Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [58]
“You eat those wolf things?”
“We do indeed. That’s why we’ve made this desert our territory,” the scarlet bird explained as it steadily beat its wings, taking them higher and higher. Wataru felt drained, as though his batteries had run down, and so he hung limply, allowing himself be carried along.
After they had flown for a while they entered the thick clouds. Soft, fluffy billowing puffs brushed against Wataru’s legs and face. They had the light scent of peppermint. Fragrant clouds? Come to think of it, Wataru had never been in a cloud in the real world, either. Maybe they smelled like something too.
“Well, here we are,” his escort said loudly, with an especially powerful flap of his wings. Wataru shot up through the clouds, and then was released, coming to a gentle landing on his rump atop a cloudbank.
Before his eyes stood a colossal silver wall. Had the bird not explained it before, he wouldn’t have realized that it was the gate. It was huge, gargantuan. He felt like an ant looking up at the entranceway to a grand hotel.
“The Porta Nectere,” announced the scarlet bird as he came in for a soft landing. “That streak of particularly bright white light running down the center is a sign that the gates are open. When they’re closed, you can’t see that light at all.”
The giant gate’s shape seemed to be similar to the one Wataru had come through on his way in. He didn’t see any doorknobs or handles.
“The doors will open when you approach them.”
Wataru hesitated and looked up at the scarlet bird. Its eyes shone bright with dazzling reflected light.
“Do I really have to go back?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Can I come back sometime? I really want to.”
“You aren’t coming back,” the scarlet bird said harshly. “Only Travelers to whom the Gatekeeper has given permission may visit. You are a child of Over There, a man-child.”
“Well, what do I have to do to become a Traveler?”
“I couldn’t say.”
“Who could say? The Gatekeeper?”
“Man-child, in my world, those who ask too many questions find themselves hurled off clouds.”
Wataru’s shoulders slumped. He wanted to cry.
Its eyes shining, the scarlet bird spoke again, this time in a gentler tone. “Do not be sad. After you return to Over There you will forget about this place before you see one sunrise and one sunset. You aren’t allowed to take anything from Over Here to Over There, not even memories.”
Wataru walked slowly toward the door, his head hanging. Just as the bird had said, the gates began to silently open as he approached. It was as if the gate-doors themselves were emitting light. So dazzlingly bright it was that Wataru couldn’t lift his eyes. He moved quicker now, feeling drawn to the widening crack between the two doors.
“Man-child, I wish you a good life.” The bird’s voice sounded very small, as if it were coming from far behind him. “My name is Gigah of the karulah. Perhaps we will meet again, in the dark of the Over There, in your dreams.”
Wataru’s eyes were still open, yet he couldn’t see a thing. Or maybe I’m seeing the light…pure radiance. He didn’t even know for sure if he was walking forward or backward. It felt more like he was softly floating. His consciousness faded as the light enveloped him.
Vision…the Porta Nectere…just what are you doing here…why did you come here…hot desert wind and Gigah’s scarlet feathers…blue sky and green fields…
“Wataru! Wataru!”
Who is that calling me? Who’s slapping me…my face…stop…stop!
Where am I?
Wataru opened his eyes and saw his uncle standing over him.
Chapter 8
The Realities of Life
“ Wataru! You’re awake!”
“Uncle Lou…” Wataru whispered.
“Thank heavens!” his uncle said, looking as though he might cry at any moment. “Are you hurt? Are you in pain? I didn’t know what to do…”
“I’m…I’m fine, really.”
Wataru tried to sit up, but a hand reached out and held his shoulder down. “Best not to get up too quickly. Are you sure you’re not hurt anywhere?”
It was Mr. Daimatsu. He was smiling.
“Mr. Daimatsu!” What