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heydorothea009 · 7 months ago

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Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

After saving the world from the Biotics, Josh and Liv are catapulted into Tiger and Wolf’s time, 2162. The gang is separated from each other and contention begins to brew. Tiger and Liv find themselves face to face with an old “friend”, while Wolf gets caught in being someone he’s not, and Josh’s life is on the line. Things can’t possibly get any worse.

Chapter 11: Ultra-Max

Warnings: strong language

DAMNATION ISLAND - 3491 A.D.

Four enormous clear cells in an abyss of nothing.

The only lights that shone were from the lights that rimmed each cube shaped cell. They felt like hamsters in empty cages. They were completely separated, they couldn’t hear each other, and only could see each other. There was no way other than hand gestures and facial expressions for them to communicate.

Liv ran over to the end of her cell that met Josh’s banging on the thick glass. Josh couldn’t hear, but he saw. He waved his arms, yelling something that Liv couldn’t hear.

Wolf ran to the end of his cell that faced the nothingness, trying to peer out and see anything other than the pitch black that surrounded them.

Tiger was trying her best to yell orders, but no one could hear her. They’d all somehow ended up in all white rompers with short sleeved red shirts pulled on top that said, ULTRA-MAX. That was their only clue to where they were.

The end of Josh’s cell that faced the nothingness opened, making Josh jump to his feet. A tall bearded man with a red tuft of hair amongst his brown hair, wearing a gray suit, entered, sealing the door behind him.

“Hello, Josh.” He said. “I’m Susan.” Josh blinked, unresponsive. “I know in your time it’s a woman’s name, but I can assure you, it’s not. It’s for both.”

“…okay…hello, Susan.” Josh said. “Are you my lawyer, or-“

“I think you’ll find a lot has changed in the 1,497 years since you were born.” Susan cut him off.

“So…it’s 3674-“

“3491. Your math is off. You should’ve stayed in school, if you had you probably wouldn’t be staring death in the face.” Susan paused. “At Ultra-Max.” He looked off into the distance as if he were advertising something. Josh looked to where he was looking.

“Ultra-Max? That sounds bad-“

“It is bad.” Susan turned back to him. “It’s the worst.”

“Your crimes against humanity are some of the worst on our records, I don't even know where to start.” Susan said to Tiger, who just stood at stared at him, unbothered. “Biggest to smallest, smallest to biggest, sizes we don’t even know yet because they are unquantifiable.”

“You have put the greatest legal minds of our time in a real pickle. And I know how much you like those.”

Wolf slowly nodded.

“You have somehow, someway, created more devastation than anyone we have ever seen.”

“I’m really sorry, I didn’t know.” Liv welled up with tears. “I’ve never been arrested before-“

“I don’t need your waterworks, Miss Branson.”

“But everything that we did was-“

“For a good cause?” Susan cut Josh off. “Is that what you were gonna say?” Susan pulled some sort of net-orb from his mouth and threw it at the glass, bringing up an image of outer space. “Not gonna bother asking you what this is because I’m 100% sure that you don’t know.” He walked over to it. “The Horsehead Nebula.”

“Oh…” Josh stared at the image. “I was gonna say…Crab Nebula…”

“Your little time traveling caper, repeating the same eleven seconds over and over again ripped a hole in the space-time continuum right here.” Susan pointed to a budding rip.

“This was Grazier’s Triangle, which you destroyed. Along with the twenty seven planets that were inhabited by intelligent life in its vicinity.”

Wolf quirked an eyebrow. “We killed a bunch of ET’s?”

“You killed eighty five trillion ET’s. Many of whom looked like ET.” Susan stared Liv dead in the eyes as he said this.

“Well…that movie did scare me as a kid.” She mumbled.

“Whoops.” Tiger rolled her eyes.

“We’re…not alone in the universe?” Josh was dumbfounded.

“We weren’t.” Susan said. “But now we are again.” Josh swallowed hard. “There’s not even a word for that kind of murder. And that’s your first charge.” He swiped his hand through the air, bringing up a new projection. “Meet your family, Josh.” Projections of different Joshes came up. Susan swiped through them, the Josh in the Mons uniform, a horse jockey Josh, a mountain man Josh, a medieval Josh, etc. “Every duplicate of you, they didn’t just conveniently die, many of them escaped into time where they proceeded to wreak havoc, setting off the greatest manhunts of all time.”

“What, women weren’t hunted in this fucked up future?” Tiger asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Oh, they are,” Susan responded seriously. “With shocking brutality.”

“Case and point,” Susan swiped his hand downward. “William Wolfson.” A portrait of a very distinguished Wolf appeared. “Third Governor of New York. Fun fact, he killed John Jay in a duel.”

Wolf looked proud. “Jay must have been asking for a fight.”

Susan stared him down with intense eyes. “You slept with five of his six beloved children.”

Liv furrowed her brows and looked heavily concerned. “He slept with children?”

“They were…adult children.”

Wolf rolled his eyes and gave Susan a pitiful smile. “Well then, that sixth child must have been a real dog.”

“We were on a mission to save the world!” Josh defended them.

Susan kept swiping through all the Joshes. “Most of these previous you’s felt the same way.” A jester Josh came up. “And they continued to go back in time to right previous wrongs with Miss Branson over there, almost always ending in the destruction of humanity.”

“Me?!” Liv cried out.

“Yes, you.” Susan brought up a projection of both Liv and Josh dressed the earliest of early y2k fashion, both in shackles. “This version of you two tried to stop bin Laden before 9/11…they ended up giving him the time-machine.”

“Liv and I would never do that!” Josh ran his hands through his hair, panic growing.

“Well, you did, and now time traveling bin Laden is on both of you. As you can imagine, that’s quite the headache for us around here.” Josh let out a frustrated groan. “And now let me tell you about the Topanga Triumvirate.”

“These you’s jumped way, way, way, way, way, too far back, got stuck in the wall of a cave, died, was found by archeologists, and disproved the entire theory of evolution.”

Wolf stared, stunned, at the image in front of him, showing exactly what Susan had described.

Tiger just looked around up at the ceiling. “Am I boring you?” Susan asked.

“I’m just noticing that this glass is reinforced with carbon-fusion electro-sealant, so, it’s not how I’ll be escaping.” Tiger said nonchalantly.

“Oh, you won’t be escaping at all. Nothing leaks from Ultra-Max.” Susan said, looking off in the distance like he was promoting a product to an imaginary audience.

Liv blinked and looked behind her. “What are you looking at?” All she could see was Wolf laying like a starfish on the floor of his cell.

Susan waved his hand to dismiss her.

“Did any of the us’s do any good?” Josh asked, hope diminishing.

“Yeah, they did good in their timelines, but they were also creating other timelines. That’s what you don’t seem to get. Every time you went back to fix something, you were creating another timeline.”

Wolf stared, confused. His brain hurt.

Tiger shook her head. “Wait…what…what’s that now?”

“No…” Liv breathed out.

“Yes.” Susan said. He waved his hand, bringing up branches of all the different timelines.

Josh’s heart plummeted.

“All these timelines, all these different realities,” the branches kept extending out. He pointed to Josh. “Your fault.”

Josh processed what Susan was saying. “And in that reality the things that we change are changed there, but then when we left it just stays the same…”

“Forever.” Tiger said.

“Forever ever?” Wolf sounded heartbroken and scared.

Susan nodded. “Forever ever ever ever.”

Liv dropped her head into her hands as she dropped into a seat. “Oh fuck…”

“So Achilles died in that bunker even though we took down Stu…” Tiger realized.

“Yes. Horribly.”

“And the Biotics wiped out the rest of humanity even though we killed Kronish?” Wolf asked.

“You’ve never changed anything.”

Tiger deflated.

“All the you’s running around thinking they’re fixing things, they’re just creating new things.”

“You can kill Hitler, but there will still be a Hitler, because there was a Hitler.” Susan tried explaining to Josh, who had taken a seat to take in everything.

“So…I killed Hitler?” Josh asked.

“No!” Susan huffed. “Shockingly, that is one of the few things you never even tried to do. All Hitlers in your realities were left unscathed.”

Wolf raised a hand. Susan rolled his eyes. “Yes?”

“Who’s Hitler again?”

Susan sighed and pulled a small silver cube from his pocket, handing it to Liv. “This is your case file, coded to your thumbprint.” Liv stared down at it in her palm.

Josh turned his over in his hand.

Wolf held it like he was scared it would hurt him.

Tiger studied it intently.

“The four of you are responsible for all the time crimes, all the other you’s committed. And the punishment for time crimes…is death.”

Susan returned after a while of letting the four of them take a look at their files. He walked into Josh’s cell first.

Josh let out a heavy sigh that led into a groan when he saw Susan. “Look, Susan, this is bullshit. There is no way that I am responsible for what those psychopaths did! Neither is Liv! That’s just not us!”

“Bullshit?” Susan repeated. “The settled law. Robespierre vs. Robespierre 2735.” Susan paced around Josh. “They found in favor of Robespierre, overturning the lower court’s decision for Robespierre. Did you even look at your cube?”

Josh looked down at the cube that he was rolling between his fingers. “…the neural interface gave me nosebleeds. Still! Still, I cannot be punished for their crimes!”

Susan studied him. “There might be another way for you.” He bent down to Josh’s level, looking out into Tiger, Wolf, and Liv’s cells. “You see, some of you might be…higher-value targets than others.” He jabbed Josh in the chest with a finger. “If you’re willing to cooperate, you might just be able to speedboat off Damnation Island with your life.” Susan said in a low voice. “And maybe even a fresh start.”

Josh swallowed thickly. “But not Liv though, right?” He asked barely above a whisper. Susan just looked him dead in the eyes, saying nothing. “Not Liv though, right?” Josh asked louder.

“I’ll be back in a bit. Your smork is on backwards, by the way.” Susan poked Josh in the chest again. Josh stared up at Susan with wide, panicked eyes as he left.

Susan entered Tiger’s cell next. “Would you be surprised to know that,” he pointed into Josh’s cell, where Josh was trying and failing to take his smork off. “Is who were really after?”

Tiger narrowed her eyes at Susan again. “Are you surprised to see me still here? Because I am. There is a distinct lack of over-sized laundry carts, bravo.”

Susan just smiled. “There is a very easy way out of here. Through the front door, onto the red carpet, onto the speedboat, to the holoport with a very handsome parting gift.” Tiger shook her head repeatedly. “All you have to do is tell me all of this is Futturman’s fault.”

“Why?”

“No one in human history has caused more pain and suffering than Josh. Not Caligula, not Stalin, not Stu, not Xarxon 9, the Destroyer of Men, and all he did was destroy men.”

Tiger looked past Susan to see Josh completely lost in smork. “Really? I mean, look at him.”

“Monsters take many forms.”

“My boyfriend isn’t a monster.” Liv snapped at Susan.

“You would say that as his partner in crime.” Susan paced around her. “Listen to me, if you tell me this is his fault, you won’t be charged, like at all. Even though every Josh who wreaks havoc has you close behind him, we will pardon you. You can ride into the moonrise on a speedboat far, far away from all of this.”

“No!” Liv snapped. “No way in hell would I do that!”

“Well, Branson, I knew you would be my toughest nut to crack.” Susan said, folding his arms. Liv frowned. “You do want to live? Don’t you?”

“As much as I would like to live, and believe me, Susan, I would, but he’s our mistake.” Wolf admitted.

“He’s also a grown man.” Susan looked over to Josh, still lost in his own smork. “Though he is small in stature. Just think about it. Tell the world about Josh, and you get to go free. Afterall, he’s responsible for all of this. He is beyond redemption.” Wolf and Susan glanced over to see Josh still struggling with his smork. Wolf let out a pitiful sigh.

“You are not beyond redemption Josh,” Susan said, zipping up Josh’s smork for him. “And I know the truth. They’re responsible for all of this.”

Josh glanced up at him. “I know what you’re trying to do, and I’m not turning on them.”

Susan let out a sharp exhale that sounded like a chuckle. “Friends. They’ve done nothing, those two use and abuse you,” he nodded in Tiger and Wolf’s direction. “And on a good day they barely tolerate you. She’s just here because she-“

“Liv has done nothing.” Josh interrupted.

“No. You dragged her into this and now she feels resentful towards you.” Susan said, looking at Liv’s cell. “She said that.”

“No she didn’t.” Josh folded his arms, squeezing his forearms.

“She did.” Susan shrugged. “At the end of the day, they all have a hapless, bitch of a man to whip. You.”

“That’s…disrespectful.” Josh muttered.

“It is. But I qualified it in an attempt to protect you, which is more than I can say about them.” Susan flapped his hands, making the barriers between Tiger, Wolf, and Liv’s cells disappear. They watched as the three of them walked wide eyed to where the glass used to be, feeling with their hands to see if it truly was gone.

“Okay, clever, I see what’s going on, classic divide-and-conquer move. But our bond was forged in the fires of combat, which is something that you and your future race with your weird hair tufts could never understand.” Josh said stoically.

Susan faced Josh. “Here’s what I understand, they’re the ones who brought the time-machine. They came from the future and dragged you along, ripping you from the comfort of your masturbation chamber.” Josh’s face felt hot. “You shouldn’t die for those two. You wanna hear what they’re saying?” Susan asked, raising an eyebrow slightly. He waved his hand and Tiger, Wolf, and Liv’s voices filtered through to his cell.

“We’re the ones who put all that savior shit in his head.” Tiger whispered to Wolf, obviously trying to keep what she’d said from Liv. “We let him tag along even though I still do not know what that guy’s skill set is.”

“Yeah, sure, we shoulder some blame for making him think he was of any use at any time, but come on,” Wolf whispered back, rolling his eyes. “I mean, he’s gotta take responsibility for his own actions at some point. Sure, he had some ideas, but, the whole Time Warrior thing?” Tiger scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Like, act like you’ve been there before, right?”

Josh felt like he’d been punched in the gut.

Liv, who was behind the two of them whipped around, a deep frown etched into her face. “Are you fucking serious?” She snapped. “You’re saying that after Josh helped to stop Kronish and stop Stu? Who came up with the eleven second plan? Josh. Who went and killed Kronish? Josh. What have you guys done?” Tiger and Wolf turned to Liv, looking both sheepish and annoyed by her presence at the same time. It was like she’d just been sent back however many years to when the three of them had first met.

“Liv, you’ve actually been of use to us-“ Tiger started.

“Josh has too and you’re just choosing to ignore that!” She cried.

Josh’s frown turned not as sad. At least if they didn’t have his back, he knew Liv would.

“Now, just because he’s your boyfriend-“ Wolf began.

“You two are assholes and always have been. You jump at the chance to gang up on him and for some reason are fine with me. Why? Never once have I understood that.” Liv burst out.

Tiger leaned back over to Wolf, whispering, “If we’re guilty of anything, it’s for being too nice.” Liv let out a loud, frustrated groan and threw her arms up in the air, pacing away.

Susan turned back to Josh. “Well,” he clapped him on the back. “Seems like only one person here truly likes you.”

“Hi, Wolf.” Susan said, approaching Wolf in his cell. The barriers were back up. He set down a suitcase in front of Wolf, who just lifted an eyebrow. “Still thinking about what choice you’ll make?” He asked, opening the case. “No idea what to do?” He held up a small silver cube, waving his hand in a circle. A recliner appeared by Wolf’s side. Wolf stepped back, eyes locked on the chair in confusion. Susan leaned forward a tiny bit. “Nano-technology.” He whispered, winking.

“Your bribes aren’t going to work.” Tiger deadpanned, looking at the couch that Susan had summoned with a silver cube. She rolled her eyes, but spotted the record player in the corner. “Oh, that is sweet Mama Jessup.” She drawled, beelining to the record that sat on top.

“That’s not all I have,” Susan said, watching Liv turn the camera in her hands.

“This seriously has every picture that my old camera did.” She said in a soft, excited voice. She turned it so Susan could see the small screen.

“Yes, but I also have this.” He held a silver envelope out to her.

“5,500 square feet, raw restaurant space, Collin’s Avenue, Miami, 1987.” Susan said to Wolf as he watched him open the envelope. “And to make sure you get started on the right foot.” He pulled a bag of cocaine from his pocket. Wolf’s eyes lit up. “And this isn’t that weak shit you were butt-darting in LA. This is that good shit.” Wolf’s eyes glittered with temptation.

“Good shit…” he mumbled in response.

“Oh,” Susan smiled. “And I’ve got one more thing you might like.” He said as he bent down to retrieve something else from the case. He stood up holding an enormous, vacuum sealed cock. His cock. Wolf let out a dreamy sigh as he looked at it. “Pulled off a dead Josh. Fully functional, just needs to be reattached. Here in this time, penile enhancements are eight minutes tops, and very, very pleasurable.” He held the bag out to Wolf, nodding for him to take it.

Wolf held the bag in his hands, it was just as heavy as he remembered it to be. “It feels so right.” He muttered. “Hello, old friend.”

“You two look very beautiful together. You-“

Wolf’s eyes darted to Liv’s cell and he dropped the dick bag on the recliner. “No, no, I can’t, I can’t!” He turned away, shaking his head and running his hands through his hair. “Every time I’d whip it out, all I’d be able to think of would be the betrayal of my friends.”

Susan pursed his lips. “Alright. I’ll leave you two alone to think.”

“You’d get to see your family again.” Susan said as he watched Liv’s eyes skim the paper inside the envelope.

“Bullshit.” Liv dropped the paper and folded her arms.

“I’m not bullshitting. That term means nothing now, considering bulls don’t exist anymore, they went extinct.” Susan bent over and swept the paper off the ground. “This says, you’d be near your family again and you would have never moved to California.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Think of your parents. Your sister, your brother. Think of how happy they’d be to see you. Your file,” Susan brought up a hologram of all the different Livs. “They all miss their families too. You could be the one who actually gets to see them again. I’ll leave you alone to think.”

As Susan left, he dropped the paper back on the ground and Liv quickly picked it up. She read it over and over again. She crumpled the paper in her hands and tossed it on the ground and let out a sob.

Josh stood as Susan reentered his cell, expecting him.

“I’ve given the offer some thought-“ Josh began.

“Offer’s off the table” Susan came to a halt next to Josh.

Josh paused, brows knitting together. “Okay, well perfect, there’s no way I’m turning my back on my friends.”

“You are very loyal Josh, I’ll give you that.” Susan nodded. “But that loyalty is about to be put to the ultimate test.” He said, then stared off into the never ending darkness with an intrigued smirk.

Josh looked out into the abyss, then back up at Susan. “What? What are you talking about? Like…in court?”

Susan finally turned to look down at him. “Josh, your barbaric legal system has been replaced by something far more elegant here in this time.” He held out an opaque red vial to Josh. “This is flesh-eating poison. One spray kills on contact. You are going to use on Tiger, Wolf, or Liv. My guess is either Tiger or Wolf. Think of how they mistreated you, treating you more like a stupid animal than-“

Josh scoffed. “No, that’s not happening.”

Susan kept his hand out. “Well, that’s our best offer. If you don’t, all four of you die.”

“That’s more elegant?!”

“Elegant just means ‘simple’, not fancy.”

“I still wouldn’t call that elegant, but I guess there is some kind of cruel justice to it.”

“No, no. It’s not cruel, Josh, it’s a gift. All of you are facing the death penalty, but this way, three of you get to live.”

“This all seems very random.” Josh folded his arms. Susan took at step towards Josh, making Josh step backwards, eyes wide.

“Tonight you will have your final meal. When the last course arrives, a traditional dessert salad, the dressing will be in these.” Susan held the vial up again. “Yours will have this Death Rain. One minute after the dessert arrives, the lights will go out, letting you anonymously kill one of your options.”

Josh’s face was contorting more and more with horror as Susan spoke. “How is this justice in the future? Choosing a friend to kill?”

“You can look at it that way, or, you can think of it as choosing which friends to save. It is a tough choice, but just know, if they were given the same offer- which they were not.” Susan paused for a beat, staring intently at Josh. “They would kill you without hesitation.” Susan whipped his head to look out into the abyss again. “That’s the best deal you’ll get at Ultra-Max.” He turned his whole body and smirked.

“Now, I know you’re the leader of the group.” Susan said to Tiger, who stared at him with an uninterested expression. “The Tigers across every timeline have been a force of good, many even have helped us.”

Tiger’s eyebrow twitched. “Then you don’t know me. The other me’s are using you, just like I would.” She seethed.

Susan inhaled deeply through his nose and tapped the vial with his fingers. “Think of Liv, she abandoned you selfishly to go and save her little boy toy. Don’t say you forgive her, I’m sure that hurt you. Bad.” Susan quirked an eyebrow.

Tiger’s heartbeat quickened as she swallowed hard, trying to remain unbothered as she rolled her eyes.

“And that’s why only you can carry this out.” Susan explained to Wolf, who looked up at him with the same uninterested expression Tiger had given him. “You follow orders, you’re a trained soldier, you don’t deserve to die for that.”

Wolf shrugged. “I am still in my prime.” He nodded, disinterest turning into interest.

“You’re the only one I’ve made this offer to.” Susan lied. “You’re the only one I trust. Josh over there? He’s a bumbling idiot, and I think the obvious choice is to use this on him.” He slyly held up the red vial. “He holds your whole team down. I mean, I hear Liv is your ‘best friend’, do you want your best friend to end up with that?” Susan jabbed his chin over in Josh’s cells direction.

Wolf exhaled and folded his arms. “Now there’s something to consider…” he mumbled.

“Trust me when I say, it breaks my heart to even make this offer.” Susan said gravely to Liv.

“How is this the only offer?” Liv grumbled.

“It’s this or die.” Susan waved the vial in her face. Liv slapped his hand away. “Look, Oliver, may I call you Oliver?”

Liv made a face. “That’s- how did you think that was my name?”

“My apologies, I figured Liv was short for Oliver-“

“It’s just Liv.” Liv snapped.

“Miss Branson, all I’m trying to say is I’m here to make your choice easier. You’re the only one I’ve proposed this to, I’m sure you don’t want to use this on Tiger or Josh…but…Wolf hasn’t been a very good ‘best friend’ lately has he…?” Liv frowned, then she opened her mouth to speak, but Susan cut her off. “Just some food for thought. You have,” he emphasized ‘have’ intensely. “To make a decision, Miss Liv Branson. I’m sorry.”

Liv balled her fists as Susan exited, looking into Wolf’s cell, heart growing heavy.

The four of them were seated at a small dining table adorned with candles in the middle of one giant cell in the abyss. Susan had raised all the dividers. Wolf, who sat next to Josh, eyed him as they ate their jellified food. Josh’s eyes kept nervously darting between Tiger and Wolf, who sat on either end of the table beside him. Liv sat across from Josh, also sandwiched between Tiger and Wolf, glancing up at Wolf when he wasn’t looking, feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt. Tiger kept stealing looks over at Liv, then looking away as quickly as she looked up. Josh was doing the same to Tiger.

“I sure miss Texas barbecue.” Josh muttered, trying to make conversation.

Wolf nodded stiffly, spearing the tines of his fork into the jello. “This abalone tastes like it was caught tomorrow.”

“I’ve never tasted salmon like this, and it’s not even real salmon.” Liv mumbled, nibbling on her jello.

“Mine’s…cat.” Tiger swallowed hard. The other three nodded gravely. “It takes me back.”

“Will you…” Wolf pointed to the silver cube on the table. “Pass that salt to me.” Tiger flicked it over, sending it skittering to his side of the table. “Thank you, Tiger.” He shook it over his jello. Josh watched as he did this, expression growing dim. “I like a little extra seasoning on my food,” Wolf explained to his friends. “Maybe you don’t know that because, well, you don’t know each other all that well, do we?”

Liv paused, glancing up at Wolf. Josh paused too, realizing that Wolf was looking right at him. His stomach lurched.

“Unlike me and Tiger, we’ve known each other all our lives.” Wolf’s gaze traveled to Tiger, who stopped mid bite.

“Yeah, I guess that’s true, I don’t. That’s kinda weird considering you’re always a dick to me.” Josh grumbled, shifting his body to face Wolf more. Liv’s eyes darted in between Wolf and Josh, confused. Tiger was doing the same. “What I can’t figure out is…between the two of you,” Josh wagged his fork between Tiger and Wolf. “Which one’s meaner.”

Tiger leaned forward. “Well, that’s easy, Wolf says mean things, but he’s all talk, my anger is almost primal.” She side eyed Liv. “I mean, not just towards you Josh, but to others as well.” Liv stiffened.

“Why are you looking at me?” Liv accused, dropping her fork on the table. Tiger shrugged and went back to her food. Liv grabbed her fork again and stabbed at her meal.

“I just, I feel like the three of us,” Wolf waved a finger between him, Liv, and Tiger. “Share a special bond.” He looked over at Josh, pretending he’d forgotten he was there. “Oh…sorry, Josh.” He didn’t sound sorry at all. Josh looked pissed. So did Liv. She looked really pissed.

Josh looked back down at his food, a petty look crossing his face. “Really Wolf? You didn’t feel a sense of a bond when you saved me from the Smash Pit, from being burned alive, from Stu’s killmandos…so…”

Tiger scoffed. “Wow, maybe you shouldn’t have done that Wolf.” She tried to pass it off as a joke, but Josh’s head shot up and he gave her a deadly glare. “You know, sometimes it’s the people closest to you that disappoint you the most.” She said nonchalantly, giving a side eye to Liv again. Liv was too busy narrowing her eyes on Wolf’s smug mug.

Josh let out a sharp exhale, reaching for this skinny stemmed glass. Wolf reached for his too. “Let’s have a toast shall we? To life.”

“Or death.” Liv added, holding hers up. “Whenever it may come.”

“To our inevitable fate.” Josh sighed as he held his glass up too. “However-“

“Whenever-“ Tiger joined in, holding her glass up. “By the hand of whomever.”

“-it may come.” Josh finished, as they all tapped their glasses, giving each other suspicious looks.

“We had a good run.” Liv said, voice full of sorrow as she brought the glass to her lips.

Tiger faltered as she started to drink from ber glass, her eyes softening. Wolf’s eyes darted around the table, realizing the weight of Liv’s words. Josh felt it too. The clang of their glasses still echoed around the cell. Their suspicious looks turned into hesitant ones.

In unison, masked waiters brought out the jello dessert salads, removing the current course and replacing them. The red vial gleamed up at all of them. Liv’s eyes met Josh’s. He immediately understood. Susan had lied when he said Josh was the only one who’d gotten the proposal, Liv had gotten it too. Liv looked over at Wolf who met her eyes. He understood too. Tiger and Josh shared the same look. None of them said a word for a moment.

“Mmm. Salad dessert.” Josh’s voice came out small as he reached for his fork.

“It’s dessert salad.” Wolf corrected sharply.

“Never thought this would be it.” Liv said. “Jello salad. Time jail.”

“A man named Susan.” Tiger added.

“I wish I could blame the universe.” Liv sighed, looking around at everyone at the table. “But this one’s on us.” Wolf and Josh shared apologetic looks, so did Liv and Tiger. Josh’s hand started to inch for the vial when the lights went out. Tiger’s hand shot out and she felt for her vial. A spritzing noise could be heard and Wolf began gagging. Liv felt a light spray on her hand coming her right, from Tiger’s direction.

“It burns!” Josh shrieked.

“It tastes…like raspberry vinaigrette…” Wolf stopped gagging.

Liv stopped and realized she was tasting the same thing as Wolf.

“Wait, did you guys put it in your mouth?” Tiger spluttered.

The lights came back on, and the four of them looked at each other wide eyed as they stopped spraying the dressing in their faces, realizing they’d all had the same plan, to kill themselves instead of killing each other. Josh’s eyes were red from accidentally spraying the dressing in his eyes, Wolf and Liv’s mouths were wide open with the spritzer aimed directly towards their mouths, and Tiger’s face was wet with the raspberry vinaigrette. There was a moment of shared shock.

Wolf broke the silence first, letting out a light chuckle. “Liv, I totally thought you were gonna try and kill me.”

“I would never.” She sighed with relief, putting the vial down.

“You were thinking it.” Wolf laughed lightly.

“Liv, I was going to target you.” Tiger confessed. “I’m sorry.”

“Hey, I was leaning towards spraying you, Tiger, but Liv saying we had a good run changed my mind. I don’t want to live without any of you.” Josh admitted.

“Me too.” Wolf nodded. “I’m sorry for ever thinking of turning on you guys.”

“Yeah, this place really got to my head.” Tiger set her dressing down.

“It got to all of our heads.” Liv agreed. “It’s okay.”

A clap, which then turned into a second clap, and then a third, caught their attention. Susan came into view, his clapping speeding up until he was giving them a round of applause. “Three letters. W-O-W. WOW. That gave me chills. Literal chills. Look.” He lifted his sleeve, trying to show them all. “You are stars. That was fantastic television, you four are going to make fantastic competitors on the centennial season of-“ Susan turned to face the abyss, spotlights beaming from out of nowhere, and in an echoey announcer voice, he began to boom,

“THE DIECATHALON! MEET YOUR FOUR NEW CONTESTANTS! TIGER: THE COMMANDER. WOLF: THE SURVIVOR. LIV: THE FIGHTER. AND JOSH: THE LAMB.”

“Did he just call me the lamb? Why am I the lamb?” Josh’s voice sounded as echoey as Susan’s. The four of them looked out to see the abyss was gone and in its place they were surrounded by a stadium of people, their faces projected into the air. As their heads frantically swirled around, their projections did the same.

“THEY’LL BE RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES AND KILLED FOR SPORT ON NEW PANGEA’S FAVORITE HUMAN-HUNTING REALITY COMPETITION, SPONSORED BY ULTRA-MAX! ULTRA-MAX, THE BULK-FREE BLOOD DIAPER YOU NEVER HAVE TO REMOVE! I AM YOUR HOST, SUSAN ST. JACKALOPE, AND WE WILL BE BACK TO ‘THE DIECATHALON’ AFTER THIS SHORT BREAK!”

End of Book 2

Picture “Fox On The Run” by Sweet playing epically

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man fanfiction #future man season 2 #Josh Futturman x OC

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heydorothea009 · 7 months ago

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Hey Future Man fandom!! Thanks to everyone who has been tagging along as I’ve been uploading my silly little fanfiction, Bread on Toast. If you haven’t been following along, give it a read!! I’m very proud of it!! I have one more chapter for the season 2 installment to upload, but don’t worry, I’ve just started working on a season 3 installment! So far I am LOVING it and can’t wait to start uploading. It will probably be a couple months before I start to post anything but stay tuned!!!!!!! I’ve had a blast writing and posting these chapters and I’m also simply obsessed with my own body of work lolllll. Anyways, that’s the update! Hope you all have enjoyed everything thus far :)

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man fandom #future man fanfiction #future man 2017 #future man season 1 #future man season 2 #future man season 3

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heydorothea009 · 8 months ago

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Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language, light descriptions of massacres, brain smashing

Chapter 10: The Brain Job

Wolf’s plan to stop the NAG had backfired. Pump, who had usurped his position as Supreme Overlord, had punished Wolf for coming back and punished his cluster for taking his side. Pump had brought Wolf and his cluster as prisoners to watch the NAG attack the Mons and prove how wrong Wolf was. Except Wolf had been right, and the kill-bots had been released.

That’s all Wolf remembered when he opened his eyes, the world blurry. The attack had happened so fast, one minute he had been in a wooden box with only a hole for his head and hands, the next he was sprawled out on the ground, head throbbing and staring up at an angel- no- a Tiger, who’s hand was outstretched to him. He could hear the faint sound of lasers shooting as his ears rung.

“Move, soldier.” Tiger ordered, hauling Wolf up. Wolf felt another hand on his shoulder, helping him stand. Josh. That’s when Wolf saw the massacre in front of him, his entire cluster slain on the ground. That’s all Wolf could process, next thing he knew, Josh was shoving him down the hatch into the underground lab. Wolf was shell-shocked. Tiger slammed the hatch shut, the screams of the civilians echoing. The base shuddered. TyAnne and Liv stood waiting, faces pale.

“You made it.” Liv said solemnly. Wolf slowly lowered himself into a chair, staring off. Josh rubbed his temples, feeling sick to his stomach. Tiger said nothing.

“I saw them dead. On the ground. Gone.” Wolf’s voice was raspy.

“There’s still…some screaming.” Josh said. With one loud explosion that shook the earth, the world above went silent. TyAnne let out a breath and bowed her head in mourning. No one said anything, feeling too horrified.

Wolf let out a strangled wail after a moment. “My cluster! Their blood is on my hands!”

“It’s not your fault.” Tiger slid into the seat next to Wolf.

“And my arms, and my knees, and my face, and-“ he broke down sobbing.

Liv wanted to comfort him, but hesitated. Instead she shakily took a seat, Josh sitting down right next to her, taking her hand and comfortingly rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. Tiger let out a guilty sigh.

“The blood is all on me.” She lowered her head shamefully. “I was blinded by self-pity, I didn’t see Stu for what he really was. El Diablo.”

“I’m glad you came to your senses.” Liv said quietly. TyAnne spun on her heel and left the room. Tiger slumped in her seat, covering her face as she took in deep breaths. Wolf was shaking with sobs. Liv and Josh were still holding hands tightly, every now and then one of them squeezing to remind the other that it was okay. TyAnne returned holding a small case.

“What are those?” Josh murmured.

“PSK’s. Personal Suicide Kits.” TyAnne said plainly as she pulled out small white cases. Liv sat up straighter as TyAnne slid one to her first. “The war is lost, we’re holed up in this bunker, it can’t get much lower than this.”

Josh opened his as TyAnne slid ones to Tiger and Wolf and kept one for herself. Liv recognized the red dots inside as the ones Hogeveen had used to kill herself.

Wolf sniffled as he pulled his dots out. “Which one goes where?”

“Doesn’t matter.” TyAnne answered softly.

“Are we really giving up?” Liv asked, looking frantic.

“Over some invincible killer robots?” Josh looked around at their comrades.

“12 million killer robots.” TyAnne placed the dots on her temples.

“I’m not giving up.” Liv let go of Josh’s hand, standing up and throwing her hands in the air. “That’s not going to be the end of my story.”

“Yeah, I’m with Liv.” Josh stood too.

Tiger leaned over the table and swiped their PSK’s. “Cool. These will kill me faster.”

Everyone ignored them. “You know, when I look back, I think my biggest regret is picking that annoying voice when I was fourteen.” TyAnne sighed, placing her hands on her hips.

“You really fucking sold it.” Tiger complimented, pulling out more dots.

“It was exhausting.”

“I wish I’d spent less time at the shop and…” Wolf sniffled again, welling up. “More time with Lugnut.”

“Where do I even start?” Tiger leaned back in her chair. “I guess, I really regret the time I stuck my hand in Stu’s brain goo and…” she circled her fingers around an imaginary cylinder and made a jerking motion, which Liv and Josh clocked automatically and exclaimed in disgust. Tiger glared at them and rolled her eyes. “Okay, whatever, I felt a tingle too-“

“You gave Stu a hand job?!” Liv cried.

“Yeah, while you were too busy prancing over to the NAG.” Tiger rolled her eyes again.

“Ugh! Then I’m really glad I left!”

“More like a brain job.” Josh mumbled, contorting his face in horror.

“Hold on, you saw Stu’s brain?” The hope in TyAnne’s voice made everyone’s hearts leap.

“I definitely saw it and jobbed it. To completion.” Tiger sounded like she might be sick at the thought.

“…’komputaboinken’.” Josh shuddered.

“How does that work?” Wolf asked quietly.

TyAnne pulled the dots from her temple. “We have spent years searching for his core processor. If you can lead us there we can take him down.”

“There’s a lot of defense.” Tiger said, also pulling the dots off. “We’d have to figure a way around it.”

“I could take the system down, show my face, do my thang.” Josh grinned.

“He patched himself, you have no power over him anymore.” Tiger shrugged apologetically.

Josh was stunned. “I-“ he stammered, looking around. “But I- that’s all I had!” He whined.

Liv patted him on the back. “Let it go.” She whispered.

Tiger straightened. “But…we have this…” she fumbled around her dress, pulling it up to reveal leggings underneath, pulling a vial of Cameronium from her pocket. Everyone perked up. “We’ve got enough Cameronium here to level that mountain, Wolf, can you build a dirty bomb?”

“I have something better.” TyAnne turned and threw open a drawer retrieving a TTD. The four of them did a double take.

“That’s impossible, Tiger and I watched it explode.” Liv breathed out.

“It was a reproduction, reverse-engineered from this one.” TyAnne set the TTD on the table. “Did you rest think we were stupid enough to test experimental fuel on the only time-travel device?”

Tiger and Liv bobbed their heads. “It’s informed every decision I’ve made since then.” Tiger said sheepishly, sliding the Cameronium over to TyAnne.

“Okay! Okay, so this is awesome!” Josh excitedly got to his feet. “So we jump back to right before Stu patches himself, I’ll take out the other me and take his place, I won’t fight with that McGurgan kid, and I’ll smash the hell out of that super-computer, right?”

TyAnne thought for a moment. “Mm…probably.”

“‘Probably’, that’s not reassuring.” Liv stood from her chair again.

“You froze on the screen and stopped smashing, something happened in there, we can’t have that happen again.” TyAnne said.

“Oh…right…” Josh huffed.

“When Stu patched himself he shut down for eleven seconds. If you were to jump back to that moment, all of his defenses would be down. Stroll in there, smash that brain instead of the computer.” TyAnne slowly walked around the table.

“That’s actually…way better than my plan…” Josh sighed.

“That’s too much ground to cover, we’d never get there in time.” Tiger piped up.

After pondering for a moment, Josh slowly raised a hand, as if he were asking for his turn to speak. TyAnne nodded in his direction. “Unless we buy ourselves more time?”

Josh’s marker squeaked annoyingly as he drew a straight line over the glass board, explaining his thought process to the others. “When we use the TTD, we jump in time, but not space.” He wrote ‘start’ to the left and ‘brain room’ to the right. “Thus, if we run eleven seconds, let’s say we get to about…” he made a tick three inches from the word ‘start’. “Here. If we jump when we’re here, we’d still be in the same exact place, just eleven seconds earlier. We can just keep running and jumping,” he made another tick. “Running and jumping, running and jumping,” he made two more ticks. “Etc, making it so our window is extended for as much time as we need until we’re past Stu’s defenses inside the core processor, where we can give him the brain job he will never forget.” He turned with a proud grin. Everyone stared at him blankly. “…because…because he’ll be dead…”

“Wait, so I’m a little lost…” Liv raised her hand slightly.

“I love this plan.” Wolf stood up walking over to the TTD. “I’m in. Right after this.” He fired up the TTD and was gone in a flash of lightning.

“What- Wolf!” Liv reached out to stop him, but he was gone.

“Okay, I think I get it.” Liv sat cross legged on the table as Josh re-explained. “Jesus, why does this stuff have to be such a mind fuck.”

Electricity accumulated in the room, making everyone sit up straighter. Wolf landed back in the same spot he’d been in earlier, wearing a light blue button down, khakis, and beaming from ear to ear.

“Sorry everyone, I had to secure my cluster, they are safe and sound. Couldn’t help but skip to a few milestones though.”

“I like your puka shell necklace.” Liv complimented.

“Thanks, I just walked Lugnut down the aisle, it was a destination wedding.” Wolf beamed even brighter.

“Aww! Do you have any pictures-“ Liv started.

“You have a time machine and you’re still ten minutes late?” Josh asked.

“Still on island time.” Wolf winked at him. “Guess who I booked to play the reception. Okay, okay, I’ll just tell you, Hoobastank.”

“…cool. Can we get back to saving the world?” Tiger huffed.

“Yeah, yeah.” Wolf begrudgingly took a seat. Liv slid off the table and stood next to Josh.

“Okay, so, now that everyone is on the same page, when we jump, we’re gonna give ourselves enough time to get into position inside of Stu’s compound. Then, when he goes to patch himself, we make our run.” Josh explained, placing his hands all business-like on the table.

“Well, here’s the thing, the secret entrance to Stu’s compound is inside the hangar, so you four are gonna have to get through there, avoid Stu, his commandos, and the other yous.” TyAnne spoke up. “Except for you Liv, the other you’ll already be here.”

“Yes, great point Achilles.” Josh nodded.

Tiger stood up. “Great. Wolf, fire up the TTD.” Liv and Josh hurried over to Wolf’s side. TyAnne remained planted in her seat. Josh left a space for her, leaving an arm free for her to join. They all looked at her expectantly.

TyAnne shook her head. “I’m not going with you.” She said softly.

“What? Why?” Liv asked, breaking out of the clump.

“These are my people and I’m their leader. I can’t just leave them here to die.” She stood up and gave them a solemn nod. “Their fate is my fate.”

“Goddammit.” Tiger sighed, breaking from the clump too. “You’re the best version of me.” She said, taking a step towards TyAnne, repeating herself again in Spanish.

TyAnne gave a small smile and nodded. “I know.” She held her hand out, offering Tiger a handshake. Tiger accepted, letting a proud smile spread across her face. “You’ll have to recruit Liv and I from three hours ago. I think they’ll get it.” She gave the four of them a salute. Liv gave TyAnne a small, sad smile.

“They will.” She said quietly.

Josh pulled Liv back to his side, sliding an arm around her waist. “Okay guys, time to save the world again.” He sighed.

“For real this time.” Liv added. And with that, TyAnne watched as the lightning engulfed them.

Next thing they knew as the lightning cleared, TyAnne and Liv from three hours prior were spinning around in their stools and looking stunned.

“We can explain…” Tiger cautiously held up her hands.

“You don’t have to, I get it.” TyAnne slowly nodded.

“Woah…” Other Liv stood up, approaching Liv, slowly raising her left hand as if she were expecting Liv to do the same thing.

“That’s…not how it works. I’m not your reflection.” Liv said. “But yeah, I’m you three hours into the future.”

Josh gigging caught both of their attention. “Two Livs, this is so awesome.”

“Oh, shut up.” They said at the same time, rolling their eyes and folding their arms in the same way.

“Oh! Oh no, not like that-“ Josh began to stammer, turning bright red. “Well, I- I mean- if you want it to mean-“ Tiger gave Josh a punch to the shoulder. “Ow!”

“Stop being a perv.” She and TyAnne both rolled their eyes in the same manner. “Tell them your plan.”

Josh rambled through his plan again, still red all the way up to his ears as he spoke.

“Love it,” TyAnne said. “What’s your plan to get into the hangar?”

“How many guards are there?” Wolf asked.

“Two.” Answered Josh.

“Can you show us where the guard house is?”

TyAnne pointed to it on the map of the Mons for Wolf.

Tiger slid over to Wolf's side. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Otter’s Mousetrap?”

“Only play that makes sense.” Wolf nodded.

Other Liv caught Liv and Josh’s eye. “Do you guys know what that means?”

Liv and Josh shook their heads. They never knew what Tiger and Wolf meant.

Liv and Josh shoved their way through the line after Nut-Face Josh, keeping their heads low.

“Sorry, sorry,” Liv apologized over and over.

“Our friend’s up there.” Josh said with a polite smile. They pushed their way up to the commandos, feeling nervous. The commandos looked at them for a moment, before letting them in. Instead of walking straight into the front doors, a side door opened and Liv and Josh ducked inside, the commandos following. They could hear Stu rambling on and on about space helmets in an overly animated voice. They slinked behind a pillar, the commandos joining their sides and taking off the helmets, confirming that Tiger and Wolf were underneath.

“Thank God, I kept seeing you guys out of the corner of my eye and I was getting nervous that we’d gotten here too early and it wasn’t you guys.” Liv whispered.

Wolf had captured the commandos and sent them to 1954. That was Otter’s Mousetrap.

TyAnne’s voice spoke in their ears. “Okay, the hidden hatch to the compound is on the other side of the hangar.”

Josh peered around the pillar, spotting Nut-Face. “The younger me,” he muttered. “So naive, so full of hope.”

“Don’t let him see you.” Other Liv said in their earpieces.

“He can’t see anything, his eyes are all swollen shut. Trust me, I was him.” Josh said. “We need to keep moving.” Josh stepped out from behind the pillar, but no one followed him. “Guys,” he hissed. “Come on!”

“Yeah, and I just stuck this note on them that said ‘welcome to 1954’-“ Wolf was saying to Liv and Tiger.

“Guys!” Josh hissed. Liv turned, her eyes bugging out when she saw Josh standing out in the open.

“Josh, everyone can see you!” She hissed, leaning over and grabbing his shoulders to pull him back. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see someone fully turned in their direction, and she could feel their gaze on them. Her eyes darted over to see Nut-Face Josh wide eyed, staring at them. Well, as wide has his swollen eyes would open. Josh looked too, body tensing.

“Maybe if we don’t move he won’t see us, his eyes are-“

“He can see us.” Liv quickly yanked them both back behind the pillar. “That’s not a pretty look on you.”

“Shut up, Liv.” Josh hissed, feeling around his face. “It’s gone down.”

“Wait- he saw you two?” Tiger grabbed both of their shoulders, nails digging into their clothes. “I expected it from you, Futturman, but really? Liv? You’ve got to leave and draw him away so he doesn’t ruin our plan. Go!” Tiger shoved both of them.

“Both of us?” Liv asked.

“Go!” Tiger pointed roughly for them to run.

Wolf motioned for them to run too. “Don’t worry, we’ll get the brainwashed Tiger.” Tiger turned to glare at him. “What? You were.”

Josh swore under his breath and grabbed Liv’s hand. “Fine. I guess couples who lead Nut-Face me away together, stay together.” He grumbled.

“He said he sees you guys, you better get out of there.” Other Liv’s voice said in their earpieces.

“We’re on it.” Wolf responded.

Liv grabbed Josh’s shoulders and spun him around, the two of them darting away. They flew down a hall, all the way to the first door they found, diving inside. It was full of metal shelves holding assortments of all-beans and all-nuts. They scrambled behind one of the shelves, barely hidden, but panting and catching their breath. They jumped when the door was kicked open again, Nut-Face Josh standing in the doorway, wheezing.

“Oh, Fuck.” Liv panted, letting her forehead drop against a shelf.

Nut-Face closed the door and peeled open his swollen eyes. Josh wrinkled his nose. “I knew I saw you,” Nut-Face pointed an accusatory finger at them. “I knew I recognized that bulge.”

“Hey…” Josh waved awkwardly, still trying to conceal himself with the shelf.

“We can explain…” Liv started. “So, your plan ends up failing and these killer robots are released…”

“Yeah, and before that when you try to smash the machine there’s some fog that almost makes you pass out, so you fail…”

“And then everyone dies.” Liv finished, wringing her hands on a metal bar.

Nut-Face Josh panted. “…what? That- that- so I ate a nut for nothing?!”

“No! Not for nothing, I mean, you’re very important!” Josh tried to reassure him.

“Clearly not as important as you.” Nut-Face shot back.

“No, you’re essential!” Josh tried again. “Listen, our whole plan right now hinges on Stu noticing you and patching himself.”

“Oh, so I’m a decoy now?!” Nut-Face Josh threw his hands up in the air. “I am J1! I am not a decoy!” Liv and Josh shared an annoyed look. Suddenly, Nut-Face Josh tensed, visibly becoming more upset. “I’m NUT-FACE JOSH NOW?!” He yelled. “Et Tu, Liv?” Liv looked like a deer caught in headlights. Nut-Face Josh glared at her. “Not you.” He pointed to his ear.

A sigh sounded in both of their ear pieces. “I forgot to label the buttons and Liv got on and called him that, but that’s on me.” TyAnne said.

In another room, Tiger and Wolf stood across from Brainwashed Tiger, both growing more and more frustrated as she talked.

“So long story short, you’re trying to ruin my big day.”

Tiger shot her a nasty look. “Do you hear yourself? No. I’m trying to fix things after realizing that you/me is a total idiot.”

“You’re just jealous.” Brainwashed Tiger lashed, taking a step towards Tiger.

“You’re psychotic.” Tiger retorted, getting in her face.

“Easy, Tigers!” Wolf stepped in, holding Tiger back. “Listen,” he looked at Brainwashed Tiger. “It’s me, the Wolf from three hours from now, I’ve finally learned some things, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a Biotic, or whatever you called it. All that matters is that you’re you. I’m sorry for the way I treated you. I understand you don’t want to hear the truth, I’ve been there, and I’ll be the first to admit it. Just go in peace, rejoin your hologram boyfriend for the pretend MARS launch, and act like everything’s normal, that’s all we ask.”

Brainwashed Tiger looked at him suspiciously. “Okay…” her face softened. “You’ve convinced me.” Tiger clocked her immediately, discreetly pulling a taser from the commando suit's belt. “But only because I care about the fate of humanity-“ That was all the proof that Tiger needed. She stuck the blade into Brainwashed Tiger’s neck, making her convulse until she fell to the ground.

Wolf looked appalled. “She was gonna rat us out.” Tiger said plainly, putting the weapon back.

“How’d you know?” Wolf sounded stunned.

“I only talk about my feelings when I’m lying.”

“Are any of you capable of staying on-mission?!” TyAnne asked harshly.

“We’re trying!” Answered Liv’s voice.

Back in the all-bean room, Liv was trying to pry Josh off of Josh.

“This is about saving humanity!” Josh panted. “This is not about who is J1!”

Nut-Face Josh shoved Josh. “Says J1!” Liv finally wrestled Nut-Face away from Josh, all three of them panting.

“Goddamn you’re fucking strong.” She panted.

“Yeah, man, like really strong.” Josh rubbed at his neck from where Nut-Face Josh had him in a headlock earlier.

“You too.” Nut-Face Josh said, catching his breath.

“You know what,” Liv began. “It is about a number, but not who’s J1, it’s about the number of people who are going to die if you don’t go and let Stu see you.”

“What? So I’m just supposed to sacrifice myself while you guys, Wolf, and Tiger get all the glory and save the world?!” Nut-Face Josh shouted.

Josh clasped his hands together. “Look, uh, me, you’re playing your part too. Do…do you think that those soldiers that stormed Omaha Beach are any less important than the ones who smashed through the Berlin Wall and killed Hitler? Do you remember any of their names? No. Does that matter? No! They are still heroes, and that’s why the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is among the most popular tombs in the entire world!” Josh declared triumphantly. Liv just stood by nodding.

Nut-Face frowned and groaned. “Damn…you’re good.”

“So…are you in?” Liv asked quietly after a moment of silence.

Nut-Face Josh threw his hands up in exasperation. “Yeah, fine. I’ll do it.” He grumbled.

Josh sighed in relief. “Oh, thank fucking God. Hey, brave face.” Nut-Face Josh glowered at them, flipping them off. “Close enough.” Josh ushered him towards the door. “Let’s go, soldier.” He sighed. As Nut-Face Josh stormed out the door, Liv and Josh collapsed onto the ground with another round of relieved sighs.

