Disclaimer: I don't own Aliens or Predator. Now back to my tale. . .
A/N: Thanks for all of your reviews! I didn't know my story was loved so much (cries a river from happiness). Don't worry, it shall continue until I finish, even if my fingers must bleed I WILL FINISH! (Sorry for the melodramatic statement, hehe). On with the story. . . .
CHAPTER 12:
The Bazaar
Kaen'Dre opened his eyes to usual array of light that radiated into the room. He had slept in Kiara's bed again and had slept comfortably that time. Asim hadn't tried to maul him either so he guessed the creature was starting to like him. Looking around the room, he saw him at the bottom of the bed curled up while Kiara did the same against him.
Loving the feeling of her small and soft body against him made him purr immediately. She moved softly at his sounds but still slept soundly. Looking over to his weapons, he got a sudden quick urge to make a quick hunt. Would it hurt so much to catch one measly ooman?
Next thing I know Kiara comes at me with questions, he thought. Hours later, I'll be chased out of the kingdom by all of them!
Or maybe they won't know, another voice said.
He decided to go for it and got out of Kiara's hold. She mumbled in her sleep but dug her face into the pillow to sleep more. Walking quietly over to his armor, he put it on as silently as he could. Smiling happily for going to hunt, he picked up his belt quickly from under the bed. Strapping it onto his waist, he placed his weapons onto his back securely. He placed his mask onto his face and clasped it tightly.
Finally, after all this time I can hunt!, he thought excitedly.
Walking over to the balcony door that was closed, he took tiny steps so Kiara or Asim wouldn't hear his armor make any noise. Upon reaching the door, his foot caught onto something which almost made him trip. Controlling his balance quickly before he fell, he sighed in relief.
That was close, what was-, he thought but got cut off.
He felt tight thread wrap around his whole body instantly, immobilizing his movement. Looking around, he saw it was almost invisible because of its thinness. It placed his arms tightly around his sides and his legs were so secured that he had a hard time staying upright.
What the heck is on me?, he thought angrily.
He growled mentally but then he felt frigid water fall over him. He gasped loudly from the freezing sensation that made him shiver instantly. He ripped off the tight thread over his body easily and growled in annoyance. No one threw water at him! Looking up, he saw a bucket suspended over the door that had tipped downwards at him. He shook his body to get the water off of him while trying to dry his hair.
Well, I guess I had my bath early despite I'm frozen now, he thought angrily.
"What are you doing?" a voice said, suddenly.
Looking quickly to the side, he saw Kiara wide awake with a look of surprise on her face. I guess he wouldn't be able to hunt now because of that stupid incident. Still drenched in water, he growled and walked over to her. It took a bit though since the water was slippery under his feet on the floor and he had no intention of falling down and looking foolish. Kiara grinned in amusement at her friend who seemed timid to walk on the wet floor.
She had woken up to see him drenched in water over by the balcony door. That door had been booby trapped in case someone tried to sneak in, or in his case, sneak out. It wouldn't hurt the intruder but it wake her quickly enough to take them down.
"What is that?!" Kaen'Dre exclaimed, pointing to the trap above the door. "It tied and drenched me!"
"It's a trap I set up for intruders, I can't exactly leave a door that size unguarded, can I?" Kiara pointed out.
"But. .But. .I'm wet!" he whined instantly. She smiled in pity at him.
He sounds so adorable with that whiny tone, she thought warmly.
"Why were you over there then?" she questioned.
Uh. . .quick, think!, he thought. I can't exactly say 'Oh, I wanted to hunt down your people today while you slept. But don't worry, I'll come back before you know it.'
"I. .I was getting ready for our travels today" Kaen'Dre said, making up an excuse. "Never too early to start."
"You wake too soon, Kaen'Dre" Kiara said, wiping her eyes. "We woke before dawn yesterday, today we are sleeping more. So, get out of that wet armor and back here."
He made whiny noises in his throat which made her chuckle. She got back into her bed to sleep again. Taking off his wet armor and weapons, he threw them down onto the floor uncaringly. As much as he cared for his armor, today he was grumpy. Taking off his mesh outfit, except his loincloth, he sat back down on Kiara's bed.
"What about the water?" he asked her. She groaned.
"Someone will clean it later or it will evaporate" she said, sleepily. "Now, climb inside before I yank you into it."
