Cyra's eyes widened in disbelief as she asked Lloyd, "Wait, that's why Zelthur was exiled?" Her voice echoed through the vast training hall, where shadows danced across the walls.
Lloyd nodded solemnly, his expression serious. "Yes, that's right. He was cast out for his unconventional methods and for going against Heaven's morals."
Cyra moved forward, her movements fluid as she began to stretch. "I can't believe it. I thought the Angels would be more... tolerant of those who challenge their authority."
Lloyd shrugged, his red wings rustling softly. "Not when it comes to their precious traditions and laws. They can be quite... rigid in their thinking."
"Soooo-" Cyra said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Say what you have to say," Lloyd replied, his voice firm but amused. Cyra's lips stayed shut, having figured out that she actually had nothing to say.
"As I was saying," Lloyd started with an eye roll, "How do you feel about finally embracing your Angelic heritage?" He asked, his eyes searching hers.
Cyra furrowed her eyebrows, her expression puzzled. "Ehh? I mean, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."
Lloyd smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know it's a lot to take in. But I'm here for you, si-"
"I FEEL GREAT!" Cyra suddenly exclaimed, her voice ringing through the hall.
Lloyd chuckled, his laughter deep and rich. "I'm glad to hear that, Cy-"
"I'M GONNA BECOME EVEN COOLER THAN YOU!!" Cyra yelled again, her fists pumping in the air.
Lloyd grinned, his amusement clear. "We'll see about tha-"
"AND THEN, I'LL SURPASS DAD!!!" Cyra stated, her eyes shining with determination.
Lloyd snorted, his expression skeptical. "That's not going to be easy. You have a long wa-"
"AND NO ONE WILL STAND IN MY WAY!!!!" Cyra yelled, her voice echoing off the walls.
Lloyd's expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "WILL YOU STOP INTERRUPTING ME?!?!"
Cyra grinned innocently, her eyes still sparkling with mischief. "Before you say anything lecture-ish, I promise that'll be the last one."
Lloyd sighed, his expression softening.
"For now." Cyra added, her grin growing wider.
Lloyd swore that he was so close to being done with this girl he called his sister. As he opened his mouth to argue back, he heard a voice and immediately snapped his head towards the direction it came from. Cyra heard it too and did the same. It came from the other entrance.
From the dimly lit corridor on the other side of the hall, a familiar voice spoke up, "This is the hall where you'll be teaching her."
The siblings shared a glance, knowing the voice well. A new and unfamiliar voice replied with an "Alright," then asked, "Where is Her Highness?"
The first voice stated, "She's right there."
The two figures stopped at the entrance. It was none other than King Zarius and a stranger; an Angel. Lloyd and Cyra both teleported to their father and greeted him with a subtle bow. Then they gave the stranger behind him a nod.
King Zarius introduced the stranger to them as Zelthur. Zelthur was a tall, dark-skinned Angel with intricate, gold-yellow marks on the sides of his cheeks. His wings, a majestic sight to behold, were gold in color with the tips being white, giving them a subtle contrast. His eyes shone like golden orbs, radiating warmth and wisdom. He wore a flowing white robe with golden trim, cinched at the waist with a golden belt, and a pair of soft, white boots that seemed to blend seamlessly with the robe.
King Zarius turned to Lloyd and asked, "Have you already told Cyra about him?"
Lloyd replied with a nod. "Good," King Zarius said, his expression serious.
King Zarius then turned to Cyra and stated, "Your lessons will commence immediately."
Cyra nodded and followed Zelthur to a spot in the center of the hall, where a large, circular platform made of a strange, glowing material seemed to pulse with energy.
King Zarius, along with Lloyd, had gone to stay on the sidelines, where a raised dais provided a perfect viewing platform. They sat down, watching with interest as Zelthur began to prepare Cyra for her training.
The Nephalem asked Zelthur, "What are we going to start with?" Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her earlier confidence.
Zelthur stated, "We will begin with healing." His golden eyes seemed to bore into her soul... If she had one.
Cyra nodded, trying to appear resolute.
Zelthur asked, his gaze piercing, "How much have you been able to heal since you developed this power?" He towered over her, his dark skin and golden features an intimidating sight.
Cyra gulped, trying to speak straight. "Well, I-I've healed myself a few times."
Zelthur raised an eyebrow, his expression unimpressed. "That is natural for your body to heal itself. Have you been able to heal anyone else?"
Cyra replied, "I've healed my brother a few times as well."
Zelthur nodded. "Alright. We need to test your healing stamina, meaning your ability to sustain your energy while healing, as well as your pain tolerance."
Cyra's eyes widened slightly. "Umm... Okay."
Cyra got into a fighting stance, her eyes locked on Zelthur. He remained still, his expression unreadable.
Cyra teleported behind him, attempting to land a kick, but Zelthur caught her leg with a hard grip, causing her to wince in pain. Her leg bruised instantly, but it healed quickly on its own. Zelthur noticed and tried to land a punch on her arm. She barely caught it, but her arm cracked under his grip.
Cyra grimaced, feeling her bones piecing themselves back together. She teleported above his head and used her elbow to hit his head, but Zelthur didn't flinch.
