The Destruction of Batana

I'M ZENZEN 3

“HAHAHAHA! I did not expect that the store owner would be so easily lied to.” Songmin laughed out loud as she wiped the sweat that soaked her forehead.

“It's very easy to get money from him.” Agia was shaking off the money she had earned.

“Huh, it sucks. The three patrolers who had approached me even teased me. Of course I couldn't stand it and beat all three of them. Do I need to report this action to the security center? How can a patrolman act like that?” Badas jutek.

“That's because your face is too pretty, Badas.” Said Droid while giving his thumbs up.

Badas did not accept and hit Droid on the head. The one who was beaten complained of pain.

“Woah, you know? My heart really wanted to be dislodged earlier.” Fencing stroked his chest. He was almost caught if Songmin was a second late.

They were all laughing and proud of each other. This made me really want to take part in the action. But the coup only told me to pay attention. Especially if it's not because I'm a new member.

“Hey, Zenzen, what did you notice earlier?” The coup asked in a serious tone.

All the gazes were directed at me. I swallowed spit. Why did the atmosphere suddenly change like this?

I thought for a moment. Honestly, this way feels very risky. Anyway, this is modern times. Anything can happen. Like the store owner who came back because he heard reports of lights out.

“We cannot use the same way repeatedly. That's a very risky thing. Looks like the electrical center gets a signal if there is an area that turns off the lights. That's why the shop owner came back. There are some things that we can't guess and we're stuck with. Especially in the modern age. Even though the store is small, they still use security equipment that can make us get caught. That is why the Droid ability is needed. It's just that this way won't last long. As clever as a jumping squirrel, it will surely eventually fall as well. We cannot continue to feel safe in this zone and be satisfied with our abilities. Or we'll just fall like those squirrels.”

The room was silent for a moment. They're all pensive.

“Hey, so you underestimated the way of the Coup?” Badas exclaimed ketus. “I told you to watch your mouth, boy. You know what you're about the Coup?”

Badas intends to come forward to hit me. But Agia and the others first broke up.

“Wait a minute, Badas. Zenzen new member. Therefore he does not understand anything about us.” Agia was trying to find the right reason to protect me.

Instantly the room felt tense. I'm just saying the truth. What's wrong? After all, the coup asked and I just answered the question. Where's my mistake?

“What Zenzen said is true. We can't use this method repeatedly. There comes a time when we have to do Upgrade.” The coup diluted the atmosphere. ”I've guessed Zenzen would say so. I am good at judging people. I know that the store owner isn't as stupid as he looks. Zenzen is good at assessing situations. That's why I decided to invite him to join. We have to prepare a more sophisticated and modern way. If need target we should be more than a small store.” The coup d'etat.

“If the Coup says so, I have no problem.” Songmin shrugged her shoulders.

“I also.” Fencing raised his hand.

One by one they agreed on the sentence of the Coup. With the exception of Badas. He looked at me with a murderous look. I threw away my face. Trying not to care. He seems to dislike me very much. We were all waiting for Badas' decision but instead of talking he preferred to leave the room.

“No need to put to heart, Boy. The girl is in puberty. Hence she is very sensitive.” Droid mediates.

“Alright, for tonight I have decided Zenzen to become an official member.” Excite the coup in a loud tone.

All cheering. For the first time, I felt something I never felt. What is this feeling? Even though the air was cold, my body was warm. I felt like I had found something I had been looking for all along.

Group disperse. Before that the Coup distributed our share equally. For valuables to be sold tomorrow on the black market. Money and food were distributed tonight. I got at least eight loaves of bread and some money. At first I refused to give that much because I did nothing when they all acted. The coup forced. Tell them that the answer to the question is how I can help them get better. And that deserves appreciation.

The night felt very long. Agia and I walked through alleyways filled with puddles everywhere. All the way down only a dim light. It's cloudy but I feel so happy tonight. I completely forgot what all the people who looked down on me said when I begged for help.

“Seeing from your expression it seems like you are very happy?” Agia started the conversation.

“Of course.” I replied with a five-centimeter-wide smile. Humming all the way. “Hei, Agia. It seems like stealing isn't as bad as I thought.”

“I told you, right? You're too sensitive. Try if you joined from a long time ago. Surely your brother won't be in pain now.”

I'm stalled. Holy hooch! I forgot about Brother.

“Agia, sorry it looks like I have to go home now.” I hurried away with a run. Don't forget to wave your hand towards Agia.

“BOOK I'LL VISIT YOUR HOUSE!!!” Shouted Agia from a distance. Following the anger of the citizens who protested with cries of Agia. I almost laughed.

I ran as fast as I could. My heart is beating fast. My feelings are filled with anxiety as well as happy feelings.

I have arrived. Since I usually turn on the lights, my house feels dark tonight. I turned on the lights and looked for my brother. And I found him on the floor. I called out in panic and hurriedly lifted her back up onto the bed. God, since when is my brother this light?

My brother looked unconscious. Guilt haunts me. What if you don't wake up? I can't lose her. I can't lose anyone anymore. For me, it's just my brother's reason to keep living. For me, he is my reason for staying.

I kept shaking Big Brother's body. I called out in panic. Calling his name repeatedly. My efforts yielded results. Big brother started to blink his eyes and glanced at me.

