[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/K2ssvzh.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/72bEcUi.png[/img][/center] Rachel acknowledged Lily’s plea, but said nothing, simply writing down observations on her personal device. Lily managed a grateful smile as Alex together with the Beacon medics mended her multitude of wounds, and afterwards hugged Alex, burying her face in his chest. [color=fff200]”I can’t believe those people…”[/color] She mumbled. [color=fff200]”They would attack an innocent town like that…”[/color] She lifted her face up. [color=fff200]”If you weren’t there for me…I would have died. I let my emotions get the best of me…Even after I swore I would never falter..Geez, I’m so dumb…”[/color] When Alex voiced his confusion regarding the incident, Lily could only shake her head. [color=fff200]”Apparently Wonderland was behind this attack, but that’s all I really know.”[/color] Rachel then sighed, showing a hint of annoyance at Alex’ loud questioning, and glanced at the assistant who had arrived to gather another round of debriefings. “Those three are next,” she coldly stated, and pointed not only to Lily and Alex, but also at Justine, who blinked in surprise. The assistant bowed respectfully and then went over to Lily and Alex. “This way, please,” the assistant gently gestured. Lily looked to her before nodding at Alex with a bit lip. [color=fff200]”Let’s have our voices heard, Alex. It’s for the best.”[/color] “Good, now then, follow me.” With Rachel in the lead and Violette following her, Alicia, Serenity, and the rest of the Beacon operatives moved to a large conference room, nearly fully occupied by various members of both local Beacon as well as the Ascendancy. Familiar faces such as Shamrock Sally, Tsuki, and Hudie were among the gathered participants of the meeting, with the Cardinal herself taking the spot at the very back; it became obvious that this was not going to be a regular report, but an important conference for Penrose Beacon as a whole. [hr] With Alex helping steady Lily up, one of the medics brought a crutch for Lily to use, allowing her to slowly walk by herself as the two headed for the waiting room, followed by Justine just behind them. Once there, one by one they were brought to the meeting room, seeing Connie, Gaia, and the Angel of Hope on the way as they left their rooms. Finally, once they were alone, it didn’t take long for Dawn to come in and ask all three the exact same questions as with the others. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/QbCMsaB.png[/img][/center] [center][b]And now for another round.[/b] [color=888888]-Dawn “worst PR representative ever” Astraea[/color][/center] [b]“Good evening, my name is Dawn Astraea,”[/b] the young woman introduced herself again as she took her seat opposite of the interviewee. [b]“I will be conducting your debriefing. If you do not have any questions, then let us begin. First and foremost, I am obligated to inform you that this debriefing is being recorded, and that your answers will be reviewed by a light magic specialist for verification. If any falsehoods are detected, or we are given reason to believe that you pose a danger to The Beacon, you will be retained for additional investigation. Is that understood?”[/b] Lily’s eyes widened in shock, and she held her hands up to her chest, as if trying to calm herself. [color=fff200]”Y-Yes, I understand.”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Yes,"[/color] Justine answered bluntly, her hands on her lap, fingers tapping anxiously. [color=bc8dbf]”Can we make this short? I need to go check up on my sister in Silverburg."[/color] [b]“This debriefing will end faster the more quickly you answer your questions.”[/b] Justine scoffed. Even if she no longer directly opposed Beacon, they still left a bad taste in her mouth. *** [b]“What is your name and magical girl title?”[/b] [color=fff200]“Lily Lightning, a magical girl of justice. Um, do I also have to give my real name? I don’t want to be doxxed.”[/color] [b]“No, that is enough. We already know all we need to know about your civilian life.”[/b] A big sweatdrop appeared on Lily’s forehead. [color=fff200]“Well, that’s…Great?”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Justine von Visceral. Or rather, should I address myself as Sinner of Lust to you?"[/color] She asked half-mockingly and half-genuinely. [b]“That title no longer applies to you,”[/b] Dawn immediately retorted. *** [b]“What is your magical specialization?”[/b] [color=fff200]“Lightning, and also Time thanks to a wish my boyfriend made to a pair of djinn twins. B-But I swear I’m just a regular magical girl! Honest!”[/color] [b]“Do not worry; if you were corrupted, we would have already began the purification process.”[/b] Another sweatdrop appeared. [color=fff200]“That’s great…”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Blood."[/color] [b]“That is not a magical specialization.”