#TCS25: Keep Your Faith

Amythee Hope's POV

"In a count of three, all of you must be up!"

Napataklob ako ng tainga dahil sa lakas at lalim 'nung boses na narinig ko. Inaantok pa ako! Napa-ayos ako ng pagkakahiga pagilid 'nung naramdaman ko 'yung sakit ng katawan ko. Napakagat ako sa labi ko dahil do'n.

"ONE!"

Mas lalo akong nairita dahil sa ingay na naririnig. Why can't the voice just shut up? It's too early! I could still feel the cold breeze! For goodness' sake, I'm pretty sure the sun is not even up! Why does someone wake up this early!?

Gusto ba n'ya ng prize? P'wes wala ako n'on! H'wang s'yang magulo!

"TWO!"

Napa-upo ako ng bangag pa dahil sa ingay na hindi ko matiis. I felt the strands of my hair blocking my view that's why I tugged some of it on my ear. I slapped myself lightly just to wake me up a little.

And... who in their right mind would wake up someone this early? It's like a thunder roaring in a clearly bright night sky! If they don't want to sleep, they should let others sleep! Sino ba kasi 'yon?

Akala n'ya matatakot ako? Hindi ano! Piling tao lang naman ako takot at isa na ro'n 'yung mga— OH MY GOSH!

Kaagad akong napatapak sa lupa at nanlaki ang mga mata 'nung makita si Pierce na nakatingin sa akin na parang nangungusap na patayuin ko na s'ya at dahil buhay namin ang nakataya. I was so shocked for a second that all I did was stare.

The gorgeous Pierce looking fresh early in the morning—looking at me... a crackhead mess!?

Kaagad akong napatayo at nasuklay sa sariling buhok, "Tayo ka na Pierce tapos magsalita ka rin kung may sasabihin ka, and you can fix your hair and face... if there's even something to fix." I told him super-fast like I was raping.

He got up and chuckled amusingly. "Good morning, annoyed one." He greeted with a small smile. Kaagad akong napa-iwas ng tingin at saka napakaltok sa sarili. You are an embarrassing creature, Amythee! I told  myself. Nakakahiya.

He stood up firmly and I fixed myself a little and that was when we heard the voice boomed again.

"THREE!"

And right after that, Rebel was revealed upon us. His eyes dangerously darted at us. "You'll have fifteen minutes to do your morning routines. And the partner's command is still effective. But Amythee will be the one to give orders now. Understood?"

Sobrang strict at sobrang lagong ng boses ni Rebel.

"Yes!" I was the only one who answered because I forgot to instruct Pierce. Napapikit ako sa sariling kasalanan.

Napalingon si Rebel kay Pierce na para bang siya 'yung may kasalanan. I even heard my heartbeat drumming inside my ears. "Pierce, please retort." I gulped so hard that my dry throat felt painful.

"Yes." Pierce answered in a firm voice. The kind that's not intimidated yet not bragging. Parang normal lang na boses n'ya, medyo malalim lang talaga.

Rebel shifted his eyes on me, I stood up straight. "Time's ticking as far as I'm concerned." He reminded while looking at his wrist watch. Napapikit ako ng saglit dahil pakiramdam ko talaga hindi pa ready 'yung utak at pati na rin 'yung katawan ko sa mangyayari ngayon.

"Pierce get all the things you need and proceed to the silver tent #2." I instructed not that vague not that detailed. Umalis na si Rebel matapos no'n at paniguradong didiretso 'yun sa iba pang mga tent.

All I could do was let out a really loud and big sigh. Wow, I messed up so early. Sobrang swerte mo talaga kahit kailan Amythee. Swerte ka na nga sa love life, swerte mo pa sa happenings ngayon. Note the sarcasm.

"You can talk Pierce." I told him because I felt him hesitating in approaching me.

"Are you okay?" Tanong n'ya.

You think, gorgeous? Ikaw ba naman magising tapos bubungad sa 'yo sobrang gwapong tao, tapos ikaw mukhang kalalabas lang sa sabunutan o away, tapos bigla ka pang sisindakin ng nakakatakot na tao. Aba ewan ko nga at buhay pa ako eh.

"I don't even know what to answer..."

"You can talk and reply when I say a statement or question, ahm, always. And you can laugh too, or chuckle." I told him directly. Hirap kaya 'nung lagi kong sasabihin na umimik s'ya or something, feeling ko naman pwede 'yun, sabi nga ni Rebel, gamitin daw 'yung common sense.

Counted naman 'yun as common sense 'di ba?

