1Q84

By Haruki Murakami

Apr-Jun - Aomame Currently stuck in a cab in stand-still traffic with music playing, 1 wouldn't want to hear in this setting, Aomame settles back and shuts her eyes. She was 1 of the few who recognized the Czech composer, she thinking about the devil-may-care days they had back then, when the composer'd written it. Aomame was a sucker for history as much as sports, she having discovered early her affinity to being able to know an event's date by recognizing the era it occurred, making dates child's play to her. A downside to Aomame's name, is it happens to sound like, and share characters with "green peas", so she was constantly confusing and entertaining people.

So, for 30 yrs, she'd dealt with people's semi-mocking or unhearing ears. She then notices the quality of music was spectacular, checking in the front to note the advanced equipment wasn't normal for a run-of-the-mill cab co. This fella wasn't displaying his registration car, and the cab was high-end, when she inquires of the model, his responses unsettle her with how he pauses after each sentence, as if he wasn't mentioning something. It's then noted how the composer would never have guessed anyone in 1984 would still be listening to his music.

When she mentions the name aloud, she starts a chat she wishes she hadn't, the gist being they'd be stuck in traffic past Aomame's meeting time, and she was stuck there because they were on the expressway and not on the street, the cabbie certain it was an accident holding them up. Aomame also notes to herself of how she didn't know why she readily knew the composer's name and year, since she wasn't particularly interested in classical, debating whether her unsettled feeling stemmed from this. Next, the cabbie mentions 1 way she could potentially still make her appt, but it was drastic, in order to get to the subway, he feeling he couldn't suggest it, professionally. Ahead there were periodically placed break-down spaces, and stairs leading off the expressway, which many people didn't know of, but Aomame nor cabbie could guess if she'd get in trouble for using it without an emergency, but the employees of the co. notorious for not being sticklers.

So, Aomame could either chill or try her luck, and make her meeting. After checking out some of the other people in cars, and this not having changed for 10 mins, and barely moving still, Aomame pays her fee, and decides to try the emergency exit. Cabbie advises now she was doing something out of the norm, everything would seem slightly off, but reality was still singular. Aomame makes her way to the 2 handful of meters away it was, everyone noticing, but only a little girl making a fuss to her ma about wanting to do the same. Aomame makes it to the emergency escape stairs, climbs over, which hikes up her mini-skirt up her thighs, then begins to descend.

Tengo is introed by accting his 1st memory at 1 1/2 years old, whilst asleep, of his ma allowing some fella, who wasn't his pop to suckle her boobles, this being his only childhood memory to stick. This also became his fascination upon meeting new people as to when they recollected their first memory, most peoples stats being between 3 or 4 yrs old. He spent much time speculating his awkward memory's truth, and so far came up to the positive conclusion. The downside was, whenever it resurfaced, it'd be as if Tengo was suffering the spins, which could last between 30 secs. to a min, his 1st indication of reality to this recollection being the smell of breast milk.

This attack seems to have broken a length record, since someone was calling to him as he struggles to resurface, exhausted. Komatsu has been chatting about a female author's book, and Tengo was going to share his opinion when he'd been hit by sensory overload. Tengo gets back on topic to soberly state how this girl's story was definitely her own signature work, but flaws could be found if one couldn't overlook them. This high-schooler submitting her work to a new writer contest, and whilst both men saw the issues, they couldn't deny it'd been the 1st piece which succeeded in getting both to read it from start to finish.

Komatsu could get her work on the short list, but senses she wouldn't win and didn't have the drive to get better or find more inspiration for another work. Tengo'd met Komatsu when he'd entered the same contest a handful of years earlier, he not knowing much of Komatsu, but sharing his life-story when asked. He was raised by his pop, his ma dying of an ailment when he was quite small, or so he was told, and Tengo's appearance doesn't give the impression of math teacher, which seems to please Komatsu. Tengo'd been hired to do anonymous work for Komatsu's publisher for a ladies mag.

Komatsu then suggests a different fate for Fuka-Eri's work, to enter it in an even bigger contest, Akutagawa Prize, Tengo rearranging the piece to make it sound better, and with the better, re-written work, the duo had a shot. If they won, they could split the cash 3-ways, and the girl'd get the credit, and if on the off-chance Komatsu's ruse got out, he'd willingly leave his job, but he felt like fucking with the snobby lit professionals. Tengo's shocked by Komatsu's perspective, he explaining group authorship isn't new, but entering the contest would require a single author. Tengo clings hard to the honest side of the fence, but Komatsu is making it difficult for him to stay strong, since it was the right place and time to do it, if everyone was in, and Komatsu could sense regret if allowed to pass by without an attempt.

Regardless, Tengo doesn't mince words when maintaining his plan was a "scam", but Komatsu recognizes this as Tengo truly wanting to take part, and to give himself a few days to set on it. Meanwhile Aomame is negotiating her way down the gusty staircase, gets a seasick feeling, then notices apts across the way, they having shit views from their balconies, someone having left a plastic plant out. Her mind wanders to her 1st sexual exp. ever, with a girl, this lengthening her descent, as well as thoughts of having to explain why she'd taken the stairs, nearly halfway down, now. She gets to the bottom without trouble from stairway or workers, only seeing trash left strewn about with sacks.

Unfortunately, she is well locked in, barbed wire above, and not enough gap to squeeze through. After some eyeballing though, she finds the loose spot used by vagrants to come in and out by. She 1st goes to a shop to replace her torn stockings, and once back outside to catch a subway, sees a cop with a slightly different uniform and gun, which strikes her as odd. but continues on her way. She reaches a hotel, freshens up, then goes to the room where she had her appt, making it seem she worked at the hotel, and was there to test the A/C.

Aomame's info on the fool occupying the room, made it clear he was a stuck up rich boy, who doesn't mind abusing his wife, Aomame pretending to check his A/C, then notices what looks like "green paint" on the back of his neck. Fool obliges her making him wait as she readies her homemade needle-dagger, taking the man out before any blood could spurt, and kills him directly, this procedure her specialty, since it took some guesswork in getting the right spot hit. She then has to wait the 5 mins necessary for her puncture site to disappear, and after waiting an extra min and wipe possible prints, she leaves unnoticed. Tengo was asleep when his phone rings, and upon hearing it, knows it was Komatsu, since he doesn't acknowledge time, at least, not with him.

Komatsu thinks Tengo was like a part of himself, so must go by the same hours. He regarding Tengo's request for no more all hour calls, to forgetting with the change of the weather. So, tonight when Tengo picks up, Komatsu begins his thoughts without intro, sharing of having spoken with Fuka-Eri, and she'd stated wishing to meet Tengo, and would decide after whether she'd go along. Komatsu then asks if Tengo were available next night, Tengo saddened by being open, and was given the deets of when and where.

Komatsu gives his pep talk of Tengo doing great work with winning the teenagers over due to his career choice, and would be covering their supper on his job's tab, but Tengo attempting to pump the breaks, saying Komatsu hadn't given him time to think it over, but Komatsu saying it'd been nearly a week, so if Tengo didn't have an answer, which he didn't then he may as well go. Tengo makes clear, he isn't planning to try and talk her into it, since he still wasn't certain, he'd only desc. the plan, Komatsu agreeing this was perfect. After Komatsu shares what he'd told Fuka-Eri about Tengo, he lets him go after Tengo asks nicely, he trying to read himself to sleep, but not getting sleep until after dawn, being woken at 1am. After Tengo gets off work, he buys some books at a bookstore, then waits at the cafe, reading about Japanese society in relation to occultist curses.

Fuka-Eri doesn't show til a little over 20 mins later, she merely sitting and staring at him, Tengo seeing how the oddly pretty girl'd get attention from the media, but for what purpose? Fuka-Eri has a strangely attractive and off-putting gaze and eyes. Tengo starts with a greeting, he noticing how Komatsu's desc.'n of her speaking style was odd in its direct simpleness, and lack of inflection when asking a q. Despite this, Tengo answers in return, and soon, Fuka-Eri removes her jacket in a attention grabbing insect-like fashion.

Tengo can't help, but look at her chest, she having some nice ones, but also silk straight hair and fingers, noticing when she combed her hair with them for a mo. Tengo distracts himself by talking about their previous subj. of why he dug math. Their wine comes and as they chat, Fuka-Eri admits she didn't send in her essay, and wouldn't reveal who had. Side-note, Tengo's past relationships with a couple of his ex-students are reviewed since he'd been sought after by some girls after they'd gone to college, but he not having felt the need to dwell on the younger gen., since he preferred older ladies, and appreciated his current lifestyle.

Going back to Tengo's chat with Fuka-Eri, she plainly, and readily agrees to have Tengo rewrite to his content, and so he clarifies his and Komatsu's roles as being silent partners, she still maintaining being onboard. She also notes the titled been changed, but doesn't go into what the original title is. Tengo reconfirms she's actually okay with this as they both start eating their respective salad and roll, and mussel linguine. Tengo next reveals how he'd been looking forward to putting his words on her original proj., he specifically interested in the Little People, Fuka-Eri confiding of their reality.

Tengo accepts this statement, she afterward seeing if he was available Sun to meet someone if he plans to start writing the next day like he says. After she'd left, Tengo calls Komatsu, still at his office and details the new request, Komatsu hoping whoever it is, won't be told of their plans, Tengo not holding his breath either way. Komatsu makes certain Tengo would at least have the bulk of it rewritten in 10 days, so he could switch it out with the original, Tengo agreeing, and then his pay phone coin ran out, ending the call. Aomame leaves the hotel, and takes a cab to a different hotel, numbing herself with booze before sleeping at her home. She gets herself a gin and tonic at the bar, she having come to this hotel before, and it currently not too busy.

She reads her book as the bar slowly fills, soon seeing a 50ish fella seeming to be doing what she was, and due to the type of men this bar attracted, was the sort she was after. He also had a pleasantly shaped, and thinning-haired head, and coupled with his drink order, and his accent, she decides to give him a chance to get with her. She orders the same liquor as him loud enough for him to hear, then ingratiates herself to grabbing a seat next to him, and chatting til she met her "late H.S. girl friend", she asking if he knew when the cops got their new uniforms and guns, feeling it'd been changed only a week ago, but upon asking a bartender, learns it'd been a couple years since the change, he knowing because his bro is a cop and still doesn't like the heavier beretta. Aomame was tripping out, since seeing the man earlier in the old uniform and gun.

After getting this answer, Aomame lets the topic go, and is soon plainly asking what size peenie this fella has, he so surprised, he at first isn't able to give a clear answer, but then Aomame spells it out of planning to rock out on him. She does so, and as he regains composure, face down, she debates using her tool on him, deciding against it, since he'd done nothing wrong. She asks to watch TV, and puts on the news, nothing about her victim coming up, and fella falling asleep. Before getting ready to leave, she imagines her kill's body bent on the desk.

Tengo gets a butt-crack early call on Fri. from Komatsu asking if he had a computer, which he hadn't, but knew how to use them for work, so Komatsu states he should get 1 and send him the amount, he wanting Tengo to begin immediately, even though Tengo hadn't met Fuka-Eri's acquaintance, Komatsu more worried of the timeframe Tengo had to work with. Tengo agrees to get a word processor later in the morning, and Komatsu satisfied. After acquiring the typewriter, he begins the project immediately, since his gf wouldn't be coming today for menses reasons. As he works, he considers what Fuka-Eri's reasons were for creating her essay, and what audience she was writing for, since she obviously didn't care how he'd be changing it, her mission already complete with its creation.

He wends his way through the work adding to bits for clarity, and reviewing what could be edited, going back and forth in blocks of text. The story, which Tengo thinks Fuka-Eri'd placed herself as the main character, a 10 year old girl, living in a commune-similar set up, had the job of looking after a goat which dies, so was punished by being placed in a shed with the body for over a week. During the nights, the Little People used the body as their portal between worlds, and would leave by morning, their intentions unclear. Tengo debates whether any of this could have actually occurred to Fuka-Eri, which he had to admit was the case, otherwise she was quite gifted at making fiction.

Tengo receives a call from his gf in the evening to catch up and she chats about her girls, Tengo not instigating most topics, but listening to what was shared with intrigue. After shopping for his dinner, Fuka-Eri calls and fills in a couple details on where they'd meet up on Sun., he not getting an answer about his commune or goat q. Aomame goes to the Willow House Sat., the city depressing til summer. She wasn't carrying her weapon, since she wasn't on the job. Inside the house she 1st meets a muscular 40-ish fella, he like the Transporter driver, he also a martial artist, his called Tamaru.

He mentions the death in the city'd been thought to be a heart attack, so wouldn't be in the news, then goes to see if Aomame could get her appt in early, leading her to an uninteresting hothouse, which Aomame enjoys. It was due to the focus being on the care of the butterflies housed within. The lady of the house, the dowager was in her 70s and came from a privileged stock, but also built her fortune due to a gift with stocks. The 2 sit in front of each other in iron chairs and order tea from Tamaru.

