carried out her dirty work.

Ugh, she loathed to admit it but she was no different from her, in the end. Always hiding behind a computer screen. At least she wouldn't have to do much decision making this time herself. Divina had graciously 'offered' her help. Honestly, she was more terrified of that moth woman than she was Chloe. There was something unsettling about watching a human sized creature stare at a lightbulb like it was normal. Not to mention the repeated attempts at psychic shenanigans. Mostly that.
A small red blip from a motion sensor activated on one of her many security cameras tore her away from the thoughts. That was them, likely. Vi sighed, grinding her teeth for a moment as she worked up her usual persona.

[color=f49ac2]“Alright, Vi, Shooooowww time!~”[/color] The magical girl got up from her chair and moved to where she had her setup. She put on her usual hat, quickly checking her hair, nails, and making sure she was presentable. She wouldn't physically be there, but she'd be able to see them and they her, at least. She had an image to uphold.

The PI members would easily find their way into the warehouse that Vi had directed them too. Old machinery sat abandoned, a rusted testament to whatever this place had once been used for. After a moment of inspection, they'd have found the entire place to be empty...the only thing they’d notice that anyone had been here recently was a number of still functioning security cameras seemingly monitoring them.

The sound of a car pulling up outside the warehouse filled the nearby surroundings. It drove up slowly, drawing near to the entrance, until the slight whine of the breaks followed, and the engine cut to silence. Divina could feel the presence of two minds approaching the warehouse, which in turn exited the vehicle, and made their way inside the building, where they began to talk.

[colour=BlueViolet]”Above,”[/colour] one of the voices said. It was feminine, clearly, with a slight, obviously non-American accent behind it, and moved around the room with its wielder. The girl in question made her way through the warehouse in the direction of the individual, pointedly glancing into each security camera as they appeared, while she looked through the various pieces of machinery. [colour=BlueViolet]”There’s only one nearby, though. Not sure why they’d give up their home field advantage, but we’ll see.”[/colour]

[colour=SlateGray]”This is definitely the place?”[/colour] the second voice was rougher, though still belonging to a woman. A heavy Russian accent bolstered the words, thick and deeply ingrained in her vocal cords.

[colour=BlueViolet]”Can’t say I’ve come across too many abandoned warehouses with people in the ceiling, not since becoming a Magical Girl anyway. Always up for new adventures though.”[/colour]

Above, they were being watched. If they'd have looked up they'd have noticed what looked to be an incredibly large moth of some sort hanging by some old windows on the roof of the warehouse. It currently had their back to them, but upon hearing them enter the moth swiveled its head around, eyeing them curiously for a few seconds. Hm, so that was the Penrose Independent.

Just as the woman finished speaking, the moth girl released her grip on the glass window, letting herself fall to the ground. Fuzzy, moth like wings slowed her descent until her feet gently hit the ground.

[b]“Hmm...so you're the Penrose Independent.”[/b] The girl said, her wings wrapping themselves around her like a giant cloak. Her large eyes stared at both of them intently. [b]“I humbly welcome you to this little stage.”[/b] The moth turned her head back and forth between the two of them. [b]“I apologize for the late greeting. I was...sun gazing. Such a bright, pretty thing isn't it?~”[/b] She giggled lightly before getting back on topic. [b]“Ahem...apologies.”[/b]

There was something oddly unsettling about her gaze, and the other girls would probably feel like their thoughts might not entirely be safe. She was likely going to try and read their minds through the duration of their conversation.

[b]“I am Divina. A humble servant and currently helping Miss Vi.”[/b]

[colour=BlueViolet]”Sasha, wait in the car,”[/colour] the shorter girl said. Even with the moth just behind her, she didn’t turn to look. She remained in place, watching as Sasha nodded cautiously, eyes trained on the newcomer, and made her way out of the warehouse. The girl who called herself Divina was still the only person around, besides Sasha. Nobody else was present. When she had sufficiently confirmed the fact, she finally turned, her gaze immediately drawn to the moth girl. For a moment she said nothing, and simply looked; while Divina’s gaze was unsettling, The Boss’s was piercing, as she scanned the breadth of the moth girl’s body in a matter of moments. [colour=BlueViolet]”You’re the only one here, so I’m guessing Elvira’s phoning in from home? Kinda would’ve preferred to meet whoever’s actually running all this, but whatever - you got somewhere to take me?”[/colour]

