EIGHT. 

WAY TO THE DOORS OF DEATH. 

☽︎ᴥ︎︎︎☾︎

Trigger warnings! This chapter addresses sensitive subjects, including hate speech and mental health issues. As the chapter unfolds, you may encounter references to panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety. Please read with caution. Your well-being is paramount; feel free to skip this section if it feels too triggering. Thank you, and you may continue reading.

THE FATES, originally known as Moirai in Ancient Greece, arose from the earliest records and softly spoken incantations of a long-forgotten past.

The Moirai's Roman counterpart were the Parcae, probably because the Romans confused the origin of their name, thinking it stems from pars which is the Latin translation of moira; it's actually derived from parere, "to bring forth," which explains why the Parcae were initially birth spirits, and also why the Romans weren't so far off when they merged them with the Moirai.

Here's where the Mnemoyse Gate is located. It's here that the first domain joins the Twilight Vale, offering access to a realm few dare to approach.

Saku approached Willhelmina with new trust deep in the forest, where sunshine passed through the thick forest. He extended his hand to her, taking her completely by surprise. This was an unusual move for Saku; such connection had never happened in their interactions before.

Willhelmina was startled and avoided her gaze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she turned away, pouting at the unexpected turn of events.

"Wala ka nang ibang pagpipilian; ako lang ang makakatulong sa 'yo," nginisian niya si Willhelmina.

Napabuntong-hininga nang malalim si Willhelmina habang dahan-dahan niyang inabot ang kamay ng lalaki. Tinulungan siya ni Saku na tumayo, pero muntik na siyang matumba kaya dali-daling nasalo siya nito.

"Kaya ko na!" sigaw ni Willhelmina habang umiwas ng tingin, dahil sa pamumula ang mukha niya, "Tara na nga!"

Saku arched an eyebrow and focused his attention on Willhelmina, his gaze filled with interest and respect.

He put his hands into his pockets and silently observed her. At that point, he admitted with a teasing smile, "I could savor that hug for an hour, especially if it's you giving it to me."

Napakagat si Willhelmina sa labi. Hindi niya na maintindihan si Saku—siya na nga itong lumayo, pero bakit parang gano'n pa rin siya umasta? Ang hirap talaga niyang intindihin.

She shook her head, dismissing the bothering  thoughts. They began walking with resolve, surrounded by an eerie silence.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

A menacing presence loomed on the horizon, ready to disrupt the silence.

"That roar..."

There was no mistake; that had to be the Minotaur.

Willhelmina moved her head and noticed the bits of paper hung from the tree branches. Each paper contained a sign, and a ray of light shone through the darkness. Within the violet hues, she noticed a swirling pattern, with vertical lines throbbing and emitting a tremendous energy.

In that moment of crushing tension, Willhelmina felt a burst of determination. She saw a flash of light cutting through the shadows and realized she couldn't pass up this opportunity. She made her decision with a firm resolution.

"Narito na ang ilaw! Tara na!" sigaw niya habang hinahatak si Saku. Agad silang kumaripas papunta sa liwanag na kumikislap sa harap nila.

Pagdating nila, bumungad sa kanila ang lupang basag at nagkabitak-bitak, na parang lumulunod sa nakakasilaw na liwanag sa paligid.

Sa gitna, may isang pintuang nakatayo nang malinaw sa lupa, at sa harap nito ay may matibay na harang—isang kumikislap na gintong lubid na parang nagbabantay. They seem to have found the barrier, don't they? They have no choice but to come this way!

Then they vanished without a trace.

In an instant, a powerful gale swept them away and placed them in a completely unfamiliar place.

Before they knew it, they were standing on the bustling streets of Cavite.

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Cavite vibrates with life's wonderful energy, where history and modernity entwine, with tales of the past around every turn and brilliant futures boldly rising. But concealed still, like whispers in the breeze, is a secret age, untouched and unseen, a timeless echo in the heart's deep seas, a gem that gleams where few have gone.

