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

[color=cfff04]"A glimpse at things to come.”[/color]

[color=888888]— Tonya “Mac” Murphy[/color]

[hider=Tonya “Mac” Murphy]
[b]Age: 24/11 | Gender: Female/Female | Illusion, Gravity
Body | Power of Friendship, Regeneration, Third Eye | Cradle
Coercion, Soul Jar, Martial Training, True Sight, Parasite, Gifted, Awareness, Overcity Shift, Mystic Artifact

Magical Overload, Cradle Supply, Connected, Gifted Item (Aigorost) | Monstrous Form, Exposed, Mercy, Distrust
Redirected Magic, Second Specialization | Non-Standard Limbs, Destroyer[/b]

STR: 05 | AGI: 04 |  VIT: 05 | MAG: 03 | LCK: 03
+46
STR: 20 | AGI: 20 |  VIT: 20 | MAG: 20 | LCK: 20

Earnings this post: Zilch

Remaining: 8 Gold, 30 Silver, 39 Bronze 
Total: 12 Gold, 162 Silver, 183 Bronze
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It was too early to pat herself on the back, but it seemed like everything was going smoothly. Mac walked up to her alter ego and blended into Iron Mouse's position. It would be a shame if only her illusion was taken to see Maura. [color=cfff04]"Clearly Oliver hasn't told you anything about me. Figures he'd want to keep that to himself. That just means he likes me, right?”[/color] Mac, and by extension Iron Mouse, poked Val's shoulder. [color=cfff04]"But look, I wouldn't be the invincible Iron Mouse if some drama was enough to scare me away. I've fought plenty of baddies and I've been in enough relationships to know how bad stuff can be. And until you've been to Rochester, you ain't seen [i]'nothing[/i]!”[/color] With a giggle, she put her hand back on her gun. [color=cfff04]"I might not look it, but diplomacy is my middle name. I think I can do a lot more than just kill monsters for your boss. Get 'em over here and we'll have a chat.”[/color]

After a brief moment of thought, Valerie shrugged again. [color=Lightsteelblue]"Alright then. Hang tight for a bit,"[/color] She moved over to where her shadow hit the surface of a vehicle beyond repair, then messaged Maura through Magicoms.

 Soon enough, the Cradle Mother in black emerged from Valerie's shadow, stepping around the android to look over Iron Mouse with curiosity. Looks like she wasn't just pulling her leg after all. Then again, why should she? Her mouth quirked up into a polite smile. [color=crimson]"Greetings! You must be Iron Mouse, yes?"[/color] She held a hand over her chest. [color=crimson]"I am Maura, current head of the Crimson Cradle. Valerie told me you were looking for a new patron."[/color]
 
Oh, boss lady is coming out here? Not quite what Mac expected, or desired.

[color=cfff04]"That's me!”[/color] Iron Mouse saluted. [color=cfff04]"I'd love to join your ranks! But um, I would like to speak to you in a place that's a bit more private. It's a bit too open out here. Too many eyes and ears.”[/color]

[color=crimson]"Ah, by all means!"[/color] Maura dismissed Valerie with a nod and walked up next to the new girl. [color=crimson]"Anywhere you have in mind?"[/color]
 
[color=cfff04]"She's fine. What I meant-”[/color] The mouse huffed. [color=cfff04]"I guess the Mint already knows. And if they don't, go ahead guys, feat your eyes on this!"[/color]

Iron Mouse's form shattered into fragmented starlight. As did Mac's invisibility spell. The wolf herself, hidden for years inside Penrose, finally revealed herself out in the open. 

[color=cfff04]"Sorry about the cheap parlor trick, Maura. I had encountered Oliver in disguise and figured it was best to reintroduce myself the same way before revealing myself.”[/color] She grabbed the brim of her hat and nodded. [color=cfff04]"Everyone, well, the few who know me call me Mac. You'll know a lot more about me once you get inside my head. In addition to that, you'll see that there's some trouble brewing. But before I disclose [i]that[/i], I suggest we gather somewhere a bit more private. This war with Wonderland might be a precursor to something far bigger.”[/color] 

The reaper's eyes widened once Mac finally revealed herself. Illusion magic. She couldn't have guessed! Lauren maybe, but she didn't have a third eye of her own. As the wolf girl explained what she had already suspected beforehand, Maura glanced around, before subtly casting a quick mental link between the two. Just until she can properly set up a magicom connection for her. Valerie meanwhile checked the traffic cams just in case anyone was eavesdropping.

