y the time Andrew arrived, everyone was waiting for him at the entrance of the supermarket. The two boys sat on the sidewalk, eating their lunches, and they gave Andrew his
share. Having only eaten a skimpy breakfast during the early morning, the boys were famished and ate two meals worth. Unable to restrain themselves, they grabbed from the supermarket whatever they could eat. They also decided to gulp down some instant coffee and energy drinks in order to stay lively.
The animals ate lunch as well. Tom found some plastic bowls and fed them whatever he could find at the pet aisle. It was mostly canned food. But he got a small bag of seeds for Terminus.
Kevin didn’t feel right about not paying for it, so he left some money—a few dollars and a handful of pennies—at the checkout. He hoped it would be enough to cover the costs.
They ate and chatted for a while. Before they knew it, it was already mid-afternoon. The sun was descending, slowly changing the colors of the sky from blue to a reddish orange.
After they were done, Genesis called for a meeting. “Ahem, I believe we should discuss our next plan of action.” He pointed at Helios with his snout. “Since you are a prince of Korgen, I thought perhaps you’d like to shed some light on the matter.”
“What?” Sounding surprised, Kevin said, “Helios is a prince?” Helios stared at Genesis. “You knew?”
“Not quite. It was merely a guess. I’ve been wandering the
Helios glared at Genesis. “So you just tricked me into admitting it.” Feeling rather embarrassed at being deceived so easily, Helios frowned. “Well you got me. Yes, I’m a prince.”
Kevin wondered, “Why would a prince want to help? The queen rejected us.”
Helios smiled, tugging at his garments. “Look. I’m wearing clothes. I’m doing this against my mother’s wishes. To me, humans are fascinating. They invent things to solve problems. They wear clothes to stay warm. They build massive shelters and cultivate the land. So much freedom and creativity. It’d be such a waste to let the humans die out.
“However, as prince, things are very strict for me. I have no freedom. I’m not allowed to go into the world. I’ve always had to sneak out. But for a grand quest, sneaking out wouldn’t do much good. I decided to fake my death by letting the boy step on me.” He grimaced upon recalling it. “Though it almost did become a real death because the boy didn’t lift his foot for a long time. I thought I was going to really die.”
“T-that was you?” Kevin tried to make amends by offering moldy cheese, but Helios seemed offended.
“Anyway,” continued Helios, “try not to let word of this get out. If they find out I’m alive and working with humans, they’ll send someone after me. More importantly, if other animals learn that a prince of rats is helping humans, the neutrality of the rats may be threatened. I don’t want to bring trouble to my family.”
Kevin nodded. “Okay, I promise to keep the secret.”
Genesis said, “Now onto the topic at hand. The boys didn’t make it to the Nexus. But Helios has informed me that he visited the Nexus beforehand.”
Kevin said, “I still don’t know what a Nexus is.”
Genesis admitted, “I don’t know much about it either. But it is rumored to be useful.”
Helios entered Andrew’s clothes from the pant leg. Andrew squirmed and kicked around as the white rat climbed up his skin. Helios popped out of Andrew’s collar. He situated himself on Andrew’s left shoulder. Andrew wondered why Helios didn’t just climb up his clothes. It would’ve been much less painful. Then, after noticing Terminus on his right shoulder, Andrew wondered why his shoulders had become quite popular.
Helios began, “Let me explain. The Nexus is the meeting place of information. It is our knowledge and fact center. There is a Nexus in every area with a high population of rats. When a rat is born, he is placed through a series of tests. He’ll run through mazes of intense complexity. If he is found to have amazing memory, he will have the privilege of joining the Nexus. Those who are of the Nexus sit in a chamber and receive information from our networks of informants and spies. And when a foreign rat comes to our city, he must stop by our Nexus and give us all the information he can. By doing so, we will also have information about foreign lands.”
Andrew said, “So it’s like a database, a storage of information?”
“Exactly,” said Helios. “A word-of-mouth database.”
Tom raised a brow. “Why would rats need information?”
