[i][b]On another day...[/b][/i]

[quote][color=bbbbbb]Greetings Eliza. The Mint has noticed that you have nothing to show for your efforts within the organization. But do not worry, for they have decided to let you fulfil a simple objective to earn their trust back. You are to eliminate the Cardinal of Beacon as soon as you are able. It should be noted that this will likely be your last chance to prove your worth, and the mint doesn’t suffer incompetence. You are encouraged to put everything you have into this assignment. Al still holds the ace of diamonds, you would do best to remember that.

[indent]~The Vermin Killer[/indent][/color][/quote]

 Again and again, Eliza read the message sent to her by her old employers, of all people. [Color=mediumpurple]"Why...? Why??"[/color] Between the Ascendancy, Katelyn, her failing to eliminate the Red Nest, and now this, the witch was fighting the urge to scream. [Color=mediumpurple]"Why me?!"[/color] She couldn't understand why the Mint was willing to give her a second chance. Hell, it seemed easier to just fight off whoever they sent to kill her.

 So why?

With everything that has happened, it seemed easy for Eliza to break. She was torn between two sides of her psyche after all. But she couldn't just kill one of Beacon's leaders. Something like that was what the witch was avoiding. At the same time, what was she supposed to do?

After a moment of thinking, the witch had a plan. But first, she had to find another way to get rid of the black coin's corruption, her final tie to the Ebon Mint. And luckily Eliza knew who to look for.[hr][hr]Contrary to what would be assumed, finding Violet and Sakura wasn't exactly a difficult affair. It was true, that they seemed to be able to vanish into the air both literally and metaphorically but it would only take a handful of hours of search before Eliza would run into the Twins. Or more accurately they would run into her.

Eliza would be minding her own simply trying to track down the elusive pair when she would suddenly feel someone using her as a spring board from behind. [color=slateblue]“Hah!”[/color] Violet would call out as she leapfrogged over the witch. [color=slateblue]“Told you I could get to them first!”[/color] She would call out in triumph while she landed with a needless flourish. 

[color=pink]“I didn’t say you couldn’t Sis”[/color] Came the slightly exasperated reply from Sakura. Who would walk past Eliza with at a sedate pace, passing an apologetic smile to the likely surprised girl. [color=pink]“But did you really need to jump off of her? That was rude”[/color] She would go on to chastise her sister. Who would reply in the most mature fashion of sticking her tongue out.

 [Color=mediumpurple]"I-It's fine. The Dijinn Sisters, right? You knew I was looking for you?"[/color] Eliza asked, more surprised that they were looking for her somehow as well.

[color=pink]"Sorta"[/color] Sakura would reply as she just rolled her eyes at her sister [color=pink]"We have Absolute Direction, I think is the most common name for it"[/color] she would explain.

[color=slateblue]"Every now and then we use that to know the dirction of people looking for us or for a wish"[/color] Violet would continue on [color=slateblue]"We've been in Penrose for a while, yet your the first person whose gone looking for us. At least intentionally."[/color]

[Color=mediumpurple]"Well, I was hoping you could help me with something."[/color] The witch pointed to her wings. [Color=mediumpurple]"A wish can turn a monster girl back to normal, right? No loopholes or anything?"[/color]

[color=slateblue]"That's correct"[/color] Violet would reply with a wide grin.

Eliza's eyes lit up. [Color=mediumpurple]"R-Really?! Okay, um, how do I word this correctly? 'I wish I was no longer corrupted??'"[/color] 

[b]"Your wish"[/b] Violet would say softly as she stepped forward into Eliza's space her hands and eyes gaining a soft white glow. [b]"Is my command"[/b] 

Violet would gently cup the little witch's face, a soft warm smile on her face, before gently leaning forward to plant a feather light kiss upon her brow. At that kiss Eliza would feel for a moment weightless as a warm sensation would flow through her. The warmth would slowly grow until it became nearly uncomfortable before suddenly spiking intensity and then fading just as suddenly. 

A deep exhaustion would settle over Eliza as Violet would slip away, back to stand near her sister. [color=slateblue]“You’ll start feeling better in no time.”[/color] Violet would say with a smile.

[color=pink]“It’s just your body readjusting to no longer having to fight against the corruption.”[/color] Sakura would explain with a giggle.

 [color=mediumpurple]"Y-You...You did it!"[/color] Having turned back to normal, Eliza's old disguised form took over as her main transformed state. She felt a weight had been lifted off her chest, no longer needing to hold herself back in fear. Not to mention she could [i]actually[/i] go to the party without risk of her ears bleeding, so that's a plus!

