“Bit late for that now.” Dina said to Mariette, as she was given a firsthand show of the spectacle that was brewing. She then began to walk, tension in every step she made.

Dina clenched her fist as her tail was swishing. She surely had wished for reinforcements, but she did not expect this. It was spinning out of control fast. And her patron… Well, she mercifully thought wisdom was not her forte.

But Penny? As a queen she should have been better. Rachel could have called them off at any moment, and what she was going to avoid with a single duel, further bastardized by Oros… had become a mockery of what she had initially intended.

A tournament with a pittance to win, and much to lose? And was he a lesser force of happiness? No doubt he was… so ineffectual. She needed to have a word with Dan.

The Lesser Force was wiping his brow with a polkadot napkin when he saw Dina, and immediately broke into an uneasy smile. "Uh, Dina, I know this looks bad, but it wasn't supposed to end up like this. We planned to have Rachel be placed with Penny in the first round, so she'd have a more difficult time to win." He turned to Penny with a nervous look. "Right?"

[color=9e0039][u][b]“That, and not having the Dimension up for grabs either”[/b][/u][/color] Penny’s counterfeit would agree as she pinched the bridge of her nose. [color=9e0039][u][b]“At the very least the later half of that was accomplished. The mirror is up for grabs still but no one has noticed that the agreement for the realm isn’t a part of the tournament. So that’s two chances against Rachel if things get that far.”[/b][/u][/color]

Dina sighed. “Do you think that will stop Rachel?” The catgirl eyed Penny, and there was a rather noticeable look of disapproval in her face. “If cheap rethorics and technicalities stopped the Ascendancy, I would have claimed victory decades ago.”

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Considering they like to claim the moral high ground it might help”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would interrupt, [color=9e0039][u][b]“And Rachel is zealous about following her word. She’s declared her intention to fight the champion of the tourney for the Mirror. Fine, the tourney isn’t involving the Beach, that is still another fight needed and time to possibly dissuade her. Not that I think the latter is really an option.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Regardless, even if it isn’t enough to stop her it is still time to figure things out.”[/b][/u][/color]

“I wasn’t done talking, your majesty.” Dina hissed. “We had Rachel on her one track mission, and we had carefully laid it so no one but her and another one would fight.” Her gaze rested on Dan. “And then you commit resources in a frivolous tournament for a mirror we have no use for, undermine my courtly approach about losing Dan’s base of operations, and to top it off, this Keijo tournament won’t make people happy in the slightest, except for maybe Oros or Sanngridr, and that’s a stretch.”

“Which precisely goes against the nature of Dan himself.” The catgirl grunted. “It’s a blessing Rachel is too dazzled by the situation she has not yet realized she can just call foul and press forward with destroying the dimension. Despite, and not because of your plan.”

“By the way, If you’re so sure of your planning ability, why are you talking to me through a proxy, your majesty? Still hooked up on that dreamy courtesan? I had thought that maybe having so many copies running around could get some decent evacuation preparation for the worst, but who am I to talk? After all, my own Queen and my Patron keep walking over my earnest attempts.”

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Except that Rachel can’t call foul considering that the person who first issues the challenge for the dimension wasn’t even qualified to make such and could have been overturned if you hadn’t legitimized it.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would reply, her voice turning hard. [color=9e0039][u][b]“But you went and accepted a challenge that could lead to your Patron losing his home without consulting him if he would even be willing to allow that. Thus undercutting his authority in his own home.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“There is also the fact that you are objectively incorrect about how the overall effect that this tournament being declared has had. Already there are a half dozen people growing closer because of it, lessening tensions over all rather than leading to a net increase of them.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“The fact that I am a counterfeit does not mean I don’t speak with the Prime’s voice, nor does it mean that I am simply idle. There are six other copies out there running recon at this moment. Which is more than can be said about your choice to waste energy on tearing into us.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny’s eyes were glowing brightly even as her voice maintained it’s calm level, but the fact that she had gone inhumanly still was telling on its own.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Your ‘earnest attempt’ has done more to jeopardize the Beach than mine has.”[/b][/u][/color]

Dan looked on as the two girls’ debate had turned into an outright argument, and looked sad about it.
“Now, let’s, umm, just calm down...” He spoke in an awkward mumble.

Dina's pupils contracted into slits upon hearing Penny making such cold arguments as a reply. Had she been of flesh, she would have gotten a nasty claw swipe directed at hair. By now, her tail was completely stiff, hairs poking out in every direction as if she had been shocked.

"Calm down." She snarled. "That's all you have to say, Patron?" Dina said in a low, growling tone.

