Alice retraced the steps that had led them to Azarael's domain, a trail that now felt strangely longer. Each stride was a battle against exhaustion; a repetitive, monotonous motion, as if they were walking over quicksand that gradually climbed up to their shoulders. In the distance, the sunset took its leave, giving way to neon lights from buildings and billboards that began to scar the sky with artificial glow.
They had been wounded. Not in flesh, but in soul. To be emotionally torn apart like that was a silent form of torture. Azarael had pulled an invisible thread inside their minds, and that thread still reverberated, vibrating against the bones of their skulls. Alice fought internally, a Herculean effort to keep her sanity under control.
On the other hand…
At her side, Hanna was silence itself. Something within her had been touched — an old wound she rejected with all her strength.
"Time bomb"
"Anomalous"
The way that man described her sounded like a monologue dictating her inevitable fate. As if she were nothing more than a disgusting creature, laboratory-made, with no right to a past or a future. Only a bitter present.
Azarael had reminded her of her greatest executioner. The humiliation of being exposed in front of Alice — the one Hanna tried to mirror herself after, just as she did with Arthur — was a dagger driven into her chest. The "mirror" had acted exactly like the executioner.
---
Night finally rose. The morning rush in Vallum now repeated itself under the glow of neon, where dangers that fear daylight begin to lurk.
— …What was up with that guy? No fucking way you're going to follow his instructions.
She asked, trying to act like her usual self, but Alice's words still echoed in her throat like bile: "I don't know why I still expected rationality from you." The resentment made her want to vomit, a sensation that came and went in a masochistic cycle.
— I'm not following his instructions. I'm following my own decisions. And don't think too much about that meeting.
Alice replied firmly, not taking her eyes off the road, unable to notice the internal turbulence of the girl beside her.
— "Don't think too much about that meeting."
Hanna mimicked, an acidic caricature of Alice's voice.
— Oh, come on! It's not every day you see a house materialize out of nowhere. He talked about a group… did you work together or…?
— Enough, Hanna. I already said not to think about it. It adds nothing, and I won't waste my time talking about that bastard.
Hanna rolled her eyes and fell silent.
…
A few streets later, they crossed the site of the incident with Darian. Humans Upper was efficient: in less than a week, the trail of destruction had been erased. The place looked gentle, restored… perfectly comfortable. Hiding the massacre that had occurred there.
— Yeah… creepy. HU is good at sweeping shit under the rug. What do you think they did with the bodies?
Hanna quickened her steps to keep up with Alice.
— Hey, Alice!
She caught up to the mercenary, stopping beside her.
— Walking by here made me think… does Arthur even have the strength to walk to Morrow-en? Those injuries were bad.
She emphasized the word "injuries."
— It's been a few days. He's resilient. The worst has already closed, and he's not the type to complain about minor discomforts.
Alice replied, feeling her knees protest against the uphill climb to the point they almost cracked.
— And what did you think about what he did to Darian? It was brutal. Deforming his face like that… even for me it was strange.
Hanna insisted, touching the unknown directly.
Alice hesitated. Arthur had lost control. Even if he hadn't killed Darian directly, the beating had been so savage that it left him floating in his own pool of blood and shattered ego.
…
"I can't lie, it's strange," Alice thought. "Arthur recovers too fast. That outburst of rage… it wasn't normal, not even for an anomalous."
Alice cut off her own thoughts.
— Well, Hanna… I think the effort we're making will be enough to stop these questions. I… I hope.
---
When they reached the front door, Alice was at her limit. Her thoughts boiled down to basic needs: water, food, rest. Hanna was in the same state, her stomach empty and her mind exhausted after hours of marching.
…
Knock, knock, knock.
— Arthur, it's me, Alice!
…
Silence.
— Arthur, open up!
— What's taking so long?! This is already pissing me off!
Hanna grumbled loudly, taking three long steps toward the door and clenching her hand into a fist as she raised it.
— I need to eat and I'm not waiting another minute!
BAM! BAM! BAM!
— OPEN THIS DOOR!
The pounding was strong and urgent.
— Hanna, don't make noise. You might draw unnecessary attention.
Alice murmured, watching the street.
Hanna kept pounding.
— UGH! If that idiot is sleeping, I swear I'll kill him!
Just as Hanna brought her fist down for another blow, the door opened.
SMACK!
— Urgh, my nose! Sniff…! Don't you have any patience? I was in the bedroom!
It was Arthur.
He complained, covering his face while his eyes watered.
— Next time, warn me! I'm not a decoration to stand around!
Hanna snapped back, shoving Arthur aside as she entered the house along with Alice.
— Haaaaa… finally, home! What a good smell!
She stretched, her eyes scanning every room. She looked impressed by the cleanliness, but in truth she was searching for any slip-up to tease the boy.
