"I will explain later," he answered both of them curtly, leaving little room for argument. Negotiating with demons was a precarious process -- and even if they didn't interrupt, there was a chance Alice wouldn't listen to him anyway. His Alice hadn't until she had been defeated.

Of course, if this one was a kishin egg, there would be no Victor to bring her back afterwards...

"They can't help you if you don't help them in return, Alice. That is what friends do." He kept his Weapon lowered as he spoke, even if it did leave him open. He had to try.

"You don't want them to leave you behind because you were unkind to them, do you?"