Greet Rose.

"Rose. It's great to see you again," you say. Even with your Kitty Sense, she composes herself with an adept and skilful shield which would only come from years of experience in the harshest environment. While everybody has a story, she carries a notable burden of maturity--a woman in an underworld of daggers and betrayal. It's been obvious, at least to you, that she isn't just a tavern owner, nor a thief. "The Abyss helped us a bit, though we still have little to go on. We came here to learn more about a few different things actually."

"Did you now?" she asks. With a smirk, she taps the point of her blade against her bottom lip.

Mina steps forward with a quick nod of her head. "I thought we'd visit you next. You're always one step ahead!"

"Of course I am. Naturally, I'd know when you arrived. It was a lucky guess that you'd come here first. Though, you did always like this place, right, Mina? I understand, I suppose. It's a bit too dank for my preference, at least for extended periods of time." She flashes a fiery gaze into your eyes as she moves forward as well. Then she extends a hand, palm upwards. "Shadow Garden can help you, though that doesn't mean for nothing in return."

You tightly grip her hand for a shake. "And that's your web of criminals, right, Rose?"

"Naturally." She smiles. "Is my innocent bartender persona not convincing enough?"

"Wow. So that's their leader--" Lynx mumbles, but looks around in panic as everyone turns to look. Quickly, she clears her throat. "I mean, I knew. I was waiting for you guys to figure it out."

"What do you want in return?" you ask.

Rose brushes her hand back through her fiery red hair. "Well, we've been partners in crime certainly, but I'd like to formally offer my hand in partnership. Never before has Shadow Garden allied itself officially with a Demon King. We've spent our time mainly in Tolis, and few people of such power and importance care to speak with a group of low lives like us. That is, until recently. I decided not to meet with them personally, but my people spoke with a woman who represented one called Elok Daven. In fact, she looked very similar to you." Her attention turns to Vivi, where she stares with an interrogating gaze--suspecting.

Vivi perks up. "... I see," she responds quietly.

"Her name is Breiah," you say. "Close partner to Elok, and Vivi's sister. She was the one who--" You hesitate a moment. "She was the one who dragged me from my world, through a portal, and that's how my journey began."

Rose takes a moment to lean her back against the tunnel wall and gaze towards the dripping ceiling. "Interesting." She turns an eye back over. "Does that mean you know where they reside?"

"No. I woke up outside of Avana."

"Surely he couldn't have travelled far to bring you there."

"Maybe."

"Become our ally. We'll supply each other with supplies and information as required. You'll always have a foothold beneath Tolis, and we'll have a powerful ally in the mountains to the southeast. I have this awful feeling in my stomach. Things have been changing. If something is to happen, I'd like us to have each other's backs. If you agree to this, I'll take you somewhere special right this minute."

The other girls look to you.

"Of course I'll accept," you say straight away. "Rose, you saved my sword and our lives. Please, if you know anything, let us know. Take us there."

"Naturally."

Suddenly, rising up from Mina's backpack comes a ghostly spirit. She wiggles and writhes, and stretches her arms as if just waking up from a long night's sleep. Though, she surely doesn't ever rest. The banshee appears, though much to your surprise, Rose only flinches briefly, but is ultimately unaffected by such a strange sight. She's definitely used to things like this.

"It is far too stuffy in there!" Mela says with her arms in the air. "I hope I am not interrupting."

"You can feel stuffed?" you ask.

"Surely you would as well, fitting yourself in such a pack."

Rose rolls her eyes and turns. Despite her pants being loose, her midsection is still completely bare, and said trousers hang on her curvy hips which sway side to side as she walks. "Come now," she says with a motion of her hand. "But keep your wits about you, and remain quiet from now on. Something strange stirs beneath the sewer tunnels."