The Dark Lord's Daughter

Chapter 2 -Departing-

They were aboard the space shuttle, already departing for Jachur, Nino, Tiko, and Lillian were sitting in the "waiting room'. Lillian so far was being beaten at chess by Tiko. Nino watched them, bored and dreading the upcoming stay on Jachur. She watched as the distant stars slowly float past the window next to her. She could already feel Jachur's gravitational pull against the shuttle.

Nino sighed.

"Cheer up, Nino." Lillian chirped. "Maybe you'll make a new friend."

"Yeah, and my father might kill them." Nino

mumbled.

"What? His plan for the sick and old?" Tiko asked. "I doubt he'll let you go near them in the first place.

"Can we stop talking about it? I don't like it. It's not fair...

"Why does he want to get rid of them anyway? Think of all the things they could provide! Like stories of mischievous animals, or homemade cookies! Or cool trinkets. Or homemade cookies! Maybe even old family photos, those would be cool to look at. Or maybe even cookies!" Tiko thoughtfully said.

"Tiko!" Lillian scolded.

Nino sighed.

"I suggested something like that, but Father only blew it off. He doesn't care." Nino struggled to hold back the tears that were about to spill over.

"It can't be... that... bad," Lillian said slowly. Nino groaned. What a time for Lillian to stick to Lord Sain's side.

"Hm." That was all Tiko said.

"There has to be something we can do... Or at least Tea and I." Nino looked out the window. They would be landing in about ten minutes.

"Why are you excluding me, Nino?" Lillian asked my father."

"Because you are too loyal to work against"It's true Lillian. You wouldn't whisper a word even if a single hair was out of place on his head" Tiko said, moving her bishop to trap Lillian's knight.

Gypsy mewed in agreement.

"Because it was part of my mother's teaching, Now do you mean to tell me you disrespect the teachings of caring and guarding of the Royal Blood?" Lillian raised an eyebrow to intimidate Tiko. Then she moved her queen to capture Tiko's bishop

"No! Never! It's just you're Nino's maid, not Sain's." Tiko moved another piece.

"Hmph. Well, anyways, I surrender." Lillian remarked and flicked over her king.

Nino looked back to the window. They were within the landing port. She could see the faces of the people. They looked like any other human beings, except for the occasional spark of outstanding hair color, or weird tattoo-like marking on someone's face. Nino knew that this race was special in its unique way. No two eyes, hair, or marking colors were the same. Nor were the actual markings, those that had them anyways.

Nino observed the vast landscape. Behind the medieval-style village, some vast plains and craters loomed out on the horizon. The land was red. Like a muddy-red, almost like Mars used to be, before it had grown grass and vegetation. Even the air seemed to have a faded red tint. The sky was a pale reddish-brown, almost white. A few patches of grass or trees appeared here and there, and even their deep green hues were stained and spotted with splotches of the same brick color.

There were a few cars, but most people preferred to walk, even though the village was quite vast. Many people scuttled about, living their daily lives. Some were chatting and laughing, others watching in nervous anticipation at the arrival of their new Lord Betelgeuse's shuttle. Those who were nearest were either smiling or bowing respectfully, and Nino knew they would receive much more of that once they stepped out. Nino also saw the shiny black car that awaited them. It would take them to their 'home' as Nino's father called it. The same routine... Her father holding business meetings... Welcoming parties... Lord Lundgren inviting his new friends, which meant Nino had to meet them... And put on another fake mask of happiness...

Nino sighed once more, right as Rigel came into the room. "We're ready to leave this shuttle." That was all he said and he turned and walked back out.

Tiko picked up Gypsy as she and Lillian waited for Nino to take her proper place in front of them.

It wasn't that Nino didn't like this place she loved it, and the people. But she hated knowing their fate, and what horrible things her father might condemn them to. Nino was tempted to pull out her iPod, to drown out her worries with her favorite songs by Korn, but she knew that her father would expect her to talk to him, and Lord Lundgren if he was meeting them at the car.

Nino put on her best happy "mask" and walked through the corridors and out of the shuttle. Many more people were smiling and bowing now. Her father stood beside the car, smiling himself and waiting for Nino. Lillian, Tiko, and Rigel would ride in another car, to Nino's dismay.

Nino got into the car and sat next to her

father.

"Ah, Nino. This isn't so bad now is it?" Lord Betelgeuse asked.

"No. I love this planet. And the people." Nino quietly answered.

"Then what is the problem, my child?"

Nino didn't answer. She only looked out the window. Something she seemed to do often.

Lord Betelgeuse sighed in annoyance. "It's

my plan isn't it?"

"There's nothing I can do, Father. You are their leader, and they trust you. I think. I have no say in this." Nino looked her father in the eye. She kept her face blank."Nino, Nino, Nino." He paused and smiled at her. "Why do you worry for these people? They are in safe hands! You trust me, don't you?" Nino nodded. It was the truth. "Be that as it may, I know you don't like my plan, but they will die anyway. What difference does it make? They will be killed, but the ones to come in the future do not have the same fate, I will let the population continue as it is."

