Station, стр. 14
Jonny, following Hadder's eyes, commented. "Theseare Monarch Trees. They can be found straddling most of Station'slarger walkways. If you observe them carefully, you can see howtheir fruits grow brighter as Haela falls and dim during Solay.Just another of Mister Rott's wonderful creations."
"Who is this Mister Rott? Miles mentioned him aswell, but I didn't get anything concrete out of him."
Another nervous exchange between Jonny and Reena."That's a difficult one, Hadder, old boy. Like describing StarryNight to a blind person or trying to hold back a river withyour hands."
Reena snickered. "Those are terrible explanations,Jonny. Someone explained it to me at a party many Haelas ago.Mister Rott is like dark matter. We rarely see him, his true impactis nearly impossible to measure, and yet he pulls all the stringson this contained universe of ours. Therefore, we know he exists.We know he crafted all of this. We know he handpicked each of us.But the why of it all?” Reena shrugged helplessly. “Many theoriesare floating around, some plausible and most others preposterous.But these are big questions, sweet, handsome Marlin, betterleft for later times, to be digested piece by piece lest you chokeon too much awareness."
"Well said and quite right," said Jonny. "You haveeternity for these philosophical queries, old chap. This upcomingHaela? This is a time for jubilation! For meeting new friends andgrabbing up new lovers!" Jonny jogged ahead to stand under a large,darkened archway that marked the end of the current thoroughfare,which was opening into a vast courtyard beyond. "This!" He threwhis arms up dramatically. "This is the Celebration Cluster!"
On cue, the archway lit up like a Roman candle,forcing Hadder to shield his eyes in the growing dimness. Uponadjustment, Hadder found that weaved throughout the arch was amedley of glowing flowers that released all the colors of thespectrum while systematically discharging fiery seeds thatdisappeared skyward before exploding into blasts of light, creatingthe perfect backdrop for Jonny VV's immaculate pose.
Reena stood on her toes to kiss Hadder's cheek. Shesmelled like vanilla cookies fresh out of the oven. "In case youcouldn't tell, we're here." And with that, she screamed into theair, ran, and jumped into Jonny's waiting arms. Together, theybeckoned Hadder forward, dragging him deep into a Haela he wouldnever forget.
CHAPTER 6
Hadder passed under the blinding archway and into apaved central clearing that was vaguely circular, and onto whichwere situated nearly a dozen Bars of differing sizes and shapes. Inthe center of the clearing was the largest of the buildings, anine-story monstrosity covered in vines and red roses whose glowmade the entire structure look as if it were made of pure fire. Thesign over the entrance, although unlit, read Inferno.
"Is that where we're going?" Hadder asked, pointingtowards the conspicuous Bar. Jonny and Reena shared a nervouslaugh.
"Not there, my virgin friend. Inferno is thecraziest, most grotesque Bar in the Celebration Cluster. Best tostay away from there, or you'll end up catatonic on one of yourfirst Haelas. In fact, just stay away from it forever. That's thebest policy. But not to worry, we'll have a grand timeelsewhere."
The trio walked to the left of the clearing, keepingInferno on their right. Two Bars passed by on the westernedge of the Cluster, one smaller establishment called The1999 and the other a majestic building whose sign read TheSoiree Noire. In direct contrast to Inferno, TheSoiree Noire was a classically built marble building bathed inbeautiful white light by barrel-shaped bushes with shiningmegaphone blossoms that surrounded the Bar, spotlighting it. Hadderrecalled Reena mentioning a Bar with a similar name.
They came upon the ivory Bar but, to Hadder'ssurprise, continued past. "Aren't we going in? To The SoireeNoire, I mean."
Reena answered this time. "We will, for sure, butnot yet. The Soiree doesn't open until full Haela, so wehave some time to kill."
"And a better place to ease ourselves into the truenight," piggybacked Jonny.
They kept walking, continuing past several moreBars; Inferno was now at their backs. During the stroll,Hadder could see the plaza begin to fill as residents started topour in from other thoroughfares that fed into the Cluster. Eachresident, from what Hadder could tell, was as smartly dressed ashis two companions, with colorful designs, illuminated fabrics, andexotic materials. Most yelled out in greeting to Jonny and Reena,who were obviously well-liked. Hadder sighed deeply, feeling forthe first time since the accident that he was in good hands, beingtaken care of.
The Celebration Cluster woke up as they walked,reacting no doubt to the Idol Moon's reduction. The world grewdarker and brighter in succession as radiant moonbeams were tradedfor opening petals that released a Solay's worth of pent-upspectral energy that painted the Cluster. Looking around, Hadderheld back tears, imagining that such a canvas would be more at homein the Louvre, for these places didn't really exist, especially forwretches like himself. Hadder heard his name from far away butgrowing closer.
"Hadder. Hadder." It was Jonny. Hadder didn't knowhow many times he had called him. He realized that he had stoppedwalking, was now merely standing and staring wide-eyed at thewonderment of his surroundings.
"Sorry, Jonny, I was…" Another loss for words, agrowing habit.
Jonny smiled sweetly. "No, I'm sorry. We've beenhere so long we all forget how truly remarkable it all is." Jonnyand Reena joined Hadder, and together the three stood in silence,staring at an alien realm as it transitioned from bizarrelybeautiful to beautifully bizarre. Finally, Hadder turned to his newfriends. "I'm ready."
Together, they swept Hadder away towards a simpletwo-story Bar that looked as if it didn't exist. No flower lightswere highlighting the building, for none were needed. The entireexterior looked to be made of mirrored glass, which powerfullyreflected the breathtaking portrait of the Celebration Cluster andcreated a startling effect on the observer.
"Here we are, Hadder, my boy. This is Morning'sEcho, the perfect place to start another memorable Haela."
Hadder looked at the building, and in