 With a pure smile, the witch hugged the sisters. [color=mediumpurple]"Thank you, thank you so much!"[/color]

Violet would simply buff her nails on her shirt for a moment looking smug at the praise tossed in her direction. She was partially caught off guard by the hug, as was Sakura, but the more somber sister at least had the good grace to return the hug.

[color=slateblue]"Yes, well.."[/color] Violet would cough slighty before regaining her composure. [color=slateblue]"That's one Wish down. Hope it helps."[/color] She would say as the two of them turned to walk away

[color=pink]"Goodbye, come looking for us again if you want another wish"[/color] Sakura would save with a slight wave before the two of them vanished from sight.

 Eliza waved back as they left, yawning from the sudden fatigue. [Color=mediumpurple]"They don't seem that bad. Hm...this is a start, but it isn't enough. Maybe I can buy myself some new equipment?"[/color] the witch wondered, walking to Brittany's shop as she relayed the information she got to the other cradle agents. [i][color=mediumpurple]"Just ran into Violet and Sakura. Apparently they use absolute direction to find anyone they can grant wishes to. You might be able to catch them before they reach their wish limit."[/color][/i][hr][hr]It took a bit out of her funds, but Eliza bought a new outfit and weapon, and a meditation stone, to prevent herself from snapping like last time. She thought of ways to enhance her new sword, until she saw two familiar girls nearby.

[hider=Earlier, as far as we know...]
 It had been a day after Anaya was brought to containment. Despite being a prisoner, she was treated with fulfilling food and given a book to read to pass the time. Eventually, Rachel had arrived, alongside Leena and FanFan. [b]“Hello there, Anaya. After our discussion with Celia, we have decided not to inquire further on your possession of the lich’s phylactery. In any case, we will free you, on one condition. Leena, if you may.”[/b] Leena nodded, and spoke up. [b]“We wish to help you with your corruption. In case you’re not sure, it means the side of you that you’re not fully in control of. The influence of your Patron has left dark magic in you. One day, it will consume you from within.”[/b] FanFan continued.

[b]“We can help you, but to do so, we need to purify you. That means giving up on the dark Weapon or Power you were given, but you will also be free of the afflictions that have marked your mind and soul.”[/b]

Rachel then spoke. [b]“That is the basic purification. But, if you wish to never be corrupted again, and to forsake your Patron, we can also offer you the White Coin.”[/b] She opened her palm, and the gently shining coin glimmered in it. [b]“The White Coin changes your magic to pure Beacon’s, ridding you of your past Patron’s influence in addition to granting you a ShineSpark, the shield within. It is your choice.”[/b]

Anaya was surprised by the offer. Not only were they excusing her of her screw up, but were letting her choose between a basic purification, and the white coin. She silently though for a moment. What would her mother want her to do? Was she happy working under the Mint? Was Anaya herself happy with what she has now, or what she has and will become?  When the spirit girl made her choice, she reached over for the White Coin.

Rachel closed her eyes, and nodded as Anaya claimed the shimmering piece. When she did so, she felt a great power wash over, warm light shining on her. She felt her corruption become washed away, and even her magic changed in form, the Mint's hold on her disappearing in addition to Crawley's. In their place was now Beacon's light, especially the ShineSpark, warming her up from her heart. When it was over, Rachel waited for a bit before she asked: [b]"Anaya, how do you feel?"[/b]

[color=mistyrose]“It feels...weird.”[/color] Anaya looked herself over. She appeared refreshed, brighter than before. [color=mistyrose]“The voices in my head are gone, I don’t feel cold anymore, I don’t feel like destroying the place or attacking you guys, so that’s a plus....”[/color] She listed. [color=mistyrose]“And...sorry. I wasn’t thinking when I grabbed the phylactery. I thought I could override it with my own magic, but guess not.”[/color]

Leena nodded, hands on her hips but a gentle smile on her face. [b]"We all make mistakes, kid. The important step is moving on from them."[/b] FanFan also nodded, and unlocked the cell. [b]"And now you can move on from your past."[/b]

Once the cell was opened, and Anaya stepped out, she was greeted by Rachel extending a hand for her; she had a smile on her face too. [b]"Welcome to Beacon, Anaya. You will never be haunted by those voices. I promise you by the word of an Inquisitor."[/b]

The spirit girl knew her choice marked a new beginning. Freed from the influence of the darkest, she finally felt alive. With a grin, Anaya shook Rachel’s hand. [color=mistyrose]“Thank you.”[/color]
[/hider]

 [color=powderblue]"So how's being in Beacon?"[/color] Celia asked Anaya, running into her after she was purified by the White Coin. [color=mistyrose]"It actually feels kinda good! I actually get to sleep, I finally have parents now, and the others are pretty cool too."[/color] Anaya said, stretching as the walked.

