[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

It seemed that the voice was gone... at least for now. How peculiar... but there wasn't time to dwell on it for now, lest she risk not surviving to find out what it meant down the line. Shaking her head a moment, it seemed they were almost wrapped up with the foes on this level, with Alvira and Versaris moving in to take out the guards flanking the supposed leader, leaving just the sniper on his own, Alriana poised to pounce.

"Let's try this again, Alriana. I've got you covered too!" Roxanne announced, her funnels detaching and beginning to circle the lizard. Perhaps it would be unneeded once again, but better safe than sorry.

Roxanne tether Funnels to Alriana

 

Kyoufu no Miria Tokusentai?!

 

Okay… finally a free moment. Ever since the endlessly eventful training exercise with Jeremiah, things had been moving at a fevered pitch, between the various revelations of the day as well as preparations for the upcoming raid. It was certainly more fervor than Roxanne was used to in the day to day, which was why a smile came to her when she spotted Miria the little hero towards the edge of the courtyard, looking like she was about to head into town. Roxanne hadn’t gotten a chance to take a proper look at the woman’s armour yet, not talk with her properly after the training, so this was a perfect opportunity… provided she wasn’t previously occupied of course. 

“Miria, Miria! Are you busy?” The sheep asked, hopping in place and waving erratically to try and catch Miria’s attention, bounding towards her once she appeared to have done so.

Miria gave a big stretch and a deep breath. Her morning training was all done with, and now she had a chill extra day or so until the big fight with Kazran would happen. She was ready to go explore and look at the town, seeing if there was either anything fun to do or something to occupy her for a while on her current budget.

She was almost on her way out, before hearing a voice call her name. She turned over and her smile was already beaming with energy, even before noticing the sheep making her way to her. “Oh, hey Roxanne!” She was asking if the cub was busy, in which Miria shook her head.

“Nah, I was just gonna hang around town for a bit. What’s up, would you like to join me?”

“Sure, I’d love to join you Miria.” Roxanne answered as she finished catching up to the cub, stopping in front of her with a final hop and bounce on the spot. Returning Miria’s radiantly beaming smile with one of her own, the sheep began to speak past her greeting.

“I didn’t really have anything specific in mind, just saw you and remembered I never did get a chance to take a look at your armour. We don’t need to do that if you don’t want to though.” Roxanne offered, unsure how secretive Miria wanted to be about the magical implement. While she hadn’t any issues flaunting it during training, that was an exercise between allies, a far cry from a public event out on the town.

“Oh right, we did talk about that. Sure, if you wanna, we’ve got all day.” Miria smiled, and removed her necklace from her neck. She looked at it for a moment, giving a small sigh. “Alrighty, here~” she said, handing over the necklace. “Just… be careful with it.”

After having Roxi take it, Miria's gaze was constantly on her necklace. “I’m from a old trade town. A man met me and told me… the necklace should work with me. And well, it worked. Considering a few things I learned since I joined the Tigers, I think it was purposely for me.” She gave a small nod. “And yeah, I just… believed really hard, then boom. Cool golden armor.”

Accepting the necklace from Miria, a few things were immediately obvious. For one it was beautifully crafted, the star-shaped… diamond? Roxanne wasn’t immediately sure, set within the silver pendant shone wondrously under the sunlight. Roxanne nodded as Miria explained how she had acquired the thing, almost seeming like the beginning to a fairy tale. A strange old man stumbling upon her and gifting her a mysterious artifact that only bestowed it’s power to her… well, at times truth was stranger than fiction. Roxanne couldn’t help but follow Miria’s explanation to it’s logical conclusion, focusing on the pendant and believing really hard, her face crinkling for a moment in concentration.

“And nothing. Hehe… I expected that, but worth a try, right? It almost sounds like one of the stories my mom would tell me as a kid… are you sure you aren’t destined to save the world or something, Miria?” Roxanne stuck her tongue out playfully for a moment, before continuing to examine the piece. More than just high quality, Roxanne could feel that this was no ordinary gemstone. Her dark affinity assured her of that, the gem was an impressive piece of work. Examining it visually, Roxanne also attempted to discern any particular quirks of it’s structure or magical signature, careful not to dive too deep and risk damaging the pendant.

Miria nodded, and gave a small laugh at Roxanne’s inability to find anything, “Yeah, everyone I’ve asked has kind of had the same answer, unfortunately. I’m just… being patient, and hoping someone I run into at some point will know something about it. And I know, me, patient, haha~” The cub joked about her energy, “So instead I just practice as much as I can, until I can find some way to fix it, or get it stronger.” She held up her left hand, with its ‘golden’ gauntlet. A look can tell it was painted, and it’s seen its fair share of action with the paint chipping.

“It is funny that you made that joke about saving the world, cause like… I guess that’s what I’ve always wanted to do? I read a lot, and I really like stories about heroes and adventures, especially if they’re real. When they’re real, it means, y’know, I could be one too. Then I got my Shroud, that someone we met called it before. I fought bandits and stuff until… things got weird, and I left home to get stronger, help more people, all that. And now I’m here with the Tigers. And… y’know, I’m helping with the Kazran stuff. If someone told me like… five years ago I’d be here, I probably wouldn’t have believed them.” She laughed again, a small tear coming off her eye, which she quickly wiped off. “B-but, yeah. It’s been a real eye-opening journey, this past year and some change.”

“You’re a kind soul, Miria. I think it’s great… that you can pursue this. With great power comes great responsibility, as they say… but I can’t think of too many folk better suited to being entrusted with this.” Roxanne complimented, taking note of the battle-worn gauntlet. She had tried to match the aesthetic, but the standard metal was clearing taking wear from battle. If Miria could find out more about her shroud, then she could move closer to her noble goal. That was something worth striving for. If Roxanne could just figure something, anything out, just dig a little deeper… but she had to be careful, do it properly. Concentrate, concentrate… concentrate too hard. As Roxanne opened her eyes mid-stride, she renowned backwards, flailing her arms at her side for balance as she nearly bowled into a fixture off the side of the path. Flushing red, Roxanne rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.

“Ah… I want to help if I can, but I can’t concentrate like that while walking. You went out to eat with Tanya after training, right? Anywhere you found good in town? Maybe if we sit down for a bit with a meal and I can avoid faceplanting into the stonework, hehe…”

The sheep was quick to compliment Miria’s goals, and that left Miria with a nod and smile. She never really looked for the acknowledgement that she had done good, but it did feel good when someone said so, even if she hadn’t known Roxanne for very long. The fact she was trying to help find out some of the amulet’s secrets proved enough to the cub that she was a friend, and she could trust her word.

Miria was soon quick to catch Roxanne as she tumbled, helping her straighten out. She was trying her hardest to help figure out something about Miria’s amulet, but clearly, either she wasn’t going to get anything, or she was gonna get hurt trying. Then, it was suggested the one word that never needed to be explained why it should be done.

“You had me at ‘meal’. We went around but I saw this place in town and we ended up passing it. Have you ever had a pot pie?”

“A pot pie? A few times, yeah. If you wanted to check it out, that sounds fine by me, Miria.” Roxanne replied, pausing her examination of Miria’s pendant for the time being. She could get deeper into things when they were properly sat down and free from the myriad dangers of buildings, flagpoles, and oncoming pedestrian traffic. 

“Well, if I had you at meal, then I won’t hold you up by dawdling. Lead the way, Miria. I can try to figure this thing out while we’re waiting for them to prepare the food.”

“Heck yeah! Then let’s get our foodies on!” Miria made a happy bounce, as she took the sheep’s hand. “We can look at my necklace all we want, pot pie is temporary~” She gave a laugh, as she started making her way into town. A day of glorious food with a fun friend was on the way.

