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Arcadia: Collected

349:10:16:12:00:00

"... ended. Everything you knew, everyone you loved is gone."

There was nothing but all consuming darkness. A feeling of weightlessness, senselessness and nothingness encompassed him. Where there should have been arms, legs or even a heartbeat there was only emptiness.

"Humanity's last hope rests within you. But remember that humanity is not defined by what shape you take. Remember that and take it with you into this safe haven."

A blistering light suddenly cut through the darkness. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt_something_. It was discomfort, pain. It came from his eyes and he instinctively lifted his hand to block the light. A hand. He had a hand. He wasn't nothing. He was... something. Someone.

"Make this the shining beacon of humanity. The lighthouse in the darkness. Stay strong. Stay alive."

The light brightened. A sound like rushing ocean waves came crashing against his ears. It became deafening and he plugged his ears, squeezing his eyes shut as the light grew brighter and brighter. A sensation like he was falling came crashing up against his chest. He was moving, flying, crashing towards something but he couldn't see or feel it. A high-pitched wailing hit his ears, harmonising with the growing roar.

"Survive."

WHOOSH!

All the sounds and that falling sensation suddenly ended. Whatever that light was, it no longer burned through his eyelids and into his retinas. A gentle breeze brushed up against his cheek, ruffling his hair. With the sound of winds came the rustling of leaves. The gentle crunch of grass beneath someone's feet prompted him to open his eyes.

The light from the sun was almost as bad as the light but he noticed something... wrong with the sun. There was something silhouetted against the orb of fire and light. A ring... with five spokes connecting to a large, central orb that emitted a deep, blue light. It was like an eye... But he tore his gaze from the strange object and quickly took stock of his surroundings.

All around him were large, metal crates. Each one was marked with strange logos. One read NexArm. Another AgriNex. There was NexPharm on another. They made a small enclave around him, leaving a path open off a large metal platform that looked like some sort of landing pad. His eyes trailed away from his little corner of crates down the landing pad. A short distance away, there was a crowd of people. All men. Each of them wore the same strange uniform though in differing varieties; a white and black suit full body suit of some sort with an octagonal emboss covering its entire form. They were all figure-hugging but some's figures were too big for them and they tore off their legs or the arms, sometimes even wearing them as vests to expose their chests. Few discarded the attire entirely and wore a patchwork of crude clothing from grey shirts and ragged jeans.

One of the men stepped up the platform, his uniform unmodified. The man regarded him grimly through a dark five o'clock shadow even though his hair was sun bleached blonde. He held out a hand, dark brown eyes locking at the newcomer.

"Welcome to Arcadia."

******

349:10:16:18:28:43

A venerable paradise in a world that had gone to hell. That was Arcadia. An unspoiled, untouched paradise of greenery preserved inside a ring of monolithic walls. To the north were thick pastures where a river originating from a spring-fed lake to the west wound its way through as natural irrigation. To the south was where the thick forest which was thickest in the east. At the centre was where the Survivors remained in big, black buildings with many windows and squat, modern architecture.

Finn rubbed his temple with one hand as he leaned against the railings of his 'cabin'. It was basically a one bedroom apartment complete with its own kitchen and toilet. One entire wall was made completely out of glass and allowed him a mostly unobstructed view of the northern face of Arcadia and the Square where he had appeared. It was there that the Landing stood.

"Hell of a ride, eh?"

A mug of what smelled like hot chocolate was offered to him by the same thick, calloused that had been offered to him earlier that day. He took it with gratitude and nodded towards Ken. Coming to about half a foot shorter than himself, Ken was a stocky fellow. A build he claimed came from being a Cultivator, one of the three castes of the Survivors of Arcadia.

Finn took a sip from the cup and nodded. Not too sweet, not to bitter. Just right. "My name is Finn," he said. "But I can't remember anything else... I know how to speak English. I know that thing in front of the sun is strange. But I don't remember anything else about me." He turned his soft, baby blue eyes to meet Ken's deep brown. "Why is that?"

Ken leaned against the railings, a mug in his own hands. He held it precariously, hand over the lip of the mug instead of the handle. When he brought it to his lips he did so by weaving his lips between his fingers. "Because you were saved."

"What?"

Ken looked up towards the sky. "You heard a voice before you came here, right? How much of it did you get?"

The words echoed in his mind. They were difficult to truly remember but something told him he had only really paid attention to the end of it. There was a lot missing. "Just... that I'm humanity's last hope and that I was being sent to a 'safe haven'." He lifted his gaze to meet Ken's. "That I'm to survive."

The stocky man gave him an apologetic smile. "Then you only caught the tail end of the Director's speech."

"The Director?"

Ken nodded grimly back towards the distant horizon, beyond the massive concrete walls that surrounded Arcadia. "Somewhere out there is the rest of the world. A long time ago it all went to shit. From what we have gathered there was some sort of apocalypse. Nothing about what caused it or why. All we really know is that there are monsters everywhere now. Most of them are half man, half beast with a few other things you would never believe unless you saw for yourself.

"It might've been a virus. It might've been biological warfare. It might've been aliens or an act of God. But at some point we were all one of them."

Finn reeled back. "Wh - what?"

"Humanity was changed forever," Ken responded. His gaze fell into the murky depths of his hot chocolate. "Whatever changed them is out there. The Nexus Conglomerate created Arcadia as the last refuge of humanity." He pointed upwards, making a small circle with his finger. "You can't see it but there's a shield over our heads right now. Keeps the monsters from coming in on top of us."

Looking at the walls into the distance, he could see the towering concrete walls rising well above trees that were storeys high. Even in the darkness, he could see them clearly by the lights that steadily blinked at their rims like red and green stars. He couldn't imagine how anything could climb so high to get over the wall.

"Every year," Ken continued, "the_Conglomerate_ manages to save one of us. A Beast. They change us back and then send us down here to Arcadia." Ken tapped the railings mildly. "We're the last bastion of humanity. They took away our memories of being Beasts to cure us. We were men, became demons and then given a second chance." He took another drink from his hot chocolate, sculling it entirely and making Finn stare in shock. "I don't know about you," said the man, wiping his lips with the back of his hand, "but I'm not going to give that up."

Finn turned his gaze back beyond the walls. "So the world turned to shit... and we're their attempts to rebuilt humanity." He glanced back towards Ken. "Are we even sure they're even up there anymore?"

"Sometimes the Collectors see vehicles flying overhead when they're out beyond the Gates. But apart from that, we've only got the Director's message and the supplies that we get every month." He patted Finn's back with a heavy hand. "And the new guy that comes in every year."

"Every year..." Finn whispered. He turned as Ken began leaving the balcony and heading through Finn's room. "How long have you been here?"

Ken gave him a sad smile and beckoned him to follow. Finn hurried after him through his plain, Spartan bedroom and into the common room. A fire crackled in a large fireplace and there were several seats made out of wicker and pillows made of crude material occupying the area. It was odd how everything in the building appeared so modern and yet the furniture was so... rustic.

About twenty other guys were there lounging about, cracking open beer and other forms of liquor. When they saw the two, several raised their glasses and let out a tremendous cry, lifting their cups in greeting. No one got up, however. There was a strange sense of reverence in their eyes like they didn't want to interrupt Finn's tour out of some sacred belief.

Out in the cold, night air, Finn stepped out of what Ken called the 'Collective', where all the men rested when the sun set. It was perhaps the most futuristic structure in Arcadia. It rose about four storeys high with cabins stretching out in varied directions from a central column like branches of a tree. He noted that not every cabin had any lights.

Ken headed down a well-trodden path leading away from the Collective towards the west; towards the lake. Along the lakeside were several racks made from crude sticks where fish were hung out to dry as well as some clothing. A few huts made contrasting against the Collective's pristine architecture sat along the fringes of the lake and several fishing rods rested beside them.

Ken knelt down beside the shore and reached into the crystal clear waters. There, he pulled out a flat rock and gave it to Finn.

"What do you see?"

Finn regarded the rock. Its surface was mostly smooth except for something cut on its surface. As he twisted it into the light, he could make out letters... and how they were stricken through.

"Neil?" he asked.

"One of those that came before us," answered Ken. He gazed mournfully down into the lake. "I don't know who started the tradition. But when I first came here seven years ago, there were already guys here. And they took me on the same tour as this one I'm giving you. They told me that every guy that comes through here writes their name on a rock and keeps it with them in the room. Those that don't make it... the others put it back into the lake where the waters will eventually wear it away."

Ken gave Finn a severe look. "We're a family here, Finn. We take care of one another. Even when we're gone." He gazed back into the lake's waters. "We're survivors and the only way we're going to survive is if we work together. Pick up the slack when someone else has fallen and push others when they need a push. Because god knows, there have been hundreds before us."

Ken took a deep sigh. "The first part of the Director's message to me was... they'd hoped to have the issue resolved but it's already been over three hundred years."

Finn balked and stared at Ken in wide-eyed shock. "Three hundred...!?"

"Three hundred. By that standing, there should've been three hundred people here." Ken turned his gaze back towards the Collective. "But when I came around, there were barely thirty guys. The oldest one, Gerald, said that when he was there, there was about fifty. But after fifty years of waiting for a miracle, for something to change, their oldest got tired of waiting. He led most of their batch past the Gates, looking for something better. They never came back. Gerald and the few left had a lot of stones to cast into the water that day."

Finn turned from the Collective back towards Ken. The house must've been able to accommodate at least two hundred people but now it must've been so empty. He wondered whose room he had inherited. "You've been here for seven years... others have been here longer..."

His guide let out a soft laugh. "Yeah. Don't look a day over twenty, do I? Twenty-five at the oldest." He gave Finn a big grin and nudged him with an elbow playfully. "I'll tell you all about it tomorrow, Finn. When we decide where you're best suited to work." He patted Finn's shoulder again and began heading back towards the Collective. "Get some rest, dude. Tomorrow, you start to learn how to survive."

Finn stared after Ken before turning towards the rock in his hands.

He shook his head grimly and set it back down into the lake.

******

349:10:17:11:45:33

"The Survivors are split into three groups," Ken said, trudging through the relatively small fields of Arcadia. The sun bore down on them but it was a warm caress, not too hot but warm enough to keep his flesh feeling toasty. Perhaps it had something to do with the enormous wheel-like satellite that partially obscured the sun, SOL it was called.

Wheat, barley and even corn grew in the small patch of fertile land fed by the river. There was a vegetable patch for tomatoes, carrots and other greens next to the flowing rivers. He also noticed there was one pig, two cows and about five chickens running around in a pen nearby.

"We're the Cultivators," Ken said, checking one of the tomato plants closely. "We look after the livestock, the crops and catch the fish. We're also the cooks so you want anything to eat, you ask us." He nodded towards the lake where Finn saw a few dark shapes darting past.

"All this is enough to feed thirty guys?" he asked, watching as other Cultivators in their strange silky smooth yet stretchy suits moved through the crops.

"Thirty-seven," Ken corrected. "Including you. And no. It's not enough but I'll get to that."

He then nodded back to the centre of Arcadia. Near the Collective was a large plume of smoke. Several heavily built men were hefting lumber from the forest and beating metal into shape after pulling it red hot from a furnace.

"Those are the Constructors. They build whatever we need." He lifted the spade he was holding. "See this? Constructor made it. They're our thinkers. Our leaders. They keep the Collective nice and strong and put the resources we get from SOL every month and those from beyond the Gate to good use."

Finn watched as one of the Constructors came over the farmlands bearing a wheelbarrow. He was fit just like everyone else in Arcadia but held himself no higher than anyone else. He greeted everyone with a grin and began handing out equipment for everyone to use. The other Cultivators happily greeted him and one even threw a shiny red apple his way as thanks. The Constructor took it with a grin and a nod, biting into it to show his appreciation.

Leaders or no, they seemed fairly level headed.

"You said there were three groups."

Ken nodded and gestured towards the forest. "They're the Collectors. They're the guys that have the guts to venture past the Gates to the outside world and bring in the supplies that we can't make or that SOL can't provide. Remember that beer the guys were drinking last night? Came from beyond the Gate."

The shorter, bigger man pointed at the big, silver archway standing at the centre of Arcadia just behind the Landing. The arch was plain, simple but had a big, disc at its highest peak which was emitting a soft, red glow.

"See that?" Ken asked. "That's a Gate. That's the Return Gate, though. Somewhere out there..." He pointed into the forests of the south and east. "There are ten other Gates. Each leads to a separate section of the world where monsters are thinnest. Collectors jump through the Gates when they activate and gather what supplies they can from the Beasts out there and bring it back through that Gate." Again, he pointed at the Return Gate.

"They steal from the Beasts?"

Ken gave him a shrug as he knelt down and began adjusting the soil around the base of the tomato plant to give it room for some foul-smelling fertilizer. "Like you said, there isn't enough food or crops here for us to survive and the supplies we get from SOL barely last us a few days. With each year that passes and a new guy that comes along, it gets harder and harder to stretch out the food. So Collectors need to go out there, grab what they can from the ruins of civilisation or right out from under the Beasts' noses and make it back."

"But if a virus ended mankind..."

Before he could go any further, a loud screeching alarm suddenly erupted from the Return Gate. The air within the arch suddenly began to shimmer. Other Survivors began hurrying towards the Return Gate and Finn was inclined to follow. Ken didn't mind and tracked behind him by just a metre thanks to Finn's longer legs. The Gate's big, red light had turned amber and was starting to flash hysterically. The air became charged and a high-pitched spooling noise like a massive engine starting up filled Arcadia. The air between the arches began to shimmer with trickles of bluish white energy dancing between the metal plates. The energies began connecting, colliding and forming a thick web of dancing electricity.

SMASH!

Finn nearly leapt out of his skin the web shattered like glass. Pieces of glass the size of a man's torso flew towards him but stopped just within inches of his nose. They twisted in the air, reflecting everything around them including his sharp, angled features and short cropped hair. The glass suddenly surged back towards the Gate, being sucked into the field of pale blue light that took the place of shattered space and time, vanishing into the bright abyss.

"Whoa..." he gasped.

Ken chuckled softly and gave him another pat on the back, something he apparently liked to do. "That's what I said the first time I saw the Return Gate open."

Then, they came.

Finn froze in place as enormous, burly, furry figures came padding out of the shimmering portal. There were only about three of them and each carried an enormous sack over their thick, muscular backs. They all bore the squat and yet strangely adorable features of an otter but they had the overall build of a male human bodybuilder, their brimming muscles barely contained by their short, brown fur. They padded towards them on enormous, tree-trunk legs, their webbed feet soft padding noises against the dirt path. They almost looked exactly the same if it were not for some differences in their attire and fur color.

None of them wore any true clothing, just accessories. This exposed their enormous genitalia that might as well been melons stuffed into furry sacks. One of them was sporting a rigid hard-on, exposing a strangely human shaped dick if it were not for its bright pink colouration and the fact that it was emerging from the depths of a thick, furry sheath. One of the otter-men approached them and dumped his sack in front of the group.

"Come and get it, boys!" he hollered in a deep but loud voice. His features broke into a grin, somehow capable of human expression while he flicked up the cowboy hat he wore. A necklace of jagged fangs strung on a piece of black rope was wrapped around his thick neck like a choker. The rest of the Survivors eagerly headed over to the sacks offered by the otter men who took several steps back, looking pleased with themselves. The one with a hard on was shamelessly rubbing himself against another and his victim rolled his eyes, a coy smile on his features.

"Those are your Collectors?" Finn asked, unable to take his eyes off the seven and a half foot tall beasts. At six foot two himself, he was fairly tall but in comparison to the behemoths he felt so miniscule. The lead Collector, the one that had hollered, caught him staring and he immediately turned towards Ken.

"Yep," answered Ken simply as he stood back from the crowd of other Survivors scrambling over the spoils. "Ten guys. Each of them go through a Gate and purposefully get infected. Each week, a new Gate opened, the old one closes and beyond each Gate is a different species of Beast. Each week, they change themselves."

Finn couldn't understand how or why anyone would purposefully get themselves turned back into a Beast after being saved. His train of thought was interrupted, however, when a huge, cooked ham leg was offered to him to hold. He could smell the honey glaze emanating from it and cloves had been artfully pressed into the centre of each little square cut across its shiny, red surface. Just looking at it made his mouth water.

"I know that look," Ken said, giving him a lopsided smile. "Why the hell would Survivors go out of their way to be turned, right? How are they not infecting us right now? Why aren't they crazy? And how the hell did a ham survive the apocalypse."

Ken had a smaller sack of apples in his hands and peeled away from the crowd with Finn following shortly after.

"When I said the world had gone to shit, it isn't like everything is radioactive or there's desert everywhere. It's a big world, you know. Different people have adapted or been transformed differently." He nodded towards the Collectors. The two horny guys were shamelessly playing with one another's erect cocks while the leader was trying to ignore them. "Take them, for example. They just came out of Gate 10. Beyond that Gate, so I've heard, is this archipelago of some sort. Most of the islands are uninhabited but where it is, the Beasts form what can only be thought of as pirate crews. And they're all otters like those guys. They raid one another, steal food, plunder 'booty' and have their own economy. Our Collectors need to be able to adapt to shit like that. They go in, take what they can while looking like them and then bringing it back to us."

Ken shook his head grimly. "And every week, our Collectors need to go out there and either pretend to be one of them to steal the good stuff or fight them as another type of Beast." He gave Finn a sad smile. "And it gets hard because of the Haze."

"What's the Haze?"

Ken made a circular gesture in the air. "Something in the air of those places. You step out there and the Haze starts turning you into the Beast that inhabits that hellhole. It works on your base desires and lowers your inhibitions." He nodded towards the two Collectors who were now making out furiously. "Makes your horny as fuck. The more you orgasm, the closer you become to becoming a Beast not just in shape but in mind. But if you've taken the shape of another Beast, it's a slower.. Same rules apply though. Let yourself go too far and you're one of them. Forever."

Finn gulped loudly.

"You don't come out of being a Collector without some changes up here." Ken tapped his forehead as he gave the Collectors a look of sympathy and respect. The lead Collector pried the two massive otters apart before hurrying them towards the forest. "And yeah, they're infectious. That's why they keep far away from the rest of us. They sacrifice everything to make sure we're well fed and we survive."

Finn was unsure how to think of the Collectors. They became the very Beasts that they had been saved from just to provide food for everyone else. Admittedly, they seemed to enjoy some sort of stardom status but that also came with a crippling isolation and base tendencies that made Finn's skin crawl.

He stole a glance up at SOL before being forced to look away due to the sheer brightness of the sun.

They were trapped... with only a pale freedom gained through risking their very humanity.

******

349:10:17:12:50:09

"Has anyone ever tried climbing the walls?"

Marv, another Cultivator with hairy arms, snickered as they sat on the grass in a circle of three. There was a wooden bowl of rice in one big, thick hand while some jerky was in the other. He tore at the jerky with his teeth before pointing the frayed cured meat past Finn. "'pparently, few years ago, someone thought to build a big ass ladder and see if they could get to the top."

