The first thing he felt, it was being numb all over. Like an overstretched doll, he drifted aimlessly in a void as his senses failed to take the grasp of the situation. Something wet brushed his mouth, as he was far too weak to protest, and continued to invade the path towards inside his throat. He tried to grasp for air, but he could only gulp as a somewhat lukewarm liquid went in. It felt... wrong. And yet, as if an intense fire destroying the cold away, his limbs stirring back to life, the same fire burning away the pain of the injuries.
Parker was awake, as a figure who seemed to have been straddling him moments ago scurried away, ruffling their clothes as they move away. Then it dawned. The massive figure, the horns... that particular smell.
The discarded milk bottle on her hand, still with remnants of the white liquid. Parker grimaced, connecting the dots. He still remembered his first time, days ago before she moved away. It had been a particularly vicious beatdown, when trying to defend Celestine. His fingers reached for his lips. The condemning white moustache was smeared on his fingers.
"Dickie, thank god I had enough for the two of us." Her voice seemed somewhat worried, as her tail was stiff. Mina, the one who had bested him. "But you're a jerk! Who told you to touch my tail like that!? Not even Suzakura does that!" She would prattle on. "But I'm glad it worked, you see, you're not half bad. The abomination is not around, so you can be my boyfriend!" She added, beaming and bouncing.
Parker refused to elaborate on how Mina didn't seem to carry those bottles in the fight and why the milk he had just ingested didn't seem like it had been taken out of a fridge.
"Boyfriend? Don't you have King Jerk for that?"
"Well you're a boy and you are going to be my friend!" Mina answered back... as Parker got up and began to walk away. "Hey, Dickie, where are you going? Heeey! Heeeeey? Won't you cheer up for my next fight?"
It was a regular day in Sanctuary when Dina was going about her business, performing her administrative duties with the experience of an octogenarian. However, it was when she had moved to inspect the bazaar when she heard the voice of a magical boy near one of the stalls: "Greetings, miss Dina. May I have a word with you?" She saw as a white-haired boy wearing a dapper suit approached her; he was composed and polite, with a charming smile that put Dina at ease despite her caution.
Dina, for the most part, sighed and mumbled to herself something about "lax security" before adresssing the newcomer. "I do not give audience casually. There are proper procedures." She would add, but tilted her head. "Do...follow me ."
The regent would turn on her heels, before signalling a certain serpentine girl who was struggling with a rubik cube.
"Sakura... fetch us tea. We have guests."
The dragon girl would examine the newcomer, but slithered away to find the ingredients, all while muttering something about "Stupid Ikemen."
The magical boy bowed. "Please forgive me for my improper manners," he said as he followed Dina with a gentlemanly demeanour. "I was unaware of how to properly address your ladyship." Dina led him to secluded location where the two could enjoy a cup of tea in private, and the magical boy lifted his top hat. "My name is Robert White. Pleased to meet you."
"Dina Denisova, Regent of Her Majesty Penny Asimov, rule of Penrose." Dina said, as she held three things on her hand, the Dream Orb, a letter and a Purification potion.
"You may adress me as Regent or my lady." She added.
Robert smiled, and took the cup of coffee in his hand. "Regent Denisova it is then." He took a sip of his tea. "Mm, how delicious. Your Highness has a refined taste." He set the cup down. "On behalf of the Queen of Hearts of Wonderland, I have come to offer a proposal for an agreement of non-aggression. You see, my queen is willing to offer mercy, and will not harm the people of Sanctuary. In exchange, you are to offer the same sentiment, and withdraw your forces and magic away from Penrose and it's neighbouring cities."
Dina would allow the tea to simmer, as she cradled her cup. "Leaving in peace... huh." Dina pondered. She did not want to die. It was ab effective surrender with banners still high. Nevermind the deals she had to break.
However she would be risking her own life regardless, and the girls... well some of them would be unable to adapt.
"Robert, how much do you know about us and Sanctuary?"
Robert took another sip. "I know that the Sanctuary is intended as a home to all kinds of magicians, including the persecuted." He nodded with a pleasant smile. "Queen Penny is certainly admirable for having built such a place, not to mention your graceful authority and charming presence. The two of you make quite the industrious team."
"Flattering." Dina would say, before drinking her own drink in a single gulp. "But there is a second reading to all of this." She would then indicate with a gesture for Sakura to bring more tea.
"We don't have anywhere to go."
Robert nodded with a sympathetic look. "Yes, that is true. You would be forced to vacate during Penrose's liberation." He looked as if he was in deep thought, before he realised something. "Oh, I just came up with a thought. What would you say if your people were to be invited to Wonderland? We have plenty of room, and my queen would surely be pleased by a mutually beneficial existence."
"A fair observation I suppose." She said as she eyed Sakura bring yet another tray of green tea, the hot water not even making ripples as she moved. Two of Dina's fingers reached her own neck and rubbed it softly, most as an afterthought.
After a small bow, Sakura left the room. And Robert could heard the doors being locked.
Followed by Dina's most intense stare at the man.
Robert's eyes briefly glanced over to the locked doors, yet he continued to politely smile. He didn't seem to be intimidated by Dina's glare. "Pardon me, did I say something wrong?" He asked.
