'An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics.'
'Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor.'
Onett City.
Like a festering sea of decay, hidden under a mountain of concrete. Like a bloated blister, concealed beneath the hands of the rich. Lazy streets, despairing screams, blood-painted walls, guilt.
Where there is division, there is greed. Physical division, the scum-covered river carrying black ships of children to be sold at auction. Mental division, splitting Onett into Westside and Eastside, the rich and the poor. The bullies and their toys.
Everyone knows. Everyone turns their faces away.
Eastside begins with the Smoke Farm. Coal mines and factories churn out menacing, grey clouds which loom over city spires. Black substances ooze from pipes into the murky river. Next come the workhouses, where the dregs of society are sent. The dead dogs. The worthless. In them, pain serves as currency. To be sent there is a fate worse than death.
Then come the First and Second residential districts, built from mazed streets, crawling with shadowed alleys and knives. On every corner, momentary happiness is just a pill away. The footways overflow with gangs, drugs, and rotting slurries of sewage on the sides of the road. Around them, houses pile haphazardly without a second thought, bricked and dismal. Every doorway and bridge is somebody's bedroom. The horrors of poverty are just a blight on the social conscience of the rich.
Westside, on the other hand, is centred around the marble spires of the Council Quarters, where the Onetian Council condemns its people. A tall, concrete wall surrounds them, hiding protesters from view. Few know what happens within.
Then come Onett's postcard districts. To the Council Quarters' right is the rushing train station, polished and clean, with great arches marking the route to Twoson. Behind it is the Market Square, full of ornate stalls and delicious produce, middle-class shoppers and opportunistic thieves. The Onett University stands mightily nearby, welcoming the best minds through its wrought iron gates, churning out businessmen on the other end. Last comes the Financial Strip, where towering arrays of hotels invite hopeful tourists to overlook the Eastside's misery. The hotels are the places dreams are made of, the places where businessmen take their mistresses in the dead of night. There, they can delight in the destitution of those below them.
From there spreads the Third and Fourth residential districts, gridlike, rows upon rows of terraced townhouses, uniform and ordered in their stature. Fortune Alley lies nearby, where the gambling inns and taverns welcome the rich and the desperate alike. Many of the gambling halls are frequented and owned by a local gang, The Sharks, who are managed by the merciless Frank Fly. Greed is their patron, and they honour it daily.
Announcing its presence with garish colours is Onett's red light district. The Western Hitch, as it's known, is the place nobody dares speak of. Alluring signs and arrows invite the richest, filthiest of men to indulge in the pleasures of bodies, of touch. It's the oasis where screams ring out, where cries and moans echo through the night. It's where boys become men.
The ordinary businessman may be content with this, shopping, gambling, and living a life of luxury. But the most depraved, the sickest men, they want more. To them, those below them become commodities, toys to sell and fuck and collect. Owning people is commonplace; illegal, but ignored by the Onett Council. Ordinary folk can find themselves indentured to the rich in seconds.
Beneath their masks, these men have slowly tightened their grip on society. The rich take for themselves what they please; it's how it's always been, men of Westside enslaving the impoverished people of the East. The rich own all the pleasure houses, they have stakes in the residential districts, and they reign terror over their prisoners. The Council facilitates it all, turning a blind eye as children are swiped off of the streets, plunged into a world of hell in the workhouses, the brothels, and the trader ships. The people know, but they are powerless.
Development has obliterated the once modest farming town. 'Progress' has torn it in two, torn man itself in two. The same men who walk the streets in their suits and ties devolve into naked savagery in the pleasure houses. The same men with their smiles and their charming looks take commission as they sentence your children to death.
In Onett, if a powerful enough man wants you, he will get you, and he will destroy your life. In Onett, there is no such thing as good, only fighting, losing and despair.
In Onett, there is only survival.
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~~o00o~~
Chapter 44 - Ladybirds and Bumblebees
(Lucas)
~~o00o~~
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"It looks even worse from the inside," Toon Link says lightly, studying the grimy peaks of the townhouses. Their intimidating faces are lit by dingy street lamps. It's as if they're holding meetings, muttering to themselves that we're not welcome.
I gulp to myself. I've lived here for nine years, but the richer parts of Onett still scare me, even more than the First Residential District where The Sharks' rules are law. At least we're in the Westside, I think to myself grimly. That's where Ness lives, and Toon Link too.
The roads are hauntingly empty. The houses look barren and deserted, abandoned by their owners. Most people will be at war or in New Pork City — only the occasional drunkard staggers by. It's far from the bustling hive I remember.
Claus shudders beside me, but not from the cold. "I don't like this place..."
"We will have to split up," Red reminds us. "We cannot fit in Ness's luxury bungalow."
"Lucas and Claus can come to my house," Ness says. Claus looks relieved and I nod, but I notice Pit looking nervous.
"Pit, how would you like to come to my place?" Toon Link asks before I can say anything. "That's got to be better than walking all the way to yours."