His blue eyes were slightly squinty and he wore his wavy blonde hair long enough to cover his ears. One would almost think he was a surfer with his strong, athletic build and the way he wore his black and white suit torn down the middle to expose his chiselled chest dusted with strands of brown hair. "That fucker is tall. Over two hundred feet. Couldn't build a ladder big enough. I know it looks small from 'ere but trust me, dude, it's tall."

"Why does it have to be a ladder?" asked Finn as he chewed on his own rice and jerky. "Why not a platform. Build some sort of scaffolding or something?"

"Tried," answered Ken. He nodded towards the group of Constructors towards an ebony skinned man with a thick build and a broad, easy smile. "Travis over there tried to organise it. But when they calculated how much it would take, they realised they'd have to tear down the whole goddamn forest just to get halfway up there. Plus the walls are made of some material we don't know about. Looks like concrete but it's different. Nothing we have will tear through it. Then there's the force field." Ken shook his head and chewed very loudly even with just his rice. "Besides, trying to break out of a place where we've been put to keep safe is a bad idea. We've survived this long because we stuck to the rules, to the way things are."

Marv rolled his eyes and nudged Ken lightly. "Come on, bro. New guy is jus' curious, is all! Hard to cram everything we know about this place in just a couple o' days!"

Ken gave a non-committal grunt.

Marv turned to Finn with a broad grin. "Looks like Ah'll be your tour guide from now on. Ol' Ken is goin' inta a dark place right now."

"Hey, I'm fine to keep showing him around," Ken snapped.

Still grinning broadly, Marv set down his finished lunch and beckoned for Finn to follow. Finn devoured the rest of his meal and gave Ken one last glance. His first tour guide just shrugged and returned to eating his food. Taking that as a queue, Finn trailed the tall, hairy man back towards the Collective. Just around the western face of the structure, there looked like a primitive forge had been built out of rocks and bound together by cement. The fire was going well, the coals red hot but the men around it were having their own lunch, big thick arms showing from working at forging all the tools necessary to make Arcadia work.

Travis, the Constructor Marv mentioned, was there too and he spotted the two approach before any of the others. He broke into a smile and welcomed them both.

"You're the new guy, aren't you?" Travis said, extending a big, calloused hand. "My name is Travis."

Finn shook the man's hand, trying not to wince at the strong grip that nearly crushed his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." Travis introduced his fellow Constructors, Gavin and Seamus and Finn introduced himself to them. "So you good with your hands, Finn?"

For some reason this made the other Constructors chuckle but Finn just shrugged and said, "I think I worked in physical labour or something that kept me fit before..."

He glanced down at his own body, feeling a little alien in the form. It wasn't that it felt wrong. More like he felt he had been given the shape to wear. He couldn't quite understand how he got the shredded, rippling abdominals, smooth tanned skin or bulky biceps and strong legs. He was athletic with only a single vein popping up across his bicep and a few showing across his forearms if he tensed. How he got that body he wasn't sure but he knew he liked to make sure he was fit and strong. He felt a little self-conscious as well about eating the jerky and rice. Something told him to keep his fat intake low.

The Constructor just laughed brightly and nodded towards Marv.

"Best you stay as a Cultivator then," Travis said. "Lots of manual labour there." He hiked his thumb towards their forge. "Of course if you ever want to switch over to being a Constructor, we're always happy to teach you."

Working a forge and building things for the rest of the Survivors? Finn could definitely see himself doing that. Being a Cultivator could be just as rewarding if a little repetitive.

"What if I want to be a Collector?"

Travis and the other paused, their mirth fading as they stared dumbfounded at Finn. A sense of dread began to fill Finn like he had just said something taboo. Was there some sort of ritualistic rite of passage to become a Collector? Were they going to throw him to the post-apocalyptic wasteland with minimal supplies and see if he could make it back, sanity intact? Or were they going to throw him to the Collectors for a 'Collector boot camp'?

"You don't get to choose to be a Collector, my friend," Travis said grimly. He hiked a thumb over his shoulder in the general direction of the forest. "You get chosen. No one really knows how or why the Collectors choose you but they come to you."

Finn imagined one of those huge, hulking otters smashing through his room window and stealing him away in the night. A lump formed in his throat and he found it hard to breathe let alone swallow. Marv's big, hair arm slung over his shoulder, knocking him out of the cloud of fear threatening to consume him.

"Aw, come on Trav!" laughed the Cultivator. "Yer makin' it sound like they gang rape ya till ya like it or sumthin'!" He turned to Finn with a broad grin. "They jus' come up to ya, all serious like and ask if ya wanna be a Collector. 'Course they go through this whole spiel 'bout how dangerous it is to go beyond them Gates. Ya know, constant threat of becomin' a Beast again, losin' yer mind, no save haven 'cept here in Arcadia that yer' barely in anyway. Stuff like that."

Finn gave Marv a puzzled stare. "How do you know?"

The big man grinned at him. "Cuz they asked me once. Or twice." Marv rolled his eyes. "Okay, so this one Collector, Crash, keeps askin' me. Think he's got the hots for big hairy guys." He winked at Finn playfully. "But I'm a Cultivator through and through. Someone's gonna feed 'em brutes, yeah?"

One glance at Travis and his companion gave Finn the sense that even being asked to be a Collector was a high honour that the Constructor hadn't been lucky enough to receive. And that made him somewhat bitter. The ebony skinned man just folded his arms and gave a short grunt of agreement.

"Maybe I should grow some body hair then," laughed Finn in an attempt to lighten the mood. Marv joined in the laughter but was oblivious to the glares Travis was throwing their way. Finn was eager not to start a conflict so soon after having arrived. "Thanks for the explanation. If you need an extra pair of hands building things, I'm happy to help."

There, Travis' features lightened a little. "Sure. I'll keep that in mind."

Finn turned and began to head away in no particular direction but found himself heading towards the lake. Marv followed him and they both stopped on the lake shore. A few of the other guys were taking baths in the waters. Some of them were being rather playful. Very playful, in fact.

"Hey, Marv..." Finn began softly. "Are the guys here... erm..."

Marv lifted his eyebrows and offered a faint smirk. "Queer? Fairies? Not-Straight?" He paused for a brief moment before finishing with, "Gay?"

Hearing that word aloud made Finn blush though he wasn't quite sure why. "Yeah..."

The big Cultivator sat down on the shore, his legs outstretched before him. Finn took that as a cue to sit down beside him with his legs crossed.

"Ya noticed that no one here looks older than their mid-twenties, right?"

Glancing around, the naked forms of those bathing looked very much like they were in the prime of their fitness. Not everyone had chiselled abdominals like him but they had strong pectorals, tall, powerful legs and arms big enough to show that they were in constant use. Each one was handsome in their own way and also in the general term.

"Arcadia keeps us young for some reason," continued Marv. "There are people here that 'ave been here fer thirty years. Travis back there? He's been here for fifteen. Still as strong as he ever was. Stronger even when he decided to start pounding metal and makin' everyone's tools. But bein' constantly young does mean yer balls get blue often and ya need relief. I mean, we are the last bastion of humanity, right? That's a lotta weight put on jus' survivin'."

Finn met Marv's gaze. The wind brushed through thee Cultivator's short, curly hair. "So you guys...?"

"Most o' us," agreed Marv. "Some guys prefer their privacy. That's fine. We dun force ourselves on 'em. Jus' sometimes ya gotta enjoy the simple pleasures in this shitty life we've been given." He rubbed the back of his head absently. "I mean, we ain't got some sort of television, we ain't got movies. We ain't even got any books ta read! We only got each other."

Finn lowered his gaze. That sounded like a fairly lonely existence. Possibly made worse by the memories of these things that they knew they once had and no longer possessed. He wondered if he was a guy that was glued to his computer or liked going to movies. But he couldn't even remember what if he ever possessed one though he was completely aware of what they were. "Hasn't anyone ever tried to change that?"

Marv snickered. "No one here knows how to build a television. Fuck, even if they did, what shows are we gonna put on? We already know each other. 'less ya wanna see recordin's of how Ken fucked Lexy last night or somethin'." He grinned again and winked at Finn. "In case yer wonderin', yeah, Ken fucks guys too. He's got a steady."

"I wasn't," answered Finn though Marv's smile was infectious and it was hard to keep up the grim topic of loneliness. Though it really wasn't loneliness. It just seemed that everyone was driven into one another's arms because they had no other choice.

With a grunt, Marv began to rise from where he was sitting. "Well, them fields need more cultivatin'. Ya comin'?"

Finn gave some thought, idly watching the other mean splashing one another and seeing more than just playfulness in their tackles and bear hugs.

"Yeah... I'll be right there."

******

349:10:17:18:34:43

Dinner was always held outside in a broad campfire and it was the only time when Constructors and Cultivators ever really sat down together as most of the day, they were too busy making sure that Arcadia continued to function for the following day. With the recent influx of supplies for SOL, the feast was a little bigger than usual. That the Collectors brought in a good haul also added to the size of the festivities.

Finn quietly ate the piece of smoked ham sandwiched between two slices of honey infused cheesy bread and lathered with mayonnaise. On either side of him were Marv and Ken. Marv was being as social, loud and friendly as ever while Ken offered polite conversation whenever he was engaged. Finn was lost in his own thoughts and coordinated it so that whenever Marv prompted him for a response, he always had something in his mouth and was forced to just give a polite smile and a nod or a shake of his head.

He quickly began to notice the distribution of couples within the circle of Survivors. Cultivators and Constructors mingled indiscriminately and the young, fit men showed affection towards one another without worry of what others would think. A short distance from him, a Constructor - Han, if he remembered correctly - had a bit of cheesecake between his fingers and feeding it to his boyfriend whom Finn hadn't yet been introduced to. Next to them, two Cultivators were just leaning against one another, watching the roaring fire. Just beside him, Ken were exchanging knowing looks from across the campfire at another man; most likely Lexy.

Finn immediately began feeling a degree of loneliness and wondered how these guys found each other. Was it simply out of a need to release their 'urges' or was there something deeper? Did they share anything common with one another apart from being confined to the same place?

He finished off his sandwich and told Marv that he was feeling a little tired. Marv gave him a smile and nodded, telling him to just leave his dish, a porcelain plate that looked rather expensive. After thanking Marv, he set his plate down and headed back towards the Collective. As he headed up the short flight of stairs through the big, glass double doors into the common room, he noticed that there was someone already inside sitting in front of the small fire there in a chair, his back to Finn. When he pushed open the door, that same someone looked up, his thick reddish brown hair catching glimmers of the fire and really highlighting the red. He had a thick beard that was carefully maintained just like his hair so that it didn't look too ragged or wild.

"Hi, sorry," Finn quickly said. Tempted as he was to just head up to bed, he felt that loneliness come in again. Everyone he had met so far had been introduced through either Marv of Ken. He felt the need to validate his own ability to make friends. "I'm Finn by the way," he said, extending his hand and approaching the Survivor.

He balked a little as the Survivor gripped the sides of his chair and began wheeling it around. The Survivor, bearing a smile through his beard, rolled his wheelchair to meet him before taking his hand.

"Hey. My name is Josh."

Seeing the wheelchair as no reason to reject friendship, Finn pointed at a nearby chair. "Mind if I join you?"

"Go ahead." As Finn sat in one of the wicker chairs, Josh asked, "Not an outside person?"

"Not really. I love the outdoors. At least... I think I do."

Josh chuckled softly. "Yeah. You get that." He tapped the side of his head while smiling. "Your memories get all muddled up. You feel like you're this one person but it still feels wrong. Your body feels wrong. Over the next few days, you kind of have trouble telling who you are, who you were or who you should be. Happens to everyone." Josh set his hands on his lap, a degree of sadness entering his eyes. "You just have to deal with the fact that you have to be what you can be for the rest of Arcadia."

Finn felt terrible for asking but his curiosity got the better of him. But asking directly about Josh's limitation felt... tactless. "How long have you been here?"

"Eleven years." Josh gave Finn a smile, the fire crackling and showing off the highly defined muscles across his chest. Unlike the other Survivors, he didn't wear one of the Conglomerate's strange black and white suits. He wore a red, plaid shirt that had its collar open, showing off the thick fuzz of reddish-brown chest hair that complemented his beard and the thick layer on his massive forearms. "So if you wanted to ask about Arcadia, you can always ask me. I'm Arcadia's Archivist."

"Archivist?"

Josh nodded towards where he had been sitting. There was a book on the little coffee table where he had been as well as a pen. "Yeah. Not much help I can be these days considering my... condition. So I go around recording the personal stories of the people around here. I talk to the Collectors about what they see in the world outside our walls. I write down the steps the Constructors use to make things for us. I maintain the logs for the Cultivators so they can keep track of their plants and animals. Most of all, I record stock so we know how much food and supplies we still have."

The wheelchair-bound man didn't seem to like his lot his life but Finn didn't feel right asking about it. He guessed it had something to do with the fact that everyone was physically fit and able to cultivate, construct or collect, fitting into specific groups while he was stuck with a job built just for him. It almost sounded like a pity job.

"I know what you're thinking," Josh chuckled softly. "I wasn't always like this, you know." He tapped his legs which were hidden beneath a blanket. "Not too long ago, I was actually a Collector."

Finn jerked his head back in shock. "Wait... What? But you're -"

"Crippled?" Josh asked with bitterness in his eyes and voice.

"Human," answered Finn. "Aren't Collectors... infected?"

Josh's features softened and he gave Finn a gentle smile. "Right, you're new. Cultivators are a little slow when it comes to the introductions. They tend to be a little more obsessed with work than introductions. If it's not about their crops or livestock, they really don't care."

The big man rolled himself around so that he was facing the fire again and took a deep breath before let it out slowly. "There are ten Gates. Beyond each Gate is a part of our world that has been devastated by some sort of apocalypse and is now inhabited by Beasts. Through each Gate is one particular species of Beast. Collectors purposefully get themselves infected to infiltrate the lairs and gather supplies."

Judging by Josh's sensitivity on the topic, Finn decided not to mention he already knew this thanks to Marv and Ken. He just listened quietly.

"But here's the catch. Collectors will orchestrate these infections because it's easier to maintain your sanity if you're another species entering the land of another. Plus, it takes longer for you to change into the 'home' species. So if, say, you're an otter that walks into the rhinoceros domain, getting splashed by rhino cum means you probably have a few more hours of keeping your mind and staying an otter before you start changing. But if you were already a rhino when you got hit, you might end up slipping in line with the rest of the Beasts. I don't know what it is. Maybe a sense of belonging or something but the longer you spend in that shape and if you're in that shapes 'home', the harder it gets to remain..." Josh rubbed his legs through the blanket thoughtfully. "... human."

Then the man gave Finn a faint smile. "But there is some reprieve. When you come back here to Arcadia, it's just like if you were stepping through a Gate. Think of this as the 'human' home. Stay here long enough and you'll change back into a human."

"Does that mean if you get some of the guys to cum on a Collector, they'll change back to human?"

Josh threw his head back and laughed. "You're the first one to ask that!" He shook his head while bearing the first true grin since their conversation started. "Sadly, no. Humans aren't infectious. Collectors are. You suck off a guy's dick as an otter, chances are you're going to make that guy's dick into a big, fat otter prick and he'll start to want your seed in him and then you'll have yourself another sex-crazed Beast."

"Not a Collector?"

"Collectors need a degree of mental discipline. Not everyone can become one." Josh hiked a thumb out the door into the campfire. "See all those horndogs out there? If a Collector were to infect one of them, they wouldn't be able to stop fucking each other. They'll lose themselves to becoming a Beast and there'd be no recovering them. That's why we keep the Collectors separate from the rest of us as much as possible. We can't risk infection."

"Has anyone ever... you know...?"

Josh regarded the book by his bedside table and nodded sadly. "From what I've heard and this is from stories told from someone who heard it from someone who again heard it from someone else who lived through it, it happened once. The guy went berserk and started infecting everyone else. The Survivors then were just barely able to make it out by tricking the Beasts into rushing them just as the Gate opened." Josh held out his hands to illustrate. "The Survivors stood on one side of the unopened gate and the Beasts were in the other. Then the Beasts charge..." He brought his right fist charging towards his left. "Then the Gate opened and the Beasts fell through. Only three guys were left. Three guys. Think of that. They had to survive a whole year until the next guy arrived." Josh shrugged as he set his hands down. "Then again, with the supplies given by SOL, it's a little easier. They didn't need to go on Collector runs as much."

That sounded like a harrowing time. A whole year with just the same three guys, constantly afraid when those Gates reopened. It was a testament to human will that they managed to rebuild after that.

"Anyway," Josh said with a wave of his hand. "I'm human because Arcadia has that effect on people. It'll turn you back into a human after about half a day."

"Has anyone ever tried bringing Beasts through here and containing them?"

Josh nodded again regarding his book. "Once. Didn't work out. The Beast kept thinking he was still a Beast. Kept blaming the guys back then for turning him into 'one of them'." He pointed upwards. "Whatever they do up there to us, Arcadia can't do down here. We don't regain our memories as humans if we go full Beast. We get brainwashed into thinking we're Beasts. That's why it's always dangerous for Collectors and why they need to have strict mental discipline. The moment you give yourself to being a Beast, you're gone for good."

Josh rubbed his legs once more.

"Is that how...?" Finn began.

The burly man took a deep breath and held it. He nodded slowly. "Gate 3 opens the door to Burheim. That's what the Beasts there call their place. It's overrun with thick forests but you can still make out the car parks, picnic areas and even a few highways here and there. The Beasts looks like massive bears and they spend all their time drinking and cutting down wood. My team and I were in there one day and I was just another one of the bears, cutting down wood, drinking and being one of them while secretly stealing supplies and bringing them back to Arcadia. Then, one day..."

Josh shuddered and it took a moment for Finn to realise he was sobbing quietly.

"It's okay, if you don't want to talk about it..."

The burly man shook his head. "No... You're the first one that's actually asked me about it. Most people already know or just hear it from someone who knows and they never ask." Josh let out a soft laugh. "Kinda pathetic really..." He rubbed his legs absently. "One of the trees we were cutting fell on me. Crushed my legs. The pain was intense and I became desperate. Being a Beast has its advantages, you know. You heal up faster than a human and even crippling injuries like this..." He gestured at his legs. "... would heal up eventually. But it was the last day before the Gate closed. I begged my brothers to just leave me with the bears. They could come back for me in two and a half months but everyone knows that you can't survive out past the Gates and remain human for that long. They dragged me kicking and screaming through the Gate and..."

Finn remained silent. That was a tough call. Either remain a Beast and get the use of your legs back but forever lose yourself to being that Beast... or return home human but be confined to a wheelchair forever.

"Couldn't' they just bring you through another Gate, transform you and heal up?"