I didn't even get to hunt, he thought glumly. I hate this planet! I hate this kingdom! I hate the palace! I hate this room! I hate Asim! No, not hate, just dislike. But still! And I hate. . .no, I could never hate Kiara in any possible way.
Looking over her, he saw her hand outstretched over his side of the bed. He smiled instantly on how delicate yet captivating her body was. If she was a yautja, she'd look like a mate of his with how she was on the bed, but unfortunately she was not. Sighing softly, he unclasped his mask and placed it on a wooden table next to the bed. He shook his feet to get any water off them and untied his hair so it would dry faster.
"Kaen'Dre" Kiara mumbled but ordered at the same time.
How this woman make me comply to her is beyond me, he thought mentally.
"Fine, but do not complain when I soak you" he said, quickly.
Getting into the bed, he draped the covers over his body to warm himself somehow. Kiara shivered under the covers from his cold skin and curled up. Turning on his side to look over her, he grinned. She had her legs tucked up to her stomach while cuddling her hands into fists under her cheek. She looked so childlike and it attracted him easily.
"I told you, but no. . you had to have me in bed" he whined. "Now see, you're cold too."
"If I wasn't so sleepy, I'd hit you over the head" she yawned loudly. "But since I am, argue with yourself as if I was there, it should make you feel better."
She even has better insults, he thought annoyed. Grrrrr.
"You. . You. .You. .I hate you" he mumbled in defeat. The softly, "No, I don't."
"I know you don't and I love you too, my friend" she giggled under the covers. He growled at how easily she made him change his mind on her. "Each of your growls mean 'I'm sorry', yes, I know."
"You think you know everything" he mumbled and cuddled his pillow. "But I know more."
"Of course you do, so why do I twitch your nerves so easily?" she pointed out quietly. He trailed a cold finger down her cheek that made her shiver and open her eyes instantly. "Kaen'Dre!"
She whacked him right over his head when she shrieked. Pulling her small fist back, she closed her eyes while he massaged his head. Well, at least he got some revenge despite the quick pain.
For a small female, she sure hits good, he thought. Damn females.
Turning to her other side while he faced her back, he sighed and tilted his head. Had he gotten her angry? He'd never seen her angry at him and hopefully, she wasn't. Taking his chances, he wrapped his arms around her from behind while she shivered and he took in her warmth.
"Are you angry with me?" Kaen'Dre asked, placing his face on her warm shoulder. "I'm sorry if you are."
"I'm not, I should apologize if I angered you actually, I didn't wake up happy after my slumber" she said, softly. She placed her warm hand over his cold one. "I . .I had a nightmare again and I just felt a bit upset."
He remembered how she'd gotten the night before and he didn't want her worrying again. That would just make him feel more guilty, he couldn't stop the hunt even if he wanted to.
"Was it about the serpents again? I can assure you that-" he started.
"No, it was of something else" she said, quietly. "A band of sorcerers challenged and killed some of our people, it was awful. I hate having these nightmares, especially if they come true. I saw. .I saw my brother die, Kaen'Dre. That's something I've never have or wanted to dream about."
He felt her tug his hand for support and he squeezed it softly. He knew the feeling when someone you loved was taken away from you. Kaen'Dre remembered the day when his mother left and not knowing she'd never return until his father told him. He remembered how depressed he'd been, he was only 5, every child needs their mother at that age. Repressing his old memories again, he held her close to him.
"It was just an illusion, it won't happen" he said, softly. "As long as you look out for him, he'll be fine. Your nightmares should subside, so don't worry."
She nodded softly and held his hand under her neck closely. He purred on her shoulder since it always made her feel better. They stayed quiet for a while and he thought she'd fallen asleep until she spoke.
"You're a good friend, Kaen'Dre" she said, quietly. Then casually, "And a cold one at that."
"Well, someone's back to their usual self" Kaen'Dre said, chuckling. "I'm glad I could help. But either way, you forced me here so too bad. You have to deal with my coldness."
"Not really" she said, simply.
She got out of his hold and sat up. He raised his brows but she pressed her hands down on his shoulders to place him on his back onto the bed. He withheld a purr towards her provocative position on his lap and hoped she wouldn't start straddling his torso. Placing her entire body on top of his, he felt his face heat up from her sudden moves on him. He felt her arms wrap around his sides while she placed her face sideways on his chest.
Curse the gods, why is she on me like this?, he thought.
"What are you doing?" he asked, puzzled.
