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Chapter Text

Really two whole years, how quickly time flew by. As many as seven hundred and thirty days, and maybe a little more, have passed since the kingdom of science was formed. During this time, Senku managed to get closer to the return of the former civilization, no, well, of course! Electricity was reinvented, with the help of which Ishigami made a telephone, a refrigerator, and eventually lighting. Gene finally drank a bottle of cola-the drink of the Gods, as he liked to put it. Kaseka has new convenient furnaces for smelting iron and glass, Suika has got "glasses", if that's what you can call an upgraded pumpkin. Kohaku's sister, Ruri, was finally able to recover from the disease that had haunted her like a shadow for many years with the help of the greatest invention of mankind - penicillin. Chrome, although he did not acquire anything material, found for himself a wonderful friend and teacher, with whom he continued to make new devices or make various chemicals (well, not only them). Ryusui, after a "long sleep", was able to do one of his favorite things - shipbuilding. Taiju became the "king" of wheat fields, from which the first harvest was harvested in the fall and preparations were made from it for the winter in the form of bread and crackers. The village of Ishigami tasted delicious food besides the fish that bothered everyone: ramen, cotton candy. And with the resurrection of Francois, the villagers and the Tsukasa Empire completely plunged into the world of gastronomy. In general, the development of civilization was moving forward, everyone was happy with the new life. Except for one thing: there was a lot of work, just a blockage. Of course, everyone got enough sleep and ate enough to do physical labor, but I wanted some free time for my own affairs. Throughout the year, Ishigami village and its inhabitants were involved in the work. In winter and spring, everyone made preparations of materials for future needs: men smelted metal together with Kaseki, children and old people twisted copper wires, wove ropes and baskets from stored plants, women made dishes from clay or helped Yuzurikha in the atelier. In the summer, no one was idle either: some explored the nearby lands in search of flocks of sheep and rams or new fields with grain crops, the latter, under the leadership of Ryusu, built the Perseus ship, on which Senka and the others would go to look for the cause of petrification. Others worked in the field with Taiju, while others hunted deer and wild boars in the forest. In autumn, the harvest of wheat and vegetables was coming. Everyone who could from men went to the fields, women and children with Francois made preparations in the form of canned food and bakery products, well, those who could, worked to the end on the construction of the ship. All year round, people worked without a break. Of course, there were weekends. Each resident had two days off a week, all on different days, so that work never stopped. There was also the only festive time, the New Year, when residents rested and had fun all week. Many people liked this arrangement of events, but some were tired of the constant running around. Most of all, Gene was tired of such a wild rush. He was constantly next to the scientist: he helped him in chemical experiments, was a negotiator between the quarreled (usually they were people from the Tsukasa empire, they were still gorillas), in winter he made wires and dishes, in summer he built a ship, if physical labor was needed, the mentalist did not refuse. Asagiri didn't have a single free minute, he worked seven days a week. I was glad at least that Gene was not alone with such a fate: the entire Ishigami team, namely Chrome, Kohaku, Taiju, Yuzuriha, Kaseki, Ryusui and Francois, were completely at work. But unlike the mentalist, these seven had some kind of perpetual motion machine, well, or an awl in the ass, the Gene has not yet decided on this. They seemed to radiate energy from them (I would like the Gene to do the same). Asagiri was also active and often helped if he was asked, but I wanted to rest, I wanted to sleep, I wanted at least three or four fasting days.

***

    In a month and a half, in January, the most important holiday of the village was to take place - Christmas. Everyone was looking forward to it. Usually, after the festivities and feasts, the weekend came, and when it ended, it was not so difficult to work, because in winter there were only blanks. All two months the village of Ishigami rested and gained new strength for the upcoming affairs. It was the fifth of December. The weather was fine outside: the whole earth had been under a thick layer of fluffy snow for a long time. In Japan, for more than three thousand years, it got so cold: in winter, the thermometer (yes, and there is such a thing) dropped to minus twenty! For the inhabitants of the old world, it was a disaster, because they were not ready to move to Russia (if there, then only in the summer, and then not for long). The summer became shorter, the cold came in mid-October, and the snow was already showing off in the open spaces in early November. Warm wool clothing has become a mandatory attribute of every resident. Everyone was insulated as best they could: soft leather boots with wool, knitted sweaters, thick fur coats made of animal skins, various hats, scarves, mittens. Ogawa Yuzuriha, the chief "fashion designer of the stone world", was able to offer such a choice upon returning to the village. 

   The sky was clear, without a single cloud (and so for a week!). The crowns of the trees resembled broccoli, on which birds liked to rest. The river was covered with ice, and, thanks to Senku's brilliant idea, the life of the villagers was filled with new colors. About a week ago Ishigami sat down in his laboratory and forbade anyone to invade his personal space. Two hours later, he came out of the building, holding something in his hands. These were two wooden planks in the shape of a leg, in which two leather straps were embedded. At the bottom of the boards were shiny plates of metal with jagged ends in front. 

- What is this thing, Senku? Chrome scratched his head in bewilderment. It was the first time he had seen this object for winter entertainment, like all the villagers. In a couple of minutes, a lot of people gathered around the scientist, so that Gen could barely squeeze through the crowd. When he succeeded, the mentalist almost lost the ground from under his feet with happiness -Eh-is that what I'm thinking, Senku-chaan?

- To the point, mentalist, - Senka took a deep breath and began, - these are skates. Previously, people had fun in winter as much as they could: they made snowmen, went skiing. If you lived in our time then, ten billion percent of you would also do all this. But my favorite pastime was ice skating, so I want to revive figure skating. Come with me," with these words Ishigami turned and walked towards the frozen river. Arriving at his destination, Senku sat down on a large rock and quickly fastened the straps around his winter boots. Getting up, he almost fell out of habit, but quickly got used to it and boldly walked to the ice. The villagers watched with great interest the actions of their headman: the scientist stepped on the frozen H2O and slid along the surface. Everyone was amazed by Senku's smooth and beautiful movements, especially Gen. The mentalist did not even think that the subject of his recent observations could skate so well. He swam on the ice like a swan from Tchaikovsky's ballet, gracefully drew intricate patterns on the ice, and finally made a jump. Asagiri looked with loving eyes. The guy had been noticing a new oddity for a long time - he was attracted to Senka, he wanted to look into his ruby eyes, be constantly next to the scientist, talk to him, listen to his clever and audacious speeches about the restoration of humanity. Ishigami was able to interest him completely, to drag him into his world of science, where not your appearance is important, but your mind and skills. Senku was beautiful, starting with a wonderful mind and intelligence and ending with his appearance (Gene could not take his eyes off the scientist's face. It seemed so beautiful to him) But sometimes Ishigami was simply unbearable and I wanted to throw out all my accumulated anger on him.

     On that beautiful sunny day, Gen Asagiri was scarier than a dark cloud. He's been working hard for two weeks now. First, Ryusui asked for help with the construction of the Perseus, which was almost ready. Gen thought that nothing complicated would happen, but he was mistaken. For four days he plowed like a bricklayer: dragging support beams, cans of paint, some tools; lifting heavy sails for installation, washing all the windows (the question is why, but it doesn't matter anymore), in general, a nightmare and a quiet horror. But the mentalist did not like to show his emotions, so all this time he walked with a strained smile. After the "ship's hell", Chrome took him to go to the cave and collect new minerals and valuable ore. So he took three days and left Chrome completely in the mud. He also managed to be Kohaku's assistant in hunting, Kaseki as a glassblower and Francois as a cook and dishwasher. Only this morning everyone left him behind, and the mentalist wanted to have a good meal and sleep, when Suika knocked on his house and said that Senka needed him to solve some issue. Gen asked if it could wait, but the girl said firmly "No" and, wishing good luck, ran away. And now Asagiri was rapidly heading towards the scientist's hut. He wanted to tear Senka apart and bury him in different parts of the world, if only this "possessed" would give him a rest. Gen went into the laboratory without knocking, letting in a stream of cold air with him, which distracted Senka from some papers. Ishigami got up from the table and walked towards the newcomer with a smile on his face. He seemed to have come up with some kind of new adventure, since his eyes were unnaturally glittering in the dark (as is usually the case before a new scientific breakthrough in the stone world). Such a cheerful look finally enraged Gene.

- Hi, mentalist, - Ishigami began, - there is a great plan. I wanted to talk to you about his future...

"Couldn't have done it with the other one, huh?" With Chrome, for example?, - Gene barely restrained himself. He thought it was urgent and decided to have mercy on his friend, but it seems that this will not happen..

- What are you doing, Gen?- Senku didn't even have time to finish the last sentence, so Asagiri's sharp and nervous tone caused him misunderstanding and excitement - Did something happen?

- Has something happened!? No, nothing so important that could compare with your new plans for the future.

- What happened, Gen?- Ishigami was shocked by this Asagiri. He was usually calm and rational, and even if something annoys him, he won't show it and will remain with his smug smile. And now the Gene seemed to burst, as if he was now throwing out all the accumulated energy for a long time. If it makes him feel better, Senku will listen to everything to the end and will not say a word until he speaks out.

