Today's menu was the same as yesterday. The cafeteria changed what they served each two weeks, thus, one was stuck eating the same stuff every day for fourteen days, and if there was a shortage on ingredients, eating the same thing could extend to a month. The good thing, it that it had variety; food for any kind of individual leaving at the Cave. No one could complain about that. They were being fed, and that's all that mattered at the moment; at least for some.

Marlon and Caius took their regulars, Spicy Cauliflower Wings with Sweet Potato fries at the side and a glass of water, and Cinders Barbecue Stake with roasted potatoes and a glass of cherry juice; respectively. Before getting on their way to the tables, Marlon smothered his fries with a pump of each of the condiments at a nearby table, ketchup, mustard, relish, pickled onions, and vegan mayonnaise. People were accustomed at his eccentricities, but nevertheless, still was a sight to behold.

Once seated, Caius commented as he rummaged his cargo pants and eyed Marlon's weirdly colorful plate,

"YOU my dear friend, are going to kill your intestines with that sh*t you got there!"

Marlon chuckled while rolling his eyes.

"It's the same as yesterday's Caius. You need to get a new argument if you're trying to stop me from savoring my food. What the hell are you touching yourself all over for?! Don't tell me..."

Finally finding what he was looking for, Caius mischievously grinned as he uncapped a small bottle of a mysterious amber liquid, and poured it all in his glass of juice, mixing it thoroughly and taking a tentative sip.

Marlon blinked a few times while giving a lop-sided smile, popping a french fry in his mouth, and making sure no one saw Caius pouring illegally alcohol in his drink.

After another sip, Caius cut on his steak and gave a satisfied moan at the juicy soft meat that almost melted on his tongue.

Marlon took a bite of one of his "wings",

"You really like that burnt stake a lot, don't you? Even when the place adds another kind of meat in the menu, you still go for the same stuff. You should learn to let your tastes buds experience new things."

Caius finished gulping and took another big gulp from his "cherry juice".

He scoffed,

"Am I BEING lectured by the one with a plate of GOOP about the science behind tastebud satisfaction? Yours are all wrecked, I'm sure of THAT."

Marlon grinned taking another bite as he added,

"You should try it. It's more delicious than it looks."

He tried to place a french fry on Caiu's plate, making the latter shriek and swat the invading hand away from his precious food.

"No. Thank. You! YOU eat your GOOP! I'll eat mine!"

Marlon added with a matter a fact expression.

"So, you are aware that what you eat is also GOOP. How can you eat that anyways? Meat..."

Caius sighed.

"Just because you don't eat meat doesn't mean you have to sham it!"

Marlon frowned.

"And it's still raw..."

Caius ate another bite, and Marlon watched intently as the red juices from the meat spluttered droplets of itself into the metal, making it appear darker in the dimming light.

Caius watched as Marlon went into another of his trances. He has known Marlon for a long time and knows how many horrible things hunted both in their nightmares both asleep and awake. They have survived together in this new World, same experiences. Yet, he knew for a fact, Marlon never spoke of his past. He constantly insisted he didn't remember anything other than his time at the academy. Marlon always described it as being in a dark place and then brought out into the light; a dead body brought into the world of the living, only to find out, most of the living were dead already, and the remnants were monsters. Caius had trouble understanding much what Marlon referred to when speaking of his past and the things he only got from his dreams in broken pieces, that put together didn't make any sense. At least Caius's had consistency, but Marlon's did not. Somehow, it was as if Marlon's mind was playing puzzle games with him, waiting for the day all the pieces acquire their true forms and fit together, to reveal something bigger; something dangerously bigger.

Caius took another gulp and contradicted,

"It is called medium rare, not RAW. It is cooked enough to kill external bacteria yet, retain the delicious and natural flavors of the meat. The ones who really do eat RAW with blood still oozing from it are you know who..."

Suddenly, someone bumped Caius from the back, making his drink spill all over the table's content and the glass roll off it; it's clacking sound echoing in the whole cafeteria. Marlon's eyed remained wide, dumbfound at what had just happened. His eyes slowly moved upwards to stare at a group of three Hybrids; two males and one female, glaring with a grin in their faces at their doing.

The taller and buffier one snickered.

