BrokenPromise

Video Games: The General Discussion & Community Thread

The last of us 2 is still relevant? I found this video interesting. It's 30 minutes long but is both a good watch and doesn't treat TLOU2 as a masterpiece nor does it claim the whole thing is shit.

Also, spoilers.

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Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

[Eliminated Aighorost's uncalled-for interference.]

@ERode

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

Reach Out

_@AtomicNut

Reaver fidgeted slightly. It had been a bit of a chase to find this particular person. Odin was the one who had spoken first of filial piety, and the gaze of the Allfather was far and wide. He would have realized sooner or later what had happened. Edward Turned had been assailed by magical girls. And someone had come to his rescue. Someone who had known the good doctor.

And that someone wasn’t his own mother, limiting the options to few people, magical girl hijinks notwithstanding. Finding the samaritan had been quite a bit of a chicken chase through Glimmr. Fortunately, one of her associates was a posting whore of all things, which made it significantly easy.

The big surprise was that both of them had seen the other before. Cindy’s party. She tried to get close to him, disguised, only for him to ignore her and press on Cindy. And then they came to blows in the park.

Funny how things changed overnight. He had… gotten in touch with other parts of his family, and this girl who opposed him had helped his father. An uncomfortable truth, but one that had to be rewarded.

Would she even come? Would she bring an entire ambush with her? He wondered. His choice of meeting had not been coincidental. Indeed it was the very same park that the big fight had broken out. He was suited up in his armor, his full regalia, and intended on taking this seriously.

Reaver could spot Tetrad here and there. Her head would pop out from behind a tree, then she’d retreat. Only later to pop up over a wall to check things out. She was using some sort of stealth magic, but Reaver could see through it easily enough. Regardless, it seemed she was taking their meeting seriously as well. A few minutes passed before she was content with her observations. She sighed, shook out her hands, and revealed herself. Her eyes were squinted, and she had one hand on her hip, and another on a card.

“What do you want?”

“Hm.” Reaver stood poised arms crossed. “Well it’s fairly easy. Do you think that what you have done would be without consequence… Tetrad, was it?” Reaver said, his arms crossed but evidently without a weapon. “This will no doubt put a hamper on whatever I was doing.” He said nonchalantly, before cracking a smirk.

“Answer me truthfully. Did you save Edward Turner? And if so, what is your degree of acquaintance.” He said.

“I’ve talked to him a few times, he just happens to be a face I remember.” Her face softened up when she chuckled. “I mean he's pretty hot, that’s really the only reason I remember him. Otherwise I don’t typically commit non-magicals to memory.” With a cough, her expression became hard again. Her eyes jumped between Reaver’s eyes and his arms. “I was the one who saved him. One of them anyway. Are you an acquaintance of his, or is he just one of your objectives?”

“Yes, he had that air about him.” Reaver he said, before smiling, and without a hint of mercy nor preparation, he dropped the artillery shell. “I’m Will, Luna.”

Tetrad pulled her head back. Both of her eyebrows were way up in the air. “Uh. Um.” She folded her arms and shifted her lips from one side of her face to the other. “Luna huh? That’s your answer?” She swung her hand at the dead city that surrounded them. “There have got to be plenty of girls who think Edward Turner is a DILF. Why that one in particular?”

“I was taking a pot-shot. Guess your first surprised face does betray you.” Reaver said. “If not obviously the fixation with cards as weapons. Outward personality. Trying to find good men to hang out with. Most of the magical girls are not that adamant in finding magical boys… they turn to other prospects due to the circumstances and scarcity.”

He coughed.

“Now, If we take straight magical girls, who like cards, are extroverts, know Edward turner, and have been declared as ''missing” or ''dead” ... how many of those do you think would be left?”

The gambler wore a scowl during the entirety of Reaver’s explanation. “Well.” She raised her arms in a shrug before smiling. “When you’re right, you’re right.” She folded her arms. “Considering how easy you were to dupe in the past, I’m a little disappointed you uncovered my real identity before I could do the same to you. Then again, who’d think an introverted magic the gathering player would be flirting with girls and biting their heads off?”

Reaver shrugged. "No act comes without consequence." He paused. "I was tired of being myself, and became someone else. Oldest history in the magical world. But the cost of pretending to be a bad boy, is to be a bad boy." His stance relaxed. "Then again who would have thought that the free spirited gal would become under extensive scrutiny under the Red Woman?"

Tetrad shrugged again, but kept her arms folded. “When you’re right, you’re right.” She looked down at her chest. ”But if I’m going to be honest with you, the lack of back pain is the best part of my new life. I had been considering breast reduction surgery for a while, and it just isn’t necessary anymore.”

“Well, why do you think you were able to dupe me so easily, then?” Reaver smirked as he tilted his head.

She scratched the back of her head. “What’s the game plan now? We can keep playing tit for tat, but that doesn’t seem very productive. Do we fight? Hug it out?” She lifted her palm up and pointed it at Reaver. “Because while hugging is the best part of any reunion, I’m gunna have to skip this time.”

“I guess I could ask you to step on me and call me scum and use a whip and all of that… but business before pleasure.” Reaver said, before unsheathing his sword and in a sudden movement, stabbing it in the ground, kneeling before Tetrad.

“I, William Turner, son of Edward Turner, under the Gaze of the Allfather, swear to grant this woman a boon. She may command me once without reserve, for whatever she desires or wishes. Whether it is my life or that of others, whether it causes the ruin of my patron or patrons, I shall deliver this boon unwaveringly to the best of my ability until I breathe my last. In the name of Odin, this I swear.”

He finished, before raising himself once more, his sword disappearing. “This is your reward for saving my father. Do think carefully when to use it. In all likelihood we will be on opposing sides.”

“That’s it?” Tetrad raised an eyebrow. ”You’ll have to forgive me if I question how valid this ‘gift’ is. Though this is also the type of thing I’d expect the old Wiliam to do.” She sighed. “What the hell happened, Will? We use to just be two goofy kids. Now we’re up to our armpits in espionage.”

Reaver shrugged. “Make that as you will.” He paused. “I suppose… we grew up, and we realized that the wings that would take us anywhere were made of wax.” He added. “Next time, we might have to kill each other. Heh.” He began to walk away. “Be seeing you around I guess... “ He began to walk.

“And before I get caught in more soapy moments, I will say this now so I won’t get a death flag. You were my first love.” He admitted, and continued to walk away.

Tetrad stared at Wiliam’s back as she walked away, not seeming to react to his parting words. She pulled the deck of Magic the Gathering cards she had shown Eliza earlier during the rave and looked them over. Once she was done, she slid them back into harness before bolting away. “Take any joke that far and no one will laugh at it.”

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

S i l h o u e t t e & V e r o n i c a

”There has to be a chastity belt in the cradle somewhere.”

— Veronica

Silhouette had been called to personally meet with Veronica. She was given coordinates to a random location where they could meet. This one was an apartment in a run down complex. When Sil got there however, it was not Veronica who was waiting for her. Instead, there were two black double doors, the same kind that lead into her international mansion. Recently Veronica had been trying to minimize her contact with the outside world, so it was rare for her to appear anywhere by herself.

