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Thankfully her own residence wasn’t too far, though it was up a few floors.

[color=chocolate]“Man, I want to take a shower after that.”[/color] Rina said with a sigh, opening the door to her apartment. It wasn’t the nicest place, but it had all the essentials. She pulled off her jacket, pulling the recorder from it and lazily tossing her jacket to the side causing it to land on a nearby sofa. Walking over to the nearby kitchen table, Rina placed the recorder on it. [color=chocolate]“Want a drink or something? Got some pizza and some leftovers in the fridge.”[/color] Might as well relax a moment before getting to business after that whole fight thing.

Arriving at the apartment, Alicia glanced around as she stepped inside. [color=aba000]”I feel that,”[/color] she agreed with a nod, running a hand through her hair to try and shake a bit more of the smoke and dust out. 

Already transformed back to normal, she took a seat at the table. [color=aba000]”A drink would be great.”[/color] After all that heat it was a bit of a no-brainer. Another look was given to the room as she relaxed. [color=aba000]”So, do you live by yourself?”[/color]

[color=chocolate]“Mostly. I don't really...do other people that well.”[/color] She replied with a shrug. [color=chocolate]“Been staying at the Golden Trove recently, though.”[/color] For multiple reasons, really, mostly involving Mika and making sure the Ascendancy didn't try anything funny.

[color=chocolate]“Heads up.”[/color] Rina tossed Alicia a soda from the fridge and setting what remained of her pizza from earlier on the counter. [color=chocolate]“How's uh, the whole beacon thing going? Bet coming back to all...this wasn't exactly easy.”[/color]

Alicia hummed as Katarina explained where she’d been staying for the past few days. It had been mentioned before, but she’d never swung around or felt it worth looking into. No doubt someone had their eye on the place already. A snap filled the air as she opened the soda can, , taking a sip of the cool drink.

Enjoying the satisfaction of it, she turned to the matter of herself. [color=aba000]”No kidding,”[/color] she confirmed with a laugh. [color=aba000]”Came back, got hauled in and put on trial for heresy and various related crimes against Beacon, then I end up getting acquitted and made the leader of the local branch of Penrose. So now I’m balancing keeping the city safe from monsters with keeping the Ascendancy from doing anything too crazy. Oh, and one of my close friends tore her soul in half because of a split personality. So yeah, things have been a bit rough.”[/color]

[color=chocolate]“Uh...wow.”[/color] Rina blinked. Sounds like Alicia had a tough time of it. She was suddenly glad she didn't have to deal with some organization like Beacon usually. [color=chocolate]“Well, glad that worked out? Jeez, makes me a feel a little bad since I'm probably about to make your week even worse.”[/color] Rina gave Alicia a mildly apologetic expression as she reached for the laptop, idly eating a slice of pizza as she opened it.

[color=chocolate]“Before you ask later, I have no idea who sent me this stuff right now.”[/color] The magical girl slid the recorder across the table over to Alicia as she plugged in the USB. [color=chocolate]“Give it a listen.”[/color]

Nodding, Alicia held back any comment as she turned to the recorder. An eyebrow rose at how old fashioned it seemed, but that was probably all deceptive anyway. For now she needed to keep looking to the main objective. 

As the clip came to an end, Alicia wore a frown from what she heard. [color=aba000]”So if this is legitimate, someone is conspiring with the Mint for an item that will let them use a spell, and a big one.”[/color] Holding in a sigh, she sank back into the chair with arms crossed over her chest. [color=aba000]”Well, we’d suspected that the rave was a trap. I guess this just proves it.”[/color]

Admittedly they could be talking about something else, but with that kind of deadline it wasn’t like much else would be happening that they would need it for. So it was a pretty safe bet.

