Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When he first woke up he was standing. Strange. He grew more confused as he opened his eyes to find a helmet sitting on his head, glass darkened to hide his face. He looked around, finding himself in an unknown place. It seemed to be some sort of spaceship with a vibrant red cabinet, bunch of beds and a monitor with a terminal next to it.

Smii7y took in his surroundings, then noticed the closed door behind him. Clicking the button on the left, he jumped slightly at how fast they opened. Outside, a yellow railing surrounded the ship with one ladder leading down onto the dock the thing was parked on. As he walked onto the grated floor, he stared at the tall, concrete wall in which a small, rectangular hole with a bell was the only thing breaking down its boring structure. Smii7y didn't trust this place, he just woke up here so why would he?

He turned back towards the terminal, deciding to fiddle with it a little. He searched the files and wrote down the commands as he tried to find the answer to why and where he was. He found a suspiciously empty bestiary which caused an anxious feeling to strike through his body. Bestiary means there were monsters and monsters meant danger. Doesn't sound good now does it?

He dug up some more files, which were mostly useless to him at the moment, such as a shopping file and a command window. He clicked those two off finding one last file which was an instruction of some sorts. He took a closer look and read about a video introduction to the company which will play once everyone arrives. Introduction to a company? What company? Everyone? Were there more people coming? And what about those monsters? Why was he at some company, with no memories of his previous life?

He sighed heavily leaning on the terminal. He took a moment to calm his nerves and sort his thoughts. There wasn't much to do other than to wait for those others . He backed away from the terminal, deciding to look around the ship more. He checked the cabinet to find a seemingly endless supply of canned food and water. Noting that mentally for later he moved towards the beds.

The cushions were soft and pillows fluffy. However, when he moved the one on the top bunk he found a used razor blade. He stared at it for a second before deeming it useful and pocketing it away in his white suit. As he checked the rest of the ship, Smii7y decided to check the outside as well. Finding only a ladder to the roof he climbed it and layed there deciding to kill his time and rest his slightly burning eyes.

He woke up harshly and suddenly, falling backwards with a gasp and hitting what he supposes was a wall. He slid down the cold metal, sitting on the floor and opening his eyes. A tall man in an orange suit stood in front of him, his eyes on Puffer with a concerned look on his face.

“You good man?” He tilted his head slightly, brown, bear ears flopping to the side. Was he a hybrid? Actually- Who was he exactly?

Puffer glared at the stranger, his fins twitching slightly. The man didn’t seem to mind his distrust as he extended his hand in a friendly way. Puffer hesitated taking a quick glance around. They were in a cramped, space-like ship with two other people whom Puffer didn’t recognize either. He looked back at the man still offering his hand and took it. He was quickly hoisted up, which surprised him but he managed to stand straight.

“I’m Grizzy. Despite my scary looks, I would say I’m chill.” He shrugged as he shook Puffer's hand.

Grizzy..? That sounds somehow familiar. He sighed as he returned the handshake and with a nod he introduced himself.

“Puffer… Welcome to the team man.” Grizzy slapped his back as he smiled at him showing his sharp teeth. He huffed as he glanced at the other two in the ship, Grizzy’s sight following his.

“Oh them? Yo! Droid! C’mere.” He called out to them, the taller of the two turning towards them with a quizzical look on his face.

“A new guy? Hi I’m Droid! You look dope as hell by the way. No homo.” The man with a robotic arm, black mullet and dual colored, weirdly shaped glasses quickly walked over to Puffer, clasping his shoulder as he ranted. The other, brown-haired man with pink bubbles on top of his head stood close behind him, a sceptical look hidden behind his sunglasses. 

“Give him some space, he just arrived.” Grizzy nudged Droid away, the latter apologizing with a sheepish smile. Puffer just nodded, murmuring his name. “The short one behind the loud one is Pezzy.” Grizzy added as the two protested, offended.

The fish man rolled his eyes playfully and snickered at their reactions. Although his face quickly morphed back into a scowl. “Where even are we?” He asked, rubbing his forehead to try and remember anything. He was left disappointed when the other three just shrugged.

“No idea. Others don’t seem to know either.” Pezzy said, looking around the ship. At Puffer's confused face, he motioned towards the closed doors. Grizzy went to push the opening button and the doors slammed open making Pezzy jump slightly. Droid patted his back sympathetically, then threw his arm over Puffer and walked him outside the ship. His body tensed at the sudden action but he quickly relaxed.

“More people. Hazaa!” The half-mechanical man pointed to the small groups of people scattered around the dock. Puffer took in their appearance, analyzing their behaviour. The closest to them was another hybrid, this time a polar bear in a red suit similar to everyone else’s. He looked bored as he leaned against a container, overlooking other groups.

Further down, next to a suspicious hole in a rather tall, concrete wall, there were two people who seemed too excited given their current situation. They were playing some game, being loud and all over the place. One had a yellow and blue colored costume and the other a combination of pink and red if Puffer’s sight was right. Given he had to wear glasses he wasn’t so sure.

He immediately deemed the two annoying and moved on to the next group. This one seemed more collected, a bit isolated even. Three people talked quietly among themselves. Two purple suits and one dark, oversaturated, in Puffer’s opinion, blue. They glanced his way, pausing their conversation. Droid waved at them, catching others’ attention as well.

“New guy! New guy!” He cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted, making Puffer’s fins twitch from the volume. The polar bear seemed to feel his pain as he slapped his hands over his ears, glaring at Droid who ignored him.

The loud duo made their way towards the ship in record time, beaming smiles on their faces. He was able to see their features better as they climbed the ladder to stand beside him.

“Hello! I’m Blarg but you can call me Matt!” one of them shouted, making everyone around cringe. He didn’t seem to care as he forcefully took Puffer’s hand and shook it energetically.

“Is he high or something?” Pezzy muttered behind him eyeing the man warily. Puffer noticed Blarg’s suit wasn't as plain as he thought, having various stickers, mostly of frogs, that littered his chest, arms and legs.

“Jeez dude. Calm down a little will ya? Am Yumi and you can call us friends despite meeting only a few minutes ago.” The other said with an accent, his suit resembling a strawberry. Interesting choice but who was Puffer to judge. His wardrobe consisted of a teal colored skeleton costume with occasional splashes of magenta.

“The grumpy one over there is Rectrixx.” Yumi pointed towards the hybrid who shot him a middle finger, the other hand still covering his ear. “And I don’ know who the three over there are.” He pointed to the rest earning an eye roll from Matt.

“Eli, Tucker and Fl0m.” A voice suddenly said from above them, making almost everyone jump except Matt who waved happily at the man sitting on the roof.

“Hi Smii7y!” He yelled happily earning a chuckle from the other. "My god..." Breathed out Grizzy, clutching his chest dramatically. The mysterious guy threw his legs over the edge waving them back and forth. Only then did Puffer look up at him, sending a glare in his direction. The man’s face was hidden by his helmet, white like the rest of his suit. Only his colorful buttons stood out on the plain attire.

He titled his head, studying Puffer for a longer moment before another head popped out beside him. A long haired man with a beard and a mustache, his face painted with boredom waved back at Matt.

“Is he the last one? Can we leave already?” He whined dramatically leaning against Smii7y who didn’t seem to mind.

“Yeah. I think so. You can wake Tyler up now. Let him know we’re leaving.” Eli, the guy in an oversaturated, cough ugly cough suit, said as he entered the ship without looking back. The others followed him inside, some of whom Puffer hadn't spoken to yet acknowledging him with a nod or a smile. Droid dragged him along away from the entrance, allowing the tree from the roof to jump down and enter as well. A new addition to the already big crew was a bigger-sized man with a zebra themed suit and a pink visor which, opposite to Smii7y’s, allowed him to see his face. “Tyler.” Was all he said as he made his way towards the front of the machine.

“John?” Eli asked from near the terminal, his question directed to the bored man in baby blue suit with sunflower accents.

“At your service princess.” He bowed down jokingly and shut the door behind him earning a humorous exhale from Eli, who pulled a lever making the ship buzz and move, leaving the dock.

“So… What now?” Droid asked looking around the group, most of whom sat down in different places. They looked between eachother, unsure of how to respond. Droid sighed and dramatically flopped down onto the floor next to Pezzy who patted his back in reassurance.

“There is supposed to be an introduction video.” Smii7y grabbed their attention, saying casualy. He got up from his position next to John and walked over to the terminal. Droid observed him with confusion and interest, as the man clicked faster and faster on the terminal’s keyboard.

Suddenly the lights went out making a few people yelp in surprise, him included. A monitor fell from the roof, glitching slightly, then turning on, blinding them with a red-hued light, suddenly playing a recording with a slightly distorted voice. 

Welcome to the Company...

Chapter Text

It was silent inside the ship except for the static sound of the screen. A quick glance around confirmed that most people were shocked while some were still confused. The introduction video said all it had to say, explaining what they were here to do.

Scavengers. That's what they were. It wouldn't be all so bad if it weren't for the potential danger awaiting them on most if not all the moons they were supposed to visit. Smii7y now understood the purpose of the bestiary, though it only worsened his anxiety.

He stared at the wall, trying to comprehend all the given information. They can, will, get injured or even die during their days of work. And they have no say in whether they are willing to take that risk.

Every few days the quota will rise forcing them to gather more stuff to sell at the company - the dock they all have first woken up at - and taking higher risks in the meantime.

Well…

“...this sucks.” Matt mumbled next to him, finishing his exact thought. Even his energetic and optimistic energy was gone. Soft murmurs rose from the groups of people as they discussed their situation.

Grizzy was seemingly explaining the video to a confused Droid, whose face paled as the realization dawned on him. Next to the two, Pezzy looked about ready to pass out.

Eli’s face was turned away from Smii7y but his white-knuckled, clenched fist said it all. Tucker’s eyes were wide as he let out a long, tired sigh. Fl0m had his hand in his hair, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Tyler kept his expression straight, his stare at the screen unnerving. Smii7y quickly looked away, catching brief eye contact with Puffer, who tried to avoid it the moment the other noticed. His brows were furrowed, his expression angry.

John knocked his head against the wall catching Smii7y’s attention. He hummed acknowledgingly, turning towards the man.

“At least they'll pay us no?” He joked, trying to sound nonchalant, smirking slightly. This earned a scoff from Puffer who suddenly threw his helmet across the ship, startling Pezzy and Rectrixx, who after the news, sat on the bed with a haunted expression.

“Are you fucking kidding me??” He stood up, exclaiming angrily. Smii7y's eyes narrowed at his outburst which although reasonable, was unnecessary.

“Some random ass company kidnapped us, then erased our memories only to send us on a death expedition to bring them trash!? ” He said and gritted his teeth hard.

“Well, this is absurd.” Droid added, laughing nervously.

“Heck, it's fucking crazy! ” Puffer turned towards him, fists clenched. Droid raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Puffer, calm down.” Grizzy, who was now standing as well, placed his hand on the other’s shoulder trying to ground him.

“Your bitching won't do us any favors right now.” Eli added with a glare. Puffer was about to retaliate but was cut off by Yumi, who for some reason still had a beaming smile plastered on his face.

“Yea man, take a chill pill! Think of it as…” He hummed thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. “Oh! A fun little adventure!” He exclaimed happily snapping his fingers, which only seemed to fuel Puffer’s anger more.

“Let's be reasonable.” Eli said, ignoring Yumi and turning towards the terminal. “There is no way around it, you saw it.” He said without taking his eyes off the screen. 

At everyone's words of affirmation, Puffer seemed to give up, throwing his hand in the air and groaning angrily.

“We will be cautious, see what we have to deal with.” He typed on the keyboard, eyes scanning the screen.

“Whatcha doing?” Tucker said from the floor, raising a curious eyebrow. “I have to choose a moon for us to land.” Eli answered, still glued to the monitor.

“Don't do us dirty. Pick something non-threatening for beginners!” Pezzy's head popped next to the man on the terminal, who only glanced at him surprised and nodded, then returned to typing.

As the self-proclaimed pilot worked on their landing choice, the group, trying to relax, decided to talk amongst each other.

“Why are you so angry?” Yumi turned towards Puffer, asking innocently.

“Why are you so goddamn happy?” The fish man retaliated, narrowing his eyes and crossing his arms. He sat back down next to Grizzy, who still had a hand placed on his shoulder.

“Do you guys really don't remember anything at all as well?” The man next to Tucker, Fl0m, asked, joining in the conversation. They all nodded in confirmation.

“Do you remember your fears?” A question by Matt, not creepy at all, followed Fl0ms, as he looked between everyone. At the lack of answers and the awkward silence, his smile dropped.

“Let me clarify.” He gestured with his hands, clearing his throat. “Do you remember what makes you uncomfortable? Anything you want to share with the class? We're going to be stuck with each other for probably a very long time…”

Or forever. Smii7y's mind supplied, making him cringe. His hand wandered to nervously tap at his helmet still firmly placed on his head.

“Matt's right.” He caught everyone's attention. “We should try and make this time enjoyable for everybody.”

They remained silent before Grizzy exhaled loudly. “I'm glad you asked.” He said, sounding relieved. “No - and I mean under no circumstances - sneaking up on me.” He said firmly, pointing around the room. “Unless you want a fist to the face, then go for it.” He shrugged, earning a few snickers and chuckles.

“Yeah no. I wouldn't want to sneak up on a big guy like you. No offense.” Droid shook his head, sending an apologetic smile towards the man who returned it with a soft “ Non taken”.

“Same with me. I might not punch like this guy, but I will absolutely freak out.” Pezzy spoke next, a serious look on his face, which made Smii7y smirk under his helmet.

“You got it bros!” Yumi shot them a wide smile, pointing at them with finger guns. 

Few more people went on with their requests after that.

John asked to never be left alone, not for his own safety but theirs, which caused nervous laughter among the group and a glare from Puffer.

Droid described to them how he would easily fumble if he was expected to solve any logical puzzles under intense stress. Smii7y could relate. They assured him they would avoid doing that.

Tyler just shrugged saying he wanted his well-deserved, undisturbed sleep. His request was upvoted rather quickly as everyone agreed with him.

Rectrixx absolutely refused to go into extremely cramped spaces, especially alone, and asked to give him some space. Reasonable.

Matt and Yumi didn't ask for anything, only to let them have their fun, which was fair and the group easily agreed.

Eli asked to be the leader of the group. The responsible one making choices. A big request but Tucker, Fl0m, and Smii7y himself supported his request. After a quick discussion, some complaints mainly from Puffer, and questions from Grizzy they agreed. It was the first time Eli smiled as he thanked them, promising to do his best.

Tucker said he didn't need anything as long as he was entertained. So did Fl0m, saying he would be fine as long as there was food and a nice place to rest.

When it came to Smii7y he didn't say anything. Not that he doesn't have any fears or requests - he absolutely does. It's just that he wasn't sure he trusted them all yet. Especially not the man across from him, who was currently staring at him.

Puffer remained silent for the majority of their exchanges, glaring, huffing, and eye-rolling at everything and everyone. When it was his turn he barked out how annoying everyone was and to simply leave him alone.

Not that anyone would want to spend their time with the guy .

Smii7y rolled his eyes, deciding to limit his interactions with the man in the future.

As they settled into smaller groups, they chatted among themselves. Smii7y decided to nag their pilot a bit, walking over to the terminal and leaning on the other's shoulder, which he seemed to not mind.

“Have you chosen the moon yet Eli?” He asked, eyes on the screen. “Yea.” He pointed to the big letters reading Experimentation.

“It's risk level B…” He pointed out, glancing at the other, who shrugged making Smii7y's body follow the movement.

“It is said to be beginner-friendly despite the misleading B rating.” Eli explained, clicking on the name, showing Smii7y the detailed description of the moon.

There wasn't any map or any lead as to how the moon looked and what could await them. Eli sensed his growing uneasiness and booped his helmet lightly.

“It'll be fine. We’ll scout the area first instead of jumping head first into the unknown.” He reassured as he motioned for Smii7y to move, standing up when he did so.

“I'm glad we made you our leader.” He said and he meant it, bumping their shoulders in a friendly manner.

“Oh shut up.” Eli chuckled, smacking him on the helmet and making him laugh.

“No fighting in the ship.” Tucker butted in, his hands on his hips, an easygoing smirk on his face.

“Sorry mom. ” Smii7y mocked, dodging to the side as the said man went to smack his head as well. “You just said no fighting!” He yelped and dodged another strike.

“Those rules don't apply to me. I made them!” Tucker huffed out a laugh, finally stopping his attacks. Smii7y stuck out his tongue in the man's direction but quickly retracted it as he realized the gesture went unseen under his helmet.

