The Destruction of Batana

PRISON

“What should we do to the boy?”

Faintly, I heard the voice of someone talking.

“We have to tell the mayor.”

“But, not everyone who is not from this city should be expelled?”

“You have a point. But the real problem was, why did the boy get through the main gate? He shouldn't be able to enter unless he's a resident of this town. Don't-don't he used to be a resident of this city?”

“It is possible that the main gate is broken. Lately there have been many complaints about the gate. Last week I heard from one of the residents about the gate. He said he would have to wait an hour for the main gate to open.”

They continued to argue about the main gate. The wounds on my body have been treated, I tried to get out of bed. Stare around.

I don't find any doors anywhere. This room was only illuminated by worn-out lights hanging on the sky roof. Sometimes I hold my head that hurts. Struggling towards the wall of the room. Trying to find a way out.

I also have to save Liana. I'm sure the soldier must have lied. I continued down the wall of the room. Groping the surface, hoping there is a gap in the wall.

When my hand touched one of the walls, a greenish glow filled the wall. It's magical! In front of me was a door. I hurried to step out. However, just as I came out, two guards greeted me. They look surprised. Reflek, I punched one of the guards in the face. He bounced a few meters.

Oi! Since when have I been that strong? I didn't get to think. Now, the other soldier attacked me. Unleash fire. I can't escape. As soon as the bullet touched my body, instantly, I felt my body go limp. I'm drooping, falling down. The soldier put a handcuff-like device into my hand.

“Damn it! This kid punched me in the face.” The soldier I punched.

I growled in annoyance. My body can't move. I couldn't even make a sound because of the gunfire. Most likely the bullet was some kind of dope.

“How can this brat open the room?” Ask the soldier who shot me.

“Where do I know! Are you also telling me that the bulkhead room is also damaged like the main gate?”

They argue back. Amidst their debate, a horde of soldiers were seen approaching. Behind him was a long-haired girl with a tanned color.

“What is this?” The girl asked softly. Stop their discussion. Instantly they looked respectfully.

“Excuse us, Miss Kei. Actually we want to notify this matter to the mayor as soon as.”

“What problems? And who's the man you guys handcuffed?” The girl's eyes were on me. He was silent for a moment. And...

“Lian! Are you that?” He looks surprised. Approaching me.

How could he know me? I don't even know who that girl might be the same age or younger than me is.

“Gosh! Lian, it's been a long time since we last met. Soldier, please remove the handcuffs in his hands, and give him the antidote so that he returns to how he was!”

“Excuse us, Miss Kei. We can't do it without the mayor's permission, this guy seems dangerous.”

“Then it is, just make the sound back!”

The soldier took out the serum, injected it into me. Just when the liquid entered my body, I immediately asked about Liana.

“WHERE IS MY SISTER?”

The soldier hit me on the head. I complained of pain. Looked at the soldier.

“You better keep your manners to Miss Kei, Boy!”

“Hei! Don't be rude to her!” Shake the girl. The soldier looked down, apologizing.

“Lian, I know this is hard. But we did an autopsy on your sister's body. He had bleeding in the brain from a violent impact. Another cause, the air recycle tube was destroyed. I'm sure he's breathing dirty air out there before you get into this place.”

Instantly, my body went limp. Not because of the bullet. But none other than that explanation sounds very reasonable. I'm bowed. The space in my chest felt empty. I don't even know why I didn't cry.

“You please don't hurt him until I ask this to the mayor.”

The two soldiers nodded. Take me back into the room. Let me lie on the floor.

I just fell silent. I don't care at all about the coldness of the floor that stings my skin. Empty gazes. After this long journey, everything ended in vain. Liana, he...

Without realizing my tears. This time it hurts more. I can't accept the fact that my sister died. This pain slowly began to turn into regret. My cries began to fill the room. I'd love to smack my chest. Eliminate the pain inside by hurting my body. But what is power. I can't even move.

　

　

***

　

　

My crying stopped after there were no tears left. I'm exhausted. I was tired because I didn't know what to do. Without my sister, it feels like the world no longer means anything to me. Even I forgot the important task Mother gave me. He went to a town called Batana. Mammy? I don't even know how she is right now.

A few moments later. Two soldiers entered the room. Carry my body. I don't know where to take me. I just resigned.

I was taken by car. Looks like I'm going to be transferred to jail. Seen from the glass of a car coated with iron bars. My body can move. Shortly before I was transported to the car, they injected me with the antidote. But I just kept quiet. Stare blankly at the dull car floor. Not interested in seeing the city.

