⚠ UNEDITED ⚠

DRAGON KNIGHT GANG

♚•♘•ⓓⓚⓖ•♘•♚

ZEKE FLAME ASHFORD

"You should inherit the Empire, son" the old man told me while standing in front of a huge glass window. He's looking at the twinkling lights of the buildings below. I just looked at the floor blankly while waiting for dismiss. I didn't bother to answer 'coz I already knew that his orders are absolute.

"Also, you must get ready for the masquerade party tonight."

"Why bother inheriting the Black Dragon Empire if they will announce tonight the chosen fiancé of the heiress of Black Dragon Empire?" my father didn't bother to look at me. We already know that I'm not the chosen one.

"Don't worry about that son, Tonight's party is just a disguise for luring out the true diamond"

Lumabas ako ng silid niya with a smirk plastered on my face. As expected. He scheme something without my knowledge again but he's stupid enough to underestimate me.

Inilabas ko ang litrato ng isang batang babae na nakangiti mula sa bulsa ko. Nakuha ko ito mula sa desk ng personal library ni Daddy. Di naman siya nagduda dahil mabilis ko nai-scan ang litrato at ibinalik sa tamang lugar ang original copy.

"This girl might be the answer"

[MASQUARADE PARTY- 5pm]

I wear my black mask but I'm foolish enough to believe that a mere mask could hide my existence from the eyes of hypocrite Aristocrats.

This party is normal. Politicians, businessmen and even entertainers are everywhere. Kung iisipin ay parang isang common engagement party lang nagaganap pero sa likod ng masigla at engrandeng party na 'to ay nagtatago ang iba't-ibang illegal transactions ng Mafia.

I looked everywhere and noticed that the most influential people are missing. I didn't bother to look for them because I already knew where they gone. They must be gathering right now inside one of the rooms in this hotel that only exclusive for them, doing some illegal negotiations and auction.

Alright then, my job is to observe any suspicious that could pique my interest. I tried to get myself out from the spotlight and peacefully observe the people from shadows but there is still someone who knows where to find me just to irritate the hell out of me.

"Did you come here to congratulate me?" Crimson Park said with a mocking smile drawn from his face. "Then I should say thank you!" I didn't bother to look at him 'coz I might get cursed if I look at his mere existence.

"You just got the bitch's interest but it doesn't mean you got the crown. Just a reminder, I am the one pulling the strings. You are just dancing inside my palm. You better behave or else I let you choke yourself with the use of your own hands." I threatened him while curiously looking at the girl who wears baby blue dress. She wears a half mask like mine but the difference is the color. She wears a white simple mask with glimmering gems around the edge of it. I curiously looked at her because her lips remind me of that girl in the picture who smile cheerfully. But my disappointment, the girl seems don't know how to smile. She gives hostile stares to those men who tried to get close to her.

"I'm scared" Crimson sarcastically responds. I didn't bother to counter attack because I noticed someone who also the same species of Crimson, the bitch is just a few meters away from us. Papunta na siya sa kinaroroonan namin ni Crimson. I think she's too lonely without the asshole's existence beside her or we should say her chosen fiancé.

"My honey~ bakit ka nawawala bigla? I miss you!" Muffle Kiss Rosencranz flirty voice suddenly irritates my ear drum. She's the heiress of Black Dragon Empire. This girl is the disgrace of the Empire. She's a spoiled and useless of all useless. I'm very glad that she chose Crimson as her fiancé. I can't stand if she flirts with me and touches me with her filthy fingers.

I tack my right hand inside my pocket and mockingly grin at Crimson. I pity him. I decided to stand and about to walk away when I heard Crimson embarrassing sweet lies. He said it aloud in purpose to make me jealous which makes him a big idiot.

"I miss you too... My honey. I can't wait for our wedding!"

That's unfortunate for her. Crimson just used Muffle to get the Empire by himself. But Crimson seems naïve to catch the fake crown. But I am here grinning, walking on the right path at the middle of the maze.

