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[@Ariamis][/center]
In the days following their contract Janet and Cindy had to spend some time adjusting to their new circumstance. It might seem odd that Cindy would even agree to sharing anything, but she had quickly come to learn that the Howell twins were more than what they appeared on the surface. Keeping them close as possible was a calculated risk, as were the terms to hopefully keep them in Beacon. Embedded as they were in the organization there was value to not outright getting them Excommunicated. Even though Cindy desperately wanted to get back to her people the time wasn’t right. She’d died and in the wake of her absence god knows what was happening. She trusted Penny to keep things from completely coming apart, but in the meantime she needed to secure something before returning. After all, who would believe or trust her if she returned seemingly as a Beacon girl empty handed.

Opportunity came from an unlikely source. Word from the grape vine was that Ishtar had survived and would need to recover. Naturally as Reinforcement girls the twins would jump at the chance to assist the Cardinal. Cindy however needed more convincing. [color=cyan]”Are you mad? The Ascendancy would never knowingly allow me anywhere near your Cardinal. Why should I even entertain this absurdity?”[/color] She would cross her arms and turn her head away from Jenna.

[color=plum]”I know it sounds crazy but hear me out. We’re not in a good position to reveal that you’re still around.”[/color] Jenna would start to explain. [color=plum]”We knew going into this that things were going to be difficult. If we miss the chance then we’re in trouble. If you don’t do your part then we’re in trouble. We have to work together or the contract will start kicking in. If you can help cleanse her then you’ll have proved that you aren’t the threat they thought you were and we can start working to protect your people.”[/color] She was pleading for cooperation so they could make it past this first big hurdle.

Hardheaded described Cindy pretty well. If she didn’t want to do something then she probably wouldn’t. Increasingly though she was finding herself becoming endeared to Jenna. The twins were adaptable to say the least as Jenna didn’t put up with Cindy’s attitude, something many people previously wouldn’t dare do. Maybe it was because she knew the contract protected her. She'd displayed the behavior before that though. The defensiveness was not out of spite as far as she could tell. Aside from that though Cindy was convinced that the twin’s strong bond and supportive magic was perhaps altering her opinion of Jenna. The connection of a Twinned Soul was potent and difficult to break under all but the worst of circumstances. One would think this might trigger the contract but it very well may be a passive effect that neither one could control. Regardless Cindy found herself considering her twin-in-law’s advice. [color=cyan]”There’s no guarantee they will not simply attack or be willing to talk once I am made known. We should just be done with...”[/color] She felt a pang as she was about to try and make an impulsive decision to leave. Perhaps she had crafted the document a little too well. This catch 22 left little wiggle room. [color=cyan]”...We shall see. But know that my cooperation stems from no loyalty to Beacon.”[/color]

[color=plum]”Can’t imagine it would.”[/color] She would go to talk with whoever she had to to get the ball rolling and convince them to bring Ishtar to them.

[color=cyan]”If you want me to go through with this, and we make out alive, then there is something that I need you to do for me...”[/color] Jenna didn’t like the sound of that.

[hr]
The twins moved to the Beacon HQ infirmary, where the Cardinal was taken to after the fateful night at Penrose Park. Multiple Ascendancy guards kept watch over her frozen body tucked in a hospital bed, with Tsuki nearby seemingly concentrating on a ritual of sorts; an open book floated before her, and she was intoning words from it as she grabbed water from a bowl and slowly applied it over Ishtar. The guards crossed swords as the two approached.

They both stopped and remained calm. [color=khaki]”We’re here to assist with cleansing the Cardinal.”[/color] Janet would state clearly.

The guards glanced toward Tsuki, who stopped to look at them, seemingly annoyed but also exhausted from the long hours she has spent in healing. "Alright, listen up then." The guards lowered their weapons, allowing the twins to come closer. "The truth is, the Cardinal is seconds away from death, which means the usual methods of removing the curse won't work. The time stasis must be removed first for it to be possible to work on weakening the hex, but she also needs to be infused with vast amounts of healing and protective magic at the same time. As such, we have only been able to treat in short bursts between Hudie's castings. Are you prepared to undertake such a task?" She asked, and prepared a new offering of blessed water.