We have arrived. The prison was surrounded by a 7-meter-high iron wall. The yard looks big and full of trees. The prison building itself has 10 floors. They removed the handcuffs on my hand, then put some kind of bracelet on my wrist.

“For the time being, you we're holding in jail as probation. This bracelet provides information on all your actions while telling you all the schedules in prison. If you do anything suspicious, this bracelet will also shock you.”

“When your probation is over, we will release you. You can stay in this city or go.”

I just kept quiet. Follow all their instructions.

They took me into the building. I could see the faces of the prisoners. They look at me sharply. I seem to know what they have in mind. Again, I don't care. I was taken to the top floor.

They opened one of the cells. When I got inside, this cell didn't look like a prison. More like an apartment with 3 rooms, as well as a bathroom in each room. The floor and walls are white. Maybe it's a VIP prison.

“Yo! You must be the new prisoner that the people are talking about.” Someone greeted me. He looks friendly. Judging from his physique, his age might be a year or two older than me.

“Vero, can you calm down? You're bothering me!” Excited another prisoner who was sitting in the corner of the room reading a book. His body looks heavy. With blackish skin and bald head.

“Make sure you two treat this new prisoner well. If anything happens to him, your sentence will be extended.” Said one of the soldiers.

“Oi! Does that mean he's a special prisoner? Bun, we have a special guest.” He cried out more cheerfully than before. His friend seemed uninterested. Just glancing at me. Get busy with reading.

“But what's with this prisoner? He looked battered, like he had fought on the battlefield. This must be what you soldiers did.”

“You don't talk carelessly, Vero.” Said one of the soldiers carefully. It seems they know each other.

The two soldiers then left. Instantly, the prison door closed automatically. Cannot open except during certain schedules.

“Hey, what if we get acquainted? I'm Veroka, you can call me Vero. The cold, fierce heartless man in the corner was called Bundara. You can call him Bun.

“Who did you say was heartless, huh?” Bundara said not to accept.

“Hahaha, that's reality. The proof is everyone who saw you for the first time said so.”

“Damn it! Talk once more, I throw your face in this thick book!” This time he glared. His face looks even more sinister.

“Sorry, I was just kidding. All right, we've introduced ourselves. Next you, boy. Whatis yourname? And why did you end up in this prison?”

I'm speechless. Duck. I don't think I want to talk to anyone.

“Looks like you don't want to be disturbed. It's good you rest. It's already night. Tomorrow, we have to get up early in the morning following the prison schedule. If you're ready to talk, don't hesitate to talk to me or with Bun.”

Vero showed me my room, then left me alone.

I turned off the lights, went to bed. Even the bed feels comfortable. That was when, just as I closed my eyes, I seemed to see a pair of round eyes. I'm appalled. My body vibrates. I don't know where this fear came from. I tried to close my eyes again. I could not, again I saw that pair of red eyes. I kept repeating it many times. Free I can't sleep, there I'm getting scared.

Not too much trouble sleeping, this time I seemed to hear the roar of the robots. I tried to cover both ears. No, the voice came from the mind. My body is shaking violently. Sweat all over my body.

“Time to sleep. If you do not comply with the applicable regulations, we will increase your penalty. Time to sleep..”

This time, the bracelet that was on my wrist kept making noises. This made my situation worse. My heart beats faster. I closed my eyes again while closing my ears. The sound of my bracelet stopped. It seems that I should keep my eyes closed, even if it is very torturous. I could see the scene where I was being chased and attacked.

　

　

***

　

　

“Time to wake up. If you do not comply with the applicable regulations, we will increase your penalty.”

Just as the bracelet spoke, I quickly opened my eyes. My breaths. As if he had fought desperately. I still feel my body shake.

“Yo! You're awake, boy. Hows it? What's your sleep?” Sapa Vero cheerfully.

“I can't sleep at all. It felt, the night was like a fight schedule for me.” My breath in my heart.

“Hey, your face is pale as if chased by a bear. You must have had a bad dream.”

“How could I have dreamed? I didn't even sleep last night.” I really want to say that phrase. But I undo it. I really don't want to talk to anyone.

“Vero, don't bother him!” Bundara exclaimed fiercely.

“This has nothing to do with you, Bun.”

“You can't see, huh? He obviously doesn't want to be disturbed.” Bundara glared while brandishing his fists. “I told you, leave it!”

“Alright, I give up.” Vero left me while putting on a wry face. He must be upset that he wasn't allowed to talk to me.

At 07.00.

“You know? The reason why this building was made 10 floors?”