 [i][color=crimson]"We could go ahead and talk in my mansion, but at the suggestion of a...buisness partner, I'll have to set up anti-scrying measures while we talk. Or I can find somewhere more abandoned, somewhere Covington Industries hasn't hit yet. Should be more quiet that way. Me and my sisters are actively trying to prevent hell from spilling out of it's teapot, so any intel on that would be great."[/color][/i] She went on to explain, holding an arm out to her opaque shadow, but waiting to see what Mac thought before doing anything.
 
[i][color=cfff04]"First, can I just say that this is a lot different than I thought it would be? I mean, woah! I'm hearing your thoughts. I imagine it's pretty easy to send messages you don't want to. Gunna have to be aware of that next time I'm in the shower.”[/color][/i] Mac grinned. [i][color=cfff04]"I don't think what I'm going to tell you is going to be a surprise for very long. But out of principle, I think it would be wise to continue our conversation out of earshot of the locals. Your mansion or a remote location would work fine. Afterwards, I'll let you decide who to share this information with.”[/color][/i] She stepped into the shadow. [i][color=cfff04]"Wow! That's cold! I forgot how chilly it was when Veronica shoved me in here.”[/color][/i]

 [i][color=Crimson]"Noted. Besides, wouldn't hurt to show you around the place."[/color][/i] With a smile, Maura opened up a portal to HQ, allowing Mac and Valerie (Once she gathered enough parts) to enter first before walking through herself. 

 [color=Crimson]"And here we are! The others should be busy enough not to disturb us."[/color] She said, walking aside to perform the aformentioned spell. [color=Crimson]"...Alright. Should be free to talk as normal now. Something else crop up besides Wonderland's hijinks I take it?"[/color] She asked Mac.
 
Mac did not answer right away. She was observing [i]Veronica’s[/i] interdimensional mansion. She had never seen the inside of this place with her own eyes, but she knew that it had been redecorated to meet its new owner’s tastes. [color=cfff04]"Right. I hate to keep delaying the big news, but your organization doesn’t allow for secrets. So let me tell you a bit more about who I am. You’ll have to forgive me for not using my illusion magic to make the story more interesting.”[/color] Mac took a seat in a nearby chair. [color=cfff04]"Make yourselves comfortable.”[/color]

[color=lightsteelblue]"Just let me be there when you say hi to Oliver. I wanna see his reaction, heheh."[/color] Valerie spoke up, the two of them then taking their own seats.

...


[color=cfff04]"You can call me Mac, but that's not my real name. I'm Tonya Murphy, and I am not from this world.

I use to be a police officer. I won’t bore you with the details, but my wold and the billions of people who inhabited it were dealt a bad hand. Something happened in Penrose and then the end of the world started. Portals to nightmarish hellscapes opened everywhere, and patrons were turning people into magical girls like mad to hold back armageddon long enough to relocate everyone. I was one of the few that was turned into a magical girl. No, that’s not true. If I was a magical girl I would have died. I was turned into a monster. They chose to fight fire with fire, and they turned me into an inferno. 

I was rewarded for my service by being dropped off here a decade ago. My patron continued to guide me to ensure that such a tragedy would not also befall this world. Most of that time was not special, and I don’t even think it’s worth mentioning. I survived, that’s all there really is to say. But over the years I was able to witness the cruelty of both the Mint and Beacon, and I cannot say I stand for either of them. Regardless, my grievances aren’t important. I served my patron well in the end, and I think it’s important that you know that I had quite a hand in things in recent months. 

I was there on the rooftop after Lily slew Helga.

