.........ZINNIA.........

A young man was wheeled out of the recovery room. By a young woman who is a personal nurse But he didn't care about anyone. and was lost in his own thoughts His eyebrows furrowed until they almost collided. Then the sound of the cart's wheels dragging on the ground was drowned out by the sound of the young man sitting in the cart.

“I have a favor to ask. I want to meet someone,” he said to the nurse.

“I will tell you. In case you can help me,” his voice was hoarse. Softly like a whisper

“If I can, I will help,” the woman replied.

The story happened a long time ago.....

Maybe you don't know yet. More than two hundred years ago Before I was even born Land is more expensive Poor people have nowhere to live. The government therefore passed a law requiring all buildings to be built to have at least three underground floors for the poor to live in free of charge. I don't know how they deal with the underground streams.

Moisture or subsidence of the ground in low areas like Bangkok But eventually, the poor, who had little choice, migrated with their families to build a society under a kingdom that never saw the moon or the sun. The land of the upper city is restricted to agriculture to create food, for business, for the face of the country. for rich people

But there was no more ground for the lower class. Hospitals, police stations, schools, transportation began to be built under Bangkok. Electricity is limited and very expensive. But they lived together and developed until the underground city became a large society.

I myself am a person who was born in this underground city. At first there was no record of the population, but when it became large, The people upstairs came down to take care of it. They implanted a microchip with our personal information in the ear. But I don't have that microchip. My name was not on the registry because my mother had sold me to a lab. At first I didn't know When he found out, he was very angry. But as I grew older, I understood the necessity of that time and did not blame him at all.

I have lived in that experimental facility since I was 6 years old, living as a test animal. Besides me, there are many other people. We were all locked up in one building together. I was afraid. Everyone was afraid. So we spoke little and cried a lot. We cried until we were exhausted and lost our voices. Then a group of people in white robes came in.

Fear has silenced us all. But he did nothing but divide us into groups and send them to different places. They attached the cordage to me and what else they did, I don't know. I felt only unbearable pain as my body twitched violently... Time passes so slowly for me.

“Say as much as I ask you. And don't lie if you don't want to get hurt.” That was the sentence that the person in white said to me for the first time. Something in his eyes convinced me without argument.

“She is R473, remember, that is her name.” I could only nod.

You might be wondering why I, when I was so young, remembered things so well. I'd rather call it a heartfelt one. It was a cruel time. Forced in various ways There is a narrow society where we can only talk with people who share the same fate. Many people are delirious.. crazy.. even dead. The pressure makes me speak very little. The number of children who came with me gradually decreased. Until when I was 10 years old

There were only a few people left. But they can always bring in new kids. I keep seeing new batches of kids being sent in. And the inhumane experiments continue.

At that age, besides being naughty, I was also curious. When in doubt but unable to ask So I noticed more. I saw that every time those scientists connected the tangled wires to me, In addition to the pain, I also felt a strange and burning sensation. That feeling I can't explain in words, but what's happening around me I can explain.

Everything nearby was shattered. Some floated above the ground as if the earth had no gravity. The room was destroyed quite a bit, but the people smiled happily. So I understood that he wanted me to destroy things.

When I returned to the room I began to think about destroying A large stack of paper burned to shreds. Broken vase The room was completely destroyed. The more I think about it, the hotter it gets. Hot as if my body was being consumed by fire. The more I thought about it, the more my head ached. My vision became blurry. My senses began to falter. Then I lost consciousness as everything around me shattered.

I regained consciousness in a new place. There is no brutal force here. There are only rules to follow. Yet I had become something different. Different without any choice...

“We have succeeded!! We can use technology to stimulate psychic powers! That child has psychic powers!”

“Psychic power...energy.....we may have found a new source of energy!!!”

They say that I didn't know that boy meant me until...

One kid, he was a test kid from my generation. He showed me the same power as me. Wanting me to admire his abilities, I could only smile, unable to speak. That experience did not make me like this power at all.

“This ghost boy. They say you have psychic powers...is that true?” A loud voice came from behind before his hair was jerked so hard that he fell backwards and fell to the ground. A large man yanked me up by the collar of my shirt and asked in a mocking tone.

