Chapter 38: Novel Rules

Detective Adler grabbed the photo from my hands at tiningnan iyon. The cut was brutally made na tila ba walang awa. I cannot imagine how it was cut using a scalpel. It's the reason why I don't usually watch horror films and psychological thrillers. They usually involve brutality that I cannot stand.

I cannot understand how Andi and Therese's eyes glitter kapag nanunuod ng mga palabas na may involvement ng brutality deeds like cutting through the skin and other body parts. I hate how they scream in disgust kapag nanunuod ng chainsaw massacre or final destination or even film about Zombies.Walang pinagkaiba ang brutality na ginagawa ng Genesis sa mga palabas na iyon.

I cannot say that it contains more mercy than those. No! It's no mercy at all.

"May nakakalat na balita tungkol sa mga aswang sa isang baryo and I already laid my eyes on it", wika ni Detective Adler. "It's sad that they attack people to feed on their internal organs-"

"You seriously believed that? Those could be red herrings to this case. Why don't you focus on something more realistic detective?", tanong ko sa kanya.

His face tightened and his gaze roamed accross my face. "Spill everything young lady", wika niya at muling naupo ng nakadekwatro, demanding for my story.

"She's not obliged to tell you everything", wika ni Gray. I saw a lopsided smile skipped the detective's lips.

"I see. Marami kayong nalalaman. Like I said, I'm not a detective for nothing", wika niya. "Of course I don't believe in those shits and I dug deeper into this. So will you now tell me everything?", he asked at nakafocus ang paningin niya sa akin.

"Luma na ang istilo mo Detective. You can't make us believe na may nalalaman ka nga", wika ni Khael. If the detective really knows something, then only Cynil is clueless in this room.

"Ahhh. As expected, detectives are really cautious. How about this. I will tell you kung ano ang nalalaman ko", he said with a smirk. "Then you can decide if we'll have an alliance over this case."

Bago pa man makapagsalita si Gray o si Khael ay mas nauna na akong magsalita. "Shoot."

"But Amber-"

"I like you", the detective said. "It makes me want to recruit you too."

"I'm not interested so spill what you know", wika ko sa kanya. Both Gray and Khael shot a warning glare at me but I ignored them.

"Oh. Extra points, being feirce. So, here it goes. There's this syndicate who's into making drugs, smart drugs. They use
people as carriers for their smuggled drugs, mostly students are their targets", wika ng detective. "They invaded Athena High School which is actually owned by rich criminals, Vander Mafia."

"Mukhang marami ka talagang nalalaman Detective. Even the mafia huh?"

"Of course, I'm not a detective for nothing", wika niya. I was thinking that if Detective Conan has 'There is only one truth' as tagline and Sherlock Holmes has 'When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable must be the truth' then Detective Adler has this 'I'm not a detective for nothing.'

"I don't settle for less scoop. I have to be in the case where I'll make my name known. A drug syndicate and a mafia. Sounds like the best way to make my name spark with neon lights", pagpapatuloy nito. I raised my brow at him. How idiotic his reason is. Purely selfish motive of digging this case. Gusto lamang pala niyang ma-publicize ang kanyang pangalan that's why he's exerting too much effort for this case. I clenched my fist and prevented myself from punching his face pero nauna na itong suntukin ni Gray sa mukha.

"You bastard! You're a vulture who's a whore for fame! Hindi mo man lamang na naisip na gawin ito to keep people safe o sa kung ano mang kadahilanan other than that selfish bullshit reason of yours?", Gray shouted as he was shaking in anger.

The detective wiped away the blood from his mouth. It made me wonder how strong a Gray Ivan Silvan punches whenever he is angry. He smashed a door and he made every people he punches bleed. And to think his hands were still swollen when he smashed the door in the Vander mansion.

"I can see your thirst for blood. Oh, must be the Vander blood", wika nito na mas lalong ikinagulat naming lahat. He knew that much?! He's really getting into my nerves!

"Pati iyan ay nalaman mo? You must have done a thorough investigation", wika ni Gray. He's relaxed this time.

