The Exception, The Guardian, and The Monster

Plat 

Esredes: >Roughly two weeks later, he’s back once again at the workshop. It’s been a busy time, making him almost looking forward to a little break by seeing Alise.< >Who will be in there when he comes in? He takes a bet on Alise over Levi this time. Let’s see how that goes.<

Momo 

Alise: >She is indeed the first one he spots as he walks in, in fact, he nearly runs into her. She was just making her way out the door with a large basket in hand before stumbling back.< WH- Ah- Esredes! >Her surprised expression quickly reverts back to her usual monotone one.< Hey, it's been a while. What's up?

Plat 

Esredes: >Maybe he was a little too right about his bet...< >He also backs up a bit, a little surprised by the suddenness as well< Well, what a time for me to try and come in. What’s with the basket?

Momo 

Alise: I have to go shopping and Levi wants me to go earlier in the day rather than at night-
Levi: >From the back of the room.< ALL THE PRODUCE ISN'T FRESH AT NIGHT!
Alise: >She turns her head and yells back.< IT WAS ONE ROTTEN TOMATO!

Plat 

Esredes: >He puts his hands on his hips.< Is that so? Should I keep him occupied while you’re gone?

Momo 

Alise: You can try, but he's working on a project right now and he probably won't be much for conversation. You could just wait around or come with me into town.

Plat 

Esredes: What’s going into town even usually like for you? >I don’t like being around more humans, but just standing here would be boring<

Momo 

Alise: I walk in, don't make eye contact with anyone, talk to Mrs. Lafferty who I buy the vegetables from, then come straight home. >She shrugs.< I don't like being in town too much either. It's too crowded, not to mention the occasional weird look.

Plat 

Esredes: So the feeling is mutual. All right, I’ll go with you then. Perhaps it’ll be over with quicker that way.

Momo 

Alise: I'll appreciate the company. >She walks ahead of him and starts to head towards town. It's more visible now that as she's walking, she has the twin sticks found at the abandoned facility now strapped at the side of her waist.<

Plat 

Esredes: >He’ll catch up to her pace relatively quickly, walking beside her.< I see you’re enjoying having those things back.

Momo 

Alise: >Her eyes widen a bit and she seems rather embarrassed by the fact.< ... I did miss them. Thank you, again, for bringing them back.

Plat 

Esredes: I’m glad to see it was worth the effort. What even are those, anyway? Are they meant to be some kind of melee weapon?

Momo 

Alise: Hm? Yeah. They're tonfa. >With her free hand, she grabs one of them by the handle and swings it around so that the long end of the stick is aligned with her forearm.< They're more for subduing rather than killing, and it's less messy than fighting with a blade or something.

Plat 

Esredes: >Oooh...< So you knock someone out with that thing?

Momo 

Alise: Knock them out, beat them into submission, disarm them, protect myself, when used right, it can do a lot.

Plat 

Esredes: But without any bleeding to deal with. I see. It must suit you well.

Momo 

Alise: It does.... I've had to re-adjust though. The gauntlets Levi gave me didn't hold onto them very well. He even made some minor adjustments so that I can have better control.

Plat 

Esredes: So he modified the gauntlets for them?

Momo 

Alise: Yeah... it was really sweet. >She swings the tonfa back down and hooks it back onto her hip.< Then I was able to start practicing again. I'm still a bit rusty, but it shouldn't be long now before I can use them as well as I used to.

Plat 

Esredes: Will you no longer need me taking care of the unwanted customers? >He’s asking more playfully than he is seriously<

Momo 

Alise: >She chuckles a bit.< One time offenders I can handle. Repeating offenders are all yours.

Plat 

Esredes: Good. We’ll share the load. >He smiles amusedly.<

Momo 

Alise: >She smiles back.< Don't lie. You probably wanted to deal with all the unwanted customers. Speaking of which, did you already finish the list I gave you?

Plat 

Esredes: I did. And I’ve also looked into the trails on the map. Unfortunately, you may be right. There hasn’t been reports of anything but the occasional feral uncanny.

Momo 

Alise: Ah... I see... and did you find any other lucid uncanny? Like the two guys you encountered?

Plat 

Esredes: I’m not sure those two were really uncanny. But no, we haven’t.

Momo 

Alise: I see.... >She sighs a bit.< I hope the others taken there are doing alright now...

Plat 

Esredes: I suppose that’s all we can hope for.