- The fact that I've been working like crazy for the last two weeks and they don't give me a break in any way! I just came to my place in the morning after work in the form of a dishwasher from Francois, and immediately Suika runs in to me and says that you need me! I thought you had something important that couldn't wait even for a short time, so I came to you, and you have some new plan here! Do you even know how sick I am of all this already! I understand how important it is to restore civilization, but I also want to get some rest! There is no end to your ideas, my dear SENKU, so why should I listen to them all!? I'm sick of it already! I'm sick of the constant running around, I'm sick of new projects and new plans, YOU've already got me! Let me rest and DON'T TOUCH ME FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE OF DAYS! I don't even want to see you!- At these words, the Mentalist abruptly turned around a hundred and eighty degrees and went out, slamming the door loudly, and it might seem that from such a strong blow all the bottles neatly laid out on the shelves could fall and break. Senka didn't even have time to understand what had happened. He just wanted to talk about an idea for a short time (necessary and useful for everyone in the near future), and they came to him, yelled and said that he got his ideas. If someone else had said it, maybe it wouldn't have hurt so much. But it was Gen who said it. The one who was not indifferent to Senka. The one to whom he was ready to fully reveal all his fears and experiences. These words wounded Ishigami to the very heart and left a residue in his soul, with which the scientist will now have to live.

Chapter Text

    A few days have passed. A heavy snowfall began, which brought new snowdrifts. When the blizzard finally subsided and the sun came out, the villagers went out to the river to ride. In two weeks, everyone had skates, which now everyone was learning to ride. Small children like Suika quickly got used to it and cut circles along the entire frozen pond. The boys staged speed races, and the girls competed in the accuracy of the execution of the figures that Senka taught them. It turns out Ishigami knew a lot about figure skating and was fond of it from the age of five! Senku could not be torn away from the TV during the Japanese figure skaters' competitions. Every winter, he and Byakuya went to the largest ice rink in Tokyo and took lessons there. During his training, he learned to perform the most famous elements. Spirals, twists, dashes, turns - the scientist knew everything in superiority. He knew all six types of jumps: sheepskin coat, salchow, Rittberger, flip, Lutz and axel. The fourth was the most favorite. Flip was considered the second most difficult jump among the teeth. During his performance, Senku accelerated a little, turned around a hundred and eighty and continued to drive backwards. After that, he pushed off with his left foot up, made a turn around himself, as if hovering in the air at that moment, and landed on his right foot, continuing to ride backwards. When he showed this element, everyone was mesmerized: Ishigami performed the jump so gracefully, smoothly and professionally. Even the guy's contemporaries were surprised, because they also watched the competitions on TV at least once and knew that many were mistaken on this element: then they stumble, then they will not gain the necessary acceleration, then they will start from the wrong foot. And Senku was as precise in his movements as a Swiss watch. After several days of hard training under the supervision of a wonderful "coach" in every sense, the younger generation stood firmly on the ice and performed the simplest elements. Now some have already tried to make small jumps or tried different steps: crossed, open or double edge. Everyone was having as much fun as they could. There was noise, laughter and uproar everywhere. Everywhere except the science lab. After that "conversation" with Gen, Senku was depressed and sluggish. He was not angry at his best friend, because it was the scientist who brought him to such a state. Ishigami didn't want to notice how hard his friend was working, how tired he had been lately. As a result, this attitude turned into a quarrel. Senku really wanted to apologize to the mentalist. He even several times was going to go to Gen and ask for forgiveness, but the words popped up sharply in his head:"You've already got me! Let me rest and DON'T TOUCH ME FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE OF DAYS! I don't even want to see you!". It immediately began to darken in the eyes and the scientist fell to the ground from such emotional pressure. Then it was only fifteen minutes later that he was capable of mental activity. Asagiri's words affected him so much. And now Senku was sitting alone in the laboratory, closed off from everyone. The next morning after the quarrel, Ishigami hung such a sign on the laboratory door: "No one enters until I call! If you try to do something amateur, I'll split you into atoms. Yes, Chrome, I'm talking about you." The scientist's team knew well that their scientific head keeps promises to the end and does not send threats just like that, so they did not enter to visit a friend. Somehow Chrome still decided to get into the "dragon's lair", but for this he got some kind of heavy stick in his head and walked around with a bump on his forehead for a couple of days. The guy was very worried about his friend, because he hadn't been outside for five days! 

- Suddenly, something happened to Senku, so he doesn't come out! And we didn't even check on him!- one morning Chrome said, - You do as you want, and I'll go check on him, even if I get hit on the head for it again!

- Perhaps this time I fully agree with you, Chrome. I don't like what's going on with Senku," Kohaku continued, "he's been kind of sad lately. It's not like him. And then he closed down from everyone altogether.

- And here's what's strange, - said Chrome, - you noticed that we have almost no work in recent days. Senku does not give new orders, as if he decided to arrange a weekend right a month before the holiday!

- Exactly. Usually, before Christmas, he was furious and gave even more work to keep up with the schedule, but now it's quiet and smooth," Kohaku looked sternly at the scientist, "Let's go, Chrome.

    So the two of them, at their own risk, decided to check the well-being of their best friend. During the whole time of their acquaintance, they became very attached to Senku. He was smart, quick-witted, and in the end, a handsome scientist with whom you could talk about various topics, starting with chemicals and their method of creation (an ideal topic for a local scientist) and ending with the strategy of fighting the enemy (which Kohaku was fond of). Anyway, Senku was kind and sympathetic, so he quickly fell in love with everyone and became a member of the village, and later its head. With a serious look, the couple approached the laboratory. There was still a sign with warning words hanging on the door, and the same ill-fated stick was lying nearby (as it turned out later it was a metal tripod).

- Are we knocking?

"We're knocking," Kohaku replied, "The friends took a deep breath and were about to knock on the door when it opened abruptly. Ishigami came out of the room in winter clothes and with a small bag on his shoulders. He also wore protective glasses, which did not fit into the image of the discoverer of the Himalayas.

- Senku, why are you dressed up like that?- Chrome was the first to come out of his stupor, - where are you going?

- To the forest. I need to pick some herbs, so I'll be back by evening. Do not enter the laboratory!- Only now Kohaku saw how bad her friend looked: his hair was all disheveled and only vaguely resembled a well-known bow, there were large bruises under his eyes, as if they had been painted with black paint. Senku stood uncertainly, staggering a little.

- How long have you been awake, Senku?

"What's the difference, Kohaku?

- Don't get away from the question, answer it.

- Well, let's say a day, - Ishigami sighed. He did not look the girl in the eye and constantly bit his lip.

- Don't lie to me, I see everything, tell the truth to Senka.

The guy broke down a little more, trying to defend his point of view, but under the onslaught of the Lioness, he still gave up - Okay, three days.

- That's better.

- Senku, you know it's not healthy not to sleep so much. Any organism needs a return...

- Yes, I know, I know. Stop teaching me, not a little one," the scientist muttered, "I just don't want to, and there's a lot to do.

- And you've released everyone from work yet? Why, Senku?

- I thought that you work a lot, have a rest, what are you still outraged about? Ishigami switched to an almost inexplicable tone of voice. It sounded like he was asking his friends for forgiveness or begging them to do something.

- We are not outraged, Senku. You just misunderstood," Kohaku began, "We're worried about YOU. Look at yourself: you look like a resurrected corpse. Halloween has already passed. You need to get some sleep and rest, and you're also going to the forest in this state!

- I can decide for myself when I feel bad and when I feel good. Now I feel fine, so don't delay me, please, Kohaku," Ishigami pushed the Lioness slightly with his hand, trying to go forward. The girl was very surprised by this behavior of the guy, so she moved away without resistance. She saw how bad Senka was, but if he didn't want to, then even a straitjacket wouldn't save him. Unlike Kohaku, Chrome was not going to give up yet, so he was about to stop the scientist, but the girl pulled him by the hem of his coat.

"He won't go back on his words, you know. Just let him go.

"But Kohaku, did you see him!?

- Yes, I saw it. And I also saw in his eyes an impregnable fortress, which will fall only after the implementation of his idea. So leave him, Chrome, - In Kohaku's eyes, the Guy saw excitement mixed with sadness. Her voice was quiet and calm. Chrome realized that she would stand by her own and would probably be right. Without thinking twice, the scientist replied.

- Okay, I agree with you. But still, you need to tell someone about his condition," the girl nodded, and for a second both were lost in thought. The answer came by itself: "We need to tell Gen!"

Chapter Text

What bliss, now no one will touch him. After the altercation with Senku, the mentalist immediately went to his room. As he walked towards the dwelling, the fire in his eyes subsided, his body relaxed from long-standing tension, his head began to hurt less. The crunch of snow underfoot and a slight frost also helped the guy to refresh himself and return to the real world. When he came home, the bed was quickly spread out, the extra clothes were removed, and the exhausted carcass was immersed under a warm duvet. How good it was for Gen now: soft, warm, calm. I wanted to close my eyes as soon as possible and fall asleep, immerse myself in the land of dreams with a waiting can of cola and a long-forgotten TV, but one thing did not allow me to do this, or rather one. Senku. It was only now that Asagiri realized how rude he had treated his friend. After all, the scientist was not to blame, and in general there was no one's fault in this situation. It's just that everything that has been accumulating for so long under the mask of calm and satisfaction has splashed out from the shores and turned into a cry of the soul. In fact, if Gen had been given a break even a little, he would rather have come himself and calmly poured out his soul to Ishigami. Someone, and he will always listen to the mentalist. Only Gen wasn't afraid to go to him when he was sad or scared. Next to Senku, it was warm, like from an oven. There was a sense of calmness and affection. The quiet, laconic voice was soothing, constantly immersing Asagiri in the world of his dreams. And the Gen in an instant took and ruined everything, broke that invisible thread of trust, which both the mentalist and the scientist cherished so much. I wanted to tear my hair on my head and scream with resentment, the culprit of which was Gen himself. He will not be able to live with such a stone on his soul, he will not be able to look Senku in the eyes anymore. 