“We have an hour and a half to kill before we land so get comfy.” Eli announced addressing everybody.

“Wanna play a game?” Matt shouted, pulling a deck of cards from his suit pocket. “Whoever loses goes out first!” Without waiting for an answer he began shuffling the deck.

“Why not?” Droid shrugged and sat beside him. Few others joined them while the rest watched as Matt swiftly tossed the cards between every player.

“How do you play?” Pezzy asked skeptically, analyzing the cards.

“It's UNO! You know the rules.” He dismissed him with a wave of his hand and placed the first card. “Right…” The soda man mumbled, tossing his own.

The game continued for the whole duration of their journey. Occasional triumphal shouts or angry curses could be heard as the group kept each other entertained.

Yumi was the first to lose, not seeming to mind his failure, rather being happy at the exploring he got to do.

In the next round, Tucker finished Pezzy with a plus four which led him to his success. The loser groaned, seemingly regretting his decision. Droid promised to avenge him, only to lose as well.

The three were deemed the expedition team, joined by Smii7y, Fl0m, and surprisingly Puffer. Eli looked skeptical at Puffer's decision to join them, only agreeing to this arrangement if he and Fl0m joined. Surprisingly, Smii7y agreed without too much thought behind his decision.

Good job Smii7y.  

“Alright. We have 10 minutes before we land. You guys know what’s up, right?” Eli asked, waiting for their confirmation. They all nodded in unison, Droid and Yumi doing so rather energetically.

“You guys are excited!” Grizzy exclaimed, smacking their back softly. “Heck yea! Fuck the company. If it’s as cool as it sounds I might just do it willingly!” Yumi laughed, going for a high five with Matt who, not expecting it, missed miserably.

“Oh god…” Pezzy gulped as he looked nervously at Droid who shot him a toothy grin, which did nothing to ease the former’s anxiety.

Smii7y could relate as he was extremely worried himself. He tried to look less like he felt by putting his hand in his suit’s pockets and relaxing his posture. He felt a pair of eyes watching him and a quick look around confirmed it to be Puffer’s gaze. He stared back, why wouldn’t he?

The other scoffed and looked away leaving Smii7y confused. He had his arms crossed over his chest, an annoyed expression on his face. From the very start, he seemed untrustworthy so nobody could blame Smii7y for feeling uneasy about going into the unknown with the guy. He only agreed because Eli asked.

The ship hummed as it slightly shook, making them stumble. There was a soft thud as they landed, the doors opening automatically. Smii7y held his breath peaking outside and taking a quick look around.

“Huh.” Voiced out Yumi, scratching his head. “It looks boring…”

“Safe. Good enough for us.” Eli corrected taking a step back. The expedition team turned to face him, expecting more instructions. “Good luck.” Was all he said instead.

“Don’t die!” Matt added as one by one they left the ship. John and Tucker stood next to him waving them goodbye. Yumi enthusiastically returned the gesture as the crew slowly descended onto the ground, taking their first steps on their new career path.

Literally.

Chapter Text

His boots hit the ground hard, the gravity didn’t seem to be any different than normally. A quick glance behind told him the rest followed his suit. Their helmets reflected the slightly red star rising above them.

The air was dirty, dust could be seen flying around Puffer, but thanks to his helmet, he was able to breathe just fine. The moon itself was rather plain, boring even as the annoying one said. Few dead trees were scattered around the soiled, rough hills and bushes.

In the distance he could see the factory that their self-proclaimed leader told them about, with train carts higher on the concrete plateau and energy poles running along it. Looking to the right, a bit further away, there was a structure which looked like an old water tower and a similar looking one on the right, closer to the ship.

He began to walk in the factory’s direction but was quickly stopped by an arm thrown around his shoulder.

“What do you think? It’s not so bad huh.” Droid asked as he gestured around. Puffer rolled his eyes and shrugged himself free from the other’s hold. He didn’t seem offended by that as he moved on to bother nervous Pezzy.

He moved again and once again was stopped as the purple-suited man started shouting. “Yo guys? Shouldn’t we check out those structures first?” He pointed to a rusting warehouse which Puffer didn’t notice before. He paused, considering his options. 

He settled on following his original plan and entering the main factory first.

“Yea Eli said to scout the area.” The white themed man said, adding to his growing frustration. 

“Hello?” He directed his question at Puffer. His voice and behaviour, from the very start, made him fume from the inside.

“I don’t care.” He shot back, not turning to look at them as he resumed his walk. Ignoring any more shouts in his direction, he made his way over to the ladder and climbed it quickly. Peeking around the train, he took in his surroundings.

There, in a recess in the wall, was the entrance. Double, metal doors beside some tanks and pipes. Puffer walked over to them, running his hand across the old but still shiny surface.

“Are we goin’ in?” A voice suddenly spoke from behind him, making him panic internally. He turned around, annoyed to see the robot man and his short friend. “This place looks dope as hell!” He moved past Puffer, opening the doors and holding them open.

The fish man let out a tired sigh as he accepted his fate and went inside, being quickly followed by the other two.

They stared at the retrieving form of their comrades, led to the entrance by Puffer. Smii7y was quite impressed but also worried at Pezzy’s and Droid’s decision to join, and therefore trust, the man he deemed disobedient.

“Should we..?” Yumi looked unsure of what to do or say, scratching at his helmet.

“We should take a look around here. Let them be.” Fl0m declared with a curt nod and turned towards the warehouse. Yumi exchanged looks with Smii7y, who shrugged and followed the other.

The strawberry-colored man looked back one last time before running up to the two. They approached the old building, a whistle of the wind following them inside.

“Damn it’s old!” Yumi’s shout echoed inside. “And empty.” Added Fl0m, quieter than the former. There was nothing in said warehouse besides a dead tree and a large mass of dust everywhere.

“No dangerous stuff. Good spot to hide.” Smii7y reasoned while looking around. “Should we continue?” He addressed the two, who nodded and proceeded to leave.

As they stepped outside, the wind seemed to pick up on speed, dusting their visors. They could still see the ship not too far beside the hill.

“Where to now?” Fl0m questioned. Smii7y glanced back and forth between the two water towers.

“Let's go to that water tower further away. We will check the other one on our way back to the ship.” He concluded, clasping his hands together.

“Good thinking!” Yumi slapped him on the back like a proud father would and pointing at the water tower added: “But I ain't going to climb that.”

“I think it's best if you do it Smii7y. My weight might be problematic.” Fl0m chuckled, adding his own slap to the collection.

“Okay okay! Stop hitting me!” He yelped, staggering a bit before standing up straight. The two grinned innocently and urged him towards the tower.

Smii7y rolled his eyes but made his way towards the ladder. He looked up at it, only now noticing how high the water tower really was.

“We'll be waiting right here!” Yumi exclaimed, Fl0m nodding along. “We'll catch you if you fall.” The latter added.

“I won't.” Smii7y sounded way more confident than he felt. Nonetheless, he started climbing the structure. Slowly but surely.

The tower wobbled slightly from time to time sending dust down on his companions and Smii7y into small panic attacks.

On his way up he occasionally looked over the landscape, looking for anything and nothing in particular. He spotted fences which separated hectares of what looked to be quicksand from the factory's land.

A mental note was made to not step too far away into those. He quickly climbed up top, taking a momentary break to calm his slightly fastened heartbeat.

The walking space on the tower was rather narrow. Smii7y carefully checked it all around, finding only an old cassette titled “Swing of things - Aug 27, 1968”.

He was expecting to come out empty handed yet here he was. Surprised by his finding.

“Smii7y?! You found anything??” Yumi shouted from the bottom, the wind drowning out his voice.

Said man leaned slightly over the railing, cautiously showing them his finding.

“What's that??” Fl0m questioned, cupping his hands over his mouth so the man on top could hear him.

“A cassette!!” Smii7y yelled back as he made his way towards the leader to climb it down, pocketing the said object in his suit.

“What??” They continued to ask as Smii7y slowly took his first steps down, ignoring them in order to focus on climbing safely.

The wind suddenly picked up again, blowing more dust onto his helmet, making his vision unclear. He struggled to see the ladder so he opted to clean it with one hand.

Taking into consideration his current predicament it might've not been the smartest move, as the wind blew even harder making the whole construction wobble and Smii7y to struggle.

His fear spiked as he stumbled on the ladder, his foot slipping and his hand barely catching the step, keeping him from falling.

There were more shouts, those sounding way more panicked than before, but he couldn't focus as the blood in his head and the loud wind blowing drowned out any sounds.

His whole body shook, be it from fear or adrenaline spike, as he clutched the ladder for dear life. He hoped- prayed, that the wind would stop or at least slow down.

It seemed like it had his own plans as it blew harder. The tower now shook violently along with Smii7y.

His white-knuckled grip seemingly wasn't enough as he felt his hand let go against his will, making him tumble to the ground.

Well, that journey ended fast.

The last thing he heard was his name and a crack that followed.

“Whoaaa… This is sick!” Droid’s beaming voice echoed around the dimly lit halls. He looked like a child in a candy store which made Pezzy snort.

Once they entered through the doubled doors, the first thing he noticed was a soft buzzing sound in the air. He looked up to see the culprit of said noise, which was a big fan, spinning fast, behind which a window to the sky could be seen.

Pezzy found the noise comforting, though he suspected it'll become a reminder of all that's bad in the future.

He sighed as he took in his surroundings. The company's love for concrete seemed to apply for this environment as well with an added accent of metal sheets everywhere.

The floor, much like the one on their ship, was made out of grated steel, with occasional cables running below.

There were three halls, each going in a different direction. One was very, very dark, so Pezzy automatically crossed this one out for someone else to sightsee.

“Shouldn't we like- get the others too?” He turned towards the two men, Droid too in awe to acknowledge his question. Puffer only frowned and walked into the darkest hall without a word.

Pezzy must've visibly paled because seconds later a long sigh could be heard and a returning figure of Puffer came back into his view, arms crossed.

“We'll vaguely check out the area, then call in the others.” He said, voice stern but not rude like any other time he spoke.

“Can we get movin’? Let's go there!” Droid took Pezzy's hand dragging him along into the, thankfully, lit hallway on the right. The fish man rolled his eyes, he seemed to do that quite a lot, and followed after them.

“Droid.” The man being dragged, tried but failed at reaching his eager friend.

“C’mon Pezzy! Puffer!” His head was all over the place as he scanned every corner of every room and hallway. They were mostly industrialised, all looking similar with the same design as the entrance.

They entered another room and a sudden gasp nearly made Pezzy jump out of his skin. He quickly regained his composure as Droid let go of his hand and reached down to pick up what looked like their first piece of loot.

“Low and behold..!” Trying to go for a dramatic pause, Droid presented them with “A big-ass nut!”

Pezzy stared at him unamused.

“Oh come on! It's our first finding! Be more excited.” The other whined as he turned to Puffer with pleading eyes.

“Uh-huh.” He said dismissively, not even looking at Droid as he walked over to one of the shelves and picked his own object up.

“Well that's just unfair!” The robotic man groaned dramatically as Pezzy raised an eyebrow questioningly.

Puffer, for what seemed like the first time since they met, grinned, although quite maniacally, as he held a large-sized stop sign in his hands.

Pezzy's eyes shot wide open. He could only imagine himself with the thing. If he were to gold it he would literally get crushed with how big it looked in Puffer's hands.

“Hell yeah. Now that's a finding!” He shot Droid a shit-eating grin. The other just huffed and stuck out his tongue, forgetting he had a helmet on and dirtying his visor from the inside. He quickly scrambled to clean it before he instantly got distracted by something else, staring into one of the darker hallways with a confused look on his face.

Cute.

Pezzy thought and he paused.

He didn't have much time to think what exactly it was that he just thought about, before Puffer pulled him by the collar of his suit, harshly.

He stumbled, landing against a wall but managed to stay upright. He was about to yell at the other when Droid suddenly screamed.

A rustling like sound and purring could be heard as something seemed to approach rapidly.

Pezzy felt light-headed as he watched a tall, black monster with white beady eyes enter the room.

Before anyone could react, the creature snapped Droid's head with a sickening crack, killing him instantly and taking his body, retreating quickly into the shadows.

His legs gave out as he slid down the wall onto the floor, staring wide eyed at the door into which the monster took Droid's lifeless body.

They had only known each other for a few hours but the guy seemed so familiar.

He didn't make any warning bells ring in Pezzy's mind whenever he spoke or touched him - unlike the others.

Droid was the only person Pezzy really trusted, the only one he could truly bonded with during this short period of time.

And now he's gone. 

He watched, helplessly as death took his only friend away. Nothing was left in the place he stood before.

Only his precious piece of loot.

Chapter Text

Their visibility grew worse as the wind grew stronger and more dust was blown into the air.

With the camera mounted on the ship, Eli could only vaguely make out figures from the distance.

He leaned closer to the monitor, narrowing his eyes but deemed the action useless and quickly gave up.

He sighed and sat back down in the chair, opting to wait and see what would happen next.

“How long has it been?” Grizzy asked, sitting next to a now less anxious Rectrixx.

Tucker rolled up his sleeve jokingly. “I believe…” He paused and quickly glanced at the terminal before looking back at Grizzy smugly. “Around 20 minutes.”

“20 minutes of sightseeing?” Rectrixx rose an eyebrow questioningly. The bear man next to him shrugged and stood up with a grunt.

“I guess we gotta find our expeditors, no?” His stance was determined, waiting for Eli's green light.

But he hesitated, holding his hand in the air to ask for a moment to think.

Looking back at the monitor, he noticed the figures who seemed to slowly approach the ship.

“I think they're coming back.” His eyes never left the screen as others approached curious.

“That can't be all of them right?” John pointed with his finger which Eli slapped away so as to not dirty the screen. He retreated his hand with an offended “Asshole”.

“Did they lose somebody?” Matt sighed like a disappointed mother jokingly. “Can't even sightsee properly.” Rectrixx joined in grinning teasingly. The two snickered silently as the rest grew uneasy.

“Look. It's only two of them!” Tucker exclaimed, slight worry in his voice. At that the joking duo paused, as did everyone else in the ship.

“Who is that?” Grizzy questioned, an anxious feeling rising in his chest.

The remaining crew watched as the two approached the ship. The figures became clearer the closer they got. 

Grizzy took off first, running to open the door and fetch his visibly traumatised friends.

Puffer was carrying a rusted stop sign and a seemingly stern expression. His eyes were, however, telling a much different story.

Pezzy on the other hand looked like a wreck of a human. His gaze was unfocused, his expression haunted, full of despair and fear. He looked pale, very pale, Eli noted.

Grizzy's eyes locked onto Puffer's who didn't look away like he always did. A silent conversation between the two and something struck the bear hybrid.

“Where's Droid..?” His voice was soft, not a hint of his real anxiety in it. The softness didn't ease the blow however, as all the colour that was left on Pezzy's face drained fully momentarily.

He breathed shakily, his eyes wide, looking on the ground, unseeing.

Eli felt his own face pale as his fist clenched hard. He shuffled back inside, searching the monitors. Once he found what he was looking for, he clicked the buttons, changing from one person to another until he landed on Droid’s display.

Unmoving and surrounded by red dots.

“Is he..?” Rectrixx began, his voice barely above whisper. “Dead.” Eli finished.

This seemed to prompt Pezzy back to life, as tears started streaming down his face under his helmet. Grizzy quickly took it off, not wasting a moment to hug and comfort the other.

Puffer made his way inside, shoving anyone who stood on his way. He repeated his action from earlier, taking off and throwing his helmet on the ground, as well as the sign he found.

When John went to pick it up he barked a warning “Don't touch it!” through gritted teeth and went straight to the terminal.

“Puffer what-” Eli was about to ask about the events that took place outside but the other pushed him away, stepping towards the screens.

Tucker caught the stumbling man, sending a half-hearted glare towards the other.

Puffer stared at the monitor displaying Droid before turning towards the keyboard, aggressively typing.

Everyone but Grizzy, Pezzy and Rectrixx followed the letters on the screen carefully. A confirmation beep from the machine made them all hold their breath.

Bracken (Flower Man)

Was evident on the monitor.

“Sigurd's danger level: 70%..?” Tucker read out loud, confused. “Is this a monster? Did you encounter it?” He looked at Puffer hesitatingly.

“It killed Droid.” Was all he said before he turned around kicking his helmet still on the floor, frustrated. “I fucking scanned it while it was walking away. With dead Droid.” His voice was loud and angry.

Grizzy, still holding Pezzy, tried to reach out for him but the furious man smacked his hand away.

They stayed silent for a longer while, some still trying to comprehend the news, others worrying and mourning silently.

