[h2][color=ffa500][b]Himiko[/b][/color]
VS
[b][color=bd71e8]Fritzi[/color][/b] 
[/h2]

[center][i][url=https://youtu.be/Xtw0yKIgpnU?si=RkFDbQVWK_m1KFjBE][ ♫ ][/url][/i][/center]
It all happened so fast that it had been like a blur, before she could even register it Vermillion had gone on the offensive and bisected her. What surprised her even more was the information that she had gained from her Endless Eclipse and how fast it had processed into her mind nearly as quickly as Vermillion's first attack. Her brain had hardly any time to even register that her top and lower halves found themselves apart, nor MDP’s efforts to heal her and make her whole again. Her mind was already racing with how to act upon the information her Endless Eclipse had been able to obtain. It was finally time to exert as much of her full power as she could muster. Her Endless Eclipse had taken up some mana and cost her the use of her most powerful melody which needed her max mana but it had been well worth the sacrifice.

It was only when Vermillion had flipped her that the world around her came rushing right back into focus. When she landed she rolled backwards up and onto her feet as her Endless Eclipse came back to her shoulder. Her golden gaze locked onto Vermillion and the makeshift weapon she wielded with an emotionless expression ready to defend herself as she moved back a few more feet to put a more comfortable distance between her and Vermillion [color=orange]"Be wary of anything Vermillion touches, it will act as her instrument, even if there isn’t anything obvious nearby for her to use, she can still summon, trying to hinder her movements will be more difficult than a normal opponent and she can survive dismemberment, target her head."[/color] Himiko quickly and cooly relayed the finer points of the information to her allies in a matter of seconds as she knew Vermillion wouldn’t let up.

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b2c7ff]B[/color][color=b3c7ff]-[/color][color=b5c6ff]b[/color][color=b7c6ff]u[/color][color=b8c5ff]t[/color] [color=bbc4ff]y[/color][color=bdc4ff]o[/color][color=bfc3ff]u[/color] [color=c2c2ff]s[/color][color=c4c1ff]a[/color][color=c5c1ff]i[/color][color=c7c0ff]d[/color] [color=cabfff]w[/color][color=ccbfff]e[/color] [color=cfbeff]d[/color][color=d1bdff]i[/color][color=d2bdff]d[/color][color=d4bcff]n[/color][color=d6bbff]’[/color][color=d7bbff]t[/color] [color=dbbaff]h[/color][color=dcb9ff]a[/color][color=deb9ff]v[/color][color=dfb8ff]e[/color] [color=e3b7ff]t[/color][color=e4b7ff]o[/color] [color=e8b5ff]h[/color][color=e9b5ff]u[/color][color=ebb4ff]w[/color][color=edb4ff]t[/color] [color=f0b3ff]d[/color][color=f1b2ff]e[/color][color=f3b2ff]m[/color][color=f5b1ff]…[/color][color=f6b1ff]"[/color] 

Himiko’s Endless Eclipse fluttered into the palms of her hand as it emitted a golden glow, her two revolvers emerged from within its starry void and into the palms of her hands before it fluttered back to her shoulder. She knew she had to get serious, and get serious quick as she brought both revolvers to bare on her target, they began to emit a bright golden glow as she the ground around her cracked and she emitted an intense heat that scorched the area around her before a pair of powerful golden flames erupted from the barrels of her revolvers merging into a single projectile that ripped through the air straight for Vermillion's head creating a backblast behind Himiko that threw up debris.

[Gold Projectile][Homing][Damage X] = -192 mana 

Veronica may have looked silly fighting with two chairs, but she was an expert in duel chairing and was in tune with her weapons. She pointed one of the chairs at Himiko’s guns the moment they fired, and they struck the bottom of the chair. The resulting impact got her elbow to buckle, but did little else. Another effect of an esper’s weapon was that they never broke regardless of how absurd they were. She might have been able to block the attack with a notebook if she so desired.

[color=ffa500]"We didn’t have to hurt them, until they decided to hurt us first"[/color] , shooting a sharp glance towards MDP before her attention returned to Vermillion. It was going to be trouble trying to get in and around her defenses with her tricky abilities. Though that was hardly a surprise considering her status within Pax Septimus. Himiko would just have to get more creative if she was going to overcome this troublesome obstacle.

The chair in her outstretched arm vanished in a puff of black smoke just as the pounder closed in. She immediately appeared behind him as he charged right through her position. [color=bd71e8]"I hadn’t realized you hated me so much, Himiko."[/color] She used her foot to flip the dish into the air, and caught it with her free hand. She circled the combatants until her back was at the golden trove again. [color=bd71e8]"You know I’m just a middle man, right? There are people far higher up in Gemini than I. They will appoint someone else to my position if you kill me."[/color] She tapped the side of her head with the saucer. [color=bd71e8]"It’s no different with you. You may want to disrupt our operation, but dark web espers such as yourself are only a problem because there are people who support you. For someone who wants to change the world, you’re setting your sights awfully low."[/color]

[color=ffa500]"Hate? I do not hate you, if anything I pity you"[/color] countered while keeping her revolvers trained on Vermillion even as she repositioned, Himiko shifted and kept the distance between them. Her expression remained neutral while Vermillion went on with her explanation. Himiko gave her a small shake of her head as it was clear that Vermillion did not truly understand her.

[color=ffa500]"Of course I’m aware, the higher ups' elimination will come in due time but as for you, you are still a powerful piece on the chess board of Pax Septimus, one that is standing in the way of my current objective, if I have to kill you then I will, if I’m able to avoid that and make use of you then I will"[/color] Her eyes never moved from Vermillion as she gestured with a shrug of her shoulder towards her Endless Eclipse upon her shoulder while keeping the revolvers aimed towards her foe. [color=ffa500]"What makes me different from all of those small time ‘dark web’ espers is this little birdie, but since you feel like you know so much about changing the world and think I’m setting my sights too low, then what would be your grand plan"[/color] cooly responding to Vermillion's claim before ripping off a few shoots from each of her revolvers sending three bullets from each for a total of six with careful aim and precision. The gun's barrels flashed and the concussion filled the air, sending three towards her legs, aiming one for each knee and one for her gut and three towards her upper torso with one for each shoulder and the last for her  head. 