Momo 

>Town seems not too crowded this time of day. Most people are going back to work from lunch, and the markets aren't as lively. The two continue to walk through until Alise stops in front of one tiny stall with a small old woman behind it.<
Alise: >She pulls out a small coin purse from her bag and smiles a bit.< Hello Mrs. Lafferty.
Lafferty: Why Alise, this is earlier than you usually come into town. >She smiles warmly.<
Alise: Eh, Levi got a little paranoid over an overripe tomato, so he sent me out.
Lafferty: Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear about that. Well I'm glad you're here today. And who is this nice man with you?

Plat 

Esredes: >Do I really look nice from this appearance, or is that just trying to be polite?< A friend. >Not quite accurate, but best thing to say.< I’m just helping her with errands.

Momo 

Lafferty: I see, it's so nice to see Alise making friends. You know, I never see her with anyone else in town-
Alise: Okay- let's not- let's not talk about me. >She replies, a bit embarrassed.< I'm just picking out the usual.
Lafferty: Of course, and take an extra tomato too, as an apology to Levi.
Alise: Oh no, I won't do that. He's just being picky, the tomato was fine.

Plat 

Esredes: >He remains quiet as they talk. Not going to interrupt or bring attention to himself.<

Momo 

Alise: >She picks out the fruit and vegetables while making small talk with the old woman before paying her and thanking her. She turns towards Esrey and nods.< Simple as that, now we can go home.

Plat 

Esredes: Well that was painless. Let’s go then.

Momo 

>The two start to make their way back but a loud and sharp whistle stops Alise in her tracks.<
???: HEY ALLYDOLL
Alise: >She lets out a long groan. A very long groan before she turns around. The two of them find themselves surrounded by three men, the one in the center walking towards Alise.<
???: Where have ya been, Allydoll?
Alise: Not today, Mavrik, please.

Plat 

Esredes: ...Who are these people. >I can’t tell if this is hostile or playful<

Momo 

Alise: These are a Mavrik and his gang who don't have anything productive to do so they often harass women in town. >She says blatantly, not even caring if the others hear it.<
Mavrik: Allydoll, baby-
Alise: Don't call me that-
Mavrik: -enough with the cold shoulder treatment. Admit it, you love coming out to see us and getting away from that shop.
Alise: >She turns back to Esredes.< I usually just ignore them and keep walking.

Plat 

Esredes: >So... both.< Just ignore them? Well, it doesn’t sound like that’s working. Why don’t we fix the problem while I’m here?

Momo 

Alise: No no, we're in public, and it'll be too much of a commotion.
Mavrik: Hey Allydoll, don't talk like I'm not here. >He smirks and slides his arm around her.< C'mon, ditch this guy and live a little, will ya?
Alise: >She seems exceedingly uncomfortable now that his arm is around her.<

Plat 

Esredes: >He steps over, grabbing his arm and forcing it off of her, pushing a hand lightly on his chest to get him to back away, staring in a hostile manner at Mavrik< It doesn’t have to stay in public.

Momo 

Mavrik: Whoa- hey man, what's your deal? You her boyfriend or something? >The other two men seem to get a bit tense as they see how hostile Esredes is getting.<
Alise: >She glances over at Mavrik.< He's more like a bodyguard at this point. Esredes- >She holds her basket of vegetables out to him.< -Can you hold onto this? I think I wanna deal with this one.

Plat 

Esredes: >Boyfriend? Are humans really that stupid?< >—He’s distracted by that thought by Alise, though, his eyes going to her tonfa. He smiles a bit, realizing what she’s thinking.< Sure thing. Impress me. >He takes it from her, watching for what she’s going to do next.<

Momo 

Alise: >She grabs a hold of her tonfa and flips them to their resting position.<
Mavrik: >He starts to chuckle and glances towards his guys before back at her.< What- you're going to fight me? You? You must be jokin- >He's cut off as Alise jabs the short end of the tonfa into his throat. Following the movement, she lifts her leg up and kicks him in the chest, watching him collapse onto the ground.<
Alise: I've been wanting to do that since the day I met you.

Plat 

Esredes: >Oh my gods.< >He is so glad he got to see that. His smile is now much wider, and he even laughs a bit.<

Momo 

>The other two guys seem a bit hesitant to attack her, but Alise beats them to the punch. She swings the tonfa around by the handle so the long end whacks one across the face, following with a kick to knock him down. She does a similar movement to the second guy, frowning at the two as she stares at them on the ground in pain.<
Alise: And you two pieces of shit always just stood there and let him harass me. You're no better.

Momo 

Mavrik: >Choking on his own spit, he sits up.< What the- guhk- the FUCK! What happened? You- ugh- you changed-.
Alise: I haven't changed. I've always been this way. I've just been too tired and unable to defend myself. But now maybe the message will get across. >She crouches down and stares at him.< Whistle or call me again, and I'll make sure the next punch to your neck breaks your windpipe. >She stands back up and starts to walk towards Esredes.< Ready to go... That felt great.

