Yellow walked through the dancing shadows of the second twilight with his pack. Three nights had passed since his public execution of the traitors and the grand nest was running smoother than ever before. Efficiency in all areas had grown due to training and overlap, with no sigh of stopping. Defenses around the nests were being constructed out of wood, along with tools similar to what the prey used. Couples were reporting fertilized eggs in their nests and now everyone recognized Yellow and his pack as they traveled from the training area to the meeting place.
"So, what's different about this meeting Yellow?", asked Grey.
"Well we're going to sort of recap the last feast cycle with the pack leaders and discus a few things, as well as plan out the feast tomorrow.", explained Yellow.
"I'd say we've made a lot of progress. You've shown… progress in speed, strength, and stamina.", said Green Runner after taking a double take.
"Right, he's gone from the speed of a snail, to the speed of a snail fleeing the sunlight.", said Patches in her driest humor while riding on Green Runner's back.
"Patches.", scolded Grey, waving his claws like a worried nester.
Green Runner laughed and fell into a state of nervous giggles for a moment. This was unusual, but she interrupted him before he could ask her about it.
"I think you've made great progress for a mere four days darling. Especially in terms of nest upkeep and um, Alpha related things.", she said.
"I agree, we've really mastered hunting together as a pack. You're getting good at using just one arm and I plan on bringing up training with tools I've been tinkering with in the meeting.", said Yellow.
"Huh? You think I'm not as good with just one arm?", Green Runner said, raising her eye at him.
"Uh, well, no…", Yellow fumbled his words.
Patches let her head drop to hit Green Runner's neck. She looked flustered as her head turned first down, then away.
"No point in dragging it out.", said Patches.
Yellow stopped their walk as he swallowed his building anxiety as he wondered what they were talking about.
"Yellow yesterday I laid a batch of eggs.", said Green Runner after turning to face him.
"But Greener, don't you lay eggs every cycle?", he asked, tilting his head.
A bright red flushed over her face as she snarled with rage. She hit him over the head before yelling.
"You little idiot! This is hard for me so could you just understand?", she exploded.
Yellow tried to shake off the dizziness of the sudden blow while deciphering her words.
"Just what the hell is this crazed female trying to say?", he wondered.
"Oh my, you two really need to work on your personal communication.", said Patches.
"Huh? We communicate great in our hunting and training.", said Yellow.
"That's not what I mean at all.", said Patches.
"Their fertilized.", snapped Green Runner in a huff, looking away.
"Huh?", said Yellow as he processed this.
She snarled at him and he covered his head with his hands.
"I mean Greener that's great. Why were you hesitant to tell me?", he asked.
"Really you think so?", she asked, sliding her face to his.
"Of course, that was the purpose of our mating.", he said genuinely yet sheepishly.
"Well I was worried it was just something you did for pleasure, since you have a whole nest to run.", she said, diverting her eyes again.
"The nest is practically running itself; I just keep things smooth and updating. After this meeting I'm hoping the workload will become even more dispersed.", he said, his thoughts drifting to systematics and numbers.
He grabbed her face and pulled it close to his own again.
"This makes me really happy Greener; I hope you know that.", he said with a heartfelt smile.
"That sure eased my nerves, thanks.", she said, blushing.
"Besides, that reminds me we need to talk about how we'll all take care of the next generations at the meeting.", he said.
She rolled her eyes and got the group walking again.
"Wow you two, that's great news.", said Grey.
"Thanks Grey, I hope you two find success as well.", said Yellow.
"Yea, we don't know yet if we're compatible, her being a shadow and all.", said Grey.
"Actually, this was meant to be dual news to ease her nerves.", said Patches.
"Hm?", questioned Grey.
"My batch from last night is also fertile.", blankly stated Patches.
"Really? Are you sure?", asked Grey, hopping with excitement.
"A woman knows, and of course, they are yours Grey.", she said.
"Oh of course, I believe you. You haven't really left my sight after all these past few days.", he rambled excitedly.
"I don't know if they'll be viable Grey, but we can keep trying if they aren't. You've got me forever regardless.", she told him.
"Oh Patches, it goes the same for me.", he said, tearing up.
