AZHRIA
The Darkest Hours

Rumi was far from jesting when she told Zorya that she'll make her life a living hell. Equipped with influence and power, Rumi's lethal promise was fulfilled. While Rumi devised every ounce of it, not once did Zorya falter.

When Rumi and her gang threw trash at her, Zorya shot one smile at them.

When they spat a gum on her lunch, Zorya just ignored it and left in silence.

Even when they pulled off a prank that made Zorya roll down the staircase.

When they intentionally spiked a ball against her face, Zorya let it all slide.

When they picked on her every day, when they treated her more like a dart board that they can shoot arrows of insults any time, Zorya didn't budge.

She instead embraced every bit of it and used them to better her character.

And with that strength, I admired her.

"Sobra na talaga 'yang Rumi na 'yan! Hindi porque major sponsor sila ng university na 'to, eh, p'wede na silang manakit nang kahit na sino. Bago ka pa nila naging scholar, naging tao ka muna. Hindi ka dapat pumapayag sa ganito, Zorya. Hindi mo deserve 'to!"

Lumamig na ang mainit na sopas pero hindi 'yon nagawang mabawasan ni Zorya. Tahimik lang siyang nakikinig sa pangangaral ni Sachiko sa kan'ya.

While the other students were busy minding their meal, Zorya looked up to Sachiko and offered some assurance.

"Hindi naman ako ang sinisira niya kung hindi ang sarili lang din niya. Ayos lang ako, Sachiko. Wala siyang p'wedeng gawin na magpapasuko sa 'kin," desididong saad niya sa kaibigan.

"Even if I do this?" Biglang napatayo si Sachiko nang dumating si Rumi at ang mga alagad niya saka binuhusan ng fruit shake ang uniform ni Zorya.

Kapagkuwan ay tumayo na rin si Zorya at hinarap ang nakangising si Rumi.

"Against the handbook 'yang ginagawa ni'yo," kahit na halatang kinakabahan ay tuwid na nasabi 'yon ni Sachiko, "you all could be suspended for that!"

Rumi lazily glanced at Sachiko.

"Are you threatening me, witch?"

Nakagat ni Sachiko ang ibabang labi, bahagyang bumaba ang tingin saka napahawak sa laylayan ng damit niya.

"Oh, baka gusto mo ring masali?"

Rumi was willing to splash another shake at Sachiko when Zorya quickly caught her arm, stopping her move.

"Subukan mong idamay ang kaibigan ko at talagang magkakasubukan tayo."

Seeing how serious Zorya's face was, Rumi casually shook her head, smiling.

"I almost thought that you've lost your voice for these past weeks of ignoring us." Rumi amusedly took a glance at Sachiko. "Itong pangit na bruhang 'to lang pala ang makaka-trigger sa 'yo."

Without any expectation, Rumi's neck almost broke off when Zorya slapped her heavily that her cheeks burned.

Napaatras siya at halos matumba pa.

Nang makabawi, sa tulong na rin ng mga alipores niya, ay biglang hinablot ni Rumi ang isang bottled drink saka niya binasag 'yon sa kalapit na lamesa.

Right after that, she willfully drew its broken head against Zorya, the sharp shard nearing Zorya's beautiful face.

But Zorya didn't even blink or show any signs of fear. She just stared at it.

"Sige, Rumi, ituloy mo," paghamon niya pa sa iritado, "para makita nang lahat kung sino ba talaga ang pangit dito."

Nang mapansing halos maagaw na nila ang atensiyon ng lahat ng mga kumakain sa cafeteria, unti-unting lumambot ang ekspresiyon ni Rumi.

Ngunit hindi si Rumi kung hindi ang kadarating lamang na si Yuzeyo ang bumawi ng basag na bote saka niya inilapag 'yon sa kabilang lamesa.

"Stop at once, Ate," he warned Rumi.

Which was answered by an eye-roll.

"Are you seriously defending her?"

Without hesitation, Yuzeyo nodded.

"Yes. I'll defend her against anyone."

Sinimulan namang lapitan at punasan ni Sachiko ng ilang tissue ang uniform ni Zorya. She was doing that while the Balzuaris were glaring as if already killing each other inside their heads.