The café was buzzing with activity, and the markets were alive with impassioned conversations that resonated through the air. The warmth engulfed everything, giving a golden light of orange and yellow that reflected the energy of life all around, a tribute to the earth in full, bright bloom.

At nang nagsimula na silang maglakad sa lugar na 'to, parang may kakaibang nangyari. 'Yung liwanag sa paligid nila, unti-unting nagbago—parang may isang makapal na belo na tanging sila lang ang nakakakita. Ano kaya ang nangyayari?

The mansion they were inspecting was one of many that had formerly belonged to families from the Spanish Colonial Era. The Casa before them displayed traces of aging, expressing history in its very foundations. A wooden staircase surrounded the area, leading up to a huge space with magnificent chandeliers that reflected light onto the four mirrors positioned on either side of the property.

The staircase was made of solid narra wood, with a smooth finish that gave off a mild, resinous perfume. The rich, aged wood stood sturdy, while delicate gold carvings of flowers and leaves graced each step, catching the light and glittering in golden hues.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

An unpleasant sensation permeated the atmosphere, implying that something was not quite right here. The walls had been intertwined with thick vines that appeared to pulse with life, their powerful roots moving and twisting side to side, flashing violet.

There was something special about their roots.

A violet stone was put on its side, along with an ethereal light-filled gateway. Carved runes weaved between the branches, while gems rested softly inside the veins. Tiny sparkles of magic floated like rain, covering everything in an indigo radiance.

Ang mahika rito ay hindi tulad ng mga kwentong puno ng liwanag at himala. May kakaibang dilim na bumabalot dito, parang galing sa mga sugat ng mismong mundo.

Ramdam ni Saku ang presensya ng dilim, lalo na't kita niya ang mga kaluluwang hindi pa matahimik, pagala-gala pa sa lugar.

Pagkatapos, itinuro niya ang mansion sa Maragondon—halos napanganga siya, at kumikislap pa ang mga mata niya habang napapansin ang kapal ng kadilimang bumabalot dito.

At hindi niya napigilang lumunok, "Casa del Viento," bulong niya.

"Now there lays one of Thanatos' prison realms. No soul has dared to cross the path that lies before us. We must proceed carefully; the air is sharp with an alarming frost."

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He moved in closer, his voice barely above a whisper, "Only the selected Demigods are allowed to pass."

Saku let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of the moment settle around him. "So, it appears Thanatos has been here," he whispered.

Hindi mapakali si Willhelmina at tahimik niyang iniobserbahan ang kapaligiran, hanggang sa napatingin siya kay Saku. "This is Cavite, right? So the Doors of Death should be about here?"

"There's no going back now," Saku said, his voice tinged with conviction. With a flip of his wrist, an ember of magic appeared at his fingertips, sending warmth through his palm.

Their clothes changed in an instant, changing into disguises beyond their wildest fantasies, each stitch representing their actual personalities.

Willhelmina looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise.

Hindi pa siya kailanman nakapagbihis ng ganitong uri ng damit! Bukod pa rito, ayaw niya sa mga mayayaman, kaya't bakit niya bibigyan siya ng ganitong klaseng kasuotan? And how about yellow? How did he come to realize that was her favorite color?

Thoughts floated in her mind, creating an explosion of a thousand unanswered questions.

She wore a yellow dress with sunflowers made of soft fabric. She was wearing a layered top underneath, as well as a gorgeous yellow flower pendant around her neck. Her footwear was white flip-flops, which complemented her stylish Sibino white leather bag.

Her beautiful dark hair, with pink highlights, fell gently past her waist, and a peach headband completed her adorable look. What stunning outfit!

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

Why did he give her such vibrant clothes? He had always stated that he preferred girls in more restricted attire, so what was the meaning of this sudden change? Confusion flashed through her mind as she stood there, words avoiding her.

