The memory made Flare experience both physical and vocal tremors while she tried to remember what happened.
"The battle reached its final point when I saw that Lyra had changed into someone else because she fought with power beyond my strongest beliefs. I barely stood a chance against her. The fight was over before it had truly begun."
Lita's eyes widened in shock.
"You lost?"
Flare admitted her defeat because her voice showed she felt bitter about it between two statements.
"But it wasn't the defeat that hurt the most. The events that took place after that moment caused me the most pain. I called out to her, tried to reach the friend I once knew, but all she did was look at me with cold, empty eyes and say, 'You're weak.' And then she left."
Flare sighed, the pain of that memory still fresh.
"I later learned that Sylana had taken her during those two months. She had used her for some dark purpose, controlling her, twisting her into something unrecognizable. That's why I recognized the spell Sylana used on you, Lita. I've seen it before. I couldn't let her do to you what she did to Lyra."
Lita stood there, speechless, the weight of Flare's past sinking in.
"So that's why..." She whispered.
Flare nodded. "That's why I acted the way I did. I failed to save Lyra, but I won't fail again. I will protect you, no matter the cost."
Lita stood silent for a moment, absorbing the weight of Flare's story. Lita usually showed happiness and innocence, yet she became extremely disturbed because their emotional connection created a thick atmosphere between them.
The depths of Flare's suffering remained unknown to her because Flare would go to any extent necessary to safeguard her.
Lita spoke with an apologetic tone to Flare about her name.
Flare looked at Lita with a surprised expression.
"Sorry? For what?"
Lita explained that she understood the situation because she appreciated what her friend experienced through his death.
Lita explained her need to become strong because she wanted to become independent without creating difficulties for others.
Flare placed a gentle hand on Lita's shoulder.
"You're not a burden, Lita. You're still growing, still learning. But strength doesn't come only from power or magic. It comes from understanding yourself, knowing what's worth fighting for."
Lita expressed her desire to become stronger for herself and her loved ones.
"Then I want to get stronger, not just for myself but for everyone I care about. And for you, Flare.
Flare smiled faintly because she saw that the person already possessed a warrior spirit. The upcoming challenges will require you to develop beyond your current warrior spirit.
Lita expressed her determination to learn.
"Teach me"
The room experienced sudden coldness that both people recognized as an incoming presence. The coldness made the room colder until frost developed on the ground.
"Not again…"
The statement from Flare contained a concealed meaning because she used her breath to speak.
The door to the room opened slowly while Sylana appeared in the doorway. Lita experienced fear because Sylana showed her a frozen expression at the entrance.
"Did you think you'd seen the last of me, dear sister?"
Sylana's voice echoed through the room, her icy gaze locked onto Flare.
Flare stepped in front of Lita to prevent Sylana from seeing her.
"What do you want now, Sylana? Didn't you learn your lesson?"
Sylana's smile grew stronger as she spoke.
"I have learned many things, but you still fail to comprehend basic information about Flare. Your capacity to excel beyond your current abilities remains hidden from you, according to her. I possess the ability to assist you in achieving your potential, which your mother will never allow you to find."
Lita tightened her hands into fists as memories of being controlled started to overwhelm her.
"I want nothing from you,"
She said as she maintained her upright position behind Flare.
Sylana laughed quietly while her words contained all the elements of sarcasm.
"You currently state that you do not want me, but you will eventually need my assistance. The restrictions that your mother imposed upon you will eventually reach a point where they become impossible for you to endure."
Flare advanced toward the attacker while her eyes blazed with anger.
"You will never succeed in taking her away from me."
The room displayed an atmosphere of tension, which created an almost physical form of magical energy. Sylana displayed a cold and calculating expression that failed to show any reaction to Flare's intense determination.
Sylana showed her intent to leave when she said.
"I will not take her... today."
Her smile grew wider as she continued speaking.
"Lita, you need to understand that you will eventually have to confront your destiny. The moment of your decision will come, and I will wait for you."
With a flick of her wrist, Sylana turned and disappeared into a swirling mist of frost, leaving behind a freezing chill.
Flare released a deep exhalation while she maintained her fist position and stared at the entrance door. "She won't stop," she muttered.
Lita stood her ground despite feeling unsteady.
"I know," she said quietly. "But neither will I."
Flare turned to her, a sense of pride filling her chest.
"Good. We'll need that resolve for what's to come."
The next two weeks were grueling for Lita. From sunrise to sunset, she trained under Flare's watchful eye, both her body and mind pushed to their limits.