[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/VaLX1Hh.png[/img][/center]

This was not Maura’s first time in Veronica’s interdenominational mansion. This was not her first time [i]alone[/i] in Veronica’s interdenominational mansion. This was her first time here as Veronica’s superior. 

[color=#bd71e8]”Thank you for meeting with me, Maura.”[/color]

Among all the red, there was a small white table between the two of them. If there was anything Maura wished to eat or drink, Veronica could pull it out of the cradle and lay it on the table before them. Veronica had given herself a glass of white wine, which she held between her fingers.

[color=#bd71e8]”Now that the cradle is yours, what do you plan on doing with it? What will you do next in Penrose?”[/color]

Maura hummed in thought. [color=crimson]"For the longest time, Penrose has served as the most noteworthy hotbed for magical activity. Even now those numbers are higher than what even I anticipated."[/color] she held the side of her head in one arm. [color=crimson]"Though it's hard not to notice the drawbacks to such numbers. Justine's attacks, Soth's ritual, the current fight with Ascendancy and our corrupted kin. Even the ambush on Mariette's mansion almost costed us more lives than what's concidered 'Just'."[/color] Maura looked back to Veronica with furrowed brows.

 [color=crimson]"Again and again, Penrose and those within are subjected to incidents such as those, which could escalate into catastrophic events that can make even a god faint. And it won't get any better so long as those self-righteous vermin, or the damned mafia keep hold on the town."[/color] She straightened herself up.

 [color=crimson]"We [b]have[/b] to take back Penrose. Take back our home, before the worst comes to fruition..."[/color] For a moment, she appeared worried at her last statement.

[color=#bd71e8]”Your conviction does not suprise me, but it is always a pleasure to see regardless.”[/color] Veronica sipped her wine before setting her glass down. [color=#bd71e8]”I won’t dally then. Maura, my surgery isn’t complete. I dare say that coming back before it was complete may have caused some, how shall we say, problems.”[/color] She pulled back the collar of her vest, and there was a purple gash with light glowing inside of it. [color=#bd71e8]”My condition is not life threatening, but it may be if I do not soon return to Binky.”[/color] She let go of her shirt collar. [color=#bd71e8]”I need to go back, and I need some of your agents to help me get there. They may not be able to return for a while.”[/color]

In all honesty, Maura wasn't surprised Veronica had to leave for awhile longer. But seeing her open wound made the necromancer even more worried. Then the topic of Maura's agents going with her came up. [color=crimson]"Who do you need?"[/color] She didn't hesitate to ask.

[color=#bd71e8]”At least Tetrad.”[/color] Veronica folded her arms. [color=#bd71e8]”But I would feel better if I also had Trixy or Sam with me too, as they are a bit more reliable should things go south.”[/color]

 [color=crimson]"Understood. I'll let them know, asap."[/color] Maura nodded, ready to call the three through the magicoms.
 
 [color=#bd71e8]”No need to bother them now, I just wanted your blessing before I approached them myself.”[/color] Veronica nodded. [color=#bd71e8]”But I’m glad it’s not a problem. Even if I’m out, Viridian will be around to keep magicoms and the cradle active for you. With your own shadow magic, you shouldn’t have much difficulty using the cradle as I have.”[/color] She extended her hand. [color=#bd71e8]”Thank you, Maura. I feel safe leaving things in your hands.”[/color]

With a smile, Maura shook her hand. [color=crimson]"Of course, I hope I can make you all proud."[/color]

[hr]

Veronica didn’t exactly have the power or authority to call a cradle meeting herself. Fortunately, Silhouette, Trixy, Tetrad, and Eliza respected her enough to come to a meeting with her. It was right in the Golden Trove, as most of the girls had a room there. They had met up in the game room, which was presently vacant aside from those who arrived.