Josh shook his head sadly. "No one's ever done that before and everyone doubted my ability to be a Collector anymore. They saw how desperate I was to get my legs back and..." He gave Finn a shaky smile. "That kind of thinking starts you on a slippery slope to becoming a full on Beast. The moment I stepped back into Arcadia, I knew it was over for my legs. Arcadia began turning me back into a human, taking away the Beast that would've healed it..." Turning back towards the fire, Josh said, "And frankly, I'd rather die as a human stuck on this damn chair than live as a Beast."

Whether or not that admission was due to having no choice in the matter or how Josh truly felt, Finn couldn't tell. But he felt that being isolated like this, alone had made the man bitter and mournful of what he had.

"Thanks for sharing," Finn said.

"If you ever want any more stories, I got plenty to tell," chuckled Josh sadly. "But you're probably tired from a day working the fields. I'd be happy to write down your experiences though. Everyone's got to have their memories written down in case something happens to us. Have you written your name on a rock yet?"

"Not yet," answered Finn. "Still have to pick one up." He got up from his seat and gave Josh a faint smile. "But I like your idea of heading to bed. Maybe I'll talk to you tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Maybe."

Something in Josh's tone revealed that he seriously doubted that was going to happen and as Finn left, the big former Collector just stared at the fire before him, a dull imitation of the big campfire outside or the warming flames within the brotherhood of Collectors. He pulled himself from the depressing comparisons and picked up the book and pen. Within it, he wrote his first - and probably only - meeting with the newcomer, Finn. No one voluntarily came up to him these days or involved him in anything. Some taboo about being a former Collector.

Tall, with short, spikey brown hair with a broad, manly jaw. Not square but still very handsome. The starting of a chinstrap beard was coming in but it didn't look like it would grow fully. It would eventually look quite manly as it avoided his cheeks. Already, Josh could tell the newcomer would have only a very light dusting of facial hair around his upper lip but it would be enough to add to his handsome features and it would connect to his beard with a light trace just enough to veer him away from being a terrible mockery of some ancient gentleman and put him into a modern man without looking like a douche. His soft, brown eyes were full of curiosity that Josh feared would eventually dull into the monotony of being another Cultivator but he hoped not too soon. Of course, there would be a trade off. That spark of inquisitiveness in exchange for a strong, tanned, lean body that even Collectors would envy. He needed to tan a little more though. Maybe he should work with his shirt off.

"You think so, huh?"

Josh jumped and immediately slammed his book shut. He was surprised when a mug of hot chocolate was placed beside his wheelchair while Finn sat back in his seat, another mug in his hands.

"What are you doing!?" Josh exclaimed, eyes wide in shock.

"I said maybe we'll talk tomorrow," Finn said with a sly smile. "Doesn't stop me from talking to you after I made us both some hot chocolate."

Josh blinked a couple of times as he regarded the offered steaming mug. He hadn't heard Finn approach. That was quite... admirable. "Thanks... I guess..."

"So..." Finn said, an evil glimmer in his eyes. "You think I'm handsome and should work with my shirt off, huh?"

*******

349:10:18:08:12:50

It was just after breakfast did Ken realise that the newcomer, Finn, hadn't joined them. At first, he didn't give it any thought as he suspected the guy just slept in. Finn was adapting to the situation rather well. He recalled his own first week and how he wandered around in a daze, just doing what he was told and taking stock of what was happening around him and doing what he was told. Someone had to come into his room and tell him to get up before he actually got up and did something. Eventually, he slipped in with the others and became accepted by the rest of the Survivors. Arcadia had a way of making you feel welcome and that you belonged given enough time.

He opted to give Finn a few more minutes of sleep before he went up and got him.

But that was when Finn actually came up to them from the fields.

"Hey guys!" he greeted with a big smile. "You guys up for a game before we hit our chores?"

Ken exchanged glances with the others.

"What kind of game?" Marv asked, waggling his eyebrows at Finn in what could only be interpreted as a lewd manner.

"Not that kind of game, you horndog," laughed Finn. He hiked his thumb over his shoulder. "Although it _does_involve a ball. Come on!"

Curious, Ken and the other Collectors followed Finn to one of the empty fields in Arcadia. The land was big and if Ken were estimate, they had only used about 10% of the area. They just didn't have the manpower to use every inch of the fields. But apparently, Finn had found a use for a large patch of land.

Arcadia's Archivist, Josh, was rolling up and down a large patch of land on his wheelchair. There were blades stuck to the base of his chair that spun as he passed. They were trimming the grass to something more manageable. A thick piece of rope had been used to mark the borders of the field that Josh was cutting. On either end of the rectangular area were what looked like two constructions made of wood and netting.

Finn picked up what looked like some leather stuffed with something to give it a rough spherical shape. It wasn't perfectly round but close enough.

"You guys ever heard of soccer?" he asked.

The word stirred up memories in Ken and did recall a game involving guys in tight shorts kicking around a ball up and down a field. It felt like so long ago that it was practically another lifetime.

"You made a soccer field?" laughed Marv. "Holy shit, dude! Why didn't any of us think of that!?" He took the ball from Finn and dropped it on the ground. "Play ball!"

"That's baseball," Finn corrected.

"Who cares?" Marv laughed, tearing off the rest of his shirt. "Shirts versus skins!"

"That sounds like something from basketball."

Marv tossed his shirt at Finn. "Just take off your shirt and join my team, will ya?"

Finn glanced to where Josh was rolling up to them and a strange twinkle entered his eyes. "You're going to need a ref. Besides, there's ten guys here already. Five versus five. Nice and even."

Ken was tempted to opt out as well but then the other guys started forming their teams and before he knew it, he was on the skins team with Marv. He jogged down the field with the rest of his team, not really sure what he was doing but Marv certainly did and so did the others. The smell of freshly cut grass was an alien smell but at the same time it stirred memories of a distant home for him. He was lost in the memories for a brief moment. His thoughts were interrupted when the ball started racing towards him.

"Ken! Kick the ball! Kick the ball!"

Pure instinct took over and he caught the ball in the inlet of his foot, stopping it from racing down the field. He kicked it ahead of him and he immediately gave chase. 'Dribbling' it was called. As he ran, the wind whipping through his hair and his legs pumping, a strange new sensation came over him. It was a feeling he had long forgotten; a rush that he remembered that he enjoyed. Adrenaline rushed through his veins and -

Was suddenly damped when Steve - a limber Cultivator - intercepted the ball and dribbled it back towards the opposing goal.

Suddenly there was a challenge. It wasn't just him and the ball any more. There was an obstacle there. A grin crossed his features and he shot back down the field, running in parallel to Steve who was paying too much attention to the ball than to where he was going. Ken put on a burst of speed, heading off his opponent before spinning around and then diving feet first at the ball. He knocked it right out of Steve's path, his fellow Cultivator giving a yelp of surprise as he was forced to leap over Ken's charging form. The ball scrambled away from him but did manage to make its way to Marv who quickly kicked it back to their side of the field.

"Where'd you learn that?" Steve exclaimed.

Ken wasn't sure how to answer but he just flashed the man a grin and rushed back down the field.

Soon, the field was filled with laughter and the guys were sweating up a storm. From the sidelines, Finn and Josh watched contently at the fruits of their work. The faces of the other Survivors were much more animated now and their eyes were shining with so much life.

"They really look like they're having fun," said Josh.

"There's more to surviving than treating each day like the last," Finn responded, arms folded and a smug smile on his face. "It'd be great if we came out of this apocalypse alive but from what I've heard and you've told me, I think the reason why we're so low on numbers is because everyone got a little stir crazy." He nodded towards the field. "Arcadia is paradise but if we spend all our time and energy into just maintaining it, people will get bored. They might end up wanting to leave."

"And getting themselves lost beyond the Gates," agreed Josh. "Good idea. Why would you want to search for something better when this place is the best it can be?"

Finn grinned broadly. "That's the idea. Like the Director said, make this our shining beacon of humanity. A lighthouse in the darkness."

Josh was suddenly silent and Finn glanced at him to see what was wrong.

"The Director never told us that..." murmured Josh thoughtfully. "Everyone I know has always said the Director told them the same thing. Nothing ever came up about a 'shining beacon' or a 'lighthouse'... What else did he tell you?"

Finn gave Josh a bewildered look. "I... uh... I don't know. I only really caught the tail end of it. I can't remember the rest."

For a long moment, Josh remained silent. Then he shook his head as one of the guys cried out. There was a pile of bodies starting up and someone must've executed an illegal tackle. "It's probably nothing. You want to break them up?"

A little perturbed, Josh said, "Yeah. We should get to our chores anyway." Then he flashed Josh a big grin. "You still up for our next project later tonight, right?"

"Count on it."

******

349:10:18:17:14:11

Travis let out a long sigh. He peeled away from the hot forge and wiped his brow. He was glad he was working in the open air since he could smell his own sweat and musk just from lifting his arm. Like everything else in his life, he preferred to keep things clean and tidy so he reviled the idea of being sweaty.

It was just about dinner time and the sun was already on its way towards the horizon, SOL constantly in front of it. A quick bath before the evening meal would help ease his thick muscles and let him wash away the day's worries. He had heard that the new guy, Finn, had set up a soccer field somewhere in the unused lands of Arcadia. Only the Cultivators had used it so far but Finn had come to the Constructors at lunch to invite them to a friendly game; Cultivators versus Constructors. Some had joined in but Travis was sadly too busy. From the shouts he had heard from the field, he guessed that it had gone over well.

He glanced down at the tools he had just finished repairing, satisfied with his day's work. Amongst them was a long, single-sided blade that one of the Collectors liked to use. It had been broken recently after a foray through one of the Gates and the Collector in question had asked him to repair it. He was a little uncomfortable repairing the weapon, afraid that contact with it would infect him so he treated it gently and wore extra thick gloves. He trusted the Collector. Just not whatever else this post-apocalyptic world might throw at him. Now that it was done, however, he was eager to get rid of it. He just wondered if Lobo would come back for it or he'd have to wait until the guy came through the Return Gate to give it back.

He could always send someone to give it to them but he didn't like the idea of subjecting anyone to that kind of risk.

"Trav! Trav! Come quick!"

Gavin, a fellow Constructor and generally the guy in charge of fixing and repairing furniture came rushing towards him, waving his lean, muscled arms.

"What is it?" Travis replied.

Gavin, his eyes wide, pointed in the direction of the farms. "You'll never believe this but that new guy is setting up a frickin' stage!"

"A stage?" Travis repeated in surprise.

"I know! It's stupid! He says he's going to give us 'dinner and a show' or something!"

Vague memories of a time when he sat on a table draped in silk and bathed in candlelight with someone he cared about filled his mind. He remembered the scent of roses in the air mixed with the delicate aroma of his split pea soup served as a starter. The velvety curtains pulled apart on the stage and he, like the hundred strong audience, all applauded as the talent being showcased that week took the stage.

He pulled himself back to reality and gave Gavin a concerned stare. "How did he manage that?"

"The fucker pulled all the chairs from the common room out into the field! He and the cripple then piled a few rocks on top of one another and then took some of my wooden planks and set it on top of one another!"

That didn't sound safe at all. He was also fairly sure he knew why Gavin was so irritated. The guy had a natural affinity with wood and he was rather protective of his equipment and planks. If someone just came up and took them...

"Did they ask for your planks first?" Travis asked calmly.

Gavin hesitated. "Erm... well... yeah... but I didn't know he was going to use it for something as stupid as a stage!"

Travis tried not to let his excitement show and kept his features still. "Alright. Let's go see what's going on. Have you seen Seamus?"

"I was going to get him next."

"Tell him to bring a couple of his bricks along."

There was some malice in Gavin's eyes but Travis ignored it and headed towards the field. As he rounded the corner of the Collective, he saw the stage and had to admit, he was very impressed. In the short amount of time that Finn had, he had managed to grab some metal poles and arranged them over the stage and the arrayed seats. Some tarp had been draped across the poles to protect the audience and the stage from the elements. All the seats were arrayed in a vaguely square fashion with a central aisle dividing them into two sections. It was primitive but it still added a little something to Arcadia that he never knew was missing.

The only problem was the stage. Rocks provided an uneven surface for the wooden planks. Even tied together with some rope, the planks looked dangerously unstable. He found Finn standing beside the stage, speaking to Marv, Ken and the wheelchair bound Josh. As he approached, the group looked up with a degree of worry in their eyes. Gavin probably gave them a bit of verbal berating last time he was here.

"Quite a setup you have here," he said, keeping his arms crossed.

No one spoke for a while then Finn stepped forward. "Um... yeah... I thought this place needed something else apart from work to keep it going. I mean, it's great that we're surviving and all but we've got lives right? We should enjoy it." He turned towards Josh with a smile on his face. "I figured this would be a great please to share our ideas and stories with one another."

Seamus and Gavin arrived a moment later and with them were the rest of the Survivors - Collectors excluded of course. No doubt everyone was wondering where the chairs had all gone and Gavin, being the loudmouth that he was, brought them all here.

"I can't say I approve," Travis said.

Finn didn't look surprised. "Well -"

"Your stage is flimsy," Travis continued, absently kicking the wooden frame. "Rocks? They're uneven. Someone could get hurt if too much weight is put on it. You need something more stable." He gave Finn a grin and wrapped an arm around Seamus. The big, burly brick maker had a wheelbarrow of bricks on hand. "You got a few minutes before show time to use these bricks?"

Travis barely registered Gavin's loud and slightly high-pitched cry of 'what'.

"Of course!" Finn exclaimed. "Good idea!"

They spent the next ten minutes pulling apart the stage and replacing the stones with bricks. Unfortunately, they didn't have enough with them but the rest of the Survivors volunteered to assist, ferrying loads of hardened mud from where Seamus made them and the stockpile they had back to stage. A venerable line of men travelled to and from the 'quarry'. Travis marvelled at how both Cultivator and Constructor worked together without division. Before, both sides barely interacted with one another; the most contact being when dinner was served as they both ate their breakfasts and lunches with their own groups.

This stage brought everyone together as a community.

Except, perhaps for Gavin who quietly seethed a short distance away.

When the stage was built, Finn beckoned everyone to take a seat while he, Ken and Marv got to the food from the chefs.

"Don't forget to wash your hands!" shouted Travis as he sat down near the front of the stage with his fellow Constructors.

He wasn't that surprised when Josh wheeled himself up the ramp onto the now stable stage and turned himself to the rest of the group. The former Collector was well known if not well-liked purely because they barely had any interaction with him. Travis was glad that Finn had somehow made him the star of this show.

"So... uh... This is the first time I've done this," began Josh with a short laugh. "But this was really Finn's idea. He thought that... well, you've only heard about what's past the Gates from rumour and hearsay. So he thought it'd be a good idea to tell you what is really out there. Oh and don't worry! If you get bored, Ken is going to read us some of his poetry later and then Marv is going to serenade us with his Armpit Sonata."

Travis laughed with the rest of the group. Everyone had heard or heard of Marv's musical armpit. But he did not know that Ken wrote poetry. He wondered what other hidden talents the rest of the Survivors had beyond their allocated jobs.

"So... Let's start with Gate 1," Josh began. He looked nervous but as he opened the book sitting on his lap, that nervousness began to fade. "Gate 1 has the words 'Hornton' written on it and beyond it lies a sprawling metropolis. But it's just like what you'd think from a post-apocalyptic world. The buildings are ruined and abandoned. Nature has started to encroach upon what man once built. Cars are piled up upon one another in eternal traffic jams. The Haze there smells vaguely of leather, musk and sweat.

"Amongst these ruins lies the rhinos. They're big, huge creatures brimming with muscles and stand at least eight feet tall. They are split into two groups, Wreckers and Builders..."

Finn and the others came streaming down the aisle, carrying platters of food. They gently set it down in front of each of the audience members complete with cutlery. It was still the same standard fare of meat brought in from the Collectors and the vegetables grown from the farms but somehow, having Josh regale them with stories of what lay beyond the Gates made it seem better.

Travis barely tasted the food as he listened to how the Wreckers were undeniably driven to destroy everything in their path while the Builders were the opposite; driven to build. No one led either group. They were just driven by instinct. That made whatever the Builders were building a haphazard, disorganised mess with no real architecture behind it while the Wreckers were split up throughout the city or worked their way in gangs of no bigger than three.

"And that's Gate 1," Josh finished. "Now Gate 2..."

"Tell us more about the Builders!" someone shouted from the crowd. "You say they all wear some sort of outfit?"

That was just the encouragement that Josh needed and while he was a little flustered at the attention, he continued with his description of the strange city of Hornton. As he grew a little more comfortable, he began fitting in some of his personal experiences in there, turning the factual exposition into more of a story. Travis, while having his reservations about Collectors, had to admit he found it all extremely fascinating.

He didn't even notice when he finished his meal and Finn came up to take it away.

Once all the plates were cleared, Finn turned to Ken and Marv from the back of the rows of chairs. "You guys better get ready. Don't want Josh to take up all the limelight."

Marv grinned broadly and made a weird flapping gesture with his arms. "Great! I jus' gotta tune up the ol' armpit! Ken, you go on up."

Ken nodded silently and started heading towards the stage. Marv followed shortly after, waiting for his turn. Finn remained a good distance away, wondering just how many dishes he'd have to clean up while everyone else was preoccupied. He decided that it really didn't matter. For the first time since he had arrived, he felt like the Survivors of Arcadia were a community and not just people doing what they could to get by.

"Humanity is not defined by what shape you take," he murmured to himself softly.

"Wise words," came a deep rumble.

Finn flinched and jerked away from the hulking monster standing right beside him. It was that same otter-man again, the one with the necklace of fangs and the cowboy hat. He exuded an immense scent of salt water and musk that was almost strong enough to knock Finn down on his ass. In the darkness only partially broken by the torches on flanking the stage, Finn could make out the Collector's bright, green eyes.

"Where did you hear them?" asked the Collector.

Finn gulped, trying to compose himself. "Erm... The Director. It was part of the message that I got from him."

The Collector let out a thoughtful huff. "Strange. Everyone else I know had the same generic message. I've memorised that speech, you know." The otter turned his eyes towards the stage where Ken had started reciting some of his poetry. The crowd had gone deathly silent as deep words came from Ken's lips.

"I know you have questions," the Collector recited. "But I will not answer them. The path you are now on is your own and you should be free to make your decisions based on what you decide not on the mistakes or triumphs of the past. What you need to know is that you have been saved.

"You are being sent to Arcadia, the last bastion of humanity in a world that has fallen apart. The apocalypse has come and gone and humans did not survive. They were turned into monsters. Beasts. We, the Nexus Conglomerate_, have put in place the Survivor Protocol. You have been taken from the Beasts and restored to humanity. You have been put in Arcadia to survive._

"The world outside the walls is dangerous but even I as the Director of the Conglomerate cannot force you to choose what path to take. All I can do is offer you a sanctuary and what supplies we can provide. Whatever you choose to do, whatever life you choose to live or which path you choose to take is entirely on you.