Pit exhales a great sigh of relief. "Please. That'd be amazing. Thank you so much."
"Red, you can come to mine," Villager says. "Mother thinks you're a good influence, so you'd be welcome there."
Red nods.
"And I've been thinking, we could meet at the market tomorrow," Villager continues. "Then, after we've found Dr Andonuts, we can get our supplies and go straight to New Pork City."
With this agreed, we part ways at the next junction. From there, it doesn't take us long to reach Ness's bungalow, beginning to shiver from the night's cold. Claus looks quite impressed by all the fancier townhouses, even stopping to stare into some of the windows, but I hurry him along. Snooping usually leads to death around here.
"Mother will be fine with you staying," Ness tells me as he knocks. "She's always loved you, I think she wants to adopt you someday..."
But when the door swings open, I can't help but disagree.
The woman who stands there — Ness's mom — looks completely different from what I remember. Her eyes are tired, dark circles around them. Her hair is dishevelled, as if she couldn't find the energy to arrange it. Where she might once have smiled, she wears a half-shocked, half-terrified expression.
"Mother!" Ness says, noticing none of this. "Can we come in? We need somewhere to stay for a few days, and-"
"What are you doing here?" Her voice is concerningly weak. Her eyes dart between us, practically unseeing. It makes me shiver.
"Mother?" Ness says, a little put out. "Please, we have to come in, Lucas is freezing, and-"
"Get inside," she says, her voice sharpening. Ness falters. She rapidly looks behind her, edging backward. "Quick."
We do as we're told. Ness's mom rushes to shut the door behind us, securing the lock. Claus edges closer to me, shaking.
"What's going on?" Ness asks, sounding nervous. "What's up?"
Ness's mom doesn't reply. Instead, she walks stiffly down the hall, leading us into the parlour.
"Mother?" Ness says again, hurrying after her. We enter the parlour, and I sit on a familiar sofa. Claus looks around in confusion, and Ness sits down next to me. There's a heavy silence, until Ness's mom eventually speaks, her head in her hands.
"No letters," she whispers. Her voice is not pleasant. "Not even one. Nothing to tell me you're okay."
"Mother-" Ness starts, but she looks close to tears.
"Listen to me, Ness. Please answer me truthfully."
Ness can only nod.
"What exactly are you doing here?" She takes a deep breath before continuing. "You're supposed to be at school. Have you been expelled? Have you been sent home? Are you in danger?"
"No," Ness says. I squeeze his hand. "It's the Wilderness Survival Week. We decided to come back because there was a… we forgot… food..."
It's a terrible lie. Ness's mom's expression wobbles.
"This is my brother," I blurt, nodding toward Claus. I feel as if I'm trespassing somehow, and I can't help but let out a weak, "Sorry."
"Your brother," she repeats, her forehead crinkling.
"My brother." I look down at my toes, not wanting to meet her gaze. "We sort of… found him."
Silence falls. Ness's mom looks between me and Claus as if she's trying to process us. Eventually, she turns back to Ness, and I feel another pang of guilt.
"And are the stories true?" she asks, her voice hoarse. "Is Ryu dead?"
Ness slowly nods.
There's a tense pause.
"You never wrote to me, Ness!" Suddenly, Ness's mom stands, overflowing with emotion. "There are awful rumours, they say people are disappearing, they say they're being killed!" And suddenly, her resolve crumbles completely. She bursts into tears, rushing forward to hug her son. "And a coma, Ness. A coma! I've been worried sick! Your Headmaster didn't contact us, Lucas didn't contact us, you didn't contact us... I didn't know if you were alive or dead!"
"Mother," Ness says, his voice thick. "I'm sorry-"
"Sending a letter takes minutes, Ness! Minutes! Please, I know you're getting old, but don't forget me completely!"
I watch any happiness Ness has left slide out of his face. He looks at me over his weeping mom's shoulder, and the guilt must be contagious because I feel it too. I want to run and hide.
"Ness," Ness's mom says tearfully, pulling away from him. "What's happening? Are you safe?"
"It's been sorted out," Ness lies, keeping his eyes low. "People were going missing, but they caught who did it. It was Porky Minch."
"That Porky," Ness's mom says, suddenly filled with emotional vigour. "He is a filthy, filthy man. He keeps trying to interfere with your father's mining business, too. I swear, if I ever get my hands on him..."
"He's taking people to his city," I say. "He's enslaving them."
"I knew it!" She shakes her head, aghast. "I tried to tell them, all the women I meet, but they wouldn't listen! Everyone's gone!"
"We wanted to make sure you hadn't done the same," Ness says miserably. It's a half-lie, but it works, as his mother's expression softens.
"Of course I haven't. I'm worried about you, Ness. And you too, Lucas. You're both so brave... it sounds like it's been horrible out there."
"It has," Ness admits, before adding, "Is there any food?"
"Oh, Ness." Ness's mom just about cracks a smile at his antics. "We've already eaten dinner, and the cook's gone home... but I'm sure I can make you some sandwiches. And the three of you can get yourselves cleaned up in the meantime. I don't want dirt being tracked all over my house."
