𝙿𝙾𝙻𝚈𝙰𝙼𝙾𝚁𝚈 (𝚂𝚂) : 𝙵𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝚆𝙸𝚅𝙴𝚂 | 𝚁𝙷𝙴𝙰 (𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙴𝚇)
CHAPTER 35
-
INES
As the lead officer of this operation, I gathered my team in the briefing room. The dimly lit space hums with tension as everyone gears up, checking their comms and preparing their disguises. A reliable informant tipped us off about an illegal underground fight ring operating deep in the mountains. It's not just a fight club, it's a hub for drug deals, illegal gambling, and human trafficking.
"This won't be a standard raid," I say, pointing at the map projected on the wall. "The target is here, a hidden compound in the mountains, accessible only through a guarded dirt road. They don't let just anyone in. We'll need to go undercover as VIP guests, posing as wealthy gamblers looking to place big bets. Once inside, we gather intel, secure evidence, and signal the rest of the team to move in. Questions?"
A rookie raises his hand nervously. "Captain, what if they search us? Or ask questions about our background?"
"Stay calm and stick to your cover story," I reply, "you're high-rollers here to spend money, not answer questions. Reyes and I will handle the talking. Ramirez, Santos, you're muscle. Play the part, and don't break character." The team nods, and we finalize the plan. I distribute fake IDs, cash-filled briefcases, and designer clothing to complete the look.
The convoy stops a kilometer away from the compound. From there, we take a single unmarked SUV to the checkpoint. Armed guards emerge from the shadows as we approach, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. One of them signals us to stop, his rifle resting casually against his shoulder.
"What's your business here?" He asks, eyeing us suspiciously.
I smile, rolling down the tinted window. "We're here for the fights. Got a million to bet on the best fighter you've got." I tap the briefcase on the dashboard for emphasis.
The guard exchanges a glance with his partner before stepping aside. "Go on in. No trouble, or you'll regret it."
The SUV continues up the dirt road, finally reaching the compound, a large clearing surrounded by dense trees and jagged cliffs. Floodlights illuminate a makeshift cage in the center, where two fighters are engaged in a bloody match. Around the ring, well-dressed spectators shout and wave wads of cash. Armed guards patrol the edges, and a few hidden doors leading underground catch my eye. We step out of the SUV, blending into the crowd. I head straight to the betting area, where a gruff man with a clipboard and a cigar sizes me up.
"New faces," he says, narrowing his eyes. "What brings you here?"
"Money," I reply, flashing a confident smile. I pop open the briefcase, revealing stacks of cash. "I heard this is where the real action happens. I want in."
He grins, greed flickering in his eyes. "You've come to the right place. Bet big, and you'll see the best fights money can buy."
As the fights continue, Reyes and I mingle with the crowd, gathering intel and pinpointing key locations. Over my hidden earpiece, the surveillance team updates us.
"There's a locked storage area near the north cliffside, likely where they're keeping the trafficked individuals or contraband. Guards are stationed outside. We'll need a distraction to draw them away."
I nod subtly. "Copy that. Stand by for the signal."
Reyes leans in, pretending to discuss a bet. "How do we make the move?"
I glance at the crowd, then at the fighters in the ring. "We let the chaos work in our favor."
When the main event begins, the crowd surges forward, their focus entirely on the brutal match. Taking advantage of the distraction, Reyes deliberately spills a drink on a guard near the betting area, starting a loud argument. The commotion draws the attention of several other guards.
"Now," I whisper into my comms.
As I shout. "Police! You're all under arrest!" echo through the compound, chaos erupts around us. The crowd, once loud with excitement, now screams in panic as people scramble for the exits. Some of them push and shove to get to the underground tunnels, while others rush toward the back of the compound, hoping to escape the way they came in.
Suddenly, the sound of gunshots rings out. A few men, armed with pistols, begin firing at the officers, their faces twisted with fear and defiance. I duck instinctively, just as a bullet zips past me, grazing the edge of my jacket. My heart races as I realize how close I came to being hit.
"Take cover!" I shout to my team, diving behind a large stack of crates. The sound of rapid gunfire fills the air as the gunmen try to hold their ground. I peek around the crates, spotting two guards aiming their weapons in our direction.
"Bravo, take the left flank!" I put commands into my comms. "Alpha, cover the right. Move in on my mark!"
