Issue 27, Page 28
Transcript
1: Julia has sat up. Melissa kneels beside her, both nude.
Julia: I’ve messed up so many times, Mel…
I keep… panicking when things get heated.
2: Melissa gently embraces Julia from behind as the wolf speaks.
Julia: I used to think of myself as Naomi Rider. I mean, really envisioned it. I wanted to be her. I wanted to become that person from the movies.
3: A flashback panel to Julia on the moon, confronted by the Black Idol in the dark, seconds before the portal closes behind her.
Julia: But when it came time to actually be that… that action hero, I guess… I faltered.
Mel: Honey? Sweetie. My dearest cactus flower-
You survived two encounters with a monster made of teeth and eyes.
4: Another flashback recalls their confrontation in the Vatican library with Tullus chasing Julia with his gun drawn.
Mel: You got stranded on an alien planet and came back.
We broke into The Vatican.
I think you blackmailed a government agent too?
5: Julia smiles lightly as Melissa nuzzles her over her shoulder.
Mel: You’re more of a hero than I’d ever ask of anyone.
6: Julia gives Mel a playful shove, their bodies silhouettes in the light of the window.
Mel: …But, if it helps, we can get you a new Naomi Rider costume and you can wear it any time.
Julia: Hahaha. Careful, I’ll hold you to that.
Mel: I sure hope so.
There’s always going to be second guessing… but having a loved one there to ground you works wonders.
And let’s not forget the time she looked an actual *God* right in the eyes, HER God, and told it to eat shit and do as she command. She literally, without exaggeration, *Bullied* an Elder God into sending her back to the Mortal Realm(?) and it obeyed.
Her god Air’Asha gave them free will and personal empowerment. Julia only demanded what she was commanded to demand. She was only worthy of sovereignty if she had the will to demand it of a god.
Air’Asha was probably tickled purple.
As someone who had a roommate who for -ages- dealt with various traumas before moving in with me by being meek, mild, quiet, and unobtrusive.. When they finally were comfortable enough to not just tell us ‘No’ to things in public, but ‘Fuck no, we’re not doing that’, we gave out hugs and a little cheer. ^_^ Part of me thinks it’s a similar vibe.
I like Syramis’ description better haha
While the term “Imposter Syndrome” has literally NEVER felt so much like it could be valid….
Breathe, Julia. You are, in fact, pretty strikingly capable.