Yellow hadn't been able to tell when she was being sarcastic, but based on Grey and Greener fawning over her, he assumed they could tell she was being genuine. That or she was a great liar. He trusted the two of them to know her though, as he had to worry about the nest. They were almost at the meeting circle, and a crowd had already gathered. He had so much to talk about he couldn't really think of where to begin, but they had all twilight after all, and he had his friends with him. The crowd of mostly hunters parted to reveal Red, Brown, Blackhead, Purple-Tan, and Chipper at its center.
"And there he is, for a moment we thought you might be late to your own meeting Yellow.", said Red, grinning.
"Oh, you know me better than that Red.", said Yellow, mirroring his smile.
Yellow and his pack entered the circle of hunters and joined the inner circle with Red and the others. Yellow motioned for everyone to sit down as he planned on a long meeting and he wanted them to rest for tomorrow. Many of the hunters huddled together and shivered as the wind blew through the small clearing in the forest they were using as the meeting place. Yellow cleared his throat and shook his head, attempting to remain composed as Green Runner practically enveloped him.
"We were just discussing the plans for the feast.", said Blackhead.
"I see, and how is that going?", asked Yellow.
"We've found positions for everyone participating, including the Shadows. Chipper and the Nightwalkers will be putting holes in place overnight along the border for our ambushers, along with keeping watch.", explained Purple-Tan.
"Sounds great, simply expanding our last plan should work fine, with the exception of shiny prevention. It followed those traitors for a while, we should assume it might again. After baiting the Horned Ones, if needed, then we should create false trails in mass along with rallying at White's old nesting ground.", said Yellow.
"That's quite the maneuver, I fear we might not be able to keep everyone in line if the shiny goes on a rampage.", said Purple-Tan.
Yellow scoffed and stood up, watching the killer smile form on Red's face.
"Well everyone? Can we count on you to not run back here like frightened hatchlings?", he asked the crowd.
"Yes sir!", the crowd immediately responded.
"My pack and I have fought the shiny before, I know how much you might want to run, but we cannot lead it back here. Try to follow the plan and lead it to White's nest as false trails are made, or die trying.", said Yellow, squinting at them.
Perhaps it was just the wind, but a chill brushed over them as he spoke. The crowd hesitated and shivered before responding again.
"Yes sir!", they repeated.
Yellow plopped back down with a smug expression, looking to Red for approval. He gave a single nod, but his gaping, toothy grin had already told him the answer.
"Very well, I think that was my only worry sir.", said Purple-Tan.
"Purple-Tan please, everyone in this circle should feel free to call me Yellow.", said Yellow, his claws waving apologetically.
"Not in front of the others, just in private.", said Red, panning to the crowd.
"Mm, right well something was brought to my attention on the way here. I've heard that the first batches of fertilized eggs are arriving.", said Yellow.
Brown looked to Green Runner, who nodded to her, along with Patches. She gasped and turned back to Yellow, who couldn't believe she figured that put so quickly.
"Yellow why didn't you tell me?", she asked excitedly.
"Well, um, I just found out and we're here to discuss nest issues.", he fumbled over his words.
"I've heard the same reports. Apparently, we're going to have the largest batch of hatchling ever and right before winter.", said Red, his smile gone.
"Well this kind of problem is what these meetings are for.", said Yellow timidly before clearing his throat.
"Well get to my food plans momentarily, for now let's stick with the hatchlings. The nesters usually took care of the Alpha's single batches of eggs and I see no reason for that to change drastically, with a few exceptions. The couple will take care of their own young and be given food based on their work. We've already been doing this to a limited extent, but I think establishing a small council to decide how much work merits how much food, as well as distribution and records.", explained Yellow.
"Records?", asked Blackhead.
"This council should be made up of representatives of every profession, possibly elected, possibly chosen by the Alpha, and they should keep track of the food in every respect. Hunters will report all food gathered and eaten, food will be stored or distributed by nesters, and this council will keep track of the quantities and times to ensure none is stolen.", said Yellow.
"How?", asked Grey.
"I was thinking we could make markings in trees, perhaps make up some symbols to determine certain quantities or times, like this.", said Yellow as he drew into the dirt with his claws.
He drew a single line with an L under it and a circle with lines coming off it.
