The shelves were filled with all sorts of weird treats. Everything from pickled cactus fruit to poultry sausages preserved in honey and mustard, from canned, boiled aggelad calf heads to meter long sticks of toffee. Kayel and Ksiel had been enjoying going up and down every aisle, pointing at all the weird things and putting whatever they fancied in the trolley. After all, with most of the L-Class becoming N-Class, the remaining members now had double the budget to spend on shopping and groceries.
“Still, can’t go overboard with the sweet things,” Kayel smiled as Ksiel placed a can of cocoa pudding into their shopping trolley. “We’ve only got so much room in our fridge and we absolutely cannot leave sweet stuff on the counters.”
“Oh heck,” Ksiel shuddered. “You just reminded me of our first day when Ayel left that knife with honey on it next to the sink. Holy fuck that was a lot of insects.”
“Yeah, merminga love anything like that. It’s worst in July, they get desperate and go for anything. Lost a whole box of cocoa pillows because they ate through the paper box and plastic bad that stuff came in…”
Ksiel shuddered again, then decided to take his mind off it by throwing another canned pudding into the trolley. “Still, this market shop is amazing. I’ve only really ever been to a few Thanatian shops and they always seem to just sell meat, rice and non-edible stuff like cleaning products. This place seems to sell everything.”
“It’s pretty awesome. You can get a few Banikan things here as well, which is super neat. That stuff is hard to come by anywhere outside of Banikan territories and a few Thanatian areas.”
Ksiel grinned and started browsing the shelves again. They reached the end of the aisle, skipped past the Cassid chemical wares and turned the corner. Suddenly, they bumped into something familiar.
“Oof.”
Kayel quickly panicked and helped the tall, red and gold Rethan pick up all the things they had dropped. Their basket had tipped over, spilling a few things on the floor, but luckily nothing broke.
“We’re so sorry!” Ksiel apologised. “We were so preoccupied, we didn’t see you!”
Once he’d picked everything up, Kayel stood up straight. But as soon as he saw who the Rethan was, he froze.
“It is fine,” the Rethan smiled. “I was not looking where I was going either. What is a nice pair of Threan-types like you doing here in Portalia City?”
Ksiel glanced at Kayel, who was still frozen. It was as if he was terrified of something that he nor this Standard-type Rethan couldn’t see.
“Uh, we’re, uh, doing some studies with some of the local Thanatians. We’re stocking up on supplies. Better to get it all now than have to make multiple trips later, right?” Ksiel replied somewhat nervously. “You’re… General Retvik Rethianos, aren’t you? What are you doing here?”
Retvik nodded. “I am. It is a pleasure to meet you both. As a matter of fact, I am here on official business. Well, I am passing the time until my official business starts. Someone must represent Vriskera during these territorial meetings…” Retvik paused and looked down at the two little Rethans. “Do I… know you from somewhere?”
Kayel snapped out of his daze and grabbed Ksiel and the trolley. “I don’t think so. Sorry for bumping into you, but we have things to do.”
“Very well,” Retvik smiled. “Have a nice day.”
“You too!” Ksiel waved as Kayel dragged him away. Once Retvik was out of sight, he turned to Kayel and hissed. “What the fuck was that about? I thought you KNEW General Retvik! He’s one of the Dessaron for heaven’s sake!”
Kayel was too busy trying to calm himself down to answer. He didn’t get a chance though as Retvik reappeared behind them.
“I apologise, little ones. I do know who you are. Kayel Theanon, it has been… a long time since I last saw you.”
An answer tried to leave Kayel’s mouth but all he could do was gulp. Ksiel sighed then decided to answer for him.
“I didn’t know you two knew each other. I’m Ksiel.”
“Sorry…” Kayel finally spoke. “I’ve… not been sleeping. Sorry…”
Retvik tipped his head to one side. “I assumed as much. I heard you had not been well. I admit I have not seen or heard from you since the funeral. Are you… well?”
Kayel shook his head. “Not exactly. Things have been… awkward…” Again, Kayel apologised. “I’m really sorry, I just… I admit it feels weird seeing you, General Retvik, the connection between us being mostly because of a… deceased child.”
“I see,” Retvik stood up straight as he pulled something out from a bag hanging from his waist. “I can understand that feeling. If you ever want to talk or something, I would not mind. Here are my contact details.” Retvik handed Kayel a small business card. “I must go now. Lost track of time. Stay safe.”
“You too!” Ksiel waved, trying to remain friendly.
“Thank you…” Kayel muttered.
Once again, as Retvik fell out of view, Ksiel stared at Kayel.
“Why are you acting like this?”
Kayel took a long, deep breath and sat down on the floor, exhausted. “That Rethan has been appearing in my nightmares. Every night.”
“What do you mean?”
“If my dreams are anything to go by… If they’re more than just dreams… If they’re omens, premonitions of the future… I’m going to die by Retvik’s hands…”