“Hey, what do you say...are you the devil that they rumored to be? Why don't you show me your psychic powers? Do they really say that it can make things float?” A hideous smile appeared as soon as the voice ended. I shook my head and denied that it was me. Even though I may have done it, it doesn't mean that the person other people are spreading rumors about is me. Most importantly, I don't want to cause trouble.

“Oh, you can't just ask to see this and still be arrogant and not say anything?” His voice was filled with emotion. After saying that, the big man lifted my chin until it fell on the floor for the second time. He cocked his hand and prepared to do it again. Then out of fear I showed everyone what he wanted to see at that very moment. A large figure flew 5 meters away.

without even touching me at all That was another use of my powers without me being in the lab. And the consequences of it were not good.

“H017 R473 violated rule number 25 and was detained. Report to......” An announcement sounded throughout the surrounding area. I walked away confused, amidst the bewildered looks of those around me. and the murderous eyes of the opposing party caused panic.

When you have to be locked in a room alone. I felt so lonely that I couldn't tell. Although I don't have many memories of my family, I miss those people I am connected to....family. Something I can barely remember what it was like.

After this incident, many things had changed. The researchers were excited. But I'm afraid. Many people looked at me with disgust in their eyes. Alienated or something worse? But there is no one who can be called a friend anymore. I have to live alone as Hazardous substances... Especially after the incident where the researchers activated my power until it exploded and destroyed a quarter of the building. Over a hundred people died

I am in a position that has changed. Hazardous objects that must be disposed of

Even though he was disgusted, he was no longer tortured like in the past. Because it is not disgust that makes us want to destroy. But he was so disgusted that he didn't want to get involved. I saw it in their eyes. He locked me in a room that turned into a prison cell. And then I found a solution for myself. I lead a normal, sleepy daytime life.

When night came, I separated myself and went out to live a social life outside. I don't know how to do it. I have always been forced and have always obeyed without conflict as well Maybe my inner feelings resisted until I finally found an outlet. I don't regret that. Because it made me meet you

long walkway Dim orange lights lit the walkway. The black market is bustling with people scrambling to find the products they want, both legal and illegal. Which is mostly the latter.

A little girl waving a long stick At the end of the staff were many bells and rainbows. Its sounds and colors were so eye-catching that everyone had to turn and look. Then she loudly shouted a product advertisement loud and clear.

“This way, we have many types of trees and flowers. including tuberose, aloes, hibiscus, gardenia, Buddha chard..." She continued to sing loudly for a long time. Selling plants in a world where there is almost no light No matter how advanced technology is, it cannot completely satisfy human needs. I really doubt that in a dark place like this, trees can still grow.

Maybe besides the times that have changed All of us will gradually change as well. Even trees can change to live in the underground world. And this was the first time I met her. I have also met her many times. Even though it's not often But time is so limited Probably because I can't control my powers very well.

Whenever the power weakened, the body became translucent, as if it were just an illusion. So I never got to know her. After many months of trying to use my energy to study the exciting outside world, It's always chaotic here so no one notices me. Or if you see it, you don't care. So I walked around this wide market and found that everything was sold here. You can buy everything.

And the sellers have been around since I was as young as me, like that girl selling plants. Everyone calls her Sun, even to the elderly salespeople. You sell stories by telling them to children. I also eavesdropped because he asked for compensation by being his friend. But I probably can't do it. I don't know when I'll disappear when my power weakens...

I walked past Sun's plant shop again and looked inside.

“Don't clutter up my storefront if you don't plan on buying. This is my time to make a living.” She scolded me loudly. I was really happy because that was the first time people spoke to me. So I moved to hide in the corner of the store instead. Which she didn't say anything except complaining about things that I didn't understand. “Ghosts stay with ghosts. I don't know how to die. Who likes to walk around here.......”

It took many years before I understood that the ghost in question was me. It's because of my unstable energy. Often causing my body to become blurry and translucent to the point that other people thought I was a ghost.