Stepping inside they looked over the things that were already being used. Well, Jenna did mostly as she had Third Eye. They wanted an understanding of what was being tried as best they could. Both nodded at the question presented though. [color=khaki]”We are.”[/color] 

After taking a moment to assess, Jenna realized that she likely needed some explanation. They still were relatively new to their magic as a whole so some of the more specific methods that Beacon used were unknown to them. [color=plum]”Could you perhaps outline the process? We would like to see if we could adapt some of our knowledge to the task at hand.”[/color] If they could help it they wanted to deal with this without having to prod Cindy. Because that could spell instant death in this room. They had really hoped they could have had Ishtar brought to them but apparently that was met with a hard no. Still, they did take the chance to learn a few things from the ancient magical girl just in case.

“The process can be roughly split to three parts,” Tsuki explained. “First off is the preparation phase, when the Cardinal is frozen in time. I’ve applied blessed water for example to boost the power of cleansing magic performed on her, as well as some other spells. I’ve kept to the methods I know are safe, however; I’m not going to risk anything happening to her.”
She then swept her hand over Ishtar, and the blessed water, like a tiny wave of glitter, sprinkled over her.
“The second phase is when Hudie releases her time stasis spell, and the part when you cast the best healing spells you can, using as much mana as you can, to counteract the curse’s spreading. It’s like...Using a hose of water against a burning house. You need a lot of it and fast too before the house turns to cinders, right? Right.” She glanced at her spell book, and intoned another spell unknown to the twins.
“Then, once you’ve cast everything your sleeves hold, Hudie casts the time stasis again, leading to phase one again,” she muttered, seemingly more focused on her own magic than talking to the girls.

The process sounded straight forward enough, though obviously it was quite delicate. It didn’t appear they would get a whole lot of opportunity to try anything they could cook up. That didn’t mean they couldn’t use something helpful they’d learned though. [color=plum]”I believe we can prepare the healing as well to give more time for the cleansing.”[/color] Jenna produced a magic circle and began to draw wards onto it. It took a little bit, but before long it was clear that it was crafted to be able to store magic in advance and provide a sustained effect to give them a larger window. It was definitely something that someone as new to Reinforcement as the twins should not have figured out so quickly. The style was also old, much much older than the twins. They either found or were taught this technique.

Tsuki noted the magic circle with a pleased nod, and gave a thumbs up. “Thanks, that helps a lot.” She set up a spell that created a visual hologram in the air; it resembled a square screen, with various information on it such as Ishtar’s heart rate and the severity of the curse. “I’ll call Hudie in now,” she informed them, and lifted a couple of fingers up to her ear.

Jenna would complete the circle and turn to the others present. [color=plum]”Alright, so everyone that is here to heal, store all the healing magic in the circle. This will concentrate the healing on the Cardinal once Hudie unfreezes her so Tsuki can work her cleansing.”[/color] Jenna would start doing just that with Janet following her lead. Thus the cycle would resume, but with a little less pressure on everyone each time the stasis was lifted.

The magical girls on healing duty in the room nodded, and summoned their staves and wands, followed by streams of magical energy that were channelled into the magic circle. Hudie then arrived in the room, briefly acknowledging the twins with a nod before she took her place next to Ishtar. She hovered a hand over her frozen form, and waited for Tsuki to give the signal.
The moment she did, Hudie released the stasis, and the magic circle activated; fuelled by great magics of rejuvenation and regeneration, the symbols on it spun around, various wheels of the enchantment running at different speeds and rotations as it operated as life support for the Cardinal, sickly frail as she coughed blood. Tsuki held her staff with both hands, the crescent moon shining as she fought against the curse, her eyes focused on the projection, before she grunted.
At that moment, Hudie re-applied her spell of stasis, and Ishtar was stopped in time anew.
Tsuki sighed afterwards, breathing a bit harder than before, but smiled.
“Excellent work, girls. The magic circle not only minimized the risk of healing mid-cleansing, but it also helped boost the strength of these spells.”
Taking regular breaks in-between, the cycle was repeated over the next few hours, with 15-minute breaks in between. 

