SPGM Ch 14
by soapa“What is this, what in the…!”
Mikhail’s gaze, fixed on the tablet screen, wavered.
A character from a comic book existed in real life. Do you remember the mysterious murder case that once shook C Zone? Even now that time has passed, in the shadows, people are still enthusiastic about stories related to the C Zone murder case. The comic book titled 『Pygmalion』 is precisely that.
The comic book artist’s name is Jason Miller. That’s right. He is the victim of the C Zone murder case. His death left behind many questions. What was the reason for the janitor, who was known for his timid nature, to kill Jason Miller, a man he had never even met? And by whom was he murdered? An anecdote related to this was revealed to the world through the words of A, a colleague of Al, who was both the murderer and a victim.
One day, at Jason Miller’s mansion, which he visited to collect trash, Al discovers a man. A man with ash gray hair that seemed to scatter softly as if touched by the breath of a god, and skin that felt like a cool chill would transfer if touched. A red shape blooming upon it, and eyes of a highly saturated green that contrasted with it. A handsome man. And the man’s name revealed from Al’s lips, Zero. By this point, a considerable number of people would have already realized. Yes. He is the protagonist who appears in Jason Miller’s 『Pygmalion』.
The murdered Jason Miller created 『Pygmalion』 based on a real person. Human obsession is truly strange. While feeling the desire to hide something so no one can see it, one also feels the desire to show it off to others. Jason Miller must have been the same. If only he had not revealed it, could he have avoided tragedy? Due to Al, who meddled in the games of fate, they meet their ruin.
The one who murdered Jason Miller is Al. That is an undeniable fact. But the one who led Jason Miller to his death in the first place is none other than ‘Zero.’ At the same time, the one who led Al to his death is also ‘Zero.’ The man named ‘Zero,’ who bestowed a tragic end upon the two men and fled. The existence of this deadly man with ash gray hair and vivid green eyes made many people enthusiastic.
The number of people imitating him began to increase, and eventually, even crimes that mimicked his appearance in the comic book occurred. His existence is like a disaster. Jason Miller and the janitor Al, and even countless others. In the end, he even went so far as to kidnap the actor beloved by the entire world, ‘Louis.’ If his existence is not a disaster, then what could it be called?
Here is one more thing that cannot be left out. The ‘Louis’ disappearance case that plunged the world into shock also happened in C Zone. Is C Zone cursed? Everyone will remember the facts revealed through the testimony of manager M, who risked his life to get him back. His words that Louis had lost his memory were true. The disaster of C Zone, mesmerized by Louis’s beauty, had stolen his memories.
And Louis, stained by the disaster, had crossed a river of no return. They were as affectionate and fond as if they were lovers. They acted as if they could see no one but each other, and they did not have a moment’s hesitation in harming others who were not them.
Because of that, I myself lost my right hand and left leg. It is a trace of being ravaged by their merciless hands. The pain in my crushed throat will also torment me in the future. But even if I could turn back time, I would stand up to them. I would do my best to save Louis. I do not resent him even though he broke my wrist. It is because he was not in his right mind.
“Crazy, what is this, what in the…!”
The only reason he had steadfastly read through the needlessly crude and lengthy article was solely because of the photograph. If it had not been a photo of Louis, whom he had been searching for so desperately, Mikhail would never have read the words of this insane gossip paper.
“That crazy bastard finally went and caused trouble…!”
The tablet’s screen shattered into pieces. Norman, who approached his side, avoiding the debris, let out a sigh with a serious expression.
“Him causing trouble is a problem, but it seems Louis’s memory is the bigger problem.”
“What’s there to worry about with his memory when we can restore it anytime once he’s back in A Zone! More importantly, what are we going to do about his tarnished image? How are we going to recover the image he worked so hard to build! It says he lost his mind and broke someone’s hand and slashed their throat, and on top of that, it has all spread to the world!”
“…We did not know news of Louis would be published in a gossip paper we have never even heard of. Even so, it is my fault for not having prepared in advance.”
Norman added that he would humbly accept it even if he were to fire him.
Shut up, Norman. Mikhail, who had collapsed onto the sofa, grabbing the nape of his neck, muttered.
“What happened with the whereabouts of Louis, that damn bastard.”
“A report should be coming up soon, ah. The timing is incredible.”
Beep, beep. Norman, who had checked his personal tablet that had sounded an alert, looked back at Mikhail. Facing the sunken expression head on, Mikhail furrowed his brow.
“What’s with that expression. What kind of trouble did that son of a bitch Louis cause this time.”
“…It would be best for you to see for yourself.”
Norman handed over the tablet. He’s causing all sorts of trouble, damn it. Chewing on a curse, Mikhail, who had checked the tablet, froze without a single movement. Norman, who had become equally serious, uttered.
