Saken had been traveling for 5 days straight. It was odd, he could’ve sworn he was getting hungry, but every time he looked at Mina’s determined face his hunger dissipated and his second wind came for another burst of energy. Before long Saken stopped to look at where they were. It was a black desert, further than the eye could see. He saw rolling dunes darker than night and the bright sun setting, turning the sky a drab gray. In the distance he thought he saw trees but it must have been the heat getting to him. Saken looked back at Mina and decided they should rest for a while. She was displeased by this, however.
“What do you mean rest?? I thought you said you’d help me-”
“I did say I’d help you.” Saken interrupted, “But not at the cost of our own lives. We can’t avenge your family or find out why they died if we’re buried in the sand.”
Mina grew quiet as she thought about what he said.
“You’re right,” She admitted, “I’m sorry, I’m just so angry and I…” She trailed off.
“I know. I understand. Let’s set up camp and get a head start tomorrow.” Saken reasoned.
Mina agreed and shrugged off the backpack with the equipment they have been collecting over the past few days. She started setting up the tent while Saken started a fire. He was glad to be resting but he didn’t enjoy having to argue with Mina to do it. As he reached for the rations he found cockroaches had eaten everything. In anger he threw the bag into the fire. Mina looked at him then did something uncharacteristic. She came over and gave him a hug from behind.
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“I’m sorry. I’ve been selfish and only thinking about myself this whole time. I haven’t considered your side of things and led us to fight. You don’t need to help me anymore if you do not wish to.” Mina whispered while leaning on him in dejection. Saken thought for a moment before he responded.
“I won’t leave you. Even if we fight I’m not leaving over anything that petty.”
Mina gave him the most thankful look, making him blush in embarrassment.
“Let’s get some sleep, we have a long day ahead of us.” Saken said, smiling nervously.
“Sure.” Mina said, wiping her tears. “Goodnight.”
As she curled up in the tent Saken looked up at the stars.
“This won’t last forever…” a cruel voice sneered from somewhere in his mind.
“Not if I do something about it.” Saken growled. He wasn’t going to let the Sadist make this life hell too. He refused to, but something gnawed at him. That feeling of guilt, “It’s all your fault.” It whispered in his mind. Saken couldn’t stop the tears rolling down his face, he clutched his shirt tighter. As he knelt there, grieving for Mina, he heard cackling from somewhere off behind. Saken whipped around, expecting to see a monster but it was just in his mind. Saken calmed himself after breathing deeply for a couple minutes. After he wiped his tears, Saken curled up in his sleeping bag and passed out instantly.