Alice

Mahannana and Alice sat staring at each other. Despite the peaceful aura her guest exuded, Mahannana was frozen in terror. ‘This Kern’s little sister...’ He was right; she wasn’t little. She looked the very image of a polished, educated woman, the exact opposite of her ruffian brother. ‘But that bright orange hair is unmistakable.’

“I’m...I’m so sorry!” Mahannana burst out, clutching her chest. “It’s all my fault! Your brother died because of me! I’m sorry!” Mahannana started hyperventilating and her face screwed up like she was crying but, despite making the motions, the tears wouldn’t come. “If it wasn’t for me...!" Her eyes dilated wildly. “I should never-!” “Mahannana.” Alice laid her hand on the girl’s cutting her off.

Mahannana flinched in surprise but didn’t pull away. “You have nothing to apologize for. It wasn’t your fault. Mahannana looked at the woman, too stunned to comprehend her words. “W-what?” “You didn’t do a single thing wrong.” Alice took Mahannana’s hand in hers. “You didn’t kill my brother. You didn’t.” “But if I hadn’t been there-” Alice shook her head. “It wasn’t you. It was the elves. My brother was a grown man, and he made his own choices. He was there because he wanted to be.” A sad, nostalgic look came over Alice’s face. “He was stubborn. Even if you tried to stop him, he was going to do what he wanted to do. When it comes to adventuring, everything has risks. It’s inherent in the job and, for informal groups like the raiders, the risk is higher than usual. Your presence had nothing to do with it. You saw how monstrous the elves were.” Mahannana recalled the aura of perfect terror and death that the white-haired elf had radiated. “Yeah. It was...terrifying...”

“See?” Alice pointed out. “Not to demean you in anyway but, if a seasoned fighter like my brother stood no chance, what could a beginner mage like you do? You would have just died for nothing.” Mahannana soaked in her guest's words. Still too scared to hope, she searched the woman’s face for any contradictions. “You don’t hate me? You don’t wish I was dead?” Alice’s mouth fell open in horror. “What?! Of course not! You’ve never hurt me and you’re the victim here! I’m glad there was a survivor! I know that it’s easy for me to say but, please get that idea out of your head!” She gave Mahannana’s hand a squeeze and let go. The girl turned her head towards the window, but she wasn’t actually looking at it. “I own your brother my life.” Mahannana said quietly. “He was nice. He listened to me and laughed at my stories. He reminded me of Mr Aqua. When the attack started...he shielded me. When he couldn’t outrun the elves with me, he scarified himself to try and stop them while I got away.” She recalled the final smile he gave her.

“Up until the last moment, he didn’t regret anything, and I think that’s what’s so hard.” She looked back at Alice. “I’ve never been smart, or funny, or impressive. I’ve never done anything profound or important. But...someone still thought I was worth saving and wasn’t scared of dying for me.” Alice smiled. “That sounds like Kern, all right...my brother was always loud and enjoyed a fight, but he was also a protective person by nature. Must have been his instincts from raising me. Any time someone needed help, he’d jump in first, ask questions later. The number of times that goon got himself beat up-!” She giggled. “But that was just how he was. I’d asked him a thousand times to quit raiding and join a proper guild. They might not have looked like it, but the Valkirk raiders actually had quite a lot of money. The job was lucrative. We had enough money for the future years ago, and I begged my brother to stop doing such a risky job, but he didn’t want to. As worried as I was, what right did I have to stop him from doing what he loved, you know? I’m not mad.” She reiterated. “I just wish I could have somehow convinced him. I miss him...”

“-I’m sorry for always being so stubborn.” Mahannana said suddenly. “What?” Alice blinked in confusion. “Kern’s last words. Before he stayed behind, he told me ‘if you ever meet my sister, tell her I’m sorry for being such a stubborn idiot.’” “I see...” A tear rolled silently down Alice’s face. “You big dummy!” She wiped her eyes.

“Anyway, your mother was at the funeral. She told me everything. I was worried about you and wanted to make sure you knew that I didn’t blame you in any way for what happened. And...” Out of nowhere, she pulled out a large bag and set it on the bed with a *thud*. Mahannana jumped. “What’s this?” “I’m an accountant by trade. I mentioned that the raiders had a lot of money saved up right? Well, I’ve been having to help deal with the wills and all that junk. Kern was the only one that had any family around.” “Really?” Alice nodded in confirmation. “Yeah. I settled their tabs and stuff and since there was still plenty left...”

Mahannana untied the string and gasped as the bag fell open. It was stuffed with glittering gold; the most money she’d seen in her life. “Alice! T-this has to be at least a few thousand gold!” Mahannana stuttered, attempting to shove the money back. “I can’t take this!” Alice blocked her. “I want you to have it. And I’m sure the guys would be happy to know it went to you. Take it, please.” Mahannana snapped her mouth shut. If this was the way she could honor Kerns memory and make it up to his sister in even a small way, she’d take the money.