“Is he back on track?” Other Liv asked.

“Yeah,” Josh sighed. “Yeah he’s back on track, what’s the 20 on Tiger and Wolf?”

“Sorry Achilles…” Wolf mumbled, watching TyAnne fiddle with the dress Brainwashed Tiger had been wearing.

“You sure you can impersonate me?” Tiger asked.

TyAnne turned around, holding all of her hair over the right shoulder. “I dunno, you tell me.” She said in her whiny voice. She dropped back down her normal voice as she sawed off her long hair with a blade. “I did that for twenty years. If I drop it down a register and feign some deadness in my eyes, I’m you to a T.”

Josh snickered. Tiger shook her head, looking at the other three. “That’s not really what I sound like, right?”

“When you’re not yelling, yeah.” Liv said. TyAnne dropped her hair on the ground and grimaced. “That’s a pretty good hair cut considering you did that without looking.” Liv nodded, impressed.

“I used to cut my hair all the time when I was a kid, I got pretty good at it.” TyAnne put her hands on her hips. “Let’s move soldiers.”

Tiger and Wolf put their helmets back on, and the five of them snuck back into the main part of the hangar, Josh, Liv, Wolf, and Tiger all creeping behind the pillars. TyAnne walked out in front of a commando, distracting him.

“Oh, thank goodness, I got all turned around.” They heard TyAnne say, making her voice deeper.

“Alright, it looks like the secret hatch is just to your left.” Other Liv said into their earpieces. Tiger’s hand brushed along the wall tiles, searching for something that could trigger the hatch. They heard the hissing sound of it being opened, and the four of them saw it just below them.

“We found it.” Wolf responded, crouching down and leading the way. They crawled through a short crawl-space before finding themselves back in Stu’s compound.

“We are in position.” Josh said.

“Amazing. TyAnne said this was as far as I could lead you, good luck guys.” Other Liv said.

“The rest is up to Nut-Face Josh.” Wolf said, stretching his right arm over his chest.

“Yeah, yeah, I think he’ll be fine, I gave him an inspiring speech.” Josh said.

They waited fifteen minutes for any sign that Stu was patching himself, but there was nothing.

“Sounds like your inspiring speech wasn’t enough.” Tiger said, an edge of nervousness evident in her voice.

“Maybe…maybe he just got stuck in the line?” Josh murmured, pacing around what had to be Stu’s bedroom or some kind of guest room. Wolf laid behind them on the bed.

“We do have a time-machine, we can just bail and go to Medieval Times.” He said, looking comfortable as ever.

“No Wolf, that sounds awful.” Liv sighed, sitting on the ledge that the bed sat on, swinging her legs anxiously.

“1986? Buena Park, grand opening?” He suggested. The lights powered down, making them all jolt.

“Oh, shit, that’s us! Uh- uh- ten, nine-“

“He did it! Go!” Tiger screamed, yanking Wolf from the bed, who clambered for the TTD.

“Eight, seven, six-“ Josh kept counting down, running out into the hall.

“I’m in the middle! I’m in the middle!” Wolf screamed, flinging himself in between Liv and Tiger, firing up the TTD.

“-three, two, one!” Josh threw an arm around Liv. In a jolt of lightning they were back. “Ten, nine-“ Josh began to count down loudly again, grabbing Wolf and pushing him in front as they sprinted down the hall.

They busted through a door, and hastily climbed down a ladder that lead them underground.

“-six, five, four, three, two-“ Wolf fired up the TTD again. “Hit it, hit it!” Josh grabbed Tiger's arm. Another jolt of lightning, and they were back.

“Cool lamp!” Wolf commented, looking up at the ceiling.

“Wolf!” Liv cried, grabbing his arm. “Come on!”

“-nine, eight-“ Josh kept counting. They rushed down a flight of stairs.

“-four, three, two- come on!” Jolt of lightning.

“Cool lamp!”

“Wolf! Come on!” The four of them whipped their heads up, hearing their past selves’ voices.

“Shit, did we know that was gonna happen?” Tiger asked.

“Yeah, yeah,” Josh waved his hands. “Come on, let’s go.” The sound of current Josh’s countdown meshed with his past self. “-two, one-“ the four put their hands on each other’s shoulders as they ran. Another jolt and they were back.

“Shit, did we know that was gonna happen?” They heard past Tiger down the long hall.

“What’s gonna happen to all of them?” Tiger asked as they ran.

“Who cares? They’re not us!” Wolf fired up the TTD again.

“Hit it!” Josh called out. Another jolt.

“That’s us ahead of us!” They heard a past Josh gasp.

“And behind us!” Came past Tiger’s voice.

“Keep going!” Liv panted. They flew down another set of stairs, Josh still counting down every eleven seconds. As they came to the bottom and jumped another time, the sound of their past selves all coming barreling after them with what sounded like a stampede of Joshes all counting down from eleven all caught up to them. The four of them stopped and turned in both astonishment and shock.

“Keep going, we gotta move.” Liv yanked on both Josh and Tiger’s elbows.

“This is it, this is the corridor that leads to Stu’s brainroom.” Tiger yelled over the cacophony of noise following them. They sprinted towards the room Tiger was talking about, doors clear and illuminated with blue light.

“Those doors aren’t gonna open!” Wolf shouted.

Tiger whipped out her blaster. “Yes they will!” She blasted through the glass.

“-five, four- go, go!” Josh shrieked, as they neared the now open doors. The four of them leapt past the threshold just as the power returned, lasers barely skimming Josh’s heel. They all landed in a pile in front of Stu’s brain stem.

Outside, they heard the sounds of all their past selves being shot at by lasers in the corridor. Josh reached for Liv’s hand, gulping. She knew what he was thinking, that could have been us.

“Joosh? Wolf? Liv? …Tiger?” Stu’s voice was heard, the lights around the glass that held Stu’s brain stem fluttering in unison with his voice. “But…if Tiger’s in there-?” Tiger smirked, imagining Stu’s shock as he realized he’d been sitting and probably trying to flirt with his daughter the whole time.

“I thought you liked me, Tiger?!” Stu wailed.

“You took advantage of me while I was emotionally damaged.” Tiger spat.

“How else was I supposed to get you to like me?”

Josh rolled his eyes, taking the laser-bat from his pocket, activating it.

“No! Wait! Wait!” Stu screamed.

“Stu, it’s Smasher code, okay? I have to. Liv, would you help me do the honors?” Josh wound up .

“Everything I did, I did for you Tiger!” Stu cried out. “And for TyAnne!”

“You’re about to murder all of humanity.” Tiger deadpanned.

“Yeah, for you! Listen, I know I lied, I know I’m gonna kill millions of innocent people, but it’ll save so many more.” Liv and Wolf traded unimpressed looks. “It’s called a cost-benefit analysis. I ran the numbers! They’re on my side!” Stu tried defending himself.

“Yeah? Well, we’re not.” Tiger scoffed.

Stu erupted. “How did you do it?! What have you done?! You filthy shaved apes, you will pay-“

Josh extended the hilt to Liv. “How would you like to help a Smasher smash?” He asked quietly, smirking.

“My dear Josh, I would love to.” Liv placed her hands over his, and together, smashed through the glass. Wolf whooped as glass and liquid sprayed everywhere. Stu was cut off, screaming as his systems shut down.

TyAnne grinned giddily as her father collapsed to his knees, hologram glitching out of control. He screamed in what she could only assume was agony, his hologram becoming worse quality with each cry for help. She’d dreamed of this moment for years.

“Goodbye, Stu.” She seethed. “You were never my father.”

Liv, Josh, Wolf, and Tiger all took turns squashing Stu’s brain stem with the hilt if the laser sword. Whenever it wasn’t Tiger’s turn, she would stamp her feet down over the chunks that had flown off.

“He’s gone.” TyAnne’s voice said through their earpieces. They could hear the smile in her voice. In response, Other Liv cheered for joy. The four of them heaved grateful sighs, Tiger clapping Wolf on the back, and Liv and Josh wrapping each other in a relieved embrace. Wolf and Tiger pried open the sealed doors, which were now powered down. On the other side was a Liv, Josh, Wolf, and Tiger massacre. Their faces dropped.

“…not as bad as it sounded…” Josh said quietly, shrugging.

“I’m seeing a lot more dead Livs and Joshes than us.” Tiger commented.

“To be fair, a lot are mutilated past the point of recognition.” Liv light heartedly joked, making her, Josh, and Tiger chuckle. Wolf just looked on, horrified.

Josh looked at him, feigning pity. “Oh, Wolf? What’s the matter? It’s no fun when it’s you, huh?”

Wolf slowly shook his head. “Such a waste of talent.” He never took his eyes off of the closest dead Wolf.

“I for one,” Josh said, sliding an arm around Liv’s shoulders. “Think this victory deserves a victory kiss.”

“No offense Josh, but you’re not my type.” Wolf said, pushing away from the door. Tiger snorted.

“He’s not talking about you, dumbass.” Liv rolled her eyes, kissing Josh on the cheek.

“Oh, right.” Wolf shrugged. Josh pulled Liv in for a small kiss. Tiger looked up at the ceiling, folding her arms and tapping her fingers on her biceps. Wolf, being Wolf, leaned against the wall and watched them. “Goddamnit, I love love.”

A zapping sound caught all of their attention, two men in steampunk suit jackets and hats appeared in front of them. “Get down on the ground. You’ve got two seconds to comply, starting…” the one man with a curled mustache and goatee clicked open a pocket watch, which projected something that none of them could understand into the air. “…now.”

Tiger and Wolf exchanged look, laughing at these fools. “Hey, nice hat, lose-“ Wolf started. They all keeled over, crying out and plugging their ears as a horrible screeching sound filled their ears.

“Who are you people?!” Liv screamed, sliding down against the door.

“You all are under arrest for violating Statute HXB34 of the Santa Clarita County Time Code.” The mustached man said.

Josh’s head shot up. “Santa Clarita?” He yelled over the noise. The men looked at him, expressionless, and pressed something on the pocket watch, and Stu’s brain room turned hazy and faded from view.

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #Josh Futturman x OC #future man season 2

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heydorothea009 · 8 months ago

Text

Bread on Toast 2162 - A Bread on Toast Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language, I don’t know how to speak Spanish

Chapter 9: Día De Los Robots

The four of them, Josh, Wolf, Liv, and TyAnne all sprinted out of the compound, alarms still blaring.

"It was you this whole time?!" Liv was screaming.

"You know her-" Josh began to ask before gasping, remembering their conversation from right before the Pointed Circle captured him the second time.

"Tiger and I found this place called the Mons and met this timeline's version of her. She's really annoying..."

"Ohhhhh!" Josh nodded. "TyAnne!"

TyAnne whipped her head around. "Achilles." She corrected him. She stopped in the middle of the staircase, turning to Liv. Wolf and Josh bumped into Liv, groaning. "We're going to the storage units, do you remember where those are?" TyAnne asked her. Liv gaped up at her, eyes wide with so many questions. TyAnne drew in a deep breath through her nose. "I will answer any and all questions once we get there. Now come on, help me lead your friends."

Truth be told, Liv didn't exactly remember where the storage units were, she had just been following Tiger, but she recognized some of the landmarks on the way. Climbing into the underground lab where Hogeveen had been found, Josh and Wolf gawked up at the ceiling. It wasn't big, or anything worth freaking out over, but Josh seemed to be having his mind blown. TyAnne plunked down in a chair, exhaling.

"So...what was with the...voice?" Liv finally asked.

TyAnne looked up at her. "You mean this voice?" She asked in her nasally voice. "It's a long story." She said in her normal voice, waving her hand and brushing off Liv's question. Josh and Wolf both immediately turned at the sound of TyAnne's whiny voice, both looking confused.

"Oh..." Wolf made a face at the sound. "That's really annoying..."

Liv just blinked at TyAnne. "So are you going to tell it, or..."

TyAnne sighed. "Fine. Sit down, it'll take me about twenty six minutes and thirty seven seconds to tell you guys."

The three of them slowly sat down, as TyAnne started from the beginning. She told them about her life as a young child, growing up with a computer dad. It had fucked her up. She'd never experienced actual human interaction until Eunice Hogeveen, AKA Athena, became her care-taker at the age of nine. At fourteen, when TyAnne had finally lost it with Stu, Hogeveen sat her down and told her the truth behind Stu and his plan to enslave the human race and his obsession with bodies being shells.

Fourteen year old TyAnne had had to sit through 4,891 videos of Stu attempting to upload different people's consciousness into a computer, brutally killing all but one when he'd learned the subject must go willingly into the upload machine. That's how at just fourteen, TyAnne had become Achilles, being Stu's Achilles heel. He'd felt a powerful connection to her, and that was why he'd taken her in as his own.

As she had to continue to live with a monster, she became one herself, hence, the voice and the attitude. It was an impulsive decision made by her teenage self, but a decision that she had kept up for eighteen years. Finally, after years of begging Hogeveen to be of more use than just Stu's spy, Hogeveen tasked her with going into her bathroom and inputting a code into her bathtub; rose petal, rose petal, geranium, bubbles.

The next day, TyAnne had done just that, opening a passage into her room, where she was faced with her ex, Torque.

Liv, Josh, and Wolf all gawked at TyAnne. "Wait, Torque?! Like Wolf's-" Josh started.

"Yeah, yeah, Torque and I had a thing, and he," she pointed at Wolf. "Looks like Torque. I'm not done."

She continued to tell them how together, she and Torque (who Wolf had deemed "a loser nerd") (TyAnne shot Wolf a nasty glare as she continued) had infiltrated Stu's system, trying to shut him down. The attempt had ended poorly, having fried Torque's brain until he...died.

"So...he died in front of you?" Liv asked gently. TyAnne nodded, looking down at the table.

"And I buried him in my bedroom." She whispered.

Josh's jaw dropped. "Holy shit, that's hardcore."

"So he was a nerd who died for nothing." Wolf mumbled sadly.

TyAnne shook her head. "No, it wasn't for nothing. After that, I took over the Pointed Circle, and Torque's technology helped to replicate Stu's sim," her eyes flickered to Josh. "Which you crashed and gave us hope."

"And then destroyed it all. We really fucked up thinking you guys were the bad guys." Josh slumped in his seat.

Liv pursed her lips. "Well...when you think about it..."

Josh sat up, sighing. "Okay, we need a new plan." He got up and began to pace. Liv crossed her arms on the table, leaning over and resting her chin on them.

TyAnne shrugged, sighing. "We've tried everything. Stu patched the back door to the sim, and then when we found Josh we thought we could upload directly, but..."

"We blew up your upload machine..." Wolf winced. "Really sorry about that."

"And killed all of our scientists." TyAnne clasped her hands together on the table.

"Guys," Josh said. Everyone's head turned to him. He was holding one of Stu's MARS pamphlets. "There's still one upload machine left..." he slid the paper to the middle of the table for all to see. "I can crash the sim just as easily as I crashed yours. I'm gonna go in there and send that computer back to 7734." Everyone blinked, staying silent. "...hell."

"Ohhhhh!" Liv nodded her head. "If you type that into the pager and flip it upside down-"

"It's a visual joke." Josh sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm gonna go fuck up Stu's machine."

TyAnne studied the pamphlet. "Oh. Okay. So we're all gonna die."

Tiger stirred, body flaring up with aches. She reached up, feeling a pinch in her neck.

"Take it easy, you're okay." She heard Stu's voice. "Take it slow." He knelt in front of her. "Things took an unexpected turn last night." He said gently as she sat up. "It was the Pointed Circle, they've got some weapon, I'm not sure what. But if that's the best they've got, I'm still standing." Stu tried smiling optimistically at her. "You, on the other hand, were knocked down... courtesy of your so-called friends, Liv, Joosh, and Wolf." Tiger's eyes widened as the news smacked her in the face. Stu slowly nodded. "...I know...I understand that feeling of hurt and betrayal, TyAnne turned on me too." Stu heaved out a shaky sigh. "Why is it the people closest to you that hurt you the most?"

"I don't know, but I feel it too." Tiger meant to say. She sat up straighter as her brows furrowed together. She'd said it in Spanish. "What is happening?" Still Spanish. She could hear the English in her head, but her mouth kept speaking in Spanish. "Why can't I talk regular?"

Stu dragged a hand down his face. "TyAnne." He murmured. "She must have hit you with a Span-qualizer."

"The what?!" Tiger yelled, in Spanish still.

"TyAnne was too lazy to learn Spanish, when she did her semester in Mons Barcelona, so I created a serum that bypasses your ventral and dorsal pathways and implants the language instantaneously."

Tiger scrambled to her feet. "That's fucked up." She grumbled. She didn't even know Spanish, but since her brain knew what she wanted to say, said it perfectly in the other language.

Stu, sat back, amazed. "She hit you with an immersion dose, that's a doozy. You'll only be able to speak high Castilian for the next few hours." Tiger groaned. "On the plus side, once it wears off you'll be fluent?" He suggested.

Tiger slammed her fists on her hips. "Cat fucker! Why would they do this to us?! Why?!"

Stu jumped at her rising voice. "I- I have no idea? Ignorance? Jealousy? Some part of themselves that doesn't want to be happy?" He huffed out a sigh. "Living in the NAG does strange things to people."

"They've been brainwashed...I'm so angry." She hissed.

"Try not to be too angry at them. Anger is the lobster trap of emotions." Stu said. Tiger squinted her eyes and cocked her head. "Very easy to get into, impossible to get out."

"I don't know what that means." Tiger rolled her eyes. "We have to destroy the Pointed Circle."

"They took their shot and they failed. If they know what's good for them, they're probably hiding out in cannibal country by now." Stu laughed. "Nothing stops the launch. I'm...I'm sorry you had to find out this way." Stu stood, stepping towards her. He snapped his fingers twice, and soft, romantic guitar strums quietly began to play. Tiger blinked, looking confused. Stu began to speak back to her in Spanish, and she understood every word. "This is our special day. The only bond stronger than betrayal...is the love that we share."

Tiger's lips twitched as she began to speak back in Spanish. "This world is one disappointment after another. I'm ready for something else. Just get me in that chair and get me out this piece of shit body."

Stu nodded, a triumphant grin spreading over his lips.

When Josh's plan was sounding a bit too much like a suicide mission again, Liv clamped her hand over his mouth and together, her and Wolf lectured him about not getting himself killed.

"The last time you tried that, you two just ended up crying." Wolf said. "And I don't want to see that again. You're not getting yourself killed, Josh."

Josh batted Liv's hand away. "Okay, okay, then what am I supposed to do? Smash the machine?"

Wolf, TyAnne, and Liv all traded looks. "Honestly, yeah, that could work." TyAnne shrugged.

"You were a Smasher." Wolf patted him on the back. "You've been training for this moment."

"Josh," Liv sighed, sliding back down into her chair. "Don't be a hero. I mean," she waved her hands in the air. "You know, be a hero, but not that kind of hero. Please.” She pleaded.

Josh leaned his head back and sighed. "You've got a point." He mumbled. "I guess my time in the Smash Pit did prepare me for this."

"I like it, destroy the machine from the outside, the less people die, the better." TyAnne nodded approvingly.

"So, wait," Josh whined, craning his neck around to look at TyAnne. "Does that mean I crashed your sim for nothing?"

TyAnne shrugged. "Well, how about instead of crash you smash." Wolf giggled. Liv smacked his shoulder with the back of her hand. TyAnne, stepped forward and placed her hands on the table, bringing up a screen. She pressed a few buttons and a simple map of the Mons appeared. "There's only one way to the upload machine, but it will not be easy to get there." She traced a finger around one of the circles representing the hab units. "We can use these blind spots in the surveillance to get you close to the hangar. But then there's the commandos."

"Are those the Biotics?" Liv asked.

TyAnne twisted her neck to look at Liv. "The what?"

"The dudes in clunky armor with the lightsabers? They tried to kill Josh and I."

"Yes, then those are the Biotics." TyAnne looked back at the map. "If you can manage to get inside, you'll have to beat the facial recognition scanner, which you better believe will be on the lookout for your adorable little mug." She glanced over at Josh.

"I don't think they'll think I'm very adorable if they catch me." He muttered. "But if I can have you in my ear talking me through this, I think we'll be just fine."

"Okay, then what's our plan for the commandos and the scanner?" TyAnne asked. "That's still a wrinkle in our plan."

"Don't worry, I got that wrinkle so ironed out it's like a smooth piece of silk." Josh grinned, proud of himself.

TyAnne gave him a tight lipped smile. "You can't iron silk, that will destroy it." She looked over to Liv and Wolf. "He's not even good at metaphors, we're all gonna die." Josh frowned.

One of the remaining Pointed Circle members, Shiva, rounded the corner. "I bring news," she announced, drawing everyone's attention to her. "The bad kind." She specified. "The NAG is gearing up for an all-out war. The commandos that Stu sent to abduct Jesus and the girl..."

"It's Josh," he pointed to himself. "It's just Josh now, and that's Liv."

Shiva dragged her attention back to TyAnne. "They're calling it an act of war, a violation of the armistice. They're being whipped into a frenzy as we speak." Wolf blew out a breath.

"Isn't that a good thing?" Liv asked. "If they attacked the Mons, that would definitely mess up the launch, right?"

TyAnne shook her head. "It would just trigger Stu's kill-bots and slaughter everyone."

Josh scoffed. "He'd do that just because his plan didn't go perfectly?"

"Yep," TyAnne bobbed her head. "Stu's super petty that way. I grew up with it."

"Then someone's got to talk the NAG out of it." Wolf muttered. He looked around as everyone's gaze drifted to him. "That someone being me." He added.

"Is that a good idea? Didn't you kinda bail on them? At least, I'm assuming you did." Liv said.

"I convinced them to follow me once, perhaps I can do it again." Wolf said confidently.

"They are extremely sway-able, but also wildly unpredictable and have murdered those who have done far less." TyAnne said quietly. "It's a tough call."

Wolf stepped toward TyAnne. Josh and Liv's heads swiveled between TyAnne and Wolf. "I've done a lot of wrong since I've been here, Achilles. Just give me this one chance to do something right."

"Oh, uh..." TyAnne glanced down at Liv and Josh, then back to Wolf. "You realize I don't command you, right?"

Wolf exhaled out of his nose. "But I wish you would." He mumbled. Liv and Josh both had their brows drawn together as they not so discreetly hit each other's arms. TyAnne blinked a couple times and looked down at the table as Wolf gave Liv and Josh a slight nod and began to leave.

"Wait!" Liv jumped up to follow Wolf. Josh stood too. "No, you stay here." She pushed him back down into his seat, giving him a quick kiss before trailing after Wolf. "I love you." She left Josh wide eyed and blushing. TyAnne raised one eyebrow at Josh.

"She's my girlfriend." He gushed. TyAnne slowly nodded and walked over to Shiva and the other few Pointed Circle members.

Liv climbed up the ladder after Wolf. "Wolf, we have to talk." She said as she followed him up to the storage unit.

Wolf paused and sighed, turning around and looking like a wounded puppy. "I know..." he sighed, looking scared to make eye contact with her.

Liv put her hands on her hips and gave him a deadpan look. "Stop it." She snapped her fingers at him. "Stop. Look Wolf, you've been a real jerk since we've got here."

"That was a nice way of putting it." He mumbled, guiltily wringing his hands.

"I'm...I'm really, really pissed at you." Her voice gave her away as it broke. Wolf's eyes darted up to meet hers.

"Liv..." he sighed. "Liv, I'm so sorry." His heart sank.

"You've been a real jerk on a power trip." Her stupid eyes welled up with stupid tears. She didn't want to cry, but so many emotions were spilling out of her.

Wolf nodded in agreement, holding out his arms slightly, offering her an embrace. She turned away, folding her arms. His arms fell to his sides, nodding silently. "I understand." He whispered as she wiped a tear.

"I don't. What happened to you? I miss my friend, Wolf. I miss the Wolf who told me to tell that robot house Sigorn-E I liked Josh, I miss the Wolf who fell in love with cooking, I miss the Wolf who loved Corey Hart and Redbone, I miss-" his hand landed on her shoulder. She looked to see his eyes were misty too.

"I miss that Wolf too." He sighed. Her chin quivered as she wrapped her arms around him. Wolf held her tightly. "I haven't been myself, I've been Torque, and I deeply apologize. I promise to be Wolf again." He whispered, leaning his cheek against her head.

"And you have to promise to apologize to Josh." Liv mumbled into his chest. "He told me. You're a real dick head."

Wolf chuckled and pressed a hand into her hair, holding her tighter. "He said you would think so."

She gently punched his ribs as she pulled away. "I do think so." She couldn't hide her slight smile. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Tiger."

Wolf shrugged. "I'm over it." He tweaked her nose. "Glad to have my best friend back."

She batted his hand away, grinning. "Likewise. Now go tell those NAG freaks to stop." She gave Wolf one last hug. "Oh! I met Lugnut, she was cool."

"Yeah? She told me." Wolf smiled as he ducked out of the tent.

"Takes after her sorta-dad." She winked at Wolf as she opened the hatch to climb back down into the lab.

Tiger stood in front of a long mirror, taking in the sight of her in the gorgeous white and silver gown she wore. On her head, a jeweled crown dripped jewels over her head. She looked stunning.

"Wow." A woman's voice came from behind her. Tiger whipped around the see someone she had never seen before. "Someone looks radiant." The woman sang as she glided up the steps to Tiger's side. "No other word would do you justice right now, Miss Tiger, no other words!" She snapped her fingers enthusiastically.

"Thanks." Tiger grinned. She'd said it in English. She paused before speaking again. "Thanks." English again. She sighed in relief. "Oh, thank God. That would have gotten annoying so fast."

"Stu sent me to see if you needed anything." The woman grinned cheerfully. "Any questions, concerns, make sure your feet are toasty." Tiger glanced down at her boots, confused. "Men don't always get it, but we do. Just a couple of human ladies talking about human lady stuff."

"...who are you?" Tiger asked, staring back at the woman through the mirror.

"I am your lady in waiting." The lady smiled awkwardly.

"Okay, lady." Tiger nodded at her. "How do I put this on?" Tiger held the chunky plastic and metal collar worn by all other people of the Mons up to her neck. "Like this?"

"The cerebral port? Yeah, so that's backwards, you gotta," she gestured for Tiger to spin it around to the back of her neck. "Yep, yep, there ya go." She nodded as Tiger twisted it around. "So, how are you feeling? Nervous? Excited? Because you know you gotta want it, right? If you're not feeling it the machine knows."

Tiger nodded, fidgeting with the veils that spilled from her shoulders. "Yeah, yeah, I'm feeling it. So," she pointed to the gaping hole in the chunky collar. "Is this where the needle goes? I heard there's a giant needle."

"It's- it's not really a needle. More of a little...little-"

"You can call it a needle. You could call it a fucking jabby death pointer for all I care." Tiger said nonchalantly.

The woman, who Tiger was starting to realize might be Dr. Ahmadi, Stu's brain therapist, nodded slowly. "Then jabby death pointer does go there."

Tiger smirked. "Base of the skull. Nice. My favorite soft target, you know, 'cause if you do it right blood just..." Tiger imitated spurting blood, making spraying noises with her mouth and wiggling her fingers. "Out of every hole."

Dr. Ahmadi's eyebrows shot up as she slowly nodded, trying to be supportive. "Ooh! Fun fact! So...no hang ups about shedding the old mortal coil?"

"Well, I have one question. What happens to the- the shell?" Tiger asked.

Dr. Ahmadi laughed. "Let's not dwell on the shell."

"Chopped up? Acid baths? Dump 'em in the ocean? Incinerated?"

"Uh, yeah, the uh, last one."

"Oh, phew, you know I was worried you would mass graves, but here's the thing about mass graves, those corpses will always come back up to Earth's surface."

Dr. Ahmadi just stared at Tiger, trying to figure out how to respond. "...ooh...fun fact..."

"I unfortunately know how we can get past the facial recognition scanners." Josh spoke up, wringing his hands on the table.

TyAnne turned to face him, eyebrow raised. "Go on." Liv sat up in her chair.

"I'm allergic to nuts..." he murmured. TyAnne furrowed her brows in confusion, pressing him to further explain. "My face swells up and I can't breathe- it's not pretty- but, I'll do it for the cause."

Liv dragged her hands down her face. "You need to stop hurting yourself for the cause." She grumbled.

"That could work," TyAnne whispered. "And you could say you have to get in because it's a medical emergency."

"Yeah, that's what I was thinking." Josh perked up.

TyAnne smiled, a weight starting to lift off of her shoulders. "It'll work. We just need to get you the perfect Mons disguise."

It had reached midday by the time they sent Josh up to the crowds above them, anxiously awaiting the launch. Liv strayed back to talk into Josh's earpiece with TyAnne, much to her disliking, but she knew she couldn't go up there. Stu hated her guts (officially now) and would probably have her face on a "kill on sight" list. She sat next to TyAnne, headphones over her ears, and bouncing her leg nervously. An icon on the screen that represented Josh blinked at them. She watched it intently.

"Stay tight to that hab unit." TyAnne instructed Josh. "One hair to the left and you're dead."

"Gotta tell you, Achilles, I am loving this suit." Josh's voice answered. TyAnne had given Josh one of the yellow and gray jumpsuits to help him fit in. Unfortunately, the suits were very tight, leaving Josh's insanely large dick to bulge. Liv had smacked him on the back of the head after he'd insinuated that they both go into a back room together after he'd caught her staring. Not that she didn't want to, it was just life or death at the moment. "I feel like I'm an alternate for the Jamaican bobsled team." Liv snorted and rolled her eyes lovingly. "It is, uh, a little tight in the crotchal region...real vacuum seal right around-"

TyAnne let out an annoyed sigh, shutting Josh right up. Liv dropped her face into her hands, stifling a laugh. "Yeah, so let's just keep this channel open for essential communication, copy?" TyAnne asked, trying not to sound frustrated.

"Copy that and I will comply." Josh answered cockily.

TyAnne rolled her eyes, shooting Liv a look. "Right there you just had to say 'copy', that's all." TyAnne said, plastering a fake smile on her face. "That's your boyfriend?" She asked Liv.

"Hey!" Josh's voice came through the feed. TyAnne moved the microphone away from her mouth and clenched her jaw.

"Yes, and I," Liv grabbed the microphone and faced it to her mouth. "Love him."

TyAnne snatched the microphone back. "I love you too." Josh's voice said. "Running, running, running, running," Josh muttered, his icon moving from one hab unit to the next.

"Oh. God." TyAnne massaged her temples, a very Tiger move. "Seriously?"

"I appreciate the narration." Liv swung one leg over the other, crossing them.

"Aaaaand I'm...in position." Josh's icon stopped behind another unit.

TyAnne held the mic to her mouth. "This is as far as we can take you. You've still got to get past the facial recognition scanner."

"No problem..." Josh sounded nervous.

Liv stole the mic from TyAnne. "It's okay, Josh. You'll be okay."

She could hear the grimace in his voice. "Okay...okay...oh God..." she could imagine him holding the giant all-nut he had been given, trying to psych himself up to eat it.

"For the fate of the world and humanity." Liv reminded him.

She could hear the small smile in his voice. "...Goddammit Liv." The feed went fuzzy before Josh's voice returned. "Ugh, okay, I ate it." He sounded awful. They could hear the sound of his retching and coughing.

Liv grabbed the microphone again. "You're okay, Josh. You're okay." She kept reminding him. Her legs were bouncing so anxiously, TyAnne reached out and placed a hand on her knee to stop her.

Josh, with his face puffing up and itching like crazy, jogged up to the crowded line awaiting their turn to get into the hangar. His airway squeezed tight, he was wheezing, making some of the citizens look at him, and quickly step aside, looking both disgusted and scared of him. He pushed through the line, wheezing louder on purpose to make people start and let him through. He approached the Biotic looking commandos, panting.

"Medical emergency!" He wheezed. The commandos waved him inside with no questions asked. He continued to push through a sea of yellow and gray jumpsuits once he got inside.

"You're going great." Liv's voice said in his ear. "Keep going."

"This is gonna work." TyAnne said next.

"I knew it would." Josh panted. Josh could see Stu standing on a balcony overlooking the hangar full of people, continuing some speech that Josh didn't give a fuck about. He ducked under a rope divider and shoved his way forward.

"Looking good," Tiger's voice made him freeze, his blood running cold. He slowly turned to see her, thankfully, not talking to him, but a group of people a few paces ahead of him. He ducked behind a tall man just as Tiger meandered in his direction, praying that with his splotchy red face he was unrecognizable.

He could feel her intense stare on him even before he peeked around the man to see if the coast was clear. She was stopped, staring at him and biting the inside of her lips, as if she were trying to place his face. He glanced away as casually as he could, acting like a patient Mons citizen. He saw her turn and pace away, and he let himself heave a sigh of relief.

"...and don't forget, the all-you-can-eat taco bar on every spacecraft!" Stu projected, making the crowd erupt with excitement.

Josh looked around, faking enthusiasm. "Woo, I sure love tacos." He clapped along awkwardly.

"There is someone I would like to formally introduce you all to!" Stu announced excitedly. "Here she is now, my girlfriend!" Stu pointed to Tiger. Tiger waved politely as the room applauded. Josh's face, though stiff, somehow contorted in a disgusted manner. He shook it off and pushed through the line, making it to the face scanners. He gulped as he stepped forward.

"Did Stu just call Tiger his girlfriend?" TyAnne's voice deadpanned in his ear.

"Yes, now shut up, I'm at the scanners." Josh whispered as the scanners blinked, trying to place his face. They flicked from red to green, signaling that he was cleared.

"Holy shit, it worked." Liv gasped.

"Don't get too excited, we're not there yet." TyAnne muttered. Josh looked around at the eight people in front of him. He brushed past all of them, leaving the people in his wake complaining and pissed at him, but he didn't care. He made it to the front, standing next to a boy with a 1 stitched into his sleeve. He turned his head and glared at Josh.

"What are you doing?" The boy asked, looking agitated.

"Do you see my face?" Josh wheezed. "I have to go in right now." He felt for the tool that TyAnne had given him in his pocket, making sure he had for when he needed to smash the machine.

The boy put a hand in front of Josh so he couldn't move in front of him. "Okay? So? I've been waiting my whole damn life for this."

Josh gaped at him. "Uh, I don't think you understand, I have to be first-"

"I don't think you understand." The boy let out an unconvincing laugh. "I'm Jimmy Fucking McGurgan."

"Oh fuck, not this guy." Liv swore in his ear. "I forgot about him."

"I'm the first boy on Mars." Jimmy looked Josh up and down, unimpressed.

"Okay, uh, Jimmy," Josh tried to stay patient. "Listen, only one person can go in there, and that's me, okay? I'm J1."

"I'm J1." Jimmy glared at Josh, flaunting the 1 on his sleeve.

Josh didn't have time for this. "Okay, tough guy, see you in hell." Josh rolled his eyes and stepped back.

"What are you doing?" TyAnne hissed in his ear.

"Letting this guy get himself killed." Josh grumbled. Jimmy shot Josh a nasty look as the doors in front of them hissed open.

"You freak." Jimmy gave Josh the "I'm watching you" gesture as he stepped inside, the inside hissing with suspicious white fog. Then the door whistled shut.

Josh patted his hand over the tool. He didn't know what it was, TyAnne had explained it to him while Liv was staring at him in the Mons suit and he'd gotten distracted. All he knew is that it had sharp points and he could stab whatever machine was waiting for him on the other side of that door. Josh glowered at the screen above the door, stomach writhing with nerves as there was a freakishly long pause before the screen's count changed from 0 to 1. The crowd cheered at the seeming victory.

Above Josh, Stu was on the balcony, dashing back and forth from his holographic screen to the railing, trying to figure out if the man with the puffy face was actually Joosh Futturman.

"It's him, I should have known he would never give up." Tiger rolled her eyes, scolding herself from brushing him of as just Mons citizen having an allergic reaction.

"Then why the self-mutilation?" Stu asked, quiet yet frantic. When Tiger just shrugged, Stu stared off, going completely silent for a long pause. Tiger hesitated before waving a hand in front of Stu's face.

"Stu?"

He jolted back to reality with a grin. "I'm gonna patch it!"

Tiger watched as he turned back to his holographic screen. "Patch what?"

"Just a bug in my programming. The Pointed Circle must have been poking around in my system and found a former weakness in my code, Joosh." He said the name with seething hatred. "I've just got to patch it right up, I'll just shut myself down for a quick second and fix it. Then when I'm back, I'll upload him anyways, and torture for all eternity. Together." Stu had a look in his eyes that made Tiger's skin crawl.

"You can...do that?" Tiger managed to say.

"Yeah," he shrugged. "It's my system."

"But when I was in there, I controlled everything..."

"Yeah, because I let you." Stu laughed as if she were just a silly child who had asked a silly question. Tiger hated it.

"So...you'll have complete and total control over everything and everyone in MARS?" Tiger asked, head swimming with all the red flags that were finally showing up for her.

"Yeah." Stu's voice sounded dark. "You think I'll just let people run around all willy-nilly? That would be chaos without an administrator. My world, my rules. I get to decide." Tiger took a step back, trying to feign a smile. "It's for the best, trust me, Tiger."

Down below, the door whisked open in front of Josh, and he quickly pulled out his tool.

"What's that?" He heard someone ask from behind him as he walked into the unknown, covered by the scary white fog. He waved it away from his face as the door closed behind him.

"Josh, remember to press the button-" TyAnne started, but was disconnected. He looked around the room, which was all white, glossy, and empty, save for one metal chair with a strange curved stem protruding from the back. That was it.

"Gotcha," Josh whispered as he pressed the button on the weapon and- "Oh my God!" Josh flinched as a red laser shot out from the metal handle. "Oh my God! Lightsaber!" Josh gasped. It was the same laser sword the Biotic commandos had had. He pressed the button again, and the laser changed completely, becoming wider and more rounded. Just like a bat. Josh let out a laugh. "This is awesome!"

Josh turned to the machine, winding up. "Once a Smasher, always a Smasher." He mumbled to himself. "I could've used this a long time ago."

"Please be seated so we can begin." An automated voice said.

"Shut up, robo-lady!" Josh took a swing at the chair, unsure of if it was actually part of the upload machine, but thought it would help just in case. The chair dented, hissing from the heat of the laser bat.

White fog filtered into the room again, making Josh cough as he inhaled it. It had a lavender scent to it, and, while nice, Josh was annoyed by it. The only truly nice thing about it was how Josh could feel it taking down the swelling in his face. But that wasn’t why he was there. He wound up for another swing before he was overtaken by hacking again. "Oh my God, what is that?" He turned around and looked up at the fog dispensers. He would smash that next if he could...stop feeling so sluggish. His body felt heavy, tumbling backwards, his back hitting the chair, his brain going numb with sudden exhaustion. The room went dark suddenly, but Josh couldn't will himself to get up, being lured by the tendrils of sleep. The laser bat slipped from his fingers and clattered to the floor. TyAnne and Liv were back online in his ear, screaming for him to get up, but he could barely hear it.

The lights came back on, and so did the robo-lady. "Initiating Journey to MARS, Mankind's Automated Reality System." Her electronic voice sounded like it was inside his brain. "In three, two..."

"He stopped." TyAnne jammed the microphone button with her finger. "Why did you stop?" She asked loudly into the microphone. "Josh, why aren't you-"

"Something's wrong," Liv sounded terrified out of her mind. They could see Josh's icon frozen on the screen. They could see something behind him lighting up as red, signifying he had found the upload machine. "He's frozen or something, he's stuck maybe?"

"Josh! Smash the machine!" TyAnne yelled into the microphone. No answer.

"He can't hear us!" Liv wailed.

"Stu." TyAnne seethed. "He's probably cut off all signals to that one room. Ours isn't going through."

"Josh!" Liv shouted into the microphone. "Josh, can you hear us?!"

"Josh! Do you copy?" TyAnne yelled. Suddenly, his icon began to move. Fast. TyAnne and Liv lurched from their seats, Liv's seat toppling over. "He didn't destroy the machine." TyAnne's voice was taut with concern. "Did Stu catch him?"

Suddenly, Josh was back online, but Tiger's voice was filtering through the feed. "There's no spaceship! There's no Mars! It's all lies!" She was yelling, sounding strained.

"No! Where are you going?!" They could hear Stu yelling.

"Tiger turned on Stu." TyAnne breathed out.

"She saved Josh." Liv was gripping the table so hard her knuckles were turning white. TyAnne quickly switched the screen over to the camera feeds of the Mons. It was chaos. Stu had a giant hologram in the sky screaming at the frightened people.

"Get back in the line you shaved apes!" He bellowed. Liv lifted a hand to cover her mouth, eyes wide. "I'm not done with you yet! Listen to your Master, your God!"

"Holy shit..." TyAnne stepped back. A woman's hologram appeared behind Stu. "Dr. Ahmadi?" TyAnne asked.

"Stu, you're in the lobster trap." She said gently to him.

"I don't care! The rubber bands are off and the claws are out!" His yells echoed through the Mons. "Fuck humanity!" He flipped off the frightened people down below.

"What have we done?" TyAnne whispered.

"Maybe it won't be so bad?" Someone said from behind them.

Stu composed himself for a moment. "Release the kill-bots."

TyAnne threw over a chair and screamed in anger.

A/N: hey chat, remember when I said I was gonna upload more often? Yeah I got broken up with later that day and I got depressed. LOL YOU CAN LAUGH IT’S FUNNY!!!!!!! I’m done moping now, life has been shit, so I’m ready to make it fun again!!!!! I’m going to start on season 3, so don’t worry!!!! Bread on Toast will make it to the end!!!!

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man season 2 #Josh Futturman x OC

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heydorothea009 · 9 months ago

Text

Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language, alludes to sexual behavior, more singing!!, Josh becomes submissive and promises to be a good boy

Chapter 8: The Ballad of Pup-E Q. Barkington

It took Liv way longer than she expected to get to the NAG. It had taken Liv and Tiger just over an hour the first time, due to Tiger’s impressive tracking skills, but Liv could only tell she was heading north and that she’d passed the same triangle shaped bush twice. She finally stumbled upon the main entrance of the NAG, the small shack that she and Tiger had taken Wolf to the first time they’d interacted with the NAG. No guards stood at their post. Odd, but lucky for her.

She cautiously approached the door, realizing behind the shack was a cliff. She stiffened, peering down and there it was, the NAG, settled underneath the cliff in all of its ugly glory. She wrestled the shack door open, finding a million stairs that led down. She held her breath in hopes that no one would see her. It was strange there were no guards that night, and Liv couldn’t help but think that it all seemed suspicious.

She bumbled her way down the stairs and exploded from the doors and into the…empty streets of the NAG. She pressed herself into a ribbed metal wall of a shack.

This isn’t right… she thought, mind conjuring up the scariest thoughts. The NAG must have been raided by the Pointed Circle, Josh had probably been captured by now, and Wolf- she caught herself. No. The last time her and Tiger had come to the NAG the streets were quiet too. The people of the NAG probably just had early bedtimes. That’s when she heard the first signs of life. The sound of…moaning?

She froze again, her eyes widening. Her mouth formed the words, “what the fuck?” As she pushed herself off of the wall. It was exactly what she thought it was, coming from inside of the shack. Several people moaning and there was the sound of a mattress shifting and-

She backed away quickly, disturbed, having just witnessed something she shouldn’t have. She crept further away, past another shack. Even louder moans came from the other two shacks she passed. That’s why no one was out, they were all fucking.

Liv plugged her ears, looking around frantically and blindly running down the streets. The NAG was the single, most disturbing place she’d ever been to. And she’d seen the Dead Josh room.

This is the Muffle Song!

Let’s all sing the Muffle Song!

If you can’t sing loud enough

Cram your ears with random stuff

Mud and grass or knives and shears

How else can we save our ears?

Josh could hear all the way from the town center. He laid curled up next to Pup-E Q. Barkington, who let out soft whines. He kept his hands pressed firmly over his ears, yet he could still hear the disturbing sounds coming from inside Wolf’s shack.

Sowing Day was what Wolf had called it when he’d warned Josh about it just forty five minutes before it started. Sowing Day, from Josh’s understanding, was the day all the husbands and wives in all the clusters had orgies, and all the kids went into the town center to sing the most annoying song he’d ever heard, and the song didn’t even work.

Pup-E made a sad robotic yapping sound. “I know, I know,” Josh whispered, giving him a small pat on his metal head. There was a loud bang from inside.

Josh protectively held Pup-E. He eyed his cushion, an idea formulating in his head.

He pulled out some of the stuffing, making little earplugs for himself and Pup-E, tying a ripped piece of cloth and tied it around Pup-E’s head to keep the stuffing stable. “There we go,” he whispered softly to the little robot. “That’ll keep out all the bad sounds.” He curled himself back around Pup-E, who warbled softly. “You’re too pure for this world.” He whispered before kissing him lightly on the head. He began to lightly hum to himself, trying to keep the noise out of his ears.

Lugnut banged her maracas together as she sang at the top of her lungs.

We sing the Muffle Song!

Even though it’s running long

Pulling out would just feel wrong

Our rhythm method is so strong

Here’s a pounding from big bong!

The homemade drums were loud in Lugnut’s ears as everyone pounded their hands and on them and stomped their feet. Lugnut loved Sowing Day, because she got to sing the Muffle Song with all of her friends. As the drum solo ended, she drew in a deep breath and continued to sing at the top of her lungs.

Still singing the Muffle Song!

This is still the Muffle Song!

Bang your drums so loud and clear

Music to each child’s ear

A figure dashed past the town center, ducking behind a wooden wall. Lugnut stopped shaking her maracas, interest peaked. Pump and the other young adults were turned, not facing her at all, leading the children on the opposite end through the song. She slowly set down her maracas.

“I’ll be right back,” she muttered to her friend Plier.

“Where are you going?” Plier hissed, shaking a tambourine.

“I’ll just be right back.” Lugnut whispered, backing away from the crowd of children. “Hold my spot.”

Lugnut saw Plier sigh and roll her eyes, but she didn’t protest anymore than that. Lugnut peered around one of the wooden walls that surrounded the town center, seeing the figure crouched down. She slowly approached the figure, making out a girl who was definitely not from the NAG, her head resting on her knees which were pulled into her chest.

Lugnut drew a little closer, making a quiet shuffling sound. The girl looked up, eyes puffy from crying and wide with panic. Lugnut stopped to show she meant no harm.

“I saw you sneaking around the bonfire.” She whispered. The girl gaped at her, frozen in her spot. “What are you doing?” Lugnut whispered after a moment.

“I’m…I’m looking for someone.” The girl whispered.

“Are you alright? Are you a Stray?” Lugnut asked quietly, voice full of curiosity.

“I’m…I’m just not from around here.” The girl whispered cautiously. Lugnut stepped closer, making the girl scoot back. Lugnut dropped down to her level.

“The Stray behind my shack said that too!” She whispered excitedly. The girl perked up.

“…you have a Stray?”

Lugnut nodded earnestly. “Yes, my Papa Torque is friends with him!”

The girl blinked several times, eyes scanning her. “…Lugnut?”

Her face brightened. “How did you know my name? Can Strays read minds?”

The girl scrambled to her feet. “No, I’m also friends with your Papa Torque.”

Lugnut’s whole face lit up. “Your name is Liv!”

“Yes! Yes, I’m Liv!” Liv whispered excitedly. “Lugnut, where is your Papa Torque?”

“Sowing. It’s Sowing Day.” Lugnut said. “You can’t see him until after the sowing is finished.”

“Where does he live?” Liv asked desperately.

Lugnut pointed behind them. “Eight shacks that way.” She looked up at Liv again. “Papa Torque said you’re his best friend.”

A wounded look crossed Liv’s face. “I was.” She whispered.

“Thank you for saving him.”

“…you’re welcome.” Her brows drew together.

Lugnut threw her arms around Liv, giving her a big hug. Any friend of her Papa Torque was a friend to her. She pulled away, grinning mischievously. “Our little secret?” She whispered, holding out a pinky for a pinky promise, just like the Stray Josh had taught her.

Liv gave her a small, grateful smile. “Our little secret.” They linked pinkies. “Thank you.” She whispered. Lugnut grinned and disappeared behind the wall, rejoining the kids.

Eight shacks that way. Liv began to creep past, counting each of them. One…two…

She ducked, realizing shack three’s windows were all wide open, worried someone would see her.

Three…four, five, six…

Liv jogged past three shacks, when she stopped, hearing above everything else, someone’s loud off key singing. She recognized the song immediately. “Come on Eileen”.

“Come on Eileen! Oh I something something! Da, da moment, take off everything! You and the dress, oh something about confess, something something! Oh come on Eileen!”

Every word except for “come on Eileen” was so wrong it was painful, but Liv knew someone who famously did not know the real words to that song. She’d found Josh. She broke into a sprint past shack seven and rounded shack eight. Curled into a ball inside of a horrible makeshift doghouse and rocking back and forth was Josh, folded around a small robot dog with what looked like little ear muffs. He had his eyes squeezed shut and his hands pressed firmly over his ears.

“Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da-“ Josh kept singing through the instrumental break of the song. Liv was horrified by Josh’s living conditions. She hurried over to stand above Josh’s shelter, reaching out to grab his shoulders, but he sensed her presence, eyes flying open and yelping.

When Josh looked up into Liv’s eyes he was convinced he was dreaming. He uncovered his ears and plucked the stuffing from them.

“…Liv?”

Liv dropped to her knees in relief, grabbing at his hands and pulling him up. “Are you okay?” She asked breathily, looking at him with eyes full of concern.

“I’ve been better.” Josh half-heartedly joked. “I’m chained up though.” Liv spotted the cuff around his ankle.

“I’m going to kill Wolf.” She hissed, bending down and yanking on the chain. “Is there a key or something?”

Josh racked his brain for any memories of where Wolf could have hid the key. His thoughts were fleeting as his eyes snagged on two masked figures approaching, their stances looked menacing. Liv stood back up.

“Do you have anything that might fit in-“ Josh’s hands flew out and grasped her arms, eyes wide with panic.

Before she could ask what was wrong, Liv felt herself being yanked away and a hand pressed over her mouth. She heard Josh shout something unintelligible as the chain around his ankle was snapped and a bag was thrown over his head. This whole scene felt all too familiar. Liv clawed at the hand covering her mouth, screaming and kicking. Her heel was able to connect several times with her captor’s shins. She threw her elbow back blindly, making the person cry out as she hit their nose. She pried herself loose and ran after Josh, who was being carried away. Josh’s robot dog was still on the cushion, yapping.

“Let him go-“ Liv jumped on the back of the person carrying Josh’s thrashing legs. They easily bucked her off. Liv collapsed to the ground, knocking the wind out of her.