"To get you warm, silly" Kiara said, breathing onto his chest. "I am not about to wait for you to warm up when I can easily do it. I'd rather take my chances and be warm than not and freeze. Besides, you are much warmer than me normally."
She traced her hands down his toned chest to make him warm. He clicked his throat from her body warmth against his along with her gentle touches. She cuddled herself on top of him better to warm up his skin with her body heat.
"You are an odd one, Kiara" he said, patting her head. "But an intelligent one."
"I know I am" she said, smiling. He rumbled his chest in annoyance. "I know, I love you too."
"You do know what ticks me, don't you?" Kaen'Dre groaned. She lifted her head and opened her eyes to look at him.
"Of course and if not, I'll find out somehow" Kiara grinned mischievously. "You're not good at hiding your emotions from me."
"I do not have emotions, Kiara" he said, simply.
She knew that wasn't true. If he didn't, he wouldn't be acting so kindly towards her, he'd act uncaring and simple. But he hadn't so she knew it wasn't so.
"If you didn't, why would you look over me so carefully if you didn't care?" she questioned. He sighed. "I call that compassion, despite your sigh."
Why does she trouble and make me question myself? Who knew a human could be so troubling!, he thought.
"You also seem to have a nurturing way about you" she added on. "Wouldn't you say?"
"Go to sleep, Kiara" he stated and closed his eyes. He didn't want to admit he nurtured, he was a hunter not something else.
"Fine, if you're going to be that way" she snapped. "Sleep coldly."
She rolled off of him which made him feel cold again with seconds without her warmth. He had a feeling he had gotten her upset this time. Why were oomans so emotional? Why couldn't they be like his kind? He rumbled his chest in annoyance at seeing her curl up onto her side again.
"Kiara" he groaned. He draped an arm over her body to bring her close but she tensed up. "Please don't act like this."
"Well, how should I? If you feel nothing, then it means you are pretending to care" she said, coldly. "I have no time for fakes on my time, do what you came here to do without getting in my way."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kaen'Dre asked, instantly. He'd never seen her speak this way to him. "I am no fake."
"You came to learn and observe us, so do it" Kiara said, crossly. "But do not pretend you care about me as a friend and behave like everything is a paradise between us, I don't need phonies at my side. And I especially don't need your caresses, if I want that I can go court somebody."
He stared at her in surprise at her words. She'd never acted this way to him, not this coldly anyway. He felt slightly hurt at how she told him that, it wasn't true. Yes, he came to study the oomans but he hadn't faked anything with her. Well, besides him not being a god but everything else was true!
"I have not faked anything with you, Kiara, so do not accuse me" he said, swiftly. "You are my friend so I have to care about you."
"You said you don't feel anything so caring isn't in your mind" she said, simply. "If you have no emotions, then we are just mere companions, not friends. Friends have a deeper, honest bond."
"We are friends and there is no question of it" he stated firmly. "If I were a companion, I would not act this way with you."
"Then don't, if you are falsifying it" she said, shaking her shoulders. Looking away from him, she ordered, "Go to sleep."
He growled at her stubbornness to listen to him.
So, there's only one way to make a female listen just like in any culture, he thought simply.
Grabbing her by the shoulders, he pushed her down onto her back quickly. She struggled against him while he did but he placed himself over her and pressed his weight down to pin her tightly. Grabbing a handful of her hair away from her face, he looked her eye-to-eye.
"There is nothing fake about me and if you want me to prove it to you, I will" Kaen'Dre said, rumbling deeply in his chest. "Don't ever doubt my loyalty to you, Kiara."
"Is that a threat?" she asked, crossly. He shook his head. "I can care for you deeply, Kaen'Dre, but if you ever betray me, I will tear you apart emotionally."
Then she must never know of who I really am, he thought quietly. Ever.
"I will not disappoint you" Kaen'Dre said, quietly. "I care about you and you are my friend, no matter what you think."
Her eyes trailed to the side away from his face. He moved his head to the side where she looked so she'd have to look at him. Sighing, she looked back up to where she originally had.
"I don't want you upset, Kiara" he said, placing his forehead on hers. "I have no intention of hurting you in any way. You are a beautiful and kind being I would never bring harm to."
"You could be lying" Kiara said, bluntly. "Gods can be deceiving."
"I am not" he said, firmly.