They talk of Aomame's indispensability to the dowager, then they chat of the butterflies, the dowager referring to them as "people" and how they seemed to disappear when she believed they must've died, perhaps instead traveling to a different world. When the dowager sips her tea, it reminds Aomame of how a fairy might do, the dowager repeatedly ending their chats the same way, of having done the right thing, and upon leaving, feeling refreshed with the air due to the humidity and heat of the house. Aomame retrieves the key to a locker from Tamaru, they chatting of the heart-attack's recovering widow, Japan culture still not making it easy on a female being assaulted and raped, and wishing to divorce. Aomame changes subj. to her cop uniform q and is told of the shooting a couple years ago, which she doesn't remember, Tamaru suspicious by her reason for asking, but the 2 parting with friendly fronts, Aomame knowing Tamaru would take out anyone he thought unworthy of his mistress.

Aomame struggles with forming her next future plans as she exits, knowing he was watching her and putting up a happy front to the security cameras. Tengo has a deeply rooted dislike and sadness for Sundays, stemming from being dragged along by his po on his door-to-door job to collect subscription fees, Tengo sensing his pop's idea for his role to be played, and Tengo hating it, esp when he felt physically ill, and his reward being to go out to eat, but never feeling like eating as much as he'd normally be able. His pop's had a rough life getting his job as a subscription fee collector at a time when he was desperate and a buddy from his hometown helping him out. Tengo'd heard this history ad nauseum, and his pop's stories after this period losing detail, so regarding his ma and her death a few months after Tengo's birth being side-notes.

Tengo's pop refused to share anything more specific, Tengo obviously knowing his ma had been alive at least until he was nearly 2. Tengo hasn't shared his obsessive memory of his ma, both men holding their secrets to themselves. Tengo meets up with Fuka-Eri, who was simply staring ahead sitting and waiting for the train, not making chat, and sitting on the train in silence, Tengo following her lead. He soon takes a short nap, and is reminded to ask what books Fuka-Eri enjoyed, she not at all a reader, probably having dyslexia, and the Prof's daughter, Azami, who she also happened to live with, typed Fuka-Eri's story for her and had sent it in, possibly without telling her, since her lack of clarification left Tengo to decide her meaning.

Afterward, he deduces and Fuka-Eri confirms of he going to be meeting the Professor. Tengo next considers how Komatsu'd handle this new detail, Fuka-Eri's popularity making this disability more important to keep under wraps. Fuka-Eri mysteriously mentions Azami was dictated to in whispers, Tengo asking if it was so the Little People  didn't overhear. An excerpt of the Little People preferring to drink rainwater over stream water is shared, and the girl being kind enough to oblige them.

By the end of their chat, Tengo is comforted by Fuka-Eri when he shows his nerves about new people and esp. feeling off because of Sunday, she saying 2 sentences, seemingly for the 1st time, and how this wasn't a normal Sunday. Aomame goes to her local library to look at newspaper articles in 1981, 1 regarding a stabbing by a fee collector of a student refusing to pay. Nothing indicates whether the student survived, but Aomame lists it in her missing timeline events, she finally coming across the cop fight with Radicals, she also not recognizing the deal between U.S. and Soviets to construct a moon base. Aomame considers her options of whether she was bonkers which doesn't seem likely to her, or if the world had gone askew and changed, this seeming most probable for now. Her new worry being of slipping up and paying with her life, all because of something she doesn't know.

Aomame then recollects the 1st mo she'd felt off being in the taxi in traffic, and the man's odd advice. After finishing her specific notes on the shooting, she looks up the composer, Janacek, learning of his background and reviving of career after meeting married lady, Kamila. Aomame doesn't learn any direct relation to herself and when she leaves the library, decides to rename this new world 1Q84, she Questioning the differences and knowing she must familiarize herself quickly. After a shower, and during the once over of her naked bod, she registers how she'd soon be turning 30 in this new questionable world.

Fuka-Eri kept hold of Tengo's hand as she leads him off to their transfer train, he noting self-consciously of how it could look like they were on a date. Tengo considers her touch seeming indifferent, but obviously he didn't repulse her or she'd have let go by now. She asks whether he cared if she kept holding his hand after they'd boarded the crowded car, he ofc fine with her req., also not feeling panicked anymore. They were heading into the rural mtn area, transfering to a smaller train, and sensing Tengo's paranoia reassures he chill.

They eventually reach an oddly named and unknown stop to Tengo. The 2 take the only taxi waiting outside and proceed on a rollercoaster-like ride to a secluded house, everything inside it looking unused for quite awhile. Fuka-Eri sits and the 2 wait for nearly 10 mins before a 50-ish short-ish man steps in and motions for Tengo to remain seated, racing him to his own chair in front of them, and proceeds to stare at Tengo, similar to Fuka-Eri's 1st encounter. His 1st words are to apologize for having Tengo come out so far for him, he gives him his real name, but everyone calls him Professor, he requesting Fuka-Eri draw the characters of his name upon request by Tengo due to the odd spelling and unusual name, in general.

Tengo remembers then, seeing the name before in an article of a researcher becoming popular. The chat drifts to the main purpose of Tengo's point in the fraud they'd be committing, Tengo making it clear of his minor, 1-track goal to edit the work, and Komatsu being the brains. Prof seems to take Tengo's answers with logic and levelheadedness they agreeing on the danger of Fuka-Eri's life changing permanently and either quite well, or terribly. Prof goes over with Fuka-Eri on whether she was certain, which confirming, he trusts her, also providing details of her past to Tengo which he'd require. Prof starts with Fuka-Eri's pop being his close work friend, the 2 becoming celebs of their uni.

Then upheaval begins and strikes on the campus occur, Prof bowing out and resigning, Fuka-Eri's pop doing so as well later, but still ends up arrested and sent to prison for being a part of the strike. When her pop gets out he moves to a school/commune where people lived to share property. Fukada stays a couple years to learn farming, then leaves again to make it on his own, with the group he came in with, and getting a few more follower, his build similar to Tengo's, apparently, making him great as a leader type. Fukada buys a farm area dying with the elderly and so gets a stellar deal, he starting his homesteading with some saving which Prof doesn't know the source.

In any case, Fukada expects difficulty, but the team and neighbors being helpful, they were able to easily profit off their produce, selling to city folk for inflated prices, and with the dirt still attached, everyone going ape for the organic goods. As the commune grew, it eventually split between the Radical militants, which Fukada had fostered into becoming what they were, he of a different mind set, but still training them, and the other side which Fukada was more in kind being the nonpolitical, be of nature side, which marks the start of the conclusion of the idyllic commune, but the break being respectful, both sides still cooperating with each other for needed items and delivery roads. This all led to when Fuka-Eri comes to live with Prof in '77, and how the smaller commune group had beep apt of the fake gunfight, which Tengo remembers partially, and goes into a noticeable swoon when he attempts to call forth more, downplaying his display for Prof's concerned q. Aomame has a knack for kicking balls with her intent study of techniques, getting an analogy of what it felt like to one fella, the helpless "suffocating"ness of it.

After Aomame watches a flick called On the Beach, she understands what the man had said about it feeling like "the end of the world". Aomame's career path goes from being with a large health company, to training classes at a club which were soon modified, since she'd been teaching how to kick men's balls, she knowing this to be the most effective choice in an assault and would gladly show any dude the end of the world. As she sits at a bar and periodically gets hit on by the wrong aged boys, she hopes to see her rare type come in. It's then shared of the dowager having taken Aomame's brutal classes before being tamed, and she being invited to have dinner with her after an enlightening chat with Aomame after class and how she viewed attacks on females.

By the end of their meeting Aomame'd agreed to give the lady private lessons. Aomame also'd learned acupuncture for personal interest, she always having strong sense with her fingers of the muscles she prodded, deep tissue massage also her forte. During 1 of their earlier sessions, Aomame shares her 1st and only time having to kick a fella in the balls earnestly, noting Tamaru'd be difficult to hit with sensing his unnatural skill. The dowager also q's whether Aomame'd ever assaulted a man premeditatively, she confiding she had, but wouldn't go into it, which the lady supports, but made clear she'd be there to listen if Aomame ever wished to do so.

She eventually does share her experience, and it shows her a new way of life. Back at the bar, Aomame is approached by a round-faced, friendly lady, she getting into a chat about the sort of men Aomame liked, and if she'd prefer to wing-lady together, Aomame asking to now more about this forward type girl before she agreed. The lady, younger by a few years than herself, admits she's a cop, which shocks Aomame, and she finally introing herself as Ayumi, she not patrolling the streets like she wished, but doing meter maid work for the sexism within the dept. Ayumi shares how being a cop also sabotages any bf she'd want to have, for 1 reason or another, so after Aomame agrees to team up, Ayumi checks out a couple nearly 40ish fellas at a booth, she setting up their fake career choices and decides to head over and see how game these possibly married fools were.

Meanwhile, Tengo recovers enough to ask if Prof'd like to continue, Fuka-Eri being sent to make tea, so Prof quickly rushes through to the part when Fuka-Eri'd come to them at 10, and could barely speak, only nodding and shaking her head to answer q's at 1st, Prof knowing the girl used to be a bit more chatty with him before she'd left for the commune. Prof also notes how after she'd settled in with him, not once did her parents contact him, he eventually traveling there after phone calls and letters were mostly ignored after a short while, and the short convos he used to have with Fukada being monitored, so Prof still didn't know their health, the commune having changed its policy to being open, now a fence surrounding it. The place had also become larger, and a major project with the land being undertaken, the car traffic in and out of the commune being unsettling it its numbers. Fuka-Eri also has never since mentioned what had made her run away from her parents and locate him.

Fuka-Eri and Azumi became fast buddies, but back then Fuka-Eri didn't go to school for still not being able to speak (changeling situation?), but she always being bright. The way she'd been educated was through Prof and some of his students giving her quite a gapped learning curve, but she delving deeply into anything which fascinated her. Prof also shares how and when his hubby died, and when the commune had gotten clarance to become a religion, which was like a free card on ever getting in trouble with the cops. Tengo asks Prof's opinion of Fuka-Eri's story, he also agreeing it could be based on truth, but which parts being difficult to pinpoint.

Tengo then gets express permission to rewrite the work, before which, Prof clarifies the 2 mysteries plaguing him, Fuka-Eri's memories inside the commune, and the fate of her parents. When Tengo returns by train alone, a ma with her little girl sit across from him, the 2 quiet, Tengo getting a sense of this girl being in trouble when they both get up to leave, which reminds him of another girl her age looking at him the same way, when he was a boy doing rounds with his pop. This girl's mother preached and the 2 would hand out pamphlets door-to-door, the girl and Tengo never speaking outside or in school, other than 1 time Tengo had come to her aid when a dumb boy was insulting her during a group experiment, Tengo inviting her to his group. He also still remembered her aloud prayer before meals.

Tengo notes the ma and little girl on the train were probably off doing normal activities and he was just hypersensitized. When he gets home, and makes food, by 10 pm a call comes in from his gf to make a quickie date in a couple days, he then going to bed, knowing Komatsu would call at some point for an update. Aomame for once was waking with a pounding hangover, so this coupled with the motorbike droning outside, made her head no bueno. She also vaguely remembers the goings on of the previous night, she getting plugged in dual spots.. so bathing being a clinical rinse.

After, she goes over the deets in more detail, and only after Ayumi came over with the older fella, she doesn't remember the 2nd guy having protection, but 4 condoms were gone, so she also knew she'd insist even if she was sloshed. Besides this, she'd be meeting the dowager in a few hrs for a sesh, so she'd chill and let her head clear up. Coffee was made, and bed to lay was her exercise. The 1 thing over blowing her genuine hangover, was her sexual tension  wayy handled.

When her house phone rang, it walloped her head, and upon picking up, Ayumi is relieved she'd made it back, revealing they'd been intimate, and other crazy shit with the guys, she also confirming they'd all been safe, and they'd make a chitty later about the full deal, and to do it again sometime. When she goes to the dowager, she's feeling only a ghost of what her h.o. once was, she loosening up the d's muscles, and the lady asking about her love life, and how Aomame had no plan to reveal her love to the guy who doesn't know her. She also assures the dowager she wasn't doing her temple harm, but something particle-like in essence being left behind. Aomame is still wrecked over Tamaki, a true friend, dying, and this girl changes Aomame's jr, and h.s. years.

The 2 met in softball, and maintain their friendship in college, Tamaki losing her v-card to a douche she'd dug initially until he'd raped her violently. So, going into a terrible depression for not understanding how he couldn't have wooed her properly (?). Aomame feels she should exact revenge, and Tamaki wanting to merely forget, so Aomame thoroughly trashes his apt and clothes, this whilst he was away at a funeral or somesuch. Unfortunately for Tamaki, she was hopeless with men, going into 1 bad relationship after another, and having 2 abortions, Aomame never allowing to let herself get close to any man, on the other hand, even with good boys.

They continue hanging weekly into adulthood, Tamaki giving up law, gets married, and the girls' 1st fight is had, Aomame not being able to keep her mouth shut about the quality of man she senses in him, it not being in the positive. Despite this horrible fight, Tamaki begs for forgiveness, and the 2 make up before Tamaki can only be contacted by letter or phone, the 2 living in her hubby's parents grounds, Tamaki unspeakingly making it clear she wasn't supposed to leave, and Aomame never invited over. As their friendship was slowly slowing in communication, Aomame loses interest in softball, and by 25, still a v-card holder, she not bothered by singledom. 3 days before her 26th b/day, Tamaki hangs herself, her hubby and parents playing innocent, but he having physical and mentally torturing Tamaki, her bro telling Aomame, and Tamaki's suicide letter accepting Aomame having been right the whole time, an excerpt shared.

