[center][h1]??????????[/h1] [sub]Somewhere away from the eyes of mortals...[/sub][/center] Sometimes, means to an end were fickle and subtle. Every now and then, it was asked for a creature to put aside customs and goals in order to make ends meet. Such was the law of the universe, as imperfect as its vast cosmos. The puchuu known as Umukamui scorned altruism, and saw emotions as a nuisance rather than a boon. His soldiers were means to an end, that was what it all was about. Even though, it was vexing that due to unforeseen circumstances, he was at risk of having his last card perish not in a battlefield of his own choosing. Such was the upheaval of chaos within Penrose, and such was his intention to rectify the situation. Even if it meant talking with those he once scorned for treading upon him and his allies. The small creature teleported to an unknown, astral location. It brought… memories, not altogether, pleasant, if one could use such a label. “Greetings… Beckoners.” Far above Earth, beyond the conflicts of mortals and the threats plaguing a singular city, there were the Beckoners. They stood apart, a guiding force that sought to lead all mankind to its better nature. For all conflict, for all tribulations, they had endured and looked to the future. Arriving where they dwelt, Umukamui would find a council assembled to meet with him. Where normally it would have been the Puchuu who oversaw Penrose, it had been expanded to account for the presence of the Ascendancy in the city. The place shone, as close an approximation to the archetype of ‘Heaven’ as one could imagine. Yet not all of the Puchuus looked like angels. Some bore armor, looked like canines and felines and avians, Yet all shone with an inner radiance given form in this place. They stood nearby to his arrival, formed in a semi-circle around where he was. [b]“Umukamui, our fallen brother. It has been a long time since we last interacted,”[/b] the angel sitting at the head of the council noted. Next to it was a Puchuu in a military outfit, or as close an approximation as could be made for their smaller forms. [b]“What brings about this return? Still seeking to maintain a misguided balance?”[/b] “An interesting way to put it...brother.” Umukamui relented, his neutral tone wavering for the slightest moment. “Your information might be dated. Libra is no longer operable. Whatever Adjudicators existed are long gone, either as free agents or the beacon. I am simply, as I always have tried, to seek means to an end.” The puchuu talked. “Due to ...special circumstances, our paths realign. Opportunity or conflict. I am seeking the answer to that.” “Libra may be gone, but that does not tell whether you have abandoned the ideals that formed it in the first place,” Colonel Cuddles charged with a frown. Ignoring the comment from the one at his side, Justice Cinnamon focused on the latter half of what Umukamui had said. [b]“By that I assume you mean the imminent conflict in Penrose between Beacon and the self proclaimed Queen that resides within the city? What is your interest in this coming struggle?”[/b] “My last active agent is right now sandwiched between the forces of the two. For rather painfully obvious reasons, I seek not to lose it in this game of thrones you are plotting.” Umukamui said. “Personally, I am against it. Queens can be bargained with. Ravenous beasts can only be exterminated. However, I am in no position of ever influencing or rallying anyone else.” Umukamui admitted. “Even if i were to scrap the bottom of the barrel and talk with the black ones.” [b]”That is most regrettable, though not unexpected,”[/b] Justice Cinnamon replied with a sigh. [b]Many have found themselves caught in the middle of this conflict, a thoroughly needless situation.”[/b] A Puchuu that looked similar to a chinese dragon spoke up from off to the side. “The hand of dark forces has been divined to be at work in these events. Even if you turned to those of the night, they would likely be of no aid to you or those you guide.” Glancing over at the others on the Council, Colonel Cuddles then spoke up. “That may be the case, but what is it you want from us specifically? Being caught in the middle of a struggle that you are unable to cope with is not something we can prevent, at least not for your sake alone.” “Safe passage for my agent. And I would agree to rally forces for the time being. I would also extend the offer to those in middle ground. As you know, my network, even if it is dregs of what it used to be it is quite extensive.” Umukamui added. “Conflict and occupation need a campaign of recruitment to avoid… backslash. The emergence of a queen seems to my opinion, that someone has left middle ground untreaded.” [b]”Beacon has suffered many setbacks in recent months, at least in Penrose….”