Chapter 1: The Encounter

Stepping off the shuttle for the first time onto unfamiliar territory, the young girl was amazed. It was different. Everything was different to the girl, for the fact that this was her first time traveling, leaving her own planet. She was surprised at how dry this planet and how deserted this new territory looks comparing to hers. There aren't much people to be seen around, not even one sound of laughter can be heard, perhaps because they are far from town and far from the castle of the royal bloodline.

"Minako" a lady in her mid-twenties, with beautiful blonde hair cupped into a bun yelled, trying to capture the attention of her beloved daughter. "Don't you get lost now, dear. This is not Venus, therefore not everyone here are like those on Venus. They might not be friendly, and some can do great harm" her mother warned.

Although Minako nodded to her mother's statement, her mind is elsewhere on the new territory. She always have wanted to visit all the planets if possible, but due to her age, she rarely gets to go unless is tagging along with her parents. "Where are we heading to mother?"

"To town, my child, to town."

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"WOW" was all Minako can say to express her thought on the traditions of this planet. She have been to many festivals on Venus, but this one looks complete different. Nothing like Venus at all. This was something new to her, to be able to hear the Salii(priests) played the famous Carmen Saliare. It was a way to pray to their gods, a way to show devotion, and a way to boost public morale along with supporting the army.

Mars has always been the planet of wars. They fight all year long, sometimes with reason, sometimes with none. But on this specific day, the Festivals of Mars, where one was not obliged to work, along with no court sessions. Many soldiers are given the freedom to celebrate this day, while there are those left back in duty in case of surprise attacks.

BAM

Everyone started to gather their belongings once the loud sound was heard. Forcing, pushing, and thrusting, as long as they can find a way to run. Minako was confused, standing in the middle of the crowd not knowing what to do while being push along with them. She search for familiar faces, searching her parents, but there was none. There were too many people and she was a long 8 years old kid. She was lucky enough not to be walked over by them in the process of looking.

"MOTHER"

"MOTHER"

"FATHER"

Where are you mother? She is now scared. Because of her size, she successfully got out of the crowd, now standing on the high steps on the side, still searching. "MOTHER" she yelled as loud as she can over the rambling noises of those around her but still no sight of her parents anywhere. "MOTHE-….."

Before she can acknowledge what happened, she is now being dragged by a girl, who is perhaps her size or maybe a little bit bigger and a bit taller. Finally realizing that she haven't found her parents yet, now tried struggling to get her wrist free.

"Are you crazy? You're suppose to run when this happen, not stand there like an idiot"

"But-"

"But nothing. You know you could gotten yourself kill by those mad people running over you"

"But my parents….they are still somewhere there. They might be looking for me now…" Minako said with a sad tone, while tears form in her eyes. Mother, where are you? I'm scared….

Coming to a full stop, the girl turned around to face Minako for the first time. The girl has a bit of dirt on her face covering her pale colored skin, as if she hasn't washed her face for days. Even with dirt covering, the beauty of the girl still shines, along with those amethyst eyes.

"Your Parents will be alright. Things like this happened quite often, but people still run for their lives just in case if it's a serious attack. You see, is like a routine, whenever people on mars celebrate the festivals of mars, there are always a false surprise attack just to ruin the traditions. And is also a routine where people just run for the lives…" the girl stopped her explanation when receiving the I don't know what the hell you are talking about' look. hmmm okay, that made no sense, does it? "well, all I'm saying is that your parents are okay. They are just lost in the crowd"

Minako didn't know what to do. She didn't really need some girl to tell her that she lost her parents in the crowd, because it's obvious. The problem now is how to find them. She is only 8 years old for goddamn sake, and is also the first day stepping onto this planet. She doesn't know where to go or where to look at.

The girl just stands there and stared at Minako. To her, Minako is weird. From the way she dresses to the way she acts, everything is weird. Never in her life have she seen anyone or anything dresses the way Minako did, with those colors, at least. Maybe she's from another planet. "Um…" It finally hit the girl, that Minako's reaction was not weird. She's scared, scared because now she's alone, without those familiar faces. Please don't cry…..please…..I hate seeing people cry….

Learning from the way her mother treated her when she's sad and on the verge of tears, she extend her arms and pull Minako in for a hug, with her right hand rubbing on the back of Minako's head lightly. I think this is how mother does it…hmm, what did she do next…hmm. The girl didn't know what to do besides repeating the steps that her mother does. Oh yeah….verbal comfort. Hmmm what should I say….

"Is okay, your parents are in no harm." The girl hesitated. She was not a girl with many words, therefore this verbal comforting is not her thing. She is lucky enough to have the knowledge to read and write in order to commute with a few of those around her. Of course, that's because of her mother who patiently taught her when they spend times together.

Minako is also speechless at the current moment. So not like her at all. Back in Venus, in the castle, her voice can be heard from top floor to the ground floor. However, being in the arms of a strange girl, she couldn't find her words. The warmth of those arms, the strength and the support. No body ever held her like this before. Well, nobody ever dare to hold her at all besides her parents. What are these new feelings that she's feeling?

"hmm…if you cheer up, I'll give you a cookie" okay Rei, that was just lame. Hmm why am I even trying to so hard anyway. She's just a lost child and why am I holding her? Maybe I'm the one that needs the cookie.

The both of them stood there in each other's arms for a very long time, without even realizing it. The sun is finally setting, where the moon is half way up. Mars is no longer red without the sun's light shining down, just planet of wars.

Finally letting go of Minako, Rei is now facing her, staring into those sad watery eyes. "Cheer up, I'll help you find your parents tomorrow, since the moon is up now. Not that safe to walk around at night" Minako didn't answer, but slowly nodded, as she admired the smile that Rei displayed on her face. A smile that as bright as the sun, as pretty as a flower, and as sweet as strawberry. If a smile can steal away hearts and souls, then Minako would now became heartless and soul-less.