Louis.
“…He’s not dead, is he?”
“Damn it!”
Crack. Mikhail, who had once again thrown the tablet, rushed out.
🎥
He barely passed the crisis after receiving a blood transfusion, but it was not a situation where he could remain in a lower zone hospital. With a devastated face, the doctor told a rigid Weather that it would be better to at least go to a hospital in C Zone to continue treatment. Even to an outsider who knew nothing of the world of the upper zones, it was palpable that Jester was a precious person.
Weather only stared at Jester, as if he could not hear anything. His face looked closer to death than the person who had just overcome a brush with death. The doctor, who secretly swallowed a sigh, uttered softly.
“There is one thing I have come to know after becoming a doctor. No, to be more precise, it is something I can feel. The patient’s will. Whether their will to live is strong, or weak. As you treat them, you naturally come to feel it.”
“……”
“And for the past few days, I have felt it. The will of this patient, stronger than any other patient I have faced as a doctor. So there is no need to act like you are about to die right now. To save a person, you yourself have to be alive first.”
To Weather, who still said nothing, the doctor added.
“…It seems he will be able to be moved tomorrow.”
Click. The doctor, who had closed the door to the hospital room, walked away. When the veil of night lifted and morning came, and he visited the hospital room again, the two men who had frayed the doctor’s nerves were nowhere to be seen.
Was it said that greed brings disaster? The saying was true. The result of coveting and desiring what was not given had finally called forth disaster. If it had been bestowed upon himself, he would have accepted it gladly, but the fact that the disaster had spread to the blameless Jester was driving Weather mad.
Why was he not the one who was stabbed? Why on earth did Jester have to be in pain? If only he could take on every little bit of pain he felt. Really, if only he could do that.
No, he actually knows. That he should not have been greedy in the first place. That Jester was not someone a flawed humanoid like him could dare to desire. He should have lived on, receiving nothing but the denial of others just by existing. He should not have been greedy, dreaming of things like love. Because he did not, is J-Jester not now dying?
“…Jester.”
The real Jester in the movie has no warmth. Since he cannot be touched, no sense of form can be felt. He does not look back at him and smile, nor does he joke around. The Weather he calls is not him. He merely moves according to the given script. After the ending, he will forever remain in a single scene. To Weather, that felt like death.
“You know, I thought that as long as I was with you, I wouldn’t care who I was. I thought it wouldn’t matter if I abandoned the Louis I’ve been my whole life and became Jester. That’s why I thought everything would be okay if I could be with you. But Weather, that wasn’t the right answer.”
“You’re right. That’s not the right answer.”
Abandoning his life as Louis and becoming Jester to be with him. That is by no means for his sake. It is not a beneficial answer for him.
“The more we hide, the less we can be honest with each other.”
“That’s right too. As the things to hide increased, so did the fear. And ‘fear’ fears ‘honesty.’”
“I don’t want to hide anything from you anymore. And I’m curious about you. I’m curious about everything you’re trying to hide. I want the complete you.”
“…It would be better if that were a misunderstanding, Jester.”
But, Weather softly added, then whispered.
“Of all the words I’ve heard since I came into existence, those were the happiest.”
He carefully stroked the face that had become much more peaceful thanks to the painkiller. Staring silently at the lips from which an even breath flowed, Weather lowered his head. A kiss so careful that no sensation could be felt descended. It was his last indulgence. From now on, he would not hurt Jester with his greed. So,
“Sleep well, Jester.”
Because when you wake up, everything will have returned to how it was. Just for now, borrowing the power of the painkiller, may you fall into a sweet sleep without any pain. Weather, who prayed with all his heart, stepped on the accelerator. Letting the business card and sleeping pills he had kept in his breast pocket fly away in the wind.
He did not know in what state of mind he had crossed the zones. It seemed a few pursuers had latched on and he had shaken them off, but it was difficult to even distinguish whether that was reality or a delusion.
Just that at some point, when he came to his senses, he was facing the sign announcing the start of C Zone. Not that much time had passed. Seeing the C Zone sign, a part of his chest ached. It was both a longing for past memories, and a sadness for the farewell he would soon face.
But there was no time to leisurely soak in sentiment. Because the painkiller had run out, Jester was feeling the pain in its entirety.
As he got closer to the center of C Zone, the number of vehicles chasing him increased. He had run a red light and was even sporting a lower zone license plate, so he would be an easy target. Even knowing he was acting conspicuously, Weather did not slow down.
Jester, who was letting out ragged breaths, was continuously sweating. To get to a large hospital that could safely care for his condition, not a single moment could be wasted.
