atsuko asano : no.6

8/11/2019 Atsuko Asano : NO.6

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NO. 6 | Atsuko Asano Volume 1

insuran*e s)stem 'ase% on t$e le-el o( *ontri'ution t$at a sele*t (e" o(t$e *itizens $a% to o((er to t$e *it). 2$ion an% 8aran, (ar (rom

*ontri'utin to t$e *it), "ere treate% as people "$o $a% (aile% to ser-et$eir responsi'ilit) as *itizens. T$e) "ere at t$e lo"est possi'le rank.T$at meant t$at, apart (rom 'ein allo"e% to remain in t$e *it), t$e)"ere e7*lu%e% (rom an) ai% or insuran*e.

Petri %is$ elite. Nezumi $a% use% t$at term t$at ni $t, an% it "astrue. He realize% t$e "ei $t o( it a(ter $e $a% 'een t$ro"n out o( $isen*lose% an% s$eltere% *ontainer. No. 6 "as none ot$er t$an a *aste

so*iet). T$e -erti*al %)nami* o( t$e population "as neatl) or%ere% intoa p)rami% stru*ture. On*e )ou tum'le% o(( t$e top tiers, it "asn/t eas)to *ra"l 'a*k up.

> ook at )ou, so serious.> 2a(u lau $e%. ># et it. #( it/s t$at $ar% toe7plain, t$en # "on/t ask.>

>2orr).> 2$ion $el% up a $an% an% %u*ke% $is $ea% in apolo ). He

"as relie-e% t$at s$e %i%n/t &uestion $im (urt$er. T$e e-ents "ere eas)enou $ to e7plain. He %i% "ant to tell 2a(u, (or $er to kno" a'out t$e%ramati* e-ents t$at $a% turne% $is li(e upsi%e %o"n. 0ut "$at 2$ion*oul%n/t rasp, *oul%n/t seem to (in% t$e "or%s to e7plain, "ere $iso"n (eelin s. He e-en surprise% $imsel( "it$ "$at little re ret $e (elt.He %i% (eel s$o*k at t$e (ra ilit) o( $is position, an% $e %i% more t$anon*e (in% $imsel( *urle% up, una'le to rapple "it$ $is sense o( loss.

0ut no", a(ter (our )ears o( li-in t$rou $ it all, $e pon%ere%. !$at"oul% $e %o i( $e *oul% turn 'a*k time to t$at %a), on $is t"el(t$ 'irt$%a)@ !oul% $e $a-e *alle% t$e poli*e@ !oul% $e $a-e set $isse*urit) alarm o((@ T$e ans"er "as al"a)s >no>.

E-en i( $e $a% t$e *$an*e to return to t$at ni $t, $e "oul% $a-e%one t$e same t$in . He "oul% $a-e taken in t$e "in% an% rain, an%t$e intru%er t$at *ame "it$ it. He (elt it "it$ *ertaint), an% $is *ertaint)

put $im at unease. #t "asn/t like $e (oun% $is li(e no" more satis()in

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t$an 'e(ore. He still $a% %eep atta*$ments to e*olo ), $is state o( t$eart learnin en-ironment, $is *om(orta'le li(e 3 an% s$ame(ull)

enou $, e-en t$e a**ola%es, t$e "or%s o( praise an% en*oura ement,an% azes o( a%miration t$at $e "as t$e *entre o(. 0ut e-en so, $e"oul% $a-e %one t$e same t$in . #( a**eptin Nezumi meant $is o"n%estru*tion, t$en to %estru*tion $e "oul% $a-e trea% a ain an% a ain.He $a% no re rets a'out "$at $e %i%. 0ut $e *oul%n/t e7plain "$).2in*e t$at ni $t, ot$er $urri*anes *ame an% "ent. istenin to t$ee7*ite% murmurin s o( t$e lea-es in t$e "in%, 2$ion (elt not re ret, 'ut

a sense o( lon in . #t "as a )earnin to see $im a ain.2$ion %i%n/t $a-e t$e *on(i%en*e t$at $e *oul% e7plain it to 2a(u

"ell enou $. He $a% no ot$er option 'ut to remain silent.>2$all "e o t$en, 2$ion@> 2a(u stoo% up. T$e restaurant $a%

'e*ome e-en more *ro"%e%, an% no" t$e) *oul% 'arel) $ear ea*$ot$er/s -oi*e.

>#/ll "alk )ou to t$e station,> 2$ion o((ere%.

>O( *ourse. ou "oul% $a-e to 'e reall) ta*tless to let a irl o$ome ') $ersel(, "oul%n/t )ou@>>O$ *ome on,> retorte% 2$ion, >"e 'ot$ kno" $o" stron )ou are,

e-en t$ou $ )ou mi $t look small an% skinn). An% )ou/re spee%). #al"a)s t$ou $t )ou "ere more (it (or martial arts t$an p$)siolo ),a*tuall).>

> ou kno" "$at, )ou/re ri $t. #/-e 'een tol% o(( on*e a'out $o" #

emotional # *an et all o( a su%%en, "$en #/m usuall) so &uiet. a)'e#/m not meant (or la' "ork a(ter all.>T$e) "alke% si%e ') si%e %o"n t$e roa% to t$e station. E7*lu%in

a (e" restaurants, late ni $t 'usiness "as 'anne% in t$e *it). #n amatter o( $ours, t$e t$ron s o( people "alkin up an% %o"n t$e streetsno" "oul% %isappear. 2$ion a-e 2a(u/s 'a*k a li $t pus$. Her last"or%s $a% soun%e% some"$at %e+e*te% to $is ears.

>#sthat suppose% to 'e t$e -oi*e o( someone "$o/s passe% t$e

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e7ams an% is a'out to o on e7*$an e@>2a(u raise% $er (a*e, an% rinne%.

>5ealous, aren/t )ou@>> ea$.>>T$at/s a"(ull) trut$(ul o( )ou.>>0e true to )oursel(, 'e kin% to ot$ers. #t/s 'een m) motto t$ese

%a)s.>> iar.>>Hu$@>

> ou/re not +ealous at all.>2$ion stoppe%. 2a(u "as starin at $im *$allen in l). 5ust as $e

"as a'out to *all $er name, $e "as su%%enl) ra''e% ') t$e s$oul%er(rom 'e$in%.

>E7*use me.> 2$ion turne% aroun%. A man "as stan%in t$ere,smilin . He "as a'out a $ea% s$orter t$an 2$ion, an% "as "earin a2e*urit) 0ureau uni(orm. #t "as na-) 'lue (rom top to 'ottom an%

ma%e o( a spe*ial material *alle% super(i're, "$i*$ $a% impressi-e&ualities (or its unremarka'le appearan*e. !it$ %ura'ilit) t$at "asten(ol% t$at o( steel, it ser-e% t$e purpose o( a 'ullet proo( -est "ellenou $J at t$e same time, it let air pass t$rou $ easil) so t$e arment*oul% 'reat$e. T$ere "as an in*reasin num'er o( t$ese uni(orme%

a" En(or*ement o((i*ers (rom t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau t$e *loser t$e)neare% to t$e !est 0lo*k. 2$ion *alml) 'rus$e% t$e man/s $an% o(( $is

s$oul%er an% spoke.>Can # $elp )ou@>>A$, "ell... # +ust "ant to ask )ou t"o a *ouple &uestions... $o" ol%

are )ou@>>2i7teen.>>T$e 'ot$ o( )ou@>> es.>

> ou %o kno" t$at t$ose un%er ei $teen are pro$i'ite% (rom 'ein

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on. !it$ t$at #D *ar%, )ou *an ')pass t$e ?eneral *ar an% ri%e in2pe*ial Class. T$at/s t$e kin% o( *it) "e li-e in. E-er)one/s sorte% out

into *ate ories 'ase% on skill, "ealt$, an% all t$ese ot$er (a*tors.>>Don/t talk a'out it like t$at,> 2a(u proteste%. > ou %on/t /sort/

people like )ou /sort/ ar'a e an% mer*$an%ise. People are people.T$e)/re $umans.>

>2a(u, in t$is *it) it %oesn/t matter "$et$er "e/re people or not. #tmatters $o" use(ul )ou are to t$e *it). T$at/s it.>

>2$ion....>

>0a*k t$ere )ou *alle% me a liar. #/m not. O( *ourse #/m +ealous.ou/-e ot all )our pri-ile es, an% )ou/re allo"e% to stu%) an%

e7periment to )our $eart/s *ontent. #/m en-ious, 2a(u. # resent )ou,e-en. ou $a-e e-er)t$in t$at # %on/t $a-e.>

2$ion pause%, an% let out a lon 'reat$. He $a% one too (ar. #t"as s$ame(ul. o". Em'arrassin . Pat$eti*. He *li*ke% $is ton ue at$imsel( in (rustration.

2a(u si $e% as "ell.> ou/re still a liar.>>Hu$@>>Di% )ou not $ear me@ ou/re. 2till. A. iar. # *an a%% /'i / on top o(

t$at, i( )ou like. ou/re onl) preten%in to 'e en-ious o( me. Or %o )ounot e-en realize t$at )ou/re l)in @ !$at a %ense 'o) #/-e ot on m)$an%s.>

>2a(u, "$at3> 2$ion 'e an in e7asperation.>#( )ou "ere really en-ious an% resent(ul, )ou "oul%n/t 'e a'le tostan% oin out to eat "it$ me. 0ut )ou, )ou/re lau $in , eatin ,makin *on-ersation, *ra*kin +okes like it/s not$in .>

>He), # $a-e some pri%e too. O'-iousl) #/m not oin to 'e openl) +ealous.>

>2$ion,> sai% 2a(u (irml). > ) spe*ialization is in *o niti-e

(un*tions, 'rain a*ti-it) an% t$eir relations$ip "it$ $ormones.>

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># kno".>>?oo%, 'e*ause i( )ou %i%n/t, # "oul%/-e 'een ma%. # $a-en/t tol%

)ou t$is o-er an% o-er (or not$in . An)"a),> s$e *ontinue% 'riskl),>sa) )ou are $i%in )our resentment an% preten%in to 'e en+o)in)our time "it$ me. #t "oul% 'e stress(ul, ri $t@>

># uess so...> 2$ion replie% %u'iousl).>#twould 'e stress(ul. An% "$en )ou (eel stress, )our a%renal

lan%s release steroi% $ormones *alle% *orti*osteroi%s t$at in(luen*e)our 'rain. An% "$at it %oes to 'rain a*ti-it) is3>

>Oka), 2a(u, # et it.> 2$ion interrupte%. >T$at/s enou $. 2a-e )ourle*ture (or ne7t time an% #/ll listen *are(ull)3>

> isten to me. ou/re not (eelin an) stress. ou/re not resent(ul o(me at all. 2$ion, "$at is it t$at )ou "ant to %o@>

>Hu$@>>#( )ou %o "ant to *ontinue )our stu%ies, )ou *an 'e resent(ul o(

me. 0ut )ou/re not. ou sai% # $a-e e-er)t$in )ou %on/t $a-e. T$en

"$at is it t$at )ou $a-e@ ou *an/t sa) )ou $a-e not$in ,> s$e a%%e%$astil). >People "$o $a-e not$in 3 no 3 people "$o think t$e)/-eot not$in le(t, *an/t smile like )ou %o. Or talk like )ou %o. or )our

emotions not to $a-e an) in(luen*e on )our a*tions, to $a-e t$at le-elo( per(e*t *ontrol, it takes spe*ial trainin . ou/re not ettin an)spe*ial trainin . # %on/t t$ink )ou/re an o-erl) emotional person, 'ut #also %on/t t$ink )ou $a-e t$e a'ilit) to *ontrol 199 o( )our emotions

eit$er. T$e onl) reason )ou *an $a-e a re ular *on-ersation "it$ mean% lau $ aroun% me is 'e*ause )ou $a-e a *ertain le-el o( emotionalse*urit).>

>2a(u, "$at )ou +ust sai% is all arm*$air t$eor). Humans $a-e*omple7 emotions. T$e)/re not like la' rats. # %on/t t$ink )ou *ane7plain $o" emotions in(luen*e people/s a*tions t$at easil). #t/sarro ant to 'elie-e t$at s*ien*e *an e7plain e-er)t$in a'out $uman

nature.>

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2a(u s$ru e%. T$e) "ere approa*$in t$e station.># %i%n/t kno" )ou "ante% to 'e*ome a "riter.>

>2a(u,> 2$ion sai% "earil).>T$en #/ll sa) t$is in a literar) *onte7t. Emotional se*urit)... so #/m

talkin a'out $ope, or %reams. ou $a-e t$ose. T$at/s "$) )ou %on/t(eel t$e nee% to resent me. 2$ion, "$at is it t$at )ou $ope (or@>

Hope. He repeate% t$e "or% silentl). #t "as a "or% $e $a%n/t use%(or )ears. #t "as neit$er s"eet nor 'itter, 'ut it slo"l) "arme% $im(rom %eep insi%e o( $is 'o%).

Hope. !$at %o # $ope (or@His promise% (uture $a% *ollapse%. !$at "as le(t to $im no"

"ere $is mot$er, t$e mea er "a es (rom $is +o', an% $is o"n si7teen)ear ol% 'o%). !$at $ope resi%e% in t$ose@ He "asn/t sure. 0ut $e "assure t$at $e $a%n/t *ompletel) lost $ope eit$er.

T$e) entere% t$e station. T$e ol% to"n %istri*t "$ere 2$ion li-e%"as lo*ate% a%+a*ent to t$e !est 0lo*k an% t$e *it) 'or%er, an%

(un*tione% as a sort o( 'u((er zone 'et"een t$e *it) *entre an% t$e !est0lo*k. #t "as *alle% ost To"n. A (ar *r) (rom t$e tran&uilit) o( t$e *it)*entre, it "as a s&uali% pla*e, %ense "it$ people. T$e station t$e) "erein "as also -er) *ro"%e%. T$e (aint smell o( %eep (rie% (oo% an%al*o$ol "a(te% in t$e air.

>#/m (ine (rom $ere.> 2a(u stoppe%. T$ere "as a 'la*k "in e%inse*t on $er s$oul%er. 0rus$in it a"a), 2$ion aske% a non*$alant

&uestion.>0e *are(ul. O$, "$en are )ou o(( (or )our e7*$an e a ain@>>#n t"o %a)s.>>T"o %a)s > 2$ion e7*laime%. >!$) %i%n/t )ou tell me sooner@>>0e*ause # %i%n/t "ant to. !oul% )ou $a-e t$ro"n me a (are"ell

part) i( # %i%@>2a(u +utte% $er *$in out %e(iantl).

>2$ion, # "ant to ask somet$in (rom )ou.>

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>2ure, i( # *an mana e to et it to )ou in time...>> our sperm.>

2a(u looke% 2$ion in t$e e)es as s$e sai% t$ose "or%s. 2$e %i%n/t 'link on*e. 2$ion ape% at $er open mout$e%.

>Di% )ou $ear me@ # "ant )our sperm.>>4$3 "$at@ 2a(u... um3>>Out o( all t$e people # kno", )ou "oul% pro'a'l) 'e t$e most

superior sperm %onor. our sperm an% m) o-um. Don/t )ou t$ink it"oul% pro%u*e t$e most per(e*t *$il%@ # "ant it, 2$ion. # "ant )our

sperm.>>Arti(i*ial insemination nee%s permission (rom t$e *it),> 2$ion

ans"ere% *autiousl).>?ettin permission "oul% 'e eas). T$e *it) en*oura es arti(i*ial

insemination 'et"een people "$o possess e7*ellent DNA an% superiorskills.>

2$ion s"allo"e%, an% turne% a"a). T$e "in e% inse*t *rosse% $is

line o( -ision, 'uzzin in*essantl). #rritation "elle% up insi%e $im.>2a(u, # %on/t kno" i( # tol% )ou t$is, 'ut #/-e ne-er kno"n m)(at$er. # %on/t kno" $is personalit), $is stature, or i( $e $a% an)illnesses.>

># kno". 0ut parents %on/t matter. Ninet) nine per*ent o( t$e$uman enome $as 'een %e*o%e% alrea%). # *an (in% out an)t$in #nee% to kno" a'out )our eneti* in(ormation.>

>An% t$en... i( )ou %o et t$e in(ormation, an% t$ere/s somet$inin t$ere t$at )ou %on/t "ant, "$at are )ou oin to %o@>>!ell...>>2a(u, "$at are )ou tr)in to et at@ Do )ou t$ink a $uman 'ein

is entirel) "$at $is DNA 'ase se&uen*e tells us $e is@ 2ure, )ou *anlook up m) DNA, anal)ze m) enes, 'ut "$at/s t$at oin to tell )oua'out me@ ou talk a'out $a-in ki%s like it/s eas), 'ut3>

># kno" a lot more a'out )ou t$an )ou t$ink >

:




2a(u/s -oi*e *ut $im o(( s$rill). People turne% t$eir $ea%s as t$e)passe%.

>!e/-e 'een to et$er sin*e "e "ere t"o. # kno" "$at kin% o(person )ou are, "$at )ou like to %o... # kno". # kno", an% #/m stilltellin )ou t$is3 )ou/re t$e one "$o %oesn/t kno" an)t$in .>

>!$at@>2a(u mum'le% somet$in , 'ut $e *oul%n/t *at*$ it. He 'ent to"ar%

$er sli $tl) so $e *oul% $ear 'etter.># "ant to $a-e se7 "it$ )ou.>

Her "or%s ran *lear in 2$ion/s ears.>2a(u....>># %on/t "ant )our sperm. # %on/t "ant arti(i*ial insemination. #

%on/t *are a'out $a-in ki%s or not. # "ant to $a-e se7 "it$ )ou. T$at/sit.>

>!ait, u$3 "ait a minute... 2a(u, #3>>Ri $t no".>

2$ion in$ale%. T$e reas) s*ent o( (rie% (oo% "a(te% into $isnostrils. T$e *lo*k *$ime% ei $t o/*lo*k.>Not no".>>!$) not@ 0e*ause )ou/re not intereste% in me@ Or not intereste%

in se7@>>#/m intereste% in 'ot$. 0ut... # %on/t "ant to %o it, not no", "it$

)ou.>

>2o it/s 'e*ause it/s "it$ me@>>No3 m) 'o%) "oul% pro'a'l) respon% no pro'lem. E-en no"#/m... 'ut3 'ut t$at/s "$) # %on/t "ant to. # %on/t "ant to sleep "it$)ou on a spur o( t$e moment.>

> ou kno" t$at/s like sa)in )ou/-e ne-er seen me in t$at "a) 'e(ore.>

> ea$. # al"a)s t$ou $t o( )ou as a (rien%.>

># *an/t 'elie-e it.>

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2a(u si $e% in e7asperation. >!$) are )ou su*$ a ki%@ !$ate-er.#/m oin $ome.>

>2a(u, in t"o )ears3>>Hm@>> our e7*$an e is (or t"o )ears, ri $t@ !$en )ou *ome 'a*k, #/ll

ask t$is time.>>#( # "ant to $a-e se7@>> ea$.>> ou/re a 'ona(i%e i%iot i( # e-er sa" one. # %on/t kno" $o" )ou

*oul% $a-e *ome t$is (ar 'ein t$at lai% 'a*k.>>2ta) sa(e. Don/t "ork too $ar%.>>O$, )ou *an *ount on me "orkin $ar%. #/ll "ork so $ar%, it/ll

keep all t$e 'o)s a"a).>!it$ a *asual "a-e o( $er $an% in (are"ell, 2a(u turne% aroun%,

an% a-e a small s$riek. A small re) animal %arte% past 2a(u/s (eetan% s*urrie% up 2$ion/s 'o%).

>A mouse >A small mouse a'out t$e size o( 2$ion/s pink) sat on $is s$oul%er,t"it*$in its nose.

>#/m surprise% to see mi*e in t$is *it). 0ut it is kin% o( *ute,> 2a(umuse%.

>Prett) (rien%l), too.>T$e mouse 'rou $t its (a*e *lose to 2$ion/s ear.

>2till a natural,> it "$ispere%.He (elt an ele*tri* s$o*k run t$rou $ $im. He ra''e% at t$emouse, 'ut it slippe% t$rou $ $is (in ers, 'oun%e% o(( $is s$oul%eran% s$ot to"ar% t$e station e7it. True, t$is "as an ol%er %istri*t3'ut

ost To"n "as still "it$in *it) limits, an% mi*e "ere rare. T$e Healt$an% H) iene 0ureau sa" to t$e *omplete remo-al o( all pests, animalor inse*t. People "eren/t use% to seein t$e mouse t$at spe% past t$eir

(eet. 2$rieks o( surprise an% 'ursts o( an7ious 'uzzin rose (rom t$e




*ro"%.An% at t$e -er) en% o( it, 2$ion sa" a pair o( re) e)es. #t "as (or a

(leetin instant. A +olt pier*e% t$rou $ $is 'o%) a ain.>Nezumi >>2$ion, "$at/s "ron @>>2a(u, )ou *an make it $ome ') )oursel(, ri $t@>>!$at@ O( *ourse. # "as +ust a'out to, "asn/t #@ !$at/s "ron @

!$) are )ou so a itate%@>>2orr)3>

A(ter t$e) parte% $ere, $e "oul%n/t see 2a(u a ain (or t"o )ears.He kne" $e $a% to i-e $er a proper sen%in o((. At t$e -er) least,"at*$ $er retreatin 'a*k until it %isappeare% into t$e +ostlin *ro"%.!$et$er t$e) "ere oin to $a-e se7 or not, %i%n/t *$an e t$e (a*t t$at2a(u "as important to $im. He kne" "ell t$at t$is "as nearl) not t$eproper (are"ell t$at s$e %eser-e%. He kne". 0ut "$at $e t$ou $t $ekne" so "ell "as s"ept a"a) instantl). His 'o%) mo-e% on its o"n,

%e()in $is rational t$ou $t. es, $e $a% e7perien*e% t$is (our )earsa o3 e-en t$ou $ $e kne" reason al"a)s $a% t$e ri $t ans"er.Turn t$e se*urit) s)stem on. Noti() t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau. Remo-e

t$e (orei n presen*e. He $a% %e(ie% all o( it. #t "as t$e same no". He"as lettin $is emotions *ontrol $is a*tions.

#t $a% 'e un rainin outsi%e. Rain%rops pelte% $is *$eek. #n t$e*ro"% o( people 'riskl) "alkin to an% (ro, not a (amiliar (a*e "as to

'e seen.

>2$ion > 8aran reete% $er son at t$e %oor, an% "i%ene% $er e)es.> ou/re soake% t$rou $ !$at "ere )ou %oin @>

>!alkin .>>#n t$is rain@ rom "$ere@>>T$e station.>

>An% "$) on eart$ %i% )ou let )oursel( et t$is "et@>

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># "as *oolin o((.>>Coolin o((, $mm@ ai% 'a*k as al"a)s, aren/t )ou@>

2a(u $as use% t$e same "or%s onl) moments 'e(ore. 2$ion*$u*kle% to $imsel( an% 'e an to"ellin o(( $is $air. #t $a% su%%enl)

ro"n -er) *ool sin*e it starte% rainin J t$e ol% kerosene (an $eater"as $ummin to keep t$e room "arm. 8aran )a"ne%. #t "as alrea%)time (or $er to sleep. Tu*ke% a"a) in a *orner o( ost To"n, 8aran rana mo%est 'aker). #t "as small, "it$ onl) one s$o"*ase. 0ut peopleseeme% to 'e %ra"n to t$e aroma o( (res$l) 'ake% 'rea% t$at "a(te%

(rom t$e %oors earl) ea*$ mornin , an% 'usiness "as 'oomin . 2$eopene% earl), an% so slept earl) too. #t "as roun%in nine o/*lo*k,"$i*$ (or 8aran "as like mi%ni $t.

>#/m t$inkin o( in*reasin t$e 'at*$ o( 'utter rolls tomorro". An%ma)'e 'e a little a%-enturous an% tr) sellin some simple *akes, on topo( t$e mu((ins t$at "e sell. !$at %o )ou t$ink@>

> ike *$err) *ake@>

>T$at/s t$e one. A little somet$in t$at people *an 'u) as a sna*k, 'ut a little more $i $er en% t$an 'rea% or mu((ins. A small sou-enir (ora spe*ial %a), or somet$in like t$at.>

>T$at soun%s reat,> 2$ion ent$use%.>Don/t )ou t$ink so@ An% # t$ink $a-in *akes in t$e %ispla) *ase

"oul% li-en t$in s up a little.>2$ion no%%e%, an% 'e an to lea-e t$e li-in room. #n t$is $ouse,

t$e) %i%n/t $a-e t$e lu7ur) o( pri-ate 'e%rooms. 8aran slept in a*orner o( t$e li-in room, an% 2$ion in t$e stora e *ellar.>2$ion,> $is mot$er *alle%. He turne% aroun%.>Di% somet$in $appen@>>Hu$@>>Di% somet$in $appen to )ou t$at "oul% make )ou nee% to *ool

o((@> 8aran *ontinue% "it$out "aitin (or 2$ion/s ans"er. >!$en )ou

*ame $ome, )ou seeme% a little %aze%. ou %i%n/t e-en seem to realize

6




)ou "ere "et. An%... e-en no"3>>No"@>

> ou look a'sent min%e%, 'ut t$en a ain a little a itate%... it/s astran e (a*e )ou/-e ot on. Do )ou "ant me to 'rin a mirror@>

2$ion e7$ale% s$ortl).>2omeone %ie% in t$e park to%a).>>!$at@ #n t$e orest Park@ T$ere "as not$in in t$e ne"s a'out

t$at.>Not$in in t$e ne"s@ Di% t$at mean t$at t$e man %ie% o( natural

*auses@ Alt$ou $ su%%en, ma)'e it "as e7plaina'le. Not enou $ tomake t$e ne"s, +ust a normal %eat$ 3 2$ion s$ook $is $ea%. O( *oursenot. T$e time it took (or t$at 'o%) to 'e*ome ri i%, t$e e7pression on$is (a*e, t$e reen stain. #t "as all too a'normal.

