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Having been assigned basic training in Beacon, Janet and Jenna went through without much fuss for the better part of a week. They needed things to simmer down, especially with Alicia. They weren't going to be able to avoid talking to and bringing up some potentially difficult realities though. At least one of them was something they couldn't avoid even if they wanted to. They invited their friend to join them at their house after one of the sessions specifically to talk. Eventually they managed to coax Alicia to come. After getting a little small talk the three went off to the twins room.

Janet drops onto her bed and stares at the ceiling for a little while. [color=khaki]"Jenna told me you were mad at us after the attack on Mariette's fortress. I realize that things didn't go to plan, but I don't fully understand."[/color] She rolls on her side and looks over at Alicia. [color=khaki]"Have we done something wrong? I thought…"[/color] She rubbed her head and sat back up. [color=khaki]"Clearly something is wrong. If it's us then we would like to fix it."[/color] 

Holding back a huff of annoyance, Alicia had joined the Twins in hanging out at their house. She had been perfectly respectful to their parents, if a bit distant to the Twins themselves. The trial had vindicated their actions, but that did not mean that she was ready to slip back into the old relationship with nary a thought. Especially not with how that clever plan of theirs had worked out. 

Arriving in their bedroom, she stood at the other end of the room with her arms folded while Janet sat down on her bed. [color=aba000]”The point of the mission was to stop Mariette. Instead, she escaped. From my point of view it looked like you had let your feelings towards Justine keep you from carrying out the primary goal of that mission so you could get revenge, when we still needed Justine[/color]

She glanced away, a small shrug accompanying the aloof gesture. [color=aba000]”Now she’s being held by the Cradle, Mariette is still running free, and all that effort to set up that assault was wasted. We’re not going to have that kind of advantage ever again.”[/color] And without it, how could they stop Mariette? They had all seen how things had worked out this last time. Clearly the court did not agree, but knowing that logically did not stop her emotional response. 

The two looked down. Jenna spoke up first. [color=plum]"I wasn't trying to disrupt the mission. I thought it was the right thing."[/color] Being the one that had caused such a mess she shrank back and fought back the urge to break down. She apparently had taken the criticism personally. 

[color=khaki]"Of anyone, I should be the most angry about Mariette. She kidnapped me from this very room and delivered me to Justine. What did she do to you?"[/color] There was some legitimate confusion there. Janet was generally a lot more geared toward logic and what have you than her sister, but she wasn't emotionless. 

[color=aba000]”I know, I know,”[/color] Alicia assured Janet with a sigh. They had had a whole trial about whether that was the case, and there wasn’t really a need to relitigate the point. Not this far along. 

She felt like she had already explained her reasonings, but perhaps she was confusing that for another person. It probably didn’t hurt to repeat this information again, just so they could understand how frustrated she was right now. [color=aba000]”Because when we were preparing to go after Justine, she showed up and offered her help because Justine was trying to kill her. It worked out then, but she took advantage of the situation to abduct a bunch of the girls she had abducted for Justine, stole a bunch of her wealth, her books, that sort of thing.”[/color] 

Alicia was forced to fight the urge to pace about the room as her emotions swelled to the surface once more. She’d considered talking to Aurelio or Serenity about it, but there was never a good time. [color=aba000]”Every time something big has happened, she’s been there. She’s been lurking in the shadows, growing stronger and more influential. But I seem to be the only one aside from Justine who really cared. And she can’t keep getting away with this.”[/color] Yet she had gotten away with it, once more, and seemed to be as strong as ever. 

Listening closely the two waited for a while. Obviously considering what Alicia had to say. After a bit Jenna spoke up. [color=plum]”I don’t think she came out so great this time. An entire dimension was destroyed with who knows what all it had. I also have reason to believe that an object they were trying to protect has gone missing. If that’s the case then she’s probably in hot water with her patron.”[/color] She was recalling some confusion she’d picked up on in Dan’s dimension.