---

Miria was able to make her way through the town with Roxanne to a little mom and pop shop. The aroma of meat and pie made Miria’s hunger go near buckwild. She could spend an eternity eating at a place like this. She sat Roxanne down at a table, and went to order their food. After a few minutes, she returned with a large pot in hand. Once it was sat down, the pie of the pot pie, was clear, golden-brown in view. There was stars in Miria’s eyes, and she was ready. But of course, she waited, and started with a small joke. “My parents always thought it was funny, I would tell them my favorite pie is meat pie.” And she giggled.

Miria had been excited all the way to their destination, the prospect of food having clearly sparked something in the cub. While she had noted how she needed to eat after using her armour, it was evident that the little knight had a healthy relationship with eating even when she wasn’t recovering from her magic. As Miria had gone to place and wait for their shared order, Roxanne had returned to examining the pendant with no imminent risk of colliding with objects in motion. Running her magic through it, attempting to attune to the conduit in the same way that she operated her funnels. Probing and prodding at the strange necklace with her magic now that she had room to concentrate. Taking her eyes off of the amulet as Miria returned with their food, Roxanne flashed her a bright smile as she opened with a cute joke.

“Hehe… I’ve always been partial to a pie from back home myself… it had a really sweet filling and tender but crunchy pecans on top. More of a dessert though… what kind of meat filling did you decide on, Miria? Like I said, I trust your judgment.”

“Oh it’s just a regular beef and veggie pie. I didn’t want to do something like… I like spicy food, and then get something hot without thinking about my fellow fooder.” She smiled. “Filled with all sorts of good stuff, nice and warm.” And she got a scoop, and scooped out part of the pie, making a nice pile of creamy meat and veggies with a topping of crust. Passing the plate over to Roxanne, she made herself a similar plate, if with a bit more of the pie to start.

“I’m actually not a huge fan of sweets. Candy, cake, pie, all that stuff, it just… Imagine a sugar rush, you know how you crash after? I just crash. So, I just eat a lot of, not, sweet food. This, shepherd's pie, those are my favorite ‘desserts’.” She snickered again, before digging into her plate.

“Don’t do well with sweets, huh… I quite like them in smaller amounts myself, but I understand. But just because it’s a pie doesn’t make it dessert, Miria. Spice huh… spice is alright, but I wouldn’t usually think about getting something like this spicy…” Roxanne teased, accepting the plate of beef and vegetable pie from the cub, setting it down in front of herself. She would give it a few moments to cool before digging in. 

“You weren’t kidding about this armour seemingly only working for you. I can feel it’s affinity, but my usual attunement method isn’t doing anything, and I’m usually pretty good with gems. Maybe it’s just out of my league.” Roxanne noted, lifting the pendant for emphasis. Things like this were rough to work with… there was always potential to brute force a connection, but attempting to do so could damage the piece itself if you weren’t certain what you were doing.

“But spice is so good. It’s like the phrase, ‘a little spice of life’.” Miria giggled at her small joke again. “No, I get it. Something this rich, it doesn’t need spice to be wonderful.” Miria dug her fork through the crust, making the whole bit of pie crumble in itself, but she didn’t care. She scooped around until she got a full forkful of food. Taking a couple breaths to cool down the food, she plunged the mix into her mouth. It was almost an explosion of flavor, from the rich cream, to the beef nearly melting in her mouth, to the chewy, healthy veggies.

“Mmmmmmmmmhm!” Miria made an excited little squeak as she ate, swallowing her bite. “Ahh, wow, that was great. This was a good idea!” She took a couple more bites, listening to Roxi talk about her amulet. She stopped for a moment to answer,

“Yeah, it’s fine to take a break. I’d rather you didn’t break it by accident. Haha…” Her smile waned a bit at the idea of if her amulet was damaged more. If she couldn’t– She shook it off. She was with a friend, with good food. “Maybe it’s not out of your league, and it’s just… how it works. Tio and Elisa couldn’t figure it out either, and they’re like, the strongest magic people in the world.”

“Not that I think spice in a pie like this would be bad, just… like you said, I don’t think it needs it. Maybe something on the not too overpowering side.” Roxanne nodded in agreement, finally setting Miria’s pendant down on the table as she lifted her fork in it’s stead. Digging out a sizeable, but still smaller than Miria’s bite, the sheep tasted her impromptu meal.

“It really is quite good. Well balanced… I’m used to beef pies being more savoury than creamy, it’s nice. Honestly, seeing how much you enjoy it is more spice of life than any actual spice, I think.” Roxanne couldn’t help but smile at Miria’s bounding happiness at the food, giving her an acknowledging wink. She was ecstatic as she was eating, lifting Roxanne’s mood despite her failure to find anything about the pendant, even as Miria’s own disposition waned for a moment at the thought of it.

“I’m being careful with it Miria, I promise. There would be no point in learning anything if I had to damage it to do so. I’m not going to break something precious to a friend… at least, not intentionally. But I’m not going to do anything reckless, really.” The sheep emphasized, not wanting to bring down Miria’s mood with her experimenting. It seemed the pendant would remain a mystery unless she managed to find a simple breakthrough.

“Well, if even they couldn’t figure it out, I suppose that makes me feel a little better.”

Miria giggled at the spice of life comment. “I really do love food, huh? Well, I mean, it’s one of the most important things of living. So, if you gotta eat to live, then… you gotta make sure you make it count, whether it be it’s delicious, or you get enough.” She smiled. “There was this place back in Morano; where I’m from, where you’d pay a bit of money, and they let you eat as much as you want. I uh, still don’t know if they love or eat me, cause, y’know.” And then the cub laughed, giving a few light pounds to her chest. “It was a good place. If we ever end up back in Kansei I’ll have to take you there.”

She was back in her food, listening to Roxanne talk more about her pendant. Really, the girl shouldn’t have been so worried. Miria didn’t believe that her new friend would either break or run away with it. It created a smidge of doubt. Am I helpful without it? She shook her head. This was food time! One of the best times of every day.

“I believe you, Roxi, don’t worry. I’m just… thinking stuff. I’ve been thinking… a lot more, recently. Don’t worry about it. You don’t want your pie to get cold, y’know.” And soon enough, she was back to eating, soon making a nearly clean plate.

“Hehe… well, that’s certainly true. I suppose I just never gave it too much thought, but you’re right. We eat every day, so may as well make the most of it.” Roxanne nodded along with a smile, listening to Miria describe the restaurant from her home town in Kansei. It was an interesting idea… charge a flat rate for an indeterminate amount of food. It relied on most people eating less than what they paid for, but if a balance could be struck…

“It’s an interesting idea. They’d probably need a lot of people to undereat to make up for it, if you’re as voracious as you claim to be.” The sheep gave Miria a playful smirk, before the cub went back to her thoughts on the pendant for a few moments. There seemed to be some hesitation in her, which felt a little odd. 

“Hey, Miria… I mean, thinking is good, but you shouldn’t let it get you down. I’ve not been around too long, but I’m willing to listen if you need to get it off your chest. Or maybe someone new is just what you need… you just seem a little down, hesitant. It doesn’t suit you.” The sheep offered, digging another bite out of her pie and eating it as she awaited Miria’s response.

“Oh, oh yeah. They’ve had to ask me to ‘kindly leave’ once or twice, so I think I found a limit to the ‘all you can eat’ part.” Miria let out a big laugh, as she dug into the full pot again, getting herself some more to eat. She’d take back some if they didn’t eat it all, but with her, that’ll probably not be the case. Digging back in, she listened to Roxi offer to hear her out if there was an issue. Miria swallowed a bite, and made sure to answer before getting lost in the food.

“Thank you Roxi, that’s sweet of you. Thankfully, I should be fine. We just met, I don’t want to air out some dirty laundry, or something on you. I was just caught thinking about if I did lose my amulet. It happens every once in a while.” She reassured her statement with a smile. “But I don’t plan on losing it, so, that’s a future thing. I’m a frontliner for the Tigers so I gotta remain strong,” And Miria gave a small flex.

Returning her arm, she took a quick bite, and followed after, “I do appreciate it, Roxi. I’ll definitely think about it, should… something come up.” She gave a thumbs-up. “How’s that sound?”