John was the first to break the silence. “What about the others?” His tone sounded indifferent but his eyes full of worry betrayed him.

Eli blinked, quickly realising what his friend meant. He turned towards Puffer, who was about ready to shout a series of curses at the other but paused, his mouth hanging open before closing abruptly.

“We split.” Was all he said before he picked his slightly scratched helmet and put it on. He was clearly about to go out again when, surprisingly, Tyler stopped him.

“Let's form a plan no?” He reasoned, turning towards Eli and giving him a firm nod. “This one’s surely not going.” He pointed towards Pezzy, silently standing between Grizzy and Rectrixx, the haunted expression from earlier back on his face.

Puffer narrowed his eyes but stayed silent, opting to instead stare expectedly at Eli.

Said man took a moment to breathe in and out, and think. “Pezzy, Rectrixx, Grizzy - you three are staying here.” He eyed the trio.

Pezzy didn't move or acknowledge his words, Rectrixx looked relieved and Grizzy looked troubled but nodded nonetheless.

“Puffer, Tyler - you're going to retrieve Droid's body if possible.” As he spoke, he turned to the said pair. Both looked rather unhappy about the task they've been given. “No?” Eli raised his eyebrow, his expression challenging.

“I've read about it and I can handle it.” The angry man huffed, picking up his stop sign. Tyler sighed, then shrugged, then nodded, finally agreeing.

“Me, Tucker, Matt and John are going to look for the other three.” Listed men all nodded determined. Eli then looked around, addressing everybody. “Regardless if we succeed in our tasks or not, we should then go search for loot.”

“I forgot about that!” Tyler bumped his fist against his open palm as he finished getting ready. His helmet had additional two pig ears which made Eli question whether he was also a hybrid.

“Right, the stupid quota.” Murmured Tucker, who also put on his own helmet. Others quickly followed suit excluding the three meant to stay on the ship.

As one by one they left, Puffer describing all he saw inside in detail, Eli stopped by Grizzy. “Take care of him while we're gone, okay?” He placed a hand on the taller's shoulder, squeezing it lightly.

“Of course.” He looked determined. As Eli resumed walking, Grizzy squeezed his shoulder back, stopping the man.

"Don't let anyone else die today, okay?” He returned the gesture, his eyes full off sadness and worry.

“Of course.”

Chapter Text

“Are you okay? Please tell me you’re okay.” Yumi hovered his hands nervously over the other two laying on the ground.

Smii7y groaned, pushing himself up shakily, moving away from Fl0m whom he landed on. His visor had a visible, nasty crack on it, his uniform dirtied.

“I’ll be bruised but it’s fine.” Fl0m wheezed from the floor giving the nervous man a thumbs up. He too, had dust all over his suit.

Yumi turned back towards the other who was now sitting next to the the man on the ground, shaking slightly as his hand rested on his helmet.

“Hey, you good?” He smiled softly, kneeling down. “We told you we’ll catch you.” Fl0m added, sitting up as well.

“And I told you I wouldn’t fall.” Smii7y reminded, sighing shakily. “Sorry.” He added silently moments later.

“Man you nearly died! What are you apologising for?” Yumi exclaimed, putting his hands on both of other’s shoulders and squeezing lightly. This action was meant to reassure the still shaking man but also calm Yumi himself.

Smii7y simply pointed towards Fl0m who was massaging his shoulder with a slightly pained expression on his face, which quickly changed to annoyed once he noticed the two staring.

“It’s just a bruise bruh. I told you I’ll be fine.” He huffed smacking his shoulder half-heartedly. When Smii7y didn’t react the two looked between each other worriedly. “Are you good tho?” He added uncertain.

“I’m a bit out of it, honestly.” Smii7y answered, softer than before. “Thought it was the end.” Chuckling nervously, he pulled his shaking hand away and stared at it, before dropping his head and exhaling a ragged breath.

“You did give us a bit of a scare man.” Yumi rubbed his shoulder, grinning nervously. They all sat on the ground, the wind picking up, as they calmed down from the adrenaline spike.

“Should we head back? Are you two able to?” The strawberry man offered, glancing back and forth between his companions.

“Fully capable of walking.” Fl0m informed, standing up and walking circles around them.

“Yea, me too. But what about the expedition?” Smii7y reminded. Yumi followed suit and stood up as well, offering a helping hand for the last, who took it with a grunt.

“We only have that tower left, no?” The trio looked towards the said structure and Yumi grimaced. “I don’t know about that. Nobody’s gonna climb it after that.” He shook his head, gesticulating with his hands.

The other two agreed. “Yeah, hell no.” Fl0m declared, crossing his hands. “Never again.” Smii7y mumbled and shivered.

“Anything else then?” Yumi wondered. The inside - his mind supplied. “Puffer and the others have the inside covered I think.”

“Shouldn’t we join them?” As they started walking subconsciously, Smii7y suggested, however unsure.

“Maybe we go back to the ship and join with everyone else?” Yumi contargumented, taking the lead, the other two following him close behind.

“We were chosen as the expedition team for a reason Yumi.” Fl0m chimed in, Smii7y humming thoughtfully but agreeing.

They waked towards the opening between the main entrance and the ship, weighting their options.

In the end they opted to examine the area near the main building. A quick walk by the second water tower and a nervous climb on the ladder (SMii7y being the nervous climber, the other two the nervous watchers), they found themselves looking around the carts and double doors.

“Nothing’s here really!” Fl0m shouted from near the further carts. “Booooring.” Yumi retaliated, walking the opposite way.

He followed the tall concreted wall with his eyes, spotting an opening with long pipes running perpendicularly to it.

“Hey guys! There’s an alleyway here!” He called out to the others, immediately catching their attention. The trio walked over to the narrow alley, hesitating.

“There’s stairs.” Fl0m stated the obvious.

“And another entrance inside.” Yumi added.

Smii7y stayed silent, watching down the alley. “And nothing else.” He said moments later.

After their silent conversation, they made up their minds. Yumi led the group up the stairs, pausing in front of the vivid, red door.

“A fire exit huh. So they are capable of safety measures.” Smii7y pushed the door open, joking sarcastically.

They entered the dark halls with concrete walls and metal floors. The atmosphere was eerily creepy. “Stay on alert.” Fl0m half-whispered, stepping cautiously forward.

“Man now this is epic.” Yumi mumbled, his voice filled with excitement to which Smii7y only rolled his eyes. Remembering their gear, he went to scan the area. A few objects popped up with blue names assigned to them, and a red one further down the hall.

“Hell yeah! Loot!” Yumi suddenly yelled, making Smii7y jump in panic. “My bad.” He corrected in a hushed tone.

“There’s something else here too. It popped up as a red box, down the hallway.” The two turned to look towards the direction he pointed. Yumi had to squint his eyes to vaguely make out a dark figure.

Two white dots suddenly appeared in the darkness and the three ducked for the nearest room to hide in.

“What the fuck!? What the fuck was that!?” Yumi whisper-yelled in a panicked voice, his arms extended protectively over the other two hugging the wall.

“A monster! Fucking hell!” Fl0m breathed out, shaking his head nervously. “Hopefully it leaves us the fuck alone.” He added after he calmed a bit.

“Guys there was something else.” Smii7y caught their attention, his voice in disbelieve. “I might have an idea about what happened to the others.” whispering, he peeked around the corned, Yumi and Fl0m following his action.

There, down the hall, at the creature’s feet, layed a dead body.

Droid’s dead body.

Puffer clutched his stop sign with a white knuckled grip. He grit his teeth, standing before the main entrance.

“Motherfucker, do you know what near activity detected means?” Tyler spat, his hands on his hips, blocking the other from entering.

“I don’t fucking care! There’s bound to be monsters. Duh- I saw one!” His grip tightened. Pushing past Tyler he tried to open the door. His companion however, stopped his hand mid air, spinning him around and slamming against the cold metal.

“Listen here Mister I hate everyone and everything. You might have a dead wish but I would actually like to make it to the other day.” He lowered his voice, narrowing his eyes as his hands remained on Puffer’s shoulders strongly holding him in place.

“Whatever it is inside, however you think you’ll handle it - it’s dangerous. You open that door, this thing might charge at as momentarily.” He tried to reason, growing annoyed with every word.

“We already have one body to recover. If you don’t want anymore of those - hold your horses and think. Use that fish brain of yours.” Tyler finally let go, stepping back, giving Puffer his space back.

He remained in place, looking down at the sign in his hands. The image of Droid’s body being dragged away by that monster played before his eyes again. He vaguely remembers dragging Pezzy outside in panic. He might’ve slammed the doors a few times too hard on his way as well.

Shaking his head and the memories away he looked up at the pig man. “Fine. If not this way - there has to be another.” He huffed, scoffing under his helmet.

The other shot him a victorious smirk and a nod, before looking around for another entrance.

“Now to find this badboy…” He stepped further towards the train carts, looking at the wall from right to left.

“There?” Puffer pointed to a passageway between the two concrete buildings.

“Let’s give it a try.” Tyler agreed motioning for the other to lead. Puffer did, clutching his sign close in case of another surprise attack.

They noticed the stairway, glancing at eachother and silently deciding to go up. As they climbed to the top, they paused before the fire entrance which Puffer, without hesitation, kicked down.

Tyler stared unamused, and followed him inside. The hallways were dark, darker than the ones Puffer wandered before. It was also louder than before. There were noises coming down the hall making both men uneasy and anxious.

“Let's get going. The quicker we get Droid, the sooner we can leave this goddamn place.” Tyler mumbled, pushing past Puffer and walking down the hallway.

“Remember to scan.” The fish man reminded as he kept close distance. Tyler did as he was told, using his helmet to scout his surroundings.

Pausing and looking around, he noticed a previously missed by them pile of scrap laying by the door.

“Huh. Convenient.” He commented and moved on. Puffer sent a quick glance towards what Tyler mentioned and went after him.

Continuing down the hallway, it remained plain and empty. They made it to a fork in the hall pausing to decide on their way.

That's when they heard a rustling sound. The same sound that made Puffer's blood boil and his face pale. He clenched his sign impossibly hard, taking a step forward in front of Tyler.

“Stay back!” He ordered angrily, looking around frantically. 

“Is this the motherfucker?” Tyler asked from behind him, looking around as well.

Puffer nodded and moved further into the hallway. His eyes searched for the monsters, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

He heard the same rustling sound behind him, panicked, he turned around quickly and met face to face with the monster.

It was tall, taller than Puffer with an open and moving rib cage and wide shoulders. It reached its clawed hands towards him with an overwhelming speed. He couldn't dodge or swing.

Looks like he'll be joining Droid soon.

But before the creature's claws could reach him, he was yanked to the side harshly but away from the Bracken’s path.

He fell into the room, landing on the person responsible for his rescue.

Puffer was sure to hear an earful from Tyler now that the other had to save him.

“I was happy to see you're alive so maybe don't die too quickly ‘kay?” The person who turned out to not be Tyler wheezed from under him.

Puffer quickly got to his feet, clenching his sign and turning around to face the other.

He was met with four different pairs of eyes.

“That's where you’ve been!” Yumi exclaimed happily earning a shush from Tyler and a slap to the chest by Fl0m.

The fourth man, still on the floor, sat up slowly, his hand wandering to his helmet, which Puffer noticed was damaged.

Taking a closer look the three looked rather battered. He huffed and stuck his hand out unexpectedly. The sitting man looked at him dumbfounded, or so Puffer assumed as his visor hid his face.

“Offer won't stand forever.” He barked after a moment of silence. Only then did the other take his hand and stood up.

What was his name again?

“You didn't plan on fighting that thing did you?” The now standing man asked with a hint of sass in his voice.

Puffer rolled his eyes, shoulder checking the other to walk deeper inside the room. “We're here to retrieve Droid's body.” He stated, his voice cold.

“Ah well.” Fl0m clasped his hands together to which Yumi shushed him in return but chirped a bit too enthusiastically: “We did that for you!”

He then proceeded to walk over to, what Puffer scanned to be, the body of their companion.

Droid still had his helmet on, however it was turned away from the way it should be facing indicating his snapped neck. Bits and traces of blood were lingering at the collar of his suit.

The sight made Puffer… angry. Frustrated that he could save him, could fight that damn monster.

The others must've sensed his growing fury as Tyler put a comforting but strong hand on his shoulder.

“Let's take him back and fetch the others.” Fl0m tried to reason, looking out the hallway and scanning for the beast.

“Let's not show that to Pezzy tho.” Tyler cringed and moved to pick up the dead man. After securing him in his arms he turned to face the others.

“We put some loot near the exit so we can take that too.” Yumi pointed out, already walking out the room.

“How thoughtful.” The bigger man rolled his eyes and followed after him, Fl0m following suit, scanning his surroundings.

Puffer lingered in the room alone, weighing his options. His emotions couldn't let him leave this monster to be. He wanted to kill that motherfucker-

“Don't do that.” A voice from earlier spoke, making Puffer turn around rapidly.

The man in the white suit leaned on the wall with his arms crossed. He was staring, or so the fish man assumed.

Puffer raised a challenging eyebrow, moving towards him. “What, are you going to try and stop me?” He sneered leaning closer, invading the others' space.

“Honestly, no. Fuck you.” He said the last part with so much venom, it took Puffer by surprise. “But I highly doubt the other would be happy with me. So I might have to.” Added the man before him.

Puffer stared, trying to make sense of this response, of this person at all-

“What's your name anyway?” He opted to ask instead.

The shorter man snorted and moved to leave the room, Puffer subconsciously following.

They silently made it to the exit where Yumi was picking last pieces of loot. Puffer watched as the nameless man helped his friend out, taking some of the object from his hands into his own.

As the strawberry man left through the fire exit, he turned to face Puffer “Name's Smii7y dumbass.” and followed Yumi outside.

Left standing inside alone, Puffer could simply turn back and fight against the creature he vowed to end.

But he didn't.

Instead he followed the group outside and

down the stairs.

Holding his stop sign loosely in his arms. The others holding pieces of scrap and the lifeless body of their unfortunate teammate.

In silence, they walked back to the ship.

Smii7y huh..?

Chapter Text

“I'm bored.” John whined for what felt like the eighteenth time as they checked yet again the warehouse near the ship for any sight of their crew members.

“Me too buddy, me too…” Matt patted him on the shoulder sympathetically, the motion familiar by now to both of them. 

They spend the better of their time outside wandering around the structures in search of their friends, even going as far as doing so multiple times but always coming empty handed.

The planet's weather increasingly worsened, the wind was picking up rapidly blowing dust everywhere making the already bad visibility in the eye of the night even worse.

John wouldn't allow himself to show his concern at the lack of any sign from the others, at the lack of the expedition team - his, well, friends, he supposed.

He wasn't one to get attached quickly, opting to stay silent around others, occasionally shooting a sassy remark or a bored quip. The only two he felt slightly, let's say, familiar with were Matt - currently standing by his side beaming with energy, and Smii7y - currently missing.

Shit.

Eli paced anxiously around the inside of the warehouse whereas Tucker had somehow found himself up on the balcony, onlooking the outside around the building through the railing.

“Nothing?” The former asked, looking up at the man.

“Nothing.” Tucker shook his head with a resigned sigh, before abruptly leaning forwards spotting something in the distance. “Or actually… Yeah there they are!” He exclaimed happily, waving in the direction of the main building.

The trio hurriedly left to stare at the bigger group in the distance. Eli let out a relieved half laugh, half choked sound as he began to walk in their direction.

“Wait.” Tucker warned, trying to lean even further as his shoulder, which slumped in relief earlier, started to stiffen with what they assumed was wariness.

“What? What is it?” Eli questioned, annoyed. He turned towards the man, however, still keeping his eye on the group.

“What… There's a dog? With like- big ass mouth- oh god…” The man explained rather poorly in John's opinion, his voice leaking with fear.

He quickly made his way down, looking at them desperately, shooting nervous glances at Eli who had his gaze still glued to the approaching crew.

John followed his line of sight, his eyes landing on the group suddenly scattering in all directions as the big, black mass of… something charged at them with inhumane speed.

The creature's teeth were sharp and fucking enormous so much so they couldn't even fit in it's big mouth, it's legs were significantly smaller than the rest of its weirdly shaped body. Overall, it looked quite out of a horror movie.

Suddenly, the creature charged at someone again, this time taking whoever was unfortunate enough in its big jaws and with what John could only imagine as a sick crack breaking them in half, before shaking them violently and throwing their body somewhere behind it.

The four of them stared, shocked and terrified, glued in place and only one through circulated inside John's head:

I'm not bored anymore.

He ran, he ran as fast as he could, huffing and puffing and breathing and oh god.

