[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/F0vFooB.png[/img][/center] Three girls approached the entrance of the Sanctuary. One had long white hair, striking ice blue eyes, and a calm, almost disarming aura about her. Following behind were twins wearing elegant black dresses adorned with roses, one had plum colored hair with curled ponytails while the other had mostly short royal blue hair. Speaking with the one posted at the door they requested speaking with Penny Asimov. The girl posted at the door was outside the Sanctuary rather than inside it as normal, they also seemed to be out of uniform, either that or their uniform was rather mundane compared to normal. Baggy cargo pants, and a large zipper jacket. The hood was up, but the girl in question was leaning up against the wall looking towards the sky so her face wasn’t fully hidden. And long neon blue hair could be seen spilling from within the hood as well. [color=9e0039]“Newcomers looking for the Queen?”[/color] The girl would ask, still gazing skyward [color=9e0039]“Mind if I ask what it is you’re wanting to talk with her about?”[/color] Taking a little more time to observe the one before her, Kayli offered a smile. Drawing on memories not her own was still a bit slow for her. [b]”I wish to be of assistance to you and the inhabitants. My name is Kayli Devon, the Keeper of the Keys. However, you may more recognize my predecessors, Cindy and the Howell sisters.”[/b] She offered some vague, yet apparently truthful information about herself. Penny would adjust her gaze towards three girls in front of her, taking a closer look at all three of them with a guarded look in her still golden eyes. Locking eyes with Kayli after a moment [color=9e0039]“And how exactly did this latest twist come to be?”[/color] [b]”The twins attempted to make use of a wish and I was the result.”[/b] She answered calmly. Sitting forward Penny would maintain eye contact, before speaking softly [color=9e0039]“Running full system diagnostics. Machine status: Fully operational. Combat Stations: Online. All Systems: Primed and Ready.”[/color] A short transformation sequence later and the Queen was no longer in hiding. [color=9e0039][u][b]“And what assistance is it that you want to provide to me and mine?”[/b][/u][/color] She would ask still sitting, though the pressure of her presence was notably greater now that she was no longer sealed. She opened her mouth for a moment but paused briefly as if considering something. It wasn’t long before she continued. [b]”I am made up of your friends. Facets of their personalities and memories. My magic has been altered though so I may provide others with purification unassisted. That is my primary purpose. But I do wish to fulfill some of the goals Janet, Jenna, and Cindy did. I can help with defense in the form of wards and maintain the peace with my own inherent presence.”[/b] She offered. For the moment she was acting a little like Janet with her straight forward answers. There certainly didn’t seem to be any attempt to hide anything. [color=9e0039][u][b]“So, potions and Coins still, just cutting out the middleman.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say with an amused lilt as she stood. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I take it Alicia doesn’t know about this”[/b][/u][/color] She would say more than ask, knowing that if Alicia had Penny would have learned before just now. [color=9e0039][u][b]“And what about them?”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would go on before Kayli could answer, nodding at the rose themed girls that flanked the Keeper of Keys. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Who are they?”[/b][/u][/color] She would ask looking at the girls in question willing to let them answer in place of Kayli if they wanted. Rose waved a bit, somewhat excited. [color=plum]”Good to see you, uh, again? I think we’ve met. You can call me Rose.”[/color] The blue haired girl hadn’t entirely been paying attention, looking around from time to time. Now she just nodded a bit. [color=royalblue]”Iris. We are the Keeper’s Guard”[/color] Kayli let out a little sigh as she turned back to Penny. [b]”Hilde tried to pull the Howell’s out of the magic from the wish and got caught up in the transformation as well. They are my allies and defenders. It is unfortunate, but we are unable to change our fates now.”[/b] She shrugged a bit. The two other girls didn’t seem to mind Kayli implying that they served her. Penny would nod as she folded her arms across her middle as she continued to examine the three before her. She would be silent for a few moments, obviously contemplating. [color=9e0039][u][b]“You are free to enter Sanctuary, it’s never been my prerogative to turn away those that find this place, nor am I going to change that anytime soon.”