I was there when the Bate Twins were attacked by all those Beacon girls. I sheltered them from harm and helped them escape. I doubt they would have survived otherwise. In fact, I was the reason Veronica was able to hook up with them later. She was one of the few people that knew I even existed. It made hiding from the rest of the mint much easier.

I was there for the siege on Justine’s castle. This was one of the few times I helped Beacon claim victory, but I do recall casting a spell on Alicia to make her think she had less mana than she really did. I only did it so that she didn’t hit me with her light barrages. I helped bring down Justine.

I was there when Chloe’s ghouls attacked. 

I was there when Binky tried to escape. You may hold it against me, but the red coin mess was partially my doing. I put the escapees up to it. I did a lot of things I’m not proud of, but who wouldn’t follow the orders of their patron?

I was there when Katelyn and Eliza fought against the Bates and the Beacon Buddies. I owed it to Veronica to pass some good will her way after ruining her coin operation. That much wasn’t ordained by my patron and was all me. I ensured Eliza was harmed minimally during the encounter, and nearly ran out of mana doing so.

I was there when the Bate Twins tried to summon Soth. I helped defeat them, and I helped them escape. They weren’t bad kids, they just never got a chance to do the right thing. 

I was there when Dan took everyone to the beach dimension. 

I was there when the necromancers attacked. 

I was there for the Rave. That… That is not an event I wish to recall. But I helped save the Cardinal, and doomed Cindy. It was no one’s shining moment, least of all mine. But I had yet to realize that I could defy my patron with impunity. 

I was there when Justine fell… Again. I like to think I made up for my past by fighting against Beacon’s forces like I’m supposed to. I also had the opportunity to wipe out the Archives girls and took a shot at them. I’ve never enjoyed killing magical girls, but this felt more like scrubbing a stain off of the floor. 

I was there when Dan had a christmas party. That was when I learned that I didn’t have to accept my fate, that I could forge my own destiny. I was finally there… in the present.”[/color] Mac closed her eyes and sighed. [color=cfff04]”Not everything I did was good, and blaming it all on your patron isn’t a good excuse. We all have the power to make our own choices, and that’s why I’ve chosen you, Maura. Out of every Patron I’ve ever seen, you seem to care the most about your girls. You might not make the best choices, but you have the best intent. That’s why I want to give you this information. But if I may be so bold…”[/color] She kneeled. [color=cfff04]”Sign me up first. Give me a contract to sign, bite me, do whatever you need to do to get me into Cradle. So long as you want me, I’m yours.”[/color]

Maura listened intently to Tonya's words, in awe almost. Someone like this, who once had the power to change fate and possibly still can, turned to [i]her[/i]. Despite how things were going so far, she held no ill will towards her. How she described the apocalypse she had suffered was concerning, but the fact that Mac had actively worked with them, with Veronica from the shadows and even helped Eliza once?

 [color=Crimson]"Damn. And I thought the Exodus' presence was a concern enough. But to hear our fears may be true from a live witness proves we have to keep going. Or at the very least prepare for the worst."[/color] She sighed. Despite this, she bore a smile. [color=Crimson]"But I feel honored to be approached by a magical girl of your caliber. Things may be a bit rocky at the moment, but I'd be happy to have you as one of us."[/color] With that, the Cradle Mother formed a contract in her hand and held it to Mac, ink-dipped quill and all. [color=Crimson]"One thing though, blood-signed contracts are optional with me. Don't have any fangs like she did."[/color] She mentioned with a chuckle.
 
The wolf girl lifted her head and looked at the ink pot. [color=cfff04]"...Really? Well, you won’t hear me complain.”[/color] She picked up the quill. [color=cfff04]"I don’t think Veronica had fangs either, but her jaw strength was on another level.”[/color] With a shiver, she wrote her name on the contract. [color=cfff04]"I’m feeling it now. Wow, it’s good to have a patron again.”[/color] It only took Mac a moment to collect herself. [color=cfff04]"It’s a pleasure to be in your service, Maura. Now for the information I have for you.”[/color] Mac reached for her back and pulled Endless Eclipse, scabbard and all, out from behind her back. [color=cfff04]"I’m sure you’re at least vaguely aware of what this is? It’s a replica of Oros’s sword. It’s not good enough to act as a weapon, but its divining powers are the real deal. Kind of a long story how I got this, but you have my memories now so it shouldn’t be hard for you to find out on your own time. But what I want to show you right now is what this thing showed me. It’s a bit unsettling.”[/color] She kneeled again and pulled the blade part way out of its sheath. [color=cfff04]"I’ll use my illusion magic to give you a high resolution image. And please, don’t get too excited. I don’t know how likely this vision or visions are to happen, but I feel they are at least worth discussing.”[/color]

