NO EDIT: 11/11/20

"I wish, I can be a stone. A non-living organism that no matter what happen it won't feel a thing but just a hollow object—void of everything, similar to the emptiness buried inside my heart. I wish, I can be a stone."

Warning: (Mature Content.)

...

CHAPTER 77

Nothing. She felt empty as her vision engulfed by an endless darkness but even so, she felt peace. She always thought she hates darkness but that how wrong she was, because at this moment darkness is her only ally.

No matter how much she poundered her brain for thoughts; nothing seems to appeared. It was a bliss but she understand more not to trust for a moment of peace because it was treacherous. Reality strike painful—bloody and messy.

"Wakey, wakey, girl," a voice rang in her ear as a cold water splashed through her face.

She gasped hard and opened her eyes abruptly and found herself bound against a metal bed with chains. She can't move a muscle as if all her strength left her.

She was sorrounded by white wall and one window glass, there are different experimental tools scattered around the room. Iisa lang ang sumagi sa kaniyang isipan at iyon ay nasa loob siya ng isang laboratory.

"Good, you're finally awake." There was a sound of mischief in his voice. It sounded more malevolent—danger!

The girl glance towards the mad scientist. He wore his gloves and mask. Lumapit ito sa isang lamesa kung saan nakalatag ang mga paboritong gamit. Equipment used for surgery.

"Hmn, ano kayang uunahin ko?" Centipede tapped his chin. Malalim na nag-iisip kung ano ang unang kukunin sa mga utensil sa harapan.

Nanatiling tahimik ang dalaga. Nanghihina ang kaniyang katawan. Whatever Centipede done to her, is affecting her whole system which she hated so much. She hated being weak.

"Should I cut your limbs? Or should I open you up? Maybe, should I inject some chemicals in your veins to see the results?" He grinned. "Ow! I can't wait to start my experiment on my new guinea pig!"

Zoien gulped after what he said. Biglang lumitaw sa kaniyang isipan ang naganap maraming taon na ang lumipas—noong sumailalim siya sa isang eksperimento.

Those screams, amputated limbs, flesh and bloods. Her stomach churned from disapproval as she heard again the word 'guinea pig'.

She already knew the person in front of her. Hindi na niya kailangan pang tanungin kung sino ito.

Mabilis na napawi ang kaba at takot sa kaniyang sistema at napalitan ng galit.

Naalala niya ang nangyari sa kaniyang kapatid, sumailalim din ito sa isang eksperimento at nakakatiyak na ang nasa likod nito ay walang iba kundi si Centipede—ang lalaking nasa kaniyang harapan.

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ng dalaga sa lalaking siyentipiko. The man know how intense those stares protruding from his back. It was full of contempt and hatred.

"My, my, your eyes are blazing!" Hinarap nito ang dalaga dala ang scalpel sa kaliwang kamay at lumapit sa metal bed. "You are angry. I can feel the building of hatred inside you, but sadly." Itinutok nito ang dulo ng scalpel sa pisngi ni Zoien.

Nagpumilit siyang lumayo subalit hinigpitan ng lalaki ang hawak sa mukha ng dalaga. Halos bumaon ang mga daliri nito sa malambot na balat ni Zoien.

He grinned wider. "You can't touch me and most of all, you can't escape from my grasp, girl." Diniinan niya ang hawak na matalas na bagay sa pisngi ng dalaga.

Zoein didin't flinch, she cannot feel any pain.

"Such a porcelain skin. So smooth, so soft! I'll make sure to enjoy myself, cutting every inch of your body. Every organ, every flesh, blood and bones."

Umigting ang bagang ng dalaga sa sinabi nito. Nandidiri siya sa bawat hawak ng lalaki. Nais niya itong itulak palayo subalit dahil nakakadena ang kaniyang mga paa at kamay sa metal bed kaya wala siyang nagawa kundi ang hayaan ito.

Parang tubig na lumabas ang dugo sa hiwa sa pisngi ng dalaga na lalong ikinasiya ni Centipede subalit, mabilis na nawala ang ngisi sa kaniyang labi matapos makitang 'di man lamang naapektuhan si Zoien.

He clicked his tounge from annoyance.

"Looks like the side effect of the sleeping liquid still affecting your body, such a waste."

Inalis na ni Centipede ang scalpel sa pisngi ng dalaga. Aabot sa tatlong inches ang hiwa. He even made sure it will be deeper so that it will be painful.

"Sayang, gusto ko pa man din marinig ang sigaw at pagmamakaawa mo. Oh well, it can't be help. For now, I shall wait."

Pinagmasdan ni Zoien ang paglayo ng lalaki maging ang kung paano inilapag nito sa lalagyan ang scalpel na puno ng kaniyang dugo.