But there are no secrets in this world. My travel is the same. It's not a secret anymore. I was discovered by accident and subjected me to torture again without any mercy. and was imprisoned permanently on the pretext of observing symptoms after using the drug. It was such a long period of time, as long as 3 years.

I was too weak to use my powers because of their medicine. But it has an end in itself. When I was 15 years old, he must have gotten tired of keeping things that were of no use to him anymore. Since he can create creatures that are superior to me and can be controlled. Dangerous and uncontrollable hair should be eliminated.

It should have been like that if he had used a simpler method. But he sent a test boy to test my strength. Test your power to completely destroy me.

Experimental child.... That child.. A very innocent and optimistic child. A child who is very happy that he has something special than others. A child who showed me strength and gave me a sincere smile that I rarely saw. He was shocked to see me as well. I was in a weak, dilapidated state, and had no power to protect myself.

His eyes looked confused and troubled. But he couldn't stop the experiment so He slowly raised the hands on either side of his body. and stretched his arms towards me to gather some strength. Immediately, a great deal of water vapor gathered together and hardened into an ice cage, trapping me inside. I smiled weakly at him and sent a stream of voice that only he could hear, “Don't hesitate.

Otherwise, you will be in trouble.” I hope he will act quickly because he is controlled by drugs. If orders are disobeyed, anything can happen. And I don't want anything bad to happen to him. Most of us have very bad memories, and there's no need to add to the bad. But he looked even more annoyed. ....Then the order came: "S023

Take care of it all at once.” He stood frozen for a moment after receiving the order, sighed, and concentrated his strength again in his hands. My body felt like it was being held tight by an invisible hand. In the blink of an eye, power was sent all the way to him. "Think of the place you want to go the most, and I'll send it to you." The place you want to go. Without wasting any time, I was immediately sent to Sun's plant shop on the black market.

along with the sound of an explosion that sounded in the nick of time. and immediately made a black-haired girl run out of the store. Sun, it was her....

His eyes twinkled with wonder. His brows furrowed slightly. With that, she pulled out her bell wand and pointed it straight at my face. “Who are you? What are you doing? Why have you come downstairs!” The electric current caused the bell wreath to vibrate until it shrieked loudly. “Answer!” she said. banging sound

But at that time I didn't have the strength to say anything. Blood flows all over me. Then my consciousness slipped away.

I woke up in a state that was no better than before. The body was heavy, the head ached, the arms and legs were tied to the point of being unable to move. And I was still lying on the floor. Only the wounds all over his body were better than before because the bleeding had been stopped. The electric bell is still pointed at me, even though there is no current running on it, but I still don't trust it.”

You are the person above. Why is your name not listed in the civil registration? What are you doing here?” The voice still slammed as if it had scolded me at that time. I shook my head that I wasn't from the upstairs. Just because they have different hair colors and skin tones. So she understood that. Hair that was once as black as a crow's feathers had turned brown. The skin that was once white because it had never been exposed to bright light became darker because of the rays from the burning technology..

I wanted to explain to her but my voice couldn't be heard. Aside from the sound of coughing and throwing up

“Quiet,” she hissed softly. “There are a lot of Aurors out there and I don't want to get caught. If you still want to live, shut up. Otherwise, you'll definitely be testing this thing's power,” she said, slamming her bell staff on the ground. Looks like a queen I don't know when I lost consciousness again. But when I woke up again, I was lying on the bed without any restraints. Event

It was calm outside and there were no more sirens from the chaotic traffic. I lay my eyes closed on the bed and reflected on the incident. The first thing that came to me was a pessimistic thought... I'd be caught and sent back to the probation facility. If not, then he's probably dead, or...

"Are you awake?" It was Sun's voice. “I spent a lot of money on your treatment. Therefore, you must work for me.” I was stunned and didn't say anything but nodded. After wasting time recuperating for several months During that time, Sun and I got to know each other better. A bond was formed between us. The human-human society that I had forgotten about

I don't know what kept her from taking me to the police in the first place. Later, I realized that when I was unconscious, my strange power was showing off to her. As soon as the hair is ready to use. She immediately demanded her money back.