To t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau $e $a% onl) e7plaine% "$at $e (oun% at t$es*ene. He preten%e% t$at $e $a%n/t noti*e% t$e ri or mortis or t$estain3$e (elt like $e $a% to. He %i%n/t kno" "$), 'ut a -oi*e insi%e

$im $a% tol% $im to pla) %um', to lie. 5ust as a small animal mi $tsense %an er an% $i%e itsel(, $is instin*t $a% "arne% $im. #nstin*t t$ere it "as a ain. He "as a*tin not on reason, 'ut on "$im. He "asturnin a"a) (rom lo i* an% sense onl) too easil) to su**um' toinstin*ti-e emotion. 2$ion si $e% %eepl). #t "as a little $ar% to 'reat$e.

>An% t$at/s "$) )ou/re a itate%@>>!ell, )ea$. #/-e ne-er seen a %ea% 'o%) 'e(ore.>

I'm lying, mom. I saw those eyes again today. I saw Ne umi. I ha#e a feeling that something's going to happen. That's why― 8aran smile% an% "is$e% $im oo% ni $t. #t "as a entle smile.

He "is$e% $er oo% ni $t in ans"er, an% le(t t$e li-in room.8aran/s stature "as still plump, 'ut s$e looke% mu*$ )oun er

t$an 'e(ore. #t seeme% like s$e $a%n/t taken t$e mo-e (rom C$ronos toost To"n too $ars$l). 2$e o(ten smile% as s$e talke% a'out $o"

en+o)a'le it "as to 'ake 'rea%, an% $o" upli(tin it "as "$en people

<




'ou $t t$em. #t "asn/t +ust out o( kin%ness or a %esire to reassure $erson. 8aran "asn/t %espairin at all a'out t$eir li(e $ere. #n C$ronos,

e-er)t$in "as i-en to t$em, 'ut t$eir li(e in ost To"n "assomet$in 8aran $a% 'uilt up "it$ $er o"n $an%s. T$at "as "$)2$ion %i%n/t "ant to %estro) it. He %i%n/t "ant to uproot $er entire li(eas $e %i% (our )ears a o. He %i%n/t "ant to et $er in-ol-e% in trou'lea ain.

2$ion *ollapse% into 'e%. He (elt a (aint *$ill, an% t$ere "as a %ullpain at t$e 'a*k o( $is $ea%. !$en $e *lose% $is e)es, a (lurr) o(

ima es rus$e% past $is e)eli%s. T$e reenis$ stain, t$e a'an%one%lettu*e, t$e pink s$irt, 2a(u/s (a*e. I want to ha#e se(. T$e mouse t$at $a%s*urrie% up $is 'o%). )till a natural. T$e *ore o( $is 'o%) re" $ot. His$eart'eat &ui*kene%. #t "as no %ream. #t "asn/t an illusion. Nezumi%i% e7ist t$ere, in t$e *ro"% people at t$e station. That was some flashyappearance you made back there. >5erk,> $e muttere% un%er $is 'reat$.!$at "as $e suppose% to e7pe*t (rom t$at s$ort appearan*e@ !$at

"as Nezumi plannin to %o@2$ion sat up in 'e%. 2a(u asi%e, "ere t$e 'o%) in t$e park an%Nezumi some$o" *onne*te%@ On t$e same ni $t t$at $e %is*o-ere%t$e 'o%), Nezumi appeare%. !as t$at a *oin*i%en*e@ #( t$e) "ererelate%, $o" "ere t$e)3

A *$ime interrupte% $is t$ou $ts. T$e mo'ile telep$one on $is #D*ar% "as rin in . #t *oul%n/t 'e. He kne" it *oul%n/t 'e Nezumi, 'ut

$is $eart ra*e%. His (in ers trem'le% as $e raspe% t$e *ar%. !$iteletters (las$e% on t$e %ispla)32a(u. He tappe% t$e Talk 'utton an% t$es*reen s"it*$e% to 2a(u/s (a*e.

>2$ion, "ere )ou asleep@>>A$3um, no.>He $a% (or otten. He s$oul% 'e t$e one *allin $er 'a*k, an% to

(inis$ sa)in t$e (are"ell t$at $e $a% le(t $an in .

>2a(u, #/m sorr) a'out 'a*k t$ere. #3>

F




>T$at person "as t$at important to )ou, $u$@>>Hu$@>

2a(u/s (a*e $a% 'roken into a "r) smile. #t "as 'ot$ serene an% 'eauti(ul.

>#/-e ne-er seen )ou look like t$at 'e(ore. Do )ou kno" "$at kin%o( e7pression )ou $a% on@>

>Hu$@ !ait3%i% # look t$at 'a%@>>#t "as -er) interestin in%ee%. #t kept me entertaine% t$e "$ole

time. irst, it "as astonis$ment, an% t$en3"ell, let/s see3"$at *oul%

)ou *all it@ 5o)@ Raptness, ma)'e. Enou $ to "ipe e-er)t$in else outo( )our min%. An% t$en )ou 'eeline% out o( t$e station, lea-in me 'e$in% all ') m)sel(. 2a% stor), $u$@ # kno".>

>#/m so sorr). # *an/t apolo ize enou $.>>#/ll sa). ou/re "el*ome. At least # ot to see a ne" si%e o(

)ou3#/-e ne-er seen )ou "it$ t$at (a*e 'e(ore. 2o, 2$ion, "$o is it t$atmakes )ou look like t$at@ !as s$e t$at important to make )ou %rop

e-er)t$in an% *$ase a(ter $er@>> ea$.>He e-en surprise% $imsel( at $is prompt a((irmation.>4m, 2a(u, %on/t et me "ron . #t/s not a irl(rien%, or an)t$in

like t$at. 4$3# *an/t reall) e7plain it "ell, 'ut...>>Also m) (irst time seein )ou stum'le o-er )oursel( tr)in to

e7plain t$in s. T$at/s alri $t i( )ou $a-e a irl(rien%. # %on/t min% i(

)ou/-e alrea%) ot someone on )our min%. 3No, t$at "as a lie. ookat me, # al"a)s tr) to put up a stron (a*e in an) situation. #t/s a 'a%$a'it o( mine.>

>T$at/s not true,> 2$ion retorte%. > ou/re al"a)s trut$(ul to)oursel(.>

>Onl) in (ront o( )ou.> Di%n/t )ou realize@ 2a(u *ontinue%, an% $ere7pression re" serious.

>2a(u, reall), um3 take *are o( )oursel(. !$en "e meet in t"o

I




)ears3>># lo-e )ou, 2$ion. ore t$an an)one else.>

T$e line %ie% "it$out "aitin (or $is ans"er. He *oul% $ear t$epitter patter o( rain. He t$ou $t $e sa" somet$in mo-e in a *orner o(t$e room.

>Nezumi@>Ami%st t$e 'a s o( (lour an% su ar pile% in t$e stora e room, onl)

t$e soun% o( rain e*$oe%. 2$ion $u e% $is knees an% sat silentl) int$e %arkness, len%in an ear to its *ontinuous %rizzle. T$e rain s$o"e%

no si ns o( eit$er "orsenin or lettin up, an% *ontinue% t$rou $ t$erest o( t$e ni $t.

B9




CHAPTER =

li $t (or i(e

2$ion inserte% $is #D *ar% into t$e *ar% rea%er o( t$e ParkA%ministration O((i*e. T$e %oor opene% soun%lessl), an% t$e air(iltration s)stem an% temperature *ontrol starte% up. T$ere "as no oneinsi%e t$e o((i*e )et. #t "as o%% t$at amase "as not $ere alrea%).2$ion turne% on t$e s"it*$ o( t$e park a%ministration s)stem. #t "ast$e start o( anot$er "ork %a).

>?oo% mornin .> An ima e o( Cit) Hall, T$e oon%rop appeare%alon "it$ t$e reetin . > our un"a-erin alle ian*e to t$e *it)3>

He pla*e% $is $an% on t$e ima e o( t$e oon%rop an% re*ite%slo"l).

># ple% e $ereon an% e-er m) un"a-erin alle ian*e to t$e *it) o(No. 6.>

>Our ratitu%e (or )our lo)alt). En a e in )our %a)/s la'our "it$sin*erit) an% pri%e as a oo% *itizen o( t$e Cit).> T$e oon%rop%isappeare%, an% "as repla*e% "it$ a report o( t$e li-in *on%itions o(all t$e or anisms in t$e Park. 2$ion 'reat$e% a si $ o( relie(. T$e %ail)alle ian*e rituals $a% 'e*ome a sour*e o( %is*om(ort (or $im. Alt$ou $it "as amon t$e (art$est 'ran*$es, Park A%ministration O((i*e "asstill un%er %ire*t a((iliation "it$ t$e Cit). All emplo)ees "ere re&uire%

to ple% e alle ian*e to t$e Cit) e-er) mornin . #( t$e) re(use%, t$e)"oul% lose t$eir +o'.

#t "as no 'i %eal. All $e $a% to %o "as *ast $is $an% o-er t$e%ispla), an% re*ite t$e same "or%s. 2$ion trie% to 'rus$ it asi%e, 'ut t$e"orn an% 'anal "or%s o( t$e ple% e, an% t$e s$eer ri%i*ulousness o(t$e ritual itsel( al"a)s (ille% $im "it$ %is ust. An% (or repeatin t$is 'anal an% ri%i*ulous ritual e-er) mornin , 2$ion/s in+ure% pri%e stun .

B1




%i((eren*e "as not$in out o( t$e or%inar).>2$e sa)s t$e)/re onl) t$ree )ears apart,> sai% amase &uietl).

2$ion %i%n/t un%erstan%. >He "as t$ree )ears ol%er t$an $er,> amaserepeate%.

>T$ree )ears... 'ut3>amase no%%e%. >T$at 'o%) "as onl) =1 )ears ol%.>

>No "a) > e7*laime% 2$ion in*re%ulousl). >T$at *an/t 'e. T$at 'o%) "as an el%erl) man, no matter $o" )ou look at it.>

> ea$,> sai% amase $ea-il). ># "as surprise% too. 0ut t$e 'o%)

$asn/t *ome 'a*k to t$e ma%am sin*e. T$e)/re keepin it o-er at t$e0ureau.>

>8eep@ 2o )ou/re sa)in an autops) "asn/t enou $ to (in% out $o"$e %ie%@>

># uess t$at/s "$at it means.>T$e) *oul%n/t (in% t$e *ause o( %eat$. 2$ion *oul%n/t ima ine a

*ause o( %eat$ t$at No. 6/s (ront line me%i*al te*$nolo ) *oul%n/t

%e*o%e. e%i*ine $a% lon $a% (ull 'earin s on or anism anal)sis tot$e nanometre s*ale. An a-era e *ell measure% appro7imatel) :9mi*rometres. A mi*rometre "as 1999 times lar er t$an a nanometre.An) %isease at t$e *ellular le-el s$oul% 'e more t$an eas) to (in% an%anal)ze.

2$ion (elt a *$ill. A'normal ri or mortis, its %issipation, an% t$e 'o%) it le(t t$at "as unmistaka'l) t$at o( an el%erl) man3"$at %i% it

all mean@ He %i%n/t kno". At present, amase/s lo" -oi*e spoke a ain.>T$e ma%am "as tol% t$at $e %ie% (rom an a**i%ent in t$e park,an% to "ait (or (urt$er noti*e until t$e) (i ure out $is *ause o( %eat$.2$e *ame $ere to%a) askin i( s$e *oul% at least see "$ere t$e a**i%ent$appene%.>

>A**i%ent@ 0ulls$it >> ou/re ri $t, it/s a loa% o( 'ull. T$em tellin $er it "as an a**i%ent

is a $u e lie,> amase replie%, an% s*rat*$e% $is ne*k -i orousl) in

B=




irritation.> amase san, "$) %oes t$e 0ureau $a-e to lie a'out it@ An% isn/t it

stran e t$at t$e) *an/t seem to (in% a *ause o( %eat$@>> ea$... t$is in*i%ent is (ull o( unans"ere% &uestions.>>#( t$e 0ureau *an/t e7plain it, *oul% it 'e a *ause o( %eat$ t$at/s

ne-er $a% an) pre-ious *ase@>>No pre-ious *ases@>>T$at man %ie% (rom somet$in t$at "as *ompletel) unkno"n up

until no", somet$in no one/s e7perien*e% 'e(ore 3 is t$at possi'le@>

>2$ion !$at are )ou...> amase traile% o((. His (a*e "as pale.2$ion (i ure% $is o"n (a*e must look t$e same.

> et/s $a-e some *o((ee, s$all "e@> amase su%%enl) stoo% up as i($e *oul%n/t 'ear t$e tense atmosp$ere an) lon er. 2$ion $astil) stoo%up a(ter $im.

>O$, let me3>>No, #/ll %o it. ou like lots o( milk in )ours, ri $t 2$ion@>

>T$anks.> 2$ion pause%. >2o3'ut an)one *oul% look at t$e 'o%)an% tell it "asn/t an a**i%ent, ri $t@>amase turne% to"ar% $im. His usual entle (a*e "as stran el)

*ontorte%.> amase san@>>2$ion, 'o%ies *an 'e mo%i(ie%.>>Hu$@>

>#3> amase stammere%. >0e(ore # starte% "orkin $ere, # use% to"ork at t$e uni*ipal Central Hospital. ) +o' "as to mo%i() %ea% 'o%ies.>

> o%i()3"$at %o )ou mean@>># "asn/t plannin to tell t$is to an)one, 'ut...> amase $esitate%.

>2$ion, $a-e )ou e-er seen a %ea% 'o%) 'e(ore@>>On*e, at a (uneral (or m) ran%(at$er on m) mot$er/s si%e. # sa"

$is 'o%) in a *o((in at t$e -ie"in .>

B




>Ho" "as it@>>Ho"...@ He looke% pea*e(ul. Don/t t$e) all look like t$at@>

> ou t$ink so@>>Are )ou sa)in t$e) %on/t@>

e%i*al te*$nolo ) $a% ma%e enormous pro ress not onl) in t$e(iel%s o( %isease treatment an% pre-ention, 'ut also in t$e remo-al o(pain. Te*$nolo ) o( t$e present %a) *oul% remo-e an)t$in , "$et$er it 'e (rom a**i%ent or illness, ran in an)"$ere (rom pain %urinsur er), to 'reat$in trou'le, se-ere pain an% seizures e7perien*e% in

t$e moments lea%in up to %eat$. People en%e% t$eir li-es (ree o(su((erin , an% all %ie% "it$ pea*e(ul e7pressions on t$eir (a*es. T$at"as "$at 2$ion $a% 'een tol%.

amase $an%e% $im a *up o( *o((ee. He lo"ere% $is aze an% 'ent$is ne*k to s*rat*$ it, as i( to a-oi% 2$ion/s aze.

>All t$is a'out (ront line me%i*al te*$nolo ) oes ri $t o-er m)$ea%,> amase sai% slo"l). >0ut all # kno" is t$at... no matter $o"

mu*$ te*$nolo ) %e-elops, it/s impossi'le (or e-er)one to %ie apea*e(ul %eat$. T$at mu*$ #/m sure o(.> amase/s (a*e *ontorte% e-enmore. T$e $an% "$i*$ $el% $is o"n mu trem'le% sli $tl).

># "orke% (or a lon time in t$e 'asement o( t$e Central Hospital.) +o' "as to mo%i() t$e 'o%ies t$at "ere 'rou $t t$ere.>

> amase san, so "$at/s t$is a'out mo%i()in 'o%ies@>>#t/s an eas) +o'. !$en t$e 'o%)/s 'een *on(irme% %ea% an%

'rou $t %o"n, # "oul% *oat its (a*e "it$ a spe*ial *$emi*al an% *o-erit "it$ t$is apparatus. An% t$en3>>T$en@>>T$en it "oul% smile. All o( t$em %i%. T$e) "oul% all look like

t$e) "ere $a-in some "on%er(ul %ream.>2$ion almost let out a *r). #t "as +ust as amase $a% sai%. He "as

nine )ears ol% "$en $e sa" $is %e*ease% ran%(at$er/s (a*e, an% $e

$a% 'een smilin .

BB




>#t/s almost like $e/s $a-in a "on%er(ul %ream,> $e remem'ere%$is mot$er "$isperin t$rou $ $er tears.

>O( *ourse,> amase *ontinue%, >t$e ma+orit) o( people t$at %ie%on/t nee% to 'e mo%i(ie%. T$e)/re all people t$at $a-e 'een a'le to etproper palliati-e *are, an% $a-e reall) %ie% a pea*e(ul %eat$. 0ut it/sstill onl) a ma+orit) 3 not t$e entire population. T$ere are a smallnum'er o( people, t$ou $, t$at %ie tra i*all), t$eir (a*es all sti((ene%up in pain.>

> or e7ample3@>

>Hu$@>>!$at kin% o( people %ie like t$at, amase san@>

amase e7$ale% s$ortl), an% %raine% t$e rest o( $is *o((ee. ># %on/tkno". ) +o' "as onl) to *oat t$e (a*es "it$ t$e *$emi*al an% *o-ert$em "it$ t$e apparatus. # %i%n/t kno" "$) t$ese people $a% to %ie"it$ su*$ su((erin an% sa%ness in t$eir (a*es, an% no one "oul% tellme.> He pause%. >0ut3 t$ere "as t$is one time, a mi%%le a e% man

"as 'rou $t in... # usuall) $a-e to "ipe t$e (a*e 'e(ore appl)in t$e*$emi*al, an% # noti*e% t$at t$e man $a% tear streaks on $is (a*e, an%3 an% # t$ou $t 3 ma)'e $e/% 'een *r)in ri $t up until $e %ie%. #"on%ere% i( $e/% 'een *r)in t$e "$ole time "$ile $e "as %)in . An%t$en # +ust $a% t$is t$ou $t t$at3 ma)'e t$is man $a% kille% $imsel(.>

>8ille% $imsel(@ A *itizen o( t$is *it)3@>> ou t$ink it/s impossi'le@> amase aske% (latl).

>O( all *auses o( %eat$ in t$e last ten )ears, sui*i%e $as onl) 'een9.9B . An% most $a-e 'een impulse *ases %ue to temporar) ps)*$osis,so t$e) te*$ni*all) %on/t e-en (all into t$at *riteria. A**or%in to t$e*it)/s statisti*s, an)"a).>

>A**or%in to "$at t$e *it) $as pu'lis$e% as statisti*s, )es,>amase rep$rase%.

Despair %i% not e7ist in No. 6. All *itizens lea% a se*ure an%

$ospita'le li(e. T$ere "as no star-ation, no "ar, no an uis$. Not e-en

B6




emori e― Cessation o( respirator) an% *ar%io-as*ular a*ti-it). De*rease in

'o%) temperature. Ri or mortis. Deat$ spots. Dissipation o( ri ormortis. Postmortem p$enomena t$at usuall) took %ozens o( $ours "astakin pla*e in a mere (i(teen, si7teen minutes. #t "as i( $e "as"at*$in a (ilm on (ast (or"ar%.

2$ion "at*$e% unmo-in , $is e)es "i%e open, 'itin $is lip in*on*entration. He *oul% pre%i*t "$at "as oin to $appen ne7t. He"as s"eatin . A "arm 'ea% o( perspiration sli% (rom $is temple %o"n

$is *$eek. #ts $eat reassure% $im t$at $e "as still ali-e.-i#ing people are warm. ou "ere ri $t, Nezumi. People are "arm

'e*ause t$e)/re ali-e. our )ears a o, )ou kne" t$is.A stain appeare% on amase/s ne*k. #t "as %ark reen, almost

'la*k. 2$ion 'it $is lip $ar%er. T$e taste o( 'loo% sprea% insi%e $ismout$. T$ere it "as, it "as startin 3"$at "as pre-iousl) unkno"n,"$at no one $a% e-er e7perien*e% 'e(ore. He leane% (or"ar%. T$e stain

mo-e%. T$e skin o-er t$at portion s"elle% sli $tl), an% stirre%.A 'uzzer "ent o((. 2ampo "as sen%in an #n%istin uis$a'le O'+e*tsi nal. O'li-ious to t$e *$an es t$at "ere $appenin in t$e o((i*e, itseeme% like 2ampo an% t$e rest "ere oin a'out t$eir *leanin %utiesas usual. 2$ion i nore% it. He $a% no attention to spare. All t$e ner-esin $is 'o%) "ere (o*use% on t$e stain. His e)es "ere lue% to it, an% $e*oul%n/t 'reak $is aze.

2$ion let out a mu((le% *r) o( $orror. He *lut*$e% $is *$est, an%(elt $is o"n $eart'eat t$u%%in a ainst $is palm. He +umpe% 'a*k. Aninse*t $a% eaten its "a) out (rom un%er t$e skin o( amase/s ne*k, an%"as "ri lin to et (ree. #t "as t$e same *olour as t$e stain it $a%*ome out o(. #t $a% t$in sil-er) "in s, si7 le s, antennae, an% a nee%lelike o-ipositor.

>A 'ee...>

A 'ee $a% +ust eaten its "a) out o( a $uman 'o%). Ho" *oul%

BI




t$at3T$e inse*t took (li $t. He (ollo"e% it "it$ $is aze, an% sa" t$e

e%i*al 0ureau/s am'ulan*e pull up in (ront o( t$e o((i*e. A su%%en%arkness -eile% $is e)es.

He "as (aintin (rom s$o*k.T$e 'la*k inse*t "as %artin aroun% in $is %arkenin -ision. 2$ion

roane%, an% *urle% up on t$e (loor.

2$ion a"oke to a 'lin%in li $t sta''in at $is e)es. He $ear% a

&uiet male -oi*e speak.>A"ake@>

i $t "as streamin t$rou $ t$e "in%o", an% t$e man $a% $is 'a*k to it. His (a*e "as t$ro"n in s$a%o". T$e s$a%o" spoke a ain.

>?et up. # $a-e somet$in to ask )ou.>#t "as a -oi*e $e/% $ear% 'e(ore. 2$ion *ame to, an% noti*e% $e

"as l)in on t$e o((i*e so(a. amase, "rappe% in a "$ite *lot$, "as

'ein *arrie% out o( t$e room. #t seeme% like $e $a% (ainte% (or onl) a(e" minutes.> amase san.>2$ion *alle% t$e name o( $is *ollea ue almost "it$out t$inkin .

amase/s smilin (a*e *rosse% $is min%. ra mente% memories 3 $o"$e lo-e% *o((ee, an% %rank se-eral *ups o( it a %a)J $is &uiet%emeanourJ $is $a'it o( s$eepis$l) lookin at $is (eet 3 all at on*e

'urst (ort$ in $is min%.T$e) "eren/t parti*ularl) *lose. To 2$ion, $e "as +ust a senior*ollea ue. He $a% ne-er *on(i%e% in amase, nor $a% t$e) e-er $a% a%eepl) personal *on-ersation. 0ut 2$ion $a% like% amase. amasene-er intru%e% un$ee%e% into an)one/s personal spa*e, 'ut t$at %i%n/tmean $e "as %isintereste%. He "as a oo% person. 0ut $e "as no more.

> amase san...> His e)es 'e an to stin . He "as tappe% li $tl) on

t$e s$oul%er.

69




> et/s et emotional later, s$all "e@> T$e man spoke lazil) an%"it$out emotion. 2$ion/s $eart +umpe% unpleasantl).

>Can )ou e7plain t$e situation to us@> T$is -oi*e, t$ese "or%s. He$a% $ear% t$em 'e(ore.

> ou/re...>>#t/s 'een a "$ile, $asn/t it. #t/s ni*e to see )ou still remem'er me.>#t "as Ras$i, t$e #nterro ations O((i*er (rom t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau.

He $a% t$e same entle ton ue an% unsmilin e)es as (our )ears 'e(ore.

> ou/ll tell us e-er)t$in )ou kno", "on/t )ou@>2$ion (oun% $imsel( no%%in automati*all). He *oul% (eel $is

min% 'e in to unra-el slo"l). His $ea% an% 'o%) (elt $ea-), an% $iso"n -oi*e soun%e% as i( it "as *omin (rom (ar a"a).

This is bad.A "arnin si nal soun%e% in a *orner o( $is min%. 0ut $e *oul%n/t

re ulate $imsel( as "ell as $e *oul% )ester%a). Ea*$ &uestion t$at Ras$i

aske% %ra e% "or%s (ort$ $elplessl) (rom $is mout$.>A 'ee@> Ras$i (urro"e% $is 'ro". He aze% aroun% t$e room, an%*o*ke% $is $ea% to one si%e in perple7it). T$ere "as no inse*t, 'ee orot$er"ise, to 'e (oun% in t$e room.