Reyes and I exchange a look. We've trained for situations like this, but it doesn't make it any less dangerous. The crowd is now in full panic mode, with people running in every direction, and we have to stay focused. The gunmen fire again, but their shots miss as the officers advance. Alpha pushes forward, securing the east side, while Bravo advances to the west. It's a perfect pincer move, but the situation is still volatile.
I quickly signal to Reyes, who nods and begins to flank one of the armed men. As he moves in, I cover him, my eyes scanning for any other threats. One of the gunmen turns to run, but he's intercepted by Bravo, who swiftly disarms him.
"Get down! Hands where we can see them!" I shout to the remaining gunmen, but they keep firing, clearly determined not to be captured.
I roll to the side, trying to get a better angle, and spot another armed individual heading toward the entrance. He's almost through the door when I take aim, forcing him to drop his weapon with a precise shot to his hand. The chaos continues as more gunmen emerge from hidden spots in the compound, but with Alpha and Bravo coordinating their movements, we manage to take control. It's a dangerous and brutal fight, but our team is well-prepared.
The last of the gunmen are disarmed, and soon the compound begins to quiet down. My heart is still racing, but the threat has been neutralized. As I stand up from behind cover, I check my team to make sure everyone is alright. "Report in," I command.
"All clear on my side." Reyes responds.
"We've got the remaining suspects in custody. No injuries on our end." Alpha reports.
"The hostages are safe. We've secured the area." Bravo reports.
I take a deep breath, looking at the disarray around us. Despite the gunfire and panic, we've managed to stop the criminal operation before it could escalate any further. But as I glance over at the frightened faces of the freed victims, I know this raid is only the beginning. There's more work to be done.
As I scan the area, my eyes suddenly lock onto a figure I never expected to see. There, amidst the chaos, is a familiar face. My heart skips a beat, and I can hardly believe it. I immediately follow her, making sure I'm not imagining things. I call her name, and when she turns to face me, a cold shiver runs down my spine. Tears instantly well up in my eyes as I look at the woman I've been searching for-my sister. Her body is covered in bruises and wounds, and I'm paralyzed in shock. How did I not recognize her earlier in the arena? Why is she here? Why?
I approach her, shaking. Both of us are in tears. I rush toward her, but before I can reach her, she collapses onto the cold floor. "Sis!" I cry out, my voice cracking. My body trembles as I kneel beside her, panic rising. I examine her body, she's covered in deep cuts and bruises. Her body is broken, but worse than that, she starts coughing up blood.
I freeze. My heart drops as I notice several stab wounds on her- it's deep, ugly gashes that have been hidden beneath the dirt and grime. My breath catches in my throat as the reality of what's happening hits me.
I can't breathe. I can't think. "Why? Why you?" I whisper to myself, trying to comprehend what's going on, but nothing makes sense. My sister, the one I've been searching for, is here, caught in this hell.
I feel completely helpless, tears blurring my vision. I kneel beside her, my hands trembling as I try to check her injuries, but she's too weak. My voice shakes as I try to comfort her, "It's going to be okay... We're going to get you out of here..." But deep down, I'm terrified that it's too late.
I don't know what to do, but I can't just sit here. My heart aches with the desperate need to save her. All I can do is hold her, pray that help arrives soon, and beg for strength... strength I don't know if I have left.
"Please, God... don't let it be too late." I whisper, my hands shaking as I try to stop the blood from flowing.
"I-I'm sorry, Ines," she says, her voice weak as she coughs up more blood. My heart races, and I'm crying uncontrollably, feeling the weight of the moment crushing me.
"R-Red... f-find Red..." she whispers, barely audible.
She weakly reaches for my cheek with her bloodied hand, and I immediately take it, holding it tightly even though it hurts. Her hand is so cold, but I smile through my tears, knowing this might be the last time I feel her touch. After all these years, I'm finally with her again. She gives me a faint smile, a sweet, gentle smile that I haven't seen in so long.
And then, in an instant, everything seems to stop. Slowly, her eyes close, and her hand falls limp in mine. I freeze. The world around me fades. For a few seconds, I can't comprehend what just happened. My sister, my flesh and blood is gone. My heart is broken, shattered into pieces I can't put back together.
"NO!" I scream. Desperation fills me as I try everything, shaking her, calling her name, begging her to wake up, to come back to me. But nothing happens. She's gone, and I'm left alone, holding her lifeless body in my arms.
I cry out loud, my sobs echoing in the chaos around us. The world keeps turning, but at this moment, nothing makes sense. My sister, the person I fought for, the person I swore to protect... is gone. I fall to the cold floor, clutching her tightly, unwilling to let go. But there's nothing more I can do. She's lost, and I'm lost with her. The pain is overwhelming, and for a brief moment, I wonder if I'll ever be able to breathe again.
