Chapter 05 - Unexpected encounter

The intense sunlight penetrated through the trees of the garden, casting delicate shadows on the grass. The distant sound of the gym sounded like a muffled echo, making that corner of the temple even more isolated. Cale, still getting used to the environment, lowered himself slowly, watching the creature wrapped between the bushes.

It was a small dragon, its body covered by a short and clear coat, with fine and curved horns that shone under the sun. The greenish eyes reflected the light intensely, facing Cale with a mixture of curiosity and challenge. The boy felt a strange familiarity when facing those penetrating irises.

"What are you doing here?" Cale whispered, reaching out his hand cautiously.

The dragon retreated slightly, but did not run away. His body trembled slightly, as if he was suspicious, but at the same time curious about the presence of the demigod. Cale noticed some leaves stuck in his fur and a small scratch on the side of the body.

"Did you get hurt?" the young man frowned, momentarily forgetting his fear.

For some reason, touching it, Cale felt as if his own body recognized that creature. As if, in another life, they were part of the same fate. Moving with more confidence, he extended his hand a little further and to his surprise the dragon did not back down. His fingers touched the creature's warm fur, feeling the subtle breath under his palm. A shiver ran through his spine.

"That soft..." whispered Cale.

Ah... Cale wish he could continue stroking those soft and fluffy hairs for another little while, it was relaxing.

Tilting his head slightly, Cale smiled at the creature. He slipped his fingers through the hairs, feeling one or another scratch on it. But he did not seem seriously hurt.

"I hope you haven't been hurt by anyone" Cale muttered, realizing that the dragon just snorted in response. "Ah, then you must have been involved in some trouble?"

The dragon looked outraged and snorted again, slapping Cale's hand with his tail. The boy retrain up his hand and let out a low laugh.

"Haha, sorry, sorry."

It seems that the dragon understood him well. Although creatures like dragons exist around the world, it was the first time Cale saw one and felt no fear. In fact, the feeling that filled his chest was warm and cozy, as if he had long been accustomed to talking with such a dragon.

It was so fascinating!

"You seem very smart, so you should know that you should stay out of danger. Mainly because it is small..." Cale tilted his head, having full confidence that it was not an ordinary creature. "Have you lost your family? It must be scary to stay in a place full of powerful demigods."

The dragon snorted again, ignoring Cale for the second time.

Ah, was that any sign that Cale underestimated him? It seems the little dragon was proud.

"But is it okay for you to stay here? Since you're hurt, you might need some sort of care."

The dragon bowed his head, as if he understood the question. Then, moving slowly, he smelled Cale's hands before rubbing his snout against his fingers. The young man blinked, surprised by the action. He felt silly to think that the little dragon would respond with words, but that interaction was enough for something inside him to relax.

Blushing slightly, Cale stroked his hair again and stared at those greenish eyes.

"I would like to bring you some food... but I just got here and don't know the place." Cale looked at him under the hood and smiled lightly. "I can't be seen so easily. So forgive me. I promise to bring something for you in case we meet again."

The dragon stared at him and raised his head, as if he were pointing something with his eyes. He snorted and waved his tail, as if he was calling Cale's attention. The boy followed his gaze, and smiled satisfied when he found a pomegranate.

"Oh, do you like pomegranates? I can get one for you."

The boy stood up slowly, and approached the tree laden with pomegranates. Standing on the tips of his feet, he stretched his hand as far as he could to reach the pomegranate from the lowest branch. All their effort being watched by the dragon.

"Just a little more... Ah!"

Cale took the pomegranate and pulled it out of the branch. Watching the fruit, he smiled in ecstasy. Then he ran to the dragon again, and laid out the fruit with an excited smile.

"Here! It looks juicy."

The dragon stared at him, then lowered his eyes to the pomegranate. He sniffed, hesitated and finally accepted the offer. With careful little bites, he devoured the fruit. Watching him eat made Cale's breast rejoice.

How cute he was!

It was him, right? Or it was her? Cale got curious, and tilted his head to check a few things. But as if he knew exactly what he was looking for, the dragon used his tail to slap the boy on the head.

"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to be rude."

Before Cale could analyze better, the dragon moved quickly, jumping back. His eyes shone even more brightly, as if he was alert to something. It was then that Cale heard heavy footsteps approaching.

The young man's heart accelerated.

Someone was coming.

He turned to see who was approaching. At that very moment, the dragon disappeared... Only a quick movement among the bushes indicated his escape.

"Who is there?" The firm voice echoed through the garden.

Cale swallowed dry, pulling the hood a little more over his face. The blood was hammering in his ears as he turned slowly to the direction of the sound.

The shadows of the trees revealed the silhouette of a tall and slender figure, approaching with calculated steps. The young man felt a shiver of nervousness and curiosity.