"Sorry about that HUMAN. We just heard you talking about us, and we couldn't let just anyone speak about us in that way. You shouldn't even be talking about US."

The three unwelcomed companies laughed mockingly.

They were like the rest of the Hybrids, pale, white, and dark haired, except for the tall one which had his hair shaved to his scalp and dyed neon green. They accentuated their already dark eyebags with black eyeshadow. If Marlon could compare them to something, it would be to savage undomesticated racoons. Caius didn't even get to say a thing about them, or to them as a matter of fact.

The rest of the people in the cafeteria, including those at the kitchen, remained silent. Both excited but equally frightened to whatever was to unfold at that exact moment.

Marlon tried to reach out to his friend, but before he could talk to him out of it, Caius brutally pushed back his chair, making it slump to the side with a crashing thud and without remorse, grabbed at his ruined meal and slammed it at the tall Hybrid.

Gasps from all directions erupted and in a blink of an eye, Caius was thrown over the table. Marlon moved away in time before he crashed into him, seeing as both his food and friend landed at the other side of the table. The food didn't matter much, it had already been ruined, but his friend was something he should be concerned about, especially with how hard his body hitting the floor looked.

He rushed towards Caius, but this one brushed his arm away, and with an angry growl, stood up and launched himself at the tall Hybrid who was busy chatting with the other two and didn't expect to be tackled to the ground and punched in the face.

The Hybrid snarled and Caius yelled,

"YOU BASTARD! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE MESSING WITH!"

They rolled over the floor, dirtying their uniform more than it already was while their audience surrounded them and yelled, apparently being shifted by the current energy from the fight. Some of the others that were eating, fled the scene, imagining all the horrible punishment destroying the cafeteria entailed.

The Hybrid landed another blow to Caius face. Marlon could see a tooth, or two spitted out and disappearing somewhere among the feet of the crowd. He cringed imagining the continuous rants Caius will have when he comes down from his anger induced adrenaline rush.

After some time, and the incessant fight continuing in front of him, Marlon decided to step in but not before three tall figures walked pass him, stopping him on his tracks.

Caius and the Hybrid were yanked by the back of their necks, feet dangling off the ground.

The sounds in the cafeteria immediately seized, only the grunts of pain of both fighters as they struggled to loosen the tight grip on their cervical vertebrae.

Commander Z.O. turned them to him. He looked over their mangled, beaten down bodies with a deep frown on his face, obviously showing how disgusted he was at the scene he witnessed. He's amazing strength enough to maintain two ravenous individuals in place stunned Marlon. Who would have thought that an hour ago this person was put down by him in combat. Of course, Marlon knew it was because the Commander didn't use as much of the strength he was instructed to, but still, Marlon put up a goof fight, and he needed to be given credit for his agility and fast thinking.

He walked a little closer to the small group and took a glance at the Commander and his two captives. Caius was beyond recognizable with all the bruises and swellings on his face. The racoon Hybrid seemed a little less scratched but beaten enough to leave purple reddish bruises on his face and blood dripping down his chin. Marlon was sure he also lost some teeth in the fight, and internally congratulated his friend even if he was in trouble now.

Z.O. shook Caius and the racoon Hybrid back and forth as he reprimanded them; a growl ready to burst in between words that made, probably not only Marlon but others in the room, shiver.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO IMBECILES?! I DECIDE TO PEACEFULLY EAT AFTER AND EXHAUSTING DAY AND AS I WALK INSIDE, I FIND EVERYTHING WRECKED AND TWO ASSES BEATING THEIR SH*T OUT ON THE CAFETERIA FLOOR!"

If Caiu's eye sockets weren't so swollen, Marlon could have sworn he had them wide as plates in horror. The other one being screamed at, only frowned at Z.O. as he continued cursing and yelling at them.

"Get patched up and prepare to clean ALL this mess you made!"

He looked at the two Hybrids and the human tending the kitchen and added,

"You three! You have today's cafeteria cleaning duties cleared!"

The racoon Hybrid and Caius grumbled.

Z.O.'s face turned towards the sound and sternly inquired if they had something to say to him.

Caius could barely talk. The racoon Hybrid went ahead and gave a piece of his mind.