>#/m not 'u)in it.>>C$e*k amase san/s ne*k, t$ere s$oul% 'e a s*ar3> He s"allo"e%

$is "or%s. T$ere s$oul% 'e a s*ar. T$ere s$oul% $a-e 'een one, t$e

same, on t$e ne*k o( t$e man )ester%a). T$e 0ureau $a% in-esti ate%t$at 'o%) as an unnatural %eat$, t$ere "as no "a) t$e) *oul% $a-eo-erlooke% it. T$e) $a% noti*e%, 'ut $a% tol% $is 'erea-e% "i(e t$at it"as an a**i%ent. T$e) %i%n/t "ant t$e real *ause o( %eat$ to 'e kno"n3 t$at "as "$at it 'oile% %o"n to.

2$ion turne% $is $ea% to t$e si%e, as i( to a-oi% Ras$i/s aze. He$a% spoken too mu*$. He $a% %i-ul e% e-er)t$in $e kne", "$i*$

mi $t $a-e 'een somet$in t$at t$e 0ureau inten%e% ne-er to rea*$

61




outsi%e ears 3 *lassi(ie% in(ormation t$at t$e) "ere intent on *o-erinup. #( t$at "as t$e *ase3

> ou use% to spe*ialize in e*olo ), *orre*t@>># inten%e% to, 'ut # ne-er %i%. # $a-e not$in to %o "it$ it no".>>An% "ere )ou intereste% in t$e 'iolo ) o( inse*ts as "ell@>>E*olo ) en*ompasses e-er)t$in t$at $as to %o "it$ intera*tions

o( spe*ies "it$ t$eir en-ironment. #nse*ts "eren/t t$e onl) t$in # "asintereste% in.>

>A$, is t$at so@ An% spe*i(i*all), "$at %o )ou mean in terms o(

relations$ip 'et"een or anisms an% t$eir en-ironment@>>!ell3>2$ion *oul% (eel $imsel( 'reakin into a *ol% s"eat. A t$in smile

pla)e% on Ras$i/s lips "$ile $e spoke, $is "or%s li $t, $is tone*on-ersational. 0ut $is aze ne-er le(t 2$ion on*e. T"o o((i*ials o( t$e2e*urit) 0ureau *ame in. One o( t$em "$ispere% in Ras$i/s ear.

omentaril), Ras$i spoke.

># $ope )ou "on/t min% *omin %o"n to t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau (or a 'it.>>Hu$@>>#t/s not$in reall), "e +ust "ant to $ear more o( )our stor). #t/ll 'e

o-er in minutes. # promise "e "on/t take mu*$ o( )our time i( )ou*ome "it$ us.>

>#3>

A 'uzzer soun%e%. 2ampo "as sen%in an #n%istin uis$a'leO'+e*t error.>#/m sorr), # $a-e to operate t$e *leanin ro'ots...>>Put t$em a"a). #n an) *ase, )ou "on/t et mu*$ "ork %one

to%a).>2$ion i nore% $im. He minimize% t$e error %ispla), an% s"it*$e%

o-er to t$e *amera. A small re) mouse appeare% on t$e s*reen. #t "as

s*urr)in up an% %o"n 2ampo/s arm. #ts mout$ "as open "i%e, an% it

6:




"as mout$in somet$in in*essantl). 2$ion 'rou $t t$e earp$ones to$is ear an% turne% on t$e soun% sensor.

>2$ion.> Nezumi/s -oi*e (lo"e% t$rou $ to $im. >?et out o( t$ere.ou/re in trou'le.>

&hat!>?et out.>Cli*k. He $ear% a soun% 'e$in% $im. 2$ion turne%, an% (oun%

$imsel( starin %o"n a pair o( un 'arrels. He *oul%n/t %istin uis$"$at mo%el t$e) "ere. 0ut $e kne" t$at t$ese "ere no $i $ te*$ stun

uns, no, none o( t$at sort 3 t$e) "ere ol%er mo%els, $i $l) e((e*ti-ein t$e kill. 2port $untin $o'')ists like% to use t$ese kin%s o( uns.2$ion slo"l) (li*ke% 2ampo/s speaker s"it*$ on. No", Nezumi/s en%"oul% 'e a'le to $ear $is -oi*e.

>Are )ou (or*in me un%er arrest@>># uess )ou *oul% *all it somet$in like t$at. Re ar%less, )ou/re

*omin "it$ us.>

>Don/t )ou nee% a reason to arrest me@>>A reason@ None o( t$at. 0ut i( )ou insist... )our 'i*)*le, per$aps@>> ) 'ike@>> ou "ere usin a 'i*)*le "it$out spee% limiters. T$at/s a 'rea*$

o( t$e la", an% more t$an enou $ reason to put )ou un%er arrest.>>!$at3$o"3(or su*$ a ri%i*ulous reason, "it$out e-en oin

t$rou $ t$e proper pro*e%ures@ 4sin -iolen*e@ #s t$is $o" )ou arrest

a *itizen o( t$e *it)@ !$at $appens to m) ri $ts@>>A *itizen@ Ri $ts@> Ras$i sneere%. A -iolent *$ill ran %o"n2$ion/s spine.

> ou reall) t$ink )ou $a-e an) o( t$ose@>He *oul% $ear Nezumi *li*k $is ton ue. Tsk.>?uess # %i%n/t make it in time.>2$ion e7$ale%, an% 'e an s$uttin %o"n t$e operatin s)stem.

5ust 'e(ore it turne% o((, $e $ear% Nezumi/s s$ort messa e rin out

6=




*learl).>2$ion, %on/t pani*. #/m *omin to $elp )ou.>

He "as ri $t. Don/t pani*. Calm %o"n. 0e o( soun% min%. He $a%to 'u) more time. 2$ion relente%.

>Please %on/t use an) -iolen*e on me.>>!e "on/t, o( *ourse. As lon as )ou *o operate "it$ us.>>#t "oul%n/t 'e an) use to retaliate an)"a), "oul% it@>>#s it )our poli*) not to take useless a*tion@ T$ere/s a oo% la%, $e

kno"s "$at $e/s talkin a'out. #t/s a "aste, reall).>

>A "aste@ !$at is@>> or )ou.>># %on/t un%erstan% "$at )ou/re talkin a'out.>> ou/ll kno" in oo% time. ou/-e al"a)s 'een smart an% &ui*k to

un%erstan%, like )ou "ere (our )ears a o.>lanke% ') t"o 0ureau o((i*ials, 2$ion *lim'e% into t$e *ar. A'o-e

t$em "as an e7panse o( *lear, 'lue autumn sk). T$e sun "as 'ri $t.

T$e 'ir%s "ere *$irpin . A entle 'reeze 'le" past t$em. Times o(pea*e an% tran&uilit) t$e) "ere.

T$e *ar li%e% (or"ar%.>Ni*e "eat$er to%a),> *ommente% Ras$i (rom t$e passen er seat,

"it$out turnin aroun%. T$e o((i*ial sittin on 2$ion/s ri $t si%eno%%e% in response. >#t looks like "e/-e 'een $a-in more "armer

%a)s t$an usual latel).>Ras$i turne% to 2$ion an% smile%.>An% )oursel(@ Do )ou $a-e a *ar@>>No. # usuall) take m) 'ike or "alk.>>T$at/s a oo% t$in . oun people like )ou nee% to mo-e t$eir

'o%ies more. 0) t$e "a), "$at "e/re ri%in ri $t no" is a 'atter)operate% *ar. Guite *om(orta'le, %on/t )ou t$ink@>

>E7*ellent # "oul% t$ink, i( it "asn/t (or t$e situation #/m in ri $t

6




no",> 2$ion replie% sar*asti*all). #n means o( retaliation, it "as t$e 'est$e *oul% muster. Ras$i s$ru e% li $tl).

>As # "as sa)in , t$is *ar runs on (uel *ell 'atteries. An) i%ea $o"t$e) "ork@ !e aren/t too "ell -erse% on t$e s*ienti(i* si%e o( t$in s,#/m a(rai%.>

># %on/t kno" mu*$ eit$er.>>!$at sort o( t$in s %o )ou kno" a'out it@>>Not mu*$... # mean, # %on/t reall) $a-e a lot o( s*ienti(i*

kno"le% e.>

T$e o((i*ials on 'ot$ si%es o( $im mo-e% at on*e. He "as ra''e%(irml) ') t$e arms. Ras$i/s tone *$an e% to t$at o( an interro ator.

>T$en +ust tell us "$at )ou %o kno".>> ike # sai%, "$at # kno"3 it/s all +ust eneral kno"le% e.>>2u*$ as@>T$e *on-ersation "as s$ort, *lippe% an% -oi% o( (ri-olit), 'ut

2$ion (elt a sort o( stran lin $ea-iness a'out it. He (elt like someone

"as *$okin $im slo"l) "it$ a so(t, %amp pie*e o( *lot$. He (eltnauseous.>2o... t$rou $ ele*trol)sis, al*o$ol is separate% into o7) en an%

$)%ro en, an% ') (usin t$em to et$er a ain, ener ) is3>>Ener ) is "$at@>>!$ere are "e oin @> 2$ion aske% su%%enl). He rose, 'ut "as

)anke% 'a*k an% s$o-e% into $is seat.

>Aren/t "e oin to t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau@ T$is isn/t t$e "a).> T$e0ureau "as lo*ate% 'esi%e Cit) Hall. rom t$e Park A%ministrationO((i*e, one onl) $a% to *ut t$rou $ t$e park to et t$ere. 0) *ar, it "asa (e" minutes/ %istan*e. 0ut t$e s*ener) out t$e "in%o" s$o"e% $imt$e *ar "as $ea%in in t$e opposite %ire*tion.

>!$ere %o )ou t$ink "e/re oin @>>T$at/s "$at #/m askin )ou ri $t no",> sai% 2$ion testil).

> ou/re not entitle% to ask an) &uestions.>

6B




>!$at3$o" *oul% )ou3"$)3>>Ha-en/t # tol% )ou@ ou/re a top suspe*t in t$is *ase.>

>!$at *ase@>>T$e %eat$ t$at $appene% to%a), an% t$e ot$er one (rom )ester%a).

ou/re on suspi*ion o( mur%er.>2$ion $a% lost $is -oi*e. He *oul% $ear t$e rus$ o( 'loo% in $is

ears as it re*e%e% (rom $is (a*e.> ou/re a %an erous suspe*t. ou $a-e e7tensi-e kno"le% e an%

an intelli ent 'rain to put it to use. # *oul% tell +ust (rom our

*on-ersation. An% to top it o((, )ou/re %issatis(ie% "it$ )our situationan% (eel a stron resistan*e a ainst t$e Cit). 2uperior a'ilit) an%$ostilit) to"ar% t$e Cit). Take eit$er one, an% t$e) aren/t o( *on*ern ')t$emsel-es. 0ut )ou $a-e 'ot$. Dan erous, in%ee%.>

>T$ose are (alse a**usations.>> alse@ # 'e to %i((er.> Ras$i/s $an% e7ten%e% to a sil-er 'utton

'esi%e t$e steerin "$eel. 2$ion/s an% amase/s -oi*e 'e an to pla)

(rom t$e speakers.'*amase san, why does the Bureau ha#e to lie about it! And isn't itstrange that they can't seem to find a cause of death!'

'*eah... this incident is full of unanswered /uestions.'2$ion *lose% $is e)es. #t "as t$e *on-ersation t$e)/% $a% onl)

minutes a o. T$e) "ere 'ein tappe% t$e "$ole time. Ha% ami*rop$one 'een $i%%en in t$e *ontrol panel@ 0ut (or "$at purpose@

'*amase san, are you saying that the Bureau is manipulatinginformation!'')hion0'Ras$i presse% t$e 'utton li $tl) a ain. T$e -oi*es "ere *ut o((. or

a moment, a *ol% silen*e (ell in t$e *ar as i( t$e -er) air $a% (rozeno-er.

>Care to $ear a little more@>

>Please... stop... # *an/t 'elie-e t$is.>

66




>Can/t )ou@>># %i%n/t kill an)one,> sai% 2$ion (latl).

>2o )ou/re sa)in t$at t$is bee t$at )ou "ere talkin a'out is t$ereal mur%erer@>

> es.>>Preposterous. A rat$er *ontri-e% stor) (or someone o( )our

intelli en*e.>>!$at reason %o # $a-e to kill amase san@>>T$at/s "$at "e/re oin to (i ure out. ) uess is t$at )ou

"ante% to start a *ommotion.>>3Hu$@>>A *ommotion. ou "ante% to start a $u e one, enou $ to s$ake

t$e -er) roots o( t$e *it), an% 'ask in its lor). ou must $a-e re ar%e%)oursel( as some kin% o( enius (allen upon ill (ortune, $a-en/t )ou@ 2o)ou loat$e% t$e Cit) (or not (a-ourin )ou as )ou %eser-e%, an% (elt$atre% to"ar% its *itizens. ou 'elie-e% )ou %eser-e% more attention,

so )ou t$ou $t o( t$is met$o% o( mur%er, t$is unnatural %eat$, to takeso*iet) ') storm. ou $a% t$e me%i*al an% 'iolo i*al kno"le% e to %oit. #t "as -er) "ell possi'le t$at )ou use% some kin% o( spe*ial*$emi*al to *ommit mur%er.>

2$ion sank %eepl) into t$e *ar seat. All ener ) $a% le(t $is 'o%).He realize% it "as a trap. He $a% "alke% ri $t into its *unnin rasp.He li*ke% $is lips. T$e) "ere par*$e% an% %r).

># see,> $e sai% *ooll). >2o it/s all 'een s*ripte% alrea%). Rat$ercontri#ed stor) )oursel(, ma)'e e-en more t$an mine.>>!e/ll see $o" *ontri-e% it is on*e "e et t$rou $ &uestionin

)ou.> T$ere "as a metalli* *lan . T$e o((i*ial on 2$ion/s le(t $a%$an%*u((e% $im.

>T$ere/s a transmitter on t$ose, an% it lets us kno" "$ere )ou are.!$en "e et t$ere, )ou/ll et to take t$em o((.> Ras$i/s "or%s a-e

2$ion an i%ea o( "$ere $e "as oin . T$e !est 0lo*k. T$e Corre*tional

6<




a*ilit). #( $e "as un%er oin in-esti ation t$ere, $e "as sure to 'elo*ke% up ri $t a(ter"ar%s as a *on-i*t. #n e7*$an e (or remo-in $is

$an%*u((s, $e "oul% $a-e a V *$ip implante% into $im.―Ne umi, it's too late. I can't get away.He *lose% $is e)es, an% took a %eep 'reat$.>T$ere/s a oo% la%. 8eep &uiet.>2$ion remaine% slumpe%, an% 'it $is %r) 'ottom lip.I'm coming to help you. Nezumi/s -oi*e e*$oe% in $is ears. His $eart

re" *alm. His le s trem'le%, t$ou $ not (rom %espair or (ear, 'ut

ra e. Ra e at t$e people "$o $a% tri*ke% $im. Nezumi/s -oi*e kept t$atra e a(loat. T$e *ar entere% ost To"n.

― om.>Are )ou "orrie% a'out )our mot$er@>> ) mot$er3"$at3"$at/ll $appen to $er@>>Happen@ Not$in . 2$e "on/t 'e strippe% o( $er *itizens$ip +ust

'e*ause $er son is a *on-i*t.> Ras$i "$ispere% somet$in to t$e %ri-er.

T$e *ar -eere% to t$e ri $t. A (amiliar s*ener) o( t$e streets *ame into-ie". T$e *ar stoppe% silentl) at t$e *ur'.> ook.>Ras$i pointe%. 8aran "as in t$e mi%st o( $an%in a small irl a

"rappe% loa( o( 'rea%. 2$e sai% somet$in to $er, an% t$e irl no%%e%.0ot$ 8aran an% t$e irl "ere smilin . En-elope% in t$e am'er li $t o(autumn, t$e t"o looke% as i( t$e) "ere part o( a paintin , or a s*ene

(rom a %rama. 2$ion leane% (or"ar%.> our mot$er looks like a entle la%). ?et a oo% look at $er "$ile)ou *an.> Ras$i motione% "it$ $is *$in, an% t$e *ar 'e an to mo-e.> ou ma) ne-er see $er a ain.>

Ras$i *$u*kle% "it$ $is 'a*k to 2$ion.>#t/s not$in to 'e so trou'le% a'out. 2ure, at (irst )our mot$er "ill

'e s$o*ke%, an% s$e/ll (eel sa%. 0ut s$e/ll et o-er it. T$at/s $o" li(e is.

!ell, it/s not like an)t$in "oul% *ome o( )ou "orr)in a'out $er

6F




an)"a). 2oon )ou/ll (in% )ou/ll $a-e t$in s more serious to "orr)a'out.>

Ras$i/s "or%s sli*e% at 2$ion/s $eart. His 'reat$ *au $t in $ist$roat. T$e ra e an% re'ellion simmerin insi%e $im slo"l) 'e an to%issipate. He "oul% ne-er 'e a'le to return to $is $is normal li(e a ain.He $a% 'een separate% (rom it (ore-er. 2eein $is mot$er et*$e% t$e(eelin o( %espair %eeper into $im.

T$e) $a% *al*ulate% it all. T$e) %i%n/t stop t$e *ar near 2$ion/s$ouse out o( pit) (or $im. T$e) $a% %one it to %eal $im t$e (inal 'lo",

t$e 'lo" t$at kno*ke% $im %o"n an% tol% $im, i-e up, lose $ope,)ou/re ne-er oin 'a*k a ain. #t "as a *unnin an% *ruel tri*k to make$im lose t$e "ill to retaliate.

>#/m *omin to $elp )ou. #/m *omin to $elp )ou.>2$ion opene% $is mout$ an% repeate% t$e "or%s to $imsel(.I'm coming to help you. 5ust a s$ort senten*e. 0ut Nezumi/s -oi*e

$a% 'een stea%) "it$ *on(i%en*e.

&hat did he look like again! He "on%ere%, an% trie% to -isualizeNezumi/s (a*e. He *oul% onl) remem'er a pair o( li $t re) e)es.3 &ill I see you soon, Ne umi!>!$at/s t$at@> Ras$i turne% aroun%, an% (urro"e% $is 'ro".>Are )ou smilin @>>2milin @ O( *ourse not,> 2$ion replie%. ># %on/t $a-e t$e *oura e

to smile in t$is kin% o( situation.>

>#n t$is situation, $u$... )ou seem rat$er *alm a'out it. # $ope )ou%o un%erstan% e7a*tl) "$at kin% o( situation )ou/re in ri $t no".>>Almost too "ell.>>Aren/t )ou *alm an% *olle*te% in spite o( t$at.>>#/m a natural.>>A "$at@>>A natural,> 2$ion repeate%. >#/-e 'een tol% t$at ') someone on*e.

T$at #/m a natural at not ettin it.>

6I




Ras$i stare% at 2$ion in silen*e. T$e *ar "as e7itin ost To"n an%approa*$in t$e "estern 'or%er. #t "as 2$ion/s (irst time $ere, 'e*ause

re ular *itizens "ere not allo"e% to enter into t$is area. No. 6 "as a*ita%el3 a "all ma%e o( spe*ial allo) *ir*le% t$e *it) an% en*lose% it. #nmost parts i( t$e *it), t$e "all "as *amou(la e% "ell "it$ trees, 'ut int$e !est 0lo*k it stoo% 'are. T$e *ar ')passe% t$e A**ess ControlO((i*e.

>Aren/t )ou oin to enter t$e !est 0lo*k (rom $ere@>>T$ere are t"o ates. T$at one "as (or enterin an% e7itin t$e

*it). T$e ot$er one is espe*iall) (or enterin t$e Corre*tional a*ilit), itlea%s %ire*tl) into it. T$e Corre*tional a*ilit) is a spe*ial kin% o((a*ilit), e-en in t$e !est 0lo*k. !e keep it *ompletel) isolate% (rom all

eneral *itizens. # 'et )ou %i%n/t kno" t$at.>>No, # %i%n/t.>> ou/ll (in% out e-en more soon enou $.>T$e pat$ narro"e%. An in*reasin num'er o( trees 'lo*ke% t$e

sunli $t.>On*e "e/re t$rou $ t$e "oo%s, t$ere "ill 'e not$in 'ut"astelan%s. Past t$e ates it/ll 'e t$e same. #t/ll pro'a'l) 'e t$e lasttime )ou see an) reener), so # a%-ise )ou en ra-e it into )our memor)"ell.>

T$e *ar stoppe%.>!$at/s t$e matter@> Ras$i aske%.

>A$, it/s +ust...> T$e %ri-er pointe% to somet$in in (ront o( t$em. Asil-er *oloure% lump "as la)in a*ross t$e mi%%le o( t$e roa%. 2lo"l),it raise% itsel(.

>2ampo@> 2$ion s"allo"e%.>!$at/s t$is@ !$at/s a *leanin ro'ot %oin $ere@>> a)'e it $as or%ers to *lean t$e (orest area@>># $a-en/t $ear% an)t$in a'out it.>

2ampo "as s*oopin up (allen lea-es "it$ $is metal arms.

<9




>8eep an e)e on t$e suspe*t.> Ras$i or%ere% t$e o((i*ials, an% otout o( t$e *ar. He approa*$e% 2ampo. 2ampo s"a)e%, its arms

ra''in a$ol% o( Ras$i. Clin in to $im, it (ell (or"ar%.Ras$i a-e a s$ort *r), an% "as %ra e% ') 2ampo to t$e roun%

amon st t$e trees.>A$ > T$e %ri-er raise% $is o"n -oi*e in surprise, an% opene% t$e

%oor to lean (or"ar%. T$e ne7t moment, t"o small s$a%o"s %arte%into t$e *ar. T$e) "ere t"o re) mi*e. #n a (las$, t$e) ea*$ lat*$e% ontot$e t$roat o( a 0ureau o((i*ial.

>Don/t mo-e,> a lo" -oi*e *omman%e%. A person sli% into t$epassen er seat. A re) *lot$ *o-ere% $is $ea% an% "as "rappe%aroun% $is s$oul%ers. rom t$em, a 'ro"n mouse spran onto t$e 'aseo( t$e %ri-er/s ne*k.

>T$ese u)s $a-e small 'om's plante% in t$eir 'o%ies. Tr)an)t$in (unn), an% )ou *an *ount on )our $ea%s 'ein 'lo"n o((.>

T$e %ri-er "$impere% in terror.

>Take $is $an%*u((s o((. An% t$e t$ree o( )ou, et out o( t$e *ar.>No one mo-e%.>Gui*kl) > $e or%ere% s$arpl). >#/m impatient. Do )ou "ant me to

set t$em o((@> T$ere "as a metalli* soun% (rom t$e mi*e t$at "erelat*$e% onto ea*$ t$roat. Cli*k. Cli*k. Cli*k. T$e $an%*u((s (ell (rom2$ion/s "rists. T$e t$ree men tum'le% out o( t$e *ar, 'lee%in at t$ene*k.

>Nezumi >>?reetin s later.> Nezumi rippe% t$e steerin "$eel. T$e *arspun aroun% in a 4 turn, an% $urtle% %o"n t$e roa% at (ull spee%.

>Nezumi, are )ou reall) oin to make t$em e7plo%e@>>#%iot. ou t$ink # "oul% plant 'om's into m) (ait$(ul (rien%s@

T$at "as +ust to s*are t$em.>>!ere t$ose ro'ot mi*e@ T$e) looke% +ust like t$e real t$in . An%

"it$ 2ampo, $o" %i% )ou3>

<1




>2$ut up,> Nezumi ro"le%. He )anke% t$e *lot$ o(( $is $ea%, an%t$re" it to t$e 'a*kseat. >!rap t$at o-er )our $ea% an% sta) *urle%

up.>>#s t$is super(i're@ !$) %o # $a-e to "rap up in t$is@>>0e*ause #/m oin to *ras$ it.>>Cras$ "$at@>>T$e *ar.>>!$at @ !$)3>Nezumi/s (ist poun%e% t$e steerin "$eel.

>5ust s$ut up, alri $t@ #s askin &uestions all )ou/re oo% (or@>>0ut "e *an +ust es*ape "it$ t$e *ar.>># "as plannin to, 'ut3>>0ut "$at@>>#t "ent too "ell.> T$e) "ere approa*$in t$e "all t$at separate%

t$e !est 0lo*k (rom No. 6. T$e *ar s$o"e% no si ns o( slo"in %o"n.>#t s$oul%n/t $a-e 'een t$is eas) to res*ue )ou.>

>Reall)@>> ou/re naturall) %ense, )ou "oul%n/t kno". #t %oesn/t et an)more %an erous "$en somet$in /s one too "ell. T$at/s "$) "e/re

oin to %ump t$is t$in . !$en # tell )ou to, "rap up in t$at *lot$ an% +ump out o( t$e *ar. #/m onna *ras$ it.>

>Ho" a'out )ou@>>#/m use% to t$is kin% o( t$in . No nee% (or t$e %ense 'o) to "orr)

a'out me.>># *an/t +ust lea-e )ou >T$e "all "as loomin *loser.>?et out, open t$e %oor > Nezumi )elle%. Almost simultaneousl),

t$e tires s*reame% as t$e *ar s*ree*$e% to a $alt. 2$ion/s 'o%) (loate%up. T$e ne7t minute, $e "as 'ein slamme% 'a*k a ainst t$e seat. #( it"eren/t (or its s$o*k a'sor'in material, $e pro'a'l) "oul% $a-e

'roken a (e" 'ones.

