DARK TERRITORY: THE BATTLE

Chapter 1

Zell POV

8:00 P.M. - Charleston, South Carolina

"You've done a great job, Zell!" Master Lee praised me for my job well done.

He laughed so proudly. "I've never expected you will accomplish your mission instantaneously."

I just shrug it off feeling so proud of myself. Thinking if Kuata, a member of Japanese syndicate, would speak after what I've done too him. "Do you think Kuata will still say a word?" I asked mockingly.

"How could a man without a tongue speak? Haha...after what you've done to him? Probably, his hands will do." You heard him. I cut his tongue. He deserves it. Kuata deserved it. He doesn't want to give me the piece of information I am asking for, then.

"Nah! I don't think so! I paralyzed his both hands so---"

Master Lee snapped at me. "What? Did I hear you right? You paralyzed his hands." His face was so damn serious. Did I make a wrong move or decision? "You're doing really really great, Zell."

I didn't see this coming. Master Lee who is a full blooded Korean living as an American Citizen. Actually, he has a dual citizenship. With a black and white hair and eyeglasses to emphasize his age is hugging me tightly?? This can't be!

He used to be a very strict old man. Always, with his big mouth ready to shout at you every time you made just slightly, a little bit mistake of a wrong move every judo class and other martial arts that he used to teach.

"I am so very proud of you, geulaendeu ttal!" I rolled my eyes. Not that I don't want him hugging me but because of his alien language. His alien languages makes me uncomfortable.  Who knows if he is stabbing me a daggers of bad words.

"We're be living South Carolina in less than an hour." He proclaimed when he lose his tight hugged.

Morning came. It's almost 11:00 in the evening when I arrived at my apartment. I'm living by myself here in San Francisco, California. I am 18 years old by now. I've decided to go to school to pass my registration form in entering college.

Since, summer is soon to be at end. I spent my two weeks summer in South Carolina. Spying at that idiotic guy Kuata, a Japanese jerky business man. Business man his ass! He's a drug dealer.

My apartment is just 200 meter away at the Crystal Zoom Academy. CZA is a prestigious school of Arts and Technology.

"Ms. Zell Moore?" Mr. Cole, one of the school stuff, read my registration form.  "Didn't the school personnel texted you that your enrollment form has pulled out?"

What? My enrollment form?

"You mean sir, I can't--" My voice cracks a bit. "B--but I passed in the entrance exam and even in the preliminary? You must been mistaken, Sir?"

How come? Gosh, I'm nervous. There were a lot of what if in my mind. One of the school personnel sent me a confirmation two weeks ago before I went to South Carolina for my mission.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Moore. It is an order by the President.  I heard someone pulled you out." I can sense the sincerity of Mr. Cole but it's hard for me to understand.

I walked out in CZA absentmindedly. Disappointed. Worried. Sad. Lose hoping. Almost crying. Written all over my face. Nevertheless, I managed to control all the emotions that are coming through.

CZA is a part of my life, a home. I spent my whole elementary and High school days in there. Therefore, it's hard to let go for the things you value the most. When I heard the news, that my enrollment form was pulled out, I felt like someone stole my future, the opportunity and courage.

I give all my best in entrance exam and preliminary in order for me to still go in college at CZA. But it was taken away from me.

I wanted to cry. I wished L was by my side. I know L can help me out. To figured out what was happening.

I am about to cross in the pedestrian lane. When somebody grab my hand and pull me closer to his body. How do I know his gender? It was a board shoulder and strong fine arms who pull me out in my near death. I didn't notice that the light was shift to red. A fast car. A stupid reckless driver. Blame the driver for not hitting me immediately.

"God! Are you out of your mind?" He scowled at me perplexedly.

I wanted to say 'yes' but I can't utter even a single word. Slowly, my tears are dropping. I cry on his shoulder. I cry really hard.

He hugged and caress my back. "I'm sorry. I heard what happened." He said sincerely. "I saw you at the registrar office and I accidentally heard what Mr. Cole had said. So, I followed you around. Thank God! Are you feeling better now?" His eyes is full of concern.

I shook my head. "My heart is aching." I said exaggeratedly. "What a birthday present!" That rancor feeling. What a great timing?

"Shhh---I know what you are  thinking. I know God has a better plan that's why it happened. Master Lee told me to bring you home." As I heard that latter statement. It crossed in my mind. Master Lee, that old man. He is the only one who can influence the President of the Academy. Why I didn't know that a head of time?

"Give me your key."

"No, I drive you home."

Mico, a guy with a indulging black orbs and brown hair, insisted to drove me home. I am that helpless with a hopeless desire. All I want is to study but--oh gosh I can't stop myself to cry silently. As we travel home, how I wish winter came and enveloped me. I want the cool wind of winter to makes me shiver and freeze me to death.

How silly I thought about my death when it is my birthday? I don't wanna blame the Master if he doesn't want me anymore. Everything has it last. You cannot tell when or how. If it is will it has to be done.

A wide gate. A big white house with a lining of cream color is what we are facing right now. A home where I used to live.

As the guard saw us, he opened the gate without hesitation.

I am about to knocked the door when it suddenly opened. They are expecting us.

The welcoming line of two separate numbers of 20-30 house servants, down in the grand staircase is Mercedes, my personal maid at my apartment is already at home. Their heads are bowed down. As we passed through them they held their heads up.

This is the treatment I hate the most, every time I am home.

I am not that worthy to pay me or give me that kind of respect. The reason I decided to rent an apartment and leave this house when I am still fifteen.

The smiling genuine face of Master Lee welcome me on his office.

"Happy birthday, geulaendeu ttal!"

I might be glad hearing those words of greetings and consider it as a music to my ear if he doesn't ruined my day.

If this the gift he is talking about? What a great surprise! I love it and appreciate it very much.

"Thank you!" I said coldly.

He smile and instructed me to seat.

A part of me wanted not to follow him but I can't do anything because I respect him a lot. So, I sit on his leather couch without any expression at all. I know, he can sense that I am upset and holding my anger towards him.