Sorry for all the errors! Enjoy reading!

#TCS18: Rebel's Reign

Amythee Hope's POV

"Nanay, this is not a good joke, now, would you mind getting up?"

"Because... it's time to get even."

Gabby please remember that I am also an Evans.

God, I couldn't believe it. Napahawak ako sa noo ko at hindi mapigilan napabuntong hininga ng malalim. I was shaking. Shaking in fear earlier, but now... I am shaking in excitement and realizations. Kaya pala... ganun na lang 'yung mga nangyari kanina, kaya pala ganito na lang ang resulta ng mga putok ng baril.

Huminga ako ng malalim at inilahad ang kamay sa harap ni Nanay. "Nanay, this is a game, right? Organized by our very own cousin named Fate Gaebrylle Light Evans? Tumayo ka na, please lang. Hindi ako makakaganti ng nakahiga ka r'yan." I stated frustratedly.

I mentally counted up to ten to wait for Nanay, if she's not going to participate in my counter attack might as well just admit that I guessed correctly. My nightmares are exactly like this and this is all de ja vu.

I am not dumb. Maybe I noticed it too late, but sooner or later I was bound to find this one out.

Ilang saglit pa bigla na lang gumalaw ang katawan ni Nanay. Humiga s'ya ng prente sa sahig. Her initial reaction was to chuckle like it was the most fun prank she ever pulled off. Oh, well, they were pretty successful if you ask my opinion.

"You are such a crybaby, Hope!" She exclaimed while laughing.

I grimaced at her. "Hindi magandang biro 'yun, Nanay." Nanlulumong sabi ko. The horror of losing my parents... hindi ko yata kakayanin kung may prank na naman na ganito sa buhay ko. Baka ako ang matuluyan imbis na sila.

"I know, I know. But it's for your own benefit." She reasoned out while sitting up then wiping the stains of fake blood on her face. Looks can be really deceiving. My Nanay looks so holy to be honest, but she's the opposite.

And Gabby! She's an angel in our eyes, but she's the one who made this game!

"Baka matrauma 'yung mga kapatid namin..." Mahinang bulong ko. They are too young for this. Kami sigurong matatanda kaya makipagsabayan sa ganitong laro ni Gabby, pero pa'no na lang sina Aislynn, sina Blithe?

I don't want them to develop some kind of trauma, I don't want them to experience sleepless nights and always shaking in fear when something reminds them of their nightmare. Trust me, it was terrifying and terrible.

"You really think, we'll do that to the younger ones?" Tumayo si Nanay at saka ako hinawakan sa balikat.

"Hope, your trauma had been keeping you from your real abilities. And we are to blame why you had to live your life with it..." Napatungo si Nanay at saka napabuntong hininga. I remained silent and decided to listen to her words.

"The kids are in a safe place; they actually know about this..." She told me chuckling. I gasped when I heard her say that, "Nanay!" I shouted in disbelief! I cannot believe it!

"Don't tell me... pati sina Theon, alam 'to? Pati sina Biblee?" Naguguluhang tanong ko, napaatras din ako sa pagkakahawak sa akin ni Nanay. Pakiramdam ko kasi sasabog 'yung ulo ko dahil sa narinig ko.

"Kind of..." Nag-aalinlangang sabi ni Nanay.

I gaped at her unbelievably.

"GABBY!" I yelled at the top of my lungs.

"Rule number one, Hope, you don't shout at your enemies. You will give them your position." Nanay remarked with a grin. Kinakabahan ako sa kanya. Then she glanced at one corner of the room.

Gabby's there. "Hello, Ate Hopie!" She enthusiastically greeted like she did not give me some kind of heart attack and fear! This little sneaky playful mischievous child! Habang masaya s'yang kumakaway sa akin ay kaagad  ko s'yang sinugod ng walang sabi sabi.

I run to her and straight up gave her an axe kick, but she was fast enough to catch my left foot so I immediately tried to kick her off which she did, and while my left foot is in the air, I moved my right foot to do a crescent kick.

I thought I caught her off guard because the fast transition I made, but she was smiling at me like the kicks I am doing was too slow for her. Natakpan ng buhok ko ang mukha ko dahil sa bilis ng mga galaw ko. Hinipan ko ito para hindi makasagabal sa paningin ko.

Gabby changed her stance into a defensive position, both of her arms protecting her upper body. I did not let her change into offence. I gave her multiple kicks and a quick roundhouse, pero lahat ng sipa ko ay sadyang nasasalag ng mga kamay at braso niya.

I smirked. Damn, she's good. Real good.

Umatras ako at saka mabilis na umatake gamit ang suntok. I gave her combinations of jabs and hooks but she easily evaded my every throw. How can she move this fast?! This is unbelievable! Ni isang suntok o sipa na ginagawa ko ay wala man lang tumatama sa kaniya.

"That's all you've got?" She even taunted!

"No." Madiing sambit ko at saka mabilis na binigyan siya ng uppercut.

She did not see that one coming kaya naman napa-atras siya sa pagkabigla. I did not waste a millisecond when I caught her in surprise so I used another roundhouse to kick the side of her head.