“Kak, I got food.” I hurried to get a piece of bread. ”This time food is clean. Not anymore rotten food as I get usually.”

I swallowed spit. “Because Brother ate first. You haven't eaten all day, have you? Sorry I left Brother alone.”

I greeted Brother slowly. He chewed my bread greedily. Still less, I gave potonagn a second loaf. But my mouth stopped as soon as I saw Kak Ikai's teary eyes.

“What's the problem, brother? Does Brother's stomach still hurt?” I asked worriedly.

Brother Ikai shook his head slowly and wiped his tears that were almost glistening. “I thought, I thought you'd leave me alone. That's why I try to walk. I thought by walking I could reach you. I thought by walking I wouldn't lose you. You're the only family I have. If you leave, I'll never have anyone.”

I was silent for a moment. Even though my brother was seventeen, he still had the soul of a little boy. Due to the paralysis in his legs he can only depend on me. Different from me, because I have to take care of Brother since Father's death makes me more mature than I should be.

“So don't worry. I will never leave my brother. I'll never leave you no matter what. It won't. Little finger promise.” I pointed my little finger. As a sign this treaty will never be broken.

Brother smiled. He hooked his little finger to my finger. We laughed for a moment.

“Oh yes, Brother. It's not fair that I'm the only one who won't leave Brother. Brother must also promise to never leave me.”

Brother laughed crisply. Ruffling my hair. “You think where I'm going with my feet like this.”

That night we spent talking. He no longer asked me where I got the food. If he asks me tomorrow, I'll just say I work.

The day passed so quickly. Week by week passed. I've been an important member of a small group of coups. I got the planning and monitoring section. To be honest, this is a big task for me. I am twelve. And I've been holding something great like this. Maybe I'm harboring pent-up talent.

I know them more than I know myself. A traumatized droid with ambulance sirens, Songmin, who has a scar on her back as a result of a fight between her parents, Fencing, which is bullied due to her small and abnormal physique, Badas who had been beaten to pieces by his male friend. They all have their own life problems. Make them have to taste the bitterness of the hard streets. A coup? He's still mysterious. Until now no one had dared to ask about his past. Again I don't care. After all, being accepted into this group has been the most beautiful part of my life.

We no longer steal in small shops. We started looting big stores, shopping malls, even factories. Our equipment is more sophisticated and up-to-date. We got that stuff from the black market. Over time we have grown.

Until we get into one problem. Rumors began to circulate. A lot of people talk about invisible thieves. At least that's the nickname they gave us. Oh, that's real. We moved without seeing anything or anyone. We left no trace let alone a clue. Of course, everyone called us by that name. There are many people who are beginning to search for our existence. Even some people offer great rewards to anyone who can find us either alive or dead. Again, we have to do something to solve this problem.

Finally we decided not to steal for a few weeks until the rumors subsided. At least our supplies are plenty. We formed a bank of our own. The stolen money we collect in one place for future stock. The money will be used later if we need more sophisticated equipment.

My relationship with my brother is getting better. We spend more time together. Again, I never asked where I got my food. I did everything I could to make Brother never suspect. One of them keeps all my money in a hidden place that no one will see.

Until one day, Brother suddenly looked out the window of the goal. His face looked hopeful. Although she smiled as if she harbored a deep sadness. I seem to know what he has in mind. Without thinking I made something for him. Wheelchairs.

“Jeez, Zenzen. What the fuck is this thing?” He looked at me with astonished eyes.

“This is a wheelchair, Brother.”

“Eh, where did you get this thing?”

I rolled my eyeballs. Looking for the right reason. “I made it. Coincidentally yesterday while I was working, I found this thing and tried to fix it. As a result, it turns out this is a wheelchair.”

The brother looked at me with a probing look. “Hey, how did you make it while you never studied let alone school?”

I rubbed my hair. “So I know for myself, right?” I knocked on my head. “I have a smart brain.”

Brother laughs. “OK, okay. I admit it.”

I helped Brother get into a wheelchair. Even if it only uses materials and makeshift equipment, the chair is enough to make Brother smile.

We spent the day wandering around. There are no interesting sights to see in this slum. Big brother smiled more while pointing at some things and asking me to come closer. If only, if only I could always see Big Brother smiling every day, I would never again worry about everything. I will never again feel sad and anxious. My days will always be happy and colorful.

We're tracing the trail. Brother just fell silent. I also don't know what else I want to talk to Brother about.

“Zenzen, if only our parents were still alive... We'll be happier, right? Mom and Dad must be so proud of you. You can live me and yourself by working. You don't need to take care of me anymore either. You can go anywhere and anytime as you please. Not bound by this paralyzed me.”

I swallowed spit. My steps stopped, actually keeping the secret that I was a thief was a burden for me. Every time you talk about Mom and Dad, I'm silent for a thousand words. My tongue feels heavy and my body feels stiff. Maybe because I lied to you about where I got the money.

“Yes, maybe we will be happy.” I tried to put on a smile.

It didn't feel like the afternoon was coming. We're back home. My sister is feeling sleepy. I put him on the bed and left him alone in the room. I closed the door slowly so as not to wake her up.

“Sorry, Brother. I lied to you.” I said in my heart.