But even through the tears, the rage inside me starts to build. They took her from me. This isn't over. I won't let her death be in vain.
I wake up crying, that same dream haunts me every night since my sister died. I hug my knees and bury my face between them, fuck, I need to find Red. I want to see the person responsible for my sister's death, he needs to pay for everything.
I feel my stomach turn, and I quickly run to the bathroom to throw up. I stay like that for a few minutes before deciding to wash my face. Behind the mirror, I grab the PT result from yesterday. Seeing the two lines makes me burst into tears, smiling but also hurting at the same time. I'm so happy to be pregnant with Rhea's child, but the fact that I have to hide it from her breaks me. I know she'll become overly protective if she finds out I'm pregnant. I can't stop now, I need to find Red as soon as possible.
I grip the edge of the sink, trying to steady myself as my stomach settles. My reflection stares back at me, pale and shaken, but I can't afford to fall apart now. I dry my face with a towel, inhaling deeply.
"Get it together," I whisper.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I glance at my phone. No messages from Rhea. It's both a relief and a pang of guilt. She'll notice if I don't respond soon, and I'm not ready to face her questions- questions I can't answer right now. I grab my bag, my fingers brushing against the crumpled piece of paper inside. It's the only lead I have left, an address, a name, a faint hope that it'll bring me closer to Red.
"We're in this together. Just hold on a little longer." Before leaving, my hand instinctively falls to my stomach. A bittersweet smile flickers on my lips.
-
RHEA
Nandito ako ngayon sa boarding house upang kausapin si Bea- panuway, nagulat ako paglabas ko ng bahay kanina dahil sa daming reporters nakaabang. Grabe talaga ang media ngayon, kaninang umaga lang lahat nangyari ang balita pero alam na kaagad nila kung saan ako nakatira kasama ang apat. Hindi ako makadaan ng front gate kanina kaya sa likod ako dumaan, nag disguise na rin nga ako dahil pakiramdam ko bigla ako naging wanted sa mata ng mga tao.
Bakit ba nila ginawa 'yun? Hindi ba nila naisip ang magiging sitwasyon ko bago nila ipagkalat na asawa ako? Kung si Kris nga dati maraming death threats natanggap dahil lang kay Thalia, paano nalang ako ngayon? Mga die-hard fans ni Azalea at Emilie mukhang may balak na tokhangin ako. Baka nakalimutan niya, isa siyang sikat na Artista at Model bago tumigil at nag focus sa pagiging business woman niya.
Buti na lang talaga hindi ako nakilala ng mga nakasalubong ko sa daan kanina, lalo na no'ng pumasok ako ng boarding house- swerte rin at wala si landlady ngayon. May malaki pa akong problema, kalat na rin 'yung balita na ikakasal ako kay Fleur Walton kaya mas lalo ako naging wanted, hindi ko naman alam na isa pala siyang kilalang Neurosurgeon!
Nasa kalagitnaan ako ng pakikipaglaban sa aking isipan kung ano ang tama at dapat gawin nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan ni Bea. Gulat at nanlalaki ang kanyang mga mata nang makita ako, mabilis kong tinakpan ang kanyang bibig at ipinasok sa loob ng kwarto bago pa man siya lumikha ng ingay.
"Bea!" Matigas kong sambit ng pangalan niya at binitawan ito.
"Rhea, anong ginagawa mo dito? Alam mo bang kalat na kalat ka sa internet, at sino si Fleur Walton?!" Bulaslas niya at pinakita sa akin ang news tungkol sa akin.
"Kaya nga nandito ako para itanong sayo, sino si Fleur Walton? Bakit may biglang umeksena na babae sa buhay ko at ngayon mukhang magiging asawa ko. Ano na Bea? Sino? Sabihin mo sa akin kasi nalilito na rin ako." Kumunot ang kanyang noo matapos kong sabihin ang dahilan kung bakit ako sumugod dito.
Bigla itong natulala, lumalim ang pag-iisip at ilang segundo pa ay naging balisa si Bea bago ako tingnan sa aking mga mata. "R-Rhea, hindi ko kilala si Fleur, wala siya sa Future mo at hindi ko alam bakit may biglang-" tumigil ito kalagitnaan sa kanyang pagsasalita, nanlaki ang mga mata at mas lalong namutla, "p-paano kung nagbago ang hinaharap? Dahil sa akin kaya biglang nag-iba ang takbo ng buhay mo? P-Paano kung dahil sa ginawa kong pakikialam ay kaya nagkaganito?" Natigilan ako sa kanyang sinabi, at napagtanto na tama siya.