Suddenly, he grabbed her head and bashed it against the ground. Lloyd growled in anger, but King Zarius kept a straight face, his eyes fixed intently on Cyra.
"AACK!" Cyra screamed, holding her head as it bled profusely. Her white hair stained red.
Zelthur grabbed her right arm and snapped it like a twig. "If you want to heal quickly, you must focus on your injury and the battle at hand," he stated in a monotone voice. "Never let your guard down, and never underestimate your opponents."
Cyra thought, 'This is the worst pain I've ever felt.' Tears streamed down her face.
Zelthur reminded her to focus, his voice low and even. Cyra did as he said, and a warm yellow light enveloped her head and arm. Her bones slowly mended, and the wounds closed. She felt her energy draining, but her determination fueled her healing.
After a few minutes, Cyra touched her head, feeling no pain. She stood up, seeing Zelthur staring at her with an expectant gaze.
Zelthur congratulated her on healing somewhat severe injuries. "What you just experienced is but a fraction of what I have seen and endured. You will need to work much harder to master healing."
Cyra's heterochromatic eyes widened in shock.
Zelthur continued, "I am not one to go easy on anyone. You would do well to practice more on your own before our next lesson, for you will not be so lucky then."
His smirk, small but menacing, made Cyra shiver.
"Y-yes sir," Cyra nervously replied.
Zelthur walked towards King Zarius, who had stood up, and bowed respectfully before walking out of the hall. His golden wings fluttered softly as he departed. King Zarius turned to Cyra and said, "That was a very interesting lesson, Cyra. Do as Zelthur says, understood? He will help you master your powers, but you must listen to him."
Cyra nodded, her eyes wide with understanding. King Zarius walked out of the hall, leaving the siblings behind. Cyra grinned at her older brother, her face still flushed from her lesson.
"Hey Lloyd-" she started, but was tackled into a hug by her brother. Lloyd's arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her close.
"Are you okay?" Lloyd asked, worriedly checking her head to toe. He examined her carefully, searching for any signs of injury.
Cyra said, "I'm fine, like you didn't see me healing myself," with a chuckle. She teased him, trying to lighten the mood.
Lloyd replied, "I did, I was just worried... You were hurt so badly." His voice trailed off, his concern evident.
Cyra's eyes softened, and she tackled him into a hug, startling the boy. "I promise you that I'm fine and I'll always be fine," she said, her voice filled with determination. "I'm doing this to get stronger, you know? And soon, injuries like that won't bother me at all!"
Lloyd suddenly yelled, "But you're just 5! You're too young for this!" His voice echoed through the hall.
Cyra exclaimed, exasperated, "Almost 6, actually... And I know what I'm getting myself into."
Lloyd yelled again, "It doesn't matter! You shouldn't be going through this! I'm very sure that there are a lot of Angels 10 times your age that haven't had to experience that!" His frustration was clear.
Cyra exclaimed, equally frustrated, "I know that!"
Lloyd started to speak, but was cut off. "No buts," Cyra said firmly. "I really want to continue my lessons, and our father obviously doesn't want me to stop, especially since I have a really long way to go."
Lloyd relented, his expression softening. "You're right... But can I at least help you to master your power?"
Cyra replied with a smile, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Of course you can, Lloyd. I appreciate your support."
Lloyd's lips tipped upwards in a smile, and he hugged her tightly. "And look on the bright side!" Cyra said again, her grin mischievous.
Lloyd's smile faltered slightly, knowing his sister was about to ruin the moment. "What bright side?" he asked warily, his eyes narrowing.
Cyra yelled with a grin, "I'm already much cooler than you!!" Her laughter echoed through the hall.
Lloyd replied with a deadpan, "You cannot be serious." His expression was identical to their father's, a perfect imitation of King Zarius's stern face.
Cyra ignored him and said, "I'll go practice my healing some more," and was about to teleport when Lloyd asked, "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Cyra asked with a raised eyebrow, "Uhh... that I'm going to practice healing some more?" Her innocence was feigned, and Lloyd knew it.
She yelped when Lloyd suddenly teleported in front of her. The red-horned Devil crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at her. "Are you going to hurt yourself?" His voice was firm, his concern evident.
Cyra shrunk back and stuttered a small "no." Her eyes widened, and she looked up at Lloyd.
Lloyd glared at her and said, "You're a terrible liar. I've never heard of a Devil being a terrible liar." His voice was stern, but his eyes betrayed his amusement.
Cyra replied with a glare of her own, "I need this, and you know it." Her determination was clear.
Lloyd rolled his eyes and said, "I'll stay with you, and only minor injuries are allowed." His expression was firm, but his voice was gentle.
The girl muttered, "Only when you're watching." Her voice was barely audible, but Lloyd heard it.
"What was that?"
"Nothing!"
»»—————- ♔ —————-««
Cyra: "Zelthur, can you teach me how to make my wings glow like yours?"
Zelthur: "Ah, child, that takes years of practice... and a decent highlight reel."
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Additional scene:
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Lloyd: "Cyra, stop trying to sneak up on me. I have eyes in the back of my head."
Cyra: "No, you just have a big head. There's a difference."
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[A/N]: The flashback continues! I really enjoyed writing this chapter :).
Thanks for reading! ^^
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