Snow White is A Gangster (MHSG Sequel) COMPLETED

by sielalstreim

She vowed to stay. She just needed a keeper for maintenance. Henrietta Arturia is a
drop-dead, gorgeous ice princess and yeah, a Freniere Mafia Reaper. She is an
absolute recipe for immense destruction. But after witnessing Summer Leondale's
courage, bravery and stupidity to fight for Giovanni Freniere, an old flame inside
her spark to life and caused her to cross the dangerous line. And with all the risk
and danger that she is bound to take, there is only one thing on her mission list
that she has decided to push no matter how deadly it is: to seek revenge for her
forlorn, unrequited love story.

Montello High: School of Gangsters Sequel

=================

Prologue

Author's Note:

I am so back. :) So while waiting for MHSG book, I'm giving you Snow White as your
own personal company. Well, what can I do? My soul is giving me taekwondo match at
night whenever I don't write what's playing inside my weird head. And all of the
time, I lose. Duel against yourself - absolutely the hardest battle I could get. So
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, guys! Thank you for being with me up to this
time! Let's meet someday over a cup of coffee. Seriously, just how many cups of
coffee can we empty? Haha! And yeah, it's my 230th birthday! I am already 2
centuries and 3 decades old! And I still love Vintage! Consider this as my gift to
you. I guess this is the only way I could reach to you personally - WRITING. So I
won't stop because I want to reach you wherever you are!

+Siel Alstreim+

***************

Prologue

I wonder how it feels like to sleep forever... would it simply be like closing your
eyes for a very long time?

I wonder how it feels like to stay every single day in the same position, unmoving
and without the capacity to do anything... how would life be without the ability to
feel anything at all?
How would it feel like to die?

Is the pain before death unbearable? Is the fear of reaching your end intolerable?
Would you even feel anything at that point?

The answer is probably 'Yes' and I just couldn't

remember. But maybe you would feel everything until it makes you numb. Maybe all
the emotions are there, yet you couldn't feel anything at all.

Maybe. Just maybe. I'm not so sure.

****

Tahimik kong pinagmasdan ang paligid mula sa loob ng umaandar na limousine. I was
looking at everything but not really seeing anything. Isang bagay lang ang nakikita
ko. Isang senaryo. Isang tao.

"A penny for your thoughts, Hetta," wika ng babaeng nakaupo sa tabi ko. This woman
was just so gorgeous. I wished I could be like her when I grow up. They had the
same mysterious dark eyes. And though he never got her blond hair, it didn't make
him any less than her son. They were both wonderful in their own way.

"Iniisip ko lang po kung ikatutuwa ni Ian ang pagdating ko kasama niyo," sagot ko.
Ngayon ang unang pagkakataon na makakatapak ako sa mansion ng mga Freniere at iyon
ay dahil sa taong ito. I could sometimes feel that she thought of me as her own
daughter since she was also friends with my mom. Wala akong masyadong alam kung
gaano kalalim ang relasyon ng pamilya namin. Para sa isang sampung taong gulang na
katulad ko, ang nais ko lang ay maglaro kasama ang kababata ko.

My bestfriend.
"Of course, he will be so happy to see you. He's been telling me all about you. In
fact, he never talks about anything else!" Sagot niya na may pilyang ngiti sa mga
labi.

Naramdaman ko agad ang pag-init ng mga pisngi ko. Hindi ko alam

kung bakit pero palagi na lang itong nangyayari kapag tungkol na kay Ian ang pinag-
uusapan.

"T-Tita Alexandria, ibig niyo pong sabihin, nababanggit niya po ako?" Gusto kong
takpan ang bibig ko at bawiin ang tanong ko. Mas lalo kasing lumapad ang nanunukso
niyang ngiti na mas nagpainit pa sa pisngi ko.

"Sweetheart, no one can ever resist a wonderful and pretty girl like you," she
assured me. My little heart started wondering if he also thought that little Hetta
was a wonderful and pretty girl. I smiled back at Alexandria. With a blush against
my dark hair and white skin, I wondered how I looked like. Oh, why am I suddenly
being conscious of myself?

"I think my son likes you," nakangiti niya pang dagdag na ikinabaling ng paningin
ko sa kanya. This conversation felt dream-like, as if she was telling an enchanting
fairytale and I was the enchanted listener. I couldn't find my own voice to answer
her. She laughed. "Young love. It's always endearing to witness young love," aniya
na tila sinasabi rin niya ang bagay na ito sa kanyang sarili. Tumungo lang ako
upang itago ang pamumula ng aking mukha.

Young love. Did she really call it young love?

Malapit na kami sa teritoryo ng mansion nang isang humaharurot na van ang biglang
humarang sa daraanan namin, dahilan upang sumalpok ang sinasakyan naming limousine
rito. Everything seemed to slow down. My head hit the window before the force sent
me flying across the small room of the vehicle. The window broke from the impact.
Alexandria

was also thrown around and ended up smashed on the other side. Because of the
strong impact, the limo rolled 360 degrees in the air before it hit the ground. She
looked at me with panicked shock on her beautiful face.

Wala akong maramdamang kahit ano kung hindi pagkahilo. Hindi rin ako makahinga at
hindi ko maigalaw ang buo kong katawan. I 'm coughing, I thought. I'm coughing
blood.

"H-Hetta... Oh my God!" Narinig ko ang tinig ni Alexandria. Gusto kong sumagot

subalit hindi ko mahanap ang sarili kong tinig. "I'll get you out of here, honey,"
wika niya at saka sinipa ang ilan pang salamin na natitira sa bintana. She got out
first and when she was outside, hinila niya ang katawan ko palabas ng sasakyan. She
helplessly looked at the direction of the driver's seat and seemed to be equally
disappointed and sad on what she saw.

Muli siyang yumuko sa akin at saka ako inilayo sa sasakyan. I let my head fall and
as I did, I saw a person getting out of the other van. He was hideous, scary and
very serious. The lack of a smile on his face made him look even creepier. Marahan
at tahimik siyang naglakad papunta sa amin so I wondered if he was going to help
us. I so badly wanted to tell Alexandria about the stranger approaching us subalit
kahit ang sarili kong katawan ay hindi ko maramdaman. I saw a streak of the color
red on Alexandria's white dress and wondered where it came from.

I was scared. I was terribly scared of what was happening. I was scared of this
numbing pain.

"Don't worry, sweetie. Everything

will be fine," Alexandria assured me and without second thoughts, I believed her.
Kung kaya't tahimik ko lang na pinanuod ang paglapit ng estranghero. Mukha ring
hindi sya napapansin ni Alexandria dahil patuloy lang sya sa paglalakad. Napansin
ng estranghero na pinagmamasdan ko siya. He stared straight into my eyes and just
like that, he managed to inject fear into me. An absolute, paralyzing fear.
He pulled something from his jacket and that was when I saw a sleek black pistol.
When he aimed the deadly weapon to our direction, I started to panic. But I
couldn't make a noise. Gusto kong sumigaw at sabihin kay Alexandria na tumakbo at
iligtas kami pareho mula sa estranghero. But I couldn't do it. The only thing that
I could do was to stare at him with wide eyes.

Alexandria put me on the ground. She looked at me in confusion when she saw the
expression on my face. Her expression changed as a voice behind her said something.

"So young and full of life. What a waste!"

Nilingon ni Alexandria ang estrangherong nagsalita. I saw the fear that crossed her
face when she saw the gun on his hand.

"W-What do you want?" Nahihintakutang tanong ni Alexandria.

He looked at her and gave a sinister smile.

"I want your life."

And then he pulled the trigger of the gun. I saw Alexandria freeze on her feet with
a loud shout. I wanted to ask her what was happening. I wanted to ask her if she
was okay. Subalit mukhang hindi ko na kailangan pa ng kasagutan dahil unti-unting
bumagsak si Alexandria sa lupa. The most wonderful and gorgeous woman I'd ever met
fell in front of me. The one who assured me that everything was going to be fine
faded away from me. Nagtama pa ang mga mata namin bago ito tuluyang tumiklop.
"And as for you... Well, you're not part of the plan but now, I had to kill you.
Although, seeing all that blood, I don't need to waste another bullet on you
anymore. Because, young girl, I have a bad news. You're dying," malinaw nitong sabi
at saka ako tinalikuran.

Pinagmasdan ko ang wala nang buhay na si Alexandria. Am I going to be like her? Why
did he do this? How could he do something like this to us? Isn't he human, too?

Unti-unti nang nilalamon ng dilim ang paningin ko hanggang sa tuluyan na akong

walang makita. This was probably bad. He said I was dying. Am I?

=================

Chapter 1: A Game of Chess

Chapter One: A Game of Chess

~Henrietta Arturia~

This was just so romantic. Tell me about a happy ending and I would show you this
picture. Every loose knot was tied up with the simple act of following their
hearts. If only everything was just as easy.

Kasalukuyan ngayong nasa Montello High ang lahat ng pwersa ng Mafia Freniere. Ito
ay matapos na i-lock down ng grupong tinatawag na Stones Organization ang
eskwelahan at dakpin ang isa sa mga leader ng Mafia Freniere. All the reapers were
on deck, riveted to the scene of our Mafia masters. Sir Algernon Freniere was
confronting his son, Giovanni Freniere, and the girl he chose to save. Sebastian
Freniere, Algernon's eldest son, was here, too. And right now, Giovanni's girl was
challenging one of the very principles of the Mafia.
Binitiwan ni Mikhail--ang isa ko pang kasamahang reaper--ang babaeng iyon at agad
itong tumakbo. Pinanuod ko siya habang papalapit kay Giovanni Freniere. I couldn't
stop the envy that suddenly sprang in my heart. If I could just have an ending like
hers. She was stupid and definitely far from the usual heroine of a love story but
she still got her happy ending. And-uh-what was her name again?

Nadadala na ako sa nasaksihan dahil tila mababago na nila ang isip ni Sir Algernon.
Maybe they would become the exception to the rules. Ngunit nasira ang lahat nang
isang malakas na putok ng baril ang pumailanlang sa paligid. Everyone froze,
including

me.

"Take the big fish down before the game ends," wika ng matandang lalaki mula sa
bukana ng sentrong building at saka tumakbo papasok nito. This old man was the
mastermind of this whole mess. Principal Steins, the leader of the Stones
Organization.

Sebastian looked like a man who lost his soul as he watched that unusual smile fade
from Giovanni's face. Even I couldn't believe what just happened. I almost believed
in happy endings. I almost kept my own hopes up. Until that stupid, old man ruined
it in a blink of an eye. I suddenly, desperately wanted to rip his head off his
body.

Agad na natauhan si Sebastian sa pagkabigla at tumakbo sa kinaroroonan ni Giovanni.

This was the second time in a few short months that his easy arrogance seemed to
fade from him entirely. He kneeled beside Giovanni na nakahiga sa lupa. Nakaluhod
din sa tabi nito ang babaing iyon. Sir Algernon Freniere stood frozen-unmoving,
looking at nothing. Ang pag-asang kanina lang ay nagsisimulang bumalong sa paligid
ay napalitan ng luha at kadiliman.

All the reapers stood our ground. We were all waiting for one thing. We were
waiting for his words. We were waiting for him to start the game. Ilang segundo
lang ang lumipas at dumating ang hinihintay namin.
"Get them... All of them. But don't kill them just yet."

And in less than a second, all the reapers were running towards the building. A few
of the Reapers were smiling. Because really, this was what we live for now. This
was the life of a Reaper. Everyone

was going to take this game seriously. The big catch would be the old man who shot
the young Freniere.

But he wasn't my big catch. I was aiming for a different person.

"I know what you're thinking, Henrietta," wika ng lalaking tumatakbo sa tabi ko.
Kaming dalawa ang nangunguna ngayon sa lahat. I glared at him. I was the fastest
Reaper. Clearly, I hadn't been focusing enough because he was keeping up with me.
Was he messing with me?

"I didn't know you could read minds," sagot ko kay Mikhail. He just smiled at me.

"You're trying to get the Novou," wika niya.

Of course, he knew my obsession with the Novou clan. And my obsession with winning.
"Would you believe it? You actually read my mind! You must have predicted this too,
then." In a swift movement, I kicked his left knee and punched his gut, causing him
to stumble to the ground.

"You don't know the first thing about me," I whispered coldly at him at saka
ipinagpatuloy ang pagtakbo. I didn't know if Mikhail had a stupid plan on
surpassing or beating me but he would never succeed. Not when I was his opponent.
Mas binilisan ko pa ang pagtakbo. When I run, I become a blur but I could still see
everything around me clearly. Nakakita ako nang ilang nakamaskara sa daraanan ko
subalit pinili ko silang lagpasan. Hindi sila ang target ko. Ano bang iniisip nila?
Nagbabalak silang tumakas? They should know that there would be no escaping the
Freniere Mafia. Sir Algernon specifically told us not to kill them. I pitied them.
They infuriated

the Mafia head, now death was not going to be an ample punishment.

Isang grupo ang nakita kong tumatakbo, at sa gitna nila ay nakita ko ang ikalawang
target ko. It was the old man who shot Giovanni. Umikot ako sa ibang direksyon
upang salubungin sila at wala pang isang minuto ay nagawa ko nang humarang sa
daraanan nila upang hintayin ang kanilang pagdating.

"Reaper!" Sigaw ng unang nakapansin sa akin at akmang tatakbo sa kabilang

direksyon. Subalit mabilis ko silang naabutan at agad itinutok ang baril sa
kanilang pinakalider.

"You can never run away if I was the one chasing you," bulong ko at saka ipinukpok
ang baril sa batok niya, dahilan upang agad siyang mawalan ng malay at bumagsak sa
paanan ko. Masama kong tiningnan ang mga nakamaskarang lalaki sa paligid ko. Apat
sila. I could take them down. Subalit bago ko pa nagawa ang nasa isip ko ay mabilis
na sumulpot si Mikhail at isa-isang pinatulog ang mga nakapaligid sa akin. Pinanuod
ko lang siya hanggang sa mapatumba niya lahat.

"You're welcome," nakangiti niyang sabi.

"I caught the biggest fish," seryoso kong sagot at sinipa ang walang malay na
pinuno ng Stones Organization.

"Of course you did. Congratulations," sagot niya. Hindi na ako muling nagsalita pa.
Mikhail was one of the best Mafia Reapers. My relationship with him was like my
relationship with any other Reaper-casual and civil. Mikhail always tried to talk
to me but I couldn't trust him. He certainly couldn't trust me, either. No person
should ever trust a Reaper because

the truth was that we were the most untrustworthy people in the world. There was
nothing good in us. We only live by the orders that come out of our master's mouth.

Muli kong naalala ang orihinal kong plano. I had to get the Novou. I started to
step away nang magsalitang muli si Mikhail.

"Hey, are you just going to leave this fish here?" Nagtatakang tanong niya.

"Can you take him to Sir Algernon?" Tanong ko. He gave me an unbelieving look bago
umiling.

"You know I could take the credit for catching this fish, don't you?"

Nagkibit-balikat ako sa sinabi niya. "Doesn't change anything," seryoso kong sagot.

"Tsk. Oo na. You still caught the big fish," pagsuko niya. I knew what Mikhail
Petrov was up to. He wanted to defeat me more than anything. But he would never try
to cheat. He was too proud. And I could use that pride to my advantage.

After a short nod, tumakbo akong muli sa kabilang direksyon. What was up with this
school? It was enormous, classic and definitely dangerous. I wondered how everyone
could bear to live and study in this maze. It was like a survival arena. Mabilis
akong nakarating sa sixth floor. Tahimik ang paligid at walang kahit isang tao.
Posible ring naunahan ko pa ang mga miyembro ng organisasyong iyon sa pagtakbo.
Nanatili akong nakatayo at hindi kumikilos. Kailangan kong maramdaman ang lahat.
Mula sa dampi ng hangin, mga walang buhay na bagay at lalo na ang presensya ng mga
humihingang nilalang. And that was when I looked up. Someone was there. Nothing
could beat

an assassin's instinct.

Mabilis kong inakyat ang hagdan at ilang sandali pa ay nasa pinakamataas na bahagi
na ako ng Montello High School. The tried to force me backwards but I held my
ground. I knew someone was here. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko at agad ding nakita
ang aking hinahanap. But he wasn't alone. He was with a student.

The Novou assassin was pointing a gun to a student who was standing at the edge of
the building. The student could easily drop to the ground at any moment. There were
only two choices for him, but with the same outcome. Either he got killed by Novou
or he got killed by jumping off this height. Kalmado akong naglakad papalapit sa
kanila. I had to get Novou.

"You can betray everyone but you can't betray a Novou and expect to get away with
it," galit na galit na wika ng assassin. I wondered what this student did to him.
The boy looked decent and formal. Paano kaya niya nagawang galitin ang isang Novou?

The student just smiled widely. "Mamamatay din naman ako sa araw na ito pero
pipiliin kong hindi sa kamay mo," at saka tumingin sa ibaba.

"Oh, but a bullet would be faster than your falling body, Montreal," sagot ni
Novou.

This was a stupid drama. Why can't he just pull the trigger? Why the hell can't he
just jump then? That was when I decided to pull my own sleek, black pistol at
itinutok sa direksyon ng Novou assassin. Mukhang agad na naramdaman nito ang banta
sa buhay niya kaya ibinaling niya ang tingin sa akin.
"Oh? A Reaper. If you're going

to save this guy, you're too late," he playfully said. Ano ba'ng sinasabi niya? He
could kill the student for all I care. Kinalabit ko ang gatilyo ng baril.

Mukhang nasorpresa siya sa ginawa ko subalit agad rin siyang naka-ilag. The bullet
hit his shoulder instead of his chest. I decided to shoot him again but he easily
dodged. He must have realized that he could never win against me because he was
wounded so he ran to the edge of the building and jumped.

No! This was infuriating. I ran after him subalit tuluyan na siyang nakababa. I
watched his painful exit as he held on to the railings of the lower floors until he
reached the ground. He was fortunate to land on the back side of the school. I
initially thought he must have been dead when he didn't move. Subalit makalipas ang
ilang segundo ay mabilis siyang tumayo at naglaho sa masukal na Nightwoods.

I could jump my way down and pursue him but decided against it. Alam ko kung kailan
dapat isinusuko ang isang laro. And it wasn't like I was giving up. Never. I heaved
a deep breath to suppress my frustration at saka ibinalik ang baril sa loob ng
aking jacket. Agad kong naramdaman ang pares ng mga matang nakatingin sa akin.
Sinalubong ko ang tingin niya. Pareho kaming walang imik na naglalaban ng titigan.
Finally, he blinked at saka inilipat ang paningin sa ibaba ng building. He was
about to jump off. I decided to pull him back. Natumba siya sa sahig ng rooftop.
Kung ano man ang dahilan ng pagpapakamatay niya, I didn't really care. Dahil sa mga
oras na iyon, I needed something from this guy.

"You have to come with me," anunsyo ko na ikinagulat niya.

"You're crazy! Just let me die! I deserve it," galit niyang sagot. Sa simula ay
nakaramdam ako ng awa sa kaniya. He must have done something really terrible to
hate his life. But I hid my pity and gave him a cold, icy stare.

"I don't care. I just need something from you. After that, if you still want to
die, then I will take your life. For free." He just looked at me like he couldn't
believe me. Hindi ko alam kung sumasang-ayon siya but it didn't matter.
I had decided. A plan was starting to form in my head. And I needed this guy to
succeed. I would have to bring this guy with me.

=================

Chapter 2: Hide and Seek

Chapter Two: Hide and Seek

I grabbed the guy and we ran down the stairs. This school had a backstairs and that
assassin was too stupid to realize that. Or did I really scare him too much that
he'd rather jump off the building than be caught by me?

Mahigpit kong hinawakan sa kamay ang estudyante habang pinakikiramdaman kung may
tao sa paligid na maaaring makakita sa amin. Hindi maaaring makita ng ibang Reapers
ang taong ito. Because of this student's involvement in what happened inside
Montello High School, he was also one of the fishes of this game. Maraming
nagnanais na makuha siya kaya dapat mag-ingat. I could come and go undetected if I
was alone. Pero dahil may kasama ako, I had to be more careful.

Nasa ikalawang palapag na kami. Sandaling pag-iingat na lang at makakalabas na kami

ng gusaling ito.

"How do we get out of this school?" Mahina kong tanong sa kasama ko.

"Entrance?" Mahinahon niyang sagot. My impatience was quickly building up. I wasn't
an impatient person but this was a drastic situation. I looked back at him and
didn't say a word. I kept staring at him until he swallowed back because of
discomfort.
"Nightwoods." Muli siyang nagsalita at saka tumingin sa direksyon ng natatanaw
naming gubat. Wala mang umaamin, alam kong nagtanim na ng pangamba ang lugar na
tinatawag na Nightwoods sa aming mga Reapers. Simula nang malaman namin na sa lugar
na iyon namatay ang pinakamagaling na Reaper at pinakabatang miyembro ng Freniere.
It was an ambush. A small

fear started inside me.

They really wanted the Freniere dead. They had succeeded before. They needed to be
stopped.

And I will stop them.

I shook off my fear. Reapers shouldn't fear anything and I had learned to hide
mine. Fear was weakness. Letting others know your fears was fatal.

Even if the Nightwoods was the most dangerous place in the world, I didn't care.
That girl outside who was crying for the young Freniere had taken the deadly risk
for the one she loves. And she was just a girl. I am a Reaper. My kind of danger
was more dangerous than hers.

We flee when we saw that the grounds were already clear. The Reapers were probably
still playing the game. It was also possible that the mafia was cleaning up the
mess at the front side of the school. I led this guy into the Nightwoods. We kept
on running until we reached a clearing. I thought he was just leading me into a
trap subalit natanaw ko ang nagdidilim nang kalsada. Isang bus ang paparating kung
kaya't mabilis ko siyang hinila tungo sa sementadong daan. The student looked
tired. His breath was coming in slowly and deep. But I needed to get him as far
away as possible from this school. Kung isa lang itong ordinaryong sitwasyon ng
pagtakas, wala siyang pag-asang makapagtago mula sa mga Reaper. But I was his
keeper. It would be a child's play for me to hide him where no one could ever find
him.
Nang tumigil ang bus ay agad kaming sumakay. Itinulak ko siya sa isang bakanteng
upuan at

saka naupo sa tabi niya. I felt relieved nang magsimulang umandar ang bus papalayo
ng eskwelahan. Isinandal ko ang aking ulo sa upuan at saka ipinikit ang aking mga
mata. Pinoproseso ng utak ko ang mga nangyari at aking ginawa. I was always sure of
every single move that I take. My moves were always perfectly executed. But this
time, I jumped in without thinking. And it felt more deadly and dangerous than my
usual Reaper activities. But strangely, I also felt hopeful. This would surely give
me the worst type of ricochet.

"Why did you save me?" Narinig kong tanong ng katabi ko. Hindi ako sumagot. Sa
halip ay ginawa kong normal ang paghinga at nagkunwaring tulog. Did I just save
him? Maybe if you look at it from a different perspective, that was how it would
look like. But my intentions weren't really honorable. I wasn't suddenly trying to
heroic. Saving someone wasn't my forte. I learned about that hard truth eight years
ago. Ever since that day, I knew that I couldn't save anyone.

Hindi na muling nagtanong pa ang estudyante sa tabi ko. Maaaring tahimik rin niyang
binabawi ang lakas. Inisip ko kung ano ang susunod kong gagawin. This was the worst
idea I ever had pero ito lang din ang isang pagkakataong hindi ko dapat palampasin.
Besides, it wasn't every day that Henrietta Arturia did something imperfect. Isang
minuto pa ang lumipas bago ko ipinasyang imulat muli ang aking mga mata. Saktong
lumapit sa amin ang isang lalaki na nangongolekta ng pamasahe sa mga nakasakay sa
bus. Tinanong niya ako kung saan kami patungo.

"Arturia Mansion," seryoso kong sagot.

Iniabot ko sa kaniya ang buong isang libong piso.

Hindi kaagad nakapagreact ang lalaki. I frowned. May mali ba sa aking ginawa? Nang
makahuma na ito ay sinabi nitong hindi kami maihahatid sa Arturia Mansion. "Hindi
kami liliko sa direksyon tungo sa Arturia Mansion. Pribadong lugar iyon. At saka
wala ho ba kayong barya? Ang laki naman masyado ng ibinigay ninyo," anito.

Oh? I didn't know that public transportation was like this. I left my car on a
place near Montello High School. "How about Arturia University?" Tanong ko. My
other car was there. The one I use when I have to live like a normal person.
"Sa kanto lang nun," sagot nito at akmang ibabalik ang perang ibinigay ko sa
kaniya.

Kinuha ko iyon sabay sabing, "Thank you for the free ride." Maybe public
transportation was a bad idea. Tila hindi naman makapaniwala ang lalaki at
tinapunan ako ng tingin at saka umalis. The student beside me was also looking at
me with a weird expression. I ignored him.

"You're from Arturia University?" Tanong niya. Hindi ako sumagot. Sa halip ay
tiningnan ko ang aking relo. It was almost dinner time at home. I promised Dad that
I would have dinner with him. And Mom. And Wycliffe was probably already looking
for me.

"Can I just go and hide myself?" Napalingon ako sa sinabi ng katabi ko.

"No," matipid kong sagot. He couldn't go by himself. Oras na mawala siya sa

pangangalaga ko, ikamamatay niya. The others would find him. As long as I was with
him, no one would even think he was with me.

"You

don't have to go through all these trouble to save me. I deserved to die."

"I'm not saving you," I said in a threatening voice that made him shut up. I always
used this tone to end a conversation. And it always worked. Muli kong ipinikit ang
aking mga mata at nagpanggap na tulog but I was hyper aware of my surroundings.
Every stops and curious movements. Reapers were always alert.
Halos isang oras ang lumipas nang marinig ko ang lalaking kumukuha ng pamasahe na
banggitin ang Arturia University. Agad akong nagmulat ng mga mata at hinila patayo
ang kasama ko. Ilang sandali pa ay nakalabas na kami ng sasakyan at naglakad
patungong Arturia University.

"You stay here," utos ko sa kaniya nang nasa tagong bahagi kami ng gate ng
paaralan. He looked at me for a moment at saka tumango. "Kung susubukan mong
tumakas, siguruhin mong hindi kita mahahanap," seryoso kong sabi bago naglakad
papasok ng Arturia. I could probably find him if he runs away but if he stayed put,
things would be easier for me. Tumango lang sa akin ang mga gwardiya na
nakasalubong ko hanggang sa makarating ako sa parking lot. I couldn't let that
student inside my territory. He was still suspicious. I immediately drove my car to
where I left him. Pagbaba ko ng sasakyan ay lumingon ako sa paligid.

"He's gone." This made things complicated. I was about to start his manhunt nang
isang pigura ang lumapit sa akin mula sa madilim na bahagi ng lugar.

"You're looking for me?" Tanong ng estudyante.

"Get in," sagot ko at sumakay ng kotse.

This stranger was starting to make me wonder now. He had a chance to escape but he
didn't. It wasn't like I wanted him to try his luck by escaping. I actually
preferred things to be as easy. I was just curious because I really expected he
would escape. But he proved me wrong. What's with him?

Pinilit kong iwaksi ang mga isiping tungkol sa taong ito at itinuon ang atensyon sa
pagmamaneho. Everyone must be looking for me now. But the mafia would think that I
had gone my own way out like I always do. Sanay na silang bigla akong nawawala.
Then there was Dad. Oh, no! Mas binilisan ko pa ang pagpapatakbo. Gabi na kung
kaya't maluwang at halos mangilan-ngilan lang ang sasakyan na dumaraan sa kalsada
papunta sa amin. I was actually exceeding 200km per hour. I was about to push it
further when I noticed the horrified expression on the student's face. The last
thing I wanted was him throwing up in my car. If he did that, it would be so easy
to forget my plan and kill him on the spot. I sighed. I really need to get home.
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang matanaw ko na ang mansion at binilisan ang
pagmamaneho papasok sa nakabukas na gate. They left it open for me. Sa halip na
pumarada sa labas ng entrance ay inikot ko ang kotse tungo sa likod ng mansion.
This place was woody and this was where I was going to hide him. Itinigil ko ang
sasakyan sa isa sa mga pinakamalaking puno at saka lumabas. Tumingala ako habang
hinihintay ang estranghero na lumabas mula sa kotse. No one would find him here.

"A tree house?"

Mahinang bulalas nito habang sinusundan ng tingin ang pinagmamasdan ko. Yes. It was
my old, childhood tree house. I kept it habitable kahit hindi ko na iyon masyadong
ginagamit. This was where I hide when I wanted to shut the whole world out. I
considered burning the tree and the tree house to the ground a long time ago. But I
couldn't. There were just too many memories I couldn't part from in this place.

Umakyat ako at sinenyasan siyang sumunod. Which he did. He seemed surprised that I
could climb a tree. I was so tempted to tell him that I could even climb a
building. Just because I looked like Snow White didn't mean I was a damsel. I am a
Reaper.

I took out my necklace and used it to open the door. My pendant looked elegant but
it was actually the key to my tree house. I opened the dim light and it revealed a
single-size gray bed, a desk, a single couch, a refrigerator and an empty canvass.

"You paint?" Tanong niya matapos pagmasdan ang kabuuan ng tree house.

"No," sagot ko. There was that familiar pain in my chest again. A pain so usually
there, it felt like an old friend. No, I didn't paint. But I knew someone who can.
Or who used to. I wish he would try and paint again someday. He-Stop, I commanded
my brain. He's not called that anymore. Muntik ko nang banggitin sa isip ko ang
pangalan niya. Ang palayaw niya noon. I shouldn't. I had already decided I
wouldn't.
"This is a nice place," komento ng estudyante. It really was a nice place.

"Listen. You must stay here. Don't ever leave this place. Never show yourself to
anyone. Never go down this tree," pahayag ko. Tumingin siya sa akin at saka
tumango.

"That's the longest I've ever heard from you."

I turned my back to him and was about to climb down nang muli siyang magsalita.
"Ethan," wika niya na ikinalingon ko. I looked at him, confused. "My name's Ethan,"
wika niyang muli at saka humiga sa kama na tila pagod na pagod. Mukhang anumang
sandali ay lalamunin na siya ng antok. He must have been really tired.

Hindi ko alam kung narinig pa niya ang sagot ko dahil mukhang nakatulog na siya
pagpalapat pa lang ng likod niya sa kama. "Henrietta. Merry Christmas, Ethan." At
saka ko isinarado ang pinto.

Nothing could ever really stop Christmas Day. I ran towards my family's house.

=================

Chapter 3: Christmas Day

Chapter 3: Christmas Day

"Did you just give our house a 360-degree drive?"

Napangiti ako nang marinig ang boses na iyon habang naglalakad sa main lounge ng
mansion. There--standing between the gigantic white Christmas tree and a royal blue
couch--was my brother. And he was holding a wrapped gift in his hand.

"I guess I can never do anything naughty without you noticing. You are one over-
protective, little brother," biro ko.

"I'm not. I'm just afraid that you're burying a dead body on our grounds,"
nakangiti niyang ganti na ikinatahimik ko. I knew that he was just joking but his
statement was just too close to the truth for comfort. And I couldn't help but
react to what he said a little, especially coming from my favorite person in the
world.

"Too much Stephen King books?" Sagot ko na lang at pabagsak na umupo sa couch.
Umupo siya sa tabi ko at saka ini-abot ang hawak niyang regalo.

"Hindi ako ang bumili ng Iron Man collectibles para diyan. Actually, I have two
gifts for you, Hetta. But I'm just too excited to give this one to you," nakangiti
pa rin niyang sabi.

Tinitigan ko siya nang matagal bago tanggapin ang regalo. I still couldn't read
him. Trying to get a read on my brother was like becoming someone else and trying
to read another version of Henrietta Arturia. There was no success. Giving up,
inumpisahan kong tanggalin sa pagkakabalot ang kahon. It revealed a grey glossy
box. Tiningnan ko muna si Wycliffe bago binuksan ang kahon. And I froze instantly,

staring wide-eyed inside the box. It was the first book of Fifty Shades of Grey. My
brother must really be a twisted version of me.

Humahalakhak na tumakbo si Wycliffe palayo sa akin. "Well, Santa Claus said, you
can never be naughty!" Tumatawa niyang sabi. If it was just any other person, I
would just ignore it. But this was my brother, Wycliffe Arturia. He shouldn't even
have a clue about things like this just yet! How did he even buy this? Forget it.
He probably didn't buy it himself. That brat.

"As long as you don't read this, I will gladly keep this on the far corner of my
library." Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng pumasok sa utak niya at ni-regaluhan niya ako
nito. Palagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na hindi ko pa kayang basahin ang librong ito
kahit gaano pa ito kasikat. And for heaven's sake! He was only 14 years old!

"You know what, hindi bagay sa personality mo ang hitsura mo. I think you should
wear glasses, long skirts and pull your hair up in a tight bun! That's how the
freaks in our school are dressing up!" Nakangiti niyang sabi habang pinapanatili
ang distansya naming dalawa.

"Are you bullying someone at school?" Kunot-noo kong tanong. Sandali siyang
napaisip. And that actually confirmed that he was actually bullying someone in
school.

"She ignores me a lot," he said with distaste in his voice. I couldn't help but
smile. It was a really rare event that someone would ignore a boy like him. Maybe
my brother was really growing up. He was even developing pride and ego now.

"I think

I'll like that girl," nakangiti kong sabi na ikinasimangot niya.

"Oh, everyone dislikes her, Hetta!" Tutol niya. Bago pa ako makasagot ay isang buo
at malagong na tinig ang pumailanlang sa loob ng mansion.

"Merry Christmas, darlings!" It was the booming voice of our father and he was
coming down the grand staircase with Mom beside him. Tumayo ako upang salubungin
sila. Wycliffe and I kissed them on their cheeks like what we always do.
"I think it's better if we have our Noche Buena ready. I received a call from
Sebastian," wika ni Mom and she eyed me seriously.

"Is he going to get Hetta from us again?" Tanong ni Wycliffe habang nauuna patungo
sa dining room. The food had been set on the table.

"I'll come back as soon as I can and get your 'real' gift," I assured him. He was
always throwing a temper whenever I had to go and do something related to Sebastian
Freniere. They used to be close friends before everything turned out bad.

"He was one the who stopped coming here, so why do you have to keep coming to him?"
Iritable niyang sabi na hindi ko masagot. Good thing my Dad rescued me from dealing
with Wycliffe.

"Giovanni is in the hospital," aniya na ikinatahimik naming lahat.

Our families were really close, to the point that almost all of our businesses were
connected to the Freniere. All of us, except Wycliffe, were fully aware of the
illegal transactions of the Freniere family. My family handled all the legal
aspects of the empire. But unlike

all the other family friends, we don't do family bondings with them. The reason was
simply because of our names and who we were in society. The Freniere Family was a
family that no one would ever want to be a part of. Their life was too tragic and
full of grief, too dark that no one could see.

Christmas day had been a very long day to everyone. At least for me, it was.
Especially since I still had other responsibilities that prolong the occasion.
11:45 pm. Malamang sa ospital na ako abutan ng Pasko. Spending Christmas in a
hospital sounded terribly wrong. But I was not a person celebrating a typical
Christmas Day. I am a Reaper. I wonder, since when did I stop believing in Santa
Claus?

After dinner with family, I drove carefully towards the parking lot of the
hospital. Mangilan-ngilan lang ang mga sasakyang naroon. Hindi rin ganoon kaabala
ang mga tao sa gusali kung titingnan. This hospital was a part of the Legal
Business of the Mafia. But in times like this, they had to do something to
accommodate Mafia activities. I wondered what they did to cover things up this
time?

Mula sa madilim na bahagi ng paligid ay naramdaman ko ang pagbukas ng pinto sa di

kalayuan. Kinapa ko ang Eagle of Desert mula sa aking coat habang itinutulak pasara
ang pinto ng sasakyan. I was about to walk towards the entrance but stopped on my
track because of the small red-headed girl standing on my way.

"I will shoot you between your eyes if you don't stop sneaking around," seryoso
kong sabi at ipinagpatuloy ang paglalakad.

/>

"I could have shot you while you were closing the door," she said, smiling evilly
at me. Forest was the Mafia's best Sniper. Kaya niyang tumira ng target kahit gaano
pa ito kalayo. I could say nothing against her accuracy. It would be really smart
not to get on her bad side. "I'm so sleepy. The hospital is almost empty. Do you
think I can sleep in one of their emergency rooms without being operated on? You
know, I'm not ready for body modification yet," nakasimangot niyang sabi.

I couldn't help but be amused at her. She could easily shift her moods in just a
few seconds. Among all the Reapers, she was one of the weirdest. She was animated,
morbid and yeah, strangely weird.

"Where are the patients?" Sa halip ay tanong ko.

"Ipinalipat sila ng ibang ospital. I'm actually surprised that they call this place
a hospital. I thought we're just checking in some weird hotel with weird
architectural designs," sagot niya habang ikinukumpas ang kamay sa hangin. Oh! And
did I mention that among all the Reapers, she was my favorite? Because she didn't
really looked like a Reaper. She looked just like an ordinary, clumsy, high school
girl.

"Dapat hindi na lang nila iyon ginawa. May mga pasyenteng- "

"Oh, just shout it to Tres' face. He's so evil. I want to slap him with my angel
wings," she cut me with rolling eyes. Napailing na rin lang ako. We were supposed
to secure the area tonight. Hindi ko alam kung ilang Mafia Reapers ang nagtatago sa
paligid ng ospital upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga Mafia bosses. Right now,
they

were fragile at maaaring samantalahin iyon ng iba, lalo na ng mga kalaban.

"And Hetta, do you know that girl who never left Giovanni's side? God! I'm so
tempted to shoo her away! It feels awkward to have an outsider here. Well, aside
from the doctors. We need them," aniya na ikinahawak ko sa balikat niya.

"Give her clothes, food and drink. But let her stay by his side," seryoso kong sabi
na ikinamaang niya. Tinitigan niya ako na tila ibang tao ang kaharap niya.

"You-you have a crush on her?"

"Forest?"

"Okay. Okay. I'll send one of the nurses to take care of her. Why should it be me?
I'm not her maid," nakasimangot niyang sabi at saka humiwalay sa akin upang
magtungo sa Nurse's Station.
Natanaw ko ang pinto kung saan may tatlong Mafia Reapers at ilang Mafia Guards ang
nakabantay. They must be inside. I saw that Mikhail was one of the stationed
Reapers and he smiled immediately after seeing me. He mouthed, 'Merry Christmas' to
which I responded only with a nod. Maliban doon ay wala nang maririnig na ibang
ingay mula sa mga nakatayo roon.

I approached silently at tumigil sa malaking bintana kung saan matatanaw ang mga
tao sa loob. Giovanni Freniere was inside. Different tubes were attached to
different parts of his body and an oxygen tank served to support his breathing. The
girl whose name I couldn't remember was sitting beside him. The Great Maximus Brown
and Sir Algernon Freniere were sitting on the far corner with coffee in their
hands. Nararamdaman ko ang

bigat ng sitwasyon sa loob.

"The young master is already safe. But he's not opening his eyes yet," mahinang
bulong ni Mikhail na tumigil sa tabi ko.

"Soon, he will," tipid kong sagot. I couldn't take my eyes off that girl's face.
She seemed so weak and yet, just like what I'd always known, there was something in
her. Something that made her reach this far. Something I never had.

"Who would have thought that a devil would find someone to die for?" Komento ni
Mikhail. Yeah. Who would have thought that things like this were possible for the
likes of us? Everything must be worth it. For the two of them, at least.

Pumihit ako paharap kay Mikhail. "Are you the one assigned to sercure the area?"
Tanong ko.

He gave me one of his dazzling smiles that would definitely make Forest lick her
lips in appreciation. But she was not here so I just returned it with a cold stare.
"Yup! You evaporated a few hours ago so Max told me to secure the area." Hindi pa
rin nabubura ang ngiti sa mukha niya.

Tumangu-tango lang ako habang hindi inaalis ang paningin sa kanya. He was still
smiling at me. We stayed like that for exactly two minutes until his smile vanished
from his face. "You're such a damn, cold stone." He cussed silently. "And yeah!
Tres told me to tell you if ever you showed up, na nasa coffee shop lang sya ng
ospital."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "And I'm supposed to know that because?"

"You are supposed to go to him," sagot niya.

Walang imik ko siyang

tinalikuran at nagtungo sa direksyon ng elevator. This hospital looked creepier

since mangilan-ngilan lang ang tao sa paligid. There were Mafia Guards in every
floor na nagiging dahilan ng takot ng ilang mga doctor at nurse. This hospital was
awake just to serve Giovanni Freniere. I reached the second floor where the coffee
shop and the cafeteria were located.

Mukhang hindi ko na kailangan pang hanapin ang isang Sebastian Freniere dahil
pagbungad ko pa lang sa coffee shop ay nakita ko na ang grupo sa isang mesa. I
gritted my teeth when I saw him kissing a pretty nurse. They were making out in a
dark part of the coffee shop. I was so tempted to turn around and forget about
meeting him when I caught his eyes. We stayed like that for few seconds while he
was doing obscure things I dare not mention. I decided to approach them when I saw
his hands edging higher on the woman's bare legs.

Mukha namang naramdaman ng babae ang presensya ko dahil ito na ang kusang bumitaw
kay Tres. Namumula ang mga pisnging tinapunan niya ako ng tingin. She was pretty.
I looked at her emotionlessly. "You should have taken precautionary measures, Miss.
Do you have any idea how much DNA residue of other people you could find from his
mouth due to the saliva he gets from every girl he gets his hands on? Haven't you
read the words Sexually Transmitted Disease scribbled on his lips?" Wika ko na
ikinalaki ng mga mata niya.

Umiling siya ng ilang beses. "No, you're lying." At saka tumingin kay Tres na tila
umaasang ipagtatanggol siya nito. But Tres just

smirked and licked his lips.

"The hospital bills will be free. That's how it is. You have to kiss Death to taste
the most sensual lips that ever existed." And with that, dali-daling umalis ang
babae mula sa pagkakaupo sa hita ni Tres at saka tumakbo palabas ng coffee shop.

"You didn't need the whole hospital para lang maasikaso si Giovanni. I'm sure na
kaya iyong i-handle ng ilang mga doctor," wika ko habang umuupo sa upuan na katapat
niya.

"Less people, less trouble. I'm planning to burn this hospital to the ground after
Van's recovery," anunsyo niya. I was silently shocked but didn't show it. The more
emotion he gets from me, the more he would pursue his plans.

"It is one of the Mafia's legal businesses. Malaking kawalan kung susunugin mo ang
establisimyentong ito," pormal kong sabi. Tinitigan niya ako nang matagal na tila
binabasa ang iba pang mga ibig sabihin sa likod ng aking pahayag.

"You're thinking of those weak people," he concluded while staring at me.

Sinalubong ko ang tingin niya. I still couldn't believe how cold those eyes could
get. It was painfully, icily cold and empty that I couldn't help but to look away.
"You're still the weak girl that I knew. You should have known when to die
instead," dagdag niya na ikinabalik ng tingin ko. It was not the first time that he
asked me to die straight to my face. Eight years ago, I approached him, crying
after the tragic incident. I was so scared and wanted to find comfort, at least
from my best friend. But instead, he asked me why

I was still alive.

Ilang minuto akong tumahimik at hinintay ang sunod niyang sasabihin. I watched him
as he poured liquor in his Americano. I didn't want to argue about being alive
right now. Nang ilang sandali pa ang lumipas at wala pa rin siyang binibitiwang
salita, ipinasya ko nang tumayo at magpaalam.

"You stay when you're not asked to. You leave when you're not allowed to," aniya
matapos humigop sa kanyang tasa.

"Since iinom ka na lang ng kape, I think this is exactly the point where I have to
stand and take a movie break," seryoso kong sagot. I just couldn't stand seeing him
like that.

"You have a task," wika niya sa seryosong tono. He either becomes serious or mad
whenever someone gets to him. And because I was an ice princess, everything he does
just bounced off of me. At least that was how it appeared. Most of the time, I just
couldn't stand him like this. "Bring Van's b*tch home. It's so annoying to have her
within a thousand radius!" Patuloy niya.

Maybe it was really better to bring her home. If she was making the Mafia
uncomfortable, then it was only a matter of time before someone does something
against her. Isa pa, isa pa rin siyang normal na tao sa paningin ng lahat. Ang
halaga niya ay natatapos kay Giovanni Freniere at hangga't nakaratay ang taong
iyon, wala siyang aasahang pwedeng pumrotekta sa kanya. Or maybe, Maximus Brown
would protect her.

"You're also worried about her," sagot ko.

He laughed soundlessly until it slowly changed into a loud, demonic laugh. "I

was actually thinking of different ways to kill her and how I would make it appear
to my brother once he wakes up." I just stared at him as he finished laughing. I
silently hoped that everything would still be worth it.

"You have no idea how people strive to survive until you end their lives in just
few seconds," sagot ko at saka nilisan ang lugar. It was ironic that I would say
that, given my job description. Being a Mafia Reaper was just being a glorified
assassin after all. But then, talking to him becomes harder and harder. The shadow
of loneliness was slowly growing inside me. It saddened me every time I have a
conversation with him.

Muli akong bumalik sa kinaroroonan ni Giovanni Freniere. Uh, I forgot to ask Tres
about that girl's name. Why couldn't I remember her name? There must be a clue to
this. Hindi na nagtangka si Mikhail na kausapin ako. Walang ingay na pumasok ako sa
loob ng kwarto. She was still by his side. She had folded clothes, a burger and a
canned coke on the table beside her but she was not even paying attention to it.
Dumiretso ako sa kinaroroonan nina Maximus Brown at Sir Algernon. They both stood
up and offered me a vacant seat. I think they were the only remnants of the old
value of chivalry.

"I'll drive her home," anunsyo ko nang sabay-sabay kaming muling maupo. They both
looked at the girl who kept on staring at young Freniere's face. How I hated this
scene. How I despised hospitals.

"Mukhang mas makabubuti para sa kanya kung saglit siyang uuwi," tumatangu-tangong
wika ni Maximus.

"Ipinagtataka

ko rin kung bakit narito pa ang kanyang presensya," seryosong dagdag ni Sir
Algernon.
"Maaari mo ring isama si Forest. Sa tingin ko ay ikatutuwa niya kung kahit paano'y
malalayo siya sa ospital na ito. Mukhang hindi siya natutuwa sa kanyang
kinaroroonan," wikang muli ni Maximus.

I also thought Forest would be really glad if she got away from this hospital. She
seemed to dislike this girl but I think she would risk a few minutes spent with an
unlikable person than endure more hours of being here.

"I'll get her then," wika ko at saka tumayo. Subalit bago pa ako lumingon sa
direksyon ng aming paksa ay narinig namin ang kanyang boses.

"I'm not leaving," she said. We all stared back at her. She had this look that says
she wouldn't take orders from anyone.

Matapos ang ilang segundo ay ibinalik na nila Maximus at Sir Algernon ang atensyon
nila sa kanilang pinag-uusapan. I was so tempted to just ignore her but it seemed
that it was going be a part of my job now to at least talk to her. Agad akong
lumapit sa kanya.

"I'm not going with you," determinado niyang sabi at saka humalukipkip. As much as
I wanted to pity her, there was still this hard-headed part of her that was really
annoying.

"It's going to be for the best. Isa pa, he'll be okay soon. We will inform you once
he wakes up. Surely, he'll be looking for you." At saka ko tinapunan ng tingin si
Giovanni.
"I want to be here when he wakes up," matigas niyang sabi. I really doubted she
could comprehend

logic right at this moment.

"You just proved where you really belong. But everything does not end here. Things
does not end with you sitting here in the hospital. You have another life to live
outside this place. Do you think he will like being watched 24/7 in his worst
state?" I just hate saying too much.

"Yes. He's just that conceited that he wants all eyes on him," nagmamatigas niya pa
ring wika. Again, this girl was amusing me. I wanted to ask her just what kind of a
guy Giovanni was with her. But I had no time for gossip. I didn't even have time
for this.

Matapos ang ilang segundong sukatan ng tingin ay mahigpit ko siyang hinawakan sa

braso at hinila patungo sa direksyon ng pinto. She tried to resist but her strength
at this moment was not enough to fight mine. Hindi rin kami pinansin ng mga nag-
uusap sa may coffee table. Even the Mafia Reapers and Guards outside the room
didn't even try to question my actions.

"Hey, Arturia! Stop dragging me out of this hospital. Hindi mo pag-aari ang
gusaling ito!" Galit niyang sigaw subalit hindi ko iyon masyadong pinagtuunan ng
pansin at sa halip ay mas hinigpitan ko pa ang kapit sa braso niya. There must be
more challenging tasks out there for me than handling this girl.

"Actually, I own the whole building," halos pabulong kong sagot na hindi naman
nakalampas sa pandinig niya. Bumakas ang tila hindi makapaniwalang ekspresyon sa
mukha niya subalit agad din iyong nawala nang maipasok ko na siya sa elevator.

"Oh, so, what now? You'll be a future doctor who can drag someone out from the
hospital in just few seconds?" Sarkastiko niyang komento. Pilit niya pa ring
inihihiwalay ang braso niya mula sa aking pagkakakapit.
I was suddenly just so tired of this day that I wanted to tell her that what I
wanted to be in the future didn't matter anymore. It had been long decided. Muli ko
siyang iginiya palabas ng elevator nang muli itong bumukas. Ginamit niya ang
natitira niya pang lakas upang manlaban subalit dahil marahil sa pagod ay ni hindi
man lang niya magawang pumalag. She was just trashing around nang makita ko ang
papasalubong na si Forest. She was smiling but frowned a little when she saw the
uncomfortable situation with the girl in my hands.

"Just make it easy for us," wika ko bago pa makalapit si Forest. Muli sana siyang
magpupumiglas subalit hindi ko inaasahan nang bigla siyang hampasin ni Forest gamit
ang braso nito sa may parting batok. Isang segundo lang ang lumipas at agad itong
nawalan ng malay at pareho naming sinalo.

"Didn't you just ask for something easy? This is easier," pagdidiin ni Forest.

Napailing na lang ako. Giovanni Freniere must not hear a word of it or else, Forest
would never see the light of day.

=================

Chapter 4: Silent Night

Author's Note:

Hey, guys! So this is after the minor accident. Thank you for worrying, guys! I'm
okay. No fractured ribs. No broken bones. I can still write, so no ghost writer. So
much for trying to be one of the Avengers. But since I'm still alive, maybe I
actually am one!

And yeah, the soundtracks are back! I'm receiving good feedbacks on the MHSG
Soundtracks so I decided to continue sharing it on SWAG. So for this chapter, it
will be 'Eyes on Fire' of Blue Foundation. It was one of Twilight's soundtrack and
I found it really captivating and dark... which suits our beloved reapers.

So there you go! I'll try to give up sleeping one time to write more! Because
really, I'm so busy. It's my 4th week of doing overtimes busy and-okay, I'll shut
up now. :)

+Siel Alstreim+
**********

Chapter Four: Silent Night

"You didn't have to do that. She's not one of us," madiin kong sabi habang
nagmamaneho. Forest just rolled her eyes and flipped her red hair at me at saka
lumingon sa natutulog na babae sa back seat.

"Exactly. She's not one of us, which was why I did it." Inulit lang niya ang sinabi
ko. Parehong magkaiba ang nais naming iparating sa isa't isa.

"You know what I mean. She's not as physically tough as you or me." Mukhang wala
rin namang patutunguhan ang pagtatalo namin. Forest was one of the hardest headed
people in the planet.

"And that's because she's not one of us. Why are you

protecting her anyway? I'd rather protect wild life from uncultured people than
protect an outsider." Pinili kong hindi na lang sumagot. I was not protecting her.
I was sure she could handle herself just fine. But I had seen hope from her and I
would never let anyone vanquish that hope just because of a Reaper's bloodlust.

Itinuon ko na lang ang atensyon sa pagmamaneho. Hindi ko alam kung hihilingin kong
maging maayos na ang kalagayan ni Giovanni Freniere. I didn't want Tres burning
down the hospital to the ground after the recovery of his brother.

"I saw you at the hospital's coffee shop," bigla ay banggit ni Forest. Hindi ko
siya nilingon. Walang dapat pag-usapan tungkol sa coffee shop. Mas binilisan ko pa
ang pagpapatakbo ng sasakyan. Mukhang sa mga oras na ito ay pag-aari ko ang
kalsada.

"You were with our psycho boss," she pushed. Patuloy ko siyang hindi pinansin,
hinihiling na sana'y baguhin na niya ang kaniyang paksa.

"You were French-kissing with him." Okay. That statement was just too much to
ignore. I gave her a serious and deadly look. "Now, I have your attention. Why were
you with him?" Tila walang anumang tanong niya.

"The same reason why we are in the car right now," sagot ko. And of course, that
answer would never be enough for her.

"Malaki ang pagkakaiba ng reaksyon mo noong magkaharap kayo at sa naging pinta ng

mukha mo noong talikuran mo siya. I'm sure that conversation wasn't just about
driving this girl home."

Ano nga ba ang dapat maging reaksyon

ng isang taong hinihilingan ng sariling kamatayan? Every time I talk to him, my

death always slips from his lips. This was Tres. Death was the only thing a person
could get from Sebastian Freniere. Subalit mayroong parte sa aking pagkatao ang
naniniwalang buhay pa ang Sebastian na nakilala ko maraming taon na ang nakalipas.
At hindi ko pa matiyak kung gaano kalaki ang parteng iyon upang magtulak sa aking
gumawa ng bagay na higit pa sa limitasyon ng isang Reaper. The sight of my lovely
tree house flashed on my mind.

"I don't know a lot of things about you, Hetta. But I've heard the stories about
the past. I don't know all the details but I know enough. Sebastian Freniere is one
of the biggest, gorgeous and fiendish asshole that I have ever encountered in my
immortal life. Don't waste your lifetime having hots for him," Forest said. Then
she reconsidered. "Well, you can lick his chest down to his pelvic bones but don't
go further." I wanted to gag from what she said. She was my most favorite reaper
but she could also be my most hated.
"Gross, Forest. Sanctify your mind, please," komento ko.

"I find it sexy, though," aniya na malapad ang ngiti. That was when we both caught
the slightest movement of the girl on the backseat.

"Ugh. Sleeping Beauty is waking up. Jeez! I hate fairytales. It's making me feel
more like I'm a witch," Forest grunted as the so-called 'Sleeping Beauty' opened
her eyes.

"I'm sure I would never be a princess in a fairytale," sagot ng babaeng laging nasa
tabi ni Giovanni Freniere. God, I still

couldn't remember her name. Inayos nito ang pagkakaupo at hinimas ang nasaktang
batok kanina.

"Forest is a really impatient creature. I hope you understand," wika ko habang

nakatingin sa kaniya sa pamamagitan ng rear view mirror. Sinalubong niya ang tingin
ko at saka tumingin sa direksyon ni Forest. Forest was already giving her a psycho-
killer's smile which was enough to scare a normal person. Sa una ay nakita ko ang
pagrehistro ng pagkabigla sa mukha ng babae. But it immediately turned into her own
fierce look.

I think her name is connected to the weather. I sighed silently. I could be wrong,
though.

"If you wanted to exchange punches with me, sana sinabi mo na lang," sarkastiko
nitong sabi. Mas lumapad pa ang ngisi ni Forest.
"Naisip ko kasi na baka hindi ka pumayag," ani Forest. Oh, please. I didn't want to
witness this conversation.

"Hindi kita uurungan kung binigyan mo ako ng pormal na hamon," sagot ng nasa back
seat.

"Pormal kitang hinahamon," wika ni Forest at saka sila nagsukatan ng tingin. Should
I head straight to an asylum and deliver this two? Mukhang wala silang balak
magbawian ng tingin kung kaya't mas binilisan ko pa ang pagpapatakbo ng kotse. I
was driving as fast as 300 km/h already. They seemed to feel the increasing speed
but their pride couldn't allow them to give in to fear.

Meanwhile, I saw a turn towards a familiar street-the street where the girl lives.
With a quick glance at my two wards doing an epic battle of the Glare,

I put the car on a halt that caused both of them to jerk forward on their seats.

"What the hell?!"

"D*mn it, Hetta!" Halos sabay nilang bulalas. I frowned because of their
profanities.

"Don't cuss inside my car," seryoso kong saway sa kanila na tila hindi naman nila
pinakinggan.

"Please tell me you did that because of a passing wild rainbow colored zebra!!!"
Pasigaw na sabi ni Forest.
"Yeah, b*tch! If you suddenly decide that you didn't know how to drive then tell
me! Or else I will burn this car with you to the ground!" Malakas ding sabi ng
isang nasa back seat.

This was the last straw. Of all things I couldn't tolerate, it was stupidity and
noise in a small crammed space.

Magsasalita pa sana si Forest subalit agad kong nailabas ang Eagle of Desert ko at
itinutok sa kanya. Inilabas ko rin ang isang M9 pistol at itinutok sa babae sa
likod ng sasakyan.

"I'm too tired to talk back now. I hope these two could do the job for me," seryoso
kong sabi na ikinatahimik nila.

"I'm your best friend, Hetta- "

I cut Forest off by a slight movement of my gun. That was when she realized how
deadly serious I was.

"This car is a sanctuary to me. Respect it," wika ko. Nang mabasa ko sa ekspresyon
nila ang labag sa loob na pagsang-ayon ay muli kong itinago ang mga armas sa suot
kong coat at muling pinaandar ang sasakyan. Tahimik naming binagtas ang lugar tungo
sa address ng tahanan ng babae sa likod. The mafia did

a full background check on her months ago. I thought Giovanni Freniere was going to
kill her just for fun. I didn't know that they would come a long way and fall in
love instead.

Inihinto ko ang sasakyan, di-kalayuan mula sa isang moderno at simpleng bahay. This
was nothing compared to the Arturia Mansion. What does this girl really have?
Nakasimangot niyang binuksan ang pinto at padabog na lumabas ng sasakyan. I liked
to think I was a patient person. But I realized that being trapped in a limited
space with two explosive girls in tow might be bad for me. Ipinikit ko na lang ang
mga mata nang maramdaman ko ang epekto ng malakas niyang pagsara ng pinto ng
sasakyan ko. I shouldn't kill her. I really shouldn't kill her.

"Sweet, little bitchy bitch..." Pakanta namang komento ni Forest.

Binuksan kong muli ang aking mga mata nang marinig ko ang pagkatok sa bintana ng
aking kotse. I calmly opened it, still chanting the lines about not killing her
inside my head.

"Babalik ako. Hindi niyo ako mapipigilan. Matutulog lang ako nang konti pero
babalik ako," aniya at saka nagsimulang maglakad palayo. Pinanuod ko lang siya
habang binabagtas ang daan patungo sa tahanan niya.

"I f*cking hate her," wika ni Forest.

"I used to wonder what your reaction would be if you met another Forest," komento
ko.

She smiled wickedly at me. "We will plan something enormous." Hopefully, the world
was kind enough not to create another Forest.

I was about to start the

car again when I saw figures from afar. Two dark figures. Mukhang ang scope lang
nila ay ilang metro malapit sa naturang bahay kung kaya't hindi nila napansin ang
sasakyan namin. One of them was advancing towards the walking girl. The other one
was a sniper. Mukha ring walang kaalam-alam ang babae sa nakabadyang pag-atake sa
kaniya.

"Ugh! Gaano ba karami ang miyembro ng Stones at mukhang hindi sila maubos-ubos?"
Inis na bulalas ni Forest nang mapansin niya ang pumukaw ng aking atensyon.

"Take the sniper," wika ko kay Forest.

"Why should I?" Nagmamatigas niyang tanong.

Hindi ko mapipilit ang isang Reaper sa bagay na ayaw niyang gawin. I was not her
master. Besides, she hated the girl. She would probably want her dead. So I didn't
have a choice. I had to do it alone. But which one should I take first? Attacker or
sniper? If I took the sniper, the other one would probably get to her and kill her.
If I took the advancing one, I could save the girl until she gets inside her home.
But I would risk being shot by the sniper. I guess I just have to trust my speed.

Without saying goodbye to Forest, lumabas ako ng sasakyan at mabilis na tumakbo

tungo sa direksyon ng naglalakad na assassin. He was only a few feet away but the
girl didn't notice him. I frowned. How could she not feel that? Was she that tired?
Kailangang maabutan ko ang assassin bago pa ito makalapit sa kaniya. Mas binilisan
ko pa ang pagtakbo. I must be breaking a new record. Nasa porch na ng kaniyang
bahay ang babae at papasok

na sa tahanan nila. The guy was about to shoot her but I reached him before he
could do it. I wrestled him to the ground. Mukhang ikinagulat niya ang mabilis kong
pag-atake kung kaya't wala na siyang nagawa nang maagaw ko ang baril at itinutok
iyon sa kaniyang sentido.

"Wag mo akong patayin! Pakiusap!" Nahihintakutan nitong sabi.

Hindi ko siya tiningnan sa mata nang hampasin ko siya ng sarili niyang armas.
Dahilan upang ikawala niya ng malay. Tumayo ako at saka lumingon sa paligid. The
door of the house was already closed and the family inside would be none-the-wiser.
The girl didn't see us.

Sa pagpaling ko ng direksyon ay natanaw ko ang kasamang sniper ng assassin. I was

now his target. I was about to make a move and escape the bullet subalit bumulagta
ang sniper sa lupa. Hinanap ko ang posibleng dahilan niyon at nakita ko ang
nakatayong si Forest sa bubong ng aking sasakyan.

I saw her kiss her gun with a silencer and smiled at my direction. I couldn't help
the silent hatred that was creeping into my heart. It was just hatred without any
object. Galit na hindi para kanino man. Isa lang galit. Whole and all-consuming.

"Stop that, Hetta. It's weirdly scary."

I kept the anger in and looked at Forest. "I am a reaper. The world should be
scared of me."

"Well, yes... but that's not what I meant," she said. She looked bothered. I waited
for her to continue. "Normally, you're just an ice princess with no emotions giving
you away. But when you look like that, you're really deadly. It's a scary

vision." She tilted her head, studying me. "Yet somehow, you look even more
alluring. Like an angel come to deliver justice. Or, in this case, vengeance."

Her words put me off. I didn't like being associated with anything remotely related
to fancy creatures. Princesses. Angels. I am a reaper. And I shouldn't allow my
feelings to get the better of me. I kept it in, like what I always did.

Tiningnan ko ang walang malay na katawan sa aking paanan. This one was still
breathing. Tinapunan ko rin ng tingin ang hindi na gumagalaw na pigura ng sniper.
That one should be cleaned. Inilabas ko ang aking cellphone at hinanap sa contacts
ang maaaring umayos ng mga ito.

"Just a call away when you need me, Hetta. Where are you?" Alam kong nakapinta sa
mukha ni Mikhail ang isang ngiti habang sumasagot sa tawag ko.

"Two bodies. Few meters away from the girl's house. Clean this," tahimik kong sagot
kay Mikhail.

"Hey, what are you gonna do after-"

I hanged up at saka pumunta sa aking sasakyan. There was no 'me' in this

transaction. There was no 'me' in Reaper. I saw Forest sprawled on my roof. She
seemed to be enjoying the comfort offered by the roof of my car.

"Hetta, do you think they would still go after her?" She asked nang makababa mula
sa bubong ng kotse.

"They are the last ones," pinal kong sabi at saka pumasok sa kotse. Sumunod na rin
siya. And you just killed one of them, nais kong idagdag subalit mas pinili ko na
lang na paandarin muli ang kotse. I drove silently. Too much for avoiding death on
Christmas day. As usual, I dropped Forest on the nearest church. No one really knew
Forest. I didn't even know her family name. Only Algernon Freniere and Maximus
Brown knew her story. Those two just knew everything. I also couldn't understand
why she had to be dropped off at some church.

I decided not to go back to the hospital. Maliban sa ihatid ang babaeng iyon sa
kaniyang tahanan ay wala nang ibang utos sa akin. Hindi rin naman ako itinalaga sa
buong seguridad ng ospital. I might as well go back to Arturia Mansion and
celebrate Christmas like a normal girl on a holiday. I drove faster. I didn't know
why but driving like the wind gave me relief. It was like no matter how perfect the
situation or how wonderful the place was, you could just get past it. Same goes
with the horrible days and nightmares. Everything would pass by rapidly.

Mabilis kong narating ang mansion. It was already past four in the morning and no
matter how beautiful the glow of the Christmas lights were, the Arturia Mansion
remained silent. Using my own key, I entered the mansion and crept silently towards
my room. This was one of the longest Christmas Days I had ever had. I sighed when I
reached my bed. If I had another name, it should be Silent Night.

=================

Chapter 5: Captured

Chapter 5: Captured

I felt him waking up as I put the food I brought on the table. It was seven in the
morning and everyone outside this tree house was already busy.

"How did you manage to sneak in here without a sound?" Tanong niya nang makaupo sa
kama. Ipinagpatuloy ko ang paglalagay ng iba pang mga pagkain sa cupboard. These
food would be enough for three days.

"Your personal needs are in the bathroom," wika ko. It was a good thing that my
tree house offered a small bathroom. I always thought that it would come in handy.
I muffled a yawn before looking back at him. "You can have your breakfast now. You
must be hungry," muli kong sabi. Hindi sya kumilos sa kanyang kinalalagyan.
Tinapunan lang niya ng tingin ang mga pagkain bago ibinalik sa akin ang kanyang
paningin.

"It's Christmas," wika niya.

"Yes, it is."
"Kailangan ko nang umuwi sa amin. Hinahanap na ako ng pamilya ko."

Malalim na buntong-hininga ang pinakawalan ko bago ko siya sinagot. "Hindi lang ang
pamilya mo ang naghahanap sa'yo." I matched the seriousness of his tone. "You can't
go home yet."

"You can't just put me in a cage." A controlled anger hinted at his voice subalit
hindi ko pa rin binago ang reaction ko.

"This cage would make you alive for now. Everyone will be running for your neck
once you're out in the open," seryoso kong sagot.

"Why are you keeping me alive then?"

I stared at him with

blank emotion. He should have been dead yesterday. I was just prolonging his life.
"Because there's something I need and I could use you. I borrowed you from death.
It's up to me kung kailan kita isasauli." Fear and hopelessness crossed his face.
He was still a traitor. I should always remember that.

Hindi na siya muling nagsalita kung kaya't ipinasya kong bumalik na lang sa
mansion. There would be visitors coming and Dad-as usual-would introduce us to them
proudly, like we were the most wonderful treasures he'd ever owned in his lifetime.

"So you didn't saved me," narinig kong muli ang tinig niya na dahilan upang muli
akong tumingin sa kanya.

"You're not worth saving," sagot ko at saka tuluyang tumalikod at lumabas ng tree
house. I locked it quickly and walked back to the mansion. It was cold and the view
from that woody part of the mansion made it seem colder. It was December after all.
It was both my favorite and most hated season.

At katulad ng iniisip ko, abala ang halos lahat ng mga tao sa mansion maliban kay
Wycliffe na nakaupo sa sofa at nakatitig sa mga regalo sa ilalim ng Christmas Tree.
I walked towards him at umupo sa tabi niya.

"Are you trying to burn all those gifts and the Christmas tree with your mind?" I
asked. Hindi niya ako nilingon. Nanatili pa rin siya sa kanyang posisyon. I smiled
and hugged him from behind. "Merry Christmas, little brother," I whispered. It felt
so good being around him. I could just be my true self that I deny very often. I
could wear my heart out when I was beside him.

/>

"I'm very sad," mahina niyang sabi. Nakatitig pa rin sa mga regalo.

I frowned. What could possibly make a jolly and animated Wycliffe sad? "Well, it's
Christmas. You shouldn't be."

"Wala kasi yung gusto kong regalo sa mga ito," aniya na hindi pa rin inaalis ang
pagkakatitig sa mga regalo.

"How did you know that? They're all wrapped. Maaring ang ilan diyan ay magustuhan
mo," wika ko.
"I'm pretty sure it's not there," kumbinsido niyang sagot. "Nothing in there is
close to the size of the gift that I want."

Now, that got me curious about the gift he wanted. Maselan siya pagdating sa mga
materyal na bagay. He needed to have a say in everything, from Soccer League
uniforms to Computer Games. It was really hard to please him.

"Ano bang regalo ang ini-expect mo?" Tanong ko. He turned to face me.

"A car. I've been asking Dad for a car the entire year," seryoso niyang sabi. I
couldn't believe him. He was not serious, right?

"But you're still a kid! You don't even have a driver's license!" Bulalas ko.

"I'm not a kid anymore, Hetta! How many break-ups have you been through?" Tanong
niya na medyo ikinabigla ko.

"Uh, none?"

"See? You're the kid." Okay. So paano napunta ang usapang ito dito?

"Hey! Having no boyfriends doesn't mean that I'm a kid! I'm just mature enough not
to give attention on things that will never last." Jeez. He could really get
reactions out of me. How could he say that? I'm

her big sister!

"I have faith on happily ever after," aniya. This conversation was seriously going
off-tangent. Hindi na lang ako sumagot. Sa halip ay sumandal ako sa sofa at
ipinikit ang aking mga mata. Maya-maya ay narinig kong muli ang tinig ni Wycliffe.
"They're real, Hetta." Hindi talaga siya titigil.

"I've long given up on it."

He was about to say something subalit naputol iyon nang makarinig kami ng tunog ng
isang parating na kotse. It must be one of the visitors. Kasabay niyon ay ang
pagbaba nina Daddy to welcome our guest. They were the family of one of our
business partners. The day started getting busy since then. I remained silent the
whole time Dad was telling them about me and Wycliffe. He must be really proud of
us. We were sharing glasses of wine nang isang mensahe ang natanggap ng phone ko. I
opened it and was surprised to see who the sender was.

3:00 PM, Tres Freniere: Outside.

Was this some kind of a sick joke? He couldn't have chosen a better time to send
this. I was weighing if I should ignore this or check outside the house-if that's
the "outside" he was pertaining to. He was so weird. I thought of ignoring it as I
sipped on my wine glass. Subalit matapos ang ilang minuto ay in-excuse ko rin ang
sarili ko sa mga nasa hapag-kainan at naglakad palabas ng mansion. We had a wide
yard so I took my time walking towards the gate. As I was walking, I realized that
I really should just have ignored it.

Lumingon ako sa paligid nang makalabas ako ng Arturia

Mansion. No one was here. Nakaramdam ako ng lungkot at disappointment. I shouldn't

have paid attention to it. It wasn't even related to my mission. Tatalikod na sana
ako upang pumasok muli ng mansion nang isang humaharurot na itim na Hummer ang
biglang tumigil sa harap ko. Bukas ang bintana nito at nakita ko ang guwapong mukha
ni Tres.
"Hop in." He smirked at me. I just stared at him questioningly. First, why was he
here? Second, why was he asking me to climb the car? Third, why should I do that?
Fourth, where were we going?

"Reaper. Are you just going to stare at me?" Tanong niya. Naging seryoso ang
ekspresyon niya nang mabasa niya ang desisyon kong pagtanggi. Of course, I should
refuse. It was Christmas Day. Hindi ko inaasahan ang sunod niyang ginawa. Lumabas
siya sa kotse at saka naglakad patungo sa kinatatayuan ko. "So what should I do to
you to make you come with me? Should I use hand-cuffs? Ropes?" He looked at me
lustfully. "Should I tie you to a bed?"

Tss. I glared at him at saka tumalikod upang pumasok muli ng mansion. I should have
known better than to check if his message was real. The monster just appeared in
front of our house. Subalit bago ko pa mabuksan ang maliit na gate ay umangat na
ang katawan ko sa lupa at tila isa lang akong magaang bagay na itinapon niya sa
kanyang balikat.

"Tres!" I was really caught off-guard. Nag-kick in lang ang Reaper's instinct ko
nang ipapasok niya na ako sa sasakyan. It was a surprise that my Reaper side
actually kicked in. Usually, it was nowhere whenever I was

with Tres. I kicked his gut when he deposited me on the passenger seat. Subalit
wala lang iyon sa kanya. I tried to kick him again subalit nahuli niya ang binti ko
and grabbed it really hard, making me wince.

"Be good, Reaper. Or I'll break this gorgeous leg of yours," wika niya at saka
binitiwan ang aking binti. I pulled it to my side as he slammed the door. He
climbed to the driver's seat and started the car.

Wala kaming imik habang nagmamaneho sya tungo sa kung saan. I didn't try to ask
where we were going. I didn't care. It didn't matter anymore. Nakatulala lang ako
sa kalsadang tinatahak namin. It was getting unfamiliar and farther from my
family's mansion. My leg was still throbbing. His big and strong hand left a mark
on my skin. He had always been telling me that he had no qualms about hurting me.
Never thought it was going to be this day.
"Stupid Christmas Day," he murmured. I loved Christmas Day. Gusto kong sabihin iyon
sa kanya subalit pinili ko na lang na manahimik.

Isang oras pa ang lumipas at patuloy pa rin sya sa pagmamaneho. Now, it was
starting to get me wondering where we were going. Maybe I should just ask him.
"Where are you taking me?" Seryoso kong tanong.

"Someplace where I can take that f*cking dress off," mabilis niyang sagot. I
gritted my teeth. I couldn't act like a cold reaper in front of him. He could see
right through me and everything about him breaks my mask off.

"I'm not some random girl you can play with," inis kong sabi.

"Oh, believe me. You will be the best playmate that I will ever have," aniya na mas
lalong ikinakunot ng noo ko. Pinili ko na lang na manahimik muli dahil ayoko nang
makarinig pa ng mga salitang ibabalik niya sa bawat tanong ko. He was so stupid and
a total pervert.

Nang ilang minuto ang nagdaan at wala pa ring umiimik sa amin ay ipinasya ko na
lang na ipikit ang aking mga mata. I only had few hours of sleep last night. At
maaring dahil doon kung kaya't tila tinatalo ako ng antok. Isa pa nakakaantok ang
byahe kung kaya't minabuti ko na lang na umidlip. Nang muli akong magising ay tila
nasa ibang lugar na ako at isa lang rin iyong panaginip. It was just that I was
still in the car with this monster. However, the scenery outside the car was so
captivating. We were driving on a road beside the sea and I could clearly see the
sunset. It was casting different shades of yellow, red and indigo to our
surroundings. It was perfect.

I caught a glimpse of my captors' face and saw the lights reflected on it. No doubt
about it, he was still the most gorgeous man I'd ever met. The most dangerous, too.
But as I watched his calm face contentedly fixed on the road, I knew that all the
risk that I was taking would all be worth it.
=================

Chapter 6: Between the Moon and the Sea

Author's Note:

So here's to my No. 1 Readers. And No. 0, too. Thank you for waiting and not giving
up on me. Thank you for not leaving me.

Soundtrack: Turn Back Around by Lucy Schwartz

+Siel Alstreim+

****

Chapter Six: Between the Moon and the Sea

Huminto ang kotse sa isang pantalan. It was the type of Sea Port where illegal
transactions could be done without being noticed by the authority. I wondered if we
have any business here.

"Is this an emergency? You know I don't take any orders on Christmas Day," seryoso
kong sabi.

"Who cares about Christmas Day?" He smirked at my direction bago binuksan ang
pinto. Gusto kong sabihin na I do care about Christmas Day subalit pinili ko na
lang na manahimik habang pinapanood siyang kausap ang ilang mga tao sa pantalan.
Knowing him, he didn't care about what everyone cared about.

I turned my gaze to the sea. For the month of December, it sure was sunny. The way
the waves danced calmly was so welcoming. As if it was like asking me to feel it
with my body. But this was not the right time for any type of leisurely activities.
Lumabas ako ng sasakyan at naglakad tungo sa grupo sa di-kalayuan. Napatigil sa
pagsasalita at napatunganga ang mga kausap ni Tres nang makita nila akong
paparating. I tend to get people's attention effortlessly.

"So Captain, what do you think of me feeding your men's eyeballs to the fishes?"
Muling bumalik

ang atensyon nila sa nagsalita. Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang pagkawala ng
spotlight sa kanya.

"Paumanhin, Mr. Freniere," wika ng tinawag na Captain. He was an old man with a
tall, bulky figure.

"I want to check the items. Gusto ko iyong makita nang personal," wika ni Tres. So
we were really going to have transactions today. I hate this. I hate that he could
just do something and drag me to it without my consent.

"Handa nang umalis ang yacht anumang oras niyo naisin," sagot ng kapitan. Kung
gayon ay isa iyong transaksyon sa gitna ng karagatan. Nang marinig iyon ay
nagsimula nang maglakad si Tres na tila kabisado niya ang lugar at ang kinaroroonan
ng sasakyang pandagat. Sumunod ako sa kanya. Gayundin ang ginawa ng Kapitan at ng
mga malamang ay crew nito.

Muling tumigil si Tres na ipinagtaka namin. Lumingon siya. "I only need the Captain
and the Reaper." Bakas ang pagkabigla ng lahat nang banggitin niya ang salitang
Reaper. "I'm not really going fishing so I don't need bait," patuloy nito na hindi
kababakasan ng ka-seryosohan dahil sa nakaka-insultong ngiti na nakapinta sa labi
nito. It was his signature smirk. Everyone could fall for it. He used it to enchant
women or threaten people. And it always worked. Few of the men with us stepped
back.

"Subalit Mr. Freniere, delikadong kumilos ka nang may mababang numero ng mga
kasama. Baka kailanganin natin ang tulong ng mga tauhan ko," protesta ng Kapitan.
It was true. Marami sa mga taga-underground society ang nagnanais na mawala ang
Mafia Freniere. They

hated and envied them for monopolizing almost everything. And one of the leaders of
the Freniere Mafia was in the hospital right at this moment. That was one weak spot
and some people would undoubtedly take advantage of it.

Tila naman mas naging nakakaloko pa ang ngisi ni Tres. "Are you doubting the skills
of my Reaper?" Tanong nito. I just stayed calm and kept a blank expression.

"H-Hindi naman sa ganun. Iniisip ko lang ang seguridad mo," kinakabahang sagot ng
Kapitan.

He gave a malicious laugh. "So, you are really doubting my Reaper," he insanely
concluded. I felt the tension and fear build up around us. Who wouldn't be scared
if you were dealing with a crazy Mafia Leader? But I kept myself calm. No one
really knows what was running through his mind.

"Ah- hindi-"

"This reaper could kill all your crew in just less than a minute." Tila hindi niya
naririnig ang depensa ng kapitan. "Reaper," this time, he turned his attention to
me. "Kill them," utos niya.

I looked at him and then to the Captain and his crew. Tres must have gone crazy.
Hindi ako sumunod at sa halip ay ibinalik ko ang atensyon ko sa karagatan. Nagulat
ako nang lumapit si Tres at tumigil sa harap ko. I stepped back but he caught my
chin quickly.

"I said, kill them," seryoso na niyang sabi. His closeness was so uncomfortable.
"I won't," kalmado ko pa ring sabi. I knew what he was trying to do. He was
provoking me. He wanted me to kill without sense, even though he knew what I felt
about killing. He was testing me.

Again.

Mas inilapit niya ang mukha niya sa akin at nagngangalit ang mga bagang na nag-
salitang muli. "I am your Mafia Boss. You must obey my orders."

Determinadong sinalubong ko ang kanyang tingin. "If you show me the Black Notebook
with these people's names on it, then without second words, I will kill them."

Hindi sumagot si Tres. Nagtatagis ang mga bagang na tinitigan niya ako at saka
marahas na binitiwan ang aking baba dahilan upang pumaling ang mukha ko sa ibang
direksyon. There were very few people who dare disobey orders from Tres. I wondered
what was going on his mind right now. Isang masamang tingin ang ibinigay niya sa
aming lahat bago tumalikod.

"I only need the Reaper and the Captain. Those who are not needed and yet followed
will be killed. I'll kill you myself," ani Tres habang papalayo. Nahihintakutan
namang nagkatinginan ang mga naiwan nito. He could really inject fear to people.

I looked at them. "He's right. I can kill all of you in less than a minute. You
don't have to come. I can protect the Mafia Boss myself," wika ko at saka sumunod
kay Tres.

Mukhang agad silang sumang-ayon sa akin dahil tanging ang Kapitan lang ang
naramdaman kong kumilos at naglakad. Nakasakay na sa Yacht si Tres at nakasandal sa
railings nang maabutan namin. The Captain gave me a FN FNC assault rifle nang
makasampa kami sa yate. Nag-uumpisa nang dumilim at naghahalo na ang pula, dilaw,
kahel at lila sa kanluran. The sun would be gone and soon, the darkness would
embrace us all. Nararamdaman

ko na rin ang mas lumalamig pang ihip ng hangin. I wondered what this night would
bring us.
Lumipas ang isang oras at hindi ko na natatanaw ang mga ilaw ng siyudad. Tanging
ang malawak na karagatan lang sa ilalim ng bilog na buwan ang aking nakikita. I
decided to put the telescope down and watched the night with my bare eyes. It was a
night over water. Tila walang anumang namamagitan upang magtagpo ang langit at
tubig. There was nothing else here but the moon, the dark sea, the yacht and us.
Enchanting and dangerous.

"It's beautiful. Until someone shoot you dead from the distance." Lumingon ako sa
tinig na humalo sa tunog ng makina ng yate.

"You always have the audacity to ruin even the most beautiful thing." Ibinaling
kong muli ang aking paningin sa ibang direksyon. This time, the moon helped me pay
attention to something else.

"Of course. If I could, I would throw an atomic bomb on that stupid floating
stone," tukoy niya sa buwan na ikinailing ko. How could someone hate the moon? It
was one of the most enchanting things that ever existed.

"If you do that, then the night would be darker."

"Then I would be more powerful," aniya. Yeah, he was a creature of the night. He
was also one of the types that hate its kind.

"Sebastian," wika ko nang lumingon akong muli sa kanya. He stared back at me.
"Since when do you hate the moon?" Tanong ko na lubusan kong pinagsisihan. I was
crossing the line. But then, he used to-
"Ever since you existed," seryoso niya ng sabi

na ikinabuhol ng dila ko. I couldn't see any emotion in his eyes. It was the orbs
of a heartless person. Did he really hate me that much? Hindi na ako nabigyan ng
pagkakataon na sumagot dahil sa pagtigil ng yate. Sabay kaming tumingala sa
Captain's deck at nakita namin ang kapitan na sumisenyas sa aming direksyon.

"Nasa Bangka na iyon!" Anito. Mula sa kinatatayuan namin ay nakakita kami ng isang
di kalakihang bangka ilang metro ang layo mula sa amin.

"Bakit hindi natin pwedeng lapitan?" Tanong ko. We couldn't possibly get to it from
this distance without going into the water.

"Dahil teritoryo ito ng grupong ka-transaksyon ng Mafia Freniere. Ang usapan lang
ay kukunin ang mga regalo. Maaalerto sila kapag pumasok sa teritoryo nila ang
yateng pag-aari ng ibang grupo," wika ni Tres na nagsisimulang maghubad ng suot na
pang-itaas. I couldn't help but to stare at him. Naramdaman ko ang pag-iinit ng
aking mga pisngi ng salubungin niya ang aking tingin.

"I-I-che-check ko ang paligid," wika ko at nagmamadaling itinakip sa mga mata ko

ang telescope. It almost slipped from my hands.

I could feel his smirk as he took off his belt. "Can't wait to run your lips on my
skin?" Narinig kong sabi niya na mas ikinainit ng pisngi ko.

"No, thank you," pormal kong sagot. I shouldn't stare at him. I should never stare
at him again. Why was he undressing in front of me in the first place?

"Are you sure? We can both get naked underwater. I assure you that all the mermaids
down there will be envious of
what I'll do to-" He wasn't able to finish it because I dashed to his direction and
pushed him hard over the railing until he fell down the cold sea. "Mother f*cking
shark b*tch!" Malutong niyang mura nang makaahon mula sa ilalim. I couldn't help
but scratch my ears.

"Enjoy the mermaids, perv," sagot ko. Isinabit ko na ang baril sa aking katawan at
saka muling ibinalik ang telescope sa aking mga mata. I should scan the surrounding
if we were on somebody else's territory. I shouldn't take a risk.

Nagsimula na ring lumangoy si Tres tungo sa bangka sa di kalayuan. What exactly

were the goods in there? Tahimik ang paligid. Ngayong naka-patay na ang makina ng
yate ay malinaw na naririnig ang tunog na nililikha ng paglangoy ni Tres.

"Anong uri ng transaksyon ito?" Tanong ko sa Capitan na may binoculars ring gamit
upang magmasid sa paligid.

"Illegal firearms and weapons mula sa Europa," sagot nito. Kung gayun ay mga armas
pala ang naroon. Mabilis na narating ni Tres ang bangka. Nakita kong huminga siya
nang malalim bago lumubog sa tubig. I frowned at that. The firearms were not inside
the boat. They were under it. Nagsisilbi itong pampabigat upang hindi anurin ang
bangka.

"Gaano karami iyon? Do you think he can carry them all?" Tanong kong muli. I was
becoming tactful and curious. But I was starting to get a bad feeling about this.

"Hindi naman sobrang dami. Kayang-kaya po ni Master Tres iyon," sagot muli ng
Kapitan. Subalit bakit hindi nawawala yung uneasiness na nararamdaman ko?

/>

I scanned the surroundings again. Wala namang kakaiba na pwedeng paghinalaan. Nang
lumipas ang tatlong minuto at hindi ko pa rin nakikita si Tres ay hinubad ko na ang
aking sapatos. Subalit nang mahubad ko iyon ay nakita kong lumitaw si Tres habol
ang paghinga. Tinapunan niya ako ng tingin at tila umiling sya bago muling sumisid
pailalim. The ugly feeling started to grow bigger. Nakakunot na rin ang noo ng
Kapitan. Something was wrong. Nang dalawang minuto ang lumipas at di pa rin umaahon
si Tres ay nagdesisyon na ako.

"Call Mikhail Petrov!" Sigaw ko sa Kapitan na nagmamadaling inilabas ang cellphone

habang tinatanggal ko ang armas sa aking katawan. I kept the pistol that I always
bring. It was a pretty dress for Christmas day but who cares about it. And then I
dived into the cold water. I used my speed to reach Tres. And with no surprise, I
made it in less than a minute. The boat was empty.

Huminga ako nang malalim at saka sumisid. Nakita ko kaagad si Tres isang metro lang
mula sa ibabaw ng tubig. Everything was clear as the full moon provided light to
us. Nasa loob ng isang net ang mga armas. And Tres was trying to stop a-No! I
immediately reached him and he seemed surprised to see me. Ano bang iniisip niya?
Trying to stop it? Nakita kong umaandar ito at limang minuto na lang ang natitira.
Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang pagsunod ko dahil itinulak niya ako palayo. But I
didn't falter. Lumangoy ulit ako at lumapit sa kanya. I wanted to scream that we
have to leave subalit mukhang hindi niya ako pakikinggan. He was about to shove me
away nang mahagip

ko ang tingin niya at saka ako umiling. I would never leave him. Mukhang
naintindihan niya ang ibig kong sabihin dahil gamit ang maliit niyang hunting knife
ay nilagot niya ang lubid na nagdudugtong sa mga armas at bomba. It must have been
activated when he tried to pull it away. Gusto kong magprotesta dahil balak niya pa
ring kunin ang mga armas subalit mukhang hindi niya ito pakakawalan. Hinawakan ko
ang isang parte ng net at saka sabay kaming lumangoy palayo. Less than five
minutes. Will we be able to make it? If it was only one person who was doing it
then he might never be able to make it. But there were two of us and I have speed.
We can make it.

Mas binilisan ko pa to the point na nauuna na akong lumangoy kay Tres. We both
emerged into the water; he was gasping for breath. Agad na ibinaba ng Kapitan ang
ladder upang makaakyat kami.

"Start the yacht now! That boat will explode in 3 minutes," utos ko na agad na
sinunod ng Kapitan.
"You go up now!" Utos ko kay Tres. Between us, I had more strength as he was still
trying to inhale more oxygen.

"No. You-You... go up first," wika niya. Narinig ko na ang pagbuhay ng makina ng

yate.

"You are slowing us down, idiot!" Inis kong sabi. I shoved him to the ladder. He
decided to climb as I tied the end of the rope in one of the steps. I managed to
get it done nang magsimulang umandar ang yate. I was about to haul myself up but I
lost my hold on the ladder as well as the net of firearms. Good thing I already
tied it. We never have to leave the goods.

"Hey! What the hell are you f*cking doing!? Swim!" Sigaw ni Tres nang mapansin
niyang naiiwanan ako ng yate. I looked at him as the time created distance between
us. I couldn't swim to him.

"Reaper... swim!" Aniya. Nang umasta siyang tatalong muli ay saka ako nagkaroon ng
adrenaline rush.

"I'll swim! Wait for me there!" Sigaw ko. And just as I dived below the water, the
bomb exploded from the distance.

=================

Chapter 7: Missing

Chapter Seven: Missing

Soundtrack: No Angels by Bastille

*****

The explosion created waves that made it hard for me to stay on the surface. The
pressure kept pulling me beneath the water. And just when I was struggling to keep
myself up, a strong arm wrapped around my waist and hoisted me. It didn't take me
long to recognize his long brown hair and fierce expression. He looked so different
under the water.

Mukhang itinigil ng kapitan ang yate dahil nang maiangat na namin ang aming ulo sa
dagat ay nakita namin ito sa di kalayuan na naghihintay.

"I can do it," sabi ko at nauna na akong lumangoy patungo sa yate. He followed me
afterwards.

"What was that supposed to mean?! What the hell were you doing? I told you not to
come after me!" Galit na sabi ni Tres nang nasa deck na kami ng yate. Inutusan na
rin nito ang Kapitan na paandarin na ang sasakyang pandagat.

I frowned at him. "You didn't say that I shouldn't come after you," mahinahin kong
sabi. The coldness of the night was piercing through my bones. My wet dress was
hugging the curves of my body.

He drastically combed his hands through his hair in frustration. "Umiling ako. That
was a warning. Ang tigas ng ulo mo! Hindi ka pa rin nagbabago!" Pagtataas niya ng
boses. Teka, bakit ba siya galit na galit? I saved him from his stupidity.

"I was just trying to save you!" Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagtaas ng aking tono.
So what was he expecting me to do? Just watch while he was obviously in danger?

Lumapit sya

akin and I was forced to step back. Patuloy sya sa paglapit hanggang sa maramdaman
ko na ang railings sa likod ko. He leaned on me until I could feel his breath on
the side of my neck. His lips brushed my left ear as he said, "Don't ever try to
save me again." At saka siya umalis at pumasok sa loob ng yate.
I was left with my heart beating loudly. I held on to the railings for support. Did
he just forbid me from saving him? But that was my job as a Reaper!

Hanggang sa makarating na kami sa pantalan ay hindi na kami muling nag-usap. It was

almost 12:00 am nang nasa proseso na ng pagdaong ang yate. I saw the crew and some
of the Mafia guards on the port. I also saw two Reapers. Mikhail Petrov. I smiled
gladly when I saw the other one. Forest, my favorite Reaper.

"Oh my god! What did he do to you? Did you have s*x under water?" She asked. Just
when I had good thoughts about her, she could so easily erase them.

"Give me your jacket," wika ko habang yakap ang sarili.

She looked at her brown leather jacket and then back to me. "Oh, please. It's cold.
Have mercy on my fragile little figure," she said and then glanced to Mikhail's
direction. "Hey! Get undressed!" Utos niya. Nagtatakang lumapit sa amin si Mikhail.
Napailing na lang ako kay Forest. But when I saw Mikhail's black duster coat, I
silently wished that he would obey Forest's command.

"What happened out there? We were about to sail when we saw your yacht coming,"
wika niya na nasa akin ang atensyon. I couldn't answer while my voice is

trembling.

"I said, undress yourself," wika ni Forest.

"Forest, this is not the time for your weird thoughts," he told Forest with a
smile. That was the perks of being Forest. We couldn't really get mad at her.
Mukha namang hindi nagustuhan ni Forest ang sagot ni Mikhail dahil pumuwesto siya
sa harap nito at nameywang. "You have to undress or else she will die freezing,"
wika nya habang nakaturo sa akin. Agad iyong naintindihan ni Mikhail dahil hinubad
niya ang suot niyang coat at isinuot sakin.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that a snow princess could feel cold, too," biro
niya. I just followed his lead until I could feel warm.