“Well, at least they let you back in after, haha.” Roxanne chuckled, listening as Miria aired her worries, at least to an extent. She wasn’t going much deeper than a surface level, but that was understandable given how recent their acquaintance was.

“Your amulet is obviously precious, and quite an interesting and powerful artifact Miria, but… even if you lost it, I think you would be okay. Maybe it was what got you started on your journey, but your sword arm is all you. Your armour isn’t really good at protecting you from magic, but we still went even in rounds. When you got it, in wasn’t your armour that overwhelmed me.” Roxanne offered, taking a small bite of her pie in between as she gathered her thoughts.

“You all seemed impressed enough with my magic, so if you didn’t need your armour to take that round off of me, then I think you’ll be fine. Err… I don’t want to pressure you though, obviously you don’t need to tell me anything if you don’t want to. I just thought… it was really obvious you had something weighing you down, so maybe I could help, just a little.” The sheep concluded, withering just a bit at the tail end. The last thing she wanted was to come off as prying and pushy…

Miria listened intently at the sheep explaining herself and her reasoning for her thoughts on Miria’s feelings. The cub nodded, “I appreciate it, Roxi. God, I keep saying it,” She snickered. “I know I’m tough, and I’ve got a lot of people to reassure me in case I start doubting me. Thankfully, there’s been no issues yet.”

There was a pause as Miria ate a little more, giving a satisfied sound. Once she finished that plate, she waited before going at the pie again. “As well, if you ever have any problems, well, I don’t know how well I can help, but I’m a good listener. I’m here if you ever need something, Roxi. I promise, as a friend.” The golden cub’s little smile was big and earnest.

“You won’t hear me complaining. Better to be appreciated than something else.” Roxanne flashed Miria a smile back, glad to see she was coming out of her funk without any issue. The sheep finished her first plate of food around the same time that Miria finished her second, neither of them seeming to go for more just yet.

“Well, for now my biggest problem is getting rid of that churlish brute Kazran… and you’re already helping with that. Really though, I appreciate the offer. If I ever need to just vent or something, I’ll keep you in mind. Miss Tio has been a big help in regards to my magic, but she’s not going to be able to magic away everything.”

“Absolutely. You’re just… so cool. Nice, strong, cool magic stuff.” Miria gave a sigh of relief. She really did think that. And it made her feel better. They were so chill even though the cub was weary of her at first. “And yeah, we’re gonna beat his ass, and…” She got a bit quieter and closer just in case, “Hopefully we can help make Islexia a better place after.” And she laughed a little.

Sitting herself back up, she got ready to attack the pie once again, but she waited, “Actually, before I go back in, would you like some more of the pot pie? I don’t want to eat all of it before you get a chance for seconds.”

“Oh, stop it you.” Roxanne playfully swatted her hand in Miria’s direction, blushing just a bit at the sudden heaping of praise. She couldn’t help but laugh along as Miria suddenly felt secretive over perhaps improving Islexia with Kazran’s removal… really aside from personal vengeance that was the motive, was it not?

“Oh sure, I’ll take a bit more, but-” Roxanne had been about to say she had little fear of such a sizeable pie disappearing so quickly, but Miria really had taken a hefty chunk out of it while they had been absentmindedly chatting. 

“-Haha, apparently there wasn’t as much left as I thought. You really were quite hungry, weren’t you Miria?”

“Oh, right, sorry.” Miria laughed a bit, blushing herself. “Didn’t mean to shower you, just… You were already being so nice, the least I could do was get you back.” She joked a bit, tenting her hands a bit together. “Sometimes it just is good to let people know, haha~”

The cub waited for Roxanne to grab her food, and listened as she talked about Miria’s hunger. This got her to giggle a bit, “Yeah, I guess so. I’m just… naturally hungry. I work out and fight a lot, and sometimes I will go into my armor to work out. So, I gotta make sure I eat. My body gets incredibly weak if I exert a lot of power, so, I gotta~ Though, I guess I already ate that much anyway.”

“It’s fine, just came a bit suddenly, hehe.” Roxanne noted, worried for a moment as Miria appeared sheepish, before the little hero bounced back. When Miria described how her body burned through food, Roxanne nodded along, her head bobbing as she placed her hand to her chin.

“I suppose it must cost a lot to maintain that kind of diet, huh? If you need it to keep going then I suppose there’s nothing for it. On the other hand, it must be nice to never need to worry about gaining weight. You’d burn it all off before anything could stick.”

“Yeah, a bit. I take time usually to hunt my own food on occasion because of that. We ration our food for all the Tigers, so it wouldn’t be fair if I just grabbed and ate everything. I have learned how to perfect fish. I’m hoping to find a boar soon. Put that on some ice, and I’m eating good for awhile.” She laughed, thinking about it. With some time she easily could take down and make some boar. Especially if she was hungry enough.

“And yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever worried about it. Even before my amulet I worked out all the time. Mama and Papa thought it was funny, but even without super cool armor powers you gotta be able to protect your store, right?”

“Oh? You’ll have to show me what perfect fish tastes like sometime, then.” Roxanne teased with a smile, watching Miria continue to gush over the prospect of hunting boar. Her enthusiasm really was infectious.

“Don’t take it for granted… a lot of people would kill for that kind of metabolism. Still, it sounds like you’ve always had that hero streak to you, huh? Even if it’s just protecting your home, not everyone can strive for those things from such a young age.”

“Oh, absolutely. And we could go fishing too! There’s always a place to hunt for food when we travel~” Miria replied regarding fish. Talking food really was one of her few prides. To get to show it off, it made the cub happy.

“Yeah, I’ve always sorta… wanted to be a hero, I guess. I’ve grown up on so many stories, fiction and history, and I’ve just wanted to be one too. Mama and Papa would’ve never let me join the military, so I had to ‘get creative’.” She stuck her tongue out, holding in laughter. “Just, the circumstances regarding me, being here was, not the greatest. But I know they’re cheering me on.” Her smile was beaming with pride.

“Hehe… sounds like a fun time. Hopefully we get the chance.” Roxanne replied with a slight nod. Aside from perhaps casting a line from the pier at Eslcas itself, the sheep wasn’t sure they’d really get much opportunity before they would assault Beacon Keep, her own departure from the Tiger’s company soon thereafter. Still, it was enough to spend time with someone friendly and think of what the future could potentially hold, even if it never came to pass. Maybe they would meet again, someday.

“It sounds like they were quite protective of you, Miria. Still, it’s a good thing, that they have your back when it counts. It sounds like they raised you well.”

“Yeah, I think so. They homeschooled me, and trained me to run our store, but a lot of my fighting stuff is self-taught. Mama was a knight, but she retired. Papa’s a clouded treasure hunter. And now me, a mercenary, haha~ Funny how stuff ends up, I guess.” She smiled happily, continuing to eat.

She looked back over, swallowing a bite of food. “I’m glad we met, Roxi, this was so much fun. I needed this a lot, we’ve had… a rough few days. It feels good to just, cut loose and relax a bit after a long while. Thank you. You’re awesome.” She gave a big thumbs-up.

“For being self-taught, you’re quite the swordfighter… you must have a lot of talent to get this far without a proper instructor. Quite the family legacy.” Roxanne acknowledged, taking a bite of pie as Miria continued… a rough few days, was it? The Tigers had been freshly arriving to Eslcas when she had run into them, and just from what she knew of their retrieval of Jane, the sheep could imagine they had been faced with a harrowing trial not too long before.

“I’m glad to have met you too, Miria. You really are… all of the Tigers infact… quite an interesting bunch. I’ve seen mercenary companies before but never such an eclectic selection. Commander Natalya must either be wise beyond her years or incredibly lucky to have found the lot of you. I really should be the one thanking you all, not the other way around.”

