The Crystal Ball

It didn't matter how long she gripped her finger tight over the fabric of his shirt. The only thing she knew was that it made her feel at bay, her tears slowly coming to a halt. She thought it to be something she had done all her life, shutting herself and crying alone. It was normal for her all until these very few minutes where she realised she had been doing it wrong all along. 

Ryu patted her back almost mechanically, his eyes still as blank as before. He himself had no idea what he was doing, just that he'd witnessed his father patting Lyra when she cried after their mother's death. It stayed in his mind ever since. It was playing through his mind the very moment. He'd never understood how it felt to be comforted by another… Because no one ever really comforted him. 

Darah opened her eyes slowly even though she was engulfed in the darkness of his embrace. This time, her heart wasn't racing. Instead, it was calm and steady at the expense of his warmth over her body. 

She slowly felt him pulling back but her hands still couldn't leave the grip over his shirt. No, please don't let go! I'm not finished! Darah grimaced internally but guessed her crying session had come to an end. 

She felt an urge to hide her face now that her eyes had slightly puffed up but he instead raised her head by her chin and wiped her single tear, sending her into complete shock. Why are you doing this to me? You're confusing… But the look in his eyes weren't even of sympathy but plain emptiness. It looked odd to her… A few seconds of silence prevailed in the air until Ryu finally opened his mouth.

"Do you want to talk about it?" 

He said, monotonous but it seemed to Darah as if he didn't mean what he said. He didn't even look concerned even though Darah could see he was trying his best. It was enough… It made her heart flutter for some reason. Very oddly, Ryu too knew he was only saying the same words his father asked Lyra that day. A very dark day it was. 

Darah hesitated, feeling uncertain about what to say next. But she refused… Maybe he wouldn't understand too.

"No… I'm fine now. And thank you for asking me." Darah wiped her tears with the end of her sleeves and passed Ryu the brightest smile she'd ever held. He secretly felt awed at how quickly she was able to turn around her emotions. 

"Let's go down for dinner then?" Darah walked ahead to the door. Ryu put on a weak smile too, to which she smiled back enthusiastically. She felt his lazy steps and doubtful eyes on her… 

She wanted to say more…

Thank you… Even though you never told me any calming words. Thank you, for simply just being there by my side… Darah thought to herself with a mellow smile on her lips, a hand over her chest as she descended the stairs.

____

"But why at this time!? Big sister, you're really out of your mind!" Zeke asked angrily. It was almost nearing 11 when Lyra insisted on seeing that mysterious lady all of a sudden. When he couldn't put up with her protests, he eventually gave in and took her to the outskirts of City A,  which was a dense forest with very few settlements. He was navigating through the thick bushes with his flashlight but then shrieked and hugged Lyra in fear seeing a centipede rush past them. 

"Lyra!!!! I saw something wiggle over there!" 

"Who's the bodyguard again!? Ugh take your hands off me!" Lyra hissed angrily while smacking his head with her purse. 

"Ow! Don't underestimate me! I'm not scared of anything! " Zeke put on a proud gaze as he fixed his hair and pulled up his sleeves. 

"Then act like it, you baboon looking ass!" Lyra retorted angrily and walked past him into the bushes. Zeke followed her with a pout… She wasn't wrong, she dared every single spider comb and bats along the way while he hid in a corner pretending to be there. Ugh.. Being an inexperienced bodyguard to a brave and beautiful lady was hard because she never needed his help. Please god, give me a chance to prove my worth! Zeke prayed in his mind, shrieking as he stepped on another twig. 

"Why can't they just build a road here!" 

"Because this is a sacred place! It shouldn't have any interference from the urban life. It ruins the peace of their rituals." Lyra said with great faith as she slowly stepped into a narrow route. Zeke followed behind and gradually found themselves nearing a brightly lit building with lanterns all over it. It greatly resembled a temple. Two middle aged people, a man and a woman walked past them after they exited through the door which was covered with sacred writings. An old man stood outside, grooming his white beard. He raised a brow seeing the young man and woman nearing him… 

"This place has changed. It used to be so little when I last came here…" Lyra said in a low voice. Zeke didn't seem to bother much about her words because he found chills running down his body the second his eyes met that of the spooky looking old man's. He looked like a ghost whisperer or something with his dramatic costume, Zeke thought as he stood behind Lyra, appearing smaller than her. 

"The future cannot be changed, however you can do things that won't make you regret till you reach your end." The man spoke to the duo with a serious gaze. The end? Zeke felt stupefied. He had only begun living and the old man's already ranting about death!

"I'm here to see Mina Yang." Lyra said firmly. The old man had a pleasant smile adorn his face as soon as he heard the same. 

"Ah yes, the crystal ball holder! Everyone wants to see her these days! I hope her predictions will bring bliss to your life, children… Now, follow me." His shrill voice sounded as he walked into the doorway. Lyra looked at Zeke, hinting him to come inside with her eyes. 

"N-No is it necessary? I can stay here!" Zeke laughed nervously.

"Tch…" Lyra sighed, going inside. Now Zeke felt all alone and scared being the only one standing out so he quickly held out his hand to Lyra. 

"Big sister, wait for me! Don't be so heartless!!!" 

The duo followed the old shaking man downstairs which gradually led to a room underneath. It was a dim lit room but Lyra could clearly see the beautiful shine of the blue crystal ball at the centre, which was hidden under a sheer black cloth. 

"Please, have a seat." A sweet voice of a lady's sounded, her hands extending to her front. Lyra fell to her knees and slowly adjusted to her sitting position. Zeke was too overwhelmed to do anything. He was gazing dumbfounded at the silhouette of the unknown figure in the dark setting. That was until the figure removed the cover over the crystal ball, shining light on her extremely beautiful face, her heavily lined doe eyes standing out especially to Zeke's eyes. What!? A young lady! Zeke half expected it to be an old hag. 

"Welcome Lyra Sheng, it's been quite a long time. Hope life has been treating you well, even though not the best. Remember, happiness doesn't last for long, nor does sadness. It's up to you to perceive life in it's best form. And you are?" Her dangerously cold and charming eyes directed towards Zeke, leaving him speechless. Mina Yang, you're an awful beauty!

"He's my guard, Zeke. He'll simply be a guest for now." Lyra replied politely.

"Surely. He can be present for as long as you wish." Mina said in her venomously addicting voice. Zeke felt his heart beat out of his chest.

"Go on Lyra. Tell me what is bothering you." Mina gestured her to talk, the sleeves of her traditional silk attire flowing to the rhythm of her hands which were now grazing over the blue crystal globe. 

Lyra nodded seriously as she went on to say "I've recently found a certain man to whom I've taken a strong, passionate liking. Will he be the one for me?"

Mina smiled gracefully, keeping her hand to the crystal while closing her eyes, Lyra curiously waiting for her answer.