44 A Life Without Her 2

Fan Daiyu looked at bloodshot eyes full of tears that reflected anger, resentment, pain, and fear.

The young girl before her had beautiful features that were hidden behind her terrible complexion and crazed poise. Her robes were torn and dirty from use and her feet were bare and filled with cuts.

Seeing her loyal friend in such a state made her heart fill with guilt and sadness.

Things weren't supposed to turn out in such a way. She had wanted to protect them but she wasn't strong enough yet.

So far, she had only caused pain and suffering but she was too selfish to let go. Therefore, the only way to keep them was to improve her weak points. She needed to grow strong. She would grow strong.

For once, she agreed with her so called fate. She was destined for a harsh life but she was also destined to a cruel yet rapid growth.

With determination filling up her eyes she looked at the girl before her and smiled.

"Bambi… Come back with me."

She stretched out her hand waiting for a response but there was none.

The world had gone still.

Gazing at that hand that was so familiar brought back the memories clearly of their fateful encounter.

Mallory looked at the flowing silver hair, the strange but beautiful eyes, the radiating smile, and the brightness emitted by her. Even through her tears she would still be able to recognize her. Even though years had passed she could still see the same girl. Even if she went mad into depression she would still recognize the person who was her cure.

She felt her body go weak as she fell to the ground and she could see Daiyu lowering her hand and stooping in front of her only to stretch out her hand again. She who had kneeling as if a god had descended to bestow graces upon her. She was but a mere peasant and the one before her was nobility. She was but a mere ant and the one before her was a mighty dragon.

And yet why was the other always lowering herself for her. Why was she always so humble before those who didn't deserve it? Why was she letting the peasant feed off her?

She couldn't understand how someone could be so magnanimous, caring, loving, and forgiving. All the years she had been gone were like revelations.

[Miss you have suffered so much. You forgave so much. You were pained too much.

Despite us not being able to protect you, stand up for you, comfort you, or encourage you, you still came back for us.

I don't deserve you but I am also selfish. I don't want to give you up. I don't want to live without you. I don't want to be left alone again. My goddess. My sanity. My life. My purpose.

You saved me countless times. Your heart is too great for this selfish world and as such a person I will protect it from the rest of the world. Just don't disappear…]

She reached out slowly and took that warmth in selfishly. Looking up at that glorious face only made her burst in tears again.

Her shaky voice rung hoarse and weakly, "Miss…I'm sorry…I wasn't able to protect you… I wasn't able to even move… I'm not worthy of you but please! Please! Don't leave me! I don't deserve you love. I don't deserve your trust but at least let me see you. I know I'm greedy but before you I can't help but being so…Miss don't call out for me so sweetly. Don't reach out to me so brightly. Don't forgive me so easily…I don't deserve it."

Mallory cried as her hand clutched her chest, as she looked at Daiyu, and as she rambled about. Her eyes were full of grievances.

Time slowly ticket by before Fan Daiyu finally spoke up.

She lifted Mallory's chin and looked at her. Her chest filled up with pain at such a haggard complexion.

"Bambi, nothing was your fault. Nothing happened to me. We were too young to fight the troubles before us but now is the time to harden your heart. If you truly hold me close to your heart, be selfish just as I was with you. Be the person I trust like none other. Be the one that can share my pain with me. Didn't we all say we would be together?

I failed to protect my loved ones including you and Long Wei but we will grow strong together away from this torture and we will fight those who oppose us. We will return victorious sharing the prize we fought for, happiness. No one will harm us because we will be the peak. We must be so strong that no one can overcome us.

Follow me and forget our past mistakes. We can reach for our own happiness."

Daiyu dried her tears and hugged the broken girl in front of her. She stood up and carried her towards her room.

"M-miss you don't need to carry me."

Seeing the flustered girl blush in embarrassment made her chuckle but deep within she felt guilt at her state.

Following behind was a small boy who had been silently crying and was now holding in his laughter. His eyes were crescents and his mouth formed a tight grin. His body shook at the sight of such a big girl being carried by a smaller one.

It was much too comical.

They slowly reached the dark room and placed her in the bed.

Mallory's eyes widened at the sight of Daiyu looking at the hanging rope. She sat stiff awaiting for ay words.

Her back filled with cold sweat as Daiyu played with the rope. She could feel her surroundings growing cold and knew…. Her goddess was very angry.

"M-Mercy?"

As soon as the words escaped her mouth, she regretted it. The temperature around her had decreased too much. It was a tundra there now.

Daiyu stood still with a hand on the rope. She didn't turn but anyone could tell her expression was terrifying.