"Someone set up a bomb on the firearms. The Mafia Boss was almost hurt," wika ko na
pinilit pinipigilan ang pangangatal ng tinig.

"I'll check the transaction details," sagot ni Mikhail.

We all turned to Tres' direction when he got off the yacht with the Captain. He was
giving orders to him and his crew. Mukhang walang kahit na anong bakas ng panganib
sa kanyang buhay kamakailan lang. Ni hindi niya ako tinapunan ng tingin nang dumaan
siya sa harapan namin.

"Petrov. Find out who's behind this and show the bastard to me," wika nya at saka
nagpatuloy sa paglalakad tungo sa kanyang kotse. He tossed something in the air and
I immediately caught it. It was my phone. Oh, I forgot about this ever since the
incident happened. Maybe I left in on the yacht.

"He's scary. Halloween's over!" Sigaw ni Forest sa tumatakbo nang

kotse ni Tres. I just watched as it disappeared to the gates of the port. How un-
gentlemanly of him to bring me here and not take me home.
"I'll take you home," nakangiting wika ni Mikhail. Umiling ako sa kanyang
imbitasyon.

"No, you have to find out immediately who's behind this. Isa pa, mas kumportable
ako kung ihahatid ako ni Forest," wika ko. Saglit siyang nag-isip at saka tumangu-
tango.

"Of course. Orders first. Have a safe ride home ladies." He bowed before leaving
us. Forest crossed our arms and we walked side by side towards the gate. That made
me realize something.

"Forest, you brought a car, right?" Tanong ko bagama't mukhang alam ko na ang
kanyang isasagot.

"Since when do I bring a car? I don't even know how to drive!" She laughed. "We'll
commute. We'll take a subway train." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. I
almost walked back to Mikhail and asked him to drive me home. But I couldn't do
that. I refused already.

"But Forest!" Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko. Yeah, she was always riding
with me or in any of the reapers' cars. I should have thought about that earlier.

"Hey! You chose to be on my side. Now, you have to take the thing that I could
offer. Jeez. Just be a good girl," wika niya habang patuloy kami sa paglalakad.
Nang nasa labas na kami ng port, pumara siya ng taxi. It was good that there were
still taxis at this time.

I immediately climbed in and said, "Please take us to Arturia Mansion." Kumunot

naman ang noo ng driver na
tila walang idea sa lugar na sinabi ko. Ugh. Just how far did we go this time?

"To the neareast subway station, please," sabi ni Forest sa driver. Agad naman
itong tumalima at tahimik na nagmaneho. "This place is 5 hours away from the
Arturia Mansion. You can't just tell a cab to drive you across the country. At isa
pa, do you even have money with you?" I suddenly realized that I don't have my
wallet. I only got my phone.

"Well, I can ask for one of our drivers to pick us up." I tried.

But she waved her hands in dismissal and said, "That would take us 10 hours of
wasting time," sagot nito at tinakpan ng earphones ang tainga. I guess I couldn't
do anything about this. I decided to check my phone. Whoa. It had 14 missed calls.
One message. I only knew one person behind this and the message confirmed it.

12:49 PM, Wycliffe: WHERE ART THOU?

I must have gotten him worried. Siya kasi yung tipo ng taong magtetext ng isang
beses at once na hindi mo siya na-reply-an, bubulabugin ka niya ng sunod-sunod na
tawag. I checked the time. It was past 12:00 am already. I looked his number up and
called him back. It rang three times before I heard his sleepy voice.

"Wycliffe," I said.

"Oh, Hetta. I won't accept any Christmas gift from you anymore unless it's a car,"
humihikab na wika nito sa kabilang linya.
"I'm so sorry. I'll give you my gift when I got home. Isa pa, you haven't given me
your real gift yet."

/>

"Because you're suddenly nowhere to be found and I was thinking that Santa Claus
kidnapped you." I couldn't help but silently smile at this. No matter how hard he
tried to appear mature, he was still a child.

"I'm on my way back. Santa Clause wants to say 'Hi' to you."

And that's when Forest grabbed my phone and screamed, "Hoooo, Hooo, Hooo! Porn
videos to you naughty boy. Hooo-"

And then I smashed her face against the car's window as I put back my phone to my
ears. "Cliff, ignore it," I demanded.

"Who the hell was that?" Tila nagising ang diwa nitong tanong sa kabilang linya.

"Wycliffe! Watch your language! And it was just a bum on streets trying to snatch
my phone. But I took care of it already," I lied. I could tell that he was nodding
at the end of the line. "Well, I just called to inform you that I'm on my way home.
Please tell Mom and Dad, okay?"

"Do you want me to wake them up? You're so cruel to call in the middle of the
night. Now you want me to be cruel to the guys who gave us everything? Oh, come
on."
"Yeah, I know it's too cold to get out of the covers of your blanket. But just in
case they look for me..."

"Oo na. Oo na po. Can I go to sleep now?" He asked.

"Yes, sleep well, sweetie."

"Hey! Don't call me-"He wasn't able to protest because I already ended the call.
That was the time when I decided to let go of Forest's face. Tiningnan niya ako ng
masama. Mukha ring na-we-weirduhan ang driver sa

ginagawa namin dahil minsan ko syang nahuling sumilip sa aming direksyon.

"Jeez! Believe me! He's watching porn that's why he's still awake in the middle of
the night." I rolled my eyes at her. Wycliffe was too sleepy to watch anything. Isa
pa, he'd rather watch some movies about the Avengers. "Who was that anyway?"

And she doesn't even know who I was talking to. "My brother," sagot ko.

"Oh, another Arturia," tangi niya lang komento at ibinalik ang earphones sa kanyang
tainga. Nanatili kaming tahimik nang ilang minuto hanggang sa huminto ang taxi sa
isang subway station. Agad na nag-abot ng pera si Forest sa driver. I think hindi
iyon ganun kadami subalit tila natuwa ang driver. Bigla kong naalala nung unang
beses akong sumakay ng bus. Bakit parang hindi naman natuwa yung konduktor sa
binigay ko, eh samantalang mas malaki ang halaga nun kaysa sa ibinigay ni Forest? I
tried to open the door but it was locked. I almost thought that it was a trap
subalit binuksan ni Forest ang pinto sa kanyang tabi at saka lumabas.

"Miss, sa kabila na lang," wika ng driver.

"I don't understand this," bulong ko subalit agad din akong tumalima at lumabas sa
pinto na nilabasan ni Forest. Naglakad kami papasok ng subway station. Marami pa
ring tao kahit ganitong oras na ng gabi. Everyone must be so busy.

"Hey, did you bring a gun?" Biglang tanong ni Forest. Tumango ako na ikinatigil
niya. "We'll take the bus then. I'm so sad. The subway station is faster but
there's no way I will kill tonight just to get on the train,"

tila disappointed nitong wika.

"Me, too." At sabay kaming lumabas ng istasyon. We immediately saw a bus. Unlike
the subway station, nasa kalahati lang siguro ng normal na dami ng pasahero ng bus
ang mga nakasakay. Well, yeah, Subway train was indeed faster. Agad namin iyong
pinara at sumakay. It was clear to me now that I couldn't ask them to drive us to
Arturia mansion so I decided to leave everything to Forest. And as expected from
her, she gave the name of a church near my place. Tsk. Bakit tumango ang driver sa
sinabi niya? Was there something wrong with living in the church and Arturia
Mansion?

"It would still take four hours to get there. I want to sleep," wika ni Forest at
saka inihilig ang ulo sa tapat ng bintana.

"Hey, how did you get to the port as fast as that?" Tanong ko. I was getting
impatient with the knowledge of the length of time we still need to spend in this
awkward vehicle. Everyone was watching us, especially those group of men a few
seats away.

"Teleportation," sagot niya.

"Forest. Seryoso ako." Mukhang hindi ko na kailangang sabihin iyon dahil bakas sa
boses ko ang pagiging seryoso.

"Chopper. We used the Mafia chopper. Di mo ba yun napansin kanina?" Sagot niya.
Siguro ay sobra akong occupied ng lamig na nararamdaman ko kung kaya't wala akong
napansing chopper sa pantalan. Bumalik sa pagtulog si Forest habang ako naman ay
kinuha ang headset niyang gamit at I-pod. I wondered what this girl was listening
into. I saw Bastille's songs. "Daniel in the Den", "Icarus",

"No Angels", "Pompeii", etc. I decided to put on the earphones and listened to the
songs. And I enjoyed it. This girl had a good taste in music.

I was drifting to sleep when I felt someone staring at me. I immediately opened my
eyes and saw a pair in front of my face. Isa siya sa mga grupo ng kalalakihan na
nasa hulihang bahagi ng bus. I harshly pulled the earphones away from my ears nang
makita ang sitwasyon. Isa sa kanila ay tinututukan ng patalim ang driver. Ang ilan
ay tinatakot ang mga pasahero habang nililimas ang laman ng kanilang bag. Siniko ko
si Forest upang magising but I think she had the blood of a Koala. Seriously, what
was I going to do to wake her up?

"Ibigay mo sa akin ang ipod at cellphone mo. Ganun din ang inyong pera,"
nakangising sabi ng goons.

"I'm sorry but we already paid for our fare," seryoso kong sabi. Why were these
passengers giving them what they were asking?

"Pero Miss, kung ibibigay mo sa akin ang sarili mo, hindi ka masasaktan," nakangisi
pa rin nitong sabi. Umayos ako sa pagkakaupo at tinitigan siya nang matuwid. Ano ba
sa tingin ng taong ito ang pinapasok niya? Tila naman nakaramdam siya ng
pangingilabot dahil bigla siyang tumuwid sa pagkakayuko at lumayo nang kaunting
distansya sa akin.

"I-ibigay mo na ang mga gamit mo!" Nauutal nitong sabi.

"Ano bang problema diyan?" Sigaw ng isa nitong kasamahan at saka lumapit sa amin.
Ngumisi siya nang mapagmasdan kami ni Forest. "Aba, pare! Jackpot! Kanina ko pa
gustong puntahan ang dalawang ito," wika nito habang hindi ko inaalis

ang pagkakatitig sa kasamahan niya. Muli itong umatraas. "Ano bang kinakatakot mo,
e mga babae lang ito," wika ng kasamahan nito at saka hinampas ng hawak nitong bag
ang natutulog na si Forest. Wrong move.

Agad na napabalikwas si Forest. Nagulat ang lalaki nang kunin nito ang bag na
pinanghampas sa kanya at saka siya hinampas ni Forest hanggang sa nasa sahig na
ito. Forest still had her eyes closed habang walang tigil niyang hinahampas ang
lalaki.

"I told you, Mikhail... Undress... I want to see." Narinig kong bulong niya habang
nakapikit. She was still hitting the man na ginagawa ang lahat para makaiwas
subalit wala itong magawa. Ugh. Did she just sleep talk? Don't tell me she was
still sleeping!

Gulat at hindi maka-paniwala sa una ang mga kasamahan nito. Lima silang lahat at
pawang mga malalaki ang katawan na hindi basta-basta mapapatumba. Well, as for
Forest, she could still take one down while sleeping. Kahit ang mga pasahero ay
napanganga sa walang tigil na paghampas ni Forest. Wala nang malay ang lalaki
subalit hinahampas pa rin niya. "Undress, Mikhail! Undress!" Mahina niyang usal.

Nang makahuma ang ilang ka-grupo ng lalaki sa sinapit ng kasamahan ay isa sa kanila
ang lumapit na may naka-ambang patalim. They were going to stab Forest at the back.
Subalit bago pa ito lumapat sa katawan ni Forest ay nahawakan ko na ang kamay ng
lalaki at walang hirap na binali iyon.

"You shouldn't hurt a sleeping girl," seryoso kong sabi. I grabbed his other hand
and broke it, too. Halos hindi siya magkandatuto sa kakasigaw

sa sakit. I smirked at the rest of his team. Two of them tried to put me down
together but I kicked the first one who got to me and then grabbed the hand of the
second and broke it and before going for his other hand. Nilapitan ko ang natumba
sa sahig na lalaki. He was trying to crawl and run away from me but I grabbed his
one leg and broke it. I couldn't believe that these weak men even had the guts to
approach me. Lumingon ako sa lalaking unang nakipag-usap sa akin at kinukuha ang
gamit kong ipod.

"That ipod has lots of really good songs. Do you want to hear it?" Walang emosyon
kong tanong habang palapit sa kanya. Umiling siya at tila hindi makaalis sa
kinatatayuan. Patuloy ako sa paglapit at nang nasa harapan ko na sya ay inilagay ko
ang isang earphone sa kanyang tainga habang ang isa ay nasa akin. It was Bastille's
"No Angel" playing. "Maganda, hindi ba?" Tanong ko subalit hindi siya sumagot. Sa
halip ay tumakbo ito tungo sa pintuan ng bus.

"Buksan niyo ito! Lalabas ako! May halimaw sa loob ng bus na ito!" Sigaw nito.
Binuksan naman iyon ng driver at kahit tumatakbo ang bus ay tumalon ito palabas.
Maging ang lalaking nagbabantay sa driver ay sumunod rito dahil sa takot.

Narinig ko ang pasasalamat ng mga pasahero habang kinukuha nilang muli ang kanilang
mga gamit. I really didn't like wasting time. Inilagay ko ang earphones sa tainga
ni Forest at ang ipod sa bulsa niya. I shouldn't use any gadgets while in a public
vehicle. Tila naman kumalma si Forest kaya hinila ko sya patayo ang tossed her on
our seat. She immediately went back to her old position and silently snored. God!
She was really weird. Hindi ko na pinansin ang mga pasahero na pilit kumakausap sa
akin tungkol sa pagdadala sa mga naiwang salarin sa mga pulis. Ipinikit ko na lang
ang aking mga mata at nanatiling alerto sa paligid.

Makalipas ang tatlong oras ay nag-inat si Forest. Familiar na rin sa akin ang
lugar. I could walk my way home already though it was still five in the morning.

"I had a weird dream. Mikhail won't take his shirt off! Jeez," wika niya. Mukang
wala talaga siyang natatandaan sa mga nangyari. Huminto ang bus sa tapat ng isang
simbahan. Kunot-noo at nagtatakang tiningnan ako ni Forest nang magpasalamat sa
amin ang driver at ang mga natirang pasahero nang bumaba kami. "Did you give them
candies?" Tanong niya.

Hindi ako sumagot sa halip ay tiningnan ko lang ang simbahan. "Ah, I'll just stop
here! Goodbye, Hetta!" Paalam niya at saka tumakbo sa loob ng madilim na bahagi ng
lugar.
I decided to start walking home. It was just few minutes walk to Arturia Mansion.
Isa pa, iba yung pakiramdam na naihahatid ng paglalakad nang mag-isa sa madilim na
kalsada. Walang kahit na sino man sa iyong daraanan maliban sa panaka-nakang
pagsulpot ng mga ligaw na pusa. Madilim pa rin ang mansion nang marating ko.
Bagama't pagod ay dinala ako ng mga paa ko sa likurang bahagi ng mansion. I
silently climbed the tree house. Subalit nagising ang inaantok ko nang diwa nang
makitang hindi ito naka-lock. I immediately opened the door and saw that the place
was empty. It didn't take me long before I dashed out of the tree house and ran to
the woods.

"Where is he?"

My bait was missing.

=================

Chapter 8: The Dead Man of Christmas Day

Author's Note:

It's been a long time! I'm back! Freniere Mansion seemed to be overpopulated now
with the hopes of people entering it. So I decided to open Arturia Mansion. Quite
the opposite of the Freniere Mansion, though. And yeah! This Author's Note is to
thank everyone who supported Montello High: School of Gangsters Book Launch during
the Pop Fiction Fest 2! I'm so grateful for those who came up and showed the power
of Montello High readers. And for those who don't know yet because they're busy
lurking in the shadows or hibernating in their dark, creepy dungeon or probably
dating or seducing some dark Prince in a far away castle, Montello High: School of
Gangsters is now out on bookstores! I think you can also avail the E-book of it in
BUQO. And for those who already have it, THANK YOU FOR KEEPING MONTELLO HIGH
MEMORIES! Let's make another awesome story! ;)

P.S. I'm still giving FREE reads on Wattpad. I'm still not taking it down from the
site. You can also grab a copy of it from bookstores. So why the freezing hell are
you still asking for Soft Copies? Hahaha! No, not mad. It's just that this seems to
be the hottest FAQ of the universe! And my burning answer is NO, I don't give soft
copies, sweethearts. ;)

P.S.S. The soundtrack is still on for this Chapter: You Found Me by The Fray

Enjoy reading!

+Siel Alstreim+
 *****

Chapter Eight: The Dead Man of Christmas Day

Where is he?

I would kill just to

find an answer to this question. There was only one way he could've taken to get
away. He couldn't escape through the gates of Arturia mansion-someone from the
house would have seen him. Woods. The approaching sun was already erasing the
shadows of the night. I must find him before the morning comes.

Nanunuot pa rin ang lamig sa aking katawan. It was going to freeze me from within.
Matagal na panahon na rin simula nang mapadpad ako sa mga kakahuyan sa likurang
bahagi ng mansion. And this was not the time to be attacked by memories.
Ipinagpatuloy ko ang pagtakbo. The end of the woods would lead me to a tall brick
wall. It would be a dead end. Wala siyang matatakbuhan. Mabilis kong narating ang
dulong bahagi ng mga kakahuyan at naikuyom ko na lang ang aking mga palad sa
tanawing nakita ko. Ilang taon na nga ba simula nang huli akong magawi sa lugar na
ito? Masyado bang matagal na panahon na ang lumipas, dahilan upang maging higante
ang mga punong ito at umakbay ang mga sanga sa tuktok ng pader? Hindi. Hindi siya
pwedeng makatakas!

Agad akong bumalik ng mansion at saka sumakay ng sasakyan. I drove around the
driveway like some retired crazy car racer at saka humarurot sa kalsada. Iniliko ko
ang kotse sa daan kung saan makikita ko ang likurang bahagi ng mansion. Nagsisimula
nang lumiwanag at mahihirapan akong matunton sya sa ilalim ng araw. I was just
really used on working at night. Nang marating ko ang mataas na pader na
naghihiwalay sa Arturia Mansion at sa lipunan, mukhang tama ang naging hinala ko.
He climbed the trees. I didn't know how he survived the

fall and was gone so fast. It was a high wall. Kung isa lang ordinaryong tao ang
tatalon nito, malamang ay hindi nito magagawang makalayo sa lugar na ito. Gangster.
Of course, he was the Mafia Boss' friend. A traitor friend, which still meant that
he was a gangster.
Isang pang-publikong sasakyan ang dumaan sa kalsadang pinanggalingan ko. Ang lugar
na nakasulat sa plaka ng bus ay patungong timog. Isang pamilyar na lugar. Malapit
sa lokasyon na kamakailan lamang ay narating ko na. Muli kong pinaandar ang
sasakyan at saka inunahan ang tumatakbong bus. He must have ridden the bus before
this one. Subalit bakit sa lugar na iyon? Bakit sa taong iyon?

The place was more than thirty minutes away from the Arturia Mansion. Exactly half
an hour from Arturia University. Ilang minuto bago mag-alas sais nang marating ko
ang lugar. Everyone must still be sleeping due to the exhaustion brought by
Christmas celebrations. I parked the car and scanned the area. It was too quiet.
Well, there were only very few houses around here and they were far from the road.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas subalit wala pa rin akong nakikitang bakas niya. I was
about to go out of the car nang isang bus ang huminto sa kalsada sa di-kalayuan. I
looked at it intently and waited for the one who would alight. And-found him!

Hindi muna ako kumilos hanggang sa muling pag-andar ng sasakyan. Mukha namang hindi
niya napansin ang kinaroroonan ko. I just watched him limping on the ground. Nang
masiguro kong sa bahay ng taong iyon sya patungo ay saka ko pinagpasyahan na
kumilos. Kinuha

ko ang baril mula sa compartment ng sasakyan at saka mabilis na tinakbo ang pagitan
namin. He was already on the porch and about to ring the bell nang maabutan ko sya.
Mukhang nagulat sya nang dumampi ang dulo ng baril ko sa sintido niya, dahilan
upang matigil siya sa akmang pag-doorbell.

"Just because I didn't kill you on your first day doesn't mean that I'm not gonna
kill you today," malamig ang tono kong sabi na tila naging dahilan ng pagrehistro
ng takot sa kanyang mukha. He was frightened of me. I'm a Reaper. I can scare
people whenever I want to. Who said that I couldn't make a monster out of this
pretty face?

Gamit ang baril ay iminuwestra ko sa kanya na maglakad palayo ng bahay. Our

surrounding was starting to take on a dark grey color and the annoying yellow
shades will soon envelop everything. Another start of a long day for me.
Naglalakad na kami patungo sa kotse nang mahanap niya ang sariling boses. "I didn't
escape, Henrietta," wika niya. Hindi ako sumagot. Obviously, he was lying.

Itinulak ko sya sa passenger seat at saka isinara ang pinto. Muli kong inilibot ang
paningin ko sa lugar bago sumakay sa driver's seat.

"I didn't escape-"

Natigil sya sa akmang pagsasalita nang tiningnan ko siya nang matiim. He swallowed
his words and didn't attempt to continue what he was about to say. Binawi ko ang
tingin ko sa kanya at pinaandar ang sasakyan. The day hadn't even started yet and I
was already tired of it. Tahimik na rin lang niyang itinuon ang paningin sa kalsada

habang ako'y nagmamaneho. This drive didn't make me feel comfortable. Ngayon lang
rumehistro sa isip ko ang hitsura ng sakay ko. For a Christmas day, he seemed to be
a mournful boy in a graveyard. The dark circles under his eyes show that he'd been
through a lot. Not physically, though. Emotionally stressed. And he looked like he
had been crying all night.

"You're still alive. That's where you should focus your attention," wika ko. I
didn't normally give comments about things that didn't concern me. Hindi ko alam
kung bakit kusang lumabas ang bagay na iyon sa bibig ko. Tila ako nagsisimula ng
isang konbersasyon.

"I'm a dead man. I'm breathing, of course. But I'm still a dead man," malungkot
niyang sabi.

I was not expecting that kind of sadness from a traitor. Hindi ako sumagot.
Whatever was causing him sadness, I think it was the price he should pay for doing
what he did. I pitied him and yet, I knew that I shouldn't pity him. I should only
think of my own personal mission. I shouldn't consider anything aside from that. I
only had one target. The rest were only part of the shadows.

"I didn't escape." Mukhang nahagilap niyang muli ang lakas ng loob upang magsalita.
"I went there to apologize. I felt like I need to tell her I'm sorry. Hangga't
hindi ko iyon nagagawa ay mukhang hindi ko kakayaning mabuhay. I'm a dead man."

People were always like this-doing things they'd regret doing. They'd go out of the
right path and expect that those they cared about would take them back. Some were
fortunate enough but sometimes,

that was not always the case.

"So you actually think you can still live?" Hindi ko maiwasang ikomento. Alam kong
maaaring kamatayan niya ang kahantungan ng mga plano ko. And I knew that he was
aware of that, too. How could he still think of living?

"Even if it's just a day after the forgiveness, I think I will still live. Even if
I only have a short time left to live... One day, one hour, one minute... It's
worth it to be able to keep breathing," aniya.

I think I understand him. He was willing to cling to the last remnants of life as
long as it had meaning. For a traitor, he was probably not that bad after all.

"You're too hopeful for a dead man," sagot ko. He just smiled at me sadly.

Medyo nakakalayo na kami sa lugar nang may mahagip ang paningin ko sa likod namin.
It was a black car. This one was definitely following us even though it was three
cars away. Kung tutuusin, sobrang layo nito at hindi masyadong mahahalata kahit na
mangilan-ngilan lang ang mga sasakyan sa kalsada. But my guts had never failed to
give me the right warning signals. I eased up on my driving. A little. Tila
naramdaman nito na alam ko na ang ginagawa niyang pagsunod dahil bumagal ang takbo
ng kotse at nagbigay daan sa mga sasakyan sa likuran nito. Ilang minuto ang lumipas
at hindi ko na nahagilap pa ang sumusunod na kotse. But I knew that move. It was
not an ordinary stalking thing. It was more than that. Those cautious moves were
tactics done by people like me-like a Reaper or something along those lines. And
whoever that was, it was not good.

Hindi kaya dahil sa kanya? Saglit kong tiningnan ang katabi ko. Mukhang wala siyang
ideya dahil sa lalim ng kanyang iniisip. Nang masiguro kong wala nang bakas ng
kahit anong nakasunod sa amin ay dumiretso na ako sa Arturia Mansion. One of the
guards opened the gate nang makita ang kotse ko. It was a good thing that my car
was tinted black. Hindi nila makikita kung may kasama ako. Agad akong dumiretso sa
likurang bahagi ng mansion. Mukhang alam na niya ang dapat gawin dahil kusa siyang
bumaba ng kotse nang ihinto ko ito sa tapat ng tree house. He climbed up first at
saka ko siya sinundan. We both stopped on our tracks nang buksan namin ang tree
house.

I forgot to replace the lock Ethan broke by trying to get away. And now, a little
demon had managed to lurk his way in.

"Hetta! Your love nest is so cool!" Wycliffe's excited squeal froze on his face
nang makita niya kung sino ang kasama kong pumasok ng tree house. Oh, God!

=================

Chapter 9: Saudade and the Dead People

Chapter Nine: Saudade and the Dead People

I didn't have that many awkward moments in my life. But this scene with my brother
would definitely belong to the top of that list. Wycliffe stood in front of me,
gaping at the complete stranger beside me. Well, he wasn't a stranger to me, but to
my brother, he was a complete, total, unknown person. I just couldn't imagine kung
ano ang tumatakbo sa isip ni Wycliffe ngayon.
After the long silence, my brother decided to speak. "Are you Christian Grey-ing my
sister?" Tanong niya. Lihim kong nahiling na sana hindi na lang natutong magsalita
o mag-isip ang kapatid ko.

"No!" Matigas at malakas kong sagot. Based on that reference, it was quite obvious
that my brother had the wrong idea about us and I didn't like it. Mukhang may idea
rin sa reference na iyon ang lalaking ito base sa kanyang ekspresyon. Within those
tired eyes, I could see amusement. Subalit mukhang hindi pa tapos si Wycliffe. He
turned to me.

"Then are you Ana Steel-ing him?" Tanong niya sa akin. Nagtagis na lang ang aking
mga bagang. I needed to stay calm in situations like this.

"Nagkakamali ka ng iniisip. We're friends. I'm-"

"He's Elric," mabilis kong sagot. Saglit na napatingin sa akin ang lalaking kasama
ko at saka tumangu-tango at inilahad ang kamay sa aking kapatid. Agad naman iyong
tinanggap ni Wycliffe.

"I'm Wycliffe Arturia," replied my brother. With that, the atmosphere seemed to
loosen up. "If you are friends then why haven't she introduced

you to us?" Tanong muli ni Wycliffe.

"Because... because I asked her to keep it a secret. I'm... I'm an author." Ethan
Montreal glanced at me and I nodded. Yes, I got his drift. So now, he was Elric and
he was an author. "Kasalukuyan akong nagpapahinga mula sa pagsusulat. I don't want
to risk being recognized while on this vacation."

The lies we were fabricating for my brother could be complicated but as long as it
wasn't affecting my main goal, I was fine with it. Mukha namang mas naging
interesado ang kapatid ko sa gawa-gawang propesyon ni Ethan.

"You are a writer? Anong mga isinusulat mo na?"

"Novels," nakangiti at matipid na sagot ni-Elric.

"Seriously? That's cool! Anong mga novels ang mga na-published mo na?"

Saglit na natahimik si Ethan. I tensed, waiting to see how he will answer this and
working out on another possible fabrication if I had to. My brother loved to read
books. Isang mali at hindi tugmang impormasyon ay hindi iyon makakalampas kay
Wycliffe. I gritted my teeth. I didn't like lying. Hindi kasama sa mga abilidad ko
ang pagsisinungaling. I could conceal and hide my movement, my thoughts, and my
emotions. But lying was a different game. People just couldn't read through me. But
this little devil in front of me was an exemption. He had always been able to see
through my lies.

"Saudade."

Ethan interrupted my train of thoughts nang muli siyang magsalita. Impressive, in a

way. Mukhang sanay magsinungaling ang taong ito. Siya ang tipo ng taong kadalasan
ay hindi ko pinagtutuunan

ng pansin. Subalit kung anumang negatibong emosyon ang naramdaman ko tungkol sa

kanyang pagsisinungaling ay siya namang kabaligtaran ng kislap ng mga mata ng
kapatid ko.

"I've never met a writer before! Hindi ko pa rin nababasa ang libro mo. But wait
until this December vacation is over and I'll surely find it!" Excited na wika ni
Wycliffe.
"Yeah, thanks. I'm writing another book so I really don't want anyone to find and
disturb me. Kaya naman I asked your sister na ipahiram muna sa akin ang tree house
niyo."

"Don't worry! Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell even my mom and dad!" And
with that, I think they made a deal. Matapos sagutin ni Ethan ang ilang katanungan
ni Wycliffe tungkol sa librong isinulat daw niya ay lumabas na ng tree house si
Wycliffe. After this, I had to deal with that kid. But for now, kailangan ko munang
kausapin ang taong ito.

Agad na nabura ang tila tunay na ngiti sa kanyang mukha. Kung anuman ang mga
pinagdaanan niya, sa tingin ko ay mahusay siya sa pagsusuot ng masakara. But
looking behind those mask, I couldn't help but pity him.

"How long do you think you can fool my brother?" Seryoso kong tanong. He looked at
me and smiled weakly.

"As long as you need it for your plan?" Sagot niya. Some part of me wanted to feel
guilty because of how he said it. He didn't say it like he wanted to show me how
bad of a person I was to use him. Instead, sinabi niya iyon na tila iyon ang
nararapat. He said it like he was not against my plan at all. And that was how it
made

things morally wrong but practically right.

And because I was not really sure how I should respond to that, I went back to our
lies. "Saudade, huh," I said, making his smile a little bit genuine.

"My favourite book. It's not popular. No one really gave much attention to the
writer so I think your brother will have a hard time finding more information about
the Author," sagot niya. I nodded. As long as I can keep my plan in place without
dragging my brother through it, I was on it.

I prepared to leave but not without giving a warning.

"Next time you make me look for you, I will end your life." I made sure that my
voice conveyed how serious I was. It worked. I saw the tension crept back to his
face. I climbed down the tree house. The lock was broken; I had to put a new one.
For now, I just had to trust the weakness of this guy not to run away again. After
everything, he won't be able to do another stunt like this, I think.

Dumiretso ako sa mansion at saka hinanap si Wycliffe.

Mukha namang gagawin niya ang pinangako niya kay Ethan. If there was a good thing
about Wycliffe, it was how he kept his promises. If he promised to give you a
Christmas gift then he would. It was just that his choices of gifts are
sometimes... surprising. Wycliffe did buy the book after Christmas vacation. But he
hadn't read it yet. He said that it didn't appeal to him right now and would read
it once he found the right mood. I didn't know what kind of mood he was in now or
what books he read at this moment. Ang importante sa ngayon ay ang pagtupad

niya sa ipinangako niya.

Everything went smoothly as December ended. Ethan didn't attempt to escape again.
Sa halip ay tila pinanindigan niya ang pagiging manunulat sapagkat madalas ko na
siyang nakikitang may hawak na pluma at kwaderno. Kung anuman ang sinusulat niya ay
hindi ko na pinagtuunan ng pansin. In the meantime, I got busy preparing for life.
Aside from my Reaper activities, I still had to go back to school and be a normal
student.

I was about to go out of the mansion to check on my bait when my Dad and a visitor
stopped me on my track.
"Heading somewhere?" My Dad said as his way of greeting. Hindi ako sumagot. Sa
halip ay pormal ko silang nilapitan at hinarap. Ngumiti sa akin ang kasama niya na
sinagot ko ng pagtango.

"I'm sorry, Detective. My daughter doesn't like smiling," pabirong paumanhin ng

aking ama.

"Oh, I'm well acquainted with that fact. But, your daughter is still one of the
loveliest young ladies I've ever met," sagot nito na diretsong nakipagtitigan sa
akin. I definitely knew him. I gave him a deadly stare right when my father
couldn't see.

"Hija, this is Detective Patrick Penber. He said he was fascinated by Arturia

University and wanted to visit it. He even wants to meet the heiress of the
institution."

I nodded slowly at my father. "I'll take it from here, Dad." I smiled at him. He
patted my back at saka pumasok sa loob ng mansion upang hanapin ang aking ina.

Nang maiwan kami ng Detective ay saka ko inalis ang lahat ng pretenses

ng pagiging isang heiress. No need to pretend. This guy knew me as a Reaper,

probably had the guts to show up to my home looking for a Reaper. So I gave him my
Reaper stance at nakipagtitigan ng matiim. Matapos ang ilang segundo ay iginiya ko
siya sa labas ng mansion. Dire-diretso ako sa pulang sasakyan na alam kong pag-aari
niya at saka umupo sa passenger seat. Ilang sandali ang lumipas at saka pumasok na
rin ang detective sa kanyang sasakyan.

"Drive," utos ko.

Nakaloloko siyang ngumiti sa akin na tila hindi siya makapaniwalang inuutusan ko
siya. Isang mabilis na pagkilos ng mga kamay ang aking ginawa at agad na napasa-
akin ang kaniyang baril. Tila walang anumang nangyari na itinutok ko iyon sa kanya.

"Now, drive."

"Easy, okay? I'll drive." Pagsuko ng detective at saka pinaandar ang sasakyan
palabas ng mansion. "It's rude, you know. Not saying goodbye to your father."

"It doesn't matter. He'll forget your existence," mabilis kong sagot.

Mukhang agad niyang naintindihan ang ibig kong sabihin dahil atubili niya akong
tinapunan ng tingin habang nagmamaneho. "You can't kill a detective without the
permission of your Mafia, right?" He confidently stated. The kind of confidence
that I wanted to break.

"The Mafia Freniere would gladly erase you," sagot ko. This stupid detective was
making me irritated. Too irritated that he could change my calm mood.

"Look, Reaper-" I cut him off by giving a deathly glare. He relented. "Fine. Miss
Arturia, I know who you are already. Ever

since that incident in Montello High, I couldn't erase your face in my mind. I kept
thinking that I've seen your face from somewhere. And that's when I remembered. Out
of all the reapers connected to the Freniere, you are surprisingly the easiest to
investigate. High profile heiresses like you have top records." The way he said it
made me frown.

"So what do you want now?" Hindi ko alam kung paano niya naiisip na kaya niya akong
kontrolin dahil lang sa mga impormasyong iyon. Itinigil niya ang sasakyan sa may
hindi kalayuan sa mansion. Agad niyang binuksan ang dalang leather bag at saka
inilabas ang isang litrato. He gave it to me.

"This kid has been missing ever since the incident," wika niya. I gritted my teeth
as the guy from the photo stared back at me.

"What does it have to do with me?" Walang emosyon kong tanong.

"Nothing, I hope. I'm just here to cross-check the facts I have at hand. Miss
Arturia, I know about the Reapers' Game."

"I gave you Steins," may diin kong sabi. This detective even earned something good
from that catch since he was able to put a giant drug syndicate in jail.

"He's not the only big fish in the game, right?" Wika niya. I just stared at him
blankly. "Ethan Montreal is one of the big fishes. And he didn't come back."

I looked straight at the road while keeping the gun pointing at him. "Probably,
dead," wika ko.

"We didn't find a body. Pero, I was wondering why you didn't bring Steins
personally after you got him?" Tanong niya na tila nakikipagkwentuhan lang tungkol
sa klima. Umaasta siyang kumportable sa sitwasyon namin.
"You're right," I admitted at saka ako humarap sa kanya. "There is a bigger fish.
And that's the Novou assassin. I went after him but he managed to escape," wika ko.

Saglit na napaisip ang Detective na tila pino-proseso niya sa kanyang utak ang
impormasyon. Ilang saglit pa ay saka siya tumango. "So why is this kid still
missing?" Mahina niyang sabi na tila ibinulong niya lang iyon sa kanyang sarili. I
decided to rest my arm and give him back the gun. Tila abala pa rin siya sa kanyang
iniisip nang tanggapin niya ang baril. It was like some maze opened up and he was
busy solving it. I opened the side door. Subalit bago ako tuluyang lumabas ng
sasakyan ay kinuha ko muna ang atensyon niya.

"Next time you try to enter the Arturia Mansion or even Arturia University,
consider yourself dead," wika ko at saka tuluyang lumabas ng sasakyan. Naglakad na
lang ako pabalik ng mansion.

I was not stupid. This detective was good at putting the clues together. He was on
to something kaya ako ang tinanong niya tungkol sa nawawalang estudyante ng
Montello-my bait. And this detective might be brave enough to get tangled in this
messy situation in the Mafia. But it would be a waste to silence him...

While walking, I tried to think about what I could do in this circumstance. And as
for now, I had two options. I think it would be practical to the mafia side if I
erase him. But first, I could use him to help me with my mission-even if he didn't
know it.

=================

Chapter 10: The Root of All The Consequences

Chapter Ten: The Root of all Those Consequences

Author's Note:

Dear Readers,

Thank you for continuously waiting. For now, I'm trying to be back on track. For
those who are in Laguna and have their Montello High: School of Gangsters book
already, meet me in Imall Canlubang! And treat me pizza and coffee and blueberry
cheesecake. Oh, I want to add leche flan and yema cake on the list, too. Haha!

But seriously, I will be in Imall Canlubang Laguna on October 18 for Pandayan

Bookshop/Pop Fiction Book Signing. So for those who are available on that day,
let's have a date. See you!

Picking out garlic on my midnight food,

+Siel Alstreim+

********

The ground was still covered with mist as I stepped on it. I tried to keep my pace
normal. I knew everyone was watching me while I was jogging. Mahigit isang oras ko
nang ginagawa ang pagtakbo sa Arturia field at naisipan na rin ng mga kasamahan ko
sa team na magpahinga. Subalit mas pinili kong magpatuloy. Running gave me a sense
of calmness. For me, it served as a gateway to think clearly and privately.

Subalit nag-atubili ako sa pagtakbo nang maramdaman kong may iba pang nakamasid sa
akin maliban sa mga normal na estudyante. And that was when I saw her on one of the
far bleachers. She really was like a ghost. Tumakbo ako palapit sa kanya at mukha
namang inaasahan niya rin iyon. She looked like she was having fun watching the
school activities. Had she never gotten into a school before?

"How

could you deal with it?" Tanong niya nang umupo ako sa kanyang tabi.

Nagtataka akong tumingin kay Forest. I currently had a lot of things I needed to
deal with subalit dahil inisip kong pinatutungkulan niya ay ang aking pagtakbo, I
simply said, "Just run."

Mukhang hindi iyon ang kanyang ibig sabihin sapagkat tiningnan niya ako na tila
isang milyong milya ang layo ng sagot ko. "I mean this building of sh*t! It's full
of tiny skirts and make-ups! And there are no male specimens aside from homework
reapers!"
Kumunot ang noo ko. "Homework reapers?" Nagtataka kong tanong.

She rolled her eyes before responding. "The teachers. They're always reaping for
homeworks," sagot niya. Kung gayon ay naranasan naman pala niyang magkaroon ng
paaralan.

"It's an all-girls school, Forest," sagot ko.

"Well, at least hire teachers who look like models. Or gym trainers for teaching P.
E.-"

"Is there a point to all of this? You didn't come here just to give me a lecture on
how we manage Arturia University, right?" Putol ko sa kung ano pa man niyang
sasabihin.

She gave me one of her sarcastic smile that says 'I know you don't want to hear my
next words' before going to the main business.

"I suggest we burn Montello High School to the ground."

To be quite honest, I'd been a master at keeping my emotions off my facial

expressions. Even with Forest and her string of strangeness, nagagawa ko nang
umaktong tila normal lang para sa akin ang mali sa

takbo ng pag-iisip niya. But what she just said still managed to make my mouth hang
open. What in the world was she saying?
"But we just gained the territory," wika ko.

"But it is another building of sh*t and also full of homework reapers and
gangsters. Oh! Paano nila nagagawang matagalan ang school na yun?" Seryoso niyang
litanya.

"Forest, that school is already closed. Give it a rest," sagot ko. Mukhang hindi
niya nagustuhan ang naging pagpunta niya sa paaralang iyon. But no matter how much
she disliked it, she couldn't burn it to the ground. It was now the property of the
Mafia at nakadepende na sa mga Freniere kung ano ang gagawin nila roon.

"Well, that's the reason why I'm here. We should go to that building of sh*t and
open it for the studious gangsters."

Now she got my attention. What did she mean by that?

"I don't like wasting my saliva if it's not for French kissing so I'm not going to
go all story-teller on you. Fix yourself and let's go there. Tres is already on his
way."

She was really serious about not liking Montello High. And why was Tres on his way
there?

Nagpaalam ako saglit upang magbihis at saka gamit ang sasakyan ko ay mabilis kaming
nagtungo sa paaralan. Questions assaulted me as I was driving. Why were they going
to open it again? After the incident, I doubt students would be willing to stay in
that place.
Subalit napatunayan kong mali ang nasa isip ko nang marating namin ang lugar. I
should have known. They were not ordinary

students. They were Montello High gangsters. Kasama namin sila sa pagtugis sa
Stones Organization. The Reapers played the game, the students saved their school.
Underestimating them was a bad move.

Pinanatili ko ang distansya namin mula sa gate ng school. Maraming estudyante ang
nasa labas niyon at hinihintay na magbukas ito. Ang ilan ay nagpupumilit na akyatin
ang mataas na bakod.

"It will be so fun shooting up on that wall," nakangising sabi ni Forest habang
nakatingin sa pader ng eskuwelahan kung saan ay may mga umaakyat. Hindi ko na lang
siya pinansin at sa halip ay pinagmasdan ang palagid, looking for threats. I think
everything here was safe. Maliban sa mga estudyante ay wala na akong nakikitang
kahina-hinala sa lugar. May ilang mga tauhan ng Mafia sa paligid at sa palagay ko
ay kaming dalawa lang ni Forest ang Reaper na naririto ngayon.

Maya-maya pa ay ilang mga Cadillacs ang dumating at kasunod niyon ay ang isang itim
na Hummer. And I absolutely know who was riding that monster car. Like car, like
owner.

"I'll go closer. It's not safe-"

"I scanned everything bago kita puntahan. It's safe," putol ni Forest. Mukhang alam
niya ang akma kong gagawin dahil nakangiti siya nang lingunin ko.

Nakatanaw lang ako habang pinagmamasdan ang pagbaba ng mga nasa sasakyan. I touched
my gun. Nakahanda ang baril ko sa anumang panganib. I saw him got off and I gripped
my gun tightly.
Amazement dawned on the students' faces nang makita siya. It was like they couldn't
believe

that they would see Giovanni Freniere's brother again. And he just smirked at them
like he was enjoying the attention. Which was probably true given the number of
female students present.

"Uh-oh. Make way for our long-haired Superstar!" Forest sang in mockery while
watching.

He walked over the crowd of people. Mukhang kinakausap niya ang mga estudyante
tungkol sa paaralan. They looked like they were protesting what he was saying until
a girl approached him. Agad kong namukhaan ang babaeng iyon. She was... she was...

"Way to go Giovanni's girl!" Wika muli ni Forest na tila nagko-komento lang sa

isang basketball game.

I watched as the students made a decision to invade their school. Ironically, they
were really invading their school. Tsk. Gangsters. They always resorted to
violence. I was waiting for the Mafia guards to make their move when that girl
suddenly punched Tres on the face.

In a short beat, I found myself running towards them. Even before the Mafia guards
could respond to that attack on Tres, I was already grabbing her away from him and
was pushing her to the ground. I automatically pointed my gun to her.

Nagkatinginan kami at mukhang pareho kaming nagulat sa ekspresyon namin. She was
surprised by my sudden appearance and I was surprised by my own reaction. Mabilis
rin siyang nakabawi dahil matalim na tingin ang ibinigay niya sa akin.
"Shoot, b*tch! You can never stop us!" She screamed. Her animosity flipped my
Reaper senses on and I gave her one of my deadliest glare. Mukha namang

naapektuhan siya nun dahil nakita ko ang pag-rehistro ng pangamba sa mukha niya.

A hand grabbed my arm and pulled me away from her. Napatingin ako sa taong pumigil
sa akin. Our eyes met and I couldn't help the pain that hit me as he helped the
girl to stand up. Stop it, Hetta. You should be over that.

"Reaper, watch your move," seryosong wika ni Tres. Napatingin sa akin ang babae na
tila nagulat sa biglang pagiging seryoso ni Tres. I felt a flicker of emotion pass
through my eyes as Giovanni's girl watched me for a beat. I had no way of knowing
if she noticed the pain in my expression before I schooled my features to a blank
face.

Mabilis ring kumawala ang babae sa pagkakahawak ni Tres. "Don't touch me, you
monster!" Singhal niya. I gritted my teeth, partly from protocol, partly from how
free she was in telling Tres off. No one in the mafia was allowed to treat him like
that. At least not to his face. Not even Forest. But why was he allowing this girl
to do it?

"Do you really want to enter in this school?" He smirked at saka humalukipkip.
Ikinatigil ng mga estudyante ang kaniyang tanong at napalingon ang mga ito sa
direksyon namin.

"Yes!" Matapang na sagot ng babae.

His smirked even grew wider and darker. "Then are you all willing to pay the
consequences of opening Montello High again?"
Natahimik ang paligid sa tanong niyang iyon. It sounded like a threat even though
he veiled his statements in a very non-threatening manner. I could feel the
students weighing his words. Maya-maya ay tila nagkasundong tumango-tango ang mga
estudyante.

"Whatever it is," the girl voiced out. She was brave, I'd give her that.

Maya-maya pa ay sumenyas na si Tres sa mga tauhan ng Mafia upang buksan ang gate.
Everyone rushed inside like they had never been home in a while. They must have had
valued this place so much.

Naiwan si Tres, ako at ang mga tauhan sa labas ng gate habang si Forest ay
nakamasid pa rin sa paligid. Nagulat ako nang biglang hilahin ng malakas ni Tres
ang braso ko at naglakad patungo sa Hummer. What now?

"Someone drive her car. That bitch with her doesn't know how to use cool things,"
utos niya na ang pinatutungkulan ay si Forest. Tahimik na lang akong umupo sa
passenger seat nang buksan niya iyon. Seryoso siyang sumunod sa driver's seat at
saka pinaandar ang sasakyan. Here we go again. He would take me somewhere and then
leave me by myself. As usual.

"As for you, Reaper, you need some punishment for acting on your own," he said as
he took on the road.

=================

Chapter 11: Melancholy of the Past

Chapter Eleven: Melancholy of the Past

Tres stopped the car beside the sidewalk and lit a cigarette. I tried to open the
window but it was automatically locked. I looked at him exasperatedly as he smoked.
Does he plan to suffocate us?

"You are very careless, reaper. You could be dead as soon as you pointed a gun on
her," wika niya habang naninigarilyo. Pinilit kong hindi langhapin ang usok. Was
this the punishment he was talking about? Lung cancer?

"He tried to hurt a leader of Mafia Freniere. I was just doing my job," seryoso
kong sagot.

"You haven't realized it yet, right?" Wika niya na ikinakunot ng noo ko. "That girl
is valuable. She's very important to Giovanni. She's even more important than you.
You are a valuable Reaper, of course, but that girl is very important."

Pinilit kong hindi ipakita ang sakit na kusa kong naramdaman sa pagkukumpara sa
amin. I wondered if this would ever stop-this pain. I had walled my heart in a cage
of ice and yet he could always hurt me in the worst of ways, whether he knew it or
not.

"I see. The girl must also be so important to you because you are protecting her in
the absence of your brother." I didn't know how those words got out but it was too
late for me to bring them back. He was already smirking at my direction.

"Are you jealous, my Reaper?" He asked in voice that was dangerously sweet. He'd
never been sweet to me and now that he was doing it, I realized that I hate it. He
was

treating me like one of his nameless, faceless flirt buddies. I felt insulted. He
was putting me on the same level as those girls. I am a Reaper! I'm not just any
girl!
I reined in my frustrations. His treatment of me had never been better, anyway. It
shouldn't matter now. I should learn to let it go. Ignore it, then.

"I still need to check the Mafia grounds," I managed, wishing he would just let me
go.

"You have another task, Reaper."

I sat up straighter. Now he was getting down to business. Good, then. Reaper tasks
were always good. "What is it?" Pormal kong tanong. Now that we were back to our
usual Mafia boss and Reaper relationship, I felt relieved.

"You are ordered to watch Summer Leondale."

I processed the name in my head. Right, Summer Leondale. That Montello Girl.
Giovanni's girl. I knew it had something to do with the seasons. At least now, she
wasn't just a nameless face. Wait... did Tres meant what I think he meant?

"I can't do that task. I'm a Reaper, Tres. I'm not a babysitter," tutol ko nang
mapagtantong mabuti ang utos.

"It's a mission, reaper. Sir Algernon Freniere personally assigned you to this
mission," wika niya.

I could not believe this! Why me? Of course, I could not say that to my boss. I
struggled to keep my face expressionless. "How about the Hunter, Sir Maximus Brown?
They seem to know each other. Or... maybe Forest?" I had nothing against that girl
but I didn't want to be around her.

I was just not comfortable with her. She seemed like trouble.

Nagtaas ng kilay si Tres. "This is the first time you are refusing to do a mission
that doesn't include killing." Tila nag-isip siyang sandali. "How about I assign
you to assassinate a certain businessman instead?" Agad akong na-alarma.

I silently took a heavy breath. He wasn't giving me a choice and he knew it. "Give
me the details of this mission. And everything we have on the girl's profile. My
role and how connected I had to be with her," pagsuko ko. Mukha namang nagustuhan
niya ang pagpapatalo ko sa argumento.

"Already sent all the information to your account," he said confidently. "It seems
like some of the members of the Stones Organization want revenge against her,"
dagdag niya.

Saglit akong natahimik. I would be Summer Leondale's security detail then. I tried
summing up this mission. I thought we killed the last of that organization. Agad
ring naputol ang pag-iisip ko nang lumapit si Tres sa direksyon ko. My heart
started to beat faster when he crowded me to open my side of the door. Nothing was
different. He was still going to kick me out of the car in a place I didn't know.

"You can start and do your mission however you want, Reaper. For now, I still have
to find that little snake boy," he said.

I looked at him intently. Snake boy? "Giovanni's friend in Montello High?" Maingat
kong tanong.
"Not his friend anymore." Iyon lang at saka niya isinara at pinaandar ang kotse.
Naiwan akong nakatingin lang sa papalayong sasakyan.

/>

Now it was getting more complicated. Tres would never stop until he finds Ethan
Montreal. But why was he taking that mission personally? What was his deal with
Ethan?

I decided to call Arturia Mansion to ask for a driver. I had to prepare for this
mission but I still had to go to Arturia University since the holiday vacation was
over. I guess I could only watch her at night but not during the day.

I was still working on the logistics of this mission when I reached the University.
I saw that my car was returned to its slot in the parking lot. I hoped the people
from the Mafia didn't scratch it. Sa ngayon, malamang mayroong mga Mafia guards sa
Montello High dahil isa na ito sa mga teritoryo ng organisasyon. It meant that as
long as Summer Leondale stayed there in the mornings, she would be safe.

I had to treat this mission seriously dahil malinaw na seryoso rin ang Mafia
Freniere sa importansya ng babaeng iyon. I gritted my teeth against the memory of
how Tres described her. More important than me, he said.

I sent a message to the Basketball Team coach saying that I wouldn't attend the
practice. I had to figure out this mission carefully. Kailangan ko ring pag-aralan
kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa personal kong misyon. Agad akong dumiretso sa
Arturia Mansion. I decided to sneak into the Tree House to check my bait. I found
him writing something on one of my blank notebooks from my small shelf. Lumingon
sya at itinigil ang ginagawa nang makita ako.

"Hindi ako tatakas, kaya hindi mo na kailangang

magmadali sa pag-uwi," aniya.

Tiningnan ko sya nang matiim at saka dumako ang paningin ko sa notebook.
Apparently, he was not just writing. He was drawing a ship. Mukhang napansin niya
rin kung ano ang pumukaw sa atensyon ko.

"Gusto kong maging isang kapitan ng barko."

Hindi ko alam kung anong dapat kong isagot sa sinabi niyang iyun dahil hindi ko rin
alam kung ano ang tumatakbo sa isipan niya. Mukhang masyado na syang nakukulong sa
lugar na ito.

"Do you want me to bring more books?" Tanong ko na lang. Mayroon akong mga libro sa
tree house but they were classics. Wala akong mga bagong libro na naka-stock sa
lugar dahil matagal ko nang hindi ito pinupuntahan.

"No need. I'm enjoying Alfred Tennyson's collection of poems," nakangiti niyang
sabi.

"You should never leave this place from now on," wika ko. Ngayong hinahanap sya ni
Tres, mas kailangan kong mag-ingat. For now, Ethan Montreal was safe here. Tres
might scope the whole world for him but I doubt Tres would ever think to look for
Giovanni's friend in this Tree House. He'd never been here for a long time and I
knew he never planned to visit this place ever again. This place was a portal to
the painful part of his past. Nakaramdam ako ng lungkot para sa lugar na ito. Just
like that, this Tree House was rejected. This used to be my favorite place in the
world.

"I won't," determinado niyang sagot. Hindi ko alam kung ibabalita ko sa kanya ang
muling pagbubukas ng Montello High. I didn't normally give information to people.

But I think he needed to have a glimpse of the outside world.

"I went to Montello High." Mukhang tama ang hinala kong interesado siya sa kaniyang
paaralan dahil mukhang naghihintay sya sa sunod ko pang sasabihin. Nang hindi ko na
sinundan pa ang aking pahayag ay siya na ang kusang nag-ungkat ng detalye.

"Did you see her? Is she okay?" Tanong niya. I think I knew who he was referring to
and I wondered. Why was everyone thinking of her? What was so special about her?

"I'm going to watch and protect her from people who want to harm her. That's my new
mission," seryoso at malamig ang tinig kong sabi.

Tila naman hindi sya na-apektuhan ng panlalamig ko. "Please, take care of her.
Don't worry about me. Hindi ako tatakas. Just protect her," pakiusap niya.
Pinagmasdan ko sya. So, he obviously liked the girl.

"She doesn't like you, Ethan Montreal," diretso kong pahayag ng katotohanan.

Ngumiti lang sya sa akin at sinabing, "I know."

I was stunned at hindi ako nakasagot. Caring for a person who didn't care if you
exist or not? That was one of the saddest things I could think of. And worse was if
the person you care for the most hated you. That was too much for a heart to
handle. Sounds like someone you know, Hetta?

Hindi ko pinansin ang sarili kong tinig na tila nang-uuyam lamang sa akin. I am a
Reaper. I had a mission. I didn't have time to be sentimental. Keeping the ice
princess up again, I decided to be downright cruel. Si Ethan Montreal ay isang pa-
in lamang ng plano ko. And I was willing to use his emotions against him-to get
what I wanted.
"If you try to escape, I might as well kill her before catching you again," malamig
kong sabi.

Tumingin lang sya sa akin at saka tumango. "I won't escape," seryoso niyang sabi.

Tiningnan ko lang sya at hindi nagsalita. I didn't know why I suddenly felt so sad.
He was probably aware of stories like this. And I think we both knew just too well
how it will end.

=================

Chapter 12: Montello High

Chapter 12: Montello High

"There's no way that I'm watching an annoying pest voluntarily and whole-
heartedly!"

I already knew she was going to protest my proposal. But I didn't think there was
anyone else that I could trust with this mission.

"It's not like you're going to do this for the rest of your life." I pushed but she
still looked like she'd rather eat worms than heed my request.

"If given a chance, I'd willingly rather be her killer and now you want me to watch
her? Do I look like some guardian angel?" Naiinis na tanong ni Forest.
I had decided that I couldn't do this mission during the day. I had duties at
Arturia University. My dad was not always at the school. Being Director Dresmond
Arturia was not very easy kung kaya't tinutulungan ko sya sa pamamahala ng
eskuwelahan. Kailangan kong mapanatili ang kaayusan nito habang inaasikaso niya ang
ibang mga bagay. He was the other side of the Freniere Mafia. He was the one
handling all the legal assets and connections of the underground organization.

Which was why I needed Forest for this. Getting permission from the mafia leaders
to get Forest as back-up should be easy enough since-like Tres said-Summer Leondale
was pretty important to the mafia now. So I had to use a different type of
persuasion.

"Tell me what you want and I will give it to you." Agad na nagbago ang ekspresyon
ng mukha ni Forest sa sinabi ko. She looked like a child who discovered Santa was
coming on Christmas.

/>

"Anything?" Nakangiti niyang tanong. I tried to read if there was anything

malicious in her smile but I got nothing. She looked innocently harmless enough,
which I knew all too well wasn't true.

"Anything," pagkumpirma ko.

"Well, build a chapel inside Montello High," sagot niya. Kumunot ang noo ko. I was
not honestly sure what to expect but this request? Talk about oddball.

"A chapel in a place full of gangsters?" I repeated. She was probably just messing
with me. "You're going to send the priest that's going to be assigned at that
school in hell instead."
"The point is, I want a place I can use while watching our subject," sagot niya.
Huh? What was up with this girl and churches? She liked being ferried to old
churches and now she wanted to build a new one? But I didn't say any of that to
her.

"It will take time to build it."

Nagkibit lang sya ng balikat. "It's okay," aniya.

I didn't really get what's going on with her mind pero pumayag ako sa gusto niya at
sa huli ay nakumbinsi ko rin sya na tulungan ako sa aking misyon. I was still not
happy with this mission even though the mafia had stressed how important this
mission was.

And maybe I understand the mafia. They could never lose another woman important to
the Freniere again. They already lost enough and they shouldn't take chances.
Nasaksihan ko kung gaano tila nanghina ang mga Freniere noong nawala si Alexandria.
At naramdaman ko rin ang bigat niyon.

Ipinagpatuloy ko ang

mga normal kong ginagawa sa Arturia University nung araw na iyon habang nangako si
Forest na magbabantay sa paligid ng Montello High. I trust her when it comes to
guarding a target from a distance. Nakapagtataka man subalit kahit ilang kilometro
ang layo niya mula sa lugar ay tila alam niya ang bawat kilos ng mga tao rito.
Well, she wouldn't be a Reaper if she was just an ordinary girl.

Matapos ang lahat ng mga klase ko ay dumiretso na ako sa gym upang mag-paalam sa
coach. Everything here in Arturia was in order. I didn't like messy and chaotic
places. Chaos ruins all the harmony in the surrounding. Subalit nang gabing iyon ay
tila nag-iba ang ikot ng mundo at nagbibiro ang tadhana sapagkat iniharap nito sa
akin ang 'messy' at 'chaotic' na lugar kong sinasabi. Ang lugar kung nasaan ngayon
si Forest at nagbabantay: Montello High.
Mula sa dulo ng Nightwoods ay ipinasok ko ang kotse at huminto sa kalagitnaan noon.
This place was still as cold as when I first ran here to get someone out.

"Wow! How did you know that I'm here?" Narinig kong wika ni Forest mula sa itaas ng
mga puno doon. I looked up and saw her climbed down like a cat from the tree.

"There's no way that you'll be watching from the entrance. So I took the back way.
But Forest, you don't have to come to this place," sagot ko.

Ngumiti lang sya habang papalapit sa akin at saka sumandal sa sasakyan ko. "I don't
feel what I know you are feeling towards this place," wika niya.

Matiim ko syang tiningnan upang hanapin ang katotohanan sa kanyang sinabi. It was
very

easy to read mischief through Forest. But whenever she gets serious, I could only
see a black, endless mirror. I gave up on reading her.

"This was where the young Reaper was killed," tahimik na pahayag ko. Hindi sya
sumagot at nanatiling nakatingin lang sa itaas. Nang hindi pa rin sya kumilos ay
muli akong nagsalita. "I'll go in. You can leave now, Forest," wika ko.

Tumingin sya sa akin and I saw a glimpse of emotion in her eyes. It was gone too
soon, though. Maybe it was just a glimpse of a ghost.

"I'll sleep on top of your car first. I know you got blankets inside." Muli sana
akong magsasalita upang kumbinsihin siyang umuwi na lang subalit pinutol niya iyon
at sinabing, "I'll be gone in an hour. Don't worry about your car."

I looked at the car and then to her. It was not just about the car, though. I just
really didn't like the Nightwoods. Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako at saka naglakad
papunta sa Montello High.

Napahinto ako nang ilang metro ang layo mula sa bukana ng eskwelahan. It was 7:00
in the evening and yet everyone seemed to be alive and outside, on the school yard.
There were groups of students lying on the ground and... rapping? Some of them were
just passing by. Some were night jogging. It looked cluttered compared to the clean
lines of Arturia campus. It was not exactly messy or chaotic, but it felt so
unorganized. I got a sudden itch to clean. Hindi ko alam kung muli akong hahakbang
palabas ng Nightwoods o babalik sa kotse at kakalimutan ang misyon. Sa huli ay
nanaig ang kailangan kong gawin kung kaya't

nagpatuloy ako sa paglalakad.

I was about to just stay in the dark subalit natanaw ko sa parking lot ang isang
Hummer. I knew whose car that was. Only he would dare show off in a way that would
assert his superiority. I decided to let him know of my presence by going to the
Administrator's Office.

I made a scene by coming out of the Nightwoods. Reminded me of slow-motion

movements in movies. I managed to get everyone's attention and they all stared
openly at me. I didn't think they remembered me as one of the Reapers who paid
Montello High a visit last Christmas Day dahil sobrang bilis ng mga pangyayari. I
ignored them and just continued walking. Malapit na ako sa entrance ng main
building nang tatlong lalaking estudyante ang humarang sa daraanan ko.

"Are you a transferee, Miss?" Tanong ng isa.

"Kung transferee sya, imposibleng hindi umikot ang pangalan niya sa loob ng
eskuwelahan," another one remarked. "Sa hitsura pa lang-" he paused to leer at me
from head to toe, "-she's definitely going to get attention."
I looked at them blankly. I didn't always get this kind of attention since Arturia
was an all-girls school. On the rare occasion that I didn't like how a guy looks at
me, I teach them a lesson. There were many ways to crush a boy's ego that wouldn't
need to end with a murder.

"Bakit hindi ka sumasagot, ha?" Said the second one and then he tried to touch me.
I blocked his arm and twisted it, trying not to break his bones. Napaurong naman
ang dalawa niyang kasama habang

hindi maipinta ang mukha niya sa sakit.

"Where is the school director?" Tanong ko.

Atubili at dumadaing niyang inangat ang isang kamay at itinuro ang isang direction.
Agad ko siyang binitawan at itinulak palayo. He stumbled before regaining his
balance, clutching his hurt arm close to his chest.

"Where is Summer Leondale?" Muli kong tanong. Nagkatinginan sila at saka itinuro
ang girl's dormitory. Agad ko silang tinalikuran at saka naglakad sa unang
direksyong itinuro nila. I stopped at a big door. No need to guess who was inside
this office. I was about to knock when I heard a girl's laughter. Of course.
Huminga ako nang malalim at saka kumatok.

"Come in," wika ng baritonong tinig.

Atubili kong binuksan ang pinto at saka tumambad sa akin ang sitwasyon. Sebastian
Freniere was on his chair while a woman was lying on his desk in a very...
compromising position. Honestly, every single time with this guy sullies my purity
and morality. The woman was wearing very little-only her under garments, actually-
while Tres was still wearing his coat and tie. Was she giving him a show? I averted
my eyes, giving nothing away. It would not be a good idea to show any reaction.

"You shouldn't have said, Come in," wika ko habang nakatingin sa ibang direksyon.

"Well, I thought it's the next girl in line," sagot niya.

Nanatiling blangko ang ekspresyon at boses ko. "There was no line outside." Mukhang
walang balak umalis ang babae sa pagkakahiga sa desk dahil

hinila pa nito si Tres palapit sa kanya.

"Oh, so you're the last. Sorry, but I don't think you are qualified for the role,"
wika niya at saka hinawakan sa bewang ang babae.

It was hard talk to him in this kind of situation. I'd rather much face guns and
bombs. "I'm here for the mission. You can go back to the Freniere Mansion while I
look over Montello High," seryoso kong sabi.

"Well-" Hindi naituloy ni Tres ang sasabihin niya dahil kinuha ng babae ang kanyang
mga labi. I pulled my gun out and walk towards them. I pointed the gun on one of
her breasts and let the cold of its mouth touch her skin.

"How about learning some manners when two adults are talking?" Nagbabanta kong sabi
at tila nahintakutan siyang tumakbo palabas ng office.

Tres smirked while looking at me. "Since you chased away my entertainment, you
should replace her. You're supposed to lie here on my desk, naked," aniya.
What I should probably do was slap him with a sexual harassment lawsuit but that
would mean that my father would have to deal with the legalities of that case. I'd
hate to cause my Dad more grief.

"Sorry, I am not qualified for the role," I said instead, full of mockery,
repeating what he said to me earlier.

His jaw twitched and for a while. I tensed, waiting for the kind of cruelty na
ibinibigay nya sa akin whenever we were together. But after a second, he just
shrugged at saka pinaikot ang swivel chair na tila hinihintay ang sunod kong
sasabihin.

"If you're going stay here in the evening, why didn't you just assign the Leondale
mission to yourself?" Tanong ko.

He looked at me and said, "I'm busy tracing the traitor," kaswal niyang sagot.

"He's not here," seryoso kong wika.

"How do you know that?" Natigilan ako sa pagbabalik-tanong niya. If I wasn't

careful, he was going to find out that I had something to do with Ethan Montreal's
disappearance. That would burn my plan to the ground.

"It's pretty obvious," tangi ko na lang nasabi, feigning nonchalance and

disinterest in the topic.
"He has friends here. Pwedeng isa sa kanila ang nagtatago sa kanya."

I raised an eyebrow in question. "Not after what he did against the school. He
betrayed them," I pointed out.

Pinihit muli ni Tres ang kaniyang upuan paharap sa akin. "You should never
underestimate anyone from Montello High," wika niya at saka tumayo mula sa kanyang
kinauupuan. Dire-diretso siyang naglakad palabas ng opisina.

I just watched him as he disappeared from the door.

"I would never have been a Reaper if I underestimated anyone," mahina kong sabi.

=================

Chapter 13: Midnight Calls

Chapter 13: Midnight Calls

It had been weeks and there were still no signs of threats against the girl. Every
reaper was now focused on the newest transaction of the Mafia and I was still stuck
here watching over a possibly unimportant job. I suggested for a replacement
subalit mukhang ipinako na nila ako sa isang ito. Kung meron mang magandang
naidulot ang sitwasyon, iyon ay ang panandaliang pagkalingat ni Tres sa paghahanap
kay Ethan Montreal. I trusted my ability to hide anything from anyone but this was
Tres Freniere I would be dealing with. I wouldn't put it past him to smell even the
tiniest scent of his prey-and if I wasn't careful, I'd end up finding him with his
claws on Ethan's neck.
Mahina kong sinipa palayo ang maliit na batong nasa harapan ko habang nakasandal sa
likod ng kotse. Things were still normal in Montello High. Well, as normal as this
school could get, at least. I think punching each other's faces and then laughing
about it was considered normal here. Serious rivalry between two gangster groups
was even more common. Silence existed only in the middle of the night when I was
probably the only one who was awake. I was wasting time here. I was wasting money
building Forest's chapel on the entrance of the Nightwoods. The students were
actually wondering about the sudden construction on the school grounds. Rumors of
Admin President building his own rest house in the school spread. Sebastian
allowing it fed the idea. There were also conversations about their coming
Graduation.

At least tonight it

was quiet.

Madilim sa bahagi ng Nightwoods na kinaroroonan ko. Tanging ilaw lang ng kotse ang
nagbibigay liwanag sa paligid. This place was very sad. Maaaring nakakatakot at
napakadilim ng Nightwoods sa mata ng nakararami. But for me, I just think it was
sad. After hanging out here for so long, I'd gotten used to this place. I hoped
Forest had, too.

Muli sana akong papasok sa loob ng kotse upang doon na lang magbantay nang marinig
ko ang tunog ng aking cellphone. A midnight call? This was going to be either the
most important or the most nonsensical. I had to get this one.

Isang unknown number ang nakita ko sa screen. I accepted the call and silently
listened to the other line.

"Henrietta Arturia."

I recognized the voice of the caller. Guess this was one of those nonsensical
calls, then.
"Mikhail Petrov," I answered seriously.

"You don't sound so eager to hear from me," aniya. Hindi ako sumagot. Hinintay ko
lang siyang magsalitang muli. Kung wala syang sasabihing importanteng bagay sa loob
ng isang minuto ay ka-kanselahin ko na ang kanyang tawag.

"Don't worry too much about the new transaction. I know you're worried about it,"
patuloy niya. Hindi pa rin ako sumagot. One more unimportant statement from him and
I was gonna end the call. "And the mission doesn't need more reaper." He said.

"That's it." I was about to cancel it subalit mabilis siyang muling nagsalita.

"Giovanni Freniere is awake."

Muli kong

ibinalik ang aparato sa aking tainga nang marinig ko ang mensaheng iyon. Good thing
I have excellent hearing.

"What did you say?" I heard him clearly. But this was the kind of news I had to
confirm carefully before I could make any move.

"Giovanni Freniere is awake. And he's looking for your subject," Wika ni Mikhail.
Lumingon ako sa kinaroroonan ng Montello High building at saka inilipat ang aking
paningin sa girls' dormitory. I can only see its silhouette since its midnight.
"I know what to do now." Seryoso kong sabi at saka pinutol ang tawag. I checked the
gun on my waist, making sure that the coat I wear covers it. Tahimik at sigurado
ang mga hakbang ko palabas ng Nightwoods. I could feel the cool air against my
clothes as I walk across the school yard. If I was wearing white, I would look like
a white figure gliding in the dark. Good thing, I was not into white clothes.

Naka-lock ang main door ng dormitory nang marating ko. But that won't really stop
me from getting in. Kinuha ko ang isa sa mga hairpin sa aking buhok at sinimulang
buksan ang pinto. Ilang segundo lang at nagawa ko nang pihitin ang door knob
pabukas. Walang tao sa main lounge kung kaya't dire-diretso akong umakyat ng
hagdan. It was already past curfew. Malamang ay mahimbing nang natutulog ang mga
estudyante.

I had been keeping careful surveillance on Summer Leondale kaya alam ko kung saang
kwarto sya makikita kasama ang dalawang babaeng madalas niyang kasama. Gamit ang
hairpin na pinangbukas ko sa main door, tahimik kong kinalikot ang

door knob ng kwarto. I kept working silently.

Madali kong nabuksan ang pinto at tahimik na pumasok sa kwarto. Tanging ang ilaw
mula sa lampshade lang ang nagbibigay liwanag sa paligid. There were three beds
inside the room. And I quickly recognized Summer Leondale's bed on the farthest
side. I walked towards her quietly, but pause when I notice a white pillow flying
to my direction from across the room. I instinctively dodged it as the light
flooded the place. Napabalikwas sa kama ang taong pakay ko. Isang babae ang
nagbukas ng ilaw at ang isa pa ay may hawak na unan.

"A girl?" Bulalas ng babaeng may salamin. "Are you from the Mafia, or what?" dagdag
niya.

"Maybe she's not! She didn't come from the window!" Wika ng isa pa. Nagtungo ang
paningin ko sa may bintana. How could I go through the window? It was locked.
"Kung gayon ay isa kang kalaban!" Konklusyon nila at muli sana nila akong babatuhin
ng kung anong bagay nang magsalita ang babaeng nasa harapan ko.

"She's from Arturia University," aniya na ikinatigil ng dalawa. Tila hindi sila
kumbinsido dahil mataman nila akong tiningnan. "And she's a Mafia Reaper. A
dangerous one." That made them uncomfortable. Ibinaling niya sa akin ang kanyang
atensyon at saka nagtanong."Anong kailangan mo?"

I couldn't sense any fear from her. And I didn't like it. I didn't like her. I
didn't like her importance no matter how her existence changed my views. I still
didn't like her.

"Come with me," I said.

Humalukipkip siya at sumandal sa headboard. She made herself even more comfortable
on her bed. "No," nagmamatigas niyang sagot.

"How could she even enter the school ground at this time?" Narinig kong bulungan ng
dalawa. They're untrusting and suspecting.

"You have to come with me, Leondale," matigas ko ring anunsyo.

"I don't want to come with you." And she rolled her eyes. At me. I fought the urge
to shoot her eyes with my gun.

"The feeling is mutual. But I'm doing an important mission. What I feel-or what you
feel doesn't matter. I just need to get the job done. And right now my job asks me
to take you. The Mafia leader is looking for you." I tried to say all that without
as much irritation as I was feeling.

"Tell your man-whore leader that whatever the matter is, it doesn't interest me,"
wika niya.

Man-whore leader? She must mean Tres, then. Sir Algernon didn't have any woman from
the reaper and his wife who are both gone. Giovanni was still in the hospital bed,
too weak to do man-whore things. I glared at her. Humakbang ako patungo sa pinto at
saka binuksan iyon.

"Giovanni Freniere wouldn't be happy to hear about the failure of his first order,"
wika ko. Pare-pareho silang natigilan subalit makalipas ang ilang segundo ay tila
nagulantang sila sa narinig. They all rushed to me in their pajamas.

"No. The two of you should stay. The leader only requested for her," wika ko sa
kanila at saka dire-diretsong tinungo ang daan palabas ng dormitoryo. I didn't
glance back as desperate steps of slipper-clad feet came running after me.

It was going to be another long night.

=================

Chapter 14: Speedster

Chapter 14: Speedster

This girl.
She just couldn't keep still and it was slowly driving me crazy. Hindi siya
mapakili habang nakaupo sa passenger seat at nakatanaw sa labas ng kotse. She was
wearing short cotton shorts and a loose sweatshirt. Subalit isa ito sa mga
malalamig na gabi. Hindi ko alam kung ang nararamdaman niya pa ang ginawa sanhi ng
kanyang pagkabalisa. I decided to focus on the road instead.

"I know you can drive faster. Can't you just do it?" Naiinip niyang tanong sa akin.

That was a question. A question that sounded like an impatient demand.

"This is not an emergency," sagot ko. Ligtas na sa anumang panganib ang buhay ni
Giovanni Freniere. I didn't think there was a need to hurry.

"Well, for me it is!" Pagtataas niyang boses.

I looked at her darkly and said, "You shouldn't raise your voice at a Mafia
Reaper." She stayed silent for a little while before speaking. Again.

"I need to see him. I need to talk to him. We haven't talked for a very long time
now." At least this time, her voice was lower. Napailing ako.

"What's so hard in saying you missed him?" Tanong ko. Napatulala siya sa akin at
akmang ibubuka ang bibig subalit hindi naman magawang ituloy ang sasabihin. Matapos
ang ilang pagtatangkang sumagot ay ipinasya niyang tumingin na lang muli sa labas
at manahimik. Akala ko'y magkakaroon na kami sa wakas ng tahimik na biyahe tungo sa
ospital nang muli siyang magsalita.
"You'd do everything

for that man-whore jerk, right?" Tanong niya. I frowned at her and decided to keep
silent. "I saw it in your eyes. Itinutok mo sa akin ang baril mo dahil lang inatake
ko sya. Alam kong hindi ka mag-aalinlangang patayin ako kung sinaktan ko siya."

I kept ignoring her, silently wishing she stops. But she kept going.

"But he's a monster, Henrietta Arturia. It must be painful to love a monster like
him."

"Stop. Talking." Wika ko.

"It's not like I am sincerely concerned about you. Pero ang tulad ni Tres ay isang
bangungot."

I glared at her. Why wouldn't she shut up? "You have no idea what you are talking
about." Nagbabanta kong sabi. We should not even be having conversations like this.

"I think I understand now. They way you act around him? That used to puzzle me. But
you should not be protecting someone like him. He's not worthy of any shit you give
about him," patuloy niya.

"And you think you do? You think you deserve all the things you are getting now?" I
couldn't mask the sarcasm in my tone as I asked her that. Napanganga lang sya sa
akin na tila hindi niya alam ang sagot sa tanong ko kung kaya't nagpatuloy ako.
"All of this protection, the second life? Saving you? Even the love you are feeling
right now! Do you think you deserve it?"
She stayed silent. I didn't know what I want or why I was saying this but I
couldn't stop now. Masyado syang paki-alamera at mayroon siyang binuksan sa
damdamin ko na hindi ko makontrol. At least not right now, while I was sitting here

with her. So I kept going.

"What you think you know does not even graze half of the truth. Alam mo lang ang
mga bagay na hinayaan nilang malaman mo. Hindi mo alam ang totoong istorya so don't
even pretend that you know everything."

Hindi ko ini-expect na maiintindihan niya o madali niyang matatanggap ang sinabi

ko. Subalit matapos ang ilang segundong katahimikan sa aming dalawa ay tumangu-
tango siya sabay sabing, "I'm sorry. Please drive fast."

I didn't really drive that fast but I did increase my speed a little. Tahimik at
wala nang muling nagsalita sa amin hanggang sa marating namin ang hospital. Nang
mai-park ko na ang sasakyan ay tila bagyo siyang lumabas ng kotse ko at tumakbo
patungo sa entradang gusali. Ni hindi na niya naisipang isara ang pinto ng kotse.

Sinundan ko sya tungo sa kuwarto kung saan naroon ang pinuno. From the glass
window, I saw the girl just standing and staring at the leader. They were just
staring at each other and no one was trying to speak. Papasok na sana ako ng
kuwarto nang bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa niyon si Mikhail Petrov at ang ilan pang
mga bantay.

"You will die if you enter this room in the next few hours," wika niya at hinila
ako palayo roon. I pulled my arm away from him at saka kaswal na naglakad sa tabi
niya.

"Akala ko ba nasa misyon ka?" Wika ko.

"Sebastian Freniere told me to watch his brother tonight. The transaction will last
for a week so I can still go there tomorrow," sagot niya.

"Kung gayon

ay walang reaper na kasama ang pinuno ngayon?" Tanong ko. Pilit kong iwinawaksi ang
pagkabahalang unti-unting lumulukob sa aking dibdib.

"Gabriel and Dia are there. They can surely protect Tres if he needed protection.
Pero alam kong hindi niya iyon kakailanganin. Kahit ang tulong mo."

Napahinga ako ng malalim. Why did people keep approaching me in pessimism? Hinayaan
ko na lang ang sinabi niya. Gabriel and Dia were also Freniere Mafia Reapers. Gab's
expertise was about different kinds of weapons while Dia had deadly martial arts
skills. Yes, they could protect the leader if something happens.

"Do you want to have coffee with me?" Bigla ay tanong ni Mikhail.

Agad ko siyang sinagot, "No." At saka tiningnan ang kotse ko mula sa bintana ng
hospital na nadaanan namin. "Can you please look after Summer Leondale? Mukhang
wala siyang balak bumalik ng Montello High ngayong gabi. At kung sakaling aalis
siya, sabihin mo kay Giovanni Freniere ang detalye ng misyon tungkol sa babae. I
know he's not gonna let her go," wika ko.

"Oh, okay. Well, how about a coffee?" Muli niyang tanong.

"No. Kailangan ko munang bumalik sa bahay. It's almost dawn. I have to prepare for
school."

"How about we'll take out a coffee and I'll drive you home?" Tanong niya.

"I have a car," mabilis kong sagot.

"Just take out-"

"Mikhail Petrov," sambit ko sa pangalan niya. Isa iyon sa paraan upang ipaalam sa
kanya na hindi ako interesado sa kung anumang

iaalok niya.

He sighe. "Okay. Someday, you will regret that you keep rejecting my offers," he
said while smiling.

Tiningnan ko sya nang matiim. "No. I'd still reject your offers in the future."

His smile grew wider. "Of course, you would, Henrietta Arturia. What would you need
from anyone?" Aniya.

Yes. What would I need from anyone especially when I have almost everything?
Almost.
Tiningnan ko siya nang matagal at saka sya tinalikuran. Naglakad ako palabas ng
ospital. Dawn was approaching. I had to get ready for school. Tahimik akong
nagdrive patungo sa Arturia Mansion. Kay raming gumugulo sa isipan ko. I didn't
like it. Dati ay sobrang kalma lang ng pag-iisip ko at madali lang sa akin ang
ibigay ang buong atensyon ko sa pinakamahalagang bagay-the mission comes first.

But what's happening right now made me think that I was probably weighing the
importance of things in a very wrong way. I might need to put some changes in my
perspective. Change priorities.

I was halfway home when I noticed a black car tailing my Mercedez. I think it was
the same car that followed me before. Ang paraan ng pagsunod nila ay tila gawa ng
isang eksperto. Ni hindi sila mapapansin dahil sa layo ng agwat ng mga sasakyan at
mangilan-ngilang kotse na nasa pagitan namin. But I could notice them that instant.
Because that was what I do when I'm tailing someone on missions.

I drove in a way that wouldn't give them a hint that I noticed them already. I

maintained my lazy speed. Patuloy pa rin sila sa pagsunod. I started to plan a

defense if they try to ambush me. I could lead them to a deserted place. Kung mag-
isa lang ang sumusunod sa akin, sa tingin ko ay kaya ko siyang i-handle. I'd take
chances even though that person must have the same ability as me. But if it was a
group of highly-trained assassins, I was absolutely outnumbered.

But I couldn't just give my life to them that easy. I could leave the car and
escape through the grounds. Or leave the car, shoot some assassins in the distance
and escape. And if ever they still caught me, I'd take even the last drop of my
blood to die as a Mafia Reaper. But I'd make sure to bring some of them to the
afterlife with me if I have no choice but to die. Tulad na lang ng ginawa ng batang
Mafia Reaper.

Planado na ang lahat sa aking isipan nang tumingin ako sa side mirror at tila mula
sa kalayuan ay nakita ng driver ang ginawa kong pagsulyap sa direksyon niya. I kept
driving casually ngunit nang muli kong subukang tingnan ang sasakyan ay wala na
ito. Walang kahit na anumang bakas ng sasakyan na bumubuntot sa akin.
This was worse than the expected ambush I was thinking. It would have been better
if he attacked me instead. This only proved that this tracker was unpredictable. I
wouldn't know what his move would be, how he was going to do it and why he was
doing it. I wouldn't know any details about his plan. The more unpredictable the
pursuer, the harder it was to defend. It felt like they were playing with me-
letting me go because they could still kill me some other time. Could they? I
trusted in my ability as a mafia reaper but I was still mortal. I was not scared to
die but I didn't like that they made me feel helpless.

I drove carefully and consciously towards the mansion. Kung ako ang target niya,
malamang ay alam na niya ang tungkol sa akin. But this mansion was not so easy to
attack. It had the perfect security system provided by the Mafia. If my family's
mansion was attacked, the Mafia will immediately respond.

Tahimik akong pumasok sa driveway. I was so exhausted and the surrounding was
beginning to be bathed in early morning light. Sa halip na dumiretso sa mansion ay
nagdrive ako tungo sa likurang bahagi ng mansion. I looked up at the tree house
before climbing. And I saw my bait up and awake. He was on the coffee table writing
on a thick notebook.

"Pirates again?" Tanong ko. But my eyes were heavy and the bed looked tempting and
comfortable.

"Yeah. Are you okay?" Tanong niya.

Hindi ko siya sinagot at sa halip ay humiga ako nang padapa sa kama. He was still
asking kung okay lang ako subalit hindi ko nagawang sumagot pa. I stayed on the bed
like that until I fell asleep. I knew it was morning and there was school but for
the first time... I just didn't care.

=================

Chapter 15: Sadness and Happiness

Chapter 15: Sadness and Happiness

Soundtrack: Kiss It All Better - He Is We

I woke up to the sound of two people talking. I could feel that the world outside
was already bathed in morning light but my eyes refused to open. Ipinasya kong
manatiling nakapikit at ipagpatuloy ang pakikinig sa usapan nila.

"I don't think she's going to school." Boses ng isang binatilyo. School. It was
very irresponsible of someone not to go to school. He might miss lots of big things
in just one day.

"She needs to rest longer. Mukhang pagod na pagod sya nang dumating kagabi," sagot
naman ng isa pang boses na pagmamay-ari malamang ng mas nakatatanda pang lalaki.

I was starting to realize my surrounding now and the images from last night were
beginning to flash on my mind in order. I couldn't believe that I slept here in the
tree house with a stranger.

"Then there's no way I'm going to school. I'm so tired, too. I've been dealing with
my stupid seatmate and boring teacher for a very long time now."

That was when I decided to open my eyes and sat up on the bed facing the two. One
was sitting on the floor and the other one was on the desk, probably writing.
"Good morning, Hetta," bati agad ni Wycliffe. He was a handsome young man in his
school uniform.

"Anong oras na?" Seryoso kong tanong.

Sabay-sabay kaming lumingon sa wall clock na nasa taas ng pintuan ng tree house.
8:30 in the morning. I

was supposed to be at school by seven o clock. How could I be so irresponsible?

Ibinaling ko ang paningin ko kay Wycliffe. It was 8:30 in the morning. Why was this
little devil still here in the tree house?

"Does this tree house look like a school to you?" Tanong ko. His smile was still
plastered on his face.

"I know what you're thinking. It's not what you think it is. I have good grades.
I'm one of the top students in my class. Not the first but who cares?" He said
defensively.

"You're supposed to be in your class right at this hour," wika ko. Subalit suot
niya ang kanyang uniporme. Maybe he wasn't feeling okay. "May sakit ka ba?" Mabilis
akong tumayo mula sa higaan at lumapit sa kanya. Sinipat ko ang kanyang noo at
nakahinga nang maluwag nang masiguro kong normal ang kanyang temperatura.
"I can't find any reason for you not to attend the class today," I finally told
him.

Tumingin siya sa taong nasa desk na tahimik lang na nanonood sa amin at saka muling
ibinaling sa akin ang kanyang paningin. "Well, you're not attending school today,
too," wika ni Cliffe.

Yeah right. I missed school today. I could stand here and talk to him about some
things he shouldn't follow about me but I decided not to. Bumalik na lang ako sa
higaan, umupo at tiningnan siya. Ilang minutong nanatili sa amin ang katahimikan
hanggang sa magsalita ang tao na nasa desk. Pinapanuod niya lang kami all this time
and I couldn't read what he was thinking.

"I think today is the perfect

day for you guys to rest or do something you want to do that's not related to
school or - other things." I looked straight at him on his last couple of words.
Wycliffe had no idea of the things I was doing outside my normal life. I would
never be risky when it came to him.

"And that's definitely not staying at home. Let's go out for few hours." Tila
nabuhayan si Wycliffe sa sariling ideya.

"Yes. You can go out together, watch a movie or go shopping. Don't let this day go
wasted," sang-ayon ni Ethan. But I was very skeptic about this idea. I shouldn't
just take this for granted. I still had a mission. Well, that could wait until
tonight.
"Only the two of us together? That would make this day entirely and extremely
boring!" Pabiro at tumatawang sagot ni Wycliffe. I know he meant it as a joke but
that still made me want to break some bones in my brother's body.

"Or I can just drive you to school right now," seryoso kong sabi. His jolly
expression turned troubled.

"Oh, please Hetta! I've never been absent in my whole school life. I think I'm
going to transform into one of the desks there if I'm not gonna take a break. Let's
just go out today. Let's bring Elric." I frowned at the name and then I realized
that was how I introduced Ethan to him. Elric, my writer friend. But bringing this
so called friend outside would definitely be a bad idea. It was like lighting a
cigarette in a gasoline station. Lalo pa at gumugulo pa rin sa isip ko ang nangyari
kaninang madaling araw.

didn't know how Wycliffe got me behind the wheels, drove my Mercedes Benz G500
across the lawn to the back of the mansion. I was tapping my fingers as I waited
for them to climb down from the tree house. I was actually thinking of backing out
but the disappointment on Wycliffe's face made it difficult to do. Nang sa wakas ay
bumaba na sila, napagdesisyunan kong ituloy na lang ang plano sa ngayon.
Apparently, my parents went out early today kung kaya't nagawa ni Wycliffe na hindi
pumasok ng school. Pumuwesto agad ang kapatid ko sa likuran ng sasakyan kung kaya't
sa passenger seat umupo si Ethan. It was better. I could grab him if ever he tried
jumping off the car. Hindi tumigil si Wycliffe sa pag-iexpress ng kanyang
excitement habang nasa daan kami. Ethan seemed to be amused by it. Mukhang
nagkakasundo na talaga sila.

We ended up in an Amusement Park. It wasn't the first time we've been in an

amusement park. It was both our second time actually. Hindi ko matandaan ang
eksaktong panahon ng huling pagpunta ko sa lugar na tulad nito sapagkat bata pa ako
nun and the only thing I remember I could ride was Carousel. And I was sure
Wycliffe could't remember it.
This boy was already itching to get on the first booth he saw. Basketball shooting.
Sumunod kami sa kanya at pinanuod ang pawisang manlalaro na pilit inaabot ang nais
na score upang makuha ang premyo. The price? It was a big, white teddy bear.
Mukhang maraming oras at salapi na rin ang iginugol niya makamit lang ito.

"I'm gonna try this," desididong wika ni Wycliffe.

I looked at him and

said, "It's a waste of time. We can just go to a mall and buy a bigger teddy bear,"
wika ko. I didn't want him to end up like that guy who was still shooting hoops
despite of the exhaustion.

"But that's the reason why we're here, right? To waste our time," tumatawang wika
ni Wycliffe habang patuloy na pinapanuod ang lalaking naglalaro. He was right. We
were wasting our time here. I had a lot of things to do and they were all hanging
on the air just because I was in a chaotic, noisy and crowded place like this.

Sa wakas ay sumuko na ang lalaking naglalaro ng basketball. He picked up his things

and walked out. He was probably going to another booth. Yayayain ko na sanang
maglakad si Wycliffe nang makita ko syang pumuwesto sa gitna. He was getting ready
to play. He had three throws and he needed to shoot them all to get the prize. I
looked at the teddy bear. Why would he want that? It was supposed to be easy if it
was just some usual arcade game. But the distance between the ring and the player
was like throwing a three-point shot. My brother didn't like playing sports
actively. He preferred reading or anything that had to do with computers. He
wouldn't make this game.

"I'm waiting to see him fail," komento ko habang pinapanuod ko sya. Isa lamang
iyong personal na komentaryo subalit sumagot pa rin ang taong kasama kong nanunuod.

"I'm seeing it in a different way. Sa tingin ko makakapuntos sya," wika ni Ethan. I

looked at him, showing that my recent comments didn't need an answer. At saka ko
ibinalik ang aking paningin kay Wycliffe. Naghahanda
na sya sa una niyang pagshoot ng bola. Nang i-angat niya ang kanyang mga braso at
iangat niya ang bola sa ere ay alam ko nang hindi niyon magagawang umabot sa ring.
He missed the first shot. He received unpleasant jokes from the watchers. Ayokong
maranasan niya ang mapahiya. It was almost easy for me to pull out my gun and show
it to them protectively while my brother was taking shots. Subalit mukhang hindi
iyon iniinda ni Wycliffe. Sa halip ay tumatawa siyang naghanda para sa susunod na
tira.

"I hope you can have a chance to be like him." Narinig kong muli ang boses ni
Ethan.

Kunot-noo akong lumingon sa kanya. "What do you mean?" Seryoso kong tanong.

"Hindi mo ba nakikita yung kapatid mo? Sobrang laki ng pinagkaiba niyo." Hindi ako
sumagot. Nanatili akong nakatingin sa kanya na habang ipinagpapatuloy niya ang nais
sabihin. "He's free, you're caged. He's full of life while you bring death. He has
the happiest face, you got the saddest one. I wonder how come you live in the same
place together but grew up differently."

Ilang segundo akong natahimik at hindi alam ang isasagot sa kanya. It was not like
I plan to engage in a conversation with him on a topic like this. His words,
however, demanded an answer. It didn't matter if I would utter it loudly or keep it
to myself. It just needed an answer. And that answer was something I didn't have
this moment.

Wycliffe saved me by throwing his second shot so my gaze returned to him. He missed
again but this time, he was able to reach the ring.