   He immediately jumped out of bed with an impulse to come back and apologize for everything he said. Asagiri then said the most terrible words to the scientist: "YOU've already got me! I don't want to see you!" The memories made my heart ache. How? HOW could he say such a thing to Senku!? The one he began to really love. No, he couldn't force himself to come to Ishigami right now. You need to calm down a little and bring yourself to your senses, put everything on the shelves and only then go and ask for the deepest apologies. Yes, that's what he'll do. He will gather his thoughts and talk to his beloved tomorrow. "Perfect," Gen said aloud and went to bed with a more or less calmed nervous system. The next morning, as planned, Asagiri walked to the laboratory with a firm and confident step. But at the same moment, all his confidence vanished. There was a note on the front door: "No one comes in until I call..." Well, that's it, it's a failure. Gen definitely offended Senku that he closed himself off from everyone. What should we do now? What to do? "It will probably be better if you don't touch it for a while," thought Gen. Now he can only make things worse. The appearance of a mentalist is likely to cause a fit of hysteria already in the scientist, which was dangerous. After all, when there are a lot of devices and chemicals around a person who has recently experienced so many negative emotions at a time, and in general this person is familiar with chemistry, it is unclear what he can do in such an unstable state. Suddenly Senku from grief will come to mind to swallow a newly invented poison, or he will inadvertently knock over some chemical or even a shelf with glass inventory. Well, no, Gen is not ready to risk his friend's health like that, so he returned home, leaving the problem unresolved. The mentalist hoped that Ishigami would call him himself, or eventually remove the damn sign. But no. 

    Five days had passed, and the piece of wood was still knocking on the door during a strong gust of wind. Asagiri was already completely withdrawn, he didn't talk to anyone. Even close friends could not get him out into the street, when suddenly in the morning they knocked on his door. Sluggish, Gen still came up and opened the door to such intrusive visitors. It turned out that it was Chrome and Kohaku. They looked no better than Gen. At least the eyes. The same dull and lifeless, with a slight note of excitement. Such guests surprised the owner of the house.

- Hi, can I help you?- Asagiri decided to break the awkward pause that had arisen between friends.

"Hi, Gen," Kohaku began, "we wanted to talk about Senku

- Has something happened!?- My heart skipped a beat. Did he still bring Ishigami to something bad?

"No, not yet," Chrome continued, "but Senku has changed in behavior. He closed himself off from everyone, and when he came out today, he was very sluggish and tired.

- Senku went outside!? When!? The mentalist looked at Kohaka with excitement. Did he finally decide to reconnect with the outside world?

"This morning. He said he had to go to the forest for some herbs. He said he would be back by the evening," Kohaku stopped, and then continued, "Gen, I can see what's going on. Both of you have not been communicating for five days, and in general you have closed yourself off from everyone, even from close friends. Tell me what happened.

- Okay, you guessed it. We quarreled with Senku, or to be more precise, I yelled at him. I really didn't want to, it was just a coincidence," Gen took a deep breath. Within about five minutes, he told the whole story in detail. Chrome and Kohaku listened without interrupting.

 When the mentalist finished, Chrome said - And you left everything as it is!? Even so, you should have gone and checked on him. The fact that he fenced himself off from everyone with a simple sign does not give you the right to delay the question so much. You know what, Gen. When he comes back in the evening, you immediately go to him and apologize. Understood?,- The scientist was very outraged by the mentalist's behavior and his solution to the problem. Therefore, he spoke out to Gen without any shame to his face. Asagiri understood this and took it calmly.

"You're right, Chrome. I acted like an egoist. I shouldn't have left things as they are. I hope you'll forgive me...," Gen did not even have time to finish, as Kohaku came closer and hugged him.

- Of course we forgive you, Gen. I'll say more, we didn't blame you for anything. We were just really worried. For both of you. So calm down, please, and don't torment yourself like that. Know that we are always there and will help you in difficult times. Do not pretend to be the strongest person on Earth, because everyone, without exception, will suffer someday. Everything is fine," When the girl said this, Gene had tears. He was such a fool, he made a big deal out of himself, he made Senku suffer because of it. But he forgot that next to him there are best friends who will listen, understand and not condemn. By the end of the speech, Asagiri was completely moved, and now small sobs turned into strong tears. Yes, that's what he needed - warmth and affection from a loved one. Now he was fully awake from such a long five-day nightmare.

- Thank you, - the guy said softly and buried himself more deeply in the girl's shoulder.

***

     Of course, maybe Kohaku was right about something. Maybe I needed to sleep, get some rest, let go of all the sad thoughts. But no matter how hard Senku tried, he couldn't do it. As soon as the scientist was about to go to bed, all the bad thoughts that exist in the world came into his head. No matter how hard he tried to distract himself from the bad, completely immersed in his work, he could not do it. The last words of the Gen kept spinning and spinning like a record in a gramophone, well, or like minced meat in a meat grinder, the scientist has not yet decided. So an hour ago he thought that if he got out into the fresh air for herbs, his thoughts would take a back seat a little. But Ishigami was wrong. Thoughts stuck like metal chips to a magnet, like two oppositely charged ions. Senku shrugged off these thoughts and focused on his goal. He needed herbs, or rather some spices. For half an hour Ishigami made his way to his cherished goal - carnation. Clove is a spice that is obtained from dried and unopened buds of a clove perennial tree. The plant is native to the Moluccas in Indonesia. Previously, cloves were grown in Tanzania, Indonesia, India, and Ceylon, but over several thousand years of fossilization, this plant moved to the land of the rising sun. During a balloon flight, when Senku, along with Ryusu, Chrome and Kohaku, were looking for everyone's favorite oil, the scientist noticed a waterfall near the village, along the banks of which very similar trees grew. Then he didn't have time to explore those lands, so he left it until the cold weather. It was stupid, and Senku had already figured it out. As soon as the frosts began, it began to snow, which almost did not stop. And now there was knee-deep snow in the forest, which was very disturbing.  

  Well, there's nothing you can do about it, because you can't do it without cloves, which are needed to prepare a surprise. And now, struggling in the snowdrifts and branches always climbing into his eyes, Senku was making his way through the forest. And finally, a waterfall began to appear through the sparse forest. Slowly, with the speed of a snail, but still Ishigami reached his cherished goal. How good that he was not mistaken. In front of him was indeed a thicket of clove trees. Dozens of dicotyledons grew along the cliff, filling the air with a pleasant faint aroma. Senku threw off his shoulder bag with a lantern, water and lunch on the ground near the most hooked tree, the most convenient for collecting spices. Alas, the scientific head did not have physical data like Taiju or Magma, so with difficulty, after puffing over it for almost an hour, Senku ended up in a tree. At the very top it bifurcated, thereby creating a comfortable, stable surface on which the guy subsequently stood. Looking at the crown of the tree, Senku stretched out in a smile: under the cap of snow, preventing the appearance of a strong wind, dried buds with the same smell hung everywhere on the branches. Not forgetting to grab a bag, Ishigami began to collect carnations. As soon as he touched the bud, the spice fell right into the guy's hand - very convenient. So the scientist was busy for about two hours, filling his bag to the top - you need a lot of spices, and I didn't want to go through the snowdrifts the second time.

Finally Senku slid down from the tree. The body was numb from the static pose, but otherwise the guy felt fine, even fatigue faded into the background. The guy forgot to think about Gen's ill-fated words as soon as he was on the tree. Putting his "prey" in a bag, the scientist decided to have a snack with bread and dried meat. Senku was very hungry. According to his immodest calculations, and taking into account the fact that it was already beginning to get dark, it was about four. If Senku went out at eleven in the morning, then he had breakfast at nine o'clock, and not that well - a piece of bread with which he had been living in an embrace for the last five days was not enough for an eighteen-year-old guy. Therefore, the lunch evaporated in a matter of minutes. After having a snack, Ishigami packed up all his things and set off on his way to arrive at the village before dark. It's good that the weather was good - there was no snow, and it got warmer to minus ten (last week it was all minus twenty!). Finally, he decided to take a look at the waterfall. A beautiful, multi-stage water body was already covered with ice off the coast in some places. The scientist noticed it for the future power plant, which he had long dreamed of building. A new source of energy is an important point in the development of civilization. He could look at this miracle of nature for a long time, but he had to go. Senku decided not to show off and walked back through the already trampled snow in order to spend less energy. 

