CHAPTER 39

AFRAID THAT someone might invade their home, Yrozz put a lot of CCTVs around the Vitale's mansion, even outside the gate to monitor the surroundings with the help of Phoenix Martinez who secured the house with locks and guns. Kahit paano, medyo nakahinga na nang maluwag si Happy na walang basta-basta makakapasok sa bahay.

"Why are we watching Tom and Jerry again?" napapantastikuhan niyang tanong sa apat na kalalakihang kasama niya sa sala nang hapong 'yon.

Blaze was busy watching, King was busy sulking like a cow because it was not Oggy and the cockroaches, Yrozz was busy cracking the code on Midnight's file and Kane—whose full name was Kane Spiros according to Yrozz— was watching with his emotionless eyes again.

Si King ang sumagot sa tanong niya at pasimpleng itinuro si Blaze na nakatutok ang mga mata sa TV. "Because he is pissed."

"And he's gripping the remote very tightly," Kane added coldly.

Yrozz nodded. "Hindi namin maaagaw ang remote nang hindi kami magbubuwis ng buhay."

Tumango si King. "Last night, he even got drunk while telling us how bad you are to him."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Paano ako naging bad?"

"Kasi ayaw mong matulog na katabi siya," sagot ni Yrozz. "Parang bata na nagtatampo na ewan. Sarap iuntog ng ulo sa pader." Nilingon nito si Kane. "Iuntog mo nga ang ulo niyang your highness mo. Nagdadrama, eh. Baka maglasing na naman 'yan, mamaya idamay na naman tayo sa kadramahan niya sa buhay. Hindi ako nakatulog agad kagabi at busy ako. Mga istorbo."

Kane's lips thinned. "Dapat daw damay tayo kasi teammates tayo."

King nodded. "We are Team Inseparable."

Yrozz chuckled. "Oo nga pala. Palagi tayong magkakasama. Hindi kaya magkapalit na tayo ng mga mukha nito?"

Natawa si Happy. "I actually like it na sa isang bahay lang tayo nakatira at palagi tayong magkakasama. Nakikilala natin ang isa't isa at I like having you all around. It makes me feel safe."

Ngumiti si King at pasimpleng itinuro si Blaze na wala pa ring imik. "Anyway, what are we going to do about the big baby?"

Tiningnan niya ang kasintahan na nakaupo sa pang-isahang sofa, malayo sa kanya.

It was a first. Sitting far away from her. Maybe because she didn't want to give in into his antics. Blaze wanted to make love and she didn't want to. Hindi niya alam pero wala talaga siya sa mood para pagbigyan si Blaze.

And not to mention she didn't let him sleep on their room. Sa guestroom ito natutulog mula pa noong isang araw kaya iritado ito.

Happy dismissively flipped her hand on the air. "Hayaan n'yo siyang magdrama." Pinagsalikop niya ang kamay. "Anyway, who wants some pizza? Nagki-crave ako. Please buy me some?"

Agad na tumayo si King. "Leave it to me, Young Miss."

"And iced americano, please?" pahabol niyang sabi.

Tumango naman si King at lumabas ng bahay para bumili ng makakain nila.

Ilang episode din ng Tom and Jerry ang pinanood nila bago nakabalik si King na may dalang limang iba't ibang flavor ng pizza at dalawang iced americano para sa kanya.

"Your Highness," kuha ni King sa atensiyon ni Blaze na wala pa ring imik. "Let's eat."

Wala man lang reaksiyon si Blaze.

"Bud, come on. Let's eat," aya ni Yrozz habang kumukuha ito ng isang slice ng pizza.

Si Kane naman ay tiningnan lang ang pizza. Nakikita niya sa magkaibang kulay nitong mga mata na gusto nitong kumain pero nagdadalawang-isip na kumuha. Kaya naman siya na lang ang kumuha at iniabot dito ang pizza.

Napapansin niya iyon kay Kane na hindi ito basta-basta kumukuha ng pagkain.

"Here. Eat," sabi niya.

Kane looked at her with gratitude in his mismatched eyes. "Thank you, my lady. I always wanted to eat pizza."

Nginitian niya ito, saka ibinigay rito ang isang buong pizza. "Sa iyo na 'to, gusto mo ba?"

