Some Autonomous Weapon. Time for a Change of Heart?

There were no echoes of combat to be heard in the training grounds. It was mostly empty, and that was the way Nereza liked it. There was soft labored breathing from exhaustion, that did nothing to break the stoicism of her expression. Her dull grey eyes were ever empty. Like she wasn't actually there at all.

While she rested there was a still silence such that a mouse might be heard standing still. Her scythe, a replica of her own menacing form she often used on her many failed missions, rested against a nearby tree. She knew the weapon well in theory. She could read any opponent using the same weapon in a fraction of a second, and did so in sparring. But that was a pointless skill. Her limbs simply weren't fast enough to make it useful, and when they were, she wasn't strong enough to make it count.

And so, here she was, a blade sprouting from her wrist, her formidable opponent, the fearless wicker dummy Kishin. That thought made her wonder if she had been out here too long. It was sunset after all, and she had spent this lovely Saturday here since the times sister sunrise. A few more hours here would be well spent, she supposed. After all, her scores in the class-room were near perfect. She was a model student, and her grades reflected it... They were the only thing that reflected it.

Steeling herself, she took a short breath in, and took a stride towards the foolish wicker opponent with her usual envious grace. The blade fell on it's mark perfectly, showing her acute mind... Unfortunately it fell only a few inches deep showing her noodle-esque arms, and she continuously failed to withdraw it, even with her foot as leverage to solidify the point. This could get embarrassing.

Ophidia was just arriving to the training grounds. Nightfall was approaching, which meant the place would probably be emptying out. That suited her just fine. After all, this was training. She'd been reading most of the day, and most could probably tell she hadn't brushed her hair. She didn't care. After all, who was she impressing? This was training.

Her hair was back and she was wearing her casual outfit. A baggy purple cat sweatshirt and a black skirt. Over one shoulder rested her scythe and in her free hand was a plastic bag containing a little midnight snack, because training was hard and food was good. Besides, she didn't know how long she's be here. Maybe most of the night. A person could get hungry. Stop judging, jeez.

While looking for a nice spot to start, Ophidia couldn't help but notice someone else was here. Now normally she'd have just kept walking. However, this person had a scythe. Another scythe meister maybe? Perhaps they had pointers they could give her...? Though, that meant conversation. It wasn't that Ophidia didn't like conversation... It was just... Difficult? Yes. Let's go with that.

Keeping quite a bit of distance between herself and the girl, Ophidia decided she would indeed attempt to converse. Now that she could see clearly, there was an obvious conversation starter. It seemed the girl's scythe was stuck. Maybe she'd address that...? Yes. That was a good call... Maybe... She shifted the scythe awkwardly on her shoulder and cleared her throat before clearly asking the girl the simplest question that came to mind. "Um... Need some help...?"

The second she heard the girl, pressure rushed her mind to a humiliatingly obvious solution. It also brought home the fact that she had been out here far too long. But, it is in the greatest moments of struggle that we grow. Nereza pulled the blade back into her being, it vanishing into a green smoke. An odd twist on the bright flashes of the average weapon transformation.

There was no staggering. Nereza's recovery was perfect, and graceful in every sense. But for every artist there is a critic, and the rock just behind her foot had a thing or two to say about the performance. For her encore, she slips from the change in weight, landing on her rear with a light umph. Thankfully she was unharmed. Well... Nothing but her sad scrags of pride. She could never find a use for the pointless artifact anyways.

Ominously, her expression remains unfaltering. Her countenance perpetual to a drone-like degree. Hallow eyes shifted to meet Ophidia's fearlessly; In fact, void of emotion. Their signature state. "I am alright." She announced with a distant tone, her voice oddly alluring in that sense. She stands with several highly deliberate motions, dusting herself off. Almost petulantly, she berates the clumsy actions to vivid degree in her mind, everything buried under silk like porcelain skin.

Noticing the blade's retraction, Ophidia realized that this was not a scythe, but instead a blade attached to the girl's arm. Though she had heard weapon transformations happened in a flash of light, maybe that only applied to a majority? Like a stereotype? Either way, she was still a weapon of sorts, which kind of voided Ophidia's whole intention here. Oh well, too late to back out now.

