CHAPTER 26

WALANG pag-aalinlangang ibinaon ni Knight ang espada sa panghuling buhay sa Triad headquarters na pinasok. Habang nawawalan ng buhay ang sinaksak niya, hinugot niya ang espada at isinaksak ulit iyon sa leeg naman nito hanggang sa malagutan ito ng hininga.

Knight let out a loud breath. "Sorry about that."

Hinugot niya ang espada saka tumayo mula sa pagkakaluhod at ipinalibot niya ang tingin sa kabuonan ng lugar.

The silence was deafening. No one— not a single soul was left alive. Blood was scattered on the floor, walls and ceiling. Dead bodies are everywhere.

Ni hindi na nga niya mabilang kung ilan ang tinapos niya ang buhay mula ng makapasok siya sa gate ng compound na 'to. He just keeps on attacking until there's no one left.

It was a Triad's Headquarter that needs cleaning because of some Confidential Organòsi files that they stole.

Naglakad si Knight patungo mahogany table saka maingat na umupo sa swivel chair at inilapag ang katanang hawak sa gilid ng lamesa... at gamit ang duguang kamay, binuksan niya ang laptop na naroon saka may ini-insert siyang device sa USB port ng laptop na gawa ni Shun.

Knight tapped the earpiece on his left ear to on it.

"Bud." Anang boses ni Shun sa kabilang linya. "How is it?"

"Done. Inilagay ko na sa USB port 'yong pinapalagay mo—" He's really not a techie person. "Whatever that is."

"I'm hacking now." Ani Shun na mukhang pinasok na ang system ng Triad Headquarters na 'yon gamit ang laptop na nasa harapan niya.

Thanks to that device that he inserted on the USB port, Shun can enter the Triad's system easily.

Shun tsked. "Damn, Velasquez, I'm looking at the CCTV footage now in that HQ— this is the bloodiest that you've done so far. Ever. Stressed?"

Isinandal niya ang katawan sa likod ng sofa saka inabot ang tissue na nasa ibabaw ng mesa at ginamit iyon para alisin ang kumapit na dugo sa katana niya.

"Yeah, kind of." Sagot niya kay Shun, "someone tried to harm my baby today. I'm just letting off some steam."

Shun tsked again. "Ngayon naiintindihan ko na kung bakit palagi kang mag-isa sa mga misyon mo. If someone sees your work, personally— they'll be shaking in fear. Even I feel nauseous looking at these pile of bodies and pool of bloods."

"Why is that I don't feel the same?" Pabulong niyang tanong saka bumuntong-hininga. "Though fear is good to control people. And I'm used to working alone anyways. Ayokong may kasama na iba ang isip sa isip ko at iba ang desisyon sa desisyon ko. Baka pati siya mapatay ko." Aniya saka ipinatong ang mga paa sa gilid ng mesa at ipinikit ang mga mata. "I'll rest for a bit. Tell me if you're done hacking."

Hindi na umimik si Shun pero naririnig niya ang pagtipa nito ng keyboard sa laptop niya.

At hindi pa nag-iisang minutong nakapikit ang mga mata niya ng may kumapit na kamay sa rugged jeans niyang suot.

Knight opened his eyes before looking down.

It's the right hand man of the boss of this Triad HQ. He was weak but still glaring at him with murderous look on his face.

"You're still alive?" Knight sighed heavily before gripping his katana, "you should have played dead to live." Pagkasabi niya niyon ay ibinaon niya ang espada sa likuran niya, siniguro niyang tatamaan ang spinal cord nito para hindi na ito magising pa.

Nang bumagsak ang katawan ng lalaki sa sahig, gumawa iyon ng ingay pero kaagad siyang bumalik sa pagpikit ng mata para makapagpahinga pansamantala.

"Fuck, Knight," boses iyon ni Shun mula sa earpiece na suot, "how can you rest in a compound full of dead people that you killed?"

"What's wrong with that? Nagpapahinga lang naman ako." Sagot niya saka pinilit ang sarili na maka-idlip hanggang sa marinig niya ang boses ni Shun.

