[center][url=https://i.imgur.com/Y8OSnvr.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/OPMf9l2.png[/img][/url][/center] [hider=Mariette Pedersen][hider=full picture][center][url=http://i.imgur.com/Y8OSnvr.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/TnA9sHf.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider] [b]Name[/b]: Mariette Pedersen [b]Age (Magical Girl)[/b]: 15 [b]Specializations[/b]: Oddball: Portals, Light. [b]Weapon[/b]: Mystic mirror. [b]Power[/b]: Tentacles. [b]Stats[/b]: [i]STR[/i]: 4 [i]AGI[/i]: 4 [i]VIT[/i]: 4 [i]MAG[/i]: 22 [i]LCK[/i]: 10 [b]Perks[/b]: [list][*][i]Gifted[/i] [*][s][i]Interdimensional Home[/i][/s] - The dimension has collapsed. [*][i]Blood Magic[/i] [*][i]Overcity Shift[/i] [*][i]Interdimensional Tourist[/i] - Joe. [*][i]Hammerspace Handbag[/i] [*][i]Ally[/i] - Mayra [*][i]Awareness[/i] [*][i]Absolute Direction[/i] [*][i]Sealing[/i] [*][i]Cuddlespawn[/i] - Demogorgon, the Prince of Demons.[/list] [b]Patron[/b]: Asengav [b]Patron Benefits[/b]: [list][*][i]Creeping Doom[/i] [*][i]Reasonable[/i] [*][i]Minions[/i] [*][i]Retrieval[/i] [*][i]Mystic Might[/i] [*][i]Mana Font[/i][/list] [b]Patron Drawbacks[/b]: [list][*][i]Quick-Tempered[/i] [*][s][i]Mind-Bent[/i][/s] - Removed. [*][i]Insomnia[/i] [*][i]Bane[/i] - Candles and cracked mirrors. [*][i]Health Sapping[/i][/list] [/hider] The group of horror-girls tensed up when the Queen lifted her blade. It looked like a motion that would start a fight, after all. [sub][color=077ae6]‘Don’t kill…!’[/color][/sub] Mariette quickly whispered as she realized the Queen was attacking, not knowing she had nothing to fear yet. When the Queen swung her sword, the agents jumped in various directions, Victoria and Tullia one way, Suzette and Ronja another. Tullia conjured an ice-shield to protect their side, while Ronja threw out a reinforced web that would shield them, just in case dodging was not enough. Lea was flying high already while Freya sprung aside, both prepared in case it was a Killing Blow that was being fired… But they were all mistaken, for the attack was not against their physical bodies, but at an aspect of their existence. Suzette dropped to the floor, having jumped to avoid the blow. Her eyes widened as she contemplated the new… no, [i]repressed[/i] insight she had. [hider=The case of Suzette][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/sKJ5riZ.png[/img][/center] In her world, like any other, Suzette was a relatively normal Magical Girl. An empath that happened to have a power that allowed her to empty a creature of all will. She was an older woman with a child, who became a younger woman as a Magical Girl. The only thing she really wanted was for her daughter to be safe. Unfortunately for her, her power was exactly what Asengav needed at that moment. In order to allow Asengav to recruit other powerful creatures to his cause, he first had Suzette empty their will, then he could ensnare them himself. Suzette had actually taken pleasure out of acting out Asengav’s plans, thinking nothing of it, as long as her daughter was safe. Now, with the brainwashing removed, she realized she has been kidnapped, stolen from her world and family, and even worse… If Asengav were to find her lacking, he knew [i]exactly[/i] how to hurt her.[/hider] [color=ffd230]‘… Huh,’[/color] Suzette breathed out. [color=ffd230]‘Well, ain’t that something…’[/color] she smirked, because that’s how she handles things, but her voice cracked with fear that hadn't been there before. Beside her Ronja landed, her web falling uselessly. The blind spider-girl was not as affected as her companion, but nonetheless perturbed. [hider=The case of Ronja][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/rMgrdyA.png[/img][/center] A young girl found she had the power to hypnotise people. She opened a shop where she used this for money. Unfortunately, she drew the attention of a mafia, who demanded she used her powers for their gain. By accident, in rage, she hypnotised the mafia boss to kill a couple innocents in public, getting him arrested. The mafia figured out young Ronja was the cause, and they were coming to kill her and her family… But they were all killed, in gruesome fashion, right in front of Ronja. She was then told by Asengav, their killer, that she owes him. So she was transformed into a monster girl and used her psychic powers for him. To repay her eternal debt. With her brainwashing removed, Ronja realized her debt was eternal, and her life being saved did in no way mean she should serve Asengav eternally. She had but traded death for eternal slavery, and there was no question which was worse.[/hider] [color=fa898b]‘Oo…’[/color] Ronja wavered on numerous spidery legs, her head spinning a bit. [color=fa898b]‘That’s some power you have in that sword… You okay, Suzette?’