Golden Tears on the Angel's Wing

Chapter 7: The Path Of The Chosen

Aria trailed behind Giorno as he walked, hunched over protecting the flame like it was his lifeline. While he was securing the fire, Aria stayed close as she made sure that his path was clear of any obstacles. Polpo's words were still circling in her head and she has to make sure Giorno passes. Though they were both involved in keeping an eye on the lighter, she felt a bit nervous when getting close to where she discovered was Giorno's school. She hoped they won't get into any trouble considering she wasn't a student and they were most likely going to his bedroom for the rest of the day. Aria clenched onto the straps of her case as she kept her head down. Too shy to look up at the faces of the other students.

A breeze blew in and it grazed through the flame. Giorno quickly caught sight of it and covered his hand to keep the wind from touching it again. 'This wind is a major problem.' Giorno thought to himself. Focusing all his attention on the lighter. He needs to get back to his room and quickly and safely as possible. As he walked across the school's campus, Giorno briefly acknowledged a group of his schoolmates. Soccer players, stacked up like a pyramid, struggling to maintain their position.

The star of the pyramid took note of Giorno's appearance and called out to him. "Yo, Giorno! Perfect timing, h-hey could you be a pal and press the shutter button?" He asked as he pointed towards the camera sitting nearby. Aria looked up at the team and noticed that it wouldn't take much longer until they lose their balance. "Nope, not a chance." Giorno bluntly told him she ignored them and walked off without so much as a glance. Much to the students' annoyance and anger. Aria waved her hand to get their attention, went over to the camera and took the picture for them. The ruby-eyed girl smiled sweetly at them which caused the whole team to blush and were left speechless by the presence of such a cute girl.

Aria waved them goodbye and jogged to catch up to Giorno just as the team let out cries and yells as they've lost their balance and fell towards the ground. As they were nearing the staircase, a short old man came up to them. His arms were full and struggling to hold up five brooms, a mop, a wiper, two buckets, and a hose reel. "Excuse me, youngster, but would you mind lending me a hand with all this?" He asked Giorno, but the young blonde kept on walking. "Not now." He said, equally as blunt as before. Shocking the old man. Aria went to the old man's side and smiled at him. She took the brooms, the bucket and hose reel from him. Lightening his load.

The old man looked up at the girl in surprise but was grateful for the help. With his arms free from most clutter, the janitor was able to open up the storage closet and set the items down inside. He stretched his back and let out a content sigh as Aria walked in and put the items she was carrying in the correct places. "Ahh...thank you so much, young lady. Most youngsters these days have no respect for the elderly, I suppose." The old janitor told Aria. The mute girl smiled and bid him farewell. Rushing to catch up to Giorno. She went up the stairs she had seen him go and discovered that he was a little ways away. Patiently waiting for her. Aria sighed in relief and hoped he wasn't upset with her before heading over to him.

Giorno led Aria up the stairs and through the hall until they reached the small student dormitory of his school. Giorno had to look around several times because the school rules forbade any girls, especially girls who aren't students, in the boy's dormitory. So he needed to be extra careful. He grabbed Aria's hand, while still protecting the lighter, and he rushed them into his dorm room, pushing the girl inside as he entered shortly after. Closing the door behind him. 'Finally made it back to the dorm.' Giorno let out a sigh of relief that they had gotten safely to the dorm, but his sigh caused a small breeze, making the flame flicker. He had a mini panic attack as the flame wavered. Shifting back to normal.

Giorno covered his mouth and froze, still as a statue until he was sure the flame was still intact. 'That was a close one.' He thought. Aria looked towards Giorno in concern and went over to him. Gently reaching out a hand to touch his shoulder. Looking up at him with worry-filled eyes. Giorno slowly relaxed, shaking his head. "Don't worry, I'm alright." He told her. Aria nodded her head, still worried that this might be too much for them to handle. But they had to see this through if they ever want to get accepted into the gang.