Aomame was so entrenched with mourning, she couldn't go to the funeral, and called out of work, neither eating or sleeping, feeling as though she could no longer be the person she was. Aomame was certain she had to share the end of the world with her best friend's widower. She learnt her talent with the makeshift pickaxe, and laid it on him. So, Aomame could be the girl of Tamaki's youth, knowing and spouting the prayer after killing the man, after which her craving for men began.

When Tengo meets Komatsu in their usual haunt, he's late, as always, as well, but getting right to business, and showing how happy he was of Tengo getting the okay from Fuka-Eri's parental, and finishing the rewrite. He also tells of the work definitely going to make it, and he advised Tengo to only edit the lack of description in a part about the Little People making the air chrysalis, and the girl seeing 2 moons, and wanting to know how this would look in the sky, Tengo agreeing when Komatsu explains why. Tengo experiments with the white slip he remembers his ma wearing and his gf doing it once per request, the feeling he'd gotten being similar to his spells, but coming quick... After some consideration regarding his pop, they neither looked similar or had the same curiosity to learn.

When Tengo'd discovered Dickens in boyhood, he developed fantasies of his pop not actually being his father. Certain memories made it seem like his pop wished to punish a part of Tengo, and this was why his pop'd have him work extra. So, when he was small, math was his escape, and in teenhood, it turned to novels, and unlike math, his reentry into the world didn't feel as abrupt as it did with math, so he was able to feel its joy when teaching. Tengo's 1st reprieve from his pop's hellish Sundays being when Tengo was 10 and had told his pop he'd had enough, and when his pop answers in anger and stubborness, he goes to his teacher after class, and she allows him to stay with her 1 night, then speaks to his pop, which a compromise was made where Tengo would do housework in the mornings, but then could do as he pleased.

This bringing his 1st taste of independence. In h.s. he fell into learning percussive instruments for helping a teacher fill a seat. Tengo'd learned Janacek's Sinfonietta, and the teacher who had helped him coming up to him on the day of the championships catching up and sharing how bright his future seemed. Aomame kept a simple vegetarian diet normally, but did allow craving of meat to be answered, a proponent of listening to one's body seeming to be key to health.

The dowager explains why Aomame must keep her earnings, at least for now, in case of whatever happens in the future, like mental or physical health, so Aomame keeps it in a safety deposit box. Aomame gets a call from Ayumi after, and she sets up a date for just a "nice" dinner. Aomame is a bit surprised with herself, but since Tamaki, she hadn't been interested in a buddy like this, and the oddness of she being a cop continuing to marvel her. When they go to the hippest French restaurant, Aomame confides her love of a boy when she was 10, and wanted their meeting to be spontaneous in the future if it ever happened.

They eat, get a bit more drunk, then Ayumi asks to stay over, going back to her dorm only ruining the evening. Aomame allows so far as Ayumi to lie on her bed with her after she'd already made out the couch for her, in the end, Aomame big spooning her til she falls asleep. Ayumi tries to be naughty at first, but after she conks outs, Aomame makes a couple more drinks of wine for herself, and sees in the sky, not only the normal moon, but another, greenish 1 next to it. She doesn't trust her eyes at 1st, til it doesn't disappear, she going back in to watch over Ayumi, and thinking of "the kingdom" coming, an answer "somewhere" given of they looking forward to it.

Tengo works on his draft for a week and 3 days before handing it over to Komatsu, then spends 3 days per week teaching, 1 day with his gf, and the rest freebies (living the best life), through April. He has finally unleashed his creative pathways to include his own writing being boosted by his rewrite. Everything Tengo has a knack for tends to falter with lack of passion, but he actually felt it for his own writing, now. Tengo begins his own work fresh, and is able to build his new flow more organically.

May brings a call from Komatsu confirming the committee had given Air Chrysalis the award, Tengo now concerned with the obligatory press conference with Fuka-Eri, the 1st one a necessity, but after, they being able to decline. Which is why, Komatsu now needs Tengo to train Fuka-Eri on the q's she could be asked, not liking the new neediness of their illegal project, as well as Komatsu having created a front literary company in order for each to obtain their cash. Tengo again attempts to back out, saying he would give up his share, but Komatsu requiring his name, so they could look like a valid front company, Prof already having approved, but his motives remaining unclear. When Fuka-Eri meets with Tengo again at the cafe, she's unmoved by her win and the idea of a press conference, but goes over a few possible q's with fine enough results, so he stops and makes certain she only doesn't share a couple details.

The 2 finish their chat once Fuka-Eri agrees to wear the same outfit. She has horn-dawged Tengo and he wishes his gf were available for fucking, but he could never call, he also noting whilst Komatsu said they'd all go down if they were caught, he rightly imagines Komatsu could also come up with the perfect excuse leaving Tengo holding the ball. He has a dream where the world ends, and wakes up everything the same as usual. Aomame is currently troubled by the 2nd moon, but lets it go for now, since it wasn't doing any current damage, and asking was an issue in itself.

By afternoon, Aomame taught a couple martial arts seshes and confirms having another private sesh with the dowager and dinner, she asking Tamaru over the phone if he'd seen something odd about the moon lately, Aomame nonchalantly making note it didn't matter, but none-the-less brings pause to Tamaru before clicking off the line. When the dowager and she have tea, Tamru admits he'd checked out the moon and had marveled at its beauty, and when the dowager chats about the old music she was listening to, Aomame notes it being similar to how people viewed the moon back then. After they'd et, and the dowager relieves Tamaru for the night, the dowager then asks Aomame if they could consider each other loyal to the other due to sharing some secrets. Aomame nods her agreement and hearkens back to the time she'd confided her personal secrets to the dowager, explaining her best friend's death instigated by the physical trauma inflicted by her widower over a couple years, waiting a year before killing him after Tamaki'd died.

The dowager listens silently through out her specific recounting, then offers support for how Aomame had done the correct action, since the dowager as well had killed for nearly the same reasons. Due to Aomame having been recently distraught over  going over her tale, the Dowager explains her situation, Aomame seeming to struggle silently with the dowager's confession. Her daughter commits suicide after marrying an abuser, the dowager having sensed the man's trouble, the young lady going out by sleeping pills and liquor. Now, the Dowager hasn't killed her daughter's ex apparently, she instead destroying his rep, she still keeping tabs on him to be certain he was dead financially.

The man she'd disappeared was someone else, this stemming from when she'd begun a nonprofit for abused ladies, it self-sufficient enough for the Dowager to be updated by telephone. For those needing temporary refuge, she has a piece of property converted, and also has an office for phone counseling. She again states of being able to make people disappear, not saying how, but all the men requiring to be fucked up to the point of no return, and would only do the same to any female. The dowager asks if Aomame would join her in their shared mission, she taking her time to think it over, then agreeing.

The Dowager next goes into how they had another mark being prepared for her despite not having been given her usual 6 months between contracts, at the very least, it only having been just shy a couple months, since the last job finished. This guy was a special case for being well protected, though, so the Dowager hoped to take advantage of the opening in this fella's schedule, she wishing to push up his death date, so more people couldn't be put in danger, since this would occur the longer he lived. The Dowager states she'd explain more, but there being currently someone she wished for Aomame to be introduced, this girl barely being able to speak when she'd arrived, and had been through some shit in how she got there, as well as her abuse story. Aomame learns she was 10 and was recently convinced she was safe at the Dowager's refuge, and had a broken way of speaking.

The Dowager leads Aomame to her apt building housing only 1/2 the capacity, the dog out front trained to bark at any man, but knew to respect Tamaru. When they got inside, the place felt quiet, which never changed, the Dowager explains how this girl was being looked after by shifts of the women living there, the 2 going to where the girl was staying, and have a chat. The lady watching Tsubasa goes to the shared living room downstairs, the Dowager 1st stating the importance of keeping track of time and she having been staying with her for a little over 2 months, now. The Dowager passes out choc to all present then asks Aomame if she could remember being 10, she agreeing and the Dowager also agreeing, then recounting it had been the year her family'd gone to Paris for a year during WW1 and whilst all seasons in Paris are lovely, she always remembering the bloody wounded soldiers passing through.

The Dowager goes on by mentioning how women start with the fixed # of eggs in their bodies and lived to keep them safe, but after a recent med exam of the girl'd been made, they learned her uterus was irreparably damaged, and when Aomame asks who could do something like this, Tsubasa replies, "The Little People". Meanwhile, the interview conference with Fuka-Eri goes better than planned, Komatsu calling to update Tengo, and telling of Fuka-Eri having been charming, apparently. So, everything is well, so far, and the mag print will come out in a week, Komatsu expecting it to be sold out in a few days of open for the kind of popularity he expected for her. When some articles came out, Tengo reads how apparently Fuka-Eri'd spoken eloquently specific answers, which were possible, but Tengo uncertain of artistic license of the reporters quotes.

Whilst Tengo wants to only feel celebratory of his partial win, there was a bit of deflation. Komatsu's next call is how the mag's sold out after 1 day, so a rush on printing the hardcover was starting, so people could indulge in the hype, and Tengo better be ready to start spending his extra cash. 4 days before the h.c. would hit shelves, Fuka-Eri calls and schedules a meet up with Tengo. She'd come with the Prof this time, he wishing to thank Tengo for his part and Tengo asking whether the Prof had parental rights of Fuka-Eri, which he confirms he didn't, what with the mystery of her parents.

Tengo's concern was about whether the commune would attempt making trouble for Fuka-Eri's popularity, but Prof reassuring the commune doesn't want attention, so shouldn't be an issue. Next, Tengo mentions how fraudulent they'd soon be getting once the money came in, esp when the Prof'd agreed to put his name as an employee in the front company, the Prof's plan being once he took interviews, to perhaps get Fuka-Eri's parents statuses confirmed with the reporters snooping help. The prof shares what little info he had on the commune's religious style, a bastardized Buddhism, and not having a messiah. Prof imagines Fukada being overthrown when they'd wished to become a religion.

Fuka-Eri pipes up about the Little People being the cause of the commune's change to religion, and Prof shares how Fuka-Eri has never expounded on her knowledge of the Little People, but allows the mystery regarding Fuka-Eri and her parents may hinge on learning what the Little People were, first. So, the Prof admits Komatsu's purpose happening to align with his own, and if they could stop everything now, it definitely wouldn't get them back to where they had been. After the Prof left, the 2 sat around for a bit before walking about for awhile, Tengo eventually learning Fuka-Eri wants to stay overnight with him, she meeting his every protest, and he accepting, she thanking him for the 1st time in his memory. Aomame asks the girl sensitively what the Little People were, but Tsubasa was back to zoning out and unable or unwilling to reply.

Aomame and the dowager discuss if these Little People could've done such extensive damage, the dowager not knowing, but did know the girl was a repeat rape victim and couldn't have kids, now. The dowager also reveals of Tsubasa's parents being known, but they being who the girl escaped, if they got the cops involved, the girl could barely speak, so how could anyone be caught. So, here Tsubasa would stay, safe, her parents being paid off by the 1 man responsible for her condition, obv. powerful, so nearly untouchable. The dowager tells of the girl having been in Sakigake, the religious cult commune, but this being 1 of those news items Aomame was unaware of, the Leader of the group apparently using the young girls in his commune to spiritually ascend through his pedo needs.

The dowager doesn't know the ID of this Leader nor his features, very few people seeing him for being secluded in a dark meditation room. So, Aomame now understands and explores how they were supposed to get her close enough to Leader to kill without being found out, the dowager stumped currently, but the 2 also agreeing they required learning more of these Little People, as well. The dowager has the ability to pay for info about Sakigake, she also confessing her want of raising Tsubasa also stemming from losing a 6-mo. gestated grandson, also allowing this wouldn't make her rush, knowing other things needed to be confirmed before they could end this Leader. Aomame left the dowager and the girl there, wondering if procreation was the main reason for life, why some had to live such odd and stress-filled lives if it was only for birthing humans.

Aomame is plagued with horniness, but decides to handle it solo, going home, to hopefully stop thinking of the moon, as well. On the train though, Aomame peeps her type reading a book, but her stop was next, and apparently she wasn't this quick of an operator, going home, and to sleep by 1, having a sexy dream as 2 moons hung outside. Tsubasa and the dowager were asleep also, the girl's mouth slightly open, then going wider to admit the Little People out. The handful grow to a foot tall, and go beneath the girl's bed to work on plucking light and adding it to a small ball, doing this for many hours unnoticed.

Tengo was working on his novel on the couch, remembering he'd have to get Fuka-Eri out before 11am, since his old girlfriend was jealous by the mere idea he'd fuck another female, but whilst her ideas were unfair, her sexual faves seemed to make up for this unevenness. Fuka-Eri wakes at 2am and sits with Tengo, she asking him to read her something, but reciting a bit of Heike by request of Tengo. After, he explains the general summary of Orwell's 1984, per Fuka-Eri asking, then chooses 1 of his books to read to her, going with Sakhalin Island by Chekhov. Tengo prefaces this work was quite more scientific than his other novels, reading a bit about the people who fist populated the area, the Gilyaks, noting their short stature, meat eating ways, and found bread a treat.

