Ourai no Gahkthun: Novel Anthology (Story 1)

 Dreaming Larva ~Sleeping Beauty~ 

Author: Kannou Kyouta (Kanokt) | | Illustrator: Akari Maki

It was about three months ago when the client first knocked on the door on the former British Embassy, around mid-September of Dusk in 1908. It was a cold, drizzling day that seemed like a vestige of the summer heat as written in Neon's thin notes, a girl who worked as the assistant of the Speculative Detective Club.

Once more today, the doorbell rang around the same time she told of through telegraph despite there being chilly rain if not snow.

"Is it true that the first edition of Merian was founded?"

Soon as Neon opened the door, she was amazed to see the person who rushed through the entrance with a cold breeze was a boy of about 10 years old, a rarity for children to be seen in Marseille Offshore Academia.

She slightly gasped upon noticing the boy's face being covered by an eerie mask of what seemed to be a caterpillar's face.

"It's a shameful thing to do when you don't greet others, big brother."

There was yet another surprise when the person who scolded the bad-mannered innocent boy big brother was a tall young-man wearing an Engine-type monocle.

(The rumors are true.)

It was on that day when she went to a nearby store to shop for dinner did she not meet the two brothers: Jean Antoine Emile Fabre, and Paul-Henri Fabre. Thus, this was her first time meeting them.

Staring at Neon with his black and white eyes, the young man gave a gentlemanly smile as he held onto his restless brother.

"Excuse me for seeing this. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mademoiselle. I'm the one who you made contact with, Paul-Henri Fabre. And this is my older brother, Jean."

"H-hello! Where is Tesla?"

"Please be patient, big brother. Fu, truly..."

The small older brother, whom was held on the shoulder by his tall younger brother's large hands, looked up and greeted Neon, but his curiosity lingered to the drawing room at the back. 

Even without their names being given away, she had heard the story and knew right away. The rumors about the mismatched brothers.

The Fabre brothers were known for their achievements in Natural History, particularly in the field of insects.

Even for Neon, who had faced several Arts incidents, couldn't hide her amazement before them.

Thus, it couldn't be helped that her reaction was a bit delayed.

"What are you doing? It's not my assistant's job to have our guest waiting at the door like that."

"M-master..."

Before Neon knew it, she was being scolded by Master Tesla, a man dressed in a modified uniform in all white whom appeared from the back.

It didn't matter who the other person was.

As the sole assistant to Tesla, the head of the Speculative Detective Club, there was no doubt she was neglecting her duties.

"It's been a long time. I have the promised item as you told me."

"Yay! Show me! Show it to me this instant!" "Big brother!"

"Was it cold? Please come in. I'll make you some tea."

"Please do. It'll take us some time to prepare."

(You knew they were going to come, Master. But you didn't prepare they did?)

Neon was stunned, but her Master's behavior wasn't anything new. The brothers weren't offended, so she led them into the guest room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"These sweets are delicious!"

Jean mumbled, taking in the sweets into his mouth through a gap under his mask and being absorbed in devouring them.

(Ah, that's right. They're eating through the gap. Feels like I can see some feelers here and there, but I might just be seeing things.)

Curious, she asked "What are those?", which Neon couldn't help but be brazen enough to ask.

Jean continued on eating innocently, unaware of her intentions. His ears would perk up everytime heard something coming from upstairs, and would try to get up from the couch.

"Big brother..."

Paul would pull him back onto the sofa in a familial manner, and have him sit obediently.

(No matter how you look at it, it's the opposite...)

A small older brother and a big younger brother. Despite hearing this often about the two from her rumor-loving friend, Neon, who was standing a corner of the room watching them, only stared at them with amazement.

They had published and received acclaim on a wide variety of topics not only on insect ecology but also environmental studies and sociology so they were kind of like celebrities.

In particular, the older brother, Jean, was a young prodigy who was invited to the Academia with special treatment which were: being exempt from regular classes, credits being guaranteed, and having his own laboratory loaned to him in the research buildings.