The sunlight illuminated the face of the newcomer. He had reddish brown hair, colored eyes that seemed to shine even in the shadow, and a mischievous smile on his lips. He wore simple, dark robes for an academy student, but his presence carried an indescribable weight.

"Oh? I didn't expect to find anyone around here at this time" he said, crossing his arms.

Cale pressed his fingers against the fabric of his cape. Swallowing dry, Cale did not know exactly what to say. But he did not want to look more suspicious than already appeared.

"I'm just taking a walk... you know, exploring random temples as a hobby."

"Are you a newbie?" The boy questioned, Cale just nodded and the boy smiled slightly. "So you should be more careful, you may end up getting lost here."

Cale looked away, feeling a slight discomfort. It was not only because of the stranger's words, but because of the aura he emanated. Something in him was intense and disturbing.

"I'm Mikhal, by the way" he leaned lazily against a tree, watching Cale with an puzzled expression. "And you? Do you have a name or prefer to remain mysterious?"

Cale hesitated. Giving his real name could be a risk. Still, the way Mikhal looked at him caused him a strange discomfort, as if he already knew more than he seemed.

Your father had asked him to be careful. Not to reveal yourself. So... Cale could hide his last name, right?

"Cale."

"One name only? All right, let's keep the air of enigma" Mikhal repeated, tasting the name as if he tasted something exotic. "Beautiful name. It suits you."

Cale frowned. He didn't know if Mikhal was just kidding or if he really was the type who liked to tease others.

The silence lasted for a few moments, until Mikhal raised an eyebrow and let out a theatrical sigh.

"Well, since we're here, can we at least pretend that we are two academic buddies trying to relax after a long day. What do you think?" suggested, his tone still loaded with fun.

Cale still didn't know what to think about him, but he felt that running away now would only raise more suspicions. And besides... There was something in Mikhal that made him uneasy, but at the same time puzzled. It was as if that young man was lurking, studying him as a predator observes his prey.

"Hm... I suppose that's no problem", he murmured.

Mikhal smiled, satisfied with the answer.

"Great. Now tell me..." he leaned slightly forward, his eyes shining with a mix of fun and curiosity ."What exactly were you doing here, Cale?"

A shiver ran through Cale's spine. It seems that guy would not let him pass so lightly. A tattered excuse would further increase the suspicion.

Feeling a slight blush on his face, Cale sighed defeated.

"I heard there was a temple here, so I came to take a look."

"Ah, the temple? Indeed, it is quite fascinating. But almost no one comes here."

The two faced the old building, of carved stones and an entrance arch partially covered by ivy.

"It's a pity... because, it is very beautiful."

Mikhal took a brief look at Cale, noticing the change in his tone of voice.

"Do you want to take a look? Although it seems abandoned, students are allowed to come and pray if they are devotees."

Cale hesitated for a moment, but curiosity was greater. He nodded slowly, and the two began to walk towards the temple. The wood of the door seemed worn by time, but still had an imposing air.

"Have you been here before?", Cale asked, breaking the silence.

"Sometimes. But I don't usually bring company", Mikhal replied with a smirk. "I think today is an exception."

The inside of the temple was cold and silent. The sunlight filtered through cracks in the walls, illuminating rows of columns carved with ancient symbols. Small altars were arranged along the hall, some covered with dust and others appearing to have been used recently.

Cale ran his fingers over one of the sculptures, feeling the rough texture of the stone.

"How beautiful...", Cale murmured.

While the hooded boy merely wandered around the temple, observing its architecture, statues and inscriptions, Mikhal watched him silently with genuine interest.

"You look like someone who would respect a temple" he muttered thoughtfully, attracting Cale's attention. "I must say that some students only come here when they want to ask for help from the gods to get something."

"Only when they want something? Not to respect the gods?"

"Why would they show respect, when they think of themselves as gods?"

Cale bit his lip, as if he expected that answer. Not even in his village the temples were so neglected.

Stopping in the middle of the temple, Cale observed the statue of Ereghast, the supreme god. He looked at it feeling something on his chest.

"Would you like to make any request here too?", Mikhal questioned while standing by your side.

Cale was mesmerized by the statue. He hardly noticed that the sunlight, passing through the stained glass windows, illuminated part of his face under the hood. Mikhal widened his eyes slightly as he saw the bright and intense purple tone, like a cosmic mystery.

"I don't know if I have any request. But you, did you ever make a wish here?" asked Cale, completely oblivious.

Mikhal raised his eyebrows, but did not comment. He just smiled as if he had just seen something very interesting.

"Who knows? Maybe I'm waiting to see if your wish will be more interesting."

Cale felt a shiver run through his spine. Mikhal's presence was disconcerting, but at the same time it aroused his curiosity. He looked at the altar in front of him, feeling a strange weight in the air, as if the temple was waiting for something from him.