"Okay, and we might hurry as well. You know Rebel, I think there will be a punishment if you don't meet the deadline." Pierce told me and walked towards me to help me carry my uniform.

"Thank you." I said as I covered my mouth with my hand. Duh? I was already embarrassed with my face and hair, I would not let to further embarrass myself because I haven't brush my teeth, 'no!

"Tara?" He asked then gave me close lip smile.

I nodded mutely and we both went to the silver tent #2, which is by the way, the tent for private washrooms and such. Habang naglalakad papunta ro'n, nagbigay na ako ng instructions para kay Pierce, ginawa ko ng literal talaga pero syempre I left out some parts but still gave general details.

Natatawa na lang si Pierce sa akin kasi mas better daw ako mag-instruct kaysa sa kan'ya kahapon.

"It's not just you, for your information, all of you, guys, messed up bigtime yesterday!" I spoke laughingly. Umiling-iling si Pierce sa 'kin habang nakatingala at natatawa. It's still dark, no sign of the sun, or even its rays. Tapos medyo malamig pa.

Pumasok kami ni Pierce habang nagkakatawanan pa. "Seriously, we are better off with your guidance—" He said then stopped midway when he noticed that there's someone inside already.

"You can talk, Theon." Honoka suddenly said.

"Morning." Pierce was the one who talked first since I already gave him the instructions about talking here.

"Hey." Maikling sagot ni Theon pagkatapos ay tumingin sa akin. I kept mum. Hindi ko alam pero I just suddenly feel awkward around him for some reason. Nanatili 'yung tingin n'ya sa akin kaya naman naramdaman ko 'yung nagwawalang puso ko.

Pierce hastily interrupted Theon from staring when he blocked his view to me, and questioned about some directives. Halos mautal ako sa pagsagot kay Pierce, pero mabuti na lang nakuha nito 'yung gusto kong sabihin at saka dumiretso sa isang private washroom.

"Good morning, Honoka." I greeted Honoka who's drying her hair already. Ang bilis lang kumilos. Nauna ba sila paggising ni Rebel? Or... mabilisang ligo lang din? I think it's the latter. Napalingon naman ako kay Theon kasi ramdam ko talaga 'yung titig n'ya.

"Theon, can you please come here, and quit staring at Ate?" My mouth formed a small circle because of Honoka's regal attitude. Parang reyna lang na nag-utos. My gosh. Her aura really screams expensive.

And what's with the Theon? Seriously? Anong meron? Bakit nawalan ng 'kuya'?

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at saka ginawa ang dapat gawin. I did my morning routine in a fast pace and everyone around me also did the same. Medyo naging maingay na nga dahil sa mga instructions naming lahat.

Before the said time, nauna na kami nina Theon, Honoka at Pierce sa malapit sa oval. Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung bigat ng katawan ko pero hindi ako nagreklamo tapos ang tahimik lang naming apat.

What's with us? What happened earlier between the four of us? Honoka? Theon? Gosh. The agony of wanting to know about them. I side eyed both Theon and Honoka when I saw how they are so close with each other because they are whispering.

"*clears throat*"

Muntik na akong napatalon sa kinatatayuan ko nang marinig ko 'yun.

It was Rebel!

He did not even look at Pierce and I. His eyes just darted at Honoka and Theon. I felt like the ashes on his eyes suddenly lit a small smoke. Sabi nga nila kapag may usok, may apoy. Woah? Anong meron?

Instead of saying anything Rebel just stood straight in front of us with his hands on his back. Nagdatingan na rin 'yung iba pa bago mag-time. Nang makarating 'yung iba. He just told us to do a set of warm up, followed by a 6 lap on the oval and the push-ups and sit ups again.

He also set a time limit, kung saan dapat tapos na namin ang lahat lahat.

Then  I stated to talk to Pierce calmly and told him the things that was necessary. Pinilosopo ko na rin na huwag siyang tatakbo ng straight lang at lumiko s'ya kung kailan kailangan lumiko. He just compressed a laughter because of my words.

I thought I was the only one who did the talking first but everyone did. Si Biblee pa nga ang unang natapos magsabi. And Akira was smiling while shaking his head at Biblee. "You can slow down, okay?" I even heard him say.

Mukhang narinig n'ya 'yung paranoid at rapper kong kapatid.

Napangiti na lang ako at saka kami dumiretso ni Pierce para mag-warm up. We did the set of warm up. I did my best although I could feel that some of my muscles were sore. After the warm up, side by side kaming nagsimulang tumakbo ni Pierce. We kept the pace that Gabby told us yesterday.