"I'm done." Anito. "You can leave now."

Tumayo siya saka kinuha ang device na ini-insert niya sa USB Port ng laptop bago lumabas ng opisina saka naglakad palabas ng gusaling iyon— palabas ng compound.

Halos lahat ng parte ng dinadaanan niya ay may walang buhay na katawan. The whole place reeks of death. He can smell the stench of blood— that rusty smell that he's already used to smelling.

And maybe he's weird but seeing dead bodies everywhere— he doesn't feel anything. He feels nothing. Am I used to it, or I am just numb to all of this? Pero wala talaga siyang maramdaman. Hindi ito ang Triad Headquarters na marami siyang napatay.

This was just a small number of the Triad.

He didn't even exert some effort to kill these son's of bitches.

But he knew... even if he doesn't feel anything, these dead people will wreck havoc on his sleeping hours. Kaya hindi siya makatulog noon, dahil sa mga masasamang panaginip na ayaw siyang tantanan. Dahil sa mukha ng mga taong pinatay niya na palaging nasa panaginip niya.

But thanks to Sweet Monday, he can finally sleep now. Kahit pa nga minsan ay dinadalaw pa rin siya ng masamang panaginip. At least, he can sleep without taking some pills.

Nang makalabas ng compound, naningkit ang mga mata niya ng tumama ang araw sa mukha niya.

It's just passed lunch time.

Knight sighed. I wonder what my baby is doing?

Nang makasakay siya sa kotse na pag-aari ng Organósi sa bansang 'yon, itinapon niya sa backseat ang dalawang katana na hawak, hinubad niya ang jacket na suot saka ginamit ang wipes na naroon para alisin ang dugo na tumilamsik sa mukha at leeg niya bago tinawagan si North.

"It's a little bit messy than usual, North." Kaagad niyang sabi. "Shun said it's the bloodiest so far."

"Are you stressed, boss?" Tanong ni North. He knows him.

"Kind of." Sagot niya.

"Feeling bored?"

Naghikab siya. "Yeah."

"Should I look for another Triad Headquarters for you to play with?"

Binuhay niya ang makina ng sasakyan, "Nah... I want to see my girlfriend."

"If you say so," ani North, "by the way, I booked you a room in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel as per your request. It's the Premier Suite. One of my men is waiting for you in the Parking lot."

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay, "North, maliligo lang ako."

"It says they have a great bathtub."

"I just need a shower, North." Aniya saka pinatay ang tawag at pinaharurot ang sasakyan niya.

Knight asked North to book him a Hotel so he can take a bath before going home to SM. Ayaw niyang duguan siyang umuuwi sa kasintahan niya. Oo nga't alam na nito ang ginagawa niya pero ayaw niyang makita nito kung gaano siya kahalimaw pagdating sa trabaho niya.

He doesn't want to scare her away.

Knight parked his car on the parking lot of the Hotel where an Organósi member was waiting for him.

"Boss." Anito sa kaniya, "this way."

Tumango siya saka sinundan lang ang lalaki hanggang sa makarating sa labas ng Premier Suite at kaagad naman siya nitong iniwan ng makapasok siya sa loob at maibigay sa kaniya ang pampalit niya ng damit na nasa backpack.

Hinawi ni Knight ang kurtina na tumatabing sa glass wall at napatitig siya sa siyudad na nasa harapan niya.

From where he stands, he can see the Macau Cityscape.

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga saka isa-isang hinubad ang damit na suot bago pumasok ng banyo para maligo.

And when he steps out, he immediately dried his wet body and put on some clothes.

Kapagkuwan ay napatitig siya sa salamin kung saan tinitingnan niya ang basang buhok na ngayon ay lumalabas na ang totoong kulay niyon. He's used to SM drying his hair all the time. It always feels good.

Knight sighed before he dried his own hair.

Pagkatapos ay kinuha niya ang cellphone na itinapon niya sa kama ng isa-isa niya kaninang hinubad ang damit bago pumasok ng banyo.

