[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjExNi5hMzNhMDAuUzJGMFlYSnBibUUsLjA,/propaniac.regular.png[/img][/center] [@BrokenPromise] Rina & Mika - a date?! [hr] The Golden Trove’s lobby was not a very busy place these days. The only exception was during breakfast time. A complimentary breakfast was one of those traditions that Su was too stubborn to let go of. Even if Penrose’s current state made getting ingredients difficult, she was happy to keep the tradition alive. Anyone who entered the lobby early enough would be able to catch a whiff of breakfast. The coffee maker was brewing, the tap had just been filled with orange juice. Scrambled eggs, ham, and cheese slices decorated the plates of traditional breakfast eaters. There were also bagels available, but you had to be patient if you wanted to use the toaster. There were also pancakes and a Belgian waffle press that had girls lined up in front of it. There were no shortage of condiments, from butter to ketchup to every jam you could think of. Su replaced an empty plate with one filled with tiny blueberry muffins. [color=PeachPuff]“She didn’t come down again?”[/color] The hotel manager surveyed her surroundings. [color=chocolate]“Man that bed was nice.”[/color] Rina headed down the stairs, hand over her mouth stifling a yawn as she made her way down the lobby. She had elected to stay at the Golden Trove with Mika for the foreseeable future. As long as the Ascendancy was running beacon, she didn't wasn't going to be helping them in the slightest. Not like she minded anyways. Walking into the breakfast room, Rina grabbed a few pancakes and stacked them on her plate along with some eggs. [color=chocolate]“Mornin' Su.”[/color] [color=PeachPuff]“Good morning Rita!”[/color] Su said a bit happier than was warranted. Afterwards, her eyelids flew open. [color=PeachPuff]“Rina! Sorry, I was just thinking of something.”[/color] Su finished arranging the foodstuffs when she froze. [color=PeachPuff]“Rina?”[/color] She turned to face the former police officer. [color=PeachPuff]“I’m sorry, are you the same Rina who took Mika on a tour around Penrose?”[/color] [color=chocolate]“Still wakin' up, huh?”[/color] She replied, reaching for a cup of coffee. [color=chocolate]“Yeah, that's me. Thanks for lettin' me stay here by the way.”[/color] [color=PeachPuff]“We’re always happy to have guests. They keep the doors open.”[/color] Su took an empty plate and started to fill it with food. [color=PeachPuff]“As for my level of alertness, that has less to do with me waking up and more to do with Mika.”[/color] Su poured some syrup over the waffle topped pancakes. [color=PeachPuff]“Did you know Lupa? She left Penrose and Mika hasn’t quite been herself. She spends a lot of time in her room, and only leaves when she doesn’t think Helga or I are around to notice.”[/color] Su loaded up a serving cart before presenting it to Rina. [color=PeachPuff]“I hate to impose on you, but I think she needs a friend right now. Would you mind taking this up to her room?”[/color] [color=chocolate]“Eeeh? Who'd abandon a cute cat like-ahem.”[/color] Rina frowned at the idea. Mika...hadn't been herself? That was a difficult idea to grasp. Since when was the energetic cat girl not anything other than a ball of confusing cat shaped energy? Must have been pretty close friends if she was that beat up over it. Rina really would have preferred just a nice relaxing cup of coffee and breakfast, but she couldn't let Mika just mope around. [color=chocolate]“Aaaah, alright I'll do it.”[/color] She said after a bit of consideration and taking the plate of food. [color=chocolate]“Where's her room at again?”[/color] She would ask as she made a move to leave. [color=PeachPuff]“Thank you. Right this way..”[/color] Su bowed before leading Rina to her destination. [hr] If the staff sleeping quarters could be described in one word, it would be “unfinished.” It was clear that Su was still in the process of renovating the old hotel staff rooms into something that matched the rest of the hotel. They were still using the old furniture, and the new wallpaper only covered half of the walls. In Penrose’s current state it would be difficult to finish renovating the place. [color=PeachPuff]“Pardon the mess.”[/color] Su pointed at a doorway. It had yet to receive new wallpaper, but the room’s inhabitant had used markers to draw animals all over the walls. They were all stick figures, and not even good ones. [color=PeachPuff]“That’s her room..”[/color] Su sighed. [color=PeachPuff]“I’ll be hanging back here if you need anything. Thanks again for doing this.”[/color] [color=chocolate]“Eh, don't mention it. Dunno what help I'll be but I'll try.”