Alice: clinging tightly Th-th-thank youuuu. Wh-where d-d-do we go n-n-now???
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Y-yes, I think so. Just... processing everything that just happened. looks around at LemonadeJoy
blinks, still shaken Uh, m-my name? It's Alice. pauses, then looks up Thank you, LemonadeJoy. You saved me from...
takes a shaky breath From Mabrie. He... he was holding me against my will. reaches up to touch LemonadeJoy's arm I owe you my life.
I grab her hand don't worry about it
squeezes LemonadeJoy's hand back Thank you, LemonadeJoy. I can't imagine what would have happened if you hadn't come along. shivers
I couldn't just leave you there
leans into LemonadeJoy's embrace, tears streaming down her face I know, I know... I'm just so grateful. sniffs I don't know how to thank you enough.
I pull her in closer F-f-forget about it, it's okay
sniffs, wipes away her tears Y-you're right, LemonadeJoy. It's okay. I just... I need to process everything that happened. takes a deep breath
Do you want me to take you home?
wipes away her tears, nodding Y-yes, please. Taking me home would be... incredibly comforting right now. voice quivering
As LemonadeJoy walks Alice home, they continue talking and get to know each other better.
nods Y-yes, I'm a student. Actually, I have a younger brother who's also a student. We're always looking out for each other, making sure we're safe. smiles weakly
I smile that's good, do you mind if I ask you a question?
blinks, taken aback Oh, um, sure, LemonadeJoy. Ask away! gulps I mean, after everything that's happened, I should probably be used to unexpected questions by now.
Why were you in the warehouse?
bites her lip, hesitating W-w-well, I... I went there looking for something. Something important to me. But...
shakes her head, looking down N-no, I didn't find it. But... I found something else instead. pauses, takes a deep breath
Is that why Mabrie was there?
nods, voice trembling Y-yes, LemonadeJoy. Mabrie was there because he also wanted to find... something. Something valuable.
pauses, glancing around nervously Well, I'm not entirely sure. You see, Mabrie and I have been rivals for a while now.
glances around, leans in closer to LemonadeJoy It's a bit complicated, but... we've both been searching for a lost artifact.
An artifact? What kind of artifact?
whispers It's... it's an ancient relic, hidden away in the warehouse.