“Haha, maybe legacy.” Miria did ponder that for a moment. Were her blood parents, or any of that family warriors at all? It would help explain a little of her Shroud. Maybe. There was too much she didn’t know, and wish she had leads. She remembered Jeremiah said something like he knew about her Shroud, but… he seemed hard to get the chance to talk to. Especially when she probably should’ve asked during training.

Miria took a final bite from her plate, and gave a wonderfully serene sigh, patting her belly just a little bit. “Yeah, Miss Natalya is great. When I had to leave home, she found me a little after, and took me in. Really, I didn’t think about how long I’d stay, but, I’m glad I haven’t considered leaving. They’re all great people.” Miria cuffed her hands together and held them on her chin, thinking a little more. But then stopped when looking at the rest of the pie. There was still a little left.

“Oh, you wanna take some to-go? I’m stuffed~” She giggled, it wasn’t often she really did have so much she didn’t want to eat anymore. It’d have been rude not to at least offer the rest to her eating companion. 

“It’s not easy, finding a group like that away from home, that really feels like family. Make sure to treasure them, Miria. I can tell that what you guys have is special, really.” Roxanne began, leaning back and closing her eyes for a few moments, her thoughts wandering listfully to her own found family. She would be back together with them soon enough…

“Not that you should have too much to be worried about, with defenders as strong as you and backup from guys like Jeremiah, I’m sure the Tigers will manage just fine.” Roxanne flashed a smile as she looked back towards Miria, who appeared to be about finished eating. On that note, the sheep finished the last bite of her current plate, before eyeing the remainder of the pie after Miria did so.

“It seems like a personal favorite of yours, Miria, so I don’t mind if you take the leftovers for later. I suppose we could split them if you really don’t want it all.”

“I will, don’t worry.” Miria smiled with her reply. She did see the Tigers as her family, which meant much like with her parents, she had to be strong enough to keep them safe. “They’re just as capable, so like, we got each other covered, y’know?” She gave a flex. “As long as we’re together going up to fight Kazran I’ll do what I can to keep you safe, too.” Her flex quickly turned to a thumbs-up.

When Roxanne considered splitting what was left, the cub looked over and saw the pie. There was a good amount of the food left. She nodded, and bounced off without warning, coming back with some wrap and containers. “Okay then! We can split it~” She sat down, and started to dig through the remainder of the pie, splitting it perfectly in half. As she put everything together, she thought, “Funnily, as much as I like pot pie, it’s not that high up there, hah~ I’m much more of a shepherd’s pie gal. But(!) this was awesome. Thank you again, Roxi.” She smiled again, beaming almost like the sun.

“I hope we can do this again. Food with a friend is great~”

“Good. Keep them close and safe, and never let go. That’s the best way to make sure you don’t end up with regrets.” Roxanne nodded as Miria continued. The Tigers were all strong, even if Miria herself was the only one Roxanne had directly sparred with. If they were all on her level, then they should have little to worry about going forward. Mirroring Miria’s flex with one of her own despite her far less pronounced musculature, Roxanne gave the little knight a wide grin.

“Hey now, I thought I proved I’m no slouch myself. Whose to say I won’t end up being the one protecting you, Miria?” Roxanne teased, leaning back as Miria went to get some containers for the remainder of their meal and swiftly returned. It seemed they really were about wrapping up, then.

“Really? I’d hate to see what sort of carnage you would inflict on something at the top of your list, you already tore that pie apart.” Roxanne giggled as the cub noted that this wasn’t even approaching her favourite dishes. 

“It was nice, yes. Really I should be thanking you… you could have spent your day with anyone from the Tigers, but you kept me company instead. I do appreciate it.”

“Right, right, sorry. But, I still gotta make sure you’re safe. That’s my job~!” Miria stood up, and went over to Roxanne, giving her a soft pat on the shoulder. “But I know my back is safe cause you’ll be there.” She gave an infectious little laugh. “Sorry. You did beat me senseless in that first fight.” She returned to her boxes she made and handed one over. “One to-go, lil chunk of pot pie.”

She held the other box in her hands and pondered. “My favorite is steak. A good steak, maybe a second one. No, that’s a lie. Chicken! Chicken is great for when I gotta do something, and need a good lunch to keep me energized. Then steak. A good steak is like a bite of heaven~” She was almost immediately in a drooling daze from the thought before she caught herself and got back into focus. “But yeah, I make a whole lotta food I gotta show you some time~”

And then suddenly, she was being thanked? Just for hanging out with her? “I mean, of course, Roxi~ We sparred, and had a good time, so of course food would be great too. And y’know, mama always told me sometimes a stranger is just a friend I haven’t made yet~ And I think you’re a friend. If you ever wanna do something like this again, or just hang on, never hesitate to ask.” Miria did her best to explain and ended with her trademark smile once again.

“Well, I don’t think Kazran will have many mages working for him, so you’ll probably be okay. But I’ll do my best to keep it that way.” Roxanne stuck out her tongue for a brief moment. She had caught Miria off guard to be certain, but it was clear that the golden knight was better against a physical opponent than a magical one with that armour. Leaning forward as Miria tried to decipher her own favourite food, Roxanne couldn’t help but chuckle as she flip-flopped between her two standout options, eventually settling on one.

“More meat huh? Not that I can really blame you, heehee. Those are both good options at any rate… I think a steak stands out a bit more on it’s own, but chicken you can do more things with. You seem pretty confident in your cooking between these and the fish, so I’ll admit you have me curious.” Roxanne added, unable to help smiling back at Miria as she wore her trademark grin, it really was infectious.

“Yeah… that’s a nice thought. Obviously not all strangers will turn out, but I’d like to consider you a friend too, Miria. Hopefully we get another chance like this.””

“Me too, Roxi. I gotta like, show you some sick food skills, or just take you around and stuff, it’ll be great~” Miria said with excitement in her voice. “But don’t say hopefully, we will. We’re gonna beat Ka–” She toned herself down a bit, “We’re gonna beat Kazran, and we’re gonna make it held high~” The cub threw out a thumbs-up.

Despite holding her food in her hands, she stood up straight again, and thought of a perfect idea, “You know, we don’t have to just end our day after food. I don’t have a whole lot of money on hand right now, but the day’s still young~ Wanna go find something to do, even if it’s just to walk around town? Or even just go sit by the ocean? It’s real pretty out there~”

“Haha… yeah, we’ll get rid of that blight of a man, definitely. I just meant… peaceful moments like this, they don’t always come around so often. Just being able to eat and chat in pleasant company.” Roxanne clarified, her ears giving a twitch as Miria asked if she had any further plans for the day.

“Well, I didn’t really have anything planned… mostly just magic drills. Keep the mind sharp, keep the looming anxiety about, well… all of what’s coming, at bay. But that’s most of what I’ve been doing since I landed in Eslcas, so it’s not like I’ll get anything more out of it. That sounds lovely.”

“Yyyyes! Awesome! You gotta drill but sometimes you gotta kick back and relax a bit, too~” Miria took her food in one hand, and Roxanne’s in another. She was practically already going out the door, “Let’s go! Let’s make the rest of today fun, yeah~?”

 

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

"Miz'Githon..." Roxanne repeated, barely audible. She wracked her brain but... the name did not recall any memories. Though from what little she could gather, if this Miz was trapped to the West, then it was likely far afield from Lufiria, so it made sense that she would have no knowledge of her. The secrets of anima magic... how peculiar. The voice seemed to be gone, but...

'The West? Where to the West? We're on the Eastern coast of the continent, I...' Roxanne questioned briefly, wondering if the voice would return. Should she be encouraging it to? Was this real or was she simply succumbing to the pressure of the situation?

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

Thing seemed to be going smoothly, with Alvira's flashy melee execution swiftly followed-upon by Syndra and Alriana, leaving the area clear for a moment. Surely it wouldn't be long until more of Kazran's forces came into range, and they would be just as swiftly cut down once they did. Before Roxanne could advance though, she heard a faint voice. She could barely make out what they were saying, why were they whispering in the middle of a battlefield? She couldn't even recognize who was speaking with how soft it was.

