A group of girls, some of them monster girls, dove into a building fleeing the Ascendancy. Magic missiles and projectiles burst through the walls, but they kept trying to flee. One of them pleaded to be saved, one yelled that they had to save themselves. Then they broke into the next room… and there was a portal. A gasp went through them. They knew who it symbolised, their leader rather didn't want to depend on her but right now they had no choice.

[color=BD844D]‘Come on!’[/color] she yelled, and she and her crew leapt through the portal just as an Ascendancy agent appeared in the doorway behind them, and the portal closed. 

[center][url=https://i.imgur.com/Y8OSnvr.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/OPMf9l2.png[/img][/url][/center]
They lay breathing heavily on the floor, as Mariette inspected them. They were in a random apartment with sealed windows, and Mariette stood there in dark dress and clutching her Bunny. Next to her stood Eli, her wings folded, keeping a check with Third Eye, just in case. The leader of the group quickly got up, preparing her bracers for combat. 

[color=BD844D]‘What do you want!?’[/color] she demanded.

[color=077ae6]‘For you to live,’[/color] Mariette stated, plainly. [color=077ae6]‘I'd rather not see you die like this when your strength could be needed later. Where should I drop you off?’[/color]

[color=BD844D]‘Don't bullshit me. You want us alive because without us, they'll come after you!’[/color] the leader claimed, glaring at Mariette. She took a moment to inspect her, those behind the leader looking more appreciative. 

[color=077ae6]‘… Believe what you like,’[/color] Mariette simply stated. She opened a portal next to her. [color=077ae6]‘This leads to the entrance of the Sanctuary, where people like you gather to grow strong. They shouldn't be able to hunt you down, there,’[/color] she stated.

[color=BD844D]‘The Queen is dead. It's just a matter of time before they- h-hey!’[/color] the leader called out, for her companions just headed for the portal, looking apologetic. The leader gave a singular grunt and then headed after them, visibly not liking this. Mariette closed the portal behind them, and then sighed out.

[color=077ae6]‘Who'd have thought saving lives was such a thankless job?’[/color] she asked the nothingness, causing Eli to giggle a little.

"Greetings, Mariette Pendersen. I see you are fighting the good fight, are you not. How...interesting." The small furry creature talked, choosing to reveal himself after having slipped in amidst the confusion.

Mariette blinked a bit, and looked over at the sudden appearance of this furry little creature, Eli peeking over from behind her as she did. Confirming who’d spoken, she turned to face him.

[color=077ae6]‘Greetings, Puchuu. To whom do I owe the pleasure?’[/color] Mariette asked in a completely blank tone and a straight face. Now, she’d heard of Puchuus, but she didn’t keep track of which Puchuu was which.

The creature looked at Mariette, and then swished his tail thoughtfully. “My name is Umukamui… I’ve come to have some sort of freelance agreement with Beacon. Something you might be interested in… according to what information I’ve heard.”

Mariette had heard the name of Umukamui before, but not seen him herself. Then, though, she was told something she did not expect. Freelance agreement with Beacon…? [color=077ae6]‘… I’m listening,’[/color] Mariette said plainly, and paid attention as indicated.

“I am supposed to assist neutrals to join Beacon’s effort in stabilizing the city. However, Ascendancy and I… let’s say we have different nuances on what qualifies as neutral. There’s wiggle room. Horrors might be stretching it, but it’s not the first time.” Umukamui said as he advance. “It’s pretty simple really. Just remember those who you are selflessly saving there’s other chances… and I’m willing to compromise. In return, I can… well, let you partake in the species of carte blanche I do have with Beacon nowadays. Within limits, of course.” Umukamui tilted his head.

Mariette listened silently, staring at Umu as he laid down the explanation. But, uh. [color=077ae6]‘“Species of carte blanche”…?’[/color] she questioned, voice unsure. [color=077ae6]‘… Elaborate, please,’[/color] Mariette requested.

“Literally, as long as I say it’s okay, they will take my word for it and pry not too much.” Umukamui leaned slightly forward.

[color=077ae6]‘… Huh,’[/color] Mariette said, looking curiously at Umu. [color=077ae6]‘You are aware of that I’m generally considered an enemy of Beacon, are you not? They may not react too kindly if they find out who it is you’re working with.’[/color]

“Generally… but don’t they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend? I am willing to [i]misunderstand[/i] that you are an enemy, as long as you do the same… while we pursue the same goal. I can also [i]misunderstand[/i] that your girls are turning over a new leaf.”

[color=077ae6]‘… I see,’[/color] Mariette stated, giving the little puffball a stare. She modestly suspected some form of trick, but she couldn’t necessarily turn down a potential chance to gain an advantage, now, could she? [color=077ae6]‘So what will be asked of me?’[/color] 

"Wetwork." Umukamui stated bluntly. "Staying clean means someone else gets the stain." He swished his tail once.

[color=077ae6]‘Heh. Fair enough,’[/color] Mariette gave the slightest of a chuckle, nodding and then considering it. [color=077ae6]‘I’ve not yet figured out what I desire out of this, but I’d like to give it an attempt, at the very least. It’s not too different from what I am already doing, after all. I’ll find a way I’ll profit from it.’[/color]

"It does not have to be right now. Ponder it. Being a picky eater is not something I do, and while I may decline in the future…I shall answer." The puchuu said. "Be sensible about who you tell about this".

[color=077ae6]‘At the moment, those will be none,’[/color] Mariette answered, she had no intention of telling anyone about this even before the Puchuu’s reminder. [color=077ae6]‘… Does this involve managing contact in some specific way? Do I need to show up at the right time somewhere, or will you give me a magic stone to contact me through?’[/color] Mariette had been a fan of the former, others did the second pretty often.

"Magic...yeah right." A phone materialized on the girl's hands. "I made it so it is not easy to track, the battery lasts forever and you can play Destiny Great Order on it. My phone number is in there." He said, before attempting to leave.

[color=077ae6]‘… “Destiny Great Order”?’[/color] Mariette asked, looking confused at the phone suddenly in her hand. [color=077ae6]‘… Alright. Thank you. I’ll hear more from you later, then,’[/color] Mariette simply said, letting the puchuu depart without issue if he wanted to.

… Huh. A connection to Beacon through a third party? … How was she going to use this to her advantage…?