[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Zouahg7.png[/img][/center] Having gotten the blessing, or probably more accurate the curse, from the Inquisitor to offer purification there were some matters to attend to. The start of course was continuing to make coins in order that people may use them. They let Alicia know that they’d like to talk. She could visit whenever it was convenient. Everything as it was the twins were careful to stick pretty closely to their usual routine. In the lab a fair number of Binky clones were still around that hadn’t managed to destroy themselves somehow. With the actual Binky gone they had suddenly become more cooperative in order to avoid being offed by the twins or Cindy. Entering the lab, Alicia glanced around at the Binkies hard at work. That was still a bit strange but she’d grown used to it. She’d finally found some free time in her schedule, and decided to check in on the twins after getting their message. Besides, she wanted to see how things were going with Cindy after the contract that had been signed. Having satisfied her curiosity, the Seraph walked over to the twins. [color=aba000]”Hey, how’s it going?”[/color] she asked as she approached them. [color=plum]”Hey Alicia!”[/color] Jenna would smile and wave. [color=plum]”Pretty good. We’re not dead.”[/color] She would say a bit more cheerfully than should probably be allowed. She needed to keep things in a better mood than they had been though, for both their sakes. Janet smiled and looked up from her work. [color=khaki]”Heh, yeah that’s almost a surprise.”[/color] She shuffled some things out of the way. [color=khaki]”We talked with Rachel about Cindy so... yeah.”[/color] The encounter left her with mixed feelings on the matter. Still they had some recourse. An eyebrow rose as Alicia heard what the twins had gotten up to recently. [color=aba000]”I discerned as much,”[/color] was the deadpan response to their current state of not being dead. It would have been hard to send her a message after all, though erpahsp not impossible. She did have her Sorcery after all. [color=aba000]”Is that what you wanted to talk about?”[/color] she asked. It seemed the most likely subject, unless they needed supplies or something. The girls seemed to consider it a moment. [color=khaki]”A little bit. I think we have most of that covered.”[/color] She would motion to the coins they had crafted thus far. [color=khaki]”Added to the ones we made before I think we have enough for most of our patrols at this point. That just leaves Rachel’s deal.”[/color] The first bit was a little shaky when under the scrutiny of Alicia’s Light magic. It was pretty natural to understate things though. That was good to hear, though the ambush of the patrols before had left things a bit in doubt. [color=aba000]”Hm, with what happened the night of the Rave, I’m worried about what other actors might be doing if they’re deliberately trying to acquire White Coins,”[/color] the Seraph pointed out. [color=aba000]”Could they make a way to reverse its effects?[/color] Jenna would roll her chair back and scratch her head a bit. [color=plum]”Depends on what part you mean. The ShineSpark is supplied by Beacon so that would be pretty tough. We don’t even really understand how that works. The purification part would be pretty tough too. Part of the reason it isn’t as potent as the one we took was to avoid someone stealing it.”[/color] She would point to their sigled instruments. [color=plum]”Even if they did figure it out though good luck without these. Cindy has taken a look at them and I’m pretty sure she has a ways to go before being able figure out how it works, much less make one. Hell, I know how to use them but I don’t know how I would go about making more of these things.”[/color] She would chuckle slightly. [color=plum]”Kinda limits the maximum output but oh well. I think if someone had a coin maker like Binky then they could use the White Coin much like they would the Red. Figure out how to load different effects to it. So for the most part I think we’re pretty safe. We planned for the eventuality that someone would steal one, because of course they would.”[/color] She stuck her tongue out cheekily. They really did attempt and be careful though. In the wrong hands the full potion they used could have been just as bad as it was good, a reality their wish made them all too aware of. Alicia breathed a sigh of relief as Jenna laid out her explanation. That certainly helped to put her mind at ease for what might end up happening in the future. [color=aba000]”Alright, just figured I would make sure.”[/color] It was good to hear that they had planned for something like this happening. With that said, she moved on to the other topic that the twins had raised. [color=aba000]”Now then, what’s this about ‘Rachel’s deal’?”[/color] [color=khaki]”Yeah so. She reacted about as well as we expected. She thought I was crazy that I would bring Cindy back in my head. Not that... well you know. Anyway, at one point it seemed like maybe Cindy was getting through about restoring order and some of the plights that monster girls kind of have to deal with. She grabbed our neck for a moment and tossed us aside. In the end though she’s giving us the chance to offer purification to those in the Sanctuary. It sounded more or less an ‘accept it or die’ ultimatum though.”