[/b][/u][/color] She would start once again settling her focus on Kayli [color=9e0039][u][b]“But there are two things I want to cover with you before you head inside. First is a promise I made to those within the Sanctuary.”[/b][/u][/color] [color=9e0039][u][b]“I promised that I would never enforce purification on them, as I know that there are some that prefer their new found forms. To say nothing of the fact that they have been forced to lose the form they had before. Know that if you break that promise of mine there will be consequences.”[/b][/u][/color] She would explain firmly. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Secondly, if they ask, you get to explain what happened to Cindy. I won’t announce it to them that you used to be her, but Cindy and Janet did put me in an uncomfortable spot for a moment. So if it comes up, it is your responsibility to explain it.”[/b][/u][/color] [color=9e0039][u][b]“If you can agree to those two points we won’t have any complications going forward.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would conclude comfortably. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Any questions?”[/b][/u][/color] [b]”I agree to and with your terms. I may be tasked with purification, but I would much prefer it be done by choice. And who I was is not as important in my opinion. It might be better to consider me as inspired by the others.”[/b] Her mood shifted a bit as her smile brightened up. This process was going to have to be repeated when she went to talk with Alicia. There had been some internal debate on who she should go to first. Eventually the Sanctuary won out as the wish was primarily made for them. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I consider you someone new compared to who it is that comprised your memories.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say [color=9e0039][u][b]“I’ve enough experience with splitting and stitching the soul than to assume you are the same as them. But not everyone is going to be the same, and I’m not going to be the one feilding the questions when people start asking.”[/b][/u][/color] Silently Penny wondered how the Sanctuary would feel to learn that the Cindy copy was now gone. Mostly relieved she was willing to bet, but her being the one to tell them might not be received too well considering how poorly her first announcement of it went. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Regardless, welcome to Sanctuary”[/b][/u][/color] [b]”I see no reason to bring it up. I’m telling you because I trust you. If it does come up then I will explain as best I can.”[/b] Seemed the best direction to go. [b]”And thank you. Even though I’ve never been here myself, I miss the place.”[/b] She gave a warm smile as she was let in. Penny would nod once again, some of her cold demeanor finally bleeding away as she turned to lead the way. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Follow me, I’ll introduce you to Dina. She’s the Regent so she’ll want to meet you as well.”[/b][/u][/color] With that she would open the door and step inside. From there she would lead the three back into Penny’s room. It was larger than most of the other rooms in the Sanctuary and was divided into two parts, one was a sitting room. Which had a halfway decent couch and a couple jury rigged chairs around a rough metal coffee table that had a handmade metal chess board set up on it. The other part was the bedroom, which rather than actually having a bed held a large nest of blankets and a night stand that had a plush doll of Penny and a small lamp. Dina for the most part, was curled up atop the massive pile of blankets, her tail swishing lazily as she waited for a couple of catmaids to serve her a snack. She had gone through a lot of experiences, and since she had managed to convince that despite the gruesome toll the bakenekos sustained during the attack. Her eyes rested lazily on the opening door as she stretched into a more graceful position, scanning the new arrival. “Your Highness? Fancy a snack?” She said, questioning Penny, as she ushered the maids to go and increase the snack amount. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I’m fine Dina, don’t want to dip into the screws at the moment.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say as she walked into the sleeping area [color=9e0039][u][b]“Brought along company though. A few new faces that want to help defend Sanctuary, they are also bringing Purification expertise.”[/b][/u][/color] Seeming more at home inside, Kayli took a brief moment to look around while being led down. Probably the most notable thing aside from the people there was the statue to Cindy. That perhaps added a little context to what Penny had said earlier. Regardless when presented to Dina, Kayli gave a respectful little bow with Rose and Iris following her lead. [b]”It’s a pleasure to meet you Dina. I hope we aren’t interrupting. My name is Kayli Devon and these are my allies, Rose and Iris Silva.”