Plat 

Esredes: That was incredible. I am very impressed. I think you’ve managed to fix your little problem now... Let’s go.

Momo 

Alise: >She smiles a bit.< It feels good to be strong again. >She places her tonfa away and looks up at him.< And thanks for getting him off me.

Plat 

Esredes: You’re welcome. I don’t think even I would’ve guessed you could do that.

Momo 

Alise: Really? Wow, I really have gotten soft...

Plat 

Esredes: I suppose I got used to you sitting in the workshop.

Momo 

Alise: I was a lot more active before all of this. I used to be a detective of sorts.

Plat 

Esredes: Oh, really? -Wait, a detective? No wonder you can read me so well. I didn’t realize you had actually been a detective.

Momo 

Alise: Yeah, I used to work with a team back in my hometown. I was the one who had to observe a lot of the crime scenes and piece things together. I fought too, but I wasn't nearly as strong as some of the other people in my group. So I wanted to learn self defense and hand to hand combat instead so I could get myself out of dangerous situations.

Plat 

Esredes: Well, then clearly it paid off. You fought well just now. And I would know.

Momo 

Alise: Now you're just trying to flatter me. >She chuckles.< Although I'd almost think you were proud of me, the way you smiled when I punched his throat.

Plat 

Esredes: I was definitely glad to have saw that. Those three had it coming. >but also, I just love seeing humans get hurt<

Momo 

Alise: They had it coming since the day I met them. >She replies, sighing.< Gosh, I did that in public. I was just so angry- I'm gonna get all sorts of weird looks.

Plat 

Esredes: Don’t you already?

Momo 

Alise: Weirder looks.

Plat 

Esredes: Does that bother you?

Momo 

Alise: ... I don't like getting stared at. Getting noticed. I just want to slip on through. Do you ever feel like that?

Plat 

Esredes: Any time I’m in a human civilization.

Momo 

Alise: Look, we have that in common.

Plat 

Esredes: I suppose we do. But you have to deal with it all the time.

Momo 

Alise: Not when I'm at home with Levi. Not when I hang out with him, or even you. You two are nice and calm.

Plat 

Esredes: Huh, do you really think that applies to both of us?

Momo 

Alise: I haven't seen you otherwise. Why? Is there some sort of unyielding temperament within you?

Plat 

Esredes: ....What? It’s just not something anyone usually uses to describe me. Especially not a human.

Momo 

Alise: Most of the humans who would try to describe you can't anyway. Cause they're, y'know, dead.

Plat 

Esredes: >he smiles< Exactly.

Momo 

Alise: >She smiles back.< That's pretty messed up.
>The two arrive back at the workshop and Alise opens the door for Esredes.<
Alise: I don't really have a new list for you right now. It's only a name or two. But if you want to hang out inside, I can go get it.

Plat 

Esredes: All right, sure. I think now’s a good time to not have much anyhow. The investigation has made me quite busy.

Momo 

Alise: Wanna talk about it? Or do you wanna get your mind off of the investigation?

Plat 

Esredes: It’s just as I told you. No lead has been found.

Momo 

Alise: I see... And the two guys you found, do you know where they are?

Plat 

Esredes: Not exactly. I would suspect in some village nearby to the site. Or maybe they’ve moved on by now.

Momo 

Alise: ... I hope they're doing well then. >She walks through the halls and into the kitchen to set the food down.< Feel free to take a seat. I suppose I should expect a no on tea?

Plat 

Esredes: You should really stop even asking by this point.

Momo 

Alise: It's only hospitable. And who knows, one day you might change your mind. >She starts to pour water into a tea kettle. After adding in the tea leaves, she walks over to the table and takes a seat, pulling off one of her gauntlets and placing it on the kettle.< Anything else you wanna talk about then?

Plat 

Esredes: I guess I didn’t exactly prepare for much beyond the report. But I do have a little thing to tell you.

Momo 

Alise: Hm? What's that?

Plat 

Esredes: You know my name can be... a bit of a mouthful sometimes. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a nickname for it. And I usually give it to people I feel comfortable with.

Momo 

Alise: >Her eyes widen a bit.< So... you more comfortable with me then?

Plat 

Esredes: By this point I would say so. My point is, my nickname is Esrey. You can use it now if you’d like. I don’t mind if Levi does either.

Momo 

Alise: Esrey.... That's a good nickname. >She smiles a bit.< And you already know my nickname... I guess I can tell you my real name.

Plat 

Esredes: ....Your name isn’t Alise?