Muntik ko na siyang matamaan kung hindi lang siya tumungo! Ramdam na ramdam ko ang tila pagdaan nang marahan ng tutok ng ulo niya paa ko. Napanganga ako dahil sa tindi ng liksi at bilis ng mga mata nito para maiwasan ang sipang 'yun!

She grabbed my right foot that's above her head. She smirked at me when I felt the tight grip of her hand. I winced in pain but I still tried to remove her firm hold of my foot. I did not succeed, kaya para niya akong kinaladkad dahil sa bigla niyang paggalaw paatras, kaya naman halos mawalan ako ng balanse makasunod lang sa kaniya.

She was about to hurl me when I countered a butterfly twist kick. Sumunod ako sa tila pagbalibag niya sa akin kaya naman umikot ako para makawala sa pagkakahawak niya. I almost landed on the floor because she's really strong!

Nawalan ako ng balanse at muntik pang ma-twist ang ankle dahil sa lakas niya! Is she for real?! Naramdaman ko na kaagad ang pagpatak ng pawis ko sa balikat at noo. Samantalang parang fresh pa rin si Gabby! Asan ang hustisya?

"Ate Hopie, you tired?" She asked when she noticed how my breathing started to become ragged and hollow. I smirked at her instead and run for another round of kicks and punches. However, no matter how hard I try to defeat her, the more I realized how she was just testing my abilities.

She had all the chances, she had all the openings where she could counter each and every of my attacks but she did not. All she did was defend herself from my offenses.

"Why aren't you fighting!?" Naasar na tanong ko sabay bigay ng isang malakas na straight, pero parang ginalaw n'ya lang ang ulo niya paside ng walang kahirap hirap para maka-iwas! I swear, kanina pa ako nakikipagsuntukan sa hangin kasi wala talagang natama ni isang suntok!

Parang sobrang hina at walang kwenta ko! Kahit lagi naman akong panalo kapag may paliksahan sa mga ganitong bagay! Why can't I land a single punch? I am getting really really frustrated! Nakakainis!

"Trust me, Ate Hopie, I play games, but I don't get involve in unnecessary fights." Gabby explained calmly evading my hooks and gracefully going left, right, up and down like a programmed person repeating every move effortlessly.

"Then why did you play with me?" Tanong ko sa kaniya at saka tumigil sa pagsuntok at umayos ng posisyon para makapagbigay naman ng mga sipa kaso unang axe kick ko pa lang nahuli na niya agad ang paa ko.

"Slowing down, eh? You are already tired, Ate." She stated the obvious! Kahit naman hindi ko aminin nararamdaman ko na ang pagod. I felt like I've been sparring non-stop and even though I am throwing violent and powerful punches all of it are useless because I am fighting with the empty space and atmosphere.

She brought my leg down and sighed. Then she suddenly pulled out a gun from one of her back pockets. My eyes flew wide open and I unconsciously stepped back. Napakunot noo ako at saka nagtatakha siyang tiningnan.

She did not even falter, she just stood there, pointing the wheel gun directly towards me.  She opened the revolver and grabbed a bullet on her side pocket. Napalunok ako dahil sa ginawa niya. She inserted the bullet on one of the chambers and smiled evilly.

"There are six chambers, Ate, five empty, one... obviously with a bullet." Kumabog ang puso ko dahil sa kaba. Hindi ako nakapagsalita. Did I piss her off too much? Pero kasi! May dahilan naman kaya ako nainis ah!

"You are not going to shoot me, are you?" I asked while staring at her eyes. Nope. No sign of jest. She is not kidding; she is dead serious about this.

"Sadly yes." Natatawang sabi niya, her cute dimples appearing from her cheeks.

"But..." Hindi ako makapag-isip ng matinong dahilan para pigilan s'ya. Magpinsan naman kami ah? Kaibigan naman namin s'ya?

Ilang minuto rin nagsumigaw ang katahimikan, nanatili akong nag-iisip. Her game was about my nightmare. Her game's target was me all along. Bakit nga ba ako ang napaglaruan niya? Bakit hindi sina Theon? She sure can defeat them too. But why me?

Nightmare...

Nightmare because of her sister...

That's it right?

"Doing this because of my nightmare?" I asked while looking at the gun. Pinakiramdaman ko ang sarili ko. Yes, I can hold and use the gun. Yes, I know how to manipulate it. But... I can't use it against a person. I can't stand the sight of it aiming at someone. It brings me back to the bloody moon...

"Why not face your fears, Ate?" She asked me while walking slowly towards me. She gave me an expression of a cold enemy. She's not hesitating. She's ready to fire at any second. That's when I completely realized my defeat.

Yes, I am an Evans... but the one I am facing right now is a Smith. A pure-blooded legacy.

"Guess you won. Yeah, why not face it?" Nakangising sambit ko at mabilis na naglakad papunta kay Gabby at saka mabilis na hinawakan ang kamay niyang may hawak sa hand gun. I stared at her at full five seconds then smiled with confidence.

I aggressively got the gun from her and placed the barrel part of it on my temple.

I could feel my heartbeat. I could hear it ringing in my ears. Ang lakas. Sobra.

Gabby looked at me like reading me... wondering what's going on inside my head.

I closed my eyes. My hand held the revolver tightly. I swallowed my fears, my insecurities, my nightmare and my guilt...