“Liv?!” She heard Josh cry out. She scrambled back up only to be seized again. Two Biotic looking soldiers came marching around the shack, standing in everyone’s way. Josh’s captors froze. The grasp on Liv slacked. The Biotic soldiers pulled something from their holsters, igniting red hot swords that glowed red. The people holding Josh dropped him immediately, and Liv was pushed to the ground as her captor jumped in to help fight off the Biotics. They were clearly not working together. Liv felt a hand collide with her feet as she hauled herself up. Josh was on the ground, blindly feeling his way for her. She pulled him up and tore the bag from his head. His eyes frantic as he held tightly onto her arms, as if he were afraid he would topple over.

“Get Pup-E, get Pup-E!” He kept repeating, his words slurring together, pushing her back to the cushion. Liv turned and scooped up the robot, pushing Josh over to the door that she hoped led into Wolf’s shack. The assumed Pointed Circle members and the Biotics were this going at it, and the Biotics were winning. Josh haphazardly burst through the door, screaming, “They’re here! Help me! Wolf! We- ah!” Josh gripped back onto Liv’s arm.

Before them was a sight that Liv knew both of them would unfortunately never erase from their memories. Wolf, butt-ass naked on his knees sucking off another man, with three women and another man around them, touching each other. All six of them froze, the women shrieking.

Wolf whipped around, wiping something Liv didn’t want to know off of his face. “Excuse you!” He lashed. “What do you think the bean husk on the door means?” His face contorted when he finally realized who was there with Josh. “Well, well, well, what’d I say-“

“Help us!” Liv screamed, picking up a discarded shoe from the floor and chucking it at Wolf. It hit him right in the head. If the situation wasn’t so dire, Josh would have laughed. The women and men, who Liv assumed were Wolf’s fake husbands and wives, all yelped.

“Hey!” Wolf shouted at her.

“Wolf, you have to help us-“ then Liv and Josh were body slammed to the ground, Josh landing on top of Liv and knocking her head into the floor.

Liv felt Josh’s hand being wrenched from her arm and the sound of him yelling for help. She heard the sounds of Wolf’s fake husbands and wives screaming. She shot up to see Josh wrestling himself free from the man’s grasp, trying to run away with Pup-E secured in his arms. Liv scrambled to her feet, head spinning. Again. If she didn’t have a concussion before, she sure did now. Wolf was on his feet, throwing on pants as he rushed past Liv. She caught a glimpse of a bucket in his hands.

The Pointed Circle member had lost his mask, letting Liv get a clear view of his face. He dragged Josh into Wolf’s wheel shop, and Wolf ran after them. Liv stumbled after Wolf, hearing him shout something as he stabbed the man in the back. He threw the man over and slammed the bucket into his head.

“Cum bucket!” He shouted. Liv didn’t have the mental strength to even question it. The man slumped down.

“I told you!” Josh screamed, pointing an accusatory finger at Wolf. “I told you the Pointed Circle was real and they were coming after me!” He kept close to Liv’s side, visibly shaking. “…did you say ‘cum whisk’ and ‘cum bucket’…?” Josh asked, his brain catching up. Wolf nodded. “I actually don’t want to know.” Josh breathed out shakily.

Wolf’s eyes widened and he pushed Liv and Josh aside, fighting off another oncoming attacker. Wolf kicked the other Pointed Circle man in the gut, knocking him out of the door. The sounds of Wolf’s fake husbands and wives still screaming could be heard.

Wolf whipped around and dipped below a workbench. “I can’t fight and protect you two.” He turned around holding a jar of computer keys. “Take these chits to the blind baker,” he explained hastily, pressing the jar into Liv’s palm. “I’ll find you guys at he piss hole once everyone is dead. The bad guys, that is.”

“Is that a secret stash?” Wolf jolted and swiveled his head around, seeing his cluster standing in the doorway, looking horrified.

“Piss hole?!” One of the wives cried out.

Wolf let out a conflicted groan. “Shit…just go! Go!” Wolf herded them to the opposite door. The last Pointed Circle member appeared in the doorway, grabbing Josh’s shoulders. Liv reacted quickly, pushing Josh to the side. Wolf reacted just as fast, grabbing the closeted sharp object and slicing the man’s hands off. Josh clutched Pup-E to his chest, mouth agape.

“Josh, come on! Come on!” Liv’s shaky cry echoed through the shop.

“Piss hole! Piss hole!” Wolf repeated over and over as he pushed down the last Pointed Circle man.

Liv hauled Josh out the door, almost tripping over each other’s feet as they booked it. Liv screamed as she heard the hum of the Biotic soldier’s swords behind them. Josh looked over his shoulder and cried out in horror, picking up his feet even more. They heard Wolf’s battle cry and the crack of him hitting their armor with a weapon.

“Keep going, just keep going!” Liv panted, entire body burning with adrenaline. She grabbed Josh and pulled him into the entrance of the tunnels they’d taken days earlier. As they ran through, Josh shifted Pup-E into the crook of his elbow while he fumbled for something in his pocket.

“Goddamn it! Where is my pager?”

Liv tore hers from her pocket, repeatedly boobs-ing Tiger, not considering for a second the reason she’d just abandoned her. She ducked down as the tunnel shrank, becoming a crawl space.

Liv and Josh scrambled through the tunnels as fast as they could, lungs burning, but they never once stopped out of the fear that they were being followed. As they emerged they both collapsed, sucking in the night air. Josh gathered Liv into his arms and held her tightly, burying his face into the crook of her neck, letting out a heaving sob.

“Fuck!” He was shaking. Liv let herself sink into him, letting out her own sobs.

“I am so sorry I didn’t come for you sooner.” She wrapped her arms protectively around him. “I thought that if we could get the TTD, that we could have been gone by now, but it was destroyed-“

Josh’s head nodded against her neck. “Wolf told me,” his voice was shaky. “I know.”

“Josh, I’m sorry.” Liv was shaking.

“No, I’m sorry.” Josh pulled back, face streaked with tears. Liv shook her head and cupped his cheek.

“Oh…” she wiped a tear that fell down his cheek, then wiped her own, mustering a solemn smile. “I love you, Josh.” She whispered.

“I love you too.”

After ending her night with Stu on a high (giving his brain a handjob. You read that right.), the betrayal Tiger had felt when she’d walked into the room and saw the absence of Liv was immense. Mostly because Wolf had been right, and Liv had broken her promise. Tiger had seethed and thrown things around the room. Now she was really alone except for Stu. After throwing her fit, Tiger had curled up into bed, fuming and heartbroken. Then her pager beeped. Tiger shot up, snatching the pager and glaring down at it. Liv.

80085. Boobs.

Tiger’s jaw worked as she ground her teeth. Fleeing like that after making the promise that she’d made to her, Tiger didn’t know who she was more pissed at, Liv or Wolf. Or both. Tiger chucked the pager and flopped back down with a scream. The pager beeped again. And again, and again. A twinge of fear sparked in her. What if Liv was in trouble? What if Liv was dying somewhere? Tiger shot up again and stared at the pager, images of Liv bleeding out somewhere in the desert crossing her mind.

She’d unfortunately grown very attached to Future Man’s friend. She inwardly punched herself. Dingo had been right, she really, really had gone soft. Tiger launched herself off the bed, scooping up the pager and marched into the hall. It had to have been at least five in the morning, judging by the first signs of dawn she could see approaching out the window. Tiger breezed into the kitchen, where she found Stu wearing a chef’s hat and a jovial mood, making waffles with a robot arm’s help.

“Oh!” He beamed. “Waffles?”

Tiger shook her head, cheeks flushing. “I’ll take it to-go.”

“To-go? I had a lot of stuff planned.” Stu deflated.

The robot arm offered Tiger her waffles. Tiger grabbed them and stuffed them into her jacket pocket. “I just have to, uh, check on something. It’s probably nothing.”

Stu tilted his head. “If it’s probably nothing, why don’t you stay?” Tiger placed her hands on her hips. Stu raised his eyebrows and nodded. “Or go! Check on things! Whatever makes you happy.”

Tiger shifted her feet. “Alright.” She nodded, stuffing the waffles further down into her pocket, and then walked around him.

“Bye, Tiger!” Stu called after her.

“See you in a bit, Stu.” Tiger answered as the glass door swung shut behind her. Was she going to help Liv? Of course. But was she going to possibly slap her in the face? Of course.

Liv and Josh made it to Josh’s piss hole. At least, where they thought it might be.

“You never told me who this little guy is.” Liv said, petting Josh’s puppy robot on the head, voice sounding a bit raw.

“This is Pup-E Q. Barkington.” Josh held up Pup-E, he yapped, broken ears waggling.

Liv smiled. “What a distinguished name.”

Josh chuckled tiredly. “I had a lot of time to think of a fancy name in that garbage hut.” Liv’s eyes grew sad and she rested her forehead against Josh’s. Pup-E gave a robotic bark and tilted his metal head. “You know, I told Wolf I would tell you about how he treated me and that you would hate him.”

“Yeah, he’s a dick.” Liv intertwined her hand into his free one.

“I told him you would think that.” Josh pulled her into an embrace.

“Olivia Branson.” Someone snapped. Liv and Josh lifted their heads to see Tiger storming towards them. Liv frowned. That was not her name.

“Tiger! Oh, Tiger! Thank the stars above.” Josh pulled away and took off in Tiger’s direction, arms outstretched as he began to cry again. Tiger recoiled as he threw himself at her. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“Josh, get off.” Tiger wiggled out of his grasp. “I need to yell at your girlfriend.” Tiger shot Liv a heinous glare. Liv cowered away. She was hoping that Tiger wouldn’t kill her. “You promised you wouldn’t leave me. You promised!” Tiger yelled.

“I was saving Josh, you said we would! But you got caught up in theatre kid land!” Liv defended herself.

“And I was going to wait until later to do so!” Tiger shouted. “But then you up and left me like a traitor and then had the nerve to ‘boobs’ me, like, a hundred times.” Tiger narrowed her eyes at Liv. “You’re so lucky I like you.” Her eyes flickered to Josh. “Now what happened to you.”

Josh stood clutching Pup-E to his chest with his mouth agape. “…uh…” he glanced between Liv and Tiger. “So- so much, I was a slave, I was treated like a dog, I almost got killed, like, thirty seven times, the Pointed Circle almost got me several times-“

Tiger’s brows drew together. “The- the Pointed Circle?” She shook her head in disbelief. “They were actually in the NAG?”

“Yes!” Josh cried in exasperation. “And Liv and I barely made it out with our lives.”

Tiger’s eyes darted back over to Liv. “So, you got there right as they showed up?” She sounded less angry at her.

“Yes.” Liv folded her arms. “If we had waited, Josh would have been dead.”

Tiger licked her lips and looked back to Josh, hesitating before asking, “Where’s Wolf?”

Liv and Josh shared a look. “I don’t know.” Josh whispered, looking back up at Tiger. “Tiger, please, let me come with you guys.” He sank to his knees. “Please, Liv said it was okay, I just need you to say yes too.”

Tiger quirked and eyebrow and looked at Liv, who also looked confused. “What is he doing?”

“Please. I’m begging you.” He clasped his hands together, Pup-E resting in the crook of his elbow. “I promise I’ll be…I’ll be a good boy!” He begged.

Liv’s brows shot up and her mouth dropped open. “Josh.” She tried to interrupt him.

“I’ll be quiet! You won’t even have to use the muzzle!” He pleaded. “I don’t care if you’re a Biotic and that Liv is your lackey, okay? I don’t care!”

“Lackey?” Liv sounded offended.

“Holy shit,” Tiger muttered, making Josh stand up on his feet. “You don’t have to beg like that, okay? It’s gross. Your dog days are over, come on.”

“Like- you mean like the song?!” Josh asked hopefully.

Tiger nodded. “Uh…sure. We’ll go back to Stu’s.” Liv's heart stuttered as she realized what going back to Stu’s meant. MARS.

“Stu’s?” Josh asked, sounding winded.

“Yeah, he’s the best, he’s gonna save everyone.” Tiger said.

“I-“ Liv started.

“Everyone who’s willing to be saved, that is. We’re going to MARS tomorrow. You should come.” Tiger added. Liv hadn’t told Josh about MARS. They’d been too busy running.

Josh’s face went pale. “What? No! Tomorrow’s the attack!”

“Y-yeah!” Liv agreed, face burning.

“Stu’s got it under control.” Tiger said calmly.

“What about Wolf?” Josh asked.

Tiger shrugged. “Forget Wolf. Our future’s with Stu.”

Stu was watching from Pup-E’s ocular cameras. He’d been ready to send bombs down on Liv and Josh since his killmando Biotics didn’t successfully kill them. Dr. Ahmadi, the therapist inside his head, stood next to him.

“Forget Wolf. Our future’s with Stu.” They heard Tiger say.

Stu’s entire face lit up. “Wait! Wait! Launch the welcome drone! Launch the welcome drone!”

Across the camera feed, a whole slew of words flooded the screen, displaying different fonts with the word “welcome” in several languages.

“What did I tell you?” Dr. Ahmadi grinned. “True love always wins.”

Dr. Ahmadi had been fueling Stu with thoughts of delusions about Tiger, filling his head with everything he wanted to hear, not what he’d needed to hear. She was, in reality, a terrible therapist. Stu didn’t care though, he was beaming from ear to ear.

Wolf smeared black war paint in stripes over his face. After killing the Biotics, he’d had to reveal to his cluster that he was not Torque. At all. He’d revealed that he had to leave, and to tell Lugnut that he was burned alive.

Lugnut was too smart for that. She slipped into the wheel shop, heart heavy. “Burned alive?” She asked timidly, making Wolf’s head whip around.

“…yeah.” Wolf breathed out, fully turning to her, looking at the ground. “I…I just didn’t want to hurt you.” He stood and slowly stepped closer to her.

Lugnut clasped her hands. “I always knew you weren’t Papa Torque.” She admitted quietly. “At…first, I thought it was weird, but then I saw how much you cared…and I didn’t think it was so weird anymore.” She felt a lump form in her throat.

Wolf nodded slowly. “You are one adaptable kid.”

Lugnut drew in a trembling breath, running to Wolf and flinging her arms around him. “I want to come with you.” Her voice broke. Wolf held her for a moment, before pulling away and leading her to sit on a stool.

“Listen,” he knelt to her level, speaking gently. “Where I’m going, you can’t come. Papa Tor…” his gaze dropped to the ground. “Wolf is gonna do some bad things to some bad people to protect the ones he loves.”

Lugnut’s eyes had tears in them. “I could close my eyes.”

Wolf bit the insides of his cheeks as he shook his head. “No, Lugnut. You’re gonna have to make do with just five parents, okay, little lady?” He mustered a smile, trying to seem positive. “You might be better off, I was kinda flying blind as a dad.” Lugnut didn’t say anything as silent tears rolled down her cheeks. It broke Wolf’s heart. He felt his own chest twist with sorrow. “If I could absorb all the world’s pain before it touched you, I’d do it.” Lugnut’s chin quivered. “I also cut off a dude’s arm like ten minutes ago, so, I’m kind of a mixed bag parent-wise.”

Lugnut let out a tearful laugh. “You’re a real catfucker.” She sniffled, wiping her nose. Wolf chuckled. “I met her. The other girl who helped you. Your friend Liv. I helped her find Josh the Stray.”

Wolf tilted his head. “I was wondering how she got here.” He reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. “I was hoping you two would meet one day. Two of my favorite little ladies.” Wolf tweaked her chin. Lugnut smiled. “I hope you become just like her one day. She’s brave, she’s funny, and I consider her one of my closest friends.” Wolf sighed and dropped his hand. “And I owe her an apology for how I’ve treated her.” Lugnut blinked, eyebrows pinching together. “Your…your other parents may not understand you, but they love you.” Wolf swallowed a lump in his throat. “And they’ll keep you safe.” He stood and retrieved a blaster from the table, turning back to Lugnut and kissing her on the head. “I’m so sorry Lug, I’ve really got to go.”

As Wolf walked out the door, he heard the patter of Lugnut’s feet behind him. “Wolf!” She called out, halting him in his tracks. “I love you.”

He turned, seeing her tears glistening in the moonlight. “I love you too, Lug.” He turned so she wouldn’t see the tears beginning to form in his eyes, and walked off.

“Josh, Josh,” Liv whispered in Josh’s ear as they walked into Stu’s mansion. “Josh, we can’t go to Mars, Stu has this-“

“Air conditioning!” Josh sighed.

Stu’s robot arm was set at the door, holding three leis just for them. Tiger hung one around her neck and handed the other two back to Liv and Josh. Liv took hers, still trying to whisper in Josh’s ear.

“Josh-“

“Alright you two,” Tiger grabbed Liv’s lei from her hands and put it around Liv’s neck. “Enough with the sweet nothings.” She gave them an un-Tiger smile. “Stu’s got waffles in the dining room.”

Josh’s face lit up. “Real food?”

Liv shot Josh a panicked look. The entire walk to Stu’s, Josh cried about his time in the NAG to Tiger. Liv had trailed behind, wringing her hands, realizing they should not have commed Tiger and fled when they had the chance. Tiger was set on MARS and Liv knew MARS was something much more sinister.

Josh followed Tiger like a puppy dog, down the hall and through the glass doors. On the table sat an entire feast. Josh tripped over his own feet, trying to get to the table as fast as possible.

“Oh God!” He panted, desperately reaching out for a bowl of cut up fruit, but his hand went right through. Hologram. Josh’s face fell, reaching for the bowl again and again. He slammed his fists down on the table. “Why?!” He wailed.

Tiger stood behind, biting her lip, trying to hold back a laugh.

“Aloha, Joosh!” Stu spawned into the room wearing a Hawaiian button down and rainbow lei.

Liv turned on her heel to face Stu. “That’s fucked up, Stu.”

Stu shot her a sarcastic grin. “Hello, Olivia.” He said with venom in his voice. Liv squinted her eyes and shook her head. Again, not her name. Josh turned, looking confused but still mourning the hologram fruit. “Welcome to my humble abode, Jooshua.”

“It’s…it’s actually Josh.” Josh muttered, looking Stu over, eyes growing more and more confused. “You’re…you’re so Stu-like.”

Stu stared at Josh with intense blue eyes, grabbing a piece of holographic orange and popping it in his mouth. Josh looked like Stu had just stabbed him in the heart. “The Krona-Bomber in the flesh.” Stu narrowed his eyes, looking Josh up and down. “…you don’t look like America’s most dangerous terrorist.”

Tiger huffed out a laugh. “No, I’ve seen him fight. Absolutely harmless.”

Josh took a step towards Stu and Stu tensed, eyes widening. “Are you making yourself taller?” Josh asked, looking up at Stu’s head. Stu pursed his lips and shook his head, placing balled fists on his hips. “I mean, I know it’s not the real you,” Josh continued. Stu gave Josh a look so intense it practically burned through him and all the way to Liv. “But you know,” Josh kept going, ignoring Stu. “You just look so, like, solid.” Josh glanced back at Liv, who was anxiously standing behind him, and Tiger, who looked unphased. He looked back at Stu and plunged a hand through his hologram, making a face.

“You think this is weird for you? For years you were the star of my nightmares, and now, you’re here.” Stu stared Josh down. “Your eyes looked a lot colder and harder in the courtroom sketches.”

Tiger sauntered to Stu’s side. “There is nothing hard about Josh Futturman.” She laughed. Liv bristled, clenching her jaw. Josh looked offended.

“Thanks, Tiger.” He said coldly. Tiger and Stu giggled together. Josh backed into Liv, face contorted in confusion. “What-“ he started to mumble to Liv.

“You look hungry.” Stu’s face broke into an impish grin. “That one’s real.”

“And thirsty!” Tiger added. “Have a drink.”

Josh eyed the orange pitcher of water. “I am really thirsty.” He grabbed a glass on the table and started to try and pour himself a drink. Nothing. Josh’s head whipped back to Stu and Tiger who lost their minds, laughing their heads off. He turned his head to Liv, who was staring at Tiger with a hurt expression.

“That’s fucked up, guys.” Josh slammed the pitcher down. Stu and Tiger both bent over, laughing so hard they were holding their stomachs. Josh tilted his head, quirking an eyebrow. “Is there…something up with you two?”

“Well…” Stu smiled slyly.

“No, nononononono.” Tiger shook her head. “We don’t know what it is.” She shrugged comically.

“The Germans call it ‘komputaboinken’.” Stu grinned. “Speaking of together, somebody,” he pointed a finger to Liv, smiling. “Failed to mention that her little boyfriend was the Krona-Bomber!”

Liv, who was looking between Stu and Tiger with a mixture of hurt and defeat in her eyes, stiffened. “We said he was with us.” She sounded defensive, looking directly at Tiger.

“To be fair, you never mentioned he was your boyfriend.” Tiger shrugged. She looked at Stu, acting annoyed and like she was above Liv and Josh. “They’re just so obsessed with each other and can barely stand being apart.”

Liv’s expression grew more wounded. “Tiger, I was ripped away from him and he was in danger and-“

Stu and Tiger snickered. “Oh, you two, you make me laugh.” Tiger said.

“Young love,” Stu added. “I just wish I would have known you were so attached to him before I begrudgingly trusted you and showed you-“

The doors whisked open behind them, and in stormed Wolf, holding a severed arm. “Don’t ever say I come to a party empty-handed.” He spat, chucking the arm over Liv and Josh’s heads, landing in the holographic food. “Boom. Big entrance.” Tiger immediately stiffened, mocking smile dropping.

“Wolf,” Stu gave him a cordial grin. “I’ve been expecting you.”

“No you haven’t.” Wolf scoffed, planting his feet next to Liv.

“Yes, I have. My cameras picked you up the moment you set foot in the Mons. Your theatrics, while very amusing, are highly unnecessary.”

Tiger’s discomfort radiated from her. “What are you doing here?”

Josh clung to Liv’s arm. “I’m not going back to that doghouse.”

“I’m not here for you.” Wolf stared Stu down. “I’m here for him.”

Stu’s face lit up slightly. “Me? Pourquoi?”

“You sent Biotics into my cluster-nest where my husbands and wives sleep. Where my kinda-daughter plays with her stick. Into my cluster-nest!” Wolf screamed, towering over Stu. Stu looked at Tiger, eyes wide. Tiger rolled her eyes and leaned her head back. “Oh, you bored?” Wolf hissed at her. “Look at the bracelet on that arm? Look familiar? Tiger?” Wolf pointed to the severed arm, sporting a silver cuff that matched the ones on both Liv and Tiger’s wrists. Keycuffs to Stu’s compound.

Josh grabbed Liv’s arm to study both of the bracelets. His eyes widened, looking back up at Liv, who slowly nodded. “…you were saying something earlier?” He whispered. She motioned for him to come closer.

“You coulda chopped that off of anybody.” Tiger deadpanned.

“You think I just go around chopping off arms for fun?” Wolf gruffed. Tiger raised and eyebrow and nodded. “…okay, wait…” Wolf shook his head. “Are you really going to cast your lot with this techno-weenie?” He jutted his chin towards Stu.

Stu laughed. “Oh, I just compiled one hundred and thirty nine devastating comebacks to that, but I’m going to take the virtual high road.”

“Why do you care what I do?” Tiger asked, glowering at Wolf. “You gave up on me a long time ago. Lifetimes of fighting side by side, and you just threw it all away because of something that shouldn’t matter. Genetics.” She spat.

“Hm. Well, maybe if you had a little more faith and told me the truth from the beginning-“

“Oh, when you were dying in a bean-field?!” Tiger snapped.

Wolf’s eyes pierced through Tiger. “My ears weren’t bleeding!” He bellowed.

“Stop it!” Liv screamed, her voice ringing throughout the room.

Josh spoke up sharply. “For once, would you stop fighting?! Every time I have been with the two of you, you’ve done nothing but fight and ignore us! Jesus Christ! You are not each other’s enemies! The real enemy is the Pointed Circle, who are planning attacking tomorrow-“

“Stu won’t let that happen.” Tiger interrupted calmly.

Something in Josh broke. “I don’t give a fuck what Stu is gonna do or not do!”

Insecurity washed over Stu’s face. “Let’s not cut Stu out-“

“You know what, Stu?” Josh swung his head around to face Stu. “We are all very impressed, Mr. Hologram, with your big, fancy all-white mansion, and you’re just a little bit taller. So awesome! I don’t give a fuck! This is between us four, you don’t matter.” Josh snapped. Stu’s eye twitched as Josh turned away.

“What happened to you guys?” Liv asked Tiger and Wolf sadly. “We all used to be a team, including you guys.”

“I matter!” Stu wailed finally.

Josh lost it. “I swear to FUCKING GOD, STU! You open your mouth one more Goddamn time, I’m gonna shove this holographic food down your holographic throat!”

Stu cowered away, his hologram freezing and glitching. The whole room glowed red. Every hologram in the room began glitching as well. Josh was taken aback, looking back to Tiger and Liv, trying to gauge if this was normal. A high pitched alarm began to ring.

Tiger stepped towards the frozen Stu. “Stu, are you okay?” She asked, voice full of concern. She made a choking sound, making Wolf, Liv, and Josh’s heads swivel to look at her. She reached up at a dart sticking out of her neck, her eyelids fluttering as she fell limp to the ground. Liv reached out and grabbed Josh’s arm, gasping. Wolf jumped back, eyes bugging out. Josh grasped Liv’s hand in horror. The three of them slowly turned around to see the source of the dart.

Long flowing purple hair stood out amongst the blinking red lights. TyAnne Camillo, dressed in all black, held the dart gun fiercely, giving Liv a curt nod as she stepped towards them. Liv’s jaw fell to the ground. Wolf and Josh’s heads both swung back to look at Tiger’s unconscious form.

In a voice identical to Tiger’s she said breathlessly, “You want to live or die?”

“I would like to…live?” Josh sounded unsure, raising his hand. TyAnne lifted her gun, shooting at something in the ceiling that shattered like glass, sending blue lasers horizontally around the room. The three of them scurried closer to TyAnne, bunched close together.

“Then you’d better come with me. None of you are getting out of here alive. I’ll explain later.” She strapped her gun back in her belt. “My dad will be back online any second.”

“What about Tiger?” Liv asked quietly.

“…dad?” Josh whispered, gripping Liv’s elbow. Wolf grabbed Liv’s shoulder.

TyAnne’s eyes darted to Tiger’s limp body. “She’s loyal to Stu now. You wanna save her, we gotta stop him.”

“Who are you?” Wolf finally asked, still nervously holding Liv’s shoulder.

TyAnne’s eyes darted to all three of them, pausing before she said, “I’m Achilles.”

A/N: hey guys!! Idk why Sunday has become the day I remember to post, but at least it’s been somewhat more regular!!

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man season 2 #josh futturman x oc

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heydorothea009 · 9 months ago

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Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language, a musical number!! :D

Chapter 7: The Last Horchata

Liger

Tiger hauled hers and Liv’s asses back to Stu’s. Liv was too scared to say anything to try and comfort Tiger. Her jaw was clenched, her neck muscles were bulging, and her hand was clammy against Liv’s. Liv could tell she was trying not to cry. As the sun began to rise, they made it back to the Mons. Tiger spun around and grabbed Liv by the shoulders.

“You are not leaving me.” Tiger demanded, voice raw.

Liv shook her head. “No, Tiger, I wouldn’t leave you.”

“You’re all I have left.”

Liv slowly nodded. “Yes Tiger, I know.”

“Don’t go running to Wolf.”

“I won’t.”

Tiger exhaled shakily and nodded. “Good.”

As they entered Stu’s mansion, he stood inside with a welcoming smile. “Hello Tiger! Welcome back-“

“Fuck off, Stu.” Liv grumbled as her and Tiger breezed past. Tiger clomped down the hall and to their room, throwing herself on the bed as Liv trailed behind her. Liv stood awkwardly at the foot of the bed. “I have one request.” She said quietly.

“We will save Josh.” Tiger mumbled into the pillow. “Let me sulk for a few hours.”

Liv’s heart soared as she smiled. “O-okay! We can sulk!” She said, a little too cheerfully for Tiger’s liking.

Two hours later, Tiger had changed into a bathrobe and had figured out how to turn on the holographic screen. She ordered all sorts of freeze dried and jello-ized food to their room and she gorged herself practically into a food coma. She laid immobile on the bed with a giant bowl of jelly ointment used to stop pain on her lap, her hands submerged in it up to her wrists. Liv sat cross legged on the other side of the bed, rubbing the bandaid over her eyebrow, deep in thought. How would she and Tiger get into the NAG to save Josh without running into Wolf? Would Wolf let them take Josh, or would he try and kill them? Would Wolf actually try to kill them?

Tiger rolled off the bed. “Where are you going?” Liv asked.

“To get more of this ‘sorb.” She held up the bowl. “You wanna come?” She mumbled. Liv sighed and rolled off the bed too, she needed to stretch her legs anyways.

They trudged down the hall and to the main room, where they found Stu exercising with long, holographic ropes. He stood up straight when he saw Tiger.

“Oh, hi!” He grinned hopefully. “I hope my battle roping didn’t wake you up.” Tiger brushed him off as her and Liv crossed the room. Stu noticed and stepped down the stairs. “Hey, uh, are you okay?”

“I will be if you have any more of this ‘sorb around.” She held up the bowl. “Liv, you want anything?”

Liv shook her head. “I’m good.”

Stu’s eyes widened when he realized what was in the bowl. “Tiger, that is a class-four medicinal opiate. Anything more than an eye dropper is-“

“Not enough. It heals my emotional pain.” Tiger set the bowl onto the table in front of them.

Stu cocked his head. “I’m really not trying to pry, but I’m concerned.”

Tiger shrugged. “I’m fine, you’re fine, Liv’s fine, we’re all fine.”

“Tiger, you two got home and stormed right to your room. She told me to ‘fuck off’.” Stu pointed at Liv. “And you’ve got a full slice of imitation cheese stuck to your robe.” Tiger searched her robe and found the cheese clinging to her hip, peeling it off and shoving it into her mouth. “Dr. Ahmadi has always said to me that when you’re upset, the worst thing you can do is hold it in.”

“Who the fuck is Dr. Ahmadi?” Liv asked in a deadpan voice.

“My mind therapist.” Stu answered.

“Your mind therapist is wrong, holding it in is the best thing you can do.” Tiger said, searching her robe for any other pieces of food.

“Tiger.” Stu said softly. “Talk to me. Not only am I a super-computer, I’m a super-listener.”

Tiger cringed and rolled her eyes. “Fine. My life? In the shit sizzler. My TTD is busted, my doppelgänger sucks, I’m a fucking Biotic, and to top it all off, all I have left is Liv and I’m hated by everyone else.” She pushed the bowl again. “So you got anymore of this stuff?”

Liv sighed. “And I’m stuck-“

“What if I told you I had something better than ‘sorb?” Stu asked, looking deep into Tiger’s eyes. Liv scowled.

“Smack?” Tiger asked.

“Better.” Said Stu, smiling. “Liv, even you can join.” He summoned two white boxes onto the table, making Liv and Tiger jump. “Open them.” Stu said with an even wider smile.

Liv tentatively reached out. “What are the physics behind this?” She muttered to herself as she lifted the top of the box. Tiger peered over Liv’s shoulder. Both of their eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“What is that?” Tiger asked. Inside was a silver metal headband looking thing. “A hat?”

“Not a hat,” Stu said, stepping closer. “Do you remember when you first came here and I told you bodies were just shells?” Liv and Tiger mutely shook their heads as they studied the weird thing in Liv’s hands. “Well, this device allows you to throw your shell away, in fact it allows you to throw everything away and become whatever you desire.”

Tiger glanced up at Stu. “You sound like the Riddle Gnome of Bonesaw Bridge. We killed him for not speaking directly.”

Stu chuckled and shook his head. “You say that your life is in the shit sizzler, but that’s because that’s how you perceive it. What do you have to lose?”

Liv and Tiger exchanged glances. Tiger slowly reached for her box, opened it, and took her headband out. “So, do we just…put them on our heads? Like hats?”

“Not hats.” Stu corrected.

Liv and Tiger looked at each other as they raised the headbands to their heads and-

“Where is everything?!” Tiger cried.

“Oh fuck, what is this place?” Liv spun around in circles. They had been transported to an all white, never ending void. Stu appeared in a full tuxedo, wearing a smug grin.

“Hi.” He winked at Tiger.

“Where are we?” Liv asked, reaching out her hands as if she couldn’t see anything. She could, but she wanted to see if she could touch anything other than Tiger.

“This is a place with no shells.” Stu said, doing a small spin towards Tiger, presenting his tux to her. Tiger made a face and stepped back. “Notice anything different?”

“You’re…dressed like a little waiter.” Tiger raised an eyebrow.

Stu chuckled. “Okay. Poke me.” Liv raised a hand, ready to jab Stu in the eye. “Not you.” He shooed her hand away. “Tiger.” Tiger rolled her eyes and jabbed Stu’s forehead.

“Ow! Poke me, don’t jab me!” Stu winced. Tiger quickly recoiled. Liv couldn’t hold back the laugh that escaped her.

“You’re…real?” Tiger squinted at him.

“Well, I like to think that I’m always real, but, yes, in here, you can perceive my physical being.” Stu took a step closer to Tiger.

“So what is this place?” Tiger asked, eyes darting around.

“It would be easier for me to show rather than explain.” Stu grinned. “Imagine an object, any object.”

Tiger just looked confused. “Like…a ball?” Liv asked.

“Thank you, great example!” Stu exclaimed. Liv frowned, confused why Stu was suddenly being so nice to her. “How about a red ball? Simply…imagine it…” Stu held out his hand and a small red ball appeared in his hand. Tiger took a step back while Liv leaned forward and her eyebrows shot up. “Ta-da!” He handed the ball to Tiger. “It’s as real as I am.” Tiger sniffed the ball tentatively, then tried to put it in her mouth. “Oh, no, um, how ‘bout you try.” Stu grabbed Tiger’s hand to stop her. “Close your eyes and imagine something.”

Tiger pursed her lips and held out her hand. Liv closed her eyes and also held out her hand. In Tiger’s hand, another red ball appeared, in Liv’s, a standard no. 2 pencil. Tiger looked unimpressed while Liv was astounded. Liv blinked again and the pencil morphed, turning into a standard no. 2 pencil with teeth marks.

She let out a shocked laugh. “Just like my pencils in elementary school!”

“Liv’s got the hang of it, Tiger I don’t think you’ve fully grasped the power of-“

“The power of your object creator?” Tiger deadpanned.

“It’s more than that Tiger. Check this out.” Stu closed his eyes and held his arms out. Trees, the sky, pavement, people, and a taco truck smashed down around them.

“What the fuck?!” Tiger grabbed onto Liv’s shoulders. Tiger grabbing her startled Liv even more. Liv blinked a couple times, recognizing the area. They were at a park not too far from Kronish Labs, a park Liv and Josh had gone to many times on their lunch break. She spun around and gaped at the all too familiar taco truck. She and Josh had gotten their fair share of tacos from that very truck.

“Back when I worked at the lab, this was my favorite place to get lunch.” Stu said, pointing to the truck.

Liv had a memory surface in her mind of her and Josh watching Stu almost cry because they’d put hot sauce on his taco. She also remembered how, “poison! There’s poison in my taco!” Had been their favorite inside joke for five months.

“Their Mexican food is so authentic. Their plain chicken tacos with no sauce are to die for.” Stu added. Liv bit back a laugh.

Tiger looked around, still appalled. “So…this is…”

“From my imagination.” Stu said, finishing her sentence. “Memories mostly. This place hasn’t existed for one hundred and fifty years, but just because it doesn’t exist in the analog world, doesn’t mean it can’t exist here!”

“So, it’s all just your fantasy.” Tiger looked around. “If that’s the case, what are we doing waiting in line?”

“The waiting is the best part! The anticipation of placing your order, is the taco man going to be nice to me? Are they out of horchata yet?” Stu was beaming. “Of course, if you don’t want to be at the back of the line…” he closed his eyes and another set of people appeared behind them, waiting. “We can always be a little closer to the front!”

Tiger looked impressed, a small smile forming on her lips. “You should’ve got here earlier, suckers.” She jeered as they stepped closer to the truck.

“See? That’s why this place is so great!” Stu grinned, turning and approaching the window.

“Hola!” He greeted the man inside.

“Hola,” the man greeted.

“What tacos can I get you ladies?” He asked them. Stu must have been in a great mood to include Liv.

“Two soft shell shrimp tacos with everything that comes with it, extra guacamole.” Liv said, reciting her old order.

“I can order anything I want?” Tiger asked hopefully. Stu nodded. “Even one not on the menu?”

“If you can imagine it, it’s on the menu.” Stu said.

“I want a cat taco.” Tiger said to the man in the window. “Make sure it’s been grilled over a garbage fire.” Stu gave Tiger a weird look. The man inside didn’t question, simply nodding and inputting her and Liv’s orders.

Stu turned to the window and ordered his in Spanish. “Dos tacos de pollo, por favor.”

“And whatever horchata is.” Tiger added.

The man smiled at Tiger. “It’s your lucky day, there’s one left.”

“And can I also please get a large strawberry lemonade like the kind they have at Chili’s?” Liv asked. “I really miss lemonade.”

The man nodded. “$5.50.” he said, handing the order back to the people at the grill.

“My treat!” Stu offered, pulling a bill from his pocket. “They love when you pay with exact change.” He grinned, showing off the $5.50 bill with his face on it. As soon as Stu handed the man the money, their order was ready. “Gracias!”

“Gracias, amigo.” The man graciously took the money. Grabbing their orders, Liv and Tiger immediately dug in, both shocked by how real it tasted.

“Oh…my God…” Liv gasped with her mouth full.

Tiger pulled a tuft of cat hair from her mouth. “It tastes exactly like the ones my ward leader would give us for Festivus.”

Stu led them to a picnic table. “That’s good, right?”

“This is just…so weird…” Liv said, drinking from her cup. “It tastes so real, but it’s not…”

“It’s freaking me out.” Tiger said, shaking her head.

“But it is real!” Stu exclaimed. “That’s what I’m trying to show you. In the real world, if I were to give you a taco, how would you know it was real?”

“...because it is.” Tiger said.

“But what makes it real?” Stu asked.

“The real ingredients.” Liv said.

Stu shook his head. “No. It’s your brain.” Tiger and Liv shared a glance. “It’s billions of neurons firing, telling you the texture of the tortilla, the smell of the meat, the heat, the flavor, everything. It’s the signals perceived by your brain. So if your brain is sending you signals that say this is a delicious taco, then how is it any less real than a real taco?” Tiger pursed her lips and slowly pushed her taco away. Liv kept eating hers, having desperately missed the taste of non-jello food. Stu listed his head. “Look, I know it sounds kooky, but the only thing that’s real is your mind. Everything else, the world, the reality you live in, all of that is just constructs, shells.” He explained.

“Stu, this may all make sense to you, but we aren’t nerds.” Tiger sighed. “You can tell us it’s real, but we know it’s all a trick.”

Stu’s face fell and the park disappeared around them. Liv was midbite when her taco evaporated from her hands. “Hey!” She frowned. They were back in the white void.

“Goddammit, Stuart!” Tiger cried out. “Give me a three count next time!”

“Sorry, I just want you to understand this the way I understand this.” Stu drew in a breath. “I promise this isn’t a trick. Tiger, think…think of your happiest memory.”

Tiger rolled her eyes. “Stu, I don’t have a…” A gray, dead body appeared on the ground, a rat crawling around it, squeaking. Liv gasped and stepped back. Tiger’s eyes filled with recognition. Stu looked to Tiger and then back to the corpse.

“...this is your happiest-” he began. A knife flew out of nowhere and lodged itself right into the rat. A young girl with purple hair came from the same direction of the knife, sauntering over the rat, yanking her blade from the ground.

Tiger’s lips curved up into a small smile and she stepped closer as she watched the younger version of herself turn to the corpse and uncurl all the stiff fingers. A pure white sugar cube tumbled out of the dead man’s hand. Liv recalled Tiger mentioning her sugar cube before. Stu’s brows were still drawn together in confusion. In sync with her younger self, Tiger mimed picking up the sugar cube and bringing it to her lips.

Tiger let out a breathy laugh. “It was the sweetest thing I had ever tasted.” She breathed out.

Stu’s eyes lit up. “This happened years ago, didn’t it? But what you’re seeing, that’s real, isn’t it?”

Tiger watched as her younger self walked off into the white void. “I couldn’t believe something so simple, so delicious…could exist in such a horrible place.” She looked over at Liv.

Stu nodded, grinning. “Let’s try something else. Imagine a conversation you wish you had, something that never happened…”

“Liv!” A voice said in Liv’s ear. Liv jerked her head to the side, eyes wide. “Liv!” The voice said again. Tiger and Stu didn’t seem to notice, still talking. A part of her didn’t want them to notice. Liv stepped away, testing to see if Tiger would notice and stop her. “Liv!” Liv spun around again, off in the distance she saw someone waving to her. Liv squinted. She realized who it was immediately. It was her sister Kaitlyn. Liv looked over her shoulder one last time, praying that Stu and Tiger still wouldn’t pay any attention to her and grinned when they weren’t even looking in her direction. She took off running towards her sister.

“Kate?!”

“Liv!”

Liv collapsed in her sister’s arms. Liv felt a hand land on her shoulder. She looked up and saw her sixteen year old brother.

“Isaac?!”

“Hey, Liv.” He smiled.

Happy tears began to spill from her eyes. “When did you get so tall?” She asked, laughing as she pulled him into a hug.

“Where have you been?” Isaac asked.

“Oh God,” Liv let out an exhausted chuckle. “It’s a long story. I got roped into saving the world with Josh.” She confessed, looking down at the ground. “It…it sounds so stupid saying it like that…” she wiped a tear.

Kaitlyn tilted her head. “So, when’s the next time we’re going to see you?”

Liv bit her lip and shook her head. “I don’t know…” she whispered. “But I love you guys,” she let out a small laugh that sounded more like a hiccup. “I love you guys so much and I’m sorry I didn’t say it as much as I should have.”

“Livster,” a voice came from behind her. Liv craned her neck. Her parents stood behind the three of them. Her dad gave her a small wave.

“Mom! Dad!” She cried out, turning and hugging them both tightly. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry I didn’t visit you guys, I miss you so much. I love you, I love you.”

“Liv, it’s okay,” her mom assured her, stroking her hair gently. Liv’s heart sank, realizing that’s what she would have wanted her mom to say to her. Liv’s mom used to call her every night and pester her about coming home and visiting. She had been their first kid to move far away, and although her parents were both supportive of her, her mom had a hard time coping. At the time, it annoyed her, but now she would have given anything to hear her phone ring and hear her mom plead with her to come home for the weekend.

“Mom,” Liv whispered, lip quivering. “I’m sorry I’m a terrible daughter.”

“You are not a terrible daughter.” Liv’s dad assured her. “We love you so much. We just want to see you again.”

“You can’t.” Liv sobbed. “I’m stuck here. The TTD blew up.” She swiped at her nose, looking behind to glance at her siblings, but they were gone. She turned back to her parents, but they were gone too. “No! Come back! I need to talk to you!”

“Talk to me about what?”

Liv froze, slowly turning around. Wolf stood behind her, wearing the exact outfit he’d worn back when they had time traveled to 2023 to James Cameron’s house. “Wolf…” she breathed out.

“Hey.” He grinned. “How are you?”

“Wolf, I miss you.” Liv shook her head, hugging her arms around herself.

“Why? I’m right here.” Wolf’s face turned soft, pulling her into his embrace.

“No, you don’t understand. I want this Wolf back.” She cried into his chest. “You mean so much to me.”

Wolf held her close as she silently cried into him.

“And you mean so much to me.” Wolf didn’t sound like Wolf. Liv pulled back in shock to see the person she wanted to see most. Josh.

Liv let out a strangled cry and threw her arms back around him. “Josh!”

“Hey Liv,” Josh mumbled into her neck, burying his face into her curls.

“Josh, I’m sorry for everything. I’m sorry I haven’t come to save you, I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you when you told me not to follow you and I did anyways, I’m sorry that I was jealous that you liked Jeri, I’m sorry that all of this has even happened to you-“

“Liv,” Josh chuckled, pulling away from the hug. “It’s okay, all of it. I’m just happy to be back here with you.” Josh tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “I love you.” He wiped a tear from her eyes and leaned in for a kiss, but Liv pulled back.

“But you’re not here.” She whispered. “And you’re in danger.” She pulled herself away from him. “This…this is distracting me, I’ve got to leave and save you.” Liv reached up to take off her headband.

“Liv.” Liv’s parents, her siblings, and Wolf all walked out of the void, standing around Josh. They spoke in unison. “You’re leaving us?” Liv took a step back.

“What the fuck…” she murmured.

“Liv!” She jumped out of her skin at the sound of Tiger’s distant voice. “Get over here, I’ve got something to show you.”

Liv slowly turned around. “What?” She could see Tiger not too far off.

“Stop talking to yourself and get over here!” Tiger shouted.

Liv turned back and they were all gone. Shaking, she turned back to Tiger, who seemed to be in a chipper mood. “T-Tiger, I just talked to my family…and…” she said shakily as she returned to Tiger.

“Aw, that’s nice.” Tiger smiled. That freaked Liv out. “I did too- well, I talked to Estelle. I considered her family.”

“Who?”

“Elias’s mom. Come on, Stu’s waiting, I wanted to show you something.” Tiger grabbed Liv’s hand and they poofed back to the taco truck and the park.

The setting was nighttime, and the people around were decked in 1950s attire. Liv blinked a few times at Tiger, her hair was curled and held back by a black and white polka dotted headband. She wore a matching dress.

Tiger tweaked Liv’s nose. “TyAnne’s right, blue looks good on you.” She grinned walking over to Stu. Liv looked down. Sure enough, she was in a sky blue dress that matched Tiger’s.

“I- what?” Liv looked around in confusion. “I think I understand the gist of this place, can I-“

“Fall cartoonishly.” Tiger ordered the people in line for the taco truck. The people all tumbled down to a slide whistle sound effect.

Stu beamed. “See how fun this is? Once you let go of your preconceived notions of reality, you can-“

“You don’t have to keep convincing us.” Tiger stopped him. “I know this isn’t real, but I don’t care.” Tiger shrugged.

Liv spoke up shyly. “I…I care-“ she was interrupted by soft music playing. Tiger looked back to Liv with a big smile.

“Right Liv? We’re about to do a whole musical number about it, so, get ready.” Tiger said as big band music swelled over them. “Grow a mustache!” She pointed to the taco man and a big curled mustache appeared on his face.

“Yes! I love flash mobs!” Stu exclaimed as the people around them began to play trumpets that just appeared in their hands. Liv looked around, panicking.

Tiger jumped onto a picnic table.

Life is a horrible nightmare

The world’s an unfixable mess

I feel all alone

And I’ve never known

Anything resembling happiness

She turned and did a high kick. Liv gaped up at her, while Stu snapped his fingers and danced along, grinning.

Now here we are in this dream world

And I feel like I’m walking on air

Tiger floated into the air.

So while I’m here

I’ll be grinning ear to ear

I know this isn’t real, but I don’t care!

Stu grabbed a two trumpets, shoving one into Liv’s hands. Against her will, her arms raised and she played along with Stu. She had never played the trumpet in her life, but somehow she played along perfectly with the other trumpet players. Tiger floated down as people gathered together and danced around her. Liv and Stu threw their trumpets aside and sashayed over to Tiger. Liv didn’t know how her body was moving on its own, but it was. A giant piñata of Wolf’s head came floating down from the sky.

The only man I ever trusted

Abandoned me and hated my guts

But why face the pain when I can just make it rain

Lollipops and jelly beans and salted nuts

Wolf’s head exploded with candy raining down all around them. Tiger grabbed Liv’s hand, running around her in a graceful circle.

So I’ll just forget for a moment

My crippling sense of despair

Tiger collapsed onto a sofa that appeared out of nowhere, turning the whole world black and white. The backup dancers scrambled around and lifted the sofa up as the music swelled. Liv was at one side, snapping her fingers and swaying to the beat, but her face was contorted in confusion, still trying to figure out why she couldn’t control her movements.

A little denial might be just my style

I know this is real, but I don’t care!

With that main tagline, Tiger was dumped from the sofa, flipping through the air and landing on her feet wearing an entirely new red and black dress, color returning to the world. Liv, who had never tap danced in her life, somehow had tap shoes on and was shuffling her way over to Tiger’s side. She felt her mouth wrench open and Liv, who was never a singer, sang out,

I don’t know why I am singing

I don’t know how I’m doing this

But whatever is wrong

I think we put to song

Everything happening is…

Liv stopped as several heads turned to her waiting for her to say the last part of her line. She was going to say, “such a mess”, but with the eyes of the backup dancers and and Tiger and Stu staring into her soul, she mustered up some jazz hands, and in an awkward excited voice cheered,

The best!

Everyone cheered “the best!” With her as she said it. Her body whipped around and her feet did a kick ball change.

I don’t belong in this timeline

In fact I don’t belong anywhere

But we fucked up the year

And now I’m stranded here

And-

Tiger landed in front of her in the splits and sang over Liv.

We know this isn’t real, but we don’t care!

Liv shook her head. “Hey, wait! What?!” she managed to shout out as she was forced to join a kick line.

“That’s it! You’ve got it!” Stu exclaimed, taking his spot next to Tiger, starting his part of the song. Tiger popped up from the splits, a giant grin on her face.

Whatever you dream you can conjure

Thanks to my magic software

Stu sang as he and Tiger walked bouncily in a circle together.

You know what I’d like, sugar?

A big block of sugar!

Tiger sang as she pointed to the center of the dance floor, the backup dancers pushing themselves and Liv to the sides. A giant sugar cube appeared where Tiger had pointed. There was a brief pause where the backup dancers all made animated surprised faces at the giant sugar cube. Liv was the only one who just stood there, frowning. She was yanked from her spot as her feet made her spin and barrel roll over to the cube and dance around it with Stu and Tiger, all dragging their hands along the sugar cube. Tiger continued to sing.

It’s just a sugar substitute

But I don’t give a hoot

‘Cause it looks like real sugar

Tiger, Stu, and Liv all stopped around the sugar cube, and collectively sniffed it. Liv made a face and shook her head.

And it smells like real sugar

The three of them licked the sugar cube. Liv squeezed her eyes shut and scrunched up her nose, remembering how they all had just dragged their hands around the top of it.

And it tastes like real sugar

So I don’t care!

Tiger threw a handful of sparkly confetti into the air. The three of them tap danced away from the sugar cube, the backup dancers rejoining them, swing dancing with each other. Stu took Tiger’s hands and spun her in a circle. Liv twirled into the center, in front of all the dancers, who all ooh’d and aah’d as her dress transformed into a new, white one.