When Sil entered, she was transported to the same familiar hallway. Though the banquet at the end looked different. There was just a small table that could seat two people with a red tablecloth thrown over it. There was nothing else on the table, but Veronica was sitting opposite to Samantha. Her arms were folded in her lap, and she seemed to be looking off into space.

”Be seated.” Veronica did not look at Sil when she spoke.

Silhouette pulled a chair out from the table and sat on it as requested. She found her eyes being pulled across the interior of the mansion in curiosity as it had only been the second time she had seen the place. This lasted merely a second, however, and she soon rested her eyes upon the vampire before her.

”Shouldn’t we be wearing masks?”

“It has been some time since we’ve gotten to have a private meeting in person, hasn’t it?” she said, crossing her arms as she came to this realization. “Usually we have a bit more space…” Silhouette almost seemed disappointed by this.

Veronica gave a small nod, but continued to avoid making eye contact with Sil. ”Your thoughts on the operation?” A cup of tea rose out of a shadow in Veronica’s hand.

Sil seemingly caught on to her reluctance to meet eye to eye, but responded, albeit with a hint of bitterness in her voice. “Perhaps our worst one to date.” she confessed.

”I’m glad you feel that way.” After sipping from her glass, Veronica set the cup on the table and turned to Sil. Steam waved over the cup of black tea, and filled the air with its scent. ”Almost every aspect of the operation failed or backfired somehow. Even Hyun managed to be brought down in a way that strengthened Beacon’s numbers.” She folded her hands under her chin. ”But I didn’t bring you here to talk about just any failure. What do you think the largest setback was?”

Sil took a moment to reflect on that night before giving Veronica her answer. “Our numbers aren’t particularly large to begin with. I think losing an agent to Justine was the worst part of the night.” She seemed confident in this.

Veronica was about to sip her tea again when she froze.

”Incorrect.”

The table sunk into a shadow on the floor, and Silhouette’s body was clamped in the black hand of the cradle. Her limbs were frozen in place, unable to escape.

”Losing agent Betty was unfortunate. It is certainly my greatest error of the night. The one I share the most in.” Veronica stood up, and her chair, too, sunk into a shadow. ”But Betty will give away Justine’s location in time. That is the power of the contracts you all sign.” The hand of the cradle changed shape. Silhouette’s body was now encased in a black coffin. Only her head stuck out of the top. ”You should know by now that I didn’t call you in here today to talk about my own failings.” She stood in front of the coffin. ”You are close though. The reason why Cindy’s death and Hyun’s conversion bother me less is because while they weren’t wholly desirable outcomes, they will cost me nothing in the long run. Mariette’s escape is only problematic because I saved her pet and Trixy opened fire on her. She may have reversed Betty’s sacrifice.” Veronica kicked the casket, causing it to fall backwards onto the floor. ”As you said, you know that our numbers are small, you know that we aren’t as strong as Beacon yet.” She planted her foot on top of the coffin. She looked down at Sil as if she were nothing but an insect. ”Why have you given them a reason to attack us?”

Sil vainly struggled in the coffin, but Veronica’s question seemingly triggered something in her. “That is absurd,” she retorted. “So long as we have any ties to the corrupted, they’ll be hostile. My only wrongdoing there was underestimating my target, which I will not do a second time.” she declared.

”There is a difference between being hostile towards someone and actively hunting them, Sam.” Veronica kneeled. ”Beacon are a lot of incompetent fools, and for all the Ascendancy’s strength, they are no brighter.” She drove her fist into the top of the coffin, Samantha could feel the vibration all over her body, causing her to grunt in pain. ”You attacked an inquisitor. It would be so easy for them to rationalize that we were in league with the independent. Why didn’t you attack the real target? Why didn’t you get out when I ordered it?” Her second fist came down, also shocking Sam’s entire body. Veronica’s face was inches away from hers. Her irises were shaking in her eye sockets. ”You don’t have to answer. I know you let your emotions guide you.”

Sil was panting heavily from the rough treatment. “You’re wrong…” she denied through her labored breaths. “Sooner or later, we’ll have to… deal with them... I believe I saw an opportunity in the commotion that would benefit us down the line, so I took it, that’s all…” Silhouette almost sounded like she was trying to convince herself instead of Veronica. “...I don’t let emotions control me…”

”Normally. That’s what makes this instance so strange, and infuriating.” Veronica stood up and stepped off of Silhouette. The casket that housed her body dissipated. ”We will deal with Beacon, Samantha. But we will do it when I am ready. When Cradle is ready. The ascendancy alone is more than twice our number.” Placed her hands together. ”During the last meeting, I said that I would leave Penrose. I am ready to depart shortly.” she turned to face Silhouette. ”But this behavior of yours is disconcerting.” A black orb appeared in between her hands. ”You are the finest tool I have.” She looked off to the side. ”I’d rather sharpen you than throw you away.”

Silhouette opted against spending more time than necessary on the floor, rising to her feet with a defiant look about her as she caught her breath. “I am a blade that does not dull, Veronica.” she shook her head in denial. “I had… far too many chances before we ever met for that to happen.”

Sil remained silent for a few seconds. Eventually, she broke the silence with a question, or what appeared to be an attempt at one. “...you’re confident in your company while you’re away from Penrose?”

Veronica continued to dodge Samantha’s eyes, but she didn’t seem as wooden as before. ”If I’m going to be perfectly honest with you Sam, I am not. But my hands are tied, I’ll think of something.” The black orb started to drip like hot tar. ”I’ve been thinking that your second piece of cradle gear isn’t very good. Now that Shade is sentient, it’s not especially practical.” Once all the tar melted away, all that was left was a basketball. It looked pretty average, except the brand logo read “DUNK MASTER” with a butterfly separating the two words. ”The Dunk Master. This is the oldest weapon in the cradle. This will replace your gauntlets in your arsenal.” She extended her hands. ”Go on, try it.” She was still looking away from Samantha.

Sil took the ball in hand but her blank expression betrayed her confusion. Then, with a slight flourish, she spun the ball on her fingertip. Silhouette felt a surge of magical energy flow into her, though she felt physically drained. “How does this work, exactly?” she asked, dribbling the ball before tossing it at a nearby wall.

”The last person who used it was able to project their spells out of the ball from any angle. They used this to guide the ball with propelled flames. I imagine you can apply your stasis magic to anything the ball hits, as well as any other spell you can conjure up.” She looked past Samantha at the ball. ”Perhaps you can slow the air around the ball? If done right that should cause its trajectory to curve.” She sighed. ”It’s a weapon that invites creative use of its features.” She wiggled her finger at Sil. ”You’ve likely felt the effect of the ball though. It redirects your magic, so you’ll become more potent magically, but even weaker physically.” She folded her arms behind her back. ”Will you use it?”
The ball bounced back Silhouette's way and she picked it up. "Not really an orthodox weapon, is it?" she eyed the magical basketball with curiosity. "Still, having extra options is always nice, even if it might cost me physically. I could see myself making use of it, yeah." she nodded firmly, then tossed the ball into the air. It would rise slowly but then fall down extremely fast, landing on Sil's finger and spinning yet again. She did not bother to attempt to do something more inspired than that at the time.