Ramdam ko ang malamig na grip panel at ang trigger guard. I shut my eyes tightly...

And pulled the trigger at once.

Nanlamig ang buong katawan ko. I was out of my mind! I felt my hand shaking! Para akong nakarinig ng napakalakas na tunog!

I heard a clicked.

JUST A CLICK!

"AMYTHEE!"

"Hope!"

"Ate!"

Marahan kong iminulat ang mga mata ko ng marinig ko ang mga tawag na 'yun. Malabo sila noong una pero naging malinaw rin. I saw how shocked and worried they are. Bago pa man sila makalapit ay kaagad ko ng itinutok kay Gabby ang baril.

It was harder this time.

My eyes are betraying me.

My mind is slowly eating me again...

"Please..." Mahinang bulong ko sa sarili.

I fixed the way I hold the gun and slowly wrapped my other hand around it. My breathing wasn't even. Hirap na naman akong huminga. Nanunubig ang mga mata ko pero pilit kong nilabanan ang mga nakikita kong imahe ng nakaraan.

No... I am in the present with my family.

No... I don't see a bloody moon because of her crimson blood.

No... I am not backing down upon this game.

Gabby stayed composed and stood straight, intimidating every nerve I have in my system. My knees almost gave up because of her strong aura. So I had to shut my eyes just to avoid her mind blowing presence.

I held the trigger once more.

"Amythee..." I heard Theon's voice. I kept mum.

"Gabby..." My voice broke.

"Tell Silhoue how sorry I am..."

"I don't think I could say it to her..." I added.

"How about you tell it to her, Ate?"

"No..."

"Why?"

"Because... I am a sinner."

"Do you think she thinks of you that way?"

"Do you think I did not consider that?"

"Then, how about instead of saying your apology to her, why don't you forgive yourself?"

I was silent when I heard her say that. Parang may lumaplos sa puso ko. Napahawak ako ng mahigpit at isinugal ang lahat lahat noong ilagay ko ang hintuturo ko sa gatilyo ng baril. Huminga ako ng malalim at unti-unting iminulat ang mga mata ko.

I saw the gang looking at us, and Nanay watching carefully. Gabby did not move a single inch from the moment I closed my eyes. I fixated the barrel of the gun at her. I looked at her intensely at the eyes.

The second I saw the side of her lips slowly rising. I pulled the trigger.

I did not blink, she also did the same.

Tumigil ang puso ko ng pagkakataong 'yun dahil sa matinding kaba. I expected to hear a loud bang. I expected Gabby dodging. I expected everyone to stop me from this crazy stunt. But they did not interfere.

Napatingin ako sa mga kamay ko at saka baril na hawak hawak ko. My knees gave in. Napa-upo ako sa sahig at saka nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga.

Holy... Hindi ko alam kung saan ko nakuha ang lakas ng loob ko. Hindi ko alam kung saan ko nakuha ang matinding tibay ng damdamin para gawin ang bagay na 'yun.

"You are safe..." Nanginginig kong sabi kay Gabby noong makita kong wala itong tama ng bala. I looked at the gun, I opened the cylinder. The bullet was still there. I got two chances and I did not blow it up.

"Oh my... God. Thank you." Hindi ko alam pero 'yun na lang ang lumabas sa tinig ko.

Gabby chuckled at me. "Congratulations." She added with a bright beam.

May nilabas pa siyang isang baril kaya naman nagulat ako. Tinutok niya 'yun sa mukha ko at kaagad hinila ang gatilyo. Halos lumuwa ang mga mata ko nung may lumabas na parang flag don na kulay puti na may nakalagay na Win.

Muntik na akong atakihin sa puso! Jusko, Gabby! Anong gagawin ko sa 'yo.

"Did you see the nightmare when you were about to shoot me?" Gabby asked, absentmindedly I shook my head.

She held my hand and helped me in getting up. "Then, it's a success. For now, I think you are staring to overcome your nightmare, and what you did was hella one of a big step." She added while chuckling.

"After the big leap you took tonight, I am pretty sure the other steps will be easy. Let's fight your demons and defeat them from now on?" She asked while looking at everyone who participated in her game without questions.

Sunod sunod na nagpatakan 'yung mga luha ko sa mata. Parang mga pearl 'yung mga luha ko dahil kanina ko pa kinikimkim kaya ng bumagsak parang butil na sunod sunod. I hugged Gabby suddenly. "Thank... you." I whispered sincerely while caressing her back.

"No worries."

"Pinakaba mo kami nang sobra, Ate!" Ngumangawa na si Biblee na nakisali sa yakap ko kay Gabby. As if that was the cue, everyone joined in the group hug. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag matapos noon.

Nanay grabbed me and hugged me proudly. "That's my baby." She uttered with a smile and her eyes glowing because of her unshed tears.

"Sorry for thinking ill of this effort for me to take a leap in recovering." Emosyonal na sabi ko. Dinaluhan naman kami ni Tatay na kakarating lang kasama ang mga nakababata naming mga kapatid.

Tatay came to me and kissed the top of my head. "Be stronger, my Hope, because they need a wiser and a tougher foundation in the journey you are all going to take." He said delicately. I hugged him tightly, he locked me up on his chest, I snuggled closer.

