The Fractured Soul [2]

"I'm not fooling myself…!" he gasped, the words growing louder, more intense. "Rhea… I've fought beside you, I've seen what you can do. You're more than what they tried to make you. More than 'her' shadow. More than Master Veda's replacement. You're more than… anything they say."

Rhea remained silent, her gaze fixed ahead, unmoved by his words. But Aurelius could sense a faint crack in her resolve.

He had to push harder.

"I see you, Rhea! Not some imitation, not some memory of someone else! I see the girl who stood by my side when I was broken. The girl who never gave up, no matter how hard things got. The girl who—who made me believe in myself again. The girl who always helped others, the girl who was shy when she was praised. The girl who couldn't cook even an egg, but could create incredible potions. The girl…"

Anyway, Aurelius continued with his talk no jutsu for a while, words brimming onto his mind as his memories replayed in his mind.