58 The Only Creative Person in the World

Part Five ...in which Peanut arrives at the end of the rainbow

Chapter 58 The Only Creative Person in the World So, let's say that you do destroy Little Tail,' said Peanut, a bead of sweat appearing on her brow. 'That would mean that nobody would ever be able to travel between Chroma and the real world again, not now that you've rubbed out all of the existing portals.' 'I know,' said Nerys, laughing, as she walked back up the leafy passageway towards the illustrated door in the control- room wall. 'Isn't it delicious?' 'It's evil, that's what it is,' Peanut spat. 'Well, evil is a subjective concept. One woman's "evil" is another woman's... "innovative".'

Peanut glanced over at Alan again. He was still on his knees by the trapdoor. ' But... but... if you do destroy the pencil, nobody, including you, will ever be able to get back home again. 'Well, there are certainly no flies on you, lovely,' said Nerys. 'What you are failing to grasp, however, is the fact that I am not going to do it until I am safely back in London, along with my little art collection over there by the wall. Imagine what everybody will say when I bring back all these priceless artefacts that they had thought were gone forever. I'll be quite the hero, won't I? Wouldn't be surprised if I get to meet the king. Peanut swallowed hard, her arms still pinned to her sides. But that's not the best part,' continued Nerys. 'You see, once the world loses access to Chroma, its creative hub, the number of people interested in making art will start to dwindle. They just won't feel the need to pick up a pencil, throw a pot, or paint a portrait anymore. I imagine that within a few years that compulsion for making art will have disappeared off the face of the earth, leaving little ol' me as the only creative person in the world. ' But... at some point you'll lose the urge to be creative too,' said Peanut, still desperately playing for time. 'I'll bring my own small supply of rainbow water to dip into should I ever feel the need.' Nerys pointed to a large barrel, on top of which sat the Jinou Yonggu Cup of Emperor

Qianlong. 'Not quite the same as a swim in the Rainbow Lake, which I've never had the privilege of doing, but a cupful poured over the old noggin every now and then will certainly have an effect. Peanut's eyes widened. Nerys really had thought of everything. She could feel the panic rising inside her. 'So, you see,' continued Nerys. 'My skills will finally be appreciated, and I will get the recognition I deserve.' 'And what about Chroma?' asked Peanut, the colour draining from her face. 'What about it?' Nerys replied. 'I won't ever need to come back, will I? And I won't have to worry about anyone else visiting the city and swimming in the Rainbow Lake because no one will be able to get there. The portals are all gone, remember. Peanut looked over to Alan again. He was still on the floor, but there was no sign of Leo or her parents. He must be strugling to open the trapdoor, she thought to herself. She took a deep breath and, with one final effort, pushed as hard as she could against RAZER 005's metal arms. But it was no use. They didn't budge. The flame of hope flickering inside her was slowly being extinguished. Don't worry though, lovely,' continued Nerys. 'You can stay here for as long as you like. And when I say as long as you like, I mean... forever!'