After another day of recovery, Arthur and Alice were already much better physically... mentally too, although they still carried some remnants.
Hanna remained there, unmoving, as if waiting could somehow alter the past or the future. The sound of water and the creaking of wood under Alice and Arthur's steps felt distant, almost unreal. And yet, each sound reminded them they were alive, together — for now — and that alone was rare enough to be valued.
" What if they come after me again? We're not safe… Infiltrating that base is a huge risk. And it's definitely not the main headquarters... Damn, this is too complicated... " Hanna ran a hand across her forehead, trying to contain the flood of thoughts. " But, like it or not, it has to be done. "
With each passing second, the anguish tightened in her chest. The mere thought of being captured again, turned into a test subject for twisted experiments, made her let out a heavy sigh — filled with exhaustion and fear.
" I don't want to go through that again… never again, " she whispered, clutching her own arm as if she wanted to shrink inside herself.
" I never thought I'd see you like this… so worn down, " Alice said softly, approaching slowly before sitting beside her.
Hanna turned her head, frowning, the discomfort plain in her eyes.
" Don't be ridiculous. Me? Down? Ha… what a joke, " she replied, forcing a smile that convinced no one.
But Alice noticed. Without another word, she placed her hand on Hanna's head and began stroking her hair gently.
" I know… we don't really get along. And you don't trust me. " Alice sighed, staring into the void for a moment. " To be honest… I don't fully trust you either. "
She filled her lungs with air, as if she needed courage to keep going.
" But… you can talk to me, you know? Even if I don't always like you, and you don't like me. Our bickering, the crappy way we met… but still, you're part of the team. So, the least I can do is listen. " Alice's eyes carried sincerity.
As tough as Hanna was, she couldn't stop a solitary tear from slipping down her cheek.
" I… I can't sleep properly. Every time I close my eyes, it feels like I'm back in that place… " she said, her voice trembling.
Alice listened without interrupting, knowing that some wounds couldn't be healed with pretty words. Sometimes, just being there and listening was enough to show that nothing would be repeated — that Hanna's loneliness could be shared, even if only for that moment.
Behind her combat strength, Hanna carried scars that still tore her apart inside… as if every second of her life was a sin to be purged.
" I just wanted someone to… " the words died in her throat, hesitation silencing her.
" Well… that's it. Thanks for listening, Alice, " she said, not hugging her, but offering a genuine smile.
" I know it's risky, that it could be a trap. I can't promise everything will work out… but what I can promise is this: no one here will leave you behind. And no one will betray you, even if everything collapses, " Alice said firmly. " You can trust me on that, silly. "
They stayed there for a while, letting the conversation drift to lighter things — music, silly memories, and even stories of how many times they'd knocked someone out in a bar fight. The same teasing and arguments as always… but beneath it, something new began to form: a timid but real trust, like the first thread of a solid friendship.
---
Some time later, Arthur, Hanna, and Alice were sitting at the table, relaxing.
" So… where have you two been? " Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow at their absence.
" Me? Helping you clean the house, obviously. What a dumb question… " Alice shot back.
" Wow, such delicacy… it was just a question, okay? " Hanna muttered, glaring at her.
" We were talking about how Alice has terrible taste in music. Who the hell likes K-pop? For God's sake, " Hanna laughed loudly, slapping the table.
" Alice likes K-pop? Now that caught me off guard, " Arthur added, laughing too.
" Y-you bitch! Stop making things up! I would never listen to that, not in a million years! " Alice shouted, her face red with embarrassment.
Arthur smiled discreetly, aware that those silly moments of relaxation were just as vital as any training or mission planning.
" Relax, Alice. Maybe it's just us who don't have good taste, " Arthur teased.
Alice huffed and crossed her arms, as if to end the subject.
" Alright, enough nonsense. Focus on the mission. We already have a plan, but honestly, it feels like something out of a movie, " she said, resting her arms on the table.
" I agree. Storming in head-on won't be easy. Even if it's not the main headquarters, it's still complicated, " Arthur pondered.
The good mood faded, replaced by a heavy silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
" Damn it… this is too complicated, " Arthur muttered.
" I can't think of anyone to help us infiltrate. Looks like we're on our own, " Hanna said.
Arthur frowned, thinking.
" Wait… what if we hacked into their security system? If we got in without triggering the alarm, it would be much easier. And if that base isn't that important, maybe it won't even have that many guards, " he suggested, a bit of excitement in his voice, his foot tapping nervously.
" Great idea, genius… too bad none of us knows how to hack the Humans Upper security system! " Alice cut him off immediately, deflating his enthusiasm.
" But… couldn't we just hire someone for that? " Hanna suggested.
" You've got to be kidding me. Hackers are expensive, and they could screw us over in the end, " Alice shot back, her tone sharp.
" If we do the research, we could find someone reliable… and affordable. And let's be honest, money isn't exactly a problem for you, Alice, " Arthur and Hanna said almost at the same time, countering her objection.
" And what if the hacker sells us out to Humans Upper the second they find out we want to break into their building? Did you think of that? " Alice retorted, still suspicious.
Arthur went quiet for a few seconds, realizing the plan had far more risks than he first imagined.
" Alice is right, Hanna. Hiring someone like that is too risky… " he sighed, running a hand over his face. " But, honestly, I don't see many other options either. "
Alice took a deep breath, locking eyes with Arthur. She couldn't demand too much from the situation — and there weren't many alternatives. It was either accept or give up. And if they were going to accept, it would be her way.
" Here's what we'll do… I can get us access to the city's outskirts. That's where drugs, weapons, dirty jobs… and products the authorities don't allow usually circulate. So that's the ideal place to find this kind of help, " she said, standing up and tossing a cellphone into Arthur's lap.
Arthur picked it up, confused.
" What do you mean "get access"? Can't we just go in? " he asked, pocketing the device.
" Did you even listen to what I just said? If going in was that simple, we'd already be screwed. It's like invading enemy territory. But, luckily, I have contacts. They'll open the way, " she turned to Hanna, grabbing her arm. " You're coming with me. Arthur, if anything goes wrong, call me on that number. "
Arthur jumped to his feet.
" I'm going with you! " he insisted.
" No. You're wanted, and you're still recovering… you'll be more of a burden than help. Stay here and wait. Hanna and I will be back soon, " she finished, without looking back.
The door closed with a sharp thud, echoing louder than any words could. Arthur stood there, motionless, feeling the emptiness left by their absence.
The world outside seemed to move on indifferently, but inside him, every thought about the mission and its risks gnawed at his patience and his sense of control. He couldn't go… and that left him trapped within himself — powerless, restless, and weighed down by a helplessness that would haunt him for a long time.