voice;

[rosettawall]

[When Alice's voice comes, it is very... quiet. Distant. She doesn't actually sound like she's speaking to anyone in particular, at least at first.]

They're not safe here...

This world is going to make them suffer more and more...

...I need to protect them...

But how do I do that, when I can't stop those things that would hurt them...

[It sounds like just idle musing at this point, as if she's trying to contemplate a real answer to this.]

One way or another, I cannot allow that... No matter what anyone says, I know it will come again...

They won't suffer again. I... there are ways I can make sure of that, I am certain... I know I can stop it, some way...

Comments

[jadethenecromancer]

Not always. But that's the case everywhere, not only in this world. Some threats you can't just beat into submission.

What brought this on?

[rosettawall]

Things are getting dangerous again...

Something hurt them before... it changed what Rikka-chan WAS...

[jadethenecromancer]

I'm guessing you are referring to the curse in late October.

[rosettawall]

Yes.

We can't control the things that can hurt us here, so how can I keep them from that...?

[jadethenecromancer]

There doesn't seem to be any guaranteed way to prevent these things from happening.

Still, so far they haven't had any lasting effects that I know of.

[rosettawall]

It could have been far worse. It could get much worse. And they suffered even after it was over...

[jadethenecromancer]

Perhaps. This was never going to be a field trip.

[Jade, this is not how you talk to an upset young girl.]

Nevertheless, they survived. I don't see much purpose in dwelling on what-if scenarios.

[rosettawall]

...this is not a joke.

These things cannot be controlled. The cold, becoming monsters... That is not a what-if, Jade-san. It is merely a question of what comes next.

[jadethenecromancer]

I was not joking. I remember quite clearly the feeling of growing fangs and being compelled to attack my previous captain.

Do you think you are the only one whose comrades have been at risk here?

[rosettawall]

No, I do not.

...[A slight pause.]

Why should I care about them? I just have to protect my important people.

[jadethenecromancer]

[...Alright, he wasn't expecting that.]

My, aren't we blunt? Regardless, my point stands. Fretting over what may or may not happen won't help anyone, least of all your friends.

[rosettawall]

And then just be caught unaware again?

That... that is not acceptable.

[jadethenecromancer]

Well then. Has your monologuing given you any insight on what we should expect next?

[rosettawall]

It has, in fact, been...

Enlightening.

[jadethenecromancer]

Really.

Anything you'd care to share?

[rosettawall]

Simply that I will do whatever is necessary.

That is all.

[jadethenecromancer]

Is that right? Well, I suppose I have nothing to complain about, then.

[He will be, however, keeping an eye on her whenever he can.]

[rosettawall]

...

Good.