Bab 38: “The power of our Seventh.”
"Why did you… let her go alone!"
Iberis shouted at him in the bishop's quarters, causing Raffi to grit his teeth in reply.
"It was not that simple. Alice broke through the wall and left of her own volition. The Bandersnatch was also controlled by the Seventh to some extent, but…"
"…"
Iberis clicked her tongue and glanced up from her wheelchair at the bishop in the simple container. "I will pursue her. They're going to kill her."
"Don't, Iberis." The bishop stated quietly.
Iberis widened her eyes and yelled. "What are you saying! We have to save her!"
"Compose yourself. At present, you are the only one who can protect this shelter. If both Angels leave, this place will become a feeding ground for Nightmares, as it is already being targeted."
"…"
The bishop advised, and Iberis bit her nails in frustration, "But…"
"I understand your feelings, but it's not wise to dive into what you know is a trap." In a quiet tone, the bishop proceeded.
Raffi pondered for a moment before saying. "As I explained a while ago, Alice has no memory of being a doppelganger. Without knowing anything about it, it seems that she was manufactured in the Labyrinth and transported to the wrong coordinate axis."
"So she is an exceptional individual…" Iberis pressed her head and sighed, "Why didn't you explain that in the beginning? You should have revealed it to her too."
"You're wrong." Raffi shook his head, denying Iberis' words. "I am afraid that the girl is close to the Archi. She's what we would call a bug. That is to say…"
"The Archi's memories may be revived at any moment…"
"That's right. If she were to remember what transpired, it would turn into hell. That's why I remained with Alice."
"…"
Iberis considered briefly and then looked at the bishop again.
"… I believe you still have the air bike for transportation."
"Iberis."
But Iberis, who was addressed by the bishop as if to reproach her, spoke back more stridently. "If that's the case, we need to help her even more. Although I don't understand what the enemy is aiming for, it's unlikely that they simply summoned her to kill her. There must be something else going on."
"… It would be bad if the process reminded her of Archi's memories. I'd like to request your help as well."
Raffi had a rare urgency in his voice. Iberis checked the clock on the wall and put her hand on the wheelchair.
"Give me two hours. Contact me immediately if the Nightmare shows up."
"…"
The bishop fell silent for a bit, then drew in a breath and answered.
"I understand. Bring the Nightmare sword that Master Jack was wielding with you. It may be of some use to you."
"Let's hurry."
Not heeding the bishop, Iberis focused her attention on her feet. The fluctuation of the Bandersnatch emerged and she stood up from her wheelchair. Raffi rushed up to her shoulder and stuck to her.
"Is your wound okay?"
"It's nothing major."
Iberis answered Raffi succinctly and started to run, stamping her translucent feet.
◇
With rainbow-colored mottles shimmering from her body, Alice halted in her tracks, her bloodshot eyes scanning her surroundings. The Bandersnatch was too noisy. All the "voices" from earlier were buzzing and shaking in outrage.
The same could be said for Alice.
Nightmare.
Those things were after her.
They even attempted to destroy the precious people who were trying to protect her.
They killed a bunch of people.
Enemies, they were enemies.
They need to be slain.
Otherwise, they will be the ones who will be killed.
Gnashing her teeth, Alice found herself in front of a half-demolished square building in the forest, tangled in… ivy and gigantic trees. Although she had no clue as to the exact direction, her Bandersnatch was stirring. Relying on the sensation of countless "voices" as she walked, there was no mistaking it… Something in her head was telling her.
"Come out! I'm here alone, just like I promised!" She yelled at the top of her lungs. Her voice reverberated through the dimly lit forest.
Then Alice realized that on the roof… of the building, Tweedledee and Tweedledum were perched on a helicopter, staring down at her. Oddly enough, no fear arose within her. What was dominating Alice's mind was wrath.
Murderous intent, abomination.
With those black emotions churning deep in her chest, Alice stepped towards the Twin Nightmares. In that instant, the Bandersnatch spread through the surrounding space at once. Then, a vast strain of space, similar to the one that crushed the White Knight, blasted away a corner of the building along with the Twins. There was a roar; the earth rumbled; a cloud of smoke rose up.
"Not yet." "Not yet." "Not yet."
"They're still alive." "They're still alive."
"Kill." "Kill." "Kill." "Kill."
The Bandersnatch whispered to Alice. As if enticed by the sensation, Alice cast her bloodshot eyes to the side. This time, the Twins were standing on the ground a short distance away.
"Dieeeeeeeee!"
Alice and the Bandersnatch screamed. Their "voices" were repeatedly amplified and expanded like a hydrogen bomb. The power that had no destination resonated throughout the space, creating a bizarre crackling noise.
A few seconds later, the ground where the Twins were standing exploded. The air burst, and a white pillar of light shot up into the sky.
The air surged into it a beat later, sending a blast of wind across the area. Gasping roughly, Alice bit her teeth and looked back. The ugly Twins were sitting at the base of the… tree a little further away behind her, staring at her with nasty eyes.
"Oh, dear… you're in no condition to have a conversation, right, Tweedledee?"
"Yes, Tweedledum. Perhaps I ought to serve you a slight reminder."
Tweedledum lifted his right hand and snapped his fingers.
"The power of our Seventh."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone