ray

Well, today you can eat a little less feed and instead snack on some moss and mushrooms. Think of it as 'picnic food'!

Come with me. We'll go find some.

Wraw!

Sandbeast, hold on to me tight. We're about to head down.

Wraw!

Hey! Hey! What are you doing?!

Uh oh. I've got some bad news. I was just finishing brushing one of the barrels when I saw her go down into the mine!

To make matters worse, it's an abandoned mine. I don't dare go in there myself. I'll stand guard at the entrance until she comes back up!

I heard a sound coming from up above us. Did you hear it, Sandbeast?

Munchmunch...

Wraw?

Maybe it was the wind.

Hey. Don't eat so much. We need to bring some moss and mushrooms back with us, you know.

If you eat so much that we exceed the lift's weight limit, we won't be able to get back up there.

Twenty minutes later...

*burp*

Good. Let out another burp, and maybe we'll still be able to use the lift.

Wraw! Wraw!

*burp*

Okay. Great. Grab on tight. We're gonna go back up now.

Now we have only one thing left to do. We're going to ask Lanns if we can borrow her truck.

Huff...

We still have enough time left.

Lanns, I want to borrow your ute.

Huh? Why? You're travelling?

You're not going to the banquet, Ray? I made my sweet meat soup!

It's not that. I just suddenly have the urge to take Sandbeast out for a stroll.

I'll be back before the banquet starts.

You sure you'll come back?

Yes. Last time I left the ship to watch the burdenbeasts dancing under the moon, I got in trouble.

The HR Operator said next time I have to report in first, to avoid interrupting everyone's work.

You told me that before I make a decision, I need to stop and think about it first.

Ray stops for a second and thinks about it.

Well I've thought about this one. Jerry and Keira keep telling me how much they want to thank me. If I don't come back for the banquet, they'll be very hurt.

So... I'll definitely be back.

Ray finishes speaking. She looks as if she's finally figured out the answer to a major question, and she gives a small nod to herself.

Yes. I'll come back for the banquet.

Wow. I never thought you'd actually remember what I told you! Alright then. Here are the keys. Be careful out there.

Right, Ray, well, you have to try my sweet meat soup at the banquet, yeah?

Of course. I will.

Alright then. I'd best be going.

*huff huff* I finally finished greeting each and every guest, and arranging all their seats... I'm exhausted!

Well, let's take a little break...

It feels so good now that I've gotten all that done...

Help! Something terrible happened!

What?

No no no... We lost her! Who here has seen that quiet Cautus girl?

I watched her go into this horrifying hut—it was full of bones and corpses, and the woman inside looked terrifying. I have no idea what happened to her in there!

After Ninth Auntie lost track of her, she immediately sent us a message. I happened to see her nearby, but I was a step too late—she went straight into an abandoned mine shaft. I called for her over and over, but no one answered!

Huh? That can't be right. I just saw her here. She was driving a truck, heading over that way!

Who? Which way?

Sixth Uncle points his finger at the window.

Everyone looks over towards the window—a trail of dust gradually fades into the horizon.

She was heading south. There aren't any mines or villages over there because of all the sandbeast burrows. It's kind of a no-man's land. Is she... in trouble? Does she have a death wish or something?

Wha?

Jerry, she hijacked a truck for you before. Come on. You can't just let her run around by herself over there like that!

What?!

The sandbeasts lounge about, stirring up the sand as they slowly trudge across the boundless desert, enjoying the cool night air.

The transport vehicle comes to a stop in the distance. One woman, and one beast, jump out from it.

Look, Sandbeast. We're here.

Here. I'll rearrange your moss and mushrooms for you. There we go.

Go out and play. You'll love it.

Wraw—!

The little sandbeast lets out a joyful cry and charges into the pack up ahead. It merrily rolls around, rubbing up against all the other sandbeasts.

The pack doesn't reject the newcomer. Instead, they warmly welcome its arrival, gently nudging it and sniffing its scent.

They are all carrying the same mushrooms and moss, which occasionally emit a faint glow when they bump into each other.

Wraaaaw—

Wraw—wraw—

Wraw! Wraw!

Ray is carrying those same mushrooms and moss, and thus, emits the same occasional faint glow herself. She breathes in the fresh scent of the plants and slowly trails after the pack.

Here, Sandbeast. Eat up.

I looked these mushrooms and moss up in a book. If you eat them, the color of the veins on your back will go back to normal, and you'll feel better.

Kwh—kwh—!

Kwh...

Do you feel any better?

Sorry. I'll stay close by your side and pay more attention to your health from now on, Sandbeast, especially when we're cleansing infected creatures.

I won't let you get more than five steps away from me.

Wraw...

Wraw, wraw.

You stood up! Are you better now?

Wraw, wraw!

Oh! I'm so glad, Sandbeast!

Ray reaches out her hand and strokes the sandbeast's backfin, inspecting the color of the veins to make sure it has really recovered.

The sandbeast snuggles its head against Ray's hand and shifts into a comfortable position in her arms.

Sandbeast...

I've saved up a bit of money. We don't have to work tomorrow. Let me take you out to the wilderness for a little while right now.

I know you want to go run in the wilds, dig tunnels, and play with the sand.

Look! It's right over there. I'll stay here and build us a little shelter. You go on ahead. I'll keep an eye on you.

Wraw!

Wraw! Wraw—wraw!

The sandbeast runs off excitedly into the wilderness, but quickly turns back around and gently nudges its head against Ray's ankle.

It's almost as if it's asking her to venture with it into the wilderness.

You want me to go play with you?

Wraw!

Oh, Sandbeast! Calm down! I'm about to lose my balance here! You've spilled mushrooms and moss all over me!

Oh look. After you bump into them... they start glowing?

It's actually quite pretty.

Wraaaaw—

I guess we'll keep wearing them then.

Alright. Let's go have some fun. I'll put off building the hut for a bit.