As the first shot came in, Veronica’s chair vanished, only to be replaced with the giant tea table they had been seated at earlier. Additionally, a shadow obscured her and the table, covering her position with a black fog. [color=bd71e8]"I don’t know. Keeping Pax Septimus from imploding is hard enough. Plotting to overthrow the world order makes me tired. Maybe you’re right. I guess I misspoke."[/color]

[color=ffa500]"Maybe it needs to implode…"[/color] Himiko responded as Vermillion disappeared from view. Her abilities were problematic but Himiko had an idea that might help get around them if she could pull it off. It wouldn’t be easy, especially not with Vermillion obscuring herself from view and summoning whatever she needed at the right time. Himiko repositioned so she was closer to her two allies while keeping a wary eye on the black fog.

The pounder and MDP had regrouped behind some of the vehicles Maverick used to get here. In particular, they had taken refuge behind Billy’s rat-rod Cadillac. [color=ff00ff]"[/color][color=ff00fe]W[/color][color=ff00fd]e[/color] [color=ff00fa]n[/color][color=ff00f9]e[/color][color=ff00f8]e[/color][color=ff00f7]d[/color] [color=ff00f4]s[/color][color=ff00f3]o[/color][color=ff00f2]m[/color][color=ff00f1]e[/color] [color=ff00ee]k[/color][color=ff00ed]i[/color][color=ff00ec]n[/color][color=ff00eb]d[/color] [color=ff00e8]o[/color][color=ff00e7]f[/color] [color=ff00e5]s[/color][color=ff00e4]t[/color][color=ff00e2]r[/color][color=ff00e1]a[/color][color=ff00e0]t[/color][color=ff00df]e[/color][color=ff00de]g[/color][color=ff00dc]y[/color][color=ff00db],[/color] [color=ff00d9]s[/color][color=ff00d8]h[/color][color=ff00d6]e[/color][color=ff00d5]’[/color][color=ff00d4]s[/color] [color=ff00d2]g[/color][color=ff00d0]o[/color][color=ff00cf]i[/color][color=ff00ce]n[/color][color=ff00cd]g[/color] [color=ff00ca]t[/color][color=ff00c9]o[/color] [color=ff00c7]h[/color][color=ff00c6]u[/color][color=ff00c4]r[/color][color=ff00c3]t[/color] [color=ff00c1]M[/color][color=ff00c0]A[/color][color=ff00be]G[/color][color=ff00bd]I[/color][color=ff00bc]C[/color][color=ff00bb]A[/color][color=ff00ba]L[/color] [color=ff00b7]D[/color][color=ff00b6]R[/color][color=ff00b5]E[/color][color=ff00b4]A[/color][color=ff00b3]M[/color] [color=ff00b0]P[/color][color=ff00af]R[/color][color=ff00ae]I[/color][color=ff00ad]N[/color][color=ff00ab]C[/color][color=ff00aa]E[/color][color=ff00a9]S[/color][color=ff00a8]S[/color] [color=ff00a5]i[/color][color=ff00a4]f[/color] [color=ff00a2]w[/color][color=ff00a1]e[/color] [color=ff009e]k[/color][color=ff009d]e[/color][color=ff009c]e[/color][color=ff009b]p[/color] [color=ff0098]p[/color][color=ff0097]l[/color][color=ff0096]a[/color][color=ff0095]y[/color][color=ff0093]i[/color][color=ff0092]n[/color][color=ff0091]g[/color] [color=ff008f]r[/color][color=ff008e]o[/color][color=ff008c]s[/color][color=ff008b]h[/color][color=ff008a]a[/color][color=ff0089]m[/color][color=ff0088]b[/color][color=ff0086]o[/color] [color=ff0084]w[/color][color=ff0083]i[/color][color=ff0082]t[/color][color=ff0080]h[/color] [color=ff007e]h[/color][color=ff007d]e[/color][color=ff007c]r[/color][color=ff007a].[/color][color=ff0079]"[/color]

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b3c7ff]C[/color][color=b5c6ff]a[/color][color=b8c5ff]n[/color] [color=bdc4ff]w[/color][color=c0c3ff]e[/color] [color=c5c1ff]j[/color][color=c8c0ff]u[/color][color=cbbfff]s[/color][color=cdbeff]t[/color] [color=d3bcff]s[/color][color=d5bcff]n[/color][color=d8bbff]e[/color][color=dbbaff]a[/color][color=ddb9ff]k[/color] [color=e3b7ff]i[/color][color=e5b6ff]n[/color][color=e8b5ff]s[/color][color=ebb4ff]i[/color][color=edb4ff]d[/color][color=f0b3ff]e[/color][color=f3b2ff]?[/color][color=f5b1ff]"[/color] MDP added weakly. 

Looking out of the corner of her eye towards MDP and The Pounder Himiko gave a small nod of her head [color=ffa500]"I have a strategy in mind, but in order to pull it off I’ll have to be able to switch spots with Vermillion which isn’t going to be easy without being able to keep track of her, we can try to sneak inside afterwards if it is possible, but I have a feeling she isn’t going to let us go without pursuing"[/color] Putting away one of her revolvers briefly to free up her right hand. A golden blaze appeared in the palm of her hand as hot molten obsidian started to form. Slowly shaping and morphing into the shape of a sword as it started to cool and harden. Creating a shiny black blade that her golden aura glowed within the reflection.

[Gold Self][Craft] = -32 mana

[color=ffa500]"If you are able to draw her out, I’ll switch places with her, but make sure neither of you are near this blade…"[/color] Taking the blade and jamming it into the ground, cracking the street around it at her feet as she retrieved her second revolver. She wasn’t sure how effective her next move would be, but it was worth a shot, even if it bought them some time. 

[color=bd71e8]"You know I can hear you, right?"[/color] The sound of something metallic and plastic being picked up  could be heard on the other side of the screen. [color=bd71e8]"At least wait for me to make some noise… Like this!"[/color]

Earlier, the weretigers had drawn weapons to fire on the incoming Maverick espers. Some of them had died and left behind their machine guns. It was those guns that were now being fired through the shadow at Oros the Greedy. 

