Elio’s eyebrows shot up, widening with sudden intrigue. He blinked rapidly, processing the unexpected news as his posture shifted with an eager curiosity tempered by disbelief. “Wait, huh?! You wanna travel with me around the world?!” He shouted in surprise. Ray nodded. “Yes, exactly. With what you did for me just hours ago, how you did all of that just to make up for what you did, it inspired me. I want to become brave enough to pull the stunt you did, that way I can help out others who needed it just like I did. And I feel as though traveling with you is the most logical way for me to become better. Besides, you’re the one who said you’d fight the whole system with me, I can’t fight alongside you if I don’t come along.” Ray explained. “So, what do you say? Me and you, against the system! How ‘bout it?” He asked with confidence.
Elio doesn’t even think about it. He grinned as he stood up and walked over, holding his hand up. “I got your back, and you got mine. Let’s do it!” He answered. Ray grinned back as he shook his hand; “Glad to hear it! Also, I can’t wait to see how happy Julia will be when she hears that I’m finally starting to do something for myself!” “I can imagine! Though before we hit the road, we still have some shit we need to do.” Elio responded as he broke the handshake. “Right, you still need to get Reggie back.” “Not just Reggie, but I forgot to tell you this earlier, but Gastronaut wants to talk with us later in the day. He’s gonna explain to us about why Mig was a cannibal, as well as why he targeted Reggie, despite us being the priority.” Elio added. “Oh shit, really?” Ray asked in surprise. “Yeah, plus, who knows, we might also know what he meant by he’d take care of Nasuka as well.” “Good point.” Ray replied.
Elio yawns; “For sure. Anyway, I’m gonna hit the hay. Goodnight, Ray.” He said, walking back to the couch and flopping onto it. “Goodnight, Elio.” Ray replied, sitting back down and typing on his computer once more. “By the way, you want a blanket?” “Nah, I’m good, it’s ninety-eight degrees outside right now. Besides, I can just keep myself warm with my heat techniques, but aye, I appreciate the offer.” “Ahh, right. Also, hey, what about your phone? Gastronaut crushed that thing to oblivion.” “Eh, I’m not too worried about that. I’ll just ask Carlos if I can have my job back for saving you. Then I’ll just work a bit till I can get a new phone.” Elio answered while rolling over. “Got it. I’ll shut up now so you can sleep.” “Aight.” Elio said before closing his eyes.
June 8th, 2018. 12:30 PM.
At the park, Elio, Ray and Julia unwind. Elio laid sprawled out on the grass, eyes closed and arms stretched out as he soaked in the summer sun, completely at ease. Nearby, Ray and Julia are standing under the shade of a large tree, escaping the heat. Both sipping from water bottles to cool off and occasionally glancing at Elio while he sleeps. Suddenly, a low whirring fills the air, starting as a faint hum and building into an almost unsettling sound. It has a rhythmic pulse, almost mechanical, with a sharp, buzzing undertone that hints at something spinning rapidly. Elio’s ears pick up the sounds fluctuating, making him wake up from the disorienting, almost hypnotic effect, grabbing his attention. “What the fuck is that noise?” He asked irritably.
Julia and Ray glance in its direction and soon, the source of the noise becomes visible. A drone appears, slowing down and hovering in front of Elio. The drone is a sleek black sphere, small and smooth with a matte finish. At its center is a single, large green ‘eye’ that glows softly, set within a slightly recessed circular frame. “There you are, Elio!” Gastronaut’s voice comes through the drone. “Gastronaut?” “Yes, it’s me. I didn’t want to waste time searching for you, so I deployed some of the city’s drones to come searching. Anyway, is Ray there?” “Yeah, he’s here.” “Good, tell him to come with you to the MountainView Hospital. Guerilla’s awake, and I told him that I was gonna tell you and him about Mig.” He explained.
