Awaiting The Dawn

31: Deciding Point

Hisa wished that was the end of it. She wished she could just lie down and sleep.

But no.

It didn't matter how tired she was, Hisa couldn't rest. Her head kept circling around to thoughts all centered around one question.

What should she do about the recent vision?

Or not do?

It was in these moments that Hisa felt like such a coward. She was considering it. To let a child die just because she was afraid.

What kind of person was she to think that?

The Hisa from before wouldn't have hesitated. When she was home and practicing divinations, Hisa always gave warnings when she saw someone get hurt. And she kept helping people after leaving her village and meeting Suzu.

It was only when...when she failed to save him that it all stopped. No more divinations. No more speaking.

On that cliff, Hisa did nothing for Yona, Thunder, or the wounded Fire Tribe soldiers. Nothing. People bled around her and she acted like a spectator.

A spectator like King Il. Hisa never wanted to become like him.

But Yona wasn't like her. She was brave on that cliff. She already lost her father. She couldn't lose Thunder too. Her desperate desire not to let anyone else die was strong.

Hisa would never forget that moment when the weak, sheltered princess cut off her crimson hair and ran to save her childhood friend.

The princess had yelled at Thunder, who held onto the edge of a cliff with one hand.

"If you die, I'll never forgive you!"

Hisa wished she had said that to Suzu. Wished she said something at all.

She wanted to borrow the princess' strength. Underneath all Yona's weaknesses and naivety, she had a fire inside. Her determination and anger was intense, something that Hisa herself never felt.

The kinds of people who had fire in their heart and eyes were amazing. Hisa couldn't resist them.

In the end, she couldn't bring herself to turn a blind eye. Not when an innocent life could be saved.

"Such a coward." Hisa found herself muttering, upset at herself for even thinking it.

She had been so scared. She still was. Hisa was terrified to think that the heavens might believe she was better off being replaced.

But fates could be changed. None of it was certain.

Hisa's given purpose was to see the prophecy completed. That condition would be fulfilled no matter what.

"When darkness has fallen upon the land

the dragon's blood will revive once again,

In accordance with the ancient pact,

when the four dragons are gathered,

the sword and shield shall awaken to protect the king.

At last the Crimson Dragon shall return to dawn."

So, as long as she didn't get in the way of the prophecy, wouldn't she be alright? It was ridiculously simple, but Hisa managed to make up her mind.

Despite what Hisa thought sometimes, it wasn't like she didn't have any freedom. Wherever Hisa went, she'd get visions about the dragons and fulfill her purpose. She didn't need to join Yona on her journey. It was her choice.

Everything was her choice, to an extent. So she could save that boy. She could help save everyone from Kum-ji.

Was this something very obvious that she should've reminded herself sooner? Maybe.