“First of all, you have to clean up the shop for the money you need to stay here, okay?” I came to sleep with her for a long time, eat for free, live for free, so I should have to repay her in some way. So I nodded and accepted her words. But her expression suddenly became annoyed. “After your daily work is over, you have to take part-time jobs to earn money to cover the medical bills I pay,” she continued.

I nodded again with an expression that didn't show any emotion. But it stimulated Little Sun's emotional core until it was completely torn. “Can you not speak? Learn to open your mouth and say something. I've kept you for 4 months now. Why don't you say something to your benefactor?" The young plant seller scolded me to vent her pent-up emotions.

But I still don't understand why I have to be so angry about this matter. Where I used to live, I was more likely to be quiet and talk less. However, it must have been important to her, so I said, "Thank you." My tone and words were probably too short and concise, causing her ears to hurt. So she turned and gave the big circle a hammer before shaking her head and storming off.

I started my first day of work in chaos because of my ignorance. I just don't know anything at all. No matter what he did, everything was wrong. Sun scolded me for the damage but still taught me many things. and try to let me live a normal life That evening, she said while I was picking up the pieces of the latest glass pot that had just been broken by me.”

I have you come work and help me. Not to come and destroy the shop... I don't know how you lived before. If you don't want to talk, I won't ask, but the life you have here is a life that a miracle saved you. Start it all over again.” Silence separated us from each other, falling into our own thoughts.

Sun looked at me for a bit before turning around. Her eyes drifted into the distance. A soft voice spoke to the aether. “I will call you Zinnia, the name of the flower you are holding.” I looked at the white flower in my hand carefully. It's just a small flower. but pure beauty There is nothing like me.”

Even though you are only a flower of grass But it has value in itself.” Her voice still rings in my ears until now.

Several days later, when I learned how to do my daily work, as Sun calls it, I could handle it, so I started working on a part-time basis.

A girl with an elegant figure was dancing with a jingling cane, attracting attention. She is in a sweet pink dress. His head was wrapped in a scarlet cloth embroidered with sparkling sequins. Sun looked quite strange to me. But other people saw it as normal. Because as soon as her performance ended The sound of applause was loud, followed by whistles and a silver coin being handed to me, which he assumed was a subordinate.

No matter how much the world develops People still admire human abilities and entertainment is still a necessity. She bowed beautifully before announcing that she would perform a special performance that no one had ever seen before. When it was over, she walked towards me and whispered a question. “What can you do? Can you use your power to send things flying in the air?”

I was shocked that she knew what I was capable of. But I nodded. “Then do it.” She turned away and walked towards the torch stand. and start the show again She brandished a red torch. Dancing to the rhythm on your toes Clothes and lights catch the eye The little girl's moves were as beautiful as a fire goddess. I sat back and watched, admiring a feat I would never be able to do.

She then winked before tossing the torches into the air one by one. and leave it up to me to manage I controlled it to swirl around her as Sun continued to dance. That was the first time I saw that this power also had some use. It didn't just cause anyone trouble. This power can also be the happiness of people...

So I want to use my power for happiness... It's a beautiful dream. ...At that time, I was young and naive to the world. I am happy like never before. Fun and exciting I used my power without thinking about the consequences....

There are still many such performances. Each time she and I became closer. I began to know how to communicate and talk. Know how to smile and laugh Know how to live in another form. Our performances are widely known. along with bringing danger to us as well The researchers initially thought they had found someone with natural powers and were interested in that ability.

He was probably preparing to persuade him to join the experiment. But when I found out it was me They came and circled nearby. Maybe he was just sneaking around or he was coming to take me back and finish me off, I don't know. But I don't want to risk it. Sun also noticed those people. But she said it was probably just someone passing through. Be a regular at the market

When I told Sun that it was dangerous She didn't understand what I feared from those strangers. But he agreed to stop performing in exchange for an explanation from me. I spoke to her only briefly. She did not ask for additional details at all and quietly got up to leave. I prepared to leave immediately. I don't want Sun to be in trouble.

I don't think I can escape them either. But I didn't expect that they would catch up so quickly.