[/color] Janet was rather calm during the explanation. It was in the past though. While Alicia wasn’t surprised to hear any of this, she would admit that it sounded like it had gone a bit better than expected. Rachel wasn’t insisting that Cindy be removed by any means after all. So that was probably a good sign. [color=aba000]”That doesn’t sound too bad,”[/color] she observed. [color=aba000]”Though that sounds like something you should talk with Penny about.”[/color] She was the one managing the Sanctuary after all. [color=khaki]”Agreed. I wanted your opinion on something though.”[/color] Janet would step over to the newly replaced lock box, the last one having been destroyed by Hilde’s creation, and took out a small vial. Coming back over and holding it up it up the liquid was clear, but still had the same star looking effect of the potion she had used. [color=khaki]”We can make some of these as well. Same purification as the coin but it doesn’t join you into Beacon. We would rather people use the coin, but at the same time giving some kind of option would probably go a long way to helping our image.”[/color] She set the vial down. Examining the potion that Janet had produced, once again Alicia found herself impressed by the Twins ingenuity. This was something that she never would have imagined when joining Beacon. Having said that, there was something about this that bugged her. [color=aba000]”What’s wrong with our normal purification rituals?”[/color] she asked. [color=aba000]”If it’s about trust, I doubt they would trust a potion that we provide as much as they trust a ritual.”[/color] Janet cocked her head to the side slightly. She probably wasn’t the best person to answer that question. Setting down the vial she would switch over to Cindy. [color=cyan]”Perhaps. Admittedly I do not know very much about your ritual of purification. In time you may have some seek your more traditional methods. Yet in this city your Ascendancy is having those they deem tainted cut down should they show their face. Would you come to me if you believed doing so meant death?”[/color] She would look at the coins and the vial. [color=cyan]”The outcome may not differ, but presented the choice in relative safety is preferable.”[/color] She would turn back to Alicia. [color=cyan]”At this time I am afraid you appear to be an exception in Beacon. I would like to know why that is.”[/color] Her tone was not so judgemental as it was simply stating fact. The end however was more of curiosity. While Alicia understood the stance, not all of her concerns had been addressed. [color=aba000]”Won’t they have the same mistrust if we just give them these potions? Just changing the location doesn’t change what the expected outcome might be.”[/color] She would address the other question, but she wanted to discuss this first. Cindy nodded. [color=cyan]”Very likely a demonstration would need to be in order. Part of that will depend on how I reveal that I still live or we would leave that up to Penny and Goblina. I lack the Third Eye to confirm such, but Jenna tells me those who possess it should see its intention if it were to be examined more closely.”[/color] She would glance at Jenna for confirmation. [color=plum]”Should be able to. Oh and this one you actually just drink. I don’t think they would enjoy so much getting swallowed by space.”[/color] It was the best description that she had for what happened. [color=aba000]”Alright, as long as you’ve considered it.”[/color] This would be very awkward if they went to all the effort only to meet with a resoundingly cold reception to their advances. But now Alicia could worry a bit less about that. Instead she turned to what Cindy had asked of her. [color=aba000]”I suppose it’s because I’m in charge of the Branch. I have to set an example for people when they’re understandably scared and worried because someone decided to use psychic magic to fry their comrades brains. And when someone arranged a meeting with our Cardinal only to try and kill her.”[/color] Not that she was blaming Cindy, but a reminder seemed like it was needed. Cindy studied Alicia for a moment. They had not really openly spoken before now. Penny had shown her what transpired at the rave and the twins the park. She had expressed some level of remorse to Rachel, but her responding behavior struck close to how Cindy herself had been. Since waking up she seemingly had been undone and forced to reassess who she was, or perhaps wanted to be. The honesty was welcome though. [color=cyan]”I cannot say that I am not at fault for what has happened. My hubris was used to bring about death and the city’s further destruction. This is not what I envisioned when I lay claim to Penrose. It is not something I intend to repeat.”[/color] She would offer a light smile to the Seraph and would place a hand on the other girl’s shoulder. [color=cyan]”Your courage is admirable, Alicia Hayden. May it take you further than it would have me.”[/color] She would remove her hand and cross her arms behind her, which had a way of making her stand up straight. But it also meant she had less use of her hands so she must be comfortable enough around the high ranking Beacon girl to let her guard down. [color=cyan]”I have done part to make amends. Your Cardinal will recover. The twins and I saw sure to that.”