[b]“So impatient.”[/b] Divina replied lazily, a small smile forming on her pale face, seemingly entirely unconcerned with the boss' gaze. [b]“And so cautious. Afraid, perhaps? No need to, really. I'm a harmless little moth that just wants to comfort those less fortunate.”[/b] She tilted her head to the side slightly as she watched the one named Sasha leave. Well, that was fine, as long as she didn't draw attention to the place.

[b]“Smart, too. I suppose being the leader of an organization such as yours means you need to be, hm?”[/b] A small hint of disdain could be heard in the moth girls voice as she turned, motioning for the PI to follow. [b]“Elvira is...hm, shall we say, has to think about the consequences of leaving her home, you see. She doesn't trust you, and until she does it is unlikely she will meet you in person. You understand, of course? With all the horrible things happening, one can only be certain in the comfort of the familiar.”[/b] The moth walked over to a particularly out of place seeming wall with a large machine situated in front of it. It seemed mostly real, but the boss would likely easily see that the entire thing seemed to be nothing but a well crafted Illusion.

[b]“Vi has put a lot of work into it. This place, you know.”[/b] A small blast of psychic energy was seemingly enough for her to disturb the illusion and cause it to vanish, revealing a set of stairs leading below. [b]“I think it's a sign she's willing to trust you somewhat. There's a basement. Fairly large. Vi normally holds her little parties there.”[/b]

For the whole of the walk behind Divina, The Boss said nothing. Not a word escaped her, for all of Divinas’ questions and comments. She focussed on what she could see. Hear. Feel. The tour through the warehouse became an echo chamber with each step, until they reached the wall. For as potent and well constructed the illusion may have been, The Boss saw and registered it from the moment it came into view. She analysed it, deconstructed it, and glimpsed clean through it within a matter of moments in her gaze. But she also watched Divina’s psychic blast, which cleanly dissipated the facade.

[colour=BlueViolet]”This is it, then?”[/colour] she asked aloud, almost rhetorically. The moment the illusion was visibly gone, The Boss stepped around and in front of Divina, and crossed the distance down to the second step. No effort was made to stop for her escort. She simply continued heading down. [colour=BlueViolet]”Elvira isn’t in charge of this. There’s somebody else above you both - so why is she afraid? Not like her dying would get me anywhere, and if you lot were concerned about being interrogated for information, why leave someone here as a tour guide? First impressions, this ain’t adding up, Divina.”[/colour]

[b]“I wonder...is there such a thing as being too smart?”[/b] Divina idly asked as they reached the end of the stairs. [b]“Well, it's not my place to judge...for now. I am simply here to ensure things go...smoothly.”[/b] Opening one last door, the sight would likely at least cause one to pause for a moment had they not known what they were getting into. The underground complex fit the 'party club' aesthetic. Neon lights, though currently unlit lined the walls, the only source of lights being large industrial tubes hanging on the ceiling. Upon the back wall, a large stage was situated, rows upon rows of screens attached to the wall, with numerous cables and speakers with it. The dance floor would at least be able to hold dozens of people comfortably. A bar stocked with drinks was situated near the entrance. Several side hallways led off, likely to some other rooms or perhaps, other venues.

[b]“But perhaps, if someone else was orchestrating this, they simply wish to remain anonymous...in case things go bad, hm? As the head of an organization like yours...you should know, information in situations is always vital.”[/b]

[color=f49ac2]“Ey ey, that's enough Divina! No need to spill more juicy gossip than ya have too!”[/color] Every single screen situated on the back wall flashed to life – revealing the face of a grinning Vi in her usual getup. A muted song played through the speakers in the clubroom.

[b]“Apologies, Vi.”[/b] Divina bowed her head lightly.

