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

Lily sighed in relief when Roxanna, despite initially looking like she was about to reject her offer, reluctantly took the piece of paper from her.

[color=fff200]”Y-Yeah, that’s fine. To be honest, I’m feeling a bit tired too, haha~!"[/color] She lied, still energetic as ever. Once MDP gave her last words and subsequently ended up distracted by Snoopy, Lily turned to Alex. She nodded in agreement with his suggestion to check around the city or contact people for intelligence.
[color=fff200]”Good idea, Alex!”[/color] She was about to speak up when Penny addressed the crowd, and informed them that most of the monsters had been taken care of.
[color=fff200]”If that’s the case, then me and Alex could take one last tour around Penrose before calling it a day!”[/color] She took Alex’ hand, noting Dina’s words.
[color=fff200]”A war, huh…Well, anyway, thank you for your help, everyone! Let’s continue to keep Penrose safe for everyone!”[/color] And with that, the two rode off. Though Lily wasn’t as successful with making a new friend as she hoped, at least she managed to create a possibility for it. And Lily was happy settling with just that.

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

Justine lifted her red eyes up from Caroline to Miko, her expression unmoving like a portrait.
[color=bc8dbf]”...I will protect my sister,”[/color] she simply stated, and afterwards turned to Maura. Her expression turned to relief when she saw the purifying potion.
She looked up to Sann once she left, feeling bittersweet about their encounter. On one hand, she genuinely was grateful for Sann, yet she also felt pity for the ire she drew from the others. Nonetheless, now was not the time for her to think on such matters.

[color=bc8dbf]”...Thank you, Mistress,”[/color] she softly expressed her gratitude for being given the potion, and gently fed the tonic to Caroline. Soon enough, the comatose girl glowed a white light, and once the light faded away she [url=https://i.imgur.com/53oSHuJ.jpg]opened her eyes[/url].

[color=92278f]”...”[/color]

Caroline did not speak, and slowly blinked. Justine caressed her hair comfortingly. 
[color=bc8dbf]”It’s okay, Caroline…You don’t have to say anything…”[/color]

[color=92278f]”...Big…Sis…”[/color] She whispered.  

Justine gasped, and a tear emerged from the corner of her eye.

[color=bc8dbf]”That’s right, Caroline…Big sis…Is here.”[/color]

She sighed, and let Caroline stand up with a wobble, holding her close as she turned to Valerie, and nodded.
[color=bc8dbf]”Yes, I’m ready to go now.”[/color]

[hr]
“Well, sometimes you need to try your luck~” Sally responded playfully to Alicia, “Especially when it comes to cake. There’s so many flavors out there you might never know existed until you try something new.” She then hoisted Sakura over her shoulder, causing the serpentine girl to flop comically. “Of course! I bet Sakura will also love to have some cake.” Soon after, the Beacon Mahou disappeared with the monstergirl in tow. And in her bliss, Sakura would only later realize that she had to foot the bill.

But was there truly a price to put on pure bliss? Nobody can say.

[hr]
Later that day, the missing Beacon girl arrived at headquarters, still wearing the bandages from the doctor that Mariette brought to her. She was greeted with cheers from having survived the insurmountable odds, and there was much rejoicing.

However, elsewhere, there was grumbling.

“...Yes, that’s right. Covington is secure, and the P-Project is on schedule.”

In his monochrome office, Al Scarpe was speaking on the phone.
“However, our agents have reported that Wonderland is on the move. No, they just made an initial scouting move. Likely tipping their toes in the water in Silverburg. No, you don’t need to worry. I’ll…Handle it. Goodbye.”

Al placed the handset of the antique telephone back on the base, and placed his head on his leaning hand.

“Geez Louise, she just had to decide to come here first, didn’t she?” He leaned back on his chair, and lit a cigar. “I don’t have time to deal with her bullshit…I need to round up walkers, and get in talks, fast.”
Al puffed a ring of smoke.
“After all, can’t let this dump burn to the ground…” He chomped on his cigar, causing it to drop on his desk and light it on fire. He simply stared into the fire. 
“Not when I’ve worked myself to the bone to make it profitable, dammit!”