[color=ffa500]"It's about time you got a better taste in weaponry…"[/color] Himiko calmly remarked as the bullets tore towards her.  

MDP attempted to grant her cover by creating a fat, plush, unicorn. It was absorbing the shots, but each bullet was ripping into the oversized stuffed animal and chipping it into felt and cotton chunks. 

Himiko appreciated the makeshift cover, but she knew it wouldn’t last forever against  the barrage of bullets. It did at least buy her some time to make her next decision as she looked towards the Pounder. Gesturing with her right hand to motion that she wanted him to go around from the right side before speaking. [color=ffa500]"I need you to come over here so we can do something about that smoke and push up together, Princess you can stay here"[/color] Her words contradicting the gesture of her hand signals as she was on the left side and away from where she wanted them to move. Wanting him to follow the gesture and not her words, using the smoke and the cover of the unicorn to her advantage. 

The pounder looked at MDP, nodded, and prepared to sprint. 

Using the last bit of cover, Himiko rolled out from it to the left while staying on the ground on her stomach to keep a lower profile, both arms extended in front of herself pointed towards the source of the bullets that exited the smoke trying to trace them back. Taking careful aim she ripped off two shots from each revolver hoping to at the bare minimum disrupt her fire and get her attention drawn towards Himiko to allow MDP and the Pounder to make a move more freely. 

Veronica’s gunfire stopped almost as soon as Himiko started firing. She could hear something hard and plastic land on the stairs, then a gun skidded out from behind the shadowy veil. Then the veil disappeared, but not before the table flew through the air and slammed into Himiko’s cover, blowing her cover into shredded cotton and felt. 

Pink Pounder managed to get half way up the stairs when Veronica charged him with an open umbrella. He placed his shield between the incoming attack and his V.I.P. to stop her advance. As soon as she struck the shield, his eyes glowed red and he lunged at her with a savage swing. As powerful as it was, it wasn’t enough to break the GEMINI agent’s guard. The umbrella closed and she started fencing with the pounder, keeping the knight between herself and Himiko’s position. 

[color=bd71e8]"You’re not too shabby, sir knight! No wonder we hired you in the past."[/color]

[color=ff00ff]"[/color][color=ff00f9]A[/color][color=ff00f3]l[/color][color=ff00ed]l[/color] [color=ff00e0]I[/color] [color=ff00d4]c[/color][color=ff00ce]a[/color][color=ff00c8]r[/color][color=ff00c2]e[/color] [color=ff00b5]a[/color][color=ff00af]b[/color][color=ff00a9]o[/color][color=ff00a3]u[/color][color=ff009d]t[/color] [color=ff0091]i[/color][color=ff008a]s[/color][color=ff0084]-[/color][color=ff007e]"[/color] 

[color=bd71e8]"Yes, you said it a hundred times. Yet you continue to undertake such dangerous missions with her."[/color] Her off hand swirled with dark energy. [color=bd71e8]"Perhaps you’d like to take a vacation, if not retire?"[/color] 

Himiko glanced over towards what remained of the stuffed unicorn that had served as her cover and was glad she had decided to move. She turned her attention towards the action, narrowing her eyes at what she saw. Vermilion was smart to keep the Pounder between them as makeshift cover. It made Himiko’s next course of action more difficult as she needed a clear view of her target to strike without harming the Pounder or MDP. If she was going to pull this next move off she needed the Pounder out of the way and Vermilion not to understand her true intentions.

She got herself back to her feet as she quickly moved towards where she had jammed her obsidian sword into the asphalt coming to a stop right next to it. Glancing towards the sword then towards The Pounder and Vermilion, she gritted her teeth, a new idea started to formulate in her head. There were two ways to try this, but one was more risky then the other, if the first didn’t work, then she had no choice but to do the second but hopefully it wouldn’t come to that. 

[color=ffa500]"Move!, I need a clear shot!"[/color] Himiko called out to the Pounder hoping that he could shift the engagement to clear her view towards Vermilion. Her wording was intentional to try to mislead Vermilion into what she was actually trying to do, having no intentions of firing off a single round from her revolvers. If she could swap places with Vermilion she could set off her trap and hopefully catch her off guard. But first she needed the Pounder to play into her plan as well to help set it up and give her a window of opportunity to pull off the swap.

[color=bd71e8]"I agree! Give her a clear shot!"[/color] While it likely wasn’t because of Veronica’s order, the Pounder did end up hopping backwards. But by that point, her melody had manifested. A grenade launcher appeared in her hand, and it made Veronica incorporeal. Likely an attempt to dodge the bullets that Himiko never intended to fire. She immediately began firing shells into the air. Each shot was followed by a hollow pop until all eight cartridges were deployed. Then Veronica turned towards Himiko and opened her umbrella, at which point she became tangible again. But then the smoking canisters landed on the ground, and her form was swiftly obscured. Along with the rest of the stairs. 

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b2c7ff]S[/color][color=b4c7ff]h[/color][color=b6c6ff]e[/color][color=b8c5ff]’[/color][color=bac5ff]s[/color] [color=bec3ff]r[/color][color=c0c3ff]a[/color][color=c3c2ff]t[/color][color=c5c1ff]h[/color][color=c7c0ff]e[/color][color=c9c0ff]r[/color] [color=cdbeff]c[/color][color=cfbeff]a[/color][color=d1bdff]u[/color][color=d3bcff]t[/color][color=d5bcff]i[/color][color=d7bbff]o[/color][color=d9baff]u[/color][color=dbbaff]s[/color][color=ddb9ff],[/color] [color=e1b8ff]i[/color][color=e3b7ff]s[/color][color=e5b6ff]n[/color][color=e8b5ff]’[/color][color=eab5ff]t[/color] [color=eeb3ff]s[/color][color=f0b3ff]h[/color][color=f2b2ff]e[/color][color=f4b1ff]?[/color][color=f6b1ff]"[/color] MDP spoke up, but went unanswered by her guardian. 