[/color] Rina shrugged. Seemed like Mika was trying to be a bit of an artist. It'd have been slightly cute if the cat in question wasn't apparently upset. Rina walked over to the doorway that Su had directed her too, stopping briefly before entering. [color=chocolate]“Hey, Mika.”[/color] Rina began cautiously. She should probably be somewhat tactful about this. [color=chocolate]“Uh, thought we could get breakfast together since y'know, you let me stay here or whatever. Got some pancakes.”[/color] There was no answer, but there was a response. Rina was able to hear a pair of feet shuffling on the other side of the door. With a click, it started to swing open. There was a creaking sound that persisted until the door swung all the way open, and then Rina saw it. The room wasn’t laid out much differently than Rina’s own, but what Mika chose to keep in her room and how she organized it were far different. That is to say her room was a mess, and that was putting it lightly. Her bed wasn’t made, papers were thrown about her desk, and her garbage can was overflowing [i]and[/i] tipped over. But stranger still was the amount of stuff Mika had crammed into such a tiny room. There were a few punching bags, some ruined and leaking. One entire corner of the room had been dedicated to holding plastic swords, and there were all manner of things from Nerf guns to pool noodles to a freakin’ trampoline. It would be impossible to list every item in the room. It likely couldn’t be cleaned up because there was no place to put half of this stuff. In the center of Mika’s room was a shimmering portal. One that lead to a giant mound of pillows. A world of Pillows, where the mountains, sea, and clouds were all pillows. And Mika was rummaging around inside. When Rina looked back to see if Su was still there, she appeared to have gone. Rina's first thought: 'Hol up' [color=chocolate]“....I have so many questions, and I'm not going to ask.”[/color] Rina stepped into the room, carefully placing the plate with her food on it on a nearby, hopefully relatively clean surface. Jeez, she was going to have to clean this room at some point! How the hell was she living like this? [color=chocolate]“Hey Mika!”[/color] She approached the portal, deciding whether or not she should try jumping in or not. [color=tomato]“Hello!”[/color]Before long, Mika came running out of the portal. She was holding a body pillow over her shoulder, which she promptly threw on her bed. If her bed wasn’t covered in marbles and jewelry that is. Instead, it landed on top of the heap and rolled down the side. [color=tomato]“I need to organize this stuff better.”[/color] She looked at the mess on the bed, but her eyes moved over to her breakfast. [color=tomato]“Did she send you up with this?”[/color] Mika walked over to it and inspected the plate. [color=tomato]“Blueberry muffins? Of course she was too lazy to add the crumbly.”[/color] She sat down on the [s]marbles[/s] bed and began shoveling food into her mouth. After eating in relative silence for the better part of a minute, Mika looked up at Rina. [color=tomato]“Is something wrong?”[/color] Well, this was going about as she expected so far. For the first minute, Rina grabbed her own plate and ate in silence alongside Mika. Things seemed fairly normal, but...if Su had said that then she couldn't help but to feel like there was some truth to it. What should she do though, was the question. She wasn't some sorta shrink. [color=chocolate]“Well this room for one.”[/color] Rina said with a frown and a sigh. [color=chocolate]“If I wasn't busy with other things, I'd make you thoroughly clean it.”[/color] She did her best to take a seat next to Mika on the bed. How on earth did Mika do whatever this was? Mika smiled. [color=tomato]”It’ll look a lot better once I’m done. I didn’t exactly live like a rich kid before I started arranging stuff.”[/color] [color=chocolate]“Su said Lupa left.”[/color] Rina said once she settled down. Mika froze, the smile on her face vanished in an instant. The food in her hands fell back onto the plate, which she set off to the side. [color=tomato]”I’m over it.”[/color] Mika placed her hands on her knees. [color=tomato]”It wouldn’t have been so bad if she just left.”[/color] She was staring at a spot on the floor. [color=tomato]”But instead she left a clone behind to tell me I didn’t love her. I pushed her around in a wheelchair for weeks, but I guess that doesn’t count for anything. She’s just upset with what Beacon did to the place.”[/color] [color=chocolate]“She did what...?”[/color] Talk about heartless. She didn't know who this Lupa person was really, but if she ever saw her in person, she was going to get smacked. Mika grit her teeth. [color=tomato]”I’m over it though, I’m over it.”[/color] She pushed herself off the bed and walked towards the portal. When she looked back at Rina, she was smiling. [color=tomato]”Wanna take a walk with me?”