[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/IFtEXyF.png[/img]
[@Flamelord][@Shifter_Master][/center]
After the initial attempt to talk with Cindy collapsed, Janet wanted to go about it another way. Having sorted out a way to sit face to face, at least functionally, she wanted to talk to Cindy and work things out between them as much as possible. She was after all the one who would be accepting the agreement. They already had their friend’s concerns noted so there was no need for anyone else to get involved. Only Jenna would be joining them to hear what was said and be part of the agreement, being half of her soul after all.

Moving to a much more casual environment, the twin’s friends were to wait outside. One, to make sure that things didn’t get out of hand and two, because she wanted them to be around when everything was signed and finished. The next time Cindy woke up she would find them in a room not dissimilar to where Jenna had met with Raven, Penny, and Alicia. The items she had requested were set off to one side. Though perhaps the more surprising thing was finding that Janet was sitting across the table from here. Initially checking to see if she’d been tricked the girl looked down to find that she still existed in Janet’s form. Eyeing the other girl she tried to figure out what was before her. A copy, clone, illusion, mental projection perhaps? 

In the perplexed silence Janet raised a hand and would explain. She didn’t need psychic powers to figure out what was happening here. [color=khaki]”A clone... and this.”[/color] She would hold up an artifact. [color=khaki]”Thanks to a couple friends of ours you and I can actually talk, at least temporarily. I won’t actually remember any of this, but Jenna will be able to fill me in on our conversation.”[/color] When Cindy didn’t say anything, Janet would continue. [color=khaki]”Right well, I would like to apologize for the breakdown last time. We should have…”[/color] Not letting Janet continue, Cindy put pressure on Janet’s mind with her magic. [color=khaki]”Ah, I want... to work things out... together.”[/color] Being a disguised clone, Janet did not have her usual defenses so it was easier for Cindy to route around in her head to try and find her intentions. There wasn’t enough to learn everything about the girl and eventually the ShineSpark pushed Cindy out anyway.

Once again the Lightning girl would find herself baffled by the Beacon girl. She was almost an impossibility in Cindy’s opinion. Penny she could understand, her monstrous nature set her apart from the others. Janet and Jenna were something else. There definitely were markings that the girl had been corrupted in the past. Somehow she’d been purified, keeping all the benefits while removing the negatives that came with it. Their motives bordered on the level of an Altruistic Mental Mutation but it could be some extreme form of compassion. Beacon were known for their Vows, but they were often used to justify what they did rather than fall on a sword for the enemy. [color=cyan]”What possesses you that you would choose to work with me?”[/color] She was cautious, but curious. 

That was a tough question. Considering it a minute she would eventually answer. [color=khaki]”Before joining Beacon and becoming a magical girl, I was sentenced for murder. I didn’t fully know what I was getting myself into, but I saw it as a chance to make up for past mistakes. I thought that maybe if I offered an olive branch that maybe things would change. I still don’t know how I got away with ‘fraternizing with the enemy’ so to speak. Later I got a taste of what it was like to be corrupted, made to hurt my Beacon brothers and sisters. My friends saved me from that and the punishment that followed. The Ascendancy considered branding my sister and I for making the White Coin when we all returned from the Beach dimension. I continually receive pardon after pardon while others receive punishment for being corrupted, not even always with a choice in what they are.”[/color] She would stop and look at Cindy for a moment. The girl was listening with a rather stoic expression.

Taking the silence as permission to continue, Janet would carry on. [color=khaki]”I don’t believe your actions were motivated by evil intent. I cannot say for certain as I do not possess your memories, but for a brief moment I felt who you were. You’ve been a magical girl for a lot longer than I have and seen so much more. Your understanding of those outside Beacon goes much deeper than I could hope to grasp at this point. You’ve felt the warmth and fury of the ShineSpark. From what Jenna told me when you attacked her you’ve also been touched and saved by purification. We had hoped to change things by making the White Coin. It has helped in some small way, but our experience and reach are limited.”[/color] Feeling she’d said enough she would stop and wait for Cindy to make some response.

Several minutes would pass as Cindy considered what Janet had to say. She wasn’t sure if Janet’s mission was the cry of the heart or one of delusion. She would admire the passion, but she did not see the gambit succeeding. Was the alliance of the two worth the potential risk? Admittedly being forced to come to grips that she herself was at best a mental copy her continued existence teetered on the edge. If Janet was indeed blessed with the ability to escape Beacon’s wrath then perhaps she could be a vehicle for change. In reality Cindy was already dead. Janet had much more to lose in this agreement. If it worked however… 

Leaning forward she would speak slowly. [color=cyan]”Very well, Janet Howell.”[/color] She would spread the hide out before them and open the inkwell. [color=cyan]”If you wish to test your luck then I shall forge our contract. I believe we share a common mission. Make no mistake, to pledge commitment by contract is no small matter. Our fates will be bound by this document. Breaking the terms will carry consequence. Before that even you may be judged by your peers. There is also no promise that my people will accept our agreement should we follow through. Are you truly willing to take the risk of being ousted by the whole of Penrose?”[/color] She would lock eyes with Janet.

Narrowing her eyes, Janet would smirk lightly. [color=khaki]”I don’t know your story, but my friends would never turn their back on me. If it comes to it though then I will take the fall in order to protect them. This is my choice.”[/color] Putting her hands on the table palms up. [color=khaki]”This war has and will continue to claim lives. If nothing changes then in twenty years we’ll be right back here again at each other’s throats. I’m not such an idealist to think that it will all stop. Some fully intend to exact harm on others and they must be dealt with. In the meantime innocents get caught in the crossfire. Something worth fighting for always carries risk. If we really want to protect Penrose we’re stronger together.”[/color] 

Seemed that the girl had already made up her mind. Cindy would place the quill in the well and fold her hands in front of her. [color=cyan]”As you wish. Let it be known that I will not be held accountable for what may result from this decision.”[/color] She would say looking at Jenna who’s gaze might as well be burning holes in the side of her head. [color=cyan]”Let us discuss the terms. Let your friends know I would like them to attend. We will want witness should our mutual agreement come into question.”[/color] She would order Jenna. She could sense the others waiting outside. 

Janet would raise a finger and draw Cindy’s attention. [color=khaki]”One more thing...”[/color] The girl was already seeing hints of something she wouldn’t stand for. [color=khaki]"You are not to order Jenna around. She isn't your servant, she's my sister. Arguably your sister now too. Understand?"[/color]

Rolling the quill between her fingers as it sat in the well, Cindy stared at her counterpart. [color=cyan]"Very well. Jenna, could you please retrieve your friends for the aforementioned?"[/color] She would slowly turn her head to look at the girl.

Jenna's miffed expression lightened up a bit even though the request clearly was not out of the goodness of heart. [color=plum]"Of course."[/color] As she went to the door she mouthed the words "thank you" to her sister and brought Alicia and Penny in so they could continue.