CHAPTER 47

VALENTINA IMARA MEADOWS

The chaos is about to begin.

"What are you waiting for over there?! Get inside!" Malakas na sigaw ni Atlas sa amin.

"Sandali!" sigaw ko pabalik.

Malakas akong napabuga ng hangin ng mailabas ko ang M249. I almost lost my balance because of its weight, but I was still able to manage. Halos mamuti ang kamay ko, mahawakan lang nang maayos ang machine gun na nasa kamay ko.

I took heavy steps toward the open door of the backseat and just dropped the gun next to Oceanus. Nang mailagay 'yon, dali-dali akong pumunta sa compartment para isarado 'yon.

Pero para akong naestatwa sa kinatatayuan ko nang makita ang mangingilang mga lalake na nakasuot ng suit na tumatakbo patungo sa puwesto namin. And I was sure they were Perses' men. Their guns were raised at our position, ready to shoot at Atlas' car.

"Atlas! Start the car!" malakas kong sigaw.

Agad naman na umandar ang kotse habang nakaiwan na nakabukas ang pintuan sa backseat. I ran toward it, grabbed the side, and jumped inside. I was gasping for breath when I looked behind and saw that Perses' men were still chasing us. Awtomatiko kaming napayuko ng sunod sunod na pagputok ng baril ang narinig namin. Pero kahit na gano'n alam ko naman ng ligtas kaming tatlo dahil bullet proof naman 'tong sasakyan.

Mabilis na nag taas baba ang dibidb ko, halos mabingi ako sa sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. Things were happening so quickly, and so much was going on right now. I held my chest and calmed myself, trying to get my heartbeat back to normal.

"They're still following us, Atlas," I heard Oceanus say as he peeked out of the backseat window.

"Let them follow us," Atlas said seriously, increasing his speed even more.

Hindi ko na rin napigilan na sumilip doon dahil sa sinabi niya. I didn't expect that there were so many men following us now. It was clear that this had been planned and prepared for.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa hita at binti ko na ngayon ay madumi dahil sa pagtakbo ko kanina. I took off the torn stocking that I hadn't removed and threw it somewhere.

"Open the sunroof, Oceanus," utos ko sa kan'ya habang abala pa rin ako sa sarili ko. "I need a knife. May dala ka bang pocketknife?"

"No," sagot niya bago tumayo para buksan ang sunroof ng kotse ni Atlas.

"You, Atlas? Do you have a knife?" I asked.

"None," Atlas answered seriously.

"Ano bang gagawin mo sa kutsilyo—" Hindi natapos ni Oceanus ang sasabihin niya sa sunod kong ginawa.

I grabbed the end of my gown and just tore it to move more freely. I didn't tear it neatly, pero ayos na rin 'yon basta makakilos ako ng maayos para sa gagawin ko.

"Nasaan yung extrang ammo ng M249?" tanong ko sa kan'ya.

Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na napayuko kaming tatlo ng umulan ng sunod sunod na putok ng baril. The shots were continuous, and if they didn't stop shooting at the car windows, panigurado akong ano mang minuto ay hindi na tatagal ang bintana ng kotse. Bilang na lang ang mga oras namin bago tuluyang masira ang bintana ng kotse, basta ma-mamaintain namin ang distansya mula sa mga tauhan ni Perses na humahabol sa amin.

"Didn't you get it from the compartment? It's just there," Oceanus replied.

Mahina akong napamura dahil doon. I got up from my seat in the back, and so did he. We lifted the seat together, and an AR-15 greeted us. I grabbed it and handed it to Oceanus before I took the magazines from the gun he was holding. Nang makitang wala ng laman ang compartment ng gun ay umatras ako ng kaunti at bumwelo para sirain 'yon. It broke immediately with the force of my kick.

I crouched down and grabbed the extra ammo for my M249. I loaded all the extra rounds inside and closed it.

"Ready?" Oceanus asked.

"Ready," hinihingal kong sagot..

I looked at Atlas, who was driving seriously. He was going so fast, and luckily there weren't many cars on the road since it was late at night.

"We'll handle things here, Atlas. Just drive us back to the warehouse. Speed up a little so Oceanus and I can get the machine gun out."

"Okay."

I loaded the ammo into the M249 and asked Oceanus for help to lift it out of the sunroof. We were a few kilometers away from Perses' men. We passed by a curved road, and soon their cars would appear. Once I had the M249 properly positioned, I could rain bullets on them. Inilabas ko ang ulo ko at tiningnan ng maigi ang machine gun na hawak ko.