[/color] [color=chocolate]“Jeez, hey, hey, come here a second.”[/color] Before replying, Rina hopped up from where she was sitting and moved next to Mika. [color=chocolate]“You are not over anything, don't act tough.”[/color] She reached out, patting Mika’s head and giving her ears a few rubs. [color=tomato]”Hmmm.”[/color] Mika folded her arms. [color=chocolate]“Alright?”[/color] Rina eyed the portal suspiciously. [color=chocolate]“But yeah, a walk sounds fun. What is that portal anyways?”[/color] [color=tomato]”You know the beach dimension?”[/color] Mika took Rina’s hand and stepped inside. [color=tomato]”Well, let’s just say it’s a lot bigger than I originally thought. There are all kinds of other planets, like a food planet, a toy planet, and this one is a pillow planet.”[/color] Rina could feel her feet sink into the ground as they walked along. It felt like walking on top of a memory foam mattress. [color=tomato]”The world’s aren’t all safe, and it seems like most of the stuff is pretty normal. So no going to a ‘magical weapon’ planet. But if you want a pillow buddy, this is a great place to go.”[/color] Mika ran over to a mountain of body pillows and pulled one of them out. [color=tomato]”Is Noel your waifu?”[/color] she wiggled the pillow side to side. [color=chocolate]“She's not.”[/color] Rina said with a light chuckle. Well, that place was bigger than she had thought. At least she wasn't being forced into a swimsuit this time. [color=chocolate]“Is this what you've been doing? Exploring this place like some sorta space cat explorer?”[/color] She walked over to the pillow pile and pulled out a pillow of her own. [color=tomato]”More or less. It’s a lot nicer here than Penrose.”[/color] The feline magical girl raised Noel over her head. [color=tomato]”Until Noel hears she’s not your waifu!”[/color] She swung Noel at Rina as hard as she could. [color=chocolate]“Weh?!”[/color] Rina could only shout as she took a Noel body pillow to the face. She stumbled back a few steps as she recovered, still having her own body pillow in hand. Well fine! If she wanted to play that game! [color=chocolate]“Alright, I see how it is.”[/color] Rina grinned, readying her own pillow for a fight. Well, might as well have a bit of fun with this. [color=chocolate]“So you have chosen a fluffy pillow death!”[/color] Running forwards, she swung her own at Mika. Mika blinked. [color=tomato]”Kakegurui!?”[/color] But that was as far as she got before the gambling obsessed school girl was slammed against Mika’s noggin. [color=tomato]”She’s so far below Noel, it’s not even funny!”[/color] The two continued to play fight, though it was probably more accurate to say they were taking turns smacking each other with pillows. It wasn’t long before the pillows broke and started dumping feathers in the air. Visibility lowered, but the swinging didn’t stop until they were holding nothing but the pillow case covers. Mika turned around and ran directly into a pillow mound. She kicked her legs until she eventually squirmed inside. Rina tossed her useless pillowcase on the ground. She honestly had no idea who any of these people were, but that was besides the point. She ran over to the mound, watching Mika try and wiggle her way inside until she had been completely assimilated by the pillow mound. Rina picked up another pillow from the pile at random, fluffing it with hostile intent. [color=chocolate]“Mika! Don't run from your fluffy defeat!”[/color] Not deigning to give the other girl a chance to escape though, Rina kept up the chase and decided to dive in after her. The deeper Rina went inside the pillow mound, the darker it got. It was possible to see Mika’s legs at first, but eventually things got so dark that it became impossible to see anything. It also got harder to dig as Rina went deeper into the mound. The weapon smith hadn’t noticed it at first, but it was much warmer inside the pillow mound than it was out in the cool air. But in reaching around, Rina would eventually find what she was looking for. [color=tomato]”My tail!”[/color] [color=chocolate]“Ahaha, found you!”[/color] Rina grabbed Mika's tail with one hand. Making sure the other girl couldn't escape so easily, Rina would eventually attempt to find a leg with her other hand as she attempted to wiggle up next to Mika. [color=tomato]”Mmmmmm!”[/color] As soon as Rina got a hold of Mika’s leg, she did a barrel roll. It only lasted a few seconds until the two emerged from the side of the pillow pile, at which point Mika rolled to a stop. Dizzy, confused, and probably a sense of regret. She tried to prop herself up. [color=tomato]”You… Got me…”[/color] Mika fell onto her back and closed her eyes for dramatic effect. Rina was shoved from the pillow fort alongside Mika. She hit the ground, landing next to the cat girl. Sitting up, she did a silly victory pose and grinned. [color=chocolate]“Ahaha, and the victor of the great pillow war goes to me!”