"Ye'r too persistent, ye wench!"

Ilang beses napaatras ang mga paa ni Asta noong makatanggap siya ng isang malakas na suntok sa kaniyang pisngi. Umigting ang kaniyang panga. The earth produced rasping noises as her foot grate along the surface. Dirts accumulated at the back of her boots as she stand with bended knees. She clenched her teeth and firmed her booted heel on the ground after taking her stance by sliding her one foot back. Muli niyang iniharap ang kaniyang nakatagilid na mukha at binigyan niya ng isang agresibong tingin ang guwardiyang may malaking pangangatawan.

The chains — that are connecting the shackles on her both hands — rattled with her movements. Nanatili siyang tahimik habang pinagmamasdan ang matatalim na mga mata ng malaking guwardiya. Her breaths are shallow, the corner of her lips stings, and her body is weakening because of the Yules that are touching her bare wrists. But she can still move.

The guard's eyes sharpened when the woman slightly bended her knees even more. Without delay, she suddenly blasted from her spot and was about to swing her shackled arms at the man's head. But a strained groan escaped Asta's lips when the man caught her arm by his large hand with ease. Her eyes squinched when the man swung her body over his shoulder and slammed her back to the ground without mercy. She squawked as her body bounced off the surface because of the immense force.

Magkalapit na ang mga kilay ng lalaki and his nose crinkled as he draw his foot back. Pilit na binuksan ni Asta ang isa niyang mata upang tingnan ito. Asta's eyelid quivered as she watch him prepare his leg to kick her. The man roughly yelled, "I told ya, didn't I? The king is not interested in meeting ye!"

Asta produced a restrained yell when the man suddenly kicked her torso with all his strength. Tumalsik ang kaniyang katawan at ilang beses pang tumalbog sa lupa bago ito gumulong at tumigil. She coughed as she lay on her chest. Her head is resting on her extended arm as her eyes remained shut.

Ibinaba ng lalaki ang kaniyang paa at muli niyang sinigawan ang babaeng bigla na lamang pumasok sa palasyo ng walang pahintulot. "Never come back again, ya hear me!? I won't let you go with just a fractured hand next time!" tumalikod na ito at sinarado ang tarangkahan ng kastilyo. He grunt in annoyance as he watch her figure through the gap of the shutting doors. "Don't get full of ye'rselves just because his highness spared yer asses from getting executed. Such arrogant fiends."

Dinig na dinig ang pagsara ng makakapal at malalaking gates ng palasyo. Tila ba umalingawngaw ito sa paligid at pagkalipas ng ilang segundo ay tanging ang paglagpas na lamang ng hangin sa mga puno ang naririnig. Few chirping birds created a calming tune along with the swaying leaves. The setting sun gave the sky a hue of amber; giving the august palace a scenic atmosphere and display. The sight seemed like it came out from a marvelous painting, including the figure of the injured woman who's laying in front of the gallant structure.

Asta clenched her teeth as she weakly try to lift her eyelids. "We're not done yet, you stupid oaf..!" she groaned as she move her aching limbs to lift herself up. She bent her arms and her one knee. She pushed her upper body from the cemented floor and sat on her rear after struggling. She clicked her tongue as she stare at the closed gates that's most likely locked by now. "That fucking dick."

Ibinaba niya ang kaniyang tingin sa makakapal na posas na nasa kaniyang mga pulsuhan. Iniangat niya ang mga ito, dahilan para kumalansing ang kadenang nagdudugtong sa mga ito. If only it was made out of ordinary metals, she can break it without any complications. But aside from its high quality material, she also has injuries to consider. Her eyes squinched when she tried to move her right hand. That bastard broke my dominant hand, of all things. Tch.

She sighed as she drop her hands on her crossed legs. Isang simangot ang nagpakita sa kaniyang mukha habang pinagmamasdan ang mala-higanteng tarangkahan ng palasyo. They didn't even give me five minutes.

Itinungkod niya ang kaniyang paa at siya'y tumayo na. Dust and dirts stuck onto her clothes. The abrasions began to bleed and bruises might resurface later on. She's lucky enough to be spared with only minor injuries. After all, trespassing into the official residence of the king comes with severe punishments. She's fortunate enough to leave with her whole body.

Iritado niyang pinunasan ang dumi mula sa kaniyang pisngi gamit ang manggas ng kaniyang damit. "Ezio spared me from getting my feet cutoff but why the hell can't he face me?!" she clicked her tongue as she turn her back. She began to walk away from the dignified structure. "That damn king!"