<:




>Damnit > Nezumi ki*ke% t$e %oor $ar%. #t %i%n/t mo-e.>#s it t$e automati* 'rake s)stem@> 2$ion "in*e% at $is 'ruise%

s$oul%er as $e aske%.># %isa'le% t$at a lon time a o. # %isa'le% t$e alarm s)stem, t$e

*ollision sensor s)stem, e-er)t$in . T$is *ar/s 'ein *ontrolle%remotel),> Nezumi sai% an ril).

A *$u*kle resoun%e% t$rou $out t$e interior o( t$e *ar. #t "asRas$i/s -oi*e.

># "on/t $a-e )ou un%erestimate t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau. T$e *ar t$at

)ou 'o)s are ri%in is a*tuall) an es*ort *ruiser, t$ou $ )ou mi $t not$a-e noti*e%. #t/s not somet$in )ou *an *ontrol so easil).>

Nezumi s"ore.># %i%n/t kno" )ou $a% an a**ompli*e. T$at "as somet$in # %i%n/t

e7pe*t. #t "as &uite t$e spe*ta*le, -er) impressi-e. !$) %on/t "e $a-ea ni*e talk, an% # *an $ear all a'out it.>

T$e *ar *$an e% %ire*tions, an% 'e an to mo-e on its o"n.

>Rat$er &uiet, $mm@ Can )our (rien% not talk@ Or %oes talkinpose some kin% o( pro'lem@ A$, )our -oi*e sample must 'e in t$es)stem, "$i*$ means )ou $a-e a *riminal re*or%.>

># t$ink you're talkin a 'it too mu*$.> Nezumi/s $an%s mo-e%s"i(tl). >#/m sorr), 'ut # %on/t $a-e time (or pointless *on-ersations"it$ ol% men.> Nezumi mo-e% to t$e 'a*k seat an% pus$e% 2$ion%o"n. >Du*k an% et un%er t$e *lot$. Hol% on ti $t.>

>He) !$at are )ou %oin @> T$ere "as a note o( pani* in Ras$i/s-oi*e.>2ee )a, ol% man. 2a) oo%')e to )our $i $ te*$ es*ort *ruiser

too.>>!$at3>T$ere "as a 'last. A "a-e o( impa*t slamme% into t$em.>?et out > T$e s$ort *omman% 'urst at 2$ion/s ear. T$e %oor

opene%. A ust o( $ot air s"ept o-er t$em. +utside. I ha#e to get outside.

<=




2$ion s*re"e% $is e)es s$ut, an% leapt into t$e outsi%e "orl%. He $itt$e roun%, an% rolle%. 0e$in% $im, $e $ear% an enormous e7plosion.

T$e *ar "as on its si%e, its "$eels in t$e air spinnin $elplessl).>?oo% +o',> Nezumi "$istle%. > ou rolle% prett) "ell (or someone

"it$ su*$ a 'i $ea%. Not $urt, are )ou@>># s*rape% m) arm prett) 'a%l). ou@>># tol% )ou, #/m use% to t$is.>>!$at %i% )ou %o@>># %estro)e% t$e steerin s)stem.>

>Ho"@>>Es*ort *ruisers mi $t 'e %ura'le on t$e outsi%e, 'ut t$e)/re

%eli*ate on t$e insi%e. As lon as )ou set it in t$e ri $t pla*e, an) small 'om' "ill put it ri $t to sleep.>

> ou seem to kno" a lot a'out it.>> ike # sai%, #/m use% to t$is. Ri $t, no" to et out o( $ere. Can

)ou run@>

>O( *ourse.>T$e) emer e% (rom t$e "oo% to see se-eral 2e*urit) 0ureau *arsapproa*$in in t$e %istan*e. T$e area $a% pro'a'l) 'een put un%eremer en*) alert.

>T$ro" )our #D *ar% a"a),> Nezumi or%ere% &uietl). >Hurr) up,t$ere/s no time to "aste. T$at t$in is onl) oin to 'e a %an er to us.>

2$ion kne". His #D *ar% *arrie% all $is personal in(ormation, an%

it "as *onne*te% to an% store% in t$e *it)/s a%ministrati-e *omputers)stem. T$e *omputer *oul% instantl) pull up $is latest in(ormation, orpinpoint $is lo*ation (rom t$e "eak ra%io "a-es t$at $is *ar% emitte%.Carr)in $is #D *ar% "as like "a-in a lar e (la an% tellin e-er)one"$ere $e "as. #t "as a %an erous %e-i*e (or an)one "$o "as on t$erun, in $i%in , or aimin to o un%er roun%. Nezumi "as tellin $imto t$ro" it a"a). 0ut3 on*e let o, $e "oul% ne-er 'e a'le to et it

'a*k a ain. He "oul% 'e t$ro"in $is "$ole li(e in No. 6 a"a). A *ar%

<




"as nee%e% (or e-er)t$in (rom s$oppin , 'ill pa)ments, an%*ommuni*ation to enterin an% e7itin t$e "orkpla*e or s*$ool, an%

usin pu'li* transportation. T$ose "$o *oul%n/t pro-e t$eir *itizens$ipin t$e *it) "ere not allo"e% to li-e t$ere.

>T$ro" it a"a),> Nezumi repeate%, in t$e same lo" -oi*e.#( $e %i%n/t toss it, t$ere "as no *$an*e (or t$em to es*ape. 0ut i(

$e %i%, $e "oul% ne-er 'e a'le to return. T$e pair o( re) e)es "ere(i7e% on $im. T$e) "ere neit$er *lou%e% in pani*, nor lintin in*$allen e. T$e) "ere *alm, an% unrea%a'le. 2$ion let o o( $is #D *ar%.

A re) mouse appeare%, pi*ke% up t$e *ar% in its mout$ an%%isappeare% a ain into t$e un%er ro"t$.

>He/ll et ri% o( it (or us. T$at s$oul% keep t$e 0ureau 'us) (or a"$ile tr)in to (in% our lo*ation. Not mu*$ o( a %istra*tion, 'ut its$oul% 'u) us some time. et/s o.>

A 2e*urit) 0ureau *ar turne% ri $t an% %isappeare% into t$e (orest.#t $a% pi*ke% up t$e ra%io "a-es emitte% ') t$e #D *ar%. T$e) ran in

t$e opposite %ire*tion.>Hurr). On*e t$e 0ureau s"it*$es to t$eir satellite sur-eillan*es)stem, t$e)/ll 'e a'le to see e-er)t$in on lan%. !e $a-e to et a"a)"$ile t$e)/re still on t$e tail o( t$at #D *ar%.>

>!$ere@ Ho"3@>>!ell (or starters, "e/ll use t$at.> A small tru*k "as parke% up

a ainst a 'ee*$ tree. #t "as a Park A%ministration tru*k. A *leanin

ro'ot "as loa%e% on t$e 'a*k.>2ampo3 no, t$at/s #ppo.>> ea$. T$e) sai% t$e) "ante% to $elp )ou an% "oul%n/t listen, so #

'rou $t t$em alon . T$e) en%e% up 'ein prett) use(ul.>T$e tru*k 'e an to mo-e.>Nezumi, t$is area/s pro'a'l) un%er $i $ alert no". #( "e keep

$an in aroun% $ere "it$out a *ar%, t$e)/ll (in% us out.>

>!e $a-e a *ar%.>

<B




>!$ere@>>He $as it,> Nezumi +erke% $is *$in at #ppo.

>#ppo@ O$, ri $t.> Ro'ots "ere also re&uire% to 'e re istere% "it$t$e *it). Ro'ots like #ppo an% 2ampo, "$i*$ "ere use% ') *it)or anizations, "ere re istere% in %etail a**or%in to t$eir -arious uses,an% implante% "it$ a *$ip.

>His *$ip s$oul% et us t$rou $ t$e inspe*tion s)stem.>>0ut #ppo/s *$ip onl) s$o"s t$at $e/s a *leanin ro'ot. #( $e/s

(oun% roamin an area t$at $as not$in to %o "it$ it, t$e)/ll et

suspi*ious.>>!e/re roamin an area t$at $as e#erything to %o "it$ it.>>Hu$@>T$e) "ere approa*$in a pair o( sil-er ates. T$e moment t$e)

passe% t$rou $, t$e) "oul% 'e automati*all) s*anne%, an% i( t$e*ontents o( t$e *$ip %eeme% t$em un(it to pass, t$e ates "oul% *lose,an% t$e tru*k "oul% 'e (or*e% to a $alt.

T$e tru*k spe% t$rou $ t$e ates "it$out slo"in %o"n. T$e$azar% lamps at t$e ate remaine% unlit. 2$ion let out a 'reat$.Nezumi *$u*kle%.

>Don/t et "orke% up +ust )et. T$is is onl) t$e 'e innin .>>2orr), #/m not use% to t$is kin% o( t$in .>> ou/ll et use% to it in no time. T$en )ou *an sit 'a*k an% en+o)

t$e ri%e.>

>T$is isn/t reall) m) i%ea o( /en+o)a'le/,> 2$ion muttere%.>O$, reall)@ T$e look on )our (a*e sa)s )ou/re en+o)in t$is &uite a 'it.>

2$ion si $e% %eepl) a ain, an% aze% at Nezumi/s pro(ile.>A%mirin m) oo% looks@>>No, # +ust noti*e% )ou/-e otten taller.>>2o $a-e )ou. #t/s 'een (our )ears. Our (our )ears is a lon time.

?otta e7pe*t some *$an es. #t "oul% 'e unnatural not to $a-e *$an e%

<6




at all.>our )ears "as a lon time. or 2$ion, it "as lon an% tur'ulent.

0ut *ompare% to t$e %izz)in e-ents o( t$ese past (e" $ours, $e (eltlike t$e) "ere t$e most pea*e(ul %a)s o( $is li(e. A "eariness o-er*ame$is 'o%). Nezumi smirke%.

>2o $a-e )ou noti*e%@>>!$at@>>#/m taller t$an )ou.>> ies,> 2$ion o'+e*te%.

>#t/s t$e trut$. !$at $a-e )ou 'een eatin @ ou/re like a t"i . #%on/t kno" $o" )ou "oul% 'e a'le to et nake% in (ront o( )our lo-er"it$ a 'o%) like that.>

>T$at/s none o( )our 'usiness,> 2$ion replie% irrita'l). >Ha-e )oue-en seen me nake%@ Don/t o makin t$in s up.>

>!$at i( # sai% # $a-e@> T$e *lot$ "rappe% aroun% Nezumi/ss$oul%ers s$ook as $e *ontinue% to lau $. 2$ion $a% treate% a "oun%

on t$at same s$oul%er (our )ears 'e(ore. T$ose s$oul%ers "ere no" 'roa%er an% more mus*le%. His on*e lon $air "as s$orter, +ust*o-erin $is ears, an% $is +a"line an% ne*k "ere still slen%er, 'ut notpiti(ull) t$in. He *arrie% no remnant o( t$e "eakness t$at stirre%2$ion/s prote*ti-e instin*t (our )ears a o.

>Nezumi, $a-e )ou 'een keepin "at*$ on me@>>!$at/re )ou talkin a'out@> sai% Nezumi inno*entl).

>Don/t pla) %um'. ou appeare% ri $t t$ere as i( )ou kne" t$is"as oin to $appen to me. !$at/s oin on@ !ere )ou keepin meun%er sur-eillan*e@>

>No", %on/t t$ink too $i $l) o( )oursel(. # %on/t $a-e t$at kin% o(time on m) $an%s.>

>T$en e7plain "$).>> ou/re al"a)s like t$at, aren/t )ou,> Nezumi sai%. > ou *an/t take

an) a*tion unless )ou un%erstan% e-er)t$in in )our $ea%. ou nee%

<<




an e7planation an% interpretation (or e-er)t$in .>>!$at %o )ou kno"@> 2$ion replie% an ril). >Don/t a*t like )ou

kno" e-er)t$in a'out me. # nee% to (in% out "$) t$is $appene%3"$at/s oin to $appen. # *an/t mo-e in t$is *on(use% state.>

T$e tru*k *ame to a $alt. 2$ion "as ra''e% ') t$e *ollar an%s$aken -iolentl).

> ou/re oin to mo-e,> Nezumi $isse%. >Don/t e-er let me $ear)ou "$inin a'out not 'ein a'le to mo-e a ain. T$ose u)s %on/t seeus as $uman 'ein s. T$e) *an et ri% o( us as easil) as *rus$in an ant

un%er t$eir (eet. ou remem'er t$at.>2$ion *au $t $is 'reat$, an% stare% into Nezumi/s (a*e. His "or%s

*li*ke% into pla*e like puzzle pie*es.1ights! *ou really think you ha#e any of those! T$e 2e*urit) 0ureau/s

#n-esti ations O((i*er Ras$i $a% sai% t$ose "or%s, not mo-in amus*le on $is (a*e. !$at $e $a% sai% in meanin "as t$at $e *oul%%ispose o( 2$ion as easil) as steppin on an ant. !ipe $im o(( t$e (a*e

o( t$e eart$.>?et out.> Nezumi opene% t$e %oor. >!e/re "alkin (rom $ere.>T$e -a*ate% tru*k ma%e a 4 turn an% slo"l) *oaste% alon t$e

"a) t$at t$e) $a% *ome. #t $a% s"it*$e% to auto pilot an% "asreturnin to t$e Park A%ministration O((i*e. On its loa%in %e*k sat#ppo, an% (or a moment, it looke% like its $ea% "as 'o"e% in %e+e*tion.

T$e) "ere stan%in insi%e "$at %ou'le% as a "aste %isposal plant

an% Re(use %eri-e% uel KRD L (a*tor). Here, all t$e ar'a e at$ere%(rom t$e *it) "ere sorte% into t$ose to 'e turne% into RD , t$ose to 'e(or"ar%e% to ot$er re*)*lin (a*ilities, an% t$ose to 'e %is*ar%e% as"aste. F9 o( No. 6/s ener ) suppl) *ame (rom solar po"er. #nC$ronos, e-er) $ouse "as e&uippe% "it$ solar panels an% its o"nt$ermal stora e s)stem. #n ost To"n, $o"e-er, it "as more *ommonto use t$e *$eaper RD s. RD s "ere 'lo*ks o( soli% (uel, a'out t$e size

o( an a%ult t$um'. On*e 'urne%, t$e) emitte% a (aint o%our, "$i*$

<F




'lankete% t$e to"n.># see. #t "oul% 'e no pro'lem ettin into a "aste %isposal plant

"it$ a *leanin ro'ot/s *$ip.> #( it $a% 'een a nursin ro'ot or petro'ot, t$e) "oul% not $a-e 'een a'le to pass.

>Nezumi, "as t$is all part o( )our plan "$en )ou 'rou $t #ppoan% t$em alon @>

> ore &uestions@> Nezumi/s s$oul%ers $un*$e% sli $tl) ine7asperation, $is 'a*k to 2$ion, "$o traile% 'e$in%. 2$ion noti*e% t$att$ere "as no" a re) mouse sittin on Nezumi/s s$oul%er.

>#( # $a% t$em "it$ me, # "oul%n/t look suspi*ious %ri-in aroun%t$e *it). T$e inspe*tion s)stem "oul%n/t *at*$ me as lon as # "as$ea%in "est in t$e %ire*tion o( t$e "aste %isposal plant. T$e) "ereprett) use(ul, #/ll sa). T$e transport tru*k "as kin% o( slo", "$i*$pisse% me o((. 0ut t$ose ol% u)s took a %etour to )our $ouse, ri $t@T$at 'ou $t me a little time. 0ut...>

>0ut@>

>0ut # "oul% $a-e "ante% to et a"a) on t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau *ar,>Nezumi si $e%. >!ell, t$at +ust s$o"s )ou *an/t et e-er)t$in )ou"ant. !at*$ it, t$in s are onna et a little rou $ (rom $ere.>

>Hu$@>T$ere "as an e7plosion. 2$ion turne% to see a *lou% o( "$ite

smoke. Nezumi (urro"e% $is 'ro".>T$e tru*k ot %estro)e% at t$e ate.>

>!$i*$ means #ppo/s *$ip "as rea% an%3>> ea$. T$e) must $a-e sent out a %estru*tion or%er to all t$e ates.#t/s 'e*ause "e le(t t$at ot$er ro'ot 'e$in%. T$e) (i ure% us out.>

3 )o Ippo and )ampo are both gone.2$ion "as su%%enl) ra''e% ') t$e "rist.>T$e)/ll (in% out soon t$at "e/re in $ere. !e/re onna make a run

(or it. Hurr).>

His rip "as so stron t$at 2$ion/s (in ers 'e an to o num'.

<I




>Nezumi, it $urts.>>2$ut up. 8eep *lose to me.>

># et it, let o. ou/re onna 'reak m) "rist.>He $ear% Nezumi tsk in (rustration.>T$at/s t$e pro'lem "it$ %eli*ate little 'o)s like )ou.>>#/m not a %eli*ate little 'o),> 2$ion sai% in%i nantl). >#/m %i((erent

(rom (our )ears a o.>>Are )ou@ ou kno", )ou *an 'e reall) irritatin sometimes. ou

mi $t et kille% at an) time, )ou un%erstan% t$at ri $t@>

> ea$.>> ies.>>#/m not l)in .>Nezumi/s tone re" $ars$.>T$en "$at "as t$at (a*e 'a*k t$ere, $u$@ #s t$is t$e time to 'e

(eelin sorr) (or t$ose ro'ots@ ou %on/t un%erstan% an)t$in . ou/re +ust an o'li-ious little 'o).> Nezumi/s (in ers %u in $ar%er. T$e rip

on $is "rist ti $tene% pain(ull). 2$ion ritte% $is teet$ an% 'ore itsilentl). He *oul%n/t stan% to let $imsel( "$imper piti(ull) a(ter all t$atNezumi $a% sai%.

Nezumi/s (in ers "it$%re" (rom $is "rist.>8eep up "it$ me i( )ou %on/t "anna %ie. 2ta) *lose, no matter

"$at.> Nezumi 'roke into a run. T$e "aste %isposal plant "as%eserte%. T$ere "ere sur-eillan*e *ameras s*attere% t$rou $out, 'ut

most "ere ol%er mo%els an% %i%n/t seem to 'e %oin t$eir +o' -er)"ell. 2$ion uesse% t$at t$e) pro'a'l) %i%n/t nee% t$em 'e*ause noone "oul% t$ink o( sneakin into t$e "aste %isposal plant in t$e (irstpla*e. Ne-ert$eless, Nezumi *om'e% t$e pat$ *autiousl) as $esear*$e% (or a route t$at kept t$em out o( -ie" o( t$e *ameras.

An enormous (unnel s$ape% %isposal ma*$ine "as i-in o(( astea%) $um. !aste t$at *oul% neit$er 'e re*)*le% nor use% as (uel "ere

turne% into %r) *$ips $ere to 'e sent to t$e in*inerator. !aste"ater

F9




%rippe% (rom t$e spout o( t$e ma*$ine into t$e pool 'elo". T$e "ater(lo"e% slo"l) to"ar% t$e (iltration (a*ilities outsi%e. #t "as murk), like

a ri-er a(ter a 'out o( $ea-) rain. 0ut in t$is ri-er t$ere "ere no li-int$in s. As t$e) %es*en%e% t$e stairs an% %re" *loser to t$e "ater, ana*ri% smell assaulte% 2$ion/s nostrils. T$e (loor 'eneat$ t$eir (eet "as*oate% "it$ slime, an% t$reatene% to trip $im up an) time. Nezumistoppe%, an% tosse% somet$in at 2$ion.

>?o les@>> up. T$e) $a-e in(rare% sensors, so )ou s$oul% 'e a'le to see

e-en in t$is "ater.>>#n $ere@>Nezumi pointe% at t$e se"a e. >Happen to like s*u'a %i-in @>>2o "e/re %i-in in $ere, $u$....>>T$at "e are.>2$ion took a %eep 'reat$. T$e o%our (ille% $is lun s. !it$out

anot$er "or%, $e put on t$e o les.

>!o", )ou/re pi*kin up &ui*kl),> Nezumi remarke% in mil%amusement. ># t$ou $t )ou/% "$ine an% stamp )our (eet.>># %on/t "anna %ie,> sai% 2$ion (irml). >#/m not oin to 'e steppe%

on like some ant. #/ll %o an)t$in i( it/ll sa-e me, an% t$at in*lu%es%i-in into "aste"ater too.>

Nezumi turne% to 2$ion an% a-e a sli $t smile.>T$en (ollo" me.>

>O( *ourse.>T$e lo" $um o( t$e ma*$ine stoppe%. T$e *eilin li $ts lit up aton*e. T$e soun% o( (ootsteps *oul% 'e $ear% a'o-e t$em.

>T$e)/re *omin .> Nezumi e7ten%e% a $an% to t$e ri-er o( se"a e.A mouse s*urrie% %o"n it an% leapt into t$e "ater.

>He/ll 'e our na-i ator. Tr) not to splas$. ?et into t$e "aterslo"l).>

2$ion %i% as $e "as tol%. He su*ke% in a %eep 'reat$ 'e(ore oin

F1




in. 5ust 'e(ore $e $it t$e "ater, an ima e o( $is mot$er/s (a*e *rosse%$is min%.

F:




CHAPTER

O( at$omless Terror

T$e (lo" o( se"a e "as (aster an% %eeper t$an "$at 2$ion $a%e7pe*te%. #n%is*erni'le o'+e*ts (loate% past $is (a*e. On*e in a "$ile,somet$in "oul% *lin to $is o les an% 'lo*k $is -ision. He *oul%smell an o%our unlike an)t$in $e $a% smelle% 'e(ore. Ami%st t$eo-erar*$in smell o( rot "as a mi7 o( si*kl) s"eet s*ents an% $ars$

o%ours t$at stun t$e nose. #n t$is 'ro"nis$ murk, $e *oul% 'arel)(ollo" Nezumi, "$o s"am in (ront o( $im. An% more t$an an)t$in , it"as $ar% to 'reat$e. His $eart t$u%%e%, an% $is *$est straine%pain(ull).

Nezumi %ri(te% to t$e si%e, an% pointe% at a $an%le t$at "asatta*$e% to t$e "all. 2$ion rea*$e% out an% ra''e% it. To et$er, t$e)turne% it an% pulle% as $ar% as t$e) *oul%. A roun% openin appeare%.

He *oul%n/t 'reat$e. He "as at $is limit. His *ons*iousness "as(a%in a"a). T$e ne7t instant, $e "as su*ke% into t$e $ole. He "aspulle% alon , pus$e% up, an% t$ro"n out on %r) lan%. His 'o%) "asslamme% as$ore, an% $e *oul% (eel t$e s$o*k (rom it tin le to $is toes.0ut $e no lon er (elt like $e $a% a "et *lot$ o-er $is (a*e. He *oul% 'reat$e. He (elt a momentar) relie(, an% t$en "as o-er*ome "it$ a (ito( *ou $in . He (elt nauseous, an% t$e insi%e o( $is mout$ (elt sti*k).

2$ion )anke% o(( $is o les an% *lose% $is e)es. or se-eral moments,$e *oul%n/t mo-e.

>#t/s a little earl) (or 'e% time,> Nezumi &uippe%, 'ut $is 'reat$in"as la'oure% as "ell. 2$ion opene% $is e)es, an% sa" a 'are *on*retesur(a*e.

>!$ere are "e@>>#n t$e se"a e pipes. Arti(a*ts o( t$e :9 t$ *entur). a)'e not

arti(a*ts, sin*e t$e)/re still 'ein use%.> Nezumi s$ook $is $ea%

F=




-i orousl) (rom si%e to si%e. !ater %roplets (le" (rom $is $air. >!$ent$e amount o( se"a e oes o-er *apa*it), t$e) open t$at %oor 'a*k

t$ere to (lus$ it %o"n t$ese pipes.>>T$e) (lus$ se"a e %o"n $ere@ !it$out (ilterin it@>> up. our 'elo-e% Cit) ten%s to %o t$at sometimes.>>!$ere %oes it o@>>T$e !est 0lo*k.>>2o t$e) (lus$ %irt) "ater3 $o" *oul% t$e)...> 2$ion "as at a loss

(or "or%s. Nezumi stoo% up.

>T$e !est 0lo*k isn/t part o( t$e *it) to $im. #t/s in t$e mar ins. Hepro'a'l) onl) sees t$is pla*e as some kin% o( ar'a e %ump.>

>He@>Nezumi "as stan%in still, starin un'linkin l) 'e(ore $im. At t$e

en% o( $is aze "as t$e se"a e outlet t$at t$e) $a% +ust 'een "as$e%out o(. 2e"a e still tri*kle% in t$in streams a*ross t$e *on*rete.

