She took it as some form of attack; in hindsight Alem could see how his words appeared insulting, but there was no desire to correct her feelings. This woman stepped around him and made her own judgments based on little more than physical appearance. While he could tell she was missing no meals, she tried to turn this around and judge him for his own healthy appearance. He wouldn’t call his manner of living healthy, and his body told a story she could never hope to understand. Stopping in front of him again and gesturing around them, he did not react much to her words. All she seemed intent on doing was standing on equal ground with him, and the situation was looking very hopeless for her. Pride stuck to her like drying tar, and if he wanted to get to Asahina again without triggering her poor emotional strength it was best he did not continue to humor this conversation much further. Confirming his earlier suspicions that she was out here for something, Asahina, Alem showed no change in appearance or stance once it was revealed. Predictable, all of them. It was because Ryoko believed herself entirely knowledgeable of the affairs of this world as an outsider that he felt there was no other choice but to correct her.

[b]“Listen closely: I protect. You destroy.”[/b] Alem began, turning and mounting Aseela. He silently praised his companion, glad that the stench of this woman’s true nature hadn’t caused her to panic. Allowing the clothing to rest on his leg, his right hand gripped her reins loosely. [b]“You have eaten in the last twenty four hours. I have not eaten in the last seventy two hours without complaint. My body runs on very little because I have always had very little. Can you look me in my eyes and tell me you suffer the same? You cannot, and you will not.”[/b] Her response was denied and he offered his own, knowing just from looking at her that she did not know what his manner of living really was. This ground she stood on was weak because it relied on the support of bodies without faces. She didn’t know anything about struggling to survive, and therefore would never come to understand this world. [b]“These people that starve and fear for their survival, these ‘weak’ people around you, are worth ten of what you are and ever will be. I would suggest you keep your lips sealed when it comes to matters you are ignorant of. You do not know how many people here would cut them off with a smile.”[/b] 
This time Alem was not shy on the threat he had made; by mounting his horse in front of her and looking down on her, this woman would understand the significance of his gesture. He did not fear her, and her thoughts and opinions were lower than the sands at their feet. This was made even stronger by the fact his eyes, dark gold and tense, never once left hers. He needed no gestures or flair to express his feelings on Ryoko, and did not dare let her believe, even for a second, that she earned his respect or inspired him to fear her. While he had spoken, several miscellaneous heads had appeared from all corners and windows above and around them. These people had kept to themselves, but it was rare that anyone would stand up for them like this. It was one of them, Alem, who looked down on those who thought themselves higher now.

[b]“I grow more and more disgusted with you as each second passes, but I will spare others from needing to associate themselves with such a fool. About an hour ago I was made aware of something unfamiliar to us. It was covered in black, with eerie yellow eyes and claws. Whatever it was it had taken off towards the palace, and as no one had gotten hurt by it I did not bother to pursue it personally. Contain your activities before they become problems to the people, or I’ll have to find you again. You will not know when, you will not know where, but I will get to you if this becomes a danger to my home, and my world.”[/b] Laying out the terms on the table in a calm and collected manner, Alem’s words were not venomous. The way he explained things to Ryoko had been a guarantee, even if his voice had not hardened or softened once he made it. Not once did he sound uncertain of his words, almost as if he saw the future before it had happened. Asahina was under his care, and so he lied to Ryoko to keep her away from the poor and let her scurry off to leave these people in peace. Her comrade had not spoken of, but he paid it no mind. He was likely just a lapdog in service of this woman who presumed she knew the world at its lowest point. 

[b]“Our business is concluded, and I have told you what we, the ‘weak’ people, know of that mysterious dark creature. Leave this place in peace.”[/b]

Some might have turned around, but Alem knew better than that. This would be a statement to not only Ryoko, but the Empire itself. He did not fear them, and he did not respect them, and so he addressed her with both of these things becoming clear as day. 

