11 Unavoidable Circumstances

As much as possible, Lyrica would avoid getting herself into trouble. Lyrica is true to her word. However, there are times when the circumstances are unavoidable for her.

One of many troubles that Lyrica couldn't avoid is Erika. Ever since she left the municipality of Rizal, Erika had been sending her messages daily. Erika wouldn't miss a day without saying good morning to Lyrica, as well as sending her a goodnight message before she'd retire to bed. Every weekend, or when there's a holiday where students have a day off school, Erika would always come to Lyrica's apartment.

She would then spend the entire day studying with Lyrica in her room or watching an anime series with the apartment television Lyrica never opened unless Erika is around, or simply chill around in the living room with the novels she always has with her until late afternoon.

There are times when Lyrica would think of kicking Erika out for using her apartment as a place to hang out, or changing her contact number so that she doesn't receive messages more frequently than the daily weather updates. There was also a moment where she thought of getting rid of their friendship completely because she got so annoyed with Erika for not getting what she was trying to teach her for the fifth time.

But despite all the trouble Erika is giving her, Lyrica hadn't done anything to get Erika out of her life. That is because, unlike her parents who turned away from their family, Erika is the only one who never turned away from Lyrica.

For that reason, Lyrica sees Erika as her only family, as well as the only one she wouldn't mind troubling her.

"Are you thinking about something?" The voice questioned.

"... Incidentally, is it possible for you to take me back on Earth?"

Indeed, Lyrica is thinking.

"Yes, I can..."

The voice replied with a resounding yes, although it sounded as if she hesitated to say it.

"If you want to call off the agreement, I can do that in a snap. But then, you will have to die by getting hit by a jeepney."

"Why?"

"Because that was the last moment you're facing before I put everything into a halt. You may be alive and well here, but in your world, everyone on that street saw your final moments as if the world didn't stop, at all. In your world, you're already dead."

Just the thought of making Alteria her ideal world is already giving Lyrica enough trouble.

"I see. So I wouldn't be able to live back in my world, whether I call off the agreement now or refuse to answer your question from the very beginning..."

But as she was getting troubled, Erika suddenly came to her mind.

"Then, is it possible to summon more than one person in this world?"

"That is correct. You're the fifth person who was summoned here in Alteria."

While she was just a few months old, Erika lost her parents after a fire broke out inside their house. Due to the tragedy that befell her parents, Erika became an orphan and started living her life in an orphanage in Rizal. In a way, Lyrica and Erika are both in a similar situation.

"All right." Lyrica plastered her right arm against the tree bark, helping herself stand. "If that's the case, I'd like to add one more thing to our agreement."

"Oh? So you've decided to do it?"

"Only if you agree with my terms."

Lyrica and Erika see each other as a family, they've always been together since they were little. But now, they're two worlds apart from each other. Even if Lyrica decided to return, only death awaits her on Earth.

"What is it, then?"

"If you can bring Erika into this world, I will follow through with what we agreed on without any retort. I will make Alteria the world I desire."

"Erika?"

"Erika is my friend. No, she's more than a friend to me. She's my family." Claimed Lyrica. "Erika always bugs me and annoys the hell out of me, but Erika is a kind girl."

Lyrica could no longer go back on Earth. But, Erika can be transferred into Alteria.

"Erika and I only have each other left. If I did die on Earth, then I'm sure she's heard the news by now. I bet she's mad at me. I bet she's crying right about now. She's probably asking why I left her behind and went to heaven just like her parents. When in truth, I'm alive and kicking, but in another world."

Lyrica thought it would be unfair of her to just leave Erika alone on Earth, while she get to have a chance to live a life she desired in another world. Lyrica thought that leaving Erika alone on Earth, thinking that her friend died is the same as lying and betraying her only family.

"I know what it feels like to be lied to and betrayed by people you trusted. I don't want to do what my parents did to me to Erika."

If Lyrica can start a new life in Alteria, then so can Erika. And so...

"I want you to bring Erika to Alteria."

It was a very simple demand. But it showed how Lyrica, the girl who would avoid trouble as much as possible, is willing to put herself into one for the sake of someone dear to her.

Before long, the voice answered Lyrica's demand.

"I don't see any reason for me to decline."

"Really?"

"Yes. It's decided. I will bring Erika to Alteria."

As the voice answered with a resounding yes, Lyrica's face brightened.

"But first..."

"First?"

"I need proof that you are indeed following through what we agreed on, that you will fulfill the condition I gave you to make Alteria a world you desire by yourself, no matter what obstacles comes your way. Only then I can bring your friend... Or should I say your family?"

"Proof?"

"Well, what do you say?"

The voice confronted Lyrica with a question.

If she wanted Erika to get transferred into Alteria, she has to do what the voice demanded. But Lyrica already made up her mind. There's no need for her to think it through.

"I don't know exactly what kind of proof you need." Lyrica clenched her fist tight with determination. "But, I already made up my mind. I'll do it. I will make Alteria my ideal world."