Originally, it would have been normal for him to have already graduated or go on to the research club. But it's said that due to the influence of his Art, he never aged and continued to attend the Academia for nearly ten years.

Paul, who was quietly sipping his tea, was a fifth-year student scheduled to graduate this year.

The child of his second mother, and his half-brother. Unlike his older brother who was extremely talented, he was known by his teachers as a genius and possessing a good reputation.

"He's been looking after his brother since being admitted, and I hear he's like a bitten insect perhaps due to the hardships he's endured."

--Were the words from Neon's friend, Izumi. There were some noise mixed into those dirty rumors but for the most part, they weren't completely off.

(Still, what a strange Art. Does that mean he'll remain a boy, never to grow up again? Oh no. It's rude of me to stare at him too much...)

Just when Neon looked away, she heard the sounds of someone coming down the stairs. The sounds of her master's footsteps that she's heard so many times now. They were slower and louder than usual, as though he was carrying something heavy.

"I'll be looking into something being requested. Look forward to it."

That was all Neon knew about the request aside from the client being the Fabre brothers.

Her master didn't tell her what he was looking into, which he might have had she pressed into him on it. Ever since she realized that his lack of explanation was his way of showing concern for her, she paid less mind to it. Although there were more clever ways to do that...

(...Seems like even Professor Keziah was also involved in the search.)

Even though she was aware he didn't like her, it wasn't exactly ideal for him to secretly meet up with a beautiful teacher.

(Not that I should care. It doesn't matter where or whom Master is secretly meeting with.)

While muttering her conflicted feelings in her mind, Neon realized her Master had descended the stairs and was at the door, which she opened it up from the inside. Seeing him surprised to have it opened without permitting it, Neon displayed a slightly triumphed expression.

"That was kind of you, but that won't make up for having our guests wait at the entrance."

"I know."

They interacted through whispering so as to not be overheard. Not that she would show it to his face, but she did mentally stick her tongue out.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

After apologizing for their disrespectful manners, Tesla placed a heavy-looking wooden box made of oak wood on the table. When the lid was carefully opened, a large catalog protected by a thick leather cover was unveiled.

"Ooooh!! Mo--mo, mogh, mogh--"

"It's the first edition of Merian's 'New Flower Illustrated Catalog'."

Paul caught his brother and placed him on his lap, who was about to jump and, while suppressing his frustrations, calmly asks Tesla with a perfectly natural expression. Without losing his, Tesla nodded.

"To be exact, this is a replica of her sketchbook. This is the only version that even recorded the Invisible Insects that isn't commonly available, which you brothers have been looking for."

"Invisible Insects..?"

"Correct. The author, Maria Sibyla Merian, was a 17th-century naturalist and painter. She had a keen eye for observation, especially when it came to plants and insects. However, it was because of her keen eye of observation did she noticed things that would otherwise be next to impossible to recognize such as Insects not of this World. And the first edition, which recorded it but never published it, is this catalog housed in the old library."

I see, Neon thought.

This book was likely sought after by the Fabre Brothers, who specialized in insects. Was Professor Keziah involved due to it being in the old library? Moreover, what were these insects that humans couldn't observe...?

"...Is it dangerous?"

Neon knew from experience that anytime her master spoke like this, there was always some kind of danger to it.

Though the assistant asked timidly, her master's expression remains unchanged.

"Unknown. I've looked into it for a month since it got into my hands, but I sensed no Art in the book itself. It just seems like an ordinary catalog..."

"It's La Nymphous!"

Jean tried jumping out of his arms, but Paul pulled him back.

"Nymphous...you mean Pupation?"

"...Yes. They say this book is the key to ending big brother's larva stage."

Pupation? Larva stage?

Natural history terms came one after another, which for Neon were unfamiliar.

Could someone actually change just by touching the book? She's heard of people saying this book changed their lives, but was it truly the case?