"See here, a single leg was brought at midday. Something like this.", he said.
"So, this council will have to establish these marking as well?", asked Red, head tilted.
"Yes, and the nesters can teach them to the hatchlings when they aren't training.", he said, smiling.
"Any objections?", asked Red.
The inner circle traded glances.
"Makes sense, I see how your trying to keep things fair and incorruptible, however, have you thought about the races of this council? What if no Shadows or Nightwalkers are chosen?", asked Blackhead.
"Well right now we've got regular people, little people, and the two you mentioned. Oh, no offence Grey.", said Yellow.
"It's fine, we've never really named each other. I'm probably the first litter person most of you have seen. We're more common elsewhere.", said Grey.
"Well everyone here should be treated equally. I would suggest we make a supervisory council for oversight and decision making, along with the food council, and perhaps a group to judge those accused of crimes. ", said Yellow.
"Do we really… need all these groups?", questioned Red, coughing.
"We need to think about expansion. We could have thousands of people within just a few winters.", said Yellow.
The crowd murmured in shock. Yellow wondered why they hadn't considered that, only to remember he was basically the only big thinker he knew.
"The Alpha will make the final decisions while the advisory council will propose rules, oversee expansion projects, along with observing the food council to ensure efficiency and lack of corruption. The council of judges will interpret the laws and deal with the accused. Hunters will make their own hierarchy and follow any rules passed by the Alpha that the advisory council makes along with working with the food council. However, they will only directly answer to the Alpha and the judges when need be. Now for the voting.", explained Yellow before looking around for input.
"I think I can see where you're going with this, whichever group is most populated will vote for all the food.", said Chipper.
"Precisely our dilemma, so I'm open for suggestions.", said Yellow.
"What about one member from each race and group on the councils, voted on by who the represent?", asked Blackhead.
"That's a start, they'll each have competing interests and will have to compromise, but what if a few of one race is elected?", asked Yellow.
"Hm, that may be as fair as we can make it.", said Blackhead.
"What if the people could vote to remove someone if they think a problem is arising?", asked Brown.
"Not bad, we could make that a decision for the Alpha to confirm so people don't all gang up on one group. Also, the Alpha can break any tie votes in decisions by the councils.", said Yellow.
"I'd want to make sure there isn't unnecessary interference in the hunters work, or the others for that matter.", said Purple-Tan.
"Well only the Alpha can agree to a rule, and he looks to the needs of everyone.", said Yellow.
"Thinking to the future though, what if Alphas come to favor one group or race?", asked Purple-Tan.
Yellow looked down and scratched himself. This was a good question. He wanted his system to last without corruption or suffering, but it was becoming clear it might be harder than he thought. He racked his brain for an answer, tapping his skull with his claws.
"Well it's not foolproof, but if there is ever a serios breach of decency like that then I would suggest absence of work or revolt.", he said.
"Huh?", asked Red.
"If a group or person thinks they are being seriously mistreated, and not simply suffering along with everyone due to lack of food or something, then they could hold days without work, or attempt violence. In the end this would force fairness or cause the Alpha to stop them with the hunters. We need to be careful when we choose Alphas in the future, as they hold a lot of power and responsibility here.", explained Yellow.
The inner circle mulled it over, mumbling to each other.
"Perhaps a group could vote for a crisis representative to state their case to whoever is causing the problem and negotiate or leverage their lack of work or violence.", said Grey.
"That might speed things up in times of crisis, good idea Grey.", Yellow agreed.
"It's definitely less dangerous in terms of abuse then our old system.", said Brown.
"Can't the advisory council worry about this stuff and change rules if there are problems once it's established?', asked Patches.
The crowd's murmuring ceased as they waited for a response. The chill of the wind grew as the twilight dragged on.
"Alright then, it's settled. After the feast the councils will be voted on and they will make symbols to use along with beginning their roles. Now, where were we…", Yellow's voice trailed off as he itched his snout.
"Children.", said Green Runner.
"Ah yes, I was thinking that couples could be responsible for their own young, along with help from the nesters during most hours if they're working. Also, perhaps they can decide their children's mates or have some say in the matter. I think that the parents and nesters should teach their children along with guide them into a line of work, with the parents having the final say.", suggested Yellow.
