[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/72bEcUi.png[/img][/center]

[color=fff200]”Oh, Hi MDP, good to see you!"[/color]

Lily accepted the hug from MDP with a bit of reservation, but it was a distraction that allowed her to momentarily ignore the initial awkwardness of the situation. She nodded as MDP made a case for her speech mannerisms to Roxanna, followed by the Angel girl agreeing to it. Come to think of it…Wasn’t that girl at the rave way back when? Lily intended to ask her about it. 

Unfortunately, it seemed that Roxanna interpreted Lily’s words as chastising her.

[color=fff200]”Ahh, that’s not what I meant!"[/color] Lily moved her open-palmed arms before her frantically, looking flustered.

However, that was when Roxanna apologized, and explained her own point of view, causing Lily to calm down with a sigh of relief.
[color=fff200]”Ahh, so it was a bit of culture shock! Like when I explained about the daki I ordered!"[/color] She blurted out, before turning silent for the rest fo the conversation.

At the end of it, she simply nodded, letting MDP speak first out of politeness. Once MDP was done, she added: 

[color=fff200]”I’m sorry if I came off as condescending or rude, Roxanna. I didn’t intend to dismiss your feelings on the matter."[/color]

She then pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket, and gave it to Roxanna. The paper had a row of numbers with Lily’s name on it.

[color=fff200]”Anyway, if you ever want to…you know, do magical girl stuff, hang out, or whatever, umm, here’s my number. For the phone, I mean, haha."[/color]

[hr]
“The Valkyrie girl, right? I saw her at the party too!” Sally piped in as Alicia explained what happened, having released Aurelio when he struggled to breathe. “She’s cute, but a bit loco in the coco if she does stuff like that. I mean, I can be a bit careless too, but that’s going too far…” She  leaned her head to look at where Alicia’s hand circled her recent battle wounds.
“How about we celebrate this with some pastries? I heard Silverburg has this really nice cafe where you can get chocolate mousse! I could really go for something sweet!”

However, before Sally could fangirl over cakes too much, Sakura arrived with perfect timing.
“Hm? Who’s that? Hey, watch your mouth! You can’t just-” The ditzy girl started, before she puffed her cheeks upon realizing who she was. “Sakura! Why you little rascal!” She blinked as Sakura looked like she was about to once again call the storm…only to cutely fail, causing Sally to giggle as she walked up to her-.
“Oh, you’re so silly, Sakura!” Before the serpentine girl realized it, now she was the victim of Sally’s suffocating hug, looking like a wiggling salmon that’s been caught by a bear.
“You’re so cute~!”

[hr]
Using her Beast magic, Dina successfully called in some of the crows that had been flying around the area; the birds were compliant as they perched on Dina’s arms, as if they were trained animals. Afterwards, Dina inspected the area where the March Hare had made his “burrow”, and noticed a stray piece of the magitek radio that he had used: it resembled some kind of microconductor, only it had a tiny yellow gem installed inside it. The gem still seemed to hold a miniscule amount of mana inside it as it faintly glowed.

Penny contacted Elora, who only took a second of typing before she responded back: “Patrol identified, codenamed Winky Puffs. Members are Bloom Belle, Stella Stars, Riven Rock, Stormy Sea, and Marine Plunder. Estimates based on data indicate only one survivor. Sending a cleanup crew to the area,” she stated professionally, with no hint of emotion. "Oh, and in case she didn't mention it," she added, "Penny, Alicia, the Cardinal has requested a meeting with you both for next week."

[hr]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/K2ssvzh.png[/img][/center]

Justine’s eyes met Valerie’s when she non-verbally chastised her, and she averted her eyes; there was still tension between her and the android girl, and she had difficulty facing her admonition. Right now, Caroline mattered more to her than her own pride, and she wouldn’t try to excuse her feelings. Not that she had much time to ponder that once Valerie confronted Sonia. Justine did not know what to think about her sudden appearance. Did she look for her? And now that she did, what will she do. 

The former maid’s glared daggers upon her, her expression cold like ice. At an instant, she disappeared from the rooftop, and appeared at talking distance away from the group.