"So, we can stay?" Ness asks, looking a lot happier now his mom isn't crying.
"Of course you can stay!" She pats down his hair, but her expression dips again. "Just... never do this to me again, okay? You've had me worrying like mad."
"I won't. Sorry," Ness mumbles.
"Good. Now, off you go. Scrub off in the basin, you stink. Lucas, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like a word?"
"What about?" Ness says somewhat defensively.
"Nothing to worry about," Ness's mom replies, waving him off. "Get Lucas some clothes, too. And don't wake your father!"
Ness obediently scurries off, Claus following, leaving me alone with Ness's mom. Nerves swell in my chest, but she looks kindly at me, like she always has. She invites me to sit down, and I do, suddenly aware of just how grimy I am.
"Lucas," Ness's mom begins.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell Ness to write," I blurt. "And sorry I didn't tell you he was okay... it got busy at school. I didn't even write to my dad."
"Well, your dad is..." She purses her lips. "Anyway, that's not what I want to talk to you about. This boy... he's your long-lost brother, you say?"
I nod.
"There have been rumours, you know." Ness's mom lowers her voice. "People on the street talk about metal men, people with electronic parts. I can't help but look at him... and think of that. I hate to ask, but are you sure? Are you sure he's who you think?"
"I am," I say, a little stung. "He went missing when I was a kid. Porky Minch kidnapped him. We found him in the forest and he told us everything."
"And you're sure he's telling the truth?" Ness's mom tries to look at me sympathetically, but I suddenly feel ill.
"I'm sure, ma'am. He ran away the night before I met Ness. I know it sounds insane."
"Dear God," she mutters. She presses herself back in her seat, momentarily closing her eyes. "Why is it that when something bad happens, it always happens to you?"
I bite my lip, sensing her discomfort. "I can take him away. We can stay at my house if that would be better-"
"No!" she exclaims. "Sorry," she says. "You should stay here, Lucas. I know how you're treated at your father's. You need to be fed, watered, you need a haircut... Look, you're all skinny again!" She studies me up and down. "Don't they feed you properly at that school? And heaven knows your brother needs looking after. What's his name?"
"Claus," I say. Ness's mom makes a concerned noise. I wince again, wondering if she can see into my soul, wondering what she'd say if she knew I was dating her son.
"Another thing," she says, her voice retaining that fragile edge. "While you're here, I think you should stay away from my husband. In fact, it'd probably be best if he didn't see you at all."
My heart sinks. "Howcome?"
"Flint began a series of strikes in the mines." Ness's mom looks grim. "He was asking for better pay so he could pay the bills. Quite reasonable in my opinion, but I don't make the rules... Flint was fired, of course, but it created chaos among the workers."
"My dad was fired?" My worry must show, because Ness's mom gives me a sympathetic look.
"I'm sorry, Lucas. Ness's dad is asleep right now, but he'll be up early tomorrow morning, so..."
"Stay out of sight," I sigh. "Got it."
"You're a good kid." Ness's mom looks up at me as I stand. The weakness in her eyes is more noticeable from above. "Thank you for writing to us, Lucas. And thank you for looking after Ness."
I turn faintly pink. "No problem."
"Now go on, you," she says. "If I've raised Ness right, he'll let you in the bathtub first. I'll set about making some sandwiches for after, how does that sound?"
"That sounds great," I say quietly. "Thank you."
Ness's mom gives me a hug, though it's heavy, and she moves into the kitchen. I walk down the long hall into the bathroom, which is quaint, panelled with wood and floral tiles. A jug of water and a dish stand on the sideboard. There's a large copper bathtub next to a toilet, which is a rarity in these parts. Ness is fortunate — like the boarding school, his house is connected to the Onett plumbing network. He gets clean water, and all the family's waste gets pumped away (probably into the river, but still). I wouldn't say I'm jealous, but I don't particularly enjoy having to piss in a chamber pot.
"Claus, you're looking better," I say, seeing him appear in the hallway. Ness follows with a sponge, having successfully washed off most of the dirt.
"Thank you," Claus says, beaming.
Ness tosses me the sponge. "If you finish cleaning him, I'll fill the tub with some water for you."
Ness goes off to get a bucket, and I get to work on Claus's hair. It's a big tangle (hopefully, Ness's mother will trim it) but I manage to get rid of some of the mud. Unfortunately, removing the mud also highlights Claus's electrical components, bright silver contrasting with the dull grey of his face. It also becomes apparent just how skinny he's become — it must've been ages since he's eaten a decent meal. I find myself worrying as I finish my work. We'll make sure he eats tonight, and we'll make sure he eats well.
By the time I'm done, Ness has filled the bath to the brim.
"There wasn't enough time to heat the water, but it's better than nothing..." he rambles. "What did my mother say? I hope it wasn't about the ladybirds and the bumblebees."
I laugh. "The ladybirds and the bumblebees?"
