For the greater good. [ Neither was the girl's voice firm in its declaration as she echoed those words, for a moment closing her eyes and focusing instead on the memory of the brief kiss to try and soothe herself. She could repeat those words to herself over and over for as long as it took, if it meant keeping back the thoughts of a future she would rather not think about right now. ] Because so often, we can't undo what's been done or take it back. We simply have to learn.

[ Except this moment was Ace's, and it was her wish to support him even as she still faltered on how. So when he finished speaking... ]

'A human being?' [ This time she couldn't quite keep the confusion out of her voice, brow furrowing together just a little as her eyes opened and she lifted her head to better look at him. But it didn't seem like enough, so she slowly pushes herself off the couch and onto her feet, walking closer to him yet not quite at his side. ]

I don't understand, what do you mean? [ Maybe she could understand the sentiment of trying to apply soldier training to a situation involving citizens—and how much of a mistake it was to do so. ]