After watching the girl recover, followed by taking a fall, followed by yet another attempted recovery, Ophidia felt kinda sorry for her. Then the girl glanced at her, and all that sorry feeling turned to an uneasy churn in her stomach. The girl said she was alright, but Ophidia couldn't tell whether or not it was a lie. The look on her face told Ophidia nothing, and it was unnerving...

Ophidia wasn't sure what kind of move to make now. Did she walk away? Or should she maybe try to continue the "conversation" and risk agitating the girl. Or... Was the girl already agitated...? Ophidia still couldn't tell. This girl was probably great at poker... and staring contests. Deciding she'd take the risk, she spoke again. "Oh... Good... So... Are you training alone then...?" She asked, trying to spark any sort of conversation with the girl that she could.

Nereza's mind was already a little thrown off. Was this girl actually chasing a conversation? Most people didn't make it to hello. Everyone else bails out directly after that. There was some comfort in the way she spoke though. At least Nero wouldn't be the only one outside of her comfort zone. She would just keep face until the girl went away.

After a short delay, Nereza ascertains the girl is going no where. At least not until formalities were done. "I have had several partners today. This hour is normally just me, and the dummy." She spoke, her voice still a monotone that somehow managed to be inviting, and repulsive to the senses. With her mouth no longer moving Nereza seemed incredibly close to a human statue. Even her eyes still. Locked on target with acute efficiency.

Nereza's arm shot out with no sign, or warning from the rest of her body. "Nereza Nero, or Nere, or Nero." She pointed down the list, preferring none before the last. "... Please don't call me Necro. That is one I do not enjoy. It is not at all creative, and I am not a comic book villain." A nick-name given to her by several groups through-out life. Nereza fell silent. She had said more than enough to get this girl off the hook right? Formalities over. You've been polite. Shake the hand, give a fake name, and leave.

Somehow, as unnerving as Nereza's personality was, it kind of left Ophidia with a feeling of curiosity. How did she manage to keep such a personality? Was she in a bad mood, and just didn't want to show it? Maybe she was depressed and trying to keep people away...? Ophidia wasn't sure, but one thing she did know was that she wanted to know more about Nereza.

So without further delay, Ophidia set down her bag and gave Nereza a warm smile with a friendly shake of the hand before replying, "Ophidia Roman, pleased to meet you Nere." Ophidia was at a loss. Perhaps she should offer a sparring match? Or maybe just a conversation. Nereza might need one by the looks of it.

With formalities over, she had to say something. It would be rude not to. So, for now, Ophidia would stick to conversation. "Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever heard the name Nereza. I like it. Is it foreign?" She questioned, once again shifting the heavy weapon around on her shoulder. It was pretty awkward to carry sometimes, simply because of a scythe's size and top heavy weight.

Oh no. Nereza cringed deep within her mind, never breaking with her cold exterior. This was one of the nice types wasn't it? Then again, maybe only curious. Either way didn't matter. Many people Can see through what she did, but it always faded with time. Double guessing. Boredom. Should she try being boring? Maybe passive aggressive? No, not yet. That was for much later. Just dull for now.

"Italian." She stated with her signature blankness, and wiping her hand on her skirt. There was a genuine curiosity she had to sate herself though. "Miss Roman... And yours? I have never heard of the name Ophidia." The longest sentence she had said all week. With prolonged interaction, Nereza's speech seemed less human. It naturally grew more ominous with every word. How odd to make such an observation now of all times. She thought. It was obvious she had been out here too long.

She may not be showing it, but Nereza is exhausted. It was a good thing the girl didn't ask to spare. Although, she had heard that you do your best growing at times like this, when your body was forced to the limit. Still, she half hope THIS would be enough. The little conversation they had was acceptable to her, so why not Miss Roman? Maybe she was prolonging the inevitable...

This was interesting... And creepy... Was her voice becoming more drone-like? Was that even possible? Maybe ignoring it would make it go away... Like a fly... Time to test that idea. After all, Ophidia certainly wan't going anywhere. Nereza just kept catching more and more of her interest.