"I can barely hear you. Speak u-" Roxanne began, until it dawned on her that no one in her vicinity appeared to actually be speaking. But that couldn't be right, could it? She was certainly having a foul day, but surely she wasn't actually going insane...?

'You aren't... here, are you? Who...?'

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"So long as we're on the same page love, because Oi also know exactly what Oi'm getting moiself into later tonoight." Catrin snickered, pursuing Selu's retreating hand after her playful flick on the nose, until she came up to her girlfriend's face and gave her a quick peck as their hands clasped together. Letting Selu pull her along enthusiastically, Catrin nodded along with her, eventually stepping in closer as they continued to walk, nuzzling her face into the nape of Selumine's neck and purring into her with a soft, low hum. Careful not to get into a situation where they'd trip over one another's feet, Catrin continued along with Selu in lockstep as they kept moving towards the arcade.

"Sounds like a plan, love. Bust the bloody joint roight up, aye? Oi'm glad yer 'aving a good time... Oi know Oi can be a bit over the top sometoimes, it's noice to see you enjoy keepin' up with me, aye?" Catrin admitted, pressing her cheek into Selu's and nuzzling her tighter.

_____________

The arcade had always been one of the more bustling locations at the shopping centre, and current day was no exception with the flashing strobe light and various machines busting out music at differing rhythms and beats, the cacophony of myriad melodies and lightshows giving the high-energy arcade an almost rave-like ambiance. As they got in close enough to really drink in the atmosphere, Catrin finally detached herself from Selumine's neck, pulling at the smaller woman's hand as she swung her hips in an exaggerated manner, bobbing and bouncing about as though she was diving into the centre of a mosh-pit.

"'Ere she is, Selu! Iffin' you can imagine it, they've got it 'ere, games of all sorts, pretty well every genre, biggest game centre on the moon. C'mon then, Oi'll grab us some cards for the machines, aye?" Catrin piped up, leading the pair inside and up to the counter, just behind another apparent couple who were in the middle of grabbing cards for themselves.

"Anythin' in particular catch yer eye, love? We can start wherever y'want." Catrin asked, her faux-moshing having calmed a decent amount as they entered the arcade proper, swaying and dancing in place along with the music as she waited for their turn at the counter.

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

Roxanne had tethered her conduits to Alriana, but it seemed the gesture had been unneccesary. She could tell that the dagger had ended the armoured man's life in an instant before the followup of light showered his corpse.. what terrifying aim. If she was fine on her own, then...

"Err... looks like you didn't need help, Alriana. I've got you, Alvira. Give them hell."

Roxanne to 10,29, Recall funnels, Heal Alvira

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

They were getting closer to the enemy, but Roxanne was still just a bit too far out to really do anything about them. Alvira had managed to take out one of the armoured bowmen, but there was still the other, and more men coming up behind... way more of them than the Tigers currently on hand. If she could level the field some... Moving forward, Roxanne focused on Alriana. She didn't have much interaction with the odd lizard, but this should still work. After a few moments of concentration, the tether was established, Roxanne's conduits snapping into place above the creation.

"Alriana, I have your back! Direct your intent, and my conduits will follow you!" Roxanne announced, hoping she wasn't startled by the sudden tethering. They didn't really have time for explanations of advanced theory... lifting her staff at the same time, Roxanne poured her magic into Syndra. The mage had taken a hit at some point that had been left alone for long enough...

Roxanne to 8,26, Equip Shine, Deploy Funnels to Alriana, Physic Syndra

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

The enemy reinforcements barely had time to enter the fray before they had been cut down like wheat to the harvest, quickly buckling underneath the immediate assault. So long as they didn't allow the vermin to regain a foothold in their own keep, they could stem the tide and keep it at a trickle. Still, even a trickle of water could make an impact, one of the men landing an unlikely blow on the mermaid Aegean before going down. There were no other enemies in sight, so the wound was easily dealt with... better for it to happen now than in a more heated engagement.

"Yes, of course Gean. Hold still." Roxi replied, keeping back with the axewoman and closing her wound.

Roxi to 5,24, heal Aegean

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"Wearin' 'er out? Yer really gonna tempt me all bloody day, Selu? Oi hope you understand what yer gettin' yerself into." Catrin stuck out her tongue as Selumine got everything she intended to buy scanned by the teller, the feline fishing out her card and presenting it to the shopkeep before Selu herself had a chance to do so.

"Moi treat, since you're treatin' me already love. As for what to do next... well, Oi'm not really 'ungry yet, since we ate not too long before we set out to town, but if yer feelin' peckish, we can eat first. Otherwoise... Oi don't know what movies are playin' roight now, but the arcade is always a good toime, if you ask me. 'Ow about we start there, and then after we wear ourselves out a bit, we can see 'bout chowin' down or figurin' out if you loike the movies they make out 'ere in the Jupiter sphere. Over on Mars you've probably got a lot more stuff from the mudball in circulation since yer so much closer, Oi'd reckon." Catrin gave her suggestion, but Selu was free to veto if she so chose. Catrin wasn't going to object to another movie date with Selu considering how well the first had gone.

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

"Sorry Renais... I'm going to have to disregard your advice. Showing them the floor isn't enough... these foul men need to be buried. So as long as I'm still breathing, I'll push as hard as it takes. I might need your assistance again, if they get anymore shots in with those pure weapons... nothing pure about any of this." Roxanne shook her head as a look of disgust flashed across her face, grimace evident for a moment before she bit it back. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate Renais concern, she just... couldn't stop. Couldn't slow down. Not with confirmation that they really were gone... 

"I'll avenge you... all of you. I'm sorry that I didn't make it in time..." Roxanne continued, quieter yet still faintly audible. Slapping her palms against her cheeks, Renais had finished restoring her to health, and it seemed more men had arrived to flank them. Moving ahead of her fellow healer, Roxanne took aim at a burly axeman, loosing a barrage of light in his direction.

"You first."

Roxanne to 4,21, Bury Fighter 8's Light

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

"That's M... she is... was, our Captain. Hard to call four people a crew, huh Syndra?"" Roxanne replied to the Belrose with a solemn nod. What more was there to say, really? Roxanne could only hope M would stick still long enough to have her wounds mended, but it was hard to say what she would do now that she was free. Given the opportunity to attack her captors, M would likely take it regardless of her wounds. Roxanne flinched at the hand upon her shoulder, the tension breaking as a familiar voice followed it.

"Kika... I don't blame you. None of us... none of us could have stopped her. I know that. I'm glad that you're alive. I don't... I don't know what I'll do, aside from drag her back in one piece, even if it kills me." The sheep shook her head, about to heal the agile lizard, but Kika had already dashed off before she had the chance. Didn't even give her the chance to ask who the third survivor was... But she couldn't dwell on it. The enemy was upon them, and with how effortlessly Versaris had dispatched the first challenger, they had opted to fall onto her instead.

"If you think you're safer with me- GHRK?!" Roxanne had been about to voice her threat, but the monster blade cutting through her armour and tearing into her magic circuits had stolen the words from her. It hurt. It hurt so much. But it wasn't enough. None of these men's blades would be enough. The faces of the fallen flashed in Roxanne's mind... they were all gone. All but one more left unknown. Her vengeance would not be quelled by some wicked tool, not so quickly. Grabbing the armoured man before he could retreat his blade, Roxanne's conduits effortlessly disarmed him before the blade of light sprung forth from her wrist, skewering the knight clean through the chest as he dropped lifelessly before her. The other two, they came at her with gauntlets bared, swinging their fists at her, but she could hardly even feel the blows. Compared to the throbbing, awful pain pulsating through the core of her mana, these pathetic blows were nothing, and without even acknowledging the men, they too fell at her feet, scorched and returned to the earth. The sheep's eyes wildly darting from soldier to soldier... no one else was engaging. They had approached, but she had room to breathe for a moment. 