Tengo makes sure she digs it before continuing, and also moves to the bedroom, he reading to her from a chair. Fuka-Eri shows her interest with attentive listening, Tengo reads about their stench, diet, and how layabout they were, even the children smoking tobacco, she empathizing with 3 worded phrasing. Tengo continues of they being peace lovers, and if people visited, they would lie about the bleakness of the place, so the people would leave, otherwise they would feel sympathy for their fellow man. For example, 1 man had traveled there and became gravely ill, everyone feeling sad for his trial.

It moves on to the Gilyaks disregarding seniority, parents not having anymore power than children had over them. They were more harsher towards 1 another though, like primitive peeps, for instance, a boy could smack his ma and kick her out the house, and no one would deny his right. The people gave dogs more respect than "their" females. Polygamy was normal, but not widespread, buying ladies being a thing; they seriously on the misogyny wagon.

After this point, Fuka-Eri is starting to nod off, so Tengo reads aloud a bit longer for his own entertainment, as well. Then next bit ends with talk of wanting to listen to the ocean indefinitely, and after, Tengo makes sure to hear Fuka-Eri's even breathing, then turns the light off and heads for the kitchen, cleaning up his glass and brushing his teefs, falling asleep not long after, thinking of the ocean waves breaking. When he woke mid-8am, Fuka-Eri is gone, having left a note and her borrowed pjs in his washing machine. Tengo thinks about how his gf would pitch a fit if she saw the note, so places it out of sight, then considers if he was in lurv with the teen, deciding he couldn't be, then focuses on cleaning up before the gf came.

Aomame has returned to the library to research the commune's possible connection to the gun fight with the cops, discovering the minor details on the few deaths and injuries to the radicals. 1 radical had gone missing completely, and a few others taken into custody lightly wounded. What follows is nearly the same info previously mentioned by Prof and Tengo. 1 piece of new info was the origin of the fight starting between a poor farmer and Akebono, the radical offshoot of Sakigake, when they'd fenced with barbed wire a part of the man's property because they wanted sole consumption of the locally used stream.

The man was beaten, so he reports them to the cops, which when responded to, they are met with gunfire. After this, Sakigake releases a statement to the press stating they had no ties to Akebono, but were definitely sorry for the officers fam's losses, and would aid police investigation as much as they could. The police take them up on this by searching Sakigake with search warrant, and find nothing, but farmworking citizens. After this they also allow a TV and journalist to visit them and look around, interviewing whoever wished.

Sakigake succeeds in looking innocent and apart from Akebono. Aomame isn't taken in by this light shit journalism, since nothing is mentioned of the pedo Leader. Aomame calls Ayumi a bit later, and when she catches her at the office, she's truthful about her research and quest to discover info on the rapes, Ayumi onboard for looking into it. A few days later, Ayumi calls with update and how she'd gotten connected to a high official to discuss Sakigake, they mostly skating just below landsharking, and 1 property in Tokyo.

If they wished to stay simply organic and simple lifestyle, why spots in metro-cities? Besides this, the public school teachers nearby Sakigake are starting to worry about the students from the commune, all of which end their education before finishing, they becoming more silent and unresponsive the older they got, and the teachers couldn't check on them. After this exchange, Ayumi asks Aomame's preference on handcuffs, and is sad when she admits she isn't into 'em. Tengo is considering his brain and how the events he lived through would've been terrible for anyone.

He also understood his "memory" of the odd sucking of breast by some random fella could've been created by himself, so he doesn't have to feel the suffocating truth of his own pop's mentality. On the other hand, it was so realistic and sensory memory, he became more concerned with why he'd be looking for his ma's smell in the pjs Fuka-Eri'd worn, he moving onto the more appropriate recipient of his mama issues, his old gf. She was bjing him, and black lingerie was involved, she careful not to ever wear white after his premie show. He activates another when thinking of the smell of the pjs, so she waits for round 2.

Fuka-Eri's book makes bestseller by 2nd week it comes out, and Tengo is sent a couple copies of the book, which he leaves wrapped in its plastic, indifferent to his 1st bound piece of work. After this, his life is quiet, continuing his writing of his novel, and teaching taking him away from Fuka-Eri and their book, which eased him. Nonetheless, Tengo's want to arms-length Fuka-Eri, the book, and Komatsu, the thing they created would drag him along at whatever speed it decided to gain. It's like deja-vu in description of how Tengo could always tell when Komatsu calls, who starts by chatting of the great sales of the book, and when it turns to praise for Tengo's part in it, he cuts to the chase, knowing the process of Komatsu revving up to impart bad news.

Komatsu reveals Fuka-Eri was missing for a few days, and Prof knew this was different because she'd normally at least stay in contact. Prof had held off contacting the cops, but'd call soon, which'd be big news, since her recent celebrity, and could lead to more secrets coming out. When Tengo confesses he doesn't know where she could be, the weariness is heard in Komatsu's voice, which isn't common. He ends the chat by advising their next move needing to be locating a landing point for this debacle, and telling Tengo to get "good" sleep, which has him up now, so he remedies by proxy of liquor. Tengo next considers the likelihood being in favor of Sakigake having kidnapped Fuka-Eri, but also acknowledges she could've disappeared because of the spotlight, but thought she'd at least relay this to the Prof and Azumi.

Tengo hopes to contact the Prof soon, and ask his curious qs, but learns the Prof had disconnected his number, and Komatsu, not oddly, wasn't returning his calls, and then, after the 6th week of the book being on the bestsellers, Fuka-Eri makes contact with Tengo. Aomame and Ayumi begin having sex romp parties, the 2 working together perfectly, Aomame cool to Ayumi's warmth. The duo would look for men who were down to party as a foursome, and looked well off enough to pay for the booze and room. Their last temp up is on a night of slim pickin's and Ayumi'd admitted to accepting a high amount of "taxi fare" from their previous couple of fellas, Aomame learning why Ayumi felt it different to how a hoor does it, this way being more like a tip than price tag.

1 night, the 2'd been dining at an open-late Italian spot, and Ayumi brought up having done more research on Sakigake, and it was making her more suspicious, due to the religious aspect being all sparkle and no substance, Leader doing the rest of the job with his charm. So, whilst their outward appearance was squeaky clean, Ayumi felt something illegal could be happening under wraps, and got the impression from the cop official she spoke with of they definitely keeping the commune under surveillance. Ayumi also requests more time to formulate a plan regarding the underage rapes, since they didn't have conclusive proof, yet. The chat moves to personal experience, Aomame claiming none for religion in her fam and community, whilst Ayumi confides her bro and unc, both cops now, had threatened her to give them bjs and wrongful touching of her person.

This being the reason she wasn't comfy getting close to 1 man, Aomame ofc waiting to meet Tengo again. A couple days later, Tamaru calls in the early evening to set an appt for next day in late afternoon, then sharing of the disturbing news of the dog having been quietly blown up, Tamaru discovering her inside out all over the place with intestines spattered about. It was mid-rainy Jun when Tengo gets an audio cassette left in his mailbox, he returning to his apt to listen rather than after shopping. Fuka-Eri explains the place she was in was safe, and whilst the Prof had requested a search for her from the cops, they were letting it go.

She mentions her gratitude Tengo'd allowed her to sleepover, and learn more about him and the Gilyaks. She also advises not going into the forest for the Little People having as much power as Prof, and he would only be safe if he carried something they didn't have. After listening to the tape 1 more time, he goes on his quest to market in the rain. In the evening, Komatsu calls to warn of the cops finally investigating Fuka-Eri's disappearance, and some journalists were already following the story, so Tengo should tread lightly. They discuss the possibility of this being a part of Prof's plan, then before ending the call, makes note to keep checking the papers.

On Fri, after sex sesh with gf, Tengo asks she share 1 of her repeat dreams, which was Goldilocks-style, she going into a cottage in the woods. His gf shares why she felt fear in this dream, and when Tengo adds an insulting perspective, in her opinion, she has him share a part of his story inprogress to make up for it. So, he tells of his main character modeled after himself, and the world he was in having 2 moons, which he'd taken from Fuka-Eri's story, and no one in his world was in it. Tengo is enjoying a handy as his old gf shares her 1st piece of learning at uni, still a v-cardholder, and he now uncertain which world he was in.

Jul-Sept - Aomame Aomame is met by Tamaru at the door, he not perspiring on this particularly heat-filled day. He was as silent as the dowager was, and when she did speak, after regarding the guard dog's death, also reveals Tsubasa was missing, and the lady sleeping in her room being in a quite deep sleep. The dowager goes over the logical possibilities of where the girl could've gone in only her pjs, but even at this point, the dowager hasn't done anything to actively search for Tsubasa, feeling as if this was the correct happenings in the universe (in Tengo's story?). The dowager next debates whether the dog's death'd been a warning to Tsubasa to leave, she also feeling the girl would've no intention to return if she believed someone was going to harm her new family.

Aomame gets herself iced tea, and the dowager turns to the topic of Leader, they having 4 girls ID'd as victims, and Tsubasa was 1 of these. 2 of the girls still lived in the commune, but whether they were still being abused was unknown; 1 of the 3 also was Leader's daughter, and had occurred 7 years ago when she was 10. As they speak of the sacrifices Aomame'd be making by going along with this contract including plastic surgery and abandoning everything from her current life, Aomame is quite alright with this. The dowager also confesses to her of whilst she had a semi-estranged son, she wants Aomame to get most of her back pocket savings for seeing her as her daughter.

Aomame announces she'd prepare her affairs accordingly, and before leaving the Willow House, chats with Tamaru on possibly hooking her up with a gun, and one bullet, in case her mission went south. Tamaru agrees to look into it for her, but advises on the Chekhov theory of if a weapon is introed in a story, it'll eventually be used, and regardless of Aomame noting this was real life, Tamaru poses this to be questionable. Tengo plays his record of Janacek's Sinfonietta, he listening to his fave part, writing with its comfortingly recognizable notes. He'd sometimes listen to tit with his old gf, she preferring Armstrong's jazz, but more for Bigard's solos which weren't plentiful on the record she left at his place for after se(sh)x tunes.

After his writing exercise, he gets breakies at a cafe and reads the short article of  Fuka-Eri in his mag. Whilst Tengo didn't wish to be privy to what ugliness could come out of the Prof's outreach for publicity spotlight, he comforts himself with at least being on the inside, and prepares to go to work. During his break he meets with an unknown fella requesting to speak with him, the man awkwardly put together, and his card defying his look by stating he was Director at an Arts foundation. Eventually he gets to his point of having heard Tengo lecture and had been impressed with his style, Tengo oddly not recognizing the man's unignorable features.

The man continues to clarify of how the proprietor of the foundation was anonymous, and if Tengo accepts the grant he'd be able to self sustain without teaching and focus on his novel. Tengo declines, but the man allows the offer would remain on the table for Tengo to think over for a couple days, which Tengo denies needing, so the man concludes by making note of knowing Tengo knew Fuki-Eri on some level, but'd keep it to himself, and Tengo could call to claim the money next year if he wishes. Tengo checks the foundation's addy, which is legit, and then contacts Komatsu, who plans to research them, Tengo remembering Fuka-Eri's warning to be wary in the forest.

At the end of Jul, Aomame could again see 2 moons, she torture-stretching her muscles as she listened to the sinfonietta. Before 10 this evening, Tamaru calls to make an appt after Aomame got off work the next day in early evening, he also confirming he'd gotten a new guard dog. They finalize the time and Tamaru mentions having looked into her request, all being handled, and then the 2 ring off. The dowager is only able to fill in very few details, Leader setting a time at the last minute, which Aomame'd then be called in, she confirming having gotten most affairs in order.

Aomame sees Tamaru after, and he gives her the compact gun, and allows her to practice loading and unloading, along with safety use. Before she leaves, Tamaru departs info on where to leave her go-bag and hopes she doesn't actually have to use the pistol, so he could get it back. The next couple weeks, Aomame keeps to her normal schedule, and practices loading and unloading til she's able to do it without looking. By the end of Aug, she detects an article about the strangling of Ayumi.

Tengo considers whether Aomame was still a member of her family's religion, and hoped she wasn't. He was  reminded of a customer service job he'd had with 2 ex-believers, they still struggling to fully integrate to non-members way of life. He hopes Aomame was able to bypass the same hardships from leaving the tight mini-community. Tengo then recalls the cause of his 1st spooge being from when Aomame'd grabbed his hand, this setting off we dreams.

The 2 don't speak after this, but Tengo'd begun to be more aware of Aomame at school, and then during their 2nd grade together, Aomame leaves school, and he misses his chance to chat with her again. Aomame's image sticks with him through his teenage mastubatory needs, and once in college, he moves on to real ladies, he still yet to get the same heart flutter with nutting she'd given him unknowingly during their pre-pube years, though. Tengo was reminded of her again whilst grocery shopping, he imagining if everything aligned and he were somehow able to contact her, he wishing to confess how long he'd thought about her, and wished he'd spoken to her sooner. When he'd gotten home, he recognizes how the 2 had seemed to keep a part of the other during their 1 moment of hand holding, which was why Tengo wished for at least closure on what Aomame's been up to since back then.