   Senku went deeper into the forest. The guy did not like to walk through the forest in the evening, because at that time animals crawled out of their shelters to hunt. Ishigami quickened his pace to get to the village as quickly as possible. The sun was sinking below the horizon, getting darker by the minute. The forest began to come alive. An owl hooted in the distance, squirrels ran through the trees, birds flew over, something rustled in the bushes. Senku was very rarely seen scared, but now was just such a moment. The scientific head's heart has been in his heels for a long time and, if not for the laws of the universe, it would have gone into the ground long ago. Ishigami was afraid. Very. Ignorance, uncertainty and defenselessness scared the scientist so much that he almost ran. It seemed that on the sides and behind there were monsters of enormous size, with fangs and claws. A wolf howled very close, then another. It seemed that all the predators were targeting Senku. 

    Ishigami, unable to make out anything from fear, ran north, towards the village. It's good that Chrome gave me the idea to create a compass. In addition to the compass, Senku tried to focus on the lights that should have already illuminated the village. The guy didn't know how long the run lasted, and he didn't want to know. The body began to give up: the legs no longer obeyed, it swam before my eyes. Suddenly he got lost, suddenly he would never get out of the shoddy forest - such thoughts began to fill Senku's consciousness, but suddenly lights appeared on the horizon. Village. "Finally," Senka breathed out and stopped. The lights were not orange-red, but yellow-green. The next second, a howl followed. Wolves. Heck. Senku had no idea how to escape from a hungry pack, so he could only wait and hope that the noses of predators would not smell his scent. But it was stupid. Suddenly everything went quiet, silence fell in the forest, followed instantly by howling mixed with yapping. They were heading straight for the scientist. Senku realized that where it is higher, it is better there and began to climb a tree. But all in vain. His hands were sweating, his legs were not obeying, there was only howling in his head, so the scientist gave up these attempts and found a stick that was stronger. The wolves were getting closer, he could already see their silhouettes ahead. The only way out of this situation is to defend yourself and call for help. Senku tightened his grip on his flimsy weapon and shouted. The scream was loud and strong enough to be heard within a kilometer radius. So he repeated the cry as soon as he was able to yell again. Wolves appeared in front of Senku. Animal grin, foam from the mouth - they were hungry and would not stop even in front of a tank. It's good that there weren't as many of them as Senku thought - only three. It may even be possible to drive them away. The wolves attacked first. Senku took a fighting position, swung and hit the predator that ran up on the muzzle. He whined and ran away, but before Ishigami could blink, the other two wolves attacked with renewed vigor. The animals were furious that a man had encroached on their kinsman. His eyes were red-they were filled with rage. 

    Senku tried to fight back as best he could: he shouted loudly, waved a stick, he was the first to rush at the predators. so he held out for five or seven minutes - enough for help to come to him, if, of course, there was a village nearby. If the world was against him today, he is a corpse, well, or dinner (which side to look at). It was still too early to judge. Senku began to get tired. He was already exhausted by sleepless nights and a hard hike for cloves (she gave up to him in winter!), and then there was a run with self-defense from starved animals. Thank Darwin, a person develops adrenaline during bouts of fear - otherwise a sad fate would have overtaken him without a chance of salvation. But the adrenaline ran out, Senku could no longer defend himself. Two of the three wolves were defeated, but there was not enough strength for the third, so the sharp throw of the wolf did not reflect Senku anymore. The beast clung to his leg -right in the thigh. Ishigami screamed - a terrible pain pierced the guy from his feet to the top of his head. Senku grabbed the stick with all his remaining strength and began to beat the animal. The wolf loosened his grip, and then let go of his leg altogether. The angry beast began to defend itself, but quickly returned the baton, trying to destroy the object of defense. This did not last long. In a few seconds, the wolf was still able to chew through the stick and bite into the scientist's right hand. A new wave of pain, worse than before, a new pool of blood. My eyes swam. Senku was no longer aware of anything, he wanted the beast to kill him as soon as possible, and not torment him, forcing him to scream in agony. 

    Ishigami was already losing consciousness when he heard the wolf's whining and felt that the beast was no longer squeezing the injured limb with its jaw. Next, Senku saw bright orange-red lights, and then he heard the screams of people. The last thing he heard before losing consciousness was Gen's scream.

Chapter Text

Gen's nerves were on edge. Five in the evening - there is no Senku. Six o'clock in the evening - not a word from Ishigami, not a breath. It's been dark outside for a long time, it's getting colder, and a small pack of wolves has settled in the vicinity, and THIS one still hasn't appeared! What if something happened? Suddenly he fell into some pit, or was attacked by animals, and suddenly he froze, fell asleep and could not return? Asagiri has been having such bad thoughts for the last hour. He walked back and forth in his hut and scrolled through the worst-case scenarios. In this state, he was discovered by seriously frightened friends, or rather by Suika and Kohaku (to be honest, the whole village, and especially the six closest friends, were on their ears).Before entering the house, Kohaku knocked on the door, but no one answered. She noticed that the door was open, and she and the girl went inside. There was Gen, who kept walking back and forth and muttering something to himself. The owner did not pay attention to the newcomers, so the Lioness decided to give a voice.

- Gen? Kohaku called softly.

 Gen stopped, opened his eyes and looked at the newcomers. It took him about ten seconds to come back to reality, "Kohaku? What are you doing here?

- I've been standing here for five minutes and watching you sleepwalk, - the girl chuckled. The fatal question soon followed.

- Has Senku come? Asagiri looked at the newcomers with a pleading look.

- no. He didn't come back," Suika said sadly, "I even looked at all the nearby surroundings, shouted, suddenly he would respond, but no. I hope nothing happened to him.

"I've been thinking about it too," Gen sighed heavily, "Kohaku, we need to do something about it. It's too dark and dangerous outside.

- What do you suggest? Kohaku asked encouragingly

- Go look for him. Didn't we have lanterns?

- I think they were. I think there are six of them, but Senku has one now. 

Suika suddenly started up and screamed - Oh, you want to recruit a rescue team!

- yes. You can't sit idly by, you need to go look for him.

***

  Ten minutes later, all the villagers gathered in the central square. Now the fate of the reconnaissance squad was being decided. Everyone, without exception, wanted to participate in the search, because Senku meant something to everyone. For some, he was a friend, for others a comrade, but for everyone, without exception, the scientist was a commander, with (well, in principle, too) who is not afraid to swim in the Bermuda triangle. 

   Five lanterns. Five people. Five rescuers. The best should go. The life of a loved one for Gen is at stake. There can be no mistake. With such facts, Asagiri must make a fateful decision. He only had ten minutes. Great generals could gather the perfect team for weeks, but there's nothing here. But don't be a mentalist Gen. He knew everyone, had read them from cover to cover for a long time. The Gen had the good and the bad about each person in an imaginary table. It was only a joy to work with such ready-made and conveniently presented data. The team is ready, the curtain is up, you can start.

- Ahem, ahem. I'll ask for your attention for a moment," Asagiri spoke slowly and loudly. The noise and uproar in the square has subsided. Great, now we can announce - Now I'm announcing those who will go to look for our headman - Ishigami Senku. So, take a deep breath. Gene, you can handle it. Just voice the list, you have enough strength for that, -

Magma

Kohaku

Saionji Ukyo

Suika

The head of the search is Asagiri Gen (we will not deprive ourselves). These five people will go into the forest in the direction where Senku went. Named, step out of the crowd. The rest can be free. Stay in the village, in case he Ishigami comes back by himself. Taiju, you're in charge. Prepare everything for the worst case. 

- I understand you, Gen. I won't let you down!

- I know.

   In less than a minute, the entire team was standing in front of Asagiri and waiting for instructions. Everyone's eyes were burning. They were ready. They were the best, the mentalist knew that.

"Tell me what needs to be done, Gen," Ukyo began, "we are ready for anything".

- OK. Now we will all go to look for Senku in the direction where he left in the morning. Everyone will have a lantern, but just in case, we'll light the torches first. If the search drags on, we will use them. Our task is to find Ishigami as soon as possible. I have a very bad feeling about him. He didn't go that far if he intended to come back before dark, but don't forget - Senku most likely lost his way, so we're combing the area up and down. Is it clear to everyone what to do?

- That's right!,- the rescue team answered in chorus. 

***

  Asagiri moved along the night forest. The moonlight was hidden behind the crowns of majestic trees, leaving the team in complete darkness. Only the bright lights of torches illuminated the road. Magma led the way, protecting the search party from wild beasts. Uke listened attentively to the forest - any rustling attracted the archer's attention, but they were made either by animals or trees. Gen and Kohaku alternately called Senku, but silence followed their shouts in response. Ten minutes have passed, the friends have moved away from the village for a considerable distance, and I haven't heard a word about the scientist.