"No. But Wonderland's hubris might have condemned you." Dina would then reply. "First you unleash your monsters unto us, and then try to cajole Beacon. Failing that, you come here, to our abode to offer a magnanimous eviction."
Robert didn't seem fazed by the accusations, and kept his polite demeanour. "Oh, I assure you, my queen is not possessed by something as base and vulgar as hubris," he stated. "You see, my queen is quite humble with this offer. After all, she does not demand you show fealty or allegiance to Wonderland, correct? Simply that you step aside momentarily until Penrose is freed from the tyrannical Powers." His expression then shifted to look softer, causing Dina's glare to slightly falter. "Please reconsider your position in this matter. As Regent, you are committed to the safety of your people. This arrangement would guarantee it, does it not?"
Dina's stance did falter for a second. Her stare faltered, as she grabbed a letter. Reinforcement magic was present. On Dina's mind and on the doors. "I will accept the terms."
Robert returned back to his polite news, visibly pleased by the answer. "Excellent. I shall return to my queen with your answer. If you wish, I can also deliver her a letter signed by Your Highness, if you wish to further affirm your stance on non-aggression."
"HIS terms." Dina would then say, before drinking the purification potion, the dream orb glowing back to life in a radiant explosion. It was...like the birth of a new magical girl.
"Hm? Who are you referring to-" Robert stood up, shocked by Dina's sudden move. "What...What is the meaning of this?"
A sultry, even more Regal voice answered from the figure that emerged. "It means we are in an alliance with the lord I just entered a bethrodal with."
Dina began to walk, swaying her hips and closing the distance, before whispering to Robert's ear. "The son of the Dragon."
Robert froze, taken aback by her new appearance, and hitched his breath as Dina whispered. "You don't mean...Him? But why?"
"Because we don't need liberators. Nor saviours. As a mortal, I lost many things to people who thought they were in the right, but only madmen." She coyly drew a finger through Robert's neck. "So I bent the knee to a madman who eventually did right by his people." The vampire lady answered. "Using first a gauntlet and then the glove is poor form... and you will pay for it."
Robert grit his teeth with a pained expression. "I am but an ambassador to the Queen of Hearts, and a voice to her will. I have diplomatic immunity!" He reached for his pocket. "But if you don't listen to reason-"
A set of red strings cut deep into the offending arm, as Dina unslung her own weapon with haste, intent on quickly disarming Robert.
A golden pocket watch attached by a chain fell out of Robert's jacket when the strings buried themselves into his arm, causing him to grunt in pain and hold his arm. His polite and friendly mannerisms were gone, replaced by fear. "There's a camera on me that has sent footage of this transgression!" He shouted out, sounding panicked. "If you kill me, you will declare open war with Wonderland! The Queen will not spare you if that happens! You would doom your precious Sanctuary to assured destruction!"
"Diplomatic Immunity depends on mutual respect. Your little pet scouts here attacked a civilian hospital." Dina would say, her words a harsh growl. "You already declared open war." With a swift motion, the creature that had become Dina sunk her fangs in poor Robert's neck, a monstrous hunger compelling to her actions. His blood tasted way better than any tea or aged wine. Yet exercising phenomenal restraint, she did not drain him whole, as she kicked the watch away from him.
"Sakura." She cooed, as the barriers of the door disappeared. "Chain this fool to the wall. Tell her Highness we have someone to wring his secrets out."
The dragon girl blinked, upon seeing the scene. "Neko-sama?? Did you become a titty leech yourself?"
Work, work never ceased. Dina kept running all the combinations through her head, as she shifted the turns of the maids on Sanctuary. For the most part it was working like a well oiled engine, and yet, like dark clouds in the horizon, the shadow of conflict kept approaching. She had strained herself too much, and that had been seen by Penny. But she would need to do it even more. None of them understood how big a war could get. What was to lose your life overnight.
Only Viktoriya, and she was gone out of reach.
A waft aroma caught to her senses, as the familiar clinking of a porcelain was heard by her, alongside shuffling. She closed her eyes, focusing on the smell, before taking a delicate sip, very much like a cat from one of the cups that had been offered to her by her efficient maids. She found the taste odd, yet tantalizing.
"New recipe? I can't say I am a fan of green tea usually, but this one is superb."
"No, It is what I usually brew, Neko-sama." A voice was heard besides her, and it wasn't one of her maids. The realization hit Dina like lightning, and she jumped out of her chair in all fours, herself standing and hissing like a scared feline. Sakura. THAT churl was here serving tea.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" She hissed back. "As if I didn't have enough problems with things as they stand!"
Sakura would just tilt her head. "Wow, you went and jumped like a cat! Hah!" She jeered, before coughing. "Okay let's do this again. Ah yes, I brought a simple offering to your Grace." She would offer a slight bow. "And I must apologize before thee for my overly rash behaviour earlier."
Dina blinked at what she was seeing. Was that churl trying to act...composed and proper? She had a small knack for it, but deep down she knew otherwise. "What do you want, exactly."
Sakura sighed. "Penny told me not to cause problems. The catgirls bully me. So I have to make do with you, Neko-sama? Aren't you like, the second strongest here?" The dragongirl would continue to serve a tea, and drink.