Momo 

Alise: >She chuckles a bit.< Surprised? I tried to tell Levi my real name but he misheard me, and I've kinda liked the ring of Alise. So I just stuck with it. It's easy and shorter.

Plat 

Esredes: So what is it supposed to be...?

Momo 

Alise: It's Annalise. People used to try and call me Anna or Ann but I never really liked those nicknames.

Plat 

Esredes: Oh. That’s similar. So you’ve finally found one that works.

Momo 

Alise: Exactly. So, that's my real name. Don't spread it out. I still like Alise but if stuff ever gets serious, I know some people like to use the full first name.

Plat 

Esredes: I see. Well, it’s nice. It’s more unique.

Momo 

Alise: And Esrey makes things easier. Esredes is so formal.

Plat 

Esredes: It is. I usually like it that way, but it doesn’t need to be with us all the time.

Momo 

Alise: Esrey.... Esrey Esrey.... >She nods a bit.< Okay, I'm used to saying it now.

Plat 

Esredes: Rolls off easily, doesn’t it?

Momo 

Alise: It does. Do the people you work with call you that?

Plat 

Esredes: Not usually. It’s more of a professional environment.

Momo 

Alise: >She smiles a bit.< So we're in a less professional environment then. Do I dare call us friends?

Plat 

Esredes: I don’t know if that term feels right. We’re still business partners, but we’ve... become well acquainted, I suppose.

Momo 

Alise: That's fair enough. Besides, we only know each other's first names. >The pot starts to whistle, indicating that the tea is ready. She places her glove back on and starts pouring the tea through a strainer that rests on top of her cup.< You're missing out. It may just look like hot water with leaves in it. And it is. But the flavors are there.

Plat 

Esredes: Is there a last name I should be aware of? And what does that stuff even taste like.

Momo 

Alise: Most people have one, and I don't really get called by mine unless it's in a professional environment. Also, this one tastes like- >She blows on the tea and tastes a sip.< ... Mmm... cinnamon and mint, apparently. It's refreshing, but not my top favorite.

Plat 

Esredes: I’m not even sure I know what cinnamon tastes like.

Momo 

Alise: You could always take a sip. If it doesn't hurt me, it definitely won't hurt you.

Plat 

Esredes: I'll consider it for another time. In the meantime, you can enjoy it.

Momo 

Alise: >She nods and takes another sip.< Mm- if you ever feel sick or your throat is sore, this can do the trick. ... Mmm... I guess I'm a pretty boring person if I can't think of something to talk about.

Plat 

Esredes: I guess we haven't talked about much besides business or Levi so far, have we.

Momo 

Alise: What are some of the things you like to talk about?

Plat 

Esredes: Hm.... I suppose a lot of what comes to mind immediately relates to the faction. I could talk about some of the places I've been to in the world you've probably never been to.

Momo 

Alise: Really? Like where?

Plat 

Esredes: Like the marshes in the eastern part of the continent, or its side of the ocean. The desert to the far south. Even the northern summit for brief periods of time.  I've been most places at least once. Sometimes I don't even realize just how all over the place I am. When I was younger, it was one of the main things I wanted to do.

Momo 

Alise: Sounds nice.... I've only really been to a few places, but most of my time, I was in Lebensdauer.

Plat 

Esredes: Lebensdauer? You mean that large city up north?

Momo 

Alise: Yup, born and raised there.

Plat 

Esredes: And you refuse to tell Levi this?

Momo 

Alise: ... if I tell him, he'll want to try and visit there or take me home... and I don't want that.

Plat 

Esredes: What's so bad about that place from a human's perspective, then? Most of what I know about it is that there's too many people and a queen. Something about the place just seems kind of off to me, too.

Momo 

Alise: It's not a bad place at all. It's actually really great. Our queen does her best to make great strides for human and knochen equality. She's like... the less violent approach of what you do in a way. And the soldiers there are all great guys, we greet each other with respect and we did our best to improve ourselves and help others.

Plat 

Esredes: >he raises an eyebrow at that< So then what's the problem?

Momo 

Alise: ... I'm... too embarrassed to go back. >She replies, a sad look in her eyes.< I was trained by the best... and yet someone was able to overpower me and take me away. Now I'm a freak- I can't touch anything without burning it, I can't go back and tell them "hey, I'm home, let's pretend I didn't go missing." I don't want them to know what happened to me...

Plat 

Esredes: Is it more because of your hands or more because you were overpowered?

Momo 

Alise: Both... It's both... Besides, I like it here with Levi. It's quiet, mostly, and I feel normal here.

Plat 

Esredes: Even despite the strange looks and people harassing you?