   It was not an easy task to wade through the snow - my feet were stuck in snowdrifts and did not obey, my hands were frozen, my head became wadded. "I'd like to find Senku as soon as possible," Gen thought. If he was already tired after being in the forest for nothing, then what happened to Ishigami is scary to think about. Fifteen minutes of searching were unsuccessful. Suika explored the entire nearby territory, but found no traces. The girl also reported that she saw wolf tracks and a lot - they were near the den of predators. "We need to go a greater distance from the wolves, just in case," said Suika, and the team changed course from north to southeast. Anyway, it was dangerous to go further into the depths, and it is unlikely that Ishigami did not come to the village at all. Still, it was Senku - a brilliant physicist, chemist and biologist in one guise, who would easily determine in which direction the settlement was. If earlier it seemed to Gen that it was dark in the forest, then he was deeply mistaken. The moon disappeared behind thunderclouds, which foreshadowed an imminent storm. We must hurry. The guys went on and on. Everyone was driven by one feeling - to find their friend and commander. The torches were half burned out, the energy was at its limit. Asagiri already wanted to stop and rest... A sharp cry from somewhere to the left. Everyone froze, even stopped breathing. Suddenly it was heard... Another scream. Even louder, even more painful than the last one. Senku...

   Without a doubt, it was Senku. And he was in trouble. Gen was the first to wake up and ran like a meteor towards the sound, completely forgetting about fatigue. The others hurried after, thinking about the most terrible outcome. What could have happened that Ishigami screamed like that? What could have scared him so much or what could have attacked him? The answer came by itself, or rather the sound. Howling and whining. Wolves. Well of course. The pack that settled near the village. Suika did not see the predators themselves, only an empty lair. So the wolves were on the hunt. So Senku was a potential victim. There was no time to delay. The scream was barely audible, so it means to run far away. Nothing, it won't stop the Gen. That won't stop Kohaku. No one will stop. Senku needs help and fast. 

  The thoughts were all in a heap. Gen didn't even realize how the scream got stronger. Kohaku, Uke and Magma ran ahead - they were stronger and more resilient than the mentalist. And the Gene? He was just running, running nonstop. Suika ran after him. She is just a little girl, and in the last twenty-four hours she has experienced such a burden of life. Gen was genuinely sorry for her, but she was also the best tracker, so you can't do without her in the search. Gen ran as fast as he could. My breath was out of control, my hair was in my eyes, there was a lot of snow in my fur boots. Whatever. It's not his condition that matters now, but Senka. If only things weren't as bad with him as Asagiri imagined. Please let him still be saved. If Ishigami dies because of him, the mentalist will not survive it... Lights appeared ahead - so the Gene caught up with the others (Suika should also come running soon, great). Soon the guys themselves appeared - Magma, Uke and Kohaku. The lioness and the archer were sitting on the ground with their heads bowed. Magma was standing nearby, holding both torches and looking in the direction of his friends. Gen was able to make out his face. A face full of sorrow. The mentalist did not need more to realize everything.

- Senku! Gen shouted and rushed to Kohaku. Tears welled up on my face, which would soon make it difficult to breathe, but it didn't matter. His friend was lying in front of him, covered in blood and unconscious. The clothes on his right arm and leg were torn, blood was oozing from the wound. Senku's face was full of pain. He hardly breathed. Not far from the guy were two beaten wolves, I was right next to the guy the third, with an arrow in his chest. If it wasn't for Ukyo, surely Senku wouldn't be alive anymore. A gnawed stick is proof of that. The beast destroyed the only defense weapon, and then, it seems, attacked the scientist without seeing obstacles. What happened that Senku didn't have time to come before dark? How could he defend himself from the wolves? How long did he defend himself? A lot of questions were spinning in Gene's head, and he wanted to find answers as soon as possible.

   But more on that later. The answers will come later. Now the most important thing is to save Ishigami, to save the dearest and most beloved person. If we take into account the fact that the guys were approaching the village after the course change, then you can run for seven minutes. Excellent. This should be enough to prevent Senku from completely bleeding out. The winter season also played into the hands - the bleeding was not so strong. Kohaku is probably the best to handle such a mission - she is fast and accurate, unlike Magma and Gene. Yes, she is the most ideal option. Asagiri turned his head towards the girl.

"Kohaku," the mentalist began, choking with excitement and the recent relay race, "you must get Senku to the village as soon as possible. Taiju and Yuzuriha are waiting there, they will be able to provide medical assistance quickly.

- But Gen, I am...

- Of all of us, you will run to the village faster and more carefully, - Gen looked at the Lioness pleadingly, - Please, Kohaku.

- I understand, - the girl's face hardened. She will get Senku to the village as soon as possible, where they can help him - keep up and come back as soon as possible. Especially you, Gen. 

- Okay, I promise, - the mentalist calmly replied, - Hurry up.

  After these words, Kohaku quickly got up, gathered her courage and walked over to Senku. The lioness gently lifted, as it turned out, Ishigami's lung (does he eat at all!?), holding him behind his back and under his knees so as not to disturb the wounds, straightened up, inhaled deeply and ran as fast as she could, not forgetting about accuracy, before quickly saying "Good luck".

Chapter Text

  Kohaku ran as fast as she could through the forest thicket - now she had a huge responsibility - to bring Senku to the village alive. Her entire dress had long been soaked in blood, and now ruby drops were falling freely on the snow-white ground. Ishigami has not woken up since he was found and rescued by his friends. The breathing became quieter, the heartbeat less frequent - obviously bad signs. It was good that it was dark outside, and the girl did not see his deathly pale skin (with such a shade only on Halloween), or she would have fainted herself. How could this happen? How did they not keep track of how they allowed him to go alone into the forest, knowing the physical abilities of the scientist? They sent Senka to the grave back then, in the morning, when they were just left with an omission and bitterness in their souls when she stopped Chrome. "My God, what a fool I am," Kohaku thought, "Why did I just stand there, why did I tell Lame to stop? What happened to Senku... It's my fault." How bitter it became in my soul after such a realization of the truth. How dare she look Ishigami in the eye now after what she has done... After this, Kohaku will not allow Senku to die such a terrible death, she will carry him to the village where they can help him. "Bear with me a little longer, Senku, please. Everything will be fine..."Finally the lights. Finally the girl came running. Now Ishigami is in no danger, he will be cured, he will be saved

***

       On the outskirts of the village, on an observation tower, two people - Taiju and Yuzuriha - stood and watched any movements from the forest. Whatever happened, they were ready. As soon as Asagiri's team went on a search, Taiju began preparations to return in case of a critical situation. First, he went around all the residents and found a man who knew a lot about medicine. Then he prepared bandages, towels, basins for water, antiseptic (recently obtained from potatoes), in general, everything to provide the first necessary. In twenty or thirty minutes everything was ready and all that remained was to wait and hope for the best. In order to have a better view, Taiju climbed the observation tower. The view from it was beautiful - the horizon stretched for several kilometers ahead, painted with a thin border in scarlet - the last minutes of the departing sun. However, such a landscape did not appear to the eye for long. The entire surrounding area of the village was plunged into darkness... A piercing cold air appeared, which brought small sharp cold snow crystals - the beginning of a snow storm, leaving microscopic cuts on the face. Taiju was very worried about Senku and hoped that everything would be fine with his friend. After a while, Yuzuriha joined the bored guy, bringing warm blankets and hot fragrant tea with her.

- Here, - the girl handed Taiju a mug. A pleasant berry tea trickled down my throat, relaxing tense ligaments. Crazy head slowed down a little. It's good to have such a girl around...

- Thank you very much, Yuzu. I'm really very grateful," the reddened face was proof of that.

"Oh, you're welcome, Taiju. I thought that you were standing here for a long time, suddenly you were already frozen, so I brought a hot one," after realizing what Yuzurikha said, she blushed, as if she had been painted with beetroot, "We have to take care of people close to us...

"Thanks again, Yuzu," Taiju smiled sweetly, but after a while his face hardened again, "Where do you think Senku is now?"

- I really hope that he goes home with Gen and the others, - the girl hugged Taiju, - Everything will be fine...

- It would be nice, - the guy hugged Yuzuriha in response. So they stood for another ten minutes, simultaneously finishing the already cooled tea. Soon Taiju noticed movement right at the edge of the forest. Kohaku was approaching them with Senku in her arms...

***

- Kohaku, what happened!? Taiju shouted to the approaching Lioness. He and Yuzuriha had already descended from the observation tower. Yuzuriha ran to call Chrome and Ryusu, and Taiju headed towards the forest. Soon the guy saw the bloody body of a friend.

- This is not the time to talk. Taiju, where can wounds be treated?- Kohaku now reminded a caring mom when her baby has a cold, and she rushes around the poor child to quickly help if he gets worse.

"Oh, yes, of course," Taiju finally replied, "follow me quickly.

       Taiju led Kohaku to a nearby hut. As it turned out, it was converted into a medical center. The lioness, having gone inside, carefully put Ishigami on the couch, and she (without realizing it) sank to the floor - she was very tired. Taiju soon appeared, and an elderly man next to him. As it turned out, it was the doctor of the village "Ishigami". The doctor approached the wounded scientist, and after a quick examination asked him to help Taiju take off the guy's outer clothing. After all the manipulations done, Taiju was asked to take Kohaka home to bring her to her senses and at the same time let the specialist work calmly.

When Yuzuriha and the guys ran to the infirmary, Taiju and Kohaku were coming out. The girl could barely stand on her feet, and her hands and clothes were covered in blood. Taiju motioned to follow them. When everyone came to Kohaku's house, Yuzuriha went to help her change and wash, and the guys stayed outside. How many questions have already been born in everyone's head. There are so many incomprehensible and strange things in this whole situation. Everyone was hoping for an explanation to Kohaku. Everyone stood silently and waited. What is not clear. Five minutes later, a Lioness came out to them - already in clean clothes and with a clear head. There was no more distraction and fear in her eyes, well, it seems.