[/color] [color=ffd230]‘I’m hanging on…’[/color] she said, with a smirk. [color=ffd230]‘I wonder if the queen knows how cruel she just were, giving us insight, but still leaving us trapped…’[/color] On the other side, Victoria and Tullia landed. Victoria merely stood straight, frowning, more annoyed than anything else. [hider=The case of Victoria][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/P2tVfst.png[/img][/center] A noble girl from a rich family that chose the wrong time to be born rich. Her family was attacked by an unruly mob and her family was forced out in a blizzard to survive. They did not make it, as they were caught in a blizzard. A lesser force first saved Victoria’s life… after which she beat it up and went Solo. But then, her powers depleted, she was ensnared by Asengav and brought into the fold. Victoria has been fighting monsters ever since. Unlike some of the others, she didn’t really have any life to look forward to beyond what Asengav offered her. Still, the knowledge that she had to be brainwashed for Asengav to be able to rely on her left a bad taste in her mouth. She would have been willing to slaughter monsters for him for free, why did he have to brainwash her!?[/hider] [color=9c87c9]‘… Tsk ’[/color] Victoria simply made an annoyed noise. Then… she was startled by the sound of Tullia’s staff falling onto the floor. [color=9c87c9]‘… Tullia?’[/color] Victoria asked, looking over to see her friend’s utterly horrified expression. [hider=The case of Tullia][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/u1b416E.png[/img][/center] A life straight out of a tame Magical Girl show. Tullia had been a normal high-school girl with common worries and friends, a boy she liked, etc. Then a monster and a Puchuu entered her life and she became a Magical Girl. After that, several of her friends also became or already were Magical Girls, and her bully was a Dark Magical Girl serving an ancient evil plotting to take over the sun using the emotions of high schoolers! They had a great, emotional adventure, with many laughs, twists and turns, and they all became the best of friends, even the bully. They fought many monsters, met fantastical beings, all without common people knowing. In the end, they had a great battle against the Ancient Evil, and they defeated it. With the power of friendship and the legendary Bifrost Staff that Tullia had received. They had earned their happy ending. So, now Tullia's greatest concern was if she could confess her love to that boy, intending to live in well-earned peace with her friends. Then Asengav had grabbed her because he’d needed a strong ice-girl. It had been nothing short of an abduction. So in this moment, when she all of a sudden was untied from Asengav’s brainwashing, the memories of her friends and family came flooding back, that of the world she had saved, their happy ending… The life she should have lived. And… how… how long ago, exactly… had it been?[/hider] Tullia suddenly stumbled back, her eyes wide, stunned as her perception of reality suddenly changed. [color=6cbad4]‘Wait, I-’[/color] she blinked, and turned to look from person to person, finally backing up against the wall. [color=6cbad4]‘No, no, no, no, no…!’[/color] and she could do nothing but break down in tears, crying out as her hands came to clasp against her face. [color=9c87c9]‘Tullia, hold on, calm down…’[/color] Victoria turned to her, her companion all these years, notably distressed by her friend’s state, a note of concern in her eyes as she lifted her hands, trying to figure out how she could use them to help. Meanwhile, behind them, the half-snake Freya was coming to a stop, frowning, staring blankly ahead. She, too, had received new insight. [hider=The case of Freya][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Ih8oH7W.png[/img][/center] Freya was a warrior. Her world was one which employed Magical Girls as warriors. However, her world was suddenly attacked by a breed of monsters known as the were-lamias. Anyone bitten by a were-lamia became one, and even a single one was more than a match for a regular Magical Girl. Her world was overrun, and Freya was bitten in a losing battle defending humanity’s last bastion. She would have turned into a were-lamia herself, but Asengav grabbed her. He “saved” her, merging her and the beast she was about to become, creating a monster girl that was a mix of both. Afterwards, she was used simply as an enforcer, and has battled many a foe… but has also been forced to prey on the innocent, to satisfy the were-lamia within her. She has since been able to communicate with the beast within, and she’d been named Shelyn. All these years, all this shame about needing to consume the flesh of innocent people to keep the were-lamia in check. She’d considered trying to kill herself so many times. But, as she knew, she could not. Because she needed to be a servant of Asengav. That reason… … Just ceased to be.[/hider] [color=C5DBE7]‘…’[/color] Freya stayed immobile. She took a moment to consider the sudden new perspective she’d been given. All she could do was grunt. [color=C5DBE7]‘Fuck.’[/color] There was a moment of silence, as all the troops of Asengav came to a stop… and then the green form of Lea came slamming down into the floor, having fallen from on high, spraying a couple of butterflies in every direction. [hider=The case of Lea][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/5TcL6Af.png[/img][/center] From the very start, Lea had been born to serve Asengav. She’d been with him since the very start. Originally a Lesser Force, she was tasked with teaching and nurturing the adolescent horror. When Asengav no longer needed a nurse, she willingly forfeited her strength to become his first Magical Girl. She was his foremost champion, and she deserved him the most. Her entire life, dedicated to serving this Horror… In her mind. She had but a single devotion. The reason to keep fighting? Asengav. The reason to command these girls? His approval. The reason to accomplish his goals? His love. The reason to keep flying? His pride. The reason to keep living? His choice. And now, with a single slice of that terrible sword… it was all gone. Leaving nothing but emptiness.