"...You've been avoiding looking at me," she suddenly mentioned. "Even after doing such things to my body, you won't look me in the eyes? Why is that? ...Was I really such a disappointment?"

Veronica slowly turned to look at Samantha. ”You are dating Trixy, correct?” She took a step closer to Sil. ”Are you doing that to boost her morale?”

Silhouette nodded her head in affirmation. "We are dating, yes." she stopped spinning the ball and placed it under her armpit. "But I don't think we started for that reason," she said as she began pondering just why they were in a relationship. "...well, I didn't see any particular reason to not do so. And, I suppose she's not always so bad. Anyway, why do you ask?"

”Well, you are my top agent.” She placed a hand on Samantha’s shoulder. ”I worry about things compromising your judgement.” Her other hand rested on Samantha’s hip. ”If you need someone to fool around with, it would be best if they weren’t someone you were working in the field with. That could cloud your judgement. Though it should most certainly be someone who lives up to your standards.”

Sam’s hand rested upon Veronica’s and she stared into the woman’s eyes, before turning away herself. “When it comes to fooling around… well, I’m not entirely knowledgeable.” she said. “I even had my first time earlier with Trixy, I think.”

Veronica’s eyes shot open and she took a step back. ”You. Did. What?!” She reached her hand up to her head, but then pulled her hand away sharply. Agent and employer didn’t make eye contact or speak for the next few seconds. Veronica folded her arms behind her back and walked away. ”Trixy attacked Mariette and disgraced this organization as a whole. You will punish her in my stead.” she ordered without looking back. ”Do not disappoint me.”

Samantha did not seem to understand why Veronica reacted so flamboyantly but did not comment on it. The question mark above her head was almost visible, in fact. “I see,” she said, thinking back to that blunder. She understood that Trixy meant well, but this mistake was fairly big. Since she had already been thinking on it already she did not need much convincing. “Leave it to me and I’ll make sure you’re satisfied with my work. She’ll know not to do something like this again.”

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

“Double post woooooooooooooooooooo!

Also Ari as Vi-chan Woooooooooooooooooo!”

— Tetrad

It was time for another interrogation. A high profile one no less.

Elvira was in what appeared to be a concrete bunker. While mostly bare, the furnishings it did have were of outstanding quality. The chairs and table were sturdy, and the lighting was far less intimidating than Tetrad’s dimly lit interdimensional bar. There was also a not-so-subtle mirror that hid Veronica and a few other cradle agents from view. 

Elvira woke up to one of Tetrad’s cards poking her in the nose, and opened her eyes to squint. “Oof...Uh, whah...” She quickly realized she had been brought to an unfamiliar location, and gripped the armrests of her chair.

Tetrad was flicking blue cards at Elvira’s unconscious body. Most of her wounds had been healed already, but they had only done enough to ensure she didn’t die.  

“You awake Vi-Chan? Do you prefer Elvira?” Tetrad tapped her fingers together. “You probably don’t remember much. But um, yea, you were hit by a magical car. You almost died.” Tetrad folded her fingers together. “We patched you up, and we’d like to know a few things.”

Elvira attempted standing up, only to fall back down; she was still woozy and aching from her injuries, exacerbated due to being untransformed. She put a hand to her forehead. “Ow, my head hurts-wait, huh? A car? Who are you anyway? And where am I?”

“I’m Agent Tetrad, with Cradle.” She continued sorting through her cards, flicking the non-blue ones over her shoulder in an attempt to “”combo” into the ones she actually wanted. “As for your location, it’ll be a lot easier just to leave it at ‘interrogation room.’ But you’re safe here. While you were running away, you were hit by a car. We recovered you shortly afterwards.”

Elvira visibly tensed at the word ‘interrogation’, her eyes having shot wide open.

She set her deck face down on the table and folded her arms. Her face was neutral, her posture was relaxed. She swished her lips from one side to the other. Like a friend examining a quarantine haircut. ”Kind of weird for a pop idol to hatch a scheme like that. Do you want to talk about it?”

“W-What scheme? I don’t remember any scheme.” She briefly considered transforming and running, but then realized that if they didn’t prepare for such a thing happening, they would have bound her with chains or otherwise incapacitated her. She was too free, and that made her more scared than anything. She hatched up a plan, and brought out her pleading face.

“Well I wouldn’t know anything about that. You see, I was actually brainwashed, and don’t remember anything.” She had a pouty lip. “One moment I was chilling in my home, and the next thing I knew I was performing at some dingy club and attacked by all kinds of weirdos! I was so shocked, I needed to run away.”

Tetrad’s grin widened until her eyes shut. ”Oh! And here I thought you were working with the PI or Mint! It’s a relief to hear that isn’t the case.” She exhaled. ”Because the Mint would surely punish one of their agents. I can’t speak for the PI, but I get the impression they don’t like failure either. But if you don’t need any protection from them, that makes my job easier.”

Elvira managed to keep her poker face and nodded with a smile, though inside she looked nervous. Phew, that was sloppy, but the bimbo bought it.

Tetrad was about to get up, but then after thinking a bit, she sat back down. ”Still, something doesn’t quite add up.” She was still smiling. ”Hope you don’t mind, but one of our agents went to probe your mind. We wanted to find out what was going on while you were out. But someone put an enchantment on your mind to block mind probing. It’s pretty advanced too, it’ll take us a week to get inside.” She folded her arms. ”But this makes perfect sense. Whoever captured you must have sealed away your memories. We need to get in there so that we can uncover their scheme. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before they come after you themselves. Let us help you.” Tetrad chuckled.

She blinked. “Oh, did they?” She doubled down on the lie. “In that case we just have to wait until it’s done then.” It was a week spent away from people who would want to kill her like the Mint. She also had time to think of an escape plan before they found out the truth, so she decided to accept it. “Anything else you wanted to ask me?”

”A week? Oh, no, we have a much faster way in.” Tetrad reached behind herself and pulled up a piece of paper. The paper had a slightly red tint to it, but at a glance anyone could tell it was a contract. ”There might be a way to bypass the spell entirely if you sign this.” Tetrad tapped it.

Elvira’s eyes darted to the contract; she felt a bead of sweat trickle down her back. “Huh?” The contract laid open before her, and she visibly shivered; it brought out bad memories with the Mint, when she signed her hellish contract. “A c-contract?” She asked, and bit her tongue for the stutter. “Uh, sorry but-”

”You’re a free agent, right? So you won’t be stepping on anyone’s toes if you sign. It’ll temporarily make you an agent of Cradle. This will give us direct access to your mind. So any troublesome barriers and such shouldn’t pose a problem.” Tetrad rapped her hands on the table. ”We can put whatever you want on this, within reason. Would you like a security detail? That can be written in! Would you like money? That can also be written in! We can even write in other rules like that we aren’t allowed to hurt you after you sign. Not that we would, but you seem a little nervous.”

