On the way to Tahe. No one spoke anymore. Only the rich Chinese man was giving directions to Alan about which route to take. After an hour, Alan spotted the city, although it looked more like a village.
« I've got a visual on the city, arrival in five minutes. »
While tapping him on the shoulder, Yumiel asked.
« Hey, rich guy. How many inhabitants are there in the city? »
« My name is Jùnyǔ, and there are about 40,000 inhabitants. »
« Junyu? That's hard to pronounce, and besides, it's not even a city but a village, considering how few people there are. »
The helicopter landed in an open area, very close to the village. Alan took a moment before opening the rear doors of the helicopter. Once opened, they all got out. None of them could see in the darkness of the night except Yumiel.
Breathing in the cool forest air while looking around them. Trees as far as the eye could see, as if the forest were endless on the other side. A river separated the lit-up town from the forest, with elongated buildings resembling apartment blocks without really being so, long structures standing between four and seven stories high.
At the beginning of November, the snow was already there. Not yet deep, but enough to whiten the forest and freeze the silence. The winter landscape was breathtaking, just like the dry, biting breeze that chilled the blood.
« This city is… weird, it's all packed together. Based on the number of inhabitants, you'd think it was a village, but it looks more like an extremely compact and small city. »
Once Alan got out of the helicopter, they all crossed the bridge leading into the city.
« Alright, uh… Junyu. We're following you. »
Jùnyǔ wanted to correct her pronunciation of his name but got too scared and gave up on the idea, entering the city with them.
The city was small and compact; the streets were wide, lit, and lightly covered in snow, sometimes in uneven layers. They were currently among buildings ranging from four to seven stories, though most were four stories tall.
In the distance, they could make out houses, with lights on in most of them.
« Why are there houses over there? » Kai asked.
Jùnyǔ took pleasure in answering, explaining for everyone as well.
« This city actually consists of 50% apartment buildings like these in the center and 50% houses positioned all around the city, encircling it except on the side we came from. That's why we didn't see the houses before. »
« And the forest surrounds the city? » Alan said.
« Exactly. »
Walking while following Jùnyǔ, they all noticed the golden silence that filled the city. Yet none of them made a remark; Yumiel opened her senses and continued to follow Jùnyǔ.
Once out of the unpleasant downtown area with its old gray buildings, they went around the houses, which were very close to the forest, almost pressed against it, stopping at one of them where Jùnyǔ knocked frantically.
After a few moments, they heard « 我来了 » just before the door opened. Yumiel looked at Jack and said: « Translate for me what they're about to say. »He nodded.
The door opened, revealing the man's surprise when he saw Jùnyǔ.
« 朋友,你在这里做什么?» (What are you doing here, my friend?)
« 说来话长.我和我的...姑且称我们同志们为同志们,能回到过去吗?» (It's a very long story. Could we go inside, me and my... let's say comrades?)
He opened the door, letting Jùnyǔ and the others in. The house was modest but well maintained. A few animal hides here and there, rifles and various tools used for hunting. He gestured for them to sit around the table, which they all did, then went to fetch something to drink from the kitchen.
« Tell me, Junyu, doesn't your friend speak English? »
Jùnyǔ's face tightened slightly upon hearing his name so badly pronounced, but he held it in.
« No, he only speaks Chinese, but you can speak to him in English; I'll translate for you, and vice versa. »
She looked at Jack, about to suggest that he be the translator, then thought better of it, deciding it was better if his friend did it. When the man returned, he set down hot drinks and sat down.
« 你为什么来?» (Why did you come?)
Kai stepped closer to Yumiel and translated what he had just said.
« 我向在场各位提议见面.他正在寻找一匹狼.我会翻译他说的话,也会翻译你们说的话.»(I suggested to the people present here that we meet; they are looking for a wolf. I will translate what they say, and I will translate what you say.)
Kai translated once more, then told her she could speak. Yumiel looked at Jack as if to say, your turn.
« We are looking in this immense forest for a wolf, or rather a werewolf. We would like to ask you if you have seen it in the area or if you know where it is. »
Once Jùnyǔ finished translating, the man replied, and Jùnyǔ translated back.
« I think I know which wolf you are talking about, or rather what you call a werewolf. Here we call it alpha; it leads the wolf packs. Many people have already come here, armed men or simple explorers. None have returned alive. The government spoke of sending the Seraphs—are you them? »
Once the translation was finished, the man cast a predatory glance over the group. The three looked at each other, then Yumiel spoke.
« No, we are not part of them, but let's not waste any more time, shall we. I would like to ask you why the city is deserted and, of course, if you know where we can find it. »
After Jùnyǔ finished translating, the man's gaze softened slightly. Then he began to speak.
« The city is like this because of misfortunes linked to these wolves. As you surely know, there used to be three cities connected to this forest. Today, this is the only one still standing; the other two were wiped off the map. As for your werewolf, because of my great friendship with my friend here, Jùnyǔ, I will help you find it. We leave at sunrise. »
He was about to leave, motioning for them to follow. Yumiel cast a look at Jùnyǔ, signaling him to translate what she was about to say.
« No! Now, or tomorrow night. »
Jùnyǔ translated. The man then laughed before saying a few words and leaving. Yumiel looked at Jùnyǔ.
« He said he's going to prepare. »
« Excuse me, but could you tell your friend that it's really cold here and that warm clothes would be welcome, if he has any? »
« I'll tell him. »
He was about to go join his friend, but Yumiel stopped him.
« No, you stay here. I don't trust you, so stay put, behave yourself, and when everything is over you can go your own way. »
He raised his hands in agreement and sat back down. When his friend returned, he told him, and the man left again, coming back with clothes for everyone. Everyone took some except Yumiel and Jack. Then he handed out lanterns and flashlights. This time everyone took one except Yumiel. Then he opened the door, letting the cold rush in.
« Well then… let's go. »