[center][url=https://i.imgur.com/Y8OSnvr.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/OPMf9l2.png[/img][/url][/center] [color=077ae6]‘…’[/color] Mariette was currently in her dark mansion with mirrors across the walls, seated in her own little gothic room of sorts by a table. In front of her, she had a very peculiar piece of work. The [i]Dreamscape Almanac[/i], one of the pieces that had been looted from Justine von Visceral’s library. It was a very comprehensive piece on the subject of magic relating to dreams and nightmares. The only reason she’d taken the time to fish it out was due to the increasing amount of cases of nightmares among key individuals in non-magic Penrose. Even so, this magic… wasn’t really one she could use. Alike so many others, her expertise was best used while awake. Still… [color=4e5478]‘You wanted to see me, Mariette?’[/color] a depressed voice told from the door. [center][url=https://i.imgur.com/sqHfYs3.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/qXVwWBs.png[/img][/url][/center] [color=077ae6]‘Yes. See what you can make of this,’[/color] Mariette said, holding out the Dreamscape Almanac to her chief engineer of magical artifacts, an aquatic monster-girl with a horrific view on life. Taihei briefly glanced over the item… [color=4e5478]‘You sure you want to hand this to me? It’s going to be destroyed in some freak accident…’[/color] Taihei warned. [color=077ae6]‘I know. That’s why this is a copy,’[/color] Mariette stated. [color=4e5478]‘… You want me to develop dream-tech for you?’[/color] Taihei asked, raising a monstrous eyebrow. Mariette stayed silent, looking into her mirror instead. Taihei simply did the mildest of a chuckle. [color=4e5478]‘… Very well…’[/color] Taihei said, before she slinked back into the shadows of the nation and Mariette could breathe out in relief that Taihei’s terrible luck hadn’t caused some kind of explosion this time. Alright, that was now out of the way. That job has been delegated. Now, then. She had some investigations into Sammy to do. [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/j9lFybd.png[/img] [url=https://i.imgur.com/gmRTrWA.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/5ZqyPyV.png[/img][/url] [/center] One of the most interesting things that Deni heard about after returning to Penrose, is the fact that there was a new store in town! A Magical Store! Somewhere to actually spend all those coins that could be obtained doing missions!? What an incredible thing! So of course, Deni just had to go there! So, one of the days in here, Ronin came strolling up to the doors and pushed the doors open, and grinned excitedly as she looked inside. [color=9b83de]‘Alright! What do we have here?’[/color] The shop was a modest one, the shelves packed with all kinds of quirky and strange trinkets and contraptions. Brittany herself was sitting behind the counter on a stool, reading a magazine. [color=f03aa1]"I want to try that...Oh!"[/color] She discarded the magazine. [color=f03aa1]"Welcome to Brittany's Boutique! Feel free to browse as much as you like. I'll be here if you have any questions!"[/color] Deni froze in place before smiling oh-so-widely at the little shopkeeper. [color=9b83de]‘Ahahahaha! The shopkeeper is as tiny as me! Nice!’[/color] Ronin commented with a little happy laugh, wholeheartedly approving. [color=9b83de]‘Hi, Brittany! I’m Ronin, solo samurai-themed Magical Girl that’s new on the block! I have absolutely zero coins right now, but I’m here to browse so I know what I might do with said coins when I get them! If you ever find yourself in need of help, let me know, and I’ll gladly lend my aid, I know there might be something in it for me in the long run~! So, without further ado, I’ll have a look around!’[/color] Ronin said excitedly, before spinning around to check the wares. [color=f03aa1]"That's fine!”[/color] Brittany responded, and waved for the girl. [color=f03aa1]"Take as much time as you like. The store's not going anywhere, kyahaha!"[/color] Ronin took a moment to walk about the store, inspecting the wares. The occasional ones were interesting. Friendship Stones? Essentially walkie-talkies, but with a cute name! She chuckled a bit. There was a bunch of kinds of grenades and traps on this shelf, wonder what would happen if you just threw all of them at once… A bunch of weapons, too. Yikes, they were expensive. Ronin momentarily stopped by the Lightweight Boots. [color=9b83de]‘Oooh, that could be fun. Just jumping around everywhere. But, would that reduce the power of my attacks, too? Eh! Maybe!’