[/color] Wow, this entire thing was silly. Rina felt some color come to her cheeks, glad that no one else had seen that. [color=chocolate]“Ahem...eeeh, that was oddly tiring.”[/color] Rina took a seat next to Mika and gave her head another rub. [color=chocolate]“Having fun, Mika?”[/color] [color=tomato]”Oh yea.”[/color] Mika sat up. [color=tomato]”I always have fun when I’m here, but it gets a little lonely with just Dan sometimes.”[/color] Mika examined Rina’s profile. [color=tomato]”Also, there was something I wanted to give you.”[/color] Mika wrapped her arms around Rina’s shoulders and planted her lips over hers. She was half giving the white haired girl a bear hug, with her other hand pressing Rina’s head into hers. Mika was leaning into Rina so much that she started to lean backwards. Their upper bodies were practically locked together. The feline magical girl showed no signs of letting go. Rina could also feel Mika’s tongue trying to make its way inside her mouth. [color=chocolate]“B-bweh? Mika?!”[/color] Rina had not been expecting that. She'd have protested more but her protests were silenced by Mika locking lips with her. Not that she minded in the end. Did Su know Mika was going to be doing this? After a few bad initial attempts at escaping, slowly, Rina allowed her initial surprise to fade and accepted the kiss with little hesitance. This wasn’t exactly bad, right? The kiss had an unusual duration, but it did eventually end. When Mika pulled away, she placed a finger on Rina’;s collar bone. [color=tomato]”I’m going to go to the dark magical party, but I could use a date.”[/color] She traced her finger along the top of Rina’s ribcage, from shoulder to shoulder. [color=tomato]”Would you like to come with me?”[/color] [color=chocolate]“...Ahh, well, I wasn't planning on it.”[/color] Rina said with a sigh. That was...not something she expected to hear. She hadn't had any plans to go herself, but...well, she supposed someone needed to keep an eye on things, and if it made Mika happy she found it hard to say no. [color=chocolate]“But someone needs to make sure you behave yourself I guess.”[/color] Mika straightened out her outfit and stood up. [color=tomato]”Thanks. Su won’t shut up about getting me to go, so it’ll be nice to have you around.”[/color] She helped Rina to her feet. After a quick glance around, her ears went back. [color=tomato]”Was my room really that bad? I could offload everything into a cottage at the beach if you think I need to.”[/color] [color=chocolate]“How about instead I help you clean it.”[/color] Rina said with a soft smile, ruffling Mika's hair. [color=chocolate]“But for now how about we finish breakfast, and I need to do some rounds in the city anyways.”[/color] She gave Mika another hug. [color=chocolate]“So let's get outta here, alright?”[/color] She narrowed her eyes for a second. [color=chocolate]“And if you tell anyone I ran around waving a pillow of Kakegurui at anyone, I will deny it.”[/color] [color=tomato]”It’ll be our secret.”[/color]Mika said with a grin. [hr] After Rina finished breakfast, she parted ways with Mika at her room. She didn’t get halfway down the hall when Su appeared before her. [color=PeachPuff]“How did it go?”[/color] [color=chocolate]“Well I have a date.”[/color] Rina replied with a shrug, but it caused Su to smile. [color=chocolate]“And I guess that means we're dating now? Jeez, I haven't dated anyone since my academy days...now I feel old.”[/color] Rina sipped on the last of her drink before continuing. [color=chocolate]“I think she'll be fine though. Not really looking forward to that party. I'd have avoided it normally, but...well, I'll keep an eye on her.”[/color] [color=PeachPuff]“That’s excellent!”[/color] Su clapped her hands together. [color=PeachPuff]“Though if I’m going to be honest, I understand where you’re coming from. Beacon could attack the party, or just things could devolve because that’s what happens when corrupted magic is what keeps you up.”[/color] Her smile widened. [color=PeachPuff]“But I’ll be there, and so will Helga. Even Mika will be there. I even think a few of the other guests are coming with us. So you won’t be alone.”[/color] She sighed, but kept her smile up. [color=PeachPuff]“If we all stay inside and let Beacon tell everyone what to do, we’ve already resigned ourselves to being slaves.”[/color] [color=chocolate]“Yeah,”[/color] Rina nodded. She wasn't quite sure she shared all of Su's sentiments. She wasn't a dark magical girl herself, nor did she entirely disagree with how most of beacon was normally run. But the Ascendancy? There should always be some form of due process, but they take things way too far. [color=chocolate]“Well, if you need anything you have my number. I'm gonna take a quick patrol around the city.”