Tinanggap naman agad iyon ni Kane, saka itinago sa likod nito. At nang aabutin iyon ni King, mabilis na hinugot ni Kane ang kutsilyo na nakatago sa gilid ng sapatos nito at umikot iyon sa mga palad nito bago inilapit sa leeg ni King.

"Don't touch my pizza." Matalim ang boses ni Kane, "Lady Happy gave it to me. It's mine."

Napapantastikuhang napatitig si King kay Kane. "Can't we share?"

"No," matigas na sabi ni Kane. "It's mine. Lady Happy gave it to me."

Kane sounded so possessive. Pakiramdam tuloy niya parang iyon ang unang beses na may nagbigay rito ng pizza.

King sighed and pushed the knife away from his neck. "Yes. It's yours. I'm not gonna take it away from you."

Doon lang bumaba ang kamay ni Kane na may hawak na kutsilyo, saka kumalma at bahagyang yumukod ang ulo kay King. "My apologies, it's just that it's my pizza. Lady Happy gave it to me."

Nawi-weird-uhang tumango si King, saka kay Yrozz na lang naki-share ng pizza. Habang si Kane naman kinain nang magana ang bigay niyang pizza.

And as they ate, Blaze still had no reaction, but she could see him glancing at the boxes of pizza from time to time. Kaya naman naawa siya at lumapit na rito.

"Blaze?" malambing niyang kuha sa atensiyon ng kasintahan. "Come on, let's eat some pizza."

Blaze remained unmoving.

"Blazey?"

No comment from Blaze.

Happy took a deep breath before smiling at Blaze. "My Blazey-baby... kakain na siya ng pizza... kakain na siya."

Nothing.

She pouted. That was when Yrozz spoke.

"Nagpapalambing lang 'yan."

Napangiti siya dahil alam niyang tama si Yrozz. Kaya naman umupo siya patagilid sa hita ni Blaze at hinaplos ang buhok nito. Nakatutok pa rin ang mga mata nito sa TV.

"Baby, look at me please?" paglalambing niya. "Aww...my baby. Huwag ka nang magtampo." Iniumang niya sa bibig nito ang pizza, saka iced americano. "This is for my baby... Kakain na siya, 'uy, kakain na siya."

Blaze's face remained stoic.

"Baby, naman... please?" naglalambing na pakiusap niya habang hinahalik-halikan ito sa buong pisngi.

Nothing. Blaze was still looking stoic.

She sighed as her forehead furrowed irritatedly. "Kakain ka o hindi?"

Walang sagot.

Her lips thinned. "Kakain ka o magbi-break tayo?"

Mabilis na kumagat si Blaze sa pizza na hawak niya, saka sumimsim ng iced americano.

"'Yon naman pala, fast ka naman palang kausap." Hinalikan niya ito sa gilid ng mga labi. "I love you, Blazey-baby."

Slowly, his stoic face started melting into an irritated expression. "This is unfair!" reklamo nito. "How can you do this to me? Ginagawa mo akong marupok! Fuck! I don't like this!"

Tumaas ang kilay ni Happy. "Maging marupok o breakup?"

Blaze stilled before smiling at her. "On second thought, I don't mind if I'm a softy when I comes to you. I'm your big baby after all."

Bumaba ang kilay niya, saka nginitian ito. "'Yon naman pala. Here, my big baby." Sinubuan niya uli ito. "Eat some pizza."

Agad namang kumagat uli si Blaze sa pizza na hawak niya, saka niyakap siya sa baywang.

While Yrozz kept on coughing while saying, "pabebe," together with King who was also coughing while saying, "Young Miss' Bitch."

Hindi pinansin ni Blaze ang dalawa at siniil ng halik ang mga labi niya na tinugon naman niya.

Napuno ng kantiyawan ang buong sala na sinagot lang ni Blaze ng pagpapakita ng gitnang daliri nito habang inaangkin ang mga labi niya.

Natawa na lang si Happy nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila. Nakipaglaban pa ng sipaan si Blaze kina Yrozz at King habang tahimik namang kumakain ng pizza si Kane.

At nang makita niya si Kane na interesadong nakatingin sa isang iced americano na hindi pa nagagalaw na nasa center table, kinuha niya iyon, saka iniabot dito.

"You want?"

Kane looked at her. "C-can I have it?" May pag-aalinlangan sa boses nito.

Mas inilapit pa niya ang iced americano rito. "Here. Sa iyo na. Mayroon naman na ako."

Agad naman iyong tinanggap ni Kane, saka ininom agad.

Napangiti siya kay Kane. He looked like a kid who just had a taste of pizza and iced americano. He seemed to like it too.

At dahil nagsisipaan pa rin sina Blaze, Yrozz at King na parang mga bata, tumayo siya at umalis ng sala para tawagan ang ama dahil bigla niya itong naalala at na-miss.

Mula sa sala, pumunta siya ng kusina dahil tahimik doon.

"Daddy," nakangiti niyang sabi nang sagutin nito ang tawag niya. "Good evening."

"It's morning here, princess."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Oo nga pala. How's Lucky? Is she okay?"

"She's fine, princess," sabi ng ama niya. "How about you? I heard you dethroned that son of a bitch. Von Per was very happy at the news."

Happy chuckled but her laughter slowly died down. "Pero nakatakas siya, Dad. And I'm scared. Siguradong gaganti 'yon sa ginawa ko sa kanya."

"Then think, princess," sabi nito. "You can catch him. You're the second Arkhon now and I'm very proud of you. The news of you taking in charge spread like wildfire, especially your speech about not going to war against our own people and of course, about peace and fairness. The ten families supporting the second Arkhon wanted me to extend how proud they are of you. Kung may kailangan ka raw, magsabi ka lang."

Huminga siya nang malalim. "Daddy... I'm scared."

"It's okay to be scared, princess. That's normal. But don't let it get to you. Don't let your fear control you, you control your fear. Kaya mo 'to. Anak kita kaya alam ko 'yon. At tungkol naman sa ikaapat na Arkhon, alalahanin mo kung sino ka. You are the second Archon, you are higher than him. Don't adjust who you are for him. Everyone will listen to you. Use your power and connection to get him. Trust me, he'll be shaking when you're done with him."

Tumango siya na parang nasa harap niya ang ama. "Thank you, Daddy. May naisip akong plano sa sinabi mo. I love you."

"I love you too, princess. Always take care, okay? And don't forget who you are, princess, and work it."

Napangiti siya. "Yes, Daddy."

Nang mawala ang ama sa kabilang linya, humugot si Happy ng malalim na hininga, saka ilang segundong nakatitig sa kawalan habang iniisip kung tama ba ang planong naglalaro sa isip niya... kung gagana ba 'yon at positibo ang kalalabasan.

Remember who I am and work it.

That was it. She was the second Arkhon. Hindi puwedeng palagi siyang nasa safe sone. She had to take risk, like how she risked her heart to be with Blaze. Kailangan niyang tapangan pa at isantabi ang takot at kaba niya.

I'm the second Arkhon.

Puwede niyang utusan kahit sino para mahanap ang matandang 'yon.

Kumuyom ang kamay niya. That's it!

Malalaki ang hakbang na bumalik siya sa sala.

"Yrozz!" kuha niya sa atensiyon ng tracker niya. "Coordinate with Shun Kim, Knight's tracker. We're going to find that old man before he finds us."

"The fourth Arkhon?" tanong ni Blaze na tumigil na rin sa pakikipagsipaan kina Yrozz at King.

Tumango siya habang nakangiti. "Yes." Then she faced King. "Do you know how to work a camera?"

"Of course," sagot ni King.

"Great. Let's do it." Umupo siya sa pang-isahang sofa at tumingin kay King. "Okay, video me and silence please."

Tumahimik naman ang lahat. Wala na ang mga isip-bata niyang kasama. Their faces were now back into don't-mess-with-me face and we're-back-to-business face.

"What's your plan?" tanong ni Blaze sa kanya.

She smiled. "Utilize my power and connections."

Umalis si King para kumuha ng camera at nang makabalik, agad nitong itinutok iyon sa kanya na nakaupo sa pang-isahang sofa at nakataas ang noo.

"Okay, Young Miss," sabi ni King, saka nag-umpisa nang magbilang. "One... two... three... go."