"Quick! Quickly show it to me!"

Tesla gave a look to Paul as though he was asking if he wanted to show him, but he gave a slow shake of his head.

"I'll check it out first, thank you."

"Eh, why! That's not cool, Jean!"

"I'm also a researcher myself, having seen quite a bit of Merian's illustrations. While I'm not an expert, I can at least tell apart for its authenticity."

"That would be good."

The two had their conversation, not paying attention to the one on Paul's lap. 

The Master swiftly stood up and walked around the table gracefully, lifting Jean up from Paul's arms.

"H-hey! Let me go!"

"Though I feel a little bad doing this to my client, Paul wouldn't be able to confirm otherwise if I don't."

"Ugh..."

With a slight nod, Paul returns to the first edition "New Flower Illustrated Catalog".

Neon thought she heard the sound of saliva being swallowed. As an outsider herself, she knew not of the true value of the book but knew it had to be very valuable.

The cover was slowly turned which read "Neus Blumenbach", wherein there was a page with letters in it. Although it wasn't clear from where Neon was standing, it didn't look to be a book written in French. She could see the word "Der" on it, so perhaps it was German?

As for the inventory, Neon noticed it was also divided into three main paragraphs, with twelve subsections in the first two, and thirteen in the last.

The reason she knew this was because Paul checked the items one by one by tracing his finger over them as he counted them up.

He stopped at the thirteenth subsection of the third paragraph, perhaps what Jean was looking for.

After confirming this, Paul turns the page with a determined and steeled expression.

"Wow..."

The sketch of flower rings Neon saw was so beautiful, she couldn't help but let out a moan of amazement.

Red and yellow, white and blue. It was a garland made of colorful flowers.

The colors were used abundantly and looked vivid. Though it looked realistic, there was a certain charm to it that draws anyone in. Though she knew it was rude, Neon couldn't help but lean in and take a peek.

Even Paul, who had seen it many times before was mesmerized by it for about ten seconds. He straightened up as though to correct himself and moved on.

Next were violet hyacinth's and yellow daffodils.

Although they weren't as vivid as the flower garland, their simplicity made it even more impressive. On closer inspection, she could see a butterfly perched on the hyacinth.

Picture after picture was more than just plants, it also contained insects. On top of the beautiful things like butterflies, there were creepy ones like larva and spiders.

(Why is there? Isn't it more beautiful without the insects?)

"I believe it's said that Merian was also an entomologist. That what she was looking for was not beauty, but the truth. This was a time when seal-engraved photography wasn't a thing, so she had no choice but to draw them herself."

Tesla added, seemingly reading what Neon was thinking by her dissatisfied expression.

I see. Saying it like that, she was able to understand them.

"Plus, insects are cute!"

"Ah, haha...I guess so?"

However, it was difficult for her to accept Jean's added commentary of "cute" towards wriggling larva and multi-legged insects...that's why she felt more relieved seeing pictures without insects.

"..."

Paul was flipping through the catalog's pages without minding the three's conversation. Thus far, he's gone through thirty-six sketches.

Then there was the last page. At last, the one that depicts the Invisible Insects they were looking towards awaits them.

"Paul! Quickly turn the page!"

"Hey, don't be hasty."

Jean, for instance, was losing it and started to jump around. Even Tesla was having a hard time handling them.

Paul looked up and saw his brother's state, stopping his fingers that were in the process of turning the page. Then, getting up from the sofa, he held the catalog in hand.

"Hey, no fair! Show it to me!"

"After I finish confirming this."

Then, he stood next to the wall and reopened the "New Flower Illustrated Catalog" so that only he can see it.

--That instant, Paul's eyes widened. His grip gave way and almost did the book fell, but was averted if barely.

After checking its contents, Paul closes the book and lets out a slow sigh.

"...Indeed. This is Merian's first edition 'New Flower Illustrated Catalog'."

There was a rather uniquely, satisfied look he had that one would show when coming into contact with a beautiful piece of artwork.