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, Dina switched back to Penny. "Let me guess… you analyzed the frequency of smiles and giggles and the breathing rhythm of all the people." Her eyes were now tightly locked with Penny's. "People getting together only needed an excuse, because those getting together are either plucky… or are falling in with their respective factions. But when it comes to trade blows, a lot of people are going to reel from it. Grudges will no doubt form even more."

"And I find distasteful you cannot have five minutes for the regent without a proxy." Dina continued to stare at Penny. "And doing recon...what is the use of recon if half of us can teleport in and out here anyway." The cat girl said. "Would it not be better to make a contingency plan should Rachel win?" 

"I also cannot fathom why you agreed to this considering your past brushes with Patron Dan." Dina answered back.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I listened and watched.”[/b][/u][/color] Came Penny’s sharp reply [color=9e0039][u][b]“The ones doing recon are watching what everyone is doing. Which is how I know that Justine, Lily and Alex are practicing; together. Same with others. It’s how I know what type of competitor Rachel is going to be.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“It’s how I know which fighters are going to be in this at all, which is more than you can say.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would meet Dina stare with one of her own, unblinking in intensity. [color=9e0039][u][b]“And what sorts of contingency plans are we going to need? As you so rightly said, all of us teleported here, we will all be able to do the same to leave so no need for evacuations. It’s Keijo so no need to worry about anyone suitably injured.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Best contingency for if Rachel wins is to make it an empty one in regards to the Beach. Which I already did. So tell me Dina, what do you think we should be doing right now? Wasting energy or working on the next damned step?”[/b][/u][/color]

Dina just snarled, as Beast magic was put into place. It was one of her summons, as she whispered.

"Glutton of dreams, Baku." She said, as she manifested into reality something that did resemble a tapir-like version of Dan, albeit one with grubby hands and a shifty smile.

"Baku, research the gift of dreams that was bestowed unto me. I want to ascertain the potential combat application of such."

Dina did not stop staring at Penny. "Who says I was not working on it already, your majesty?" It was then when she eyed Dan. "Unlike Rachel, I am not willing to take part in this farce. Do not try to coerce me."

"Now where is that birdbr-" It was then when a shadow engulfed the trio, as a certain Valkyrie was now landing next to Dina, a slimy smile plastered all over her face.

"Kitty training." Sanngridr said." An exchange. Runes for Keijo Training?"

Dina set an aside glance. She never knew whether Sann was either too stupid or smart for her own good. "Acceptable. You will be my champion in Keijo. I shall conserve my strength for the aftermath. I trust Odin vouches for your boldness."

Sann said. "Pappy Odin might be joining actually. To dissuade foul play. Brain whispered me."

"Good...wait what?" Dina's anger was broken all of a sudden upon hearing the news. "Does he even know what Keijo is?"

"He knows many things." It was Sann who replied, making Dina grunt in frustration again.


Penny’s flat smile was the only reply that she would give while Dina started working. She remained unmoved when Sann portaled in as well, though her gaze did shift to watch both the Valkyrie and the Regent. The glance Dina gave didn’t go unnoticed, but would remain unremarked upon.

There was a quiet sound of a metal latch being thrown at the proclamation that Sann would be acting in Dina’s stead for the tournament, but other than that Penny maintained her closed off look.

Mention of Odin possibly joining had her turning her attention towards Dan for the first time. “Is that something you are going to allow?” She would ask calmly, the edge to her voice when she had been arguing with Dina absent in her inquiry to the Dolphin. Though it was still flatter than normal and if one looked closely they could see that her teeth were closer to razor blades then normal.

The dolphin shivered as the Deity's name was invoked. "Well, Keijo is a competition strictly between magically gifted girls, not Patrons, especially since this will have official rules and not be a sparring session. However, if Odin decides he wants to compete, I can't really stop him." He seemed to be in thought as he rubbed his chin. "But if enough magical girls reject him, then I'd be able to prevent his application with the magic in your hearts."

Sann left her spot beside the Noble catgirl and then decided it was a better use of her time to caress the little patron’s chin."He isn't interested in the tournament more than a passing fancy, but watching a boring skewed tournament would… displease him." She spoke, her voice suddenly gaining a serious tone. "Come to think of it…" She then leaned on him. "Since you have been a decent host so far, why not ask him to enforce fairness?"

It was Dina who replied, somewhat surprised at the level of realpolitik displayed by what she assumed was a birdbrain. "It's true that Odin is an ominous god, but he seems to be the least involved in the state of affairs present. Might be good to prevent another Rachel flying off the handle."

