[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/zLmcB5Q.png[/img] [url=https://i.imgur.com/Y8OSnvr.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/OPMf9l2.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180804/59e33c13301c63b568e5eb178a837406.png[/img][/center] So, on some evening when Mariette knew they’d be at home because of her information network, she simply stepped out of her portal in front of the door to Lily and Alexander’s home, closing the portal behind her and holding Bunny in her grasp. She was a little nervous to just show up unannounced, maybe she should have called and asked if she should come first? … Actually, yes, that’s a good idea. Mariette pulled aside and called Lily’s number on the phone as she leaned against the wall on the outside. Mariette had to wait a bit longer than was comfortable before the call was finally answered by Lily. [color=fff200]"Oh, uh...Hi, Mariette,"[/color] she greeted; unlike her usual energetic and peppy self, she now sounded apathetic and troubled. [color=077ae6]‘Er, hello, this is Mariette. … Can I visit, or is now a bad time?’[/color] Mariette asked, sounding 8the slightest unsure, somewhat concerned at the tone she was using. [color=fff200]"Well, I...No, it’s fine. I wasn’t doing anything constructive anyway. You know where me and Alex live, right?"[/color] [color=077ae6]‘I do. I’ll be right over. Thank you,’[/color] Mariette said, and then ended the call. She then waited for quite a few seconds. [hr] Alexander was just bringing lunch to Lily when she hung up her phone “[color=aba000]Who was that?[/color]” he asked as he handed her a plate with a burger and fries as he took a seat next to her and started eating his own. [color=fff200]"Oh, thank you Alex. I was getting a bit hungry."[/color] She graciously took the offered plate, and picked out a couple of fries. She seemed a little happier than before, though her lack of energy was still apparent. [color=fff200]"It was Mariette,"[/color] she answered, and munched on a french fry. [color=fff200]"She asked me if she could visit. She’s probably here any second now."[/color] Alexander nodded “[color=aba000]That’s good, you could use another friendly face[/color]” before he resumed eating. [color=fff200]"I guess..."[/color] Lily mused to herself as she continued eating her meal. ‘[color=aba000][i]I just hope this isn’t going to be trouble, I’m still worried about Lily,[/i][/color]’ Alex thought. --- After a while, Mariette knocked on the door, deciding she’d waited long enough to not be distressingly fast. Alexander opened the door a few seconds later, Dave perched on his head “[color=aba000]...hey[/color]” he greeted a little awkwardly not entirely sure what to say as he gestured for her to enter “[color=aba000]Lily’s...been having a rough time, so she’s going to seem a little...a [i]lot[/i] off. Just a heads up.[/color]” [color=077ae6]‘Hello,’[/color] Mariette greeted, then blinked at little Dave more so than at Alex when he peeked over. Tiny… … … and then what Alexander actually said connected. [color=077ae6]‘Oh. I see. May I ask why?’[/color] Mariette asked. Alexander stepped to the side to let her in, as Dave just stared at her with unblinking eyes “[color=aba000]I’m...not sure if I should talk about it behind her back. I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before, so I’m kind of working blind. Although I am hoping that seeing another friendly face and socializing with someone other than me will be good for her.[/color]” [color=077ae6]‘Alright, that’s fair,’[/color] Mariette said about not wanting to talk behind her back. She decided to simply enter instead. After entering the apartment, Mariette saw Lily sitting on the sofa, having curled up in a blanket as she watched a magical girl anime running on the TV. She turned her head, and her hand poked out from the blanket to wave at her. [color=fff200]"Hi, Mariette. I’m sorry I didn’t greet you at the door. I just...I didn’t want to move from my spot."[/color] She admitted. [color=fff200]"Still, it’s nice to see you again. How have things been with you? I guess you’ve also had it rough because of all the riots and stuff."[/color] Bob and Tim suddenly jumped on the sofa and went up to snuggle with Lily, laying in her lap in an adorable pile of fuzz. Lily petted them gently, managing a small smile as she did. Mariette was a bit bewildered to see Lily like this. This was not what she’d really come here for, but, huh. Now she was concerned. When Alexander walked in behind her, Dave took one look and Bob and Tim and flew off somewhere else. [color=077ae6]‘I’ve been fine. We successfully saved Sammy, as intended. I’ve been trying to save people in the riots, seemed the least I could do…’[/color] Mariette said, her eyes trailing to Bob and Tim, a slight tint on her cheeks appearing at the rabbit and weasel being cute in Lily’s lap. [color=077ae6]‘H… how about with you? I’ve… never seen you like this,’[/color] Mariette asked, looking back to Lily, some concern in her voice. [color=fff200]"Yeah...About that..."