by Yusuke Kishi
What appeared wasn’t so much a hill as a monolith. It was 150 meters tall and 300 meters wide. The rock face was so sheer that no snow accumulated on it, and so smooth that scaling it seemed to be virtually impossible.
“It’s just a wall…I don’t see a stronghold anywhere,” Satoru said, squinting.
“Over there. Can you see it? There is a hidden cave entrance where that pine tree is growing out from the rock.”
I couldn’t see it even following the direction he was pointing. Nothing moved, and there was only silence around us.
“The Goat Moth colony has dug far and deep into the rock over the years, turning the entire cliff into their stronghold.”
“But where do they go in from?” I still couldn’t see it.
“I don’t know. They must have tunnels extending underground as well, cleverly hiding the entrance. But usually, they drop a rope ladder from the cave entrance up there to get in and out. We can’t see it now because they must have retracted it after learning of our approach. They refuse to communicate with the other colonies, and hide if strangers approach. …but they must know that won’t work this time around.”
Yakomaru called out to a soldiers a the rear of the formation. It wasn’t as strange looking as the Ground Spider mutants, but this soldier had bulging chest muscles, and carried a large tube shaped like a megaphone.
The soldier listened to Yakomaru for a minute, then turned toward the Goat Moth stronghold and started shouting its message. It was so loud I thought my eardrums would burst. Satoru and I clapped our hands over our ears, looking in disbelief as the queerats stood listening as if nothing were wrong.
The shouting continued at such volume that I thought it would start an avalanche. The Goat Moths did not respond.
“Well, it appears we will have to show that we are here in earnest.”
At Yakomaru’s command, the archers formed up and raised their bows.
“Wait, we’re not here to fight!” Satoru objected.
“I agree. But you can clearly see that they are ignoring our summons. In order get these lazy, arrogant creatures to obey, you must scare them into submission.”
Yakomaru gave the order.
Instantly, dozens of arrows flew toward the pine tree on the cliff in a beautiful arc. Most of them bounced off the cliff, but a few stuck to the tree, and one embedded itself in a crack between the stone.
Still no response. At Yakomaru’s command, the archers lined up to shoot again. This time, they wrapped oil-soaked cloth to the head of the arrows and set them alight.
Dozens of flaming arrows cut through the air.
The pine tree soon started to burn and give off black smoke. Finally, there was movement. I saw a spray of snow. It looked like they were trying to put out the fire from the other side of the tree.
“I’m sure they understand the situation now. I will try to summon them again.”
Yakomaru raised his right hand. The soldier with the megaphone started its earsplitting shriek again. Although I couldn’t understand what it was saying, its tone was surprisingly aggressive. Was this really just a summons?
Finally, the answer came in the form of a volley of arrows.
All around the pine tree, countless arrowslits had opened in the rock, allowing them to send out waves of arrows.
The enemy arrows came from above in a straight line, traveling at considerable speed. Having no shields, Yakomaru’s archers and the megaphone soldier were about to become pincushions.
The next instant, the swarm of arrows were parted by an invisible force and flew away in all directions.
Satoru and I had changed the course of the arrows in the same way we had parted the avalanche. I thought it was impressive how we had sprung into action at the same time. I guess we had known each other for so long that we could almost read each other’s mind.
There followed what seemed to be a confused silence from the Goat Moths. A strong wind could blow arrows off course, but having them suddenly part in different directions mere feet from the target was not something that happened naturally.
“You have my heartfelt thanks! I am overwhelmed with gratitude, for you saved the lives of my soldiers!” Yakomaru bowed deeply. “But as you can see, the Goat Moths are a colony of godless heathens. I will advise them to respond to our summons once more, but if they continue to ignore it, more forceful methods may be necessary.”
Without waiting for us to respond, Yakomaru positioned the megaphone soldier at the front of the troop again. I still couldn’t understand the words, but its tone of voice was even more overbearing and malicious than before. I didn’t think it was a simple message of ceasefire and parley. No doubt it was some sort of ultimatum.
The Goat Moths seemed to be struggling to respond to this unexpected situation. But just as I expected, the Robber Fly’s message had provoked some of the soldiers. A single arrow came flying toward the megaphone soldier.
This time, Satoru and I did not synchronize our movements as well. We both tried to stop the arrow. Space seemed to warp and in the shimmering light, a strange rainbow appeared. It was the interference pattern of two cantus coming in contact. The result of such contact could be unimaginably devastating. We both stopped immediately. The arrow vanished along with the light.
It was an exaggerated defense against a single arrow, but to the Goat Moths, it probably appeared to be a deliberate show of force.
“Gods! The Goat Moths have fired an arrow knowing you are among us. It is blasphemy! Please bring down divine punishment upon them.”
“…but it was just a single arrow. Maybe it was an accident.” I was reluctant to do as Yakomaru said.
“Just one arrow is enough! Just drawing a bow on a god is a crime serious enough to bring annihilation to the entire colony. …furthermore, we have reached a stalemate. If the Goat Moths will not listen to us, we have no way of finding your friends.”