Until Rumi, before leaving, spoke to Zorya in a rather devilish manner.

"You haven't seen the worst I can do."

Buong tapang siyang hinarap ni Zorya.

"Kapag nilabhan ko ang uniform ko at sinilip ko ang naiwang tubig sa batsa, pangalan mo lang ang maaalala ko."

With death glare, Rumi's teeth gritted.

"You wouldn't want to fight me, Zorya."

To that, Zorya only replied, "Sa kabila nang lahat ng mga pinaggagawa mo, mas lalo ko lang ginugustong manalo."

With the assistance of Zorya's class section, morally and financially, she managed to finance her pageantry requirements. They even supported her rehearsals until the event came.

The gymnasium was filled with senior high school students, cheering for the representative of their classes. Each has a bet of their own, but if one's to look keenly, it could be observed that the banners mostly bore two names.

Like the esteemed night was a battle solely meant for Zorya and Rumi.

And it's only fitting. Both performed extremely well. Their movements and how they carried themselves on the stage, both of the ladies were natural.

Until the twenty candidates went down to just three, for the most-awaited part.

The question and answer portion.

Walang handang magpatalo. Mas lalo lamang tumindi ang tensiyon lalo't pati ang pagtili ng mga estudyante ay tila walang katapusan. Para bang doon nakasalalay ang kanilang kinabukasan.

To determine the winner, the top three ladies will answer the same question.

"Which among these two would you rather have: brain or beauty? Why?"

The GAS representative came first.

"I would rather have beauty! Kasi sa graduation picture, hindi naman kita ang GWA mo kun'di mukha mo. And when the sun sets, aanhin mo ang mataas na grades kung wala ka namang jowa kasi kinapos sa ganda? No matter if your brain is full, kung mukha ka namang tukmol, wala rin. And that's my answer. Hope I like it!"

Ramping with her hourglass body that was accentuated in her classic, ivory empire gown, Rumi politely took the microphone and confidently spoke.

"Regardless of how exquisite the shell is, it's the pearl inside which always stands with great value. On any day, I'd rather be smart than beautiful. I want to retain and never fade, to be loved as I am and as I could be. I strive to find comfort in my own skin by not comparing mine with others. Instead of gazing at our disparities, try to focus on our similarities to create a better society. And it's not beauty but our brain that could help us do just that. Let's not forget that beauty's subjective but brilliance is universal. And though beauty often enables us to blend, it's our wit that makes us stand out from the crowd. So to my fellow students, I challenge you all to emerge beyond that shell and hone your own pearl. It's there, and now's the time you claim it!"

Zorya was the last to answer. Garbed in a backless, side-slitted raven gown, Zorya seemed to be appareled with thousands of stars as the rhinestones gleamed while she gracefully walked.

She's like carrying the galaxy with her.

"To be brilliantly right is one thing, whereas being beautifully kind is another thing. And I stand for the latter. It's high time we realize that beauty isn't limited to one's physical appearance or status. Beauty is not a complete package that is out to be unboxed. Much like any other talent, it has to be practiced to be mastered. Beauty extends from one heartbeat to another. It's not seen but felt, not perceived but experienced. And I'd rather be a beautiful soul who knows fully when to be right and kind, than a smart folk who utilizes the brain to bite and grind. If you could be brilliant at all times, then you win. But if you'll learn how to shelter a beautiful heart that could recognize vulnerability as a facet of humanity, that's power. And that's my preferred kind of power."

A subtle squeal from the swarm rose and echoed in the background. Until the entire crowd went wild, eagerly screaming the names of their choice.

Sure, all three candidates have a loud support system. But I wouldn't lie. It's audible that Zorya's was the loudest.

As Zorya's lips stretched to a smile and eyes blazed like torches, Rumi's face became sour, aware of what's to come.

The GAS representative was called and crowned as the second runner-up.

Which left the battling ladies, Zorya and Rumi, at the center of the stage.

"Miss Athzalar 2016 is . . ."

The spotlight grazed their stance, the audience silenced, waiting for their bet's name to be called. Until the result dawned on them like an atomic bomb.

"Azorya Mizhara!"

In the following scene, Rumi's frame was ablaze as she attempted to wrest the victor's crown from Zorya's head.

