“I don’t know if you believe in fate and stuff like that,” she began, cautiously watching the woman beside her, “but I was told that Rings are given out to people for a reason. Who am I to argue against what you’re doing, or what for? Hell, if anything, if there’s anybody I need to second-guess, it’s me.” She crossed her arms, clicking her tongue. “So. Where to?”<br/><br/>Hortence looked away from Akira, down into Misttown. When she spoke, her voice had a metallic echo, as she was still wearing the glass helmet which hid her expression from the girl.<br/>“fate huh… Well if you’ve lived the life that I have, you tend to believe a bit of everything. I do believe the rings chose me and Raffy for a reason, I’m hoping that it’s because she’s able to one day see the horrors of the people whom she follows, she could be of great use if she stopped spending so much energy attacking me.” Hortence rubbed her fingers together as she pondered. “worst case, we were destined to kill one another…” Hortence looked at Akira, her own face hidden by a polished smokey glass, showing Akira a reflection of herself.<br/>If that happens… I’m going to be the one to pull the trigger… I have to remember that.<br/><br/>Hortence put a reassuring hand on Akira’s shoulder “doubting what you believe can be a good step forward, but don’t doubt yourself, you’ll end up crippled. Hold your eyes forward, keep your heart stout, you might become a real fighter yet”.<br/><br/>Hortence then used her hand on Akira’s shoulder to pull the lighter girl into her grasp in a swift motion, felling her to pick her up, to carry her like a newlywed wife. Hortence grinned at the thought.<br/>“ready to get going?”<br/><br/>Hortence didn’t give Akira a chance to respond before she leapt off the building. She landed on the roof of the building below, but instead of catching her, it gave way and seemed to break under the weight of the two ladies.<br/>The two landed inside the building, Akira looking up to the roof could see a spinning panel where they had gone through, slide back into place, close to invisible on the outside.<br/><br/>Hortence put down Akira gently, after having moved a few steps away from where they entered.<br/>“welcome to my home. The headquarters of the Crimson Rose.” She said boastfully, admiring the interior of her base.<br/><br/>The place was minimalistic, there were many sleeping cots laid out over the floor, the walls had numerious shelves with brass, copper and other metal contraptions. Some small enough to palm, some, standing on the floor, were big as a person.<br/>The room was fairly dirty, unkept. A rat ran by as Hortence and Akira stood there.<br/>There were many rooms leading out of this commonroom, Akira could see into what seemed to be an even messier smithy, and a kitchen, just as messy on her other side.<br/><br/>“HORTENCE!” a yell came from one of the rooms, a young woman came running out into the commonroom. She wore a green dress which one day had probably been quite nice, but now was flossed and only passable. She had long auburn hair, tied back in a lazy bun and wore red cheap lipstick. She was quite plain, but just pretty enough to be called as such.<br/><br/>Hortence removed her helmet and smiled to the girl “Beth” she smiled as the girl approached. The woman ran into Hortence’s arms and embraced her lovingly, then drew her into a passionate kiss.