AZHRIA
Monsters and Me

Some people are real, some people are good, some people are fake, and some people are real good at being fake.

All of us are aligned in a world where everyone's trying to be perfect. And it's molding a virus that's yet to obliterate our true purpose. The liberty that once was a gift had become a deadly curse that's meant to ruin our mortal souls.

All acts can be faked. All shows can be staged. All lines can be shammed. All tears can be feigned. But who is to care? After all, it is everything about destruction that delights us the most.

True, it could be unacceptable to others but fakery has been the sole reason why I still breathe today. It is my job to portray a certain character.

It's my task to bring pretension to the table. It's my craft to deceive the naivety of the human mind. Simply, I can be any woman I am asked to be.

A nightcrawler who avers deception to unveil the truth. I am that type of woman. And yes, I freaking exist.

"Sachiko del Russo?" I queried and she nodded. I then occupied the seat across from hers. "The name's Azhria Yrozama from RSC. The commander had already handed me the documents I needed but I still pushed through with this meeting to confirm some things."

I contemplated whether to tell her my real name or not but still, I did. This is my concluding service and I have nothing to hide. At least, not anymore.

"Do tell," she lackadaisically told me, gently puffing her cup of cappuccino.

For a woman who had lost her friend, she seemed unbothered. Well, it's been years now though. Perhaps she's used to the gravity of the situation already.

Disregarding that thought, I proceeded with my queries. "I have reviewed the files and I fell short of spotting foul conclusions on the police report. So apprise me. What is it that made you think that this is a premeditated murder?"

Sachiko's puffy eyes laid on mine, gazing blankly at my curious face.

"Six hundred sixty-six counts of rape in an estimation of seven weeks. Thirteen injured ribs. Peeled scalp. Sewn eyelids. Broken nose-bridge. Stapled lips. Pierced tongue. Eight loose teeth. Misaligned jaw. Mangled ears. Hammered nails. Burned skin. Fractured bones. Extreme lacerations."

I almost choked with the overflowing emotions swirling on her misty eyes. Suddenly, I felt cold. It's like sheer ice had crept in and overlaid the heat.

I knew the story she just debunked, but I am yet to unfold the twist behind it.

"There was a clear intention to those brutal damages," Sachiko added. "And with intent comes a plan. A lethal one."

As much as I admired her logic, some question marks still followed her point.

"But a killer doesn't have to know the victim to actualize the crime," I lowly replied, and she raised a brow. "How certain are you that the abduction was planned? Didn't your friend just run away and stumbled into a group of gangsters who then chained her up and claimed her with insatiable lust?"

After the scandal, the woman became the talk of the town. It's plausible that the ignominy took the better of her and just decided to take a break from it.

Perhaps the gal was just unwinding and was brutally killed in the process.

"Zorya wouldn't do such a thing . . ." Sachiko trailed off. "Isa pa, wala na siyang ibang mapupuntahan bukod sa orphanage. May mga nagsabing nakipagtanan daw ang kaibigan ko, marahil ay dinukot ng engkanto sa gubat, may mga mangilan-ngilan na ring nagpatunay na nagpakamatay raw si Zorya. Pero kung ako ang tatanungin, wala sa mga nabanggit ang katotohanan. This wasn't a runaway story. It's far from a suicide attempt either because I knew that she was abducted . . . and murdered after."

"And you have the Balzuaris as your prime suspects?" I had to confirm that accusation. Well, according to sources, the Balzuari clan held sway over their town. They're one of those superpower lineages deemed as almost gods for their enormous wealth and power.

Hindi malayong sila nga ang nasa likod nito at minanipula nila ang batas para umayon sa kanila ang hustisya. But some pieces did not seem to affix the puzzle. I mean, why would they do that? Sino ba si Azorya Mizhara para pag-aksayahan nila ng oras at pera?

What did the poor girl do that had the Balzuaris swept her off their way? By any chance, was she a threat to them?

"She was once friends with a Balzuari," I did not recall reading that from her provided files, "but when he confessed to her, Zorya downright rejected him."

Now that's quite a motive.

However, the contradiction still sits around the corner. Why would he kill her if he loves her? I had conducted a background surveillance regarding the Balzuaris and they were all clean and transparent as boules. Except for one scandal which they tried hard to enshroud from the public, neither an illegal engagement nor unethical record could be drawn against them.