I'm about to walk out of the store. Thinking of running away But in my heart I felt like I was losing something very important. I am sorry that I will not have the opportunity to live a beautiful life again. But deep down it still hurts more than being sad. Past experiences have made me look at everything in a pessimistic way. Even so...the future is still the future...not yet determined.

“Where are you going?” a sweet voice called from behind me. I stopped and turned around to see Sun under his overalls.

“Do you have a place to go with you? Huh, Zinnia,” she smiled cutely, mistaking the sarcastic words that came out. Words that pierced my heart until I felt pain all over my chest. But when she saw my expression, she gently apologized that she didn't mean to. If it's true Sun isn't wrong. I should accept this truth as well.

Sun sighed before saying, "I'll go with you. You still haven't paid off my debt. Don't expect to run away easily." At first, I was very happy. I knew that beneath those words was concern. If I look again, I see more dangers and difficulties beyond estimation. So I challenged her. But Sun still used the same reason and refused to listen to any explanation from me.

You are a debtor. Don't think that this obstacle will make me forgive you for free. Therefore, I will go with you.” Then she led me out while shouting and teasing again. “If you delay until they get caught, I will chase you to hell to collect your debt. Just watch,” she said, laughing. A bright voice that makes my heart swell with life

Sun and I traveled to many places. Wandering through places where few people have ever walked past. Even though we try to avoid community areas Especially the subway that could take me to the other side of the city in a matter of minutes. But there are CCTV cameras all over the station that makes me afraid. In the evening, we entered the Sun community area to perform dancing and singing again because we had to eat.

You have to spend money there. But I never used my power for anyone to see again. I don't know how to dance or sing, so what I do is different. I tell stories and legends that I heard when I was a child and sell them for money. Even though the income isn't as good as Sun's, I'm glad there's still something I can do. We became nighttime pilots and wandered around the underground city. meet many people

It was a fun and memorable experience. There is both suffering and happiness. Even though sometimes you have to hide and hide, almost unable to survive. But in the end we are still alive. It's been a fun year. One year we traveled together.

And then our journey must come to an end. The day ended like any other normal day. A day that is nothing special, no different from any other day.

We were cornered in a narrow alley. The laser gun he had was completely depleted. There was no way to escape. and no one will help us. “You guys are good at running away. But this job definitely won't survive,” their leader said to me. “You have been his test rat for a long time. How did you think you could escape?

You'll never escape it. It was your fate. That's right, until now you were still his lab rat. Let's see where this dimensional transfer gun will send you in the next 100 years.” A sneering smile appeared on his face. He lifted the barrel of a large gun on his shoulder and pointed it at me. “Little girl...get away.

For you, we have prepared a different way to deal with it as well.”

Sun didn't move an inch. She looked around for a way to survive. Then his eyes were struck by something. “Don't dodge. If you want to shoot, Shoot us at the same time. This guy owes me a lot. I won't let you escape. If you guys send Zinnia away, where can I get it back?” They were stunned. Before laughing at me a lot

Said sarcastically that Sun helped me because of money. And my name is like the name of a weak woman. We let him laugh. Sun whispered that she saw a trapdoor on the left, only three steps away. But we know that if we move blindly, no one will survive.

“...Zinnia? Don't act like you've forgotten..your name is R473, right?" His eyes and voice looked down on me more than any germs in the world. “How could you lie to that little girl? That's why he gave me a name.” I didn't say a single thing. Sun turned to look at me. I don't know what she's angry about until her eyes almost burn.

She pretended to be shy and slowly backed away from me. They laughed and laughed at me. With an unlikely act of inattention, he lowered his gun. That moment I understood everything. Sun pushed me through the trapdoor and immediately became a target for me. A trapdoor that can be seen outside but is completely closed. There is no way to open it anymore.

I saw her disappear before my eyes. He was so shocked that he completely forgot how to use his power and just stood there, unable to do anything to make it better. It was then that I understood my feelings for her. ...important people...

They couldn't open the trapdoor like I could. Soon he withdrew and returned. Even though I saw no benefit in continuing to stand, I also couldn't leave this place. I sit here and dwell on the suffering of those lost. People who have lost the most important thing in their lives Many memories from the past come back again.

