Chapter 35

Escape

Jenkyl’s POV

“The fourth king, The King of Clover, is none other than you, Terrence.”

Natuon ang buong atensyon namin kay Terrence na noo’y kalmadong nakaupo. He remained emotionless na parang walang epekto sa kanya ang pagkakareveal sa kanyang tunay na pagkatao. Bakit ganun? Bakit hindi niya agad sinabi?

“You probably want to know why,” nanatili lang kaming tahimik. “Seriously, it’s just simple as this..”

 “..I don’t trust you.”

I could see the pain in their faces. Not trusted by someone you care so much is such an unbearable feeling.

Magsasalita na sana si Neo pero inunahan agad siya ni Terrence. “At first. Let me finish, please. I guess, it really takes time to earn someone’s trust. And you proved to me that you could be trusted. I was going to tell you anyway, after the dinner we’re having that night but then there’s this accident involving Skye so I haven’t had the chance to reveal it. Good thing I finally said it right now. And don’t worry, I don’t have any other intentions. Alam naman siguro nina Ace at Zeke ang hirap ng pagiging hari.”

Neo looked satisfied by his answer. Kung sabagay, mahirap talagang maging hari. Palagi ka na lang hahabulin ng mga dark forces para kuhain ka o kaya naman ang kapangyarihan mo. Your life would always be in danger, whenever, wherever. Kaya mahirap magtiwala.

“Kung ikaw ang King of Clover, sino ang Guardian mo?,” Ayame asked. Every king should have their own guardian to protect them. Just like Zeke and Ace with the Kagame siblings and Eros with Xander.

“I don’t have one. I walk alone. I fight alone. Mahirap, yes. But I can manage.”

Nagkaroon ulit ng katahimikan sa buong lugar. Hindi ko alam kung naaawa ba sila kay Terrence pero ako, I don’t know why but I was actually amazed. Mahirap mabuhay ng walang Guardian. You could die there unexpectedly. To think that he is still breathing right now, he must be really powerful.

“Let’s go back to our business, shall we? Mas marami pang magandang pag-usapan kesa sa buhay ko,” natatawang sabi ni Terrence. Secretary Reodica cleared her throat at inutusan ang grupo nina Neo na magreport tungkol sa misyon nila.

After Neo explained how he found out Terrence’s real identity, it was Shikuri’s turn to talk. Kanina ko pa napapansin na sa buong meeting, both Shikuri and Yuuki didn’t say even a single word. Ngayon pa lang. They looked so upset and disappointed.

“We failed,” simpleng sabi ni Shikuri. Parang tumigil ang mundo ko nang marinig ko yung sinabi niya. Mission failed? Imposible!

“We didn’t expect it to happen. I didn’t expect him to be a traitor. I’m sorry. It’s my fault,” napatakip na lang si Shikuri sa mukha niya habang niyakap naman siya ni Yuuki. I heard quiet sobs coming from her. Oh Shikuri!

“Mga onee-chan at onii-san, gomene. Hindi namin inakala na traitor si Lance-bakemono (monster). We thought everything’s going according to Shikuri’s plan pero naloko kami ni Lance. And he even force Ice-neechan to join Sirenade Empire’s forces! That stupid bastard! I hate him!,” galit na sabi ni Yuuki.

Pero anong meron kay Ice? Anong nangyari? Sino si Lance?

Pinahid na ni Shikuri ang luha niya at nagkwento. Si Lance pala ay isang prinsipe at kasama nila sa misyon. It turned out that he was brainwashed by Ayesha’s forces kaya sumama siya dito. He was a spy and helped the Sirenade Empire to steal the Dark reapers’ corpses habang isinasagawa ang pagtratransfer ng location nito. Napagalaman din niya na si Ice ay isa sa mga guardians that’s why he asked her to join them by making her choose, to marry him or to kill Yuuki and Shikuri by which at that time, nahuli sila. Ice took the first choice at ngayon nandoon sa Sirenade Kingdom.

I saw Neo’s fist clenched. Alam kong sa mga oras na to, gustong-gusto niya nang iligtas ang kapatid niya.

“Kung ganon, alam na ng Sirenade Empire ang mga hari. This could be worse than I thought,” Sebby said.