She tapped a finger on her knee, her eyes moving between Tetrad and the paper. They’re bullshitting. Nobody can provide complete security. She’s just baiting me so she could bust me and then kill me.But if it’s true, I could admit my guilt right now and then-

Tetrad leaned forward. ”Well, not that I would. I don’t want you to get upset, but Veronica is a former mint coin broker. She had very different ideas for you, so I’m hoping we can solve this with a contract.”

A bead of sweat trickled from her brow. No no no! She’s got connections to them! Chloe’s got you covered, Chloe’s got you covered, don’t buy it! 

“Uh, what kind of ideas, exactly?” She asked, trying to get more time as she sorted out her inner dilemma.

”I doubt you want to know the specifics. But she’ll probe your mind, get what she wants, and then you’ll be at the mercy of the world.” Tetrad sighed, her smile vanishing. ”I get it, I signed Veronica’s contract too. Situation was a bit different for me, but it’s still scary.” She looked at the contract. ”Honestly Elvira, this is not typically how I approach these, erm, interrogations. She waved her hands over the table. ”But I don’t want you to be scared or anything like that.” She pointed at Elvira. ”I believe that you are innocent, or at the very least, wish to help.” 

She pulled the contract closer to herself. ”So if you have any demands, just let me hear them and we can make this contract easier to sign. Right now it looks like you’ll be a cradle agent for a week. Though you won’t actually have to serve us, that’s just to give Veronica access to your mind for the duration. No harm will come to you during or after the contract is fulfilled, and you’ll be given a studio in a safe location that will have a computer, some speakers, looks like there’s some props written down here, a studio microphone. Anything else you’d like to add?”

Elvira tapped her foot, and leaned on the palm of her hand as the elbow rested on her knee. She was still suspicious of Tetrad’s words, though she was also tempted by what was offered. “I once signed a contract with the Mint,” she admitted before she realized it. “Biggest mistake of my life. I didn’t read the fine print, so I was treated like crap and got zilch for pay. And every waking day I had to be afraid that the big boss upstairs didn’t decide to bump me off...Or worse.”

She stopped her tapping and averted her eyes. “I managed to run away, but I’ve been in hiding ever since, doing everything I can to keep them off my trail.” She glanced at Tetrad. “‘Veronica’s ex-Mint, correct? Did she quit because she wanted to earn more money off of suffering magical girls?”

Tetrad pushed the contract off to the side. ”I’ve never worked for Mint, but having worked under her, I’d have to say no.” She pulled out a deck of Tarot cards and started shuffling them. ”We don’t have any debts. I’ve yet to see her send an agent to their death or anything like that. We’re a small force so we feel more like a family than anything else. We have a Glimmr page, which I don’t see the Mint doing.” She cut the deck of cards without looking at them. ”My situation was something like this: A puchu took me on as a magical girl, he left me for dead, some Cradle agents found me, and that’s when I was offered a contract. I feel like she saved me, if anything.” Tetrad set the cards down with a smile. ”Would you like to talk to some of the other agents? There are a few in the other room.”

"Uhh...Sure." Elvira was surprised by the turn this interrogation took. To her, Tetrad seemed like someone willing to torture her, but so far she was courteous and co-operative. Then again, maybe it was all a ruse just to catch her. "I'd like to see what other agents the Cradle has." Maybe then she'd get a better feel for the truth.

Tetrad lifted her fingers up to the side of her head. ”Who have we got?” Tetrad waited. ”Eliza’s on a date? Figures Silhouette won’t be available. But those others should be enough.”

A wooden door swung open, and Trixy stepped in. Her rifle was holstered across her back. “Hi!” She gave the idol a dumb smile and waved her hand. “I’m Trixy! I run the Cradle’s Glimmr account, maybe you remember me sending you a message? Maybe not, you’re pretty popular.” She laughed.

Elvira had to hold herself from scrunching her nose at Trixy, having remembered the message she got from her. Oh crap, she's here. She gave an awkward smile as she lightly waved back at the new girl. "Uh, hi? Yeah, I get tons of pings, so I must have missed yours, sorry~."

“That’s fine, but are you single? Asking for a friend because I have a girlfriend myself. I love her to death and it would be rude if I cheated on her. But if things were to fall through-”

"Oh, thanks, but I'm good. An idol like me isn't allowed to openly engage in relationships anyway, hah."

”Hello!” A lanky white haired girl gave a single wave as she entered the room. She had an assault rifle strapped to her back. Though she also had what looked like a surgeon's medical kit. ”I’m Maria, but everyone just calls me Remedy.” She nodded. ”Apologies if you weren’t healed adequately. Water magic isn’t the most efficient, and my magical bandages only work when applied directly to wounds.”

She didn't know the other girl, but she seemed decent enough, if a bit cold. "Well, as long as it doesn't leave a scar; I need my skin to be unblemished for my fans~"

”You shouldn’t have any scars.” Remedy reassured her. ”But I understand you wanted to talk to us?”

The NEET smiled a bit. "Well, I just wanted to hear some opinions about Cradle and Veronica. What is it like working for her? How would you compare it to the Mint?"

“Oh you cannot compare Veronica to anyone!” Trixy clasped her hands together like the fangirl she is. “She’s sweet, very pretty, and sees the good in everyone.” Her eyes squeezed shut. “I had nothing going for me, but she looked inside me and found my potential. Now I’m her top manager!” She gave a nod to Remedy.

”My Puchuu abandoned me a long time ago, so I was trying to make it as a solo girl.” The medic smiled. ”But once I started working for Veronica, I knew I didn’t want to do anything else. I knew she’d have my back.”

“Is that so?”

Elvira asked, interested to see the girls with such positive views on Veronica. Still, since they haven’t worked for the Mint, it was hard to gauge. All this thinking had taken a toll on her, and she held her head again-

A guttural laugh cut through the room, and a third guest invited themselves in, causing Elvira to blink in surprise. This one was a woman in a black dress. Her flesh was gray, and there were veins running all over her body. ”I suppose if she wants to hear how Veronica compares to the Mint, She’ll have to hear it from someone who’s actually worked for both, huh?” Her voice was almost as deep as a man’s.

Tetrad pulled her head back. ”…Oh! Hi sunshine!” She pointed at the newly arrived with both hands and looked at Elvira. ”Anyway! This is Blair.”

”You’re useless, all of you.” Blair took a seat beside Tetrad, who just looked away and folded her arms. ”Now I just want everyone to shut up. I’m going to say this once and then I’m going to leave. It’s way too crowded in here with even just two of you idiots.” Her skin seemed to pulse with the beat of her heart. ”So, you want to know how working for Veronica compares to working for Mint, right? That’s easy, they don’t fuckin’ compare.” Blair leaned back in her seat and lit up a cigarette. Tetrad covered her nose. ”The Mint sinks you as far in debt as it can, and then uses that debt to control you. You never move up, you always move down.” She flipped open a zippo lighter and lit up her cigarette. With a solid click, she stashed it in her pocket. ”They kept pressuring me to do more and more dangerous things. I ended up using my own coin and stole another one off a fellow agent. It was a shitty thing to do, but I think I got the worse end of the bargain. I was doing both of our operations, and still my debt grew.” She exhaled through her nose, and the gray smoke tumbled over the table. ”The others will tell you Veronica makes them feel appreciated, that she’s honest, or that she’s the second coming of Christ. I don’t know about any of that crap. I do know I’ve been her agent since her coin broker days, and things didn’t get better until she broke off from the Mint.” She poked the contract while standing up. ”You do what you want, makes no difference to me what happens to you. But me? No regrets.” Blair headed for the door without looking back at anyone. 