Much to her chagrin Himiko’s plan would have to wait a while longer. She would have to shift gears and deal with this new obstacle before she could try to pull it off.

But it seemed as though Veronica had stopped her assault for the moment, as nothing could be heard. At least, nothing over the hissing smoke bombs. 

[color=ffa500]"She isn’t interested in a head on battle, she wants to waste our resources and keep us from our objective but two can play that game"[/color] Himiko’s golden eyes remained focused on the smoke as she tuned out the sound of the hissing smoke bombs. If Vermilion wanted to keep playing hide n seek then it was time to play it themselves. [color=ffa500]"Stay alert and be prepared to strike when she makes her move, we won’t go into that smoke or play into her tricks…"[/color] Using her words once more as a misleading weapon with no extra gestures. To avoid falling into a predictable pattern that Vermilion could use against them she had told the truth. 

Having last seen Vermilion facing her with an umbrella before the smoke obscured her figure, Himiko knew she couldn’t stay where she was at. Slowly and quietly starting to shift her position as she moved to her right so she wouldn’t be in the same spot Vermilion had last seen her, and in hopes of circumventing the defensive utility of the umbrella. She knew better than to carelessly waste any mana on a big attack without having a clear opening. She was always wary of opening fire with her revolvers to give away her current position as she continued her wide arc. Both revolvers aimed towards the smoke with her golden eyes intensely focused and searching for any sign of Vermilion's next move.

Himiko was certainly taking her opponent seriously. They had the advantage of numbers, but they couldn’t waste their mana here if they wanted to take advantage of the fight happening inside. She was likely right. Veronica appeared to be going for a stall or exhaustion tactic. The issue was that while Himiko and her companions could choose how much mana they expended on melodies, they couldn’t choose how long they waited for the smoke to clear. Depending on conditions, smoke grenades could take a very long time to clear, and often lasted for minutes in the least ideal situation. But the hissing should stop momentarily, and Himiko would be able to hear what Veronica was doing. 

Something did occur to her while she waited. If Veronica couldn’t see through the smoke, then why did she put it up? It was a stall tactic for sure, but even Veronica had to realize that merely putting up temporary barriers would pass eventually. It was an open space, and even if the smoke didn’t clear fully, it would become easier to see through with time. It wasn’t like time was on her side either. The longer things dragged on, the worse shape everyone was going to be in. Nothing was stopping Himiko from attacking others as they left the building. 

Then again, Endless Eclipse hadn’t revealed what Veronica was keeping on her person. 

Could she have inferred goggles? 

Himiko heard the gun shots, but couldn’t get out of the way in time. A tight group of shots ripped through her right shoulder and arm. Before the firing could continue, Pink Pounder placed himself and his massive shield between Himmiko and the gunfire. 

[color=ff00ff]"[/color][color=ff00fd]Y[/color][color=ff00fa]o[/color][color=ff00f8]u[/color][color=ff00f6]’[/color][color=ff00f4]r[/color][color=ff00f1]e[/color] [color=ff00ed]n[/color][color=ff00ea]o[/color][color=ff00e8]t[/color] [color=ff00e4]M[/color][color=ff00e1]A[/color][color=ff00df]G[/color][color=ff00dd]I[/color][color=ff00da]C[/color][color=ff00d8]A[/color][color=ff00d6]L[/color] [color=ff00d1]D[/color][color=ff00cf]R[/color][color=ff00cd]E[/color][color=ff00ca]A[/color][color=ff00c8]M[/color] [color=ff00c4]P[/color][color=ff00c1]R[/color][color=ff00bf]I[/color][color=ff00bd]N[/color][color=ff00ba]C[/color][color=ff00b8]E[/color][color=ff00b6]S[/color][color=ff00b3]S[/color][color=ff00b1],[/color] [color=ff00ad]b[/color][color=ff00aa]u[/color][color=ff00a8]t[/color] [color=ff00a3]y[/color][color=ff00a1]o[/color][color=ff009f]u[/color] [color=ff009a]a[/color][color=ff0098]r[/color][color=ff0096]e[/color] [color=ff0091]h[/color][color=ff008f]e[/color][color=ff008d]r[/color] [color=ff0088]q[/color][color=ff0086]u[/color][color=ff0083]e[/color][color=ff0081]s[/color][color=ff007f]t[/color][color=ff007d].[/color][color=ff007a]"[/color]

It bought enough time for MDP to erect a brick wall. It was about waist height and was as wide as two pounders were tall, but the entire construction was made out of gingerbread, frosting, and gumdrops. The gunfire had stopped, if only for the moment. 

Despite the pain of the wounds, Himiko kept a neutral expression as her mind quickly mulled over the current scenario. She gave PP and MDP a small nod of appreciation for having come to her aid.  She wasn’t used to her new powers and they could only do so much to close the gap. The current situation wasn’t tenable with MDP having already burnt through too much mana because of Himiko. Which left Pink Pounder who would likely be limited by MDP having to use up so much mana and being more vulnerable as a result. 