      The girl looked around at everyone present, inhaled and began to say - Guys, I... Senku, he ... - and immediately faltered.

"Kohaku," Chrome began, "we understand that it's very hard for you right now, but please tell us what happened. We are very excited about this situation. We don't even know how he is right now.

- Okay, I'll try, - and the girl began her story. Soon the friends found out about the search, and about the wolves, and about the state of Senka. While the story was going on, the girl stuttered slightly, but by the end she pulled herself together and calmed down. Taiju, Chrome, Ryusui, and Yuzuriha stood silently all this time. They just couldn't say anything. The situation was so terrible. After finding out all the events, one could only hope that Ishigami was not fatally injured.

"Do you think," Chrome began, "Senku will be all right?"

"I really hope so," Taiju replied, "but when I first saw him, he wasn't in the best condition. There was too much blood... Taiju quieted down. It was very hard for him to talk about such things.

- I suggest we go and see how he is, - Ryusui interrupted the silence, - we can't just stand here and do nothing.

- Yes, you're right, I also agree, - Yuzuriha supported the idea.

"Me too," Kohaku said softly, "I have to make sure he's okay." I promised that to Gene...

      The friends came to the hut of the medical center. The door was closed, rustling could be heard inside. There was a sign on the door with the words "Do not enter!". Most likely, that doctor was examining Senka now and providing medical assistance in the form of dressing and washing wounds. Based on this, it remained only to wait for the old man to come out of the room himself and better with good news.

***

To his great happiness, Asagiri finally saw the lights of the village. "We've come," Gen breathed out with relief. When Kohaku ran away with Senku, and when Suika finally came running, the team moved home. Everyone was very tired and cold, so everyone could barely move their feet. The adrenaline that had caused everyone to break into a scream had completely worn off. There was only enough strength to rearrange useless limbs. Gen tried to walk at the fastest pace - now he should be next to Senku. He promised Kohak, he promised himself. The others tried to keep up with his pace in order to keep up with the guy, because they also had no pleasure being in this nocturnal and dangerous forest. The useless existence lasted about half an hour. By this time, Gen had just seen the lights flickering ahead. He accelerated his pace and in a couple of minutes he was already standing at the border of the village. Now we need to find Senka.

      On the way to Chrome (this is the first place that came to the mentalist's mind), he met Kaseki. The old man was glad that Gen and the others had finally returned. "And then they wanted to send a second search team," grandfather grinned. Kaseki looked happy. The mentalist, however, noticed that sadness was hidden under the affected smile. Gen decided not to delay the question.

- Kaseki

- Ouh, is there something you want to ask?

- yes... I'm on Senku's account

"Oh, that...- the old man immediately became sullen - Now he is being treated by Konba - my old friend - a local doctor. He's locked himself in the house that Taiju has set up, and he hasn't let anyone in there for an hour! Everyone is waiting near the hut when he comes out and tells everything. Come on, I'll walk you out.

"Thanks, old man," Gen smiled. I was already glad that Senka was alive and most likely more or less healthy.

"And here's another thing," Kaseki remarked, "although I look like an old man, but in my soul I'm still as fresh as a cucumber, haha.

- Yes, that's for sure...

      After a couple of minutes of brisk walking, Gen saw the main people of the scientific kingdom. Chrome, Kohaku, Taiju, Yuzuriha and Ryusui were standing in a bunch and discussing something. When a two-colored head appeared on the horizon, they broke away from the conversation and went to meet the newcomer.

- Gen, you're back! Chrome greeted. There were bruises under his eyes, and his lips were bitten - a clear sign of shattered nerves. Now almost everyone could go straight to Halloween without makeup.

- Hi guys, - Asagiri waved his hand, - we just got back.

- Did everything go well? Kohaku asked.

- Yes, we got there without incident. But now I'm worried about something else," Gen looked at those present with a piercing look. As one, everyone lowered their eyes. I didn't want to talk about it.

- Senka is being helped by Konba now. He's been there for a long time, but he hasn't come out yet and told me what's wrong with him.

- Now everything is clear, - Gen raised his head to the sky and fixed his gaze on the boundless cosmic ocean, as if hoping to find something there, - Well, we can only wait.

      As it turned out later, I had to wait a little. It took no more than five minutes for the door to open, and first Konba's head and then his whole body poked out of it. It turned out to be a rather short old man with short brown hair, deep wrinkles and a plump little body. Konba closed the door behind him and only then turned to the audience. Gen spoke first.

"M-Mr. Konba?"

- Yes, - the old man's voice was soft and warm. At first glance, he was a good-natured man.

- My name is Gen Asagiri. I'm a friend of Senku.

- Nice to meet you, - the old man looked around at everyone present and then smiled, - I think you really want to know Mr. Ishigami's condition right now, so we'll leave the formalities for later, - The guys all stood up to the string. Now everything will finally become clear and understandable. This could not but please.

- Yes, and if you can, in more detail, - Gen asked.

- Okay, let's get started. Now Mr. Senku is in no danger. When I examined him, it turned out that his right hip and shoulder were damaged by the animal's fangs. I understand that he stumbled upon a settled pack of wolves. The bites were not deep, but they affected a large surface, so he lost a lot of blood. I managed to treat the wounds and put bandages on them. Every day he will have to apply healing ointment from herbs to the bite sites and make new bandages. Also I heard that you have... how is it, oh, here's an antibiotic. And so. It will need to be drunk for a week and a half to prevent infection that could get through the wounds. He's sleeping now. During the dressing, he woke up for a while, asked where he was, and after a positive answer, he switched off again. He should be moved to a room, on a soft bed. It is also necessary that someone constantly look after him, take his temperature and generally be around. Now it will be hard for Mr. Ishigami - after the attack of the wolves, recovery will be long and painful at first. If you have any questions or need help, call. Basically, that's it," Konba smiled again.

      How Gen wanted to kiss this man now. He said what the Mentalist hoped to hear, and everything in general. Without hesitating for a long time, he asked Taiju to help with the transfer of the patient, and invited everyone else to disperse until the morning. No one disputed the decision, realizing that now the fewer people there are, the calmer it is (as they say, "fewer people - more oxygen"). From that moment, Asagiri felt, the most difficult days in recent times, and maybe in his entire life, would begin.

Chapter Text

Finally Senku was able to fall asleep. It's been three days since Ishigami was returned to the village. At first everything was fine: every day Gene washed and bandaged open wounds. The bleeding was getting less and less. Although his general condition was improving, Senku was in an unconscious state. The scientist slept almost the whole day. Sometimes he woke up by himself, sometimes he was woken up by Gene so that Senku could eat and take medicine, but Ishigami acted unconsciously, there was no clarity and clarity in his eyes. Asagiri patiently waited for his friend's recovery, but there was a note of excitement in his soul. "Why is it taking him so long to recover? Senku should have recovered at least a little," Gen constantly thought. In recent days, the mentalist has been basically on pins and needles. Yes, what is there in the last days: two weeks! Just since he yelled at Senka. If he had just calmly spoken out then, if he had not blamed him for everything, then everything would be fine now. Gen had long ago decided that when Senku came to his senses, he would talk to him when he had recovered. No, it's different. He will beg his forgiveness for everything that happened to Ishigami. Then let Senku decide whether to forget such a person as Gena Asagiri forever, or leave that strong bond that originated only recently. Yes, the Gene has ruined everything, so you have to answer. This decision was a little calming.

 Meanwhile, it was the fifth day. Fortunately, Chrome managed to reinvent the thermometer, so there were no problems with temperature tracking. Usually during the day the mercury reached the mark of thirty-seven and nine, and in the evening it rose to thirty-eight and seven. Until tonight. The most terrible night of the sixth day. Everything was fine during the day: the wounds did not bleed and did not fester, Senku calmly got up when Gen woke him up. Even the temperature dropped to thirty-seven. The mentalist already thought that the scientist was on the mend. Yeah, of course. Dream on, Gen. 

When night fell, Asagiri decided to take a nap. Everything was fine with Senku, special attention was not required, and the mentalist who slept would work more productively. Gen spread out his futon in the room and quickly fell asleep. How long oblivion lasted the guy did not know. A painful scream rang out in the middle of the room. It took Gene less than a second to realize what was happening, and five minutes later he was already near the scientist. Although it was dark enough, but the kerosene lamp gave enough light to see how Senka turned pale. There were huge bruises under his eyes, his breathing was erratic, beads of sweat appeared on his face. Senku was shouting. Screaming in agony. Words like "Help!" or "No, don't come near!" alternately fell from the scientist's lips. But the most unexpected thing was the repeated "I'm sorry." At that moment, Senku's voice turned into a whisper, as if he was begging for forgiveness. It was a blow to the heart. So Senku really tormented himself all this time...

