Monster Nation(66)

The door opened again and an other came in. A shadow like himself, different in some way that didn't matter. They were one and the same and that meant she was competition for the food. They both played the game. Dick had seen her before but he was incapable of creating new memories and uninterested in connecting any dots. He stayed where he was.

The competitor moved around the tiny room in a flurry of action, faster than Dick could move, much more agile. She picked up something heavy and metallic from a shelf and came at Dick, her hand held high, her weapon ready to smash in his head.

You want to destroy him now? A perfect innocent?The words were not meant for Dick. He ignored them.

The competitor snarled and held her hand in place, ready to bring the weight down on Dick's skull. Dick felt no fear, though he understood what was happening in his own dim way.

Rule Three: Dick and death are old friends.

'He's a killer! A monster with no mind left!'

You have more in common with him than you do with that sick, living thing on the floor. The only difference between you is that our friend here can't be held responsible for his actions.

The opponent said nothing but she lowered her arm.

This is a test, lass. A test for you. No one will leave this dwelling until Jason Singletary is dead. You have some choices now, and I'm so sorry to force your hand but I have a duty to perform. You can let our armless friend tear out the psychic's throat. Or you can do it yourself.

'No,' the competitor sobbed, a blurred sound like a shake of the head, like the sound of an avalanche starting to let go.'No.'

Nilla,someone said.It sounded like the Voice but even Dick knew it wasn't. Did it come from the food? That made no sense. Luckily for Dick's sake it didn't matter. Only the rules mattered. That place, the fire in the mountains. Don't get distracted now!

'No'I won't,' the other demanded.

You have to go there'you are the only one who can!

Ignore him,the Voice said.You have to understand me, lass. I would turn away if I could. I cannot. Dick here and I have done such things' terrible things. Together we poisoned the waters, lass. We have sown a savage crop. But it's not over yet, and we can't rest. You are one of us. We need you for what comes next.

'The end of the world,' the other breathed.

We are the ones who end it. You, myself, and all the others like us. It has been decided by powers I am compelled to serve. You must serve them as well. Can't you see it now? We've been given this curse by forces larger than ourselves.

'No, not me'' The other sounded pained. What could be bothering her so? There was food. She would be hungry, as Dick knew all too well. Why would she not eat? Even the Voice agreed. She should eat!

Rule Four: Questions run away from Dick like the ripples on a pond.

They were gone before anyone had a chance to speak again.

Nilla! The snow-peaked mountains! The fire!

Everything happens for a reason. You were made for a reason. You were allowed to keep some portion of your wits in your head. That makes you special. It does not make you immune. The Father of Clans has judged mankind and mankind has been found wanting. Someone must carry out that decree. Someone must wipe the slate. When it is done, Nilla, the world will be healthy again. It will be clean, and as beautiful as it once was. Do we deserve to remain in a world they have polluted? Do the powerful have a right to despoil, simply because they are powerful? There must be limits, lass. There must be a vengeance. Without the threat of a penalty why would a man not commit a crime? This curse is ours. We died so that others may be purified.

'This isn't my curse. It's not' it's not mine.'

Lass. It is. But my masters are gentle, even as they are horrible. They've given us a gift, too. You and I, we aren't like the others. We retain the ability to choose. And we are allowed, within some small latitude, to choose mercy. My friend here will kill this man in the most horrible, painful way imaginable. Or you can do it yourself, instead.

''no, I' no.'Her voice was tiny.

She made herself small, falling to her knees, bending low over the food. Her face came very close to Dick's and their eyes met. Dick had no idea what she might have found in his gaze. He saw only her dark energy.

The ever-burning fire!

We can wait for as long as you like. But that will just prolong Singletary's fear, won't it?

Her head moved, lowering her mouth to nearly touch the food. So slow. Dick understood being slow. It didn't matter'you got there in the end.