Doon lang niya binuksan ang text na pinadala sa kaniya ni Dimitri. Hindi niya iyon pinansin kanina matapos tawagan si North.

'Boss, I'm going to Hong Kong with Miss SM, Lord Jacques and your butler, Cloud.'

And then another text.

'Boss, we already arrived in Hong Kong.'

And that's an hour ago!

Hinilot niya ang sentido. This is definitely Jacques' idea. That Shopping idiot obviously drags his baby to Hong Kong.

Fuck!

Tinawagan niya si North.

"Yes, boss?"

"Send me a Helicopter. I'm going to Hong Kong."

"Yes, boss." Kaagad na sabi ni North.

Pinatay niya ang tawag saka tinawagan si Shun, "track Dimitri. He's in Hong Kong."

Shun stayed quiet for a couple of seconds before he spoke, "he's in the Louis Vuitton, Central, Hong Kong." Paused. "The fuck? Kailan pa nahilig si Dimitri sa Luxury items? I thought he hate those?"

Knight lips thinned. "I know an idiot motherfucker who likes them." Pinatay niya ang tawag saka binasa niya ang text ni North.

'Chopper on it's way.'

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga saka tumingin sa labas ng glass wall ng hotel room.

My baby better be safe or you're all gonna be sorry.

PARANG NASA palengke lang si Jacques habang tinuturo nito ang mga gustong bilhin habang nakaalalay dito ang isang staff ng Louie Vuitton Store na pinasukan nila. Going into this kind of boutique makes SM nervous. She doesn't feel welcome. Maybe because she doesn't have that kind of money to waste.

But Jacques, well, he's another matter all together.

Even Cloud looks comfortable while roaming around.

But she and Dimitri, they keep on glancing at each other while just standing there—awkwardly.

"Fuck... I hate this." Dimitri mumbled.

"I feel so small." Bulong niya.

"I feel like an ant in a big house full of big people."

Napatango na lang siya. Naiintindihan niya ang ibig sabihin ni Dimitri.

SM never thought a price of a keychain can make her heart race in shock. Well, it's Louis Vuitton, what does she expect from a luxury brand. Pero walang pakialam sa presyo si Jacques habang panay lang ang turo sa gusto nito.

From shirts, to coats, to jeans and shoes. He even bought a backpack worth 31,000HKD— sa rasong para may paglagyan ang mga binili nito dahil ayaw nitong magbitbit ng paper bag.

"He's an alien." Bulong ni Dimitri sa kaniya na tinutukoy ay si Jacques.

Tumango siya. "Alam mo 'yong pakiramdam na mas mayaman pa sa 'yo ang butler mo? That's how I feel right now."

"Lord Jacques, can you add this to my tab?" Tanong ni Cloud kay Jacques sabay abot ng LV belt dito.

"Sure." Kaagad na sabi ni Jacques na wala man lang pag-aalinlangan.

At nang makabayad ang Marques at nakalabas sila, akala ni SM tapos na ang pagsa-shopping nila, pero ng makasakay sila sa limousine na nirentahan ni Jacques, kinausap nito ang driver na ihatid sila sa IFC para sa Gucci nito.

"Is that not enough?" Napapantastikuhang tanong ni Dimitri kay Jacques.

"This?" Kumunot ang noo ng Marquess, "how is this enough?"

Nagkatinginan lang sila ni Dimitri saka hindi na nagsalita.

And that's where their true shopping began— no, Jacques shopping only. And sometimes Cloud.

From Gucci, to Prada, Versace, Coach, Saint Laurent, Hugo Boss, Balenciaga and many more stores that sells luxury brands.

And SM felt so drain as they sat on the Restaurant named Lung King Heen for dinner at 6PM.

"Hindi ba kailangan ng reservation para makapasok dito?" Tanong ni Cloud kay Jacques.

"I'm a Marquess." Ani Jacques na para bang sagot na 'yon sa lahat ng katanungan nila habang binabasa ang menu.

The Cloud glanced at her. "You okay, Lady SM?"

Ngumiti siya. "Yeah... just a bit shock though."