[/color] Lily sighed, and averted her eyes from Mariette. [color=fff200]"After me and Alex escaped from the rave, I happened to spot a family being attacked by some magical girls. They were bullying a young girl...I decided to go and stop them."[/color] Her expression turned sad. [color=fff200]"They turned out to be a lot tougher than I ever thought. It was the first time I broke so many bones. But that was nothing."[/color] A tear streaked down her eye. [color=fff200]"The girls went for a suicide attack, and I tried to stop them...But it failed. And...at that point...Ixion protected me. And now...He’s..."[/color] She sniffled, unable to continue with her story. Bob and Tim suddenly got up and climbed to both of her shoulders, and then resumed snuggling. Lily lifted her hands up to pet them both, and pressed her cheek against Bob’s. [color=fff200]"Thank you, Bob and Tim. I’m glad you’re here with me."[/color] “[color=aba000]Why are animals better at comforting her than I am?[/color]” Alexander grumbled under his breath. … Her patron had sacrificed itself for her? The sheer idea boggled Mariette’s mind for a bit. Magical Girls are the pawns of their patrons… yet clearly, something was different between Ixion and Lily. … Mariette was somewhat at a loss as for what to say to that. … But… [color=077ae6]‘I understand. I’m sorry to hear that. I believe… it’s natural to grieve. Take your time,’[/color] she said, looking a bit lost in her own eyes, clutching Bunny a bit harder. She looked to Alex with those same slightly lost eyes, basically saying she can’t really do much more on that front. “[color=aba000]It’s been kind of rough lately[/color]” Alexander said as he rubbed the back of his head “[color=aba000]but Lily’s doing a lot better now. We’ve mostly been holed up in here since then, so we don’t really know about any new developments on the outside though.[/color]” Lily picked up the two pets, and placed them on her lap. [color=fff200]"Thanks, Mariette. I’ll get over it. I need to, so I can get stronger, and not let his sacrifice be in vain. I’ll take these burdens, and I’ll make them beautiful again."[/color] She giggled a bit. [color=fff200]"It’s a line from Model Warrior Julianne. It’s one of my favorite shows, even if it’s old."[/color] Mariette took a moment to clutch Bunny as she was listening to them, wondering how she’d handle hard times. Then… she blinked a bit. Oh. That’s what she does. Mariette considered for a second, what Lily had just said… [color=077ae6]‘I’ll be… right back,’[/color] Mariette said, turning around and letting a portal open in the room, which Mariette walked through and just left hanging there. It took numerous seconds. Numerous seconds of very quickly consulting with Eli about what a few things were, how they looked, and then using Absolute Direction for maximum efficiency. Then Mariette came back, her one visible eye entirely wide and her cheeks just the slightest rosy, closing the portal behind her. She now had something in both her hands. In one, she held Bunny, her eternal companion. In the other… Mariette walked over and pushed a plushie of said Model Warrior Julianne at Lily, looking a bit bewildered herself. [color=077ae6]‘Whenever I’m sad… Bunny makes me feel better,’[/color] Mariette said, pushing the bunny to her cheek. [color=077ae6]‘I need Bunny, but… you… liked Julianne, you said…? Then she can look after you…’[/color] Mariette said, insistently pushing the plushie at her. Lily was a bit confused by Mariette suddenly leaving. [color=fff200]"Wait, I...Oh."[/color] She lowered her head down on top of the pets. [color=fff200]”I knew she’d be weirded out. Why did I say it? I’m such a dork."[/color] But then, Mariette returned, and Lily’s eyes widened upon seeing the plushie that she was given. [color=fff200]"N-No way...These go for at least 500 dollars online! How did you get one, and so fast?"[/color] She stared at the plushie, and then hugged it against her cheek; Alex saw that Lily’s smile, that he had grown accustomed to see everyday, had returned. [color=fff200]"Oh, thank you so much! I don’t know how I could ever repay you."[/color] Alexander couldn’t help but smile ‘[color=aba000][i]It’s about time. Although...this probably would have happened sooner if I wasn’t horrible at providing comforting people and stuff like that[/i][/color]’ his smile shrunk as he continued that line of thought ‘[color=aba000][i]She’s only been here for a few minutes and she already got Lily to smile. Man, I’m really useless, aren’t I?