“Knowledge is important for everyone, not just humans,” said Helios. “By having knowledge of which restaurants are lenient and which are dangerous, we can determine where we can go to for a safe meal. We can also discover if humans are planning any form of extermination against us so we can relocate. By knowing vital information, we can survive.”
Kevin shrugged. “So how’s that suppose to help us? We’re not looking for food and we’re not avoiding extermination.”
Helios replied, “Because the Nexus takes all information. It doesn’t filter out anything. It doesn’t only contain information about food sources. It’s also our source for news.”
Coming to an understanding, Kevin said, “Ah, I see. Then? What’d you find out?”
Helios cleared his throat. “The current cause of the sleeping epidemic is unknown. There is nothing definite that we know. However, I still have information that may interest you. First, let me tell you something concerning our group and our mission. That snake you saw was not from around here. That will not be the last time we see a dangerous, wild animal try to make their way into human territory. Now that the humans are defenseless, we’ve been seeing movement from the forest. Once news of your investigation reaches the forest, wild animals will definitely try to stop you.”
His eyes widening, Andrew asked, “The animals hate humans that much?”
Helios thought for a moment before replying. “Hate…I wouldn’t say hate. But they do find humans to be a threat. Over the years the humans have been stealing land and resources. Some species are even on the brink of extinction because of them, whether it is from destruction of homes, introduction of foreign germs and species, or even hunting.”
Helios continued, “Now for the second piece of information. There’s a laboratory in the south area of the city. It is a secret underground laboratory. According to rumors, they have been doing strange experiments involving sleep.”
“Hmm.” Kevin said, “Looks like our only thing to go on.”
“Indeed,” said Genesis, “there might be some vital information. We should see the research.” Genesis stared at a stain on the concrete wall, looking worried. He looked at Helios. “There is something I’m wondering about. The snake we caught was saying that someone would come. Do you who he’s talking about?”
Helios sighed. “I didn’t want to worry you. But rats all over the country are saying that,” Helios swallowed, trying to gather the courage to say the name, “Kain is returning.”
“Kain?” Kevin asked, “Who’s Kain?”
“A legend passed down from generation to generation,” Helios replied. “I’m not really sure who or what Kain is. But they say it’s a bad sign.”
“You don’t even know what it is and you’re afraid of it?”
“Well, according to the Nexus, every time in history when something terrible happens it’s because of Kain. Although I don’t know much, isn’t that what makes it scary?”
“I suppose….” Kevin’s eyes wandered over the group. “So should we check out this laboratory now?”
“No,” answered Genesis. “It’ll soon be dark. We will have difficulty monitoring the city at night. We may not be able to keep the city safe. Also, I don’t want any of you to fall asleep by wearing yourselves out. Try to find a way to rest your body but keep your mind awake.”
Kevin drove them around the city, searching for shelter. With three boys, a large dog, a cat, a bird and a rat, it was starting to get a little tight inside the four-passenger car. No one was bumping shoulders, but judging from the atmosphere, it was tense. All the animals seemed to distrust one another and they remained silent throughout the ride. Genesis kept a careful eye on Luna; Luna watched Terminus with an urge to pounce; and Terminus glared at Helios. The pets were kept in the backseat and the only thing keeping them from running rampant was Tom. Tom sat in the middle, glancing apprehensively at the animals around him.
Kevin parked the car near a multiplex. “How about the movie theatre? It’s got food, good seats, loud music…”
Andrew examined the place. “Movies can put you to sleep.”
Tom leaned forward, poking his head between the front seats. “Only if it’s a boring movie. We should watch something crazy…. Oh, and we should keep the lights on.”
Andrew said, “But does anyone even know how to operate the movie projector?”
There was a moment of silence.
“I’ll handle it,” said Tom. “My father manages a cinema. I’ve seen someone do it hundreds of times. It can’t be that hard.”
Kevin smiled. “It’s decided then!”
They left the car and tried to open the front doors. It was locked. Everyone came to the same conclusion and stared at Helios.