[/color] Ronin shrugged, and then she went over to look at- Deni froze at the Infiltrator. “A device that detects and lets you infiltrate Interdimensional Homes when close to the entrance.” Tha- that. She needed that. If there ever was a way to actually get into Mariette’s home, it was that. A way to take her by surprise. Ronin swallowed a bit, and kept walking, not wanting to be seen looking at the Infiltrator too closely, but she kept its existence and price in mind. 9 silver… Fortunately, the next thing she saw took her mind RIGHT off the Infiltrator. [color=9b83de]‘Aaaah, plushies!’[/color] Ronin skipped over to the shelf with the plushies, wide-eyed and happy, privately thinking that Mariette would probably love these. [color=9b83de]‘Ooooh, this one’s of Lily, how cute~!’[/color] Ronin commented happily, smiling so very widely, and glanced at the price… and visibly recoiled. [color=9b83de]‘W-wha- why are they so expensive!?’[/color] Ronin asked out loud. One of them even cost 50 gold! 50!? Who even carried that sort of money!? [color=f03aa1]"They are special collector's items!"[/color] Brittany jovially answered. [color=9b83de]‘THE ASTOLPHO PLUSH IS 50 GOLD!’[/color] Ronin loudly remarked, though with a grin on her face, because that’s an utter fortune. Brittany giggled in return. [color=f03aa1]"The Great Astolpho deserves only the most expensive plushies. By the way, I couldn't help but notice your interest in the Infiltrator. I could keep it locked away in case you'd like to return and buy it. They don’t sell that well anyway, so I’m gonna replace the shelf space with something else."[/color] Ronin recoiled at Infiltrator being mentioned. Whelp. Busted. So, there’s Divinations on the list of things that could be purchased, guess hiding stuff from this shopkeeper would be hard. Ronin skipped over to the counter to lean in a bit closer, giving a little awkward smile as she did. [sub][color=9b83de]‘I’d be very happy if you did! And, er, I’d also be happy if you could be quiet about it!’[/color][/sub] Ronin said, looking exceedingly vulnerable as well while smiling so widely. Brittany winked in response. And then… something else happened, immediately causing Deni to blink and look over at the entrance. The shop trembled as two girls walked past the entrance threshold. It was as if some slumbering power had [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUhVCoTsBaM]awakened[/url] with the appearance of the newly arrived. The meek looking samurai was new to Deni, but there was no mistake the woman walking in front of her was Veronica. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/JyqXhSX.png[/img] [color=#bd71e8]“The time has come, and so have I.”[/color] [color=888888]— Vermilion Veronica[/color][/center] [b]”Um!”[/b] The girl clutched her neon school uniform. [b]”What are we doing here again?”[/b] [color=#bd71e8]“Making a purchase.”[/color] Veronica kept her hands behind her back as she approached the counter. Her eyes wandered over the many things stationed at the counter. They ignored all other obstacles, including Deni’s presence. It was like she wasn’t even in the room. Which, honestly, didn’t bother her too much, but they were walking straight for- [color=#bd71e8]“Ahhh…”[/color] Veronica extended her hand and picked up the Astolpho plush. [color=#bd71e8]“This is Astolpho, isn’t it?”[/color] She turned the doll over in her hand. [color=#bd71e8]“The craftsmanship is exquisite. I like how soft his cape and hair is, though they’re clearly made out of different materials.”[/color] She used her other finger to raise his arm. [color=#bd71e8]“The stitch work is undetectable. I feel like I’m holding a living thing rather than a doll.”[/color] She lowered her hand. [color=#bd71e8]“An emotion stirs in me. Is this the genuine article? The singularity? The legendary plush made in times of yore?”[/color] Betty just swallowed before looking at Brittany. [b]”How much is it?”[/b] The cheerful witch smiled with glee. [color=f03aa1]"The Great Astolpho plush is a steal at 50 gold coins."[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“A pittance!”[/color] Veronica raised her hand into the air. [color=#bd71e8]“Anyone willing to see Astolpho for such a petty sum doesn’t deserve to hold him!”