"Fair enough, the young should listen to the old and particularly those who made them. The nesters will care for the young, but the parents will help and have true control of their children's destiny. I don't know if they shouldn't be allowed to choose their own mates or jobs, but perhaps that's the councils problem.", said Brown.
"Should voting be restricted by any means?", asked Blackhead.
"Only those working and perhaps criminals could lose the privilege for a time or all time.", answered Yellow.
"Anything else? It's getting late.", asked Red, coughing again.
"Food.", said Blackhead.
"The tools.", said Purple-Tan.
"Alright simple. The tools the hunters have been testing are going to be used to kill long necks to increase our food supply. We will also build enclosers out of wood to raise their young as most of them die in the forest. We can determine how many to raise as we count how many we kill throughout the seasons.", explained Yellow.
"These tools that you're working on, you got the ideas from the prey at the feat yes?", asked Blackhead.
"Correct.", said Yellow.
"Well I think we all have the same question, if they work, why not use them in the feast as well?", asked Blackhead.
"A rule of appearing weak.", answered Yellow.
"Huh?", asked Blackhead.
"We already kill the feast prey with great efficiency and little losses. These tools might lower those numbers if we don't train with them first. Also, the prey might react differently if they know were intelligent like them.", explained Yellow.
"Differently?", asked Chipper.
"Trust me on this everyone. Once we're used to the tools, perhaps we can try it, how's that?", asked Yellow.
"Sounds fine. Anything else? We need to wrap this up before nightfall.", interjected Red, straining to not cough.
"Red are you okay?", asked Purple-Tan.
"Of course, don't you…", Red managed to say before entering a fit of coughing.
He gagged and wheezed as his head tipped over. Brown tried to comfort him, but he pushed her away. The coughing continued as he struggled to breath. He was shaking, becoming hoarse as his eyes widened. Blood eventually spat out of his mouth, first only a little, then a lot. You could hear it clogging his throat as the crowd had become silent.
Yellow noticed they had all turned to him, but he could only look down in shame. He shook his head, knowing there was nothing he could do.
"Yellow what's going on? Is he sick?", asked Purple-Tan.
"There's nothing we can do for him.", he responded without looking up.
Red's coughing finally died down as he spat blood and drew heavy breaths. His arms buckled as he clearly lost the strength to keep Brown from holding onto him.
"Sorry about that everyone, bug must have flown down my throat.", wheezed Red.
"Nonsense!", snapped Purple-Tan.
Red looked up to him, tears and snot running down his snout. Everyone froze, expecting Red to snap, but he sighed and laughed.
"Guess I couldn't keep this a secret forever.", he said.
"What secret?", asked Purple-Tan.
"Lumps.", said Blackhead.
"Oh, you read minds old man?", asked Red.
"I've seen this before Red. Doesn't look like you have much longer.", said Blackhead.
"Yea well, I could say the same to you, you wilting fuck.", laughed Red.
"Father.", said Purple-Tan.
"Sorry I just didn't want to disappoint you any further kiddo.", said Red.
"What are you talking about?", asked Purple-Tan.
"First I make Yellow my heir, then I die of some illness.", said Red.
"I might have not understood that at first, but after all I've seen I have no problem with Yellow. He's clearly much wiser than the rest of us combined, just look what we've created so far.", said Purple-Tan.
"Then what's the problem?", asked Red.
"What's the problem? You're dying! You're dying and I can't do anything about it. When were you planning on telling everyone?", asked Purple-Tan, steaming in rage.
"Well I was hoping I could die in battle before it got this far.", said Red.
Brown looked away and gasped, like she had been stabbed in the back by a set of claws.
"Dammit Red, why are you so prideful?", she asked.
"Don't any of you get it? If I show weakness people die! You die, and you!", Red yelled, looking to the two of them.
"This meeting is over, everyone, get some sleep and report here tomorrow to begin the feast!", he addressed the crowd.
The outer circle scurried away without a word as the inner circle panned around.
"You guys to.", said Red.
Yellow grabbed Grey and Green Runners hands and began walking away with the rest of the inner circle besides Brown and Red.
"You're wrong.", said Purple-Tan.
"Boy, I may be sick but you're pushing it.", growled Red.