"I told you I'm not a detective for nothing", wika ulit nito. He and his words are really annoying me. "So what now little miss? You want to be my ally and let's hunt the mafia and the syndicate."

I can see him as a fox that cannot be trusted. I know he doesn't disclose much information about what he knew. He must know something more na hindi niya sinasabi sa ngayon. Inilahad niya ang isang palad sa harap ko.

"Let's make a pact." When he said those words ay kasabay niyon ang isang kakaibang ngiti. Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ko mula sa kamay niya at sa mukha niya.

Halos hindi naman makahinga ang tatlo ko pang kasama. They must be thinking if I will accept the offer by this detective.

"Special A, don't."

"Amber..."

I slowly raised my hands to towards his at panay pa rin ang tawag nina Gray at Khael sa pangalan ko. The detective flashed a victorious smile when my hand is only few inches away from his ngunit agad din iyong napawi nang sa halip na tanggapin ko ang palad niya ay tinabig ko iyon.

"What the hell", galit na wika ng detective. Marahil ay napahiya ito sa munting audience dahil sa ginawa ko.

"I knew much about those two but I won't cooperate with you. I'm hunting down the organizations on my own", wika ko sa kanya.

"This is an instant fame. We'll both shut down the syndicate and mafia and lock them up in the cold bars while we enjoy the reward for our hardwork!", he said.

He sounded pissed but he's really interested in me, joining him. Maybe he sensed that I knew a lot about these.

"You can have all the fame. I'm not interested in it. I just want to shut the syndicate. That's all and I can do it without your help", wika ko sa kanya. God! I hate people like him.

"Listen Miss. The mafia is a big scoop-"

"Of course I know."

"Then let's do this. Cooperate with me and like I said, we'll have every Vander and its members of the mafia be behind bars samantalang i-enjoy natin ang tagumpay", he said.

Napatawa ng mapakla si Khael. "You're watching too many films where the hero succeeded in the end Detective."

"Shut up Alonzo. Miss, look I can see that you know much more than I knew so-"

"So I'm telling you that I won't. I can't let you touch the mafia for your personal selfish motives. Not MY mafia", wika ko.

All of them seem surprised with my statement. I said MY, which pertains to possession. I may sound so boastful but- oh cut it. I really boasted. I'm not yet proclaimed legally but I can claim it my own. Natulos silang lahat sa kinatatayuan while I made my exit and walked passed them.

Napatigil lamang ako nang magsalita si Detective Adler but I didn't bother looking back.

"Who are you?"

"I used to be Amber Sison, but now I'm dropping that unrealistic name. You can call me Ryle Vander Morisson. Congratulations! You just met the youngest Vander." And then I strode out the room leaving the detective and the others with their mouth wide open.

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako humugot ng lakas ng loob na aminin na isa akong Vander. Did my hatred for Copper and his organization push me to do it? Binagtas ko ang daan na dinaanan namin nina Cynil kanina at tinungo ang kotse ni Khael. My eyes are tired of crying kaya marahil ay wala ng luhang lumabas sa mata ko. I didn't mind the mist and cool breeze that passed my face. I hear someone calling my name pero wala akong pakialam. I was about to reach for the car's door ngunit nauna na akong hilahin ni Gray. He grabbed me and made me face him.

What was it that I saw in his eyes? Was it anger? Or maybe disbelief? Sinalubong ko ang mga mata niya. Naramdaman ko ang bikig sa lalamunan ko and I want to say something but I can't.

"Ano yung sinabi mo kanina?", he asked. It sounded like a demand rather than a question. God! I hate scenes like this! Confrontations with truths! This is what just happened between me and Dad kanina.

"You heard me right Gray. We're cousins. I'm a Vander!" I'm glad that I was able to say it well enough.

"Is that a practical joke?" He made a sarcastic laughing sound but I still can see that he's angry.

"I'm not joking. Komplikado ang lahat Gray. Ang nakagisnan kong ama ay hindi ko pala talaga ama and he's actually part of that bullshit organization! My mom is actually Sweet Morisson who had lost her memory and undergone a surgery and live as Amy Sison! You see? My life's all fucked up!"