Bigla akong natulala sa narinig ko mula kay Bea. Para bang isang malamig na hampas ang dumaan sa aking katawan, at may pag-aalala ang namuo sa dibdib ko. Ibinuka ko ang aking bibig upang magsalita, ngunit wala akong masabi. Tumagal ng ilang segundo ang katahimikan bago ko nakayang mag-isip ng malinaw.
"Wala ba talaga siya sa future ko?" tanong ko sa sarili ko, ang boses ko halos pabulong. Kung totoo ang sinabi ni Bea, kung dahil sa kanya nagbago ang lahat, paano ko haharapin ang mga nangyayari ngayon?
Si Bea, na nanatiling nakatayo at nanginginig, tila nawawala na sa sarili. "Rhea... I'm sorry. Hindi ko alam na ganito ang magiging epekto ng lahat ng ito."
Napakunot ang noo ko, at isang malalim na buntong-hininga ang tumakas mula sa akin. "Hindi ko rin alam, Bea. Pero... kung talagang nagbago ang hinaharap dahil sa mga desisyon natin, paano na to ngayon? Hindi ko rin alam kung sino o kung ano ang dahilan ni Fleur?" Habang nagsasalita ako, pakiramdam ko ang bigat ng mga tanong na 'yun.
"M-Mas makabubuti siguro kung huwag ka muna magsabi ng mga bagay mula sa hinaharap dahil baka mas lalong gumulo ang sitwasyon, salamat Bea sa mga naitulong mo sa akin." Sabi ko sa kanya, mas okay na itong ganito dahil baka kung makialam pa siya ay mas lalong gumulo.
"Sorry,"
Umiling ako at ngumiti. "No, don't say sorry, ikaw kaya ang dahilan kaya na secured ko ang apat. Pero Bea, tanong ko lang sayo, huli na to, may nangyari ba sa kanilang apat? Like may nagawa silang krimen o ano?" Natigilan ako sa pagsasalita at napasabunot ng aking buhok, hindi ko na talaga alam kung ano ang uunahin.
"Sorry, pero gusto ko lang talaga malaman dahil pakiramdam ko sasabog na ang utak ko sa daming palaisipan." Dagdag ko bago huminga ng malalim upang pakalmahin ang sarili.
"Mukhang mahihirapan na rin ako nito lumabas, hindi nga ako nakapasok ngayon dahil sa kumakalat na balita. Gi-atay, hiniling ko lang naman sana apat na asawa, hindi problema." Stress na stress na ako oh, mukhang hindi talaga ako makakapasok nito ng mapayapa hanggat hindi titigil ang mga reporters.
"Anong gagawin mo ngayon? Tapos kalat na rin na ikakasal ka kay Fleur, sobrang gulo ng social media ngayon. Bigatin na nga 'yung apat, tapos mukhang madadagdagan pa ng isa." Tanong niya sa akin at binigyan ako ng tipid na ngiti.
Gusto ko sana tawagan si Kris upang humingi ng tulong pero ayaw ko naman idamay siya sa problema ko, meron pa nga 'yun pinoproblema ngayon at inaalam kung sino ang nasa likod ng pagkakadukot sa kanya.
Umiling ako. "Hindi ko alam, para akong walang choice sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa buhay ko. Hays, papasok na ako at may klase pa- balak ko sana ang hindi pumasok pero ayaw ko naman maapektuhan ang pag-aaral ko." Sabi ko sa kanya.
"Rhea, mag-ingat ka, okay? Tawagan mo ako kaagad kung kailangan mo ng tulong." Aniya saka ako sinabayan palabas ng kwarto.
"Oo, salamat." Sagot ko bago isinuot ang disguise ko sa mukha.
Dali-dali akong lumabas ng boarding house at tumakbo pabalik sa aking sasakyan. May mga tao kasi na nakapansin at nakakilala sa akin, lalo na 'yung mga marites na kapitbahay namin dati na kilalang-kilala ako dahil sa tangkad ko. Mabilis kong nilisan ang lugar at dumiretso sa PU, ngunit pagdating ko sa front gate, may mga reporters na nandoon, sinusubukang makapasok ngunit nahihirapan sila dahil maraming bantay na nakaharang.