Finally, Hudie spoke. “We have achieved a consistent 45% improvement to the time per cycle thanks to you two. But it made me notice something else…” She mumbled, putting a hand to her chin.
“Tsuki lifted an eyebrow?” And what is that?
“The curse...Though it has weakened after several cycles, it seems it never reaches a point of complete cleansing. It’s like it clings to her very essence...like a virus of sorts.”
The mage scoffed. “So it’s impossible to remove then?”
The butterfly-masked girl shook her head. “Well...I think there is one way.”
She turned to the twins. “When I give the signal, I need one of you girls to take the Cardinal’s right arm and hold it straight against the hospital bed.”

Jenna would speak up. [color=plum]”Can do.”[/color] She had an idea of where this was going and she didn’t like it. Still, when the time came she would do as instructed.

Both Ascendancy girls nodded with grim resolution, and prepared once again for the cleansing phase. But when Hudie released the spell, Jenna would notice her magic circle didn’t operate like before;Tsuki had redirected the healing magic away from Ishtar’s right arm, and had the rest spread like a wave towards it. “Come on...Come ooon….YES!” Her smile widened as the right arm developed black veins, the sign of the curse’s strengthening. “HOLD IT!”
Hudie shouted.

The moment Jenna did so, she felt a spray of warm liquid on her face; it was the Cardinal’s blood, spilt when the time-mage summoned her bladed fan and cut the arm off.
Afterwards, the arm dropped to the floor and dried up, as if it had been mummified.
“Tsuki looked at the Cardinal’s status on the hologram while Hudie wiped the blood off.
“It worked…” She spoke quietly, yet with a sense of triumph. “The curse was entirely driven to the arm. The Cardinal is cleansed.”
Hudie’s white dress had also been stained crimson, and she sighed in exhaustion.
“Well, we’re not done just yet. She still needs to recover from the ‘surgery’. But, still...”
Both her and Tsuki turned to the twins. “Thank you for your assistance,” the black-haired mage noted, and shook hands with Jenna. “We will make sure the Inquisitor is notified of your contribution.”

Jenna returned the firm shake, seemingly unconcerned with the spray of blood that had just hit her. [color=plum]”Glad to be of assistance. Please let us know if we are needed further. We also have matters to discuss with the Cardinal and the Inquisitor regarding the attack at the park. Please let us know as soon as things are fit to speak with them both. There has been a development that needs to be addressed.”[/color] Taking a step back Jenna would clean herself up before the twins would leave. They hoped they wouldn’t have to wait long to talk with the two Beacon leaders.

[hr]
In the aftermath of the rave, Beacon has been extra busy. Multiple magical girls have had to take double shifts in order to quell the riots that ensued, and an air of unrest permeated the premises. The Ascendancy, having been struck hard by the casualties incurred, had turned vehement, and now no longer demanded for monster girls to surrender and accept purification; now they struck first, showing them no mercy.

But, there was still a speck of hope; Ishtar was cured of her curse, and now laid in a coma. A Psychic girl took a look at her, and noted that she was emotionally drained, requiring lengthy rest. The twins decided to speak with Rachel, and knocked at her door. After they heard her voice answering, they entered the Inquisitor’s office. While normally a tidy room, the desk clean and papers stacked tidily, it was now messy, with crumpled paper strewn about and a couple of broken laptops in the corner, waiting for pickup to disposal. Rachel was typing on her desk on a new laptop; her fingers moved so fast the friction caused the plastic buttons of the machine to slightly smoke from melting them.
“What is it?” She sharply asked the two, not lifting her eyes up from the screen.

Given the circumstances this may not be the best time to bring up what was going on with Cindy. However, hiding such a thing would likely result poorly as well. Taking a breath Janet would speak first. [color=khaki]”Apologies for coming at such a time, but I don’t believe we have the luxury of delaying. As I’m sure you’re aware we assisted with cleansing the Cardinal. We would like the opportunity to further assist in her efforts.”[/color]

She briefly raised her eyes up at the two with an adjustment of her glasses.
“Yes, you did. Thank you for that.” She then resumed her typing, as if waiting for the girls to continue speaking.

