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Dana smiled and nodded as Penny gave her explanation for why she preferred Altea over Alexis, knowing that everyone had their own unique tastes and that Penny’s opinion as well as her own were both completely subjective, and thus, completely valid. And that was perfectly fine. After all, such differences usually led to some of the best discussions, at least in Dana’s personal experience. Indeed, just after Penny had finished describing her sisters, Nicole had joined the conversation, professing her love for [i]Eradicator II.[/i] 

[color=Gold]“Oh, totally!”[/color] Dana agreed. [color=Gold]“I’m a big fan of that series, too! And you’re right about the second being the best,”[/color] she added after Penny voiced her own thoughts on the series. [color=Gold]“But, like, isn’t that the case with most series? The second installment is usually the best one. I mean, ya got [i]Aliens, Wrath of Khan, Empire Strikes Back, Judgment Day…[/i]”[/color]

By this point, the conversation had shifted to home cities, leaving Dana to take up the role of a passive listener. Hasta sounded really cool, and she couldn’t help but feel that it was a shame they weren’t heading [i]there[/i] instead… Still, Palmyra was probably cool too, in its own way. After all, it was home to Nova Lux Academy! That alone made visiting it something to look forward to.

If they ever got there… 

[color=Gold]“Woah!”[/color] Dana yelped as the airship shuddered violently. She then felt her heart stop as a glowing, red eye appeared outside the viewport. It departed moments later, but it still left Dana more than a little shaken up. She had never seen a void up close before, and she doubted any of her fellow Ars Magi candidates had either. Before she could confirm that by asking, or even glancing at their faces, they were all thrown into the air by a massive jolt. Dana was sent flying into the rear wall, slamming her head in the process. The vessel finally regained control a few seconds later, but before Dana’s dizzy mind could even take note of that, the lights flickered off, bathing the room in darkness. 

[color=Gold]“Owww…”[/color] Dana groaned, wincing as she clutched her aching head. [color=Gold]“I’m a little beaten up, but I think I’ll live,”[/color] she replied to Penny’s inquiry as she slowly got to her feet. [color=Gold]“Anyone get the number of that giant eye monster?”[/color] she asked after a moment, in a meager attempt to add a bit of levity to the situation. 

She could hear the sounds of weapons fire from beyond the door, so they clearly weren’t out of the proverbial woods just yet, and it was still quite dark, although Penny seemed to be providing some sparks to help with that problem. Dana was just about to add her own powers to the effort when the calm, but commanding voice of Vanna requested she do just that.

[color=Gold]“Sure thing!”[/color] she replied. Gathering her magic, she formed a small sphere of glowing, golden light above the tip of one finger. 

After that, Vanna swiftly took charge of the situation, providing two possible courses of action. Astrelle was quick to give her vote to the second option, and Dana found herself in full agreement with the other girl’s sentiment.

[color=Gold]“Sounds like a plan!”[/color] Dana declared with what she hoped was a reassuring grin. [color=Gold]“People may need our help, and if there’s a chance we can make a difference, then we gotta take it!”[/color]