Ngumiti si Saku habang papalapit siya sa kanya, hinawi ang buhok niya at maingat na inilagay ang malaking salamin sa mukha niya.

He gave her a bright smile and remarked, "There you are, all ready! You look so lovely."

Willhelmina tugged on her skirt, a storm rising in her eyes as she gave him a piercing stare. She felt overwhelmed by a flood of unspoken words, each of which weighed heavily on her heart and led her down a path of false hopes.

Her cheeks flushed with frustration and emotion as she warned him harshly.

"Alam kong mayaman ka at marami kang tinatagong diamonds dahil anak ka ni Hades, pero huwag mo itong gamitin sa ganitong paraan. Ang OA mo naman!" sigaw ni Willhelmina sa kanya.

Saku smiled playfully at her. "That's no longer my responsibility," he joked, tugging lightly on her cheeks.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

He projected an obvious charm that matched hers. He wore a sleek leather jacket that fit his form nicely, with a soft grey shirt peeking out from underneath.

His dark jeans lent an edge to his look, and the skull necklace he wore seemed to throb with personality. Ancient tattoos flowed along his skin, their elaborate designs lending him an air of mystery that distinguished him apart from the others.

He had an effortless charm, which was enhanced by a commanding presence that wrapped him like a soft mist.

"Kanina ka pa nakatitig ah. .. .type mo ba ako?" he asked her and he brushed up his hair smugly.

"Ugh!" Willhelmina spat out, and  her rage noticeable as she stared at him. "Brad, ilayo mo nga muna 'yang mukha mo, nakaka-distract ka kaya!"

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"Brad?" Tinaas niya ang kilay niya. "Ibig bang sabihin nito, magkaibigan pa rin tayo?"

"Umm..." She paused, swallowing heavily. "Are we not?"

He smiled gently at her, knowing deep down that he needed to regain his composure. Willhelmina, after all, seemed completely oblivious of the situation, didn't she?

Beneath his bright smile, a flood of frustration grew within him. Despite his best efforts, he found himself stuck in the role of the ever-loyal best friend, wishing for more. Hanggang kailan niya lalandiin ang babaeng 'to bago niya makitang gusto niya ito nang higit pa sa pagiging magkaibigan?

It seemed obvious to her that she, not him, should be leaving! But Willhelmina had no time for his games. She walked away, hands clinched at her sides, her rage burning brighter than ever.

"It looks amazing on you," Saku replied, a teasing smile spreading over his lips. "Remember how much you liked yellow? Those yellow bells you wore in your ears—it's like they've left an impression on my memory. Ever since then, it seems yellow has always suited you." He followed behind her, scratching his head in a mix of uncertainty and fascination. But this only appeared to heighten her confusion.

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Why was he always sending confusing signals? It felt like a puzzle with too many missing pieces, leaving her with an unending stream of questions in her head.

"Mina... bakit ka ba nagtampo?" tanong niya.

She didn't even respond to him.

He recalls how much she admired herself in gorgeous clothes. But then, one day, everything changed: she no longer enjoyed it.

He couldn't get over the way her eyes shone with unshed tears when she saw him. It troubled him, because he knew he was to blame.

His hand tightened carefully, a silent tempest gathering inside him.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

Tentatively, he stretched out, hoping to grab her hand and keep her from moving farther. As she turned to face him, she was taken aback and softly bumped into his chest.

His look remained on her, filled with a serious, painful remorse that said so much without saying anything.

"Mina," sabi niya. "Ngayon, tayo na lang ang magkasama, kaya't sa pagkakataong 'to, magpapakatotoo na ako. Just before the long-awaited test appeared."

Willhelmina looked at him, unsure of herself. This wasn't the man she knew; he had never behaved like this in Lyrica's presence. For the first time, he had let down his guard, revealing the buried layers of his real persona.