“Let’s assume that Eusebio. Sa ngayon, ang maaari na lang natin gawin ay protektahan sila mula sa mga kamay ng Dark Reapers. Hindi mabubuhay si Phelestien nang wala sila. We could hide them,” I suggested. Pero alam kong hindi magtatagal at mahahanap rin nila ang mga Hari.

Secretary cleared her throat. “I think we should proceed to the discussion of plans.”

“By the next few weeks, let us expect the Sirenade’s attack and their mission to seek the four kings. I want you to be ready for that, especially when the Dark Reapers strike. Now, all of you who are inside this room, I want you to hide. I want you to keep yourselves out of sight. That is the order of Lord Hales. He wants you to train with someone. The hardest training you would experience ever. Until the time comes you would face the Dark reapers. Remember, Kings. You are our only hope.”

Tahimik lang kaming nakatingin kay Secretary. Kung ganon, ito na pala yung pinakaseryosong training na makukuha namin. Sino kaya ang magiging training master namin?

“Anything you would want to clarify?” tanong ni Secretary.

“Ms. Reodica, do you have any idea kung anong nangyari kay Skye?,” nag-aalalang tanong ni Sebby. Malungkot umiling si Secretary at sinabing antayin na lang ang isasagot ni Tabitha.

“Nasaan na po ang iba pa naming classmates? Okay lang po ba sila?” si Ayame naman ang sumunod na nagtanong.

“Yes. They are in different zones here in Monster World protecting it from the dark sorcerers. While the others serve as the look-out in case there’s a surprise attack or your teachers’ apprentice in mission connected to this chaos.”

“Yung iba naman, may probability na kasama ang mga pamilya, especially ang mga magulang nila to help the Higher Council sa labanan na nagaganap sa iba’t ibang zones na sakop ni Lord Hales. Sa ngayon, hindi natin alam kung buhay pa sila at patuloy na nakikipaglaban,” I said without even flinching in the last sentence. Sa mga oras na to, mas maganda kung magiging straight forward ka.

“This is serious talk, students. From now on, you would be on your own. No teachers or academy protecting you. You need to be strong no matter what. And the last thing? You need to survive. Am I clear?”

Tumango kami sa sinabi ni Secretary Reodica.

“Now, any more concerns?”

I was surprised when Yuuki raised her hand. Bumalik nanaman ang kawalang-emosyon sa kanyang mga mata. She maybe adorable most of the time but then, she has this monster inside.

“We have a problem,” Yuuki said seriously. Napatuon naman ang atensyon namin sakanya.

