Step to Bonding

The lantern letters ‘Hit A Miss,’ float above a rosy wooden booth, which is manned by a young, gloomy fellow. The men's hooded midnight blue eyes scan several small tables arrayed in a half circle inside the booth, each one neatly covered in brown cloth. 

Various materials spread the surfaces—plushies, potions, weapons, magical jewelry, etc.

Standing before the booth, a long polished counter extending, reaching all the way to three hoops squirming with shadowy tendrils, which block approaching bright balls, Kaltain sips on her translucent green drink.

The lime flavor cools her throat, making her feel refreshed and light. ‘A way to a girl heart is through food. Ishaan must know this, buying me various drinks to keep me from being parched.’

The only vexing thing about the western was their weather. Kaltain planned to never come back until she mastered her divine powers.

‘That bitch knows I hate hot places. Does she like testing my patience?’ Kaltain grumbles internally, unable to show her distaste due to her awareness that this continent was people's home.

His home.

Kaltain looks at the person next to her.

To Kaltain's disappointment, Ishaan's handsome features are deeply hidden when they’re in more crowded areas, so she couldn’t even make out his expression anymore.

She had no idea if he was enjoying their time together as much as she was. If he was impatient to enter cool indoors like she was or wanted to ask about the other’s life like she does.

The more time she spent with him, Kaltain found herself clueless of his habits, hobbies, and interest. It was becoming clear how much of a stranger he truly is.

‘He has scars that glow and is meticulous of his surroundings and people alike. He’s kind, friendly and understanding. Yet, is rumored to be cold, calculated, and cruel.’

What Kaltain did know was mainly her intake on what he has shown her. She had no idea if he was a gentleman at heart, or was as malevolent as rumors make him out to be.

“It’s our turn.” A husky voice drifts down to her. “Ladies first.”

Kaltain snaps out of her thoughts and nods. “Okay.”

Shaking off her nerves, Kaltain steps forward in a feign calmness, reminding herself strictly of the rules.

The game is fairly simple. Make all three hoops in the first three tries and win a top tier prize. Every time you miss, the prize level lowers.

Kaltain cradles a round smooth ball, it’s hue dark and smokey. Posing a shooting stance, she bends her elbow and releases the ball.

Kaltain never considered herself talented in precision, which made her feel a bit ashamed as she always boasted about her fighting abilities, so she’s very surprised her first bucket goes in.

Applause resounds in the atmosphere, pulling out a small smile to Kaltain's mouth.

Kaltain glances back despite herself, seeing Ishaan clap as well.

She looks away quickly. Taking a slow breath, she repeats the stance and launches the ball.

It arches through the air with a swoosh and gets knocked to the side by a wild tendril.

Kaltain’s lips curl down, disappointment coursing through her. She heard a few cheers for her effort and refused to look back at Ishaan again.

As a quake of anxiety floods her system, her hands tremble. ‘I was okay a second ago, yet failure always manages to cloud everything.’

The people around her blend into a chaotic flare of noise. Kaltain clenches the ball tightly and stiffly shoots.

The ball bounces on the rim of the hole and then pops as tendrils suffocate it.

Fewer applause came, causing Kaltain to be more self conscious of everything. The way she breathes, moves, looks, and exists suddenly frightens her.

Too much exhaling and inhaling. A rigidity in her movements of fiddling fingers, hands tugging the fabric of her hoodie, jaw clenching noticeably, and bouncing on her heels.

Kaltain mechanically takes a shooting stance, wanting to get the damn game over with.

“Take your time,” Ishaan calls out delicately. His strong presence behind her becomes more looming as he steps closer. Barely one foot separates them. “Focus on yourself, sweet darling. You alone are your own world.”

A tide of surprise and gratitude rushes over Kaltain's. Glancing at him, she gave him a lovely smile he would never see. “Thanks.”

In the end, Kaltain manages to get a fourth tier prize. After looking through the choices, she chose a cute golden brown teddy bear with ruby eyes.

To her surprise, the plushie is a magical one; a dimension pocket is stored in its belly, allowing the owner to hide money or any precious items.

Kaltain senses regret upon hearing this as she feels a strong desire to keep it, though it’s mainly because of the softness of the bear—and the fact that she can secretly carry food.

Ishaan went up next and his turn brought a whole crowd to watch as he made the three hoops efficiently.

Kaltain stomach tightens, a feeling of discomfort rolling in. She thought she was upset or envious of Ishaan, yet as Ishaan returns to her, she realizes it’s because of the attention on him.

That attention would mark them for the rest of their journey. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why.

His very presence is beautiful.

It didn’t matter if he hid his appearance forever, people would still swarm around like diamonds admiring gold.

The crowd mainly flanks with women wishing to catch a glimpse of Ishaan, with boys and girls striking a conversation with Kaltain.

By the time they freed themselves of the attention, the sun was completely down.