It was at that moment, when he had finally neared the hospital.
Screeeech! A police vehicle that popped out without warning blocked his path. Along with the ear-splitting siren, a stiff voice followed.
“Vehicle, stop immediately and identify yourself. Failure to comply will result in immediate fire. I repeat. Stop now and identify yourself. Failure to comply will result in immediate fire.”
Damn it. Muttering a curse, Weather turned the steering wheel without hesitation. Two vehicles latched onto the back of the truck that had barely squeezed into a narrow alley. It was a persistence he had not seen before. Weather guessed that it was a change that had occurred because of Louis’s disappearance in C Zone.
Perhaps it would be better to stop right here and hand Jester over to the police. He knew, but he did not want to. He could not. The end he would face if he docilely met the police was obvious. He would never be able to meet Jester again. Not only in person, but forever, even through a screen. Because he would surely be disposed of.
It was something he had been prepared for. But at the very least, he wanted to confirm that Jester, having recovered safely, was returning to his own world. Until then, he had to survive somehow.
Bang, bang—!
In the end, gunfire poured down on the truck. He was afraid the vibration of the bullets ricocheting off the car body would awaken Jester. Weather, who desperately shook off the vehicles, had already moved far away from the hospital by the time he hid in a deserted place.
“…Hah, damn it.”
Swallowing a groan, Weather wiped his dry face. Moving around in a truck riddled with bullet marks was no different from a suicide mission. First, he had to hide before the police found him and seize an opportunity to steal a car.
But on the day of the accident. He had not recovered the helmet that fell over the stairs. There were no items left for a disguise either. At that time, he had to go straight to the hospital, and the option of returning to his lodgings to pack his things did not even exist in his mind. A mind in shambles could not think properly.
Having no helmet to cover his face and no wig or beard to disguise himself meant, in the end, that he had to roam the streets with his appearance defenselessly exposed. The stupid humanoid had made the situation worse again. A terrible self-loathing choked Weather’s throat.
The one silver lining was that there was a sheet to wrap Jester in. Swallowing a sigh like an ember that could burn his insides, Weather carefully extended his hand. He left only a small gap so Jester’s face would not be revealed, but he could still breathe. Weather, holding Jester wrapped in the sheet, exited the truck.
He wandered through deserted alleys. Having once roamed all over C Zone was quite helpful. However, Louis’s disappearance posters, along with Weather’s wanted posters, already filled the entirety of C Zone. Even those who were unusually tall or had dark colored hair became targets for the zone’s residents. Not to mention those wearing helmets.
The photograph left by Rhos had become a wanted poster and filled the streets everywhere. In the alley with the trash can where he used to hide, Weather faced his own image. The murderer who killed the frail janitor of C Zone, Al, and the kidnapper of Louis. The enormous bounty amount informed Weather of the weight of the sins he had to bear.
“…Is this what they call getting what you deserve?”
“It’s true, Jester. You’re a wanted criminal. And I’m a criminal too. We’re being chased.”
The lie he had uttered to deceive Jester had become reality and was tightening around Weather’s body. Weather, with a self-mocking smile on his lips, hugged Jester in his arms.
“But you’ll be okay, Jester.”
Because you will now return to being Louis. The criminal Jester will only exist in the movie.
In C Zone, many people were already frantic to catch Weather. They were too conspicuous to avoid all eyes. A man with ash gray hair and a tall stature. And the form he held so preciously. People were certain they were the protagonists of the incident that was shaking the entire world. The rumor spread quickly.
“Get him!”
“He’s mine, I’m going to catch him!”
To claim the golden bounty, or to directly face the beautiful yet bizarre existence. Some, to punish the criminal who kidnapped Louis with their own hands. Everyone, without exception, rushed at Weather.
“It’s Zero, it’s Zero! Zero really existed!”
“You piece of trash! I’m going to tear you limb from limb and kill you! Did you think you’d get away with kidnapping Louis?!”
“We have to catch him, catch him and get the bounty…!”
Desire, elation, curiosity, anger. Countless forms of emotion that could not be comprehended were also directed at Weather. Hands stretching out from all directions squirmed to tear at Weather’s feet, legs, hands, and hair.
Even while becoming a mess from the sharp, scratching hands, Weather held Jester tightly. He moved his legs powerfully, just like Jester on the day he led him away from Rhos and ran.
The old half-gloves that had hidden the battery level finally tore. The level he had intentionally ignored until now was revealed in its entirety.
[45%]
[78%]
[59%]
[81%]
The level fluctuated erratically. Those with a twisted desire for ‘Zero’ lowered the level, and the hostility toward ‘Weather,’ who had kidnapped Louis, raised the level. Ignoring the endlessly fluctuating level, Weather kept only the hospital, which was gradually getting closer, in his sight.