They held a good reputation until this case sullied their name—well, partly. But only Sachiko claims that they are guilty. And it'll be an exhausting quest to prove her theory. Good thing, she has me. Besides, that's what I do best.

To make the invisible, visible.

And the impossible, possible.

I breathed deeply, calming myself.

"You see, crucial details like this are supposed to be adduced in your files, Ma'am. Anyway, past that unrequited romance, about the lady Balzuari, she was Zorya's academic rival, correct?"

I noticed how her sharp jaw tensed up as though I reminded her of particular memories she had in her yesteryear. She went on a solid minute of midday reminiscence before eyeing me back.

Sachiko then gritted her teeth. "Rumi hated Zorya to the core. Hindi na ako magtataka kung siya ang may pakana ng pagkawala ng kaibigan ko . . . at tumulong lang ang pamilya niya para pagtakpan ang kademonyahan niya."

Perhaps her accusations were not baseless after all. I'm starting to like where this mystery is heading. Kung nasaan ka man, Zorya, ipinapangako kong makukuha mo ang hustisya.

And I'll serve it not on a silver, but a platter drenched with blood all over.

"Before you, I've hired several experts to crack this case but they all failed to deliver to my standards," Sachiko added with precision, which had one of my brows upturned. She was challenging me and I'm all up for it.

"As the skillful woman you claim to be, I expect you to trounce the Balzuaris' safeguards and unmask their devilry once and for all. With their heads low and knees bent on the sludge, I want them to pay Zorya a deathly price."

Every hair on my body almost stuck up with her unsolicited threat. Sachiko's amusing me. I was enthralled by her menacing tone. It's quite a few big words for a small woman like her.

"I highly appreciate your service, Miss Yrozama," was Sachiko's final remarks before subtly exiting the coffee shop.

I chose to stay longer to assess the familiar photos she left me with.

Atty. Garem Balzuari.

Dr. Harumi Balzuari.

Engr. Roshim Balzuari.

And Yuzeyo Balzuari.

The crime could be done by either one or all of these names. But whoever the perpetrators are, I promise to expose them with flying colors. For the past seven years, they might have thought that it's all done and over. But now that I have the case at work, I'll have their twisted crimes see the light of day.

And I'll soon uncloak the truth behind Zorya's mysterious disappearance. Regardless of how deep it was buried under, I shall get it for her—justice.

***

Azorya Mizhara.

Eighteen years old.

Senior high school student.

On top of her class.

Miss Athzalar 2016.

An orphan.

Multi-talented woman.

The epitome of propriety.

She was murdered.

As soon as I gathered all my needed information and listed all of the necessary clues, I finally packed my things up and traveled to Sachiko's town—San Lamuerte. She offered for me to stay at her place, but I gladly repudiated it. Besides, I just knew the perfect place to actualize my plans.

Hotel Balzuaria.

It is the most progressive hotel in this small town. And based on its intricate architectural design and expensive amenities, it has to be one of the most luxurious places in San Lamuerte.

Why did I choose to stay here? Simple!

If I aspire to expose the devils, I need to learn to play with their own fire. And I could only execute that if I enter their lair. From here, I would debunk their members one after another.

And I will start with the engineer.

Due to downright bullying and public humiliation brawled against Zorya, tagging Dr. Harumi Balzuari as the principal suspect in the crime was easy. And it was not long after that the criminal cases were filed accordingly.

Engr. Roshim Balzuari, Harumi's older brother who had a history of an attempted assault against Zorya, was actually the next in line, but after Atty. Garem Balzuari's expert intrusion, Sachiko's plans were messed up.

And I have come to settle its order.

I was pleasantly thrilled when I learned that Hotel Balzuaria had an indoor shooting range and exclusive luxury hub for gun enthusiasts, and Engr. Roshim Balzuari regularly drops by every morning to have a blast.

After days of secretly observing his routine in the shooting range, I finally came up with a perfect scene to lure him in. So on the next day, I surged earlier and occupied his usual lane.

I swiftly wore my noise-canceling headphones and raised my protective goggles as I settled my eyes on the goal. I then positioned my arms, stood firmly on both feet, and fired at the steel target depicting an anatomy of the human body at the end of the lane.