He was really determined as he prepared for his last shot. I watched the ball as it
soared high through the air and without a miss, passed through the metal ring.
Hindi niya makukuha ang premyo subalit tila nanalo sya ng isang napakalaking bagay
dahil sa ginawa niyang paglundag at pagtawa.

"There are things sadness would never understand. We would never understand him.
And I wish we do," wika ni Ethan bago tuluyang lumapit kay Wycliffe. I looked at
them as they laughed cheerfully about the last shot. Wycliffe was so happy. He was
just so happy that I could not go near him. It was like going near to him would
fade the colors of happiness from him.

Kung kaya't sa halip na lumapit sa kanila ay pumunta ako sa taong nagbabantay sa

booth. Tumingin sya sa akin na tila wala syang ideya sa kung anumang dahilan ng
paglapit ko sa kanya. "I will play," tipid kong sabi. Mukhang hindi niya inaasahan
na ang babaeng katulad ko ay maglalaro ng tulad nito.

"Three consecutive shoots para makuha po ang teddy bear," paalala niya sa akin
habang kinukuha ang bayad ko. Tila sinisiguro niya na alam ko ang ginagawa ko.
Tumango ako sa kanya at saka naglakad sa kinaroroonan nina Wycliffe.

"Hmm, Hetta?" Nagtatakang wika ni Wycliffe nang mapansin niyang hawak ko ang bola.
Naintindihan naman iyon ni Ethan kung kaya't iginiya niya si Wycliffe sa tabi.

I raised my arms with the ball and slightly bended my knees like I always do during
practice and threw it. I watched it as it made the first score. Tila nakuha ko ang
atensyon ng mga manunuod dahil napansin kong dumami ang tao sa paligid.
"Yeah! That's my cool girlfriend over there!" Sigaw ni Wycliffe. Tiningnan ko sya
at saka umiling. Wycliffe would never be him without cups of naughtiness. Muli kong
inihanda ang aking sarili para sa sunod na tira. It was easier this time since I
got used to the distance. I heard some 'Ooooohhhh' from the crowded as I made a
perfect shot.

Nakita kong lumapit sa counter si Wycliffe upang hingin ang teddy bear habang
naghahanda ako sa huli kong pag-shoot. That was one good and scary thing about him.
He believed in me so much. I saw him reaching to the bear as I made my last shot. I
made it. Everyone was cheering loudly and Wycliffe happily received the teddy bear.

"See, I told you I could get the prize." He smirked at me as we stroll to the next
booth. I sighed. Did my brother just used me to get the bear?

=================

Chapter 16: City Lights

Chapter 16: City Lights

It took us five more booths and few rides before Wycliffe decided he wants to have
some snacks and drinks. Medyo hapon na rin kung kaya't normal lang na makaramdam
sya ng gutom. We decided to eat in a pizza and pasta house. Napansin ko ang ilang
beses na pagsulyap ni Ethan kay Wycliffe habang kumakain ito ng pizza. I looked at
him making sure that he'd feel the uneasiness of having someone's eyes fixed at you
while eating. He looked at me and faked a cough when our eyes met.

I'm sorry. I just remembered something," wika niya.

"Someone?" Tanong naman ni Wycliffe sa gitna ng pagkain.

Saglit na natigilan si Ethan bago muling sumagot. "Hmm, yeah. Kinda like that."

"Well, sino si 'Someone'?" Patuloy ni Wycliffe. I'm pretty sure that this isn't
something he should ask so I decided to cut him.

"Elric doesn't need to answer that," wika ko at saka sumulyap kay Ethan. Mukha
namang nakahinga siya nang maluwag sa ginawa ko. Subalit hindi ganoon kabilis
sumuko si Wycliffe. He still pushed the question and I watched as Ethan grew
uncomfortable about the situation.

"Is it your ex-girlfriend? Nag-ta-trabaho ba siya sa isang pizza parlor?" Tanong

nitong muli.

"Not a girlfriend," he said and tried to smile at him.

"A friend?" Marahan at tila nag-aalinlangang tumango si Ethan. Hindi na siya muling
nagsalita pa. Mukha namang naintindihan ni Wycliffe ang pananahimik

ni Ethan kung kaya't hindi na niya sinundan ang kanyang mga katanungan. Tahimik
naming ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain.

"We need to go home after this," wika ko sa gitna ng katahimikan. Nasundan naman
iyong ng agad na pagtutol ni Wycliffe.
"But we're not yet done here," protesta niya.

"You've ridden almost all the rides this amusement park could offer," I reasoned
out. Nanatiling tahimik lang si Ethan sa kabila ng aming argumento.

"But not the Ferris Wheel," aniya at saka tumingin sa glass wall ng kainan.

I saw the gigantic Ferris Wheel with people enjoying the view from above. If it was
a different situation, going inside one of those boxes would definitely be a bad
idea. It was like making yourself an easy target inside the bottle.

"No," tipid kong bulalas. Tila malayo ang sagot na iyon sa sinabi ni Wycliffe
because I saw saying 'No' to the scenario in my mind.

"What? How could I say that I went to an amusement park without riding a Ferris
Wheel? Come on! It's the most important ride." He was close to throwing a tantrum.
Magsasalita pa sana ako tungkol sa Roller Coaster subalit napigil iyon ng pagpasok
ni Ethan sa konbersasyon.

"Being at the top of a Ferris Wheel at night offers an enchanting view. Siguro
naman maaari mo siyang pagbigyan na maranasan ang ganoong pagkakataon," seryoso
nitong sabi.

Pareho kaming napalingon sa nagsalita. He was serious this time. I wonder what's
going on inside his head.
"Majority wins!" Malakas

na sabi ni Wycliffe. He smiled at us and continued eating to finalize the unsaid

decision.

It was completely dark when we finished eating and I found myself behind these two
boys lining up for our turn on the Ferris Wheel. It was a long line and I was close
to grabbing them and turn our back from it. Subalit mapilit si Wycliffe at mukhang
sinusuportahan siya ni Ethan.

I stayed calm and silent while we are waiting, slowly stepping for our turn. It
took us more than fifteen minutes until we reached the small gate that would let us
in to the one of the cabs. I eyed it intently as the cab we would be riding stopped
in front of us.

"Siguro mas mabuti kung hihintayin ko na lang kayo rito," wika ko sa kanila. Mas
magiging kumportable ako kung mananatili ako sa lugar na hindi nililimitahan ang
mga kilos ko.

"I wouldn't believe it if you'd say you're acrophobic," wika ni Ethan. I'd liked to
tell him about how he shouldn't be so sure of what he believed about me but then, a
picture of us rushing down from the 6th floor of Montello High flashed on my mind.

Hinila ako ni Wycliffe sa braso tungo sa naghihintay na cab. "For once, just please
stop killing everyone's joy," aniya na ikinatigil ko. Dahil sa pagkabigla ko ay
naging madali sa kanya ang pag-giya sa akin sa loob ng cab. Mabilis silang pumasok
upang agad rin itong isara. Naramdaman ko na lang ang marahang paggalaw at pag-ikot
ng Ferris Wheel.

"For someone who is so fast, meron pa rin palang tao na kayang idaan ka sa bilis,"
komento ni Ethan habang

namimili ng kumportableng pwesto. I could have stopped them and dragged both of
them to a place that was far from here. I can also make us jump together right now
and land safe on the ground. Subalit imbes na gawin ang nasa isip ko ay pinili ko
na lang na maupo at manahimik. Stop killing everyone's joy. Wycliffe's words were
still echoing in my head. I wondered what would he say once he learned that I was a
dangerous reaper.

"Whoa! I think I would try not going to school again tomorrow if I missed this
sight!" Aniya habang nakatingin sa labas. I glanced at the direction he was facing
and I saw tiny lights glowing from the distance. They seemed to mirror the stars at
night.

"City lights," wika ni Ethan na nakatingin rin sa direksyong tinutukoy ni Wycliffe.

"This is our first time in a Ferris Wheel. Our parents are really busy that they
don't have time for amusement parks like this. All this time, I was wondering if
amusement parks are really amusing because carousels didn't have that effect on
me," nakangiting wika ni Wycliffe. Mukhang nagkapalagayan na sila ng loob dahil sa
ginagawa kong pagkontra sa kagustuhan nila.

"Why is that? You're missing some childhood adventures you know," sagot ni Ethan.
Tahimik ko lang silang pinakikinggan habang binubusog ang aking mga mata sa
tanawing nakikita ko. Wycliffe was right. I'd never ridden most of the rides here.
And I had to admit that riding in a Ferris Wheel at night offers an enchanting
view.

"Hmm, because I am a gentleman of Arturia and my sister is the lady of Arturia.

We're supposed to be living right and properly. Going to an amusement park and
screaming at the top of our lungs like crazy is against proper manners."

You forgot skipping classes. I wanted to add, but I was just too amazed on what my
eyes were seeing.
"Well, you do it because they're expecting you to do it. But soon, you'll have to
make your own choices. And it depends upon you if you have the guts to break all
the expectations," seryosong wika ni Ethan. Wycliffe seemed to ponder on that
because he stayed silent for a moment. Ethan decided to continue by saying, "In the
end, what we become is our choice."

Hindi pa rin sumasagot si Wycliffe. Tiningnan ko sya at nakita kong seryoso siyang
nakatingin sa mga ilaw sa kalayuan.

"There are people who do not have the luxury of having choices," tahimik kong sabi.
I wasn't sure if I was saying that to Wycliffe to silently explain myself about
what I'd become. Or to Ethan, because he seemed so sure of what he was saying and
it needed a little contradiction. Or maybe, I was just speaking to myself.

"Uh, what's with this Ferris Wheel? It makes us so sentimental," nakangiting wika
ni Wycliffe. Kung ano man ang nabuo sa isipan niya ay wala akong idea. Nawala na
rin sa isip ko kung ilang beses na bang umikot ang Ferris Wheel. Maya-maya lang ay
unti-unti na itong bumabagal. Hudyat na malapit nang matapos ang oras ng aming
pagsakay. Nang marating namin ang itaas ay muli naming pinagmasdaan ang tanawin na
tila ba ito na ang huling sandaling makikita namin ito. Mukhang meron na lamang
kaming dalawang ikot.

"I'd never forget the city lights," wika ni Wycliffe habang unti-unting bumababa
ang cab. Just when the cab faced the crowd of people looking up at the Ferris
Wheel, I felt something. Agad kong hinila ang nagtatakang si Wycliffe at pinayuko
sa gitna ng cab habang tinitingnan ko ang mga tao sa paligid. It was like someone
was watching us.

"What's wrong?" Tanong ni Wycliffe.

Nakita ko naman ang pagka-unawa sa mukha ni Ethan at pinanatili niyang nakayuko pa

rin ang kapatid ko. When the cab was moving up again for the last round, I saw the
familiar face of a dangerous man. He was watching me directly then his eyes moved
to Ethan who finally saw him, too. I could feel the fear and tension building in
our small and limited space. Habang tumataas ang cab ay hindi ko inalis ang tingin
ko sa kanya. Ni kurap ay hindi ko ginawa. I could see the malicious smile carving
on his face as the cab went up. Saka lang ako kumurap nang nasa tuktok na kami at
hindi ko na magawang makita pa ang taong iyon.

"We need to go," I announced gravely.

=================

Chapter 17: Running with Shadows

Chapter 17: Running with Shadows

"We need to go," I announced in a tone that anyone wouldn't dare to question. Well,
except for Wycliffe.

"What? I was expecting that you guys liked it and would agree with me about having
another ride!" Protesta nito. I tried to cover him by keeping him close behind me.
At this moment, he was the one I need to protect.

"Your sister is right, Wycliffe. We need to go now," seryosong wika ni Ethan.

Wycliffe looked so confused. He was probably wondering why in just a second,
everyone was going against him. He didn't understand anything and I think it was
safer to keep it that way. Keep him in the dark. Everyone who understood had been
swallowed by tragedy. And I would never let it happen to Wycliffe. Wala na siyang
nagawa nang huminto ang Ferris Wheel at mabilis ko siyang hinila palabas. Inilibot
ko ang paningin ko sa paligid subalit wala nang bakas ng taong iyon. If I was
alone, I could just leap from the Ferris Wheel and attack him. But I wasn't.

Mabilis akong naglakad palayo sa lugar na iyon habang hila-hila si Wycliffe. Muntik
ko nang makalimutan na hindi lang si Wycliffe ang kasama ko. I almost forgot my
bait.
But who cared about the dead man? Lumingon ako sa kanya at nakita ko siyang
tumatakbo kasunod namin. Bakas ang takot sa kanyang mukha at tila walang anumang
balak na tumakas. Tumigil ako saglit upang hintayin siya. Nagtataka man ay mas
binilisan pa niya ang kanyang pagtakbo palapit sa amin. Nang maabutan niya kami ay
agad kong inihawak ang kamay niya sa braso ni

Wycliffe.

"Mauna kayo. Tumakbo kayo at sumakay sa kotse," utos ko sa kanila. Agad na tumalima
si Ethan tangay-tangay ang nagtatakang si Wycliffe. Muli kong pinakiramdaman ang
paligid. Mukhang wala nang nakamasid sa amin. The surrounding was in its normal
chaos. Nang masiguro kong wala nang nakasunod sa amin ay agad akong tumakbo tungo
sa direksyong pinuntahan nila Ethan. I saw them in the car with Ethan on the
driver's seat. I was not really comfortable having someone else drive my car but
right now, we didn't have time to argue. Agad akong sumakay sa passenger's seat and
pushed Wycliffe down. He was almost lying on the back seat. Ethan started the car
and I was about to get the gun from the compartment but decided against it when I
realized that I was with my brother. I tried to hide my frustration by clenching my
fist.

Nang makalabas na kami ng amusement park ay agad na nagsalita si Wycliffe. "Uh, can
someone tell me what's happening?" Halos nakahiga pa rin siya sa backseat.

Nanatili kaming tahimik ni Ethan. I didn't know what he was thinking while driving.
Mukhang nakabisado na rin niya ang daan pabalik ng mansion. And as for me, I was
just not good in lying specially to this young man. I could hide something, but I
just couldn't lie.

"Please. It was all fun and then you both act like lunatic trying to escape a
psychopath."

Ethan cleared his throat and said, "It was someone I know. And I just need to get
away from him because I don't want him to know my whereabouts. I don't like any
disturbances

while I'm writing," wika nito. Tila sanay nang magsinungaling ang taong ito.
Tiningnan ko si Wycliffe at mukhang iniisip niya ang mga pangyayari.
Tumangu-tango siya. "Mukha ngang malaking sagabal siya sa iyong pagsusulat," wika
niya. Tiningnan ko siya at base sa ekspresyon ng mukha niya ay alam kong hindi pa
rin siya lubusang nakukumbinsi sa sinabi ni Ethan.

Nagpatuloy ang katahimikan sa loob ng sasakyan. Mukhang masama pa rin ang loob ni
Wycliffe dahil sa bigla naming pag-uwi. But I knew he would understand without
knowing the details. Tila naman malalim ang iniisip ni Ethan habang nagmamaneho. I
just looked at the surrounding, checking if something wasn't normal or someone was
following us. I sighed as I saw the mansion in the distance. I was wondering if I
should leave tonight or just stay.

Itinigil ni Ethan ang kotse sa hindi kalayuan sa mansion. "It's probably time for
you to drive inside," wika niya at saka lumabas ng kotse. Lumipat ako sa driver's
seat. Pinanuod ko ang pag-ikot niya sa harapan ng kotse upang lumipat sa
passenger's seat. What if he was going to run? How could I explain to Wycliffe the
things that were happening in front of his eyes? Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang
buksan niya ang pinto at umupo sa tabi ko. I started the engine and headed to the
mansion. Nang marating namin ang mansion ay nagpaalam si Wycliffe na mauuna na sa
loob. It was already 7:30 in the evening and probably dinner time. Umikot muna ako
sa likod ng mansion. I climbed the tree house with Ethan.

"I've always known that Ephraim would

find me. Find us," seryoso niyang sabi. It felt so awkward that we were both
standing inside the tree house. We couldn't bring ourselves to sit down. I looked
outside the window and watched the shadows of the trees form figures. I'd waited
for this thing to happen. But why was I confused now? Why couldn't I bear myself to
think of a possible counter attack using the bait?

"Well, I think everything is happening according to your plan," he said bitterly.

"This is not exactly the plan. He shouldn't be the first to find us, but the other
way around. I shoud find him first. This should only be about between me, you and
the Novous. My brother should be out of this ugly picture. Now, can you see the
difference from what I've planned?" I was not always this sarcastic. I guess the
frustration I was trying hard not to express had gotten its way through my words.

"He didn't see Wycliffe. I'm sure of that," he assured me. Unfortunately, any
assurance wouldn't keep me calm at this moment. I fished my phone from the pocket
of my coat to get some Mafia guards to do the job for me tonight. I saw a few
messages from my mom and one from Mikhail. I decided to open Mikhail's first since
I knew that my mom would just be asking about our location.

All nearby Reapers are summoned to the Freniere Mansion tonight.

They had probably assigned someone in my place already. That left me no option but
to leave again. Everything was happening like the sudden flow of rainwater that has
been trapped in a certain place for the

whole summer. I was preparing myself to go and headed towards the door when Ethan
grabbed my arm. I stopped and looked at him.

"Can you please... stay?" He asked silently. I could see sadness and fear in his
eyes. He must be scared because death had already smelled him and thirsting for his
soul.

"You wouldn't die tonight," wika ko at saka inalis ang kamay niya sa braso ko.
Palabas na ako nang pinto nang muli siyang magsalita.

"Please, take care and come back," aniya. I shrugged and climbed down the tree
house. Sumakay ako agad ng kotse at mabilis itong pinaandar palabas ng mansion. I
was so exhausted, thinking of everything at once. Kailangan ko munang isantabi si
Ephraim Novou. It wouldn't be smart of him kung makikita niya ako sa mga oras na
ito at susundan patungo sa Freniere Mansion. He wouldn't dare enter the territory.
What I should be thinking right now was the purpose of this sudden meeting. Hindi
madalas na ipinapatawag ang mga Reapers sa mansion. Something huge must have
happened.
I think I'd been driving with a blank and confused mind dahil namalayan ko na lang
pagkalipas ng ilang minuto ay papasok na ako sa teritoryo ng Mafia Freniere. It
still had a gloomy and eerie atmosphere. I could see shadows on the trees beside
the silent road. Nagpatuloy ako sa pagmamaneho hanggang sa makarating ako sa gate
ng mansion. I was ushered by the guards on the gate inside. Ilang kotse na rin ang
nakaparada sa tapat ng mansion.

I walked silently towards the entrance. Forest suddenly appeared beside me and
crossed her arm with mine. "This meeting saved me from the possibility of standing
in the Nightwoods until the next night. Where have you been?" Wika niya.

"Family reasons," tipid kong sagot. Hindi na siya muling nagtanong pa dahil
nagkaroon na kami ng mga kasama. We reached the grand room of the mansion. There
must be at least ten Reapers present and they were everywhere in the room. Forest
and I found a comfortable place in the sofa. Tahimik naming pinagmasdan ang isa't
isa. No one was making a sound or starting a conversation. We all looked up as we
heard the sound of footsteps at the top of the stairs. I saw Sebastian and Giovanni
with bandage on his right arm. He was now recovering too fast. Mikhail stayed
behind them. Sebastian demanded our attention by clearing his throat.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he started with a devilish grin plastered on
his face. "I've summoned all of you to say that, I loathe traitors."

=================

Chapter 18: The Dangerous Man

Chapter 18: The Dangerous Man

"I loathe traitors."

His words brought a burning and biting coldness at the back of my neck. I felt all
the hairs on my skin stand, matching the sudden fast beating of my heart.

"I understand. I loathe traitors, too," Forest said grinning. Tiningnan ko siya at
mukhang interesado siya sa susunod na sasabihin ni Sebastian. Abot tenga ang ngiti
na inilibot niya ang kanyang paningin sa mga reapers na nasa paligid. "I loathe-
traitors," muli niyang sabi at saka ibinalik ang tingin sa itaas ng hagdan. She
received deadly glares from some reapers in the room but it seemed that she didn't
mind it.

"Another fucking sabotaged transaction. Congratulations, Freniere Mafia! I am so

proud of us!" Sebastian said smiling smugly. Everyone in the room knew the danger
behind the curve on his lips. "What's actually puzzling is that all the transaction
details are confidential. It's just between us and the client. And I really do hope
that this glitch is on the client's part."

I felt secretly relieved as I assessed the situation. He doesn't know yet. However,
the realization of having a possible traitor in the room hit me. I tried really
hard not to do what Forest just did a while ago. I caught her smirking at me as I
gritted my teeth.

"You are curious about the traitor. I understand," she said grinning. Hindi ko siya
pinansin at sa halip ay itinuon ko na lang aking atensyon sa grupo na nasa itaas ng
hagdan.

"You are all

here to receive a warning. Yes, all of you. You, my beloved reapers are valuable to
the mafia. Let's see what would happen if you burn your value into nothing,"
Sebastian continued darkly. The room became silent as he eyed everyone. I felt the
coldness of his stare as our eyes met. I tried to stop myself from taking my eyes
away from him. He might see how I betrayed the Mafia. But before I could blink, his
eyes landed to Forest who was actually looking back from me to Sebastian. She was
watching us stare at each other. When Tres held her eyes, she frowned.

"Ugh. Staring is rude."

Sebastian stepped away from the group when he finished his short 'death threat'
speech. Mikhail explained to us that Algernon Freniere would have to leave and
supervise other establishments under the Mafia that were based in other countries.
Thus, Giovanni Freniere was standing in front of us to act as leader of the Mafia.
I could see that he was not yet fully recovered but he was on his fastest way of
improvement. He gave a Black Notebook Clearing Mission to most of the Reapers. I
wondered who the unlucky person was and why I was not included in the mission.
Forest and Maximus Brown would just hang around the mansion to protect the Mafia
Leaders.

"I'll definitely miss the Nightwoods," sarkastikong sabi ni Forest. Nagkibit-

balikat lang ako dahil alam kong maiintindihan ni Maximus Brown kung hihiramin ko
si Forest. I had to admit that I could use help from Forest sometimes. And aside
from that, she was letting me use her.

Some of the reapers started to leave after

few minutes. They became one with the darkness. And soon, I would be just like
them. Forest was already waiting for me in the car. I sighed. She didn't even ask
me if I would take her. It was starting to feel like I was her personal driver. I
was about to walk towards her when a person called my name. I looked back and saw
Giovanni walking towards me. I waited for him. He probably changed his mind and
would let me join the Black Notebook Clearing Mission.

"Henrietta," muli niyang banggit sa pangalan ko nang makalapit sa akin. Hindi ako
sumagot. Hinintay ko nalang ang kung anumang sasabihin niya. "About your mission,
it will still be the same. But make sure that you'd look after her more carefully
this time," seryosong wika ni Giovanni. Tila ito ang pinakamahalagang misyon para
sa kanya sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyayari.

"I'm on it. Forest and I are on it," wika ko. Pilit kong tinatanggal sa tinig ko
ang pagsalungat ukol sa halaga ng misyong ibinigay sa akin. I still think this
mission was a waste of time.
"I understand what you are feeling right now. This mission is too easy compared to
what you can actually do. But there is more to it. Sir Algernon Freniere even
agreed for this mission," wika niya na ikinanuot ng noo ko.

"What's about it?" Tanong ko. Kung mananatiling ganito ang misyon ko, malamang ay
dapat kong malaman kung ano pang nasa likod nito. Subalit naputol ang ano pa mang
sasabihin ni Giovanni sa pagdating ni Sebastian. They glared at each other. It
seemed like something was going on between them. Something

that made them take different sides.

"I'll take it from here, my dear brother," Sebastian said and took my arm.

"Tres," wika ni Giovanni bago pa man kami makalayo. Walang anumang balak sumagot si
Tres kung kaya't tumigil ako at lumingon kay Giovanni. Sebastian rolled his eyes
and decided to look back, too.

"I know, you don't understand. Tell Henrietta and she would," seryosong wika ni
Giovanni.

"She's just a Reaper. If I don't understand, then there's no way she would," sagot
ni Tres at muling hinila ang aking braso.

She's just a reaper. His words echoed in my head like the sound of a knife touching
another metal. I wanted to unhear it. I wanted to cover my ears. I looked at him as
he dragged me towards the car.

Forest got out of the car as we approached. Sa una ay mukhang nalilito siya sa kung
anong nangyayari. She looked confused and disapproving.
"Hetta? What's happening?" Tanong niya sa akin. Sebastian had a sinister look in
his face and we just couldn't bear to go against him.

Marahan akong umiling kay Forest upang iparating na hindi ko rin alam ang dahilan.
Forest, being a reaper who didn't feel any fear about anything, walked up to us and
demanded an answer from Sebastian.

"Get out of the way, Forest. Before I make you kiss the car," seryosong wika ni
Sebastian.

Hindi sumunod si Forest at sa halip ay hinawakan ako sa braso upang hilahin mula sa
pagkakahawak ni Sebastian. But Sebastian was faster and stronger especially if

it was contact combat. Forest was effective if she was dealing with a long range
target. Mabilis niyang nahawakan ang braso ni Forest at inilayo ito mula sa akin at
saka inundayan ng siko ang likurang bahagi ni Forest dahilan upang hindi agad ito
makakilos. Naging madali kay Sebastian na sipain ito kung kaya't buong puwersang
tumama ang katawan ni Forest sa gilid ng kotse. I watched her coughing from pain
and impact as she fell to the ground. This time, I couldn't just watch Sebastian
beating Forest. I tried striking him at the lower part of his ribs but he dodged it
well and put both of my hands on my back. He absolutely knew my next move. How
could I fight someone who knew me so well that even all of my defenses are from
him?

"Of all the Reapers here, Henrietta, you're the one I could easily predict," wika
niya at saka marahas akong itinulak papasok sa kotse. I landed on the passenger's
seat and before I could even breathe and think, he opened the other door and sat on
the driver's seat. He started the car and I watched him maneuver it away from the
mansion. I watched Forest get on her feet and glare at the car. She was really
pissed off.

"Why are you making a scene now?" I asked coldly towards him.
"Shut up, Reaper," sagot niya na hindi lumilingon sa akin.

"This is my car, Sebastian. I can ask whatever I want to whoever is inside my car,"
I insisted in a serious tone.

"I can do whatever I want in any cars. I can even buy you and this car!" He said
sarcastically.

"Are you sure you

can buy me and this car?" I asked again. Hindi siya sumagot. Of course, he can buy
me and this car. But I was Henrietta Arturia. Arturia was one of the partners of
Freniere in their legal businesses. If he was going to buy me, he would have to pay
big amount of money.

"Yes! Tsk. No! Why would I buy you and this car if I can get it for free?" There
was still sarcasm in his tone.

"But I'm not giving it to you for free. Aside from that, you are driving my car
without my permission."

He looked at me and flashed his sarcastic smile. Umiling ako sa kanya habang
pinapanuod siyang magmaneho. That was what he usually do when he couldn't find a
better argument.

"I'm just driving you home," wika niya. Mukhang nabawasan ang anumang galit na
nararamdaman niya kanina. This might be the right time to talk with him.
"You shouldn't have done that to Forest," I said in a calm tone.

"She was in our way. I would kill anyone who gets in our way," sagot niya. I didn't
know why but his words brought warmth in my chest, making the thing inside it beat
a little bit faster. There must be something in the way of how he says the word
our. But maybe he meant it differently from how I felt about it.

"About what Giovanni, said-" I wasn't able to continue what I was about to say.

"Oh, yeah! That lover boy lost his mind. My father lost his mind. They think I
couldn't lead the Mafia. They think I couldn't handle a single Novou sighting." I
held my breath as he mentioned

the name. "They think I would go crazy and make a mess. They think protecting that
girl is the biggest mission we have now. Well, all of those are bullshit!" At saka
hinampas ang manibela. I closed my eyes as I let him made another hit towards the
wheel. Someone needed to say sorry to my car.

"A--a Novou sighting?" Tanong ko. He looked at me and I saw hatred flash in his
eyes.

"Yeah. F*cking Novou sighting. We should have killed them at first sight. Oh, shit!
I can't wait to lay my finger on them," wika niya. He was so full of hatred. His
mind was clouded with too much anger. No wonder they couldn't trust an angry man.
"Isn't it bullshit? You know what I'm saying, right? You've seen how the Novous
work. You know that they deserve to die."

He seemed to be waiting for my answer. I couldn't even look straight in his eyes.
Once again, we were talking like this. He was talking to me as if we have known
each other for a very long time. He was asking me, telling me what he was
thinking--just like the old times. And I couldn't let this go. I couldn't ruin this
no matter how wrong it was.
Hindi ako sumagot. Nanatili akong tahimik hanggang sa makarating kami sa labas ng
mansion. Isa sa mga sedan ng Mafia ang huminto sa likuran ng aking sasakyan. Akmang
lalabas na si Sebastian ng kotse nang muli akong magsalita.

"They're right," seryoso kong sabi. It was tearing all my hope. Saying the truth
ruined the little bubble we've built inside the car.

"What?" Seryoso ring tanong ni Sebastian.

"You might not understand it for now. But soon, you will. There are things sad
people don't understand. You are sad and mad. You're a dangerous man, Ian," I said
with sincerity in my voice. I hoped he could see it. I hoped he would still
believe.

He stared at me. My hope started to shatter as I saw hatred forming in his eyes. He
opened the car door and said, "Ian is dead." And with that, he slammed the door
shut.

Pinanood ko sya habang patungo sa naghihintay na Sedan. Tears threatened my eyes as

I watched the car disappear from the road. I couldn't move myself to the driver's
seat. I couldn't drive. I couldn't think. For once, I was letting myself break down
once again.

=================

Chapter 19: Words of a Rose

Chapter 19: Words of a Rose

Soundtrack: Angels - Mayday Parade

Author's Note:
The song isn't from the list you gave me on Facebook but I love this song and I was
listening to Mayday Parade while writing this chapter. I don't know, maybe I'm
thinking of Tres saying the song's lyrics (not singing, that would be creepy of
him) but that would not be so him. Maybe it's about the feeling. He might be
feeling this way. :D Oh, God! I'm back to blabbering again. Hahaha!

And oh, I'll be signing Montello High book this Sunday for Philippine Literary
Festival so see you when I see you!

And oh again! Thank you for the nomination of Montello High for the Filipino
Readers' Choice Award! Thank you for remembering the story and appreciating it.
Thank you!

Okay, I'll shut up now.

-Siel Alstreim

*****

A knock on the car's window got my attention and I fought my tears back when I saw
Wycliffe. Binuksan niya ang pinto ng driver's seat at saka pumasok.

"Are you okay?" Tanong niya. Huminga ako nang malalim at tumango sa kanya. Hindi ko
magawang magsalita sa pangambang garalgal na boses ang kanyang marinig.

"Well, you don't look okay. Who drove you home?" Muli niyang tanong. Hindi ako
muling sumagot at pinili kong ibaling ang atensyon ko sa labas ng kotse.

"Hetta, ano bang nangyari? Someone stole your tongue?" I knew it. He was not going
to stop asking questions.

"Lumipat ka sa likod. I'll drive the car," wika ko sa kanya sa maliit

na tinig. My throat was aching because of the tears I was fighting back.
"No, I can drive," wika niya at ini-start ang kotse. That got my attention and
pushed back all the emotions I had at the moment. Pinanuod ko sya habang
minamaniubra ang kotse papasok ng mansion. I didn't like the possibility of
wrecking my car and getting into an accident inside our property but I saw the
excitement in his eyes as the car entered the mansion slowly.

"This is amazing!" He breathed and I panicked. Tuluyan nang nawala ang kung anumang
nararamdaman ko at napalitan ng pangamba.

"Okay, Wycliffe. Stop the car," utos ko sa kanya. Subalit hindi niya ako
pinakinggan at mas binilisan pa ang pagpapatakbo. It was a good thing na medyo
malawak ang paligid ng mansion and that would lessen all the damage he might cause.

"Watch out!" I shouted as he missed a large pot full of roses with different
colors. Our mom loves flowers. She would turn into a beast if she saw that we
messed up her flowers. I'd never realized how many flowers we have in the mansion
until now. Or maybe, she added more these past few days. But either way, Wycliffe
shouldn't let the car touch any of them.

"Why do we have so many obstacles?" He murmured as he almost hit another large pot
that has red and white roses.

"Just stop it! Let me drive it!" I almost kicked him out of the car through the
window. But he was my brother and this was my car. I really didn't want to harm
both of them.

We were almost near the garage when he finally

hit a pot full of white roses. I closed my eyes wishing everything was just a weird
dream.
"Sh*t! I'm so dead!" He cursed and suddenly stopped the car. I glared at him. He
shouldn't be cursing.

"Get out of the car now and fix that mess," seryoso kong sabi sa kanya.

"I'm sorry. Hey, just a while ago, you were feeling bad," aniya na tila gustong
ibaling sa ibang sitwasyon ang aking atensyon. He wouldn't get me with that.

"Now, I'm feeling worse," sagot ko. Lumabas naman siya upang ayusin ang natumbang
pot kasabay ng pagbukas ng front door. We both looked up and saw the shocked face
of our mom. I wanted to stay inside the car but she started to rush towards us and
I had no choice but to get out.

"Oh God! Can we just pretend that I'm not your mother and you are not my kids so I
can beat the lives out of you, guys?" She said in a hysterical voice.

"Mom, we're so sorry," I said.

"It's entirely my fault, mom. Your flowers are so beautiful just like you and I
really regret ruining them. But the good thing is... now, I already know how to
drive! Let's look at the bright side," Wycliffe said with a cheerful, witty smile.
I sighed as mom turned to me. "You let him drive?" Tanong niya.

Hindi ako sumagot. Tumungo lang ako. How could I tell her that I almost lost myself
just outside the mansion because of a terrible, negative feeling Sebastian brought.
No, I could never tell her that.

"Hetta

wasn't feeling well so I offered to drive her car inside. She didn't agree but I
insisted, mom," Wycliffe reasoned. Nagpalipat-lipat ng tingin sa aming dalawa ang
aming ina bago nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong-hininga.

"Well, don't drive again, Wycliffe. And fix this! Isa pa, we still need to talk
about you missing the classes today. Goodness! What's going on? Is there something
I need to know?" She exclaimed. Nagkatinginan kami ni Wycliffe at saka ako
napailing. We were definitely in big trouble. Sabay-sabay kaming pumasok sa loob
and saw our dad waiting for us with a cup of coffee in his hands.

"You missed dinner, Henrietta," wika niya. The time was already late for dinner.

"Maybe a cup of coffee with you, Dad? I'm really not hungry," wika ko at saka umupo
sa sofa na kaharap niya. Mom was already walking towards the kitchen to prepare
more than just coffee for sure. Despite their busy schedules, she was still trying
to do mother-wife tasks whenever she had a chance. I suddenly felt bad about the
flower pots.

"I've heard that you kids weren't at school today," seryoso ng sabi ni Daddy. Muli
kaming nagkatinginan ni Wycliffe and I saw him posting an innocent face. I sighed.

"I overslept, Dad. I also had business to attend these past few nights. I was
exhausted," direkta kong sabi.

Tumangu-tango siya at saka sinabing, "Business." I think he understood the things I

must do. He said the word again at saka tumingin kay Wycliffe, "Business."

"Er--

I have business, too! And I'm getting tired of it so I took a break! I'm sorry,"
nakasimangot niyang wika. Apparently, nawawala ang pagiging presko niya kapag
kaharap si Dad. The conversation continued with Dad and Wycliffe talking about
priorities and school. I know he didn't like conversations like this but maybe, he
needed it.

"What's with the cake?" Tanong ko habang nakatingin sa slice ng strawberry

cheesecake na katabi ng isang tasa ng kape.

"Oh! It came with the flowers. Don't tell me you never really noticed my flowers
outside. Oh, yes, yes, yes! You guys drove in it. That's terribly insulting!" I
listened as her voice turned from normal to a panicking one.

She probably forgot about what happened already and just remembered it again
because I brought it up with strawberry cheesecake. At kahit hindi ako mahilig sa
matatamis na pagkain, pinili ko na lang na kainin ang inihanda niya. She stopped
and joined Dad and Wycliffe in their 'Formal and Serious' conversation. I could see
how it was torturing my brother.

I excused myself when I already ate half of the cake and my cup almost empty.
Subalit imbes na dumiretso sa kuwarto ay pumunta ako sa kusina at lumabas sa
kitchen door. Mabilis akong tumakbo patungo sa likurang bahagi ng mansion. I was
just running senselessly. Napatigil ako nang matapat ako sa tree house. It was
dark. He must be sleeping already. I started to run again but I found myself
running back after few seconds towards the tree house. I touched the key pendant of
my necklace and climbed. I didn't know why I was

doing this but maybe it was normal for a predator to check her prey.

Tahimik at halos walang ingay kong nabuksan ang pinto at nakapasok sa tree house.
He was already sleeping. Kahit siguro mababaw lang ang kanyang tulog ay hindi niya
magagawang marinig ang aking pagdating. I looked at the table and saw a an opened
notebook. Tila malakas na hangin ang nag-udyok rito upang bumukas sa pinaka-huling
pahina na may sulat. Dahil sa dilim ay hindi ko magawang maaninag ang mga nakasulat
sa kwaderno maliban sa isang linya na tila ba may sariling espasyo sa papel. I read
and it said,

"For I wasn't stolen. He always had me. No sea can take me away from this Pirate."

It must be from the one he was writing. Isinara ko ang kwaderno at tinapunan si
Ethan ng huling tingin.

"I loathe traitors," I whispered. But this time, I wasn't sure if the words were
towards him. Maybe I was the one who supposed to hear them.

Hindi ako nagtagal sa tree house. Agad rin akong bumaba upang ipagpatuloy ang
pagtakbo. Dumiretso ako sa harapan ng mansion at nadaanan ko ang kumpol ng mga
bulaklak na nakakalat sa driveway. They would just fix it tomorrow. Tiningnan ko
ang ibang mga rosas na maayos na nakatanim sa malalaking paso. They were all the
right and perfect combinations of colors. I would think of Jane Austen if I didn't
know it was my mom's. I looked back at the flowers on the ground and realized that
this pot was different than the others. The roses were all white. They were so
pure. There were no other colors with it. Umupo ako sa tabi nito and picked one of
the roses. Nang tatayo na ako ay saka ko napansin ang isang rosas na natatabunan ng
mga puting rosas. Ibinaba ko ang aking hawak at sa halip ay kinuha ang naiibang
bulaklak.
Once the rose touched my hand, I could feel the violent beating of my heart. I
looked around with alert senses but only to see darkness and silence around me. I
stared at the rose intently. It was a black rose, like the rose of Freniere Mafia.
But unlike the Mafia rose we have, this one had no thorns, like someone
intentionally cut them off. The stem was broken making it incapable of standing on
its own. It was a picture of black rose experiencing the hand of a terribly violent
and mad person. I ran back towards the house. I needed to talk to my mom.

=================

Chapter 20: The Graduation Day

Chapter 20: Graduation Day

Soundtrack: Run - Snow Patrol

Author's Note:

Montello High: School of Gangsters is nominated under Young Adult Fiction category
for the Filipino Readers' Choice Award. So if you think the story of Summer, Van
and the gangs is worth reading, vote for it. Thank you!

P.S. Thank you for those who came last Philippine Literary Festival! See you again!
And the soundtrack came from the suggestions you gave me on Facebook. Thank you for
feeding my play list! And oh, join SielAlstreim's Stories (Official Group) on
Facebook. I know, this is super long for P.S. Hahaha! Okay, I'll go now!

-Siel

*****

Lahat sila ay napatigil at napatingin sa akin nang humahangos akong bumungad sa

pinto ng mansion.

"Henrietta. What's wrong?" Tanong ni Mommy. Hindi ko na kinailangang sumagot

sapagkat agad nilang nakita ang aking hawak. I saw both my parents turn serious and
let go of Wycliffe.
"I think you need to sleep now, Wycliffe," my mom suggested.

"Why? What's going on?" Nagtataka at naguguluhang tanong ni Wycliffe. Hindi na niya
nagawang mag-protesta dahil sa pagtapik ni Daddy sa kanyang balikat. It was a sign
for him to let go.

Hinintay ko munang makaalis si Wycliffe bago muling magsalita. "I need to go back
to the Freniere Mansion," deklara ko at aktong inihahanda ko na ang aking sarili.
When my Dad saw me checking my gun for bullets, he stopped me.

"You also need to rest.

You look so tired," aniya.

"But--" protesta ko subalit ginawa niya sa akin ang ginawa niyang pagtapik sa
balikat ni Wycliffe. Why were we so much affected with this kind of tap on the
back?

"I will contact the shop that delivered the flowers," wika ni Mommy who was now
heading to the phone. Masyado nang gabi. I wondered if she'd be able to contact
them.

"Algernon is not in the mansion, right?" Tumango ako. It amazed me to witness how
my parents work together.

"I'll call Sebastian--"

"No, no. It's better if Giovanni knows about it first. He'll know the right thing
to do. He's more logical than his older brother. And I'll be the one to do that,
Henrietta. Go to your room and rest," pagtataboy niya sa akin.

Wala akong nagawa kundi tahimik na umakyat patungo sa aking kuwarto. I even caught
Wycliffe outside his room pressed on the nearest wall to the receiving room
probably trying to eavesdrop. Agad rin siyang pumasok sa kanyang kwarto nang makita
ako. Saglit kong tiningnan ang nakapinid na pinto at saka tumuloy sa aking silid. I
still wanted to think about the situation but that tap on the back my dad gave me
left me an assurance that he would handle the situation. My body had that reaction
whenever I feel that everything was going to be fine. My dad never failed to give
me that. And since I was under the 'assurance spell' he casted on me, I was now too
weak to resist the bed. It had been a long day.

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I could feel the sun rays on my

cheek through the glass window. Maybe I forgot to pull the curtains. I grabbed the
phone and saw Mikhail's name on the screen. Of all the Reapers I know, he was the
only one who never takes his phone away from his body. Umupo ako sa kama at saka
sinagot ang tawag.

"Hello?" Narinig ko ang boses ng babae sa kabilang linya. Hindi ako sumagot at
hinintay ko ang kanyang sasabihin katulad ng lagi kong ginagawa.

"Hello? Hello? Hello!?" It seemed like the girl didn't know that she needed to
talk.

"Forest. Give the phone back to Mikhail and let me sleep for five more minutes,"
seryoso kong sabi.
Her high-pitched voice answered back without any hint of consideration. "He doesn't
know I got his phone! Ha! I can't believe I actually got his phone from him! I
think we would have a deal if I ask for one million dollars in exchange."

"He would probably buy a new one instead of giving you one million dollars,
Forest," I reasoned out sleepily.

"Well, at least I was able to snatch his phone from him," aniya.

"Goodbye, Forest," pagpapaalam ko subalit muli siyang nagsalita.

"It's Graduation Day, Hetta. Aren't you going to attend the Graduation Day?" Tanong
niya.

Napakunot-noo ako. I couldn't remember missing out on some school special

announcements. "Hindi ngayon ang Graduation sa Arturia, okay?" Sagot ko.

"Whoever said Arturia? People here are actually preparing to go to Montello High.
It's their Graduation Day," wika niya.

Napabalikwas

ako ng bangon at saka nagmamadaling inihanda ang sarili. I had to call school and
tell them that I couldn't make it again today. I just couldn't miss this one. The
Frenieres would be there and I needed to watch out for them.

"I'll be there. Who else are going?" Tanong ko.

"Giovanni and The A*sh*le. Maximus Brown and I are going, too. The others are still
out for their mission."

"I'll check the perimeter," wika ko. Muli pa sana siyang magsasalita subalit
minabuti ko nang tapusin ang aming pag-uusap at maghanda sa pag-alis. I looked for
my Dad when I got out of my room subalit mukhang nakaalis na sila. I checked on
Wycliffe and saw him getting ready for school. I knew Dad informed the Mafia
already but I still needed to talk about it with the Frenieres. I ran towards my
car and started it. Nang malapit na ako sa gate ay bigla kong naalala ang tree
house. He was a student of Montello High. How would one feel if he missed the
Graduation ceremony of his own school? Why was I even thinking about it? I sighed
deeply at saka ibinalik ang kotse tungo sa likuran nang mansion. Nang marating ko
iyon ay agad akong umakyat sa tree house. I saw him reading on his bed.

"It is Graduation Day," I declared when I caught his attention. Isinara niya ang
librong kanyang binabasa at saka tumayo.

"Graduation Day in Montello High?" Tanong niya.

Tumango ako. Suddenly, he started to take his shirt off and looked for some decent
shirt to wear on a small pile of clothes I provided before.

"What are

you doing?" Nagtataka kong tanong.

"I'm coming with you. You came here to fetch me, right?" Sagot niya habang
nagbibihis. The tree house was small so I looked instead on the other side of the
room. It frustrated me to still see him in the corner of my eyes.
"I didn't come here to fetch you. I just came here to let you know. I thought you
should know," Sabi ko na ikinatigil pansamantala ng mabilis niyang pagkilos. Gayun
pa man ay saglit lang iyon at muli niyang ipinagpatuloy ang pagbibihis. I faced him
when I was sure he was done with what he was doing.

"I wish I didn't know," bagsak ang mga balikat niyang sabi. I turned to leave but
his hand fell on my arm and stopped me. "I know I have no right to ask you
something. Hell, I shouldn't have the guts to think that I could still step inside
Montello High. But please, just this one. This is too much to ask but can I please
go with you?" Seryoso at malungkot niyang tanong. Hindi ako humarap sa kanya. I
didn't want to see his face at this moment.

"It is risky and dangerous. The Mafia will be there, too." How I wanted to kick
myself when I answered him. Why was I considering things now? Why was I seeing the
ways of how I would bring him.

"I'll hide wherever you want me. I trust you. I know you can hide me. There's no
person who can do it better than you," he said. Trust me. I turned to him and saw
the hope forming in his eyes.

"Trust me? You can never trust a reaper if you're not one of us," sagot ko. How can
he trust his life to a dangerous person

like me?

"No, I can't trust any reaper. I do not trust you as a Reaper. I trust you as
Henrietta Arturia," wika niya habang seryosong nakatingin sa akin. I couldn't move.
I couldn't respond. Only Wycliffe could make me feel and forget that I was a
Reaper. Well, as for him, he didn't make me forget that I was a Reaper. He reminded
me that despite being a reaper, I was also Henrietta Arturia.
I sighed and nodded slowly. "Move quickly. We have to go now," seryoso kong sabi at
saka siya tinalikuran. Mukhang wala na siyang kailangang gawin dahil ramdam kong
nagmamadali siyang nakasunod sa akin. "Keep yourself hidden inside the car. Avoid
all the mirrors," utos ko sa kanya habang nagmamaneho tungo sa Montello High.
Tumango siya at halatang kinakabahan sa maaaring mangyayari. I was anxious, too.
But I would make sure that nothing bad would happen. I could not disappoint the
people who trust me.

Tahimik ang loob ng sasakyan na tila may kanya-kanyang giyera kami sa aming isipan.
Umayos si Ethan sa kanyang pagkakaupo nang marating namin ang bukana ng Nightwoods.
This was where I entered and hid whenever I watch for my subject. I glanced at him
and saw the sadness in his face as he looked at the trees around us. Itinigil ko
ang kotse sa hindi kalayuan.

"Stay here and keep yourself low. I'll check the perimeter in three minutes."
Isinara ko ang pinto ng kotse at mabilis na tumakbo sa ilang bahagi ng Nightwoods.
Despite being here for many times now, I still couldn't say that I know the place
like the back of my hands. It was like

the place itself was a mystery. I could still feel goosebumps whenever the coldness
of the forest touches my skin. Nang masiguro kong walang ibang tao sa Nightwoods ay
agad akong bumalik sa kinaroroonan ng kotse. The graduation ceremony was taking
place in the school yard. Someone was saying his speech on the stage. Despite the
activity being far from where I was, I could still hear clearly the things he was
saying. I was alerted when I saw Ethan getting out of the car and walking towards
me.

"What do you think are you doing? Get back!" I ordered silently subalit hindi siya
sumunod at sa halip ay tumayo sa tabi ko habang nakatanaw sa mga grupo ng
estudyante sa harap ng stage. Mukhang buong puso at seryoso siyang nakikinig sa
sinasabi ng lalaki. Guilt and sadness were evident in his expression. Hindi ko na
lang siya pinilit na bumalik at sa halip ay naging mas maingat ako sa pakikiramdam
sa paligid.

"It's for the memories," I heard the man on the stage saying. "It's for those who
had seen everything from the beginning. It's for the stories we've made. It's for
the pain and the loss. It's for the hope and victory. It's for Montello High..." I
turned to my bait and saw tears crawling on his cheeks. Agad niya iyong pinahid ng
kanyang kamay nang mapansin niyang nakatingin ako.
"... Natatakot ako sa bawat oras na lumipas. Natatakot ako sa bawat sandaling
nagtatama ang mga mata natin. Natatakot ako sa maaaring mangyari. Natatakot ako na
ang lahat ng relasyon at pagkakaibigang binuo natin sa paaralang ito ay tuluyang
lamunin ng dilim. Natatakot ako para

sa atin..." I held my breath. Silence was beginning to shut all the voices around
the campus. It seemed like this man got everyone attention including Ethan's.
Including mine. I wondered at the things they'd been through. I remembered a girl
crashing in the Arturia University looking for me and screaming my name. I almost
knocked her out to the ground because of the chaos she brought to our school until
she mentioned Giovanni Freniere's name while crying.

"... I really thought that fear was our strongest emotion. But I realized I was
wrong. Because there comes this immense emotion that changed everything. Love. It's
our love for this place that freed our hearts from the cage. We used love to save
someone. We used love to save not just ourselves but everyone. We used love to save
Montello High."

Using love to save someone. I had known people who used love to save their loved
ones. They were able to save the people they love but they couldn't save
themselves. That was how we know that emotion in our world. A tragedy. Despair. A
move only the bravest can take.

A silence from the man on the stage kept everyone hanging. After few seconds, he
finally said, "Can we just keep the memories? I know that it was painful and
tragic. It even broke your hearts and probably some bones. It was probably
something you didn't want to go back to. They were dark and cold but there are
emotions that shouldn't be forgotten, right? These words are for the memories. And
as we walk out of this school, I hope that you'll bring it with you. I hope you
won't forget. I hope

you learn from it. I hope you keep our memories."

It was silence again. It started like a whisper until I could hear everyone saying
'I'll keep it' around the campus. It took a minute before the rain of 'I'll keep
it' stopped. I thought it was over but then, I heard a voice next to me whispering,
"I'll keep it." I looked at him and he didn't hide his crying.
"I'm so sorry, I'll keep it." He cried silently. "No matter how wrong and painful
those are, I'll keep it. I'll keep all of it." He sobbed.

I didn't really know what to do in this kind of situation so I just let him finish
his tears beside me. I was actually surprised that I feel sadness about it. I felt
sad for him. Everyone in the graduation ceremony had someone to hold while
remembering all those memories and yet, he was stuck here with me feeling so alone.
I was probably the worst companion. I wondered why Forest always wanted to be with
me.

When I saw a speeding Bugatti Veyron heading to the wide isle of the venue, I knew
the Mafia Leaders had arrived. It didn't stay there for a long time though and
rushed away from Montello High. I heard a familiar voice that made everyone in the
event panicked. I gritted my teeth as I felt my heart beat faster upon hearing him.
When he ended his short speech, cars owned by Freniere Mafia started arriving. It
was probably Sebastian Freniere's service. Maybe, Giovanni arrived with him and
decided to leave without his brother. They left as fast as they arrived. I let out
a sigh of relief. I saw Ethan fixing himself and preparing to go. Sadness and grief
were still painted on his face. I couldn't do anything about it and I hope he would
get over that feeling soon. When we turned to the car, we saw a figure resting on
its hoodie. Ethan became pale and my hands immediately took out my guns.

"Everyone keeps the memories. You're not the only one." The man with a familiar
features and sinister eyes said coldly.

=================

Chapter 21: Fate of the Uninvited

Chapter 21: Fate of the Uninvited

Soundtrack: I Know You - Skylar Grey

"Ephraim Novou. No! Andrew Novou. But it's impossible. Andrew is dead!" Bulalas ni
Ethan. Confusion and fear were obvious in his voice.
The narrow, threatening eyes of the person bored into Ethan's direction. When
recognition crossed him, he gave out a knowing grin. "Andrew is dead. Ephraim is
somewhere in the town and lurking in the shadows. He's probably looking for
someone." He gave out a laugh and added, "He's probably looking and waiting for
you. Or maybe, he's still enjoying the stupid Ferris Wheel ride. Or worse, he might
be busy cutting and torturing black roses."

Mas hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa baril. Now I knew who was behind the ruined black
rose.

Nang magsimula syang humakbang palapit mula sa pagkakasandal sa aking kotse ay saka
ako nagsalita.

"Don't move or I'll blow your head off," pagbabanta ko. Saka niya ibinaling ang
paningin sa akin na tila ba ngayon lang niya ako napansin. It was quite insulting
but I decided to push it aside.

"Oh, so it's you. It's my pleasure to finally meet you, Henrietta Arturia," he said
and attempted a bow like a real gentleman. A killer gentleman. Hindi ako sumagot.
Mas pinili kong maging alerto sa sitwasyon.

"Bakit ka narito?" Tanong ni Ethan.

"You're asking why I'm here when you're not even invited in this graduation. Like
me." He let out another a fake laugh. For a killer like him, he sure was cheerful.

But something in his face made me want to just stare at him a little bit longer.
Tila isa siya sa aking mga panaginip. Parang naging laman siya ng aking mga
bangungot.

"I wonder why a traitor and a reaper are peacefully together in a single place.
Isn't it odd to see the two of you not chopping each other's head off?" He
attempted another step forward. Ikinasa ko ang baril upang ipakita na seryoso ako
saaking banta. Huminto siya bilang pag-iingat.

"Let's ruin that smile on your face with my bullets," I warned him. I'd never met
him and the Mafia never heard of him. But this situation was never a joke for me.
He must know how serious I was about killing him.

"He's here to kill me," wika ni Ethan sa aking tabi. He was very cautious with his
movement. Tila hindi rin siya gumagawa ng ano mang pagkilos mula sa kanyang
pagkakatayo.

"To kill you?" The stranger let out an annoying loud laugh. "I wouldn't waste time
on you. I am not Ephraim," wika niya.

Whatever he was saying was probably true. But he wouldn't be here without any
reason. I assessed the situation and planned for an attack. I could shoot him. He
was not showing any weapon but I know he wouldn't show himself to me without some
kind of protection. The Novous weren't stupid. And if he was ready for a
counterattack, what would happen to Ethan? He was not as fast as me. He couldn't
protect himself from a person who came from a family of dangerous assassins. But
this was the main plan, right? Kill the Novou using Ethan as bait. Nanatili kaming
nakatitig sa

isa't isa. Nang mapagtanto niyang wala akong balak na alisin ang aking paningin sa
kanya ay muli siyang nagsalita.

"Let's call it the inevitable fate of the uninvited," aniya na hindi pa rin
nawawala ang ngiti sa kanyang mukha.

"Why are you here?" Seryoso kong tanong. If he was going to answer me the way he
answered Ethan, I would just shoot him. I had no patience for his game.
"I came for someone else. I came here for the woman of the Freniere," wika niya na
ikinamaang ko. Napuno ang paligid ng katahimikan. I knew who he was talking about.
I knew what he was going to do. I gritted my teeth as I felt Ethan tensed beside
me. He must have understood it, too. This made the situation even more dangerous. I
hoped Ethan wouldn't make any move.

But what the Novou said next when he opened his mouth was like unlocking the gates
of hell. All my plans crumbled down.

"So young and full of life. What a waste!" It was like pictures of the horrible
past showed up to haunt me. All I could think of now was killing him. But before I
could make a move, I saw Ethan lunging towards him. He attempted to attack him but
the Novou dodged it quickly. The assassin raised his leg and kicked Ethan in the
gut with his polished leather shoe causing the latter to crash on the ground.

That was when I decided to pull the trigger and shoot him. But to my disbelief, he
dodged it as well. I was certain that he was not paying attention to me when I took
the shot. How could he escape it? I shot him again and he ran to the other

side. Ethan crawled fast towards the car to cover himself. I could hear the
students screaming from the distance.

"You will never get me, Arturia!" He said insultingly as he ran away. I followed
him using my speed. I aimed my bullets on him but he was so fast and escaped them.
It was like he knew where the bullets were going.

I needed to get him. I pushed myself to run faster. We were like a pair of blurred
shadows moving through the woods. When I ran out of bullets, I tried reloading
while maintaining my speed. But he was incredibly and unbelievably fast. In just a
blink of an eye, I lost him. I was already near the end of the Nightwoods. When I
reached the clearing, I saw a speeding black motorcycle drove by the Novou
assassin. I shot him again in frustration but the distance between us was already
too far for my bullets to reach him.
I collapsed kneeling on the ground as he disappeared on the road. I lost him. I
couldn't believe I lost him. I should have killed him the first time I saw him. The
same goes for him. Why didn't fight, and just ran away instead?

I heard the familiar sound of my car and I waited for it to stop in front of me. I
climbed quickly to the passenger seat.

"He's after Summer. I need to stop him," wika ni Ethan nang maisara ko ang pinto ng
kotse. Pinaandar niya ang sasakyan at binaybay ang kalsada palayo ng Montello High.

"You can't do anything about it. You will just be killed," wika ko.

"So what now? Hahayaan na lang ba natin ang isang

iyon?" He seemed to be frustrated. He was a traitor. He double-crossed his friends.

Hindi ko maintindihan ang matinding kagustuhan niya na iligtas ang taong iyon.

"The Freniere Mafia will take care of it. Stop the car," utos ko na agad rin niyang
sinunod. Nagpalit kami ng puwesto at muli kong pinaandar ang sasakyan. I had to
think while driving. I had to do something while planning.

"He's faster. He's the fastest assassin I've ever met," I declared more to myself.
Naging mahigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa manibela dahil sa ideyang iyon. Who was this
Novou? What was his connection to the man in the past? Now I remember why his
features seemed to be familiar. All Novous have these dangerous narrow eyes.
Madaling malaman kung ang isang tao ay bahagi ng Novou clan. But this man had a
huge resemblance to the one who killed Alexandria Freniere. Though I was quite sure
he was not the killer of the Freniere woman. He was younger than my nightmare.
"She needs you." Muli ay biglang nagsalita si Ethan. I glanced at him and found
worry painted clearly on his face. "She needs a Reaper like you," wika niyang muli.

Hindi ako sumagot. She had Van Freniere with her. Why would she need me? But the
Mafia boss was still injured. Hindi pa siya lubusang magaling. At dahil doon ay
mapipilitang kumilos si Sebastian Freniere. Mas binilisan ko ang pagpapatakbo ng
kotse dahil doon. Wala nang nagtangka pang magbitaw ng salita sa amin hanggang sa
makarating ang kotse sa likurang bahagi ng Arturia Mansion. Pareho naming tiningnan
ang mataas na pader na pinapalibutan

ang lupain ng Arturia. Maging ang mga matataas na puno sa loob nito ay tila tahimik
na pumuprotekta sa mansion.

"Go back to the tree house. Remember the time when you tried to escape? Use that
way again," wika ko at saka hinubad ang suot na kwintas. Iniabot ko iyon sa kanya
na agad rin niyang tinanggap. "Keep it. This is the key. Try not to make any noise.
I'll get back to you later." Tumango siya at lumabas ng kotse. Subalit bago siya
tuluyang tumakbo patungo sa pader ay muli siyang nagsalita.

"Keep her safe," aniya at saka tuluyang tinungo ang mataas na pader.

I watched him as he tried hauling himself up. It was quite a high wall. Ilang
segundo ang kanyang ginugol bago tuluyang makaakyat. Nang mawala na siya tungo sa
kabilang pader ay muli kong pinatakbo ang kotse. This time, I had to see Summer
Leondale. He was with Giovanni right now and he probably brought her to the
Freniere Mansion.

I drove past the trees lining up beside the mansion. I knew that the Novou assassin
would never dare come this far. But this new one was different. He was fearless and
fast. Incredibly fast. We must not underestimate him. Who knew the possible things
he could do? Maybe before we realized it, he already messed us up. And I would not
let that happen.

Mas binilisan ko pa ang pagpapatakbo ng kotse. When I entered the gate, I

immediately saw the Bugatti Veyron resting coolly in front of the mansion. I could
almost hear voices inside. This was quite strange. Freniere Mansion was an
extremely quiet place so the noise was really unnerving.

I took out my gun and hid on the walls of the mansion for cover. What were the
mafia guards doing? Why were they not checking this strange noise? I carefully
entered the mansion making sure that I didn't create any sound as I took my steps.

Mukhang ang pinanggagalingan ng mga boses ay ang dining room. This time, some of
the voices were a little bit familiar. These were laughing voices. Laughing voices
in the mansion? The only person who would laugh through all indecent situations was
Sebastian Freniere. But this was definitely not him.

Tahimik akong humakbang tungo sa dining room. Yes, there were actually people
inside. I prepared myself for a surprise confrontation. Huminga ako nang malalim at
saka mabilis na pumasok sa dining room habang nakatutok ang baril.

Everyone became silent. Astonishment and surprise were clearly painted on their
faces. Everyone including me. They all stopped whatever they were doing and pointed
their attention at me.

"W-What is this?" Nauutal at halos hindi makapaniwala kong tanong.

There were a group of students in th dinner table, including Maximus Brown, Forest,
Summer Leondale, Giovanni Freniere and the unusually quiet Sebastian Freniere.
Forest stood up and danced her way towards me.

"We're having some kind of a graduation lunch? Look at these guys Giovanni invited!
I can't wait to murder them one by one," nakangiti niyang sabi at saka muling
nagsalita sa mga bisita, "Welcome to the Murder House! Let's now play the Prey and
Predator game. The hosts will be the predators

and the visitors as preys," she announced cheerfully. I could see the shock in most
of the students' faces.
"Oh, really? I can't wait for the part where the preys would be able to do their
revenge. I would definitely get you first," sarkastikong sagot ni Summer. She
seemed to be getting used with Forest's peculiar statements.

"A-Another reaper," narinig kong sabi ng isa sa dalawang babae na kasama nila.

"She also saved us before! Oh, God! You're like a fictional character from my comic
books! You're my favourite reaper!" Wika ng babaeng may suot na salamin sa mata.

Forest's disgustingly sweet smile turned into an evil grin. "Favorite, huh?" She
commented. I couldn't believe this.

"Why don't you sit down and join us, Henrietta?" Wika ni Giovanni.

I looked at him trying to make him know the menace we were facing through my eyes.
Subalit ilang segundo lang ang lumipas ay muli niyang ibinalik ang paningin sa
babae sa kanyang tabi. Before I knew it, I was seated next Forest. Boxes of pizza
and cake were scattered on the table. I couldn't imagine the reaction Sir Alernon
Freniere would have once he saw this. This was probably the reason why Sebastian
was silent. Maximus Brown seemed to be enjoying his pepperoni pizza like it was the
best he had eaten in his entire life.

Everyone continued talking and laughing with each other. I couldn't breathe. It was
a harassment of the Freniere dining room. The grave information in my head was
trying to explode. The unusual noise and laughter

in the air were suffocating. The feeling of someone silently staring at me was
giving me a heart attack. Nang itaas ko ang aking paningin ay nakita ko ang matiim
na pagtitig ni Tres. I felt my cheeks becoming hotter as I looked down. I could
feel a lot of different emotions leaking from him and hatred was a big part of it.
"It would have been perfect if Ethan was here just like before." Biglang natahimik
ang lahat at tumingin sa lalaking malaki ang pangangatawan para sa isang teenager.
No one dared to answer him. Malamang ay isa rin siya sa mga kaibigan nito.

Minabuti kong magsalita nang nanatiling tahimik ang lahat matapos ang halos isang
minuto. "Giovanni, I need to talk to you about an urgent thing," seryoso kong sabi.

"What is it?" Tanong niya. Tumingin ako kay Summer Leondale at saka muling ibinalik
ang paningin sa kanya. He seemed to understand and got to his feet. "I'll meet you
upstairs. Excuse me," wika niya at nagpasintabi sa mga bisita.

Nang tatayo ako upang sundan siya ay saka ko narinig ang boses na may kakayahang
makapagpabago ng ritmo ng puso ko.

"Don't let that Reaper steal Giovanni from you, Summer," aniya. I looked at the
girl and she seemed confused. Napailing ako kay Tres at saka sinundan si Giovanni.
That was why no one trusted him in handling serious matters. His perv mind didn't
know the right time to turn its head up. I sighed as I opened the huge wooden door
to the Freniere Mafia Leader's office. I saw Giovanni seated on Sir Algernon's
chair.

"What about her?" Agad niyang tanong nang maisara ko ang pinto.

"After you left, there was a commotion at Montello High," wika ko.

Tumangu-tango siya at sinabing, "They've heard gunshots. I ordered Mikhail to look

at this."
"It was my gun," wika ko. This time, his full attention turned to me and worry
crossed his face.

"What happened, Henrietta? Are you alright? Why you didn't let the Mafia know about
it right away?" Tanong niya.

"It was a Novou. A new one. I tried to get him but he's too fast. He's even faster
than me."

Natahimik siya at seryosong inaaral ang sitwasyon. He knew how grave the situation
was. "He's after her." He concluded. Anger was now visible in his eyes. He really
cared for her.

"He admitted that he's after her," I confirmed in serious tone. Bago pa siya muling
sumagot ay pareho kaming napalingon sa pagbukas ng pintuan. Sebastian entered the
room and sat on the couch near the window as if he was just spending his coffee
time there.

"I loathe cheaters," he said while looking outside through the glass window.

=================

Chapter 22: The Pawn in a Chess Game

Chapter 22: The Pawn in a Chess Game

Soundtrack: The Beginning - ONE OK ROCK

Giovanni and I watched as Sebastian made himself comfortable on the couch. The
scene was like of a man in a cozy coffee shop waiting for someone to serve his
special beverage. He turned to us with his bored look as if he never said anything
foolish.

"Are you implying that you hate yourself?" Sarkastikong sagot ni Giovanni. The
scene was normal with the Freniere Brothers. They could commit an attempted murder
to each other every single day.

"No one has the capacity to hate a Sebastian Freniere. They lust over me," sagot ni
Sebastian.

"You said you loathe cheaters. You've been cheating on every women you've met." I
almost nodded my head. Giovanni had a point there. "And why would you lust over
yourself?" Dagdag ng nakababatang Freniere.

"Did I say that?" Tila bale-walang tanong ni Sebastian.

Napailing-iling si Giovanni. He gave up the conversation with his brother. "Why are
you here, Tres? You should be entertaining our guests."

"I won't do that to your guests. You won't be able to keep up with my market value
as an entertainer," Tres said proudly. He seemed to be the only one who was eager
to keep the conversation going by mocking Giovanni.

"We're discussing an extremely important thing here. Now, could you please leave
us." I could almost see the hint of impatience in Giovanni's voice. Alam kong hindi
maganda ang patutunguhan nito. I'd watched

them fight through the years and nothing good comes out of it. Bago pa man
makasagot si Sebastian ay pinigil ko na iyon sa pamamagitan ng pagsasalita. I knew
that Sebastian would push Giovanni to the exploding limit.

"Tres, we're just talking about Summer Leondale's security. I'm sure we can handle
it," wika ko. I thought it would help prevent what was about to happen. Subalit
mukhang hindi ang inaasahan kong reaksyon ang naging sagot ni Sebastian. He
suddenly stood up and strode towards us.

"What about Summer Leondale? How to steal some romantic time without her knowing
about it?" Hindi ako nakasagot. I didn't understand him. Why would he think of
something ridiculous like that?

"Tres, just leave and entertain our guests." Halatang pinipilit ni Giovanni na
maging kalmado sa inaasta ni Sebastian. No wonder Sir Algernon Freniere gave him
the responsibility as the Mafia Leader while he was gone.

"Why would I do that?" Mas malakas ang tinig na tanong ni Tres.

"Because that's what you're good at! Entertaining!" Giovanni Freniere finally
snapped at his older brother.

Sebastian seemed to dodge the mockery and smirked. I knew that smirk too well.
Everything was going bad now. "Oh, yeah right. Let me entertain your bitch
downstairs. I swear she'll forget your existence."

The next scene was a blur. Before I knew it, Giovanni was already lunging violently
towards Sebastian. He crashed against him so hard that they both landed on the
floor. I sighed. I knew this would happen again and I

was so tired of being the peacemaker. I just watched them like I did when we were
young. I sat comfortably on table avoiding the chaos they were making.

When they both got up, Sebastian made the first move and punched Giovanni causing
the latter to stumble backward. The younger man recovered fast and tried to kick
Sebastian on the gut. They didn't make a word in their fight. They were just
brawling silently with the sound of the breaking objects as their voices.

Both of them were strong and fast. They could endure each other's attack. The door
opened and I saw Forest enter the room and lock the door quickly. She carefully ran
towards me avoiding the two Frenieres.

"How about our guests?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Old Max is entertaining them."

I tsked. This entertain word started all this current mess.

"Old Max?" Tanong ko. We didn't really call a legendary hunter as an old one.

Nagkibit-balikat siya at sinabing, "Our guests called him that." I dismissed it,
realizing that it was the name Summer and her friends probably used for him. Sabay
naming pinanood ni Forest ang pagbubuno ng dalawa. She seemed to be enjoying it.
She searched for her pocket and showed some paper bills to me. Nagtataka ko siyang
tiningnan.
"I bet on Tres. I think he would win this. He's quite passionate about it," wika ni
Forest.

Napailing ako sa kanya. When Tres produced a hunter's knife, I decided to run fast
in the middle of the brawling and stopped them. I grabbed Tres' arm that

had the knife and put pressure on it causing him to let go of the blade. I kicked
Giovanni on his chest when I saw him lunging forward and pushed Sebastian away to
the other side. They both landed on their back on the floor.

"Please, stop being stupid for a minute," seryoso kong sabi habang tinitingnan ko
sila. Habol ang paghingang umupo si Giovanni habang nanatiling nakahiga si
Sebastian na tila naka-ngisi pa.

"Hey, Henrietta! You should have waited until the end!" Protesta ni Forest habang
nakasimangot. Hindi ko sya pinansin at sa halip ay tinulungan si Giovanni na
makatayo nang masiguro kong mahinahon na siya. I couldn't believe they would still
brawl like this. I thought it stopped during their childhood years. Nagtungo ako sa
direksyon ni Tres nang matulungan ko si Giovanni. I looked at him and saw him
smirking at me. I lent him my hand to help him stand. He grabbed it but to my
surprise, pulled me towards him. I landed on his chest. My heart decided to beat
violently before Giovanni immediately grabbed me away from his brother.

"Kung mananatili kang ganyan, hindi ka namin kailangan," seryosong wika ni

Giovanni. Forest walked towards us and we both watched Sebastian, still smirking.

"Is he trying to scare us with his creepy smile?" Tanong ni Forest. Nang masiguro
naming walang balak na gumalaw si Sebastian ay iniwan namin siya at nagtungo sa
mesa kung saan kami nag-uusap.

"Are you sure about this, Giovanni? He might overhear us," tanong ko nang mukhang
wala siyang balak na ipagpaliban ang aming

pag-uusap.
"I think this is the reason why he was acting like that. He was going crazy because
he doesn't know anything. Let's just hope that if ever he listens to this, he would
act accordingly," sagot ni Giovanni and motioned for the clueless Forest to sit on
the chair in front of me.

"Forest will still be guarding the mansion with Maximus Bown. I will get other
reapers to be with me and start hunting them. It looks like they are trying to be
aggressive by entering our territory and property. They need to be punished."
Giovanni is acting like the only sin the Novous committed to us was the situation
we had now. He was trying not to be ruled by the tragedy they brought to his family
in the past. He was trying to think clearly.

"Wait, are we talking about the sabotaged transactions we had?" Tanong ni Forest.
Sinenyasan ko siya na manatili sa pakikinig.

"As for you Henrietta, you will be protecting Summer. Please bring her home today
and ask assistance from some Mafia guards for the surveillance. I can also get
Mikhail to back you up. I'm so sorry I had to give you this big mission. Most of
the reapers are with Sir Algernon to guard him."

I nodded in agreement. Protecting Summer means that I would be the first in line
soldier. I would receive the strongest and deadliest impact. And I couldn't say No
to this one. I'd been waiting for this. I'd been waiting to get in touch with those
people.

"I can't lose Summer. We can't let them take her this time. Not again,"
determinadong wika

ni Giovanni. I saw how he adored this girl too much. I couldn't imagine what it
would make him and the Freniere Mafia if they lost another woman.
Nang wala sa amin ang muling nagsalita ay saka nagtanong si Forest. "Alright, my
turn. Who is this 'them' we're talking about?"

Giovanni stared at Forest. "The Novous," he answered gravely.

Wala sa amin ang agad na nakasagot. Sa gitna ng katahimikan ay nakita namin ang
marahan na pagtayo ni Sebastian mula sa pagkakahiga sa sahig. He walked unsteadily
towards us. He had a grim expression on his face. His mood now matched a stormy
weather. He smashed his fist on the wooden table when he reached us. I swear I
could hear a crack because of the impact. He must have really broken the table.

"Why?" He asked. The anger in his voice was evident. We looked at him
questioningly.

"What? You still don't understand? What have you been doing to your head all this
time?" Tila napipikon na ring tanong ni Giovanni.

Hindi naman natinag si Sebastian at muli niyang isinuntok ang kamao sa mesa.
"Why?!" He screamed this time. Even I couldn't understand him. I wanted to stop
him. I also wanted to help him if ever something was wrong with him. But I just
can't, can I?

"What the f*cking thing are you trying to ask!? What's with your fucking 'why'? Why
couldn't you still understand!?" Giovanni's cool and serious demeanor was running
out. He was matching his voice with Sebastian's intensity.

Sebastian clenched his fist as he looked down on the table. With lowered voice, he
spoke again, "Why? Why is it always about Summer? Why would you let the Reaper die
just to save her?!"
And with his words, everyone turned to look at me. I wished I could say something
comprehensible about it but I just couldn't. I had no words for absolutely a couple
of minutes. Before someone had the courage to speak up, a loud crashing sound
interrupted us and we all turned to the broken door except Sebastian. There,
standing and staring at us, were the guests of Giovanni and Maximus Brown who was
rubbing his knuckles.

=================

Chapter 23: Fire and Ice

Chapter 23: Fire and Ice

Soundtrack: If It Means A Lot To You - A Day To Remember

"We heard noises. What's happening here?" Tanong ni Summer habang inililibot niya
ang tingin sa paligid. Mukhang hindi na niya kailangan ng kasagutan sa kanyang
tanong dahil sa nakita niyang kaguluhan. She immediately walked up to Van when she
saw the marks on his face caused by Sebastian.

"What the hell happened here?" She asked loudly this time. I sighed. I thought it
was already clear to her what happened here. When she didn't get an answer from
Van, she turned to Sebastian and glared at him. And I couldn't help but answer her
glare with my own.

"We are having a discussion," sa wakas ay kalmadong wika ni Van.

"Discussion? You're calling this a discussion?" She asked again impatiently. Hindi
ko mapigilang mag-isip habang nakatingin sa kanila. They were fire and ice. They
were not supposed to be too close to each other. But who knows what was supposed to
and not supposed to happen in this life?
"I'll just meet you outside, Summer. Mukhang kailangan pa naming mag-usap ni Tres,"
wika ni Van na agad namang sinalungat ni Tres sa pamamagitan ng biglang pagtayo at
pag-aayos ng sarili na tila ba ang buong 'diskusyon' na naganap ay naghatid lang ng
pagkalukot ng kanyang kasuotan.

"No. We don't need to talk more, Giovanni. I don't want to spend my precious time
listening to you justifying all these shits," wika ni Sebastian.

Summer snorted and said, "And

I know this devil caused all the trouble." She eyed Tres insultingly. I should have
known that Tres would not let this pass this time. He smirked at her, showing his
perfect white teeth and said,

"It's funny hearing that from a selfish bitch who caused all the trouble."

We were all stunned. Bago pa makapagsalita ang isa sa amin ay kaswal na lumabas si
Tres ng silid habang ang dalawang kamay ay nasa bulsa. It was easy for him to turn
from a perfect storm to a cool breeze of air. Tila walang anumang nangyari na
nilisan niya ang silid.

"Don't worry about him," wika ni Giovanni. Summer Leondale just kept staring
blankly at the empty doorway. Tila ba binuhusan siya ng napakalamig na tubig.

"Wait! The drama is over? Is there an Episode Two of this or something like that
because I'll surely look forward to it," wika ni Forest. She was quite right. Tila
nakalimutan naming lahat ang aming mga sarili habang pinapanood ang sitwasyon. The
two girls who happened to be this mansion's very few visitors seemed to be confused
and threatened on what happened. But whatever fear this caused them, it didn't stop
them from holding Summer's arms quietly asking if she was okay.
"Giovanni, hindi pa niya lubusang naiintindihan," wika ni Maximus Brown. Tahimik
rin niyang tinitimbang ang sitwasyon.

"Please remind me not to mess with your brother, Van. Not that I'm planning to. But
he's completely-I don't know-devilish? Even I couldn't punch you that hard. Man,
he's crazy good!" The other guy told Van. I didn't know

whose side he was taking.

Forest decided to give a laugh and said, "You couldn't punch like that? Man, what
are those muscles for? Pillow fight?"

The guy smiled casually at her and said, "I could go and enter the Mafia if I want
to. I could ask Van to train me how to become a Mafia Bad-ass. But I'm content with
the small and humble gang I have right now. And aside from that, my parents already
made sure that I will have a bright future."

Forest raised an eyebrow and smirked at me. He couldn't enter the Mafia just like
that. "Boy, you can never have a chance to be with us. Not with the bright future
you're seeing. We don't like bright things," she almost sang playfully.

He seemed to have a plan of arguing but Van cut him off. "Henrietta, please take
her home now," wika niya. I looked at her and realized that she hadn't said
anything after Tres left.

"Sabay-sabay na lang kami. Kasya naman kaming lahat sa kotse ni Makki," wika ng isa
sa mga babaeng bisita.
"Why? You brought me here. Why don't you bring me back yourself?" Summer Leondale
finally asked. She seemed unhappy about having a different driver.

"I need to talk to Sebastian, Summer. I hope you understand," sagot ni Giovanni.
But she was not one of the most understanding people in the land so she glared at
him and marched heavily to the door.

"Makki, bring Mirden and Jamie to their home. Henrietta will be with Summer," pinal
na wika ni Giovanni. Pinanood ko ang pamamaalam ng mga bisita

ni Giovanni hanggang sa tuluyan na silang makalabas ng silid.

"Naiintindihan ko na may mga bagay na mas madaling ipahayag gamit ang kamao at
karahasan. Subalit hindi nito kailanman matatalo ang kagalingan ng mga salita. Kay
raming dugo at pawis ang maaari nating matipid kung pipiliin natin ang pag-uusap."

We both looked at Maximus Brown as he took the vacant chair in front of the Mafia
boss' desk. His words are probably the most sensible and soothing ones I'd ever
heard today. Maging ako ay hindi pa lubos na maintindihan ang mga sinabi at inasta
ni Tres. Kung kaya't bago pa man ako umalis at ihatid si Summer Leondale ay
minabuti kong kausapin na rin si Giovanni tungkol rito.

Giovanni seemed to be fighting his own confusion silently. He closed his eyes as he
sat on his chair.

"Giovanni?" I uttered silently.

Iminulat niya lang ang kanyang mga mata at tumingin sa akin. "You will talk towith
him, right? I know you can make him understand. I believe in you," wika ko.
Marahan siyang tumango at sinabing, "I have to make him understand. A confused,
dangerous man is too deadly to have around."

Nang makalabas ako ng mansion ay nakita ko si Summer Leondale na nakaupo sa hood ng

aking kotse. Napakunot-noo ako at dali-dali siyang pinuntahan. Why did people have
to make a couch out of a good car?

"Get in the car," I commanded and got in the driver's seat. Agad kong pinaandar ang
makina ng kotse nang makapasok siya.

"Wow! So eager to get back to the

mansion?" She commented with a fake laugh. I decided to ignore her and sped up.
"Your secret love must have hated me so much," she said trying to engage me in a
conversation. Or maybe, she wasn't trying at all. She was probably just taking her
time voicing out words trapped in her head.

"I know he hates me even before but this time, he seemed to hate me, even more,
today. Something must have triggered that." And with those said, she gave me an
accusing look. Tiningnan ko sya na tila wala akong narinig at saka nagpatuloy sa
pagmamaneho. Mukha namang hindi rin siya naapektuhan ng aking pambabalewala dahil
nagpatuloy sya sa pagsasalita.

"He's probably seeing himself in me. He must be seeing something he doesn't like.
Like you and Van talking together on your own. He must be jealous! God! I hate
cheaters!" And with that, I forced the car to a halt causing her to almost smash on
the dashboard.

"What the hell! Are you gonna kill us?" Sigaw niya habang nagmamadaling ikinakabit
ang seatbelt.
"If I'm gonna kill you, I will not do it inside my car. I like the interior of my
Mercedez and it would just be a waste if I would paint it with your blood." She
started to frown like a kid about to throw a tantrum. "Listen, young lady. No one's
cheating here. And don't use Sebastian and jealous in the same sentence. It would
be irrelevant! You are the one who's jealous. I have so many things in my mind and
dealing with your ugly, insecure heart is not included. So just do me a favor and
keep the air silent!" I blurted out. Treachery and violence were common in my kind
of living but being involved in love triangles and jealousy was a high school trash
that I should live without.

I thought she would still continue arguing with me but she didn't. She just glared
at me and turned her eyes on the road in front of us. The Mafia should pay me
triple for getting me to protect someone I'd be happy to silence if I would be
asked to.

I pulled myself out from mentally murdering the girl beside me when I heard the
sound of my phone. I fished it out from my pants and grudgingly opened the message.
It was from Wycliffe. As I finished reading the text, I felt the sudden coldness
rushing through my body. Muli kong pinaandar ang sasakyan at pinaharurot sa
direksyong taliwas papunta sa lugar ni Summer Leondale.

"Where are we going?" Nagtataka niyang tanong.

Hindi ako sumagot. She was going to ask more if I gave her a chance. I bit my lip
as I realized the weight of the new situation I had now. The lines were tangled and
I was in the center. It would destroy me. Hindi ko napigilang suntukin ang
manibela. Ethan Montreal was missing. Wycliffe was asking me where he was because
he couldn't find him in the tree house. Where was he now?

=================

Chapter 24: Chasing the Dead Man

Chapter 24: Chasing the Dead Man

Soundtrack: Hurt - Johnny Cash

"Where the hell are you taking me?" Pasigaw na tanong ng babae sa passenger's seat.
Kalahating minuto na rin ang nakalipas mula nang halos paliparin ko ang kotse. My
mind was wandering on the possible places my bait could be in right now.

If he left, his reason might be the extreme fear of being caught. Or maybe, he was
just exactly the traitor he was and he probably thought that this was the best time
to escape. And I guess that would not leave me any choice but to kill him
instantly. Well, maybe I had to use him first and then finish him off.

But if he was taken, everything I planned would collapse eventually. I was supposed
to be the one controlling the situation using my bait. I shouldn't be the one being
controlled.

"This is getting annoying already. Just drop me and I'll get a cab," wika niyang
muli.

"You can't be on your own. You have no capacity to protect yourself," sagot ko. She
rolled her eyes.

We reached the territory of the Arturia and I watched her mouth hang open as we
stopped in front of the Arturia Mansion.

"Whoa! Do all Reapers live in a mansion?" She mouthed. Did she know how ridiculous
her assumption is? Itinigil ko ang kotse subalit hindi ako bumaba. Pinagmasdan ko
lang ang mansion mula sa labas ng malaking tarangkahan. Ganoon rin ang ginawa ni
Summer Leondale. Bakas ang paghanga sa kanyang mukha habang tahimik na tinitingnan
ang aking tahanan.
/>

"Well?" Agaw ko sa kanyang atensyon.

She blinked and awkwardly turned to my direction as if she was doing it

involuntarily. When she recovered from the spell brought to her by the Arturia
Mansion, she shrugged her shoulders and said, "Well, this one looks better than
that creepy mansion but it could never beat the bewitching atmosphere of the
Freniere Mansion."

"Because this is home for me and it wasn't made to bewitch anyone," sagot ko. The
guards opened the gate probably noticing my car. Subalit hindi ko iyon pinaandar
upang pumasok. Ethan Montreal would never go this way. That was if he tried to
escape. But if someone had taken him, they wouldn't go this way either. We have
guards in the front gate and I didn't think these people are the type of the ones
who would make a scene. So there was only one way for them to go in and out of
Arturia Mansion without bringing a chaos. Muli kong pinaandar ang kotse at sa halip
na pumasok ng mansion iniatras ko ito pabalik ng kalsada.

"Aren't we going in?" Summer asked but quickly got it back by biting her lips. She
seemed to be in awe with the mansion. I was not too selfish not to invite her
inside but now was not the perfect time for it.

I sped up when I reached the main road towards the way that would connect to the
back territory of the mansion. Alam kong doon lang maaaring dumaan palabas ng
mansion si Ethan. If he was just escaping on foot, then he shouldn't get too far.
But if he was taken and they were using a car, that would somehow complicate
things.

/>

Ihininto ko ang kotse sa tabi ng kalsada kung saan huli kong iniwan si Ethan.
Walang sinuman ang naroroon maliban sa mangilan-ngilang sasakyan na dumadaan.
Lumabas ako ng kotse upang sipatin ang paligid. Tahimik ang lugar at walang anumang
bakas ng kaguluhan o pagtatalo. Nahagip ng mga mata ko ang paglabas ni Summer
Leondale sa sasakyan upang ilibot ang mga mata sa paligid. Halata ang pagtataka sa
kanyang mukha.
"Anong ginagawa natin rito?" Tanong niya.

Hindi ako sumagot. In fact, I didn't know what to tell her. What would she do if
she learned that we were chasing the missing traitor? What would she say if I tell
her that I was the one hiding Ethan Montreal all this time? I bet she'd go crazy
and sabotage my plan. So telling her would be a bad idea. But how long can I hide
this from her especially now that she was under my protection while I was doing my
secret personal plans.

Umirap siya sa akin na tila ba ikamamatay ko iyon dahil sa hindi ko pagsagot sa

tanong niya. I saw her kick something from the ground making the object crash
against the wall and murmured, "Stupid rocks." Napailing nalang ako habang
ibinabalik ko ang atensyon sa pagkilatis sa paligid. When she decided to kick
another stone and it failed to reach the wall, that was when it got my attention
again.

Agad akong lumapit sa kinaroroonan ng huling batong sinipa niya. I saw a familiar
object from the tree house and it made me wonder how this thing got here. Akma na
akong yuyuko at kukunin ang bagay na iyon nang isang bagay ang naramdaman kong
tumama

sa kanang bahagi ng aking ulo. I touched the right side of my forehead and a smudge
of blood confirmed that I was hit. I turned to the direction of the perpetrator and
saw her surprised at what happened, too. Maybe she wasn't looking when she was
kicking all the stones from the pavement.

"I didn't mean it! I swear!" Wika niya habang lumalapit sa kinaroroonan ko. "Ugh,
you have blood on your forehead!" She exclaimed. It actually didn't hurt that much.
It was a little bit stinging but for sure, it wasn't something that would kill me.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

I sighed and said, "Just stop kicking around. You're not a horse, are you?" Wika
ko. At first, she looked so worried but when she looked at me thoroughly, her lips
turning to a smirk. I frowned at her incapability of saying sorry or the annoying
way of apologizing. "What?" I snapped at her.

She let out a laugh and said, "I don't want to annoy any reapers! It's just that I
couldn't help but be proud of myself."

I crossed my arms and glared at her. "And why is that?"

"Well, because it's not every day that someone can make a reaper bleed. If you're
as good as what I'm exactly thinking then I bet I'm the first blood!" She was so
giddy about hurting me.

"Maybe you really did mean it," sagot ko at saka kinuha ang bagay na malapit sa
mataas na pader na pumoprotekta sa teritoryo ng Arturia Mansion. It was a book.
Well it was more like a book in the process and I absolutely know who the one
writing in it was.

"Wow!

Who would be reading in here?" Komento niya. Mahigpit kong hinawakan ang libro. Why
would he bring this and leave it here? What did it mean?

Summer snatched the book from my grasp and I let her have it. She opened it and
browsed through the pages. "A handwritten book?" Wika niya at saka binasa ang ilang
pahina. This didn't give me any progress in finding my bait. I wiped some blood
from my forehead because of frustration.

"Weird. There are marks of nail scratches on this page." Mabilis kong kinuha ang
libro at sinipat ang pahinang tinutukoy niya. The page was actually folded like the
one other people used to do to mark their progress in reading. But this was the
first chapter and no one puts a mark in the first page of reading. Well, as long as
no one's dumb enough to do that. A scratch of a nail was used to underline few
words in the title of the first chapter.

"Sea Port," I whispered. He underlined the words 'sea' and 'port' from the 'Sea
Port City'. That's where he was heading.

"Get in the car. Right now!" I commanded her in my own Reaper's tone. Wala siyang
nagawa kundi ang magmadaling tumakbo patungong kotse. Muli ko nang napaandar ang
kotse nang makapasok siya at maisara ang pinto.

"So please tell me now. Where are we going?" I could see frustration written on her
face. If I was not going to give her an answer now, she probably wouldn't make it
easier for me.

"To the Port. Kailangan nating mabilis na makarating sa pantalan." I knew where it
was. I'd been there on a mission when Sebastian

decided to bring me to be his Reaper on guard. That was where we had a sabotaged
mission. Hindi ko alam kung tama ba ang piniling lugar ni Ethan sa puntong ito.

"Well, why are we going to the port?" Tanong niyang muli. She would never be
satisfied with the answers she was getting.

"If the port is safe, I would leave you there and ask Forest to fetch you. Sa
ngayon, kailangan kong makarating doon. So fasten your seatbelts. This is not going
to be a smooth ride."

Agad niyang ikinabit ang seat belt sa kanyang katawan. Mukhang alam niyang hindi
ako nagbibiro sa sinabi ko.
This situation only proved that Ethan didn't try to escape. He wouldn't leave a
trace if he was trying to save himself from me. But why was he not in the tree
house where he was supposed to be?

The surrounding was almost a blur because of my driving speed. It was like I was
racing with the car's shadow. I also caught a glimpse of Summer's dead pale face. I
let out a smirk. It wasn't every day that I could scare the life out of Giovanni's
girl. Pinakiramdaman ko ang malamig na metal sa aking bewang. Kailangang maging
handa ako anumang oras na kailanganin ko ito. If Ethan was not escaping, who knew
if this book was a trap. Maybe Ethan was a great traitor and that he was just
planning this up or he was being used by the Novous. Mas hinigpitan ko ang kapit sa
manibela at mas binilisan ko ang pagpapatakbo ng kotse. I could feel my blood
rising as an answer to my intention of killing the Novous. Flashes of faces crossed
my mind. Giovanni might

get me killed because of dragging Summer in this situation with the Novous. This
was too close for him to forgive. Ethan was probably waiting like a fox to double-
cross me in the port. I had to be ready for a counter attack. I might be meeting
Ephraim Novou in less than an hour and I had to make sure that I would get to him
this time. Or I might be facing that man from the Nightwoods again. He was someone
I would have trouble dealing with because he showed a speed that was faster than
mine. But my heart was brave and my blood answered to my mission. I could defeat
him. I had to. I would not let things fall in the wrong places.

And then I saw Wycliffe's face suddenly blurring all the other faces in my mind.
Was I willing to let go of his smiles when this would not turn to the end I was
expecting? Was I going to accept defeat if I failed on this one? Just like going to
the deepest part of it, I remembered Sebastian's face. How could I go on knowing
that I would never see his smirks again? Would he ever forgive me?

"Watch out!" Summer's voice pulled my mind back inside the car. I didn't know I
zone out for a few seconds and it only took me half a second to hit the brake. I
almost crashed to a slowing down ten-wheeler truck in front of us. The truck
probably had products that would be loaded to the cargo ships in the port. We must
be already here.