"The world has ended over three hundred years ago. Everything you knew, everything you loved is gone.

"If humans are to survive, you must survive. But whether or not that is to be is entirely up to you. Stay strong. Stay alive. Survive."

Finn took in the words and compared it to the few snippets that he remembered from his own speech. There were definitely differences. His sounded a little more... hopeful.

"We always thought the messages from the Director were pre-recorded," the Collector admitted. "Do you know why the Brotherhood of the Collectors started?" When Finn shook his head, the otter said, "It's because long before we came to Arcadia, one of the other Survivors decided that they put the Gates here for a reason and we couldn't rely on the Conglomerate or the supplies they sent to survive. We had to get our own supplies. Make our own way in the world. We had to change. Now..."

His green eyes roved the stage. "I heard that you had built a soccer field somewhere. You're a Constructor?"

Finn ducked his head and blushed a little. "Actually, no. I'm a Cultivator."

"You should be a Constructor."

The response came so quickly and so confidently that Finn was caught a little off guard.

"We've got a Constructor for tools," the Collector said. "A Constructor for bricks. A Constructor for our electrical equipment, furniture, rope, clothes and basically everything we need. But we don't have a Constructor for our community." He turned around, heading back towards the forest. "For the first time, we've got someone building on Arcadia instead of just surviving in it. You should keep making this a home instead of a sanctuary."

Finn's eyebrows knotted together as he puzzled over the Collector's strange, ominous words. The guy was moving too fast for him to catch up though. With longer legs even for an otter, the guy was quickly disappearing into the thick of the forest. "Hey! What's your name!?"

The silhouette of the Collector stopped, barely visible in the darkness.

"Lobo. My name is Lobo."

*******

349:10:18:21:47:40

Cleaning up after the performances was a chore in itself but after being entertained by an impromptu stand-up comedy routine by a few others, everyone was more than happy to lend a hand. Dean, the Constructor responsible for making the chairs promised to make some seats more suited for the outdoors and was already spouting ideas about cutting up some logs to make long benches. Gavin didn't seem too pleased with the idea but when Travis told him it was a great idea, he begrudgingly agreed to the project.

Finn got the impression that Gavin didn't seem to like him too much but he let it go. This was just his second day in Arcadia, after all. He was already making splashes but he liked the impact that he was making. People were happy. _Genuinely_happy. They had something to look forward to and didn't just go through the same routine day in day out.

Now the problem was... what was he going to do for the rest of the week?

He had a piece of charcoal and some paper from Josh, both of which were made in Arcadia. The paper was rough and highly unrefined. Memories of loose leafs of paper that were white, smooth and had lines drawn out for him came flooding back. The things he had taken advantage of...

On the page, he had the days of the week down one column and then 'afternoon event' and 'evening event' as column headers. Every second day, he already had a soccer game and 'Open Mic Night' for today. Now he just had the rest of the week to fill in.

A knock came on his door and he half-expected Josh but then remembered the poor guy couldn't make it up the stairs without help. Marv came in, beaming brightly. It looked like he had just had a late night bath in the lake and was still dripping a little wet. He was just wearing his shorts and nothing else, exposing his hairy chest.

"There's the Master o' Ceremonies!" He stepped in without being invited and immediately sat down beside Finn. "Whatcha got there?"

Finn smiled to himself. Marv certainly was a very friendly guy. It was nice to have a good friend. He showed his fellow Survivor the page. "Just trying to plan out what the activities will be for the rest of the week. I was thinking we'd just cycle through it across the month or something."

Marv nodded in acknowledgement as he perused the list. "Ya think maybe puttin' a soccer game every second day is a bit much? Won't people get bored?"

That was a concern. "I was thinking of getting a football field built. There's a lot of unused space in Arcadia. Maybe even a baseball field?"

"Ya might need more coordination than jus' us, ya know," chuckled Marv. "Why dun ya ask Travis? He's basically the boss o' the Constructors. Ima sure he can boss 'em around for a project like that."

"Only if they want to..." Finn murmured. He was wary of making too big of a scene. Everyone had their jobs to do and he didn't want to distract them from that. Though from what he had observed, people tended to get most of their work done fairly easily throughout the day and just milled about checking and double checking whatever it was they had done. Some entertainment would help break that monotony.

Marv suddenly clicked his fingers. "Hey! I got an idea! Let's go campin'!"

"Camping?" Finn repeated.

"Yeah! Arcadia is big, right? We dun use most of it so that means we really haven't been around much o' the place! One day, we shud just pack up our stuff and camp out somewhere! Maybe on the other side o' the lake or in the forest or sumthin!"

Finn grinned brightly. "That sounds like a great idea! We'll need lots of preparation though. I'll ask Travis what he thinks."

"Ya should leave one day activity free too, tho'. Give people time ta catch up with their work and build the anticipation." He gave Finn a sly wink. "Don't want the weeks ta get too repetitive, right?"

That was a good point. If he structured every week like in the same way, then he was going to create the same monotony that he was trying desperately to break. Looking at his schedule, he could already tell that they would start running out of activities very soon and probably within a year, these games or performances would just be the same over and over again. Forced smiles and fake laughs would be common place and no one would truly be enjoying themselves.

He immediately drew scribbles across the page, making what he had written completely illegible then flipping the page over to the back.

"Whoa! Whatcha doing!?" Marv exclaimed.

"You're right," Finn said, staring at the blank page with intense focus. "If we just keep to the same schedule every week, we're going to bore people. If we go camping every week, we'd just discover all of Arcadia and have nowhere to go in less than a year."

He stared at the page, unsure what to do. His thoughts, hopes and aspirations had been derailed.

How could he make Arcadia more liveable without running out of ideas too quickly? He had so little resources and he could only draw on vague memories...

"How 'bout making it just a weekly activity or sumthin'?" Marv suggested.

"Huh?"

His friend shrugged his big shoulders. "All I'm sayin' is that ya dun need to make an activity every day. People do got jobs to do, right? So maybe just make it so that we have these things once per week. And not all at once. Maybe we can have a soccer tournament for the next couple of weeks or something. We got twenty-five guys without them Collectors so I figure we can make 'bout five teams outta that? A match every week between two teams. Maybe have it so each team plays one another at least twice? One grand final? Could be nine weeks o' entertainment. It'll give people a whole week to prepare and talk 'bout the next match."

Marv took the page from Finn and began drawing the columns again but this time instead of columns for activities, he had 'teams'. "We could prolly make it so that each team can have the field one day ev'ry week. Monday ta Friday. Saturday we have the match. Sunday, give people time ta stew." He began writing team numbers up and down the columns though for Monday, he wrote 'Marv's Maulers'. "That'll keep people occupied."

Finn blinked at the brilliant idea. "That's... That's a great idea! Marv, you're a genius!"

The big, hairy Cultivator blushed and laughed softly. "Never had sumone call me that bef're."

"Well you are," Finn said with a grin. "Then maybe we can have baseball and football across other months."

"Whoa there, newbie." Marv held up his hands. "Ya dun wanna make _every_activity physical, right? Gotta give people time to relax and enjoy other things."

"You just like how people applauded when you gave them your armpit show." Marv blushed and didn't reply. "You're right. But how are we going to pad out something like that? We can't show the same thing over and over again... That'd just get stale unless it was really good..."

Marv clicked his fingers again. "How 'bout we make it a contest?"

"A contest? How do you make performances a contest?"

Again, the big guy grinned at him, his eyes shining with inspiration. "Simple. Grab a bunch o' guys that wanna make asses outta themselves and they perform. Every week, we get sum judges to say who gets to go and who gets ta stay."

Finn narrowed his gaze. "Uhm... won't that breed resentment?"

"Erm..." Marv answered, his thoughts being derailed. Then his eyes brightened again. "Oh! Then we make it a votin' thing! People vote for who they want to go!"

"That's mean." Finn regarded the page. "How about we make it that the people with the least votes are out of the competition?"

"Ev'n better!" He wrapped his arms around Finn, giving him a rough but friendly shake. "See? We make an awesome team! What's next?"

Smelling the steak on Marv's breath, Finn said, "Cooking competition?"

"Oooh! And the audience get to judge the dishes! We get to see 'em cook stuff up and we get to eat the spoils!"

Finn was going to make a comment about how Marv should watch what he ate but then looking at how his friend's treasure trail perfectly outlined his washboard abs made him reconsider.

"Okay," he said, scribbling down their ideas on the page. "So we got football, baseball, soccer, talent competition, cooking competition... Anything else?"

Marv gave it some thought then glanced at the open door. "Ya know, we shud make sumthin' ta highlight each Constructor or Cultivator's talent. Show off how they're good at their jobs."

Finn latched onto the idea and quickly thought up an idea. "How about we make it something like who can grow the biggest pumpkin or best produce for Cultivators and then who can invent the best thing for Constructors?"

"Awesome! That can be a year 'round thing too. They can start now and we judge at the end o' the year! That'll give 'em somethin' ta strive for in the end."

He realised there was an issue with all of these competitions. "What are we going to give people if they win?"

Marv shrugged. "Braggin' rights?"

Thinking of Travis and how he manned the forge, Finn said, "Maybe we can convince Travis to make a plaque or... a trophy or something."

"Shudn't be too hard ta make fer him." Marv stretched and let out a loud yawn. "Imma gonna head off ta bed. Thanks fer spicin' things up 'round here, Finn." He gave Finn a bright, grateful smile, his blue eyes shining. "Can't say I was bored but now I'm actually lookin' forward to the next day."

Finn set down the charcoal and page just as Marv was starting to head out, his strong muscular back shining in the light of his room.

"Hey Marv, hold up a sec." Finn got up from his bed and gently gripped Marv's forearm. The tough of the big man's hair against his palms sent tingled down his spine. He slowly traced those hairs down to Marv's hand, their fingers intertwining almost by instinct. "I've got ask... Are you... um... attached?"

Marv turned to him, a coy smile on his lip. "Nope."

That simple answer gave Finn's heart a moment to pause.

"Oh... uh... Well..." He coughed loudly. "Did you... um... wanna... You know?"

Marv's eyes narrowed slightly while his grin grew bigger.

As his answer, he shut the door.

******

349:10:19:06:30:18

Ken was usually one of the first up in the morning. He liked to get up before everyone else and head down to the lake where he would just sit on the shores and watch as the sun rise and gently kiss the still waters, giving perfect vision of the countless names that had been cast into the lake. It was where he got most of his inspiration from.

But today, when he headed down into the common room, brushing down his hair with a hand, he heard the sound of a hammer striking a metal board. He strode out into the front of the Collective to find that both Finn and Marv were already up. They had erected a board of some sort behind them with several smaller wooden planks nailed to it in a vaguely square fashion. They had set up a table in front of the board as well.

"What are you guys doing?" he asked.

Both men were simply glowing, something that Ken had seen many times before in dozens of faces and he had worn himself on occasion. He decided not to pry into whether or not the two had spent the night together but from the faint musky scent that was in the air, he deduced two things: one, neither of them had taken a bath yet and two, whatever they did the previous night involved a _lot_of physical activity. It could just be that they were sweaty from setting up the board but he somehow doubted that.

"We're setting up a soccer tournament!" Finn exclaimed brightly. "There are twenty-six guys here but Josh can't play and he'll need a backup as a ref. So that'll be twenty-four guys. Six teams of four should be keep the game going!"

At the idea of a soccer tournament, Ken's heart leapt toward his throat and he found himself completely excited. He stepped up towards the board where one of the panels already had 'Marv's Maulers' chiselled into it.

"Where do I sign up?" he asked.

"We dun have any sign-up sheets yet..." Marv began.

"Let me wake up Barry, our paper guy. I'll get you some sheets. You need some charcoal too, right?"

Before either man could respond, Ken was bolting back into the Collective and hurrying over to Barry - their paper and charcoal guy. Barry usually stripped the bark off the trees before they were cut down and processed them heavily in some solution that Ken really didn't understand. He also stored any wood that was burned as charcoal for the purposes of the rest of the Survivors.

Ken knocked on Barry's door and practically barged in.

All he got out was, "Soccer tournament. Need paper for sign-up sheet."

Barry immediately sat up, still naked from where he lay next to Steve. "I'll get them. Where are we signing up?"

And just like that, news of the tournament spread like wildfire. Half-naked guys, still showing signs of their previous activities rushed out to the front of the Collective where they were scrambling to form teams. News of Ken's prowess on the field the previous day had spread and they all wanted him on their team. He was having trouble picking and it struck him that he barely knew the people around him beyond what they were - Cultivator or Constructor - and what they did. He really didn't know them personally. He picked Steve as one of his teammates purely on that bond they shared on the field when he had stolen the ball from the guy. Lexy was, of course, on his team but then he was still down one person.

He was still picking when -

"Hey!"

Everyone froze as Gavin came storming down out of Collective. He shoved past everyone and jabbed a finger at the board. "Is that my wood?"

Finn was dumbstruck. "Um..."

"It is, isn't it!?" Gavin's face was turning red, somewhat masking his freckles. "You don't get to just take my wood like that!"

"Gav, take it easy," came the deep laugh of Travis. The unofficial leader of the Constructors held out a piece of charcoal for his raging comrade. "Come on, it's no harm done. You weren't going to use this anyway. You have more wood that you know what to do with."

A soft chuckle rippled through the group.

"But they didn't ask for it!" Gavin barked.

"Well, they're asking now." Travis turned towards Finn. "Aren't you guys?"

Finn took the hint and met Gavin's furious gaze. "Can we please use this wood as a tournament board for the soccer games we're planning?"

It looked like Gavin was just about to deny him that but then he froze. Dozens of eyes were staring at him, eager for his response and knowing full well that if he denied him the request, he'd be the bad guy in this situation.

"Fine."

The crowd cheered and gave Gavin a healthy pat on the back. On Travis' prompting, he signed up with the burly smith.

The rest of the Survivors quickly formed their teams and then came the next who would get to use the soccer field when. Travis made it slightly easier for everyone by suggesting that they build a second field on the opposite side of Arcadia so teams didn't disrupt one another's practice. That got the crowd excited and he quickly dispatched a few of the Constructors to start getting to work while he helped organise when the teams should practice and where.

When they were done, it was just about time for breakfast and all anyone could talk about was how great their team was and how they couldn't wait for the first match of the tournament. Finn was beaming as his idea came to fruition. Though he had opted to be a referee beside Josh, just watching people enjoy themselves for something he had created... it was amazing.

He was eating his oats with honey and sweetened bread when Travis came down to sit beside him amongst his circle of friends.

"This is your third day here and already everyone is asking what you're going to do next."

Finn blushed but couldn't help but grin. "I'm not trying to cause trouble." He glanced over to where the other teams were happily chatting away, boasting and getting each other excited over the prospect of the tournament. "I just want to make a contribution to Arcadia."

"You're doing a bang up job about it," Travis said with a grin. "Can't wait to see what else you've come up with."

Marv opened his mouth to say something, likely to tell Travis about everything they had planned, but then Finn jabbed his side and ran his fingers across his friend's sides. Marv choked on his words and let out a soft giggle as Finn abused the ticklish spot he had discovered the previous night.

"I'll keep you in suspense," Finn said.

Travis smiled at his interaction with Marv. "Word of advice though." Then he paused. "Actually, two. Those goals you made for the game were a little flimsy. I've asked Gavin to look them over and make them sturdier. Scout, the guy that makes our rope and clothes, is going to fix up the netting as well. And speaking of Gavin, for my second piece of advice, make sure to ask him if you're going to use any of his stuff. He's protective about his wood."

Finn frowned slightly. "Does he have a problem with me?"

"Maybe." Travis shrugged. "But if he gives you any trouble, just come to me. I can bring him in line."

"Thanks Travis. I appreciate it."

******

349:10:19:14:15:00

It was just after lunch when the second soccer field had been finished. Marv's Maulers had already taken up the first field and were using it for practice. The other team, headed by Ken, were eager to get started as well and they hit their chores hard to ensure that they had plenty of time to practice. Despite whatever misgivings they may have had in the past, Finn was pleased when Gavin delivered the new goals. The guy really knew something about woodwork. The goals weren't just two poles stuck to the ground with a net in between them. They looked like actual goals that Finn had faint memories of.

Gavin was just bringing in the second set for the second field when Finn noticed he was carrying a sword as well kept within a scabbard.

"What's that?" Finn asked, gesturing at the straight, one-sided blade. It reminded him a little of a katana only much straighter.

"One of the Collectors' weapons," grunted Gavin as he set down the goals. "They need to go out beyond the Gates armed, ya know. Sometimes they come back with their stuff banged up. Get us Constructors to fix them. Travis asked me to bring it over to them after we were done here."

Seeing an opportunity to repair the bridge between them, Finn said, "Why don't you let me take it?"

"Do you even know the way?" Gavin replied with a hint of hostility.

"Just look for the camp that stinks like animals in heat?"

By the small smile Gavin gave him, he guessed he had earned some brownie points. "It's not hard to find. There's a river running from the lake that cuts into the forest. Just follow that and you'll get to their camp." He handed the sword to Finn. It was surprisingly light despite its size. "Be back before sundown though. The Collectors get really... frisky when the sun sets."

"I'll keep that in mind," Finn responded, shouldering the weapon. "Thanks."

He didn't head off straight away, however, as he recalled his strangely coherent conversation with Lobo. He had thought the Collectors were just a fragment above primal beasts but Lobo was surprisingly intelligent and spoke about his brothers in the Collectors with great fondness. It was a very human quality that made Finn reconsider what little he knew about the Collectors.

"Hey Gavin, question."

The woodworker gave him a grunt.

"What are the Collectors like?"

Gavin straightened after he had set down one of the goals. "Honestly? They're nice guys. Without them, we wouldn't be able to survive. They're horny fuckers but that comes from being part Beast. They risk their lives each and every day to bring us as much supplies as they can. It's more than any of us could ever do."

"You ever thought of being a Collector?"

The woodworker snorted derisively as he picked up the remaining goal set. "Never been asked. Besides, someone needs to take care of all the wood from thieves."

That sounded like the end of the conversation. Finn thanked Gavin's retreating back and waited a while minute for a response. He figured he wouldn't get anything in return after Gavin was an entire soccer field away setting up the other goal for Ken's impatient team.

Taking the sword with him, Finn headed towards the lake and followed the river leading into the thick forests. It wasn't long before he entered an entirely different world. The immediate area around the Collective was mostly flat plains and idyllic. The forest was wild and untamed. The ground was uneven and he had to climb up a few steep rocks to make his way along the river. Gnarled roots threatened to trip him wherever he went. The thick canopies of the trees above him almost completely blocked out the sunlight, leaving him in a sort of greenish twilight amongst the thick underbrush that could've swallowed him whole if it were alive. Strangely enough, the air smelled cleaner here, fresher and with that hint of life. Perhaps it was pine scent or the crispness of mulch beneath his feet but this place felt more... natural than even Arcadia.

It wasn't long before he found where the river began to widen slightly and he came upon the Collector camp.

