Alessa stared the hedgehog for a long time. There were no words, and it border lined on an uncomfortable silence before the girl finally spoke back, in a voice that made her position clear.

"If you knew what it took to make you able to kill, you would appreciate your resistance. There are those like you, who try and dabble in the act but cannot commit to it. To some, that might make you a coward. But I can tell you easily: the line between fighter and killer is very thin, and once that kill happens, you see it as a logical reason to take down those in your path. Before you know it, you are far gone."

There is no ounce of pain in her voice, no regret. It was simple recognition.

"Staying a hero is harder. Most likely something you would treasure."