But when we felt like we can speed up and the time limit might not be enough, we did. Masasabi kong mas okay 'yung mga nangyayari ngayon kesa kahapon. Idagdag mo pa na hindi pa ganun kasikat 'yung araw kaya naman hindi kami ganung naiinitan.

We just continued running and when we finished we proceeded with the push ups and sit ups. Now with his work out, it definitely became harder than yesterday. I was trembling when doing push ups. It felt like my body isn't mine. Even though I have this mindset that I can do it, my body's not that cooperative.

Tiniis ko lang hanggang sa natapos namin ni Pierce ang lahat one minute before the time. Luckily all of us did.

Rebel is now in front of us. He has this whistle and he's looking at us keenly.

Hanggang sa bigla na lang s'yang sumigaw nang buong-buo ang boses. Nagimbal yata 'yung pagkatao ko r'on kaya naman bigla akong sininok. Mabuti na ang hindi gano'n kalakas 'yon.

He demanded that we should get in line. Kaya naman humanay kami kaagad. Dalawang hanay. Ang katabi namin 'yung mga partner namin. Then he told us that he will temporarily lift the partner's command in this exercise that we are gonna do.

"One!" We all stood straight and became alert.

"Pasok!" Rebel shouted and the next thing we knew Sven's group entered the place and they all went beside each one of us. Nasa outer side namin sila.

I felt an intense atmosphere because of their arrival. There are ten of them including Sven. Tumabi si Sven kay Theon. Theon looked annoyed because of it, but couldn't do anything. Nasa harap namin si Luna at Rebel.

Rebel gestured at Aldwin. Kaagad tumakbo si Aldwin para makapunta sa harap na medyo elevated.

"We will do a repetitive set of exercise. Now, Aldwin will show the moves and you must take note of it since I will just be saying the numbers. Understood?!"

"Yes!"

"Every time you mess up or make a mistake you will have a punishment at the back. You must run back and forth five times! Luna will facilitate the ones who made mistakes, are we clear!?"

"Yes!"

Kahit naman yes ako nang yes pakiramdam ko pa rin wala akong maintindihan dahil sa dami ng nasa isip tapos idagdag mo pa na sobrang tensyonado kami ngayon. Sinong hindi magiging tensyonado?

Hello? We are with the enemy! And I could still feel their range with what happened before. We defeated them and because of that they all stayed as Elites. Nawala 'yung chance nilang maging Royals.

"One!" Rebel shouted with full voice.

"High jump!" Aldwin stated and showed us the thing that we needed to know. Nagulat naman kami 'nung biglang magkaro'n ng pito at rhythm 'yung exercise! Katabi pa namin 'yung may mga pito! Ano ba 'yan!

The high jump was a jump where you squat and stand two times before aiming a high jump. Higher than the normal jumping jacks. God. This will not be easy.

"Two!"

"Touch and reach!" This one you need to touch the ground with a proper squat and reach both of your arms high.

"Three!"

"Bend and reach!" With this we are all in a push up position and we need to bend our legs, and waist forming a triangle like shape. At dapat tatalon kami ng maunti para lang makapunta sa high push up position at don sa triangular position.

Joke ba 'to?! Nasa military ba kami?! Parang gusto ko na lang maluha.

"Four!"

"Squat and stretch!" This one is like a combination of one, two and three. You need to do the triangular form push-ups proceed with a squat after then jump up high.

I feel dizzy already. Magiging sobrang init pa naman mamaya, tapos idagdag mo pa 'yung bigat 'nung uniform? GRABE. Grabe lang.

"Five!"

"Squat and reach!" Ito naman squat with your hands then stand straight and bend down like reaching the ground. Nahihilo ako! Parang pare-parehas lang 'yung exercise pero alam mong hindi at lahat 'yun nakakapanglambot.

"Six!"

"Jumping jacks!" Kahit alam mong madali lang 'tong jumping jacks. Siguradong pagod ka na kaagad kapag narating mo 'yung point na 'to kaya alam kong mahihirapan din akong gawin 'to.

Ano ba kasing kasalanan namin kay Rebel? Bakit parang parusa na 'to kaagad?

"Seven!"

"Laterals!" This one is where you need to bend on your right and left side. Grabe 'yung posture ni Aldwin! Parang gusto niyang gawing 90 degrees 'yung pagkakabend n'ya! Imposible naman 'yun, pero iba pa rin talaga.

"Eight!"

