Author's Comment: Well, this chapter isn't finished and I know it's short, but I thought I'll just put up this part first since I haven't update in such a long time. …And for those of you hoping to see Rei, sorry…(laughs weakly) I'm still working on it (hides under a table from sharp projectiles). Anyways, hopes this little bit of story is enjoyable…for now
Chapter Two
The sun scorched the barren landscape of Dandit, cracking the baked earth. The land Dandit lays to the least of Venus, bordering the Kingdom of Mars. It was perhaps because of this harsh climate that stands in the way between Venus and Mars that few Venusians ever attempt journey across. There are villages scattered throughout the land, but hardly enough to call a population. This forsaken land isn't ruled by any particular country, a perfect thief's hideout if not for the heat that makes survival impossible. The people of Dandel are split into two sides; ones who live closer to Venus along its boarder and ones who live closer to Mars' boarder. No one dares to live in the center of the land, for beasts roam that part of the land where heat reaches unbearable temperatures.
Sweat rolled down the back of her neck and her throat was hoarse from the lack of moisture. The cloth beneath her cloak was already drenched with sweat, but she tightened the cloak around her even more to keep the moisture in and the heat out.
Minako had never experienced this before. This feeling of being baked alive and yet having no where to hide, not a shade to go under. Not a single sight of life. Death would have been less torturous, she thought. When she ran away from Venus, she thought going through Dandit to Mars would be the best escape route. It would be the least likely place her parents will look for her. Her parents had constantly warned her of the heat and dangers of the Dandit Desert. But she merely brushed their advices aside, thinking that the Dandit Desert was no different from the sand deserts of Venus that she had travelled through in numerous occasions. She had also read from books about Dandit, but nothing! Nothing, had prepared her for what she had gotten herself into now. Her supply of food and water had long gone out. She hadn't had a single drop of water for the past 24 hours. With every step she took, her pace slowed and her breath more ragged. She glanced at Kasher walking beside her. The once mighty beast had his head hanging low, body looking as exhausted as hers although his eyes were just as determined as ever.
Her legs shook and seemed likely to buckle under her weight at any moment. One of her feet tripped and she stumbled. Then her feet gave out under her and she fell onto the sand hard. Even though her long paralyzed body had gone numb, she could still feel the impact but no pain. Kashar had rushed to her side and helped support her up onto her feet. But the moment she was up, she collapsed again.
"Hang on, Minako. Be strong. I know you can do it," said Kashar. Although he encouraged her with a positive tone, Minako noticed his underlined tone of distress and frustration. With what strength left, she forced herself up. If not for herself, she couldn't bear letting Kashar's efforts turn into despair.
Leaning on Kashar for support, Minako took several shaky steps but then stopped. "Kashar...I don't think...I can…go on anymore…"
"No! You can, you MUST! 'Member what I said when I offered you the last bit of water we had? I didn't give it to you just so you can die on me first! Walk!"
"I'm sorry. I'm…really sorry, Kashar…" With the last bit of strength gone, her grip on him loosened. She fell limp onto the cracked ground.
"MINAKO! You can't fall asleep here. Come on you can do it! I know you can. We'll get out of this somehow. Just please get up…Please…"
Kasher's efforts saddened her, yet she really didn't have anymore strength to go on. Her body was numb. She felt weak. Her head felt dizzy and light. She knew she was losing her consciousness. Maybe if I hadn't defied my parents, then none of this would ever happen. Kashar wouldn't have been dragged into this. I'm sorry Kashar…
Minako could feel Kashar nudging at her repeatedly, and then felt him dragging her along. Then quite suddenly, there were many coarse crows followed by Kashar's threatening growls. There were many flapping of wings. The scavengers were coming. The last thing she remembered was looking into a heavenly pair of amethyst eyes. Angel?
-Part 1 END
I know, I know. It's TOO short and I left it at a turning point. Sorry! Hoped you liked the story so far though. Until next time!
Author's Commentary:
Thank you all for inputting on Rei's character!
Okay, here's what I decided, the "ideal" Rei for this story: She is a person who doesn't how to react to and express her emotions clearly. So, she covers her weakness with anger and indifference. Since Phobos and Deimos are close to Rei and are her guardians since childhood, they know how much "space" they have with Rei. You'll see that Rei kind of have "two faces", she's totally indifferent towards strangers. While with Phobos and Deimos, depending on the place and situation, she is either annoyed or angry with them (but easily pardons them) or indifferent towards them as well (in public, where their relations are that of master and servants). Rei is stubborn and has her fair share of pride, it is hard for her to admit to anything, as demonstrated in chapter 1.
As for the other characters…Minako is compassionate, full of energy and has a bit of cunningness inherited from her mother. Although Minako may also be immature at times, she'll grow as the story progresses. Kashar is very protective of Minako and royal. He has a bad habit of looking down on people that he decides as untrustworthy (especially the situation between him and Rei, since Rei is sort of stealing Minako from him and he's having a hard time letting go). Deimos is the logical one who always reasons with Rei and tends to go on and on about things. He usually gets Rei annoyed in the end though. Phobos is more easy-going than Deimos and is the peacemaker between the two.