[color=#bd71e8]”Thank you for coming, everyone.”[/color] Veronica stood behind a pool table. [color=#bd71e8]”I hope the food is to your liking. It is not something I usually partake in, but I understand pizza is a favorite of most.”[/color] 

Tetrad already had a slice on a paper plate, which she held in both hands. [color=75c159]”Glad to see we suffered no casualties. Even better that Justine is in the bag. Or should I say space?”[/color] She chuckled darkly. [color=75c159]”I just regret I couldn’t be there.”[/color]

[color=CCBFFF]”You were doing your job, we did ours, no reason to feel bad.”[/color] Trixy was already on her third slice. She didn’t need a paper plate, she had an entire pizza box to herself, and just tossed a slice in her mouth now and again. [color=CCBFFF]”Also if anyone wants pepperoni and mushroom, let me know! It’s really good!”[/color]

Sam spoke up. [color=red]"Since you're offering, Trixy, I would like a piece."[/color]

[color=75c159]”Save room for pineapple.”[/color] Tetrad grinned. 

[color=#bd71e8]”To get to the matter at hand, I must return to the outpost, and I will need some of you to accompany me. Tetrad is coming regardless, but I would like Sam or Trixy to accompany me as well, if not both. I have already gotten Maura’s permission, I just wanted to hear your input.”[/color]

Silhouette got her hands on a plate and a piece of pizza, which she had just taken a bite of. She wiped any grease off of her lips and, of course, swallowed before she gave her piece. [color=red]"Are we going to leave immediately?"[/color] Sil wondered. [color=red]"I had plans with... well, it's nothing important. If our leader has given her permission, then I can depart whenever you please."[/color] Of course, given her unhidden loyalty to Veronica, it was unlikely anyone really believed that a lack of Maura's blessing would matter to Sam. 

[color=gold]"Is there anything we need to do while you're all away?"[/color] Eliza asked, stepping over to the dart board.

[color=#bd71e8]”I do not believe so. If something comes up, we are all connected by the magicom network.”[/color] Veronica hadn’t eaten any of her pizza yet, but she was looking at it, cautiously.

Tetrad sighed. [color=75c159]”Might as well say we’re all connected by the Cradle. Or whatever Maura wants to call us now. Regardless, I’ve got nothing going.”[/color] 

[color=CCBFFF]”Hold on!”[/color] Trixy lowered her box of pizza. [color=CCBFFF]”We just got done with the mission! Are we really going to take off so soon?”[/color]

[color=#bd71e8]”I’m afraid my wounds are only getting worse.”[/color] Veronica’s eyes flicked over to Trixy. [color=#bd71e8]”Leaving soon would be optimal. But I must stress that I don’t need everyone. Tetrad and one of you will do. If Sam has other arrangements, she can remain here for the time being.”[/color]

Despite her earlier declaration of being ready to leave as soon as Veronica wanted, Sil couldn't keep a bit of the relief from seeping into her expression at the possibility of staying behind.. [color=red]"If you believe you only require two of us, then I admit I would prefer to stay here to deal with a small problem of mine."[/color]

 [color=gold]Small problem? Is it a personal matter?"[/color] Eliza asked Sam, not looking away from the board as she started to throw darts. For every bullseye she got, she'd take a step backwards.
 
Samantha nodded. [color=red]"It is. But I don't expect it to cause any interference with any duties I am assigned. I would prefer if we could leave it at that."[/color]

Eliza took a few extra steps back this time though, as Trixy hugged her from behind, causing her to flinch.  [color=CCBFFF]”This is so sad!”[/color] Her voice was cracking. [color=CCBFFF]”Please set things in Penrose right, and get Betty back for us! She’s still missing!”[/color] After inhaling, she threw her arms around Samantha and started bawling. [color=CCBFFF]”Don’t you die on me, Sam! Whatever you’re doing, your life isn’t worth it!”[/color]

Tetrad was there to pull the maid off of her girlfriend. [color=75c159]”Hey, this is Silhouette we’re talking about! No way cradle’s #1 is going to get done in by some personal drama.”[/color] 

Putting down the plate she nearly dropped after Trixy's emotional outburst, Silhouette looked at Trixy. [color=red]"Tetrad is right. I won't die. Now isn't the time for that anyways."[/color] she looked to Trixy, then Tetrad, and briefly Veronica when she was brought up. [color=red]"Of course, that goes for you two as well. Well, there's three of you. But I can't imagine Veronica needing me to remind her of that."[/color]

[color=#bd71e8]”It’s true.”[/color] was all Veronica said before sampling her pizza.