"...wish I was." Dina moved back to her chair. "That might be Shane or Sann." She swirled the cup and took another sip. "Very well, I accept your apology. I'll tell the maids, now shoo." The catgirl would say.
"Is that winestain on the wall?" Sakura would comment. "It looks like a rabbit."
At this point the cup Dina was having clattered against the tray once more. "Look, I'm rather busy. We might get invaded and I need to make preparations. So... could you just leave? I'm not mad..." Dina would say, her teeth beginning to grind at the dragon girl.
"Oh." Sakura said, as she realized something. "OH! So that was it!" She would say.
"Why...aren't you leaving yet." Dina would add. "I wish Tenebra was still with us to send you away. It would make things easier." She eyed Sakura. "And you...took her now that I remember. So...could you just leave? Why must you torment so? As if Sanngridr wasn't stupidity incarnate enough!"
Sakura would sigh, before pouring another cup. "She needed a rest outside Penrose. I sent her with my former family. Severed her contract. It led to me becoming this." The dragon girl added. "So...she worked for you. Fine then. I will help you in her stead."
Dina would look at the cup, an urge to flip it over Sakura's face rising. "What can you even do? You are just a violent thug!"
Sakura's eyes faced Dina. "I was Yakuza. I have honor. A sort of old code." The dragon girl would reply, before drawing closer. "Penny told me you were a princess of sorts. You need loyal servants."
Dina blinked.
"I will drink sake with you. You know what that means." Sakura would then say, without missing a heartbeat. "And if there's war I will fight however enemy you face."
Dina grew very silent, the sudden changes still catching her flat footed, as she drank another cup. "But...why? We don't get along. We are from different worlds, you and I."
"We're both old people, Dina." Sakura added. "It's all about teaching young people how it's done." The dragon girl said. "You look like you could use that."
Dina, for the first time, seemed to relax in the forrmer thug's presence. "I will hold your word on to that." She said. "Will you swear on your life and honor for it?"
"Duh." Sakura would offer a grin.
"Then Sakura, promise me you will defend Sanctuary should both Penny and I fail. You might die, but you have to save these girls." The catgirl would say, her voice almost a whisper.
"We already died once." The dragongirl shrugged. "Not a big task." She would then grab the tray. "More tea?"
"...If you would be so kind." Dina said. Well, at least her problems had diminished by one.
Celestine tilted her head at the display. Ooze, missing students, some panick in their comrade's eyes. "Chill." They said, smiling. "I got this." They said as they advanced towards the ooze, their fists glowing with reinforcement magic, as she nonchalantly snatched one of Alyona's spears out of her hands, becoming something else in their hands. Fuel for a spell. Celestine's feet were no longer touching the ground, they were using their powers to levitate.
"This is cute." They said, before slamming a fist into the goop, corrosion fighting against the magical enchantment. "Let omens come to pass. Let judgement be cruel. Let woe be eternal. CURSE OF RUIN!" They said, as the spell manifested upon the ooze, the energy from Alyona's lance disippating.
"No rebound. Just as I thought. There's someone creating this sort of power. And I just transfered them some of Aly's bad luck." Celestine said, eliciting a chuckle, while floating. Celestine's grin was a mile wide. "But it's not fun if I'm just dominating everything, so I will give this perp a handicap." They said as they extracted the hand.
Meanwhile Kiwi gasped at the display, and wasting no time, had scooped both Wolf and Alyona, crawling up the wall with them with effort to keep them outside of the sludge's reach for the time being.
"How about some training, Fuzzy butt? Cross-school one. I take hungover perp, you go with my dearest friend Aly... whoever wins pays a dinner. Deal?" Celestine said, still ignoring the bubbling ooze, as they levelled themselves with Kiwi, and in a deft move, grabbed the much heavier Wolf in a bridal carry.
"I eh uh..." The third year Clausewitz tried to reply, but how could she. This person was far too dangerous, more dangerous perhaps than the ooze.
And they had smelled prey.
"Onward, cutie boy! Do you think you'll look good on a Princess dress, hm?" Celestine said, eyeing Wolf. "Feel free to struggle and fall in the goop. It'll be fun!"
The...for the sake of other word...well-built girl blinked upon being prompted when hailed by the chief of bullies down as he aggressively saw Suzakura push a DJ off. Well, good riddance, the guy was awful. However she blinked twice at Suzakura's words, her fists clenching at the mention of someone else.
"Chinami? Why're you mentioning other girls..." Mina said, allowing her to pout a bit. And then he addressed her in front of everyone. Asking for something she could provide. But...
"Uh...not at the moment...crowds." The cow-blessed said, her face growing a deep shade of embarassed red.
Meanwhile, Parker had stood with gritted teeth. Not only he had been ignored, now there was that massive bullying piece of shit called Suzakura in front of him. Calling him by demeaning names. What was worse, he was not alone. And apparently that stupid brute of a she-cow that always followed him like well... a cow on heat was there too. Things were looking grim, so he just focused on the fight between the Discount Demon Lady and the pink haired fighter. Hmm, He had heard rumours about this one. A tough cookie.
