A Broken Skill and a forgotten wish... Part-4.

(In Rio's mind time seems to have started to roll backward, and several memories started to resurface in his mind during that near-death state.)

…

One Morning, on the top floor of the academy

"Why do you always stare at the sky with such focus?" (Lia)

Lia tilted her head in confusion and asked Rio about his habit of staring at the rising sun every day.

Rio glanced at Lia and replied in his emotionless tone:

"It makes me remember the past and reminds me of how far I have come from that original weak and helpless state…" (Rio)

Rio's answer was vague and weird to hear, Lia was more confused by his answer than she was before.

She looked at Rio who continued to stare at the rising sun and didn't disturb him again. She shook her head with complicated emotions.

"Uh… you don't need to feel lonely… I would be beside you… so… well…" (Lia)