“Feel free to roam through this shopping centre. An elder Decay Lord will come by to pick you up in two hours.”
Arkay blinked as the sliding doors behind him gently closed, the warm air from outside being replaced by a cool but artificial-seeming breeze. The air conditioning felt like it was on its maximum setting, but Arkay still felt somewhat comfortable.
Before Arkay could sort himself out and grab his shopping list though, someone caught his eye, disappearing down an aisle marked “BISCUITS AND SWEET GOODS”. Feeling curious, Arkay grabbed his shopping trolley and decided to head down the same aisle.
To Arkay’s surprise, the aisle was insanely long, with multiple other aisles cutting through it. The shelves were stacked with different types of food, and the top shelves were so high up that small, metal ladders had been mounted to each wall of food to make it easier to grab things.
However, the more surprising thing Arkay saw was a familiar face. Ksatah, a hybrid that Arkay had met the other day, was busy reading the ingredients on a packet of sugar-free gummy treats.
“Uh, hi.”
“Oh hello!” Ksatah stopped what he was doing and immediately turned to Arkay. “Didn’t expect to see you here!”
Arkay moved closer to Ksatah so he didn’t have to shout. “Yeah I am… just getting some shopping.”
“Oh nice, time to treat yourself?”
“No, just basic groceries, I guess.”
Ksatah shrugged. “Up to you. I’m buying some treats for myself. I was actually gonna head back to the cafeteria where Vetal and Kalis are, if you want to join me.”
Arkay hesitated, then nodded. “Sure, that sounds nice.”
“Alright! Follow me!”
Arkay did as he was told, following Ksatah down the aisle. As they finally reached the end of the aisle, Ksatah turned left, leading Arkay down and to the side where the cafeteria was hiding, nestled in between a large bathroom area and a fast food takeaway place.
“This place is huge…” Arkay muttered under his breath.
“Oh, definitely. After all, there’s a lot of mouths to feed!”
Ksatah parked his trolley by the entrance, then headed inside. Arkay did the same thing, double-checking that he hadn’t left any valuables behind.
The cafeteria was somewhat small, at least in comparison with the rest of the shopping centre. In it were a lot of empty tables, and one, single occupied table with two small Decaylings sitting by it, sipping fizzy drinks and snacking on a large bag of chips.
“Hey! Arkay!” Kalis loudly exclaimed. “Come over here!”
Arkay followed Ksatah to the table. There was already an empty chair for both of them.
“Hi Kalis. Did they just let us all go shopping at once?” Arkay asked, before pausing and bowing slightly. “I’m sorry, I don’t know you…”
“You can call me Vetal.”
“Hi, I’m Arkay, nice to meet you, Vetal.”
“Nice to meet you too,” Vetal shrugged, returning to his drink, glancing at Ksatah as he sat down. “First time they let you out?”
Arkay shrugged. “Yeah, first time. For shopping at least. This place is pretty huge.”
“And we are the only four fuckers in here…” Vetal tutted.
“Ah, it’s fine!” Kalis beamed. “More fun and convenience for us! Arkay, do you want anything to drink?”
“Yeah but I…”
Kalis smiled, pulling Arkay down to the free chair. “I’ll get it for you, you sit here and chill!”
Arkay hesitated, then smiled, relaxing a little. “I’d love a drink. Like, a cola or something.”
Kalis picked himself up, then patted Arkay don the shoulder in a friendly manner. “Cool! You two want anything, Vetal, Ksatah?”
Vetal tutted. Ksatah shrugged. “Maybe some more cola for me too?”
“Alright! You three chill here. I’ll be back in a jiffy…”