Well, not too tough, apparently. Power of friendship won the fight for the card dork. What was she doing here anyway? Testing her luck? She packed quite a bang, but it was obvious she was running mainly on luck to scrape by. He on the other hand, never trusted luck or chances. From the day he was found out to not be blessed by anything.
"Oh my, Dick! Hello!" His opponent said. Well, obviously, he had to fight the she-cow. Like he always did in the orphanage. She took delight in kicking Celestine around like a potato sack. And she wasn't good at stopping. He always took a beating from her when trying to shield his only friend from damage.
"Wow you got all buff and whatnot. It's because of the Pizza?" Mina said, beaming her best smile. "You were always sort of a cute kid, but you got real cute now. I mean, I'm sorry about the past, really. Can we catch up like those two did before? We fight a little then we catch up, yeah?" The cowgirl said.
Parker said nothing, however, his fists cracked. There was ...something in the corner of his eye. "Yeah...we could do that. Fight a little."
"I'll tell you what. I'll let you go first! I mean, you never had a blessing, Dickie." Mina said, suddenly becoming wide open.
"Don't mind if I do..." Parker said, as he lowered his stance and sprinted towards Mina. He twisted his body...
...and delivered a vicious mid-kick to the biggest target that was on display. Mina's chest. The girl's eyes nearly bulged out of her face, trying to gasp from the air and pain, her stance broken by the sudden ferocity. She tried to flail, and grab the offending leg, but Parker was already showing more fluid, sharp movements after that initial attack.
An elbow impacted on Mina's neck, tipping the precarious balance of the female fighter, making her to become fully prone and sprawled on the ground. "OOf! That hurt. Wait nonono...!" The cowgirl said panicked as she felt a foot on her generous rear... and a hand yanking her swishing tail.
And boy, did that Parker have a tenacious grip. Probably from all the pizza deliveries.
"Stop it! Stop it! It hurts! Mooo!" She squealed panicked.
"With pleasure." He said, as he let go.
Followed by an elbow drop on Mina's back, which made her gasp once more. She panted heavily, as Dick, befitting his namesake, circled around her, before stepping away and getting in his fighting stance once again. Mina reeled, but got back to her feet. "How dare you! My tail is very sensitive! That hurt! Poopiehead!"
"I think you might need to reconsider having me that first pity shot." Parker exclaimed, as, to much of the female's crowd delight, took his horrible Pizza Time pink t-shirt off, revealing a body that was rather menancingly chiselled.
"I hate you." Mina said, before reigniting the fight, this time with a full powered charge. Followed by the most bizarre bull-jump spectacle as Parker, using Mina's head as leverage, flipped himself over the charging bovine. Mina's charge only lasted a few more seconds, when in her confusion, two arms wrapped her under her generous features.
"Oh yes, you liked wrestling too." Parker seized Mina firmly, as he heisted the taller girl...right into a german suplex. Probably at this moment, the crowd was getting anxious. Parker slid from under his opponent, as she groaned and twitched in pain. His smile faded quickly when he realized that an arm had grabbed his own leg. His reaction was to kick the fallen girl's head repeated times, but her vice-like grip didn't bulge. Worse off, she was getting up, seemingly shrugging off the repeated blows.
"Oh shi..."
Those were the last words Parker could pronounce before he was fully lifted by his leg and wielded one-handed like an oversized ragdoll. Slamming not one, but three times against the pavement, as one very furious Mina kept swinging her opponent like a golf stick. "RAARGH!" She said before letting go and panting heavily. Mina looked at her opponent, before dropping to her knees.
Parker wasn't moving. Did she...
"On the count...1...2... OH MY WORD HE IS GETTING UP!" The voice of someone drew Mina's focus back into the scenario. There he was, scrambling to his feet, badly broken and limp, bleeding from wounds. So this wasn't over. Mina gritted her teeth and tried standing up, but her legs failed to sustain her. Everything was spinning. Too many kicks in the head. Parker was still shuffling towards, balling his only good fist. Mina's legs and limbs were of lead. She closed her eyes for a second... and a loud Thud sound was heard as a body hit the floor next to her.
It was precisely at this moment when Mina managed to get on her own feet, raising a hand. "Dick is limp. I won." She said, in a drunken slur, before collapsing like a heap right next to Parker.
It was a dark night, as Dina, guided by Sanngridr, was led to one of the many back-alleys of Penrose. It was an inconspicuous location, yet it harbored a secret entrance; Sanngridr lifted a hand before her, and a section of the wall was engulfed in shadow. Then, in the darkness, a doorway appeared. Beyond it was what looked like a jazz club of ages past, only it was monochrome in hue. Once inside, the portal closed behind the two, and a shadowy figure appeared, holding a glass of wine in his hands. The figure had a menacing demeanor to it, but the stranger’s smile promised hospitality.
“Miss Denisova, welcome to my humble abode. I am Al Scarpe.” He bowed, and afterwards let a shadowy wisp float another glass to her. “Would you like something to drink? It’s on the house.”