[/i][/color]’ and that, his smile disappeared with a huff. Mariette kept dead silent about where she got the plushie. “I stole it” would cause so many weird reactions, after all. Instead, Mariette simply smiled at the slight delight of seeing Lily smile again, and… [color=077ae6]‘Don’t… worry about it. Just maybe save my life if you find me in danger sometime,’[/color] Mariette instead replied to the last statement about repayment. Lily lifted her head up to look at Mariette, looking surprised. [color=fff200]"Danger? Is that why you came to visit? Did something happen?"[/color] She asked, sounding concerned. Alexander mentally sighed ‘[color=aba000][i]of fucking coure! That’s just how things work in this dumpster fire of a town. Lily can’t even get any friends over without some bullshit getting in the way.[/i][/color]’ [color=077ae6]‘Wait, no, I meant theoretically…’[/color] Mariette suddenly looked troubled, sad to see Lily stop smiling so quickly… but she had to sigh and step back, guessing she had to bring up why she came now. [color=077ae6]‘… but yes. I am in danger. Justine von Visceral is back, and she does not like me. She is also the only individual I know that can attack me in my Interdimensional Home, where I'd otherwise feel safe, and it has me worried…’[/color] “[color=aba000]Wait, that nutty anti love bitch who kidnapped Lily?[/color]” Alexander asked bewildered “[color=aba000]Why does she have a grudge against you? I’d have thought if she was here for revenge, she would come for Lily and I first, since there’s two of us in a easier place to reach then your home.[/color] Lily nodded. [color=fff200]"If that is true, then we must do something about it."[/color] She took her phone out. [color=fff200]"I'll ask Alicia. The Beacon will surely help with Justine."[/color] [color=077ae6]‘… Multiple reasons. We once had a partnership, until she decided to murder. I was then the one who opened the portal that brought everyone through to chase towards her palace. I… or, well, my assistant, Eli, was the one who defeated her little sister, Caroline, as well. She came after Eli at the rave earlier, asking about me. I’m also far more of a threat to her, with my ability to go anywhere and so. That’s why I’m being wary. You may still be in danger, but then I will defend you,’[/color] Mariette said. [color=077ae6]‘I did send Alicia a letter. She’s yet to respond.’[/color] [color=fff200]"You did? That’s weird, she’s usually good about responding to stuff."[/color] Lily sent a text message to Alicia. “[color=aba000]Shit, how long ago was this?[/color]” Alexander asked worried “[color=aba000]I [i]really[/i] hope nothing happened to her. The last thing we need is for Beacon to be going through some kind of succession crisis. The city’s already in bad enough shape as it is. One of the major factions imploding might just push us into the deep end.[/color]” Mariette felt slight apprehension at Lily suddenly texting Alicia, what kind of answer would she get? [color=077ae6]‘Not that long ago, I don’t have any reason to believe she’s taken out, her reason to not answering me is probably different…’[/color] she replied to Alexander. Lily suddenly perked up. [color=fff200]"Oh, Alicia responded with a yes!"[/color] She showed the message to Mariette. [color=fff200]"When Justine attacks, the Beacon will be there!"[/color] She got up, and hugged Mariette. [color=fff200]"Now you have nothing to worry about."[/color] [color=077ae6]‘Wait, uh,’[/color] Mariette sounded out in confusion as she was suddenly hugged. From what she read of the answer, which was just the single word “yes”. It was exceedingly noncommittal and could mean basically anything. Oooookay, then. [color=077ae6]‘Um. Good to know…’[/color] she supposed. Means they’re aware of Justine, at the very least. She wasn’t entirely about to ask for their help, however. There was something she’d come here to ask about, though. [color=077ae6]‘Say, Alexander? There was something that I hoped to ask of you,’[/color] she said, still in the midst of the hug by Lily. Alexander was a bit confused, since he had thought that Mariette was here for Lily, but she had something to ask [i]him[/i] “[color=aba000]Um...sure. What is it?[/color]” [color=077ae6]‘… So, as said, there’s a chance Justine will attack me inside my home dimension. If she does, I would like my mansion to stand as a fortress against her assault. As such, I came to ask if it was possible to give Sol’s blessings to my mansion? Like you did with the Earth Bastion? I realize that maybe he wouldn’t want to bless something that technically belongs to a Horror, or maybe it would be more effort than it’s worth, you already made those defensive artifacts for me…’[/color] Which Mariette had collected at an earlier time. [color=077ae6]‘… But I still wanted to ask if it would be possible,’[/color] Mariette asked, very aware of the weight of Lily clinging to her. Lily realized she was making Mariette uncomfortable with her clinginess, and released her. [color=fff200]"Oh, uh...Sorry."