I smirked as the bullet passed through the silhouette's head. "How I miss this."

"I believe it's my spot, Miss." An irksome voice reached my ears.

Looks like the engineer found me.

Beaming inwardly, I disregarded his approach from behind and fired my two remaining bullets through the same hole made by my first shot in the range. After removing my gears, I slowly faced the now-stunned boy.

Donned in a camouflage vest and tight pants, he stood with a plain presence.

Caramel hair. Thick brows. Menacing eyes. Aquiline nose and inviting lips. Cocky physique. About six-foot frame.

Promising, but totally not my type.

One thing about me: I don't date killers.

"So?" I offhandedly asked, crossing my arms over my chest. When his eyes lowered to follow my gesture, I then intentionally pressed my front harder.

Besides, what would be typical boys' greatest weakness if not the breast?

I had to clear my throat to pull him from his daylight fantasies. In due course, he then shook his head and smirked afterward, eyeing me intently.

"I actually own this place," he said so confidently as though he was waiting for a reaction from me. And so being the brute woman that I am, I didn't give him any. I would rather see his face than hear his cursed mouth talk.

Kissed by the dead air, the engineer awkwardly chuckled to brush off the embarrassment. "Alright, you got me. It's me, baby. The Roshim Balzuari."

If I am being serious, that's got to be the dumbest thing I have heard since I arrived. He didn't think I'd fall for that, did he? Oh, how I pity his mediocrity.

Audibly, I scoffed and then artistically rolled my eyes. "Well, if I were a baby, you'll never be my daddy, Balzuari."

My cold glare grew colder as I scrutinized him from head to toe.

Now I know how to seduce this boy.

Category: Cool, mysterious woman.

"It's me, Azh, and I only fuck real men and not an entitled boy shamelessly parading his shitty surname," I said.

I knew I hit a nerve there, but I didn't plan on stopping anytime sooner. I would like to see how this builder would handle a destroyer like me.

Upon seeing him stilled, I concealed my huge amusement through mere nonchalance. And without breaking our eye contact, I then slowly tied my hair up and made sure that my aromatic scent hovered on his nose.

"Are you just going to gawk there or will you grab the gun and start shooting?" I impatiently muttered.

As though he was pulled back to reality, he shook his head and then flaunted a brief, meaningful smile.

He leaned in, lowering his gaze to my lips, then playfully arched his brow.

"What if it's you, I wanted to shoot?"

I wanted to smack him right there and then, but I restrained myself. I will, however, punish this jerk once I ascertained his guilt. And I promise you, Zorya, it'll be a satisfying blow.

Maintaining a straight face, I kept my cool and forced a small smile. If it is a battle determining whose tongue is sharper, then I can easily win it over.

"The last man who attempted to shoot me had his both eyes taken out," I said, and he chuckled. He must have thought that I was jesting, but damn, I wasn't.

Not at all.

I walked past him but was obliged to halt when he supplemented his talk.

"Vacationing?" he asked, curious.

Now that he took my bait, I should play my cards wisely. I need to stay as interesting as possible. Besides, to tame a beast, one must offer him a different feast. The kind that he won't be able to resist. I'll show him what he's missing.

I'm up for teasing, never for tasting.

"I am a native here so I could tell if you're an outsider," he added. "So, are you on a vacation, manquer tireur?"

Miss Shooter, huh? "Pas vraiment."

He was obviously surprised by my quick response. "You speak French?"

"Oh, not only that, monsieur," I sexily replied, glancing at his now wet lips.

"I also kiss . . . and fuck like one."

By the way his breathing deepened, I could just tell that I had activated another gun in between his thighs.

I turned about and restrained a smirk to come into form. I must finish strong.

"I've actually come for a hunt," I told him. "I was told that beasts are lurking in here so I have come to catch them."

"A huntress, I see." I heard his timid snickering from behind, much to my annoyance. "Take me as prey, then."

Gosh, this Balzuari is so damn easy.

"Hard pass," I replied, still not looking back. "Pondering on your size, I don't think you're enough to satisfy me. You see, I wish to devour a larger prey."

"Let me show you what's large, then," he offered in a rather luscious tone.

