It looks like Pandora had finally begun to weigh her options, here, initially recoiling at Aile's offer, before staring at the other's hand. After a few long moments of deliberation, Pandora reaches out to take Aile's hand... only to yank it back, clutching at her chest as the Model W core 》

Every word that reached her ears sounded abrasive. Intrusive. And yet, she couldn't find it in herself, for one reason or another, to entertain their plight... “History is chosen by the victors. The survivors. I am... not meant to be the one who writes. Only the one who is archived.”

'Normal'? That was a sweet dream, if anything. An illusion she had given up on ever since being fettered to a dwindling life-cycle. “And to what end would that help us? This world will grow beyond us, and ever further... we're only here to speed up the process. No matter the cost.” 》

“Excellent, I’ll be off then~ tell your brother to find me whenever he’s available~ Oh, and you may want to avoid the tower~ even for you reploids I’m sure you’ll be dissolved by how dense my swamp is in there~ Hehehe~ see you later death prophet~” -and with that she vanished-

She was well aware. It was unfortunately something the siblings shared. “Of course. Our deal remains as such, then.” Pandora reciprocates the gesture, shaking the fellow witch's hand.

Pandora nods, seemingly indifferent to the idea of her own brother's life acting as a distraction. If it came to that... well, it would come to that. Plain and simple. Even Prometheus knew that. “I understand. I'll send him when we can spare him... which should, of course, be swiftly.”

“The Quarry has long since been abandoned... but if that is the case, then I suppose Prometheus may be able to provide another distraction. His recent one reaped no rewards, despite his title...” Ouch. “I'll see what I can arrange with him. I think it best if I speak with him alone.” 》

“...I see. My brother and I are planning a foray into the scrapyard far south of Hunter's Camp. Should we find the necessary materials, we'll deliver them to you posthaste. Until then...” Pandora twirls her staff around idly. “I trust the mechanaloids and the swamp should provide enough for” 》

Pandora stares for a moment, seemingly deliberating in silence... before closing her eyes. “Prometheus and I, are Reploids. Artificial humanoids of this era. Model W, being a Biometal, functions best when coupled with a 'Chosen One' somewhere in the world.” 》

jamcat Yes, she avoided the question as to "how many". Not because she wanted to, but because she doesn't know the answer and doesn't want to look silly.

“It's not so simple... as long as Model W is in pieces, feeding it only makes it grow up to a certain point. Then, when its influence is at its peak, it attempts to summon its brethren through excess anguish. Maverick attacks, madness in both Reploids and Humanoids, etc...”

“Prometheus and you have proven to be abrasive with one another. Normally, I would adore any extra negative energy... but I'm afraid I need my brother sane and willing for now.” For now? Gracious, she really was the brains of the 'doomsday' operation. “So, I'm letting him handle smaller” 》

“I see... wonderful.” Pandora would warp the Biometal to... wherever she was storing them. Perhaps Prometheus was awaiting it, wherever it was sent. “And the anguish your swamp is causing is feeding Model W more than we could ever ask for. We're forever grateful.”

And as usual, it was Pandora who showed up alone. Wherever Prometheus was, was better than here. He'd just slow things down, and they both knew it. “Greetings, Metallia. I see the Tower of Verdure has been seen to. Have you had any luck in finding the other fragments..?”

《NC》 Projecting her voice like a fucking telepath. “Rock... Rock Man... I remember you're robocides...”

“I see. If that is your decision, then I will not attempt to sway it. Just let it be known: I do not view you, or any other Mega Men, as kin. Merely players in a game.” “A game we intend to win, both by forfeit and default.”

She's not even sure how this happened. Oh well. She'll just get the Mavericks to move him somewhere relatively safe.

“Then I'm afraid I have no answers you seek. I am no friend of yours, nor am I a foe. Unless you decide to get in the way... of oblivion.”

“Go play weedwhacker for the witch, then. The Mavericks in the Tower of Verdure are getting feisty again.”

“True that may be, lashing out will get us nowhere. Have a mote of patience, Prometheus. It all comes falling down eventually...”