"Why do you always have to ruin everything? Thief! Dinaya mo 'ko!"

They were inside the dressing room with no one but each other's company.

"Dinaya? Am I really hearing this cliché? Alugin din kasi ang ulo 'pag may time. Baka wala nang laman."

"So, inaamin mo? Nandaya ka nga? What, did you bribe the judges, huh?"

"Pinahid mo lang ba sa labi mo o pinapak mo rin 'yang lipstick mo?"

Zorya, as she should, protected her crown, setting the furious Rumi aside.

"Ito ang itatak mo sa kung anumang nasa loob ng ulo mo. Lahat ng nakuha ko, pinaghirapan ko. Kaya h'wag mong ibabato sa akin 'yang insecurity mo. I won't demote myself to equal your shortcomings. Kung naghahanap ka ng korona, sumali ka sa pakapalan ng mukha. Doon, siguradong panalo ka."

Unable to contain her gaiety, Rumi's eyes flashed with a sardonic stare. She only dragged her hawkish gaze away as tears started pooling and rolling.

"Ba't natahimik ka? Naubusan ng kuda, nalunok ang dila, o tinubuan ng hiya?"

Without a word, Rumi's lips turned up.

Then the crying shifted into smirking.

"You just crossed the line, Zorya. And you left me with no choice but this."

She blinked owlishly as she breathed.

"Before the year ends, you'll be dead."

The last thing I expected to see after that was Zorya's smile, but she did.

She hid her worries through that smile.

"Hindi ako natatakot sa 'yo."

"Dapat lang na matakot ka! Kasi hindi ako titigil hangga't humihinga ka pa!"

"Seriously, Rumi? All that? Just because I beat you? You're sick in the head!"

"Hindi ako baliw!"

Rumi shamelessly attacked Zorya, pulling her hair with utmost fury.

She then yanked Zorya's dress, trying to pull it off her body. "I will freaking kill you, you fame-fucking whore!"

Zorya could only shield her arms, blocking Rumi's physical offenses.

But her dodging could only do so much. Because when Rumi's palm swung and bashed her cheek, Zorya's patience shrunk like a burnt paper turned ash.

Now ready to draw an attack, Zorya, with all she got, pushed Rumi away.

Harsh air slipped from Rumi's throat as her back hit the wall. Not willing to back off, Rumi dug forward only to feel a searing pain that made her scream.

Almost instantly, she fell to the floor.

Noticing Rumi's state, Zorya's eyes wandered and spotted its reason.

In between Rumi's covered thighs disgorged an unceasing stream of blood, visible against her ivory gown.

Alarmed, Zorya bent and attempted to offer help but Rumi shove her away.

Just in time, several people, mostly Rumi's abettors, entered the dressing room, similarly alarmed upon seeing Rumi's bloody state. They came up to her and carried her as she lost light.

Witnessing how Rumi collapsed, paired with everyone's persecuting glances, Zorya could only clasp her mouth as the burning guilt turned into hot tears that eventually flooded her cheeks.

"Ilang araw na raw hindi pumapasok si Rumi. Nag-aalala ako, Sachi. Pa'no kung may masamang nangyari na?"

Worry was painted across Zorya's face as she had sought Sachiko's comfort.

"H'wag mo ngang sisihin ang sarili mo," agap naman ng kaibigan. "Hindi mo kasalanang kaya mong ipagtanggol ang sarili mo. Kaya kung anuman ang nangyari kay Rumi, resulta 'yon ng pagiging pikon at mapangmata niya."

Pulling the pillow closer to her body, embracing it, Zorya let out a deep sigh.

"Pero kasi," Zorya sniffed, unable to contain her tears, "may dugo . . ."

Sachiko quickly leaped and sat beside Zorya's bed, consoling her dear friend.

"Shh," she caressed Zorya's back, "everything will be okay. I'm here."

That same night, Zorya was plodding through the dormitory's unlit corridor when a masked man forcibly dragged her inside an olden washroom, some of its cubicles were dusty and inoperable.

After pushing Zorya to the floor, the man removed his mask and showed his darkened face to the afeared woman.

"You killed our baby!" he exclaimed.

Kahit na nanginginig ay pinilit tumayo ni Zorya upang harapin ang lalaki.