"Hi." Tipid na ngumiti si Happy sa camera habang kalmado ang mukha kahit parang magigiba ang dibdib niya sa kaba. "Some of you knows me already, some of you has no idea who I am or where I came from, so hear my introduction before you make your judgement." She took a deep breath. "I am Happiness Aravena Quinn, daughter of Dominick Quinn, descended from a long line of aristocrat since the Dark Ages. And I am..." Ipinakita niya ang insignia niya sa batok bago ibinalik uli sa camera ang tingin. "Your second Arkhon.

"You're seeing this video now because I need something from you, your help to find the fourth Arkhon. Yes, you heard me right. He violated one of the sacred rules of the Organization and that is to never hurt an innocent, because the reason why we are fighting evil and war and sacrificing our lives was for them... is for the innocent people to be safe and protected from harm and evil.

"We are standing, sustaining the Organization to be strong and proud so we can bring peace and save lives. Let's not forget the reason of our existence... the reason why you are part of the Organósi, and that is to bring peace and save as many people as we can and make a difference. Yes, we can never rid the evil from this world, but we can cut their horns and make sure that they won't grow again because that... is our job.

"And if we share the same belief, if you still believe on what the Organósi is fighting for since the Dark Ages, don't hesitate to take a step and make a stand for what you believe in. Don't be afraid to come forward and tell me where the fourth Arkhon is. I want peace in the Organization, so a fair warning to all, from me, if anyone dares to help the fourth Arkhon in any way and hid him from me, there will be repercussion. Do not test me. I'm maybe inexperienced and wants peace for all, but I assure you..." Her eyes sharpened at the camera. "If you block my way, I will show you no mercy."

Seconds had passed, the camera was already off, but the four set of eyes were still looking at her with awe.

Happy blinked and looked around. "What?" nagtataka niyang tanong.

Blaze closed his parted lips, but his eyes, they were full of admiration as he looked at her. "Do you know how badass you are while talking?"

Kunot ang noong umiling niya. "No. I was nervous and scared."

"It didn't show, Lady Happy," sabi ni Kane.

"Yeah," Yrozz agreed while nodding his head. "Para kang mabait na nagpapaalala sa unahan ng video, pero halimaw namang nanakot sa hulihan."

"A combination of niceness and fierceness." King smiled proudly at her. "I'm proud of you, Young Miss."

Blaze was smiling proudly at her too. At nang parang hindi na nakapagpigil, tumayo ito mula sa kinauupuan at inilang hakbang ang pagitan nila, saka siniil ng mapusok ng halik ang mga labi niya bago humahangang bumulong.

"It's like you're a badass... with a heart." He bit her lower lip. "Fuck, I wanna make love to you in more ways than one."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka napailing. "No sex, remember? I'm still pissed."

Blaze sighed heavily. "A man can hope, baby. And I'm a man... your man."

Napailing siya, saka bumaling kay Yrozz. "Can you upload the video and broadcast it to every Organósi headquarter all over the world?"

Yrozz grinned smugly. "I can do better than that." Mabilis na tumipa ang mga daliri nito sa keyboard ng laptop at ngumiti sa kanya. "Sent to all members of the Organization. All over the world, Boss."

And truth to Yrozz words, Blaze received the video. So did Kane and King and her. On their cell phones.

At pagkalipas ng ilang minuto ay sunod-sunod na nakatanggap siya ng mensahe mula sa pitong boss na suportado siyang maaayos ang Organisasyon nila.

Knight V.: It will not draw out my father because he has loyal families on his back but it will limit his movements, but it may anger him so get ready. Good move.

Draco R.: That was hot.

Daemon C.: You're really pretty when you're being a badass.

Chaos A.: For peace. Let's make a difference. I like it.

Wrath F.: Continue to bring peace and preach it. I will support you all the way.

Monti P.: My contacts are already moving. I'll inform you if I have information.

Niccolo R.: Salute, Lady Happy. That was good. You got me at cut their horns and make a difference.

The she received a text from her father.

Daddy: I watch your video from Blake's phone. I'm so proud of you, Princess. 😢 Daddy is crying loudly.

Natawa siya, saka binasa ang sunod na mensaheng natanggap.

