A bright and sunny day at the local park full of all kinds of people. Gathered together for a public event where all could join. The kind hosts, the people of the House of Adam, were so generous enough to provide for everyone's entertainment. Plenty of activities to take part in.

Free food, fun games. This attracted plenty of attention from curious folks and families who wanted to spend time together.

Sweet memories.

Nathan wondered what his family was like. Everything was still a blank. All he could see were the crimes he committed. He just hoped that he wasn't a jerk to the ones he loved.

He shook away the thoughts and returned to work. Despite games being present, Nathan wasn't exactly there to have fun. No, the House of Adam wanted his help in some gardening. To help spruce up the local park with beautiful flowers. He wasn't experienced in such stuff, but he was happy to help. Not only that, but he invited his friends as well. Even brought Riley with them.

"Nathan!" Samantha called out to him as she brought everyone a nice cold lemonade. "I am so happy that you gave us the time to help out! We are grateful, very grateful!"

"Anything for you, ma'am." Before he could even speak, Jonah rested an elbow on his head and spoke before him. "Honestly, a group as generous as you all should get all the help you need."

"I'm glad you think so, Mr. Bloodfield!"

"Please, Mr. Bloodfield was my father. Call me Jonah, or John."

Nathan pushed Jonah's elbow away as he stood up. "Since when do people call you John?"

"Not once," He answered with a cocky smile.

Nathan rolled his eyes at his silly friend. "Anyway! You're welcome, Miss Byrne. I'm just glad we don't have to do anything exciting. Think I got enough of that for a while."

"Speak for yourself," Ivory scoffed. Her hands, though gentle with the flowers, trembled with a desire for violence. It seemed that this kind of work wasn't for her. But she was doing well enough and drove off that thirst for action of hers.

Samantha merely hummed a cheerful tune at the Sentinel. "I'm also impressed that you convinced Riley to come and help as well!"

They looked over nearby where Riley was at. The girl just sat there with eyes wide as saucer plates. If one was to look closer, then they'd notice the slight quaking from her. Like Ivory, Riley didn't also want to be here of all places. She looked out of place, like a silent crab on the highest mountain peak. The small gal just looked out of place among the happy crowd. Her aura was one of utter disquietude despite being as still as a statue, and it didn't look right with the scene.

Nathan chuckled awkwardly. "Convinced? More like dragged her out kicking and screaming. Sorry, Miss Byrne, I thought this was going to help her."

"Well, it is the thought that counts! Soon enough, I'm sure you'll crack her open like a nut, and a beautiful butterfly will emerge!"

"Think it'll happen now, but I doubt it will be a beautiful one." Jonah commented.

The group watched as Riley slowly fell to her side. Her small form pitifully shook like a buzzing phone.

"Anyway!" Samantha clasped her hands together. "Thank you all again for helping. If you need anything, just call."

"Will do, ma'am!" Jonah gave his best smile as Samantha went back to work. "Man, talking about beautiful, I gotta say: she's one heck of a gal."

"Better focus, Jonah, or else I'll bury you with these flowers." Ivory threatened. And to make a point, she snapped her trowel in two out of anger.

"Hold your horses, boss. We live in a world of freedom, and I can work less as much as I want." He then raised an accusing finger at Nathan. "And if the Gluttonous Maw isn't working, that means I have less rights than a giant sickle."

"You keep her out of this," Nathan said.

Jonah sighed. "Still, didn't think you'd be called a hero. By some religious bunch, to be in fact."

"Don't let it get to your head, Nathan." Ivory advised. "Last thing we need is an overconfident corpse."

Nathan arched a brow. "You say that like I'd be stupid enough to walk into a fight unprepared."

"Anyway, I hope we can finish up soon. Lunch is rolling in, and I'd rather be at Scratch's than here." Jonah said.

"You sure? They got plenty of food here."

"Yeah, but do you really believe that I'd skip out on Scratch's cooking?"

"Good point," Nathan stood up. "I'm going to check on Riley and talk with Miss Byrne after. I'll tell her we will be out for lunch."