The cold wind was hitting my face because of how fast Atlas was driving back to the warehouse, and my hair was being blown around by the chill. The surroundings were dark since it was already night, with only a few street lamps and the light from the moon illuminating the area.

Sinigurado ko muna na maayos ang pagkakalagay ko ng bala sa M249 bago silipin si Oceanus sa loob ng kotse, na ngayon ay iniinspect din ang hawak niya ang AR-15 kasama ang bala roon.

"Oceanus, I need a favor!" I shouted to him while leaning out of the sunroof.

"What is it!?" he shouted back.

"Hold my legs and lift me up! Lalabas ako sa sunroof! Once some of Perses' men's cars come around the curve, I can start shooting them! The blind spot is on their side before they see us, so they won't know what hit them!"

"What!? Baliw kana ba!?"

I furrowed my brow and looked at him. "Ikaw ang baliw! Bilisan mo na at wala na tayong oras! Cover me from below, and I'll take care of things up here. Do you want me to remind you what kind of gun I'm holding?"

"Okay! Okay! Just be careful," he replied.

I felt him grab my legs, and he slowly lifted me. I held onto the light machine gun tightly and positioned the metal bipod grip properly, finding a stable surface to rest it on.

I lay flat and adjusted my position, waiting for us to come out of the curve.

"Come out. Come out," bulong ko sa sarili.

When I saw the front of one of the cars following us slowly coming out of the curve, I grinned. Once they were fully out, I closed one eye and pulled the trigger on the M249.

"I'm going to shoot them! Oceanus, cover me down there!" I shouted loudly while lying on the roof of Atlas' car.

"Copy!" he shouted back.

My eyes widened from the recoil, but eventually, I got used to it. One car came into view, and then there were three. I rained bullets on them, especially targeting the tires of their cars to prevent them from following us.

Halos mabingi ako sa lakas ng tunog ng pagputok ng M249. The sound was relentless, nonstop, and precise. Instead of being overwhelmed, it almost sounded like music to my ears as I kept shooting at Perses' men's cars. I found myself smiling as I saw how the bullets from my gun pierced through their vehicles.

One of the bullets hit a tire of a car coming toward us, causing it to swerve uncontrollably. Hindi pa ako na-satisfied sa nangyari. I targeted another tire of a different car following us. Now, two of their cars were swerving out of control.

Namilog ang mata ko nang makita ang dalawang kotse na bumangga sa isa't isa. Bumaliktad 'yon at nagpagulong gulong.

Akala ko ba naman ay makakaligtas na kami pero hindi pa pala. A speeding car suddenly appeared, heading straight toward us. A large man emerged from the sunroof, holding a gun.

"Hexia, swerving!" Oceanus shouted.

"Ano?"

I was caught off guard by how quickly everything happened. Atlas' car suddenly swerved in another direction. The sudden movement made me feel like my body was flying. I couldn't even grab the edge of the sunroof because of what was happening.

I dropped the M249 I was holding, and my body rolled to the side because of the sudden swerve of Atlas's car. My eyes widened when I realized I was about to fall out. Atlas's car was speeding, and if I fell, I'd definitely be thrown far away.

No! My M249!

"Oceanus! Open the door! The fucking door! Mahuhulog ako!" malakas kong sigaw pero huli na ang lahat.

"Hexia!"

I couldn't hold on and ended up falling off the roof of Atlas' car. In the midst of the gunfire and the chaos of fighting Perses' men, a loud, roaring noise echoed in my ears—like a motorbike revving explosively.

A powerful gust of wind rushed past me, followed by a strong arm wrapping around my waist, catching me mid-fall from Atlas' car roof. Umangat ang tingin ko para tingnan kung sino 'yon, pero hindi ko makilala ang hitsura dahil nakasuot siya ng full helmet na heavy tinted ang visor no'n.

However, as my gaze drifted down to their outfit, I immediately recognized them. A white, long-sleeved polo shirt rolled up to the elbows, suspenders, and a necktie. I swallowed hard as realization hit me—it was Helios.

He was riding a motorcycle and effortlessly keeping up with Atlas' speeding car. To my amazement, he released the motorbike's handlebar with ease, yet still managed to balance perfectly. His right hand remained securely on my waist, holding me like I was a mere teddy bear at his side, while his left hand swiftly pushed up the visor of his helmet.

"Am I late?" he asked teasingly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Helios..." 'yon na ang naisagot ko sa kan'ya.

His strong arm around my waist lifted me effortlessly, helping me settle onto the back of his big bike.