[color=f49ac2]“Hmph, so you're the PI's boss, huh? Wow, I guess not not everyone looks like they're big business, huh. Color me unimpressed, boss lady.”[/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]”Is openly showing my power a requirement?”[/colour] The Boss queried in response. Her expectations for the place hadn’t been low by any stretch of the imagination, but the actual quality of the venue surprised her, at least for a moment. As the monitors switched on, she began to walk the length of the room - nearer the front where Elvira would no doubt stand, by the bar to see what had already been prepared. All the while she did, The Boss scanned the room, checking in every corner. [colour=BlueViolet]”This hat and coat were given to me by a close friend. They give me my image. I suppose this place is your image, then? It’ll do nicely, you don’t have a back room or anything, do you? We’re gonna need somewhere to set up our equipment soon enough, somewhere people not involved in planning can’t see it.”[/colour]

[color=f49ac2]“Wow, askin' a girl to show her secrets so readily.”[/color] Vi chuckled. [color=f49ac2]“We haven't agreed on anything yet, have we boss lady? So slow up a second 'kay? We got stuff to discuss before you go addin' anything to my systems.”[/color]

[b]“Vi, perhaps, if you could, we are on a rather tight schedule...”[/b]

[color=f49ac2]“Divina, who's in charge here? Me, that's who. I can't have her boomer hands all over my tech. No telling what sorta ew stuff she'd do to it.”[/color] Divina glanced towards the monitors, a small frown forming on her lips. If the boss happened to look back for a moment she'd have noticed one of Divina's eyes had been gone completely insect like – a series of compound eyes staring at the monitor briefly.

[color=f49ac2]“...ugh, Divina, girl, can you please keep your creepiness to yourself. Nobody wants to see that.”[/color] Vi took a few steps backwards. [color=f49ac2]“Alright, how's about this. You don't have to show me your abilities, but you will tell me what exactly it is you'll be doing before you go breaking anything.”[/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]”I thought Christine made that pretty clear?”[/colour] she called back from the bar. Her arms and fingerless lay outstretched across the surface, and her legs crossed in front as she leaned against the counter. [colour=BlueViolet]”Security, in a sense. The Ascendancy is bound to show up to this, there’s basically no chance they don’t - but there’s no real way to guarantee how many they’ll send. But if, I don’t know, The Penrose Independent, a group who they know has Beacon members among them, and have in the past leaked things like the Janet Trial within hours of it concluding? And then, maybe, there’s an anonymous tip, which tells them exactly where the party is being held. We’ll just set up my scanner in the back room, if you have one, and it’ll give me a constant location update for any and all Beaconers that appear near this building. And, I mean, as a show of good faith, we’ll provide you with some funding as well - in case there’s anything you haven’t been able to upgrade or buy yet.”[/colour]

[color=f49ac2]“That's it? That's all? Man, you're pretty dense aren't ya?”[/color] Vi replied with a completely unimpressed look. [color=f49ac2]“I don't care if Beacon shows up. They wanna show up? What are they gonna do, attack us all? Use that brain of yours for once and do some thinking.”[/color] A smug, malevolent grin formed on Vi's features. [color=f49ac2]“Let Beacon come. If I wanted them not too, I wouldn't have advertised it so publicly.”[/color]
Divina glanced between the two of them idly.

[b]“...Elvira,”[/b] She fluttered her wings quietly. [b]“Stop being so obtuse.”[/b]

[color=f49ac2]“...ugh, right. Whatever, Moth-man.”[/color] Vi scoffed. [color=f49ac2]“I don't want Security. What I want is manpower. Funds. Resources.”[/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]”This,”[/colour] The Boss sighed, her gaze drifting towards Divina. Her grip on the bar abruptly tightened, until she pushed herself up and off, and began walking across the room towards the monitors. [colour=BlueViolet]”This is why I wanted to meet whoever’s in charge of you both. Cause you really haven’t given me much to work with until right now. The [i]point[/i] is that we both want something - very clearly those goals aren’t the same, but working together makes them more achievable. But when you sit behind a fucking screen, and give me no indication of what you actually want until I push you for it, then we’ve got a problem. Security is quite literally just my baseline - you want money? Sure, we’ve got plenty. You want manpower? I have a meeting with Cindy Ford that will align her faction with The Penrose Independent. Everything [i]you want[/i] is within my power to give, but you’ve gotta fucking ask for it.”[/colour]