Just a little, just a little more.
“Jester, we just have to go a little further…!”
Bang—!
Along with a gunshot that seemed to tear through his eardrums, the smell of gunpowder grazed the tip of his nose. Weather felt the leg that had been running without restraint grow heavy. The special bullet lodged in his thigh spread a terrible heat, burning away the flesh.
His knee, having lost its balance, half buckled. Weather, who barely avoided crashing to the ground, pulled up Jester’s disheveled sheet.
Just then, bang—! The gunshot rang out again. This time, it was his left ankle.
“……!”
Thud. The body that had lost its balance finally crashed to the ground. Weather, who had cupped the back of Jester’s head with his hand and curled his body, swallowed a groan. Artificial blood flowed from the flesh scraped on the scorching asphalt. A terrible heat arose, but it was nothing compared to the pain in his two legs. Weather hurriedly raised his upper body.
“Jes, Jester!”
He lifted the sheet and checked Jester’s wound. Perhaps because he had absorbed the impact with his own body, thankfully, there was no bleeding. Relieved, Weather let out a blocked breath. But the more he let out his breath, the more his shoulders trembled, unable to control his gasping. Jester, who received that tremor in its entirety, moved his lips, but Weather failed to see it.
Clank, clank. Armed soldiers surrounded Weather. Dozens of gun barrels aimed at Weather all at once. It was an ironic situation. The hostility meant to cut off his breath was filling the sinner’s level.
[100%]
“……”
Staring at the fully charged level, Weather laughed self-mockingly. Thousands of gazes took in the sight of such a Weather. Someone hurled curses, calling it a vile laugh, while another let out a regretful sigh.
Weather ignored the overlapping noises and gazes. He sensed the end. Feeling his heart become endlessly wretched, he hugged Jester. He did not want to give up the one in his arms. He wanted to feel Jester for a little longer, a little more deeply.
But that too was Weather’s greed.
“Shit, you son of a bitch!”
Mikhail, who had arrived at some point, pushed his way through the armed soldiers and rushed forward.
“Give me Louis!”
Mikhail, who glared at Weather with fiery eyes, reached out his hand. Weather, who met his gaze with low-lidded eyes, hunched his upper body. Far from handing him over obediently, he only hugged Jester more deeply. That appearance, which did not easily break his will, enraged Mikhail.
“Give Louis back, you piece of trash. What did Louis ever do to you! Why on earth are you doing this!”
“……”
“Was kidnapping him and messing up his memory not enough? What the hell do you want!”
“……”
Right. What was it that I wanted? Weather, who could no longer know anything, thought blankly.
“Please, just please give Louis back now…!”
Mikhail, his eyes reddening, shouted desperately. The sight of Mikhail caring for his cousin, with whom he shared blood, and his precious partner, stirred the hearts of the onlookers. The crowd, which had hesitated for a moment, raised their voices in unison.
“You bastard! Give Louis back!”
“Just die! Just die, you piece of trash!”
“Louis, get a grip, Louis!”
And their shouts finally reached Louis. Louis, who raised his limply sprawled hand, wrapped it around Weather’s wrist. At the faint warmth spreading over their touching skin, Weather flinched.
“He’s, he’s alive, Louis is alive!”
“Louis!”
An overjoyed Mikhail hurriedly rushed toward Louis. Louis, who frowned and moved his lips, pulled up a sound.
“…Mi, khail?”
It was an infinitely small voice, but to Weather, it reached him clearly. The name of the person with whom he had built countless years and memories that were incomparable to his own. Hearing that name from Jester’s lips, he unknowingly lost his strength. Mikhail, not missing that moment, snatched Jester, no, Louis away.
“Louis! Louis, are you conscious?!”
“……”
Weather, deprived of warmth, cast a blank gaze. Louis, feeling a burning thirst and an emptiness, turned his head. In his blurry vision, only Weather’s green eyes were vivid.
“…Wea, ther.”
My will-o’-the-wisp. Letting out a faint smile at the color that made his heart crumble, Louis reached out his hand. Just as Weather, watching the fond fingertips, also reached out his hand.
Thump—!
A soldier who had lunged at Weather’s back pressed down on the nape of his neck. Pinned to the ground, Weather struggled. Louis, who faced the sight of Weather being wretchedly trampled head on, stirred.
“…ther, Weather…!”
“Damn it, Louis! It’s dangerous!”
Mikhail, who swiftly embraced the struggling Louis, gave a signal with his eyes. A soldier who had been on standby with a clean sheet wrapped Louis’s body. Even in that moment, Louis gazed only at Weather.