--

"Fedrino Vesiliente," iniangat ni Claysen ang kaniyang mga mata mula sa hawak na papel. He gazed at the man who's on the other side of the table, holding some files as well. "Are you familiar with him?"

Nanatili ang mga mata ng heneral sa hawak na papel habang kaniyang sinasagot ang tanong nito. "Only a few. He was once the owner of Rotrine, the well-known gambling city in the western country," ibinaba niya ang papel sa lamesa at inangat naman ang tasang may laman na kape. "He was arrested as per Ali's order but he managed to compensate for his sins with almost all the wealth he have."

Claysen hummed habang marahan niyang dinadala ang hawak na tasa sa kaniyang mga labi. He commented, "It's quite a shock that King Ali allowed such thing," he blew on his steaming hot coffee. "I'm under the impression of him having some kind of principles against ruthless criminals."

Isang mahinang tawa ang kaniyang narinig mula sa mga labi ng heneral. "Well, after a huge war and losses, money became a necessity. He had no choice but to accept it. Royalties have limited resources too."

Katahimikan ang muling namayani sa silid pagkatapos ng kanilang brief na usapan. Only the flaps of the swapping papers in their hands are filling the silence along with the loud buzzing noises of the cicadas outside.

Claysen's attention is on the documents he's reading while Yan keeps on glancing at him: itching to ask the question he wanted to ask since the beginning. He parted his lips to ask but he eventually shut it and just sighed.

Saglit itong tiningnan ni Claysen ngunit hinayaan na lamang niya at ibinalik rin ang tingin sa papel. Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto ay isang buntong-hininga ang lumabas rin sa mga labi ng binata noong patuloy pa rin ang pagsulyap sa kaniya ng nakakatanda. Claysen spoke as his eyes remain on the files. "If you want to ask how's that bastard doing, he's fine. Still the same jerk as he is."

Yan was surprised but an awkward smile eventually showed itself on his lips, "I-I see..." ibinaba niya ang kaniyang tingin sa lamesa ngunit muli siyang tumingin rito upang itanong ang isa pang bagay. "So.. you're still fighting?" It is so obvious but he still want to know if the tension between the two somehow lightened in the past months. Ngunit ilang minuto na ang lumipas ay walang sagot ang lumabas sa bibig ng binata.

His eyes softened as he exhale a heavy sigh. Marahan niyang ibinaba ang tasa sa lamesa habang nanatili sa papel ang kaniyang mga tingin. "You should just understand him, Clay. He's still your brother after all."

Claysen's expression remained neutral. "I gave up on that years ago. And he's not my brother," Yan sighed once again as he listen to the boy's usual statement whenever this kind of topic is brought up. "He's just an annoying acquaintance I'm stuck with."

"Move it!"

Parehas silang lumingon sa bintana noong marinig ang iritadong sigaw ng isang lalaki. Their eyes became stern as they put the papers down on the table. Yan stated, "It seems like they're finally here," he glanced at the clock. "Quite late."

Naglakad si Claysen patungo sa bintana at sumilip sa gilid ng kurtina. Wagons, carts, and horses are making their way on the road that leads to the forest. Torches are illuminating their way as some men travel by feet. The wagons' wooden wheels are clattering and the mud is squelching with their every step.

"C'mon, hurry up!"

Tumalas ang mga mata ni Claysen sa lalaking nakasakay sa isang kabayo. The man is wearing a cloak over him but Claysen can clearly see his face because of the lighted torch. "There he is. Fedrino Vesiliente," he sneered. "After losing most of his wealth, he immediately resorted to his usual job huh. Though he's not the boss this time."

Yan suddenly raised his gaze when he sensed a familiar presence that came out of nowhere. Pagkatapos niyang malaman kung sino ito, he mentally chuckled. How could he ever forget that man's presence? He pursed his lips before a weak smile showed on his lips as his eyes softened. I didn't expect this to be the reason for my sudden requisition. He lightly chuckled. "His highness truly hasn't change one bit. Still the sly man he is."

"Clay," lumingon si Claysen kay Yan noong marinig niya ang pagtawag nito sa kaniya. Yan swung his coat over his shoulders and slipped his arm in one sleeve before the other. Dinampot niya ang kaniyang espada at ngumiti siya sa binata. "I'll leave them to you. Certainly, the drugs are hidden inside the sacks of rice and flours. Be alert too, there might be some unexpected turn of events."