[/color] [color=PeachPuff]“Thanks again, Rina. I’ll call you if something comes up, but I should have things under control here.”[/color] With a bow, Su excused herself. [hr] [h3][center]Veronica and Chloe[/center][/h3] [hr] There was an entire week of time to kill. An entire week until Vi’s party kicked off. Those who were attending the party Needed to wait 7 days.That was 168 hours, made up of 10,080 minutes, which would break down into 604,800 seconds that needed to be occupied before the party could start. Someone had to be awfully bored with the wait. [color=#bd71e8]“Hmmm...”[/color] Veronica stood in front of the place where the party was supposed to start. An old warehouse, just like her sources specified. In that sense, it fit right in with all the ruined buildings and destruction. [color=#bd71e8]“Either there’s an illusion protecting it, or the people of Penrose have forgotten how to party.”[/color] Seemed like everything was going well, then. She had gotten a call from Vi about the PI wanting to meet, and Chloe was hesitant to involve them. Security wasn't exactly something she cared for at the event in the first place. If Beacon came, then Beacon would come. Still, inspecting the place and making sure it was in working order was something she had said she'd do. Oh...was that Veronica? [color=violet]“Eeeeh? What's she doing here?...”[/color] Still, perhaps this was a good thing. After that whole deal with Penny, she was feeling particularly agitated and could use some entertainment. She had some things she wanted to discuss with her anyways, namely see how much she appreciated what Alicia had asked her to do. Chloe quickly observed the area around Veronica, smirking lightly. Well if she wanted to always sneak up on people...she summoned one of her spirits, sending it slithering along the ground before latching a hand onto Veronica's ankles and lifting her by her feet into the air. Chloe landed a few seconds later in front of her. Veronica seemed perfectly content to hang upside down, swinging side to side like a pendulum. Or at the very least she was not quick to struggle against the assailing spirit. [color=#bd71e8]“I’m reminded why I’ve gone into hiding.”[/color] Veronica’s sword popped out of her sleeve and she swung it towards the ghost, causing it to dissipate into a cloud of dust. The red magical girl timed her strike so that she’d be at the end of her swing, and have enough time to get her feet under herself. [color=#bd71e8]“Too many disruptions.”[/color] [color=violet]“What, didn't like it?”[/color] Chloe smiled, cozying up next to Veronica. [color=violet]“And here I thought you'd like being surprised for once, or would you have preferred this?”[/color] She quickly placed a kiss on Veronica's cheek, giggling in her usual impish manner and wearing her usual smirk as she positioned herself in front of the other girl. This elicited a groan from Chloe’s victim. [color=violet]“Not that I can blame you for wanting more of me, heh. I seem to be in demand everywhere. The Mint, Beacon, Cindy...aaaah, I even had some goddess or something coming after me. They wanted Penny, but still...”[/color] She seethed her sword and locked eyes with Chloe. [color=#bd71e8]“Maybe it’s fortunate that we can meet again. I don’t suppose you’re involved with this party somehow, are you?”[/color] Chloe sighed in a tired manner. [color=violet]“Perhaps someone as tired as me organizing a party like this isn't entirely out of the question, fufu. Certainly would be a nice chance to relax instead of having to watch wherever I go. So what brings you here?”[/color] Veronica traced a finger across her cheek, almost as if she was flicking something off. [color=#bd71e8]“The party feels poorly timed. I wanted to see if there was more to it.”[/color] She placed her hands on her hips. [color=#bd71e8]“Afraid it’s not as interesting as whatever you’re doing. If you’re telling the truth, you’re in bed with all the big players in Penrose. Rather irresponsible, unless absolute carnage is your end goal with all this.”[/color] [color=violet]“Not my fault beacon considers me a menace.”[/color] Chloe said with a sigh. [color=violet]“I'd much rather not have to deal with them, but one girl in particular seems to have it out for me. I think she's jealous that I have Penny, heh.”[/color] She moved towards one of the warehouse's side doors. [color=violet]“Cindy's useful, but well, you should know how I feel about taking orders from anyone. Want me to show you around? Vi built this place herself. Most of the party venue is hidden behind a few illusions. I'm rather impressed, if it wasn't for the fact she's a complete and utter shut in. I actually have a few things I wanna talk about with you.”