Weather. Weather.
A name uttered with a raw, cracked voice. Reacting to it, Weather struggled and reached out his hand. Unaware that the soldier on top of his body had discovered the level on the back of his left hand.
“Wait, this is…”
The soldier who roughly snatched Weather’s wrist frowned.
Soon, a jeering voice reached everyone.
“What the, he wasn’t a human, but a humanoid?”
🎥
The incident that had shocked the world delivered yet another shock. The suspect in the C Zone murder case and the fiend who kidnapped Louis was a humanoid. Many were engulfed in shock and, at the same time, in anger. It was because no matter how much humanoids were evaluated as a replacement for the new humanity, them escaping human control was something that could not be tolerated.
However, not everyone showed the same reaction. It is because they knew. That it is a contradiction in itself to create something to be able to feel a self and emotions, and then expect it to suppress those emotions and that self. Even so, since Weather’s crime did not disappear, a disposition was handed down.
“You will be disposed of.”
Mikhail said, facing the solitary confinement cell that had no windows. Weather, wearing a straitjacket and blindfolded, nodded his head.
“I expected it.”
“Damn, you’re calm. What a creepy bastard.”
Even without seeing it with his own eyes, he could picture the face, wrinkled in displeasure. Weather swallowed a dry laugh.
“Hey. I find you so unsettling it gives me the creeps. You know that?”
“How could I not know.”
“…What a truly annoying bastard, that one.”
Mikhail stared at Weather with weary eyes. He was not a being created by the conception of nature, but he too would feel emotions and pain. How could he be so composed?
“I guess it can’t be helped that he’s not human.”
Weather, who had a vague idea of what Mikhail was thinking, once again swallowed a laugh. Then, silence fell. The air, where no words were exchanged, was quite heavy. It was the moment Mikhail, feeling uncomfortable, was about to get up.
“…Jester, no, how is Louis’s condition.”
Weather asked in a tone that seemed calm but held a sense of caution. At that, Mikhail, who had been blankly scanning the sinner, shrugged his shoulders.
“Well. I don’t really want to tell you.”
“Looks like he’s safe. That’s a relief.”
If he were not safe, he would not have shown such a light reaction.
“…Shit.”
Mikhail, who laughed in vain, sat back down on the chair.
“Right. Louis is recovering safely. He’s now well enough to walk around. The technology here is beyond anything you guys can imagine. Scars that you’d have to live with for the rest of your life in the lower zones can be regenerated without a trace here.”
They were boastful words, but there were no words more welcome. Weather was genuinely relieved.
“I see. That’s a relief.”
“But if it had been even a little later, it would have been really dangerous. Because of you, Louis really almost died.”
“I know.”
That was a fact Weather himself knew best.
“It’s a relief you found him in time that day.”
“…Stating the obvious.”
Mikhail, who had replied awkwardly to the unexpected words, was silent for a moment before suddenly opening his mouth.
“As much as he’s an unusually striking fellow, I’ve seen some really strange people cling to him, but….”
After swallowing a groan for a moment, he continued.
“You were the first stalker as tenacious and strange as you.”
Mikhail recalled Weather’s room, which he had faced in Mana’s house. A space filled only with Louis, a space that had tried to capture every trace of Louis.
“Mana, why on earth did that eccentric old hag keep someone like you by her side?”
“……”
Through Mikhail’s soft muttering, Weather resolved a question he had always been curious about. That Mana, Louis, and Mikhail were a family connected by blood.
Mana. Weather, who repeated the nostalgic name on the tip of his tongue, whispered.
“I know. I’m curious about that too.”
“Well, anyway. Louis isn’t weak enough for the likes of you to worry about. That guy has a surprisingly long lifeline. He probably came to his senses while his stomach was getting pierced, and he’s returned to his original place, so now he’ll forget someone like you and live just fine. How about that, isn’t that a relief?”
A triumphant tone echoed in the narrow solitary cell. Weather closed his unseen eyes and quietly nodded his head.
“Yes, that’s right. He certainly will.”
“Hmph, even a humanoid becomes docile when facing death. Anyway, I’m done with what I have to say, so I’ll be going. Ah, for your information, your disposition is tomorrow. We can’t waste taxes on one humanoid, can we?”
“Thank you for telling me honestly.”
“Well, even a death row inmate needs a last meal. Even if it is a humanoid.”
Then I’m really going. Mikhail, who gave a light farewell, walked away. Weather, left alone again after he disappeared, slowly leaned his body.
“…Jester.”
Yes, Weather.
Over the affectionate voice that was delivered while meeting his eyes, the voice from that day pierced through. His own name, uttered with a rough and painful sound. The voice that sank beyond the lips that gaped endlessly. Him, who had finally exhausted his energy and lost consciousness, and himself, who could do nothing while watching him leave.