He opened his mandibles and traced a lower one over her cheekline gently. She squirmed and growled at him, baring her teeth. He growled back in a challenging tone while opening his mandibles at her. She quieted a bit but hissed back weakly, not wanting to admit defeat easily. She was acting like a female yautja which he easily found strange, a ooman acting like a yautja. Odd. But at the same time desirable with her aggressiveness. Tracing his mandible over her cheek again, she didn't protest, so he ran his tongue lightly over it. He glanced at her to see what she'd do while his mind reeled at tasting her skin yet again. Luckily, she didn't hiss at him so he traced it over her chin to her bottom lip.
She sighed and asked, "Do you really care about me?"
In what way does she mean that?, he thought quickly. She has to mean friendly, right? Oh, why did I have to do that? Damn you, Kaen'Dre!
"I always will" Kaen'Dre said, nuzzling her cheek. He decided to say any feeling he felt, friendly or affectionate. "That will never be a lie."
"Then I acted like an idiot, didn't I?" she said, quietly. Her eyes trailed to the side in embarrassment.
"You were just upset, princess" he said, smiling gently. She smiled back. "I'd feel the same too if I believed something similar."
"I thought you didn't feel" Kiara pointed out smugly.
"I am not supposed to, but I do" he said, shrugging his shoulders. Biting her chin, he purred, "Especially about you."
She kissed his chin softly which made him purr again. He traced his mandible over her cheek gently which made her smile softly. Giving her a quick but gentle bite on her nose with his teeth, he stopped his touches.
"I'm sorry" she said, softly.
"As am I for starting it" Kaen'Dre said, placing his face onto her neck. "Sleep, Kiara."
"Before I do, don't hurt my feelings like that again" she said, softly.
"I'd never dream of it, and if I do, I will redeem myself at all costs" he said, nuzzling her cheek. "Do you forgive me?"
"You know I will" Kiara said, nodding. He smiled gladly.
"Thank you" he said, nodding.
She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. He loved being in her arms rather than have her mad at him. She was his first friend and he took care of those he loved. Kiara felt the same while holding him too and sighed.
I hope you never hurt me like you promised, she thought mentally. Because the more I'm with you, the more I think I'm falling in love with you.
She closed her eyes and listened to his calm breaths to fall asleep again.
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"What's that?" Kaen'Dre said, pointing to a hut.
"A house" Kiara said, sarcastically. He growled playfully.
"What's that?" he asked, pointing to an open building he smelled food from.
"A market" she answered. He cocked his head puzzled. "A place to buy food."
"What's that?" he asked, pointing to an adorned hut.
"It's a place to buy cloth from" she answered.
"What's that?" he asked, pointing to a small stand.
"A fruit stand" she answered.
"What's-" he started.
"Kaen'Dre, if you follow me, I'll tell you" Kiara said, jabbing him on the side.
She grabbed his gloved hand so he'd follow her. She had placed a long dark cloak over him so he'd be completely covered so no one would notice him along with long closed gloves and shoes, just in case. He didn't like it but for this, he'd bear it. Kiara had worn beige robes to ankle length along with a handbag in case she found something interesting.
They had been around the bazaar for over an hour and Kaen'Dre was still interested in everything. But Kiara didn't care, as long as he was happy, she was too. He had practically dragged her everywhere since they entered it. She hadn't noticed anyone she knew so she'd be all right when it came to hiding him. But she also had to be careful no one noticed her as the princess and crowded all over them.
"Kiara, what is that?" he asked, pointing inside a large hut.
"You can buy statues or jewelry there" she said, looking over into the sandy hut.
"Could. .could you take me inside?" Kaen'Dre asked, timidly.
"Of course, darling" she said, smiling at his shyness. She grabbed his hand. "Let's go."
Walking through the crowd, he kept close to her to not get separated. She led him into a large but cool hut that wasn't full with people. Most of the people there were females rather than males so that suited them well. Kiara walked over to the statues made out of various colored stones in curiosity. He followed her from behind and curiously looked over the statues that were either dark or light in his eyesight.
"Look at this one" she told him and pointed to a human carrying a bow in a battle stance.
"Reminds me of you" he said, chuckling. She nudged his arm with her shoulder but smiled. "It was meant as a compliment, dear princess."
"I know and thank you" Kiara said, smiling. "Look at this one."
She pointed to one of a human man wearing a mask and robes holding a sword in a pouncing stance.
"That one looks like you" she said, chuckling. He growled. "Yes, I know, you love it too."
He wrapped his arms around her from behind and squeezed her softly. She squealed softly and leaned back into his arms. He felt her fingers trail over his covered hands affectionately which made him hold her closer.
