CHAPTER 33

HAPPY LEANED in on the rooftop railing of the hospital as she looked at the view in front of her. Katabi niya ang ama na inaya siyang mag-usap nang pribado at doon niya ito dinala sa rooftop.

Her dad had been explaining everything about being an Arkhon and she was just listening. Until the moment that silence fell on them.

"Dad?"

"Yes, princess?"

"If you're that powerful before, bakit hindi mo nalaman na sa iyo naman talaga si Lucky?" Iyon talaga ang isa sa mga gusto niyang itanong sa ama niya mula pa nang malaman niyang Arkhon ito. "Bakit hinayaan mo siyang masaktan nang ganoon while you treated me like a princess and it makes me feel guilty because I had a good life."

"Princess, may I remind you that you were in coma for fifteen years and that is not a good life to have."

Umiling siya. "Still... nang magising ako, inalagaan at minahal mo ako nang sobra-sobra. Pero si Lucky... bakit mo siya pinabayaan? Talaga bang wala kang alam? Please don't lie to me."

Her father sighed. "Ayokong gumawa ng dahilan sa kagaguhang ginawa ko noon. Pero noong mga panahong 'yon, ang pag-iwan ko sa mommy ni Lucky, 'yon ang pinakamabuting gawin. She was violated because my enemy—the Organization's enemy—The Triad, knows that they can hurt me through her. And I nearly went insane after what happened to Lucky's Mom, princess. I and Von Per killed every member of the Triad here in the Philippines and left Lucky's Mom, hoping to keep her away from harm caused by my enemies.

"Dinala ko ang giyera na 'yon sa US kung saan naroon ang headquarters ng Triad. I fought them, the nine Arkhontes—the whole Organization—fought them. We all lost someone... someone we love and we care about but no one is giving up. But when you were fifteen, still in coma, the Triad learned about my daughter. You. Natakot ako sa kaya nilang gawin sa iyo. I did everything I can to keep you safe. After that, I left the Organization and I hid you with the help of the Zabat Family... hoping that one day, we can live a normal life and I did. We did for nearly a decade. Until you got shot. That's when I realized that the Triad is back here in the Philippines again."

"And Lucky? Did you know about her being yours?"

Umiling ang ama niya. "Nang ipanganak si Lucky, nagpadala ako ng doktor na miyembro ng Organisasyon para alamin kung anak ko ba si Lucky o hindi. And the result came back negative, princess."

Napaawang ang mga labi niya. "That's not possible."

"It is... if someone tampered the result." Napailing ang ama niya. "Whoever tampered the result wants me focus on the war with the Triad at that time. Kaya nang sabihin sa akin ng Conde ang tungkol kay Lucky, nagalit ako kasi akin pala siya. May gumago lang sa akin. And I'd been asking around who could possibly do that to me, and they lead me to the fourth Arkhon."

"Midnight's father."

Tumango ang ama niya.

Happy took a deep breath, "Midnight is part of the Organization. Alam mo ba?"

"Yes."

"Alam ba niya na isa kang Arkhon?"

Her father nodded. "I told him I was and that I already renounced my position before I asked him to train you. Midnight's a good kid. Tinulungan pa rin niya akong turuan ka ng lahat ng alam niya kahit wala na ako sa Organisasyon. Nirerespeto pa rin niya ako kahit umalis na ako."

"And the file on Midnight's flash drive? Binura mo ba?"

Tumango ang ama niya. "I did, princess."

"Why would you do that?"

"Kasi ayokong makita mo ang laman n'on," sabi ng ama niya. "Kamumuhian mo ako at hindi mo na ako gugustuhing maging ama."

"Dad, you know I love you—"

"I know... but what I did... what's in that file... it will destroy every love and respect that you have for me. I don't want you to see it. I don't want you to ever see that file. Never. Ever."

"Kaya binura mo..." Mapaklang natawa siya at napailing. "Midnight is missing because of that file—"

"No. Midnight is missing for a whole different reason." Nagtagis ang mga bagang ng ama. "And if you want to see him again, be strong and don't let anyone push you. Always remember, you are the second Arkhon, well... you will be. You are worth the position. You deserve it because you are a Quinn, a descendant from a brave aristocrat who fought for peace."

Kahit parang napakabigat ng responsabilidad na 'yon, tumango si Happy. Para sa mga mahal niya sa buhay. At sa mga sinabi ng ama niya, napadesisyunan niyang hindi sabihin rito na may natitira pa silang kopya ng file ni Midnight.

She had to know what was in that file.

Huminga siya nang malalim, saka nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin sa ama. "Kaya ko kaya, Daddy? Hindi ako kasintapang mo."