"What the hell?! You almost got us killed! You fucking stupid bitch!" Summer cursed
on my side. She was fuming with anger and shock because of the almost accident we
had.
I glared at her. "This car is curse-free. Keep your bad mouth shut until you get
out of my car."

She answered my glare and let out an annoyed scream. I had to endure it until we
were able to enter the vicinity of the port. I saw a coffee shop in the corner with
less customers. I could almost see Ethan in the far corner of it conscious of his
surroundings. Mukhang nakita niya rin ang kotse ko dahil tila nabawasan ang
pangamba na nababakas sa kanyang mukha. Napailing ako. Of all the places he would
choose, why should it have glass walls?

"I'll just leave you here in the coffee shop. I'll have Forest to pick you up,"
wika ko.

"How could someone who doesn't know how to drive pick me up?" Mataas ang boses
niyang tanong.

"Mikhail would do something about it," wika ko at saka lumabas ng kotse. Sumunod
siya sa aking paglabas at sabay kaming nagtungo sa coffee shop. Nakita kong tumayo
si Ethan mula sa kanyang kinauupuan nang makita ang aking pagpasok. He seemed to be
relieved that he finally saw me. Subalit nawala iyon nang makita niya ang babaeng
kasunod kong pumasok sa coffee shop. The blood left his face when he saw her. I
also felt Summer stiffen from behind me. Ugh. This would be another trouble I had
to fix.

=================

Chapter 25: Wandering Souls After The Sunset

Chapter 25: Wandering Souls After The Sunset

I could feel the tension completely build up around us. I could almost see some of
the customers glancing in our direction. Ipinagpatuloy ko ang paglalakad tungo sa
direksyon ni Ethan. Nanatili siyang nakatingin sa direksyon sa aking likuran na
tila ba hindi niya nakikita ang aking paglapit. Ilang hakbang na lang ang layo ko
sa kanya nang maramdaman ko ang mabilis na pagdaan sa tabi ko ng babaeng nasa aking
likuran. She almost ran towards the table. Dire-diretso siya sa harap ni Ethan at
bakas ang galit sa kanyang mukha. Tumayo si Ethan nang malapit na siya at hindi ko
pinigilan nang iangat ni Summer ang kanyang kamao at dumampi sa mukha ng lalaki.

It didn't cause him to stumble to the floor but it made his face turn to the other
direction. I knew she punched him hard. But maybe Ethan wasn't as weak as what I
was expecting him to be. He was a gangster in Montello High after all.

"Oh, one would never be enough for a traitor!" Summer exclaimed and raised again
her fist. This time, I caught her arm and stopped her. She glared at me and tried
to pull it back but I didn't let her go.

She looked at me with anger in her eyes and said, "Let go of me! He's a traitor. He
betrayed us. He even double-crossed his friends. Kaya pwede ba, bitiwan mo ako!"
Pinilit niyang muling bawiin ang kanyang braso subalit mas hinigpitan ko ang
pagkakahawak sa kanya.

"You're attracting an audience, Summer Leondale. Do you want to be sent to jail for
causing

commotion in this café?" Seryoso kong tanong.

Inilibot niya ang kanyang paningin at nang mapagtanto niyang lahat ng nandoon ay
nakatingin sa kanya, pinilit niyang kumalma.

"Fine. Jeez! These judgmental people!" Inis niyang sabi at hinila ang kanyang
braso. Sa pagkakataong ito ay binitiwan ko siya.
She grudgingly sat on the vacant chair and crossed her arms. Napailing na lang ako
habang umuupo sa bakanteng upuan sa tabi niya. She was really like a kid throwing a
tantrum. Tahimik na naupo rin si Ethan sa aking kabilang tabi habang hinahawakan
ang nasaktang bahagi ng mukha.

"Too bad. No single drop of blood," Summer murmured while glaring at him.

I saw a waiter approached us. He seemed to be cautious and ready to drive us away
if we do something that will cause trouble to the café. "Is there any problem,
sir?" He particularly asked Ethan who slowly shook his head as a response.

"That's how we greet each other. Do you want to be friends with us? I'd visit you
here every day," sarkastikong wika ni Summer.

Tiim-bagang siyang tinapunan ng tingin ng waiter atsaka muling nagsalita. "Ugh. No,
thanks. Do you guys have any orders?" Tanong niya.

"Black coffee. No sugar. It compliments my mood right now," wika ni Summer at saka
masamang tinitigan si Ethan. If glares could kill, Ethan would have been dead by
now. Gayunpaman, tahimik lang ang lalaking nakatingin sa lumalamig na niyang kape.

"Hazelnut Macchiato. Could you give this man a cold glass

of water?" Wika ko.

"Got it," wika niya at saka mabilis na umalis sa aming kinaroroonan.

"Not even that waiter can save that traitor from my wrath," bulong ni Summer.
Mahigpit na nakakuyom ang kanyang kamao sa mesa.

"I'll call Forest now. She'll bring you home."

"No," mabilis niyang tutol. "Kailangan kong marinig ang paliwanag niya. Hindi ako
aalis hangga't hindi pa ako tapos sa kanya," galit niyang sabi.

Ethan decided to break his silence and said, "I'm sorry, Summer."

Summer shot daggered looks at him and turned to my direction. "You know that the
Frenieres are looking for him. Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa kanila?" She seriously
asked.

"That's not important right now." I dismissed her.

"What's more important right now?" Mataas ang boses niyang tanong. Suspicion was
already forming in her eyes.

Naputol ang mga susunod na sasabihin niya sa pagdating ng waiter. Mabilis niyang
inilapag sa mesa ang dalawang tasa ng kape at baso ng tubig. Nang makaalis ang
waiter ay muling nagsalita si Summer.
"I have to tell this to Van," aniya at inilabas ang cellphone. I grabbed it before
she could even open it. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" She exclaimed
angrily.

"You will not call Van. Not yet," sagot ko.

"But--"

She started to protest but I cut her off. "You need to shut your mouth for now.
Just give us few minutes and I'll let you voice out your senseless thoughts."

/>

She looked offended but remained silent. She sipped her coffee while glaring at us.
I wanted to keep her off from our conversation but I bet she wouldn't agree to
getting another table.

"Why are you here? I told you to stay where you should be," wika ko kay Ethan.
Atubili siyang tumingin sa paligid at saka muling bumaling sa akin.

"I had to leave the place," he gave Summer a quick glance before continuing his
words. "I had to lure them away from the place," maingat niyang sagot.

Tila binuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig nang lubos kong maintindihan ang ibig niyang
sabihin. They were getting too close to the mansion. "I saw you jump to the other
side of the wall," wika ko.

"I saw someone watching me as I jumped. I had to crawl up back and ride on the
first bus just to show that person that was I leaving that place," paliwanag niya.
Tila natanggalan ako ng tinik sa sinabi niyang ginawa niya. But I know I shouldn't
be lax about it. I fished my phone from my jeans. "Ready to leave, Summer? Forest
will--"

"What? No! I told you! I'm not leaving until I'm done with this traitor,"
pagmamatigas niya.

"We have no time. Ethan and I are leaving and I have to send you to Giovanni. It's
not safe here anymore."

If Ethan lured them away from the mansion by going in here, then anytime soon,
someone will come out. And I was sure it was not going to be good.

Muli akong pinigilan ni Summer nang akma ko nang tatawagan si Forest. Masama niyang
tinapunan ng tingin si Ethan

at sinabing, "I'm not letting this traitor escape. I'll go with you."

I frowned at her. How could she be so hard-headed? She was really starting to get
to my nerves. "It. Is. So. Dangerous." I muttered, slowly stressing each word I say
for her to understand.

"I don't care. You are a reaper. You will save me," she confidently answered that
made me grit my teeth. I was a patient person and as much as possible, I tried to
understand the differences of people. But Giovanni's girl was making me want to
explode and smash her head with anything that could kill her immediately.
"We'll have to take the earliest ship and cross the sea. Mas magiging mapanganib
iyon dahil walang mafia na po-protekta sa sinuman sa atin." Well, it was not like
they'd still back me up once they know that I'd been hiding Ethan Montreal. "And
we'll have to cut any connections we had to the Mafia. Even Giovanni," dagdag ko.

Masama niya akong pinagmasdan at sinabing, "Sneaky bitch." Nagkibit-balikat ako at

akmang tatawagan si Forest subalit muli niya akong pinigilan. "When it is over, I
will tell Van everything. He shouldn't have trusted you. Traitors."

I sighed at her. Everything would surely be over. It was just that I didn't know if
it was going to turn out the way I wanted. "When everything is over, I will give
you back to Giovanni. That, I will assure you," sagot ko. She turned her phone off
and handed me a page of a small note. Nagtataka ko siyang tiningnan habang tinawag
niya ang waiter upang humiram ng ballpen. Ibinigay niya iyon sa akin.

/>

"Something to keep Tres sane," tipid niyang sinabi. Tumingin ako sa blankong pahina
ng papel. This was too small to fit all the words I wanted to tell him. Umiling ako
at ibinalik ang pahina kay Summer subalit pinigilan ako ni Ethan.

"Not all people are granted a chance to say goodbye," he said.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at nagsimulang magsulat sa pahina. He might not read it and

just tear it into pieces because of anger. But still, I was hoping that there was a
tiny part of him that would understand. I was doing this for that 'tiny part' of
him.

Sebastian,

Forgive me. You might not understand but someday, you will.

I will always be your reaper.

H.
Summer grabbed the note from me and folded it into four. She scribbled a messy
'Sebassholean' and put a smiley beside it.

"Seriously?" I commented disbelievingly.

She smirked and said, "Do you prefer 'Treshit'?"

Napailing na lang ako habang nagta-type ng message kay Forest about things to pick
up on the café the next day. It would give us enough time to escape. I called the
waiter and asked him to keep the note, car key and our phones because someone would
be there to pick it up tomorrow. He started to refuse but stashing bills in his
uniform pocket made him shut up.

We quickly rushed outside to get our tickets for

the ship that was going to leave in less than thirty minutes. I whispered goodbye
to my car that was silently sitting on the parking lot. I couldn't bring something
that could easily be traced. We got a cabin for four and immediately boarded the
immense ship. Gladly, things were happening way too fast and smooth and I couldn't
help but wonder how hard we were going to get to pay for it. It was already late in
the afternoon and we kept our silence as we rested in our cabin. There were lots of
passengers in the ship probably because of students or people going on a vacation.
I still had more than enough cash in my wallet and a card I could use if ever I ran
out. It wasn't under my name and I was sure that no one can track me if I use it
for a transaction.

"How long does it take for us to get to the other side of the universe?" Summer
asked as she lies down at the bottom of the double-decked bed. We both picked the
bottom of the beds while Ethan decided to take the top of mine.

"Nine hours," I replied.

"Nine hours. And I'll spend those times thinking of the ways to make you bleed,
traitor," she told Ethan.

Ethan sighed and answered, "Please leave my legs functional. I don't want to slow
you down if ever we need to run."

Summer glared at him and started to utter words that would contain profanities so I
stopped her by stating the idea of eating.

"Yeah! The last food I ate was pizza from the Freniere mansion," Summer agreed. I
looked at Ethan and I knew he was hungry, too. We need to gain strength

if we were going to pull out this kind of deadly stunt.

"Ceasefire for food," wika ni Summer habang naglalakad kami papunta sa dining hall.
Kumain kami nang tahimik. Mukhang lahat kami ay nakatuon sa pagkain. I didn't know
I was this hungry. And the girl beside me who was like a hideous monster devouring
the food on the table didn't even bother about equal amount of shares.

"You never change," Ethan commented with a small smile on his lips. It was obvious
that he cared for her and I wonder how Summer's hatred made him suffer now.

"Stop talking like we're friends," she snapped at him and continued eating. I shook
my head.

"Eat, Ethan," wika ko nang mapansin kong pinapanood niya lang si Summer na kumain.
"You can have my food if you need more," wika niya kay Summer na tila hindi niya
ako narinig.

I didn't know why, but somehow, it annoyed me. Why did he have to give his food to
her when he actually needs it? The girl hated him! Why did he have to care?

"I said, eat. If you're going to give your food to her, I will cut her stomach
open, get the food and make you eat it," I threatened.

Summer stopped and swallowed the food in her mouth. Tiningnan niya ako na tila
sinisiguro kung nagbibiro ako. Nang makitaan niya ng kaseryosohan ang mukha ko ay
galit na bumaling sya kay Ethan. "Eat, traitor," aniya.

Ethan decided to eat and we finished our meal in complete silence. Bumalik kami sa
cabin nang matapos kami upang magpahinga. Agad na nakatulog

si Summer habang si Ethan ay nagpaalam upang lumabas saglit. I gave him thirty
minutes and let him go considering that he couldn't go anywhere. I would definitely
find him if he tried to escape. But somehow, the thought of him escaping didn't
trouble me anymore.

Ipinasya kong lumabas at iwan ang natutulog na si Summer. Pumunta ako sa malapit na
railing at pinanuod ang unti-unting pagbaba ng araw sa kanluran. This was too
familiar. And just like an intense thought I was trying to hold, his face flashed
on my mind, flooding it with memories we had on a failed transaction at the sea.

Well, he hates me now. He was probably going to start plotting my assassination

tomorrow. The Mafia had a lot of Reapers. He could always replace me. Why did I
have to say that I would always be his Reaper when he could always deny being my
Mafia Boss? But I was a girl from his childhood. Would that change his mind? Well,
he just announced the death of the boy from our childhood, didn't he? Dead people
do not care about anything at all, right?

I sighed from my thought and watched the sun moving down to kiss the horizon.
Watching it made me feel tired. It made me feel sad. I watched it until it faded
and only the traces of its light were left. I saw a small figure from a distant
part of the sea. It was a little bit far but I knew it was a yacht. The direction
of it from the sunset was also familiar. I saw a kid with a telescope near me and
asked if I could borrow his binoculars. He was confused and probably the thought
about talking to strangers was playing on his mind. I decided to give my practiced
sweet smile and he returned it with his own while handing me his telescope.

"What's the matter?" Ethan asked who was now beside me on the railing. I didn't
answer and put the binoculars in front of my eyes. I was right. It was a yacht.
Probably some beachgoers who decided to sail the sea. I looked for the people in it
and realized they were far from being beach goers. There were few armed men lazily
resting on the yacht. I decided to move my sight to the other side and saw a
familiar person standing on the railings. I felt the blood escaped my face as I
realized who it was. And to make it worse, he was holding something that was
pointed towards us.

Binoculars.

=================

Chapter 26: Eremitia

Chapter 26: Eremitia

Out of the Woods - For King and Country (Ofcourse, I do love Tay, but I was awed by
FKAC's version - like I was listening to their cover of Out of the Woods for one,
two, three, four and more times.)

*****

He could drop his telescope immediately and grab a gun to aim at us. Then, I would
try to dodge it by running away from the railings while pushing Ethan to the other
side. I knew I could always escape bullets. But nothing came up. We just stayed
silently, unmoving on our own railings while watching each other through pairs of
lenses. My hands and forehead were already sweating for the anticipation of his
move. My action seemed to depend on his. I wasn't in the proper place to make an
offensive move because of the people around me.

Subalit walang nangyari. Wala siyang ginawang hakbang ukol sa pagkakakita sa akin
kasama si Ethan. Isang kaswal na ngiti ang gumuhit sa kanyang mga labi habang
patuloy na pinaglalayo kami ng agwat dulot ng pag-andar ng sinasakyan kong bapor.
Ibinaba ko na ang hawak na telescope nang tuluyan na siyang mawala sa paningin ko.

"May problema ba?" Kinakabahan na muling tanong ni Ethan nang mawala sa yate ang
aking atensyon.

"Wala," sagot ko sa kanya. Ibinalik ko ang telescope sa batang nagmamay-ari nito at

saka nagpasalamat. Mukhang hindi na estranghero ang tingin niya sa akin dahil sa
madalas na niyang paglingon sa aking direksyon. It was actually just okay. Until I
felt uncomfortable because when he was smiling at my direction,

it was like I was required to smile back.

"Let's go back to the cabin," seryoso kong wika kay Ethan at nauna nang maglakad.

"I think that little boy was infatuated with you," wika ni Ethan na nasa likuran
ko.

Umiling ako. "Infatuation? I just borrowed his binocular," sagot ko habang

binubuksan ang pintuan ng cabin. Natutulog pa rin si Summer nang maabutan namin.
Ipinasya kong mahiga na lang at ipahinga ang aking katawan. Hindi ko masasabing isa
itong pagtulog. Maaaring nakapikit ang aking mga mata subalit nananatiling gising
ang aking pag-iisip. Maraming posibilidad ang maaaring maganap ngayon. Well, not in
this ship. Not for now. But I was sure that when we reached the other city, things
would not be the same. We would be more vulnerable. We would be hunted. And we must
be careful.
And this man from the yacht. What was he doing in there? He didn't make a move
against me but that doesn't mean he would never make one. In less than nine hours,
he was someone I'm going to worry about.

"Henrietta," mahinang tawag ni Ethan sa pangalan ko na ngayon ay nasa taas nang

bahagi ng aking hinihigaan. Hindi ako sumagot subalit nagpatuloy siya sa kanyang
pagsasalita. "I know you want me dead in your own way. It's selfish and no one
wants to be dead," he chuckled nervously. "But I feel like I should be thankful
because you are going to be my killer. I guess I'm luckier than others." I felt him
move from his bed as he continued speaking. "Kung iba siguro iyon, malamang I
wouldn't be able to have more days. I won't be

given chances. It would never feel like saving me. I know I don't deserve those
things but I'm thankful. Thank you, Henrietta Arturia."

I decided to stay silent. His words were something I couldn't respond with a
'You're welcome'. He's grateful because I was his killer. It wasn't sarcastic at
all. It was actually too sincere that it was too painful to listen to. For the
first time, I felt dislike with my abilities and the things I do. I couldn't hold
the pride of being a Reaper of Freniere Mafia. I pretended to be sleeping instead
of confronting it.

"Well, mahaba pa naman ang oras. I hope you get some sleep. Please rest well. I
won't leave the cabin," muling wika ni Ethan. And it was like his words held a
spell because I suddenly felt sleepy. I was aware of the tiredness this whole thing
brought to my body all the time. But just now, its intensity made it easier for me
shut my mind. Exhaustion and drowsiness made it easier to trust his words. The next
few seconds were nothing but darkness.

I woke up to the feeling of being watched. I mentally took note of the location of
my gun before opening my eyes. I met a pair of dark brown eyes and uncombed hair.
My gaze narrowed into a squint as sat on the bed.

"Ugh. This is so unfair. How could you still pull off this stylish messy hair?" And
she reached my strands with her fingers.
Inilayo ko ang ulo ko sa kanya upang umiwas. How could this girl be crazy and weird
at the same time? Sumimangot siya at saka sinabing, "Gigisingin sana kita pero
mukhang hindi na iyon kailangan

dahil tingnan ka lang, nararamdaman mo na agad."

Nahagip ng mata ko si Ethan na nakatayo sa isang sulok habang nakatingin sa amin.

Tiningnan ko ang suot kong relo. 1:15 am. I must be really tired to get few hours
of deep sleep. Bumangon ako sa aking kinahihigaan at nararamdaman ko ang pagiging
magaan ng aking pakiramdam dahil sa pahinga at tulog. "We'll probably be arriving
between 2:30 am and 3:00 am," wika ko at saka sinuklay ang buhok ko gamit ang aking
mga kamay. Suot pa rin namin ang aming mga damit bago pa man kami sumampa ng barko.
We had nothing but cash and gun-things that were essential to live right now.

"I've never been in that place. I doubt if it's going to be friendlier," may bahid
ng sarkasmong wika ni Summer. Tulad niya ay hindi pa rin ako nakakarating sa lugar
na iyon. There were no missions assigned to me in that place. It was probably
because nothing was so troubling for the Mafia to deal with in there.

"When we reach Eremitia, we'll have to rent a hostel. I don't know how long we're
going to stay in that city but the most important thing right now is to be in a
safe place," pahayag ko sa kanila.

Wala namang pagtutol na ipinakita si Summer. She seemed to be fine staying in a not
so luxurious hotel. Ethan, even though he had some complaints, didn't say anything
against my plan. And as for me, well, I could spend a night with my car. But there
was no car for me to spend the night with in Eremitia so maybe I would just try my
best in that hostel room. It wasn't like we had a choice. Being in a not so

well-known lodge was the best way to camouflage in the city.

We decided to just spend our time waiting
It was still dark outside and I knew that
quickly. When the bell rang signaling the
shore, a woman's voice echoed through the
approaching the dock.
for the ship to reach the Eremitia Port.
it would be hard for us to find a hostel
short distance of the ship from the
whole vessel confirming that the ship was
Nang handa na ang lahat ay mabilis kaming lumabas ng cabin at humalo sa mga
pasaherong mabagal na naglalakad tungo sa labasan. Pinanatili namin ang malapit na
distansya naming tatlo sa isa't isa upang hindi mawala sa dami ng mga tao.

"I could feel the waves. I want to puke," namumutlang wika ni Summer na narinig
naman ng ibang mga pasahero dahilan upang dumistansya sila ng kaunti sa kanya.

I was actually praying for her to be lying just so she can have her beloved
personal space while walking but the paleness of her face seemed to show otherwise.
Agad akong lumapit sa kanya at sinabing, "Hold it in! You can't do it here." I
never thought that days like this would come where I had to deal with a dizzy kid.
I could handle a gigantic, muscled man with a butcher's knife aiming at me but
having a companion vomiting in front of many people? Uh, no. I would run because of
the stench. It was not like I could pretend that I don't know her.

"It's-It's almost in my mouth-" She whined.

"Swallow it!" I told her loudly. Lumingon ako kay Ethan at sinenyasan siya na
lumapit at asikasuhin si Summer subalit ilang mga

tao pa ang nasa unahan niya. He was not that small to fit himself in those little
spaces just to get to us.

"Malapit na tayo sa labasan. Tiisin mo pa ng konti," wika ko sa pagitan ng

nagngangalit kong ngipin. This was probably the reason why she preferred to sleep
most of the hours. Sea sickness.

Malapit na kami sa may pintuan at halos itulak na namin ang ibang pasahero sa
unahan nang naglalakad na kami sa platform. Ethan was trailing us. Halos isang
hakbang na lang ay makakatapak na kami sa konkretong semento nang mahigpit niyang
hawakan ang aking balikat at saka humarap sa akin. Nagtama pa ang puno ng
pagkataranta naming mga mata bago sya yumuko sa dibdib ko at sumuka.

And then, the whole world stopped. It was like being shot with a bullet in my heart
and I was watching the important events in my life flashing in front of me. I
remained still and standing, not breathing, unmoving. I wanted to scream but I
couldn't open my mouth. She was still vomiting in front of me and I continued
playing like a lifeless wall to her.

Muli lang akong bumalik sa realidad nang maramdaman ko ang paghawak ni Ethan sa
aking balikat habang ang isang kamay niya ay hinahagod ang likod ni Summer.
Naramdaman ko rin na pinagtitinginan kami ng mga nagdadaang pasahero. Were they
mocking me? How many people were laughing? How many passengers stopped and still
watched? How many bullets do I have? I decided that closing my eyes was the sanest
thing to do. So I did.

Nang matigil sa pagsusuka si Summer ay dahan-dahan siyang inilayo ni Ethan mula sa

akin.

"Are you okay?" Tanong ni Ethan na hindi ko alam kung kanino niya pinatutungkulan.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Henrietta!" Summer gasped.

I felt my gun becoming colder inside my jacket. Should I get it and kill her right
now? But there were lots of people. I can't have witnesses. Should I silence all
these witnesses? How many passengers, crew, and bystanders were there in the port
right now? It would take time before I murder all of them. Ugh. I couldn't. I must
save bullets. I opened my eyes and glared at Summer.

"There's a comfort room over there. Let's go so you two could at least wash up,"
wika ni Ethan at iginiya kami pareho sa comfort room. Nagmamadali kong hinubad ang
aking jacket at saka itinapat sa ilalim ng gripo. I was left with my maroon tank
top. Summer washed her face and I could see guilt in her expression while looking
at me.
"Are you scared that I'll kill you right away?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Well, kind of. But somehow, I know you won't. I'm really sorry, Henrietta. And,
thanks for coming to me," wika niya.

I just looked at her with blank expression at saka sabay kaming lumabas nang tapos
ko nang linisan ang aking jacket. I didn't bother to wear it again because it
stank. And now that I was only wearing this light piece of clothing, I could feel
the coldness of the three o' clock dawn biting through my bones. Sinalubong agad
kami ni Ethan na tila galing sa isang maliit na tindahan.

"There are cheap hostels few minutes from here according to a lady. Let's just

get a cab," wika niya. Mabilis naman kaming nakahanap ng masasakyan. Iniabot ko kay
Ethan na nasa passenger's seat ang ilang maliit na bills upang pambayad sa nasakyan
naming taxi. I remembered when we rode on a bus on that day I got him. He seemed to
know lots of things about public transportation.

Mukhang hindi kami mahihirapan na makahanap ng matutuluyan dahil tila buhay na

buhay pa rin ang lugar sa mga oras na ito. Mas marami ding mga maaaring tuluyan
kaysa sa inaasahan ko. The cab dropped us in front of a building with walls made of
bricks and dark vines crawling on it. Some of its windows still have lights and
there was a guard waiting at the entrance. The hostel's name happened to be
'Vinea'.

The hostel seemed to be nice compared to what I had in my mind. It was nothing
compared to luxury hotels but I think this one was cozy enough to live in. Agad
kaming itinuro sa reception at nakakuha ng isang family room which has lower rates
compared to what I had in my mind. We checked in for two weeks and informed them
that we might stay longer and we would just let them know a day before our last
day.
The building had 8 floors and our room was located on the 6th floor. Nang marating
namin ang kwarto ay bumungad sa amin ang dalawang queen-sized bed at isang couch.
Sa pagitan ng dalawang kama ay isang kahoy na cabinet at malaking bintana. May
maluwang rin itong comfort room at maliit na dining area na may refrigerator.
Mayroon din itong flat screen TV sa harap ng couch at mesa. The only thing that was
missing was a place to cook but realized that it wasn't an apartment. It was a
hostel for those who are on vacation. Dumiretso ako sa banyo matapos i-check ang
kwarto at saka tumapat sa shower. I needed to wash out all the things that burden
me and clear my mind so I can think well. I needed to decide and make sure that I
would make the right decisions. I needed to make another plan while keeping Summer
Leondale alive. I needed to sort things out about Ethan. I needed to keep us safe.
And yes, I needed to get rid of stinky smell of Summer's vomit in my body. Ugh.
This felt like a day with more than twenty - four hours. And the cold water hit my
body as I turned the shower on.

=================

Chapter 27: Her Companion

Chapter 27: Her Companion

Soundtrack: Use Somebody - Paramore version

We slept wearing the bathrobes we found in the cabinet. Apparently, the family room
was good for four to six family members so we had three more spare bathrobes left.
It was already nine in the morning when I woke up. My two companions were still
sleeping, Summer on the bed beside mine and Ethan on the couch.

Tumayo ako at humakbang tungo sa kinaroroonan ng natutulog na si Summer. Marahan ko

syang hinawakan sa balikat upang gisingin.

"If it's not a death and life situation, please don't wake me up," she murmured in
sleepy voice. Halata ang pagod sa kanyang mukha at sa nangingitim na bahagi ng
ilalim ng kanyang mga mata. Kung isa lang itong ordinaryong araw, hahayaan ko siya
sa kanyang pagtulog. Subalit ito ang unang araw namin sa Eremitia at wala kaming
kahit na anong gamit na maaari naming kailanganin.
"Kailangan natin ng mga damit na pamalit at pagkain. You have to go with me
outside," wika ko. Naramdaman ko na rin ang paggising ni Ethan sa couch. Tila
naalimpungatan rin siya sa palitan namin ng salita ni Summer.

"I can go with you," wika ni Ethan habang humihikab.

Umiling ako at muling ginising si Summer. Kung may taong kailangang maiwan sa
Vinea, si Ethan iyon. He was not yet free from the Novous and Freniere Mafia. As
far as I know, he was the main target now. Summer could also be Novou's target but
the best way I could protect her was when she stays with me.

"You

have to stay, Ethan. You're still my captive. Besides, you have no idea about the
pink dresses I will buy for Summer," sagot ko na agad na ikinabangon ng babae sa
harap ko. Sumimangot siya sa akin at padabog na tinanggal ang kumot na bumabalot sa
kanyang katawan.

"You are the worst shopping buddy I'll ever have!" Napapailing niyang sabi. Agad
namang bumalik sa pagkakahiga si Ethan.

"That's why I'm bringing you. You are going to be my first shopping companion,"
wika ko at saka pumasok sa banyo upang muling isuot ang natuyong tank top at pants
mula kahapon. My jacket was hopeless. It was still stinking with Summer's vomit.
Maybe I would just ask some of the hostel's attendants to bring it to a laundry
shop.

Nang pareho na kaming nakapagpalit ng damit ay lumabas na kami ng Vinea. It was

actually sunny and hotter than what I was expecting it to be. Eremitia was a place
near the sea where it harbored beaches. That must be the reason of the numerous
hostels and clubs around. Marami na ring mga tao at mas lalong naging buhay pa ang
paligid sa araw.
Nakakita kami ng isang boutique sa di kalayuan sa Vinea. Agad kaming pumasok doon
upang bumili ng damit na pangpalit. Masigla naman kaming binati ng babaeng taga-
pagbantay at sinabing tawagin na lang siya kung may napili o kailangan pa kami.
Pareho naman kaming hindi agad nakakibo ni Summer. Nanatili kaming inililibot lang
ang tingin sa paligid. Maaaring magkaiba ang aming gusto at panlasa pagdating sa
mga damit subalit mukhang pareho naming hindi nais ang makukulay na summer and
beach dresses sa paligid.

/>

"Uhm, excuse me. Do you have something na hindi pang-bakasyon sa beach? Like pants,
shirts, or even knitted clothes?" Nakangiwing tawag at tanong ni Summer sa sales
lady.

Agad namang lumapit sa amin ang babae na mukhang sa kasalukuyan ay kakaunti pa

lamang ang mga namimili. "May mga shirts kami and shorts. Mukhang dayo kayo sa
Eremitia. Halos lahat po ng boutique dito ay mga summer clothings po ang naka-
display. Sa likod kasi ng mga panuluyan na mga iyan ay mga beach," Nakangiti niyang
sagot saamin.

Atubiling tumangu-tango si Summer at sinabing, "Oh, okay. Ipapaalam na lang namin

saiyo kapag nakapili na kami," aniya.

Nagkibit-balikat siya nang makaalis na ang babae at sinabing, "Well, I guess that
leaves us no choice but to flaunt our summer bodies." Halata ang sarkasmo sa
kanyang ekspresyon.

Nagsimula kaming mamili ng ilang pares ng mga damit. Minabuti namin na pumili ng
mga simple summer dresses para sa aming dalawa. Kumuha na rin ako ng tatlong tote
bag upang paglagyan ng sari-sarili naming gamit. Pinanood ko sya habang sinisipat
ang isang kulay asul na summer dress.

"Aren't you going to pick something?" Tanong niya.

"I usually have my clothes ready in my room. It was either requested from a shop or
provided by my mother. So maybe you can help me with this," wika ko. With school
and reaper stuff, I didn't have much time to go shopping or visit a salon to do
womanly things. If there was a certain occasion in our family, my mom usually
summons some designer or artist for us. That was

just how it goes in our family. That was why I was trying to watch Summer while
shopping so I can just learn from it and do the same.

"Oh! I am willing to serve you, Princess of Arturia. But my inability to perform

girly things made me a bad choice for fashion, styling and shopping. But we'll do
our best, your highness," she said grinning. Inilapit niya sa kanyang katawan ang
kulay asul na summer dress at saka siya tuluyang napangiti. I had to admit that it
looked good on her. Blue complimented her skin color. Kumuha siya ng isang strapped
yellow dress at itinapat sa katawan ko.

"Uh, your highness, how can the world be so unfair? You definitely look like a
beach hottie in this one," wika niya.

"Kailangan ko lang ng simple at kumportableng kasuotan." Sagot ko.

Umikot siya nang nakalahad ang dalawang kamay at sinabing, "These are all summer
dresses at ang isang ito ay kabilang sa mga simpleng damit na naririto." At saka
niya inilagay sa isa sa mga hawak kong tote bag ang dalawang dress. Pareho kaming
pumili ng mga disensyo ng puting mga t-shirts at kumuha ng dalawa. So far, we got
six shorts and shirts and three summer dresses. Kumuha na rin kami ng mga
underwears. Thank God, this boutique was selling underwears. Nang matapos kami sa
mga kasuotan na kailangan namin ay lumipat kami sa men's section. Kumuha ako ng
isang khaki shorts at isang t-shirt.

"Wow! I'm wondering how you got his size." Summer smirked at my direction.
"I bought him clothes before and he didn't complain so I guess I got the

right size," paliwanang ko. Napailing ako dahil tila kailangan ko pang ipaliwanag
sa kanya ang bagay na ito. Pareho kaming pumili ng disenyo ng t-shirt at shorts na
gagamitin ni Ethan. Nang magawi kami sa men's underwear ay sabay kaming
nagkatinginan.

"Well, I'll leave the size on you," She said teasingly. Kumuha ako ng ilang boxers
at mabilis na nilagay sa tote bag. Lumingon ako sa paligid at saka muling nagtama
ang aming paningin. Nanatili kaming nakatingin sa isa't isa nang ilang segundo
hanggang sa pareho naming hindi na napigilan ang mga gumuhit na ngiti sa aming mga
labi.

"Giovanni will kill you if he sees you buying underwear for another man," pabiro
kong sabi. I didn't know I could be carefree and comfortable having this girl
around.

"Hey! Don't tell him. And I'm not the one buying them. It's you. You even knew the
size!" She said laughing. Nang muli kaming mapadaan sa women's section upang
magbayad sa cashier ay nadaanan namin ang ilang pares ng swim wears. Summer and I
both stopped and looked at each other. Tumingin siya sa akin na tila ba hinihingi
ang permiso at opinion ko gamit ang kanyang mga mata.

"Well, swimming is not bad," wika ko at saka hinayaan siyang pumili ng swimwear.
She got pairs of blue and black bikinis and tops.

"The black is yours," aniya. Sasabihin ko sana na hindi ko nais na maligo sa dagat
subalit mabilis na niya iyong nailagay sa tote bag. Kukunin niya sana ang isang
pares ng maroon swim suit nang may sumagi sa kanya at kinuha iyon. Agad ko siyang
naalalayan upang hindi tuluyang matumba. Nang maayos na siyang nakatayo ay lumingon
siya sa taong sumagi sa kanya. It was a tall girl with a mid-length black hair and
big black eyes. She had natural tanned skin and wearing red bikini top and short
shorts.
"Oops. Sorry. I just love red," wika nito na halatang hindi sinsero ang paghingi ng
tawad.

Humalukipkip naman si Summer at saka siya tinitigan. "Yeah. Swimming is not bad
since we are surrounded by beaches," malakas na sabi ni Summer na may diin sa
salitang 'beaches'. She's probably talking with me but maybe, not dahil galit na
hinarap siya ng babaeng sumagi sa kanya.

"What are you trying to say?" Mataray na tanong nito.

Summer gave out her annoying smirk and said, "Are you talking to me?"

"Yes. Because you just called me 'bitch'. You don't go around Eremitia and call
people bitch." Halata ang inis sa boses ng babae.

Mukha namang hindi naaapektuhan si Summer ng napipintong pagtatalo nila dahil mas
lumawak pa ang kanyang ngisi. "I said, beach. Why did you turn your head like I
just called your name?" Tanong ni Summer na halos ikapula ng mukha ng babae dahil
sa pinipigilang galit.

Maaaring sa sunod na pagsasalita ni Summer ay saktan na siya ng babae kung kaya

naman hinila ko na siya palayo upang magbayad sa cashier. Ramdam ko pa rin ang
masamang tingin ni ipinupukol sa amin ng babae nang matapos kami sa pagbabayad at
papalabas na ng pintuan. Subalit bago pa man kami tuluyang makalabas ay muling
nagsalita ng malakas si Summer, "And it's Maroon, Beach. It's not just red," aniya
bago ko pa sya nahila at tuluyang magsara ang pintuan ng boutique. She bursted out
laughing on our way back to the Vinea. I guess there would never be peaceful days
with her.

=================

Chapter 28: Dancing with the Snakes

Chapter 28: Dancing with the Snakes

Soundtrack: Drink a Beer - Luke Bryan

"I wonder what he's doing right now," wika ni Summer na nakaupo sa malaking bintana
sa pagitan ng aming mga higaan. Ever since Giovanni recovered, they spent almost
all of their time together. Malamang ay hinahanap niya ang presensiya nito.

"He's probably looking for you," sagot ni Ethan.

Tinapunan ni Summer ng masamang tingin si Ethan at sinabing, "He's been looking for
you for many months. Now I know why they couldn't find you." At saka niya inilipat
ang mga tingin sa akin. "And I wouldn't be surprised if they couldn't find us."

Ipinagpatuloy ko ang pagbabasa ng libro. It was a good thing indeed that Eremitia
still has bookstores despite all the parties and clubbing going on. Eremitia had a
soul.

"Henrietta has important reasons why she hid me and kept me alive," wika ni Ethan.

"You better have a reason for being a big snake," Summer snapped at him. There was
a silence between them before Summer continued speaking. "He trusted you. They
trusted you. And I did, too."

Nanatiling tahimik si Ethan sa kabila ng pagsasalita ni Summer. Kumpara sa

pagtatagpo nila sa coffee shop, mas kalmado na ang babae ngayon. Hindi siya gumawa
ng anumang hakbang upang saktan si Ethan. Confrontation was something I expected
from them. It was just that I was not expecting it should happen this time.
Iginugol namin ang halos buong maghapon namin sa pananatili sa loob ng kwarto.

Summer and I was able to buy some books to read from a book store. May mga ilang
magagandang palabas din sa telebisyon na nakatulong upang kainin ang aming oras.
Mukhang naubusan na sila ng gagawin kung kaya't pinili nila ang magpalitan ng
salita.

"We thought you were with us. Isa ka lang palang kasumpa-sumpang ahas." May bahid
ng purong galit ang tinig ni Summer. I had no idea what happened inside Montello
High during the lockdown. Maybe, it was worse than what we were thinking.

Ang akala kong sa wakas ay katahimikan ay muling nabura dahil sa pagsasalita ni

Ethan. "Pinagsisisihan ko ang ginawa ko. Kinain ako ng inggit at kapangyarihan na
agad bumura sa aming pagkakaibigan. Kung mayroon pa sana akong isa pang
pagkakataon," tahimik niyang sabi.

Nawala na ang konsentrasyon ko sa pagbabasa at sa halip ay nakinig sa kanila habang

nagpapanggap sa aking ginagawa. "There are no more chances, Ethan," tanging nasabi
ni Summer.

"Yeah. I've ran out of chances," malungkot na sagot ng lalaki. Nang tuluyan na
silang natahimik pareho ay isinara ko ang libro atsaka tumingin sa kanilang dalawa.
Nakatungo lang si Ethan sa kanyang kinauupuan habang si Summer ay nakatingin sa
lalaki na tila ba naaawa siya rito. Agad ring napalitan iyon ng pag-irap nang
makita niya akong nakatingin sa kanya.

"The best way to feel the agony is to look back. If you really want to undergo
pain, make sure that it's worth it," I murmured lazily at them. I had to pull them
back from the mud pool of the past. They were not in Montello High or Arturia

Mansion. They were here with me in Eremitia. And there were definitely lots of
things to worry about than the actions they had in the past.
"Yes. There's no sense looking back at the past. But it will matter if you avenge
it," sagot ni Summer. Ethan glanced at my direction knowingly.

"You had your revenge when you punched him," I said.

"But it wasn't enough. He didn't even bleed," kontra ni Summer.

"Well, it's no one's fault if your best shot didn't even make a scratch on him," I
couldn't help the sarcasm in my voice.

Summer responded with a glare and hop down from sitting at the window. "Minamaliit
mo ba ang kakayahan kong sumuntok?" Naiinis niyang tanong.

"You surely got strength and I got it, too. Fortunately, it matches with my speed,"
I reasoned out.

"You're just defending Ethan because you are also a snake," matalas ang dilang sabi
niya. Hindi ako agad sumagot at sa halip ay matiim ko lang siyang tiningnan. This
girl didn't know how to hold her tongue. "I can't believe I'm with filthy snakes in
a box. Snakes! That's what you are right? At ang mas nakakagalit pa, you are a
snake to the person you care about. You are betraying Tres!" Malakas ang boses
niyang sabi na tila nakatagpo ng lakas ng loob dahil sa aking pananahimik.

"Hetta is protecting us, Summer," awat ni Ethan na agad namang ikinatawag ng pansin
ng galit na babae.

"And you pretended before that you're protecting me, right? Crap, you're Van's best
friend! I think

snakes have new features now, and that's being protective to the person they will
betray," Galit niyang wika kay Ethan. From being calm to her boiling point in just
a few seconds--that's how she changed her mood. Or maybe she was just trying to
control herself and wasn't able to hold it any longer.

"I'm really sorry," muling paghingi ng tawad ni Ethan. Muli sana siyang magsasalita
ng laban kay Ethan subalit agad akong tumayo sa pagitan nilang dalawa. This outrage
needed to be stopped.

"Another traitor," sarkastikong wika ni Summer. "You're protecting me, too. Right?
I absolutely know where it's going to end. Tres should brace himself for betrayal."

"You should stop now," seryoso kong sabi.

Subalit sa halip na tumigil ay umangat ang kanyang
aking mga balikat. Ethan got my back and attempted
immediately pushed him away. He landed with a thud
ng makita niyang bumagsak si Ethan at napaatras ng
akong lumapit sa kanya.
mga kamay at itinulak ako sa
to break us apart but I
on his back. Natahimik si Summer
ilang hakbang nang mag-umpisa

"So you're saying that you're with snakes in a box, right?" The threat is evident
in my voice. "Do you know what you should be worried about right now? You are a
pretty little mouse with two snakes in a box where hundreds of cats are wandering
outside," wika ko at saka tumalikod upang kunin ang libro.

Matapos ang ilang segundong pagkakatulala niya ay padabog siyang pumunta sa kanyang
kama at saka nagtalukbong ng kumot. Muling nanaig ang katahimikan sa kwarto

habang ipinagpapatuloy ko ang pagbabasa.

Nang sumapit ang dilim ay ipinasya naming lumabas upang kumain ng hapunan sa isang
tahimik na restaurant. Mas maingay at nananatiling buhay at maliwanag ang Eremitia
sa gabi. Walang imik naming inubos ang aming pagkain. Tila pareho kaming mayroong
pag-aalinlangan na kausapin ang sinuman sa amin. Matapos ang halos kalahating oras
naming pananatili sa restaurant ay ipinasya naming lumabas upang bumalik sa Vinea.
Nauuna si Summer sa paglalakad habang nasa likod kami ni Ethan na paminsan-minsan
ay nagpapalitan ng tingin. Natatanaw na namin ang Vinea nang biglang lumiko si
Summer ng daan at nakita naming papasok sa isang maingay na club. Nagmamadali
kaming humabol sa kanya at agad ko siyang pinigilan sa braso.

"Please. I need a drink," wika niya. Nang magtama ang aming mga mata ay tila nakita
ko ang lungkot o pangungulila sa kanya. Hindi ako agad nakapag-salita. She seemed
to really need it. But if we were going to enter a place like this, we might be
risking our safety.

"Henrietta," tawag pansin sa akin ni Ethan at agad akong lumingon sa kanya. "I
think we all need it," aniya.

I wanted to say that they were wrong. I didn't need it. Kung malungkot sila, why
were they going to blend with those happy people inside? Why did they need a drink
when it will just make them feel worse? Subalit dahil sa parehong pagsusumamo ng
kanilang mga mukha ay atubili akong tumango.

"We're not going to stay long here. Let's go back at nine," wika ko at saka ako
hinawakan ni Summer sa braso upang

igiya sa loob. Tila nabawasan ang anumang galit niya sa akin dahil sa pagpayag ko.

Napailing ako nang tuluyan na kaming makapasok. It was noisy and crowded. I'd been
to parties before but they were quite formal compared to this. And usually, we were
wearing long gowns or cocktail dresses but these people, they were wearing bikinis
and showing too much skin. Sinulyapan ko ang mga dresses na suot namin at tila
hindi naman kami nalalayo sa karamihan. But still.
"Let's sit here," nakangising sabi ni Summer habang naglalakad kami tungo sa
bakanteng mesa sa medyo gilid na parte ng lugar. Pumayag ako dahil mukha namang
hindi masyadong matao doon kumpara sa gitnang bahagi kung saan may mga
nagsasayawan.

Nang lumapit sa amin ang isang tagapag-silbi ay mabilis na ibinigay nila Ethan at
Summer ang mga nais nilang inumin. Nang bumaling saakin ang waiter upang kunin ang
nais kong inumin ay sinabi kong, "A fine red wine."

Summer laughed and asked the waiter for another drink. Nang tuluyan na itong
makaalis ay saka ako nagsalita. "I don't think drinking in this kind of place is a
good idea." When you drink in a quiet place alone, it makes you think of better
plans and judgment of certain things or situation. It actually allows you to think
clearly. And I don't think I can enjoy my drink here.

"Relax, Henrietta," wika ni Summer at saka nakangiting inilibot ang paningin sa

paligid. Nang tapunan ko ng tingin si Ethan ay ganoon rin ang ginagawa nito na tila
ba pareho silang may naaalala sa lugar na ito. Nang magkatinginan sila ay

agad din nilang binawi ang tingin sa isa't isa.

"What's going on?" Tanong ko. Umiling si Summer. Mabilis namang bumalik ang waiter
dala ang dalawang bucket ng bottled alcoholic drinks. I watched them as they both
get their own bottle and drank from it. Kumuha namang muli ng isa pa si Ethan at
binuksan iyon at saka iniabot sa akin. Nagdadalawang-isip ko iyong ininom at nang
matikman ay tila ba gustong magrebelde ng aking sikmura. I think this was the first
time I had this.

"I don't really want to apologize but I think I acted like a bitch again just a
while ago," biglang wika ni Summer nang maubos nito ang isang bote ng alak at saka
muling nagbukas ng isa pa. "This night will make us loosen up, I guess."

Muli akong uminom sa sarili kong bote at mukhang unti-unti nang nasasanay ang aking
panlasa rito. The thing was that, it was making me numb and a little bit lax.
Nagpapalitan na rin ng maiikling konbersasyon si Ethan at Summer habang ako naman
ay panay ang tingin sa paligid. The crowd and noise were still making me
uncomfortable.

Maya't maya pa ay nagbago ang genre ng pinatutugtog na musika at nagsimulang

tumugtog ang banda sa entablado ng isang mas kalmado na awitin. Nakuha nito ang
atensyon ng lahat at nagsiupo ang mga taong kani-kanina lamang ay tila nagwawala sa
pagsasayaw.

Summer was listening intensely to the music amidst drinking so I decided to listen
to it, too. It was actually a good song about someone who was gone and the singer
couldn't do anything but to watch everything disappear and just drink a beer.

/>

"Tyler." It was just a whisper but I heard it clearly from her lips.

I glanced at her direction and saw complete loneliness in her face. The only Tyler
I know was dead and would never come back. I guess, she's talking about the
Freniere's youngest man.

"A good kid. Ian loved him," I said without thinking.

Tumingin sa akin si Summer at sinabing, "He died because of saving me." Hindi na
umangal si Summer nang hawakan siya ni Ethan sa balikat.

"He's a reaper. Reapers will die to save you," mapakla kong sabi at saka
nagpakawala ng isang hindi sinserong pagtawa. I guess I drank a bottle of
tactfulness and carelessness.
"You are a Reaper," wika niya.

"I will die to save you," agad kong sagot.

"If there's someone who will die, it should be me," biglang wika ni Ethan. I looked
at him and said, "Yes, it should be you."

Ngumisi sa kanya si Summer at saka tumangu-tango. Nang matapos ang kanta ay naubos
na rin ang mga laman ng aming bote. Muling napalitan ang kanilang musika ng maingay
na kanta at sa pagkakataong ito ay halos hindi ko na iyon pinansin. We were already
in our second bucket and I could feel the alcohol affecting me. Maya-maya pa ay
biglang tumayo si Summer at saka ako hinila patayo ng aking upuan.

"Let's dance our misery away!" Malakas nitong sabi habang inaakay ako papunta sa
gitna. Naiwan naman si Ethan sa aming mesa na patuloy sa pag-inom.

I don't really know what to do or how to dance with the music but Summer

helped me by putting her arm over my shoulder and swayed our body to the song.
After a while, I finally got the rhythm and danced and laughed carelessly with her.
All the worries and troubles seemed to evaporate with the smoke around the dance
floor. Pareho na kaming nasisiyahan sa aming pagsasayaw nang isang grupo ng mga
babae ang tumulak sa amin palayo.

"Oops! Earthquake!" Tumatawang sigaw ni Summer habang pareho naming binabalanse ang
sarili.

Tumingin ako sa mga babae at namukhaan ko ang isa sa kanila mula sa boutique shop
na pinuntahan naming kanina. I grinned at them.
"So these bitches are getting wasted in our territory," komento nito na
nakapameywang. Nasa lagpas lima subalit hindi bababa sa sampu ang kanyang mga
kasama. Ang tatlo sa mga ito ay mga lalaki na tila mga nobyo ng ilan sa kanila.

"Your territory?" Nakakalokong tanong ni Summer at sinabing, "Oh, yeah! I danced in

hell's different territories already. I can dance here and wherever I want, bitch."
She giggled and couldn't help but joined her.

"The music is still on. Let's just dance," wika ko na tila hindi napapapawi ang
ngiti sa mukha at saka muling sumayaw. Sumabay naman si Summer. Unti-unti kong
naramdaman ang pag-lalayuan ng ibang tao sa amin hanggang sa kami nalang ni Summer
at ang grupo ng babae mula sa boutique shop ang natira.

"Let's see if you can still dance after I shame you," wika nito at saka kinuha ang
isang baso ng cocktail mula sa kasama at ibinuhos sa aming dalawa ni Summer.

Summer screamed

and we both stopped dancing. Tumigil na rin ang musika at halos lahat ng atensyon
ay nasa amin na. I could hear whistles because of the curves we're probably showing
through our wet dresses.

"You should know better than to get in my way," wika ng babae kay Summer.

"Jazarah! Let's go!" Wika ng isa nitong kasamahan.

Akma na sana silang tatalikod nang bigla siyang hawakan ni Summer sa braso ng
mahigpit at saka sapilitang iniharap sa kanya. This girl really had strength.
"What now?" Inis nitong sabi subalit anupamang kasunod niyon ay tuluyang naputol
dahil sa pagsalubong ng kamao ng Summer sa kanyang mukha.

She screeched in pain as she fell backwards to her companion. Muli siyang hinila ni
Summer at inundayan ulit ng malakas na suntok. It was actually the same forced she
used when she punched Ethan. Nang akmang susugod sa kanya ang mga babae nitong
kasama upang pagtulungan si Summer ay saka ako humarang sa kanila.

"Let's get this bitch down," galit na wika ng isa at saka nagsimulang sumugod sa
akin kasunod ng mga kasamahan nito.

I smirked evilly causing them to almost stop but when they continued attacking me,
I let out few quick punches and kicks that made them fall on the floor in less than
a minute. It was like dancing. Nang akma namang susuntukin ako ng kasamahan nilang
mga lalaki ay mabilis iyong nasangga ng isang braso. Nakita ko ang biglang paglitaw
ni Ethan at saka nakipagbuno sa tatlong lalaki. His moves were flawed but still
connecting to the opponents. He really was a gangster. Nang mapabagsak niya ang
tatlo ay saka ko nilapitan si Summer upang awatin sa patuloy na pagsuntok sa
babaeng tinawag na Jazarah. Her dark complexion became even darker because of the
bruises she got from Summer's attack.

"You messed with the wrong people," wika nito.

Halos hilahin ko si Summer palayo at nang madaanan namin ang tila natutulalang mga
bouncer, sinabi kong, "The situation is under control." At saka ngumiti sa kanila.
It seemed that my smile had an effect on them because they nodded and smiled back.

Bago pa kami makalabas na tatlo mula sa club ay muling sumigaw si Summer, "Keep
partying, bitches!" Aniya at saka muling tumugtog ang musika at bumalik ang ingay
sa paligid. My head still felt light as we walked back to the Vinea. One thing wass
for sure. I would regret everything tomorrow.

=================

Chapter 29: The Visitors

Chapter 29: The Visitors

Soundtrack: Paralyzed - Against the Current

I woke up to the light from the window that kissed my skin. I felt its warmth
slowly creeping in my almost numbed flesh. But it never helped the pain I started
to feel in my head. I was sure I'd gotten weaker this morning than the other days I
had. Ugh. Last night. It was probably because of last night.

Sapo ang ulo ay dahan-dahan akong bumangon mula sa aking kama. Agad kong tinungo
ang refrigerator upang kumuha ng tubig at saka bumalik sa direksyon ng aking higaan
at huminto sa tapat ng nakabukas na bintana. It was definitely hotter here compared
to the other side of the sea. Mas maraming tao sa palagid at mas malakas ang ingay
na sa bawat sandali ay naririnig. Isinara ko ang bintana upang manaig ang lamig na
nanggagaling sa air conditioner ng silid nang bigla akong mapatigil upang ilibot
ang paningin sa paligid. Nag-iisa lang ako. Nasaan na sila? Agad na nahagip ng
aking mga mata ang isang maliit na papel sa desk na kanina ay hindi ko napansin at
agad iyong kinuha.

'I have a terrible headache and the sea is the cure.'

Napailing ako. Paanong ang isang Reaper na tulad ko ay hindi namalayan ang kanilang
pag-alis? I think the alcoholic drink reduced my alertness. It made me vulnerable.
I couldn't imagine what would happen if something unexpected occurred. I should
never drink such poison again. Agad kong binuksan ang maliit na cabinet kung saan
namin inilagay ang aming mga kasuotan at kinuha ang kulay itim na pares

ng swimwear at shorts. I shrugged as I went to the bathroom. Maybe the sea can
actually cure this headache.
It was already nine when I decided to step out of the Vinea. I walked towards the
sandy back of the hotel and found the beach. There were already people swimming at
the sea while the others were just lying on the sand or resting on some drink bars.
That was where I saw Summer drinking mango juice while talking with Ethan. She
really looked attractive in those blue bikini top and shorts.

Naglakad ako tungo sa kanilang direksyon at nang matanaw nila ang aking pagdating
ay tila ba nakakita sila ng multo at napako sa kanilang kinatatayuan. A ghost in
the beach? Walang imik na dumiretso ako sa kanila at naupo sa bakanteng upuan sa
tabi ni Summer. Nararamdaman ko rin ang mga pares ng mga matang nakatingin sa aming
direksyon.

"Do you have any idea how people were dazzled by your annoyingly graceful,
effortless normal walk?" Seryosong taong ni Summer nang makaupo ako. Walang bahid
ng tuwa o inis sa kanyang ekspresyon. Nanatili lang itong seryoso at nakatingin sa
akin.

"I'm used to it," seryoso ko ring sagot na hindi man lang tinapunan ang paligid
upang kumpirmahin ang sinasabi niya.

Sumimangot sya at saka bumaling kay Ethan na tahimik lang na nakatingin sa akin.
"Look at this dog here drooling over you," wika niya dahilan upang agad bawiin ni
Ethan ang tingin sa akin.

"You're not bad yourself. Flaunting your body like that, he probably couldn't move
an inch from you," komento ko. Pareho naming

itinuon ang pansin kay Ethan at nakita namin ang agad na pamumula ng kanyang mga
pisngi.

"Well, this is one of the most uncomfortable situations I've ever been. And the
best move, for now, was to get you, ladies, some cold drinks," pormal niyang wika
at agad na umalis sa kinatatayuan.

Summer giggled at him and turned to me. "So, how was your sleep?" Tanong niya.

"You made me drink a poison last night," sagot ko.

"You seemed to like it. I saw you sleeping like Snow White this morning. Kaya naman
hindi na kita ginising." Kibit-balikat niya.

"It might cause death to us. Naisip mo bang natulog tayo na tila ba walang kahit na
anong panganib kagabi?"

She smiled and said, "We had a good and deep sleep last night. That's what we all
need."

I made no answer. Dumating si Ethan dala ang dalawang baso ng mango juice. Agad
kong kinuha ang isang baso at uminom. Tumanggi naman si Summer nang alukin siya ni
Ethan.

"They're kinda having words about you in the counter. It seemed that last night was
one of those big nights they have," wika ni Ethan.

"Bad words? Good words?" Tanong ni Summer.

"Both. She seemed to be a darling in this town. But being the Mayor's woman earned
you some good points. They seemed to dislike her for that," sagot niya.

I shrugged and looked around the surrounding. The beach was pretty lively and
enchanting. Nakaka-halinang magpayakap sa lamig ng tubig nito. Nakaka-engganyong
humiga sa mapuputing buhangin at

magpahalik sa banayad na sikat ng araw. Napukaw ang aking atensyon nang biglang
tumahimik ang paligid sa pagpasok ng isang customer. We both looked at the new
comer and saw the girl from last night with bruised face. She was wearing enormous
sunglasses that covered almost half of her face. Mukhang napalingon siya sa aming
direksyon subalit agad ding binawi ang tingin at nakasimangot na nagtungo sa
counter.

"You seemed to damage her face severely," komento ko kay Summer.

Ngumisi siya at sinabing, "She looked so annoying. I would prefer Trinity anytime.
I want to punch that girl thrice and Trinity only twice."

"You never change," tahimik na wika ni Ethan. Umirap sa kanya si Summer at saka
ibinaling ang tingin sa babaeng nasa counter. Nang makuha nito ang inorder na juice
ay taas-noo itong naglakad palabas na tila isang kagalang-galang na nilalang.

Summer silently giggled while Ethan suppressed a smile. My companions could be

really mean sometimes. "I don't know but it's kinda rude. We don't allow such
violence and bullying in Arturia University."

Summer met my eyes and her smile faded. "Kaya naman hindi ako nababagay mapabilang
sa mga mapagkunwari," aniya.
Tiim-bagang ko siyang tinitigan subalit nanatili akong tahimik. "Summer--" pigil ni
Ethan subalit nagpatuloy pa rin ito.

"You still don't get it? I'm talking about death and torture. I can also add
kidnapping and treachery."

Mahigpit kong hinawakan ang baso ng mango juice na nasa aking kamay. I shouldn't
let her words

affect me. Maybe that was just the way she is. "You have no idea of the things you
are talking about," seryoso kong sabi.

"Yes. You really have no idea." Sang-ayon ng isang bagong tinig. Sabay-sabay kaming
napatingala sa may-ari ng boses na ngayon ay nasa aming harapan. He was wearing a
dark brown leather long coat and a pair of black boots which is completely out of
place in Eremitia. He was also holding a flask in his hand and smiling at us like
he brought the sunshine.

"Damn! How could you keep up with that fashion?" Bulalas ni Summer mula sa
pagkabigla.

Unlike her, Ethan and I felt uncomfortable at his presence. He shouldn't be here.
He just made things more complicated.

"It pays to stand out in the crowd," sagot ng bagong dating. Masama ko siyang
tiningnan nang magkasalubong ang aming tingin. Alam kong matagal na niya akong
pinaghihinalaan subalit hindi ko inaaasahan na makikita niya ako sa panahon at
lugar na ito. It was definitely a bad timing. "Oh, please don't give me the glares,
my lady. This is such a beautiful day," wika niya sa akin.
Mas sinamaan ko pa ang tingin ko sa kanya. Halata ang pagbabanta sa aking mga mata.
"Why are you here?" Tanong ko.

Bumaling siya sa walang imik na si Ethan muling tumingin sa akin. "I'm here to warn
you. The game is just starting," nakangisi niyang sagot.

"The game has long started," agad kong sagot.

"This is going to be a different game," kontra niya at mabilis na humila ng upuan

mula sa isang bakanteng

mesa at umupo sa pagitan ni Summer at Ethan. "I think you already have your own
personal share in this one. And I assure you that this is going to be more
dangerous."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure you have your way of manipulating it," sabat ni Summer.
She seemed to dislike him, too.

"That, my lady, is called puzzle solving. I need to move pieces at times," sagot
niya.

"How did you find us?" Muli kong tanong. Bukod sa dahilan ng kanyang pagpunta rito
ay gusto ko ring malaman kung paano niya kami natagpuan. I was so sure that I was
careful before we left the port. Gaano katagal na niya akong minamanmanan?

He showed his white teeth when he smiled at me as if I'd given him a way to perform
his show. "And that was a brilliant question," he started. "Let's just say that I
am fascinated with puzzles and secrets. Ever since I met you, I couldn't take you
out of my head. That's what usually happens when someone's keeping something from
me. And that, my dear, is how I found you."
"Your word play would never help you once I decide to kill you, Detective Patrick
Penber," mahina ang boses kong pagbabanta.

His smile didn't fade. He stared at me as if he knew a lion so well and that he was
sure it was not going to eat him. "And here I thought words are love and could save
me anytime."

Ethan cleared his throat and our attention turned to him. "Are you here to find
me?" He asked. He was a mixture of nervousness and uncertainty.

The man tapped his shoulder and said, "Some

people badly want to find you."

Puno ng pagtatanong ang mga mata ni Ethan nang bumaling ito sa kanya. Who would get
a detective to find a traitor like him? "Giovanni Freniere wants to find his
friend," mas lumawak ang ngiti niya nang siya ay magpatuloy, "And Sebastian
Freniere just wanted a reasonable kill."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Ethan na tila nag-iisip. He knew people would want him dead.
Was he nervous of dying? Was he scared to be gone?

"I wouldn't allow Sebastian unless I'm done with you so no need to worry about it
for now," wika ko sa kanya.

Agad siyang nag-angat ng tingin at nakita kong tila walang anumang takot ang
kanyang mukha. Sa halip, puno ito ng kaba. Kinakabahan siya subalit may munting
ngiti sa labi. "Before I even double-crossed Van, I knew Tres would come after my
life. It's just that, I thought Van would do the same, too," sagot ni Ethan.

"So Van decided to look after this cockroach instead of finding me?" Pabirong wika
ni Summer.

"Oh, he knew you'd be safe because you're with a reaper," agad na sagot ng
Detective.

Nang walang sinuman ang nagtangkang magtanong o magsalita ay nabalot ang grupo
namin sa katahimikan. Mukha namang nasisiyahan ang Detective sa pag-oobserba sa
amin.

"So they know already?" Sa wakas ay tanong ko.

"It was just my intuition about you at first. The Mafia Freniere respects the
division of territories so they didn't want to enter the Arturia Mansion. I
couldn't enter your land because you're a precious princess with battalions and
sentries lined up to guard you and your thoughts. But when you decided to leave, I
took the advantage."

I slammed my fist on the table and asked him again. "Do they know already?" This
time, it was louder and clearer.

"Yes. They know about you already," sagot niya.

"You told them?" Tanong ng nabiglang si Summer.

"I did. But one person doesn't believe and wants to prove it," wika niya.

"Who is it?" Muli kong tanong.

"Why don't you see him for yourself? He's probably waiting for you in Vinea." His
teasing smile made me nervous. A part of me wanted to glue myself to the seat while
the other wanted to run and dash towards the Vinea. A small thought in my mind told
me to escape. Looking at us now in this situation showed we couldn't just flee
right away. I guess there was no running away this time.

"Stay here," matigas kong sabi kina Summer at Ethan at saka tumayo sa aking
kinauupuan. I sprinted out of the bar and met the warm heat of the sun.

=================

Chapter 30: Poison and Wine

Chapter 30: Poison and Wine

Soundtracks: Poison and Wine by Civil Wars

My heart was already reaching for the door before my hands did. I was almost daft
to everything around me except from my heart which beating I could only hear.

"Well, hi," he casually said when I entered the room. Halos hindi ako makasagot sa
ginawa kong paghabol ng paghinga. It was like trying to beat my record in running
just to get here fast.
Sa halip na sumagot ay tiningnan ko lang siya. He was standing near the window,
probably looking outside before I got in the Vinea. He was wearing a black tuxedo
and a navy blue tie, the outfit he usually wears whenever he was doing a
transaction. It suited him as always but it was absolutely out of place in
Eremitia. And here I thought Detective Penber's long coat was already hilarious.

"How are you?" Tanong niya sa seryosong tono. He didn't show his usual devilish
smirk whenever he was watching a prey. I knew I was his prey this time.

Hindi ko pa rin nagawang sumagot. Tila nagka-buhol-buhol ang aking dila sa ginawa
kong pagtakbo at sa mabilis na tibok ng puso ko. Ikinuyom ko na lang ang aking
kamao sa kawalan ng mga salitang sasabihin.Nang magsimula siyang maglakad palapit
ay mas lalo kong naramdaman ang matinding kaba.

"Sebastian," mahina kong sabi nang ilang hakbang na lang ang layo niya mula sa
akin.

Subalit hindi siya tumigil at sa halip ay nagpatuloy ito hanggang sa mapilitan

akong umatras. I felt the door

at my back when I was left with no space. I held my breath as he continued his
approach. Halos hindi ko magawang ikurap ang aking mga mata sa pangambang may kung
ano man siyang gagawin. He was so calm and I couldn't help but felt fear. His mere
existence could cause me nervousness.

I blinked when he raised his right arm and reached towards me, to the thing at my
back. Napalunok ako nang marinig ko ang tunog ng pag-lock ng pinto at kinakabahang
tumingin sa kanya.

"Sebastian," I murmured. I tried to push him on his chest but my arms failed to put
strength on them so he just stayed without moving an inch.

"Why did you leave?" He asked.

I knew he already had an idea of the answer and maybe he was just trying to sort it
from me. And now that he was here, I couldn't even find the right words to tell
him.

"Sebastian," I said quietly. It seemed that his name was the only sound I could
produce at this moment. His closeness to my body made me feel so uncomfortable and
nervous.

"What are you doing in this hell-hot hole?" He asked again.

Pinili kong magbaba ng tingin sa halip na sumagot. Mismong ang aking isipan ay
sumuko na rin sa paghahanap ng mga salita upang ilahad sa kanya ang aking mga
dahilan nang tama. It was funny how I quickly turned into a mouse in a box with a
snake. And this snake was quite deadlier.

I gasped when I felt his fingers touching my chin to turn my head and face him.
Halata pa rin ang ka-seryosohan sa kanyang mukha. Hindi maipagkakaila

ang unti-unting paglitaw ng nagbabadyang panganib sa kanyang mga mata dulot ng

nauupos na pasensya.

"Tell me, Reaper."

I swallowed again and was only able to say, "Sebastian."

Nagulat ako nang bigla niyang suntukin ng malakas ang pintuan sa aking likuran.
Nawala na ang anumang ginagawa niyang pagpapanggap at sa halip ay kababakasan na
sya ng galit.

"Will you stop saying my name for shit's sake!" Malakas niyang sabi at inilagay ang
kamay sa bulsa ng kanyang coat na tila may kinukuha mula rito. "And what the hell
do you mean by this?" At saka niya inilabas ang maliit na note na iniwan ko para sa
kanya sa cafe. "Do you think I'm a fucking idiot not to understand things?" He
asked those questions with rage. His calmness was gone.

"You--You don't have to know for now. You don't need to understand right now,"
halos nauutal kong sabi. Alam kong hindi pa panahon para malaman niya ang mga plano
ko. Alam kong hindi niya maiintindihan.

He slammed his fist on the door again and I could almost hear a crack on it. "You -
are - my - Reaper. And that means I have to know all your moves! I have to know
every f*cking thing you're doing, even all the shitty places you're going to or any
stupid bastards you're taking! Now, who are you with here in Eremitia?"

Gusot na gusot na ang papel na nasa kanyang mga kamay dahil sa mahigpit na
pagkakakuyom ng kanyang mga kamao. Mukhang sa pinto niya ibinabaling ang pagiging
bayolente niya sa sitwasyong ito.

"You already know," wika ko na pinipilit maging

kalmado.

"I choose not to know until I hear it from you," mabilis niyang sagot. He met my
eyes with those dangerous orbs and I knew I wouldn't be able to escape the storm
they brought.

"I took Summer Leondale with me," mahina kong sagot. He was a bomb that was so
delicate to touch for he might explode. Even bringing his brother's woman might
anger him so I had to be careful.

He raised an eyebrow at my answer as if he was waiting for more. Subalit hindi ko

na nagawang magsalita pa. Hindi ko magawang sabihin na ang taong matagal na nilang
hinahanap ay nasa akin. "I am not Giovanni, Reaper. Summer Leondale won't be a good
distraction. Now, who else are you with?" Tanong niya.

Bago pa ako makapagsalita ay muli kong narinig ang mahinang tunog ng pag-click ng
pintuan at ang sumunod na malakas na pagbukas nito ay naitulak ako sa matigas na
dibdib ni Sebastian. Sebastian caught me immediately, wrapped an arm around my
waist and waited for the door to fully open. I could clearly hear his loud
heartbeat with mine.

Sabay kaming napatingin sa direksyon ng pinto at sa pagpasok ng mga bagong dating.

Naunang bumungad si Summer Leondale, kasunod si Detective Penber. Dumaan ang ilang
segundo bago tuluyang pumasok si Ethan.

Nabalot ng katahimikan ang paligid maliban na lang sa mahinang pagsipol ni

Detective Penber. I didn't know if he was whistling with the situation or the
awkwardness of having Sebastian's arm wrapped around my body. I saw nervousness and
fear in Ethan's eyes when he saw Sebastian but frowned when he realized

how he was holding me.

"What the fuck have you done, Reaper?" Bulalas ng galit na si Sebastian at mas
hinigpitan pa ang pagkakakulong ko sa kanyang bisig. Nanglilisik ang mga matang
tumingin siya kay Ethan. "What now, traitor? You don't like the way I'm holding my
reaper?" Tila nang-iinsulto at naghahamon niyang tanong.
"It's not her fault. Ako ang may kasalanan ng lahat. Pakiusap, bitiwan mo siya,"
buo ang tinig na sagot ni Ethan bagamat kababakasan iyon ng takot. Hindi ko
inaasahan na kakayanin niya pang makipag-usap kay Sebastian sa kondisyong ito. He
was only few meters away and could kill him effortlessly.

Sebastian laughed manically. He let go of me and took a long stride towards Ethan.
His long fingers reached for Ethan's neck in a fast speed and everyone was too
shocked to react. Nagawa kong iharang ang sarili ko sa pagitan nila ni Ethan at
ilang segundo lang ay agad kong naramdaman ang malakas na impact ng katawan ni
Sebastian sa akin. Pigil ang hininga ko habang tinitiis ko ang sakit at pinipilit
na hindi matumba.

"Stop, Sebastian! Stop it!" I said while pushing him.

"I'll reap you into pieces with my bare hands!" He screamed at Ethan.

Tila wala siyang naririnig at sa halip ay muling humakbang habang inaabot ng mga
kamay ang hindi matinag sa pagkabigla at takot na si Ethan. Nakita kong itinulak ni
Summer palayo si Ethan habang sinubukan naman ni Detective Penber na hilahin mula
sa likod si Sebastian.

"Damn! This beast is too strong!" Nahihirapang wika ni Detective

Penber habang pinipigilan si Sebastian. Nakita kong inilalabas ng Detective ang

posas niya kung kaya naman pinilit kong iyakap ang dalawa kong braso sa pang-itaas
na bahagi ng katawan ni Sebastian upang pigilan ang kanyang paggalaw. Hindi iyon
naging madali dahil lubhang napakalakas niya. Napakahirap niyang kontrolin subalit
nakagawa pa rin ng paraan ang Detective upang ma-iposas ang dalawa nitong kamay.
Nang matapos iyon ay agad kong sinipa ang likurang bahagi ng tuhod niya upang sya
ay tuluyang mapaluhod sa sahig.

"Calm down, Mr. Freniere. I wouldn't mind locking you in the jail," humihingal na
biro ng detective. I turned and scowled at him. I wouldn't let him do that.
"Oh, Goodness! Why are the people here so serious?" Penber exclaimed.

Sinubukan ni Sebastian na kumawala at pinilit na sirain ang mga posas dahilan upang
gumuhit ng mapupulang hiwa iyon sa kanyang mga kamay. Malumanay ko iyong hinawakan
at agad siyang napatigil.

"I'll kill him. You'll see. I'll f*cking kill him," wika niya.

"Stop it now. If you want to kill someone, it should be me. I betrayed you. I
betrayed the Freniere Mafia," sagot ko.

Tumigil siya sa pagpupumilit na makawala at saka tumingin sa akin. Wala na ang

bangis sa kanyang mga mata at sa halip ay napalitan iyon ng isang emosyong alam
kong bihira niyang maramdaman. Halos hindi niya iyon ipinapakita. His eyes were
mixture of anger, disappointment and sadness. I had no idea how long I could stare
at those. How could something worst be this beautiful?

"Forgive

me, Sebastian," mahina kong sabi.

Umiling-iling siya at sinabing, "The Mafia will not forgive."

"I'm not asking the Mafia for forgiveness. I already knew the consequences and
still did it. I'm asking you. I'm asking for your forgiveness." I felt the sadness
quickly devouring my heart. If he had forgiven me after Alexandria's death, would
it make any difference? Would I have a different story? Would I be still a part of
his life? But his heart had been as cold and hard as steel. Nothing could even rust
it.

"You betrayed me," he said. "You disappointed me. You're doing it again and again.
Now, you're doing all of this for that mother f*cking traitor? What has gotten into
you? The Mafia will kill you."

It was something I already knew. The Mafia would kill me. I lied to the
organization and acted on my own. Ethan was a traitor and he was owned by the
Mafia. I shouldn't have hidden him. I shouldn't have taken him away. It was like
stealing from the Mafia. But I still did it.

"I would accept death, but not now. Give me more time to do what I had to do,"
sagot ko.

Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang sinabi ko dahil naramdaman ko ang pagkuyom ng
kanyang mga kamao sa ilalim ng aking mga kamay. "Do you think the Mafia would grant
you time after betraying us? You know how we work, Reaper!" Nagngangalit ang mga
ngipin niyang sabi. Tila pinipigilan niya ang muling pagwawala.

I sighed and asked, "So, are you going to kill me? Are you going to rip me into
pieces?"

Hindi siya sumagot. Tumingin lang siya sa aking mga mata hanggang sa ang kaninang
emosyon na naroroon ay naging blanko, tuluyan nang nawala. Kalmado niyang inalis
ang mga kamay ko mula sa pagkakahawak sa kanya at saka tumayo at humarap sa tila
nalilibang sa panonood na detective. He brought his hands in front of him as if
ordering the detective to release him. Atubiling tumingin sa akin si Detective
Penber at nang tumango ako ay ipinasya niyang tanggalin sa pagkaka-posas si
Sebastian.
Nang lubusan nang makawala ay iginalaw-galaw niya pa ang kanyang mga kamay na tila
pinakikiramdaman ito at saka inayos ang nagusot na coat. Inilibot niya ang tingin
sa kwarto na tila hinahanap si Ethan subalit mukhang naitago na agad ito ni Summer
sa loob ng banyo habang sya naman ay nakabantay sa pinto nito. She seemed to be
ready on protecting Ethan from Sebastian's deadly claws.

Walang anumang ginawang hakbang si Sebastian at sa halip ay naglakad patungo sa

pinto upang buksan ito at lumabas ng kwarto. Subalit bago pa sya tuluyang makaalis
ay lumingon ulit siya sa kinaroroonan ko at sinabing, "You just proved that my
mother's death is worthless. If there's a person who should have died on that day,
it shouldn't be her." At saka pabagsak niyang isinara ang pinto.

I was left with my heart getting heavier as seconds passed. I grabbed the crumpled
note on the floor and held on my chest as if it would help me with the pain inside.
But it didn't. All it did was encourage a single tear to fall from my eyes. Maybe
dying would be better than this.

=================

Chapter 31: A Little Heart

Chapter 31: A Little Heart

Soundtrack: Heartache - One OK Rock

I should be looking for him. I should make sure that Eremitia was safe enough for
him. I should be staying near him. So what was I doing in this bed curled up like a
fragile ball under the sheet? I couldn't move. I couldn't eat. I couldn't think. I
was paralyzed with all the things rallying inside my chest.

Can I just rip my heart out and make it all better?

And it was once again morning. After the unfortunate event yesterday, I was left
staring at the darkness until I was greeted by the heat of the sunlight. I didn't
bother going outside the room. I didn't bother sleeping nor had the appetite for
food. For some very rare moments of my life, I was left vulnerable and without
direction. I was incapacitated by my thoughts and emotions tearing me apart.

Napapikit ako sa liwanag na dulot ng maluwang na pagkakabukas ng bintana. Matapos

iyon ay naramdaman ko ang pag-upo ng isang tao sa gilid ng aking kama.

"Plano mo bang mabulok sa kwartong ito?" Tinig ni Summer. I thought she was just
oversleeping on the other bed.

Tumalikod ako sa kanya at humarap sa kabilang direksyon. But she seemed to take the
situation lightly and lie beside me. Gumalaw-galaw pa siya na tila pinakikiramdaman
ang aking kama. "You're bed is softer and more comfortable," aniya.

Alam kong sinasabi niya lang iyon upang magsimula ng konbersasyon. Why would Vinea
put different beds in the same

room? And I checked it when we got here; the beds were just the same. Itinulak ko
siya palayo subalit mas lumapit pa siya sa hinihigaan ko. I knew my gun was just
under my pillow and I could shoot her in an instant. But I didn't feel like moving
today. I was not in the mood to kill anyone. I wished she would just stop and give
up. Subalit mukhang wala siyang balak tumigil dahil idinantay niya pa ang isa
niyang binti sa aking bewang. Agad ko iyong inalis at saka padabog na umupo sa
kama.

"What do you want?" Masama ang tingin na ipinukol ko sa kanya.

"I need money," seryoso niyang sagot.

What? All this pestering was just for money? Couldn't she be considerate?

"It's in the drawer. Leave me alone." At saka ako bumalik sa pagkakahiga.

"Damn! How can you stay here all day without eating?" Tumayo siya at saka binuksan
ang drawer. "I know it's just in the drawer. But I wouldn't risk being shot because
of stealing. Anyway, there are clubs that are open during the day. I'll go there
and spend all these money."

Hindi ako sumagot. Why did she keep on talking about money? And why would I care?

"Ethan is with Detective Penber. They're drinking liquors for breakfast. I know
those bad guys are up to something terrible! That stinky mad man might be using
your bait." She continued talking when I didn't make a move. I grabbed a pillow and
covered my head with it to muffle her voice. But she sat again on the bed and
talked just in front of my face. "And Jazarah was seducing our drunken Sebastian
since

yesterday. That little shit would probably get what she wants if she put something
in his drinks. Damn! Can't you see how fragile and weak our Tres is?" She said
theatrically.

Bumalikwas ako at umupong muli sa aking kinahihigaan. I saw a wicked smile forming
on Summer's lips. I knew Sebastian Freniere wouldn't fall for that stupidity. But
she just wouldn't give up on separating me from my bed.

"Who's Jazarah?" Kunot-noo kong tanong.

She rolled her eyes and said, "The bitch we encountered the other night!"
Oh. So the woman has a name. "But I thought she's the Mayor's mistress." That's
what I remembered from Ethan when we were at the beach.

"Yes. Mayor's mistress and soon-to-be-Sebastian's-whore. But the Mayor has gone to
a trip so the damn bitch is out for some slut-ting spree." Halos hindi nawawala ang
kanyang pagsisimangot habang sinasabi ang tungkol sa babaeng iyon.

Napailing ako. "How could you judge someone too much? And how could you speak with
your mouth filled with profanities? Aren't you choking from all those swearing?" My
ears had been suffering ever since she talked with me this morning.

She grinned. "I could go on if you plan to stay here longer."

Tumayo ako sa kama at nagtungong banyo. I turned my back yesterday from some
consequences. So maybe, I should have the courage to face them today. Nang matapos
na akong makapag-ayos ng sarili ay lumabas na kami ni Summer upang mag-almusal. We
ordered pancakes and coffee from a nearby restaurant.

I had to look for Ethan after this and maybe take a chance on facing Sebastian
again. But hopefully this time, we would be able to get ahold of ourselves.

"You should go back to Freniere Mansion with Sebastian and Detective Penber. They
already know about my treachery. You have no reason to be here anymore," I started
formally amidst breakfast.

Summer seemed to be caught off-guard. She gulped in her coffee before staring back
at me. "You can't tell me what to do," pagmamatigas niya. I was already expecting
this from her. I knew she would protest.
"This is more dangerous than what you're thinking," I said.

"I had a dangerous history, too," she insisted.

"And you should have learned from that. You almost died." She looked at me with the
same flame and bravery in her eyes from that time I saw her last December. She was
probably thinking of what happened during that time. I was hoping she'd turn back
from such kind of deadly things this time.

"Are you going suicidal with your mission because your heart was broken?" She
asked.

Hindi ko nagawang sumagot kaagad. The logical part of me, the one watching me do
things that are quite perilous, was agreeing and saying yes. I remained cold and
unfeeling for a very long time and that caused my heart to shrink until it has
gotten smaller and smaller. I didn't know I still had that little heart left on me
until I decided to risk it. And when I risked it, I risked all of me.

"When you lose your heart, you lose absolutely

everything," I answered.

"Are you hurting?" She asked again.

She just saw me cry yesterday. There was no sense in lying. "Yes," I said. I
couldn't believe I'd be talking about this kind of thing with her. Worse, I
couldn't believe I would be this honest. It was the first time someone was asking
me about personal stuff like this. She made me feel that I exist, too. All this
time, I was just a reaper. Everything must be about missions and orders.
"Then that's a good sign. You still have a heart to feel pain. You love Tres. I am
sure of that. Don't you dare hide it from someone who also loves the darkness
creatures like him bring," she said in a business tone. She was lecturing me on a
feeling that seemed to be unknown to me. Since when did she become an expert with
this?

I sighed. "I only have a little heart to give and I decided to risk it with my
revenge."

Umiling-iling siya. "Revenge wouldn't do you any good. You're risking it for wrong
things."

"So what do you suggest me to do?" I asked. Gusto kong malaman kung ano ang iniisip
niyang tamang gawin.

"Palayain mo si Ethan. Naisip kong kung anuman ang nagawa niya dati, pinagsisisihan
na niya. And Van seemed to forgive him. I must forgive him, too. Tres just wants to
kill him because you're keeping him. That's the monster's way of dealing with
jealousy. Umalis na tayo rito sa Eremitia. I know Van would forgive you. The Mafia
will welcome you again," aniya.

Bumuntong-hininga ako. I wished it was just that

easy. She didn't know the Mafia. Sir Algernon Freniere was willing to kill his own
if he needed to. And I was just a reaper. I wouldn't escape the Mafia's wrath. And
I was already here. I didn't reach this far just to back out.

"I can't go back, Summer. That's not how things work," wika ko.
She gritted her teeth and grasped my arm. "You'll kill Ethan in the process. You'll
break Tres again! And that's how you will lose your heart."

"I've lost mine in an assassination when I was young," wika ko at binawi ang braso
sa kanya.

Muli sana siyang magsasalita subalit mabilis akong tumayo sa aking kinauupuan
dahilan upang bumagsak sa sahig ang silya. Inilibot ko ang aking paningin sa
paligid at tiningnan ang bawat taong naroroon. Wala akong pinalampas na mga pares
ng mga mata.

"Henrietta? What's wrong?" Tanong ni Summer subalit pinatahimk ko lang siya gamit
ang pagsenyas ng aking mga daliri. Mukha namang naintindihan niya iyon at inilibot
rin ang paningin sa paligid.

I just suddenly had this feeling that someone was watching us. Hindi ko lang
matiyak kung gaano katagal na dahil mukhang nadala ako sa usapan namin ni Summer.
But this thing was familiar. It wasn't just here to warn us. I knew it would cause
harm in any ways. Marami nang tao ang nasa restaurant dahilan sa ilang oras na lang
bago magtanghaling-tapat. Pinanatili kong malapit lang sa akin si Summer Leondale
at iniharang ko ang katawan ko upang protektahan siya sa anumang pag-atake na
mangyayari. Isang pamilya ang lumabas ng restaurant at agad nitong

nakuha ang aking atensyon. Naramdaman ko ang panlalamig ng buo kong katawan nang
magtama ang mga mata namin ng isa sa mga tila miyembro ng pamilya. His sinister
eyes were looking straight at us while his lips are curved slightly into a smirk.
Summer turned to his direction and paled when she realized the familiarity of his
features. I ran fast towards the group but when we reached outside the restaurant,
he was gone. He disappeared like a ghost. Bumalik ako sa kinaroroonan ni Summer at
hinila siya palayo sa lugar. We were with the real danger now. Eremitia was no
longer safe.

"Andrew is dead! Who is that?" Naguguluhan subalit nahihintakutang tanong ni

Summer.
"I don't have any information about him but right now, we need to find the others.
Where's Sebastian?" Tanong ko.

"In that club," turo niya sa isa sa mga bukas na club na naroroon. Mabilis na
pagtakbo ang ginawa ko habang nakasunod sa akin si Summer upang marating agad ang
lugar. The club wasn't crowded at this time of the day compared at night. Mabilis
kong nakita ang kinaroroonan ni Sebastian. Nakita ko rin ang pamilyar na mukha ng
babaeng kasama niya na tila ahas kung makalingkis sa kanyang katawan. I didn't know
where the anger came from but I suddenly felt it mixed with the adrenaline and
tension. I reached their spot in great speed and tore the girl from him.

"What the hell, bitch?!" Protesta ng babaeng may pangalang Jazarah. Hindi ko siya
pinansin at sa halip ay hinarap ang bahagyang nakainom na si Sebastian. He seemed
to be sober enough to listen and deal with the

situation.

"You need to leave now. It's not safe," seryoso kong sabi sa kanya.

He smirked at me and shrugged his shoulders. "If it's not safe then why are you
here?" Tanong niya.

"To save you and get rid of this stupid damn leech sucking all your shit!" Malakas
kong sabi. Muntik ko nang matutop ng aking mga kamay ang aking bibig. Mukhang
naiimpluwensyahan na ako ni Summer pagdating sa pagsasalita.

"Wow. Did you just curse, my treasured Reaper?" Sebastian asked.

Ilang sandali pa ay humahangos na dumating si Summer at inirapan ang babae na nasa
tabi ni Sebastian. "Move your ass from that couch, Tres. We need to go," wika niya.

Nang tangkaing hilahin ni Summer si Sebastian ay agad na umalma ang babae sa tabi
nito na tila pag-aari nito ang kinukuha namin. Pinalo niya ang kamay ni Summer at
sinubukang itulak ako palayo sa dibdib. Subalit hindi ako natinag mula sa aking
kinatatayuan. Sinubukan niyang muli akong itulak subalit nabigo pa rin siya.

"Leave us alone, bitch! Leave my man alone!" Malakas ang tinig na wika niya. She
seemed to be ready on clawing my face with her red-painted nails.

That was when all the heat and tension reached my head. I grabbed her neck but
still careful not to completely block her airways, but just enough to shock her. I
stared at Jazarah coldly. "I've killed lots of demons walking in this land. You
could be one of them considering of your lustful and slutty ways of cheating.
You're a mistress to a Mayor and he's a married man whose family

you've ruined. You're neither beautiful nor attractive. You're just a whore and
dirt in my path. I could step on you until you die but I don't have the time.
You're nothing more. Now, can you step aside?" She was frightened and incapable of
responding. She just fell effortlessly in the couch when I freed her neck from my
grasp while staring at me with horror in her eyes.

"Damn. I loathe cheaters. Why you didn't warn me?" Sebastian said who was so amused
at watching the scene.

"Sebastian, let's go now," seryoso kong sabi.

Subalit hindi pa rin siya kumilos. He just looked at me as if he was amazed by the
things I've just done. But I'd done a terrible thing. Was he looking at a mirror?
"It's the Novous!" Summer exclaimed which broke whatever trance he was in. His face
turned serious and stood up in an instant. Nagmamadali kaming lumabas ng club
habang naiwan ang nakatulalang si Jazarah. He was already on his phone ordering
someone to get a helicopter in Eremitia.

"Let's go to the rooftop of that building. We'll wait for our ride there," wika
niya kasabay ng pagturo sa pinakamataas na gusali sa Eremitia.

"Summer, where's Ethan?" Sa halip ay tanong ko.

Galit na hinawakan ako ng mahigpit sa braso ni Sebastian, halata ang pagkaubos ng

pasensya sa kanyang mga mata. "What's with that f*cking bastard?" He growled.

Binawi ko ang braso ko sa kanya subalit mas hinigpitan niya ang pagkakahawak. "I
will not leave without him," matigas kong sabi.

He

glared at me. His dark eyes filled with hatred and disappointment bored on me like
I had just stabbed him with a knife he didn't expect I'd be using. I also saw a
hint of pain.

"Sebastian," I couldn't help but say softly. And just like that, he shoved all weak
emotions aside and went back to his own savage self. Nagsimula siyang maglakad
tungo sa gusaling itinuro niya. Halos kaladkarin niya ako habang atubili namang
sumunod si Summer sa aking tabi. She seemed uncomfortable to see me helpless.

"Please, just don't fight back Henrietta. You're just going to hurt yourself," wika
niya sa pagitan ng pagmamadali at pag-aalala. I knew she felt bad about leaving
Ethan but couldn't do anything about it because of the situation. Sebastian decided
and moved too fast for us to make plans. Isa pa, kung talagang gusto kong mahanap
si Ethan, dapat siya ang una kong pinuntahan sa halip na si Sebastian. I guess,
this time my little heart made decisions on its own without me realizing it, until
now.

The receptionist in the hotel building recognized Sebastian immediately and smiled
at his direction without questioning about his companions. What would I expect from
someone who seemed to have a 'very-important-person' label everywhere he goes? We
walked directly towards the elevator. I decided not to fight anymore and assessed
the situation as well as our surroundings. I couldn't go back and find Ethan until
I had Sebastian and Summer safe. I carefully checked the surrounding with my eyes
since Sebastian seemed to have no plans of letting me go yet. Wala naman akong

nakitang kakaiba. Hindi ko rin nararamdaman na may nagmamatyag sa amin. Nang

magbukas ang elevator at lumabas ang mga lulan nito ay agad kaming pumasok na
tatlo. Pinindot ni Sebastian ang button papuntang roof top at nang magsimulang
tumaas ang elevator ay sinamantala namin iyon upang kumalma at huminga.

"Will you let go of me now?" Wika ko kay Sebastian.

Agad namang sumang-ayon si Summer, "Yes. Let go of her. Kanina mo pa siya

nasasaktan. Hindi naman siya makakaalis dito," wika niya habang nakatingin sa
namumula kong braso.

He smirked at me and said, "She would find a way to escape in this elevator.
Believe me, she has numbers of ways."

"I will not!" Kontra ko. That was true but I had no plans to escape this elevator.

He looked at me with scrutiny in his eyes and said, "Shall I trust you?"

Hindi ako umimik. I was not in the position to ask anyone to trust me. I couldn't
ask him to trust me when I know I would betray him again. Subalit pinakawalan niya
ako sa kabila ng aking pananahimik. Summer sighed in relief while waiting for us to
reach the top floor. Nang tumigil ang elevator at bumukas sa pinakataas na palapag
ay agad kaming lumabas. Kinailangan pa naming umakyat ng hagdan bago makarating sa
rooftop. Bumungad sa amin ang mainit na sikat ng araw nang marating namin ang
itaas. Isang tauhan ng hotel ang sumalubong agad kay Sebastian. He always had his
way of moving things quickly in just a flick of his fingers. Nagtungo ako sa gilid
ng rooftop at tiningnan ang ibaba ng gusali. Halos matatanaw

ang malaking bahagi ng Eremitia sa taas ng lugar na kinaroroonan ko. I couldn't

help but see a familiar picture. Few months ago, I was also in the rooftop chasing
a very dangerous personality. I failed to get him. That was where I met Ethan who
was already willing to die at that time. I stopped him. I put his death in my hands
at my own time. All this time, he saw my worst intention as saving him. Maybe this
time, he would realize that I was far from being his savior. He would see me as
nothing but a dangerous, treacherous reaper by leaving him in the claws of an
assassin. But, wouldn't that be a waste of everything? I looked at Sebastian and he
instinctively turned to me to meet my gaze. He was the one securing everything in
our departure. He wanted to move to the safest place. He was vulnerable here
without the presence of Freniere Mafia.