"I love you, Tatay."

"Forever and always, anak."

Pagkatapos non ay nilapitan na rin ako nina Tita Alyx na akala ko talaga wala na, napahagulhol ako sa kaniya non. "Tita Alyx 'wag mo na ulit gagawin 'yun, panalo ka po sa acting, nakakasar. Naloko po ako ro'n." Reklamo ko habang umiiyak.

Nagkatawanan lahat sa narinig sa 'kin.

"Ay nako kang dyosa ka, tama na iyak. 'Saka bakit Tita Alyx tawag mo sa 'kin. Tita Dyosa nga 'di ba?" Pabirong sabi ni Tita. Halos lumabas na sipon sa ilong ko sa pagtawa habang umiiyak dahil kay Tita Dyosa.

"Tita Dyosa, you and my Tita Bakla will get along so well." Gabby chimed in.

"Tita Bakla?" Tanong ni Biblee.

"Sino naman 'yun?" Cleon seconded.

"Wala naman bakla na pinsan sina Tito Nate at Tita Incess?" Takhang tanong naman ni Liam.

"Noooo!" Natatawang sagot ni Gabby. "My Tita Bakla is a friend of Momo and Dada at Tinagong Island."

Nagkatawanan na lang kami at saka nagsimulang maglinis ng mga kalat. The others also went to the playroom to escape from cleaning. Imbis na pigilan, hinayaan na sila nina Nanay minsan lang naman daw.

After that long night, I went outside to feel the sea breeze.

Solo lang ako dahil mukhang naglalaro ng cards sina Biblee tapos sina Nanay mukhang nag-iinuman sa likod. Grabe parang walang nangyaring barilan at kung ano ano pa kanina. Maga pa rin 'yung mga mata ko dahil sa pag-iyak ko.

That game of Gabby... this will be the first and the last time that I will be the target. Ayoko na. Kahit pa sabihin mong nakakatulong, ayoko na talaga. Hindi na kakayanin ng puso ko.

"Do you feel better now?" Napatalon ako sa gulat. Lilingon sana ako kaso...

"Kapag lumingon ka..." Nagpabitin siya ng sasabihin niya, pakiramdam ko namula ang mukha ko dahil nag-init ito at saka... dahil sa sinabi niya.

Kapag lumingon ka...

...akin ka?

Napa-iling kaagad ako sa sariling naisip.

Isa kang marupok, Amythee!

Saway ko sa sarili ko.

"Kapag lumingon ako?" Tanong ko na lang para mawala sa utak ko 'yung kalandian na naisip ko. Nakakahiya! Nakakahiya ka, Amythee. Isa kang malaking kahihiyan! Hindi ka pinalaki ng magulang mo para sa ganyan, baliw ka!

"Kapag lumingon ka, makikita mo ang gwapong si ako!" Tapos humagalpak siya ng tawa sa sarili niyang joke.

Muntik ko na siyang batukan dahil sa sinabi niya kaso naiwan din sa ere 'yung kamay ko dahil ang cute n'yang tumawa! Nakakainis!

"Cleon is that you?" Biro ko na lang at saka padabog na umupo sa buhanginan. Tinabihan naman niya ako.

"Kapag ba maloko si Cleon na kaagad?" Natatawang sabi nito. Kahit magkamukhang magkamukha pa sila ni Cleon, hinding hindi ako nagkamali sa kanilang dalawa. Ewan ko ba, instinct na rin yata. It just... basta alam mo na lang talaga.

"Kapag ba matino si Theon na kaagad?" I countered he laughed.

"Kung ako ang tatanungin kahit maloko si Cleon mas matino 'yun kaysa kay Theon." I added to annoy him.

"Kung ako ang tatanungin kahit iyakin si Amythee... malakas pa rin 'yun." Natigilan ako 'nung sabihin niya 'yun.

Akala ko... aasarin niya ako.

Akala ko... lolokohin niya ako.

Akala ko... mapipikon siya.

I looked at him—in awe. He smiled at me sincerely then focused his gazed on the shining moonlight above us. The soft wind touched my skin and comforted me a little. Inayos ko ang buhok kong pinapalad sa mukha ko.

"I only agreed to Gabby's game because for the past years I've been looking at you... I saw how you suffered. I saw how you cried to sleep. I saw how you blamed yourself."

"It wasn't a nice scenery. It was awful. Couldn't even see a beauty in it. All of it was purely dark."

"But Amythee, when I saw you earlier pointing the gun at Gabby without shaking, without fear, and with full of heart wanting to fight all of her demons, that's when I realized how strong you are."

"Palagi ko na lang kasing iniisip na protektahan ka, na huwag kang hayaang magkasugat, na huwag kang makaramdam ng sakit... pero mali pala... I've been keeping you from growing. I've been keeping you to your shell..."

"Now that you broke free... please fly... and don't ever let yourself be caged again by someone like me..."

I stayed silent while gazing at him while he spoke his mind. Ni minsan hindi ko inakala na sasabihin niya 'yung mga bagay na 'yun. Gusto kong mag-thank you, gusto kong mag-sorry. Pero hindi walang lumabas na boses sa 'kin.

