The entrance to the Miassivio Pleasure Mall was weirdly high security. There were two sections, a very small, walled off area to one side, and the main collection of buildings, which were surrounded by glistening energy shields. At the gate, there were a collection of security guards, checking beings as they came and went. Or, at least, they normally would, if it wasn’t off-season.
As the four Thantir approached, one of the guards stepped forward. They had parked their ship rather close, so the guards had watched them getting closer, but only one came up to meet them. This guard was much bigger than the others, but they were all mostly just massive, walking suits of metallic armour.
“I am sorry, sirs, but we cannot allow Life Goddesses, Voidborns or Corrupte entities into the Pleasure Mall.”
Everyone stopped in their tracks, looking somewhat surprised.
“Why not?” Arkay eventually asked.
“Company policy…” the guard grunted. “It is for the safety of our Time Drake, Decay Lord and Guardian patrons.”
“Does that include hybrids?”
“Yes, ser. No exceptions, unfortunately. Places like this are often used for unwilling recruitment, so company policy is to ban those who follow those practices from entering. The safety of our lesser divines is of most importance.” The guard was at least being polite. They could clearly see that Arkay wasn’t a proper Life Goddess, but this was their job.
“That sucks. We were planning on just chilling here for a few days…”
Galyn grunted, looking down at Arkay. “Do you want to go somewhere else? We can go somewhere else.”
Arkay thought for a moment, then shrugged, turning to the guard. “Does the policy say I’m not allowed here at all, or can I just sit on the ship, not bothering anyone?”
The guard nodded. “You may remain in the ship, or use the facilities within the Life Oasis behind the anti-divinitionic walls.”
“Anti-what now?” Retvik spoke up. “I feel like you just made that word up.”
The guard seemed to laugh. “Guess you are new around here. The area is sealed off, meaning no unwanted influence can come through. We understand that sometimes higher divines pass through here, so there are basic facilities for them.”
“Like what?” Arkay asked curiously.
“A bar, mess hall, small pool and a handful of rooms.”
Arkay thought to himself again. After a little too much thought, he just shrugged some more. “That’s, like, completely fine by me. I’ll go there and my buddies will have some fun in the mall.”
“Arkay, are you sure about this?” Litvir interrupted. “You are not doing this for any sort of martyr-like reasons or anything, are you?”
“No?”
“We can always-”
“I’m fine. You guys go do your shopping, I’ll go and chill out by the pool and have a little paddle, and you can give me a call when you’re done!” Arkay beamed. “sounds perfectly fine to me. Plus, you guys need a break from me being around anyway.”
Litvir and Retvik both glanced at each other, then shrugged as well.
“If Arkay is fine with it, then we are.”
The guard nodded. Another guard wandered over, handing three white bracelets to Galyn, Retvik and Litvir, and handing a pink one to Arkay. The guards waved the three Decay Lords through, then started leading Arkay over to a side entrance, towards the separate Life Oasis.
“Have a good day, sir,” the guard smiled as they left Arkay at the door. “Please do not break anything…”