~-~

If it wasn’t for Lin’s sweetness Rika didn’t know what she’d do at this point. Aeva asked her to help them, to confront a force that the universe hadn’t seen and free it from that tyranny. Yet even her patience had limits; Ace was a nonchalant idiot playing hero and didn’t know how to lead, but people still followed him. There was no charisma in his orders, it was almost as if he was just guessing what the best idea was and hoping it would all work itself out in the end. He had not admitted to his failures with that Coriander guy at all, showing he wasn’t able to take responsibility as a leader. Being here for her was a kindness at this point, not an obligation. Eating the second apple Lin had brought and rubbing her temple, she sucked another wave of fresh air in her lungs before she followed after them downstairs. By the time Rika made it down there, Ace and Shizuka were joined together and discussing Coriander, while Lin and some woman tended to that new guy. She exchanged glances between the two groups, taking immediate notice of Ace trying to sleep at such a crucial time. [b]“Wake up.”[/b] Rika ordered, snapping her fingers out towards Lin and catching her attention. [b]“Come on, we need to talk about our next move.”[/b]

Lin hustled out and gave a quick glance back at Gavin. She was glad to know that the damage he sustained was not as bad as it appeared, but she had kept her questions about his arm to herself. Maybe it was just luck, but it wasn’t common that arms just repaired themselves in a matter of hours. Trusting Osa to take care of him and not bothering to disturb her, Lin joined beside Shizuka and looked to Rika. By now the apples she had were gone and her arm could rest now, with the final one not being consumed by her, but given to Gavin so he could find his strength again. Much like she did with Rika, Lin had done it quietly. There was a lot of tension between people, and Lin was not only exhausted, but fearful of triggering someone. 

[b]“Okay,”[/b] Rika nodded at Lin, and crossed her arms. [b]“Ignoring the fact pretty boy is out there and likely up to no good, we’re in a good place. For starters, we can confirm that the Empire can’t reach the people, they don’t have a charismatic and charming person to manage it. They have the numbers and the resources, but we have the people, and we have the people that know the people. We win by reaching people on these worlds with a strong connection to the comings and goings, and by doing that we have some even ground with the enemy if not a higher one. It takes one man, or in my case woman, to dismantle anything built up. While you three get some rest, I’m going to hit the streets and see what I can find out about our missing core girl. Things are quiet now, but if she’s out on a rampage we don’t have the numbers or the fortifications to protect her for long.”[/b] Rika paused, taking a deep breath. [b]“In short, we need more than a bar and a medic, we need someone from this world to help us, someone with unorthodox methods …someone like—“[/b]

[b]“Hello? Hello down there!”[/b] Came a voice from the top of the staircase, Rika looked over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes. [b]“Osa, are you down there? Oh what am I saying of course you are, you’re the only one that hides down there aren’t you? By the way, I found a nice piece of clothing up here and it smells IN-CREDIBLE! Is it yours?”[/b]

[b]“What the hell?”[/b] Rika muttered. 

[b]“Anyway I am coming down, and maybe I can convince you to let me have this, it smells wonderf---“[/b] A pause and a yelp later, what Rika and company could hear now was the unfortunate sounds of a body constantly hitting the floor. With the yelps of pain came the sound of a container and items within it being shaken about, but none stood out more than the man yelping. With each cry Lin flinched and had covered her mouth, shaken, while Rika too winced at her imagination running wild. After several seconds of awkwardness, a comically short man had come rolling down on the floor in front of them with a bruised wooden box and Rika’s jacket atop it. Despite how bruised he’d be, the little guy appeared more or less okay, and had gotten himself up slowly but surely. [b]“Wonderful.”[/b] He finished.

[b]“I’ll take my jacket back, thanks…”[/b] Rika snatched her article of clothing and sized this newcomer up. He was tiny, had the turban and the robe, but most of all appeared very harmless. At least he looked like he could take a beating. [b]“So, who are you?”[/b]

[b]“Ah! Newcomers, eh?”[/b] The man stroked his beard and sized everyone up; From Lin to Ace, everyone appeared to be young and quite clearly not from this place. There could be a profit in selling to them, or perhaps something even greater than that. [b]“Well, if you’re down here, then that means you’re with Osa. Some call me a snake, a mastermind without peer, the man who has no plan but could probably buy one if it’s at a good price. You, beautiful girl from a strange land, may call me Okal. I am an honest merchant who longs for a simple life …weeeeeell, not really.”[/b] Okal shrugged his shoulders, laughing to himself and waving his hand idly. [b]“I know, you must be thinking: 'Wow this guy’s charming, I’d like to take a ride on his camel and check out his amazing prices!' Ehehehe, I joke, I joke. SO!”[/b] Okal clapped his hands together. [b]“What can I do for you all today? Weapons? Information? Not that both are different, information is a weapon too you know. Did I say weapons? I meant pots and plates.”[/b] Okal corrected himself, not missing a beat. 

Rika looked back at Ace and Shizuka, for once a long look of confusion given, as if she didn't know herself how to respond after that.