“All right, I understand.” Satoru came to a decision first.
“Don’t be too harsh.” I said to Satoru.
After all, Squonk had rescued Mamoru. To deal his colony a killing blow would be poor repayment for the deed.
“I know.” Satoru turned to face the stronghold and muttered his cantus.
The pine tree growing at the mouth of the cave gave a dry snap and fell away.
The soldier hiding behind it stood petrified.
Then, with a deep boom, the stone cracked as if punched by a giant fist. Shards of stone went flying. Another punch. …and another. The stone around arrowslits crumbled and giant hole opened.
“That’s enough! Stop it!” I shouted.
As I looked around, high pitched shouting came from above us. Although it sounded the same as the megaphone soldier’s screams, these were somehow more piteous.
The megaphone soldier responded harshly. Then a couple of queerats appeared at the mouth of the cave. Over half of them wore scale armor, and I assumed they were high ranking officers. The one in the center wore a cape. I later learned that he was the regent of the Goat Moth colony, Quichy. The other queerats lowered a rope to the ground.
Glancing to the side, I noticed Yakomaru standing silently with a strange expression on his face. It seemed to be anger mixed with uncontainable joy.
There’s probably no point writing down every detail of Yakomaru and Quichy’s meeting. Basically, Yakomaru treated him just as a victor lords over the loser. I couldn’t understand their conversation, but Yakomaru appeared to be making a number of one-sided demands. No matter how unreasonable the demands were, Quichy was in no position to refuse.
Growing impatient, Satoru interrupted their talk and, finally, was able to ask about Maria and Mamoru’s whereabouts. At Quichy’s command, Squonk was brought before us.
Squonk cringed as he came, but seemed to perk up a little when he saw us.
“Squonk, do you remember us?”
“Kikikiki… yes, gods.”
“Where did Maria and Mamoru go?” Satoru got right to the po
int.
“I do’t know, gods.”
“You don’t know? Weren’t you with them?”
“Yes. But they went far away.”
I closed my eyes, unable to resist the despair flooding my heart.
“Far away? Where?”
“I do’t know.”
“Don’t you at least know the direction?”
“I do’t know. K-gods. But I have a ledder.”
From inside his tattered shirt, Squonk took out an envelope and handed it to me. I opened the envelope quickly. The letter inside was written in Maria’s handwriting.
To Saki, my love.
By the time you read this letter, Mamoru and I are probably somewhere very far away.
I never would have thought I’d have to write such a farewell letter to my dearest friend and lover. I’m really, really sorry.
Please don’t look for us.
Writing this makes me strangely sad. I remember we were so angry when Mamoru left us a letter with these very same words. But I’m afraid I’m not eloquent enough to say it any other way.
I’m really happy that you are so worried about us. And I understand how you feel. If our places had been reversed, I would be worried as well. However, there is no other way.
We can’t live in Kamisu 66 any longer. The town would not allow it. If it were just me, that might have been alright, but Mamoru has already been branded as one unfit to live. There’s no turning back once you’re branded. Don’t you think we’re treated more like objects to be disposed of if found defective than like human beings? Once the kiln is opened and the pottery examined, all that are found to be warped or cracked are fated to be smashed. If all that awaited us was destruction, then we decided we would rather run away in hopes of finding a different future.
To be honest, I wanted to go with you. That’s the absolute truth. But you’re different from us. I’ve told you before, that you’re an incredibly strong person. I don’t mean physically, or in terms of will or spirit. Rather, you’re easily moved to tears and quickly discouraged. I loved that part about you too. But no matter what difficulties you face, even if every fiber of your being is consumed by grief, you always recover. You don’t break easily.
I’m certain you can continue to live and become a valuable member of the community.
The same doesn’t go for Mamoru. And if I let him out of my sight, he will not live long. Please understand.
Once I left town, one thing became clear to me.
The towns are twisted.
Don’t you think so? Can towns that kill their children to maintain peace and order be considered a normal human society? According to the false minoshiro, our history is one filled with bloodshed. However, I don’t think our current society is any better than the dark ages of the past. Looking back on what happened in the towns, I am beginning to see what it is that warps it.
It is the adults’ deep fear of all children.
Perhaps this has always been this case. It’s obvious that seeing the next generation tear down everything you have struggled to build is difficult to accept, especially if it’s your own children.
The way the adults of Kamisu 66 look upon their children is different, however. It’s as if they are watching a row of eggs hatching, waiting anxiously to see if it is an angel, or, in a one in a million chance, a demon.
Based on intuition and premonition, hundreds upon thousands of eggs are smashed and discarded, and I refuse to be one of them.
When I decided that I had to leave the home I was born and raised in, I was overcome by sadness and loneliness. But when I thought about how everyone else would feel, it gave me pause. If I were to be eliminated by the town, my parents would be devastated at first, but forget about me in time. Just as your parents did with your sister.
I believe that our relationship is different. If I were to be disposed of, I’m sure you wouldn’t leave me to die. If you were in danger, Satoru or I would do anything to save you.