"Sorry Commander, but this Hu... I mean, he hit me first! He should be the one cleaning up HIS mess. NOT ME!"

Caius gave a contradictory moan. Marlon was already pitying the man.

Z.O. marched up to the Hybrid and looking him straight I the eyes, unwavering, said,

"I don't give a MILLION fucks about who started it. You both were fighting; you BOTH get punished! I don't want to hear any of your lying excuses ZEPH. OFF WITH YOU TWO!"

So, the racoon Hybrid's name is Zeph, Marlon thought.

Zeph dipped his head low with a, "Yes Commander" and exited with loud stomps out of the cafeteria, while Caius looked at Marlon and waved him goodbye, exiting with a limp on his walk.

Once alone, Marlon watched as the Commander and the other two members from the FHDOEZ walked towards the ordering counter where a fidgeting staff took their orders. The ones at the kitchen worked fast, and it wasn't much time for the FHDOEZ members to turn around with plates in their hands and to Marlon's surprise, walk towards him.

The pink haired one threw his free arm over his shoulder and dragged him to a free, clean table at the side end of the place. Marlon felt the stares of the audience like stabs; some curious, others with envy. This day wasn't going so well.

Marlon maintained his head down, avoiding eye contact with the Hybrids. He took small glances at their plates, gulping slowly as he intently watched the blood pool that surrounded the pieces of raw meat.

Brython abruptly shook him.

"Hey! What happened back there? Tell me. Was that limping guy your friend? He got beaten real bad. I mean, he picked a fight with Zeph. Of course, he'd end up like that."

Without staring at Brython, Marlon interjected.

"He didn't pick a fight with anyone..." and then added a "...Sir..."

The three Hybrids stared at Marlon surprised at the title he used.

Brython laughed and shook him again.

"Sir?! You don't need to use that title with me! Also, you should loosen the tension in your back muscles. We ain't gonna' eat you!"

Marlon ignored that statement as he watched the pink haired Hybrid take a piece of crimson meat into his mouth and slurp at his fingers. He closed his eyes and took one breath before straightening himself on his seat and look at his company. He clarified,

"As I was saying... Caius didn't pick a fight with that Hy... with that Zeph. We were eating at our own table before he pushed Caius and made a mess of our food."

The Commander watched him intently. No sign of touching his food. He continued.

"It wasn't the first time he tempted Caius. Not every Hybrid respects us Humans and they think they can trample us behind the order's back. Caius just... had enough of his assaults."

Z.O.'s frown lightened up a bit. That's when he started cutting into his meat, and after taking a bite and slowly gulp it down, he spoke in a roughed voice.

"We understand."

Marlon thought the Commander was going to add up anything to his comment, but he just continued eating without taking his eyes from Marlon. The other Hybrid, taller and gruffer looking, remained silent as well. The pink haired one on the other hand continued the conversation.

"What's your name by the way? I can't help think that we've met before."

Marlon slowly nodded.

"Marlon, sir. Missions, sir."

Brython immediately corrected,

"Call me Brython. None of that SIR sh*t. That one over there with the white hair and the constipated expression is Killian. That other is Z.O."

Killian grunted and grumbled,

"I do not look constipated..."

Brython contradicted,

"I believe you do. Z.O. back me up on this! Hey, Marlon! Look at him and tell me if he doesn't look so!"

Killian growled and frowned at Marlon daring him to comment anything about his appearance. Marlon looked down immediately and moved his eyes towards Z.O. who had already finished his meal and remained poised. Marlon bit at his lips deciding to either ask his own questions or remain silent until the Hybrids decided to leave him alone. Z.O.'s eyes shifted slightly towards the set of teeth abusing the plump flesh. His jaw clenched and he could hear his own blood flow pumping in and out of his heart. He averted his eyes just as the other three directed their attention to him.