Versaris advised... it sounded more like a command to be honest, that she hold. He was right, she knew he was, even if she wanted nothing more than to dole out the pain wracking her frame into any beast of a man whose neck she could wrap her hands around. The Tigers were already surging forward to remove the approaching soldiers and cover her at the same time, giving Roxanne a moment to glance at M. Kika had given her a gun, which meant she would join the fray momentarily. Lifting her newest purchase from the bazaar towards M, the physic began to glow, mending M's wounds from afar. With that, she could only hope that M would be slightly less reckless than Roxanne herself had been. She wasn't anywhere near as sturdy, afterall. it was bad enough that Jane would never see so many of them again... she couldn't bear to bring the young girl a corpse in the place of her mother.

"Renais... may I trouble you again? Pure weapons... rrgh... nothing pure about any of this." Roxanne muttered, leaning against the cold stone wall for a moment. Just until Renais returned her to strength.

Roxanne hold, physic M

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

"Thank you, Renais. Much appreciated." Roxanne breathed a relieved sigh, releasing a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding as the healing light washed over her, closing the gruesome wound across her chest. Stopping for just a moment to allow her armour to reform, the Iron Tigers had continued to move into position, with Jeremiah's protege leading the charge and Alvira not far behind him. Taking a small step forward, Roxanne pulsed Alvira with her healing staff for a second time.

"Keep at top form, we'll crush them all-" Roxanne began, when a familiar... familiar and livid voice reached her ears, causing them to twitch as she snapped her head back down the hallway, eyes locking onto a familiar figure just rounding the corner of a door that had just been forced open.

"M? M! You- You're alive!"

... No. M froze, her demands quieting in her throat, head slowly turning to... "... Roxanne." I can't. Not right now. Not with her... I need to focus. I need to fight. "We... We can talk later. I am alive... Breathing, thinking, fighting. There are... There, are th-three of us left." Clack clack. Her voice's trill grew tighter, grew thinner, clearly biting back feelings and emotions that she couldn't afford to have escape her.

"I am alive. I will fight. I will fight until they kill me... They made the mistake of leaving me alone, and I intend to repay them for that. That mistake, error, choice... And when they are dead, if you wish me gone for what I have done, then I will face your wrath all the same."

"Three..." Roxanne resisted the urge to bury her face in her hands... that three were alive was better than she had expected in the pit of her stomach, but the weight that any hope of the others... it was crushing, like the castle's ceiling falling and coming to a stop on her chest. Instead she balled her hand into a tight fist and grit her teeth, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Yes, we will... we will talk later. Come over here and either Renais or I will see to you... you're injured. I don't know if Commander Natalya has a spare firearm... no one else here uses them to my knowledge."

"... Hhssshhh..." M let out something like a hiss, something like a sigh, and quietly nodded. "We will talk... Until then, I require a gun. Or something that I can make into a gun..."

"Commander Natalya is the imposing Tiger woman who took to the other corridor. You can't miss her. I... I'm glad you survived, M." Roxanne bit back her tears as she forced herself to turn back towards the upcoming combat, finally letting them fall as she turned away from M. 

"You had best hope she has a spare, or we find yours quickly. I have no intention of leaving any of them alive for you if you can't find a weapon."

Roxanne to 6,18, equip light, heal Alvira

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

With a swift volley of light, the swordman in front of Roxanne ceased to be, wicked blade clattering to the ground. Hopefully never to be used again. Unfortunately, just around the corner was yet another swordsman with a similarly foul weapon. Just how many of them were there? She had hoped to cut this one down too, but unfortunately as she caught sight of him, the medic had closed his wounds and the guardsman charged in. A few glancing blows on his approach had slowed him, but he managed to close the distance, wicked blade smashing into her armour, the crystal shell automatically hardening in response, only to give way to the blade. As the jagged steel ripped into her flesh, it was accentuated by the feedback of her armour being crushed ravaging her circuits. Blasting light at her assailant to force him off, Roxanne stumbled back with her hand over her wound, getting a good look at him. He was singed and seared by her light, surely the next exchange would be the end of one of them but Roxanne had made enough space, she would-

-not need to finish him, an ally zooming in like lightning and putting the swordsman down. As much as it pained her to not finish the man off herself, Amera's intervention has given her a second to check her own state. To be frank, it was bad. That was... a lot of blood, dripping out from the heavy gash across her stomach and chest. A painful cough wracked her body, more blood leaving out her mouth. Scanning the area, as another group of Tigers closed in from the South and crashed into the enemy, most of them were wiped out. Just one man stood nearby, in his hand another one of those damned axes. They made her blood boil even as it was leaving her body. She couldn't let him get a chance to use it, it was too dangerous. Ignoring the screaming pain, Roxanne dashed forward, funnels ahead of her as they took aim at the axeman and began to disassemble him much like the others who had faced them shortly before. Just hold out a little longer, body...

"I won't-- let you!" She managed, if barely, another cough and mouthful of blood escaping her midway through. That man had to die, before he could bring that axe down on anyone...

Roxanne to 7,18, Light up Fighter 1!

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"Oi'll be good... reluctantly." Catrin teased, pulling away from Selumine far enough that her date could breathe and extract herself from the wall. It seemed that Selu had been wholly unprepared for what her outfit had stirred... perhaps she had been banking on Tokiwa's protection to save her from the consequences of her actions, but the fox had departed too soon to shield her.

"Anythin' that shows off that gorgeous figure a yers is a good button to me, Selu. Did you want to try on a few more things 'ere then, or pack up what ya got and ask about that dress before movin' on?" Catrin asked, reaching towards Selu and holding her hand tenderly as she prepared to follow her in whatever direction she decided to choose.

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

Getting a parting wave from miss security, it didn't take long for Selu to finish changing, Catrin's eyes snapping over to her as she announced her presence. She had been expecting something cute, light flowy... those sorts of things just seemed to fit Selumine's vibe, but what she saw couldn't have been more different from her expectations. Catrin's face flushed red as she looked over her date, tail starting to flutter back and forth behind her as she slowly approached Selu. Looking around quickly... the store was still practically deserted, especially with Tokiwa having departed, and the few staff weren't paying them much attention, Catrin took her chance. Practically pouncing on Selu, Catrin forced the smaller woman's back to the wall, letting her finger run across the little bell on her choker and giving it a ring before stroking across her lips, wrapping her arm around Selu's slim waist and playing with the hem of that incredibly enticing skirt.

"She paid for 'er stuff and left, said she didn't want to interrupt our date. Bloody good timing looks like... enough about 'er though." Catrin purred into Selumine's ear, before darting in and stealing a kiss. She didn't linger too long, as much as Selu was practically egging her on with her choice of attire, it wasn't the time or the place for an especially sloppy makeout session. Pulling away from Selu's lips after a few moments and giving her rear end a playful squeeze through her skirt, Catrin didn't give Selu much breathing room despite calling off her attack.

"It fits on you perfect, so it looks to me. Perfect in more ways than that, though... you 'ave no idea 'ow much I want to drag you off somewhere and risk gettin' us kicked out roight now... but Oi'll be a good girl. You're dangerous, Selu." Another kiss, slightly longer than the first but still not left to linger, and no groping accompaniment the second time as Catrin continued to look Selu over, red in the face as she licked her lips.

"Bloody wonderful... and 'ere I thought Oi'd be the one to 'ave to put you in somethin' sexy."

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"Did Oi stutter? Supermodel." Catrin pressed, unable to help but let out a small chuckle at Selu's flustering, especially when Tokiwa eased the tension some. Head of security at AHI headquarters... quite the big wig, and she even knew about the thruster testing. Things seemed to be lining up too well for the woman to be lying about her position, so as long as she didn't tip any cards that Tokiwa didn't already clearly know, things should be fine. Allowing herself to relax, conversation flowed a bit more naturally.