Momo 

Alise: Better to get strange looks from strangers instead of people I know...

Plat 

Esredes: Well, can't argue with that.

Momo 

Alise: Yeah... Well, that's why I'm not going home. But that shouldn't stop you. There's a lot of people, but also a lot of knochen there too.

Plat 

Esredes: What do you mean stop me? I'm not going there either. I don't like human cities.

Momo 

Alise: It can get pretty crowded there... Hmm, I guess you would hate it. Everything I'd try to recommend is something you probably won't do.

Plat 

Esredes: Probably so. Towns are tolerable enough, but cities are... so far removed from the natural world. It just feels wrong being in one.

Momo 

Alise: Being out in nature is more relaxing... but cities feel more lively. I used to love it.

Plat 

Esredes: Too lively for my taste. So much noise.

Momo 

Alise: Yeah, probably... I have gone to Verbinden. It's not as noisy, and it wasn't a bad time.

Plat 

Esredes: That place is even worse in my opinion.

Momo 

Alise: Really? It's not nearly as bustling as Lebensdauer.

Plat 

Esredes: No, but it's full of sketchy people. Potion makers. Hunters. All the particularly bad kinds. >It's a shame we failed to destroy it.<

Momo 

Alise: There are good people there too... Levi has a few clients there who pay him well enough. And before you say anything, the answer is no, it's not for weapons.

Plat 

Esredes: Then what is it for?

Momo 

Alise: He makes parts, like limbs, for some of the people there. He's really good at it too, he should make himself a better leg than that peg.

Plat 

Esredes: Do a lot of people in Verbinden lose their limbs?

Momo 

Alise: No, but there are a few people there who pay well enough that we make the trip down.

Plat 

Esredes: So only a few rich people, then. I suppose with the way humans devote everything to their currency system it must be worth it.

Momo 

Alise: Hey, it's the reason I can go out and buy food, and Levi can buy his supplies. My gauntlets apparently weren't cheap to make.

Plat 

Esredes: I can imagine they weren't. He said there were a lot of failures too.

Momo 

Alise: I kept melting most of them... >She chuckles dryly.<

Plat 

Esredes: So what material made it finally work?

Momo 

Alise: A tough metal called Tungsten. It's melting point is really high and it can handle most of the heat my hands generate.

Plat 

Esredes: What a name for a metal, too... It must've been expensive.

Momo 

Alise: Yeah, it's hard to break and manipulate to a certain shape, but Levi was smart enough to get it done right.

Plat 

Esredes: How fortunate it is that you have him, then.

Momo 

Alise: Yeah... I guess there's something good that came from this mess.

Plat 

Esredes: So do you prefer being with him with fire hands as opposed to doing detective work back in Lebensdauer? >way to get uncomfortably deep<

Momo 

Alise: .... >She takes a moment to think.< ... I guess... If I used to be who I was before, I'd prefer Lebensdauer.... But I think I've changed from that point...

Plat 

Esredes: Is that so?

Momo 

Alise: Yeah... I have. >She looks up at Esrey.< I know it takes a lot to change a person, but I'm pretty sure going through hell and back will do the trick.

Plat 

Esredes: I'd certainly agree. Experiencing the harsh reality of the world can do a lot. >his tone seems a bit softer here rather than simply a blunt statement.<

Momo 

Alise: >Her eyes widen a bit at the tone as well, but it seems to relax her.< I see you get it...

Plat 

Esredes: >His expression remains even.< Indeed. I don't know how Levi seems to be immune to it.

Momo 

Alise: Levi isn't immune to it... he's just better at keeping an optimistic attitude than I am.

Plat 

Esredes: So it changed him too...?

Momo 

Alise: He used to have two legs, now he has one. That's a start. Other than that, I didn't really know what he was like before. I never met him before all of this.

Plat 

Esredes: And I'm assuming you haven't really asked?

Momo 

Alise: Apparently he used to be a lot shyer and more quiet... then after the near death experience, he decided to go all out in inventing, never knowing when his time will truly come and wanting to do all he could.

Plat 

Esredes: Well that sounds like he changed for the better. At least... mostly.

Momo 

Alise: I kinda wish he kept both legs but yeah... he changed for the better.

Plat 

Esredes: ...So how did he lose one?

Momo 

Alise: >There's a long moment of silence before she speaks.< .... It's my fault.

Plat 

Esredes: ...What?

Momo 

Alise: It's my fault that.... Levi lost his leg.

Plat 

Esredes: How is it your fault...?

