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Things progressed at a rapid pace, people sharply reacting to Rachel’s decree in a mostly negative manner. Not that that was a surprise, even if Dan’s dimension was not at stake. It seemed like she could have said the sky was blue and people would object to it.
 
Then the situation changed, resulting in a Keijo tournament for the fate of the Mirror as well as the dimension. As much as she wanted to ensure Mariette lost, this seemed like a task best left to Rachel. She seemed to have things pretty well in hand, Dan’s dimension or not.
 
At least someone else seemed to be getting something out of this. She turned, grinning as Kimble voiced her intention to get revenge. [color=aba000]“Well, I’d be careful. You’re a bit different than the last time you did Keijo. She might not have experience, but don’t get overconfident.”[/color] That was what she said before rising to her feet and heading to go talk to Rachel, as she had initially said that she would.

Kimble rolled her eyes with an amused expression.
[color=8dc73f]”Alright then. Good luck talking to Rachel,”[/color] she spoke as she waved goodbye to her.
 
Coming up to the Inquisitor, Alicia gave a small nod. [color=aba000]“Quite the spectacle,”[/color] she observed. [color=aba000]“I can’t say I disagree with the idea to take the Mirror. It’s more than anyone else was willing to do.”[/color] There was too much blind trust in Mariette’s supposed cleansing, and not enough caution towards Asengav in general. She could at least be glad of the proactive nature there.

Rachel was standing outside with her arms crossed, facing away from Alicia. She couldn’t see her face, but the Paladin Seraph could tell that she was absolutely livid based on her trembling. Violette was next to her, her face pale.
“...Did you know about this?” Rachel asked, her calm words seemingly strained to contain her fury.
“What kind of ludicrous, absurd, unwholesome disgrace I have been tricked into?”
She turned towards Alicia, her face red like a tomato.
“To think that they would try such an underhanded, dirty tactic...Well, I’m not going to give up! I will endure this humiliation if it means I can fulfill my holy duty and shatter that detestable artifact as well as this revolting reality.”

Alicia was taken aback when she finally reached where Rachel had positioned herself. It seemed she had figured out what Keijo was already. [color=aba000]“I did,”[/color] Alicia confirmed with a nod. Reaching into her stuff, she produced the scrying artifact that she had been given by Beacon. Typically a scepter, it had been shifted into a small candy cane by the magic of this dimension.

Turning, she activated the magic of the artifact and used it to cut a small hole in front of them, through which they could see Alicia playing Keijo the last time she was here. [color=aba000]“The patron here has particular….quirks.”[/color]

"Pah, don't show me such...Oh, it's you." Rachel observed the match pictured in the divination with much intent, seemingly studying her movements.
"I must be honest, I did not expect you to have an understanding of this...sport."

Alicia could appreciate the fact that Rachel had not provided any criticism of her performance that was on display. She shrugged, stepping back to stand next to Rachel so they could see unobstructed as events played out.[color=aba000] “Necessity is the mother of invention.Ultimately it’s all about leverage and momentum. And wacky magic tricks, but what else is new?”[/color]

Rachel's eyes were on the astral feed. "I see…" She was deep in thought. "I assumed it’s all but a farce...But it seems there’s more to it than mere child’s play. Paladin Seraph, do you have a prediction of who will challenge me at the end of the demon’s tournament? Who would be the strongest and most skilled among the participants here?”

Humming in thought, Alicia glanced at the rest of the hall as she stroked her chin. [color=aba000]“Well, I’m not sure who all intends to compete,”[/color] she noted. [color=aba000]“But skill will probably depend on whoever’s done this before.”[/color] Mariette certainly had a wide consort of people to draw on, but she had the feeling that they’d treat it with varying degrees of seriousness. [color=aba000]“I’d say Penny if she chooses to compete, and that girl who tried to take a shot at you before. Time magic can be a strong advantage, in lieu of Gravity.”[/color]

Rachel put a hand to her chin. "Yes, Penny seems the most likely candidate. Hmm...I suppose I could make some preparations for the labor at hand. Pal...Alicia," she corrected herself, showing surprising uncertainty. "I would appreciate it if you were to assist me with your practical experience in Keijo."

There had not been any doubt that Rachel would take this seriously, but at least she had some appreciation for what she had gotten herself into now. [color=aba000]“I would be happy to assist,”[/color] she replied with a small bow and a smile. [color=aba000]“If it’s alright for Kimble to come with us. She may want to get her sparring legs back before the matches begin. She wants to get some revenge on Justine, if our former ally slash enemy competes.”[/color]

“So Kimble will participate? Interesting. Of course she can spar with us. We shall strive to use our time in an efficient manner. And, Alicia...Thank you.” She offered a handshake.

There was something ironic about Keijo being the thing that would get Rachel to start working with and trusting Alicia, compared to all the other Beacon business that they got up to on a daily basis. Perhaps Dan was a bit more correct than she had previously thought when he promoted this particular sport. Though she should probably wait to see the outcome before committing to that.

For now she smiled and took Rachel’s hand in a firm shake. [color=aba000]“You’re welcome Rachel.”[/color] With Kimble accompanying them, they could kill two birds with one stone. So long as they didn’t over exercise, it might also be a fun chance to get some karmic revenge. But not too much revenge, lest things go overboard again.

[color=aba000]“Just let me go get Kimble and we can get started.”[/color] Once her hand was released she stepped back and turned to return to the table where Kimble was seated. All in all, that meeting had gone pretty well.

Approaching the group at the table, she was quick to address them. [color=aba000]“Sorry to cut this short, but I need Kimble for something,”[/color] she said to those gathered there, before gesturing for Kimble to follow her. They needed to get this practice show on the road.

Kimble’s chatting ended the moment she saw Alicia, and eagerly waited for her return.
[color=8dc73f]”Oh? Did something happen with Rachel?”[/color]
She asked as she followed after her to Rachel.
“Kimble, we will be sparring together for Keijo. I have received a report that you have also participated in Keijo matches previously, so I demand...request,” she again corrected herself, “That you share that expertise with us in the ring.”

Kimble was shocked, her mouth in a wide circle.
[color=8dc73f]”Whoah! O-Of course, Inquisitor! I’ll do my best!”[/color]
She accepted the handshake offered to her as well, and Rachel gave an unusually warm smile...before it turned to a stern one.
“Alright, let’s get started then.”

Nodding, Alicia returned with Kimble to the other Ascendancy members. It seemed that her good mood extended further, as Rachel was also eager to seek assistance from Kimble in readying herself for the tournament. Now she was really willing to give Dan credit for his idea.

[color=aba000]“Let’s get to it,”[/color] she agreed. Together they headed out to one of the practice areas in order to begin practicing. They’d work on Rachel’s balance, experimenting with momentum and leverage of weight. They’d test various combat techniques combined with her magic, and have her spar with Kimble a bit. A veritable training montage to ensure that both Rachel and Kimble were ready for the tournament to come.