"'Ead of security, ya said? Bloody 'ell Oi left my fancy threads on base. Well, you certainly seem a lot less stuffy than the folk Oi usually report to, so it should be foine. No offense intended a'course, as a security bigshot Oi'm sure you can get 'ow that stuff bein' brought up outta the blue would be just a lil' bit jarrin'." Catrin added, giving Selu a nod as the woman stated her intention to go and try on some more items.

"Oi'll be expectin' ya to knock moi socks off, Selu! Show me what you've got brewin' in that 'ead a'yours." She called out after the Martian with a wave, turning her attention back to Tokiwa, who seemed about poised to continue along with her own outing, leaving the couple to their date.

"Oi really am, she's a swell lass, just needs to get that fact into 'er own 'ead too. Noice to meet you as well, Oi'm sure that the 'ead a security is a lil' more famous than us, really. And sorry again for the rough start, aye? Just caught me a wee bit off guard. Bloody good day to you as well, y'hear?"

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

Everything was so hectic, Kazran's forces beginning to stir and move in as it became clear that they were under attack again. From the screaming of the dragon nearby, it was clear she wasn't the only one with livid desires on Kazran's head. Hopefully she could channel that rage, because Roxanne herself fully intended to continue doing so. Her funnels, already twitchy as they were, darted around the corner as soon as a swordman with another of those accursed blades came close. Following her conduits out from cover, she took aim at the guard with the intent to erase him.

"Get out of my sight."

Roxanne to 11,17, Light up Myrm 4

[Tales of Weagrand - Part 1: Please, kidnap me]

Two swift blows into the brigand left the man stunned, and with Jilyn taking care of the other, that just left Willow to circle around behind the man and launch a fist at the back of his head, hoping to finish him. With that taken care of, the centre would be clear for now, though it seemed a good amount of men were amassing on the other side of Rivane...

'What's the plan, Rivane? Got a lot of 'em bunched up!"

Willow to 10,14 punch Bandit 1

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"Well Oi appreciate it, wouldn't exactly say Oi'm normal by most folks standards, but Oi'm not quite that far gone." Catrin replied, tensing a bit as Tokiwa continued, her tail ceasing it'd idle swishing for just a moment before resuming. If she was AHI and actually had access to dossiers containing what they were testing, she had to be incredibly high up the chain of command. In theory, the beam tech specifically was entirely top secret, but CEN didn't have enough authority on Callisto to truly work independently of AHI if they forced the issue. But did she? It wouldn't have been... too difficult to get Catrin's affiliation, and she had offered her name freely, so that wasn't out of the question.

When Selumine came back wearing the dress, Catrin didn't really have much recourse for telling the Martian to be careful without tipping her hand, although the fact that Tokiwa knew Selu's name, which explicitly hadn't been mentioned, did lead some sort of credence to what she was saying. Someone with an old dossier trying to stir shit wouldn't have had that information at hand.

"Good stuff is certainly a good way to descroibe it. As Oi'm sure you know, Oi'm not really at liberty to discuss it." Catrin began, taking a step towards Selu and giving the smaller woman's hand a squeeze once she finished her twirl and flourish, hoping she would take the hint before the conversation continued.

"Look at what we 'ave 'ere, miss supermodel Selu. She does look quite good on you, aye? Oi knew it would... if it's a lil big Oi'm sure the shop can adjust it, or maybe they 'ave one in a different soize. This is Tokiwa, works for AHI... said she recognoized us from the foiles and wanted to see 'ow we were doin'. Just foine, by the way, just hopin' to enjoy a day out on the town, see the soights and all the good stuff you can only really foind 'ere in the commercial district."

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

As the last swordfighter met her gaze, the fear in his eyes was evident. Good, feel what they must have felt when the tides turned, as your end now comes for you. he gripped his blade, resolve seeming to return to him, and charged. Roxanne readied herself to meet his blade, but he swung at Alvira instead. 

"Coward." She muttered under her breath as the man was swiftly chopped down from a combination of Alvira and another of their allies. The Belrose taking out the man that had accosted her on the flank left... no one else within striking distance. Roxanne's anger simmered, but short of trying to blast through the walls, there was little she could do with no target. Alvira's request snapped her out of her thoughts momentarily, the swordsman's blade having bit into her somewhat severely. Shaking her head and pulling out her staff, the sheep pressing it against her fire dragon ally.

"Yes, yes... of course, Alvira. Hold still." Roxanne replied as she stitched Alvira's wounds closed, her conduits darting about the air around her, twitching and erratically shuffling about as they tried to find a hostile target, their turbulent and unstable motions reflecting the psyche of their holder as they stood primed to fire at the first sign of enemy movement.

Roxanne to 15,15 heal Alvira

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"It looks about your soize, I'm sure if it's a little bit off they can 'ave someone adjust it, aye." Catrin nodded in agreement, giving Selumine a wave as her date darted off to the change rooms with a wink. She seemed rather excited about the dress at least, so that was an excellent start. Catrin had been about to start looking for more pieces when her ears twitched in the direction of a woman approaching her, the fox from across the store. The woman seemed friendly enough, commenting how cute it was to see young love bloom on a date, that sort of romantic stuff... but something about her felt the slightest bit odd to Catrin.

'We aren't in uniform... how does she know we're CEN?' Catrin pondered, though she accepted the handshake without hesitation regardless. This Tokiwa apparently worked for AHI... given how many fingers the organization had within the testing base's pie, it wasn't outside the realm of possibility that she recognized Catrin herself at least from some sort of personnel file. Selumine was such a new arrival that her side was more dubious, but if she knew Catrin herself was CEN, then the association wasn't entirely out of the question. Odd though, to be certain.

"Catrin. Pleasure meetin' ya, Tokiwa. Bloody right 'bout the weekend, no better chance to come into town and 'ang round the place. Oi'll 'ave to tell 'er you knew straight off we were on a date, she thought folk would pin us for sisters or somethin'. Right cute she is, but a little lackin' for confidence sometoimes... just means Oi need to 'elp 'er out of 'er shell." Catrin replied, unable to help the smile adorning her face thinking of Selu.

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"Course Oi would. You can lack proide all you want, but Oi'm proud to 'ave ya. C'mon now, not just miniskirts, Selu. Leggins, yoga pants, Oi've got some range y'know? But you got me, Oi do hope you'll grab a few things t'show off for me." Catrin teased further as they went along their merry way, reaching down and, while not brusquely grabbing her as threatened, the taller women did give her date a light pat on the back end, sticking her tongue out at her. 

As they finally reached the dizzying array of stores in the shopping district, Selumine seemed a little overwhelmed. Catrin had been ready to point out a few places if nothing caught Selu's eye, but within a few moments of steadying herself, she had started towards a nearby store. Comet Coveralls... Catrin hadn't patronized this particular venue before, but it wasn't a lack of endorsement so much as just the sheer volume of other options. She hadn't even stepped foot inside before. Selu was ready to try elsewhere if it didn't fit her needs, but despite the lack of customers inside, the selection seemed to be fine at first glance.

Speaking of the customers, one immediately caught Catrin's eye across the way. It was rare to see someone with as many augments as she had, that was to be certain. Her gaze didn't linger on the fox woman for more than a moment or two, her ears giving a twitch as she turned towards the clothing racks, squeezing Selu's hand.

"Lets see, lets see... did you want to split up and meet at the change rooms lookin', or go 'round together and pick things out, Selu?" Catrin asked, although she didn't wait to start looking through the selections, pulling out a shimmering blue dress and holding it up to Selu's figure for sizing. The pattern on it was pretty but not especially elaborate, the deep blue fabric covered in a motif of shooting stars twinkling on a night sky.

"What do you think, Selu? Personally, Oi like the colour on ya."

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"Nyahaha... Selu, love, iffin' you wanna be with lil' ol' me, you're going to 'ave to learn to accept these things. Next time ya doubt yerself Oi'm grabbin' yer arse." Catrin teased further, sticking her tongue out at Selumine and swaying her hips, daring the smaller woman to retaliate as they began to walk in the direction of the mall with Catrin quickly taking the lead. Selu really was adorable when she got riled up and flustered, it made it difficult to avoid trying to tease her relentlessly. Not that it wasn't worth it, the reaction she had gotten from Selu leaving Catrin's ears twitching and tail swaying as they walked, smile beaming.