I walk towards the girl, the only exit of the maze. She's now looking at the buffet. I chose to stand beside her and get my own plate to disguise my true intention. I glimpse at her with the use of my peripheral view. She seems nervous. I attempt to say a word but she suddenly dropped her mask. I startled a bit and tried to look at her face while she's busy getting her mask. I immediately insert my left hand inside the pocket to get that picture.

"Shit!" I cussed. Wala ang picture sa bulsa. Kinapa ko ang iba pang bulsa ng tuxedo ko ngunit wala talaga yung litrato.

Sinubukan kong alalahanin kung saan ko nailagay ang litrato subalit habang nag-iisip ako ay bigla namang napatakbo palayo ang babae . Sa sobrang irita ko ay padabog kong ibinagsak ang plato sa mesa na ikinagulat naman ng iba. As if I care about them. I'm pissed right now. Where is that fucking picture gone?!

Bumalik ako sa kinauupuan ko para i-check kung doon ko naiwan ang litrato ngunit mas pinainit pa ang ulo ko ng madatnan ko si Crimson na pa-cool pang nakaupo sa pwesto ko kanina.

"You lost something?" bungad naman kaagad ni Crimson sakin nang makalapit na 'ko. I looked at him suspiciously.

"Why bother asking? We both know that the thing I lost is on the hands of someone I dislike"

"Accusing me, huh" napangiti naman ng makahulugan ang kaharap ko.

"I didn't said anything"

"Don't worry. The first one who can find that thing is me" he said then he walked away.

I just looked at him with rage. I didn't expect that guy could trace my actions. He's not that bad. Wise, I see. But I won't let him get that picture.

Nagmadali akong pumasok ng elevator at pinindot ang 2nd floor. Kung hinahanap ni Crimson yung litrato ay paniguradong nagpadala siya ng tauhan para hanapin iyon sa unit ko. I immediately opened the door of my unit and noticed something strange. The door of the bedroom was half open. Di nga ako nagkamali, may nakapasok. I carefully sneak at my bedroom and saw a girl who wears baby blue dress. Nakamask ito at mukhang may tinitigan malapit sa nakabukas na aparador. Mukhang siya ang inutusan ni Crimson para hanapin ang litrato.

Di ko na siya hinayaan pang makalapit sa aparador. Hinawakan ko siya sa balikat at nagulat naman ito. Ngunit di man lang ito sumigaw at bigla akong hinarap na nakapikit. Magsasalita na sana ako ng di ko inaasahang sipain niya ako sa mukha. Di ko na lang namalayan ay napaupo na pala ako malapit sa isang table drawer malapit sa higaan. Napapikit ako sa sakit. F*ck! What is the problem of this girl? Is she insane?

Hinay-hinay akong napatayo at ng makatayo na 'ko ng maayos ay nilapitan ko kaagad ang babaeng sumipa sa mukha ko at galit ko siyang tinitigan. I grab her arm harder to tame her "Who told you to do that?"

Takot naman siyang napaatras ngunit bigla naman naging mabangis ang tingin niya "BAKIT DI MO KASI INILAGAN?!"

I just sigh in frustration "Unbelievable". I didn't expect to encounter a lady like her who act tough. She's different from Muffle who acts bitchy because she's born with authority.

I immediately grab her arm at tinulak sa higaan. Kinorner ko siya gamit ang magkabilang braso ko para di siya makatakas.. This girl is the one I saw at the buffet area. I didn't expect her to be a spy.

"Reveal yourself. Are you a spy?" I asked her without hesitation.

"If ako nga. Magpapahuli na lang ba ako sayo ng ganoon kadali?" She said rolling her eyes. She really doesn't understand her current situation. She seems calm in a situation like this. I think she's a professional spy. Her reflexes were faster than I expected. Hanggang ngayon ay ramdam ko parin ang kirot ng pisngi ko dulot ng pagsipa niya. Siya pa lang ang nakapanakit sakin ng ganito. I'm strongest fighter in underground battle yet napatumba lamang ako ng isang sipa ng isang babae.