If only I had known that would be the last. If only I had known it would end so emptily.
“I don’t want to hide anything from you anymore. And I’m curious about you. I’m curious about everything you’re trying to hide. I want the complete you.”
Just as you approached me with truth and confessed, I should have mustered my courage as well.
That I am a humanoid created based on some crazy third-rate comic book artist, so I am a being who cannot dare to desire things like ‘love.’ That only denial and violence keep me alive, and twisted desire and lust kill me.
So for a time, I foolishly mistook that for the only form of ‘love.’ But the moment I saw you, I realized that was not the true form of love. I also learned that the desire to covet the body could not be all there is to love.
Just wanting to gaze at you endlessly and make you smile. Wanting to gently brush your hair with a soft touch when sleepiness settles on your eyelids. Wanting to let you eat your favorite food to your heart’s content, while at the same time, worrying about your health.
Wanting to spend time with trivial conversations and share the same view. Sometimes sharing the same impression, and sometimes sharing different impressions, broadening each other’s thoughts. That even feeling joy in that was all love.
Even though I learned all of that through you, the memory imprinted on my body is cruel. I now regret not being able to say I love you even once. Besides the moments I wanted to embrace your warm presence, there were always moments I wanted to speak of love. There were countless moments when it would have been okay to express it. The past days when I was afraid, just in case, remain as regret.
Even if, this stupid body had accepted all those forms of heart as simple lust. I should have tried telling you at least once. Even if my battery stopped because of it, if I could have closed my eyes in front of you, even that would have remained as a happy dream.
“…Jester.”
No matter how many times he called, no answer returned. Only a low, metallic-sounding voice echoed endlessly. The foolish humanoid kept the name that filled the narrow solitary cell in his ears. He moved his lips, picturing the answer and voice that would not return.
And the dawn of disposal arrived.
🎥
When he was wandering the streets. There was a garbage disposal site that had been all but abandoned due to lack of management. The mountain-like pile of trash was good for avoiding others’ gazes, a place that had served as a temporary sanctuary.
There were objects of various forms there. Although most were broken beyond recognition of their original forms, to Weather, who did not know their intact forms, they were just something interesting. Even if the corners were worn and the colors faded, to Weather, they were not useless trash but some unspoken value existing in the world. And it was a place where countless fragments of life had gathered.
When he squeezed his body into a dented vehicle and watched the pouring rain, Weather thought.
Will a part of me one day flow here too? If my battery runs out and I can never open my eyes again, I wish the place I close my eyes would rather be here. Mixed in among them, becoming something of an unrecognizable form, just existing and then slowly crumbling away. He had once wished for such a peaceful end.
But that place was not the sanctuary Weather had thought it was. How could a place where murder and abandonment frequently occurred be a sanctuary? It might offer a moment of peace, but it could not become a form of eternity.
Was it the day he finally decided to leave? Weather happened to overhear someone’s conversation. They were people rummaging through the junkyard to find something valuable, and the topic of their conversation was mainly about A Zone and humanoids.
According to them, the humans of the upper zones were so lazy that humanoids replaced them in all tasks. Whether it was true or not was not important. Just the talk of humanoids being given distinct roles was enough to hold Weather’s feet.
But the story that followed was, contrary to his expectations, vulgar and light. It was because they thought of humanoids as living sexual tools and only spat out lewd jokes. Even though the words were not directed at him, Weather checked his battery. It was a reflexive action presented by ingrained fear.
Even in the midst of that, the conversation continued. One of the things he salvaged was that the execution guide in A Zone was replaced by a humanoid.
The story was that as crimes targeting executioners who had grown soft-hearted toward death row inmates followed one after another, humanoids without an injected self were replacing the workforce. Weather realized for the first time that such a role could be given to a humanoid.
The execution guide. A guide who leads a human who has committed a crime to death. He thought that even if he later fixed his battery and became an ordinary humanoid, he did not want to become that. In the first place, it was impossible for him since he had a self, and it is a rather funny memory to recall now that he has become a criminal, let alone an execution guide.
Weather, who had broken away from a memory of the past, let out a dry laugh. The sound of footsteps could be heard from afar.
Thud, thud.
A neat gait ringing in a strangely empty silence. The sound, gradually approaching, felt no hesitation or reluctance. It was merely heading toward its one and only destination. Weather listened in the darkness where nothing could be seen. He silently waited for the humanoid who would be with him at his end.
The sound that had continued at a steady pace stopped just ahead. The guide who stood in front of the door was silent. He could not see because he was blindfolded, but Weather guessed that it was probably to assess the sinner before transport.