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b1c8ff]W[/color][color=b3c7ff]e[/color] [color=b5c6ff]c[/color][color=b6c6ff]a[/color][color=b8c5ff]n[/color][color=b9c5ff]’[/color][color=bac5ff]t[/color] [color=bdc4ff]k[/color][color=bec3ff]e[/color][color=bfc3ff]e[/color][color=c1c2ff]p[/color] [color=c3c2ff]w[/color][color=c5c1ff]a[/color][color=c6c1ff]i[/color][color=c7c0ff]t[/color][color=c8c0ff]i[/color][color=cabfff]n[/color][color=cbbfff]g[/color] [color=cebeff]f[/color][color=cfbeff]o[/color][color=d0bdff]r[/color] [color=d3bcff]h[/color][color=d4bcff]e[/color][color=d5bcff]w[/color] [color=d8bbff]t[/color][color=d9baff]o[/color] [color=dcb9ff]m[/color][color=ddb9ff]a[/color][color=deb9ff]k[/color][color=e0b8ff]e[/color] [color=e2b7ff]t[/color][color=e3b7ff]h[/color][color=e5b6ff]e[/color] [color=e7b6ff]f[/color][color=e9b5ff]i[/color][color=eab5ff]w[/color][color=ebb4ff]s[/color][color=ecb4ff]t[/color] [color=efb3ff]m[/color][color=f0b3ff]o[/color][color=f2b2ff]u[/color][color=f3b2ff]o[/color][color=f4b1ff]v[/color][color=f5b1ff]![/color][color=f7b0ff]"[/color] MDP moved in to heal Himiko. [color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b1c8ff]I[/color] [color=b4c7ff]d[/color][color=b5c6ff]o[/color][color=b6c6ff]n[/color][color=b7c6ff]’[/color][color=b9c5ff]t[/color] [color=bbc4ff]h[/color][color=bcc4ff]a[/color][color=bec3ff]v[/color][color=bfc3ff]e[/color] [color=c1c2ff]m[/color][color=c3c2ff]u[/color][color=c4c1ff]c[/color][color=c5c1ff]h[/color] [color=c8c0ff]m[/color][color=c9c0ff]a[/color][color=cabfff]n[/color][color=cbbfff]a[/color] [color=cebeff]w[/color][color=cfbeff]e[/color][color=d0bdff]f[/color][color=d2bdff]t[/color][color=d3bcff],[/color] [color=d5bcff]b[/color][color=d6bbff]u[/color][color=d8bbff]t[/color] [color=dabaff]P[/color][color=dbbaff]w[/color][color=ddb9ff]i[/color][color=deb9ff]n[/color][color=dfb8ff]k[/color] [color=e2b7ff]P[/color][color=e3b7ff]w[/color][color=e4b7ff]o[/color][color=e5b6ff]u[/color][color=e7b6ff]n[/color][color=e8b5ff]d[/color][color=e9b5ff]a[/color][color=eab5ff]h[/color] [color=edb4ff]i[/color][color=eeb3ff]s[/color] [color=f1b2ff]o[/color][color=f2b2ff]k[/color][color=f3b2ff]a[/color][color=f4b1ff]y[/color][color=f6b1ff].[/color][color=f7b0ff]"[/color] She whispered. 

Himiko kneeled down with her confidence shaken after considering her options, glancing towards MDP out of the side of her eye as she took care of the healing, she momentarily placed down the revolver in her right hand to free it to reach up towards her Endless Eclipse. Pulling a tungsten rod from its starry void, gripping it tightly. [color=ffa500]"I can try one last thing, if that doesn’t work then I’m out of options, she is far stronger and has far more resources then what I’m capable of producing, she will always get to make the first move in this situation so we may be forced to retreat if this doesn’t work"[/color] calmly addressing her two allies with brutal honesty as she wasn’t used to working with others.  Whether Vermilion heard or not did not matter to her at the moment as it wasn’t much of a secret by this point. 

Lowering her voice now for MDP and Pink Pounder [color=ffa500]"We need to create a greater heat source around our area, it will help us blend in and become nearly invisible as long a she stays in the smoke with those infrared goggles as her only means of seeing, it should allow me  to grab the sword and take a more direct approach, you two may do whatever you wish during that time…"[/color] With that she rose to her feet holding the tungsten rod like a javelin as she heaved it up over the candy land wall that had been formed by MDP. Kneeling back down to grab a hold of her revolver again. If Vermilion did have infrared goggles then hopefully the rod would escape her notice until it landed and provided a momentary distraction.

Turning now as she aimed her revolvers behind them targeting everything she could in sight, buildings, landscaping, tables, chairs it did not matter as she fired off a weakened blast from her revolvers as they had barely even glowed. Hoping to create a backlight behind them by lighting whatever she could on fire. If she could pull it off, then she could get her hands back on the sword she had created earlier. The previous plan wouldn’t work with how Vermilion was choosing to fight, there was no way she was going to be able to hit her with that kind of melody. It was time to resort to the much riskier backup plan. Himiko would have preferred to avoid it, it was direct and it put herself in far greater danger. She didn’t have much choice in the matter, she may not get another shot. 

[Bronze Projectile][Ignite][Scatter] =-72

The fires that Himiko created were temporary and clustered to an area that was only twenty feet wide, but it was better than nothing. 

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b2c7ff]I[/color][color=b3c7ff]’[/color][color=b5c6ff]m[/color] [color=b8c5ff]g[/color][color=bac5ff]o[/color][color=bbc4ff]i[/color][color=bdc4ff]n[/color][color=bec3ff]g[/color] [color=c2c2ff]t[/color][color=c3c2ff]o[/color] [color=c6c1ff]h[/color][color=c8c0ff]a[/color][color=cabfff]v[/color][color=cbbfff]e[/color] [color=cebeff]t[/color][color=d0bdff]o[/color][color=d2bdff]w[/color][color=d3bcff]o[/color] [color=d6bbff]b[/color][color=d8bbff]w[/color][color=dabaff]i[/color][color=dbbaff]n[/color][color=ddb9ff]g[/color] [color=e0b8ff]d[/color][color=e2b7ff]o[/color][color=e3b7ff]w[/color][color=e5b6ff]n[/color] [color=e8b5ff]t[/color][color=eab5ff]h[/color][color=ebb4ff]e[/color] [color=eeb3ff]w[/color][color=f0b3ff]a[/color][color=f2b2ff]l[/color][color=f3b2ff]l[/color][color=f5b1ff].[/color][color=f6b1ff]"[/color] MDP placed her hand on it. [color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b2c7ff]I[/color][color=b3c7ff]f[/color] [color=b6c6ff]w[/color][color=b8c5ff]e[/color] [color=bbc4ff]c[/color][color=bdc4ff]w[/color][color=bec3ff]o[/color][color=c0c3ff]s[/color][color=c2c2ff]s[/color] [color=c5c1ff]i[/color][color=c6c1ff]n[/color] [color=cabfff]f[/color][color=cbbfff]w[/color][color=cdbeff]u[/color][color=cebeff]n[/color][color=d0bdff]t[/color] [color=d3bcff]o[/color][color=d5bcff]f[/color] [color=d8bbff]i[/color][color=dabaff]t[/color][color=dbbaff],[/color] [color=deb9ff]s[/color][color=e0b8ff]h[/color][color=e2b7ff]e[/color] [color=e5b6ff]w[/color][color=e6b6ff]i[/color][color=e8b5ff]w[/color] [color=ebb4ff]s[/color][color=edb4ff]e[/color][color=eeb3ff]e[/color] [color=f2b2ff]u[/color][color=f3b2ff]s[/color][color=f5b1ff].[/color][color=f6b1ff]"[/color] And with that, the gingerbread wall crumbled. 