Helios stared back at them. “What?”
Genesis said what everyone was thinking, “Rats are good at sneaking in buildings. Go inside and open the doors.”
It was easier said than done, but because everyone was looking at him, Helios couldn’t refuse. He proceeded to find a way inside the building. Once inside, he took on the arduous task of pulling a broom across the entrance hall. It took him nearly an hour to bring the broom five feet over and prop it against the door. It took him another half-hour to push the door handle with enough force to open the door. After he finished the ordeal, Helios passed out on the spot.
Tom took the liberty of choosing a movie to watch. He headed for the projection booth while Andrew and Kevin handled the popcorn, drinks and hotdogs. Genesis, Luna and Terminus decided to take turns patrolling the building. There was no telling whether or not some wild animals might try to attack during the night.
After the two boys prepared the food, they played a few arcade games with the quarters they found scattered behind the ticket window. Tom did not return for a while, so Kevin became worried.
Kevin told Andrew, “I’m going to see what’s up.”
Kevin found Tom inside the projector booth. The projector was on, but film was shooting all over the place. Tom was running around, screaming his head off as he tried to turn off the machine.
“What are you doing?” Kevin shouted. “I thought you said you knew how to work this thing!”
“I don’t know,” Tom replied, sweating in a panic. “I-I must’ve forgot a step, or maybe it’s a different model.”
“I hope you didn’t break anything. There should be an office with a computer somewhere. We can look up the directions.”
Meanwhile, Andrew sat on the middle row of the fully lit theatre, munching on some popcorn. He occasionally shot a glance toward the projection booth behind, wondering what was taking them so long. He bobbed back and forth in the chair, causing it to bounce.
Andrew yawned. The room was feeling rather stuffy. He fanned himself with his hand. He wasn’t sure where the controls for the air conditioning were, and it would be too troublesome to look for them. Andrew got up from the chair, walked down the side stairs and headed for the emergency exit beside the white screen, thinking some cool, fresh air would help.
He cracked open the door and a draft rushed in, brushing past his face. It felt nice. The door led to the rear parking lot. He took several deep breaths of the evening air. The sky darkened. Feeling melancholic, he watched the streetlights around the lot as they automatically turned on. When he thought he heard a strange sound, he walked to the curb, listening for any odd noises. The night was filled with sudden barks, howling and caterwauls. Then, during a brief moment of quiet, he thought he heard a whimper.
He looked to his left. There was a green dumpster by the wall. The exterior of the dumpster had been vandalized with spray paint. Disregarding the legality of the act, Andrew was impressed. He was always surprised to see graffiti, especially in the city, because most of the graffiti was made exceptionally well.
The sound of a whimper hit his eardrum yet again. It was close, and if he was right by his estimation, it was coming from the dumpster. Andrew took a few steps toward the dumpster, before having second thoughts. Then Andrew turned around, returning back to the exit. The whimper was there again. He sighed. Andrew did another about-face, unable to quell the curiosity.
Peering over the dumpster, Andrew found a girl huddled beside it, her face buried between her knees. She was crying alone. The girl looked up and saw Andrew. It was Katie, yet again, her face red, tears dripping down her cheeks.
Wiping her tears, she said irritably, “What do you want?”
“Um,” Andrew stuttered, “y-you want to come inside?”
Her eyes narrowing, she snapped, “Leave me alone.”
“I…” Andrew fell silent, unsure of what to say.
Katie scowled, annoyed by the sudden silence. “If you’ve got something to say, say it!”
Andrew gulped out of fear. “I don’t understand. Why…are you doing this?”
Katie raised a brow but didn’t say anything.
“I mean…” Andrew paused. “You should join us.”
“And be a part of your stupid game?”
His eyes closed, Andrew clenched his fist and shouted, “IT’S NOT A STUPID GA—” He opened his eyes and stopped when he realized he was shouting much louder than he anticipated. Katie stared at him, startled by his outburst. Andrew continued, voice softening, “I mean, it’s not what you think. Kevin thinks we can do this. It’s not a game.”