"I'm not a fool. You kicked me hard with your eyes closed and it is not normal" I said while touching the string of her mask. I should know the identity of this spy.

"I'm not a spy. I'm just a black belter, Old man" she said with irritation. She really has the gut to call me Old man.

I slowly untie her mask and put it aside. My lips slowly opened when I recognize her face. She's the girl at the picture. How come...

"Ikaw?" di ko na mapigilang magsalita. She just looks at me irritatingly.

"Monsieur, I think it's time for you to get off" she said sophistically.

This girl is not a spy, so it possibly... I suddenly sense someone behind me. I could sense his blood lust. I immediately hug the lady and rolled over at the left side of the bed. The spy didn't make it so I take the chance.

I looked at the lady whose mind still processing. I took the mask and I put it on to her face "Wear that and get out from here as soon as possible" She needs to be safe. She is the most essential pawn that must be protected.

I faced the culprit and eventually attack him. I'm faster than him that's why I got the chance to steal his weapon from him. He was about to get it back but he suddenly change his mind and took a step back. I sense that he's terrified in the idea that he faces the wrong enemy and I think it rings inside his mind the fact that he surely be dead if he deals with me barehanded. So he decided to run away.

Di ko na dapat sundan ang lalaki nang may naalala ako bigla. Ang litrato, mukhang hawak niya na. Mabilis akong tumakbo at napansin kong bumaba ang lalaking spy gamit ang elevator. Tumakbo naman ako pababa gamit ang hagdanan.

Kilala ko kung sino kaagad ang pupuntahan niya. That Crimson bastard really plans to pick a fight with me.

Pagkarating ko sa first floor ay bigla naman bumulaga sakin ang di mahulugang karayom na mga bisita sa dance floor. Napamura ako sa maling timing. Mukhang sinwerte ang ugok. At this rate, mukhang nakuha na ni Crimson ang litrato at paniguradong alam na niya kung gaano ka importante ang babaeng 'yun sa Empire.

For now, I need another plan. Binunot ko mula sa bulsa ang cellphone. I immediately dialed the number of Art Klien Vessalius, my trusted friend. He's a hacker.

"Wazzup. Why did you took so long to call for assistance?" pambungad niya. Mukhang alam niya na kung anong nagaganap.

"Any useful info.?" I immediately asked while hiding behind the statue beside the elevator, waiting for opponents' next move.

"He's already aware of that girl's existence. You better save the Princess before she got eaten by that monster."

"Then?"

"Go immediately at the rooftop. They prepared a helicopter for an escape. They are going to kidnap the poor girl"

I didn't wait for him to talk any further. I immediately hang up and go inside the elevator to prepare for a surprise attack.

Pagkarating ko sa rooftop. I immediately ran towards the helicopter. I anticipated someone on guard but only disappointment surprise me. There's no one to be found beside the pilot. I look at the pilot and he just curiously glance at me. I just ignore him and sit beside him.

"I'll pay you double after this" I calmly said. He didn't bother to answer 'coz he already knew who I am, I could sense his fear. Halos tauhan ng Mafia ay kilala ang isang tulad ko na ipinanganak sa isang pamilya ng mga assassin at may mataas na rank sa Black Dragon Empire.

Now then, I'll just wait for my turn to draw the curtain.

Minutes later. The elevator opened and the main character appeared. I jumped from the helicopter and hid behind it. I'll just wait for the right timing.

Di ko inasahan na di nila kasama si Crimson. Dalawa lang silang lumabas mula sa elevator. Ang spy at ang babae. Sinubukan naman manglaban ng babae ngunit di ito hinayaan ng spy na makawala siya. I just look at them with bored look. Kung ako pa sa kanya ay pinatumba ko na ang babaeng yan.

Sa sobrang pagkabagot ay napagdesisyonan ko ng makealam. Lumapit ako sa babae at hinuli ang kanyang braso. Gulat naman siyang napalingon sakin na parang di makapaniwala sa nakikita.

