#singingbows

The Warrior of Darkness keeps his gaze trained on the colorful, giant crystal impaling the landscape. He reaches up to unclasp the mask from his face, and sighs in relief when a faint breeze brushes against his cheek. Then he chances a glance towards Gaia, who stares back at him in defiance, even jutting her chin up at him. His eyes narrow a fraction. She bristles, because she knows he finds her wanting.

He doesn’t understand. None of them do. He’s just like the rest of them—always looking forward to the future with hope in their eyes, like there’s something worthy waiting for them when there’s nothing waiting for her. She doesn’t even know her own parents for sins’ sake.

Gaia glares at the Warrior of Darkness, willing him to turn her away.

“No.”

She freezes. He says it so simply, without a hint of bitterness. When it appears as though Gaia is unwilling to comment, he continues in a fumbling, halting manner.

“I thought I was cursed. If anyone from my clan knew, they make me leave. So I kept it secret.” The Warrior blinks. He looks a little taken aback, like he didn’t expect himself to say as much. He rubs a hand over his face and looks at the crystal again. “I hated every moment that voice talked in my head.”

Gaia can’t help but think of her own fairy, haunting her mind.

“What did it tell you?” she asks, despite herself.

He smiles. “Everything I was supposed to be, and will be.”

Gaia swallows thickly. “... And?”

He shrugs, a blithe smile on his face. “I didn’t listen. Because I am me, not the voice. And you are you, not the fairy.” Then he bends his knees into a kneel to face her—Gaia doesn’t even notice the ache in her neck until she and the Warrior are face to face. “It is okay to do things on your own time. But remember that you are surrounded by people who want to help you.”

Gaia bristles. She won’t stand for this patronizing. “I don’t need your help.”

“No, you don’t. Because you have great strength in yourself.” He agrees easily. She is still taken aback by this, even as he continues, “But, if you ever falter, we are here to help you up again.”

She furrows her brows at this. Surely there must be a catch to this. Why go so far for some nobody? She doesn’t have fame, power, or money. She’s just... her.

“Why?” Gaia demands. Why is he trying to be friendly and kind to her anyway? “What do you want from me?”

“Nothing.” he says, and that infuriates her even more.

She throws up her arms in a great show of disgust. “Ugh! Whatever. Let’s just move on.”