"But, what point is there to that?" "Better prevention of sickness."

"But you cannot prevent age. Time is unstoppable-"

"Yes, Nino I know that. But didn't you just

hear me?"

"Yes, Father," Nino said. "You'll let it continue

on. But-"

"Nino!" Lord Sain exclaimed. "Enough, my daughter. All is and will be well."

Nino didn't bother to argue. She nodded and

looked back out the window.

Whatever. Nino thought. / will find a way to

stop you, Father. I just need to find out how, and how much time I have. Why won't he listen to me?

Nino was only half-listening to the conversation her father was now having on his phone, but she was sure it was Lord Hector Lundgren. Nino liked him, but the fact that he backed her father one-hundred percent...she of course didn't like that.

They arrived at the house, which Nino refused to call home. Rigel and the others were already there and somehow had their belongings unpacked as well. As soon as Nino got out of the car, she ran inside to find Lillian and Tiko.

"Nino, don't get into any trouble!" Her father

called.

"I won't!" She responded. Sometimes Nino felt that her father worried for her. Of course, he did, Nino never knew her mother! Nino didn't mind his being protective though, in fact, she felt safer when he knew everything and at what time and place. But she also knew that he knew that she wouldn't get into trouble. She was seventeen alter-all, and she always behaved herself, even in those first four demonic toddler years.

Nino ran up the stairs, for she already knew the house very well, and looked immediately for her friends. She knew Lillian would most likely be in her room, straightening things for her arrival, but Tiko could be anywhere. It wouldn't be that hard, though.

"Lillian! Come on, I want to explore. I also need help finding Tea." Nino called to Lillian from her doorway.

"Yes, Milady," Lillian said gently, only because another maid was nearby. "Helene, you don't mind taking over for me while I'm gone?"

"No, Miss Lillian. I will be fine." Helene

answered.

Lillian and Nino walked around that floor and decided that Tiko might be on the ground level. So, they went downstairs and towards the dining hall. Luckily, Tiko was just leaving the hall.

"Teal Are you busy?" Nino immediately

asked.

"No. Why?"

"Come on, we're going outside and into the village!" Nino was looking forwards to her little expedition. There were so many interesting vendors and stalls selling all sorts of objects and treats. And the cafes had the best coffee, along with delicious biscottis.

"Alright. Did you ask Lord Sa-uh, Lord Betelgeuse?"

"No, but I don't care. He trusts me not to get into trouble. We'll be fine!" Nino assured the two.

"But won't he be angry that we left with you, considering our chores" Lillian didn't get to finish her sentence.

"Relax, Lillian," Nino said. "I'll tell him I wanted and demanded you two came along with me. He can't deny me this freedom. You are my maids anyways. I have free will over you."Yes but maybe not over Tiko."

"Tea is my friend. He'll understand." Nino said and opened the front door. She turned to the butler closest to her and said;

"Walter, please let my father know that I left

to browse around if he inquires where I am."

"Will do, My Lady Nino." Walter bowed with an arm crossed over his chest.

"Thank you."

The three bounded into the bustling streets. Some people were in such rushes that they didn't realize who was walking the streets. Nino didn't mind. But the ones who did stop to pay their respects for her.

"My Lady Nino," A young girl with dark magenta markings on her face stopped the three. "Would you prefer a car or horse to that of the muddy streets? It would be no problem at all."

"Oh, no, no, my good girl," Nino replied. "I like this just fine. What is your name, little one?"

"Marian Hillis, Milady." She answered. She looked no older than seven.

"Well, for your kind offer, Marian, I'll be sure to send your family a nice present or two." Nino smiled and laid a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"No, Milady Nino, no. Your kindness is too great for a common person such as myself. I couldn't take such a generous gift." Marian bowed her head.

"Little Marian I insist. It would make me very happy if you accept it. I think you'll love it." Nino smiled at the little girl.

"Oh thank you, Miss! I'm within your debt!" Marian ran off before Nino could protest."Marian Hillis. Don't let me forget, Lillian." Nino mumbled.

"I'll remind you," Lillian answered.

"Oh Nino, look!" Tiko grabbed Nino's shoulder to turn her where her finger was pointing. Tiko was pointing to a small vendor where a few people have gathered around. A man with a loud voice was calling out to them,

"Good gents, good ladies, hear, hear! This is a special offer we have today!" The man called.

"Let's go!" Tiko said.

"Uh, Tea wait up!" Nino took off after Tiko.

"Hey!" Lillian followed.

"This is special, very special gents and ladies! We have here a new flavor of caramel for your favorite toffee-covered apples! We've infused our finest coffee-"

"Nino you love their coffee!" Tiko said. Nino

nodded, straining to hear along with the others.

-And we've blended it into our caramel Try one for free; if you like them come back! There are plenty to go around!"