“Hey, wait!” Tenma ran after Aphra. “What was that all about?”
“She decided to pick up the swords, and I didn’t stop her,” Aphra continued walking. Tenma had to jog to keep up with her.
“Hold it!” he jumped in front of her, stopping her. “Why are you even here? You’re obviously of a much higher level than us. You don’t need any schooling!” his brow furrowed.
“I have my own reasons,” Aphra’s look was harrowing. “My family just doesn’t like me; That’s all.”
“Oh,” Tenma wilted. “I know how that feels.”
Aphra looked at him curiously. Tenma thought he saw a phantom of a smile play across her lips. But he couldn’t be sure, because Aphra swerved off the path and trudged into the forest.

He stared after her.
Maybe she wasn’t that different after all.