[Center] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/200312/bd228c426d0da7459764cb788d45b1cd.png[/img] [Sub].:â‹®Prematch: Newcomersâ‹®:.[/Sub] [/center] Soon after he talked with Betty, Finn decided to find Samantha later and just regroup with Oliver. Though now it didn't feel right for him to be near Justine, if his ghostly companion and Maura were still around her group. Was it fear? Disgust? He didn't know. Even once he made it back to the tropical island, Oliver knew something was wrong. [color=faed27]"Finn? Hey, what happened?"[/color] The phantom hurried over to check up on him in concern. Not wanting anyone to overhear, Finn had to quietly explain what Betty told him, and what she compared her run-in with Justine to. That made Oliver's eyes widen. [color=faed27]"Shit. Shit, no wonder you're shaken up!"[/color] He pinched the bridge of his nose, then looked back to the other boy, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. [color=faed27]"She must've been overexaggerating things, was she? Could you tell??"[/color] Despite bombarding him with questions, the phantom knew to keep his voice low. Finn shook his head. [color=C41E3A]"I-I don't know. She seemed to be telling the truth, but it doesn't match up to this Justine! Either she'd deceiving us, or she was corrupted, but to think Maura could've taken in someone who'd possibly go as far as-!!"[/color] [color=faed27]"Hey hey hey- Finn, calm down, okay?"[/color] Oliver lightly shook him, holding both his shoulders this time. [color=faed27]"We don't know the whole story yet, let's not jump to conclusions so quickly. But if you're not feeling well enough to prod further, we can go find somewhere to eat before the tournament starts. Is that okay with you?"[/color] He asked Finn. [color=C41E3A]"Not really that hungry but...sure, let's go."[/color] As the two turned to leave in search of food they would see Penny a short distance out heading in their direction. Her gait was relaxed, as was her overall posture, but it was still easy to tell that she was walking towards them in particular. [color=9e0039]"Hey Boy's"[/color] She would call out as she got closer. [color=9e0039]"Hope I'm not intruding"[/color] She had seen the distress on the walk up, but was too far away to hear why it was. [color=9e0039]"I've seen you all over the place, figured I'd introduce myself."[/color] And possibly find out why these two had approached so many of her acquaintances and friends. The two looked over to the approaching Penny. At this rate it was expected someone would notice their running about and decide to say hello to them for once. [color=faed27]"Heh, blame this guy. Man's got a knack for getting to know people."[/color] Oliver chuckled, pointing a thumb at Finn who playfully swatted it away. The latter then addressed the cyborg. [color=C41E3A]"You must be Penny. Before you ask, we've only heard about you recently. More so about a queen and royal court being housed in Penrose. Did see a bunch of yous at the snowball war though, pretty clever use of duplication."[/color] Finn smiled, as usual he held a hand out for her to shake. [color=C41E3A]"Finn Vanhorn, and this is Oliver Kyle."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Penny Asimov"[/color] She would greet in return as she shook Finn's hand and nodded to Oliver. She would register the Power of Friendship coming from Finn but not comment on it. [color=9e0039]"There are still a handful of mes wondering around. Duplication is a fun power so I'm seeing how long I can stretch it out before I lose it completely."[/color] She would add with a smirk. [color=9e0039]"Already lost the ability to make more, now I'm curious to see if there is a time limit on the copies themselves."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Also, kind of curious what the latest gossip about me is though. Never got used to my reputation proceeding me and picking up the title of Queen has just made it all the worse."[/color] She would give a shrug. [color=9e0039]"Guess it helps promote the Sanctuary though."[/color] [color=faed27]"Makes for good multitasking too!"[/color] Oliver would point out. [color=faed27]"I can be everywhere at once and not have to leave my post! Oh, and it can be great in battle too!"[/color] He grinned. [color=C41E3A]"Ah, no gossip from what we gathered. Just info about what's been going on. We did plan on heading to this Sanctuary sometime after this to help. That is, if you don't mind, Your Highness."