Page 407 of Light Leech

“I do not know.”

Ralia? Is Ralia alive as one?

He didn’t answer. Part of me wanted to hope he was thinking, but I knew certain truths were better left unspoken when the point had been made.

I don’t understand why we’re still connected. Why didn’t they take my Bite as well?

“That should be my worry.”

I don’t want to end up like Ralia.

“At least you would not be weaponized against your will. I fear their intentions.”

Didn’t know you were capable of fear.

“I did not know I could be deceived by one of my closest friends.”

The door opened and the neurowashing came to an abrupt stop.

“PetNeb? Mister Petya Nebokov? Ah, there you are. I’m sorry I didn’t get to focus on you too much. Ralia and her whole Gui endeavor was a little more important to me. Nice to meet you formally, my name is Mister Kim.”

“I know.”

He smirked, adjusting his glasses as he approached me with hands behind his back. “A strong voice from such a strong boy.”

“I know your body’s fake so why bother with glasses?”

He scoffed. “You’re asking that before anything else? Not even going to address the–”

“I don’t want to hear you justify any of what you’ve done.”

“Very well. I respect that.”

“I don’t respect you.”

“Big surprise.”

“Whose identity did you steal?”

“Pardon?”

“You’re a zegging homunculus.”

“Ah, that. Not much theft involved and it’s more common than you might expect around here. Most of the council consists of Predecessing Homunculi.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“Kim Jong Il, one of history’s greatest leaders.”

“So much that everyone mocks you by calling you Dear Leader?”

He scoffed again, then adjusted his glasses. “Though society has changed”—he tapped the bridge between the lenses—“wisdom always has a specific appearance. I have to look like I once did to keep up the illusion of… this. That’s beside the point.” He started to pace, swinging his voice in a singsong manner. “I’m here to see how your neurocleanse has been.” He stopped and stared me in the eyes. “Slam your head against your seat.”

I laughed, ready to spit in his face. He could try all he wanted but I was–

My skull slammed against the seat. My head throbbed with pain aggravated by anger.

“Delightful!” Kim rubbed his hands together. “Though I think we need a little behavioral augmentation.”