That creature, that fucking creature. Its jaw so fucking massive. Its attack so fucking quick.

So fucking…

Tyler couldn't think twice, couldn't regret his decision to save his own life at the expense of sacrificing Droid’s body. Throwing it into the jaws seemed as the only rational option in the wake of danger.

The man was dead already and Tyler will be selfish enough to not desire to join him.

But oh god. The sound, the smell, the view.

The beast snapped him in half. Shook him like a chew toy and spit out like a spoiled piece of meat. There was blood everywhere, on the ground, on the creature, on Tyler.

But he ran. So did the others, taking off faster than they probably had the energy for. None of them looked back but they were sure the monster was following.

The clearing between the main entrance and the ship wasn't a big one but it felt like ages before they finally reached supposed safety. 

Being followed by the creature, they jumped in all directions as it leaped at them again. 

Yumi yelped, stumbling to the side as it hit the metal of the ship hard, the sound prompting Grizzy to open the door and shout for them to get in.

Desperately, Tyler jumped over the railing, nearly falling in the process only being caught by the bear hybrid himself and ushered inside.

He spared a glance at Pezzy who, although still looking pale as a ghost with tear strikes on his face, looked at him fearfully, eyes wide with confusion.

More shouting happened outside as Yumi stumbled onto the platform urgently pushed up by Smii7y. Grizzy was janking Fl0m up, as Puffer seemingly played distraction, screaming profanities at the beast.

“Fucking hell!” Fl0m cried, breathing heavily. “Never had I run so fast in my life!” He flopped tiredly next to Tyler on the floor, taking off his helmet to catch his breath.

Before he could say anything in return, a scream erupted from outside, freezing their blood cold with dread.

Tyler risked a glance over the entrance and froze.

The monster was on the ship. On the platform right outside.

“Shhh!!” Rectrixx suddenly moved towards them, crouching. “It's blind. Reacts to sound.” At their stunned expressions he jerked his head towards the terminal where an open bestiary could be seen.

They nodded in agreement, Yumi lowering himself to a crouching position as well.

The creature growled, walking slowly along the outside wall of the ship. They couldn't see, but based on the sound and Yumi’s terrified expression, someone was scrambling frantically out of the beast's way, staying as silent as they could.

They must've heard Rectrixx. Good.

They all held their breath as the monster's footsteps echoed around them, making the hair on the back of their necks stand.

The footsteps multiplied as Grizzy and Smii7y made their way inside. Tyler noticed Yumi nearly slumping with relief.

“Where are the others?” Grizzy asked, whispering. They took a look around, noticing some people still missing.

Fl0m cursed softly under his breath. Smii7y, still crouching, made his way slowly, swaying slightly out of balance, towards the terminal.

Looking back quickly, making sure the monster's not lurking at the entrance, he stood up carefully, before he clicked the buttons next to the monitor, switching the camera from one person to another.

Tyler grimaced the moment Droid’s camera passed by, hearing Pezzy’s breath hitch with a pained sob. Finally, the standing man got to Eli's camera, leaning closer, then whipping his head around quickly to stare at the entrance, seemingly regretting his sudden movement as he swayed drastically, clutching his helmeted head.

All the people followed his motion, staring at the door. After a beat of nothing happening, a blue helmet along with three others popped from below the platform.

“Is everyone-” Eli began to speak but was quickly silenced by their frantic shushing.

“Come in quickly and silently!” Grizzy whisper shouted, shuffling backwards to give them space inside.

The four obeyed, getting inside the ship one by one in silence. Once they all did, Grizzy moved to close the door and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Tyler felt his shoulders slump with exhaustion, relief and guilt. He rested his head against the cool wall, having taken his helmet off earlier, and closed his eyes.

The image of the beast's jaw snapping bones inside Droid's body lingered in his head. The bloody smell lingered in the air.

Thank you so much stupid brain.

He opened his eyes instead looking between his comrades.

Smii7y absolutely crumbled near the terminal, his head still in his hands, shaking. Yumi, John and Matt made his way to his side, the former eyeing him cautiously, concerned, the other two exchanging questioning glances mirroring Yumi's worried expression.

It's the first time Tyler saw John express emotion.

Moving towards the beds, Pezzy was crying silently. Rectrixx, who amidst the chaos climbed back up on the bed, has tucked the shorter under his arm leaning his head on Pezzy’s bubbled, brown curls muttering reassurances.

Fl0m had moved from his position next to Tyler, now hugging Tucker tightly, the other mirroring the gesture, as they held each other close, relieved to be alive and well.

Well… as well as they can be after witnessing that.

Eli stood, leaning against the wall opposite to him, assessing everyone with his eyes before pausing on an abandoned sign on the floor. Grizzy, who was watching him carefully, followed his gaze to the object. His face twisted to one of shock, then fear, then anger as his head snapped back up towards Eli.

“Where's Puffer?” He asked, his voice accusatory. Eli looked around once again, stepping away from the wall. Everyone's eyes were on the two, various expressions of confusion, worry and anxiety on their faces.

Before anyone could react, Grizzy picked up the sign and slammed the button to open the door stepping outside with urgency.

Tyler's stomach dropped.

“Hey you ugly motherfucker!” Grizzy began shouting, stepping away from the entrance and slamming the sign on the railing a few times.

An angry growl could be heard from behind the ship. People started silently scrambling backwards, seeking safety deeper inside the ship. Eli made a step towards the man, pausing as if weighing his options.

What was it that he was so thoughtfully contemplating about Tyler didn't know. All he wanted was for the door to close once again and for them to leave this damned, bloody moon.

Their leader seemed to quickly make up his mind. Taking a deep breath he stepped outside, squeezing Grizzy’s shoulder. The other turned his head glaring at Eli angirly, but his features softened upon seeing the man's face.

“I'm not letting anyone else die today.” Eli declared, a determined glint in his voice.

Pezzy let out a choked sound behind Tyler, but he paid him no mind as he, and the rest of the crew, stared at the two.

After a second of shocked silence, Grizzy nodded his head. “Of course.”

He paused, searching for their target, before motioning for Eli to go around as he started shouting and banging again, getting the beast's attention. Tyler could only watch in silence at the two disappearing figures.

They heard the creature before they saw it. Roaring past the entrance, it fell off the ship as it missed its attack at Grizzy, who stepped back near the doors to avoid it. Then Eli half dragged a stumbling, very pale Puffer inside and the entrance was sealed once again.

Thank god he's not dead.

“Take off!” Puffer’s rasped voice rang through the air, kick-starting them all back to life. Smii7y leaned over the desk and pulled the lever.

The ship rumbled and through the window they saw the moon slowly coming out of view replaced by the dark sky full of stars.

Once there was no sign of any planets around, everyone sagged in relief, adrenaline finally dropping leaving exhausted shelves of the crew behind.

Tyler once and for all allowed himself to relax. The events of today, the whole absurdity of those events, tired him to the core.

Still feeling guilty and extremely, mentally especially, exhausted, surrounded by soft murmurs of his comrades, hushed shouts of who he supposed was Puffer, Grizzy and Eli, and with a heavy heart - he drifted off to a dreamless sleep.

Only one death. One too many.

Chapter Text

How much anger can one fish release upon his enemies? The crew was about to find out because Puffer was fucking pissed.

Droid's dead. That's been stated rather early on in their first little expedition. The quickness of his death was the only good thing that came from this whole situation.

Pezzy's traumatised face didn't make it any better.

The second trip proved to be just as bad, but not worse, as the first one. What's worse than the death of a fellow crewmate?

Their goal in retrieving Droid's body nearly cost them their lives. First the bracken, then that damned dog. Who cares they found the missing teammates when all together they waltzed straight into inevitable danger?

Puffer could still hear the sound of breaking bones echoing around in his skull. He shivered at the thought.

“You need to calm down.” Grizzy tried to reason, his voice calm, laced with worry. But Puffer wouldn't hear a word of it. Be it from rage, from fear or exhaustion, his body and mind weren't working properly.

“Calm down? You nearly left me there!” Propped against the wall, seething, Puffer lashed out, breathing heavily.

Once they took off, half the crew slumped all around the ship tiredly, planning on sleeping. So did Puffer, but his seething anger easily overrode the need to rest.

They nearly left him there. Alone with this beast. To fucking die.

While one by one the others made their way inside the ship, tucked safely, cozy around one another, Puffer had to fight every instinct he ever had, as warning bells chimed all around him, to stay as still as possible.

He had to lay low, literally, while the monster hovered over him, it's sharp, bloodied teeth still having pieces of- Droid on them.

He suppressed a gag.

“Puffer…” The bear hybrid tried again. He was crouched in front of him, shielding him from view.

Although grateful for the lack of prying eyes, Puffer couldn't find it in himself to show his gratitude.

He slapped away Grizzy's hand, gulping air rapidly to try and both calm his still panicked state from the encounter, and his raging insides.

“No. Shut up. I don't want to hear it.” He just needed a moment. To collect himself, filter and sort his thoughts and emotions.

The phantom of the creature's leg, standing on him, squeezing the air and life out of him lingered on his chest.

Better stomped on than broken in half I suppose.

Puffer cringed at the thought, remembering Droid again. He spared a glance at the older man opposite to him, who had his eyes closed, head hanging limply to the side. Sleeping.

He wasn't mad. Well, he was but not at Tyler. It was only a split second decision which saved his life. Despite the horrors and gore they had to witness, he was actually grateful the man was alright.

Oh but how angry he was at the world, at the monsters, at the situation they found themselves in.

How?

How did they happen to randomly appear in space? Die or get injured, fight for their life, witness those horror, remember nothing?

All for some stupid, trashy scrap-

“Did we even gather anything?” He blurted out loud pausing, his anger slowly evaporating.

One of the annoying ones, Yumi, his mind supplied, sighed tiredly from his place near the terminal. He settled next to the beds, leaning his head against them. “We’ve gotten some little schmeckers but not much.”

“I think I had some..? Lost them tho.” Smii7y murmured next to him uncertainly. Puffer rolled his eyes, glaring at the man.

“It's been only one day. We have few more left. We'll be fine.” Their leader supplied, although weakly. Leaning against the wall next to him, he rubbed at his forehead. He looked years older than what Puffer assumed he really was.

“Fine? I highly doubt it.” The polar bear chuckled humorlessly from the bed. Pezzy stayed silent by his side.

“‘s two days.” Smii7y spoke again. “I think.” He shifted to lean his head against the second annoyance, Matt, who was dozing off next to him sleepily allowing the motion. Puffer scoffed and turned his head away.

Having calmed down significantly, the weight of today heavied down on his shoulders, seemingly trying to push him into the ground. He sighed heavily, rubbing at his torso where he could feel the bruise from the beast already forming.

He could've died. More than once. They could've died.

His limbs ached with how stressed he was, how stiff they were, how much he ran.

Pezzy was, for the lack of better words, a mess. A wreck of a human - or a wreck of a sodabot in his case.

Rectrixx looked tired despite not leaving the ship once. He understood. Today was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone.

Grizzy settled next to him, shooting worried glances his way which he pointedly ignored. He looked okay, not hurt, just slightly shaken up, but there was a dangerous, determined glint in his eyes.

Tyler was all bloodied, his suit no longer white. Puffer sickly hoped none of it was his. He was starting to like the guy.

The rest - he didn't really care about. Tired, not hurt. At least he thought so. He didn't care if he was wrong.

And lastly Droid. Dead. Nothing to add, nothing to subtract. Body: gone. Soul: gone.

Droid: gone.

Puffer closed his eyes, suppressing a sudden, unwelcome sway of emotions. He directed them all back to anger. Anger was easier than grief.

He didn't even like the guy. Droid just followed him around, with his optimistic energy and stupid excitement.

He was annoying if anything. Annoying Puffer quite a lot.

Not more than the imbeciles Smii7y surrounds himself with.

“Are we going to address the elephant in the room?” One of said imbeciles suddenly spoke, disturbing their short moment of peace.

“I think rest sounds way better than that right now man.” The purple suited man next to Tyler answered, having already laid down on the floor to try and sleep.

“Well, we have a dead guy among us so…” The imprudent, ill-timed twat continued.

Pezzy's breath hitched, a few new tears fell down his face, but his expression no longer haunted - he was furious. Grizzy huffed angrily next to him, ready to scold the idiot if needed. Puffer himself, opened his eyes once more, glaring at him with all the rage he could muster up.

John le Idiot was sitting on the chair near the monitors, casually spinning in it in a lazy motion, his expression neutral waiting for a response.

“Maybe you should shut the fuck up.” Pezzy beat anyone to it, spitting words with such venom, Puffer had to do a double take.

Some people shifted uncomfortably as tension rose in the air.

“Let's not-” Eli unsuccessfully tried to reason but the shorter man's head snapped to him so quickly, Puffer wondered if he got whiplash.

“He's asking for a fight.” Grizzy murmured and he had to agree, nodding along as they watched the exchange.

“I'm just saying.” The imbecile shrugged, leaning further into the chair. Puffer's blood boiled and it seemed so did Pezzy's as he abruptly leaped off of the bed, startling Rectrixx, and threw himself at the man in the chair.

Eli quickly, stopped the yet to break out fight, stepping between a held back by Grizzy when the fuck Pezzy and pushed back by Smii7y also when the fuck John.

Puffer stared, unimpressed and disappointed, at the man covering the imbecile. Annoyingly, he stood before the other, one arm thrown shakily in front of him.

“John…” he started, voice warning and tired. He still had his helmet on, the crack in the visor shining in the ship’s light, but Puffer could tell he was glaring at his friend.

Piece of shit friend.

He smirked under his nose at the thought.

“Pezzy please…” Grizzy tried at the same time, still holding the trashing man. Pezzy's eyes were red rimmed, angry tears falling down his face as he shot the other quite an impressive, feral glare.

“I'll give him an elephant all right!” He shouted, trying to pry the bigger man’s hands away to no avail.

John was about to retaliate and Puffer was about to stand the fuck up and punch the guy, but surprisingly Smii7y beat him to it, slapping the other upside the head, earning a yelp with a mock surrender gesture, which seemed to only infuriate Pezzy further.

“A dead guy huh?? I'll show you what dead looks like when I fucking kill you how about that?!” He breathed heavily, but stopped trashing in Grizzy's arms. Pezzy's face cringed as he slumped against the other's chest.

“He is just a dead guy to you, isn't he?” He asked silently, voice broken. Puffer shared a look with Grizzy, his face deep with sadness. He hugged a now silent Pezzy tightly, as the room remained quiet. John looked away, probably ashamed of himself.

Puffer hoped he fucking was.

“Who's dead??” A new voice in the conversation cut the awkward silence. Puffer, along with few others, jerked their heads towards the sound and-

Holy fuck. What the fuck.

There he stood, looking unbothered, slightly confused and worried but mostly intrigued and alive.

There stood fucking Droid.

The silence that followed made him slightly uneasy. He tilted his head confused, sparing a glance around. Droid's eyes widened, probably comically, as he took in the appearances of his friends.

Clearly tired, exhausted even, some already sleeping, the crew looked traumatised. Few had spots of blood and dirt visible on their suits, some looked better, some worse, but all, equally haunted with whatever horrors they witnessed.

“What the hell happened to y’all??” Droid asked, concerned. “I was gone for like-” He paused, trying to call what exactly happened. “Wait, what's going on?”

They stared again - or still? At Droid, who with each second grew even more worried. He ran a hand through his hair, stopping at the cold metal of his helmet.

Maybe they felt uncomfortable seeing him in a helmet when they all had none? Tho Smii7y still had his but the guy hardly counted being such an enigma anyway.

Still, Droid took his own off, ruffling his hair to at least seem presentable.

That must've been the right thing to do as all of a sudden he had a handful of Pezzy in his arms.

Dropping his helmet with a very manly yelp, Droid embraced the other, trying to stabilise them. Pezzy's shoulders were shaking as if he was… Laughing? Crying? A sob erupted from where he buried his face in Droid's chest.

Definitely crying then.

He looked around in alarm, trying to soothe the shorter man in his arms. “So what's going on exactly?” He helplessly looked from Grizzy to Puffer to Eli, desperate for answers.

Grizzy took a hesitant step forward just as Eli stepped back warily. Both paused, eyeing each other. Puffer ran a hand down his face exasperated.

“You have no idea…” He said and slumped back against the wall with a sigh. Eli cleared his throat nervously. “Maybe we should sit down. Let us all settle and talk, yeah?” Asking azsoftly, he motioned for the bed which Rectrixx mindlessly scooted off of giving them space.

Droid maneuvered them to sit, still holding Pezzy in his arms. Subconsciously, he ran his fingers through the others hair as the sodabot began to relax.