"Sorry, the birds and the bees, you know, uh-" he blushes. "Never mind. But what did she actually talk to you about?"
I explain.
Ness groans. "I'm sorry. I'll make sure Father doesn't see you... I won't let him control us. I'm not scared of him anymore."
"It's okay," I promise.
But Ness's shoulders slump as he looks into the water. "It's really not. You deserve better…" He sighs. "Do you want to bathe first? I'll see if Mother can cut Claus's hair."
"If you're sure," I say. "I'll be quick."
Ness gives a thumbs up before leading Claus out, closing the door behind him.
He's really tired, I conclude as I undress. He's been so busy over the last few days, dealing with everything that's gone on. We've barely had any sleep, and all we've eaten in the last two days are apples and wild strawberries. Not only that but there's still work to be done tomorrow… yawning, I clamber into the bathtub, ignoring the freezing cold that washes over me.
It'll be over soon. I'll keep telling myself that.
At least we made it to Onett. And secretly, I think that Ness's house is kind of cool. There are loads of rooms, tons of Things to see and Places to hide. Back in my house, we have a cupboard-sized kitchen, a single bedroom, and a pathetic excuse for a living room. Father often takes the bedroom for storage and for sleeping, so I'm usually relegated to the carpet. But at least it's not a workhouse — at least I have a roof over my head. It's not fair for me to complain.
I'm not sure how we're going to find Dr Andonuts tomorrow. That Jeff guy didn't give any indication of where the man may be, other than something about him being an inventor. He'll be in a laboratory somewhere, I hope, and if we're lucky, he'll give some insight on how to fight the Future Humans. We might also be able to understand how they keep Porky alive, which could be important for when we eventually blow Porky to hell.
But for now, I let myself enjoy the bath. I quickly get used to the cold, and it's a relief not to be covered in mud, blood and sweat. I take the chance to examine my ankle, too — it's not too bad, a little swollen, but back in place for the most part.
A while later, I climb out of the tub, tying the nearest towel around my waist. Grabbing my filthy clothes, I open the door to find Ness lurking outside.
"I brought you pyjamas," he says, throwing them at me.
"Thanks." I peel them off my face.
"Also, Claus looks so different," Ness says.
"Really? Where is he?"
Ness points toward the drawing room. "Mother's just finishing his hair. Maybe get dressed, though. Head into my room if you like."
I nod. Ness pretends to pull away my towel as I go, and I roll my eyes at him, blushing. He disappears into the bathroom and I meander into his bedroom. It's always been a nice space, even if devoid of anything fun. He's got a nice, comfortable four-poster bed, with two bedside tables on either side. A harp stands clumsily out of place in the corner, dusty and out of tune. There's a desk piled high with textbooks and notes on one side, and of course, James the pot plant on the windowsill.
I get changed, sneaking a peek under Ness's bed. Only I know what's under there, hidden between the mattress and the bedframe: all of my letters. It makes me smile to read my scrawly cursive, even if I cringe at whatever the hell I wrote him. Some of my paintings are kept under there too, guarded by various teddy bears sitting on the carpet. But I quickly stand up when I hear Ness's mom talking in the distance, and I dry my hair, making my way into the drawing room.
And as I observe the new boy before me, my mouth opens with surprise.
He looks completely different! His hair is back to a fiery orange, neatly clipped and stylish. Then, his face, unblemished and clean, with that little birthmark on his neck. Best of all, he's smiling, wearing clothes that actually suit him. Overwhelmed, I move forward. This is Claus. Not the Face, not some monster. He's my brother.
"How's that?" Ness's mom asks, sweeping all the excess hair into the corner.
"Very good!" Claus says, clapping. "Very much better!"
"Agreed," I say, unable to hold back my smile. "Thank you for doing this. He looks like himself again."
She waves my apologies away. "You're like a second son to me, Lucas. It is my pleasure."
I blush, trying not to consider the unfortunate connotations that would have for me and Ness. I have to wonder if we'll tell her one day, tell her exactly what we are. But that's a worry for the far future, and for now, I keep a polite face.
"Alright!" Ness says, dashing in and still dripping with bathwater. "I'm hungry, where's the food?"
"In the dining room," Ness's mom says, laughing for the first time in what sounds like a while. "Go on, enjoy yourselves."
At her words, I can't help but run toward the food. My stomach growls with anticipation at the beautiful spread — so much for just a few sandwiches! Ness's mom has set out slices of cornbread, venison, and even some fresh apples. I load it all onto my plate, eating like a wild beast. Ness and Claus do the same, spreading the bread thick with butter, the three of us in absolute heaven.
"This place is very nice," Claus says, muffled by the cornbread.
"Don't speak with your mouth full," I chide. "But, yes. It's very kind of Ness's mother to let us stay."
"Will Father recognise me now?" Claus says jovially, and I wince, trying to look optimistic.
"Of course. He'll be so happy to see you again."