Katie lowered her head, her eyes focused on the ground. “I don’t care. I don’t care about that…or this crappy world. What’s the point?”
“Don’t you want to save your parents? I want to save my mom.”
“My parents?” Katie made eye contact with Andrew. Andrew felt a chill run down his spine as he gazed into her eyes, her visage cold as ice. It wasn’t quite emotionless. No, it was full of pain and sadness. Andrew lost his breath, caught in her fascinating stare.
Then she broke into laughter. “I don’t have parents.”
“You don’t? I thought I saw them before…”
“Whoever you saw, they aren’t my real parents.” She heaved a sigh, gazing glassy-eyed at the sky. “My old man, he used to…hurt me and my mom. One day, my mom just got up and left. She was fed up. Then the old scumbag started drinking and…” Her voice trailed off, as though she didn’t want to recount such a tale. “No, you don’t want to know about that. Anyway, all I have are foster parents, and they could care less about me. I know. I’ve gone through five foster families already. Everyone just hates me.”
Andrew searched for the words to say. “I’m sorry.”
“You better be sorry.” Katie stood up and slapped him across the face, her eyes full of tears. “I can’t…stop thinking about it now. It’s been so quiet…so lonely…that every time I think, it keeps going back.” Gritting her teeth, she punched Andrew in the stomach. Andrew fell to his knees, grunting. She forced a smile. “I hate guys like you…asking me to come inside, acting like you care.” She grabbed Andrew by the collar and pulled back her fist. “You don’t give a crap about me. And I don’t give a crap about you.” Her fist about to come slamming down, Andrew turned away, squeezing his eyes closed.
“Stop! Get off him!” Kevin and Tom rushed into the scene.
Katie shoved Andrew onto the concrete and glared at Kevin. “Back for more?”
When Kevin saw Andrew in pain, he turned to Katie, cracking his knuckles. “You bet! I’m not letting you get away with this!”
“Don’t,” said Andrew weakly. He got back up, rubbing the pain in his cheek. “It’s my fault. Don’t fight her.”
“Huh?” Kevin’s jaw dropped. “Don’t stick up for her! She’s kicking your butt!”
“It’s my fault,” said Andrew. “I never noticed.” He looked into Katie’s eyes. “You don’t have to do this. Just stop this. Join us.”
“I already told you I don’t want to,” she said.
“So you’re just going to stay behind this dumpster and cry until you die?”
Enraged, Katie punched Andrew in the face again. He didn’t flinch or back away.
“Don’t do this to yourself,” said Andrew, his face covered with blood from his nose. “Don’t think that the world hates you. Don’t give up on everyone because of one man. Don’t hide and push everyone away…because you’re just like us.”
“What?” Katie sputtered, “I’m not like you!”
“Yes, you are!” Andrew spat back. “If you think no one cares…that’s not true—because we care. Or at least…I care.”
“SHUT UP!” Katie raised her fist to strike him again. She screamed, “SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! I HATE YOU!”
Andrew quickly stepped forward and hugged her. Katie gasped and stiffened. Caught in his embrace, she lost all will to fight back. Their jaws hanging loosely, Kevin and Tom gawked at the weird sight that was unfolding before them.
Kevin mumbled, “This is really freaking me out.”
“Really? I find this pretty…cool,” remarked Tom, smirking.
“Get off me.” Blushing profusely, Katie forced Andrew away. Then came a really long awkward silence. No one knew what to do next. Andrew wanted to say more, but he couldn’t muster up the courage to continue. Katie exhaled, looked briefly at Andrew and turned away.
“I’m going in,” said Katie finally, walking toward the door of the building. “It’s cold.”
After she disappeared, the three boys exchanged glances. Andrew couldn’t hide his embarrassment and his cheeks turned very pink.
“Does that mean she’s joining us?” said Kevin, confused.
“I hope so,” said Andrew. “I sure hope so.”