What appeared before Maura and Val was a bit hazy for a “high quality” image, but they could make out what was going on. First was an image of Penny replicating herself a seemingly infinite number of times. These clones then attacked major cities followed by Penny taking a seat in every major throne and office around the world. This was followed by Lily attempting to use her time magic to travel through time, and imploding the world as a result. In addition to being hazy, both visions were surrounded by a great flow of magic. Mac said nothing and observed her allies' faces for their responses. 

Yeah. That wasn't pretty at all. Both their eyes widened in a faint sense of dread.

 [color=lightsteelblue]"Oh christ..."[/color] Valerie repositioned herself in her seat and leaned closer to analyze the vision. [color=lightsteelblue]"Penny's dating someone who's working with the Mint. I'd guess they'd of all people want to clone her, but if it's her doing so in her own free will? That's... pretty bad."[/color] She frowned. [color=lightsteelblue]"But Lily? Isn't attempting time travel taboo??"[/color] The android turned to ask Maura, who nodded.

 [color=crimson]"There's a reason we don't have an official Witch of Time anymore. Or Space for that matter. That sort of power is too unstable in the wrong hands, not to mention drawbacks like [i]that[/i] can be catastropic, as you can see."[/color] She explained, motioning to the Lily in the vision. 

 [color=Lightsteelblue]"Those traces of magic though... Where is it coming from?"[/color]
 
[color=cfff04]"As mentioned, these images are not guaranteed to happen. Furthermore, I can’t tell if they are two different futures or both part of the same approaching doomsday.”[/color] She let the sword slide into its sheath, and the images disappeared. [color=cfff04]"As for the magic, I don’t really know. I just inherited this a few weeks ago and I haven’t had it react like that on anything else. I’ve shown you the extent of what I know, now we’re moving into the domain of theories.”[/color]  Mac stood up and strapped the sword to her back. [color=cfff04]"Eden did extensive research on Penny and sold that reaserch to the Mint. Our queen of Penrose is not mentally sound either. I think it’s safe to say that Mint will either try to build a new Penny, or will try to brainwash the one that exists right now. I seem to recall Penny leaving Beacon, which may leave her vulnerable to such attacks if she no longer has the shine spark. So I think you know which option my money is on.”[/color] Mac lifted a finger to her chin to her lower lip. [color=cfff04]"Lily is a strange one though. I have looked into her past and saw that she used up all of her Ixion’s mana by trying to reverse time in the past, effectively killing him. That just goes to show you how much mana is needed to do something like reverse time. You would need something considerably stronger than a lesser force in order to cast a spell like that. Same with using duplication magic to make a bajillion clones of yourself, that needs a lot of mana. That could be why these images are surrounded by such strong magic.”[/color] After furrowing her brow, Mac turned to Maura. [color=cfff04]"I’m not too caught up on recent events, but was Penrose’s nexus of magical power ever discovered? That’s what all the patrons are trying to get their hands on right? Could it be…?”[/color]

At what Tonya was suggesting, Maura pushed her bangs back with a huff. [color=crimson]"We have to find the Nexus first. With Wonderland catching wind of it according to Finn's findings, everyones going to be scrambling to find were it lies in this forsaken town."[/color] She shook her head. [color=Crimson]"Didn't know Penny left Beacon though. Unfortunate I no longer wish to associate with that circus. Not after what happened to Samantha. Something tells me we should take the opportunity while both Wonderland and Penrose are busy fighting to get a head start."[/color] 

 [color=Lightsteelblue]"Wait, but Finn, Oliver, and Justine are going to Bolorton to stop them. Should I tell them to fall back?"[/color] Valerie asked her. Maura's brows rose.