John gave his seat to Eli who took it gratefully inching closer, as he himself looked between Smii7y and Pezzy with a frown, finally settling away from the group and close to the entrance.

Smii7y flopped down between sleeping Matt and Yumi. With the way his helmet moved Droid wondered if he was in pain but crossed it off for later.

Puffer kept his place on the floor, staring at Droid intensively, his brows furrowed like he tried to solve a particularly difficult puzzle.

And Grizzy moved to sit on the bed with them, rubbing Pezzy's back in comfort, his eyes firmly planted on Droid's face as if he was to disappear suddenly.

“Soo…” He drawled, prompting them to start the explanation. The soft snores of his resting friends drew his attention to their states. “What exactly went on while I was…” He frowned trying to find a right description for his state.

All Droid knows is that he was stuck, for quite a while, in a twisting nothingness. His senses were gone, as well as his overall feeling of consciousness. And then he was back in the ship. 

The feeling was eerily familiar to the one when he first woke up today, surrounded by random people in a random dock with no memories.

What a coincidence bruh.

“Droid you… What happened to you?” Grizzy tries, unsure, jaw set and his eyes worried.

“That's what I'm asking! I was… where was I?” He rubs at his forehead, trying to remember.

“Me, you, Pezzy. Inside the facility. Remember?” Puffer chimes in raising a questioning eyebrow.

“Oh. Oh!” Now he remembers. They were sent on an expedition, split in half and went separate ways. Droid found some loot, so did Puffer.

“Do you have my nut?” He asked excitedly, his eyes sparkling. Pezzy snorted against his suit, sitting up and rubbing at his face. Once he pulled away, Droid took in his red rimmed eyes, pale face and wobbly smile. His excitement died momentarily.

“Here.” Pezzy said hoarsely, reaching over Grizzy and into the cabinet next to the bed, pulling out his metal nut out of the shelf. “Kept it safe. Our first piece of loot, yeah?” He looked up, his eyes shining with unshed tears and pushed the piece of metal into his hand.

Droid stared at it, then allowed a quick grateful smile for Pezzy, which quickly slipped from his face at his friends’ evident worry and sadness.

“Thanks. But what is it really? Y’all look so heartbroken I might just start crying!” He paused, looking down. “And you said someone died..? Who-” And then it hit him. Literally.

Rectrixx, who was silent ever since Droid appeared, smacked him on the shoulder and huffed annoyed. “You. You died.” He said through gritted teeth, settling back down on the cabinet.

Oh.

Oh.

Droid's brain halted to a stop. He died? He-

 He did didn't he?

He could vaguely recall a cold feeling of hands on his head, his world spinning and then a sharp pain.

Then nothing. 

Man… shit.

Droid reached a hand to his neck, feeling it intact, no twisted skin or cold hands. Instead his fingers traced a thin line, slightly bumpier than the rest of his skin.

“You have a scar…” Puffer muttered, getting up abruptly and marching towards them. He leaned under the bed frame, searching his neck. “Any pain?” His eyes locked onto Droid's who shook his head.

He hummed thoughtfully and stood up, his back straightened, crossing his arms. Droid stared and Eli eyed him thoughtfully. Sensing their eyes, Puffer rolled his own - a gesture now familiar to everyone. “I'm a medic.” He paused and frowned. “At least I think I am.”

Grizzy huffed out a laugh, seemingly relieved. “It's weird isn't it? How we can't remember shit but know stuff about ourselves.” He exhaled, leaning back in the bed.

“Is it instinct? Or what we just know? How does anything work really?” Pezzy, now sitting next to Droid with his head on the other’s shoulder, questioned skeptically.

“I'm more curious about Droid's revival.” Curling in his chair, Eli mused, resting his head on his knees. Puffer who stood next to him, scoffed in distaste and moved to sit back against the wall.

“Who cares. He's back and not-” Dead. Puffer visibly cringed at the word but continued. “There's so much bullshit I hardly find it in myself to care about anything right now.” He closed his eyes, thumping his head softly against the metal of the ship’s wall.

“I agree. Ma’ mind’s gonna blow with all this.” Grizzy gestured vaguely.

“Agreed.” Rectrixx added shortly, before laying on the floor next to the cabinet. “No more bullshit.”

“Y’know I kinda just woke up but ‘s fine. I'll chill.” Droid shrugged, turning to face Pezzy with a smile.

“Well duh. I don't think I'll ever let you go now.” He exclaimed with a light punch, before, in a split second decision, pulling Droid to lay down with him.

“Oh damn okay.” He wheezed, automatically bringing his arms around the other. He paused. That was the instinct they talked about, wasn't it?

“Right…” Grizzy eyed the two laying figures, then shrugged and moved to stand up. “You two have fun while I'll be taking the other bed.

“There's anotha bed?” Someone asked, startling the bear hybrid. “Sorry.” They added sheepishly.

“Yo Smii7y I swear to god. I told you not to scare me man.” Grizzy huffed before climbing the bed above.

“Sorry.” He echoed, cranking his head slowly to stare at the beds.

“Have you been awake this whole time?” Eli asked in disbelief. He moved, still in the chair, slowly and carefully towards the terminal. “It's been nearly two hours since we left the moon.”

Smii7y sighed, but didn't move from his position between Matt and Yumi, still sitting on the floor. “‘s fine.” He waved his hand dismissively.

“Well… I'll be off then.” Eli stood, cranking his back, and moved to climb the bed above the already snoring Grizzy. “Be sure not to stay up for too long.”

“Ugh shut up.” Puffer groaned, his eyes closed clearly trying to sleep.

“G’night then.” Pezzy muttered next to Droid and only now did he remember his predicament. Snuggled close with a guy who, although he already calls his friend and feels a strange attachment to, he just met mere hours ago.

Oh well.

Despite everything, Droid allowed himself to relax. He wasn't entirely up to sleeping yet but he had a lot to think about.

Surrounded by Pezzy's warmth and soft snores of his friends he closed his eyes.

“Goodnight.”

Chapter Text

Smii7y couldn’t sleep.

His head throbbed, a dull, dragging weight behind his eyes.

His thoughts refused to stay in one place. He was sluggish and tired. Maybe it was stress or the day finally catching up to him.

The moment he saw the bestiary file on the computer, he knew something was up but nothing could've prepared him for the actual horrors they witnessed.

And it was, supposedly, only the beginning. The first of many days filled with death and injury.

What unsettled him even more was what came after death. Some could say coming back was a miracle. A gift. Smii7y disagreed.

In their situation death might've been the only true escape, an end to chaos. A clean break.

A way out.

Now it felt like torture. A return ticket to pain and uncertainty. Personally, he’d rather be mourned than revived.

His head gave a slow, pulsing throb, probably from all this overthinking.

Smii7y considered rubbing at his temples but remembered the helmet. Still on.

And like hell he was taking it off.

There was something… uneasy about exposing his face. It made him feel stripped down, raw. With the helmet on, it gave him room to breathe, protection and cover.

Some privacy in this goddamned, cramped place.

Besides, he wasn’t sure he trusted the others yet.

They seemed shaken by what had happened, some more than others. They’d fought hard to save one of their own. That should’ve counted for something. But Smii7y couldn’t bring himself to lower his guard. Not yet.

Blame it on exhaustion.

He was really tired, having first climbed a bunch of structures, then fought an unknown creature to retrieve Droid's body, and finally ran for his life from the bloody jaws of yet another creature.

So many unknown dangers. They should put the bestiary to use.

Getting up slowly and carefully, not wanting to wake anyone up, Smii7y moved to read the descriptions of the two monsters.

The first one that they encountered - and probably that killed Droid - was the Bracken. 

An intelligent creature, aggressive even when unprovoked but quick to back off when confronted. Known to up their hostility when watched for a long time.

They'll have to watch their backs but not stare for too long.

He hummed thoughtfully. Next up on the list was the dog-thingy they got attacked by outside.

Eyeless Dogs, also known as Breathing Lions, hunt in groups but spread out far. Lack of sight but heightened sense of hearing.

All they had to do was be quiet.

That's crazy.

Smii7y, in his panic, can barely recall them all shouting and screaming. No wonder they had so much trouble with the creature. It's only thanks to whoever warned them then that they made it.

He sighed tiredly, leaning on the desk and letting his head drop, the weight of it heavier than it should’ve been.

“Can't sleep either?” Someone called out startling Smii7y. He turned around to face Droid laying under a sleeping Pezzy with an apologetic smile.

“Sorry. Didn't mean to scare ya.” Smii7y sighed again and flopped down into the chair.

For someone who’d technically died a few hours ago, Droid seemed awfully chipper. It was a weird contrast to Smii7y’s foggy state of mind.

“s fine.” He waved a dismissive hand lazily, settling deeper into the chair as his eyes slid back to the screen. “This day's a mess anyway.” He murmured, more to himself but still, Droid heard.

Tilting his body, as much as he could with the additional weight, he sat up straighter opting to have a late night conversation.

“Tell me about it. And like, literally - I don’t know shit.” Droid gave him a lopsided grin, hopeful but not pushy.

“I don't…” He hesitated. “There's a lot, Droid.” He settled on. Truth to be told he wasn't even there when the man died. This conversation should be between Droid and someone like Puffer or Pezzy. Preferably anyone but Smii7y.

“It’s okay man. Long day and all. I don’t need, like, a whole play-by-play… Just a review, maybe?” Droid offered with a sheepish grin, clearly craving connection.

“A review, huh…?” Smii7y snorted softly. “Well, this day sucked.”

The man nodded seriously. “Understandable.”

“We've followed you inside y’know? Recovered your…” He grimaced, making a vague hand gesture, hoping Droid will understand.

From his cringed face, he probably did.

Smii7y didn’t have the heart to tell him how grim it really was. The blood, the stillness.

“Hopefully I looked just as flawless as when I'm alive!” He joked silently, absent-mindedly playing with Pezzy's hair.

Smii7y observed the two. They seemed close from the beginning and somehow, it felt natural for them to have such a bond. 

He wondered if they knew each other. If this whole crew was once a big friend group with inside jokes only they knew and stories they shared together at outings.

His mind recalled how without any hesitation he surprisingly easily trusted Eli to become their pilot, how he supported him and his choices.

How whenever he had John and Matt by his side, he felt complete. It felt familiar, like they never left, like they were meant to be there.

How his chest warmed whenever Yumi seemed to care about him, how he would laugh at his jokes and listen to his suggestions.

They had to have known each other before, otherwise Smii7y would have to berate himself for being so naïve and friendly with these strangers.

“Yo, you good? You just blanked for a sec there.” The other called out, bringing him back from his thoughts.

“Yea just thinking.” He dismissed quickly. Droid studied him longer than necessary but otherwise didn't comment on it.

They sat in silence, neither knowing how to keep the conversation going. To be frank, Smii7y kinda wanted it to end but he knew they owed Droid answers.

He cleared his throat, snapping the others attention back to their late night talk. “I know you want answers. Ask away.”

Droid visibly perked up at that, mulling over the questions in his head.

“Alright, so! For starters - what's up with these monsters?”

Smii7y answered every question Droid had moving along as best as he could. Some required more depth and detail and some didn't need any explanation at all, but in the end most answers, if not all, clearly came with great difficulty for him.

Droid figured that after facing such horrors and stress it was only reasonable for Smii7y to struggle with recalling the events.

At the end of it all, Droid was horrified. From his friends’ earlier reactions he knew it must've been bad but holy shit.

Maybe Smii7y was colorizing, making it more dramatic for the effect, maybe he was just tired and had trouble recalling those things exactly as they were.

Still, the picture all these stories painted was bloody, gory, and terrifying.

Droid suppressed a shiver. Now that he had the answers he’d wanted, part of him wished he hadn’t asked.

But then again, he had to be there for his friends. And that meant educating himself even at the sake of his and Smii7y's sanity.

He ran a hand through Pezzy's hair, his chest tightening at the thought of his best friend watching him die.

And at the thought they had to go back out there. To those cold, concrete walls, surrounded by darkness and dangers beyond their imagination.

If only they had stuff to defend themself with, a way to communicate or hell! Even light their way around!

“Is there anything we could use once we go out again?” He turned to the man sitting in the chair.

Smii7y looked worse for wear, his suit no longer white, instead painted with dust and blood.

When Droid pointed it out, he just waved it off with a gruff “Not mine”.

His helmet, which he hadn't taken off even once, had a crack on the visor. He insisted he was fine and that it was no big deal.

Droid suspected otherwise but who was he to say anything.

He wasn't even there for most of it anyway.

“It says there's a shop on the terminal.” Smii7y finally answered, moving to type on the console.

The ping of confirmation rang through the air of the otherwise silent ship. Smii7y hummed, tapping at his helmet rhythmically. A nervous gesture he observed the other do multiple times already.

“And?” Droid prompted, leaning to try and look over the man’s shoulder.

“There's a lot. Flashlights, shovels, walkie-talkies and whatnot.” He slowly spun the chair, shifting aside so Droid could get a look

And boy oh boy was he right.

“Damn!” He scanned the list of items, some he never heard of before. “That's good tho no?”

Smii7y followed his gaze, staring at the screen silently. “Not saying it's not. But we only have 60 what, dollars? And some stuff is quite expensive.” 

Droid leaned as close as physically possible without disturbing the man in his arms. The items didn't seem overpriced but taking into consideration the amount of people on board, he could only imagine the expenses that would come in the future.

“Damn…” Was all he said, slumping back onto the bed.

“I say we wait ‘till morning, weigh our options and let Eli decide.” The other reasoned, turning the terminal off.

Droid gave a small nod. Smii7y seemed sharp - someone who knew what he was doing.

“Aight.” Glancing at the other monitor, he noticed the time. A yawn broke free from his mouth, bringing to his attention the tiredness in his bones. “I’m gonna crash for the rest of the night. You should rest a little too.”

“Don't think I'm able to.” Smii7y answered softly, the hand tapping his helmet moving to gesture at his head.

“Too many thoughts, ey? Valid. Have a peaceful night then?” He offered instead.

Without waiting for any response, he settled down comfortably, resting his head on the pillow and wrapping his arms tighter around Pezzy.

His head felt heavier than ever with worries about the awful events as well as his own death and their uncertain future. Still, he closed his eyes, opting to catch any and all rest he could. Who knows if they will be able to do so in the future.

Droid hoped that moving on it wouldn't be as bad as today. That no one else died, no one else had to witness such tragic things.

He could only wish.

Chapter Text

Just as he expected, sleep didn't come to him easily. Actually, it didn't come at all. He was wide awake, bored out of his mind, sitting alone in silence of the ship.

Surrounded by the crew, snoring softly, Smii7y watched the hours go by.

Someone would occasionally stir and twitch in their sleep, startling him momentarily. 

He might as well make himself useful.

Smii7y got up, cranking his back with a satisfied sigh, and reached towards the highest, unoccupied bunk.

Taking a hold of a few blankets, he set on distributing them around the sleeping people. There were plenty, enough for everyone but he still opted to leave some spares in case of emergency.

What emergency? Don't ask Smii7y that. Better safe than sorry.

He pulled one blanket over the sleeping forms of Pezzy and Droid, lingering a moment too long by their side, then moved on to the others.

Eli and Grizzy who slept on the beds had already acquired their own sheets, wrapped and snoring softly. All Smii7y did was take Eli's glasses off, for safety and comfort.

In their sleep, Matt and Yumi moved to rest against each other and the bed. Smii7y snorted at their tangled positions and carefully moved the two into more comfortable poses, wrapping one blanket over his friends.

Rectrixx has sprawled over the floor near the cabinet, his starfish pose a complete opposite to the one laying next to him - Tucker, who curled up on himself as if being cold.

Smii7y covered each, as both’s postures relaxed under the soft, warm fabric. Following his earlier action, he took Tucker's glasses and placed them on the terminal alongside Eli's.

That left the last four. John, who after the confrontation with Pezzy isolated himself near the entrance, already had a blanket draped over his shoulders.

Fl0m and Tyler were slumped side by side against the wall, both snoring loudly. Smii7y cringed at their states mirroring his own. Both their suits were dirty with dust and blood, Tyler's more with the red liquid than anyone's. Smii7y covered them quickly, unsettled by the view.

Finally, Puffer. Smii7y considered, for a whole minute or so, leaving the guy with no blanket for being such a pain in his ass. But then his mind went back to how the man reacted to both: Droid's death and revival, and crossed that idea instantly.

Sighing for the hundredth time today, Smii7y wrapped the fish hybrid with shaky hands, relaxing after Puffer didn't wake up. 