Thoughtlessly, I wandered my eyes around the range. "I heard that you constructed this building. Well, no wonder why the design is so . . . small."

I must admit, he got the looks. But he's giving me a small-dick-energy. Kung sino pa 'yong walang maipagmamalaki, sila pa 'yong nangmamanyak ng babae.

He clicked his tongue as he leaned in closer, so close that I could even feel his heat from behind. "Now I'm curious of what your sharp tongue tastes like."

I almost quivered when his hot breath brushed against my bare nape. It might not be as burning but I seemingly felt the hellfire in between his grim lines.

"One more word," I gnashed my teeth as I turned back to him, our heated faces just a breath away, "and I assure you that you'll never get to talk again."

He was more of entertained than threatened. What a typical player.

"To be shut by you," he then moved closer as a taunting smirk curled upon his lips, "is now a dream of mine."

He tried to hold my waist but I shot him a deadpan look that urged him to withdraw his hand. "Go on, Azh."

My name sounded trash after his call.

"I'm dying to see you try," he cooed.

Finally, I posed a smile. "Then die."

I briskly pointed him my gun and shot a bullet out of the muzzle. I heard him gasped as his eyes followed the bullet that went past him and gone through the same hole I initially made across the human shadow at the end of the lane.

To say that he was stunned would be an understatement. He glanced at the lane's endpoint then shifted his gaze back to me, eyes blinking in disbelief.

Just look at this poor boy.

That little stunt . . . had galvanized him already? He'll be no match against me.

"Oh, shit!" I cursed, acting like a fool. "You meant shut? I thought, shot!"

Subtly, my face then shifted from being clever to one that imposes danger. It's time to assert who has the upper hand here. After playing, this is me slaying.

"The next bullet will be shot against your skull if you pester me again."

After earning a sounding gulp from him, I sexily handed him the gun and left his dumbstruck face with shame.

He's such a sheep in wolf's clothing.

***

The next morning, Roshim Balzuari reclaimed his spot in the range and showed me his skills. He was clearly trying to make an impression but I'm not buying it. Everything he can do, I could perform even in my sleep.

The pattern went on for a couple of days. We would see each other in the shooting range and he would try to approach me but I would remain distant and cold. I needed to set a difference to fuel his curiosity. He has to believe that he does not affect me.

However, on the fifth day, he finally did what he should have done several days prior. That evening, he visited the hotel's cafeteria and sat down at the same table where I was busy pretending as though I was engrossed with typing on my laptop. I didn't react whatsoever and let him do his thing.

I acted as though I didn't mind his advances, when in fact, I am well aware of every movement he makes.

"Hi," he greeted, "it's me again, Rosh."

Slowly, I cocked my head and took a glance at him. My eyes then narrowed into slits as I pretended to be confused.

"Rosh, who?" I innocently asked.

Crippling my forehead, I then acted as if I was trying to recall who he was. "Ah, I remember! You were that entitled boy who was so terrified—"

"Yes, it is I," he swiftly spoke, cutting my supposed insult. "Just . . . Rosh."

So he's not flexing his surname now? I'm impressed. He learned his lesson.

"And I am not a boy, but a man."

"You're a man if I tell you that you're one," I wryly said then started typing.

Real men do not violate women.

Eventually, Rosh, as he liked me to address him, insisted on ordering us some of the best sellers of the cafeteria and invited me to eat with him, which I dare not refuse. So, I silently obliged.

"I heard you're a journalist in Manila."

Good thing when a hotel staff member, who was obviously sent by him, pried on my profile, I came up with the perfect alibi to strengthen my cover.

Well, I have introduced myself to be a keen journalist who had found an interesting story to cover. It was partly true though. Less me delivering news and my goal of exposing the Balzuaris.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

I closed my laptop and blankly looked at him. I could still see the same fear in his eyes when I shot that bullet. Unable to contain my mirth, my face brightened and he seemed to take it the wrong way, which I didn't mind.

Roshim Balzuari is the typical fuck-boy-type. He gives me this vibe of one who spends his nights spotting different women in the bar and eventually engages in a steamy sexcapade with them afterward.

As long as you're a beauty with a hole, then Rosh would surely fuck you and more. He has that kind of face, after all.

"Actually, there is," I told him, slightly caressing his slender fingers. When he gulped, I instantly withdrew my hand.