Nathan walked over to Riley's shivering form. It was amazing that no one tripped on her.

She would've looked like some lawn decoration but Riley was shaking up a storm. If she could, she'd cause an earthquake.

He leaned close enough to hear her better. "You doing alright, Riley?"

"No," She answered.

"Do you want to leave? Me and the others are going out for lunch."

"Yes."

"Alright, I'll go talk with Samantha, and I'll come back after."

"You're leaving?"

Nathan nearly snapped around with the Gluttonous Maw but held back his hand. Samantha snuck up on him. It was quite a coincidence for Samantha to show up when he needed to talk with her.

As if she was always on watch for him. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to pop in unannounced.

Straightening himself, Nathan prepared to break the news to Samantha.

"Going out for lunch, we will be back after."

"Why leave? There is plenty of food around. Even games to keep you occupied."

"Jonah is kind of a picky eater, especially when he could just walk over to Cain's Diner. Other than that, I should take Riley elsewhere. She seems to be close to exploding."

Samantha glanced at Riley then nodded at Nathan. "That is indeed a wise choice. You truly are hero material."

He couldn't help but smile at that comment.

"Here, let me help Riley up for you."

The redheaded woman gently grasped Riley by her arms and gently moved her upright. Nathan was honestly astonished at how well Riley reacted to Samantha's touch. The smaller of the two women stopped shivering. Riley went still as Samantha helped her to her feet.

"Remember, Riley," Samantha whispered to Riley's ear. "Do everything that you can to convince him."

Samantha then gave Riley a pat on the shoulder.

"There! Best be off now, don't want to miss the afternoon show!"

"See ya, Miss Byrne! Come on, Riley, you'll like Scratch. She is one friendly gal."

Riley glanced back at Samantha as they walked away. Only she saw the smile vanish from Samantha's face. Replaced with utter contempt. Riley didn't risk another look as she kept her eyes forward. Too scared to even check again.

It was a face that Samantha wanted hidden. One so full of disdain that it couldn't belong to her even if you showed everyone the truth.

The walk to Cain's Diner was somewhat uneventful. Riley held on Nathan with dear life, especially after a few passerby that said hello to our heroes. She was jumpy and quite fearful of her surroundings. Nathan noticed how paranoid she was with everything. He couldn't help but feel pity.

With a knowing ring, their entry was announced to all in Cain's Diner. That is, if it was a usual day. It seemed that the only patrons currently were Abe and Sally. Of course, there was also Watcher and that strange samurai girl, Bianca. But by now, Nathan and his friends simply addressed them as background characters in their life.

"Couldn't you guys at least do your job from out of sight?" Jonah complained to them.

"Don't worry, we're off duty right now and just having lunch. Someone else is watching today."

Ivory crossed her arms tiredly. "We'll take your word for it. Enjoy your meal, scum."

Watcher tipped his hat to them. "And a good day to you too, Ms. Ivory."

Riley followed them to their usual table. Her eyes locked on Abe as she recalled the first time they met. The poor girl was so frightened by his appearance and no one could blame her. Abe may look human, but he couldn't hide his eyes and horns. He was a demon in sheep's clothing.

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Once they were seated, Scratch came over to their table to take their orders. Riley couldn't help but eye the Apex suspiciously. Her snake-like smile didn't comfort Riley, and Scratch's eyes didn't help either. It was so white that Riley swore she was staring at a bright abyss.

"Hey there!" Rows of serrated teeth revealed from one big happy smile. "You must be Riley! I'm Pepper Cain, people call me Scratch! Nice to meet you!"

Riley was frozen still. Too fearful to even greet the owner of this fine establishment.

"She's not that good with people, so sorry about her lack of words." Nathan said.

"Oh, that's okay! Riley, just know that I don't bite. If I was mean, then Nathan wouldn't be here. Anyway, you bunch want the regular?"

"You know it!" Jonah said. "I've been working my hands to the bone all morning, and only your food can really give me my strength back!"

"Two, I'm…" Nathan glanced at Riley for a second. "I'm a little hungrier than usual."

"Yeah, I'm actually in the mood for some food. I'll have today's special." Ivory said.