Emperor K.: Are you certain that you already have a fiancé? I'm willing to be yours anytime.

Natatawang nag-angat siya ng tingin at natigilan nang makitang masama ang tingin sa kanya ni Blaze.

"Ano?" nagtataka niyang tanong.

"I read hot and pretty on the text messages. And someone is asking if you have a fiancé. Mag-reply ka sa kanya ng litarato ng daliri mo na may pangalan ko." Blaze's face was so dark and his jaw kept on tightening. "Who said that?" Bumaling ito kay Kane. "Ready your sniper, Kane, you will kill someone for me tonight!"

Kane nodded immediately. "Yes, Your Highness."

Happy sighed before smiling sweetly at Blaze. "Remember the porn magazine?"

Blaze stilled. "N-no..."

"Oh?" Her lips formed into an "o." "Pero naaalala ko pa kaya don't try me, okay? I'm still pissed."

Blaze looked at Kane again. "I've changed my mind, Kane. You're not killing anyone."

Kane immediately sat down. "Okay, Your Highness."

"Thanks, Blazey." Tinapik niya ang pisngi nito, saka lumapit kay Yrozz at tumayo sa likuran nito para tingnan ang monitor ng laptop. "What's that?" tanong niya nang makita ang isang box na mabilis ang paggalaw ng parang mga chat pataas.

"I made a wall to all members of the Organization. Anyone can post," sagot ni Yrozz habang mabilis ang daliri nitong tumitipa sa keyboard. "Now that I'm your tracker, I don't need to hack the system anymore for information. I can actually make a board where they can all post the information that you're asking. And there's only one thing I can say, Boss, the Organósi's system is a badass. They have two satellites, and I can use them! Fuck! I actually have a passcode to use the satellites and not hack them!"

Napangiti siya. Parang bata si Yrozz na nabigyan ng magarang laruan.

Tiningnan niya ang relong pambisig. It was still early. "Kumusta? Ano'ng sinasabi nila?"

"There are sightings," sagot ni Yrozz. "Mostly in Europe. Looks like the fourth Arkhon had been busy."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "Connect the places that he had been seen and find out what he was doing."

Tumango si Yrozz. "On it."

Siya naman ay napabaling ang tingin kay Kane na kinuha ang atensiyon niya. "Yes?"

"Can we talk?" tanong nito. "May ipapakita lang sana ako sa iyo."

Tumango siya. Tumango rin si Kane, saka naglakad at pinasunod siya.

Sumunod naman siya rito. Dinala siya ni Kane sa malawak na garahe. Wala iyong laman na sasakyan kasi sa labas nakaparada.

"What is it, Kane?" Happy asked.

May inilabas si Kane na pahaba at manipis na maleta mula sa likod ng maraming toolbox at iniabot nito iyon sa kanya.

"Open it, Lady Happy."

Binuksan naman niya iyon at bahagyang napaawang ang mga labi niya nang makitang dalawang espada ang laman niyon na may itim na hawakan na binalot naman ng pulang tela.

"Take it," udyok sa kanya ni Kane.

Kinuha naman niya ang dalawang espada sa lalagyan at binalanse iyon sa kamay niya at pinakiramdaman. Magaan iyon at komportableng hawakan.

"Do you like it, Lady Happy?" Kane asked.

Tumango siya. "Yes. It feels comfortable."

Tumango si Kane at mula sa kung saan, may inilabas din itong dalawang espada na nakatago sa loob ng garahe.

"I heard from Master King that you know how to wield a sword?" sabi nito Kane habang pinagmamasdan siya gamit ang mga matang parang mga mata ng agila. "Can we spar? I'm good at swords. I can teach you to harness your skills in sword fighting. Kailangan mo 'to para mas maging magaling ka sa pakikipaglaban at mas maging mabilis ang kamay mo. You are the second Arkhon after all. All the member of the Organization will look up to you. Weakness and excuses are out of the option. You have to be strong. And that video, that's a declaration of war against the fourth Arkhon. You need to be ready."

Happy nodded in agreement. "You're right. Sige." She took a deep breath. "Harness my skills."

Kane nodded before attacking first.