Yeah, that's it. Crave for me, Balzuari.

"What do you know about Zorya?" I noticed how his pupil dilated after that query. But he promptly caught himself and smoothly supped his hot espresso.

"Do you know her?" I slowly asked.

Rosh tried to shake his head but he was stilled when he did otherwise. He nodded and then cleared his throat afterward. He looked so fucking guilty!

"Ah, yes." A suspicious chuckle then escaped his mouth. "Of course, I know her. I m-mean, who wouldn't? The bitch is a household name here, Azh."

Bitch? "Explain."

Rosh cleared his throat once more before replying casually, now with much more confidence in his tone.

"Well, that Zorya hit on me before. She had offered to share a bed with me and even resorted to a handful of indecent proposals which I ultimately declined. Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised if I get to learn that she was not assaulted but rather submitted voluntarily. The truth of the matter is that she was one of those feculent whores who clung to men for their wealth. She's that low."

Poisoning the well, huh? Let me assess this.

Change in speech pattern.

Excessive fidgeting.

Divulging too many details.

Inability to maintain eye contact.

Occasional overcompensating.

Suspicious microexpressions.

And he's eyeing the exit!

All boxes were checked.

This boy is lying.

"I see," I muttered slowly, convincing him that I believe his fabricated story.

"Past that lowlife," he licked his lower lip, "what else are you doing tonight?"

I almost threw up when he slowly swallowed the blueberry atop his mousse cake. He then matched it with a sensual suck on his thumb, both of his lusted eyes fixated on mine.

That's when I lost my will to finish my dessert. If that's his idea of flirting, then I suggest he level up his game. This poor douchebag. The act was so last season! Too amateur for me.

"Maybe I'll try to seduce that cute guy at the adjacent table before I sleep," I teased him, flaunting what my front has to offer. "You see, I have this thing for those unassuming, cute striplings."

When Rosh tilted his head to glance at the stranger behind me, his jaw clenched and eyes narrowed. I then smirked inwardly. Yeah, I was right.

He's got that possessive syndrome, too.

If he'll be this easy, I'll ace him surely.

One thing to know about ambitious fuckers like him is that they don't like competition. They despise sentiments that violate their egos. And so when you keep going against them, they'll perceive you as a challenge. When it happens, chances are, they will pursue you in order to obtain self-validation.

"Why seek those kinds when you have a Balzuari at hand?" I almost scoffed after he voiced that. Dati ba siyang hangin na nagkatawang-tao lang?

I forced a smile, a fiendish one. "We'll see. I'll call you, Mister Engineer!"

***

With slouched shoulders, I just lazily swiped the key card and then entered my unit. Conversing with that egoistic lad is draining as hell. I can't stand his lying face. And it was irritating how it comes to him so naturally. Whenever he speaks, it's as though there grows a wicked sphere behind him, drawing devils in. Such an expert romancer!

But I am not incriminating him yet. I still need to gather evidence and sufficient data that would drag him down—if he really had something to do with Zorya's disappearance. And it looks like it will be a piece of cake.

Kung makatitig ang lalaki ay tila hinuhubaran na niya ako kanina.

He's that pathetic! But I didn't mind. He can fantasize about it for as long as he likes. P'wede niya akong titigan pero kahit kailan ay hindi niya matitikman.

I charged my laptop before washing my face. Right after, I made myself comfortable in the bed. There, I spent minutes staring at the ivory ceiling but my willful eyes won't just shut themselves. I have tried and failed.

My head has loads of things to process and I knew that I needed rest, but my body wasn't cooperating. Until I found myself walking out of the hotel with my cardigan on and purchasing goods in a mini convenience store nearby.

It's only within walking distance so it wasn't really a hassle. I had shark fin dumplings and a cone of ice cream.

Eventually, I left and finally decided to doze off but just when I was strolling the midnight street, a strong set of arms pulled me into a dark alleyway and pinned me to its scabrous wall.

"Leave this town if you know what's good for you," the hooded man told me, his voice lowered and cold. "This isn't a playground, Miss. Stay longer and you'll just add up to the monsters' list."

Those words struck me.

I couldn't move.

The man left.

I then smirked.

If they call themselves monsters . . .

. . . so what am I, then?

***