“I don’t know what’s happening, but I like it!” Tiger cheered. Stu jumped forward, singing again.

The tech behind this is stupendous

The science is beyond compare

Stu conjured up some scientific looking holograms in the air, swiping through them as he sang.

Neuro-transmission forms embodied cognition

That stimulates your dendrites nodes and-

Tiger and Liv harmonized as they both belted out.

I don’t care!

Stu laughed it off, doing an impressive cartwheel. “Okay, everyone, big finale, let’s make it a showstopper!” He called out as the backup dancers got into formation. Tiger and Liv linked arms, Tiger in the middle Liv on her left and Stu joined on Tiger’s right. Tiger and Stu began to harmonize excitedly. Liv sang along, but didn’t mean any of the words that came from her mouth.

As long as we’re here for each other

In this fantasy world built to share

The three of them did a windmill move.

Goodbye, living hell!

‘Cause life is pretty swell!

Tiger and Stu joined hands.

I know this isn’t real!

Tiger sang out, with a cheesy smile.

But it’s got that real feel

Stu spun Tiger around.

Yeah, that’s kinda the whole deal

Liv spun around by herself. The three of them sang in harmony,

I know this isn’t real

Liv stopped herself from spinning, feeling dizzy, and echoing,

This isn’t real

She sang, holding her head and the world spun. Tiger belted out the big crescendo of the song ecstatically.

But I don’t care!

She looked over at Stu and Tiger, who suddenly were dressed in the most outrageous costumes. Stu was wearing a cat costume, kneeling in front of Tiger, and Tiger was in a taco shell costume. Liv looked down at herself, wearing a dress covered in a shrimp pattern. Her eyes bugged out as she looked around in even more confusion. Stu sang the last line of the song.

They know this isn’t real, but they don’t care

The dancers spun like mad as the song came to a raucous end. The three of them dropped to one knee, arms outstretched to the sky, ending the song with jazz hands.

Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the night sky that Tiger, Liv, and Stu were all staring up into became the ceiling of Stu’s compound. Night was falling outside. Tiger let out a giddy laugh as she stood up, taking off her headband. Liv stood up slowly, trying to understand how that had just happened.

“Wow!” Stu laughed, turning to Tiger and Liv with a giant smile.

“You guys have got some moves!” Tiger laughed.

“Hey, you two have got some great pipes.” Stu chuckled. Liv stood silently, lips drawn together in a tight line. She knew that wasn’t real, but she was scared.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever felt so free!” Tiger gasped.

Stu nodded in agreement. “It was amazing, I really saw the real you for the first time, Tiger.”

Tiger beamed and went to place a hand on Stu’s shoulder, but her hand passed through. Both Tiger and Stu’s faces dropped, looking into each other’s eyes. Stu’s eyes flickered over to Liv, remembering that there was a whole other person there with them.

“The reason I, uh, wanted to show you that was…” he blushed, dropping his eyes to the ground. “Gosh, I can’t find the right words.”

Tiger wrapped an arm around Liv’s shoulders. “You can tell Liv and I anything, you can trust us.”

Stu nodded, taking Tiger’s word for it. “Well, you know my plan to relocate humanity to Mars?”

“Yeah.” Tiger nodded. Liv just stared at him and blinked.

“Well, technically, I don’t mean the planet Mars. MARS actually stands for ‘Mankind’s Automated Reality System.’” Stu began to explain. Tiger just nodded slowly, taking that in. Liv clenched her jaw, red flags going off everywhere in her brain.

That’s bad. Liv thought.

“That’s where we just were.” Stu said, a proud grin crossing his face.

I need to get out. Liv’s brain screamed at her. I need to get out now.

Tiger just looked confused. “So you’re gonna…you’re gonna upload everyone?”

“I really did want to take us to Mars, in fact, that was the original plan.” Stu answered quickly. “But as it turns out, transporting the entire human race to another planet is nearly impossible. So I developed an alternative, which, honestly, is far superior in my opinion.”

Tiger glanced over and out the window. “So, then why the space suits and the rockets and the clearly misleading acronym?”

“The upload only takes if the subject goes willingly. The idea of transferring your consciousness scares a lot of people, but a journey to Mars sounds like a fun adventure!” Stu explained optimistically. Out of the corner of her eye, Liv could see Tiger’s face falling. She must have seeing the same red flags as Liv.

“Pretty sneaky, Stu.” Tiger said quietly. “Guess you’re not a big believer in people making their own decisions.”

“People have been making their own decisions for thousands of years, and it brought them to the brink of annihilation.”

Tiger tilted her head. “So you think you’re qualified to act on behalf of humanity?”

“I am.” Stu said cockily. “Just imagine a world with no hunger, because nobody needs to eat.” He said, beginning to pace around the room. Liv tried to send Tiger an anxious glance, but Tiger just followed Stu with her eyes. “A world with no poverty because resources are infinite.” Stu continued. “A world where everyone can finally get along, friends and family are always close by, a world where the music’s always hot, the cat meat is always fresh,” he winked at Tiger. “A world without shells. That’s humanity’s future. That’s MARS. Would you come with me?” He offered a hand to Tiger. “Both of you?” There was no animosity towards Liv in his voice, in fact he looked genuine. Liv hesitated, feeling feeble.

Tiger looked at Stu’s hand, then back to Liv, then back to Stu. “Of course,” Tiger said. She held a hand out to Liv. “Liv?” Tiger’s eyes were a kind of pathetic pleading Liv had never seen in her eyes. They were the kind that said, “don’t leave me”. Liv’s heart plummeted.

In a panic, Liv nodded, quickly formulating a plan in her head. “Yes,” she whispered, taking Tiger’s hand. “Yes, that sounds amazing, it was so amazing in there.” She rambled, cheeks burning under both of their gazes. Reel it in, stop talking. She scolded herself.

Stu looked relieved. “You have no idea how happy that makes me.” Tiger tried to take Stu’s hand, but it passed right through. Both of their faces fell again.

“I wish I could see the real you again.” Tiger confessed. Liv’s whole face burned.

Leave. Leave. LEAVE. Her brain screamed at her. FIND JOSH. SAVE JOSH. FIND- she pushed the thoughts away so she could focus.

“Stu, thank you so much for showing us…” she couldn’t remember what Stu had called it. “…that. After all that excitement, I think…” she faked a big yawn. “I think I’ll hit the hay.”

A look of excitement crossed Stu’s eyes. “Of course, Liv! I’m so glad that you enjoyed yourself.” He wrung his hands in anticipation.

“I’ll meet you in there, Liv.” Tiger said. “I’m not tired.”

Liv nodded, backing away, ears ringing, nerves coursing through her. “Goodnight!” She walked as quickly yet as casually as she could through the door before one of them could say it back. As soon as she was far enough down the hall and she was sure they couldn’t see her anymore, she took off flying down the halls and to the exit. She wasn’t going to be Tiger’s little companion anymore, if Tiger had been brainwashed, then she would do this all by herself.

Josh

Josh felt hopeless as he worked his fingers through Pup-E Q. Barkington’s wires. Wolf had given him the run down earlier that day.

“Tiger’s a Biotic, we’re never gonna see her again, Liv follows her around like a lackey now but we’ll see if she makes an appearance, the TTD’s destroyed, we’re stuck in this timeline forever, okay, good talk.” Wolf had said in one breath before turning and walking away, leaving Josh in utter shock.

Josh spent the rest of the day feverishly trying to revive Pup-E. “I can’t save the world if I can’t save you.” He muttered. “I must not be the real J1-“ he flinched and drew in a sharp breath as a wire shocked him. “The real J1 could definitely fix you.” He muttered through gritted teeth. “That makes me what?” He slammed the compartment closed as fished around for his little screwdriver. “J0? J-nothing?” He screwed the latch closed. “Okay, come on,” he mumbled, searching for any sign of life. He tapped on the head. “Give me a sign, anything to keep me going, please.” He pleaded, flipping Pup-E over. On the bottom of the hind leg was a giant power button. Josh did a double take, feeling really stupid. He looked up at the universe. “That’s a good one, you sick, sick fuck.” He gave a weary laugh, looking down and pressing the button. Pup-E Q. Barkington hummed to life.

Stu

Stu, humming happily to himself as he danced through the main room, started as his windows turned into a giant screen.

PUP-E BOT 1456 REBOOTED, PROCESSING OCULAR VISION CAMERA…

Stu sighed, too euphoric to be annoyed at the alert. “It’s probably nothing, send it away-“ he jumped back as a giant face filled the screen.

“I love you so much, Pup-E Q. Barkington,” the person cooed in a baby talk voice. “Who’s a good boy?” He babbled, bringing his face closer to the camera. Joosh Futturman.

The fear that overcame Stu was monstrous, he stumbled back every time Joosh’s face got closer to the camera. “What is he doing here?” Stu began to tremble. He clapped his hands three times, clapped the back of his hands four times, and mustered up a five note whistle, summoning the high alert emergency button from the tiles in the floor. He slammed his hand down on it. His killmandos obediently came marching in, ready for their command. “Bring me this boy.” Stu ordered without turning to look at them. “If anyone tries to stop you, kill them.”

The cameras switched, an alert from thirty minutes earlier chimed.

MONS BORDERS DETECT PERSON/PERSONS OUT OF BOUNDS

Stu’s hand paused as he moved to press the confirm button. Had Tiger left again after the night they’d shared? Sending the alert away, the cameras showed earlier footage of little miss Liv Branson fumbling her way through the sand, crossing the Mons’ borders. Stu narrowed his eyes, anger gripping at his throat. After he showed her hospitality, the Mankind Augmented Reality System, even after she’d agreed to accept MARS, was she really fleeing? Stu’s eyebrow twitched as he fumed. He couldn’t believe he’d trusted her, blinded by Tiger’s beauty and her strange fondness of the girl. “Bring her to me as well. I’ll decide whether or not you can kill her after that.”

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #josh futturman x oc #future man season 2

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heydorothea009 · 10 months ago

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Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language, violent descriptions

Chapter 6: Homicide: Life In The Mons

Liger

Stu Camillo’s Compound

Tuesday, Blapuary 2ndth 2161

08:17AM

Tiger shook Liv awake the next morning. “Stu found something.” She said excitedly.

Liv groggily sat up, not understanding a word Tiger had said. “…what?”

“Get dressed, Stu needs us.”

“…what?”

Tiger sighed, dragging Liv out of bed and pulled her to the main room. They found Stu standing in front of the screen of camera feeds using his hands to summon up pictures and blueprints.

“What did you find?” Tiger asked as she and Liv stood at his side.

“A break!” Stu said enthusiastically. “Using facial recognition, I pinpointed a location where all the Pointed Circle members intersected before dropping off my grid.” He zoomed in on the map of the Mons. “There’s not much out there, mostly storage units.” He pointed to the small bunch of circles that represented the storage units. “Go a little bit further and you’re in cannibal country.”

That woke Liv up. “I’m sorry, ‘cannibal country’?”

Tiger gave a breathy laugh. “Ah, so you guys have cannibals in this timeline too?”

“Desperate people will eat each other.” Stu shrugged and started laughing jovially. Tiger joined in.

“They will, they really will.” She laughed. Liv uncomfortably stood next to them, watching.

Stu’s laughter died down. “Anyways, you should talk to Jeff Breakfast, he runs the storage facilities over there.” He summoned Jeff Breakfast’s picture.

Tiger clapped Liv on the shoulder. “Copy that, Jeffy Breaks. Let’s go.” Tiger began to walk towards the door.

Liv followed Tiger out, extremely confused by whatever the fuck that interaction was.

Storage Station Bravo

2 klicks south of cannibal country

10:21AM

Jeff Breakfast was a short man who wore the same yellow jumpsuit as the rest of the Mons. Tiger looked around at the storage units, which were reflective dome shaped tents, and looked unimpressed.

“People must not be storing anything of great value here,” she murmured to Liv. “I could break into any of these no problem.”

“Hello, ladies, how can I help you?” Jeff Breakfast rounded one of the tents. Liv and Tiger immediately recognized him. Wordlessly, Liv held up the picture of Dr. Hogeveen.

Jeff squinted and got closer to the picture. “Oh, uh,” he looked at it for a moment. “Hm…I don’t know who that is.”

“You haven’t seen anyone coming or going?” Tiger asked, hands on her hips.

Jeff shook his head as he lifted some storage crates and stacked them. “No one ever comes here. They store all their priceless possessions and then just kind of forget about them.” He turned back to them, face sad. “Kind of like me…”

“Oh…” Liv peered up at Tiger, who just rolled her eyes at Jeff.

“Okay, yeah, yeah, we get it, you’re all sad and lonely. We’re just gonna go check things out.” Tiger pushed past him. Liv stepped around him, avoiding eye contact.

“Oh, you…you ladies don’t need any company?” Jeff asked hopefully, following behind them.

“No!” Liv and Tiger said at the same time. They disappeared behind the tents and out of Jeff’s view. Liv unzipped one of the tents slightly and peeked inside.

“How will we know which one?” She asked quietly. Tiger placed her hands on her hips again and scanned the tents, eyes narrowed. A crash behind the tent caught both of their attention. Looking at each other with wide eyes, Tiger motioned for Liv to look around the tent. Liv peeked around and turned back to Tiger, rolling her eyes.

“Woah!” A shrill voice whined.

Tiger sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Please tell me that isn’t who I think it is.” Liv looked equally annoyed and nodded. TyAnne bumbled her way over to them, tripping in her high heels over every crate in her path, making a loud noise with each fall. Tiger set her jaw. “There goes the element of surprise, you dumb slunt.” she groaned.

TyAnne, in her space buns and her irritatingly massive fuzzy heart shaped coat, cocked her head. “That’s really not how you use that word.” She stumbled up next to Liv.

“Why are you here?” Liv asked, barely veiling the annoyance in her voice as she peered up at TyAnne the giant, with her six inch chunky heeled boots.

“Um,” TyAnne panted, using Liv as an armrest. Liv bristled as TyAnne put an arm around her. “Well, you said you guys were gonna leave after this, and then I thought, maybe this could be our last chance to hang out, you know, like we talked about non-verbally.” TyAnne gave Liv and Tiger a massive grin. Liv sputtered as some of TyAnne’s fuzzy coat got in her mouth.

“Oh,” Tiger rolled her eyes. “Last night when you tried to kill me.”

“Yeah!” TyAnne beamed.

“That was a nice moment.” Tiger folded her arms. Liv unwrapped TyAnne’s arm from her shoulders and stepped away from her. “You know what, fine,” Tiger sighed. “You wanna help? Here’s what you can do, I want you to start by checking that area over there.” Tiger pointed over TyAnne’s shoulder. “Liv, start that way.” She turned her head so TyAnne couldn’t see and widened her eyes at Liv in a way that said, “don’t worry, I’ll handle her”.

Liv slowly nodded and walked a few short steps away, looking over her shoulder to see what Tiger would do.

TyAnne pranced over and looked around the tent Tiger was pointing to. “Do I get a cheddar blade?” TyAnne sang as she unzipped the tent and poked her head inside.

Tiger stalked up behind her. “Yeah, yeah, I got your cheddar blade,” she smacked her fist against TyAnne’s neck. “Right here.” TyAnne slumped down into the tent.

“Holy shit!” Liv gasped.

“She’s fine.” Tiger sauntered back over to Liv.

Liv started to snicker. “Holy shit.”

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that for.” Tiger looked proud of herself. “Check that one.” She pointed to the tent TyAnne had dumped all the crates around. Liv ducked inside the tent and stood upright.

“What should I do?” She asked, looking around at the loads of cases inside.

“Move them around and see if they trigger or are concealing anything, I’ll check this one over here.” Tiger disappeared from view. Liv started pushing around the cases, flipping them over and shoving them aside as she scoured the tent. She tilted her head as she studied the metal floor. The rounded shaped cutout in the metal sure looked like the perfect secret door. Liv shoved the last few cases and crates aside and stacked them.

“Tiger!” Liv called. “I might have something.” She heard the rustling of Tiger shuffling out of her tent as she turned back to the metal floor. She slipped two fingers into the indents in the floor and lifted it. It was indeed a trap door. Tiger poked her head in just in time. Liv stood upright in shock, looking at Tiger with giant eyes. “I found it.” She mouthed.

“Rat pot.” Tiger whispered in awe, ducking inside the tent. A clang came from down below. “Somebody’s down there, go, go!” Liv hurried and swung herself down into the opening, climbing down the ladder. Tiger followed after her. Dr. Hogeveen, who was sitting at a table full of destroyed research, looked up at them climbing down, convulsing.

“Athena,” Liv seethed, jumping down and beelining for her.

“You’re too late, your trail ends here.” Dr. Hogeveen said shakily. Liv faltered, noticing the electric hum in the air, the red dots pressed to Dr. Hogeveen’s temples, the way her body seized.

“What is she-“ Liv’s eyes darted to the remote in Dr. Hogeveen’s hand. She was killing herself.

Tiger noticed too and stalled. “Eunice,” she sighed, as if she were only disappointed. “Why did you have to go and do that?”

“You-“ Hogeveen twitched. “You were going to torture me for my secrets,” she gave them a defiant look. “And I didn’t want you to.”

“Well, you got me there.” Said Tiger, an edge of annoyance in her voice.

Liv slammed a hand on the table. “Where is our TTD!” She yelled.

“What?” Hogeveen managed to choke out.

“Time Travel Device.” Liv and Tiger said in unison.

“That’s a…stupid name.” Hogeveen twitched.

“Really, that’s what you’re going to waste your last breath on?” Tiger spat. Hogeveen nodded weakly and fell limp. Tiger threw her hands up in the air. Liv let out a frustrated cry and pushed Hogeveen’s dead body to the ground.

Secret Pointed Circle Lab

Necropsy of Dr. Eunice Hogeveen

10:47AM

TyAnne was so horrified by the death of Hogeveen that she went mute. She’d woken up a few minutes after Hogeveen had passed, wandering around above them and whining so loud that Liv and Tiger could hear her with the trapdoor closed. They figured TyAnne’s loud voice and her bumbling around was how Hogeveen had known they were coming and shocked herself to death. They’d pulled TyAnne down into the underground lab to get her to stay quiet. That’s when she saw who was dead in the lab.

TyAnne’s whining had alerted Jeff Breakfast, who came running in a frenzy. He saw the trapdoor and had a panic attack, swearing up and down that he didn’t know it was there. Tiger and Liv decided he should know about what had been going on under his nose and let him down into the lab too.

Tiger stood over Hogeveen, nudging her with her foot. “I remember my first dead body.” She said, almost fondly. “I was four and half of a person just fell from the sky during a drone-ado. Just a body sliced,” Tiger made a slow downward slicing motion through the air. “Right down the middle.” Liv made a face as her stomach turned.

“She was the closest thing I had to a mother.” TyAnne finally spoke after several minutes of sitting in the corner in shock. It was the first time Liv actually felt bad for TyAnne. Tiger didn’t feel bad.

“You’ll get used to it.” Tiger leaned against the table. “By the time I was six, we built training grounds out of corpses.” She gave a fond chuckle. “The Obstacle Corpse.”

“Tiger…” Liv sighed.

Jeff Breakfast, who hadn’t stopped spinning around in circles with his eyes almost the size of his head as he took in the idea of this underground lab, finally spoke too. “This is a full-on hideout?!”

“Yeah,” Tiger raised an eyebrow. “And there were a ton of footprints by the exit that were not yours, or mine, or Liv’s, or TyAnne’s. Trust me, I checked. Are you one hundred percent sure you didn’t see anyone coming or going?”

“I’ve been here all day, I didn’t see anything!” Jeff answered.

“Then you sir, are bad at your job.” Liv jabbed a finger at him, narrowing her eyes.

Jeff looked panicked. “Okay, but- it’s just- this job is all I have. I don’t wanna die.” He walked off and looked around at the lab in even more horror. Tiger shook her head and rolled her eyes.

“So…” TyAnne started, running her hands over her knees. “Now that the one thing you guys were looking for is…dead…” she looked down and tucked a strand of loose purple hair behind her ear. “Does that mean you’re leaving?”

Liv opened her mouth to answer, but Tiger beat her to it. “See this finger, TyAnne?” She held up her finger. “This is the ‘stop talking finger’. So when you see this,” she held the finger to her lips. “You stop talking.”

Liv kicked at the ground. “Tiger, she just lost her mother figure. Come on,” she shook her head disapprovingly. Tiger held the “stop talking finger’ to Liv as she looked down at the ground. Liv tensed. “Tiger, don’t you dare do that to me-“

“Do that again.” Tiger said, quirking an eyebrow down at the ground.

“What?” Liv furrowed her brows.

“Kick at the dirt again.” Liv scuffed the toe of her shoe again and Tiger’s face lit up. “Did you see that white powder you just kicked up?” Tiger crouched.

Liv looked at TyAnne, who looked just as confused as she did. “…no?” Tiger pinched some dirt and sprinkled it onto her tongue.

TyAnne wrinkled her nose. “Ugh!”

Tiger ran her tongue over her lips and looked deep in thought. “Sedimentary…hint of limestone…very old…why would there be ancient stone dust here…where is it from…?”

TyAnne’s face lit up and she raised her hand. “Ooh! Ooh! I know!”

“Tell me.” Tiger demanded. TyAnne raised an eyebrow and folded her arms defiantly, falling silent.

Tiger nudged Liv. “You ask.” Liv rolled her eyes.

“TyAnne, will you please,” she shot Tiger a look. “Tell us.” TyAnne shook her head brattily.

Tiger groaned. “Ugh, fine. You can come with us.” Her tone was mocking.

TyAnne grinned and clapped her hands. “Yay!”

Hab Unit of Lil’ Jimmy McGurgan

(First Boy on Mars)

“Art Smash”

12:02PM

TyAnne led them to Jimmy McGurgan’s place, finding the door unlocked. When they walked in, they were immediately greeted with famous artwork and statues lewdly decorated with penises, smashed to bits, and with holes punched through the canvases.

Liv looked around, jaw on the ground in disgust. “This is just disrespectful!”

Tiger rolled her eyes, running her finger over a painting covered in stone dust. “Come on Liv, don’t be a prude.”

“This is- was- art, these were in museums! You can’t just smash them like that?!” Her head was on a swivel looking around in horror. Jimmy McGurgan could be seen down the hall, bowling with a cherub statue head. There was a loud tearing sound that reverberated off the walls as a canvas ripped. “Unbelievable!” She cried.

“Okay, nerd.” Tiger condescended, folding her arms and walking ahead of TyAnne and Liv.

TyAnne looked over at Liv and grinned. “But it’s fun!” She skipped ahead of Liv and joined Tiger. Liv stomped up to join them. Jimmy had two other friends over, all fucking up different art from various eras. Liv couldn’t believe the disrespect.

Jimmy turned and saw them walking into the room. “Well hello, ladies!” He greeted them enthusiastically. “What brings you to Chez McGurgs?”

“You cannot just destroy-“ Liv began angrily, eye twitching as she saw the broken frame and torn up canvas of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” beside him.

Tiger held up her “stop talking finger”. She’d used it more on Liv than who it was meant for. “I got this.” She muttered, turning to TyAnne. “You just get these chuckle fucks out of here.”

TyAnne bobbed her head. “Hey Thad, Greg!” She called out to the other boys in the room. “Come with me, we’re gonna make a slip n’ slide out of the Dead Sea Scrolls.” The other two guys perked up, excitedly following TyAnne out of the room, passing an angry, gaping Liv.

“Those are historic!” She cried out.

Jimmy strolled over to the two of them. “Famous Miss Tiger and Liv.” He put his hands sassily on his hips. “A lot of people are wondering what you two are doing here, where you come from, how you exist.”

“We’re time travelers from alternate realities.” Tiger deadpanned.

Jimmy chuckled. “Okay,” he seemed to accept this answer. “Fly and coy.” He stepped closer. “Listen ladies, as someone who has been in the public eye my entire life, I know what it’s like to be talked about.” He reached out and pat Tiger’s arm.

“Don’t.” Tiger whispered coolly. “I just want to know how long you’ve been smashing this stuff.”

“And demand that you stop.” Liv added.

“Liv,” Tiger nudged Liv.

“As soon as Stu moved up the launch!” Jimmy answered excitedly. “We can’t take all this with us, so we might as well have fun.” He shrugged, looking at Liv. “Sorry if that makes you upset that we’re having fun.”

“Who’s been in and out of here?” Tiger asked, stepping around Jimmy to inspect the room.

Jimmy turned to face Tiger. “The inner circle. Centurion deck and above.” He looked over at Liv, who stood firmly with her arms folded. “I’m Alpha Deck on the Camillo One, obviously.” He bragged flirtatiously.

“I literally don’t care.” Liv glowered at him.

The back door whooshed open. “Jimmy, are you guys still going? I brought my hammer!” The girl walking in said. Jimmy waved at her. Liv dropped her arms to her sides in shock. Tiger’s eyes widened in recognition. Jeri Lang, in full Mons attire, stood in front of them, holding her hammer proudly.

“No fucking way…” Liv breathed out.

“Shoe-Neck…” Tiger muttered.

Jolf

In the excitement of the new Supreme Overlord being crowned, Josh was able to slip out of the Smash Pit unnoticed. After almost being abducted by the Pointed Circle he had to get out of this timeline. Now. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him back to the NAG, hoping he could find Wolf. He threw open many doors to many shacks that didn’t belong to Wolf, alarming many people, but he moved so frantically fast that he was darting away before anyone could pinpoint him as a Stray.

“Wolf- Wolf!” Josh stopped so hard that he almost fell over, spotting Wolf sitting at a desk through a window. He flung himself inside, toppling over at Wolf’s feet. “You gotta help me, okay? They’re after me, they’re after me!” Josh stammered, whole body quaking. “The Pointed Circle is inside the NAG!”

“Rogue Smasher!” Josh turned to see the guard from the Smash Pit barreling at him. Josh yelped and ducked behind Wolf, who seemed unphased. The guard stopped and bowed to Wolf respectfully.

“My apologies, your eminence.”

“Eminence?” Josh quivered behind Wolf.

“But this one still owes a debt in the Smash Pit.” The guard pointed at Josh accusingly. Wolf sighed and looked down at the many scrolls in front of him.

“Wolf, I can’t go back there.” Josh responded quickly. “It’s not safe.”

Wolf sighed, looked at Josh, and then looked back at one of the scrolls. “‘Smash Pit is a publicly held entity, requiring an open forum and 2/3rds majority to commute your service, or failing that…” he followed along with his finger. “‘A stampede of yellow ants, followed by a carrot-colored wind.’”

Josh stared down at the scroll in disbelief. “Wolf, you are reading nonsense from a bean husk.”

Wolf looked back at Josh. “An airtight bean husk. My hands are tied here. I can’t amend this thing until the next blood moon.”

“Wolf!” Josh waved his hands frantically. “I cannot go back there! If I go back there, I will be killed! They already attacked me once, I am a sitting duck. It’s not safe!” He pleaded. “Please!”

Wolf looked torn. He glanced up at the guard. “Look, Chisel,” he called the guard by name. “Your Honorable Pit Boss, maybe we can come to an understanding.” Wolf gave him a charming grin.

Chisel left that day with a brand new bicycle with far too many wheels, a giddy smile on his face.

The Wheelmaker cluster was not so fond of the idea of having a Stray in the house, so Wolf made Josh stay outside while he talked them into it.

Josh paced around outside the back door, trying to listen in on the cluster inside. He could hear talking, but couldn’t make out the words. A shadow passed over him, making him spin around, eyes wide with fear thinking it was someone ready to kill him.

Instead he saw several drones flying in the sky over the NAG. His jaw dropped to the ground. Pieces of paper began to flutter down around him. He stood, arms reached out on both sides of him, awestruck. He caught a piece of paper.

“‘Mars launch in…’” Josh’s heart dropped. “‘2 days’?!”He blinked hard, making sure he was actually reading the pamphlet correctly. The writing remained the same, the Mars launch was in two days. Josh turned and shoved his way through the door. “Wolf! Wolf!” He cried, holding the pamphlet in the air. Wolf’s cluster turned to look at Josh, their faces varying from shock, disgust, and terror. He ignored them, running straight for Wolf. “Drones are dropping pamphlets from the sky!” He shoved the pamphlet in Wolf’s face. “We have two days to stop the attack. We’re all gonna die!”

Wolf’s husbands and wives gasped. One of his wives plugged her ears and started humming nervously, resting her head on the woman’s shoulder next to her. Wolf pursed his lips and shook his head at Josh, signaling to him too late that it wasn’t a good time.

“We won’t even notice him, huh?” One of Wolf’s husbands, a black man, made a raw muscle, folded his arms and gave Josh the death stare.

That was how Josh ended up being chained to Wolf’s makeshift dog house. Wolf fastened a cuff around Josh’s ankle.

“I’m adding this to my list of things I’m telling Liv about.” Josh glared down at Wolf.

“You brought this on yourself.” Wolf reminded him. “I was so close to getting you a mat on the floor behind the cum bucket.”

Josh opened his mouth to retaliate, but the words quickly left him at the mention of “cum bucket”. He just stood with his mouth hanging open for a moment before shaking his head. “I’m not even going to ask about that, but I will ask about this: what are we planning to do about the Pointed Circle attacking me last night?”

Wolf stood up and towered over Josh. “Who you think attacked you last night. The de-bat got everyone all worked up, my guess is someone saw you talking to me, old loyalties die hard, and they tried to murder you.” He shrugged. “That’s democracy in action.” Josh set his jaw and looked away, growing frustrated. “I was almost hit by an assassin’s arrow, from who? Who knows. You don’t see me all worked up.” He started for the door.

“Well, you should be!” Josh stopped him. “How can you even think that we’re safe here? Are you serious?”

Wolf took a breath before talking down to Josh in a condescending tone. “I can see this is important to you,”

“Yes, thank you.” Josh sighed.

“And I am committed to being responsive to all my constituents of this burgeoning modern city-state.” Wolf whipped out a small journal and pen from his cape, scribbling down Josh’s “complaint”. “Investigate claims of possible…” he said out loud as he jotted his thoughts down.

“Definite.” Josh’s voice was taute.

“Internal terrorist activity.” He shut the journal and gave Josh a smile. “And there you go.”

“Don’t you want more information? I have leads, Wolf.” Josh turned as Wolf walked around him and back inside. “Red hair, resistance tattoo-“ Wolf just gave him a big thumbs up. Josh squinted at him in irritation. “I find your concern disingenuous.” Wolf shut the door behind him. Josh let his head fall back as he groaned, squeezing his fists. He turned back to his dog house of a shelter. He sighed and ducked inside, curling up on the bed in defeat.

Liger

Hab Unit of Lil’ Jimmy McGurgan

The Interrogation of Cunt-O Shoe-Neck Bitch

1:08 PM

Jeri was tied to a chair, whimpering in confusion and fear. Tiger and Liv stood over her, glaring.

“Seems like old times, huh, Jer Bear?” Tiger folded her arms. “Why don’t you tell us where the TTD is and maybe this time you can keep your head.”

Jeri shook her, looking as though she were about to break into tears. “Who’s Jeri? My name is Geraldine, and I don’t even know what a TTD is!”

“Time Travel Device,” Liv and Tiger said in unison.

“Don’t say it’s a dumb name, we know.” Liv said, rolling her eyes.

Jeri shook her head earnestly. “I won’t, it’s not in my nature.”

Liv let out a sharp, snarky laugh. “Oh yeah, right.”

Tiger stepped forward. “I’m gonna hurt you Jeri, ‘cause we know that no matter the timeline, you’re a murderer and a liar.”

Liv stepped forward, pointing a finger in Jeri’s face. “And a manipulator.”

“And you’ve got a real slunty face.” Tiger added.

“That’s…that’s not how you use that word.” Jeri flinched as soon as she said it, worried that Tiger might execute her for speaking out of turn.

“I’m sorry,” Tiger tilted her head, feigning an apology. “I don’t speak Bio-Tech.”

Jeri looked up at Tiger, confused. “But aren’t you one too?” Tiger’s lips pressed together. She wound up and slapped Jeri across the face. Jeri gasped in pain, looking back up between Liv and Tiger. “It seems like you two are going through something right now, and you’re using me to work out your issues.” She looked at Liv with those pleading eyes she remembered her giving Josh.

Liv scoffed, not falling for it. She wasn’t in love with Jeri like Josh had been. “Oh, what, so are you a therapist now?”

Jeri nodded earnestly. “Yes, yes that’s my vocation.”

Liv and Tiger shared annoyed glances. “Why don’t you stop stalling and tell me where our TTD is?” Tiger hissed.

“Stop! Guys!” TyAnne threw open the door. “Geraldine had nothing to do with this!”

“She has everything to do with this! We’re getting answers.” Liv swung her head around to look at TyAnne.

“Yeah, and everyone knows that torture is the most effective way to get the truth out.” Tiger said.

“Yeah,” Liv followed immediately, pausing when she realized she’d just agreed with Tiger about that.

Tiger wound up to slap Jeri again, but TyAnne quickly caught her arm. Tiger looked shocked, yanking her hand away. TyAnne looked hurt.

“This has been about your stupid time machine.” Her eyes darted between Liv and Tiger. “You never cared about Stu,” she accused Tiger. “And you never cared about getting to know me.” She gave a wounded look to both of them.

“Not really.” Tiger rounded Jeri in the chair, standing behind her.

“See, now that’s hurtful, Tiger.” Jeri said.

“Shut up.” Liv rolled her eyes.

TyAnne narrowed her eyes at Tiger. “At first, I wanted to be more like you, but now…I think you might be the worst version of me.”

Liv’s face fell and she looked back at Tiger, who’s cheeks flushed red. “No. You’re the worst version of me.” Tiger said, a little louder than she’d meant to. “Worse versions ask better versions for help…that’s…that’s the versions rule.”

TyAnne shook her head. “You were getting something out of it too.”

“I was trying to fix you, but just like this place, you’re a lost cause, which is why Liv and I are bailing.” Tiger snapped.

“We all want to hit the reset button.” Jeri jumped in. “But unfortunately, life doesn’t give us a machine to go back and fix all of our problems.”

“Shut up, Jeri!” Tiger and Liv yelled in unison. TyAnne gave Liv and Tiger the “stop talking finger”.

Tiger looked stunned. “You cannot use my finger against me.”

“I’m using it.” TyAnne snapped. She pointed to a counter directly behind Jeri and Tiger. “When did those get here?”

Jeri craned her neck to see. “Oh, those? The storage guy brought them this morning.”

Liv quirked an eyebrow at Tiger. “Jeff Breakfast said he never left his post today.” She reminded Tiger.

“Jeff Breakfast lied.” Tiger whispered as TyAnne drawled the exact same thing.

Liv shrugged to Tiger. “TyAnne just cracked the case.”

Tiger shot Liv a glare. “Come on, let’s go.” She walked around Jeri’s chair.

“No thanks,” TyAnne sang, stomping her foot down. “After today, the last thing I want is to be more like you.” There was venom in TyAnne’s words. She sashayed to the door and left Tiger, with her brow twitching, and Liv, biting the insides of her cheeks.

“Relationships are hard.” Jeri's voice came from behind them. Tiger struck Jeri again.

Hab Unit of Jefferson Breakfast

Objective: Torture With Intent to Interrogate

3:43 PM

“I can’t believe we just took that whiny creep’s word for it.” Liv grumbled as they stormed back to the storage units in search for Jeff Breakfast.

Tiger sighed as they walked up to Jeff’s hab unit. “Well, if you ask me, he plays the victim role really well.” She said as her and Liv stepped inside. They both froze as they heard the click of a loaded blaster next to both of their heads.

After being blindfolded and led to another room, Tiger and Liv were both strapped to chairs and had their blindfolds removed. Tiger didn’t put up a fight, wearing a small smirk on her face. Liv was trying not to seem frantic about this situation, but on the inside she was losing her mind. The door swung open and Jeri stepped inside, looking at them both with a smug look. Neither of them knew how she’d escaped, seeing as they had left her tied to a chair, but here she was.

Liv gritted her teeth. “Once a bitch, always a bitch.” She seethed under her breath.

Tiger shook her head knowingly up at Jeri. “In every timeline.” She added.

Jeri put her hands on her hips. “Looks like the shoe’s in the other neck.”

“You don’t even understand that reference.” Liv raised an eyebrow.

“Your time machine has a battery and it’s missing.” Jeri studied them as she said this. “You’re going to tell me where it is.”

“Nope.” Tiger shook her head. “I’m a warrior, Liv’s just my companion. We don’t do all the science-y stuff.” She sent Liv a side glance that Liv understood immediately. Fuck with Jeri’s head.

Jeri scoffed. “Don’t sell yourself short. I’m sure you both have very leveled,” she stepped towards Liv, eyeing her. “Skill sets.” Liv stared back up at Jeri, eyes burning with anger. “As tough as you look,” Jeri cooed in a condescending voice to Liv. “I’m not afraid of you.” She swung her fist directly in front of Tiger’s face, stopping her knuckles just centimeters from her nose. Her hand reached down into the neckline of Tiger’s shirt, hooking a finger around the Cameronium vial that Tiger had strung on a chain. Tiger kept a blank face as Jeri snapped the chain from Tiger’s neck. Jeri glanced at Liv for a reaction, but Liv shoved down any rage, keeping her face neutral. Jeri couldn’t hide the flash of disappointment in her eyes from seeing how neither of them gave her the reaction she wanted.

“What do you want with my glow worm blood?” Tiger asked in a steady voice.

“Blood that fits in the vial that perfectly fits into your time machine?” Jeri narrowed her eyes.

“Times were tough where I came from, there was only one vial size.” Tiger said in the same tone.

Jeri nodded in disbelief. “Right…I’ll see you around ladies.” She gave them another smug grin. She caught Liv’s slight eyebrow quirk, making her grin falter. “…what’s going to happen when I put this in the machine?”

“Oh,” Tiger looked over at Liv and shrugged. Liv played along, shrugging back nonchalantly. “Nothing, if you know how to do it right.”

Jeri smirked. “Nice try, we’ve used the machine before.”

“Oh, then you must know the initiation sequence that activates the fuel after it’s been removed?” Tiger said, studying Jeri’s body language. “You get that wrong, you lose your head.” She sent Liv a knowing smirk.

Jeri’s brows furrowed. “You’re lying.”

“Sharp as a nail, Jeri.” Tiger shook her head with a smile.

“Reverse psychology won’t work.” Jeri said in the same tone as Tiger. “You just told me everything.”

“She’s good.” Liv said, feigning surprise.

Jeri furrowed her brows again. “Reverse-reverse psychology won’t work either.” She had an frustrated tone in her voice.

“Sounds like that’s just psychology.” Liv continued to pester.

Jeri glared at Liv. “I’m not a psychologist, I dunno.” A man walked into the room holding a case. Jeri got an evil glint in her eyes as she took it from him, opening it to show off the TTD with different colored wires plugged into it. Liv caught sight of Tiger’s fingers curling tightly around her restraints.

“Yahtzee.” Tiger muttered under her breath as she grinned, ripping through the restraint, making Jeri’s face fall. She kicked Jeri in the gut and slammed the man’s head into the wall. She wrestled Liv’s restraints off of her.

“Holy shit! Tiger that was-“ Liv’s eyes were bright.

“Hold your applause.” Tiger said, as another woman burst into the room to stop them. Tiger threw her out of the window.

Liv grabbed the TTD off of the ground, ripping the wires out. As she made for the door, something caught her ankle. Liv fell face down onto the floor with a grunt, holding the TTD against her chest. Jeri rolled Liv over, sitting on her while she tried to pry the TTD from her arms. Liv held on tightly, teeth gritted.

“Come on, tough girl,” Jeri gave a sharp tug. “Give me the time travel device.”

“TTD,” Liv corrected, holding on tightly. Tiger lunged at Jeri, knocking her off of Liv. Liv began to run for the exit. Before Tiger could hold Jeri down, she slithered from her grasp. Jeri tackled Liv to the ground, grabbing Liv’s hair and smashing her head into the floor. Hard. The ringing in her ears was disorienting, the world began to spin. She felt a sharp pain in her forehead as a sharp slit in the metal floor cut through her skin. She felt woozy.

The TTD slid across the floor, hitting the door. Tiger and Jeri lunged for it at the same time, their heads smashing against one another. Jeri’s hand landed on it first, snatching it up and stumbling quickly out of the door.

Tiger panted, spinning around to check on Liv. Her forehead was bleeding, a nice gash slashed over her right eyebrow. Tiger picked Liv up and supported her arm over her shoulder.

“Come on,” Tiger panted, helping Liv stumble out of the hab unit. Jeri was awkwardly jogging away, clutching the TTD tightly, holding her stomach and coughing. She caught sight of them, stopping and opening the TTD, a threatening look in her eyes. “Don’t do it!” Tiger yelled. “A plutonium-based power source has a fraction of the joules necessary to generate a field stable enough to breach the inter-dimensional plane!”

Jeri wobbled as she pressed buttons and flipped switches. “No science stuff, huh?” She coughed again.

“I guess we’re all liars.” Liv said shakily. “Don’t do it, Jeri.”

The TTD began to start up. “I’ll take my chances.”

“Wait, wait!” Tiger held out the hand that was not supporting Liv.” We can all walk away with something we want. You with your head attached, us with the TTD.” Tiger negotiated.

Jeri narrowed her eyes. “If you say it won’t work, that means it will.”

“And if you’re wrong?” Tiger held Liv tightly. Liv gripped Tiger’s shoulder.

“Then I’ll die knowing I took away the one thing you wanted most.” She looked down and fired it up.

Tiger grabbed Liv around the waist. “No!” She screamed, pulling both of them behind a large crate. The sound of Jeri’s body exploding ripped through the area. The moment Liv saw innards splatter around them and her world went dark. Tiger caught Liv as she slumped forward, quietly cursing. Jeri’s head came rolling in front of them. Tiger peeked up over the crate to see that the rest of Jeri’s body was in bits and pieces within a mile radius. She glanced back at the head. “God fucking dammit!” She screamed, hoisting up Liv’s unconscious form.

Jolf

Josh sat curled up on his cushion fiddling with Pup-E, who he’d named Pup-E Q. Barkington. All he wanted was to turn on the little robot and to give it a second chance at life. He pressed on the head, which was loose and threatening to fall off. He pressed his lips together and pressed down again. The sound of the back door opening behind him made him jump, quickly hiding Pup-E under his cushion and grabbing a rock for protection. He was surprised by the amount of horrors that were in the NAG. A young blonde girl’s face popped into his view. He yelped in surprise.

She giggled apologetically. “I’m sorry,” she looked at him, eyes full of intrigue. “I’ve never met a Stray before.” This must have been Lugnut, Wolf’s fake daughter. Josh lowered the rock and let out a sigh of relief. “Can I see you gills?” She asked excitedly, crouching down.

Josh stared at her blankly. “Uh…my what?”

“Are you going to steal my hair and make a nest? Take my baby teeth and make a crown? I have them under my bed if you want, and this one’s loose!” She was beaming excitedly, showing him her wiggly left canine tooth.

Josh slowly shook his head. “No, uh, no…” he was baffled. “I’m just…from out of town.”

“I heard you only have two parents.” She said, wrinkling her nose.

“…that’s part’s true actually.”

She looked at him with her eyebrows raised slightly. “Is that why there’s a horn growing out of your butt?”

“…no?”

Lugnut and Josh became fast friends. Josh told her about what he had seen when he was almost captured. Lugnut listened intently, excited by the idea that she could help this stranger.

“So, have you seen anybody who looks like that?” He asked her after recounting the memory.

“You said hair that’s red like blood? There are only, like, five ladies in the NAG with hair like that. I know all of them.” She grinned excitedly. “I actually know everybody here! It’s the faces of the dead I pushed from my mind.” She said.

Josh blinked a couple times. “Cool…cool…so, uh, the one I’m looking for has a cut about here,” he made a cut motion on his thigh. “So all you need to do is see if any of those ladies are walking kinda funny-“

“Oh, then not Trowel, she can’t walk.” Lugnut interjected. “She has no legs.” She shrugged nonchalantly.

“Then we’re down to four.” Josh said. “You think you could, uh, check them out for me? Our little secret?” Josh held out his pinky finger. Lugnut looked confused. Josh demonstrated linking his pinky around his other one for her. “It’s called a pinky promise,” he explained. “It means you promise to keep this our little secret.”

Lugnut nodded earnestly. “Yeah, I can do that!” She linked to pinky finger to Josh’s.

“That’s great!” Josh sighed in relief. “Thank you!”

“You’re welcome!” Lugnut began to skip off before she stopped and turned back to him. “Papa Torque said your name is Josh, right?”

“Uh, yeah…papa…Torque is right.”

Lugnut gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you for helping my Papa Torque escape. He’s told us about you and the other girl, Liv.” And with that, she skipped away.

Wolf was humming to himself happily, sipping his bean juice and reading over his scrolls when Lugnut came running in, face contorting with panic.

“Papa Torque!” She cried. “Papa Torque, come quick! It’s the Stray, Josh!”

Wolf bolted from his seat. “What- what’s going on?” He hurried over.

“Well, the Stay, Josh, asked me to help him find a lady with hair like blood and a cut on her leg, but Mama Thimble found out and told other people about it, and…they’re trying to burn him.” She admitted, sounding guilty. Wolf grabbed Lugnut’s hand.

“Show me where.”

They found Josh in the town center, tied to a chair, eyes the size of saucers in fear.

“Burn the stray! Burn the stray!” The crowd yelled, carrying torches.

“Damn...” Wolf breathed out, eyes as wide as Josh’s.

“Not a good move!” Wolf scolded Josh.

Wolf had had to jump up in front of Josh and plead for his freedom, promising to keep him in check. Then Wolf had carried him home, Ram’s Sack style.

“You mess with the cluster, you’re gonna find yourself on the business end of a bonfire.” Wolf finished chaining Josh back to his dumpster shelter.

Josh groaned. “Do you even hear yourself right now? Those people were trying to burn me alive! Like the Salem Witch Trials!” Not only was he terrified out of his mind, but also annoyed that Lugnut hadn’t taken her pinky promise very seriously.

“You shouldn’t have brought Lugnut into this.” Wolf scolded again. “I promised I would look into your Pointed Circle allegations, and I have never broken a promise in my whole political career.” Josh let out a frustrated sigh. “Hey! A little gratitude would be nice, I just saved you from being burned alive. Salesman Witch Trial, or whatever you said.”

Josh glared up at Wolf. “You promised me that if I came to your time, you would take care of me.”

“Well, looky here,” Wolf gestured to the dumpster shelter. “You’ve got a roof, three walls, and mushy bean leavings fed to you. I’d say you’re living pretty large. Now, hold still while I put this muzzle on.” Wolf whipped out a muzzle.

Josh immediately tried flinching away as Wolf wrestled it over his head. “Woah, no, no! You’re not gonna muzzle me! Don’t muzzle me!” He strained and craned his neck, trying to fight off Wolf. “I’m J1, you can’t just muzzle me!”

Wolf got all the straps around Josh’s head, holding his head still as he buckled it. “I can. I will.” Josh glared up at Wolf as Wolf shushed him. “Just did.”

Josh tried to say something, but it was muffled.

“You brought this on yourself.” Wolf said, cupping Josh’s cheek. Josh began to try and speak again, but Wolf just held his finger to where Josh’s lips would have been. “Shhhhh.” Their pagers beeped in unison. Wolf sighed as he pulled it out. Josh tried to peer over Wolf’s hands and see. “Oh, boobs, of course.” He turned and started to walk off.

Josh followed him as far as the chain would allow, his cries of protest muffled. “No, no!” Wolf whipped back around, pointing a stern finger at Josh. “You need to stay.”

Josh cried out again.

“Stay!”

Josh folded his arms angrily.

“Stay.” Wolf gave him a look over. “Good boy.” He said, winking.

As Wolf walked away, he could hear Josh’s furious pleas following him.

Tiger and Liv stood at Josh’s piss hole, Tiger waiting stoically and patiently, Liv waiting anxiously and impatiently. It was dark by the time Wolf came trotting over to them, Liv’s whole face lit up, only to quickly fall when she realized Josh wasn’t there.

“Where’s Josh?” She asked anxiously.

“He’s tied up.” Wolf said casually. Tiger and Liv both squinted their eyes at him. “Literally.” Wolf added.

“Why is he tied up?” Liv asked, anger rising in her voice.

“Look, he’s been causing some uproar amongst my cluster, it’s to make them and the rest of the NAG feel better about a Stray living with them.” Wolf tried explaining. Liv’s eyes were growing angrier and angrier. “I had to muzzle him because he was putting ideas in my Lugnut’s head-“

“You MUZZLED my boyfriend?!” Liv screeched, storming over and shoving Wolf in the chest.

“Woah, woah!” Wolf barely budged, but still held up his hands defensively. “Liv, don’t shove the Supreme Overlord-“

“Liv, shove him again, he can’t tell you what to do.” Tiger said loudly, glaring at Wolf. With a loud cry, Liv shoved Wolf again.

“Liv-“

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Liv screamed, pounding her fists on Wolf’s chest. She whipped around to Tiger. “I told you he should have come with us!”

“2162 has made you feisty, Liv.” Wolf chuckled lightly. Liv screamed again and punched Wolf in the arm. Wolf actually winced. “And stronger too.”

“Shut your rathole, Wolf.” Tiger narrowed her eyes at Wolf. “We need to get Josh. That Jeri bitch blew up again and the TTD got destroyed.”

“Her again? Head explode?”

“No, the rest of her. It was her head that was fine.” Tiger said, sounding skeptical of Wolf. “We’re officially trapped here. If we want to survive we need to be on a spaceship to Mars in two days.”

Wolf snorted, raising an eyebrow. Tiger stiffened. “We’re going to a sky sparkle? Ha, no thank you.”

Liv glowered up at him again. “2162 has made you an asshole.” She seethed.

Tiger took her keycuff bracelet off, offering it to Wolf. “Take this.” She demanded. “It’s a key to Stu’s compound, it will let you in no matter what.” Wolf scoffed and shook his head. “Wolf. This is serious.” Tiger pleaded.

“My name isn’t Wolf. It’s Torque.”

“Your name is Wolf.” Tiger snapped.

“Was. I was Wolf, then Corey Wolfhart, then Wolf again briefly, and now I’m Torque.” Wolf folded his arms. “Or if you want to be formal, His Eminence, the Supreme Overlord Wheelmaker, First of His Name.”

“Okay, Supreme Overlord,” Tiger’s tone was angry and condescending. “The planet’s about to be uninhabitable.”

“Don’t try and make me feel bad with your climate change lies, okay?” Wolf scoffed. “Everyone knows that scientists just made all that up because of…of the…” he searched his brain for why that could possibly be.

“So the NAG completely turned you into an idiot.” Liv snapped.

