Chapter 8
"Black Padrone"
After several weeks of the expedition, the Warriors of Ciboro moved through different areas with varying scenery. Inevitably, conflicts arose, but they resolved them quickly, which further strengthened their relationship.
They discovered new things whenever they engaged with their surroundings, encountering bizarre creatures with different cultures and practices.
"I told you not to take this route. There aren't even any islands in this area," Jrazm expressed.
"My stomach hurts whenever we only eat fish. I want meat and vegetables, I hope," Tatukwe requested.
"We are almost there, in this area," Ahn-ahn pointed to the location where they saw a wavelength.
"Are you confident that we are following the Covens Radar Compass, Ahn?" Wamaro asked.
"I asked for your opinion earlier on whether we should go across the ocean, which is a shortcut, or take the mainland, which is a longer way to reach Skasta," sighed Ahn-ahn.
"And you replied, 'shortcut.' After this island, we are almost there," she added.
"Okay, Harris, you need to bring something to eat now," ordered Endang.
"Right away. I will cook it perfectly, my dear sister," responded Harris. Then he jumped into the ocean.
"AGAIN. AHH," exclaimed Tatukwe.
Unfortunately, they will disembark on Isla de Leslin, where the vicious fate of the past takes place. Little did the siblings comprehend that it was here on this island that everything began, and their identity was created. This is also where their radar queue, provided by Raddi, was lost track of.
***
"What is this island?" yelled Tatukwe.
"Of all the places we have been to, this is the most terrific," stated Harris.
"Are you sure about that, Harris? This place is the same as others. They will treat us like shit," indicated Jrazm. She handed each of them a face mask.
"Guys, you know what to do. Hide your identities. Just trade these fish for important things. Okay?" conveyed Endang. Then she gave each one 4–8 feet of Ocean sunfish.
"Tatukwe, we only need indispensable stuff. Okay?" reminded Wamaro.
"Yes, I know, Wamaro," responded Tatukwe.
"I can feel the ambiance is like in Mordallatico," rustled Ahn-ahn.
They sold all the fish before dusk, rested for a while, and stood in front of the seashore of the island. Some entities were there and busy with their endeavors.
They didn't immediately ask about concerns and instead observed the environment first. This place can be said to be amicable, but you can feel the odd energy hidden in the creatures here.
Besides them, foreigners also appeared from other towns. Others imported their commodities. In this place, you can see diverse classes of individuals inhabiting here, and most of them are foreigners or travelers.
***
"How much for these spices?" Endang asked the salesman.
"Only three gold bullion coins," it responded.
"What? Too expensive!" exclaimed Jrazm.
"Well, you can't buy it from anyone else. I'm exclusively selling it here," he affirmed.
"Do we really need that, Endang?" whispered Jrazm.
"Sir, can you give us a discount? Like one bullion only for this item," suggested Endang.
"Because you're insisting, pay for gold bullion coins for it! Take it or leave it?" the salesman told them.
"What!" both of them reacted in surprise.
Until Ahn-ahn herself spoke to the salesman. After a brief conversation, he liked her and willingly gave her spices free of charge, along with some herbs and piquancy.
"Thanks!" chuckled Ahn-ahn.
"How do you do that?" Jrazm asked, confused.
"Next time we go to the market, join us. Okay?" Endang proposed.
***
On the other side, Wamaro, Harris, and Tatukwe went to the shops. One of the salesmen approached them and offered a cheap selection of clothes.
"Sorry, we don't need that. Thanks," politely declined Wamaro.
"Bro, how about that one?" Tatukwe pointed to the steel blade.
"Again, swords?" responded Wamaro.
Furthermore, most of the shops there were also advertising that they were selling business containment tents, clothes, and face masks.
"What is the use of that?" asked Harris.
"If you stay here for a long time, buy these containment tents," he replied.
"Choose this; it was originally made by the Covens distributor, which contains outstanding benefits to dissuade the body from being affected by the power of radiation, particularly when the sun appears," he added.
When staying here in Isla De Leslin, one must wear this object: containment clothes, tents, and face masks. These items cultivate controlled atmospheres that deter radioactive and other hazardous contamination from dissipating exposure under the sun.
They also protect artisans from susceptibility to hazards or environmental factors on this island. This is one of the derivatives peddled by The Covens.
The sellers further justified the possibility that if they don't have items like these, they will suffer. They could get nauseous or perish if they were impacted by the radiation on this aisle.
"How much?" asked Wamaro.