"What are you doing here?" she asked while grinding her teeth. I think she's furious.

"It's not of your business" I said while turning my gaze to the man who's working under Crimson. "Better to dig your own grave. I'll make you pay later" I said with threatening voice.

Napabitaw naman siya sa babae at napaatras. I just smirk when he look at me with fear. That's right. You must be frightened.

I reverted my gaze at the girl but she just look at me with rage. I just looked at her saying that I don't have time for your tantrum.

I still have time before Crimson caught us up. I'll use the helicopter to get this girl under my care. I'll hide her to my place away from the hands of Crimson.

I pulled the girl towards the helicopter but she struggled again. I look at her with threatening gaze but she didn't falter.

"Damn. I didn't think that I'm such a fool to believe that you save me from him but it all just a trick to lure me here" She said furiously and pulled her arms back from my grip.

"Stop being a brat" I said without emotion. Lumapit ako sa kanya para hilain ulit siya ngunit bigla na lamang siyang napatakbo palayo. "tsk, it became more troublesome" I muttered.

Susundan ko na dapat siya ng bigla naman siya tumakbo malapit sa edge ng building. Is she trying to threaten us by committing suicide?

"I'm not buying that" wika ko habang naglalakad papunta sa kinatatayuan niya. Ngunit di parin nagpatalo ang babae dahil hinay-hinay rin itong pumaatras. Di naman nakapagpigil ang tauhan ni Crimson dahil bigla niya na lang ako pinigilan. Hinawakan niya ng mahigpit ang balikat ko.

"Our lives will at stake if something bad happened to that girl" He said to me. I just glared at him with disgust. Don't tell me, he forgot what he did earlier? He just tried to stab me and the girl inside my unit without thinking the circumstances yet he still has the nerve to tell me something ridiculous at this time?

"Don't lump me with you. I am someone who gladly accept the invitation by someone named death" malamig kong wika at binitawan niya naman ako. mukhang di niya pa nakikilala kung sino ang hinahawakan niya ngayon.

I reverted my attention at the girl and look at her with irritation. After that bitch Muffle, this girl is the second bitch.

"If you want to die then let me kill you myself" I said while walking towards the second bitch. She seems afraid of my remark but something strange from her.

"If you won't let go me that easily then I'll just do whatever it takes to escape even if I face death!" She shouted. I just smirk because of her mettlesome attitude. It's unusual for a lady to do some reckless action. Its surprise me a little.

"Then face death with my own hands" I said showing my palm.

"Do you think I am kidding?" the girl didn't bother to budge.

I'm still composed because no one is eager to die except myself so I'm confident enough that the girl will give up soon as I get closer to her yet she's really an expert of surprise attack. She jumps off from the building with a clever smile on her face.

I'm dumbfounded yet I still have the guts to cuss. That moment, I reminded of something. Her smile is really the same in the picture which always makes my heartbeat run wild without my permission.

A sudden realization hits me. I thought that the only reason I pursuit this girl is because she's just valuable to Black Dragon Empire but I didn't realize to myself that I personally wanting her for myself all along.

I immediately run towards her and tried to grasp her very own existence yet she's like a bird that flew away from her hideous fate.

TBC

[A/N: That's the end of the story. Namatay. Joke! Hope you like this chapter. Sorry wrong grammar. Don't' missed the next chapter! Actually nabura yung first draft nito. Nasira kasi memory card ko kaya natagalan ulit sa pag update. Sayang din yun pero umaasa parin ako na mas magugustuhan niyo ang final draft na 'to kasi pinalitan ko ang POV ni Serenity kay Flame. Kaya don't hesitate to vote if nagustuhan niyo talaga ang chapter na 'to and for your reaction, feel free to comment below. Thanks! :D Additional, I changed my mind. Naisipan kong habaan ang kwentong 'to dahil sa disapproval ng ibang readers at nainspire din ako sa story ni AkoSiIbara na Project Loki.]

*Reaction? I-comment na yan!

*Like? I-vote na yan!