Eliza sighed, and pulled Trixy into a side hug. [Color=gold]"If I didn't want to set things right, I wouldn't be here now, would I? Don't worry, we'll handle things here [i]and[/i] get Betty back."[/color] she reassured her.

[color=CCBFFF]”Eliza…”[/color] Trixy sniffled before hugging her back again. [color=CCBFFF]”When we get back, we’ll celebrate! I’ve got faith in Maura and all of her girls too.”[/color]

[color=75c159]”Oh well.”[/color] Tetrad let out a sigh before turning to Veronica. [color=75c159]”Mind if we take a small detour? I’d like to see someone before I leave.”[/color]

[color=#bd71e8]”I do not wish to walk around Penrose while the mint watches. But I will need a moment to prepare my leave.”[/color] Veronica was already working on her second slice. [color=#bd71e8]”Should you have unfinished bushiness that can be taken care of on short notice, you will have time for it. But I urge you to complete it quickly. However…”[/color] Veronica looked to Trixy. [color=#bd71e8]”I have something to show Trixy before we make the trip anyway.”[/color]

The maid’s eyes shot open, still embraced in Eliza’s hug. [color=CCBFFF]”Huh?!”[/color]

[color=75c159]”I just need to tell someone farewell.”[/color] Tetrad picked up a dart and casually flung it at the dart board Eliza was shooting at. Despite being a half hearted attempt, she managed to nail the twenty zone just outside of the bullseye. 

 [color=gold]"Nice shot."[/color] Eliza chuckled.

[color=#bd71e8]”Someone, hmmmm?”[/color] The former cradle mother shrugged. [color=#bd71e8]”Seems we all have our secrets. Despite that, we can still trust each other.”[/color]

 [color=crimson]"Trust is something everyone vies for these days."[/color] Maura appeared by the pool table, pizza slice in hand. [color=crimson]"Yet at the same time, most would rather take trust for granted, like love or hope. Regardless, it's what makes us more humane than them, no?"[/color] she smiled.

 [color=gold]"What are you doing here? I thought you were busy."[/color] Eliza's eyebrow rose.

 [color=crimson]"Ah, just wanted to see everyone off, that's all."[/color]
 
 [color=#bd71e8]”Apologies, Maura. I had only meant to throw a party with my closest agents before setting off. Had I thought you wanted to join us-”[/color]

Tetrad giggled. [color=75c159]”It’s weird to see Veronica acting so humble. I guess everyone has a superior at one point or another.”[/color]

[color=#bd71e8]”Do not forget that I’m still [i]your[/i] superior, Tetrad.”[/color] She looked back at Maura. [color=#bd71e8]”It seems Sil will be remaining with you for the time being. Tetrad and Trixy will be enough to watch over me.”[/color]

Trixy managed to hold back her tears when she wrapped her arms around her new boss. [color=CCBFFF]”Boss lady.”[/color] She rested her head on her shoulder. [color=CCBFFF]”It wasn’t long, but I’ll cherish the time we spent together!”[/color] Veronica only groaned at Trixy’s melodramatic behavior. 

 [Color=crimson]"It's alright, really!"[/color] Maura reassured Veronica with a chuckle. Her eyes widened a bit when Trixy hugged her, then she hugged back with a smile. [Color=crimson]"I'll miss you too, Trixy. Update me if anything happens, okay?"[/color] She then moved to pull Tetrad into a side-hug, ruffling her hair, then hugged Veronica as well.

 [color=crimson]"Be careful out there, okay, Ronnie?"[/color] 
 
With Veronica and Tetrad under both of Maura’s arms, Trixy shoved the rest of her pizza (box included) before reaching out for Sil and pulling her closer. Tetrad only shrugged her shoulders before pulling Eliza into the group hug as well.

[color=#bd71e8]”Ronnie?”[/color] Veronica averted her eyes, still holding onto her pizza crust. [color=#bd71e8]”I will. I most certainly will.”[/color]

Samantha appeared uncomfortable with the hug but didn't attempt to pull free of it. She awkwardly settled into it, instead. [color=red]"Jeez, there's no reason for such a dramatic separation."[/color] A soft smile creeped onto the girl's lips. 

