Never Again 11 "Little Girl, Tell Me"

By the time she opened her eyes once more, only pitch darkness greeted her. Nothing could be seen. Only her own breaths and the cold ground accompanies her in the eerie silent darkness, but she somehow knows that this is all in her mind. Another illusion.

But nonetheless, it was unsettling. The darkness rattles her as it would do to anyone in her situation. It was pitch black and she can't see a thing. Carefully walking through the darkness, her steps were slow and full of unease, ready to take off running at the first sign of danger. But perhaps she was too fearful because no matter she far she goes, only everlasting darkness could be seen.

Walking and walking, aimlessly walking. Hoping to at least get somewhere. But her hope was never answered. Darkness continues to reign no matter she does. Each minute begins to feel like an hour and every step bring forth more darkness, slowly beating down your hope and willpower. Facing such darkness, Xi Rin could only smile bitterly at her wasted effort and time. But never she still didn't give up.

Never even once, Xi Rin didn't cry nor complain about her unfortunate fate. Although she might be dispirited and downhearted, she never despairs and remained determined. For the darkness has become her friend since a long time ago.

Sometimes, if she became lonely, she would sing or talk to herself. She would think deep thoughts, questioned life, and imagine what the world could be.

h.e.l.l, she would even do math if she was bored enough.

And when she's tired of walking, she would sit, lay down or even tried to do cartwheels and handstands in the darkness. Which mainly results in a lot of cras.h.i.+ng... But not once did she succ.u.mbed to the darkness. If there's one thing she's thankful for being trapped in here, is that she went never thirsty or hungry. And it really gave her a lot of time to think about her future. So every day, she would continue trying to find a way out even if she already lost all hope. And somehow, it became a routine for her. Even if she doesn't find a way out, she'll just take the walk as exercise.

Such a strong case of willpower would amaze anyone.

And it has been witnessed someone after all. Unknown to her, she was never alone in the first place. There has always been a man silently watching her under the cover of darkness. But, unlike her, he can leave and enter the place as he pleases. And as he watches her for the last few days, he can't help but admire her sheer willpower.

Had it been anyone else, their determination would have been crushed since a long time ago. The eternal darkness would have left them hopeless, despondent, and in despair. The darkness and loneliness would eventually drive them to the point of insanity. And yet, this girl here is singing and dancing.

How strong must one's mentality be? How much willpower will it take to last this long?

He, of all people, knows this best.

But here she is, cheerful and carefree even in the face of utter hopelessness. And she's just a little girl no older than 14. He really has to admire her.

But just resolve, perseverance, and determination won't be enough if she plans to become the Gla.s.s PaG.o.da's master. He needs to make sure that it would end in the right hands.

But for showing such a strong resolve, she had already pa.s.sed the first test.

As for Xi Rin, she was softly humming a tune as she slowly waltzes in the darkness. Her arm swung lightly through the air as her feet follow, smoothly and lightly akin to stepping on water. Soft and gentle like the spring breeze, her light blue dress accompanies her as it flew in graceful arcs, resembling her to a delicate flower. Innocent and pretty her beauty was, but her aura was one full of calmness and wisdom. With her eyes were closed in tranquillity and a smile tugging at the corner of her red lips, causing ripples in many peoples' heart. But it was a shame that the darkness hid such a scene to itself, for such a beautiful scene will certainly be engraved in many's hearts.

"Little girl, " a deep voice suddenly called, causing her to almost trip over herself. Looking around anxiously for the source of the voice, her eyes were only met with darkness as always.

She could have sworn that she heard a voice. But maybe she's going crazy?

But to her delight, the voice spoke again. " Little girl, tell me,

What is it that's truly right? What is truly wrong? What is bad? What is good?

Who is truly evil? Who is truly good?

Why do you choose to be evil so everyone would hate you? How can you be good when others treat you cruelly?

Why do the things you do?

All in all, when the story is done. Who is truly evil? Who is truly good? Who was sacrificed? Who is gone? Was it worth it?

Little girl, tell me. Can one ever walk a path without any regrets? "

It was then a male's voice. It resonated with strength. Clear and loud it spoke, but yet sorrow seemed to be hidden underneath it all.

"Little girl, can you answer them?"

Remaining silent, Xi Rin thought over those questions. But as time pa.s.ses, Xi Rin still hasn't spoken a word.

And it grew impatient. "Little girl, even if your answer is wrong, your life can still be wagered. But it will end now if you don't answer!"

Going with what she truly believed, she opened her mouth to speak.