“Look, it sucks that your TTD was destroyed, but look around, this could be our new home.” Wolf held his arms up, gesturing into the night. “Come back to the NAG, you can see Josh,” he said to Liv. “And we can build a new home.” He said to Tiger.

Tiger and Liv both tensed. “I can’t do that.” Tiger muttered.

“Why not?” Wolf finally burst out. “Why? Why do you keep fighting this?”

Tiger shoved her hands into her pockets and dropped her gaze. Liv looked up at Tiger and shifted her feet uncomfortably, looking down at the sand too. In the uncomfortable silence, Wolf began to piece everything together. His face slowly became one of shock and disgust.

“The DMC gas…” he whispered. Liv stared off, swallowing thickly. “You’ve…you’re one of them…” he looked to Liv for confirmation. She wouldn’t meet his gaze.

“I’m still me…” Tiger lifted her gaze to his. He looked disgusted and terrified of her.

“You’re a Biotic. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Tiger felt a prick behind her eyes. “It wasn’t supposed to matter. We were supposed to come back to a time where this didn’t matter.”

“We come from a time when it does.” Wolf stated sharply.

Tiger let out a shaky breath. “I guess I just couldn’t take you looking at me…like that.”

“You’re a liar.” Wolf’s furious gaze turned to Liv. “And you’re just as bad as her. You knew!”

“We’re liars, Torque?” Liv lashed out. Wolf was taken aback. “You go home and lie every single day to that man’s family and his daughter.”

“Don’t you dare bring my daughter into his!” Wolf shouted.

“She’s not your daughter!” Tiger scoffed. Wolf swallowed, lips quivering in fury. “You know deep down that no matter how much you smile and charm them, their love is for someone else.”

Wolf walked right up to Tiger, standing over her. “At least I have someone else. Who do you have? Liv? I give it a few more hours before she bails on you.” He turned away and brushed past Liv, whose eyes were beginning to stream with hot, raging tears. He turned back, looking Liv straight in the eyes. “Josh is waiting for you.” Then he disappeared into the sage brush.

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man season 2 #Josh Futturman x OC

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heydorothea009 · 11 months ago

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Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Chapter 5: The Binx Ultimatum

Warnings: strong language

Liger

Liv screamed at Tiger the entire way back to the Mons. She used every swear word she could think of and kicked and thrashed as much as she could until Tiger put her down and grabbed her shoulders.

“I’m sorry I tore the happy couple apart, okay? I’m sorry you can’t get all cozy with each other. We’re on a mission, Josh is in danger.” Tiger’s fingers dug into Liv’s shoulders.

“I’m scared for him!” Liv shouted. “What if something happens? This isn’t about us as a couple, okay? This is about exactly that, he’s in danger!”

“He’s with Wolf.” Tiger said through clenched teeth.

“Who wants to stay here.”

Tiger drew in a sharp breath and squeezed her eyes shut. She grabbed Liv’s elbow and dragged her back to the Mons.

After threatening Cassin-E again, Tiger was able to drag Liv all the way to Eunice Hogeveen’s hab unit. She explained how she’d seen Dr. Hogeveen, who she had realized was also Athena, and had tried to kill her by throwing a knife at her through a window.

They barged into Dr. Hogeveen’s hab unit, finding no one. Liv jerked her elbow from Tiger’s grasp and stormed inside. Tiger stormed in after her.

They threw open drawers, looked inside an ottoman, but couldn’t find what they were searching for. Liv picked up a picture of Dr. Hogeveen posing with a young girl with purple hair. It was teenage TyAnne. Liv threw it on the ground, letting out an angry scream. Tiger immediately started trashing the place, feeling the same thing. She threw down chairs and pushed things off of tables.

She knelt down and picked up the picture and seethed, “Where’s my TTD, you FUCKING DICK SCAB?!” Tiger smashed the picture in rage.

Liv picked up a book and threw it at the wall with another scream. Tiger looked above where the book had smacked the wall, seeing a bulbous black orb attached where the wall and ceiling met. A camera. She squinted, an idea coming to her.

“We have to go back to Stu’s.” Tiger said, pointing up to the camera. “If anyone has access to all the camera footage, it’s him.”

Liv sighed and picked up another book. She knew they would eventually have to go back, but she didn’t want to. “Fine.” She chucked the book at the wall again.

They were able to enter Stu’s mansion with no problem, which made Tiger roll her eyes. He was probably a mess thinking she had abandoned him and this was his way of saying she was welcome back any time. Tiger and Liv rode in the gold elevator together in anxious silence.

They got out and beelined straight for the big main room. They could hear TyAnne’s voice as soon as the doors opened.

“No, daaaaad,” she whined. “She’s the worst and she brings out the worst in you!”

Stu stood on the platform with a big smile, smiling at Tiger as they marched in. “I don’t care.” He said to TyAnne.

“You,” Tiger pointed to TyAnne. “Out. You, turn your cameras on, we wanna spy on everyone.”

TyAnne glared at Tiger and hissed.

Jolf

After a late arrival to the NAG, Wolf had let Josh into his shop, and made him a bed under his workbench. Josh crashed hard. It was the best sleep he'd had in forever. That is, until he was slapped in the face repeatedly with a broom.

“Stray!” Pump yelled out, beating Josh with the broom. “Stray amongst the wheels! You filthy, filthy stray!” Josh darted out from under the workbench.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m with Wolf- uh, Torque!” He tried to explain through Pump thwacking him on the head.

“Stray!” Pump screamed again.

And that was how Josh was whisked away in a cart that had bars like a jail cell with no Wolf to save him. He knew he should have bolted and gone with Liv and Tiger.

Wolf walked into his shop to find Pump aggressively scrubbing the floors. Fuck.

“I can still smell Stray,” he mumbled. Wolf’s stomach dropped.

“What…what’s going on?” He looked around for Josh, but he was gone. Fuck.

“I was attacked by a filthy, dirty Stray I found lying around and contaminating our wheels this morning.” Said Pump.

Wolf swallowed hard as he looked around, trying to seem casual. Liv was going to kill him. Hell, Tiger was going to kill him too. “Wow…Stray, huh? Sounds like a tough morning. Just wondering, where is the filthy, dirty Stray?”

“ISE.” Pump said, standing up and looking proud of himself for handling the situation the way he did. Wolf tilted his head, needing Pump to elaborate. “Internal Stray Enforcement? They took him to the Smash Pit, which is far better than he deserves.” Pump scoffed. “What did the Strays ever do to earn such cushy lives?”

“Cushy, huh?” Wolf had a feeling that the Smash Pit wasn’t cushy at all.

“If I had my way, we would just execute all the outsiders.” Pump said with bright eyes.

“Uh huh, I’m familiar with your position on others.” Wolf turned towards the opening of his shop as something dawned on him. “But the NAG has bigger problems.” Walking to the shop, Wolf had seen people shitting and pissing in the streets. He hadn’t realized how underdeveloped their society was. He’d even seen someone tied to a post with the words “Weird Leaner” painted on their chest. “Problems like people being tortured for the way they lean,” Wolf looked out onto the NAG with his hands behind his back.

“Yeah, uh, then don’t lean weird?” Pump chuckled, brushing off the observation.

“Or how people defecate wherever they please,” Wolf added.

“What, you want them to hold it in?” Pump scoffed.

“Or how a wheel costs only one chit…but so does a house?” A chit was the form of currency used in the NAG.

Pump shrugged. “Well, it’s all part of Vise’s master plan.” He went about the shop.

“Vise?” Wolf turned his head.

Pump’s head popped up from behind the workbench. “Supreme Overlord of the NAG?” Wolf shook his head, indicating he didn’t know him. Pump shrugged again. “Well, we don’t see him much anymore, but he designed this whole place!” Pump grinned. “He’s a genius.”

“So,” Wolf’s mind was swirling with ideas. “Hypothetically, how does a guy talk to this…Vise?”

Pump popped up again. “Oh, you can’t just talk to Vise, you have to wait until a scroll sealed with red wax appears on your door summoning you for a visitation.”

“Right…” Wolf nodded. “But like…where’s his house?” Suddenly, Josh wasn’t his main priority.

Josh thought he’d seen it all. And then he got to the Smash Pit. He was thrown from the cart and into what looked like a jail courtyard in the desert filled with piles of old technology. He was grabbed by a guard and pushed into a small nook with a tattered curtain.

“Hello?” Josh called, confused and scared. “What am I doing here?” The guard pulled the curtain aside and threw a potato sack at him and shut the curtain again. Josh flinched, but caught it. It was for him to wear. Oh, they want me to change. He thought. It was not a potato sack, but it sure felt like one, it was a scratchy tan tunic.

He was dragged back into the courtyard where he saw people dressed just like him smashing big rocks down on calculators, landline phones, and many other things.

“Listen, um, I didn’t do anything wrong.” Josh said to the guard. “I was just sleeping on my friend’s floor and-“

“Strays are forbidden from making friends.” The guard interrupted.

“…what?”

“And humming.” The guard turned to point a finger at Josh.

“Okay…” Josh‘s eyes darted back around. “What’s all the smashing for?”

“Technology has been used to murder and oppress my people for generations,” the guard looked down at a panini press sitting on a workstation.

“…that’s a panini press.”

The guard slammed his bare hand down and shattered it. Josh looked terrified. “Not anymore. See, it is a tech-free building material now.” He picked it up and showed Josh the remains. “You will begin to understand in about five years.”

“Five- five years?!” Josh gaped at him. “No, no, no, okay, so this is very wrong. I am not a Stray.” He gestured towards himself.

“Right, that’s because you’re a Smasher now.” The guard said.

“No, no, I’m not a Smasher either, I’m just here visiting my friend Wo- Torque.” Josh pointed towards the chain link fence. The guard raised his eyebrows suspiciously. “So, we can just go into town, fix this all up-“

“You’re friends with Torque?” It was obvious that the guard didn’t believe him. “The Maker of Wheels, Father of Wagons?”

“Yeah? Yeah, that’s him. Do you know him?” The guard started laughing, Josh awkwardly joined in.

“Well enough to know he would never associate himself with a Stray like you.” He placed his hand on Josh’s shoulder as if he were going to pat him on the back, but then shoved Josh towards the other Smashers. “You will smash everything in this pile before the sun hits the third hole.” He demanded.

Josh stood, dumbfounded. He looked up at the sky, just to be blinded by the sun. “W-what?!” He looked back to see the guard leaving. “What does that mean, what hole? Is- is that a lot of time or…” he yelled after him, but was ignored. “…or a little time?” He finished quietly. He spun around in circles, looking for anyone he could ask. He spotted Binx, his fellow Stray, smashing down on a microwave. “Binx?” He made his way over to him. “Is that you? Oh my God, I’m so happy to see you…”

Binx turned to Josh, face contorted in misery. His right eye had been gouged from its socket, leaving a bloody hole in his face. Josh started, face falling and taking a step back in horror. Binx shook his head. “I should have never come here.” He bawled.

Liger

“Cameras? You want me to turn on my cameras?” Stu blinked a couple times, confused.

TyAnne wailed. “See dad?! She’s the worst!” She stomped her foot like a toddler throwing a fit before breezing past Liv and Tiger, giving a pointed glare straight over Liv’s head and right at Tiger.

“Liv and I have to see the camera footage.” Tiger folded her arms.

Stu sucked in a breath and shot Liv a nasty look, as if it were her idea, as if she’d put Tiger up to this. “And why would I give you access to that?”

“Because you aren’t safe.” Tiger said. Liv looked up at Tiger, confused. “There are terrorists and they’re planning to attack.” Liv understood Tiger’s angle.

“Tiger, I can’t just give you access to-“ Stu shook his head.

“But Stu,” Liv jumped in. “Have you considered this? They’re trying to kill you.” She snapped.

Tiger tilted her head towards Liv. “She makes a strong point.”

Stu exhaled impatiently, walking down the stairs of his platform and closer to Liv and Tiger. “Tiger, just because you have power, it doesn’t mean you should abuse it.” He said gently. “It’s an invasion of privacy.” His demeanor became awkward. “Oh, uh, so nothing ever happened with the Rolf guy? I figured when you’d left, you were going to see him, right?”

“Wolf.” Liv corrected under her breath.

“He is not what’s important here.” Tiger said loudly. Stu looked pleased. Liv rolled her eyes. “Liv and I need access to all your security footage.” There was a beat. “To keep you safe.” She added.

Stu blushed a little. “I’m really touched that you care, Tiger, I really am. When you ran off I was in a really dark place…”

“Okay, this should be bringing you to a dark place. How are you not more concerned?” Liv asked. Stu glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

“After the first few terrorist plots I was, but I have impenetrable security.” Stu bragged. “I’ll be fine. This Achilles is not a threat.”

“You know about Achilles?” Liv asked.

“There probably isn’t even an Achilles.” Stu gave her a condescending laugh, as if he were making fun of her for being so concerned. “These types of groups rely on mythology, in this case, apparently very literally.”

Tiger shook her head. “The Pointed Circle is different. Athena, who you would know as Dr. Hogeveen, was operating right under your nose this whole time.”

Stu’s face faltered. “Oh…” he swallowed thickly. “That one…stings.” He knitted his brows. “Who would have guessed that the live-in doctor would be so shady?”

Tiger and Liv shared a look of confusion, wondering if he truly meant his question. Tiger turned her head back to Stu. “We need to fire up every peeper box in every hab unit in the Mons.” She demanded. Stu looked at Tiger with shock written all over his face.

“This is war, Stu.” Liv added in a harsh voice.

“Yeah, do you think the terrorists are afraid to watch people pee in the shower?” Tiger lowered her voice.

“I’m not afraid. It’s just…” Stu trailed off. “…it’s a line I swore I would never cross.”

“Fine. Then this is a waste of my time.” Tiger lashed. “I came back here, honestly, because I care about you and our friendship.” Liv’s eyes widened and she side eyed Tiger.

She better be making this up. Liv thought, not even being able to hide her grimace.

Stu’s face softened and his eyes lit up. “So, Liv and I will just leave and we’ll do this without your help.” Tiger continued, putting a hand on Liv’s shoulder. “And you’ll never see me again. Probably not.” She looked down at Liv.

“Definitely not.” Liv nodded along, realizing Tiger was just manipulating him.

“Yeah, you know what, definitely not.” They turned to leave. Stu looked panicked.

“Would- would this be helpful?” He asked frantically, the room darkened as the window turned into camera feeds from all over the Mons.

Tiger stopped, grabbing Liv and turning her around. Her eyes shone with excitement. “Helpful?” Tiger’s face broke into a grin. “That is fucking beautiful.” They approached the enormous screen. Stu was blushing even harder as Tiger neared, eyes fixated hopefully on the screen.

Liv trailed behind, eyes darting all over the hundreds of different feeds. “We need to run facial recognition on Dr. Hogeveen and all known associates.” Liv said.

Tiger nodded in agreement. “I want archived footage going back two years, I want every conversation, every interaction, everything.”

Liv startled at the quiet whistle of the door glass doors behind them opening and looked over her shoulder. TyAnne stood there, glowering.

Jolf

Wolf had a lot of ideas swirling around in his brain as he got to the Smash Pit. He’d gone and talked to Vise, who challenged him to a “debat” (which Wolf knew meant debate) for even questioning his authority. This should have made him nervous, but it actually made him kind of excited. He couldn’t wait to share his ideas for how to make the NAG a better place, and besides, if he won, he’d be Supreme Overlord.

Wolf slowed as he walked along the edge of the chain link fence that fenced in the Smashers. “Josh.” He tried to call out quietly and not get a lot of attention. Several Smashers turned. “Oh…” Wolf shook his head. “Not you guys, I’m looking for a Josh Futturman?” The Smashers didn’t respond, they just went back to smashing. “Josh? Josh?” Wolf repeated as he slowly walked along the fence.

Finally somebody slammed their hands down. “Is there a Josh?!” They yelled. Several heads turned to look at who’d spoken.

“Josh?” “Who’s Josh?” “Are you Josh?” Rippled through the several Smashers that Wolf could see.

“Josh Futturman?” A distant voice asked. Wolf strained to see. Josh rounded a brown storage bin with his hand raised. “Is it for Josh Futturman?” His face lit up when he saw Wolf. “Oh God, Wolf!” He ran past the other Smashers, who didn’t seem to care, wearily going back to their work. “Oh Wolf,” Josh’s hands hit the fence. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“Hey buddy,” Wolf smiled, relieved that he was alive.

“Wolf, this place is horrible.” Josh panted, lowering his voice. “Half the people here have lockjaw from the tetanus, except they don’t call it lockjaw, they call it Smash Mouth. And they didn’t find it funny when I laughed.”

“Huh. I don’t get it either.” Wolf just blinked.

Josh sighed. “…so there’s this movie called Shrek-“

“Josh, listen, you’ve got problems, I’ve got problems,” Wolf interrupted. “My cluster’s all over my case right now and I’m running for Supreme Overlord now.” Wolf beamed proudly at that last part.

Josh blinked, confused. “Why? You need to be getting me out of here, okay? This place is awful.”

“No. It’s a fixer upper. Right now, the NAG is a slimy caterpillar, but can you guess what those turn into?”

“Of course, butterflies-“

“Birds. The NAG is just a bird that needs help out of its chrysalis.” Wolf folded his arms and nodded with pride. “And I’m going to help it.”

“Wolf, if you aren’t here to help me then why are you here?” Josh hit the chain link fence. “You should be helping me out of my…prison.”

Wolf sighed. “The ship of state turns slowly, once I’m Supreme Overlord, I WILL put Stray reform on the agenda.”

“Oh my God.” Josh groaned. “Wolf, you really just came here to tell me you’re running for president?”

“Supreme Overlord.”

“This guy, Binx, was here for only one day and he’s lost his eye, his hopes and dreams, and we call him Winx now. He cries blood! And he cries all the time!” Josh clung to the fence. “You have to get me out of here!”

“Come on, J1,” Wolf said encouragingly. “I came here to tell you I will get you out. The J1 I know can handle a day or two of smash action.”

“J1 can handle smash action!” Josh raised his voice, visibly upset. “I’m just a little concerned about the terrorists that want to kill me? Athena? Achilles?”

Wolf waved his hand. “None of those yahoos are in the NAG. You’re safe here.”

“That’s not the point! I shouldn’t even be in this place! I should be with Liv and Tiger succeeding with this mission!”

A flicker of a hurt expression crossed Wolf’s features, and Josh didn’t feel an ounce of guilt. “Look,” Wolf said calmly. “When I’m Supreme Overlord I will work to get you out of the pit. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. And also that I wanted to make you…” Wolf searched his brain for an official sounding ranking. “Deputy…Director of Stray Affairs. How does that sound?”

Josh’s face softened. “…not as good as the Director…”

Wolf gave him a smile and a thumbs up. “Awesome, Deputy.” He winked. Josh’s brows furrowed again. “Can’t get that with Tiger and Liv.” He started to back away.

“Wolf, you can’t be serious. You’re seriously going to leave me here alone?!” Josh cried. Wolf turned, still holding his thumbs up. “Don’t leave. Please don’t leave!” He hit the fence again. “I’m going to tell Liv and she’s going to hate you for being a dick to me!”

“Deputy!” Wolf reminded him optimistically as he sauntered back to the NAG. Josh stared off in disbelief.

Retreating back to the Smash Pit, no one looked at him. He found his way back to his pile, dread twisting inside him. Josh was not good at smashing things, he’d discovered. He kept smashing his fingers instead of what he was supposed to, and bits of metal kept flying up at his face.

It was a good thing there was a ton of junk lying around that he could fashion into makeshift armor. He spent two hours collecting stuff to make knee pads, heavy duty gloves, a chest plate, and goggles. He knew he most likely looked like a doofus when he put it all on, but he was proud of himself for being so resourceful.

He turned back to his pile to see every other Smasher gathered in front of him, waiting. “Oh,” Josh paused. “Um, you guys can go ahead and eat dinner without me, I’ll just finish up my pile.” He shooed them.

Binx- Winx stepped forward, wearing his own makeshift eyepatch, which was made out of some wire and a stove dial. “We can’t. We smash as one, we eat as one.” His voice wavered, he was about to cry. “I’m so hungry…” a bloody tear trickled down his cheek.

“Binx- uh, Winx, don’t cry,” Josh begged. Winx kept crying. “Oh, please don’t cry. I’ll- I’ll smash faster, okay? I’m sorry.” Josh scrambled for his rock, pounding in against a dented microwave. Winx stood over him, crying silently. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Josh repeated with each smash. Fuck the Smash Pit.

An eternity later, it was finally time for dinner. Josh was served some gloopy mush in a beat up can. He winced and looked up at the guard who’d shown him around earlier.

“Cheers,” he muttered, turning away and looking for a place to sit. The other Smashers quickly knocked the empty seats next to them over. No one wanted to sit next to the slowest Smasher.

Winx cried out. “It’s gloopy!” His one eye turned up to Josh, eyes angry and distraught. “It’s gloopy because you were so slow and we had to wait!”

“Winx, I’m sorry, I didn’t know-“

“How are they supposed to get it through their Smash Mouth now?” Winx pointed at those suffering from lockjaw, trying to push their spooks of mush through their mouth. Josh hung his head shuffled over to the corner of the eating area, sitting all by himself.

He took a big bite of the mush. It was gloopy and very hard to swallow. Josh forced it down and made a face, confused by the nutty aftertaste. He jolted upright. “Guys,” panic rose in his voice. “Are- are there nuts in this?” His question was answered the second his throat got tight. “Are there nuts in this?” He repeated, freaking out.

“There’s a nut in it.” The guard said.

Josh was wheezing. “Shit, shit, shit! This is bad, this is so bad!” He could feel his cheeks and lip ballooning up as he ran his hands over his face. “Help- help me!” He cried. Everyone else just stared at him, faces breaking into smirks as they snickered. “It’s not funny!”

Liger

It took all day to go through the camera feeds, yet Liv and Tiger still sat in front of the screen with their eyes glued to it. They were able to narrow down the majority of the Pointed Circle members, but they knew they were still missing people. Stu sat next to Tiger, bringing up all the pictures of the Pointed Circle members.

“None of these people ever interacted in front of my cameras,” he said. “The odds of that happening are twenty quintillion to one.”

“They gotta be using dead drops.” Tiger said, resting her elbows on her knees and squinting her eyes at the pictures swirling in front of her. “Let’s run a matching algorithm, cross-reference their movements. Wherever their paths cross, that’s where we’ll be able to pick up Athena’s trail.”

“That’s gonna take another few hours.” Stu said, somehow sounding tired. “When was the last time you slept?”

Tiger looked over at Liv, both their mouths hanging open as they tried to remember. “1951?” Tiger muttered.

“I think, like, 2017…” Liv muttered too.

“Maybe you should get some rest?” Stu gave Tiger a small, caring smile. He looked over at Liv and gave her a begrudging smile too. He got up and retrieved a box from a drawer. “These are for you.” Stu opened the box, which held two silver bracelets. “For both of you.” He added after hesitating. “These keycuffs will give you access to any area in the entire compound.” Stu ducked his head bashfully as Tiger took the box and held it between her and Liv. “Make yourself at home.”

Liv was shocked she even got one. Tiger looked just as surprised. “Thank you.” Tiger said, barely audible. “I’m-“ she hesitated, standing and avoiding eye contact with him. “I’m glad I came back.”

“Yeah, um, thanks.” Liv said awkwardly, fastening the cuff to her wrist.

Stu shrugged. “Well, if it makes Tiger happy, it makes me happy.” He had a tight lipped smile. Tiger touched Liv’s elbow, leading her out of the room with her. “Goodnight, Tiger!” He called after them.

Liv studied her keycuff as they walked back to their room. “That’s really nice of Stu to give us these.” She admitted. “I wonder why he didn’t before.”

Tiger shrugged. “Oh, you know, now that I told him he means something to me he’ll probably give us whatever we want.”

Liv side eyed Tiger. “But that’s just a ruse, right?”

Tiger nodded quickly. “Oh- oh yeah.” She fiddled with her keycuff. “And now because of that, we have more than just access to our room and the main room. Everyone say, ‘thank you, Tiger’.”

“Thank you, Tiger.” Liv mumbled as they approached their room. “Are we actually gonna sleep?” Her voice was hopeful.

Tiger shrugged as they walked in. “You know, you can, I think I’ll check out what the bathroom has to offer, huh? Treat myself to a bath.” She gave a small chuckle.

Liv let out a small laugh. “Okay, you treat yourself. I’m going to bed.”

Tiger gave Liv a pat on the head. “Goodnight.” She gave her a grateful smile. “Future Man’s friend.” Liv gave her a small smile back. “I’m…listen I really am sorry that Josh couldn’t come with us.” Tiger said just as she was about to turn and walk into the bathroom. “I really am just trying to keep him safe.”

“I know.” Liv said quietly. “I just wanted to keep him safe here. With me.”

“I know.” Tiger looked down at the ground. “I know how you feel.” Then she walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

Liv looked down at the floor and hugged her arms against herself. Tiger meant Wolf.

Liv crashed hard. Liv crashed so hard she didn’t even hear the intruder break into the room. She was curled up in the giant bed with the blanket pulled all the way to her chin. She was dreaming of home. Her sister, Kaitlyn, was in her dream. How she missed Kaitlyn.

“I haven’t seen you in forever! Tell me everything.” Dream Kaitlyn giggled, sitting across from Liv on the couch that was always covered in dog fur in their parents’ house. Liv’s family lived back in Arizona, where she’d grown up. She never thought she would miss Phoenix. She’d moved to California at 20 with big aspirations and all the support in the world from her family, hoping she would be a film student, a photographer, any of her interests, but instead, she got stuck working as a janitor for three years.

“Where do I start?” Liv laughed. Kaitlyn knew everything about Liv’s life. “The last time we left off-“

“You were working up the courage to tell Josh you love him!” Dream Kaitlyn poked Liv’s arm, but Liv didn’t feel anything.

“I was not!” She protested, laughing. “But-“ Liv’s laugh turned into a giddy giggle. “I did…tell him.”

“And?!” Her older sister squealed.

“We’re…” Liv stopped, reeling back. “We’re…” Liv hiccupped as a sob rattled her throat. “We’re in danger.” Kaitlyn didn’t even flinch. “Kaitlyn,” Liv reached for her sister, but couldn’t quite touch her. “Kate?” Liv felt her tears stream down her cheeks. “Kate, I need help!” She pleaded though she knew her sister couldn’t do anything to help her.

A splash and a loud scream ripped Liv straight from her dream. Liv shot straight up, eyes wide. Another wail came from inside the bathroom, a wail that Liv recognized immediately. She tumbled out of bed and surged into the bathroom. Tiger, naked in a bath of rose petals, held TyAnne, screaming and begging for forgiveness, in a headlock.

“What the fuck?!” Liv shrieked.

Tiger and TyAnne sat in bathrobes with Liv on a long white couch, sipping some warm honey lemon tea (imitation honey lemon tea).

“Sorry I tried to strangle you earlier.” TyAnne circled her finger over the rim over her mug. “I just had this urge, and it was…” she trailed off, rolling her eyes. TyAnne, who Liv had seen seething earlier when they were going through the camera feeds, had tried to devise a plan to strangle Tiger when her guard was down, like relaxing in the bath. Unfortunately for TyAnne, Tiger’s guard was never down. Tiger had instinctively reached back and thrown TyAnne over her head and into the water with her.

Tiger sighed. “Stop apologizing. I’m in your home wearing your clothes. If I were you, I’d try to kill me too.” She shrugged, sipping her tea.

“Why not try and kill me?” Liv asked curiously.

TyAnne looked over at Liv and reached out and touched her hand. “You’re nice.” TyAnne drawled, grinning nodding her head.

Tiger nodded into her tea. “I tried killing Liv but,” she looked at Liv out of the corner of her eye and smiled. “I dunno, she grew on me.”

Liv let out a quick laugh. “Thanks Tiger, you really grew on me too.”

TyAnne bobbed her head. “You’re nice and I liked your funny joke about ants.” She giggled. Liv had forgotten about that. “I don’t like her because she’s mean and doesn’t make funny jokes.”

Tiger took another refreshing sip of tea. “Well, don’t worry, there’s only one more thing to do and then I’m gone. Well, Liv is too, but…I’ll be gone.”

TyAnne looked over at Tiger. “Promise?” Tiger nodded. “Okay, well, maybe before you go you could, like, I dunno…” TyAnne spoke so fast that her words ran together.

“Teach you to strangle to completion?” Tiger smirked. TyAnne nodded sheepishly. Liv and Tiger laughed together. “Felt good, didn’t it?” Tiger grinned. TyAnne nodded again, grinning from ear to ear.

Jolf

Josh wheezed himself to sleep that night. The bed was uncomfortable, but at least he’d be able to sleep. He was startled awake when a blade pressed against his throat. His eyes flew open and he saw Winx and the other Smashers leering down at him.

“Smashers have a code!” Winx spat. “It’s called the Smasher Code, and it’s unsmashable.” Josh felt the blade press harder into his throat. “We’re only as strong as our weakest Smasher, you.”

“I’m sorry-“

“Smash faster, Nut Breath.” Winx retracted the knife.

The other Smashers quietly jeered, repeating “Nut Breath” as they retreated with Winx. Josh let out a shaky gasp. He didn’t sleep well the rest of the night.

The next morning, Josh feverishly smashed away. He slammed a keyboard against his knee, breaking it in half. He dropped a portable stereo on the ground and jumped on it until some of the buttons popped off. He slammed Tamagotchi against the metal of the tiny work table until it started to cave. He blindly reached down for the next object in his pile and picked up a robotic puppy toy, steadying it on the workstation and readied his smashing rock. Something in the robotic puppy’s dead eyes made him stall. He tilted his head in the same direction the puppy’s head was tilted. It reminded him of a toy he’d had as a kid, he couldn’t smash that. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Josh looked both ways, making sure no one was looking. He lowered his rock slowly, stowing the puppy under his workstation and covering it with a small sheet of canvas.

That night, he waited until everyone was asleep before tiptoeing back out into the Smash Pit and retrieving his new friend. The entire day he’d begun to stash other things under his workstation, screws, screwdrivers, a flashlight, anything he could use to fix up the toy. He’d stolen a crate from Winx’s workstation when he wasn’t looking to hold everything. He snuck the crate full of his stuff into the community bedroom, quickly sliding onto his pallet of a bed and throwing the blanket over himself. He turned on the flashlight and sorted through everything in his crate. An excited feeling bubbled inside of him as he got to work.

He whisper-sung to himself quietly as he worked. “Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me,” he sang under his breath as he unscrewed the panel on the back of the puppy toy. He looked at the foot and read the name of the robot. “Pup-E.” He whispered. “Cute.” He flipped Pup-E back over and pried open the panel, sticking the screwdriver in his mouth, continuing to hum the song. “Come Sail Away” by Styx was one of Gabe’s, Josh’s dad’s, favorite songs. Josh missed him so much.

As Josh hummed the chorus, he felt somebody thwack him on the head. The screwdriver fell from his mouth as he jumped. “No humming!” Somebody hissed. It was the guard.

Josh wasn’t sure when he’d fallen asleep, but he’d dozed off under his blanket with Pup-E next to him. He’d only realized he’d fallen asleep when a bag was thrown over his head and he was wrangled from his bed. Josh screamed for help.

“Oh my God! Oh God!” He tried to thrash, squirm, anything, but several people held his arms, legs, even his head. “The Pointed Circle! Help me!” He couldn’t see anything, but he could hear the sound of people running, the sound of people shouting. It was the other Smashers! They pried the captors off of Josh, leaving him to topple down on the ground. As he struggled to get off the bag that was tangled around his head, he could hear the commotion of the Smashers quite literally smashing away at the captors. Someone grabbed the bag and lifted it off of Josh’s head easily. The Pointed Circle members must have retreated.

Josh looked up in dismay. “…Winx? Why did you save me?”

Winx nodded at him. “You’re one of us.”

Josh’s lips turned upward into a small grin. “The Smasher Code…”

Winx did the same. “It’s unsmashable.”

Wolf had never been more ready for the debat- debate. He’d put together flashcards that he could reference in case he got nervous and needed help. He shuffled through his flashcards, quietly reading them back to himself. Lugnut, his twelve year old daughter, came bounding up to him with a big smile and something in her hand. Lugnut was the only one in his whole cluster who believed in him.

“Whatcha got there, sweetie?” Wolf asked, smiling down at her. She opened her hand to show him a pin she’d made for him resting on her palm.

“Can I put it on for you?” She asked. Wolf nodded. She stood on her tiptoes and clipped it to his shirt. “I’m putting it over your heart, to protect you.” She smiled sweetly.

A good luck charm. Wolf looked down at her with soft eyes. “Thank you.” He whispered, tucking her blonde hair behind her ear. Hatchet, Lathe, Thimble, Level, and Rake, his wives and husbands, walked up to him together, clinging onto each other. They were extremely worried about Wolf going into this, worried that he might lose. No matter how hard Wolf assured them he knew what he was doing, they didn’t seem sure.

“Are you sure you’re prepared?” His husband, Lathe, asked, face pale with worry. “Did you put together your cabinet?”

Wolf smirked. “I like the way you’re thinking, Lathe.” He looked at his cluster, beaming. “Yeah, yeah I’ve got some fresh ideas,” he smirked again. “And some fairly unconventional ones too.”

His wife, Thimble, made a face when she saw the cards in his hand. “…you’re not using cards up there, are you?”

Wolf shoved the cards into his pocket. “You’re right, you’re right, gotta speak from the heart.” He patted his pocket reassuringly. “Nobody likes a nerd.” He laughed. His cluster didn’t laugh. “Listen, um, if cornered, what are Vise’s weaknesses?”

“His knees!” His wife, Level, answered quickly.

Wolf cocked his head in confusion, wondering what going after Vise’s knees would help him with in a political debate. “Well, okay…” he flashed them a sweet smile. “Listen, I love you guys, but you’re garbage political strategists.”

Wolf made his way to the platform where the debat was being held. Vise stood there already, eyes wild. He had a scar on his head where he’d had to tear out part of his brain. He was the only person to ever survive being myrmed that Wolf had heard of. That was why the NAG was so discombobulated, because the man behind the rules and laws was just as discombobulated.

“Are you ready for the debat?!” A voice yelled enthusiastically. “Meet your candidates! First, the Supreme Overlord, Vise Myrmbeater!” The forming crowd cheered. “And the challenger, Torque Wheelmaker!” The crowd cheered again, some people booed. Wolf raised his hands to greet the crowd as he jogged up the steps. He turned to Vise and held out a hand for a good natured handshake.

“I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.” Wolf said encouragingly.

Vise scowled. “Share them in the dark void of death, Wheelmaker the throne snatcher!” Wolf retracted his hand, looking confused.

“Candidates, take your positions.” The announcer yelled. “Let the debat begin!”

Vise threw off his cape, revealing a plethora of weapons strapped to his body. Wolf raised an eyebrow and glanced at the crowd, who he realized now was chanting, “Death battle! Death battle!” Over and over again.

Wolf squinted, trying to understand. “Death battle…” he repeated to himself. He looked back at Vise, who was bent over a cabinet, retrieving two swords. “Oh…death battle. De-bat…I missed a lot of cues here.” He muttered, taking a step back as Vise turned to him sharply, murder in his eyes.

“Torque, arm yourself from your cabinet!” He heard someone yell at him from the crowd. He looked and saw Pump shoving his way forward. Wolf turned and opened his cabinet, finding it empty. He was realizing now what Lathe had meant by cabinet.

“I misunderstood everything!” Wolf yelled, spinning back around to face Pump and the crowd. “I don’t- uh-“ Vise swung and missed Wolf as he ducked. “Look, I didn’t come here to kill anyone.” Wolf projected for the audience to hear. The crowd began to boo, even the ones who weren’t booing before. “Now, I have a few points prepared if you would just listen!”

Vise lunged again. “Say your prayers, Wheelmaker!” Wolf dodged his attempt.

“Put the sword down, let’s talk this out.” Wolf said, arms in front of him defensively. “Take it easy.”

“I’ll take it easy on your head!” Vise raised the sword again.

Wolf caught Vise’s head as he barreled at him, trying to drive his sword into him. Vise, who was old and had half a brain, struggled in confusion as Wolf held him at an arm’s distance. Vise dropped his sword and tried hitting Wolf unsuccessfully.

Wolf looked out into the screaming audience. “For a century, our people were at war!” Wolf yelled, reciting the speech he’d been working hard on. Vise tried to run at Wolf again, but his head just rammed into his hand. “But for two decades we’ve lived above ground!”

“Will you yield, sir?!” Vise yelled, lamely swinging his arms in another failed attempt to hit Wolf.

“We must move our minds above ground as well!” Wolf continued. Wolf let Vise go, letting him crash head first into the ground as he tried to lunge for Wolf’s legs. Wolf just sidestepped him.

“This is how you decide who you want to lead?!” Wolf yelled, gesturing towards Vise, who was scrambling awkwardly to his knees. “A death battle between a sand-brained POW and a half-brained elder?!”

The crowd cheered, “Yeah!”

“No!” Wolf shouted in response. Vise turned back to Wolf, holding his sword. He cried out and leapt towards him, Wolf instinctively caught him and held him in a headlock. “Hear me, people of the NAG! I offer real change!” Vise clamped his teeth down on Wolf’s hand. Wolf shoved him down. Vise regained his balance, spinning back towards Wolf, sword swinging down.

“Die usurper!” He screamed in rage, attacking Wolf to the ground.

Clamp had been the first person that Torque had pitched a wheelbarrow to, she was his friend. But when Athena had told her to shoot him, she didn’t question it. Her duties lie with the Pointed Circle. She pushed her way through the screaming crowd as Athena instructed her in her earpiece.

“When you have the shot on Torque, take it.”

Clamp rushed up the steps of a nearby shack and to an opening that would give her a clear shot straight to the stage where Torque and Vise fought.

“Copy, Athena.” She obeyed, readying her crossbow. She pulled her hood further over her face and aimed at Torque’s heart.

She let the arrow fly, just as Vise and Torque went tumbling to the ground. The screaming crowd slowed, gasping replaced the screams.

The crowd lost their minds as Vise fell limp against Wolf as they tumbled down to the ground together. Wolf’s eyes were wide as he realized the pin Lugnut had pinned to his heart was digging into his chest. Vise didn’t move. Wolf shoved him off, realizing there was an arrow protruding all the way through Vise’s back and out his chest. Lugnut’s pin had saved him from being stabbed. He jumped to his feet looking around frantically for anyone who could have possibly shot that arrow. The crowd was still going nuts.

“Holy fucking shit…” he muttered. He felt something wrap over his shoulders, and looked back to see Pump had climbed onto the stage and was wrapping Vise’s Supreme Overlord cape around him. The crowd began chanting his name. He spotted his cluster chanting the loudest and celebrating the hardest. The look on Lugnut’s face was all worth it.

Pump bent over Vise, touching his wound and turning back to the crowd with Vise’s blood all over his finger. “Supreme Overlord Vise is dead!” He scribbled the blood over Wolf’s forehead and grabbed his hand victoriously. “Long live Supreme Overlord Torque!” He raised Wolf’s hand and the crowd went wild.

A/N: hey guys, remember when I said I was gonna be better at uploading? I lied and I’m so sorry!! I promise to keep updating, it’ll probably be kinda sporadic but, hey, it’ll keep you guys on your toes!! It’ll be a surprise every time :p

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man season 2 #Josh Futturman x OC

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heydorothea009 · 1 year ago

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Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language, mentions of sex and masturbation, lots and lots of dead Joshes

Chapter 4: J1: Judgement Day

Liv had never moved so fast in her life, almost clobbering Josh to the ground. Josh let her almost clobber him, they just sank into each other, crying.

“How are you here?” Liv held him close.

“Very long story,” Josh buried his face into her neck, taking this moment in. “Very, very long story.” They held each other, breathing shakily and sniffling. They pulled apart and looked at each other. Liv leaned in. “I wouldn’t kiss me if I were you, Wolf just gave me bean juice and it tasted awful.”

“I don’t care.” Liv breathed out, kissing Josh. He sank into the kiss. His lips were cracked and dry, and he was right, he tasted similar to nasty, old, bitter coffee, but Liv didn’t care. She never thought she would see him ever again.

Tiger joined Wolf’s side. “Hey,” she said.

“Hey,” he responded quietly. “How’d you get in? I thought no outsiders were allowed?”

“I found some tunnels.” Tiger leaned against a wooden counter. “How’d you find him?” She nodded at Josh.

“He was brought here as a Stray.” Wolf told her. “He got kidnapped by time terrorists.”

“Oh my God, what?!” Liv pulled away from Josh’s embrace, overhearing Wolf. “Is that what happened?”

“Yeah,” Josh sighed, nodding wearily. “They told me that I was a savior and I believed it- is that water?” He pointed to Liv’s canteen.

“Yes- oh God, are you dehydrated? Drink the whole thing.” Liv generously unscrewed the cap off her canteen and let Josh gulp down all the water. “Sorry, it probably tastes like bathroom sink water.”

Josh drank up every single drop and gave it back to Liv, gasping for air. “I was dying out in the desert earlier today, that was the best water I’ve ever had.” He panted.

Liv looked at him for a moment, eyes full of concern, before pulling him into another tight embrace. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I’m so, so, sorry, I’m never letting you go.”

Josh held her tighter as well. “I thought I lost you.” He whispered back.

Wolf sputtered and looked up at the ceiling, holding back tears. Tiger looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. “I didn’t have enough time to mentally prepare myself for this reunion, okay?” He cleared his throat awkwardly.

“This is very sweet, it really is, but we have to get out of here.” Tiger pushed herself off the table. Liv and Josh broke apart. “Liv and I will show you guys the way out and then we’re going to go get our TTD.”

Tiger led the way, Liv followed close behind with Josh at her side whenever the tunnels were wide enough, and Wolf was behind them.

“There’s a light up ahead.” Tiger announced. They were at Liv’s least favorite part of the tunnels; the crawl space.

“Thank God,” Josh panted.

“After that, it's another mile or so.” Tiger added. Josh deflated.

“Do you know how many wheels I’ll have to sell to pay for this little field trip?” Wolf grumbled from the back. Liv looked back at Josh, and they exchanged annoyed looks. They were starting to realize that Wolf had seemingly (somehow) fallen in love with the NAG, and didn’t seem too keen on having to leave.

“It’s not a field trip, Wolf.” Josh said. “We’re on a mission to the cave.”

Josh kept insisting that he saw Tiger’s TTD in the cave when he was captured by The Pointed Circle. Tiger kept brushing him off and saying things like, “Liv and I buried it,” or “it’s safe,” or “don’t be an idiot, Josh.”

“That’s impossible.” Tiger snapped.

“Maybe this Pointed Circle has their own TTD?” Liv suggested.

“No, there’s no other TTDs or Cameronium in this timeline.” Tiger said.

“…how the fuck did we do that?!” Josh groaned.

“Yeah…” Wolf said guiltily in the back. “That one might be on me.” Tiger halted, forcing everyone to stop. She craned her neck to look over her shoulder and waved Liv and Josh out of the way so she could glare at Wolf.

“Why the fuck would you do that, Wolf?” She grumbled.

“Back in the 80s,” Wolf started. Everyone else groaned. Wolf ignored them. “Me and Arnold used to work out together.” He paused. “Schwarzenegger.” He added with a hint of boastfulness in his voice. “He set me up with a little office on the Paramount lot, saying I was the only one he could trust with his scripts, which is how I got my hands on a little gem called “T2: Judgement Day”. And judge I did.” He chuckled at the memory. Tiger, Liv, and Josh looked at each other and sighed, realizing Wolf was just going to keep talking, so they stopped and sat against the wall. “It was a firecracker, blowing up the way we think about sci-fi, it was also frighteningly prescient about the realities and dangers of time travel. So I burned it and convinced Arnold that he shouldn’t do a sequel because true artists never repeat themselves. Eventually, our old buddy Jim Cameron came by to ask me in person,” he scoffed. “It was pathetic. He really needed a win after ‘The Abyss’. He said T2 could be his ticket back to the bigs.” He smirked.

“Oh Wolf, what did you do?” Liv asked nervously, pulling her knees into her chest.

“I got a little something I like to call pre-venge. ‘Course, he had neither built nor conceived Sigorn-E, but I knew, and I knew the hell he would eventually put her through.” Wolf said, passionately jabbing his finger against the concrete floor of the tunnel to get his point across. He gave a short laugh. “He must have been so confused.” There was a moment of silence as the other three tried to gauge whether or not Wolf’s story was over.

“Wolf, that's hardly what I would call a proportionate response.” Said Josh, finally.

“Well, at the time I was doing a lot of butt cocaine.” Wolf said.

“Okay. Well, in that case, Tiger, I definitely saw your TTD then.” Josh said, looking at Tiger.

“No. No way, I buried it somewhere they will never find, right Liv? Next to the unreadable sign.”

And right next to the unreadable sign was a giant hole where the TTD used to be buried. The four of them stood over the hole.

“Son of a bitch.” Tiger swore. “Liv, I told you this was a bad spot.” She stomped away.

Liv furrowed her brows and held her hands out defensively. “I didn’t…” she tried defending herself. “Whatever.” She groaned.

“New plan,” Tiger circled back. “We’re going to Josh’s cave to get back our TTD.”

Josh thought for a moment. “No, we’ll have to do more than that. We created this timeline, and now everyone here is in danger. I think we owe it to this world to try and save them.”

“What’s there to save them from?” Wolf interrupted. “No one’s fighting, we’re above ground. This place fuckin’ rules.”

“First of all, no it doesn’t,” Josh said, shaking his head. “Second of all, I told you, Wolf, there is a war coming, I heard it.”

“Woah, what?” Liv shook her head and her hands, confused. “Back up.”

“When I was kidnapped by The Pointed Circle I overheard them say a war was coming and that’s why they kidnapped me, supposedly I’m still the Savior and they were going to try and kill me to stop it, or something.” Josh tried to explain. “I was trying to tell Wolf that earlier.”

“You heard it through a vent wearing a piss-stained bed sheet.” Wolf retailed.

Josh clenched his jaw and looked away. “The point is, we are Time Warriors now.”

Tiger cocked her head. “Time- Time Warriors?” Her voice was full of judgment.

“Yes! Time Warriors!” Josh sounded exasperated. “We travel through time fighting for justice.” Tiger made a face, Wolf just looked confused.

“That sounds kinda cool.” Liv said quietly, trying to sound optimistic.

Tiger sighed. “Okay, Time Warrior, point us in the direction of the cave you escaped from.”

Josh looked around for a moment. “Um…” he looked up at the sky and then over his shoulder. “That’s gonna be kinda hard…”

Tiger shoved past him and took charge. “That’s what I thought, let’s go.”

Wolf shook his head as he pushed past Josh. “Pathetic, Futturman.” He muttered.

“You guys thought I was dead earlier, you could be nicer to me.” Josh said. Liv grabbed Josh’s hand to lead him in the direction that Tiger and Wolf were headed.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m happy you’re here.” She shrugged, trying to sound sweet and sentimental.

Josh let out a heavy sigh and begrudgingly followed. They followed Tiger, who kept stopping to stick a finger in her mouth, pull it out and hold it into the air, and then lick her finger again and take a long pause, looking deep in thought. She did this for a sixth time, and the other five times the same thing happened, Tiger would stop abruptly and Liv, Josh, and Wolf would all bump into each other.

“This way.” Tiger finally said, making a left.

“I can’t stop wondering, if we incinerated all of Kronish’s research, I don’t understand how Stu was able to still find a cure.” Josh said, sticking by Liv’s side, their hands intertwined.

“I never thought about that…” Liv mumbled, stiffening.

“What I don’t understand is how you wandered in a circle most of the day and didn’t realize it.” Tiger retaliated.

“Sorry, Tiger, I was dying.” Josh huffed.

Tiger slowed, looking down at the ground. “And there’s a hole where you drank your own pee…”

“Oh my God!” Liv cried, pulling her hand away from his and covering her mouth. Josh’s eyes bugged out and he shook his head.

“No…” Tiger studied the ground again, crouching down. “Tried to drink your own pee.” She pinched some of the dirt and felt it between her fingers.

“That- that is totally not what happened!” Josh defended himself.

“These claw marks,” Tiger pointed at the shallow hole, finger marks evident in the dirt. “You were so desperate to try and save even just a drop.” She looked up at Josh. “You hesitated, that was your downfall.” She stood up and started walking again.

Even in the dark, it was obvious that Josh’s face was bright red. “That’s gross, Josh.” Liv said, disgusted.

“I was dying!”

Wolf chased after Tiger. “Tiger! There’s a bunch of people to see when you get back to the NAG!” He said excitedly. “Muskrat, well, now you’ll know him as Flathead…”

Liv and Josh walked slightly behind. “I thought you were dead.” Josh said after a silent moment, slipping his hand into hers. “I was scared that you were dead.”

“I thought you were dead too.” Liv said, voice breaking.

“I went to an asylum,” Josh said quietly. Liv looked over at him, eyes wide. “I was there for a year.” He swallowed thickly. He drew in a shaky breath. “I would dream-” his voice caught in his throat.

“Josh…” Liv tightened her grip on his hand, a way to let him know she was there and she was real.

Josh cleared his throat. “I would dream about you, about us, back at Kronish Labs, and everything was normal, and I’d wish that I had never played that stupid game. And- and then one day, I laid in my bed and I saw this light, like the lightning flashes from the TTD, and then…I was here.”

“Oh my God…” Liv whispered, voice shaking. “Josh, I’m so sorry.”

“But I did it.” He looked at Liv with a solemn smile. “I blew up the Kronitorium…and it fixed nothing.”

Liv gave a grim smile and kicked at a rock as they walked. “I guess not.”

“But, you’re alive.”

“But we’re both alive.” Liv bumped her shoulder into his. “And you almost had to drink your own piss to stay that way.”

Josh let out a breathy laugh. “But I didn’t, and then I got kidnapped again and brought to the NAG and Wolf had to save me.”

“You’ve had a rough day.” Liv half heartedly joked.

“Yeah,” Josh chuckled. “Yeah, kinda. What have you been up to?”

“Tiger and I found this place called the Mons and met this timeline’s version of her. She’s really annoying, but she gave me these clothes.” Liv said. “Her name’s TyAnne. Oh!” She gasped and grabbed Josh’s arm. “And guess who’s still around? Stu Camillo.”

Josh gasped. “What?”

Liv laughed. “Yeah! He’s some kind of hologram? And he’s TyAnne’s adopted father, and Stu has some weird crush on Tiger.”

Josh shook his head in disbelief, laughing too. “He’s so weird! What? So, Stu really is still around? I was so confused why everyone kept asking me what I knew about Stu Camillo.”