(...Hm?)

Neon thinks there was more to it than that, however. She had the feeling there was a dark expression on his face. The feeling of resignation and disappointment, of which she tried to find out the reason for those feelings.

"No one is to come near you."

"Y-yeah..."

He was holding the book as he stared at them with vacant, stagnant eyes. They looked morbid, as if he possessed by something.

"What will you do, Paul?"

"Mister Tesla. I'll pay for the request fee, and for compensation."

"Not that there's any problem with it, but what about you?"

"I'm aware. That's why I--"

Neon realized right away that what he just took out was an Engine-powered fire starter, the kind used to smoke cigarettes. From the way he took it out, there wasn't much to imagine just by his prior words and actions.

"--We have to burn this!"

"Paul!"

"'I' have no choice but to do this, big brother!"

"No!"

Neon goes over, but was too late. A bright fire ignites. It lights up, transferring over to the old, yellowed out printing paper and turning it into a fierce flame. At least that's what was supposed to happen.

"Ah--"

What erupted was not flames, but darkness.

Jet black vines flowed out from the catalog, and in the blink of an eye, the room was engulfed in endless darkness.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

--I said with a smile that I had never seen such a dream.

I was told that Merian's "New Flower Illustrated Catalog" would turn him into a chrysalis as he got up onto my bed in the morning sun, just after I was freshly asleep from a long day's work.

I couldn't believe it when I first heard those words, but at the same time, I dreaded it...I was aware the day would eventually come.

My older brother's ideals. His focus. His ability to be loved more by any insect. Those were things I couldn't have.

No matter how much field study I've done, how many times I've made contact with insects, indulged myself into studying vocabulary, and talking with the authorities all night long, there was a special radiance emitted that I, an ordinary person could never achieve. 

That was who I respected in my older brother.

Then, one day, I dreamed of a time where we would not look at each other's backs but stand side-by-side in seeing the same world together-- ...A dream that wouldn't come to pass!

That smile, I couldn't keep up with it!

Just like that butterfly that stopped in my brother's hand but not mines, then it flew away! I couldn't comprehend an insects thought process, nor could I even touch them!

My older brother would abandon me!

So then, "I" made a choice--

I would place my older brother in an insect cage, where he would be within arm's reach--

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(This is what big brother wanted...a world different from mines.)

There were plants of darkness that grew thickly like the jungles of South America.

It looked like the lost page that Paul had come to see for the last time.

It was a sight that would never exist in the world. The scenery his older brother wanted to see.

"...I did a foolish thing."

Paul smiled self-deprecatingly, robbed of his freedom of movement by sticky threads on his limbs.

It was a magical tome world seemingly possessed by an Art. For him, it wasn't so bad of an idea as to be tied up like this by the strange insects crawling about in the dark plants and being eaten alive by them.

(Even if it's just my soul for this world...I'd become part of the world big brother wants.)

"What is this!? N-no! This stuff is sticky!"

Looking over to the voice, he saw the girl that worked as the Detective's assistant, who was as tied up as he was.

...She was also there too, now that he thought about it.

He figured if it were Nikola Tesla, who had resolved various Art cases, there wouldn't be any problems.

His older brother...he figured his older brother was fine too. Although he couldn't see him due to being dissolved into the darkness, he loved and was loved by insects. He was sure this applied to even things not of this world. Paul was certain of that.

(But this girl...she's just Human, like me...)

"...My apologies, Mademoiselle. I got you dragged into this."

"I...no, it's alright. It seems you're fine too, Paul. I'm sure Master will come to help us out."

Neon strongly encouraged the one who got her into this predicament.

Paul was surprised by this reaction. Had it been a normal girl, they would be screaming or shaking in fear. But she was different.

"You...you're strong."

That was something he didn't have.

"I'm no good here. I'm just a foolish, little brother..."

"No, that's not true."