[/hider] [color=077ae6]‘Lea. Are you… alright?’[/color] Mariette took a step forward, but stopped herself, not sure if she should be worried about Lea or not, seeing how Lea had been nothing but hostile towards Mariette. Yet seeing the proud magical girl collapse like that was… uncomfortable. Lea was taking her time, but she was, in fact, slowly moving her arms as in an effort to push herself up… Meanwhile. [color=F1FF2E]‘… Huh,’[/color] Xander said as he saw Su and Mika leap past him into the portal. He hadn't expected that, and also didn’t really know if he should do anything. Back now. [color=ffd230]‘Hey, behind you!’[/color] Suzette suddenly warned, not knowing if the incoming girls were hostile or not. Mariette spun around, and… [color=077ae6]‘... Su, Mika?’[/color] Mariette asked, surprised, and then had to get moving immediately. [color=077ae6]‘Wait! Don’t fight! None of you fight!’[/color] she asked of them, stumbling forward to try to stand in between the Queen and the incoming two, albeit she wasn’t exactly the fastest. Over there Suzette, Ronja and Freya had enough presence of mind to refocus on what was going on, while Victoria was busy trying to manage the inconsolable Tullia and Lea was still out of commission. There was also another thing, she realized. If the still brainwashed Nina had just watched them get un-brainwashed, she’d report it to Asengav immediately, so Mariette spun to talk to a wall. A wall she knew a camera and listening device was implanted into. [color=077ae6]‘Nina, I need you to-’[/color] She stopped short. [color=077ae6]‘... Nina?’[/color] she asked. The single-word question was not to the person whose name it was, just a general sound of confusion. Because, she shouldn’t be able to remember that name. Nobody should. … And that’s how she knew Nina, too, had been affected by that cut, somehow. [hider=Somewhere else]In a dark room lit only by the light of numerous computers, someone had been watching through hidden cameras in each room with a mirror so far, as well as listening to the words spoken through the speakers. In Esther’s garden, in the warehouse, and now in the collector’s mansion. The previous reports said the queen was an enemy. Mariette had arrived with the enemy to places where she should never bring an enemy, using not her own portals but the queen’s, and then started the ritual without alerting the others. Naturally, this sounded like Mariette was at risk of being compromised, which is what the onlooker had told Lea. Obviously, the onlooker did not try to dodge a slice from a sword that was happening miles away from her. She was watching the slice happen on a computer-screen, done by someone who shouldn’t even know she exists, why would she try to dodge? Her own magic kept her safe, hidden from public perception, shielded from all attention… Except that’s when the Storyslayer cut through her magic, the power of the sword cutting through her ability to stay hidden, bringing her appearance and name to light. [hider=Nina Wilson][center][url=https://i.imgur.com/KirO0DS.jpeg][img]https://i.imgur.com/sOk2MkS.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider] It did more than rip apart Nina’s power to stay hidden. She found her mind struck, and Asengav’s mind-bending left her mind… [hider=The case of Nina][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/mo77AIo.png[/img][/center] In a world where technology was integrated into every single facet of life, a hacker was able to take over the world. He used his programs to take over weapon development, and reprogrammed the AIs to wield these weapons for him. He destroyed nations, and became his world’s sole ruler. He would have been unstoppable… except then he was found by a single Magical Girl with a grudge. He had no protection against magic, which he didn’t even know existed. His whole rule was destroyed by a single Magical Girl that decided to attack a mundane person. Instead of being killed, he was saved by Asengav, who transformed him into a Magical Girl, the very thing that had been his bane. Since then, she’d worked in the shadows, destined to be forgotten, her skills directed specifically towards remaining incognito and gathering information. So she’d resigned to her role, as an eternal slave of Asengav. She already knew she was a slave to Asengav. The mindbending didn’t change that. What it did change, however, was that she was no longer okay with it.[/hider] … And then she was gone. The screens buzzed, still on, leaving an empty chair where Nina Wilson had once been sitting, the sounds of what everyone was saying playing through her speakers to nobody listening. The last unrelated sound was that of the door closing.[/hider] … Figuring she would address Nina later if she had to, Mariette refocused on Su, Mika and the Queen, trying to avoid a disaster here. She’d told them not to fight, everything else hung on if they let her try to say why.