"Yellow has made it clear to me that no matter how weak we are compared to our enemies, as long as we stand together, we can win.", said Purple-Tan.
"Purple-Tan, I assure you, no one has ever survived the lumps.", said Red.
"Try.", said Purple-Tan before joining the others.
"Sorry.", said Yellow in passing.
"Don't be. We're all ready to follow you now, so lead us to victory.", said Purple-Tan as the group went their separate ways.
. . .
Justin hesitated as he tied down the final plank in his raft. It wasn't large, but it was sturdy. Several logs served as the floor, with planks covering those and slanted planks creating a roof for him to sleep under. Both the front and back were open though, so we wouldn't get trapped if something happened. He didn't yet know if it would float, but there was no way it was coming apart with all the rope and nails he had used.
As the days had passed, he could feel Logic's presence in the back of his mind. A single feeling was being sent to him, a single word.
"Stalling", he felt from him.
He couldn't deny it. He had been taking as long as possible to complete the raft up until now. Several sleepless nights had passed, and several failed attempts had sunk or broke in the river. However, today was spawn day so this time the raft had to sail. He didn't want to be around to hear them again, wailing out in agony.
He grinded his teeth and took hold of the raft, it was time to set sail into that infinite wilderness. He carefully drug it to the shoreline as his ghosts watched. He passed the younger versions of himself and little Logic leapt onto the raft.
"Well is it going to work this time? I'm getting bored.", he said.
"Some help would be nice.", said Justin sarcastically.
"I'm literally a hallucination.", said little Logic.
"You know my Logic has some sense of humor now.", laughed Justin.
Little Logic scoffed at him.
"I've been thinking about our mission.", he said.
"Mm, that is your job.", said Justin.
"What is it exactly? We find the spaceport then we win, how is that helpful? Why were we given the nanites? Isn't this just a test of our Easter egg skills?", asked little Logic.
Justin stopped at the shoreline as the dancing shadows of the twilight dissipated. He looked up at the sliver of morning sun unveiling itself.
"He thought about that a lot. I figured it was to see if we could protect others, but…", Justin stopped, knowing he would be interrupted.
"But Tute's people must have infinite nanobots. Why would testing us with them like this make any sense?", asked little Logic.
"I started wondering if he was malfunctioning, but Logic implied that we simply didn't know whatever Tute did. He seemed off, excited even, when Emma thought of nanites. Whatever he's doing with us, it isn't random or an accident.", explained Justin.
"So, is there really a point of going to look for the spaceport? Is that really the mission?", asked little Emotion as he joined them.
"Well we can't just sit here!", whined little Logic.
"And we can't stay here.", said Justin checking the sky for the orb they saw at the last drop.
"Then let's get going.", said Morcant.
Justin smiled as his ghosts gathered around him and he pushed the raft into the river. It didn't sink or pull apart as the current rushed by. Little Logic jumped on and danced about, with his counterpart soon joining him.
"It finally worked!", they said in unison.
"Yea don't get your hopes up yet kids, we haven't seen it sail yet.", said Justin.
Justin pushed the raft further into the river, until he could barely reach the bottom with his feet and leapt onboard. There was a bit of room in front of the wooden tent he built for him to sit on. There he sat with two paddles he had made and watched the shore go by as the river pulled him with it. The raft held its own against the current and remained true and steady as he sailed. A smile quivered on his face.
"This is okay.", he thought out loud.
"I can't go back there. I can't save any of those people. All I can do is look for the spaceport. Maybe, maybe I really can help Tute somehow. Maybe he'll bring them all back.", he continued.
Minutes and miles past as he sailed. The river was fast but smooth, uniform as he remained in the center.
"How far should I go? Should I just stop every time I see a vantage point? Should I sail all the way down? Is this a super continent or a regular sized one?", he asked himself.
He caught a glimpse of bubbling in his path and knew he wouldn't have time to adjust his heading.
"No, couldn't be. In the middle of the river? That doesn't make any sense, I'm sure it's nothing.", he attempted to convince himself.
He didn't hear a thing as the boat passed over the bubbles and the sky suddenly shifted. No, he had moved. It was just like the split second he was awake in his car wreck. One second, he was moving forwards, then dead stop, but this time he was moving straight up. He finally heard the breathing of the beast and accepted what was happening as the raft was flung at the shoreline.