[/color] Finn explained. Though how Penny described her duplication ability made him curious. [color=C41E3A]"Though, a time limit? Your power is temporary?"[/color] Penny would roll her eyes [color=9e0039]"That is gossip"[/color] She would say with an amused look but she wouldn't push. [color=9e0039]"And trust me I'm taking full advantage of the multitasking benefit. But yeah, Duplication isn't a native Power of mine. I'm a Copycat though, so If I see someone use their power, I can mimic it. At least for a while."[/color] It was a fun way to preview other Powers. Some she would like to have full time, like Duplication, other she was fine only picking up when the opportunity arose, like Third eye. [color=9e0039]"And you are always welcome at the Sanctuary. Though I'll warn you that it's going to be moving soon. Where it is now isn't as secure now that so many people know of it. Next location in mind will be safer, even if it is harder to hide."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"That's...actually interesting."[/color] Finn said, brows risen. [color=C41E3A]"Kinda like copying the attributes of animals, but with magicals.[/color] He'd note, trailing off into thought. At least until Penny explained that the Sanctuary had to be moved. He nodded in understanding. [color=C41E3A]"Considering who's here against everyone's displeasure, I get it. Maybe you can contact us after that then, if not to help transfer everyone."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Sure, pretty sure him coming along will makes things much easier as well"[/color] She would point at Oliver, since it sounded like he was in possession of natural Duplication. [color=9e0039]"To say nothing of more PoF's"[/color] She would gesture back at Finn. [color=9e0039]"I'm going to guess you two are new to Penrose though. Since you mentioned only just hearing about me. What brings you too our corner of insanity?"[/color] [color=faed27]"Oh you know, party."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"Patron adopted a faction."[/color] [color=faed27]"Ascendancy's causing trouble again."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"Didn't get the memo."[/color] The two would alternate between each other, not bothering to explain further. [color=9e0039]"Hmm"[/color] Penny would give the two of them a searching look for a moment before she would point at Oliver [color=9e0039]"Please don't go attacking Beacon, I'd very much not want to fight you."[/color] She would shift her finger over to Oliver. [color=9e0039]"I'm guessing Maura, since she's been in Penrose for a bit, but only recently got the Cradle."[/color] She had been keeping an eye on the Cradle's website for a while now. The post about the change in leadership was interesting as well as curious. [color=9e0039]"You two with her before she took the up the position of Cradle Matron?"[/color] Oliver comically blinked, mouth agape in a dumb smile. [color=faed27]"Hah????"[/color] For a split second, Finn's brows furrowed at the reaction. She was Beacon?? He knew better than to provoke, especially in their current location, and especially when it can erupt into chaos, too much unnecessary casualties. Though she seemed much different than someone like Rachel. This may prove interesting. His expression changed quickly when Penny turned her attention to him. Somehow, she knew who he was referring to. [color=C41E3A]"Uhm, yes actually! Like I keep having to mention, I was her first magical, and he got resurrected a few years later. But we ourselves knew each other long before all this."[/color] Finn explained. It was getting kinda tiring. Penny would chuckle at the reaction that they both had to her rather blunt declaration of allegiance. [color=9e0039]"I am a member of local branch of Beacon, and while I've got no love for the Ascendency, I don't think too many people are going to consider the differences when the fighting starts."[/color] She was never going to be ashamed of being a member of Beacon. [color=9e0039]"And yes, I've got the Spark to prove it, even with being a Monstergirl."[/color] [color=9e0039]"As for Maura, I've never met her"[/color] Penny would explain [color=9e0039]"Only heard of her from Eliza and the Coven that recently arrived. Played a small part in helping lift the curse she had on her though. I knew Veronica, as much as one can say that, from before the Cradle started up. So, I've always kept an eye on the Cradle."