Marlon didn't know the FHDOEZ as much as what it is said about them among the humans at the West end, but they didn't seem that intimidating as they let out to be; at least Brython wasn't. He talked a lot, starting with one conversation and jump into the other. Asked a lot of questions and disregarded them in an instant and went for others, not giving enough time to think about what to answer for them. His neon pink hair with white highlights glowed and stood out, accentuating his Hybrid characteristics more than the others, but at the same time directed your attention to his face, making you pass out on the pronounced, dark red scars that spread themselves all over the muscular arms, and sculpted neck. The other one at Marlon's side, Killian was his name, was silent fellow. He barely created conversation more than a grunt, or a monosyllable, all while glaring, frowning, and rolling his eyes, as Brython's conversation went on relentlessly. Killian's hair was naturally white adorned with purple highlights, and he wore a black tank top, that as Brythons, showed out his battle scars and bruises. In contrast, Commander Z.O.'s body was fully covered by his uniform jacket, the only visible mark of his dangerous work crossing from the right side of his jaw, reaching almost to his eye and nose bridge.

Instead of being disgusted by these individuals, Marlon found himself intrigued and seeing that they weren't sitting with him to punish him as well for the earlier events and were being "nice" to him because of some reason unknown to him, he went ahead and asked what he had been pondering about since Caius went off to tend his wounds at the local hospital.

"Excuse me, Commander..."

Z.O.'s pupils expanded at the title. His brows knitted and softened repeatedly for a few seconds, before answering,

"Yes, Lieutenant?"

It seemed like the Commander liked to be addressed formally by the way he addressed Marlon by his rank title. Even if this realization discomforted Marlon, he pushed it aside and continued.

"I was wondering if my comrade was going to receive any other punishment, other than ceaning the cafeteria?"

Z.O. frowned deeper and was about to answer, before Brython interjected with a laugh.

"You see Marlon, our job is not to carry out punishments. Even if our rank is the highest among us soldiers of SARPE, there are others above us that have control when situations such as this happen."

Marlon was beginning to worry horribly for Caius. He remembered the conversation they had that morning and felt his imagination skyrocketing, painting all kinds of bloody scenarios related to Caiu's fate at the hands of the higher ups. His mouth suddenly felt dry and was considering doing something reckless.

Brython added grinning,

"BUT, Z.O. might help you here IF you beg."

Z.O. growled at Brython while the latter placed his hands in front of him in defense.

"Sorry, sorry. Just kidding! But he CAN help you. Just a call to Cameron and both your friend and Zeph would be off the hook."

Killian grumbled,

"I'll deal with Zeph. That guy needs to be reminded of the position he is in. He can't be bringing us trouble just because some human had enough of his stupidities."

Marlon raised a brow at that,

"Is that insufferable guy that important, that you three would break the rules for him?"

Z.O. finally took the reigns of the conversation.

"We don't consider breaking the rules if we don't believe in them in the first place."

The table became silent, leaving only the noise of the people surrounding them. Brython and Killian locked eyes and directed them towards Z.O. His statement made Marlon want to inquire what he meant by that, but as soon as it had left his mouth, Z.O. added,

"Zeph is a good component on missions. He is a good fighter, arduous trainer and has great critical thinking. His strengths are not much on his combat agility but on his ability to take in the situation and react to it for the benefit of the mission's success. Many appreciate his presence in the squads, and it'd be a great loss if something were to happen to him."

Z.O. took out a device, similar to the cellphones SARPE provided for all their soldiers for non-mission related calls, but with extra contraptions attached to it that by sight, seemed complex enough in their construction and heavy. With quick dexterity, he moved his finger of the device's screen and placed it near his ear.

Another point that captured Marlon's attention.

"Something were to happen to him?"

Z.O. paid him no mind.

"Cameron, I need you to delete the last hour's camera recording from the cafeteria's security files. No. Yes. Again. I know. We'll be there in six."

Marlon watched as the three Hybrids stood up with their plates out the table, leaving him lost in thought, processing what just happened.

Brython patted his shoulder.

"Your friend is good to go. See ya' Marlon!"

Marlon turned around and quickly left his seat as well, reaching out for the three who were already near the cafeteria's exit. He stopped himself before placing his hand on Z.O.'s shoulder and committing any offence against a higher in command.

"Wait! Just like that?! Caius is safe?!"

Killian slightly nodded, Brython gave him an "All's good!" and the Commander bowed his head in affirmation.

Z.O.,

"You should go make sure his wounds are treated and advise him to come and clean up the mess he made before the hour is up. We can only do much, so he should be grateful about it. Take care Lieutenant Marlon."