Paul tried to close his eyes and avert his gaze from the girl's glare, but Neon denies him that with her defined tone, causing him to open his eyes once more. What jumped into his sight was--!

"--Paul!"

"Big brother...why..."

"It's my turn to help you!"

However, the strange insects spewed their threads onto Jean as though saying they would not permit him to do that.

"Ku...uagh...!"

The boy's small limbs screamed out.

Unable to bear this sight, Paul screamed at the top of his lungs.

"Stop! You don't have to concern yourself about me!"

"That's why I'm doing this! Paul...you're my precious little brother!"

"--! Big brother...? Big brother!"

One layer, two layers, the sticky threads entangled up Jean's whole body over and over.

It completely covered up his small body, turning it into a giant black cocoon. That wasn't all. The threads which were being spewed out continued on some more to tighten him in.

"Big brother is not your enemy! Your enemy is me!"

But Paul's human voice did not reach the strange insect. Now they were on the verge of being torn apart by threads spewing from all directions.

"Stop it, stop it...I don't care what happens to me. Just let my older brother go..."

"--Don't say it like that, idiot Paul!"

The cocoon was severed.

It was separated from the outside, but from the inside in a single line.

What came out from within was a radiant glow!

"Reach out to me, Paul!"

Jean stretched out his arms in the darkness, clad in a light that would not permit it to be eroded by the black.

Paul was almost relieved that his older brother was safe, but was even more surprised at the miraculous sight.

"...Your...appearance.."

The garment of light was peeled off. Jean was there with their true face.

Half of the mask that covered Jean's face was broken off.

Allowing them to see their true face for the first time.

But it didn't belong to that of a boy...but of a girl's.

Not just the face, the body itself, which should have been a boy's, was also changed.

The girl's rounded body was clad in amber luster, just like that of a chrysalis before emerging.

"I see...big brother's larva stage was complete...and you turned into a chrysalis..."

"Yes, that's right! It's so I can continue to be with you, Paul!"

Eh--

There was a voice, though one Paul didn't know if it came from his own mouth or not.

However, he stared at Jean in shock of their unbelievable words.

"Let's graduate from the Academia together! This way, we can both go to Kadath!"

Paul sheds tears hearing those words.

His arm, which was entangled by the stick threads, moved forward. Towards the hand his big brother had extended with all his might.

"...yes. Let's go. Together, we'll go, big brother!"

Their fingers touched. With a gravitational pull rivaling the magical power of the strange insects, the two were attracted to each other as their hands connected...

"--Well done, young ones!"

A flash of lightning illuminates the eternal world of darkness.

It was a blue and white fierceness, yet it was a gentle lightning that warmed the heart.

"With this lightning blade, the path of thorns will be severed!"

The blue and white light became a gigantic blade that torn the dark world asunder--

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

--I want to become a chrysalis and become an adult soon.

Even though it was artificial, there were many types of insects that lived in this Academia which was very rich in nature. Adding in the experimental area, and you'd find many different types of insects in such a small area.

Even more that it was safer here than the outside world, and I was granted permission to stay up all night to observe the insects freely.

So I never really complained about being there...at least, until I met Paul.

He kept looking after me.

They weren't anything special, but they completely were to me.

He looked up to me with respect and love as a younger brother.

It was a warm feeling that no one ever showered me with since the ten years I entered the Academic City.

It felt so good that...when I thought of him graduating this year, my heart hurts as if it was about to burst.

--That time was when I had the dream.

A dream when the larva mask would fall off and I become a chrysalis.

A dream of soaring off into the wider world with Paul.

That's when I thought of it. Paul.

That there was one person who would always keep a watch on me.

Paul--

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Big brother...I was so afraid of you leaving me behind...!"

"I wouldn't leave anyone behind, Paul. You're my precious little brother."

In the guest room of the old British Embassy, Paul was crying as he was held in Jean's arms, now having taken the form of a girl.

Neon's mouth was open agape seeing this.

