As she focused on her swordplay, her movements became sharper and more aggressive. The rhythmic clash of steel against steel filled her ears, drowning out her thoughts.
"Camilla, you bitch!" Haley murmured in anger.
Amid the training area's controlled chaos, a burst of laughter suddenly pierced the air. Haley's sharp gaze turned to the source, and she spotted Kim among a group of girls. They seemed to be having a lively conversation, their cheerful laughter contrasting with Haley's somber mood.
Kim noticed Haley's gaze and immediately locked eyes with her. Her face lit up with a genuine smile, and she excused herself from her friends before dashing over to Haley.
"Haley!" Kim's voice was filled with warmth and excitement as she approached her friend. "I didn't expect to see you here. How have you been?"
Haley's initial irritation melted away upon seeing Kim's genuine enthusiasm. She sheathed her sword and offered a small smile. "I've been... alright," she replied, though her tone hinted at a hint of doubt.
Haley leaned forward, her eyes searching Kim's face for answers. "It has been so long; how's your mission?" she asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and concern. "You guys didn't even come to meet me? Where is Theia?"
Kim couldn't help but feel a knot in her stomach, knowing that their reunion might not be as joyful as she had hoped. She and Haley had always been close friends, sharing secrets and laughter. But the truth about Theia's recent actions was a heavy burden she was about to share.
Kim took a deep breath, mustering a faint smile. "We're okay, Haley? You tell me... How's your body?"
Haley's face contorted with frustration as she thought about Camilla and the missed opportunity to join the mission. "Only for that... bitch, I couldn't join you guys," she spat out, her voice filled with bitterness. "I will beat her this time, Kim. I still can't move my hands as fast as I used to."
Kim took a deep breath, her voice tinged with apprehension. "I know it's normal, Haley, but did you hear about Camilla finding that immortal stone?"
Haley's eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms in frustration. "Yes, it's all over the headlines in our city. I don't understand how someone like her could become so powerful."
Kim's voice wavered as she continued, "Well, there's something else I need to tell you, something that might be even harder to accept. Theia thought about making Camilla our friend."
Haley's eyes widened in disbelief, and her voice rose with incredulity. "What? How could Theia even consider that? Did she forget how Camilla defeated me in that tournament?"
Kim nodded somberly. "I know, it's difficult to fathom. Theia believes that having Camilla on our side could be an advantage, given her newfound strength. She thinks it's a way to further our mission."
Haley's anger flared, her voice sharp with indignation. "But she's the reason I couldn't join you on the mission, Kim! Camilla sabotaged my chances, and now Theia wants her as an ally? That's outrageous!"
Kim couldn't help but empathize with Haley's frustration. "I share your concerns, Haley. I've tried to reason with Theia, but she's convinced that this is the right path. She thinks Camilla's strength could help us in ways we can't achieve on our own."
Haley's fists clenched as she struggled to come to terms with this revelation. "It's as if Theia has forgotten everything Camilla has done to us. She's become blind to the truth."
"No, actually, she had a plan, and she thinks she will find out what Camilla did that makes her this strong, and then she will take revenge," Kim tried to explain.
Haley, her eyes ablaze with anger and disbelief, couldn't accept the notion that the very person who had once been her adversary might become a part of their inner circle. In a fit of frustration, she hurled her sword to the ground and declared, "Impossible. I will never accept it."
Kim let out a deep sigh, her gaze fixed on the discarded weapon. "I understand, Haley. I shared your concerns with Theia, but she's resolute in her decision. She believes that the only way to understand Camilla's power is to get close to her."
Haley clenched her fists, her frustration mounting. "Kim, we can't simply forgive and forget all the pain Camilla has caused. She nearly killed me, and now she's walking beside us as if nothing ever happened."
Kim nodded in agreement, sharing Haley's anger but also trying to remain the voice of reason. "I know, it's difficult to grasp. Theia has her reasons, and I hope she's right about this. It's a risky move, but if Camilla's strength poses a significant threat, it might be necessary to uncover her secret."
Before Haley could respond, Theia's voice called out, breaking the intense conversation. "You guys are here. Look who comes with me!"
Both Kim and Haley turned to see Theia approaching with Camilla by her side. Camilla's presence sent shivers down Haley's spine, but she knew this moment had been brewing for some time.
Theia's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and determination. "Haley, Kim, I'd like you to meet Camilla. We are going to practice together."
Haley's jaw dropped, her disbelief growing as she stared at Camilla. The girl who had once been her fiercest rival now stood before them as a supposed ally. "Theia, are you out of your mind? This is the girl who almost killed me. You make her friend!"
"Haley!" Theia interjected, her brows arched, her voice sharp. She had a lot at stake with this plan, and any negative comments from Haley could jeopardize everything. "Would you please shut up? Just give her a chance."
Haley's eyes blazed with frustration. The bond they shared seemed to be unraveling before her eyes. "A chance? Are you out of your mind, Theia? You always said we were best friends, and now you're bringing a third person into our circle. How could you?"
The tension in the air was palpable, and it only increased when Haley turned her gaze to Camilla, her voice trembling with accusation. "And that bitch, she has something in her mind, and I know it. She will definitely mess up something."
To be continued.