“I’m guessing he’s not in the mood to wait either.” Elio pondered. “Alright, just gimme a sec, I’ll let him know. We’ll be on our way soon.” He answered. “Perfect! I’ll see you then, Elio.” Gastronaut replied, the drone began to fly away. Elio looked over at the other two; “Y’all heard him, right?” “Yeah.” “Alright, so then… where exactly is MountainView?” “Way Northwest from where we’re at.” Julia answered. “Yikes. I mean, if you want, you can come with, well, if Ray’s alright with that. Plus, I’m sure neither Gastronaut or Guerilla would care.” “I appreciate the gesture, but with how long it’d take to get from there and back, I’d be late as hell for my shift.” Julia explained. “I didn’t even consider that.” Ray commented. “Yeah, it sucks, but hey, I’ll still be down to binge with you guys after it. So you guys go do what you gotta do.” “Alright then, bye Julia!” Elio replied, beginning to walk in the hospital’s direction. “Take care, Julia.” Ray said while waving as he began to walk as well. “Cya guys!” She responded, waving as well.
June 8th, 2018. 1:15 PM.
Guerilla sits upright in his hospital bed, hooked to an IV machine. “You gonna be alright, Idris?” Gastronaut asked. Guerilla takes some time to think while eating a bowl of eggs on rice. “It could be worse. Frankly, with how strong Ray is physically, it’s a miracle that the worst I got was a smashed optic nerve. Unfortunately, I might be permanently blind, not even an eye transplant will help me out. Though, I have my other senses, so I should be alright if I just work on them after I get out of here.” Guerilla explained calmly. “Ahh, that’s a shame, but at least you’re taking it well from what you’re saying.” Gastronaut replied.
“I’m mostly still thinking about Mig.” “Yeah… I feel the same way. How you holding up about it though?” “I’m still sad that he died right there in front of me, but I’m just happy that Ray gave me time to grieve before having me contact you.” “That’s really nice of him. Speaking of which, where the hell are those two-” “Hey, what’s up?” Elio asked casually, having opened the door and walking in with Ray. “Well, speak of the devil.” Gastronaut reacted. “Sorry, we were here for a while, but we decided we’d wait until either you asked where we were, or if you finished your conversation.” Elio explained. “It’s cool, I appreciate it.” “What he said.” Guerilla commented.
Ray crosses his arms; “Alright, let’s just get into business. WHY was Mig a cannibal?” He asked sternly. Gastronaut took a deep breath before exhaling; “I’ll just make it quick, then, I don’t wanna waste any of your time. Elio, you remember when Guerilla explained that food was scarce to the point that people on Saturn were fighting over rotten food and how it led to a bunch of disease being spread?” “Yeah.” Elio nodded. “Well, the thing neither of us told you is the reason Mig is a cannibal is because on Saturn, people typically try to avoid disease by cannibalizing others to avoid getting sick from rotted food…” Gastronaut trailed off as he tried to not gag.
Elio and Ray stand still, their faces growing pale as the horrifying truth settles in. Elio blinks, slow and unsteady, as his pupils dilate just slightly, his gaze fixed and intense. Ray’s eye widens, almost imperceptibly, his eyelid twitching. Neither speak, but a glimmer of fear lingers in their eyes, flickering like a dark shadow neither can shake off. “To make matters worse, Gastronaut and I are also guilty of it-” “WHAT?!” Elio screamed in shock, Ray reacted by holding his arm out to block him. “Elio, keep your cool!” “I’m not angry, I’m just… I don’t even know how to wrap my head around this! Are you saying that cannibalism is common practice on Saturn?!” “Unfortunately, yes. Eating rotten food is like a last resort to most people there. Our parents teach us as soon as possible to be strong, and even learn how to kill so we’re able to sustain nutrients through other people. If you ever wanted to see what Hell looks like, look no further than there, not that I’d want you to.” Guerilla explained before taking another bite of his food.
Ray glances off to the side; “Wait, I guess I can ask it since Elio can detect heat, he could probably tell if someone’s lying or not just by it.” He looks back toward them, pointing his index and middle finger. “Gastronaut. Guerilla. Pardon the question, but hearing all of that, I want to know, are you two by any chance still cannibalizing people in secret, just like Mig did?” He asked coldly. “Wha- no! No, I’ve promised myself to never eat another person for as long as I live!” Gastronaut responded, a tone of hurt shown in his voice. “It’s ok, Gastronaut, he was just being cautious. Like he said though, Ray, neither of us have done that since we escaped Saturn. Being blessed with food like this, him and I practically wash dishes with our tongues when we eat. Not one of us let a single drop of food go to waste.” Guerilla explained.