Dan was surprised by Sann's suggestion. "He would do that? I mean, I figured he'd just want to drink and watch the matches, but sure, I can ask him!" He seemed to have his spirits lifted. "He would make the perfect enforcer. So, I'll be going now. See ya later!" He waved his fin and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Penny returned to her quiet observations after hearing Dan’s answer. It wasn’t a terrible surprise to hear both that Dan wasn’t strong enough to deny the Deity on his own, nor that a rallied force could grant Dan the power to bar the All Father from joining. Still she was much assured to know that she wouldn’t have to contend with a god in a Keijo match. That didn’t mean she trusted him. Nevertheless, there wasn’t anything else to be said on the matter.

There would be another sound of a metal latch being thrown before Penny would move onto the next topic of importance. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Sann mentioned training. Would you mind if I joined in on that?”[/b][/u][/color] Penny was also curious how Sann had learned of Dina’s need so quickly, but that could be focused on later. 

Dina eyed Penny. “I do not see harm in it but…” 

It was then when Sanngridr, true to her mercurial temper, blew a raspberry in Penny’s direction, instead resuming her position at Dina’s back. “Get your own runes teacher, your Highness. That or offer something in return.”

Penny would meet Dia’s eyes once again and raise an eyebrow. Curious to see if Dina would have anything to say in regards to Sann’s interjection.

Dina was staring somewhat horrified at Sann’s lack of manners. She bit her lip and turned her sight to Sann. “That was very rude of you. Apologize.”

Sann eyed Dina and then Penny. “Okay… I’m sorry your Highness Penny. I did not meant to disparage your obvious supreme supremacy, but I mean… I uh, pappy Odin has allowed me into the secrets of Runes, and I was going to bestow them to Dina for Keijo lessons. So uh, onlookers are bad.”

Dina eyed at Sanngridr and sighed. “You can teach me the runes later in private, Sanngridr. While I would appreciate an edge, I must decline it now for the sake of stability.”

“Okay.” Said the Valkyrie, who then proceeded to shift once more and draw awfully close to the space where the Baku was fiddling with the sphere, eyeing it like a bird gazes at a shiny thing.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I understand not wanting to cross your patron.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would allow with a nod [color=9e0039][u][b]“And I have no desire to draw his ire. I was only asking about Keijo tutelage and if I could join in on that.”[/b][/u][/color] She would spare a glance at Sann [color=9e0039][u][b]“Not your Runes”[/b][/u][/color] The valkyrie’s condescension went unremarked upon, but there was a reproach in Penny’s look. 

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Where would be the best place for this?”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on to ask [color=9e0039][u][b]“As we don’t have a lot of time if we want to be able to learn anything from you before the matches start.”[/b][/u][/color]

“Skating rink.” Dina would say. “Manage Keijo on Ice, you will manage Keijo on water. Plus neither of you are… fragile.” The catgirl would then go on, but the squeals of Baku, who was now trapped in Sann’s grip, caught her attention.

“Sann, that is not a pet.” She said, like a tired mother. “Nor food. Put my servant down.”

Sann shrugged and let the creature go, but not before said creature handed back the orb and whispered something to Dina’s ear. Her eyes went a little wider than usual, before dismissing the creature with her best poker face.

Penny would not be surprised at Sann’s mercurial nature, but would leave Dina to handle it. The Regent was the one who courted the Valkyrie for the Sanctuary after all. “I take it the prognosis was high” She would say instead. She was watching Dina closely after all, so the widened eyes weren’t hard to notice. Nor was the sudden poker face.

"It can indeed manifest a single dream." Dina would then say, but not elaborate any further. "And dreams make the impossible possible."

She did not elaborate any further, instead eyeing Penny. "Like me being able to summon a dragon, because I had that dream before."

"Oooh I want to play with a dragon, Granny Kitty. " Sann said, a predatorial smile forming.

"Sanngridr, stop it." Dina finally said, her gaze sharp. "You are not fooling me. Odin does not take fools for servants. We are running out of time." Dina said.

"Do I need to tell you that your highness only tolerates you because me?"

Sanngridr stared at Dina, before letting a chuckle. She then straightened herself and performed a bow. "I shall be your Varangian, regent."

"Good."

"But if I may, You might teach us both at the same time. I get to play rough, Her highness gets something, and you keep your strength for eventualities."

Sanngridr then stared at them both. "If you can spare some gold and silver we can aim for even better cards."

A simple nod would all Penny would have to give at the proclamation of a dream made real. Potent, powerful, and all together not something she would spend on a dragon. What dream she would make true if given the opportunity was up in the air though. [color=9e0039][u][b]“You got quite the treasure”[/b][/u][/color] She would say to Dina. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I’ll do what I can so that you don’t need to spend it on combat.”[/b][/u][/color]

That said Penny would lock eyes with Dina before moving on to crack her own neck, and while the sounds of her neck popping were more metallic than her current appearance would lead one to assume she would let out a relieved breath nonetheless and with such her eyes would dim and the little tells of humanity would filter back in.