"Dresses catch yer fancy, aye? Oi can't say Oi know too much about what's in fashion for dresses, but Oi'm sure we can foind somethin' that looks good on ya, Selu. But loike Oi said, don't just rely on me, aye? Even iffin ya don't know roight now what would look good, sometoimes you just see it on the rack and it clicks. Don't be afraid to grab stuff that catches your oi while Oi'm browsin, aye?"

[Imminent Dawn: Callisto]

"Ooh if you're lettin' me pick stuff out for you to model, they won't think you're my little sister for very long, love. Although iffin' you're lookin' for stuff on the fancier end, perhaps not... well, if there's ever any doubt..." Catrin teased, pulling Selu in close and stealing a kiss from the smaller woman, holding her in for a few moments before releasing. Within moments of finishing her impromptu PDA, Catrin gave Selumine's hand a squeeze, beginning to lead her in the direction of the nearby mall. Clothes shopping could be a good time to be certain, and while Selu seemed to want to model Catrin's selections, Catrin was curious was Selu herself would choose.

"A' course, Oi don't really know too much about your style just from the issued stuff. Oi'll grab things Oi think would look good on you, obviously... but Oi'm more interested in seein' what sorta threads you see yourself in, aye?"

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

Roxanne shook underneath Cassandra's hand, her figure violently seizing with every sob that escaped her. She heard Cass, she knew she was right. This was the fault of Kazran. Kazran for being in power, Kazran for being a racist bastard, Kazran for taking Jane, Kazran for existing as a useless heap of flesh, belching the toxic miasma of his rhetoric into the air, turning the very oxygen he wasted foul and unfit to give life with it's vile stench. Roxanne had been willing to accept a suicide charge... if she died alongside them so be it, they would have gone together. But to be the one of few... perhaps the sole survivor if things had gone to the worst? It was a weight too heavy to bear. And yet, the Tigers were right, as another, Syndra this time, tried to encourage her. Perhaps some still lived. Kazran was a beast, more a monster than any who bore the name. If he had captured any alive, they might... just might, still breathe, if only to be sold or dissected later. Did she have the right to hold onto that hope? If she did, and it was false, could she handle being forced to face their deaths a second time in one day? 

"If I can't save you... then I'll avenge you..." Roxanne managed, somewhat soft, through her sobs. Forcing her body to move, she slowly stood, her movements almost mechanical as she began to step forward. The tears still strewn down her face as the violent crying ceased. She couldn't... couldn't change the past. M had warned her that she might not have a week, but all Roxanne had been capable of doing was trusting that she would. That hadn't happened. They were gone. That was set in stone. But the future... the future was different. Roxanne hadn't arrived at Beacon Keep alone, aiming to kill as many as she could before she was cut down. She had brought an army.

"Die. They all die. Every single one." The sheep managed, as the pace of her strides increased. Cass, as well as a few of the Tigers made boastful war cries. Roxanne didn't have it in her to scream, to yell, not yet. She simply walked forward with fury smoldering behind her eyes, those eyes locking on to the first man she saw standing. Holding a wicked lance, designed to tear monsters apart flesh from bone. A lance still coated in blood. Roxanne grit her teeth as the anger welled up in her, magic flaring like a beacon as her whole body began to glow. Without even a command, her conduits loosed themselves from her.

Disarm the foul weapon. The first burst of light searing into the joint of his armour, breaking through with ease and separating the arm from his body at the elbow. Next the shield. Through the wrist, one smooth motion, as the second arm lost it's hand. Third, make the martyr kneel. Kneel? No. Both knees, guarded only by pathetic steel, severed from the leg. It might have been one second now. The man finally let out the first of many agonized screams as the pain began to register only after he had been relieved of all four limbs. How did they scream, when you plunged your abomination of a weapon into their flesh, fried their magic circuits? Mercy? No.

The funnels swarmed. Shot after shot, violently rending and searing flesh with blast after blast of light, the man's body riddled with holes before it had even thudded into the ground. As it finally touched the Earth beneath, stone itself scorched from the beams that had effortlessly torn through flesh and metal. Kidney. Liver. Shoulder. Groin. Tricep. Groin. Several ribs from the right cage. Groin. Groin. Groin. The man's screams had ceased by this point, lungs too exhausted to expel air. Yet he still breathed. Barely. Only for another moment. Grabbing him by the head, Roxanne stared directly into one eye, as the other came flush with the gem on her bangle. Looking over to the pike on the floor, she quietly uttered her farewell.

"That. You die for that." Light gathered in her bangle as she pressed the gem directly onto the soldier's undefended eye. The glow was intense, immaculate. The eye was immediately blinded. Screams rang out anew as Roxanne's light began to bore, slowly, meticulously, calculated. Uselessly writhing under her hand as she boiled the eye from it's socket. Screams lasted only a few moments. This one was finished then. Bringing the blade of light to completion, it concluded it's boring, spearing through the man's skull and leaving a smoldering hole in the floor beneath. One killed. One avenged. The first of many. Standing upright, Roxanne stared at the remaining swordsman. Hate. Unbridled fury.

"You're next. Strike me down if you can... if you can't. All of you die."

Roxanne to 15,11, viciously murder Lance Armour 1 with Shine

[Faith in the Spirits Arc 1: To Align the Stars]

While the man's... Kieran, she thought she recalled, encouragement was well intentioned, it ultimately didn't last. Entering the sea cave, things were immediately obvious. The Black Swarm was docked, which meant M had already launched her attack. And there were certainly no sounds of fighting echoing through the cavern and castle, which meant... Roxanne bit her lip as the Maelstrom drew closer, drawing blood from the force. As their ship drew to the dock, agonizingly slowly, the picture was painted clear. Or rather red. Blood splattered on the floors, obvious signs of damage to the infrastructure, discarded and broken weapons. There was no way to try and sugarcoat anything any longer.

"That's the Black Swarm... no, M, no no no no..." Roxanne choked out, tears starting to stream down her face as she hung over the railing, every detail becoming more vivid as they approached land. She needed to get closer, see what had been left behind, for any hope that maybe it wasn't as bad as things looked, but...

"M... why didn't you wait... why, why, why..." The sheep barely managed to croak out, as the faces of her companions flashed before her eyes. This whole thing had been a suicide charge from the outset... they all knew it to some degree. That was why M had bothered to send her out, to try to find something, anything. A deep part of Roxanne wanted to believe they had won, but it seemed impossible. As soon as the Maelstrom came close enough to land, Roxanne took a few steps back before breaking into a sprint, vaulting over the side of the ship into the dock. She stumbled upon landing, but was back up and sprinting within moments, dashing to the nearest signs of battle. As she had made out from the boat... blood, obvious fighting. But no bodies. The victor had taken the time to clean up the corpses, and the Black Swarm had not departed after the battle.

Roxanne lowered herself to the floor, hugging her arms around her knees as she buried her face in them. There wasn't any more denying it... M had beaten them here. she hadn't given Roxanne her week, she had attacked beforehand. And the pirates wouldn't have cleaned the corpses of Kazran's men from the docks and occupied the Keep, which meant the current state of things...

The dam broke. Roxanne began to sob into her knees, violent and ugly, chest heaving as she couldn't control the wailing from escaping her. The ball she had curled up into shaking as she sobbed. The message had been a long shot but Roxanne couldn't have done anything but trust M would wait for her. Trust that hadn't played out. Had anyone survived? Kazran had taken a prisoner in Jane before, but that had been a small skirmish, nothing... nothing like this. 

"Everyone... everyone is... no..." Roxanne whimpered through her tears, barely audible over the heavy sobbing, each breath racking her frame as they violently left her.