> et/s o.> Nezumi 'ent %o"n to s*oop up t$e mouse s*urr)in

a'out $is (eet, an% turne% $is 'a*k to 2$ion. 2$ion stoo% up $astil). Hestill (elt nauseous, 'ut $e $a% some stren t$ le(t in $is le s to stan%. Istill ha#e enough strength. It'll last me. I'll be alright. 2$ion mentall)en*oura e% $imsel(. On Nezumi/s s$oul%er, t$e mouse t$at $a% 'eent$eir na-i ator *$eepe% amia'l).

>A$ > 2$ion 'rou $t a $an% to $is ne*k. He (elt somet$in (aintl)o%%. On t$e 'ase o( $is ne*k, t$ere "as a small part t$at (elt num'.

2$ion (elt t$e area "it$ $is (in ers. T$ere "as a pea size% 'listerro"in , an% it "as it*$). He s*rat*$e% it li $tl). A *$ill "in% 'le"t$rou $ t$e *entre o( $is 'o%). 2$ion *oul% (eel $is $eart *ontra*t.

T$is esture 3 s*rat*$in t$e ne*k 3 $e $a% seen someone %o t$is 'e(ore.

> amase san.> amase/s ima e (loate% up *learl) in 2$ion/s min%,pourin *o((ee, makin *on-ersation, al"a)s s*rat*$in $is ne*k

t$rou $out. >Don/t tell me3>

F




Nezumi turne% aroun%.>!$at/s "ron @>

>No, not$in .>> ou 'etter not 'e "$inin t$at )ou *an/t "alk an)more.>>On t$e *ontrar),> sai% 2$ion, ># *oul% %o "it$ a little more

e7er*ise. !ant me to pi ) 'a*k )ou "$ile #/m at it@>>Ni*e o( )ou to o((er, 'ut no t$anks.>T$e mouse on $is s$oul%er "as *$irrupin . 2$ion "alke% (aster to

*at*$ up "it$ Nezumi.

He "as t$inkin too mu*$. #t "as +ust a 'lister. T$e s*rape on $isarm an% $is 'ruise% 'o%) "ere mu*$ "orse t$an t$is. #t "as a 'lister,(or oo%ness sake. 5ust a 'lister....

>!$) t$e serious (a*e@ issin )our mama@>> ) mot$er...> 2$ion murmure%. >Nezumi, %o )ou t$ink #/% 'e

a'le to et in tou*$ "it$ $er@>> or et a'out it.>

>Ho" are )ou so sure@>> ou kno" "ell enou $. Ri $t no", )our $ouse is pro'a'l) 'einsear*$e% top to 'ottom ') t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau, %o"n to t$e *ontents o()our ar'a e *an. 4nless )ou $a-e telepat$i* po"ers, t$ere/s no "a))ou *an et in tou*$ "it$ $er.>

># uess )ou/re ri $t.>3 I'm sorry, mom. He *oul% onl) apolo ize. ―I'm safe. I'm ali#e. )o

please― He %i%n/t "ant $er to %espair. He %i%n/t "ant $er to rie-e.>0ulls$it,> Nezumi spat.>!$at is@>> ou. ou/re (ull o( it.>#t "as t$e (irst time 2$ion $a% 'een insulte% to $is (a*e.>!$at %o )ou mean@>>!$at #/m sa)in is t$at )ou/re (ull o( 'ulls$it (or *arr)in t$is

'a a e, t$is *rap, like it/s t$e most pre*ious t$in in t$e "orl%.>

FB




Nezumi narro"e% $is e)es an% (i7e% 2$ion "it$ a $ar% aze. His e)es"ere pier*in , an% (ille% "it$ an emotion almost leanin to"ar%

animosit).2$ion opene% $is mout$ to &uestion $im (urt$er, 'ut Nezumi $a%

su%%enl) 'e un to s*ale t$e "all. 4pon a more *are(ul look, 2$ion*oul% see t$at t$ere "as a ruste% metal la%%er (i7e% to t$e "all. !$en$e emer e% at t$e top, $e "as reete% "it$ an e-enin sk). He "asa'o-e roun% a ain. T$e sk) "as painte% -i-i%l) in t$e *olours o( t$esunset, an% a *$ill) air settle% upon $im.

T$e pla*e looke% like an entran*e to t$e !est 0lo*k. #n t$e%istan*e, t$e outer "alls o( No. 6 littere% as it re(le*te% t$e settin sun.0e*ause o( t$e !est 0lo*k/s lo"er ele-ation, No. 6 loome% e-en lar er 'e(ore t$em. #t "as 'reat$takin to see t$e spra"lin *it) en*ir*le% ')s$inin "alls. 2$ion e-en t$ou $t t$ere "as a sort o( o%l) air a'out it.

Nezumi 'e an to "alk in t$e opposite %ire*tion. T$e) emer e%(rom a sparse "oo% an% soon *ame upon t$e ruins o( a $ouse. T$ere

"as smoke risin out o( it, an% -oi*es *oul% 'e $ear% insi%e.>Are t$ere people li-in in t$ere@>> ots o( t$em,> Nezumi replie%.Past t$e ruine% $ouse "ere a ro" o( se-eral 'arra*ks.>T$is "a).> 2$ion "as %ra e% ') t$e arm to anot$er ruins o( a

'uil%in . T$is one looke% like it $a% 'een a "are$ouse 'e(ore. T$e 'uil%in $a% 'een &uite spa*ious, 'ut $al( o( it $a% *rum'le% a"a)

into ru''le.>!e/re oin un%er roun% a ain.> Nezumi presse% a se*tion o( t$e"all, an% it soun%lessl) mo-e% asi%e to let t$em t$rou $. 0e)on%,t$ere "as a (li $t o( stairs ma%e o( 'are *on*rete like t$ose in t$ese"a e tunnels. T$e mouse 'oun%e% %o"n t$e stairs. At t$e (oot o(t$em "as a %oor. #nsi%e, it "as pit*$ 'la*k. T$ere "as a *li*k, an% t$eroom "as 'at$e% in %im li $t.

2$ion *au $t $is 'reat$ an% "as roote% to t$e spot.

F6




T$ere "ere moun%s an% moun%s o( 'ooks, pile% pre*ariousl)$i $. ost o( t$e room "as 'urie% in t$em.

>Are t$ese all... 'ooks@>>Do t$e) look like (oo% to )ou@>>#/-e ne-er seen t$is man).>> et me uess, )ou/-e onl) rea% o(( ele*troni* paper 'e(ore.>> ea$, "ell, not reall), 'ut... 'ut "o", t$is is amazin .>>An% to take anot$er uess, )ou/-e pro'a'l) ne-er rea% oliMre,

Ra*ine or 2$akespeare 'e(ore. An% )ou pro'a'l) %on/t kno" an)t$in

a'out C$inese *lassi*s or m)t$s o( t$e Azte*s.>># %on/t.> 2$ion %i%n/t ar ue ot$er"ise. He "as too o-er"$elme%.>T$en "$at %o )ou kno"@> Nezumi aske%, runnin a $an%

t$rou $ $is "et $air.>Hu$@>>!$at $a-e )ou stu%ie% up until no"@ 2)stemati* kno"le% e,

(ront line te*$nolo ), $o" to %e*o%e spe*ialize% s*$olarl) papers, an%

"$at else@>>A lot else,> 2$ion replie% in%i nantl).> ike "$at@>>Ho" to 'ake 'rea%, $o" to make *o((ee, park maintenan*e an%

*leanin ... not to mention, no" # kno" $o" to s*u'a %i-e in se"a e.>> ou (or ot /$o" to re+e*t someone "$en s$e asks )ou to $a-e se7

an% )ou/-e onl) e-er t$ou $t o( $er as a (rien%/. ou %i%n/t %o a reat

+o' at it, t$ou $.>2$ion raise% $is *$in %e(iantl) an% lare% at t$e pair o( re) e)es.>#( )ou $a-e time to 'e makin (un o( me, "ill )ou let me "as$

up@>>#/m (irst.> Nezumi pulle% a to"el (rom in 'et"een some 'ooks,

an% tosse% it at 2$ion. >Don/t 'e ma%,> $e sai%. >!$at # a*tuall) meantis t$at )ou/-e *ome prett) (ar sin*e (our )ears a o. ou/-e learne% a lot

more use(ul t$in s ot$er t$an $o" to make *o*oa.>

F<




>#/m $um'le% ') )our kin% *ompliments.>>He), reall), %on/t 'e ma%.>

Nezumi %isappeare% into t$e pile o( 'ooks. omentaril), 2$ion*oul% $ear t$e mu((le% soun%s o( a s$o"er. He took a oo% lookaroun% t$e room. T$ere "ere 'ooks$el-es on e-er) si%e, an% t$e) "ere(ille% to 'urstin "it$ 'ooks. T$e) %i%n/t look like t$e) "ere sorte% inan) or%er, an% 'ooks o( all sizes "ere s$o-e% $ap$azar%l) into openspa*es on t$e s$el-es. 2$ion (elt (rom t$em t$e same kin% o( $ustle an% 'ustle t$at $e "oul% (rom a *ro"%e% train station. T$e (a%e% *arpet

looke% like it $a% on*e 'een some s$a%e o( reen, an% it "as also*o-ere% in piles o( 'ooks. Nestle% amon st t$em "as a 'e%. T$ere "ereno "in%o"s. T$ere "as no kit*$en, an% no si ns o( ot$er (urniture.

%heep cheep.A mouse s&ueake% at $im (rom atop a 'ook. 2$ion took t$e 'ook

in $is $an%s, an% (lippe% open to a pa e. He smelle% t$e (aint s*ent o(paper. He remem'ere%, lon a o, $e $a% smelle% t$e same t$in . He

"as sittin on top o( somet$in so(t an% "arm3 $is memor) "a-ere%.He *oul%n/t remem'er it "ell. T$e mouse s*urrie% up to $is s$oul%er.#t t"it*$e% its "$iskers, an% *$irrupe% persistentl).

> ou "ant me to rea% t$is@>%heep cheep.T$ere "as a 'ookmark in t$e mi%%le o( t$e 'ook. 2$ion turne% to

it, an% 'e an to rea% alou%.

>Here/s t$e smell o( t$e 'loo%, still. All t$e per(umes o( Ara'ia "illnot s"eeten t$is little $an%. O$, o$, o$3!$at a si $ is t$ere. T$e $eart is sorel) *$ar e%.3# "oul% not $a-e su*$ a $eart in m) 'osom (or t$e %i nit) o( t$e

"$ole 'o%).>Anot$er small mouse $a% appeare% at 2$ion/s (eet. #t $a%

*$armin rape *oloure% e)es. T$e 'ro"n mouse t$at $a% 'een sittin

on t$e 'ook no%%e% its $ea% -i orousl) as i( to ur e $im on.

FF




>To 'e%, to 'e%, T$ere/s kno*kin at t$e ate. Come, *ome, *ome,*ome, i-e me )our $an%. !$at/s %one *annot 'e un%one. 3 To 'e%, to

'e%, to 'e% >2$ion (elt a presen*e 'e$in% $im, an% turne% aroun%. Nezumi

stoo% "it$ a to"el $an in aroun% $is ne*k. He a-e a %eep 'o".>To t$e s$o"ers, i( it so pleases )our a+est). our *$an e o(

a%ornments a"aits )ou $ere.>>Nezumi, t$is 'ook3>>#t/s 2$akespeare. acbeth. E-er $ear% o( it@>

>Onl) t$e title.>># (i ure% as mu*$.>>Are all t$ese 'ooks *lassi*s@>>Na), )our a+est). !e also $a-e intro%u*tor) 'ooks to e*olo ),

an% s*ienti(i* +ournals to please )our (an*).>>Are t$ese all )our 'ooks@>>#s it interro ation time a ain@> Nezumi sai% e7asperate%l). >Run

alon an% take a s$o"er, an% t$en #/ll i-e )ou somet$in to eat.> Heen%e% a'ruptl), an% o'stinatel) turne% $is $ea% asi%e.

T$e s$o"er "as ol%, an% it "as %i((i*ult to *ontrol t$etemperature. T$e (lo" "as pun*tuate% "it$ 'ursts o( (ri i% "ater, 'ut(or 2$ion it still (elt ni*e. #t $a% 'een a lon time sin*e $e en+o)e% as$o"er t$is mu*$. T$e it*$ on $is ne*k $a% mira*ulousl) %isappeare%

as "ell.3 I'm ali#e. I'#e been sa#ed.2$ion t$ou $t to $imsel( as $e let t$e $ot "ater run o-er $is 'o%).

He %i%n/t kno" a'out tomorro". 0ut $e "as ali-e ri $t no", an% "as"ell enou $ to take t$is s$o"er.

―I didn't thank him yet.He $a% 'een res*ue%, an% Nezumi $a% riske% $is li(e to sa-e $im.

0ut not a sin le "or% o( ratitu%e $a% es*ape% $is lips so (ar.

FI




Realization set in. 2oon a(ter e7itin t$e 'at$room, one o( t$e mi*e*ame s*amperin up to $im a ain.

>He/s taken a $u e likin to )our rea%in .> Nezumi "as stirrinsomet$in in a pot o-er t$e kerosene $eater. T$ere "as steam risin(rom it, an% it a-e t$e room a (eelin o( $ome) "armt$.

>O$ > 2$ion su%%enl) e7*laime%. He remem'ere% no", "$at "as 'e$in% t$e nostal ia an% "armt$ $e (elt "$en $e opene% t$e 'ook.

>!$at@ !$at/re )ou s$outin (or@>>No, # +ust remem'ere%. A lon time a o, m) mot$er use% to rea%

to me.>>2$e rea% acbeth to )ou@>>O( *ourse not. # "as reall) )oun t$en. # remem'er sittin in

ot$er/s lap, an% s$e/% rea% to me.> &hat kind of story was it again! T$epa e "as 'ein turne% slo"l). 8aran/s -oi*e e*$oe% in $is ears, (irst$i $, t$en lo"J su'%ue%, t$en (ull o( stren t$. He *oul% (eel t$e"armt$ o( $er 'o%). He *oul% smell t$e s*ent o( paper.

> ou/re oin to %estro) )oursel(,> sai% Nezumi &uietl). His -oi*e"as *ol%.>!$at@>>#/-e sai% t$is 'e(ore. Carr) all t$is useless 'a a e, an% one %a)

it/ll 'e t$e en% o( )ou. #t/ll "ei $ )ou %o"n until it s&uas$es )ou (lat.>>4seless@ ike "$at@>> emories. Atta*$ments to 'ein a *itizen o( No. 6. our

*om(orta'le li(e, )our o-erestimation o( )our o"n skills, )ourmis*on*eptions o( 'ein some kin% o( *$osen one, pri%e. T$e list oeson (ore-er. 0ut t$e "orst is )our mot$er. Do )ou $a-e some sort o(Oe%ipus *omple7@ #( )ou/re 'ein $aunte% ') )our mot$er t$at mu*$,

oo%ness kno"s "$at )ou/re oin to %o ne7t. a)'e )ou/ll startsa)in )ou "ant to o 'a*k to t$e *it) to see )our %earest ama.>

#t $a% tou*$e% a ner-e.

>#s it a useless t$in to t$ink a'out m) parents@> ans"ere% 2$ion

I9




tensel). ># kno" "$at kin% o( situation #/m in ri $t no", an% # kno"t$ere/s no "a) to et in *onta*t "it$ m) mot$er. 0ut #/m (ree to t$ink

a'out $er, at least. T$at/s not somet$in (or )ou to sa) an)t$in a'out.>>T$ro" it a"a).> Nezumi/s -oi*e $as turne% e-en i*ier, an% $a%

almost a metalli* rin to it. >T$ro" a"a) useless (eelin s like t$ose.>>!$)3 !$) are )ou sa)in ...> 2$ion sai% in %is'elie(.>0e*ause t$e)/re %an erous.>> ) (eelin s@ Dan erous@>>0a*k t$ere, )ou t$re" a"a) )our *itizens$ip *ar% 'e*ause it "as a

%an er to us. 2o are (eelin s (or ot$er people. ou et %ra e% aroun%,pulle% t$is "a) an% t$at, an% 'e(ore )ou kno" it, )ou/re in %an erousterritor). our mama, papa, )our ran%ma, "$oe-er3 t$e)/re allstran ers no". T$ere/s no emotional room in )ou to 'e *on*erne%a'out stran ers. our $an%s are (ull enou $ tr)in to keep )oursel(ali-e.>

>An% t$at/s "$) # s$oul% t$ro" e-er)t$in else a"a)@>

>Toss it. Cut )oursel( a"a) (rom all t$e 'a a e )ou/-e *arrie%until no".>2$ion *len*$e% $is (ists at $is si%es. He took a step *loser to

Nezumi.>T$en "$at a'out )ou@>> e@>>!$) %i% )ou $elp me, t$en@ #/m +ust a stran er, 'ut )ou steppe%

into %an erous territor) to sa-e me. ou/re not e7a*tl) pra*tisin "$at)ou prea*$.>>2ome personalit) )ou/-e ot,> retorte% Nezumi. >#( )ou reall) (eel

t$at )ou/-e 'een res*ue% ') me, "$) %on/t )ou tr) to 'e a little moremo%est "$en )ou sa) t$in s@>

Nezumi/s $an% e7ten%e% to rasp 2$ion/s *ollar. He "as pus$e%a ainst t$e 'ooks$el(.

># o"e a %e't to )ou,> $is lo" -oi*e $isse% at 2$ion/s ear. > our

I1




)ears a o, )ou sa-e% m) li(e. #/m pa)in 'a*k t$at %e't. T$at/s all.>>T$en )ou/-e pai% enou $. Too mu*$, e-en.> 2$ion rippe%

Nezumi/s "rist to pr) it a"a) (rom $is *ollar. 0ut Nezumi/s tautmus*les s$o"e% no si ns o( rela7in .

> et o.>> ake me, little 'o).>>#/ll 'ite )our nose o((.> 2$ion *li*ke% $is teet$. T$ere "as a split

se*on% o( $esitation. 2$ion %i%n/t miss it. He sli% a $an% aroun% t$e 'a*k o( Nezumi/s ne*k.

>0itin noses o(( is m) spe*ialt).>>Hu$@ !ait a se*on%, t$at/s %irt)3>># (or ot to mention, o-er t$ese past (our )ears, #/-e also learne%

$o" to (i $t.>>He), kno*k it o((,> Nezumi sai% ner-ousl), >'itin is t$e

"orst3"$oa3 >Nezumi lost $is (ootin , an% t$e t"o (ell (lailin into t$e sea o(

'ooks. Pile a(ter pile topple% o-er, an% 'ooks raine% %o"n on t$em(rom a'o-e.>O",> Nezumi rima*e%. >T$is is t$e "orst. # t$ink # $it m) $ea%

on an en*)*lope%ia.... 2$ion, )ou alri $t@>> ea$... "$at/s t$is@ %humayel's %hilam Balam@>>#t/s a a)an spiritual te7t 3 a stor) a'out o%s an% $umans. ou

pro'a'l) "oul%n/t 'e intereste% in it.> Nezumi smile% "anl) as $e

'e an to sta*k t$e (allen 'ooks.>!$at/s t$at suppose% to mean@>>#t/s true, isn/t it@ Ha-e )ou e#er $a% an) interest in ot$er $umans,

or o%s, or tales 'e(ore@>Humans@ ?o%s@ Tales@ He $a% ne-er t$ou $t %eepl) a'out an) o(

t$ose. Not on*e. 0ut t$at "as 'e(ore.2$ion aze% all a'out $im, an% 'reat$e% in t$e "arm s*ent t$at

(ille% t$e air. Here "as a "orl% t$at $e %i%n/t kno". #n t$e %a)s to

I:




*ome, "$at "oul% $e see, $ear, learn, an% pon%er@ His $eart ra*e%, 'ut$e %i%n/t kno" "$). or a sin le moment, $is soul $a% %an*e% "it$ an

anti*ipation, mu*$ like t$e (eelin o( seein t$e o*ean (or t$e (irst time.T$en $e t$ou $t o( t$e look $e must $a-e on $is (a*e. He (eltem'arrasse% (or lettin it s$o", an% not "antin Nezumi to see, $e 'ent %o"n an% non*$alantl) pi*ke% up a 'ook la)in at $is (eet.

>!$at/s t$is@>>A *olle*tion o( Hesse/s poems,> Nezumi replie%.>/O soul, t$ou (ri $tene% 'ir%

T$ou s$alt &uestion a ain an% a ain.On*e t$ese storm) %a)s $a-e passe%,"$en "ill pea*e *ome upon us, "$en s$all "e 'e at rest@/3Hear% it 'e(ore@>>No.>># (i ure% as mu*$.>>Don/t ask i( )ou alrea%) kno",> sai% 2$ion sourl).

>#t/s )our +o' to learn it i( )ou %on/t kno".>>An% t$ese aren/t useless t$in s@>>#t/ll *ome in $an%) one %a),> Nezumi sai% *asuall). >An)"a),

enou $ o( t$at, t$e soup/s onna et3> Nezumi s"allo"e% $is "or%s.His e)es "i%ene%.

>!$at/s "ron , Nezumi@>>2$ion, )our $an%.>

>Hu$@>> our $an%... "$en %i% t$ose spots...>2$ion/s s$irt slee-e "as rolle% $al("a) up $is arm. T$ere "ere

%ark spots 'e innin to sprea% o-er its 'are skin. T$e) $a% not 'eent$ere "$en $e "as takin a s$o"er. T$e) $a% %e(initel) not.

>!$at@ !$at is t$is@>He "as s*reamin . At t$e same time, $e (elt a -i*ious pain pier*e

$is $ea%.

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>2$ion >T$e pain *ame in "a-es. T$e) re*e%e% (or a moment, t$en

atta*ke%, 'earin rut$lessl) %o"n on $im. His (in ers sti((ene%. Hisle s 'e an to *on-ulse.

>2$ion, $an in t$ere, #/ll et a %o*tor3>2$ion "ille% $is un*ooperati-e 'o%) to rea*$ as (ar as it *oul%. He

ra''e% a$ol% o( Nezumi ') $is *lot$es. T$ere "asn/t enou $ time. #t"as useless to *all a %o*tor.

>!$at s$oul% # %o@ 2$ion, tell me "$at3>

> ) ne*k...> 2$ion sai% "eakl).> our ne*k@>>T$e 'lister... *ut it open...>>0ut # %on/t $a-e an) anaest$eti*.>># %on/t nee% an)...> $e rima*e%. >Hurr)...>He "as (a%in out o( *ons*iousness. He *oul% (eel $is 'o%) 'ein

li(te%. on't pass out. If you do, you'll ne#er wake up again. He %i%n/t

kno" "$at ma%e $im (eel so stron l), 'ut $e "as almost sure o( it. T$epain e''e% a"a) (or a s$ort "$ile, an% an ima e %ri(te% into $is min%o( amase as $e *ollapse% to t$e roun% an% la) still.

3 But *amase san didn't suffer.He %i%n/t roll aroun% in pain. He a e% instantaneousl), an% passe%

a"a) like a "it$erin tree. amase/s s)mptoms "ere %i((erent (rom $is. aybe that means I still ha#e a chance―

His 'rain "as pier*e% ') smoul%erin re% nee%les. T$e) "ere*ountless, an% *ame (rom all %ire*tions. His 'o%) "rit$e% in pain t$at$e $a% ne-er e7perien*e% 'e(ore. His o"n s*reamin turne% intos*or*$in splinters t$at sta''e% t$rou $ $im. He 'e an to s"eatpro(usel). He (elt a stron "a-e o( nausea. 0loo% an% stoma*$ (lui%s"elle% up insi%e $is mout$, an% spille% o-er $is lips.

It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.

2$ion no lon er "ante% to 'e sa-e%, or to 'e spare% %eat$. He

I




"ante% to 'e release% (rom t$is pain, t$is su((erin . He %i%n/t nee% toopen $is e)es. He %i%n/t nee% to li-e. He "asn/t askin (or mu*$. He

+ust "ante% to 'e release%3He (elt like someone $a% ra''e% $im ') t$e $air (rom 'e$in%,

an% "as %ra in $im into t$e %arkness. He (elt relie-e%. All $e $a% to%o "as len% $imsel( to it, an% $e "oul% 'e taken to a 'etter pla*e. He"oul% (inall) 'e a'le to sleep.

A t$i*k, 'itter li&ui% "as 'ein poure% into $is mout$. #t "as $ot.#t sli% %o"n $is t$roat, an% 2$ion *oul% (eel $imsel( rise up out o( t$e

%arkness. 0ut it also meant t$at $e "as 'ein pulle% 'a*k into t$et$roes o( su((erin .

>8eep )our e)es open.> A pair o( re) e)es "ere peerin into $is(a*e.

>Nezumi... # *an/t take it...> 2$ion implore% (aintl). > et me o...>He "as slappe% s$arpl) a*ross t$e (a*e.>Don/t 'ulls$it me. ou/re not oin an)"$ere. Drink up.> T$e

stron an% 'itter li&ui% "as (or*e(ull) poure% into $is mout$ a ain.T$e %arkness "as li(tin . !eak pulses o( pain t$ro''e% in $is $ea%.Nibble nibble nibble... nibble nibble...2$ion t$ou $t $e $ear% a soun%3 or "as it a $allu*ination@ #t "as

t$e soun% o( $is 'rain 'ein eaten ali-e. T$ere "as a mass o( *ountless 'la*k little inse*ts. T$e) *ra"le% all o-er $is 'rain, makin ni''linsoun%s,

"ating. "ating. "ating.!as it a $allu*ination@ Or "as it... it $urt terri'l). He *oul%n/t 'earit. An% $e "as terri(ie%. A s*ream tore t$rou $ $is t$roat.