Claysen's eyes sharpened as he completely face his direction, "And where are you heading?" he then squinted his eyes as he clench his hands. "I knew it was suspicious for you to be assigned in such simple case. This kind of mission can be easily dealt with just by a lieutenant." umigting ang kaniyang panga. "Did his highness--"

Isang mahinang tawa ang lumabas sa mga labi ng heneral. "Don't worry too much, Clay. I never once discussed this with his majesty so I have no idea as well why he sent me," Yan's eyes turned solemn as he stare at his sword's hilt. "I only realized it now..." muli siyang tumingin sa binata at ang madalas nitong ngiti ay nagpakita sa kaniyang mga labi. "I'll see you later. I'm just going to greet an old friend."

"Oi! Sandali--!" Claysen cursed under his breath when Yan suddenly disappeared without living any sound nor trace, not even letting him speak another word. His jaw clenched in annoyance. He turned his back and grabbed his sword that's leaning against the table. He grabbed the side of the curtain and opened it in an abrupt manner. "That damn old man."

Claysen swung himself out of the window and he dropped on the bricked road with a gentle clump. Crouching down as his crimson eyes gaze like a hunting predator, the air surrounding him seemed dry as he firm his foothold. His blade clinked when he pushed the sword's guard with his thumb. He held its hilt and charged with a blasting force.

He pulled the sword out of its sheath as he glance at the person that was about to look at his direction. Before the man could completely turn his head, Claysen's sharp blade sliced the skin of his forehead. Some blood splattered and oozed out of the sliced flesh. Lahat ay nagulat sa biglang pagsigaw ng lalaki habang takip-takip nito ang mukhang naliligo sa sariling dugo.

Claysen swept the man's feet and grabbed the back of his collar before he could fall to the muddy ground. Hinatak niya ito ng malakas at ihinagis sa papasugod na tauhan. He then quickly turned his back and blocked the upcoming sword from his back with his gray colored weapon. Masama siyang tiningnan ng lalaki habang idinidiin nito ang bigat sa hawak na sandata. Claysen's face remained void of any emotion. His sharp eyes suddenly glanced sideways when he sensed an approaching presence on his left.

The huge man yelled as he run to them with a bolo. Claysen looked back to his current opponent. He firmed his grip and exert some force in his defensive blade to overpower him, causing for the guy's arm to bounce back after losing in the brief competition of arm strength. The man clenched his teeth as he lose his balance on the slippery surface.

Claysen's hand and fingers quickly moved and he changed his grip on the sword's hilt, making the blade point downwards. Malakas na napasigaw ang lalaki noong mabilis na ibinaon ng binata ang espada sa kaniyang paa; nailing his foot in place.

The incoming man swing his bolo downward at Claysen ngunit bago pa ito umabot sa binata ay mabilis itong naiwasan. Claysen pushed his feet off the ground and swing his body upwards. Putting all his weight on his hand that is placed on the bottom of his sword's hilt. In his upside down position, his relaxed eyes watched the bolo swing on nothing but air.

Napaabante rin ang itaas na bahagi ng katawan ng tauhan dahil sa sobrang daming pwersang inilagay nito sa pagwasiwas ng itak. Claysen took that opportunity to strike his booted foot down on the back of the man's head. He shifted his weight to his lower extremities, not losing contact with the guy's head. Bumagsak ang mukha ng lalaki sa putikan habang ang binata ay nakaapak sa likod ng kaniyang ulo. He struggled ngunit hindi siya pinansin ng binata.

Kalmadong binunot ng binata ang kaniyang espada mula sa paa ng sumisigaw na lalaki. Lahat ay nagdadalawang-isip na umatake rito. Claysen momentarily closed his eyes in a calm manner as he slowly slide his blade inside its sheath. They watched his long locks of black hair gently dance with the cold breeze as they listen to the sound of his slipping blade against the mouth of its scabbard.

Fedrino began to clench his teeth in anger as he recognize the boy's infamous figure and the familiar air that's going around him. He gripped the wooden left arm attached to his shoulder as the vivid image of gray eyes resurface in his mind. Nanginginig ang kaniyang sistema dahil sa pagkamuhi habang inaalala ang kaganapang nagpabagsak sa kaniya walong taon na ang nakalipas.

His anger-filled eyes intensified as he watch the boy stand with dignified posture. His long black hair reminds him of the woman who caused him his downfall. His confident stand, the eerie calm air around him, and the way his eyes gaze resembles her too much for the man full of loath.