After some minutes of being in full silence and letting the wave speak in our stead, I started to form some words.

"Theon..."

"Kapag lumingon ka..."

He slowly laid his orbs at me. My heart throbbed loudly inside my chest. 

Hindi ko magawang ituloy ang sasabihin ko. He waited for my sentence to finish... Ako na mismo ang umiwas ng tingin at saka pinagmasdan ang langit at saka binitiwan ang mga katagang...

"Asahan mong... proprotektahan kita." Mula sa sarili ko...

Aalis na sana ako kasi ang awkward matapos kong sabihin 'yun. Ano ba 'yun? San galing 'yun? Ang lakas kasi mag-emote ni Theon eh! Nakakahawa! Nakakainis tuloy. Noong pinagpagan ko ang sarili ko para umalis ay bigla ko na lang naramdaman ang malamig na kamay ni Theon sa pulsuhan ko.

Nilingon ko siya at saka nagsalita, "Papasok na ako, nilalamig na kasi ako—"

I couldn't continue what I was about to say when he suddenly draped both his arms around me. Without any words, without any comforting reply from what I said earlier... I think this was better. To be inside his arms. To dream of what could be and just be contented of this simple affection.

***

Honoka Reign's POV

We all went back to school after our small mini vacation. Mama also gave us some money to survive. But still we can't afford to buy some house to rest. They really wanted us to learn and adopt without their help.

"Welcome back, babies!" Luna greeted us happily.

Us, the trio went to hug her. I kinda missed her loud voice and easy going personality.

"Kamusta naman 'nung wala kami?" Kuya Cleon asked.

"School pa rin naman. Hindi naman nagbago. Sumaya pa nga sila 'nung nawala kayo, kasi ang balita rito kicked out daw kayo. Mouhahaha!" Napa-iling iling ako habang nakangiti noong mag-evil laugh ito while her arms are spread on the side.

"Nako, Luna kung alam mo lang kung sino naabutan namin sa bahay, nako, Luna hindi ka makakapaniwala." Biblee told her while smiling widely.

"Sino sino?" She excitedly asked.

"Hulaan mo!"

Binato siya ng unan ni Luna. "Baliw ka talaga! Malay ko 'di ba?"

"I miss baby Fate." Malungkot na sabi ni Harper habang naglalakad papunta sa kusina.

We are here at Luna's house. Wala naman kasi kami iba matutuluyan maliban dito. We also both clothes and other necessities. Luckily, Luna wanted us to stay in here... because we are poor and she knows we have nowhere to go.

"Ditto."

"Why won't she join us and be with us ba?" Art questioned while pouring a glass of water.

"She said it's dangerous for now because we are commoners. But she'll visit us from time to time because she also studies in here." I retorted sadly.

"Now, I am more determined to get us a rank. A high one immediately." Harper said with determination.

"True, I also wanted to see the triplets." Art said sighing.

"Maybe that's why Law wouldn't show himself to us, because we are still weak." Harper concluded and took the glass of water from Art.

"Maybe we should train more and play some games at the Hierarchy Tower to earn aurous. I actually wanna help our Kuyas and Ates." I told them then took some chocolates from the fridge. I ate one and put some on the kitchen table.

Kami lang tatlo ang nandito sa kitchen nasa bedrooms at living room yata 'yung iba kasama si Luna. We are to prepare our dinner kasi mag-gagabi na rin. Kaso nabili pa ng ingredients si Kuya Akira.

"Kaya nga. Maybe tomorrow we should go there on our own. It's really not sitting right with me that we are always depending on Ate Amythee and the Kuya kambal." Harper agreed to my decision and picked the hazelnut chocolate on the table.

"Sige, takas tayo bukas." Art decided with a smile.

Habang nagkwekwetuhan kami pa'no makakatakas sa mga nakakatanda sa amin dahil panigurado hindi 'yun basta basta papayag, given our bad reputation in this school at the moment bigla na lang sumulpot si Luna sa tabi ko.

"Ikaw pala 'yun!" She shrieked upon seeing me.

"Eh?"

"Hahaha! Oh my gosh! This is gonna be my counter hurrah!" Luna laughed like a maniac and it kind scared me a bit so I backed away a little and grabbed another chocolate.

"Ikaw pala umuubos ng chocolate na 'to!" Sabi niya sa akin habang patuloy sa pagtawa. Inubos ko muna 'yung chocolate sa bibig ko.

I gave her a peace sign and I was startled when she took a picture of it. "Luna!" I exclaimed surprised. Harper and Art giggled.

"Yeah, may sweet tooth kasi 'yan si Honoka." Nilaglag ako ni Art!

"Hey, ikaw rin kaya." I told her pouting. Luna kept bothering me by taking multiple shots of my face. Kahit medyo nabigla ako sa ginagawa niya natatawa na lang ako nang marahan sa huli. She's maybe a frustrated photographer or an aspiring one.

"Hihihi!" I couldn't help but giggle when I heard Luna's creepy laugh. Ano ba meron sa kanya ngayon?

"Kaya pala bumibili at nag-stock 'yon ng chocolate rito, kahit hindi naman siya mahilig no'n, hihihi! Ngayon alam ko na! Hihihi!" She even whispered to herself.