"Quiro?" Zorya recognized him. "Kilala kita. You're Rumi's rumored boyfriend. Pero . . . paano ka nakapasok dito? At ano'ng binabalak mong gawin sa 'kin?"

"I'm here to deliver you to your death!"

Driven by madness, Quiro hit Zorya.

He did not scotch when the woman descended back to the floor. Instead, he battered her even more, throwing smashes after slaps after thwacks.

Unable to overpower her attacker, Zorya whined in horror when Quiro posed to smack her face with a punch.

Had the door never banged open, Quiro would have rendered Zorya unconscious. All thanks to Rosh, who had just entered the washroom, the fuming Quiro was slightly held back.

"That's enough," Rosh meaningfully muttered, gesturing Quiro to leave Zorya be. "Hintayin mo na lang ako sa labas. This should better be quick."

Kahit na halatang nag-aalangan noong una ay tahimik lamang na tumango at sumunod si Quiro sa utos ng kaibigan.

After being left alone with Zorya, Rosh immediately assisted Zorya's stand.

"S-Salamat . . ." namamaos na saad ni Zorya, nahihirapang tumitig sa lalaki.

Rosh then clicked his tongue as he tilted his head and took a peek at Zorya's vaguely bleeding lips.

"I'm afraid I didn't do it just to receive your faint gratitude." Zorya jolted as Rosh harshly grabbed her waist from the back, pulling her body in closely.

Seeing lust all over Rosh's face, Zorya instinctively pushed him, trying to get off his malicious grip. "B-Bitiwan . . ."

Zorya did not even get to finish her declination as Rosh grabbed her nape and pressed her front on the vanity sink, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Pagbigyan mo na 'ko!" Zorya's tears flowed even more wildly when Rosh started to unbuckle his pants until he thrusted his activated member inside Zorya and devoured her from behind.

I wanted to grab Rosh and punch him to death. I wanted to free Zorya from his monstrous advances. I wanted to rescue Zorya and hug her and tell her that I'm here, that everything's going to be okay, and that I won't let her suffer.

But I was just a guest in these episodes.

My feet were glued to the floor, my body petrified on my stance. All I could do was silently watch and loathe the pig who was insatiably claiming Zorya's innocence for his own good.

The only audible sound in the room was Zorya's stifled whimpers and the sensual thuds of hers and Rosh's skin repeatedly flapping against each other.

It took Rosh multiple blows and peaks until he finally left Zorya to the cold tiles of the washroom, bleeding alone.

"Until I fuck you again," Rosh cooed.

Zorya was clearly defiled but not a word was spoken. She just carried her pain alone. Not of fear but shame.

Even when a scandalous rumor came about, sexually linking Rosh to Zorya, the latter just kept her mouth shut.

"Pakipot kunwari, papatira din pala!"

"Sa sobrang pagka-talented ni Zorya, pati kalandian na-master na niya!"

"Miss President! Paranas naman ng galing mo. Kahit isang gabi lang!"

Hearing those insults and judgments from the people who once supported and adored her, Zorya's fists balled as she walked past all of them in silence.

People only love you when you are on top. But the moment you fall, the same folks will clap and laugh at your demise.

"Witch! 'Di ba, kaibigan mo si Zorya? Ba't 'di mo saluhan kalandian niya?"

Sachiko, who was about to sit beside Zorya in the cafeteria, halted her steps.

"H-Hindi, ah," she nervously chuckled, "hindi ko kaibigan 'yan. M-Matagal na."

Then she continued her tracks, this time, passing Zorya's isolated locus.

The constant harassment and public humiliation went on for a couple of weeks until it reached its ultimate.

"You were summoned to be informed of the untimely withdrawal of the sponsor funding your academic needs. We deeply apologize, Miss Mizhara, but you just lost your scholarship grant."

That's when Zorya decided to take charge of her fate. Braving her fears, she then hurriedly visited the office of the man whom she hoped can help her.

Ushered by a petite secretary, Zorya mightily entered the vintage office.

Seated on a classy, swivel chair was its owner, Atty. Garem Balzuari, who was unsurprised by Zorya's subtle arrival.

It's almost as if Garem expected her.

Confirming the name engraved on the golden desk plate, Zorya didn't bother sitting even when she's asked to do it.