We had another friend. One whose name we aren’t even allowed to remember. He, X, would have come to our aid too, right?
That’s why I have to help Mamoru now.
But being separated from you and Satoru is so incredibly painful.
Luckily, we have our cantus, a powerful tool that will probably help us survive even if we are cast out into the wilderness. That is the one thing for which I am deeply grateful to the town and to Sage Academy.
From now on, Mamoru and I will create a new life together.
To that end, I have a request. If the town asks about us, I want you to tell them that we have died. We are planning to go far away to escape the eye of the townspeople, but if they could forget about us, it would help me sleep much better at night.
I hope from the bottom of my heart that there will come a day when we will meet again.
With love, Maria.
My tears continued to fall long after I had finished the letter.
Inside the envelope was a sketch by Mamoru of Maria and me, smiling together.
As Satoru took the letter and began reading it silently, he put his arm around my shoulder. I tried to stifle my sobs, but the tears just wouldn’t stop. The feeling that I would never see Maria again seemed to be turning into reality.
After the snow hut was destroyed, the only clue we had to go on was Squonk. So that was what we ordered the Robber Fly colony to look for. Even though we didn’t completely trust Yakomaru, the situation was dangerous enough that we needed all the help we could get.
But in the end, we were the ones that had been used. To the cunning queerat, tricking a couple of blindly desperate kids was child’s play.
The robber flies from which the colony gets their name are so called because of the vicious way they trap and suck out the innards of other insects. The characters in the name, 塩屋, come from the white tip at the end of the male fly’s body. Another species with the same characteristic is called the great birdcatcher fly.14 There are no records of this species in the ancient encyclopedias, so they must have appeared only in the past millennium. Even now they are rarely seen, apart from a small area outside the Holy Barrier. Compared to robber flies, they are much larger, between thirteen and eighteen centimeters in length, with long, thin bodies like a dragonfly’s, lined with numerous spiracles for efficient oxygen exchange. Because of this, we used to call them thousand-eyed dragonflies when we were younger.
Great birdcatcher flies tend to lurk behind tree branches, waiting for sparrows, thrushes, white-eyes, Japanese tits, shrikes, starlings and other small birds to pass by before attacking from behind and killing the bird by severing its medulla oblongata with its sword like mouth. Then it would gorge itself on the birds blood until it was so fat it could no longer fly. They have even been known to attack crows.
While the Robber Fly colony may symbolize the bottom of the food chain in name, their penchant for overthrowing their superiors make them more predators, like the great birdcatcher, than prey.
After somehow following the trail to the Goat Moth colony, further clues as to Maria’s whereabouts stopped abruptly.
Despite Yakomaru’s promise to put forth every effort in the search, we had no idea exactly how much we could rely on him, and there was no way he would be able to do it in time. My promise to Tomiko, to find and bring Maria and Mamoru back by tomorrow, was looking more and more hopeless.
Satoru and I discussed for a while, and came up with an alternative plan.
“As you wish! Leave it all your servant Yakomaru.”
There was no choice but to follow Maria’s instructions in the letter and report to the town that they were dead. When I asked Yakomaru to corroborate with our story, he promised to do so without a second of hesitation. I had thought for sure that he would disapprove of lying to the Ethics Committee, but he agreed so readily it made me suspicious.
“I think the best story will be to say that they were swept away by an avalanche. Since no one knows where they were buried, it’ll be difficult to fin
d the bodies.”
True, that was the most plausible story. For someone with cantus to fall to their death was unusual, but saying that Maria had fallen trying to save Mamoru as he fell from his sled would probably work.
“It might take a bit of time, but I believe we will be able to produce some bones. If those are presented to the committee, it might help the story.”
We started.
“What do you mean, bones? Where are you thinking of getting them?” Satoru asked, his tone severe.
Yakomaru went pale and stammered, “…no, that is not what I meant! You misunderstand! Of course, procuring a god’s bones would be impossible. Forgive me for saying so, but some of our bones are visually similar to yours. An exceptionally tall queerat is about the same height as a young god. So, if we carefully scrape those bones against rocks…”
“Enough! I get it. I’ll leave you to deal with it,” I said quickly to shut him up.
Listening to Yakomaru made me feel like we were really going to desecrate their corpses.
“As you wish. Please leave everything to me.”
I didn’t know whether Yakomaru understood my feelings or not, but he bowed respectfully.
Our two-day trip up the river had been for naught. I couldn’t help but sigh. We refused Yakomaru’s offer to stay another night at with the colony and set out for our return. To the place where the snow huts had been. According to Squonk’s story, that would have been the place where Maria parted with him.
We strapped on our skis and pointed in the direction where we had left the speedboats.
Judging from the sun’s position, it was just past noon. But I didn’t feel hungry at all. And it wasn’t because running on adrenaline. Even though I could feel impatience burning inside my chest, my emotions were as cold as the snowy hills around me.
There was no way to find out where Maria and Mamoru had gone. And even if I did know, I couldn’t go after her.