Pagkatapos kong maiparada ang sasakyan, didiretso na sana ako sa Crim building, kailangan ko pang puntahan si Ines sa opisina niya. Ngunit pagkatalikod ko mula sa aking sasakyan, isang malakas na suntok ang sumalubong sa mukha ko. Napaatras ako sa lakas at tiningnan ang tatlong kalalakihan na naroroon. Napaatras ako, ramdam ko ang sakit sa panga, ngunit pinilit kong manatiling matatag. Habang tinatanggal ko ang mga kamay ko mula sa mukha ko, nagsalita ang isa sa mga kalalakihan.
"Akala mo ba'y makakaligtas ka sa mga desisyon mo, Rhea?" Sabi nito. Tiningnan ko sila ng matalim, hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ako ang naging target nila.
"Ano bang gusto niyo sa akin?" Tanong ko, kahit ramdam ko na hindi ko na dapat sila kinakausap.
"Ang gusto namin," sabi ng isa, na may malupit na ngiti sa labi, "ay magbayad ka para sa mga pagkakamali mo. Hindi mo kayang pagtakpan ang mga kasalanan mo, lalo na't apat ang asawa mo, kasama na sila Azalea at Emilie." Gago pala to eh, anong kasalanan ko? Bakit ako ngayon ang sinisisi nila?
Isang matinding galit ang namuo sa dibdib ko. Ang bilis talaga kumalat ng balita at pati sa campus kalat na, bakit ako ang pinili nilang pagtuunan ng pansin? Halata na fans sila ng dalawa, at wala akong ideya kung paano sila naging obsessed sa mga buhay namin.
"Hindi ko na kasalanan kung mas lamang ako sa inyo." Malamig kong salita, sinusubukan mapanatili ang kontrol sa sarili ko, kahit pa ang aking mga kamay ay nanginginig na sa galit.
Ngunit bago ko pa man magawa ang anumang hakbang, may narinig akong isang pamilyar na tinig mula sa likod. Dahil sa tinig ni Ines, napahinto ang mga kalalakihan. Tiningnan ko siya at nakita ko ang kanyang matalim na ekspresyon. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa kanya, pero sa pagkakataong 'yun, alam kong siya ang makakatulong sa akin.
"What's going on here?" Tanong ni Ines, hindi tinatago ang galit sa kanyang boses. Ang mga kalalakihan ay nagkatinginan, parang hindi nila inaasahan na may darating na makakabangga sa kanila.
"Nothing much," sagot ng isa, ngunit ang pagkakaroon ng kaba sa kanyang boses ay halata. "W-We're just having a little... discussion with Rhea here." Sabi nito.
"You're not fooling anyone. You think you can intimidate her because of the news? Well, you're wrong." Sabi ni Ines, ang kanyang tono ay kasing tigas ng bakal.
Isa-isa silang tumahimik, ngunit ang isa sa kanila ay hindi pa rin tumigil sa pagsasalita.
"We just think it's unfair how people like Azalea and Emilie are in a relationship with this kind of woman," aniya, may halong inis at inggit. "Rhea doesn't deserve all the attention." Dagdag pa nito na nagpataas ng aking kilay.
Ipinilig ni Ines ang ulo, at bago pa siya makapagsalita, iniharap niya ang sarili sa kanila, ang mga mata niyang may galit at desisyon.
"If you think you can harass people because of rumors or jealousy, you're gravely mistaken. And another thing, if they were to choose between you and Rhea, they would still choose Rhea. Do you know why? Ask yourself. Now, leave. This isn't the place for your little game." Malamig na banta ni Ines sa tatlo, ang tapang ng bebelabs ko.
Napansin ko ang mga kalalakihan na unti-unting umurong, ngunit hindi nila kayang aminin na natalo sila. Hindi ko pa rin matanggap na sa isang iglap, naging ganito ang lahat dahil sa mga balita at tsismis na hindi ko naman pinili.
"Are you okay?" Tanong ni Ines, lumapit siya sa akin at inilagay ang kamay niya sa balikat ko, na para bang nagsisiguro na ayos lang ako.
"I'm fine. Thanks, bebelabs. I didn't expect things to get this intense." Sagot ko. Ngumiti si Ines, ngunit hindi ko maiwasang makita ang pag-aalala sa mga mata niya.
"I didn't mean for things to get out of hand, Lovey," sagot niya, ang boses niya ay kalmado, ngunit may kasamang lungkot. "I thought... I thought it was the right time to be honest. To stop hiding and face everything, together."