[/color] Veronica nodded. [color=#bd71e8]“We are allies, you may speak to me.”[/color] Veronica paced herself so that she was walking beside Chloe. [color=#bd71e8]“So long as there aren’t anymore spirits lying in wait, or you plan on having me construct a throne out of martini glasses.”[/color] Even if that sounded like a joke, Veronica delivered it in the most deadpan way possible. [color=violet]“Tsk, no fun. And here I thought you enjoyed yourself.”[/color] Chloe harrumphed. [color=violet]“But no, no, I'm here purely for business. Today, shame.”[/color] Chloe led Veronica into the warehouse. It seemed entirely normal, but anyone who had the right skills would easily be able to tell a very elaborate illusion had been placed over almost everything. Coupled with the high tech security cameras watching them, anyone with a little bit of foresight would easily think there was more to this place than meets the eye. Soon, Chloe had brought Veronica to a hidden stairwell that led into the ground. [color=violet]“After you~”[/color] Chloe let the other girl in first, and 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 definitely fit the 'party club' aesthetic. Neon lights, though currently unlit lined the walls. A large stage was situated against the back wall, 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. Several side hallways led off, likely to some other rooms or perhaps, other venues. [color=violet]“Vi's put a lot of work into her personal little playpen, hasn't she? I've been to one or two before, but the aesthetic isn't always my style.”[/color] Chloe chuckled, leading Veronica over to a bar that seemed already stocked with a number of alcoholic beverages. [color=#bd71e8]“It isn’t hidden under magic. Interesting.”[/color] Veronica’s eyes wandered over the joint. [color=#bd71e8]“I have to admit I wasn’t expecting this, given how the outside looks.”[/color] Chloe propped herself up on a stool, [color=violet]“As for what I wanted to talk about...it involves Beacon.”[/color] Veronica turned to Chloe and tipped her head. [color=#bd71e8]“I thought talking business killed the mood.”[/color] She shrugged her shoulders. [color=violet]“What can I say? I'm in a somewhat sour mood after something happened to my little Penny, so fun and games will have to wait until later.”[/color] Chloe said with a dismissive sigh. [color=#bd71e8]“You have my attention. What have you learned?”[/color] [color=violet]“It's less what I've learned though, and more that I was asked to spy on you. So much for a cease fire, hm?”[/color] Chloe turned around on the chair so she was facing Veronica. Veronica blinked, but otherwise remained motionless. Then the corners of her lips curled into a smile. [color=#bd71e8]“This is too much.”[/color] She lifted a hand to cover her mouth, but it was still evident she was grinning. [color=#bd71e8]“I can understand why the Mint would want you to spy on me. I’ve been under the assumption that they have at least asked you to. but Beacon too?”[/color] She lowered her hands and folded them behind her back. [color=#bd71e8]“We are a transparent organization. Short of ongoing operations the public should know where all of my agents are. And it’s me everyone is interested in.”[/color] She sighed, if only to stifle a laugh. [color=#bd71e8]“I suppose they are wise to fear me as much though. What did they want you to collect? I’m fine supplying you with information. Well, certain types of information. Having them trust one of my allies could be useful to me.”[/color] [color=violet]“Nothing specific.”[/color] Chloe replied. [color=violet]“The one I met with didn't exactly specify, and I don’t think they’re looking for anything soon, but they probably want to know things you don't want others to. And you know, if you intend to betray them. Funny, since they’re doing that first, heh.”[/color] She giggled. [color=violet]“I wouldn't say they trust me, though. Shame, she was a cutie too, oh well.”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“I do not make a habit of betraying others. And in the case with Mint, I feel they betrayed me long before I did anything to them.”[/color] Veronica’s face became stern and serious again. [color=#bd71e8]“What do you plan on doing? I’m just a third party in all this. I assume they did something to ensure your cooperation?”[/color] [color=violet]“Hm. It involves Penny. I had to make a...deal with one of her Beacon friends, to make sure things went smoothly with her.”[/color] Chloe replied, not commenting on the Mint. She held no love of the Mint or its agents herself, but she was still on their payroll. [color=violet]“And well, for now at least one of them won't be attacking me on sight. I could simply renege on the deal, but this is a good opportunity to maybe have a little fun with them.”