Taking a moment to reflect back on how she got her name, Ophidia shuddered a little. That was not an origin she was proud of, but it was her name none the less and at least she could be proud of that. Her expression slowly sank to that of an awkward frown. Being proud of a name given in a context such as hers was not an easy thing to be proud of nonetheless.

"Well... That's probably because it's not an actual name... It's a word meaning snake..." She replied, feeling a bit self conscious now that she'd said it out loud. Who names their child after a creepy squirmy reptile? Apparently an orphanage...

Shaking that feeling, she took a moment to clear her head and regain her smile. That was the past. This is now. Now is good. "By the way, you don't need to be so formal, just Ophidia is fine." She added, trying to be friendly with Nereza. Who knows, a friend might be all she really needs.

Nereza battered herself for ever leaving the house today. The girl corrected how she was addressed. That probably meant she was setting up for an actual conversation. How could she shake this off? Well... That would be simple. How did she shake this off without being rude, hurting feelings, or being beaten up. Maybe she would take the dive for the latter. Happened pretty frequently anyways.

She noted the shudder as Ophidia's name was explained, but didn't know how to address such without growing more with attachment. Why were people so difficult. Couldn't the girl tell she wanted none of this? Nereza went over the ways to help her, but she probably didn't need it anyways, right? Still, maybe subtle empathy just in case? "Nero Nereza means strong darkness." She would explain. She really had no fear of it. Just a title right? And I will call you whatever you wish.

Nereza's mind wandered to what this girl was after. It certainly wasn't a good time, and if anyone had been to this school for more that a week they would know Nere certainly isn't a suitable friend. After a slight pause, Nereza finally blinks for the first time in the conversation. If she wanted this to end without consequence, she would just have to ride it out. "I suppose that you are new here? I'm an autonomous weapon." She stated in the same dull tone. She hadn't talked this much in a while, and her voice was already getting hard to control. The sound was beginning to get on HER nerves.

Strong darkness. It comforted Ophidia a bit to know she wasn't the only one with a creepy name... Wait... Why was that comforting? There was no reason it should be considered comforting for someone to be as disturbed by their name as Ophidia. As a matter of fact, she now felt bad for bringing it up.

It was then Nereza said something that caught Ophidia's attention almost as quick as her creepy stare. An autonomous weapon, huh? That was pretty great in Ophidia's eyes. Though it had to be kind of lonely without a partner. Then again, that might just be Ophidia...

"Yeah, just got in this week. It must be pretty cool being an autonomous weapon though... Being able to fight alone without carrying a heavy piece of equipment... I'm a scythe meister myself, as you can probably tell." Ophidia replied, lifting the scythe a few inches from her shoulder in acknowledgement, then bringing it back down to rest.

It was actually getting quite awkward sitting there. Perhaps she should bring it down in the grass... At least then the top wouldn't seem so heavy... Eh, then again if the ground was too damp it might get stuck, and that would really suck. After all, not like she can just get another...

Nereza gave a mental smile. Just as she said, a week, and she would know better. Well, she'd know soon right? Still, it sparked an off sense of camaraderie. Not only was her name a little distasteful in origin, but she was a scythe meister. It was an insignificant coincidence though. Nereza made a mental note that it was time to get her head out of the clouds.

Wait... A scythe meister? Then she was probably looking for a scythe weapon. She would have to make an effort to avoid sparking her interest in that sense. She wouldn't let this girl get attached to her, and she definitely wouldn't get her hopes up just to tell her no... No matter how bad her own track record was.

"It would be more convenient if I could use my abilities to their full potential, but yes. As much as I hate to say it, I am not much of a fighter." She would point out. Second guessing if it was the right thing to say. It may discourage, and entice the girl, she couldn't be sure. Her mind began to drift to subject matter to avoid her weapon form.

An autonomous weapon that couldn't fight...? That was like a meister that had no weapon... How does one manage that...? After all, if a meister can't use their weapon it becomes useless. Wouldn't it be the same for a weapon that can't use their weapon form? Maybe she wasn't autonomous, she just didn't WANT a meister.

