[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/CkHZy6X.png[/img]
[sub][@BrokenPromise][@twave][@Ariamis][@Crusader Lord][@Flamelord][@FamishedPants][@Platinumskink][/sub][/center]
Amaryllis tensed for a moment, her own hand on her Sword as she watched Rachel. If the woman had tried to end Sophia’s life, she’d have been one arm short by now. But the restorative magics did their work, and the pirate queen lived, made whole by a punch to the gut.

[color=778899]“You have my thanks,”[/color] she spoke, catching the glistening coin. [color=778899]“Twice over.”[/color]

Lightning scarred the storm clouds, painting a dire image. Hyun Long had wrapped herself around the Flying Dutchman, the ghostly vessel groaning against the monstrous mass that clung to it. She hungered still, even as her body was riddled with countless wounds. Lightning and light, explosions and lacerations, all marked her form in a way that was pitiful rather than invigorating. They were winning the battle, but against who? Was this monstrous girl the one that terminated the Ascendancy’s raid with a single psychic blast? Her sin was simply that of a corpse-eater, an opportunistic scavenger in a warehouse full of the dead. Just like that fanged girl, so long ago.

They too, had deserved a chance.

Another arrived at the battlefield. Mariette, lit up by her own light magic, seared through the night to further bombard Hyun Long. Her assistance was reassuring against a monster, but now…

[color=778899]“Mariette! Place your trust in me and know that this situation will be resolved soon. The true perpetrator of this tragedy still remains unseen; utilize your efforts towards uncovering their hideaway instead!”[/color]

…she no longer wanted Hyun Long to die, even as her Sword rioted against such decisions. Denied again, of the meal that it could partake in? Against a creature that was more monster than human? Unacceptable! Her blood boiled under the phantom’s rage, but Amaryllis held strong, kicking off the ground and grabbing onto the anchor chain that swung in the tempestuous air. She scrambled upwards, closing the gap between herself and Hyun Long until she could clearly see where her humanoid body was.

It was almost funny, how quickly the scales tilted. Moments ago, she had been trying to get away from the hydra-girl, and presently, she was doing the exact opposite. Amaryllis's lips twitched into a slight smile.

Rusted roses bloomed and ivy buds emerged in the air around the Monster Queen, scattered by hot air and storm winds. Amaryllis’s heels clicked against the silvered bulbs as she landed right in front of Hyun Long, her hand resting on, but not grasping, her Sword. She breathed. In once. Out once.

[color=778899]“Do you hunger, Queen of Monsters?”[/color]

Her blood roared for blood, her Patron demanding tribute, demanding slaughter.

[color=778899]“Your mutations can no longer be overlooked, and Beacon will strive to cut you down, even if your sins are minor. Merely desecration of the dead, merely self-defence when attacked by others. But even though Horrors are just Horrors, every magical girl deserves a chance. To change, perhaps, or to atone. If you wish to stay who you are, even in death and resurrection, then refuse.”[/color]

Amaryllis reached out with her hand, opening her palm merely a foot away from Hyun Long.

[color=778899]“But if you wish to start over, to quell this hunger within you, then take this Coin. Use it. And grant yourself the opportunity to go down another path.”[/color]

The White Coin pulsated gently in the night and firelight.

[color=778899]“Do so, and I swear upon my Sword that none here will seek your death."[/color]