While Alicia would concede that the destruction of the pocket dimension was something, she was not sure that it was enough to make a difference. And learning what they knew did not entirely help their situation either. [color=aba000]”Maybe. We don’t know for sure, and she’s proven her ability to recover in the past. Especially with all the support she got in this last fight, she’s not exactly lacking for gullible allies.”[/color] Honestly, it still dug at her every time she thought about it. How could so many ignore what was right in front of their eyes? 

There was a bout of silence for a bit as they all sat with their thoughts for a while. It took some time but eventually Janet stood back up. [color=khaki]”We’ll figure it out. We didn’t just invite you over to stew over the mission. I would rather talk about where we are with our friendship and some things that we haven’t quite figured out how to tell anyone.”[/color] She stepped over to a small vanity and lightly poked at a glass bottle. Alicia would recognize it as the one that had held the purification potion she’d wished for. Picking it up Janet held it in her open palms.

[color=khaki]”There aren’t that many people I really consider good friends. You especially I owe for more than one occasion. I can count on you and I don’t want to lose that. It’s one of the reasons I keep coming back. I want to try and be as transparent as I can and help with your goals. I’m worried you’re starting to see me as an enemy. If I’d been found guilty they probably would have killed my sister and I. Or if we’d somehow become Excommunicated then it might as well have been the same thing.”[/color] She stared at the object in her hands for a while.

Janet changed the subject, and Alicia did her best to leave that behind her. She needed to focus on the here and now, not what had happened in the past. She glanced at the purification potion, before her gaze returned to the girl holding it. [color=aba000]”It feels like ever since Cindy got stuck in your head, you haven’t trusted me.”[/color]

A finger rose to tap the side of her own head, mimicking the insertion of Cindy’s consciousness to some degree. [color=aba000]”Rachel left me to handle the Mariette operation. But I had to find out all of your side schemes and secret alliances in a courtroom and after the fact. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she has had a bigger influence on both of you than you’re willing to admit.” [/color] After all, it felt like there was a real connection there. One that she could not easily dismiss. 

Janet would sigh and nod a bit, but also shook her head afterward. [color=khaki]”The secrecy had more to do with the contract she and I made. I thought it was necessary to protect Beacon’s secrets as well as my own. To an extent I believe it did because Cindy couldn’t turn around and take what she learned and give it away. By the same token it prevented me from telling you everything I wanted to. Maybe it was a mistake, maybe it could have been put together better. Whichever it was I’m not sure how much longer it, or she, is going to matter.”[/color] She set the vial down.

Alicia had some choice words for the idea that the contract had actively inhibited her sharing information in a manner that was helpful. But before she could actually say anything, she was met with Janet’s ambiguous and slightly ominous ending. [color=aba000]”You’re not doing more magical experiments on yourself, are you?”[/color] 

[color=khaki]”No no. If I knew how much trouble it was going to cause I might never have wished to know how to make those potions. I would rather it stop. Something we learned though, specifically with the potion I used, is the effects don’t go away. Things probably would have stayed the same for a while if it weren’t for Cindy moving the process forward. It’s kind of like the ShineSpark in that it’s just there and works, but it’s the purification magic trying to protect us. This was going to happen eventually and I could never really figure out a good time or place to say it. The magic is starting to... overpower the ShineSpark. I-I can’t...”[/color] She watched for Alicia’s response. For the first time in a while Janet looked legitimately scared. [color=khaki]”I can’t stop it.”[/color]

It took all the strength the Paladin had not to do a double take. She was not expecting what Janet told her, and it was ridiculous for her to believe, at least at this point. For now she opted for the simple question. [color=aba000]”Do you have any proof?”[/color]

[color=khaki]”Someone with Third Eye looking closely should be able to see it. It’s only this way because it came from a wish. I know for a fact the things we made won’t have this side effect. I’m not so much worried about what it will do, more how others will react.”[/color] 

Luckily for them both, Alicia had Third Eye. She didn’t answer immediately, her eyes beginning to glow as she turned it on and went for a closer look. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but she would probably know it when she saw it. There was the familiar warmth and glow of the ShineSpark. It didn't seem to be burning as brightly as one would expect. Gazing deeper though it looked like one of many lights in a field of stars. This would be somewhat familiar to Alicia as she'd witnessed how the potion had enveloped and changed Janet the first time. 

