2022-11-07: A Miracle Approaches ~GRUDGE~
- Log: 2022-11-07: A Miracle Approaches ~GRUDGE~
- Cast: Akane Shinjo, Alexis Kerib
- Where: Tsutsujidai
- Date: U.C. 0096 11 07
- Summary: A phone call on Akane's way home from school.
It's rare for Alexis to initiate a conversation with Akane -- especially when she's out of the house -- but this situation is a unique one at best. Her phone rings. Akane answers.
"Akane-kun," Alexis starts, voice the same as ever over the phone. "You've been very busy lately, and I have to say -- it's nice to see your spirits raised now that you've made so many friends." There's some nuance to that, but not of the kind Akane needs to know. "But -- ah, you are aware that the Ruin Apostles have taken up residence in your city, yes? Do you plan to escort them out with a kaiju? Surely it's not beyond your capability... I recall you mentioning a kaiju like the one from the end of... Tarabaman Flash, was it? A combined monster would be an excellent development."
Akane's face scrunches up a little bit. "I know the Aura of Dawn bugs you," Akane says, "but they were basically tripping over themselves to help me out! They think what I'm doing is right."
"Ah --?" It's rare for Alexis to be totally baffled and utterly on the back foot in a conversation, especially with Akane -- a young lady whose kind heart he's spent so long carving down until it fits in the palm of his hand.
Akane continues her explanation, since clearly it needs more of that. "They're still heroes, right? They want to protect their friends' happiness. And like... what I'm doing right now isn't a threat to them."
"Akane-kun, this is -- of course this is fine," Alexis starts, because... there's a lot happening here, "but surely you don't trust them? How honest can their promises of protection be? Is this city not the sort of miracle they oppose...?"
There's only a momentary pause. "Renais made it pretty obvious that they're still, like, them. And Utsugi doesn't seem like she'd break into my room," faint irritation, "just to lie to me. They see this as a kinder way to get people to stop making miracles." They might even be right... Akane reflects to herself. "I figure worse comes to worst they'll make exactly the same dumb mistakes Renais did! Then you can just stab them in front of the Evoluder, just like before." She hasn't forgotten the method, of course.
Alexis does his best to keep his exasperation from entering his voice. "You've certainly made a robust plan, Akane-kun... though it seems they're committing mostly Super AI machines, rather than piloted ones. That may make it a little difficult for me..."
"I'm sure you can do it," comes the nonchalant answer. "I'm kinda curious why you don't like the Aura of Dawn, though..." She knows why she herself isn't fond of it, but...
Alexis -- genuinely surprised to have Akane asking after his feelings -- elects to keep them concealed. "I'm quite fond of the miracle of a believing heart," he ultimately answers, tone almost wry.
Well, that's a non-answer, Akane thinks to herself. She doesn't pry though. "Well then! Remember -- I'm counting on you!" Akane says --
-- and then she hangs up.