It was both a revelation and a question—a glimpse into the guy behind the mask he frequently wore.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

She was filled with questions, the most pressing of which being: what had caused him to go through such a change? Bakit niya hinahayaan si Lyrica na gamitan siya ng ganitong paraan? Hindi ganito ang pagkakakilala niya kay Saku.

She recalls clearly what happened at the party—the betrayal.

She was swept up in a rush of exhilaration unlike any she had ever felt under the mysterious enchantments of the First Domain.

The mansion's wide halls, majestic and steeped in an impression of timelessness, echoed with the sound of her frantic footsteps as she rushed down its corridors, blissfully oblivious that this spot was, in fact, frequently referred to as home.

Then—

What surprised her afterward was the quick and chilly splash of water from the bucket.

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"Natapon," sabi niya, habang ngumisi.

"Sinadya mong gawin 'yon!" Tumayo si Nana mula sa upuan niya, sabay hampas sa platitong may cake, at tinignan ng masama ang lalaki.

Nanginginig sa lamig si Willhelmina, na para bang naguguluhan sa natuklasan niya.

"Akala ko ba...gusto mo akong makita?"

He just chuckled at her.

"Talagang naniwala ka? Tanga ka ba? O sadyang bobo ka lang talaga?" sabi niya sabay masamang tingin kay Willhelmina at isang mapanuksong ngisi. "Who wants to spend time with rich kids like you? You make me nauseous."

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Napapikit siya, dama ang bigat at kirot ng mga salitang sinabi nito. Nonetheless, he persisted, unaffected by her thoughts or emotions, unaware that she was suffering, like if she were falling beneath the waves right now.

At hindi rin iyon ang una't huling pagkakataon na nangyari. Nagbulag-bulagan si Willhelmina—hindi niya inalintana kung nasasaktan siya sa paraan ng pagtrato sa kanya ni Saku, at pilit pa rin siyang lumalapit dito. Wishing they could be best friends.

Palagi siyang pumupunta sa parke kahit na madalas siyang pinapahiya ni Saku. Nang makita niyang may ibang mga bata na kasama ito at nagtatawanan, nagdesisyon pa rin si Willhelmina na puntahan siya.

"Grabe ka, ha? Para mo namang alila 'yung tao!"

"Pinapakita mo na namang ayaw mo sa kanya, pero bakit and'yan pa rin siya?"

Nang marinig ni Willhelmina 'yon, tila bumalot sa isipan niya at tenga niya ang mga masakit na salitang narinig niya. Napalunok na lamang siya at hindi maikaila ang kirot na nadarama. Napahawak siya sa mukha niya at 'di na napigilan ang pagpatak ng mga luha niya. Is that how he treats her?

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

Pero nanatili siyang bulag at nilapitan pa rin siya. "Wala ka bang kalaro ngayon? Gusto mo bang samahan kita? May dala akong laruan!" sabi niya, habang may mga nilabas na Barbie para sa kanya, at para kay Saku naman ay ang mga building blocks.

"You're such a pain in the ass, you know." He spat at her.

"Wait...!" she said, sprinting after him while hugging her toys safely in her arms.

Tinabig niya 'yung laruan na hawak-hawak niya, tapos napahawak sa bibig ang dalawang babaeng kasama niya kanina pa. 'Yung isa, napailing na lang sa ginawa ni Saku. Lumapit ang lalaki sa kanya at kitang-kita ang galit sa mukha niya, "Tangina, hindi mo ba ako titigilan?"

"Gusto ko lang na maging kaibigan ka..." sabi ni Willhelmina habang yumuyuko, "Hindi ako nakapagbihis ng mamahaling damit ngayon at..."

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

"Ang pangit mo," sabi niya habang tinignan ito nang masama, malinaw na inis na inis sa presensya niya.

Did he still find the long sleeves and pants unappealing? How could she get him to see her? Hot tears welled up in her eyes, and a piercing pain swelled within her. The moment he called her ugly resounded in her head, each term stinging deep. Insecurities and sorrow raged within, each one a reminder of the pain she worked so hard to hide.