[/color] She turned to look at Alex, waiting for his answer with a bit lip. Alexander couldn’t help himself and broke out laughing “[color=aba000]S...sorry. It’s just, the idea of it being ‘more effort than it’s worth’ to Sol is just hilarious. That moron is such a bleeding heart, that my first day on the job involved looking around for animal shelters and orphanages to bless. He’d probably lecture me if I outright said no to blessing the home of someone working to save the lives of innocents.[/color]” his laughter slowly died down as he shifted to a more business like demeanor “[color=aba000]That being said, he’s going to need some kind of guarantee that this is for a good cause. I know I rag on him all the time, but he’s not an idiot who just gives out blessings willy nilly. Now granted, I think he’ll be willing to hear you out, after the role you played in the attack on her place. Although...[/color]” Alexander began to trail off “[color=aba000]...I don’t actually know who your Patron is, beyond them being a Horror. So I’m not sure if there would be any kind of conflict of interests. Sol [i]hate’s[/i] evil, so the idea of his power being used to aid it in anyway really pisses him off. But hey, maybe your Patron is one of the good Horrors, I sure as hell don’t fucking know[/color]” he shrugged at the end. [color=fff200]"What kind of Patron is Asengav? What does he like?"[/color] Lily asked Mariette. [color=fff200]"Ixion loved batteries,"[/color] she added, looking down. Mariette looked away. [color=077ae6]‘Asengav is… not good, really. But he’s reasonable. He operates in a multitude of different dimensions, and in each he allows the girls he’s stationed there to operate as they please as long as they contribute to the cause. He likes monsters and magical artifacts, and wants me to offer such to him. Which I do, when I can,’[/color] probably mostly off-screen which she isn’t paid for, [color=077ae6]‘but the current matter was me probably getting attacked by a more vicious-minded horror-servant. Or so.’[/color] Alexander scratched the back of his head “[color=aba000]Thats…[i]maybe[/i] workable. I mean, maybe that’ll make Sol okay with blessing your place. I can’t read his mind, so you’ll need to talk with him directly. [/color]” Mariette bit back a bit. [color=077ae6]‘I could try that.’[/color] Lily’s face scrunched as she thought about Mariette’s explanation. [color=fff200]"So Asengav likes to collect monsters and stuff? Hmm...Oh! He’s a janitor!"[/color] She lifted a finger, her eyes gleaming with the idea. [color=fff200]"Asengav wants to help by cleaning up! Phew, I’m glad that’s the case."[/color] She gave an easy smile. [color=fff200]"I was worried he’d be another really bad guy, like the one Justine worked for."[/color] She looked at the TV; there was a scene where the main heroine was delivering a sappy speech about the light of friendship. She nodded, and turned to Mariette, taking her hand. [color=fff200]"Hey Mariette. Um...Even though I’m still recovering, I do feel a bit restless just sitting at home. So, uhh...can I be there when Justine arrives? I want to talk with her again.”[/color] Mariette kept exceedingly quiet about Lily's misconception about Asengav. Then, though, Mariette found her hand taken, and held a lightly surprised expression at Lily's request. Before she could respond, though… “[color=aba000]Yeah, I’m going to have to veto that.[/color]” Alexander spoke up “[color=aba000]Lily, I don’t want you anywhere [i]near[/i] that nutjob, especially in your condition. If you’re really feeling restless, then we can go take a walk or something, not face down a crazy person![/color]” Lily looked upset as she turned to Alex. [color=fff200]"But this is Justine! We’ve fought her before, I know we can defeat her again!"[/color] She made a sad pout. [color=fff200]"I’m sure if I just get to talk with her, everything will work out...I think."[/color] [color=fff200]"And, uh...Mariette needs me to support her as her friend."[/color] She now looked Mariette in her one eye. [color=fff200]"Because that’s what friends do, right? I am your friend, right?"[/color] She asked, practically pleading. [color=077ae6]‘I…’[/color] Mariette started, throwing a lightly worried glance at Alexander before looking back at Lily. [color=077ae6]‘You are my friend, and I could give you a place to stay and be thankful for any help if you'd give me, but I don't want to argue against Alexander about a matter concerning you. I'd prefer if you sorted it out between the two of you, and I'd accept the verdict…’[/color] Mariette said, looking unsure about this matter. Alexander flinched and took a step back at the sight of Lily’s sad face looking right at him “[color=aba000]I...uh...[/color]” He was starting to wonder if she had suddenly gotten mind magic or something. Because it just felt like he was being stabbed in the heart while something squeezed his brain “[color=aba000]Look it’s just...I don’t want...