[ ... that's sad. ]

I think he's realistic.... but I think, no matter what, this thing will find a way to want to hurt you.

[ whether it means attacking directly or.... not. but honestly, she doesn't care if it hurts her, as long as it means erika is safe. but she does get it. if erika sees someone hurt on her behalf, it'll probably just feed the shadow - that's why she wanted her to hang back. dense as fuck maya of course doesn't grasp that erika cares about her a lot more than just a random stranger, but. baby steps. ]

.... I'll be careful. 'Cause there's no way I'm letting you lose.

[ because erika didn't let her lose, so. she'll repay the favor. she grasps her spear to confront ryuji -- who is surprisingly buff, wow. and, uh, taller than she expected..... hm. ]

[ (the joke's on him if he thought she ever had dignity, though) ]

How about you have some dignity and leave Erika alone? Don't you care about her?! Can't you see that what you're doing is hurting her!?

[ if this will at all make a difference. nick junior circles overhead, surveying ryuji's movements. ]