"Okay, baby. You looked hot doing that stunt on your car's roof, but you know how dangerous that was, right? Don't ever do it again. You have no idea how scared I was seeing you almost fall. Good thing I caught you!" he said loudly over the roar of the motorbike, his tone playful yet serious.

Awtomatikong pumalibot ang kamay ko sa baywang niya at tinanday ang ulo sa likod niya.

"My M249 fell! I only used it once!" I shouted, my voice competing with the wind and the hum of the engine.

I felt his leather-gloved hand lightly tap my thigh. "Don't worry, I'll buy you plenty of those. Hold on tight, and we'll catch up to your friend's car."

Tumango na lang ako bilang sagot. Napapikit ako ng bumilis ang pagpapatakbo niya ng motor, at maya-maya lang din ay nakahabol na niya ang kotse ni Atlas.

I ducked down again when I heard the continuous gunfire behind us. Some of them still managed to get through, even though two of their cars had already been taken out earlier on the road.

"Oceanus!" malakas kong sigaw sa pangalan niya habang kinakatok ng malakas ang bintana ng kotse habang nakaangkas pa rin kay Helios.

"Hexia! I thought you were dead!" he shouted back at me.

I glared at him sharply. "Fuck you!"

I pressed the earpiece and spoke. "Helios and I will head to the warehouse first. Send backup there; Ria and the others might be in danger. Let's all meet up at the warehouse," sambit ko sa earpiece.

"Copy," Oceanus replied.

I gently tapped Helios' back to signal him to move a little ahead to align with Atlas' car window. I pointed to the road ahead to signal that we would lead the way. I squinted because of the strong wind hitting my face.

Atlas just nodded in response and quickly glanced at Helios, who was focused on the road.

I ducked down again when I heard another round of gunshots. When I looked back, I saw that their cars were getting closer to us. I knocked on Atlas' window and waved before tapping Helios' shoulder to signal that we should go.

"Let's go. Sa warehouse na lang tayong lahat magkikita kita," utos ko sa kan'ya at tinapik ang balikat.

"Okay, sure," he replied.

I felt him handing me something. I looked down and saw that he was handing me a Glock 45.

"Do you mind covering my back? Don't hesitate to shoot them if they get too close or if you see them peeking out of their windows, okay?"

I nodded. "Okay. Just drive to the warehouse; I'll take care of things back here."

"Good girl," malambing niyang sagot at napahaplos na lang sa hita ko.

I changed my sitting position. I moved carefully and quickly, adjusting how I sat. Helios and I were now facing away from each other, and I kept watch on the rear to shoot at anyone following us.

The speed at which he was driving matched the speed of Perses' men's car coming toward us. I brushed my long hair aside and glanced to the side when I heard a familiar sound of a motorcycle.

Someone on a motorcycle was already following us. I quickly pointed my gun at the man who was about to shoot me, but he failed because I acted first. The motorcycle slid and fell over, throwing both the driver and the passenger off.

"Careful, baby."

"You too."

▄︻デ══━一

Mahigpit pa rin ang kapit ko kay Helios nang makarating kami sa warehouse ni Atlas. Napalingon pa ako sa gilid nang makita ang mga iilang kotse na nakatigil sa gilid ng kalsada.

"Speed up," utos ko sa kan'ya.

He just nodded and revved the motorcycle until we reached Atlas's actual warehouse. My eyes widened when I saw the place was torn apart, and parts of it were already being consumed by flames.

"Umikot ka! We need to go down to Atlas' underground parking lot. Paniguradong nasa baba na ang mga ibang tauhan ni Perses!" nagmamadali kong sambit sa kan'ya.

We turned around, and I searched for a road where the floor lifted to enter his underground parking lot. I tapped his shoulder when I saw a small gap in the road.

"Wait. Nandito na tayo," mahina kong sabi.

I got off his motorcycle and walked toward the old tree branch that had been cut along the side of the road. There was a small button there to automatically raise the road. I lifted the obstruction by the tree and pressed the button inside.

I heard a faint hum, and slowly, the road began to rise, allowing Helios and me to enter. I quickly climbed onto Helios's motorcycle when someone called my name.

"Hexia!"

I turned around swiftly and saw Oceanus leaning out of the window of Atlas' car. I pointed to the raised road to indicate that the other men of Perses were below.

"Sigurado akong nasa baba na sila. May ibang parte ng warehouse ni Atlas na natutupok na ng apoy. Baka sila Ria na ang pinupuntirya nila roon," mahaba kong lintayan at umangkas na ulit sa motor ni Helios.

