
I decided to stay at the tattoo house. Although I think this place is more worthy of being called a workshop than a house. Night approaching. Floating moon. Random star-studded formations in the night sky. This area is very quiet. Probably because it's far from the city center. I decided to go to the courtyard. The air feels cold. Until I heard the noise outside. Someone sounded as they ruffled the iron scraps. I approached the origin of the sound. Surprised to find Tatu throwing junk in the middle of pitch darkness. As if looking for something.
“Tatu, what are you doing?”
“Gosh! you surprised me, son. Don't stand behind me without a sound. You're like a ghost. Moreover, your face looks pale. How, are you feeling better?” Ask Tatu while still dismantling the pile of junk right on the edge of the courtyard.
“Yes, I've been feeling better.”
“Good then.” The tattoo laughed for a moment.
Silent moment. Leave the sound of falling iron. Until I get a question in my mind.
“Tatu, how did you survive the incident?”
The movement of the tattoo stopped for a moment. “Ah, I forgot to tell you! Alright. But before that, can you help me find some stuff?”
I'm nodding.
“I'm looking for a tool with a shape like a human hand. But I forgot where to put the tool.”
I nodded for a moment. Then help Tatu find the tool he means.
After fifteen minutes of searching, we did not find the object in question. That hand-shaped device. The sky was getting darker and the atmosphere was getting quieter. We finally decided to stop the search. Sitting in a courtyard that was already filled with pieces of iron that were scattered unbecoming.
“Ah, shit! I should have kept the tools. I don't know if a day like this is coming. But as promised, I will tell you how we survived the incident. There were more painful memories that day. But I'll never be an adult if I can't forget. I'm right, right?”
I just smiled thinly.
“So much I want to tell you, Lian. Alright, I'll start from the incident before the incident. As usual, Natania and I were always checking the RP-2 condition while your mother was coordinating some people to put the sonar right at the top of the base. Your mother figured out how to turn those robots on. As you know. RP-2 is not a robot. It has a trigger to activate it. And it's completely different from other robots. Somehow the way ancient scientists created robots as sophisticated as that. It's just that all the history of the robot is hidden somewhere. In the end we had no way but to create our own way of activating the robot.
Using a transmitter created by the Batana team, we managed to activate the robot. At first everything went well. The robots moved and did everything we commanded. Happiness filled the headquarters. But for some reason, about eight hours later, the robots suddenly scanned us. One of the two robots emitted a reddish-colored light. Then the lights spread throughout the headquarters circuit. Natania and I who first witnessed the incident immediately contacted your mother who was on the top floor of the headquarters.”
The tattoo takes a deep breath. “I don't think your mom is having anything weird either. The transmitter above the headquarters suddenly emitted a reddish-colored light. According to your mother, it's a kind of wave that's aimed at all RP-2 in the world. We think it's a good thing. This way the whole world will appreciate our efforts. But our arrogance is bearing havoc. The transmitter was not good news, but a very bad thing.Sudden Zenzen suddenly made an announcement. Announcement that everyone should submit to him before it is too late.”
“We do not understand the intent of the announcement. Some people are starting to get scared. Your mother first learned of Zenzen's heinous plan. He immediately turned on the alarm sign. Just as the alarm rang, the robots suddenly attacked us one by one. I can still clearly remember the details of the massacre. The death of my friends, my relatives, all the people who are precious to me. I can still remember it. Big explosions happen. Blood pooled everywhere like a battlefield. We all ran to the top floor. No matter who we are or are not, we encourage each other to save ourselves. Whether lucky or not, Natania and I made it to the top and managed to board the emergency plane. In the end we survived. But our sin over the resurrection of the robots flows throughout our lives.” The tattoo began to glaze over. “We are really stupid. Why we never wondered why the robot was deactivated. We should have found out. Our ego trumps risk. Makes us tempted to fame without knowing the consequences of our actions.”
Stuck tattoo. He no longer seems to be able to tell stories.
“Tatu, it's not your fault. You just followed Zenzen's orders. You're just trying to survive. Are not all humans like that? Just like me. Who decided to run on my last day with my mother. Maybe if I had preferred to keep up with my mother, the ending I was living would have been different. Different in good or bad. What is clear is that all of this is the destiny of the tattoo. All of us who live and live our days have a reason to change the future. At least that's what I believed during my trip.” I smiled while looking at the sky.
