Going Deeper

[Nox]

Nox smiled despite the despair that rolled through his brain. That's what he liked about Jay -- the no non-sense bullshit was no where to be seen. "First, I need real food, more than just the fucking jerky I've been gnawing on since we started this."

Still traveling rations were not exactly better than the jerky or even considered real food. Jay probably had better food with the military and the Legion as they had the money to spend on those fast cook meals for field work. Nox could have pushed for the Ascendancy to buy some, but he did it his way. The way his father had taught him years ago. He'd lived so long like that it didn't really matter anymore to him. He still cooked better and ate better when he could, but simple was the easiest.

Nox folded his legs under himself with the grace of a cat and started pulling a can of beans, some hard cheese and bread and an apple from the bag. "It's not pretty, but it's more than just protein and hard to chew meat." Nox fished two bowls from the pack as well.

Three deep breathes later Nox reached through the putrid covering of the dark light below and used his gift to open the can and then heat the beans before letting the power blink out. It still felt great to hold the power, even after the gross thing the hoard had done to his gift. But that was not something he could explain to anyone else. Nox poured half the can into a bowl and then offered it to Jay with a torn hunk of bread and cheese to go with. "I have more apples if you want one too." He didn't offer one up as fruit seemed a stupid ration to keep on hand. But it was all part of what his Mom added to their meals. Sometimes she would have even gone gathering for mushrooms and berries and other edibles in the wilderness they found themselves in. He missed his mom. It had been five years since she'd left this earth for the beyond. And he missed her more on trips like this.

Nox didn't rush as he ate. The hoard fought for their mere existence, and they feed as if this was their last meal, or their brethren would take it from him. It was just as much a mental challenge as it was a physical one. But Nox ate slow and concise and ignored their instincts the best he could, though they drew near the walled off barrier in their angst to feed. The prey was dwindling -- hopefully that meant an end to the tunnels. A end to the hoard would soon follow. They could only hope.

"Maybe we are nearing the end, maybe not. But dead is dead. Just kill them. It hurts no matter what. Though I do prefer not to choke on invisible smoke and flames. The smell makes it worse." Nox said between bites.