Correspondingly, they chat if they need that stuff. Later on, the two salesmen were hard-fought because they offered pleasantries. They are cursing and nearly physically fighting.
Unaware of it, a man appeared. He is well-known to the two salespeople and everyone there.
"Our apologies, Sir," both of them said. They hesitated to move as if they were frightened.
"All of you, Black Padrone ordered to come over to the bivouac," speeches by a black gentleman wearing a soldier suit with a trident weapon.
"Who? Us? Or them?" asked Tatukwe.
"No more talk! Follow me!" commanded Talal.
The youngsters were requested to come and meet with their commander. Wamaro declined to go, but at the insistence of his siblings, he accepted.
"We should not linger here. We're leaving tomorrow," reminded Wamaro.
"Of course, bro," responded Harris.
"See, Endang, Jrazm, and that kid are already there," stated Tatukwe.
Wamaro still distrusts this gentleman and his intentions. He seemed to recognize this place very well. As he caught a glimpse of the fear in these communities, something strange was going on.
Regardless of his siblings' request, Wamaro obediently followed along, feeling a mix of suspicion and excitement. As they walked in front of various people, the man with them garnered both admiration and terror.
"Welcome to Isla De Leslin, or as everyone calls it, Tempat Penjahat," announced the gentleman wearing a black cloak and a full mask.
"I am Black Padrone, and all of you were meant to be here by destiny," he added.
"What is he babbling about?" asked Tatukwe.
"Shut your mouth and listen first," replied Jrazm.
"I think I've already met this man," wondered Wamaro.
"What did you say, bro?" speculated Harris.
"Nah, forget it," he answered back.
Black Padrone is considered the authority of this small community. There is no prejudice in this locale; everyone is pleasant as long as you don't cause havoc. Even fugitive criminals hide here, and felons of their race are also accepted here.
He is the doctrine here, the ruler, and also the guardian of the creatures that inhabit this place. But all the other neighborhoods that have attempted to subjugate the people here have not been proficient in subduing them.
With his unique energy and abilities, nothing has ever distressed this island. It is known as Isla de Leslin and is also nicknamed Tempat Penjahat, which means "place of fugitives of the confederacy."
***
"Sir, what are we going to do here? My siblings and I have another direction to take," asked Wamaro.
"Oh, come on, Wamaro, didn't you notice? This room is full of kids like us," spoke Tatukwe.
"Wamaro is right, Tatukwe. Do you forget our goals just because of this stuff?" retaliated Jrazm.
"Come on, guys, let's just stay here for a few days. I don't see anything wrong with staying in a safe place like this," suggested Endang.
"Sir, do you have something for us to eat?" inquired Harris.
"STOP!" groaned Black Padrone. Everyone fell silent.
"I will answer all your questions, but we need to eat first," he muttered.
Thereupon, they were called to a room and had a feast. While they were eating, Black Padrone mentioned that he was one of their father's friends, Ciboro and Alexandre.
He clarified that he was the one who brought them here, not the radar compass. He also expressed his grief for his late friend Ciboro.
"I promise your fathers that I will help you become strong and teach you how to use your abilities," he said.
"Why did you just show up now?" exclaimed Jrazm.
Everyone fell silent and stared at Jrazm's statement.
"Answer me, where were you when they needed you? When they were begging for mercy. You just sat here… on your glorious throne… and watched all of us suffer," she added.
"Jrazm. STOP!" yelled Wamaro.
"No, if he was indeed a friend of theirs, Wamaro, why didn't they help us from the beginning? And now, he will train us to become more powerful? Are you insane?" she elucidated.
"YOU'RE OUT OF CONTROL AGAIN, JRAZM!" wailed Ahn-ahn.
"Ahn-ahn, don't interfere with it. You're just a kid," told Tatukwe.
"Everyone, let's go. We're going to leave this place," declared Endang.
Everyone is watching the intense happening inside the room, while Black Padrone is just quietly in his seat. Eventually…
"NO ONE WILL MOVE, NO ONE WILL LEAVE! This is not just a coincidence, all of us here are connected. LET US HEAR HIS REASONS, AND WHY HE DOES THAT!" announced Ahn-ahn.
Tatukwe is completely shocked by the behavior of Ahn-ahn. She went from being a sweet little girl to transforming into a big, bulky dude.
"You don't have any idea what we're facing just to bring you all here. We've invested everything here, not just time, but also ourselves. We almost got killed protecting this area," exclaimed Allexxuz.