The tattoo wiped his tears. “Yeah, you're right, son. That's why I'm trying to fix it. I created various tools. Do a lot of experiments. Tried to discuss with the surviving members of Batana. But many more did not want to deal with Batana anymore. Choose to live a normal life and live daily life with their families and relatives. I'm never gonna push, son. In the end, it was the only team I could muster over the years. The twins who want to destroy RP-2. An old gruff grandfather who wanted to slap Zenzen in the face. A woman who wants to fix everything. And a stocky man who wants to atone for his sins.”
“Don't forget the youngster who wants to meet everyone's expectations.” I added.
The tattoo laughed out loud. His laughter blurted out in the silent night sky.
“Hei, Tattoo! Did you just call me a jutek girl?” Someone is behind us.
We spontaneously turned our heads and found everyone standing right in front of the gate. Natania glared at the Tattoo with rage. The tattoo only scratches his head which does not itch.
“Gosh! How dare you call me old grandpa!” Ador added.
“Yes! So mean!” The twins shouted along with a loud voice.
“But you are indeed a Tattoo. We are a team and we have the same goal. End this suffering and free everyone from their ‘sangkar’. Plus we have Lian who will be the way out of our problems for many years.” Natania walked over and patted Tatu roughly on the shoulder.
“Aw! That hurts, Natania! So sick! This way you'll never get married. You will be single for the rest of your life!” The tattoo replies with a stick.
Natania Semain got angry and punched a sizzling belly tattoo. The tattoo exclaimed stifled. Followed by another laugh.
“Yeah, you deserve a tattoo. Now what's your plan?” Asked Natania in a cold tone.
The tattoo grimaced while holding his stomach. “We have to find iron hand.”
“Iron hand? You mean Hot-Powered Electric Blobs” Tania asked convincingly.
“Yes, that thing. But don't call it that term. I prefer the name iron hand over the term. The mechanical name is too much. I mean, what if we use it when it's precarious? It would be hard to mention it.”
“Alright, it's up to you.” Natania twists her eyeballs and shrugs her shoulders.
“For what tools is Tattoo?” I decided to ask. Not understanding the direction of their conversation.
“You said you can't use your powers for a month, right? Well, the iron hand has a function that is far different from EM. But he has one resemblance, both absorb body heat and turn it into electricity. It was from electricity that the power of an iron hand could punch a person more deadly than an ordinary hand. It used to be used by Batana scientists to justify damage to the base and destroy some unnecessary objects. I just forgot where to put the tools. I remember once carrying a pair when I ran away from the base. Because Batrice and I were wearing the device while checking RP-2.” The tattoo scratches his head which is not itchy.
“Why was the iron hand not used against RP-2 back then?”
“It was because the tool did not work to destroy something bigger.” this time it was Natania who replied, “it can only destroy small objects and some failed inventions but with a size no larger than an eight-year-old. Of course it is impossible to destroy the RP-2 which has a height of two meters. But since you're here, we have reason to reuse the iron fist. Especially now there is Ador.”
We all looked towards Ador. Ador's face looked confused.
“Hey, hey! Why are you all looking at me like that?”
Tattoo gulps. Eyes twinkling. He seemed to be expecting something from Ador.
“Don't tell me you're gonna tell me to create a tool. My answer is no!” Ador threw his face and turned around.
“Waiting Ador! we are not asking you to create, but rather asking you to perfect.” Natania intercepts Ador who turns around.
“Iya Ador, at least let's listen to the words Tatu and Natania.” Jin persuaded him.
“Because they're the ones who've given us a home at a time when everyone thinks we're weird.” Jun adds.
“You don't remember what human nature is? Do you all want the same thing to happen a second time?” Ador grunts violently.
“Ador, we understand you're very angry. But right now we have Lian. We also have EM. Lian even nearly defeated Zenzen using EM. Didn't you say yourself that EM can help us all?” Natania tried to convince.
Ador did not answer. He made us wait for his decision.
“Ador, I know you have a hard time trusting others after your experience. You were betrayed by someone you loved so much. I've experienced that too. But someone must have had a reason for his betrayal. Some of them may be filled with fear and make them decide to betray. That must be what Zenzen felt. And we're here trying to fix it. Would you also like to meet with Zenzen and teach that ungodly child a lesson? Didn't you say the wrong guy wasn't the tool?” I coaxed him.