Mabilis niyang binunot ang baril na nasa kaniyang tagiliran at tinutok ito sa binata. "Hevrion!" he immediately pulled the trigger and the bullet just went pass by in front of the boy's face. Claysen's eyelids slowly revealed his red orbs and he gazed at Fedrino's direction in a lax manner. Mahigpit na hinawakan ni Fedrino ang kaniyang baril. "That name is a fucking curse! Why didn't that woman bring it to hell with her!? Those who bear that name should just fucking die and suffer!"

Isang maliit na ngisi ang nagpakita sa mga labi ng binata habang siya'y humaharap dito. "Could it be that Zai is the cause of those artificial limbs attachment? Unlucky of you." naglabas ito ng mahinang tawa bago siya nagsimulang maglakad patungo sa direksyon niya. "I must say, you're dumb as hell. You should've ran away when you had the chance. 'Cause this time," Fedrino's eyes widen when the boy suddenly disappeared. He lifted his chin when a cold blade suddenly touched his neck. Napalunok ito habang dinaramdam ang panlalamig ng kaniyang katawan. He glanced at his side and saw the boy's red eyes looking up to him. Claysen's eyes sharpened as his devilish smile widens. ".. you might lose a head instead."

Nanatiling nasa ganoong anggulo ang ulo ni Fedrino. His Adam's apple are moving as cold sweats trickle down his forehead. But he then eventually smirked, "You wouldn't," Claysen didn't react. A short chuckle escaped Fedrino's mouth. "Criminals should be taken in custody alive, right?" nanatiling tahimik ang binata. Fedrino continued with a hint of belittlement in his voice. "And children are still children. They can't bear the weight of the life they take--"

Natigilan ito noong marinig niya ang pagsnort ng binata. Nagsimula itong tumawa. Lahat ng mga mata ay nakatingin dito. Fedrino began to feel uneasy with the boy's sudden laughter. Claysen's laughter began to die down as he look back to him. "You're right. We can't kill our targets, that'll be a breach of protocol. That's what the silver-haired guy like to say," Claysen's previous expression came back, his sinister smile gave Fedrino fear immediately. "But you see, Sir. I'm not like the Goody Two-shoes he is."

Fedrino yelped when the cold blade touched his skin. Blood oozed out of the small wound. Muling gumalaw ang kaniyang Adam's apple noong siya'y lumunok. This kid's gonna kill me..! Fear crept faster and desperation began to surface but Fedrino's eyes suddenly glanced sideways when he saw something glistened in the bushy leaves of a tree. A mischievous grin formed on his face.

Claysen's eyes darkened as he say his next words, "You also said something about the guilt of committing murder, didn't you?" umigting ang kaniyang panga at mas lalo niyang inilapit ang espada sa leeg nito. Fedrino slightly backed away because of it. Claysen's eyes sharpened, "I'm already drowning in it so there'll be no problem if I add another insignificant soul, correct? So--"

"SHOOT!"

Biglang nanlaki ang mga mata ng binata sa isinigaw nito. His eyes immediately moved away from the old man and looked for a possible shooter. His eyes widened when he saw something glistened but it was too late for him to react. An object suddenly propelled towards his direction from the other side of the road. "Ngh!" he groaned when something suddenly thrust into his left shoulder, just above his chest.

Iginilid ni Fedrino ang kaniyang mukha noong iwinasiwas pataas ng binata ang kaniyang espada. The tip of the blade slid along the skin of his face and he yelled because of the immense pain the long wound is causing.

Inignora ni Claysen ang hysterical na pagsigaw ng lalaki at mabilis siyang tumingin sa bagay na nasa kaniyang kaliwang balikat. It looks like a tube type syringe, the upper part of it is transparent and he could see the bright green substance it contains. He was about to pull the long needle out but his eyes squinched when the small fitted plunger on the very top of it suddenly slid down in an instant: pushing its contents out of the tube into his flesh.

Mabilis niya itong hinawakan at binunot mula sa kaniyang balat. He threw the syringe away and he held his shoulder. Umigting ang kaniyang panga habang siya'y nakatingin sa tauhang bumaba ng puno na may hawak na sniper. He clicked his tongue. I was careless.

"What are you standing around for!?" malakas na sigaw ni Fedrino habang siya'y nakasakay sa kabayong naglalakad patungo sa gilid. His hand is covering the large wound on his face. He yelled, "Shoot him, you useless idiots!"

