Too long, not enough (Rinna)

She tilted her head, “It tells you things? I must admit that is a bit different than what I’m used to. Generally, they can speak, but I’ve only heard mine once. They only spoke to me the first time, so I can’t tell you much about that.” It called itself a demon though? That was unusual. She had never thought of them as demons, “Demons and gods are starting to sit next to us. Honestly, I’m wondering how long they’ve been here…” She didn’t think they were new to this place. They were probably here for a long time, but no one noticed. The question was how long. She could feel Rinna’s hesitation to talk about some of the things weighing on her mind. Naomi would simply smile, “I’m here to listen, if you want to talk. If you want advice, I’m here for that too. Just do what makes you comfortable.” She wasn’t going to force her. She wanted to help her get through this. Being alone was a hard thing. Even if they weren't exactly the same, she could try.

Something terrible? That was pretty vague and she didn’t know what to exactly make of that statement. A lot of terrible things were happening lately. She didn’t want to think about that though, “We’re going to be alright. I’m… I’m looking around for an answer for us. There has to be an answer for us somewhere.” How she hoped, “And having a better power doesn’t mean you will be better. Maybe stronger, but experience and skill also account for something.” Using a power you were used to, even if weaker could prove to be the key point to victory. They would get through this somehow, “And if you quit your job where will you go?” She needed some way to make a living. They weren’t losing their world. She couldn’t let them. She shrugged at the question, “Not much. Gathering information, hanging with friends. You know, balancing the chaos that is my life.” She laughed at herself, “Don’t you have anything happening right now? You have a life outside of this place.” At least, she assumed so.

Naomi looked down at the ground before raising her eyes to look at Rhinna, “Umm… If you don’t want to move back in with your parents, I could talk to my mom. We’re a family of two in a house with more than two rooms. We actually have four, one of which is a guest room. Well, it’s supposed to be, but we never really had any guests before. It has a bed, a computer, and some other basics. That’s it though. I could see if you can stay with us, if you want. She may ask you to pay rent though.” She was trying to make it clear this wasn’t a charity case. She wanted to help Rhinna, and she knew her mom wasn’t that accommodating. Still, it could probably be worked out, “It’s just something I can look into, if you want.” Home didn’t sound like the place she wanted to be right now, and she didn’t feel like putting Rhinna through any more stress. She girl seemed to be contemplating something of her own right now, “I won’t ask what it is, if you don’t want to share, but if you need to talk it over in more detail, I’m right here.” She could tell something was on the grl’s mind. She wondered what, but she wouldn’t pry. She was more choked up when Rhinna asked about unbalancing her life, “Y-you mean like in the supernatural sense?” She thought she was getting the subtext. If she got any sign that was what she meant, she would continue, “Well, I could take you out for training sometime, if that’s what you want. I’m assuming you haven’t gotten much practice in since you got your Persona. That’s the first place to start. Can’t guarantee it’ll be easy though. Shadows don’t do easy.” She knew firsthand how that felt. It was just training though. Nothing too bad. Then again, she had been running into stronger Shadows lately. Those had their own risks.

She saw the expression on Rinna’s face and smiled a little. She would never push it, but, “If you change your mind, the offer is still open.” She didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable, but she didn’t want her to be in a situation she didn’t want to be in. Then again, maybe she wanted to make up with her parents and this would be a good excuse. Still, her offer meant Rinna had a place to go if she needed it. She raised an eyebrow when Rinna talked about a rally, “What cause would this be?” She needed to be careful. Rallies could gather both people that cared about a cause and those that just wanted a reason to get angry. The world was made up of all kinds of people. She nodded, “Training is always useful, no matter where you think you sit. The lesson I have learned though is that you never want to go in alone. Some Shadows are strong to aspects, others can deflect your entire arsenal. You want to have someone with you so that you never run into that situation. It diversifies the attacks and strategies you can use. Also…” She sighed, “If you go unconscious, they can pull you out. Shadows are merciless once you’re helpless, and it’s life or death.” She looked at Rinna with eyes that obviously were speaking from experience, “You can go one your own, because you are a human with free will and can make your own choices, but I hope you will consider what I just said. Also, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Two or three fights is enough for one day. After that, you will begin to feel fatigue and it really begins to show.” She had been doing this long enough to know.

Naomi listened to Rinna’s rant without getting distracted. She said she would listen if the girl had anything to say, and she meant it. She actually admired her a bit. No one else was getting others involved. Even those with powers were divided amongst each other. She was cautious about getting normal people involved, but if it was just preparation and not fighting, she could live with it. Heck, maybe this is what people needed. The feeling of getting to still control aspects of their life, “I like that idea. Just be careful. Some people will still use it as an excuse to run out and fight whatever they can. It’s not that simple though. Nothing that is not supernatural will help win a fight.” She would then listen to whatever else had to be said. She would crack a little smile when Rinna said she wasn’t a kid, “I hope not. You’re older than I am, after all.” Maybe by only a year or so, but still, “And I will be there more as your partner/maybe mentor than your babysitter. I’m just making sure we’re looking out for one another.” Rinna was new and that meant she was going to make some mistakes. Everyone did. Naomi did. She just wanted to be sure that Rinna could learn how to handle herself and that she got stronger, “I’ll be sure to bring plenty of supplies.” She didn’t feel the need to explain that. She hoped Rinna knew that having some item to help would be a good call.

Naomi raised a questioning brow as Rinna seemed to speak to herself, “What?” She would ask for clarification, but would not push if the girl was not up for discussing it. It was odd though. She laughed a little when Rinna asked if she had given up, “No. In fact, I would say I’m more geared up now than I ever was before. I’ve been looking into the other worlds. It’s possible that I may be able to save one of them. I hope, at least. If I can do that before it becomes corrupted like the others, that may end any chance of that corruption leaking into our world, leaving that island habitable. It could also mean I’ll be able to find information about how to deal with the other supernatural beings hanging around. That’s what I’m hoping for, at least.” Two birds, one stone. It was sounding like a better plan all the time, “And don’t worry about it. You never know what people are thinking until you ask.” She stood up to follow after Rinna, “Glad to hear it. Although, unless your weapon is your fist, it won’t hurt them. Remember how real weapons are useless against them?” Just a tip. She could tell Rinna needed to get back to work, “Happy to hear you’re doing better though. It’s nice to catch up after so long.” She meant it.