His jaw dropped open in awe.

"Wow..."

It was hard to believe that someone as big as a Collector could live high above the ground but just looking at the various homes sitting amidst the treetops defied his imagination. Huts made of wood, leaves and straw held together by rope and with their surfaces polished meticulously were bound to some of the tallest and thickest trees directly in front of him. There had to be at least twenty such huts, each with different levels of elevation. Ladders or even staircases had been built right into the trees to provide ease of access. Some of the lower huts, no more than a metre or two off the ground, had bridges connecting them and a few were even built over the river. The largest hut, likely a sort of meeting hall, was built right over the river but unlike the others, it had no walls and was rather open plan with just a central pillar and several supporting pillars holding up the thatch roof to keep the strong, wooden base dry.

"You're far away from your stinkhole, pinkskin."

Finn jumped and spun around.

A brute of a Collector stood over him. He had the thick leathery skin and features of a rhinoceros and certainly the muscle to back up his bulk. His biceps alone were as big as Finn's head and added to that the mass of his triceps, his arms could crush a man with a single hug. Uniquely, he had two silver rings hanging from his nipples and a stud with what appeared to be a diamond in his left ear. He also wore a bead bracelet, its bright colours a stark contrast against his grey hide. Like all Collectors, he was perfectly nude, showing off his surprisingly human genitals that sprang from a thick bush of black hair.

"Whatcha got there?" grunted the Collector, nodding over Finn's shoulder. "Is that Lobo's sword?"

Finn took the blade and held it against his chest protectively. He realised he had no idea who he was meant to give the blade to. "Umm..."

The Collector licked his lips, his deep, black eyes filled with a malicious sort of hunger. "He's been griping about that sword since it broke after he duelled that jackass at Bucking Cove. He'll be glad to have it back." He held out his huge hand that could've easily picked up Finn with little effort. "I'll take it off you. Though if you like, I can give you my sword in exchange."

Finn was unsure how to react. He detected a strong, musky scent emanating from the Collector and he was fully aware of all the blood rushing into the rhino's exposed dick. Though he tried to fight it, he could feel his own arousal starting to creep in. His thoughts were starting to get muddled and his eyelids started to feel... loose. He tried to focus on the Collector but could barely even clutch onto the sword anymore.

"Umm... I... erm..."

"Savage!"

Finn instantly took a step back from the Collector who, likewise, took a step away from him. They both turned towards the river. A familiar large otter emerged from the waters, his short fur slick and wet, outlining his lean, chiselled muscles. His thick tail was flicking side to side in agitation as he stepped up onto the shore. Even without his cowboy hat, Finn recognised Lobo from the fang necklace he wore.

"What have I told you about tormenting the Arcadians!?" Lobo snapped. Though he was shorter than the towering rhino, he held an infinite amount of authority especially in the way he walked. Each storming step he took towards the other Collector sent the rhino retreating another step until Lobo stood in front of Finn defensively.

"I wasn't gonna try anything!" exclaimed the rhino.

"You've said that every time I caught you with the Arcadians, Savage," growled Lobo. "Cool off."

"But -"

"Don't make me pull you from deployment!"

The rhino growled and turned away, head ducked down and his ears folded down.

Finn had no intention of making another enemy and was still a little addled from whatever hypnotic power the Collector possessed. "I like your arms!" he shouted after him.

Savage paused. Then he flexed his right arm for Finn, grinning over his shoulder. Finn couldn't deny that he was sporting a very large hard on or that his throat had gone dry.

"Don't encourage him," rumbled Lobo, turning to face Finn. "You brought my sword."

It took a monumental effort to tear his gaze away from the retreating rhino. But he remembered why he was here and handed the sword to Lobo. "Yeah. Travis finished fixing it up yesterday but we kind of got distracted with the performances."

Lobo took the weapon and pulled it out of its sheath, testing its balance and giving it a few practice swings. "I figured."

A few dots connected in Finn's mind. "Wait... was that why you were up at the performance yesterday? You were looking for your sword?"

"Guilty."

"Oh..." Finn ducked his head. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

"It's not your fault." Lobo slipped the sword back into its scabbard and then slung it over his shoulder. "I didn't mind. I was glad to see you Arcadians were doing more than just eating, doing your work and then sleeping again."

Something about that sentence felt off. "You're calling us 'Arcadians'. You're an Arcadian too."

Lobo let out a bitter snort. "By the barest of technicalities. And it's just easier than saying 'Cultivators and Constructors'. You folks live up in the planes. We live here. It's just easier."

That sort of division just felt wrong to Finn but he wasn't about to argue with the towering eight foot otter in front of him.

"Thanks for bringing my sword back," Lobo said. "I felt kind of naked going into the field without it."

"My pleasure," answered Finn. He suddenly felt himself out of things to say and just excusing himself after being saved felt extremely rude.

"I suppose you have your work to get back to," said the otter. "Though I suppose this is your first time in our camp. If you've got the time, I'd be happy to give you a tour."

Though he feared being accosted by more horny Collectors, Finn's curiosity got the better of him. After seeing the surprisingly more fantastical village of the Collectors, he wanted to see more. "Yeah! I'd love that."

Lobo gave him a gentle smile and warned him to stay close. The otter led the way into the camp. A few other Collectors poked their heads out from their huts, watching curiously from their perches as Lobo took him along the river to what he called their 'Meeting Hall'.

As Finn stepped onto the thick, wooden platform of the circular open plan hut, Lobo gave him an explanation. Ten, square tables were arrayed all over the hall. Nine were arranged out on the outer edges while one was pushed to the centre encircled by group of cushions large enough to fit one of the Collectors each.

"This is where we plan our deployments every day," Lobo said, beckoning him towards the central table. A map sat on the table. It appeared to be an amalgamation of different maps, tier edges torn and frayed. "We built these maps from what scraps of old street directories and documents we could find in the field. Or drew them by hand from our own scouting efforts."

Finn regarded the extensively detailed chart and then over to the other map tables around the room. Generations of work all pooled into this single piece of knowledge. No wonder Josh was so good at documenting people's stories and remembering them. "What are these?" he asked, gesturing at the areas where red circles had been drawn on the map using what smelled like some sort of berry mixture.

"That's where the Gates are set."

"There is more than one Gate?"

Lobo nodded, pointing one thick finger at each of the symbols. "You know that the Gates open in weekly cycles. Well, so do the Gates on the other side. When you pass through a Gate on our end, you'll end up coming out in one of these depending on the sequence." He pointed at the circle that currently had a pebble sitting on it. "This go around, this is where we come out."

Finn noticed that there was a single blue 'X' on the map. "And is that the Return Gate?"

His host nodded. "Yep. There are ten gates that go to ten different areas. But each area always has a Return Gate. It's how we get back here from our missions. ."

"How do the Beasts know not to use it to get to Arcadia?"

Lobo gave him a sly smile and reached for his sword again. He pulled the blade from its scabbard and then gave the handle a twist. Half of the handle twisted, revealing a secret compartment. From there, Lobo revealed what appeared to be a single, cylindrical device. It was silver, smooth and had an array of electric blue circuitry exposed along its surface. He set it on the table in front of them. It was just about two inches long and no thicker than Finn's thumb.

"This is a Key," Lobo said. "Every Collector has one. Every year when a new guy comes in, a Key is dropped with them. This Key is what allows us to activate the Return Gate from the other side. Anyone who has a Key can activate the Gate so it's a Collector's job to always know where their Key is and to make sure that they have it at all times when on the other side. No Key, no way home."

Finn couldn't imagine the sort of paranoia that one had to have to protect their Key especially when you were constantly fighting against the mentally deteriorating powers of the Haze and your own primal urges as a transformed Beast. "You let Travis work on this though..."

"I trust Travis and he knows about my Key," answered Lobo. "I once asked him if he wanted to become a Collector." Lobo let out a short laugh. "He declined. I think because he doesn't like the idea of becoming a Beast again." The big otter shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Everyone has their reasons for becoming or choosing not to become a Collector."

Lobo took his Key and slipped it back into the handle of his sword, locking it back into place and sealing it up tightly.

"Has anyone ever... you know, been locked out without their Key?"

"Not under my watch," Lobo rumbled. "I've heard stories from the other older Collectors and from our records." He hiked his thumb over his shoulder towards one of the huts. "Horror stories of guys passing through the Gates and losing their Keys. Their teammates would head back and retrieve a spare Key but the fear of losing your Key, the brief moment where you lose hope and are left alone to fend for yourself, it's what gets you. The Haze creeps in, you lose yourself to the Beast you've become and then you're not you anymore. One of the reasons we go in groups of threes. One to always watch your back and another to come back to Arcadia just in case."

That sent a shudder down Finn's spine. There was so much risk that Collectors bore every day.

Lobo gently tapped the map. "Anyway, this is a map of Hornton."

"The rhinoceros town?"

That brought a smile to the Collector leader - at least that's how Finn saw Lobo. He certainly acted like their leader.

"That's right. Filled with rhinos divided into two groups."

"Wreckers and Builders," finished Finn. He gave Lobo a lopsided smile. "It's what Josh told me. Sorry. Last time I'll interrupt you, I swear."

"It's okay." Lobo kept smiling at he regarded the map. "It's nice that someone's actually genuinely curious about us and the way we work. Most of the time, Arcadians just come in, drop off the supplies and run off. Horndogs like Savage don't help matters but they're just bitter because people treat them like monsters so they figure they should act like them. He's really sweet though."

Lobo gestured at the map again. "Anyway, we go out in groups of threes past the Gate. We've always got to make sure at least a few of us are left here to carry on the Collector legacy in case something happens. Right now, Crash, Skip and Anodyne are probably here." He gestured at a certain area of the map. "It's Builder territory. Best place to get supplies without being noticed. Builders are less paranoid than Wreckers. More docile too."

"Crash, Skip and Anodyne..." Finn repeated. "Is that their real names?"

Again, he got a smile from Lobo. "Part of become a Collector is abandoning your human name. You're not human any more when you become one of us. It's tough but that's how it's always been." He regarded the map. "Not that it's bad. You're stronger, faster and more durable than any other human. I'd like to think with our training, we're also a little smarter but that's not for me to decide."

Finn let out a thoughtful noise. The sound of that sacrifice didn't sit too well with him and he didn't think it was fair to ask someone to give up their hopes of ever become human again just so that everyone else could maintain theirs.

"Anyway, you've probably noticed that there are currently rhinos and otters running around here, huh?" Lobo said, lifting himself off the map table. "Well, that's because the last Gate opened was for the otters in Bucking Cove. We found that the species that came before the current Gate tends to have a slight advantage over the other." He ran a finger across the map, particular across what appeared to be a large river intersecting the middle of the city. "Otters for instance are fantastic swimmers and the rhinos are terrible at it. We can make hit and run moves against the rhinos from the rivers. Most of the Beasts aren't organised in any way against attacks like that so we can always make small incursions as the previous race and use it to our advantage. At the same time, there's a unit that infiltrates the Beasts as one of theirs to keep up to date on their movements and to take what they can."

"So you've got one group drawing their fire and the other sneaking behind enemy lines as themselves..." Finn was impressed with the level of thought that went into ever incursion. "And I bet you use deploy them at different times so that your infiltrators can gather info for your attackers to use."

"Exactly. Only three ever go through a Gate at once. Don't want to brother being forced to fight brother out there in order to keep a cover."

He felt more than saw Lobo's smiling at him. "I guess you can't exactly communicate with one another given that we're limited in technology..." He lifted his gaze. "But I heard Arcadia eventually turns you back human. How do you keep being an otter like you are if that Gate has closed?"

There, Lobo dropped his gaze, a blush on his cheeks which shone lightly through his soft, brown fur. "Collectors are infectious, remember? Our... ahem... semen is the best form of infection. Let's just say that we keep each other's forms... refreshed."

"Oh..." Finn tried not to imagine Lobo coupled with at least three other massive otters like himself, making out furiously while draining one another's thick cocks in order to keep their shapes. For some reason, the fact that they were doing it all for their 'mission' just made it all the more alluring. "So you've got like... I dunno... a 'Prior Beast Regimen' and a 'Current Beast Regimen'?"

"Nothing so wordy," Lobo answered, his blush fading. "We just call the guys using the previous group as our offensive team and the other our infiltrator team. We've always got one reserve though. A member of the offensive team that won't go past the Gate but keeps the shape of the previous Gate Beasts in case any of us fall prey to the Haze or get transformed out in the field." Lobo shrugged. "Happens more than you think. Most Beasts are... sloppy. Leave their cum everywhere. You step in a puddle and before you know it, you're changing."

"Why not just keep yourselves as the current species?" Finn asked. "Surely it'd be safer to just infiltrate them than attack them...?"

"Only so much you can get from stealing, you know. Sometimes, you just have to take what you need by force. And keep in mind we've got to return to these guys every ten weeks. If they flag you as a crook, you'll never be able to get back in."

That was a very good point and one Finn had to concede. "So what do you guys do while you aren't out in the field?"

Lobo headed towards the outer rim of the Meeting Hall. "All sorts of stuff. We keep ourselves occupied. Some guys work out. Others fuck one another. They got their own things to do. They need to keep their minds off the raging bestial urges inside them, you know." He fingered the fang necklace around his neck. "We do everything we can to remind yourselves that we're doing this for humanity's sake."

Finn stepped up beside the enormous otter, looking out into the peaceful camp. "That's why you guys wear all those trinkets, isn't it? They're like your anchors. They remind you of who you are." The otter seemed shocked at that and gave Finn a stunned stare. "Sorry... did I say something wrong?"

Lobo shook his head. "No... Actually, that's exactly right. No one outside of the Collectors has ever picked up on that. Everyone just thinks they're junk we pick up beyond the Gates but..." He gently clutched his necklace. "Beyond the Gate, when you transform, the Haze has this weird power over you. It's like... magic or something. Clothes start appearing on you, forcing you to fit in with whatever species they have out there. But these things... They never change." He rattled his necklace a little. "Beneath the layers of clothes, it still reminds us of us. None of the Beasts ever give a fuck except maybe the behemoths in Blessed Mountain but it helps us keep to our mission."

The big otter was silent for a moment and there was a long moment where he seemed to stare thoughtfully at his necklace. A short distance away, a rhino Collector was starting to light several torches on fire to make sure the paths were illuminated. The sun was already starting to duck behind Arcadia's wall.

"I should get going," Finn said. "Before it gets too dark to find my way through the forest."

"Right, of course." Lobo looked like he was going to say something else and Finn hung around for a few seconds waiting for it. But when nothing came, he just thanked his host and began back down the path along the river.

"Finn. Wait."

He turned as the big otter bounded over to him.

"What do you think about being a Collector?"

******

349:10:19:20:01:44

"And you said?" Marv asked, gently running his hand down Finn's exposed, muscled abdominals.

"I said no." Finn turned towards the sexy, naked man beside him, snuggling up against the thick mat of chest fur that exuded warmth and comfort towards him. "I mean, I'd love to learn more about what's beyond the Gates but I've got so many things going on right here. I've got that soccer tournament to set up. We've got all our plans for the rest of the year and... well, I'm being boned by a sexy guy."

Marv chuckled softly and wrapped his arms around Finn. "I hope it's not _just_about the boning."

"Naw. The blow jobs are pretty awesome too." He gently nibbled on Marv's neck, making the olive-skinned Adonis moan softly.

"Though seriously, man, if ya wanted to be a Collector, I ain't gunna stop ya."

Finn rolled his eyes and pulled away from that especially sensitive spot along Marv's broad shoulders. "I already gave Lobo my answer. Besides, how would I be with you if I was a Collector?"

"Now yer just bein' sappy." Marv pushed his erect cock against Finn's. "All I'm sayin' is if ya wanna go out there and explore, I'd support ya. If ya happen ta turn into a sexy as hell otter or one of 'em dragons, I ain't complainin' either. Aaaaaand if ya put in a good word for little ol' me..."

Finn grinned at Marv and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Marv, do you want to become a Collector too?"

"Hey, I like cultivatin' and stuff but now I got someone else to look after apart from my tomatoes."

Finn rolled his eyes. "Now who's being sappy?"

"Hey, if they gotta give up all hope of bein' human, that's fine but they don't gotta do it alone, yeah? Yer new here. Yer gunna need someone with experience ta come 'ome to ev'ry night and fuck wildly."

Finn laughed and hugged Marv tightly. "Thanks, man. Thanks but let's put that behind us. I've got a lot more things to worry about that Lobo wants."

"Speakin' of puttin' things behind us..."

******

349:10:20:11:43:13

The day was beautiful as it always was in Arcadia. Finn was tilling the land, with dozens of thoughts floating through his mind about events he could organise. He had already pitched the idea of a soccer trophy to Travis who thought it was a brilliant idea and started on it straight away. Metal was needed though so the smith put a request to the Collectors to see if they could grab any scraps that could be used as a trophy. Meanwhile, one of the teams had already decided that they'd commission the Constructor in charge of making clothing to design a flag for their team. This started a chain reaction of business for the normally unoccupied Constructors. It was rare, after all, that anyone needed any sort of clothing repaired or made. He was usually in charge of laundry.

Seeing the smile on the Constructor and just how excited the whole little community was, Finn couldn't help but feel that he had brought some life into the town. He only hoped he hadn't stirred the hornet's nest with Gavin who had been giving him dirty looks at every opportunity. He decided to hold off on any of his other projects at least until halfway through the soccer season. That way, the woodworker had some time to cool off before Finn asked him for more supplies.

He still had a few days before the first official match and that gave him and Travis enough time to organise the seating and refreshments of the night. He wasn't entirely sure how long the match would last but he knew he didn't want people standing around uncomfortably while it was going on. How people would be seated and how they'd be fed was a good question. An even better one was how they'd illuminate the field especially if it grew dark.

His thoughts were interrupted, however, when the alarm of the Return Gate began blaring. Like he had been doing for the past three days, he hurried over to the big, silvery archway and waited impatiently for the Collectors to return with their haul. Knowing how some of that loot would help contribute into Arcadia's growing community only excited him more.

When the gate opened, however, only two figures stepped through, both otters. Their ears were folded back and for once, their cocks were madly erect. Tails dragging on the ground, they sadly set down the three bags of loot they were carrying.

"Oh no..." Marv whispered softly.

No one was rushing towards the bags.

"What?" asked Finn. "What's wrong?"

"We just lost someone..."

Finn's heart constricted in his chest as the two Constructors approached the gathered Survivors, eyes cast down. He recognised them. They were the two that had been with Lobo that first time he had seen Collectors return. Remembering what Lobo had told him the previous day about how Collectors were assigned, he suddenly felt a sense of dread creeping through his system.

Travis stepped forward, wearing a mournful look on his face. It seemed that whatever reservations he had about Collectors was set aside for the moment. "Who did we lose?"

Then that four letter name came out of the nearest otter's lips, sending Finn's heart sinking.

"Lobo."