"Luna?" Harper called her out.

"Yes, mi lady?"

"Are you alright? You kept laughing discreetly, you know?"

"Ey, don't mind me. Nag-eenjoy lang ako sa mga halakhak ko later! Honoka, halika nga, dali, selfie tayong dalawa!"

Then Luna pulled me softly to her. We took some pictures together. Nang matapos siya sobrang tuwang tuwa siyang lumabas ng kitchen.

"Weird." I spoke while shrugging my shoulders, grabbing another chocolate.

"She's like preparing, you know, to win some championship later." Harper observed then went to the fridge to check some ingredients.

"She's crazy. But kind of good, crazy." Art told us. She also immediately run to the kitchen door when she saw Kuya Akira. Sumunod kami ng marahan ni Harper.

"Careful with your hands, ladies, okay?" Kuya reminded us.

"Of course!" We replied in unison.

Kuya went to me and kissed the side of my head. "What are you cooking for today?" He asked tapos biglang pumunta sa may wall para magpose do'n na akala mo model.

"Hmm... how about some backyard barbeque?" Harper suggested.

"Yeah!" Masayang agree namin ni Art.

"Okay! Then we'll prepare the place!" Kuya Akira gave us thumbs up then went outside. While we prepare for the barbeque party!

***

Next day...

It is already afternoon and we just finished our last class.

"Kuya..." Simula ni Art habang naglalakad kami sa corridor. Hinarap siya ni Kuya Theon at Cleon.

"Yep?"

"Gusto sana naming i-check 'yung firing range sa may sports building, pwede ba?"

"Sasama kami." Kuya Cleon retorted while shrugging. Nagkatinginan kami ni Harper.

"Pero 'di ba may lakad kayo nina Kuya Akira? Akala ko pupunta kayo sa Empire State para magtanong ng mga things para hindi na tayo commoners?" I said while looking at my Kuya.

"Oo nga pala."

"Kayo lang tatlo pupunta ro'n?" Kuya Theon asked. The three of us nodded.

"We were not that young you know? We can handle ourselves." Harper tried to intimidate them, she rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, and we'll call if you know by any chance we meet some trouble." Art assured them.

"Hayaan n'yo na sila, Theon." Ate Amythee said.

Yes! Si Ate Amythee 'yan, hindi 'yan tatanggihan ni Kuya Theon. The kambal sighed. "Okay."

"Ikaw Biblee hindi ka sasama?" Tanong ni Pierce.

"Hindi na, mapupuntahan kami nina Cleon at Thorn. Hahanapin pati namin si Luna. Kailangan din namin humanap ng paraan maliban sa Tower." Biblee retorted.

"Yeah, be careful trio, okay?" Thorn told us. We all smiled at him.

"Roger that!"

Hindi rin nagtagal nakaalis kaming tatlo mula sa kanila! Nag-apir apir kami at saka dumiretso sa bahay ni Luna bago sa Tower. Delikado ang Tower kaya ayaw na nila na rito kami umasa for the aurous. Pero this is also the fastest way to earn, kaya susugal kaming tatlo rito.

Before the three of us decided to go there, we prepared some face masks and outfit. Ayaw naman kasi namin mahuli. Baka nandon kasi si Kellon este si Kuya Kalix at saka si Katniss edi naisumbong kami kaagad 'nung dalawang 'yun.

Kuya Kalix is busy handling his responsibilities because he is a Crown. So is, Katniss. But we still wanna make sure. As far as I know, the Crowns are on the edge right now because the First Crown had some movements and they are trying to connect with that person.

The three of us wore some fitted black crop top and high waist destroyed jeans. Then our mask covered our lower face and we wore a cap to cover our head and eyes a little. After that we directly went to the Tower.

Ang daming tao 'nung makarating kami do'n. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Parang ibang lugar talaga rito. Parang hindi parte ng school.

"Let's go the directory." Harper suggested, both Art and I followed.

The lady in there gave us some sort of device that showed us various of events and games we can play. We clicked on the option that will only show the games for commoners. Hundreds of pages displayed.

"Kung maghiwa-hiwalay tayo and play games on our own?" I asked them.

"We can, that way, it'll be faster." Art said.

"But this is a vast place you know. We can't afford some trouble." Harper told us.

"Then how about we just focus on one room? Then we are on different areas of that room? Better?" Art proposed the idea.

"Let's go to the casino room, better right? No physical battles and such, just mind game." I implied and clicked the option about the casino. The offers of aurous are also limitless! Good way to earn money!

"Deal!" Harper exclaimed.

We high fived each other then proceeded to the casino room.

"I'll play Skat!" Harper said cheerfully! She looked like an excited kid. Skat. Oh that! No one could defeat Harper in that game! Tita Tiara taught her how to play that German card game.

"I'll do some poker!" Art excitedly told us.

"I'll choose while taking a peak at each game, can't decide." I giggled lightly.

"Okay! Every after one hour let's meet here okay?" Harper instructed, we all agreed.

Pumasok na kami sa loob at sobrang laki no'n. Sobrang dami ring tao. Medyo natakot din ako dahil hindi ko akalain na halos ganito kalaki 'to at saka 'yung ibang tao parang hindi na umuuwi at sobrang adik na sila sa mga laro rito.