”Right, um. So yea!” Tetrad smiled. ”That was Blair, I’m a little surprised she showed up with everyone.” She waved to Trixy and Remedy, who waved back before leaving the room themselves. ”She’s sort of a loner, doesn’t seem to like any of the other agents, but I’ve never heard her say anything bad about Veronica.”

Elvira was astounded by the powerful speech Blair made before she left, as suddenly as she had arrived. The internet idol could tell that she spoke from real experience, having also felt the burden of those debts. She lightly waved back to the others before turning to Tetrad.

“I see...Looks like Veronica’s a good boss for you girls.” She bit her lip. “I like the look of this place too. Nice and shady...Just like my old hangout.” She sighed heavily. “So, a week-long membership? That’s what you’re offering, right?”

”We can change it to whatever you’d like really. Within reason.” Tetrad folded her arms and leaned forward. ”It can be made longer or shorter.” She picked up the contract to look at it again before pushing it away. ”I mean, if you wanted to actually work with us, that would be cool too. I don’t think it’s what Veronica’s expecting but it wouldn’t be hard to convince her. The process is the same either way, you’re shown a contract that outlines everything and then you sign it.” She locked eyes with Elvira. ”Up to you though. I think we can make this contract better for you if you’d like though. Maybe get a TV thrown into the deal?” She grinned. ”Chocolates? A plush?”

“Hey now, don’t treat me like a spoiled brat,” Elvira retorted. “As long as I get a room and a computer with wi-fi, that’s all I’d need.” She took a deep sigh as she closed her eyes...And then took a pen, writing into the contract.

Sorry Chloe, but I just can’t trust you anymore after how you abandoned me at the rave...Goodbye.

After a moment, she slid the contract back to Tetrad. It had new additions in the terms including living space for Elvira, basic amenities, internet connection, and even a right to lock her room whenever she wants to. Most surprisingly, Elvira demanded full membership into the Cradle.

“These are my terms. I’m sick and tired of running, and even more sick of people who use me before leaving me. So if I’m going to be here...I’m settling in for good, I suppose.”

”Yis!” Tetrad squealed with excitement before clapping her hands together. ”I think you’re making a smart choice, and I can’t wait to show you the others!” She looked over the contract. ”Alright, let’s get these changes amended.” 

---

Not much later, Veronica walked into the room with a new contract. She placed them side by side so that Elvira and Tetrad could see they were the same. ”This is agreeable then?”

Tetrad took a look over it. ”Looks good to me, But you should look over it too Elvira.”

Elvira read through it, with a grim face she nodded. "I don't like the fact that my life is in your hands, or that I can get sent on dangerous missions," she stated, not sugarcoating the facts. "But it's a lot better than trying to fend for myself in a hole somewhere, waiting every day until a debt collector kicks down the door. I'll also have a better chance to further my career as Vi-chan. I'll get to live...In more ways than one." She managed a bittersweet smile. "I accept the terms."

Tetrad had no problem waterboarding, electrocuting, or anything of the sort to get the information she needed. Her targets were always evil, and using evil means against them didn’t feel wrong to Tetrad. It was poetic justice. But something felt off this time. That was why she decided to go easy on Elvira.

”Very well.” Veronica pulled a quill out of her sleeve and quickly swiped the tip across her cheek. Elvira flinched, but did little else. Her blood splattered on the contract, and Veronica cleaned the tip of the quill with her tongue. ”It’s done.”

”You’re one of us, Elvira!” Tetrad placed her hands on her hips. ”Turning you over to the C-team was hard, but I’ve got MAD charisma!” She laughed. ”I don’t hug girls often, but you’re an Idol so come here!” She leaned across the table and placed her hands on Elvira, only to realize she was locked in stasis.

”Elvira? You okay?”

She was still wearing her bittersweet smile, flinching at the signing process.

”Oh, now these are quite lovely.” Elvira’s gauntlets appeared on Veronica’s arms. ”And she has a big backpack too? I wonder if Myria would have a use for that.” The red rouge inspected the gauntlets. ”These will make fine weapons once they’re cursed. I may use them in my own arsenal.”

”Veronica!” Tetrad stood up. ”What are you doing? She’s an agent now!”

Veronica looked at Tetrad out of the corner of her eye. ”Did you really not see this coming?” She stepped behind Elvira. ”You were interrogating someone inside the cradle. Why wouldn’t I take the opportunity to plunder her gear?”

”Her contract says we can’t hurt her.”

”She is not in pain.” Veronica placed a hand on the back of Elvira’s head. ”She isn’t even aware she’s in stasis. It’s like she’s asleep, only she’ll never dream. If I were to awaken her right now, she wouldn’t even realize she was in stasis.” Veronica pulled a spectral red tome out of the back of Elvira’s head and flipped through the pages. ”So she was in league with Chloe? And the PI did their own thing? No wonder the rave was a mess.”

”We need more people.” Tetrad approached her employer. ”You need someone to replace Bet-”

”Don’t. You. Dare.” Veronica slammed the book closed. ”How do you think people will respond to Cradle knowing that we are harboring Elvira? What will you tell Maura and Eliza who lost two of their number to the rave?” The book was held up in the air. ”She lied to you Tetrad, she was in control the entire time.”

”I know that, I'm not a literal bimbo!” She cast out her arm. ”I’m not going to pretend our idol here isn’t a shady person, or even that she’s perfect.” With a sigh, the gambler continued. ”Penrose will be stronger if they know who their enemy is. We know Chloe is a Mint agent. If we can spin a story where Elvira was brainwashed by the Mint, that will hurt their image, right? Hell, if Justine and the Mint are working together, it’s all the more plausible.” Tetrad placed a hand on her hip and forehead. ”Eliza and Maura is something else, I can try talking to them.”

”You really don’t want to see her left in the Cradle?” Tetrad nodded, to which Veronica clicked her tongue. ”Very well. We will leave it to a vote.” Veronica opened the book again. ”The next cradle meeting will begin in a few days. I will ask for everyone’s input then. If even one agent wants to see Elvira imprisoned, in the Cradle she stays. Now let me read in peace.”

”That is fair, Veronica.”

Tetrad sighed. She had been given a chance to set Elvira free. She understood Veronica’s concern. Elvira would require some explaining to the general population. The Acendency was already not too happy with them, and they would be making themselves a pretty big target if Elvira joined their employ. All the same though, Elvira was a lot like Tetrad. Tetrad had been left for dead by her Puchuu, but Elvira had been left for dead by everyone who she ever chose to work with. The only difference was that Tetrad was fortunate enough to meet Veronica first.

Sometimes, all someone needs is an opportunity.

The Worst Writing Advice

Now what's the next writing advice to discuss? People who say semi-colons are bad but don't know how to use them?

@Roach

I'm just always afraid I'll use a semi-colon at the wrong time, so I end up never using them.