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“I see.”[/color] The former coin broker held her chin for a moment. [color=#bd71e8]“Hmmm, quite the conundrum. At present I do not have an idea what to do with this information. You can do what you like, but it doesn’t sound like they’re giving you a very long leash. You might gain some insight into their plans if you help them, but they could just as easily turn on you.”[/color] She lowered her hand. [color=#bd71e8]“I’ll need some time to think about that one. But you’ll do what you want anyway.”[/color] Veronica was about to leave when she stopped, with one of her feet on the stair. [color=#bd71e8]“Chloe, why did you share this with me? There was far more value and less risk involved if you stayed quiet.”[/color] [color=violet]“Hmm? That's a silly question. I don't like beacon. If this gives me a chance to undermine their efforts, even a little, then I'll take it.”[/color] Chloe smiled. [color=violet]“I could have stayed silent, but I like to think we have similar goals, at least for now. And you didn't strike me as the sort to try and turn away a potential useful tool – that being me.”[/color] Chloe hopped up from her seat. [color=violet]“And well, I am hopefully looking forward to continued cooperation in case well...”[/color] Chloe glanced off to the side. [color=violet]“...I need help with the Mint. It's fine for now, but the way things are going, I may need to cheat the house. Not that I want out though, I'd rather become the new dealer myself.”[/color] Veronica considered Chloe’s words, and nodded before stepping down from the staircase. [color=#bd71e8]“Before I go, I have something to share with you too.”[/color] She took a few steps closer to Chloe. [color=#bd71e8]“I will not be in Penrose much longer. My agents will still be here, but I will be managing them from afar.”[/color] [color=violet]“...that is quite unfortunate.”[/color] Chloe replied, a small frown forming on her lips, though it was quickly replaced with a smile. [color=violet]“Penrose getting too hot for you?”[/color] Though, perhaps having a major player like Veronica leave would be a good thing in the end. At least she could tell that to Alicia next time she saw her and then she wouldn't have to deal with her any more, unless it was the 'beat her within an inch of her life, heal her, and do it again' sort of meeting. [color=violet]“Staying for the party at least?”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“Considering it. But with Beacon and Mint gunning for me, it probably wouldn’t be wise for me to show up. Better to stay away than to jeopardize the party, right? My agents will likely be there anyway.”[/color] She rested her hands on Chloe’s shoulders. [color=#bd71e8]“Of course, if you’d like to stay in touch with me, you are always welcome to join my cradle agents.”[/color] She leaned in closer. Chloe could feel Veronica’s breath on her face. [color=#bd71e8]“You wouldn’t be the ‘new dealer,’ but you’d enjoy a great deal of freedom. You’d be in touch with me, Silhouette, or any of my other agents.”[/color] Veronica’s eyes partially closed. [color=#bd71e8]“I’ve got to be more fun than a half dead dragon, right?”[/color] [color=violet]“Now that's a tempting offer.”[/color] Chloe smiled. [color=violet]“but...that dragon won't be a problem much longer. I've found something far more delightful.”[/color] She elected not to elaborate on that, quickly moving on. [color=violet]“Besides, we both know I don't take orders well in the long run, hm? Or perhaps you'd find it fun if one of your agents constantly wanted to take your position?”[/color] Chloe leaned into Veronica. [color=violet]“That'd be amusing, at least~”[/color] With a light giggle, Chloe pulled away. [color=violet]“But unfortunately, I have far more ambitious goals than wasting time with your Cradle.”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“I would have been surprised if you accepted.”[/color] Veronica stood back up. [color=#bd71e8]“You just sounded like you’d miss me for a moment. How could I resist seeing how far you were willing to go?”[/color] She turned around to leave. [color=#bd71e8]“Perhaps I will come to the party. If you need to keep in touch, just notify an agent. Trixy spends enough time following Ai-chan on Glimmr, she shouldn’t be hard to get a hold of.”[/color] Veronica walked back towards the staircase to leave. Well, at least that solved one of her problems. The dark magical girl watched Veronica leave, taking a seat on a stool once again. Hm...if things went bad, she could at least, perhaps get help from Sil or one of Veronica's other agents then. She lingered for a bit longer, waiting until she was certain Veronica would have left and getting herself a drink. Time to pay Vi a visit she supposed.