[/color] She slammed her hand into the desk. When she lifted her hand upwards, a stack of gold coins had appeared under her palm. Exactly 50 gold coins. Deni couldn’t help but kind of just stare with a wide-open mouth. And so did Brittany, her eyes now having turned to sparkles. [b]”Is it wise to spend money like that?”[/b] Betty’s eyes were locked on the pile of gold. Veronica continued to hold the plush in her gloved hand, but her eyes swung over to the little Ronin in the room. [color=#bd71e8]“And you.”[/color] She held Astolpho closer to her chest. [color=#bd71e8]“What are you looking at? If you want the plush, you’re too late.”[/color] [color=9b83de]‘Ah-!’[/color] Ronin winced as she was actually being talked to. [color=9b83de]‘Ah, no! Don’t mind me! I’m kinda new here, I don’t have that kind of funding, hahaha!’[/color] she grinned and shared looking super-happy. [color=9b83de]‘But woah, that’s amazing! Are you some kind of super-big-shot-rich-lady in town or something!?’[/color] she asked, with a look of utter amazement at Veronica. Also, didn’t she have the strange feeling she had seen her before, somewhere? [color=#bd71e8]“I am the one they call Vermilion Veronica, former Ebon Vampire, presently mother of the Crimson Cradle. Though I must admit I am not the most curious person in this shop right now.”[/color] Veronica took a step closer to the tiny Ronin. [color=#bd71e8]“It’s you, someone who has no money but is surrounded by things to buy.”[/color] The plush vanished in a cloud of black mist. [color=#bd71e8]“Do you not have a patron that pays you?”[/color] … That sure is a fancy name, and a bunch of titles. Ooooh, this is the woman Amanda and the rest were working for! Ronin but grinned as Veronica walked closer. [color=9b83de]‘I do not!’[/color] she called out, as if proud of it. She took a step back, and then did a mock bow of sorts. [color=9b83de]‘Lady Veronica, allow me to introduce myself! I am Ronin! I’m a tiny masterless samurai, aka, a tiny ronin! And… I’m basically new in town! I’m just here to whet my appetite, seeing all the kinds of things I could buy whenever I actually DO get money… You wouldn’t mind sponsoring me, would you? Actually, before that, can I be your friend!?’[/color] Ronin asked, looking up at Veronica and grinning happily. [color=#bd71e8]“My friend?”[/color] Veronica ran her finger down the bridge of her own nose. [color=#bd71e8]“We’ll see. I don’t typically befriend people unless there’s some benefit.”[/color] She extended her hand. A puff of black smoke tumbled down from her fingers, and before long there was a contract in her hand. [color=#bd71e8]“I don’t do sponsorships. But if you wish to be my friend, a loan might not be a bad place to start. Especially if you’re looking for spending money.”[/color] [color=9b83de]‘Aw, you don’t hang out with people and just have fun sometimes? I can be your [i]that kind[/i] of friend!’[/color] Ronin said, smiling so widely. And then… there was that part about sponsorship. The tiny Magical Girl basically recoiled. [color=9b83de]‘Woah- you mean it!? Awesome! Thank you! Let’s see this contract!’[/color] Ronin called excitedly, hopefully being let to look it over for Veronica. [color=9b83de]‘This… this is excellent. I wholeheartedly accept, lady Veronica!’[/color] Ronin said with a grin. Now, there was a scary part in that about losing her arm if she tried to escape the deal, but she wasn’t gonna flee, so that’s fine! She’d earn that money quickly enough! If Eli was around, she’d probably complain about Deni being too trusting right now, but eh! If Amanda and those trusts her, than she could too! Let’s see what happens! [color=#bd71e8]“So you wish to sign? You’re sure?”[/color] After seeing the tiny ronin nod, Veronica stepped closer to her. [color=#bd71e8]“I noticed you haven’t signed it yet. I suppose you need some help.”[/color] Veronica’s free hand shot into Ronin’s shoulder. The impact was hard enough to drive the woman’s fingers inside of Ronin’s flesh. Her blood oozed over Veronica’s fingers, which she brushed along the girl’s lips. [color=#bd71e8]“If you wish to be my friend, why not sign with a kiss?”[/color] Veronica grinned as she pressed the contract against Ronin’s blood stained lips. Once signed, the contract disappeared in a puff of black smoke. That was when Veronica pressed her fingers against the side of her head. [b]”Veronica!”[/b] Betty knelled beside her employer. [b]”Are you okay?”