“Yeah!” She laughed. Josh couldn’t help but grin as he listened to her talk. She was still the same Liv. Even in 2162, even after the trauma they’d gone through, she was still Liv. And he loved her.

“Hey,” Wolf said, turning his head to look back at Liv to include her in the conversation. “How’d you find those tunnels to the NAG?”

Before Liv could say anything, Tiger spoke up. “Oh, just poked around, we discovered the Mons-“

“The Mons?” Wolf repeated. “Did you guys wet your blade on some Biotic blood?” He asked, sounding intrigued.

“Uh,” Tiger waved her hand. “No, Bio-Techs are not the same as Biotics, very big difference. Spelled differently and they aren’t hunting humans, they’re going to Mars.”

Wolf and Josh both looked confused. “Sounds like you two got awful chummy over there with the Chopes.” Wolf said.

“Woah.” Josh held out a hand. “I don’t know what that word means but it sounds racist.”

“Stands for ‘Chosen People’.” Wolf explained. “They control the government, the money, and the weather, that’s what they told me in the NAG.”

“That’s making it worse.” Josh said, rolling his eyes. His eyes landed on a ridge that he recognized. “Wait, I recognize this place.” He said, grabbing Liv’s hand. “The cave is just up here.” Tiger and Wolf kept walking, Wolf seemed to be talking at Tiger and her body language was defensive.

“Guys, come on!” Liv yelled as she and Josh walked up to the top of the ridge.

“What’s their deal?” Josh asked, looking down as Tiger and Wolf ignored them. “What? They get in a fight?”

“No,” Liv sighed, putting her hands on her hips. “But I think Tiger’s upset at Wolf because he’s become so obsessed with the NAG and she can’t- doesn’t want to go with him.” Liv’s face flushed red.

“I hated the NAG and I was there for a couple hours.” Josh mumbled. “Guys, come on!” Josh yelled. “I can see it, it’s right over here!” Josh called to them.

Wolf and Tiger looked up at them finally. “Give us a second.” Wolf responded.

Liv rolled her eyes and Josh threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. “Unbelievable,” he murmured. “I blew up that stupid lab for them, I did all this shit for them and this is how they treat me-“ Josh stopped complaining and stared past Liv’s head. He thought he saw something.

“…what?” Liv asked, looking confused.

“Nothing, I think my eyes are just playing tricks on me.” Josh shook it off. “I’m-“

Figures darted out of the bushes behind Liv and covered her mouth with a cloth. Before he had time to yell, his world went dark as a burlap sack was thrown over his head.

Liv tried to scream as she struggled against her attackers, but her vision started to grow hazy, and against her will, her eyes closed and everything went dark. The figures dropped her to the ground and helped the others haul Josh away.

Down at the bottom of the hill, Tiger and Wolf had begun arguing. “Our present is now.” Wolf stated.

“I vote we go.” Tiger said through clenched teeth.

“I vote we stay.” Wolf demanded immediately after.

“Fine. We’ll ask Liv and Josh.” Tiger glared at him.

“They don’t get full votes.” Wolf glared right back.

“Half.”

“Third.”

Tiger rolled her eyes.

“Liv!” Wolf yelled, turning to look up to where Liv and Josh had been standing. “Futturman!” They weren’t there. Tiger and Wolf groaned and started marching up the hill.

“They went on without us, see what happens when we don’t work as a team?” Tiger grumbled.

“Maybe we should be proud that they felt confident enough to-“ Wolf stopped in his tracks, making out Liv’s body at the top of the hill. “Oh fuck,” he broke into a sprint. “Oh fuck, Liv!”

Tiger’s heart dropped. “What- what happened to her?” She sprinted after Wolf.

“They killed Liv!” Wolf wailed. “They killed her and they took Josh!” He ran up to Liv’s unconscious form. “No wait,” he checked her pulse. “She’s okay. She’s okay, Tiger!” Wolf gave her two thumbs up. “She’s just passed out!”

Tiger stopped running and looked up at the sky, trying not to lose her patience with him. “Then where’s Josh?” She stomped up to his side as he scooped Liv up like a ragdoll.

Wolf shrugged and looked around. “I dunno, but she’s going to lose her damn mind when she wakes up.”

Tiger groaned. “New mission, find the TTD and save Josh.” She scoured the area around them. “They dragged him that way,” she pointed in the direction of Josh’s drag marks. “He didn’t put up much of a fight.” Lo and behold, the opening of the cave is where the marks led to, Josh had been right, it was just right there.

“This is your fault,” Wolf complained, gently adjusting his hold on Liv. “You got distracted drinking the Mons’ Kool-Aid, and you dragged her into this too. I could smell it on both of you.”

Tiger whipped around, scowling. “Huh. What’s Kool-Aid? Don’t care. We’re about to go into battle, so put her down and let’s use this hostility, everyone knows the best charge is a hate charge.” Tiger steadied her hands on a rock, facing away from him.

Wolf grimaced as he realized what she meant. She wanted to charge up. He felt guilty, thinking of his wives and husbands back in the NAG.

“Wolf, Liv’s knocked out, it’s fine.”

Wolf looked around, grumbling. This was what they did, so it was fine right? It didn’t mean anything. His wives and husbands didn’t have to know. Right? Guilt still ate at Wolf.

Wolf paced away. “I can’t, I’m married now.” He looked wistfully over the desert. “Two beautiful husbands, three handsome wives, and our little daughter, Lugnut.” He looked over at Tiger with a small grin. “Our pride and joy. I see a lot of Liv in her.”

Tiger made a face. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well, it may be crazy to think that a man can only have sex with five people for the rest of his life, but Goddammit I want to try.” Wolf said passionately.

“You wanna go ahead and wash that bullshit out of your mouth?” Tiger deadpanned.

“Did you know that charging doesn’t have to be painful at the start?” Wolf asked.

“Uh, yeah, it does.” Tiger sounded condescending. “It’s the friction that starts up the fire.”

“No. There’s a thing called ‘pre-sow-play’.” Wolf looked off dreamily. “We kiss, and…we hug…feel some hot breath on your neck…”

Tiger shook her head and looked disgusted. “No…no…” she groaned uneasily. “You’re just…touching rat holes?”

“That’s yesterday’s timeline.” Wolf glowered at Tiger. “We eat beans now. And yes, I put my bean hole over every inch of my lovers.”

Tiger shuddered and gagged at the thought. “Well, now I’m going to go self-charge, thanks to you, dickhead. Stay with Liv.” She began to storm off into the bushes. She spun around before adding, “And don’t make me feel guilty for taking too long, that’ll only make me take longer.” Then she flipped him off and stomped away.

Wolf rolled his eyes and gently set Liv on the ground. That’s when she stirred. “Woah, woah, hey,” Wolf whispered gently.

She inhaled deeply and her eyes shot open. “Wolf?” She sounded confused.

“Hey, Liv,”

“What happened, where’s-“ it hit her and she shot up. “Where did they take Josh.” She demanded to know.

“So,” Wolf winced. “So, we weren’t paying attention to you and Josh, so I was kinda hopin’ you would know-“

“Wolf-“ Liv’s voice raised. Wolf covered her mouth.

“Okay, listen, Tiger’s gotta self-charge before we go and find Josh, so we gotta stay quiet.” He whispered. “She’s very particular.”

Liv looked wild eyed and confused for a moment before batting Wolf’s hand away. “Tiger’s masturbating cannot be that important right now.” She hissed. Wolf pressed his lips together and widened his eyes in a way that told her he was thinking the same thing. She tried to stand, but felt a little woozy.

“Careful, careful,” Wolf helped her up. “Did you hit your head?”

“I don’t know,” Liv started to hyperventilate. “But we have to hurry, Josh said that those people tried to kill him and-“

“It’ll be okay,” Wolf assured her.

Josh was not okay. He was, but he knew wasn’t going to be. He sat on the bed in the same cell that he’d been in days earlier, bouncing his leg anxiously. What were they going to do to him? How were they planning on killing him? How would he get out? The door opening startled him. Athena walked in.

“You gave us quite the scare.” She said in her silky voice.

“You know, if you were gonna murder me, why go through the trouble of making me feel like a hero?” Josh spat.

Athena stood firmly in front of him as the cell door shut. “Fine. You’re not a hero, you’re a tool.”

Josh’s brain stuttered for a moment. “Does…that have the same meaning here as it did in my time?”

Athena cocked an eyebrow stoically. “What does it mean in yours?”

“Like…like a dumb idiot?”

“Well, in that case, you’re more of a tool than I thought.” Athena said. It had the cadence of a joke, but Josh didn’t find it funny. “You’re that, but also a blunt instrument we intend to use to carry out a task.” Josh frowned at her comment. “You do have some fighting spirit. You escaped, but had the sense to come back when you realized the certain death the desert held.” She paced in front of him, hands behind her back. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. “That’s more than I can say for the first Josh. He’s probably dead by now.” Josh frowned more, eyebrows knitting together. The first Josh? “Your death will not be so ignominious like his, wrapped in a bedsheet, burned to death by the unforgiving sun.”

“Meaning…” Josh had never heard the word “ignominious” before.

“It means undignified.” Athena projected loudly. “Your death will bring down the Camillo Machine and humanity will once again control its own fate.”

“Led by you.” Josh glared at her.

“No, led by Achilles.” Athena corrected. “We all serve Achilles.” She stopped in front of Josh. “And now, we’ve learned our lesson. When we strap you to the chair, we’ll be using child-sized restraints. Your slender wrists won’t save you this time.” She gave him a condescending smile as she left the cell.

Confused, Josh looked down at his wrists. The door slammed shut. He eyed the vent where he had been able to open and eavesdrop on Athena and the other members of the Pointed Circle days earlier. He slid off the bed and crawled toward it, the same metal sheet covered it. No one had noticed it but him. He started to slide it away, jumping out of his skin when a frantic voice echoed from inside.

“No! No! No! No! Stay away, stay away!” Someone started crawling out from the darkness. This terrified Josh to his core.

“Oh my God!” He gasped.

“Stay away! Stay away!” The person kept repeating, their hands fumbling around the outside of the vent. Josh pulled his hands off of the ribbed metal sheet, holding them up to show he meant no harm.

“Okay, okay,” he backed away shakily. Out crawled…Josh. Josh stared in horror. “Holy. Shit.”

Josh 2 curled in on himself, a jittery mess. “Stay away. Stay away.” He kept muttering.

“You- you’re okay, alright? You’re okay- you’re okay- just breathe,” he told Josh 2, who was whimpering and hyperventilating. “How long were you in there?”

Josh 2’s eyes snapped up to meet his. He looked crazed. “In there? I- I don’t know.” He kept running his hands anxiously over his knees. “I was in The Black.” He trembled as he looked back at the vent. “The Black, I’m safe in The Black. I- I- I couldn’t see, but I- I could hear. I heard everything.” He whispered, raking his trembling hands through his hair. “I heard everything.”

“Okay, okay,” Josh nodded, following along. “Listen to me, ‘kay?” He pointed to himself. “I am J1, the original Josh, alright? Tiger, Wolf, and Liv are gonna be here any minute now-“

At the mention of Liv’s name, Josh 2 perked up, giant pupils lighting up. “Liv- Liv, I remember her! I remember Liv!”

“Yes, yes, she’s here.” Josh nodded even harder. “Now, I need to know, why are they trying to kill us?” Josh 2 started breathing heavily, shaking, not listening, seeming lost in some horrific flashback. Josh clapped his hands to get his attention. “Why are these people trying to kill us?!” He clapped between each word, shocking Josh 2 so much he clapped along.

“We’re- they’re- um-“ he took in a deep breath. “It’s like a poison pill. It’s like our brains, and they- they’re gonna make them into, like, a computer virus and upload them inside of Stu, and- and then that’s gonna make the entire system crash down just like-“

“‘Independence Day’!” Josh and Josh 2 said at the same time. The wheels in Josh’s head began spinning faster. Liv had said that Stu was a hologram now, a computer virus made sense, but why Josh?

“But why me? Us? You?” Josh shook his head, getting confused.

“You? Us?” Josh 2 raked his fingers through his hair again, messing it up in all different directions. “You’re- you’re J1, the programming for- for the sim was Stu’s, and- and- you crashed it.” Josh 2 shakily stood upright. Josh took a step back. “So this- this was actually because of you, you gave them the idea.” Josh 2 suddenly looked scared of Josh.

“But…I didn’t do anything? I was just being me…” Josh stammered.

Josh 2 cradled his face in both hands. “Exactly.” He got excited and started messing up his hair again. “Exactly! It- it’s like…” he looked around and lowered his voice like he was scared someone else would hear. “It’s like he’s afraid of us.”

Josh nodded. “I mean, we did blow up the place he worked at, murdering all his friends and coworkers.”

“For a good cause.” The Joshes said together. An alarm blared outside, startling Josh and making Josh 2 jump about 5 feet in the air. Josh 2 checked his wrist as if looking at a watch, eyes wide and frightened.

“No.” He started stuttering, freaking Josh out. “We- we- we gotta hide! You gotta find a different spot-“

“Woah, okay, easy,” Josh tried to sound calming.

“The needle- the needle’s coming.” He started to breathe heavily again, curling back in on himself. “The needle can’t get me in The Black, so I’m gonna go into The Black-“

Josh grabbed Josh 2 as he tried to retreat. “Listen!” He pinned him to the wall. “We are not hiding! I have a plan.” Josh 2’s eyes were wide in terror, but he reluctantly nodded.

Josh 2 sat, fidgety and nervous as ever, on the bed, while Josh stayed out of sight next to the door holding a metal tray. As soon as the door opened, Josh smashed the tray against the head of the Pointed Circle member, but it didn’t knock him out. He turned and his eyes narrowed at Josh, advancing on him.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Josh back into the wall, holding the tray as a shield.

Josh 2 gave a shrill screech and launched himself onto the man, stabbing him repeatedly with a small shiv. Josh watched in disbelief as the man fell, bleeding. Josh 2 looked just as surprised as Josh.

“Where the fuck did you get that shiv?!”

Josh 2 held it like it was precious. “It was a gift. From The Black.”

Josh looked terrified. “…okay…let’s get out of here.” As Josh peeked out of the open cell door, he heard Josh 2 gasp and drop something. He turned around to see him looking down at the bloody weapon in fear, as if he’d forgotten it was his. Josh rolled his eyes and grabbed Josh 2’s wrist. “Let’s go.”

Liv had gotten herself lost in the cave.

Tiger had gotten back from doing her thing and immediately began arguing with Wolf about taking weapons. Wolf had claimed he was a “humble wheel maker” now, and would not take a weapon. That’s when their bickering resumed. Even though they were trying to be sneaky, they would not shut the fuck up. It was a miracle they weren’t caught.

That’s when Liv had heard it. It echoed down the halls and caverns of the cave. Josh’s shouting. She couldn’t understand it, but she knew it was him, and he sounded like he was in danger.

“I can hear him!” Liv had whispered loudly, standing behind Tiger and Wolf. Tiger had ignored her as she motioned for Wolf and Liv to follow her to the right. Liv had heard Josh’s cries for help ringing faintly again. “Tiger! I think he’s this way!”

“Well, I for one don’t remember you ever being peaceful.” Tiger had been grumbling to Wolf. They were still on the weapons thing.

Wolf had grabbed two small knives from Tiger’s belt and huffed. “Fine. If it will make the Princess of the Mons happy, I’ll take the fucking weapons.”

“I am not the Princess of the Mons!” Tiger had lashed.

“You two need to shut the fuck up!” Liv had burst out, louder than she’d meant to.

“Hold on, Liv,” Wolf had grumbled. “We’ll be there in a second.” He turned back to Tiger and narrowed his eyes at her.

She’d had it with them. She had stormed off in the other direction and next thing she knew she was all turned around and lost. She couldn’t hear Josh’s screams anymore, and that made it worse. Had they killed him?

“Josh?” She said quietly, but it echoed off the walls, making her freeze and wince. “Josh, where are you?” An alarm started to wail, making her jump. The sound of commotion behind her made her start running. She ran past a set of metal stairs and could hear the clomping of many sets of footsteps coming down them. She ran faster. She spotted a door and flung it open, throwing herself inside.

A horrified scream filled the room. It took her brain a moment to realize it was her own scream, coming from her own mouth. She was faced with a pile- no, a mountain of dead bodies, all of them were Josh. The Pointed Circle members running around outside couldn’t hear her over the siren blaring.

“Oh my fucking God!” She shrieked, cowering against the door. How many Joshes had they captured?! She couldn’t help but wonder if one of them was her own Josh. She fumbled with the door knob, but then realized she couldn’t just run out without getting caught.

She stumbled over to one of the dead Joshes on the floor and gave his arm a little kick. He was dead alright. She walked around in a little circle, gagging and holding back tears. “What the fuck, what the fuck, Jesus Christ, what the fuck…” she kept repeated to herself, shivering and shaking her hands. “What do I do? What do I do?” Her voice was shrill. She squeezed her hands into fists as she looked back at the bodies. “What do I do?!” She peeked out the window on the door. No one was out there. If anyone showed up, she had a knife. She threw open the door and went running back down the hall, fighting down the urge to vomit and scream again. Tears streamed down her face. That was a sight she knew would, unfortunately, stay with her forever.

She tore her way down several halls, heaving and wiping the giant tears streaming down her face. She could hear clanging and blasters firing around the corner. She seized up, pulling her knife. She rounded the corner with her weapon drawn. She would kill these motherfuckers for what they did to Josh…plural. Joshes. She found Tiger and Wolf fending off their attackers, with Josh strapped to a gurney.

“Live! Live! Live!” Tiger was shooting at a man from the Pointed Circle while she sat on top of Josh’s limp form, pounding on his chest. For a moment, Liv thought Tiger was yelling her name.

“Liv!” Wolf cried as he broke a man’s arm and stabbed him in the chest. “You found us!”

Liv ducked as a woman shot right at her face. She stood up and threw her knife, catching the woman right in the eye. Tiger shot her in the head and jumped off the gurney, and, with help from Wolf, slammed the last attacking person into the side of the gurney.

“Thank God, you found Josh!” Liv panted, joining their side. “I was just in a room full of-“ she became very aware of the heart monitor attached to the gurney flatlining.

“Yes!” Wolf cheered. “We saved him again!”

“You gotta hand it to him, he’s a fighter.” Tiger wiped the sweat from her forehead as she clapped Liv on the shoulder.

“So are we,” Wolf clapped Liv on the other shoulder.

“You killed him!” Liv screamed, pushing them away from her and scrambling to the gurney.

“No, Liv, his heart is steady, he’s just unconscious.” Wolf explained.

“That means his heart isn’t beating!” She shrieked, pressing an ear to Josh’s chest. Nothing. She started bawling. “CPR,” she told herself through sobs. “We need to do CPR,”

“I already did that.” Tiger said.

Liv didn’t listen, doing compressions on his chest, but nothing helped. “He’s dead!” She wailed.

Josh was not dead. He was still sneaking around the halls. Josh 2 had been taken, and God knows what had happened to him. He snuck around what he thought to be the hallway where he’d seen the TTD through a small window before.

He crept up to the door and pushed it open. There it was, the TTD, sitting on a table. Easy. He snuck in and grabbed it, pressing on the compartment that held the Cameronium and letting it pop out into his hand. He bent over and slipped it into one of his long socks that Pointed Circle had so graciously provided him with. He stood up and jumped when he saw her standing there.

“Perhaps I underestimated you afterall…” Athena said, holding out a giant knife. “J1.”

Josh stood, frozen. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a coat hanging on the wall. He could see the bottom of a blaster sticking out of a pocket. He quickly moved and grabbed the weapon, aiming it right for Athena’s head.

“Drop the machete, Athena.” His finger was trained right on the trigger.

Athena did just that, much to Josh’s dismay. “You can kill me, but I serve Achilles. If you strike me down you’ll stop nothing.”

“No, I’m not a killer, I’m not like you, you’re a mass-murderer.” Josh seethed.

“Um, you’re the mass-murderer.” Athena pointed out. “I only killed one person fifty-nine times. You blew up a building full of people.” Smart ass.

Josh’s jaw clenched. He’d seen the room full of dead Joshes. He couldn’t imagine what kind of terrors had killed those versions of him.

“For a good cause.” Josh’s arm was trembling.

“That’s the thing about you, isn’t it?” Athena scoffed. “Obsessed with the big gesture, your role in the fate of mankind.”

“I didn’t ask for this, okay?” Josh held the blaster tightly. “It was-“

“Thrust upon me.” They said in unison. Josh looked stunned.

“‘When I least expected it’, I know your sob story.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve heard it fifty-nine times. It’s how we got you into the upload machine.” She gave him a tight, conniving smile. “All we had to do was tell you you were a hero, that you were the one.”

Josh shook his head. “You…you’re just trying to make me feel bad for fighting for good?” He shot back.

“Listen to you.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “All vanity, self-importance, ego. You wouldn’t understand an actual sacrifice if it hit you in the shins with a stool and disarmed you.” She spat.

“That seems like an oddly specific way to-“

Athena kicked a stool into Josh’s shins, making him cry out in pain and drop the gun. She grabbed his head, swinging her knee to connect with his trachea. Josh was sure she’d crushed something in his neck, he could barely breathe. He grasped at his throat, like that would somehow fix the airflow.

“You’re just a number J1.” Athena towered over him as he curled over on the floor. “There’s plenty more where you came from.”

Liv wouldn’t let up on trying to revive Josh. No matter how many times she did mouth to mouth, did chest compressions, and felt for his pulse, nothing would work.

Tiger and Wolf couldn’t get her off the gurney, so they ended up pushing it down the hall with her on top of it, sobbing and trying to miraculously bring him back from the dead. How was it that just when she’d got him back, he was ripped away from her again?

Tiger slowed, eyes widening and becoming alert. “Do you guys hear that?”

“No,” Wolf’s eyes widened too. His hand was on Liv’s back, trying to somewhat comfort her. Liv pressed her hands over her mouth to quiet her heaving sobs. It sounded like stomping, like someone breathing raggedly. A large figure came into view.

“What the fuck is that thing?” Tiger let go of the gurney, arming herself.

“I don’t know, but he doesn’t look happy.” Wolf did the same.

The large man came closer, a metal piece jutted out of his mouth, making his breathing loud and raspy. Wolf narrowed his eyes and pulled his smallest, sharpest knife from his belt.

“Good thing I saved this for our largest spoke.” He quipped. Wolf stood his ground as the giant marched closer. Tiger tried to pry Liv off the gurney to lead her to safety.

“Tiger, no!” Liv cried.

Wolf lunged at the man, swinging around him and aiming for his legs, but the man grabbed Wolf’s hand. Wolf looked up, appalled. The man wheezed out laughter. Wolf struggled to free his hand, but the man stabbed the weapon right into his own leg, making Wolf look up again in shock.

“…femoral artery…” Wolf realized as the giant let go of his hand and let Wolf retract his knife. The man, who’s ragged breathing became shaky and weak, fell to his knees beside Wolf. Liv and Tiger stopped struggling with each other, completely stunned at what they were witnessing. The giant man had just stabbed himself in a vital artery in his leg. He’d killed himself. Wolf caught him as he fell backwards. “Easy, big guy,” Wolf said soothingly, taking the metal mouthpiece out. “Go gently into that good night.”

“What just happened?” Tiger muttered. Liv, cheeks streaked with tears and nose bright red, just stared at Wolf and the giant. Wolf closed the man’s eyes graciously, stood, and bowed his head solemnly. Liv went back to chest compressions. “Liv, LIV.” Tiger grappled with Liv’s arms.

“No! No!” Liv choked out.

Wolf turned back to them. “Liv, he’s gone.”

Liv collapsed against Josh. “No!” She sobbed into his chest.

Wolf slowly approached Tiger’s side. “…should I give another kick-ass eulogy?” Tiger elbowed him in the bicep.

Josh (the living Josh) limped down the stairs behind them, heart soaring as he saw them. It quickly plummeted as he realized what was happening.

“Josh, please,” it sounded like Liv was sobbing. “Josh, please,”

He limped faster. He wanted to yell something, to let them know he was coming, that he wasn’t dead, but after taking a blow to the throat, he could barely speak.

“Josh, I love you,” he heard Liv’s shaky voice say. Josh stopped, straightening up. She’d said it before, but that didn’t stop him from blushing.

“I just wish I could look him in the eyes one more time and tell him…” Tiger started to say, genuine heartache in her voice.

Wolf’s head whipped around, sensing Josh behind him, his eyes wide and his knife drawn, expecting an attack. Tiger followed suit, but both of their eyes widened, confused, when they saw Josh. Liv was still holding the other Josh in her arms dramatically.

“Josh?” Wolf looked back to look at dead Josh, then swung his head around to look at living Josh.

Liv looked like she’d seen a ghost. “What the hell?” She lowered dead Josh in horror as she realized. The Dead Josh Room. She was holding one of the dead Joshes. She flung herself off the gurney and threw her arms around the living, breathing Josh and began to sob even harder. “I saw all the dead yous and I was scared they killed you too.”

Josh rested his head against hers as he reciprocated the embrace, letting out a relieved breath. He looked at Tiger. “You can continue with the nice words.” He managed to speak in a hoarse voice. Liv pulled away with concern in her eyes at the sound of his voice.

“How are there two of you?” Wolf was still confused.

“No, no, no,” Tiger spoke over Wolf. “I’ll tell you next time you die.” She gave him a small smile, but it quickly turned into a suspicious look as she eyed him. “Wait a minute, how do we know you’re our Josh?”

Liv took a step back, looking equally as suspicious. Josh looked between the three of them before heaving out a heavy sigh. “Fine. I tried to drink my own pee in the desert.”

“Thank God.” Liv pulled him in for another relieved hug.

Wolf quickly embraced both of them. “Good to have you back, buddy.” Tiger tentatively joined in. “Now what do we do with the dead you?” All their heads turned to the gurney.

“I know a room.” Liv mumbled.

Tiger and Wolf were horrified by the Dead Josh Room. That was really saying something, considering all that they had seen.

“How the fuck did they all die?” Wolf asked, eyes wide with terror as he picked up a dead Josh’s arm and let it fall limply, smacking another dead Josh in the face. His terror melted, finding that funny.

“We literally saw how,” Tiger nudged Wolf. “That giant needle. Oh,” she looked at Liv. “By the way, that doctor, Dr. Hogeveen? She’s a part of this.” Liv looked confused for a moment before remembering who that was, eyes widening and gasping.

“I’m going to kill her!” Liv cried, face growing red with anger.

Wolf turned back to the three of them holding a needle, grinning proudly as he said, “I found a needle in a Josh-stack.” There was a pause before Tiger and Wolf burst out laughing at the same time. Liv and Josh didn’t find it as amusing. “Oh, come on! Have a sense of humor!” Wolf tossed the needle behind him.

The four of them left the cave empty handed. Liv laced her fingers through Josh’s and gave him a small smile.

“I like your slippers.” She teased light-heartedly. Josh wore a gray tunic that made him look like a hospital patient, the long black socks and some white slippers.

“Hm, thanks,” he chuckled lightly, squeezing her hand. As they walked down the dirt road the ground shook, but the four of them were unphased. The cave entrance erupted in flames behind them. Tiger and Wolf had planted mines on their way out.

“Okay,” Tiger began. “We need to track down Dr. Hogeveen and get our TTD back or we’re stuck here forever.”

“The TTD won’t do much for her, I knew something bad was going to happen so,” Josh let go of Liv's hand and pulled out the Cameronium vial from his sock. “I nabbed this.” He held it out to Tiger.

“Nice work, Futturman.” Wolf lifted an eyebrow, astonished.

“Yeah,” Tiger slipped it into her pocket. “Good work, Josh.”

Liv gave him a good natured nudge. “Good thinking,” she grinned at him.

“Welp! Time to get back to the NAG!” Wolf beamed. “You guys are gonna love it!” Tiger shot Liv a glance. “Fresh water three times a week, air that actually moves, oh! And we got a toothbrush!”

“A toothbrush?” Josh grimaced.

“Of course, I’ll have to run it by the ol’ balls and chains first, but-“

“No, no, no,” Josh shook his head. “Wolf, Pointed Circle was plotting an attack, Athena’s still at large-“

“Hogeveen.” Tiger corrected.

“Yeah, yeah, and there’s this Achilles guys-“

“I’m not hearing any tool names,” Wolf butted in. “Sounds like a Mons problem to me.”

“That sounds like an everyone problem, Wolf.” Liv folded her arms, brows furrowing.

“Yeah, twelve monkeys me said they're gonna break the armistice which means danger for everyone, the NAG and the Mons.” Josh said.

“You said he also said he was receiving gifts from an air vent he called ‘The Black’.” Wolf scoffed. “We’ll be safe in the NAG, it can be home for all of us.”

Tiger grabbed Liv’s arm and gave her a look Liv knew meant, “Back me up”.

“I am not taking that sewer mushroom test again.” Josh protested.

“You probably won’t have to, but don’t quote me on that.” Wolf said.

“I’m not going with you. Liv isn’t either.” Tiger spoke up. “There’s still a mission.”

“Come on, Tiger.” Wolf huffed. “This isn’t our fight. We already fought our war, and as far as I’m concerned we won.” He looked over at Liv. “Liv?”

“Wolf, I’m sorry, we’re not going.” She shook her head.

“I want to go with them.” Josh raised a hand.

“Okay, okay, the NAG might be second-rate now, but it’s a start.” Wolf tried to convince them.

“A start to you settling.” Tiger shot back. “I’m not going to go play house with you in that dump, okay? Josh is still in danger, and he’s the only Josh they have left. They’re gonna be coming after it harder than ever.”

“It?” Josh put his hands on his hips and glared at Tiger.

Tiger rolled her eyes. “Sorry, him.” Her eyes shifted back to Wolf. “Liv and I will get to Athena, Josh goes with you.”

“No!” Liv protested.

“What?” Josh shook his head profusely.

Tiger ignored them. “I pulled these off some guards, one for each of us. Some kind of way they communicate in secret, some sort of ultra-low-frequency transponder.” Tiger pulled them from her pocket.

Liv snatched one from Tiger’s hand. “This is a pager, and no, Josh is not going with Wolf, he can come with us.” She snapped. Josh grabbed one too.

“Yeah, I’ll just tag along with you guys, I’ll be fine. Plus! I can find out first hand what Dr. What’s-Her-Face is planning.” He typed something into the pager. All of their pagers beeped.

“8-0-0-8-5.” Wolf read.

Liv shoved Josh’s shoulder. “It says boobs.” Wolf and Josh snickered.

“Right, so when we need to meet up we’ll just BOOBS each other. We'll rendezvous at Josh’s piss hole.” Josh threw his hands up in annoyance. Tiger turned her attention to Liv and shook her head. “And he’s not coming with us, it’s not safe.”

“I’ll keep him safe.” Liv fought back.

“I’d like to see you try.”

“Then let me.”

“No.”

“The he in question is standing right here,” Josh said in a small voice. “Can’t he decide who he wants to go with?”

“No.” Tiger said.

“Yes.” Liv said at the same time. She shot Tiger a glare. “Tiger. Don’t split us up.”

“He won’t be safe with you guys. You’ll see each other and be all kissy all over again, you’ll love it.” Wolf said.

“I really don’t want to go back to the NAG.” Josh folded his arms.

“Well, do you want to be in danger?” Tiger narrowed her eyes at him. “‘Cause I don’t want you in danger.”

“How do we know there’s not people from Pointed Circle in the NAG?” Liv shot back. Wolf looked deeply offended.

Tiger turned her gaze to Wolf. “Wolf, Ram’s Sack.” She ordered. Wolf nodded, immediately understanding.

“What the fuck is-“ Josh was cut off as Tiger and Wolf picked their assigned partner up and threw the over their shoulders like a sack of potatoes.

“Tiger! Put me down!” Liv screamed, thrashing.

“Wolf! What the fuck?!” Josh cried.

“We’ll be Team Liger, you guys can be Team Jolf.” Tiger yelled over the screaming, ignoring Liv’s fists pounding her back.

“Awww, not fair, you guys get the cool name.” Wolf complained as he started to walk in the direction of the NAG, which was the complete opposite way of the Mons.

“I can’t go back! I can’t go back!” Josh wailed from over Wolf’s shoulder.

Tiger looked back at Wolf with a solemn look. “I guess this is goodbye.” Liv let out a guttural screech. “For now!” Tiger yelled back at Liv. “Holy shit!”

“Goodbye. For now.” Wolf nodded at Tiger. “Sorry I yelled at you earlier.”

Tiger just gave him a curt nod. “It’s okay…and I’m sorry too.” She turned to walk in the direction of the Mons. Liv and Josh dramatically reached for each other’s hands, although they were about ten feet from each other. The air was filled with Liv cussing Tiger out and Josh begging Wolf not to take him back to the NAG.

After walking over a hill, Wolf let Josh down, but kept a tight hold around his wrist so he wouldn’t go taking off. Josh obediently trudged slightly behind Wolf, whining.

“Hey,” Wolf turned his head to look back at him. Josh tensed at first, thinking Wolf might tell him to shut the fuck up, but then realized he had the tone of voice he liked to use when he got philosophical and deep. Josh hung his head and let out an angry sigh.

“Wolf, I seriously don’t give a fuck right now.”

Wolf ignored him. “Don’t you let that room full of dead yous make you feel more insignificant than you already are, okay?”

Josh opened his mouth to tell him to fuck off, but then furrowed his brows. “Pardon?”

“You gotta live your life-“

“You kinda just kidnapped me-“

“-and if that means some other people like you, or who look like you, or who even are you, have to suffer and die or be forgotten while you take their place, well, that’s not on you. That’s on them. AKA, the other yous.” Wolf looked deep in thought. Josh just looked confused. “My point is,” he patted Josh’s hand. “We’re all just trying to survive.”

“I guess I did survive.” Josh murmured, looking back. “I’m the Josh that lived. J1.” That definitely put a spring in his step.

“And you know Liv’s just going to find you anyways.” Wolf added. “That girl’s love knows no bounds.” He chuckled.

“Yeah? How do you know I won’t go and find her first?” Josh kicked at a small rock. “Ow!” He wailed, forgetting he was only wearing thin slippers and socks.

“That’s how.”

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heydorothea009 · 1 year ago

Text

Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language

Chapter 3: Guess Who’s Coming To Lunch?

Josh

Meanwhile, Josh had been wandering the desert for two hellish days. The cuff and chain that he still wore around his ankle absorbed all the heat of the blazing sun, burning his hand and ankle. Blisters from the burning metal seared his leg from the chain whacking his shins as he walked. The sand was also absorbing heat at an insane rate, burning his bare feet as the sun got higher in the sky. Even at night the sand was hot, but not nearly as horrible as the midday heat.

Josh bared his teeth as he clumsily stumbled through the sand, trying to pick up his feet as soon as they landed on the scorching ground. His mouth grew dryer and he grew more parched with each hour. His body ached from hunger pains. Maybe the Pointed Circle had killed him after all and he’d died and gone to hell. He looked up at the sky, squinting at the sun.

“God!” He cried out. “I’m sorry I never believed in you, my parents are atheists. Please, forgive me so I can come to heaven! Please!” His foot caught on a rock and he went tumbling down the side of a red hot hill of sand. He cried out in pain as the sand burned his body. He curled up like a dead bug as he landed on his back and panted, squeezing his eyes shut. I’m in hell. He thought. I’m in hell and I’m never getting out. His eyes slowly opened, realizing the two layers of bed sheets covering his back were protecting him pretty well from the sand. Sitting up and pushing down his screams of pain from the heat, he took off one of the sheets and tore it up, making shoes and a headscarf.

Setting off again, looking biblical as ever, Josh continued his search for civilization. He’d seen something out there, it had to have been real. Many times the word “mirage” crossed his mind. Could that futuristic city have been a mirage? Josh shook his head to himself as he trekked onward. He crested over the top of a hill, praying to find something. Nothing.

He tried to swallow, but his mouth was barely producing any saliva. “Where the fuck am I?” He threw his chain on the ground in frustration. He stared off into the never ending span of desert in front of him. You have to keep going, Josh. You can’t quit like this. He thought, trying to hype himself up. His brain felt hazy as he bent down to pick up his chain to keep going, but he just fell to his knees. He tried getting back up, but couldn’t, he ended up crawling down the slant of the hill and collapsing in the shade.

“It’s so hot…” he gasped to himself. He lifted his head shakily and- “Cactus…?” His heart soared. Yes, yes, a cactus! On all fours, he shuffled over to the cactus and tried to figure out how he would go about getting the water. He shakily got to his feet and used the cuff to yank off a part of it. Giddy now, he picked up the piece of cactus, not minding the sharp pricks against his hand and raised it to his mouth. Nothing. It was completely empty. In a rage, he chucked it aside and fell back to his knees.

“Why me?” He wailed. “What did I do?” He grabbed fistfuls of sand and threw it around. “Look,” he yelled up at presumably God. “I’m sorry about that one time I accidentally shoplifted M&M’s when I was three, okay?” He cried out. “I’m sorry for all the times I jerked off, I’m sorry for all the times I lied or cheated on tests, I’m sorry for that one time I broke my mom’s bedside table with a soccer ball and blamed it on my dad-“ he stopped, having a realization. Table. Table. “The water table!” He gasped, immediately digging through the sand. He dug a small hole before losing energy and stopping, panting.

“Fuck…who am I kidding?” He sighed. That’s when it hit him, his dumbest, smartest idea ever.

It was really hard to pee when dehydrated, Josh realized, but he managed. He took a deep breath and leaned down over his piss hole, making a face. Was he really about to do this?

Yes, this was life or death. “It’s just pee,” he whispered to himself, trying not to gag. He squeezed his eyes closed, thinking that might help. “Life or death, life or death, life or death!” He yelled at himself. “People do this all the time to survive, this is like those Chilean miners…” he opened his eyes to see his pee absorbing into dirt. “No!” He screamed, clawing at the sand, now dirt. “No! Please, no!” It was gone.

He laid down, starting to cry. As tears formed, he stopped, jerking his head to try and get the tears falling so he could catch one on his tongue. It barely worked. Josh collapsed.

Tiger and Liv

“I have one question and just one question only,” TyAnne said in her whiny voice. “Robot or clone?” She asked Tiger, looking her up and down.

Tiger squinted her eyes at TyAnne, confused.

Stu smiled awkwardly. “Honey-“

“One of them’s gonna make me really angry,” TyAnne shouted abruptly at Stu, startling Liv and Tiger. “And the other one’s gonna be fine.” She tittered. Tiger’s eyes were getting wider and wider. TyAnne stopped and shook her head at Tiger. “I don’t care anymore.” She stopped smiling. “Okay! So if you didn’t sign anything you’re free to go.” She motioned towards the big glass doors. “I hereby release you!” When Tiger and Liv just stared at her in shock, she flapped her arms at the door again. “Go.” She started to bouncily walk away, before she stopped and looked at Stu. “If you wanted to impress me, you should’ve just gotten a motorcycle! And then just drove it off a cliff.” She giggled again, a nasally sound.

Tiger just stared, jaw dropped. Liv couldn’t tear her eyes off of TyAnne, she was like a fascinating creature.

“Just kidding! I love you, daaaaaaaaaa…” TyAnne loudly sang as she stormed out of the room and into the hall, her loud ass voice still echoing around as the door slowly closed. “…aaaaaaad!”

As Liv and Tiger recovered from that experience, Stu sighed, clearly having hoped that their interaction would have gone better.

“Our relationship is complicated.” He finally spoke.

“What else did you do with that purple hair, Stu?” Tiger asked, voice thick with oncoming rage.

Stu shook his head. “I only created a super cure to cure all diseases. That’s it, I swear.”

“Then how do you explain that?” Liv asked, stepping around Tiger to face Stu.

Stu gave Liv an annoyed look. She could tell he didn’t want her there but knew that her and Tiger were a package deal. “You can imagine my surprise when thirty four years ago, a baby with TyA- Tiger’s exact DNA popped up in a birthing pod outside of New Bakersfield.” He explained.

“A pod?” Tiger sounded highly offended.

“Has no one told you where babies come from?” Stu’s attention shifted back to Tiger, voice kinder and softer.

“Of course I know what a pod is.” Tiger rolled her eyes. “I’m not an idiot. Who supplied the…” she shrugged. “You know, baby juice?”

“TyAnne’s parents were soldiers who were killed in the year 100 of the Cure Wars,”

“Cure wars,” Liv huffed under her breath. “Of course.”

Stu shot Liv another annoyed look. “So,” he said loud enough to shut her up. “Her pod was unclaimed and scheduled for termination.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “This would have been legal back then, because it was within the eighth trimester. This was back when people thought that pod life began in the fourteenth trimester, ‘course we know-“

“Holy fucking shit, get to the point.” Tiger interrupted.

Stu blushed, embarrassed, and sighed. “You saved my life.” He looked at Tiger with earnest eyes. “I thought this was my chance to save your life, or what I thought was your life.”

Tiger looked at Liv as she processed all of the information thrown at her. She looked back at Stu. “So that’s the me from this timeline.” She sounded disappointed. She looked back at Liv and muttered, “I would have pictured her…a little different.”

“I’m sorry,” Stu apologized. “It was a crazy idea. I thought you were looking for some connection, and she needs…well…I’m still trying to figure that out.”

“Don’t blame yourself.” Tiger huffed. “Growing up, the only parent I had was a damp pole I called ‘mother’.” She nudged Liv’s arm light heartedly. “I turned out fine.”

Stu looked between Liv and Tiger, eyes settling on Tiger. “Will you at least stay for lunch?” He glanced at Liv and with an irritated edge in his voice and said, “both of you?”

Tiger looked down at Liv. Liv shrugged. “I could eat.”

When Stu had asked them to stay for lunch, Tiger and Liv thought they would be getting real food, not jello. Still starving, they ate it anyway. It was oddly grainy, the color was a sickly yellow with a yolk looking thing in the middle, and it tasted funny. The only thing heard around the dining table was the scraping of forks. It was uncomfortably silent. TyAnne sat in front of Liv with a white and gold helmet on her head.

“How are you liking those collard greens?” Stu asked Tiger as she shoved a mouthful of grainy jello into her mouth.

Is that what this is? Liv thought, looking down and making a face.

“It’s missing lard and ham hocks.” Tiger said around her mouthful.

“I know, I’m sorry.” Stu sighed. “The last pig passed away seventy four years ago. His name was Percival.” He smiled to himself. “He was my friend.”

TyAnne began to giggle annoyingly under her helmet and everyone’s gazes turned to her.

Stu gripped his fork tightly. “Honey, I really wish you wouldn’t reality bounce at the table.” He said, using the same irritated voice he used when he would talk to Liv.

TyAnne stopped and reached for the helmet, they couldn’t see her face yet, but obviously she was scowling. She lifted the helmet and stared at Stu for an uncomfortable moment of silence. “Fine.” She said, picking up some jello and squishing it with her fingers. She looked at Liv, Tiger, back to Liv, back to Tiger, then back to Liv-

Liv looked down at her plate of mush uncomfortably. Stu cleared his throat. TyAnne’s eyes snapped back to her dad’s.

“You said I had to come, you didn’t say I had to talk.” She gave him a petty smile. Stu exhaled through his nose and returned to his food.

Liv looked back up at TyAnne. She’d changed outfits. She wore a long sleeve red shirt with tassels hanging off the elbows and a fuzzy white vest. Her hair was now hanging in long, low pigtails with braids framing the sides of her face. She had giant fake eyelashes on, one black and one red. Even her clothes and makeup were annoying.

“Is this how every meal is?” Tiger mumbled.

“You know what,” TyAnne pulled the helmet off of her head. “It’s a little weird, okay? The time traveling version of me shows up, and your first instinct is…” TyAnne fixed her bangs and gave her dad a judgmental look. “Lunch?”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s weird.” Tiger agreed.

Stu lit up. “Okay! So you both agree on something! You agree that this is weird!”

“Okay, settle down.” Tiger and TyAnne said in unison. TyAnne, who was twirling the braids, stopped and glanced back over at Tiger. Tiger, who was mid bite, stopped too and looked up at TyAnne.

“Huh,” Tiger looked at Liv out of the corner of her eye. “Does your…” she scooted back in her chair. “Does your elbow do this?” She extended her arm, elbow making a sickening popping sound that made Liv shudder. TyAnne did the same, making the exact same noise.

“Your knee? Does it do this?” She turned in her seat and extended her leg, knee making the same noise. Tiger copied.

Stu laughed awkwardly. “That’s your juvenile arthritis talking.” He said to TyAnne. “Luckily, the gravity on Mars is only 38% of what it is here-“

“Ooh!” TyAnne squealed, interrupting her dad. “That’s such a fun fact, dad!” Her fake smile fell and she started twirling her braids again. “I’m not going to Mars.”

Stu let out another awkward chuckle as Liv and Tiger exchanged glances. “She loves to dangle that, but she’s definitely coming. She’s gonna come.” He shot her a look that Liv had seen her own parents give her as a kid. It was a look that said, “stop saying that”.

“Mhm!” TyAnne nodded at Tiger and Liv. “Over my dead body.” She mouthed to Liv.

“Your body will be dead if you do not come to Mars with every other human being.” Stu sounded like he was going to burst. TyAnne gave him an annoyed laugh. “She did this same thing with her semester abroad at Mons Barcelona,” Stu explained, cooling his jets. “But somebody ended up loving it.” He said in a singsong voice to his daughter.

TyAnne kept twirling her braids. “I liked the tapas.”

“There’s more of these…Mons?” Liv asked.

“I call them self-sufficient energy-neutral proto-colonies.” Stu said proudly.

“Proto-colonies? What- like ant colonies?” Liv asked genuinely. TyAnne giggled that annoying giggle.

“I liked that, that was funny, say another one.” She smiled at Liv, but not the fake smile she gave her dad and Tiger, a real enthused one.

“They are everywhere.” Stu said, looking at Liv with a hint of frustration in his eyes. “All over the world.”

“And unfortunately, he’s at every single one.” TyAnne batted her eyelashes as she rolled her eyes. She sneered to Liv and Tiger, “You should see how boxy he looks in a kimono-“

Stu slammed his fist on the table and yelled something in presumably Japanese. Liv jumped, but Tiger just rolled her eyes and TyAnne seemed unphased.

“Sometimes, I wish I had a time machine.” TyAnne nodded and grinned at Liv and Tiger.

“No, no you don’t.” Liv sighed.

“You don’t wish you saw anything that we’ve seen.” Tiger stabbed at a jello cube with her fork. “Liv, Wolf, and I are lucky we’re even alive in this time.” That sentence gave Liv a pit in her stomach.

“Wolf?” Stu repeated. “What’s…her? Deal?” There was a sliver of jealousy in his voice.

Tiger and Liv glanced at each other. “He’s a man, he’s in the NAG.” Liv said.

“My demolitions expert.” Tiger looked back down at her plate.

“Oh! Well, that’s dangerous work.” Stu looked down at his food. “Is he, uh, missing a hand? Or two? An eye? Any heavy, ugly scarring?”

Liv's face contorted as she grew more and more uncomfortable.

“No, no, he’s got both hands and just enough scars to make him look like a man who’s really lived.” Tiger said, pushing the jello around with her fork.

“So he must be an elderly fellow, like a grandpa? Grandpa Wolf?” Stu couldn’t hide the jealousy.

Tiger shook her head, dropped her fork and propped her elbows on the table. “No, he’s a muscular thirty five.” She picked at her teeth. TyAnne caught a glimpse of Liv staring at Stu with her judging and disgusted face and caught on, eyes widening in horror, her giant lashes brushing her bangs.

“Don’t know why you had to say ‘muscular’ but…” Stu mumbled.

TyAnne studied her dad’s body language for a quick moment. “Oh…my…gawd-uh.” She drawled. She wrinkled her nose. “You’re into her!” She whined.

Tiger shuddered and put a hand up to her ear after TyAnne’s shrill whine.

“I am not!” Stu shook his head. “I’m just making conversation!”

“Weird conversation.” Liv said into her challice as she took a swig of water.

“You don’t want us to get to know each other, you just wanna stick your ghost dick on my time twin!” TyAnne screamed. She shook her head and made a shrill whining sound, Stu just staring at TyAnne. He was rendered speechless. “Ewwwww, dad! You’re so weird!” She reached under the table and grabbed a small red top hat, the same red as her shirt, and scurried out of the room.

Tiger stared off across the table awkwardly. Stu grabbed his chalice and swirled the wine inside. Liv blinked across at TyAnne’s empty seat.

“You guys have a great relationship.” Liv side eyed Stu. “Real healthy.” Stu looked up at Liv.

“Working. On. It.” He pursed his lips and set his cup down with such force it cracked the stem.

Liv didn’t know holograms could do that.

Josh

Josh was startled awake by a voice calling to him.

“Josh. Josh!” The voice called. He weakly lifted his head.

“Jesus?” He managed to mutter. It was literally Jesus Christ, standing off in the distance, holding a shepherd’s cane and holding his hand out to him. “Oh Jesus,” he mumbled groggily. “I’m so happy to see you, could you maybe turn some of this really hot sand into wine? And then maybe turn that wine into water?” He ran out of breath as he spoke. “I really need help.”

“Josh.” Jesus said again, voice echoing.

“Huh?”

“You will go to the Dagobah system.” Jesus instructed him.

“…Dagobah?”

“There you will learn from Yoda, the Jedi master who instructed me.” Jesus held a hand to his chest.

“…Yoda?” Josh’s heart sank as he realized. “Oh…” he lowered his head to the sand. “I’m dying.”

Jesus, who Josh was realizing was a mirage, turned into a person, a real person. Josh lifted his head again as the person approached him quickly. They looked down at him with a scarf pulled over their mouth and big round goggles.

“Oh God,” Josh panted, his dry lips breaking into a weak smile. “I’m saved.” He tried to stand. “Please,” he begged the person. “You gotta help me out here, I’m- I’m lost and I’m-“

“Oh yeah,” the person took off the scarf and goggles and peered down at Josh. “I’ll help you, you filthy Stray.” They jeered.

Josh had made it to his knees. “What-“

She swung something a his head, and with one sharp pain, the world went black again.

Wolf

Wolf admired the wheel he’d been working on. “Fuck yeah,” he mumbled proudly, standing up straight. He looked over his shoulder to his assistant, Pump, who was working away on some sort of bicycle. “What are you working on there, buddy?” He asked.

Pump stopped and looked over at Wolf sheepishly. “Just a dream.” He mumbled. “I was thinking, you know the way you turned that wheelbarrow into a wheel-wagon?” Pump asked. Wolf had shown the wondrous invention of a wagon to the people of the NAG.

“Yeah,” Wolf gruffed.