Momo 

Alise: ... When we were escaping, something had happened. An outbreak. There were people and uncanny running around everywhere.  Levi found me and we were outside, he froze because he saw the fire and then he was knocked unconscious. Some uncanny attacked him. I tried to wake him up,  I- >He can see tears start to form in her eyes.< I had to... to pull him to safety. We had to get out of there, I didn't know...

Plat 

Esredes: >His expression slowly becomes more surprised as she goes on< So you burned his leg???

Momo 

Alise: I had to pull him away! I brought him as far away as I could, I.... >She looks away.< I didn't mean to... I didn't...

Plat 

Esredes: But he would have died if you didn't?

Momo 

Alise: ... I panicked... I kept thinking of every other thing I could have done.... But instead I grabbed him and.... and I should have never grabbed him... >She covers her face.< I could have done so many other things...

Plat 

Esredes: Like what?

Momo 

Alise: Like stood there and fought back! Or- or tried to link our arms and pull him away without using my hands- I.... >She shakes her head.< I didn't think those things at the time...

Plat 

Esredes: ...It's hard to think in the heat of the moment. I'm always afraid of making consequential decisions like that myself.

Momo 

Alise: >She sniffles a bit and wipes her eyes.< ... He says he doesn't blame me... and he probably never will... but I wish he would because... I still feel so bad about it.

Plat 

Esredes: And him blaming you would make you feel any better?

Momo 

Alise: Maybe.... I don't know...

Plat 

Esredes: It doesn't sound to me like it would.

Momo 

Alise: Yeah... ... I just... I was so tired that day, so desperate, and I kept thinking if I was thinking a little clearer... had been a little smarter....

Plat 

Esredes: >honestly, he's not sure what to say to that because... that really does suck< ...At least he's adjusted to it.

Momo 

Alise: >She chuckles weakly.< He's done more than that. He's taken it with stride.... He likes to balance on that stupid pegleg.

Plat 

Esredes: Does he usually fall or succeed at that?

Momo 

Alise: He wobbles but he's not bad at it. >She wipes her eyes a bit more.<

Plat 

Esredes: I'm impressed, then. That must be difficult considering his size.

Momo 

Alise: >She chuckles a bit more.< Yeah... I guess it is.... ... It's also a reason why I prefer to stick around here... And do the cooking and cleaning and shopping. He'd do it himself but I don't want him to overwork himself.

Plat 

Esredes: I see.... he really means a lot to you.

Momo 

Alise: He's done a lot for me after what I did to him... it's only right that I do the same.

Plat 

Esredes: I have to agree. You have quite the way of looking out for each other.

Momo 

Alise: >She smiles< We're like an old married couple.

Plat 

Esredes: Except not at all old and married.

Momo 

Alise: I don't know, the way I move and talk nowadays, I feel old.

Plat 

Esredes: Says you to someone who's been alive over a century.

Momo 

Alise: Oh my gosh, I'm talking to a grandpa.

Plat 

Esredes: By your standards you are. I'm not even middle aged yet.

Momo 

Alise: Neither am I, by human standards. So I guess we're just two young folk feeling too old.

Plat 

Esredes: I wouldn't say I actually feel old. Right now's kind of the perfect middle for me. I'm not losing my physical ability yet, but I'm past the stupidity of your young adult years. Or at least the adolescent years...

Momo 

Alise: I can see you've taken a lot of time to analyze yourself then. >She smirks<

Plat 

Esredes: What's that implying? >I feel like you're trying to take a jab at me somehow<

Momo 

Alise: Nothing really, just an observation.

Plat 

Esredes: Fair enough then, I suppose. >he pauses a moment< ...Well, we've managed to learn a lot again this time.

Momo 

Alise: Yeah... This conversation was heavy. Why can't we talk about something simple like the weather?

Plat 

Esredes: It's sunny outside. That's all there is to say.

Momo 

Alise: I like it when it rains. It's relaxing and satisfying to stay indoors.

Plat 

Esredes: Is that so? All it usually is is an inconvenience to me.

Momo 

Alise: You fly, right? I bet it is inconvenient. If there's ever a storm and you're nearby, you're free to stay over til the storm passes.

Plat 

Esredes: Usually I would wait it out under a large tree or something. But this house would admittedly be more effective.

Momo 

Alise: I could teach you how to play cards. It helps the time pass.

Plat 

Esredes: What's the point of those?

Momo 

Alise: It's like a game. Levi and I play it when we're bored, and it's fun. Some people play it to win money, others just to learn about strategy.

Plat 

Esredes: You really don't have anything more meaningful to do?

Momo 

Alise: When it rains, we relax. We don't really get the chance to otherwise. It's important to rest, y'know.