He put his hands out as he and the raft crashed into the beach on the other side of the river. He could feel and hear it completely shatter around him. Tears leaked out of eyes he was too scared to open. Reality had once again become too much to bear.
"It's okay, we can just try again.", young Emotion tried to console him.
"Or we can just run along the beach, it would be faster and apparently just as dangerous.", said little Logic nonchalantly.
"Why?", asked Justin.
"Hm?", his younger selves asked.
"Why wont these things just leave me the hell alone!", Justin cried out.
"Yea that's the spirit! Kill it!", little Logic goateed him on.
"No wait! It was just defending its territory, we can't blame it.", said little Emotion timidly.
Justin stood and looked up with eyes swirling with hatred at the beast standing on two legs in the river. He grinded his teeth and growled unconsciously as he confirmed it was a Spino. It starred back at him and the wreckage of his raft, emitting a low pitches hiss. There wasn't any hesitation from him this time, the unfettered rage young Logic held within him for so long was unleashed.
"Drop dead!", he yelled.
He once again squat jumped at immense speed at a standing monster, but he was moving far faster this time. He was confident there wouldn't be any reaction from the creature as he arrived at its face within just over a second. His fist was already reared as he launched it and himself through the beast's skull. He caught what was left of it with his free hand, despite the shower of blood and brains surrounding him, and threw his other fist again, sending the corpse into the river along with himself.
There he sat at the bottom as the current ran past him, sweeping the body away and finally cleaning the stained blood off him. He watched the water and fish swim by as he silently wept.
"Why couldn't I do that before?", he thought.
"I could have saved him.", he continued.
"You can't ever have been as strong as you are now.", said Morcant.
He looked around at his gathered ghosts amongst the waves.
"I don't think this compares but, when I was a kid, I lost our pet. I was too afraid to fight the snake it had found, and sure enough the next day it was dead.", Morcant went on.
"Sorry bud.", thought Emotion.
"But as I got older, I was able to kill snakes with ease as I roamed the farm.", said Morcant.
"Where are you going with this?", thought Emotion.
"Maybe it will take time, but if you train your speed, strength, and tactics, maybe you'll be able to protect people someday.", explained Morcant.
"And how many people will die in the meantime?", asked Emotion.
"They'll all die if you do nothing.", said Yujark.
"Are ya'll saying I should go to that drop?", asked Emotion.
"Perhaps you take a group with you?", suggested Taysass.
"Just a few extra days can change someone's life.", said Tacktay.
"No!", yelled Justin through the water.
"I don't wanna see that again.", he thought.
"You said it yourself. You can save more people by finding the spaceport, maybe even bring everybody back. So, let's try again.", said Morcant.
"You guys, I'm so tired. I'm so tired of this cruel world.", he thought.
"We're here to push you forward.", said Morcant.
"What if I don't want to move?", he asked.
"Then let's go backwards.", said little Logic.
"Eh?", said Morcant and Justin.
"There's a drop today. Let's go and ask Tute for a meeting, maybe we can accomplish something that way. Maybe we could get something out of him, anything.", little Logic continued.
"So, what I just ask the orb if I can talk to him?", thought Emotion.
"What do we have to lose? We've got all the time in the world.", said little Logic.
"He's actually got a point.", said Morcant.
"Ya'll don't get it. I can't go back there. I can't see, I can't smell those things again.", he thought.
"Hey bud what did we talk about?", asked Morcant.
"We've got your back!", said young Emotion.
"Just turn off your senses and make your way to the hilltop. If we hurry, we might arrive before the bodies fall.", said little Logic.
"You think?", asked Emotion.
"Mm, you bet.", said little Logic.
Justin laughed up bubbles at the futility of it all.
"Fuck it.", he said.
He swam out of the river and found the mountain on the horizon. Far above a bright light was growing larger, a light he knew was the orb that brought the drop victims. He dashed towards the mountain down the riverbed. He didn't know what he hopped to accomplish, but his desperation drove him, along with his ghosts.
. . .
