Coral, Polyta and Helen are waiting in the woods. Coral looks over to Nix, who is off by herself. Coral * ... Coral approaches Nix. Coral * So, Nix... * If Proteus really was just planning to ambush us... * Maybe it'd be a good idea to try and catch him out? Do a sweep of the area, see if you can't spot anything! * That way we could be prepared to bail in case something happens! I thought you were on their side. You didn't think Proteus will ambush us. Coral * Ahaa, I don't like to think of these things in terms of sides... You thought that I was wrong and they were right. Why pretend the other way now!? Coral * Okay... I don't really think there's gonna be an ambush. * But. * If I'm wrong about that-- and I could be wrong! * Well! I wouldn't want to deprive you the chance to say "I told you so"~! Why not? Coral * It's just common decency. * Me, I mean, maybe it's not flattering to admit but I do love to gloat, when the opportunity comes. * I should only want anyone to have that much fun. It is good... Nix grins wide and Coral cheers her on. I'll rub it in, too. Coral * Yeah!!! I'll remind you forever of how I was right!! You will never be allowed to forget!! Coral * The shame will weigh heavy on my soul!! —Polyta— Girls, I hate to interrupt. Proteus shows up with two mean looking pals, Girlbeast Alexi and the Silencing Knight. —Polyta— He's here. —Proteus— something something I see my sister has sent her most loyal hound. —Girlbeast Alexi— Lol —Silencing Knight— ...... Bwaaaaaaa. —Proteus— It has been some time, daughter. —Helen— So it has. Coral * Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? He's your dad? —Proteus— How far my sister has sunk, if she thinks she can appeal to my sentimentality. —Helen— I'm here of my own volition, father. The Goddess had nothing to do with it. Coral * Shit, I am learning a lot about this family tree today —Proteus— Did she not? I find that hard to believe, when we're also graced with the presence of her most loyal hound. —Girlbeast Alexi— Adorable little thing, isn't she? Just look at all that fluff. Can I keep her, boss? I wanna put her on my shoulder, teach her to do tricks. Haw! —Proteus— ...I was referring to Polyta, Alexi. —Girlbeast Alexi— Whuh? That's stupid, who's the dog then? Proteus magically conjures up a table to sit at, complete with chairs. —Proteus— Let's negotiate.