story_ray_1_1

Hurry up! It's already 13:00! As soon as we finish lunch we need to start cooking! Golden carrots must be first on the list! Trust me. It's not a real feast without golden carrots!

Where are the plates? There aren't enough plates here! Where are the bowls? And we'll need at least twenty more tables, and chairs! My thirteenth uncle's second aunt came too, and she's bringing her five little kids. How exciting!

Hey! The whole reason I came here was to cook for you! So what if I'm a guest? Are you seriously not going to let me cook? Hurry up and hand me the spatula!

Wraw!

Come here, Sandbeast.

You're not afraid of all this noise? You... like it?

Wraw! Wraw!

Hey, Jerry, look! I see Ray over there!

Oh! Hey, Ray! We're over here!

Is someone calling me?

—over here!

Oh, Jerry! It's you!

I'm so sorry. There are just so many people here. I yelled as loud as I possibly could!

After Keira and I got back from our honeymoon, I wanted to throw a thank-you party for you. Then somehow the guest list just kept growing... Still, I'm really happy with how it turned out!

Because no one here would have thought that Keira and I would end up together, after we both ran away from the altar...

Jerry... It's awfully noisy here. I can't hear what you're saying!

Can you speak a bit louder?

(Takes a deep breath)

I SAID...

THAT KEIRA AND I...

ARE VERY GLAD YOU COULD MAKE IT!

Okay. I heard you that time!

Oh—and I have to say, Keira and I both think that if you hadn't been there, so much of what followed wouldn't even have happened!

That's right!

Keira and I wouldn't have ended up running away and then meeting like that! We wouldn't have gotten to know each other so quickly! And everything else that happened afterward... WE TRULY HAVE TO THANK YOU!

Ah. I heard that too!

Did I make that much of a difference, really?

OF—COURSE!

If you hadn't hijacked the truck, maybe Keira and I would never have met up! Who knows when or if I'd have my family pushing me down another path.

That is why we're so grateful to you, Ray!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE HIJACKING!!!

Hijacking? Did you hear that? Did I get the word wrong?

I remember Jerry said he was carjacked. They crashed through the checkpoint and had a fight with the guard. That was all her doing?

What? I can't hear you! You're saying that she stole Jerry away?

What? It's too noisy! You're saying she jacked the truck... for Jerry?!

What?! She crashed through the checkpoint and had a fight with the guard, only to hijack the truck and take Jerry away?!

WHAT?!

Sorry, Ray, but we still have so much to do. Do you still remember where you're sitting?

Yes. Pavilion 3, near the geyser, table 12, seat 6.

Warmy will be to the left of you, and Alanna to the right. There's also a wooden crate there for your sandbeast.

Right.

Ray, you just have to try our cooking tonight! OKAY! See you later!

Sure!

Wraw!

(Happily stretches its backfin)

(Happily digs into the sand)

Now, sandbeast. This isn't your personal playground. You can't behave like that.

Wraw! Wraw! Wraw! Wraw!

You've been so hyper ever since we got back to Rim Billiton.

...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!

Sandbeast, let's go out and play while we have the chance.

Long ago I took a sandbeast, my first sandbeast, to the wilderness to play.

It was so happy, as happy as you are now.

(Points out the window towards the wilderness)

Let's go have some fun, yeah?

(Rubs excitedly)

First we'll go get a map, and then we'll find you some snacks. Then we'll borrow Lanns's car.

Let's go!

Has that girl been talking to the sandbeast ever since Jerry and Keira left?

She jacked a truck so she could take Jerry away...

She looks like she's in bad shape...

Huh? Look... she left already? She doesn't even want to stay for the meal?

That doesn't seem right. I think you lot should follow her. Don't leave her alone!

I've been following her from a distance, don't worry. After she left, she went straight to that little shop outside town—probably to buy something.

Yup. I saw her walk in there. Don't worry. I'll go over there and get a few more groceries. What do you all need?

Cystymilk, onions, cheese... okay, got it.

Lanns said it was here, from what I remember... preserved corpses, skeletons, photographs...

Here's the place. Easy.

Hello? Is anyone here? I'd like a map showing the locations of large sandbeast caves nearby.

Huh? Who are you? Maps? You came here for 'Fins on the Night Desert' too?

I heard that legend before, but that's not why I'm here.

Then why are you here? What do you all think this is, a wishing well that anyone can stop by?

I'm a pitsinker. These are my old work credentials, medical report, and attendance records… If you help me, I can take you to any abandoned mine or underground cave you want to visit.