"Close your mouth. I told you that it makes you look like an idiot."

"But, Master! A boy was changed into a girl..."

"I guess such an Art would exist for that kind of stuff."

(Can you even say it like that?)

Still, Neon wanted to say something. But they looked like happy brothers...no, rather, they were happy siblings. Even so, she couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"You're still terrible, Master."

"What do you mean?"

"You said there was no danger with the book."

"I said it was unknown. I've heard about the dream, and took in the possibility that Jean was the catalyst into account."

"Please say something that would have been important! I was still scared even when I tried my best in front of our client! It was sticky!"

The girl criticized him in a low voice so the client wouldn't hear them. However, Tesla was totally unfazed.

"Those strange insects merely spewed those threads to scare you off. Of course, I was confident in getting you out of there before your body got hurt."

"You were confident..."

"I wouldn't let anything come to harm you, my precious one."

"Uhp, precious...uu...uuuoouhh..."

Tesla returned his gaze to the siblings, ignoring the crimson glare from below by Neon.

"That said, this seems to settle the matter. With this, the promise to their father has been fulfilled."

Seeing his calm expression, Neon opted to just not say anything further, figuring this was fine if he was satisfied with the result.

Instead, she'll have to treat him to something the next time she goes to Roaring Surf Street.

(...Yes. Fluffy pancakes filled with honey are good.)

"Hmm, the rain seems to have stopped."

Tesla looked out the window and muttered something of that note, whether or not he knew if Neon thought so.

"...Truly."

Visible beyond the window glass, the post-rain sky was dyed in a beautiful purple darkness.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

--Then.

There were also many other things between Neon and Tesla.

The only time they had the opportunity to properly greet the Fabre siblings was after the graduation ceremony in March 1909 when they were seeing them off as they departed for the distant Kadath.

"Seems you two are already on your way."

"Yes. We decided to head off as soon as the ceremony is over."

Jean was already used to their female form so it was strange for them to call them by their male name--they even laughed like a boy too.

"Even after their appearance changed, they're still as impatient as ever."

Paul smiled kindly next to his older brother...older sister.

No longer was there the harsh feeling they had as was rumored. Now, it was soft and warm.

Neon also felt good herself, seeing them like this.

"Thank you so very much for this, Mister Tesla. Even arranging for the ticket to Kadath."

"Not a problem. It's just a small favor. Kadath is enough of a place to satisfy your curiosity for natural history. So enjoy your youth, young ones."

Neon thought there was a better way of saying from her arrogant Master's behavior, but at the same time, she resigned herself to the fact he wasn't going to get any better.

It was, however, a relief to see the Fabre siblings smiling.

"By the way, Paul. You should hone your poetic skills. You have an aesthetic sense that rivals the Great Fabre. It's better if you get into contact with Frederic Mistral, so work hard on that."

"...You really do know everything."

Poetry? He said poetry, like actual poetry? Paul was into poetry?

Never would she expect to have been spoken such a new fact just before they parted ways.

"I look forward to the day your poetry collection comes out."

"Yes. I'll surely send it to you if there comes an opportunity where I can get it published."

"I'll send you a letter too, so please give us a reply back."

"Of course."

"Yes, of course."

After the two exchanged their farewells, it was time for them to say goodbye.

"I apologize for us leaving, but it's time to say goodbye."

"Give us a call if you ever come by to Kadath."

"Be well, you two."

"Heh. At times like this, it's something nice to give them a Kadath-style greeting."

As though he remembered something, the Master muttered something just as the two were about to leave.

"Have a good blue sky."

Have a good blue sky!

Strangely, Neon liked those words,

It was the name of a miraculous sky that exists in Kadath's region she only heard by words! A Blue Sky! She felt these were the right words to congratulate the two on their future journey.

"Have a good blue sky!"

The Fabre siblings smiled big at those words.

If one who had seen the sky of Kadath could see their expression, it'd be compared to something of that extent--

A smile in the blue sky...