A humanoid guide without an injected self. Pleading for sympathy or pity would be useless to those who only carried out their given tasks. That is why it felt rather comfortable. To the guide, he would be nothing more and nothing less than a sinner to be transported.
A faint smile flowed across his lips, and the guide’s gaze lingered there. Weather, unaware of this, waited for the upcoming procedure. The guide, who had finally finished his observation, unlocked the solitary cell.
Beep— Clunk.
The door opened. The guide, who approached with a neat gait once again, reached out to Weather. He released the connection to the straitjacket that had been fastened to the wall and helped him up. A faint warmth was transmitted from the palm that touched his back. The guide, who did not take his hand away, carefully took a step. Weather, who entrusted his body to the leading force, also walked the unseen path.
Not being able to see was not as bad as he thought. All he had to do was overlay the image he wished for. The short steps toward the kitchen with Jester, who had woken up in the late morning. After finishing their meal together, moving to the sofa to play board games, and Jester, who would walk by his side when he was cleaning.
The streets they roamed more freely after leaving the mansion. The side profile that reddened in the light of the burning red sunset. The silhouette of the man who would stop the truck, grin, and walk the wasteland. If he followed behind him, the distance would soon close, and the moment they were side by side. Sometime when they were walking, relying on each other’s hands, weaving through the chaotic crowd.
All those moments are being overlaid on his current steps. Jester was with him.
…Jester. As a low whisper flowed out, strength was transmitted from the hand on his back. The guide applied pressure and led his steps as if to say, do not dream a futile dream. Weather, who smiled bitterly, continued to walk in step with the noticeably faster pace. His mind was still full of Jester.
Has his body gotten much better? He had heard he was recovering safely, but since he had not seen it for himself, he kept worrying. He must have suffered for so long, so he should rest without overexerting himself. His heart ached because it seemed like the whole world would not leave him alone due to the kidnapping incident.
I hope he can rest comfortably without thinking about anything. If, by any chance, all the moments they spent together come to him as pain, I hope he forgets them. Because I hate him being in pain more than being forgotten by him.
The guide said nothing. Thud, thud. Only the sound of two people’s footsteps walking down the empty corridor could be heard. Just how far did they have to walk? A considerable amount of time had passed since they left the solitary cell and started walking. Even if his senses were dulled because he was blindfolded, he could tell it was strange that they had not yet reached the execution chamber.
“How long do we have to walk?”
Weather expressed his question, but the guide still maintained his silence.
“Hey, how much further do we have to….”
“There, he’s over there!”
“Stop right there! Stop immediately!”
It was before he could even finish his question. Suddenly, a loud shout was heard from behind him. At that, he felt the guide, who had maintained his silence all along, click his tongue, tsk. The moment he felt that sound was somehow familiar, his body, restrained by the straitjacket, was lifted at once. The guide, who had scooped up the frozen Weather, started to run.
“What is this…!”
But it was then. The body heat and scent transmitted through their touching chests were familiar. The firm hand embracing his back and the soft hair tickling the tip of his chin. And even the laugh he let out playfully.
“……”
How could he not have known until now.
“…Jester?”
“Yes, Weather.”
When he had been by his side all along.
“Damn it, Louis, you crazy bastard—! You, don’t you stop right there?!”
Mikhail’s sharp yell echoed from afar. At that, Jester, who burst into laughter as if he could not bear it, untied the thing that had been covering Weather’s eyes.
Beyond the blindfold fluttering gently, he could see the people chasing them. Mikhail, who looked like he would faint any moment, and the guides running with hardened faces. To Weather, who was blankly staring at them, Jester whispered.
You know, Weather.
“I think I’m more cut out to be a criminal than an actor.”
In a very cheerful and playful voice.
“Louis is dead!”
My name is Jester. he added, and then, just as he had done once before, he ran again with all his might. Leaving behind a letter to the world, along with a declaration of his retirement from the entertainment industry, saying that this time, he was the one kidnapping Weather.
🎥
The truck, wrecked by bullets, sped through the city.
Passing through a familiar town and forest path that reminded him of someone, they reached the wasteland that had signaled the beginning of their false journey. Weather, who had been blankly staring at the world that would soon be colored by the light of the setting sun, turned his head. The gaze that had been touching him all along drew a soft arc and met his.
Hair darkened by the setting sun, and golden eyes sparkling through the softly tousled gaps. Rosy cheeks full of life and smooth lips.
“…Jester.”
The skin that had flowed with a cool chill and the dry lips were nowhere to be seen. Weather, unable to suppress the surging emotions, contorted his face. Heat spread around his eyes. The endlessly welling moisture flowed down his dry face. He had a thing he had never thought he could shed.