Silent. Ador still has not given an answer. Maybe he was digesting all of our sentences.
After waiting for a few minutes, Ador sighed. “Good.”
We all breathed a sigh of relief.
“But I have one condition.” Ador pointed his index finger.
We're back choked.
“I will only make three pairs.”
“Hey, it's unacceptable.” The tattoo denies Ador's terms. “Zenzen it's got an army of robots and bandits. He also has technology that is no less sophisticated. Of course it would be unfair to only make three pairs.”
“OK, okay. You want so much! I'll perfect ten pairs.”
“Ten? It's still..”
“Ten or nothing.” Ador.
The tattoo is disappointed. “Good..”.
That night we spent looking for the iron hand that Tatu meant. It is very difficult to find these objects in the middle of his house that is very messy. We had to look for it among the junk that was buried at various points. Coupled with strange robots made by Tatu that often surprised us all. Even some tools that accidentally came to life suddenly made a mess. The night is not boring. Laughter filled the room. Sometimes they fight and blame each other. I'm just trying to calm down. I'm just a guest here anyway. I have no reason to join their debate.
After two hours of searching we finally found him.
“I FOUND IT!” Exclaimed Jin who ran over with excitement while carrying an iron hand that had rusted.
“Wah! Finally!” The tattoo exclaimed merrily and received a pair of iron hands the size of an adult man. He just wears the next door to make sure the tool.
“You are sure the tool still works?” Ador shuddered in horror staring at the rusty iron hand.
“Of course! The object of Batana is undoubtedly its sophistication.” The tattoo began to raise his hand.
We all waited expectantly.
The tool began to rustle and the segments began to move.a circle-shaped gap opened right on the palm of the hand. A bluish-colored light flowed in the crevices of the iron segment.
“Well, watch this majestic iron fist!” The tattoo exclaimed in spirit.
The device is grinding harder. The light is getting brighter. It made me close my eyes. The tattoo began to clench his hand and the tool began to propagate until it filled the arm. We all cried out stifledly and stared at the astonishment of the iron hand lining the hand of the Tattoo. He looks handsome.
A few moments later, the device suddenly shook. And a few minutes later the iron hand just shattered. Scattered on the floor. We all fell silent. Including tattoos that are already in the style of a super hero.
“At least we still have one.” Plain tattooed while rubbing his thick beard.
“Arghhh! Tattooing... You ruined the tool!” Natania growled furiously.
The tattoo is just laughing. His body moved. “Sorry..”
“Sini! Let me check it out.” Ador snatched the other iron hand. He put it on the table and collected some tools that I did not understand its function.
“Do you still remember how to make the iron hand, Tatu?” I whispered softly.
“Unfortunately I've forgotten, Son.”
“Didn't you say yourself that you created advanced tools in this city? You should be able to make it again, right?”
Tattoo chuckles. “Actually it is not entirely me who created these tools. I just gave some documents to the center of the Blacksmith City. Then they are the ones who apply it.”
I stared at the Tatu in disbelief.
“Tatu is really stupid to give those documents.” Natania answered. “But if the document is still in our hands, maybe we will not stay in this ancient workshop. I really can't believe that he's made it to Batana. I'm sure he must have used cheating.” Natania pointed around the room with her eyes.
“Basic is not polite! Of course I'm not giving the documents away for no reason. At least with the documents it can help everyone to live. Anyway I also need them to come back to believe in Batana.” Tattoo grumbling.
Natania just shrugged her shoulders no matter what.
After five minutes of Ador checking the device, he finally began to speak up.
“I already know the framework, circuit, along with the working system of this tool. It's just that maybe we need a flexible but strong material. While looking at the materials that the Tattoo has is just junk material. We need a new one. The stronger one. Plus, in order to refine the tool and add some features, we need more sophisticated and elite headquarters and equipment. That is if you really want maximum results.”
“Hey, there's no way we can keep all your will. Didn't you used to be able to create sophisticated tools like the one Zenzen wore with limited tools and materials?” The tattoo denies Ador's opinion.