His gaze never left my eyes at may nakita akong hinanakit. "You can't be serious."

"Gray sa tingin mo ay ginagawang biro ang mga bagay na tulad nito? Halos mabaliw na nga ako eh! Can you imagine it? Ang gulo-gulo! Kung pwede nga lang na joke lang ito!"

"We're not cousins! We -we can't be cousins!" His voice broke a little. "W-we c-can't. We just can't."

"But we are", wika ko sa kanya. This time my sight became blurry. Natanaw ko ang papalapit na pigura ni Khael. He slowed down when he saw the confrontation between me and Gray. I fixed myself bago tuluyang pumasok sa kotse ni Khael.

Walang ni isa man ang nagtangkang magsalita sa amin. Khael never got a clear picture of everything but he knew that I'm a Vander. Hindi rin ito nangulit na magtanong pa tungkol doon.

Gray was sitting on the backseat. Nakatanaw ito sa labas ng kotse na tila ba ang lalim ng iniisip. Was he thinking about the kiss that we shared? Nandiri ba siya sa sarili niya dahil doon? Did he regret doing it unknowingly to his cousin? I wish I have the ability to read what he has in mind upang hindi na ako mabaliw sa kaiisip kung ano nga ba ang tumatakbo sa utak niya. He sighed heavily and it's the seventh sigh he let go after we stepped back into the car. I never had the chance to bid farewell to Cynil and to that fame-obsessed detective. Uh, I don't have to bid him goodbye. He doesn't matter anyway.

Walang sabi-sabing bumaba ako sa kotse nang makarating kami sa harap ng Bridle. I thanked Khael at agad na pumasok sa loon. Gray stayed a little inside the car so I left him behind. I guess it's better that way kaysa magsabay pa kaming pumasok. I went directly to the dormitory.

It's still 12 noon and I can still prepare for my afternoon classes. Pagbukas ko ng pinto ng kwarto namin ay naroon si Andi. She was reading a magazine na
madalas niyang binabasa kapag breaktime nila.

"The guard gave me your phone. Naiwan mo raw", she said at ininguso ang labi sa mesa kung saan nakalapag ang cellphone ko. Ah yes, I dropped it kanina after Cooler's confirmation.

Nagdadalawang isip ako kung
tatawagan ko ba si Mommy but in the end, I decided to. Ilang ring lamang ay agad niya iyong sinagot.

"Sweetie..."

"Mom how are you?"

"I'm fine anak. I'm going on with my hypnotic sessions and I really brought back some blurry memories", wika niya. "Why did you leave yesterday?"

"Mom I need to go to school remember?", wika ko sa kanya. I'm glad that she's slowly gaining her memory back.

"Yeah, alam ko. But can you see me tonight? We'll have a family dinner with some relatives. Susunduin ka ng Kuya Ryu mo mamaya, okay lang ba?"

Truth is gusto kong magpahinga mamayang gabi but I cannot turn Mom down. I'm also thinking of getting to know more about my real family. Kailangang sanayin ko na ang sarili ko kasama ang mga Vander as their family.

"Thank you sweetheart. By the way, did your dad- I mean Bernard, pinuntahan ka ba niya? He keeps on calling me kasi." I sighed. What's the point of hiding it from Mom anyway? She's been a good wife despite her memory loss. They started fresh and eventually lived a happy life. Mom's smart kaya naging katuwang siya ni Dad sa munting negosyo nito. I never saw them argue, may mga munting tampuhan but Mom always makes it up for him.

"Yes Mom."

This time ay si Mommy naman ang narinig kong bumuntong-hininga. "I want to talk to him but Kuya Cool and Rion won't allow me. They said he's dangerous."

I know Dad won't hurt Mom but I cannot allow her to see him too. Baka kasi mapahamak si Mommy o kaya ay ilayo ito ni Dad.

"Mom tama lang po na wag kayong magpakita sa kanya."

"Sweetie, he's a good man."

"I hope that he is Mom", wika ko sa kanya. That's what I thought about too but if he's in an organization who uses innocent people and students as their human carrier, he's not a good man at all.

"Okay Anak. I'll hang up now. I'll see you later. I love you."

