The Destruction of Batana

THE ZENZEN 7

“Hey, by the way why are you talking so politely to him whereas if to me you are so relaxed?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Everyone is always like that, right? When you first meet a newly identified person, you will definitely talk politely and formally. I have been with you for a year. It's only natural that I talk casually with you. When I first met you, I used formal language. The conversation between individuals is influenced by time. That's why I can't talk informally to him. He also speaks formal language to you, doesn't he? That proves he doesn't recognize you. Because he considers you a stranger.”

Ador rubbed his face. “God... You're really good at finding excuses. I don't even know what else to say.”

I just wave my hand.

The event continued with a tour around the entire academy. This is done with the students. We were all invited and introduced to the various buildings in the Talenta Academy. Each building has its own meaning and characteristics. The more senior a disciple here would then occupy the most luxurious and magnificent building in the Talenta Academy. Not all students can go on to the next level. The guide gave us some things that could make a disciple unable to proceed to the next level. One of the biggest reasons is that the student is not talented enough to continue in the Sky Academy. It's kind of filtering inside the screening. The more you try to climb up, the narrower the hole you're going through.

Afternoon was approaching and we had perfectly surrounded the Academy which had the breadth of a palace. The facilities are no doubt. It's a great school for disabled people like me. There was one rule as well in this academy, the average person who entered here had a disability related to the physical body. Most of them lose a leg or hand. Even more uniquely the more flawed you are and the more talented you are, the chances of you getting into the Talent Academy are huge. That's why I don't know if it's a blessing or not.

Finally came the farewell of the new students who were about to stay in the dorm with each guardian. I looked at the children my age shaking hands and hugging their parents. Although not much, but it is enough to make some residents of the dormitory who do not have parents cry enviously staring at them. Me and Ador walked side by side towards the gates of the Talent Academy.

“Ador, speaking of the accident... Did the accident really happen eight years ago?”

Ador just nodded. Not talking.

“It looks like there's something you're hiding. I always wondered why in your old age you are still unmarried and have children.” I looked at him suspiciously.

The one looked at increasingly looked stiff. Until finally Ador breathed a long sigh. “That really happened, son. I had a family first. But they died in the plane crash.” Ador was silent for a moment. “But it's the past, so what am I telling it back for. Let the bad memories disappear and the good memories flow. If I were just slumped in a painful memory I would never be able to develop and meet other children. I can never be a good Ador to less fortunate children like them. At least I just want to look strong in front of them by always hiding my weaknesses.”

I'm nodding. “Therefore you adopt children so as not to feel lost. Your weakness is already apparent in my eyes.”

Ador jerks. “Hei! You know what you are, son. Don't you be a psychic, huh? Or a psychiatrist who is able to read the contents of a person's heart or feelings through facial expressions and behavior.”

“Hah, I've been with you for a year. Judging from your various behaviors it has explained various things. Of course it's an easy thing.”

We have been perfectly outside the Talent Academy. The cars began to leave the parking lot and drove outside the academy. Ador rubbed his hair.

“I'll visit often, Nak.”

I wave my hand. “I don't think it's necessary. The more you visit here, the more depressed I feel. And it will only burden you.  Other children will also be envious of me if you visit here too often.”

This one's a lie.

This one's honest.

Ador nodded and chuckled. “You are a wonderful child. I'm gonna miss you, kid. The lab would be quiet without you. I'm sure I'll miss your nasty prank in the lab. Come home anytime if you want. I will not force you to complete your duties in this academy. If you are in trouble or are no longer able,” Ador shook his head. “Do not force yourself and return to the laboratory. I will be happy to welcome you. All of this is just my selfish request of you. I never thought about your position and how you were. I'm just thinking about myself. Trying to treat what's empty of me. That's why I just look forward and never look back. Because if I looked back for one time, I would only fall to the bottom of the abyss that was behind me.”

I'm nodding. “Tan easy, Ador. I will definitely give a crushing blow to Cario. That's why you just need to relax in your lab. Tomorrow you will definitely hear the various achievements that I have.”

This one's a lie.

Ador chuckled for the umpteenth time. He ruffled my hair rough. “I'm really lucky to meet you.”

I smile grinningly. “Iya.”

Ador patted me on the shoulder and started to leave me. Sometimes he turns around. I waved my hand and continued to smile until her body was lost at a crossroad. Leaving me standing alone in front of the academy gate with a twilight light hitting my face.

Finally after a year I managed to leave the stuffy laboratory. Although still not able to breathe a sigh of relief, at least today I can escape the restraint even if only for a moment. Why did I say for a moment? Because I still have one thing to do. Defeating Cario at all costs. By beating him at least I can gain Ador's trust.

I have two different plans. The first one is that I will utilize Ador's trust to obtain the orange cube stored in his room for many years. This way I will use if I succeed in realizing Ador's wishes. The second way is that if I fail in the future and do not meet Ador's expectations, I will seize the cube by force. I've been preparing these two things for a year. Thus I will never forget and move forward for what I want.

“Notify all new students from Talenta Academy to enter the auditorium immediately. Instructors will give directions openly. We repeat, be foreseen to all new students from..”.

Notification has been announced. I exhaled for a moment and inched from where I stood. The sun was getting drowned and a reddish tinge began to scribble adorning the space. The sound of a crow was heard above the sky. I stopped for a moment and looked up at the sky. Watching the crows flapping violently in the twilight sky. A crow's feather fell slowly over me. I grabbed the feather and held it. Then throw it along with the twilight wind that hits the leaves and shady trees.

My name is Zenzen and I am a special child. I say I am special because I have a great talent that has been bottled up since I was born. I carry a million resentments in every step I take. I am still young today, but I have a different mind and view of the world. Maybe other kids my age will be busy with writing down their teenage years. But I'm different. I have something more important about my future. I want everyone to bow down under me with no exceptions. To make the world I dream of come true. So that I can smile over the suffering of others.