The sight was strange, but it did seem to back up what Janet was saying. Alicia’s eyes returned to normal as she took a step back. The corner of her mouth ticked downwards as she frowned, though her anger was perhaps not as poignant as before. [color=aba000]”Purified of the Spark. That’s pretty ironic,”[/color] she said to herself. 

Having taken a moment to appreciate that fact, she returned to the dilemma at hand. [color=aba000]”Do you want me to talk to the Cardinal, see if she knows anyone who might be able to help?”[/color] 

Holding her breath for a bit too long, Jenna took in some air. She stepped back as well and took a seat. [color=plum]”Yeah. We didn’t really think much of it at first and would figure it out later since it wasn’t really doing anything. This and the Spark aren’t necessarily opposed, it’s just… over zealous. You can ask the Cardinal. I don’t really know if she’ll have anyone that knows more about it than us though. Our wish has pretty much taught us everything there is to know about it.”[/color]

Janet had looked back at her sister while she spoke. [color=khaki]”I don’t want to leave Beacon, but I expect that once we’ve lost our Spark we won’t be allowed back in. If we aren’t outright Excommunicated. I doubt Rachel will believe any of this no matter what we say.”[/color] She fidgeted with her hair a bit. [color=khaki]”I’m… not sure what to do.”[/color]

Well, it was hardly a situation that anyone could envy. Alicia nodded along slowly, her mind already going to work on the problem. Yet if the two girls who knew purification the best did not have a solution, then what chance did she have? Better to turn to someone who might have access to more arcane knowledge. [color=aba000]”I’ll do that then.”[/color] You never knew, maybe Beacon had run into this sort of thing before. At the very least it would have been foolish to not try.

The mention of Rachel earned a wince. [color=aba000]”Yeah, I can imagine how well that will go. ‘Purifying the Spark’ is going to be hard for her to believe even if she sees it.”[/color] After all, the Spark was supposed to be Light. They’d seen it get twisted before, but never deleted. [color=aba000]”I’m...not sure what to do there either,’[/color] she admitted hesitantly. 

[color=khaki]”Don’t…”[/color] There was a moment where she stopped and rolled back her thoughts. [color=khaki]”I’m sorry. I don’t mean to dump all these things on you. I just don’t know who else to talk to that won’t try and kill or exploit us. Don’t worry about it too much. I’ve gotten myself in a lot of this mess trying to find ways to do things not by the books so to speak. I just want to help and everyone sees it like we’re betraying them or mad scientists out to experiment on everyone. I know I wished for more potions, I didn’t expect it to fill our heads with all this magical knowledge. What else was I supposed to do with it?”[/color] This stuff had been tumbling around in her head since the wish. Some even before as she tried to hold out an olive branch. It seemed as though it was all taking a toll. Jenna tried comforting and steadying her sister with a hug. 

Alicia remained in place, unmoving and just allowing Janet to vent as she lamented her situation and the problems that had resulted from it. It seemed like the nicest thing to do at the moment, So she’d let the Twins say what they needed to say, and think in the meanwhile. 

[color=aba000]”it’s fine,”[/color] she assured them both. [color=aba000]”I may not be an Empath, but I am supposed to be here for all of my sisters, as much as I might disagree with them. And you’ve still caused less general chaos and problems than Rachel has. Things will work out as long as you keep trying.”[/color] She wasn’t sure if she really had better advice than that, at least in the present. 

After letting off a little emotion Janet dried her eyes that had filled a bit with tears. Taking in a long breath she tried relaxing again. Rather than dwell on her own downward spiral she shifted subjects slightly. [color=khaki]”Speaking of. Rachel wants us to make a weapon. Something that can purify others when used on them. I’m not certain we can do it like she wants. I’m kind of… Well, do you think such a thing would be good to have?”[/color] She wanted to know Alicia’s opinion on the matter. She usually was good about giving the sisters a different perspective without throwing them under the bus.