When we're done eating, Ness's mom sends us to bed, deciding that we all look exhausted. Full of food and drowsy, I'm in no fit state to argue, so Claus goes to sleep on the sofa, and Ness and I head into the bedroom. I almost make myself comfortable on Ness's carpet, until I remember oh yeah, we're dating, and I snuggle up to him in bed, warmth spreading through me.
"You 'kay?" I mumble, seeing him staring at my face.
"Sleepy," Ness mumbles back, giving a big, dopey grin. I rest my head on his chest, loving how warm he is, loving how he wraps his arms tightly around me.
"G'night," I say.
"G'night," Ness says back, and I pull the blankets over us, unable to keep from smiling.
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Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Ness? I know you're in there..."
Blearily, I open my eyes. Bright daylight streams through the window, and I blink, trying to make out the shapes.
"Ness?" The knocking sounds louder. "Don't make me come in!"
My stomach slips. It's a man's voice.
Ness's father.
"Ness!" I hiss. Ness flails, and I tumble, desperately looking for a hiding place.
"I'm going to count down!" Ness's father says. "Three... Two..."
Ness curses, throwing a blanket over my head. I can only freeze as I hear the door opening, heavy footsteps echoing around me. I pray that I'm completely covered. I pray with all my heart.
"There you are," Ness's father growls. "What are you doing here, boy? Bunking off your studies? Lazing around like usual?"
My heart enters my throat, and I will my arms to stop shaking. I hear Ness shift, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"No, Father, it's-"
"I don't tolerate laziness," Ness's father interrupts, his voice rumbling with menace. "You know that."
"Yes," Ness says meekly. "Sorry."
"Do you care to explain yourself?"
"It's the - the Wilderness Survival Week," Ness says. "I wanted to check on Mother, and - and get supplies, because we didn't have any food-"
Smack.
I stifle a gasp at the noise.
"Getting supplies? Cheating?" Ness's father's voice maintains that deadly cool. "I thought I raised you better than that?"
"I-I'm sorry," Ness stammers, his shaking making the mattress rock. I clutch the blanket tighter, praying Ness's father won't hear my breathing.
"Sorry isn't good enough! But, then again..." His anger appears to subside. "I suppose it's rather convenient. As luck would have it, I've found you a girlfriend."
"A girlfriend?" Ness repeats, his voice high. I close my eyes, suddenly feeling sick.
"Yes, you insolent child." The footsteps grow louder, and I hear them coming closer to my blanket. "Since you are so incapable of courting, I have taken the liberty of finding someone myself."
"I don't want a girlfriend," Ness mumbles.
"You don't want a girlfriend?" The footsteps sound again, and I feel Ness flinching. "Do you know how ungrateful you are, Ness? Have you turned into a faggot, is that it?"
"No!" Ness exclaims hastily. "I'm just focusing on school, like you asked!"
"Don't you take that tone with me!" I feel Ness scrambling away, and I lie limp, praying. "You should have both, you're supposed to be a man, you-"
Smack.
Ness cries out, and I have to bite my lip to stop myself from shouting. The footsteps die down, Ness's protests falling short.
"You will meet with her," Ness's father says, his voice barely restrained. "She will come for dinner tonight, you will dress well, and she will be yours. Is that understood?"
"Yes," Ness mumbles.
"Good." The footsteps move away, and I hear Ness shifting again. The door opens, and there's a click as Ness's father shuts it behind him. I wait for a few seconds, but he doesn't come back.
I throw the blanket from my head.
Ness is hunched in the corner, his arms over his head. There are two red marks on his cheeks. I rush over to his side, and he collapses on my shoulder, letting out a weak noise.
"It's okay," I promise, holding him close. "I'm here."
"I thought I'd stand up to him," Ness mumbles. "Didn't I say? He doesn't control me anymore. But he still scares me. I should've known."
"You know it's wrong," I say, talking into his hair. "You know you don't deserve it."
"And a girlfriend?" Ness looks up, his eyes wet. "What if I'm forced to go on dates with her? What if he makes me marry her?"
He sounds so distraught that I have no choice but to pull him close, cradling him in my arms. "You'll escape him one day, I promise. When you don't need him for money. When we're independent."
"I guess," Ness says quietly. "It'll be so awkward, though! She's coming for dinner!"
I almost laugh. "The world might be ending, Ness. I think we've got bigger things to worry about."
"I guess." Ness buries his face in my shoulder, and I run my hands through his hair. It seems to comfort him a little.
Eventually, we stand, remembering that we're supposed to be meeting the others at 9 a.m. Ness dries his eyes, claiming that he knows how to sneak out, so I follow him into the kitchen, where his cook is already chopping vegetables. She smiles at us, waving in our direction.
"G'morning, boys. What can I do fer you t'day?"
"Good morning," Ness says, quickly shutting the door behind him. "Have you got any of those nice pastries?"
"Of course," the cook says politely. "One each?"
"If that's alright with Lucas?"
"Yes please," I say, pocketing a map I spot on the sideboard.