[color=khaki]”It is our understanding that she wished for peace. I know that it is not our current policy but things are pushing more against us. Particularly it’s pushing more to seek the Mint, which we know for certain has no one but their own gains at heart. We’re all but certain they are the ones that had someone pose as a Beacon member to attack Cindy in order to prompt her to go after Ishtar. Once together they attempted to assassinate them both in order to cause fear, division, and unrest. We believe this entire situation was arranged in order to build their forces.”[/color] They needed to set up that they were aware of things going on. Some of it was public knowledge in Beacon, some not so much.

Jenna would take over. [color=plum]”During the attack, when Janet was unable to act because of the dirty bomb, she used her psychic magic in order to get as much information as she could from Cindy’s mind. Because of everything going on we are unable to get an audience with the Beaconers in order to discuss the matter.”[/color]

Rachel stopped as she lifted an eyebrow. “The Mint? Hmm...Interesting.” She lifted a hand to her chin. “The timing of the Cardinal and Cindy’s chance encounter was very suspicious; Elora reported that Ishtar had received a message from an anonymous blackmailer to come to the park. And not long after Cindy attacked her. She couldn’t have been able to know where she was unless she was tipped off by a third party. The corrupted have also begun spreading more in Penrose, likely because of Mint’s involvement.” Then Jenna happened to mention Cindy. She stood up from her seat, slamming her hands on the desk; she looked angry.
“Information? What kind of information? Why didn’t you or the Paladin Seraph immediately come report to me about this?”

The two remained calm for the most part. [color=plum]”We weren’t immediately aware that she had any information, as Janet did not remember. Cindy was killed while Janet was extracting the information which did a number on her. Up until recently Janet was comatose and the fact of what she got did not surface right away.”[/color] Jenna would pause for a bit. The Inquisitor was not the most gracious person in the world. The current state in Penrose being a clear example of that. They’d gone this far though.

Rachel's wrath slightly subsided, though her eyes continued glaring at the two. However, she was too curious to further comment, and sat down to listen. "Go on."

It was pretty clear that there was a moment of hesitation. But Jenna would continue shortly. [color=plum]”Informing you is why we’re here now. There was a complication and we feared for Janet’s life.”[/color] Janet would produce a copy of the contract and Jenna would pass it over to Rachel. The girl would explain while she read. [color=plum]”From what we can tell Janet succeeded in copying everything that was Cindy. The aftermath of the shock though resulted in both Janet and Cindy developing a consciousness. What you hold is a magical contract in order that we may protect all parties including Beacon.”[/color]

Rachel examined the contract upon receiving it, her eyes darting from line to line. Their further explanation of the incident caused her to lift an eyebrow. "What is this heresy? Cindy is dead."

Janet would finally speak up as it looked like her sister was at her wits end. 
[color=khaki]”What she’s saying is, Cindy is still alive. In a sense. She and I find ourselves in the unfortunate situation where we have to share control of my body. We’ve used a White Coin so Cindy has been purified and accepted by the ShineSpark. We have spoken and come to the agreement before you. We tell you this because we believe in being transparent despite the risk it may pose to our own safety, but we had to be sure that we had things under control before presenting this to you. We couldn’t risk moving too early and posing a danger to our sisters. 
Cindy has been helpful in piercing together the events of that night. She also provided the knowledge of the magic circle we used in order to save the Cardinal. Cindy wishes to open a dialogue.[/color] Taking a breath, Janet crossed her hands in front of her. Neither of the twins really knew how the Inquisitor would react to all of this. If they could convince her though then they could convince anyone.

For a moment, it seemed as if Rachel had frozen, her eyes wide upon hearing the truth. She stood up, and stomped over to Janet. "You manifested a simulacrum of a monster in your mind! Are you mad to invite such insanity upon you?" She looked Janet in the eye, and examined her carefully as they further explained the aid the new Cindy had given them. "So she wishes to talk...Well then, out with it." She summoned her hammer, the head of it resting down on the floor. "We will see if the monster yet lives."

Jenna bit her lip while Janet’s eyes followed Rachel’s movements carefully. [color=khaki]”Of course.”[/color] A plate blue light Janet as her appearance changed, indicating the transition. [url=https://i.imgur.com/DEPLfr4.png]Her hair tied itself into a ponytail, the headdress shifted and changed shape to a golden tiara with blue gems, her eyes lit up with a cold blue glow, and her armor melted away in favor of a white and blue dress.[/url] In the contract it was agreed that there should be some way to differentiate between the two.

