Chapter 3 — Echoes of the Past
The shiny, armored black limousine glided through the central streets of the capital of Zombo. On the sidewalks, pedestrians stopped just to watch the vehicle pass by. Inside, the red leather seats vibrated gently to the instrumental music playing in the background.
Houka Vick sat by the window, with his legs crossed and a red lollipop in his mouth. His gaze remained fixed on the cars coming and going, the mirrored buildings, the city that knelt before the name Vick. A wicked smile remained on his face, cold, calculated.
By his side, his older sister, Dina Vick, held his hand subtly, almost imperceptibly. No words were spoken, but the gesture was one of affection and complicity.
As the city passed by through the tinted windows, Houka's mind wandered to the past.
[Flashback — 14 years ago]
A small, cold room, with walls too white to be comfortable. In it, a 5-year-old boy sat on the edge of the bed. He had a black eye, bruises on his arms, and stared into space with a dead expression, as if his soul were absent.
He didn't smile.
He didn't cry.
He didn't speak.
Outside the room, a woman in a lab coat was talking to a man in an impeccable suit, who was holding a black folder with the symbol of a billion-dollar company.
"Mr. Filipe Vick," the woman said respectfully, "this boy... he's different. We've done the tests. His IQ is over 900. It's the highest ever recorded in Zombo. And it seems to be increasing every week."
Filipe, serious, just nodded.
"But... he doesn't talk to anyone. He didn't eat for three days after he was brought here." He hasn't looked anyone in the eye since the incident...
"Abuse," Filipe said bluntly.
The woman hesitated, but nodded.
"Yes. After that, he just... stopped. There's no motivation, no purpose. It's like he's... broken."
Filipe entered the room. He approached calmly, his expensive shoes echoing on the floor.
"Hi, Houka," he said in a firm voice. "I'm Filipe Vick. Zombo's richest and most influential CEO."
The boy didn't answer. He didn't even move.
"Do you want to adopt?"
Silence. Dead eyes.
Filipe watched. Then he looked at the woman and then back at the boy.
"Okay. I'll take you. But... you have to be worth it."
While the papers were being signed, Houka remained still. Until she heard a sound.
She looked back for the first time in days.
On the television, a documentary about the bloody wars of Zerk showed old scenes: explosions, soldiers, losses, violence... chaos.
And it was there... in that moment, that Houka smiled.
For the first time.
[End of Flashback]
"Houka, we're here," Dina's soft voice said.
He blinked, coming back to reality. The lollipop was now half-eaten.
"Is everything okay?" she asked tenderly.
Houka turned and looked at her with her usual smile.
"Yes, Dina. I'm fine. Just remembering... the upcoming tests. I'll have to study."
She smiled, leaned over and hugged her brother affectionately.
"Don't worry, Houka. I know you can do it. You're my beloved brother... and I'll always believe in you."
"I'm sure of that," Houka replied, still with the wicked smile.
The limousine stopped in front of Zombo High School, a school with golden gates and flags fluttering in the wind. Houka opened the door and stepped out elegantly. Dina followed soon after. A crowd had already gathered at the gate—students, teachers, even reporters. The two heirs of the Vick family were there. Popular, powerful, perfect. They glanced at each other briefly. Dina smiled sympathetically. Houka continued with her wicked smile. They walked together, side by side, while the students applauded them, as if they were seeing untouchable idols. But no one saw what Houka saw: As he walked, he discreetly looked away to his pants pocket. Inside... A pocketknife rested silently. [End of Chapter 3]