[color=chocolate]“Mhm.”[/color] Rina replied with a quiet nod. [color=chocolate]“I've given it a bit of thought. Someone wants a large amount of magical energy for the party.”[/color] She took a quick drink of her own soda before continuing. [color=chocolate]“I can only think of a few uses for a massive amount of magical energy – and most are of the extremely destructive kind.”[/color] Rina frowned. She had been thinking about it, and more and more she had started to piece together a theory of a plausible version of events. [color=chocolate]“...hear me out for a second - and this is entirely speculation - they're likely using the Rave as a distraction for Beacon while they do something else. I don't know what, but, what if their target isn't the Rave? Killing a few beacon girls would be easy, but it wouldn't cripple Beacon in its entirety. It seems like they want to use some sort of energy for it and after, likely to make sure they can clean up whatever happens after.”[/color] She fixed Alicia with a serious expression as she said a final word.

[color=chocolate]“Which is why I'll be going.”[/color]

Alicia took another sip from her drink as Katarina elaborated on her own suspicions.  [color=aba000]”With how the announcement went I’d assumed they were trying to provoke a fight to make us look bad. But with this, it’s a lot worse.”[/color] There was a big difference between picking a fight to rally everyone against them, and whatever this was intended to be. 

Stil, Katarina raised a good point.  [color=aba000]”That’s also possible. I’m not sure what they’d use it for though. We’ve already had our HQ blown up once before. What could they do that would make Beacon go away for good, shift the entire place into the Overcity?”[/color] Now that was an idea, she thought to herself with a scoff. 

She met Katarina’s look with a curious one of her own.  [color=aba000]”Do you know where it’s going to take place?”[/color]

[color=chocolate]“Mhm”[/color] Rina replied with a nod of her head. [color=chocolate]“I don't know if you know her, but uh, a girl by the name of Mika asked me to go with her, so I am. I wasn't planning on it, but I need to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid and it'd be good to scope out the place since I'm not affiliated with beacon.”[/color] It was in all honesty a pretty dangerous idea. Similar to some undercover jobs she took as a cop. Posing as a drug buyer/dealer, or other such things. Jobs like that always were risky. [color=chocolate]“I don't mind telling you, since I trust you won't do something stupid. Just don't call in the cavalry or something unless you don't hear back from me in a few hours or something.”[/color]

Alicia’s frown deepened at the mention of Mika, but it was only for a moment before returning to normal. Instead she kept her attention on what Katarina was offering to do for her. [color=aba000]”I’ll advise them to hold back, but I don’t actually control the Ascendancy here. I can’t tell them to do anything. So if they get impatient, well….”[/color] That was why she had intended to come along herself. If she was there personally, hopefully it would limit the chance of something tragic happening. 

[color=chocolate]“Best I can ask for.”[/color] Rina said, quickly texting Alicia the address. [color=chocolate]“Now uh, one more thing...it's about Beacon and I might be asking for a lot here, but...there was something else that was sent along with that tape.”[/color] Rina opened the file, motioning for Alicia to come watch as well, making sure to note the name of the file to her before playing the clip.

[color=chocolate]“I don't think the tape and this are related, but whoever sent it obviously thinks I need to investigate.”[/color] Rina continued, a serious expression leveled towards Alicia as the clip played. Getting on Beacon's bad side was not ideal, and poking around affairs that they didn't want people digging around in was a good way to do that, but she couldn't in good conscience not investigate a little. [color=chocolate]“I've done a bit of digging on both the delivery service as well as some events potentially surrounding this...and maybe I'm letting my curiosity get the best of me, but I want information, Alicia, and I think beacon has some.”[/color]

Alicia’s phone buzzed, receiving the text that Katarina had sent. This would make their problem easier, and save them a lot of time as well. An unexpected bonus for the trouble they went through earlier. 

Then Katarina showed her the clip. Her gaze narrowed on the file name before watching what transpired with widening eyes. [color=aba000]”I..I wish I could tell you but I’ve never seen anything like that before. No one has told me about us having the capability to just wipe out a city.”[/color] While she hadn’t been in charge for that long, she felt like that was the sort of thing that Sylvia would have mentioned pretty early on. Katarina might want information, but she just wasn’t in a position to provide any.