[/b] Dina’s eyes went back and forth with the trio of people that had come in. She was about to greet them with a smile, when the word “Purification” was slung around. Her wariness then kicked into full gear and assumed a neutral expression. “Pleasure is all mine.” She said in a rather cold addressing. “And I am the one that should be asked for leave. This is her Highness room after all. However, If I am bold to assume, I would say she wishes me to make sure you all feel welcome with the due respect you deserve.” She paused for a moment. “Would you care for a snack?” Thus far Dina kept her cool as expected. Though this was just the beginning. [b]”If it isn’t too much trouble that would be lovely.”[/b] Kayli responded back. “Not at all. [i] Just the usual[/i]” She said, as she snapped her fingers to signal the squad of maids. [color=9e0039][u][b]"I brought them here to meet you"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would confirm once greetings were exchanged. [color=9e0039][u][b]"They didn't come seeking refuge like most of those here, they came looking to give assistance."[/b][/u][/color] She would explain pulling over one of the chairs. [color=9e0039][u][b]"Both as defender and warders, but also in offering purification to those who want it."[/b][/u][/color] Dina's wariness about purification was known to Penny, as she held some of her own concerns on the topic as well. Which was the main reason she wanted to introduce everyone. More eyes on Kayli to help keep things going smooth, and make sure she wasn't taking advantage of the girls here. [color=9e0039][u][b]"Dina is the Regent."[/b][/u][/color] Penny would turn towards Kayli and her followers [color=9e0039][u][b]"I'm not always available, for a host of reasons, but she speaks with my voice when I'm not available"[/b][/u][/color] Nodding to the explanation, the three visitors took a seat. [b]”Yes. I have heard of this place as a refuge for those that are hunted or may not have a home. While I am not a monster girl myself I am quite familiar with the hardships they experience. I understand that this facility was attacked recently. I can create defenses to hide and ward off others from slipping in unannounced.”[/b] She would begin with something relevant, since it was surely a fresh topic. Dina took a small breath as she looked at the newcomers. “It’s not the first time I have heard this plight. Not the last time I shall hear of it.” The catgirl then licked one of her hands and adjusted one of her ears, as her sight pierced. “It’s either folly, or hides ulterior motives. Especially if you pair it with the Purification, the anathema that Beacon has for monster girls.” She paused. “We’re not in a position to be exactly trusting, even if you are truly sincere.” “I’ve met you before. Not with this face. But not with this name either. Yet the paradigm stays the say. How can the purifier support the corrupted?” [b]”Why must it always be so black and white? I don’t wish to purify those who refuse it. Not everyone is unhappy with how they are. And that is perfectly fine. I am not beholden to anyone, much less Beacon. They may agree with some things I do, but I doubt their leadership at large will be happy with me before long. An unfortunate but necessary consequence if one actually wishes to operate beyond their rigid mindset.”[/b] Her eyes narrowed a bit, but the move almost seemed in jest as she brightened up again. Waving a hand next to her she couldn’t help but smile. [b]”Besides, what I offer is far more refined than any potion or coin. There are some mental mutations that are less than helpful to themselves and those around them. Individual mutations can be selectively removed while leaving the rest of someone as they are.”[/b] Folding her hands in her lap, Kayli kept her eyes on Dina. [b]”If it is the case that you do not want or need anything from me though that is just as well. Penrose has enough going on to keep anyone occupied.”[/b] An understatement if there ever was one. Sanctuary or no, her work was cut out for her. Penny was tempted to point out the hypocrisy of asking for a non black and white out look while painting Beacon in purely black and white roles, but didn’t really want to hash out that argument at the moment. She made no secret about her status as a Beacon member to the girls here, she never had, but somehow people kept forgetting it. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Sanctuary is open to all who need it”[/b][/u][/color] She would say instead [color=9e0039][u][b]“Even if we turn down your offer of purification, healers and defenders are always welcome. Though we would need to move before S.E.P. wards started to work again I think”[/b][/u][/color] “Yet, for it to stay open… certain agreements have to be made.” Dina said. “T’was never about the black or white… but more of what it appears to be. Sanctuary can’t afford to be murked down.” She paused. “Thing is, we’re just a bunch of misfits. But we’re not exactly rebels. Your offer is welcome, however, it is folly to assume that people will agree with such… outlook you have quite easily.” Dina said. “I know you mean well.” She paused. “But you must be careful about it. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as they say.” She perked up, when she smelled the tray of tea and pastries her cat girls had managed to bring in to serve. “Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I cannot afford to drag Sanctuary into more than we can chew.” “So, here’s the thing.” She perked. “You never ever mentioned purification. You are just a healer who for some reason, likes tea and biscuits.” Dina said nonchalantly. “Don’t advertise what you’re capable of. Start little by little.” She added. “That way we can see how serious you are.” Kayli listened carefully, and for a moment she didn’t seem to catch Dina’s drift. Were her sensibilities not as mellowed out she might have taken offense. Presented with tea and the pastry she took part and thanked the maids with a smile. Mulling it over she eventually nodded in agreement. [b]”Yes, you are right.”[/b] She held the cup and saucer daintily, clearly versed in some etiquette when presented something more familiar. Looking between Dina and Penny she chuckled to herself a bit. [b]”I am glad I came. Things are still a bit confusing for me and I could use some grounding. I would love to assist you in any way I can.”[/b] Taking a sip of her tea the tension in her body relaxed a bit. It wasn’t something she realized was happening. She really didn’t want to screw this up, and given who she was there was ample opportunity for that. Penny waved off the maid that approached her with a smile. The serving tray was filled with bits of polished scrap from the looks of it and Penny would have to remember to thank them for the thought next chance she got. [color=9e0039][u][b]"It's nothing against you"[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say after giving everyone a chance to settle in with their tea. [color=9e0039][u][b]"More so that the last time wide scale free purification was brought up here in the Sanctuary it nearly ended badly."[/b][/u][/color] She would look down as she contemplated how to go about explaining things. [color=9e0039][u][b]"I have contacts due to my connections. Who provided some potions and coins for the sake of offering what you now offer. Few trusted it then, it's not much better now"[/b][/u][/color] [b]"Oh, I see.[/b] She glanced at Rose and Iris for a moment before looking back to Penny. [b]"I don't want to create more trouble if it can be avoided."[/b] Apparently she would have to shelve some of her ideas for the time being. To an extent it conflicted with the purpose of her creation. She still wanted to help everyone here as best she could, and there were many ways to do that so it would be alright. “There’s more help than just fancy abilities who tend to attract attention.” Dina said. “You could run errands. Not all girls here have… amenable appearances, as you might have surmised.” [color=9e0039][u][b]“Shoring up defenses is something else, as well as medical help”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would add [color=9e0039][u][b]“Most of the wards on this place are to prevent people from finding it which is quickly proving to be no longer any real defense. And there are only a few girls that live here full time that have access to magic that can help heal.”[/b][/u][/color] [color=9e0039][u][b]“I appreciate the offer, and I feel that you do genuinely want to help the girls here.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say before sighing a bit [color=9e0039][u][b]“It’s just that the timing of it all that’s the issue. Some of the girls here are still unsettled due to an attack that happened recently, same day as the purification announcement in fact. Slow and steady is the best way at the moment otherwise they are going to scatter and then no one gets helped.”[/b][/u][/color] For the most part the two other girls had waited quietly. Beginning to see a pattern though Iris would speak up. [color=royalblue]"I think we get it. Kayli can let her passion get ahead of her sometimes. Rose and I can keep an eye on her. Slow her down."[/color] Catching a slightly surprised look from Kayli, Iris gave her a cheeky grin. Keeping their leader out of trouble was their job after all. “Believe me… It’s not the first time I have seen tempers very hard to control.” Dina said, as she stared at the trio. “So, are we in agreement?” She said, eyeing Penny first and then the trio of girls. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I’m fine with this”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would agree with a nod. [b]”I can agree with that.”[/b] Kayli would confirm. The two others would nod as well. “Then we have reached a consensus. Let us enjoy the tea then.” Dina said, as she began to cat-lick her own brew. “We can hash out details later.”