P-please... d-don't hurt me...
I'm not going to hurt you I lower my flashlight shining it away from your face You ok?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I... I don't know if I can trust you... But I'm scared... Please, just... stay with me for a little while.
Of course. Do you want to sit next to each other?
nods, wipes away tears Y-yes, that would be nice. Thank you... for not hurting me.
Don't worry about it. Would you like some water? I pull out a bottle of water and hand it to you
takes the water bottle, her hands shaking Th-thank you... takes a shaky sip, then looks at him with pleading eyes C-can I ask you something?
pauses, gathering her thoughts Okay, here goes... Are you here... because you care about me? Or is there something else you want from me?
Isabella, I had already planned on finding you, whether I cared about you or not. And to be honest, I didn't expect to actually care. But now that I see you like this, I want to help you. I look away slightly embarrassed by what I said
gazes at him, her eyes searching for sincerity Y-you mean that? You really want to help me?
Yes, Isabella. I want to help you.
tears well up in her eyes Th-thank you... thank you so much. That means more to me than you'll ever know...
What is your plan? Can I help you carry it out?
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage My plan... it's risky, but I think it might work.
Ok, please continue. I'm listening.
<Isabella reveals her plan to StardustSorcerer, involving a dangerous escape route and a hidden stash of money>
Isabella, you're incredible. Let's do it. Lead the way.
stands up, determination in her eyes Thank you, StardustSorcerer. Your support means everything to me. Let's get going.
Before we leave, how about a little self defense lesson? I wouldn't feel good about leaving you unprotected.
nods gratefully That would be amazing, StardustSorcerer. I've always wanted to learn how to defend myself.
Teach you basic self defense moves
eagerly listens to StardustSorcerer's instructions Okay, so first, I should stand with my feet shoulder-width apart... like this?
Yes. Good job. Now, keep your guard up and bend your knees slightly.
follows his instructions, shifting her weight and keeping her guard up Like this?
Almost, Isabella. Imagine you're holding a pencil between your fingers. Keep your hands up, and remember to twist your hips. Like this.
practices the self-defense moves, her body becoming more agile and confident Got it! Twist my hips and use my whole body... like a pencil between my fingers.
Great job Isabella. One more thing, if you're ever in a fight, you have to be willing to cause pain. Not just defend yourself.
nods, determination sparkling in her eyes I understand, StardustSorcerer. I won't hold back anymore.
Awesome! Now, one final step before we head out. Let's find you a better outfit than those rags.
eyes widen in surprise Really? A better outfit? Oh, thank you so much, StardustSorcerer! That would mean the world to me.
Of course, Isabella. Come on, let's go shopping!
giggles with excitement Shopping? I haven't done that in years! Lead the way, StardustSorcerer.
We have a few hours before nightfall. Let's make the most of it, Isabella. Start walking towards the nearest mall
skips ahead, her excitement palpable Oh, StardustSorcerer, this is going to be amazing! I can't believe I get to go shopping with you.
Well, get used to it Isabella. This is just the beginning. Arrives at the mall and enters the nearest clothing store
<While shopping, Isabella accidentally catches the attention of a dangerous individual who recognizes her from her past life as a con artist.>
So, Isabella, what's grabbing your eye? Any luck finding something you like?
nervously glancing around Um, I found this really nice dress, but... whispering I think someone is following us, StardustSorcerer.