I shook my head slowly.

“This is because Mayor Keios divided the prison into 10 parts.”

I just found out if the name of this city is Keios City.

“The first floor is reserved for death row prisoners. But the death penalty system in this city is a little unique. Prisoners were given the job of being soldiers to destroy the robots. They won't be able to run or hide when they're fighting out there. Because in the end they will die,”

Vero paused for a moment, then resumed his sentence. “Their bracelet, equipped with deadly poison. If they did not fight, then the bracelets in their hands would inject poison into their bodies. In the end they will also die.”

“The second floor for perpetrators of violence. All forms of violence will be put into the second floor prison. The penalty can be 6 months to 10 years.”

Hearing the word violence I remembered one of the soldiers I punched while I was still being held in the room. Isn't that an act of violence?

“The third floor is for thieves. Their sentence period depends on how big the thing they stole.”

“The next floor is the fourth floor for sellers and users of illegal goods. One of the most illegal items in Keios City is the wreck of a Border Guard Robot. The mayor hates that. He did not even allow recycling of the robots. Let alone the carcass, even bolts from the robot should not be taken or sold buy.”

“Then fifth floor. This prison is for fraudsters. This is something the mayor hates. That's because the mayor once had a bitter experience with a con man.”

“Next, sixth floor for officials. Well, you know for yourself what a person's behavior is like if he already has a position.”

“Seventh floor for good name polluters. So, it's good that you don't badmouth the mayor, boy.” Vero said that sentence in a whisper.

“Eighth floor for rebels. Those who revolt because they do not agree with the rules in force will be held in this prison. But if the rebels have committed other criminal acts, they will be put in another prison.”

“Ninth floor prison for prisoners who get additional sentences. The prison was very small and only fit one person. Even I heard the facilities inside were bad. But not as bad as a first-floor prison.”

“And the last of our prison is the tenth floor,” Vero smiled proudly. Re-explain. “Our prison is the most elite prison among other prisons. That's because we're special prisoners, Bocah”

“All those placed in the tenth-floor prison are important people in this city who made a mistake. But of course a small mistake. Boy, will you tell me why you can be in this place?”

Holy hooch! I just found out why he purposely explained everything about this prison. It was all for the sake of listening to my story. Of course I refused. I left him by speeding up my steps. I don't want to let myself dissolve into grief by recalling my bad memories.

“Tu, wait! At least tell me the reason why you could be in this prison!” Vero shouted raucously. I didn't care about it, speeding up my pace.

“Ck ck. It's your fault, Vero. That kid obviously doesn't want to talk to you.” Round said while shaking his head.

“Shut up, Bun! I just want to get him closer to us. I don't even know what his name is.”

The two of them continued to argue. I don't mind them. Currently busy queuing up to get breakfast rations. Although I actually have no taste for food.

Bundara and Vero have caught up with me. They're waiting right behind me. I hope Vero doesn't ask me anything.

“Bocah, at least tell us what your name is. I don't know what to call you.” Vero asked.

I sighed softly. It seemed like he would not stop asking until I answered his question. But again I don't speak. This time it wasn't because I didn't want to, but it was my turn to get some food. Obviously I couldn't take my eyes off the officer who was handing out food. I'm afraid my disrespectful attitude towards the officers in prison will add to the sentence.

I walked to one of the dining tables. I can't believe Vero is following me. I was really surprised by his persistent attitude.

“So what's your name?”

“Lian.” I answered briefly.

Vero smiled with satisfaction. It seems he was really happy just to know my name.

I tried to swallow my food. For some reason, Liana's face fluttered in my mind. At once the taste of the food I chewed was bitter. My chest is back. This bad taste turns into nausea. I don't think I'll be able to finish my food.

“There's a bo...Uh, I mean, what's up, Lian?”

I moved from my seat. Vero looked at me in wonder. But he seems to understand my condition. He decided not to follow me.

At 08:00

The bracelet in my hand went off again. Tell me the next schedule.

“Time for work. You get a job as a doctor's assistant. Please head to the house on the right of the prison building.”

“Gosh! Lian, you are truly a special guest.” Vero looked surprised. He seems to be getting ready for work, too. From my guess it looks like he's been cleaning service.

Bundara looked at me in wonder. “Rarely any prisoner gets a task with an important person in Keios.” City

“I'm suspicious, Bun. Lian is not a prisoner. Could be he's the one who just stayed overnight in our prison.” Vero exclaimed in probing.

I'm a little surprised by the prison system in this town. The prisoners were given their own jobs. Vero became a cleaning service, and Bundara got a job as a quarry digger.