After cooking and eating part of his meal, he intends to rewrite a future for himself which could still be believable to the present past. Aomame grieves for Ayumi once it'd settled in her brain she was truly gone, she not having cried since Tamaki took herself out. Aomame also considers how Ayumi most likely could deduce Aomame distancing herself from her for personal reasons, Aomame feeling guilty for knowing she couldn't share with Ayumi, due to her being a cop, of her whole truth. Ayumi was dancing a risky game with how she chose sex partners though, and Aomame knew they'd been a good team for a reason, 1 being how the other kept watch for the other's protection.

Aomame comes to terms with how despite keeping Ayumi at arms length, se'd loved her. The day after this, she reads another article regarding the cops' search for Ayumi's killer, and Aomame comes to the end of her mourning to focus on "the rules", like Tamaru'd told her. The 5th day after Ayumi's death, Aomame receives a pager call, she getting her schedule time, and whilst Taru ends with meeting her again someday, Aomame knows this probably won't occur. When Aomame doesn't see any news on Ayumi, and her sadness had turned to anger for getting retribution on the guy, she also finalizes her packing up and loading of the gun.

She's also thinking of how this could be her last hit, and getting a new ID wouldn't affect her much, she still maintaining her love for Tengo, and thinking about him for quite awhile after this, then proceeds to meticulously go about her final tasks, bidding her old self goodbye as she exits her apt for the final time. Tengo keeps his eye on the news headlines, otherwise, no contact form anyone is made to him for some time. Then, after he comes home from work, he gets some articles, and letter from Komatsu. It details how nothing new was coming out, some of the articles ranging from amusing to esp. intriguing for Tengo.

Komatsu also confirms the foundation's money-making was suspicious, so Tengo ofc having made the correct decision. Tengo then becomes paranoid of the idea his phone was tapped which is why no one was calling, his old gf missing their usual Fri, and not typically, doesn't call him, at least. At 9pm, Tengo finally gets a call, and senses it isn't Komatsu, it being his old gf's hubby making it kind of sound like she would never return because she was dead, or at the least, "irretrievably lost". An hour later he gets a call form, Ushikawa, asking for final confirmation for the grant, Tengo declining again, and Ushi bringing up what sounds like he knew of Tengo's ex-old gf.

Ushi clarifies everything he'd been speaking of, was vague due to how his client'd passed it on to him, and after Tengo attempts to learn more from him, Ushi decides to give Tengo a little more time to consider the offer, letting him go, and Tengo still unable to sleep, only thinking of his gf, who now is given a name. Aomame is at the station and not feeling herself, the place seeming too quiet and feeling like she was being watched, but seeing no one. She begins repeating the prayer she was ingrained to say, it calming her nerves. When 2 young men come for her, she assesses their level of security abilities, she sensing animalistic qualities, but overall, amateurs, like Komatsu'd relayed.

As they escort her to an elevator, she deduces which she'd have to disable first, in case of the need for escape presented itself. When they reach the expensive room, the 2 share of having to check her, after which the guard makes clear how she should view her upcoming session being with a sacred human. Despite being scared, Aomame is chill enough to continue into the room for the session. Tengo was free of contact from everyone for a week, so far, and he wasn't concerned with any of their individual progress.

He gets sick of following Air Chrysalis news, as well, focusing on work for summer classes, and no longer writing his novel, since he'd think of his ex-old gf every time he started. It was 1 of his days off, so impromptuly decides to visit his pop, his debating of going, turning into waiting for the train coming later. As Tengo's off to meet his dementia-filled pop, he reads from a book of short stories, 1 about a man seeing a town of cats, and soon missing his chance to be among human reality. The nurse at the facility seems annoyed by his unscheduled visit, but in a half hour is shown to his pop's shared room, the man not knowing Tengo, so Tengo uses the time to see if he could coax out what he hoped to learn.

His pop doesn't know him and won't answer his q's, so Tengo reads the story to his pop when he asks for him to read him 1 from off his shelf, and Tengo thinks his is a better choice. His pop definitely reacts to the story with interest, it leading to a comment from his pop being suggestive regarding his ma, he then insinuating his ma had him with someone else, and he stayed. The rest of the info given is Tengo's supposition of what his pop meant. When Aomame steps into the room, and it's dark with few sources of light, she focuses on the bedside clock, then notices a small object on the bed, but this being a trick of the eye, she seeing a body, quite hefty and lacking signs of life.

As the 1 bodyguard repeats twice a phrase indicating the body to wake, the large man wakes and breathes oddly. Aomame recognizes this man must've gone through long training to develop such an awkward, yet powerful way of inhaling, and such. Once the bodyguard says the phrase a 3rd time, the man dismisses him, breathing normally, and fully awake. Leader apologizes for the odd technique displayed, he moving on to his religion and specialness of body type, as well as issues, which he decides to list to her, to see if anything fell under her line of expertise. He lists his eye issues, paralysis of body, including cock, the premenstrual "teens" fucking him to get preggers, somehow, and he not feeling anything, but still coming for each of them.

What he hopes to gain from Aomame is relief from his nearly constant pain, having some sort of sickness which was slowly killing him. After this, he requests Aomame to begin when ready,s he tense, but agreeing. Tengo parts with his pop on fair terms, after Tengo makes a speech, and leaves his pop making a teardrop. When Tengo gets home, he nearly immediately passes out.

He goes 2 weeks without hearing from anyone, then Fuka-Eri calls "asking" to come over, Tengo sort of dodging, til Fuka-Eri invites herself outrightly. Since he'd be going to work soon, they agree upon a ringing code for when Tengo called the apt to check in, Fuka-Eri expected to pick up when he called back. After Tengo's 2 classes, Ushi returns to get his answer regarding the grant, Ushi given another chance to explain why it was truly being offered. Ushi reveals the money was the organization's way of saying he'd be safe from trouble for not knowing how deeply he'd gotten himself mixed up in their secrets, and to keep it to himself, this also meaning they'd erase his existence in connection to Air Chrysalis.

Further chat made known Ushi doesn't have info on Tengo's old ex gf, but did have the info found on Tengo's ma, which wouldn't be happy news. This is when Tengo makes clear he was over their chat, and doesn't wish Ushi to return again. Ushi acknowledges this, and wishes him the best. Tengo calls Fuka-Eri after, and she doesn't follow their ringing plan, instead warning of sensing the Little People were moving, and Tengo should get back before thunder, even though the weather was clear, and the train stopping, so Tengo heads out.

Aomame places her yoga mat out, and has Leader take his shirt off before lying down, he becoming more massive around the chest, somehow. He looks quite healthy to her and she warns him in monotone of the pain which would come from her stretching him, suggesting he speak up, so she could adjust and gauge. Leader confesses of being capable of handling all pain as long as he understood it, so they'd be playing it by ear. She begins her journey checking his muscles for tightness, sees how he bore pain, and notes how he could bear all her strength.

She completes a portion of his back, and considers her professional admiration of the quality of his muscles, and how he took the pain seeming at odds with his illness' effects. Aomame also knows she has to go on for at least an hour, so continues her stretching upon having him turn over. Leader was feeling relief already, and when she'd finished, she shares of possibly feeling worse later on, but he'd be fine he next day... They go on to chat of Aomame's beliefs, she entertaining it for some reason, after she has him lay back again so's she could stretch his neck muscles, she then locating "the spot", and announces of wanting to use an acupuncture needle to help, Leader allowing this.

Aomame gets ready, but for some reason hesitates, despite knowing the good she'd be doing. Her senses for some cause were holding her back, Leader asking if all was well, she then realizing it was because she senses he knew. Leader shares of their wants being in alignment, since his illness doesn't have a cure. Leader next shows how he could mentally keep her hand from smashing down on the needle, then states when he'd released her, once she'd tested her strength against his barrier.

Aomame then mentions the Little People, when he mentions of a "they" having similar wishes as his own. He goes on to mention a book, The Golden Bough being quite helpful, it regarding when Kings served as speakers for the Little People, and killing the King periodically was an honor done by the people, and a way to control the power of the Little People. Once these ways were abandoned, they became the hereditary kind now common, and the voices vanished. Leader confides how the Little People don't truly have a name, and the moniker had come from his daughter. Aomame still hesitates as Leader says he's good with dying despite no heir to hearing the Little People had been provided.

Aomame considers as they chat more her resolve to kill him vanishing, wanting his death to continue slowly. Leader reveals how whilst he knew of Ayumi's death, he nor his people knew who had committed the crime, but they'd aimed at a weak spot for Aomame as warning of her attempting to kill Leader, and she was a special being, according to him. Aomame is being convince by Leader of how killing him now would also greatly inconvenience the Little People, but it still not beating a slow death, so he next uses the threat of hurting Tengo. Leader next confessing how both she and Tengo'd come to the year 1Q84, and would fill the role's given them, he stating he'd borrowed the word she'd made up, and hadn't told anyone.

Tengo hurries back, and in time to miss the downpour which wasn't detectable, sensing Fuka-Eri was 1 to be taken at her word. He also gets a letter telling of a bank deposit, guessing the few possible places it could've come. He also touches upon Ushikawa and how de doesn't regret not getting the info about his ma if it meant he had to hear it from him, preferring a landscape of a revelation. When he gets back, Fuka-Eri asks about his new ex gf, and he prepares food for them both.

Fuka-Eri shares of Prof having set her up 1st hideout, and she hadn't had home cooking in quite awhile. After, the 2 spoke of the Little People, Fuka-Eri saying they were moving, and whilst Tengo would've liked to kick back with a beer thought he should stay alert. Fuka-Eri feels sleepy pretty early and again asks for a story, they both hearing thunder, but no rain or lightning, like Aomame's experience with Leader. The 2 chat of the Little People, and Fuka-Eri is unable to gauge what real means when Tengo asks which parts in her story were true.

Tengo then settles with telling Fuka-Eri a modified version of Town of Cats which she takes to, and then needs a cuddle, saying the Little People could detect the entrance, so they needed to go to a town of cats. Meanwhile, Aomame talks about 1Q84 with Leader, he saying both worlds were separate and real, but there was no going back as far as he knew. Most people in this world don't even notice both moons, very few being privy. What had occurred to the world, was like skipping a track in a groove, and the world now rode the new path.

Leader theorizes how she'd been pulled through to 1Q84, and whilst he was a conduit for the Little People, equal force is always met, so his daughter acted as the opposing force. What next is revealed is how Leader had fucked both his own daughter and Tsubasa, which he'd separated himself from by admitting to it, even though he claimed to not wish for it. Tsubasa was a concept in his eyes, and not real, so had been found and was being healed. As for Leader's daughter, he shares knowing Tengo had joined forces with her, and how Tengo and Aomame were meant to come together at some point, due to their powerful connection.

Fuka-Eri meanwhile, had lost her "dohta" when becoming a Perceiver to his Receiver of the Little People, Tengo also a Receiver. Aomame becomes more stumped by his uncanny knowledge into knowing she thought of Tengo when she handled self love, as did he with her. After hearing Leader lead up to it, Aomame concludes for him of he offering her a way to get out with Tengo, if she killed him her way. Leader reveals the part Tengo played and the resulting book which was the medicine to the Little People's power, he then going over how her plan with the dowager wouldn't be a success forever.

Leader goes on to tell what the Little People would do to Tengo if Leader lives, in either choice Aomame or Tengo would be dead. She realizes she doesn't have to take him at his word, but is reminded of the power he showed her, deciding to grant his wish and save Tengo, as well. Finally, Aomame does the job, and it's as if the forest loses its center, the wild spirits retreating. Fuka-Eri's want of cuddling and going to the town of cats would be a part of Tengo's purification process, so upon getting his pjs on, as requested, Tengo awkwardly holds Fuka-Eri, he imagining Sonny and Cher to help him relax. Despite his discomfort, Fuka-Eri mentions not being bothered if he got hard, which he does, but is still able to sleep through this, the storm, and the early hour.

When Tengo wakes, it seems he experiences what Leader does, he and Fuka-Eri both nekkid, he unable to move, and she sitting on top of him, but not moving, instead having Tengo close his eyes where he is shown the memory of Aomame holding his hand. By the end of the memory, Tengo has come and Fuka-Eri is getting it. She reassures of not having gone through puberty, yet and goes to take a shower, as Tengo doesn't get feeling back til she returns and has laid down next to him again. Aomame is done with her task, and prepares herself to leave, her gun moved to waistband.

She makes it out of the building without raising suspicion from the guards, she being paid by envelope. She claims her bags from the train station, and calls Tamaru from a coffee shop, getting the addy of her safe house. She settles in upon getting there, considering her fate. Tengo waits fo Fuka-Eri to wake up as he comes to grips with the reality of what'd occured, he sharing of wishing to see Komatsu to give the deposit back, when Fuka-Eri comes out to the kitchen.

He tries calling and soon learns Komatsu'd left work over a week ago, so rumors were flying, but no one knew anything. He next attempts searching for Aomame, then shares with Fuka-Eri about his search, she sensing Aomame was near. Aomame doesn't hear about Leader's death form the news, so now wonders how they'd kept it quiet, she also noting how the death was lingering on her more than the others had. When Tamatsu calls, he provides more details on the commune's movements, then the dowager speaks with her, Aomame confessing how Leader knew what she was there for, but not mentioning their bargain.

