The immense shopping plaza spanned for miles. Hundreds of tall blue-grey buildings consumed the sky, filled with various shops, restaurants and outdoor stalls filling the streets selling random bits, goods and services. The air was crisp and carried a heavy aroma of assorted cooked meat and baked foods. Aliens of all sizes bustle back and forth while they mill about, shopping for their needs.
We spend the afternoon from one shop to the next looking at various trinkets and relics until we reach a clothing shop for smaller framed females.
“There. I know there must be something that will fit you in there. Let’s go.” Jari-ri pulls me along into a store.
I really don’t care what I wear tonight as long as it catches Aarvik’s attention.
Chapter Four
Rena
The sky is uncharacteristically darkening. Jari-ri and I sit comfortably in the air transport as it whisks us away to Shakaat’s. Anticipation bubbles inside my chest, making me unusually antsy.
“Look over here Rena.” Jari-ri pulls my arm, stealing my attention.
She points to what I previously thought was just another mountain sitting in the distant landscape, but that’s not the case at all. I’m completely mesmerized and terrified at the same time. If I recall correctly, when magma exerts pressure on surrounding rocks until the point it cracks or splits, magma is forced through a new pathway. The pressure created by the forceful magma causes more cracks, which in turn, lead to trembles and earthquakes. Science is rather fascinating and terrifying at the same time.
“I had no idea that was there. Refusing to go into work seems even more justifiable now.” I stare at the erupting volcano. Hot lava pours out from its center and down the sides while its fiery spit burst into the dark and stormy sky. The combination of Delarou’s Sunset, the swirling mass of storm and volcanic eruption is straight out of a fairy tale. I’m so captivated, I can’t stop watching.
“Beautiful isn’t it? That’s the Goddess Valdani. She has awoken from her slumber, and her arrival signifies rebirth.”
“How long has she been asleep for?”
“I don’t know, a few hundred years or so.”
On Earth, some people might flee for their lives at such a scene while others would risk everything to get a perfect picture or video, but here it is apparently a cause for celebration.
I'm so glad I didn't go to work today. In fact, I might get a new job altogether after this. I'm not a wuss, but damn, I can't help but think about getting trapped beneath the planet’s surface and then something like this happening nearby.
I'm good.
Night starts to encroach as we draw closer to our destination. We're almost there, when I notice small bits of what must be ash floating to the ground. With a stretch of imagination, it reminds me a little of snow, although off in color and shape.
“Does this planet have snow?”
“Snow? Not on this side of the planet, from what I’ve seen.”
“Shame. I love snow. I used to live in a city that snowed for a few months out of every year.” My mind travels back before the invasion. The wintery months, the snow angel, sledding and the countless fun one could have.
“I prefer the heat. Most Trovians do.”
When we reach Shakaat's, we pay the driver and hop out. I adjust the shiny black, knee-length dress I bought earlier. It has bunched around my waist from sitting and needs smoothing out.
“I'll get drinks while you play with your dress.” Jari-ri laughs, running inside.
I come here all the time now, but today my nerves are fried as if a bolt of lightning ran through my body and electrocuted every single one of them. I get why Jari-ri claims I’m stalking this guy. I only saw him once, but I was mesmerized. I couldn't see much of him, but it was like he had some sort of gravitational force pulling me towards him. Even after all these months, I still crave to see him again. There’s this strange feeling that he’s going to be here tonight and I’m not sure how to deal with it.
I’ve wanted this moment for months now, and now that I’m here I’m feeling rather embarrassed for going through all this work to meet a stranger. But I can’t back out now, regardless of what might happen.
Well, I guess it’s now or never.
I push the door open. Anticipation creeps its way in through a flock of butterflies, fluttering their way through my stomach as if they were on a migration and I was merely in their way. As I head through the door frame, I immediately spot Jari-ri sitting at the bar. She shakes her head, and my gut drops a thousand feet. My head swings in the direction of the dark corner where Aarvik sat all those months ago.