No matter how sad and painful Gen is now, it is necessary to help Ishigami. First, Asagiri measured the temperature: thirty-nine and nine! An antipyretic is urgently needed. But where to get it in the stone world, the mentalist had no idea. Gen ran to the only knowledgeable person -Konba. Fortunately, the old man did not swear at an unexpected guest at night, when everyone should be sleeping peacefully at home. On the contrary, he himself asked to tell all the details.

- Of course...Give me three minutes to pack," and without waiting for an answer, he left to pack. After the promised time, Konba was already on his way to the hut with medicines in his bag. Asagiri took him to the second floor, turned on another lamp, and went to get a basin of water. 

***

During the absence of the Gen, Senku became even worse. Ishigami was breathing heavily and muttering in a fever. All the hair was disheveled and lay in chaos on the pillow. When Konba began the examination, his fears were confirmed.

- His wounds have opened again...We need to process it again. Gen, bring a basin with a..., - A mentalist appeared on the stairs.

"Here, I've brought everything I need," Asagiri replied in a hurry, "Do you need anything else?"

- No, that's all we need. So, come here and help me," Konba beckoned Gene with his hand. The guy obeyed. The doctor explained his tasks, told how to properly put a compress, treat the opened wounds. Gen quickly learned, and in five minutes deftly bandaged Senku's hand. The mentalist did it very carefully, so as not to make the Ishigami even more painful, but it just turned out badly. The scientist responded to each touch to the wound with a groan of pain. 

"Bear with me a little longer, Senku-chan, it's necessary. After all, we all need you healthy, especially me...- Gen carefully looked at his face. The muscles relaxed, as if Senku was conscious and heard everything. Maybe it was-who knows?

Ten minutes later, all the old bandages were replaced, and a cool towel was on his head. Senku fell into a sound sleep: his breathing slowed down, his pulse returned to normal. Gen exhaled. It seems to have passed. It's good that there was an expert nearby who can provide the necessary help and not harm even more.

- Thank you very much, Mr. Konba.

- Ho-ho, you're welcome, man. I should thank you for helping me now. Otherwise, I would have been alone for another fifteen minutes," the old man smiled at Asagiri. This was enough to finally feel respect for the old man. If it wasn't for him, what would have happened to Senku now? Who could have saved him? Probably no one.

- No, not at all. I should be thanking you. What would I do alone? I owe you for the rest of my life that you were able to cure Senku. If it wasn't for you, he could...

- I understand. But don't jump to conclusions, man. He's not well yet. He will have a long recovery with a huge package of problems and difficulties. Now he needs bed rest and complete rest. And also a close person who will walk this path with him to the end. 

"I'll... I'll be there for him." Even until my death...After all, he is the dearest person to me in my whole life!

- Okay, I believe in you, man. Help him with your support and care. Good luck," with these words Konba left...

- Goodbye...

***

Ishigami slept peacefully tonight. Only the pupils in the dream were darting from side to side. Once again making sure that everything was fine with Senku, and that "nightmare" would not happen again, Gen went down to the first floor with thoughts of finally getting some sleep. "The beginning of the second," Gen said, looking at his watch (thank Einstein, Senku has already recreated this most important mechanism). Asagiri yawned. A minute later he was lying on the futon. Gen wrapped himself up better in a blanket and quickly fell asleep. 

It was very dark. When Senku opened his eyes, he did not expect to see such a familiar environment around him: a large telescope at a curtained window, a small laboratory, a desk, a cabinet with various chemicals and reagents. It was the second floor of the scientific headquarters - his house. Ishigami clearly remembered that he was in the forest, that he was fighting for his life against wolves. And then he remembered that he had seen bright lights before losing consciousness. He was found, he was rescued. It's so good that Senku was able to stall a little, otherwise he was already digesting in the wolf's stomach. Or maybe it was already a product of digestion? And, by the way, about this... How long had he slept? Hardly a couple of hours have passed - it was beyond reality. So, a day for sure. It is necessary to find out the exact date and time to restore the internal clock. "It's disgusting not to know the time. How can people even live without it?", - Senku snorted. 

Ishigami tried to stand up. A wave of pain passed through the body, starting in the right arm and leg. "B-it hurts," Senku swore. It looks like the wounds were severe. After the first painful shock, the wounds ached with incredible force. It seemed that the whole body was filled with lead, and, as if Senku was on Jupiter, it was drawn to the earth. After several attempts that failed, Ishigami gave up. We need a new plan.

So. Senku is at home now, it's quiet around, but with such wounds he would hardly have been left alone. Now the question arises, who exactly was left with him? There were three on my mind: Chrome, Gen and Kohaku. Chrome knows little about medicine, and in providing the first necessary, so he crashes. That leaves Asagiri and Kohaku. It is unlikely that there is a Gene here, because the mentalist rejected Ishigami. So even after all that has happened, the mentalist ten billion percent will not back down from his decision. And Senku didn't really want to see him. There is a big scar on the heart that will never disappear.

"So Kohaku..." Senku drawled. She was ideally suited for the role of a nurse who would sit at least all night near the patient, especially if it was her own person. Senku did not consider himself one of those. I just remembered the touching story of her sister Ruri. Yes, it was definitely her. A new question arose: "How to attract attention?". Nothing else came to mind but to call out to the girl. The first attempt was unsuccessful: the voice was very hoarse, and only managed to make a whisper. The second attempt was already better, but it wasn't enough. If you can't calmly call, you have to shout.

- Kohaku!,- no change. The cabin was still quiet. But Senku wasn't going to give up.

- Kohaaaku!

***

Summer. Cumulus clouds are floating across the sky, the fields are all in flowers, and there is noise and uproar in the village. It turned out to be a beautiful summer day, so Senku declared a day off. Joyful villagers fell out of the workshops into the street. The children immediately found something to do: they ran in a bunch to play hide-and-seek. The men went fishing on the river (the most favorable time to sit with the company), and the women went to the seashore to swim. The village was deserted. Only the greenery, the chirping of birds and the Gene. The Asagiri gene. Why he did not go to the river or to the clearing where the children were playing, he did not know. He probably wanted to be in silence, close his eyes, raise his head to the sky and just forget... I wanted to get away from all this fuss...

Gen decided that it was still strange to stand idle, so he decided to go to the forest to pick flowers or medicinal herbs, if he was lucky. Asagiri crossed the border of the village and was heading into the forest, but suddenly there was a desire to turn around. "And why not? there is a lot of time," the mentalist thought in his head. The mentalist turned around and soon realized that it was not in vain. Cute Senka was running towards him from the laboratory. Gen waved to the scientist, but he did not react in any way. Having already caught up with Gen, he realized that Ishigami was not running towards him. Senku didn't even pay attention to him. The scientist, while running, kept calling Kohaku. I wonder why he needs it? Although he called her name, it seemed that it was Gene who was calling Senku. Ishigami abruptly stopped two hundred meters away from his friend and turned around. Her green hair was blowing in the wind, and her face was completely peaceful. Senku looked at Gen, smiled, and then shouted again, only now without taking his eyes off the mentalist...

- K..o.. h.. a.. k..u!!!

Gene woke up in surprise. "What a strange dream," Asagiri thought, "It's necessary to have such a dream." But he already doubted the veracity of his arguments. Voices were coming from the second floor. Or rather, the voice. SENKU! Gene no longer remembered how he flew out of bed and rushed up at the speed of light (the speed of light in a vacuum is 300,000 m/s).

A shocking picture appeared to his eyes: Senku, leaning on his elbows, was calling Kohaku! Why her - only God knows...

Chapter Text

They were silent for the next few minutes. Senku tried not to look at the mentalist. He didn't want to admit that he was wrong. I made a mistake with my guess. He was ten billion percent sure it would be Kohaku. But how!? How did he slip up? Why was the Gen here? He himself recently said that he hates Ishigami. He said he didn't want to see him... So why? Such logic contradicted everything on earth, and especially the Gene. At one time, Gen did not want to put pressure on Ishigami: he just woke up after all. Moreover, Asagiri was still guilty before the scientist. I really wanted to apologize, but it turned out to be much more difficult to find the words. After a close game of staring, Gen still decided to start a conversation.

- S-Senku-chan, how are you?

 Ishigami decided that pretending to be a fool in this situation was the best option. Moreover, everything can be attributed to recent wounds.

- Senku-chan, don't pretend, - the mentalist smiled. Ishigami, did he really think to deceive him, Gen Asagiri?- Should I ask you a question again?

"Peek-a-boo, don't," Is the voice really that hoarse? Oh well. It is necessary to answer, "Nothing can be hidden from you, mentalist," Senku smiled playfully. In fact, the guy was now overcoming fear and excitement. Why is Gen so calm? What does he want from him? Had he already forgotten about that day?,- I'm fine, except for the infernal pain when moving.

- How glad I am, - these words themselves escaped with a sigh. Gen could not, and did not want to be silent. He found out that his friend was relatively fine, that he hadn't died, that everything was over. Now he was ready to throw himself on Ishigami's neck and kiss him... What a beautiful dream that is not destined to come true. Don't forget about your personal space, Gen... and about sin, too. 