Dina Denisova peered in the dark of the room, a dirty monochrome permeating the whole place. Others found it disturbing, but for Dina… it beckoned of her youth, of ages past. She turned her head to the sides, admiring the decoration. “It’s been ages since I have seen this kind of place, mister Scarpe. You know your craft.” The catgirl eyed the glass.
“Vodka… and leave the bottle.” She said back, before eyeing Al Scarpe.
"It's not so much craft as simply an eye for style. Nonetheless, I am flattered by the kind words." A Shadow extended over to the bar counter, and a bottle of vodka was brought before Dina. "I didn't take you for a woman of such fine taste, Miss Denisova. Most guests would rather have American drinks."
Dina took the bottle on her hand before pouring a generous serving of the spirit, and in a single gulp chugging it down, before licking the back of her hand in a most catlike fashion. She then poured another shot.
"Well, I come from a… fancier background than most people of this city. I was… in my youth a retainer ot the Romanovs. Does your file say that?I bet it does." She would eye Al.
Al lifted an eyebrow. "An interesting bet you've made there, Miss Denisova, considering what you're implying." He shrugged. "But I suppose it would be an accurate deduction; I am aware of your venerable career with the Russian tzars, yes. It is an honor to have such an esteemed person in my abode." He bowed.
Dina let out a small, haughty chuckle. "Do not take me for one of the whelps you can cajole with sweet promises of power, signore Scarpe." Dina added. "In order for the Mint to be the Mint, it has to know a lot of things. Fingers in…everyone's pies. Even in Beacon. Even in Sanctuary." Dina would then add. "Shall we go straight to the point, then?"
Al chuckled, seemingly amused by Dina's forward nature. "Of course, Miss Denisova. But first, I would like to apologize." He set his glass to float next to him, and brought out a small black notebook. "Some time ago unsavoury individuals trespassed upon Sanctuary." He closed the notebook, and tucked it back in his pocket. "It seems that unbeknownst to me at the time, some Mint agents were sent to sabotage the community's peace. I learned that another broker attempted to wrest control over Penrose from me by means of sabotaging the friendly relations I have attempted to establish here, and to agitate Penny Asimov and Beacon against me. Of course, I have dealt with the wiseguy in the appropriate manner, but by then it was too late to prevent the tragic aftermath." He bowed again. "I apologize for the disruption my less scrupulous associates caused."
Dina spun her glass, raising an eyebrow at Al's declaration, as she placed it. "So that is how you are going to play it, isn't it." Dina said. "Would you please call Sanngridr in here?"
"It would be my pleasure," Al responded, and snapped his fingers; the entrance to the jazz club opened again, and Sanngridr stepped inside. "It seems Miss Denisova would like to speak to you," she spoke to the agent, and took out a cigar.
Sanngridr tilted her head, before entering with a huge grin. Her eyes locked with those of the regent.
"Varangian." She said. "Please kill this churl. He has insulted my intelligence."
Sanngridr seemed to reach for her sword, but hesitating.
"Can't do it? Well that much was expected. It's a hard order to comply. After all…we all know where your loyalties are."
Al lifted a relaxed hand. "Please, there is no need for violence, Miss Denisova. After all, that was not the reason you arrived here, correct? Otherwise you would have brought arms to bear against me." He lit his cigar. "No, I believe you came here to discuss business."
"Realpolitik as they say." Dina sighed, as she waved Sanngridr away. "Most people don't survive enough to realize this is a thing. Well, the powers that be use teenagers with more hormones than sense. People like me are anomalies." She drank another gulp. "Your folks have been quite the brigands lately. But there is so much you can coerce and money pinch with war knocking at one's door." She added. "War is bad for business."
Al's friendly disposition subtly tensed once the topic of war was brought up. "Indeed." He took a puff of his cigar, letting the smoke disperse quickly into the air. "It has come to my attention that a rogue by the name of the March Hare was spotted in the Industrial district. If that is the case, it can only mean that Wonderland has mobilized." He glanced over to the bar counter. "In time, Penrose will become a warzone."
Dina sighed. "We must row in the same direction… and not be picky about extra arms." The catgirl nodded. "I do believe there is something the Mint would love to do… but it needs backing." Dina elaborated.
"After all you can't risk losing your footing and for example San Francisco Silvia Bialletti or some other broker takes your slice of pie, right?" Dina added.
Al's eyes sharpened on mention of Bialletti. However, they quickly relaxed. "You are quite well-informed, Miss Denisova. The Mint would view Wonderland's current moves as a possible liability to their business, considering their unpredictability." He then put the cigar away. "With that in mind, I am interested to hear your thoughts on it."
Dina took a sip. "Good old fashioned plunder, Al. I heard privateering can be quite profitable… and the magical world does not adhere to the Geneva convention. But in this case It's not Beacon. Nor Sanctuary as a target." Dina said. "The current… Queen is too aligned to even dedicate her time for such unwholesome methods."
Al nodded, a hand on his chin. "That is understandable. What would you propose then?"
Dina would polish the glass. "You get to keep everything you plunder. I tell you where to disrupt this peculiar army in terms of logistics. Make some real noise… like that…time." Dina said, narrowing her eyes. She still remembered all the trouble Oros caused.
"I will also convince the current Beacon loving monster girls to not attack you on sight."