Nothing.
He’s not here.
My shoulders sag, feeling as if I lost something dear. Something that I desperately needed. Why? I don’t know this alien male. I only know his name and nothing else, so why am I so disappointed? Why does it feel like losing Earth all over again?
I shuffle my feet through the door, and I’m amazed how heavily decorated the bar is. Streams of alien plants like ivy line the ceiling while potted green plants are scattered on the floor against the walls and various other places. It’s packed in here, aliens drinking and eating food like holidays back home.
Strolling up the bar, I take a seat beside my friend.
“Don’t worry, the night’s still young.” She pushes a drink my way.
I tentatively take a sip, not sure what to expect, but when the thick liquid hits my tongue, I down the rest of my drink in one giant gulp. The minty flavor reminds me of the tiny candied treats handed out on Christmas or something you’d find in a grandmother’s purse.
“What is this? It’s very good.”
“Tonight’s special,” the barmaid, Sabi-si, chips in.
Placing the empty cup back down on the bar, I push it towards her end. “Please, you have to tell me what’s in this. It’s similar to something we had back on Earth.”
“It’s kulukso, made from the bark of the ancient forest tree near Valdani. Very expensive.”
I take special note, because I’m definitely going to want this at another time. “I’ll have another.” I slide a few devals her way, hoping it’ll cover the cost of the drink. My eyes wander to my side. “Make that two actually.”
“Nah girl. I’ll have my usual Sabi-si.”
“You’re twenty-seven devals short.” She looks at us expectantly.
Pulling out a few more credits, I hand them to her. She makes our drinks and carries on to the other patrons eagerly awaiting to be served their choice of alcohols.
I spin in my chair, towards my bestie. “I’m glad you’re here tonight. I wish you’d come more often.”
She takes a couple sips of her drink. “Should we order food? I think we need food.” She flicks her hand at Sabi-si. “Grutik.”
Nodding, she pops her head through the small window leading to the kitchen. “One order of Grutik.”
Honestly, I’m not a fan of the stuff. It smells like the ocean, and while I’ll typically eat pretty much anything, the wriggling things are served live. Bleh.
“What? I need it to maintain my health, besides, it’s tasty.”
Jari-ri talks about wanting to quit, maybe move off world and how I should come with her since I’m probably going to move eventually anyways. I’m trying to follow along, but my mind is busy elsewhere. My eyes keep darting to the door and the corner, wondering if Aarvik will make an appearance.
“Girl, you need to stop thinking about this alien. He’s been messing with you for months now, you’re too distracted.”
“He hasn’t done anything,” I protest.
“Exactly!” She replies, reaching or the plate of food Sabi-si plops between us.
“That doesn’t even make any sense.” I respectively push towards Jari-ri.
“Sure it does.” She pops a wriggling, fishy worm into her mouth. It slivers against her lips before a slurping popping sound is made as she sucks the entire thing in.
I turn my head and hold my stomac
h, because I certainly didn’t need a visual of that sickening sound.
Sabi-si nods her head at me, twitching her head.
“You ok?” I ask.
She doesn’t respond, but her eyes grow wider. Suddenly, the room is quiet. The stammering banter of drunken patrons die down, laughter comes to a halt. The only sound remaining is the quiet tunes of melodic alien music playing overhead and the slopping sound of my bestie chewing down her Grutik.
I knew the moment I hear the slow, booming footsteps trail across the floor towards the back corner, that it was him. Aarvik. The footsteps come to a halt, and is replaced by a chair grinding against the floor before the thump of someone sitting down reverberates.
My heart hammers in my chest, breaking the silence. I desperately want to turn around and gaze at him, but a lingering fear prevents me from doing so. What if it wasn’t him? What if it’s someone else?
“The hell are you waiting for?” Jari-ri gives me a firm nudge on the arm.