[color=bd71e8]"Oh wow!"[/color] Veronica called out. [color=bd71e8]"You might have some grey matter between those ears after all."[/color] 

Then Veronica shot again. This time Pounder was able to put himself between everyone and the incoming bullets. [color=ff00ff]"[/color][color=ff00fd]O[/color][color=ff00fa]u[/color][color=ff00f8]r[/color] [color=ff00f3]h[/color][color=ff00f1]e[/color][color=ff00ee]a[/color][color=ff00ec]t[/color] [color=ff00e7]s[/color][color=ff00e5]i[/color][color=ff00e3]g[/color][color=ff00e0]n[/color][color=ff00de]a[/color][color=ff00db]t[/color][color=ff00d9]u[/color][color=ff00d7]r[/color][color=ff00d4]e[/color] [color=ff00d0]l[/color][color=ff00cd]o[/color][color=ff00cb]o[/color][color=ff00c9]k[/color][color=ff00c6]s[/color] [color=ff00c1]t[/color][color=ff00bf]o[/color][color=ff00bd]o[/color] [color=ff00b8]d[/color][color=ff00b6]i[/color][color=ff00b3]f[/color][color=ff00b1]f[/color][color=ff00ae]e[/color][color=ff00ac]r[/color][color=ff00aa]e[/color][color=ff00a7]n[/color][color=ff00a5]t[/color] [color=ff00a0]f[/color][color=ff009e]r[/color][color=ff009c]o[/color][color=ff0099]m[/color] [color=ff0094]t[/color][color=ff0092]h[/color][color=ff0090]e[/color] [color=ff008b]f[/color][color=ff0089]l[/color][color=ff0086]a[/color][color=ff0084]m[/color][color=ff0081]e[/color][color=ff007f]s[/color][color=ff007d].[/color][color=ff007a]"[/color] Pounder growled. [color=ff00ff]"[/color][color=ff00f7]S[/color][color=ff00ef]e[/color][color=ff00e7]t[/color] [color=ff00d7]m[/color][color=ff00cf]e[/color] [color=ff00bf]o[/color][color=ff00b8]n[/color] [color=ff00a8]f[/color][color=ff00a0]i[/color][color=ff0098]r[/color][color=ff0090]e[/color][color=ff0088].[/color][color=ff0080]"[/color]

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b4c7ff]W[/color][color=b8c5ff]-[/color][color=bcc4ff]w[/color][color=c0c3ff]h[/color][color=c4c1ff]a[/color][color=c8c0ff]t[/color][color=ccbfff]?[/color] [color=d4bcff]P[/color][color=d8bbff]w[/color][color=dcb9ff]o[/color][color=e0b8ff]u[/color][color=e4b7ff]n[/color][color=e8b5ff]d[/color][color=ecb4ff]a[/color][color=f0b3ff]…[/color][color=f4b1ff]"[/color]

Pink pounder looked at Himiko [color=ff00ff]"[/color][color=ff00ee]D[/color][color=ff00dd]O[/color] [color=ff00bc]I[/color][color=ff00ab]T[/color][color=ff009a]![/color][color=ff0089]"[/color]

Even Himiko had been taken off guard by his request, her golden eyes darted between Pink Pounder and MDP as she hunkered down behind him. Her usual emotionless expression remained, but there was confliction within her eyes. Something in her gut told her to trust him against better judgement. She didn’t have much time to consider it, she had to act, even if she thought it was a questionable idea it was better then having no idea at all.  [color=ffa500]"Very well…I hope you know what you are doing, I need to get to that sword and I need to get within close range of Vermilion if this is going to have any chance of working…here goes nothing…"[/color] Himiko whispered as she set down her revolver and outstretched her right hand as it began to glow with an intense golden heat as she placed it upon Pink Pounders back. A golden flame ignited from her hand as it spread across Pink Pounder's body as she lit him ablaze.

[Bronze Touch][Ignite]=-32

It might have been the weakest flame Himiko could manage, but being on fire was always going to be absolute torture. The Pounder roared as he was transformed into a human bonfire, and he charged towards Veronica. The fires behind them were starting to die down, but the Pounder’s larger form, engulfed in flame, and being much closer to Veronica gave Himiko all the cover she needed to recover the sword she made. MDP lined up behind her as they prepared to charge into the smoke behind the Pounder. 

Seeing the opening presented by the Pounders' risky gambit, Himiko was able to reach her sword as she quickly snatched it up by the hilt. Stashing one revolver away so she could wield the blade freely in her right hand. Turning her attention now towards the wall of smoke as they approached Vermilion's position. It was now or never, she only hoped that she was able to pull this plan off. She was thankful for the Pounders efforts, she would have to find a way to repay him if they made it out of this alive. 

With sword in hand, she charged in right behind the path that The Pounder forged, feeling MDP’s presence right behind her. [color=ffa500]"We don’t know her precise location, I will need your help to draw her into a melee engagement, so be ready to defend yourself when she strikes, once I get eyes on her and get within melee range you need to brace yourself and try to keep some distance…"[/color] Himiko relayed to MDP quietly as they burst into the thick smoke. Himiko stayed tightly behind The Pounder knowing  he was the most obvious target, her eyes searching for any sign of movement. Ready to spring into action the moment Vermilion struck, she would have to capitalize on it to close the range and put her plan into motion.

But as the case typically was with Veronica, it was almost impossible to predict her actions.