"You have to be cautious, Kaen'Dre" she whispered to him. "Anyone could grow suspicious."
"But I enjoy holding you" he whined softly. She laughed and blushed at the comment.
Did I just admit that?, Kaen'Dre thought quickly. Well, as long as she doesn't think much of it.
She squeezed him softly and let go. As much as she loved his embraces, they'd have to wait until they were alone. Walking over to the other statues of gods, spirits, people, and animals, she picked up a leopard one. It was made of topaz with painted black spots to make it more realistic.
"Hmm, I don't have one of these" she said, grabbing one off the shelf. "I'm taking one. It reminds me of my sweet Asim."
"Of course you will" Kaen'Dre sighed, slumping his shoulders. She jabbed him on the side. "Ow! You . .you . .I have to watch you."
"I thought you always did" Kiara said, mischievously. Blood flushed over his cheeks as he avoided her words.
"Let us look over these other objects, shall we?" he said, walking to the side. He did not need for himself or her to flirt in any way, it was bad enough they had started embracing.
He observed the small statues on each shelf. None of them caught his interest, but the jewelry on the other side did. He noticed the array of stones, shapes, and length of each. His people didn't wear jewelry like this, only the females, but they looked beautiful nonetheless. If he had some type of currency to use on Earth, he'd buy one for Kiara to remember him by but he couldn't.
Why does she make me feel like this?, he thought. I don't want to, but I can't stop it at the same time.
He sighed and looked over the jewelry again. Ooman females looked at them also but he didn't find them threatening, as long as they didn't bother his cloak. Hearing them laugh and chatter, they got annoying to his sensitive ears easily. Looking over, he noticed they were much younger girls than Kiara, adolescents actually. But none of them could amount to her beauty and love in his view.
Feeling an arm wrap around his waist quietly, he looked to the side quickly to see Kiara. She smiled and hugged him closely as her cheek pressed against his arm.
"Are you trying to lose me so quickly?" she asked, amusingly. He chuckled.
"I'd never leave your side, Kiara" he said, patting her back. "Look at these necklaces, aren't they beautiful?"
"You think so?" Kiara asked, looking over the shelf. "I think so too, I love stones of any sort. Which one do you like?"
"All of them" he said, chuckling. She laughed. "I like this one in particular though."
He pointed to a necklace with clear and flat circular stones with a white stripe running within each stone. At the two sides, there was a sapphire stone of a square and thick size on each to give it form and shape. Kiara picked it up and unclasped it. She placed it over his neck underneath his cloak to size it. She took it off after sizing it.
"You like this one?" she asked, looking at him.
"Yes" he said, nodding timidly. She squeezed his hand in support.
"Then I shall buy it for you as a gift, my friend" Kiara said, smiling.
"Really?" Kaen'Dre asked, excitedly. Then objected embarrassedly, "No! . . .No, you can't, I couldn't ask you to buy me this."
"But you aren't" she said, softly. "I'm giving it to you, so you cannot argue with me."
He didn't want her showering him with gifts of expense to her, he wasn't like that. No one had ever bought him anything for him, unless you counted food in which his friends and he bought together. Besides, males in his culture gave them to females only for mating purposes. Maybe humans bought gifts for each other for friendship instead?
Just friendship, right?, he thought nervously.
"Kaen'Dre" he heard Kiara call.
He looked over to see her paying the clerk already. How long had he been thinking? Walking over to her quickly, but cautiously to not bump or trip anybody, he poked her back from behind. She would've paid attention but the seller was excited for having her shop there. He saw her get nervous and try to get herself out of her situation.
The life of royalty, he thought amusingly.
He walked over to the entrance to wait for Kiara outside. Looking over the ooman men, females, children, and even animals walking through, it made him feel . . .carefree. Looking at the happy children, he felt a tiny bit envious on how safe and easily they viewed life. His was so hard adapting to from a nuclear family to a single paren that sometimes he wondered if he even had a childhood. He was put to study so much, he never remembered getting chances to play on his own or make friends. That was one reason he clung to Kiara so closely, she hadn't cared what or who he was when they met and she didn't now. She accepted him for who he was and didn't question or try to change him into something he wasn't.