“Shh. He can probably hear us.” My voice is barely a whisper as I sink into my chair, diminishing my presence. Why am I so nervous? I’ve been coming to this bar to see him for a few months now just to catch him. Why? I’m not sure, but something about him intrigues me. Captivates me. Draws me in, without escape.
The bar returns to its previous state. Patrons clamoring in their drunken state of mind while consuming copious amounts of booze. It’s a celebration after all, but it doesn’t stop the spilling of alcohol on the ground, and clumsy people bumping into others and causing arguments and small bar fights.
I finally free myself from my prison of nerves and turn my bar stool slightly so I can steal a glance in his direction. He’s tall, and wearing a long-hooded robe that’s black, dark and foreboding. While it covers his face, dark gray horns protrude from beneath his hood, and though his back is covered, it’s open in the front, revealing his purple and blue luminescent scaled chest.
“I’m going in.”
“Good luck.” She waves her right hand in the air in a gesture of good fortune.
It’s a Troovian thing, but I appreciate it none-the-less. I peel myself off the sticky bar stool, hot from the increased temperature caused by the volcanic eruption, but I’d be lying if I claimed that was the only reason I was feeling a little heated. I take a few steps towards the back, but I’m bumped into by a Vo’Shartiah, a furry horse-like being.
“Apologies,” he slurs in galactic tongue, before heading to the bar and orders more alcohol.
A few more people pass by me, trailing the Vo’Sharitah, but just as my vision is cleared up, I manage to take a few more steps towards my ultimate goal. I’m shattered.
Every voice, laugh and sound drowns into non-existence while my stomach churns and squeezes so hard. I almost want to vomit as I watch another woman head in Aarvik’s direction. NO! This can’t be happening. Not after waiting all this time.
This is what happens when I wait too long. I get to watch another woman seduce Aarvik just as I was about to have my chance. There’s nothing I can do as she slinks her hands around his arm, leaning in to whisper something that’s presumably naughty. Before I know it, they’re both heading towards one of the back rooms, out of sight.
I slink back towards my stool that someone just sat in.
“This spot is fucking taken,” Jari-ri yells, and the alien scampers away.
“Thanks.”
“Shit, Rena. I’m so sorry. Do you wanna get out of here?”
I turn my head back to where Aarvik was sitting only moments before. There’s this sickening feeling in my stomach and it’s not rejection or anything like that at all. I haven’t even met him, but I feel so drawn to him, like we’re supposed to be here, and we’re supposed to meet. I’ve never really believed in destiny or fate, but I did, until about a few moments ago. I’m seeing this through, I may never get another chance. “No. We came here to have fun. Sabi’si. Another round please?”
Chapter Five
Aarvik
I set a steady pace and travel through the wild parts of the outer city of VadCurah to Shakaat’s. It doesn’t take long to traverse through the wood and the brush, it’s rather quite peaceful. The squawks, chirps and croaking wildlife remind me of home, Dakasu, before it became a barren wasteland. My people believe in living in harmony with our world, connecting our past to our present day lives. It’s important to never forget, but I fear that our way of life may be gone forever.
Anger is a wretched thing. How can I blame the Ru’tah when it’s also my fault for not foreseeing this? Better yet, why did our ancestors not warn us? I can’t help but think it was meant to be, but that thought disgusts me. Our world now lay in ruins, and with it, our lives have been shattered and many Daltakeu killed off. This couldn’t have possibly been what the gods and ancestors wanted for us. I refuse to believe such things. Instead, I take the hope from last night’s ancestral guidance. I have the feeling that something big is going to happen, and I’m restless to make amends.
The heat from Valdani barely registers, but the ash that falls from the sky is quite the annoyance. It splatters on my face while I walk through the streets. It shall be like this for days, covering the world in a mixture of light and dark tones of gray.