[/b] But her employer’s health and mood was confirmed with dark laughter. [color=#bd71e8]“Ronin, you did not read the fine print very closely.”[/color] Veronica stood upright. [color=#bd71e8]“The thoughts of anyone who signs my contracts are no secret to me. Their minds are open books I may freely peruse of my own accord. I do this to protect myself from Mint spies.”[/color] She extended her blood stained hand to Ronin. [color=#bd71e8]“But you could save me some time explaining what happened since your death, Deni.”[/color] Ronin was about to comment on her lack of a pen, when instead she had to recoil because of a sudden intrusion into her shoulder. [color=9b83de]‘O-ow-!?’[/color] she winced, wide-eyed. She was not used to bleeding. Not used to having a body that could bleed. She continued to be in a state of mild shock as her own blood was put on her lips and Veronica pressed the contract at her lips, the little girl wincing back after the fact. Then, as Veronica described what had just happened… [color=9b83de]‘… Okay, yeah, I probably should have been seeing red flags when I heard the word “vampire”, haha!’[/color] Deni said, regaining her grin at the end of the sentence. [color=9b83de]‘Still, uh, the deal wasn’t necessarily bad for me, right? I can still borrow coins, repay them, and then just be on my way after, right…?’[/color] Deni grinned a bit more, because, well, that’s how the deal looked to her. [color=9b83de]‘Still, um… don’t… use that name if you can avoid it. If you-know-who hears it… I’ll be recollected so fast you don’t even know. And, uh, let’s assume she has no ears in the shop, but can we talk somewhere else? Indoors, secure? Because… she sure has a lot of ears…!’[/color] Deni said, not being able to help it but to grin in the face of strange turns of horrifying events. [color=9b83de]‘That goes for you, too!’[/color] Deni called back to Brittany. [color=9b83de]‘You didn’t hear that. Okay~?’[/color] Brittany responded with a thumbs up and an exaggerated wink. [color=#bd71e8]“Very well, we will table this for now.”[/color] The blood on Veronica’s fingers vanished in a puff of smoke. [color=#bd71e8]“So long as you do not betray me. Because your arm will be the first thing I take, not the last.”[/color] Veronica leaned against the counter. [color=#bd71e8]“Your first loan, how much would you like?”[/color] Weeeeeeeell… there was that one thing that Deni wanted… [color=9b83de]‘… Yeah, nine silvers should do~!’[/color] A black ring appeared on Deni’s left bicep, which wrapped around her entire arm. Then nine silver rings appeared on it, which faded into existence as the coins came tumbling out of her hand. [color=#bd71e8]“There you are.”[/color] Veronica looked over Brittany’s items. [color=#bd71e8]“I’ve come to get what I want, but I do wonder Brittany, do you have need for more supplies?”[/color] She placed both hands on the counter. Brittany nodded, looking up at the taller woman with a happy smile. [color=f03aa1]"I'm always in the market for new stock to sell!"[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“I have some items that might interest you. You see, I have a great collection of magical weapons and artifacts. All unique and one of a kind. I grade them from A to C. A items I use exclusively for myself and my best agents, B items are given to the rest. But the C items…”[/color] She shrugged. [color=#bd71e8]“… Are not quite what my agents need. They’re not useless. They’re quite exotic actually, but cursed. I think that gives them their allure however.”[/color] The Astolpho plush appeared in her hand, which she began prodding with her finger. [color=#bd71e8]“Normally I would not let a merchant touch any sort of cradle gear, but you have been good to me. The swimsuits and this plush were of the highest quality.”[/color] [color=f03aa1]"I'm glad you think so! Huh...Cursed, you say?"[/color] Brittany repeated, rubbing her chin in a contemplative manner. [color=f03aa1]"Depends on what kind of curses we're talking about here. I can't sell stuff that would seriously harm it's user, at least not without some kind of benefit."[/color] Deni took a deep breath and smiled as the black ring wrapped around her arm deposited those nine silvers into her hand. Alright. Guess that worked out, huh? She placed the coins on the counter. [color=9b83de]‘And I guess I’ll be getting that Infiltrator!’[/color] she simply stated, just aside from Veronica and Brittany’s current discussion, all those coins already to be spent. Veronica shrugged. [color=#bd71e8]“Seems you have a business transaction to take care of. We can talk once you’ve helped them.”