Minsan, alam kong kahit gaano pa siya kalakas sa harap ng iba, sa akin, iba ang nararamdaman niya. Tinutok ko ang mga mata ko sa kanya, nag-aalangan pa rin sa mga nagaganap.
"Pero, Bebelabs," sabi ko, "magiging mahirap ang lahat. Ang mga tao, ang mga reporters, ang mga fans. Baka mawalan tayo ng privacy, baka maging delikado pa ang buhay natin." Habang nagsasalita ako, pinipilit kong maiparating sa kanya na hindi ko siya sinisisi, pero may takot ako sa mga hindi inaasahang mangyayari. "Gusto ko lang ng tahimik na buhay. Gusto ko kayo, pero... ang hirap."
Huminga siya ng malalim, at nakita ko siyang nag-isip. "I know, Rhea. I know it's hard. And I never wanted to cause you any pain. But we can't go back now. We made this choice together, and whatever happens, I'll be here with you, every step of the way." Sabi niya, hinila ako at niyakap ng mahigpit. Tiningnan ko siya, nag-aalangan pa rin, ngunit naramdaman ko ang seryosong hangarin niya.
"I just wish we could've talked about it first... before everything became this public." Bulong ko, bago dampian ng halik ang kanyang noo.
"In time, we will be able to handle this better. I won't let anyone harm you, Rhea. I promise you, we'll get through this." Sagot niya, ang kamay niya ay dahan-dahang humaplos sa aking likod.
"Alam ko 'yun, bebelabs, gano'n din ako- gagawin ko lahat para sa inyo." Sabi ko.
"I know. I know." Malambing niyang bulong at mas ibinaon ang mukha sa aking dibdib.
Hays, imbes plano ko sana pagsabihan at pagalitan sila- hindi ko naman magawa.
Buong araw wala akong ginawa kundi ang kontrolin at habaan ang pasensya, grabe bai, kahit nasa classroom lang ako pinutakte na ako ng mga kaklase ko- may mga sumugod pa na taga ibang departments para lang alamin kung totoo ang nasa balita. Pauwi na ako ngayon, tinatahak ang daan patungong parking lot- hindi ko kasama si Ines dahil may importante raw itong lalakarin at may trabaho siya sa station kaya hindi na rin ako naging mausisa.
Pasakay na sana ako sa aking kotse nang biglang may lumapit sa akin na lalaki. "Miss," sambit nito.
Biglang may humintong itim na sasakyan, bumukas ang pintuan ng backseat at nakita ko si Fleur sa loob. Nagpakawala ako ng isang malalim na buntong hininga at kaagad pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan, akala ko hahanapin ko pa siya, salamat naman at siya na ang nagkusang lapitan ako.
"How's your life now that you're a hot topic across the country?" Hindi ko alam kung nang-aasar ba siya, hindi nakakatawa ang bagay na 'yan.
Huminga ako ng malalim bago ito hinarap ng seryoso. Umarko ang kanyang mga kilay at nakipagtitigan sa akin.
"Sino ka ba talaga? Hindi kita kilala, pamilyar ang boses mo, pero 'di ko matandaan na nagkakilala tayo. Ano ba talaga ang kailangan mo sa akin? Bakit gano'n ang ginawa ninyo sa akin ng Ina mo? Hindi ako naniniwalang wala kang kailangan, ano? Aminin mo ang totoo at hindi ako nakikipag biruan dito." Buong tapang at determinasyon kong salita sa kanya, she's so intimidating pero kaya ko labanan 'yun at hindi ako magpapatalo at magpapadala ng takot ko sa kanya.
Biglang nag iba ang ekspresyon sa kanyang mukha, tumingin sa aking mga mata, bumaba sa labi ko ang paningin niya bago muling ibinalik sa aking mga mata.
"I knew it. From the moment I first saw you, I could tell you're a smart woman who isn't easily fooled," huminto siya, bahagyang ngumisi. "I don't need anything from you. You're the one who needs me. And one day, you'll need my help." Mas lalo akong naguluhan, kinakabahan at hirap sa paglunok ng aking laway.
"Tsk, look at your face. Where'd you get that wound? From the three men who attacked you earlier?" Malamig niyang tanong bago hawakan ang aking baba, at itinaas ng bahagya ang aking mukha upang tingnan ang sugat sa aking labi.
"Paano mo nalaman?" Tanong ko at agad umatras dahil sobrang lapit niya.