"Hindi mo ako kasintapang kasi mas matapang ka pa sa akin." Hinawakan nito ang magkabilang braso niya, saka tinitigan siya sa mga mata. "You can do this. Tinalikuran ko ang buhay na 'to sa pag-aakalang matatakasan ko ang nakaraan ko at mabibigyan kita ng maayos na buhay, pero nabaril ka ng ilang beses at nagbalik na naman ang gustong manakit sa pamilya natin. They're everywhere now, princess. And one of their biggest headquarters is here in the Philippines. Kailangan mong lumaban para sa sarili mo at para sa mga mahal mo sa buhay."

Tumango siya. "Yes, Daddy."

"This Triad, they're big and scary and they will do everything to hurt you. But you won't let them. My princess is smart, you can fight them. Continue what our ancestors started. For peace and for your loved ones. And whatever happens, remember one simple rule that I learned from my experience."

"And that is?"

"Never leave your loved ones behind just because you're afraid they'll get hurt. Keep that in mind and you'll be great."

Happy took a very deep breath. "I can do this," she whispered, "I can do this..."

"Yes, you can." Hinalikan siya sa noo ng ama. "You will be amazing. King will assist you in any way. You can count on him. He will lay his life for you. So does Blaze. His father was my hippeis, my protector... and now, Blaze is your hippeis too. He will protect you, not because it's his job but because he loves you and even though I still hate him a little, I'm relieved that he loves you."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Blaze is a good man, Dad."

"I know."

"Ah, Dad..." May pag-aalinlangan sa boses niya. "We, ahm, we talk about, you know, taking your position in the Organization, but how am I going to be an Arkhon?" tanong niya dahil wala siyang kaidi-ideya at wala rin itong sinabi sa kanya. "Themarie said about the rite of passage?"

"Oo. Tumatagal 'yon ng apat na linggo."

"So... how are you gonna perform a rite of passage for me?" she asked. "What do I do?"

"Nothing."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "What do you mean nothing?"

Her dad looked away like he was ashamed. "I already did a rite of passage for you."

Napatanga siya sa ama. "Without my consent?"

Nakangiwing ibinalik nito ang tingin sa kanya. "Matching tattoos, remember?"

Umawang ang mga labi ni Happy. "So, you tricked me?!"

"Yes. I was afraid that you would say no to being an Arkhon and I was desperate." He gave her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, princess. I just want you safe in any way I can. That tattoo..." Itinuro nito ang tattoo niya sa pupulsuhan. "Is to keep you safe from the Organization for four weeks in case an accident happened, like the one in Shun and Themarie's house. And the tattoo on your nape, that's the Arkhon's insignia... it will take its effect—the power, authority, connection, responsibility and a lot more—after four weeks since it was inked on your skin."

Wala sa sariling napahawak siya sa batok niya. "This was inked more than three weeks ago! When I was still in Pennsylvania!"

"Three weeks and two days," sabi ng ama niya na nakangiwi dahil masama ang tingin niya rito. "And you have five more days to wait before you become a member of the Organization and the second Arkhon."

"And then I can protect Blaze and look for Midnight."

Her father grinned. "Yes, princess. You made me so proud. I'm teary-eyed."

Napailing siya dahil nagdadrama na naman ito. "Matagal ka nang proud sa akin, mula nang magawa ko ang una kong jewelry design at may bumili n'on."

Her father chuckled. "Ah, I can still remember how proud I was."

Nakangiting tumango siya, saka natigilan nang may maalala. "Daddy, what about Helena? Is she really my mom?"

Pinisil nito ang ilong niya. "You'll be an Arkhon soon, figure it out yourself so you'll know what to do. And when you figured it out, I hope you do the right thing."

That meant Helena could be her mother... or not. She would know soon.

"Always take care, princess."

"I will," sabi niya na tumango pa. "Siya nga pala, I remember something. Kapag naging Arkhon na ako at nalaman ko that you're gambling again, ipapakulong kita."

Nalukot ang mukha ng ama. "Using the Arkhon's power to bully your father is not making me proud, princess."

"Try me." Nanghahamon ang boses niya.

Her father glared at her. "Kailangan ko bang ipaaalala sa iyo na ako ang ama mo?"

"Kailangan ko rin bang ipaalala sa iyo na I don't like gambling?"

Natahimik ito, saka nginisihan siya. "Catch me if you can, princess."

Napailing na lang siya. Her father was so childish sometimes. "Dad?"

"Yes, princess?"

"I know you'll be busy taking care of Lucky with Blake, but please if I call... please answer me."

Lumambot ang mukha ng ama. "Sasagutin ko."