[/b] [color=bc8dbf]”Well what else am I supposed to call it? Hemomancy?"[/color] [b]“I’ll file it under Oddball.”[/b] *** [b]“Are you a dark magical girl or monster girl?”[/b] [color=fff200]“Neither. I swear I am normal! Although, sometimes I do lose my temper and that results in some unwise decisions, but that happens to everyone, right?”[/color] Dawn glared back. Lily sunk down in her seat. [color=fff200]“Well…I guess not everyone…”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”I was a monster girl at one point, but I got better,"[/color] Justine answered. [color=bc8dbf]”I think it was a Beacon girl that administered the purifying potion, I believe?"[/color] [b]“Yes, our records indicate that a purification potion was administered by local Beacon forces.”[/b] [color=bc8dbf]”One of the Howell twins, correct? Sounds like they do a better job at purifying than you lot?"[/color] A popped vein could be seen on Dawn’s forehead. [b]“Let’s move on to the next question.”[/b] *** [b]“Is your Patron classified as a horror?”[/b] [color=fff200]“No, he’s a Puchuu…Though, these days I feel like we’ve grown more distant. He usually lets me do my own thing…Unlike Ixion…”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”No."[/color] [b]“You are currently employed by the Crimson Cradle, correct?”[/b] [color=bc8dbf]”Yes, what about it?"[/color] Justine averted her eyes. [b]“Are you aware of that organization’s reputation in the magical community?”[/b] [color=bc8dbf]”Yes, but that doesn’t…matter to me. Not at all."[/color] Any Light specialist would detect the lie in that sentence. *** [b]“Have you ever worked alongside a dark magical girl/boy, monster girl/boy, and/or servant of a horror?”[/b] [color=fff200]“Well, of course. Even if we are different, we can all still fight together for a good cause. We can’t let prejudice get in the way of what’s really important, like protecting our friends and loved ones.”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”That should be obvious given my history."[/color] *** [b]“Have you ever opposed the glorious and righteous will of The Beacon Ascendancy?”[/b] [color=fff200]“Well…one time, Rachel wanted to destroy an artifact belonging to one of my friends…”[/color] Lily pouted with puffed up cheeks. [color=fff200]“And she also wanted to blow up an entire dimension just because it was a bit different. And that’s just wrong, you know! If you were there, I’m sure you’d agree with me!”[/color] Dawn glared at Lily. She sunk in her seat even lower this time. [color=fff200]“I guess…You wouldn’t, huh…”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Not in my current occupation, but I believe that is inevitable given the stubbornness and refusal to co-operate that your lot typically expresses."[/color] *** [b]“Why have you yet to renounce your Patron and embrace the radiant light of The Beacon?”[/b] [color=fff200]“I actually did consider it when I lost my previous Patron…But then I remembered how mean you can be, even to your fellow magical girls! Yes, it’s important to fight for a good cause, but you’re taking it too far.”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Because I am sworn to serve my Mistress. That’s all there is to it. Well, except for the part where you’re all a bunch of stuck up-"[/color] *** [b]“How did you learn that Bolorton was under attack?”[/b] [color=fff200]“This is kind of embarrassing to admit…But sometimes I like to watch live streams on Glimmr. One of the streamers I follow lives in Bolorton, and was doing one of her outdoor zatsudans-”[/color] [b]“What is a zatsudan?”[/b] Lily turned red in the face. [color=fff200]“Well, umm, it’s like casual chatting-never mind, that’s not important! The point is, she noticed that some soldiers appeared, and the feed suddenly cut off, so I called all my friends and we rushed there.”[/color] [b]“Who was this streamer?”[/b] [color=fff200]“She goes by SunFlowey in Glimmr, but that’s all you’re gonna get! I’m a loyal fan, and would never dox her!”[/color] [b]“So Annabelle McDonald,”[/b] Dawn immediately wrote down, causing Lily to gasp. [color=fff200]“Is nothing a secret to you guys?!”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Lily called me about it. Of course, knowing her luck, she must have seen a livestream of the attack happening or something. She can sometimes stumble into stuff like this like it’s magic."[/color] *** [b]“How did you reach Bolorton in time to assist with its evacuation?”[/b] [color=fff200]“My friend Mariette created a portal, and I’m so grateful for that. But now I have no idea how to pay her back! Maybe some cake…”[/color] Lily wondered with a finger poking at her cheek. *** [color=bc8dbf]”Lily pulled some strings, and we got there with an associate’s portal. At this point she must know every single magical girl in Penrose. That’s honestly impressive."[/color] *** [b]“What was the approximate strength of the Wonderland forces attacking the town?”