Tila ba natauhan ang mga tauhang naroon. Mabilis na kumuha ang mga ito ng baril sa malapit na kariton. They removed the huge fabric covering it and broke the boxes that's filled with firearms. Nagsimula ang mga itong magpaputok ng mga bala sa direksyon ng binata.

Claysen is clenching his teeth as he run to the cart that's leading the lines of trading vehicles. Pinutol niya ang taling nagkakabit dito sa kabayo, causing for the horse to run away. Tinagilid niya ang kariton gamit ang pagsipa mula sa ilalim nito. He then jumped to the other side and pinned the fallen boxes against the cart bago siya sumandal sa mga ito. Pinagmasdan niya ang tumatakbong kabayo. He clicked his tongue. As if I can leave this goons behind! I won't go back to the academy with such failure. I'd rather die than let that bastard make fun of my mistakes.

He pulled his collar to the left and looked at his shoulder. What the heck was that?

Umigting ang kaniyang panga noong nagtuluy-tuloy ang mga balang patungo sa kaniyang pwesto. He clicked his tongue and broke the box beside him. Dinampot niya ang baril na naroon at kinasa ito. Think about it later, idiot.

Huminga siya ng malalim habang nakapikit ang kaniyang mga mata. He opened his eyes and pushed himself off the ground. He was about to turn ngunit nanlaki ang kaniyang mga mata noong biglang bumagsak ang kaniyang tuhod sa lupa bago pa niya maitutok ang hawak na firearm. His dumbfounded eyes stared at the ground as he wonder why his body suddenly became heavy.

Pagkalipas ng ilang segundo ay napadaing siya noong naramdaman niya ang pag-iinit ng kaniyang katawan. Bumigat ang kaniyang hininga and he lost the rhythm of his breaths, as if breathing became foreign for his living body. He huffed and steam came out of his mouth when he did so. His head is throbbing and his heart is painfully clenching. Nangangalay rin ang kaniyang mga braso at mga binti, a painful strain that he can't fathom.

His squinching eyes are still staring at the ground as he continuously huff. He clutched his chest and his eyes became unfocused with the familiar fear. "H-How..? It's been years!" he groaned as his eyes shut with the immense pain. The drug..! He lowered his head and clawed the dirt under his other hand when he realized his own condition. "Those bastards..!"

How could he forget this hellish pain he's been enduring from time to time when he was young? He had to suffer the pain that his clan planted in him for months! There's no way he won't be familiar with such torturous sensation!

Mas humigpit ang kaniyang hawak sa kaniyang damit noong maramdamang tumaas ng biglaan ang temperatura ng kaniyang katawan. An agonizing loud yell blasted out of Claysen's mouth as the traumatizing blue flares blaze out without any consent nor control like a terrifying wildfire.

The men was startled when blue flames suddenly bursted out like a huge explosion. Napaatras ang mga ito dahil sa init habang kanilang tinitingala ang napakalaking apoy. Some men screamed when they were caught in the sudden outburst. Ilang mga puno rin ang nasunog and they began to burn in a rapid speed.

Their eyes glistened in awe and shock as they stare at the hellish flames. Rinig na rinig nila ang malakas at tila ba naghihirap na sigaw ng binata but no one dared to move one step.

Fedrino's amused eyes were glued into the beautiful flames. He grinned and he chuckled. His chuckles turned into a laughter until he began to laugh in amusement. Dinampot niya ang syringe na nasa kaniyang bulsa at patuloy na tumawa. "I thought that woman was lying. This stuff is splendid!" he spread his arms as his fascinated wide eyes look at the dazzling fire. "Excellent indeed! Such magnificence shall be grasped by the palm of my hand. I shall own your radiance!"

The blue flares lighted up the starry sky with its magnificent color. Like a flower that suddenly bloomed to display its beauty, those who has seen such elegance became astonished with the sight. It resembled the blue sky in daylight yet it also holds the refined grace of the silent dawn.

Its astonishing color flickered and the glistening embers complimented the bright dots of the inky horizon. With the moon serving as a witness, its brilliance along with the immense pain of the one who possess such elegance was seen. None among the bedazzled eyes knew that such beauty came from the world of suffering. Only the one who bears it.

Claysen clenched his teeth as blood ooze out the side of his lips. His squinching eyes failed to give tears for as it'll be gone in an instant with the scorching heat. "Such beauty... I don't want it!"