"Good. Because I hate missing you so much. And I hate it when I can't speak with you. Have you forgotten that you're not just my daddy but also my best friend when Midnight is not around?"

"I know... I know..." Masuyo siya nitong niyakap at hinalikan sa noo. "I won't do it again. Hindi ko lang naman sinagot ang tawag mo kasi alam kong marami kang tanong at hindi ko alam kung paano sasagutin, kung paano ko sasabihin na niloko kita para maging Arkhon ka. I wanted to wait for four weeks before talking to you but after what happened to Lucky, I have to face you sooner than planned."

"Just don't go MIA on me again," pakiusap niya.

"Hindi na."

"Thank you."

"Hey, dick, done talking?" Si Tito Von 'yon at kasama si Blaze na kalalabas lang ng elevator at naglalakad palapit sa kanila.

Masama agad ang tingin ng ama niya kay Tito Von. "How dare you call me dick! I am superior than you!"

"You're not an Arkhon anymore!" Tito Von retaliated.

"Say that again I will throw you off this building."

"As if you can." Tito Von tsked. "I'd been protecting your ass for a long time now, jackass. I know everything about you."

"Stop talking to me, old man."

"How dare you called me old man, you dyed your hair that's why you look younger!" Tito Von hissed.

"I'm handsomer than you are!" her father argued.

"I'm handsomest!" Tito Von replied.

Nagkatinginan sila ni Blaze nang makalapit ito sa kanya at pareho silang natawa habang pinakikinggan ang mga ama nilang nagsasagutan na parang matandang mag-asawa.

"Do you two know that you bicker like an old couple?" Blaze said.

"Yes. That's true," sang-ayon niya.

Tiningnan sila nang masama ng mga ama nila at balik na naman sa sagutan ang dalawa.

Napailing si Blaze, saka yumakap sa baywang niya. "Are you feeling better now that you have talked to your father?"

Tumango siya. "Things are a bit clearer now."

"And?"

Happy pulled away from his embrace to look into his eyes. "And I learned something."

"What?"

"You're my hippeis."

"Sounds like a sickness."

Natawa siya. "Silly. It's means you're my protector. Kaya pala gusto ni Dad na protektahan mo ako."

"I know. Dad told me. And by the way, King is our butler. A real deal butler."

"Yeah, Dad told me too."

"And the Triad?"

"Dad told me about them. Sila ang mortal na kalaban ng Organisasyon."

Tumango si Blaze. "What are we going to do about them?"

Her lips thinned. "We take them down."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi ni Blaze. "My badass girlfriend. Baby... I love you even more."

Napangiti siya nang halikan nito ang mga labi niya na agad niyang tinugon.

Yumakap siya sa leeg ng kasintahan nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila. Nagkatitigan sila at napangiti sa isa't isa. Akmang magtatagpo na naman ang mga labi nila nang marinig nila ang tunog ng papalapit na helicopter.

Naghiwalay ang katawan nila ni Blaze. Tumuon ang tingin niya sa helicopter na maghahatid kina Lucky, Blake at sa daddy niya sa airport.

Seconds later after the helicopter landed, the elevator opened and Lucky was wheeled out, Blake by her side.

Agad niyang nilapitan ang kapatid at niyakap. "Be brave!" sigaw niya para marinig siya nito dahil malakas ang tunog ng helicopter. "Dad will be with you! Call me if you need anything!" Tumango si Lucky at may diin niya itong hinalikan sa noo. "I love you, little sis!"

May namumuong luha sa gilid ng mga mata ni Lucky nang tumango ito. Then she mouthed, "I love you too, Ate."

Sumunod ang mga mata niya sa kapatid na isinakay na sa helicopter. "Ingatan mo ang sister ko!" pasigaw niyang pakiusap kay Blake.

"Of course!" Blake replied.

Then Blake faced Blaze. They did a handshake and a man hug.

"Ingat ka!" sigaw ni Blaze sa kakambal.

"Everything is gonna be fine!" sabi ni Blake, saka ginulo ang buhok ni Blaze. "Ingat ka! Dapat pagbalik ko buhay ka pa."

Sumaludo si Blaze kay Blake at ganoon din ang ginawa ni Blake para kay Blaze bago ito sumakay sa helicopter.

"Princess..." Lumapit sa kanya ang daddy niya at hinalikan siya sa noo. "Take care and remember I love you so much! I love you so much!"

"I love you too, Daddy!" tugon niya.

"Please take care of my son and my daughter-in-law," pakiusap ni Tita Beth sa ama niya.

Si Tito Von ang sumagot. "I'm going with them!" Then he went to Tita Beth to steal a kiss earning a sharp glare from her. "Take care, Beth! Ti amo!"