 [color=mediumpurple]"You joined their side?"[/color]

 The two stopped to look at Eliza, eyes widened. [color=powderblue]"Well technically? She did."[/color] Celia pointed to Anaya. [color=mistyrose]"Hey!!"[/color]

 Eliza shook her head. [color=mediumpurple]"Nevermind that. I'm glad you two are still kicking after all this, I've been better."[/color] She looked over to the spirit girl. [color=mediumpurple]"Can't you tell the Ascendancy to back off of this, Anaya?"[/color]

 [color=mistyrose]"Sadly, I don't think it's in my power. They're pretty serious about this."[/color] Anaya frowned, crossing her arms.

 The witch cursed under her breath. [color=mediumpurple]"Alright. Guess I'll have to find another way. Thanks anyways."[/color] She would've walked away if Celia didn't stop her. [Color=powderblue]"Wait!"[/color] The empath handed Eliza her ruby coin.

 [color=powderblue]"You might need this more than I do."[/color] Celia explained. [color=powderblue]"And if you ever need to take out your frustrations, Anaya might need a sparing partner."[/color] She added, sensing the negative emotions Eliza was going through.

 The witch looked down at the second ruby coin, and back to the empath. [color=mediumpurple]"Thanks. Be seeing you two."[/color] With that, the three of them went their separate ways, Eliza heading to the sanctuary.

[hr][hr]After getting a second ruby coin from Celia, Eliza rushed back to the sanctuary. She dreaded the thought of Cindy and the others being quick to assume the worst when they found out the witch was back to normal. [Color=mediumpurple]“I’ll just have to explain beforehand…”[/color] she told herself, and stepped inside.

[Color=mediumpurple]“Your Highness??”[/color] She called out.

The sanctuary bustled with activity, girls and boys both going about their business with a surprising energy. The return of Cindy and so many girls from the vacation had revitalized the place, and brought it a hope that it had lacked in the past months.

Eliza earned more than a few glances in her hurry from those passing by, a result of her haste and eagerness. But they paid her little mind, and soon she would be rewarded by the familiar appearance of Cindy as she drew near. [b]“Greetings, Eliza Winters. We are pleased to see that you have returned to us unharmed. It seems more than a few girls have set to the task of ridding the city of the pests that sprang up in our absence, and we would hate for harm to come to one of our subjects because of it.[/b] She smiled, falling silent as she allowed Eliza to speak.

[Color=mediumpurple]“Yeah, a lot of stuff happened. Anyways, firstly I like to let you know that I and those within the Crimson Cradle will be attending the party to ensure your and everyone’s safety.”[/color] Eliza explained. [Color=mediumpurple]“And, I come seeking a request from you, Miss Ford…”[/color] she showed her the message the Vermin Killer sent her. [Color=mediumpurple]“I need a red coin. I’ve finally cut myself off from the Mint, and I cannot go through with this assassination request. So there’s no doubt they’ll come after me. With the Ace of Diamonds, no less.”[/color]

Cindy nodded, hands clasped together as she listened to what Eliza had to say. [b]”Though it would be foolish for someone to incite violence at such a large gathering of people, I am nonetheless grateful that you are willing to act to ensure the safety of all our subjects.”[/b] she replied with a smile.

It was not an expression that lasted long as Eliza revealed the trouble that currently plagued her. The electricity that made up Cindy’s form grew more agitated, and Eliza would be able to feel a hum in the air.

