Beyond All Part 1 ( The Searches)

Chapter 23

Lucky Break

Novacula Laid under the couch, trying to figure some way to escape.

" Of all the houses, he had to be in this one!" He thought.

He was able to hear their names, from where he was. One of the black moth's names was Lico. The orange monarch' s name was Aura. Last, the other hybrid's name was Musa. From what he gathered, the other moths and hybrids were family of the captains. The bird he feared was a longtime family friend. And the goldfish, named Joun appeared to be an acquaintance they just met. He saw the bugs and bird hug each other. The goldfish shook hands.

" Thank you so much for treating us," Labora told Aura and Lico.

" Don't mention it, mom. We hope you all got enough to eat," Lico said.

" We did believe me. Wish we could've heard each other talk more. It was way too loud in there."

"Yeah, but the food is to die for. The best on Insectum in fact. Sure the synthetic stuff is convenient, but sometimes you just can't beat the real deal."

" Why did I have to eat so much?!" Cracker asked, grasping his stomach.

" You always overdo it, when we come over here, Cracker," Torium said.

" I can't help it. Those honeyberries get me every time. Oh fuck, I feel like I'm gonna puke if I sit down."

" Did you have to eat so many?"

" You know how limited they are! I had to eat as much as possible before they were gone."

" How limited is he talking here?" Citreal asked Labora.

" Honeyberries are a delicacy that originated from Insectum. They take ten years to grow and only under very specific conditions. Because of this, entire planets have been allocated for them to grow on. Just to meet everyone's demand for them."

" How many planets grow them?"

" Four, currently."

" Cracker, why don't you go lie down? I'm sure you'll feel better after some sleep," Aura told him.

" Yeah..maybe. Do you have a guest room?"

" Down the hall. Second door to the right."

"Thanks. Later," Cracker said. Then went to the room.

Novacula nearly let out a sigh of relief when he left.

" One problem out of the way. Now just six more left," He thought.

" How has work been treating you, mom and dad?" Lico asked.

" Very well. In fact, we are close to making a breakthrough in our research."

" Do tell."

" We've nearly figured out how to make long-lasting artificial Ultricat."

" Amazing! No wonder you've been so busy."

" Artificial? Are they serious?" Novacula thought.

" By the way. I don't think we've been fully introduced to your friend here." Aura said, referring to Citreal.

" Oh. Apologies for not introducing myself. Call me, Joun," Citreal said.

" Nice to meet you, Joun. How did you meet my husband's parents?"

" I go on a lot of sightseeing trips. I met them during my last one. To make a long story short, we hit it off pretty well. Then they invited me to come with them to Insectum. So, here I am."