— Hey, Arthur! Looks like you managed without the great Hanna to instruct you.
She said, elbowing him and very discreetly tossing a food package onto the floor, pointing at it afterward.
— Well… almost perfect. But I appreciate the effort!
— Huh? Ahh, yeah. It's always nice to be recognized by… uh… by you.
Arthur replied, his nose red and irritated.
His eyes drifted toward Alice as Hanna kept chattering. Alice was sitting on the couch, her Seraphim resting on her lap as she breathed with her eyes closed.
— You must be tired. Why don't you go take a shower and come back to eat something? I'll try to prepare something quick for you both.
He announced, clapping his hands to get Alice's attention. She lifted her head and blinked a few times.
— Hanna goes first, and Alice waits while I prepare dinner.
— Why is it always me? I need to recharge now!
Arthur sighed. He knew both of them were exhausted physically and mentally. But he needed to at least try to calm them down… since he felt incompetent for not having gone with them on the mission.
Like dead weight.
— Because you take the longest showers, singing and talking to yourself. You fucking lunatic.
Arthur said with a wide smile as he grabbed the top of Hanna's head and messed up her hair. She responded by making a face and grabbing his arm.
— And that gives me time to prepare that steamed ribs you like. Cooperate, or do you want me to shove vegetables down your throat?
Hanna almost drooled.
— Fine, fine! I'll go! But call me as soon as it's ready!
She said, breaking free from Arthur's grip and running straight to the bathroom.
— AND DON'T EAT WITHOUT ME!
She shouted from afar before slamming the door shut.
…
— Hanna is more agitated than usual. I felt something affected her. What happened, Alice?
Arthur began, turning to Alice as he walked toward her.
— Sorry for not helping, I didn't even leave anything ready for when you arrived. I didn't think it would be so—
Arthur stopped when he saw how exhausted Alice was. Seeing the person he had always known as stable and firm struggling to stay awake left him disoriented, at a loss for words.
— Anyway… how was it?
He asked, even though the physical answer was right in front of him.
— …
Alice remained silent for a few minutes before finally taking a deep breath and setting her Seraphim aside… the minutes she needed to know they were truly "safe" now.
— The trip was… tiring. Even though it only lasted a few days, it was hard to find anyone willing to cooperate. And…
She paused, folding her hands over her lap.
— …I had to resort to methods that weren't very good.
Arthur swallowed hard.
— So… it didn't work? Was it all for nothing?
He asked. Going through all that and coming home empty-handed… it was sad. But…
— To be direct, yes, it worked. But…
A sigh.
— I ended up losing my temper with Hanna and saying something to her. I won't say I regret it, I'm just worried it'll create a negative atmosphere when we go to headquarters.
As they talked, Arthur heard the sound of water hitting the bathroom floor along with Hanna's singing.
"Alice is admitting fault, even if not directly. She must have said something really cruel… even not getting along with Hanna, she noticed it. I… won't push this further, I'll just… try not to let it escalate." Arthur thought.
…
— Ahh… I know Hanna isn't easy to deal with, especially since you two don't get along. But don't think too much about it, okay? You're both alive and well, that's what matters.
He said, trying to keep his voice soft and calm amid the doubts piercing his senses.
— I'll prepare your food now, want to come with me? It's good to have company while I do things.
He extended a hand to Alice. She slowly lifted her head and met his eyes. Something almost familiar and tender ran through her body, making her almost instinctively… smile.
The act of extending a hand to someone on the verge of breaking is…
— And Alice… relax. You did enough. I thank you for that. Hanna will understand once her head cools down. Just… don't judge her if she goes too far with her words. Please…
Arthur finished, trying to be as impartial as possible.
— …Alright, Arthur. I'll try.
She said, taking Arthur's hand and standing up shortly after… reminding herself of her contract with the lost boy.
---
An hour later, the table was set. Alice moved with the inherent grace of a predator, even under exhaustion, adjusting the tablecloth and plates.
— Thanks for the help, Alice. I know you're dead tired, so I appreciate the effort.
Alice simply nodded.
— No need to thank me, Arthur. At least the hours passed faster.
She gestured as she spoke.
— You have steady hands in the kitchen, I never noticed.
Arthur commented while aligning the chairs neatly.
— My only talent isn't just lifting weapons and killing monsters, boy. And you only noticed now? I usually cook regularly for you. I thought you liked my dishes.
— N-no, that's not what I meant! It's just… even tired, you still keep the same level in everything you do. Nothing is imperfect.
Arthur explained better.
— I understand, don't worry. And I'm already used to that kind of thing. I loved cooking when I was little…
…
Her voice paused as she walked back and forth.
— …I used to cook for my parents. Sometimes I helped the cooks in the kitchen. But… what I loved most… was making soup for my mother when she got sick.