The cook disappears into the pantry, and Ness takes the opportunity to hop on the windowsill, undoing the window latch. The cook returns with two pastries, and she raises an eyebrow as she hands them over.
"Sneakin' out again, hm?"
"Don't tell Father?" Ness pleads.
She smiles. "My lips are sealed."
"Thanks!" Ness chirps, and he slips out the window, pastry in hand.
"Thank you," I echo as I follow, landing unceremoniously in a flower bed.
I stand, looking around at the ornate walled garden. Ness's kindly gardener raises a hand in greeting, and I raise a hand back, smiling. The sun is already out, and for a moment, I can't help but wonder if this is the nicest place in Onett.
"To Market Square?" Ness says, and I nod, getting out the map. It doesn't seem to be too far, so we start walking, eating our pastries, navigating the deserted residential streets.
When the smell of raw meat hits our noses, we know we're in the right place. A giant sign reading BUTCHERS! confirms this, along with some familiar animal drawings I did when the stall was just beginning. Gerald Montague, Toon Link's dad, waves at us from behind the stall.
"Where are the others?" Ness asks worriedly, but Toon Link steps out, grinning.
"We're on time, unlike yourself. No Claus?"
"I figured he deserves a bit of rest," I say, pulling out the map again. "Now, we've found a place called Andonuts' lab. It's at the end of the financial district, apparently. Does that sound good?"
"Definitely," Red says, but he looks agitated. "What will be there?"
"Heaven knows," Villager says. "Hey, where's Pit?"
"Sleeping," Toon Link says wryly. "We stayed up most of last night. Talking. I didn't want to wake him."
The journey to Andonuts' lab isn't long. On the map, there isn't much except a vaguely metallic-looking structure. I find myself wondering whether this whole thing will be of any use, whether Andonuts is just as mad as Jeff said, though I figure there's no harm in trying. Besides, if we can understand the Future Humans, that could be everything. Even better if this inventor knows anything about magic.
But when we arrive at an overgrown, decrepit building, my face falls.
Ness frowns as he pushes through the iron gate. The lock seems long-since rusted, which is a worrying sign. There's what looks to be a pathway through the meadow-like front lawn, meandering around piles of logs and ash. Through the brambles, the entire place feels far removed from the city, like some kind of gothic world.
We march through branches and trees, kicking aside the mountains of foliage. The front door is scorched when we reach it, surrounded by blackened bricks and metal-plated windows. Steel chambers jut out from all across the walls. Toon Link creaks the door open, revealing a shadowy hallway.
"I'm not so sure about this," Villager murmurs, peering inside. It smells of smoke, oil, and grease.
"Don't worry," Toon Link says, sounding a lot more confident than me. "If it's abandoned, there's nothing that can hurt us."
But it's not abandoned. As soon as Toon Link says this, a clatter rings out from within, and a man comes scurrying down the hall.
He has gone quite mad, Jeff said. Looking at the man before me, I'm inclined to believe him. Dr Andonuts is the archetypal mad scientist: two white tufts of hair sticking out madly from either side of his head, a sumptuous moustache covering his mouth, and a nose blemished with rosacea. His hands are scarred with burns from his experiments, though his labcoat is spotless, and he wears bulbous goggles, coated thick with grime.
"I saw you…" he croaks. He extends a finger, peering around at us all.
"Dr Andonuts?" Villager says nervously.
"That's me," he rasps. He leans forwards, his voice dropping down to only a croak. "Did he send you?"
"Nobody sent us," Toon Link says, taking courage. "We want to ask you a couple of questions about Porky Minch, and about your Future Humans."
For a split second, Dr Andonuts' face fills with recognition, but it's swiftly replaced with grim resolve. He steps back, raising his bushy white eyebrows.
"In that case, I suppose you'd better come in..."
He turns back into the hallway, and I look to the others, who give muted nods. In sequence, we follow him inside, the odour of smoke becoming all the more powerful. It looks like a bomb site. Mould and dry rot coat the walls. The tiles at our feet are cracked, coated with dust. The only light source comes from a room at the end of the hall, which Dr Andonuts seems to be heading towards.
"Your house isn't in very good shape," Villager says, the door ominously swinging shut behind us.
"Ha." Dr Andonuts gives a sharp sniff. "'Tis fine, my boy... my work is my mess, my mess is my work."
"Where are we going?" Ness asks, his hand tightening around mine.
"The lounge," Dr Andonuts says. "Don't want you interfering with my inventions, do I?"
We follow him in silence as he turns into the lit-up room. The lounge is somewhat nicer than the hall, with fewer holes in the walls and ceiling, and the smell of smoke replaced by the smell of mildew. Several wooden chairs stand haphazardly around, coated with stains and grease, but the room doesn't seem to be furnished otherwise.
"Sit down," Dr Andonuts says, waving a loose hand toward the chairs.
We sit. There are six, just enough for each of us. Dr Andonuts gives a dry cough, sitting opposite us, and I get the impression that both he and this lab could collapse at any minute. Uneasiness prickles at the back of my neck as I look at the walls, cracked and thick with cobwebs, lit by low-burning candles.