After I replied my I love you too ay pinatay ko na ang tawag. I sat on my bed at napansin kong matamang na nakatunghay si Andi sa akin.

"You're crying at night at mukhang problemado ka talaga. What's the problem Amber?", wika nito sa akin. Kung hindi ko nga masabi ng buo kay Jeremy ang tungkol sa problema ko kahit na may konting nalalaman ito tungkol sa organisasyon, mas lalong hindi ko iyon pwedeng sabihin kanya. She doesn't have any idea about it

"Just a little family problem Andi", sagot ko. It's a lie, of course it's not little. It's totally big.

"Well, it will be fixed soon. Just because things are not good now does not mean they will be that way forever, remember that."

I let out smile. "I hope so too. Thank you Andi."

"Saan ka nga pala galing?", she asked. She tossed the magazine and sat l straight. Sa aming tatlo ay ito ang masyadong girly. She's the kind of girl who's into dresses and heels samantalang by mood naman kami ni Therese. Ito rin ang tipong mahilig sa lalaki. She likes having so many flings, crushes and textmates.

"May pinuntahan lamang kami", wika ko. I don't think it's necessary to tell her the exact details of it.

"Magkasama kayo ni Gray?", she asked and I nodded.

"Why?"

"Kaya pala hindi kita nakita kanina nang may mangyaring commotion."

She caught my attention when she said commotion. "Anong ibig mong sabihin? What happened?"

"Some parents with police and media went here to complain."

"Complain? About what?"

"Disappearance of their children", she said. Uh, this is what I hate about her. Hindi nito kinokompleto ang sinasabi unless you will ask her.

"Disappearance?!"

"Yup. Apparently, there are seven reported missing students na mula sa Bridle. Four guys and three girls. Their dormitory records show no pass slips kaya it's said that it is Bridle's responsibility dahil nasa custody sila ng Bridle nawala", she answered.

It slowly processed into my mind. Missing students?! Are they being taken by the organization? I thought they had laid low but now they're back? Have they perfected the drug and started trafficking it to their dealers through their human carriers?! Napalunok ako ng malaki dahil sa naisip. I don't know if such nootropic is possible but maybe it is. Science makes everything possible. Seven missing students at Bridle and killings with obvious signs of death from that organization at STA. Looks like that organization is really making their move.

"Well anyways, everyone will be gathered at the auditorium for some important announcements to be made by the chancellor by 1 PM sharp", wika ni Andi. Tumayo na ito at nagpaalam. "I have to go. Naghihintay na kasi si Robert."

Uh, another fling eh? I smiled at her at tinanaw ito habang papalabas sa pinto ng kwarto. After she left ay nahulog ako sa malalim na pag-iisip. The Genesis had really started to move. I don't know what they are capable of, all I know is that they're dangerous.

I stood up and changed into my spare uniform. The chancellor will make an announcement. It must be an important one since he usually sends his spokesperson for announcement. He's said to be the biggest partner of Mr. Arman Bridle in establishing the school. While Sir Arman invested more in monetary aspect, the chancellor Judas Gaius invested not only his money but as well as industry. He's been holding Bridle for quite some time now making it one of the prestigious schools.

It's five minutes past one nang lumabas ako ng dorm. I didn't bother for food dahil hindi ako nagugutom or maybe because of this turmoil that's bothering me so I'm more into it than to think of food. I went outside and headed towards the auditorium.

Napansin ko ang ilang grupo ng tao sa labas ng gate. Mukhang nagkakagulo ang mga ito and the guards are doing their best to keep them away and stop them from climbing the high iron bars gate of Bridle. I noticed some television news tripods stood, people carrying microphones and they tried scoring some exclusive interview from the guards. Nang makita nila ako na bahagyang lumapit ay narinig kong sumigaw ang isang lalaki.

"Miss! Ano ang masasabi mo sa napapabalitang pagkawala ng pitong estudyante ng Bridle?"

Ah, vultures.

Vultures who are desperate for some kind of "scoop," to tell everyone that they had this news. They would probably write the same version of their collected facts the that they had gathered though some would write or report cleverly.