She hadn't realized she wasn't deemed gorgeous until someone pointed out her flaws. Negative feedback from others can have a huge impact on how you see yourself. While she recognized that she was quite simple, being described as unattractive hurt her and was difficult to ignore.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

She had a great burden of realization: her father had no feelings for either her or her brother. To him, they were just chess pieces, tools for his own goals. The venom in his stare was a wound she had grown to know well.

It hurt her to see the same haunting shadows reflected in Saku, a soul wrestling with his own issues. When she interfered to save him from the syndicate's grips, she could feel the distance in his heart. His first scars were deep, carved into his own nature, leaving permanent markings of pain. But his strong anger of her puzzled her. How could he carry such resentment, especially after she risked so much for him? In that moment, she was trapped in a swirl of emotions, unable to understand the vast chasm that separated them.

"Bakit ba parang galit na galit ka sa'kin? Hindi ko naman ginawa 'yon para. ..para apak-apakan ka. Gusto lang talaga kitang maging kaibigan." naiiyak na sabi ni Willhelmina habang tinititigan siya, halos nauutal sa mga salitang lumalabas sa bibig niya.

"Hindi kita kailangan! Gets mo ba? O sadyang slow ka lang talaga, ha?" sabay tulak ni Saku sa noo niya. "Kayong mga mayayaman, ang hilig niyong mang-api! Noong araw na 'yon, sana hinayaan mo na lang ako dahil ang dumi-dumi ko na na."

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

In that short moment, clarity washed over her like a tsunami. Saku bore a load of sorrow that had remained in the shadows, plaguing him quietly until now. She remained frozen in place, absorbing every word of his intense outpouring, each syllable revealing his inner turmoil.

"What just happened?" Wilhelmina asked, her face furrowed in concern.

"Would you believe me if I told you I had experienced sexual harassment? I was betrayed in the worst way, Mina; I wasn't just mistreated; I was sold."

His words clung to her like lightning in the night sky, revealing the depth of his suffering. She understood right away. Na kahit kailan, hindi pala talaga sila puwedeng maging magkaibigan.

The heavens were hidden in drab, yet clouds grew thick and truth ruled supreme. Willhelmina addressed the storm within, and droplets fell like secrets freed. The children's laughter turned to cries, and they departed the park beneath the leaden sky, leaving Saku and Willhelmina as silent shadows in a high-tension environment. The wind howled, a wild hug, as rain fell, leaving no trace; it pooled in their glasses, a shared refrain; in the midst of the storm, they stood against the rain.

Huminga ng malalim si Saku at lumapit sa kanya. "Alam mo, tara na. Uuwi na kita," wika niya habang inabot ang kamay niya. Pero, mabilis na sinampal ni Willhelmina ito palayo at unti-unting umiwas sa kanya.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

"Uuwi na akong mag-isa," sabi niya habang ang ulan ay dumadaloy kasabay ng kanyang mga luha. "Naawa ka ba dahil sa katarantaduhan mo? Pwes, karma mo 'yan!"

Kahit sa huling sandali, hayaan mo akong tulungan ka."

Willhelmina ran away, without looking at him, tears flowing down her face.

Saku knelt, his knees a fading whisper, and fell silently to the ground, his heart a frail bird caged in sorrow, and his mask the most cyclical veil of all.

In that moment, the harsh truth developed, like leaves swept away by autumn's breath, and he felt the weight of being disposable, a fact he had paid for, the shadow of death. He'd always been ignored, a ghost in the crowd, unnoticed and unheard; in the quiet sorrow of solitude's embrace, he suffered the wounds of a life missed.

"Madali siguro akong iwan." ngumiti siya habang unti-unting tumutulo ang mga luha niya. At sa mga araw na iyon, iyon na ang huli nilang pagkikita at kailanman ay hindi na siya kinausap pa ni Willhelmina.