[/b] Justice CInnamon admitted with a frown. That in turn earned a firm response from the Colonel. “It is difficult to recruit when a majority of the magical girls in the city vanish for months on end, the reason we were sent here to restore order in the first place. Though it seems many magical girls have forgotten that fact.” A Puchuu with the head of a lion and glowing wings leaned forward. “This agent of yours, has she been tainted by corruption? If not, then I see no reason to prevent her having safe passage from the oncoming action.” There was some muttered conversation between the gathered Puchuu, but it seemed to be a general consensus among them. “This new recruit used to be… what one would call a criminal, a misfit of society. In less than a month she has assisted in the cleansing of a horror without faltering, and rescued a magical girl with someone named Penny Asimov, without even wavering the slightest. I even doubt she can be corrupted at all easily, having built a resistance to strife all over her past life.” Umukamui said. Sakura was a nasty puchuu kicker, but she was no stranger to violence. His only doubt about her complying would be if she was ordered to slay someone who appeared to be innocent on sight. But even those cases were far and few between. [b]”All are capable of redemption, her past as a criminal is no issue so long as she continues trying to move beyond that to become a better person,”[/b] Justice Cinnamon noted with a nod. [b]”It is very noble of you, particularly considering your previous reputation.[/b] Chinese Dragon, also known as Light Heart, nodded in agreement. “We had been informed of the encounter the pure form of Penny Asimov had had with a magical girl named Sakura, but we were unaware that she was one of yours. This is interesting.” Colonel Cuddles returned to the more important matter at hand, examining Umukamui through a skeptical eye. “When you say ‘rally forces’, what would that entail in your mind? I assume you will forsake your previous method of double dealing in every situation, at the very least? You were lucky to escape proper punishment the last time around, and the Ascendancy will not abide interference in its operations for the sake of a false status quo.” “Different times require different methods. The world of humans was in chaos when Libra was at its zenith. Now, the world is light, there is no need to … control the few shades that still exist. Humans do it themselves quite admirably, if I must say. Using the power of the sun to slaughter kin like cattle. Dealing with the Mint was only my last resort this time around.” Umukamui shrugged. “And Colonel… if I am struck down, Libra´s prized boon, Unity, and the method that is behind it, will be lost to oblivion alongside me.” His eyes met the Colonel with a piercing gaze. “There are others. Like my comrade Jonald. Others who have been also watching with paternalistic eyes ever since apes became men, such as gods... Half of them roughly, would understand the need of this kind of campaign. The other half, I foresee rallying them to the Mint, the Horrors, and the Lesser Forces stupid enough to think they can take the whole weight of this world upon their shoulders. Even we puchuus are a lousy clout at the best of days, but I can sway some , hopefully.” He paused. “Every right hand needs a left hand.” He concluded. “I aim to avoid unnecessary and inefficient fighting.” There was silence amongst those gathered as Umukamui went about his plea, his beliefs, and his assurances. Time would tell whether he was correct, how many Puchuus would be swayed to stand on their side in this coming crisis, while how many would be seduced by deceit and destructive lies. But Beacon held out hope that their wayward brothers would heed the call, and choose the path of the righteous. [b]”You speak with wisdom,”[/b] Justice Cinnamon noted after a few moments. [b]” Perhaps your time of hardship has done you some good. Rest assured, now more than ever we need to look to those willing to stand and resist the forces of evil. Whether that be through direct confrontation, or the guidance of those who can direct the ones who can to the threats that we now face.”[/b] Huffing, Colonel Cuddles looked about. “Let us deliberate then. We shall provide you an answer shortly.” With that they turned to each other, debating the merits and overall strategy to employ when it came to Penrose. Whether they needed help, how far to go, and the like. Umukamui would be forced to wait as they sought to reach a consensus. “mmm.” Umukamui added, as he peeked on the lower world. He always kept tabs of his agents. And mid deliberation was no exemption. After several minutes the discussion came to an end, the Council turning back to Umukamui. [b]”Very well,’[/b] Justice Cinnamon said aloud. [b]” We accept your proposal. Your agents shall have safe passage, and our people shall provide you with aid when it is needed. In return your magical girls shall work with ours, and you shall work to recruit other Puchuus to the side of the light. Does that sound correct?[/b] “As straightforward as it could be.” Umukamui said as he addressed the council. “Now if you will excuse me, there is...no rest for the wicked. As it has been said.” [b]”Of course. May the light guide your path.[/b] Justice Cinnamon agreed, the council watching as Umukamui departed. Now, to address the next item that required their attention….