[/color] Finn frowned. [color=C41E3A]"That's...to be expected. People tend to generalize who they're against."[/color] Though his eyes quickly lit up when Penny mentioned having the spark as a monster girl. [color=C41E3A]"Curious...I know the spark is supposed to be a resistance to corruption. So, you somehow managed to retain your form [i]while[/i] being purified, I suspect?"[/color] He asked, genuinely intrigued. Neither of them knew who Eliza was, and the mention of a coven did cause Finn to shiver. It couldn't be Maura's sisters, could it? Though when Veronica was brought up, his expression turned comical next. [color=C41E3A]"You mean the old boss that Betty and the other girl are so enamored with?"[/color] [color=9e0039]"That's a question everyone is wondering"[/color] Penny would reply. [color=9e0039]"I don't have any real answers just a lot of speculation."[/color] She would shrug as it was possible that there would never be a clean answer about how she was able to do the seemingly impossible. [color=9e0039]"Was a Monstergirl first, but I've never exactly been a normal Monstergirl so that's likely something to do with it."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Possibly, I've not talked with many of the cradle agents and there is only so much one can learn from lurking on their website."[/color] She would say [color=9e0039]"I was invited to join by Veronica, which I think was a vote of confidence, but there are aspects of the contract I wasn't wanting to deal with. Haven't had a chance to talk to anyone I knew in the cradle since the changeover. Been too busy."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"Interesting..."[/color] Finn would utter. Though hearing that Veronica tried to recruit Penny admittedly didn't interest him much. [color=C41E3A]"A shame I couldn't meet this lady before she left though."[/color] He shrugged. [color=9e0039]"Eh, she kind stuck me as a control freak"[/color] Penny would admit, though a lot of that had to do with the stipulations of the Cradle contract. [color=9e0039]"Doubt you're missing much."[/color] [color=9e0039]"So, who all have you met so far?"[/color] Penny would ask, she had seen them talking with some people, but doubted she had seen everyone. [color=9e0039]"And are you hungry? I know where the food stall is, assuming Dan hasn't changed the island too much."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"Betty, got introduced to Hilaria and blue Justine, Dina and Sanngridr, Lily, Alex, purple Justine..."[/color] Finn would list off. Though at the mention of a food stall, Oliver spoke up. [color=faed27]"We were just going to go look for one! Lead the way then!"[/color] [color=9e0039]"Dina and Sann are likely where you heard the most about me"[/color] Penny would state as she turned to lead the way to the food hut. [color=9e0039]"Never been properly introduced to Hilaria, and her friend is new. So, I'm guessing she's likely a result of the game the Horror was playing earlier."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Lily and Alex are good people, and I'm always disappointed I've not been able to spend more time with them."[/color] She would admit pondering if she should send a counterfeit their way while she still had the chance. [color=9e0039]"Also never had a chance to talk with Justine, but she's a very different person from the last time I saw her. I've got part of an idea about how that happened but not sure she'd be happy to talk to me in the first place."[/color] The food hut wasn't a far walk, as it was in plaza square. It was, unsurprisingly, offering a host of summer and beach themed food. Oliver looked around. [color=faed27]"Hmm...don't think we can get like, steak or something... Hey Finn, what are you in the mood for?"[/color] He turned to ask the other boy. [color=C41E3A]"Well, we could go for popsicles. Is that okay, Penn?"[/color] [color=9e0039]"Hmm, I'll just order some kabab skewers."[/color] Penny would say turning to watch the reactions. [color=9e0039]"Not much else on the menu that I'd prefer to eat."[/color] [color=faed27]"'Aight then, I'll go get our popsicles!"[/color] Oliver smiled, stepping away to get the duo their snacks. Shrugging off the nonreaction, figuring that they hadn't quite realized what it was that Penny had meant. She would turn towards Finn "So what can you tell me about Maura? If you don't mind the asking" [color=C41E3A]"Oh. Well, Maura's a witch, that used to be part of a coven that helped with...basically preventing a power vacuum. Preserving the balance, [sub]at least the important ones I think[/sub], of the world. Their world? Dunno where they came from to be honest. But Maura's role was the Witch of Death, essentially what most people see as the grim reaper among other representations."