Napatingin sa kaniya ang Marquess. "Why? What happened?"

Napangiwi siya, "this is my first time being exposed to such prices. It's shocking."

Jacques frowned. "They're price is actually cheaper than in Paris."

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay. "I can't relate."

Dimitri sighed. "And do you really have to bring us here? One of the most expensive Restaurant in Hong Kong?"

Jacques smiled. "Of course. Only the best for milady, Cloud and you." Pagkasabi niyon ay tinawag nito ang waiter para umorder na.

Hinayaan lang nila si Jacques na umorder na paminsan-minsan ay nagtatanong sa kanila kung okay lang ba ang napili nitong pagkain.

As SM stared at Jacques, there's no doubt that he's a nobility— born and raised and pampered by a noble family. There's just an air around him— even Knight has that kind of air.

Napatigil siya sa pag-iisip ng may humalik sa pisngi niya. Kaagad siyang lumingon at nahigit niya ang hininga ng makita si Knight na nakangiti.

"Baby..." she whispered in shock.

He kissed her again, on the lips this time, "I was in Macau when I received Dimitri's text and I'd been tracking you down for four hours now." Tiningnan nito ng masama si Jacques, "really? You have to stop at every boutique?"

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Jacques saka iminuwestra nito ang bakanteng upuan sa tabi niya. "You should thank me that I got us a table for five, you motherfucker."

Umupo naman doon si Knight. "I can get a table myself, moron. I'm a Count."

Sumabad si Cloud, "yes, but, you're broke, my Lord."

Knight grunted. "Don't remind me, Cloud." Bumuga ito ng marahas na hininga saka yumakap sa beywang niya saka ihinilig ang ulo sa balikat niya.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" Tanong niya sa kasintahan. He looks bothered by something... and tired.

Knight sighed. "Lahat ng pinuntahan niyo ay pinuntahan ko rin. I can't keep up. Nakakapagod."

Pasimple siyang bumulong sa tainga ni Knight. "Napagod din ako."

Knight rested his chin on her shoulder as his face faced hers. "May binili ka ba?"

Mahina siyang natawa. "Baby, if you're broke, I'm poor."

Mahinang tumawa si Knight. "Bagay talaga tayong dalawa."

Napailing siya na natatawa. "The prices are nerve wracking and somehow enlightening. I mean, 4000HKD for a keychain? That's like 28,000 in our currency. Ilang linggong kita na 'yon ng café ko. Hindi ko kaya 'yon."

"Do you like luxury items?" Knight asked.

Umiling siya. "Okay na sa 'kin basta maayos ang itsura. Siguro kaya ko yong mga isang libo para sa isang damit pero yong ganun na kamahal, ayoko, nasasayangan ako sa pera."

Knight kissed her shoulder. "I missed you." Bigla nitong pag-iiba ng usapan.

She kissed his forehead. "Nagkikita palang tayo kanina. How's work?"

Knight was smiling but his voice tone sounded different. "Work is okay. As usual."

Umangat ang kamay niya para haplusin ang pisngi nito. "You're not okay." Obserba niya. "Gusto mo bang pag-usapan natin?"

"Later." Ani Knight saka hinalikan siya sa leeg bago bumaling sa Marquess, "call your pilot, let's stay here for one night. Bukas na tayo umuwi."

"Sure." Ani Jacques saka kaagad na may tinawagan.

"And book us a Hotel, Marquess." Utos ni Knight kay Jacques.

"Okay." Ani Jacques saka sinunod naman si Knight na ikinangiti niya ng matigilan si Jacques saka masamang tumingin kay Knight. "Why are you ordering me, you're not milady."

Knight smirked. "I'm your milady's boyfriend, that makes me your milord."

"You're not married." The Marquess pointed out.

Knight grinned. "Not yet."

Jacques just tsked before handing his phone to Cloud and asked him to book the Hotel.

Mabuti na lang dumating na ang pagkain nila kaya hindi na nagsagutan pa si Knight at Jacques.

And the food was indeed delicious. Very deserving for their expensive price.