He took a moment to try and stop the shakiness of his palms before reaching to take the other’s glasses off.

Puffer's eyes snapped open.

Smii7y froze.

Waking up to a guy hovering over you wasn't on Puffer's bingo list.

And never will be.

But he might as well write it down and instantly cross it off because there's a guy hovering over him.

“What the hell are you doing?” Came a grumpy, tired growl. His mind still groggy from sleep, slowly supplied that the guy in question was The Infuriating Smii7y.

“Your glasses.” Said man shrugged, moving his hand slowly back. “Thought you'd be more comfortable.” Then he stood up, looking around, avoiding Puffer's eyes.

Following Smii7y’s gaze, he noticed other people sleeping, cozy in blankets. He looked down at himself, noticing he was in a similar state.

Grimacing, he pulled the cover away, adjusting his seating position. Now that he was awakened, there was no way for him to fall back asleep.

Curse the motherfucker who tried to be nice.

Puffer stretched his arms groaning silently. Smii7y moved to sit in the chair, scrolling lazily on the terminal. The screen reflected on his visor, bringing attention to the long crack.

He remembered seeing his battered state back in the building but, now looking, actually looking at Smii7y, Puffer realised just how bad it was.

“What's with the damage?” Standing up, he leaned against the terminal, staring at where he assumed were the man's eyes.

“Hm? Nothing’s broken?” Without moving his head to look back at Puffer, he asked stupidly.

The fish man frowned, rolled his eyes and sighed. “Your helmet? Idiot.” He added for good measure.

Smii7y stayed silent before leaning back in the chair and shrugging nonchalantly. “Tripped.”

“Tripped?” Puffer echoed, his tone betraying how much he didn't believe that.

“Yeah, tripped.” His hand subconsciously came to his face tracing the crack with fingers that Puffer noted were shaking.

“On what? Your ego?” Scoffing, he automatically reached a hand towards Smii7y's helmet before pausing and pulling it quickly away. The other didn't notice. “Try again buddy.”

“You don't know shit.” He tried, his voice lacking any bark, only sounding tired and resigned.

“Oh no of course The Medic doesn't know shit.” He spit out sarcastically, crossing his arms and glaring at the man.

“Why do you care?” Smii7y spun in the chair to face him with what Puffer could only assume was either a grimace or narrowed eyes.

“I don't.” He stated truthfully, rolling his eyes at the indication.

“Then drop it.” His tone left no room to argue, a signal that this conversation was over.

“Fair enough.” Puffer mumbled grumpily and turned away. It was closer to another day now but he anticipated they still had plenty of time left before anyone would wake up.

The fish man weighed his options. He would love to go and fall back asleep but now his anger made him more awake than ever so that was a no go.

On the other hand talking with Smii7y proved to be not only difficult but annoying and unpleasant.

It was going to be the longest and most boring night ever.

Finally settling on doing something useful, he silently moved to the cabinet, looming over Rectrixx’s sleeping figure, and opening the food shelf.

Inside, there wasn't much to choose from. Canned beans, stew and water.

Fantastic.

“There's variety to buy here.” As if reading his thoughts, Smii7y silently called his attention.

Little bastard’s watching me.

Puffer grimaced but turned to look at the screen the other was pointing to. Squinting, he couldn't make any of the words out.

He huffed and stepped closer, one canned stew in his hand which he pocketed for later, and read the list of available food.

There were plenty of meat options such as canned tuna, spam or chicken. Such classics as peas, beans and corn. Plenty of vegetables like carrots or even mushrooms.

Smii7y scrolled down once he assumed Puffer read the first part and the latter’s eyes widened ever so slightly at the other options on the list.

Tomato soup and a variety of stews, canned peaches and pineapples, some curry and rice dishes - nothing extraordinary. What caught his attention were the following:

Canned Fruit Cocktail

Canned Beer

Canned Soju

Canned Oatmeal

Canned Pancakes

Canned Cake

“I know what we're buying next.” He leaned closer, excitedly inspecting the prices alongside the list.

“I don't think Canned Cake will do us any good.” Smii7y reasoned, angling his head towards Puffer.

“I was aiming more for the Canned Beer.” He grinned, his sharp piranha teeth exposed.

The shorter man must've eyed them under his helmet but quickly turned away once Puffer caught him staring.

“Problem?” He challenged, his voice sharp.

“Yeah, I would say. Getting drunk in those living conditions isn't ideal.” Smii7y tapped at his helmet, his tone humorous.

“If we're gonna die let's at least do it in style.” He joked, earning a fond huff from the other. Not a laugh yet, but he'll count that as a win.

Wait, why is he even bothering?

Retracting his line of thoughts, he stopped at what he said.

They're gonna die.

The casual tone in which he stated that honestly scared him. How quickly had he gotten so detached? Or was it an ugly coping mechanism he developed?

He didn't want to die per se, but he knew it was inevitable.

Looking back at the bed bunks, his eyes lingered on a peacefully sleeping Droid. He looked nothing like a guy who had died not even 24 hours ago.

Droid hasn't said anything about pain or trauma but Puffer was sure his death hurt. Getting his neck broken by a ruthless stalking monster was one hella experience.

“I talked with him a bit. He seems cool.” Smii7y broke the silence once again.

He is watching me. Bitchass.

“What, you thought he wasn't?” Puffer turned once more to face him. Smii7y was watching Droid as well. He imagined a thoughtful expression behind that visor.

Though it was hard to imagine someone you’ve never seen before.

“I mean- yeah he's cool as a person, but what I meant is that he's fine. Had some questions, obviously.” Tapping his helmet again, an annoying habit in Puffer's opinion, he sat cross-legged in the chair.

“Obviously.” He replied grimacing, eyes still on the sleeping duo. Droid was back. They established that already earlier that night.

But what If he dies again? 

Puffer personally would rather not find out.

“Did he say anything about…” He didn't like admitting his companion's death out loud but Smii7y seemed to catch on after a moment.

“Just that he was in a black nothingness. And that it felt twisty. Whatever that means.” He sighed, his hand going to rub at his templates but hitting the cold metal of his helmet. Smii7y let out a quiet frustrated noise and let his palm fall.

“You can take it off y'know. Or are you really that ugly? Don't worry, I'll absolutely judge.” Puffer sent him a nasty smirk, his eyes wandering back to the cracked visor.

“As if. Fuck off.” The man had the audacity to flip him off and turn his attention back to the screen. “Anyway. There's more here than just food and drinks. We discovered earlier with Droid that you can buy plenty of tools ‘n shit.”

Tapping a few more keys the screen Smii7y presented another list of items.

“Droid's all for flashlights. Personally, I'm more of a walkie-talkie guy, but we agreed to wait until everyone was awake to decide together. We don't have much money anyway.”

“I’m all for beer.” This earned Puffer a light punch to the shoulder. “That shovel though looks more appealing.” He added grumpily.

“Gotta let Eli know.” Smii7y murmured, scrolling further down the list where items they've never heard of were revealed.

“Of course fucking Eli.” Puffer groaned, his distaste towards the man evident.

“He is something of a leader.” Reminded him helpfully The Infatuation aka the man in the chair.

“I voted against.” He shot back.

“And you've been fairly overruled.” Smii7y declared calmly and damn him even if he was right.

The taller man scoffed, glaring at the list of items on the screen. “There's guns and cars and jetpacks holy shit.” He whistled, impressed.

“Ah. Pricey.” The other sucked in a breath and Puffer followed because yikes. “Are we supposed to collect this much worth of loot?”

And truly, now that Puffer thought about it they probably were. “That's damn impossible!” With the monsters and possible future investments it did seem like it.

“Stop screaming!” Smii7y whisper shouted, glaring at him from under his helmet. “We'll figure it out. In the morning.”

“Don't shush me!” Puffer wanted to argue more, but the flame of his anger hissed out quicker than ever at the other’s tone.

“Listen, we're all worn out and there's a whole another day of pretty much the same shit we've done today so allow them the rest they deserve, yeah?” He pleaded, his tone changing to one of resignation.

Puffer blinked. “Says you.” He huffed.

“I don't count, I have night guard duty.” Smii7y mock saluted, then slumped in his chair. He looked nothing like the guard he called himself.

“Yea as if you'd protect shit.” The fish man rolled his eyes. He doubted Smii7y’s ability to fight in the nick of danger.

“I protected you back in the facility didn't I?” He shot back.

Sassy bitchass motherfucker.

But he was right. That's what infuriated Puffer the most. “A one timer. Shocking. Probably luck.”

“Reflex if anything but believe what you want to. Next time I'll encourage you to jump straight into the monster's jaws. How about that?” His tone was flat but a hint of irritation was evident.

“Or you could stay behind like you did the first time.” He didn't try to hide his anger - not now, not ever.

Smii7y paused. “Are you implying something?” He asked in a slow, low voice.

“Oh I don't know! Do I really have to address the elephant in the room?” Puffer asked sarcastically, growing more and more agitated by a second.

“What are you talking about??” The other sounded genuinely confused and it only fueled his anger. His eyes darted towards the beds and that's when Smii7y must've realised what he was referring to.

“Are you blaming me for Droid's death?” Puffer internally cringed at the word death not fully comfortable with that revelation yet.

He doesn't think he'll ever be.

“I don't know, am I?” Puffer didn't. He wasn't quite sure where he was going with all this, but he had to have something, someone to blame for that. 

If only to not blame himself.

Smii7y stayed quiet, seemingly in disbelief at his words, his posture uncomfortably stiff and still - even his previously shaking hands.

The silence stretched on longer. Neither of them spoke. Puffer's actions slowly registered in his rational part of the brain. But before he could even slightly regret his words, someone who must've woken up during their silent standoff, startled them both.

“Can you like… shut the fuck up?” A bored tone of no one else than John The Fucking Idiot came from behind him.

At the glare Puffer shot him he corrected himself. “Shut the fuck up pretty please?” With a raised eyebrow, he moved to stand beside them, stretching his back. “What time is it?”

“You’ve slept long enough.” Came Eli's tired voice from the bed. His head with messy black hair popped out seconds later. “Did you guys rest well?” This question was obviously aimed at Puffer and Smii7y.

“Yes.” The latter answered quickly and flatly. Both Eli and John eyed him with something akin to suspicion but didn't say anything. Puffer only huffed and stormed away towards the entrance door, leaning heavily on the wall with his arms crossed, avoiding anyone's eyes.

As the other crew members started slowly waking up, small conversations broke here and there, the noise gradually picking up, Puffer tuned it all to try and get his thoughts in order.

He wouldn't berate himself for what he said. He didn't truly believe it either. It was uncalled for but he was frustrated. Droid's death is something he was present for, something that's deeply encoded in his brain now. It was only normal for him to be sore about it.

Then again, Smii7y's saviour complex agitated Puffer beyond everything. Like hell he would be grateful for anything this asshole has done.

Puffer shook his head forcefully.

He couldn't, wouldn't get worked over this.

Shutting down his line of thoughts, channeling his anger out for the world to see, he tuned the noise back in just in time for a burst of screams.

Sounds about right.

After all, some people weren't there to witness Droid's coming back to life.

Sighing, Puffer braced himself for a long, long day.

Let's get this over with.

Chapter Text

After a painful amount of screaming, questioning, explaining and settling down, the crew were all caught up about the events that took place the previous day.

The expedition team described their experience, one by one giving reports and warnings to the others.

Everyone reacted differently with worry, anger and fear being the most evident emotions. In the end only one question remained:

What now?

Because of course they had to go back out there. It would be nice to prepare, now that they knew what to expect.

That's when Smii7y showed them the store. They all agreed to discuss what exactly would they purchase with their limited funds.

“Yumi, brother, one walkie is literally useless.” Grizzy said, shaking his head.

“Oh shit you're right. So two?” Said man suggested.

They've been going at this for a while now. 60 dollars wasn't much and it showed, but Eli wanted to play it safe and smart.

“One with the man in the chair, one walkie talkie out there.”

“But then we would all have to stick together.” Rectrixx reasoned, his expression thoughtful.

“Isn't the place like- extra cramped?” Matt chimed in, his face filled with a child-like wonder.

“Narrow corridors, dark as hell.” Puffer grumbled, still leaning against the wall.

“Then there's the flashlight issue. We can buy max four.” John spoke, rising a brow. “Why don't we just leave more people on the ship?”

“Yeah I was thinking that too.” Rectrixx agreed, his ears twitching. “Not that I want to stay but… there's some people who I feel like would be better off staying.” He quickly added, his voice growing small.

“Fair enough.” Grizzy slapped him and the shoulder encouragingly. “I agree.”

The others did as well and just like that it was decided.

Droid, Pezzy and Rectrixx would stay on board, the latter unsure but grateful nonetheless.

At first, Tyler got the proposition, considering his bloody appearance, but quickly declined it, saying he wouldn't stay in one place for too long. 

Fl0m also declined despite his bruised shoulder. How did he get hurt? Eli would have to ask about that later.

In the end they settled on buying two walkie talkies and two flashlights.

They first wanted to split into two groups, but upon discovering that Tucker, of all people, had night vision due to being half cyborg “A handy setting called Nightmode”, they decided to split into three teams.

Eli chose the groups wisely. In order to avoid any unnecessary confrontations, he put Grizzy, Tyler and Matt together with Puffer.

He could only hope they would find a shared language and cooperate.

Fl0m and Tucker were chosen to go together, the amount of people limited due to the lack of additional flashlight.

Him, Smii7y, John and Yumi would be the last group. They seemed to be on the same, good vibes and Eli believed they could work efficiently together. Besides, Yumi refused to leave Smii7y ‘s side for some reason so that settled it.

After taking the route back to the moon and making their purchase, the crew began to prepare.

Some talked quietly amongst each other, some checked their gear: helmets and suits, some prepared mentally in silence.

Everyone was nervous.

Eli wondered if he made the right choice.

All he could do was ensure most, if not all of the crew would survive and work efficiently to meet the quota.

God knows what happens if they don't.

“Alright. We go in, stay with our respective groups, gather loot, live, fight back if necessary, and come back. Any questions?” Eli stood at the entrance, flashlight in his hand.

The others stood cramped around the ship. Rectrixx, Pezzy and Droid furthest away.

“Talkie check?” The polar bear asked, waving his device around.

“1, 2, 3… 1, 2, 3… Ya hear that?” Grizzy, with the second one, asked thought. Rectrixx gave him a thumbs up.

“You sure we should be the ones with the walkie talkie?” He turned towards Eli, who gave him a curt nod. “Yes. I'm confident we'll be fine. Besides, forgive my bluntness, but you need it more.” He eyed the four, his eyes pausing on a particularly angry fish hybrid.

“Fuck you.” Puffer spit out, challenging him with his gaze. Eli looked away.

“Okay, fine, yeah.” Grizzy agreed, clasping his hand on the other’s shoulder. 

“The ship is landing. We better get moving.” Their leader announced. Tensions rising in the air, they finalized their preparations and once the telltale thump of the ship landing sounded below them, the ten people moved to leave.

“Good luck!” Pezzy yelled after them.

“Don't die!” Added Droid a bit too cheerfully.

And off they went.

“We take the fire entrance, you take the main one.” Grizzy stated, remembering their established plan. “Puffer, lead the way.” Turning to the said man who huffed and without a word moved towards the alleyway, they parted ways.

“Boy oh boy a dark, lone alley! Surely nothing will happen to us here!” Matt chirped with mock enthusiasm, his face split into a nervous but genuine smile.

“We've been here before, it's fine.” Tyler chimed in, dismissing the other quickly.

They climbed the stairs to the emergency exit. Without missing a beat, Puffer kicked the door open and stormed inside. Tyler followed as if used to it and Matt only shot a quick glance at Grizzy, before shrugging and moving after the two.

The bear hybrid hesitated before joining his team. It was dark inside the facility, the walls plain concrete or metal, pipes and cables running here and there.

Tyler clicked the flashing on, lighting their way. Puffer went second, his stop sign at ready. Grizzy turned the walkie talkie on and urged Matt to go before him.

“Rectrixx were inside, do you copy?” His voice echoed through the walls as static followed. After a while, a click and “Copy that. Scan your surroundings, we're getting the visuals now.”

They did as they were told, moving slowly deeper into the facility.

“The layout is different. Fuck.” Puffer murmured loud enough for them to hear, and Grizzy grew anxious.

“From your position we can't really tell where the danger's at but you have a piece of loot at the next right turn.” Rectrixx’s static voice rang again. Grizzy nearly punched the wall being caught off guard, but managed to remain calm.

“I see it! Look, look!” Matt rushed towards the object, holding it up for the three of them to see.

“A gift?” Asked Grizzy uncertainly.