"Miss! What do you think is Bridle's possible action for the publicized missing reports of the missing students and a challenge to this school's name?", tanong pa ng isa as he stretch his hand with the microphone from the bars towards my direction kahit malayo pa talaga ako.

Vultures who don't really give a shit about those missing students. What they really care about are stories and they would ask for exclusives that will make their coverage the preferrable one than the others.

Vultures who are waiting for their big breaks to make their names be in shining lights. Vultures like that damn Detective who got personal selfish reasons.

I gave them a smirk before I continue walking towards my destination. Pagdating ko doon ay halos puno na iyon ng mga estudyante. Every Bridle student wouldn't want to miss this lalo na at ang chancellor mismo ang nagpatawag dito.

I looked at everyone. It seems that they had this 'I-know-this-will-happen' look in their eyes. They must have known about what happened kanina. Some also had the 'what-the-hell-is-going-on' look in their eyes as they sit. I looked around trying to find a seat. I'm taking off from my mind the things that I don't wanna think of. Maingay ang paligid dahil sa pag-uusap ng mga estudyante.

"Bestie! Dito tayo!"

Lumingon ako at hinanap ang pinagmulan ng boses ni Jeremy and I saw him on the front seats at agad akong lumapit doon. He's with Math and they reserved seats for two which will be probably for me and Gray who's still not around.

"Hindi ka na bumalik kanina. Nawala din si Gray. Magkasama ba kayo?", Math asked and I shook my head. I don't want to talk about him now.

"Do you have an idea about what's going on?", tanong ko sa kanila. "Come on, I know you know."

Hindi na sila nagkaroon ng pagkakataong sumagot nang mamatay ilang mga ilaw. Just then the doors were shut and I heard a mic testing. The auditorium fell into silence.

The students are salivating for the news and announcement kaya madali lamang patahimikin ang lahat. We all faced forward at tila binibilang ang hakbang ng chancellor habang papalapit ito sa harap. I felt my hands turn cold as I set theories in my mind about what this announcement will be. I literally stopped breathing for a while when the man with a wrinkled yet authoritative face walked towards the podium. He fixed the three microphones in there for proper deliverance.

"Students, can I have your attention please", he said in a deep and authoritative voice which matched his appearance. He asked for our attention eventhough he already has it. "Thank you for gathering here in an orderly fashion. You're trully of a Bridle Blood and I'm impressed with the level of obedience of the student body. I will make an announcement but I am asking you to maintain your calm. This institution can be relied upon and it rely on its members as well. In here, we do not let each other down. Bridle is an institution with high standard so I am expecting that high standard in you."

The students began murmuring about what this is about. Each had their own thought at kumalat ang ingay sa loob ng auditorium.

"Students.. Students.. Can you lend me your ears again", wika ulit ng chancellor and then silence filled the area again. He had this compelling voice that can make every student follow. "It's sad to inform you that there are seven cases of missing Bridle students and now the institution is facing a great challenge. We have seven lawsuits about irresponsibility for our members."

"What?"

"Sinasabi ko na nga ba!"

"Kaya pala ganoon yun kanina!"

"Gosh! There were reporters outside!"

"Isa doon ang roommate ko!"

"Oh no! Seven? Quite a number!"

Nagsimula ulit na umingay ang paligid and then by a single glare made by the chancellor naging singtahimik ulit ng templo ang auditorium.

"I want to inform you about this straight from me and not from my spokesperson since I realized that this news is difficult to hear and even harder to accept. I informed you about
this bago pa man ito kumalat sa media. Newspapers, television, internet. Everything. Bridle has a good name and I wouldn't be surprised to know that someone wanted to ruin this institution's reputation. I already informed Mr. Arman Bridle about this and it also broke his heart. He wanted to be here but some health problems wouldn't permit him to do so."

I feel bad for Sir Arman and I wish him to be fine sooner.