“My book of life.. is in their hands”

~~~**~~~

Aizen’s POV

“Lance, Aizen, the Lord wants to see you,” sabi ni Nerd habang nakasilip sa pintuan ng kwarto namin. I looked at Lance, worried. Gusto akong makita ng Lord nila? Did they finally learn about my motive? Oh please no. Hell no or I’m dead!

“It would be okay, babe,” Lance caressed my cheek. Teka nga! Bakit ba ako nag-eenglish? Si Levi ko kasi eh! Nahahawaan ako ng pag-eenglish sa subtitle! We were actually watching Shingeki no Kyojin right now. Tinuturo ko kasi kay Lance ang isa sa mga gustong-gusto ko. Ang anime.

 Lumabas na kami ng kwarto at naglakad papunta sa nag-iisang kwartong nakapwesto sa pinakatuktok ng kastilyong ito. Sa buong pamamalagi ko dito, yun lang ang kwartong hindi ko pa napupuntahan. There’s this strong field guarding the entrance of the hall to the room. Hindi ka makakapasok kung wala kang permission.

Nakarating na kami sa may force field pagkatapos ang mahaba-habang sakay sa elevator. Hindi lang basta-basta tong Sirenade Empire. Would you believe it is composed of 56 floors? And swear, hindi niyo alam kung gaano kataas ang ceiling.

Hinawakan ni Lance ang kamay ko at sabay kaming pumasok sa loob ng force field. I suddenly got goosebumps as soon as I stepped inside. Parang mayroong nakakulong na isang malakas na halimaw sa loob.

Naglakad kami sa madilim nitong pasilyo na naiilawan lang ng mga kandila na nasa dingding. Habang papalapit kami ng papalapit sa kwarto, papabilis ng papabilis yung pintig ng puso ko. Yung tipong hindi ka na makahinga sa sobrang kaba? Iba yung aura dito. At hindi ko ito gusto.

Pinisil ni Lance yung kamay ko. “You would be fine, babe. I’m here. I’ll protect you, okay?” Then he flashed his sweetest smile. Nginitian ko siya pabalik. Sa totoo lang, kung hindi lang to kampi sa Sirenade Empire, baka naisip ko pang ako ang pinakamaswerteng babae dahil pinakasalan niya ako. Yes. We are married. Walang courting na naganap. Wala akong choice eh. But then, kahit na kasal na kami, I didn’t give in to him. I mean, we didn’t have our honeymoon.

Actually, any girl would fall for him. He’s the ideal man for heaven’s sake! Hindi niyo lang alam kung gaano siya ka-sweet. And he knows how to respect me. Hindi niya ako pinipilit sa mga bagay na ayaw ko. He respects my decision.

Bigla ko na lang siyang binigyan ng kiss sa cheek for the reason I really don’t know. Am I falling for him? I hope not.

“Missed me that much, hmm?” I just grinned at him. Nilapit niya ako sakanya at inakbayan. Kinikilig naman ako sa ginagawa niya. Oh wait! What did I just say? Oh please forget it.

Hindi nagtagal at nakarating na kami sa isang malaking pintuan na nasa pinakadulo ng pasilyo. Binuksan ito ni Lance at bumungad sa akin ang isang napakalakas na aura. Parang tinriple yung kapangyarihan na nararamdaman ko simula pa kaninang pagpasok namin.

Binuksan ni Lance ang pintuan at pumasok sa loob. Bumungad sa amin ang pulang carpet na nakalatag papunta sa isang trono na nababalutan ng itim na tela.

Tch. Akala ko pa naman makikita ko na kung sino ang nasa likod nito at ang kumokontrol sa Sirenade, hindi pala. Hindi NIYA pa ako pinagkakatiwalaan.

“My Lord” nagbow si Lance kaya ginaya ko siya. Bumalik nanaman ang kalabog ng dibdib ko.

“So this is your girl,” isang boses na hindi ko mawari kung ano ang nanggaling sa likod nung itim na tela. Parang pinaghalo-halong boses na lalaki at babae tapos sabay pa magsalita. Masyadong siyang maingat para hindi iparinig ang tunay niyang boses saakin.

“I’ll be straight to the point, Aizen,” the way he said my name sent shivers to my spine. “I want you to come with Lance tomorrow evening, when the moon shines its brighthest and save Skye for me. Bring her alive here no matter what.”

Totoo ba tong naririnig ko? Ipinapaligtas niya si Skye? Kung sabagay, lalong lalakas ang Sirenade kung makukuha nila ang kooperasyon ng isang demonyo. Eitherway, tsaka ko na iisipin kung paano kami makakatakas ni Skye dito kung saka-sakaling makuha namin siya. Ang mas mahalaga ngayon, ang buhay ng aking kaibigan.

“But that would be dangerou—“ pinisil ko naman ang kamay ni Lance para pigilan siya.

“As you wish master,” tumingin sa akin si Lance na parang gustong magalit. I gave him another of my billion dollar smile. “I’m with you right? I don’t have to worry. I know you would protect me. It’s time we should face this together.”

I saw how his face turned soft pero hindi pa rin natatanggal ang pag-aalala sa kanyang mukha. “Oh please dear, don’t underestimate this wife of yours.”

He nodded and we bid goodbye to our Lord.

That night, we prepared ourselves to go to the place where the execution will be held.

~~~**~~~

“Are you sure you want to do this?,” muling tanong sa akin ni Lance. I grinned at him. It’s been a while since I had that action-packed scene we had earlier to get through the guards without alarming the system out.