It didn't take long to make it to the edge of the valley. He looked up as the bodies began their decent. Raptors froze as they saw him. He walked slowly to the hilltop, making his intent clear. He wouldn't make another futile attempt to stop them, his business was with Tute alone. He believed they understood this somehow as they scurried around him, almost ignoring him, but keeping their distance.
There at the top of the hill he lifted his hands into the air and spoke.
"Hey asshole! I wanna talk!", he shouted.
The reflective orb gave no answers, only a view of his surroundings.
"God dammit Tute! This is ridiculous. Do you really want me to run around for years looking for a building? What will that accomplish? Why am I really here? Can't we just talk?", he yelled at the orb.
Only the sound of the wind and whispering of the raptors continued. He grinded his teeth as his face twitched and convulsed. He was finally too angry to cry as he thought of jumping up to the orb. The air around him grew wavy and distorted, as if a great heat was building.
"I just want to talk! Don't make me come up there.", he shouted as he dropped into a squat.
. . .
"What are you going to do?", asked Emidance.
"Nothing, we're already witnessing progress.", said Tutelarius.
"You call this progress?", scoffed Emma.
"He's grown, and I can see further growth coming soon. The raptors in the area have also changed quite drastically, although I'm still not sure if it's a coincidence.", Tute continued.
"Is that what you're looking for Tute? How far into the abyss he can dive? The difference he makes in animals hunting strategies?", Emma spat out the question.
"You're tearing his mind apart! Let alone what you're doing to the others.", she growled.
"This is all part of the plan. Also, perhaps you should pay more attention, the raptors here aren't animals anymore, they haven't been for a long time.", said Tute.
Emma's mouth fell open. She was dumbfounded. She had seen unending evil committed here, but she couldn't believe this. Surely even Tute wasn't this cruel.
"No, you couldn't have.", she whispered.
"It's the whole point. Exploring the differences between us and them. Why it's the very reason you exist. Legion wanted results, so I had to get to work. At first, I was just editing existing races, making them more hungry or feral, but then I had a thought. So, I created…", Tute explained.
"Don't say it!", shouted Emma, looking away in disbelief.
"A new race.", Tute finished his thought.
"Well actually three to be exact, but this was the only one that showed promise. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't notice considering how much time you've spent observing your little pigeon.", said Tute.
"My albatross will bring an end to this madness.", said Emma, staring up at him, her eyes shaking in fury.
"In due time, he's no where near ready yet.", said Tute in a plain a voice as ever.
"He's trying so hard, but I can't do anything to help him.", she thought while looking at Justin through the sphere lens.
"If only he knew where the spaceport was. That was Tute's only stipulation. If only I could show him what I see.", she thought.
"But all he can see is the reflection… wait! That's it! If Tute can deceive and manipulate people, then why shouldn't I? If it's for good that is.", she thought as a wild idea came to her mind.
"Tute?", she asked innocently.
"Yes doll?", said Tute.
"Can I look at something?", she asked, referencing the sphere to him.
"Sure Emi.", said Tute, watching the raptors.
A wide smile enveloped Emma's face as Tute gave her control of the sphere's view, clearly not expecting her plan. She slowly moved it at first, towards the river. She went down it, increasing in speed as she went. Past a great mesa and through a forest filled with red water she finally turned the view to reveal the spaceport.
She saw Justin's expression change and knew she had succeeded. A wave of relief flew over her. She had finally gave back, finally helped someone. She looked to Tute smugly to find the white in his eye had expanded greatly, almost consuming it. He was shaking, his arrows moving rapidly, it scarred her.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?", his voice erupted throughout their chambers.
She had never seen him express emotion. Was he actually angry? It didn't matter, she couldn't back down now, not after watching all he had been through. She stood tall and looked right at him.
"I've given him a chance! He'll find one of my people from the attack force in there with a ship and come to destroy you!", she shouted back.
"WHO DO YOU THINK GAVE YOU THAT IDEA?", his voice bellowed again.
"Huh?", she mumbled.
"Emi! This was all apart of my plan! As soon as you mentioned the nanites I knew it would be the perfect way to develop him. I had finally found it, the answer I had been searching for all this time. He's been showing progress, if only a little. He needs more time Emi, before coming here. Now Legion knows all about your little friend!", ranted Tute.