Elio nods; “I understand.” He confirmed. “But where does this apply to Mig if you two had stopped eating others?” “There’s an easy explanation. Mig’s a Saturnian. Saturnians are odd, they possess unique digestive systems that ‘imprint’ on food types encountered in early development. Once an individual Saturnian reaches maturity, its digestive enzymes and gut flora solidify around the molecular makeup of the foods it ate in its youth.” Guerilla explained. Elio’s eyes widened; “So, because of the imprinting process, unfamiliar food introduced after maturity triggers immune responses as foreign agents, leading to digestive rejection- dude…” Elio trails off, his mind short-circuiting as he finally processes the reason behind the situation. “So, essentially, that’s why he always ate in secret, he was ashamed that even after leaving Saturn, his body wouldn’t accept regular food. That’s tragic, but now I really do understand why you’re happy that his suffering ended.” Ray replied. “Yeah… and it’s just…” Gastronaut crossed his arms; “...even with all of that, it was selfish of Guerilla and I to keep him alive. We both wanted it to end, but because of our friendship, we couldn’t bear going through it.” He said in a somber tone.
Guerilla spoke up; “Elio, I didn’t get the chance to say it as I passed out, but thank you. Even if you didn’t intend on it, you did a good thing.” His words hit Elio like a freight train, Elio lowers his head before letting out a faint smile and nodding. “Of course… and thank you, for telling me. I feel a little better about what I did now.” He replied, his tone grateful. “Alright, then, that brings me to something I wanna ask. Gastronaut, why did you target Reggie last night?” “To tell the truth, I was about to get into that as it ties back to the state of Saturn. I hate Martian Tabbies, I’ve had nothing, but terrible memories with them. They’re the reason for Saturn being the shithole it is.” “W-wait, really?” Elio asked, his eyebrow raised and arms crossed.
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Ray interjects; “Could you elaborate?” “Guerilla, could you explain? You’re better than me when it comes to this.” He glanced over. “Sure. Saturn used to be a thriving society, but the issue was that Martian Tabbies were brought over from Mars. Their appetites are so voracious, and they come in such indescribably large litters, that alongside their ferocity as hunters began to destroy our food supply. This was forty-five years ago, five years before Mig, Gastronaut and I were born, so it was already in a bad state. I’ve never been able to figure out why they’re like that because being near one was a sign of danger.” Guerilla explained. “It’s like some sick and twisted hierarchy where people are at the bottom of the food chain while the rest are at the top. It’s a nightmare to live in…” Gastronaut added, his hand clenching his arm.
“That’s so strange, it’s like a bizarro landscape from what I’m hearing. I know a lot about Martian Tabbies, so none of this sounds natural. But now I’m curious.” Elio commented. He looked over at Ray; “Yo, Ray, when we have the chance, you think you’d be down to check out Saturn for ourselves, see how we can try and help with that madness?” Ray glanced at Elio with a surprised look; “Maybe when we’re a lot stronger! You heard what those two said, people need to be strong to survive there on Saturn! It sounds like living in the Paleozoic Era!” He retorted. “Alright, then we’ll get stronger! There’s a mystery there, and I wanna solve it!” Elio uncrosses his arms and pounds his fists. “Well, then you better have my back twenty-four seven when we go there!” “You two are crazy, but then again, that craziness saved Mig. So, if you ever go there, just be mindful.” Gastronaut interjected. “Of course. Well, is there anything else we should know?” “Nah, I don’t think I missed anything, did I?” “No, you didn’t.” Guerilla answered.
Gastronaut nodded; “Got it.” “Well, if that’s all, then I think Ray and I are gonna head out-” “Wait, before you go, there’s something else I need to let you know.” Gastronaut said as he slung his arm towards him, grabbing his shoulder. “Huh? What’s up?” “Here…” He lets go of his shoulder and holds his palm out, showing a folded piece of paper. “Take this with you.” His arm snapped back. “Uh… what’s this?” Elio asked, looking at the paper in his hand. “Just open it.” “A-alright then.” Elio starts unfolding the paper. As it’s been completely unfolded, his face lights up, his eyes wide with joy as he moves his shades up. His shoulders relax as he reads it again, a smile slowly spreading across his face, radiating relief.