[color=0054a6]”Who gave you permission to speak on behalf of Lady Justine?”[/color]

She spoke the words out with thinly-veiled hostility.

[color=0054a6]”Or do you need to be taught manners?”[/color]

Having expressed her displeasure at the android, she shifted her attention to Justine.

[color=0054a6]”Please excuse me for taking this long to find you, my Lady. Now, shall we depart? Father has waited for your return.”[/color]
She asked, holding her hand out for Justine.

The former vampire’s eyes widened as she looked at the offer. She then looked down at Caroline, who slept in her arms.

[color=bc8dbf]”...No. I’m not going back, Sonia.”[/color]

Sonia’s expression tightened.

[color=0054a6]”But why? Are you not Justine von Visceral, the Sinner of Lust and champion of Father’s will? Why would you grovel before these peasants? Why would you let them shame you like this?”[/color]

Justine's expression turned angry, and she bared her teeth.

[color=bc8dbf]”You’re the one who shamed me! You were supposed to look after Caroline, and she disappeared! And did Father help? No, he abandoned her!”[/color] She caressed Caroline’s head.
[color=bc8dbf]”No matter what happens, I will not lose her. Not ever again! I’m done with Father.”[/color]

Sonia’s open hand curled up  into a fist, and she took an exasperated breath.

[color=0054a6]”So it is true…They ruined you.”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]”No, Sonia. You don't understand! Father has just been using us, all this time. It was only after I was purified that I could accept that. Or are you also brainwashed by him? Is revenge the only thing you care about?”[/color]

Sonia shook her head.

[color=0054a6]”That’s what these mongrels deserve for hurting you and Lady Caroline! You wanted revenge, didn’t you? It’s still not too late to take it, my Lady!”[/color] She now gave her hand out in a more demanding manner.

Then she sighed.

[color=0054a6]”I believed you would rise up above all else and attain glory and power, to be Father’s vengeance upon the mongrels. You would have shone a radiant crimson, like the blood moon. But you've lost your drive...It seems I was mistaken.”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]”Sonia, enough!”[/color]

Justine trembled.

[color=bc8dbf]”Don't you see? If I actually succeeded in that plan, I would have destroyed all emotions, all feelings…So what would happen to you, Sonia?”[/color]

Sonia froze, taken aback by the realization she had. Her eyes then turned wide, and she slightly shook at the weight of the truth.

[color=0054a6]”No, that's not...I didn't...”[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]”That’s right. You never considered that possibility, because Father blocked it off. But now that I brought it up, you’re forced to comprehend it. Father can take over your mind…But he can’t take over your heart.”[/color]

It was now Justine's turn to offer her hand.

[color=bc8dbf]”But it's fine. You don't need to listen to him anymore. We can-Ah!”[/color]

However, before Justine could speak any further, Sann swooped upon the sisters, a sweep of her wings enough to blow a gust of wind that caused the twins to stumble. Enclosed in her egg-like shell, the Valkyrie’s roost caused Justine to be still in surprise.

And then, the three of them shifted away, causing Sonia to gasp.

[color=0054a6]”That harpy! What does she think she is doing? Ahh, this is all so irritatingly confusing...What did you mean?”[/color]

Then, she disappeared without so much as a goodbye, as if it all was but a passing daydream.

[hr]
Sann’s Shift brought the three of them to a deserted region of the Overcity, where a sparkling lake of gentle blue shimmered. In the far distance, the colossal Crystal Wall of the Overcity could be seen, glowing in colors of the rainbow like a multiversal lighthouse.

Justine removed herself from Sann’s embrace while still holding Caroline, seemingly upset.

[color=bc8dbf]”W-What are you doing? Why did you take me here?”[/color] She asked, looking angry.
[color=bc8dbf]”I know you can bring back the dead…But Caroline is still alive. I know she is! All she needs is one of those potions, and I’m sure she will recover.”[/color]
Her eyes glowed red as she realized Sann’s intentions.
[color=bc8dbf]”Does the Mint want to make a new deal with me?”[/color]