"Are we going down?" Tanong ni Helios.

Tumango ako at tinapon ang walang laman na magazine sa gilid bago kumuha ng panibagong magazine para sa baril. Kinabit ko na ulit 'yon at sinigurado na secured na 'yon.

"Yes. Tara na."

Lumingon ako sa likod at nakita sila Oceanus na handa na rin na sumunod sa akin. My brow furrowed when I noticed two cars trailing us. They were tailing us, and one of them had someone peering out of the window.

"Backups!" a man yelled.

I nodded and signaled for them to follow. I tapped Helios' shoulder to tell him to start the motorcycle. Nakuha naman niya agad ang ibig kong sabihin, pinaandar na niya ang kotse at dumiretso na agad sa underground parking lot.

I heard the hum of the cars behind us. As we got closer to the far end of the underground parking lot, I began to see the blood scattered on the floor.

I quickly glanced to the side when suddenly a man tried to grab me. Mabuti na lang at napansin ko agad 'yon. Moments later, more of Perses' men appeared from the side and charged at us.

"Watch out! They're hiding. They're just on the side, hiding!" singhal ko para marinig nilang lahat. I tapped Helios's back, and I saw him move his head toward me. "Help us. We need to deal with the people down here first before we can go up inside."

"Okay. Don't worry. I'll help you; just take care of yourself," he replied as he stopped the motorcycle by the side.

Bumaba agad ako at sinimulang bawasan ang mga tauhan ni Perses na sinusubukan din kaming patayin. If they wanted our lives, they would have to give theirs in return. The deafening sound of gunshots filled the air. I ducked to avoid stray bullets.

I wasn't sure where Atlas and Oceanus were anymore, but the car they had used was now parked by the side of the road, and they were gone. They must have gone up ahead with the other backups.

I glanced at the man who seemed to be firing his gun aimlessly, hitting nothing. The muzzle of his gun lifted due to the recoil. I quickly moved behind him, grabbed the knife from his holster, and stabbed him in the back.

He dropped his gun in shock. He tried to grab my hand, but I managed to pull his hair and kick his back, sending him crashing to the ground.

"B-bitch!" the man groaned in pain.

I ignored him. I yanked his hair, pulling his head up despite his face being pressed to the ground. I aimed the knife at his throat before speaking.

"Nasaan si Perses? Nandito ba siya sa warehouse? Answer me, or I'll slit your throat!" I shouted at him.

"P-perses..." he stuttered, fear in his voice.

I slammed his head against the ground before speaking again. "I'll ask you again. Nasa taas ba si Perses o wala siya rito sa warehouse? Ang lakas din ng loob niyong pasukin kami rito, ano?" malamig kong ani.

"Nasa taas... nasa taas siya... kanina pa," kinakabahan niyang sagot.

"Good," I replied.

I pressed the sharp edge of the knife to his neck. Slowly and carefully, I cut through his ear and dragged the blade across his neck until it reached the other side. Along with the familiar sound of skin being sliced open, I also heard his blood beginning to spurt out. I climbed on his back, restraining his movements.

The long gown I was wearing, now torn, was slowly turning red from his blood. I shook my head and stood up when I felt that he was no longer moving beneath me.

"Hexia!" I heard Helios shout my name.

He was rushing toward me, his white polo long sleeve now stained with blood. His gaze drlong-sleeve polo, which was also stained with blood, and then shifted to the lifeless man beside us.

"Tara na. Kailangan pa nating umakyat sa taas." Hindi ko na hinintay pa ang sagot ni Helios. Hinablot ko na agad ang kamay niya at hinila siya papasok sa nakabukas na elevator.

But before we could enter, it felt like there was an earthquake or an explosion that I couldn't understand. The streetlamp beside us, which served as our light, shook slightly.

It was clear that there had been an explosion outside the warehouse, because if it had happened inside the basement, we would have felt it much stronger.

"There was an explosion upstairs," I said seriously to Helios.

I slowly glanced at him, and he was looking at me seriously. He didn't try to stop me from doing what I wanted; he was just listening.

"I don't think what's happening upstairs is good," Helios replied.

Napatango na lang ako dahil alam ko at kutob ko na hindi rin talaga maganda ang nangyayari ngayon sa itaas. Pinagsalikop ko ang palad naming dalawa, kahit papaano ay nakakalma ang nararamdaman ko roon dahil sa kan'ya.

"Nasa taas daw si Perses. Atlas and Oceanus are probably up there too, following him. We need to pass through the main lab first to check if Ria's okay."

SHANGPU