"Hmm..." Cloud hummed while eating before glancing at Jacques, "you know how to pick a Restaurant. Tastes good."

Kaagad na sumabad si Knight. "Hindi 'yan marunong. Paniguradong naghanap lang 'yan ng 'expensive Restaurant' sa Google."

Jacques glared at Knight. "What's wrong with that, asshole?"

"You only knew expensive things." Ani Knight saka napailing, "alam mo bang marami namang murang kainan na masarap?"

"If it's not expensive then it's not good."

"Not at all." Salungat ni Knight, "it's like you're saying because we have a rank in the society, that makes us better than the commoners, right? We, nobles, are like Luxury items. My father taught me that people without rank or not noble are nothing and beneath me, but I came to realize that it's not true. You should too. Minsan pa nga, kung sino pa ang nakakataas sa lipunan, siya pa ang hindi karapat-dapat na mabuhay."

Napatitig si Jacques kay Knight. "What are you saying, Count?"

"I'm saying that even if it's not expensive and it's a commoners food, it still worth your attention. It's just a matter of appreciation and enjoying what's in front of you and not looking for the most expensive thing to suit you. Natutunan ko 'yan sa mga kaibigan ko. Sila ang tipo ng mga tao na kahit may pera, mas gusto yong simple lang kapag kami-kami lang ang magkakasama. Not because we can't afford it, but because we enjoy the simplest thing that we seldom experience."

Nagbaba ng tingin ang Marquess, "simplest thing..." mahina itong natawa, "my mother will kill me if I ask for the simplest thing."

Sumabad si Dimitri, "you really grew up with a golden spoon in your mouth."

"Yeah..."

"Then why become Miss SM's butler?" Dimitri's million dollar question.

Tumingin sa kaniya si Jacques saka ngumiti. "I have my reasons."

Sumama ang mukha ni Knight saka bumulong sa kaniya. "Wala naman siguro gusto 'yan sa 'yo, 'di ba? He's not flirting with you when I'm not around, right?"

Piningot niya ang tainga ni Knight. "You bugged my café. You tell me."

Napakamot sa batok ang kasintahan. "Sorry about that. Nag-aalala lang kasi ako dahil wala ako sa café para protektahan ka."

Naputol ang usapan nila ng magsalita si Cloud, "The Hotel has only two rooms left. It's peak season."

Kaagad na ngumisi si Knight, "book it, Cloud. Marquess, doon ka na matulog sa eroplano mo."

The Marquess looked at Knight flatly. "You'll use my card to book, and I'll be sleeping in my airplane? Wow. You have such a thick face you motherfucker Count. You're not using my card!"

May inilabas na card si Knight sa pitaka nito saka ibinigay iyon kay Cloud. "Use this."

"That's my card as well!" The Marquess hissed.

"I let you stay in my house." Wika ni Knight na siyang palaging nirarason kay Jacques, "and a Philosopher once said... wala nang libre ngayon. That Philosopher is my friend, Shun Kim. Mandurugas siya. And I'm learning from the best."

Tumawa si Knight kay Jacques na masamang-masama ang mukha saka nag book naman si Cloud. Habang si Dimitri ay tahimik na kumakain.

Knight and Jacques were arguing again because Knight stole the Marquess' food— again— when they heard a glass wall shattering.

It was so loud. Nagsigawan ang mga tao sa loob ng Restaurant at tumakbo palabas pero hindi nakagalaw si SM at nasapo lang ang tiyan niya.

"Baby," hinawakan ni Knight ang kamay niya na kaagad na tumayo, "let's get out of here. Come on."

Sa halip na tumayo, nag-angat siya ng tingin sa kasintahan. "Just calm down," aniya sa kasintahan saka inalis ang kamay niyang sapo ang tiyan saka pinakita rito ang duguan niyang kamay saka ngumiti, "I think I got shot, baby."

The fear, the panic and the anger on Knight's face slowly disappeared from her sight when her eyes started closing.

"S-sorry, b-baby... s— s-sorry..." was all SM can say before the darkness swallowed her whole.