[/color] She stepped off to the side. [color=#bd71e8]“I’m sure she’d like to start working off her debt as soon as possible.”[/color] Brittany smirked, fully aware of Veronica’s scheme. [color=f03aa1]"Alrighty then!"[/color] She gave the Infiltrator device to Deni and counted the coins. [color=f03aa1]"Thank you very much!"[/color] [color=9b83de]‘Awesome, thank you!’[/color] Deni said, quickly taking the Infiltrator and pocketing it, because she didn’t want anyone to know she had it. So, now, she spun to Veronica, and… [color=9b83de]‘Well, okay. Where do we talk? When? How? Is it safe? Should I just run off for now and let you talk to Brittany? How do I contact you? Hahahaha, this is an excellent start,’[/color] Deni said with a grin, and needing to think this over for a bit. [color=#bd71e8]“I will meet with you when you lay your head down tonight. My link with your mind will last the duration of the contract, so I’ll know when you’re alone.”[/color] Veronica stated. [color=9b83de]‘What a lovely arrangement! Alright! I’m staying with a friend, so I might not be alone when I lay my head down tonight, but alright! I’ll see you then, my mindly accomplice!’[/color] Deni said with a wide grin, before turning to Brittany and- [color=9b83de]‘And I’ll be back after I’ve paid back the loan and either gotten a new loan or gotten money of my own! I’ll see you then!’[/color] Deni said, before she turned and skipped out the door. Whoops, okay, that happened. Wonder what other big shots she’d yet to coincidentally accidentally get accompanied with!? [hr] [h1][color=077ae6]M[/color]ariette and [color=778899]A[/color]maryllis and [b]N[/b]uncio[/h1] [sup]Findings of the Portal Sleuth[/sup] An evening some days after Mariette’s conversations with the two, Amaryllis and Nuncio both found themselves receiving the absolutely briefest of phone calls. [color=077ae6]‘Are you available?’[/color] Mariette asked. When they were free, cracks in reality opened in front of them, round portals to a different area of the town through them. Through the portals, they could see what looked like a normal-looking apartment, the lights lit by the bulbs in the roof and just a homely mess of books, shelves, paper, carpets and paintings, browns and yellows the primary colours. It clearly didn’t belong to the one who had taken residue in the apartment. There sat a simple table for four people, two of which chairs were occupied. One was by bunny. The other was Mariette, who was looking down on the papers on the table, which appeared to be a map. To each of the two in turn, Eli the slime harpy showed up at the opening of the portal to bow politely to them and greet them. [color=57a345]‘Mistress Mariette desires your presence. Would you like some tea?’[/color] Eli asked, looking at them attentively. If she got their answers, she’d turn around and hurry to the kitchen regardless. In case they actually entered, Mariette had a short statement to make. She looked a slight bit annoyed. [color=077ae6]‘I apologize for summoning you like this, but I have reasons not to have this conversation by phone. Please, sit down. I have something brief to tell you both.’[/color] They’d find that the portals for each of them had opened side by side, Amaryllis on the left and Nuncio on the right. For a moment, Amaryllis was bothered. The portal lead to a normal place, for sure, but it was normal enough that she certainly didn’t want to go into it when monster blood still clung to her body. A week had passed now, and still, the barrier had not yet fully recovered. Troublesome, certainly. She held out her hand and manifested her Big Backpack once more to retrieve a bottle of water, pouring the contents over her head before quickly scrubbing the viscera off her face and body. In the end, the Knight of Rose still smelled like the rusted roses that bloomed around her, but at least she was no longer bloodstained. Just a bit wet. Stepping through the portal and brushing back her damp hair, she smiled towards Eli, shaking her head in response to the offer for tea. She leaned over the table beside Mariette, one hand planted on the table as she poured over the maps. [color=778899]“Sage,”[/color] Amaryllis spoke, [color=778899]“What have you learned?”