“No fucking way! You paid for Reggie’s surgery for me?! L-like is this for real?!” Elio screamed in excitement. “Yep! Also covered for physical therapy as well.” He answered proudly. “Bro…” Elio looks back at the receipt before looking back at Gastronaut. He walks over and gives him a one-armed hug; “Dawg, you are real as shit for that, like genuinely, thank you so much!” He said while smiling widely. “Aye, no problem, Elio. I figured if there was a way for me to make up for going after him, then I’d try helping him instead.” Elio breaks the hug and starts walking toward the door; “Ray, let’s go! We’re seeing Reggie right now!” “Got it!” He replied.
As Elio leaves, Ray stops and looks back, smiling. “It might be weird for you to hear me say this, but after seeing that you did that for Elio, Mig was extremely lucky to have you two at his side, despite his awful life. Alright, take care.” He said in an upbeat tone before walking out to catch up with Elio. As the door closes, Guerilla begins to smile. “Arion…” “Yo.” Gastronaut answered. “After hearing that, I think I’ll stay being a hero, despite my blindness. I want to do better.” He declared. “Yeah, same here…” Gastronaut replied calmly.
June 8th, 2018. 2:00 PM.
Elio and Ray walk through a hallway at Culat’s Pet General, a Plutonian rests on Elio’s head. “So, Reggie’s through this door to the left?” “Yes.” The Plutonian responded. He hops off of Elio and lands on a small perch sticking out of the wall, typing in a code with his beak to unlock the door. “He’ll be very happy to see you.” He said. “I’m really excited!” Elio replied with a wide grin.
As the door slid open, Elio walked inside, seeing Reggie carefully playing with a bell ball, still trying to get used to moving after his injury. Elio’s grin softens, becoming a smile. He takes a deep breath before crouching down holding his arms out. “Reggie!” He called, his tone showing pure joy. Reggie’s head turned immediately, his pupils dilated as he spotted him, his tail hanging slightly off the floor as it waves gently from side to side. “Elio…” Reggie said quietly as he slowly approached. “ELIO!” Reggie cried, he ran, leaping into his arms, his claws digging into his clothes as if he were holding on for dear life. “Reggie…” Elio closed his arms, holding him close; “Thank God, you’re alright…” He said softly, his voice becoming emotional.
Reggie squirms a bit, moving up to rub his face against Elio’s, his purrs sound like a lawn mower. “Aye, take it easy, buddy! I’m happy to see you too!” Elio says while laughing from happiness. “Then you know I’m not gonna-” Reggie pauses as he tenses up, feeling a small pain in his back. “Ow…” “Oh, shit! You alright, Reggie?” Elio asked, worried. He gently picked him up to set him down. “It’s ok.” The Plutonian responded as he flew down. “His spine is healed, but for now, his body still hurts if he moves too fast or hard. We created artificial cells to make up for the few that were destroyed, but we also had to use a steroid to help accelerate interstitial fluid and his blood flow in order to speed up the process of healing his bones.” He explained. “Reggie, remember to take it easy. I’ll make an exception because you were excited to see your owner, but be more mindful of yourself next time. It will be a while before you’re able to move around freely again. Though, with the progress you’re making, you should be finished with physical therapy in a month or so.” He added.
“Wait, a month?” Ray asked. “Yes, a month.” He replied, his voice stern. “Well, shit, I guess we’re staying for another month before we can hit the road. Oh, speaking of which, hey, Reggie.” “Yeah?” He asked, whipping his head to face him again. Elio taps Ray’s shoulder with the back of his hand; “This is Ray. He helped me greatly this past week, he’s really strong, and he’s coming along with us. So, go on, get acquainted with him.” He answered. Ray looks down at him, crouching to the floor. Reggie takes in his appearance; “He’s got a mean look to him, but Elio’s totally calm around him. So that must mean that he’s nice.” He pondered. Reggie soon walked up to him and sat down, Ray gently brought his hand out. Reggie accepted it as he let his chin rest on his hand. Ray smiled, gently stroking Reggie’s cheek with his thumb as Reggie began to purr. “He’s so sweet, and he talks! I’m already loving this one!” Ray thought to himself.
Elio smiled while his arms crossed; “I didn’t know you were so gentle with animals, Ray. Reggie’s totally relaxed, listen to how he’s purring.” “Yeah, I see what you mean. When I used to live with my biological father, due to the way he abused me, it made me choose to treat the little ones with kindness. Whether it be children, animals, or even a flower, I try to be as gentle as possible.” Ray replied, smiling as Reggie leaned further into the pet. “I figured as much! So, Reggie, what do you think? You excited for him to come along?” “Of course! Now when you’re tired of giving me attention, I can just go to him.” Reggie answered, his eyes closed. “Hah! You’re so damn needy, faggot!” Elio retorted. Ray stops petting him as he bursts into laughter; “Elio! What did he do?! Where did that come from?!” Elio laughs alongside him; “My fault, sometimes, I like to say out of pocket shit and just see how people react.” “Heh, yeah, by villainizing an animal.” Ray’s laughter calms down.