Halos sabay kaming nagbawi ng aming tingin nang matanaw namin ang munting pigura sa
kalangitan sa di kalayuan. Maya-maya pa ay maririnig na ang munting tunog na
nililikha nito. The chopper was almost here.

"Let's just go back to Ethan when we already have the power and help we need. He
wouldn't die that easy." Tinapik ako ni Summer sa aking balikat habang pareho
kaming nakatingin sa paparating na sasakyang panghimpapawid. Hindi ako sumagot sa
kanya. Nanatili akong tahimik hanggang sa tuluyan nang makalapit at makalapag sa
helipad ang chopper.

"Hello, my favorite reaper," pasigaw na bati ng isa sa dalawang piloto ng

helicopter. Her red hair was being carried by the wind as she tried to greet me
with her

sweetest, poisonous smile. She didn't have the ability to drive a car in the land
but she sure could fly. She was like an eagle watching her prey from afar. That
made her an excellent and deadly sniper of the Mafia Freniere.

Summer rolled her eyes at my side and whispered, "What a creep."

Hindi ko tinugon ang kanyang bagbati. Alam kong may nalalaman na siya sa aking
ginawang pagta-traydor sa Mafia. And if there were people I should feel threatened
right now, she was going to be one of them. She was one of the most loyal Reapers
of the Mafia. She had been in the organization ever since she was a kid. She grew
up playing with the youngest Freniere and I knew she was silently affected when he
died.

Forest grinned at Summer and said, "I'm rescuing you from the mess you are in."

"She makes me want to go back in the Vinea and sleep instead." Summer gave her a
disapproving look.

Naunang pinasakay ni Sebastian si Summer. "Are you sure it's safe to be in the air
with this freak?" Tanong niya. Sebastian just shrugged it off. Pagkatapos ay
hinawakan niya ako sa siko upang makapasok. Natigilan ako at napatitig sa upuan na
pupuwestuhan ko. Once I settled myself in there, we would fly out of Eremitia,
leave all the dangers here and face the consequences in Freniere Mansion. It might
be too late to get back to Ethan once Van decided to save him.

"Get in, Reaper." Sebastian ordered. The coldness was evident in his eyes and tone
of his voice.

I could fly out with him. I could be his reaper

and stay with him. But why couldn't I move my feet to get to my seat? Why did I
feel like I would be leaving something important and undone in Eremitia?

Napalingon kami pareho sa pagbukas ng pintuan at paglabas ni Detective Penber.

Tumakbo siya sa kinaroroonan namin at halos pigilin ko ang sarili ko na salubungin
siya.
"Where is Ethan?" Tanong ko agad sa kanya.

Detective Penber returned my look. "He was taken by a person who was too fast to
run after. It's like he was taken by a ghost," he said grimly.

I couldn't answer. I just suddenly felt uncomfortable and wanted to go back to

Vinea. I just couldn't bear myself to get in. I wanted to stay. I looked at
Sebastian and said, "Forgive me, but I can't go with you."

Ikinuyom niya ang kanyang kamao at nagtatagis ang mga bagang na sinabing, "I can't
let you stay here."

I shook my head slowly and stepped back. He grabbed my arm again and tried to pull
me towards him. But I resisted. I used my own energy to go against his will.

"What the f*ck is wrong with you?" Sigaw niya nang hindi niya ako magawang maisakay
sa helicopter.

"I have to stay. I have to finish the things I started," sagot ko.

He brushed his fingers through his long hair exasperatingly. I couldn't help but be
amazed at how the strands seemed to compliment the brightness of the sun. His
looks, his perfectly devilish features, the air of arrogance he brought and his
dangerous nature were just some of those things I would miss once I turn my back

from him.
"Just stay with me," he said. His eyes were pleading. It was painful to look at him
like that. A part of me was seeing Ian, the one I was longing to be with, again.
But I knew I couldn't be with him. I couldn't go on and stay at his side unless I
retrieve something I lost. I needed to avenge my almost dead heart.

Umiling ako. "I can't," My voice croaked as I turn him down once again. I always
disappoint him. How many times do I have to break him?

The pain that crossed his eyes was evident as he gritted his teeth. "Tres. Just let
Henrietta go. Trust her this time!" Muling bumaba si Summer at lumapit sa amin.

Sebastian didn't seem to bother with her presence. He just pierced me with his eyes
and said, "Turn your back from me and I would consider you dead," banta niya.

I gave him a sad smile and stepped back again until I made a safe distance between
us. It seemed that he couldn't bear the rejection I was going to make so he turned
his back and walk towards the chopper. I felt my eyes stinging with suppressed
tears that were threatening to fall. I had to push this aside this time. There was
no space for weakness.

Bago pa ako tuluyang makatalikod ay tumakbo si Summer sa aking direksyon at sa

aking pagkagulat ay niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit. That triggered my emotions and I
suddenly felt my tears wetting my cheeks.

"Someone important to me once said that I won't be able to move on by running away.
Maybe you're making the right decision this time. Be careful, Henrietta." She
whispered to my ears. She pulled back and waved goodbye to me before going back to
the chopper. I watched as the helicopter closed its doors. Forest gave me a cold
stare before she flew the chopper into the air.
Naiwan akong nakatingin lang habang pinagmamasdan ito papalayo. And once again, I
felt alone. I let the thing that would keep me safe get away from me. I let
Sebastian move away from me. I was left with nothing. And when the helicopter
disappeared from my sight, I sighed and wiped my tears from my face. I looked at
the sun coldly and turned my back from it, back to the door of the building. It was
time to become a Reaper.

=================

Chapter 32: An Unexpected Alliance

Chapter 32: An Unexpected Alliance

Soundtrack: Flunk - Play

"You just missed your ride."

Napatigil ako sa aking paglalakad pabalik sa pintuan ng gusali nang marinig kong
magsalita ang tinig na iyon. Kunot-noo ko siyang nilingon. Nakangiti at nakatingin
lang siya sa akin habang nakatayo sa lugar na pinaglapagan ng helicopter.

"I thought you flew with them," maingat kong sagot. Hindi ko nga siya napansing
lumulan sa sasakyang panghimpapawid. Mukhang nakalimutan kong pagtuunan ng atensyon
ang aking paligid.

"I didn't come here just to leave like that," sagot niya.

"Then why did you stay?" Tanong ko. Nagsimula siyang humakbang palapit sa akin at
inihanda ko ang aking sarili sa anumang hakbang na kanyang gagawin. Kung anuman ang
binabalak niya, kailangan kong mag-ingat.
"Well, I just want to. And who knows, maybe I can help you," kibit-balikat niyang
sabi.

"I don't need your help," diretso kong sagot. I doubt anyone could help me with
this.

"Are you sure about that?" Lumingon-lingon sya sa paligid at sinabing, "No one's
here with you. You are alone in Eremitia and who knows, maybe you are now
surrounded by your enemies."

Halos wala siyang nagawang pagkilos nang mabilis akong lumapit sa kanya at agad na
nakuha ang baril sa kanyang bewang. Bakas ang gulat sa kanyang mukha nang kilatisin
ko iyon sa harap niya.

"It was a fine pistol," wika ko. It was careless of me to forget my gun

in the hotel room. My few days of stay in Eremitia made me feel that I didn't need
it at all. Thus, I felt I was caught off-guard today.

"Alam mo bang labag sa batas ang agawan ng baril ang isang law officer? Give it
back to me," wika ni Detective Penber habang nakalahad ang isang kamay.

"Do you think you can arrest me, Detective Penber?" Tanong ko. He was right. I was
already alone. But that didn't make me feel any weaker.

"I've never arrested a reaper." This time, Detective Penber seemed to be being
careful with his words. He was probably seeing the danger that was radiating off
me. I had no one to protect now. I opted to do the offense.
"And that would never be me." Ikinasa ko ang baril niya at itinutok sa kanya. "I
was warned about you. Do you plan on using me in one of your selfish games? I am
not Summer Leondale. I would never be as ignorant as her to trust you." Isa siya sa
mga taong pinag-iinitan ang Freniere Mafia. He even used the girl to get to us. I
gave him the Stones to silence him. I guess it would never be enough for an
ambitious, clever man like Detective Patrick Penber.

"Whoa! I can clearly sense prejudice in here. The things I've done are for the
greater good. I could arrest Tres when I was with him but I decided that he has
reasons and he still needs to be free."

I raised an eyebrow at him and he sighed. "Okay, okay! I can't arrest Tres
Freniere. Sisimulan ko pa lang alam kong mamamatay na ako. But I didn't come here
for him. Ayaw niya nga akong isama but I insisted and

went here by myself. We insisted. And I think he just couldn't say no to that young
man."

"Young man?" Kunot-noo kong tanong.

"I met your brother when I visited the Arturia Mansion." Nagdulot ang mga salitang
iyon ng kaba sa aking dibdib. "He asked for my help to find you when you went
missing without a trace. Sinabi niyang kasabay mong nawala ang isang taong
nagngangalang Elric. Dahil doon, mas tumindi ang hinala ko na kasama mo si Ethan
Montreal. Then suddenly, Tres Freniere rushed to the mansion like a raging cyclone.
He was looking for you, for a hint of your whereabouts."

"I know Sebastian. He would just kill you," komento ko.

"But he didn't. I knew how he wanted to crush my neck at that time but he couldn't
bear to do it in front of the child. And to our amusement, your brother asked both
of us to find you," patuloy ng Detective.
Nararamdaman ko ang pagtagaktak ng aking pawis habang nakikinig sa kanya. Hanggang
sa mas maintindihan ko na ang lahat at maisip ang maaaring kahinatnan nito.
Tinitigan ko siya nang may talim sa aking mga mata.

"My brother stays out of this," pagdidiin ko. Hindi maaaring madamay siya sa kung
anumang sitwasyon ang kinakaharap ko ngayon o kahit mabanggit man lang ang pangalan
niya.

"Wala kang dapat ipag-alala tungkol sa kanya. He's well-protected in the mansion.
He would have the same superior security like Mr. Montreal had. Gusto lang niyang
hingin ang tulong ko para mahanap ka," sagot ni Detective Penber.

I couldn't help but give him a glare.

Kung para sa kanya ay maliit na bagay lang ito, sa akin ay hindi. I couldn't let
Wycliffe get tangled in these messy knots. Hinawakan ko ang kuwelyo ng kanyang coat
at saka hinila palapit saakin hanggang sa magpantay ang aming mga mukha.

"You will never talk to my brother again. That's if you want to live a little bit
longer," pagbabanta ko.

Taas ang mga kamay ay sumagot siya, "Okay, okay! Your wish is my command, your
highness. You don't have to be this violent. This is so unlady-like of yours."
Binitiwan ko siya at nagsimulang maglakad tungo sa pintuan upang pumasok muli sa
gusali. Nakasunod naman sa aking likuran si Detective Penber. Wala akong ideya kung
ano pa ang iniisip niya sa ngayon. Kailangan ko pa ring mag-ingat. Ang magamit niya
sa pansariling misyon ang huling bagay na nanaisin ko ngayon.

Nanatili siyang nakasunod sa akin hanggang sa Vinea. Pumasok ako ng silid at lihim
na hinihiling na nandoon lang si Ethan at nanunuod ng telebisyon. Subalit
katahimikan ang sumalubong sa akin na mas nagpabigat pa ng aking kalooban. Why am I
feeling these emotions all of a sudden? Kinuha ko ang baril ko sa ilalim ng aking
unan at isinuot ang damit na gamit ko noon nang dumating kami ng Eremitia. Malinis
na ito kumpara noong gabing iyon.

"Your pistol and mine won't keep us alive," wika ko nang ibalik kay Detective
Penber ang kanyang baril.

"I have a friend in Eremitia. His place is a little bit far from here but I know he
can help us," suhestiyon niya. He's a detective, a law officer, for sure, he got

connections.

"Can we trust whoever that is?" Tanong ko.

"We don't need to trust him. He's only loyal to money and money is what we have."
And he gave me a knowing look. Agad kong kinuha ang mga cash mula sa cabinet at
inilagay sa bulsa ng aking jacket. Ipinasya kong dalhin na lang ito sa halip na
suotin. I didn't want to add up to Detective Penber's ridiculous choice of
clothing.

"Let's go. Audrey is already waiting for us," aniya.

I frowned, "Audrey?" Ulit ko sa sinabi niya.

Instead of responding, he just winked at me. I felt uncomfortable about having

another companion in this mission. I couldn't trust Detective Penber alone, what
more if I had another one to deal with.
Nag-aalangan akong sumunod sa kanya palabas ng Vinea. Naglakad kami pabalik ng
gusali na pinaglapagan ng chopper subalit sa halip na magtungo sa roof top ay
sumakay kami ng elevator pababa ng basement. Maingat kong hinigpitan ang kapit sa
baril ko na itinatago ng aking jacket. This could be a trap. Nang bumukas ang
elevator ay bumungad sa akin ang may kadilimang parking lot. Hindi ko mapigilan ang
kaba ko habang naglalakad kami sa harap ng mga kotse. Tumigil siya sa isang
makintab na pulang Mustang. It was like an upgraded classic car. Mas tila mukhang
bago ito kumpara sa dinala niya sa mansion dati.

"I want you to meet my Audrey Hepburn. I spent a lot of money to upgrade and polish
her. She's gorgeous, isn't she?" Malapad ang ngiting pagpapakilala ni Detective
Penber sa kanyang kotse.

Tumangu-tango

ako habang sinisipat ang sasakyan. I have this space in my little heart for classic
cars. "Impressive," komento ko.

Mukha namang nasiyahan siya sa aking reaction kung kaya naman ipinagbukas niya ako
ng pinto na tila isa siyang maginoo. Agad siyang sumakay sa driver's seat at
pinaandar ang kotse palabas ng gusali.

"I thought you got here in a chopper," wika ko.

"I didn't. Tres would not let me step in his precious little dragonfly. And I
prefer the long drive. It helps me make peace with myself. I wouldn't mind sailing
in the sea with my Audrey," sagot niya.

His admiration for his car was pretty obvious. I decided not to engage in a
conversation with him while he was driving. He was a little bit chatty talking
about missions and how we should save someone's life even though it wasn't worth
saving. Itinuon ko na lang ang aking paningin sa bahagi ng Eremitia na hindi ko pa
nakikita. Matapos ang halos dalawampung minuto ay nakarating kami sa isang lugar na
may mga lumang gusali. Sa una ay aakalain mong mga bakante ang mga iyon kung hindi
sa mga mangilan-ngilang mga tao na naglalakad sa paligid niyon.

"This is a perfect crime scene," seryoso kong sabi nang huminto siya sa isang
lumang gusali. Mahina siyang tumawa at saka lumabas ng pinto. Bago ko pa buksan ang
pintuan sa harap ko ay nakaikot na siya at ipinagbukas ako na parang isa siyang
maginoo.

"It is a tenement, your highness. This is usually where people who can't afford
mansions live," wika ni Detective Penber.

"But we're

getting weapons here. A poor man who has a gun in his hand is up for a crime," I
stated while checking the area. It was definitely an unfriendly neighborhood to
live in.

"Mostly but not in all cases. Wealthy men have deadlier firearms though," sagot
niya at iginiya ako papasok ng gusali. Hindi ko mapigilang magawi ang aking tingin
sa mga madidilim na sulok ng lugar. Walang elevator na magdadala saamin sa palapag
na aming patutunguhan. Tanging ang sementadong hagdan lang ang aming madaraanan. I
couldn't help but think that maybe it really was an entrapment. Maybe there were
group of people who believed that justice comes from killing a rich personality
waiting for me at the corner.

"Saang palapag ba naroon ang iyong kaibigan?" Tanong ko sa Detective.

"Sa sunod na palapag. Are you feeling uncomfortable?" Nanunudyo niyang tanong.
Tiningnan ko lang siya nang matalim at saka muling ibinaling ang aking mga mata sa
paligid. How could Summer Leondale trust this man? How could Wycliffe ask for his
help?
Huminto siya sa isang pinto at saka kumatok. Subalit nakakailang katok na siya ay
wala pa rin nagbubukas. Nagtatanong ang mga mata ko siyang tiningnan subalit
isinenyas niya lang ang kanyang isang kamay na nagsasabing maghintay. Tahimik ko
lang siyang pinanuod habang patuloy siya sa pagkatok.

I was about to suggest on breaking the door when the knob turned and opened.
Bumungad sa amin ang isang balbas saradong lalaki na may katabaan ang
pangangatawan. Halata ang pagkagulat niya pagkakita kay Detective Penber subalit

napalitan rin iyon agad ng isang ngiti at pagbati.

"Hindi ka pa rin nagbabago, Penber!" Tumatawa niyang sabi at pinapasok kami sa

kanyang maliit na sala.

"Mukha namang nahihiyang ka sa negosyo mo ngayon," ganti ni Detective Penber.

I sighed at their exchange of euphemism. It was either they like or hate each other
that much. "How can he help us with our needs?" Pukaw ko sa napapahabang kamustahan
nilang dalawa. I wasn't really that rude or an impatient one but I had no time to
waste at the moment.

Sabay silang lumingon sa akin. Hindi ko nagustuhan ang ginawang pagtingin sa akin
ng kakilala ni Detective Penber kung kaya't tinanggal ko ang jacket na nagtatago sa
aking baril at isinabit iyon sa aking balikat. "Talagang matinik ka pa rin
pagdating sa mga babae, Penber. Sinuwerte ka sa isang ito," komento ng lalaki.

"Hindi ko siya babae, kaibigan," sagot ng Detective.

Bahagyang nagulat ang lalaki at muling nagtanong, "Kung gayon ay bakit mo siya
kasama?"
"Siya ay iyong kliyente. Miss Henrietta Arturia, this is Sascha Michaels. Sascha,
Miss Arturia." Pagpapakilala ni Detective Penber.

"Arturia? Oh! She's an Arturia! Kung ayaw mo sa kanya, ako gustong gusto ko,"
malakas na sabi ni Sascha subalit agad ko siyang pinatahimik gamit ang pagtutok ng
aking baril.

"Yes, I am an Arturia and a Reaper of Freniere Mafia. I am in need of guns. Can you
provide me the weapons?" Pormal kong pagpapakilala sa aking sarili.

Tila naman natigilan

si Sascha at nauutal na sinabing, "A-Ang mga armas ko ay may kaukulang bayad."

"I am an Arturia. Show me," wika ko at ibinaba ang aking baril. Agad niya kaming
iginiya sa dulong bahagi ng kanyang tirahan habang ngingiti-ngiting nakasunod si
Detective Penber.

"Mukhang nakagat mo ang iyong matabil na dila, Sascha!" Kantiyaw ni Detective

Penber.

"Ikaw ang huling taong inaasahan kong magdadala ng isang reaper dito. At isa pa,
miyembro siya ng Mafia! Nauubusan na ba ang mga Freniere ng baril? At bakit kayo
magkasama?" Sagot ni Sascha habang binubuksan gamit ang susi ang isang nakalock na
kwarto.

"Isa akong Detective at alagad ako ng batas. Nauubusan na ba ako ng kaibigan? Bakit
nagkaroon ako ng koneksyon sa isang taong illegal na nagbebenta ng baril?" Balik-
tanong ni Detective Penber.

"Dahil sa iba't ibang sirkumstansya?"

"Tama! And she's with me due to some circumstances."

Tumangu-tango na lang si Sascha hanggang sa tuluyan na niyang mabuksan ang pinto ng

silid. Tumambad sa amin ang mga matataas na kalibre ng mga armas na maayos na
nakasalansan sa iba't ibang bahagi ng kwarto. Lubhang mas malaki at maluwang ito
kumpara sa kanyang sala. Hindi mo aakalaing makakapagtago siya ng ganito karaming
armas sa loob ng kanyang tirahan at sa isang lumang building.

"Rifle? Pistol? Grenade? Anong mga kailangan mo?" Tanong niya saakin.

Naglakad ako tungo sa mga baril na nakasalansan malapit saakin at hinawakan ang
isa. "Isang SIG Sauer? Bagay na bagay saiyo. Mas

magaganda ka kung isasama mo iyan sa porma mo," komento ni Sascha.

"Hindi mo na ako kailangang kumbinsihin dahil pumunta talaga ako dito para bumili
ng baril mo," sagot ko sa kanya. Nagkibit-balikat siya at saka lumapit kay
Detective Penber na tumitingin rin ng mga armas. Kinuha ko ang baril at pinasyang
bibili ng mas maraming bala. I just needed more bullets and a spare gun.

Nang matapos ako ay muli kong kinausap si Sascha para sa mga bala. Nang magbabayad
na ako ay agad na tumakbo palapit si Detective Penber dala ang isang Remington at
DPMS GII Hunter.
"We are not going to a world war, Detective Penber," wika ko sa kanya.

"Remington is mine, the other one is yours. Whoever got Mr. Montreal, I know he's
not easy to defeat. He moved like a real ghost." Hindi ako sumagot at sa halip ay
binayaran ko na rin pati ang baril na kinuha niya. Maligayang tinanggap ni Sascha
ang mga pera at sinabing maaari kaming bumalik kailanman namin gusto.

We spent the afternoon driving around Eremitia to find some hints of Ethan's
whereabouts. But I knew that the Novous won't be that easy to seek. Kung ganoon
lang sila kadaling mahanap, dapat ay nagawa na iyon ng mga Freniere dati pa.
Subalit hindi iyon madali maliban na lang kung ipasya nilang magpakita. But I still
had to try. I had no choice but to try.

Halos mag-ga-gabi na rin nang mapagod kami sa paglilibot sa Eremitia. Matapos

kaming kumain sa isang malapit na restaurant ay ipinasya kong bumalik na lang sa
Vinea. Sinubukan kong tanggihan ang paghahatid sa

akin ni Detective Penber sa aking kwarto subalit mapilit siya at mukhang nais
niyang panindigan ang pagiging maginoo. Patuloy niya akong kinausap tungkol sa
armas na pinili niya para sa akin na iniwan ko naman sa kanyang sasakyan sa
kadahilanang lubha itong malaki upang bitbitin sa loob ng Vinea.

"I still need your car tomorrow. If you don't want to drive for me, I can pay you
and let me use it instead," Pormal kong sabi sa kanya nang nasa labas na kami ng
pinto ng kwarto. This day was just so unfortunate. Maybe tomorrow would offer
something a little bit better or worse.

"Audrey is not a car for rent so I'll fetch you tomorrow and have our little date
around Eremitia," nakangiti niyang sabi. I wanted to refuse but I knew he wouldn't
allow his car to be driven by random people. I could clearly understand that.
Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako at tinalikuran siya upang buksan ang pinto.

Nang tuluyan ko nang mabuksan ang kwarto ay napatigil ako mula sa balak kong
pagpasok. Bagama't hindi nakabukas ang ilaw at madilim ay naaaninag ko pa rin ang
ayos ng loob nito dahil sa liwanag na nagmumula sa bintana. Agad kong inilabas ang
aking baril at maingat na kumubli mula sa pintuan.

Mukhang naintindihan naman iyon agad ni Detective Penber dahil inilabas rin niya
ang kanyang armas at saka pumuwesto sa aking likuran. Sumenyas siya na mauuna
siyang pumasok at ako naman ang magiging back up niya. Sumang-ayon ako at agad
siyang humakbang tungo sa loob. Nakapasok na ako nang bumukas ang ilaw at bumungad
sa amin ang magulong ayos ng silid. Nagtungo ako sa banyo upang tingnan kung may
nagtatago sa loob nito subalit walang sinuman ang naroroon. Tumakbo ako sa bintana
at tiningnan ang ibaba ng Vinea subalit walang sinumang kahina-hinala ang nasa
paligid nito.

"Someone paid you a visit," wika ni Detective Penber. Umupo siya sa couch nang
masigurong walang sinuman ang naroroon.

"If my visitor knows me, he probably waited for this room to be empty before
getting in," sagot ko sa kanya.

"That's possible," sang-ayon niya.

Nahagip ng paningin ko ang cabinet kung saan naroon pa ang papel na sinulatan ni
Summer upang pasunurin ako sa tabing-dagat. Subalit hindi na ito kasing-linis ng
dati. Kinuha ko iyon at napansin ang mga bakas ng tinta mula sa likurang bahagi
nito. Agad kong binaligtad iyon at nakita ang isang mensahe:

2 am. Yacht at the sea.

It was written in a flawed penmanship. The letters and words were pointing to
different directions. But however illegible the message was, I still understood it.
"What is that?" Tanong ni Detective Penber nang mapansin niya ang pagiging seryoso
ko.

"An invitation. A terribly bad hand-written one," sagot ko.

And he stood up as he understood.

=================

Chapter 33: Blood Meets the Sea

Chapter 33: Blood Meets the Sea

Soundtrack: Let it all go - Birdy

"Are you sure you're going to do this?" Tanong ni Detective Penber habang
isinasakay ko sa speed boat ang rifle na pinili niya para sa akin--ang DPMS GII
Hunter at ang Kalashnikov AK na agad na dinala ni Sascha sa Vinea nang tawagan ko
siya at sabihing kailangan ko ang isang iyon. Hindi ko maitatanggi na isa siyang
kapaki-pakinabang na koneksyon.

Hindi katulad sa araw ay lubhang mas malamig ang gabi sa Eremitia. Halos wala na
ring naliligo sa dagat at sa halip ay nanatili sila sa mga nakapaligid na clubs sa
lugar, walang ideya sa mga nangyayari at mangyayari ngayong gabi sa karagatan nila.

"May isang bagay lang akong hihilingin sayo, Detective Penber," sagot ko nang
matapos ko nang ihanda ang aking mga kailangan.

Bumuntong-hininga siya at saka seryosong sinalubong ang aking tingin. "Please,

don't make it sound like it's your last wish," aniya.

"Stay away from my brother. Stay away from Sebastian," wika ko. Alam ko kung nasaan
ang taong ito ay naroon din ang panganib. Mas mabuting lumayo siya sa mga taong
mahalaga sa akin kaysa ilagay niya sila sa kapahamakan.

Pinagsalikop niya ang kanyang mga kamay sa kanyang harapan na tila kinu-konsidera
ang mga sinabi ko. "I can't," sa wakas ay wika niya.

Pinigilan ko ang sarili kong humakbang palapit sa kanya upang pilitan siyang
baguhin ang kanyang sagot. Subalit hindi iyon ang dapat kong paglaanan

ng lakas at atensyon ngayong gabi kung kaya naman minabuti ko na lang na hindi
sumagot.

"I can't stay away from your lively, little brother. I still won't stop chasing the
Frenieres and put them into prison once I have the right chance and circumstances.
And you can't make me change that. All you have to do now is to get those bastards,
stay alive and stop me every time," he said with a smile playing on his lips like
he was sure he'd win the game he was playing.

I looked at him intently before pushing the speed boat farther into the water and
lifted myself up into it. Agad ko iyong pinaandar tungo sa malalim at maitim na
karagatan. Gamit ang flashlight ay inilawan ko ang palagid habang minamaniubra ang
direksyon subalit ang maliliit na alon lang sa karagatan na dulot ng mahina at
malamig na ihip ng hangin ang aking nakita. Alam kong hindi pa ako masyadong
nakalalayo sa pampang dahil nakikita ko pa rin ang liwanag at naririnig ang mga
musika na nagmumula rito. Sinubukan kong mas bilisan pa ang pagpapatakbo sa
speedboat upang mas lumayo pa tungo sa mas malalim na parte. Nahirapan akong
maaninag ang paligid at sa bawat liwanag na ibabato ng flashlight ay tila walang
katapusang tubig lang ang aking nasisilayan. Tila hindi rin nakakaiayon sa akin ang
kalikasan dahil sa pagtakip ng mga ulap sa buwan at sa unti-unting paglakas ng
alon.

Nang akala ko'y wala nang patutunguhan ang ginagawa kong paghahanap sa yacht at
maisip na isa lang iyong panlilinlang ay tila isang malaking Christmas light na
lumiwanag ang bahagi ng dagat sa may di kalayuan. Isang

malaki at mukhang magarang yate ang biglang nagsindi ng kanyang mga ilaw na
nagbigay liwanag sa paligid nito. Kung gaano katagal itong naroroon at tahimik na
nakikiramdam sa dilim ay hindi ko alam.

2:00 am.

Eksaktong alas dos ng madaling araw ang nakita ko sa aking relo. The yacht and my
wrist watch confirmed that the invitation written in an erratic penmanship was not
a hoax. Pinatay ko ang makina ng speed boat at tiningnan mula sa aking kinaroroonan
ang tahimik na yate. Mukhang walang tao roon maliban sa isang pigurang nakaupo sa
isang upuan sa main deck. Nakaharap sa akin ang likurang bahagi ng pigura kung
kaya't hindi ko malaman kung anong ginagawa nito. Kinuha ko ang maliit na binocular
na ibinigay saakin ni Detective Penber at dinala iyon sa aking mga mata. Tama ang
hinala ko. Isa iyong tao at maliban sa kanya ay wala akong makita na kahit sino sa
yate. Nakatakip ng itim na garbage bag ang ulunang bahagi niya kung kaya't hindi ko
masiguro kung sino iyon.

But Ethan was missing. They took him and I intended to get him back. And in that
case, more than fifty percent of chance made Ethan as the person on that yacht.

Isinabit ko sa aking balikat ang AK-47 at saka isinuot ang flippers at goggles.
Halos hindi ako lumikha ng ingay nang lumusong ako sa tubig at lumangoy tungo sa
yate. I glided swiftly, smoothly and silently against the cold water. My body
adjusted with the temperature and I relaxed my muscles as I swam towards the
direction of the yacht. When I reached the yacht, I went up to the surface
carefully and tried

not to make a sound to get attention. Kung si Ethan nga ang taong iyon, alam kong
hindi nila hahayaan na makuha ko siya nang ganun kadali. I was sure it was a trap
and I knew that I had no choice but to still enter it.
Nagawa kong akyatin ang main deck ng yate nang walang nakakapansin sa akin. Mula sa
pagkakahawak ko sa railings ay tiningnan ko ang paligid para sa maaaring pag-atake
subalit wala pa rin akong nakita maliban sa taong nasa upuan. Nang sipatin ko ang
taong iyon ay nabatid kong nakatali ang mga binti at kamay nito sa kinauupuan
dahilan upang hindi ito makagalaw. Halos marinig ko na ang malakas na tibok ng puso
ko dahil sa kaba nang dahan-dahan kong ihakbang ang aking mga paa mula sa railings
tungo sa bihag. Huminga ako nang malalim at saka marahang inalis ang itim na
plastic na nakatakip sa ulo nito. Magkahalong gulat at pagkalito ang naramdaman ko
nang mapag-alaman kung sino ang taong iyon.

"What are you doing here?" Tanong ko. Saka ko naalalang hindi niya magagawang
sumagot dahil sa tape na nasa bibig niya kung kaya't agad ko iyong tinanggal.

"Kinuha nila ang kasama niyo. I saw him when Sebby left me and I tried to talk to
him. And then, they took him. They took us." Hindi ko mapigilan ang pagkunot ng noo
ko sa mga narinig ko sa kanya. Sebby? Tried to talk to Ethan or flirt with him?
Walang emosyon ko siyang tinitigan at inisip kung nararapat lang sa kanya ang
sinapit niya. Subalit alam kong walang lugar para sa anumang nararamdaman ko ang
sitwasyong ito kung kaya naman isinantabi ko ang inis sa kanya a tsaka siya
tinanong.

/>

"Where is Ethan?" Kinuha ko ang rifle mula sa pagkakasabit sa aking likuran at

pinihit ito sa aking harapan bilang paghahanda kung sakaling kailangan ko itong
gamitin.

She seemed to be intimidated with the way I handled my weapon and it resulted with
her stuttering on her words. "I-I-I don't k-know. P-please, pakawalan mo ako."

I decided that hating her now wouldn't do me any good and that jealousy was not
enough for me not to help. Kinuha ko ang aking swiss knife at sinimulang hiwain ang
lubid sa kanyang mga kamay nang isang sigaw ng pamilyar na tinig mula sa loob ng
yate ang aking narinig.
"Ethan," I gasped as I straightened myself and turned towards the door of the
yacht.

"Please! Don't leave me. Help me!" Pagmamakaawa ni Jazarah habang sumisigaw si
Ethan sa di-kalayuan. Ibinalik ko ang paningin ko sa kanya habang nagtatalo ang
aking isipan kung pupuntahan ko na ba si Ethan at iiwan ang babaeng ito, o tulungan
muna siya.

I grunted as I stooped down to her and continued on cutting the thick ropes. I
could be bad for the rest of my life but I wouldn't waste any chance to be good.
Nagmamadali ko siyang kinalagan upang matulungan si Ethan at nang tuluyan ko nang
maputol ang lubid ay agad akong tumayo at mabilis na iniwan siya tungo sa pinto.
Nang makapasok ako ay mga putok ng baril at bala ang sumalubong saakin. Agad akong
kumubli sa mga malalaking kagamitan doon habang pinauulanan nila ako ng bala. Now,
this is the trap.

Mas lumapit pa ang mga sigaw ni Ethan na tila nagmumula pa sa dulong

bahagi ng yate. Maingat akong sumilip sa mga kawang ng kagamitang pinagkukublian ko

at nakita ko ang mga dulo ng mga baril na nakahandang pumutok mula sa mga sulok na
pinagtataguan ng mga may hawak nito. Lima. Limang tao ang sigurado akong naroroon
na malapit sa akin na nakakubli sa mga sulok at alam kong maaaring mas higit pa
sila sa bilang na iyon kung mayroon akong nakaligtaan. Mas marami sila sa bilang at
ang tanging alam ko lang na paraan upang sila'y malagpasan ay ang idaan sila sa
bilis.

I launched quickly towards the first shooter who was just near me. He immediately
shot but I dodged it by docking and grabbed his gun. I raised my arm and threw a
punch on his gut. He tried to take out his knife but I was fast enough to go behind
him as the other shooters shot at me. The guy was a bulky man and I felt his body
grumbled and vibrated as he received the bullets. The other shooters were surprised
when they realized that they just shot one of them. I took it as my chance and ran
rapidly towards them with the dead body as my cover and fire my AK-47. It was
difficult doing it single-handed but I had my waist to support it while shooting at
my targets.

There was a moment of silence after I finished firing at them, and then, one by
one, all five of them fell on ground lifeless and not moving. The body I was
holding was already covered in blood. I let it slip from my hand and fell on the
ground with his knife. But just before I took a step farther inside the yacht, a
figure showed himself from a hidden corner and aimed at me. So I missed counting
this one. I leaped

to the side as he fired to my direction. He was aiming for my head. He was holding
a single-action pistol and that gave me time to grab the dead man's knife and threw
it at him. Bull's eye! He fell on the ground with a thud.

Gasping for breath, I searched the surrounding for any attacks but it remained
silent aside from Ethan's whimpering. His low voice showed that he was already
tired from the pain they were inflicting on him. I gritted my teeth in rage because
of the thought. How cowardly of them to hold him hostage just to get to me. I ran
quietly towards the direction of the voice, farther inside the yacht. Mukhang nasa
dulo silang bahagi at kung anuman ang binabalak nila, alam kong hindi magiging
maganda at madali para sa akin. The Novous were expert with tortures. They probably
couldn't wait to do it with me.

There was an exit opaque glass door at the end of the yacht. Alam kong sa likod
niyon ay makikita ko na si Ethan at ang kung sinumang nagpapahirap sa kanya.
Mahigpit kong hinawakan ang aking armas, huminga nang malalim at saka itinulak ito
pabukas.

Agad kong itinutok ang dulo ng aking baril sa unang tao kong nakita. Subalit hindi
agad ako nakakilos nang makita ko ang nakagapos na si Ethan na nakaluhod sa sahig
ng yate. Puro sugat at galos ang kanyang katawan at halos nangingitim ang ilang
bahagi ng kanyang mukha dahil sa mga pasa. Nadagdagan ang lamig na naramdaman ko na
dulot ng hangin mula sa dagat nang makita kong nasa likod ni Ethan si Ephraim Novou
at may naka-ambang patalim sa leeg ng bihag nito.

"Hen-r-rie-ta."

Ethan croaked when he saw me. He was struggling to say my name. Tila kahit ang
pagsasalita ay kumukuha ng kanyang lakas.

Hindi ko magawang sumagot. I knew it wasn't the right time for a short conversation
or checking if he was hurt. Anumang pagkakamali ko ay maaaring ikasira ng lahat at
mas ikapahamak namin pareho.
"My God!" Bulalas ng isa pang tao na lumabas mula sa pintuan. Hindi ko na
kailangang lumingon at alamin kung sino iyon.

"You should have escaped, moron!" Mahinang wika ko sa kanya.

"S-so many people are dead," nanginginig ang boses na sabi niya at nang sa wakas ay
maintindihan niya ang sitwasyon ay saka siya nagtago sa likod ko.

Saka ko lang napansin ang isang tao na nakaupo sa upuan sa isang sulok at tila
naiinip sa panunuod sa amin. Nang magtama ang aming mga mata ay binigyan niya ako
ng isang ngiti. Isang nakakatakot na ngiti. It was the man who seemed to be faster
than me. He was the one I saw from the restaurant this morning.

"Ang buong akala ko'y hindi ka na darating. Sino ba namang mag-aaksaya ng panahon
sa isang traydor na tulad ng taong ito," pukaw ni Ephraim sa atensyon ko at saka
niya marahas na hinila ang buhok ni Ethan. "Mukhang nagkamali ako," nakangisi
niyang dugtong habang nakatingin sa akin. Hindi ako sumagot. "Mukhang pinatumba mo
sa maikling panahon ang aking mga tauhan." Wika niyang muli.

"It was calculated," tipid kong sagot. Maingat ko siyang pinagmasdan gayun rin ang
tao na nananatili sa sulok lamang. Kailangan kong bantayan ang bawat kilos

nila dahil hindi sila isang ordinaryong mamamatay-tao lamang. They were the Novous.
They lived to kill the Freniere Mafia and its reapers.

"Drop your weapon," wika ni Ephraim. Nang hindi ako sumunod ay inilapat niya ang
talim ng kanyang kutsilyo sa leeg ni Ethan, dahilan upang gumuhit ito ng manipis na
dugo. Agad kong inalis ang aking armas mula sa aking balikat at inilapag sa sahig.
Sinipa ko iyon tungo sa gilid ng railings. Muling inangat ni Ephraim ang kanyang
kutsilyo mula sa pagkakadikit nito sa leeg ni Ethan. Mukha namang hindi na iyon
maramdaman pa ng huli dahil sa pangkabuuang sakit na nararamdaman niya.
"Now, I'd like you to meet my younger brother, Declan Novou. He's a little bit
older than Andrew." Turo nito sa lalaking nagtataglay ng higit na bilis kaysa sa
akin. Alam kong dehado ako sa pagkakataong ito. "His mission is to kill the
Freniere woman, but it seemed that you let her escape with that fucking, shitty
Freniere." The images of Sebastian flying away this morning flashed on my mind and
I tried to push it aside. I needed to focus in this one, now that the ghost man had
a name, Declan Novou.

"And now that the introduction has ended, I'd like to move on with gratitude. I am
deeply grateful for your presence, Miss Henrietta Arturia, the Freniere Mafia's
excellent reaper, for giving me your life and this traitor's useless soul to kill.
I would do it with great pleasure and I extremely appreciate it. I would never
forget it for it would bring honor to my name and my family." He said it in a
formal way with a dark smile plastered on his

face. He let out a laugh at the end of his menacing speech.

"Now, let the execution begin," wika niya at muling inilapit ang kutsilyo kay
Ethan.

I gritted my teeth to stop myself from launching forward against him. I knew that
if I make a single wrong move, Ethan would finally be dead. Ephraim's knife was
almost touching Ethan's bloody neck when I decided to speak.

"Coward!" I accused loudly that made him stop.

Lumingon siya sa akin at sinabing, "What did you say?" Tanong niya na tila gustong
ipaulit ang aking sinabi bagama't malinaw niya iyong naririnig.

"You are a coward. If killing a weak and wounded man would give honor to your name,
then your name, Novou, sucks. You are representing the Novou clan in front of a
Freniere Mafia Reaper and you're doing it with your pride as low as the ground.
You're nothing but a mongrel playing giant against a hamster," malinaw at seryoso
kong sabi.

Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang sinabi ko kung kaya't tumayo siya at sinipa si
Ethan sa sahig. "Are you saying that you are better than me? You? A dog of the
Mafia? You're just a bitch who waits for the Frenieres to throw a ball as they say
'fetch'." He spat the words with disgust and hatred. The conversation seemed to
amuse Declan in the corner and watched us with interest in his eyes.

"Then prove that you're better than me. I am your match. Oh, no, I think it will be
a mismatch. You can bring your little Novou over there and fight me." I know it's
risky to get Declan into fighting me. One Novou was

bad enough, two would be a total disaster.

Sumenyas si Ephraim na lumapit ako sa kanya kung kaya't iniwan ko ang nasa likod
kong si Jazarah na tahimik at tila nahihintakutang nanunood sa amin, at humakbang
palapit. Sinipa pa niya gamit ang mga paa ang nanghihinang si Ethan patungo sa tabi
ng railings upang linisin ang maliit naming arena. "I don't need Declan. I'm going
to break you until you can't move. I'm going to have my saliva in every parts of
your body and swallow you whole, bitch!" He lunged towards me.

I dodged his fist swiftly and struck his lower ribs with my foot. He winced
recovered fast and grabbed my hair. His fist connected with my jaw and it sent me
to the ground hard. He got strength because he was a skilled man. But I have to
trust my mind and speed. I just had to be careful from being grabbed because once
he got me on his deadly clutch, I would surely be hit.

I got to my feet quickly and formed an attacking position. He moved his head like
he was just giving himself a stretching exercise. I waited for him to do the first
attack and when he did, I stepped to the side and went to his back. Using his own
momentum, I leaped and struck my elbow to his upper back causing him to hit the
floor in a painful way.
He grunted in pain and I used it to hit his face with my foot. "Bitch!" He said as
he spat blood to the floor. He tried to stand but remained on his feet. I wondered
if dizziness was already getting into him due to me hitting his head. If that was
the case, it was a luck I would take.

jabbed against him, targeting his head, but before my fist reached his temple, he
immediately grabbed my hand and punched my right arm hardly. I could almost hear
the quiet crack of my bone and felt the sudden jolt of pain. So he was just faking
his dizziness to grab me. I stepped back clenching my teeth while clutching my arm.
I hissed as the pain increased and in just seconds, I couldn't move my arm anymore.

"I told you, I'm gonna break you into pieces, reaper." He's the type of a talkative
fighter and it annoyed me so much. I couldn't let him win. But how was I going to
fight a Novou if I couldn't move my right arm?

When he prepared himself for another attack, I knew I had to trust my left arm and
legs. I was sure enough that he would try grabbing me again and I couldn't just
dodge it always. I had to take risks. He moved forward violently towards me and I
made a move to escape him. But he grabbed my injured right arm and I screamed as he
squeezed it. "So beautiful and fragile." He murmured as he squeezed my arm tighter,
making me scream louder. I thought that he would not stop torturing me. I was
thinking that the agony was endless. But between the scream and pain, my mind was
able to process and calculate things. I glanced at Ephraim who seemed to enjoy my
anguish and I tried to push the aching feeling away. I raised my one leg and hit
him on his crotch causing him to let go of my arm. I put all my strength to my left
arm and gave him an uppercut, blood from his mouth spraying in the air. I stooped
down in rapid speed and thwack his legs with

my feet and hit his ankle. I heard him scream as I heard the ugly crack of broken
bones. He was now defeated and helpless on the floor.

I knew I had to kill him, but I was sure it would take time. Declan, who was
watching silently on the corner, would surely prevent me from finishing him off and
I was not sure if I could still fight him in this condition. With Ephraim's loud
scream of pain echoing the surrounding, I ran towards my rifle and grabbed it
before going to Ethan. Agad ko siyang kinalagan nang malapitan ko siya. Hindi ko
alam ang dahilan kung bakit hindi gumagawa ng kung anumang hakbang si Declan upang
pigilan ako. Dahil ba sa wala siyang pakielam kay Ethan? Dahil hindi ako ang
kanyang misyon? Dahil ang oras at lakas niya ay para lamang sa isang babae ng mga
Freniere? I couldn't stop feeling inconsequential. I felt irrelevant around him.
"Stop her!" Ephraim shouted amidst his pain. He was still struggling with his
broken legs and ankle. Agad kong sinulyapan si Declan at inihanda ang aking depensa
subalit hindi siya natinag mula sa kanyang pagkakaupo. Tahimik lang siyang nanunuod
sa sitwasyon kung kaya't isinantabi ko ang kanyang presensya at ipinatong ang braso
ni Ethan sa aking balikat. Subalit itatayo ko pa lamang siya nang maramdaman ko ang
malamig na metal na dumampi sa likod ng aking ulo. Masyado akong pamilyar sa bagay
na iyon upang hulaan pa. Dahan-dahan akong lumingon sa taong tumutok ng baril sa
akin at sarkastikong tinawanan ko ang aking sarili.

"You aren't expecting it, are you?" Wala na ang tila takot sa kanyang boses at sa
halip ay napalitan ito ng normal at maarte niyang pananalita.

"You are a snake. I shouldn't have saved you," wika ko. Habang tumatagal ay mas
lalong nananaig ang inis ko sa isang ito.

She gave a soft laugh and stared at me with her cold eyes. "It pained me not to
kill all of you all this time. I really, really wanted to hurt you, but
unfortunately, my task was just about observation and pretending. And oh, it was
really kind of you receiving my invitation. So how do you like my acting skills?"
She asked.

I returned it with a smirk. "I like it very, very much," I sarcastically said.

"Just fucking shoot her!" Galit na sigaw ni Ephraim habang pilit itinatayo ang
sarili.

Muling nagseryoso si Jazarah at akmang kakalabitin ang gatilyo ng baril, subalit

mukhang wala siyang ideya kung gaano kabilis ang kaya kong gawin lalo pa't
masyadong maliit ang distansya niya sa akin. Binitiwan ko si Ethan at gamit ang
kaliwang kamay ay naagaw ko ang baril mula sa kanya. Itinutok ko iyon pabalik at
nakita ko ang pagbakas ng takot sa kanyang mukha.
"Sebby, huh?" I said and pulled the trigger. Walang buhay siyang bumagsak sa sahig
at kasabay nun ay agad kong binalikan si Ethan.

"B*tch! Declan! She is Sebastian Freniere's woman!" Muling sigaw ni Ephraim. Nakita
kong tumayo si Declan mula sa kinauupuan nito. Wala na ang pagkabagot sa mukha niya
at sa halip ay napalitan iyon ng matinding pagnanais na isagawa ang isang bagay--at
iyon ay ang paslangin ako.

Nang magsimula siyang humakbang ay hinawakan ko si Ethan gamit ang isa kong braso
at matapos huminga nang malalim ay sabay kaming nagpatihulog mula sa katabing
railing pabagsak sa maalon at maitim na dagat. Kasabay ng paglubog namin ay narinig
ko ang magkakasunod na putok ng baril.

=================

Chapter 34: Drowning

Chapter 34: Drowning

Soundtrack: Don't Forget About Me - Cloves

When I was younger, I used to watch this animated film and I remembered this
courageous little character saying 'Just keep swimming'. And right now, those words
seemed to be engraved in my mind. In just a moment, I became that little fish
silently screaming 'Just keep swimming'. And I wasn't just telling it to myself. I
was hoping that the man beside me could hear those words, too.

Mas binilisan ko pa ang paglangoy. Bagama't hindi ko masyadong magamit ang parehong
braso ko sa kadahilanang hindi ko maigalaw ang aking kanan at ang isa nama'y
mahigpit na nakahawak sa nanghihinang si Ethan, siniguro kong hindi tumitigil ang
aking mga binti sa paglangoy upang mabilis naming mapuntahan ang speed boat. Nang
dahil na rin siguro sa delikadong sitwasyong ito ay ilang minuto lang at narating
na namin ang nakahintong sasakyan. I was able to haul him up to the speed boat and
dragged myself up to it. With one last glance to the still, silent, and ghostly
yacht, I started the engine and drove fast, far from the area. Halos hindi ko na
maituon ang utak ko sa pag-iisip sa mga susunod kong gagawin. Ang tanging nakikita
ko lang ay ang puno ng sugat at pasa na katawan ni Ethan na hindi na gumagalaw sa
makipot na sahig ng speed boat. Let him be alive. Mas binilisan ko pa lalo ang
pagpapatakbo sa sasakyan na tila nakikipagkarerahan na rin ako sa mga alon sa
dagat. Sumadsad at halos tumakbo sa mga buhangin ang speed boat nang tuluyan ko
itong pahintuin. Sa di-kalayuan ay

nakita ko ang pamilyar na kotseng nakaparada at naghihintay sa pagbabalik ko.

Nagsimulang dumilim ang tingin ko sa kapaligiran nang itaas ko at ikaway ang aking
mga kamay upang kunin ang atensyon ng sakay nito. Agad namang bumukas ang pinto ng
driver's seat at saka lumabas at tumakbo sa amin ang lulan nito.

"Oh, Christ! We need to bring him to the hospital!" Malakas niyang sabi habang
kinukuha ang isang braso ni Ethan. Nang magsimula siyang maglakad ay agad kong
pinigilan siya sa braso.

"We have to--we have to leave Eremitia. Now!" Habol ang paghinga kong sabi.
Nararamdaman ko ang mabilis na panghihina ng aking katawan at kahit ang dalawang
armas na dala ko ay tila mas bumigat pa kaysa kanina.

"Kailangan niya ng doktor!" Tutol ni Detective Penber at muling naglakad palayo.

Hindi ko inaasahan na agad akong mawalan ng balanse at masubsob sa buhangin.
Mabagal at mahirap subalit pinilit ko pa rin na tumayo. Kahit ang mga buhangin ay
tila hinihila at pinababagal ang aking mga paa.

Nang maisakay ni Detective Penber si Ethan sa likod ng kotse nito ay agad niya
akong binalikan. Subalit sandali siyang biglang napatigil nang makita niya ang
sitwasyon ko. Agad siyang tumakbo palapit sa akin at walang sabi-sabing binuhat
ako.

"I can walk!" I protested.

Hinakawan ko ang braso niya na nakasuporta sa aking balikat upang hindi ako
mahulog. Natigilan ako at napatitig sa aking mga kamay nang bawiin ko ang mga iyon.
Dugo? Kaninong mga dugo ang mga ito? I killed people in the yacht and I did it
cleanly. But if there were drops of blood from my crimes, the sea should have
washed it already. But this was fresh, red blood.

Napatingin ako sa Detective na mukhang naghihintay rin ng aking sasabihin. "You've

been shot at your back. We badly need to go to the hospital immediately," sa wakas
ay sabi niya nang nanatili lang akong nakatulala.

So this was the reason why my eyes and body were not coordinating with my mind
well. I should have known that the Novou assassins rarely missed their shots. I was
sure this is going to be bad. Nang maipasok niya ako sa kanyang sasakyan at maiupo
sa passenger seat ay agad siyang pumunta sa driver's seat at pinaandar ang kotse.
Sa pagkakataong ito ay nararamdaman ko na ang sobrang pagkahilo. Anumang sandali ay
maaaring mawalan ako ng malay kung kaya naman minabuti kong gamitin ang aking lakas
upang kausapin si Detective Penber.

"We need to leave-now," seryoso kong sabi sa kanya.

Tinapunan niya ako ng tingin habang nagmamaneho. "You're losing blood. Kailangan ko
na kayong madala sa ospital ngayon din," matigas niyang sabi.

I had no time and energy to engage in a fight with him and I was really hoping that
he would just listen. "Kung gusto mo kaming iligtas, kailangan mo kong sundin."

"But Miss Arturia-"

I could laugh at his sudden formality but I decided to just cut him off. "Eremitia
is a territory of the Novou clan," mariin kong sabi.
Mukhang natigilan siya sa kanyang narinig. Maya-maya pa ay inilabas nito ang

kanyang cellphone at tinawagan ang isa sa mga contacts niya. I wanted to protest
and tell him about why we shouldn't trust people here in Eremitia but right now, he
was the most capable person inside the car that could make decision clearly. I
couldn't do anything but to trust him. Ipinasya kong ipikit na lang ang aking mga
mata nang sa wakas ay mukhang sumagot na ang tinatawagan niya sa kabilang linya.

"Don't drop the call. It's urgent," seryosong wika ni Detective Penber. Kung sino
man ang kausap niya ay mukhang wala siyang magandang koneksyon rito. Subalit kung
hindi maganda ang turing nila sa isa't isa at magkagayunpaman ay siya pa rin ang
tinawagan ni Detective Penber, malamang siya ang taong pinaka-makakatulong sa
sitwasyon namin. Detective Penber had connections and no matter how much I disliked
him, I had to give him a chance.

"The reaper has been shot. The traitor was incapacitated. We are in the Novou's
territory. And I am not Superman to fly both of them out of Eremitia right away.
I'm just a Detective. Damn it!" Mukhang nauubusan na rin siya ng pasensya sa kausap
niya. He was a clever Detective who was fascinated with puzzles and now, his
problem-solving ability was being tested.

"Yes! She's still alive but she won't be in the next few hours if she doesn't see a
doctor. She's f*cking losing blood!" He sounded frustrated. Suddenly there was
silence inside the car. I knew he was still on the line but someone in the other
line seemed to be giving him some important notes.

"I got it," sa wakas ay wika ni Detective Penber. "And I'm

not kidding about her being dead by 3 in the morning. I've seen shot bodies before
and I knew she wouldn't last long--Hello? Hello?" Mukhang binabaan siya ng kausap
niya. Pinilit kong imulat ang kalahati ng aking mga mata at nakita ko siyang muling
tumatawag sa kanyang cellphone. He shouldn't be calling while driving but who would
care to discuss about legality right now.

"Am I really that bad?" Mahina kong tanong ko sa kanya.

Saglit niya akong tinapunan ng tingin at saka muling ibinalik ang paningin sa
kalsada habang naghihintay na sagutin siya ng kanyang tinatawagan. "You look really
that bad. But I'm not a doctor so I can't really announce about the time of
someone's death. I just thought that it would do the work." I think I saw a slight
smirk in his face subalit agad din iyong nawala sa muling pagpikit ko ng aking mga
mata.

"Sascha. I need a helipad near your place..." I wasn't able to hear the whole of it
because my mind went completely blank and dark. Maybe I would die earlier than 3:00
in the morning.

Nagising ako sa pakiramdam na may isang pares ng matitipunong braso ang nagbubuhat
sa akin habang ang pamilyar na tunog ng helicopter ay pumapailanlang sa paligid.
Pamilyar rin sa akin ang amoy na iyon ng isang tao. I could smell his perfume
meters away like a cat. I was a reaper so I was good with details. Gusto kong
imulat ang aking mga mata subalit walang kahit na anong lakas akong nailabas upang
gawin iyon. Unti-unti ring bumabalik ang aking isipan sa kadiliman at kawalan.

"You f*cking need to f*cking

live so we can f*cking talk!" The familiar voice said loudly and exasperatedly. And
I wanted to open my mouth and complain about the curses. But I couldn't. I just
kept on hoping that I could hear his voice again until I was swallowed by complete
darkness.

Muli akong nagising sa mga kamay na naglalaro sa aking mga daliri. Kasabay nun ay
ang agad na naramdaman kong kirot sa aking likuran. I realized that I was lying on
my side and I wasn't just sitting in a car's passenger's seat. Pinilit kong buksan
ang aking mga mata subalit kalahati lang ang nagawa kong imulat dahil sa liwanag na
nagmumula sa katapat na bintana.

"Hetta! Finally!" Wycliffe's smiling face was suddenly in front of me, blocking the
lights.
I managed to smile at him but winced when I tried to move. "Uh. You know I don't
like doctors and hospitals," wika ko sa kanya.

Namilog ang kanyang mga mata at sinabing, "Oh, you're not in a hospital. You are in
Wycliffe Arturia's laboratory. And I regret to inform you that, you lost ¾ of your
body and starting today, you will have machines and metals to work with. I put
microchips inside of you that could allow me to set you in a certain program--"

"You're playing with too many robots," wika ko habang ginugulo ang buhok niya.
Ginantihan niya ako ng malalakas na tawa. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko sa silid at
nakita ko si Detective Penber na nakaupo sa couch at nakatingin sa akin. Agad na
bumalik sa akin ang mga nangyari nitong nakaraang gabi. Pinilit kong tumayo subalit
nag-aalala akong pinigilan ni Wycliffe at nagmamadaling

lumapit si Detective Penber.

"You can't just move like that and force your body. Your stitches would open up,"
wika ni Detective Penber.

Nanatili akong nakatingin sa kanya habang dahan-dahang bumabalik sa pagkakahiga.

There were so many questions I wanted to ask him. It would definitely be a long,
serious talk but I couldn't do it with Wycliffe around.

"Everything I've heard about Detective Penber is real. He's the best detective to
work with. He rescued you and Elric from robbers and I couldn't help but be
thankful of him," Wycliffe said, with his praises towards Detective Penber. The
Detective received it happily and bowed his head like a brave gentleman in service.

I raised an eyebrow toward him and he returned it with a knowing smile. "Elric is
resting in the other room. You need to rest, too."
"We need to talk," seryoso kong sabi sa kanya.

"We'll talk after you get your good sleep. Mister and Mistress Arturia are arriving
in a bit," Sagot niya. Subalit alam kong hindi ko magagawang matulog at lubusang
magpahinga kung maraming katanungan at pag-aalala sa aking isipan.

"Detective?" Muli kong tawag sa kanya.

Muli rin siyang humarap saakin mula sa kanyang pagtalikod. Hindi siya sumagot at
hinintay lang niya ang sunod kong sasabihin. "We were in a helicopter, right?"

He grinned and nodded slowly. "Yes, your highness."

I frowned at the title he had gotten used in addressing me. "And I was not carried
by your arms.

His smile became wider; he was almost showing his teeth. "Yes, your highness."

As the little probing went on, my heart started to beat faster. I could feel my own
hands turning cold as my expectation became wild. Could it be possible? But he
hated me. He wanted nothing to do with me. I saw him flying away and leaving
nothing but me behind.

"Then who was that?" I finally asked. I held my breath as I waited for his answer.
"I think you already have an idea," he said smirking.

"That's impossible," I whispered almost to myself.

"Arrogance rarely gets a girl but I think he's doing it so well." At that, he went
back to the couch.

=================

Chapter 35: Relinquishment

Chapter 35: Relinquishment

Soundtrack: I'd Hate To be You When People Find Out What This Song Is About -
Mayday Parade

I recovered fast. It took me a few boring days in the hospital smelling ethanol and
watching programs I didn't know were being aired on television before the doctors
let me out. I could already walk but the stubborn stitches on my back never stopped
protesting thus, I used the wheelchair. My right arm was still aching sometimes but
it was something I could handle. Ethan recovered faster. Fortunately, his wounds
weren't too deep that he didn't have to stay long at the hospital. He refused to
leave me but I strictly ordered him to use the tree house and hide until I got
back. Wycliffe was able to smuggle him secretly inside the Arturia Mansion. My
parents didn't have to know about him.

It was the day that I can finally free myself from this building full of white
people. We were already in the hospital's reception and Wycliffe was just walking
behind me pushing my wheelchair slowly when I told him to stop. I watched intently
at the news on the big flat screen showing seven dead bodies on the shore of a
familiar beach.
"I think it's more than seven. The sharks probably ate the rest," Wycliffe
commented when he saw where my attention is. Our parents continued walking to the
exit door trusting that it wouldn't take us long to follow them.

"I think the rest are in your laboratory and you're secretly testing on them,
little mad scientist," I said teasingly

and urged him to continue pushing my wheel chair.

He faked a shocked gasp. "How did you know that I'm the reincarnation of Victor
Frankenstein?" He asked.

I wasn't able to respond right away and it seemed that he wasn't waiting for my
answer, too. I just remained silent as he brought me to the waiting car and
pretended that I was asleep on our way to the Arturia Mansion. It would be easier
this way.

Hindi ko naisip na sobrang nangulila ako sa mansion na ito. Halos ayaw ko nang
ilayo ang sarili ko mula sa pagkakaupo sa kumportable at malambot na sofa. Agad
namang pumuwesto si Wycliffe sa couch na nasa harapan ko at saka iniabot sa akin
ang isang throw pillow.

"And now that we are complete, I can rest from worrying," nakangiting wika ni Dad.
Mom was on his side while his hand was on her waist. Looking at the lines on his
forehead and around his mouth when he smiled, I couldn't help but feel guilty.
Hindi ko man lang lubusang inisip ang maaari nilang maramdaman kung sakaling may
mas masamang nangyari sa akin.

"Next time, don't go on dangerous, educational trips, okay?" Makahulugang sabi ni

Mom.
Mukhang hindi naman iyon masyadong sineryoso ni Wycliffe at sa halip ay sinabing,
"Don't go anywhere without me so I can protect you."

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. How I terribly missed this boy! Naputol ang pag-uusap namin
nang isa sa mga maids ang lumapit sa aking ama at iniabot ang isang envelop. Hindi
ko mapigilang hindi kabahan habang pinapanood ko siya na tahimik na binabasa ang
kung anumang mensahe

ang naroroon. Hindi nagbibigay ng anumang emosyon ang kanyang mukha. If there was
anything I got from my father, that was being able to control emotions and hide it.

"It's an invitation," sa wakas ay sinabi niya. Nang diretso siyang tumingin sa

akin, automatikong mas bumilis ang pagtahip sa aking dibdib. Hindi ako
nakapagsalita habang patuloy lang na nakatingin sa kanya. Wycliffe and mom seemed
to be silently waiting for the announcement, too.

"Algernon Freniere is back," wika niya. Walang kahit na sino man ang nagsalita sa
amin. "There would be a dinner for his people," patuloy niya. Wala pa ring
nagtangkang sumagot sa kanyang anunsyo. "And he wants to see you,"pagtatapos niya.
This time, it was Wycliffe who rushed immediately to my side.

"Don't go there," wika niya.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot sa kanya. I knew I shouldn't go. But I knew it
was something I had to do. Hinila ko siya palapit at niyakap. "It's just dinner,
Wycliffe. And they are the Frenieres." Wycliffe didn't know about the reasons
behind my gunshot.

"I don't trust Ian! He has changed. Alam mo iyon base na lang sa pakikitungo niya
sa iyo. He's not your friend anymore,"protesta niya.
Mahinahong pinigilan ng aming ama ang mariing pagtutol ni Wycliffe. Wala siyang
nagawa kundi tahimik na sumunod dito. "And Henrietta, the invitation is not only
for you," dagdag ng aking ama.

Kunot-noo at nagtatanong ang mga mata ko siyang tiningnan. "There's a postscript

here saying you must bring a certain Mr. Montreal,"

wika niya.

This time, not answering to the invitation was quite easier and better. Tila
nakikita ko na ang magiging patutunguhan nito at hindi iyon magiging maganda.
Dahan-dahan akong tumango at saka tahimik na nag-isip. Kahit ano pa ang gawin ko,
alam kong sa huli, kailangan kong harapin ang Freniere Mafia. At sa kondisyon kong
ito, hindi ko kakayanin ang tumakas. Tila napakabilis ng mga oras dahil ilang
sandali na lang ay malapit nang gumabi at magdilim ang paligid. Nagawa kong dumaan
sa likuran ng mansion at maisakay nang palihim si Ethan sa kotse. He offered to
drive and I let him. It was something that even me got surprised because I didn't
usually let people drive my car.

"You're so beautiful. You always are," bigla niyang komento sa gitna ng

pagmamaneho. Natigil ako sa pag-iisip at hindi ko maiwasan na sipatin ang aking
sarili. My mother thought that it would be a formal and solemn dinner and she
managed to make me wear a sleeveless black dress that was zipped from behind. It
covered the mafia crest tattoo and the stitches on my back.

"You can refuse the invitation, Ethan. I can go there alone," sa halip ay wika ko
sa kanya. Hindi ko mapigilan na hindi isipin ang posibleng mangyari sa gabing iyon.

Nakangiti niya akong tiningnan, naghihilom na rin ang mga sugat at medyo malabo na
rin ang mga pasa niya sa katawan. "I can't let you do this alone. I also need to
surrender myself to an old friend."
Ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata at huminga ng malalim. "I'm sorry, Ethan," mahina
kong sabi.

/>

Nabalot ng katahimikan ang loob ng sasakyan. Tahimik lang siyang nagmaneho habang
nakatitig ako sa daan. I wasn't good with apologies, and I didn't give it away too
often. But this time, I knew I meant it. Our almost death made me realize that I
was doing things in a wrong way. I didn't have to use someone else's life just to
avenge. When I saw him unconscious on the floor of the speed boat, I thought he was
dead. And the regret that suddenly bit into me was chewing inside my chest.

"After this night, you're free. If Giovanni Freniere would forgive you, I'd respect
it," patuloy ko. Hindi pa rin siya nagsalita. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang tumatakbo
sa isipan niya hanggang sa marating na namin ang teritoryo ng Freniere Mafia.
Matapos ang kadiliman ng tinahak naming daan na nasa pagitan ng mga malalaking puno
na tila nagmamasid at naghihintay sa aming pagdating, agad na tumambad sa amin ang
liwanag na nagmumula sa mansion. Ilang kotse na rin ang mga nakaparada sa parking
lot nito at nakatitiyak ako sa ilang mga nagmamay-ari nun.

"Pwede ka pang umatras, may oras pa," kinakabahan kong sabi.

"It will be okay, Henrietta. It should have happened earlier," sagot niya. Kung
saan nanggagaling ang lakas ng loob niya ngayon ay hindi ko alam.

"There are Reapers invited in this dinner. The formality of the occasion will not
stop them from killing us if Sir Algernon Freniere ordered," babala ko sa kanya
subalit mukhang hindi na magbabago ang kanyang isip. Ipinarada niya ang kotse sa
isang bakanteng espasyo na katabi ng isang

BMW. I could almost envision the smirk the car's owners would give once they saw my
mine beside them.

Ethan already climbed down from the car and opened the passenger door for me.
Patuloy niya akong inalalayan mula sa aking pagbaba ng kotse hanggang sa paglalakad
papasok ng mansion. Agad kong naramdaman ang matatalas na tingin ng mga pares ng
mga mata na tumutok sa amin nang tumambad kami sa bukana ng mansion. The grand room
was turned into an elegantly decorated dinner where wines were served on few tables
existing in there. It was too spacious, too silent and too eerie for the short list
of invited people - few reapers and partners.

Hindi ko magawang lumakad papasok. Kahit ang kanina'y lakas ng loob ni Ethan ay
tila naglaho sa presensya ng mga taong ito sa paligid. From the top of the grand
staircase, I saw Sir Algernon Freniere and Giovanni Freniere start to step down. A
couple of reapers appeared from behind and pointed a gun to both of us.

"Hello, H. It's definitely nice to see you again." I remember that voice well. I
could almost taste the poison from her words.

"Natalia Pushkin," sambit ko sa kanyang pangalan. She was one of those Reapers who
would grab any chance to take me down.

"You're looking good, H. So you're dating the traitor," wika ni Nikolai. If there
was anything to be feared from the Pushkin twins, it was their ability to read each
other and communicate secretly. Their shooting and combat skills were undeniably a
threat. They were sent to protect a Freniere's territory in a distant place.

But they were here now and I wondered about the purpose of their presence.

Sabay nila kaming itinulak papasok sa grand room ni Ethan gamit ang dulo ng
kanilang mga baril. Normal ang ginawa kong paglalakad habang si Ethan ay halata ang
pagiging kabado. I couldn't blame him for feeling that way--the Pushkins could
instill fear to their prey.

Nang magpatuloy sa paglalakad ang dalawang Freniere upang salubungin kami,

nagsimulang bumilis ang kabog sa dibdib ko. Kung sakaling maging hindi naaayun sa
panig namin ang kalabasan ng gabing ito, mahihirapan kaming makatakas ni Ethan.
"Kamusta ka, Binibining Arturia?" Tanong ni Sir Algernon, walang kahit anong bakas
ng emosyon ang kanyang mga mata.

Alam kong walang tamang sagot sa tanong na iyon, subalit alam ko rin na kailangan
ko iyong sagutin. "Magandang gabi, Sir Algernon Freniere." Pormal kong bati.

"Ngayong naririto na ang lahat ng mga bisita, maaari na nating simulan ang
hapunan," malakas niyang sabi at naglakad tungo sa malaking mesa na sentro ng
lahat. Susunod sana ako subalit nakita kong nanatiling nakatigil si Giovanni at
nakikipagtitigan kay Ethan. Katulad ng sa kanyang ama ay wala ring emosyon sa
kanyang mga mata. Tila maingat lang niyang kinikilatis ang kanyang kaharap.

"Henrietta!" Napalingon ako sa tinig na iyon at nakita ko si Summer na tumatakbo

pababa ng malaking hagdanan. Nilagpasan niya ang malaking hapag-kainan at dumiretso
sa amin. "You came!" At saka niya ako niyakap.

I winced when she accidentally touched the healing wound at

my back. Agad naman niyang inilayo ang sarili sa akin nang mahalata niya ang aking
kondisyon.

"You're not being careful, Summer," sita sa kanya ni Van. This time, his face was
betrayed by the suppressed thin smile that crossed his face.

Umirap sa kanya si Summer at saka niya iniyakap ang kanyang mga braso sa kaliwa
kong braso. "Don't mind the creepy twins behind us. I don't understand why they're
even invited," mahinang sabi ni Summer sa akin.

"They're Reapers," seryoso kong sagot sa kanya. Saglit siyang napahinto at saka
dahan-dahang lumingon sa likod. Halata ang kanyang pagkabigla.
"Don't worry. I don't think they're here to hurt you. They can't do that. Not when
Giovanni is around." Giovanni should be telling her about the things and people she
should avoid. She tended to be careless most of the times. Actually, if there was
someone who shouldn't be invited here, it would be her.

Tahimik kaming umupo sa mga upuan na nakapalibot sa malaking hapag-kainan. Hindi ko

maiwasang ilibot ang aking mga mata sa paligid at umasang makakatagpo ng aking
paningin ang aking hinahanap. Subalit wala siya sa pagtitipon na iyon. Walang kahit
na anong bakas niya sa paligid. Gustuhin ko mang tanungin ang hindi humihiwalay sa
tabi ko na si Summer tungkol sa kanyang kinaroroonan ay hindi ko magawa sa
kadahilanang ang aming pag-uusap ay malakas na maririnig ng mga tao na nakadulog sa
kainan.

Walang nagsimula sa pagkain. Walang sino man ang humawak ng kubyertos at sa halip,
nanatili ang ilan sa kanila sa

paglalaro sa mga baso ng alak na hawak nila. There were three partners: they were
the ones who played head on some businesses of the Freniere Mafia. My father,
Desmond Arturia, should be here if it was for the partners. But his name was not
written in the invitation. I met dangerous blank stares of the reapers. There were
four of them: the twins - who worked side by side each other. If someone was going
to go against any of them, it would be like fighting a serpent with two heads.
Desiderius, anyone could rely on his strength and cleverness in combat. And Wolf, I
didn't really have that much information about him. All I've heard was that he was
trained by Maximus Brown.

"The business is going bad. Transactions are being sabotaged at the sea," basag sa
katahimikan ng isa sa mga partners. He seemed to be eager to address the important
points in the meeting.

"Some of our clients were being assassinated. It's making a hole for the
authorities to peek in our underground organization." Viktoria Gahan, the woman in
elegant peach gown and blonde hair said.
"They won't reach the underground organization," agad na sagot ni Giovanni
Freniere. He seemed to be in defense because everything started when Sir Algernon
Freniere left and he took the leading.

The atmosphere tensed up when Viktoria said, "I know they won't. But the fact that
we have a traitor is undeniable."

Pairs of eyes turned intensely on me. Hindi ko iyon pinansin at sa halip ay tahimik
lang akong nakatingin kay Sir Algernon Freniere. Tanging ang sasabihin

lang niya at paghuhusga ang aking pakikinggan. Tahimik at seryoso niyang nilalaro
ang pulang alak sa kanyang baso habang pinakikinggan ang konbersasyon. Nang mag-
angat siya ng tingin at salubungin ang aking mga mata ay hindi ko maiwasang hindi
manlamig ang aking mga kamay. Tila nakita ko ang aking kamatayan habang ang dugo ko
ay nasa basong kanyang hawak.

"Ano ang masasabi mo sa sitwasyong ito, Binibining Arturia?" Tanong niya.

Hindi ako kumurap habang nakatingin ng diretso sa kanya, "I would never sabotage
the Mafia transaction," sagot ko. There were suddenly hisses and whispers on the
table. Mas tumalim pa ang ipinukol nilang tingin sa akin.

"And that traitor tends to lie." Tinig muli ni Viktoria.

"She's not lying," biglang sambit ni Ethan. Naagaw niya ang atensyon nila mula sa
akin at agad niyang natanggap ang mga ubod ng talim nilang tingin.

"Another traitor. The reapers can't wait to execute them." Viktoria took a sip from
her wine as if the decision has been made.
Suddenly, Summer snickered from her side of the table and gulped her wine as if she
was just drinking a juice. "You're talking about Ethan as if you were betrayed by
him," she sarcastically said towards Viktoria. She was clearly showing disrespect
in this formal dinner.

Viktoria turned to Summer, surprised that she dared to speak in front of them. She
probably thought that Giovanni's girl was just an outsider in the table who would
quietly sit until the end of the conversation. "Oh, let us hear your hyper-
intelligent

thoughts then," sagot niya.

Summer glared at her. She knew Viktoria was underestimating her. "Ethan's betrayal
was not against the Mafia. It was against his friends. It was against us. And that
means his judgment would be for us to decide. Not by you because you're nobody to
him. He doesn't even know you."

"And your decision is?" One of the partners asked. Vespasiano seemed to be amused
by Summer's tactlessness and straightforwardness.

"Forgive him. I don't even need to be a super genius just to come up with that
decision. He's our friend and we forgive friends."

The Reapers and Viktoria seemed to disagree. They were almost ready to charge at
Ethan when Van's voice stopped them.

"You heard her clearly. We forgive Mr. Montreal." There was coldness in his voice
that was hard to oppose.
"Don't you remember that he worked with the Stones and the Novous?" Viktoria asked.
Her voice still sounded formal.

"I remember it well. And he didn't afflict any harm to the Mafia. His sins are
against me. And that would be settled by us over bottles of harder alcoholic
drinks, right? Ethan?" Bumaling siya kay Ethan at nakita ko ang pag-guhit ng ngiti
sa mukha niya.

"Definitely, Van," sagot ni Ethan. Ngayon ay naiintindihan ko na ang pagkakaibigan

nila. Hindi ito kasing-komplikado at delikado katulad ng relasyon ng bawat partners
at bawat reapers--katulad ng relasyon ko sa Mafia.

"Kung gayun--" bumaling ang atensyon ng lahat kay Sir Algernon Freniere.
"Ibinibigay

natin ang paghahatol sa mga personang pinagtaksilan ng dalawa sa ating mga bisita.
Simula sa gabing ito, si Ginoong Montreal ay malaya na," seryoso niyang paghahayag.

Tila nakahinga ng maluwag si Ethan dahil sa naging laki ng ngiti niya at

pasasalamat kay Sir Algernon bagamat nanatiling walang emosyon ang matandang
Freniere. Nang matapos ang maiksing pagdiriwang nina Ethan at Summer ay muling
tumahik ang lahat.

"Now let's go to our lovely Reaper, Henrietta Arturia," pormal na hayag ni

Viktoria. Hindi siya nagpakita ng pagkadismiya sa desisyon tungkol kay Ethan.
Marahil ay alam niyang may mas importante pang paghahatol ang mangyayari. Natalia
gazed at me with bloodlust in her eyes. She had been waiting for this moment to
happen. She had been longing to defeat me.

"We're invited because we're outside the circle of your betrayal. We would see
things as facts," Vaspasiano said.
"Giovanni requested for fair judgment," dagdag ni Theodore Collins, isa sa mga
partners ng Freniere Mafia.

Freniere Mafia had numerous of powerful partners. But these three were believed to
be the most influential and intellectual among them. They were considered to be
important walls of the Mafia.

"The Mafia was looking for the Mafia leader's traitor and Arturia hid him for a
very long time, away from the grasp of us. Definitely, a betrayal," wika ni
Viktoria.

"And I'm that Mafia Leader. I would serve my forgiveness to Miss Arturia," Giovanni
countered.

"Well, it seems that

our young Mafia Leader would forgive everyone that betrayed him," Viktoria
commented shaking her head in disapproval. "That would give chances to anyone who
would harm important stuff around you." And she gazed at Summer.

Summer paled beside me and Giovanni's expression darkened. "No one would dare," he
expressed in a deep menacing voice that even Viktoria faltered.

Vespasiano cleared his throat, "She was ordered to bring Summer Leondale home
safely and she failed. Instead, she brought her across the sea and put her in a
serious danger."

"It wasn't entirely her fault. I insisted to come with her," agad na sabi ni
Summer.
"Uh. Everyone forgives our angel here," komento ni Natalia. Mukhang hindi niya
nagugustuhan ang tinatakbo ng pag-uusap. The other Reapers, Desiderius and Wolf,
remained silent as they watched everyone in the room.

"Not everyone," said Viktoria. "Sebastian Freniere decided to look for her by
himself through a Detective's help. Seriously?" Mukhang hindi siya makapaniwalang
nangyari iyon. "And he was brought into a serious danger because apparently, there
were Novous in the place and it was, in fact, a Novou territory."

"It was Sebastian's decision," komento ni Vespasiano. "We've known him to be a

brash young man ever since he was young."

"And he's not the type of a person who would forgive," dagdag ni Theodore Collins.

"Exactly! Not everyone forgives Henrietta Arturia."

Umiling-iling si Giovanni habang kunot-noong tinitingnan

ang paggalaw ng alak habang iniikot niya ito sa kanyang baso. "I think he would
forgive anything she does," wika niya.

Viktoria raised her brow and looked at me. "Oh, really?" Tila may nabubuong
reyalisasyon sa kanyang isipan. "But would you forgive yourself if anything bad
happened to our Tres?" Tanong niya.
I felt my heart racing at the thought that we were actually talking about him.
Halos hindi ko magawang isipin na may mangyayaring masama sa kanya na ako ang
dahilan. Diretso ko siyang tiningnan at sinabing, "No, I won't."

I felt defeated as smirked crossed her face. "You crossed the sea while the
transactions were being sabotaged. You cooperated with a Detective, who is a threat
to the Freniere Mafia. You endangered Tres and that means, you put the whole Mafia
in peril." Her words expressed accusation. "I will not forgive you." Her voice
stung like the stitches at my back.

"The Mafia is of great importance to us. I'll not forgive anyone who betrays it,"
wika ni Theodore Collins.

As Vespasiano turned to look me in the eyes, I knew it was already hopeless.

"You're a sensible woman and a magnificent Reaper. But you betrayed the Freniere
Mafia. So I wouldn't forgive today."

The Pushkin twins were already grinning like a Cheshire cat in their seat,
obviously pleased with how the dinner was turning out. Their eyes were twinkling
with excitement like kids on Christmas Day. Desiderius and Wolf appeared to be
ready whatever would be decided. Ang lahat ng nasa hapag-kainan ay bumaling sa

nananahimik na si Algernon Freniere. Kung ano man ang iniisip niya ay walang
nakakaalam. Matagal niyang tinitigan ang alak na nasa kanyang kamay at nang ito ay
ilapit niya sa kanyang bibig upang inumin, alam kong kailangan ko na rin na ihanda
ang sarili ko. Ang kanyang desisyon ang magiging mahalaga sa lahat.

Saglit siyang napapikit nang inumin niya ang alak na tila ba ninanamnam niya ang
lasa nito. Nang magmulat siya ay diretso siyang tumingin sa akin. Ikinuyom ko ang
aking nanlalamig na kamao habang sinasalubong ko ang kanyang tingin.

"Ang Freniere Mafia ay hindi nagpapatawad," sa wakas ay sabi niya.

The grand room went entirely silent. No one dared to even take a breath. Tila
tumigil ang oras at bagay sa paligid. At nang makita ko sa gilid ng aking mga mata
ang pagtayo ni Desiderius, alam kong kailangan ko nang kumilos.

Halos wala pang isang segundo ng pagkakalayo ko sa aking upuan ay isang kutsilyo na
ang bumaon rito. I saw Wolf revealing his set of knives. I knew I was going to die
this time. But I couldn't just accept it without a fight. Maybe I could still try
to run. Desiderius was already lunging towards me but I leapt from the dining table
and run to the entrance. Subalit hindi ko pa iyon nararating ay isang malakas na
sipa ang sumalubong sa akin na naghatid sa aking katawan sa ere pabalik at saka
malakas na bumagsak sa makintab na sahig ng Freniere Mansion.

"Where do you think you're going?" Boses iyon ni Nikolai na nakatayo kasama ni
Natalia sa may bukana ng mansion.

I could see drops of blood on the floor that came from my mouth due to the impact.
Nikolai was still as strong as he was when I last saw him. Sinubukan kong agad na
tumayo subalit naramdaman ko ang pagkirot ng aking sugat sa likuran. Marahil ay
pinipigilan nito ang aking bilis. Dahan-dahang lumapit at pumalibot sa akin ang mga
Reapers. They still maintained a safe distance from me just in case I decided to
outwit them.

"There's no escaping, Arturia. You have to accept death." Viktoria's voice was like
of a Grim Reaper. Her words were absolute.

The Reapers were already preparing for an attack when suddenly, the smell of gas
spread in the atmosphere. It came from almost everywhere. Agad na napatayo mula sa
kanyang kinauupuan sina Sir Algernon at Giovanni Freniere. Ang kanilang atensyon ay
natuon sa direksyon ng mga Pushkin.

Nang lumingon ako upang alamin kung ano ang nagpatigil sa kanila ay nakita ko sa
likod nila Nikolai at Natalia ang kanina pang hinahanap ng isip ko. He was full of
confidence and authority as he stood in the entrance of the mansion. His dark hair
seemed to be as soft as the matte black of the night and his tuxedo was impeccable.
He was wearing his signature devilish grin while his long fingers played a metal
lighter. There was an intense look in his eyes as he gazed at me.

"Lay a finger on her and I will burn you all to the ground." And his voice was like
the most appealing musical line that I'd ever heard.

=================

Chapter 36: Fire and Ice

Chapter 36: Fire and Ice

Soundtrack: Bumper Cars - Alex and Sierra

Fire and Ice

Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice is also great

And would suffice.

No one moved. We were all surprised by the sudden presence of Sebastian Freniere.
He strode across the room towards me, carelessly passing between Nikolai and
Natalia; his eyes never leaving mine. There was power and danger in those dark
circles that made my heart skip a beat. The metal lighter was still in his hand,
threatening to start a massive fire. He held my waist as he helped me to stand.

"Sebastian! Ano sa tingin mo ang ginagawa mo?" Galit na tanong ni Algernon

Freniere. Dumadagundong ang kanyang tinig sa buong mansion.

Kung mayroon man iyong naging epekto kay Sebastian ay hindi niya iyon ipinahalata.
Sa halip ay sinalubong niya ang tingin ng kanyang ama at sinabing, "I'm stopping
you from destroying what's mine."

Isa pang nilalang ang lumitaw mula sa bukana ng mansion at nakita ko si Maximus
Brown na bitbit ang kanyang malaking armas. Mukhang wala naman siyang intensyon na
gamitin iyon sa mga nasa loob ng mansion at tila ba mayroon lang siyang hinahanap.

At nang tumigil ang kanyang paningin sa kinaroroonan namin ni Sebastian ay saka

siya huminga nang malalim.

"Ipagpaumanhin mo, Algernon. Ang iyong anak ay lubhang napakabilis at

napakamapanlinlang," wika niya. Kung ano man ang ibig niyang sabihin ay tila ba
naintindihan na iyon ng matandang Freniere. Nagsimula itong maglakad palayo sa
hapag-kainan palapit sa amin. Nanatili namang tahimik si Summer na pinu-protektahan
ni Giovanni sa kanyang likuran. Si Ethan naman ay nanatiling nakatayo at tila
naibsan ang kanyang pag-aalala sa biglang pagsulpot ni Sebastian.

"Paanong nagawa ka niyang takasan at napaliguan ng gasolina ang mansyon? Si

Forest?" Mararamdaman pa rin ang galit sa boses ng matandang Freniere habang ito'y
nagsasalita. Mukhang isa itong sitwasyon na hindi niya inaasahan at hindi niya
nagugustuhan.
"I was told to watch. Not to shoot. So I followed orders." Lumingon ako sa boses na
nasa itaas ng hagdan. Kung saan man siya nanggaling ay nasisiguro kong sa mataas na
bahagi iyon ng mansyon. Her red hair was fiery against the chandelier lights.

Saglit na hindi nagsalita si Algernon Freniere habang matalim na nakatitig lang

siya sa kanyang panganay na anak. Tila hindi niya inaasahan na kaya nitong lumabag
sa kanyang ipinag-uutos. "Ikaw, Sebastian, ay hindi kabilang sa mga imbitado sa
pagtitipong ito. Maaari ka nang umalis." Halatang pinipilit niya na maging
mahinahon.

To my surprise, Sebastian snaked his arm around my waist and said, "I wouldn't
leave without her."

"Sebastian!" Galit at malakas na sigaw

ng kanyang ama na kahit ako ay hindi napigilang mapayuko.

Viktoria, who seemed to be shocked at the sudden turn of events, cleared her
throat. "Sebastian, the woman you are holding is going to face death. Now, will you
please leave all of this to fair judgment?" She said it like she was lecturing a
child.

Sebastian gave out a short insulting laugh. It must be grating on Victoria that she
had been disrespected twice tonight. "Oh, shut up, bitch! Fuck your fair judgment!
Fuck all of you! No one's going to hurt her because I would fuck all of your shit
before you even do that!"

I wanted to cover my ears. I didn't want to hear how he just threw those
profanities like he was just chewing bubble gum. He'd gone way overboard. I knew
he'd gone too far and there was no turning back for him.
"I think we should just let him do what he wants. There's too much to risk," and
Giovanni held Summer closer to him.

Sebastian smirked at his brother knowing that it's rare to have Giovanni at his
side. "That's right, little brother. You know my capacity to ruin everything," he
continued turning as an evil villain as the time went on.

Walang kibo ang lahat habang naghihintay sa sasabihin ni Sir Algernon Freniere. He
might listen to Giovanni, he always considered the young Freniere's idea. Or he was
already fed up with Sebastian's arrogance and decided that it would be better to
try to stop him and kill me. Subalit alam niya ang kakayanan ng kanyang mga anak at
sa pagkakataong ito, nasisiguro niyang hindi

basta-basta mapipigilan si Sebastian. His son might kill several valued reapers in
the mansion. The partners would be an easy target. He knew Giovanni was right -
there was too much to risk.

"Hayaan niyo silang makaalis at ipagpatuloy natin ang ating naudlot na hapunan," sa
wakas ay wika ng matandang Freniere.

"But--"

"What? Do you want Nikolai to set a funeral for you?" Sebastian snapped at Natalia
who was about to protest Algernon Freniere's decision.

Nikolai glared at Sebastian in defense of his twin sister but everyone in the room
knew that that wouldn't stop a Sebastian Freniere from doing what he said. Right
now, he was a wild beast that couldn't be tamed.
Nang magsimula nang tumalikod ang lahat tungo sa hapag-kainan ay muling nagsalita
si Sebastian. This time, his words brought an absolute threat. "Don't you dare
follow us."

And with that, he turned his back from the Freniere Mafia and walked out of the
mansion, tugging me in my arm. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang sumunod sa kanya.
Kahit ako ay hindi mapaniwalaan ang nangyari. He came and stopped the reapers from
killing me. Did he come to save me? Umabot kami sa gawi kung saan naroroon ang
garden ng Freniere Mansion. Makatawag-pansin ang maliwanag na buwan sa kalangitan
at ang pagkislap ng mga bituin sa tabi nito na tila nagagalak sila sa aking
pagkakaligtas. Namumukadkad ang itim na mga rosas sa hardin na mukhang naghihintay
sa aming pagdating.

"I summoned the moon, the stars and these roses to save

you. I said I would turn them all into dust if they refused. It seemed that they
are in fear now," wika ni Sebastian nang mapansin niya ang mga bagay na kumuha ng
aking atensyon.

The moment was enchanting; it was completely hard to believe. It was like magic and
definitely unbelievable. He was holding me. He saved me--the words came from his
mouth like a spell that delighted my heart. With him, I felt safe now.

But I knew it was just a dream I didn't deserve and soon, it would all turn into a
terrible nightmare. It would just end up in regret. I had to wake up. I had to wake
up now before these entanglements suck me deeper until I couldn't stand up on my
feet. I pulled all my strength and used it to stop us from walking briskly.

"This isn't right," I said. My chest was protesting at my own words. My heart knew
that this was anything but right.

"What the hell are you talking about? My car is just right there. Let's go!"
Tinangka niya akong muling hilahin subalit pinanatili ko ang aking mga paa sa aking
kinatatayuan.
"You said we have to talk. Let's talk now, Sebastian." He stopped and combed his
fingers on his hair - the way he always did whenever he's frustrated. I looked
intently at his face; I knew I had to fill myself with his presence. I had to
breathe in his features; I had to remember him as long as I could.

"I can't take you away from the Mafia. This is the best place for a Freniere like
you. You can be as powerful as much as you want in the Freniere Mafia and I can't
take that

away from you." I wanted to touch his face. I wanted to lean on his chest. I wish I
could. How I wish I could.

"You're just a reaper and you can't tell me what's best for me. Now, enough with
that shit and let's get moving," he said exasperatedly.

But I didn't move. I just stayed where I was, staring at him as if he was the only
magnificent thing that ever existed; as if the moon, the stars, and the black roses
were just an abstract background. Maybe I could gaze at him all I want right now.

"Reaper!" Malakas niyang sigaw sa hindi ko pagkilos at pagtitig lang sa kanya.

"I am not a Reaper anymore," malungkot at mahina kong sagot.

Nabigla ako nang mahigpit niya akong hawakan sa magkabila kong balikat at tingnan
ng diretso sa aking mga mata. There was anger, sadness, fear and menace in his eyes
as I drank its darkness. Tears started to moist my eyes as something inside me
chewed my heart little by little. "You are my Reaper," buo ang boses at seryoso ang
tinig niyang sabi na tila ba walang makapagbabago sa mga salitang iyon. Huminga ako
nang malalim upang pigilin ang mga luhang nagbabantang umagos mula sa aking mga
mata.
"Not anymore. I betrayed the Mafia. I'm sorry for betraying you--for always
disappointing you--"

"Enough," mahina niyang bulong.

Subalit alam kong maaaring hindi na ako magkaroon ng iba pang pagkakataon kung
kaya't nagpatuloy ako, "I'm not a good reaper because I put you in danger. Hindi
ako nakinig sayo. Hindi ako sumunod sa iyo at sa

halip, itinago ko pa ang taong hinahanap mo."

"Stop," he whispered gritting his teeth. His patience was obviously running out.

"Patawarin mo ako, Sebastian--" I closed my eyes as I attempted to speak again.

"Patawarin mo ako, Ian. Patawarin mo ako dahil kinailangang mamatay ni Alexandria
Freniere para lang mabuhay ako--"

"I said stop!" He screamed. Tila may kung anumang sugat sa kanya na aking nasagi
dahil sa lakas ng kanyang pag-sigaw. It was the wound he was enduring all this
time. It was a wound that took eternity to heal.

Nabalot ng katahimikan ang paligid at napalitan iyon ng mabibilis na pagtahip ng

aming dibdib at malalalim na paghinga na parang ang sitwasyong ito ay lubos na
nakapagpapagod sa amin. I was tired and he was furious. I was sad and he was mad.
We were made of emotions that shouldn't be combined. We were creatures that if set
together would spark a violent fire. I knew I had to start moving away from him. I
had to start separating myself from him. I had to. For him.
"Ian," I started.