"So," I begin, but Dr Andonuts falls into a coughing fit, retching and spluttering. I look helplessly at the others. In the distance, I can just about make out the hum of machinery, and that sense of foreboding hits again. The sooner we're out of here, the better.
"What do you need?" Dr Andonuts croaks eventually, once the coughs have subsided. "Why are you here?"
"We want to ask you about the Future Humans," I say, trying to talk as clearly as possible. "We're friends of your son, Jeff. We thought we'd come and ask you some questions, because we know you helped Porky to create them..." My voice trails off. I don't want to sound too accusatory.
"Ah." Dr Andonuts looks regretful, and he briefly mutters something. "I suppose I cannot deny this. You are right, I did help him... but you must understand, he promised me innovation, not war." He wheezes. "Bloody man."
I raise my eyebrows. "Porky tricked you?"
"By some definitions, yes, he did." Dr Andonuts fixes me with his slightly maddening gaze. "Though, perhaps I was foolish to allow…" He wheezes again, putting a hand to his chest. "Foolish to allow him to overcome me... I was so focused on technology, you see."
I nod, not entirely sure what he's saying. Red leans forward on his chair, producing a clipboard.
"What is your role? Are you an inventor? Did Porky pay you?"
Dr Andonuts nods. He coughs again.
"And how do the Future Humans work?"
"How... they work?" Remorse flashes across Dr Andonuts' features, but he steels himself, shakily raising a hand to his chest. I get the impression it's been a while since he spoke to another person. "That is a long and complicated tale," he says. "I… I do not see why… wouldn't want to waste your time..."
"It's what we came here for," Toon Link says. "It's important. We won't tell anybody else."
"Won't tell anybody else?" Dr Andonuts looks uncharacteristically worried. "My boy, telling you would be bad enough... Porky entrusted me with his secrets... I was the only one, the only one he ever trusted-"
"And when did Porky last visit you?" Toon Link asks. Dr Andonuts looks to the floor.
"He... chooses not to. But he is a dangerous man, you must understand, he likes to get his way..."
I squint. Something about his tone is offputting, perhaps the slight reverence in the way he says Porky's name. This strange man reeks of guilt, of regret.
"Whatever happened, it's not your fault," Villager promises. "We'll protect your secrets. We just need to know how the Future Humans were made, to end the war."
"To end the war..." Dr Andonuts repeats. He looks mesmerised. "Well, when you put it like that, I suppose I could tell you... tell you certain things..."
"That would be great," Villager says encouragingly, and Dr Andonuts leans back, mollified.
"Very well," he says. "In that case, I shall begin."
We listen.
"It began precisely two years ago," he says, looking dramatically around at us all. Suddenly, he seems a lot keener to share his story, his voice a lot less raspy. "I was just a humble inventor back then. I worked alone, I always did. But Porky came to my lab and knocked at the door. I was puzzled at first, you know. After all, I had intended this place to be a secret... but I later discovered it had been added to the map!" He lets out a short bark of laughter. "All the same, I knew Porky, knew he was a rich man, figured he was here to invest in my products."
"What products have you invented?" Red asks.
"Ah... nothing too special," Dr Andonuts says dismissively. "Porky didn't think so, anyway. He had ideas of his own, big ones, crazy ones... he brought blueprints, you see. He had all these thoughts, of magical monsters, mythical creatures. They were nothing like I'd ever seen."
"What creatures did he invent?"
"He had invented pl- uh, people, he - he had invented a version of people." Dr Andonuts coughs again, averting his gaze, hunching over in his seat. "The idea was he'd combine them... people with metal, make them stronger, more productive. I thought it abominable at first, but the more he talked... boy, that man could talk." He sighs. "It was crazy, it would never work — that's what I thought, but Porky promised me money... he paid me enough to send Jeff to boarding school, to university! I couldn't say no, you understand me? I had to accept…"
"Of course," Villager says.
"So, I let him in. I let him into my lab and we got to work. You see, the wife and Jeff, they live in the town, out of the way of my lab. Safer there. In case anything explodes…" Dr Andonuts' eyes glaze over, slightly gleeful. "I worked for days, testing, experimenting... Porky would come and see my progress, he'd pay me if I did well, and I worked day and night."
"Did you reach a breakthrough?" I ask. Dr Andonuts looks up at me, the scars on his face becoming all the more obvious. His skin is disturbingly grey, marred with burns.
"Naturally," he says, his eyes retaining that maniacal glint. "I found the essence of humanity itself... the essence of life! The soul needed to accept the metal, the... influence, if you will. It needed to accept Porky's control, and it was a puzzle, to me. It had to be solved. I eventually cracked it... a high enough voltage to the brain, enough pain... it threw the mind into madness. It overloaded it completely, making it susceptible to new ideas."
"Where did you get the people?" Ness asks, looking ill.