Scratch grinned proudly. "Today's special is a healthy bowl of salad with my signature sauce, and a side of grilled eggplants! What would you like today, Riley?"

Riley's eyes bulged out of their sockets. She wasn't ready with her order yet. The poor gal was so occupied with the menu that she didn't realize that all attention was now on her. Her lips quivered as she attempted to form a word, but utterly failed to even make a peep.

She stuttered with her words in a form of muttering.

"How about you give her the Scratch's Opinion?"

"That's a good idea! I'll bring two!"

Before Riley could ask, Scratch returned with their order. It was astonishing with how quick she was. She didn't even give them a chance to breathe.

When Scratch placed down their respective plates, Riley stared at hers slightly befuddled.

"Yo, how come there's no one else around?" Jonah asked.

Scratch sighed. "No clue, but if I had to guess, it'd be because of that thing going on in the park."

"Ah, the House of Adam charity event." Nathan said. "Makes sense. How about you join us? Not like anyone's gonna show up. Everyone in town is practically at the park."

"Alright, don't see an issue there. Let me go make myself something and I'll join you guys for lunch."

Like before, Scratch vanished for a second then returned with her own plate of food. It was merely soup. Aromatic and rich in color.

"Is this the Scratch's Opinion?" Riley muttered as she stared at her plate. A couple of grilled cheese sandwiches topped with melted cheese and chives.

"Oh, you must be curious about that!" Scratch smiled proudly. "This is merely my opinion, but I think you're a grilled cheese kind of gal."

"I am?"

Jonah chuckled. "Yeah, that's how it is with Scratch's Opinion. She takes one look at you and decides what type of sandwich you like."

"Yeah," A soft sigh escaped Scratch's lips. "The way I see it, Jonah is a chicken salad sandwich with sourdough kind of guy. He's always quick like a rooster and always keeps an eye out for everyone. Like a sentry."

As she explained, Riley noticed that Jonah was indeed enjoying a chicken salad sandwich. Then she looked over to Nathan. His was an odd and greasy looking burger stacked a little higher than normal ones.

"Ivory?" Scratch continued. "She's a bocadillo, with slices of chorizo and my special sauce. Tough, resilient, and the boss of their crew. Quite the reliable Sentinel if you ask me. Really holds the whole group together like a proper sandwich. As for Nathan?"

They caught him mid bite of his burger. He could only smile sheepishly as his teeth sank into his food.

"Well… a pizza burger is…" Riley noticed something off. As if Scratch wanted to explain but couldn't. "He just has a big appetite. Pizza and burgers are two of the most consumed products throughout the galaxy. They're easy to make for food chains and franchises. And he could eat for two people. Maybe even three."

In truth, the explanation would've been better if Gluttony was named as well. Because it would've fit the idea. See, Gluttony's stomach was as bottomless as the void. Somewhat the same with Nathan. The symbolism of fast food and constant consumption.

So Scratch decided with a combination of the two. Gluttony and Nathan were individual minds and personalities, but they were of one soul. Two peas in a pod even.

"Anyway! You can try it if you'd like. Who knows, it might end up being your favorite!"

"W-what about me? Why is it a grilled cheese?" Slowly, Riley started to grow braver when she was speaking with Scratch. She stuttered less than before. Still, Riley couldn't look Scratch in the eyes.

"You seem to prefer seclusion." Scratch thought. "A simpler life through your own way. Yet, you want something more."

Riley stared at the plate.

"Seems like you don't want to be here. But something deep down does."

She could only show sorrow in her eyes.

She was far too occupied within her mind mulling over Scratch's words, so much so that she didn't realize that the whole diner went silent. Even Watcher and Bianca listened.

"Hey," Riley looked away from her plate as Nathan called for her attention. "I'm glad you went with us to the charity event. I think you're a good friend."

A small smile appeared as she appreciated him.

Without further distractions, Riley hungrily took a bite out of her sandwich. She was surprised to discover a series of flavors. It was a combination of different types of cheese. Pimento cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan. There was even a hint of onion and garlic in the mix. Scratch really went all out with the sandwich. And before Riley knew it, she was done with her plate. Nothing but crumbs were left.

