Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

“Which is why it would’ve been useful to feign her escape.”

 

"But if they knew, wouldn't that give it away?"

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"If we move, we lose the generator. Did you forget what happens then?"


She looks at the guards, a bit overwhelmed.

 

"I was more thinking of just having a few people to distract the enemies to get me a clear shot."


The guards seem to be watching the crowd, making sure things don't get out of hand.

 

"There should be a few troops over there already, just... they probably won't be fond of running out to be killed."


The Matriarch isn't sure what to do next, opting to sign more sketchbooks if there are any more.

 

"I never said they had to run out waving their arms and drawing attention to themselves, like existence is pain for them." Shadow Stephanie says.


There are still quite a few sketchbooks to sign, the crowd's rowdiness being kept down by the guards.

 

"They're looking for you right now. They'd need to throw themselves out in the open to divert attention."


She keeps signing, nervous.
"...Am I really this popular here?"

 

“That’s what I’m saying.”

 

"I guess I'll just have to stay out of sight." Shadow Stephanie says.


One of the guards nods.

 

"But how's that a problem?"

"Pretty much. A better map's back at the core, but make sure you're not bringing in any saboteurs."


"On the bright side, this means I'll probably be provided a bed as compensation for my works..."

 

"Hm?" Shadow Stephanie asks, glancing at the Elites.


Once The Matriarch finishes signing, the guards move the crowd back, splitting it up to give her space and quiet.

 

"Sometimes drones can hide in mech joints."


She takes a moment, overwhelmed before turning to a guard.
"Do they even know that I only own a chair and a canvas stand?"

 

"I'll leave it here then, for safety." Shadow Stephanie says.


"It's not what you own, it's what you create." The guard says.

 

"Don't forget the mech."


She blushes a bit.
"...Is your king available, by chance?"

 

I wave my hand dismissively.
“Don’t worry about it. The point is: that’s the info we have right now.”

 

"Okay... so, what do you need from us?"

 

"How would I? I need it to blow up the portal." Shadow Stephanie says, getting out of her mech.


"He's currently away on a mission, though I'm sure he'll return soon." The guard says.

 

"We don't know you, only some Shadow Aj. Just making sure."


"Oh... with Ihra?"

 

"I'm Shadow Stephanie, the queen of the Shadows alongside Aj." Shadow Stephanie says.


The guard shakes his head.

 

“Be alert for things that might be suspicious, especially possession of any Mantis remains. If anyone owns any, speak up now.”

 

"We have yet to see your capabilities, all due respect."


The Matriarch pauses.
"...Is she okay?"


Ihra runs up to the palace gates.
"Where's Aj?"

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Everyone's silent.
"I dunno why anyone would keep a dead bug around."