The Heart Thief

Chapter Ten

Hi. Hello (_ __") First an excuse. I'm still adjusting to my apartment. I can't write with the new environment and college is really bugging me. This is just a short chapter... for now. Once I adjust, I'll be writing the way I used to. So... enjoy.

"You know how bright the sun gets during noon?" Chase reminisced. They've been stuck under the odd oasis for so long; he's started to miss the sun he detested when he walked the sands.

            "And scorching hot," Zuma added.

            Just above them, it could be day or it could be night. Time became nonexistent after their fall from the cave and it was unapparent to them.

            Just how long were they down?

            Chase reviewed the happenings they encountered and realized they haven't ingested food or water. Sure they've encountered sanctuaries with bizarre fruit bearing plants and refreshing waters but it hasn't occurred to them to actually intake that.

            "Zuma," Chase called out, "Are you hungry?"

            Zuma's brows furrowed against each other and he recalled the last time he ate, "Normally I would be but I'm as bedazzled as myself to say I'm not." Zuma gave a subtle laugh and still managed to joke, "Why? Do you have something I could steal?"

            Chase gave an absurd smirk, "You don't have to steal anymore. Besides, I don't have anything you could steal."

            Zuma shrugged. But within himself, he felt all the weight vanish when Chase told him he never has to steal again. He's happy to hear that combination of words come out from the sharp-tongued police pup he met.

            But then, he couldn't.

            "Chase," Zuma called.

            Before he could add his remark, Chase immediately answered, "Yes, what is it?" The words came out swiftly like bullets.

             Zuma hissed,"I ugh–do you still plan to–are you still going to–"

            "Spit it out already," Chase demanded but with subtleness and sincerity. What could be in that pup's mind? He asked himself and the thought remained inside his head.

            "Are we leaving this oasis?" Zuma mumbled the question.

            "What kind of question is that?" Chase returned, "Of course we're leaving this hell hole. Don't tell me you actually plan to stay here." He laughed the final sentence out.

            Zuma laughed with Chase but his laugh was apparent to be just a get along so Chase wouldn't notice his ulterior motive.

            True, the place is really dangerous and accurate; it really is a hell hole but those alone... and what Zuma did with one of the creatures built up his guts for survival.

            Mere danger can't change Zuma's continuation for his peoples' legacy. He will stay and carry on his tradition even if he's alone. He's always been alone. His people died before him and ever since then, solitude became his companion.

            "Why would you ask such a thing?" Chase intercepted Zuma's thought.

            Zuma still wasn't ready to admit his true intention. There's a feeling inside him that wants to go with Chase and live a new life. He's still just a pup after all and there's more to life than just that. But he's afraid that after they get out from the oasis, Chase would continue his life with Ryder without him.