Umingos lang si Tita Beth.

Malakas na tumawa ang ama niya at inasar pa si Tito Von. "You still have no luck with the ladies!"

"And you're still a dick!" Tito Von snapped at her father making her chuckle.

Sumakay na ang dalawa sa helicopter kasama ang anim na doktor. Nakasunod lang ang mga mata nila roon habang umaangat iyon sa ere hanggang sa mawala iyon sa paningin nila.

Si Tita Beth ang unang umalis ng rooftop kasi pupuntahan pa raw nito si Bailey sa paaralan. At nang babalik na sila ni Blaze pagkatapos nilang magpahangin ng ilang minuto, bumukas ang elevator.

Sakay doon si King at ang Conde na parang wala sa sarili. He looked like a mess, and he looked like he haven't cleaned himself for days.

Agad na tumalim ang mga mata niya. "Ano'ng kailangan mo?"

Knight looked at her for a second before looking at Blaze who was also on guard. "Blaze."

"What?" Blaze hissed.

"I just received an order to capture and punish you for violating the first rule of the Organization," sabi ni Knight.

"H-how did they know?" she asked, shocked.

"Blaze's car is bugged," sagot ni Knight. "But I'm not here to capture you." He looked at Blaze. "I'm just here to warn you. Ultors will be coming to get you if I don't capture you now. You have one week to hide. Max."

Blaze frowned. "Why would I trust you? And why won't you capture me? I thought orders are orders?"

"Yes," Knight whispered. "But I can't take this anymore. Hurting my friends... it's taking a toll on me. I already lost my brother. I am not losing another one."

Mapaklang natawa si Blaze. "So, what... we're back to being friends now? Back to being brother in arms? That's it? After the shit that you'd been doing, I'm just supposed to forgive you and move on?!"

Knight sighed. "I don't care if you hate me, Blaze. Just get out of the country and hide." Itinuro siya nito. "Her father is an Arkhon, ask for help. I don't care what you do just don't let the ultors catch you. Because if they do, you'll be out of my reach."

Blaze looked so confused. "Why are you doing this, huh, Knight? Another trick?"

"Blaze..." Knight sounded so tired. "Just go. Please... go. Hide. Marami pa akong gagawin. I don't have to make you feel better. That's your girlfriend's job." He entered the elevator and left.

Naiwan silang tatlo nina Blaze at King.

"Something is definitely off with him," sabi ni Blaze na ang tinutukoy ay si Knight.

"Yes. There is a reason, Your Highness," sagot ni King. "His friends, Valerian Volkzki and Shun Kim had been held captive by the Organization."

"What the fuck?!" Blaze cussed again. "Why the fuck would the Organization do that?!"

"So, the Count will carry on the fourth Arkhon's order that the Count declined to do."

"And that is?" Happy asked.

King looked at Blaze. "To capture and punish you, Your Highness. Or more like, kill you with lashes."

Blaze's lips parted. "But he just left."

"Yes, he did." King smiled. "Looks like he is your friend after all."

Bumaling sa kanya si Blaze. "We have to go see Themarie."

Mabilis siyang tumango at sumakay silang tatlo sa elevator. Lakad-takbo ang ginawa nila hanggang sa makalabas sila ng ospital.

Naabutan pa nga nila sa Knight na papasakay sa kotse nito.

"Hey, jackass!" sigaw ni Blaze kay Knight na agad namang lumingon.

He really looked so tired. "What?" he asked.

"Why?" Blaze asked. "It's Valerian and Shun. I wouldn't be shocked if you sell me out to get them back."

Knight sighed. "Contrary to everyone's belief, Vitale, I just don't have two friends, I have more than thirty of them." Sumakay ito sa kotse at pinaharurot 'yon.

Si Happy naman ay hinila si Blaze pasakay sa kotse nito. Iniabot niya ang susi kay King na siyang nakaupo sa driver's seat.

Agad na humarurot ang kotse na sinasakyan nila patungo sa BV.

Natigilan siya nang yumakap sa baywang niya si Blaze at dahan-dahang isinisubsob ang mukha sa leeg niya.

"I'm worried of Themarie," bulong nito.

Hinaplos niya ang buhok ni Blaze at akmang yayakapin pabalik para pakalmahin ito at sabihing magiging maayos lang si Themarie dahil malakas at matapang itong babae, nang bigla na lang tumigil ang kotse na muntikan na nilang ikasubsob na nasa backseat.

"King, what happened?"

"Three cars just blocked our way," sagot ni King.

"Why?" she asked. "Is there an accident?"

King and Blaze looked at the front of the car and whispered in unison.

"Ultors."

CECELIB | C.C.