Confrontation and Rebuff
16.
Putting her powers to a test was enough for Aria to move back but she didn't bother with it instead she focused on dealing with the pressure one after the other.
Nobody was going to make her look like a fool in the presence of others and if she was going to be sincere with herself she had no reason to also stop moving at such a high speed.
"I don't know what you're talking about but I am also sure that you and I shouldn't be discussing this Penelope. You sound angry." Aria attempted to diffuse the situation hoping that it would make things easier but that only compounded matters.
"Of course, you prance around, acting like there is nobody else in the world that can call you to order and you and I know that it's not true. I don't like the way you move around and graze."
"Maybe you are just being paranoid for nothing, have you thought about that? Secondly, do you think that there is a better way of handling things and I wouldn't have taken that option?" Aria fired back because she could no longer be relegated to the background like everyone expected how to fold her hands and just clap while they got away with intimidation.
Penelope's eyes widened a slight fraction, looking for more reasons to smack her across the face, but Aria anticipated it and instead turned at the last minute, evading whatever attacks were coming her way.
"You dare grab my hands?" She growled.
Aria felt the rune stirring behind her back. She wouldn't want to hurt Penelope who had taken her under her wings at least for the first few days before unleashing violence
She was hoping to be powerful not heartless and even if someone offended her this way, she would always find a means of making amends and ensuring that things didn't go down south further than it already was.
" Penelope, we don't have to do this. I know that you are mad at me for something but trust me when I say that you and I can go a long way without having to fight." Aria pacified.
Penelope was far gone in anger not to understand what was being said and took a swipe at Aria. There were many ideas floating through her mind but none of them was as prominent as what she intended to achieve.
She wanted to make sure that everybody who came around her had a sense of belonging. But not at her detriment.
"You think you can come around here and walk, acting like you own the damn place. Acting like everyone should bow at your feet, when you are nothing but scum?"
Those words shot through Aria like an arrow, but her eyes remained focused on the woman in front of her.
"I don't know what this is about, honestly I think you are overreacting and a meltdown is only normal, but now you are going ahead and doing too much. It's all a matter of time before you realize that you have made a huge mistake. I don't want it to get to that point before you figure out your excesses."
It was a bold statement and anyone who came across her knew that she wasn't naturally ever going to confront a person but she couldn't hold it in anymore.
"You think you have the right to speak to me how you like. How rich!" Penelope hissed.
"Penelope, you are doing too much. I know that you're angry but a little decorum would also be appreciated." Anna chided from behind.
"Of course, I know that everyone is dancing to her tune because you believe that somehow she is better than I am but that's all a lie. That would not happen under my watch!"
Aria's head spun as Penelope's fists came in contact with her face and a cracking sound shocked everyone.
"You are nothing but a weak mutt. Moon selected or not, you would not be able to be as fast as we are even at your best."
Aria felt a huge stir in the pit of her stomach, and anticipation built up on everyone's faces as they waited for the ball to drop.
"I don't know what you want from me Penelope but you're not going to get it. I would not subject myself to such torture, I would also not subject myself to getting involved in things that doesn't give people more hope. You are better than this. Please do not ruin it because of anger." Aria begged.
She could feel her veins pulsating, threatening to snap into two if she was not careful enough.
She only cared because everyone was going to point accusing fingers at her by the time things didn't go according to plan and she would hate to be in such a situation.
"You think you're better than everyone here? I want to push you to your limits and see what you're capable of. I see that he always protects you and makes you feel like you are perfect and even more better than others could ever be and this is my time to make you realize that you are nothing but trash!" Penelope's voice increased at a dangerous pace
The words cut through Aria, making her squirm a little but still focused on what she wanted to achieve out of this.
If she wasn't able to get it, then there was nothing that could be done
"I'm so sorry for making such a mistake of setting foot here because I see that it has clearly disturbed you so I will be out of your hair before you know it." Aria gave room for amendments,
She could always leave and find her footing with Kael by her side. Everything was going well until someone decided to push her backwards.
The Rune didn't accept that, instead everyone in her line of vision crumbled to the ground clutching their sides, and Aria levitating.
"All, bow to me!"