Plat 

Esredes: I know that. Sometimes I don't get to for long periods of time either.

Momo 

Alise: Which is why you have to take advantage on the days you have off.

Plat 

Esredes: I suppose I wouldn't expect to ever do it with cards.

Momo 

Alise: What about chess? Or board games? Or playing truth or dare?

Plat 

Esredes: What's truth or dare?

Momo 

Alise: I ask you truth or dare. If you pick truth, I ask you a question that you must answer truthfully. If you pick dare, I give you a challenge you have to complete.

Plat 

Esredes: What kind of challenge?

Momo 

Alise: Something stupid like... try to lick your own nose.

Plat 

Esredes: Is it meant to be things that are impossible?

Momo 

Alise: >She sticks her tongue out and lifts it up. Surprisingly, it reaches the tip of her nose.< Nyuh. It's possible.

Plat 

Esredes: >....oh.< Well, your tongue must be unusually long.

Momo 

Alise: >She smirks.< I don't see you trying.

Plat 

Esredes: I'll pass.

Momo 

Alise: Boo, no fun. Well, after you answer my question or perform my task, you can ask or tell me to do something.

Plat 

Esredes: I could get into it if the challenges were more interesting.

Momo 

Alise: Want an interesting challenge then?

Plat 

Esredes: Try me.

Momo 

Alise: Alright.... I dare you... make me think you're not sitting in that chair without moving.

Plat 

Esredes: You mean just doing this? >he projects into her mind<

Momo 

Alise: Exactly. I thought that trick you did when we first met was cool.

Plat 

Esredes: I still maintain that it's useful in certain situations. >All right, he removes it<

Momo 

Alise: Can you do anything else?

Plat 

Esredes: I can manipulate the earth or make your mind feel like it's swimming.

Momo 

Alise: I'd prefer the swimming. I don't like earthquakes.

Plat 

Esredes: Neither of them are particularly pleasant. It makes your head pound and makes it hard to focus on anything.

Momo 

Alise: Oh, that was a figure of speech. Nevermind then... can you think of anything fun like... butterflies or flowers?

Plat 

Esredes: What do you mean?

Momo 

Alise: You can manipulate my mind so that I can't see you. Can't you manipulate it so I can see a butterfly or something?

Plat 

Esredes: No, not really. It's only able to camouflage me against the background. My abilities are mostly useful for combat situations.

Momo 

Alise: Hmm... it could be fun if you used them for other stuff.

Plat 

Esredes: I can't think of much else they'd be used for.

Momo 

Alise: Making people see butterflies and flowers.

Plat 

Esredes: I already said that's not possible.

Momo 

Alise: It could be. If you can make yourself disappear, you can also make people see things.

Plat 

Esredes: Believe me, I've tried, but it doesn't work that way. I've already managed to make myself able to do a lot with earth, I think by this point my magic won't allow anything new. If you want to see flowers, you're better off going outside.

Momo 

Alise: Hmm... worth a shot. Do your powers stop developing at a certain point?

Plat 

Esredes: Essentially. Usually a knochen can't go beyond having three specific powers. I didn't even expect myself to develop mind magic in the first place, but it turned out to be quite useful.

Momo 

Alise: Hmm... That's pretty cool. So you prefer making earthquakes then?

Plat 

Esredes: Well, it's extremely useful for combat on the ground. You have a hard time escaping from the very thing you're standing on.

Momo 

Alise: Eugh, sounds like a pain for the people who fight alongside you.

Plat 

Esredes: I don't usually center it around them.

Momo 

Alise: So you can pick an area of earth that gets trembles? It's not all of it?

Plat 

Esredes: I can only create it within the radius of a field. It'd take an immensely powerful knochen to truly make a widespread earthquake.

Momo 

Alise: Hmm... That or they're super duper strong and they punch the ground.

Plat 

Esredes: I'm not quite sure that would work.

Momo 

Alise: Sorry, I had a captain back when I was a soldier. He was a knochen, and man, he was strong. I used to think all knochen were as strong as him but I guess he was an exception.

Plat 

Esredes: >eyebrow raise< Really...? Just how strong are we talking?

Momo 

Alise: He could punch me through a wall if he wanted to. He knew I was human but he pushed me to perform at my best... the same went for all of his subordinates. That's what I always liked about him.

Plat 

Esredes: >Shame he's sided with humans, then. I'm sure our forces would appreciate someone like that.< I'm starting to get the feeling what I saw earlier was only a preview.

Momo 

Alise: >She smirks and nods.< I was pretty good, and I hope to get better by the end of the month.