That's it. That was the problem, wasn't it? She just didn't like people... Then Ophidia was bothering her... Still though... She can't just leave someone to hate people... That was bad karma, and bad on her conscience. No. She had to befriend this girl, just in case she was right. After all, one act of kindness can change a life... Right? Eh. Point is, she'd try.

"I don't wanna be rude, but... Isn't that why weapons have meisters in the first place...? Because it can't use itself effectively in combat...? I mean? A weapon is at it's peak with someone who can utilize it's potential, right...? J-Just a thought..." Ophidia stated, trying to open Nereza's mind a bit. Even if she hated Ophidia for it, she may thank her at a later time... Right...?

Nereza's eyes fluttered, her shoulder drooping slightly, and her eyes averting from Ophi for a most fleeting of moments before she took her first uncontrolled breath in, regaining her composure. "You do not know what you are speaking of." She spoke, wanting her voice to sound stern, but it simply came out as the same old monotone. She was too used to this now.

What right did this girl have to assume something like that anyways. Of course she was better off with a meister, but the decision was hardly her business. Where did she get off being so-!!... Right.... Nereza really had no business fighting on her own. It only meant people had to go through the trouble of saving her. She would be of better use in the hands of someone more capable. She knew this, and the girl was only trying to help.

It didn't make a difference. She couldn't go through the process of making attachments to a partner. She had made it a point that no one ever suffer in the slightest for her, or from her actions, and now was no time to start. Her notice drew to the hand she was clenching. She promptly loosed it, her thoughts relaxing back into their natural state. That was a simple observation, and she wouldn't let it effect her.

Ophidia had struck a nerve, as expected. There was no friendly way to say that someone was bad at working alone, no matter how you try to sweeten it. Though, honestly, it worried her a bit. What if Nereza took on a mission by herself and ended up hurt bad, or worse? Sure it was none of her buisiness, but she'd feel bad none the less.

Giving an appologetic look, Ophidia decided it wasn't enough and went for the verbal as well. "Sorry..." She said softly, with a hint of wavering nervousness. She still couldn't get a read on Nereza, which she was still having a hard time adjusting to... Yeah, that would take some time... But she'd get there! Maybe...

Ophidia wasn't sure where to go from here... Did she say goodbye and leave? Did she change the aubject? Yeah. That seemed like the best option here. "So... Hungry? It's not much, but I have chips... And a few kinds of sandwiches..." She said, hoping food could make it better.

Did that seriously not scare her off? Why was this happening? What did the girl want from her? Couldn't she see yet that Nereza couldn't engage her if she wanted to. The girl was ruining her plan for isolation. Nereza had to regain control of the situation.

"I am quite alright." She would respond, her stomach growling as if on que. Had she eaten today? She couldn't remember sometimes. She had training to do anyways, so why would she stop for something that could just be done later? Eating with the girl would only invite more meaningless conversation.

"What do you want?" Nereza demanded in her awful tone. She wanted to cut to the chase already. She didn't know if the girl was curiously playing with a toy, or if she was genuinely concerned for a fellow human being, but either way she had no place to do so, and Nereza had had enough of it... Were those really her thoughts? No, those didn't matter either. Solitude mattered.

Ophidia had heard the stomach, but not wanting to annoy Nereza further she kept quiet about it. Maybe she'd come around after a bit? If not, well, Ophidia tried. Though... She still couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right about Nereza. Nobody was this sour without being provoked... Were they?

Now this one she had to think about. What DID she want? She came originally for tips, but Nereza wasn't what she'd seemed. What was keeping her here? Maybe it was the curiosity...? That was the only explanation she could find that made sense. Was she bothering this poor girl for entertainment? What kind of sick joke is this...? Well, maybe she was just interesting... Maybe...?

"Well you're interesting..." Ophidia finally replied. It was even harder to get the words out of her head than to form them in her head to begin with. "You meet boring people every day, s-so when I meet someone interesting I don't really like to just walk away..." She finished, her palms sweating. Stupid nervousness. Why was talking to people such an effort?