"You're mad," she said full of disgust. "I hope you will rot in hell." Sa wakas nahanap na rin niya ang sariling dila.

He burst out of laughter. "As a servant of science I don't believe in the existence of heaven or hell but I do believe with death itself. After all, we all gonna die." Pinagmasdan ng lalaki ang nakagapos na dalaga. "I am known as a mad scientist. I invent and made researches that are against all laws. Humans exist only to become a liability to my experimemt."

Clunk! Umingay ang pagkalansing ng kadena nang pilitin niyang igalaw ang kaniyang mga kamay. Umaapaw ang kaniyang pagkamuhi at galit. Nais niyang alisin ang saya sa mga mata nito.

"Experimenting on humans? Is that your passion? How many lives had you ruined already! Despicable scum!"

"Ow, feisty. How come someone like you can redicule our passion when in the first place... we are the same."

"Don't you dare compare me to someone like you! I didn't kill innocent people! I never treat them as guinea pig for experiment!"

"But you still kill them."

"I kill them for a purpose." Zoien pursed her lips. "To end their tremendous crimes! To protect more innocent lives from despicable beings—like you!"

"I know, but how come you are different from me? Dahil ba sa ginagawa mo ang bagay na iyon para protektahan ang iba?" Malakas na tumawa si Centipede. "Justice my foot! The world is already rotten to the core. You can't kill us all. You can't just eradicate madness easily, girl. Even if you use violence against violence. Someone like us—no, someone like me, will always exist. That is nature! Balance! No matter what you do. No matter how much you want peace. We still be born. It just natural to a human being to be psychologically imbalance afterall, we are not perfect creature. Our world is a full of shit! Don't you agree?"

"If only you will cease to exist in the first place. The world would be at peace."

"Another of your useless comeback. I may be wrong but what makes you right? Does killing us, will put a stop to this eternal madness? We are just one piece of it. And yet, you consider us, trashes—living organisms who doesn't have any right to live. Is that how you see us?"

"Yes." Zoien look directly towards his eyes.  "I see you as a mistake of this world."

"Huh?" Napatakip sa mga mata si Centipede at humalakhak. "A mistake? How absurd."

"I only feel pity toward you."

"I don't need your pity! You can swallow it together with your stupidity! You are powerful and yet you are not using it in your favor! Kayang-kaya mong pamunuan ang lahat! Ang gawin ang kahit na anumang gusto mo! Pero heto ka, nagpaalipin sa maling kaisiapan ng kapayapaan. Looking at you right now, makes me want to bury you 6ft under."

"Me? Powerful?" Mapait na natawa si Zoein. "Sino sa atin ang tanga. Kung malakas ako, sa tingin mo, nandito ako ngayon sa harapan mo? Kung malakas ako, sa tingin mo, umiiral pa ang WEB! The only thing I want to do right now, is to end everything. I shall get the justice I want! For my family, for my friends you've killed, for those innocent lives you've taken without mercy." Her eyes were blazing like fire among the darkness. It was sharp as blade—that can cut anything. It sent shiver down Centipede spine but he hide it well. "I will eradicate your kind. Even if it means tainting my soul. I'll do it without remorse."

He knows the girl was serious. May diin ang bawat salita nito. May patutunguhan at puno ng determinasyon na pamilyar sa kaniya. The girl reminds him of his past self. Those burning eyes but unfurtunately their thinking are not parallel at all. They are both on the opposite side of a coin but still they have similarities. They are tainted beings but still they bear different motive.

Determine people was tough to annihilate, especially some like her. A ghost smile lingers on his lips but the mask hide it from the girl gaze.

"Do you really think, you can stop us? Right now. Our organization, started our own war. We already spread chaos and death around the world. What makes you so, confident that we can be stop? When it truth, we are powerful. Or maybe you are too blind to see that?" He challenge the girl.

"Everything has it ending," she said. "I know we live in an imperfect world. Someone like you exist that is because it keep the balance but nevertheless that also means 'our existence' is also important. We will put a stop in all of these mess. A fight with no ending. It can be a cycle but this is how the world works. To put a stop to this, we need to destroy the root."

"I commend your bravery, girl. But you are so foolish. Words aren't the basis of victory. We are already conquering the world as of now. And yet, you speaks of nonsense."

Tumaas ang gilid ng labi ni Zoien. "Heh? Among the both of us, you are the stupid one. Do you think, every country's leaders will just stand idle about your war? Don't make laugh. Hindi lamang kayo ang kumikilos sa digmaang kayo ang nagsimula. Nagtagumpay man kayong wasakin ang Sanctum pero hindi iyon sapat para pigilan kami na tapusin kayo."

"Never in a million times, WEB will bend to anyone. Our organization, will win this battle."

"You already claim your victory, despite the fact that we are not witnessing the end of the war. You sure are too confident." A sound of mockery was evident in her voice that made the mad scientist twitch his eyes from annoyance.