 “My coins are with the Prime if that is what you are asking about.” Penny would then say turning towards Sann “But if you're talking about their more traditional counterparts, raiding the kitchen ware might still work. What did you have in mind?"

Sann closed the distance between her and Penny, almost touching her."Chooser of the slain. As long as the price is paid, and the conditions are met, death will be lifted from whoever you choose…"

Dina:"You mean… you can revive people??" The regent's composure gave in. Not even patrons could claim that feat easily.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Okay now that is impressive”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would readily admit, for the same reason as Dina. [color=9e0039][u][b]“But thankfully I’ve not lost any allies to the veil so I’m not sure who we could be bringing back.”[/b][/u][/color]

Dina was about to reply, when a fourth figure, a short pink-haired girl entered the discussion.

“Naniiii???”

Oh, that crude yaponski...why was his voice so high pit- Oh. When did he become a she? Dina stared back at her, while Sanngridr took notice of the tiny figure to squeeze her between the arms.

“Lil’ piggy.” She said. “Squeals like one.”

“Oi you bird baka! Lemme go! Swiss knife -chan! Neko-baba! Tell this stupid to let me go.”

“Let her go, Sann.” Dina sighed, to which the girl obeyed, before scurrying a few steps back.

“Oi! I heard that right? You can revive people?” She then said.

“Correct. As long as you pay the prize and have a precious item of the loved one...piggy.” Sanngridr flapped her wings.

“Is that so? How costly.”

“Very.”

“Hum, I got all of these coins,will this do?” Sakura then said, offering all of her coins to the strange bird girl.

“Not-”

Dina was then to cut Sanngridr with a glare.

“It is enough, as the regent says. One gold coin.”

“Oh, that’s cheaper than I...okay, that was nice, Neko-sama. I thought you were an insufferable hag, but you hit the popo bitch’s face like nothing. And then put bird baka in her place.” Sakura would then say. “I forgive you for the slap.”

Dina’s eyes were reduced to pinpricks. Even in praise and under a new cute form, this girl was as unlikeable as she would ever be for someone like her.

“Do you have anything in mind, yaponski?”

“See, there’s this warping girl.” Sakura would then produce a small booklet… of advanced physics.

“Is that a German Physics booklet?” Dina would then gasp.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Sakura, please don’t insult my friends”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would chime in upon noticing just who it was that had dropped in on the conversation. [color=9e0039][u][b]“And a Gold is required to revive them, but a Silver or two extra would be appreciated for the service.”[/b][/u][/color] She would add nodding towards Sann [color=9e0039][u][b]“Magic like she has is exhausting after all.”[/b][/u][/color] She would add, sending a less harsh look to Sann that carried a similar message as the one she had told Sakura.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I’m assuming the girl is a friend of yours?”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on to ask, examining the booklet herself from where she stood.

Sakura would frown upon hearing that from Penny. Freaks were freaks. "Sorta. Comrade in arms. Bit of a mommy's girl. Was killed by Justine. Could teleport like eyepatch-chan." 

Sann did look at Penny. "It is. It takes time. And normally I would charge over 10 gold."

Dina. "Do we have enough time to do the Keijo training?"

"I am not sure." Sanngridr would reply.

Sakura would then eye Penny, and then Dina. "All of my coins then".

Sann tilted her head. "Ara? I think we could make it work then. Hand me the book."

Dina would then eye Sakura. "Wasn't Justine your ally ?"

"Bitch was a cunt. And killed my allies. Then I sucker punched her." She then began to walk away. "Now if you will excuse me… I have to get a good seat now that I am a loli again."

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Beacon was always planning on double crossing Justine in the raid.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would explain more as Sakura left. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I don’t know the full details, that operation is above my clearance. And I didn’t want to break into the system and piss off the Ascendency.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Guessing that Sakura was one of the third parties that got invited as well. A Puchuu’s squad was contracted out alongside Justine. Guessing she was with them. Both Sakura and the lost girl.”[/b][/u][/color] She would shrug, putting the rest of it out of mind for the moment.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“If it’s going to take some time, Dina, you could start the Keijo training with me and we can help get Sann up to speed when she is done. Since I’m assuming a ritual to raise the dead isn’t something we could assist with.”[/b][/u][/color]

"We were on opposing sides." Dina pondered. "Yes… we should not dally further." Sanngridr… conduct the ritual."

Sann just let a wry smile, before bowing out.