Even Travis flinched as the other Survivors began murmuring amongst one another. The loss of the Collector leader was a deep impact on them all.

"I'm sorry..." Travis murmured softly. "What happened...?"

"We were raiding a Builder stockpile," answered the other otter. "It was lightly guarded and we managed to sneak in undetected. But then a Wrecker party came in and messed things up. Never seen so many Wreckers in one group... We grabbed what we could but we were cornered. Lobo threw himself at the Wreckers to buy us time to escape."

"Last I saw," said the first otter, "the Wreckers were taking his sword from them and he was fighting with his fists."

Finn knew what that meant. Without his sword, Lobo couldn't return. It held his Key. The look on Travis' face revealed that he too knew that last sentence meant for the Collector.

"Grab his rock," said the smith glumly. "We'll hold the ceremony in an hour."

Finn charged forward, placing himself between the otters and Travis. "Wait, you're just giving up?" He glanced from one face to the other, desperately searching for something... anything. "He could still be alive out there!"

"He's alive," said one of the otters. "But he's not himself anymore. He's a Wrecker now. No way to get him back."

"You have no way of knowing that!"

The two collectors exchanged glances and then, as one, rested their big paws on each of his shoulders.

"Look kid," one of them said, "we know what the Wreckers are like. They're brutal, merciless, fucking machines. They're also batshit crazy. They fuck anything that moves, even one another. The moment they spill their seed in you, your mind gets twisted and you start to want to wreck everything in your path."

"We've seen it happen to the docile Builders," added the other. "They fuck the Builders right there on their construction sites and within moments, even the Builders who are actually a little bigger than them start trying to smash everything in their way. By now... Lobo is one of them."

Finn shook his head furiously. "No! You can't just give up! Send out a search party! Bring him home!"

"We can't risk more people. Even for Lobo."

The Collectors exchanged one last glance before giving the closing portal behind them a farewell look. Then, they turned towards the forest to bring the bad news to their brothers and bring Lobo's stone to the lake. Finn was left feeling empty and horrified that anyone would be so easy to dismiss another living person. Maybe it was because he didn't truly understand how the transformation into a Beast worked but he refused to believe that anyone as strong as Lobo would just succumb to becoming a Beast so easily.

The rest of the Survivors dropped whatever it was they were doing and started towards the lake, murmuring to one another what they knew of Lobo. Marv gently gripped Finn's shoulder and guided him to the shore. Finn was dragging his feet, however and ended up near the back of the congregation. It seemed almost ritualistic as each of the Survivors set up a few torches around the shore even though it was in broad daylight. Josh rolled himself up to the front of the group and sat there in silence until the Collectors arrived.

It took a good long thirty-minutes before the Collectors arrived and when they did, many of those showed red, puffy eyes of having mourned abruptly. Some, the two otters that Finn was becoming convinced were twins, were still sobbing. Savage had a deep frown on his face and though he had his arms crossed against his powerful chest, Finn could see his fists shaking.

One of the Collectors handed a stone to Travis. It looked comparatively small in the Collector's massive paws but it was still about the size of Travis' hand. It was a deep, bluish-black and had specks of white all over its surface. 'Matthew' was written on it.

That was his name before he became a Collector.

Matthew.

"Lobo was our leader," a Collector said. "He was a brave man and tough. He kept us in line. Kept us human. Always reminded us who we were fighting for and why. We lost a great man today. A soldier. A leader. A friend and..." The rhino choked softly and had to turn away, covering his eyes with a big paw. Savage had to step forward and pull him back into the line of Collectors while another took his place and continued the eulogy. Several Cultivators and Constructors patted the sobbing rhino gently.

It sickened Finn to note that the only time when the division between Collector and Arcadian was broken was when a Collector was lost to the Beasts.

"I remember when I was under Lobo's leadership," Josh said. "He was kind but tough when he needed to be. Just what the Collectors needed in a leader. I'm sure it'll be tough to replace him." He took the stone from Travis' grip. "But let's not think about who we lost today. Let's commemorate his achievements."

He gave the Collectors a broad grin. "Remember that time in Hornton when he tricked those Wreckers to destroy that bridge and sent those idiots crashing into the river? The water was just waist deep there and they were all splashing around like, 'Ooooh! Help me! I can't swim!'"

The Collectors began laughing through their sorrow and even some of the other Arcadians joined in.

"He was always getting into duels in Bucking Cove," one of the twins snickered. "Man, he loved that sword of his. It wasn't a duelling blade. It was made for slashing but fuck me if he didn't like waving it around..."

"Remember that time when he duelled those five drunken pirates?" the other twin laughed.

The group began listening as the Collectors recounted stories of Lobo's achievements but Finn could not stand there and listen to it. His fists were shaking. He refused to accept that Lobo was just gone. It just seemed like a minute ago that he was being taken on a short tour of the Collector camp and being offered to become a Collector himself. A tightness constricted his chest as ran through the inevitable 'what if' scenario.

What if he had become a Collector? Would Lobo still be with them? Could he have done something?

Those thoughts led to stabs of guilt that he just couldn't bear. He tore aware from the small group, letting his feet take him away in some arbitrary direction. He just didn't to be around when people recounted fond memories of Lobo. Hot tears were running down his face and he wasn't even quite sure why. The pain was unbearable and the only moment of reprieve he got was when he lifted his foot and had to spend a second to think about where he was going to put it. That led him to quicken his pace, focusing entirely on where he was going to put his foot down next.

Before he knew it, he was surrounded by thick underbrush and the sun was blocked by a dense canopy. He was moving before his thoughts even fully formulated.

"Finn!"

He froze as Marv's enormous form rushed past him and blocked his path. Big, hairy hands seized his shoulders, holding them tightly.

"Where do ya think yer goin'?"

Finn took a moment to collect his thoughts. "The Collector Camp is abandoned right now. All the Collectors are at the lake. That means that they've left the Gate unguarded. We can mount a rescue for Lobo."

"Are ya nuts!?" Marv exclaimed, his eyes wide in horror. "Ya can't go out there! Yer not a Collector!"

"It doesn't matter!" Finn shouted fiercely. He pointed back in the direction of the lake. "Everyone there is talking about Lobo like he's gone. They haven't even tried to rescue him. They all just gave up so easily!" He shoved his thumb against his chest. "I don't give up that easily. The only time I give up is when I absolutely know that there's no way I can change things! This I can change!"

"By goin' past the Gate!? Do ya even know where yer goin'!?"

There, Finn balked. He had only seen the map briefly and he wasn't sure where the Wrecker camp could be. And it was a large city as well. The longer he spent out there, the greater the risk that he would become a Beast himself...

Maybe he was being rash.

"He doesn't, but I do."

Both men turned back towards the edge of the forest. There, Savage stood with Josh in his arms.

"I figured you'd want to do something like this," continued Josh. "You're a doer, Finn. You also think radically and a little carelessly. But I agree with you. Lobo can still be saved. When everyone thought I was lost, he brought me back. I owe him to at least try."

"Not like you can do much, cripple," grunted Savage. "And I'm not carrying you through the Gate either." He nodded at Finn and Marv. "But he still knows the way. I'm fairly sure the Wreckers haven't changed the locations of their camp recently so if the nerd here still memorises where they are, we might be able to guess where Lobo is being kept."

Finn's eyes lit up. "You mean..."

"I'm next in line to be leader of the Collectors," grunted Savage. "But I'm not ready. Fuck. I have too much fun out there to be a leader. I'd never be able to drag the other's tails around. I don't have their respect. We need Lobo if we're going to survive." He started stomping forward, carrying Josh. "They're going to have a party after they throw Lobo's stone into the water. A wake of sorts. That's going to last at least until through the night. We got until then to rescue Lobo. Should be more than enough time." He shot a piercing stare at Finn. "If you don't go full Beast on me."

Finn returned the fierce stare. "Don't worry about me."

"What about your boyfriend?"

One glance at Marv and Finn already knew the big guy was coming no matter what.

"I still think this is stupid," grumbled Marv. "But like I told ya last night." He gave Finn a lopsided, nervous grin. "If yer gonna be a Collector, I'm comin' with ya. It'll be easier to stay sane if ya got someone to stay sane fer." His smile wavered a little more. "An' I guess if yer gunna be a Beast, I might as well be one with ya.."

With Josh in his arms, Savage led the way back to the Collector camp. It was the first time Marv had been there and he couldn't help but gawk at the amazing architecture overall arrangement of the little mini-city. He almost tripped and fell into the river since his eyes were still cast upwards.

Savage brought them towards the Meeting Hall where Finn brought up a chair for Josh to sit on. The Archivist regarded the map of Hornton for a long moment before nodding. He traced a finger from where the pebble displaying which Gate was open.

"So this Gate is open on the other side... Lobo and his team would've gone up stream." He traced his finger up the blue line that denoted the body of water. "Builders still live upstream, right?" he asked Savage.

"Yep," grunted the Collector. "Seems you haven't forgotten what you learned here."

"You never forget being a Collector." Josh regarded the markings on the map. "The twins said that they were attack while raiding a Builder encampment. Builders are never aggressive but their fortifications and uncanny ability to practically erect entire strongholds overnight is more than enough to counter the Wreckers' destructive nature." He drew a line across the map with his finger. "This here. It's called the Line of Contest. The border between Wrecker and Builder territory is always here. Builders erect strongholds that can hold off Wrecker invasions with just a few rhinos but then Wreckers take them down anyway. With little to no organisation, though, Wreckers never manage to make any true gains."

"That's where you're wrong."

Josh looked up worriedly at Savage who brought their attention a little closer up stream. "The Wreckers attacked a Builder stockpile. Not a border stronghold. They were in deep. The Twins mentioned they were attacked by a gang. A big one. Something we've never seen before. Dunno if it's because they finally converted more Builders to their side or something but they've been even more organised and aggressive than before."

Finn raised his hand before Josh could fall into thoughtful brooding. "If you don't mind me asking... You make it sound like that the Wreckers can turn Builders into others like them. It sounds sort of... one sided. Eventually the Builders' numbers will drop, won't it?"

Josh exchanged glances with Savage who just shrugged. "When I was a Collector, Builders were always lower in number than Wreckers but Wreckers were dumb and disorganised... But they were non-aggressive types. If they captured a Wrecker, they didn't fuck him crazy like what a Wrecker would do to a captive. Instead, the Builders would just keep them prisoner. Over time, that Wrecker would just... become a Builder. Don't ask me how it works. Their whole mentality changes. They put on decent clothing and then they'd just join in with the other Builders like they were never a Wrecker."

"That's weird..." admitted Marv.

"More reason why we can't just leave Lobo out there," Finn said fiercely. "We can't let him become a full on Wrecker or Builder." He pressed his hands against the table. "So where do you think the Wrecker camp might be?"

Josh shook his head sadly. "The Line of Contest has changed. It's been so long..."

Savage suddenly leaned forward and placed two small rocks over certain areas on the map. "I know of these two right here. Wrecker camps. Both used to be Builder strongholds."

"Strange that they didn't just tear it apart or move on..."

"Like I said, something has changed." Savage grunted as he straightened and folded his arms. "So which one do you think they're at?"

Josh examined where the pebbles rested then pointed at the one closest to the new Line of Contest. "It hasn't been that long since the attack. If I had to guess, the Wreckers are probably recuperating here. If you're lucky, you can sneak in and grab Lobo before they notice you. And before he..." He trailed off, his eyes cast down.

Finn didn't want to think about the end of that sentence and clapped his palms against the table. "Alright then. Let's get going."

"Whoa! Hold up!" Marv exclaimed. "We ain't gunna get a kick-ass sword or sumthin? We're just goin' in there unarmed?"

Savage rolled his shoulders, the bones crackling ominously. "You think you can use a sword against someone my size, pinkskin? Besides, if we get caught, it's all over. You probably won't even last ten minutes before going full rhino. At least then you'll be a decent enough distraction for me to cover more ground."

Finn was starting to have his own doubts, wondering charging head first through a Gate into enemy territory without prior training and no weaponry was such a good idea. But he couldn't stand around and do nothing. The way people just accepted Lobo being gone without even trying to mount a rescue confused and infuriated him.

"The longer we waste arguing, the closer Lobo gets to being a full on Wrecker," he announced. "So let's go through that Gate and get him back. Who's with me?"

Marv pumped a fist through the air as he reply and even Savage let out a grunt of acknowledgement. Josh regarded the map sadly. It wasn't exactly the reaction of an inspired crowd but Finn was going to take it.

"I'll hold the fort here," Josh muttered. There was no doubt that he wanted to join in the expedition but something was holding him back. "If any of the other Collectors come here, I'll distract them as best as I can."

"Thanks man," Finn said, gripping his shoulder.

With those words, he let Savage lead them to the rear of the encampment, past the Meeting Hall. Once again, they followed the river which led into a broad clearing in the middle of the forest. Though dwarfed by the towering trees around them, the ten Gates still stood as imposing figures in the clearing. Their silver arches loomed in front of them all, polished, pristine and _alien_in comparison to the thick embrace of nature around them. The Gate at the far right was open, shimmering blue light glistening within its arch.

The river led to a small pool perhaps in the middle of the clear and it was there that Savage led them. The rhino bent down in front of the small pond and dipped his big hands into it. He cupped some water and brought it up towards his face, splashing himself lightly.

"I cleanse myself of the Beast," he intoned. "And let the man beneath breathe." He placed a fist against the ground, watching his reflection on the rippling waters solemnly. "I stare into the abyss, into the monster. It stares back and I see only my reflection. A Beast I am. But a Beast for man."

He took a deep breath and was perfectly still for a moment. Finn realised that he was praying. Savage stood back up so suddenly that Finn was taken a little aback by the abrupt movement.

"Come on. Lobo isn't going to wait."

He headed straight towards one and only open Gate. There was a wooden box right next to the open portal and he reached into it. He tossed two Keys at the humans.

"Keep these with you," he told them. "Don't lose them. If you do. You don't come back."

Marv regarded the silver cylinder curiously before tucking it into the pocket of his torn shorts. Finn gripped the Key so tightly he almost thought it would be pressed into his flesh and meld with his palm. He almost _wished_for that to happen but he had to make do with placing it in his pocket.

"Brace yourselves, kids," grunted Savage as he turned towards the Gate. "Last chance to back out."

Finn shook his head defiantly. "I'm not coming back without Lobo."

He felt Marv's hand intertwine with his. "And wherever you go, I go."

******

349:10:20:13:09:14

Lobo had fully expected to have been fully transformed by the time he had woke up. In fact, he hadn't expected to 'wake up' at all. When that Wrecker had hit the side of his head and he fell to his knees, he never thought he'd open his eyes and be aware that he was once from Arcadia and he was a Collector. He thought he'd just get up, his ass and jaw feeling a little sore from the fucking he received, beat his chest like a savage and charge around ramming his newly formed horns into something.

But strangely enough, here he was, sitting tied up to a pole in the far corner of one of the Builders' strongholds. The walls were made of a strong, greyish substance that was harder than cement based on what he recalled from personal experience. Only the brute strength of the Wreckers could smash the walls that the Builders erected. From the looks of things, the walls had been subject to a Wrecker's touch recently.

The stronghold was only about a hundred metres wide and long, a perfect square. The walls were about four metres high in some places but completely crumbled in others where Wreckers had charged through. He could almost make out the silhouettes of the charging rhinos. The area within the walls were mostly barren. There were a few bags of food here and there and a few fires going where Wreckers sat around either eating savagely from whatever it was they were cooking or rutting madly while their comrades jacked off shamelessly while watching.

High above him, the sky was still very blue and the sun was blaring down on him. His fur felt dry and his injuries were stinging. Dilapidated skyscrapers somewhat offered some relief but other times, the sun would reflect off the class windows and shoot straight into his eyes. He winced loudly enough for a nearby Wrecker to take notice. The huge brute said something, waving a huge hand that had large, leather bands strapped across his wrist and forearms, metal spikes jutting from his knuckles.

That was one of the odd things Lobo noticed about these Wreckers apart from the fact that they were travelling in a band of twenty or more. They wielded weapons. The Wreckers he knew were wild, untamed beasts that just went around smashing anything that got in their way. They didn't really target Builders either. Just as long as something was in their path, they'd try and smash through it. But these guys... they were...

His thoughts were interrupted when a possibly the biggest rhino he had ever seen came lumbering over to him. The guy had to be at least ten feet tall and had muscles to back up his height. He was wide enough that no normal door could fit him but he definitely looked strong enough to smash through any doorframe with ease. His skin was jet black, only highlighting the edges of his lean muscle structure. A long mane of stark, white hair rolled down from between his ears and all the way down his back and shoulders, almost forming a sort of hairy, white mantle. That same hair curled around his collarbone and formed a triangular crest down the valley of his enormous pectorals, just ending where his abdominal muscles shone like hardened diamonds.

Like many of the Wreckers, this brute was clothed somewhat. A pair of tight shorts seemingly made out of a patchwork of hide had with the fur of what appeared to be a white tiger forming a sort of side drape over his left thigh. The article of clothing did nothing to hide his enormous package which seemed about ready to burst from its confines. He wore no shoes though he did have a pair large, thick, rider's gloves around his hands made to grip the enormous hammer made from what look like a twisted I-Beam with a huge slab of concrete to form the hammerhead on the end.

"So you're awake," grunted the rhino. "What's your name, otter?"

Lobo spat at the Beast's bare feet as a response.

The creature scoffed. "You have spirit, I'll give you that." He leaned down, his deep, brown eyes staring deep into Lobo's. "You might make a fine Wrecker."

Lobo didn't try to defy this Beast or make promises he knew he couldn't keep. Soon, he'd be a rhino and not too long after that, his mind would be lost. But he still stared back at this leader of the Wreckers with what little strength he possessed.

"You have strong eyes, boy," growled the rhino. "My name is Hammerhorn. And I can tell from your gaze that you want to fight me with all you have but you know that it's futile." He straightened while the two other rhinos by his sides looked on with mildly amused stares. "I'll give you this chance, boy. I am going to bring unity to Hornton. One by one, I will bring down the Builders, make them all Wreckers. For once, we will be a united people and any invaders like you will fall to our might and our cocks!"

The two rhinos flanking Hammerhorn chuckled.

The black rhino tapped his nose. "But something I've discovered. Wreckers fuck. Anything they fuck becomes a Wrecker. Just another mindless, ploughing machine. They have no patience. No art in the act." He pressed a large finger against Lobo's chin, forcing the otter's features to meet the rhino's. "But if you take it nice and slow, if you make them want it, beg for it... well... Then you get something_more_ than just a fucking machine."

They were almost nose to nose.

"So here's the deal, boy. Here's that chance I was talking about. Join me. Or else you'll spend the next few days strapped here with my men starving and watching them fuck one another while you sit here, balls growing blue. Sometime later, maybe a day, maybe two, I'm going to let one of my men let you go. And I guarantee you. You're going to hunt me down. You're going to throw yourself at me feet, kiss every one of my toes and beg for my cock."