[/color] Finn began to explain. [color=C41E3A]"Witches in general are, as far as I know, ancestors of magical girls. Masters of all magic specializations, yet they limit themselves to the usual three to preserve mana. Stuff like the Salem Witch Trials caused them to go into hiding, and go through great lengths to achieve immortality. Anyways, I used to be a researcher, an investigator who already had an eye for the paranormal. But I never expected to meet someone like her, near my own death no less."[/color] He crossed his arms. [color=C41E3A]"She didn't want me to die. So, she used a bit of her magic to turn me into, well, you get the idea."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Sounds like you've been around for a long time then"[/color] Penny would say as she moved over to one of the nearby tables. [color=9e0039]"I'm barely past a year myself, but Penrose walks to its own time scale so I'm not sure how valid that is as a measurement."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Still with four witches landing in Penrose can't help but get the feeling that something is brewing on the horizon."[/color] She'd let out a sigh before shrugging it off. She was pretty sure that that Maura was the missing sister that the Coven was looking for, but she didn't know either group well enough to want to approach them about that at the moment. [color=9e0039]"So that tells me a bit about you, your patron, and while it can be rude what would you be willing to tell me about Oliver?"[/color] He sat down by Penny. [color=C41E3A]"Oliver's my best friend, long before we became magical boys. We worked together once, but he died some years ago before I met Maura. At some point, an arachnid Monster King got whipped into a violent frenzy and tried to destroy everyone and everything in the area. When we were having trouble putting him down, Maura and I went to resurrect Oliver. It was successful, but not only did the effort to do so make him a monster boy, she had to be out of commission to regain her strength. The two of us stuck by each other since."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Sounds like quite the event"[/color] She would say, having fought a Monster King on her own she understood the difficulty that could be involved with one. [color=9e0039]"Glad to know that you've both got someone to watch your back though."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Got any question for me?"[/color] She would rest her elbows on the table as she asked [color=9e0039]"I've been in Penrose since just before everything started going crazy."[/color] Finn shrugged. [color=C41E3A]"Not exactly. Any questions I have about your ability to defy the impossible can be saved for another time. ...Though, I do have to ask one thing."[/color] His brows then furrowed, him looking Penny dead in the eye. [color=C41E3A]"How bad is it, out there?"[/color] [color=9e0039]"Depends on how you define bad"[/color] Penny would answer [color=9e0039]"It's getting better, people are moving back to the city and life is returning. The problem is that everything is still on edge. The Ascendency is actively looking for a reason to purge the place, The Mint keeps trying to stir up trouble and neither the Cradle nor the Sanctuary are old enough to have any real weight in keeping things calm. And none of that is taking into consideration the fact that Horrors like to use Penrose as their playground."[/color] [color=9e0039]"So, it could easily settle down but it could also just as easily become all-out war."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"...Hm."[/color] In that moment, Finn's demeanor changed. He crossed his arms in irritance. His indifference, one stemmed from anger. [color=C41E3A]"So in a way, all this was the result of incompetence? A ticking time bomb, before someone like the fucking Mint bring about another cheap trick in their sleeve to, what, destroy the place?"[/color] Despite his annoyance, he remained calm. Though his eye did appear to be a shade of red for a split second. [color=9e0039]"Actually, it's mostly Dan's fault"[/color] Penny would point out unconcerned by the shift in Finn's demeanor. [color=9e0039]"He hijacked a Wish and kidnapped seventy percent of the magicals from Penrose for about three months."