Umalis na si Art at Harper sa tabi ko. Samantalang ako ay naglakad na lang habang tinitingnan ang mga laro rito. Parang normal na casino rin, kaso may napapansin akong mga games na parang may sariling twist nila.

Hindi ako makapili ng game, hanggang sa napadpad ako sa isang dulo na wala ganung tao.

May isang clown sa may isang table na parang nag-aaya na pumunta do'n sa table niya na may tatlong basong nakataob at mga dice.

Pupunta sana ako ro'n kaso may nagsalitang estudyante sa tabi ko. "Walang nanatalo sa payasong 'yan, sa iba ka na lang maglaro." Natatawang payo nito sa 'kin.

Napakunot noo ako kasi may ilan naman na nalapit don pero kung tutuusin sobrang kakaunti lang kumpara sa ibang laro. I did not mind what the student said to me, out of curiosity I went there.

"Another player in here!" The clown acknowledged. Napatingin sa akin 'yung dalawang lalaki na mukhang maglalaro rin.

"Kumpleto na ang tatlong players! May tatlong round tayo. Hindi ka pwedeng umatras. Now place your bets." The clown told us.

Nag-alinlangan ako. Pero wala akong nagawa. I placed 10 aurous as a bet. While the other two placed the same amount. Malaking amount din 'yun. Kasi ang isang aurous dito parang $50 dollars din.

"Simpleng rule lang naman. Hulaan n'yo lang kung ilang numero ng dice laman ng mapipili n'yong baso. Pwede kayong magbigay ng range, kung ang range na 'yon ay pasok sa total ng biglang ng bilog sa dice, panalo kayo."

"Kapag nakahula ay tatlo, bibigyan ko kayong tatlo ng doble sa pinusta ninyo. You all placed 10 aurous. Then I'll give you 10 aurous each if you guess right."

"Kapag dalawa nakahula sa inyo, 'yung talo ibibigay ang aurous n'ya ro'n sa isang player at ako naman sa isa pang nanalo."

"Kapag isa ang nanalo, lahat ng taya ng dalawang players sa 'yo mapupunta. At magbibigay rin ako ng katumbas."

"Kapag walang nanalo, sa akin lahat ng taya n'yo at gagawin n'yo ring doble 'to."

Hindi ko alam kung madadayaan ako sa laro o hindi. Sobrang bias kasi 'nung laro sa clown, tapos hindi pa s'ya manghuhula. Kaya siguro walang nakikipaglaro rito. Pero hindi naman masama mag-try 'di ba? Tatlong rounds lang naman.

We started the game. Nilaro 'nung clown 'yung mga dice at pinagpalipat lipat sa mga baso at saka pinaikot-ikot sa loob nito. Hindi ko alam pero 'nung huling ikot nito sa bawat baso, itinaas niya ng konti 'yung baso para makita namin 'yung nasa loob. This is too easy?

We all chose a glass and uttered a number. We got it all right! Kaya naman ginanahan kaming tatlo. Akala ko ba walang nanalo?

The next round we were all right again, and the third round too!

So, we all decided to keep playing and bet all of our current wins.

That's when I things started to change.

Mabilis ang mga mata ko kaya nagagawa ko pang hulaan lahat, pero 'yung dalawa kong kasama natatalo na. Ang dami ko nang aurous. Pero... mukhang natutuwa lang 'yung clown sa dami kong nakukuha.

The game continued between the clown and I.

Hindi ko alam kung gaano na katagal pero naramdaman ko na hindi na gusto 'nung clown ang nangyayari. So, when tenth round ended, I decided to take my wins and quit. That was when things started go haywire.

Hinayaan ako 'nung clown na makaalis. Akala ko hindi n'ya gagawin 'yun kasi sobrang creepy na 'nung tingin n'ya sa akin.

I won like 10 plays and each play have 3 rounds! I won 30 times! And nag-iba-iba ang bet ko kaya naman umabot ng mahigit 5,000 ang napalanunan ko! Imagine 10 became 5,000! Malaking tulong 'to sa amin!

Pero kahit ganun sobrang kakaibang kilabot talaga naramdaman ko lalo na sa tingin 'nung mga nanunuod sa 'kin kanina habang naglalaro. May ibang tuwang tuwa dahil ako pa lang daw nanalo ng ganun do'n, pero pakiramdam ko talaga may mali.

Dahil hindi pa tapos sina Harper at Art sa mga laro nila, I only glanced at them and told them I'll go out for a minute.

Which was a big mistake on my part.

The moment I stepped out of the Tower.

I blacked out. And all I remember was... people who looked like clowns.

***

Marahan kong iminulat ang mga mata ko at tanging dilim lang ang nakita ko. I heard some kind of heavy breathing. My heartbeat doubled and shivers traveled through my spine. Nanindig ang mga balahibo sa batok at braso ko.

Hanggang sa naka-adjust ang mga mata ko sa dilim.

I saw a figure at the doorstep. Tingnan ko ang buong paligid. Para akong nasa kwarto. The orange light on the lamp showed me that the room was well organized and I was on the soft bed.

