The Cat Who Saved Books(37)

*

“Just one last time.”

As always, the cat’s speech and actions were abrupt, with no greetings or explanations. There was no hint of celebration at their reunion.

“I thought we were saying goodbye.”

“Things have changed. We have to enter a labyrinth again.”

The cat’s tone of voice was as nonchalant as ever, but there was a tension behind it that hadn’t been there before.

“What’s going on?”

“A fourth labyrinth has materialized.”

“A fourth one?”

“Yes, this was an unforeseen situation. I’m going to need your help again. But . . .”

Its tone changed.

“Our next adversary is on another level. It’s a whole new ball game.”

The cat’s voice was blunt and imperious as ever, but it lacked that usual edge. It was a sign that something was amiss.

“If they’re that tough, are you sure you want me to help?”

“It has to be you. They’ve asked for you specially.”

“The opponent has?”

“It’s a tricky one. This time there’s a real possibility of never coming back. But you’ll work it out somehow.”

The cat almost sounded as if it were pleading with him.

“Got it,” said Rintaro simply. “Let’s go.”

His reply took the cat by surprise. It took a while to respond. Its green eyes observed the boy keenly.

“You heard me, right? I said it was dangerous.”

“I also heard you say that it would be different from everything till now . . . we might not be able to get home.”

“And you’re still prepared to come?”

“You’re in trouble. That’s enough for me,” Rintaro said.

The tabby cat looked as if it had just seen a ghost in broad daylight.

“Are you feeling well, Mr. Proprietor?”

“I’ll go.”

“But . . .”

“I wanted to thank you. I mean I did tell you as much, but I haven’t actually done anything to repay your kindness. This is the perfect chance.”

There was a brief pause as the tabby cat stared at Rintaro awhile, then it nodded with more emotion than it’d ever shown before.

“I appreciate the help.”

“Just . . .” added Rintaro. “I want to set out immediately.”

He hurried over to the front door of the shop, closing and locking it right away.

“It’s about the time Sayo comes over. If she hears us talking, she’ll want to come with us. I don’t want to get her involved.” Rintaro smiled. “Especially if it’s going to be more dangerous.”

The cat accepted his concern in silence, before gazing at Rintaro with an unusually stern expression.

“Unfortunately, she’s already involved.”

In the awkward silence that followed, Rintaro stopped what he was doing and raised an eyebrow. A passing cyclist rang their bell as they passed in front of the shop. The cat began to speak.

“Sayo Yuzuki has been taken. She’s locked up in the deepest part of the labyrinth.”

Rintaro froze.

“Did you hear me, Mr. Proprietor?”

“I don’t understand . . .”

“What’s not to understand? Sayo has been kidnapped. Our last quest goes beyond saving books.”

The cat looked sharply at Rintaro.

“We’re on a mission to rescue your friend.”

Rintaro shifted his eyes toward the passageway that led out of the back of the shop. A long, straight aisle, packed with books, illuminated by that eerie blue glow.

“Why?”

From within Rintaro emerged a sickening dread.

*

“You’re not coming to school after all, are you?”

Two days previously, early in the morning, Sayo had said those words to him. She’d popped in as usual on her way to band practice. She was irritated to find Rintaro once again skipping school, sitting at the cash desk with his cup of morning tea.

They’d chatted awhile, but Rintaro couldn’t remember what about. Just chitchat, probably. About books, about tea, and a little about the cat. Afterward, just as she was leaving for her practice, she’d turned around.

“You can’t stay shut away here forever. I know there’s plenty of stuff that’s not worth the effort, but this is your life—”

Sayo broke off and then continued in a softer voice.

“You need to hold your head high and step out on your own.”

It was the typical advice of a class rep, but he also knew it was Sayo’s way of comforting him about the move.

Rintaro had appreciated her encouragement.

He narrowed his eyes. Burned into his retina was the sight of her hand waving goodbye to him that very morning.

“It’s strange,” he said, as he followed the cat down the long aisle of books. “I’ve never been so worried about another person in my life.”

The cat threw him a glance but didn’t say anything.

The corridor seemed longer than the last time. It was hard to tell whether it was just Rintaro’s imagination or something else entirely.

“Why did they take Sayo? If they wanted me, why didn’t they just take me in the first place?”