“Open it?” Said Tyler at the same time.

Puffer just sighed annoyed as Matt enthusiastically opened the present.

“A cube!” He picked the item off of the floor, examining it from side to side.

“Something you can put that excess energy into. Tho I doubt you have the brains for it.” Walking away, Puffer sneered, waving his sign around to clean the cobwebs.

“Hey!” Matt yelped, offended, clutching the cube to his chest. “Says you stupid fish brain.”

Said man ignored him, turning to address Grizzy instead. “Anything?” He pointed to the talkie.

“More loot up ahead. And- hold on.” Rectrixx paused, the sound of clicking following before a door shut with a heavy clunk somewhere nearby. “Closed the doors where a red dot roamed. You're welcome~.”

His sassy voice made Grizzy and Matt chuckle, irritating Puffer further. Tyler just rolled his eyes fondly and moved towards another item.

After back and forth with Rectrixx on the walkie, looting the facility item by item, they collected a hefty amount, splitting it between evenly.

“Should we head back? Or continue?” Tyler questioned, his arms occupied with an engine.

“I say we leave the stuff outside the exit and head back in.” Puffer answered, wiping at his visor, cleaning it from their earlier encounter with a steam leak.

“Or we send two people with the loot to the ship?” Tyler suggested, setting the engine down next to the door.

“That's… dangerous.” Piped in Grizzy, Matt nodding alongside but not really listening. “We've chosen teams for a reason.”

“It's not late enough for the dogs to spawn yet so unless there's something else, we should be fine.” The pufferfish reasoned, turning to his fellow crew mates. “I can stay, I have a weapon. Tyler will go since he's already carrying shit.”

Said man grumbled but didn't argue.

“Take the annoyance with you. Grizzy has the walkie anyway.” Matt let out another offended sound but obliged, picking the smaller objects up and stuffing them in his pockets, before reaching for the bigger ones.

“Do we go back?” He asked, straightening his back.

“Up for you to decide.” Puffer shrugged, taking the flashlight from heavily equipped Tyler.

The two men with scrap left the facility, parting their way with Grizzy and Puffer. 

“Shall we continue?” The former asked bowing jokingly. To his utter delight, the corner or Puffer's mouth quirked up into a sly smirk.

They marched down the hallway, occasional quips flying back and forth. After a while, Pezzy took over the duty of the man in the chair, talking their ears off instead of doing his job.

“We see you guys on the cameras but there's only dots so we can't really tell if you're exactly good y'know.” He explained, prompting Droid in the background to flip through the crew.

“Like right now. There's- what was his name again? Tucker! Tucker's near but unmoving. There's two other dots with him and- wait!” Pezzy was cut off by static, his voice frantic by the end.

“The dot’s red! I bet it's that fucker.” Through came Tyler's voice. They must've made it back with Matt.

Grizzy watched as Puffer's knuckles tightened around the sign, his expression alarmed and angry.

“Let's go Griz.” Was all he said before speeding his pace.

Ignoring the slip up, the bear hybrid followed, catching up quickly. In the distance, the two spotted something laying on the floor and upon walking closer, Grizzy's heart dropped - and so nearly did the walkie.

There, in a puddle of blood lied a man in a purple suit, its LED elements blinking in and out, barely illuminating any light. In the place where his head should be, glinting in the suit's vague light, was a metal coil.

Tucker's head rolled down the hallway expression grim.

Following its movement, Grizzy's heart dropped further to the ground.

There stood a monster taller than any of them, looking like a mannequin, with nails and springs coming out of its body, armless. Fl0m, pushed into the corner, was staring right at it with wide eyes, fear and fury dancing inside.

“We didn't see it!” He yelled, having noticed the two lurking.

“He had night vision!” Puffer shot back angrily, approaching the body warily, his eyes never leaving the creature.

“Yea he had - I don't! He had his back turned I- Fuck!” Fl0m slammed his fist against the wall behind him. “Don't look away! You have to stare at it.”

“Like a weeping angel.” Pezzy voice crackled back to life through the walkie. “Quick! Scan it! Let us see the bestiary!” He added quickly, the rapid clicking of the keyboard following.

Grizzy did as he was told, tapping his helmet and scanning the creature. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Puffer moving slowly forwards.

“Guys I've got some bad news.” Pezzy's voice spiked back through the com. “It's called a Coil-head, and not only is it more dangerous than the Bracken, it's a new discovery, therefore, not studied enough.” He sounded disappointed.

“Well that's fucking wonderful!” Puffer exclaimed sarcastically, approaching the monster fully. “I bet this piece of wood is not resistant to beatings tho.” He raised the sign as he spoke, before striking it fast and hard on the creature's back.

Nothing happened.

Not even a scratch on the monster.

The three stared in shock. 

“Oh by the way it's said that it carries dangerously high levels of radioactive particles. So… maybe stay away from it? Just a suggestion tho.” Droid chimed in sounding apologetic.

At that, both Puffer and Grizzy jumped back. “Thank fuck you decided to inform us!” The former shouted angrily.

“Well what do we do now?” Fl0m question form his position still at the wall.

“Try getting to us maybe? Get around- slowly!” Grizzy watched as said man sidestepped the creature, still eyeing it nervously as it stood there unmoving.

That's when the universe, or their stupid crewmantes, decided it's the best time to sound an explosion down the hallway, startling them.

They must've all looked away, because one moment the Coil-head stood facing away from them, and the second it rushed at an unsuspecting Fl0m.

Grizzy felt light headed as he watched the other's head spring away from his body, hitting the ceiling, and landing on the floor before slowly rolling towards them, Fl0m’s expression frozen in shock.

He heard Puffer shouting a curse, heard Pezzy's worried and Droid's questioning voices through the walkie and Tyler's mad in the background, but the only thing he could think about is how impossible his request to Eli from yesterday seemed.

“Don't let anyone else die.”

“Another dead. Two deceased in total. Rest unknown. I'm sorry.”

Chapter Text

“Come on pussy, just jump already.” John kept nagging from the other side.

The four of them didn't have to go far to find their first obstacle which was a gap between two catwalks. 

They had to jump over it in order to continue deeper into the facility which proved to be difficult for some.

“Are you crazy?? You see how far down this goes??” Yumi replied, cautiously looking over the railing. “I've seen enough falls yesterday to do this!”

“Agreed.” Added Smii7y, backing away from the gap.

“When did someone fall?” Eli asked, his interest peaked.

“Meh!” “Just a scratch.” The two waved him off, still eyeing the fall uncertainly.

Their leader just sighed heavily. “We'll talk about this later. For now - please just get over here for fucks sake.” He sounded exasperated.

The men on the other side looked at each other, still unsure, before Smii7y’s shoulders slumped. He slowly walked over to the gap, clutching the railing with white-knuckled grip.

“Today dickass.” John prompted, impatient.

“You don't get how fucking hard this is.” Smii7y snapped back. The other put his hands up in mock surrender.

Upon glancing down, the fight left him momentarily, replaced with a weird sense of déjà vu.

Screw his logically scared part of the brain.

He slowly took a few steps forward, letting go of the railing and balancing on the beam. Letting out hopefully not his last breath, Smii7y leaped towards the other side.

Once his feet met the ground, he stumbled slightly and turned to look at the jump and Yumi on the other side.

Except-

“Where's Yumi?” John voiced his thoughts out loud. The three stared at the catwalk where said man stood seconds ago - now empty, with no trace left behind.

“Yumi??” Smii7y half-shouted into the darkness, getting no response. Turning to his crewmates, they too started to shout after their friend.

Smii7y felt a cold grip of worry, dare he say even fear, when no one answered their calls.

“Damn it!” Eli slammed his fist on the metal wall, glaring at nothing in particular.

“Well this sucks.” John summarised. “So- are we going to get going or…” He turned to address the man, his expression indifferent. Smii7y frowned. “We can't leave him.”

“Right.” The other eyed him with a glint of confusion and interest. “But we can't go running after a possibly dead man just like that either.”

“We don't know if he's dead. He could've ran off somewhere on his own.” Eli chimed in, his composed demeanor back. “Damn it, maybe we should've taken the talkie.” 

“We could find the others and tell them to ask the ship then.” John suggested, crossing his arms and leaning on the wall.

He was way too cool with the whole situation for Smii7y’s liking. 

“Would we be able to navigate deeper in the factory tho? We don't know where they are or what is there waiting for us. It could take us hours before we get to them if we don't die in the process.” He said ignoring previous thoughts, his voice stern despite the nervous tapping on the helmet.

“True…” The others agreed.

Eli clicked his tongue, clearly in thought. “I think the safest option is to send someone back out the main entrance.” He looked back past the fall. “We're not far from it, and it's bright outside.”

“Bro I just got on this side.” Smii7y groaned but began to mentally prepare for another jump.

“We have better chances contacting the chair guys face to face than finding others in the building - you said it yourself.” John pointed out, cocking his head with a sarcastic rise of a brow.

“Yea I know. It doesn't mean I like the process tho.” He shot back and before the other could respond, Smii7y was already jumping back. He narrowly missed hitting the railing but luckily, he made it to the other side in one piece.

“So I'll go and you'll continue deeper yeah? If you find the guys, tell them to ask anyway just in case.” He stated, giving Eli a determined look which he knew, despite his darkened visor, the other could probably feel.

Eli nodded back and began to walk away with John trailing behind.

Smii7y took one last look at the gap, rolled his eyes at it, and left in the opposite direction. They hadn't wandered too far into the facility so he wasn't worried about getting lost.

He walked past the valve they closed when they first entered, continuing down the dark hallway.

How he wished he had a flashlight. His whole body took regular screenshots whenever somewhere something made a sound or his eyes deceived him with shadows moving.

He shook his head, taking what he remembered to be a right way to the exit. The metal grid clanked with each step he took, the sound monotone and somehow comforting.

Allowing his thoughts to roam free, he wondered what happened to Yumi.

He didn't see his body down the fall and he's unsure if he's happy or worried.

Because if he didn't die there then what happened to him? Could it be the monster from yesterday? The same one that killed Droid?

Smii7y shuddered at the thought. Despite the discovery of their partial immortality - or just the revival mechanics - death was still something horrible. 

At least in his eyes.

He hoped that overtime they didn't get desensitised about stuff like that. That they wouldn't normalize it.

Looking back at the teams’ reaction to Droid's death they seemed to truly care.

At least for now.

Hopefully they stayed like this. Hopefully no one else died.

Taking another turn Smii7y paused in front of the main entrance. That is if it was actually there.

“Where the fuck..?” He spun around looking for the door but all he was met with were dark hallways.

Did he take a wrong turn? Was he too distracted with his thoughts? Or did he just forget the right way?

His panic grew tenfold as he realised - he was all alone and lost.

Fuck. Shit. Piss. Balls.

How the fuck did he get here.

“BruuuuuuuuuuuUUUUUH!” Smii7y shouted into the darkness, his frustration flaring up.

He's starting to understand Puffer a little more now. Not that he's gonna just forget that the guy accused him out of the blue for the death of one of them - but he could still relate.

Smii7y stared between the hallway he came from and the one in front of him, weighing his options.

Backtracking seems like the best idea, however, because of how lost in his head he was while walking, he doubts he'll find his way back.

Maybe accidentally but that's a shot in the dark.

Oh but who cares! He can't possibly get even more lost than he is so fuck it we ball.

He walked back, trying to recall any familiar turns or halls. Nothing seemed special enough to count it as familiar so he kept going, walking either closer or further from the entrance.

Once he gets back, he'll find a way to give this god-forsaken company the worst review for their interiors. One star to all the architects and designers.

The monotone concrete walls taunted him as he continued his search for the exit, for a crewmate, for anything at this point.

Anything but monsters that is.

Although it seemed like lunch wasn't on his side today either as once he turned the twentieth corner a green bug-like creature stumbled past him, startling the man.

Smii7y inhaled sharply, panic overtaking his system as he nearly fell trying to get away from it.

Both paused, Smii7y’s eyes wide, frozen in a fight or flight situation. The bug stared, its gaze empty, before putting its little pointy limbs up and strolling away.

He followed the creature with his gaze in a half-confused half-scared haze, letting a sigh of relief fall from his lips, nearly sagging to the ground in relief.

Maybe he's just tired.

Oh well.

Back to his mission. “Right…. Yumi or the exit. Or both.” Mumbling under his nose, he gathered himself before continuing down the hall which the insect came from.

Again, nothing seemed significant enough to seem familiar. His surroundings looked all the same and strangely, with no loot around to gather.

Maybe Yumi or another teammate already scooted the area of any worthy stuff.

Smii7y grew irritated and more desperate with each second the walls and corners doubled and each moment no loot and no people appeared.

Only those damn bugs. At first he thought there was one following him, stumbling upon it three more times. Then he saw two, carrying an engine together and he realised the lack of loot was due to these creatures.

Once, he tried to take a fish-like looking toy from the bug, but it put its limbs up defensively, buzzing in warning.

He quickly backed away only to nearly fall over another bug.

“Shit, sorry.” Smii7y instinctively put his hand in surrender before berating himself for apologizing to a bug. 

Stupid canadian brain.

The monster however didn't seem to accept his apology, as it slowly flew from the ground, stretching its weird body menacingly and looming over the man.

It took a lot of willpower for Smii7y to not start screaming as he booked it away with the angrily buzzing insect right on his heels.

The sound became louder and louder indicating the creature getting closer. In his panic, Smii7y nearly missed the mine ahead of him, taking a sharp turn just before he could inevitably meet his end in an explosion.

The bug however, with the amount of momentum it had, zoomed right past him, and in its desperate attempt to follow the man, lost its balance, hitting the ground and the mine all together.

The bright light, the booming sound and the heat all knocked Smii7y away. He landed harshly on his chest, turning around just in time to see the bug's body sprawl in pieces around the walls, its gross insides scattered on the floor and even on the ceiling.

He gagged at the sight, looking away. Brushing himself off, for who knows what time again, he stood up but hesitated to move.

Maybe he should've let the bug get to him. Or step on the mine. He would've just died and respawned back in the ship with everyone.

But he didn't. And now he's stuck god knows how deep in the facility, with bugs and mines and a headache.

Smii7y wanted to rub his eyes, or his temples but now was the worst time to be thinking about taking off his helmet, with no oxygen around and bug bits lingering in the air. He opted to just sigh, resigned, and continue forwards.

Maybe someone heard the explosion and came to check it out.

Hopefully someone did.

Chapter Text

Matt might’ve come off as an energetic and optimistic, not all that smart individual, but that didn’t stop him from caring. 

Caring about people he worked with, some of whom he called friends. Caring about the traumatic events and dangerous situations they found themselves in. Caring about the horrors and the death they went through over those two days already.

Caring about the way Grizzy’s voice wavered as he announced the two deceased teammates who’s deaths he and Puffer were present for.

Two guys whom he and Tyler just left in the facility.

Matt felt guilty for being in the safety of the ship when his friends had to deal with these terrors.

He stood there silently, his body tense as he stared at the monitors.

Pezzy leaned back in his chair, expression horrified. Droid let out a sigh as he put his hands on his head, shaking it in resignation.

“This is… impossible. These monsters are over-fucking-powered!” Tyler shouted, slamming his fist on the desk, disturbing Pezzy from his thoughts. “Shut up.” Said the younger man, before turning back to Grizzy on the talkie. “We’ll get you outta there.”

“ Good shit. Unless Woody over there decides to behead us next. ” Sounded Puffer’s agitated voice.

“Just stare at it. C’mon Droid, help me here.” The soda-bot turned to his friend, who was already flipping around the camms to find either of the two.

“Yea, right, of course!” He nodded energetically, expression focused. “Oof! Actually… we might have another death in a second.” He said, pausing on Smii7y’s tab. They all glanced in his direction and cringed at the sight. His viewpoint was surrounded with red dots strolling around casually, numerous codenames lingering around the maps of the halls and what horrified Matt the most - he was alone.

“What the fuck? Why is nobody with him?” He was by Droid’s side momentarily, rapidly searching the screen for anyone else there with his friend. 

He found nothing but hostile creatures.

Rectrixx stood next to him, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Eli and John are fine. Wasn't Yumi alone too? They were all together, no?” He mused, trying to understand the situation. Before Droid got to Smii7y, he passed Eli’s and Yumi’s cameras, both moving and with no dangers to their name, Eli being paired with John, and Yumi alone.

“Erm.. guys? Can we focus on Grizzy and Puffer?? We can't even do anything about the others - they don’t have walkies.” Pezzy’s slightly irritated voice snapped them from their analysis. What he said was true, they couldn’t do anything with no way of contacting the four.

That didn’t stop Matt.

