Disc 1: Many Streams. Ch. 10: Don't Say "Lazy"!

The rest of the trip, Black Tongue explained everything to them. She had been raised by a family who secretly still practiced a religion, which shocked everyone except Satis. All religious beliefs had been banned a few centuries ago, and in any case, people didn’t have much reason to follow a creed anymore. Most needs were channeled into other, more ordinary ways.

However, Tongue had grown up in a peripheral sector in the South Community. From an early age, her parents had forced their beliefs upon her, and had always pressured her to attend their sinister meetings—among other experiences she preferred not to remember. When she reached adulthood, she decided to enroll in the global army to get as far away from her family as possible.

She was never at the top of her class, but she was competent enough to gain access to weapons normally reserved for Judges. After some years, she was posted as a guard at the facility where god was killed.

“Don’t get your hopes up, my dears. I was stationed outside and never had the chance to understand what was going inside. I only met the people working there once in a while. We had good talks.” She looked happy, remembering those times.

The facility was located in the North, in a place where day and night were already a mess. Her security work kept her focus on detaining people—probably religious fanatics—who tried to infiltrate from time to time. She received no warning before the actual homicide.

Nobody could stop people from going insane. Religious fanatics had spread across different communities. The military tried to help the scientists find shelter, with little success. Judges were killed by mobs, soldiers deserted the global army, and civilians hunted the scientists. The Lottery Crusade became the most infamous on the continent, though they weren’t the only ones responsible for the massive tortures.

Her parents had been among the crusaders' leaders. But she had put an end to their madness. Everyone understood what she meant.

“After all the deaths I’ve seen, I know the scientists cannot be saved. What they saw that day changed their minds forever. I travel only to give the one hundred forty-four some peace before the end of days.”

Everyone listened attentively, especially Pretty Anarchy Emerald. Hearing the story—not as dry NCCAG intel, but as the real life of a feeling, breathing person—made quite an impact on her.

“About the other thing…” Common Day interrupted the narration.

“Yes, yes, dear. I won’t say a word about the weird stuff you did. I don't think anyone really cares, to be honest. Unless you run into more fanatics.”

Common Day and Satis looked at Pretty Anarchy Emerald.

“You both… you three saved me. I know I didn’t help as much as I should’ve, but this was my first time outside home. I can’t stand blood, or deaths, or anything crazy. But I truly appreciate everything. I won’t say a word about any of you. I swear.”

I’m not convinced. But I'm not a psychopath.

The quartet continued their trip. Common Day was explaining to Satis that he didn’t have the proper device to show her the selfies stored in his NCCAG, when they saw the ten tanks near the border of Many Streams. It was a clear day, so the Left Eye wasn’t available, but Tongue warned them that they were already within firing range.

Since that was the only entrance to the Land of Castles Community, they pressed on. Finally, the quartet stood before the tanks. Every one of them had an animal flag. A man approached and informed them there was a toll to pay: basically, leave everything of value.

Black Tongue and Common Day considered forcing their way through. They were still inside the OR-9 tunnel, with no openings nearby. There weren't enough supplies to make a full detour to the next community. However, they noticed that in addition to the men beside each tank, there were probably more inside. The man in front of them was clearly confident in his back up. He wasn’t going to budge.

A woman who had been sleeping on top of the tank with the anglerfish flag suddenly woke up. She leapt down and landed beside them.

“Hey, hey, Unwashed Meat. No need to pressure our visitors. You can keep your stuff—we don’t really need it. But if you want to pass, you’ll have to prove your worth. Against me.”

The man called Unwashed Meat scowled, but didn’t dare contradict his “companion”. The brown-haired girl was small and wore a peculiar white uniform with a skirt, decorated with blue and gold details. Beneath a single lock of gray hair, she wore a playful, defiant expression.

“So a test of strength, eh? You picked the wrong people to mess with, lazy, little rascal.”

Black Tongue was already reaching for her knives when Pretty Anarchy Emerald stepped forward.

“I represent the Traders-Workers Guild. You can see my piece here. Stop this nonsense. As members of the Harvesters, you’re required to let us pass.” She showed off her green earring.

Everyone was surprised at her regaining confidence. Unwashed Meat and her men were annoyed, but they got the message—there would be no toll to pay. The brown-haired girl didn’t move. She kept smiling defiantly, waiting for someone to fall for her provocation. After a few seconds of silence, she gave up and went back on top of her tank.

“Remember Western Land Slave, boy. We will meet again for sure.”

Common Day hurried his companions past the tanks. He had no intention of waking the lazy woman again.

“Eme-chan, are you a princess?” Satis was the first to break the silence. She seemed excited about the idea.

Pretty Anarchy Emerald blushed.

“Me? No… I mean, those things don’t exist anymore. I’m part of the Guild, so I know my rights, okay? When we reach Stone’s Water, you’ll understand.”

“I didn't know the Harvesters had an alliance with the Guild,” Tongue interrupted. “Wow. This world still holds surprises. One of the last drug producers teaming up with one of the few working guilds? That’s something.” She winked at Pretty.

Satis tried to learn more about the guilds and modern society, but Pretty Anarchy Emerald seemed too nervous to keep talking. Common Day was too embarrassed to admit he didn't understand any of what was going on.

Before long, they came across a sign with seven stars and a message:

THE MANY STREAMS COMMUNITY IS GLAD OF YOUR VISIT!

They followed the fork in the tunnel to the next community, arriving at a new sign:

WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY OF THE LAND OF CASTLES, ENJOY YOUR VISIT!

NEXT STOP: STONE’S WATER

Stone’s Water was visible in the distance, and everyone felt a sense of relief.

Not even Tongue realized they were being followed.