[color=chocolate]“Mhm, I thought so.”[/color] That'd have been too easy. [color=chocolate]“Took place in Ethiopia. Fairly certain it's the city of Dilla. Around the same time this event took place the city was quarantined, and a travel ban still is in place to this day. Pretty odd for some gas leak to make the city inhospitable for that long.”[/color] Rina said with a sigh. [color=chocolate]“I don't want to say Beacon's at fault here for anything. That person that was seen may not even be part of Beacon, but they likely do know something.”[/color] Rina hesitated only slightly at her next request.

[color=chocolate]“I want a meeting with some beacon higher ups.”[/color] She shouldn't treat this any differently than any other investigation she had done in the past - which meant Beacon should be just as responsible for any crimes as any other.

With the video over Alicia leaned back in her seat. A hand rose to rub her chin while she thought about it. [color=aba000]”Something like that, if it was Beacon then they wouldn’t have done it unless they felt they had no other choice. After all, Penrose is here so they’re not [i]that[/i] trigger happy with it.”[/color]

With that said, she couldn’t blame Katarina for wanting to talk with someone, to see if she could get some answers. Alicia would admit that she was just as curious, even if it didn’t mean much in the end. [color=aba000]”I’ll see if I can set something up,”[/color] she agreed without debate. [color=aba000]”Looks like there’s a lot for the both of us to think about.”[/color]

[color=chocolate]“Thanks. I realize that's probably putting you in an awkward position.”[/color] Rina said, closing the laptop and unplugging the USB. [color=chocolate]“That's one of the reasons I don't think it was Beacon. I know Beacon can be a little zealous, but unless there was no other way they wouldn't have done something that drastic.”[/color] Sighing, Rina flopped onto the couch next to Alicia, pizza box in hand.

[color=chocolate]“I'd offer to let ya stay over, but I don't really have any I dunno...sleep over stuff? I don't usually have guests.”[/color]

Taking another swig of her drink, Alicia shrugged as Katarina joined her on the couch.  [color=aba000]”Not much more awkward than it was already. Don’t worry about it,”[/color] she replied. She was just passing the responsibility up the chain, really. 

Although she did glance around, she wasn’t too bothered by this as they turned from business to relaxation again. [color=aba000]”It’s fine. After being gone for months my parents would be worried sick if I was gone for too long so soon. Besides, you did say you were mostly staying at that hotel. So I can’t blame you for not being ready to entertain guests here.”[/color]

Thinking on topics, she found one that would be a bit easier. [color=aba000]”So, have you heard from our shakespearean swordstress yet? I’ve been a bit busy, so catching up with people has taken a bit longer than I’d like.”[/color]

[color=chocolate]“Amaryllis? Not really.”[/color] Rina replied with a frown. [color=chocolate]“Been a bit busy doing the usual work and helping out with the monsters and Beacon occasionally where I can. Aside from apparently now dating Mika I've not had a lot of downtime. With all this,”[/color] She offered a slice of pizza to Alicia. [color=chocolate]“I think I'm gonna have even less.”[/color]

Taking the slice of pizza when offered, Alicia let herself enjoy the meal as she alternated between it and her drink. So, she hadn’t? Seemed she wasn’t the only one who had been busy with things. [color=aba000]”Well, I’m sure she’s fine. Still, I feel that. This rave thing isn’t the only pressing issue on my hands right now. But Beacon thinks I can handle it, so I have to do my best.”[/color] It was slow going sometimes, but she was getting the hang of things. 

[color=chocolate]“I don't envy you.”[/color] Rina said, idly placing the pizza box on the couch between them. [color=chocolate]“I was a police officer before I was a magical girl. Can't tell you how many times I wanted to smack my higher ups for giving me the work of ten people. Guess it just means we're good at what we do, eh?”[/color] She chuckled lightly. [color=chocolate]“We should take a vacation together sometime. Preferably not getting kidnapped by a dolphin I want to murder.”[/color]

[color=aba000]”I don’t know. Considering what happened during the last, I have this feeling that if I try to go on vacation the city will be on fire by the time I get back,”[/color] Alicia chuckled as well after finishing the slice of pizza she was working on. Considering everything that happened in this city, it wasn’t an entirely unfounded worry. 