 [color=Crimson]"Justine's joined them? Never mind that, they can handle themselves. If it gets too crowded up there, I can have them fall back to the Cradle. Meanwhile I'll have our remaining agents on look out just in case."[/color] She said, standing up from her seat.
 
[color=cfff04]"But how would we even find this Nexus?”[/color] The former police officer folded her arms. [color=cfff04]"If someone could just divine its location I'm sure it would have been located already. Do you have any leads I could follow? For all we know, it's already been found. Maybe that's the secret behind the Mint's black coins...”[/color]

 [color=lightsteelblue]"Hah. If that's the case we could easily hit 'em where it hurts."[/color]

 [color=Crimson]"Again. Drawbacks. Damn thing could explode if we're not careful."[/color] Maura reminded Valerie, then looked back to Mac. [color=crimson]"Both Lauren and Jennifer have Third Eyes. If they're strong enough, either of them can look for traces of the Nexus and hopefully narrow down it's location."[/color] She suggested.
 
[color=cfff04]"Again, the Nexus has been unfound for decades. I doubt a third eye would be enough to uncover it. Having said that, I’m not about to make insubordination my first action as a Cradle agent. I would like to go on the record saying Penny and Lily are both targets that we know the location of. While powerful, we can at least keep an eye on them and ensure the Mint doesn’t meddle with them too much. Provided you’re against killing them outright.”[/color] The corners of Mac’s lips curled into a smile. [color=cfff04]"I jest of course. Where would you like me to start?”[/color]

The reaper sighed, a hand on her hip. [color=Crimson]"It's probably somewhere stupid like in city hall or deep underground then. Anyways, both of them should be heading to Bolorton soon. If you want, I can give you a shortcut once the others arrive there. Finn'll give you the rundown of the situation."[/color] 

[color=cfff04]"Then I am going to Bolorton instead? Very well, maybe the witches can learn something while I'm away.”[/color]

[color=Crimson]"Knowing them? Something'll pop up eventually."[/color]

 Mac clapped her hands together, and she transformed into Iron Mouse. [color=cfff04]"I can't wait to tell Oliver the good news! We're comrades in arms now! He's gunna be so happy he gets to bask in my excelence!”[/color]

Valerie snorted. [color=Lightsteelblue]"Just let me know how that turns out! I'm gonna head back to my post."[/color] She got up herself and walked back to her room. While stepping over to the nearest wall, Maura opened another portal. 

 [color=Crimson]"Whenever you're ready, [i]Iron Mouse[/i]."[/color]
 
[color=cfff04]"Yes ma’am!”[/color] Iron mouse charged through the portal. Oliver and Finn had been riding under a bridge, and Iron mouse was able to land on the motorcycle right behind Oliver. Normally Mac wouldn’t be able to fit, but she was using her gravity magic to ensure that her weight didn’t negatively affect the bike. Otherwise, three fully grown adults likely would have been really hard on their mode of transportation. [color=cfff04]"Hey Oliver! Remember me?”[/color] Iron Mouse leaned into his back. Her arms curled around his waist as the “small” girl laid her head on his shoulder. [color=cfff04]"Guess who just joined Cradle and is now on a mission with you?”[/color]

The spirit in question flinched in surprise, but made sure not to cause Finn to accidentally swerve off the road. With widened eyes he glanced over to the girl resting against him. [color=faed27]"Oh hey! It really is a small world, huh?"[/color]

 [color=C41E3A]"Wait, new recruit? Oliver, you know this chick??"[/color] He asked, quickly looking behind him at the source of the new voice before focusing back on the road.

 [color=Faed27]"Something like that! Clones had a snowball fight with her back at Christmas. My condolences for their behavior, by the way, they can be quite mischevious."[/color] Oliver apologized to her. [Color=faed27]"Iron Mouse, this is Finn, Finn, Iron Mouse. And flying next to us is Justine."[/color]