[b]”I see. That is troublesome indeed. Of course I will do what I can to ensure that no harm befalls you. But how does the Red Coin play into this? It does not increase your power, merely alter it.”[/b]

[Color=mediumpurple]“Because, I’m gonna use it with these.”[/color] Eliza held the two ruby coins she had on her. [Color=mediumpurple]“Guess you can call it a gamble, but please ma’am…”[/color]

Understanding came quickly as Eliza showed off the Ruby coins she had obtained. That would certainly provide a boon to her efforts. [b]Red Coins are a limited resource,”[/b] Cindy noted aloud. [b]”We understand your desire for security from the Mint, and recognize the service you have provided for us in the past. But we cannot simply hand out an item like that without service in turn. Our relationship is still young and yet to blossom, much as we might wish otherwise.”[/b]

[Color=mediumpurple]“Thing is, this isn’t just about the Mint!”[/color] Eliza paced back and forth, appearing more stressed as she rambled on. [Color=mediumpurple]“If this battle goes from bad to worse this place will one way or another go to Hell-in-a-Teapot, if I fail to protect you guys and those unfortunate enough to get dragged into this mess I probably don’t even deserve to be a magical girl, and if the stupid Ascendancy- the Mint- ANYONE stupid enough to NOT to calm their jets decides to turn the party into a bloodbath I swear I am going to SCREAM!”[/color] as soon as she calmed down, realizing her outburst, the witch recomposed herself in embarrassment.

[Color=mediumpurple]“M-My apologies, your highness. Being conflicted between two sides of myself has been stressing, but yes, I understand. What services do you require from me?”[/color]

Eliza’s panic was rising, yet Cindy remained as nonplussed as ever. Either she was not as concerned, or she simply did a better job of hiding it. For now she waited until the witch was done venting before resuming where she had left off.

[b]” Your concern is heartwarming, Eliza. If only all of living in the kingdom could be as devoted to the cause of peace and coexistence,”[/b] she replied with an approving smile.

That just left the matter of the ‘request’, and for that she had something special in mind. [b]“A trade. A Red Coin, for your soul.”[/b]

Eliza paused for a moment. [Color=mediumpurple]“Dunno how that’ll work, but one of my patron’s is literally Death, so I’ll see what I can do.”[/color]

[b]”It’s simple enough,”[/b] Cindy assured her, pleased to hear that she was willing to go along with this.

[b]”You are aware of what a Soul Jar is, yes? Once you have used the Red Coin, one of my associates will place your soul in the Jar of your choice. Then I will hold on to it, so even if something happens to your body because of the Mint or any other faction, you will be reborn safe and in my care.”[/b] It was quite the clever solution, if she said so herself.

[Color=mediumpurple]“Alright, seems easy.”[/color] Eliza nodded. [Color=mediumpurple]“But how do we make it to where I can be far from my Soul Jar [i]without[/i] turning into the walking dead?”[/color] her tone showed slight concern.

Electricity danced and twirled in agitation, a sign of how pleased Cindy was that Eliza was willing to go along with this.

[b]”A Soul Jar formed by magical contract is significantly longer in range than a normal one. So it should be fine as long as you don’t plan on going on any world spanning trips,”[/b] Cindy assured her.

[Color=mediumpurple]“Alright, it’s a deal then.”[/color] the witch decided.

[b]’Excellent. Follow me,”[/b] Cindy told Eliza as she turned and made her way through the shelter. She did not carry those coins on her person all the time, after all.

As she moved along, there was one question that sprang to mind.

[b]”Are you sure your Cradle associates will be alright with this? We understand that having divided loyalties can be difficult,”[/b] Cindy asked, regarding Eliza out of the corner of her eye.

[Color=mediumpurple]“Asides from you, my loyalties now rest within the Cradle. They’re the only ones who make sense nowadays. Not to mention my first patron is also now my ally? Co-worker?? So it works out pretty well.”[/color] Eliza explained. [Color=mediumpurple]“But don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll understand.”[/color] She reassured Cindy with a smile.

Cindy was pleased to hear that Eliza remained as firm as ever, and that their deal would not inspire any further difficulties. They soon arrived at their destination, a small room that acted as a de facto study for the self proclaimed Queen of Penrose.

Walking around a desk in the corner of the room, she delivered a precise electrical shock to the hardened safe. The door swung open with nary a sound, and she reached inside before returning to Eliza with token in hand.

[b]”There you are,”[/b] she said as she handed the item over.

[b]”We hope it serves you well.”[/b]

Eliza held up the Red Coin in one hand, and the ruby coin in the other. [Color=mediumpurple]“...Cindy, thank you.”[/color] she gave a warm smile to the other girl, before using all three coins; being eclipsed in a vibrant crimson light.

Cindy stepped back as Eliza used the coins, engulfing herself in a burst of magical energy. There was little more the Queen could do except wait and see what came of it.

From the light, [url=https://safebooru.org/images/685/bbdd34fc179cb9a52dabdc8e2c3921b03c807943.jpg]Elizabeth[/url] stood. [Color=gold]“Woah…”[/color] The newly incarnated witch looked herself over, then back to Cindy.