[color=f49ac2]“Pfft, ahahahaha!”[/color] Vi began laughing, holding her stomach and nearly doubling over from whatever she found humorous. [color=f49ac2]“Oh that's great...really, really, great! I see. That makes sense then.”[/color] Her laughter immediately died down as she violently grabbed the camera, the same malevolent smirk returning as she fixed the PI's boss with her glare. [color=f49ac2]“You got nothin' for me. For Us. Cindy Ford? Weak old grandma, that's what she is. She doesn't have the balls to do anything other than hide and wait for beacon to come knocking. Me? I'll give the rest of us hope to fight for-”[/color]

[b]“ELVIRA.”[/b] Divina interrupted the other magical girl, a long, drawn out sigh coming from the moth girl. [b]“That. Is...enough.”[/b]

[color=f49ac2]“...ah, right right, save it for the party.”[/color] Vi narrowed her eyes at the PI. [color=f49ac2]“You want to know what I want so badly? Finally feel like I'm not constantly in danger of dying from the Beacon, Mint, or some other fuck off organization that wants use me or anyone else. And I'm going to make that happen.”[/color] Divina had shifted from staring at Elvira towards the Boss now.

[colour=BlueViolet]”Use you? Is that what you think this is?”[/colour] The Boss stopped firmly in the centre of the room, her gaze moved and transfixed away from Divina and onto the monitors. Her hands slid into her pockets, attempting to look as peaceful, and non-threatening, as possible. [colour=BlueViolet]”People join The Penrose Independent for safety. So they can have somewhere to belong. So they can earn money when their Patron doesn’t care enough about them. And Beacon? They hurt a lot of good people who work with me. Whatever your angle is, it’s not on their side. My side, though? We’re going to destroy The Ascendancy, and if you feel like being part of that, then I don’t recommend fighting me. I [i]really[/i] don’t want to hurt any of you, but I will if you make me, cause this party is the best opportunity any of us are gonna get for this.”[/colour]

[color=f49ac2]“Let me put it like this.”[/color] Vi replied with a snarl. [color=f49ac2]“You're either with me, or against me. And when this party happens...well, Beacon the Mint, [i]anyone[/i], won't be able to stop us.”[/color]

[b]“...simply put,”[/b] Divina continued. [b]“The morning after the party, whether Cindy, you, or anyone else helps...we'll take the fight to Beacon.”[/b]

[color=f49ac2]“Not gonna lie, it'll be a pretty terrible time for everyone, but we're tired of being pushed around, and I'm going to give those of us who are hope...and we're going to smash the ascendancy harder than people smash the like button on my videos. So...is the PI with us, or not?”[/color]

[colour=BlueViolet]”If you’re hellbent on this being [i]your[/i] side?”[/colour] her stance loosened with Vi’s final question. As collected as she attempted to appear outwardly, inside The Boss was prepared to transform at a moments notice. With access to her full range of abilities, dealing with a girl of Divina’s calibre would have been no trouble at all, but taking a hit still sealed would have been less than ideal. [colour=BlueViolet]”Then sure, we’re on your side. Still gonna need full access to the venue and any side rooms you might have. I’ll send a couple of girls over later to check for a good place to put the device, hopefully where it won’t interfere with anything you’ve got going on. That alright with you?”[/colour]

[color=f49ac2]“...you know what, fine.”[/color] Vi said with a sigh. [color=f49ac2]“Do whatever you want. Divina, you know where everything is. Unless you all need me, I'm gonna go get myself a spa treatment. Ugh, all this stress is going to give me wrinkles...”[/color] With that, the monitor cut off, but the cameras were likely still recording them.

[b]“I apologize for Vi's...behavior.”[/b] Divina replied with a sigh. She had been ready to flee at the first sign of trouble, not having to want any sort of conflict out of this. She had a bigger job to do than babysit someone like Elvira. [b]“She can be quite abrasive. If you'll follow me, I'll show you to the back rooms...but I ask you not to wander too much.”[/b] With a motion, the moth began leading Boss down one of the side hallways. [b]“...though I do have to wonder what your goal in all of this is, hm?”[/b]