2. [breathing relief] Ho… thank god.
Flux. But… who are you?
2. Oh, me? Well, I didn't even get the chance to tell you who I am, did I? Nice to meet you—I'm Alicia. Sweet to see you.
---
Flux. [eyes widen] A–Alicia?
Alicia. Yes. [smiles warmly]
Flux. W–w–wait… you mean the Legendary Defender Alicia?
Alicia. [with playful sweetness] Oh? You know me already? 😘
Flux. But… I heard Alicia was a legend who's been dead for ages. So how—
Alicia. [expression falters, sadness flickers in her eyes] Oh god… I don't want to hear this from Ru— …Flux. Flux! Flux, no, not "Ru"…
Flux. Huh?
Alicia. [forcing a small smile] In your world's storybooks… most of it is lies. You do know that, right?
Flux. [hesitant] Well, yeah… but still, how is someone like you here?
Alicia. [confused] What do you mean? Do you even know where you are?
Flux. [nervously] What? Don't tell me we're in… a different place?
Alicia. Exactly. You're inside White's Holy Castle.
Flux. [shocked, yelling] WHA–A–A–A–A–ATTTTTTTTTT?!
Flux. H–h–how did I even end up here? Did you… did you kidnap me?!
Alicia. [panicking, waving her hands] W–wait! No, no, we didn't kidnap you!
---
On Mike's Side
Meanwhile, in another chamber… Mike, White, and Hidori are present. Hidori leans silently in the corner, arms folded.
White. So… Mike, you're Flux's best friend, right?
Mike. Y–Y–Yeah, Sir.
White. Hmm. Then tell me—what's Flux like?
Mike. Huh? What do you mean, sir?
White. I mean his daily life. His habits. What does he usually do?
Mike. [thinking suspiciously] …Is he a stalker or something?
White. [snaps] Hey! I am not a stalker, brat. I just need to know at least that much.
Suddenly, from White's private chamber, a voice cuts in. It's "1," lounging lazily and munching on divine snacks.
1. Hahaha… you're White, all right. Still uptight.
White. [telepathically] Just shut up, you bastard.
1. Hey, hey! That's no way to talk to your so-close friend, you know~
White. Since when were we friends?
1. Oh? Then why did we crush the old Council and make the decision about Ixia together, hm? Hoho…
White. When did you decide that, brat?
1. Hey, I agreed too! And if I tell Zyg—
White. [cuts him off quickly] Okay, okay! Fine, you're my "friend." Now shut your mouth!
1. Hoho~ You don't want him to be sad, right? You're too pure, White. That's why I love poking at you, my little Pooki~
White. [veins popping] Shut up and get lost, you mf!
White. [turning back to Mike] Now… tell me.
---
Author's Note:
This happens before Flux wakes up. Also, "1" literally stopped time just to annoy White and chat with his dear "Pooki." 😜