An evil smile formed on Al's lips. "Hmm…I do like the sound of that." But then, his expression turned back to neutral. "The Mint is willing to contribute to this collaboration in the manner you have described." He then reached his hand in his coat, and produced a golden scroll. "Let's make it official, shall we?"
Casting her sight on the contract, she nodded as she waited on Al's offering to sign the parchment. "We should also convene the means to get in touch."
"That won't be a problem at all. I'll arrange one of our agents to act as the contact point." He gave a black walkie talkie to Dina, and began writing on the golden scroll with a similarly gilded feather quill. "You may use that to contact the agent. However, I suggest you do not tamper with it, magically or otherwise. It is set to melt away upon sensing foul play. A safety precaution, you understand." Once he was done writing the terms, he let it float over to Dina. "You may modify the terms yourself as well, and once we both are in agreement the contract is formed."
Dina then read upon the terms, frowning at some points, but overall seemingly satisfied at the terms. "Well that is one thing out of the way." She added before extending a hand. "I hope for a seamless and fruitful cooperation."
"Likewise, Miss Denisova," Al said as he took one last look at the finalized document, and then added his own signature to it. The scroll flashed brilliantly, and Al placed it in his pocket. "He then shook Dina's hand in a gentlemanly manner, and a Shadow brought another vodka bottle.
"There might be something else that I might discuss with you." Dina added.
Al lifted a curious eyebrow. "Oh? And I was about to toast to the beginning of our mutually beneficial agreement." He lowered the glass with an interested look. "What do you have in mind, Miss?"
"Well…" Dina began to search her mind for the words, only to not say anything. "Nevermind. To the end of this war." Dina said, trying to shift the topic after a moment of hesitation.
Can't let them know how shaky the lack of patron can make me. Weakness unto strength, Dina. They need you. Penrose needs you. Running away is not an option. You’ve become too involved to turn back.
"You..." Whatever Alyona had said, it seemed that it had stirred something between the Clausewitz third yeard, who wasted no time in shielding the junior student with her body."I'm not the Tsar's Huge Ass spider. My name is Kiwi... and You're trespassing. Now would you kindly depose that attitude? As you have said... there is trouble." The spider girl seemed to shuffle so slightly, her massive body taking a fighting stance.
And then she let a small shriek, her entire body losing all the poise of moments ago upon seeing the person next to Alyona.
"...The BANE? Out of all people why are you here?!" Kiwi said, scared out of her mind.
Celestine just shook their head, as she gently touched Alyone to stay down."Just being a good samaritan, fuzzy butt. Now be a little dear bug thing, and show us the real problem you idiots have. I'm getting bored. And I'm begining to understand six legs like last time wasn't enough." The agent of chaos and mayhem stated, a grin ear to ear manifesting as they summoned her reinforcement powers."I want new toys to play. if you fail to show it, that hungover boy does show promise. Well me and Aly. Idiot Parker is still fighting to get me a nice present elsewhere."
It was at this point that Kiwi bit her lip so hard that droplets of poison fell into the ground. "Right...This way. But know if you try something..." She began to turn her back at the duo. "We will answer in kind."
"Now you owe me, Alyonna. How could you call this poor spider girl a bug. Diplomacy, Diplomacy!"
Sanngridr's sight rested on Miko. For a brief second, she stood silent, before she tilted her head. "Sanngridr was helping. I healed the younger sister alongside with you. But It wasn't enough. So I took her to a place of less chaos. Sann is tired, of fighting stupid wendigos who are more unworthy than the grass we step on. Oh, so tired. Tired that every single stance of her help got only a polite rejection at best, just because her creed, or the fact that she speaks like she speaks." She ventured to say. "Justine... is safe and not panicking. Caroline is stable. Sonia's blades never reached you, and everyone is safe and sound."
Her eyes rested on Valerie, then Miko and Ronin, and finally Connie. "If this is the reaction Sann gets for essentially half-solving the situation by herself, and offering back up of substantial quality... then Sann is afraid there might not be...next time." The valkyrie harumphed, as she took flight on her wings.
This won't be the last time we meet, Connie. She thought to herself, as she distanced herself in the air, flying and obviously annoyed at the judging stares. Valerie she never expected reason from her. Gaia was just a paranoid helicopter pseudomother. But Miko and Ronin? She should've stomped on them with force.
3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 8 | 17 | 7 | 17 | 5 Lightning - Water - Air | Killing Blow Awareness | Enhanced Outfit | Training (Wing Chun) | Sanctum | Bile | Reverence |Immortality Free Agent | Mana Overload Alone | Monstrous Form
Sakura weakly protested as soon as he saw Sally's enthusiasm "Oi you-" . Her protests were quelled cold as she felt herself wrapped in a heavenly embrace, her battered head resting against something soft and mellow. Of course others talked, they were doing such, but for Sakura, this was background noise, like the flow a river. She didn't even register Aurelio's qualm nor Alicia's protest.
Oh please, let me stay like this for a while, before I remember how much of a shithole this city is. Sakura said, as her wounds seemingly were being healed out of nowhere. (It was probably Aurelio.)