"You… You knew about my people in the spaceport?", she asked in shock.
"Of course, I knew. Emi this was the best shot we've had in all this time. I've spent two hundred thousand years waiting for this moment, to find someone like that again. Don't you get it? You could have just ruined everything! You've just jeopardized the fate of the galaxy!", he continued.
"but, I thought, I thought you…", she stuttered as she tried to understand his motives.
The white in Tute's eye shrunk down near a normal level as he stood motionless.
"Legion just contacted me. He knows about your friend. If we're lucky that's all he knows, or at least all he can prove. I'm going to go and try to salvage the mission.", he said as he began to leave.
"Wait, Tute! What's going on? For once would you explain things to me?", she asked.
He stopped and turned back to her.
"I refuse to let you in on the depth of our sin. Don't worry Emily, this time I promise I'll protect you.", he said before vanishing.
Emma stood motionless in the void as she tried to piece together the meaning behind everything. Millions of scenarios ran through her mind.
"Emily?", she wondered.
. . .
Justin's eyes widened. Although the orb wasn't moving, its reflection was. It drifted down the river, through vast forests and plains, down to where the water turned red and became an estuary. There it entered what was probably an ocean and there, just slightly to the right, was a large shiny building. A toothy grin ran up to his now squinting eyes.
"Yes!", he yelled.
"Logic?", thought Emotion.
"We've won! Emma heard us.", Logic's voice returned to his head.
"Your back.", thought Emotion in relief.
"Of course, victory lies just beyond the waters end.", thought Logic.
"Why did you go?", asked Emotion as his control brought tears to Justin's face.
"You already know. Despair is your job. I lost the will to keep going after all my failures. You did to, for a moment.", said Logic.
"I'm so sorry Logic. The others convinced me to keep going, but I'm just so tired.", thought Emotion.
"I know. I'm not mad at you, I think you've done great. It must have been really hard without me.", Logic consoled him.
"Really?", asked Emotion.
"Of course, and now that I'm here to we can finish our mission.", said Logic.
"You sure that's what you want? Isn't this living for someone else? Letting them validate us?", asked Emotion.
"It doesn't matter what anyone thinks about it. This is for us, and for the friends we lost here, we all want this. We'll end the experiments here, solve Tute's Tide problem, and use the nanites shrouding the Earth and the other worlds to bring everlasting peace. Whether people hate or praise us won't matter. We all think this is right. We're all on board and ready to go.", explained Logic.
"Right.", Emotion lied.
"I won't lie to you like the others. I really hope we find a reason to keep going after this, but I don't know if we will. So, if you still want to finish it when we're done…", Logic paused to hear an answer.
"Mm. Even if it's bittersweet, I'm ready for an end to this mediocre tragedy.", said Emotion.
"It's settled then. I won't stop you this time if you agree to do this. We can have one last adventure to finish things for us. Even if it's long or bleak, it will be enough for me.", said Logic.
"I'd like that.", said Emotion as a teary smile formed on Justin's face.
"Then let's get going.", said Logic.
"I can't.", said Emotion.
"Hm?", asked Logic.
"I don't want to see them all again, being eaten, being killed. I don't want to hear it. I don't want to smell it.", Emotion cried.
"You will if we stay here. We can only help everyone by getting to the spaceport as fast as possible. I don't think they've landed yet. If we get started now, we can make it.", said Logic.
"So, get up.", Justin whispered to himself.
His right side lifted, then slowly, his left followed. He looked down, hoping not to see it.
"Good, now let's get moving.", said Logic.
"Right foot.", said Justin as his foot stepped forward.
"Left foot.", he continued.
"Right foot.", he said.
The bodies could be heard landing in the flowers and grasses around him. He froze, knowing what would happen next. The tearing of flesh, the floundering of waking bodies, and the screaming began.
"I can't do this.", said Emotion.
"Well pull you forward.", said Taysass.
He saw her feet appear and her hands reach out to his. She pulled at him. From behind him he felt Morcant's furry hands pushing his back forwards.
"We've got your back too.", said Morcant.
"Right foot.", he said.
"Left foot!", he shouted as the sounds of a futile struggle invaded his mind.
Justin drudged forward through the valley of death as he began his journey through an infinite hell.