Not moving at all the Inquisitor would now find herself staring into bright sky blue eyes while Janet, or presumably Cindy, now sported a white and blue dress. 
[color=cyan]”I can assure you no one intended for this mishap to occur. I was just as surprised to find myself in this state.”[/color] She gleaned enough from their little provision that she knew the basics of what had transpired so far. 

[color=cyan]”It is an honor to finally meet you Inquisitor. I realize you are busy so I will try not to dally. At present this conflict threatens to perpetuate or escalate further. In such time more senseless injury and death will occur. My mission in coming to Penrose was to protect the innocent, tainted or not. Blinded by that cause I was led to attack Beacon at the same time the events of the rave occured. I know exactly what happened. I would never have used the ones I swore to protect in such a way. 
Your Ascendancy sought to quell the chaos in your own way. Ultimately both our sides lost many to third parties. The Mint, Penrose Independant, whomever sent down the lightning. Some of these actions I can only presume crafted to further drive me against Beacon. Dare I say it would have worked, but they could not have anticipated my death. Less so finding myself with that of a Beacon girl and her sister who wish to find peace. For others though it highlighted what many already believe Beacon to be, a death squad.”[/color] 

Cindy barely moved the entire time. There was no reason to give Rachel the slightest reason to attack. The Inquisitor herself gripped the handle of her weapon tightly. Her glasses reflected light in such a way as to brighten the lenses, giving her an ominous look. 
Cindy continued. 
[color=cyan]”This city, Penrose, is unlike many others. Not due to the land, buildings, or the nexus, but the magical girls in it. You and I are an old guard. Efficient, headstrong, judgemental, and exacting. We had to in order to survive. Hardened by conflict and jaded by experience.”[/color] Very cautiously she raised a hand and produced a White Coin between her fingers. [color=cyan]”These represent a shift. Up until recently perhaps even hope, that encountering one of Beacon as a dark or monster girl did not automatically mean fighting for one’s life. I believe even you know that times are changing.”[/color] Most of the time she spoke firmly. As she came to the end though her tone softened. Laying the coin down on the desk she crossed her hands again. 

[color=cyan]”Hyun Long was one of mine. She feared losing herself to her more base monstrous tendencies as she did at the warehouse. You could have killed her. Instead you gave her a choice. You may be surprised to hear this, but I have little doubt she will be happier with Beacon if it means being free from her corruption. I thank you for sparing her. In light of that I have a question. If a monster queen is deserving of mercy, why not the others?”[/color] Cindy’s expression was solemn. Her cause ordinarily did not call her to this kind of interaction. At least it had not for a very long time. Certainly not with Beacon. She and the twins were treading uncharted grounds with the Ascendancy, grounds that had a giant hammer of death.

“That was not a choice I gave to the monster,” Rachel finally responded. “But to the Knight of Rose. I did not think it was possible to save the abomination, so I decided to humor her.” She scoffed. “I must admit, I have never seen such a divine light before.”
She adjusted her glasses. “However, in the end, she risked her life to do it, and lost her hand to the beast in the process. So do all of us in our crusade of purifying this sinful earth.” She turned away, having crossed her arms.
“If I could, I would shove a White Coin down the throat of every one of those filthy wretches. Yet, the city burns from the inside, swelling in the corrupted despite our efforts. My faithful were slaughtered...” She grit her teeth. “...And you would ask for mercy? So you could raid and pillage the rest of this miserable hive for what life there remains to take?”

Cindy shook her head. [color=cyan]”I do not expect Beacon to sit idly by while injustices take place. I wish to see Penrose prosper. If an individual commits a crime then there must be consequences. To do otherwise would indeed invite calamity. I never have, nor will I tolerate senseless violence or destruction. Prior to our disappearance of three months I kept a firm policy on those under me. We kept our altercations with Beacon to a minimum. In part to avoid their wrath, also in part that innocence is not an exclusive. Many cities do not have the boon of magical girls to defend it as Penrose under normal circumstances. For many cities Beacon is what primarily stands to maintain order.”[/color] 