The bar pops into sight, almost hidden behind all the transports parked around it. A thick aroma of grilled food and stale alcohol is carried in the air, even from this distance. The food alone is offensive, but the toxic ales are far worse. Who would want to poison their bodies and foul their entire being just to savor a drink? I guess I can’t blame them. Had I not grown up with the ideals instilled upon me as the crowned Daltaka, I would’ve drank myself into oblivion after the war invasion. At least these people drink in festivities and not pain or misery.
I head inside the wooden building. It’s heavily decorated with fresh shrubs and vines drape the walls and ceilings. The place simmers down to a deathly quiet. The people here are afraid of me. Every time I enter, they spread apart like I’m a disease ready plague them all, but they are the diseased ones. You’d never find the rotted flavor of stale fruits on my lips, or in my belly.
I take a seat in the far back corner, a place I’ve claimed as my own since coming here. No one pesters me as I sit in peace waiting for destiny to unfold. It’s not a comfortable feeling; waiting. I’m a male of action, so these past months have been long and tedious, but if this is the will of the ancestors then so be it. If I must wait an eternity for redemption, I shall. Whatever it takes.
Tonight is the night it all begins. The words play through my mind, the pleasant words echoing and filling me with eagerness. I’m almost tempted to join the others here, laughing and enjoying their celebrated Valdani, but I cannot. I must stay vigilant and on course. It’s what is demanded of me and giving in would be a weakness I cannot afford.
Only a small moment has passed since I sat down at the beaten table when a short, red faced female approaches me, igniting the growing excitement threatening to burst through my body.
Is it time?
“You are new around here handsssome?” Her forked tongue slithers in their air, tasting whatever it is she smells. “Deliciousss. Why don’t you follow me ssso we can talk in a more private placssse.” She slinks her hand around my arm while leaning in further. “We have thingsss to discusss. Yesss?”
I cringe inwardly, to not offend the hissing female. Is she truly the reason I’ve been holed up on this planet for nearly seventeen solar cycles?
“Can’t you just tell me here?” A growl escapes between my lips, as I hardly understand how it could make a difference where we speak, doubting anyone is sober enough to follow any coherent conversation.
“Mussst be private, handsssome.” She flashes a smile with her sharp teeth.
That’s fine. Maybe what she has to tell me can only be told in secrecy. I do not wish to put her life in danger as well. We shall go somewhere where she feels more secure.
“Show me the way, I’ve been waiting a long
time for you.” I eagerly allow her to guide me towards one of the rooms in the back while silently thanking the ancestors for their guidance. This female has the answers I seek, and I’ve waited far too long to waste another moment.
Her grip is firm, and forceful, but I’m far too strong for her to cause pain, so there’s no reason to complain. Surely, she’s just as impatient as I, so I don’t fault her. As the Crowned Daltaka, it is a criminal offense to touch me, however, now that I have allowed myself to fall into shame the rules don't apply. No one here to enforce them but myself. This time, I let it slide.
She pulls me into a damn waste station, as if there was nowhere else we could have spoke freely and privately. My gut clenches at the stench and state of the room.
“Here?” I peer around at the scum laced walls and poorly sealed vents. The odor is offensive to my sensitive nose, but I can endure.
“Well sssertainly not out in the open.” She closes the space between us, trailing her hands down my arm.
My body shivers against her touch. It’s repulsive, but again I endure. The information she has is vital. I’m not sure what the ancestors have planned for me, but they led me here to this female. It’s difficult to not lose my patience, which is already worn down from the months I’ve been waiting.
“I really must know now, what have you been sent to tell me? What is it that I must to do to bring our people together again?”
She pauses for a moment, confusion plastered over her painted face. “How about I ssshow you how I can bring usss together?” Her slithering tongue licks her curled lips as her eyes rake over my body.
Anger boils through my body. This female wasn’t sent to speak to me, she wishes to take pleasure from me. Unacceptable.
“No.” With everything clicking into place, and my misunderstanding made perfectly clear, I take a few steps back, releasing the hold she had on me.
Kissed on Alien Christmas Page 3