piratejournal | voice;

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voice;

[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...

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No, no.

I must.

That is the only reason I have the power I do...

I must use it properly and not fail them.

[...well then. This sure is a thing.

Congratulations, Alice, you just made Henry stop smiling completely, even if you can't see it. But you can hear it in the tone of his voice.]

...you know, killing people's not for everyone, even if it's to protect others? I mean, I enjoy it, but I know that's supposed to be weird. And you're not a solider or anything, so you really don't have to.

Killing bad guys is my job, not yours.

I am not a soldier.

I am a warrior.

A warrior must fight to win, yes?

Well, yeah. But I'm pretty sure you're not talking about fighting, but killing and that's not the same thing.

Do you want to kill people?

I want to protect them by whatever means I can.

If it requires that, then... I must do what I have to...

So you don't want to kill people, you just think you have to. Am I getting that right?

If that is necessary to protect them...

...and I'm guessing I'm not gonna convince you not to, huh?

Would you not be something of a hypocrite then, Henry-san?

...well, yeah. I sure would be. But I'm okay with that.

And I am okay with doing everything in my power to protect my loved ones.

[He's not so sure about that.]

...so, what're you gonna do then?

Whatever I need to.

Whatever means are necessary to save them... That's what I will do.

...

Hey, Alice. Where are you right now?

[Pause.]

My quarters...

Why do you ask, Henry-san...?

...is it okay if I come visit you?

[He's going there either way, though. He'll just wait for her answer before knocking on her door.]

[A part of her is wary, and she does not respond for a moment. When she does, her tone is even and with little emotion evident.]

If you so wish, Henry-san.

[He knocks on her door and opens it. His smile is back and the cheerful tone back in his voice.]

Hey-o, Alice! How's it hanging?

[Like they didn't just talk about that already or anything, but that's Henry for you.]

[Alice... appears a bit more together than she had over the weekend. She appears to have actually gotten some minimal amount of sleep, and looks less unkempt. But she just sort of sits there, staring at him evenly as he enters.]

Good day, Henry-san. Is there something I could help you with...?

Yeah, actually! 'Cause, y'know, I was thinking that you're right about how dangerous this place is. So I think it'd be a good idea to stick together!

[He grinned at her, looking as innocent as someone like Henry could look.]

Don't you agree?

[After the conversation they'd just had and how much it flopped back and forth, she eyes him a bit suspiciously, but nods slightly. Still ever polite, even now.]

Yes, as long as you intend to stick to that which you say...

Well, sure, why wouldn't I? I know I'm a bit weird and all, but I'm a trustworthy guy!

[In normal circumstances, with her right mind, Alice might indeed think so. Now, she just continues to give him a suspecting glance.]

...what did you wish to see me about in person, Henry-san?

I just thought some company might be nice for a while, if that's okay. We are on the same crew, after all.

You don't mind, right?

[Wow look at how subtle he is being, so amazing. Clearly this is perfectly normal and not at all suspect.]

[She still eyes him curiously, but looks away for a moment then.]

Hopefully it shall remain that way, but... I suppose I do not, for now...

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