#kdjfal the gameplay and story segregation of sara considering 'nino 4 skill points on account of her 4 skill points' a rival

[ninocence]

sara is not short, but it is equally true that she stands closer in height to nino than anyone else. attempting to deny as much would brand her a rather poor liar. while not present for the exact day that nino had joined the golden deer class, she recognizes that nino has been making a name for herself as a student and mage both. well, sara is wont to be outdone. power does not excite her for the same reasons it did her grandfather. rather than the praises and recognition of her peers, she seeks talented mages for the single, selfish purpose of pushing her magic to its highest potential.

"someday i should like to see our magic pitted against one another," she says conversationally. "what do you think? would that not thrill you as it does me?"

"H-huh?" Smile freezes as the girl she's about to greet speaks first, casual tone belying dangerous words.

Sara speaks of the thrill of fighting each other, and all Nino can think of is how her family had crumbled at the end, Fang against Fang as they fell on separate sides of Nergal's nefarious plans. She takes a step back, hands pressing and wringing together, sucking in a shaking breath. Remembers having to fight the twisted forms of her father, her brothers...

"No, let's— let's not...!" Nino replies, a desperate, pleading edge in her voice, "I don't want— Friends aren't supposed to hurt each other... Please..." Her words falter near the end, blinking back tears. She takes another breath, working up the courage to continue.

"I'll— I'll do what I can to help you. To be useful to you some other way... P-please don't make me fight you, ok?"