“I’ll go find him. He’s near the main entrance.” He made his decision. Watching Smii7y’s cam, he spotted the entrance nearby and with no hesitation chose his plan of action. With a determined nod he moved to leave, before being stopped by Rectrixx, who’s hand caught his wrist tightly.

The bear hybrid opened his mouth to speak, expression concerned, but his words held no power over the man in front of him, so he clicked it shut, squeezed Matt’s hand reassuringly, and let him go.

And so Matt did.

Marching across the deserted land, heading straight for the entrance as the voices of his teammates faded to the harsh wind of the moon, Matt was determined to keep the death count from passing the two unfortunate deaths.

From the outsiders view, it might seem weird, how quickly and how much Matt got attached, especially to Smii7y.

But upon first arrival, once he met everyone present at the moment, he turned to the man and then he noticed. The matching frog sticker the two of them had. 

Nothing significant, but to Mat…

Smii7y didn’t seem to notice neither Matt’s nor his own stickers and so he didn’t say anything. But the more he watched the guy, the more they spoke and interacted, he felt familiar, friendly - an invisible bond between the two of them.

He was good at instincts, at feelings, so he followed his own and decided here and there that this person was important - important to him.

Entering the dark facility for the second time today, hearing the random droplets of water and buzzing in the walls, he started walking to where he memorised Smii7y last was, determined to join this important stranger's side.

Matt might’ve come off as an energetic and optimistic, not all that smart individual, but that didn’t stop him from caring. 

Caring about the only friend he really knew he had, even if they didn’t remember each other.

Smii7y was starting to panic. Really panic. Was he stupid? Was it the darkness and shadows playing tricks on him? Was his sleepless night and exhaustion the reason he kept looping and getting lost over and over again without finding the entrance or any indicators as to where it could be?

He wanted to scream and cry as he turned the corner and found himself staring at the exploded bug for the seventh time. The disturbing image now engraved in his memory forever, not even grossing him out as much as it should be.

To say he was concerned was an understatement.

He slowed down his pace, nearly stopping. Dying really would’ve been the best option here. Who cares he’s so against it. At this point he’ll be wandering these halls forever. The guys probably left already.

His fists clenched at the thought of being abandoned.

But being logical, he knew that they had to leave the planet sooner or later and who knows what happens to those left behind besides the unavoidable death from the hands of monsters.

No one would risk going back for a guy they barely knew. So back to his initial idea - death.

Fuck him and his future if it becomes a regular thing. Dying for the sake of coming back, the desensitization he wanted to never happen will swallow him first if that’s the case.

Smii7y groaned and slammed his head against the wall, sliding down it slowly.

Even if it was morally wrong on so many levels, was it worth being left behind?

It’s not even the guys that he wants to go back to,although the loneliness in these past hours had made him want to see anyone more than ever - even the damn pufferfish would be nice to have around.

He can’t say he likes the situation they’ve been forced into and the fact they all so quickly adjusted and moved on rubs him the wrong way, but then he can’t help but relate to the want of not dwelling too long.

If they did, they would realise how utterly fucking screwed they were and how they couldn’t do shit to save themselves.

The amount of issues Smii7y tried to mull over just now was a good enough example of going fucking crazy.

But now he knows for sure: If he was to die, which would most likely happen sooner or later, he doesn't want to do it alone. He doesn't want to die alone in the dark, cold, creepy halls surrounded by death and misery. He doesn’t want people to die with him, by any means no. He just wants someone by his side is all.

And for once the twisted universe they found themselves in seemed to listen to his pleas, as the prolonged hours of either silence or agitating buzzing were broken by footsteps. If he listened carefully he could make out that those didn’t belong to any monster they encountered thus far.

So it could either be a new creature which no , thank you very much , or one of his teammates.

He hoped it was the latter.

The bright yellow helmet that seemingly materialised from the darkness was enough to make Smii7y sign in relief.

“There you are!” Matt quickly made his way down the hall, stopping and crouching to meet him on an eye-to-eye level. “Once I saw all these hostiles surrounding you, man , my heart dropped for real!” He laughed nervously looking around.

“Good to see you too.” Smii7y shot back, unable to stop the fondness and relief flooding his tone.

Matt’s gaze scanned him for any injuries, seemingly finding none to his satisfaction. “So… what’s with the monster bits on the floor?” His friend asked, pointedly looking at the mess of a creature.

“Those are bug bits - gross, yeah I know. It walked onto the mine. Quite a scene to witness, I can tell you that.” He joked, making a face at the reminder of said view.

“Ah. Bug bits. Yea, cool. Wanna go back now?” Matt asked and before he could answer, the other stood and offered him his hand. Smii7y gladly took it, stretching his back once he was up as well.

“Please, get me outta here. If I hear anymore of the buzzing my ears will fall off.” He groaned as another, especially aggressive buzz echoed in the halls as if taunting him.

“Oh buddy…” Matt patted his shoulder, leading them back to the main area. “C’mon we’ll have to check if you went bonkers crazy in here or not.”

“Crazy~?”

“Oh don’t even start with the rats-”

Both paused, minds going blank for a moment. Even though Smii7y couldn't recall where the joke came from, he knew it was an inside one. The fact that both of them knew it and just how natural it came to them…

Matt must’ve come to the same conclusion as he stared at Smii7y for a good minute, his expression shifting from shock, confusion, through longing, awe, to happiness and utter delight, before exploding with a booming laugh.

Naturally, Smii7y joined in.

Both men stood there, laughing at a joke none of them fully understood and he would lie if he said this single moment of normality didn’t mean the world to him.

“Yeah, you’re right. I guess bugs would fit more in this situation.” Still giggling, he gestured to the lone bug strolling by. It only made the two of them laugh more.

And as they walked through the halls to the entrance, Matt’s arm thrown over his shoulder, friendly banter cutting through the dark silence of the facility, Smii7y thought that he might’ve just found his reason to keep going.

He doesn't want that loneliness to ever return again.

Chapter Text

“Pezzy, you're panicking, I'm taking over.” Rectrixx commanded, his voice stern as he pulled the chair with the man still in it away from the terminal.

“Wh- okay, okay. Just.. get them out.” Pezzy easily agreed, leaving the seat and walking over to the beds where Tyler watched in anticipation.

“Guys, it's Rectrixx again. Can you hear me?” He said to the walkie, looking over the screens to see their surroundings.

“Yeah, yeah. I don't give a fuck who's talking I want to fucking leave.” Puffer barked back, his barely contained anger making itself known.

“Alright, I'm working on it. We'll walk you back to the fire exit.” He motioned for Droid to flip the camera, showcasing Grizzy’s tab. “Go back down the hallway you guys came from - one of you keep an eye on the monster the other lead the way.” He ordered, focusing fully on the task at hand.

The two dots moved slowly without another word. Rectrixx tried hard to remember exactly the way they walked to get where they were now.

“Alright this is good. That's where Pezzy noticed Tucker and the Coil-head. Keep going.” They watched the dead men’s dots disappear from the screen.

“I think we took a right here didn't we?” Grizzy's voice came through, closer than Puffer's.

“Yes! And then you passed the room which you found the sheet in!” Rectrixx exclaimed enthusiastically, slowly pathing the way back in his head.

“Yessir this is the way- fuck!” They heard Grizzy screech as the hostile point moved extremely quick across the map. “I looked away for a second!”

“Be careful! They're usually pretty quick.” Pezzy stressed, leaning on the bed. Droid patted his back, his expression worried and a little confused.

“Pretty fucking quick alright! Motherfucker be teleporting!” They heard Puffer shout, Rectrixx paying him no mind as he quickly typed a command, closing the door behind them.

“I closed the door on the bitch! Quick, run to the exit!” The two dots of his friends flew down the hall before he even finished his sentence as Puffer and Grizzy took their chance and ran.

“You're a lifesaver man!”

Literally. Rectrixx thought as he scanned the map for the right path.

“Left, straight, then the last room on the right!” He guided them through the labyrinth of hallways to the best of his abilities.

“Walk across the fall there and through another door - you should have the exit on your left!”

“I see it on the map!” Droid chirped happily making them all whip their heads to the display. Rectrixx’s orders were spot on and the two were at the red emergency exit door in no time.

Before any of them could cheer, a rapidly approaching red dot caught his attention.

“Out! Out quickly!” No arguments were made as Grizzy and Puffer tumbled out of the facility, shutting the door right as the Coil-head turned the corner.

They heard the tell-tale sound of springs at the other end of the talkie followed by a shaky exhale from Grizzy and a hysterical laugh from Puffer.

“Holy shit! Holy fucking shit we did it!” His voice pitched as he laughed, Grizzy soon joined in followed by the crew in the ship.

Rectrixx allowed himself to relax just for a moment, before straightening his back and locking in once again.

“Alright, now that you're out we'll see what's up with the others.”

He gestured for Droid once again, an the other, with a beaming smile, flipped though the cameras.

“Rectrixx you're goated my man.”

“Yeah good job chairman.”

Grizzy and Puffer, now safely walking back, threw their praises at him. He kinda expected it from the bear but getting a good job from the local asshole like Puffer? Priceless.

“Guess I should stay in the ship more often huh?” He shot back as a joke but was positively surprised when his crewmates genuinely agreed.

To be quite frank, Rectrixx was absolutely terrified of going out. He didn't want to volunteer and make himself look like a pussy, but as he got a chance to choose, he immediately jumped at the opportunity.

It made him feel rather bad that he got to stay in the ship when others did all the hard work.

Guilt silently nabbed at his insides, making his mood constantly drop. Smii7y’s re-telling of the events of the past day to Droid, which he might've eavesdropped on, only made him feel worse about himself and the luxurious way he spent said day.

But after this whole action with the Coil-head, he felt good for what was possibly the first time since he woke up at the place.

He felt like he finally could be useful, even though he didn't exactly do anything. Even though he didn't risk his life like he probably should, like the others did.

Maybe Rectrixx was a scaredy-cat and a pussy but he would be a helpful one. He will absolutely destroy these halls, he will navigate and guide the hell out of the team and he'll close the doors in all these fuck-ass monsters.

He would earn his stay at the ship and the safety that none of them have guaranteed anymore.

Another creature added to his little collection. Would it be true if Puffer said he met each and every possible one?

He should take on research instead of collecting with how much he contributed to the bestiary.

Though he didn't defeat any monsters which was truly a shame. He would happily punch the shit out of any of them if he could. Fuckers would either be too quick, too big or just straight up invincible.

Hoping for a new creature for them to come by would be a death wish but in case they ever did, Puffer hoped it would be a beatable one.

As he and Grizzy hauled pieces of loot towards the ship, he spotted two other people leaving the facility. Upon closer look, he couldn't help but roll his eyes as Smii7y and his imbecile of a friend number 2 slowly approached them.

“Need a hand?” Smii7y offered, ever the hero. Puffer just scoffed, as Grizzy took him on the offer, sharing the pile between the two.

Not waiting for them to finish, he began his walk once again. Behind him, the conversation grew louder as Matt pulled Grizzy into an animated story about… hot-dogs? Of all things. Irritating little shit.

His irritation grew tenfold as Smii7y ended up catching up to him anyway, walking by his side but not quite acknowledging the fish man.

Puffer shot him a side glare, and his eyes lingered on the crack still present on the other’s visor.

His eyes fell down onto his hands, carrying the semi-heavy loot. They were still shaking, however less than before.

Puffer grimaced, looking back up at the man who either ignored his blatant staring or didn't catch onto it yet.

“What was it you said? You tripped?” He spoke suddenly, not sure where he was going with this.

Smii7y didn't look at him, but the slight tilt of his head, and the tightening of his knuckles let him know he heard him.

“You heard me.” He responded shortly, his tone lacking any real malice like Puffer expected.

“Right. And I'm LeBron James.” The other left out a snort, which once again surprised the man.

“You could be for all I know. You're scarily tall and seem to have a broader build.” Smii7y pointed out, trying to gesture with the limited hand space.

Excuse me? Was Puffer's first thought.

“I'm a fish.” Was his second, and Smii7y seemed to barely contain his laughter. The pufferfish smiled despite himself, finding the knot of stress, which formed during today's scare, loosen a bit.

“Really?? Didn't quite notice.” The man shot back sarcastically, adjusting the hold on the items he was carrying. Only because he did that, did Puffer remember the main point of this talk.

“Sure. Now stop deflecting and spit it out. What happened?” He eyed the other, trying to convey silently that this time - he wouldn't let this go.

Smii7y's joking attitude died down, his tense from laughing shoulders slumping. “I told you, I tripped.”

Puffer didn't even try to prevent the tired sigh that left him. “Why would you lie about that?” He asked, slightly annoyed.

“Why would I tell you the truth?” Smii7y shot back without missing a beat.

He paused, his steps faltering slightly before continuing like nothing. He turned his gaze away from the man, who he was sure now watched him with an intense look.

Why would he indeed.

Dare he say, Puffer wasn't the most reliable on the team. He demonstrated nothing but his irritation and anger towards the man, berating him be it internally or out loud for the smallest of things, and overall being an asshole.

Not to mention their previous interaction, which he had yet to think about really.

“Listen, I might've made a point this morning that wasn't necessarily true. And I might've blamed you for something I really shouldn't.” He risked a glance at Smii7y who still seemed to be watching him.

He groaned internally. Did he actually expect an apology? Like hell he would-! 

He needed to calm down.

Anger wasn't going to help him here. Puffer pursed his lips, his brow furrowing.

“Sorry.” He muttered, turning his head to the side.

God he felt pathetic. 

Maybe this wasn't the best idea. Why did he decide to play the role of a helpful, concerned teammate all of a sudden.

Smii7y truly brought the worst out of him.

They kept walking in silence, the wind steadily blowing past, bending the old and fragile trees, the soil crunching under their boots.

“I might've fallen from the water tower.” A sheepish voice came from his side. Puffer whipped to look at the other, gaping like a fish he technically was.

“You what??” His voice came out stronger than he intended, disbelief clear as day because holy shit!

“Come on, it's not that big of a deal.” Smii7y tried defusing the situation, waving one hand around, having shifted the loot to the other.

“It is a big deal!” Puffer didn't shout, but his voice was stern - like a scolding mother’s Grizzy would later point out.

He glanced past the white-suited man, at the tower he supposedly fell from. His eyes only grew wider as he saw how unstable and how believable it was to fall down from it, especially with the winds blowing like crazy the other day.

“It all makes sense now. You have a goddamn concussion!” One of his own hands flew to gesture at the other’s head, inches from his helmet. The man instinctively leaned back, probably making a face and swatting his hand away.

“I'm fine.”

“No you're not and I'm giving you a medical assessment once we are back in the ship.”

Maybe it was the absolute absurdity of the situation pilled up with the nerves and adrenaline from the earlier encounter that made Puffer utterly shocked.

In a rush, he began speeding his pace, the other following quickly after.

“Seriously, who does that? You fall and you don't even think about getting an evident and life-threatening injury treated?” He ranted angrily, his mind going through millions of possibilities and thoughts.

How did nobody else notice? Was someone there with him? Wait- there had to be. He was with The Strawberry and the other purple guy from earlier. Why didn't they say anything? Why didn't they do anything?

He glanced at the water tower again, its shakiness visible even from a distance. A realisation suddenly struck, an unpleasant one that felt like a knife twisted into his guts.

“You could've died. From this height? You should've died.” He paused his strut, turning around to face a strangely quiet Smii7y who avoided all eye contact. Puffer rose a suspicious brow. Why-

He looked down.

Oh. 

Puffer was holding onto him, onto his hand.

In the haste of his anger-mixed-disbelief he must've grabbed the other's hand, pulling him alongside this whole time.

He should let go.

But he didn't.

Smii7y turned his head towards him slowly, the red star of the planet reflecting in his visor. The hand in Puffer's trembled, so did the other with the loot. He must've lost a few things when he was yanked around because the pile grew visibly smaller.

“Fl0m and Yumi caught me. It's just a bruise… probably.” He answered, his voice smaller than before.

“Probably.” Puffer barked out, tightening the grip, before letting out a sigh. Allowing his head to clear a little, he noticed how Smii7y has never taken his helmet. Not even once.

“Is it about your face? Really man no one will judge if you're ugly.” He tried to joke, resuming his walk, this time slower, giving the other space to pull away if he wanted.

Smii7y didn't.

Instead he shook his head. “Let's just… deal with this later yeah? We have more important things to take care of.”

Puffer wanted to argue, but he settled with just humming agreeing. “Right. Like two dead people.”

Smii7y's head turned towards him, seemingly being only now made aware of the deaths. He sighed heavily before continuing.

“And one missing.”