[/color] She sounded rather proud to say so. While Alicia would not have directly blamed Cindy for what had happened, there was no doubt that she bore some culpability in the events that had transpired. However, the fact that this was done with the visage of Janet helped to dull some of the anger that might have otherwise be present. Especially since this version of Cindy did not remember what had transpired. [color=aba000]”i do what I can,”[/color] she responded with a sigh. The mention of the Cardinal brought things to a lighter point as the Seraph nodded. [color=aba000]’So I heard. Thank you for that. She is important to all of us. Now we just need to find the ones responsible.”[/color] And then they would make them pay for their crimes, in full. Cindy would nod in agreement. [color=cyan]”You have my blessing to that.”[/color] There was a slight pause before the subject would revert back a bit. [color=cyan]”I understand that one of mine had been purified by a White Coin, Hyun Long. I would like to speak with her. Perhaps she could give me insight into her experience thus far having been brought into your fold.”[/color] Seeing as they were discussing offering others the chance to join Beacon, Cindy was quite curious to know how the girl was doing. Her own experience perhaps being atypical. The mention of Hyun brought a small chuckle, though it was likely not for the reason that Cindy might think. [color=aba000]”That can be arranged,”[/color] she confirmed with a noid. [color=aba000]”Seems Hyun is pretty popular after her transformation. I’m a bit surprised.”[/color] Cindy would raise her eyebrows a bit. [color=cyan]”Oh? That bodes well I hope.”[/color] She wasn’t entirely sure what to make of the comment. [color=aba000]”I wouldn’t call it bad,”[/color] Alicia assured her. [color=aba000]”You’re just not the first person who’s been asking about how Hyun Long is doing post transformation so far.”[/color] It would only be a problem if Hyun or Rachel considered it to be one. For a moment the lightning girl seemed reluctant to say something. She however carried on. [color=cyan]”She may be reluctant. Our relationship was tenuous. Her impulses to feed required a heavy hand when it threatened to overwhelm her. Assure her that I mean her well and wish to know how she fares. Explain my own circumstance if you must. Her testimony could be powerful if she has been treated well.”[/color] Jenna would pipe in. [color=plum]”Just as long as it’s not tomorrow morning.”[/color] [color=aba000]”I’ll keep that in mind.”[/color] While Alicia was somewhat unaware of the relationship that Cindy and Hyun had had in the past, she was more than willing to be courteous and respectful towards any problems or hesitation that might arise. It wasn’t like this was a matter of life or death importance. Glancing over to Jenna, she regarded the girl with a curious look. [color=aba000]”Something happening, or are you two just not morning people these days?”[/color] [color=plum]”Oh, we’re all day people. Magic or whatever. Janet just has a doctor’s appointment. Our parents have noticed she’s been acting weird and talking all old worldy sometimes so I guess they’re trying to figure out why.”[/color] She would narrow her eyes looking at Cindy. Huffing a bit, Cindy would ignore the stare. [color=cyan]”I am not accustomed to your droll manner of speaking. Really I do not understand the need of parents at this stage.”[/color] Well, that was much less serious than she had thought. [color=aba000]”Ah, I see. Alright.”[/color] She was confident that they could accommodate this. That just left Cindy and her dismissive stance. Holding back a sigh, the Seraph instead shook her head. [color=aba000]”Parents provide emotional stability for girls who might otherwise feel overwhelmed with their magical responsibilities. Not only that but they provide a reminder of what it is that we’re fighting for,”[/color] she explained. [color=aba000]”Maybe some parental discipline is what you need right now Cindy.”[/color] Her head would snap around and she would stare at Alicia for a moment. Responding as she would normally would be an extreme irony in this moment. It was clear she wanted to say something potentially scathing or further dismissive but caught herself. [color=cyan]”I will try and be less of a…”[/color] She paused as if searching for the right word. [color=cyan]”pain for their parents.”[/color] Clearly not convinced she would shake her head. [color=cyan]”Regardless, I believe that Janet has more personal matters she wishes to discuss with you.”[/color] Leaving in as close to a huff as could be imagined Janet was suddenly back at the wheel. All of Janet’s usual uniform would return in a soft white light that washed over her. She would shiver a bit. [color=khaki]”Ah. That’s still weird.”[/color] Jenna would stand up and give her sister a hug. While they may have come to a compromise, this wasn’t easy on any of them. [color=aba000]”Thank you,”[/color] Alicia concluded as Cindy agreed to try and do better when it came to Janet’s parents. She stood aloof, letting the twins embrace with Janet’s mind returned to her for the moment. As she had said before, she was in no rush. But eventually she would speak up once more. [color=aba000]”Janet, Cindy said you still had something you wanted to talk about?”