"I know everything about you, even the smallest details. That's my advantage, I also know the trouble you're about to face. I'm always a step ahead of you." Sabi niya, papalapit muli sa akin ang kanyang mukha. Pabilis nang pabilis ang tibok ng aking puso, mas lalong kinakabahan sa mga susunod niyang gagawin.
"Fleur, dahil sa inyo kaya nagkagulo ang buhay ko ngayon. May balak ba kayong sirain ang magandang kinabukasan ko?" Kunot noo kong tanong sa kanya at bahagyang itinulak ang kanyang balikat.
"Ruin your life? No, you shouldn't say that. You should be thanking me because I'm saving your life. You have no idea who's real and who's fake around you." Muli niyang sagot at hinila ako ng malakas, dahil sa biglaang pwersa ay sumubsob ako sa kanya.
"You're smart, use your brain and be observant. You'll figure out what I mean." Bulong niya at napangiwi ako sa malakas niyang pagkagat ng aking leeg.
"Fuck!" Napangiwi ako sa sobrang diin niya kung kumagat.
"See you again, Rhea." Bulong niya at itinulak ako ng malakas.
Biglang bumukas ang pinto at hinablot ako ng dalawang lalaki, inilabas ng sasakyan at bigla nalang ako tinakasan ng walang paalam.
"Kulira, gano'n nalang 'yun?!" Sigaw ko sa papalayong sasakyan, hawak-hawak ang leeg kong may marka ni Fleur.
Yawa lang jud, paano na lang kung makita to nilang apat? Ano na namang dahilan ibibigay ko? Hays, panuway, problema talaga ang dala ni Fleur sa buhay ko.
Umuwi ako ng bahay, lihim akong nanalangin na sana hindi mauna ang init sa ulo nilang apat at hayaan muna akong magpaliwanag. Pero pagpasok ko ng bahay ay walang tao liban lang sa mga kasambahay, kahit si Lilith ay wala sa bahay.
"Wala pa ba sila?" Tanong ko sa sumalubong sa akin na kasambahay.
"Wala pa po ma'am, ikaw pa lang." Sagot nito.
"Salamat, sige akyat na ako." Sabi ko sa kanya at umakyat ng kwarto.
Diretso na sana ako sa aking kwarto ng maalala ang regalo na binili ko para kay Aza, tumuloy ako patungong kwarto niya, sabi niya sa akin pwede ako pumasok ng kwarto. Balak ko lang siya sorpresahin sa binili kong bracelet, alam ko gusto niya rin 'yung binigay ko kay Ines kaso nga bawal sa kanya ang gold- kaya bumili ako ng diamond for her.
Pumasok ako ng kwarto, nagtungo sa kanyang lamesa upang iwanan ang regalo ngunit may napansin akong isang pulang maskara sa tabi ng kanyang maliit na salamin. Para saan ito? Hindi ko naman napansin ang bagay na ito no'ng huli akong pumasok ng kwarto.
"Ano paggagamitan niya nito?" Tanong ko sa sarili bago ito kinuha at tiningnan.
"Huwag na tayo makialam at gamit niya 'yan." Sabi ko at ibinalik ito bago lumabas ng kwarto.
Bumaba akong muli upang hintayin ang pag-uwi nila, ngunit dumating na lang ang alas nuwebe ng gabi ay wala pa rin ang mga ito. Tinanong ko rin kung nasaan si Lilith, ang sabi sa akin kanina ay sinundo ng driver ni Kris dahil pinapasundo ni Savannah, nagiging clingy na sa isa't-isa ang mga bata na 'yun. Kumuha ako ng maiinom, sinubukan tawagan isa-isa ang numero ng apat ngunit hindi ko sila makontak, nag-aalala na ako dahil 'di naman sila ganito, kapag tumatawag ako ay agad naman nila itong sinasagot so bakit walang sumasagot kahit isa sa kanila ngayon?
"Paano kung may nangyari? Bakit ba ganito, lagi nalang akong pinag-aalala." Nakikipagtalo na ako sa aking sarili, ang dami ng hindi magandang pangyayari ang pumasok sa utak ko.
Hays.
-
3RD PERSON
The room is dark, save for the single, harsh spotlight that shines down on a metal table in the center. Three men... Kyle, Anthony, and Jay sit chained to the walls, the cold bite of steel cutting into their wrists. Their breathing is uneven, and their faces are pale with fear.
"Gentlemen, welcome to your trial. Before you is a riddle. Solve it in ten minutes, and you walk free. Fail, and your deaths will be slow... and agonizing." A distorted voice crackles to life from unseen speakers.