Nereza thought process was wrecked for a moment, her face still completely blank to hide the system shut down behind her eyes? Interesting? She wondered, the simple thought unclogging her mind, and letting the uncomfortable machinations flow again.

Wait... Was this a game? Was Nereza just supposed to be a toy here? Her fingers played in the hem of her dress to cope with the idea, but she didn't budge an inch otherwise. She did take a moment to play with a thought in her mind. Why wasn't she with a partner? It was better for everyone after all. More importantly, why was this girl so frustrating? She had never needed to dig for an excuse to dislike anyone before, and she was for to forthcoming with her intentions, and personal information.

"That is... Flattering to be sure." She finally managed, unable to find the means to create further squabble with this girl at the moment. She simply couldn't muster the reason when her intention seemed so innocent. To be honest that was interesting enough in itself. Should she say so?... No, this was the kind of person Nereza could easily bond with. She had to get rid of her. Fast. "I suppose you do not have a weapon then?" Only it didn't work. And why did she ask that question? It wasn't like she cared. Right?

A question... Was Nereza finally trying to return conversation? If she was, it would mean Ophidia had won a little trust, right? No... It just meant she had done something kind of good. This didn't make them friends yet, did it? Either way, Ophidia had no intention of pushing this. She'd just talk a bit until something happened.

Now as for that question... "Not yet... Just this thing." Ophidia said, raising the scythe a few inches off her shoulder in acknowledgement, then setting it back down. Perhaps tomorrow she'd come earlier and scout the area...? Even if she couldn't find a scythe, maybe she'd find SOME kind of pole-arm and adapt? Eh, when the time comes.

By now, Ophidia was calming down. Though Nereza's blank expression still left her nervous, it wasn't something she could avoid, so she was adjusting to it. Then again, what if Nereza was judging her behind those eyes? Was she failing? Oh god... What should she be doing that she wasn't?!? What was she doing that she shouldn't?!? No, no, calm down. She's not judging you. Even if she was, she started a conversation, so you're doing good, right...?

"You have not been here very long. I'm sure you'll find someone who compliments your skill well." Why was this happening? Was she even controlling her mouth at this point!? She knew for a fact that talking to this girl was dangerous for the both of them. She had gone for over a year without this problem. Why was this girl so easy to talk to? Something about the way she carried herself. In spite of the confidence she so capably wielded, she seemed easy for Nereza to relate to. That made no sense considering the obvious differences in their personalities. Ophidia was so competent, and Nereza was so... Inept... She had really been at this too long. She should take a break soon.

Somehow, Nereza's face seemed to be slipping. She seemed a tired, but truth was, she was exhausted. Her careless mind drifted to question how her hours of dedication throughout the years did nothing. She may be a candidate for valedictorian in the classroom, but it would mean nothing if this was the best she managed in the field. Another victory to the wicker kishin. Maybe next time she would bring matches, but at this rate she could give up her hopes of graduating. To think her autonomous abilities were so wasted on someone so physically untalented. Maybe she could just leave the DWMA. She only had to complete the NOT class after all. What profession allows you to avoid all human contact?

The growl of her stomach rang her back into reality, he head quickly darting to the side in embarrassment. "I-I-... She stammered, trying to collect herself from the mental blanks she kept drawing. "So, have you enjoyed the city?" She finally conducted after a short struggle, her eyes again locked in a different direction, playing with the landscape to avoid further humiliation from her own words.

Ophidia, taking note of the stomach, could now obviously tell the girl was not alright. Perhaps the girl was too proud to take handouts? Or perhaps the girl just didn't trus Ophidia? Either way, Nereza was hungry for sure, and Ophidia was not going to ignore that fact.

Laying the scythe down, Ophidia oppened the plastic bag from earlier. "The city is nice, it's just kinda different from the landscape I'm used to... N-Not in a bad way, just taking some adjusting is all..." She replied, shuffling through the bag. "Do you like penut butter...? Or ham maybe...?" She asked, awaiting a response. At this point she wasn't going to bother asking if Nereza even wanted it, because she needed it more than Ophidia... Who had three or four in the bag...