He abruptly turned and glared at me. "Ian is dead." He snapped.

"So is your reaper. I am dead tonight. I died inside the mansion when I didn't get
the forgiveness of the Mafia. Your reaper is dead," mahinahon kong sabi. I couldn't
let my emotions control me. This was the only way to save him from the wrath I was
about to receive.

"Reaper!" Sagot niya sa pagitan ng nagngangalit na ngipin.

"I am not a Reaper," I answered in a low voice.

/>

To my surprise, he grabbed me and turned my body so that my back was facing him. I
gasped when he ripped my dress out of his sight - leaving the zipper ruined. I felt
the coldness of the night against my bare skin. I felt the intensity in his eyes as
he stared at my nudity. He gently touched the stitches of my wound and traced the
Mafia crest tattoo at my back slowly.

"As long as you have this mark on your skin, my possession of you would be engraved
in your soul. You will always be my Reaper."

Tears dampened my cheeks as they fell effortlessly against my skin. I was his. I
was always his. If I had another chance, another situation, I would choose to be on
his side. But I didn't have any more chances. I couldn't escape this situation. I
closed my eyes, trying to summon all the strength that was left in me. "I'm sorry,
Ian. This time, I have to fail you again. I have to hurt you again. I have to leave
you again," I said and turned slowly to face him. His face went blank, all the
negative emotions that were clear on his face recently, faded.
"So after saving you all this time, you will still leave me?" He asked. Hindi ko
nagawang sumagot agad. I knew the answer to his question would finalize the
direction we were going to take. This would end the magic and tragedy we shared.

"I have to. Please don't save me after this night," matatag ang tinig kong sagot.

There was a complete disappointment in his eyes but it was suddenly gone when he
looked up at the sky as if he was cursing every star

that showed up that night. "You will die, Henrietta. You know that," he said.

"Fate is cruel," I whispered.

There was a glimpse of insanity that sparked in his eyes as an evil smirk started
to curve its line on his face. Ian was gone--it was Tres in front of me now.

"Then I would make you taste death."

And he crushed his lips against mine violently as he grabbed my neck and pulled my
waist against him. It was like kissing fire and it was excruciatingly painful when
he bit into my lower lip. I tasted blood when his tongue forced its way in my mouth
and arouse a battle inside.

My hands steadied on his chest as I let myself feel the sensuality and outrage, the
sweetness and the bitterness of his lips. It stopped my tears and numbed my mind
but it turned my heart into a beating machine that was working in extreme. I
couldn't stop myself. He continued attacking my lips and I found myself returning
it. He was fire and I was ice - and the world faded before our eyes. His lips
became gentler when I started to kiss him back slowly. He matched my pace. The fire
became warmth and the ice was cool and we were suddenly feeling spring in our soul.
This kiss could be the death of me - the sweetest death I could think of.

But just when I was ready to turn my back on what was real, the magic was torn
apart as he pulled himself from our kiss. He gave me one last longing glance--
sadness was visible in his eyes, and strode away from me back to the Freniere
Mansion. I pulled my dress up and hugged

it against my chest as I cried myself in the middle of the black roses, under the
moon and the stars-which were the only witnesses of our unspoken Goodbyes.

How could this night be so beautiful and tragic at the same time?

I didn't know how I was able to get into my car and drove myself back to Arturia
Mansion. I was a driver without a soul. I was lifeless on the road. But I guess,
the stars and the moon pitied me and helped me get to the mansion safely--without
crashing against a tree or bumping to another car.

The gate was open, with no guards inside. I climbed down the car and slowly walked
towards the entrance of the Arturia Mansion. Nang makapasok ako sa loob ay halos
hilahin ako ng sarili ko mula sa isang mahabang panaginip. Agad akong napatigil
mula sa aking paghakbang. There was blood on the floor and the living room was in
chaos.

"Dad?" Tawag ko. Hindi ako makapag-isip. Hindi ako makapag-desisyon--tila lumilipad
pa rin ang aking kaluluwa kung saan man.

"Hetta?" Umiiyak na tinig ng aking ina na nagmumula sa kitchen. Agad ko iyong

tinungo at nakita ko ang aking ama na may tama ng baril sa kanang dibdib, naliligo
siya sa sarili niyang dugo.
"Dad!" I didn't know I would be this helpless to the point that all I could do was
call out people's names. It felt like a dream where I was watching my body react to
a nightmare. This couldn't be real!

"Hetta! Call an ambulance! Call for help!" Utos sa akin ng aking ina nang matantiya
niyang wala sa kondisyon ang aking isipan upang i-proseso ang sitwasyon.

Agad na hinanap ng paningin ko ang malapit na telepono at saka nagmamadaling kinuha

iyon. "W-Wycliffe? Where's Wycliffe?" Natataranta kong tanong.

My mother looked at me with a mournful expression. "They took him! They took my
Wycliffe!" And she burst into tears.

Fear crossed me as I stared at my mom. How could this night be so tragic?

=================

Chapter 37: A Falling Star

Chapter 37: A Falling Star

Soundtrack: Not a Second to Waste - A Rocket to the Moon

I couldn't see anything. I couldn't think of anything. My mind refused to make

decisions and my body was not making a single move. My strength left me and I was
just standing in front of my crying mother and my father who was soaked in his own
blood. No--I wasn't seeing it. I was seeing red and black in their darkest and
hearing screams and cries in their loudest. I refused to see. I refused to hear.
Suddenly, everything went clear and vivid when a slap reached my face and left my
cheek stinging. I saw my mother standing furiously in front of me--her clothes was
covered in smudges of blood and even though she was weeping, I could still see the
hint of fierceness in her eyes.

"You can't just stand there, Henrietta. Your father needs you. Wycliffe needs you.
This is the time that we need you the most and I just can't let you stand there!"
There was a firmness and anger in her voice that I didn't get to see most of the
time.

"B-But mom--I'm not a Reaper anymore." I tried not to cry. I refused to let my
tears fall.

Isa pang malakas na sampal ang dumapo sa aking pisngi na nakapagpabaling ng

direksyon ng aking mukha. Tila mas naramdaman ko ang aking katawan kasabay ng iba't
ibang uri ng sakit na unti-unting gumuguhit sa aking damdamin. Tila nagising ako
mula sa saglit na pagiging manhid. Nagising ako sa katotohanang ang lahat ng ito ay
hindi lang isang masamang panaginip.

/>

"You are Henrietta Arturia! You are a strong woman and you are my child! I don't
need a reaper. I need you!" Galit niyang sabi. Diretsa niya akong tiningnan sa mata
na parang sa pamamagitan niyon ay maipaparating niya sa akin ang lahat ng gusto
niyang sabihin.

"I'm sorry, Mom," nanginginig ang boses kong sabi.

Agad niya akong kinulong sa mahigpit niyang yakap habang marahang hinahaplos ang
aking buhok. "It will be alright, sweetie. We'll talk about it, I promise. But for
now, let's face the most important thing, okay?"
Tumangu-tango ako at saka niya ako pinakawalan mula sa kanyang pagkakayakap. Agad
siyang bumalik sa tabi ng aking ama at tinungo ko naman ang telepono. I was not a
reaper anymore and that reduced the list of people that might help us right now. I
was now an ordinary person and I had to do it in a normal way--calling the
ambulance and the police station.

Nang makalapit ako sa telepono ay nakita ko ang isang gamit na notepad na

naglalaman ng mga mensahe mula sa mga natatanggap na tawag. Nakita ko rin ang
pamilyar na sulat-kamay ni Wycliffe sa mga numero sa ilalim ng pangalang Detective
Patrick Penber. Malamang ay ginamit niya ito upang kumunekta sa kanya. He'd been a
great help during our escape in Eremitia but still, he was a person that was
extremely hard to trust. But despite of his crazy manipulation and being
untrustworthy, he was still someone who has great connection and that was something
I could risk.

I immediately dialed the number and after few rings, I heard his voice at the

end of the line. He seemed to be in a party or just drinking at a bar because I

could hear the music and people's voices blaring at the background.

"Oh, Mr. Arturia! As much as I want your company tonight, I'm afraid you still need
to grow older to get in this place--"

"I need your help." I cut him off.

Saglit siyang natahimik at nang mapagsino niya ang kanyang kausap ay muli siyang
nagsalita. "Whoa! Let me feel this moment first. It's not everyday that you need my
help."

"Come over in Arturia Mansion. We need an ambulance and a doctor immediately." Agad
na nagbago ang tono ng kanyang pagsasalita at napalitan ng kaseryosohan ang kanyang
tinig. Agad kong sinabi sa kanya ang sitwasyon at nangako naman siyang agad na
darating sa mansyon.

Nang maibaba ko ang telepono ay bumalik ako sa kinaroroonan ng aking mga magulang
at saka lumuhod sa tabi ng aking ina. My father was lying on the floor--there was
too much blood around him. May tama ng bala ng baril sa kanyang kanang dibdib na
tinatakpan ng makapal na telang inilagay ng aking ina upang mapigilan ang pagdurugo
nito. Nang hawakan ko ang kanyang pulso ay naramdaman ko ang mahina at mabagal na
pintig ng kanyang puso. Whoever shot my Dad probably didn't have any intention of
killing him because he missed his heart.

"Is he okay?" My mother asked.

"He will be okay," matatag kong sagot. Maya-maya pa ay narinig ko na ang tunog ng
paparating na ambulansya mula sa di kalayuan. Connections--it was something I could

use from Detective Penber.

Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakaluhod at saka tumakbo tungo sa aking kwarto. Nang bumalik
ako sa kinaroroonan ng aking mga magulang ay bitbit ko na sa aking balikat ang
aking AK-47 at dalawang pistols sa aking bewang.

"Henrietta? Saan ka pupunta?" Napalitan ng kaba at pagtataka ang boses ni Mom nang
mapansin niya ang hitsura ko.

Muli akong lumuhod at hinalikan sa noo ang aking ama, gayunrin ang aking ina. Agad
niya akong hinawakan sa balikat upang pigilan. "Henrietta, I can't lose you now.
Hindi ko kakayanin kung mawawala ka pa," wika niya.

"Kung hindi pa sila nakakalayo, maaaring abutan ko sila at mabawi ko si Wycliffe.

Don't worry about me, Mom. Just take care of Dad, okay?" Muli siyang napaiyak nang
mapagtanto niyang hindi niya ako mapipigilan sa pag-alis. She was confused between
my safety and saving Wycliffe. But she knew me too well, and she was sure I could
handle myself. Kung kaya naman ay dahan-dahan siyang tumango habang patuloy sa
pagdaloy ang luha sa kanyang mga mata.

"His captor said you need to bring him a certain Ethan Montreal. Who is he, Hetta?"
tanong niya na hindi ko agad nasagot.

I was a combination of guilt and regret when I looked at her. This was the result
of my decision of vengeance. This was the consequence of my recent actions. "He's
someone that has nothing to do with this. I will bring Wycliffe back," sa wakas ay
sagot ko.

My mother reached me and touched my face, "Bring him back," she said.

It was the cue I was waiting

for. I stood up and turned my back from her. Naririnig ko pa rin ang paparating na
mga sasakyan at ambulansya nang muli akong sumakay sa aking kotse. Agad ko iyong
pinaandar at humarurot palabas ng Arturia Mansion. Kung tama ang hinala ko, isang
lugar lang rito ang maaari nilang puntahan. At kung magiging mabilis ako, maaari ko
pa silang abutan.

Nagtama ang tingin namin ni Detective Penber mula sa nakabukas niyang bintana nang
magkasalubong ang sasakyan ko at ang kanyang pulang Mustang. So he actually did
what he said he would do: to come immediately in the mansion. Agad kong binawi ang
tingin mula sa kanya at ibinuhos ang aking atensyon sa mabilis na pagmamaneho.

Few minutes passed and I could almost see the lights coming from the sea port. The
familiar coffee shop near the area was still open--welcoming the night passengers
inside for some coffee. I could still remember how Ethan looked when he was waiting
for me on a table at the corner. He was completely shocked when he saw that I
brought Summer with me. He escaped here just to lure them out of the mansion. He
lured them away from my family.
But Ethan was now out of the picture. I freed him and I had to do this thing
without him. I would never ruin the second life he had now. Paninindigan ko ang
pagpapalaya ko sa kanya. Hindi ko na pwedeng bawiin ang ligtas na buhay na
tinatamasa niya ngayon.

Agad kong ipinasok sa pantalan ang sasakyan at ipinarada sa mismong lugar na pinag-
iwanan ko rito dati. Mangilan-ngilan na lang ang mga tao sa paligid dahil na rin sa
iilang biyahe ng barko tuwing

gabi. Nang masiguro kong walang sinuman ang nakakapansin sa akin ay agad kong
isinukbit sa balikat ko ang AK-47 at mabilis na tumakbo sa kubling bahagi ng
pantalan--sa parteng mas malapit sa dagat. Malinaw ko nang naririnig ang mga hampas
ng alon, hudyat na malapit na ako sa dulong bahagi. Agad kong natanaw ang pamilyar
na puting yate ilang metro ang layo mula sa aking kinatatayuan. Nakabukas ang lahat
ng ilaw nito habang ilang tao ang makikitang nakasakay rito. Lahat sila ay
nakatingin sa aking direksyon na tila ba hinihintay nila ang aking pagdating.

Isang malaking portable electric light ang umilaw mula sa sasakyang pandagat at
natuon sa aking kinatatayuan na nakapagpasilaw sa aking mga mata. Ihinarang ang
aking kamay upang protektahan ang aking paningin nang sa gayun ay magawa ko pa ring
makita ang yate. Isang pamilyar na tao ang lumabas at paika-ikang naglakad mula sa
pintuan nito habang hila-hila niya sa braso ang isang binatilyo.

I gasped when I realized that it was Ephraim and he was now dragging Wycliffe to
the deck. I gritted my teeth in frustration and anger. Gusto kong lapitan siya at
hawakan ang katawan niya. Gusto kong alamin kung sinaktan ba siya o may masakit sa
kanya. Gusto kong malaman kung maayos lang ba siya. Subalit matapos kong iligtas si
Ethan mula sa mga kamay ng mga Novou, alam kong hindi maayos ang lagay niya.
Kailangan ko siyang iligtas sa lalong madaling panahon.

Napakislot ako sa pag-ilaw at pagtunog ng isang cellphone mula sa di-kalayuan. Nang

makita kong may hawak na cellphone si Ephraim sa kanyang tainga ay dali-dali

kong kinuha ang aparato at sinagot ang tawag rito.

"You are so beautiful, Reaper."

I hissed when I heard his voice on the line. Every word he said was poison. I
wanted to break his skull and rip his mouth until I could tear the skin of his face
apart. I wanted to grab his tongue and pull his intestines out of his body through
his filthy mouth. I wanted to break every bones of him and tear every piece of his
body. I wanted to kill him in the most sadistic way.

"You're a dead man. You hurt my brother and I will kill you," my tone was full of
threat and danger. I clenched my fist in rage.

Mukhang hindi naman naapektuhan ng aking pagbabanta ang nasa kabilang linya dahil
malinaw kong narinig ang marahan nitong pagtawa. "I'm so scared now," he said and
pulled Wycliffe's hair violently.

Nahugot ko ang aking paghinga nang makita iyon at saka ko hinawakan ang baril na
nasa aking bewang. I wanted to cry. It was like I was the one who was in pain right
now. Kung pwede lang na makipagpalit ako kay Wycliffe ay gagawin ko. But it wasn't
the right time to feel emotion. I had to think. I had to clear my head and
concentrate on my next move. I had to be careful.

"Leave him alone. Wala siyang kinalaman rito," nagtatagis ang mga bangang na wika
ko sa cellphone. I wished I had Forest on my side. I wished I had a sniper.

"No, Henrietta Arturia. He has something to do with this. Everything about the
Freniere had something to do with this. Everyone about you shall never get away
from this.

You wage a war, Reaper. And it's a war you could never win." Mula sa mapaglaro ay
napalitan ng kaseryosohan ang kanyang tinig. Hindi ko mapigilan na hindi makaramdam
ng takot at kaba. If it was only my life that was at stake, then I would have
nothing to fear. But now that Wycliffe was in his hands, I had a lot to lose.
"What do you want?" Pilit na kalmado kong tanong.

I could almost hear his smirk on the phone. "Now, you've asked the right question."
Bagama't malayo ang distansya sa pagitan namin ay nakita ko ang pagtutok niya ng
isang bagay sa likurang bahagi ng ulo ni Wycliffe. And as someone who was in this
kind of business for a long time, I absolutely knew what that is.

"No! Don't ever point that to my brother! Don't!" Hindi ko na napigilan ang
paglabas ng aking emosyon. Nararamdaman ko ang panginginig ng aking mga kamay sa
takot. "Please!" It was a word that just came out of my lips. It was a word of
desperation.

"Yes! Beg, Reaper. I want you to beg." Tumatawa niyang sabi sa telephono. "Now, I
want you to kneel on the ground."

And without a second thought, I kneeled on the ground. I felt the pebbles and
cement hard under my knees. My hands were trembling in desperation. "I would come
to you. I would give my life and surrender to you! Just let my brother go!" I
didn't know the boundaries of me being fearless and brave to desperate and weak. It
was a cowardice I would gladly claim. I was too much of a coward to lose my
brother.

Isang mahaba at malakas na halakhak ang pinakawalan

ni Ephraim mula sa kabilang linya. Tila wala siyang mapaglagyan sa galak na kanyang
nararamdaman. Nangangatal ang aking mga labi habang tinitiis ko ang pakikinig.
Hindi ko alam kung masyadong nakuha ng sitwasyon ang aking atensyon dahil hindi ko
agad napansin ang isang pares ng mga matang mukhang kanina pa nakamasid sa akin.
Mabilis kong inilibot ang aking paningin at mula sa madilim na bahagi ay naaninag
ko ang pigura ng isang tao.

"Show youself!" Malakas kong sabi.

Mabagal itong humakbang tungo sa liwanag na nanggagaling sa yate. Mas tumindi ang
kabang nararamdaman ko nang mapagsino ko ang taong kanina pa nakamasid sa akin.
Kaswal lang siyang tumayo sa gilid ng ilaw at tahimik na pinagmasdan ako. Mabilis
kong itinutok sa kanya ang aking baril na mukhang hindi niya ikinagulat.

"So you finally noticed Declan. I thought you would just ignore him," wika ni
Ephraim sa kabilang linya.

Maingat kong pinagpalipat-lipat ang tingin mula kay Declan at sa yate. I couldn't
save Wycliffe right away because of Declan's presence. And even if Declan was not
here, it would still take time to get through Ephraim and rescue Wycliffe. Isa pa,
mukhang natuto na sila nang maitakas ko si Ethan mula sa kanila.

"He's there to claim your life. Mukhang hindi na siya masyadong mahihirapan,"
wikang muli ni Ephraim.

Ikinasa ko ang baril na nakatutok kay Declan at sinabing, "I would kill him if you
don't let my brother go!"

"That would be a wrong move, Reaper. You see, it's not working that way. Declan for

sure, could handle himself. And your brother here is quite helpless, and weak, and
too fragile. Shall I break his leg, too?"

"Don't you dare!" I shouted on the phone.

Ephraim snickered on the other line and said, "Relax, Reaper. You can still have
your brother. You just have to give back what's mine."
"I have nothing that was yours!" Malakas kong sabi.

"You still don't get it? I live because of revenge. And you've taken that away from
me. I had to kill my traitor. I've been thirsty of revenge for a very long time and
you denied me of it! You denied me of my revenge!" Galit at pasigaw niyang sabi sa
kabilang linya.

Hindi ko nagawang sumagot. Nararamdaman ko ang matindi niyang galit at ngayon ay

mas lalo akong nag-aalala sa kung anumang gagawin niya kay Wycliffe dahil sa
emosyong iyon. Isa siyang ganap na baliw. Marahil iyon ang kahihinatnan ng labis na
kagustuhan na maghiganti--ang maging isang baliw. Kinain na ang kanyang isip at
kaluluwa ng galit.

"Now where is he? Where is my traitor? Did you bring my revenge?" Mahinahon at
seryoso na niyang tanong.

Nasundan iyon ng katahimikan habang matiim siyang nakatingin sa aking kinatatayuan

na tila ba may hinahanap. Saglit na nagtama ang tingin namin ni Declan at marahan
siyang umiling sa akin na tila ipinapaalam na niya ang susunod na mangyayari. Nang
ibalik niya ang kanyang tingin sa yate ay mahigpit akong napakapit sa cellphone.

"Ephraim Novou, listen to me--"

"No, Henrietta Arturia," mapait niyang putol

sa aking sasabihin. "And once again, you denied me of my revenge. Now, it's your
turn to be insane." And with that, I watched horrifyingly as he pushed Wycliffe to
the railing and shot him. Wycliffe fell down towards the cold black sea as the
sound of the gunshot echoed in the sea port. I was screaming his name at the top of
my lungs as I ran towards the edge of the port. Another shot came from behind me
and I felt the impact on my shoulder. But I didn't stop. I continued running until
I felt myself flying on the air before slamming hard on the cold water. Nang i-
angat ko ang aking ulo ay nakita ko ang pag-andar ng yate at nagsisimula na itong
lumayo. Muli akong lumangoy papalapit sa dating kinaroroonan nito, hindi alintana
ang kirot sa aking likod at ang pamamanhid ng aking balikat.

Nang malapit na ako ay saka ko inilibot ang aking paningin sa paligid upang hanapin
si Wycliffe. Halos kumawala ang puso ko mula sa aking dibdib dahil sa matinding
takot. I had never felt fear like this before. It was an excruciating and torturing
kind of fear. Nang isang katawan ang nakita kong lumulutang mula sa akin ay agad ko
iyong nilangoy. Nang malapit na ako ay saka ito lumubog sa tubig. Huminga ako ng
malalim at saka lumusong pailalim. Nang makita ko ang katawan ni Wycliffe na tila
kaygaan lang kung isayaw ng dagat pailalim ay mabilis ko siyang kinuha at hinila
pataas.

"Wake up, Wycliffe! Open your eyes!" I screamed. But he was as cold as ice. He was
as pale as the moon above us. He was as still as the statue in Arturia Mansion.
Slowly, the stars were covered by the clouds one by one as

if they refused to see us.

His eyes were closed and his mouth was as blue as violet. He was so handsome. He
had my eyes, my nose, my skin and the color of my hair. His future was as bright as
the shiniest star. His smile was more dazzling than mine. His heart was kind and
forgiving. He was full of surprises. And now, he surprised me in the most
terrifying way.

"Open your eyes, Wycliffe. Show me your smile, sweetheart," I whispered in his
ears. But he didn't move. His face remained blank. I switched my arms from carrying
him. I held the back of his head to keep him from floating away from me. When I
brought my hand in front of me, I felt my heart skip a beat. A tormenting pain
struck me so hard I forgot how to breathe. It was blood. It was the blood that
terrified me to see. It was the blood I never wanted to spill. It was my brother's
precious blood.

"Breathe, Wycliffe! Please. Please. Oh, God! Please!" I was begging. I was begging
to the moon, to the stars, to the sea. I was begging for God not to take Wycliffe
away from me. "Please!" But he didn't breathe. No matter how I tried to beg and
wake him up, he just wouldn't breathe. When a bigger wave splashed against us, I
tasted its salty water and felt it in my eyes. I watched as the sea washed
Wycliffe's blood from my hand. And that was when I lost it.

Gamit ang isa kong kamay ay kinuha ko ang AK-47 at saka ito pinaputok sa buwan at
mga bituin sa langit na tila ba kaya ko silang tamaan at pabagsakin hanggang sa
maubusan ito ng bala. Ilang sasakyan ng mga pulis ang nakita kong papalapit sa sea
port.

Muli kong ibinaling ang aking tingin kay Wycliffe. "Don't leave me, please," I
pleaded for the last time. And when I didn't get a response, I screamed towards the
sky. I couldn't cry. My tears refused to fall. The weight on my heart was too much
to handle.

Mahigpit kong iniyakap ang aking mga braso sa katawan ni Wycliffe. Hinalikan ko
siya sa noo at saka ko ipinikit ang aking mga mata. "I will always be by your side,
my little Wycliffe." And then I let the sea swallow us. It was too quiet and
peaceful here. That was what we need right now.

Oh, Wycliffe. How does it feel to die?

=================

Chapter 38: The Women of Arturia

Chapter 38: The Women of Arturia

Soundtrack: Unsteady - X Ambassadors

I felt a painful thrust against my chest followed by warm air filling my lungs.
Another thrust in my chest and an uncontrollable cough came through me followed by
the gush of salty water from my mouth. I felt a warm hand on my cheek and somehow,
it made me feel comfortable and safe. I tried to open my eyes when I calmed down
from breathless coughing. I saw a blurry figure leaning towards me, few drops of
water from damp hair falling on my face.

"Wycliffe," I whispered breathlessly.

The figure didn't respond. It just continued caressing my cheeks. I closed my eyes
as I focused on every stroke of fingers on my skin. It was so warm and gentle; it
almost felt like a blanket around my cold body. I frowned when a distant sound of
police siren reached my ears. I wanted to shut the world out and just lay where I
was right now--feeling the sensation of quiet and stillness.

"You're lucky I'm not a coward," a baritone voice said.

When warm fingers stopped caressing my cheek, I decided to open my eyes. This time,
a clear view of very few stars on the dark sky welcomed me. It looked like it was
going to rain. I tried to look around and look for the person who was keeping me
warm a while ago. But no one was here. Now that that person was gone, coldness
crept up inside me.

I saw a body lying few yards away from me and that was when everything that
happened came rushing back, clearly and more vividly,

like water from a raging river. I tried to stand but all I could move was my head.
I was weak and dizzy, and this pain inside my chest was breaking me little by
little. It was like a curse that I had to carry in me. It was an unforgiving stake
that was pierced through my heart.

I wanted to get to him. I wanted to cover his body with my own so that this
freezing night wouldn't make him cold. I wanted to give him warmth and tell him
that everything's going to be alright--that this night would end and we just had to
wait for the morning to come. But I couldn't do it. I couldn't even lift an arm. I
couldn't even focus my eyes on his pale face. This night seemed to be endless, and
so was my hurting.
Naramdaman kong muli ang labis na pagkahilo at unti-unting naging malabo ang tingin
ko sa paligid--gayunrin sa nananatiling hindi gumagalaw na katawan na nasa hindi
kalayuan. Masakit ang bawat pintig ng puso ko sa aking dibdib at kay hirap ng aking
bawat paghinga. Tila hinihila ako pabalik sa kadiliman at kawalan, hinihila ako
palayo sa kanya. Ilang yabag ng mga paa ang narinig kong paparating sa aming
direksyon. Ilang saglit pa ay napuno ang lugar ng mga malalakas na boses at saka
ako muling nawalan ng malay.

Nagising ako sa pamilyar na lugar na ilang linggo lamang ay kinasadlakan ko. Puting
kisame, pader at maliwanag na ilaw ang bumungad sa akin. Tila lahat ng nakikita ng
aking mga mata ay kulay puti. Isa itong nakakapagod na liwanag. Nararamdaman ko ang
kirot sa aking likod at balikat. Subalit hindi katulad ng dati ay walang sinuman
ang naroroon

sa silid kasama ko maliban sa isang itim na jacket na nakapatong sa couch.

Nakakabingi ang katahimikan at nakakabulag ang kaliwanagan. Nakabukas ang bintana
at nakikita ko mula sa aking kinahihigaan ang labas ng ospital na nagsasabing
sumikat na ang araw. Isang panibagong araw--isang bago at malungkot na araw.

Bumukas ang pinto at bumungad ang isang doktor ng ospital. Nakangiti siyang
tumingin sa akin at saka lumapit sa aking kinahihigaan. Marami akong gustong
itanong sa kanya. Nararamdaman kong maraming mga bagay akong nakaligtaan.

"Good morning, Miss Arturia. How are you feeling right now?" Tanong niya. Her smile
was still there. It was like plastered on her face for a very long time.

"Painful," tipid kong sagot. And it was actually the truth. No hospital could cure
the pain I was feeling right now.

Muli siyang nagsalita subalit hindi ko na iyon pinakinggan pa. Ang tangi ko lang
naintindihan ay ligtas na ako sa kapahamakan--na alam kong malayo iyon sa
katotohanan. Hindi ko matatakasan ang kapahamakan.
"Who brought me here? Did someone check on me?" Tanong ko.

Her smile faltered. She seemed to consider if she's going to answer my question or
not. Subalit nananatili akong nakatingin sa kanya at naghihintay sa kanyang
sasabihin kung kaya't mas minabuti niyang sagutin ako.

"The police brought you here. And no one visited you since yesterday. Your
information was provided by Detective Penber and we learned that you already had a
record in this hospital--"

"A

day had passed," sambit ko. Tila mas lalong nakapagpabigat ng aking kalooban ang
kanyang mga sagot. "Then whose jacket was that?" Turo ko sa kasuotan na nasa couch.

She glanced at where I was pointing my fingers and said, "You were wearing that
when you arrived here."

Agad kong naalala ang mga sandaling ipinasya kong sumama sa kanya at manatili sa
ilalim ng karagatan--kung saan walang sinuman ang maaaring makapanakit sa amin.
Naalala ko rin ang saglit kong pag-gising sa buhangin sa gilid ng karagatan.
Someone was there and saved me. That person even saved his body. I suddenly felt
the feeling of hatred creeping out in my chest. I wished I wasn't saved. I chose my
path and that was not life.

"At ang iyong ama ay ligtas na, si Sir Desmond Arturia. Subalit nasa ICU pa rin
siya at patuloy naming inoobserbahan," nakangiti pa rin niyang wika.

Bahagyang nakaramdam ako ng tuwa dahil sa balitang iyon. Subalit naroroon pa rin
ang mabigat na damdamin na nagpapahirap sa bawat sandaling buhay ako. Buhay pa rin
ako--at iyon na yata ang pinakamasamang nalaman ko. Nang matapos niyang ipaalam ang
kalagayan ko at ng aking ama ay agad rin siyang nagpaalam upang bisitahin ang iba
pang pasyente. Muli kong inilibot ang aking paningin sa paligid ng kwarto na tila
ba matutulungan ako nito sa aking pag-iisa. Subalit wala itong nagawa at nanatili
pa rin akong mag-isa.

Ilang minuto matapos akong pakainin ng nars ng almusal ay sinubukan kong tumayo
mula sa kama. Agad kong naramdaman ang sakit ng aking katawan subalit isinantabi ko
iyon at nagpatuloy

sa marahan na paglalakad. Ilang mga nars at doktor ang bumati sa akin habang
binabagtas ko ang hallway tungo sa ICU. It seemed to be a really nice day for
them--which was empty for me. Nang marating ko ang ICU ay tumigil ako sa harap ng
isang glass window. I saw my father lying on the bed with tubes and oxygen for
support. He was pale and weak but the monitor beside him kept saying that his heart
was still beating--he was still fighting. And that was probably what he would want
me to do.

I touched the glass with my fingertips as if I could reach him through it. It felt
so cold against my skin. He felt so far from me. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted
to see him open his eyes and talk to me. I wanted to tell him the failures I made.
I wanted to tell him I failed and I was sorry. I failed everyone around me.

"It seemed that you are already okay." I turned toward the familiar voice and saw
Detective Penber standing few feet away from me. Agad siyang lumapit sa akin at
sinamahan ako sa pagtitig sa bubog na salamin.

"I could heal faster if I wanted to," sagot ko.

"But you didn't want to." Hindi ako sumagot. Nanatili akong nakatitig sa aking ama.
"About Wycliffe Arturia--"

Hearing his name was like having a sharp knife lodged deep in my chest. It was like
hearing the crack of my bones--breaking all at once. It was a sound of a gunshot
straight to my head. It was terrifyingly, excruciatingly painful. It was
unbearable.

"Please, Detective Penber." I looked at him and he seemed to see

through my eyes so he immediately stopped from speaking. "Why are you here?" Maya-
maya ay tanong ko.

"Mrs. Gertrudez Arturia asked me to check on Mr. Arturia and her daughter. She
can't come because she needs to attend on something," Makahulugan niyang sagot.

So my mother decided to trust this man, too. Well, who wouldn't? He was there when
everything turned chaotic. He helped us when we were a mess. And wouldn't you try
to trust him if a young, adorable man did when he was still living? I felt a
tearing in my chest.

"She's just okay, right?" And I knew how stupid it sound to ask that question but I
just needed to know.

Hindi siya agad nakasagot kung kaya't kinakabahan na napabaling ako ng tingin sa
kanya. Sinalubong niya ang aking mga mata at saka bahagyang ngumiti. I didn't see
any mockery or playfulness in that smile and instead, I saw a glimpse of sincerity.
I couldn't believe he could be sincere but I couldn't judge him now, could I? Maybe
I didn't see what that young man saw in him before. He had a pure and kind heart
and that made him see things clearly. His heart gave him the ability to see things
someone with a dark heart--someone like me--couldn't see.

"Your mother is quite a remarkable, strong woman. She has everything under control.
You don't need to worry about her and instead, look after yourself," sagot niya.

I remembered when I left her with my father that night. I promised that I would
bring him back. But I failed her. It was hard for me to imagine a strong expression
from her face. She was always gentle and cheerful. She was almost like his son. And
I failed her. I was the reason why she's grieving now. She was probably hiding
herself in her room, crying and starving herself to death. Her pain must be
unbearable like mine. And she was alone. She was facing it all alone.

"I need to go home," wika ko.

"You can't, Miss Arturia. You're still weak. Kailangan mo pang manatili rito at
magpalakas," sagot niya.

Nararamdaman ko ang mga benda at sugat sa aking katawan. Medyo nahihilo pa rin ako
sa tuwing mabilis kong ibinabaling ang aking tingin sa ibang direksyon. Subalit ang
mga iyon ay wala pa sa kalahati ng hirap at sakit na nararamdaman ko na kahit gaano
katagal akong manatili sa ospital na ito ay hindi maghihilom.

"I am weak, not a corpse. I'll go home," matigas kong sabi.

Napabuntong-hininga sya dahil sa kasiguruhan ng aking direksyon at marahan siyang

tumango. "But you can't stay in Arturia Mansion. It's a crime scene and there are
police officers investigating the area. Your mother is staying in one of your
hotels--with your brother."

Sinamahan niya ako pabalik sa silid na pinanggalingan ko upang magbihis. Inasikaso

rin niya ang pagdidischarge sa akin sa ospital. Atubili kong kinuha ang itim na
jacket sa couch nang paalis na kami. I had a feeling that I would still meet the
owner of the jacket. Agad kaming sumakay sa kanyang Mustang na pinangalanan niyang
Audrey Hepburn. He clearly had a fascination for vintage and classic.

Inihatid niya
ako sa isang hotel na pag-aari ng mga Arturia. Tahimik ito at halatang walang
guests ang mga naroroon. Ilang empleyado ng hotel ang agad na sumalubong sa akin
nang makita ako. Bagamat tumanggi ako ay inalalayan nila ako papasok ng hotel.

I stopped on my tracks when I stepped at the hotel's lobby. I couldn't move my

feet. I never imagined this hotel could be this dark and gloomy. It seemed that the
light and cheerfulness of the reception left. All that was there in the mid-center
was a black coffin--situated in front of a single row of benches with few people
sitting on it. I saw some cousins and relatives that weren't really close to my
family. It was kind of them to be there.

An elegant woman wearing a black dress standing near the coffin turned to my
direction. She looked so tough and strong but the sadness in her eyes was visible
when they met mine. I wanted to run to her. I wanted to hug her. But guilt and
sadness kept my feet frozen on the ground. Embarrassment because of my failure made
me shrink little by little. I looked so small in front of her. I was so weak
compared to her.

But then, she brought her hands up slowly as if she's trying to welcome me in her
arms. That was when the ice on my feet melted and I started running towards her. I
almost slammed my body to hers that made her stagger a little but she held me so
tightly and prevented us from falling. She was quite a strong woman of Arturia and
I should never have underestimated her. She was my mother after all.

When she kissed my forehead, tears started streaming from my eyes. I also felt her
tears on my forehead. We were like two candles melting together. We were two towers
falling down. We were a couple of diamonds shattered and broken and there was
nothing that could repair us. We were two grieving souls with pain in our hearts
that was too unbearable to hold. And it was the only time she cried again after
that night.

It was the only time I cried again after that night.

=================

Chapter 39: Unearthed from the Graveyard

Chapter 39: Unearthed from the Graveyard

Malakas at walang humpay ang pagbuhos ng ulan na tila hindi na ito titigil pa.
Subalit hinding-hindi nito kayang lunurin ang lungkot sa paligid, ang mga iyak ng
mga nagdadalamhating puso at ang kawalan sa aking dibdib. Mahigpit kong hawak ang
itim na payong na pumuprotekta sa aking ina mula sa pagkabasa habang pareho kaming
nakatayo sa harap ng libingan ng aking kapatid. Nagsisimula na ring mag-alisan ang
mga taong nagsidalo sa malungkot na okasyong iyon--halos hindi ko na marinig ang
kanilang pamamaalam.

"Your father would hate to wake up once he finds out that his son would be sleeping
for the rest of his life."

My mom stood tall and proud, I felt a little bit smaller at her side. I couldn't
remember when she stopped crying. She just woke up in the morning of the second day
of the funeral from a short sleep and decided to bury Wycliffe's body and let him
rest. Ever since then, she became firm of her every decision, answering numerous
business phone calls and assigning personnel to address technical problems. When I
asked her about letting Wycliffe go without Dad, she just said that my brother
needed to go to a peaceful place and she wouldn't let anyone hinder that-- not even
Dad's condition. I didn't know how she became a rock that was as hard as steel.
From a shattered diamond, she became a kind of stone that was difficult to break.
And I couldn't blame her. He was my brother and I couldn't even bear the pain
caused by his sudden death. He took a big part of me when he had his

last breath and suddenly, I was not a 'sister' anymore. Suddenly, I became the only
child of Arturia--and how lonely was that? I had regret, guilt, and pain but I was
sure that it was incomparable compared to my mother's.

Gertrudez Arturia was a mother. She picked the healthiest food for her young
children. She chose the best attire to make her kids presentable. She tried her
best to be with them no matter how busy being an Arturia could get. She was working
hard because of her children. But now that her son was gone, everything seemed to
be for nothing. She was a mother with her son dead and husband in the hospital--I
couldn't imagine the pain she's going through right now. It must be painful to bury
your own son on the ground.
"Maybe we should have waited for Dad," mahina kong sabi. Natakot ako na baka dahil
sa lakas ng ulan ay hindi niya ako narinig. Subalit saglit siyang sumulyap sa akin
at saka muling ibinalik ang tingin sa puntod ni Wycliffe.

"Kung ako ang nasa kalagayan ng iyong ama, alam kong gagawin niya rin ang bagay na
ito. I have to keep moving even though your brother is gone. I have to keep moving
because your father is still in the hospital--too weak to make decisions for our
family. I have to keep moving because I still have you, Henrietta. And you are
enough for me to keep fighting," wika niya sa matatag na tinig.

Pinigil ko ang pagbabanta ng mga luhang nangingilid sa aking mga mata. Masyado nang
maraming luha ang iniiyak ng langit at ayoko nang dagdagan pa. Mangilan-ngilan na
lang ang mga taong nasa sementeryo

nang maging mahinang ambon ang malakas na ulan. Ang madilim na kalangitan ay
bahagyang lumiwanag bagama't hindi pa rin nagpapakita ang araw.

Agad akong nag-angat ng tingin dahil sa mga pares ng mga matang naramdaman kong
nakatuon sa aming direksyon. Agad kong nakita sa di-kalayuan ang dalawang taong
hindi ko inaasahang darating sa lugar na iyon. Malaki ang porsyentong hindi maganda
ang pakay nila sa amin at kung may balak silang sirain ito ay mapipilitan akong
kalabanin sila sa harap ng aking ina.

"Mom, I think you should go back to the car now," wika ko nang magsimulang maglakad
papalapit ang dalawang taong iyon. Nag-angat rin siya ng tingin at nakita niya ang
dalawang paparating.

"We still have visitors. I don't want to show disrespect by not waiting for them,"
pormal niyang sagot. Nanatili kami sa aming pagkakatayo habang hinihintay namin ang
kanilang paglapit. Mahigpit ang ginawa kong paghawak sa payong na maaari kong
gamitin upang protektahan ang aming sarili. But I was sure this umbrella wouldn't
be enough to defend us. When I accepted that I wasn't a reaper anymore, I decided
to put all my weapons in a box--hoping that I wouldn't have to use them again.
Nang makalapit ang dalawang bisita ay iniabot ng aking ina ang kanyang kamay at
agad namang yumuko ang nakatatanda upang kunin at hagkan iyon. Labis na ikinagulat
ko ang nangyari dahil hindi ko inaasahan na kilala nila ang bawat isa.

"Ikinalulungkot ko ang pagkawala ng iyong anak, Gertrudez," sinsero ang kanyang

tinig at walang bahid iyon ng pagkukunwari.

Bahagya lang yumuko ang taong nasa tabi niya na tila katulad ko ay nakikiramdam sa
anumang maaaring mangyari. Nang magtama ang aming paningin ay matipid na tango lang
ang kanyang ginawa.

"Maraming salamat at nakarating ka, Maximus. Alam kong alam mo na kailangan nating
mag-usap," sagot ng aking ina.

Naguguluhan na ipinagpalipat-lipat ko ang tingin sa kanilang dalawa. I knew that my

mom was completely aware of the connection of our family to the Freniere Mafia but
I wasn't expecting that she'd come to the point of meeting reapers and hunters. And
it was Maximus Brown in front of us!

"Ikinalulungkot ko na hindi makakarating si Algernon sa napakalungkot na okasyong

ito. Kahit siya ay may mga bagay na kailangang ayusin sa kanyang pamilya," sagot ni
Maximus Brown.

My mom stared straight at him as if she was just talking to an old friend. They
were talking to each other like they were equals. Ever since I was young, I saw my
mom as someone who was delicate and loving, maybe there was really more about her.

"The Novou Assassins killed my son. And now, I know you're here for my daughter."
"Mom?" Kinakabahan kong sambit subalit agad niya akong pinatahimik, as if telling
me not to interfere with the adults.

"But I would not let you kill her. I have enough information to ruin everything. I
can destroy even the Mafia to protect my daughter," wika niya.

Agad akong napakapit sa kanyang braso dahil sa kanyang sinabi. Ramdam ko ang talim
ng mga tingin na ipinupukol sa aming direksyon ni

Wolf. He could attack us from that distance and I had to take cover of my mom and
escape. But Maximus Brown was just in front of us, facing my mother. He didn't
bring his monster gun but that didn't tame his capacity to kill.

"Hindi ako pumarito upang paslangin ang iyong anak. Sa katunayan, narito ako upang
ipaabot ang aking pakikidalamhati. Ang Freniere Mafia ay nakikiramay sa pamilya ng
Arturia. Sa kabila ng pagtataksil ni Binibining Henrietta Arturia ay nananatili pa
rin ang koneksyon ng bawat pamilya. Iyon nga lamang--may mga limitasyon. At ang
limitasyong iyon ay dadalhin ng iyong anak hangga't siya ay nabubuhay," wika ni
Maximus Brown na ibinaling ang tingin sa akin.

"So what do you think I should be doing?" My mother asked. Kung may epekto man sa
kaniya ang mga sinabi ni Maximus Brown ay hindi niya iyon ipinakita.

"Kailangan niyang magpakalayu-layo dahil ikamamatay niya kung mananatili siyang

malapit sa Freniere Mafia," sagot nito.

My mother turned to my direction and I met her eyes. There was strength in them and
I didn't know where it came from. Nang muli niyang salubungin ang tingin ni Maximus
Brown ay tila nawala ang anumang bahid ng takot na nakita ko sa kanya noong pumasok
ako ng mansyon at hawak niya ang duguan kong ama. Death changed her. Pain
transformed her.
"My daughter lives in Arturia Mansion. Doon na siya lumaki at nagkaisip. That's her
home. Bakit hindi mo sabihin kay Algernon na kayo na lang ang magpakalayu-layo at
tigilan niyo na ang anak ko?" Galit niyang sabi. She just lost her son, and

now, someone was threatening to take her daughter away from her. That's all it
would take for her to be crazy and fearless.

Tila naman hindi iyon masyadong sineryoso ni Maximus Brown at mukhang naiintindihan
niya ang pinagdaraanan ng aking ina. Nanginginig ang mga kamay niya sa galit at
pinipigil na pag-iyak. Nang manghina ang kanyang tuhod dahil sa pagod ay mabilis
siyang sinalo ni Maximus mula sa pagbagsak. Agad ko siyang inalalayan at ipinasya
kong ipasok na siya sa loob ng sasakyan. Hindi ko gusto na pati siya ay magkasakit
at manatili sa ospital. She refused to let go of my hand when I was about to get
out of the car. But I hugged her and kissed her forehead to assure that it would
just be okay. When I shut the car's door behind me, I saw Maximus Brown and Wolf
still waiting outside.

"Batid mong ako'y hindi kabilang sa paglilitis at ang mga bagay na aking nalalaman
tungkol doon ay mga bagay na ibinahagi lang sa akin ng batang ito," wika niya at
saka tumingin kay Wolf.

"It's already done and I prefer not talking about it again," sagot ko. Once my name
was written in the Black Notebook, there would be no escape. My parents knew the
rules and I had to ask them to give up on me.

"Kung gayun ay inaamin mo ang pagtataksil sa Mafia? Ang pagkamatay ng ilang mga
mahahalagang persona? Ang pagkawala ng mga armas? Ang pagkakabigo ng mga
transaksyon?" Tanong niya.

Nagtagis ang aking mga bagang dahil sa mga paratang na iyon. "Hindi ko ginawa ang
bagay na iyon! I did worse than that! And that's putting Sebastian Freniere's life
in danger."

Tila nakaramdam ako ng malalim na hiwa sa aking dibdib nang sambitin ko ang
pangalang iyon. Pumapantay iyon sa sakit na dulot ng pagkawala ni Wycliffe.
There were two kinds of pain tearing me into pieces right now. One was the kind you
feel when you had to let go of someone after being with them for so long and
sharing a lot of memories with them. Then there was the kind of pain you feel when
you had to let go of someone you've kept in your heart for so long while knowing he
would never be yours. The first one was losing a person while the memories remain.
And the second one was losing hope and giving up on someone you've been fighting so
hard for most of your life.

Kunot-noo siyang tumingin sa akin at saka umiling. "May ilang mga bagay ang
maaaring makapagpahamak sa isang Sebastian Freniere, subalit walang sinuman at
anuman ang pwedeng tumapos sa kanya. Maliban sa iyo."

And it was my turn to get confused. I could never harm him. I couldn't even draw a
single drop of his blood from him. "I don't want to listen." I refused to open
something too scary for me to face. I refused to understand something I didn't know
before. I refused to know more of this sick feeling.

Dinig ko ang mahina niyang buntong-hininga bilang pagsuko sa bagay na iyon subalit
muli siyang nagsalita. "Hindi ako naniniwala na ikaw ang taksil sa Mafia." His
statement triggered something in me but there was also this voice warning me to
stop. Cold drops of water killed the tiny spark of fire.

"It's too late," sagot ko.

Hindi agad sumagot si Maximus Brown at nanatili siyang nakatingin sa akin na tila
pinag-aaralan ang aking ekspresyon. Subalit matapos ang ilang sandali ay muli
siyang nagsalita. "Mukhang tuluyan ka nang sumuko at ang tanging nakikita ko na
lamang ay ang parte na kay rupok."

Huminga ako nang malalim at saka marahang tumango. "If there's another traitor in
the Mafia, I guess I shouldn't be interfering with that. It's not my fight
anymore," wika ko at akmang bubuksan ang sasakyan.
Subalit bago ko pa iyon tuluyang buksan ay muling nagsalita si Maximus.
"Kasalukuyan siyang nasa isang transaksyon sa mga oras na ito. Isang transaksyon na
may malaking halaga subalit kaduda-duda. Mukhang nakalimutan niyang mag-ingat."

Napatigil ako at muling humarap sa kanya. Malalakas ang pagtahip na nararamdaman ko

sa aking dibdib. Mas nanlamig ang aking katawan dahil sa narinig. "Anong
transaksyon?" Hindi ko mapigilang tanong.

"Mga armas sa gitna ng karagatan. Matindi ang kanyang pagnanais na mabawi ang mga
nawala noon." The last transaction we both had flashed instantly in my mind. We
were sabotaged and failed. We lost a large amount of money because of that.

"Who's with him?" Kinakabahan kong tanong.

Nang bumukas ang bibig niya upang banggitin ang isang pangalan ay tila mas tumindi
ang nararamdaman kong kaba. Agad na tumambad sa aking isipan ang isang taong may
hawak ng telescope sa isang yate habang patungo kami sa Eremitia. No, it was not
happening. Ang lahat ng pagbabalewala ko ay tila bumabalik sa akin. Ang lahat ng
mga aksyon ko ay tila mga masasamang panaginip na patuloy akong sinisingil.

Agad akong pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan at inutusan ang driver na paandarin iyon
palayo sa sementeryo.

=================

Chapter 40: Into the Storm

Chapter 40: Into the Storm

Soundtrack: Stop and Stare - One Republic

Simula nang dumating kami sa mansyon ng Arturia mula sa sementeryo ay hindi na
muling lumabas ng kanyang silid ang aking ina. She refused to eat and talk to
anyone. Kahit ako ay pinakiusapan niya na hayaan na muna siyang mag-isa.

"But I'm worried, mom," pagpupumilit ko na samahan siya. Subalit hinawakan niya
lang ang aking kamay at pinisil ang aking palad at saka pagod na ngumiti sa akin.

"I wouldn't do anything stupid. I'm just so tired." Bumuntong-hininga siya. "I'm
just really, really tired," dagdag niya habang nangingilid ang mga luha.

Agad ko siyang niyakap at sinabing, "We'll get through this, mom."

And that was probably enough to assure her that things will be just fine. Even
without Wycliffe. Even if Dad was still in the hospital. Even if I would risk
everything again. Even if planned to go back to the world that cost my brother's
life--the world that cost my soul.

Hindi ko na ipinaalam sa kanya ang aking pag-alis. Ilang mga bagay ang ibinilin ko
sa mga gwardiya at mga kasambahay bago ako nagmaneho palabas ng mansyon. Hindi pa
rin nawawala ang kaba at takot na sa bawat paglipas ng oras ay mas tumitindi pa sa
aking dibdib. Alam kong hindi magiging maganda ang araw na ito.

Nang marating ko ang aking unang destinasyon ay agad akong bumaba ng sasakyan.
Patuloy pa rin ang mahihinang ambon na nagmumula sa madilim na kalangitan. Mukhang
tuluyan nang

hindi magpapakita ang araw sa buong maghapon. Ilang minuto akong nakatayo at
nanatiling naghihintay sa tapat ng isang lumang simbahan. Sa lugar na ito sya
madalas na bumaba sa tuwing inihahatid ko siya. Kung anuman ang nasa loob ng lumang
simbahan na ito ay hindi ko alam. Kung may mga tao pang pumupunta rito tuwing
linggo ay hindi ko natitiyak. Sa ngayon, wala akong nakikitang bakas ng kung
sinumang naroroon. Nananatili itong tahimik at mahiwaga.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas at tila nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa na makita ang pakay
ko. Marahil ay nasa Freniere Mansion siya at alam kong hinding-hindi ako pwedeng
magtungo roon. Maaaring pinili niya na lumipat ng lugar upang hindi na kami
magkaroon ng anumang koneksyon. Hindi ko siya masisisi dahil iyon ang nararapat
niyang gawin sa isang traydor sa organisasyon.

Muli na sana akong babalik sa sasakyan nang mahihinang kaluskos mula sa itaas na
bahagi ng simbahan ang aking narinig kasabay niyon ay ang pagkakalaglag ng maliliit
na bahagi ng nabibitak na semento. Agad akong nag-angat ng paningin at nakita ko
ang aking pakay.

"What took you so long?" Sigaw niya mula sa itaas. Hindi ako sumagot at sa halip ay
sinenyasan siya na bumaba.

She gave me her knowing smirk and leapt into the air like an eagle that was so used
to flying and fell to the ground like a cat that never really cared about the
impact. She dusted her skirt off and walked towards my direction. She combed her
long red hair with her fingers and cursed at the drizzle that threatened to wet
her.

"You only come when you

need something from me. I feel used," wika niya.

"He is in danger. I have to save him," sagot ko.

Mahina siyang tumawa at sinabing, "Save him from himself? He chose to be careless.
He didn't want anyone to stop him. Just let him face the consequences."

I grabbed her arm tightly and looked straight into her eyes. "I have to save him
this time," I said. There was nothing Forest would take seriously. She would see
anything as a game she would play. But this time, I needed to show her how dire
this situation was.

"He is a Freniere. He is the same people who want to kill you. You should stay away
from him-- from us. We all want to kill you." Her smile faded while talking. I knew
she was just trying to be serious but it looked fake.

"You do?" I asked.

Ilang segundo siyang nanatiling nakatitig sa akin at saka muling gumihit ang ngiti
sa kanyang mukha. She was definitely Forest. She might be despicable, weirdo and
lunatic but she always failed on faking things. She was as clear as a glass but as
mysterious as an enchanted forest. She was bright like a full moon but you'll never
get a chance to see her dark other side. That was the irony of Forest. She would
give you what she wanted to give you. And that's all you would get.

"You are my favorite reaper. Why would I kill you?" Nakangiti niyang sabi.

Agad akong sumenyas sa kotse at sabay kaming sumakay rito. Mabilis ko itong
pinaandar palayo sa lugar na iyon. Sumilip siya sa backseat at kinilatis ang mga
armas na naroroon.

Mukhang nagustuhan niya ang mga iyon dahil marahan siyang tumangu-tango.

"Don't you think we should tell the Mafia about this if that asshole is really in
danger?" Tanong niya.
Umiling ako habang nakatingin sa daan. "Not now. They wouldn't believe a traitor
like me. And they would kill me on the way."

"So we are going to swim to reach him?" Namimilog ang mga matang tanong niya. She
didn't seem to be worried about it. Instead, she looked excited.

Hindi ako sumagot at sa halip ay kinuha ko ang cellphone mula sa dashboard at

tinawagan si Detective Penber. Mabilis kong pinutol ang kanyang panimula at
diretsang sinabi ang aking kailangan. Nang pumayag siya ay agad kong pinutol ang
tawag.

"Wow! So you are choosing the light side and saying bye-bye to the dark side. Now,
why am I here? For recruitment?"

"No, Forest. You don't know how important connection is," sagot ko. Inilagay ko sa
bulsa ng kanyang jacket ang aking cellphone at sinabing, "You might need this
later."

Mukhang naguluhan siya subalit hindi na siya nagtanong pa. Sa halip ay pilya siyang
ngumiti habang hinahawakan ang cellphone sa loob ng kanyang jacket. It was a new
phone with few contacts so whatever she was planning to do with it, it wouldn't be
under my name. Maya-maya pa ay natanaw ko na ang mga malalaking barko sa pantalan,
senyales na malapit na kami. Nakikita ko na rin ang dagat at ang mga mumunting
kulay puting guhit rito na nagpapakita na hindi maganda ang panahon ngayon. Sa
halip na dumiretso ako ng pantalan

ay lumiko ako sa mas makitid na kalsada tungo sa tabing dagat. Kumpara sa

sementadong daan patungo sa pantalan ay buhangin ang dinaraanan ngayon ng aking
sasakyan. Halata ang pagtataka sa mukha ni Forest nang sa wakas ay tumigil kami
ilang metro ang layo sa dalampasigan. Isang pamilyar na kulay pulang Mustang ang
naka-park ilang metro ang layo sa amin habang isang speedboat naman ang nasa tapat
nito. Agad akong bumaba ng kotse, sumunod si Forest, at naglakad tungo sa
direksyong iyon. Bumaba rin mula sa kanyang kotse ang lulan nito at hinintay kami.
Bakas sa mukha ni Forest ang hindi pagsang-ayon nang makilala niya kung sino ito.
"Now, I'm wondering why the Mafia is hiring kids," bungad ni Detective Penber.

"Because we tend to get underestimated most of the time and that makes it easier to
kill our target," mabilis na sagot ni Forest na tila isa iyong katanungan mula sa
isang guro sa eskwelahan at isa siyang masigasig na estudyante. Nananatili siyang
nakangiti sa harap ng isang Detective.

Detective Penber chuckled and said, "That would result in you being in jail."

"Then I would escape and kill everyone," Forest answered, still smiling.

Their conversation was sick and I had to stop it. They were two opposite subjects
and any moment, they might crash against each other. Hindi man halata, subalit alam
kong nagsusukatan na silang dalawa.

"Detective Penber, this is Forest. Forest, Detective Penber," mabilis kong

pagpapakilala sa kanilang dalawa.

Inilahad ni Detective Penber ang kanyang kamay

at sinabing, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Magiliw na tinanggap iyon ni Forest kasabay ng pagsabing, "It will be my pleasure

to kill you."
Ilang segundo silang nakatingin sa isa't isa hanggang sa magpasya akong tapusin
iyon. "We need to go now," wika ko kay Forest.

Sa tulong ni Detective Penber ay naitulak namin papunta sa tubig ang speedboat.

Mabilis na kinuha ni Forest ang mga armas mula sa aking sasakyan at inilagay ang
mga ito roon. Nang akmang sasampa rin si Detective Penber ay agad ko siyang
pinigilan.

"Stay here," wika ko.

"What? There are only two of you and you can't take them. Look! Can't you hear the
sea? It's furious! You need a hero like me to save you."

Hindi ko alam kung seryoso siya sa hindi pagsang-ayon o sadyang ganun lang niya
ipaliwanag ang mga bagay-bagay. Subalit kahit ano pa ang sabihin niya ay hindi siya
maaaring sumama. It would be better if Detective Penber was kept out of this.

"It's not your fight. If anyone made it back here, I want you to help them," wika
ko.

Muli sanang magpupumilit si Detective Penber subalit agad na pumuwesto si Forest sa

may makina at nagsagwan palayo. Nang medyo nasa parteng malalim na kami ay agad
niya itong pinaandar nang mabilis. Forest couldn't drive a car but she knew how to
drive other things including helicopter and speed boat.

Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang masamang panahon at malalaki ang alon para sa aming
bangka. Subalit mukhang kakayanin naman iyon ng speedboat. Tahimik lang na
minamaniobra
ni Forest ang speedboat habang nakamasid ako sa laot, naghahanap ng bakas ng
sinasakyan ni Tres. Ilang minuto kaming nasa tubig at hindi inaalintana ang
malalaking alon. Nagsisimula na ring lumakas ang patak ng ambon, nagbabadya ng
matinding pag-ulan.

Maya-maya pa ay may natanaw akong maliliit na pigura mula sa malayo. Isa itong
grupo ng mga Bangka o yate na malalapit sa isa't isa. Mayroon ring isa pang yate na
paparating subalit malaki pa ang distansya nito mula sa kumpol ng mga sasakyang
pandagat. Mukhang doon nagaganap ang kanilang transaksyon. Lumingon ako kay Forest
at sinenyasan na mas bilisan pa, na agad niyang ginawa. Tila kami lumilipad sa
ibabaw ng mga alon dahil sa bilis. Nakatulong din ang hindi namin pagkakasalungat
sa hangin.

Nang medyo malapit na kami ay agad na pinatay ni Forest ang makina ng speedboat.
Agad niyang kinuha ang kanyang armas at pumuwesto. Kinuha ko naman ang binocular.

"I can't shoot from this distance. Kailangan ko pang lumapit," wika ni Forest.

"Not yet. They will see us," sagot ko.

Tumingin ako mula sa binocular na hawak ko at nakumpirma ko ang iniisip ko. Iyon
nga ang lugar ng transaksyon. Nakita ko ang mga pamilyar na mukha ng ilang Mafia
guards, gayun rin ang mga tauhan ng ka-transaksyon na grupo. Nahagip ng aking
tingin ang pamilyar na pigura ng isang lalake na nakatayo sa malawak na deck ng
yate. Kasalukuyan niyang kinakamayan ang isa pang pigura na mukhang siyang
katransaksyon niya. Hindi ko napigilan ang mas bumilis na pagtibok sa aking dibdib.
Kung mali ang aking

hinala, tatanggapin ko nang maluwag sa aking damdamin ang pagsasayang ng oras at

emosyon. Subalit kung tama iyon at totoong nasa panganib siya, mas mabuting narito
ako at nakahanda na tulungan siya. This could be called stupidity but the situation
dulled my sense of right and wrong. Right now, my intention was just to save him.

Muli kong inilibot ang aking paningin sa kabuuan ng yate. Apat na speedboat ang
nakapaligid rito at ang bawat isa ay may mga lulan na armadong mga tauhan. Sila ang
nagbabantay sa kanilang bawat grupo kung sakaling magkaaberya. Ang ilang mga tauhan
ay inililipat ang malalaking kahon sa kabilang yate. Mukhang hindi pa nila kami
napapansin dahil sa distansya at malalaking alon na maya't maya ay kumukubli sa
amin. Nang muli kong ibaling ang binocular sa ibang direksyon ay nakita ko ang isa
pang pigura sa bandang hulihan ng yate. May hawak rin siyang binocular at
nakatingin siya sa paparating na yate na tila ba hinihintay niya ito. Tila
ibinubulong ng ihip ng hangin na may hindi magandang mangyayari.

"Lalapit ako sa kanila. Manatili ka rito hangga't hindi ko pa kinakailangan ang

tulong mo," utos ko kay Forest. Tinanggal ko ang benda sa papahilom kong mga sugat.
Kailangan kong maging kumportable sa paggalaw.

"I feel sorry for your body," wika ni Forest habang nakatingin sa akin. "Stay
alive," nakangiti niyang dagdag.

Tumango ako sa kanya at ska hawak ang binocular ay tahimik akong lumusong sa tubig.
Kakailanganin ko iyon upang magmasid nang hindi malapitan. Mabilis akong lumangoy
sa ilalim ng alon tungo sa direksyon ng transaksyon. Kailangan kong maunahan ang
isa pang yate bagama't mas malapit ako kumpara rito.

Nang iangat ko ang aking ulo sa tubig upang huminga ay inilagay ko sa aking mga
mata ang binocular at nagmasid muli. Subalit sa pagkakataong ito, muli kong nahagip
ang taong kanina ay nasa likod ng yate. Nasa deck na rin ito at kasama ni Sebastian
at kanilang ka-transaksyon. He still had the binoculars in his eyes and this time,
it was pointing towards my direction. Daig pa nun ang pagtatama ng aming paningin
kung kaya't hindi ko napigilan na saglit na tanggalin ang aparato mula sa aking mga
mata.

"Did he see me?" Bulong ko sa sarili ko.

Nang muli kong gamitin ang binoculars ay nakita ko siyang nakikipag-usap kay
Sebastian at sa ka-transaksyon nito. Maya-maya pa ay inilabas nito ang kanyang
baril at mabilis na pinaputukan ang nasa harap nito. Bumulagta iyon sa sahig ng
yate habang nananatiling hindi gumagalaw sa kanyang kinatatayuan si Sebastian.
Marahil ay nagulat rin ito sa nangyari. Maya maya pa ay magkakasunod na natumba ang
mga tauhan na nasa speedboat. Agad akong napalingon sa kinaroroonan ni Forest at
nakita kong medyo malapit na siya nang konti kumpara nang iwan ko siya.

I felt fear as things got strange. Patuloy sa paglapit ang isa pang yate at ang mga
miyembro ng Mafia guards ay nagsimulang itutok ang kanilang mga armas kay Tres.
Muli akong sumisid pailalim at lumangoy nang mas mabilis patungo sa kanilang
direksyon. Kung hindi ako magmamadali ay maaaring mahuli na ang lahat. And I
couldn't let another death to happen. Not in front of me. Not under my watch. I
would save him. I would save him even though it would cost my life.

=================

Chapter 41: The Words Left Unsaid

Chapter 41: The Words Left Unsaid

Soundtrack: Say Something - A Great Big World

You must never trust a reaper. I'd known this for a very long time now, and
somehow, I still tended to push the thought aside. You never knew that you trusted
the wrong person until it was already too late--until you had no choice but to
confront betrayal.

Halos walang ginawang ingay ang pag-angat ng aking ulo mula sa tubig sa gilid ng
yate. Wala ring nakapansin maliban sa mga lumulutang na walang buhay na mga katawan
ng mga taong kanina ay nakabantay sa mga speedboat. Kung mayroon mang nagpamalas ng
pagtutol sa aking paglapit, iyon ay ang mga alon na tila mas lumakas pa na
humahampas sa aking katawan tungo sa gilid ng yate.

"So you are the traitor," wika ng pamilyar na tinig mula sa itaas na bahagi ng
yate. Walang anumang bakas iyon ng takot o pagkagulat.
"You don't look surprised," wika ng isa pang pamilyar na tinig. I was not into
eavesdropping for it merely meant that I was going to hear the things I shouldn't
be hearing. It was like feeding my ears with illegal information and violating
someone else's privacy. But right now, I let all the ethical thoughts float away
from me on the sea and listened to every word they were saying, to every breath
they were taking.

"I've always known that there's a traitor. Why would I be surprised now?" Wika ng
tinig.

Ilang saglit na katahimikan ang naganap habang pinipilit kong lumangoy nang hindi
napapansin tungo sa bahagi ng yate na madali

kong maaakyat. Sinikap kong manatili nang matagal sa ilalim ng dagat hanggang sa
makita ko ang makapal na lubid na kumukonekta sa yate at sa angkla sa ilalim nito.

"Do you know how easy it is to kill you right now?" Narinig kong sabi ng isa
dahilan upang mahigit ko ang aking paghinga. Mabilis kong tinungo ang lubid at
maingat na umakyat roon.

"I don't care. I don't f*cking care about everything. Get the firearms, the money,
and screw your ass and the other traitors' ass. I don't fucking care anymore,"
sagot ni Sebastian.

How could he just give up like that? My palm and fingers were burning already due
to the friction between my skin and the rope. Why were the things that were
supposed to be easy were so difficult right now?

"Well, then, you made the right decision, Sebastian Freniere," wikang muli ng
tinig.
That was when I pulled all my strength and hauled myself to the yacht's deck. I
immediately attacked the first person that was close to me, incapacitated him,
stole his gun and pointed it to the traitor.

"Drop your gun or I'll kill you," matapang kong wika.

Tila hindi nila inaasahan ang aking pagdating. Maging si Sebastian ay halata ang
pagkagulat nang makita ako. Subalit hindi naapektuhan ng anumang pagkagulat ang
taong tinutukan ko ng baril. Sa halip ay ngumisi siya at sinabing, "You're really
fast. I thought it would still take you few more minutes to get here."

"I said drop your gun," pagdidiin ko sa aking sinabi.

Subalit tila

wala siyang narinig at sa halip ay nanatiling nakatutok ang kanyang baril kay
Sebastian. Naririnig ko na rin ang tunog ng paparating na yate at bago pa ako
makapag-salitang muli ay nakita ko ang isang maliit na ilaw ng kulay pulang lazer
na nagmumula sa sniper ng paparating na sasakyang pandagat. Hindi ko pa masyadong
maaninag ang mga detalye ng kabuuan nito subalit isa lang ang natitiyak ko, hindi
sila mga kakampi.

"Hindi ako magdadalawang-isip na patayin ka, Mikhail Petrov. Ibaba mo ang baril
mo!" Pilit kong itinago ang kaba na dulot ng mga paparating. Nang sulyapan ko si
Sebastian ay nakita kong nakatingin lang ito sa akin na tila hindi siya
makapaniwala sa kanyang nakikita. He looked at me like I was a ghost from his
dreams he swore he'd never see again.

"You know you can't kill me. Because if you try, all these guns surrounding him
would shoot his body all at once. Aside from that, there's a sharp-shooter watching
you right now, so if I were you I would never try."
Napailing ako dahil hindi ako makapaniwala na nanggagaling ang lahat ng ito mula sa
kanya. The Mafia trusted him with the operations. They even trusted him to guard
and protect Sebastian's life. Kinanlong at binuhay siya ng mga Freniere sa loob ng
mahabang panahon. Sinanay siya upang maging kung sino man siya ngayon. Subalit
ngayon, anong ginagawa niya? He's threatening the life of a Freniere who valued
him.

The thought sparked an intense fire inside me. His treachery was unforgivable and I
started to lunge at him but a sound of a gunshot aired in the stormy

surrounding and I stumbled on my feet and fell on the floor of the deck. Another
shot and it snatched the gun away from my hand. I winced as I felt the surge of
pain from my leg.

And that was when Sebastian woke up from his own trance. When he saw blood gushing
from one of my leg, he became furious and started to run towards me. But another
shot was fired, it was nearer this time, and Sebastian faltered.

I gasped in horror as I saw blood on his shoulder. "You motherf*cking bastard!" He

cursed furiously and continued to step forward, his dripping blood tracing his
movement on the floor.

Mikhail realized that Sebastian would not give up yet as the latter continued to
move towards him. He fired another shot and this time, he targeted his leg. He
almost dropped to his knees but he refused to fall. He tried to drag himself
forward with his one leg.

"Stop! Stop it!" I screamed hysterically. I couldn't bear to see him hurt like
this. I'd spent a big part of my life protecting him and I couldn't let anyone hurt
him right now. "Stop shooting, Mikhail Petrov! Stop being a coward!"

Mikhail turned to my direction and I saw fear crossed his face. Maybe because he
knew Sebastian Freniere would try to get him and if he did, it would be over for
him. The Frenieres were not easy to kill after all. But the fear I saw suddenly
faded when he pointed his gun to me.

"Move another step and I'll kill her!" Wika niya habang nakatutok ang baril sa
akin.

Nakita kong tumigil si Sebastian

sa ginagawang paglapit. He seemed to be frustrated when I met his eyes. Alam kong
ginagamit ako ni Mikhail upang kontrolin si Tres. I didn't want him to be affected
with that. I didn't want him to be caught because of me. Matagal kaming nanatili sa
ganung posisyon: nakatutok ang baril ni Mikhail s aakin habang walang magawa
maliban sa pagmumura si Sebastian na nakatingin sa amin. Nakabantay naman ang ilang
mga tauhan na may hawak na baril at nakatutok sa kanya. This was an ugly,
treacherous scene. Couldn't this situation be more hopeless?

And to make things worse, I saw the approaching yacht and recognized it from the
night Wycliffe died. Images of him being shot dead played on my mind. I could
almost see his lifeless body falling from its railing. I clenched my fist as rage
took me over.

"How dare you!" I screamed furiously as I dove for the gun. It was a move Mikhail
wasn't expecting so I got it before he could even stop me. I pointed it towards the
yacht and shot it with all the bullets. When I ran out of bullets, I threw the gun
on it using my strength even though it didn't reach the yacht. But it didn't stop.
If I could just ruin it until it break into tiny little pieces.

Subalit nang dahil sa galit na iyon ay nakalimutan kong mag-ingat dahil sa

sitwasyon ko ngayon. Huli na ang lahat nang maramdaman kong ikinulong ako ni
Mikhail sa kanyang bisig habang ang isang kamay ay may hawak na baril na nakatutok
sa aking ulo. Mas tumindi pa ang sakit na nararamdaman ko dulot ng mga sugat na
hindi pa man naghihilom ay nagiging sariwa nang muli. Tila

nabawasan rin ang aking lakas nang dahil sa matinding galit na ibinuhos ko kanina
habang binabaril ang yate.
"Is it painful, Arturia? Is it unbearable? These things happened because of the
Frenieres! They ruined your life. They ruined every reaper's lives!" Galit at may
panggigigil na wika ni Mikhail. I'd always known him as someone who was so calm and
formal. He loved competition but he usually did it in a very professional way. He
admitted losing to me when it comes to speed and he never cheated. But seeing him
right now trembling in hatred, he became nothing but a complete stranger to me.

"Let go of her, Petrov! And I wouldn't kill you slowly and painfully. I would grant
you a quick death. Just let her go," wika ni Sebastian na tila pinipilit maging
kalmado at nagiging maingat sa kanyang bawat salitang binibitawan. He seemed to be
walking on a tight rope trying to negotiate with a mad man.

Mikhail laughed manically and said, "Look at you, still so full of yourself. Can't
you see that things are getting out of your hands now?"

But the thing about this negotiation with a mad man was that, Tres was also a mad
man. So he lost his patience, glared at him and shouted, "Just fucking let her go,
you filthy bastard or I'll fuck the shit out of you!" He tried to move but winced
because of his wounds. "Damn!" He growled.

"You listen to me! I will not let her go. I will take her and you will stay here,
dead as a shit! Your flesh would be feasted by fish and your bones would be part of
the corals! You will be alone

until your last breath!" Sagot ni Mikhail na tinutumbasan ang galit ni Sebastian.

"Why are you doing this?" I croaked. Tears welled on my eyes as I thought of
Sebastian dying alone. "If you must kill him, then just let me be with him."

"No, Arturia. He's the one who must die. You're a talented reaper and I could use
you. For now, one Freniere must die." And his grip tightened around me.
The yacht was already near, it was moving slowly without stopping the engine. It
looked like didn't have any intention of staying. There were armed people in it and
one of them signaled something to Mikhail.

Mikhail turned to the other traitors of the Mafia and said, "Shoot the devil!"

And everyone aimed at Tres. Nagpumiglas ako subalit hinawakan ako nang mahigpit ni
Mikhail. Nakaramdam ako nang isang ga-langgam na turok sa aking braso at nakita ang
isang injection na nakabaon roon. Unti-unti ay nararamdaman ko ang aking
panghihina.

"Now, watch him die," bulong ni Mikhail sa aking tainga.

Subalit bago pa man makapagpaputok ang isa sa mga traydor na tauhan ay ilang
magkakasunod na putok ang aming narinig at isa-isa silang bumagsak. Masyadong
mabilis ang nangyari at isang asintado lang ang makakagawa niyon. Kusa akong
napalingon sa malalaking alon at sa direksyon na kinaroroonan ni Forest. Hindi ko
sya matanaw at marahil ay kinukubli siya ng mga alon. But to be able to shoot them
despite of the big waves, she must be a genius sniper.

Agad na naramdaman ni Mikhail na hindi na ligtas

ang lugar na iyon kung kaya't bago pa makakilos si Tres ay halos buhatin niya ako
at mabilis na tumakbo patungo sa railing ng yate. Itinapon niya ang aming mga
sarili sa hangin at kasabay niyon ay ang mabilis na pagsalo ng paparating na yate.
Nakita ko sa gilid ng aking mga mata ang pagtakbo ni Tres upang habulin kami.
Naramdaman ko ang pagtama ng likod ko sa matigas na sahig ng yate nang gumulong
kami sa aming paglapag. Dahilan rin iyon upang mabitawan ako ni Mikhail.

I saw that Sebastian was about to jump towards the moving yacht and I knew he would
miss it. I summoned all my strength to stand and run towards the railing. I watched
as he flew to the air heading to my direction and I immediately stretched my arm to
catch him. I felt his shoulder and blood brushed against my fingers before I was
able to grab his arm. I cried loud as pain jolted on my shoulders. Tres was quite
heavy and my body was having a hard time keeping him from falling down the violent
sea. But before I could even try to pull him up, I felt the cold barrel of a gun
against the back of my head. I turned and saw Mikhail pointing a gun at me.

"Hold him tightly. Don't let him go," he said in a serious tone. But when I looked
at him, confused, his smile curved into a smirk and said, "So I could kill him."

I elbowed him and punched his nose with my one arm and he fell on the ground as the
yacht passed a big wave.

"Come with me, Reaper!" Sebastian shouted.

I looked at him and the violent sea. Even at this moment of trying to save each
other, he

still offered me death. But I would still choose him. I would still choose death
with him. I met his eyes and indulged myself in its soft brown. I could drown in
them any moment.

"Trust me, Hetta," he said softly calling me by the name he used to address me when
we were kids. And I saw Ian. I saw the young, handsome boy who was cheerful and
full of adventures. I saw my first love.

I smiled at him. It was a genuine one and I thought I saw his expression softened.
"I will always trust you," I said.

I was about to jump from the railing and fall to the sea with him when I felt a
hand on my ankle. Lumingon ako at nakita ko si Mikhail na mahigpit na nakakapit sa
akin. "Kill him!" sigaw niya sa ilang mga tauhan na tila nag-aatubiling lumapit
dahil sa hindi nila nakikitang sniper na maya't maya ay nagpapaputok sa yate.
"Quick and kill him! Or you will all face death!" Sigaw niyang muli.

Maingat at mabagal na nagsimulang maglakad ang mga tauhan ni Mikhail. Isa pang
putok ng baril at muli ay nagkubli sila. Habang tumatagal ay patuloy ang panghihina
ko. Halos namamanhid na rin ang aking katawan. Sa may kalayuan ay nakita ko ang
speedboat na sinasakyan ni Forest. Nakatayo siya habang hawak ang kanyang armas.
Tumingin ako kay Sebastian at alam kong nahihirapan na rin sya dahil sa mga tama ng
baril.

"I'm sorry, Sebastian," mahina kong sabi habang nararamdaman ko ang pag-iinit ng
aking mga mata dahil sa luha.

"What? No! Don't do this again!" Nagpa-panic na agad na sagot ni Tres. Mukhang

alam na niya ang aking gagawin.

Umiling ako at sinabing, "I'm really sorry. It hurts me, too. It hurts me so much
whenever I disappoint you. But this time, I have to let you go. You have to save
yourself. Save yourself for me. Please."

A single tear fell from my eyes and I saw it land on Sebastian's cheek. And as if
it had its own life, the tear summoned another tear from his eyes. I could count
the times when I saw Sebastian cried: when Alexandria died; when they lost Tyler;
and when his father decided to kill Giovanni. His tears were expensive and I
couldn't believe he was shedding one for me. And that brought me to more tears.

"Don't let me go, Henrietta. Don't let go of my hand," he begged. Pain was visible
on his face. He was a devil begging for an angel to save him. He was begging for
the gates of heaven to let us in. But we were both sinful creatures. He was evil
and I was a fallen one. And God banished us to a kind of hell where we could never
be together. Thus, we hurt each other when we were together. No matter how much we
tried to save each other, we would just end up killing each another. Our 'together'
was the death of us. He was fire and I was ice. His passionate flames would burn me
and my freezing icy blast would burn him out. And thus, we needed to let go of each
other.

"It might be the last time we will talk," I said. The yacht moved faster, making
bigger and stronger waves and giving Forest an unclear shot. It gave a chance for
the others to walk towards me.

"You're wrong!" He opposed angrily.

"You must know that I will always keep you in my heart. I will always fall in love
with you like I do every time I see you." I wished I told him these words before,
even when I didn't have the right. I should have known that there will never be a
right timing for us. He stared at me with mouth open, listening to me in a daze. I
gripped his hand tighter and he blinked. I wanted him to speak. I wanted him to say
the words--to say his words. Whatever it was.

"You don't know that," he said doubtfully.

I smiled at him in sadness and said, "My heart screams your name. It's here. Loving
you reminds me that my heart is still here."

I wanted him to speak more but he didn't. He just stayed there looking at me--
staring straight into my eyes. More tears attempted to break me and the people
behind me were slowly inching forward with guns in their hands. They were predators
carefully stalking a prey. When someone grabbed my arm and Sebastian still didn't
speak a word, I knew it was already time to let go. It was time to give up.

Again.
With tears in my eyes and a rueful smile on my lips, I said one last time, "I love
you and I always will." And I let go of his hand.

But he held on to my fingers and said, "I know you do."

He fell towards the ferocious sea. It immediately swallowed him beneath the raging
waves. People grabbed me as he sank deeper, never to see me again.

=================

Chapter 42: Nightmares

Chapter 42: Nightmares

My mind was telling me that it was just a dream-that everything was just an
illusion. But it felt so real that I could almost hear my heart beating furiously
against my chest. I had the urge to touch everything with my fingertips. I saw the
tree house sitting like a large nest on a green, lush tree. It was beautiful and a
welcoming haven to me--to us.

"What are you doing down there? Come up here!" Tawag ng binatilyong lalaki mula sa
tree house bago ito muling pumasok sa loob.

Lihim akong napangiti at saka mabilis na tumakbo tungo sa tree house. Maingat at
medyo nahihirapan pa ako sa pag-akyat rito. Madalas ay mapapasala ang tapak ng
aking mga paa sa kahoy na hagdan na magiging dahilan upang mahulog ako. Subalit sa
pagkakataong ito, nagawa kong makaakyat sa itaas nang hindi nasasaktan ang aking
sarili.
When I entered the tree house, I saw cans of paint and yards of canvas. I saw
smudges of ink on the desk and crumpled papers on the floor. The windows were open,
welcoming the air breathed by the trees surrounding us. It was messy and beautiful.
It was dark and lively.

I saw him sitting on a stool in front of a canvas. He was painting a peculiar

garden that has a lot of black roses. Standing in the middle of it was a lady
wearing a black dress. Her white bare back was turned to us and her long hair was
pushed to her side. Even though I couldn't see her face, I knew she's a beauty.

"Who is she?" I asked. She must be someone from his class

and I couldn't help the jealousy that was slowly creeping into me.

He laughed in his delightful musical voice, the one you would prefer listening to
in the middle of the night, and said, "Don't you recognize her?"

Mataman kong tinitigan ang larawan subalit anumang pilit ko ay hindi ko mapag-sino
ang babaeng naroroon. Kung totoo ngang kilala ko sya, nasisiguro kong hindi ko
maaaring kalimutan ang kanyang ganda.

Ibinaling ko ang tingin sa pintor ng obrang ito at hindi ko mapigilang hindi

suklian ang ngiting ibinibigay niya saakin. Ang liwanag at kislap ng kanyang mga
mata ay hindi kayang itago ng mga anino na dulot ng mga puno. Siya ang araw at
buwan sa lugar na hindi nasisikatan at natatanglawan ng mga bituin. Ang bawat ngiti
niya ay naghahatid ng saya sa aking damdamin.

"I don't really know her," I said when I returned to myself after being lost by
staring at his eyes.
"You'll know her when you get older. And I'll wait for that," sagot niya. Hindi pa
rin nawawala ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi habang ipinagpapatuloy ang pagpipinta.
Gustuhin ko mang maupo sa isang gilid at ipagpatuloy ang pagbabasa sa nobelang
iniwan ko ay hindi ko magawa. Sa halip ay nanatili akong nakatitig sa larawang
kanyang ipinipinta.

Staring at the woman in the middle of the black roses was like being hypnotized. I
couldn't look away; I couldn't even move my body. I wondered at the power it has,
how it could captivate me that hard. And then as if magic, everything about the
painting began to move. It started to look real

in my eyes--as if I was just staring at a scene through a window. The movement of

the leaves and her hair because of the wind, I watched them as they danced to a
slow music only that painting played. The color was more vivid beyond the oils and
the paint that I started to doubt if it was just really a dream. And then the woman
turned slowly until I met her eyes. And it all suddenly became familiar. I was
staring into familiar eyes, a familiar face, and familiar body. Suddenly, the woman
became me. Suddenly, I became the woman. And it terrified me.

I turned to look at the painter and I met his eyes. And suddenly it all became
strange. I was staring into blank dark eyes with a cold expression on his face.
Suddenly, the stranger became him. Suddenly, he became the stranger. And it
terrified me.

It pained me to see him change into someone I didn't know. So I went to look back
at the painting and I was horrified at what I saw. The painting was bleeding--the
petals of the black roses were melting and turning into blood. It was dripping
through the canvas and sending drops of red blood on the wooden floor of the tree
house. The place became darker and the air became colder. Suddenly, the lively tree
house became a grave. And I couldn't bear to watch it so I ran. I ran until I had
no floorboards to step in. I ran until I felt myself flying and falling to the
ground.

And that was when I opened my eyes.

"Finally!" Malakas na sabi ng isang tinig. At first I couldn't see anything because
of the darkness so I waited until my
eyes got used to it. The man lighted a cigarette and somehow, it started to bring
pale and bright orange in the darkness of the room.

"The sleeping beauty is finally awake," wika ng isang babae na malamang ay hindi
nalalayo sa akin ang edad. Agad kong naramdaman ang panghihina at sakit sa iba't
ibang parte ng aking katawan. Bagamat mahigpit na nakagapos ako sa isang upuan ay
napansin ko pa rin ang pagkakabenda ng aking isang binti.

"What did you do to me?" Tanong ko. Nananatiling malabo at hindi malinaw ang mukha
ng mga personang naroroon. Maliban sa pagkaladkad sa akin papasok ng yate ay wala
na akong matandaan sa huling pangyayari bago ako nawalan ng malay.

The man smoking cigarette walked and leaned towards me. His face was inches from
mine when he said, "I happened to keep an EOL for myself. Unfortunately, I had to
use it on you because we were ordered not to kill you yet. That was the only way to
incapacitate you without planting more bullets to your body. And now, I had no more
of that precious little thing."

Ilang segundo akong nakatitig sa kanyang mukha at nang mapagsino ko ang nasa harap
ko, agad kong kinuyom ang aking mga kamay at nagpumilit kumawala. When I couldn't
even lift myself, I spat on his face and screamed, "Murderer!"

Subalit hindi man lang sya natinag at sinuklian niya iyon ng malalakas na tawa. I
would never forget his face. Once I freed myself from this, I would get back to him
and kill him. "So you're still mad about your brother's death." Naglalaro ang
mapanlinlang na mga ngiti sa

kanyang labi.

"I'll never stop until I kill you!" Humihingal kong sigaw. Ang galit na
nararamdaman ko ngayon ay tila umuubos sa natitira ko pang lakas.
"I made you a deal and you failed me. You chose the traitor over your little one,
so you killed your brother."

I glared at him wishing glares could kill. But it didn't make a single scratch, not
even erase the annoying smirk on his face. "I was trying to save him from you! And
you killed him!"

Bumuga siya ng usok sa harap ko na naging dahilan upang mahirapan akong huminga
bago siya tumayo. "Yeah. Make yourself believe that it wasn't your fault," nang-
iinsulto niyang wika.

And as much as I tried not to be affected by his words, I had to admit that it made
me think again. It was my fault. I knew I started all of this and that resulted to
my brother's death. I was the reason why I was here now. I started a fire that
became wild and furious and I couldn't stop it anymore.

"I'll make you pay for everything," I whispered threateningly.

That was when the girl with Ephraim spoke and stopped whatever response he was
going to make. "Dinner will be ready soon. We should not make him wait." Her dark
hair reached her chest. She had the same body built with Jazarah but I couldn't say
much about that.

Lumapit sa akin si Ephraim at saka tinanggal ang pagkakagapos ko mula sa upuan.

Kung ano man ang binabalak nila ay kailangan ko silang pigilan. Nang lubusan nang
matanggal ang mga lubid na nakagapos sa akin ay

sinubukan kong atakihin siya subalit nanlalambot ang aking katawan. Halos hindi ko
magawang maiangat ang aking mga braso.
"Pinapagod mo lang ang sarili mo. Ilang oras pa bago mawala ang epekto ng kung
anumang chemical ang inilagay sa iyong katawan ni Ephraim. Just accept na wala kang
magagawa dahil isa ka lang mahinang tao ngayon," seryosong sabi ng babae.

Binuhat ako ni Ephraim na tila isa lang akong magaan at walang buhay na bagay.
Walang hirap na naitapon niya ako sa kanyang balikat at saka naglakad palabas ng
madilim na silid kasunod ang babaeng kasama niya. He went up the stairs and I
realized that we were probably at a certain part of the basement. Whatever place we
were in now, it must be a big one.

Nang unti-unting lumiwanag ang paligid ay naramdaman ko na rin ang paglinaw ng

aking paningin. Subalit nanatili pa rin ang panghihina ng aking katawan. I couldn't
see much of the surrounding; I could only see clean, white tiles like no one had
ever dared step on it. Subalit nang pumihit siya pakaliwa ay agad na nahagip ng
aking paningin ang isang walang buhay na katawan ng tao. Ang kanyang dugo ay tila
munting pulang lawa sa sahig na kulay puti. Nang mas malapit na ang aming distansya
sa bangkay ay saka ko tiningnan ang kanyang mukha at doon ay nakita ko ang pamilyar
subalit walang buhay niyang mga mata na blankong nakatingin sa kawalan. Nahigit ko
ang aking paghinga at naisip na maaaring kasalanan ko rin ang kanyang pagkawala.
Maya-maya pa ay pabagsak akong ibinaba ni Ephraim sa isang upuan habang mabilis na
iginapos ako ng babae gamit

ang lubid at saka ako iniharap sa isang hapag-kainan. Nang muli akong magmulat ng
aking mga mata ay mukha ni Mikhail ang agad kong nakita - nakaupo siya sa katapat
na silya sa kabilang parte ng mesa. Agad namang naupo sa tabi ko si Ephraim at sa
kabilang gawi ko naman ay ang babae. Pumuwesto naman sa tabi ni Mikhail si Declan
habang ang isa pang may edad na babae ay nasa isang dulo ng mesa.

"How are you feeling, Henrietta?" Nakangiting tanong ni Mikhail.

I glared at him in full hatred. How could he have the audacity to ask me about how
I was feeling at the moment? How dare him to ask! "You're disgusting!" I growled.

He didn't flinch and instead, drank the wine in front of him. "You should thank me.
I was saving you. I avenge for you."
"You betrayed us! Why would I thank a traitor like you!?" Dahil sa galit na
nararamdaman ko ay sinubukan kong muli na kumawala mula sa aking pagkakagapos,
subalit hindi pa rin ako nagtagumpay.

"Table manners, reaper. Have respect for our dinner," the elder woman said at the
other end of the table. She was observing everyone in the room with those cold
eyes.

"Or what? You're gonna kill me like what you did to Sascha?" There was venom in my
voice that probably reached the wine she was drinking in her hand. Her expression
turned sour and her cold eyes turned to look at me.

"Yes, I will," she answered like it was a fact that was already clear. "I will kill
you and everyone around you. I don't mind having corpses around me while I eat. Do
you?"

/>

The girl before me spoke after glancing at Sascha's dead body. "We traced the guns
and bullets you used in killing Jazarah. That's what he got for helping reapers."

I welcomed the guilt that was building inside my chest. Things were making its way
down to me. More pages were unfolding and more lives were being taken. I was now
not sure if I could still watch the end. But I knew I would be forced to face it.

"But Jazarah was a useless bitch and she was just an expert in flirting and having
affairs with married men. She was a chameleon and a snake, and I don't really like
her. It's a good riddance so don't worry about it," wikang muli ng babaeng nasa
aking tabi. She was as cold as the elder woman and as dangerous as Declan. There
was something sinister lying in those dark orbs when I met her eyes. I tried to
watch the other people on the table wondering if they would oppose her remarks
against Jazarah but they didn't show any reactions about it. They seemed to treat
their own based on the value they had in their group. They had the same blood
running in their veins but they weren't family. They were just a bunch of cold-
blooded people with the same mission: to annihilate the Freniere Mafia.
And as if to show me of how much danger I was in, loud and slow steps were heard
coming down from the stairs. Everyone stopped drinking their wines and all the
whispers and chats were ceased. They turned to look at the entrance as the sound
came closer. I decided to just search for a possible tool that would help me free
from this rope. But it was already senseless since the Novous were around me and
the newcomer was already approaching the dining table. I waited until he was
already seated on the chair at the other end of the table. I wonder what kind of
person would get the attention and respect of these assassins. They seemed to
address him with great respect as they waited and when he was seated, I refused to
look at his direction.

He cleared his throat to get my attention and I considered that knowing who the
enemy was would be better even though there was a slim chance that you would win
against it. I looked up and met his eyes.

All the nightmares of the past flashed back in front of me. I was, once again,
lying helpless on the road and unable to move; a witness to a horrible murder with
no capacity to help. Face to face with Death whom I've met many years ago. Once
again, I was dying.

I held my breath when he opened his mouth and said, "So young and full of life. I
hope you will not be a waste."

And that was how I became paralyzed by the fear he instilled in me.

=================

Chapter 43: The Choices

Chapter 43: The Choices

The nightmare that turned me into another nightmare was only a few feet away from
me. I couldn't believe that I was in the same dining table with him--exchanging
dangerous glances. He aged a few years--the presence of grey hairs and wrinkles
were the evidence--but he was still the nightmare that kept me awake for months
when I was younger.