[/color] Nuncio did not hesitate to walk through the portal. Given what was at stake, it wasn’t hard to picture why. He simply gave a nod to all present before standing at attention. Amaryllis had asked the important question, and it fell on Mariette to deliver. The portals closed behind them, leaving them inside the apartment. Eli showed up next to Amaryllis offering a towel. [color=077ae6]‘I will tell you. But first, I must ask both of you. Are either of you affiliated with the Ebon Mint?’[/color] Mariette asked. And she’d know if they lied. She was pretty sure on Amaryllis. Less so on Nuncio. [color=778899]“No,”[/color] was Amaryllis’s clipped response. [b]”I’ve had dealin’s with ‘em before. Can’t say I trust ‘em.”[/b] He folded his arms. [b]”They got my Sammy?”[/b] [color=077ae6]‘Alright. Before I start, tell me that you have no intention of reporting any of this to the Mint, and that you’re willing to oppose the Mint if they have Sammy,’[/color] Mariette said. Simply because house-cleaning and being prepared. If he could say that without lying, then he was cleared for hearing the rest. [b]”You think I’d tell them anything? Let alone I’m bustin’ my girl out?”[/b] His irises lit up. [b]”NO! I ain’t gunna tell em shit about what we’re doing! Ya dumb broad! I wanna bust her out, not get locked up with her!”[/b] Mariette winced a bit. She'd asked to appease her light-specialized truth-detector, but that wasn't exactly pleasant. Regardless, she got what she wanted. [color=077ae6]‘A-alright. Then, here goes,’[/color] Mariette told, before taking a moment to calm down and focus again. And then… [color=077ae6]‘Indeed. Word on the streets is that Sammy was taken by the Ebon Mint. I have not found any evidence to support this, but at this point the list of likely kidnappers is dreadfully short,’[/color] Mariette started out with, crossing her arms and looked at them with a frown. [color=077ae6]‘What I do have evidence of, is that she was kidnapped. I will not tell you my means, for they are my secrets and you will have to take me at my word, but I found her trail just before she was kidnapped and followed her. And, it appears Sammy was doing what she does; investigating a murder.’[/color] [color=077ae6]‘In this alley…’[/color] Mariette put a finger down on the map, on the alley in question. [color=077ae6]‘Sammy found the body of a Valerie Herztein. The name matches a common worker at a restaurant specializing in pizza and ice cream called Virtuous Pie, which seems innocent enough.’[/color] Mariette briefly poked at the location of said restaurant, before continuing her debriefing. [color=077ae6]‘Shortly after finding the body, Sammy screamed, and was taken. I would have told you by whom, except whoever it was blinded me. That alley became a blind zone just as the perpetrator struck. This may have been just blacking out any magic, or it might have been meant specifically for me.’[/color] [color=077ae6]‘I don’t know who attacked her. I couldn’t find their presence or how they then left the alley. It’s like they’re aware of me and have the means to avoid me. Which is… most unsettling,’[/color] Mariette said, explaining her annoyed look. [color=077ae6]‘... That said, I managed to pick up her trail again, and I did so in the present, not the past, which should mean that she was not killed in that alley. She was taken here,’[/color] she told with finality, as she brought her finger down on the map, hitting it decently hard on a warehouse by the docks on the map. [color=077ae6]‘We have three places we can potentially investigate. I have examined none, in fear of my own safety. The first is the alley where Sammy was taken, which could just be an empty alley, but it could also be something far more sinister. The second is Virtuous Pie, a seemingly innocent restaurant, which is probably exactly what it appears to be, or maybe it's far more insidious. But, one of its employees was murdered and it’s a place to ask around. The third… is the warehouse where Sammy was taken, if her trail is to be believed. She may be there, trapped and suffering, awaiting to be rescued. However, I did never see her, I just followed the trail. It is worth noting whoever this is has avoided me until now. They may have been tricking me. The trail may be fake and this could be a trap. We might go there, only for the trap to trigger to murder anyone who entered. If it’s the Ebon Mint we’re up against, then no amount of caution is exaggerated.’