She said, a slight curve forming on her lips as she blushed, her eyes shining in a different way.
Longing… nostalgia. Soon turning into… weight… pain… anguish. Memories so colorful, yet completely gray.
— Sorry, I ended up talking too much. Anyway, thank you for the compliment, Arthur. Just don't expect me to double my efforts to please you.
She informed him. Though her tone was firm… there was no reprimand in her voice this time.
…
She finished arranging a few things, stepping away from the table.
THUMP—SPLASH—THUMP!!
The sound of wet, unsteady footsteps echoed down the hallway as Hanna exited the bathroom. She stopped at the kitchen doorway, her wet hair wrapped in a towel while wearing simple pajamas.
— Already done? I thought you'd take a few more hours under the shower.
Arthur looked at Hanna's disheveled appearance and laughed.
Alice, on the other hand, looked at Hanna with a closed expression as she watched the girl move slowly and flop into a chair, resting her arms on the table.
— Next time, dry yourself better. You're soaking the house for nothing.
She said in a low but reprimanding tone.
Hanna shook her head, making water droplets splash around.
— Okay, Miss Know-It-All. I get it, I can't stain your beautiful palace.
She said, waving her hand dismissively.
— So, is the food ready? It smells amazing! Matches my appetite.
She said, already grabbing the utensils while waiting to be served.
— You arrived just in time, we were almost serving.
Arthur said as he pulled out a chair for Alice, then went to the stove to grab the pans and dishes, placing everything neatly on the table.
— Aaaah, what a damn good smell! You're really good, Arthur.
— This time Alice helped with the ingredients. She has a talent and patience for this kind of thing that I honestly don't have.
He said, serving rice with herbs and vegetables.
— Haaa… well, I mean… it's not all that… but it'll do. Better than starving.
Hanna said, but her own expression betrayed her as she inhaled the smell of the steamed ribs.
Arthur finished serving everyone with a large rib on each plate.
— Thank you.
Alice said, while Hanna immediately started eating without saying anything.
— Forgive me if it's simple, I should have prepared something better for your return.
Arthur said, sitting down and picking up his utensils, but not before looking around at the two of them… everything seemed to be in place.
— For something made in a rush, it's great, Arthur! Uh… except for the perfectionist part…
Hanna said, wrinkling her nose.
Hanna cut a piece of meat with her clumsy hands, about to bring it to her mouth, but—
— Wait.
Alice cut the movement with her voice. Her hands hadn't touched the utensils yet.
— I know it sounds ridiculous, I've never asked this before. But…
She thought, thought… her mind blank, memories crawling down her spine… weighing her down.
— …When my parents were alive, they… had the habit of staying silent for a few seconds before any meal. I started doing it alone after they… passed away.
Her fingers tapped shakily against her leg under the table.
— So… I wanted to ask you for a few seconds. It's been a while since I've done this and…
Her fingers trembled slightly. She sought there a fragment of connection, a moment that reminded her of her family. And, consequently, lifted the filthy weight from her mind.
Hanna looked at her incredulously, fork still in the air. Alice, the ice-cold mercenary, openly talking about family customs? Fascinating… to say the least.
She slowly lowered the utensil, resting it on the edge of the plate.
— Uh-huh…
Hanna cleared her throat.
— Well, I can give you that break. But don't expect us to hold hands.
She crossed her arms and lowered her head, staying silent.
Arthur had already done so long before, his eyes closed.
…
"Shit… shit… shit. I need to make up for it, I need to do something to make up for it. I stayed here, doing nothing while Alice was killing herself out there. How pathetic… how ridiculous! I can't even welcome them with something better…"
He thought, biting his own lips.
Hanna thought as well…
"Why am I doing this? She treated me like an animal. Urgh, I hate this! Maybe it'd be better to just say no and—"
Hanna stopped her thought, another flash crossing her mind.
"…Hahahaha… who am I kidding? Deep down, I know Alice saying that wasn't the real reason I got hurt. How ironic, I always go back to square one."
She let out an imperceptible chuckle as the thought faded.
…
They stayed there for a few seconds, until Alice gave a sign.
Tick… Tock…
Tick… Tock…
— That's enough. Uh… th-thank… thank you.
That word sounded strange and bitter in her mouth, as if it were only used to exorcise her mind.
— Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.
Hanna murmured, grabbing her utensils again and biting into the meat hard enough for her teeth to clink against the aluminum fork.
Everyone eating, in perfect peace and harmony… so convenient given the past situation that the air grew heavy unconditionally.
…
Silence…
…
— …
Arthur lifted his gaze from his plate, looking at Alice and Hanna's faces. The way Hanna looked at Alice… resentment. And Alice seemed to be drowning even deeper in her own memories.
