Snippet #2463551

As painful it was to hear every word coming from Isamu's mouth, Alice started to finally realize what was going on around here. It was the first time she had gotten answers, the truth. It all made sense now. Why Isamu was so restricted, and yet determined. Why the Saiforros were so...bone-chilling. And why everyone here couldn't seem to leave. Even her.

"Isamu, I'm so sorry." It worried her that he hadn't moved a muscle since they went out on the balcony. He'd been putting on this statue-like stance all day, and no doubt because his body was too weak to do much of anything else. She couldn't imagine how hard it was for him to watch over his charming little girl and never get to hold her. Did the poor creature even know what she was in for? And her mother...It took all of Alice not to grimace at the fact their daughter had been forced. So much torture, and yet Isamu was still there. Still standing. Still willing and determined and worried. Her pale hands covered her face as more tears trickled down for him. After a moment of silence, of being completely frozen, she lifted her face and peered up at him. He'd never be the same silly creature she had met who didn't know how to play a simple game of truth-or-dare. It was such a small moment and happened so long ago (at least it felt that way) but it was the moment Alice believed he showed his true self, and what he would be like if he were happy.

"Does anyone else know?" Alice asked, cautiously creeping towards him. She didn't know whether to be frightened or saddened by him. "Can't we...figure out someway to help? Heck, there are people down there socializing with the very monsters who did this to you." Everyone was in danger. Tsukasa, Lark, the pleasant man Alice met--and the first person she met--Jordyn, and..of course, Isamu and his daughter. So why this event? Why put off the torture by covering it up with this...nonsense?

Alice's breath was visible as she let out a sigh. What a horrible moment to spend in such beautiful scenery. There were so many hidden treasures like this simple balcony and its view. She could just imagine what a sight this mansion was before the darkness took over. Elegant, blissful, easy. She turned towards him after her mind had wandered and placed a scared, gentle hand on his arm, hoping to not only comfort him but herself.