Kyle flinches as the sound reverberates around them, his chains rattling. "What the hell is this? Who are you?" He shouts into the void.
The voice doesn't answer. Instead, a timer flickers on, its red numbers counting down from 10:00. On the table, a piece of parchment rests, aged and yellowed.
Anthony stares at it, his jaw tightening. "We don't have time for questions. Read it." He says.
Jay hesitates, then leans forward, his eyes scanning the text. He reads it aloud, while his voice is shaking.
"'I-I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?'"
"A riddle? Are you serious? We're going to die over some sick game!" Kyle groans, slamming his head back against the wall.
"Pull yourself together," Anthony snaps. "It's a test. We need to focus." He says, trying to relax.
"Okay, okay... Speak without a mouth. What can do that? It's not a person, obviously." Jay's eyes darted to the timer: 08:45.
"Maybe it's a metaphor," Kyle's mutter. "Like... I don't know, a spirit? A ghost?"
"That's stupid," Anthony cuts in. "It says... comes alive with wind. Ghosts don't need wind."
Jay rubs his temples, his mind racing. "Maybe it's... something natural. Wind moves things. Maybe... a whistle?"
"No, a whistle needs a mouth. Think bigger." Anthony shakes his head.
The timer ticks down relentlessly: 06:32.
Kyle's breathing grows heavier. "We don't have time to think bigger! Just say something, anything! What if it's wrong? What if-"
"Shut up! Panicking won't help." Anthony yells at him.
"Neither will standing here like idiots!" Kyle fires back, his eyes wild.
"Enough! It's not a ghost, it's not a whistle. What makes noise without a mouth? Think!" Jay slams his fists on the table.
The room falls silent except for the steady tick of the clock. Then Anthony says, "An echo." He whispers.
"What?" Jay blinks.
"An echo," Anthony repeats, more confidently. "It speaks without a mouth. It hears... kind of... without ears. And wind carries sound, doesn't it? It fits."
"What if it's wrong? What if-" Kyle hesitates.
"We don't have time to argue. It's the best we've got." Anthony cuts him off.
The timer reads 02:10.
Jay swallows hard, then leans toward the parchment. "Our answer is... echo."
The timer stops. Then the voice returns, calm and monotone.
"Correct."
The timer doesn't stop. Jay stares at the unchanging red numbers, now reading 01:59. His chest tightens.
"Wait," he stammers, he's trembling. "We got it right. Why hasn't it stopped?"
"What the hell is going on? You said echo!" Anthony's confidence shatters, his face paling.
"I did!" Jay screams, desperation clawing at his throat. He slams the table." We answered it! You said we'd live!"
The mechanical voice crackles to life, laced with malice. "Did you think it would be so simple? The rules never said the timer would stop."
The three men freeze, and Kyle's breath hitches. "What... What does that mean?" He asks.
"It means you were dead the moment you stepped in here." The voice replies with chilling indifference.
The timer ticks down. 00:43.
"No, no, no!" Jay yells, pulling at his chains so violently that his wrists bleed. "This isn't fair! You lied!"
"I don't want to die! Please, please, I don't want to die!" Kyle sobs, his head shaking violently.
"You bastard! Face us! Let us fight! You can't do this!" Anthony slams himself against the wall, roaring in rage.
00:15
Suddenly, the room begins to change. The chains retract, yanking the men toward the walls with terrifying speed. Metal cuffs extend, locking their ankles and necks in place. The spotlight intensifies, casting eerie, shifting shadows. The air grows thick with a strange, acrid smell.
From the ceiling, nozzles emerge, spraying a vicious, burning liquid onto the men. They scream in unison as their skin begins to blister and melt, the acid eating away at them. The sound of their agony fills the room, echoing like a macabre symphony.
"You said we had a chance! You said..." Jay's voice is raw as she shrieks.
The timer hits 00:00, and the room falls silent save for the faint dripping of blood and acid onto the steel floor. The men are gone, their bodies reduced to unrecognisable remains.
"Game over. Thank you for playing." The mechanical voice speaks once more, calm and detached.
In a dimly lit control room somewhere far away, a figure watches the scene on a bank of monitors. The face is obscured, but the faint glow of the screens highlights a satisfied smile.
"On to the next players."
The figure murmurs, flipping a switch. The room resets, the table wiped clean, the chains retracted. Somewhere else, another group of victims is being prepared.
The game never ends.
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