[/color] With that, Mariette sat back, and then fished up bunny from the adjacent seat to put into her lap and lightly press against her stomach in a little hug. [color=077ae6]‘So, with this information, what will you do?’[/color] Nuncio placed a hand under his chin. [b]”Fuck, FUCK!”[/b] He lifted his foot up to kick something, but with nothing nearby but Amaryllis, he lowered his foot back to the ground. [b]”Alright.”[/b] With a deep breath, he regained his composure. [b]”I’m gunna say, if the warehouse is undah Mint watch, best to look everywhere else first. Might get a clue what we’re walkin’ into.”[/b] He bit one of his fingers. [b]”Gotta be careful though. Sammy can see the future and she got ambushed. Wouldn’t mind havin’ some backup when we poke around.”[/b] Nuncio looked to Amaryllis as he said this. It was a lot to take in. A waitress from the Virtuous Pie, dead, and Sammy, who investigated that death, kidnapped. Amaryllis sat down after all, her brows furrowed as she did what she could to piece all the bits together. The Mint, if they truly did perpetuate this crime, was a big target to go after, bigger even than the Ascendancy. Might not be a Greater Horror, but with an organization that enigmatic and that large… It was fine. She had slain behemoths before. About time she tried out hydras. [color=778899]“Magic that conceals individuals from divination is problematic, but workable,”[/color] Amaryllis spoke, her thumb grazing the pommel of her Sword. [color=778899]“We’ll begin our investigations at the Virtuous Pie, then the alleyway, and end with that warehouse. As far as backup goes...if it’s really the Mint that we’re going after, I hesitate to bring too many into the fold.”[/color] But that was all just hesitation. If things came to it, well, Amaryllis certainly knew [i]someone[/i] who was once part of the Mint. [b]”No backup?”[/b] Nuncio shrugged. [b]”Risky, but I don’t even know who I’d call. We’ll just have to be cautious. My cats are great spies. The smaller ones anyway.”[/b] He slapped his hands together. [b]”I’ve got no problem with that order. Sounds good to me. I can divine stuff if necessary.”[/b] [color=077ae6]‘… Risky, indeed. Backup might not be necessary when investigating the restaurant or the alley, but when knocking down the door of the warehouse some more firepower would be greatly appreciated,’[/color] Mariette told, and she didn’t really want to bring her own forces into this. [color=077ae6]‘I do know some people I could contact, who I don’t think would object. There are good-hearted people in town, who even without having a connection to us may jump at the opportunity to help in a rescue-mission… but you don’t want to get them involved for their own safety, is that what I heard? Or is it because they may have Mint ties?’[/color] Mariette asked Amaryllis. [color=778899]“When we storm their gates, having stalwart companions on our side will be a blessing I shall not refuse,”[/color] Amaryllis replied. [color=778899]“But until we are certain that the Mint [i]still[/i] has Sammy, until we have completed our investigations and reconnaissance to the best of our capability, I do not wish to draw the ire of the Mint upon those not deeply involved. For war, an army. For rescue, a squadron.”[/color] Nuncio nodded in agreement. [b]”As ticked as I am that the Mint is involved, I gots some good news.”[/b] He passed a note to Mariette. [b]”Open a portal at that address. Ya gunna find a friend ya never knew ya had.”[/b] He winked at her.. [color=077ae6]‘… Very well,’[/color] Mariette eventually nodded to Amaryllis words. Then, she blinked a bit as Nuncio passed her a note. [color=077ae6]‘Huh? A friend?’[/color] she asked. Friend? What friend? Now she was very curious. And also… [color=077ae6]‘Should I get said friend now?’[/color] she asked, while also fishing out her phone out of her hammerspace handbag to (slowly) type down the address to search (showing very much she isn’t used to phones) because she isn’t exactly keeping track of the street names and numbers. [b]”Just do it! ya a paranoid little bean ain’t ya?”[/b] Eventually, after Eli had ran over to help, Mariette figured out the address. Those present might note a remarkable amount of time between starting to use magic and a portal actually appearing, the first one just to find the building from above and then the second and third portal homing in opening with much more dramatic speed. Finally, she found the right room, opened a portal- , and saw it riding on the back of a white tiger. [b]”Come on Rossa!”