"I knew you'd love it." Scratch said. "I'll take a wild guess and say it'll be your regular order."

Riley wasn't sure if so. It wasn't like she'd be at the diner a lot of times. And certainly, she would most likely try out the rest of the menu first.

"This reminds me of Kira…" She whispered to herself.

"Say, I need to make a call." Nathan informed the rest. "I'll be back."

Nathan walked by Watcher and Bianca. He made sure to wave at them as he went by.

Though he didn't know much about them, he assumed that they were a victim of Hound like everyone else. Nathan wanted to be in a good relationship, even with his enemies. There were some exceptions, of course. Particularly the Bloody Tyrant and the rogue champion, Crow.

As he found a place secluded and far from prying eyes, Nathan lifted his jacket open and motioned a burger at Gluttony. "Come on, I know you're hungry."

But to his surprise, she simply looked away. This filled him with great concern.

"You okay, G? It's not like you to flat out reject food."

She groaned a little.

He was beginning to panic. It was the first he ever saw her acting that way. He even noticed how off she looked. A bit sick if he had to guess. Quickly and calmly, he rushed back to the table.

"Hey! Could you keep an eye on Riley, Scratch? I gotta talk with Jonah and Ivory."

"Sure, take your time!"

"What's this about, Nathan?"

"I'll explain later!" He answered Ivory.

Seeing the concern in his eyes, the two followed Nathan into the diner's kitchen.

"What's wrong, dude?" Jonah asked.

He revealed to them a very pale Gluttony. Her head swirled drowsily. The sharp rows of teeth clattered for every second.

"What the hell!?" Jonah exclaimed.

Ivory scratched the back of her head. "The Gluttonous Maw is sick? How is that even possible?"

"She must've eaten something bad…" Nathan deduced.

Jonah shook his head. "She eats garbage and drinks demonic blood, I doubt there's anything in this world that could make her feel bad."

Then it hit Nathan. He remembered yesterday. After Wicked and Nathan fended off Zero's attack, Evie congratulated them. And it was then that Gluttony took a big bite out of Evie's hand, which cost the goddess a finger.

"She ate one of Evie's fingers…"

"She what?" Ivory tried not to scream out the words. Or else they alerted the rest of the building.

"Remember what I told you guys about yesterday? Well, Gluttony lured Evie close and chomped a finger off as payback. I… I think that is why she's not feeling well today."

"What do we do?" Jonah asked. "This is honestly the first time the Gluttonous Maw ever got sick…"

They were all stumped. It was indeed the very first. Gluttony was always an example of good health. Constantly running about and being as much of a help to everyone. It was a surprise to have her this way.

"We gotta get Scratch, she might know what to do." Jonah suggested.

"Nathan, you go back to the apartment." Ivory said.

"What!? I can't just leave Gluttony here!"

"Someone needs to take Riley back to her place. And you're the only one Riley is willing to follow around. We can call Byrne and tell her we have an emergency. This situation is gonna need all of our attention." She argued. "Don't worry, Jonah and I can keep an eye on the Gluttonous… Gluttony. You can trust us, Nathan."

"I… fine. Please, take care of her." He trusted them the most. He had nothing to be worried about. The only issue with the plan was that Gluttony and Nathan would've been separated for a period of time.

The two were always together no matter where they went. She was either hiding in his jacket or sleeping in a box.

He walked back to the table and noticed the awkward look Riley wore. The reason? Scratch was talking nonstop. Nathan couldn't really understand what it was even about. The words flew over his head.

"Hey, Scratch. Boss wants to talk with you for a moment. Also, I'll be leaving with Riley now. So see ya later."

"Sure thing! Bye, take care!"

Riley eagerly followed Nathan out of the diner. "Where are we going? What about the others?"

"They got a call… from the Martians."

"Martians?"

"Your neighbors. They live in 405." Now that he mentioned them, Nathan should really check in on the green bunch. Yesterday, he asked them for help, but they haven't come by to inform him of their findings yet.