The attendants started to serve the food on the table while the diners remained
silent. When the elder man was served a rare steak, he cut a small part of it with
his knife and chewed it while staring at me. My mouth dried up as the chill reached
my bones. He was chewing my flesh, blood dripping from his lips. His tongue played
on the tender meat, his fangs tore it into tiny little pieces. That was only when
the other people on the dining table started to get their food. They were monsters
devouring flesh and bones on the table. They were bloodsuckers drinking every
single drop of blood in their glasses. I couldn't believe I was dining with them.

"Eat." The cold woman ordered beside me and I blinked from the hideous vision.
Subalit hindi ko pa rin magawang alisin ang pagkakatitig ko sa lalaking nasa
kabilang dulo ng mesa. Nananatili lang akong nakatitig sa kanya habang kumakain
siya ng kanyang hapunan, hindi alintana ang bawat butil ng pawis na lumalabas sa
aking katawan sa kabila ng panlalamig. Nang maisip ng babae sa aking tabi na hindi
ko magagawang kumain dahil nakagapos ang aking mga kamay, kinuha niya ang kubyertos
sa aking pinggan at saka naglagay

ng pagkain at isinubo sa akin. Agad kong iniwas ang aking mukha bilang pagtanggi
dahilan upang matapon ang pagkain. Saglit na katahimikan ang lumipas bago siya
muling kumuha ng pagkain. Subalit sa pagkakataong ito, gamit ang kanyang mga kamay
ay kumuha siya ng isang malaking piraso ng karne at saka pilit na binuksan ang
aking bibig upang ipasok. Wala akong nagawa habang pinipilit niyang ipasok sa bibig
ko ang isang buong karne. She was humiliating me and I couldn't do anything but to
gag on it.

"You're choking her," narinig kong wika ni Mikhail subalit hindi pa rin tumigil ang
babae sa kanyang ginagawa.

"When I say eat, you will eat!" Nanggigigil na wika niya habang mahigpit na hawak
ang parte ng aking pisngi at panga. Sa tindi ng kanyang pagkakahawak ay ramdam na
ramdam ko ang sakit na nagmumula roon.

"Stop it, Elle," kalmado ang tinig na utos ni Declan at atubili iyong sinunod ng
babaeng tinawag na Elle. "This is a great dinner. I want to enjoy it." At saka
nagpatuloy siya sa pagkain. Hindi ko maiwasan na tumingin sa kanyang direksyon.
There was something in his voice and I didn't want to read into it because I wasn't
sure. It was impossible.

"The rule is that everyone in this dining table should eat. Inuubos niya ang aking
pasensya." Bumalik sa pagiging pormal ang tinig ng babae habang nakikipag-usap
subalit ang talim sa kanyang mga mata ay naroroon pa rin habang tinatapunan niya
ako ng tingin.

"She will eat now, right Henrietta?" Wika ni Mikhail.

I looked at him and read what he was trying to

mean--just do what they say. I didn't respond but when Elle started to give me food
again using a spoon, I ate it. I chewed slowly and realized that it actually tasted
good. But the thought of eating an assassinated person's flesh still feared me. The
Novous were crazy and we were dealing with lunatics.

Tahimik na pinagsaluhan ng mga naroroon ang hapunan habang kalmado kong tinatanggap
ang mangilan-ngilan na pagsubo ni Elle. Walang kahit na sino man ang nagsalita
hanggang sa matapos ang may katandaang lalaki na nasa dulo ng hapag-kainan. Inubos
niya ang natitirang alak sa kanyang kopita at saka tumayo upang umalis.

When he was only a few feet away from me, I decided to get his attention, "You'll
be dead soon." Hindi ko inaasahan ang panginginig ng aking boses dulot na rin
siguro ng takot na nararamdaman ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. Everyone on the
table turned to my direction. They waited for some horrible scenario to fall upon
me, for what I did was a mortal sin to them. There was a part of me that wanted to
run and hide from whatever was coming. But there was also this courage and anger
inside me that even though suffocated by fear, still managed to scream from within.

And that was how I met his eyes once again. He stopped, turned around, and looked
down on me like I was just a piece of trash sitting on his chair. He looked at me
like I was nothing, like I was easy to eliminate. And somehow, I felt so small in
front of him. I felt so weak with the Novou assassins. I felt like a disgrace to
the Freniere Mafia. I looked

at his eyes and I saw coldness. I saw familiar orbs, the ones owned by killers. And
I saw myself. I saw my own eyes on him.

"We will all die, child. We have the same fate," he answered coldly. His voice was
the scariest sound my young ears had heard. And it still managed to instill fear in
me, even now.

Gusto kong magprotesta sa kanyang sinabi. Gusto kong isigaw na hindi kami
magkatulad, na wala kaming pagkakatulad sa isa't isa at ang landas na tinatahak
namin ay magkaiba. Subalit isinantabi ko iyon at sa halip ay aking pinakinggan ang
boses ng isang batang Henrietta na nagtatanong ilang taon na rin ang nakalilipas.
"Why did you have to kill her?" Pilit kong pinatatatag ang aking boses.

Ilang segundo siyang nanatiling nakatingin sa akin na tila pinag-iisipan niya kung
karapat-dapat ba akong magtanong at masagot ang tanong. "Kill who?" Sa wakas ay
sagot niya.

I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist. How dare he forget her? How dare he forget
her name? How dare he erase the last few precious seconds of her life? We were the
only ones with her when she died, which some hated or envied. How dare he treat it
like it was some kind of nonsensical event he couldn't remember?

"Don't you ever pretend that you can't remember her. What's that young and full of
life remark if you don't remember anything? She was trying to save me and you shot
her! Don't you remember her face? Her blood on her white dress? Her beautiful eyes
when life faded from them? Don't you remember?" Halos habulin ko ang aking paghinga
sa paghahayag

ng aking katanungan.

"I'd like to forget the existence of those I killed. I don't want to have the
responsibility of remembering names written in a long list. They don't matter now.
They do not exist now."
 Humakbang pa sya palapit sa akin hanggang sa mapilitan akong tumingala sa kanya
upang magtama ang aming paningin. "But that was a different case. Of course, I
remember our precious Alexandria Freniere. She was a piece I had to burn to break
the invincible Freniere Mafia. Her fall was our victory. Her death was my
immortality. Every generation of the Freniere would remember me. And that, child,
is why I killed her."

I got the answer. He gave it to me like it was a story he had told to everyone who
asked him. He said it with pride in his voice. He said it without any hint of
regret. And that rendered me speechless. What would you say to a person who ruined
lives and still didn't regret it? What would you say to a person whose actions
turned you into a monster? Nothing. No words were coming from my mouth. I just
stared at him, taking in everything about him. I was now in a dead end.

"And I remember you," wika niyang muli na mas lalong nagpakaba saakin. "I knew you
would die that day. I was certain that those were the last few minutes of your
life. But you didn't. You're one tough child and that's so fortunate of you. Look
at you now. It could have been a waste if you died on that day."

"And that made you a flawed assassin," matapang kong sagot. Ano mang pagiging
kalmado ang kanyang ipinakita sa mga nakalipas

na sandali ay nawala sa isang iglap. Naging matalim ang tingin na ipinukol niya sa
akin. Mas naging mapag-banta ang kanyang ekspresyon. Mas naging delikado ang
sitwasyon. Nararamdaman ko rin ang pagiging hindi kumportable ng mga tao sa hapag-
kainan habang nakikinig sa aming pag-uusap. Nananatili pa rin ang takot sa aking
dibdib subalit pilit akong lumalaban at inisip na maaaring iyon na ang huli kong
pagkakataon. At kung sakali na iyon na ang aking mga huling sandali, pipiliin kong
maging matapang.

"I will give you choices, young one. Be my assassin and kill the Frenieres or defy
me and face your death. Think about it. I will give you your first kill once you're
back at the basement. I hope you choose not to be wasted." At saka niya ako
tinalikuran at naglakad tungo sa hagdan na kanyang pinanggalingan.
Nang muli akong humarap sa hapag-kainan ay agad kong nasalubong ang mga mata ni
Mikhail. Marahan siyang umiling-iling habang nakatingin sa akin. Patuloy sa pagkain
si Declan habang tila hindi na makapaghintay sa mga susunod na mangyayari ang naka-
ngising si Ephraim. Nakikiramdam naman sa maaari kong gawin si Elle habang ang
matandang babae sa isang dulo ng mesa ay nanatili sa pag-obserba sa akin.

"I've heard that you're an excellent assassin. Are you?" Tanong ng matandang babae.

"You'll see once I have the chance to kill you." I snapped at her. I hated being in
in this situation. I hated being tied in a rope. I hated having limited choices.

Mukhang hindi masyadong sineryoso ng babae ang aking pagbabanta. Muli niyang
tinitigan ang aking

mukha bago magsalita, "There will be not so many rules if you work for us. Hindi ka
ba nagtataka kung bakit buhay ka pa hanggang ngayon? You betrayed the Frenieres and
now, they want to kill you. Lucius considered you working for us instead of being
killed. You could be one of our deadly weapons against them."

I glared at her in disgust. What made her think that I would leave the side of the
Frenieres just to be their assassin? "I will never kill for you!" And I was sure of
that. I would never be as low as Mikhail to betray the Mafia.

The old woman smirked and said, "We'll see about that."

Biglang tumayo si Ephraim at Elle at saka ako kinalagan. Mabilis na naibalik agad
ni Elle ang pagkakatali ng lubid sa aking mga kamay at paa a tsaka ako binuhat ni
Ephraim pabalik sa basement. Tumayo na rin si Mikhail at sumunod sa amin. Muling
nahagip ng aking paningin ang walang buhay na katawan ni Sascha bago muling naging
madilim ang paligid. Maya-maya pa ay narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto kasunod niyon
ay ang paghagis sa akin sa sahig na tila isa lang akong sako na naglalaman ng
walang halagang mga bagay.
Nagawa kong maisangga ang aking balikat at maiangat ang aking ulo upang protektahan
ang aking sarili mula sa pagkakauntog. Subalit agad ko ring naramdaman ang
matinding sakit sa aking balikat at likod. Halos hindi ko alam kung paano ko
ipupuwesto ang aking sarili upang maibsan ang sakit.

"I don't like hearing compliments about you, bitch! I'll prove to Tamara and Lucius
that you are not that good!" Ephraim said

loudly and kicked me on my side. I tried not to scream because of the terrible pain
that followed. I swallowed my cries and squeals and decided not to show them
weakness. But it was hard because my body was having difficulty cooperating with
me. Another kick in the gut and a tear rolled down from my eye.

Humakbang si Mikhail palapit sa akin at saka yumuko. Nagtama ang aming paningin
subalit hindi ko mabasa ang kanyang mga mata dahil sa dilim at kaunting liwanag na
nagmumula sa nag-iisang bumbilya na naroroon. "I'll talk with her, Ephraim. I'll
convince her to take our side." Wika niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Don't play tricks, Mikhail," wika ni Elle.

Agad na lumingon sa kanila si Mikhail at inis na sinabing, "You know I won't. I

know my choices."

"Are you sure you can make her choose our side?" Tanong muli ni Elle. Mukhang may
pagdududa siya sa kakayahan ni Mikhail na kumbinsihin ako.

"If she still won't, I'll give her to you," sagot niya.
Sandaling natahimik ang dalawa na tila tinitimbang ang sitwasyon. At makalipas ang
ilang sandali ay muli rin silang nagsalita. "Okay. We'll get her first kill," wika
ni Elle at saka lumabas ng silid kasunod si Ephraim.

Bahagyang nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang tuluyan nang maglaho ang yabag ng
kanilang mga paa. Nararamdaman ko pa rin ang sakit at alam ko na ang mga iyon ay
may darating pang kasunod. Lihim kong hiniling na sana'y makayanan ko anuman iyon.

"Does it hurt?" tanong ni Mikhail na muling nakakuha

ng aking atensyon. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na magagawa niyang magtaksil sa

Mafia. Napakagaling niyang manlinlang. Hindi ako sumagot sa kanya at ang tanging
ibinigay ko lang sa kanya ay matalim na tingin.

"I'm sure it is. But I know it's better than the pain you always had when you were
still in the Mafia. It's more tolerable, right? You didn't even make a sound,"
pagpapatuloy niya. He shouldn't have known that. He shouldn't even have an idea. He
shouldn't be looking at my pain because that was mine. He shouldn't even have a
word about it.

"I could see through you. I was watching you all this time and I knew that at some
point, you'd have enough and betray the Mafia. And I was right. Look where we are
now."

"I did not betray the Mafia the way you did," I hissed. "Kahit na hindi na ako
isang reaper, tumatanaw pa rin ako ng utang na loob sa mga Freniere. Hindi mo ako
katulad dahil nabulag ka na sa kung anumang kapangyarihan ang iniaalok sa iyo ng
mga Novou!"

"Hindi mo naiintindihan, Henrietta. They didn't offer me anything. It was my choice

to change sides. I've been planning it for a very long time now and finally, I did
it," kalmado niyang sagot. Matagal na niyang pinagpa-planuhan ang pagtataksil sa
organisasyon at halos hindi namin iyon naramdaman. Marahil ay sinamantala niya ang
pagbibigay namin ng atensyon sa mga personal at mahahalagang bagay upang isagawa
ang kanyang plano. Isa ako sa mga may pagkukulang sa Mafia dahil hindi ko man lang
iyon nakita.

But this time, I had to ask him his reasons.

I had to know his intentions. If ever there were only few hours of my life left, I
must at least do something to prevent Mikhail from harming the Frenieres. I must
try to stop him from harming Tres. "What made you choose these low-life Novous? You
are not as important to them as you were with us. They are lawless, heartless,
soulless assassins that we need to terminate."

"And so are we," mabilis niyang sagot.

"Mikhail Petrov--"

"Can't you see that the Frenieres are just using us? They're just taking us for
granted. They control us like they're the masters and we're the puppets. They made
us kill!" There was a slim hint of hatred in his voice which was gone in a second.
"I don't want to be a reaper anymore. I don't want to kill anymore. But they will
never let me out of the group alive, right? So for me to be free, I must kill them.
But killing the Frenieres is like killing the Gods of Death--it's never easy. So I
have to get help from people with a passion of annihilating them. And they're the
Novous."

There was a part of me that understood him. Kung totoong gusto niyang tumigil at
kumalas sa Mafia ay wala siyang mapagpipilian kung hindi ang mamatay o pumatay.
Natatakot ako dahil sa nararamdaman ko. Natatakot ako dahil sa iniisip ko.
Natatakot ako dahil naiintindihan ko siya na dapat ay hindi dahil magkaiba ang nais
naming protektahan.

"Sa tingin mo ba ay pakakawalan ka ng mga Novou matapos mong makuha ang mga gusto
mong gawin?"
Marahil ay nakita niya ang pag-aalinlangan ko dahil diretso siyang nakatingin

sa aking mga mata. Hindi niya iyon pinakawalan hanggang sa mapagod siya at kusang
nagbawi ng tingin. "They only wanted to destroy the Frenieres. At sinabi ko rin sa
kanila kung ano ang pakay ko na kanilang sinang-ayunan at sinuportahan. Once we're
done with the Frenieres, I'll be free. Mabubuhay ako sa paraang gusto na walang
kumukontrol sa akin. Mabubuhay ako nang may sariling desisyon at sariling landas.
Mabubuhay ako bilang isang tao at hindi isang halimaw." Ang anumang pagkukunwari sa
kanyang mukha ay napawi at napalitan iyon ng pagkalungkot at galit. Galit sa sarili
at lungkot sa kanyang mga nagawa. Galit at lungkot na kayang makagawa ng mga bagay
tulad ng pagpatay.

Muli siyang bumaling sa akin at hinawakan ako sa balikat. "You now have the chance,
Henrietta. You know how they wanted to kill you. We can fight them. We can stop
them. You can lure them and get that asshole killed. Make Sebastian Freniere come
here and we'll deal with him."

It was so tempting that I could actually envision a new life in my mind: living in
another place with my parents, going to college, making new friends and hoping for
the future. Subalit nabigla ako sa huli niyang sinabi at agad kong inilayo ang
aking balikat mula sa kanyang kamay. Umiling-iling ako sa kanya at sinabing, "You
will not use me to kill Sebastian. I will not kill for you or the Novous."

Tumayo siya mula sa pagkakayuko sa harapan ko at napawi ang anumang emosyon na

ipinakita niya kanina. "Isn't it enough that you've been hurting because of him? He
used you. He's been taking you for granted all this

time. He treated you like you're just some chess piece in his selfish games.
Henrietta, wake up! The Frenieres do not have the capacity to love! It was all an
illusion!"

Nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa aking damdamin habang pinapakinggan ko ang malakas

niyang boses. Isa iyong kirot na mas masakit pa sa kung anumang pagpapahirap ang
gagawin sa akin ng mga Novous kapag nagmatigas ako. Gusto kong pigilan siya sa
pagbasag sa katiting na pag-asang pinanghahawakan ko. Gusto kong protektahan iyon
mula sa kung sino man ang nais na magwasak nito.

"I love him, Mikhail Petrov. I would protect him with all the strength that was
left in me. You can't change that," malumanay ang boses kong sagot. Alam kong hindi
niya ako maiintindihan dahil sa galit at paghihiganti. Subalit naiintindihan ko
siya. Iyon lamang, matapos kong pagdaanan ang lahat ng kamatayan, kasawian,
kalungkutan at pagkabigo, tila naman nabuksan ang aking mga mata mula sa
pagkabulag. I realized that there was something more imporatant than revenge. There
were more valuable things than hatred. There was more to life than death.

But right now, he wouldn't understand it. He watched me as I crumpled to the floor
aching and tired. He was probably thinking of ways to break me. He knew that I
wouldn't give up that easily.

"I hope you'll think again and consider your choices. They said that you're the
woman of Sebastian Freniere and needed to be killed. But you're a different case,
Henrietta. You're the only woman of them who's not loved back by a Freniere." I
clutch my chest as terrible pain struck me. His words were lightning that went
through my skin, crushed my bones and burned my heart. "And thus, you're given a
choice to use that unfortunate fate of yours as a weapon against them--against the
one who hurt you. Be with us and avenge your heart. You must kill the one who broke
you."

Suddenly, I heard footsteps and cries coming from outside the door. It was getting
nearer and the sound was getting louder. The door opened and Ephraim threw a limp
body on the floor. He looked like he enjoyed hurting his new person. Mikhail didn't
bother to turn around and look. Instead, he said, "You'll start with him,
Henrietta. Kill or be killed."

And I gasped in shock as the man on the floor raised his head and faced me.

=================

Chapter 44: Blood, Sweat, Tears

Chapter 44: Blood, Sweat, Tears

Soundtrack: Sucker for Pain - Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons w/ Logic &
Ty Dolla $ign ft. X Ambassadors
*****

"Henrietta?" He muttered in surprise. He probably didn't expect that he would see

me captured by the Novous.

Hindi ko nagawang makasagot agad dahil sa pagkagulat na naramdaman ko. Nanatili

akong nakatulala sa kanya habang pinipilit niyang makatayo upang lumapit sa akin.
Subalit mabilis na humakbang patungo sa kanya si Ephraim at saka siya sinipa nang
malakas tungo sa isang tabi.

"Stay at the corner, you little, filthy rat," wika ni Ephraim habang pinapanood ang
pamimilipit sa sakit ng taong walang kahirap-hirap na tumilapon sa isang sulok.

"I told you that I would find you. And I found you. You messed with the wrong
person, bastard!" At muli niyang sinipa nang malakas ang bugbog niyang katawan na
walang mapuntahan kung hindi ang malamig na pader. Tila isa siyang daga na nasukol
ng pusa sa isang sulok at hindi niya magawang tumakas.

Sinubukan kong tumayo upang tulungan siya subalit mabilis akong naibalik ni Mikhail
sa pagkakasalampak sa sahig dahil sa kahinaan ng aking katawan. Hindi ko maatim na
panuorin ang ginagawa nilang pagpapahirap sa kaniya.

"You know it doesn't work that way, Henrietta," wika ni Mikhail. "You don't help
him, you kill him."

Napaawang ang aking mga labi sa kanyang sinabi. He was the one they were talking
about. He was my first kill. He was the one I must

kill for them. He was death that would replace mine.

"Why, Henrietta? Wag mong sabihin na nagdadalawang-isip ka," tanong ni Mikhail na
hindi ko masagot.

If this choice happened a few months ago when I barely knew him, I could do it. I
wouldn't even flinch if I point a gun to him. I could even use him for my revenge.
But after few escapes, deadly gun shots, scratches and wounds, pain and regrets, I
knew I could never do it now. He wasn't a stranger anymore. He wasn't just some
nameless guy I grabbed to use for my future plans. He had a name now. He was Ethan
Montreal. And I couldn't kill him. Naputol ang aking pag-iisip sa malakas na
paghalakhak ni Ephraim. Tiningnan ko siya at nakita ko na hawak-hawak niya ang
kanyang tiyan dahil sa malakas at di-mapigilang tawa. He must be crazy to find
humor in this situation.

"I get it now," tumatawa niyang sabi nang sa wakas ay kumalma siya at magawang
makapagsalita. "I understand it now. Too bad, your plan didn't work, reaper." At
saka siya bumaling sa aking direksyon.

Hindi ako sumagot sa kanya. Ayokong bigyan siya ng pagkakataon na kumpirmahin ang
kung ano man ang nasa isip niya. Sinalubong ko ang kanyang tingin nang walang takot
sa aking mga mata na mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan.

"You wanna use him to get to me, right? You know that I'm gonna look for him and
that would be your chance to kill me. But something went wrong and you lost control
of everything. And now, you're here. Now, you're weak. Now, you're helpless." He
said those words like he was just singing a song.

The smirk on his lips and the twinkle in his eyes never faltered as if some future
scene was playing on his mind. He took a step closer and I braced myself from a
coming strike.

Subalit wala siyang ginawa at sa halip ay yumuko siya hanggang sa mailapit niya ang
kanyang mga labi sa aking tainga at pabulong na sinabing, "Regardless of what
you're gonna choose, I'd still find a way to kill you." At saka muling tumayo at
inayos ang bahagyang pagkakalukot ng kanyang damit. Hinabol ko sya ng mas matalim
na tingin na tila hinahamon siya sa isang laban na hindi ko aatrasan. Muli siyang
tumawa subalit hindi tulad ng nakaraan ay halatang mas tipid at mas mahina na ang
isang iyon hanggang sa tuluyan na iyong mawala. Tinapunan niya si Ethan ng masamang
tingin pagkatapos ay ako, at saka lumabas ng silid. Agad namang tinungo ni Mikhail
si Ethan at saka iginapos ang mga paa at kamay nito nang mahigpit. Ipiniring rin
niya ang mga mata nito.

"We'll be back, Henrietta. At sana ay nakapag-desisyon ka na. Hindi ganun kahaba

ang pasensya ng mga Novou," wika ni Mikhail at saka muli akong iniupo sa upuan sa
gitna ng silid. Dinagdagan niya ang lubid na nakagapos sa akin at ikinabit iyon sa
upuan. Mukhang natatakot siya na sa kabila ng panghihina ng aking katawan ay magawa
ko pa ring makatakas. Maya-maya pa ay pinatay niya ang nag-iisang ilaw at saka
nilisan at ikinandado ang silid. Muling nabalot ng dilim ang palagid at sa
pagkakataong ito ay wala na akong makita. Tanging ang presensya at ang malalalim na
paghinga lang sa isang sulok ang aking nararamdaman at naririnig.

"Henrietta?

Are you okay?" Muling tawag ni Ethan mula sa isang sulok. Base sa mga kaluskos na
naririnig ko ay mukhang pinipilit niyang gumalaw upang hanapin ang kinaroroonan ko.

"Stay where you are. I can't see you," utos ko sa kanya.

Tumigil naman ang mga kaluskos subalit nananatili pa rin ang mabilis niyang
paghinga. Alam kong kinakabahan siya. "Are you also blind-folded?" Tanong niya
muli.

"No."

"What's the sense of blindfold if they're going to turn off the damn light?"
Tension and frustration were evident in the tone of his voice. It seemed that
darkness was making him uneasy.

Makalipas ang ilang sandali ay tila nasanay na sya sa madilim na sitwasyon kung
kaya't hindi na ganun kabilis ang kanyang paghinga. Patuloy ko pa ring iniinda ang
sakit ng aking katawan at unti-unti rin akong nakakaramdam ng pagkahilo na tila ba
itinutulak ako upang ipikit ang aking mga mata at matulog. Subalit alam kong hindi
iyon magandang ideya. Maaari silang gumawa ng hakbang habang wala akong malay kung
kaya't hangga't maaari ay kailangan kong magmatyag sa aking paligid.

"I thought life has given me a second chance. I was ready to embrace it, learn from
my mistakes and become a better person. I guess life has played tricks on me.
There's really no escaping from the past," malungkot ang tinig na basag ni Ethan sa
katahimikan. I also thought that I had set him free. I thought he would be okay now
and that his fate was far better than mine. I thought I had given him a chance to
change his ending. Maybe life had tricks played

on us, letting us dream of a new life only to cheat us in the end, and we would
just end up in the same hole we chose to dig.

"You should have treasured your second chance. You shouldn't have let them take it
away from you," seryoso kong sagot sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung paano siya
dadamayan sa kanyang pagsisisi. Pareho kaming minalas. Pareho kaming nasa sitwasyon
kung saan gagawin mo ang lahat upang iligtas ang sarili mo.

"Mukhang sinayang ko ang pagkakataon," tila mas lalong lumungkot ang kanyang tinig
at hindi na niya sinundan pa ang kanyang mga sinabi. Nanatili siyang tahimik sa
loob ng ilang sandali hanggang sa ako na mismo ang magdesisyon na basagin ang
katahimikan.

"How did they get you? You should be safe already. Giovanni would protect you,"
wika ko sa kanya. Giovanni had forgiven him and I knew he wouldn't let the Novous
take him--unless, it wasn't a Novou who actually abducted him.

"It's that reaper. Giovanni trusted him to watch over me. I thought he would bring
me back to my family. But he didn't." Agad na bumigat ang aking kalooban habang
kinukumpirma niya ang nasa isip ko. Giovanni made a mistake of trusting that
reaper.

"Mikhail?" Sambit ko sa pangalan ng taong nasa isip ko.

"He's the one you're talking with just a while ago," pagkumpirma niya.

"It was unfair of him. He shouldn't have put his hands on you." Bakas ang galit sa
aking tinig habang nakikita ko sa aking isipan ang ginawang panlilinlang ni
Mikhail. Hindi kasama si Ethan sa mga taong dapat niyang

sirain. Dahil sa ginawa niya ay para niya na rin itong pinatay.

"I guess there's no such thing as fairness in this game," wika niya na tahimik kong
sinang-ayunan. You should never trust a reaper. They served for power. They worked
for their own god. You would never get their protection if you couldn't afford it.

"Do you think you can escape this place? You're a reaper. You're the fastest person
I know. You're the smartest and well, the strongest for me. You're the most
beautiful, too." Naramdaman ko sa kanyang tinig ang ngiting namutawi sa kanyang
labi nang sabihin niya na maganda ako. I was used to getting such comments and the
way he said it was just common. Subalit ang makuha niyang purihin ang aking anyo sa
kabila ng sitwasyon ay naghatid ng init sa aking damdamin. Tila bahagyang naibsan
ang tensyon at takot sa paligid. "You can make you way out of here, right? You can
escape and save yourself. You can do it, Henrietta."

I wasn't able to answer right away. He had known me as someone who was quite
different from the person tied to a chair in the room with him now. He trusted me
to do great things even though I knew that there were things that were impossible
for me to do. And I was scared that I would disappoint him. He had a beautiful
picture of me and I knew I had to break that image soon.

"Do you think you can escape?" Tanong niyang muli.

Huminga ako nang malalim at saka sinabing, "Yes."

"Alam kong hindi ko dapat ito tinatanong pa subalit sa tingin mo ba mayroon pang
kahit maliit

na tiyansa na makakaligtas ako mula rito?" Tanong niya.

Nang nanatili akong tahimik ay bumuntong-hininga siya na tila alam na niya ang
sagot sa kanyang tanong. And this was probably the time when his perfect picture of
me would start to break. I was no more the fastest, the smartest, the strongest and
the most beautiful. I could almost hear in my mind the sound of broken glasses
falling on the floor.

"Alam kong hindi na ako makakaligtas sa pagkakataong ito. Dapat ay matagal ko nang
hinarap ang aking katapusan kung hindi dahil sa iyo. Nang dahil sa iyo, nagkaroon
ako ng isa pang pagkakataon upang magsisi. Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon upang
humingi ng tawad. Nang dahil sa iyo, nakamit ko ang kapatawaran. At nagpapasalamat
ako para sa mga pagkakataong iyon. Salamat, Henrietta."

Hindi ko namalayan ang pagpatak ng luha mula sa aking mga mata. Pinilit kong
supilin iyon subalit kahit ang pag-kontrol sa aking emosyon ay hindi ko magawa.
Iniisip ko kung mas mabuti ba kung hinayaan ko siyang mamatay noong araw na iyon.
Mas naging madali ba ang buhay niya kung hindi ako naki-alam? Hindi mangyayari ang
mga bagay na ito kung hindi ko inilagay sa aking mga kamay ang desisyon--kung hindi
ako nagpadala sa ambisyon at paghihiganti.

"Are you crying, Henrietta?" Tanong niya.

Huminga ako nang malalim at mas pinatatag ang aking tinig. "No." Tipid kong sagot.

"Tulad ng aking inaasahan," wika niyang muli.

Kung ano man ang ibig niyang sabihin ay hindi ko na itinanong pa. Ayokong marinig

niya ang panginginig ng aking tinig. Hindi ko nais na malaman niya ang lungkot na
aking tinatago sa kadilimang ito. Ayokong mabasa niya ang maaaring mangyari.

Hindi na kami muling nag-usap matapos iyon. Marahil ay nakatulog siya. Marahil ako
ang nawalan ng malay. Tila nakalimutan ko ang realidad dahil sa aking pag-iisip.
Halos malabo na ang linyang nagbubukod sa katotohanan at sa mas labis kong
kinakatakutan: ang pagpili. Alam kong anumang oras mula ngayon ay kakailanganin
kong pumili. Handa na ba akong pumili at isuko ang isa sa mga buhay namin? Kung
hindi ko papatayin si Ethan, ang buhay ko ang magiging kapalit. Ang anumang
maaaring mangyari sa kinabukasan ay mawawala sa isang iglap. Hindi ko na rin
makikita ang mga taong nais kong makasama. Wala na ang sakit. Wala na ang
pagkabigo. Iyon na rin ang magiging huling kamatayan. Mabubuhay si Ethan.

Subalit, bubuhayin nga ba siya ni Ephraim? Maaaring sa iba ay walang halong

pandaraya ang ginagawa nilang pagpapapilit sa akin. Subalit hindi ko magawang
pagkatiwalaan iyon dahil kay Ephraim. Nararamdaman ko ang panggigigil niya na
tapusin si Ethan. Hindi ko rin mapagkakatiwalaan si Mikhail. Hinding-hindi na. Ang
mahalaga ay maililigtas ko siya sa isang kamatayang hindi niya matatakasan. Ano man
ang mangyari sa kanya matapos iyon ay sa tingin ko, kailangan niyang harapin nang
mag-isa. Kailangan niyang ipagpatuloy ang pagliligtas sa kanyang sarili.

Kung pipiliin ko ang aking sarili at isaalang-alang ang kanyang buhay, magkakaroon
ako ng pangalawang pagkakataon. Subalit ang pagkakataong iyon ay limitado ayon sa
kagustuhan

ng mga Novou. Mabubuhay ako sa ilalim nila at maaaring magkaroon sila ng kontrol sa
akin. And that would be a great insult to the Freniere Mafia. They'd still try to
kill me and I would have a chance to fight and kill them. I might kill Sebastian
Freniere. And that was the last thing I wanted to do.

I could betray the Novous but I was sure they were going to get me and my family.
They were not easy to kill. I wasn't a reaper anymore and I couldn't get protection
from the Mafia. I would get killed by them and waste Ethan's sacrifice. And that
was one of the last things I wanted to happen.
Nagulat ako sa pagbukas ng pinto at pagbaha ng liwanag sa silid. Matapos iyon ay
magkakasunod na pumasok sina Mikhail, Elle, Ephraim at Declan. Nanatili sa sulok si
Ethan habang nakikiramdam siya sa mga yabag sa sahig na kanyang naririnig. Huminto
sa tapat ko si Mikhail at tumingala ako upang magtama ang aming paningin.

"It's time. I hope you've made your decision," seryoso niyang sabi at saka kinalas
ang lubid na nagtatali sa akin sa upuan. Nang tuluyan nang makalas ang lubid na
iyon ay hinila niya ako pataas upang makatayo. Subalit halos hindi ko na maramdaman
ang aking mga binti at kung bibitiwan niya ako, nasisiguro ko na ako'y matutumba.
Lumapit si Elle sa akin at inilabas ang isang syringe na may kulay gintong likido.
Agad akong nagpumiglas at pinilit na gumawa ng distansya mula sa kanya subalit
napanatili ako ni Mikhail sa aking kinatatayuan.

"Don't worry, it's not EOL. This drug is just going to weaken your physical ability
to move and fight us. Hindi

nito maaapektuhan ang iyong pag-iisip kung kaya't malaya kang makakapag-isip at
gumawa ng desisyon. We can't risk you gaining strength. Hindi ko gustong makagawa
ka ng pinsala sa aming teritoryo," paliwanag ni Elle habang diretsang nakatingin sa
akin.

"No," I protested. If it's not for the ropes in my hands and legs, I'd try to grab
it and push the syringe on her body. But I was helpless against Mikhail and the
other Novous were watching me. Protesting was futile.

"Now, stay still and be a good girl," she said and pushed the syringe on the side
of my arm. I whimpered as I felt the needle against my skin.

I saw Ethan trying to move forward from the corner and said, "Henrietta? Are you
okay? What did they do to you?" He sounded worried and I just couldn't let him
think of me in this situation when in fact, he was the one who should be worried
for his life.

Agad na nakalapit sa kanya si Ephraim at saka siya hinila patayo sa kanyang leeg at
inundayan ng suntok. Agad na tumilapon pabalik sa isang tabi si Ethan.

"Henrietta--are you--okay?" Nahihirapan niya pa ring tanong habang idinudura ang

dugo sa kanyang bibig na dulot ng malakas na pagkakasuntok sa kanya ni Ephraim.

"Yes!" Malakas kong sagot nang tanggalin ni Elle ang pagkakasaksak ng syringe sa
aking braso. Inalis ni Mikhail ang pagkakagapos ng aking mga kamay at saka ako
binitiwan. Agad akong bumagsak sa sahig.

Nararamdaman ko ang labis na panghihina ng aking katawan. Halos hindi ako

matulungan ng aking mga braso upang maiangat

ang aking sarili. Nararamdaman ko rin na nahihirapan akong huminga. Muli kong
pinilit na tumayo subalit muli rin akong nabigo. Naisip ko na kung makakalayo ako
nang kaunti mula sa kanila ay mabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon upang makaipon ng lakas
kung kaya't nagsimula akong gumapang. Subalit hindi pa ako nakakalayo ng ilang
pulgada ay may tumapak sa aking binti na dahilan upang mapatigil ako at mapasigaw
sa sakit. I could feel a wound opening up and starting to bleed.

"Where do you think you're going?" Tanong ni Elle at mas lalo pang nilakasan ang
pagkakatapak sa aking binti na muli kong ikinasigaw. Mas lalo akong nanghina dahil
sa sakit na nararamdaman ko. Mala-munggong butil ng pawis ang nararamdaman ko sa
aking noo. Lumapit sa akin si Ephraim at hinatak ako patayo. Tila isa akong
lantang-gulay na walang magawa kundi ang hayaan silang kontrolin ang aking katawan.

"There's no escaping, reaper," wika ni Ephraim at saka iniharap ako kay Ethan. "You
kill him and work for us. Or we will kill you." Subalit nang magtama ang aming mga
mata ay alam kong may nais pa siyang sabihin na hindi ko magugustuhan.

Tila naman natigilan at nagulat si Ethan mula sa kanyang kinauupuan. Bagama't wala
siyang nakikita dahil sa kanyang piring sa mga mata ay nanatili siyang nakaharap sa
akin. Tila gusto niyang magsalita dahil sa maya't mayang pagbukas ng kanyang bibig
subalit pinili niyang sarilinin iyon at ipinid ang kanyang mga labi.
Elle was already on my other side and touching my arms gently like a tigress
towards its helpless prey. She started

touching my shoulder, towards my elbow and down to my fingers where she took my
hand and raised it in front of me. "What a beautiful candle-like fingers you have!
Who would believe that they're soaked in blood?" She moved closer until I could
feel her lips at the edge of my ears. "Kill him and be one of us," she whispered. I
saw that she was holding a gun in her other hand. I watched as she put it in my
hands and point it at Ethan's direction.

"Pull the trigger," Ephraim hissed on my other side. His filthy grin was plastered
on his face.

I looked at Ethan and saw that he was trembling, probably of fear or anticipation.
"Will it save you, Henrietta?" He asked.

Hindi ko magawang sumagot. Nasisiguro ko ang panginginig ng aking tinig sa

sandaling magsalita ako. Hindi ko rin alam ang sasabihin sa kanya dahil kapag
sinabi kong maililigtas ako ng kamatayan niya ay para ko na rin sinabi na papatayin
ko siya. Iniisip ko rin na kunin ang baril at iligtas ang aming sarili subalit ang
bawat kalamnan ko ay namamanhid dahil sa kung anumang inilagay nila sa aking
katawan. Tila bumigat ako nang maraming beses at ang anumang gawin ko ay kakain ng
mahabang oras. Nararamdaman ko ang pag-guhit ng pawis sa aking likuran at iba pang
parte ng aking katawan.

"Henrietta?" Ethan's voice was marked with grief and acceptance. He already knew
what would happen and despite that, he still wasn't ready. But then, the firmness
in his voice said that he's going to accept it anyway.

"Yes." Maybe I was sweating. Maybe I was bleeding. I could

smell the rusty and salty atmosphere of the room. I was drowned in blood and sweat
and suffocated by fear. And I was scared by that fear itself because I knew what
that fear could do. I knew where this fear could lead us.
"Then do it. Save yourself!" Malakas niyang sigaw na tila gusto na niyang mabilis
na matapos ang lahat. Mas naging madilim ang kulay ng telang nakapiring sa kanyang
mga mata at alam kong nababasa ang mga iyon ng mga luhang sinasalo mula sa kanya.
"It's okay, Henrietta. I'm okay."

"Ethan," I whispered feeling exhausted.

Elle moved and bit the edge of my ear and I flinched. "I'm getting impatient,
Reaper." And she managed to get a Swiss knife from her long sleeves. "Are you going
to do it or not?" She asked.

Diretsa akong tumingin kay Ethan at sinabing, "I can't."

It took few seconds before she pushed me on my knees and slashed the clothing at my
back. The Novous took a moment to stare at my tattoo before Elle pushed the tip of
her knife against my skin. I gritted my teeth as I stopped myself from crying
loudly. She put the gun in my hands again and ordered, "Kill him now if you want it
to stop."

I didn't answer and instead, I focused on the pain and the job of enduring it. She
began to push deeper and I couldn't help the whimper and short cries escaping from
my lips.

"Henrietta! Are you okay?" Nag-aalalang tanong ni Ethan nang marinig niya ang aking
pagdaing. Hindi ko siya sinagot. Ayokong malaman niya pa kung ano ang nangyayari.
Ayokong maging dahilan upang tuluyan na siyang

sumuko.
"I know they're hurting you. Whatever they're doing to you, I know you're trying
your best to hide it from me. But I can feel it, Henrietta. The moment you let me
stayed in the tree house, I knew I was having some part of you. You let me into a
place where you hide a young, fragile, Henrietta. I can't tell how lucky I was. I
was so lucky to know you. And right now, I don't want you to hurt anymore. I want
no more pain for you. So please, just do it."

Tears began to trace their way to my cheeks. I didn't know how much he understood
my pain but the truth was, he came to know me. He had seen me. And now, he was
choosing me over himself. The guilt was starting to grow bigger now that it was
turning into a terrifying monster. The blood and sweat were joined by tears and my
weakness was inexorably crawling up to me.

"I can't do it! I can't do it!" I wept and pushed the gun away from me. I continued
crying while telling them that I couldn't do it and let my tears drop on the floor.
It was exhausting and finally, I gave up. I was sure of the decision I made and
would get the consequences of it but I would never regret it. I refused to kill and
somehow, I felt relief.

Elle took the gun and stood up. "Very well, then," she said and tied my hands
again.

I looked up and saw Mikhail and Ephraim walk towards Ethan and grab his arms. My
heart was thumping against my chest as I feared for what they were going to do to
him.

"Take him out." She ordered which they followed.

Nang makalabas na sina Ephraim, Mikhail at Ethan ng silid ay muling bumaling saakin
si Elle at saka hinawakan ng kanyang mga daliri ang tattoo sa aking likod. "And as
for you, you've already made your decision. A really bad decision."
And she slashed her knife deep across my tattoo as I screamed in scorching,
excruciating pain.

=================

Chapter 45: The Darkness in the Daylight

Chapter 45: The Darkness in the Daylight

Soundtrack: Angels or Devils - Dishwalla

I didn't know how long I kept screaming while clenching my fists and curling my
toes so hard that I thought I just broke my own bones. Elle left after slashing the
tattoo at my back, closed the door shut and turned off the light. The pain was
unbearable and my cries were deafening and I wished my life had ended at that
moment. But the pain reminded me that it was far from over yet. It reminded me that
there might be more pain to come after this and I had to prepare myself.

After more than an hour of screaming and crying, I finally ended up whimpering. I
knew I had to do something with the wound at my back but I was too scared to even
try touching it. I could feel the sticky blood on my sides and the dizziness got
worse. I probably couldn't make it-- this might be the last few hours left in my
life and I had to spend it suffering.

But then, amidst the hopelessness and suffering, light suddenly flooded the room
and it registered to my mind as something that was impossible to happen. Everything
that was good was too far from the reality and everything that was bad was a couple
of hair strands away from a possibility.

"I never thought they could break you easily like that," narinig kong wika ng
pamilyar na tinig na agad kong ikinalingon. Nakita ko si Declan na nakatayo sa may
malapit sa pintuan at switch ng ilaw.
Hindi ako sumagot at sa halip ay nagpatuloy sa tahimik na pag-iyak at

pag-inda sa sakit na nararamdaman ko. Kung may balak siya na muli akong saktan ay
hihintayin ko na lang. Pagod na ako sa pagpupumilit na manlaban dahil wala rin
naman iyong magagawa.

"There's actually a growing question in my mind and I know it will never give me a
good sleep at night unless answered. That's why I stayed."

I heard him took a step forward until I felt him near behind me. "Why save him? Why
not save yourself?" Ge asked.

I didn't answer. I'd forgotten how to speak and all I knew was to cry. I'd lost the
energy to process his question in my mind and all I could think about was the pain
throbbing at my back.

He stepped even closer and stopped in front of me. He kneeled until his face
levelled mine. I met his eyes and all I could see was darkness, no irises. His thin
lips was a straight black line on his face. His nose created a perfect angle of
shadow on the wall. He suited the darkness as the darkness embraced him as its own.

"You killed many people before. You killed them with your bare hands, probably in
just seconds? Minutes? Hours? If a person is on your list, he will not last a day.
You'll finish him in just a blink of an eye. That's how deadly and dangerous you
are. So why spare him? He's not the best person to save. Not the kindest. He's a
traitor. Why did you save him?"

I wished I knew how to answer his question. But I didn't know why. All I knew was
that despite of being in the line of death, saving Ethan Montreal's life was the
right decision. I knew I would live miserably

if I chose to kill him. Everything that happened while he was with me would visit
my dreams. His face would haunt my mind and I would never forgive myself. And that
was worse than dying: living with the shadows of all the bad decisions I've made.
I'd never forget him.

Nang wala siyang sagot na nakuha sa akin ay idinampi niya ang kanyang isang kamay
sa aking tagiliran na agad kong kumuha ng aking atensyon. Subalit hindi iyon
nagtagal sa pagkakadampi sa aking balat at muli rin niya itong binawi. Nakita ko
ang dugo sa kanyang mga daliri at nasisiguro kong nagmula iyon sa sugat sa aking
likuran na naglakbay tungo sa aking tagiliran. Tila nakaramdam ako ng mas matinding
panghihina at pagkahilo nang makita ko iyon.

"You will not die today. But you will surely die anyway. It's either from blood
loss, internal bleeding or nightmare. It's either Elle will kill you, or Ephraim or
even Mikhail. Or maybe I'll kill you. Or it's your fate that will kill you. All
your blood will be drained and flood this floor. Your body will soon be dull, pale
and lifeless. Lights will leave your eyes and breath will have its last on your
lips. Your skin will not be smooth anymore because of the slashes, stabs or even
bullets that will go through it. And everything you've done and haven't done will
play like a fast-paced movie in front of your blurring sight. You will then realize
that you chose it. You're the one who made the path to your death. And you will
feel sorry for yourself. All the things you wished you've done but didn't do will
all turn into regrets."

He spoke like

he was speaking to a different person in the room and not to me. He looked through
me like he was seeing another soul behind me, like he was touching someone else's
blood and not mine. I let out a tired, tearful laugh and said, "If you know death
so well and believe that it will come upon me, then why did you save me?"

Napansin ko na bigla siyang natigilan at mula sa kanyang blankong pagkakatitig ay

natuon ang kanyang paningin sa akin. Nabasa ko ang pagkagulat at pagkamangha sa
kanyang mukha subalit agad rin iyong napalitan ng mapanlinlang na ngiti hanggang sa
malakas siyang humalakhak na tila ngayon lang niya naintindihan ang isang biro na
matagal na niyang naririnig.

"Ephraim will not be happy once he learned that," wika niya sa pagitan ng kanyang
pagtawa.
Hindi ako maaaring magkamali sa tinig na naaalala kong narinig ko noong natagpuan
ko ang aking sarili na nakahiga sa malamig na dalampasigan. Alam kong pinili kong
mamatay noong mga oras na iyon dahil sa pagkawala ni Wycliffe. Halos wala akong
naisip kung hindi ang makasama ang aking kapatid sa kabilang buhay dahil hindi ko
siya gustong iwan. Hindi ko siya gustong mag-isa. Subalit nagising ako na wala na
sa gitna ng karagatan. Isang tao ang pilit na ibinabalik ang pagtibok ng aking
puso. At natitiyak ko na ang may-ari ng baritonong tinig na iyon ay si Declan. Wala
akong balak na iparating iyon kay Ephraim. Ang gusto ko lang malaman ay kung bakit
niya ako iniligtas kung alam niyang mamamatay rin lang ako.

"I knew you shot me that time. Pero hindi mo ako pinuruhan. What made

you change your mind and save me?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

Nawala ang ngiti sa kanyang mukha at diretsong tumingin sa aking mga mata. "The
truth is, I don't know. I was actually wondering if you could answer that question
for me. Why did you save Ethan Montreal when you knew from the start that he's a
dead man?"

Hindi ako agad nakasagot. We were the corrupted versions of reapers and assassins.
And we were both wondering why we did what we had done. The short silence made me
realize that talking with Declan Novou eased the pain a little bit. This
conversation with him made me forget about the terrible pain. Well, the pain was
not totally forgotten, it was still there. It was just a little bit bearable this
time.

"Maybe we felt that it was the right thing to do," I finally said.

The smirk on his face started to show again and this time, it was wider. It wasn't
the normal kind of smile a person could give but it was also a little bit less
Novou-ish. He stood up and walked towards the door.
"Your answer is unbelievable for me but somehow, I feel that you're probably
right," he said and turned the knob of the door to open. He stopped on his way and
spoke again. "And anyway, you will still die. But you will have an answer about
Sebastian Freniere. If he comes, he probably loves you. And if he didn't, then it's
true--you're the only Freniere woman who was not loved back by a Freniere." And
turned off the light and closed the door.

I was left again in darkness and pain with Sebastian's name ringing in my

ears. They would use me to get him. They wanted to kill him. The nervousness and
anxiety was burning and hammering in my chest. It didn't help the throbbing pain I
was enduring at my back. I tried to keep my eyes open despite the dizziness I was
feeling.

Pinilit kong tumayo subalit hindi ako sinuportahan ng nanghihina, nanginginig at

nakagapos kong mga binti. Sinubukan kong igapang ang aking sarili tungo sa pinto
subalit nagdulot naman iyon ng matinding sakit sa sugat sa aking likuran. Hindi ko
iyon ininda at sa halip ay nagpatuloy ako sa paggapang habang kinakapa ko ang
paligid upang malaman kung nakarating na ba ako sa pintuan. Mas naging matindi ang
takot at pag-aalala ko ngayon na halos makalimutan ko na anuman ang balak kong
gawin laban sa mga Novou ay hindi ko mapagtatagumpayan. Nakalimutan ko na wala
akong armas at lakas upang lumaban. Nakalimutan ko na unti-unti akong nauubusan ng
dugo habang pinipilit kong kumilos. Nakalimutan ko ang aking sitwasyon at ang
tanging nasa isip ko lang ay ang kanyang kaligtasan. Nakalimutan ko na kailangan ko
rin ng tulong.

I'd forgotten how long I'd been struggling but somewhere in the middle of pain and
fear, I felt my eyes drooping to sleep until the darkness swallowed me, leaving
everything behind.

I woke up to the sound of slamming door and flooding light. I had no idea of the
time and the length of me being unconscious. The pain immediately followed and
somehow, I wished I stayed in my unconscious state. I had to squint to see several
armed people stepping into the room. There were five of them and

they positioned themselves around me. Elle entered the room lastly and hurried
directly to me. She leaned and grabbed my tied arms. Before I could even realize
what she was about to do, she already stabbed the needle of a syringe against my
skin. I didn't do anything but watched the golden liquid emptied against my arm.
She ordered someone to position by the door as she stood few inches near me.
Something was happening outside the door. There must be something going on above
this basement because if there weren't, they wouldn't be this watchful and anxious.
Agad kong naalala si Ethan at ang naging pag-uusap namin ni Declan. Bumalik ang
kaba sa aking dibdib at ang takot para sa maaaring mangyari.

"Ethan? What did you do to Ethan?" Tanong ko sa nakatayong si Elle. Tinapunan niya
ako ng tingin at saka muling ibinaling ang atensyon sa may pintuan.

"Seriously? I wouldn't think of him if I were you," sagot niya.

Nais ko sanang magtanong tungkol sa kung ano man ang nangyayari sa labas subalit
alam kong hindi ako makakakuha ng sagot mula sa kanya. Nararamdaman ko rin na kahit
ang pagsasalita ay nakakapagpapagod sa akin. Tila hinihila ako ng antok pabalik sa
kawalan at kadiliman. Subalit kailangan ko iyong paglabanan. Alam kong may malaking
nagaganap sa labas at natatakot ako sa naiisip ko. What if he actually came for me?
What if I meant more than a reaper to him? What if he actually cared for me?
Bahagya akong nakaramdam ng tuwa sa aking naiisip subalit agad din iyong napawi.
And now, I wished he wouldn't come for me. I wished I meant

nothing to him. I wished he didn't care at all. Because that was the only way he
would be safe. I was a burning house turning into ashes. Saving me was futile.

Subalit mabilis na pumasok si Ephraim mula sa pinto at tulad ng ginawang pagpasok

ni Elle, diretso siyang nagtungo sa akin. Subalit sa pagkakataong ito ay agad niya
akong binuhat at isinampay nang walang kahirap-hirap sa kanyang balikat.

"What's happening now?" Tanong ni Elle habang sinusundan sa paglalakad palabas si

Ephraim. Mabilis ang ginagawa nilang pagkilos na mas nagpalala ng aking pagkahilo.

"We need the bait," sagot ni Ephraim.

Habang humahakbang sila pataas mula sa basement ay mas tumitindi ang nararamdaman
kong kaba. Tila hindi maganda ang naghihintay sa akin sa itaas subalit kung ano man
ito ay wala akong mapagpipilian kung hindi ang harapin. Sa gitna ng mas lumalala
kong pagkahilo ay nakita ko ang puti at malinis na tiles, senyales na nakalabas na
kami mula sa basement. Ang liwanag na pumalit sa kadiliman ay mas lumiwanag pa sa
bawat paghakbang na ginagawa ni Ephraim. Tinahak niya ang direksyon na taliwas sa
kinaroroonan ng hapag-kainan. Mas tila nadagdagan pa ang mga yabag ng nagmamadaling
mga paa na kung saan-saan direksyon nagpupunta. Maraming boses rin ang aking
naririnig subalit dahil sa kanilang pagkakasabay-sabay ay halos wala akong
maintindihan sa kanilang mga sinasabi. Matapos ang ilang minuto ng nagmamadaling
paglakad, ang liwanag sa loob ng bahay ay napalitan ng liwanag na nagmumula sa
araw. Matinding init ang dumampi sa aking balat na nagpatindi

sa sakit na nararamdaman ko sa aking likuran. Sumalubong rin sa amin ang malakas na

hangin at malaya nitong tinangay at isinayaw ang nakalugay kong buhok.

Maya-maya pa ay walang-ingat akong inilapag ni Ephraim sa aspaltong sahig. Agad na

gumasgas ang ilang parte ng aking balat mula sa marahas kong paglapag. At kahit
ramdam na ramdam ko ang nakakapasong init ay pinilit ko pa rin idikit doon ang
aking mga kamay upang masuportahan ang pag-angat ng aking katawan. Bumungad sa akin
ang malawak na espasyo na tila nakapuwesto kami sa isang malawak na talampas at ang
tanawin sa paligid ay ang asul na dagat. Nang mag-angat ako ng paningin ay nakita
kong napapalibutan ako nina Mikhail, Ephraim, Elle at Declan. Naroroon rin ang may
edad na babaeng nakasama namin sa hapunan at ang maraming mga tauhan. Halos lahat
sila ay nakatingala sa langit at naroroon ang atensyon. Dahil sa lubusan kong
pagtataka ay ipinasya kong tumingin sa itaas upang malaman ang kanilang
tinitingnan. Sa una ay sinalubong ako ng nakasisilaw na sinag ng araw subalit
iniangat ko ang isa kong kamay upang protektahan ang aking mga mata. Ilang saglit
pa ay tila bahagyang nasanay ang aking mga mata at mula sa aking kinasasadlakan ay
nakita ko ang lumilipad na helicopter na paikot-ikot sa himpapawaid. Matagal kaming
nanatili sa ganoong posisyon hanggang sa dumistansya ang helicopter at muling
bumalik tungo sa kinaroroonan namin. Subalit sa pagkakataong ito, mas mababa na ang
lipad nito at mas malinaw ang naririnig kong tunog na nanggagaling rito. Mas
lumakas rin ang hangin at nag-aalala ako na baka hindi kayanin ng aking katawan at
tuluyan na akong malugmok sa aspaltong sahig.

But something urged me to endure the pain and wait. I had a wild feeling about the
helicopter and I hoped that it was just my wishful thinking. I was few breaths away
from death and I never wanted to bring anyone with me. I stayed staring up at the
sky and endured the unforgiving sun. I waited with my thoughts in chaos and my
heart fighting its own desire. Hoping was a dangerous thing if you're caged in a
dark box. Hoping was an act of revolution to hopelessness.

I wished that the helicopter would not land at all, pushing aside the silent wish
of being saved. I wished it would never get nearer. I wished I would go back to
that dark room and end everything in just a second. I just wished that people who
were important to me would be in safety in exchange of mine.

Subalit nanatili lang ang mga iyon na mga bulong na hiling at walang nakikinig na
kahit sino. Wala akong magawa kung hindi ang panoorin ang paglapag ng helicopter sa
malawak na espasyo ng lugar. Hawak ko ang aking dibdib na tila pinipigil kong
makawala ang aking puso. Nahigit ko ang aking paghinga nang magbukas ang pintuan ng
helicopter at bumaba ang nag-iisang piloto nito. Agad niyang sinuot ang kanyang
sunglasses at tila walang panganib at turista lang na inilibot niya ang tingin sa
kanyang paligid. Puno ng angas ang kanyang dating at walang anumang bahid ng pag-
aalinlangan ang kanyang postura. Malayang inililipad ng hangin ang kanyang hanggang
balikat na buhok at ipinasok ang isang kamay sa bulsa ng suot niyang Tuxedo. Walang
sino man ang nagtangkang kumilos o magsalita. Nanatili ang lahat na nakikiramdam,
naghihintay at nagmamatyag. Tumigil ang kanyang paningin sa aking direksyon at doon
ay nakita ko ang pagkuyom ng kanyang kamao kasabay ng pagwawala ng aking puso.

I knew at that moment that my wish was not granted.

=================

Chapter 46: A Darker Night

Chapter 46: A Darker Night

Soundtrack: Fix You - Coldplay

I felt a dancing inside my chest when I saw him. He was everything that I'd never
allowed myself to dream coming true. He was a granted wish on a star and an
answered prayer from the moon. He was a hope in the apocalypse.

He was the darkest thing in tuxedo in this bright sunny day and yet, he was the one
with the most vivid color in my eyes. He was the only thing I wanted to believe at
that moment and yet, him, being here felt surreal. It was almost impossible to
believe. Maybe I was just hallucinating, dreaming of things that I was
unconsciously hoping to happen. Maybe this was what my mind wanted to show me
before I died, and he wasn't really here.

But he brushed his hair with his fingers furiously and with clenched fist, he
strode forward towards me. Such act was so him. The air brought his familiar
masculine perfume to my nose.

And I knew, it was actually him.

"Sebastian," I whispered in the air knowing that no one would hear me. But he
hurried anyway, pushing away anyone stopping him. Few men went to the helicopter
and stopped the engine while loads of them came after Sebastian who just
incapacitated them flawlessly; he was a magician, raising his arms gracefully
against his attackers.

"Sebastian," I felt tears dampened my cheeks. The feeling that washed over me when
I realized that he was real and he was here for me was unknown. It was a
combination of relief and worry. I was

happy and scared.

"Please, don't come near me." I whispered. He refused to listen and I watched as he
continued leaving crumpled bodies on his way. "Please, don't."

Napapikit ako nang maramdaman ko ang malamig na dulo ng baril na dumikit sa aking
ulo. Walang sinayang na sandali si Elle at marahas niyang hinila ang aking isang
braso upang ako'y maitayo.

"Stop right there or I'll make a hole in her head." Tila ang lamig na aking
naramdaman ay hindi nanggaling sa baril kung hindi sa kanya. Walang halong takot
ang kanyang tinig. Walang halong pag-aalinlangan ang kanyang mga tingin.
Agad na napagtanto ni Sebastian ang ka-seryosohan ng sitwasyon. He knew at that
moment that he was already facing the Novous. No matter how confident he was with
his strength, he knew he needed to be cautious with them around. Having his way in
enemy territory would be complicated and dangerous. Agad na bumagal ang kanyang
hakbang hanggang sa tuluyan siyang huminto ilang metro mula sa aking kinaroroonan.
Naisin ko mang kumawala mula sa pagkakahawak sa akin ni Elle ay hindi ko magawa.
Sinalubong ko na lang ang nagbabaga niyang tingin sa likod ng kulay itim niyang
salamin sa mata.

"I'm kinda in a hurry. You said if I come here, you'll give me what I need. Now,
give me my reaper back," he said coolly as if he was just having a normal
negotiation.

Subalit pinantayan iyon ng pagiging kumpiyansa ni Elle sa kanyang posisyon at

sinabing, "I heard she's not a reaper anymore."

Tila unti-unting nabawasan ang pagiging kalmado

ni Sebastian. Nawala ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi at napalitan iyon ng pagtitimpi.
"Give me my reaper back," wika niya sa pagitan ng panggagalaiti.

Mukha namang nagustuhan ni Elle ang nakuha niyang reaksyon mula kay Sebastian kung
kaya't mas lalo niyang diniinan ang pagkakatutok ng baril sa aking ulo. "Everything
in the Novou territory is ours. She's ours. You are in our territory. You are
mine."

Saglit na tumitig sa kanya si Sebastian at saka nagpakawala ng malakas na halakhak.

Isa iyong halakhak na puno ng pang-iinsulto at galit. Lubha iyong masakit at nang-
iinis sa pandinig. "I was actually expecting this. But I was hoping a little that I
could trust your words. Well, I still had to bet on that anyway."
"For a sinful man, you are pretty hopeful, Tres," sagot ni Elle.

Sebastian smirked at her. "I thought you just wanted the pleasure of having my
presence and meeting me."

Elle pursed her lips. She seemed to dislike not instilling the appropriate fear to
Sebastian Freniere. That was when the elder woman called Tamara spoke.

"Apparently, you forgot not to trust us," she said.

Sumenyas siya sa mga tauhan upang muling hulihin si Sebastian, subalit bago pa
makakilos ang ilan sa mga iyon ay nagawa niyang humakbang nang mabilis tungo sa
akin at saka ako hinila mula kay Elle. Dahil sa kanyang bilis at lakas ay nagawa
niya akong makuha. Akma siyang lalayo patungo sa naghihintay na helicopter nang
isang lubid ang pumulupot sa aking leeg at nakita ko si Elle na hawak nang mahigpit
ang kabilang

dulo nito. Agad rin na napatigil si Sebastian dahil sa pagharang sa kanya ni Declan
at Mikhail na mabilis siyang tinutukan ng baril.

"This is not a Meet and Greet, Tres Freniere," wika ni Ephraim na lumapit sa amin
upang kunin ako mula sa pagkakakapit ni Sebastian. Hinila niya ang aking braso
subalit mahigpit pa rin na naka-kapit si Sebastian sa aking bewang na halos buhatin
na ako mula sa sementong tinatapakan namin.

"Let her go or we'll kill her right now in front of you," matigas na wika ni
Ephraim. Sinundan naman iyon ng malakas na paghila ni Elle sa lubid na nasa aking
leeg dahilan upang mahirapan ako sa aking paghinga. Nakita ko ang pag-aalala sa
mukha ni Sebastian nang tumingin siya sa akin.

I wished he didn't come for me. I wished he stayed safe inside the Freniere's
territory but right now, I couldn't do anything about it. Right now, I just wished
for him not to let me go. If I would face death this day, I would pay everything
just to die in his arms. Dying in the arms of the one you love the most was the
best way to end a life.

But gritting his teeth, he started to weaken his grasp on me. He was careful while
letting go of my body as if he was handling a fragile, porcelain thing. Ephraim,
however, grabbed me like an ugly, dirty doll waiting for disposal which Sebastian
regarded with dark fire in his eyes. I wanted to scream as Ephraim took me away
from him but I could only manage to whisper his name.

Nakita kong hinayaan niyang hulihin at disarmahan siya ng mga tauhan ng mga Novou
habang

hindi niya iniaalis ang kanyang paningin sa akin. Binitiwan ni Elle ang dulo ng
lubid na nakatali sa aking leeg at saka lumapit sa kinaroroonan ni Sebastian.

"You are now mine to kill, Tres Freniere," and she pushed the syringe that
contained the golden liquid against his neck.

Wala akong nagawa nang muli akong buhatin ni Ephraim at ibalik sa madilim na kwarto
sa basement. Puno ng pag-aalala ang aking didbdib sa maaari nilang gawin kay
Sebastian. Ni hindi ko man lang siya magawang protektahan. Hindi ko maiwasang
muling sisihin ang sarili dahil sa mga nangyayari.

"You know what? We've made the greatest decision of capturing you. We got a
Freniere, a Freniere woman and I get to kill the traitor," wika ni Ephraim.

"But I saved Ethan! I chose him to live!" Agad kong protesta sa kanya.

Ngumisi si Ephraim na lubhang natutuwa sa mga nangyayari. "Oh, yeah, you did. He
will live but when we kill you, he won't. Tres Freniere will die. You will die. And
then, I will kill Ethan. I could do all those things today. This will be a killing
spree."

Agad na sumiklab ang poot at galit sa aking kalooban na hindi naman kayang tapatan
ng aking katawan. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang patayin siya sa matatalim kong
tingin. "You, Novous, are snakes. Your words could not be trusted. You are killers
with no dignity," maanghang kong wika na hindi niya ininda at sa halip ay sinuklian
niya lang nang-iinsultong ngiti.

Lumabas siya ng silid at muli akong naiwan sa dilim habang kinakain ng pangamba at
takot ang

aking damdamin. Sa bawat segundong lumilipas ay unti-unting mas bumibigat ang aking
kalooban. Ito na ba ang wakas? Dito na ba matutuldukan ang lahat? Binalot ng
lungkot ang paligid hanggang sa tuluyan nang pumatak ang luha mula sa aking mga
mata. Wala na akong nagawa hanggang sa mapagod ito sa pagluha at muling magsara.

I didn't know how long I'd been unconscious this. My continuous passing out was
frustrating. I still didn't have an idea of the time. I was still surrounded by
darkness. Ilang saglit pa ay nakarinig ako ng mga paparating na yabag ng mga paa.
Naisip kong maghanap ng pagtataguan subalit sa gitna ng karimlan, wala akong
matatakbuhan. Inilapat ko ang aking mga tuhod sa aking dibdib at saka niyakap ang
sarili. Sa ganitong paraan ay nararamdaman ko na kahit paano ay may magpo-protekta
sa akin mula sa paparating na sakit.

Pabalagbag na bumukas ang pinto na kung posible lang na takpan ng mga nakagapos
kong kamay ang aking tainga ay ginawa ko na. Isa pang kalabog ang aking narinig at
mula sa liwanag na nagmumula sa pintuan ay nakita ko ang pagkakatapon nila sa tila
pagod at nanghihinang katawan ni Sebastian. Pinilit nitong maisandal ang likuran sa
pader upang makaupo at saka inabot ang tumilapong salamin sa mata. Basag na ang
ilang bahagi niyon subalit kaswal niya itong muling isinuot sa kanyang mga mata at
nang-iinis na ngumisi sa mga taong nasa pintuan.

"This lunatic is really pissing me off," nanggigigil na wika ni Ephraim at akmang

susugurin ito subalit agad siyang napigilan ni Mikhail at Declan.
"Just wait until tonight.

Lucius wants to meet him," pigil sa kanya ni Mikhail habang mahigpit na kapit siya
sa braso.

Mukha namang pinakinggan iyon ni Ephraim dahil hindi na siya nagpumilit pa na

sugurin ang patuloy na nakangising si Sebastian. Masama niya itong tinitigan at
saka tumalikod palayo. Muling nagsara ang pintuan kasunod ng ilang tunog ng mga
kandado mula sa labas. Tuluyang nawala ang mumunting liwanag hanggang sa ang
tanging makita ng aking mga mata ay kadiliman.

Ilang segundo ang lumipas at tanging ang hirap na paghinga namin ang aming
naririnig. It was funny that just yesterday, Ethan was here with me until they took
him. And then Sebastian arrived and I was scared that they were going to take him,
too. Nakarinig ako ng kaluskos sa sahig at alam kong papalapit iyon sa aking
direksyon. Maya-maya pa ay nakaramdam ako ng malamig na kamay na humawak sa aking
binti. Tila may sariling isip ang aking katawan dahil kusa itong umiwas at nanginig
sa takot. Hindi rin nakatulong ang agad na pagbilis ng aking paghinga.

"Shhh. It's me," wika ng tinig na kahit siguro sa gitna ng libo-libong sigawan at
iyakan ay aking maririnig.

Agad na tumulo ang aking luha at tuluyan na akong nawalan ng kontrol sa aking
katawan. Hinayaan ko siyang hawakan ang aking mga kamay habang ang isa niyang kamay
ay naglakbay tungo sa aking pisngi. Sinubukan niyang pahirin ng kanyang mga daliri
ang aking luha subalit patuloy ang pagdaloy niyon mula sa aking mga mata.

"Say something. I need to hear your voice." Bakas ang pag-aalala sa kanyang boses.

Subalit

hindi ako sumagot at nagpatuloy ako sa aking pag-iyak. Halo-halo ang emosyon na
nararamdaman ko at ang bawat isa sa mga iyon ay nagtatalo para sa malaking parte ng
aking damdamin.

"Reaper," he demanded.

"Sebastian," it came as a whisper. "You shouldn't have come," pabulong kong sabi.

"You saved me at the sea. Why shouldn't I come to save you?" Pabalik niyang tanong.

He said he came to save me. He actually came to save me. I knew it wasn't the right
time to feel romantic or giddy because we were in the darkness surrounded by
enemies. But my heart fluttered with those words, dancing inside me and urging more
tears to flow.

"Stop crying now. I hate it. I hate it when you cry." His voice, even though the
words lacked kindness, was the most soothing I'd ever heard. It faded the danger
and lessened the fear.

Subalit napasigaw ako sa sakit nang idampi niya ang kanyang palad sa aking likuran.
Agad kong ikinagat ang aking bibig sa sarili kong mga kamay upang mapigil ko ang
aking pagdaing sa sakit. Hindi rin agad nakapagsalita si Sebastian matapos niyang
bawiin ang kanyang kamay mula sa aking likuran. Nawala na rin ang kanyang mga kamay
na kanina lang ay nakakapit sa akin at ang ginhawa na dala ng kanyang haplos
kamakailan lang ay napalitan ng pangamba. Hindi ko na siya maramdaman bagama't ang
malalalim na paghinga niya ay nagsasaad na nananatili lang siya sa aking tabi. Sa
loob ng ilang minuto ay naging tahimik lang siya at hindi nagsasalita habang
pinakikinggan ang impit kong daing dahil sa nasagi niyang

sugat.

"Sebastian," tawag ko sa kanya at akmang hahawakan ko siya subalit bumalikwas siya

nang dumampi ang aking daliri sa kanyang braso.
"I'm going to f*cking kill them!" Nanggigigil at nanginginig ang boses niyang wika.
Nararamdaman ko ang galit sa kanyang tinig.

"Kapag nagkaroon ka ng pagkakataon, kailangan mong tumakas." Kailangan kong ipaalam

sa kanya ang dapat niyang gawin bago pa siya lamunin ng labis na galit. Kailangan
niyang kalimutan ako at iligtas ang sarili niya.

"Not before I kill all of them. I'll make those f*cking bastards pay for what they
did to you!" Puno ng galit niyang sagot.

Tinangka kong muli siyang hawakan at sinalubong naman ng kanyang mga kamay ang
aking kamay at mahigpit iyong ikinulong sa kanyang palad.

"Listen to me, Sebastian. You can't save me now. I've been long gone and defeated,
and now, I must face death. But it will all be worthless if you get killed, too. I
did everything to protect you and I don't want anything bad happen to you. Please,
save yourself if you can."

Mukhang hindi naman niya nagustuhan iyon dahil mas hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa
aking mga kamay. Mas naramdaman ko ang init na nagmumula sa kanyang katawan at tila
sinasabi nito na hindi niya ako iiwan.

"Are you doubting my sexuality?" He asked out of nowhere which literally caught me
off-guard. It was the most irrelevant question I'd ever heard.

"What? No! Of course not."

"Then stop being too protective of me like I'm

a f*cking stupid weak-ass princess in an annoying baby pink dress. It's a man's job
to protect a woman. Let me do my job."

I was completely astonished. He always had a way to surprise me even with words. I
decided not to answer him. I decided to just feel the moment with him in the
darkness. This could be the last time I get to spend next to him and I must try to
at least live with it. I moved closer and leaned on him. I felt his muscled chest
against my head. Before I knew it, he grabbed me by the waist and put his arm on my
shoulder so I could lean on him comfortably. He was careful not to touch my back
again as he pushed my hair to the side.

"Let me protect you this time," he whispered and somehow, it made me feel sleepy.
It made me feel that I would be safe when I closed my eyes again. With him by my
side, it felt like everything was going to be alright when I wake up. I just wanted
to stay this way. I just wanted to stay with him.

Sleep pulled me again. It wasn't the grandest sleep I'd ever had or even a peaceful
one but it was certainly the best I had since the time I was captured. It was
dreamless, just silent darkness and nothing. It was like floating before a deadly
fall. It was being in the middle of two raging fires waiting to be burned. And even
though I was certain that our world would end soon, I was still glad to be able to
have this kind of sleep.

The door slammed open and I almost got up if not for the weak condition of my body.
I found myself lying on Sebastian's lap and he helped me as I tried to pull myself

up from him. Bagama't dumistansya ako nang kaunti mula sa kanya ay tumanggi siyang
bitiwan ang aking mga kamay. Bumaha ang liwanag sa silid at nakita naming nakatayo
sina Ephraim, Mikhail at Declan sa aming harapan. Agad akong kinuha ni Mikhail
habang binitbit naman sa magkabilang braso ng dalawang Novou si Sebastian. Nakita
kong hindi rin maayos ang kondisyon ng pangangatawan niya at iyon ay marahil sa
likidong inilagay sa kanya ni Elle.
"Wow. So Elle's Poison is really working on you. So much for pretending you're a
superhuman," pang-iinsulto sa kanya ni Ephraim.

Ngumisi sa kanya si Sebastian at sumagot, "Look how weak you are. You even needed
to poison me just to get near me."

Tumigil si Ephraim mula sa paghakbang at saka niya inundayan ng suntok si

Sebastian. Agad na bumagsak ang katawan nito sa sahig habang hawak-hawak ni Declan
ang isa nitong braso. Subalit hindi tumigil si Ephraim at muli nitong itinaas ang
kanyang kamao at nagpakawala ng suntok. Ang mga iyon ay nasundan pa ng maraming
suntok hanggang sa tumilapon sa sahig ang salamin sa mata ni Sebastian at umagos
ang dugo mula sa kanyang pumutok na mga labi.

"Please, don't!" Paos ang tinig na lumabas sa akin at tinangka ko siyang lapitan
subalit wala akong sapat na lakas at mahigpit ang pagkakakapit sa akin ni Mikhail.

"Stop it now, Ephraim. Lucius is waiting," pigil ni Declan sa kanyang kapatid nang
muli sana nitong bibigwasan si Tres.

Umiiling-iling na sumunod sa kanya si Ephraim at hinayaan na kunin ni Sebastian ang

halos durog nang salamin.

Pinanood nila ito habang muli nitong isinusuot ang salamin sa kanyang mata.

"It's already night time asshole. You don't need that when you die," wika ni
Ephraim nang muli nitong bitbitin si Sebastian sa braso.

"Then I would die looking hot as hell," halos nahihirapan niyang sagot.
Pakaladkad nilang inilabas si Tres mula sa basement habang si Mikhail naman ay
bahagyang inaalalayan ako sa aking paglalakad. Dinala nila kami sa bukana ng
mansyon kung saan may hagdan pababa tungo sa mabuhangin na tabi ng dagat. The
atmosphere smelled familiar. My bare feet recognized the sand as I stepped on it.
We were in Eremitia, a territory of the Novou.

I saw lighted torches and several people waiting for us at the seashore. I heard
the silent crashing of waves against the sand and rocks. I saw lights from a
distance and that was probably one of the beaches in Eremitia. Elle walked toward
us and gave us a shot of her golden poison. I knew that thing was causing bad
reactions to my body. It wouldn't be long until it consumed all Sebastian's
strength.

Itinapon nila paluhod sa gitna ng buhanginan si Sebastian at saka ako isinunod.

Ramdam na ramdam ko ang sakit sa aking tuhod. Tila mas lalong inuubos ng malamig na
simoy ng hangin ang natitira ko pang lakas.

"Fight it, Henrietta," anas ni Sebastian sa aking tabi bagamat nakita kong hirap na
hirap na rin ang kanyang katawan.

"I'm sorry, Sebastian," malungkot kong wika sa kanya. Ilang mga tauhan ang
pumalibot at nagbantay sa amin. Sa pagkakataong

ito, mukhang ang pagtakas ay napakalabo na. Isa pang katawan ang kanilang itinulak
at tumumba ito sa aking tabi. Nakita ko ang puro pasa at sugat na katawan ni Ethan.
Nagtama ang aming paningin at alam kong sobra ang hirap na dinanas niya. Naramdaman
ko ang pagdaloy ng aking luha hudyat na nalalapit na kami sa aming wakas.

Mula sa mga taong nakapalibot sa amin ay nakita kong naglakad si Lucius kasama si
Tamara at ang iba pa nilang tauhan tungo sa aming direksyon. Huminto sila sa aming
harapan at sinipat kami.
"I heard you chose to die," wika ni Lucius sa akin. Ikinuyom ko ang aking kamao at
masama ko siyang tinitigan. Sinalubong naman niya iyon ng blankong tingin at
umiling-iling.

"Are you sure you don't want to kill for me? I will save you if you choose to be
one of us," wika niyang muli na agad na sinalungat ni Sebastian.

"Who the f*ck do you think you are? She is my reaper. She is mine. She will not
work for any stinking old shit like you!" Galit na wika ni Sebastian.

Doon siya tinapunan ng tingin ni Lucius na tila isa siyang walang galang na
nilalang na sumasabat sa usapang hindi para sa kanya. Matagal silang nagsukatan ng
tingin at wala sa kanila ang nais na sumuko. Habang pinapanuod ko sila ay mas
tumitindi ang takot sa dibdib ko. Ano ang gagawin ni Sebastian kung malaman niya
kung sino ang nasa harap niya? Maaaring mas mapadali ang kapahamakan para sa kanya
kapag nanaig ang kanyang emosyon. But he deserved the truth. He deserved to know
this man and I couldn't take that away from him.

Bumaling sa akin si Lucius at sinabing, "Why don't you introduce me to your well-
mannered and brave-hearted savior?"

Napalunok ako at saka lumingon kay Sebastian. Nasalubong ko ang nagtatanong niyang
mga mata. Nag-aalala ako dahil sa sakit na mararamdaman niya subalit kailangan niya
itong malaman dahil ako lang makapagsasabi nito sa kanya.

"Sebastian," I started nervously. "He's Lucius Novou. He's the one who killed
Alexandria Freniere."

=================

Chapter 47: Redemption in Fire

Chapter 47: Redemption in Fire

Soundtrack: Jet Black Heart - 5 Seconds of Summer

The smirking Sebastian that I knew disappeared, only to be replaced by a raging

demon that was trying to free itself from its own weakness. It happened the way a
tidal wave swallows a sailing ship-quick and terrifying. Fire burned hot behind his
eyes as he let his sunglasses fall, determined to eat the person in front of us. He
was sweating as he tried to lift his body up to attack Lucius Novou.

But Elle's poison prevented him from getting any closer to the evil man. It also
stopped me from inching towards him. They all watched our attempts which only
resulted in vain. Some of them smirked. Some of them gave us insulting looks. Some
of them looked victorious.

"Do you want to know how I killed Alexandria Freniere? Do you want me to tell you
how I watched the lights fade from her eyes? How I relished when I sensed the fear
from her when she saw the gun?" Lucius was an arresting story-teller. He seemed to
relish the pleasure of remembering the moments of Alexandria Freniere's death.

But Sebastian didn't give an answer. He just continued struggling to get on his
feet and attack Lucius Novou. There were no words heard from him but I could
understand him clearly. Without the need of words, I understood his pain, his fear
and his anger. And I knew he was so filled with those emotions that no words could
even escape from him. He was drowning and craving for revenge.

"Sebastian." Muli

kong naramdaman ang pangingilid ng luha sa aking mga mata habang wala akong magawa
kung hindi panoorin ang kanyang paghihirap. Paulit-ulit kong tinatawag ang kanyang
ngalan subalit tila wala siyang naririnig. Isa siyang halimaw na ang tanging nasa
isip ay ang paghihiganti.
Maya-maya pa ay tinawid ni Lucius Novou ang pagitan nila ni Sebastian at saka
iniangat ang isang kamao. Tila isang lindol na tumama iyon sa panga ni Sebastian at
niyanig ang buo nitong katawan. Tumutulo ang dugo mula sa pumutok niyang labi nang
bumagsak siya sa buhangin. Hindi ako nakapagsalita dahil sa pagkagulat. Para sa
isang taong may edad na, lubhang napakalakas ng pinakawalan niyang suntok. Hindi
maikakaila na isa siyang mahalagang miyembro ng pamilya ng mga Novou.

"Look how pathetic you are!" Muli nitong inundayan ng suntok mula sa isa nitong
kamao si Tres na sinundan pa ng hindi ko na halos mabilang na suntok. Walang tigil.
Walang awa. Walang pagod. Walang katapusan.

Sinabayan ko iyon ng sigaw at pagmamakaawa. Bawat suntok sa kanya ay tila hapdi na

lumalatay sa aking kalooban. Walang tigil. Walang patid sa pagluha. Halos walang
paglagyan ang pagod. Humihiling na matapos ang kanyang sakit. Subalit tila tuluyan
nang ang mundo'y naging bingi at manhid. Hindi na nito naririnig ang daing at iyak
at iniwan na kami sa aming kapalaran. Napagod na itong manood sa kalupitan at
nagdesisyong ang lahat ay talikuran.

Matapos ang tila walang katapusan na pananakit ay tila napagod na rin si Lucius
Novou at hinayaan ang nakahandusay na katawan ni Sebastian sa buhangin. Sa kabila

ng mga iyon ay pilit niya pa ring iginagalaw ang kanyang katawan. His body was weak
and beaten but his mind was as strong as a caged, mad lion. Tila walang hanggan ang
kanyang galit.

"You aren't invincible, young Freniere. You all are not invincible. You can keep
your pride and fight all you want but tonight, you will die. We will have a feast
of your dying soul. We will swallow you whole. We will leave nothing until you are
forgotten," wikang muli ni Lucius at saka naglakad pabalik sa grupo ng mga taong
kanina lamang ay kasama niya. Pinanood ko sila habang unti-unti silang umaatras
mula sa aming kinaroroonan. Naiwan ang ilang mga bantay sa paligid habang
sinisimulan nila ang kanilang kasiyahan.

Nakita kong walang kibo subalit humihinga pa rin si Ethan sa isang tabi. Nanatiling
nakapikit ang kanyang mga mata at tila ang pagkakataong iyon ay sinasamantala niya
upang magpahinga. Muli kong sinubukan na lumapit kay Sebastian. Pinilit kong
kalmahin ang aking katawan at saka gumapang hanggang sa magtapat ang aming mga
mukha. Diretso ko siyang tiningnan sa kanyang mga mata subalit tila wala nang
nakikita ang mga iyon. Tanging poot at galit lang ang nasa mga iyon dahil na rin sa
pagkakakunot ng kanyang noo at pagkakapinid ng kanyang mga labi.

"Sebastian. Please listen to my voice,"mahina kong tawag sa kanya subalit tila wala
siyang naririnig.

"I know it hurts. I understand your anger. But don't let it control you."
Nanatiling nakakuyom ang kanyang mga kamao at nanlilisik ang kanyang mga mata. Kung
patuloy siyang magpupumilit, masasayang

ang kanyang lakas hanggang sa wala nang matira sa kanya. Nais kong pahirin ang dugo
sa kanyang labi at yakapin siya. Nais kong maramdaman niya na hindi siya nag-iisa.

"I need you right now, Sebastian," malungkot kong wika. Natatakot ako na kailanman
ay hindi na niya ako maririnig.

Subalit pinakawalan niya ang pagkakakuyom ng kanyang kamao. Unti-unti ring nawala
ang pagkakakunot ng kanyang noo at kumalma ang mabibilis niyang paghinga.

And then he looked at me. After the rage, chaos and pain, he finally looked at me.
He finally saw me. And like for the first time, he felt the impact of every punch
he received. I watched him grit his teeth and let out a whimper.

"Son of a bitch!" He cursed as pain crossed his face.

I wished I could stop him from feeling all of this. I knew he was dying. He died
when he learned that his mother was dead. He died when he saw me live instead. He
died just a while ago when he met Lucius Novou, the one who killed Alexandria
Freniere. He was dying every day and I wished I could stop it. I wished he would
just stop dying and live.
"I'm so sorry because I let this happen." But I knew that apologies would not
change anything at the moment. It wouldn't mean anything at all.

Nang muli kong i-angat ang aking paningin ay nagtama ang aming mga mata. Naroroon
pa rin ang sakit at galit subalit bahagya iyong lumalamlam habang hinahayaan namin
ang bawat sandali upang matitigan ang isa't isa. Matagal ko nang ninais na hayagan
ko siyang titigan at lunurin ang aking

sarili sa kalaliman at kadiliman ng kanyang mga mata. Subalit wala akong lakas ng
loob upang gawin iyon noong naglilingkod pa ako sa Freniere Mafia. At ngayon na
nagkaroon kami ng pagkakataon ay hindi ko na iyon sasayangin pa - ang ipakita sa
kanya ang nararamdaman ko sa likod ng aking mga mata. It was never the best and
most romantic scenario for us. It might even be the worst. But I would give up
being a Reaper anytime just to swim at the depth of his eyes. I would pay the price
just to kiss him. I would kiss death to taste the most sensual lips in the world.

"It was never your fault," he suddenly said which pulled me from dreaming.

I blinked and muttered, "What?"

"I hated you for my mother's death. I blamed you for what happened but at the same
time, I refused to let you go. I caused you pain and heartbreak when the truth was-
you were always there for me. You stayed even though it killed you every single
time. It was never your fault. I was just a fucked-up man who was too fucked up to
open my eyes. Ugh. I was a royal shit!"

I couldn't even start to answer after I listened to him. I didn't even know what to
say or how to speak. He always had his way of catching me off-guard. Yes. Apologies
wouldn't change anything at the moment. He probably would never say the word
'sorry'. But what he said few breaths ago meant everything to me. It changed
everything in me. After Alexandria Freniere's death, people convinced me that it
wasn't my fault. They told me that the Novous killed her and that I had no power
that time
to protect her. But the scene clung to me through the years until it became hard to
change what I had planted in my mind. But when Sebastian said that it wasn't my
fault, I believed him. Without doubts, I believed in him. I should have known that
he was the only one who could cure the illness that was tearing my heart.

"Sebastian..." Tears continued welling in my eyes. His words were my redemption. It

was like being caged for a long time and now, I had my freedom. I had forgiven
myself.

"My mistakes are irreparable. My sins are unforgivable. Punch me! Hit me! Bite me!
Get my cards and take away all my money! Hurt me now, Henrietta," he said.

But I just looked at him with a teary smile on my face. I moved closer until my
face was just inches away from him. Taking a deep breath, I placed a kiss on his
lips. It wasn't a deep, wild kiss but it was a long one. It was a kiss that held us
in place and let us feel each other's lips, our warmth and softness. It lasted
until we had to break apart to gasp and catch our breath. This time, there was no
fire and ice. Because this time, we only tasted the sweetest wine.

"Whoa. That wasn't what I was expecting but yeah, that was better. Kiss me. Kissing
me is better than punching me," he said with a smirk. Instead of answering, I held
his gaze longer. How I loved his eyes.

But as much as I wanted for this magic to last, we were still trapped in our
enemies' dungeon. We were still surrounded by people who wanted to kill us. Our
fairy tale was tainted by darkness. Everything was

bound to end. And as if to let us know that they were just around, Elle threw her
lighted cigarette on a pile of woods near us. I watched as the fire licked the wood
and spread fast towards the other. I blinked in surprise as the fire completely
surrounded us, leaving us stuck with each other in our small circle of fire.

Lumapit si Ethan sa amin upang gumawa ng distansya sa apoy na malapit sa kanya.

Halos hilahin niya ang kanyang sarili sa buhanginan makalayo lang sa kapahamakan.
"Their bonfire is us," nahihirapang wika ni Ethan, bakas ang takot sa kanyang
tinig.

Ilan sa mga taong naroroon ay nagsimulang magtapon ng mga bagay na madaling kainin
ng apoy. Ang iba sa mga tauhan ng mga Novou ay dinagdagan pa ang mga kahoy na mas
lalong nagpatindi sa pagliyab nito. Nararamdaman ko na rin ang unti-unting paghirap
ng aking paghinga. Bakas rin ang epekto nito sa mga mukha nina Ethan at Sebastian.

"Keep calm. Mas lalo nating malalanghap ang usok kapag nagpa-panic tayo. Mas
mabilis rin na kakalat sa ating katawan ang lason ng babaeng iyon kapag nanlalaban
tayo. If we don't want to lose all our energy, we need to be calm," wika ko habang
pilit na pinaniniwala ang sarili na hindi pa kami lalamunin ng apoy na ito.
Sigurado rin ako sa epekto ng lason ni Elle dahil sa paulit-ulit nitong paglalagay
sa aking katawan. Unti-unting nawawala ang epekto nito matapos ang ilang oras na
kawalan ng aktibidad ng katawan kung kaya naman sa bawat sandali na maaaring may
gawin ako sa isang sitwasyon ay agad niya akong nilalagyan. Pinili kong maging
kalmado kung kaya

naman nagawa kong makalapit kay Sebastian bagama't lubhang napakabagal ng aking
pagkilos. Matapos ring magpahinga ni Ethan ay nagawa niyang makalapit sa amin
palayo sa apoy. Kabaligtaran ang naging epekto nito kay Sebastian dahil sa labis na
galit na kanyang nararamdaman at kagustuhan na umatake sa kalaban, mabilis na
napaparalisa ng lason ang parte ng kanyang katawan. Kung nais naming maka-tagal sa
sitwasyong ito ay kailangan naming mapigilan ang pagkalat ng lason sa loob namin.
Maaaring malabo na kaming makatakas sa apoy na ito at sa mga susunod na oras,
marahil ay unti-unti na kami nitong nilalamon. Subalit hindi kami pwedeng sumuko na
lang basta-basta. Matapos ang mga narinig ko mula kay Sebastian, hindi ako pwedeng
sumuko na lang. I felt hope beyond his words and if there's only a slim chance of
survival, I'd take it.

"Reaper," tawag ni Sebastian. I ignored being called 'reaper' and looked at him
questioningly.

"My sunglasses. It's too sunny in here," wika niyang muli na ikinakunot ng noo ko.
I wanted to tell him that it wasn't the sun, it was the fire. But I knew that he
would still demand for his sunglasses anyway. I spread my arm and tried to reach
it. One glass was already shattered while the other one managed to resist a crack.
I took it and slowly put back on his eyes. It was so weird to see him wear
shattered sunglasses amidst the circle of fire at night by the sea.
"Do I look like a superstar?" He asked. Definitely, Sebastian Freniere.

"It won't help you," I answered.

"Oh, you've no idea how

it could help us. I'll seduce that f*cking bitch to her death until she dropped to
her knees wishing she was the poison she made so she could go all over my body." He
spat a blood from his mouth and showed his devilish smirk.

I pursed my lips at him. There was probably no situation that would demand
Sebastian's seriousness. Oh, except when he was really, really mad. No one would
like that. It was just that death could not even tame him this time.

Unti-unti ko nang nararamdaman ang init sa aking balat kasabay ng pagtagaktak ng

pawis ng aking katawan habang patuloy ang mga naroroon sa paghahagis ng mga kahoy.
Hindi rin nakakatulong ang pagpapatugtog nila ng malakas na musika at pagsasayaw sa
paligid namin na tila isa iyong malaking pagdiriwang. Nakita ko rin na matamang
nakamasid sa amin si Elle ilang metro ang layo mula sa nagliliyab na apoy. Tila
hindi niya inaalis ang paningin sa amin at wala siyang paki-alam sa kasiyahang
nagaganap sa kanyang paligid.

Matapos ang ilang minutong pananatili namin sa aming pwesto ay nagawa nang makaupo
ni Sebastian sa buhangin bagama't halatang mahina pa rin ang kanyang katawan. Mukha
namang hindi iyon nagustuhan ni Elle dahil sa tensyonadong reaksyon nito mula sa
kanyang kinatatayuan sa labas ng apoy. I saw her touch the pocket of her jacket
probably looking for the syringe. I knew that she badly wanted to get into the
circle and give us a shot of her poison but that wouldn't be possible now or else,
she would burn, too. Sebastian taunted her with his dirty grin which caused her to
clench her fists. Narinig kong tinawag niya

ang mga tauhan nilang naroroon at galit na galit na inutusang bilisan ang
pagtatapon ng kahoy sa apoy. Dulot nun ay mas lumakas ang pagliyab at tumindi ang
init na nararamdaman ko. Ilang kahoy ang bumagsak sa aking kinaroroonan at pilit ko
iyong itinulak papalayo. Tumigil na rin ang ilang nagkakasiyahan at sa halip ay
pinanood kami habang pilit naming iniiwas ang aming mga sarili mula sa pagkasunog.

