Chapter 76: Rebirth

Maxi thought he was dying.

He was travelling back through the desert, but this time he was on his own and he had less supplies left.

At least, being alone he could move faster.

Some days after he left the temple's ruins he managed to get out of the desert.

He could barely walk, so once he saw buildings, knowing that he was back in civilization and probably someone would pass by, he let himself fall and lost consciousness.

...

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a dark sky beaded with stars.

He didn't know how much time he had been unconscious or where he was, but he knew someone had moved him, because he had fallen face down and now he was looking upwards.

He heard voices near him and he tried to listen to what they said.

- What do you think has happened to him? – asked a female voice.

- I think he has been walking in the desert. We found him outside the city and he was dehydrated. – answered a man. – When did you last give him some water?

- An hour ago. – she said. – Should I do it again?

- Yes, I think so.

Maxi heard steps heading towards him. He could soon see a young and beautiful woman's face. She was holding a canteen full of water. She was about to make him drink when she noticed he was awake.

- He's awake! – she exclaimed. – He has opened his eyes!

A boy approached them.

- Can you hear us? – he asked.

Maxi tried to speak, but he didn't have enough energies.

- Can you speak? – insisted the boy.

Maxi could only sigh.

- Give him water. – he said to the girl.

She did it immediately. That water seemed to have been taken from the paradise for Maxi.

- Thank you... – he managed to whisper.

- You're welcome. – she said smiling.

- What's your name? – asked the boy again.

- Ma...Maxi. – he answered, but in such a low voice that nobody could hear him.

- What?

- Stop it, Kilik. – told off the girl. – He is exhausted. When he recovers, you can ask him whatever you want.

Kilik sighed and nodded.

- I'm Xianghua, by the way. Anything you need, we're here, ok?

Maxi couldn't answer, but he managed to smile. Now he was feeling safe again. He felt as if he had been born again.