Hammerhorn leaned closer, his lips hovering over Lobo's ears. "So what's your choice, boy?"

Lobo growled. "Fuck you."

The rhino seemed a little taken aback by the words... then he savagely pressed his lips against Lobo's shoving his long, flexible but strangely rogue tongue down Lobo's throat, his lips gyrating and breaking down Lobo's mental walls with each passing second. Hammerhorn suddenly pulled away, leaving Lobo gasping, his eyes wide in terror.

"You'll come to me, boy. You'll come."

The leading Wrecker suddenly straightened and waved his makeshift hammer through the air. "We're moving out! You!" He pointed at the closest rhinos. "You stay here and watch our prisoner! No fucking him or I'll be wearing you all around my cock for the next fucking week!"

The rhino turned back towards Lobo, a sinister smile on his face. "And I'll see you soon."

Lobo couldn't meet the rhino's gaze. He was too focused at his fully erect cock and how he desperately wanted to cum. Already, he could feel himself slipping. Bit by bit, that tantalising kiss dug its claws into his brain and spread its infection of desire and need throughout his body. It was paralysing to the point where he could barely breathe lest he start taking in more of Hammerhorn's manly scent.

All he could do... was shut his eyes.

******

349:10:20:13:20:30

It was just like taking another step. There was no cinematic transition, feeling of weightlessness or some sort of disorientation that came from crossing the Gate. Suddenly, Finn was in Arcadia and in the next, he was standing the ruined metropolis of Hornton. He didn't get a moment to take in his surroundings, however, because the moment he took a breath, it felt like he had breathed in an anvil.

He gasped and instantly fell to his knees, clutching his chest. Beside him, Marv suffered from the same ailment, both of them barely able to breathe. Their lungs went through the motions but it was like none of the air they were breathing was actually breathable.

"Don't panic," Savage told them, standing over them calmly. "Stop trying to breathe so hard. Take long, deep breaths. Breathe in..." He demonstrated by taking a deep breath. "Breathe out..." Through his mouth, he exhaled. "Come on. Breathe in. Breathe out."

Finn swallowed first before taking a deep, long breath. He tried not to panic as his lungs began to burn, begging for something breathable despite being full of air. Still, he followed Savage's instructions and breathed out. The moment he felt his lungs empty, he took another breath. Some relief came this time but it still felt like he was breathing in nothingness. After the third inhale, he his lungs had stopped screaming in agony and just felt heavy. After a few more breaths, he found himself capable of breathing a lot easier. Marv had gotten the hang of it as well though he was still taking long, exaggerated breaths as opposed to Finn's more natural breathing.

"That's the Haze," rumbled Savage. "Come here as a human and it feels like someone's blowing up a balloon in your chest and keeping it there no matter what you do. Your head is going to start feeling heavy soon. You'll find it hard to think. You become suggestible. Then horny. Won't be long after that before you transform."

Behind them, the last traces of the open Gate faded as the blue light twinkled out of existence. "We should rest here a minute. Let you guys change. You'll have a better chance of keeping sane if you're not being molested by Wreckers or impressed by Builders."

Finn was indeed starting to feel like his brain was made out of lead and it was starting to weigh him down, making him sway a little. But he kept his thoughts focused on Lobo whose time was rapidly running out. He also thought of poor Josh who was trapped on the other side of the Gate, alone and fearing the wrath of the Collectors if and when they returned. There was no telling what the other Collectors would do to a former Collector who used his knowledge to risk the lives of three other Arcadians.

"No," he said, rising to his feet. "We have to find Lobo. Bring him back."

Savage's strong hand fell on his shoulder, pushing him back down. "No. Let the Haze change you. You'll be stronger. More in control and -"

"No!" Finn snapped, shoving Savage's hand away. Strangely, he was starting to feel more and more in control. "We don't have the time for that! Lobo is at risk and Josh is waiting for us. We have to get back as quickly as possible." He got to his feet and staggered forward. "Come on, Marv."

Savage was loathed to admit it but he was truly impressed by Finn. Only the most talented and experienced Collectors could shake off the Haze like that as a human. It was usually a risk either way to pass through a Gate as a human. The changes were faster, more wilder, giving more room for the Beast to take control while the body was rapidly morphing. It didn't help that the Haze made humans highly suggestible.

He knew he was strong enough to restrain both the two men and pin them down until they changed. Hell, he would've liked to change them both there and then. It had been, what, three hours since he last got off? But something about Finn made him stay his massive hands.

For someone who had just arrived in Arcadia, Finn had incredible levels of determination.

"Alright..." Savage murmured to himself. "Let's see what you can do, Finn."

The Gate they emerged from was situated in the middle of a junkyard on the eastern side of the river. It was relatively close to the Wrecker camp that Josh had suspected Lobo was being kept. The mounds of trash and uneven ground made for slow travel but it also provided them with excellent hiding spots. Old cars were stacked on top of one another or jutting out of trash heaps. The remnants of mankind's once great civilisation waited just beyond where that very same civilisation threw aside what was once useless to them. Finn took one look at the junkyard and was reminded how much Travis could probably make with most of the junk that was thrown around.

Savage's keen ears picked up the heavy footsteps of several Wreckers long before the slightly addled minds of the two humans could. Quickly, he raced over to them and pulled them back away from the chain link fence that denoted the entrance to the junkyard. Before they could start protesting loudly, he dragged them behind a pile of trash, ducking behind a few washing machines. Thankfully, both guys had enough sense not to say a word as they watched the main street.

"Holy shit..." Savage whispered softly, his eyes wide.

There had to be twenty - no, thirty - Wreckers travelling down the road flanking the junkyard. They were led by a hulking rhino unlike anything that Savage had ever seen before. The Beast was huge, had jet black flesh and had a white mane. He was also carrying what appeared to be a huge chunk of concrete speared on an I-Beam as a weapon. It was little wonder such an impressive specimen of a Wrecker could command other rhinos but that was unprecedented.

The Wreckers were far from having military discipline, however. They growled and snapped at one another and two even started locking horns before their leader barked at them to stop. They also wore some forms of clothing. Not all of them wore pants but they were partially clothed which was unusual. Only the Builders wore clothes in Hornton. Wreckers were normally completely nude.

More than ever, Savage knew he had to make it back to Arcadia if only to report this.

"Oh fuuuuuck..."

Savage spun towards Finn. He wasn't sure why he expected the strong willed man to be the first to change, maybe it was out of some form of jealousy or yearning to prove that Finn wasn't some sort of superman. However, he was disappointed when Finn clasped his hand over Marv's lips as the bigger man's eyes squeezed shut, his entire body shaking madly, hips bucking. Instincts as a Collector told him to pull Finn away from the transforming Arcadian but he wanted to see how the strong willed newcomer would react to his friend becoming a Beast.

Plus, Marv's scent was paralysing in its allure. Every new Collector had their own scent when they first changed, something that made them distinct from the pure humans that Savage honestly found stank like fermented onions. The scent only came out when a Collector was born and stuck with them even when they changed back into a human in Arcadia. It was generally how Collectors identified each other apart from the trinkets they wore to keep them bound to Arcadia.

Marv's scent... It had the same undertones of manly musk and sweat that was common when changing but beneath that all were complex layers that made Savage's mouth water, yearning for a taste of the new guy's cock. A strong base of an earthy smell like mud after a summer rain was complemented by that fresh, crispness of a nice, plump apple. He got a hint of spice as well like mild chilli and to top it all off was faint woody smell that told Savage that Marv belonged with the Collectors. Savage had to keep himself from tearing Finn off and tearing off the hairy human's tightening shorts to get at that cock. He settled himself back against the pile of garbage, shamelessly rubbing his cock as Marv doubled over, his entire body starting the process of transformation.

Savage vaguely wondered which part of the man's body would start changing first and when he saw Marv's right arm suddenly tense and shove Finn away, he got his answer. Thick veins suddenly began pressing up against the taut, olive flesh and with it came the high definition of each muscle that it passed. The straps of Marv's torn vest started to become consumed by his growing shoulders. The muscles began to tense, forcing Marv to lift his arm and flex his muscles. It was a vain attempt to fight the change. Instinct driven like somehow flexing one's muscles slowed the change but it was quite the contrary. The moment Marv's biceps bulged, the veins travelled across their length and pumped the power of a Wrecker through them. His arm visible lengthened, muscles bulging and drawing lines and mounds against his flesh that weren't there before. His forearms thickened with muscle group by muscle group, dwarfing the layers of thick hair there. As if realising they had just been left behind, the patch of hair rushed to thicken, spreading across the new surface area until it became a venerable, black forest of hair as thick as Marv's sweat drenched locks but contrary in colour.

Marv let out a grunt, gnashing his teeth together. That he didn't cry out in lust was a testament to his strong will. Somehow, he managed to will to open his eyes and lift his hand to his face. Every finger stretched and his palms grew to fit his engorged forearms. It became big enough to wrap around his entire head without effort. Strange white growths as hard as bone started to grow from the tip of his fingertips, capping off his fingers and taking over his nails. Where the new nails ended, his flesh began to take on a thicker, leathery texture. It retained is olive colouration if only a little darker, making it appear like a light brown. The transformation quickly spread across his palms, making the creases hard defined and almost crackle with every movement. His flesh creaked loudly like stretching leather as the change rolled down his forearms and he tensed his muscles instinctively. His biceps quickly followed and then it spread to his shoulders. The Arcadian pulled his head away from the spreading transformation, holding out his arm as far as he could while still being attached to his body.

Savage began to doubt Marv could take being a Collector. Fear could easily tear apart anyone who had been changed. With fear came hopelessness and when one lost hope, one became a Beast.

Marv let out moan but quickly cut himself off when he bit his lower lip. His transformed arm acted of its own will and seized his crotch in its massive grip. He fell back, hips bucking uncontrollably. With every spasm, the bulge in his pants grew bigger and bigger and his hand was filled with more and more of his growing dick. He arched his back abruptly, his lips open in a silent gasp as -

Rrrrrrip!

His cock - eighteen inches long and as thick as a man's arm - tore right through his shorts, splitting the fabric right down the middle. Marv got to spend one second staring in shock at the massive member that was attached to his body before his mutated hand seized it and he was sent reeling into a lustful stupor. Thick wads of precum were pouring out the tip of his cut cock but as his hand ran up and down his engorged length, his flesh began to envelop the tip of his member, spreading his precum all over the thick, purplish helmet of his cock to only further his stimulation. The dark olive skin began to darken further, taking on an even deeper brownish colouration to the rest of his body. His balls began wantonly churning away, growing thicker, bigger and rounder to the point where he was forces to spread his legs apart as he simply could not stand with them as they were. His pubic hair began to thicken, leaving no inch of his flesh beneath visible.

"Marv!"

Savage tore his gaze from the rising Wrecker towards Finn who rushed back towards his fellow Arcadian. He was halfway up off his perch when he saw Finn do something very strange.

Finn seized Marv's changed hand with one of his own... but the other gripped the tip of Marv's cock.

"Stay with me," begged Finn. "You can fight this!"

"C - C - Can't!" Marv moaned. As he said this, the leathery flesh over his right arm began to spread across his chest. His pectorals ballooned out, shredding his vest completely. His nipples - dark discs across enormous mountains - became pitch black, big and round like two dark bullseyes. To mask and hide the sensitive spots, the hairs on Marv's chest thickened to match the patch on his arm and even his crotch. A carpet of black hair spread across his chest, refusing to let any of the leathery, tawny flesh beneath to be visible. His nipples were only partially obscured by it.

"G - G - Get away from meeeeeee...!"

Marv arched his back one more time as the change spread across his abdominal muscles. His spine began to lengthen, pushing to well past seven feet tall with the rest of his height no doubt to come from his growing legs. As his upper body stretched, his already ripped abs became more defined, stretching into thick squares as big as a man's hand. His pecs likewise grew to make sure his entire body was proportionate. His chest hair began pouring down his ripped stomach while his pubic hair surged upward in the opposite direction. The two growths of hair met perfectly at his navel and in that joyous union, the leathery skin spread all over his upper body, covering his back and bringing with it mountains growths of muscle that would force him to hunch slightly as with all the Wreckers and Builders.

"No!" Finn shouted. "I'm not letting you turn into a Beast! I - I - I..."

The weak willed normally started transforming then and then but Finn remained surprisingly human. Savage decided to do his job as a Collector and get Finn out of there but just as he was rising, Finn did yet another thing that surprised him.

"Remember this? Remember how good this felt?"

Finn then wrapped his lips - or at least as much as he could manage - over the tip of Marv's cock. Savage fell back against the rubble, his erect cock throbbing at the sight of Finn's tongue lapping up the fountain of precum that poured out of Marv's prick. Marv's struggling and shaking suddenly began to ebb and he visibly relaxed, a deep moan rising from his throat.

"Finn... no..." he groaned but then his left arm tensed and seized the back of Finn's head. It too started to grow, the ivory caps taking over the tips of his fingers and heralding the surge of muscle all over the rest of his limb.

But Finn didn't need the prompting to keep lapping up the precum that was being fed to him. The newcomer dutifully sucked on the throbbing, dark cock in front of him. One hand was running up the length of Marv's veiny prick while the other was massaging the emerging rhino's thick balls, coaxing more and more precum out of it.

For a moment, it seemed that he was immune to the effects of the change in which case Savage really wouldn't been impressed but then Finn began to let out moans of his own. There was discomfort on the man's face as his features began to stretch and elongate. Bones began to grow rapidly, reshaping themselves into the long, angled muzzle of a rhinoceros. Finn's nostrils flared for the briefest of moments before they began to stretch and elongate, migrating to the end of his face. His cheeks started to turn grey and leathery before the infection spread quickly all over features in waves. Those waves seemed to crash and congregate at two points on his face just above his nostrils. There, they pushed the skin upwards, giving birth to two, large horns, the furthest from his face the bigger one. With the lengthening of his features, Finn was able to take more and more of Marv's cock and he was sook taking it entirely in his muzzle. Savage almost lost it there when he saw Finn's long tongue snake out and lick the base of Marv's cock, his drool taking the place of Marv's precum in coating the member. As he changed, the short, spiky brown hair on his head began to lighten, taking a golden blonde colour. With the darkening of his flesh to the leathery grey, the hair on his chin and jawline became more prominent especially as they too became a golden blonde in colour.

Finn's throat visibly showed the strain of Marv's huge cock but that too began to change. As his entire head became that of a Wrecker, his sharp, spikey brown hair sitting between his ears, his neck began to thicken to better accommodate the cock he was eagerly consuming. With the growth, his back began to broaden, forming that distinctive hunch of all the rhinos of Hornton. His growing deltoids and traps split his clothing right down the middle, revealing how his immense muscles formed a clear divide where his spine was. Every movement he made was clearly visibly beneath his tanned flesh through the undulations of his muscles. Savage could actually see Finn's spine stretching, rising to match and even slightly exceed that of Marv.

When another distinctive rip cut through the junkyard and Finn's pants fell away, Savage knew that Finn's cock had come out. He didn't want to move from where he was as he was furiously fighting his own arousal and the Beast that was coming with it. While he vigorously ran his hands over the length of his cock, his own precum pouring down his legs, he knew that if he tempted himself more by getting a good look at the Beasts forming in front of him, he'd lose himself and then the rescue operation would be all for naught.

For the moment, he contented himself to watching as Marv's legs bulged and grew, taking on the same brownish, leathery colour of the rest of his body with each muscle group chiselled with definition and not a trace of fat on them. Thick hairs crawled up Marv's calves, matching the patches on his chest and forearms but leaving his thighs perfectly clean. Savage couldn't help but think of Marv as one hairy, sexy beast.

All the while Finn was progressing in his own transformation. From the loud splashes that came over the moaning of the two, Savage could tell that Finn's cock was throwing copious amounts of gradually thickening precum all over Marv's chest. Not that Marv minded. The Wrecker with the surprisingly still human head was moaning with each splash, his now free right hand eagerly spreading the clear fluids into his thick chest fur while the other hand eagerly guided Finn's head down his cock. Finn's ass ballooned out to fit his expanded girth; tight buns of steel that were ripe for the fucking. It took everything Savage had not to get up and stick his cock between those mounds. A bulb of flesh began growing just at the base of Finn's spine, wagging gently and growing tufts of black hair at its tip. With each little sway, it grew longer and stronger, eventually becoming a whip-like tail that swatted at his ass invitingly.

Savage still managed to keep his distance even as the two men's feet began to expand, the pinkish flesh vanishing into hard, dark crusts that covered their soles. The same white, ivory caps that covered their fingertips coated their toes while their leathery flesh took away all traces of the human that they had once been. Savage licked his lips in particular when he noticed the thick hairs on Marv's calves grow over his feet. The guy was a very hairy, very manly rhino.

Marv's legs wrapped tightly around Finn's body, pulling him close and forcing the other rhino into a rather impressive, flexible position. Despite his size and bulk, Finn was more than capable of sucking himself off though for the moment, he had Marv's dick in his muzzle. The loud slurps and groans the two emitted was starting batter at Savage's mental barriers and the scent of their lovemaking was driving him wild. He was beating his own cock to the rhythm of their movements, the pressure building and building in his balls.

Marv threw his hand back and let out another silent cry of ecstasy. His features morphed and warped, his face pushing forward rapidly to form the face of a rhino. His lips formed an 'O' as his entire body tensed. His eyes squeezed shut tightly and then his jaws dropped open, taking in a huge lungful of air. The wavy blond locks on his head darkened, becoming pitch black to match the rest of his body hair. With a violent twist, his hips suddenly bucked. Finn was nowhere near prepared for the blast as gallons of cum came shooting down his throat with the force of a wayward fire hose. On an ordinary man, Finn would've been thrown back but the huge rhino's eyes momentarily bulged before he dutifully sucked on the throbbing member his lips were wrapped around.

Finn managed to swallow two mouthfuls of cum before the torrent became too much and he was forced to pull away. Marv's corrupted seed immediately blasted his face, making him shut his eyes. Blind as he was, he swallowed the load in his mouth before lapping at the geyser of cum drenching him. He snapped at every stream, desperate to get as much seed as he could down his throat. He guided Marv's cock towards his chest like it was a shower nozzle, _bathing_in the seed and eagerly using the throbbing length as a sort of sponge to smear the seed all over his chest. The wild stimulation sent him over the edge and his own cock shot its own impressive load all over Marv's face. For a moment, Marv's head was completely white and featureless, seemingly plastered in that form between rhino and man. Then Marv's cock sent off its second load and a horn jutted out of the layer of cum. Just as soon as Marv's facial mask of semen was broken, another came shooting out of Finn to coat him some more. All the while, Finn was determined to cover himself in Marv's seed.