Seeing the mothers with their children or chasing them before him made him feel lonelier though. Those children were very lucky to have a mother at their side and would hopefully keep them througout life. Kaen'Dre hated to see children without their mothers, he missed his dearly ever since she passed and would never wish for anybody's to go away. He'd always repressed his memories to remember none of it, especially since his culture was not supposed to experience grief or sadness. He felt someone grab his hand from behind and knew its touch instantly.
"I finished and we are good to go" she said, cheerfully. He nodded quietly. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I just. . .needed to clear my mind" he said, hesitantly. She placed her hand on his mask under his hood to comfort him. "I am fine."
Looking at Kiara, he wondered how she'd be as a mother one day. She was kind, loving, and gentle to anyone, no matter who they were. He'd never asked her if she enjoyed children, but who didn't? He knew he did, he wanted a big family someday. But first, he'd need to find a mate. For a quick moment, he wondered how it'd be to have Kiara be the mother of his child, but he quickly shoved the thought out. No way was that ever going to happen, they were too different. She was meant to mate to another human, not an alien hunter she believed was a god.
"I hope you're right, but to make you better" she said, smiling. She pulled out his necklace from her bag. "Here."
"Kiara, I can't believe you-" he started. She placed her hand up.
Unclasping it, she put it over his neck carefully. Clasping it in front of her to make it easier, she fixed it over his neck by matching the two sapphire stones horizontally over his chest. Letting go, she let him look over it to judge it.
"It looks beautiful, thank you" Kaen'Dre said, softly. He touched the stones with his glove. "I can't wait to touch it when we return. I will cherish this forever, Kiara, I really will."
"I'm happy you love it" Kiara said, gladly. With a small smile, she added, "And I hope you do remember me when we part."
"I always will, I could never forget you" he said, touching her cheek. "I. . .there are no words to describe how I feel about you, Kiara."
She smiled and blushed under his touch. He brought her close with one arm and purred into her neck. He felt her body lean into his easily and wrap an arm around his side to hold him in return. Placing his face on her neck, he wished he didn't have it on so he could trace his mandibles over it.
"We should move on, we can't cause anything suspicious" she interrupted softly.
"Then I shall have you in my arms when we return to your home" he said, purring.
"Kaen'Dre" she hushed.
"What?" he asked, innocently. She laughed. "I will admit I enjoy having you in my arms."
He let go of her and extended his hand out to where she would head next. Grabbing his hand, she walked south down the crowded road. Wrapping her arm around his, they walked down the dusty road together.
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"This is delicious!" Kaen'Dre said, taking a bite of his food. "What is it?"
"It's meat since I know you love it so" Kiara said, giggling. He grinned. "It's chicken but it has more sauces to give it a better taste, it's very good."
"It is, we should eat this instead at your home" he said, eating another piece. "Try it."
He cut off a piece with his knife carefully. Looking over to Kiara, he fed it to her in her mouth. She tried to grab it herself but he dodged her hand easily. He'd never fed anyone in that manner and he enjoyed it, but he didn't think of her as a pet when he did that like most people. He found it affectionate and playful, but for him playful was throwing the food at Kwei'De. Smiling while biting into it, he took his hand away and laughed.
"You have to trust me, princess" he said, amusingly. "I won't disappoint you."
"I do trust you, but I've never had anyone do that" she said, laughing. "Only my brother, but he threw food at me instead when we were small."
He laughed and went back to eating his food. So far, their day had been outstanding with no boring places. They had visited many stores and stands, he liked the stands, you could see everything in one spot without moving. Kiara had stopped to get them something to eat from a nearby vendor since they had been out for a while. They had climbed on top of a safe structure that looked over the city while they remained unspotted. Kaen'Dre easily liked it since he could take off his cloak and relax now.
"Do you have any siblings, Kaen'Dre?" Kiara asked, looking over to him.
"No, I am an only child" he said, shaking his head. "I wish I had siblings but no. Is Atem your only sibling then?"
"Yes, but. .I had a sister once" she said, softly. He leaned over to hear. "But she was a still born, we all wanted to have her in our lives but she never got to be. I miss her, especially when I see Aziza playing with her sister, I wonder how I would've been as a sister. But I have Atem and I love him dearly as a brother, we both have a very strong bond as siblings and I'm glad, I would never want to lose him either."
He saw her curl her body up and lean down to eat her food again in silence. Placing an arm over her, he brought her form next to his for support. She placed her head on his chest softly and stayed silent. He knew firsthand how hard it was to lose somebody in a family, just like her.
Maybe we're not so different, he thought softly.