Besides, she'd just gotten here. Being here alone would get kinda boring, and a new friend never hurt anyone, right? Well, either way it wouldn't hurt Ophidia. Especially if that friend just happened to be a scythe... Who may come to terms with the fact they need a meister at some point... But, Ophidia wouldn't push that too hard. After all, Nereza wanted to be autonomous. Maybe she'd work that out. Who knows?

Nereza's stone cold look returned upon the offer. She couldn't fathom the girls persistence. What right did she have to press on like this!? Why was she so much more frustrating than everyone else!? The questions were almost enough to make her investigate, but the girl was already pulling in closer than she needed to. Could she be rude, and get away with it, not hurting the girls feelings?

That's it, she would reject the food, and send the girl away. Simple. "Peanut butter..." ...... What? What was that? Why was she so bad at this with THIS particular girl. No, no. Not the girl. She was simply tired, and it was effecting her mind. Any moment the girl would leave politely, and she would never have this sort of trouble again.

Despite the conflict with her thoughts, Nereza sat down in the middle of the ground. This was rather uncharacteristic for her, but she felt the need to relax, and was actually to tired to keep standing, or walk to an appropriate place to do otherwise. Pick-nick with a stranger it was.

Finally the girl seemed to be letting her guard down, even if only to have a snack. However she still had that unreadable look... Maybe that was actually how Nereza always acted...? Oh well... In any case it would be fine, so long as Ophidia could talk to her. Something about this girl seemed to sit well with Ophidia, despite how uneasy Nereza had first made her...

There it was. Penut butter. Taking the individually bagged sandwich out of the bigger plastic bag, she held it out to Nereza. "Here. She said, shooting Nereza a light smile and pulling out the bowl of chips to set between them, swiftly removing the lid. Now was as good a time as any... Though... She probably should have brought something to drink. Eh, worst comes to worst she could go find a 24/7 store. She had a little cash...

Deciding a little small talk wouldn't hurt, she began searching for a topic. What about books...? Kinda boring, but it was something she knew. "Do you like books...?" She questioned, unbagging her own sandwich. Penut butter with dill pickles. Good stuff in her mind, in some others... Not so much.

Nereza took the sandwich, and nodded in an odd form of gratitude. She hated accepting food from a stranger, but as hungry as she was, she could barely stand thinking not to. Without another word, she took a few bites out of the sandwich, not bothering with the chips for health preference. She still wasn't sure what was so off about this meister, but was certain she could see it when not distracted by her aching stomach.

Pulling a bite into her stomach, she gives the most bare, hardly registrable sigh of relief before re-assuming her perfect porcelain poker face. "I do." She responded to the query in the most simple fashion she could think of, not caring to go into details of what kind, or who from. If she couldn't send the girl away for whatever reason, she would have to seem as disinterested as possible until the girl felt the need to leave. It wasn't like she was interested in what kind of books the girl liked anyways.

"Find anything worthwhile recently." Great Nero. Really nailing this. Behind her disguise, she worked herself over with a slew of mental slaps. This had to stop sooner than later. Somehow, she was already far too close to the meister.

Ophidia had to think for a minute, reviewing her recent reads. She went through a few books a week depending on how much free time she had. What have I read this week? Lolita, Wise Blood, Yarrow, and Trader in the last seven days... All novels by three different authors. They all had their own shine to them... So she'd just pick one for now.

"I read Yarrow, by Charles De Lint a few days ago. Th-that was a good one." She replied, taking a bite from her sandwich. It wasn't like this was a new thing... At least Nereza was being kinder now... And actually talking willingly... She still had that stare though... That cold, unnerving stare. Though the feeling was fading... Maybe she was adjusting...

Trying to relax, she popped a chip in her mouth and settled into the spot she had sat in. It wasn't like she needed to befriend Nereza to live but... Why did she want to so bad? Was it because Nereza seemed like she needed a friend? Or maybe because Ophidia was tired of being alone...? It'd be fine. No matter what way this went she'd be fine... Right?