Kind of like an em dash. It's a versatile tool—Some would say too versatile—which is why I seldom use them. Mostly it doesn't serve any real unique purpose that other forms of punctuation can't handle. There's no button for it either, so you have to go Alt + NUM 0151 which I can't remember and then I spend all this time googling stuff and at the end I'm just like why botherrrrrrrr.

The Worst Writing Advice

On the upside, Roleplaying discussion forum hasn't been this active in a long time.

The Worst Writing Advice

Me yesterday: Hahaha having friendly discourse about the nature of bad writing advice is fun!

Me today:
_{What have I done?}

The Worst Writing Advice

If you hate plot holes, there's an in depth article that justifies that hatred.

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

“You can’t has dance competition?”

— Su Fang

The Golden Trove was getting busier. It was a difficult situation to get excited with however. Most of the girls coming in were corrupted, and that meant that the hotel would need to be extra careful to make sure their special needs didn’t ruin things for the other guests. That, and every corrupted girl that booked would make the Golden Trove a bigger blip on the Ascendancy’s radar. But Su and Helga couldn’t be too picky. People were starving on the streets, and they were able to live in relative comfort thanks to everyone coming in. Not just them, but their employees.

The morning shift was over. Most of the staff were cleaning up rooms and restocking the bathrooms. Others were carting baggage to and from the front door. Helga and Su usually had the afternoon shift off, but the sudden influx of guests had forced them to rework their shifts.

Su placed a tray on the front counter. “I just made BLT sandwiches for everyone. There were a few left over for us.” Su picked up one of the sandwiches. “Things seem to be calm for the moment. You might as well eat up.” Su took a bit out of her BLT before taking a seat.

Helga was in her maid uniform, and worked on a few more emails and letters herself before also settling down for a break. “I admit, I didn’t expect this many customers when I shared those flyers at the rave,” she said as she took her own BLT. “I expected like, a 20% increase, but we’re running nearly 60%! Good thing I had those extra bunks prepared in the basement.”

People indeed did not stop. A newcomer had made her way in through the door, moving it ever so slightly and walking with graceful measured steps. It did matter very little. Soon, a space was made around her, stares from assorted individuals looking at her direction. True, most monster girls stood out, but this one stood out even in a crowd of monster girls. Not because of deformities… but because of something else. An air… of measured elegance. Her ears twitched so slightly, as she scanned the counter, her tail firmly down, wrapped around one of her legs.

“I beg your pardon, for I am disturbing your lunch.” Dina Denisova said, as she eyed the staff member. “And I know these times are trying, but might I inquire for one of your rooms?”.

“Oh, welcome to the Golden Trove.”
Helga immediately sprung up, still holding her BLT in her hand as she went behind the counter to greet Dina. She then blinked, having realized she was different from the average Sanctuary refugee. Helga seemed slightly entranced by the catgirl’s royal composure.
She bowed politely. “Yes, we do have some rooms left. Let’s see...” She opened up the room list on her computer, occasionally glancing at the beauty before her.
“We currently don’t have any common rooms available unless you don’t mind sharing a room with other customers, but we do have luxury rooms and a V.I.P suite vacant. Here’s the features and pricing on them.” She turned the computer screen to Dina, allowing her to see the details on each room type, such as minibars, TV, how comfy the beds are, and so on.

Dina looked through the computer screen with a relaxed expression at first, seeing all the features displayed. It was a decent hotel, all things considered, and she was tempted to ask for the VIP room a couple of times. Which prompted her to frown. Her budget was ever so thin at the point in time. Her ears downcast, she eyed the counter maid.

"The VIP room is what I'd like… unfortunately circumstances dictate I should be sparse with my budget. Please arrange for a common room with… someone amenable to my presence, if you will."

Helga nodded, and resumed working on the computer. "Alright, someone amenable…"

“Hmm.” Su looked over Helga’s shoulder. “There’s been a lot of corrupted girls coming in. All with different, erm, needs. Some eat a lot, some are prone to violence. We can find a room for anyone, but you are wise to be concerned about who you bunk with.” She looked back at Dina. “Do you have any impulses we should know about?”

"Hm...I am fairly sound of mind and amenable. I just like my tea freshly brewed, and I sometimes make deathtraps for nasty Bolsheviks." Dina ventured to say. "But this place seems… fairly solid." The cat girl closed her eyes and offered the best of her smiles, as her ears perked up. "Worry not."

“So someone who makes you feel safe.” Su held her chin. “There was a wrath in earlier, had a compulsive desire to protect something. Can you think of anyone else Helga?”

Helga nodded with a smile, her eyes seemingly a bit shinier than usual. "Alright, here's a good match. This girl likes to build fortifications and traps around her home. I'm sure if you talk to her, she will accept you as a roommate." She offered a room key to Dina. "Would that be all? We also have a restaurant where we serve customers breakfast and dinner. Would you like to browse our menu?"

"That would be delightful." Dina said as she purred softly, not bothering to hide she had a hole in her stomach due to the incessant movement she had subject herself on these past days. "I would also welcome some heads on possible… people of influence I could become acquainted with." She paused. "This world sadly, is one of toil."

“People of influence?” Su shrugged. “After the fiasco at the rave and the park, I’m not sure there are any left. Cindy was slain, and I don’t know if Beacon is open to talking to monster girls at the moment. I’ve heard someone’s building a sanctuary, but don’t know much about that.”

It was then when Dina leant forward, her tail uncoiling from her leg and swishing up, as she drew carefully close to the both of them, her voice a soft whisper to not disturb the peace "I may know a thing or two about that. Cindy and I… were acquainted. However I did leave due to differences. I hoped that in time, they would be smoothed over… but you know the rest." She added leaning back with a coy smile.

"I'd be delighted to discuss it over a cup of tea. And sandwiches. Those do look tasty."

Helga clapped her hands once in a bout of joy.
"Why of course, Miss Dina!" She responded with a happy look in her eyes. "We have a couple of our scrumptious BLT sandwiches left. You can have one alongside a cup of tea if you'd like a sample of the Golden Trove's excellent catering." After Dina signed her in the visitor register, Helga guided her over to a table over at the restaurant. "Just a minute while I fetch the tea," she would say before parting with Su and Dina, leaving the two alone.

“Bolsheviks? Those sound familiar.” Su rested her arms on the table. “Do you mind telling me about them?”

"Tis but an old story,"Dina said, graciously helping herself to the offered seat. "I was highborn, a noble vassal of the Tsar. Born to rule, by the grace of my blood, and groome as such. Yet, the Great War seeped a most horrid poison in the hearts of men. Driven mad by that black hearted scoundrel known as Lenin, they rose. Exhausted as we were, we lost everything.” Dina said as she cast her gaze in the distance. “The folks of this country call them reds, commies… some kind of subversive ghosts… but for people like me, those ghosts were very real. And they are still somewhere around.” The catgirl said, before letting a chuckle.

“I know what your next question will be. Before you submit me such a rude question I shall answer. I’ve raised five children in my… mortal life. Lived until the age of 105, and then one puchuu...who called me expired goods was desperate to make a contract with me.” She paused. “Should’ve known that being who I am and what I lived, my potential as a magical girl was beyond what he could control.” She paused, as she groomed her tail slightly. “The extra bits are a result of that.”