It was disappointing to hear that Rachel had not given the coin for the purposes of purifying Hyun Long. Still, the Inquisitor had now seen its capabilities. She would speak to that in a moment. [color=cyan]”And in twenty years time where will we be when your faithful return? My hope is for one where they needn’t continue fighting those that will also come back. Their last memories being locked in combat or snuffed out in an instant. Is that our legacy to repeat?”[/color] Her hands balled into fists. It took all she could to keep her magic in check. Her eyes glowed as her own anger seethed. [color=cyan]”Make no mistake. You will have your retribution against the one that orchestrated the slaughter at the rave. I will deliver it myself if necessary. We both were used to commit an atrocity that should not have been. Ascendancy or no they did not deserve to die as they did that night.”[/color] It seemed fairly clear by her words and posture that despite the Ascendancy having moved in and attacked, Cindy’s focus was less on Beacon or Rachel herself even as her gaze had drifted away toward some unseen foe beyond the walls where they now stood.

Rachel's expression calmed as Cindy expressed a desire for order, to the point she let her hand rest on the end of her hammer. However, she wasn't convinced. "Your conviction is admirable, as is your apparent desire for justice. I might even be so inclined as to believe that you didn't take a willing part in what transpired. HOWEVER," she spoke with a louder voice, "If what you say about justice is true, you wouldn't have let yourself become corrupted in the first place, let alone refused our offers for Purification. Monsters are the very antithesis of order, and could never attain true peace." She clenched her fist before Cindy. "You have rejected our gift of absolution, and chosen to live like vermin. There is no forgiveness to be had for the aberrant, and no mercy for adherents of greed and fear."

Rather than respond in kind, Cindy lifted a hand to her lips in a sign of contemplation. There were a great many things said that could be argued as true. For a moment she turned to look at Jenna, completely taking her eyes off someone that could easily be considered her enemy. The twin looked like she could pass out at any moment. What had possessed them to talk to Rachel alone again? [color=cyan]”Do not fear Jenna. We are merely talking. No harm will come to your sister.”[/color] She rubbed the other’s shoulder, who shortly took a seat as she was stressing out.

Turning back to the Inquisitor, Cindy pressed her hands together in front of her to make a request. [color=cyan]”For the twins sake, bare in mind that my host is not at fault for my presence. Janet has been rather adamant that I make myself known. I told her this would not be an easy conversation, yet she persisted.”[/color] Dropping one of her hands she left a single finger raised to bring up a point. [color=cyan]”Your assessment of the corrupted is not unfounded. Many of the mental mutations lead to unruly behavior. I myself suffered from one that some refer to as Sentinel. From such I believed that the most effective way to bring order was by force. Not to say it was the only way, but force would more often win out over other options in my mind. This does not absolve them of what they do. Simply there is a case to be made that corrupted individuals may be unaware or unnaturally inclined to destructive behavior. As to your offer, many are also afraid of Beacon. Your reputation precedes you, true or not, that you are cold and ruthless. Lies perpetuated by your enemies? Perhaps, but most representatives of your cause have not instilled confidence in me to trust you. I more than half expected you to kill me on sight once you knew who I was. I misjudged your character.”[/color]

She raised a second finger. [color=cyan]”I believe you may also be misattributing everyone’s source of corruption. Those who use Black Coins of the Mint or powerful magic artifacts are more at fault for what they become. Once again, myself as an example, I was forged as a monster girl from the beginning by my patron. I had no choice in the matter and was given my persona. Others find themselves in the same situation. I had no reason to question what I did because that’s what I was remade to be.”[/color] Cindy had slowly leaned forward as she lectured Rachel on the basic trials of monster kind. There came a moment where her eyes widened ever so slightly and she stood back up straight.

The girl was slightly bewildered for a moment as she considered her own words. Her eyes wandered a bit before moving back to the Beacon leader. [color=cyan]”I have never voiced these matters all at once to a Beaconite before. It is strangely therapeutic.”[/color] Something felt off and she couldn’t quite place it. Maybe it was that she was beginning to sound like an old doting woman rather than a commanding leader. Unconsciously she hugged her arms in the moment as she swore she felt a chill in the air.