“Pay them no mind, brother. Reign in your temper, and unleash it when it becomes advantageous...”

《NC》 “You only hate that title because it's correct, Prometheus.”

《NC》 “Edgelord.”

“Friend or foe? My, wouldn't you like to know...” The witch remains stationary, idly twirling her staff in her hands. “What I can surmise from your appearance is that you are a Mega Man. Could it be the game of destiny brought you to me?”

《NC》 This is why she prefers Grey.

《NC》 Trap Phantasm plays loudly from another room-

Family shenanigans....?

To say she was shocked would be an understatement, not that her expression would ever betray her cold facade. She begins twirling her staff defensively, parrying only a few of the incoming blasts, while the drones both took direct hits, retreating back to Pandora. This was difficult 1 on 1... 》

jamcat Unless Grey-mun wants to write it, we can just do a fade-out and assume Pandora let Grey off easy for giving a good fight. Down to write it either way, tho. I'd just be fine with that outcome considering how early it is in her story at the moment.

Pandora's armor flashes, shifting in color to yellow where it once was ivory. Electricity crackles along her staff, as well as the heels of her boots, as she giggles with that same, eerily neutral expression on her face. “There you are. Just like before. Show me how much you've grown, then-!” 》

“Well isn't that wonderful~. Less work for all involved. You're certainly efficient, Witch Metallia. I do hope you enjoy the new addition to your territory, as well as its remaining inhabitants.” She bows her head, as does Prometheus. “Thank you for this exchange.” With that, the two teleport 》

“Hear that, Prometheus? Handle our materials better next time.” The witch shows no visual change in expression, but nods gratefully. “Thank you, Miss Metallia. We'll ensure regular maintenance to keep this pillar standing for you. Consider it compensation for the sub-par quality.” 》

“Of course. Neither party gets anything out of this if neither party holds true to their word.” The Reploid witch floats aside, gesturing for Prometheus to step aside for the Swamp Witch, which he reluctantly does with his scythe over a shoulder. “At your pace.”

jamcat Where he get someone so small?

jamcat Forget the shades, look at the tie- 💀 Always has the skull theme somewhere.

“I think we can both agree that as long as it didn't claim a part of Model W, we shouldn't concern ourselves with it...” A silent, shared nod solidified the decision between the two.

His sister, however, shakes her head, lowering his scythe with her own staff. Now wasn't the time. Not yet.

"This is the story of my life! I don't want to live my life with regrets! I shouldn't need a reason to save lives!" RP Experience: About 9-10 Years give or take. Not new to the character OR the verse. SFW is preferred as per usual. #MVRP #MMRP #MegamanRP #MegamanZXRP #SSBRP #RPSky #CapcomRP

“Then why even bother waiting for the inevitable.” Her voice was calm. Calculated, and distant. “We aid in the acceleration of destruction. That, too, includes ours. We shall control our end. Never forget our shared goal, brother; control.”

“What is it, then, brother?”

“Disestablishmentarianism.”

“You're quite animated. Perhaps trying to get you to cause a scene is where I failed. I needn't try a thing.” She definitely does, now. Not that she's terribly focused on anyone outside of their world... for now. “Thank you for passing my message on, miss Bonne.”

“Ah. How unfortunate. I was hoping to cause a scene...” Of course she was. “I am the voice of destruction. You had best remember these words, Tron Bonne: 'The world cries in agony.'” “Pass these words onto your friends. Warn them. For it will still do you no good in the end...”

“Experience issue.”

“Yes, no, no. In that order.” Psychic, not a weirdo, not eldritch. ...somehow that still seems inaccurate.

“I am your subconscious, reminding you of how utterly tempestuous your mindscape is after that mishap under the mistletoe.”

“Silly girl kissed a silly enby. Now she feels even sillier~...”

《NC》 “Experience issue.”

“...you had best listen, Prometheus. I'm not assisting you if she holds true to her words...”

Using similar methods, though different resources, Pandora projects an image of Model W for Metallia to look at. “You'll be searching for these. Bear in mind- they are alive. And their appetite is ceaseless~...” To most, this would be a fool's errand. But Pandora had an odd amount of faith 》