After a moment, Maura pulled away from the hug. [color=crimson]"Well then, I'll let you all finish up here."[/color] she moved to the nearest shadow to leave, still smiling.

With the group hug’s initiator gone, the other cradle agents slowly released each other and looked in her direction.

[color=CCBFFF]”She is somethin’ else!”[/color] The eyepatch kid sighed.  

[color=75c159]”Wish I got to know her better, but I’m sure we’ll meet up again later.”[/color]

Veronica watched Maura leave. After she left, she pushed the rest of the crust into her mouth. She didn’t speak again untill she finished swallowing. [color=#bd71e8]”Trixy, Tetrad, we leave in twenty minutes.”[/color]

[color=CCBFFF]”Yes[/color] [color=75c159]ma’am!”[/color]

Samantha chose this time to pull Trixy off to the side for a small talk, but found that she couldn't speak how she wanted. More than once, she opened her mouth as though to say something, yet stopped. Eventually, a hand rested itself upon Sam's shoulder. Partially startled, she turned her head to see who it was. 

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Samantha didn't seem to get upset at Shade unlike usual. Instead, she merely faced Trixy once again. [color=red]"...erm..."[/color] she took a breath in. [color=red]"Well, I just wanted... to remind you to be safe, is all."[/color]

[color=CCBFFF]”Yea, you already told me that."[/color] Trixy forced herself to smile. [color=CCBFFF]”But I'm glad I'm not the only one who's concerned right now. If  magicoms don't do it for you, we can always talk over web cam."[/color]

Samantha clearly liked the idea, agreeing with a nod. [color=red]"We should. It also wouldn't be impossible to excerise together that way, or..."[/color] Sam stopped herself. [color=red]"Well, it doesn't have to be active and boring. It'd probably be more enjoyable to watch a movie."[/color] Her eyes never left Trixy's, and there was a very faint red tint to her cheeks. 

Trixy briefly looked over her shoulder, probably to make sure no one was looking too closely at them. [color=CCBFFF]”Well, we’re going to spend a bit of time apart, right?"[/color] She placed her hand’s on Samantha’s shoulders. Her eyes closed part way as a toothy grin crossed her face. [color=CCBFFF]”We can do all that stuff and more."[/color] Trixy’s voice got quieter as she came closer to Samantha. [color=CCBFFF]”We just need to take our time."[/color]

As she gazed into Trixy's eyes, Sam reached across herself to place a hand atop the one Trixy had on her shoulder. Her eyes never wavered for a second, despite her clear embarassment. [color=red]"I would enjoy that."[/color] Sam paused, took her hand off of Trixy's, looked away for a second, and then presumably pondered something before looking at Trixy once more. The little distance between the two was swiftly closed as Sam gave Trixy a quick peck on the lips. 

[color=#EB2323]"!"[/color] Shade was still nearby, but had been standing off to the side out of respect for the two. Of course, she wasn't able to remove herself competely and happened to catch the kiss. It clearly surprised her enough to leave her mouth open, with a small, amused grin. 

[color=red]"...Sorry if that was too sudden,"[/color] Sam apologized, something she seemed to do quite often when she was dealing with love or emotional situations, in contrast to her otherwise aloof or curt appearance. 

...So she was naturally underprepared when Trixy was unresponsive. Her eyes had massive hearts in them, and her head was hanging backwards as if she had suddenly lost the strength to hold it up. [color=CCBFFF]”It was just the right amount of sudden!"[/color] She lifted her head and pulled Samantha into a hug, gently nuzzling her head against hers.

Shade wasn't the only one who had taken notice. Tetrad and Veronica were also watching. It was hard to ignore with how dramatic they were being. The gambler turned to Veronica. [color=75c159]”I'm not separating them this time.”[/color] She said with a wink.

Veronica seemed nonplussed, gazing at a wall clock before retrieving another slice of pizza. [color=#bd71e8]”Nineteen minutes left.”[/color]