As they walked out, Nathan couldn't help but feel worried about Gluttony. She was different from everyone else. She wasn't mortal or fragile. She could fall from the highest building and still come out unscathed. But this moment of weakness… It frightened him.

"Excuse me, but where are we going?"

"Oh," He was brought out of his dark thoughts. A moment of doubt gone thanks to her. "I'm taking you back to the apartment. Something came up."

"Alright…" She didn't argue. Riley was obviously happy with the plan and was eager to get home. So much so, that he saw a small smile on her pale face.

As they approached the apartment building, Nathan recalled the event that transpired yesterday. Right at their doorstep, he was attacked by Evie's minions. He remembered the slaughter he committed upon the endless wave of soldiers. Dressed in black, stained in red. Their black tinted face shield hid their identity, if they had one. Nathan felt no remorse for them. He knew what they were, they weren't alive in the first place. Merely automatons made of flesh and bone.

But their origins did interest him. He wanted to learn more, and perhaps he could simply consult with the internet. Or the Martians.

Nathan noticed something else, the whole street yesterday was ruined from the battle. But it was as if it didn't even happen. Never let it be said that Evie's workers are inefficient.

Something else caught his eye. At the steps of the entrance to the apartment sat a suspicious person. They were reading a newspaper as if they wanted to be inconspicuous. And as they approached, Nathan noticed the person tense up.

He then recognized them.

Casually, he pretended not to. But once Nathan was close enough, he casually greeted the person. "Afternoon, Miss Smith."

"Afternoon, Sir!" Bella blurted out. Her words filled with enthusiasm. As if she was happy to see him. But that all changed when she realized what happened. Frowning, she glared at Nathan. "Don't do that, ever."

"Sorry, I just wanted to try it…"

Seeing as how she was here being suspicious, Nathan could only conclude that Siren was the one watching him as of now. Evie always had eyes and ears everywhere, and nowhere is safe.

"Hey, could you and I talk next time? Got something in my mind."

"S-sure!" Though it was short, Nathan saw the fear in her eyes just for a moment. "What is this about?"

"Next time…"

He said nothing as he led Riley into the building. He didn't want to waste time and needed to get back to the diner. So they went straight over to Riley's apartment.

"Right, you alright on your own?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Who was that girl?"

"An old friend I need to catch up with. I'll have to go now, Riley. See you soon."

"Wait." Nathan stopped at the stairs. He turned toward Riley curiously and waited for her.

She seemed to struggle for a moment, her eyes locked solely on the floor as she fiddled with her thumbs.

Riley looked conflicted as she tried to form out a word.

"Did you decide yet? Joining the House of Adam, I mean." He didn't even get a chance to answer as she continued. "It'll be cool! We- we can do lots of stuff! Have you been to Earth? It's a great place! Plenty of things to do! Lots of places to see! S-so you should join us! I'd… really appreciate it if you do…"

He stared at her. Nathan was also conflicted. Truthfully, he wasn't interested in the slightest. And it seemed that she saw the answer from his eyes.

Riley panicked.

"But…"

"I'm sorry." He said. "I just got something else in my head right now. Joining a big group like yours isn't a good idea as of now."

Riley took hold of his hand. Nathan couldn't see her eyes as she held her head low. "I don't want to lose you too…"

"I'm not going anywhere. We'll always be friends, you know?"

She said nothing. Her grip grew tighter. A sense of pity filled his heart. A small action of declining an invitation truly bothered her. But Nathan didn't know what was at play. Busy with his own story, he didn't know what Riley was going through. But he knew that she needed someone. A friend she could rely on. Still, Nathan had to keep his mission in mind.

"Listen, I have to go now. But we can hang out later." He pulled away; though it pained him for doing so.

She said nothing as Nathan smiled and waved at her goodbye. She didn't dare look as he vanished down the stairs. There was silence. She couldn't hear his steps anymore.

Nathan didn't waste any time. He went back to his apartment and swiped Phantom away without an explanation. Phantom was in the middle of watching a movie, and Nathan had forgotten to turn off the television, or simply perhaps, he ignored it.