"Ha," Dr Andonuts says. "Porky provided those for me... free of charge! Dead bodies, some robbed from Tazmily, others acquired by other means... a nasty business, but I needed them... I needed to reanimate them." He rubs his hands together, suddenly looking a whole lot younger. "It took a while, but it worked. With Porky's living cells, and with the electrical components... it was enough to build a simple conscience, to allow the vessel to be controlled. The dead were alive. They obeyed Porky's will."
"That's horrible," Toon Link murmurs.
"But that is the essence of science! It was horrible... an awful, dreadful business, but to me, it was a challenge. It had to be, or… or I'd go mad…" He shakes his head. "Porky paid me well for my discovery, but I had to take the extra step... I needed to test, to test it on a live body… a living conversion. Pl - Porky had people, and he brought them to me... people I could experiment on, unimportant people, mind you. Street kids, the like. They were more difficult, stronger; they fought back, but I got there in the end." Dr Andonuts looks up again, giving a quiet wheeze. "Some survived my experiments, but weren't… didn't obey Porky's will, at first. Porky took those mistakes and locked them away."
I swallow down my disgust.
"Yet, my creations were still flawed," Dr Andonuts continues, guilt settling back on his features. "There was the Latin. Pl-Placet - Placet Auxilium." He coughs. That's what they said… but, it all was - all was overcome, all overcome… yes..." He puts a hand to his head, looking to be in some sort of pain. "Eventually, I found the way… to conceal, conceal the metal, preserve the flesh… make the Future Humans look ordinary, like regular people. That was what Porky wanted, only then was he happy… he gave me more money..."
"Did you know what Porky planned?" Villager asks. "Taking the credit for himself and converting the world?"
"No," Dr Andonuts croaks, shaking his head. "When I found out… I was horrified. What if it happened to my Jeff? My dear wife? I tried to stop him, hide the blueprints, refused to work, but… you know how Porky is."
"Do the Future Humans have weaknesses?" I ask.
"They do not, I made sure of it… I followed his plan to the letter, blinded, blinded by the…" He screws up his face with pain. "Pl- Puzzle."
"We've met Future Humans," I say. "We saw them up at school. They had gaps in their armour, and they were easily defeated."
"You misunderstand me," Dr Andonuts says, rasping. "Those were the prototypes... the school is where we tested them, where they got stronger. Some cried, some fought, some were fast, but the model improved. They became practically indistinguishable from the original person... the skin grafted back on top of the metal. Isn't that miraculous?" Dr Andonuts coughs suddenly, doubling over in his seat. "But innocent people were hurt. Porky promised nobody would be hurt... I was consumed by guilt."
"What's his plan?" Toon Link asks. "You said he told you, so what is it?"
"Starting a war," Dr Andonuts says. "He stirred up trouble in Onett, he controlled the newspapers... invented that virus, even! People from Onett and Tazmily would seek refuge in New Pl - Pork City, where he built his conversion factories to replace me... and they'd - they'd be converted to Future Humans." He coughs again, looking weaker. "He'd convert them all, he said. He wanted to convert the whole world... I was horrified, I tried to stop him, but… I failed."
"What happened?" Villager asks him.
"I hid the blueprints," Dr Andonuts murmurs, looking at the floor again. "I tried to tell my family, wrote into the newspapers... but it was no good. I came at P-Porky with my gun, but he set fire to my lab. I couldn't get away, it was too much... so much heat..." Dr Andonuts looks dizzy. "I was burnt alive. Me and everything I'd worked for, g-gone."
"But you survived?" I say.
"Died," Dr Andonuts croaks. "There was nothing I could do."
There's a moment of silence.
"But you're not dead," Ness says.
"I am, I am..." Dr Andonuts looks up, his eyes blazing. "The flames consumed me. I was consumed by Porky's p-p-power, just like the world, just like everything else… he took my, my, p-p-p-"
"Dr Andonuts," Villager says evenly. "You must've escaped. You're talking to us now."
But the mad scientist looks at us, abruptly standing. "My dear boy... there was no p-point escaping... P-P-Porky… he is the greatest inventor of all time…" He jerks abruptly, his head twisting eerily to the side. "H-Haven't you been listening?"
"Dr Andonuts, please calm down," I say, but he steps forward.
"Don't you know? Don't you understand?" His head spasms back and forth, mouth contorting into a sneer. "P-P- Calm… I am calm… I am so much, so- s-so much more, now! And yet... they are rising, rising of their own accord... p-peeling away!"
"What do you mean?" I say, backing toward the door. I reach for the knob, but it's locked. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Oh, P-P- Lucas..." he sneers, a black liquid dripping from his mouth. "L-L-Lucas..."
"Dr - Dr Andonuts-?"
"I-It's too late, don't you p-p-perceive?"
"It's not!" I cry.
But in a sudden, awful movement, he spreads his arms like a demon, collapsing onto his blackened knees. He tips his head to the sky, and out of his mouth, there comes an earsplitting cry.
"P-P-PLACET AUXILIUM!"
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~ReadyforTeddy