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"Don't you think I already know that?"[/color] Finn would point out tiredly. [color=9e0039]"I've no idea what it is you do or don't know."[/color] She would continue on easily [color=9e0039]"And no one that I've talked to have much of an idea what the Mint is up too. Self-sabotage has been just as common as actual debilitations towards others."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Could be they are just using this place as an excuse to draw Beacon attention away from something else. Could be they actually have a plan, could be that the guy in charge is in fact incompetent."[/color] She would state [color=9e0039]"Whatever the case is, it wasn't incompetence that brought Penrose to this state. It was a chaotic helping of bad luck. Something that is in large supply in Penrose."[/color] [color=9e0039]"Just try and keep that in mind while working towards anything in the City, chaos is king."[/color] Finn allowed his arms to rest on the table. After Penny said her piece, he'd sit there for a moment, before gracefully faceplanting against the surface. One could hear him mumbling several profanities to himself. What has he got himself into? It wasn't until Oliver returned and poked him with the popsicle the phantom got for him that he lifted his head up again. [color=C41E3A]"Thanks."[/color] He nodded to him, grabbing the snack. Penny was unmerciful in her chuckling at him. [color=9e0039]"Welcome to Penrose."[/color] She would say before leaving him to his grumblings. She'd stand up when Oliver returned. [color=9e0039]"Back in a sec"[/color] She'd state before heading off to get her own snack. [color=faed27]"'Kaaay."[/color] Oliver replied, sitting down next to Finn. [color=faed27]"...Wait, does she even need food?"[/color] [color=C41E3A]"NOW YOU SAY SOMETHING???"[/color] Finn would ask back, raising his voice just a tiny bit. [color=faed27]"I thought she might've been able to turn food into energy or something! I don't know! I'm dead!!"[/color] Oliver bickered back, earning a raspberry from Finn in response. [color=faed27]"Whatever, how's it going with you and Penny?"[/color] [color=C41E3A]"We really do need to step in with this place. Any attempts to better things can be hijacked back into a vicious cycle."[/color] [color=faed27]"Right. Say, you didn't tell her about...?"[/color] Finn quickly shook his head. [color=C41E3A]"Oh, god no. I know better than to disclose that."[/color] Oliver faintly smiled. [color=faed27]"Gotta keep both of us alive. I'm surprised you almost got angry for a moment."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"It's the cycle, I tell you! [i]We've[/i] gotta do something before it spreads out of the city like Armageddon!"[/color] Finn huffed. [color=C41E3A]"Anyways, I'm surprised they haven't caught onto us yet..."[/color] True to her statement Penny returned rather quickly carrying a plate of metal kabab skewers devoid of kabab. And if she heard anything she wasn't showing it. [color=9e0039]"So"[/color] She would start picking up one of the skewers and biting it in half. [color=9e0039]"What's your take on the tourney that sprung up?"[/color] she would ask even as she didn't open her mouth or stop from chewing. [color=C41E3A]"Again, all that for a cursed house decoration?"[/color] Finn would be the only one to speak up. Oliver simply took a bite of his frozen treat. [color=9e0039]"And possibly the Beach"[/color] She'd gesture around them to indicate the dimension. [color=9e0039]"I wouldn't mind winning the Mirror, depriving a Horror of its artifacts is never a bad outcome. But mainly I'm wanting to keep the Beach from being demolished. Dan helped me out in a similar situation after all."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"I still don't think that woman could destroy a whole dimension by herself. Unless Dan just gives her all his powers for some reason."[/color] Finn shook his head. [color=9e0039]"Not alone"[/color] Penny would agree [color=9e0039]"But Dan's not exactly the brightest bulb, and rumor has it that the Ascendency has some potent tools stashed away."[/color] She would explain. [color=9e0039]"That and Rachel is driven enough to do it by hand if she needs to."[/color] [color=C41E3A]"Even if she wins, I won't let her."[/color] Penny would huff a laugh and would raise a skewer in toast. [color=9e0039]"Glad to hear I won't be alone in that"[/color]