Mind Over Mask

7. Arya

"Hey, Arya?" I looked up to see Angie in the doorframe, holding her arm behind her back. "I have something for you."

I drew closer to her and took her offering in my hands.

"I hope you like it... I made it myself."

I unfurled the folded fabric to reveal an athletic suit, black and fitted, with pale blue lines outlining each limb. Swirls in the shape of an abstracted windmill were embroidered across the suit's breast. On top of the suit lay an intricate black mask — the lace was placed so that it mimicked the winds' movements, and shades of blue appeared when light hit the mask at certain angles.

"Arya?" she asked softly. A momentary look of worry crossed her face, and it looked like she was about to chew her bottom lip off.

"I love it," I said breathlessly, running my fingers over the mask's swirls. "How did you, why did you-"

She had the widest smile I have ever seen. I felt a surge of happiness upon seeing it, but remained confused as to why she had gone out of her way in the first place.

"I thought, maybe, it would help to coax out your powers. I also thought you would look pretty badass in it," she grinned sheepishly.

"Thanks," I said, with an equally sheepish grin. "But why? I told you that I don't do the 'hero' thing. I can't. My powers rely on me not being emotionally invested.

"I'm not so sure..." she said, trailing off. I could tell that we were both thinking of the vase incident earlier.

"Well, I guess I should try it on," I said, heading towards the bathroom. She clapped her hands together, and excitedly waved me on.