What do you think about that?

Now that's new—never seen anyone like you, coming here like you're applying for a job or something. Alright, let me take a look...

Wraw!

Oh? You actually managed to tame that little thing?

No. It just followed me here on its own.

Followed you here? Huh. Interesting.

This is... a Rhodes Island dining card? You're from Rhodes Island?

Yes.

Alright—you've worked as a pitsinker, you can tame a sandbeast, and you're a Rhodes Island operator... If the Doctor picked you, you must have some skills. Here, take the map.

Leave me your contact. Next time I want to explore a cave, I'll contact you.

Alright. I've finished my shopping. Let me see where she is... huh? Wait a minute, she... what is she going to that shop for? Is that... an animal carcass... and is that a corpse?

No. There's just no way I can let her stay in that kind of place by herself. I need to go see what's going on! Oh this is awful!

Hey! Unhand my guest!

Wha? What now? Where did you come from?

Whoa? Huh? Where is she? Where did she go?

Dammit! I lost track of her!

Don't worry. I was on my way back from rinsing out some old barbecue barrels in the mines, and I saw her coming right this way after I got your message.

Yes, she was there with the sandbeast. I'm sure you'll see her in another ten minutes or so.

You still need four more barbecue barrels, huh? Alright. I'll bring them over right away!

Sandbeast, look over there. We've found what we were looking for.

The mushrooms and moss that grow in the mine tunnels... they're tasty and good for your health. They can help sandbeasts purge toxins.

Wraw.

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.

Follow me, Sandbeast!

Wraw!

These sandbeasts... sometimes when they are digging underground, they will dig into the mines.

Is that how they learned that these mushrooms and moss... remove toxins?

The sandbeast pack, of course, aren't able to answer the Cautus's question, even though she's wearing the same mushrooms and moss that they are.

They happily jostle to and fro, lighting up the mushrooms and moss hanging from their bodies, before ravenously gulping them down.

In the darkness the pack seems to float effortlessly across the desert, like a huge school of fins swimming slowly toward the glimmering moonlight.

Ray stands there, watching them.

This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this. I guess the 'Fins on the Night Desert' is a real thing.

I guess... they were talking about sandbeasts...

And my Sandbeast.

Ray starts running... and her faint glow returns.

She catches up to the sandbeasts, like a wayward fin returning to its school.

(Whistles)

*huff* *huff* ... Sandbeast!

Sandbeast! Should I give you a proper name?

A name for my first sandbeast!

What's a good name for you?

Hmm...

Wraw?

I'll call you... 'Glowy'?

Wraw...

Don't like that name?

'Shiny'? 'Lighty'?

Wraw...

Haha. No. You don't like any of those names...

I don't think I'm too good at picking names.

Let me noodle on it a bit more...

Well you keep saying 'wraw' 'wraw'... how about I call you 'Rory' for now?

Wraw?!

Relax! Relax!

Oh come on! Jerry and Keira just explained everything to you—it was all a misunderstanding! Ray didn't hijack the ute to run off with Jerry, and she wasn't trying to commit suicide in the wilderness!

She just wanted to take her sandbeast out to have some fun. It's no big deal. You don't need to worry.

If you don't believe me, ask Potlid!

Yes. Lanns is right. Ray said she'd be back in time for the banquet.

The banquet is scheduled to start at 21:30. She still has two minutes to get here.

Is she really going to come back safely?

We really don't need to go find her?

Believe me. Ray promised me that she'd be back!

It's almost 21:30. Listen to me...

Let the banquet—begin!

*huff* I'm back.

Let me think... oh right, I'm seated at pavilion 3, near the geyser, table 12, seat 6.

Potlid is sitting to my left, and Lanns is sitting to my right. There's also a wooden crate for Rory.

Right. This is the place.

Wraw!

Wow. The barbecue smells wonderful. The stew doesn't look half bad either...

Hm?

What's wrong? No one wants to eat?

Uhh... We'd like to ask...

Go ahead.

You didn't drive that truck into the no-man's land... because you suddenly lost your marbles and wanted to do something stupid?

You didn't go into that terrifying hut to buy poison, and/or something equally awful?

You didn't have some kind of mental breakdown, get lost, and end up in that abandoned mine?

What are you all saying? Of course not!

I took it out on a picnic.

Look.

Ray holds up the sandbeast at her feet, whose belly is now full and round.

The little sandbeast fidgets just slightly.

*burp*

See! I told you!

Well, let's eat!