>T$at/s it. ell. Don/t i-e up. ou/re still si7teen. #t/s too earl) tot$ro" in t$e to"el +ust )et.>

2$ion (elt t$e stren t$ lea-e $is 'o%). He (elt $ea-), as i( $e "as 'ein tie% to a lea% "ei $t. He (elt su((o*ate%. 0ut t$e pain $a%

re*e%e% +ust a little.

IB




>8eep s*reamin . 2ta) *ons*ious. #/m oin to *ut it open.>T$ere "as a sil-er s*alpel in Nezumi/s $an%.

># %on/t $a-e an)t$in (an*) like an ele*troni* s*alpel, +ust to let)ou kno". Don/t mo-e.>

!$et$er it "as 'e*ause $al( o( $is ner-es $a% one num' (romse-ere pain, or 'e*ause all t$e stren t$ $a% le(t $is 'o%), $e %i%n/tkno", 'ut 2$ion %i%n/t mo-e a mus*le. He *oul%n/t mo-e.

T$ere "ere t$ree mi*e, sittin si%e ') si%e atop a pile o( 'ooks.A'o-e t$em, a roun% *lo*k "as $an in on t$e "all. #t "as an analo

*lo*k. Ti*k, ti*k, ti*k. He *oul% $ear its soun%. #t "as $is (irst time$earin t$e soun%s o( time passin '). A se*on% passe%, t$en a minute.Time en ra-e% itsel(. #t passe%, entle, mean%erin , an% -a ue. T$e"orl% 'e(ore $im 'lurre%. His *$eeks "ere $ot. A tear sli% %o"n,tou*$e% $is lips, an% "as a'sor'e%, still $ot, into t$e s$eets.

>#t/s o-er.> Nezumi let out a lon 'reat$. !as t$e metalli* *link t$esoun% o( t$e s*alpel $ittin t$e (loor@

>T$e 'lee%in isn/t too 'a%. Does it $urt@>>No... > raspe% 2$ion. ># +ust "anna o to sleep...>>Not )et. Han in t$ere (or a little more.>Nezumi/s -oi*e (a%e% a"a). 2$ion *oul% onl) $ear t$e soun% o(

t$e *lo*k ti*kin .>2$ion.>He "as 'ein s$aken.

>8eep )our e)es open. 5ust a little more3please3open )our e)es.>2$ut up, $e "ante% to sa). )hut up, shut up. A little more! $ow longis a little more!

>Don/t i-e me t$is s$it. ou put me t$rou $ all t$is trou'le3 )ou*an/t +ust o o(( on )our o"n. 2$ion, )ou kno" "$at t$at means@ ourmama/s oin to *r). !$at/re )ou onna %o a'out t$at irl, $u$@ 2a(u,or "$ate-er $er name is. Ha-e )ou e-er e-en slept "it$ a irl 'e(ore@

!$at a "aste it "as to turn %o"n t$at in-itation.>

I6




)hut up. )top talking. 2ust stop....> ou %on/t kno" an)t$in )et. A'out se7, or 'ooks, or $o" to (i $t

properl). An% )ou still t$ink )ou %on/t nee% to o on li-in @ 2$ion+pen your eyes0>

He opene% $is e)es. He sa" (our pairs o( e)es starin 'a*k at $im.One pair "as re), an% t$e) 'elon e% to a $uman. T$e ot$er t$reepairs "ere rape *oloure%, an% 'elon e% to t$e mi*e.

>T$ere/s a oo% ki%. #/ll praise )ou (or t$at.>>Nezumi...>

>Hm@>>#... %i%n/t et )our name...>> ) name@>> our real... name...>>!ell, t$ere/s one more t$in )ou %on/t kno". #/ll tell )ou "$en

)ou re*o-er *ompletel), an% t$at/ll 'e )our et "ell present. ook(or"ar% to it.>

He "as (e% t$e 'itter li&ui% se-eral more times. He %ri(te% o(( tosleep onl) to 'e "oken up a ain. 2$ion (elt like $e $a% repeate% t$is*ountlessl). He 'roke into a (e-er. He perspire% $ea-il), an% -omite%a ain an% a ain. #t (elt like all t$e moisture in $is 'o%) "as 'ein"run out o( $im.

>!ater....>He plea%e% repeate%l), an% ea*$ time, a *ool %rau $t "atere% $is

t$roat.>#t tastes oo%...>>Doesn/t it@ T$e "orl%/s not su*$ a 'a% pla*e a(ter all.> Nezumi/s

$an% slo"l) *aresse% 2$ion/s $air.>#t/s alri $t no". ?o to sleep.>>Can #...@>> ea$. ou/re past t$e "orst o( it. ou/-e "on. T$at/s &uite

somet$in .> T$e (in ers t$at stroke% $is $air "ere entle, as "as t$e

I<




tone o( Nezumi/s -oi*e. Relie( "as$e% o-er $is 'o%). 2$ion *lose% $ise)es, an% %roppe% o(( into a slum'er.

!it$ a $an% still lai% on $is $air, Nezumi "as *$e*kin 2$ion/s 'reat$in as $e slept. #t "as a little "eak, 'ut rela7e%. #t "as not errati*.

―*ou made it through.#t "as &uite somet$in . He "asn/t e7a eratin out o( politeness

or en*oura ement. 2$ion $ouse% a lot more -italit) t$an $is looks a-ea"a). #t "as a -italit) t$at "as tena*ious an% stron . Nezumi aze% at

2$ion/s sleepin (a*e3 e7$auste% an% "eakene%, 'ut still 'reat$inre ularl) nonet$eless3 an% realize% $o" tire% $e $imsel( "as as "ell.He "as mentall), not p$)si*all), e7$auste%. He *oul% neit$erun%erstan% nor *ome to terms "it$ "$at $e $a% +ust e7perien*e%. Asense o( unease *onsume% $is min% an% ma%e $is -er) 'loo% tin le.

3 &hat's happening in there!No. 6. 2omet$in "as 'e innin to 're" in t$e interiors o( "$at

t$e) *alle% t$e Hol) Cit). 2omet$in t$at e7*ee%e% t$e %ept$s o($uman ima ination "as 'ein 'orn, an% %e-elopin slo"l) 'ut surel).Nezumi %u into t$e -er) 'a*k o( a s$el( an% pulle% out a petri %is$. #t*ontaine% somet$in $e $a% remo-e% (rom un%er 2$ion/s skin "$en $e$a% *ut t$e 'lister open.

3 I can't belie#e this.es, un'elie-a'le t$in s $appene% sometimes. Realit) 'etra)e%

people almost too easil), an% )anke% people/s li-es at "$im inune7pe*te% %ire*tions. At times, it (lun t$em to t$e %ept$s o( %espair.#t "as *ruel an% -iolent. A'sur%, e-en. #t *oul%n/t 'e truste%. An)t$in*oul% $appen at an) time.

Nezumi kne" it "ell. 0ut $e *oul%n/t $elp 'ein pertur'e% ') t$isrealit). !as it possi'le (or somet$in like t$is to $appen@ 30ut t$etrut$ "as t$at it $a% alrea%) $appene%. #t "as somet$in t$at *oul%n/t

'e 'rus$e% a"a), an% $e *oul%n/t turn a 'lin% e)e to it no".

IF




*oul% see $is 'one peekin t$rou $.>!e/ll o to et$er... ri $t@>

2$ion/s ankle "as 'ein tu e% $ar%er. He "as 'ein %ra e% intototal %arkness. amase/s arm *ontinue% to rot as it re" in len t$, an%"oun% aroun% 2$ion/s torso until it (inall) rea*$e% $is ne*k an% 'e anto *$oke $im.

>No3stop3>>2$ion....>2$ion rea*$e% out as (ar as $e *oul%. He (elt somet$in (irm an%

%e(inite, an% *lose% $is $an% aroun% it, rippin $ar%. An% $es*reame%.

4No042$ion a"oke "it$ a start. His t$roat "as pain(ull) %r).>No, "$at@> Nezumi "as peerin into $is (a*e "it$ a serious

e7pression.>Nezumi....> 2$ion murmure% %aze%l). >O$... #/m ali-e....>

> ou are. Con ratulations on )our sa(e return. An% #/m sorr) (orruinin )our moment, 'ut *an )ou let o o( m) $an%@ ou/re $ol%inon prett) ti $t, an% it $urts.>

He $a% 'een raspin Nezumi/s $an%, so stron l) t$at $is (in ers"ere %i in into $is (les$. He $a% *lun to t$is $an% to es*ape (romt$e %arkness.

>!ant some "ater@>

> ea$,> 2$ion sai% rate(ull).T$e "ater "as *ol%, an% &uen*$e% e-er) *orner o( 2$ion/s 'o%).># remem'er )ou i-in me "ater like t$is... a ain an% a ain.>

!or%s (orme% slo"l) on 2$ion/s lips, an% le(t t$em in a"k"ar%(ra ments.

>T$ere/s a sprin near') t$at/s not too 'a%. #t/s (ree, so )ou %on/tnee% to "orr).>

> ou... sa-e% me a ain.>

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>#/m not t$e one t$at sa-e% )ou. T$ere aren/t an) a%e&uate %o*torsor me%i*al (a*ilities $ere an)"a), an% e-en i( t$ere "ere, t$e) "oul%n/t

$a-e %one an) oo%. No one *oul% $a-e sa-e% )ou. ou 'rou $t)oursel( 'a*k. ou put up &uite t$e (i $t. #/m a 'it impresse%, a*tuall). #promise # "on/t *all )ou a little 'o) an)more.>

>#t/s all... t$anks to )ou...>2$ion 'rou $t $is $an% up to $is (a*e to aze at it. #t (elt

some"$at %r) an% rou $, 'ut t$ere "ere no spots or "rinkles on it. #t"as still t$e same )oun $an%. He 'reat$e% a si $ o( relie(.

># $a% a 'a% %ream....> 2$ion 'e an so(tl). ># "ante% someone to$elp me, an% # rea*$e% out as (ar as # *oul%... an% # ra''e% onto )our$an%.>

>T$at (ri $tenin , $u$@>> amase san "as t$ere3 $e tol% me # *an/t 'e t$e onl) one to 'e

sa-e%... $is arm "as "rappin aroun% me, (rom m) torso to m)ne*k...> 2$ion traile% o(( to (eel at $is ne*k. #t "as "rappe% in

'an%a es.> rom )our torso to )our ne*k@> Nezumi a-e a s$ort intake o( 'reat$. He lo"ere% $is aze, an% mo-e% a"a) (rom t$e 'e%.

> amase san "as ne-er t$e kin% o( person to sa) t$at...> 2$ion*ontinue% re(le*ti-el). >He "oul% $a-e 'een $app) (or me, t$at # "assa-e%... "$) "oul% $e *ome into m) %reams an%....>

>0e*ause )ou (eel uilt) a'out it,> Nezumi sai% s$ortl), "rappin

t$e super(i're *lot$ aroun% $is s$oul%ers. A mouse leapt up onto ones$oul%er (rom a pile o( 'ooks. >T$at amase u) %ie%, an% )ousur-i-e%. ou/re (eelin uilt) o-er it, an% t$at/s "$) )ou/re $a-instupi% %reams like t$at.>

>E-er)t$in /s stupi% or useless to )ou, isn/t it....>>!$oe-er li-es "ins. Don/t (eel uilt) a'out $a-in sur-i-e%. #(

)ou $a-e time to 'e (eelin uilt), "ork on li-in a %a) lon er, a

minute lon er. An% on*e in a "$ile, remem'er t$e ones t$at %ie%

19=




'e(ore )ou. T$at/s oo% enou $.>>Are )ou sa)in t$at to me@> 2$ion &uestione%.

>!$o else *oul% # 'e talkin to@>>#t soun%e% like3> 2$ion $esitate%. >Almost like )ou "ere tellin

it to )oursel(...>Nezumi 'linke%. He stare% at 2$ion (or a moment, an% t$en

muttere% >ri%i*ulous> un%er $is 'reat$.2$ion trie% to li(t $imsel( up on t$e 'e%. He still *oul%n/t mo-e $is

'o%) as "ell as $e "ante%. He noti*e% t$at $is entire torso "as

"rappe% ti $tl) in 'an%a es.>!$) are t$ere so man)...>> ou "ere tearin at )oursel( in pain, t$at/s "$). ie %o"n, it/s still

too earl) to mo-e aroun%. An% take t$e me%i*ine ') )our pillo". !$en# et $ome, #/ll treat )ou to some soup.>

> ou/re oin out@>># $a-e "ork.>

Nezumi turne% $is 'a*k to 2$ion, an% 'riskl) le(t t$e room.

2$ion s"allo"e% t$e "$ite pill as $e "as tol% to. A 'ro"n mouses&ueake% at $im (rom 'esi%e a lass o( "ater.

>T$anks.>T$e mouse no%%e% as i( it un%erstoo% $is "or% o( t$anks, an%

per*$e% on 2$ion/s *$est as $e la) 'a*k %o"n.

>!$at kin% o( "ork %oes )our master %o@>%heep cheep.>!$at/s $is name@ !$at kin% o( li(e $as $e li-e% until no"@ !$ere

"as $e 'orn, an% "$at....> $e traile% o((. He "as ettin %ro"s). #tseeme% $is 'o%) "as in "ant o( a little more &uiet rest. 2$ion no%%e%o(( to sleep. T$is time, $e $a% no %reams. !$en $e a"oke, t$e$ea-iness an% let$ar ) in $is 'o%) $a% %isappeare%. He %i%n/t (eel an)

%is*om(ort ot$er t$an a %ull pain (rom t$e "oun% on $is ne*k. His

19




'o%) "as re*o-erin &ui*kl).T$ere "as no one else in t$e room. #t looke% like Nezumi $a% not

returne% )et. A %im %arkness $a% settle%, an% it "as &uiet. 2$ionturne% $is $ea% to see t$e t$ree mi*e *urle% up (ast asleep ') $is ne*k.He rose &uietl), an% put on $is s$oes. He "ante% 'a%l) to *at*$ a 'reat$ in t$e out%oors. He "ante% to (ill $is lun s "it$ (res$ air. 2$iontook se-eral *autious steps. He "as s"eatin un%erneat$ t$e 'an%a eson $is ne*k an% *$est. He un"oun% t$e ones aroun% $is ne*k. No" it"as mu*$ easier to 'reat$e. His (eet "ere li $t, an% $e %i%n/t (eel %izz)

or nauseous. 2$ion opene% t$e %oor an% *lim'e% up t$e stairs. A *ol%%ra(t o( air stun $im. T$e "orl% at roun% le-el "as 'at$e% in are%%is$ li $t. #t "as %usk. Coloure% lea-es "ere (allin (rom t$e trees.T$e) %an*e% in t$e "in%, an% "it$ a %r) rustlin soun%, (luttere% tot$e roun%. ookin a'o-e, $e *oul% see t$e %ark 'ran*$es o( t$e trees,mostl) 'are, *ast in stark relie( a ainst t$e sk). #n t$e %istan*e, $e *oul%see No. 6.

2$ion (elt a $ot pri*kin at t$e 'a*k o( $is e)es. #t "asn/t (romnostal ia (or t$e *it) "$ere $e "as 'orn an% raise%. #t "as t$e si $ts o(late autumn, t$is unremarka'le s*ene, t$at $a% tu e% at $is $eart. T$e(aint rustlin o( t$e (allen lea-es, t$e smell o( eart$, t$e *olour o( t$esk), all resonate% in $is $eart %eepl) as i( to *oa7 t$e tears (rom $im.

3 $e'll ha#e another good laugh if he sees me like this.2$ion 'it $is lip to $ol% 'a*k $is tears. He in$ale% %eepl).

He $ear% t$e soun% o( $i $ -oi*es raise% in lau $ter 'e$in% $im.2$ion turne% aroun%, an% sa" t$ree *$il%ren amon st t$e trees,*omin up t$e slope to"ar% $im. T$ere "ere t"o irls an% one 'o).Di% t$ese *$il%ren li-e in t$e ruine% $ouse t$at $e $a% seen earlier@T$e) all $a% similar roun% (a*es. He %i%n/t kno" "$at t$e) "erelau $in so +o)ousl) a'out, 'ut 2$ion (elt $is o"n (eelin s li(t +ust"at*$in t$em. 8aran lo-e% *$il%ren, an% al"a)s use% to $ol% sales

t$at "ent ') names like >Hal( Pri*e (or C$il%ren 4n%er Ten>, so t$e

19B




>Ho"3"$at3>He rake% $is $ea%, pullin out more $airs. T$e) "ere all t$e same.

He (elt $is (a*e. T$e skin un%er $is palm "as (irm. T$ere "ere no"rinkles or sa s. 0ut $e (elt a stran e sensation on $is ne*k. T$ere "asa sli $t s"ell un%er $is skin t$at "as "in%in aroun% $is ne*k. 2$ion$al( tum'le% %o"n t$e stairs in $aste.

3 A mirror, I need a mirror...He kno*ke% o-er a pile o( 'ooks. T$e startle% mi*e %arte%

un%erneat$ t$e 'e%. He (oun% a "oo%en %oor ne7t t$e t$e 'at$room.

He opene% it, an% (oun% a spa*e a'out 'i enou $ (or one person to lie%o"n or stan% up. T$e 'a*k "all looke% like a mirror. T$ere "ere-arious t$in s $an in on t$e ot$er "alls, 'ut 2$ion "as in no moo% to*$e*k. He turne% on t$e li $t, an% mo-e% *loser to t$e mirror. His le s&uake%. His $an%s "ere trem'lin . 0ut $e (or*e% $imsel( to aze intot$e mirror.

He a-e a (aint *r) o( $orror.

!$at "as $e seein in t$e mirror@ !$at "as t$is... t$is....)nake0T$e irl/s s$riek "elle% up an% e*$oe% in $is ears. He nee%e% air,

else $e (elt like $e "oul% su((o*ate. He *oul%n/t 'reat$e. 2$ionsta ere%, an% leane% $ea-il) a ainst t$e "all. He stare% at $imsel( int$e mirror. His e)es "ere lue% to it, an% t$e) "oul% not mo-e. He*oul%n/t look a"a).

His $air "as "$ite an% s$inin . An% t$ere "as a snake. A re%serpent, a'out t"o *entimetres "i%e, "as *oile% aroun% $is ne*k. T$at"as "$at it looke% like. He $a% no %ou't a'out it.

>T$is *an/t 'e...> He s$e% $is *lot$es. He trie% to tear o(( t$e 'an%a es t$at "rappe% $is entire 'o%). T$e) $a% 'een "oun% ti $tl)"it$ *are, an% t$e) tan le% an% knotte% as i( to mo*k 2$ion/s (um'lin$an%s. !$en at last t$e en%s o( t$e 'an%a e $a% (allen a"a) (rom $is

'o%), 2$ion a-e a stran le% *r). T$e *rimson 'an% t$at $a% risen up

19<




on $is skin 'e an (rom $is le(t ankle, *oile% up $is le an% e7ten%e%a*ross $is *rot*$ an% torso, "oun% past $is armpit an% rea*$e% up to

$is ne*k. #t "as, literall), like a snake t$at "as stran lin $im. #t "asslit$erin o-er $is nake% 'o%). A re% mean%er s*ar. T$e stren t$ "aslea-in $is knees. He sank slo"l) onto t$e unra-elle% 'an%a es.

!$ite $air an% a re% serpent. T$is "as t$e pri*e $e $a% pai% tosur-i-e.

>Do )ou en+o) lookin at )oursel( nake%@> a -oi*e spoke, so lo" it"as almost a "$isper. Nezumi "as leanin on t$e %oor 'e$in% $im.

>Nezumi3 t$is3>>#t appeare% +ust as )our (e-er "ent %o"n. T$e a((e*tion is onl)

skin %eep, it/s not 'e*ause )our -eins are en or e%. !$i*$ meanst$ere/s 'een no %ama e to )our *ir*ulation s)stem. #sn/t t$at ni*e@>

>Ni*e@ !$at/s nice a'out t$is@ T$is is...>>#( )ou %on/t like it, )ou *an et ri% o( it,> Nezum sai% &uietl).

>2kin ra(tin is no 'i (eat in t$is time an% a e, ri $t@ As (or )our $air,

)ou *an %)e it anot$er *olour. # %on/t see an) pro'lem. 0ut +ust lettin)ou kno"3> $e s$ru e% sli $tl), >"e *an %o somet$in a'out )our$air, 'ut )ou "on/t 'e a'le to ra(t )our skin $ere. !e %on/t $a-e t$ete*$nolo ) or (a*ilities (or t$at.> His -oi*e "as *alm an% emotionless,an% *ontaine% not t$e smallest $int o( s)mpat$). 2$ion remaine%sittin "$ere $e "as, a'sentmin%e%l) azin at t$e 'an%a e t$at "astan le% aroun% $is le .

>2$ion.>>... ea$....>>Do )ou re ret 'ein ali-e@>#t took a moment (or 2$ion to respon%.>3!$at@> $e sai% -a uel). >O$3 %i% )ou sa) somet$in @>Nezumi si $e% an% knelt %o"n in (ront o( 2$ion, $ookin a (in er

on $is *$in. He (or*e(ull) tilte% 2$ion/s (a*e up.

>2top lookin %o"n, an% look at me. 2nap out o( )our %aze an%

19F




listen to "$at #/m sa)in . Are )ou lamentin it@>> amentin ...@ !$at@>

>0ein ali-e.>> ament... )ou mean... like "is$in it %i%n/t $appen, ri $t...>>O'-iousl). No,> sai% Nezumi sar*asti*all), ># "as speakin

ren*$, like la menthe , (or mint. Reall)@ ?et a rip on )oursel(. Hassomet$in $appene% to t$at i(te% 'rain o( )ours@>

Re ret@ To"ar% li-in @ !as $e lamentin t$e (a*t t$at $e "as ali-ean% sittin $ere, lookin as $e %i% no"@ 2$ion slo"l) s$ook $is $ea%.

>No, #/m not.>He %i%n/t "ant to %ie. E-en i( $e $a% 'een stru*k %o"n, $e "oul%

$a-e *ra"le% a*ross t$e roun% to sta) ali-e. He $a% no *lear oals or$opes. He $a% no si $t o( t$e (uture. His 'o%) $a% *$an e% startlin l),an% $is soul "as in turmoil. 0ut $e still %i% not "ant to %ie.

i(e "as in t$e %eli*ious taste o( t$e "ater t$at &uen*$e% $ist$roat. #t "as in t$e *olour o( t$e sk) t$at sprea% 'e(ore $is e)es, t$e

tran&uil e-enin air, (res$l) 'ake% 'rea%, t$e %e(inite sensation o(someone/s (in ers, so(t, se*reti-e lau $terJ /2$ion, "$at %o )ou $ope(or@/J t$e une7pe*te% *on(ession, un*ertaint) an% $esitation. All t$eset$in s "ere *onne*te% to 'ein ali-e. No matter "$at $is appearan*e 'e*ame, $e %i%n/t "ant to 'e *ut a"a) (rom an) o( t$ese.

>Nezumi....> $e "$ispere%. >#3 # "ant to 'e ali-e.>T$e tears t$at $e $a% $el% 'a*k until no" a-e "a). A sin le

%roplet spille% o-er $is *$eek. He $astil) 'rus$e% it a"a).>#t/s no use $i%in it, stupi%,> si $e% Nezumi so(tl). >Ho" *an )ou*r) so openl) like t$at@ Aren/t )ou em'arrasse%@>

># +ust let m) uar% %o"n, oka)@> sai% 2$ion *rossl). >#/m $a-introu'le *ontrollin m)sel( 'e*ause #/m not emotionall) sta'le )et. #/m are*o-erin patient, so stop makin (un o( me.>

Nezumi silentl) aze% at 2$ion/s (a*e, an% t$en rea*$e% out to

entl) rasp at $is $air.

19I




>#( it 'ot$ers )ou so mu*$, #/ll %)e it (or )ou later. 0ut it looksprett) ni*e on its o"n. An% 'esi%es3> Nezumi/s (in ers mo-e% to tra*e

t$e re% s*ar a*ross 2$ion/s *$est.>T$ink a'out it, )ou/-e ot a re% snake *oile% aroun% )our 'o%).

Guite allurin , #/ll sa).>>#/m not (lattere% at all.>>!ell # %on/t en+o) seein )ou nake% eit$er,> Nezumi retorte%. >Put

some *lot$es on. #/ll treat )ou to some $ot spe*ialt) soup an% meat.>Come to t$ink o( it, it $a% 'een a lon time sin*e $e $a% eaten an)

(oo%. T$ere "as a 'urnin sensation aroun% 2$ion/s stoma*$ as $un ersu%%enl) na"e% at $im.

>!$at kin% o( soup@ Nee% an) $elp@>Nezumi 'linke%.> ou 'oun*e 'a*k prett) (ast, %on/t )ou@>>Hu$@>Nezumi/s -oi*e su%%enl) %roppe% lo" an% $oarse.

