"Buying time?" Van sneered disdainfully, slowly crouching down, staring at Crab's eyes that were beginning to fade. "A stubborn prey is indeed interesting, but if it's too stubborn, it becomes annoying!"
...
Not far away
"He didn't follow us?" Silverna, now at last ceased her crying, was running along with Ned, her small, slender hand bearing the brunt of his wavering body, choked out, "What about Crab..."
Sara beside them shook her head: "He fulfilled his heroic dreams."
Motan and Double Leaf ran in silence on the right side, trying hard to keep up with everyone. They didn't say a word...
"It's all my fault." Blood was dripping from the corner of Ned's mouth. He had nearly gritted his teeth to dust. "If it weren't for me…"
"He won't blame you." Sara helped Ned, who nearly stumbled, and said softly: "But can you tell us your reasons now? After all, you shouldn't worry about us hearing any secrets we should not know and losing our lives too, should you?"