He saw no way to improve the situation, no cards left to play. Everything he tried seemed to fail: a simple talk with Alice, Hanna relaxing in the shower, and a dinner with everyone together again.
It felt like… nothing he did truly produced a satisfactory result.
— How are your injuries, Arthur?
Alice finally asked, her tone closer to everyday life this time.
— Ahh… they're better.
He replied, lifting his arm and pulling up his sleeve.
— Just a few bruises left, but they'll fade soon.
Sometimes I feel a slight ringing in my ears, but aside from that, I'd say I'm good as new.
Alice sighed, almost relieved. She took a bite of her food and chewed calmly before speaking again.
— That's good. We'll depart tomorrow morning, so it'd be ideal for everyone to be in their best condition in case of unforeseen events on the way.
— Unforeseen events on the way? You mean we're going straight to HU headquarters?
Arthur asked, placing his utensils on the table.
— No. First, we're going to another city. There, we'll look for a boy named Caerius, then we'll try to strike a deal with him.
Alice replied, firm and direct.
— Hmpf… I still… mmmhh… I still think it's better to go as soon as possible.
Hanna added, her mouth full of poorly chewed food.
— No. That would be too rushed. We're both tired, exhausted. It's more practical to stay here tonight and leave early tomorrow. We already have the "guarantee" of the place and the person, now we just need to verify it. And whether we like it or not, it'd be better for Arthur to recover even more from his injuries.
Alice explained deliberately, finishing her plate and wiping her lips with a napkin.
Arthur looked confused.
"We're going to another city? And without full certainty of the job? I know no help is free of drawbacks, but…"
— And you, Alice… are you sure about this? Do you… really think this will lead us to a path that finally puts an end to this?
The question lingered in the air… to assert something of that magnitude against an entire system… not even gods would dare.
…
— I can't guarantee anything, Arthur. But… if it works, I guarantee that for the three of us… this whole shit will end. You'll be able to go on with your life, without anyone chasing you… pursuing your own ambitions. And Hanna will be able to do the same.
She replied calmly.
— And you?
Hanna asked, blunt and without jokes… a dry question.
…
"And you?"
The question echoed in Alice's head. She wasn't used to thinking about herself, about her own future, about what would happen. She thought only about the present, her survival in the now.
— …Me? I'll have ended my pact with Arthur, and that's more than enough for me.
She stood up, the sound of the chair scraping underscoring the finality of her words and the silence that followed. She took her plate to the sink and washed everything in silence.
— I'm going to shower and then sleep. And I'll say it again: don't think too much about it. Just focus on resting as much as you can.
Tap, tap, tap…
— …Good night.
She said, before locking herself inside the bathroom, isolating any external sound or protest.
…
— So… what do we do now?
Hanna asked as she shifted in her chair, placing both feet on it while hugging her knees.
Arthur stood up, sighing with his eyes closed as he gripped the edges of the table tightly.
— We'd better go to sleep.
He replied shortly, turning and walking in the opposite direction from where Alice went.
— Arthur, wait.
Hanna said, quickly standing up and grabbing his wrist.
— It's going to be alright, right? Promise me.
She asked, her eyelids trembling as she tightened her grip.
To promise… something cruel to do in a situation like this. But… if it was at least to bring a sense of calm and belonging, every syllable would be worth it.
— I promise, Hanna. Everything will be alright… for the three of us.
He said, hugging her against his chest before letting go… even though he didn't want to.
— Good night, and try not to set the house on fire while I sleep, okay?
He tapped Hanna on the forehead, ending the conversation there and leaving the girl alone with her own thoughts.
…
Tok, tok, tok...
Click… clack.
The bedroom door closed with a soft, almost inaudible click. The room was cold… to the point that icy air filled his nostrils and made him shiver.
He sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the door… as if expecting someone to open it just to talk to him.
…
— Haaaa…
With a sigh, he fell back onto the bed, lying on his back and staring at the nothingness above him.
"What a fucked-up day. Even without participating in anything they did during that time, I… feel the weight. I'm so pathetic…"
He thought, his mind slowly emptying… giving way to that familiar fog. Ahh… always this fog.
— It's not as dense as before, but… I still can't see anything… I just hear those voices…
"They're going to kill us, leave him there!"
"Arthur!"
…
— Shit…
He brought his hand to his face, covering his eyes as he clenched his jaw… sweat forming on his forehead as if he were struggling to remember… something that felt impossible.
With a sigh, he turned onto his side and hugged the pillow against his body, burying his face into it as he spoke about Alice again.
— You're going to finish the pact with me… and you'll have lifted a huge weight off your shoulders, right? Too bad… I wish you'd still stay here after all this…
That was the only thing he murmured that night before drowning in a sea of exhaustion and failures.