Dina
4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 7 | 10 | 7 | 20 | 7 Reinforcement/Beast | Power of Friendship/Avatar True Sight | Reverence | Diehard | Lure | Overcity Shift | Flexibility | Gifted Free Agent| Magical Overload Alone | Monstruous Form Non Standard Limbs | Builder | Second Specialization(Beast) | Broken Reincarnation
After carefully picking the device, she gave the tiny component a glance, before giving up to ascertain their function, and instead instructing a raven to deliver it to Penny herself. She was the tech expert, after all. Dina was just an old, single grandmother in the form of a half cat woman.
There was some rambling from the dragon girl, but Dina choose to politely ignore them.
"There's war in the horizon." She half hissed, obviously not relishing at the situation, as she hugged herself. "Younglings these days don't know about the cold, hard teeth of war, but I do. Magic is involved and will make things even worse." She breathed. "I am patronless, what a blunder. Not that Dan would have helped with this kind of conflict. It is anathema to it."
Dina breathed in deep. "I can't believe what I am about to say but...I will speak with the Mint. Moneylenders and war don't go well, even if they are foul. I will also seek out all of our potential allies."
May or may not replace Parker. Depends on if I can pull this off.
"Hi, I'm Mina!" Height:6'6" including the horns
Name:
Mina Taurus AKA "That stupid cow."
Age:
18
Grade:
Kiburi's 3rd year. (Almost Repeated, though.).
Biography:
Mina was born to an extremely wealthy couple who were the owners of a dairy cream brand. At first, she only had this odd discolorated patch on the crown of her hair, but the changes did not stop there. One day they found her literally eating daisies. Another day, a bushy tail sprouted from beneath her underwear. Bumps appeared on her forehead. And while her physical aptitude seemed to be off the charts, she was struggling in mental acuity.
Normal parents would have been incovenienced, but would have cherished their daughter. Not these two. Despite the wholesomeness of food business these two were legit corporate sharks, of keen intelligence and hard hearts, and they could not bear the insult of having a dimwitted half-cow of a daughter.
So they gave her into adoption at age 6.
Mina initially struggled at the orphanage, but soon found solace in exerting her superior physical aptitude to be one of the ringleaders. While she wasn't outright mean to most people, she was quite forceful, and often treated other children as toys, imposing a one-sided friendship upon them. Well, except the thing named Celestine. They felt so wrong, Mina could not help but give the perp daily beatings as soon as they entered their sight, often dragging the hopelessly idiot Parker with them.
She kinda gravited towards Suzakura, seeing a fellow strong figure. She always claimed they were both King and Queen of the Orphanage. He had a similar background to hers, so Mina stuck with him, no matter what the adults said. Once it was time to leave, she decided to attend Kiburi's... mostly because she failed every other school test because of her blessing. She almost repeated though, even though she watched the abomination known as Celestine skip all the way to third year before leaving the school.
In more recent times, however... It seems her estranged parents are clumsily trying to reach her, once they had learned her blessing allowed her to craft a panacea of sorts. She rebuffs their advances, however.
Powers:
Core Power:Blessing of the Cow Goddess: Mina was blessed by a Goddess of Cattle and Wealth. As such both her external appearance (horns, tail, ears, and overall robust shape) and internal organs (she can subsist on a grass-rich diet among other things) are affected by bovine traits. It also knocked a few points off her IQ measurement, however.
1st Power-Bovine Might: Mina has all the strength of an Aurochs' packed in her body. As such, she is superhumanly strong and resilient. However, this makes her prone to be clumsy as she can't control her strenght so well.
2rd Power- Bovine Senses: Mina's senses of hearing and smell are greater than any human. She also has good night vision (because her eyes have a tapetum lucidum). However, this makes her a little colour blind. It doesn't affect her daily life but it gives her a horrible fashion sense. Her taste and touch are unaffected.
3rd-Power-Miracle Milk: Thanks to the blessing of the Goddess, Mina can craft a special milk who has the power to cure all ailments and wounds, as well as restore the imbiber to top shape (just like a certain anime's beans), unless they are lactose intolerant. Where does she get it from, she refuses to answer, but it is seemingly impossible for her to not have some at hand.
Relationships:
Celestine::"Abomination!!"
Parker:"He was always defending the abomination, but he wasn't that bad of a guy. He's now a hunk heeeh heee."
Suzakura: "He's my best friend! Also a huge jerk! But my best friend!"
Sanngridr looked at Justine, her usually coy smile melting away in a little frown. “Oh yes, I’m going to rip your sister’s soul right now, eat it, and go mwahahahahahaha about it.” Sanngridr snapped back. “Plans, schmplans. I want a minute of your time, and in the middle of that scenery I wasn’t going to get it. Don’t worry about little Caroline. You know that as long as I am here, she won’t die. I can even make her come back without a potion, even. A little tricky, but doable. And Sanctuary has some of those too.”
“First, Privacy… If you would be so kind.” She added, as she handed Justine her Witch’s Queen crown.
Justine stayed tense as Sann joked about Caroline, cautious about her. ”Well, now you got your minute. Make it count.”
That was when Justine was given the Crown, and she put it on without hesitation: it wasn’t the first time she has done the gesture. ”There. Now what is it you want?”
