The palace cafeteria had been put on lock down so Sunshine and Nine could not eat there. Being that they were palace guests, they were given food coupons to enjoy anything that they wanted in the restaurants or eateries that were close to the palace.
Nine was overjoyed. Any opportunity to escape the confines of the palace, even for a single moment was welcomed greatly. As the palace guards transported them out, he chattered on about the sandwiches.
"Can you imagine it, bread!! They live under the sea so you would never expect them to eat bread because it would get soggy and all."
Sunshine sighed.
Nine’s mandibles parted wider, forming something that looked like a smile. "The best bread they have is made from Saltflower nectar, pearl grain and red seaweed. They add sea crust essence to create a crispy crust. Mmm, mmm, mmm, you have not lived until you have tried it."
He raised his hand, showing something a small circular mirror that operated like a cell phone. "According to ratings from the food court, the Super-Sub from Stall 42 is the only one that makes sandwiches with Saltflower bread and sea bunny meat. You are in for a treat; it has fifty galaxy stars. Do you know what that means?"
"No." Sunshine replied dryly.
"It means they have one of the highest ranked chefs in the universe." Nine squealed.
If they’re really that good, Sunshine thought, I’ll bring a bag home. The kids would love a treat from another world, and so would Hades.
"We should not eat at Mr. Coral’s," Nine poked her in the shoulder, gently. "Their jelly nectarine made me throw up last time. Glacians are judgmental to people with weak stomachs."
"I thought you have not been here before." Sunshine asked.
Nine waved his leg dismissively. "When did I say that? I have been here before but that does not mean that I like it here.....the water and everything." He said, shuddering.
They reached the stall, but the line was long_ at least twenty people deep.
"Don’t let the line scare you," Nine said, his antennas bobbing with excitement. "The chef is a legend, that is why the line is long. We are in luck today, they are giving double dressings and the portions are huge. It’s worth the wait, trust me."
Sunshine sighed and settled into the queue. Since they were stuck there, she decided to actually look around. The snack bar was a massive, high-ceiling hall that felt more like an intergalactic airport. Because of the championship games, creatures from every corner of the galaxy were crowded together, all trying to fuel up before the next event.
Nine, feeling proud that they were finally ’friends,’took it upon himself to be her tour guide. "See those guys over there?" Nine pointed with a clawed finger at a group of green-skinned creatures walking past. Each of them had two pairs of eyes and two mouths. "Those are the Mosotoys. Don’t stare too long. They’re tough as nails and they hold grudges forever. If you step on a Mosotoy’s toe today, his grandson will probably come looking for you in fifty years to demand an apology."
Sunshine blinked. "I’ve heard of them before, but I’ve never seen them in person. They look... very interesting."
"You mean ugly." Nine blurted out.
Sunshine scoffed lightly. "I was trying to be polite."
"Yeah right," Nine said, then he pointed toward the transparent floor, where small, glass-like creatures were being rolled along in transparent, transport pods. "Those are the Vhal from Aetheri. Peaceful little things, but I wouldn’t want to be one. Their bodies are so delicate that a strong breeze could crack them. But," he lowered his voice, "they protect themselves with mind manipulation. One look and they can make you bite off your own arm. Scary stuff."
Suddenly, a loud splash and a shout came from a nearby table. Two amphibious humanoids_ covered in blue scales and smelling like salt_ were screaming at each other.
"You swim like a turtle with a leg cramp!" one yelled. "You cost us the relay!"
"The current was too strong, you overgrown sardine!" the other barked back.
Nine chuckled. "Those are Tideborn. They’re basically made of muscle and can survive in the harshest oceans in the universe. But they have zero patience. They’re probably going to be wrestling on the floor in about five minutes."