Once they were on the other side of the smoke, they could see it. Veronica was there, her M4 was in one hand, but her other was gripping a gigantic, multicolored bouncy castle. It nearly obscured the walkway into the building with its size, and the entire thing vibrated when she fired. Why Veronica would have chosen to erect a bouncy castle at this moment was a conundrum that may never get answered. 

But it might have had something to do with Binky and a giant red demon falling from the sky. 

The bouncy castle’s height allowed Veronica to look straight over the Pounder’s head at the two espers following behind him. They were so close, and what happened next might decide everything. 

The moment Himiko laid eyes on Vermilion she went into action, her eyes focused on Vermilion's current location, judging the distance and the angle she would need. Her mind raced with various factors and calculations as she quickly came up with a new plan on the spot. There was no time to question what Vermilion was thinking, or what else was happening around them. Gripping her sword tightly in her right hand she came to a sliding stop angling her body to the side as she drew back the sword as far back as her right arm would go. 

Her golden gaze locked onto her target as she put all the effort and strength she could muster into it. She drove her right leg forward, bringing her right arm over the top like she was a pitcher in a baseball game. Releasing the sword from her grip as she flung it towards Vermilion atop her bouncy castle. It flipped through the air as it approached Vermilion's position but it soon became clear that it was going to fly right over Vermilion's head and miss hitting her completely. Something the doctor-turned-magical girl observed as it happened.

Himiko, following through with her motion, quickly brought up her revolver while the other one manifested back into her right hand from her Endless Eclipse. [color=ffa500]"Shit!"[/color] Himiko uttered in her frustration after seeing the trajectory of her blade as she took aim with her revolvers, a fiery golden glow surrounding her and her weapons as the ground and air around her heated up. Tapping into as much power as she could possibly spare in a last ditch effort to bring Vermilion down.  Unleashing a fiery golden beam from both barrels of her revolvers as they conjoined into one singular powered strike. The energy unleashed whipped her hair around and shattered windows as it flew towards its target, the ground cracking around Himiko as she put as much remaining mana into it as she could.

[Gold Beam][Homing][Damage X][Full Enhance] = -384

The sword missing had been part of the plan, Himiko having feigned her frustration about missing. Hoping that Vermilion would drop her guard from Himiko’s reaction and would turn her attention away from the blade and towards Himiko herself. She had never shown anyone this little trick before, having only ever crafted a single knife in front of Mika without using its secondary use. Just as she fired off her powerful blast, she remotely triggered the blade just as it reached above and slightly behind as it began to glow molten red, cracks forming along its blade,  before exploding extremely hot and sharp shards of Obsidian. Intending to catch Vermilion by surprise and strike from two angles at the same time, even if it meant using an underhanded trick. 

Perhaps to no one’s surprise, Veronica was able to easily phase out of the way of the incoming beam. The explosion behind Veronica’s back was harder for her to predict. Burning obsidian ripped through her form, but the doll didn’t as much as budge from the impact. The gun in her hands disappeared and was replaced by a fire extinguisher, which she used to blast herself with. Her form vanished behind a veil of smoke. 

The demon was far too large for the bouncy castle, and when they landed on it, the entire thing sprung into the air and rolled onto its side, all while Binky was sawing away at its chest cavity. It flailed its massive arms and even smacked the front of the building, which opened a hole in the wall.

[color=ff00ff]"[/color][color=ff00f9]W[/color][color=ff00f4]e[/color][color=ff00ee]’[/color][color=ff00e9]r[/color][color=ff00e3]e[/color] [color=ff00d8]g[/color][color=ff00d2]o[/color][color=ff00cc]i[/color][color=ff00c7]n[/color][color=ff00c1]g[/color] [color=ff00b6]i[/color][color=ff00b0]n[/color][color=ff00ab],[/color] [color=ff009f]r[/color][color=ff009a]i[/color][color=ff0094]g[/color][color=ff008f]h[/color][color=ff0089]t[/color][color=ff0083]?[/color][color=ff007e]"[/color] The pounder was already moving to take Magical Dream Princess into the hotel.  

Part of her plan had been a success and had given them the window of time they needed to advance into the hotel. She knew it had been unlikely that she was able to eliminate Vermilion completely, so this would do just fine. Binky and the demon were another story, but she hoped that clash would keep Vermilion busy long enough for them to get what they came for. Himiko’s gaze lingered briefly on Vermilion's last location before she turned to run towards the newly formed opening. She knew they would encounter one another again at some point, it was inevitable. However Vermilion wasn’t what she was here for, she had other more important matters to handle. [color=ffa500]"The faster we get in there the better, before they finish off that monster and have time to get in our way"[/color] Himiko moved with the Pounder as they proceeded into the Golden Trove. Giving one last look behind her of the carnage between Binky and the demon.

…and from that carnage appeared a certain tea drinking esper. But she was all out of tea.

She should have known it wouldn’t be that easy, Vermilion wasn’t giving up her pursuit any time soon. But Himiko had nothing left to hold her off or slow her down. Her eyes narrowed as she was uncertain of what to do next, but the one thing she could do was to stay ahead of the tea touter.

Himiko and the others were able to get into the lobby. There were no espers or monsters present, but it was clear a fight had happened here, and a big one. There were quite a few corpses, and it wasn’t immediately apparent what direction they should go in.

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b2c7ff]W[/color][color=b4c7ff]e[/color] [color=b9c5ff]n[/color][color=bbc4ff]e[/color][color=bdc4ff]e[/color][color=bfc3ff]d[/color] [color=c4c1ff]t[/color][color=c6c1ff]o[/color][color=c8c0ff]u[/color][color=cabfff]o[/color] [color=cfbeff]f[/color][color=d1bdff]w[/color][color=d3bcff]i[/color][color=d5bcff]n[/color][color=d7bbff]d[/color] [color=dcb9ff]a[/color] [color=e0b8ff]s[/color][color=e2b7ff]t[/color][color=e4b7ff]a[/color][color=e7b6ff]r[/color] [color=ebb4ff]c[/color][color=edb4ff]a[/color][color=efb3ff]s[/color][color=f1b2ff]e[/color][color=f4b1ff]![/color][color=f6b1ff]"[/color] After a brief look around, MDP pointed at the back of the building. Sure enough, there was a large, grandiose staircase that the trio  could use to get upstairs. [color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=bac5ff]D[/color][color=c5c1ff]a[/color][color=cfbeff]w[/color][color=d9baff]r[/color][color=e3b7ff]![/color][color=eeb3ff]"[/color]

[color=ffa500]"Good,we need to move quickly, we will have unwanted company soon…"[/color] Himiko responded as she turned towards the staircase, taking a look behind to track Vermilion’s approach. 

