5/8

5/8 Shang also hesitates. He considers whether the Being might accomplish something the old powers couldn't. Sela and Helsing have seen enough to know they aren't willing to wait and find out how many more people his version of peace will cost. Helsing prepares a crystal-based attack, knowing she may not have time to get away from it. Sela tries to take that risk herself. Helsing follows her anyway. Neither is willing to let the other walk into it alone. The Being destroys the crystal, so that plan doesn't give them the victory they need. Shang and Alice arrive, and Alice takes back the power she lent Samantha. Samantha's attempt to strike at Sela is stopped, while Alice turns her attention to Innocence. By this point, almost everyone in the fight has some personal connection to someone on the other side. Sela isn't just trying to stop the Being. She's also facing Samantha, while Shang has to act after questioning whether they should oppose him at all.