Plat 

Esredes: Maybe if you practice enough, you'll be able to take me on. >he smirks to indicate he's joking, though.<

Momo 

Alise: Hey, it's not impossible. I can damn well try.

Plat 

Esredes: Even if I didn't use my powers, our combat styles don't match well. I think it'd be better if I didn't use my sword against you.

Momo 

Alise: Maybe that's what we'll do next time you come over. A friendly brawl.

Plat 

Esredes: Hm. That might be fun, actually. I've never tried having one with a human before.

Momo 

Alise: A "friendly" brawl anyway.

Plat 

Esredes: A "business partner" brawl.

Momo 

Alise: >She chuckles at that.< A business brawl. I like it.

Plat 

Esredes: That has a better ring to it. Now it just sounds like we're trying to accomplish something by fighting.

Momo 

Alise: We'll accomplish a better sense of each other.

Plat 

Esredes: Or at least of each others' fists.

Momo 

Alise: >She chuckles a bit.< Yes, that too.

Plat 

Esredes: >He also can't help himself but chuckle ever so slightly.< Well, that's something to look forward to.

Momo 

Alise: And hopefully I'll have a bigger list for you, so there's that as well to look forward to.

Plat 

Esredes: Ah, right. Speaking of which, I don't think you ever gave me the couple names you had.

Momo 

Alise: Oh! Right- >She stands up and leaves the room. Not much time passes with her quick return, a small note in hand.< I picked up the names of these two hunters who have been flaunting their kill down south. It's just word of mouth, so you'll need to check if the rumors are true.

Plat 

Esredes:  >He stands up now as well< Down south, you say? I'll look into it as soon as I can. Knowing their names should certainly help.

Momo 

Alise: Once again, you should be careful. I know you're strong but I hear they're quite tough.

Plat 

Esredes: Do they have guns?

Momo 

Alise: I don't know, maybe?

Plat 

Esredes: I usually only get truly concerned if guns are involved. But I learned a long time ago not to underestimate humans. So I'll be sure to be careful.

Momo 

Alise: >She smiles and nods.< Good. And if you ever need a moment to relax or if you want to talk about the investigation, feel free to drop by.

Plat 

Esredes: If it does lead to anything I'll let you know as soon as possible. I still have the dart to figure out, too.

Momo 

Alise: Ah, those things. If I can recall anything from my days with Thiessen, I'll let you know about them. She liked to chatter a lot, but most of what she said is hazy to me.

Plat 

Esredes: >That makes two people with hazy memories.< Maybe something will jog your memory, who knows.

Momo 

Alise: I'm kind of hoping for that... and I'm also hoping that doesn't happen. I don't really want to remember everything....

Plat 

Esredes: Hm. Well, you can't really have it both ways.

Momo 

Alise: I can't, so I should appreciate that I can't remember for now and hope that I can in the future.

Plat 

Esredes: There you go. That works. Now that that's sorted out, it's probably time that I leave.

Momo 

Alise: Alright. I'll see you out then. >She stands up.< By the way, before I forget to ask... what are your subordinates like?

Plat 

Esredes: Subordinates? You mean the other knochen in the faction? Where'd this question come from?

Momo 

Alise: Just a little curious. I can picture my old captain and the teammates I had. I kinda wondered what kind of knochen followed you.

Plat 

Esredes: I suppose it varies to a degree. The majority of us are all there to work towards our common goal, and most of us have had different negative personal experiences with humans. Others just recognize that humans are the enemy. A lot of knochen in there are formidable people I would trust with my life... but there's also a smaller number of ones that I don't trust at all, yet nobody has a reason to cast out yet.  They're very annoying to deal with.

Momo 

Alise: Mmm... thanks for letting me know, Esrey. >She smiles, more towards the fact that she can call him Esrey rather than him responding to her.<

Plat 

Esredes: >Hm...< If that satisfies you, I'll be off. Take care as usual.... Annalise. >oh he's going there< 

Momo 

Alise: >Her eyes widen and he can see her face turn red.< You- wh- that- that is.... >She looks away.< You take care too...

Plat 

Esredes: >That makes him laugh just a bit< Did that really catch you so off-guard?

Momo 

Alise: No one has called me that in a long time... so yeah, I was a bit thrown. >She pouts.<

Plat 

Esredes: Clearly you've made a mistake tonight, then. >he's smirking again now. Your pouting is just making it funnier.<

Momo 

Alise: >She pouts more and glances away.< Don't make me regret my decision.

Plat 

Esredes: Oh, I won't. I just couldn't resist the opportunity. All right, all right, Alise. Like I said, I'll be seeing you.

Momo 

Alise: You too, and take care, Esredes. >She waves, watching him go off.<