Beaches And Shores [Aina/Ryoko]

A NEW SOUL REBORN

SECOND CHANCES FORGED IN ASHES

Aina wasn't blind and could see the comfort and stability of not having to concern oneself with combat, strength, and defending oneself from threats. Yet, that did nothing to quell the irritation in her soul—not at Ryoko but at her own weaknesses; it was as if a familiar instinct was gnawing to come out and keep her protected from the ever-increasing threats of this world.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, she rubbed her temples, a headache brewing alongside her mounting frustration.

"Damn, you actually reminded me In need to see someone I haven't in awhile. She was kind of in charge of looking out for me, doubt I'll have an easy conversation when I see next."

Her voice held a faint irritation, but it softened slightly as she glanced back at Ryoko, noticing something that piqued her curiosity.

"And what do you mean you didn’t have a choice?"

Aina tilted her head, studying Ryoko.

"Were you…forced into getting stronger somehow?"

The question came from more than simple curiosity. She knew firsthand how circumstances could push someone to change, and part of her wanted to know just how deep Ryoko's experiences went.

It sounded like Aina must have disappeared on this person she spoke of. Ryoko didn’t expect that to be an easy conversation if it really had been a long time. The questions that came mere moments later showed Ryoko she may have let her guard down and revealed too much. She preferred to keep her past behind her, so there wouldn’t be any detailed answer.

“Yeah, you can say that,” Ryoko said before turning her back to Aina. She wanted to get away from here before anymore unwanted questions were thrown her way. “Take care of yourself. I've got places to be. Later.”

A NEW SOUL REBORN

SECOND CHANCES FORGED IN ASHES

"Huh? Where are you rushing off to?"

Aina's brows knit together in confusion, but she moved quickly, placing a gentle hand on Ryoko's right shoulder before she could leave.

"Wait, you helped me out, I still wanna repay you in the future."

Aina then held out a phone and offered Ryoko a chance to put her name and contact info in it. It couldn't hurt to have a familiar face and make her a friend, right?

"I mean, if it's not too invasive, you can put your number in there so I can return the favor. If people do right by me, I prefer to keep them around."

Was it awkward? Sure. But she only really knew how to act on her emotions at times and it reflected in her gaze.

"And hey, if the question was too personal, we can move past that."

Ryoko was surprised when a hand was placed on her shoulder. She stopped walking and looked back at Aina, a curious look in her eyes. She glanced down to the phone and took it, pulling out her own. She used Aina’s phone to call her own, letting both of them have the other’s contact information. Handing the phone back, Ryoko took a quick picture of Aina, asking her to smile for her contact photo. Even if Aina didn’t smile, Ryoko took a picture and added it to the new contact, then put the phone away.

"Too personal, for now, at least," Ryoko said with a soft smile. It was hard to get to know someone like her, and she knew that. In most cases, she preferred that. She was one to run the moment anything god personal. Still, she had a hard time saying no, so she went ahead and gave out her information. It was possible she would regret it later. Who knows?

"Why so curious about me anyways?"

A NEW SOUL REBORN

SECOND CHANCES FORGED IN ASHES

"Why not be curious?"

Aina was quick with the retort with a lighthearted chuckle as she put her phone away, content having shared each other's information.

"Guess you could say I’m looking for more friends,"

As she continued speaking, a thoughtful smile on her face.

"Traveling around, trying to make sense of things, and hoping to find a path that feels right. It helps to hear stories, have experiences, and connect with people until I find something that satisfies my soul."

Bit long-winded? Perhaps. But she barely could make sense of her own head at times. So she shrugged off the discomfort as usual.

"Even if my heart’s a bit shaky from past experiences with people, I think it’s only natural to want to find community, right? To seek others out?"

Her gaze was open, her voice warm as she spoke. It was clear that despite her uncertainty, Aina valued genuine connections and was willing to embrace her curiosity if it meant getting a little closer to that sense of belonging.

Ryoko could understand, and even relate to, what Aina was feeling. She merely nodded in agreement, as her own mind wandered backwards. There were a lot of holes in her past, a lot of dead ends, and even more un-walked or forgotten paths. There was a specific memory that came forward this time, eliciting a small smile, but a sadness in her eyes.

"Do you have a clue to what you're wanting to do with your life?" she asked, a calm gaze rising back to Aina. "If you find that out, you'll have a clearer picture of what paths you can take and go from there."