"He's not--I'm not--" His shoulders bunched up. He had been clear in mistrusting most Heroes and was unafraid to let them know what kind of sacrifices he could make to achieve his goals, but explaining that he wanted to confront his inner ruthlessness and amorality was a whole other thing. He wanted a proud, laughing Ales. Not a sad mockery.

Mimi sighed once more, the facepalm and hug giving her the energy to speak up. "I-I'm going to look for more friends, kupo. I-it doesn't look like Ales is going to accept it...I'm s-so scared!" What if he died? What if the Calamity Ales tried to take over the world? Or just cry all the time? The Moogle pushed herself out of her seat, giving Lydia a look as if to ask permission to leave and seek help.

Ales was busy dealing with embarrassment to care. Lydia was here, giving advice. Good advice, a reminder that he can do something, that he was capable, but that still meant another person was in this room.

The Shadow folded his hands. "They believe in me. Isn't it nice, to have someone believe in you? To have someone trust you?"

"Grh--!" Ales jerked his arms in circles in an attempt to argue. "Sure! Fine! But I'm not crying about it! You think I'd rather lie down and be a sadsack instead of going out and, you know, forging my destiny and all that?"

He gestured at Lydia.

The Shadow turned its head just enough to see where he was pointing.

"...They're all such wonderful people. Wouldn't it be nice to treat them like friends for a change?"

Ales tightened his fists and took a step back.