Then it happened; Cindy felt Rachel’s hands suddenly snap around her neck, choking her.
“Don’t you talk down to me, devilspawn!” She spoke with a low voice full of seething anger.
“It is only by my mercy that you still reserve the right to live, simulacrum or not. But my patience is running thin.” She threw Cindy down on the floor.
“If you truly wish for peace to the corrupted, then you will submit to the divine judgement of Beacon, and ask for forgiveness and purification for them.” She picked her hammer up again.
“And then, when Penrose is clean of the corrupted in the streets and sewers, we will know true peace.”

Oh how much she wanted to retaliate when the Ascendancy leader made her move. There were several reasons not to do so, living was a very high one on the list. Janet also lacked in large part the same raw power that Cindy’s previous form had. This sort of thing was anticipated though, so what initial surprise there was quickly faded. Was this what it was like being on the receiving end of her overzealous indignation? Curious. Picking herself up Cindy buried any signs of ill will. She came here to talk, if Rachel would rather fall to violence then that would be on her. [color=cyan]”It was expected as much. Make your arrangements, I will see this through for the sake of Penrose.”[/color] There was a clear determination behind her that, despite the very real risk and disrespect given, she would not back down. She and the Howell sisters had committed to being agents of change. Cost be damned.

Rachel turned away; she was shaking, her arms stiff and hands balled into fists. It seemed that a small part of her faltered, until resolve came back to her like a flash of thunder.
“No...My sisters have not died in vain. Beacon won't lose to some anarchist devils!" She glanced back at Cindy. 
"Go to your people, and tell them that it is futile to struggle against the all-encompassing light of Beacon. They will embrace it...Or burn in the flames it ignites.”

Disappointing yet again. It was not the ultimatum she expected though given the previous statement. Seemed that perhaps the authority of the Beaconers has been co-opted by the Ascendancy to a greater extent than she thought. Such demands would likely not go over well with everyone. [color=cyan]”I shall begin preparation then and see to that purification is clearly offered to them.”[/color] She calmly stepped out of the office. She would glance back before leaving the doorway thought. [color=cyan]”You should know. I do not take the purification or kindness I have received lightly. Your members have done much to sway my view of Beacon for the better. They fight a different war, one of hearts and minds. The twins requested assistance in healing your Cardinal. They did not need it, you surely would have succeeded in time. They, however, believe that Beacon can become greater. I understand you have your role to perform. All I ask is we not stamp out a budding reformation before it has the chance to blossom into a light the darkness cannot hope to ignore.”[/color]

Rachel sat back down at her desk, clearly not intending to continue their heated debate any further. "Escort her outside," she commanded Jenna, and resumed her work.

Jenna was on her feet in an instant. [color=plum]”Yes ma’am.”[/color] That was all she would say before going to the door. She took Cindy by the arm and guided her out of the building. 

They caught a few glances from passers by as they did not entirely recognize who the girl in the dress was. By and large though they were left alone and Cindy avoided making a fuss. Once they were outside though she pulled her arm away from Jenna. She shot a finger at the twin and looked rather cross. [color=cyan]”What is it you have done to me? You are in violation of our contract and yet Janet is not punished. I demand to know how you circumvented it!”[/color] She would state rather gruffly.

[color=plum]”Not sorry to say, we aren’t doing anything to you princess. You recall that magic that saved you from the ShineSpark?”[/color] Cindy didn’t say anything, but she clearly did recall. [color=plum]”Suffice to say there’s no avoiding its effects so you might as well enjoy the ride. I’ll explain more when you’re ready.”[/color] She started walking away.

That wasn’t ominous at all, Cindy followed after Jenna. [color=cyan]”Don’t be short with me. What exactly do you mean by ‘when you’re ready?’ You are keeping secrets that directly affect me and that is not part of our agreement.”[/color] 

[color=plum]”Not here, not now.”[/color] Cindy fumed as she followed along. Eventually Janet would wrangle control back and they would set about their new objective.

…

Back in the office, Rachel would listen in to a quiet, whispered narration to her earpiece, made by Elora.
"They have left the connecting hallway, and entered the lower floor."
"Good," Rachel responded in a calm, subdued voice. "Add Janet Howell to the 24/7 tracking list. Report any period of time she stays outside of HQ." After she received confirmation from the cybermancer, she closed off communications, and looked at the notes she made from their exchange.
"Now it's just a matter of time."