Agad na napuno ng malakas na tunog ng metal na nag-iiskrima ang buong garahe. Mabilis ang bawat galaw ng espada ni Kane na paminsan-minsan ay hindi niya nasasalag, pero hindi naman iyon tumatama sa balat niya dahil kontrolado nito ang lakas niyon.

Halos hindi niya makita ang paggalaw ng hawak nitong espada hanggang sa tumigil iyon at sa leeg na niya nakatutok ang dulo.

"You're slow," sabi ni Kane. "You have to see the movement of my sword."

"It's too fast," reklamo niya.

"See its movement."

"I'm trying."

"Try harder, Lady Happy." With that, he attacked again.

Kane was so fast. All she could do was block. And when he spun, his sword handle actually rolled around his wrist before he gripped it again and held it against her neck.

"Too slow," komento uli nito. "Again."

Tumango si Happy, saka humigpit ang hawak sa espada. Sa pagkakataong 'yon, siya ang unang umatake.

Pinaghalo niya ang kaunti niyang kaalaman sa espada at close range combat pero hindi pa rin niya nagawang mailapit ang espada sa leeg ni Kane.

His move was swift and the next thing she knew, she felt the tip of his sword on her neck. Habol niya ang hininga habang pinagpapawisan.

"Again," sabi ni Kane.

Tumango siya at inatake ito nang paulit-ulit hanggang sa mapansin niyang nasa gilid ng garahe sina King at Blaze, nanonood sa laban nila ni Kane.

And because she lost her focus, she lost again.

"Again," ulit na sabi ni Kane sa kanya.

Kahit sumasakit na ang kamay at mga braso, nagpatuloy si Happy sa pag-atake kay Kane. Tama ito. Kailangan niyang matutong lumaban para mas maging magaling pa siya at hindi maging lampa.

Sinubukan niyang gayahin ang paulit-ulit na ginagamit sa kanyang technique ni Kane. Umikot siya habang mabilis at malakas na nagbabanggan ang espada nila. Mabilis niyang pinaikot ang hawakan ng espada sa pupulsuhan niya para mabago niya ang pagkakahawak sa espada at bumaliktad ang pagkakatutok niyon. Sa halip na sa unahan, sa likuran na nakatutok ang espada habang nakatalikod pa rin siya kay Kane.

And it actually stopped Kane's movement. For just a couple of seconds though. Madali siya nitong natalo uli.

Happy glanced at Kane over her shoulder. "How am I doing?"

A small smile played on Kane's lips. "Again."

Tumango siya, saka nagpatuloy ang labanan nila ni Kane gamit ang espada hanggang sa humahangos na pumasok si Yrozz sa garahe, dala ang laptop nito.

"Guys!" Yrozz exclaimed. "Orlando, the fourth Arkhon's hippeis posted on the wall."

Tumigil siya sa pakikipaglaban kay Kane at hinihingal na nagtanong. "Ano'ng sabi niya?"

"It's address to you," sabi ni Yrozz na may pag-aalala sa boses. "Renounce your position or there will be war and you will crumble. Starting with the death of your family members."

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa espada kasabay ng pagtalim ng mga mata niya.

"What are we going to do?" Yrozz asked her.

"We fight," sagot niya, saka humarap kay Kane. "Again." Then she attacked.

As Yrozz read to them the threats posted on the wall by Orlando and the other loyalists of the fourth Arkhon, she continued sparring with Kane, while Blaze and King started to spar also. Hand-to-hand combat.

Walang may pakialam sa kanila kung lumalim na ang gabi, patuloy ang pagsasanay nilang apat para sa labanang magaganap sa hinaharap.

If the fourth Arkhon would not stop this nonsense power takeover, she would also not stop fighting his domination.

She was the second Arkhon and she would prove to everyone that she was not someone to mess with.

She would not be bullied and pushed around!

Hinihingal at pinagpapawisan na tumigil sa pag-atake si Happy kay Kane habang mahigpit ang hawak niya sa espada.

"You're my punisher, right?" she asked Kane.

He nodded. "Yes."

"Then punish someone for me," sabi niya.

"Who?"

"Orlando, the fourth Arkhon's hippeis," sabi niya. "Don't kill him but make him bleed and invalid. We will send a very clear warning to that old man. No one threatens my family and gets away with it. He wants war? I'll give it to him!"