Kiara wiped her eyes quickly. She'd never talked to anyone about her little sister, Nathifa, besides her family and friends. She was 13 when she was born and buried at the same time. She always visited her at the cemetery to never lose touch with her. Losing a child was hard for anyone and Kiara hoped one day it wouldn't happen to her with one of her own children.
"Let us speak of a lighter tone, where will we go from here?" Kaen'Dre asked, patting her head.
"There's only a few stores left on this side to visit" Kiara said, looking over the bazaar. "I wanted to take you to the sand dunes afterward, it's calm and peaceful there, I think you'll like it."
"I like anything I can study about" he said, nodding.
"Why are you not a god of knowledge and wisdom then?" she asked, looking at him.
Oh crap, what do I say? Why'd I involve science in this?, he thought quickly.
"I. .My father had decided something similar but I chose my devotion" Kaen'Dre said, simply. She nodded. "Why?"
"You love studying so much, like a scholar" she said, smiling. "You remind me of Set, he loves knowledge on anything."
He sighed mentally at that name. Ever since he saw him, he didn't like how the male liked being around Kiara. Yes, he was her friend before himself but Kaen'Dre liked her more, he sought her company more than anyone right now. They didn't have much time left together and he wanted to spend as much time as he could with her. And if Set got in his way, he'd get her away from him somehow.
"Set? I do not think so" he said, stiffly. "He looks a little arrogant to me."
"He's not, he's very polite and loyal" she said, defending her friend. "I know my friend, you barely saw him. You could know him and maybe you two-"
"I came to spend my time with you remember, only you" Kaen'Dre said, touching her cheek. "I told you this yesterday."
"Yes, but. . .what is wrong with my friends?" Kiara asked, eyeing him.
"Nothing is wrong with them, I like how they look after you" he said, patting her cheek. "I just. . I do not make friends easily, actually, most of the time. I only have about 4 good friends, including you, and I plan to stay like that."
"Are you afraid to?" she asked, touching his hand.
"No, I . .when I have a friend, I treat them like my family" Kaen'Dre explained. "And I doubt I'll be coming back here anytime soon, I only need to worry over you here, no one else."
"You won't be coming back soon?" she asked, softly.
"I came here to this . .realm. .because I wanted to, it was not appointed to me" he said, looking over the city. "Those serpents were meant to be killed by others, not me. I may come back here one day but it may not be for many years."
No, you have to!, she thought mentally.
"How many years?" Kiara asked, quietly.
"40" he said, simply.
40? Kiara would be over 60 when he returned. She felt saddened instantly at knowing how far and long away he'd be from her. She didn't want to let him go so easily after finding him again and learning so much about him. She didn't want to wait so long to meet him again. His hand trailed over her cheek which brought her out of her thoughts.
"It will be a long time" she said, sadly. "I will be into old age by then and you will be unchanged, am I correct?"
"I will age much slower, yes" he said, nodding. She looked away.
He didn't want to hurt her more than she felt from their last topic. Placing his forehead over hers, he traced one of his upper mandibles over her upper cheek gently. She traced her hand over his cheek softly to feel better somehow.
"I'll miss you" Kiara said, quietly. "We should. .um, finish eating. We still have a small hike to do."
She backed away from him and went back to her meal. He traced a finger down her cheek while she ate. She looked at him and smiled softly.
"You mean much to me, I will never forget you and I will come back to you one day" Kaen'Dre said, looking at her.
"I will expect you till that day then" she said, quietly. "I will miss you too."
She felt like crying so badly to beg him to stay with her but she couldn't. He had his own realm and she had hers, they could never live side by side. It hurt but she would get over it somehow over time. For now, she was happy to have him but when he did leave, her heart would break. His words would stay with her forever along with his image.
"Forget what we spoke of and continue your meal in peace, Kiara" he said, seeing the slight pain in her face. "We have more to look forward to tonight."
"You're right" she said, smiling softly. "I plan to make you have the best time of your life while you're here. But first, you have to finish eating."
"You're not the boss of me" Kaen'Dre said, playfully. She hit his shoulder in return. "Now, there's my feisty princess."
She grinned and continued to eat her meal. Yes, he made her feel better any time she felt bad and she was happy for it. Frankly, she was happy to even have him here again.
"Shut up and eat, warrior man" she said, grinning.
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End of Chapter 12. Thanks again for everybody's reviews, I am thankful! Hope you all like the chapter. Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but there'll be more chapters, don't worry!