“Yeah. Well, back to the topic at hand, we’re just gonna have to figure out what to do for the next month before we can leave this place. Reggie, I’ll visit you from time to time to see how your progress is going, that sound good?” “Yeah!” “Alright, cool! Finally, it sounds like things are gonna be going our way!” Elio replied, giving a thumbs up. The Plutonian starts flapping his wings, flying in front of Elio’s face to get his attention. “I’m sorry to interrupt the moment, but Reggie must get back to his physical therapy now. If you’d like, give me your contact info so I can notify you when it’s done, then you can see him after.” “Ray, give him your phone number.” “Huh?” “Remember, Gastronaut totally crushed mine with that car he sent down.” “Oh, yeah, good point.” Ray responded as he stood up, he grabbed his phone from his pocket and typed his number on the keypad. He showed the number to him; “Good. I will add that to the computer right now.” He said, flying out of the room.
Elio glanced at Ray; “Well, guess it’s time for us to head out.” “Yep.” Ray replied. Elio looks back at Reggie and crouches over, petting him; “See you around, Reggie. Take it easy, alright?” “Of course!” “Good, I’ll be excited to get on the road next month.” Elio stops petting him and stands up. “Bye, Reggie!” “Bye Elio!” “Nice meeting you!” “Bye Ray!” Reggie waved his paw. As the two leave, Reggie looks back at the bell ball and starts playing with it again. Elio and Ray walk out of the building; “So, what are you planning on doing while waiting for him to finish?” “Well, first things first, I’m gonna ask Carlos for my job back, that way I can make some money, I need to buy myself a new phone. Aside from that, I might as well continue to train and dick around when I’m not working.” Elio answered, putting his hands in his pockets. “How ‘bout you?” “Well, I might as well work on working out my internet addiction. And I’ll do some training as well, try to brush up on some old hobbies, and most importantly, stop leeching off of Julia, so I’ll look for a job too.” “Sounds like a good deal!” Elio grinned. As they walk down the street, Elio notices a restaurant; “Yo, I’m getting pretty hungry? Wanna stop and eat there?” “Golden Steer Steakhouse?” “Yeah!” “Oh, hell yeah, that place is incredible!” “Cool! I got money, so let’s go!” Elio replied, the two began to walk across the street.
June 8th, 2018. 4:15 PM.
Gastronaut steps inside Nasuka’s office, wearing a new helmet with a new jetpack equipped. “You wanted to see me, Nasuka?” He asked curiously. Nasuka glares at him; “Gastronaut. You, Guerilla, and Mig all failed. Guerilla’s been permanently blinded, Mig is dead, and those two, Elio and Ray are still out there, and yet here you are, not doing your job-” She pauses as Gastronaut uses his power, forcing a pencil to skim her cheek, lightly cutting it. The pencil sticks to the wall. “Don’t belittle me. What do you want me to do? Find them and attack head on? If I couldn’t take either of them out with the help of Mig and Guerilla, in what way would I be able to take them out myself? Use that head of yours.” He responded coldly.
Nasuka’s pupils dilate in slight fear as she covers her cheek with her hand; “Are you-” “Enough. I just said to one, not belittle me, and two, to use your head. I’m in the Emerald Faction, and with that event being broadcast, word caught on quickly. You know what that means? Nata’s going to take matters into her own hands, and trust me, I know that those two are going to be here for a while. So, when Nata’s done dealing with other missions, she’ll go in to attack, and those two won’t last a second against her. Let them relax, they won’t know when she’ll strike, they don’t even know how she is. You understand?” Gastronaut asked, leaning forward. “Y-yes, I understand.” Nasuka answered, her voice shaky.
“Good. And besides, I need you for something very important. I can’t say when, but when it comes, I’ll let you know.” He said coldly. He began to walk away; “Call me when you need something.” Gastronaut added before leaving the room. Nasuka continued to tremble from his defiance.