“Well, you need to rest and I’m sure this is enough excitement for one day.” Alice stood to leave. “It was nice to meet you, though I wish it had been in different circumstances. She paused before suddenly pulling Mahannana into a hug. Despite her surprise Mahannana leaned into Alice’s chest, accepting the hug.

“If my brother had to save someone...I’m glad it was you.” Alice whispered into the girl’s hair.

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“Hi Ma-Chan.” Mahannana lit up, “Mama!” “Are you done eating?” Selena asked as she cautiously padded into the room. Mahannana nodded. “I felt like I hadn’t eaten in weeks. That was good.” She sighed as Selena eyed the empty plate next to the bed. Selena felt like she was walking on eggshells; ever since the sister of one of the dead raiders had visited that morning, something seemed to have changed with Madoka. She still seemed sad and overwhelmed, but she was talking, eating, and overall acting more like herself. She wasn’t robotic anymore, but Selena knew that she wasn’t completely “better”, whatever that would look like. Even if it wouldn't be as bad as the preceding days, the intensity of the episode could come and go once she got over that initial, insurmountably intense mountain of feelings. ' I thought I was used to handling her depressive episodes, but this is a whole other ballgame. Death and bodily injury...who knows what her brain might decide to do?’

Selena sat next to Madoka. “You look like you’re doing a little better.” She waited. Mahannana smiled and nodded. “I still don’t feel great, emotionally or physically, but I feel...so much better.” She sighed. “I can’t explain the feeling in words, but Alice really took a weight off of me.” Selena laid her head on her daughter’s lap, closing her eyes in relief. For the first time in days, she felt the proverbial load on her back lighten. ‘She’s going to be okay.’ She reassured herself. ‘Even if it takes a while...she’s getting her spunk back.’

Mahannana silently stroked her mother’s ears, trying to gather her courage. ‘If I’m going to tell her, now’s the time.’ Her heart started racing. Ever since Alice left, the knowledge that she had enough money for her dream shop had been weighing on her. On one hand, it was like a shot of caffeine in a good way; her dream was within reach, and she could physically see it in front of her! On the other hand, she knew that it meant she’d have to talk to her mother. That idea terrified her, and she wanted to rip the band-aid off as quickly as possible. ‘Mama has been more relaxed in this world, but this is a big ask.’ She admitted. ‘Opening a store when I’m only fifteen is a bit out of the norm, and I bet she’s about ready to handcuff me to her and never let me out of her sight after this.’ She reminded herself of Esmo’s enthusiastic endorsement of her goal. ‘i’m not the only one who believes in myself and, if I can survive a near-death experience with an elf, I can tell mama about my dream.’

“Hey, mama? I have something I need to talk to you about.” Selena’s head snapped up. “It’s nothing serious and I’m okay, I promise!” Mahannana assured her mother. She took a deep breath. “About the money Alice gave me.” Selena visibly relaxed. "Ah, that.” “I know what I want to do with it. I’ve wanted to do it this whole time and that’s why I wanted to take quests so badly. I wanted to save up money for my dream.” She clenched her fists. “I want to open a consultation shop!” She burst out. “Ever since we got here, I’ve wanted to open a business where I give medical and practical assistance to people for cheap!” Now that she’d got the initial words out, everything tumbled out.

“Then we wouldn’t have to take regular quests, and we’d have our own house and source of income so we wouldn’t have to rely on Aqua anymore! We’d be set for the future, and I just really want to do it! I want to be able to help people and live a nice, calm, normal life with you in this world! And the money Alice gave me is more than enough to buy a building! There’s one I have my eye on, and I really want to be able to offer Bisky-Chan and Pip a real job and somewhere safe to live!” Mahannana sucked in her breath and made herself look into her mother’s eyes.

“Mama, please! Let me open my shop! Lets open my dream shop together!” She burst out. ‘I did it! I really did it!’ She breathed heavily as she quickly looked away. ‘I said what I wanted! No matter how much convincing it takes, I can do this!’

“Okay. Let’s do it.” “Please! I know it’s a crazy idea, but I promise-! Wait, what?” Mahannana stared at her mother in shock. “I said yes. I’m on board.” Selena let out a little laugh as her daughter’s jaw fell. ” Just like that?” Selena nodded and carefully climbed onto the bed. “Yep. You’ve mentioned saving money before and I wondered what you were plotting. That’s actually a very smart idea and you seem to have things planned out.” Mahannana laid down and petted her mother’s head. “Well, I have a plan, but I haven’t planned for everything. That’s why I need your help. You’re smart and always catch what I miss.” Filled with joy and relief, Mahannana cuddled up close to her mother.

“I’m shocked you agreed so easily mama.” She admitted, burrying her head in the wolf’s fur. “Well, you picked the right time to prey on my emotions.” Selena teased, resting her head on her daughter’s. “At this point, I’d pull the stars down from the sky if that’s what you wanted.” Mahannana smiled to herself.

“You scared me, baby.” Selena murmurred softly. “I thought I was going to lose you.” “I know...I was scared I’d never see you again, too.” Mahannana’s exhaustion overcame her and, snuggled up with her mother, she finally closed her eyes.

“I love you mama.”

“I love you too, Ma-Chan.”