"Now I'm telling you that the upcoming weeks will be tough", he continued. "We'll be dealing with the media, newspeople and gossip hounds who are all trying to make this institution fall on its knees. They are hounds who are into staining Bridle's name because such scandal is a big scoop and I'm also afraid of this 'media spotlight' that might tempt everyone to pass false and no basis information regarding this missing students case so I have already made precautionary efforts to prevent that to happen. From this moment, the gates of this campus will be closed from outsiders and no one other than your immediate family- parents and guardians can visit you."

Still, silence filled the place at tila walang nais gumalaw.

"No student will be allowed to leave the campus unless with a company of a parent or guardian", wika ng chancellor.

Just then the noise filled the auditorium all complaining about this announcement.

"What the hell?"

"No way!"

"F*ck!"

"They're locking us in?"

"No!"

"This is cruelty! How about my weekend shoppings?"

"Arrgh! Damn rules!"

"Silence! Everyone!", the chancellor said but no one followed. "Students! Silent!" He punched his hands on the podium and that made everyone to be quiet.

"Prelims are fast approaching and I cannot let your academic performance be affected with this so spend your time reviewing rather than wasting money on your shoppings and other stuffs."

Bridle High School have five major exams per school year. Prelims, Midterms, Semi-Finals, Finals and Qualifying comprehensive exams. It's been only almost two months since classes started but exams are fast approaching.

"Don't test me with this students because this is impassable. If you would refuse to follow, be ready for the dire consequences."

Tila natahimik ang lahat. The chancellor's voice is really dominating and authoritative.

"Remember what Bridle is about. Moral Uprightness, Commitment to Excellence and Love for Humanity. Keep that in mind and live with it everyday. Good Day." Then the chancellor left the stage the students are left with no other choice. Nagpatuloy ang bulong-bulongan tungkol sa reklamo regarding the novel rule imposed by the chancellor himself.

It seems that the locking of the gates and new restrictions is what this assembly is about. The students are much concern about their freedom and it seems that they have forgotten about those missing students and their safety.

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

Hindi ko na nakita si Gray buong maghapon. Mukhang hindi na ito pumasok. Was he mad at me?

I sighed as I sat on my bed. Nakaayos na ako para sa dinner mamaya sa Vander mansion. Mom said that it's gonna be a dinner for the family with some relatives.

It's quarter to seven when Ryu arrived. He smiled geniunely as he hugged me. Binuksan niya ang pinto para sa akin. l The devil that I used to know is actually a sweet brother and it's not making me comfortable.

Hindi agad ako pumasok sa loob ng kotse. I put my hands on my waist at masamang tiningnan siya.

"What?", pagtataka niya. He is freshly dressed na para bang isang pormal na pagtitipon ang pupuntahan namin. I thought it's a dinner with the family?

"Stop it." I shoot a glare at him. This is somewhat making me freak out. Nakakapanibago kasi.

"Stop what?"

"Ang pagbabait-baitan." Okay, this is me not used to his gentleness. "We both know that you're a devil."

He sighed. "Fine. This is new to me too. I would rather have you pissed kaysa ganito but unfortunately, you're my sister and I owe you seventeen years of my brotherly love."

I made a face. "Damn sabi ko na nga ba! I'm eighteen, you idiot." Sinimangutan ko siya. Did he forget that he was almost killed on my debut? Marion shot him and he was hit and Gray.

"You're 17. Binago lang siguro nila ang edad mo but yeah, you'll be 18 this year so that's not a problem. We can afford another cotillion for you, grander than you've experienced."

I know that they can but duh! It's not necessary! And what's with this evil brother of mine? He's really arrogant!

"Nakakainis ka!"

"Argh. Ano na naman ba Ryle?"

"Ang yabang mo kasi! You're pissing me!"

He impatiently combed his hair with his fingers. Aba! Ito pa ang may ganang maging impatient?

"You make me wanna wring your pretty little neck!", he said with a smirk.

"Argh! And you're still a devil! Kahit kapatid mo walang takas sayo!" I went inside the car at padabog na sinara iyon. I don't care if this is his car.

I saw him exhaled more. Ilang segundo din itong nanatili sa labas na tila kinakalma ang sarili bago umikot sa kabila at pumasok sa kotse.

Geez, I guess it will take some time for us to get along with each other well. Quite some time.

#

-ShinichiLaaaabs