“Yes, Weather.”
Jester, who caressed his cheek with a soft touch, kissed Weather’s eyes. He licked the moisture that touched his lips and smiled. Weather, who cupped the hands that held heat, whispered.
“There’s something I want to say.”
Thud. Jester, who pressed their foreheads together, nodded.
“Yes.”
Yes, Weather. Jester, who gently rubbed their touching noses, whispered. Weather, who faced the affectionate sensation and voice with his whole body, opened his mouth.
“You said it. The more we hide, the less we can be honest with each other. That you don’t want to hide anything anymore.”
“Yes, Weather.”
“You were right, for each other’s sake, we should have been honest. We should have conveyed our feelings honestly instead of escaping the situation with lies.”
A tremor was mixed in at the end of his low, sunken voice. But he did not stop. Weather continued the story he had repeated countless times during the nights of countless regrets alone.
That he was a humanoid created based on a character from a comic book named ‘Zero.’ That he had an abnormal battery system because of Jason, who had created him. That he had deliberately induced and endured violence for that reason. But that the moment he saw Louis through the screen, he fell in love.
That when he faced Louis at the mansion, he could not overcome the impulse and spoke a lie, and it became irreversible. That the more they were together, the more he came to love him.
“I was pretending not to, turning away, but actually, I was scared.”
That all the forms of love I feel would be expressed as twisted desires. And that it would eventually stop.
But now, it did not matter anymore.
“I love you, Jester.”
Because not saying it felt like he was going to die.
“I am in love with you.”
The sincerity, finally expressed, made him realize an emotion he had never felt before. He did not know how to explain it, but let’s just say it’s a combination of love and happiness, Weather thought.
It seemed that emotions grew bigger the more they were spoken aloud. I love you. I love you. I love you. Jester, who had been blankly taking in the endlessly whispering Weather, laughed luxuriantly. Me too,
“I love you, Weather.”
“……”
“I am in love with you.”
Soft lips descended upon dry lips. Weather let out a laugh at the movement that just pressed firmly, then playfully shook side to side. It did not matter what happened now. He reached out as his heart led him, and gently stroking the nape where soft hair grew, he pulled him closer. The movement of the heart transmitted from their chests, pressed together without a gap, heightened the body’s senses.
Weather tilted his head and stuck out his tongue. Jester, who slowly blinked his redly flushed eyes, obediently opened his mouth. The sound of wet flesh entangling echoed clearly in each other’s ears.
“Haah.”
A groan that boiled in his throat was transmitted through their deeply touching lips. At that, Weather, who felt a desperate thirst, dug his tongue in even deeper. Disheveled breaths and heat. Even the texture of the skin felt at his fingertips. Tears suddenly welled up at the affection that had become so full it was indescribable.
“…Weather.”
He shed tears with a cool face that exuded an intimidating air if he did not smile. At the sight that only he could see, Jester felt his heart go numb. A strange sense of satisfaction and possessiveness rushed in at the same time.
As their tongues entangled stickily, moans erupted at the heightening senses. Weather, who tried to swallow even those moans, was so overwhelmingly lovely that he really could not think of anything. He just stuck out his tongue as his instincts led him and rubbed their fully touching skin. He gripped the T-shirt he had changed into and stirred.
“Haah, Jester. Just a moment.”
Weather, who pulled his lips away, reached out his hand. Then, he fully reclined the driver’s seat and got on top of Jester’s collapsed body. Weather, who stared with darkened eyes at Jester, who was disheveled and panting, took off his T-shirt at once. Jester, too, felt a thirst for the man’s form, his back to the faint sunset that was now almost gone.
“Weather, Weather….”
Jester, who raised his upper body, rubbed his face against the nape of the neck that fully revealed the red scars. He whispered in a hasty and wistful voice.
“Undress me too.”
Weather, who was gently stroking the hair that slipped through the gaps of his fingers, lowered his hand. As he grabbed the hem and pulled it off at once, the messily disheveled hair fluttered gently. Weather, who was blankly staring at the sight, let out a laugh.
“I’m sure your hair has a mind of its own.”
“Hmm?”
Weather, who repeatedly kissed the face looking up with languidly unfocused eyes, whispered.
“I was saying you’re cute.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Jester, who laughed with a low tremble, rubbed his head against his chest. Then, he slowly raised his face. He pressed his lips along the scar and nibbled at the tip of his chin.
“Ah….”
“Sorry, did it hurt?”
Jester, who pulled his lips away, gently stroked the tip of his chin where a teeth mark was engraved. Weather shook his head.
“This much? What do you take me for.”
“You were trembling.”
“It’s because it’s unfamiliar. But the good part is bigger.”