Joy Boy listened to Rhett's words, watching the undisguised hatred in his eyes. He understood. This wasn't just "bad." It was something that crossed a line. Something that had to be destroyed.
Rhett took a breath. "Joy Boy, use your ability. Find me someone."
"Who?"
"Find someone in this country who still fights it. Someone who still resists. One person. One person might save this place."
"If there's no one..." The mist around him thickened. "Then I'll destroy this place."
Joy Boy saw Rhett wasn't joking. "They might be tricked!"
"Do I look like a savior?"
Joy Boy searched. His ears twitched. He listened for a heart that still beat for freedom.
Rhett waited. The girl stood beside him, ready.
Then Joy Boy smiled. "I found one!"
He grabbed them. They appeared at a poor house.
Inside, a boy of fifteen or sixteen was writhing on the ground. He was in withdrawal. His sister was crying, holding some of the "happy grass."
"Just a little! It will help!"
"No!" He knocked it away. "It's poison. It's control. I won't take it."
He gasped. "I even thought of selling you. For more of it. I won't become that."
The sister cried, holding him.
Rhett's anger cooled.
One soul, still fighting.