She could feel the distrust from the other, two women. It was what so often spooked the passengers, and it was why Kaylee had grown to be afraid of her for so long. People retreating into themselves. No one liked the idea of another playing in their thoughts. It would hardly matter if she could help it or not, and it had made her relationships with everyone here that much more strained and tumultuous. Even Simon had grown to resent her; he'd given up his world for her and come to find her like this.

It was why she'd dealt with the devil. Why she had to go through with it. No one wanted her like this. She didn't want herself like this, a broken doll with severed strings. A puppet for a puppeteer. It was still better than this.

Homura seemed more intrigued than offended, and Kyouya even attempted some form of semi-sincere comfort. It was appreciated, and it was half-expected. Still, it would have to be said. But could you apologize to the farmer for killing his cows? The cows were always guiltless, would an apology be accepted for a reflexive slaughter of trust?

River shook her head, hanging it as she kept her feet trotting along. Two by two. Odd one out.

"Can't help it. I can't. I'm..." The girl bit her lip, steadying her voice as much as was possible. "I'm sorry. They cut it out. I can't. It's not mine. I have no right, but they're always there. At least thirty at once."