Find Me (Character Chat #4)

((Sorry, had to eat))

Someone cleared their throat from the edge of the cliff.

It was a bewildered but slightly amused and banged up Cinthia, wearing a dark sports bra and leggings under a semi-sheer kimono robe. Her skin glistened with sweat and smudged with dirt and sand. Her mass of curls was filthy. "Junia told me you were here," she said.

She tilted her head and flicked a finger, replacing the missing tooth. "I'm not here to fight you. I just got done beating up Fassor for you."

She looked like she wanted to smile, but didn't have the energy to. "Don't worry, he's still alive. At least until the War Games. Fatalities are uncommon, but aren't against the rules."

Cinthia ran her fingers through her tangled curls, shaking out the dirt and sand. "Join the school, and a team. One that qualifies for the War Games. You'd need a sponsor should you actually want to."

"Fine. You're fine. You don't need to apologize."

She actually did smile. "You're still 17. You're whole life was flipped on its ass. If I'm being honest, I went on a rampaging massacre because the guy I had a crush on was killed in front of me. I was 16." She glanced at the dozing and oblivious Tessa. "And I was the one who sent her on a rampage. She destroyed the Bronze Giants's headquarters and their houses, if that makes you feel better."

She sighed, shoulders sagging. "We've all pulled some shit, one way or another. We can't afford to declare every person our enemy just because they go off on an emotional rampage and hurt a few of our feelings. I can't afford it." She glanced at Tessa again, then looked Runner in the eye. "Be careful with her. She may act tough, but she's as fragile as a vase. It took me three years to get her the way she is now."

Cinthia looked impressed. "You're making faster progress than I did."

She cocked her head, spilling sand. "Oh?"

She nodded. "Honestly, I'd say keep pushing her."

She smirked. "She'd definitely do that. Then let you fall for a bit. Then she'd catch you because she'd feel bad. Trust me, she needs it. We were both train wrecks when we met, and we repeatedly pushed each other's limits to get us to overcome our ghosts and problems. I've been too busy with leading the Vanguard and being nominated for Queen to keep pushing her. Time to pass the baton."

She sighed and shifted. "I'm not even going to bother suggesting you stay here. Even if I offered you a job."

She blinked, surprised that worked. "Travel. Keep communications going between my allies. Settle… disputes… or problems within their territories that I don't have the time to deal with. You're a neutral party–an unknown. Son of the enemy but friend of mine. They'd be curious. You wouldn't stay in one place for long," she added.