When the Elders Council told Iquarius to return to the human world with his apprentice, Kolla, he was confident it would be one of his easiest assignments—until they specified that Kolla must ingratiate himself with the American, Judy Emerson, and earn her trust.
Kolla bared his fangs in excitement, hopping on hind legs, his tail swishing from side to side while Iquarius fumed, muttering as an aerial float carried them toward the interworld gate.
As they waited their turn, Iquarius turned to him. “Their world is nothing like ours and this is your first assignment. Don't fall for first impression.”
Kolla grinned with irritating confidence, resting a hoof on Iquarius’ shoulder. “You trained me well. Be not afraid, I am ready.”
The gate monitor pinged as the doors parted to admit them. Once closed, a thick plume of white smoke filled the glass cubicle and in an instant, the two creatures stood in human form in a quiet park in New Jersey.
Once Kolla laid eyes on Judy Emerson, he was entranced.
From his hiding spot behind a rosebush, Iquarius cursed under his breath, his face flushing with anger. Their rules forbade any contact between a trainer and apprentice. His hands were tied until the three-month period ended and Kolla could be extracted.
He could hear Kolla's heartbeat from where stood, quick and loud like a lovestruck teenager. And the boy had no idea how to pursue a woman. It wasn't in the training manual.
He interfered where he could, throwing small obstacles in their way, anything to break the infatuation and get Kolla's attention. None of it worked.
On the final day, Judy and Kolla sat beneath a broad oak tree, holding hands and chatting. She laughed softly, leaning into Kolla and Iquarius felt ice settle in his heart. His apprentice had forgotten the assignment entirely and instead, he had fallen in love with the human.
When he heard the extraction signal ping in his head, Iquarius realised with a quiet dread that they had both failed. Kolla did not respond to the call but held Judy's hand and they left the park together.
A message from the Elders Council appeared on his phone screen: Let him blend in until the set time.
Iquarius nodded. The Council knew all along.
I hope you enjoyed reading this short piece. It's inspired by the Freewrite #dailyprompt phrase "first impression".
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