Inside a coffee shop, the pair sits on opposite sides of an old fashion table.

“I’m sorry,” Kaltain says briskly.

Ishaan's head tilts moderately, his mind spinning on why she’s sorry, yet found none. “What for?”

Kaltain hands squeeze either side of the plushie placed on her lap. “I wanted to get you a better prize. Anyways, this is yours. I know you don’t like touching things that make you uncomfortable, but since I’m giving it to you, it’s yours.” She smiles teasingly. “You’re a control freak to the max.”

Ishaan stomach flips and expresses his disbelief with a sigh, the sound filling the growing silence between them.

Troubled, Kaltain's feet shift, her eyes carefully set on Ishaan reaction, reading the way he moved, yet it was all so controlled, she winds up empty.

“What a coincidence,” Ishaan says finally, amused. He sits straight in his seat and holds out his left hand, which lays a white glove. “I want to give you my prize too.”

“Oh.” Kaltain's unease defrosts into a cheerful mood. “Really? Why?”

“I can ask you the same thing. Is it because you feel guilty for dragging me along like your servant today?” Ishaan flashes a coy smile. “I don’t mind being an attendant if it’s you.”

“Yes and no.” Kaltain's mouth dries, wrapping her arms around the teddy bear and buries her face into the back of its head. “Returning what’s delivered to you. You know, give and return; that’s how most things operate in this world. I was taught to give back when someone has given me something. I also simply want to give this to you. Please take it.”

She hesitantly holds it out. 

“An interesting answer, Kaltain.” Without much thought, Ishaan rises to his feet and sits down beside her.

Kaltain flinches, startled. She eyes him closely, watching as he lowers his hood slightly, revealing his features with his back turned to other customers.

Ishaan offers Kaltain a gentle smile and intensively takes the plushie from her. A strong ache of discomfort rises in him, yet is snuffed out as a waft of vanilla emits from the furry bear.

He grins at the fragrance and thoughtfully hands it back. “Cuddle it more.”

Kaltain's expression morphs in confusion. Then, she shrugs and does as he said, not minding the command.

“You have two divine marks.”

Ishaan suddenly words appear to dose Kaltain in harsh acid. Her entire body goes stiff, every inch of her burning with the urge to be vigilant.

The inches between them widens as she unintentionally scoots close to the window.

Kaltain made a wry face. “What are you talking about?”

Once again, her cautiousness amuses Ishaan and gives him a great sense of satisfaction.

“Easy, sweet darling.” Ishaan hands slowly lower to the space between them, his heart racing as he considers his next action. ‘I don’t even know if I can trust her. Being Ziven’s sibling should warrant trust, yet family is a means to an end.’

After hesitating for a moment, Ishaan set the white glove on his lap and rigorously removed his own gloves.

Two brown bare faintly scarred hands fill Kaltain's vision. When her gaze travels higher, she noted his glowing scars again, but that’s not what drew her attention most.

It was his divine marks. One is an alluring golden sun surrounded by a halo of clouds, while the other a black rose.

Kaltain's emotions spiral beyond her understanding as she gapes, her anxiety long forgotten. ‘How does he have two? Why? He’s like Vienna… and me. Are they’re more people hiding their marks like us?’

“I heard you were looking for ways to conquer all divine paths.” Kaltain licks her lips. She controls the impulse to reach out and touch him. “Is the rumor true?”

Ishaan slides his gloves swiftly back on. A secretive smile playing on his lips. “What do you think?”

Kaltain gave a pensive answer. “No, I don’t think you would have hesitated if that were the case.” She pauses and adds, “I think it’s a lie.”

An automatic laugh burst from Ishaan's lips, the sound short and full of a type of happiness. 

“Good. Very good.” He nods subtly to himself and smirks. “Maybe one day I will personally tell you my secrets.”

“No.” Kaltain shakes her head, determination lacing her words. “I will unravel you myself, Ishaan Iniko.”

A storm of butterflies erupt within Ishaan's belly. The unfamiliar sensation is a pleasant breeze to Ishaan's stoic emotions.

He ignores it for now and nods in approval.

“The answer to your unvoiced question is that I came to the conclusion of your divine marks by your appearance,” Ishaan explains, his expression turning unwavering stern. “It will draw attention to only wear one glove, especially on the hand your mark is on.”

Kaltain chest caves in shame, sulking. ‘Highly intelligent.’ She adds to her lengthening list, a giddy feeling soothing her negativity.

“You don’t have to show me yours,” Ishaan softens his tone as he speaks, desiring her to be at ease with him. “I wish you could trust me, but I won’t force you. Just know, I’ll always be ready to listen when you’re ready, sweet darling. I can wait for you, I pray you let me.”

‘Oh, dear,’ Kaltain thought, her reddened face tucked in the plushie’s neck. ‘If the end is near, please let it be by his side.’