“You think I'm a haphazard doctor! My lab is equivalent to an elite building here! You think I saved people with junk, huh? Of course not.”
“Good, we understand, Ador. We'll negotiate it tomorrow. It's almost midnight anyway. We all need to rest and recover for tomorrow. Maybe we'll be busy. Mainly Lian.” Natania looked at me, “I'm sure you're very tired of it. Make sure you rest tonight. Understand?”
I nodded in response.
“If you need anything, you can come to my room and Jun. Our room is next to yours.” Jin gave a suggestion.
I nodded once more.
***
Tomorrow comes so fast.
Morning dawned. We all started talking in Tatu's lab. This place does not deserve to be called a laboratory. Ah, it's not important. We are discussing the creation of a new iron hand. This will spark some debate between them.
“Maybe we can get some materials in the mining center of Bandai Besi City.” jin give advice.
“True, all kinds of materials for electronic devices are in the place.” Jun added.
“I'm sure it will be difficult to get materials from mining.” Natania nodded in disapproval.
“Why? Aren't you a former member of Batana? They should have accepted your request.” My toot.
“It was hard, Lian. The Blacksmith City Mine is indeed the most famous and important place in this city. Ninety-nine percent of materials for electronic goods across the city come from the mine. It's just that all of that needs permission. For what materials are used, for what purpose the manufacture of electronic goods from these materials, and others. To get all those permits, we have to go through the inspection from the Mayor of the Iron Clever first.” Natania explained.
The tattoo agrees. “Maybe we can get the permission. But I'm not sure if the mayor still wants to see me. I last saw him about four or five years ago. The day that the city construction began. But it was the mayor himself who met me.”
“What did he do back then?”
The tattoo smiled. “She requested the documents and architectural sketches of the former Blacksmith City. I gave it to him because he still appreciates Batana. He gave us an appreciation by building a duplicate of the actual city.”
“That sounds like you utilized Tatu.” Jin.
“Iya I agree with Jin.” Jun did not want to lose commenting.
“Entah for some reason, I feel agree with Jin.” comment I added. “What if you try to contact the mayor again. Maybe he'll listen to us. Moreover, our goal is to defeat Zenzen and shut down the entire RP-2 that is out there. There's no harm in trying, right?”
Natania shakes. “That's the impossible Lian. It seems the mayor is just using the tattoo. If he really appreciates the performance of Batana, he should also give Tatu an elite facility and all the advanced equipment. All he did was take the documents. Isn't that unfair?”
“Oh, of course the mayor gave me appreciation. To be honest he offered me some things like you mentioned, Nat. I just rejected all of those offers. I'm still afraid that the public appearance of the Batana members will trigger another dispute.It's possible that they will wonder about our promise that has not materialized. Or worse, they remember about the incident that took millions of lives. So I decided to move mysteriously.” The tattoo moves his fingers. Middle dramatizing.
“Then you should be able to contact the mayor again, right? At least try to contact him. We'll never know if we don't try.” I suggested again.
“Hmm... Alright. I'll try it.” The tattoo finally decided.
“Eh, wait a minute.” Suddenly I remembered something. “I forgot one thing, Tattoo. Looks like we really can't contact the mayor.”
They all stared in surprise at me.
“Begini, Zenzen once told me about how he caught me, got information about me, found my place. He did it all in a very cunning and organized way. At first I didn't believe all Zenzen said. But now I can understand his intelligence through the stories of all of you. Zenzen put a spy in almost every town he's ever been in or visited. I'm worried that those spies could be in this town and find us. Zenzen once said that his spies were residing in the shade of the higher-ups. Of course, it makes it easier for him to get information. I think his predicate as a bandit was just to scare everyone and spread rumors. So that if one day he quarrels with a city or country, he will easily solve it. Enough with the fingertips that are clenched then everyone will be frightened and submit before him.”
The room was silent for a moment. They were all digesting my words.
“Then, does Zenzen know about us?” Jin started the question.
“If true, chances are you guys have been watched for years. Just like me. I got caught that way. Zenzen does not use bar-bar or frivolous means. She loves the game-like way and waits for her prey to come near her.”
“Huh, the fact he's a former head of state makes me riled up. We're not free to do something.” Ador grumbling.
“It looks like there is one way.” I'm back to saying. “I know someone who can help us. People I trust a lot.”