"Stop, Xuz," interrupted Black Padrone.
He stands up and begins to tell the story of what they had been through and what their goal was. He gathered these sixteen youths together to help them grow in terms of strength and knowledge.
Ahn-ahn was right that they all have a special connection, and they will find out in difficult times. Most of them are convinced, except for Wamaro and Jrazm.
***
(••• the next day •••)
They will stay here until they complete the externship. The purpose of this training is to enhance individuals' level of power, improve their abilities in one or more areas of expertise, and increase their motivation to achieve their life goals.
Black Padrone promised that once their proficiency improves, he himself will transfer them to Baba Matuwa.
Everyone grabbed the white garments that they will use for the remaining sessions.
"Finally, I meet you, the preeminent one," said Allexxuz.
"What do you mean?" asked Wamaro, curious.
"We are waiting for your arrival here, Wamaro. I don't care how special you are, but don't block my path," he warned.
"Hey, what's your problem?!" interjected Harris.
"ALL OF YOU, COME HERE!!!" shouted Talal.
***
Allexxuz is the son of Black Padrone, who is also similar in stature to the Warriors of Ciboro. He always meditates in the middle of the fortress. Later on, Black Padrone introduces him to everyone, revealing his identity. It is also an opportunity for his son to get acquainted with them.
"Okay, bro, now I understand why he is always infuriated with you," Harris tells Wamaro. They both glance at Allexxuz on the other side.
"Just focus on the teaching, Harris, not that strange kid," Wamaro tells him.
The siblings hesitate for a bit, especially Wamaro. His uncertainties and questions make him consider that Black Padrone is precise.
"How can you face the threat of society if you're unstable and ultimately don't know your hidden extraordinary abilities?" he raised a question.
"How can you safeguard yourself and your loved ones from the beasts that are tracking you down and desiring your death if you're weak? If you can't control your emotions, then don't blame everyone, but blame yourself," he added.
***
(••• The following day •••)
"Today's activity is about mental health training," Black Padrone articulated.
"Oh, I can't do it. I don't believe it. I am vulnerable. I am scared. Impossible." These are negative phrases that we should not apply in our daily lives," he started.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Saif, the only one wearing eyeglasses among the sixteen kids.
"Good question, Saif," he replied.
"In other words, positive statements create powerful people. Information can be used to describe your beliefs and direct your emotions. This can be a straightforward way to attain superiority. This is called priming psychology," he added.
"Your words are powerful if you know how to exploit them," added Allexxuz.
"It means, should we not use those words?" asked Rona, sitting beside Saif and Ahn-ahn.
"Indeed, begin by erasing these phrases from your brain entirely," Black Padrone answered.
"Wake up, Harris, Tatukwe. What the heck are you two doing?!" mumbled Endang.
"Harris! Tatukwe!" yelled Jrazm.
"Ouch!!!" both screamed.
"Do you have concerns, Harris, Tatukwe?" asked Black Padrone.
"NO SIR!!!" both responded.
"Okay, good!" he enunciated.
"Getting rid of pessimistic talk is a promising start, but you need to do it to be positive."
"I can… I know… I will… I have confidence… Anything is possible. These words replace those negative phrases I mentioned earlier."
"The powerful terminology of the speech not only helps to civilize the surroundings, but it also makes you see yourself as powerful and strengthens your inner sense of competence and resilience."
***
(•••On the next day •••)
"Today is all about physical training," announced Black Padrone.
There was a trial to test their physical abilities. Since sixteen youngsters were present, a battle ensued. This was a physical feud where everyone's abilities would be known.
"I hope I won't encounter that gigantic girl," murmured Harris.
"Nah… That's weak! That tiny one is more dangerous," Tatukwe replied.
"Huh, not all the time, bro," answered Harris.
"Papa told me, 'When the river is noisy, it is unquestionably shallow. When the river is calm, it must be deep,'" explained Tatukwe.
"What's the connection between them?" Harris asked.
"Idiot. I'm done speaking with you." he exclaimed, then walked away.
"What's his problem, Endang?" asked Harris.
"Please, don't talk to me," replied Endang.
"Hahaha," Ahn-ahn just laughed at them.
"I would prefer that, Allexxuz. Let's check how strong you are," murmured Jrazm.
"What's the rule of the game?" asked Ramo.
"If you get the same number as anyone, that will be your opponent," responded Wamaro.
However, Wamaro still felt bizarre about the children here. He felt so much unexplainable energy.
∆•∆•∆