It was still as clear as if it had just happened. ....The image of her dancing with a torch. Smiles and laughter from the moment we left. Her voice still seemed to be heard again. …..“I will call you Zinnia..” ....I once asked. “Why does it have to be a grass flower? ...Can't it be another flower?”

Sun smiled and chuckled. “I like grass. Because no matter how many times it is trampled on or how many times its leaves are dried out and burned, It persevered and fought until it was finally restored to its original state.”

No matter how many times it has been trampled on or how many times its leaves have dried out and burned, It persevered and fought until it was finally restored to its original condition.... It was probably because of these words that I decided to turn my back on the closed door and walk down the dark path with no end in sight.

The destination was a small, quiet town. So I started a new life there with the name Zinnia...it was the last thing Sun left for me. Besides the memories between us Here I work for people who hire people. And when night came, I used to tell legends and fairy tales as usual. I worked to save money for many years while also searching for news on how to navigate the future.

Until finally I came to work in the news industry. I sold news about the testing facility and some of its abilities in exchange for information on new technology. Until I finally found it...a way to the future. Even if it's in a different direction than Sun.

“Um.. There is one place. I saw that they were experimenting with some kind of device related to hibernation to prevent aging. Mr. Long went to contact him and said he received news from Thar. ...He knows me,” the news trader said, handing over a piece of paper with a map on it.

Even though I don't think about going to any testing grounds again. But this time I had no choice, I had to go in as a test animal again. Now that I am not a child who can be used as I please, I have agreed to negotiate with him on various conditions. and threatened that if he broke his promise he would sell his secrets. He only smiled, not at all frightened by my threats and said, “

You must have gone through a lot in your life. But don't be afraid. It's not the same here...” He said that here the testing is done on a voluntary basis. Whoever wishes, whatever he can do, he will do. But I don't want to guarantee safety. So I started hibernating from that day on.

When I wake up again I still don't dare open my eyes. I don't know how long I slept. Up to 90 years like that guy said? He might be playing tricks on me. But the unfamiliar voice of the person speaking made me slowly open my eyes with curiosity. The bright light from the bulb made me close my eyes again. Then he opened his eyes and the lid of the sleeping capsule opened.

The figure that had always floated above the bed surface was placed down according to the program. I don't know how it works. All I know is that it prevents the pressure from causing my unused muscles to die and rot. Dozens of pairs of eyes surrounding my future tour equipment were staring at me as if mesmerized.

The atmosphere in the room was uncomfortable. The unfamiliar weather made me feel worse.

“What year is it now?” I tried using my voice for the first time after falling asleep for a long time. It was soft but clear in the quiet room. There was no answer. Everyone remained silent until one person regained consciousness.

“B.E. 2726,” one of the people in white said. I thought they were scientists or researchers of some kind. Because even though I have been asleep for 105 years, 15 years longer than I intended, these people's tastes in clothing are not any different.

I slowly stood up. Because I know the reason for my hundred year hibernation well. Even if it's just a little bit more. There is no one else here but you that I want to meet. Just to meet you I stood up unsteadily. And started walking away as my heart desired.

But not everything went smoothly. Those people are really scientists. They took me to another room and confined me to the room that had been my room a hundred years ago. Ask various questions I don't say anything again. I don't cooperate with them. I hate scientists Their advanced equipment that they had brought from the upper city to extract the truth from me in this underground city was of no use.

I broke many pieces of it. But in the end, no matter how hard I tried, I never went out to find her. Until finally I was too weak to search for her. ...as now...

“Your story is really long,” said the young woman standing behind me.

“It's a pity, but I probably won't be able to find it again. There's not enough time..." I coughed until I threw up, the smell of blood filling my mouth. “I am not immune to the current environment.” My voice became even more hoarse. It was difficult to say anything, as if I would die.

“Maybe you don't have to search anymore....” The nurse said as she continued pushing the cart. All the way to a door. “You turn it on.” I reached out and gently touched the switch. It opened and a beautiful orange light streamed in. A light more beautiful than any light I have ever seen. The sun and the sky and the girl I miss the most. She stood there. At the end of the beautiful sky

                    ~END~