Decisions

Exhausted and tired, Lyra fell asleep on Madam Cherry's embrace. Madam Cherry lifts Lyra and gently carries Lyra to her room. Wiping the tears on Lyra's face after tucking her in, Madam Cherry leaves Lyra's room.

Madam Cherry after returning to her office calls for Nina. Nina quickly arrives. With a deep sigh, Madam Cherry looks at Nina and asks...

"Nina, Do you think it's time for me to look for a master for Lyra? From the looks of it, the war is getting worse. I want to ensure Lyra's safety in the future. I also want her to get stronger and ease her guilt but..." with a voice dripping with sadness Madam Cherry continues "I actually made Lyra more brokenhearted."

Nina unaware of the ordeal Lyra had to go through to come back, asks Madam Cherry "Cherry what happened to Lyra exactly? From the looks of it, she obviously encountered some kind of unknown danger making her come back empty-handed. Knowing your connection, I'm sure your aware of the full details about Lyra's trip."

With another sigh, Madam Cherry answers "Lyra did recover her uncle's corpse but only to lose it. According to the report, a sudden violent skirmish between 'those' factions happened in the area where Fum's corpse was in. Causing Lyra to immediately move away from the area with her injured guide to protect leaving her no choice to leave without Fum's corpse. The worse part is that Lyra had to kill for the first time. I... I thought I could help her ease some of her guilt, but it seems I only cause her more pain."

"Cherry," Nina knowing that no words can refute the fact that Lyra is hurt says "what is done is done."

"I know, it's just that the more I try to hold to the people I love, the more they slip away from me. Nina, I'm scared that I might lose Lyra too like how I lost Fum. That's why I want to think ahead and make sure that whatever happens, Lyra has someone to look after her even if I might not be there for her. I want Lyra to be strong but I want her to be safe and happy first and foremost. I want to honor Fum's final wish."

"I'll support you no matter what Cherry, as I too wish for Lyra's happiness and safety."

"It's this kind of moment where I wish Fum was here." Madam Cherry gently whispers in a lonely sad voice.

"Cherry, You still have us." Nina gently reminds Madam Cherry.

"My mind knows but my heart still aches and longs of Fum every time I think him. I just wish he took me with him back then. Maybe, just maybe he would still be here." Madam Cherry smiles melancholy.

A week after Lyra came back from her trip, Lyra tried her best to pass her days as though she never left at all. Although occasionally, Nina sees Lyra in a daze as she stares at the old music box she picked up. One day towards the evening Herold suddenly appears to talk to Madam Cherry. Lyra found it peculiar since she hasn't seen Herold outside the arena. Nina, on the other hand, expecting Herold leads him to Madam's office. Herold enters the office. Immediately Madam asks him...

"Herold, did you find someone that fits the criteria I made?"

"Yep, the problem is that she already has a disciple under her."

"Hmm. Are her skills really that good to fit the criteria?"

"Yeah, she's quite famous among the elites and has powerful backing. Although she's not affiliated to any faction. Fitting your most difficult criteria."

"I guess I'll personally try to convince her. Can you handle some matters for me so I can personally meet with her?"

"Sure!" Herold enthusiastically replies.

"Thanks."

"No problem. Have you ask Lyra about the whole 'master and disciple' thing?"

"Not yet." Madam Cherry replies with a tinge of worry in her voice.

"That so. Well actually, I think you fit better to be Lyra's master. Ah, but I guess with all the stuff your handling and the factions that your fighting with, it might not be a good idea to take Lyra who doesn't have any family to support her. No wonder you ask for me to look for someone else to be her master."

"It's good that you know." Madam Cherry sarcastically replies to Herold's monologue. "Besides, Lyra will still stay with me for three more years before she'll officially be taken in as a disciple. I'm just taking action now to ensure that whatever happens Lyra would have someone to support her even without me."

"Is it really getting that bad in your side, Cherry? Do you need my help?"

"It's fine. For now at least. I appreciate your offer but I can still handle it."

"Don't hesitate to ask, Cherry. Man, where did that supremely fine specimen of a human being, Fum, go anyway? Haven't seen him for years! These days more and more people are inquiring about his whereabouts. Sheesh."

"Really? More people are looking for Fum now? Any idea why?"

"Well, some tries to lure him into joining their faction while others aren't that clear-cut on what they want from him. Pfft, well actually Fum's good looks make him too popular for his own sake."

"I agree."

"I mean even the top beauties in the industry are asking about his whereabouts."

Madam Cherry hearing that unconsciously crushes the pen in her hand and crumples the paper in her desk. She frowns and glares at Herold.

Herold oblivious to Cherry's action asks. "Anyway, anything else you want me to look into?"

"No, there's nothing else. Thanks again, Herold."

"For you dear, I'll do anything!" Herold dramatically bows and smiles at Cherry. Cherry just ignores Herold's theatrics and nods her head. Herold then exits the office who meets Nina who's waiting outside the office ready to lead him out as soon as possible. Herold smiles at Nina. Nina only scowls at him. Herold just grins back at her.

As soon as Herold leaves, Madam Cherry calls for Lyra. Lyra enters Madam's office.

"Lyra, I want you to know that the place where your uncle's corpse is now considered a dangerous hostile area or a red zone," Lyra remembering the violent explosion and the armed men who tried to kill her and Timmy, presses her lips and looks at Madam Cherry with a hint of bloodthirstiness in her eyes. Madam Cherry continues, "Lyra I hate to say this but with your current strength its impossible for you to recover your uncle's corpse without being badly injured or being killed. So, I suggest that you train to be a combat elite. As a combat elite your capable to enter the red zone relatively safe and have a higher chance to retrieve your uncle's corpse and be back safely."

"What do I need to do to be a combat elite, Madam?"

"You have to practice harder, and find a master to train you. Are you willing to train under a master?"

"Yes, if I can get stronger then I'll do it."

"Good, you see I plan to let you participate in the arena for three more years for you to gain more fighting experience. Then, let you train under a well known elite, is that okay?" Madam Cherry asks fully focusing on Lyra's reply.

"Yes."

"Good. That's all I want to ask. You're free to return to your room." Madam Cherry nonchalantly replies trying to hide her relief. Lyra heads to the door to leave. As Lyra was leaving, Madam Cherry calls out gently "Lyra,"

"Yes?" Lyra quickly faces Madam Cherry again and answers.

"I'm proud of you. You did your best it's just that it was my mistake sending you at the wrong time. I'm sorry."

Lyra shakes her head, "Madam, there's no one to blame. It's just that I'm not strong enough at that moment. Although now you've given me a chance to get stronger. For that Madam, I will always be thankful for all the opportunities you provided me. Thank you." Lyra bows full of gratitude and respect towards Madam Cherry.