Before ending the call, Tamatsu shares a story from his past, and looking out for her in the future. She hears on the news of Fuka-Eri still missing after a couple months, and how they hadn't made the connection between her and Sakigake, yet. Aomame stretches, then surveys her stock of supplies, as well as the variety of book chosen, she starting with Air Chrysalis. Tengo is slowly getting hints on how he can see Aomame, Fuka-Eri confirming she was in walking distance, but was in hiding, so Tengo goes to a bar to think.

He considers what info of Aomame would help lead him to her whilst she was attempting to stay hidden. Tengo then forces himself to remember seeing the moon in the afternoon, when Aomame'd grabbed his hand all those years ago. He goes to an empty park, this being where he finally sees the 2 moons, Aomame's apt overlooking this park. Air Chrysalis has a way of sucking a reader into this new world where a 10 year old girl helps the LP make air chrysalises.

Aomame reads the novel carefully, weeding out Tengo's hand in the story, knowing it was subtle. The story tells of the girl's life in her community and farm-working parents. The girl's parents spoke unfavorably of outside society, their way being cleaner and better for one's spirit. Certain unknown words the girl hears her parents use, she designates shapes and colors to define them, her concepts of certain technologies nonexistent.

Listening to the radio was a rare entertainment, the girl having many records to choose from in the Assembly Hall. The girl's duties and school work become too overwhelming at one point, and the old blind goat dies, when she's told to look after the herd of goats, which results in her being isolated with the body for a week and a few days as punishment, despite the death not being related to her neglect, but for not completing her job. The room used is always maintained as a punishment time-out shed. When the girl stays 3 nights, the LP exit from the goat's mouth, grow no more than a couple ft tall, and even create an extra of themselves when hearing the girl's thoughts of being reminded of the 7 dwarfs.

After this occurs, the world has changed to allow the LP through, the girl sounding strange to herself, but it'd also been a few days since she'd spoken. The LP answer her q's regarding why they'd walked through the goat, the group not knowing the form til they're through. The girl had created the pathway somehow, and the LP suggest they make an air chrysalis, each 1 having a different voice octave, and type. The girl is told air chrysalises are homes to things.

The LP's features were utterly forgettable, and each looked alike, they only sounding differently. They wore normal clothes and didn't smell of anything. By morning, they pack it in, placing their work out of sight, and swearing the girl to secrecy, she knowing no one'd believe her, anyways. She has the best restful sleep, and the next night, the LP return the same way.

The girl q's who the air chrysalis was for, they speaking of it coming out when the air chrysalis was big enough. Aomame senses the uneasiness of what the LP represented, also hearkening back to Leader stating of the LP being around before morality had set in. When the girl had helped them til the day before she was to be released, the LP tell of being quite close to finishing the air chrysalis, luring her on. The girl is released and the old blind goat buried, she dead curious about what was supposed to pop out when it was done.

The LP invade her dreams next, letting her know when to drop by the storehouse, and watch the birth. The girl goes to look by candle, the air chrysalis much larger and already cracked, she seeing what looked like herself, the LP explaining what "dohta" and "maza" mean, and how the dohta was the Perceiver, and shared with the Receiver. The LP advise she take good care of the dohta, she waking in a few days, 2 moons marking the dohta's consciousness. Instead, she runs to her pop's buddy, not wanting to be there when she did wake, since it didn't seem in alignment with nature.

The girl's pop had given her getting out money and the addy for the safe haven, she having hidden it as instructed, then getting a train ticket the next morning in between a class, and after calling the number provided, is picked up, and housed with he and his daughter, Kurumi. A day later, she notices the 2nd moon. After, it's told of the girl not quite integrating into normal school schedule, due to such a severe difference in environment and goals. Except when she meets a physically challenged boy, and when they get buddy-buddy, the LP interfere, and take him. The LP torture the girl with dreams of the boy sleeping, and making an air chrysalis with 3 angry, entangled snakes writhing next to him.

Then, some days later he gets ill and is sent away. The girl took this as sign of the LP showing how they'd punish her by putting the people around her in harm's way. So, the girl sacrifices a social life to protect herself and others. She also plans on creating her own air chrysalis in order to understand the meanings of dohta and maza, starting to become uncertain which she truly was.

The end of the story describes the girl going through her pathway, but nothing of where she ends up. Aomame thinks it's perhaps due to it having not occured yet. She also realizes she now knew someone else who knew of the moons. She understood why the novel'd become so popular.

She also recognizes the truth in the novel, and analyzes the details she could glean from this new place. Next, it's given the possible reasons for the massacre and the LP's part in it. Also how the dohta was their passage to Leader, and Aomame curious of how long the dohta'd survived. She also put together how Tsubasa fit into this and being "retrieved", put back into an air chrysalis, Leader's perceived (ha!) incest and pedophilia not being as such, anymore.

Aomame wishes to share this crazy theory with the dowager, which also means her killing Leader was actually bad. She afterward broods on the role she was meant to play in this world, and what it meant. She deduces how it's probable she'd gone through a pathway and murdering Leader was curing Tengo. Aomame comforts herself with the thought of being within Tengo's world, and his thoughts, ready to give up her life for him, now.

Tengo was currently having a rough time accepting the 2nd moon, since his description was spot on. He also notices he hasn't had an attack of the nursing ma memory in quite awhile, considering it'd been when he'd restarted his novel. He was also frustrated by not knowing where Aomame could be, but the park being the perfect spot to run into her and hopefully warn her in time. Aomame is all of a sudden extremely concerned about the potted rubber plant she'd given to Tamaru.

She then spots a young man across the street standing on a slide, and seeming to be looking at the moons, then paranoid he was with Sakigake and was searching for her. She soon realizes it's Tengo, with the help of binoculars, she considering her next move. She's quite torn for sometime with doubts, but goes with her own yearning curiosity and desire. By the time she rushes out though, he's left, but she's still happy to have seen him.

Tengo wanders back to his apt where Fuka-Eri is sharpening his pencils with a pocket knife, and relays of an important call from his pop's home. When Tengo returns the call, his doc tells of his pop not exhibiting any particular signs of unhealth, but was now in a coma. Tengo decides he'd make a trip to see him the next day, before ringing off with the doc. Tengo shares of going back to cat town, and Fuka-Eri would stay there, she also not showing surprise when he mentions the moons.

When Tengo asks whether they were in Air Chrysalis' world, she states it'd occurred due to their story collab, and Tengo acting like a Receiver. Through their chat, she reveals whilst he hadn't located Aomame, she'd find him only if there were 2 moons still in the sky. The last piece Tengo learns is when he'd edited Air Chrysalis, he'd changed, and would discover how when he visited cat town. Aomame wakes early, makes breakies, and still sees no news on Leader being dead, but knew this wouldn't change the fact he was, so she showers a couple hours later, dresses business-friendly, then goes to the slide Tengo'd been at last night.

She decides next to catch a cab with specific instructions, the cabbie confused, but obliging after 2 handfuls of seconds thought. When she gets to the same spot at the busy expressway, the cabbie doesn't want to obey her wishes of letting her out, but does when she offers him more money, which he refuses, but she gives to him anyways. When she gets to the same place with the stairwell, it is gone. Aomame is glad she confirmed her curiosity about the gateway to 1Q84 missing, next noticing all the people watching her.

She next pulls out her gun, and cocks it into her mouth, saying her prayers, then tightening her finger on the trigger, saying Tengo's name. Tengo arrives at the coastal town, gets to see his pop, who is now in the final wing, at the hospital, he sitting with his pop, and planning on chatting to him all day to see if he could spark a change. He decides to fill in the blanks of his life for his pop, who did seem peaceful after relating their lack of blood relation, Tengo telling him about his h.s. years, onward. Then, Tengo decides to share about Aomame and how he felt when he was a boy toward his pop.

After getting to all the topics he thought pertinent, he stops talking, and hangs out til his 7pm train. His pop gets taken for some tests, and Tengo gets some tea, upon returning to the darkening room, in the indent his pop's body had made on the bed, sat a white shell of some kind. Tengo then realizes the gravity of what he was viewing was his description of what an air chrysalis looked like. Tengo doesn't look in it for not quite having the guts, but knowing he must see or forever regret it.

So, he looks into the gap, but sees nothing, so unwraps it, and discovers a 10 yr old Aomame sleeping. When he's unable to wake her, he vows to locate her, the air chrysalis fading with the girl in the darkening light of evening. Back on the train he reiterates his motivation to discover Aomame, and looks at the 2 moons disappear with his progress toward Tokyo, once more. This is where I suppose most people stop for thinking no more mention of the Little People will be forthcoming, or at least not to the desired amount, so I shall see.

Oct.-Dec. Ushikawa Buzzcut and Ponytail are visiting Ushi after a few weeks respite, Ushi supposed to have been getting a job done, but still not. Ushi deduces the bodyguards were in a tight spot caused by Leader's death, and Aomame missing, so Ushi is attempting to quell their need for quick info, in preference of he being able to hunt in his own fashion. Ushi agrees to impart some details to play along with their desire to provide something to the new leaders, knowing Aomame's name and background, but not knowing who was backing her. He suggests they check into her phone history, which they had, but not turning up anything valuable, Ushi mentioning Aomame's calls to the cops as non-emergency, but they not knowing who she called, and as for tracing the private longer chat numbers, it was oddly impossible to dig anything up.

Ushi q's whether the 2 knew of any org who'd be against them, but they denying knowing a group who'd be against their spiritual awakening, esp after making known Akebono was no longer an issue for violence. Ushi next discovers 13 people, including those in the room, knew Leader was dead, and the fact they hadn't made it public could hurt them worse later. Buzzcut also agrees the same for Ushi if he told someone about Leader, everyone on the same page. Ushi next provides the connection between Ayumi and Aomame, and who Aomame's recommendation had been to Leader, Buzzcut not knowing.

Ushi also mentions Tengo's ex old gf, and Buzzcut puts the name in his notes, despite they no longer caring about Tengo or Fuka-Eri's movements. The 2 leave and Ushi stops his recorder, smart boy covering his ass. He didn't mind handing the 2 lower pieces of knowledge, but the good shit needed the assurance only a secret chat recording could provide. He also had gotten Aomame's private client list, and the 1 woman he was snaffling around was the dowager.

The security for her home doesn't sit well with him, despite knowing her philanthropic project. He also realizes Buzzcut's denial of knowing about the Little People had been answered much too quickly to be trusted, so after a smoke, Ushi comes up with a plan. Aomame spends a large part of her time sitting vigil to be sure whether Tengo'd return to the slide. She nearly became paranoid by the possibility of he locating a better viewing spot, but snaps herself out of it for the rarity.

Also, she decides to not pull the trigger as she stood on the Expressway shoulder. She considers how 1Q84 is ruled by the Little People's power over people's destinies. Aomame felt better as she takes the gun from her mouth. What has tipped her is a vague impression of hearing her name called with other indecipherable words on the wind, then wants to see Tengo once more if she can. After the taxi driver allows her to come back in, she debates whether it'd matter or test fate if she waits to die for a bit.

Tamaru calls and Aomame lays out her wish to remain at the apt and wouldn't change her face for certain reasons, he takes it fairly well after warning her to keep as low as possible for how dogged her pursuers were, and he'd get the Dowager's decision regarding her stay, later. Tamaru calls with the Dowager's agreeing to allow her to stay til the end of the year, which Aomame agrees to abide, but planned to actually stay as long as it took for Tengo to show again. Tamaru supplies instructions for how drop off of her groceries would go, and how he'd gotten her In Search of Lost Time, since she had enough downtime to read it. Experiencing the drop off is unnerving, but everything required is there, including exercise bike and metal bat, at her request.

When Tamaru calls back to make sure it'd gone well, he also imparts advice about isolation, which she understands. Soon, she's down to 3 mo's, and wondering where Tengo was. Tengo is making an effort to read to his pop whatever he is currently reading, since there wasn't any signs of hearing or comprehension, still. The daily updates were pretty much the same, they being unable to do anything, but make his pop comfy before he passed.

Tengo doesn't see the Air Chrysalis in his pop's bed again, when the nurses take him for his exam, and Tengo leaves by end of day. He next decides he'd try a more hands-on approach by using his vacay leave, and have his talented rich acquaintance sub for him. Then, Tengo shares with Fuka-Eri his plan, and whether she'd prefer staying at his apt or join him. After little thought, she remains there, Tengo stocking her with enough groceries to last a few days whilst he figured whether to stay there longer, and then goes to cat town, with the advice to not get abandoned there.

Tengo makes it back and finds an inn to stay in, starting with 3 days. Upon his 1st few nights, he'd become quite zen with his new surroundings, and starts writing another story in 1Q84, his mind and body feeling separate, and he having trouble leaving his mind in the story world. Despite this, Tengo visits his pop daily, now, and the nurses respond more warmly to him, he seeing 1 of the nurses were crushing on him, but his mind with Aomame. He also wonders about the phrase used regarding his old ex-gf again, of she being irretrievably lost, but her memory fading, feeling like it's well in his past...