“Well, what if we took a bicycle and added, like, a bunch more wheels?” Pump looked up at Wolf excitedly, his eyes bright behind his glasses that were too small for his head. Wolf looked over Pump’s invention. “I…added six more wheels.” Pump blushed.

“Well, it looks like that big wheel back there’s not even touching the ground.” Wolf pointed to the wheel.

Pump deflated. “I know.” He pessimistically spun the wheel that was a solid three inches from the ground. “It’s just decorative…it was a dumb idea.” He sighed.

“I love it,” Wolf’s face broke into a proud grin.

Pump looked up at Wolf, on the verge of happy tears. “What?”

Wolf nodded. “There’s beauty in it’s impracticality.” Pump excitedly nodded as he got emotional. “Just like this place.” Wolf mumbled, looking out into the dull, brown and gray landscape of the NAG. The NAG was grimy, wretched, and an eyesore, but it wasn’t too bad. It was growing on him, sometimes he even had the crazy idea to stay for…forever…or at least another little while. Pump stood by Wolf’s side and Wolf clapped him on the back. “New, brimming with hope and possibility, like a young foal, wobbly on its legs, but destined for greatness to be a thoroughbred.”

As Wolf and Pump surveyed their filthy and cramped NAG with pride, the energy shifted, the citizens outside all pausing what they were doing and turning their attention to an incoming group of people. Outsiders. Wolf’s ears perked up as he caught the sound some people yelling at them.

“Filthy Strays!” A little girl yelled, chucking a rock at one of the outsiders. Wolf could now see they were in chains as they walked past his shop. The rock nailed a tall man in the face as a shorter person, wrapped in sheets of some kind ducked.

An angry crowd was forming in the streets and more things were being thrown at the strays. Wolf squinted as he looked over the heads of the people gathering to mock the strays. He thought he saw…no, it couldn’t be.

“What’s going on?” Wolf asked Pump, catching glimpses of the strays.

“Fresh batch of Strays are gonna be browned in,” Pump explained, sounding excited.

“What crime did they commit?” Wolf asked.

“The worst crime of all!” Pump sounded appalled. “Not being born here!” He shook his head at the group of Strays being led to the town square like animals. “They think they can just sneak into the NAG, get an easy ride off of all of our hard work, and then steal our jobs.” He seethed.

Wolf quirked an eyebrow. “They’re lazy and they wanna work?”

“Yeah,” Pump giddily scampered to a corner of the shop. “I got a basket of giant rocks just for this.”

Wolf looked back out into the crowd and could no longer see the Strays, the angry mob had gotten so big. Pump lugged his giant basket to the town square, Wolf him following through the sea of people.

“Citizens of the NAG!” The person escorting the Strays yelled over the crowd. “These Strays were caught sniffing around our borders.” The crowd shouted angrily. “They come from the wastelands of Malibu, the volcanoes of Catalina, and the Valley.” The crowd bellowed angrily again.

Wolf could see the top of one of the Stray’s heads as he and Pump pushed closer to the front.

“They tried to sneak into our above ground paradise,” the person continued to speak to the crowd. “To live amongst us, to eat our beans, contribute to our society!” She mocked. “What do we say to that?”

“No!” The crowd shouted in unison.

“That’s right! Can just anybody live here?”

“No!”

“Can Bio-Techs live here?”

“No!”

She held up a slimy mushroom. “Say it with me,”

Wolf and Pump got stuck behind a cluster.

“If your pants make brown,”

“Welcome to our town!” The crowd shouted. Pump excitedly shouted along, Wolf looked around with a confused look.

“And if your pants stay dry?”

“You’re gonna die!” The crowd shouted again. Pump grabbed Wolf’s arm and pulled him through the crowd again.

“Come on, Torque! Let's get past the splash zone.” He said excitedly. “If somebody fails the Bio-Tech test, we gotta be a part of the slaughter mob.” They finally broke through the crowd up to the very front.

Wolf stopped in his tracks as he realized he was seeing exactly who he thought he’d seen earlier. Josh Futturman. Josh Futturman getting a sewer mushroom shoved into his mouth. Josh Futturman, looking awfully sunburnt and wrapped in sheets.

“Futturman.” He breathed out.

Tiger and Liv

Liv stood in the shower and stared at the wall, wondering if this really was her life now. She didn’t know what Tiger was planning. Hell, she didn’t know if Tiger even had a plan. Were they just going to settle for living with Stu? She hoped not, having TyAnne as a roomie didn’t seem exciting. Stu had given Liv and Tiger a room, and as much as Liv never liked Stu, she was thankful for that.

“Liv,” Tiger said, barging into the bathroom. Liv turned around, wide eyed.

“Occupied?!”

Tiger wasn’t phased. “Just letting you know there’s nothing to change into when you’re done, so it’s either wear your old clothes or-“

“Tiger, we’ll cross that bridge when I get out. Get out!” Liv cried. Tiger rolled her eyes and left. Liv sighed and turned back around to stare at the wall.

“Also you’ve been in there for like an hour.”

Liv turned back around to see Tiger standing back in front of the glass door of the shower. Liv, bravely, flipped Tiger off. Tiger just rolled her eyes again and left. If Liv had done that weeks earlier- years earlier? If Liv had done that earlier, Tiger would have beheaded her.

Liv left the bathroom wrapped in a fuzzy blue robe and a towel wrapped around her head. Tiger was standing at the giant window that overlooked the Mons.

“As big as the closet is, it’s empty.” Tiger said without turning around. “I’m going to guess you don’t want to wear your old clothes again.”

“No,” Liv shook her head and sat on the giant bed. Her clothes were dirty and muddy from falling into the fountain.

Tiger turned around. “So your options are wear the robe or-“

“TyAnne.” Liv sighed, finishing Tiger’s sentence.

Tiger pursed her lips. “I was going to say wear your dirty clothes.”

“Tiger,” Liv deadpanned.

“You don’t really think she’s going to just give you some of her clothes?” Tiger squinted at Liv. “That ditsy, bitchy me hates me. And I don’t like her either.”

“But I’m not you.” Liv reminded her. “Yeah she’s-“ she searched for the right word. “Not like you at all, but don't you want something to change into too?”

Tiger closed her eyes and took in an impatient breath. “I don’t want her clothes.”

“Tiger-“

“Okay, fine, my shirt is covered in dirt and it’s bugging me,” Tiger admitted harshly. “But I used to live like this all the time.”

“Okay, well, I didn’t. And you’ve gone soft, remember?” Liv gave her a knowing look.

Tiger stared at Liv. “…you’re lucky you’re more likable than Futturman.” Liv’s face fell at the mention of Josh. Tiger bit the inside of her lips and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought him up. Let’s just- let’s talk…to TyAnne.” She said her name in a nasally voice, mocking TyAnne’s.

Tiger trailed behind Liv as they wandered the halls of the mansion, looking for TyAnne’s room. It wasn’t hard to find, it was only one hall over from theirs and they could see her through the glass door sitting on her bed, pouting and cutting up something.

Tiger stayed behind Liv as she politely knocked on the clear door.

TyAnne made a whining sound. “Knock denied!” She yelled without even looking up. “You know you’re not allowed here, dad!”

“It’s Liv,” Liv said. “And Tiger, or other you?”

“Can we come in?” Tiger asked, sounding annoyed.

TyAnne looked up through her lashes. “Fine. But tell my dad I’m not coming out.”

Liv pushed through the door. “He’s not here.”

TyAnne pinched her brows together and looked up at them fully. “That’s weird…usually when I storm off like that he’s lurking in the hall begging for my forgiveness.”

“Can’t he just walk through the door? He’s just a hologram or whatever the fuck.” Tiger asked, folding her arms as she followed Liv inside.

TyAnne giggled. “He wishes! We made a deal when I was fifteen that I would stop wearing napple-dazzlers and he would take my room off the grid so I could become a woman in private.” She looked at Liv and gave her a funny look. “I’ve never thought of wearing a robe as a dress. That’s brave.” She smirked and looked down at what she was cutting up, which were jeans.

“Um, actually TyAnne, we were wondering if you would be willing to let us borrow some of your clothes?” Liv asked as nicely as she could. “Your dad didn’t give us any.”

TyAnne looked up at Liv again and was quiet for a moment. “Your name is Liv?” TyAnne said finally.

Liv looked back at Tiger. “Um, yeah?”

TyAnne hummed and went back to cutting the jeans into shorts. “Okay Liv, give me a second.”

Liv looked back over at Tiger, waiting for her to say something too. Tiger’s fingers dug into her biceps. “I like your pantlets.” Tiger managed to say in a somewhat nice voice.

TyAnne looked at Tiger. “They’re jorts, I made them. I design all my own clothes that only I wear because everyone else wears those stupid ugly jumpsuits.”

Tiger huffed out a laugh. “They are pretty stupid.” She took a step closer to TyAnne’s bed. “I used to live in the 50s- the 1950s- and back then I would mend my own socks,” she took off her shoe to show TyAnne. “Pretty nimble darning stitch right there.”

TyAnne leaned over to look at Tiger’s sock. She looked impressed. “That’s some nice needlework.” She admitted. “Wait!” She gasped, Liv and Tiger both looked startled. “Is this wool?! I’ve never seen wool before!”

“I mean, you can have them if you want.” Tiger offered. Liv smiled to herself. Maybe this was a good idea after all.

TyAnne looked up at Tiger, unable to figure out how she felt about the offer. Instead of accepting, she stood up and put her jorts down. “Liv, you look good in blue.” She said, bouncily prancing over to her closet. “And you…” she looked at Tiger and looked her up and down. She disappeared into her closet without another word. Liv and Tiger exchanged uncomfortable looks.

TyAnne came out with some of the most plain clothes she owned, a plain blue shirt and matching blue pants and black shirt and pants for Tiger.

“I know what you’re doing by the way,” TyAnne said, handing Liv and Tiger the clothes. Tiger and Liv just looked at her, confused. “You have a time machine. You could survive literally anywhere, but you’re here, looking for a home.” Her nasally voice was soft.

Tiger opened her mouth, but didn’t say anything, looking down at the black clothes. Liv avoided eye contact too. Was that why Tiger seemed fine with staying?

“Come on, Tiger,” said TyAnne, softly. “If you can’t be honest with yourself, who can you be honest with? Liv? Wolf?” Tiger shot Liv a glance, still looking down. TyAnne understood. “Wolf doesn’t know, does he?” Her voice sounded genuinely concerned.

Tiger’s eyes were full of hurt as she looked at TyAnne and shrugged. “He just wouldn’t understand.” She looked over at Liv. “The plan wasn’t to come back to a world like this,” she looked back at TyAnne. “But, if you’re here, and you’re actually not so bad, then, well…it’s easier for me to imagine a home here.” She confessed.

Liv swallowed hard as her grip on the clothes tightened. Tiger didn’t have a plan.

TyAnne gave Tiger a smile. “Oh,” her smile fell and her face turned vicious. “This home’s taken. No one wants you here.” She stared Tiger down, her whiny voice laced with venom.

Liv and Tiger both stared at TyAnne like two deers caught in headlights. “S-sorry-“ Liv stuttered. “We’ll…go back to our room now. Thanks for the clothes.”

“You’re welcome. Liv.” TyAnne made a point to only look at her.

They left TyAnne’s room and walked back to their room in silence. Tiger’s expression was blank.

“Tiger, I’m sorry, I really thought she was starting to like us-“

“Well, she’s me, she doesn’t like anyone.” Tiger interrupted loudly.

Josh

Josh jolted awake.

“Hey, you slept through the hose-off.” Binx, Josh’s fellow Stray, said cheerfully. “You must have really been out of it because that water was cold…and hard.”

Josh looked around, panicking. He was in chains again, locked in a cellar like an animal. The cement floor was covered with straw.

“Fuck,” he muttered, fear apparent in his voice. “I have to get out of here.” A key landed in his lap, making him jump. He picked it up and looked up. Wolf stood behind the chainlink barrier. “Wolf?!”

“I had to wait until after the hose-down.” He gruffed quietly. “Meet me around back.” Wolf glanced over at Binx.

“Just him.”

“Okey-dokey.” Binx smiled. For whatever reason, Binx believed that if he were to come into the NAG as a Stray he could work his way up in the world so his future children would have a better life. Josh knew that would not be the case for him.

Josh scrambled to unchain himself.

Tiger and Liv

“We’re leaving.” Tiger threw a canteen at Liv, who was curled up in bed. It hit Liv on the shoulder.

“Ow!” Liv sat up.

“What are you doing? It’s only 7.” Tiger stomped into the bathroom and filled her own canteen with water.

“I was going to bed because I’m sad.” Liv mumbled.

“We’re going to get Wolf from that NAG place. TyAnne was right, we’ve got a time machine and we can go anywhere we want.” Tiger walked out of the bathroom. “Get up, let’s go.”

Liv stared at Tiger in disbelief. “Oh, so now you have a plan?”

“Yes, now chop chop, let’s go. I was able to pry some information out of Stu’s computers on how to get into the NAG without being caught.” Tiger pulled Liv out of bed.

“Like, actually?” Liv was still shocked.

“Yes, like actually. What part of let’s go do you not understand?” Tiger rolled her eyes and pushed Liv towards the bathroom. “Fill up your canteen, it’ll take us about an hour.”

The secret way into the NAG was a system of tunnels, and Liv was getting flashbacks of climbing into the sewer.

“How will we know where to find him?” Liv asked in a hushed voice. The size of the tunnels varied, some spots they had to crawl, while others they could walk hunched over. Right now they were walking while hunching awkwardly.

“I’m a tracker.” Tiger said flatly.

“Right,” Liv panted.

Tiger stopped suddenly, holding a hand out in front of Liv. “I hear something.” She whispered. “I’ll make sure the coast is clear, stay.” She ordered. Liv waited with baited breath as Tiger crept towards an opening in the tunnel. “Clear.” Tiger whispered loudly. Liv hurried over to Tiger’s side.

It was dark outside but the stars were bright. “It smells like shit.” Liv whispered.

“Then we’ve made it to the NAG. That’s what Stu’s computer said at least.” Tiger moved forward out into the open stealthily. They crept in the shadows behind shacks, that’s what all the buildings looked like at least. Tiger stopped again, abruptly, bending down and grabbing a handful of dirt and sniffing it.

“Is it him?” Liv whispered.

“He’s over there.” Tiger pointed ahead to a shack, the scrap metal door slightly opened and light peeked through the opening. Tiger marched over. Liv cautiously followed, worried that Tiger would barge in and there would be no Wolf, only random NAG civilians.

Tiger’s loud footsteps made Liv wince and look around, scared people would come out of their little shack houses and catch them. But no one came, the streets of the NAG were relatively quiet this time of night.

“Wolf,” Tiger poked her head into the opening of the door. “Pack your shit, we’re leaving-“ she stopped. Liv stood behind her, unable to see anything but Tiger’s back. Tiger stepped back out and turned to look at her. Liv’s eyes were wide. She didn’t hear any reaction from the inside of the shack.

“Was it not him?” She asked in a nervous voice.

“It’s, uh, it’s him,” Tiger said, voice less stern and sounding a lot softer. “It’s Wolf, and…” Tiger forced the door open wider.

Inside was Wolf, looking shocked that Tiger and Liv had been able to get in and…

Liv’s heart leapt into her throat in the best way possible. She let out a sound that was a mix between a strangled scream and a gasp. Josh stood across from Wolf. Josh’s eyes went wide.

“Liv?!”

“Josh!!”

A/N: SORRY SORRY SORRY!!!!!! I have been a busy girl lately hahaha!! Trust me when I say I will be better!!! I’ve been dating this guy lately so I’ve been a little distracted LMAOOOOOO fun fact!! My best friend Alyx and my little brother say that he looks like Peeta, so that’s really funny, I really do have a type and it’s men who look like jhutch characters!!!!! I hope you enjoyed!!!! Love you guys!!!!!

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man season 2 #Josh Futturman x OC

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heydorothea009 · 1 year ago

Text

Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language

Chapter 2: The I’s of the Tiger

“SHIIIIIT!!” Tiger shrieked as she felt herself falling through the air. Wolf and Liv didn’t scream like her, just clinging to her. They couldn’t breathe from the DMC gas. Their fall was broken by some shallow water, Tiger wasn’t sure where it came from, but that was something she would worry about later. She forced Liv and Wolf’s weak bodies to come up for air with her. Wolf and Liv both gagged and started coughing up water.

“How did we…?” Wolf dry heaved. Liv spat out a shit load of water, hacking and coughing. Tiger realized she should probably be coughing too, not just spitting out water.

She fake coughed. “Get outta there?” She pretended to splutter. “I dunno, mind fuck.” She helped Liv and Wolf up. Liv opened her eyes, looking around frantically.

“Where the fuck are we?” She asked in a rough voice. Wolf struggled to open the TTD, but when he did, he almost dropped it in disbelief.

“2162.” He and Tiger said.

“We made it.” Tiger gripped onto Wolf’s shoulder.

“Twenty-“ Liv collapsed back into the water, knees giving out.

Tiger looked around at the water and realized the were in a shallow pool.

“‘This reflecting pool commemorates the innocent lives lost in the horrific Kronish Tower Terrorist Attack’.” Wolf read off of the monument right next to them. “Oh my God. We fucking did it.”

“We did.” Tiger’s face broke into a smile.

“We did it!” They both cheered, embracing and sobbing happily.

“Tiger, we did it!” Wolf squeezed her as tight as he could. “Liv! We-“ Liv sat in the water, gently crying and pulling her knees into her chest, looking frightened. “Tiger look,” Wolf pointed to Liv. “Liv’s just as happy as we are! We did it!” He splashed some water around excitedly. “So long Biotics, you only exist on a plaque now, that’s all that’s left of your filthy kind!” Wolf jeered.

Tiger paused. “Yeah! Not a…” she saw her reflection in the water. “…not a single one left. So, we don’t have to talk about them ever again.”

“Liv, you don’t have to keep happy crying,” Wolf said, looking down at Liv, who was still crying quietly, head in her hands as she stayed sitting in the water. “We’re done with that.”

Tiger looked at Liv. “Wolf, I don’t think she’s-“

Liv looked up at them with red eyes. “You took me with you. You weren’t supposed to do that.”

Tiger knelt in the water in front of her. “Liv-“

“You promised!” She choked. “You promised and you broke your promise-“

“Liv, Liv!” Tiger grabbed her shoulders. “You were going to die, I had to save you, I-“

“He did it, isn’t that what matters? The little guy did it and now Liv, you live here with us.” Wolf said.

Liv’s crying grew uncontrollable as she looked up at the sky and back to Tiger. “You have to take me back.”

“What?” Tiger shook her head. “We can’t do that Liv, I’m sorry-“

“I don’t want to be here.” She wailed.

“That sucks.” Wolf clambered out of the pool.

“Wolf!” Tiger hissed. “I’m going to…” she shuddered. “I’m going to give you a hug to make you feel better.” Liv stopped crying for a moment, hiccuping.

“The fuck?” She sniffled.

Tiger awkwardly pulled her into the worst possible hug. “There you go. Are you better now?” Tiger pulled away quickly and got out of the pool.

“No.” Liv shook her head. “You give terrible hugs, Tiger.”

Tiger rolled her eyes and turned away. “Liv, I’m sorry I took you away from 2017 and Josh, okay? I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually feel really horrible about it and you’re making me feel worse, ‘kay? And I really don’t like this feeling.”

Liv held her knees tighter as she stared down at the water. “Sorry.” She whispered.

“Josh was very brave.” Wolf said proudly. “His name should be on that plaque, not those perfs.”

“Easy fix.” Tiger pulled a knife from her belt, etching Josh’s name into the stone. Wolf got back into the pool and scooped Liv up. Tiger messily carved out “Josh Footerman”. Wolf gently set Liv on her feet, swiping at her tears.

“It’s okay Liv, you’re with me, you’re with us now.” Wolf muttered reassuringly.

“Hey Tiger,” Liv said, watching as Tiger finished her carving. “That’s not how you spell it.”

“Oh…yeah, I guess you’re right.” Tiger stepped back and studied it. “It’s been a few hundred years, I’ve already forgotten.”

Liv let out a long sigh and looked back up at the sky. The stars were somewhat comforting to her at least.

“I guess we should say somethin’.” Wolf said, clapping Tiger on the shoulder.

“Yeah, I mean he died for the cause.” Tiger stuck her knife back into her belt.

Died. Liv almost lost it again, but made herself keep it together.

“Liv, would you like to say a few words for your…Josh?” Wolf asked.

Liv sighed shakily. “You guys go first, I’m still trying to get my shit together.”

Tiger exhaled and shook her head, trying to think of something to say. “How do you eulogize a man like Josh?” Wolf shook his head mournfully, but said nothing. There was a pause as the three of them waited for someone else to speak first. Tiger and Wolf genuinely couldn’t think of a single thing, while Liv couldn’t say a single thing without crumpling to the ground and crying herself to death.

“…oh you were really asking?” Wolf said as Tiger stared at him.

“Yeah, yeah, you know public speaking’s not really my thing.” Tiger started. “It doesn’t even have to be a formal thing. Just something…nice.”

“Yeah, yeah, just keep it casual.” Wolf nodded.

“Yeah.”

“Uh huh, yeah.”

They looked over at Liv, still looking up at the sky and trying to hold back her oncoming meltdown.

Tiger awkwardly cleared her throat. “He…made a lot of kills.” She looked at Wolf and they nodded at each other. “Look at all those names…I mean…I did a good portion of them, but it-“ Tiger stopped as she tried to think of anything else to say. “Wolf? Anything to add?”

Wolf nodded, speaking in a slow, sentimental voice. “Though his worldly body was incarcerated and turned to ash, I take comfort in knowing that it has become one with the elements, aerating the soil and earth that we walk upon…” he bent down and grabbed a pinch of dirt. Liv looked over, seeing Wolf looking at her with soft eyes. He was trying to comfort her, but it wasn’t exactly working. “…blowing in the wind and the air that we breathe.” He gently blew the dirt from his fingers.

“Except for his cock, that’s still kicking around, huh?” Tiger looked down at Wolf’s crotch.

“Yep, the living embodiment of Josh hangs off me like a Medal of Honor.” Wolf said, patting his crotch. Liv looked back up at the sky, rolling her eyes. “Though it was once a cause of great shame, I will wear it with pride for the rest of my days.” Liv’s head snapped back in Wolf’s direction, a look of annoyance covering her face. “Like him, it’s small, but sufficient.” Tiger’s head slowly turned to look at Liv, giving each other the same look. “It packs the occasional wallop…” he just kept going. “Not as big of a wallop as my original rod- you’re welcome by the way, Liv. This one is adequate though.” He gave a solemn smile. “Just like Josh.”

Liv heaved out a heavy, irritated sigh. “Wolf, that was terrible-“

“And when I hold it in my hand it will be like I’m holding his hand across timelines.” Wolf grabbed his crotch gently.

“Alright, I think that’s good, Wolf.” Tiger stopped him. She looked back at Liv. “Would you like to finish us out on a better eulogy than the eulogy Wolf just gave for his incinerated cock?”

Liv let out another heavy sigh. “Josh was my best friend turned boyfriend, at least, he probably would have been my boyfriend if some people hadn’t taken me to their future.” Liv side eyed Tiger.

“I was saving your life.” Tiger said in a flat tone. “You should be thanking me.”

“I-“ she got choked up. Wolf hobbled over to her and wrapped her into a big bear hug. “I loved him.” She bawled. “I loved him so much and I don’t know if he heard me tell him I did.” Liv had yelled after Josh that she loved him after he climbed into the possum chute back at the Kronitorium. She couldn’t say anything else, she was a mess.

Wolf rubbed Liv’s back as she cried into his chest. Tiger looked around and shoved her hands in her pockets as Wolf stared her down. He wanted her to come and hug Liv too.

“Okay, you know what, fine.” Tiger grumbled as she sauntered over and wrapped her arms around both Wolf and Liv. “If it makes you feel better Liv, this future already looks a million times better than our other one.”

Liv lifted her head from Wolf’s chest and craned her neck to look at Tiger. “Really?” Her voice cracked.

“Yes, but we should get moving, check the rest of this place out. Everyone feeling good enough to walk?”

“I’m feeling much better now,” Wolf said, letting go of Liv. “You okay, Liv?”

Liv’s arm still ached from being shot by the Biotics, but she could walk just fine. “I guess,” she mumbled.

“Is it just me, or is it really hot for the middle of the night?” Tiger asked, fanning her face.

“Is that not normal?” Liv asked.

“Not for our 2162.” Wolf shrugged.

“Damn, it must be global warming.” Liv half heartedly joked.

“…what’s that?”

They walked for hours. It must have been close to noon based on how high the sun was and how hard the heat was blazing down on them.

“…so it was me, Bob Evans, Lou Wasserman…” Wolf was telling a story Tiger and Liv were only half listening to.

“Okay, okay,” Tiger held her hand out to catch Liv and Wolf’s attention. “We’re closing in on something.”

Liv lifted her head and squinted. The heat waves made it hard for her to see, and she was significantly shorter than both Tiger and Wolf, they must have had a better view. She could make out what looked like skeletons, strung over some sort of wall. They looked like Halloween decorations to Liv, but clearly meant something bad to Tiger and Wolf.

“What are those?” Liv asked, panting. Tiger and Wolf looked distressed, Liv's heart immediately sank. It was something really bad.

“No…it’s the Three Strung Corpses of Alamore.” Tiger shook her head.

“It’s the Death Fields.” Wolf muttered. “I thought- I thought we changed things.”

Liv’s heart was pounding harder than it already was. There’s no way that I just got sent to Tiger and Wolf’s hell hole future. Liv thought through her growing panic.

Tiger and Wolf stumbled forward, trying to get a closer look. Liv scampered after them. As they got closer Liv started to slow, getting a better look at the “skeletons”, realizing that wasn’t what they were at all.

“No wait! Guys, they kinda look like some sort of scarecrows.” Liv said. Tiger and Wolf cried out in relief, stopping underneath the scarecrows and staring up at them.

“What the fuck’s a scarecrow? Those are Frighten-Birds!” Wolf cried happily.

“That means there must be…” Tiger and Wolf looked at each other excitedly.

“Outdoor food!” They cheered together. Liv followed the two past the wall and into a field of giant crops, Liv thought they looked like cashews. Tiger reached out and touched one curiously.

“It’s a…bean.” Tiger examined it.

“And what a bean!” Wolf grinned and panted. He paused and raised an eyebrow. “Have we created a land of giants?” Tiger cut a slice off of a bean, Wolf reached out and caught it. Tiger and Liv leaned over it as he studied it. He gave it a sniff.

“Is it a bean?” Liv asked.

“Oh it’s a bean. I’m sensing hints of lima.” He plucked a chunk off and tasted it. “Pinto! …and kidney? Black-eyed…navy…” Wolf chewed and swallowed, deep in thought. “This is like all beans rolled into one.”

“Mega-bean.” Liv breathed out.

“From Death Fields to bean fields.” Tiger’s face broke into a grin as she surveyed the rolling field in front of them. “What a magical world.” The sound of children laughing caught her ear. “Do you hear that?” She peeked further into the field to see children running around and playing.

“Um, Tiger?” Liv’s eyes went wide as Wolf reached out and grabbed her arm, struggling breathe and started to keel over, hand pressed to his wound.

“Younglings!” Tiger exclaimed. “Fresh and undead!” She didn’t hear Liv.

“Tiger?” Liv said a little louder, grabbing onto Wolf’s arm. He was groaning and clutching at his wound even harder.

“I think they want to play hunter v hunted!” Tiger continued. Liv heard some of the kids scream and the sound of their feet hitting the ground. Wolf collapsed, making Liv scream herself.

“Tiger!”

Tiger spun around to see Wolf on the ground and Liv kneeling over him, eyes frantic. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, but I think it’s his wounds.” Liv tried to pull him up.

“Strays in the All-Bean field!” They could hear the kids screaming.

“Maybe if we follow these younglings, we can find help for Wolf.” Said Tiger, wrapping an arm around Wolf. Liv tried her best to help lift him, but Tiger ended up doing most of the work. They followed the cries of the children, finding two men standing just outside the field, guarding what looked like a small shack made from scrap metal.

“Excuse me!” Liv called to them. “We need help, our friend is hurt!” The men, who Liv realized were holding spears, pointed them and looked ready to charge. She froze.

“I got this.” Tiger muttered to her, adjusting her hold on Wolf and confidently making her way towards them. Together, Liv and Tiger gently laid Wolf on the ground.

“That’s no stray, that’s Torque!” One of the men said, coming over and bending down over Wolf.

“He’s got two GX239 hand cannon wounds,” Tiger said as the two guards picked Wolf’s unconscious body up and lugged him away. Another guard rounded the corner of the shack and approached Liv and Tiger. Liv backed away, getting the sense she was not welcome. Tiger continued. “He was hit shoulder, thigh, I was hit upper abdomen, and this is Liv, she’s with us, she was hit arm, and-“

The third guard blocked the entrance with his spear, glowering at them. Liv got the sense that she and Tiger weren’t welcome. Tiger’s eyes lit up with recognition at the sight of the guard.

“Weasel,” she exhaled. “Is that you?”

“Who are you calling Weasel?” The guard gruffed.

“That- that’s your name!” Tiger smiled.

“My name is Wrench.” The guard tightened his grip on his spear. “There’s no outsiders allowed in the NAG.”

Tiger shook her head. “It’s me, Tiger, I’m with Wolf, and Liv-“

“That’s Torque, I know him.” Wrench narrowed his eyes at both of them. “I don’t know either of you.” Liv gulped and looked up at Tiger, eyes wide. Tiger glanced down at Liv, a flash of fear in her eyes. “Maybe you’re helping him or maybe you’re the ones who gave him those injuries. Maybe you’re trying to use him for cover to sneak in and steal our beans. Is that your game?” Wrench barked.

“They Bio-Tech?” A guard from behind them asked roughly, making Liv and Tiger both whip their heads around.

“They sure smell like ones.” Wrench glared at them.

“We’ll know for sure after they take the sewer mushroom test.” The other guard walked around them, looking them up and down suspiciously. Tiger’s hand hit Liv’s arm. This definitely was not good.

“Your pants make brown, welcome to our town. Your pants stay dry, you’re gonna die.” Wrench pointed his spear at Tiger’s throat. Tiger’s hand grabbed Liv’s arm, signaling to her that they were going to make a run for it. Liv’s body tensed. “Go get the Bio-Tester, Anvil.” Wrench commanded the other guard, who ran inside. Tiger and Liv watched anxiously as Wolf’s unconscious body disappeared into the mysterious shack. Tiger looked over at Liv, the spear still pointed to her neck.

“It’s okay Liv,” Tiger said nonchalantly. “Just back up.” Tiger let go on her arm. Liv took a little step back. “Little further.” Liv did so, raising an eyebrow. “Little further-“

“What are you doing?” Wrench snapped. In a blur, Tiger had stolen Wrench’s spear, knocked him out, and stolen his cloak. Liv blinked and missed half of it. Her jaw hit the ground.

“Tiger-“

Tiger wrapped the cloak around her shoulders and tossed the spear to Liv. “Go.” Tiger whispered. Together, Tiger and Liv took off running away from whatever the NAG was, leaving Wolf behind, and leaving their hearts heavy.

“Tiger,” Liv panted. They’d been trekking for another hour or so. “Tiger, when can we stop?”

Tiger hadn’t spoken to Liv, nor explained to her why they had to flee so fast. She seemed to be wrapped up in her own thoughts.

“I don’t know.” Tiger sighed.

“Why couldn’t we stay at that place?” Liv asked. “I mean, yeah, they were going to make us eat those sewer mushrooms, but I’m getting the feeling that that’s not all…” Tiger zoned out as Liv talked. She debated with herself on whether she should just tell Liv. They seemed to be stuck with each other for the time being. She had the right to know.

“I’m a Biotic, Liv.” Tiger stated, interrupting Liv’s rambling. Liv froze.

“What?”

“I’m a Biotic, Liv. I don’t know how or why, but I am.” Tiger pulled the hood of the cloak over her head.

“What- so what the fuck does that mean?” Liv asked, panic apparent in her voice. “Are you going to kill me?”

“Have I killed you yet?” Tiger asked, walking slightly faster than Liv.

“…no?”

“Then no.”

“How do you know?” Liv asked, clutching the spear for dear life.

“I wasn’t affected by the DMC gas back in the Kronitorium.” Tiger explained dryly.

“So does that make you evil?” Liv asked.

“Considering I still feel like myself, I’m going to go with no.” Tiger said.

“So if you took that mushroom test they would have probably, like, stabbed you or something-“

“Shh!” Tiger held out a hand and stopped Liv in her tracks. “Do you hear that?” Liv fell silent.

“Come!” A child’s voice said in the distance. Liv looked up at Tiger. “Come- come- come- come!” The voice glitched.

Liv and Tiger cautiously walked to the top of a hill. Tiger snatched the spear from Liv’s grasp and held it defensively. “Out with you boy!” She yelled.

“Tiger, I don’t think it’s a person.” Liv said, keeping behind Tiger for protection, just in case.

“C-come!” They heard it again. At the top of the hill, they could see reflective light flashing over the next hill. As Tiger marched towards it, Liv groaned and trudged after her.

“Come one, come all to the great red planet MARS!” The voice stopped glitching. Tiger and Liv crested over the top of the hill, seeing a hologram of a young boy being projected into the sage brush. “Yep, it’s me, Lil Jimmy McGurgan!” Lil Jimmy McGurgan was an adorable little black boy with a big smile on his face. He waved around to no one.

“What is he doing?” Tiger muttered, glaring at the hologram as they walked closer.

“Earth is dying. Luck- lucky for us, the solar system gave us a spare planet right next door!” Jimmy McGurgan continued.

Liv squinted, trying to read the sign- no, billboard behind him. It was an ad. The billboard was sun bleached and faded.

“I’m gonna be the first boy on mars- ars!”

“What?” Tiger looked at Liv. They walked right up to the hologram so they could read the billboard better.

“But before I get there, we’ve all got some train- training to do. Mons hab units are open now, no Ethereum down!” Jimmy McGurgan said cheerfully.

Liv could finally make out what was on the sign. “‘The future of tomorrow begins today’.” Liv read outloud. “‘The Mons…mandatory relocation doesn’t have to be a drag…prime habitation units available for immediate move in’?” Liv looked up at Tiger with wide eyes.

“Come!” Jimmy McGurgan started over. “Come one, come all to the great red planet MARS!”

“We have to go there.” Tiger stated, marching forward.

“We do?” Liv scurried after Tiger as Jimmy McGurgan continued his advertisement.

“It can't be far.” Tiger said. And Tiger was right, they came up the side of the next mountain, and there it was. The Mons, whatever The Mons was.

“Huh,” Liv folded her arms as she and Tiger studied the organized span of domes from above. “They seem to be environmentally friendly.” She said, taking note of all of the solar panels.

“Hold this.” Tiger thrust the TTD at Liv. Liv furrowed her brows as she took it from her. Tiger never trusted anyone but her or Wolf with the TTD. Using the bottom of the spear, Tiger began to dig at the dirt and tried to make a hole.

“What are you doing?” Liv asked.

“Burying…” Tiger grunted, realizing that digging with the spear was harder than she expected it. “The TTD for safe keeping.” She’d dug more of a slot than a hole. “Good enough.” She held out her hand expectantly. “TTD.” She muttered. Liv handed it over.

“How will we remember where it is?” Liv asked as Tiger put the TTD in the slot and buried it.

“It’s by this sign.” Tiger nodded her head at a weathered sign that Liv couldn’t read. After burying the TTD, Tiger trudged down the mountain, Liv following after her.

They both quickly realized they didn’t fit in at all. The people of The Mons, or the Bio-Techs, all wore the same yellow, gray, and black fitted jumpsuit with some strange plastic and metal collars resting on their shoulders. They all walked in the same way, none of them unique, swinging their arms in time with each other and looking freakishly peppy. It was unsettling to say the least. Tiger stopped Liv in front of one of the dome buildings and yelled at a random citizen.

“You,” she called out. “Moon man,” the man Tiger was referring to, stopped and stared at them for a moment, face falling, and hurried away without saying anything. Tiger looked at Liv and pulled a face. “What a bunch of freaks.” She grumbled.

“I wonder what that place is.” Liv mumbled, nodding to the dome in front of them, slightly bigger than the others.

Tiger and Liv walked into the clean, white dome. It was shiny inside and had one of the mega-beans, as Liv had called it, suspended from the ceiling, held inside a halo of thin silver loops. Liv and Tiger’s ears pricked up as a light five note jingle played as they walked further inside.

“Hello, and welcome to The Mons!” A cheerful automated male voice greeted them. Tiger held her spear defensively at the ceiling. “I’m your automated guide, Cassin-E. How may I be of service to you?”

Liv held her hand out in front of Tiger. “Tiger, it’s okay, it’s just a voice, like Sigorn-E.” Liv whispered.

“I want answers, Cassin-E, and I want them now.” Tiger snapped up at the ceiling.

“Okey-dokey!” Cassin-E said enthusiastically. “What kind of answers? Commonly asked questions include, ‘what does it smell like on MARS?’ ‘Is it hot or cold on MARS?’ ‘Will I need a jacket on MARS?’”

As Cassin-E rambled, Liv wandered up three circular steps and looked up at the suspended bean. Tiger appeared behind Liv, curiously poking the bean with the spear.

“Were all these people in these bubble huts Bio-Techs?” Tiger asked, her voice still sounded accusatory.

“Oopsie!” Cassin-E interjected as soon as the word “Bio-Tech” left Tiger’s mouth. “Hate speech is a no-no.” Liv turned around to Tiger with a confused look in her eyes. Tiger just rolled hers. “Please restate your question using the term ‘human beings’ please.” Cassin-E said cheerfully.

Tiger huffed. “These human beings,” she spat the phrase. “Were they given a super cure for all diseases?”

“You betcha!” Cassin-E answered. Liv closed her eyes and shook her head while Tiger gritted her teeth and let out a long exhale. “Their ancestors were given the cure more than 100 years ago.”

“Fuck me.” Tiger stomped down the circular steps.

“I cannot perform that service, but here are some local establishments that can! The Rub Hub, The O Zone, Spunknik-“ Cassin-E listed, bringing up a map of The Mons on a small screen and highlighting the domes he was talking about.

“Cassin-E, stop.” Liv rolled her eyes, following in Tiger’s wake. Tiger and Liv approached the small screen.

“Was there a war because the government forced a super cure on the unwilling?” Tiger asked, trying to sound patient.

“No!” Cassin-E said. They both sighed in relief. “There was a war because the government withheld the cure from a large portion of a desperate and dying populace.” Cassin-E continued. Article after article flashed over the screen with concerning titles. “Thus kicking off 100 years of global bloodshed, the likes of which our planet has never seen.” Images of fires, cities in ruin, and more disturbing things flashed in front of their eyes. Liv tore her eyes away and looked up at Tiger, who looked horrified as she shook her head.

“No, I can’t believe this.” Tiger breathed out.

“Retrieving more visual proof.” Cassin-E summoned images of war, more fires from explosions, piles of dead bodies, dead animals, mushroom clouds, smoke-

“Stop.” Liv said as she glanced between the pictures and Tiger’s face. “Stop!”

“Cassie-E, stop!” Tiger barked. “The next thing out of your squawk box better be some good news about the last 100 years.” Tiger’s voice came out gravelly and panicked.

“How about this?” Cassin-E brought up a picture of a signed treaty. “Thanks to the Armistice of 2142, humanity has enjoyed 20 years of lasting peace.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Tiger nodded, stepping closer to the screen impatiently. “Tell me more about these peace accords.”

“The Peace Accord Bombing of 2094 devastated Western Europe-“

“Does that sound like good news to you, Cassin-E?” Tiger snapped, smacking the screen repeatedly with the spear.

“Tiger!” Liv cried.

“Ma’am?! Ma’am?!” Cassin-E changed the screens to say ‘ALERT’. “You are currently breaking the Violence Against Machines Act of 2139!”

Liv grappled at Tiger’s arms, but Tiger shoved her down to the ground. “I’m gonna break a lot more than that you fucking dork-a-tron!” Tiger screamed.

“I am computer code and cannot be physically harmed.” Cassin-E said as Tiger’s attacks slowed, her own wounds reopening. “You appear to be injured.” He observed. “Your current rate of blood loss is 9.6 milliliters per minute.”

Liv scrambled to her feet and supported Tiger as she groaned. “You need help.” Liv muttered, gripping Tiger’s arms. “I know you won’t ask for it, but you need it. It’s bad Tiger.” Blood was seeping through her black shirt.

“I advise you to seek medical attention.” Cassin-E said. Tiger rolled her eyes and hunched over, holding her stomach. Liv helped Tiger out of the dome, wincing as she wrapped her injured arm around her. “Oh, uh, have a wonderful day.” Cassin-E said quickly as the door swung closed.

Liv looked around for anything that looked like a hospital, a Red Cross or something. Three domes from where they stood, Liv saw just that. “Over here, come on.” Liv helped Tiger walk to the dome labeled Unit 06. As soon as they walked inside, Tiger broke away from Liv and rushed over to a desk, digging through its drawers for any bandages, anything to staunch the fresh blood really. Liv held her arm as she watched Tiger, unsure of what to do.

“Do you need medical attention?” Tiger asked, throwing open more drawers and grunting when she couldn’t find anything useful.

“Not as bad as you do.” Said Liv.

“You need something too Liv, roll up your sleeve.” Tiger turned around after shoving everything off of a shelf.

Liv gingerly rolled up the long sleeve of her shirt just below her shoulder. Her wound was nasty, but not bleeding anymore. “See? It’s okay-“

Tiger was back to digging through things. As Liv looked around, she felt more and more confused. Why didn’t they have anything useful in this medical dome? Tiger picked up a spray bottle of some kind, lifted her shirt and sprayed it directly on her wound.

“What is that?!” Liv cried and Tiger screamed in pain. “Is that even helping?” Tiger picked up a stapler, a retractable blade, and a pin. “Tiger, what are you doing?!” Liv hissed.

“They seem to be out of medical supplies, I’m getting creative.” Tiger hissed back, eyeing some kind of gadget sitting on a table behind her.

“That is not safe.” Liv held a hand out, as if that would stop her. Tiger picked up a clothing hanger and held it between her teeth as she tried to turn on the unidentifiable gadget. “Tiger, that’s not-“ The door to the dome opened and Tiger froze. Liv shrank behind Tiger.

“Is Tony in?” A woman’s voice asked as she walked in, holding one of the Bio-Tech suits on a hanger. “I was hoping to have this clean by…Monday…” she stopped as she saw Tiger with her bloody wound holding her makeshift medical tools and Liv hiding behind her. She stared at them and slowly lifted an eyebrow. “You do know there’s an infirmary two quads up and three over?” The woman asked.

Tiger looked over her shoulder at Liv and took the hanger out of her mouth. The gadget turned on in Tiger’s hand. It was a steamer.

The two left, faces red and slightly embarrassed. “There was a red cross,” Liv muttered. “Red cross means…” she trailed off as she looked up at the small sign over the door. “Tony’s Dry Cleaning” was what the sign read. The cross was the “T”.

“That’s misleading.” Tiger sighed. “What was it again, two quads up and three down or something?”

“I think so.” Liv mumbled.

Tiger took the lead again, her and Liv walking out amongst the Bio-Techs and trying to seem nonchalant. As they walked two quads up, Liv noticed Tiger’s body language change, the way her grip on the spear tensed, the way her head kept turning subtly. Tiger’s hand nudged Liv’s arm again.

“Don’t look back. We’ve got company.” Tiger whispered, a faint smile on her lips. She seemed excited to take down some of the Bio-Techs. Liv’s heart began pounding in her ears as she tried to calmly keep up with Tiger, following her behind a small dome. Tiger somehow quickly scaled the side of the tent-like material and planted her boots into the side to keep her from sliding down. She held out a hand to Liv. “Come on.” She whispered. Too confused and anxious to ask, she let Tiger help her up. Three Bio-Techs came around both sides, they must have been their company.

“Where did they go?” One of them asked. Tiger readied her spear.

“They’re right here.” Tiger stated, deadpan. She launched herself onto one of them, wrapping her legs around his neck and flipping him over. She lunged at a woman, hitting her with the flat side of the spear. Liv slid down the side and kicked the third Bio-Tech, another man, behind his knees and he buckled and fell. Tiger pointed the spear at him as he knelt in front of her, raising his hands in surrender.

“You found us.” Tiger narrowed her eyes at him. “What do you want.” Liv stood at Tiger’s side.

“To invite you up there.” The man pointed up to a structure built into the mountain.

“What is that?” Tiger pressed, pointing the spear into his chest.

“He wants to see you.” Was all the man said. Tiger’s brow furrowed as she looked at Liv, but lowered her weapon.

“Who wants to see us?” Liv asked. The man wouldn’t answer.

Leading them up a staircase in the mountain and to the main doors of the giant house and up a gold elevator, the man brought them to some glass doors. The room was beautiful, all white and clean with a giant window overlooking the Mons. A man sat with his back turned to them, playing “Claire De Lune” on the piano beautifully. Tiger grabbed Liv’s arm, keeping her at her side protectively. She shot Liv a look, both of them looking confused and nervous. The piano playing stopped as the man realized he wasn’t alone. Stu Camillo turned around. Liv stopped in her tracks, recognizing him before Tiger, who took a few more steps before realizing Liv had stopped and was gaping at him. Tiger looked harder at him. Stu’s face broke into a giant grin. Tiger recoiled immediately upon recognizing him, stepping back to Liv’s side.

“I can’t believe it!” He gasped. “You’re here.” He walked down the steps that led to his small stage. Liv realized he meant Tiger, and was paying no mind to her. Stu’s face fell as he took in Tiger’s bloody hands and realized it was from holding her still bleeding stomach. “Oh no, you’re hurt. Dr. Hogeveen!” He called, patting the stage, signaling for Tiger to sit down.

Liv led Tiger to where Stu had offered for her to sit. “How are you here?” Tiger huffed, seeming annoyed.

“How are you here?” Stu was in awe. Not once did he look at Liv. “It’s been 144 years, seven months, and three days since we…since we met.” Stu blushed and looked down. Liv shot Tiger a disgusted look. Tiger shook her head at her, looking equally as disgusted. “You haven’t aged a day.” He gushed.

“I’ve aged one day, one shitty, shitty day.” Tiger grimaced as Liv helped her sit all the way on the small stage.

A woman in the Bio-Tech uniform rushed in, medical kit in hand. She had blonde, super short, slicked back hair and a serious look about her. She rushed to Tiger’s side.

“One day?” Stu asked. “How is that possible?”

Liv stepped aside to let the woman, Dr. Hogeveen, take care of Tiger. “Time travel.” Tiger grunted as Dr. Hogeveen inspected her wound. Dr. Hogeveen faltered at Tiger’s response, looking up at her and slightly raising an eyebrow. Liv looked at her suspiciously. Dr. Hogeveen caught Liv’s eye and turned to her medical kit. Liv tore her eyes away from her and folded her arms.

“Time travel?” Stu laughed. “That doesn’t exist.”

“Well, obviously it does because I’m here in your…mountain lair.” Tiger scoffed as she looked around the room. Dr. Hogeveen got to work on the wound, scanning it with a gadget. “What did you do, freeze yourself?”

“This is a miracle.” Stu was just bubbling with giddiness. “This is happiness I don’t deserve, a bolt of joy, a-“ Stu gushed further.

“Yeah, uh huh, uh huh,” Tiger interrupted him. “How did Kronish’s cure get out?”

“Kronish?” Stu furrowed his brows. “His work died with him.”

“What?” Tiger and Liv both asked at the same time.

“Ow!” Tiger yelled, glaring at Dr. Hogeveen, who was prodding the wound.

“These wounds…” Dr. Hogeveen started, turning to Stu. “It would help if I could see the weapon that caused them.”

“Yeah, let’s just pop back 140 years and take them off the chucklefucks who shot me.” Tiger spat, rolling her eyes. “Who developed the cure?” Tiger demanded.

Stu looked bashful suddenly. “Well, I don’t like to toot my own kazoo, but it was me.” He shuffled his feet and smiled shyly at Tiger. “It was my life’s work.”

Tiger sat up straight, making Dr. Hogeveen, who was cleaning the wound, stop. “Why would you do that?”

“Because tens of millions of people were dying and I wanted to save them.” Stu said, smiling awkwardly. Tiger shot up, making Dr. Hogeveen lean away, and charged at him. Before Liv could even react Tiger was thrashing and attacking.

“You monster!” She screamed, grabbing a curved blade concealed in her belt and stabbing at him with it. Only her hand went all the way through him. She kicked at his legs, but her foot went right through him too. Stu just nodded, knowingly.

“Alright, just get it out of your system.” He said as Tiger continuously tried to maim him. She turned around and looked at Liv, wild eyed and panting.

“What-“ she panted. Liv was just as shocked, jaw dropped onto the ground. Tiger spun around, frantic. “Reveal yourself!”

“No, I’m not hiding.” Stu tried to explain. “This is me, I’m a hologram.”

“It’s true.” Dr. Hogeveen confirmed, packing her kit up. “He is.”

“What kind of sick techno nightmare is this?” Tiger shook her head, backing away.

Stu’s eyes flickered over to Dr. Hogeveen. “Eunice, could you give us a moment?”

Dr. Hogeveen, Eunice, nodded, closing up her kit and walked towards the door.

Stu approached Tiger. “I…I know this is a lot to take in but, I’m an AIS, an Augmented Intelligence System.” He explained to Tiger. “I uploaded my brain, my memories, everything about me still exists, I just don’t have a body.”

“So you’re…what? A robot-ghost?”

For the first time, Stu’s eyes landed on Liv. She saw a flash of annoyance in his eyes. “I’m sorry, have we met?”

Liv was slightly taken aback. Stu didn’t recognize her. That was right, Stu didn’t know her back in the fucked up 2017, of course he wouldn’t know her now. It made sense why he wouldn’t know her, but she was confused about why he seemed so obsessed with Tiger though.

“I’m Liv,” she almost stuck her hand out for him to shake, but then remembered he was a hologram.

“She’s my companion.” Tiger added.

Stu looked between them and nodded for a moment. “Excuse me.” He said, turning away and disappearing.

Tiger rolled her eyes and groaned the second he was gone. “Tiger, does this have something to do with you tracking him down a couple days ago?” Liv asked.

“All I did was make him dinner and make him tell me about Kronish, I don’t know what his deal is.” Tiger grumbled.

“Yeah, well, he wants you and he wants you bad.” Liv sauntered over to a dining table and took a seat.

