Awake by Egan Yip Page A

said, “Ah,
I see. Then? What’d you find out?”
    Helios cleared his throat. “The current
cause of the sleeping epidemic is unknown. There is nothing
definite that we know. However, I still have information that may
interest you. First, let me tell you something concerning our group
and our mission. That snake you saw was not from around here. That
will not be the last time we see a dangerous, wild animal try to
make their way into human territory. Now that the humans are
defenseless, we’ve been seeing movement from the forest. Once news
of your investigation reaches the forest, wild animals will
definitely try to stop you.”
    His eyes widening, Andrew asked, “The
animals hate humans that much?”
    Helios thought for a moment before replying.
“Hate…I wouldn’t say hate. But they do find humans to be a threat.
Over the years the humans have been stealing land and resources.
Some species are even on the brink of extinction because of them,
whether it is from destruction of homes, introduction of foreign
germs and species, or even hunting.”
    Helios continued, “Now for the second piece
of information. There’s a laboratory in the south area of the city.
It is a secret underground laboratory. According to rumors, they
have been doing strange experiments involving sleep.”
    “Hmm.” Kevin said, “Looks like our only
thing to go on.”
    “Indeed,” said Genesis, “there might be some
vital information. We should see the research.” Genesis stared at a
stain on the concrete wall, looking worried. He looked at Helios.
“There is something I’m wondering about. The snake we caught was
saying that someone would come. Do you who he’s talking about?”
    Helios sighed. “I didn’t want to worry you.
But rats all over the country are saying that,” Helios swallowed,
trying to gather the courage to say the name, “ Kain is
returning.”
    “Kain?” Kevin asked, “Who’s Kain?”
    “A legend passed down from generation to
generation,” Helios replied. “I’m not really sure who or what Kain
is. But they say it’s a bad sign.”
    “You don’t even know what it is and you’re
afraid of it?”
    “Well, according to the Nexus, every time in
history when something terrible happens it’s because of Kain.
Although I don’t know much, isn’t that what makes it scary?”
    “I suppose….” Kevin’s eyes wandered over the
group. “So should we check out this laboratory now?”
    “No,” answered Genesis. “It’ll soon be dark.
We will have difficulty monitoring the city at night. We may not be
able to keep the city safe. Also, I don’t want any of you to fall
asleep by wearing yourselves out. Try to find a way to rest your
body but keep your mind awake.”
     
    Kevin drove them around the city, searching
for shelter. With three boys, a large dog, a cat, a bird and a rat,
it was starting to get a little tight inside the four-passenger
car. No one was bumping shoulders, but judging from the atmosphere,
it was tense. All the animals seemed to distrust one another and
they remained silent throughout the ride. Genesis kept a careful
eye on Luna; Luna watched Terminus with an urge to pounce; and
Terminus glared at Helios. The pets were kept in the backseat and
the only thing keeping them from running rampant was Tom. Tom sat
in the middle, glancing apprehensively at the animals around
him.
    Kevin parked the car near a multiplex. “How
about the movie theatre? It’s got food, good seats, loud
music…”
    Andrew examined the place. “Movies can put
you to sleep.”
    Tom leaned forward, poking his head between
the front seats. “Only if it’s a boring movie. We should watch
something crazy…. Oh, and we should keep the lights on.”
    Andrew said, “But does anyone even know how
to operate the movie projector?”
    There was a moment of silence.
    “I’ll handle it,” said Tom. “My father
manages a cinema. I’ve seen someone do it hundreds of times. It
can’t be that hard.”
    Kevin smiled.