I checked my body and clothes. I was totally relieved to see that I am still alive and not wounded at all.

Then the image of numerous clowns flashed through my mind.

I shrieked nervously. Kaagad naalarma 'yung pigura sa may pinto at lumapit sa akin. Napaatras ako sa kama dahil sa kaba at tinakluban ng kumot ang sarili hanggang leeg.

"You kidnapped me!" I accused—high pitched.

I heard a soft chuckle.

"No, more like I saved you from those perriots."

Mas lumapit pa ito sa akin. For some reason, I didn't feel afraid and creeped out unlike earlier.

"Why did you play that game, you fool?"

"Huh? I earned aurous because of that!"

"But almost lost your life. Easy game, ain't it?"

"...I didn't know."

"What will happen to you, if I did not arrive on time, hmm?"

"But you arrived so..."

"So?"

"Thank you..." Mahinang bulong ko. Dahil sa hina no'n pakiramdam ko hindi n'ya narinig kaya naman mas lumapit s'ya sa akin at saka ko dahan dahang nakita kung sino s'ya.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

I gasped when I saw his perfectly sculptured face, his manly sharp jaw, his nose that fits on his facial features perfectly... his brows that's more on flick than mine... he's deadly gorgeous.

And... those glistening eyes...

Those breathtaking pair of gray eyes.

"Want some chocolates?" He offered with a soft smile on his lips.

Hindi ako makakilos. I stared at him in awe. I actually think I forgot how to speak, and how to breathe!

"Hey?" He waved his hand on my face.

"A-ah." 'Tsaka lang ako natauhan na grabe na pala ako makatitig sa kaniya. Napakurap-kurap ako.

"Real ka?"

"Damn, cute." He uttered with his deep voice.

I froze.

"You're not some kind of product of my imagination ba?"

"Shit. Stop being conyo?" Natatawang sabi niya.

"Ha?"

"Ha?" He mimicked then laughed softly.

"Totoo ka talaga?" Absentmindedly my hand went to his face to touch him. To assure myself that he's real, not just some kind of dream.

He chuckled. "Damn."

"I'm real...Reign."

He held my hand and put a chocolate on it. Imbis na tingnan 'yung paborito kong chocolate hindi ko pa rin maalis titig ko sa kaniya.

"You know that you need to return to where you are staying right now, right? Or they will really deploy some kind of police team for you, right?" Nawala ako sa pagkakatulala na naman sa kaniya dahil sa sinabi niya.

Natauhan ako.

Kaagad akong napatayo. We bumped each other's head! Ang lapit niya kasi!

"Ack!" Ang sakit 'nun! Bato yata ulo nito!

Napaatras din siya at saka napahawak sa noo niya. "What kind of head is that?" I asked gently.

Tinawanan niya lang ako at saka tinulungan makababa sa kama. Nung naglakad ako papunta sa may pinto palabas do'n ako natigilan ulit.

"Will you join me and show yourself to them?" Nakatungong sabi ko. Naglalaro ang mga daliri.

Naramdaman ko ang kamay niya sa tutok ng ulo ko. "Not yet." Mahinanong sabi niya. Napabuntong hininga ako, wala akong magagawa.

"Why?" I asked sadly.

"Oh, damn, Reign."

"Eh?"

"Not yet." Matigas na sabi niya.

"Okay." Wala naman kasi ako magagawa.

"Chocolates to cheer you up?" Bigla na lang siyang naglabas ulit ng box ng chocolate. Sa'n galing 'yun? Pa'no n'ya alam na mahilig ako sa chocolates?

"Eh?"

"Eh?" Loko n'ya ah!

Ayoko sanang umalis kaso naisip ko sina Kuya Akira baka sobrang nag-aalala na 'yun sa akin kaya wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang pumunta sa isa pang pinto para makalabas na rito. Kaso bago ko tuluyang buksan 'yun lumingon ako sa kaniya.

"Ang tagal na namin kayong hinahanap..."

"Gustong gusto na namin kayong makasama ulit..."

"Bakit ba ayaw n'yo magpakita sa amin? Bakit n'yo kami tinaguan ng napakaraming taon? Aren't we important to all of you?"

I didn't get any answer so I sighed. Hinawakan ko na ang door knob habang hawak ko sa kabila ang box ng chocolate na binigay niya.

"We missed you." I mumbled carefully.

"How 'bout you?" Mahinang sagot niya. Nahugot ko ang paghinga ko. Napapikit at saka humarap sa kaniya. I stared at his glowing gray eyes.

"I..."

"Hmm?" Nag-aantay na sagot niya. His warm gray eyes made me feel safe.

"I missed you... so much, Rebel."

"Damn it, Reign."

And with that he closed the distance between us and hugged me tightly. So tight. So afraid of losing his grasp on me. Niyakap ko rin siya. I could feel my heart beating so fast. Napakapit ako nang mahigpit sa laylayan ng damit niya.

Hanggang sa naramdaman ko ang mainit na labi niya...

Sa noo ko.

"Honoka Reign... damn."

"Leoniael Rebel..."

"Watching you from afar for all these years... damn worth it for a warm hug like this..." He uttered with a sincere voice and I couldn't help but chuckle lightly.

***

To be continued...