Veronica was not too far behind. Mid-stride, a motorcycle appeared under her and she sat on it. It looked like a ninja bike, with flames painted down either side of it. It wasn’t going to take long for her to catch up.

Perhaps worse, there was still fighting ahead of them. Himiko could hear the carnage unfolding on the floor above. 

Considering the current situation, things looked dicey with the real possibility of being sandwiched by threats from below and above. Himiko knew they were already outmatched with just the one threat they already had in pursuit. Being trapped between Vermilion and whoever was still fighting on the floors above was not an optimal situation. As the trio started up the steps, Himiko saw that Vermilion was approaching faster than before with her new transportation. She was being a bigger pain in the ass to handle then what Himiko would have liked. Turning towards MDP and the Pounder to address the situation [color=ffa500]"I don’t have any mana left after that last shot, if either of you are able to take out this staircase behind us that might slow her down long enough so we aren’t surrounded when we reach the next floor"[/color] She knew it wouldn’t slow Vermilion down for long, but it was still better then doing nothing if either of them could manage it.

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=bcc4ff]K[/color][color=c8c0ff]a[/color][color=d4bcff]y[/color][color=e0b8ff]![/color][color=ecb4ff]"[/color] 

Destruction was not something MDP could do, but she could [color=ffffff]"take out"[/color] the staircase another way. After they had gotten part way up, MDP pointed her wand at the ground and covered the floor in a glistening jelly. It was filled with giant granules of sugar and even a few sprinkles. 

Sprinkles, sugar and jelly was the last thing Himiko had ever considered being a useful obstacle but she wasn’t about to complain. Despite not anticipating MDP’s method, it seemed like it would be up to the task of slowing Vermilion's pursuit. [color=ffa500]"Good job, that’ll slow her down"[/color] 

Veronica's motorcycle began to decelerate as soon as it drove into the jelly. Between motorcycles not being great at climbing stairs and the jelly, it looked like Himiko and her group would be able to make a clean getaway. But with a hop, Veronica was standing on top of her motorcycle. And then with another hop, a surfboard appeared beneath her and it flew up the rest of the stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, she hopped off and continued on foot. 

[color=bd71e8]"Bad move, Himiko!"[/color] Veronica sounded rather jubilant for someone exerting themself so much. But as a doll, perhaps she wasn’t really exerting herself at all. [color=bd71e8]"If you still want me to kill you, you can turn around right now."[/color]

Chancing a glance back over her shoulder to check on Vermilion's progress, Himiko saw she was closing in quickly. Her ability to change her mode of transportation at a whim was quite troublesome but there wasn’t anything she could do about that right now. [color=ffa500]"No thanks, not interested in tea and crumpets at your little tea party today, maybe some other time"[/color] Himiko replied as they were about to reach their destination with Vermilion hot on their trail not knowing what they’d find.

And then, the chaos ahead. 

Fortunately, between the mavericks and the freelancers present, no one could be sure if Himiko and her crew were just more freelance espers or agents of the hand. The fighting had spilled into several hotel rooms and down many corridors. It also looked like a dragon had disintegrated part of the floor. Speaking of, it looked like two of them were fighting outside. 

Himiko’s eyes quickly scanned the chaotic scene as her golden gaze darted from one thing to the next in rapid succession almost like a machine. Taking in the situation, it quickly processed through her mind as she got a grasp on their surroundings and potential hazards and threats in a matter of seconds. For as bad as their current situation was, their arrival was a bit of a blessing. It was clear that everyone present on this floor was already engaged in battle throughout the various rooms and corridors and didn't give Himiko and her allies a second look. The two dragons battling outside wouldn’t be an issue, unless the one that wasn’t Boteg decided to interfere; they had nothing to worry about on that front.  This would work to their advantage and keep some of the heat off of them as they made their way further up the building. It was clear that none of their targets were present so the trio would have to keep things moving. 

[color=ffa500]"They aren’t here, we have to keep moving up until we find them….follow me…."[/color] Himiko begun to say before turning to look back in Vermilion's direction. [color=ffa500]"We still have to do something about her…"[/color] Reaching down to the ground grabbing a piece of rubble that had been part of the corridor wall. Before running as fast as she could, her golden eyes continued to dart about as she sped down the corridor heading towards her best estimate of where the next set of stairs should be. Tossing the piece of rubble over her shoulder and back down the corridor towards Vermilion in pursuit. Hoping that she would be cautious after Himiko’s earlier use of her special remote explosives and mistake the rubble as one of her bombs. Even if it only caused her to hesitate for half a second she would consider it a success if it let them keep a little distance between them.

The stone flew into Veronica’s path. She drew a saucer and whipped it onto the other side of the stone, at which point she teleported to its position. 

[color=b0c8ff]"[/color][color=b3c7ff]D[/color][color=b5c6ff]a[/color][color=b8c5ff]t[/color] [color=bdc4ff]o[/color][color=c0c3ff]n[/color][color=c3c2ff]w[/color][color=c5c1ff]y[/color] [color=cbbfff]m[/color][color=cdbeff]a[/color][color=d0bdff]d[/color][color=d3bcff]e[/color] [color=d8bbff]h[/color][color=dbbaff]e[/color][color=ddb9ff]w[/color] [color=e3b7ff]f[/color][color=e5b6ff]a[/color][color=e8b5ff]s[/color][color=ebb4ff]t[/color][color=edb4ff]e[/color][color=f0b3ff]w[/color][color=f3b2ff]![/color][color=f5b1ff]"[/color] 

However, as they neared the stairs. It looked like there might have been an obstacle…