Kevin and Theo's Multiverse Misadventure | mariteaux

Page Nine

Right at the entrance of the city of Qasala lay the city's marketplace. Some of the venders had tented stalls, while others could only manage a rug out in the open to display their wares. Orange and purple tigers in vests pushed past in the aisles. Strange cyan cats with bulbous heads topped with fezzes haggled with the sellers. Theo was hungry to find somewhere quiet to rest for the evening, but Kevin, curious as he was at all that was being sold, lingered at some of the stalls.

Sphinx Links! cried a red weasel with some kind of mullet and pointed ears. C'mon, buy some!

He had a bit of an accident, but it's one of a kind. I give you good price, roared a burly green dinosaur.

Another shopkeeper, a short, whiskered dragon inexplicably glowing black and neon blue, had gathered a small crowd whose shaded faces were lit up bright by his colors. You need Battledome gear! I can tell you do!

Kevin, stay close, Theo demanded. We don't have any money anyway.

From Caerpinwyd, are we?

Theo swung around on his heels. The voice came from a deep brown gecko with a solid gold headpiece not unlike Coltzan's, tail decorated with gold bands matching his headpiece. His stall was quite large, well-shaded, and overflowing with imported potions, charmed, and magical junk from other worlds in Neopia—and perhaps other worlds altogether.

I recognize that voice from anywhere, the gecko continued, approaching the duo at the counter. It hit Theo—he recognized the gecko's accent in kind. He was from Murad, the sprawling desert city across the sea from Caerpinwyd!

Correct, Theo said, stepping tentatively to the stall counter with his brow furrowed. And you're?

A merchant, is all. The gecko leaned on the counter, growing a smirk. I do very well for myself. Do you travel often?

Only if we have to, Theo sighed. We've been bouncing aimlessly through worlds all night. Which way do you return home?

I have my methods.

Oh, come now. Don't be coy.

It would be as good as giving away my venders. Now shoo, I have many customers. Theatrically, the gecko swung his tail and wandered to the other side of the stall. Worse yet, it was only the three of them in the booth.

Theo was furious. What do you want? he snapped, pulling on the counter in frustration. What's your price? I have the money at home. I will not be made a mockery of!

The gecko looked back over his shoulder, eyes wide. Calm yourself, elder Cybunny, he cooed. You have money, you say?

Much. I can repay you handsomely on the other side.

I have services, then. Let me close shop and we can discuss this somewhere more...private.