This is a follow-up to Aura, from Syao's point of view. There are flaws IMO, but I didn't want to bother editing it. Besides, with the amount of free time I've had lately, it'd probably remain rotting in my hard drive for months if I didn't upload it :l Enjoy! Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or any of its characters.
Alone
For as long as he could remember, he had always been alone.
As a child, he never liked social gatherings, always choosing to shy away from crowds and hide in the shadows, watching from afar. His classmates rejected him a few weeks into their first school year; he was too quiet and never spoke a word, which would eventually become unnerving. Their parents told them to stay away from him, that he was a disturbed child and that talking to him would bring them no benefit.
He knew they were wrong, but never said a thing to contradict them. And eventually, he found himself believing in their words. He was cursed; doomed to live a life of loneliness and isolation.
Which is how, years later, he found himself alone by the abandoned river. His own mother sent him away to another country, ashamed of his inability to communicate. It had been his own choice not to speak, and as a result, he was punished, never to see his family again.
The sun was beginning to set and he watched it sink slowly, staring at its reflection in the rippling water. It soothed him and he longed to jump in, to end it all and wash away his suffering, never to feel it again. He stepped closer, willing himself to continue…
…until he heard a sound. A sound that he would not forget for the rest of his life.
He whipped his head around, his hair slightly tousled by the wind, and saw her. She was hunched over, curled up beneath a tall tree. Her frame shook as she cried into her arms, sobbing as if she had nothing left to live for.
It was the most pitiful thing he had ever seen.
His heart began to ache and he suddenly longed to comfort her, this strange girl who had invaded his privacy (or was it the other way around?). Suddenly, a warmth exploded in his chest and he staggered backward. It began to spread and soon surrounded him, glowing a rich forest green
'My aura…' he realised with a jolt. His mother had often told him about auras, that they were released when a person felt a strong range of emotions. He walked closer and felt it move forward to wrap itself around her. He felt the aching in his chest die down as she relaxed into its warmth. And suddenly, she lifted her head to look directly at him.
Watery, green eyes met his and he felt his heart flutter at the sight. Her short, brown hair clung to her tearstained face and her eyes were swollen from crying.
She was beautiful.
Unable to stop himself, he stepped forward, and whispered three simple words.
'You're not alone.'
He knew what it was like to be rejected by the world and isolated from everyone he cared for. And so, he resolved that he would not allow this girl to go through the same pain.
His aura grew slightly warmer as he sat down beside her, leaning his back against the firm tree trunk. As their surroundings grew dark, he slowly took her hand and held it, squeezing it gently. She did not look at him, but instead leaned her head against his shoulder. And as they sat there in silence, an understanding was formed between them and they realised the truth.
Because sometimes, words just aren't necessary.
Please R&R - I appreciate constructive crit :)