“There is an offer, yes. But not from the Mint. I mean I could give you the Mint offer but who am I kidding? You’d be made their bitch in 0.1 seconds. Not to mention you’re working already for an offshoot of the Mint. Just washed over. And the fact they brought Valerie back means they’re desperate enough to try and bind you to them more using Caroline.” Sanngridr did say.
“But there’s always options. There’s even a harder path that might allow you to get Sonia. Because at this rate, you’ll have to fight. Or Sonia defaults on ol’ Al. That would be …bad.” Sanngridr said.
“You’re a great girl, Justine. I was angry. And we might have to fight. I only regret that I can’t give you a stud to look at any longer.” She said, pulling a gem from her collar. “This is all what’s left of me. This body? a meat puppet. Crush the gem, I die.”
Justine kept quiet as Sann made her offer, and while still, her hostility ceased once Sann showed her new weakness to her. ”It is true that Cradle could try to use Caroline too…” She mumbled. ”But how would I be able to save Sonia?”
“Well, Sonia is someone who projects a strong exterior but she needs a strong person to follow. As far as I know. Do you even look strong now? No, you try to please and be subservient.” Sanngridr said.” And thus you’re Cradle’s newest doll and poster girl, in an act of forced redemption.”
”But this is who I really am!” Justine retorted. ”Call it forced, but I am glad I was able to become free of that monster’s influence. Now I can at least make a choice for myself.” She bit her lip, showing signs of doubt. ”Are you trying to suggest I go back to that? Back to being an insane lunatic?”
“I refuse to believe the girl who made the world its enemy for the sake of her sister is only this.” Sanngridr said, before energetically plucking one of her feathers, and began to dab a rune on them. Ansuz. His Rune.
“No, He wants you to become a Valkyrie.” Sanngridr said. “Show some more of that determination and pride, and serve a Father who isn’t a Horror mockery, but an Allfather.” Sanngridr added. “And this is the choice I am offering to you, besides what you have already.”
”The Norse God?” Justine did not expect the answer, and nearly dropped Caroline, causing her to slightly stumble. She averted her eyes, looking shocked. ”I don’t know…I’ve really had it with Patrons serving as parental figures.” She looked down at Caroline, and scowled. ”Would Caroline also be recruited?” She asked, weighing her options. ”I can’t say I’m too happy in the Cradle, but what does Allfather have to offer, besides this so-called pride?”
“Odin recruits on a one on one basis, and only courageous wills…your sister can apply if she wants, but she seems more like Freya’s lot. He doesn’t force things because he knows it’s best to join out of free will.” Sanngridr said. “Ancient resources, mainly. Freedom to tackle your objectives at your own pace as long as you don’t show cowardice. Wisdom beyond human’s understanding, too… and…and…”
Sanngridr clutched her head, as if she had a splitting headache, before blinking twice.
“...I’ll take over.” said in a much somber voice. As if she wasn’t Sanngridr. “What do you wish to know, oh kin of Visceral?”
Justine hesitated for a moment, before she addressed the Deity that had manifested through Sann.
”Great Allfather, Alföðr, your Chosen has spoken of your Wisdom. What mysteries can you unveil to one who may act as your sword?”
“Ah… a proper greeting. So unlike this fool who choked on a Red coin and had to salvage him as a valkyrie. Sorcery, Healing, Poetry for starters. Things that not even gods or horrors are supposed to know. I read upon all the runes, as you should know. And your actions have garnered my attention. But that one queer Mother fished your sister before I could…use it as bargain.”
Justine nodded. ”I see. That is how Caroline returned.” She looked over at the lake. ”I need time to think about my future, and what I wish for it. I have not yet cast aside the kindness the Cradle has offered. However, that may not last for long. I am interested in what your Chosen spoke about regaining my strength. Allfather, If you may grant a boon, a means to commune with your will again, I would gladly offer something in tribute.”
"My offer does not expire." The voice said. "Yet Ragnarok does not wait for anyone, be mindful of that. I will not protect you unless you are under my service." The deity handed the feather. "This token shall suffice. If you ever lose it, you may instead pray with that rune and offer some blood or flesh as payment."
Justine blinked from the mention of blood, but surprisingly accepted the feather without questioning, placing it in her pocket.
”Blood and flesh…The lifeforce of earthly creatures seem to be a common nourishment. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for granting me an audience, Allfather.” She slightly bowed, encumbered by holding Caroline. She then took off the Witch Queen’s Crown and placed it back on Sann’s head.
”I’m now ready to go back, Sann. I have much to think about now.”
"Ugh.." Sanngridr took a few moments to get her bearings. "Ah well. Do you need Sanctuary assistance? This might be the last time we don't meet as enemies… so make it count, okay?"
Justine didn’t respond, and simply looked on at the blue lake. She could see her reflection in it.
Sanngridr just sighed, and grabbing her blade, slit her palm, allowing for some blood to seep into Caroline’s mouth, before sending all of them back into the real world.
“Sann is sad. No dance partners want her…” She’d say as she returned, before stepping away from Justine, with an obvious pout, as her gaze rested on Valerie, then the twins and finally Connie and Gaia.
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