>Roun% a'out t$e *aul%ron o. #n t$e poisone% entrails t$ro".Toa%, t$at un%er *ol% stone, %a)s an% ni $ts $as t$irt) one, s"eltere%-enom sleepin ot, 'oil t$ou (irst i/ t$e *$armM% pot.>

>!$at/s t$at@>> acbeth. T$e s*ene "$ere t$e t$ree "it*$es are 're"in ne"t

e)es, (ro (eet, an% 'at "in s in a *aul%ron, makin t$eir spe*ial soup.C$armin , isn/t it@>

>#( t$at/s )our i%ea o( spe*ialt) soup, #/ll $a-e to sa) no t$anks.>>#nstea% o( 'at "in s "e/ll use *$i*ken, an% instea% o( ne"ts "e/lltoss in lots o( (res$ -e eta'les. !e/ll su'stitute t$e (ro s (or a *lo-e o(

arli*. 5ust a moment/s "ait, )our a+est).>Nezumi/s spe*ialt) soup "as pipin $ot, an% more %eli*ious t$an

an)t$in 2$ion $a% e-er taste%.

119




CHAPTER B

T$e Cit) o( i $t

A(ter t$eir meal, Nezumi pla*e% a petri %is$ an% a pair o( t"eezers in(ront o( 2$ion.

># e7tra*te% t$is out o( )our in*ision. Tr) openin it up. T$is ispro'a'l) ri $t in )our (iel%.>

> ) (iel%@>

#n t$e petri %is$ "as somet$in 'la*k an% strin ), a'out t"o*entimetres lon . 2$ion plu*ke% it up "it$ t$e t"eezers. T$e slim) 'la*k o'+e*t %an le% (rom t$em, an% looke% $al( melte%. 4pon *losers*rutin), 2$ion *oul% make out e-i%en*e o( somet$in (ilm) at t$e en%o( it.

>T$ese are3 "in s@>> ooks like. # $a-e no i%ea. T$ere/s one ot$er t$in # pulle% out

too,> Nezumi a%%e%. >!$at %o )ou $a-e to sa) a'out t$is@>#t "as anot$er 'la*k lump. T$is one "as $ar%, an% resem'le% a

see%. T$ere "as a $ole in it as i( somet$in $a% eaten its "a) out.>A pupa3 # t$ink,> sai% 2$ion slo"l).>Pupa@ ike "$at mot$s an% 'utter(lies make t$emsel-es into@ O$

"ait, 'utter(lies make *o*oons.>>Co*oons are t$e outer s$ell o( pupae,> 2$ion e7plaine%. >Em'r)o,

lar-a, pupa, an% ima o3 most inse*ts o t$rou $ t$eir %e-elopmentsta es in t$is or%er. T$is one... is pro'a'l) some kin% o( 'ee.>

> ou *an tell@>>T$ere are si ns o( "in s 'e innin to (orm. T$e mem'ranous

&ualities, t$e (a*t t$at t$ere are (our o( t$em... an% more t$anan)t$in 3> 2$ion s"allo"e%. ># sa" it "it$ m) o"n e)es3 a 'la*k 'ee (l)in out o( amase san/s ne*k.>

>An% t$at 'ee an% t$is 'la*k t$in are t$e same t$in @>

111




>#( #/m not mistaken, pro'a'l). T$is one *oul%n/t *omplete itsmetamorp$osis in t$e pupal sta e. #t mana e% to eat its "a) out o( t$e

s$ell, 'ut it *oul%n/t 'e*ome a (ull) ro"n ima o. #t (aile%.>>!$)@>&hy! He "as ri $t, "$) "as t$at@ !$) "as same 'ee t$at $a%

$at*$e%, un%er one metamorp$osis an% 'e*ome an ima o insi%eamase una'le to 'reak out o( its pupal sta e $ere@ !as it a

*oin*i%en*e, or3 2$ion s$ook $is $ea%.># %on/t kno". All # kno" is t$at t$is is a parasiti* or anism, an% it

(ee%s o(( $umans.>Nezumi stare% un'linkin l) at t$e petri %is$.>A parasite 'ee...> $e muttere%. ># t$ou $t 'ees onl) (e% o(( (lo"er

ne*tar.>>T$ose are +ust one spe*ies o( 'ee, like t$e $one) 'ee. ost 'ees 3

or "asp, in t$is *ase 3 are $unters, an% solitar) ') nature.>>An% t$ere are parasiti* "asps too@>

2$ion no%%e%. Nezumi/s &uestions "ere simple an% 'rie(, an%"ere eas) to ans"er (rom 2$ion/s kno"le% e. 0ut none o( t$e&uestions "ere o(( t$e mark. T$e) trea% li $tl) 'ut a**uratel) on t$epoint o( (o*us. !it$ ea*$ &uestion $e ans"ere%, 2$ion (elt a ro"inuneasiness like $e "as 'ein 'a*ke% into a *orner. He (elt like $e"oul% un"ittin l) slip an% let somet$in $orri(i* es*ape (rom $is lips.But you can't be afraid , $e tol% $imsel(. He *oul%n/t turn a 'lin% e)e an%

let t$in s slip past $im. He *oul%n/t preten% t$at not$in $a%$appene%, an% re(use to en&uire, to take a*tion. He stoo% in t$eposition o( one "$o $a% e7perien*e% it. He $a% 'een $ost to t$eparasite, (ou $t "it$ it, an% pre-aile%. An% like a s)m'ol o( t$is 'attle,$e 'ore t$e re% serpent on $is 'o%). es, t$is "as $is imprint. Nezumi/s(a*e "as peerin into $is. 2$ion returne% $is aze stea%il), an% spoke.

>T$ere are sai% to 'e a'out :99,999 %i((erent spe*ies o( parasiti*

"asps. H)menoptera su*$ as 'ees an% ants are $i $l) spe*ialize%

11:




inse*ts, an% t$ere are still tens o( t$ousan%s o( spe*ies t$at areun%o*umente%. T$is is parti*ularl) so (or parasiti* "asps3 or so #/-e

$ear%.>>!$i*$ means "e %on/t kno" "$at "e/re onna et.>>!e *an/t sa) "$at spe*ies (or sure.>>0ut "e *an still pre%i*t.>>#( "e $a-e an) (oun%ation (or a 'asis o( pre%i*tion,> 2$ion

ans"ere%.>!$), you're t$e 'est (oun%ation t$ere is,> sai% Nezumi "it$ mo*k

ent$usiasm. >2o $o" "as it, 'ein a $ost to a parasite "asp@ Coul% )outell i( it "as a ne" spe*ies@>

> ou/re reall) %isa reea'le sometimes, %i% )ou kno" t$at@> 2$ionreplie% irrita'l).

>!ell, )ou piss me o(( all the time. /!e *an/t sa) "$at spe*ies (orsure/, $e sa)s. Don/t mess aroun%. Don/t )ou $a-e an) sense o( %an er@T$ese "asps are killin people.>

> ost parasiti* "asps %o.>>!$at@>>!asps t$at are *lassi(ie% as parasites are a*tuall) more parasitoi%.

To rea*$ (ull ro"t$, t$e) onl) nee% to atta*$ t$emsel-es to one pre)...t$eir $ost. An% ultimatel), "it$out (ail, t$e) *onsume an% kill it.>

4ltimatel) "it$out (ail, t$e) *onsume an% kill t$e $ost. #t soun%e%e-en more rotes&ue "$en put into "or%s.

>Host@ ike "$at kin%@>>T$ere are lots. ot$s, 'utter(lies, ant lar-ae, (ruits... a spe*ies o(i*$neumonoi%eae *alle% 1hysella appro(imator la)s e s in t$e lar-a o(anot$er spe*ies, 7ip$)%rii%a, an% makes it its $ost.>

>2o a "asp lee*$es o(( anot$er "asp.>>Not onl) t$at, 'ut anot$er spe*ies o( t$e same i*$neumonoi%eae

*alle%3seudorhyssa alpestris la)s e s in t$e same 7ip$)%rii%a ri $t

a(ter t$e 1hysella , an%its lar-a eats 'ot$ t$e lar-a o( t$e 1hysella and t$e

11=




>He)3> 2$ion sai% su%%enl). >Ha-e t$ere 'een an) similarin*i%ents like t$at $ere@>

>No. # %i% a little resear*$ 'e*ause it "as na in me too. T$ere"ere u)s "$o ot s$ot to %eat$ (i $tin , or people "$o ot %runkan% %ro"ne% in a %it*$, 'ut no one "$o su%%enl) turne% ol% an% %ie%.T$ere/s no me%ia *ontrol or *ensors$ip $ere like No. 6,> Nezumia%%e%, >so i( an)t$in out o( t$e or%inar) $appens, it s$oul% sprea%like "il%(ire.>

>T$en i( it/s $appene% in anot$er 0lo*k3> su este% 2$ion. >T$e

2out$eastern 0lo*ks, ma)'e@ T$at en-ironment is pro'a'l) t$e mostsuite% (or a ne" spe*ies o( inse*t to appear.>

Nezumi s$ook $is $ea% slo"l).># *an/t ima ine t$at $appenin . #( it %i%, t$e *it) s$oul% *lose all

t$e ates lea%in in. 0ut t$e) $a-en/t s$o"n an) si ns o( %oin t$at.Pro%u*e is still 'ein s$ippe% in (rom t$e 2out$eastern 0lo*ks as usual.T$e Nort$ 0lo*k is t$e same.>

>T$en t$e "asp %e(initel) must $a-e *ome (rom No. 6.... # *an/t 'elie-e it,> 2$ion muttere% to $imsel(.>4n'elie-a'le3 )ou/re *ertainl) ri $t a'out t$at.> Nezumi/s

(in ers li $tl) tappe% t$e petri %is$. His s$oul%ers s$ook sli $tl).>Nezumi@>Nezumi/s $ea% "as 'o"e%, an% a &uiet *$u*kle es*ape% $is lips. #t

soon turne% into $o"lin lau $ter. #t e*$oe% in t$e un%er roun% room

t$at o-er(lo"e% "it$ 'ooks. Nezumi *ollapse% on t$e 'e%, $ol%in $isstoma*$ an% lau $in $ar%er still. 2$ion lun e% (or a pit*$er o( "ater,an% emptie% it on Nezumi/s $ea%.

>He) > Nezumi spran up. >!$at t$e $ell are )ou %oin @>>Are )ou alri $t@>> Alright@ #/m soakin "et $ere.>># +ust3 # t$ou $t )ou "ere un%er oin a (it o( $)steria or

somet$in , so #...>

11B




>!$at %o # $a-e to t$ro" a $)steri* (it (or@>>!ell, )ou starte% lau $in ran%oml), # +ust t$ou $t...>

># onl) lau $e% 'e*ause it "as (unn).>> unn)@ !$at is@>Nezumi s$ook $is $ea% -iolentl). 2$ion/s (a*e "as pelte% "it$

"ater %roplets.>#t/s $ilarious, isn/t it@ !$ere %i% t$is t$in ori inate@ No. 6.

T$ere/s a m)sterious man eatin "asp (l)in aroun% in t$is utopianmo%el *it), t$e $oly %ity , i( )ou "ill. T$is is *it) o( t$e (uture, t$e

epitome o( mo%ern s*ien*e. An% it/s 'ein eaten ') bees. Hilarious.>>#t/s not somet$in to lau $ a'out. People are %)in .>Nezumi stoo% up. He "alke% o-er to 2$ion, an% %re" up to $im

(a*e to (a*e. Nezumi "as ri $t, 2$ion t$ou $t. He "as tall. He easil)e7*ee%e% 2$ion in $ei $t ') se-eral *entimetres.

>!$at@> 2$ion un*ons*iousl) took a step 'a*k"ar%s. He %re"$imsel( up an% s&uare% $is s$oul%ers as 'est $e *oul% in spite o( t$e

"all o( 'ooks 'e$in% $im. He $a% seen somet$in (las$ in Nezumi/sre) e)es "it$ a sa-a e, pier*in lint. #t "as onl) (or a (leetininstant, 'ut $e $a% not misse% it.

> or i-e m) (oolis$ &uestion,> Nezumi sai% in an e7pressionless-oi*e. At t$e same time, a set o( (in ers *lose% aroun% 2$ion/s t$roat.

>Ha-e )ou kille% an)one 'e(ore@> Nezumi/s t$um' slo"l) %u%eeper into 2$ion/s ne*k.

>Ne-er...> 2$ion sai% (aintl). >O( *ourse # $a-en/t...>Nezumi/s t$in lip *urle% sli $tl) in a *ol% smile.># "oul%/-e (i ure%. 0ut keep t$is in min%. T$e "asp mi $t kill its

$ost in or%er to keep itsel( ali-e, 'ut $umans *an kill ot$er $umans (ormu*$ smaller reasons t$an t$at. An% you "ere almost kille% ') anot$er$uman.>

># kno".>

> ou liar. ou %on/t kno" an)t$in .>

116




># %o kno" > 2$ion sai% an ril), *len*$in Nezumi/s "rist. ># kno".#( #/% 'een taken to t$e Corre*tional a*ilit) as planne%, # "oul% $a-e

'een ma%e out to 'e t$e mur%erer in t$e "asp/s pla*e. At 'est, # "oul%$a-e otten a li(e senten*e. At "orst, # "oul% $a-e 'een e7e*ute%...> Hepause% (or a moment, t$en *ontinue% %etermine%l). >T$e 0ureau"ante% to 'u) more time. T$e) nee%e% time to %e*o%e t$e trut$ a'out

amase san/s *ause o( %eat$3 an% ') makin me t$e suspe*t, t$e)"ante% to (ile it a"a) as a simple mur%er *ase (or outsi%e e)es. Am #ri $t@>

Nezumi/s (in ers "it$%re". T$e spot on 2$ion/s ne*k 'urne%"$ere Nezumi/s t$um' $a% %u in.

>?oo% ans"er, (ull marks,> $e sai% 'reezil). T$en $is tone %roppe%in mo*k seriousness. >#t seems t$is un'alan*e% )oun man, tum'le%(rom t$e ranks o( t$e elite, en a e% in t$is *rime out o( resentment (ort$e *it). He alle e%l) *on*o*te% a spe*ial *$emi*al to use repeate%l) inmultiple *riminal a*ts. T$anks to t$e e((orts o( t$e 2e*urit) 0ureau,

$o"e-er, t$is )oun man $as 'een put un%er arrest. !e "oul% like toreassure t$e *itizens o( t$e *it) t$at t$e) are per(e*tl) sa(e. 3#t "aspro'a'l) s*ripte% some"$ere alon t$ose lines,> $e 'roke o((. >!$at ari%i*ulous (ar*e. #/m uessin )our kno"le% e an% $istor) (it t$e roleo( /%an erous *riminal/ per(e*tl).>

>T$e Cit) $as (ull a**ess to all t$e *itizens/ personal in(ormation,>2$ion ans"ere%. >#t "as pro'a'l) eas) to (in% a person to (it t$e role

t$e) "ante%.>> ore like )ou "ere 'ein marke% (rom t$e 'e innin .>>Hu$@>>E-er sin*e t$at %a) )ou $elpe% me, t$e *it)/s 'een markin )ou as

a *autionar) suspe*t. T$e)/-e 'een s*rutinizin )our %ail) li(e %o"n toe-er) minute %etail. !$o )ou met "it$, "$at )ou talke% a'out, "$at)ou ate... so # t$ou $t t$is mur%er *ase "as somet$in t$e *it) %e-ise%

to arrest )ou. # "as "ron , t$ou $, an% "e kno" t$at no".>

11<




>0ut "$)@ or "$at purpose3>>0e*ause )ou/re not a lo)al *itizen,> Nezumi replie% as $e to"elle%

$is $air o((. His pro(ile "as %eli*atel) *$isele%. #t looke% almost like anarti(i*ial *reation. #t "as all too %i((erent (rom a (a*e t$at $a% skin an% 'loo% *oursin t$rou $ it, an% *arrie% 'o%il) "armt$, "it$ s"ells an%%imples o( (les$ or (at, t$e o**asional e*zemaJ a (a*e t$at *$an e% "it$ +o), an er, rie( or mirt$, s$one "it$ s"eat, or staine% "it$ tears. T$is"as no $uman (a*e3 it looke% like a %oll t$at $a% 'een *ra(te% "it$utmost pre*ision.

0ut e-en so, 2$ion t$ou $t, an% *len*$e% $is (ist. T$e "rist $e $a%raspe% minutes a o $a% 'een "arm, an% t$ro''in "it$ a stea%)

pulse.> ou/re spa*e% out a ain. Am # 'orin )ou@>>Hu$@ O$, no3 o( *ourse not. # "as +ust "on%erin "$at )ou

meant ')... not lo)al.> 2$ion/s (a*e (lus$e%, t$ou $ $e %i%n/t kno" "$).Nezumi sni((e% %ismissi-el).

>T$at *it) onl) a**epts people "$o ple% e a'solute lo)alt) tot$em. T$e) %on/t allo" people "$o resist, o'+e*t, or retaliate. T$e)make sure an) (orei n o'+e*t is remo-e% *ompletel). T$at/s $o" it/st$ri-e% up until no".>

>An% #/m t$e (orei n o'+e*t t$is time.>> ou/re more t$an (orei n to t$em3 t$ink a'out it. ou $ouse% a

VC, )ou $el% suspi*ions a ainst t$e *it) (or manipulatin in(ormation,

an% )ou sa" t$e *ruelt) 'e$in% t$eir (a a%e. As a *itizen, )ou (ail t$etest. ou/re an un"ante% *an%i%ate. T$e *it) "as +ust "aitin (or t$eri $t opportunit) to et ri% o( )ou. 3He),> Nezumi sai% a'ruptl). >Tellme, "$at %oes t$e immune s)stem %o "$en a -irus in-a%es a $uman 'o%)@>

>Hu$@> 2$ion "as *au $t o(( uar%. >!ell, (irst t$e natural killer*ells3 t$at/s a t)pe o( l)mp$o*)te3 (in% t$e *ells t$at $a-e 'een

in(e*te% "it$ t$e -irus, an% %estro) t$em. T$en t$e ri'onu*lease

11F




'e*ome a*ti-e an% suppress t$e sprea% o( t$e -irus. Ne7t3>>T$at/s enou $,> Nezumi interrupte%. >?eez, # set )ou o((

e7plainin somet$in , an% )ou %on/t kno" "$en to stop. T$at/s "$)people et pisse% o(( at )ou.>

> ou/re t$e onl) one t$at seems to et irritate% at me.>Nezumi i nore% $im an% a-e a s$ort, %erisi-e lau $.>2o 'asi*all), to t$e *it), )ou/re a -irus. An% t$at/s "$) t$e) trie%

to erase )ou.>>#/m a $uman. # "on/t 'e erase% t$at easil).>

Nezumi si $e% %eepl) in e7asperation.>#t/s eas) (or $umans to kill ot$er $umans, )ou kno".>2$ion *len*$e% $is (ists ti $tl) a ain.>0ut t$e) *an sa-e people too.>>!$at@>> ou sa-e% me. Nezumi,> $e sai% earnestl), >parasite "asps %on/t

$elp ea*$ ot$er out. 0ut people *an sa-e ot$er people. Am # "ron @>

Nezumi smile% 'rie(l), an% $is aze sli% a"a) (rom 2$ion.> ou/re as stupi% as t$e) *ome. Hopeless. !$ere %i% )ou t$ink o(t$at si*kenin *li*$ @ # tol% )ou, #/m onl) repa)in m) %e't.>

>An% # tol% )ou, )ou/-e alrea%) pai% enou $.>>Ho" enerous o( )ou to $a-e su*$ lo" estimations o( m) %e't,>

sai% Nezumi sar*asti*all).>T$en )ou must $a-e $a% prett) $i $ estimations.>

Nezumi let out a lon 'reat$, an% looke% up at t$e *eilin . He 'it$is lip in silen*e as i( to rope (or t$e ri $t "or%s. T$e mi*e at$ere%aroun% $is (eet.

> ou %on/t un%erstan%,> $e sai% momentaril). >No amount o("or%s "oul% pro'a'l) make )ou un%erstan%. T$at %a), (our )ears a o,#/% mostl) i-en up. ?i-in up means t$e en% o( )ou. # kne" t$at. 0utt$ere "as no "a) an)one "oul% $elp me, or len% me a $an%3 t$at/s

"$at # $onestl) t$ou $t. # *oul%n/t ask (or $elp, # $a% no"$ere to

11I




run.... # snu*k into C$ronos, so tire% # *oul%n/t mo-e, an% # t$ou $ta'out $o" it "as onl) a matter o( time until # "as *au $t...> $e pause%,

t$en spoke &uietl). ># (elt so3 $umiliate%. # "on%ere% i( t$e "$olereason #/% 'een 'orn "as +ust to %ie in $umiliation like t$is.... %on/tlau $.>

2$ion "oul% ne-er $a-e 'een a'le to. T$e soun%s o( t$at ni $t(our )ears a o "ere e*$oin in $is ears. T$e soun%s o( t$e "in%, t$etrees, an% t$e "$ippin rain mes$e% an% un%ulate%, risin -i-i% an%s$arp in $is min%. An% ami%st t$e %in an% %arkness, a soppin "et

'o) "as *urle% up on t$e (loor.>An% t$en t$e "in%o" opene%. ou t$re" it open "i%e, %i%n/t

)ou. An% t$en )ou sprea% )our arms open.>> ea$, # remem'er. # (elt reall) restless, an% # "ante% to s*ream.>>To me, it looke% like )ou "ere *allin , 'e*konin (or me to *ome

in. # t$ou $t3 t$is "as un'elie-a'le, an% it "as $appenin ri $t t$ismoment. An% )ou e-en le(t t$e "in%o" open "$en )ou %u*ke% 'a*k

insi%e.>># "as oin to turn o(( t$e atmosp$ere *ontrol s)stem.>># %on/t *are (or "$at reason. T$at "in%o" )ou le(t re*klessl) open

"as m) stroke o( lu*k. An% t$e (a*t t$at )ou %i%n/t *all t$e 2e*urit)0ureau on me, 'ut instea% treate% m) "oun% an% e-en a-e me (oo%"as anot$er mira*le. # (oun% out (or t$e (irst time t$at t$in s like t$is*oul% $appen. T$at a $elpin $an% *oul% 'e e7ten%e% mira*ulousl)

like t$at.... )ou "ere t$e (irst one t$at tau $t me. ike all o( t$ese3>Nezumi slo"l) looke% a'out $is room.>3 T$ese t$ousan%s o( stories $ere, )ou tau $t me t$at sometimes

"e en*ounter t$e most une7pe*te% t$in s. An% t$at/s "$) # "as a'le tosur-i-e....> $e lapse% into momentar) silen*e. >2o )ou/re ri $t. T$ereare times "$en people are sa-e% ') ot$er people. An% )ou/re t$e onet$at tau $t me t$at. ou "ere t$e onl) one t$at tau $t me t$at. T$e

%e't # o"e (or t$at is $i $3 un(ortunatel) (or me.>

1:9




Nezumi/s -oi*e "as so &uiet it "as almost a murmur, 'ut it "as%eep an% *lear, an% ran pleasantl) in 2$ion/s ears. 2o t$at/s "$at it

"as, 2$ion t$ou $t, an% sprea% $is (in ers as $e looke% as $is palm.T$at ni $t, "$en $e t$re" t$e "in%o" open "it$ t$ese $an%s, $e $a%*alle% in a mira*le alon "it$ t$e "in%.

>Don/t et too *arrie% a"a),> sai% Nezumi, $is "or%s &ui*kl)turnin 'rus&ue. >#/m i-in )ou t$e uest treatment 'e*ause # o"e)ou. #( )ou et *arrie% a"a) an% start a*tin *o*k), #/m oin to ki*k)ou out.>

> ine ') me,> sai% 2$ion mil%l). ># %on/t kno" i( )ou/ll take m)"or% (or it, 'ut #/m not t$e t)pe to et *arrie% a"a) too easil). 0ut $o"%i% )ou (in% out # "as in %an er@> $e aske% *uriousl). >#t/s not like )ou"ere keepin *onstant "at*$ o-er me t$ese (our )ears, ri $t@>

Nezumi plu*ke% a re) mouse up an% $el% it out at 2$ion. #t "ast$e smallest amon all t$e mi*e.

>Take a *lose look.>

2$ion $el% t$e mouse in $is palm, an% 'rou $t it *lose to $is (a*e.>#s t$is... a ro'ot@>>Prett) "ell ma%e, isn/t it@ #t $as a set o( 'uilt in sensors. T$is

t$in is small enou $ t$at it *an slip t$rou $ t$e *it)/s sur-eillan*e netan% mo-e aroun% &uite a 'it. Depen%s on t$e area, t$ou $.>

>Di% )ou make t$is@>>!ell, )ea$,> $e sai% *asuall). >!$ile # "as a"a) (rom No. 6, t$is

u) "as t$e one sen%in me %ata a'out )ou.>2$ion li $tl) *lose% $is (in ers aroun% t$e mouse in $is $an%. #t$a% none o( t$e "armt$ an% so(tness t$at "as *$ara*teristi* o( li-int$in s. Con-ersel), $e s*oope% up one o( t$e mi*e s*urr)in a'out $is(eet an% $el% it in $is palm too. T$is one $a% a (aint 'ut %e(inite"armt$ an% pulse.

