Book 13: Chapter 32
Xia lied on the ground in silence, but her eyes were aimed toward Ying – not that she could see anything, though. She called, “Sister…”
Xia’s voice was very soft. It was so soft that you couldn’t hear it over the noisy environment and crackling flames at the spot. However, I heard her voice. Perhaps I heard her, as I was paying attention to her. I had my sights on the side of her face the entire time. Xia looked at Ying, who was next to her; rather, she turned in Ying’s direction and weakly smiled. Her smile was subtle that it was hard to tell if it was a smile or not, as she had reached her limit. She did her best, yet all she could produce was a shaky smile for her sister. I was unsure what her emotions were. I didn’t know how Xia felt when she heard Ying say she was sending Xia back. She definitely heard her sister and definitely knew what her sister did. She finally returned to her sister’s side, yet her sister insisted on sending her back. I wondered what Xia thought.
Xia maintained her barely noticeable weak smile. There was no sadness or grudge. Instead, she cherished every second with her sister. It was tantamount to a short and temporary dream, but she smiled, nonetheless.
I pondered, “Has she reached despair, too? Is she at the point of despair where she no longer believes she can be with her sister? Is she in so much despair that she’s given up trying even when she has found hope? Does she perceive it to be a dream?”
Ying just wanted to maintain her current life. She used her sister as her tool to atone, but that made her feel guilty, and she blamed herself. She didn’t want to see her sister, as she was worried her nightmare of the past would come haunt her. Her past tormented her. Her past was rainfall, and she needed a cave to avoid the rain, but she refused to take a step forward. Xia was a dream of the past to Ying. Xia was her fear and guilt she never wanted to recall. In reality, Ying didn’t need to run away. She didn’t do anything wrong. Xia didn’t want to blame Ying, either. I was certain Xia willingly gave herself up for her sister back then, for the simple reason Ying was her sister. This time, she turned to Ying again.
“Take Xia back… It was all my fault… I am very sorry. I have caused you trouble… Sorry… Sorry!!” Ying lowered her head. It was the first time that I heard her shout in such a loud and sad voice. I wondered if I’d see her tears if I clasped her face at that moment.
“Place Xia there! We’ll take her! Get rid of these outsiders! Kick them out! You’re supposed to protect us; shouldn’t you kill these outsiders who attacked us?!”
The crowd behaved as if they acquired a mysterious power, and their shouting was some sort of magical chant. Even the man, who had his arm chopped off, arrogantly got to his feet and shouted at us. It was as though they could bring the small shrine down with their anger. Nevertheless, their courage was still not enough to break Nier, who was still gripping her sword. After all, a clown remains a mere clown even if he has someone backing him up. Excuse me there. A group of clowns.
I went to go and stand in front of Ying. I turned around, and then drew my handgun to fire a shot in the air. After being startled, the villagers fell silent again. In a cold tone, I commanded, “Nier, I’m changing my orders. If these people dare to charge inside, kill whoever enters. Don’t allow any of them to lay their hands on Xia!”