Alicia frowned, thoughtfully stroking her chin as she considered what Rachel had asked the Twins to make. As much as she might want to say one thing, the more rational part of her could not follow those words. [color=aba000]”Honestly, that sort of thing could have been pretty useful. We’d spare a lot of suffering if it were easier to purify people.”[/color] Without their consent if need be. But that might just be the fight with Mariette showing. Who could know for sure?

[color=khaki]”Mm. We’ll give it our best shot then. No guarantees it’ll work though. We have to be careful not to make something someone could steal and turn into something else.”[/color] That was certainly the last thing they wanted and the biggest hurdle for sure. Removing the consent part is risky.

While Janet was understandably cautious about what they were making, Alicia remained confident. If anyone could do it, it would be them. The sooner the better, with the way that things were going. [color=aba000]”Nothing ventured nothing gained, I guess,”[/color] she said in turn. As much as they were pushing a line, she was not convinced that it was a line that they did not need to cross. 

The mention of it being stolen did raise another concern though. [color=aba000]”Is Cindy going to make this an issue?”[/color] Alicia asked. Considering how it had messed with their plans already, another wrinkle like that would not be….helpful.

[color=khaki]"Because of how we have to make it, someone would need to use a potion like we did and the weapon would act as a channel. At the moment that means only Jenna, Cindy, and I would be able to use it. I think she's banking on only us having access."[/color] She mused. 

Despite what was said, Alicia could not help but note that it was not a firm answer. Still, she supposed it would have to be good enough for now. They didn’t even know if they could make a functional weapon in the first place, so Cindy getting up to tricks was a bit pre-emptive to worry about.

[color=aba000]”Well, I guess I’ll wish you good luck then.”[/color] The sooner they got things under control in this city, the better. 

Managing a weak smile the girl closed her eyes and took a slow breath. She looked tired, which was a little unusual for a genki girl. Shortly after though her appearance changed signalling Cindy was now in control. Seeing a familiar and safe place she seemed content at least. Realizing Alicia was there she straightened up a bit. [color=cyan]”Paladin Seraph.”[/color] She addressed the girl with her title given by Beacon. 

Alicia was only slightly surprised as Janet found herself falling under the sway of Cindy once more. Despite this though, she didn’t really have anything else to say to the spectre. Unless Cindy had something to say to her of course. She’d said what she needed to. [color=aba000]”Cindy,”[/color] she replied with a curt nod. [color=aba000]”The Twins wanted to talk.I’ll get myself out of your hair now if you’d prefer.”[/color]

Considering the gesture for a couple seconds, she shook her head. [color=cyan]"No, you are just the one I want to speak to right now."[/color] She would say rather matter of fact. [color=cyan]"I have been observing and conversing with the twins about our arrangement. With everything that has happened it is clear that my presence puts myself and them more at risk. I wish to seek a way to separate from your friend."[/color] perhaps easier said than done. Janet's persistence, her sister, and their magic was more than she'd bargained for. There might have been some intent to exploit the girl, but it was becoming more clear that was not a war she could win. 

Alicia maintained silence as Cindy laid out what she wanted, It was a sudden shift in opinion, but she had a feeling that she knew why. After all, if this potion could eliminate the Spark, what was to say that it would not seek to remove her next?

[color=aba000]”Well, I suppose I can’t argue with that,”[/color] Alicia agreed with another nod. [color=aba000]””Did you just want my blessing, or do you have a plan?”[/color]

[color=cyan]”I thought it best you should know. Penny seemed to have some idea that might be helpful. I was thinking after the twin’s training is complete I could seek her out to see what can be done.”[/color] Looking off for a moment she sighed. It was less than ideal. Everything about her existence was though.

Hearing that Penny was involved made Alicia feel at least a little better. She’d keep an eye on the twins and their carry-along persona. [color=aba000]”That’s good to hear. Keep me in the loop with how things go.”[/color] She didn’t want any more unpleasant surprises if she could avoid it. 

[color=plum]”We’ll be sure to update you.”[/color] This was her first time hearing this herself. She and Cindy talked, but she didn’t realize she’d made a choice. It made her feel a lot better about the situation though. They just needed to get through this week and move forward.