idolpro | Kino's Heart Game

[As he looks around, 'it' finally came into view.

‘It’ was a country.

Like any other country, this one was surrounded by round and tall gray walls. Other than the wall not having seams on its material, there was nothing strange about its appearance.

Except that this country…]

It's coming towards us.

[Beyond the trees, the top of the walls went in and out of view. It was slowly but steadily drawing near. In other words, it was going towards their direction. The tremors were becoming stronger.]

The mystery's solved.

No doubt... well, what is that thing?

A country, isn't it obvious? If you keep on daydreaming, you'll get run over.

[Hermes continues to sound completely unconcerned about all this.]

You think it ain't gonna stop?

It doesn't look like it. We might need to catch its attention somehow.

You could give them the thumbs up!

...That might be a good idea, now that you mention it.

Wait, really?!

You really think they're gonna be able to see that from here?

It's worth a try, isn't it? ...Unless you happen to have flares on hand.

[Even if he checks his satchel, he does not in fact have flares on hand.]

Ah... naw, I got nothing like that.

Let's try your way.

[They nod, pulling their goggles down over their eyes.]

I'll drive up and see - if it's all clear, you can follow on foot.

[Clambering up on Hermes and driving along to meet the country! ...And, as they drive towards it, they seriously do raise their hand in a thumbs up.]

[This seems bad,]

[Even from here, he'll be able to hear the sound of someone speaking on a loudspeaker... but he's too far to quite make it out.

Kino seems confused by this development, but apparently responds with some waving at the country, because the country begins to slow to a stop.

They turn and wave at Hermes, giving a thumbs up. Good to go!]

[Heading over to join them, eyes on the country in front of them the whole way]

[ The gate, which served as the entrance to the country, opened before them and became a slope. Because it was thick and massive, the top of the door sank into the ground. Beyond it was a passage; a hill road climbing into the country.

A small car appeared, descending the hill road. It ran accompanied only with the gentle hum of its motor, with a lone man riding inside. He was wearing a white shirt and necktie with a light green work jacket on top. The man in his forties looked like a good-natured person in all respects.]

Hello, traveler! ...Or should I say, travelers?

[Waving a little as he sees Hurricane approach.]

I am this country’s immigration inspector. I am also the tour guide, police officer, and so on. In our country, government workers are given a variety of posts, you see.

[Waves back, a little]

Sounds like you take care of a lot.

[He laughs, friendly.]

"I do, but it's a peaceful country, so thankfully I'm not needed for all roles at once."

[Kino takes the opportunity to press:]

So... this thing is a country, right? Where is it headed?

[The immigration inspector nods.]

"Yes, indeed. Inside, my brethren are living in peace. We are constantly migrating. Right now, we are going along these plains towards the west."

[Kino thinks it over for a moment before nodding.]

Then I'd like to stay for rest and recreation, please. For about... five to ten days, if that's alright.

"Certainly. And you, young man?"

Oh, uh - me too, if that's cool.

"Yes, that's fine. All of you, climb aboard. We can put the motorrad on the loading platform."]

[The man nods to his car, going to make preparations.]

Sounds great. [And to Hurricane:] You can probably take a seat while we get Hermes secured.

I don't mind helping.

Really? Thank you.

[It's pretty simple - there's already straps attached to the loading platform, and Kino rolls Hermes over so he's perfectly positioned to get strapped in.]

Careful not to tip me over!

I'll be real gentle.

[Going to strap Hermes in, careful not to tip it]

See, Kino? This is someone who knows how to treat motorrads right!

...I'm not that bad. And I always make sure to get you regular tune ups, too.

Yeah, because you let me tip over!

Bikes only treat you as good as you treat them, dude.

You can't just dump em on the ground.

See?! Hey, are you looking for a motorrad for your travels?

Hermes!

Dude, you two are like partners, I couldn't split you up.

Oh well. I guess I'll stick with Kino for now.

[Kino just grumbles, securing a strap with a harder tug than necessary before heading over to the actual cabin of the car.]

Catch you later dude, kay?

[Gives a little wave, and follows after Kino]

They went into the car. And from there, the immigration inspector/police officer/tour guide/etc. began explaining.

“And that over there is the nuclear power reactor. The large quantity of steam the reactor produces moves the generator, and the electric power generated moves the country and also serves as our energy supply.”

The guide said, pointing towards the enormous equipment beyond a thick glass pane. The car was parked on a wide road, surrounded with a glass-walled interior. The minute vibrations accompanied with low hums continued.

The guide pointed to a group of monitors installed above the glass panes. Shown in the monitors were people working beside the gigantic equipment, completely covered with full-body clothing.

“That machine works on its own, and the people here have almost nothing left to do. We only have to observe. The fuel placed in this container is guaranteed to last for several hundred years, so we don’t even need spares. The important thing is to maintain and clean the caterpillars and the engines. Now, let’s proceed.”

The car moved quietly. While they were riding, Kino spoke. “Since when did everyone start living here?”

“You’re asking for the country’s history, eh? The truth is we don’t fully understand as well. As to whether someone found this migration apparatus and chose to live here instead of in a country, or whether our ancestors lived in it since ages past; we could no longer remember. It’s a mystery, but we really don’t mind not knowing about it.”

“Do you really have to move around all the time? Can’t you settle down once you found some good land?” Hermes asked. The guide gave him two reasons as to why they should be constantly on the move.

“First, there’s the question of the nuclear power reactor. Once stopped, restarting it will take some time. If we stop moving for a long amount of time, the excess amount of temperature and energy will accumulate. To protect ourselves against this, we spend the energy by making the caterpillar be constantly on the move. For instance, letting it move at about the speed of a walking person.”

“I see,”

“Uh-huh."

The scene almost passes by like watching a film again... except, no. He's definitely here, in the car beside Kino, listening to the same discussion, seeing the same enormous reactor.

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