The Beginning of Her Path
"Please, Videl! I have nowhere else to go. My village is gone; the people I care for are dead… I… I have no one else… No one… I… Please, you're my only hope."
Aria spoke through a broken sound, each word rushing forward like it couldn't wait its turn. Her eyes filled, drops falling without warning, smudging what she saw. Those passing near the inn stepped slower, drawn by the sight of her fingers gripping Videl's arm so tight - like losing hold meant vanishing into nothing.
Videl froze.
Those blue eyes of hers lost their edge, yet her jaw set firm. Helping tugged at her, naturally. Deep down, something primal pushed her to draw Aria near, to whisper that everything would be okay.
But promises weren't light things.
The path she walked was lined with blood, uncertainty, and enemies stronger than reason. Bringing Aria along… was that kindness? Or was it cruelty disguised as mercy?
"Aria, I - "