"Nathan…? What's wrong?" Phantom wrote. But all it did was blind Nathan as he ran through the street.

"Not now, buddy! We need to get back to the diner, Gluttony has a problem!"

Phantom was silent after that. He knew Nathan needed to focus and obstructing his vision would be a bad idea. Especially when he was in a rush.

Once he got back, Nathan almost tore the door off its hinges as he ran in. He even caught the attention of Watcher. And when he saw that Sally and Abe were in the kitchen as well, he thought the worst had happened.

"What's going on!? How's Gluttony!?"

"Nathan… you gotta calm down." Scratch said.

"Gluttony!?" He ignored her and pushed everyone aside.

His blood ran cold the moment he saw her. Gluttony was lying on the countertop, as still as an actual puppet. Her glossy eyes stared at the ceiling, no sign or hint of an emotion. Mouth tightly closed as her body was as rigid as a corpse in rigor mortis.

"We… we don't know what happened." Scratch told him. "One moment she was convulsing, then she froze."

He took a step closer, hands shook as he reached for his partner. Nathan then leaned down to her chest and pressed it against his ear. Though she may seem like a puppet, in truth, she was far more on the inside. Like him, Gluttony had a soul. Life. And a beating heart.

Nathan pulled away, a small thankful smile upon his face. "She's okay, I can feel it. But I don't know for how long.”

“How are you even sure?” Asked Jonah.

“Because, she and I are a one package deal. And whatever it is that's got her like this, it isn't life threatening.”

Ivory stepped up. If she had a face, Nathan would see the lack of concern for Gluttony. “Are you able to summon the weapon?”

He would've been furious by her lack of compassion toward his partner, but Nathan knew that Ivory cared for both of them despite treating Gluttony as nothing more than an object.

“No,” He flatly answered. “Whenever I bring out the Gluttonous Maw, there's always a connection between Gluttony and I. Right now? That connection is blurry. Like, I feel her sleeping, yet aware of her surroundings. She can hear us, but can't move…”

“Whatever it is, this must be related to the fact she consumed a piece of the Bloody Tyrant. Her body must be rejecting the piece of a goddess.” Abe theorized.

“Should we wait this out?” Questioned Scratch. “I honestly don't have a clue why this happened. The Gluttonous Maw is one of a kind as there are no other known sentient weapons made by the Star Forger.”

“Should we consult with the Goddess of Destruction?” Abe suggested.

“That ain't a good idea, Mr. Priest.” A new voice joined in. All eyes would glare upon the unwanted guest to their private conversation. Watcher, Evie's little goon. Loyal as he can be, and the deadliest shot on the planet.

Jonah scowled as he caressed the handle of his pistol. “This doesn't concern you, buddy. How about you and your missus go on a honeymoon?”

“You don't want her to know about this.” He told them. “Listen, Nathan, I hated your guts like anyone else, but that was before. If you were the one called Hound, maybe you and I could've been good friends.”

He chuckled.

“I still ain't on the clock yet. So this will be between you folks and I. Don't even have to worry about Siren and the Midnight Witch. If Evie so much as sees a weakness from one of you, she will bite down hard. Maybe she'll even try and steal back the Gluttonous Maw. It did belong to her, you know?”

Ivory scoffed. “Then you got better suggestions?”

Watcher paused for a second. Then he pulled out a notebook from his pockets. “This belonged to Hound. Sadly, everything written in it might as well be gibberish. So maybe this'll help.” He tossed it over to Nathan, who caught it gently in his hands. Then he checked on his pocket watch and made a click with his tongue. “Well, just in time. Better start noting down everything for the boss. By the looks of it, y'all are just hanging out in the kitchen.”

He turned to leave.

“Hey, thanks for the tip.” Nathan said.

Watcher chuckled once more. “Whatever do you mean?”

With that, the scarecrow left.

They still had a problem at hand, but hopefully, Hound's notes would help them out. A solution hidden within the nonsense upon the pages. They silently thanked Watcher. Despite the fact that they were practically enemies, Watcher had lent a hand to them. For now, they needed to figure out the Hound's secrets.