“Wants me bad for what?” Tiger asked, looking annoyed. Liv stared at her, saying nothing. Tiger put two and two together. She wrinkled her nose. “Fuck no.” She took a seat next to Liv and let her head sink down and hit the glass table.

Stu was gone for several minutes. Liv poured herself a glass of water from a pitcher and drank it down in two gulps. Tiger held a hand out for the pitcher and drank straight from it. Stu appeared back in the room, looking much happier.

“So! Where were we?” He asked cheerfully.

“You were blabbing about being a computer zombie.” Tiger set the pitcher down.

Stu walked over to them. “Your feelings are understandable and valid, TyAnne.” Stu said gently.

“TyAnne?” Liv whispered.

“Oh yeah, that’s,” Tiger gave a light, unconvincing laugh. “That’s not my name, actually. I’m Tiger, and I’m from the year 2162, but not this bullshit version. I’m from the version where I was sent back to stop the cure from ever getting out. You were just a mark for my mission.” Tiger shrugged. “I blew up the Kronitorium and all of Kronish’s research.” She drank straight from the pitcher again.

Stu shook his head. “What? You didn’t blow up the lab that was the Krona-bomber, Joosh Futturman.” Tiger and Liv exchanged glances. “Little Boy Blew.” He added in a terrified whisper.

“Yeah,” Tiger let out a scoff. “Well, he was with us.”

“You were working with him? He was a cold-blooded killer! He was remorseless during the trial.” Stu was stunned.

Liv couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, picturing Josh on trial and being all remorseless and heartless. Maybe he learned how to lie after all.

“This does not compute.” Stu shook his head, looking horrified.

“You know what else doesn’t compute?” Tiger asked viciously. “The world I come from, we were in the midst of a thirty year war, now, thanks to you we’re up to 100.” She leaned back in her chair looking over at Liv and shaking her head. Liv sat with her hands clasped on the table, biting the inside of her lip.

“114, actually.” Stu mumbled. “We round down for morale.”

“Do you understand now why you being the father of the cure is not exactly the bee’s knees.” Tiger pinched the bridge of her nose.

Stu let out a mix between a sigh and a nervous chuckle. “Oh boy, uh, the foundation to any healthy relationship is honesty and I want you to trust me…” he twiddled his fingers.

Liv’s eyes raised to look up at Stu with a questioning look. Tiger rose to her feet, not afraid to jump down his throat immediately. “Out with it, phantom!” She demanded, storming at him. Stu backed away. Liv questioned whether or not she should also stand menacingly, but figured she’d let Tiger do that part.

Stu raised his hands defensively. “When you stab me, it doesn’t hurt physically, but it does hurt my heart.”

Tiger rolled her eyes (again). “That just makes me wanna stab you more.”

Stu sighed as he was backed into a corner. He technically could just go through the wall, but he didn’t. “Okay, if I’m the father of the cure, then you’re kinda the mom.”

That was it. Liv rose to her feet so fast her chair crashed to the ground. “What?”

“What?!” Tiger shrieked and attempted to strangle Stu. This time he went through the wall as he yelped.

“Tiger, what did you do with him?!” Liv cried.

“Nothing!” Tiger yelled at Liv.

Stu came through the wall again, about six feet away from Tiger. “When you saved my life by telling me not to go into work that fateful day, I wanted to thank you, but you vanished! I had no way to get in contact with you!” Stu explained defensively, backing away from Tiger who was still advancing on him. He backed through the table and through Liv, who shuddered and tried to shoo him away, but he didn’t pay any attention to her. Tiger walked straight into the table, forgetting she couldn’t do that too.

“Fuck!” She hissed.

“Then! I remembered that I’m a scientist.” Stu kept explaining, walking up the stairs of his little white piano stage again. “I could find you using something you’d left behind.”

Tiger walked around the table and stomped quickly after him. “Like what?” She demanded. A glass tube appeared on a glass display. A single purple hair was suspended inside. Liv followed Tiger up the stairs and couldn’t hide the disturbed look on her face. Stu Camillo, you were always a weirdo. Liv thought, looking at the tube and pressing her lips together tightly. Tiger just looked confused.

“The genomic structure of your DNA was like nothing I’d ever seen.” Stu said.

It hit Tiger all at once. With one hand, she grabbed Liv’s arm in shock, with the other she tried to swipe at the tube, but her hand went right through.

“Oh, uh, that’s a hologram too, the original was bought by Elon Musk.” Stu said before taking in a nervous breath. Tiger’s eyes flickered over to Stu, full of disturbance and rage.

“You used my Biotic DNA to create the cure?” She whispered, trying to understand. She gripped Liv’s forearm tighter.

“I thought you were an angel sent from heaven, I thought that this was my life’s purpose, to use this to heal the world.” As Stu spoke, Tiger turned away, rage melting and turning into something like panic, Liv could hear it in her erratic breathing. She reached out to calm her. “I wanted to save humanity the way you saved me.” Tiger shook her head and turned to Stu, putting out a hand to lean on his piano. “Wait! No, that’s a-“

Tiger’s hand went right through it and fell off the raised flooring and down to the ground.

“Shit!” Liv reached out but missed. She shot Stu a glare.

“It’s a hologram! I’m so sorry!” Stu apologized, looking guilty. He looked at Liv. “That was the worst time to happen.” Tiger sat up and gave Stu a burning glare.

“Liv,” she never took her eyes off Stu “We’re leaving.”

“What a fucking weirdo, you know, he always gave me a weird vibe. He would always yell at everyone when he was our boss, once he yelled at me and Josh for not putting up those yellow caution signs up ‘straight enough’? Cool man, do it yourself.” Liv rambled as she and Tiger stormed out of Stu’s mountain lair. “And you know what? He was mean to Kronish all the time, and Kronish was never mean to him. Asshole, I can’t believe that he’s still around, fuck that guy and fuck him for using you to make a cure…” Liv rambled on and on as they walked down the stairs that led down the mountain and back to the Mons.

Tiger and Liv walked back through the Mons, Liv unloading everything she hated about Stu Camillo onto Tiger. “And he was such an asshole at the Kronish Ball when he-“ Stu appeared right in front of them. “Son of a bitch.” She groaned. Tiger stopped and groaned loudly.

“Look I get it,” Stu said, nodding his head. “You hate me.” He looked at Tiger apologetically.

“I don’t,” Tiger sighed. “This isn’t your fault, okay? It’s mine. I’m the one who left behind body relics, and that mistake made it so I destroyed humanity.”

“No! You saved it.” Stu stepped closer. Liv kicked up some dirt and sighed, realizing they weren’t getting away from him that easily. “None of these people would be alive if it wasn’t for you.” Stu said to Tiger. “If you hadn’t left behind those body relics, humanity would have gone the way of the bees. And the bats. All the animals, really.”

“What happened to the animals?” Liv asked. “You kill them all off to make room for your…” she gestured around to the domes. “This?” Stu didn’t pay attention to her as usual.

“Great,” Tiger said sarcastically. “I saved the doofus brigade just in time for the planet to die.”

“We are not gonna die with it,” Stu said proudly. “These people are not worrying about the end of the world, they’re looking forward to starting a new one on-“

“On Mars, yeah, we heard.” Liv interrupted. It felt good to sass Stu Camillo the way she’d always wanted to. What was he going to do? He was a hologram. Stu shot Liv an annoyed look. He noticed someone else and his eyes lit up.

“Hey, Jimmy! You excited about the MARS launch?” Stu called out to someone passing by. Tiger and Liv watched as Lil Jimmy McGurgan, now teenage Jimmy McGurgan, excitedly pranced up to Stu.

“You bet, Stu! Check out this new suit!” He showed the three of them the big 1 embroidered on his arm. “First boy on Mars!” He cheered.

“No one can take that away from you!” Stu gave him a thumbs up as he pranced away again. As soon as he was out of ear shot he said to Tiger and Liv, “Really wish I could take that away from him, but the rules of the radio call-in contest were clear.” He chuckled. He looked seriously at Tiger. “For the first time, humanity is working together in pursuit of one single goal-“

“Does that include the spear-wielding man-mountain over at the NAG?” Tiger lashed. “‘Cause His goal was to make us shit ourselves.”

Stu sighed. “The good people of the NAG are invited to MARS. I’ve reached out countless times, but they’re so anti-tech that they don’t trust me. When I finally made enough cure, I sent it to them. You know what they did? They smashed it with rocks. When puppies went extinct, I sent the PUP-E, an adorable robo-dog! They smashed them with rocks.”

“Damn…” Liv whispered to Tiger.

“I am trying really, really hard. I know I can’t force anyone to see the great thing we’re doing here, but I hope you will.” Stu pleaded.

“Okay, Stu.” Tiger finally agreed. Liv squinted up at her with a confused look. “Yeah, maybe this world is better than where I came from, but that doesn’t mean I have a place in it. I still don’t know who I am or how I got this way.”

Stu nodded, taking in what Tiger said. “I…I have someone I’d like you to meet.”

Tiger and Liv begrudgingly made the trip back up the staircase up the mountain and back to Stu’s place. Leading them back into the same room, Tiger and Liv were met with…Tiger. Tiger and…Tiger. This Tiger had long purple hair and wore a neon yellow shirt with teeny tiny black shorts and a furry shawl. Tiger, the real one, slowed down, looking this other Tiger over. Other Tiger slowly lifted an eyebrow, taking in the real Tiger, cocking her head. Liv looked between the two, feeling sick to her stomach.

“Tiger,” Stu grinned. “Meet TyAnne, my daughter.”

Tiger froze. Liv sharply turned her head to look back at Stu. She looked back at TyAnne, who twirled her long purple hair around a finger.

A fake smile spread over TyAnne’s lips. “Hiiiiii.” She drawled in a nasally, high pitched, annoying voice, her smile falling and giving Tiger a deadpan look, not a Tiger deadpan look, a bitchy deadpan look. Tiger glanced over at Liv, looking green.

A Check In With Our Friend Wolf aka A Wolf in the Torque House summarized

Having been separated from Tiger and Liv in the NAG (or the New Above Ground), Wolf wakes up to find himself surrounded by his own counterpart, Torque's, cluster. His cluster (or 6 family members) include his wives Thimble, Level, and Rake, his husbands Lathe and Hatchet, and their daughter Lugnut. After learning about his counterpart, Torque, Wolf decides to take on his role until he can figure a way out of the NAG. He takes on the title of Wheelmaker, making wheels for the NAG, and meets old friends who don’t remember him. Despite this, Wolf begins to form a close bond with his now sorta daughter, Lugnut, eventually deciding that it probably won’t hurt for him to stay in the NAG a while longer…

A/N: Hi! Sorry there was no chapter last week, I think I’m going to upload on an every other week schedule kinda thing since I’ve been busy lately, but I’m back!! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!!!

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man 2017 #future man fanfiction #future man season 2 #Josh Futturman x OC

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heydorothea009 · 1 year ago

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Bread on Toast 2162 Masterlist

Chapter 1: Countdown To A Prologue

Chapter 2: The I’s of the Tiger

Chapter 3: Guess Who’s Coming To Lunch?

Chapter 4: J1: Judgement Day

Chapter 5: The Binx Ultimatum

Chapter 6: Homicide: Life In The Mons

Chapter 7: The Last Horchata

Chapter 8: The Ballad of Pup-E Q. Barkington

Chapter 9: Día De Los Robots

Chapter 10: The Brain Job

Chapter 11: Ultra-Max can be found on the BoT 2162 home page

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #Josh Futturman x OC #future man season 2

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heydorothea009 · 1 year ago

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Bread on Toast 2162 - A Future Man s2 Fanfiction

Warnings: strong language

Chapter 1: Countdown To A Prologue

Josh woke up in his bed. Josh woke up in his bed. He sat up, eyes wide and confused. He looked around, the walls were the same chevron print, his bedroom layout was the same, he even had the infamous SIN sign still hanging over his bed. This was Joosh’s room. Josh smacked himself. He had to be dreaming, last he checked, he was in Alamore Asylum for blowing up the Kronitorium. He didn’t wake up, this wasn’t a dream. He scrambled out of bed and out of his room. As he crept down the stairs, he heard a voice talking.

“That’s right. Teach you to fuck with me again.” A man’s voice mumbled. “Yeah, there you go. Oh, yeah, you’re struggling.” Josh peeked down the stairs. “I like that, it just gives me more power.” Paul from the gaming store stood in the living room with a headset over his eyes. “Tricked you with a worm!” He yelled at the game he was playing.

“Paul?” Josh asked as he made his way down the stairs.

Paul pulled the headset up to his forehead. “Oh! Joosh! Nice jam jams.” Josh looked down at his pajamas, a black onesie covered in the “JOOSH” logo.

“Thanks…” he murmured.

“This fishing game?” Paul pointed to the screen. “This is one of the best fishing games I have ever played, and I’ve played a lot of fishing games.” As Paul rambled, Josh’s eyes darted around his house, looking lost. “N-not on my work time though, I would never play games while working for you, sir.” Paul clasped his hands together and nodded sheepishly.

“Okay, cool.” Josh said flatly. “One question though. How am I here?” Paul listened and nodded. “The last thing I remember, I was in prison and there was this big flash of light like-“

“Like lighting.” Paul said, finishing his sentence.

Josh cocked his head. “Wait, how do you know that?”

Paul sighed. “It happened again.”

“…what?”

“Okay, let’s go over this again, I guess.” Paul took the headset off and strolled over to the kitchen. Josh trailed behind him looking like a lost and scared puppy. “So, when you were in prison you started seeing these flashes of light and, uh, having seizures.” He opened the pantry and pulled out a box of JOOSH cereal, pouring himself a bowl.

“…okay…”

“Yeah, it was terrible. It gave you complete memory loss. The doctors figured out it was because of the nuts in your prison food.”

Josh nodded slowly. “I mean, yeah, I have a nut allergy but it’s never given me seizures.”

“Well, you have too many nuts, you shake like a maraca.” Paul said, shaking his fists like maracas. “So the prison had to decide whether or not to hire you a private chef or send you home under house arrest.” He explained. “But they figured, you know, hiring a private chef for ‘The Krona-Bomber’ would be a PR nightmare,” Paul shoveled cereal into his mouth. “So they sent you home!”

“So, like, that wasn’t a PR nightmare?” Josh asked.

“It’s kinda like a pick your poison thing, you know? I mean, now you’re eating nut free meals, but occasionally, you’ll see the lighting flashes and then forget everything and we have this same conversation and it’s super boring. I swear I’ve told you this story, like, fifteen times.”

Josh processed the information, blowing out a sigh. “…okay, and you and Tracy still work for me?”

“No, yeah, so, Tracy had a problem working for a terrorist.” Paul said nonchalantly. “Me? Not so much, as long as the checks clear, I’m your man JFUTZ.” He picked up his bowl of cereal and strolled out of the kitchen.

Josh followed after him, head still buzzing with a million questions. “But if I’m on house arrest, why don’t I have one of those ankle bracelet things on? What’s stopping me from just walking out the door?”

The sound of the toilet flushing from the guest bathroom upstairs and the door opening made Josh’s ears prick up. Vincent Skarsgaard walked out right on cue. “The bullet I’d put in the back of your skull.” He answered with a stern look. His face broke into a smile, as if he couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Just kidding, I’d just pop your knee clean out.” He sauntered over to Josh and put a hand on Josh’s shoulder. “Are you seizing up again? Paulie, is he seizing again?”

“Yep,” Paul was seated on the couch, loudly slurping up his cereal. “We’ve got a regular Lucy Whitmore over here.” Paul joked.

Skarsgaard turned to Josh. “That’s the character portrayed by Drew Barrymore in the film ‘50 First Dates’.”

“Oh, please don’t tell me you forgot that.” Paul said with concern. Josh furrowed his brows.

“So you’re…like, my personal guard now?” He asked Skaarsgard.

“Bingo.” He winked at him. Paul started the game he was playing earlier again. “Woah! Vermont Fishing Hole! Any nibbles Paul?” Skarsgaard asked cheerfully.

“Pull up a pole, find out for yourself, my friend!” Paul gestured for Skarsgaard to join him on the couch. Josh stood there, face contorted in confusion.

“Wait, hang on a sec. That doesn’t make any sense.” Skarsgaard and Paul stared at him from the couch. “Prisons deal with food allergies, like, all the time, there must be thousands of options that are, I dunno, better than sending me home.” Skarsgaard and Paul looked at each other like Josh was speaking a foreign language to them. “I’m a convicted terrorist, remember? I was given 101 consecutive life sentences and USA Today said I was the most hated man in America.” Paul and Skaarsgard nodded with knowing smiles on their faces.

“And the New York Post dubbed you ‘Little Boy Blew’!” Paul added enthusiastically.

“Hilarious.” Skarsgaard chuckled. “Because you BLEW up the building. And you’re small in stature.”

Josh stared at them, trying to figure out why they were so cheerful and weird. The doorbell rang, making Josh jump. No one moved, they both just stared at Josh.

“Um…”

“Well, you’re up, go get the door.” Paul said.

“Okay, so the terrorist gets the door, cool…” Josh shuffled over to the door and opened it. No one was there but a gorgeous bouquet of flowers on the welcome mat. He picked it up and looked around, looking for some sort of delivery driver or anyone outside.

“Oh, shit! Are those peonies?” Paul asked excitedly. “I didn’t know they were in season.” Josh shut the door.

“Neither did I,” Skarsgaard’s eyes lit up. “I’m going to have to pick some for the widow Santiago.” He chuckled.

Josh set them on the coffee table, noticing a card that said who they were from. “…Stu Camillo?” He whispered.

Paul and Skarsgaard’s heads turned to him. “Stuart Gavin Camillo?” Skarsgaard used his full name.

“Who’s that? Old flame? You can tell me, I won’t tell your girlfriend.” Paul said, putting an emphasis on “girlfriend”, making Josh’s eyes dart up to meet his, and a lump form in his throat.

“…Liv?” Josh’s voice came out breathless as he almost dropped the card. Liv. “I- is- is Liv here?” He stammered.

“No, she’s not.” Paul brushed off Josh’s question. “So who’s this Stu Camillo? Come on, tell us!” He pried.

Josh blinked, attempting to clear the thought of Liv Branson, the girl he was desperately in love with who had gone missing after he’d blown up the Kronitorium. “Uh, uh,” Josh cleared his throat and shook his head. “He’s just some guy I used to work with.” He mumbled, looking back down at the card. “I have no idea why he would send me flowers.”

“Hm, but why do you think he would?” Paul asked quizzically.

“…I don’t know. I always thought he hated me.” Josh responded quietly.

“Objection. Speculation. Let’s get into that.” Skarsgaard stood from the couch.

“Yeah, why does this guy hate you?” Paul asked.

“I really don’t know. He was just kinda a dick to me?” Josh felt uncomfortable.

“Really? For no reason?” Paul sounded like a therapist with the way he was asking all these questions.

“Why…why do you care?” Josh asked.

“Don’t you find it curious that a man you considered ‘a dick’ would purchase you such a tasteful floral arrangement?” Skarsgaard asked, standing uncomfortably close to Josh. “Clearly it wasn’t a gas station impulse buy.”

“Yeah, these are Maiorcan peonies. You know what the street value of these are?” Paul asked seriously.

“No?” Josh raised an eyebrow.

“$12.50 a bulb.” Paul and Skarsgaard nodded in sync.

“Um, I think I’m gonna go upstairs and lie down for a bit.” Josh tried to back away.

“Wait!” Paul shot up from the couch with an unsettling grin. “Don’t you wanna write him a thank you note first?” He whipped out a thank you note with fancy gold text on the front.

“Huh?”

“Yeah! Etiquette dictates that when someone sends you flowers you have to write them a thank you note!” Paul said like he was in a commercial.

“Since when?”

“Everyone knows you gotta write a note before the last petal falls.” Skarsgaard said in the same tone.

“I don’t have anything to say to Stu.” Josh said.

“Okay, okay, I’ll write it.” Paul pulled out a pen. “Dear Stu,” he started writing. “Thank you for the magnificent Maiorcan peonies.” He looked up at Josh. “I want to add something personal here, maybe a little inside joke you and Stu share, what would that be?”

“What is the deal with you guys and Stu?” Josh asked, hating the way Skarsgaard’s and Paul’s eyes bore into him. “I barely knew the guy.”

“Hey, calm down man.” Paul said and he and Skarsgaard stepped closer to him.

“Yeah, you’re getting all defensive about this Camillo fella.” Paul and Skarsgaard towered over Josh as they got closer. “What does he have on you?”

“Or you on him?” Paul asked.

“Nothing!” Josh held his hands up, backing away. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about!”

“Answer our questions about Stu Camillo and this will all be over.” Paul demanded.

“Stop!” Josh yelled as he backed into a wall. “Stop! Stop it! Get away!”

Paul and Skarsgaard stood over Josh as he sank against the wall. The bright lightning flash was back, but this time, bringing three familiar faces with it; Wolf, Tiger, and-

“Liv!” Josh cried in a hoarse voice. Paul and Skarsgaard whipped around, teeth bared.

“Hey.” Liv twirled a blaster around her finger.

“Sup.” Wolf jutted his chin upward.

“Hey.” Tiger slapped a hand on both Liv and Wolf’s backs.

“Die Resistance scum!” Paul yelled as he and Skarsgaard pulled out concealed blasters, shooting at Wolf, Tiger, and Liv. They jumped out of the way.

“Ninja star!” Tiger tossed a ninja star into Skarsgaard’s throat, killing him.

“Double ninja star!” Wolf and Liv each pulled out a ninja star with four spikes, locking them together to create a deadly eight spiked weapon. It lodged itself in Paul’s throat, killing him instantly. Josh’s eyes darted around in shock, from the two dead bodies to Tiger, Wolf, and Liv.

“I give that entrance…three stars.” Wolf said, offering both hands for Tiger and Liv to high five.

“Hey Josh,” Liv winked at Josh.

Josh stared up at them for another moment, jaw dropped to the ground. “What the fuck?”

“Wait, so I’m confused, how were they Biotics? I thought we saved the future.” Josh said as Tiger and Wolf stuffed the two corpses into the garbage bins in the backyard. Liv had her arms strung around Josh’s shoulders, playing with his hair.

“We did.” Tiger said, walking back inside. “It’s the present that’s in danger.”

“Your present,” Wolf said, coming in after her. He looked Josh up and down. “Nice PJs.” He complimented.

“Isn’t he so cute?” Liv giggled, kissing Josh’s face all over and rubbing his chest. She had never been this touchy, Josh didn’t mind though, he’d missed her terribly. He blushed and smiled.

“Liv,” he chuckled.

“No, you both are so cute! Come here!” Wolf gathered them up into a tight hug. Liv was giggling but Josh shot him a confused look.

“This…this is kind of a couples’ thing Wolf, but, I missed you too buddy.”

“Before we blew up the Kronitorium, Biotics executed murder protocol one.” Tiger said loudly, catching their attention.

“Oh…” Josh was brought back to reality. “I don’t like how that sounds at all.” His voice was worried. Liv laced her fingers through his and kept one hand stroking up and down his bicep as they followed Tiger as she paced into the living room.

“Yeah, no, you shouldn’t.” Tiger said, turning to face them. “They activated every Biotic sleeper agent in the world for one singular mission.”

“Killing you.” Wolf piped up.

“Wh- what?!” Josh looked at the three of them with wide eyes. Liv nodded solemnly and leaned her head against his, squeezing his arm comfortingly. “Why? I’m- I’m being John Wick’d?”

“They must have sent your picture out before you blew up the lab.” Tiger explained calmly.

“We call it the last gasp of a dying civilization.” Wolf added.

Josh looked around at them again, his gaze settling on Liv. “Okay, but…the future you guys went back to…”

“Oh, it’s perfect.” Liv sighed dreamily.

“Everything we ever dreamed of.” Wolf said in the same tone.

“Really?” Josh perked up, relieved to know that they had all been in good hands.

“It’s a utopia,” Tiger grinned as she thought of it. “A utopia inside of a paradise. We have robot butlers.”

Josh’s brain immediately went to every movie he’d ever seen where robots had become evil and turned on humanity, his smile falling. “Oh, Tiger-“

“Oh, don’t worry!” Liv piped up, cupping his cheek. “They’re programmed not to turn on people.”

Josh’s eyebrows shot up. Who would have known it would be that simple? “Wow.” He breathed out. “So…we really saved the world?” Tiger nodded with a small, proud smile. Liv kissed him on the cheek and trailed her fingers down the side of his neck. Wolf was wandering up the stairs, taking in the house, happy to be back. “When- when I was in prison I hoped against hope and it kept me going but…but knowing for sure…” his smile grew emotional as he looked at the three people he’d missed the most in prison, the three people he worried most about while he dreaded ever learning of their fates. They were all okay, and right in front of him. “…that makes everything we went through worth it.”

Liv pulled him in for a slow, intimate kiss. Josh had been longing for this for a year. Even Tiger wasn’t disgusted. Wolf appeared by Tiger’s side, a small adoring grin on his face as he watched them.

“I love love.” He cooed.

Josh pulled away as a realization flashed through his head. “Wait,” he muttered, Liv’s lips chased after him as he did so. “If the future was perfect then why’d you guys come back for me? I mean, I told you not to.”

“Well, you were in trouble little buddy.” Wolf said. “And Liv missed you, so I missed you too.” Liv smiled and nodded.

“We also, uh, looked up what happened to you.” Tiger admitted.

“Oh yeah, man, it was tough living our lives knowing those two had killed you so horrifically.” Wolf said.

“See, first rule of murder protocol one is to disrespect the body, and we haven’t allowed Liv to see this picture…” Tiger leaned the screen of her device away so Liv couldn’t see it and she looked away.

“Oh-“ Josh’s stomach dropped and looked away as soon as he saw the mangled mess of limbs and innards that was shown on the screen.

“Yeah…” Tiger and Wolf exhaled, still looking at it.

“We don’t let Liv look at it ‘cause she’s all squeamish and stuff, huh Liv?” Wolf chuckled, still looking at the grotesque picture.

“And because I would be sad.” Liv said calmly, still looking in the other direction.

Josh exhaled, trying to process the image. “Where…are my ears?”

“Oh no, they’re right…” Tiger pointed to the picture. “There, see them? Right inside that.” Josh snuck a glance and immediately regretted it.

“Oh, God.” He shuddered.

“No teammate of ours is gonna die like that.” Wolf said.

“Absolutely not.” Tiger agreed.

“Thank you, guys.” Josh sighed with relief.

“Hey, do you have any food?” Wolf asked.

“Ooh, yeah!” Liv looked back at them. “I’m so hungry.” Wolf did a giddy little dance.

“Can I make you guys something?” He asked excitedly.

“Always!” Tiger slapped Wolf’s back. “Holla!” She turned to Josh. “That’s slang from the future.”

Josh raised an eyebrow. “Like…‘Hollaback Girl’?”

Wolf quickly whipped up an amazing meal, poached vegetables, lots and lots of fruit, and little cheesecakes.

“Mm,” Josh gave a satisfied sigh as he let his head rest against Liv’s which was already resting on his shoulder.

“What the hell did you do to these vegetables?”

“Poached ‘em in duck fat.” Wolf said happily.

“That was so good, I can’t remember the last time I had real food.” Josh said, savoring another bite of his artichoke.

“Well, get used to it, I’m gonna be cooking like this all the time.” Wolf said. “Using fresh local ingredients wherever we go.”

“Wolf’s a chef in the future too.” Liv said, twisting her head up to look at Josh.

“Wait, go?” Josh’s eyebrows furrowed. “Shouldn’t I be, like, laying low and hiding if Biotics are out to get me?”

“And wait for them to come to us? Fuck no.” Tiger said. “We’re bringing the fight to them.”

“They’re spread all around the world. From the white sand beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the Great Pyramids of Giza.” Wolf said, an eager look in his eyes.

“We’re gonna go to all those places?” Josh asked excitedly. “How many sleepers are left?” He sat forward in his seat eagerly.

“After this, 12.” Wolf said. “Each in a location more exotic than the last.” A mischievous glint was in his eyes as he looked between Liv and Josh.

“Kind of romantic, right?” Liv leaned forward too, propping her chin in her hands while her elbows rested on the table, pressing her shoulder into Josh’s. “Exotic.” She whispered again, winking at him. Josh’s face flushed red as he got more and more excited for the mission.

“Are- are you sure that’s not putting me in unnecessary danger?” He asked, cautious as always.

“Well, that’s where things get interesting.” Tiger pulled a syringe from her jacket. “Once you use this bad boy here, they’ll be the ones in danger.”

“CATG-6, AKA, Globyplast Nine.” Wolf said. “AKA, Super Serum 14.”

“It’s gonna make you faster, smarter, stronger, and you’ll be able to walk into a room and instantly feel more confident no matter the situation.” Tiger said as her, Wolf, and Liv all looked at him and nodded with excited smiles.

Josh perked up, smile growing bigger. “Really?” He asked in a timid voice.

“Yeah,” Tiger grinned even more as he reached out and took the syringe from her hand.

He was awestruck. He took the cap off the needle and stuck it into his leg. Tiger and Wolf chuckled at his eagerness and Liv quickly looked up at the ceiling so she wouldn’t see. He felt the effects immediately, feeling like he’d just developed super powers. He gave a shocked laugh, looking down at his hands like they were glowing. “This is awesome! This is incredible! We’re gonna be kicking ass, side by side, just the four of us-“

“Well, not exactly…” Liv said, a small smile on her face.

Buzzing sounds and light flashes came from outside the front door. A woman opened the door stepped in, carrying a satchel and a serious look on her face.

“Got the shield sphere up, that should keep us off their scanners for now.” She said without introducing herself.

“There’s five of us.” Liv bounced her legs excitedly. “Josh, this is Fox, our new tech expert.”

“She may look like a nerd, but you’ll be glad to have her when she hacks us into the Kremlin.” Wolf said.

Josh stood to greet her. “Futturman,” he said, not stuttering like he usually would. “Josh Futturman.”

“Fox, this is him, this is the boy I was telling you about!” Liv called excitedly, also standing up and rushing over, throwing her arms around Fox. Clearly they were good friends. Fox stood stoically but returned the hug, looking Josh up and down.

“Ah, so you’re the boy Liv has told me all about.” She said in a flat tone, similar to Tiger’s, but not as intimidating. “I like the click of your keyboard, but be careful, my spell check doesn’t miss a word.”

“Well, we’ll have to anti-disestablishmentarianism.” Josh joked smoothly, making everyone crack a chuckle.

“I triangulated the location of our first target.” Fox said, taking a map from her satchel, walking to the table and rolling it out. “The ICEHOTEL in Helsinki.”

“I’ve always wanted to visit.” Josh commented as he slid and arm around Liv’s waist, approaching the table together.

“Good, you better pack a parka. And a tuxedo. This is a shadow op, threat level nine.” Fox said.

“You and Liv will be posing as newlyweds infiltrating a Nordic sex cult.” Tiger said casually.

“Murder protocol one dictates to kill on sight, no questions asked.” Wolf said.

“You’ll really have to sell newlyweds with insatiable sexual appetites. Are you ready for that?” Fox asked, looking at Josh and Liv. He looked to Liv, who looked back at him with a look in her eyes that made his head spin.

“I think we can do that.” He smirked, giving her hip a squeeze.

“Oh trust me, they can.” Wolf teased. Liv took the hand he hand on her hip and laced her fingers through his, leaning back into him.

Josh’s smirk fell as he had a realization. “Wait, did you say kill on sight, no questions asked?” Wolf nodded, raising an eyebrow. “Because Paul and Skarsgaard asked me a bunch of questions.”

Tiger straightened up. “What are you talking about?”

“This whole morning they could have just killed me, but instead, they asked me a bunch of questions about Stu Camillo.”

“Why would they ask about Stu?” Liv asked.

“I don’t know, but they were extremely persistent.”

“I don’t like this one bit,” Tiger shook her head. “What are they planning?”

“If they’re breaking MP1, it must be important.” Wolf shook his head too.

“Fox, hack into the internet.” Tiger said loudly. “Find out everything you can about Stu Camillo.”

“On it.” Fox pulled a computer from her satchel, sitting down and typing away.

“You didn’t tell them anything important about Stu, did you?” Liv asked, leaning closer to Josh to look at what Fox was doing.

“Oh, no, no, I don’t know anything important about Stu.” Josh said.

“What does he have on you?” Tiger asked.

“Or you on him?” Fox looked up at him. Josh paused, looking between Tiger and Fox. His eyes flickered back and forth, feeling a sense of uneasiness wash over him.

“I- uh, nothing. Nothing. Liv, you- you worked with Stu, do you know-“

“Well, he yelled at you more than he yelled at me, Josh.” She let out a breathy laugh as she drew her fingers over his knuckles. Josh blinked a couple times, glancing at every person in the room. Tiger and Wolf had never been this nice to him, Liv was never this touchy, and there was something vaguely familiar about Fox.

“I, um, I did just remember that I think I have a Patagonia gift card upstairs in my room, so I’ll go grab that…gear up for Helsinki.” He pried his hand from Liv’s.

“Oh, I’ll come with you.” She said coyly.

“No!” Josh cried, holding his hands out to stop her. “No, uh,” he laughed nervously. “No, that’s okay Liv, it won’t take too long.” He bolted before she could respond. He sprinted up to his room, checking behind him to make sure no one was following. He quietly shut his door and looked wide eyed through his room. He knew he’d seen Fox somewhere before, he couldn’t quite remember where, but he’d seen her face somewhere in JFUTZ’s room. He looked under the bed, reaching under and grabbing a bin full of board games. It hit him that he knew exactly where he’d seen Fox. He pulled out several games before he saw it. Spoink. Fox was right on the cover, and it was unmistakably her.

“…what the fuck is going on?” Josh murmured, heart pounding, mouth going dry. Nothing was right. Feeling light headed, Josh crept back down the stairs to find Tiger, Wolf, and Liv crowded around Fox.

“Oh, Josh!” Wolf called out excitedly. “We’re finding all sorts of things on the internet!” The way Wolf phrased it was so unnatural and way too cheerful for Wolf.

“Oh, cool.” He said, an idea popping up in his head. “Hey, um…” he searched his brain for the perfect lie, a lie that would catch whoever these imposters of Tiger, Wolf, Liv, and Fox. “I just thought of something that might be useful about Stu.”

The four turned away from the computer in sync, eyes trained uncomfortably on Josh. “Really, what?” Tiger asked.

“It was something that you told me that he told you when you guys were on that, uh, date.” Josh said to Tiger, heart picking up speed. “The…whale watching date…remember?”

Tiger squinted her eyes slightly and nodded. “Yeah…” she was clearly lying. “Well, he said a lot of things, so, what specifically?”

“I can’t remember, but you said it was something really, really important and he told you right before the, um, humpback charged your boat.” Josh was proud of himself, he was getting better at lying on the spot. Real Liv would be proud, wherever she was.

“Well, you know, after I saw that angry spout it all went blank.”

“Wrong.” Josh pointed an accusatory finger at her. “You’ve never seen a spout.” He jabbed a finger at Wolf. “You are never this nice to me.” His finger landed on Liv. “You are never this touchy. And you?” He pointed to Fox. “You’re Spoink girl.” Fox’s eyebrow quirked slightly. Their faces showed only a little concern. “What the fuck is going on? Someone please give me some answers.”

Fox stood from her chair. “This will all be over soon.” Josh’s heart plummeted. “Just tell us why you would be a threat to Stu Camillo?”

“You must know his weakness.” Wolf said, stepping closer.

“Some of his secrets?” Tiger added, taking a step too.

“Stop hiding things.” Liv said, sounding hostile. The four of them backed him into the front door.

“I don’t know anything about Stu Camillo, okay?” Josh said frantically, panicking as his back met the hard wood of the door. “He’s a tertiary character in my life!”

“Tell us!” Wolf demanded.

“He’s tertiary!” Josh yelled. His surroundings began to fizzle, his head felt fuzzy.

“Start talking.” Tiger said in her flat, stern voice.

“Now!” All four of them screamed. The world began to dissolve right in front of Josh’s eyes, their screams sounding computerized. It was like everything had turned pixelated as everything dissolved, he looked down at his hands, he was dissolving too.

He opened his mouth to scream for help, but instead felt thick goop enter his mouth, a cold and liquid feeling surrounding his body. It felt like he was drowning and couldn’t breath. Instinctively in his search for air, he launched himself into an upright position, finding he was laying down, face breaking through whatever goop had been covering him. He took in a huge gasp of air, arms and legs flailing, trying to grasp onto something, anything. He couldn’t see, the goop was in his eyes, but he would feel metal, feeling the shape of what possibly was a tub around him, and something heavy covering his head. His hands grasped onto the sides of the metal tub and he scrambled out, quickly realizing he was naked, feeling cold and uninviting air surrounding him. He felt something tug from his head as he clumsily got out of the tub, wiping the goo from his eyes.

He felt clammy, weak, he could barely stand, the whole floor was slippery, and the lights in the room- at least he thought it was a room- were so bright, he still couldn’t see. He took his hands off the tub to reach up and feel what was on his head, only to be met with the feeling of tubes and wires. He took a clumsy step back, his feet slipping out from under him, suddenly he was looking up at the bright lights and-

Seconds later- minutes later- hours later- he didn’t know, he barely came to, struggling to breath. He must have had the wind knocked out of him. He opened his eyes to see a fuzzy figure in front of him, breathing loudly. He felt something sharp enter his neck. He couldn’t form a coherent thought as everything went black.

Josh drew in a deep breath, eyes fluttering open.

“It’s okay.”

He started, everything coming into focus. A big light hung above his head, and he was surrounded by concrete walls.

“You’re safe now.” A woman sat next to him as he lay in a bed. “Let me get this neurocap off you, you’ll be a lot more comfortable.” She said calmly, moving to take off something on Josh’s head. He was hyperventilating, panic setting in.

“What- what the hell was that?” He asked, as she took the cap off his head. “Where am I?”

“That was a simulation crafted from your own consciousness but controlled by outside operators.” She walked around the bed, to the other side, letting Josh get a clear look at her. She looked kind, motherly even, probably about the same age as his mother, super short and slicked back blonde hair, and wearing some sort of uniform. “And you are in a cave.” She was holding something, Josh couldn’t quite see. Her voice was smooth, it calmed him slightly. He felt something like cold metal prongs graze right under his ear.

He gasped and tried to move away as he felt something being pulled out from his neck. “What the f-“ he whispered.

“Don’t move, it only makes the cerebro-derm stickier.” The woman told him as she pulled a long cord from Josh’s neck.

He groaned as he felt the whole thing come out, hoping he never had to feel that feeling again. He looked up to see her coiling whatever it was into a jar of liquid. “I- I can’t remember coming here.” He muttered, shuddering.

She came back to the other side of his neck, her prongs ready. Josh froze, realizing she was about to pull out another one of those things, cerebro-derm or something. “We had to remove a small portion of your memory so you would not suspect you were in a sim.” She said plainly.

As the cerebro-derm exited his neck with a long, cold pull, he gritted his teeth and inhaled sharply. The woman wiped it off as she pulled it all the way out, Josh’s head jerking away as he groaned.

“Don’t worry, it’s just spinal fluid.” She said. Josh stared in disbelief as she coiled it up and stuck into a different jar full of liquid. “There.” She smiled at him, putting a lid on the jar. “Good as new.”

“No, bad, bad, still bad.” Josh sat up, never taking his eyes off of her. “Who…who are you? What the fuck is going on?”

The woman nodded slightly. “My name is Athena and I’m sorry that you had to go through that.” She said gently. “I assure you, it was for your own safety. The truth is so shocking, we felt a simulation was a more humane way to ease you into it.” She put a gentle hand on Josh’s shoulder. “I really think you should lie down for this.” She said in almost a whisper. Josh hesitated, but let himself lie down. She looked down at him. “I am from the future.” She said slowly and gently, waiting for his reaction.

Josh looked off to the side and back to her, waiting for the part he had to lay down for, but she said nothing else. “…and…” Athena looked confused, still waiting for the weight of her revelation to hit him. Josh realized that’s all she had to say. “Okay…”

“My comrades and I traveled back in time to find you because we believe you may be the only person with the skills to save our world,” She said, gently still. “A savior. I know, I know, it boggles the mind.” She watched as Josh shook his head and sighed. “You must believe me,” she continued, mistaking Josh’s devastation for shock. “In 2026, Dr. Stu Camillo will create a super cure for all diseases leading to a global war-” she watched as Josh nodded his head along with her as she spoke.

“Between the ones who receive the cure and the ones who don’t, right?” He finished her sentence dully.

“Well, yes, that's exactly it, but there’s no way you could possibly know that.” Athena sounded astounded.

Josh sat back up, rubbing his hands over the rough blanket covering his torso. “Yeah, I know it because I lived it.” He grumbled. “Fuck, it didn’t work.” He pressed his palms into his eyes, a headache forming behind them.

“I don’t understand.” Athena whispered.

Josh pulled his hands away, staring straight ahead. “I fought, I struggled. I suffered, I sacrificed, I saw a girl's head get blown up in my face, I left my family, lost the girl I love, killed a man I respected, and I end up in the exact same place?” Josh closed his eyes. “Okay, so, Stu is the new Kronish, same shit, different fucking timeline.” He hung his head.

Athena processed all that he’d just said. “So you’re a Time Warrior?” She asked softly.

Josh ran his hands down his face, thinking about it, blowing out a huff of air. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

“Then you know the stakes we face.” She said softly. “The fate of humanity is in the balance, we need you.”

Josh sighed. “No.” He whispered, shaking his head, still looking straight ahead. “You know, after spending a year in prison for the criminally insane, for apparently absolutely no reason, I don’t feel like being a ‘savior’ anymore.”

Athena nodded understandingly and looked down at her knees. “I’ve upset you. That’s the last thing I wanted to do. You must rest.” She whispered, exiting the room. As Josh looked around for a moment, he realized it was more like a cellar. His room in prison was nicer and cushier. He shifted his legs, hearing the clank of a chain and feeling a cuff around his ankle that he’d barely noticed.

“Seriously?” He loudly seethed. “Great way to treat your savior. Thank you.” He called sarcastically, falling back against the bed.

Josh wasn’t sure how long he laid on his side staring at the wall when he heard the door scrape open again. It was Athena.

“Here,” she said. He heard the sound of a metal tray being put on the table. “Eat something.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Being in the sim cranks your metabolism 14.6 times normal. You’re in a caloric freefall, risking hypo-auto-cannibalization.” She said, sitting next to him again.

Josh looked over his shoulder. “Oh, alright, how about this?” He sat up, pulling the blanket off of his chained ankle. “How about I start by gnawing on my fucking leg? Why am I shackled to the bed?”

“The restraint is for your safety.” Athena said. Josh clenched his jaw and looked away. “I once saw a man flail so violently from post-sim hallucinations that he shattered his femur.” She sounded solemn. “The jagged bone ripped right through the meat of his thigh-“

“Fine. Leave it on.” Josh muttered, grabbing a small cup of water from the tray.

“Easy on the liquids,” Athena said as he began to sip it. “The tranquilizer we gave you can lead to bladder control issues.”

Josh finished gulping down the water and set the empty cup back on the tray. “I play a lot of video games, I have no problem holding my U.”

“Understood.” Athena raised her eyebrows, seemingly impressed.

“Putting me in the simulation and making me think I’d saved the world was pretty mean.” Josh snipped.

“We didn’t make you think you’d saved the world, that part was a projection of your own subconscious.” Athena said. Josh slowly closed his mouth. “All we controlled were the questions about Stu, you filled in the rest.”

“You hijacked my brain just to ask me questions about Stu Camillo?”

“Yes, but the simulation told us so much more. We thought it was something you knew. Turns out, it’s something you are.”

Josh didn’t say anything as he let that sink in. “…what am I?” He asked quietly after a moment of silence.

“That’s what we’re here to find out. There’s a power in you greater than any we’ve ever seen.” She whispered softly, smiling comfortingly.

“Like…a super power?” Josh asked, trying not to sound excited.

“Exactly.” She nodded. “Now, I understand you’ve been through something like this before, and I know why you’re hesitant to try it again, but if you join us, I promise you that it’ll be different this time. You won’t end up behind bars. You’ll end up in the history books as the greatest hero the world has ever known.”

Josh thought for a second. “And if I say no?”

“We’ll wipe your memory and put you right back in prison.”

“You can do that?”

“Of course. The only side effect would be the lingering sensation that something was off, but you would never really be able to tell what it was.”

“That sounds like it would drive me insane.” Josh mumbled, sighing. “Okay…okay, if I do this it is not to make it into the history books. It’s to make sure there’s still a history to be written about…inside the books.”

Athena nodded stoically. “Well said, Joosh. Does this mean you’re in?”

Josh nodded. “Call me Josh. I’m in.”

Athena held out a hand for him to shake. “Welcome to the Pointed Circle.” Josh shook her hand.

“Pointed Circle? That’s a cool name. Oh,” he looked at the wall he had stared at. “That also explains that pointed circle.” He pointed to the circle of different points and jagged lines that was carved into the wall. “I thought it was the sun or something.”

“There are some others who will want to meet you, Odin, Vishnu, Muluku, Xenu,” Athena said.

“I would love to meet the whole…the whole gang.”

“And as a member of the Pointed Circle, you’ll need a code name as well.” Athena said. Josh nodded along. “How does Jesus sound to you?”

Josh thought about it. “Seems kinda risky…”

“Allah?” She suggested.

“…uh…Jesus is fine.”

“Good. Eat your supper. I’ll return soon with the others.” Athena stood and left the room. Josh sighed and looked up at the ceiling, feeling a sort of excitement creep back into him, like the way it had back when he’d gone back to 1969 with Tiger and Wolf. He could be a savior again.

Against his will, he felt his bladder relieve itself, maybe he did have a problem with holding his U. “Oh- oh shit! Stop! Stop, stop, stop, stop!” He’d peed himself like a baby. Awesome. “I can’t meet Xenu like this, that’s disgusting!” He looked around frantically. He spotted a high shelf that had extra sheets amongst other things. “Bingo bango.” He muttered to himself. He awkwardly crawled over the bed, ankle still chained, hopping on one leg to the shelf, dragging the whole bed with him.

He fastened the sheets into a toga, looking straight out of Ancient Greece. He tore a piece from the bottom and used it as a sash, Liv had told him once something like that would be considered sash, not a belt. Liv. Josh shook his head, clearing thoughts of her away. He had to focus, he was about to be faced with some really, really important people. Maybe if they saved the world he could ask them to go back and save Liv too, if that wouldn’t be too much trouble.

He noticed a grate that was propped against the wall. He hopped over to it, pushing it aside to find a vent.

Perfect! He thought to himself, bundling up his ruined clothes to throw them in there. He could hear voices on the other side. He paused.

“Joosh is on board.” It was Athena. “We need all techs working on an upload machine.”

Another voice spoke. “You’re so convinced this will work, but how do we know he’s the one?”

“He crashed the simulation in less than ten minutes. Achilles wants us to harness that power and use it to bring down the entire system then we strike.” Athena’s voice said.

Another voice said, “The attack is on Launch Day. We’ll need to weaponize him before then.” Josh’s brows furrowed.

“It’ll take some time to replicate the induction cortex. You’ll have to keep him calm until then.”

Athena spoke. “That won’t be a problem.”

“Okay, ‘cause this procedure will one hundred percent kill him.”

“‘Kill him’?” Josh breathed out, pushing away from the vent in horror.

“Soldiers die for lesser causes. His death will be the first, but it won’t be the last.” He heard Athena continue. “A war is coming, it’s time we took back control.”

Josh’s breathing was erratic as he scrambled to his feet. “They’re gonna kill me, oh God, oh God,” he panicked, tugging at the chain. He rattled it, and looked around with wide eyes for anything he could try to use to help him escape. His eyes landed on a spoon, it looked flimsy enough. He easily bent it and used it as a screwdriver, unscrewing the part of the bed he was chained to. “Righty tighty, lefty loosey, righty tighty, lefty loosey-“ he repeated to himself over and over until the metal clanged to the floor. Josh waited for someone to come bursting in and shoot him with a tranquilizer again, but no one did, not yet. He could hear footsteps approaching the door.

He stood up, chain in hand. He started to swing it around like a weapon, ready to take out whoever entered and make his escape. A giant man opened the door, a metal piece in his mouth that just amplified his heavy breathing.

“Nighty night.” Josh let the chain fly at the giant’s head, but it never made contact because the giant dodged it. The last thing Josh saw was the chain flying back at his face and- “Fu-“ he didn’t even finish the word.

His eyes flew open and his head throbbed. Josh couldn’t have been out for long if the door was still open and no one was in sight. He scooped up his chain and stood up, head pounding and legs wobbly. He could hear footsteps. Lots of them. His eyes darted to the vent, he could hide in there until they left. As he crawled inside, he tried not to think of the fact that there could have been spiders.

“You left the door open?” He heard Athena scold as he pulled the grate as quietly as he could over the opening of the vent. She sighed. The heavy breathing giant was back too. “When they ripped out your tongue, did they get your brain too?” He heard garbled speech before Athena snapped again. “You know what? Don’t. Spread out, search the halls. He can’t have gotten far.” The volume at which she spoke sounded like she was speaking to several more people. “Achilles will hear of this.” She muttered. He heard the footsteps fade.

Waiting a couple more seconds, Josh reached out and pushed the grate aside. He scampered out, hoisting up his makeshift toga, and bolting, carrying his chain like a little purse. As he took off down the hall, he kept his eyes peeled for anyone sent to hunt him down.

“God, it stinks in here.” He heard a feminine voice complain. He pressed himself against the wall. He looked around frantically, spotting a closet door and slipping inside.

“Yeah, this cave is nasty.” He heard another voice say as he gently closed the door. As he heard the two people pass by, he slipped out and kept running. He ran past a door with a small window, paused, and took a step back to peer inside.

“TTD!” He whispered, immediately recognizing the device that sat on a table inside. He jiggled the doorknob, trying to get it, but it was locked. He looked at his chain, holding up the thick cuff. He hit it against the glass, the sound reverberated off the walls. He gritted his teeth and hit the glass harder. He heard voices, probably coming his way. He grit his teeth harder as he realized he’d have to leave it. He ran through the maze of hallways, up and down several flights of stairs, when he saw it.

“The light at the end of the tunnel!” He practically sobbed as he saw the exit, the sun lighting his way out. His feet burned as they hit the hot sand, but Josh barely noticed as he took in the sight in front of him. A giant city- no, a giant futuristic city was in front of him,and it dawned on Josh that he had no idea where he was.

“Hachi machi…” was all he managed to gasp out.

#josh futturman #future man #josh hutcherson #tiger future man #wolf future man #derek wilson #eliza coupe #maia mitchell #bread on toast #hachi machi #future man season 2 #Josh Futturman x OC

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