[Color=gold]“Well? What do you think?”[/color] She had felt a new surge of power flowing through her, not to mention the witch seemed to have aged up a bit.

Cindy gave a small bow as things returned to normal, with Eliza having been altered by the combination of coins that she had used together. She took a few moments to look her companion over before answering.

[b]”You look very distinguished. People will definitely treat you with the respect that a witch of your status deserves,”[/b] Cindy assured her. Whether that was what Eliza wanted, well, that wasn’t really her problem now was it.

[Color=gold]“Thanks. So, how about my end of the deal?”[/color] Elizabeth asked, wondering how they could transfer her soul into something.

Nodding, Cindy walked over to the door, calling to one of the magical girls as she walked past. [b]”Coraline, go tell Suzanne that I need her.”[/b]

Glancing back, the girl in question nodded before hurrying off to carry out her will. Still wearing a smile, Cindy turned back to Eliza. [b]“Please, have a seat. This may take a few minutes.”[/b]

The witch nodded, taking a seat nearby.

After several minutes, as promised, a [url=https://i.imgur.com/0LZDgmM.jpg]girl[/url] would enter the room. She glanced at Eliza, before proceeding over to where Cindy was. “My Queen,” she said after coming to a stop, providing Cindy with a respectful bow. “You requested my presence?”

[b]”Indeed,”[/b] Cindy replied with a nod before gesturing to Eliza. [b]“Eliza here needs a contract drawn up, transferring ownership of her soul to me until such time as I relinquish it, or until the Ebon Mint has been eliminated in Penrose.”[/b]

Taking a seat, Suzanne reached into her handbag, producing a small bottle of ink as well as some paper. With quill in hand she began to write, while Cindy regarded Eliza to make sure that she wasn’t getting cold feet at this point.

The witch curiously watched Suzanne write out what she thought was the contract. [Color=gold]“Oooh…”[/color]

After another few minutes Suzanne was finished. She turned, placing the paper down on the table so both parties could read it before offering Eliza the pen. “Mix a drop of blood with the ink,” she explained as she sat back. “That will ensure the contract has a magical connection.”

Eliza carefully cut the palm of her hand with the pen until she drew blood. Then with the blood, she signed the contract. [Color=gold]“There. Is that good enough?”[/color] She asked.

An eyebrow rose before Suzanne took the pen back. Unscrewing the top, she let a bit of ink drip down onto the blood. Just to make sure. “Now it is,” she replied.

Cindy then took the pen for herself. Electricity bridged the gap, the pen now sparking slightly from her power in lieu of blood. She signed next to Eliza’s name, sealing the contract.

[b]”We believe that is that. Suzanne, do the honors.”[/b]

Nodding, Suzanne stowed the items away in her handbag before turning to Eliza. “This will probably hurt,” she warned, before reaching out and placing her hand over the other girl's heart. Her hand began to glow, an ethereal light radiating out and into the magical girl’s chest. It endured for a minute or so before she pulled back.

As she did so something came with it. Eliza might be able to feel the void left behind. Or maybe it was merely some rationalization of her mind. Yet there was no doubting that the object that now sat in Suzanne’s hand had not been there before. “Your soul, as agreed upon,” Suzanne explained before handing it over to Cindy.

[b]”And as promised, I shall keep it safe with me. The Queen of Penrose does not go against her word.”[/b] Cindy added as she rose to her feet.

The witch somehow felt the wind knocked out of her, feeling an emptiness were her soul once was. She’d have to get used to it later. Elizabeth reoriented herself and looked back to Cindy. [Color=gold]“So where are you gonna put it?”[/color]

Electricity danced around the soul gem, a protective shield from any physical harm. A fall was unlikely, but in such a moment precautions were not to be dismissed out of hand. They were dealing with a soul after all.

After a few moments she shook her head.

[b]”I think it is best if I do not say. The Mint is cunning and resourceful. Should they learn of its existence they may try to steal its location from your memories or other forms of psychic persuasion.[/b]

[Color=gold]“Right, I understand. Well, guess I should get going.”[/color] Elizabeth walked to the door. [Color=gold]“But really, thank you.”[/color] She looked back to Cindy with a smile.

Truth be told, Cindy was surprised that Eliza would so willingly accept her explanation. But she would not reject the good favor either.

[b]”Goodbye, fair witch. May you see good fortune in your endeavors,”[/b] she replied as the girl departed.

Now then, it was time to see about getting this stored away, where it could be safe.