Usually, when someone said they liked to read, the list began, and ended with Harry Potter, or some other large time series. This girl was obviously an exception. Lolita came out in the 50's. It wasn't the kind of book just anyone would read. It would seem she had met a kindred soul.

"Color me impressed." She continued utilizing her dead tone, and took a bite from the sandwich. "I stopped wasting time on recreational reading when I arrived at the DWMA." That much was true. She had to use most of her spare time to learn exactly the first thing about fighting... And some embarrassing personal dancing time...

Now it was both ways. The girl was getting comfortable as well. Why couldn't she shut this out?

((Had to cut the post short. Gotta get ready for work. ;-;))

Wasting time, huh...? Well everyone was entitled to opinions. Ophidia spent much of her time reading, and what time she didn't she was in class or here. Then again, that wasn't exactly normal, but neither was Ophidia...

"I read a lot, actually... I'm hoping to survive long enough to become a librarian here, and if not here then somewhere else." She replied, taking a few more small bites from her sandwich. Yes, that was Ophidia's dream. It wasn't a big dream like becoming the world's best meister, but it was her dream none the less.

Ophidia popped another chip in her mouth, then proceeded to ask another question. "What of you? What do you want to do with life...?" She had a good idea of what it might be, but she'd learned not to assume things here.

Nereza gave a sigh at what she had said. "It's not that I don't want to..." She mumbled, looking to the side, hoping she hadn't insulted the girl somehow. She really did enjoy reading, but she couldn't afford to waste time while her skills are so lacking.

But that question. What did she want? She could probably make it as a tailor, or something similar, but that wasn't going to happen. Weapons are made to destroy. Destructive by nature. But she didn't /want/ that. Not really. Nereza had spent several moments trying to burn a hole through her sandwich with her eyes. "I don't know how to answer that." She finally decided was the best answer.

Ophidia was baffled by Nereza's second response. It both confused and interested her. How could you not have an answer? Even if you didn't know what you wanted to do, it was still an answer, and yet she chose that wording... She knew Nereza probably wanted the subject dropped though, so she'd just move on.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out. I mean, everyone has to at some point." Ophidia replied before finishing off her sandwich. By now, it had sunk in that Nereza wasn't going to change. This cold gaze was just her personality, and that was alright. She was just glad that Nereza didn't hate her.

Ophidia reached over and popped a chip into her mouth, wondering what to say at this point. She wasn't great at conversation, so her options were kind of running thin. Maybe she'd just give Nereza her number and go train? Or maybe she'd just see if Nereza said something back.

Nereza shifted in her place, anticipating ridicule, but never receiving it. There were plenty of people that had done this before. Played nice. Most of them blow off by now, but some don't. It wasn't like this had never happened before though, so why was this girl causing such a mess in her thoughts.

She was hardly a quarter through her sandwich by now, but set it down, already full. She was so very persistent, like so many others. Maybe it was just the girls nature. She wanted so little from such a huge opportunity. But, she seemed to be caring. Or, at least enough tell her what she thought that Nereza needed to know.

"I am quiet sure I will" She said after a short pause. She found herself institutionally searching for a response now. Something she hadn't done in so long. "So. Any outstanding abilities?" She asked in her continual tone.

Ophidia was glad Nereza continued. In all honesty she didn't have anything else to ask. Outstanding abilities... Ophidia could only think of a few, but they'd have to do. After all, it wasn't as if she was a top meister or anything. Sure she was EAT class but that didn't matter without a weapon partner.

"Well, I've been told my wavelength is pretty flexible, and I'm pretty good with a pole arm weapon. Fighting just comes naturally. Other than that, good grades. What about you?" Ophidia replied, feeling kind of awkward for evaluating herself. One thing did ring out to her there though. Fighting came naturally...

It was true though. Fighting was something that had always made sense. Sure she doubted her skills when in a fight, but there was no doubt she was more capable than most. She had chalked that up to her parents. She didn't know much about them, but asumed they must've been fighters to have survived long enough to bring her into the world.