When he visits his pop to read, he makes sure to speak clearly in case he was listening. During his pop's testing, he phones Fuka-Eri with updates, and she tells of an NHK collector declaring Tengo was a thief, but Fuka-Eri not opening the door, per Tengo's instructions. As he waits for his pop to be returned to his room, he considers the odd NHK collector and whether he'd see the Air Chrysalis with young Aomame, again. Ushi is attempting to absorb the idea of the dowager somehow being connected to the Leader's death.

He aso looks deeper into why the battered women's shelter was so heavily surveilled. It doesn't take long to see where he security into public documents also ended for info. Ushi discovers 1 real estate agent who has some knowledge about the dowager's apts, and even seems to be enjoying Ushi's company, which made him uncomfy. He's able to learn an estimate time when the dowager's gate had been put up before leaving him.

He's then able to speak with the lawyer of the organization for the abused women, learning more about the history of when they'd started in earnest, 4 years ago, Ushi leaving and giving the deets on when he'd learn of whether they'd won the grant. Ushi next digs deeper into the dowager's daughter's death, and her hubby's movements after leaving his career. Ushi deduces the possible death of suicide, but still doesn't know Leader's connection to the dowager's safe house. Also considering he hadn't detected Aomame's potential risk left him attempting to prove his value to Sakigake, since he also knew how they disposed of Leader's body.

Aomame is living the hermetic life, quite happily keeping to her simple routine, and starting Proust whilst reading sections of Air Chrysalis, like a manual on how to live in 1Q84 from Tengo. She also doesn't feel aggression toward male abusers, anymore, relieved with not having violent tendencies. When her 2 female loves enter her brain, she focuses on Tengo. She's visited by a persistent doorbell ringer, later on, then knocking at her door, he claiming to be with NHK, but also being more aggressive than normal, Aomame readying her pistol, since he doesn't leave, but puts on a whole production of lecturing her loudly in hope she'd open the door, she holding out, and unsettled by the possibility of he being worse than NHK.

She can't read anymore, and hopes Tengo locates her before any other visitors. Tengo has fallen into a routine near the sea where his pop stays. He doesn't see the air chrysalis again, though but also is unable to stop checking with the hope it'd happen again. As Tengo spends his days there, the nurses who cared for his pop begin taking more interest in him, 1 even sitting in as he read a bit of Out of Africa by Dineson.

After, Tengo chats with Fuka-Eri daily, he learning she's been talking to the same crow every day, and the same NHK person had yelled for him through his door. Tengo also checks Komatsu's office, and leaves the sanatorium number for him to call. Instead, he gets a hold of Komatsu after speaking with 1 of his coworkers about how different he was acting, Tengo noting this truth, by how narrow their chat was, Tengo ending the call after a short time; this being to months ago, in Sept. Tengo also checks on the buddy subbing his class, and asks him to check out the moon when convenient.

Before leaving the sanatorium this evening, 1 of the nurses invites him to dine with her and a couple other nurses, he accepts, since he hadn't eaten meat in awhile. Tengo keeps his wits about him as he sits in on their monthly ladies night. The older nurse deduces Tengo having been involved with an older lady, Tengo getting antsy to find his mo to outro himself, and also hopes Fuka-Eri continues to leave the door shut. Ushi redirects his focus from the dowager's safe house to gathering more info on Aomame, so goes through his illegal source to help.

He knew a few months would be too late to gain all the mysterious answers, esp with Sakigake pressing on him, but would wait the week or so to allow Bat to do his dirty dealings. Ushi next discovers Aomame's old apt had been paid to stay leased for 3 more months despite nothing being in it. Exactly 10 days after chatting with Bat, he calls to tell of gathering everything on Aomame found at the church and at her job, Ushi receiving the files by messenger. Ushi's hope flounders for a mo with the task of sifting through the possible expensive trash, til he works on it til nightfall, changing his mind and feeling he'd gotten his money's worth.

Whilst he pretty much uncovers the dowager and Aomame's motivation for joining forces to kill Leader, he didn't quite have the proof to present it to Sakigake, but knew he was at least on the right path. The docs from Aomame's parents religion held much less detail on Aomame, since they stopped tracking her after she'd left the Witnesses at 11. There also isn't enough reason for Aomame's blood lust to stem from, Ushi considering the attempt to ask the fam q's about her. Ushi also recognizes Aomame's grammar school name, but not knowing why, at first, and also considers what could've occurred at the school to make her renounce her religion.

Ushi figures out it is Tengo who also went to the school, locating the files he'd made on him for Sakigake, then notes how they definitely could've known each other, a bit more satisfied with his progress, now. Aomame isn't visited by any unknown people for the next couple weeks, despite the resolve of the claimed NHK collector. She also has never had trouble sleeping, and had no dreams, but now she is, and they are realistic, and hard to distinguish from wakefulness. Now, she wakes from 3 types of dreams during the night. 1 is hearing only thunder in a dark room, nekkid in bed, and also hearing something else in the room with her, which disappears somehow, not hearing the normal exits being used.

Aomame turns the light on, and sees an ever-changing hole, large enough for a person to go through, but being solidly black, Aomame waking before doing anything or wanting to do so. The 2nd type, she's still nekkid, but on the Expressway, and it feels like she's going to start menses, when an old lady about her size opens her car door and gets out, winding her way through cars to give her a knee-length coat, and buttoning it fully before returning. Aomame isn't sure if she sees a backward wave to her candid statement of her situation, and whether she'd be able to get her coat back to her. Then, it feels like flow has started, but sees it's without color. The 3rd type is the more difficult to describe, other then noticing the feeling of constant motion.

Everything is fluid, and she becomes transparent, not knowing if she still exists. When Tamaru calls, he isn't happy about the mistake with the collector, since it's auto-paid, and they have a sticker on the door saying so. Aomame dismisses it, despite Tamaru's obviously being niggled, and they chat of Sakigake diligently still hunting her, whilst nothing appeared different with them on the surface, and also still no successor being made. Aomame also adds a puzzling request for her upcoming groceries, asking for a pregnancy test, whilst not being, and a manual on female anatomy and menses, Tamaru deciding to return the call.

15 minutes later, Aomame is chatting with the dowager about her routine daily, as well as exercises and eating habits. Next, she gets to the test, Aomame telling the dowager for being a few weeks late for the 1st time ever, and whilst she hadn't been active since June, she felt like she could be preggers. The dowager states she'd get a variety delivered to her by next day, Aomame telling of her idea it'd occured when she'd gone to the Leader's hotel. Later, an NHK collector returns, he using his psych tricks, and Aomame sweating in her pits as he mentions it.

He toys with her a bit before leaving, she deducing he isn't with Sakigake. Aomame next notes of a reply when she says, dohta under her breath, maza being returned. Tengo walks the young nurse Adachi home, and she offers him hashish to smoke with her from India. Adachi rambles on about her 1st experience smoking giving her the impression of being in an air chrysalis, and looking out to try and see her maza.

This is the only reason Tengo entertains the idea of accepting Adachi's invite, hoping to glean more new ideas for young Aomame being in the air chrysalis he saw. As Tengo waits for Adachi to change, though he regrets staying, she taking her time. Adachi returns, and Tengo turns off her TV, thinking of leaving due to curfew, but also feeling lazy, so Adachi makes a pipe, and they smoke. Once he starts feeling high, the memory with Aomame in the classroom comes back to him, vibrantly real, and with smells, he speaking to her, but her voice sounding like Adachi's.

Despite this, Aomame says she'd discovered him, so he should locate her, the vision ending. Tengo wakes in Adachi's bed, but the 2 simply lay there, she then talking riddles about being reborn, and Tengo not asking the "right" q when he asks of air chrysalises. When he awakes again, it is early morning, he remembering the chats of last night clearly, and taking the advice to get to Tokyo before his exit is blocked, but before doing this, would go to farewell his pop. Ushi visits Tengo and Aomame's grammar school at noon, he being reminded of his unsatisfying school experience, and learning those who don't think, are those who aren't listening to others.

When sitting with the v.p. for his arranged meeting, he's able to ask about Aomame and Tengo's class and info on their teacher. By the end of his meeting he'd also been able to make an appt with the teacher later in the day at her current school. Ushi considers the possible conspiracy of Tengo and Aomame working separately to take down Sakigake, but it doesn't add up as much as the 2 working apart, and not knowing their connection. Upon speaking with Tengo's homeroom teacher, she reveals the time Tengo'd been kicked out of home, also noting how much she put him on a pedestal.

So, when Ushi switches topics to Aomame, he can hear the octave in her voice change as she reveals a piece of info she wished to keep between them both. She explains how alone Aomame was in school, her parents unbending to make Aomame's experience easier, so she keeps herself invisible. Ushi appreciates the info and is able to note the improbability of Tengo and Aomame being a couple. So, knowing his 3 options, he sees Tengo is the simplest to stick with, so Tengo now being his main project in order to get to Aomame.

He takes a nap on the train, unworried by anyone deciding to sit next to him, despite the train being crowded. Aomame leaves a note for Tamaru to be picked up by her grocery gremlins, she also receiving 3 pregger kits. When she has the chance to try 1, it gives a +, and when using a 2nd test with the same pee, she gets another +, so decides to wait to take the 3rd tmw. Aomame feels she doesn't require it, though since she felt preggers, and somehow had the deed happen when she'd murdered Leader.

Remembering her dream made her relax with the idea someone cares and was watching her, also having an odd idea of Tengo somehow being the pop. Aomame also considers how she hasn't tried climbing back up the expressway, but she wants to see Tengo in 1Q84, 1st. The next afternoon, Tamaru calls to update Aomame on the actual NHK collector not having been harassing her, so whoever this is had baffling reasons. Aomame tells of being preggers, and would stay til the end of the year.

She also wonders if the dowager had noticed the moons, yet. After ending the call, and waking from a short nap, she decides she'd keep the baby. When Tengo visits his pop for the last day in town, none of the trio of nurses are there. He addresses his pop for the last time logically, confessing his other reason for visiting is for the air chrysalis and Aomame.

Tengo goes on to relate of Fuka-Eri's experience with the NHK worker, and whether it'd been his pop, who ofc doesn't move. Regardless, Tengo tells him to stop going to doors if it was, he not working anymore, and people not needing to be harrassed by him. Tengo leaves without being able to farewell the trio of nurses, but leaves cat town with paranoia of getting stuck there. Tengo knows the odds he'd return there whilst his pop still lived was slim.

When he'd gotten to his apt, Fuka-Eri isn't there, but it looked like she'd tidied before leaving. After eating, he calls his buddy who'd covered for him, learning she'd left a letter for him at the school with him. After taking a walk, and going to a bar for a drink, Teng considers his mechanical fuck with Fuka-Eri, and how he no longer seems to have sexual desire (Fuka-Eri is conduit of Tengo's jizz to Aomame getting preggers?..). He also compares Gone with the Wind author not getting better than this work, like the erection and O he'd had with Fuka-Eri being "perfect".

Tengo concludes with thinking if Aomame is also looking for him, she may still be in the area, wanting to see the moon, he considers a good spot to go for another view. Ushi notes how opposite of inconspicuous he is when it came to the job requirement of blending in. Also within his fam unit, which all the others resembled one another, whilst he took after his gramps cousin. Due to his natural hermitism he learned to see both sides of a matter, and would study subj's he did, and didn't agree with.

Ushi isn't certain he wishes to track Tengo, but also is stuck without a decent pic of Aomame, so'd need to react by instinct. Tengo's apt doesn't provide much shelter when it came to good spots for a man who looks like Ushi to view from without looking suspicious. He goes home for a bath to think on how to proceed. It doesn't strike Ushi til after he'd gotten out, and had a beer. By morning, he is at the real estate agency which handles rentals in Tengo's building, which there was, so Ushi is able to view the place solo, since the young rep had an appt elsewhere, soon.

After seeing the place, he goes back to finalize rent, and grabs the items he'd need for his stakeout. Ushi sets up his tripod to take photos whenever someone came to the building, and could snap shots by remote. His first night at the apt is chilly as he tries to sleep in a sleeping bag, Tengo not turning up today, but Ushi the patient type. Aomame gets a feeling she'd survive to have her kid, and continues to sit, and wait for Tengo as she realizes she does have faith in a god, but the religious people around her had ruined her spiritualism.

She forms the idea of her God being different from theirs. She begins having a repetitive dream of Buzzcut and Ponytail keeping her in a white cube room, which dilutes sound, and she is about to have her baby, the 2 planning on taking the child. Aomame knew she wouldn't hesitate on emptying her gun at them. Next, the NHK collector returns, threatens her again loudly, and leaves after 10 mins.

Later, she chats with the dowager, who relates having her new set up ready for when she is ready to give birth, and how they'd spotted Ushi when he'd been stalking her property. Aomame agrees she'd keep a look out for him, and the dowager admits to missing Aomame's energy. The 2 agree on how their terrible anger had taken a backseat. After ending the call, Aomame knew she must locate Tengo before she must move.

Tengo makes the decision to return to the slide to view the moons. He goes and looks for awhile before remembering to call Komatsu the next day, and to pick up F-E's letter. After reading it, Tengo ponders on who F-E could have thought would be watching his apt, and why, if they passed her as being acquirable. The crow F-E claims to be able to chat with stops on. his balcony, but since it didn't seem likely Sakigake'd use a crow as spy, he considers where else his apt could be visible, since it wasn't viewable from most vantage points.