Most especially her face reminded him of Tania. He hated her—from the very core of her existence. Even if she had died. Still, she left her shadow. Someone who will reminds of her—not good.

"Well, why not take that aside for now and be worried about yourself. Aren't you aware of how much in trouble you are, right now?" He taunted her.

"I am well aware but I am not afraid."

"Really?"

"You can do whatever you want but I won't let you kill me."

Napatango si Centipede sa sinabi nito. "I see. Do you know that was exact same thing Tania said before she died?"

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mata ni Zoien sa narinig. Wala siyang alam sa tunay na naganap noon sa pagkamatay ni Tania. All she knew was, she was killed by her own father.

"I was there. I witnessed how much she struggled before she died. She was really brave and even put a fight against us. Kahit na alam niyang wala siyang laban. In the end, our boss killed her." Ngumisi si Centipede. "Pinag-aksayahan siya ng panahon ng aming boss dahil sa Project E, pero ang tigas ng kaniyang ulo. She doesn't want to talk. That's why she was annihilated."

Umigting ang mga panga ni Zoien. Halang talaga ang kanilang mga kaluluwa. Gagawa at gagawa sila ng mga bagay para lamang madagdagan ang kanilang kapangyarihan kahit pa ang pumatay at sirain ang buhay ng karamihan.

"That day was the happiest moment of my life. Witnessing my rival's death—very intoxicating."

"Napakasama n'yo!"

"That's already given. Your insult won't matter anyway because we are monster." Kumuha ng wire cutter si Centipede. "Now, that you are here. I will find out your secret and afterwards. Dispose of you. I really hate your face, do you know that?" Huminto siya sa harapan ni Zoien.

"It's too obvious not to notice."

"Good." He held her hands. "You have a very slender and beautiful fingers."

Nanlaki ang mata ni Zoien sa kasunod na ginawa ni Centipede. Inipit nito ang isa sa mga daliri ng dalaga gamit ang wire cutter at walang pag-aalinlangan na pinutol iyon.

Chop! Her finger was snapped and cutted mercilessly. Pinagmasdan ni Zoien ang pagbagsak ng naputol na daliri sa ibabaw ng tiles na sahig. Nagsipagtalsikan ang pulang likido habang walang tigil ang pag-agos ng kaniyang dugo mula sa kamay.

"You can heal faster than normal human being but can you grow another finger?" Parang baliw na saad ni Centipede. "You can't feel the pain right now, but I can assure you, it will be so much painful, later."

He loves the reaction of the girl. She put up a facade. A brave face but deep inside she's shivering. He continue cutting her finger. One by one.

Centipede hum—enjoying the scenery of blood and most of all, torturing the girl. To his eyes she was Tania. He release all his hatred towards the girl. The thing, he failed to do so for the last seventeen years ago. Now, he can do whatever he wants.

She stay silent as she witness how all her fingers was gone. The wounds healed but she won't ever grow another set of fingers. She gritted her teeth. Rage fuel inside of her, she want to stop him but she was too weak, even her power doesn't work. Just how much more does she have to wait?

The more she stay awake, the more the mad scientist will torture her. She wants to escape but no one can help her. She's alone. There's not a single soul that will help an enemy in their own lair. Most specifically towards this man but she can't give up. She has to do something. Or else, she's done for.

...

Three days had passed, eversince the time Zoien was abducted by the enemy and yet they aren't doing any move to rescue her. They already located her wherebouts because of her tracker but still, they stay low and decided not to make impulsive decision.

Kahit binabagabag ng mga posibilidad na masamang nangyayari sa dalaga ay pinakalma niya ang sarili na huwag munang kumilos lalo na't kasagsagan ng sagupaan ng WEB at ng kanilang agency tungkol sa paglusob ng mga manticore sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo. They already amplifying the damages and annihilating the source of chaos but not the real origin.

They made drastic plans to avoid more danger and destruction. Lalo pa't napag-alaman nilang nasa kamay ng mga kalaban ang CODEX. Kailangan nilang mag-ingat. He still waiting for some good news. Iyon na lamang ang hinihintay nila para masigurado ang kaligtasan ng lahat.

"Aren't we going to do something?" naiinip na pahayag ni Andrei.

Puno ng tensyon ang opisina ni Homer. Alam nila ang banta ng panganib na nagaganap at maaring maganap pa. But they decided to stay low and unnotice towards their enemy.

Humigop sa kape si Ivan. Hayag ang namumuong itim sa ilalim ng mata nito. Bunga ng ilang gabing walang tulog dahil na rin sa walang humpay na misyon.

"We need to wait," singit ni Troy. Seryoso ang mga matang nakatitig sa nakakuyom na mga kamay. "We need to secure safety measure— an assurance."

Nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong hininga si Andrei bago binalingan si Homer. If they look bad already, Homer was worst. Not only he was the new head of all agencies but also he was busy giving orders to every subordinate to pacify the manticores attack.

Malaki ang mawawala sa kanila pagkatapos ng digmaang ito. They will all know the darkness secret the Sanctum tried to hide. Wala nang pag-asa pang ilihim ang lahat. Lalabas at lalabas ang katotohanang pilit nilang itinatago sa buong mundo lalo na ang tungkol sa Project E o mas magandang sabihin si Zoien.

"How long will you make her wait, Homer? We already know where they took her. God knows what they are doing to her right now! Can't we just move already!"

Nawawalan na siya ng pasyensa. He badly needs to save her. Hangga't nasa puder ng kalaban si Zoien, malaki ang posibilidad na gawan nila ito ng masama at ang malala ang patayin ito.

"I know, Andrei. I know, but we need to wait for Morgan. Hindi tayo maaring magpadalos-dalos. Kailangan mag-ingat."

Ibinaba ni Ivan ang tasa sa ibaba ng glass table bago nagsalita.

"Nasaan ba kasi si Morgan? Ang bagal niya kumilos! Hanggang kailan niya tayo balak paghintayin—"

Eksaktong bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Morgan na may hithit na sigarilyo at seryoso ang mukha. May hawak itong folder sa kamay.

"Thanks for worrying about me, Wright," sarkastiko niyang pahayag ngunit deretcho ang lakad patungo sa lamesa ni Homer. "We already crack the code thanks to my team. Theranian Empire also helped us. More importantly, our spy finally disclose our enemy's location. What's your call?"

Dumilim ang mga mata ni Homer habang hawak ang folder na naglalaman ng mga impormasyon kailangan.

"Looks like luck is on our side. Thanks for this. Sa pagkakataon ito, tayo naman ang palihim na aatake." He looked at Morgan. "By the way, I need your team for a rescue mission."

"I'm on it."

"Good. Now, that we already crack the code of the CODEX there is no way they can use that against us. Prepare our men. It's time to bring out our best chess pieces."

Napasuntok sa hangin si Andrei. "Alright! This is what I'm talking about!"

Nakangising tumayo si Troy.

"Humanda ang WEB. Sa atin ang huling halakhak!" Nakangising saad ni Ivan. Napailing na lamang si Morgan.

"I'll get going. I'll make sure to pay whoever lay a hand on that kid," paalam ni Morgan bago naunang umalis.

"Hey! Make sure to save our baby girl," dagdag pa ni Andrei.

"Burn the enemies lair, Agent X! I'll give you Helios!" segunda ni Troy.

"Ow! I love that!"

"Oh shut it, Wright."

"Shut up ka rin, Alvarez! Basta, sagipin mo si Baby Girl. Kill whoever hurt her!"

"Consider it done," tugon nito hanggang sa tuluyan nang nakaalis.

Sumunod na rin sa kaniyang paglisan sina Ivan, para gawin ang kanilang mahalagang tungkulin sa magaganap na pagsalakay sa kampo ng kalaban. The perfect timing to put an end to the war.

Napabaling ang tingin ni Homer sa bagong litratong naka-desplay sa kaniyang lamesa. Ang larawan kinuha na magkakasama sila sa Amusement Park bago pa mangyari ang pagdukot sa kaniyang anak.

...

Inalis ni Centipede ang duguan niyang gloves habang nakaguhit ang kontentong ngiti sa labi. Nasiyahan sa naging resulta ng kaniyang obra.

Ang dating puting tiles ngayon ay punong-puno ng tilamsik ng dugo. Ang iba ay sariwa ang iba ay natuyo na. The girl struggle was commendable. Mabilis na naghihilom ang mga sugat nito subalit one the ligament are gone it can't grow back again. That's Tania's failure.

Mabagal subalit malalim ang paghinga ng dalaga. Nakayuko ito. Naliligo na sa sarili nitong dugo pero buhay pa. Sayang naman kung agad niya itong papatayin. He wasn't at peak of his experiment. May nais pa siyang gawin pagkatapos ng kaniyang labis na pagpapahirap dito.

"Nasaan na ang tapang mo ngayon? Can't bark now? Oops!" Natawa si Centipede. "I almost forgot, you can't speak. After all, I cutted your tounge." He clicked his tounge twice.

Dahan-dahan na inangat ni Zoien ang kaniyang mukha. Sariwa pa ang dugong umaagos mula sa kaniyang bibig ang kanan mata. She gritted her teeth, trying to ignore the pain she's suffering right now.

"Oh well, iiwan muna kita. I'll come back later. And I will have another surprise for you." He grinned with evident malice.

This was just the start of her worst nightmare.

-Itutuloy-