Issue 1 Downtime

Aria is standing at the cliffs somewhere between the Point and the Lighthouse, staring out over the waves. Inside Ryan and Dee are waiting for her to help her with her time-jump but first she had to at least try and see if Miranda would talk to her and let her say goodbye. So now she's standing and waiting, hoping her younger self will show up. Not that she could really blame her if she didn't.

Miranda arrives, the back of one hand decorated with a pattern of brightly colored feathers that looks like it was done with Sharpie. She walked up beside Aria, looking out over the ocean as well. "It's a nice place," she commented.

"Yeah, it's pretty much the same too. I used to hang out here a bunch with Robin. Sorry I ruined that for you. That and so much more..."

"Things are what they are. To wish them otherwise doesn't mean they'll change. And despite my heartfelt words on the sub, I am still very angry with you."

"Yeah, I figured. I'm glad you came to let me say goodbye anyway. I realize you're never going to be me, but maybe that's for the better. I'm kind of a screw-up..."

"You're human," she said with a shrug. "It happens. So is Kay happy in the future?" The question seemed carefully constructed, as if she'd put a lot of thought into it.

"Kay? Oh shoot, you're talking about Miss Haddock!" she chuckles briefly. "Man, I dunno. I think so. I remember her smiling a lot and that I had the biggest crush on her when I took her class."

Miranda smiled at the thought, "Good." She reached up and brushed some stray hair back. Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a Sharpie. "Give me your hand." It didn't really sound like a request as she held out her hand.

"Sure." she says, holding out her hand.

Miranda turns Aria's hand back and forth for a bit before she draws on it, a tyet on the back and a pair of torches crossed behind a key on the palm. The entire process almost feels like ritual, even though it's a girl doodling in Sharpie. After a few more touches, she closes the marker and steps back.

Aria looks at it for a while, getting an impression of the significance if not quite the meaning.

"Thank you." she finally says. "I wish I had something equally meaningful to give you in return."

"I'll accept a promise to do better and be better, no matter what the future... or the past... throws at you."

"I promise. And I'm glad I got a chance to meet you." she sniffs. "Oh great, now I'm crying like a sappy dumbass." she smiles weakly.

"Nothing wrong with being a sappy dumbass from time to time. Part of being 'better'," she said with a smile. "And remember that family will always look out for you, even when things are difficult. Have faith."

"Right." she says, pulling herself together a bit. "And I know you haven't been around very long and this might not make it seem that way, but the good things do outweigh the bad. I don't really expect you to forgive me right now, but maybe one day you will."

She looked at the back of her own hand and then back at Aria. "Actually, I forgive you now."

"Thanks. That means a lot to me." She keeps looking out over the ocean for a while.

"I... should probably get going. They're waiting for me. Take care. I'm going to miss you, 'big sis'."

"You be careful, 'little sister.' Take care of Mom and Mum." She moved in for a hug.

"You too." she says, returning the hug.

After a moment, Miranda stepped back. "Now get going, time's not going to wait for you."

Aria manages to produce a smirk, then takes a step and simply disappears.