Forget-me-not

At some point, the wind had begun to turn chilly.

Coats had come back out, and the cicadas had fallen silent.

The maple leaves had turned red again. Two or three drifted down, landing on Mei's shoulder and the lake's surface, sending ripples spreading outward.

Mei picked up the maple leaf from her shoulder and stared at it for a long while, as though recalling days gone by.

Yet she did not know where to begin.

"Another year has passed."

"Mm, it has."

The two sat in the boat, chatting idly. Deep within the maple grove by the lake, Sakura watched their figures, choosing the right moment to strike.

The lake was not particularly large. After some time, Dr. Mei suggested sitting on the shore.

Kevin rowed the boat to the bank and stepped ashore first.

The instant Kevin's foot touched the shore, he sensed a burst of killing intent aimed at the person behind him.

Not good! Mei.

He turned and drew his blade in one fluid motion.

With a clang, their blades collided. Several strands of Mei's hair were severed by Sakura's sword, and Kevin's reason snapped along with them.

Channeling the Honkai Energy within him, Kevin seized Sakura by the throat. His speed caught even Sakura, who had always held the advantage in speed, off guard.

Seeing that his frost had failed to damage Sakura's body for the moment, Kevin realized that she too was a Fusion Warrior and tightened his grip.

Sakura struggled with all her strength and slashed at Kevin's arm. Kevin let her cut him, but the strength in his hand did not weaken in the slightest.

"Kevin, enough." Mei stopped him, and Kevin released his grip.

"Cough, cough, cough..." Sakura collapsed onto the ground, covering her mouth as she coughed.

Looking at the assailant who had nearly killed her, Mei adjusted her glasses and said calmly, "How about a deal, Miss Assassin?"

"Mei really is generous. She actually let her go after that. If it were me, hehe, little Pardo here wouldn't be so kind."

"Oh? She managed to wound even me. Are you confident you can handle her, Pardo?"

"No, but I've got Boss, right, Boss?"

Yoshikage Kira nodded, then looked at the wound on Kevin's arm.

Noticing Yoshikage Kira's gaze, Kevin explained, "Maybe it's her ability. The wound is healing more slowly than usual."

"Mm. Get some proper rest."

"And you? How do you plan to deal with Sakura?"

Mei habitually adjusted her glasses and said, "Elysia told me before about the internal conflicts within the Flame Chasers. I just never expected them to become this severe."

"You can't fight the Honkai while working alongside a pack of vermin. I don't want Doctor Mobius and Doctor Vill-V's research to be obstructed, and I certainly don't want another attack to happen to us."

"I persuaded Sakura to assist me and help expand my influence within the Flame Chasers."

"Boss, Boss, what's Sakura's background? She can even expand our influence in the organization?" After hearing Mei's words, Pardo tugged at Yoshikage Kira's sleeve and asked.

"Wouldn't getting rid of the competition expand your influence?" Yoshikage Kira answered calmly.

"Uh..." It was not just Pardo; everyone else fell silent as well.

But after the silence, everyone expressed their support for Mei.

Later, with everyone's connections, Sakura left the assassin organization Poisoned Pupae and officially joined the Flame Chasers.

"Yay! The Elite Squad has gained another member. Everyone, applause! Clap clap clap!" Elysia livened up the atmosphere and welcomed Sakura's arrival.

Some people still held a grudge over Sakura's assassination attempt, but they gave Elysia some face and applauded anyway.

"In this era, most people have no control over their own lives. Not everything is decided by the people involved."

Hearing Yoshikage Kira's words, everyone became far less hostile, though it would still take time for them to fully accept Sakura.

Sakura also bowed and apologized to everyone, and to Mei.

Elysia watched Sakura's ears sway with her movements, and her heart began to itch.

"Ahem, I don't know about everyone else, but if you want Elysia's forgiveness, let me touch your ears!"

"Huh?"

"Oh~"

"..."

"Mm~"

"..."

"I see, I see."

"...Are you done?"

"All done. Elysia forgives you now." Seeing Sakura's face turn so red it was nearly the color of Himiko's hair, Elysia finally withdrew her hand.

After calming herself, Sakura took a deep breath and solemnly said to Mei, "Doctor, I'm entrusting my younger sister to you."

"Mm, of course. I will keep my promise."