Marlon could see the corner of his mouth slightly turned upwards into what appeared a small smile.

The three members from the FHDOEZ left the premises, leaving Marlon smiling subtly and murmuring,

"You to. Take care..."

________________________________________________________________________________

The Cave's surrounding barrier lights were shut down. At night they always did, not much because of saving up energy; most of the energy used to make the system work was both nuclear and solar, but for concealment. The Eaters wouldn't be able to get through the metal walls even if the Cave was spotted and attacked, but the ones who lived inside it could be bothered a great deal if the heavy lights were constantly invading their resting space, especially the Hybrid's East end.

Shadows from the soldiers at guard duty made the place look daunting, the silence adding up to its intimidating character and whatever it holds inside.

"OW!"

Silence and a screeching sound that pierced out as a poll to a slaughtered pig.

The only ward at the West end that was making a ruckus at 9PM was Caius, his ribs shooting an excruciating pain every time he turned, or slightly contracted his abdominal muscles. He cursed,

"Damn him! I HATE THAT GUY WITH MY GUTS! OW! Don't move me so much Marlon!"

Marlon smiled while rolling his eyes. He was helping Caius get into bed after helping him take a fast bath and his pain killers, although, the latter was doing nothing to quench the continuous jabbing of his recovering ribs to his internal organs. Already in place, Caius commented,

"So, what was that about? I got freed off cleaning the cafeteria and didn't get taken away from disturbing the peace between Humans and Hybrids. What a luck, huh! Are you sure you didn't do a thing to save my sorry ass?"

Marlon poked him lightly on the bandages surrounding his mid-section, eliciting a cry of pain.

"Breaking your ribs saved you from having to do your supposed PUNISHMENT. I honestly think you should learn to refrain from getting into fights with Zeph in the future."

Caius interjected,

"I know what you're doing Marlon! Stop changing the subject! I'm PRETTY sure I shouldn't be resting on my bed peacefully right now after the whole commotion I and that Hybrid caused. An WHO the hell is Zeph?"

Marlon pondered for a moment if to tell Caius what he spoke with the three members of the FHDOEZ; maybe not the full story, but some of it, leaving out the most important and curious details for only him to ponder about later.

After getting explained for part of the night, Caius took a breath wide eyed and let it out with a resounding cackle. 

"Wow! You got THAT near to Commander Z.O. and the rest of his pack. Didn't you get scared? I mean, you know, they eat raw meat and all that..."

Marlon thought back to his time on the table with the three Hybrids, the image of blood drops on the metal plate's surface glistening to the light above them. It surprisingly didn't matter much to him at the moment. Maybe, their friendly encounter pushed that fact to being insignificant.

Marlon,

"They actually weren't that intimidating... Commander Z.O. actually is very friendly and understanding, even if he rarely speaks, or looks at anyone."

Caius gaped at the smiling Marlon and arched his brows.

"The Commander? FRIENDLY? Maybe... I don't know, I wasn't there to back up your statement."

Marlon slapped him on the back of his head.

Caius winced as he covered the back of his head and grinned.

Marlon retreated to the door, hand on the knob and opening it slightly.

"You should rest. Treasure the free time given to you for your broken rib a vacation."

Before he closed the door behind him, he heard Caius yell,

"How does one have a VACATION WITH A BROKEN RIB?!"

He chuckled, already opening, and closing the door to his room.

Marlon didn't take his time to turn on the lights, walking blindly but surely along the dark room, having occupied it for the years necessary to know it from memory. He slumped on the bed, face facing the undistinguishable sealing. He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. A pair of bluish gray eyes manifested themselves. Half a bone white face with a bruising scar. Glistening dark hair with string of whites here and there. A rough but subtle voice echoed in his mind.

Marlon took out the air he was holding in a slow humph and turned to his side, feeling the cold of the air conditioner and the night kiss at his exposed skin. He barely whispered,

"What a day..."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is my character design for Caius, Marlon's brother (Not blood related, they've just been together through everything basically since small children, from training, to missions, and the room in front of Caius is Marlon's room. You can imagine how strong their bond is, and it's very sacred to them.)