The bracelet in my hand tells me what to do in my work. Telling me forbidden things that could get me electrocuted or get extra punishment.

I'm heading to my destination. A house next to the prison. The house looks big. It has 2 floors with simple architecture. In the garden there are various kinds of plants. Some I recognize.

I knocked on the door. As much as possible be polite.

“Log in!” someone inside told me to come in.

I opened the door slowly. Instantly, the smell of medicines smelled.

“You must be Lian, right?” An old man greeted me. His body looks fresh.

I nodded in response. The old man chuckled. He's probably about 70. His face looks friendly and shady.

“Alright, because today is your first day, we will only get to know each other.”

The old man invited me to sit down. He made tea for me, then gave it to me.

“Try you to drink my herbal tea. This is the result of my garden.”

I nodded, then drank the tea. And...

UHUK! I coughed. The tea taste was really terrible. The smell is delicious but it cannot be explained. The old man laughed once more. Did he just prank me?

“Take it easy, I don't intend to prank you. I got information if you couldn't sleep last night. The tea you just drank is one of the medicines I made for you. Of course I also have another medicine for you to take.”

He laughed again, as if he could read my sour look.

“I'll introduce myself. I'm Doctor Ruzdora. I actually don't like it when people call me that title. So especially for you, call me Ruz or Ruzdora”

I nodded back.

“You're really quiet, Lian. Ah, we don't have to talk. There's actually something I want to talk to you about.”

Ruzdora changed her sitting position. He brought himself closer to me. As if you wanted to talk about something very important.

“Lian, actually you don't have any job. I brought you here because Miss Kei was the one who asked me directly,” Ruzdora was silent for a moment. His face looks serious. “I don't know what your relationship is with Miss Kei. But for Miss Kei, you are a very important person to her.”

How can I be important to someone I don't even recognize?

“I heard, before you were transferred to prison, Miss Kei argued with her father aka Mayor Keios. He wants Mayor Keios to set you free. Even I heard Miss Keios cry to her father.”

“Because Miss Kei is the only daughter of Mayor Keios, she allowed to release you on the condition that you have to undergo probation. My question is, do you know Miss Kei?”

I shook my head slowly. I really don't recognize him.

“Then allow me to do a check on your body. There is most likely something that has a problem with your memory. Last night, Miss Kei told me a little about you. He said you were very familiar with him when you were 8 years old.”

I don't know why, my head feels so dizzy. It was as if my mind was trying to remember something.

“No need to force your memory, Lian. I'll try to find the problem on your mind.

Ruzdora took me to a room. Inside was a tube about the size of an adult male connected to a monitor. He asked me to lie down in that tube.

“This tool will check your whole body state and display through the monitor. You just lie down 5 minutes in the tube.”

I nodded in understanding. Do all the instructions. The greenish light flushed my body slowly. It starts from my head and goes all the way to my toes. As Ruzdora said, the situation inside my body appeared inside the monitor.

Ruzdora noticed the information on the monitor. His face looks very serious. His hands were moving, as if reading a novel.

A few moments later he looked surprised. As if you do not believe the information in the monitor. This time his eyes were on me.

“Lian! This is really surprising!” Ruzdora approached me, holding tightly onto my shoulder. Back say. “Whatever happens, don't let anyone know about this.”

Aboutwhat? I don't understand the meaning of the conversation.

“There's a device embedded in your body, Lian. It's the device that blocks your memory. I'm sure the person who planted the device on you doesn't want you to remember anything.” Ruzdora rubbed her face, she looked displeased. “Actually, I'm not sure if the tool only serves as a memory blocker. I'm sure there must be another purpose. But one thing I'm afraid of, if it's taken out of your body you could die, Lian.”

I swallowed spit. I don't know if there's been a device embedded in my body. Even more terrifying, it determined my life.

“At this time I do not know the other functions of the tool. But I will definitely try to figure that out. Remember that! Don't ever tell anyone about this, Lian! Not even Miss Kei. If he's telling you about your past, pretend you remember him,”

“For today we will suffice first. Most likely I will stay up late to find out what tools are embedded in your body.”

Ruzdora led me to the front door. Don't forget he gave me drugs. It must be about my sleep problem.

“Make sure you drink it, Lian. Don't leave one. I also added the tea I made just now.”

I sighed softly. Ruzdora just smiled knot.

“Lian, no matter what happens in your life, you have to accept everything. Instead of doing a reject.”

I don't know why those words slapped my face. It was so hard that I thought, lest he know about my bad memories.