"Burn, burn, burn!" Halos magkakasabay na sigaw ng mga naroroon.

Isang kahoy ang diretsang tatama sa aking ulo subalit nagawa kong salagin iyon ng
aking braso. Ang ilan sa mga naroroon ay tumulong na rin sa pagpapaliyab ng apoy at
alam kong ilang sandali na lang ay tatawirin na ng walang patawad nitong init ang
distansya hanggang sa magliyab na ang loob ng sirkulo kasama ang aming katawan.

Subalit mukhang hindi naman iyon alintana ni Sebastian dahil mula sa pagkakaupo
nito ay unti-unti niyang nagawang itayo ang kanyang sarili - dahan-dahan na tila
kay bigat ng kanyang katawan. Suot pa rin niya ang basag na salamin sa kanyang mga
mata at saka inilibot ang paningin sa mga taong naroroon nang hindi nawawala ang
mapang-insultong ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. Tila hindi niya nararamdaman ang init,
tila hindi siya nangangamba sa panganib.

Mula sa mga taong naroroon ay nakita kong nagtungo sa unahan ng grupo ang mga
Novou. Malawak ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Ephraim samantalang sina Mikhail, Declan at
Tamara naman ay nananatiling seryoso. Napansin kong tumigil ang tingin ni Sebastian
sa direksyon ng isang taong naroroon. Matagal silang nagtitigan ni Lucius Novou at
tila walang sino man sa kanila ang balak na magbawi ng tingin. Tila walang apoy na
namamagitan sa kanilang dalawa at walang maaaring maging hadlang sa kanilang
pagtutuos.

"Fire. Seriously?" Nang-iinsultong wika ni Sebastian habang nakatingin kay Lucius.

"I've been playing with fire my whole life," seryoso niyang dagdag at saka inayos
ang pagkakalagay ng salamin sa kanyang mga mata.

Subalit isang bagay ang tila nagbigay ng pagbabago sa aming sitwasyon. Tila isa
lang iyong ilusyon sa una na dulot lang ng aking takot sa katapusan. Isang maliit
na kulay pulang ilaw ang nakita ko sa bandang gilid ng salamin ni Sebastian.
Kalilimutan ko sana iyon at inisip na maaaring isa lang iyong imahinasyon. Subalit
muli itong umilaw at tila napansin iyon ng mga tao sa kabilang bahagi ng apoy.
Hinubad ni Sebastian ang suot na salamin at saka sinipat ito. Unti-unting lumawak
ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi habang pinapanood ang paulit-ulit na pagkislap ng
kulay pulang ilaw sa salamin.

"Oh, yes. I love this shades," wika niya at saka ibinalik ang tingin sa mga Novous.

Hindi ko maintindihan ang nangyayari subalit tila naging tensyonado ang mga tao sa
labas ng apoy. Maya-maya pa ay isang malakas na pagsabog ang aming narinig mula sa
loob ng bakuran ng kanilang mansyon na naging dahilan upang magtakbuhan at
magkagulo ang mga kamakailan lang ay nagkakasiyahang mga tao. Agad namang inilabas
ng mga tauhan ng mga Novou ang kanilang mga armas at ang ilan ay nagtungo sa
pinangyarihan ng pagsabog.

Malakas ang pagkabog ng aking dibdib habang tila nagugustuhan ni Sebastian ang
naging pagbabago ng sitwasyon.

"And now, you die," pabulong nitong wika na ikinatayo ng aking balahibo.

=================

Chapter 48: Trojan Horse

Chapter 48: Trojan Horse

Soundtrack: Heathens - Twenty One Pilots

Mabilis na nagtungo ang armado nilang mga tauhan sa pinangyarihan ng pagsabog.

Hindi naman natinag sa kanilang kinatatayuan ang mga Novou at tila kumpiyansa
silang makokontrol nila ang anumang nangyari. Maririnig pa rin ang ingay mula sa
kanilang mga panauhin subalit bahagya ring humupa ang kaguluhan. Hanggang sa ilang
minuto ang lumipas at tuluyan nang tumahimik at kumalma ang lahat. Tanging ang
lagablab ng apoy at ang pagkain nito sa mga itinapong kahoy ang maririnig sa
paligid. Unti-unting muling gumuhit ang mga ngiti sa labi ng mga naroon sa
paniniwalang maayos na ang lahat.

Subalit isang matinis na boses ng isang babae ang malakas na tumawa mula sa di-
kalayuan. Pamilyar ang tinig na iyon at alam kong hindi kaligayahan ang ibig
sabihin nito. Isa iyong pagbabanta at walang awang karahasan. Isa iyong pagbati
mula sa mga dumating.

Humawan ang mga tao sa daraanan ng nagmamay-ari ng tinig. Hindi rin napigilan ng
mga Novou ang mapalingon sa taong iyon na paparating. Mas lalong lumapad ang ngisi
ni Sebastian nang makita niya ang isang babaeng naglalakad at may bitbit na
malaking palakol. Nakasukbit naman sa balikat nito ang isang rifle. Nakasuot siya
ng isang abot tuhod na itim na gothic dress habang nakatirintas ang kulay pula
niyang buhok. For a girl who had a small frame, she truly was strong enough to
carry those weapons.

"Hello! I am inviting myself to the party," she said with a taunting smile on her
lips.

Some

of the Novou men went to stop the red-haired clown but she swung her ax around and
they got caught by the blade. Screams followed as they fell to the ground lifeless.
In that instant, the chaos was back.

Inilibot ni Forest ang paningin niya sa paligid na tila ba may hinahanap. Walang
sinuman sa mga panauhin ng mga Novou ang nagtangkang lumapit sa kanya. Nang tumigil
ang paningin niya sa aming direksyon at makitang nasa paligid namin ang mga Novou
ay malakas siyang tumawa na tila ang aming sitwasyon ay isang eksena lang ng
komedya. Inilapag niya ang hawak na palakol at saka inihanda ang dala niyang baril.
Agad namang sumugod ang ilang mga tauhan ng Novou at si Ephraim upang pigilan siya
subalit hindi naiwasan ng mga ito ang mga nagliliparang patalim mula sa iba't ibang
direksyon.
Swerteng naka-ilag sa mga iyon ni Ephraim ngunit isang malakas na pwersa ang
bumangga sa kanya bago pa siya makalapit kay Forest. Malakas na bumagsak sa lupa si
Ephraim habang patuloy ang pagpaputok ni Forest ng kanyang baril sa direksyon ng
mga Novou. Dahil na rin dito ay isa-isang nagdesisyon ang mga Novou at kanilang mga
bisita na lumayo sa apoy.

Finally, we lost our audience but we were still trapped within the fire. Gamit ang
naipong lakas ni Sebastian ay hinila niya ako patayo at saka mabilis na hinawakan
sa bewang. A quick and dark figure also leapt through the fire and grabbed Ethan.
Giovanni met Sebastian's eyes for a quick second and wordlessly jumped through the
fire with Ethan in tow.

Nang makaalis mula sa singsing ng apoy si Giovanni ay humigpit

pa ang pagkakahawak sa akin ni Sebastian. His confident smirk vanished to be

replaced by serious, pursed lips. If we couldn't escape this fire, we would be
dead. The poison inside our body had been steadily eating us in every movement. The
fire was waiting to turn us to ashes.

"Do you trust me, Reaper?" He whispered while staring intently at the fire. This
moment was our very chance to save ourselves from being burned. Forest wouldn't let
anyone from the Novous near the fire until we escaped.

As I looked up to Sebastian, I realized that I did trust him. With everything. With
all of me. If he asked me to die and sacrifice ourselves at this moment, I still
would trust him. If he told me that fire was good and there was beauty in inferno,
thus, we should allow ourselves to be swallowed by it, I would still trust him. I
would trust him with my life and in death.

"I trust you," I said sincerely.

He clenched his fists and the fervor in his eyes matched the blazing fire. In the
next second, he guided forward and together, we leapt through the fire like
Phoenixes experiencing rebirth from the ashes. When we got through the flames, we
rolled around the sand until the fire that caught fizzled. Wolf immediately ran to
Sebastian and helped him to his feet. I allowed myself a few moments on the sand,
relishing the way it felt cool against my skin.

"Are you hurt?" Narinig kong tanong ni Wolf kay Sebastian. Subalit hindi sumagot
ang huli at sa halip ay bumaling sa akin.

"Reaper, are you alright?" Tanong

niya.

Lumingon ako sa kanya at saka bahagyang ngumiti. I let myself breathe the fresh,
night air to clear my lungs. The darkness was still far from being over.

Agad kaming dinala nina Giovanni at Wolf sa kinaroroonan ni Forest kung saan
mapoproteksyunan niya kami ng kanyang pagbaril. Nakita kong nagpapambuno sa di-
kalayuan sina Desiderius at Ephraim, at tila mukhang dehado ang huli dahil mahusay
ang Reaper na iyon pagdating sa close combat. Ilan sa mga nakapaligid na tauhan ng
mga Novou ay isa-isang nagbagsakan na tila hindi nila inaasahan ang mabibilis na
pag-atake sa kanila. At mula sa mga nakahandusay na mga bangkay sa buhangin ay
nakita kong mabilis na kumikilos sina Natalia at Nikolai na tila may iisa silang
pag-iisip at nalalaman nila ang bawat paggalaw ng isa't isa. Wala silang puso kung
pumaslang at kahit ang mga walang labang mga panauhin sa kasiyahan ay hindi nila
pinatawad. Nang lumingon sa aming direksyon si Natalia at nakita niyang pinapanood
ko siya ay agad siyang tumigil at naglakad patungo sa amin. May isinubo siyang
bagay na nagmula sa isang pakete at saka diretsong lumapit kay Sebastian.

I gasped in shock when she crossed their distance and kissed Sebastian. It was a
wild, hungry kiss and Sebastian didn't even protest against it. I gritted my teeth
when she opened her eyes and winked at me. I suddenly felt the urge to attack her
when the kiss ended.
"This antidote works for almost every type of poison. If what they injected you is
the kind of poison that won't kill you, then my antidote will save you. It

will take a few minutes to take effect, though," she told Sebastian with a smirk.

"You're taking advantage of the situation, Natalia," Sebastian remarked, but he

sure didn't seem to resent that blasted kiss.

Giovanni, on the other hand, was still focused on the situation at hand. "Give us
two more antidotes," he ordered.

Natalia looked at him doubtfully. She looked like she might disagree with the idea
of giving him two more antidotes.

"But-" she started but the two brothers cut her off.

"Natalia." They both said simply. Ngunit punong-puno ng pagbabanta ang tono nilang
magkapatid.

Walang nagawa si Natalia kundi ang maglabas ng dalawa pang pakete. Agad iyong
kinuha ni Giovanni at saka isinubo ang laman sa bibig ni Ethan. Kinuha naman ni
Sebastian ang isa at saka bumaling sa akin. Isusubo niya sana iyon sa kanyang bibig
para gayahin ang paraan ng pagpapa-inom sa kanya ni Natalia subalit agad ko iyong
kinuha at inilagay sa aking mga labi. He looked disappointed but I simply returned
his look with a glare.

The antidote seemed to be working. I felt my body steadily recovering from that
eternal weakness. Natalia was an evil Reaper and she was the last person I wanted
to work with. But her abilities in fighting and knowledge in poison were, without a
doubt, excellent and useful.
We turned our attention back to the empty bonfire when a furious Elle-seething
because of the failure of her own poison, Declan, and Mikhail showed up. Tamara and
Lucius had disappeared and

they probably went back to the safety of the mansion. The Mafia Frenier had staged
a surprise attack and they knew they were outnumbered. The presence of these four
meant that either Lucius believed that Elle, Declan, Mikhail and Ephraim could take
us or he was escaping and had decided to sacrifice them. Our two groups stared at
each other, measuring abilities and watching movement.

"I should have known that you would never come alone, Sebastian Freniere," Elle
shouted.

Sebastian grinned at her. "I just felt like wearing those sunglasses since I was
told that Eremitria is such a sunny place. I think accidentally used one that has a
tracker on it. And for that, I apologize."

The Reapers, meanwhile, didn't seem to be interested in the conversation and

instead, they focused on the man beside Elle who was also glaring back at us. I
knew that they felt insulted by Mikhail's betrayal. He made them feel like a fool
while he was secretly plotting his own plans. And now, they would never forgive
him.

Desiderius finally got a hold of Ephraim and dragged him in front of us. Clearly,
Ephraim was no match against the Reaper's strength and so Desiderius had easily
incapacitated him. The Novous watched furiously as Ephraim lay on the sand, wounded
and weak.

Agad kong naramdaman ang pagsidhi ng galit sa aking puso kasabay ng unti-unti kong
bumabalik na lakas. Mahigpit na nakakuyom ang aking kamao habang pinapanuod ko ang
nagpupumilit na tumayo mula sa kanyang kinasasadlakan na si Ephraim. Nang lumingon
siya sa aming direksyon

ay agad na nagtama ang aming paningin. Nakita ko ang pagngisi niya sa kanyang
nagdurugong ngipin at mga labi na tila ba ipinapaalala niya sa akin ang nangyari
noong gabing nawala si Wycliffe.

"I will always have the best kill," wika niya nang direkta sa akin.

And that was when I lost control of my anger. I went to Forest and grabbed her ax.
She didn't stop me. No Reaper, no one stopped me. They simply watched in
anticipation as I dragged the ax against the sand and walked towards Ephraim. My
body still hadn't fully recovered and not being on my best speed was frustrating so
I simply took my time. Elle tried to shoot me with her gun but every one of her
bullets was effectively blocked by Forest. It almost seemed impossible but Forest
would never have been a Reaper if there was nothing distinct or special about her
abilities.

I stopped in front of Ephraim while Desiderius stayed on my side.

"Beg for forgiveness because of what you did to my brother," I said while looking
down at him. Restraining myself from killing him at that moment was taking a toll
on me. I was on the verge of snapping in the middle. But instead of doing as I
said, he just showed me another one of his bloody, toothy grin.

"I'll never regret killing your little brother," he stated.

And then he laughed as if he just said something hilarious.

Like a raging fire fed by more gasoline and wood, I exploded. Somehow, I felt like
I was going crazy. My insanity got to me and so, I lifted the ax as

high as my strength allowed into the air. With great force, I smashed it against
his body leaving him decapitated. His head rolled across the sand, leaving traces
of blood on it.
And then there was silence. Everyone was speechless for a moment before Elle's loud
scream started, followed by gunshots. The Reapers moved to protect the Frenieres
but somehow, Sebastian managed to run to my direction and grabbed my waist. The ax
fell with a thud beside Ephraim's dead body.

The Reapers and the Novous started to exchange gunshots and there were nothing that
could shield us from it. We were in a place by the ocean with no concrete walls
that we could use to protect us from the bullets. I knew that more dead bodies
would fall to the ground because of this.

Sebastian was my shield during that time, caging me inside his arms and chest.
There was a shot pointed to our direction and I saw Sebastian grimaced when the
bullet reached his shoulder. I gasped in horror as I saw his blood on my hand when
I touched him.

"Oh, shit!" He cursed at the sudden pain.

"Sebastian! Are you okay?" I asked. I could feel fear building up inside me. What
if this would be the end of everything? What if we would all stop here?

Subalit muling humigpit ang pagkakahawak sa akin ni Sebastian at sinubukan na

makalayo. Ang kaninang paghaharap ay naging isang madugong digmaan. Ang lahat ay
nakikipaglaban bitbit ang kani-kanilang matitinding dahilan. Isang bagay lang ang
nasisiguro kong nagpapaikot sa larong ito, iyon ay ang paghihiganti. At

kanina lamang ay hinayaan ko ring talunin nito ang aking sarili.

Nakita kong mabilis na kumikilos si Giovanni ilang metro ang layo mula sa amin.
Hindi niya alintana ang mga putok ng baril habang isinasalansan niya ang ilang
bangkay ng mga naroroon. Alam kong kakayanin ng mga Reapers ang iligtas ang mga
sarili nila at maghanap ng makakanlungan. Subalit mahihirapan kami nina Sebastian
at Ethan na makipagsabayan sa kanilang bilis dahil hindi pa rin tuluyang nawawala
ang lason sa aming katawan.

Agad na inihigas ni Sebastian ang aming katawan sa likod ng tumpok ng mga bangkay
at muli ay lumapat ang aking likod sa malamig na buhangin. Hinihikayat ako nito na
manatili at ipikit ang aking mga mata nang tuluyan subalit alam kong hindi ako
dapat magpadaig sa pagtawag at kahinaang iyon. Ilang segundo pa ay muling lumapit
si Giovanni hila-hila ang nakadapang katawan ni Ethan at saka nagtago sa proteksyon
na kanyang binuo. It was a fortress of dead bodies, and it was brilliant.

"Keep your head down and wait here until the poison fades," wika ni Giovanni.
Tangka siyang aalis subalit agad siyang napigilan ni Sebastian.

"Where are you going?" Istriktong pagtatanong nito. Sa higpit ng pagkakahawak nya
kay Giovanni ay tila hindi niya ito bibitiwan hangga't hindi nasasagot ang kanyang
katanungan.

"I have to go to their mansion. Sir Algernon-our father is inside with Maximus,"
sagot ni Giovanni.

Subalit mukhang hindi iyon ikinatuwa ni Sebastian at mas hinigpitan pa ang

pagkakakapit sa braso ni Giovanni na tila ba wala siyang

iniindang tama ng baril sa kanyang balikat.

"Have you lost your f*cking mind? Why did you bring him here?" Galit at nagtatagis
ang mga bagang niyang tanong.

Sinalubong ni Giovanni ang kanyang mga tingin at sinabing, "He's here because he's
your father." At saka inalis ang pagkakahawak ni Sebastian sa kanyang braso.
But Sebastian grabbed him again and I caught a glimpse of worry in his eyes. "You
didn't have to be here. I could take all them!"

Giovanni seemed to lose his patience and glared at him. "Because I am your brother
and I knew how pretentious you would be about this. Now, let me go so I can help
our father and just stay here and fight that cute, little poison inside you because
that's the only battle you could take!"

I wasn't certain if Sebastian was actually caught off-guard because Giovanni was
able to free himself from his grasp and ran away. Gunshots continued to fill the
place and I could feel its impact against the pile of dead bodies shielding us. I
checked Ethan and made sure that he wasn't shot. He looked scared and he was
trembling but he would live. I stayed where I was and followed exactly what
Giovanni said: wait for the poison to fade. I was sweating badly-we were all are. I
knew this was because of the antidote fighting the poison inside us.

"Did that stupid f*cking asshole just belittle me?" Sebastian suddenly asked. He
was trying to control his anger.

"Nope. He just lectured you about your family tree," I answered casually which
seemed to frustrate him

more.

Napansin ko ang patuloy na pagdurugo ng tama ng baril sa kanyang balikat kung

kaya't agad kong hinubad ang kaniyang coat at pinunit ang ilang bahagi ng suot
niyang long sleeves. Bahagya siyang nagulat at nabaling doon ang kanyang atensyon.
Wala na siyang nagawa nang umpisahan kong i-benda ang kanyang sugat. There were
more important things to deal with than his pride.

Sumilip ako sa bonfire na kanina lamang ay pinagkukulungan sa amin. Alam kong

malapit lang doon ang pinagkukublian ng mga Novou upang makipagpalitan sila ng
putok sa mga Reapers. Ilang metro mula sa apoy ay ang kinaroroonan ng hagdan tungo
sa mansyon nila sa itaas ng talampas. Maaaring sa kabilang bahagi dumaan ang grupo
nina Sir Algernon upang makaiwas sa mga nagkakasiyahan sa tabi ng dagat.
Pinakiramdaman ko ang aking sarili at alam kong naroroon pa rin ang sakit ng aking
katawan. Subalit wala kaming mahabang oras upang maghintay. Kailangan ko nang
kumilos.

"I'll try to pass them and get to the mansion," Seryoso kong pahayag. Subalit agad
akong hinawakan sa aking isang braso ni Sebastian.

"I wouldn't let you," seryoso rin niyang sagot.

Kinuha ko ang baril ng isa sa mga bangkay na naroon at saka sinalubong ang kanyang
tingin. I wasn't able to speak right away because of the intense fire and darkness
I saw in his eyes. They were so inviting and they were asking me to stay with him
and just stare at them for the rest of our lives. I could do that and I would be
happy but now was simply not the right time. There were too many lives at stake and

we just couldn't be selfish knowing we were at the center of this war.

"You can't stop me now," halos pabulong kong wika. Subalit mas humigpit pa ang
kapit niya sa aking braso at hindi niya iniwan ang pagkakatitig sa aking mga mata.

"You will stay here with me," matigas niyang sagot. My heart and my mind were
having a war of their own. I wanted to stay here, with him. I really wanted to. But
there were things bigger than us. And I knew that it wouldn't be always about us.

"I started this battle, Sebastian. I know that I came this far for a reason. And
now, I have to finish it. I have to face my nightmare. I have to face Lucius
Novou." If I wouldn't deal with Lucius Novou, I would continue to be haunted by my
nightmare. I had to end things now.
Matagal niya akong tinitigan na tila ba binabasa niya ang tumatakbo sa aking
isipan. Matapos iyon ay kinuha niya rin ang baril sa isa sa mga napatay na tauhan
ng mga Novou.

"What are you doing?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"He killed my mother. He hurt you. Don't you think I have enough and better reasons
than you to kill him myself?" Sagot niya at saka inilibot ang paningin sa paligid.
Nang matiyak niyang maaari kaming magkaroon ng pagkakataong makalagpas sa
kinaroroonan ng mga Novou ay sumenyas siya sa akin upang maghanda. Subalit hindi pa
kami nakakaalis ay nag-umpisa na ring kumilos si Ethan. Mukhang tumatalab na rin
ang antidote sa kanya.

"Stay here, Ethan!" I hissed at him.

"I'll come with you," wika niya at tinapunan ng tingin

si Sebastian. "I want to help you and Giovanni. I want to be there for you. I will
not be safe here. I will never be safe anymore so I will not remain unmoving,
cowering like a coward," pagpapatuloy niya.

Sebastian tsked and said, "Look here, young man. I can keep her safe. And Giovanni
doesn't need anyone's help. Just stay here and cherish your second-uh, no, third?
fourth?-Nevermind. Just treasure your life."

Subalit hindi sya pinakinggan ni Ethan at sa halip ay naghanap ng sarili nitong

baril mula sa mga bangkay na naroroon. Napailing na lang ako habang pinaplano kung
paano namin mararating ang mansyon nang hindi napapatay ng mga Novou. Magaling ang
ipinapakitang pakikipaglaban ng mga Reapers at alam kong hindi rin magpapatalo ang
mga miyembro ng Novou. Nakasentro ang buhay nila sa pagpaslang at isa iyong bagay
na kaya nilang gawin saan man o kung sino pa man. Ibinaling ko ang aking tingin sa
kabilang direksyon at nakita ko ang madilim na karagatan ilang metro ang layo mula
sa amin.
"The sea," mahina kong wika na ikinalingon naman nila Sebastian at Ethan at saka
sila tumingin sa direksyon na tinutukoy ko. "They won't see us if we sneak through
the sea. We just have to keep our body down," dagdag ko na pareho nilang sinang-
ayunan.

Dahil sa labanang nagaganap ay nawala ang atensyon ng mga Novou sa amin kung kaya't
ginamit namin ang pagkakataong iyon upang gumapang nang mabilis patungong dagat.
Ilang mga bangkay ang nakakalat sa dinaraanan namin kung kaya't maya't maya ay
nagpapanggap kaming walang buhay. Tila kay bagal ng aming

kilos at kay bilis ng oras. Ang bawat putok ng baril ay tila sumisigaw sa amin
upang magmadali. Ilang saglit pa ay naramdaman ko na ang malamig na tubig-dagat sa
aking mga palad kung kaya't gumapang pa akong lalo patungo rito hanggang sa
nararamdaman na ito ng buo kong katawan.

At first, I felt the stinging wounds all over my body. I desperately wanted to
scream but I fought to stay where I was and keep calm. I could even taste my own
tear from the salty water. And then I felt the numbness and coldness. It was
inviting me to stay and promised to heal my brokenness. I almost let it took me but
then, an arm snaked around my waist and pulled me slowly and carefully to the
surface. I breathed in the cold air.

"The sea could sometimes be treacherous. I will never let it take you away from
me," Sebastian whispered to my ears and that brought back the warmth in my body. We
started to move horizontally and I saw Ethan tailing us silently.

The shore looked almost empty from this distance with occasional sparks flashing,
gunshots screaming and fire howling. The sand was stained with corpses' blood,
surrounded by extreme darkness. It looked like a vivid, bloody painting showing
resentment, violence, and revenge. It was a sad and awful picture.

We passed through the battlefield until we could see the stairs going up to the
mansion. We silently walked on the sand and kept our bodies low as we tried to get
near. The night air felt cold against my skin, leaving goosebumps.
And then suddenly, I felt someone staring at me.

Mukhang naramdaman din iyon ni Sebastian kung kaya't sabay kaming tumigil at
lumingon sa aming likod. Nahigit ko ang aking paghinga nang makita ko ang taong
naroon at nakatayo habang tahimik kaming pinapanood. Hindi ako handang makaharap
siya sa ngayon at alam kong mas lalong hindi ko siya kayang talunin sa pagkakataong
ito. Kung nakuha na niya ang sagot sa kanyang katanungan ay maaaring maintindihan
niya ako subalit isa pa rin siyang Novou at nananalaytay sa kanya ang pagkauhaw sa
dugo ng mga Freniere. Dumako ang tingin niya sa lalaking nasa aking tabi kung
kaya't agad kong hinawakan ang braso ni Sebastian.

"Don't you think it's too soon to leave the party?" Asked Declan Novou, the man
whose speed I couldn't match; the man who seemed to doubt the purpose of his
existence.

=================

Chapter 49: Somniat Finem (Even Dreams End)

Chapter 49: Somniat Finem (Even Dreams End)

Soundtrack: Dead Hearts - Stars

We completely stopped on our tracks and faced the man who confronted us. He stood
tall and firm. He was too neat for someone who just came from a battle. I wouldn't
doubt if he escaped the bullets by just casually strolling by. He was almost
invincible and that made him absolutely dangerous for us.

"Who said we're leaving the party? Maybe we're bringing it to a cooler place,"
sarkastikong sagot ni Sebastian at saka pilit na hinila ako patungo sa kanyang
likod.
Wala akong nagawa kundi ang magkubli sa likod niya habang nagsusukatan sila ng
tingin ni Declan. Nagawa naman ni Ethan na pumuwesto sa aking gilid kung kaya't
tila silang dalawa ang pumoprotekta sa akin.

"I dislike having intruders in our party. I actually wanted to get

out of it and just stay in my bedroom and rest. Looks like you're also planning to
ruin our house," kaswal na wika ni Declan na tila walang matinding barilan ang
nagaganap sa di-kalayuan.

"How did you get away from the reapers?" Muling tanong ni Sebastian.

Gumuhit ang isang tipid na ngiti sa labi ni Declan subalit agad rin itong nagbalik
sa pagiging seryoso. "Do you want me to show you how?" Balik-tanong nito.

Tila hindi aatras sa paghamon na iyon si Sebastian kung kaya't humakbang sya
pasulong na para bang nasisiguro niyang sapat na ang kanyang lakas upang talunin si
Declan.

But Sebastian had never really met Declan before. Or at least, Declan hadn't shown
him his real abilities. But I knew the things Declan was capable of. Given the
situation of Sebastian's body right now, his strength would fail against Declan's
speed. Hindi ko maiwasang mag-alala para kay Sebastian. Alam kong malakas siya at
kahit ilang ulit niya iyong ipagmayabang ay paniniwalaan ko siya. But the man in
front of us was a ghost. How could we defeat a ghost with our poisoned bodies?

"Put on a show. You're making me bored," sagot ni Sebastian.

At tila isang kidlat ay mabilis na sumugod si Declan sa aming direksyon na
ikinabigla naming lahat. Hindi naiwasan ni Sebastian ang pag-atake kung kaya't agad
na nasapul ni Declan ang kanyang panga. Napaatras siya nang ilang hakbang. Muling
naghanda si Declan sa pag-atake subalit mukhang inasahan iyon ni Sebastian kung
kaya't nagawa niyang isalag ang kanyang braso upang protektahan ang sarili.

"That's

all you've got? That's not even entertaining! I'm so disappointed right now," hamon
ni Sebastian. Gayunpaman, halatang nasaktan siya dahil patuloy ang kanyang paghimas
sa kanyang panga.

Wala namang naging pagbabago sa ekspresyon ni Declan at sa halip ay naglabas ito ng

isang patalim. Sa pagkakataong iyon, alam kong balak na nitong tapusin si
Sebastian. Mahigpit na hawak ni Declan ang patalim at saka ipinuwesto sa harap ng
kanyang dibdib at tila isang multo ay agad siyang nawala sa kanyang kinatatayuan.
Maya-maya pa ay nakita kong paparating sa aking direksyon si Declan at nagtataglay
ng bilis na hindi ko inaasahan. Ang sinumang pangkaraniwang-tao ay hindi makakaiwas
sa ganoong pag-atake subalit alam kong kaya kong gumawa ng ilang hakbang palayo.
Declan was an excellent assassin and he had exceptional abilities that could never
be paralleled even by Reapers. Alam kong ang ilang hakbang na gagawin ko ay hindi
magiging sapat upang makaligtas mula sa kanya kung kaya't nanatili ako sa aking
kinaroroonan at sa halip ay malakas na itinulak palayo si Ethan.

Hindi ako nagtangkang kumurap nang sa paglingon ko ay halos nakikita ko na ang dulo
ng patalim na pasugod sa aking direksyon. Nasisiguro kong malalim ang magiging
pagbaon nito sa aking dibdib at tutuhugin ang mabilis na tumitibok kong puso. I
refused to blink. Kung ito na ang katapusan, makikipagtitigan ako ng harap-harapan
sa kamatayan.

Subalit hindi nakarating ang inaasahan kong sakit. Dahil isang katawan ang humarang
sa akin at sa paparating na pag-atake.

"Argh!"
Iniharang ni Sebastian

ang kanyang sarili sa pagitan ko at ni Declan. At sa halip na pagdaing mula sa akin

ay ang malakas niyang sigaw ang pumailanlang sa paligid kasabay ng pagbaon ng
patalim sa gitnang bahagi ng kanyang likuran.

Tila hindi iniinda ang sakit, walang inaksayang oras ni Sebastian at itinulak ako
palayo. Tila hindi rin inaasahan ni Declan ang ginawang pagharang sa kanya ni
Sebastian kung kaya't wala siyang nagawa nang humarap ito sa kanya at malakas
siyang suntukin sa mukha dahilan upang tumilapon siya palayo.

"Don't you ever f*cking hurt my reaper! How dare you to even f*cking try!"
Sebastian growled at Declan, ready to pounce again.

But Declan recovered fast and leapt out from the ground just when Sebastian was
about to reach him. It gave him an opportunity to give a blow on his wounded
shoulder. Sebastian fell and screamed in frustration against the sand.

Declan was about to pull the dagger from Sebastian's back, and I was sure that he
would finally end him. But he underestimated me. I wouldn't let anything happen to
Sebastian so I used my remaining strength and ran towards them in rapid speed. I
rammed myself against Declan which caused him to fly a few meters away from
Sebastian. My strength was failing and I knew I couldn't maintain this speed for a
very long time so time was of the importance. I needed to stop Declan immediately.

Taking advantage of his fall, I straddled him and strangled his neck with all my
strength. I should kill him or else he would kill us. I couldn't let him hurt
Sebastian anymore. When he grasped my arms tightly,

our eyes met and I suddenly remembered his questions while I was at the basement. I
could understand that like me, he probably lost his way. But if killing us was his
way to look for answers, then I had to finish him now. He was an assassin and I was
a Reaper. We were bound to kill each other. My body was slowly failing me. I could
feel Declan trying to shake my grip from his throat. But I refused to be defeated.
I would give everything just to stop him.
A hand grabbed me from behind and pulled me away from Declan. It took me a second
to recognize Elle before she raised a syringe with a familiar gold liquid. Before
she could inject me, I slapped it away from her hand. But she grabbed my jaw and
slapped me hard on my face causing my lips to bleed. I felt my body becoming
heavier and weaker. Using all my strength against Declan was taking its toll. She
clawed my hair tightly and smashed my face on the sand, leaving me dizzy as I
struggled to open my eyes.

"What the hell are you waiting for, Declan? Kill Sebastian Freniere now!" She
shouted angrily at Declan who was already on his feet.

"No!" I screamed as he started to take a step towards Sebastian.

Elle turned to me with a smirk and grabbed my throat. "Don't worry. I'll make sure
to burn your bodies in the same fire so you'll stay dead together."

I refused to let my sight off of Sebastian as she choked me to death. I could feel
her tight grip on my throat, effectively blocking the air to my lungs. Tears didn't
help as I helplessly watched Declan hover over Sebastian's weakened

body on the sand. I almost couldn't feel my body's pain as my heart broke over our
situation. I failed him. I couldn't save his heart and now I couldn't save his
life. There wasn't a more painful death than being forced to watch the man you
loved being killed.

Maybe this was the end. Elle's grip on my throat was relentless. My sight had
started to become blurry. I blinked to focus but when I opened my eyes, I saw
Sebastian watching me. And despite the blood ringing in my ears, I could hear him
screaming my name. Wasn't this an entertaining tragedy? But at least I'd die
looking into Sebastian's eyes-the eyes of the only man I had ever loved.

In the midst of this, I noticed Declan watching Sebastian and us. His gaze landed
on me. Despite my blurry vision, I met his eyes before looking at Sebastian again.
I wondered how good it could be if we had different destinies.

But before I could even finally close my eyes, Declan ran to us and pushed Elle
away from me. Air rushed into my lungs like a flash flood over drought-ridden land.
I coughed, rolled on the sand and tried to sit up. Elle landed on the sand few
meters away from me. She looked wounded but it didn't stop her from trying to get
on her feet again. I looked at Sebastian and almost wept when I realized that he
was alive. He was bleeding from his wounds and the dagger was still on his back but
he was alive. I looked around cautiously for a threat from Declan but I couldn't
find him. He vanished in the darkness like a ghost.

Sinubukan kong tumayo subalit agad rin akong

nalugmok sa buhangin dahil muling umatake si Elle at sa pagkakataong ito ay ramdam

na ramdam ko ang galit mula sa kanya. Muli niyang ikinulong sa kanyang mga kamay
ang aking leeg at pinigilan ang hangin na dumadaloy rito. Pinilit kong iwaksi ang
kanyang mga braso subalit lubhang naging malakas siya dahil sa galit na kanyang
nararamdaman.

"I don't know why Declan decided to save you but he can't stop me from killing all
of you!" Galit na galit niyang sigaw dahil hindi niya nagustuhan ang ginawang
pakiki-alam ni Declan. Nakita kong nagsisimulang gumalaw si Sebastian mula sa di-
kalayuan subalit tila nahihirapan siya dahil sa sakit na nararamdaman niya mula sa
paglalaban nila ni Declan.

"See? Even the great Tres Freniere can't save you from me!" Wikang muli ni Elle.
Mas hinigpitan pa niya ang pagkakasakal sa aking leeg. Tila nagmamadali siya na
maabot ko ang aking kamatayan. Subalit biglang natigil siya mula sa kanyang
ginagawa at nanlalaki ang mga mata habang nakatingin sa akin. Binitiwan niya ang
aking leeg at saka tumayo. Nanginginig siya habang humahakbang paatras. Mula sa
kanyang likuran ay nakita ko si Ethan na hawak ang isang syringe na wala nang
laman. He poisoned Elle with her own poison.

Agad na lumapit sa akin si Ethan at tinulungan akong makatayo. Nararamdaman ko ang

sakit ng aking katawan at lalamunan. Nahihilo rin ako habang pinapanood ko ang pag-
atras ni Elle. Alam kong hindi niya inaasahang malalason siya ng sarili niyang
lason.
"Did you think you win this time? No! Never! Because that man will bring all of you
down!

You will never be able to leave this place!" She said and pointed at Ethan.

Nang mag-umpisang kumilos si Sebastian ay nagmamadaling tumakbo si Elle patungo sa

dagat. Halatang umeepekto na sa kanya ang lason dahil sa kakatwang paggalaw ng
kanyang katawan. Itinapon niya ang kanyang sarili sa tubig hanggang sa tuluyan na
siyang lamunin nito.

Wala na kaming oras upang habulin siya. Sinuportahan ako ni Ethan hanggang sa
makalapit kami kay Sebastian. Sinikap namin na alalayan siya sa paghakbang kahit na
ipinipilit niyang kaya niya. Maingat kaming umakyat sa hagdan patungo sa mansion.
Hindi ko mapigilan ang patuloy at mas tumitinding kaba na nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko
alam kung ano ang maaaring mangyari sa pagharap namin sa taong halos sumira ng
buong buhay namin. Hindi ko alam kung ano pang maaari kong magawa.

Nang makarating kami sa bukana ng mansion ng mga Novou ay bumungad sa amin ang mga
bangkay sa sahig. Ang kamakailan lang na sobrang linis at puting tiles na sahig ng
mansyon ngayon ay puro bahid na ng dugo. Walang sinuman ang magnanais na manatili
pa sa lugar na ito.

Mula sa loob ng mansyon ay nakarinig kami ng paparating na mga yabag ng paa.

Halatang nagmamadali ito at kung anuman ang nangyayari sa loob ay tila nais nitong
takasan. Maya-maya pa ay nakita naming tumatakbo sina Tamara at Lucius Novou. Hindi
naman nagawang makalayo ni Tamara dahil malalakas na ratrat ng machine gun ang agad
na tumapos sa kanya. Nakita ko si Maximus Brown na naglalakad mula sa di-kalayuan.
Patuloy naman sa pagtakbo si Lucius patungo sa direksyon ng

bukana ng mansion kung saan kami naroroon. Tila walang balak si Maximus na patayin
sya gamit ang kanyang machine gun subalit mukhang hindi niya ito maaabutan dahil sa
bilis nito. Nang ilang hakbang na lang ang layo niya mula sa bukana ng mansyon ay
agad akong kumalas mula kay Sebastian at saka hinarangan ang kanyang pagtakas.

We collided but he simply halted for a second then took few steps back. I was no
match to his speed and strength so I was sent flying to the air to be caught by a
pair of arms. Giovanni helped me on my feet and walked towards the entrance of the
mansion where Ethan was still supporting Sebastian.

"You have nowhere to go," seryosong wika ni Giovanni. Ni hindi man lang niya
tinapunan ng tingin si Sebastian na nasa kanyang tabi at tila lubos na nakatuon ang
kanyang atensyon sa taong nasa harap niya.

Ganun rin naman ang ipinakita ni Sebastian na halos hindi niya alintana ang pinsala
sa kanyang katawan at sa halip ay tila handa siyang makipaglaban sa taong kaharap
niya. Sinikap kong humakbang palapit sa kanila upang tumulong na pigilan sa
pagtakas si Lucius subalit tila nais nilang manatili ako sa kanilang likuran.
Nagdesisyon akong manatili nang ilang hakbang mula sa kanila upang patuloy kong
makita ang nangyayari sa loob ng mansyon. Hindi ako kumportable na malayo sa
kanilang pagtutuos subalit magiging handa ako kung sakaling kailanganin nila ang
aking tulong.

Mula sa pinanggalingan ni Maximus Brown ay dumating si Sir Algernon Freniere.

Matikas pa rin ang tindig nito at halos walang gusot ang suot nitong

coat. Dinig na dinig ang bawat pagtama ng dulo ng kanyang tungkod sa duguang sahig
ng mansyon at hindi niya alintana ang nagkalat na bangkay sa kaniyang paligid. Tila
isa siyang panauhin sa mansyon na inililibot ang sarili sa kalooban nito. Hindi rin
kababakasan ng emosyon ang kanyang mukha.

Tumigil ito sa tabi ni Maximus bago nagsalita. "Ikaw ba ay nakakaramdam ng takot

mula sa iyong mga bangungot?"

Kuyom ang mga kamao na humarap sa kanya si Lucius at saka kami tinalikuran. Tila
alam niyang mas malaking banta sina Sir Algernon Freniere at Maximus Brown kaysa sa
aming grupo. "I don't dream. I am a nightmare myself," seryosong sagot ni Lucius.

"Kahit ang mga panaginip ay may katapusan," muling wika ni Sir Algernon.
"True. And that's what I do. I end dreams. Remember this: the Novous will never be
gone. We are the infinite darkness that refuses to let the Sun shine in your
lives."

Alam kong delikado ang siwasyon ngunit tila isang normal na konbersasyon lang sa
pagitan ng dalawang tao ang nagaganap. Isa iyong malumanay na pagpapalitan ng
argumento na hindi matatapos dahil walang sinuman sa kanila ang nais na magpatalo.

"Maaaring ang nakaraang ginawa mo ay hindi na mabubura sa kasaysayan ng mundo

subalit sisiguruhin ko na ang lahat ay matatapos sa pagkakataong ito at hinding-
hindi na madidiligan ng aming dugo ang hinaharap. Hindi mo na magagawang pumaslang
ng kung sinuman sa aking pamilya dahil sa araw na ito, ang iyong angkan ay
hinahatulan ko ng kamatayan." Mula sa pagiging malumanay ng kanyang tinig ay
nagtaas

ng boses si Sir Algernon upang ipahatid ang kanyang galit bagama't pilit pa rin
nitong pinipigilan ang sarili.

Nang-iinsultong humalakhak si Lucius na tila hindi man lang sya naaapektuhan sa

pagbabanta ng matandang Freniere. "Oh, stop with the formality and flowery words. I
know how much you hate me. I know you want to kill me. Just get down to business
and do it."

"Hindi ikaw ang magtatakda sa kung ano ang mararamdaman ko at kung ano ang nais
kong gawin," mariing sagot ng matandang Freniere.

"You don't understand the pleasure I get by knowing that I can control how you
feel. I know that just by hearing my name, I can already make you pull the
trigger."

"Ikaw ay isa lamang na mababang Novou!" Bakas ang galit sa tinig na iyon ni Sir
Algernon at alam kong kaunti na lamang ay sasabog na ito.
It didn't erase the dark smile on Lucius' face and instead, he looked straight at
Algernon Freniere's eyes as he said, "Do I have to remind you how I killed your
precious wife, Alexandria?"

Suddenly, the room was filled with growls and curses. Giovanni lunged towards
Lucius like a furious lion that escaped from his cage. Sebastian tried to attack
Lucius along with his brother but he only managed to take a few steps before
falling. When I saw that Lucius was too skilled and strong to be beaten by just
Giovanni, I ran to them and made a blow on the man's neck and ankle. It was the
best I could do at the moment. If only we had more time so that the poison on my
body totally fades.

I felt a fist smash against my stomach before I landed on the floor. The pain was
terrible and it didn't seem to end. But I managed to crawl towards Giovanni and
Lucius, and wrapped my arms tightly around the Novou's legs. It limited his moves
and he tried to get me off of him. Distracted, Giovanni grabbed his arms,
effectively making him unable to move.

Sir Algernon walked towards us with a pistol in his hand. Maximus followed behind
him with his enormous weapon. This time, there would be no escape for Lucius Novou.

"Even in death, I will still hunt the Frenieres."

That was the last thing we heard before Sir Algernon pulled the trigger and mansion
was filled with a loud gun shot. A dead body fell heavily on the floor as blood
trickled through the small hole on his forehead.

It was over. Lucius Novou was dead.

The Novou clan had fallen.

=================

Chapter 50: As Winter Meets its Death

Chapter 50: As Winter Meets its Death

Soundtrack: The Great Unknown - Sarah Geronimo feat. Hale

I couldn't take my eyes away from the dead body beside me. His lifeless eyes kept
staring at me, blankly whispering words that were already empty but would continue
to hunt me.

I was lying on the floor and even though I already let go of his legs, I could
still feel its warmth on my arms like it was just there-it was always there. The
nightmare that had been terrorizing me all these years was dead and cold. The root
of my past evil decisions was now destined to rot in hell. I suddenly felt empty.
My war had ended but wasn't it supposed to feel better than this? I felt like being
busy in a crowded room until the light turned off. It was confusing and strange.

"Henrietta? Are you okay?" Sebastian called from a distance. Ethan was helping him
on his feet again.

At some point, I felt relieved that the very thing I was frightened of was already
gone. Only then did I realize that the same fear had fueled me to keep going all
this time. I never thought that I had been so afraid for so long. This realization
caught me off-guard. I couldn't decide what to do next. I didn't know where to go
from here. I couldn't even lift myself up.

"Reaper!" Sebastian demanded. And this time, he made sure that I could hear it.
"I'm alright," I almost whispered.

Isang kamay ang naramdaman kong humawak sa aking balikat at braso. Lumingon ako kay

Giovanni na tinutulungan akong makatayo. Wala akong emosyong mabasa sa kanyang

mukha. Samantala, hawak pa rin ni Sir Algernon Freniere ang kanyang baril habang
nanginginig ang kanyang mga kamay. Alam kong ibinuhos niya ang lahat ng kanyang
galit sa mga nakalipas na taon sa isang bala ng baril na iyon. Ang putok nito ang
kanyang pinakamalakas na sigaw at kamatayan ng tatanggap nito ang kanyang tanging
hiling. Maaaring katulad ko ay nabigla rin siya sa pagkawala ng isa sa mga malaking
tinik na nagpapahirap sa kanya sa loob ng matagal na panahon.

Maya-maya pa ay nagsidatingan na ang mga Reapers sa mansyon. Agad nilang inihanda

ang helicopter na ginamit ni Sebastian sa pagtungo roon at sinigurong maayos pa rin
itong magagamit sa pag-alis sa lugar. Nang sumenyas si Desiderius na maayos na ang
lahat ay nagsimulang maglakad patungo roon sina Sir Algernon at Maximus Brown.

Isang pares ng braso ang biglang yumakap sa akin at nang mapagtanto ko kung sino
ito ay hindi ko na napigilan ang pagguhit ng ngiti sa aking mga labi. There was a
little bit of sadness in her eyes but she immediately covered it with her crazy,
big smile.

"I will never fly that chopper without my favourite reaper," nakangiting wika ni
Forest bagamat basang-basa sa mga bahid ng dugo ang suot niyang gothic dress. May
mga galos siya sa kanyang mukha at katawan ngunit mukhang wala siyang kritikal na
pinsala na natamo.

"Sebastian needs to be treated immediately," agad kong sagot nang makita kong
nahihirapan na sa kanyang sitwasyon si Sebastian. Hindi nakakatulong ang punyal sa

kanyang likod at ang matinding pagdurugo sa kanyang balikat.

Kinuha ng mga Reapers si Sebastian mula kay Ethan at saka inalalayan upang
makarating sa helicopter. Subalit hindi siya umalis hangga't hindi sinasabing,
"Come with me, Henrietta."

I met his eyes and I knew I had to. I didn't know where to go from here so coming
with him this time sounded like a good start. It still felt strange to me. For the
first time in so long, I didn't have a plan.

We went to the helicopter waiting at the front of the mansion. Forest and Wolf
positioned themselves on the front seats immediately. After few minutes, the
helicopter roared to life. Nagpaiwan sina Natalia, Nikolai at Desiderius upang
gamitin ang anumang transportasyong ginamit nila sa pagtungo nang tahimik sa
Eremitia. Agad akong inalalayan ni Maximus Brown sa pag-akyat sa helicopter. Nang
makapasok ay pumuwesto ako sa tabi ni Sebastian. Halatang pilit niyang nilalabanan
ang pagod at pagbigat ng talukap ng kanyang mga mata.

"Henrietta..." He called loudly.

"I'm here," I said a little bit louder so that he could hear me against the scream
of the helicopter.

It seemed like my voice made him a bit comfortable because he smiled a little. I
didn't protest when he reached for my hands and intertwined his fingers with mine.
Maximus sat next to Sir Algernon Freniere who was silently watching the scenery
outside the window. I didn't think anyone could guess what was going on his mind at
the moment. Or maybe, he was really just thinking of nothing. He was probably

just staring blankly at the darkness.

Giovanni shoved Ethan inside the helicopter and he landed beside me. Giovanni sat
next to Maximus Brown and closed the door of the helicopter. I watched as the other
Reapers and the Mafia Guards escaped towards different directions. They were
probably heading to a yacht or a car to take them home.
We fastened our seatbelts and wore our headsets. After few minutes, the helicopter
lifted from the ground. The feeling was dizzying and when I tried to have a glimpse
outside, I could only see darkness. I was still nervous but I could feel the sighs
of relief from the people inside the helicopter with me. Yes. Maybe we were already
safe.

"This is your pilot, Captain Forest the Captain, with my co-pilot Wolf the Captain.
We're not really Captains but we feel like it right now so let us have that title
since we're flying you to safety." Forest's cheerful voice came through the
headphone. Wolf remained silent while none of us answered her opening statement.

"You can now kiss Eremitia goodbye because we're leaving this hell of a place," she
almost sang as we flew farther from the Novou mansion's helipad.

Subalit hindi pa ito masyadong nakakalayo sa mansyon ng mga Novou ay biglang

namilipit sa sakit si Ethan sa aking tabi. Mariin niyang hawak ang kanyang
tagiliran at halos mabingi kami dahil sa kanyang sigaw na aming naririnig sa
headphone. Agad siyang hinawakan ni Giovanni habang mabilis ko namang tinanggal ang
headphone sa kanyang ulo.

"Ethan! What's happening?" Nag-aalalang

tanong ni Giovanni. Habang lumalayo ang helicopter ay tila mas lalong nagwawala sa
sakit si Ethan kung kaya naman ipinasya ni Forest na manatiling lumilipad sa ibabaw
ng mansyon ng mga Novou.

"I-I can't leave this place," wika ni Ethan sa pagitan ng malalakas na daing.
Mabilis ang kanyang ginagawang paghinga at malalaking butil ng pawis ang lumalabas
sa kanyang balat.

"No. We will leave this place with you," matigas na wika ni Giovanni na malakas na
naririnig ng lahat dahil sa suot niyang mic at headphone.
Mahigpit na hinawakan ni Ethan si Giovanni sa kuwelyo ng suot nitong damit at
malakas na sinabing, "I couldn't make it this time, Van. Forgive me." At saka muli
niyang hinawakan ang kanyang tagiliran.

Mabilis kong pinunit ang kanyang damit upang makita ang iniinda niyang sakit.
Nahigit ko ang aking paghinga nang makita ko ang kulay pulang ilaw na kumikislap sa
loob ng kanyang balat. May malalaki at sariwang mga tahi sa paligid nito at nang
hawakan ko iyon ay muli kong nabawi ang aking kamay dahil sa napaka-init na
temperatura sa parteng iyon ng kanyang katawan.

"A tracker bomb," mahinang wika ni Tres sa aking tabi. Pinanatili niyang gising ang
kanyang sarili habang halos nakatiklop na ang kanyang mga mata habang nakatingin sa
amin. Bigla kong naalala ang sinabi ni Elle bago siya tumakbo sa dagat. She said
that Ethan would bring us down and that he could never leave Eremitia.

"Elle," k ang mga kamao kong wika at napatingin sa akin si Giovanni. Sigurado akong
siya ang may kagagawan nito.

/>

"That f*cking witch!" Wika ni Forest. "That bomb has a tracker inside. If he leave
this place, he will explode. This chopper will explode and we will all die. The
bomb mechanism is also connected to the heartbeat of the person so if the heartbeat
stops, the bomb will also explode. If he dies of anything, he will still explode.
It's a lose-lose situation for that guy. We need to leave him behind."

I glared at her direction. I knew how heartless she could be but leaving Ethan
behind was unacceptable. "We will not leave him!" I snapped at her.

"If we don't leave him then we will all die! What's the sense of flying this
helicopter to safety if we're just going to explode?" Sagot ni Forest.
Bumaling ang atensyon naming lahat kay Sir Algernon Freniere upang ibigay sa kanya
ang desisyon subalit nananatili pa rin siyang nakatingin sa labas ng kanyang
bintana. Tila nag-iisa lang siya at hindi niya nararamdaman ang aming presensya sa
kanyang paligid. Walang sinuman sa amin ang nais na gumambala sa kanya.

"Giovanni," Tawag ni Maximus Brown. "Alam kong malalim ang pagkakaibigan niyong
dalawa at naniniwala ako na gagawin niyo ang tamang desisyon." At saka niya
isinandal ang kanyang ulo at ipinikit ang mga mata.

Naiwan ang desisyon kay Giovanni na tila ayaw pakawalan mula sa kanyang
pagkakakapit si Ethan. Siniguro ko rin na walang maaaring gumalaw sa kanya sa loob
ng helicopter kahit matindi ang pagnanais ni Forest na iwanan ito. Nagawa naming
manatili sa paglipad nang hindi lumalayo nang ilang metro mula sa mansyon kung
kaya't

bahagyang nabawasan ang sakit na nararamdaman ni Ethan.

Subalit unti-unti nang nagsisidatingan ang iba pang mga tauhan ng mga Novou sa
mansyon sa ibaba at kung magkakaroon sila ng ideya, malamang ay magawan nila ng
pinsala ang sasakyang panghimpapawid na kinaroroonan namin. Bahagyang itinaas ni
Forest ang lipad nito upang lumayo nang konti sa lugar. Muli namang dumaing sa
sakit si Ethan kasabay ng pagbilis ng kulay pulang ilaw sa kanyang tagiliran.

"Forest!" Parehong sigaw namin ni Giovanni sa direksyon ni Forest subalit agad na

sinamantala iyon ni Ethan upang tanggalin ang kanyang seatbelt, buksan ang pinto ng
helicopter at ihulog ang kanyang sarili. Mabilis kaming nakakilos ni Giovanni kung
kaya't agad niyang nahagip ang kaliwang braso nito habang hawak ko naman ang kanan.
Tinanggal ko rin ang seatbelt sa aking katawan upang mas lalo ko siyang maabot.
Gayundin ang ginawa ni Giovanni upang mas maluwag siyang makakilos.

"Keep it still, Forest!" Galit na wika ni Sebastian nang makita niyang ginagawa ko
ang lahat upang tulungan si Ethan. Hindi sumagot si Forest at tahimik na sinunod si
Sebastian.
"I'm a dead man. Just let me go," nahihirapang wika ni Ethan habang nakabitin sa
himpapawid.

"What the f*ck are you saying? I promised Makki that I will bring you back. Summer
and our friends are waiting for you. Stop saying nonsense!" Giovanni looked
frustrated. He knew that there would be no other choice but just like me, he
couldn't accept it as well.

"Hold on!" And I tried to lift him up.

But

he wouldn't exert any effort in helping himself. Mas tila pinabibigat pa niya ang
kanyang sarili. At maya-maya pa, isa sa mga tauhan ng mga Novou ang nagpaputok ng
baril mula sa ibaba at agad na tumama iyon sa hita ni Ethan. Muli siyang napasigaw
sa sakit kasabay ng pagbalong ng mga luha sa aking mga mata. He was in too much
pain already. He was always hurting. How could his fate be like this?

"Don't cry, Henrietta," wika ni Ethan at nagtama ang aming paningin. Isang
malungkot na ngiti ang gumuhit sa kanyang mga labi na mas lalong nagpalaglag ng
aking mga luha. "Your tears are too precious. Don't waste it for a man like me,"
dagdag niya.

"I wasn't crying." My voice broke I said the words. There was really no point in
denying it now. I could even feel my tears raining down my cheeks, sending few tiny
drops on Ethan's face. There was no more lying this time. I was crying because of
him. I was crying in front of the Reapers and the Frenieres. The ice cold Reaper
was melted by the tragedy she had been through.

The struggling smile on his lips widened. Pain was still evident on his face but
his smile seemed to be the only thing that mattered the most at the moment.
"You really are beautiful," he said. His words almost drowned from the noise of the
helicopter but I heard it like a clear message in a bold blank ink.

"You already told me that," I answered with a rueful smile.

"I wished I could say it to you again and again so you won't forget it." Sadness
kicked in my chest like the cruel truth confronting

all the lies. His words were too earnest striking me straight to my heart.

"You are beautiful and worth-loving. I hope you see it, too."

It brought more tears to my eyes and I couldn't say anything but to just nod at
him.

Isa pang putok ng baril ang nagmula mula sa mga tauhan ng mga Novou sa mansion at
muling tinamaan si Ethan sa kanyang likuran. Malakas kong naisigaw ang kanyang
pangalan sa pagitan ng pagluha. Sigaw at malulutong na mura naman ang pinakawalan
ni Giovanni.

"How dare you, motherf*ckers! Papatayin ko kayong lahat!" Galit na galit na sigaw
ni Giovanni sa mga tauhan ng Novou sa ibaba.

Bumaling naman sa kanya ang mas nahihirapan pang si Ethan. Umaagos ang dugo nito
mula sa mga tama ng baril sa kanyang katawan hanggang sa pagpatak ng mga ito sa
kanyang hubad na mga paa. Tila dinidiligan ng kanyang dugo ang mansyong namamatay
na.
"Stop it, Van. Tapos na ang lahat," naghahabol sa paghingang wika niya kasabay ng
pagbuga ng dugo sa kanyang bibig.

"No, Ethan. We'll lift you up."

Subalit muling umiling sa kanya si Ethan na tila tinatanggap na nito ang sariling
katapusan.

"I really can't make it, Van. There's no more time. Let go of me. Now."

"I can't, Ethan. You promised that we will talk over liquor. We still need to do
that."

Nanghihinang muling ngumiti si Ethan at saka umiling. "I'm afraid I couldn't do it

anymore. I'm sorry. There's no better death than dying as your friend. I'll always
treasure

the memories."

Tears began to fall from Giovanni's face. I considered that moment as a rare thing
since we'd almost never seen a Freniere cry. I knew that the tears of a Freniere
was too precious to shed and there was no doubt Ethan deserved his friend's tears.

"I'll keep it," Giovanni finally said. I knew he was breaking right now.
Ethan's face lightened up and with tears in his eyes, he answered, "I'll keep it."

And that was when we both let go of his hands. Forest decided to fly higher from
the mansion immediately and we couldn't do anything but to watch him smile as he
fell. He smiled as if he wasn't feeling any pain. He smiled as if he was filled
with happiness and peace. He smiled as if he was just flying like a bird that was
finally free. He smiled as if death was never his end.

Hinila ako ni Giovanni papasok sa helicopter at saka mabilis na isinara ang pinto.
Kasabay niyon ay ang malakas na pagsabog ng mansion na halos yumanig sa sinasakyan
namin. Hindi ko na binalak na lumingon pa sa malaking apoy sa ibaba. Mas nanaisin
kong ang payapa niyang mukha ang huli kong maalala tungkol sa huling bahagi ng
kanyang buhay.

Nanatiling tahimik ang lahat sa loob ng sasakyang pang-himpapawid. Hindi ko na rin

binitiwan pa ang kamay ni Sebastian na mahigpit na nakakapit sa akin. Bagamat
nanalo sa laban ay puno pa rin ng lungkot ang aking dibdib. Hindi maitatanggi na sa
likod ng tagumpay ay nagkaroon kami ng mga kawalan at pagkatalo. Bakas iyon sa
pananahimik ni Sir Algernon Freniere, sa namumulang

mga mata at nanginginig na mga labi ni Giovanni, sa lungkot sa mga mata ni Forest,
sa sugatang si Sebastian at sa malaking hiwa sa aking likod. Ang digmaang ito ay
nagkaroon ng marahas na panimula at madugong katapusan. Isa itong digmaan na hindi
ko na nais na maranasang muli.

Halos hindi ko na namalayan ang pagdating namin sa Freniere Mansion. Matapos

masigurong magagamot si Sebastian ng mga doktor na inimbitahan sa mansyon ay agad
na nagkulong sa kanyang silid si Sir Algernon Freniere. Wala pa ring nakakaalam
kung ano ang nasa isip nito.

"Are you going to be alright here?" Tanong ni Giovanni habang nasa loob kami ng
silid ni Sebastian. Nanatili siyang walang malay matapos gamutin ang mga sugat niya
sa balikat at likod. Nilagyan naman ng gamot at benda ang sugat ko sa aking
likuran. Bukod sa pagpapatahi nito ay hindi ko na ito balak ipaayos pa. Mananatili
ang pilat na nagmumula sa sugat na iyon sa aking likuran bilang alaala ng
nangyaring digmaan. Simbolo na rin iyon ng pagtiwalag ko sa Freniere Mafia.
"I will not take long," sagot ko kay Giovanni.

"I'll leave you here then," wika niya subalit bago siya umalis ay mahigpit niya
akong niyakap.

"Thank you, Henrietta. Thank you for being his friend when I wasn't there for him,"
malungkot niyang wika.

Hindi ako sumagot at sa halip ay tinugon ko ang kanyang yakap. Nawalan siya ng
matalik na kaibigan. It wasn't easy for the Frenieres to gain real friends because
of their reputation. And now Giovanni Freniere had just lost one. Tinapik niya ang

aking balikat at saka nilisan ang silid.

Nang mapag-isa ako sa silid ay inilibot ko ang
naroroon. I had never been in this room. Well,
friends, I used to visit Sebastian in his room
Alexandria died, he left his old room and used
too big and empty. It was too lonely here. Ian
would.
aking paningin sa mga bagay na
when we were still young and
but it was a different one. After
this one instead. But this room was
would never pick this room. But Tres

I stopped beside his bed and watched him sleep. He was lying on his stomach with
his bare back facing me. I couldn't help but admire those muscles despite of the
bandage. How I longed to hug his back.

I decided to sit on his bed and comb my fingers through his long brown hair. It was
as soft as a feather against my skin. I touched his thick brows, his closed eyes
and long lashes-how they could give me a heart attack. I traced his perfect nose to
his soft lips-knowing that it offers a wild, sensual kiss and I would probably die
just to taste it again. But as I sat here watching him sleep, I realized that there
must be better than that. There must be something more than this.

And so I leaned closer to him and planted a soft kiss on his temple. I didn't want
to wake him up. Nang matapos ko siyang titigan sa huling pagkakataon ay buong lakas
ng loob ko siyang tinalikuran at lumabas ng pinto.

Halos wala akong nakitang tao sa mansyon maliban kay Maximus Brown na tahimik na
nakaupo sa isang couch at umiinom ng kape. Nang magtama ang aming paningin ay agad
niya akong

nginitian. Isang ngiting bihira niyang ibagay sa ibang tao.

"Walang maling desisyon. Nagiging mali lang ito kapag hindi ito nagawang
panindigan. At naniniwala ako na sa pagkakataong ito, magiging mas matapang ka sa
paggawa ng sarili mong mga desisyon."

Hindi ko alam kung paano niya nalaman na kailangang kong marinig ang mga bagay na
iyon ngayon. Marahil ay nabasa niya ang mga kilos ko o nakatagpo na rin siya ng
isang kagaya ko. Ngumiti ako sa kanya at nagpasalamat. Mananatili ang respeto ko sa
Freniere Mafia bagamat hindi na ako magiging parte nito.

Nang makalabas na ako ng mansyon ay nakita ko si Forest na nakaupo sa hood ng aking

Mercedes. Sa halip na pagalitan siya ay lumapit ako sa kanya upang yumakap.

"Uhm? I think I preferred when you were scolding me for sitting on the hood of your
beloved car," wika niya bagamat sinuklian niya rin ng mahigpit na yakap ang
pagyakap ko.

"You'll always be my favorite Reaper, Forest," wika ko at saka nagtungo upang

buksan ang pinto ng driver's seat. Subalit bago pa ako tuluyang makasakay ay isang
humahangos na tao ang sumisigaw ng aking pangalan mula sa bukana ng mansyon. Nakita
ko ang may benda sa katawan at walang pang-itaas na si Sebastian. Sinusuportahan
siya sa paglakad ni Maximus Brown tungo sa akin.

"Stay with me," wika niya nang makalapit. Agad namang lumayo sina Maximus at Forest
upang pagbigyan ang aming pribadong pag-uusap. Muli kong isinara ang pinto ng
sasakyan upang lapitan at harapin siya.

"I want to. But I can't," malungkot kong

sagot sa kanya.

"You can. Just stay with me and I'll fix everything."

I almost said 'Yes.' I closed my eyes for a few seconds and imagined how it would
feel to be with him. But I already made up my mind. And so when I opened my eyes, I
could say with conviction, "I'm sorry, I can't."

He took a step towards me and reached for my hands. I let him hold mine and felt
his palm against my skin. May mga galos at pasa siya sa kanyang kamao na dulot ng
pakikipaglaban niya kay Declan. Subalit hindi ko iyon nakita bilang kapintasan.
Tila mas nadagdagan pa ang nararamdaman kong paghanga sa kanya.

"Please." He sounded so desperate.

"I have to go, Sebastian."

"But I'm in love with you." He suddenly confessed which caught me off-guard once
again. It sounded so good that I couldn't believe I just heard it. It sounded so
magical and enticing. It sounded so impossible.

"Sebastian..."

"Listen to me, Hetta. What I said is true. D*mn it! I couldn't even believe that I
just said it. But I did. I just f*cking did. I love you. I have loved you for a
long time and I couldn't tell you. I couldn't tell you because I was just too
f*cked up! So I contented myself with the knowledge that at least you are still
here with me even if we are not together. Because I was too much of a coward. I was
so scared that if I told you how I feel-if people knew how much I love you-the
Novous will take you away from me, just like what they did to my mother. I couldn't
take the risk."

Hindi

ko malaman ang isasagot ko. Tila nabuhol ang aking dila at ang tanging magagawa ko
lang sa sandaling iyon ay ang matulala habang nakatitig sa kanya.

"But I will make sure that nothing can harm you now. Just stay with me and not even
death can touch you."

I could feel the sincerity in his voice. I knew that the security he was offering
was real. And I badly wanted to take it. I wished it was all that easy and I could
stay with him. I had waited my whole life to be loved by him. But so many things
had happened. We had changed.

I had changed.

"Sebastian, I have made up my mind," lakas-loob kong sabi. Bakas sa mukha niya na
naapektuhan siya sa kanyang narinig.
"I don't understand. You said you love me. And now, I'm telling you that I feel the
same way. Why is it suddenly too complicated for us?" Naguguluhan niyang tanong.

Ayoko sana siyang saktan at gusto kong lumayo nang tahimik. But suddenly, it all
became so hard for me. All this time, I thought it was just a forlorn, unrequited
love. I was contented with loving him without expecting anything in return. And
now, he was telling me he loves me. Now, he was asking me to stay. Why was it
always too complicated for us?

"I love you, Sebastian. You know how much I love you. And I don't think that will
ever change. But I have loved you for a very long time-with all my heart, with
everything I have-that I have forgotten how to love myself." Tears started to well
in my eyes and I tried to fight it back. I shouldn't crack

now. I was able to say it and I shouldn't stop now.

"My world had revolved around you... until you became my world. You became the fire
that warmed me in the coldness. You became the only thing I needed. In everything I
did, I always thought of you. And I forgot to live." A tear escaped from my eyes
and I immediately brushed it off with the back of my hand. I smiled at him and held
his hands tighter. I was hoping he would understand.

"Have I been killing you all this time?" He asked. Sadness was evident in his
voice. Regret was written in his eyes. Umiling ako kasabay ng pagpatak ng mga
luhang hindi ko na napigilan. Wala nang dahilan upang pigilin ko pa ito. Wala nang
dahilan upang itago ko pa ang aking nararamdaman.

"You're the reason why I'm finally alive now."

He brushed his fingers to his hair exasperatedly. It was an act of frustration and
desperation. "Then why leave me after all this time? You know I'll do everything to
make you stay."

"There is nothing you can do to make me stay." Tila natigagal siya sa kanyang
narinig at hindi malaman ang isasagot. Isang luha ang nakita kong umalpas sa
kanyang mga mata at pilit niya iyong itinago sa pamamagitan ng pagtingala sa
langit.

"I'm broken, Sebastian. And I've finally realized that I am the only one who can
fix myself," malungkot kong wika.

Nang hindi siya sumagot ay niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit at isinandal ang aking ulo
sa kanyang dibdib. Matagal ko nang nais na gawin ito at hinihiling ko na hindi iyon
ang magiging huli. Tahimik kong pinakinggan ang pagtibok ng puso niya at ipinikit
ang aking mga mata. Tila isang musika ang aking naririnig at kay payapa ng paligid.
Alam kong sa pagkakataong ito, tama ang aking desisyon.

Napamulat ako ng aking mga mata nang gantihan niya ang aking yakap ng mas mahigpit
pa. Naramdaman ko rin ang paghalik niya sa aking noo at pagsamyo ng aking buhok.

"You'll come back to me, right?" He whispered softly. I knew this time that he
understood.

"I promise that when we meet again, I will still be in love with you. And maybe
then, we had become better people and we can have a better love."

I gave him a smile when he let go of me. I closed my eyes when he cupped my face
and kissed me. It was a soft and gentle kiss. Almost like a whisper of a promise.
And I knew it would never be the last.
When the kiss ended, I ran to my car and started it. I didn't look back as I drove
away from the Freniere Mansion. This time, I would live my own life. This time, I
would fly higher and run faster.

This time, I would let my heart breathe.

=================

Epilogue

Epilogue:

Soundtracks:

"I'll Keep You Safe" - Sleeping at Last

Kawatare Doki - RADWIMPS (from Kimi No Nawa OST)

My own enemy was my own self. And that was why I was too scared to fight. I was too
petrified by the seeing the changes in myself and the people around me. I didn't
know if I could see things differently-until fate forced me to turn my back and
walk away.

It had been five long years since I gave up everything. And even though all of us
had still been grieving about Wycliffe's death, my parents allowed me to go and
promised that the doors of Arturia would always be open for me. I promised to come
back even though it would take a long time.

And so I packed my things and flew away, bringing some cash that would help me get
through for a month. I found myself in a suburban community near the sea where the
locals' main source of living was fishing. I used my money to enroll myself at a
nearby University and rented an apartment in a building facing the ocean. The
normalcy of things kept my life at peace and my heart in place. Here, I watched the
sunset by the sea while living my new life without forgetting the past. I started
healing, discovering new things and dreaming for my future. In this place, I began
hoping.

It was a sunny Saturday morning and the sunlight and the cars outside were trying
to get through my window and wake me up. However, my body continued to refuse its
calling and instead, I hugged the pillow tighter and hid under the comforter. Last
week

was examination week so I spent the past few nights with little sleep and a lot of
revisions and reviews. I had to continue getting good grades to maintain my
scholarship. So far, I could say that I was doing quite well in my Business
Administration course. When I finished this, I could go back to Arturia Mansion and
would be ready to live with my family again.

I was almost getting used to the noise and brightness of the new day and was about
to fall asleep when I heard the loud and annoying sound of my alarm clock. Pikit
ang mga matang umupo ako sa aking hinihigaan at inabot ang katabing table upang
patigilin sa pagtunog ang orasan. Even though I was maintaining my scholarship by
studying hard during the weekdays, I still had to support my other needs by taking
a job during the weekends.

Inayos ko ang aking kama at saka humihikab na nagtungo sa glass window upang hawiin
ang kurtina. Mula sa ikalabing-dalawang palapag ng aking apartment ay tumambad sa
akin ang kalmadong dagat at mga bangka at yate na naglalayag sa ilalim ng asul na
kalangitan. Mangilan-ngilan ang mga sasasakyan sa kalsada na nagpapahiwatag na isa
itong magandang araw upang mamasyal o magpahinga.

But I didn't have the same luxury. I wasn't one those people who was enjoying the
weekend. For me, today was a work day. Mabilis kong inayos ang aking sarili at
naghanda sa pag-alis. Agad kong inihanda ang aking bisekleta at gamit ito, nagtungo
ako sa coffeeshop na aking pinagta-trabahuhan..

"How was your exam, Hetta?" Bungad na tanong ni Stephen na isa sa mga katrabaho

ko sa coffeeshop.
"I don't know. I didn't even study for it," nakangiti kong sagot.

"Yeah, yeah. You've been saying that every exams week. And yet, you still manage to
get excellent grades." Katulad ko ay nag-aaral rin siya sa Unibersidad na aking
pinapasukan. Madalas ko siyang nakakasama sa mga shift ko sa coffeeshop kung kaya
naman naging kumportable na rin ako sa kanya.

"Oh! And there was a customer looking for you an hour ago. Are you expecting
someone?"

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi magtaka at kabahan. I sent letters with no return address
to my parents and gave them untraced phone calls, sometimes. I was too careful in
hiding my location-a skill I found useful from the remnants of my old life. Kung
kaya naman wala akong inaasahang bisita.

"Nasaan siya?" Seryoso kong tanong.

"At the lone table at the back. She seems to enjoy watching people at the glass
wall. At ang bilin niya na kapag dumating ka ay bigyan mo ulit siya ng kape."

Napakunot ang aking noo sa kanyang sinabi. Matapos ang mabilis na pag-iisip ay
gumawa ako ng kape at nagtungo sa likurang bahagi ng coffee shop. Mas tumindi ang
kaba ko nang makita ko ang babaeng nasa mesa at nakatalikod sa akin. Hindi ko rin
napigilan ang sayang naramdaman ko nang makita ko ang kulay pula niyang buhok.
Lumapit ako sa kanya at inilapag ang kape sa kaniyang harap. Agad siyang napangiti
nang makita ako at mahigpit akong niyakap.
"What are you doing here?" Seryoso kong tanong. Ikinubli ko ang sayang nararamdaman

ko sa pagbisita niya. Natatakot ako na isang masamang balita ang kanyang dala.

"I missed my favorite Reaper," nakangiti niyang sagot.

Agad ko siyang sinenyasan na tumahimik at saka lumingon sa paligid. Nang masiguro

kong walang nakarinig sa mangilan-ngilang costumers sa lugar ay agad akong umupo sa
upuan sa kanyang harap.

"You shouldn't call me that anymore. Especially not here," wika ko.

"Fine. I'm sorry. But it's true. The mansion had never been the same ever since you
left."

"You knew I had to go, Forest. I missed you, too. But I'm already okay here,"
malungkot kong sagot. Paminsan-minsan ay naiisip ko ang kung anumang nagaganap sa
mansyon subalit di-hamak na mas maayos na ang sitwasyon ko sa ngayon. I couldn't
live a life if I was surrounded by death.

"I know you're doing fine here. This looks like a pretty nice place," wika niya at
saka muling tumingin sa labas. Nakita ko ang pangungulila at saya sa kanyang mga
mata. Hindi ko siya masisisi kung lihim rin niyang hilingin ang isang normal na
buhay.

"Do you have old churches here?" Dagdag niyang tanong na ikinailing ko. Forest
would forever be Forest. She was a mystery unsolved.
Gusto ko sanang magtanong sa kanya tungkol sa isang bagay na iniwan ko sa dati kong
buhay subalit alam kong kailangan kong kontrolin ang aking sarili. Hindi ko pwedeng
sirain na lang ang lahat dahil sa kagustuhan kong malaman ang nangyari sa mundong
aking iniwan.

"How did you find me?" Sa halip ay tanong

ko.

Ngumisi siya sa akin at sinabing, "You're not the only Reap- I mean, you're not the
only talented person in this world."

I looked at her and sighed. Unti-unti nang nagsisidatingan ang mga customer sa
coffee shop at nagiging madalas na rin ang pagsilip sa direksiyon namin ni Stephen.

"I hope you keep my location a secret. And I'm happy to see you again. I'm really
happy. But I have to work now. Please leave peacefully, Forest," sabi ko sa kanya
at akmang tatayo subalit agad niya akong pinigilan.

"Wait! I have to give you this invitation," wika niya.

"What? You're getting married?"

She rolled her eyes at me and put a black envelope on the table. I stared at it
intently like it was a dangerous thing that would hurt me.
"Don't be silly, Henrietta. Don't tell me you're now afraid of papercuts? Just open
it," she said impatiently.

I gave her a dangerous look before taking the envelope. When I opened it, I
discovered that it was an invitation for an art exhibit. The location was actually
within the vicinity and was just few minutes away from here if I would use my
bicycle. But then, this invitation didn't make sense.

"What does it have to do with me?" I asked confused.

"Just do me a favor and go there. It's between life and death and it's my life
that's at stake. The only way you can save me is to go there."

"Forest, I don't really have time for your jokes."

"Who's joking? I'm

serious, Henrietta. I'm always serious with everything I say. Don't tell me that
all this time, you were not taking me seriously? I feel deeply hurt now."

I looked at her and she did seem to be a little bit hurt. So she was serious about
all the brutality and morbidity she was saying before. She probably tended to
exaggerate things but Forest would never lie.

Nakita ko si Stephen na papalapit sa amin kung kaya't nanatili akong tahimik

hanggang sa tumigil siya sa aming harapan.
"So she's actually your friend," wika nito.

Forest smiled widely at him. Her smile was so wide that it looked creepy and I
sensed that it made Stephen uncomfortable.

"Henrietta's going to take a day off today," walang pag-aalinlangang wika ni

Forest. She wasn't asking. She was merely stating it.

"Forest, I told you I have to work," protesta ko subalit hindi niya ako pinansin at
itinuon ang kanyang atensyon kay Stephen.

"I can be her substitute here in the coffee shop. I can be your boss for today,"
wika niya.

Pinigilan kong matawa sa kanyang sinabi. Mukhang masyado pa ring mataas ang tingin
niya sa akin kahit alam niyang nabubuhay na ako sa isang normal na mundo.

"I'm not the boss here. I'm a barista," pagtatama ko sa kanya na mukhang labis
niyang ikinagulat. Subalit hindi niya ito masyadong inalala pa.

"It doesn't matter. I will still take your place here for today," wika niya.

"Is it really important?" Tanong ni Stephen sa akin.

/>
"It is!" Agad na sagot ni Forest. "It's a life and death situation! It would be on
your conscience if something happens. I'd already written my last will and
testament which states that if anything unfortunate happened to me, it would be
your fault."

Pinandilatan ko si Forest habang tila napamaang sa kanya si Stephen. Now, he would

think that I was weird for having a friend-with-issues like Forest.

"Well, I think it's just okay, Hetta. I can handle today's shift alone. Hindi naman
ganoon kadami ang mga customers sa araw na ito," sa wakas ay wika ni Stephen nang
makahuma ito mula sa pagkabigla.

"I'll help you. Don't worry. Go now, Henrietta!" Wika ni Forest.

"You don't have to."

"I still will. I told you, I will."

Atubili akong humakbang palayo sa kanila dala-dala ang imbitasyon. It was actually
rare for me to have a day-off. Minabuti kong samantalahin ang alok ni Forest upang
hindi mag-trabaho sa araw na ito. Alam kong magiging maingat siya at kung
pinapahalagahan niya ang pinagsamahan namin, hindi siya gagawa ng bagay na
ikasisira ng bagong buhay at mundong binuo ko.

Agad akong sumakay ng aking bisekleta at nagtungo sa lugar na tinutukoy ng

imbitasyon. Mayroong kaba akong nararamdaman subalit kung anuman ang nangyayari sa
lugar na ito na may kinalaman si Forest, alam kong kailangan ko iyong malaman.
Tumigil ako sa tapat ng isang eleganteng gusali at nakita kong tila pormal na
pormal ang mga taong pumapasok roon. Napatingin ako sa suot kong tattered jeans at
shirt

na may logo ng coffee shop at saka napabuntong-hininga. I guessed it would be an

awkward day for me. Naglakad ako tungo sa entrance ng building at ipinakita sa
guard ang aking dalang invitation. Matagal niya akong tiningnan kung saan walang
pag-aalinlangan kong sinalubong ang kanyang mga mata bago ako hinayaang makapasok
sa loob.

There were people in tuxedos and gowns-leather shoes and stilettos. Some of them
glanced at me with surprised and confused look in their eyes. They probably didn't
expect that I hadn't gotten the memo of the dress code. I started to feel
uncomfortable with their every stare. I started to feel different. I felt like I
didn't belong in this crowd.

I was about to turn back and walk out of the building when I caught a glimpse of
the set of paintings on the walls. People were milling about, admiring it and they
looked really impressed.

I took a step towards the first painting that was near to me. I tried not to think
of the people looking at my direction and focused on it instead. It was a tree
house sitting on a massive tree. It was located on a place that looked like a
forest because of the large trees surrounding it. It looked so alone and lonely and
yet it was dreamy and wild. It made me think of comfort and home.

I moved to the next one and found a necklace on fire. The necklace had a pendant
that looked like a key. It looked invincible and unbreakable by the flame. Instead
of being consumed, it threw fiery embers to the dark background of the painting.
Hindi ko maiwasang hindi malungkot habang

nakatitig sa naka-frame na painting na iyon. Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib at nang

hindi ko maramdaman ang kwintas na dating naroroon ay naipikit ko ang aking mga
mata. Naalala kong ibinigay ko iyon sa isang kaibigan upang makabalik siya sa tree
house. Hindi ko na iyon muling nakuha pa. At hinding-hindi ko na iyon mahahawakan
pa. Muli akong naglakad at iniwan ang napakalungkot na bagay na iyon.
Naramdaman ko ang kaba sa aking dibdib nang lumapit ako tungo sa sunod na painting.
Ilang mga tao ang naroroon at tila hindi nila maiwasang hindi tumigil at pagmasdan
ang obra. Nang makita nila akong palapit ay nag-umpisa silang humawi upang ako ay
makaraan. Hindi ko na pinansin ang tila kakaiba nilang pagkilos at sa halip ay
nagpatuloy ako sa paglapit hanggang sa matigil ako sa harap ng isang napaka-laking
painting. Higit itong mas malaki kumpara sa mga nauna at sa iba pang paintings na
mga naroroon.

My heart started to race when I saw the half-naked woman whose back was turned to
us. Her black silky dress fell on her waist as she lay seated on the green grass.
Her hair was as dark as the midnight and it was pulled to her side to give us a
better view of the familiar tattoo on her back. I gasped when I realized that it
was a Freniere Mafia Crest tattoo. However, there was a long scar across it that
made me hold my breath for a moment. She was surrounded by black roses and other
beautiful flowers existing in the garden. The bright moon watched over her as the
stars envied her beauty. It was night time at the painting and yet, it seemed so
bright and enchanting. It casted

a spell on us and kept us looking at it for a very long time.

Until I looked up and realized that the painting's face was turned to us. I met the
woman's eyes staring back at me. I felt cold and my knees started to weaken. My
breathing was rapid, and my fingers were trembling. I knew those eyes. They were
familiar because they were my own. I was staring at myself. Lumingon ako sa mga
taong nasa harap ng painting at nakita silang nakatuon ang atensyon sa akin. Tila
nagtataka sila kung bakit kamukhang-kamukha ko ang nasa painting. Nakaramdam ako ng
takot nang maramdaman kong nakapalibot sila sa akin. Natakot ako na ang mundong
pinaghirapan kong buuin ay mawasak sa isang saglit.

Unti-unting tila nagdilim ang aking paningin at saka napaatras. Akala ko'y lubusan
na silang makakalapit sa akin subalit isang pares ng mga kamay ang humawak sa aking
siko at itinalikod ako sa mga taong naroroon. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang
magtago sa kanyang matipunong dibdib habang naririnig ang mga bulungan, pag-uusap
at mga yabag ng mga sapatos sa sahig.

Maya-maya pa ay tila tumahimik ang lahat at nang i-angat ko ang aking mukha at
lumingon sa paligid ay wala nang kahit sinumang naroroon sa lobby ng building.
Nahuli ko ang pagsara ng isang malaking pintuan at nahagip ang mukha ni Wolf bago
tuluyan mapinid ang pinto. Nabalot ang paligid ng matinding katahimikan at tanging
kaming dalawa na lamang ng taong nasa aking harap ang naroroon.
"It's been a long time, My Reaper."

Napa-angat ako ng tingin at halos magwala ang puso ko sa aking

dibdib nang makita ko ang mukha ni Sebastian. Tila nakuryente ang aking katawan ng
ilang boltahe sa pagkakataong iyon at halos hindi ko mapigilan ang panginginig
nito. Hindi ko rin magawang magsalita at ang tanging sagot na aking naibigay ay ang
pangingilid ng luha sa aking mga mata. It was hard to believe that this was true.
It felt more like a dream to me.

"How are you doing?" He asked again and I still didn't answer. I just looked into
his eyes as I realized how I missed staring at its darkness. I missed getting
drowned in those orbs. I missed melting in his stare. His thick eyebrows showed
authority. His nose was as still as perfect and arrogant as I last saw him. He had
grown stubbles on his face and it made him even more dangerous and disgustingly
handsome. He was still sexy and powerful in his tuxedo and I felt the need to let
my skin touch those fabrics. In this place of beachgoers and white sand, I could
finally say 'damn smoking hot'. That was what Stephen usually said when he saw
someone that pleased his eyes.

"I-Is there an earthquake or is it you rocking my world?" I finally uttered, and

then I almost punched myself dead as I realized what I said. I should take note not
to hang around Stephen very often. I might get some bad habits from him, like
cheesy pick-up lines.

But Sebastian simply let out a laugh and I couldn't help but listen to the clear
ringing of his baritone voice. My eyes went to his lips and I remembered how it
tasted on mine. How it felt as he skillfully kiss me. How with its simple brush
against mine, I would

go crazy. Oh, how I missed this man so much.

"What can you say about my paintings?" Muli niyang tanong.

Inilibot ko ang aking paningin sa mga obra sa paligid. Mukhang mas marami ito kaysa
sa aking inaasahan. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapanganga nang makita na ang ilan sa
mga iyon ay mukha ko. Napangiwi ako nang makitang ang ilan ay mga nude paintings na
hindi eksaktong ako subalit malaki ang pagkakahawig sa akin. Kung gayon ay sa kanya
nanggaling ang imbitasyon. Ang art exhibit na ito ay dahil sa kanya.

"You started painting again," mahina kong sabi.

"Yeah. I've been painting your face ever since you left so it would still feel like
you were just here with me," sagot niya.

I looked up to him and met his eyes again. It was a magnet pulling me to him and I
simply couldn't resist. Being with him right now felt inevitable.

"Sebastian-," I started but he cut me off.

"I know you want to forget the past. I understand why you had to go. I am also very
much aware of the possibility that you may not be coming back anymore. And I know I
had to move on and get going with my life. After all, you had the courage to find a
new beginning after everything that happened. But Hetta, you're already deeply
engraved in my heart. There's nothing I can do that would ever make me forget you."

Listening to him was like listening to my favorite song. I couldn't get enough of
it. His words continued to play on my mind, making me want to sing with it. The
only person I ever loved just

told me that he had no power to forget me. He was telling me that I stayed in his
mind after all these years. He was telling me that I was always in his heart. And
what could get better than hearing those words from the man I love?
"And please know that I didn't do this exhibit to pressure you. I stand by what I
said; I will wait for you, no matter how long. I just couldn't live another year
without seeing your face. So I'm here. Just let me do this one time and I will go
back to the mansion and continue waiting for you."

My ability to speak had left me. I wanted him to continue speaking and I wanted to
him to stop. I was falling for everything he said. I believed everything I heard.
My heart was giving me an illusion that I had silently wished for all this time. I
was scared that if he kept going, I would lose courage and give in.

Ilang minutong hindi ako nakapagsalita habang nakatingin lang siya sa akin. Patuloy
sa pagwawala ang aking puso sa aking dibdib habang nalulunod ako sa kanyang mga
mata. At alam kong sa sandaling iyon, isang pitik na lang ay hindi na ako makaka-
ahon pa. But amidst all this, I was struck with a sudden realization. He seemed
changed. Instead of demanding for an answer, he simply waited me out, watching me
patiently. Tila pisikal na haplos kong nararamdaman ang buong pansin niyang
panonood sa pisikal kong anyo. Oh, how could I ever resist Sebastian Freniere?

"Do you want me to leave now? Am I making you uncomfortable?" Maya-maya ay tanong
niya nang hindi pa rin ako nagsasalita. Subalit

tila nawala ang aking dila at tuluyan na akong naging pipi. Gusto kong matitigan
ang kanyang mukha nang mas matagal pa subalit kung gusto kong hindi magpaanod at
bumalik sa dating mundo, kailangan kong maging matatag at hayaan siya. Tumangu-
tango siya na tila naiintindihan na niya ang ibig kong sabihin. Inilibot niya ang
kanyang tingin sa mga painting at saka bumalik sa akin.

"Well, okay then. But before I leave... forgive me, but I have to do this."

And then he put his hand at the back of my neck and pulled me towards him. I felt
his arm around my waist before his lips crushed on to mine. It was a gentle and
steady kiss, and I couldn't help but want more of his soft lips so I started
kissing him back. And just like a ticking bomb, our kiss turned into an explosion
of emotions. These were the emotions we kept and hid for a very long time. These
were the feelings we tried to suppress all these years. And it suddenly didn't make
any sense that we ever tried to stop these feelings. The kiss turned wild and
hungry. I could feel the different sensations it brought in me and it was driving
me crazy. It was making me forget everything around me.
I was gasping for breath when our lips parted. He stared into my eyes and I
realized I had tears down my face. This time, I knew I couldn't let him go. It had
been five years and not once in that span of time did my feelings for him ever go
away. I stood by my decision, then. I needed to leave, I needed to heal myself and
it gave me so much happiness that my soul decided that my love for Sebastian
Freniere

wasn't a pestering wound, but the only thing that would hold me whole. We needed
each other and that was the simple truth. I felt that I was ready now. I felt that
I was stronger now.

"Stay with me," I said at last.

Tila nabigla siya sa aking sinabi subalit agad rin siyang nakabawi. Ngumiti siya at
pinahid ang luha sa aking mga pisngi. I closed my eyes feeling his every touch.

"I would never resist that offer," sagot niya.

And that clinched it. I knew it was the right decision. The strength of our
feelings had been tested under the mafia, but because it was such a dark place, it
didn't have a chance to grow. It's different now, just like he and I were different
now. I used this time to study him again and I realized na marami na ring nagbago
sa kaniya. He looked brighter and happier. Tila nawala na ang dilim na bumalong sa
kaniya sa loob ng mahabang panahon. This was the Sebastian that was hidden under
all the anger and sadness of his past and I felt happy that he was finally free
now.

"I still need to stay here and finish my degree for one more year. I can't just
leave it. So, if you really want to wait for me... then wait for me here... with
me. Let me show you this really nice world that I discovered. No Freniere. No
Arturia. No Mafia. No Reapers. No death. You also deserve to have peace. We deserve
to have peace with ourselves. So stay with me and I'll forever be yours."
He smiled and kissed me again. "I would f*cking leave anything just to be with
you," he said and I rolled my eyes.

And I thought I'd get through this day without hearing curses from him. Sebastian
would never be Sebastian without those profanities. But somehow, I hope that this
world we were going to live in would change something in him. I hope that it would
make him a better person just like it did to me.

But then, I couldn't help but think about his family. "Wait, what about the Mafia?"

"Hetta, you just said... no Mafia-" he started, I tried to cut him off but he
continued speaking. "-And my father and my brother are going to be fine without me
there. I had basically been useless since you left. I just spent so much time
painting you."

I took the time to study him again, hindi pa rin ako sanay na nakikita siyang tila
nagliliwanag. Dahil sa kasiyahan? Kumuha sya ng ilang hibla ng aking buhok at
pinaikot ito sa kaniyang mga daliri.

"I should update my paintings," Sebastian remarked. Huh? I blinked.

"For what?"

"Because you changed your hair already. It used to be all black but now it has
these really light brown highlights. You look lovely."

Oh, right. It was just a whim that I colored my hair but I liked it and he seemed
to like it, too. I smirked at him.
"I should warn you, living here is not as glamorous as in your mansion," I said
simply.

He shook his head. "No matter where we are, as long as I'm with you, it's a
paradise."

And cue the kiss.

I thought that the bravest thing I ever did in my life was learning to let go. But
I realized, this was braver. Whatever was coming in our way after this day, we
would face it together. We would be stronger together. We would be better together.
Our love was full of tragedy and death. We didn't have a magical love story. But it
was never too late for us. There was never an end for us.

For now, I had to satisfy myself by kissing this painter and taste the most sensual
lips in the world. And again, as our lips met, I was struck with the same
realization I had the first time we kissed-he was fire and I was ice and the world
faded before our eyes.

+THE END+