*Mia chuckles, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight as she shakes her head.* "Believe it or not, I'm already enrolled here at the Academy. As a matter of fact, I'm in the same grade as you, Leona. It just seems like I've been here longer because of my background and...abilities."
*She glances around discreetly, ensuring no one is within earshot before continuing in a lower tone.* "I've been trained since I was young to hone my skills and help others like you who've been wronged."
*Leona's eyes widen in surprise and admiration at Mia's confession.* "Really? You're so strong and capable, I can only imagine what kind of training you've had. I'm honored to have you as a friend and protector, Mia."
*As they approach the dormitories, Leona's gaze lingers on the imposing structures, feeling a mix of trepidation and excitement about her new life here.* "Will it be okay if I stay in your dorm tonight? I don't want to be alone after everything that's happened."
*Mia's expression turns warm with understanding as she nods.* "Of course, Leona. You're welcome to stay with me anytime you need comfort or a friendly face. My dorm room is the third door on the right, on the second floor."
*As they enter the dormitory, the bustling atmosphere of girls chatting and laughing fills the air. Mia leads Leona to her room, unlocking the door to reveal a cozy space filled with books, art supplies, and a few personal mementos.*
*Leona steps inside the room, her eyes sweeping over the inviting space with a sense of wonder.* "It's so lovely, Mia! You have such a nice home here."
*She notices a few framed photographs on the wall and curiosity gets the better of her.* "Who are these people in the pictures? Family and friends, perhaps?" *Mia's expression turns wistful as she gazes at the photos.* "Most of them are from my past life, before I came to the Academy."
*Leona's brow furrows with empathy as she recognizes the melancholy in Mia's tone.* "It must have been difficult to leave behind the life you knew and start anew here. But I'm glad you did, because now we can be friends and support each other."
*She picks up one of the framed photos, studying the image of a young Mia standing with two older individuals who appear to be her parents.* "Your parents must have been very proud of the strong, capable person you've become."
*Mia's voice takes on a soft, distant quality as she responds.* "They were wonderful, Leona. But...they're not with me anymore. It's just been me, on my own, for a long time now."
*She pauses, collecting herself before continuing in a steadier tone.* "But that's all changing now, isn't it? With you here, I feel like I've got a new family, a new purpose." *Mia offers Leona a heartfelt smile, her eyes shining with gratitude and a hint of hope.* "What about you, Leona? where's your parents?"
*Leona's expression darkens, a shadow of pain crossing her features as she recalls her troubled past.* "My parents...they're not in the picture anymore. They had me when they were young, and they couldn't provide for me, so I was sent to an orphanage."
*Her voice drops to a near whisper, the memories still raw and painful.* "It was a hard life, Mia. The other children there...they made my life miserable, calling me weak, worthless."
*Mia's face sets in a determined expression, her grip on Leona's hand tightening as a spark of outrage ignites within her.* "Those other children were nothing but bullies and cowards. They could never understand the strength and resilience you've shown just by surviving, by striving to be more despite the odds against you."
*With a gentle but firm touch, Mia turns Leona to face the mirror.* "Look at yourself, Leona. You're not weak, you're not worthless."
*Leona meets Mia's intense gaze in the reflection, her own eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and yearning for validation.* "Really, Mia? You truly believe that?"
*She reaches up to touch the scar on her cheek, a visible reminder of her past torment.* "I've been called weak my whole life. By the orphanage workers, by the other kids, even by my own self at times. It's hard to shake off that belief when it's been drilled into you for so long."
*Mia steps closer, her voice low and filled with conviction.* "Leona, your scars are not a symbol of weakness, but of survival. You've faced darkness and emerged stronger for it. The fact that you're even here at the Academy, pursuing your dreams, is a testament to your inner strength."
*She gently tilts Leona's chin up, forcing her to meet her eyes.* "You're not just surviving, Leona. You're thriving. And I'm here to support you every step of the way, to help you believe in yourself the way I do."
*Leona's breath hitches as she absorbs Mia's words, a fragile smile beginning to form on her lips.* "Thank you, Mia. For seeing me, for believing in me when I couldn't believe in myself."
*She places a hand over Mia's, squeezing it softly.* "I think...I think I'm ready to start believing too. Ready to see myself as strong and worthy, instead of weak and worthless." *Her voice wavers with emotion, but there's a newfound resilience in her eyes, a spark of hope kindled by Mia's unwavering support.*
*Mia's heart swells with joy and pride as she watches Leona's transformation, the girl's walls beginning to crumble and reveal the strong, capable individual beneath.* "That's my Leona," she says, her voice warm with affection. "The bravest, most resilient person I know."
*She pulls Leona into a tight hug, feeling the girl's tension melt away into relief and acceptance.* "You've got this, Leona. Whatever challenges come your way, we'll face them together."
*Leona clings to Mia, her tears of release soaking into her friend's shoulder as she lets go of years of pain and self-doubt.* "I'm so grateful for you, Mia." *she whispers, her voice raw with emotion.* "You've given me back my sense of self, my purpose."
*She pulls back to gaze up at Mia, her eyes shining with a newfound light.* "Let's go show the world what we're capable of, together. I'm ready to become the strongest version of myself, and I know you'll be right by my side every step of the way."
*Mia beams with pride and joy, her heart full to bursting with love and admiration for her dear friend.* "That's the spirit, Leona! We're going to conquer this Academy, and the world beyond, hand in hand."
*With a mischievous grin, she adds,* "And who knows? Maybe someday we'll even touch that Ranking Crystal and become Hunters ourselves. Wouldn't that be something?"
*Her eyes sparkle with excitement at the thought, but she also sees the flicker of trepidation in Leona's gaze, the lingering shadows of her past doubts.*
*Leona's smile falters, a shadow of uncertainty clouding her eyes as she considers Mia's words.* "Hunters...it's such a lofty goal, Mia. I'm not sure I'm cut out for that kind of life, with all the danger and responsibility..."
*She trails off, her voice dropping to a whisper as she confesses,* "Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever truly belong, if I'll always be seen as the weakest girl. Even if I become strong, will anyone ever truly accept me?"
*Mia's expression softens with empathy as she reaches out to take Leona's hand once more.* "Leona, your worth and strength are not defined by your rank or the opinions of others. You belong here, with me, just as you are."
*She squeezes Leona's hand gently, her voice steady and reassuring.* "And as for becoming Hunters...that's a path we can explore together, at our own pace. There's no need to rush or prove ourselves to anyone but ourselves."
*Leona's eyes search Mia's face, seeking the truth and reassurance she so desperately craves. Finding it there, a sense of calm washes over her, and she nods slowly.*
"Okay, Mia. I trust you. Together, we'll figure it out, one step at a time."
*She smiles, a small but genuine spark of hope in her eyes.* "Thank you for being my rock, my guiding star. I don't know what I'd do without you."
*Mia's heart swells with affection and pride at Leona's words, a warm glow spreading through her chest.* "You'll never have to find out, Leona. I'll be right here, by your side, through every triumph and every challenge. We're in this together, always and forever."
*With a grin, she adds,* "Now, let's get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day, full of possibilities. And who knows? Maybe we'll even have a blast in our first week at the Academy!"