[/b] The tiger stepped through the portal with its special passenger. It was a plush bunny with mostly pink fur but a white tummy. Much like Mariette’s current bunny, it wore no clothes. But it had an eyepatch with a bunny insignia on it and wore a madcap. It was hard to deduce much more without hugging it, but it looked soft. [b]”Might be a bit early, but she’s ready for ya.”[/b] Mariette immediately winced back, having not expected the white tiger come through and into the room not entirely made to have a tiger inside it. However, any distraction the tiger might have been completely and utterly vanished as Mariette saw the bunny on top of the tiger. She immediately placed one hand in front of bunny’s eyes. [color=077ae6]‘D-don’t peek, bunny,’[/color] she told her bunny, before picking him up and placing him with his back to the rest of the room in the other chair. Mariette then got up, drifting over with a wide, amazed eye, slowly lifting up the new bunny from Rossa’s back. Mariette took some time, admiring every last detail, the eyepatch with the insignia, the different colours, the cap… but before long, she edged back towards the table, looking like she’d completely forgotten she might be looked at. She placed the mostly pink bunny on the table, and then picked up her old bunny… [color=077ae6]‘So, um, bunny? I was thinking that maybe it got lonely, having nobody but me to comfort you all the time…’[/color] Mariette said, her voice a lot softer than usual. [color=077ae6]‘… so I had uncle Nuncio make a companion for you,’[/color] she said, placing her old bunny on the same table, now with both bunnies facing one another. [color=077ae6]‘B-be nice to one another, okay?’[/color] Mariette said, watching the two immobile bunnies looking at one another… before she promptly crouched, putting her eye-level at the same level of the bunnies’ eyes, grabbing their little arms and then having the arms touch, letting the “hands” of the bunnies touch… and then Mariette promptly hugged them both, her one eye looking a bit overwhelmed as she squeezed both bunnies against one another. Shortly thereafter, she deposited the bunnies on the leftover chair, taking extra care to ensure they looked like they were holding hands. The old nostalgic bunny and the new pretty bunny. Mariette clasped her hands together in front of them. [color=077ae6]‘I now pronounce you, bunny and bunny.’[/color] With that, Mariette stood up again and turned to the other two in the room, blushing considerably. [color=077ae6]‘Um…’[/color] she made a noise, and then bowed lightly to Nuncio. [color=077ae6]‘Thank you… so very much.’[/color] Amaryllis blinked. And before the Sword could remind her of all the murdering and slaying that had to be done, the Knight of Rose said, [color=778899]“Damn, you’re cute.”[/color] A Horror was a Horror, but Mariette ought to be protected, at least. From her hand, a silvered clover wove itself out, gleaming with an internal light, and she offered it to Mariette. [color=778899]“Keep this with you, will you? Decided that if we’re going up against the Mint, it’s best to have some assurance after all.”[/color] Nuncio graciously tipped his head and lowered his hat over his chest. [b]”Ya gettin’ me closer ta Sammy. The least I could do was this.”[/b] Once he put his hat back on his head, he turned to look at Amaryllis. [b]”We gettin’ started soon then? Am ready for anything.”[/b] Mariette blinked a bit in surprise at Amaryllis’ comment. It had not been her intention to be cute, and she frankly had no idea what to do with this information, other than rise from her bow and look a little awkward. Still, she nodded to Nuncio’s acknowledgement, happy that he was fine with this. Then she was offered a clover from Amaryllis, which also confused her a bit, but she could guess as to what power that it might hold. [color=077ae6]‘… I will. Thank you,’[/color] Mariette said, taking hold of the clover, and… for now not knowing what to do with it, so she held it. [color=077ae6]‘… Yes. Allow me to continue assisting you. You’ll need my portals if you end up ambushed,’[/color] Mariette told. She felt really indebted to these two, now. [color=778899]“I’ll check out the Pie then,”[/color] Amaryllis said, straightening her back, [color=778899]“If you’re willing to go to the alley solo?”[/color] [b]”I don’t do nothin’ solo.”[/b] Rossa rubbed her head against his leg. [b]”Let’s do this.”[/b]