[/b] [color=fff200]“There was a lot of soldiers, like a lot lot! It was like one of those wave survival games where you have to hold out for as long as you can, it was terrible! There were also a bunch of tanks, and artillery, and crazy monsters that went bwoom bwoom, and blamm, and-”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Enough infantry to invade a micronation with, complete with armored transport and assault vehicles and mortar support. There was also aerial infantry with heavy weapons, and what looked like a specialized group of weaponized monsters based on the Wizard of Oz story. To be honest, it’s a bit underwhelming as far as the whole fairytale and storybook theme goes. At least I went all out with the whole gothic horror style."[/color] *** [b]“Via what method or methods were the Wonderland forces deployed?”[/b] [color=fff200]“I don’t really know. I guess portals or teleportation? There was suddenly a whole lot more enemies, but I didn’t pay much attention where they came from.”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Portal magic. And based on how the magic circles looked, it might have been artificially produced. But I’m not really an expert or anything on the subject."[/color] *** [b]“Did you witness any member of Beacon engaging the Wonderland forces in combat?”[/b] [color=fff200]“Yeah! I saw my good friend Alicia defend the town with other Beacon girls. She’s so cool, isn’t she?”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”Yeah, Beacon was there aiding in the evacuation effort. But when it came to Ascendancy…"[/color] *** [b]“Did the Wonderlanders communicate with you in any way?”[/b] [color=fff200]“Uhh, not really? I heard some shouting, but none of it was directed at us, I think. I don’t think they were interested in us surrendering.”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”No, not at all. They were out for blood, no diplomacy attempted. They did speak English though, so you could try talking to them…If you care, that is."[/color] *** [b]“Did you communicate with the Wonderlanders in any way?”[/b] [color=fff200]“I think I tried yelling at them to stop, but by that point they already started their attack…Sometimes you gotta make the other side listen to you, I guess. But if it were up to me, I’d always try to talk things out, no matter who it was!”[/color] *** [color=bc8dbf]”No, because there was no point. In war, you can’t hesitate for even a second."[/color] *** [b]“If I was to tell you that this was the last question, would you believe me?”[/b] Lily tilted her head, looking puzzled. [color=fff200]“Uhh…I guess?”[/color] *** Justine scoffed. [color=bc8dbf]”No. I think you still have more pointless questions to ask just to spite me."[/color] *** [b]“Last question. If I was to tell you that [i]this[/i] was the last question, would you believe me?”[/b] Lily tilted her head again. [color=fff200]“Uhh…I…Guess?”[/color] [i][color=fff200]What is she doing?[/color][/i] *** [color=bc8dbf]”No. I’m not going to explain myself again.”[/color] [i][color=bc8dbf]Yep, here comes the stupid questions.[/color][/i] *** [b]“That concludes the debriefing,”[/b] Dawn announced as she rose to her feet. [b]“The Beacon thanks you for your cooperation in this matter. Someone will be with you shortly to escort you off the premisses.”[/b] Lily sighed, feeling like her nervousness finally released in one big spark of electricity. Justine rolled her eyes. With that, Dawn left, and the interviews were over. Once all three got out of the meeting room, Lily grabbed hold of Alex’ shoulder with her free arm. [color=fff200]”Phew, glad that’s finally over. I gotta say, I did not like her attitude about the whole thing.”[/color] [color=bc8dbf]”You tell me. The last two questions especially. Anyway, I gotta head off and see how Caroline is doing. But let’s keep in touch, okay Lily? Bye."[/color] She waved goodbye to Lily and Alex as she left. Lily waved back. And as the two of them also walked out of Beacon headquarters, the crutch-holding girl stopped still, and gave one last look at the building. [color=fff200]“You know Alex…I never thought I’d have to do this…But now’s the time to follow in my predecessor’s footsteps.”[/color] And with that, Lily summoned her bike, and they were gone. [hr] “Justine? I didn’t know she was around these parts.” Nefer sounded surprised when Iron Mouse mentioned the former monster girl, and looked back, simultaneously turning to avoid a large rock without looking. She then realized what she blurted out, and giggled. “I mean, wow, those Wonderlanders sure are something else, eh? I reckon Penrose is gonna be a warzone soon. Plenty of loot to be had then~” She smirked as Mayra wondered about the people around her, and winked at the excited monster girl. “Well, aren’t you a sssilly little salamander cutie~” Akhenaten grumbled, sounding a tiny bit deeper in his voice than usual as he continued driving the group into the horizon.