"I know better than most people what madness looks like." Garem's glasses slid down his tall nose bridge when he slightly pushed it as his head lowered. "Now I am curious if it is something worthy of hearing. Go ahead. Speak."

"My scholarship," Zorya's voice was full and reverberating, "I want it back."

Her ears heated when Garem softly chuckled as though he heard a joke.

"It's my money," he eventually spoke, "so whoever I wish to grant it to, that's entirely up to me. I can give and take it back whenever I want. Now, unless a miracle comes to life and I become an employee under your order, then I will revoke my withdrawal. Until then, you are very much encouraged to leave. I don't accommodate lowlives in here."

"Lowlives?" Zorya's eyes watered but not a tear had fallen. "Yan po ba ang tawag ni'yo sa mga taong pinangakuan ni'yong tutulungan, proprotektahan, at ipagtatanggol ni'yo? Alam ko pong magaling kayong abogado kaya gusto ko sanang patunayan ni'yo sa akin 'to. Ano po bang kaso ang p'wede kong isampa laban sa kawalang-hiyaang ginawa sa akin ng mga kapatid ni'yo?"

For a moment, Garem was silenced before he asked, "What do you mean?"

"Hindi na po ako para maghabol ng scholarship sa inyo," Zorya quickly replied. "G-Gusto ko na lang pong pagbayaran ng mga kapatid ni'yo ang lahat-lahat ng ginawa nila sa akin."

Clearing his throat, Garem lightly placed his elbows against the glass table and leaned in to hear Zorya better. "Kindly clarify your claims, please. I don't intend to go in circles here. I'm all ears, feed me those lies."

Not wanting to waste any more time, Zorya bravely took off her old jacket. Right after, she pulled down her pants.

Just like that, wounds and scratches flashed before Garem's malicious eyes.

Bruises on Zorya's neck, shoulders, and arms were grazed by the chandeliers' light. Only having her white sando and dark cyclings, several scratches and bruises down her legs were exposed as well. If anything, she was battered.

There's no denying that fact.

"Pinagbantaan po ako ni Rumi na gagawin niya rin 'to sa kaibigan ko kapag nagsumbong ako." Seeing how vulnerable Zorya was, standing before Garem with thin garments amidst her terrible state and still managing to look and sound fierce, I almost regard my bravery as light years away from hers.

"Pero wala na pong mas lalalim pa sa sugat na iniwan ni Rosh sa kaibuturan ko. Ang walang habas na pagdomina at pagyurak niya sa p-pagkababae ko."

With overt pain swirling inside Zorya's watery eyes, she then pressed her lips together and boldly opened her mouth to pronounce and divulge her truth.

"Ginahasa po ako ng k-kapatid ni'yo."

Silence reigned as Zorya inhibited her raw emotions to get the better of her.

"So?" Garem dismissively queried.

Blinking at the lawyer's response, Zorya steadied her voice this time.

"Rosh f-forced himself into me," she slowly repeated. "He . . . he raped me."

Garem rolled his eyes skyward as he carried himself up. Leaning his palm against his table, he shot Zorya a flat gaze as though saying she bored him.

"Isn't that why we're here? To mate with one another?" He clicked his tongue, arching his brows. "Violence, bullying, sex . . . they're not anything but a mortal construct that makes us human. At some point in our lives, we'll get through those phases. We're meant to experience them firsthand because all of them are just natural."

Zorya's jaw almost dropped upon hearing Garem's apathetic defense.

Until a bitter smile curved on her lips.

"Funny how I seek help from you," she mumbled. "Abogado po ba talaga kayo? O baka bayad lang ang lisensiya ni'yo?"

"Ah, to think that you were raised by nuns," Garem insultingly threw a look of pity at Zorya, "you do not speak like one. No wonder why you're an orphan. Even your parents cannot stand you. And if you'll push through with your nonsensical accusations, I might be able to send you to jail even before you can file a lawsuit against my siblings. It's your word against mine. That makes you an obvious loser, Miss Mizhara."

Zorya's voice just became frigid. "Let the court tell me that, Sir Attorney."

Garem's face was blank until he scoffed and straightened his back.