“I… Wasn’t going to ask that.” Su huffed. “Though it seems that we’ve both mingled with nobility at some point. I can’t say I’m too familiar with Russia. It’s interesting to hear about though.”

“I can’t say i’m too familiar with modern Russia either. It’s become a monster beyond my comprehension.” Dina shrugged. “I had hoped to find myself a nice courtly place to do the statecraft I was taught to. Cindy did not appreciate the diplomacy and value of talks as much as I did. Alas, now that she is dead, I cannot ask her to reconsider.” Her head tilted.

“Penny Asimov… mismatching name, I know. Asimov is a boy’s surname… is the one behind this newest attempt at rebuilding.” She looked left and right, trying to find if her tea had arrived. “And I’ve found myself in a nice, new project. I can’t be sleeping on derelict buildings anymore.. But the budget’s going to be tight.” She added, without much prompt. “So what’s your story, lady of the court?”

Su pointed at herself. “M-me? And Su’s fine.” Su looked away. With a sigh, she looked back at Dina. “I was a concubine.” She finally professed. “And I didn’t have any children. My human life wasn’t even a fraction of yours. I didn’t do anything noteworthy. My calligraphy is pretty good though, and I’m a decent dancer.” She chuckled. “I feel like I accomplished a lot more as a magical girl.” Su hesitated. “With this hotel being my biggest accomplishment. It feels nice to be able to help so many people. Killing monsters is just part of the battle, people need homes too, right?”

“Interesting.” Dina purred, as she eyed Su closer up. “Hmm… definitely traits that can woo the hearts of men.” She commented half-heartedly. “ Also traits that would be useful in a court.” She paused. “There’s always a next day to try. And I’d not worry too much about having noteworthy history. It’s much better to be oneself than to try to etch your name in history in toil and blood.”

“Right..” Su averted her eyes.

She then addressed her more seriously. “People need more than homes. They need safety. Hopes, dreams. Idols. Things that will comfort their fragile hearts in the dark of the night.” Dina looked at Su. “The way you talk, I’m pretty sure you know what I am talking about.” She kept talking. “So I’d appreciate any help I could get towards rebuilding that… Sanctuary. Even if it’s just a list of names or people I can talk to. I do not mind talking. “ The cat noble girl finished, before impishly grinning at Su.

“Still, your words trouble me somewhat. I do not believe you are telling the truth.” She stood, her tail firmly up and ears twitching. “Care to demonstrate how good of a dancer you are?” She finished, offering her hand to Su.

Her eyes glanced at Dina’s hand and then back up. “M-maybe when Helga gets back. Our relationship is young, and she’s sensitive about such things.” Su grinned. “Besides, I’m not sure you could hang on.”

“Such a pity… It has been a while since I tried to have some good old-fashioned fun.” Dina said, swishing her tail and feigning sulkiness.”Still… from a dancer to manager… you must have some friends in decent places, don’t you?”

“My patron’s just wealthy. Being an old dragon, he’s collected some things.” She waved her hand. “You’ll get your dance. I’m sure once Helga gets here you’ll have a few partners to choose from. And speaking of…”

Helga returned as if summoned, carrying a tray with wrapped sandwiches, teacups, and a pitcher that emanated with the scent of freshly brewed tea. “Here you, go,” she stated, and sat down. “Did you say something about dancing? I’ve tried it out, and it’s a lot of fun. What kind of music would you like to dance to?” She asked Dina.

“Mmm” Dina purred softly as she poured some tea and began looking at the sandwiches, deciding which one to pick. “Your...colleague here has made quite an outrageous remark about dancing, and I was willing to have her prove her words. But alas, It seems that she thinks I might not be able to keep up.” She smiled. “Mayhaps you might be a more amenable partner, then.”

“It’s just a very specialized kind of dance that I do.” Su picked up a tea cup and held her hand over it. “Classical Chinese dance is very demanding. Your training isn’t considered complete until you’ve done it for at least a decade. It requires an athlete’s body and there’s a lot of choreography to remember.” She set the cup back down when she decided it was too hot. “I’m also a little out of practice though.” She confessed. “That’s what I mean by I’m decent but you wouldn’t be able to keep up. It’s one of the reasons I never offer to dance with Helga.” Her eyebrows raised. “Though we did end up dancing over the vacation.”

Dina shrugged then. “Suit yourself, then. I guess I could have some lighthearted entertainment during your break, given that I do have a feline spine now and my notions of ballet, but I shall pry no further.” The noble catgirl swished some tea, and then tried to sip it, however it seemed to be fairly hot, so her tongue just licked the top layer, much like a cat would do. Deciding that was not very ladylike of hers, but rather catlike, she picked one of the sandwiches and began taking small measured bites of it.

“Besides, I am now more curious at this Zmey you mentioned. I thought those were long gone from this world. But if you say it’s your master...hmm.” She pondered. “Could it be that august creature is the true owner of this place, then?”

Helga nodded enthusiastically at Su's explanation. "Yes, we performed it as a duet and the-tee hee~." She couldn't help but giggle as she saw Dina express felidae mannerisms, and she stymied it with a hand over her mouth.
"I'm sorry, what you did just now was too adorable for me to ignore." She bowed to apologise. "Oh, and regarding the owner...Uh, I'm sorry, but he is not available for meetings. He is a very busy dragon."

“Busy as he might be…” Dina eyed both of them. “It is such a rare opportunity I am compelled to ask that, if it is not much trouble, at least try and see if he is amenable with an audience with a former blue blood maiden as myself... “ Dina slightly purred. She had been called cute, so cute would be the coin of trade. “...and your efforts shall not go unrewarded. I do know how to make borsch, after all. A hot soup can lift up many hearts.”

Dina was grabbed, not too roughly, by the shoulder. She was then turned to face the girl that had been sitting beside her. It was Su, but she appeared to have visibly aged. There were giant black rings around her eyes. When she spoke, it was a fast paced ramble.

“I’m going to resist the urge to call you a hussie even if I think you’re kind of acting like one. But you don’t seem to understand. You don’t see him patrolling the lower floors because he doesn’t like to mingle with magical entities. If he wanted to see people he’d come down from his perch and talk to you.” The woman cupped her hands on either side of Dina’s face. “You may think I’m acting brash but I’ve found that there are feelings that cannot be conveyed politely. I’m operating on minimal sleep and I don’t have enough hands to do all the work. The other day a mimic girl called room service so that she could try to eat the maid, today I had to wash a bathtub that a mummy was going to use as her sarcophagus. I love my guests, but it’s a confusing time for everyone. I don’t need any more problems right now.” She released Dina’s face.

The woman reached for her cup of tea, and lifted it to her lips. After taking a sip, she started to turn back into Su. “This is excellent Helga! I was worried you were going to make something decaffeinated.” She kissed Helga on the cheek.

Helga blushed from receiving the kiss on her cheek, and placed her hand there with an embarrassed smile. "Please, not in front of the customers, Su~" But as much as she tried appearing professional, she couldn't deny the giddy feeling she had from the compliment. "I'm glad that brought the pep back in your step."