Taking a small break before she went for another piece, another thought presented itself. [color=aba000]”Actually, how would you like to come and teach a lesson or two at Beacon some time? You know, when this all blows over. Considering all the monster hunting you do, it’d be nice for the new members to see an outside perspective.”[/color]

[color=chocolate]“Eh?”[/color] Rina blinked. [color=chocolate]“Me? A teacher?”[/color] A bout of laughter followed as she considered the idea, nearly spilling her drink in the process. It wasn't that bad of one, if she were to be honest. The only problem would be not knowing where to even begin. [color=chocolate]“Ahaha, last time I trained someone in the force was...”[/color] She paused, a somewhat wistful smile crossing her lips as she leaned lightly in Alicia's direction. [color=chocolate]“Heh, well, whatever. If Beacon's offering, I could use some extra cash. Just uh, don't expect me to go easy on 'em.”[/color]

Allowing Katarina to work out her surprise and amusement, Alicia nodded to confirm what she had said. [color=aba000]”I wouldn’t expect you to. Besides, you’ll probably need to beat some sense into one of two of them to get them to accept you as a teacher anyway,”[/color] she observed with a smirk. 

This time she did move for another slice of pizza. [color=aba000]”Still, you’re good with monsters, you know the city. Plus as a former cop you’ve probably got a bunch of skills for tracking and detective work that a normal girl doesn’t have. That could be pretty useful, especially since we’re trying to turn a new leaf over here rather than just blasting everyone who looks remotely suspicious on sight.”[/color] A bite of pizza followed, a hum escaping as the taste soothed and comforted. She’d have to talk with some people, but arranging payment shouldn’t be that hard if the Beckoners were fine with the idea.

[color=chocolate]“Hey, beating some sense into upstart little shits is something I've always been good at.”[/color] She laughed again. [color=chocolate]“If they're willing to drop their attitude and actually try learning, I can definitely try.”[/color] Hm, that said...Mika might not like that idea too much. Well, it was probably fine. Mika was more or less harmless. [color=chocolate]“You're doin' me a lot of favors for someone that might be pokin' their nose into Beacon's business a lot in the near future. Thanks, really.”[/color]

[color=aba000]”Well, nothing’s set in stone just yet,”[/color] Alicia pointed out calmly. There was always the chance they wouldn’t go through with it when Katarina was done poking. 

Leaning forward, her hands came to rest clasped together in her lap. [color=aba000]”But the Ascendancy isn’t going to be here forever. When they do, I don’t want Beacon to be isolated like it was before, especially when I’m trying to change things for the better. Sometimes you have to take risks.”[/color] Turning, she flashed a warm smile to her friend.

[color=chocolate]“Fair, fair.”[/color] Rina chuckled. [color=chocolate]“Hopefully that works out. Changing an organization as big and as rigid as beacon isn't easy.”[/color] She continued, tossing the empty soda can across the room, perfectly landing it in a garbage can. [color=chocolate]“Just be careful, alright? And if ya need any help just give me a call.”[/color] Rina got up off the couch, nabbing her jacket from the other end before turning to Alicia again.

[color=chocolate]“I should get back to the Trove. Promised Su I'd help around there a bit.”[/color] Surprisingly, Alicia could tell that was somewhat of a lie.

[color=aba000]”Change has to start somewhere,”[/color] Alicia observed as she finished her second slice of pizza. [color=aba000]”Even if I don’t succeed, hopefully I’ll inspire others to feel the same way.”[/color] 

Alicia rose from her seat as well, not intending to stick around in the apartment while Katarina wasn’t here. Though she could pick up the lie, she did not inquire about it. She’d come this far with honesty, there didn’t seem like there was a reason to pry. [color=aba000]”I will. You can do the same, or just ring up if you hear of any monster hideouts that need to be dealt with.”[/color] For now, she had a meeting to arrange, among other things.

[color=chocolate]“Yep, I'll see ya around. I shouldn't be much busier than normal until the Rave unless I'm fluffing Mik-ahem-helping Su around the hotel. Help around the hotel, yep.”[/color] Rina held the door open for Alicia as they left.