Kane nodded before immediately exiting the garage to carry out her order.

Then she faced King who stopped sparring against Blaze and was now looking at her.

"Yes, Young Miss?"

"Contact the ten families who supports the second Arkhon and told them to prepare for war against the remaining loyalists of the fourth Arkhon. Tell them I want a meeting the day after tomorrow and if they have soldiers, tell them to send them to keep my family safe and away from any harm. And contact the head of the ultors in Europe to seize every member of the fourth Arkhon's loyalist, but do not harm them unless it's life and death. Also contact Racini and Parisi, tell them to use all their resources to find that old man." Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. "I want peace and fairness... but they threatened me and my family and my kindness can only stretched too far."

King nodded and went to carry out her order as well.

Tumingin siya kay Yrozz. "Send a message to the South American Boss, Daemon Cox. Tell him to make sure that my family is safe."

"Pennsylvania is in North America," sabi ni Yrozz na nakakunot ang noo.

"Wala pang pumapalit sa posisyon ni Midnight at walang papalit sa kanya." As long as she was the boss, no one would replace Midnight on his position. "Si Daemon muna ang namamahala pansamantala."

Tumango si Yrozz habang mabilis na tumitipa sa keyboard ng laptop nito.

"Tell Daemon to guard the mansion and the hospital where my sister is. Tell him to make sure the safety of everyone while being vigilant against the Triad," utos niya bago huminga nang malalim. "And ask Knight to send you the list of names on the Traid's book, we will start the clean up this week."

Yrozz nodded before he left the garage to do what she told him.

Lumapit naman kanya si Blaze, saka masuyo siyang niyakap kahit pareho silang pawisan. Wala itong sinabi basta niyakap lang siya.

And when they both pulled away from their embrace, they looked into each other's eyes.

"Looks we're going to war soon. Be careful, okay?" sabi sa kanya ni Blaze, saka masuyong hinaplos ang pisngi niya. "Don't make your fiancé worry too much."

Tumango siya. "You too. They might put a hit on you, but I won't let them hurt you. I'll protect you I promise. Give and take, remember?"

Blaze smiled. "They can try to hurt me, baby, they can try. But I'm a badass, remember? Hindi ako basta-basta mamamatay."

Mahina siyang natawa pero may kabang kalakip 'yon. "Yes, you're a badass."

Blaze chuckled before cupping her cheeks. "Dahil sa mga mangyayari sa susunod na linggo, bilisan na natin, baby."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bilisan ang?"

"Magpakasal na tayo."

Napatanga siya kay Blaze. "Are you... serious?"

Walang pag-aalinlangan na tumango ito. "Let's get married."

"Why?"

"Because life is short... and it just got shorter with the war brewing. Gusto ko kung mamamatay man ako, gusto kong mamatay na asawa mo."

"Blaze!" Pinanlakihan niya ito ng mga mata. "Don't say that!"

He just chuckled as he looked at her wide eyes with fear and worry. "Let's face it, baby. This war will have casualties and I'll be damned to let it be you. Hindi ko sinasabing mawawala ako, pero kung sakali mang mangyari 'yon, gusto kong mamatay na asawa mo."

"Blaze—"

"Please?" he begged. "Please, baby? If you think that I'm worth risking for now, then be my wife... be Mrs. Happy Vitale."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Happy bago tumango at pumayag. "Fine, let's do it. But don't you dare die, okay? Magagalit ako sa iyo."

Life was indeed short. Lalo na sa buhay na mayroon sila.

"Good!" Ang lapad ng ngiti ni Blaze bago pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. "Come on. Let's do it now."

Namilog ang mga mata niya. "Now na?!"

"Yes." Blaze was grinning from ear to ear. "I know a judge."

"But it's already midnight—"

"I don't care."

Nagpaubaya na lang si Happy nang igiya siya ni Blaze patungo sa kotse nito para magpakasal ng disoras na ng gabi.

Looked like before the dawn would break tomorrow... she was not Happy Quinn anymore... she would be Mrs. Vitale.

Happy smiled. It does have a nice ring to it.

Mrs. Happy Quinn-Vitale.

CECELIB | C.C.