“You should be.” Su turned to Dina. “I’m sorry, I blanked out there for a moment. You were talking about your spine? And soup?” She shrugged. “Seems you can’t be dissuaded. I’ll have to dance with you then. It doesn’t have to be classical Chinese dance to be good.” She looked to Helga. “Would you like to try performing as a trio?”

Helga then nodded, and took out a remote control from her pocket. "Sure! I'll put some dance music on." She clicked a button, and the music had changed from generic pop to something more fitting for a casual case of carpet cutting.
She took Su's hand afterwards. "Let's make some moves, Su!"

Dina flinched, as her ears lowered significantly upon Su’s display. The hairs on her tail became erect, and she struggled hard not to pull back and flee on that moment. She did not, because people would benefit from this. Her eyes shrunk significantly at the display, only taking some semblance of normalcy.

“That rudeness is unbecoming.” She said in a lower-than usual voice, akin to cat’s hiss rather than a purr. “Do not marr this excellent tea time any longer with your display. I see your point.” Dina added, as she reigned herself in to drink tea, even if her hands were about to tremble and spill everything on the floor. “Do not misunderstand me, I was merely offering some levity to your predicament in the best way I could think of. If that’s what you wish, I have other ways.” She added, not paying attention to the dance. “I have no mood to dance now. In fact I am in the mood of thanking your hospitality, paying my fees until now, and grabbing that door and never coming back.” Dina admitted. “In respect to Miss Helga’s efforts, though, I shall stay.” She then fumbled on her clothes, producing a single white feather, of unusual length.

“It is custom for nobility to give a present to the ruler of a castle thanking their hospitality. While for mortals this has not much value, this pinion belongs to a Pegasus, whom I can command in battle. Present it to your master, once you’re done with the distraction dance.” She continued to sip tea, as she focused. An aura deployed from the cat-girl, washing away fatigue and healing the tiredness of both girls, with the same ease as she kept drinking her tea and eating the sandwiches. “For services rendered.” She finished as she drank the last of her tea.

“Hmm?” Su twirled Helga. “My focus is a bit waning. I’ve had about 4 hours of sleep over the past 2 days and have been running on tea and coffee to get me through. If I offended you though, I apologize.’” The two dancers hopped backwards until their arms were fully extended, and then with a yank, they pulled themselves together again. “This is the most fun I’ve had since coming back from my vacation, and you’re partially to thank for that. Hopefully as you continue your stay you will see the wisdom in choosing the Golden Trove.”

Helga for her part was shocked to see Dina’s sudden change. Instead of stopping the dance however, she redoubled her efforts in an attempt to try and placate the noble catgirl with more daring dancing maneuvers. At one point, she picked Su up by her waist and lifted her high into the air for a half-circle spin before returning her back to the ground.
“How was that?” She asked, slightly panting from the performance.

“I’m not used to flying without magic.” Su didn’t take her eyes off of Helga.

Dina looked at the couple, before tilting her head. “Well I suppose it was good, considering all the effort you just did, all the way to exhaustion. Can’t be helped.” She added, her mood still soured due to the rather rude remark of the former dancer earlier. Nevertheless, she stood up, and tiptoed towards the couple, beginning to stretch one of her legs so high she could kiss her own shin, a testament to her flexibility. She repeated the display with her other leg, before settling down and doing a couple of ballerina, spins, her tail trailing no soon afterwards.

“I believe i can do better.” She added, as she stretched the dance invitation towards Su once more.

Helga was happy to hear Dina’s compliments, and gladly let her dance with Su when requested.
She sat down on a chair and took a sip of tea.

“But can you do as well if you were disguised? I suppose it doesn’t matter.” Su winked at Helga. “Alright Dina, let’s get this out of your system.” She took hold of the feline girl’s hand. “Well? I’m waiting.”

“Why should I handicap myself, when you are the one making such bold remarks? I think not.” Dina said, as she swished her tail alongside her walk, and then gracefully took the remote, switching to a Charleston classical dance. “This is what I used to do with my first… husband.” She said as she took Su in her arms, leading her like a spinning doll, complete with a full flip throw in midair.

“Though I guess, I used to be the one doing the woman’s moves.”

“Oh, I love this type of music. It’s peppy and energetic~” Helga commented as the music came on, and rhythmically tapped her feet as she watched the girls continue their dance.

Su did not possess the same amount of dexterity as she did in years past, but she managed to take everything Dina could throw at her. The spin through the air was accompanied by the whistling of wind. Even untransformed, Su wasn’t totally cut off from her magic.

“You’re used to the woman’s role, you say?” Su landed on her feet in a way that only a trained dancer could manage. “I’m surprised, it’s usually the man’s job to lead. But if you’d prefer to follow, that can be arranged.” Su turned her back to Dina and performed consecutive backflips towards Dina. When Su got close enough, she sprung off the ground into a combination between a flip and an axel. At the peak of her jump, she was entirely upside down, with her head brushing against Dina’s ears. When Su landed, it was difficult to tell if she was in a martial stance or it was some chinese dance choreography. With an arm extended, she waved Dina closer. The universal gesture to “bring it on.”

Dina on her part looked at Su, her ears dropping in disinterest. "Dances are supposed to be peaceful affairs, bringing challenges is surely to just break the mood. What kind of dancer were you?" Dina added. "You may have skill and beauty, but… I would never dance again with someone who issues such a direct challenge." The catgirl said as she began to leave, the crass gesture wearing on her already. "Kindly send your master my gift and regards."

"Thank you for staying at the Golden Trove!" Helga kept smiling as she waved goodbye to Dina.
"We hope you had a pleasant stay!" When the catgirls disappeared from view, she slumped in her seat, looking miffed.

Su lowered her arms as the haughty woman departed. Once Dina had fully departed, she let out an exhausted sigh and picked up the feather. “I don’t think Boteg is going to know what to do with this. He’s always been wary of gifts, but it’s been tenfold after he ate Samantha’s pizza.” The feather vanished into her hammer space. Su looked off in the direction Dina left to. After staring for a bit, she looked back to Helga. “Was I out of line? I thought we were all having fun, but it seems I’ve offended our guest.”

"Well, Su...How should I put this?" She sighed and averted her eyes. "You need to remember the golden rule of the service industry; the customer is always right. I appreciate the fact you stood up on your own, but sometimes you need to have a bit more, um, tact."

“I’m not that bad, am I?”

She turned back to look at Su. "I can take a look at the feather if you want. Bogey would deserve to know that Dina was courteous enough to give him tribute."

“Guess I am.” The feather returned to Su’s hand. “I’m sure it’s harmless. But that hasn’t stopped Boteg from over reacting before.” After handing the feather to Helga, Su walked towards the counter. “I’ve got things covered. You can relax if you want. I’ll have extra tact this time, promise.” She held her hand up so that Helga could see it and crossed her fingers before disappearing behind the threshold of the door.

Helga was left to marvel at the feather, pouting at what happened. "Su can be a bit of an airhead at times...But she's also really cute like that. Aah,I'm terrible…"