"You really are one to appoint your head up in the clouds, but I'll let your medicine poison you." His eyes then probed Zorya's nebulous ones. "You must not realize it now, so allow me to rub it in for you, Miss Mizhara."

After gazing at Zorya with piercing scrutiny, Garem's lips obliged to smirk.

"If there are people you shouldn't dare go against, it's our family. Spit on us and we'll breathe fire at you. Throw stones at us and we'll avail a cannon to raise hell on you. It's just who we are."

Zorya had no time to pay attention to Garem's threats but even before she could leave his office, his final whisper was carried by the wind and repetitively echoed in her pallid ears.

"In this town, we are gods."

Days later, Zorya met with Yuzeyo.

"Hindi mo sila kilala, Zorya. Kaya mas mabuti pang iwasan mo na lang sila."

Gulping, Zorya asked, "Ito ba ang dahilan kaya itinanggi mong kakilala mo 'ko? Kaya ayaw mong lumalapit ako sa 'yo? Ayaw mo 'kong madamay?"

Breathing harshly, Yuzeyo looked around, spotting if there was anyone around. But the gymnasium's empty.

"Natatakot ka ba sa kanila?"

Yuzeyo's lips remained pressed.

"Sinasaktan ka ba nila, Yuzeyo?"

Yuzeyo unglued his eyes from Zorya.

"It doesn't matter," Yuzeyo replied with finality. "When I entered that orphanage, you gave me a home. Now I want to give you the world. So please, listen to me and avoid my siblings. Do not engage in anything with them."

Hearing Yuzeyo's huge concern and sincerity, Zorya's eyes strayed to the side, unable to gaze at him up front.

"Gustuhin ko mang umiwas, pero nandito na 'to. Damay na ako rito."

"I'm not liking the way you said that." Yuzeyo then softly clasped Zorya's shoulders, encouraging her to face him. When she did, Yuzeyo's voice lowered. "You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm your man, please, don't lie to me. If it's too dragging, let me carry it for you, Zorya. You saved me once, now I promise to save you forever and a day. Sabihin mo lang, tatalunin ko silang lahat para sa 'yo."

Zorya cupped Yuzeyo's cheeks as hers burned. "I never wanted you to feel as though you needed to fight for me. Kasi wala ka nang dapat ipanalo pa, Yuzeyo. Simula pa lang, talo na ako. Alam kong wala akong laban sa mga kapatid mo."

"Then let's not fight them," Yuzeyo was holding his breath until he spoke of that, "let's just go and escape this shit."

An agreement between the two was sealed that afternoon. Yuzeyo and Zorya shall meet each other halfway at the back of the university and they would leave the pending chaos behind.

"Kinakabahan nga ako, Sachi."

"Ginusto mo 'yan, so, ano inaarte mo?"

Closing the zipper of her luggage, Zorya turned to her friend, Sachiko.

"Samahan mo na lang kaya ako?"

"Ginawa mo pa 'kong chaperone."

Tipid lang na ngumiti si Zorya saka tumango, ayaw nang makipagtalo.

"Pero paano pala ang pag-aaral mo?"

"Saka ko na iisipin ang bagay na 'yan. Ang importante ngayon ay makaalis na ako rito. Alam ko namang hindi rin ako titigilan ni Rumi kaya hindi na ako manlalaban. Ayaw ko na rin ng gulo."

Nodding, Sachiko lay down on her bed.

Zorya was about to call her when she received a text message from Yuzeyo.

Yuzeyo
Change of plans. My friends will pick you up. Let's meet in our mansion. ;)

"Casa Balzuari," Zorya mumbled and turned to Sachiko. "Hindi mo ba talaga 'ko mahahatid kahit sa labasan lang?"

"Busy ako, Zorya. Kaya mo na 'yan."

Before leaving, Zorya obliged to hug Sachiko whose eyes were now shut.

"Basta, kung sakaling matagalan ang pagbalik ko, tandaan mo sanang mahal kita . . . at pinapatawad kita, Sachi."

Dissimilar to Yuzeyo's proposed plan, Zorya was clandestinely picked up by several estranged men. Though hesitant at first, Zorya silently obeyed and rode the black van alongside them.

Little did Zorya know that she was yet to be delivered to her darkest hours.

***