In Search of Home

Chapter 63

Vok'Rul was right. Rukka was really mad when he didn't show up for whatever meeting they had planned.

They had left the mansion sometime mid-morning, dismissing the confused staff who were already preparing the jewelry for Vok'Rul. In the car, Viktor had been enjoying the view from the floor of the car - he still didn't like the feeling of the seats and preferred the ground - when Vok'Rul's ringtone filled the car.

He muttered something grumpily when he looked at it, glancing at Viktor as if to say I told you so. He answered it with a cheerful, forced, "Rohsh, Rukka!"

Rukka immediately began hissing and growling, not letting Vok'Rul get a word in edgewise. Viktor scrambled up from his seat, digging into the alien's pockets to find his earpiece. "Kohgrash-" he protested, wheezing when his knees dug into his abdomen. After a frantic scramble, Viktor managed to shove his translator into his ear, switching it on with a smug grin.

"-ou cannot just shed your responsibilities to go wandering off with your pet whenever you please, Rul! We both have jobs to do, and you must pull your weight! The festival is right around the corner, if you remember," Rukka seethed, her hologram flickering angrily.

"What festival?" Viktor chirped cheerfully, enjoying the sheepish look on Vok'Rul's face as he tried and failed to look innocent in the face of Rukka's wrath.

"I am sorry, Rukka. Kohgrash wanted to go back to the zoo. His sire is in there," Vok'Rul explained.

Rukka huffed angrily, "I suppose that was the mammal that he was talking to before he ran off." She was silent for a moment, before heaving a sigh. "Fine. I can say you are lapsing in your recovery. You owe me, Rul."

"Thank you, Rukka. You are my favorite hatchmate." Vok'Rul told her gratefully.

"I am your only hatchmate, Rul. Remember that. And before you go across the planet to some zoo, call me first, next time."

"Of course," Vok'Rul agreed cheerfully, grinning at Viktor. Rukka hung up with another glare and huff aimed at the other.

"Phew," Viktor exhaled, sliding off Vok'Rul to retake his seat on the floor. Vok'Rul rumbled his agreement.

"So what was Rukka talking about? Festival?"

"Ah, I suppose you were... occupied when last year's occurred," Vok'Rul said, idly messing with Viktor's hair. He really needed a haircut. It was getting much longer than he'd normally like it to be. "A few weeks after we had taken your kind from your planet, our annual festival happened. It is a time, much like that banquet you attended with me in the mansion's ballroom, where many Vokkrus get together to show their yearly projects. Many of my people are talented individuals, and this festival is a chance for them to show their skills. There are many foods, drinks, and games. It is generally a pleasant experience."

Viktor perked up. It sounded interesting. "Do you have contests for the projects?"

Vok'Rul tilted his head, as if unfamiliar with the concept. "No. There is no winner. Everyone has a chance to show off their work. I believe this year will have many items to do with your species, however. Perhaps you can test them," he said, eyes wide with hope.

Viktor nodded slowly. "I can do that. Do you think other humans will be there?"

"It is very likely."

The rest of the trip was spent peppering Vok'Rul with random questions that came to mind. By the time they got to the zoo, Viktor's headache had returned. He knew it would only get worse, especially as they went into the establishment, but he was reluctant to turn it off. He wanted to keep talking with Vok'Rul, even though it probably made the alien look a little crazy.