># %i%n/t kno" "$en or $o" t$e *it) "as plannin to et ri% o(

)ou,> Nezumi *ontinue%. > ou/re smart an% )oun . ou still $a%

1:1




plent) o( usa e -alue. # *oul%n/t ima ine t$at t$e) "oul% ki*k )ou outso easil). # (i ure% on*e t$e) %is*o-ere% $o" use(ul )ou *oul% 'e,

t$e)/% take (ull a%-anta e o( it. !ritin )ou up as a mur%erer "aspro'a'l) a pie*e o( *ake (or t$em. ou "ere t$eir s*ape oat,> $esneere%. >T$e) "ere keepin )ou en*lose% in a *orral until t$e*eremonial %a), "$en t$e) "oul% %ra )ou out in (ront o( e-er)onean% make a (las$) s$o" o( *$oppin )our $ea% o((.>

>2o #/-e one (rom 'ein a -irus to a oat, $u$. Not mu*$ o( animpro-ement.>

>He), oats are *ute. ore lo-a'le t$an )ou, an)"a).>># appre*iate t$e *ompliment,> sai% 2$ion unamuse%l). >2o t$is

little u) sense% t$e *$an e oin on aroun% me an% *ame to noti())ou.>

> up. #t starte% t$at %a) "$en t$at man %ie% o( unnatural *ausesat t$e park "$ere )ou "orke%. A(ter t$at, t$e 0ureau starte% steppinup t$eir sur-eillan*e on )ou. An% like a%%in i*in to t$e *ake, )our

*o "orker ot kille% too. #t "as t$e per(e*t opportunit) to put )ouun%er arrest.>>2ur-eillan*e3 # %i%n/t e-en kno" # "as 'ein "at*$e%.>>T$e) %o it so )ou %on/t noti*e. On*e )ou %o, it/s too late.>>T$at/s s*ar).>> ou/re noti*in now@> Nezumi sni((e% in %erision. 2$ion rake% $is

'an s up. He "as *on(use%3 a'out "$at $a% $appene%, "$at "as

a'out to $appen, an% "$at $e "as suppose% to %o (rom no" on. Hekne" almost not$in . An% it "as terri()in not to kno". 0ut t$ere "asone i%ea, alt$ou $ it "as a mere spe*ulation, t$at $a% sparke% in2$ion/s min%.

>Nezumi.>>Hm@>>Coul% it 'e t$e park@>

>T$e "$at@>

1::




>T$e orest Park in t$e *entre o( t$e *it). ) "orkpla*e3 *oul%t$at 'e "$ere t$e parasite "asp ori inate%@>

>!$)@> sai% Nezumi. >T$at park is ri $t in t$e mi%%le o( t$e *it).#t mi $t 'e a (orest, 'ut it/s still arti(i*ial. All t$e "il%li(e is mana e%an% *ontrolle% ') t$e *it). #( a parasite "asp sprun out o( no"$ere,t$e)/% noti*e.>

>T$at/s true, 'ut... out o( all pla*es in t$e *it), t$e park "oul% 'et$e most a%e&uate en-ironment (or a ne" spe*ies to appear. An% allt$e -i*tims so (ar, in*lu%in me, "ere in t$e park "$en it $appene%. O(

*ourse3> 2$ion $esitate%. ># %on/t kno" i( t$ere/s 'een *asualtiesan)"$ere else3 'ut # t$ink part o( t$e reason "$) t$e *it) suspe*te%me "as 'e*ause t$e in*i%ents "ere *on*entrate% in t$at lo*ation. 0ut i(t$at/s t$e *ase3>

>T$at monster must $a-e 'een 'orn t$ere some$o" "it$out 'einnoti*e% ') t$e *ontrol s)stems.>

>#t/s plausi'le, ri $t@ An% "$at/s more, t$e park is "$ere lots o(

people at$er.>>No s$orta e o( $osts,> sai% Nezumi riml).#t "as a park t$at "as 'eauti(ull) an% *on-enientl) *ra(te% (or t$e

*itizens. #( a spe*ies t$at pre)e% on $umans a*tuall) %i% in$a'it it,t$en3

>2prin ,> 2$ion murmure%.2prin @ Nezumi e*$oe% in &uestion.

>On*e "inter *omes, t$e "asps "ill *ease a*ti-it) as t$e) enter a%ormant sta e. T$e e s t$at $a-e 'een lai% alrea%) "ill pro'a'l) passt$e "inter as t$e) are.>

>#nsi%e people/s 'o%ies.>> ea$. An% "$en sprin *omes, t$e)/ll 'e a'le to resume a*ti-it)

as an ima o. T$en t$e)/ll $at*$ all at on*e.> #n a season a'un%ant "it$sunli $t an% (lo"er 'lossoms, a mass o( 'la*k "asps "oul%

simultaneousl) 'reak out o( people/s 'o%ies to take (li $t. Ho" man)

1:=




"oul% t$e) 'e@ Ho" man) people "oul% 'e sa*ri(i*e%@>!e $a-e to %o somet$in .>

>An% $o" are )ou onna /%o somet$in / a'out it@> replie% Nezumi 'luntl). >Don/t e-en t$ink a'out oin 'a*k to t$e *it). ou/ll 'e kille%.

ou/re an amateur, )ou *an/t pull an) (an*) tri*ks like slippin pastsur-eillan*e. Ten to one, as soon as )ou step insi%e t$e *it), )ou/ll 'es$ot %ea%. !e %on/t $a-e a trump *ar% to pull out, )ou kno".>

>A*tuall)3 # t$ink "e mi $t.>Nezumi narro"e% $is e)es.

># sur-i-e% t$at "asp atta*k. T$ere/s a *$an*e t$at #/-e %e-elope%anti'o%ies t$at resist t$e to7in. #( # $a-e, t$en it/ll 'e possi'le to make aserum out o( m) 'loo%.>

Nezumi s$ot an appalle% look at 2$ion an% $un*$e% $is s$oul%erse7a erate%l).

>An% t$en "$at/re )ou onna %o@ ?o "altzin into t$e *it)/sHealt$ 0ureau an% sa) /Please *$e*k m) 'loo%. An% i( )ou like, please

make a serum out o( it/@ T$at/s i%ioti*. T$e)/ll pro'a'l) su*k all )our 'loo% out an% t$ro" )ou in t$e tras$ "it$ t$e rest o( t$eir or ani*ar'a e. 2ure, "$at )ou/re sa)in is impressi-e, 'ut are )ou prepare%

to risk losin )our li(e (or t$ese people@>># %on/t "ant to %ie.>>T$en %on/t t$ink a'out useless t$in s. !$et$er )ou $a-e

anti'o%ies or not, on*e )ou/re *au $t, )ou/re oin to et kille%

an)"a). #t/s +ust a matter o( $o" soon or $o" late.>>T$en "$at s$oul% # %o@>>Don/t %o an)t$in . 5ust lea-e t$em to (en% (or t$emsel-es.>2$ion li(te% $is (a*e.> ea-e t$em@> $e aske% &uietl).> ea$. !$at a ma ni(i*ent sta e it/ll 'e,> Nezumi sneere%. > ou

*an "at*$ t$e Hol) Cit) *rum'le into ruin, lo"in in t$e li $t o(

sprin . An% )ou/ll $a-e t$e 'est seats in t$e $ouse.>

1:




>Nezumi > 2$ion raise% $is -oi*e s$arpl).>!$oa, %on/t o %umpin "ater on me a ain.>

>Are )ou un%er t$e impression t$at t$e !est 0lo*k is sa(e (romt$is@> $e sai% in*re%ulousl). >!e/re $uman 'ein s, t$e same as t$em.T$ere/s no kno"in "$en t$e "asps mi $t atta*k us too.>

Nezumi (ell silent. A *rooke% smile pla)e% on $is lips.>!e/re not t$e same.>>!$at3>>T$e people insi%e t$e *it) sure %on/t see t$e resi%ents o( t$e !est

0lo*k as t$e same $uman 'ein s. ou still %on/t kno" "$at kin% o(pla*e t$is is, %o )ou@ T$is is t$e Hol) Cit)/s ar'a e %ump. No. 6 $ast$ri-e% ') t$ro"in e-er)t$in it %oesn/t "ant out $ere. ou s$oul%take a oo% look an% see (or )oursel(.>

>Nezumi...>>T$is is +ust m) $un*$, 'ut listen,> $e *ontinue%. >T$at monster is

pro'a'l) onl) oin to *$oose resi%ents o( No. 6 to 'e its $ost3 t$e

people "$o $a-e pus$e% e-er)t$in %irt) into t$e $an%s o( ot$ers toli-e in t$at per(e*tl) $) ieni* en-ironment, "ell nouris$e% an% ine7*ellent $ealt$. r. onster $as ourmet tastes.>

>Ho" *an )ou 'e so sure@>># $a-e no *lue a'out t$e 'iolo ) o( inse*ts, 2$ion. 0ut #/m

pro'a'l) ri $t in uessin t$at an) 'ee, "asp, ant or rass$opper "illappear most in pla*es "$ere t$ere/s t$e most (oo%. #n terms o(

population %ensit), "e/re mu*$ $i $er t$an t$e *it). 0ut %o )ou seean) si n o( t$e monster $ere@ No. !$i*$ means t$at t$ere are simpl)no pre), no $osts $ere. Ri $t@>

2$ion "as at a loss (or "or%s. His t$ou $ts "ere 'e*omintan le%, an% t$ere "as a %ull pain t$ro''in at t$e 'a*k o( $is $ea%.Nezumi/s $an% tou*$e% $is *$eek.

>2orr)3> $e sai% so(tl). ># %i%n/t mean to i-e )ou a $ar% time. #

(or ot. ou/re (rom t$e ot$er si%e, t$e insi%e o( t$e "all.>

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># %on/t un%erstan% "$at )ou mean ') insi%e an% outsi%e.>>O( *ourse )ou "oul%n/t,> Nezumi sai% entl). >T$at/s normal. ou

u)s $a-e pro'a'l) ne-er trie% to un%erstan% "$at "as oin onoutsi%e )our "alls, $a-e )ou@ ou pro'a'l) "eren/t e-en *uriousa'out it. O'li-ious, arro ant, 'liss(ul people... 0ut )ou, poor t$in ,> $emurmure%. > ou/-e (allen o(( t$at pe%estal.>

&hich means I can no longer be obli#ious, arrogant or blissful anymore.Is that what you want to say! 2$ion let $is aze speak (or $im as $elooke% Nezumi in t$e e)e.

If arrogance is knowing nothing and ne#er ha#ing tried to know, and ifmy blissful life until now has been built upon this arrogance, then sure, Idon't mind throwing e#erything away. 5alling off my pedestal would be thebest thing that could ha#e happened to me.

>Nezumi,> $e sai% stea%il).>Hm@>># "ant to kno" t$e trut$. # "ant to kno" "$at/s real, "$at/s

$appenin to t$is "orl% #/m li-in in. # "ant to see its true (a*e.>Nezumi $un*$e% $is s$oul%ers an% (las$e% $im a "r) smile.>2u*$ )out$(ul "or%s.>>!e/re t$e same a e.>># $a-e more li(e e7perien*e t$an )ou. ?eez, # %on/t kno" "$o else

"oul% rattle o(( a line as em'arrassin as /# "ant to kno" t$e trut$/.E7*ept Hamlet, ma)'e.>

>!$o/s t$at@>>A prin*e o( Denmark. # t$ink )ou s$oul% 'alan*e out t$atkno"le% e 'ias 'e(ore "orkin on kno"in t$e trut$. ou reall) kno"ne7t to not$in a'out *lassi*s, $u$@>

>!ell, #/-e ne-er nee%e% t$em 'e(ore...> (ro"ne% 2$ion. >T$e Arts"eren/t en*oura e% mu*$, so...>

Nezumi rea*$e% into t$e s$el-es an% pulle% out t"o 'ooks.

>#( "$at )ou/re sa)in is true, t$en on*e "inter *omes, t$e

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*ommotion "ill %ie %o"n. !$i*$ means "e $a-e a moratorium untilsprin .>

>Pro'a'l).>>T$en t$ere/s no nee% to et "orke% up,> $e sai% airil). >Not$in

"ill *ome o( it. 2o until )ou re*o-er an% )ou/re "ell enou $ to mo-earoun%, )ou *an rea% $im t$ese.>

>Him@>A 'ro"n mouse s*urrie% up onto 2$ion/s knee, an% stoo% on its

$in% le s.

>He lo-es acbeth . T$e ot$er is 5aust . E-er $ear% o( it@>>No.>Nezumi rima*e%, an% $ea-e% an e7a erate% si $.>/#( (eelin prompt not, i( it %ot$ not (lo"

res$ (rom t$e spirit/s %ept$s, "it$ stron *ontrol2"a)in to rapture e-er) listener/s soul,#%le )our toilJ t$e *$ase )ou ma) (ore o / 3is $o" it oes. ou

s$oul% i-e )our 'rain a 'reak an% "ork on trainin )our soul. ourama use% to rea% to )ou, ri $t@>> ea$.>T$e mouse s&ueake% insistentl).>O$, ri $t. 2peakin o( ama, # $a-e a messa e (rom )ours. #

almost (or ot.>>Hu$@>

A (aint *olour rose in Nezumi/s *$eeks as $e o'stinatel) turne%asi%e.>!ell, sin*e )ou mana e% not to %ie... # (i ure% it "oul%n/t $urt to

tell )our mot$er t$at )ou/re o-er $ere no". >> ou "ent to see m) mot$er@>>Not me ,> $e sai% 'rus&uel), ># sta)e% in t$e un%er roun% tunnel.

T$is u)3>

T$e 'ro"n mouse tilte% its $ea% to one si%e.

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>3He "ent (or me, "it$ t$e note in $is mout$. One o( t$e ol%esttri*ks in t$e 'ook, 'ut surprisin l), it ot past sur-eillan*e "it$out

'ein noti*e%.>>T$ank )ou.>>2top t$at.> Nezumi pulle% a (a*e. >Don/t i-e me t$at tear) e)e%

look. Aren/t )ou em'arrasse% at all@>># "as talkin to t$is little mouse $ere.>>O$3 "ell, t$en.>2$ion reall) "as rate(ul. No" t$at $e kne" $o" %i((i*ult it "as

to et past t$e "all, $e (elt rate(ul (rom t$e 'ottom o( $is $eart t$atNezumi $a% taken t$e same risk a ain +ust to %eli-er t$e messa e to $ismot$er. )o this is what it means to gain knowledge.

> our mom/s ot some uts,> Nezumi remarke%. >2$e mana e% toi-e me a repl) "it$out ettin *au $t.> Nezumi tosse% $im a rolle%

up strip o( paper t$at "as a'out $al( t$e size o( $is (in er. T$ere "as amessa e $astil) s*ri''le% onto it t$at $e *oul% 'arel) rea%.

Arnd -6 7888. -atch Bldg. 75. Not sure. 6 >!$at %oes t$is mean@> He an% Nezumi looke% at ea*$ ot$er in 'e"il%erment.

>#t/s a letter t$at )our ama "rote to $er 'elo-e% son,> sai%Nezumi. >Don/t )ou $a-e an) *lue "$at it mi $t 'e a'out@>

>Not reall),> replie% 2$ion %ou't(ull). >/8/ pro'a'l) stan%s (or m)mot$er/s (irst name, 'ut t$is... /not sure/...@>

>#t/s pro'a'l) an a%%ress. Not t$at 'uil%in num'ers "oul% %oan) oo% $ere.... at*$ 0uil%in , $u$. # uess #/ll look into it.>>2o t$at must mean m) mot$er kno"s someone "$o li-es in t$e

!est 0lo*k.> #t "as a surprise to $im. He $a% ne-er $ear% 8aran utter asin le "or% a'out an)one "$o li-e% $ere. Nezumi snappe% $is (in erssmartl).

>O$3 # kno".>

>Hu$@>

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>#t/s al"a)s s$inin like t$at, mornin , %a), an% ni $t. Prett), isn/tit.>

> ea$.>>0ut "$ere )ou/re oin to 'e li-in (rom no" on is $ere.> T$e

lan% "as sunken in %arkness, "it$ a sparse s*atterin o( li $ts $erean% t$ere. T$e) 'urne% (orlornl), an% ma%e t$e surroun%in %ark looke-en more ink) 'la*k. T$e *lou%s a'o-e 'roke, an% t$e moon peeke%out. #t "as a *res*ent moon. A t$in sli-er, almost like a *lippe% nail,(loate% in t$e empt) sk).

Nezumi *rou*$e% %o"n to pi*k somet$in up.> ook at t$is.> #t "as a %ea% "asp.>T$is looks like +ust a re ular paper "asp.>> ou "ere ri $t, it looks like t$e season (or "asp a*ti-it) is o-er.>>0) sprin time...> 2$ion traile% o((.#t "as possi'le t$at t$e *it) "oul% $ol% out some$o" until sprin .

#t a-e $im a (e" mont$s/ ra*e perio% until t$e (atal +u% ment "oul%

(all. >#( )ou/re serious a'out (i $tin t$e parasite "asps, # "on/t et in)our "a),> Nezumi sai%. >0ut i( t$at means $elpin No. 6, #/m 'a*kinout.>

>Do )ou $a-e a ru% e a ainst No. 6@>T$ere "as no ans"er. T$e "in% 'le" stron er. T$e *anopies a'o-e

*reake% an% rustle% as t$e) s"a)e% in t$e %arkness.

>2$ion.>>Hm@>>T$at *it) "$ere )ou "ere 'orn an% raise% in3 t$at/s t$e 'i est

parasite.>>Hu$@>>#t lat*$es onto t$e $ost, su*ks out all its nutrients, an% %e-ours it

"$ole. T$at/s t$e kin% o( *it) it is. A Parasite Cit)... %o )ou un%erstan%

"$at #/m sa)in @>

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>No.>> ou/ll (in% out soon. ou sai% )ou "ante% to kno" t$e trut$. 0ut

on*e )ou kno", )ou/ll ne-er 'e a'le to o 'a*k. # "oul% prepare m)sel(i( # "ere )ou.>

>#/-e alrea%) *ome too (ar to o 'a*k an)"a), "oul%n/t )ou t$ink@>># uess so.>Nezumi/s &uiet lau $ter *arrie% on t$e "in%. His -oi*e "as %r)

an% $ollo", as i( to *omplement it.>#( )ou (in% out t$e trut$, an% still "ant to prote*t No. 63 t$en,>

#n t$e %arkness, Nezumi/s (a*e turne% to $is. 2$ion *oul% (eel $isaze. He *oul% almost see t$e re) o( $is e)es +ust as -i-i%l).

>T$en )ou/re m) enem) too.>0o), it/s *$ill) out $ere. et/s $ea% 'a*k in. Nezumi/s tone "as

li $t. #t "as as i( not$in $a% $appene%. He turne% $is 'a*k to 2$ion,an% 'e an "$istlin as $e %es*en%e% t$e stairs.

>Nezumi.>

T$e "$istlin stoppe%.> ou $a-en/t tol% me )our name )et.>>Nezumi it is, an% Nezumi it s$all 'e. ?oo% enou $.>>0ut it %oesn/t suit )ou. An% it "as a promise. ou sai% )ou/% tell

me )our name i( # sur-i-e%.>T$ere "as a so(t lau $, "$i*$ &ui*kl) turne% into "$istlin a ain.

T$e %oor *lose%, an% a silen*e settle% o-er t$e %arkness. 2$ion stoo%

alone, roote% to t$e spot. T$e "in% *aresse% $is "$ite $air. He *oul%$ear a %o 'arkin some"$ere in t$e %istan*e.He aze% up at t$e *it) t$at 'e+e"elle% itsel( in li $t. T$e Parasite

Cit). T$e *it) "$ose name Nezumi $a% spat "it$ %is ust "ass$immerin an% 'eauti(ul.

2$ion a-erte% $is e)es (rom t$e li $t, an% took a %eep 'reat$.T$en $e %es*en%e% slo"l) %o"n t$e steps to t$e room 'elo".

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A(ter"or% K'unkoL

A(ter"or%s al"a)s make me terri'l) s$eepis$. #t/s em'arrassin .E-er) time # "rite one, some"$ere in m) $eart, # s$rink 'a*k (roms$ame. # $ear m) o"n -oi*e tellin me, how can you do such anembarrassing thing with no hesitation!

#t pro'a'l) *omes (rom t$e (a*t # $a-e use% all m) past a(ter"or%sas e7*uses. An% un*ons*iousl), too, "$i*$ makes it e-en "orse. #/-eal"a)s stru le% to (ill t$e apin ina%e&ua*ies o( m) "ork, some$o",

"it$ t$e a(ter"or%s. # $a-e a (eelin t$at/s "$at #/-e 'een tr)in to %o.A(ter # realize% "$at # "as %oin , # -o"e% not to "rite an) more

a(ter"or%s. # t$ou $t t$at "$ate-er a "riter sai% or "rote outsi%e o($is "ork "as meanin less.

At t$e time o( t$is "ritin , No. 9 $as 'e*ome a bunko Kpaper'a*kL.Ha-in 'een poor (or a lon time, as a rea%er, # *an sa) # $a-e a *loserelations$ip "it$ bunko. T$is small an% a((or%a'le 'ook "as a o%sen%

to m) "allet an% its mea re (un%s.T$ank )ou, bunko.2o t$at 'ein sai%, # *an (rankl) sa) t$at #/m $app) t$at t$is stor)

$as 'e*ome a bunko , so t$at ot$er people "it$ mea re (un%s 'ut a lo-e(or 'ooks *an $a-e a**ess to it. !$et$er it/s "ort$) enou $ to rea%,"ell, let/s lea-e t$at +u% ment (or anot$er %a). # $a-e no *$oi*e 'ut tolea-e it in )our $an%s, rea%er. # $a-e no intention o( sa)in t$in s like,

>#/-e poure% m) li(e/s e((ort into t$is>3t$ose kin% o( "or%s %on/t e-en&uali() as an e7*use. # still "ant to 'elie-e t$at # $a-en/t 'een *orrupte%to t$at le-el.

T$e stor) isn/t *au $t up "it$ realit). #t/s -er) true. T$e t$in s t$atare portra)e% in t$is stor)3tra e%), *ruelt), t$e t)rann) o( t$ose "it$po"er, $uman ree%, mur%erous intent... take an) one o( t$ese, an%)ou/ll see t$at "$at )ou (in% in t$e "orl% "e li-e in (ar surpasses

an)t$in tol% in m) stor).

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Ho" *an $umans 'e so *ruel@ 2o in$umane@ #t lea-es mespee*$less in s$o*k. 0ut %espite 'ein stru*k spee*$less, # ask m)sel(,

"oul% # still 'e a'le to (in% a $ope (or li(e t$rou $ t$e stor) o( No. 9@T$e *$an*es o( t$at seem un*ertain, an% slimmer t$an t$e *ontents o(m) "allet. 0ut # $a-e no ot$er "a) to %o it 'ut to "rite, an% # (eel like #"oul% lose to t$e *ruelt) an% arro an*e o( realit)3an% # *an/t +ust putm) tail 'et"een m) le s an% a%mit %e(eat, so # "rite. # "ant to (a*e o((a ainst realit), approa*$ it in *$allen e, "it$ No. 9 as m) stren t$. #"ant to tear o(( t$at $i%e o( "$at t$e) *all Realit) or Human 0ein s,

%ra out "$at lies 'eneat$, an% 'uil% upon it not %espair, 'ut a stor) o($ope.

T$at is also m) am'ition.A$, am # makin e7*uses a ain@ Or am # +ust tr)in to *$eer m)sel(

on@ Or am # 'ran%is$in -alorous "or%s to tri*k m)sel( an% ot$ers into 'elie-in t$em@ Hmm. T$at/s reall) terri'le, a*tuall). 0ut still....

*ou're annoying .

# (elt like # +ust $ear% Nezumi/s "$isper.&hat an annoying woman. If you ha#e time to be indulging yourself incomplaints, put up a fight first.

# $ear a -oi*e tellin me to (i $t, more stoutl), more (ier*el) t$anan)t$in 3"$et$er it 'e m)sel(, or ot$ers, or t$e times. # rima*e, an%

i-e m)sel( a s$ake.He/s ri $t. or no", 'e(ore "ritin an a(ter"or%, #/ll "rite m)

stor)3a stor) "it$ no *omplaints, e7*uses or tri*ker).2o t$ere )ou $a-e it, an a(ter"or% t$at/s not mu*$ o( an a(ter"or%.#/m reall) sorr). #( # *oul%, # "oul% like to make t$is m) last a(ter"or%Kis$L t$in .

2o t$is is t$e en%. # "oul% like to e7ten% m) $eart(elt t$anks tot$ose in 8o%ans$a/s C$il%ren/s 0ooks O((i*e t$e late r. os$ikatsu

amaka e, r. Hi%e)uki amamuro, an% s. 5unko 5in'o (rom t$e

0unko Pu'lis$in Department.

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T$ank )ou, t$ank )ou so mu*$.

:996, late summerAtsuko Asano

atsuko asano : no.6

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