“Oh please husband of mine, I might look beautiful but hell I’m stronger than you,” I said laughing. Isang closed gate nanaman ang bumungad sa amin. Inilabas ni Lance ang card at pinicturan ito with a single click. Through this, masesend ang picture ng gate sa isang hacker na nagtratrabaho kasama ang iba hindi kalayuan sa lugar kung saan nakakulong sina Skye at ang pamilya niya. Sila yung mga distant fighter na nagtratrabaho sa labas at tinutulungan kaming makalagpas sa mga matitinik na sensors at alarms dito sa loob.

Di nagtagal at nakuha na ulit ni Lance ang magic codes para mabuksan ang gate. Tinanguan niya ako at isinuot ko ang hood sabay hinanda ang sarili sa pagbagsak. He swiped the card into the security pad at tumalon papunta sa kisame.

Unti-unting nagbukas ang gate and like the usual, may apat na gwardyang nakabantay dito. Awtomatikong napatingin sila sa akin and that’s the signal to break down. Nagkunwari akong isang nahimatay na katrabaho nila dahil sa uniform na ninakaw namin mula sa isang babaeng employee.

Narinig ko naman ang mga papalapit na yabag nila. Oh they have fallen for our trap again. Naramdaman ko na lang ang isang kamay na humawak sa braso ko at unti-unti akong iniaangat.

“What the!” sigaw ng isang gwardya matapos makita ang totoo kong itsura. I opened my eyes and evilly smiled.

“Boo!”

In just one sweep, dalawang gwardya na agad ang natumba nang atakihin sila ni Lance mula sa taas.

“Intruders! Call the police force now!” sigaw ulit nung isa sa kasamahan niya habang nakikipaglaban kay Lance. Mabilis namang tumakbo ang isang gwardya papunta sa emergency button.

“Oh no you won’t!” I got my violin and started playing a fast rhythm. A group of black ravens coming from my backpack swirled around him. He fought back with his laser sword but he was too weak for the massive power I was giving. Soon, his body was covered in blood.

We were doing the same routine until we reached Skye’s room.

“It’s time,” Lance said. I took a deep breath and held the door knob.

It’s been a while Skye. It’s been a while since I last saw you. I hope we’re not yet late.

I slowly opened the door. And what I found inside really surprised me.

She’s gone.

~~~**~~~

Skye’s POV

“It’s a long drive back to Vegas Skies~” I strummed my guitar as I sang one of my favorite songs. “So why don’t I make one more wrong turn tonight?~”

This night would probably the darkest experience I would have. I already lost them. I already lost the family that I treasured my whole life. And I didn’t have the chance to see them for the last time.

The Council killed them. Hales killed my parents. And I’m going to kill him in return.

“Say goodnight, our first goodbye~” I can’t help but to let out the tears. Fvck it! Screw them all! I’m going to kill them one by one, rip their shitty head out of their fvcking body! Damn it!

The sound stopped. The silence of the night filled my ears. For the first time in my whole life, I felt lost. I fvcking don’t know what to do with myself anymore.

“Iv’e only got forever and forever is fine~” I heard someone sang the next lines of the song. I didn’t bother to turn around. I knew it was HIM.

I already felt his hands wrapping around me from behind. His warm body eased the tense I’m feeling right now. He made me comfortable with his hug.

“Just take your time~” he kept on singing. He rested his chin on my shoulder and whispered the next lines. “We’ll stop the clock together and know that the timing was right~”

I felt his breath brushing through my ears as he whispered with such a soothing voice. He held my hand in front, showing the golden metal wrapped around in my ring finger. The diamond shimmered as the moon shone its light out. It was like a ring that captured the stars of the night.

Oh by the way, I’m already married to this guy beside me. I am Skye Ziel..

..And I am the demon destined to kill the Legendary Hales.

~~~**~~~

AN :3

Yeah. Sorry I was not able to update it last week. Laziness attacked. Anyway, hope you liked this one. Sorry if some parts were in english (sorry for the grammar errors). I just felt writing in that language. Anyway, guess the name of the lucky guy that Skye married. The one who guesses it right first will have the next dedication (since I'm running out of people to be in my dedication spot) So yeah. Have a nice day and take care.

And dedicated to her for making me inspired while typing this chapter. Thank you :*

Comments please. I'm dying to read one. XD

P.S. Mark your calendars, DECEMBER 22, 2013.