She was left with scars that would never heal completely. Despite the misery he had caused her, she couldn't bring the anger that she felt she should have. He, too, was masking his pain and battling his own demons. But, deep down, she recognized that his problems did not justify his decisions.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

Akala ba niya siya lang ang nahihirapan? Ganun din siya. Saku inflicted awful wounds in her heart. When he chose to betray her, he left her yearning for an impossible resolution.

He looked at her again, and the weight of his stare seemed to wrap her entirely, echoing deep within the core of her being.

Her gaze shifted away, unwilling to meet his eyes in mute response.

"Ano ba talaga gusto mo? Magpasalamat pa ako kasi pinasuot mo 'to sakin? Para pagtawanan na naman ako? After all you've put me through?" She retorted, her voice barely above a whisper as a wave of anger swept over her.

Saku took a long breath, steadying himself as he approached her. He gently cupped her cheeks in his hands, and she could feel the anxiety and trembling emanating from him. Then, with a little shaky voice, he delivered the words that had been weighing on his heart.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

"I'm sorry."

She hesitated, the silence lying between them like a thick fog. Her mind was a swirl of contradictory feelings. Sorry for what, exactly? For the scars that continued to murmur their stories? For letting others take advantage of him? The question stayed in the air, unanswered, while she struggled with the chaos within.

Yet, down within her heart, she perfectly understands him. She's certain that this time his intentions are sincere. He means it now.

Huminga siya ng malalim at dahan-dahang hinawakan ang kanyang kamay, "Tara na."

"Pardon?" Willhelmina blushed slightly.

Saku clenched his jaw and pressed his lips together as he turned to face her. "We need to discover the portal right away," he said, his voice full of desperation. "We must hurry before the creatures follow us down."

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

Alam niya na hindi madali ang pagpunta sa portal na 'yon. The last time they traveled into the Abyss through the Inferno Isles, they were escorted by a one-of-a-kind guide who was bound by a bond with Sloth, one of the Seven Sins.

It would be more challenging to uncover an entrance at this point. Ang tanong ay kung saang sulok nila matatagpuan ang portal mula rito.

"Maybe your dogs can help," Willhelmina suggested, a cheeky pout on her lips.

"Are you referring to Cereberus?" Saku said, his eyebrows arched in amazement. "Tch. So, you are not really a saintess, are you?"

She replied sharply, "And barely a real Saintess."

Saku understood Willhelmina's personality and knew she couldn't keep her mouth shut.

He stared at her intently for a moment before gently moving his fingers to quiet her and pointing softly to her lips. As he did so, his eyes softened and a warmth arose when their gazes met.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

As the air crackled with anticipation, he formed a burning crimson circle that pulsed with light. Brilliant sparks of red energy flew about it, casting an appealing brightness.

Willhelmina gasped, her heart beating, as the show of magic unfolded in front of her.

"Is this what beast summoning looks like?" she asked, a teasing smile on her lips as she stared at the magic in front of her.

With a flick of her wrist, she lifted her arms to hide her face, her eyes filled with excitement and wonder.

A great roar erupted from the circle, summoning the three-headed wolves. They howled in return, but before they could retreat, a torrent of flames engulfed them, leaving only ashes in their path.

¸.•' ▬▬▬๑♆♟☭♆ ๑▬▬▬ ¸.•'

"Did you summon us, kid?" Cereberus rumbled, frothy drool forming on the ends of their sharp fangs.

Isang ngising puno ng kumpiyansa ang gumuhit sa labi ni Saku habang tumalim at dumilim ang mga mata niya sa pagtitig sa kanila.

"You'll follow my orders; let out a howl, and lead us to the Doors of Death."

☠︎︎༒︎☠︎︎

𝐂 𝐇 𝐀 𝐈 𝐍 𝐄 𝐃    𝐖 𝐈 𝐓 𝐇    𝐇 𝐀 𝐃 𝐄 𝐒

Betrayal's Game Series #1

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