Now it was necessary to paint a picture of a scream, because Ishigami's face depicted all possible feelings. What did the mentalist just say? Is he glad that Senku didn't die? Or what? And what does that even mean? Where is that anger and that hatred for the scientist? She's gone? Can everything go back to the way it was before? Is it possible? Right now Senku's head was full of porridge. And it looks very thick and tasteless. What could have happened during Ishigami's blackout that Gene became so kind and affectionate again? We need to find out.

- Gene.

- Eh? What is it, Senku-chan? Asagiri was wary. There was a light in Ishigami's eyes, a light of hope. Maybe Senku will want to talk after all. Maybe all is not lost yet?

- I wanted to ask you...

"About w-what?"- my heart started beating at a furious speed. The fate of both of them would be decided now, Gen knew that. it remained only to hear the verdict, whatever it was.

- About that day, - Ishigami took a deep breath into his lungs and began."Y-do you really hate me?"

- what?- Gene was in a misunderstanding. Although no, probably deep down he still knew about it. That conversation hurt Ishigami a lot. Of course, after this, Senku got this idea into his head. Gen hates Ishigami, he despises him... Asagiri is to blame for this, so he should be allowed to do it all. Now one thing is necessary - to talk, and it is desirable not to spoil everything. - Oh, you mean that day... S-senku, what do you think?

- What do you mean?

- Literally, Senku-chan.

- I don't know. I don't know anything about you anymore, or even about myself," a lump rose in my throat. What was Senku supposed to say now? That he's a terrible person? That Gen doesn't need him? That he's a disgusting friend and conversationalist? What!?

- Senku, - Gen got up from the floor. It's now or never...Senku is in turmoil. We need to tell him everything. We need to clarify everything.- please listen to me. That day... No, not like that. First you have to say that you are not to blame for anything.

"W-what did you just say?"- Senku was at a loss. Either his hearing is not good, or... And what else? This is definitely a hallucination, a deception of hearing. Did Gen just apologize? Firstly, for what, and secondly, why?- I'm not in anything...

- Yes, Senku-chan. Now, probably, my words look like fiction or a lie... Why am I saying this? Because it's true. Senku," Gen looked at Ishigami. The last one had a chill run through his body, - that day I behaved like the last egoist. Our realm of science has grown so much lately... Every day we faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. However, each time you managed to find solutions. Every hour, every second was busy, there was a lot of work. It was necessary to forget about the rest. But for some reason I couldn't do it. Day after day, discontent, anger and irritation accumulated in my greedy soul. You've always needed me - no matter what, whether it's negotiations or just physical labor. I couldn't refuse you and just obeyed. Because... You could understand me, we could talk about such familiar, but such unknown topics to others... Remember the past. You trusted me more than anyone in the village. You enlightened me in all your plans... and I. I ruined it all. The accumulated anger just poured out, without the ability to stop it. I didn't want to snap at you, I didn't want you to feel guilty. I destroyed our connection, broke the last threads... You have the right to hate me, hit me with all your might and forget me forever. I'm the most horrible, slimy bastard the Earth has ever been able to create... I'll understand if you tell me to leave and never come back. But if you let me stay, I'll do whatever you say, even if I die. Just forgive me... Sorry...

- Gene... Ishigami's tears welled up. He usually didn't cry, even when it hurt, but now it's completely different... Now what Senku wished with all his heart has happened... Now you can move on, live happily and joyfully. To live next to the Gene, - I forgive you. 

"W-really?" Asagiri couldn't believe it, as if it was a dream, and if he woke up now, he would be left alone...

- yes. I thought you hated me. Honestly, I deserved it

- S-senku what are you saying...

- No, listen to me. I am an emotionless machine. I'm engaged to science... I've already accepted that I've ruined my health. This is my full right. But I forgot about you. About all the villagers. You have a personal life, you need rest, and I forced you to plow from morning till night. Of course I understand why you yelled at me. You didn't do anything wrong, Gen," Senku smiled. And that smile was sincere....

"So you're not mad at me?"

- No

"And you forgive me?"

- Mentalist, I will not repeat myself... These words were enough to move Asagiri. A second later, Gen was already sitting and hugging the scientist tightly. How they missed it, just sitting in an embrace like that. Now the Gen will do everything possible not to lose Senka.

***

A week has passed... During this time Ishigami has noticeably recovered. Konba, though, allowed him to work and walk, but without diligence. The position of caring mom remained with Gen. Now he did not leave the patient's side a single step, and Senku himself was only glad of it. The next day after waking up, everyone who could looked in to "friends": Suika, Kaseki, Ryusui, Ruri... Kohaku and Chrome immediately pounced on the scientist with hugs, but Asagiri managed to get between them in time and take the whole blow on himself.

- Ouch!

"Oh, Gen, I'm sorry," Kohaku said, getting up, "but it's actually your fault.

- Exactly!

- Chrome, and you are for one with this gorilla? I will be offended," the mentalist made a grimace of a helpless rabbit, for which he received a blow on the head from Kohaku, "And this is intentional!

- I know. It will be a lesson to you. Maybe you'll stop calling me a gorilla.

- Why would you, gorilla...

- Senku!? Kohaku walked around Gen and glared at Ishigami, but then smiled and laughed, "you just came to your senses, and you're already being sarcastic as usual. I was hoping maybe you got hit on the head there... Ay! Come on, come on, I'm kidding, - a mitten flew into the girl's head.

"That's the same thing," Gen chuckled.

"Fifty-forty-eight," Chrome added. A little more and you'll catch up with him, Kohaku!

- Of course I'll catch up, don't even doubt it!

Ishigami laughed.- What are you doing?, Chrome asked him.

- I'm just glad that you're with me...

- Senku, since when have you been drawn to sincerity, huh?

- Yes, not from any, - Ishigami frowned, - I'm just stating a fact. That's all.

- Yes, of course...

- Oh, yes!

No matter what Senku said, but in his heart everyone understood how good it was for him to be with friends... 

***

Three days later, Christmas was coming to Ishigami Village. There was happiness and joy in the air. Senku, under the guidance of Gene, with crutches, checked the preparations for the holiday. This year Kaseki was able to make multicolored spraying on light bulbs, so the Christmas tree should be truly magnificent. Fortunately, while Senku was unable to manage the village, Ryusui and Chrome took on this burden. In general, they were only a day behind, which was not fatal. Garlands hung on every house, roast meat was cooked in the ovens. The old man Kaseki even managed to make wooden animal figures for gifts to small children. The golden man. Kinro and Ginro were the main ones for sweets, in particular for cotton candy and lollipops. The smell of a Christmas cake made according to Francois' personal recipe wafted down the street. The village resembled a magical world. Yes, this is exactly what Senku wanted, so that all the villagers would fully enjoy the holiday. The Gen distracted the scientist from his thoughts.

"Senku-chan, can I ask you something?"

- Ask away, mentalist.

- What did you go to the forest for that day? If you don't want to, don't answer, I'll understand. Simply...

- It's all right, - Senku lifted up his head. Fluffy clouds floated across the sky, through which the rays of the sun made their way. One of them illuminated the scientist's face. He smiled.- There was only nothing left until the holidays, so I wanted to make a gift to the villagers, and to you, Gen.

- And what is it?

- Mulled wine

"Wh-what?" Mulled wine?

- yes. I wanted to collect all the necessary ingredients and ask Francois to teach me how to cook mulled wine. I thought that a relaxing, hot drink was the best thing after a hard, long work. I searched the whole laboratory, asked Francois, but I didn't find one spice. Carnations. When we were looking for oil in a balloon, I noticed clove trees near the waterfall, so I decided to go there and collect some cloves. I didn't even think I wouldn't be back before dark. I was very attracted to that waterfall. Next year, we can build a powerful hydroelectric power station there, if we have enough strength... Well, that's about it.

"Senku-chan," Gen turned to face Ishigami. There was either confusion, anger, or compassion in his eyes. It is unlikely to ever be possible to understand this - do not do this anymore, do not go far alone, especially in winter! You knew how dangerous it was. Why didn't you take Kohaku?

- I didn't want to bother anyone.

- But we are always ready to help you...- and Gene stopped. He understood why Senku didn't ask anyone for help.- It's after my words that you decided that, right?

- I don't know. I was afraid to ask anyone then. Suddenly they would have turned away, too, like you.

- Senku....

- Okay, don't worry, mentalist. We still have a lot to do. And I've already told you. I'm not offended by you...

- OK... Gen smiled back at Senku.- Listen, can I ask you something?

- Mm?

- And where is the carnation now?

 Senku scratched his ear. A clear sign that he was mocking her- so she stayed in the forest. The carnation was in a leather bag. I didn't find it. And one more thing. When you found me, was I carrying a bag?

- What bag?

- I see, so the lantern was left in the forest...

- Senku, don't worry so much.

- What are you talking about now, mentalist? Am I worried? Yes, this is the delirium of a psychopath.

- No, dear Senku, you're worried about the fact that you couldn't get a carnation. Believe me," Gen put his hand on the scientist's shoulder, "the apocalypse won't happen if the residents don't try mulled wine this time. Winter is still long, and even more so, you can go to someone else's water...

- No! I, I have to do it myself," Ishigami blushed. I wonder why?

"All right, Senku-chan. But just promise me one thing," With these words Asagiri put Ishigami in front of him and looked into his eyes, "you will go there with me and someone else. Promise?

- I promise...