Tengo tries Komatsu's office for a 2nd time at 2 pm, and succeeds in setting a chat time for 7pm and Komatsu would spill. Tengo arrives a little early, and Komatsu's a bit late, but when they start, Tengo learns F-E'd returned to her home, the news most likely covering the story by next day. Komatsu then questions Tengo on whether he'd fooled with F-E per Prof's request to know. After this, Komatsu confides of having been kidnapped for a little over 2 weeks.

Ushi learns by noon the next day of Tengo's time off when he'd called the school during his spying lull, and whilst he is curious to discover more, since he knew Tengo's affection for his pop is minimal, he decides to wait for Tengo to return, rather than focus on more active, but seemingly less important areas to sniff out. A little after noon, Ushi catches F-E leaving, recognizing her after she'd gone out of sight. When he remembers who she is, he follows her to the market, and back, he deciding he wouldn't share his knowledge of her with Sakigake, Aomame more important. After entering his spy apt, he sees F-E exit again later in the day, she looking up at the sky for something she couldn't locate.

F-E unnerves Ushi into thinking she could see him despite her distance, and his damping the cam sounds before reentering the building. This night, Ushi's sense of unsettlement persists from F-E's blank stare at him through his cam. Next morning, Ushi invests in an electric heater, and doesn't see anything in the spot F-E'd looked up for the day before. After a nap, he gets insistent knocking, and hears the calls of the NHK collector, he waiting to get a pic of him, but he not leaving by nightfall.

Aomame is on the balcony at 8 pm when she gets a call from Tamaru, asking her opinion of Proust so far, she liking it, but having to reread passages, so isn't getting far. Meanwhile, Tamaru notes of not having seen Ushi return, but could deduce he is looking for Aomame, and is dangerous. So, if she's being careful now, she'd need to be even more going forward, since Tamaru senses Ushi's professionalism. Before hanging up, he says he'll be adding Madeleine's to her next grocery shop list, to break the blue isolation vibes.

When she returns to the balcony with hot chocolate, she sees what looks like a large-headed child running out of the playground, and out of her line of sight, she refocusing on the slide. What did doesn't know is it was Ushi, she having missed Tengo whilst preparing her drink, but also missing Ushi, so is still safe from Sakigake. On the other side, Ushi's experience of watching Tengo, and checking whatever it was he was looking for, left him feeling spacey. Before going into REM sleep, she has a snippet dream of the dowager. She's in the greenhouse with the dowager, close to popping out the kid, and they're silent, til someone opens the door, the dream not including the ID.

This wakes Aomame, and she worries about locating Tengo from her balcony, soon; she falls asleep once more. Komatsu relates his 1st 3 days in captivity, or so he thinks according to the meals and his sleep cycles. He would be bored blind during his waking hours, since they only stuck him in a white, windowless room. On the 4th day, Buzzcut and Ponytail come in with the silent fella who brings Komatsu's meals and shaving/toothbrush items.

He recollects the 2 having drugged him and were dangerous, despite looking like a comedy duo. After their initial chat, which Buzzcut allows Komatsu to believe he is right in assuming Sakigake has captured him as their guest, the 2 not returning for a week and 3 days. When they do, they relate how much hot water he created by publishing Air Chrysalis, the voices not being heard by Sakigake anymore. So, in order to fix their predicament, Komatsu would stop all publication of the book, and no paperback would be issued.

Komatsu is told the details of F-E's pop dying, so Prof would let his search go. Komatsu's left in the room for 4 more days, then is drugged and left on a bench, then actually gets a cold for 3 more days. After recovering he shares the news with the Prof, who seems to take his time absorbing his buddies deaths. Chatting with Komatsu about the roles of dohta and maza also makes their roles easier to understand for Tengo, now, but he rejects the idea of F-E being the dohta.

He doesn't confess how his new novel remains in the world of 2 moons, but also can't explain the feeling of being rushed to an unknown direction. Thursday morning, Ushi sees F-E exit with all her belongings, looking up at the sky and then at Ushi again, unnerving him. He goes through the rest of the day half numbly recovering from F-E's gaze, suspecting Tengo'd return before the new week started. Ushi sees him late Sat, then early evening, following him to a bar, and waiting outside for a chilly half hour, again stalking him as he goes to the slide.

Ushi can't determine why Tengo sat there, until after he leaves, Ushi taking a long needed piss in a bush, then climbing the slide to see the 2 moons, now wondering how he'd gotten to this 2 mooned world. Aomame is having a typical day, glad to not have periods, and noting her hair being longer than preferred length. This leads to how she thinks her skin looks nicer, and whether it is because of the pregnancy or her skin care regiment. She wonder why her opinion of her looks has changed.

She sits on her balcony watching the neighborhood take advantage of the fine weather and use the playground, and benches. Aomame leaves daytime watch of the park, since Tengo wouldn't be there in daylight hours. This night, a little after 8pm, Aomame sees a man and realizes it's the same fool she'd glimpsed the night before, and is definitely the same as Tamaru had described. As she's readying to report to Tamaru, she lightbulbs on how Ushi could very well lead her to Tengo, so hangs up before finishing entering the number.

Aomame readies herself, and goes out to scout Ushi from a safe distance. Aomame follows him back to his apt, and is struck by Tengo's last name, at the mailboxes. She's aware she shouldn't pause long, so goes to Tengo's door, paranoid Ushi is setting her up. She tries ringing the bell a couple times before biffing off, making up her mind on how she'd proceed by the time she'd gotten back.

She alerts Tamaru of what had occurred, and shares the address he'd gone to, they next agreeing she'd remain inside and he'd share these updates with the dowager. Tengo gets phoned at 2am from the young nurse Adachi, breaking the news of his pop dying, his room bell going off, and she finding him dead. Despite this being Tengo's 1st day back at school, he'd call out and head over to handle the paperwork. He gets to the hospice by mid-morning, and views the body.

After, nurse Tamura lists what he'd need to handle before dealing with the lawyer. Tengo accepts her offer to use his pop's room til handling the business, he imagining Aomame holding his hand silently. He handles the certificates without issue, and the funeral director gets his ok, and siggy to proceed with his pop's plans. After, the lawyer provides a letter from Tengo's pop, which he painstakingly opens, and discovers more envelopes inside.

1 with cash, another with articles of Tengo's achievements, and lastly, a photo of his fam, Tengo knowing his pop had lied about not having any pics of them all. At 6pm Omura collects him for dinner, and Kumi asks to join him for the cremation. Kumi also reveals how his pop had been tapping the side of his bed, Tengo realizing he was mimicking knocking on doors, and when she asks what he thought he was best at, he claims to not know. Ushi sees Tengo leave, but doesn't follow him, Tengo off to see Komatsu.

Ushi has business elsewhere, remembering his way back to the playground to look at the moons. He can't believe it, but his eyes said he must. After going home and making a sammie, he catches Aomame only leaving, not prepared to discover where she was going. Ushi dismisses it being Aomame for how out of character it is for her to be so reckless.

He goes to sleep before Tengo returns, this night being when he is told of his pop. In the morning, Ushi learns of Tengo's absence from work, he thinking of how Tengo's ma had died by getting strangled, Tengo with her in the inn room, and with a young man. Ushi goes to develop his film, and is more convinced with the notion of having captured Aomame. Ushi calls it a night at 11pm, being woken by the feeling of someone in his room, and not seeing his clock.

He thinks he's about to die when he's getting choked out, but comes to blindfolded, and in his piss-filled pants, he hearing how whoever it is, isn't going to make Ushi's death quick. Aomame remains awake til next day, a Mon, she knowing she had to wait for Tamaru to make the next move, and leave it in his hands, but also wondering if he'd find a reason to stop her meeting Tengo, it being too late, now. Aomame reads Air Chrysalis for the 10th time, and realizes whilst Tengo created this world with 2 moons, her choosing to be a part of it, also made it her world, her "story". So, if this is the case, she could add to the story in some way, only not knowing how, yet.

She then notices her abdomen is glowing a faint orange, like an air chrysalis, she wondering how she'd become pregnant. She next comes to a decision, laying down, and going to sleep. Tengo and Adachi attend the simple showing and cremation, Tengo bringing up how she remembers dying before by strangling and would definitely remember the man's face if she saw it. Before parting ways, she offers to take care of the remains, Tengo accepting, and she imparting the advice to let go of qs of his pop's secrets, she also waving him off when he'd caught his train.

He gets home in the early evening, and make peace with the idea of his pop being his pop even if their was a q of genetics, so he could move beyond it. Ushi at first reluctantly answers the unknown man's qs, esp after being punched in the kidneys. Ushi also clarifies how he is a contractor and not a follower of the religion, but he isn't completely straight forward and so he gets suffocated a bit, so he becomes more honest, and admits Sakigake didn't know the connection between Aomame and Tengo, yet. He reveals more as asked, and is even told of Aomame being preggers.

After a bit longer, Tamaru realizes Ushi's talent, and how he'd fucked his career up. Tamaru apologizes before suffocating Ushi for real this time, and waiting to be sure he is dead. His last thoughts being about a dumb dog rather than his cherished one, also wondering why he is being killed for telling the truth. Tamaru makes Ushi presentable, since he knew dying with a plastic bag over 1's head is not the most ideal way to die.

Next, Tamaru calls Ushi's contact to inform of his death, the 2 going on to chat of how they only wished to chat with Aomame, and they no longer pursued Fuka-Eri. Tamaru shares he'd contact them later, and how they'd handle Ushi's bod. Aomame gets a phone call from Tamaru explaining what'd happened in veiled terms, he making clear she shouldn't go back there, since he'd informed Sakigake to handle it. He regrets killing Ushi, but he learned too much.

After this, Aomame confesses the deal she'd made with Leader, and whilst Tamaru wanted to believe her, it didn't make sense how she'd gotten preggers. Tamaru mentions the obv possibility of the baby being Leader's, but Aomame straight up slaps that shit down, and so he accepts her version of ideas. Aomame also understands why Sakigake wanted to keep her safe being for the baby. So, once Sakigake learns of Tengo's connection, it'd make her vulnerable, and she should move ASAP, but she refuses til she sees Tengo, so Tamaru says he'd run it by the dowager.

Tamaru also has the sense the dowager'd ok it, so asks what message she'd like him to give Tengo, she settling on having him come to the slide after dark, and bring anything which'd allow his hands to be free. The next day after noon, Tamaru calls to tell of giving her message and he'd be there at 7pm, he also having been searching for her. She has her go bag, and outfit ready, Tamaru admitting he'd miss her, and the dowager can't come to the phone, which Aomame understood. He then asks what she'd do with Tengo, she saying they'd look at the moon, and Tamaru regarding how romahntic it was.

Before 8, Tengo gets a call from Tamaru to chat of Aomame, he afterward trying to fill the time til 7. He thinks of what they'd talk of, and how he didn't have anything tethering him to his job or apt. He gets to the slid 7 to 7, making sure to take a roundabout route. After sitting atop the slide, he closes his eyes and listens to the sounds around him melt together.

Next he knows, Aomame is holding his hand, sitting by him. He still has his eyes closed, but knew it was Aomame. They sit silently for awhile, til Aomame says his name, and requests he open his eyes to see the moon. Ushi's body lay under the bright light, Buzzcut and Ponytail in the freezing room with him.

They leave him here to pass rigor mortis stage before incinerating him. Buzzcut has to explain why Ushi'd be targeted and considers they were a part of who killed Leader. The superior member also notes of having to acquire Aomame. Buzzcut realizes Ushi is most likely tracking Tengo, so calls some men to watch, and follow him.

It is too late by the time Buzzcut is riding back to Tokyo, though, he having forgotten to get permission, and Tengo and Aomame already together. An hr after, Ushi's mouth opens and 6 Little People walk out. They sit in a circle, each 1 pulling out an air thread except 1 who takes a hair from Ushi as thread, the group weaving an air chrysalis which'd be ready before the 3 days required to fire up Ushi's bod, a bit of his soul now an air chrysalis. Tengo still can't talk, but nod about seeing the 2 moons, Aomame cuddling him, and glad to know he saw them, as well.

The first thing he does say is of they having to leave the cat town, Aomame agreeing, the 2 able to hear each other's thoughts as they leave the park. They get a cab, and stay silent til Aomame confides she wished to tell him everything, but they didn't have much time, and even if they did, she may not be able to explain it all. She does reveal carrying his baby which he accepts, what with his side of things, agreeing he'd share more later. They now felt more solid about escaping this world, and Sakigake's grasp together.

They get back to where the Expressway ladder should be, Aomame locating it and going up first. She again thinks of her 2 buddies lovely jubblies as she climbs freezing her coochie off. They make it to the top and back into their world, traffic horrible for some reason. They only seen 1 moon, so they are either back or in a 3rd world.

They get a taxi without a fair going down the Expressway, get a hotel with a room view of the moon, and fuck. Now, Aomame feels like the 3 of them could be content in this new world. Yay, I'm killing Murakami for myself a bit! I see the narrow-minded bits which people have mentioned taking them out of the story, but despite this, it's still an easy, fun story for the most part, and granted, some bits stayed in mystery, but I'm glad I finally read another story regarding Little People.