[/color]” but he suddenly found his linguistic skills waning ‘[color=aba000][i]Dammit, what do I do!? I want her to stay here, where it’s safer, but...[/i][/color]’ the memory of Lily’s sad face, the one his words caused, suddenly flashed in his mind ‘[color=aba000][i]...what if I’m just making things worse? She’s a strong girl, she can take care of herself, even in her condition. What if...what if I’ve just been holding her back?[/i][/color]’ He derailed that train of thought with a wild shake of his head ‘[color=aba000][i]Dammit! I don’t know what to think anymore.[/i][/color]’ he let out a defeated sigh “[color=aba000]Just...do what you want, I won’t get in your way[/color]” [color=fff200]"Oh, ok…"[/color] Lily answered Mariette, and then bit her lip at Alex' outburst, understanding how frustrated he was. The both of them had entrusted her with the decision, and she was torn. [color=fff200]"Alex…"[/color] She closed her eyes. [color=fff200]"Thank you for supporting me. I know it must be hard to be with an idiot girl like me sometimes. But this is something I need to do. I don't want to lose any more friends. I need to do what I can to protect the ones I have left."[/color] She held a hand out for Mariette. [color=fff200]"I may have lost Ixion, but I have not lost my will to fight! You can count on me, Mariette."[/color] Alexander started to chuckle “[color=aba000]You, an idiot? Lily; [i]I’m[/i] the idiot! This whole time I’ve been struggling to cheer you up...and yet the freeloaders ended up having more success than me. And then she-[/color]” he points at Mariette “[color=aba000]-just drops in, gives you a stuffed animal, and suddenly your smile is back.[/color]” The energy in his voice faded quickly “[color=aba000]I...don’t understand people, I never really have. And I’ve never had to comfort someone emotionally before. These past few days just reminded me of that, as I fumbled around trying to fix you. It’s painfully clear that I don’t know what you need, so I’m not going to fight you on this. Just...promise me something Lily[/color]” He took the hand she held out for Mariette “[color=aba000]Please; don’t make me regret this.[/color]” She blinked when her hand was gripped by Alex, but he proceeded to shake it, looking determined. [color=fff200]"I promise, Alex."[/color] Then, Lily pulled Alex closer, and kissed him on the cheek. She giggled a bit, and turned to Mariette, still holding his hand. [color=fff200]"So, what are we going to do? Just be ready for you to create a portal for us?"[/color] It was a little confusing to Mariette, watching Alexander and Lily’s exchange, her one visible eye looking back and forth between them. She was about to take Lily’s hand, but then Alex took it himself and Mariette had to retract hers. But, it seemed they’d reached a conclusion. [color=077ae6]‘Being in a relationship sure seems complicated… I’m glad we never have to argue, Bunny…’[/color] Mariette whispered to Bunny as she clutched him with one arm. [color=077ae6]‘Yes. I could open a portal at any point back to my mansion. … Did you want to come at once, or…?’[/color] Mariette asked, a bit unsure what the exact proceedings was. Lily shook her head with an uneasy smile. [color=fff200]”Not yet. I still have things I need to do, like finding a new Patron for myself. Luckily I know where I can start my search.”[/color] She pat one of her pockets, and nodded to herself. [color=fff200]”Anyway, would you like to stay for lunch, Mariette? We could hang out and just do normal friend stuff if you’re not too busy.”[/color] “[color=aba000]If you’re looking for a new Patron, I’m sure Sol would be willing to take you in.[/color]” Alexander spoke up, his cheek feeling strangely warm where Lily’s lips had touched it “[color=aba000]I...was planning on suggesting it once you were feeling better. I didn’t want it to feel like I was saying Ixion was...replaceable? Or something like that. I don’t know, it just didn’t feel right.[/color]” Lily turned to Alex with a surprised look. [color=fff200]"Oh, you were? Well, I'll first talk with Umu, see what he has to offer, ok?"[/color] Suggestion to just stay over and eat lunch and do normal friend things… Sounded nice, reminded Mariette she should probably visit Violet and Sakura at some point… No, she was not about to suggest her own Patron for Lily. That was not the way. [color=077ae6]‘Maybe another time, when I’m not quite so occupied making preparations. For now, I’ll take my leave. You have my phone number if you’d like to reach me. Good luck on your search, I’ll see you later,’[/color] Mariette said, opening a portal for herself to depart through. Lily waved back eagerly with a smile as Mariette disappeared through the portal. [color=fff200]"Ok then, see you later!"[/color] Lily was truly glad that she did succeed in becoming friends with Mariette. She only hoped that they were ready for when Justine attacked...