[/color] Janet would take a breath before speaking. [color=khaki]”Justine. Penny told me something about...”[/color]. She would shake her head slightly. [color=khaki]”Working with her?”[/color] Ah, right. Honestly Alicia was surprised that Janet didn’t know about that. She hadn’t exactly been subtle in approaching Beacon. [color=aba000]”That’s correct,”[/color] she affirmed with a nod. [color=aba000]”We were approached about finding common cause in stopping Mariette, who has all the resources she took from Justine during that fight a while ago. Then once Mariette has been stopped, we’re going to purify her.”[/color] Not that it would be that simple, but she was prepared for it. Janet would consider the prospect for a while. It just sounded like a bad idea all around. Not that Mariette was all that high on her list of people to work with, Justine was far lower. [color=khaki]”I don’t like this. Not at all.”[/color] There was silence for a while. [color=khaki]”Yeah, I don’t really know what to do about that one.”[/color] Alicia resisted the urge to roll her eyes as the twins voiced their disapproval. Not that there was much of a surprise there. [color=aba000]”She would be doing this with or without us. At least now we know what she’s up to and where she’ll be. Both me and Rachel agree on this one. We’ll stop Mariette and then purify Justine, even if she isn’t sincere about it.”[/color] She then glanced over to Janet. [color=aba000]”As much as I would prefer they work it out amongst themselves, I have a score to settle. This is closer to her than we’ve been before and may ever be.”[/color] The twins were not in a good position right now. Something was up with Cindy, they didn’t know what but they could feel it. And thanks to their little agreement now in place they couldn’t really say much. Not like they disagreed with what was being done, but with of all people… With a sigh she would lean forward and cover her face. [color=khaki]”What did she do again? Besides kidnap me?”[/color] She would ask honestly. There was so much going on as of late she swore her brain was melting. That or she was suffering from temporary memory loss like Cindy had. Now that was a question Alicia was more than willing to answer. [color=aba000]”She took many items of value from Justine’s castle during that fight. Not only that but she also took the other girls that Justine had acquired while trying to carry out her ritual, and kept them for whatever her Patron intends to do.”[/color] Her hands clenched in anger as she recalled how gullible she had been. Never again. [color=khaki]”Right...”[/color] She wouldn’t say much more than that for the moment. Frowning, the Seraph fell further into her thoughts as she folded her arms over her chest. [color=aba000]”I would be fine if it was just working with us to save her own skin. That’s reasonable. But I can’t accept her just taking advantage of us to become a greater menace. That’s why I aim to fix this mistake now, before we regret it more later.”[/color] Janet would nod understandingly. [color=khaki]”I understand. I’m not really sure how much help I might be for that. I have enough to do as is. And avoiding Rachel for the time being is probably in my best interest.”[/color] She wasn’t entirely sure on that last part. Presumably if things went well that could change. For the time being though she was teetering as a target of Beacon, or the Ascendancy at least.. The Seraph shrugged, understanding the hesitation and not able to argue Janet’s assessment. These days the Twins didn’t seem like they wanted to be involved on the front lines. There was only one thing that sprang to mind. [color=aba000]”Well, if you have anything lying around that we could use on Justine when the time comes, that would be useful. Otherwise we should manage with what we’ve got.”[/color] Jenna would think for a spell. [color=plum]”We don’t really have anything handy. For the most part we’ve tried to avoid weaponizing the things we make.”[/color] Going into that territory opened up a can of worms that they didn’t really want to get into. Cindy had expressed some curiosity for why they hadn’t done so, seeing the potential. At the same time though the caution was appreciated as they surely would have been used to harm those she intended to protect. Still a tempting prospect. [color=aba000]”Fair enough,”[/color] Alicia conceded. It didn’t hurt to ask after all. [color=aba000]”If that was all then I guess I’ll let you guys get back to it now”[/color] [color=khaki]”Almost.”[/color] Janet would step over and give Alicia a big hug. [color=khaki]”I don’t say it enough, but thank you. You’re a better friend than I deserve.”[/color] She would hold onto her for a little while. Eventually letting go she would look to be feeling much better even if her eyes were a little watery. [color=khaki]”You’ve always been there for me. If you need anything just ask. I mean it.”[/color] Wiping her face a bit she smiled brightly. Taken aback with the sudden embrace, after a moment Alicia returned the gesture. [color=aba000]”You’re welcome. I’ll keep that in mind,”[/color] she replied with a warm smile. She was glad that Janet felt better, and she was feeling better too as they stepped apart. Things were tough now, but as long as they believed in each other she was confident they could triumph in the end.