Behind them, Savage let out one last grunt and grinned to himself mischievously. His dick tensed and he spent one last tantalising second aiming the tip right at the two. He barely managed to get the trajectory right when his cock erupted. His seed sailed through the air in a high arc before raining down on the two newly formed rhinos. Finn's back became completely coated in Savage's white seed. Coupled with the mess orgasms of the other two, Finn and Marv appeared to have been merged in one, undulating, white blob, their muscles barely visible through the spunk.

Finally, Marv let out a sound; ragged, deep gasps that devolved into heavy pants and then a soft hum of contentment. Finn let out one last load that bubbled from his cock and joined the rest of the pool that had formed around them. He dropped to his side, panting heavily while his cock still seemed to be trying to orgasm, twitching constantly though there was nothing left to shoot.

Savage emptied his reserves right on the two, a river of cum leading from him to where the two collapsed beside one another in exhaustion. Orgasms as a Beast were always so powerful and immensely pleasurable. But it always came with the threat of throwing him into the slumber of afterglow and in the lands beyond a Gate, that was dangerous. Falling asleep in enemy territory after effectively letting off one hell of a sexy stink bomb was a death sentence.

They had to move.

He grimaced and pulled himself from his pile. There was a thick chain sitting beside him that looked like it must've been used to hold down a bike once. A dusty baseball cap sat beside it, still wearable and from a team he didn't recognise. He grabbed both items and crossed the short distance to where the two were just about to drop off into slumber.

He gave them both a swift kick and held his breath.

If they threw themselves at him in anger, they were gone. If not...

Finn groaned loudly and opened one bleary eye at him. "Oh god..." he murmured.

"Fuck..." grunted Marv. "Can't I jus' lie here fer a sec...? I just turned into a fuck'en rhino and came more than I've ever cum... I mean hell..." Marv sat, lifting his cum soaked hands and shaking them absently. "Where da 'ell did all of this come from. My balls ain't this big..."

"Beasts produce cum faster than a human," Savage said, relieved that he wouldn't have to deal with two angry Wreckers. "When you go back to being human, you'll be the same though to a lesser extent. When you cum, your body doesn't stop producing. It actually accelerates. You're literally shooting your seed as you make it." He tossed the chain at Marv and the baseball cap at Finn. "Put these on. Use them to remind you that you're human under there."

Finn regarded the cap strangely. "I don't like this team... I think..."

"Doesn't matter. It's something from the old human civilisation before the apocalypse. And it's yours now. Use that." Savage nodded towards the river. "Come on. Get up. We need to wash you off and rehydrate. All that cum comes from somewhere and you're going to start feeling hungry pretty soon."

As if hearing him, a loud growl came from Finn's stomach and the newly made rhino ducked his head, a faint blush touching his cheeks that shone through even his slate grey skin. It was kind of cute to see someone so big and intimidating show such a human emotion.

They would make fine Collectors.

"See?" Savage said, smiling faintly.

"Shit... No wonder you guys need so much food..." muttered Marv as he got to his feet. "But hot damn that was sexy." That easy grin of his returned and Savage couldn't help but find it a tad bit infectious. Both he and Marv helped Finn to his feet.

They quickly made their way towards the river banks where Marv and Finn quickly cleaned themselves of their and Savage's spunk. As was expected, watching each other bathe started to stir some more lust in them and they were drawing closer to one another. When Finn offered to help clean Marv's back, Savage stepped in and pulled them apart.

"You're going to be a fuck tonne hornier than you were before," he growled in warning. "You're going to want to fuck like crazy and trust me, it's tempting. But you can't do that out here unless it's necessary to keep your cover. Fuck all you want in Arcadia but out here, you can't let your guard down. More than ever, you got to keep all the blood up here." He jabbed his temple. "Not down here." He gestured at his crotch.

That speech somewhat dampened the arousal the two were feeling and their semi-hard cocks began to soften again. When they were cleaned, Marv tied the thick bike chain around his neck. It was loose enough that it could sit comfortably on his pelt of black chest hair and hang loosely form his neck without looking like a choker. Finn slipped on the hat but when Marv saw it, he shook his head and gripped the visor. He spun it around so that Finn's spikey hair jutted out from the little hole in the back.

Cleaned and no longer smelling of sex, the trio headed out from the banks of the river and back towards the junkyard. There, Savage retrieved the Keys that the two had dropped in their moment of blissful release and handed them back to the two.

"Where's your Key?" asked Finn, regarding the rhino's lack of accessories.

The more experienced Collector smirked. "Somewhere only a top will find it. And I never bottom."

Finn looked about to ask for clarification and Savage did want him to but the rhino quickly caught on and shut his mouth, spinning immediately around with that cute blush on his cheeks again.

Savage then led them down the road in the opposite direction of that party of Wreckers. He was disturbed by the presence of such a large party but he dismissed it for the moment. His focus was on Lobo. They stuck to the side of the road so they could see any approaching enemies but at the same time still remain somewhat hidden.

He smelled the Wrecker base long before he actually saw it. Wreckers had varying scents just like any other Beast but they always had the 'base', that same undertone that made them easy to identify. It was this odd scent of cured leather mixed with a sourness like someone had sprayed some lemon juice onto a leather bag or wallet.

Finn and Marv caught it too and they were clearly offended by in. Marv asked loudly what that 'weird smell' was but Savage just silenced him, beckoning him to quiet down.

A former Builder stronghold was just ahead and like all Builder constructions, it was square and made of the same odd concrete-like substance that was harder than any building material that humans had ever built. But the walls were broken in places where the Wreckers had invaded. Savage ducked behind a nearby pile of rubble and peered into the makeshift camp.

There were only three Wreckers there.

Perfect.

"Time to put those new bodies of yours to good use," he whispered to the newly made Collectors. "Now remember, you're bigger than you were when you were human. I hope you've gotten used to carrying around that weight." He hiked a thumb at the three Wreckers that were sitting around a fire, each occupying themselves with one task or another. One Wrecker was rubbing his erect cock absently while another was picking his teeth clean with a bone. The third was examining a familiar sword.

"These guys are more experienced with their bodies than you are with yours," Savage warned. "But they're dumb as a brick. Use that." He held up three fingers. "On three. One..."

They all turned towards the Wrecker camp, Savage's eyes on the far corner where an otter was tied down.

"Two..."

He slowly peeled himself out from behind the rubble.

"Three!"

Savage charged, letting out a loud bellow. It was frightening enough that the Wreckers all froze for a good long ten seconds. That was enough for him to cross the distance between them and plough right into the closest Wrecker just as the brute was getting him, executing a crippling lariat at full speed. The Wrecker hit the ground hard and was instantly dazed. He kept running for a short distance before spinning back around, fully expecting the other two to have hesitated.

Once again, Finn and Marv surprised him.

Marv used his new body to its fullest and charged headfirst at another Wrecker, shoulder down and horns ready for the gorging. The Wrecker wasn't fast enough to get out of the way but gripped Marv's horns to prevent any fatal injuries. The force of their collision was still enough to throw the Wrecker back and lift him off his feet for a moment. Marv used the moment when the big rhino's legs were off the ground to seize one of the thick thighs and give it a powerful yank. That robbed the Wrecker of what little control he had and sent him crashing to the ground. Marv jumped into the air and brought his entire weight crashing down onto the Beast, his elbow jabbing right into the Wrecker's abdomen.

Savage let out a low whistle. That was a very impressive move.

He heard concrete shattering and watched Finn toss bricks as large as a human's head at the remaining Wrecker. The maddened rhino charged at the newbie Collector, head low just like how Marv had taken the other Wrecker. Finn ducked behind one of the walls of the stronghold. The Wrecker ploughed right through the wall, creating a large hole right in the grey surface. Even with all his strength, though, the wall was still very hard and the Wrecker was momentarily dazed from the impact. That gave Finn enough time to sneak back behind him, two large bricks in his hands and bring them collided against the Wrecker's head.

The Beast crumbled to the ground, completely unconscious.

"You two would make pretty decent Collectors," Savage said, a proud smile on his face. He bent down and picked up the sword one of the Wreckers had dropped. "Come on, let's get Lobo out of here."

He headed towards the Collector leader, his hopes high when he noted how he retained his otter shape. That had to be a good sign. But as he drew close, he saw Lobo was almost entirely lost. His cock was erect and there was a steady stream of thick precum pouring out of the tip. Lobo was panting heavily, the gaps between his gasp for breath filled with a faint whimper and a moan.

"Lobo, boss..." he murmured softly. "Are you okay?"

Lobo lifted his gaze. The Collector was still fighting the Beast in there but he was losing. "Cock..." he grunted. "I need... cock."

Savage straightened, heartbroken. "Fuck..." Finn and Marv arrived a second later, Finn demanding to know what was wrong. "He's gone, boys... All he wants is..."

"Cock!" Lobo yelled. "Give me your cock now!"

Marv winced and took a step back. "That's messed up..."

"Isn't there anything we can do for him?" Finn asked. "Maybe if we get him back to Arcadia...?"

Savage shook his head grimly. "I'm sorry... By the time we do, he'll just a Beast. Even if he doesn't there's still the risk that he won't be any more sane than this... All we can do is..."

"Cock!" screamed Lobo. "I want your cock!"

Savage sighed and gripped his flaccid member. There was no way he could get aroused consciously over this act. He let a bit of the Beast slip through, biting his lower lip as he felt the blood rush towards his groin.

"What are you doing!?" Finn demanded.

"Just watch the other Wreckers," Savage instructed grimly. "He's going to become a Beast anyway. Better he get turned by one of us than get butt fucked by one of the Wreckers until he becomes their bitch. At least this way... we can let him keep some of his dignity..."

Lobo's eyes widened as Savage's cock grew and was levelled at him. He didn't even wait until it was fully erect before the otter greedily wrapped his muzzle around it and began sucking. Though it felt good and his former comrade's enthusiasm caused his balls to churn, Savage couldn't help but whimper. He remembered all those time that he had coupled with Lobo. He was such a gentle leader. Strict when needed but still very caring. He didn't know how he could fill such big shoes.

Savage didn't want to let the experience last any longer than necessary. He felt sick at the pleasure his body gained from the attention from his former superior. In his soul, he took no pleasure in it and just wanted it over with. He grunted as his cum poured down Lobo's throat and the otter took it all greedily. He kept his eyes shut even though he could feel the otter changing into yet another rhino. Halfway to being drained one more time, Savage balled his fists and lifted it to bring a knockout blow.

His fist descended -

Thunk!

And found resistance.

Savage opened his eyes. "Fuck!"

Lobo stood up, coming to right a few inches taller than Savage in his full rhino form, the same rhino body with the soft, creamy white skin barely containing the chiselled muscles that had always come to lead the Collectors whenever the Gate to Hornton was open. The fang necklace around Lobo's neck jostled slightly as he took a deep breath and wiped the cum from his lips.

"You won't need to do that," Lobo rumbled. "Though I appreciate the gesture."

Savage was stunned and dropped his fist.

"Lobo!"

Finn practically leapt into the slightly bigger rhino's arms, wrapping his own impressive physique around the Collector. Marv laughed heartily and clapped Lobo's back happily.

"I see you two decided to join the brotherhood," said Lobo. "I'm sorry... You shouldn't have had to..."

Finn pulled away, just grinning from ear to ear. "I wasn't going to just let you become a Beast like that! Even if that means I had to become part one myself, I was going to save you."

Lobo offered Finn his faint, half-smile. "I'm glad you did." He glanced towards the Wreckers. The one conscious Wrecker was slowly sneaking away. Marv made to chase him down but Lobo gripped his shoulder and pulled him back. "I really need to make it back to Arcadia. We have to let the others know that there's a Wrecker, this big fucker with a hammer, that's organising the Wreckers. He claims he's going to take over all of Hornton, making all the Builders into Wreckers."

Savage recalled that big, black rhino that he had seen leading the band of Wreckers. "We saw him... In fact, it was right after he passed that this guy..." He nodded towards Marv. "Began to change."

Lobo rubbed his jaw thoughtfully, running a thick capped finger over his lips. "Hmmm... He was... powerful. He just kissed me for a second. But after that, I felt my Beast just fighting to get out. I was hard as a rock and fuck did I want him in me..." Lobo shook his head. "Whatever. I know I wanted to be a rhino and when you guys arrived and you turned me, it gave me enough strength to get a grip on reality." He grimaced and shook his head. "Shit... That asshole is still on my mind though... We need to get back to Arcadia before I end up doing something I'm going to regret." He held out his hand. "Can I have my sword back?"

Savage handed him the blade and Lobo quickly checked if he still had his Key. Thankfully, it was still inside.

"Alright," Lobo said, clicking the grip of the blade back into position. "Savage, lead the way."

******

349:10:20:14:10:19

"This is fucked up!"

Josh could only sit quietly in a chair while around him, the Cultivators and Constructors argued against the Collectors. It had been naïve of him to think that Finn and the others had up until sundown before their expedition was discovered. The Collectors never were one for celebrations with the Arcadians. He had hoped that since this was Lobo, they would stay a little longer.

But it had been barely two hours before he was being dragged back to the Collective by the other Collectors, his actions being exposed and the rest of the Survivors instantly being whipped into a frenzy.

"We lost two people today!" shouted a Cultivator.

"Four!" corrected a Collector. "Lobo and Savage are people too!"

"This is your fault!" accused a Constructor, jabbing a finger at the Collectors. "If you were better at your jobs -"

"You try going out there and bringing back goods for your fat asses!" countered another Collector.

Travis suddenly stepped up in between them, holding his big hands up. "Stop it! All of you!" A few more jibes were thrown between the groups before they finally calmed. Travis took a deep breath and lowered his arms. It was clear even he was affected heavily by this turn of events.

"We've lost many people today," he said grimly. "Marv was an amazing Cultivator and his smile was always as bright as the sunrise. And Finn... he was just with us for a few short days but he was such a creative mind and he brought so much joy to us." Then his tone grew fierce as he jabbed a finger towards the ground. "But this is why we have rules. This is why we leave Collector business to Collectors and we don't interfere with their operations. They know what they're doing. If we don't, we'll end up lost."

"They could still make it back..." Josh murmured softly.

He was ignored, however, as Travis continued on his impromptu eulogy.

"Let's not mourn their loss." Travis held up his hands. "Let's commemorate Marv's commitment. Finn's bravery. Lobo's leadership and Savage's strength. Tonight, let us toast to their -"

Alarms started blaring and everyone froze. Their eyes turned towards the Return Gate. They waited a whole minute while, just dumbstruck as the Gate began activating. Josh was the first to start knock himself out of his stupor, first counting the number of Collectors and realising that there could only be one reason the Gate could be activating.

"They're coming back..." he whispered. Then louder, he shouted, "They're coming back!"

He launched himself off his chair, utterly forgetting that his legs were useless. He toppled to the ground, gasping in pain. Around him, the other Survivors raced straight towards the Return Gate. A strong pair of hands gripped his arms and Ken draped his arm around his shoulder, dragging him across the planes towards the Gate. Josh didn't care that he wasn't moving using his own strength. He could only focus on the growing, shimmering blue portal that continued to expand until it filled the entire area of the Return Gate.

Ken pulled him to the front of the crowd where the Collectors, Travis and even Gavin stood in mute shock.

It took him a second to realise that there could actually be a _second_reason the Gate was opening. It was possible - no matter how slim - that some Beasts had found the Keys... and they had stumbled onto the Return Gate...

Before he could shout a warning, a big, burly figure stepped through the shimmering portal. A rhino... wearing a red baseball cap in reverse. Josh's heart constricted... but then the rhino turned back towards the portal just as another three passed through. Two he recognised... and he could only guess with an elated heart who the other two were.

"Finn! Marv!" he exclaimed. "You're back!"

The rhino with a red hat grinned brightly, their gaze meeting.

"Yeah," Finn answered proudly. "We're home."

******

Director's Report

The Wreckers and Builders

******

It is interesting to note the two paths the rhinoceros strain took in the city that has now been colloquially called 'Hornton'. One group identifies themselves as 'Wreckers' and is driven by some primal instinct to destroy the remnants of mankind's former glory while the other are called the 'Builders' by the Wreckers.

As easy as it would be to assume that the Wreckers, are in fact, the mindless brutes driven purely by instinct, the contrary is actually the true. It is the Builders who show very little uniqueness and true higher cognitive thinking. They are driven to build and construct endlessly. They eat and sleep dutifully and almost to a fault. Estimates taken from a range indicate that they eat exactly the same amount of food every day where available and they go to sleep at exactly the same time each day and wake up at exactly the same time the following morning. Interestingly, there is no hive mind in this case but rather it is a case of habit. Once a Builder settles into a ritual, it is hard to break them out of it.

This lack of individuality and hesitance to diverge from routine is visible in their architecture and lack of creativity. All their constructions are pale imitations of the ruins that surround them. All are made of some sort of reinforced cement created from manipulation of the Haze and infused with ordinary concrete that they create through archaic means. Detection equipment has noticed that Builders do have a talent for manipulating the Haze. Whether this is a prerequisite to becoming a Builder or it is developed is up for debate. What is known, however, is that the constructions of the Builders benefit from this ability, making them stronger than anything mankind ever made.

Sadly, strong as it is, their homes and strongholds are very Spartan in nature. What drives them is still completely unknown though I suspect it might be some sense of community, belonging and comfort in purpose. The individual feels a need to belong and in doing so, they surrender much of their individuality to comply with the standards of other Builders. I believe that deep down, they are very much still aware of this choice but choose not to entertain it for the simple fact that they find comfort in simply being part of the collective.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have the Wreckers who simply _scream_individuality. They normally roam either in bands of three or less or simply as individuals. Each has their own personality and it very rare to see them moving as one. Their mentality is still extremely primal, however. They make trophies out of the wreckage that they find because it interests them even if it has no tactical value whatsoever. They fornicate madly and have formed a sort of association with the act of destruction versus one's compatibility as a mate and standing with other Wreckers. The Wrecker that destroys the most is clearly the toughest and likewise is the most desirable. Interestingly, it seems that to topple this 'Alpha Wrecker' would mean the contestant would take the place of that Wrecker. This forms a rather tenuous balance between wanting to be on top versus the risk of being there.

In a word, Wrecker mentality is primitive and extremely chaotic. Despite being shorter of stature than Builders, however, this unpredictability is exactly what makes them so dangerous. Even a single Wrecker is more than capable of destroying a Builder stronghold all by himself even fully populated by up to ten Builders simply because he will proceed to infect them with his strain, spreading chaos and thus increasing his numbers.

Because of their wide and varied personalities, Wreckers come in all different shapes and sizes. While Builders tend to conform to a certain template, Wreckers show their individuality not only in the trinkets that they adorn themselves with but also in their diet, physique and habits. No one Wrecker is the same and more often than not, even seemingly compatible Wreckers will drift apart due to a major difference.

Looking at the inhabitants of Hornton, one cannot help but compare and contrast the ideals of conformity and individuality in its extreme.

Further, one must question what will happen should the Wreckers be united under a strong personality or exactly what were to happen if a Builder were to assert his individuality...