[Sadrain]

December 14th, Chicago. Base. Hospital.

"You're quite the mystery to us all, Alice. It's strange that no one really knows anything about you, still everyone cares." Her voice was thoughtful. It was no accusation, she did not oppose this opinion, in a way, Aiolia shared it. "It would be nice if you would someday speak and we could get to know you." The woman smiled a little and helped to make the pillows more comfortable for Alice. It was strange to talk with someone who did not reply. It freed tongue, and yet, it was like speaking with recording device that had soul and mind. Whatever she said, it would not be forgotten.

Aiolia knew she had come here to maybe find out something more about this girl, about her past. Any clue, any information at all would be a great help. Ryan knew only so much, but Alice could possess much greater knowledge. But to ask her when she was like this, when they were even strangers, it felt wrong. And Aiolia was curious - what was it so special, so unique that two men were willing to kill each other for just a bit of attention? Was it this.. fragility, the wish to protect that Alice woke in others? Too bad she would never be able to afford being weak, sweet, soft... Crushable.

December 14th, Chicago. Base.

"I finished rehab. I am starting lessons tomorrow, either with your group or however you had in mind. When do you usually start?" Ryan got straight to the point, no fancy greetings and well wishes. Not really his style, and he could bet that it wasn't Eve's style either. She was probably a mercenary like him, nothing more, nothing less. Just brute force - power and physical wise - and cunning, to get them further in life. Diplomacy was a dying art.