"Body twist!" Aldwin suddenly lie on the ground. Then he spread his arms on the side horizontally and reach his both legs up. His legs were firm and close together and then he twisted it to his left side and right side.

Dang. I couldn't help but curse in my mind. This is not a joke! Sobrang hirap no'n! Lalo na may mga nauna pa sa exercise na 'yon! Akala mo sobrang dali kung titingnan pero pakiramdam ko buong katawan ko ang mananakit at hindi lang braso at binti ko.

This is a set of exercise that test our cardio, agility, flexibility, and strength. Cardio? Oh, well, pretty sure we are going to the punishment route too! Running back and forth five times. Yeah. Cardio it is.

"Ready!"

Aldwin run fast beside Honoka and with a countdown. The blow of the whistle echoed in unison. Signaling the start of our hell.

"One!"

"Two!"

"Three!"

"Four!"

"Five!"

"Six!"

"Seven!"

"Eight!"

The whistle sound that corresponds to the exercise were really loud but Rebel's voice was booming. Luckily, lahat naman kami tama ang ginagawa. Bilib din talaga ako na lahat talaga memoryado kaagad 'yung steps.

We just need to keep up. Just keep up with this hell and we will survive.

Habang nag eexercise rin kami natuklasan ko na 'yung purpose ng gang ni Sven dito. Akala ko talaga they will also train with us, but I was wrong! They are just here to spot on our mistakes and send us to our punishments! Argh!

"One!"

"Two!"

"Three!"

We kept repeating the exercise. I felt myself sweating and my muscles aching. I grunted but still remained alert. My breathing suddenly became heavy. Ayoko na. Ayoko na. Halos 'yun na lang 'yung binubulong 'nung isip ko dahil sa paunti-unting nararamdamang pagod.

We are still continuing to do it on beat and with a good pace. But when the 8th set begun, I suddenly felt dizzy. Pakiramdam ko biglang umikot 'yung paningin ko kaya naman nawala ako sa beat ng mga two seconds.

And in that freaking two seconds...

"Out, Amythee Yoon!" The guy beside me demanded while looking at me intensely.

Napatulala ako saglit. What?

"Out!" Rebel's voice thundered. I flinched, medyo nataranta ako kaya hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta pero nagtungo agad ako sa likod at tumakbo papunta kay Luna.

When I arrived Luna's emotionless expression signaled me to run. I sighed but still did what I was told. Tumakbo ako pabalik balik ng limang ulit. Hindi ganun kabilis pero hindi ganun kabagal. Nang matapos Luna voiced out that I can now go back.

Maglalakad sana ako pabalik pero...

"Takbo, Amythee!" She yelled powerfully.

Napatakbo ako ng wala sa oras at habang pabalik ako bigla ko na lang nakasalubong si Art at Thorn. Nakatinginan na lang kaming tatlo at kitang kita ko sa mga mata nila ang pagod.

When I went back si Harper naman ang umalis para sa punishment.

I did not waste any second and got back on their pace.

"Out! Snow Yoon!" Biblee just expressed defeat in her expression but still obeyed.

Ginagawa ko na lang 'yung exercise nang ilang ulit hanggang sa narinig ko na lang 'yung pangalan ko. Argh! Balik punishment! Pagod na pagod na talaga ako.

"Out! Theon Williams!" Williams? Napakunot-noo ako sa binanggit na pangalan. Bakit hindi Morbelque?

Hindi ko na nilingon pero dire-diretso ako papunta kay Luna 'nung makasabay ko si Theon sa pagtakbo. He held my arms to encourage me. "You can do it, Amythee." He told me with care. I can see bullets of sweats in his head, and hear his labored breathing—he's already using his accessory muscles in breathing.

"Ikaw rin..." Mahinang saad ko.

"Let's go?" He smiled at me brightly, I chuckled and we went together to receive our punishment.

Habang nasa ikatlong balik na kaming dalawa dumating naman si Honoka at Cleon.

Nang matapos kami ni Theon at makabalik si Akira at Pierce naman ang paalis. Grabe. Lahat kami na punta na sa punishment, pero wala pa rin kaming tigil sa exercise na 'to.

Ni hindi na nga namin pinansin na lumitaw na 'yung araw at sikat na sikat na. We just continued non-stop. I also feel sorry for the Elite because they've been whistling nonstop for us. Hindi naman kaya sila magkabeke nyan?

Diretso pa rin kami at walang tigil. Halos naka-ilang balik na ako sa punishment area. It's actually a miracle that we can still keep up with this. I mean 'yung puso ko parang sasabog na sa sobrang bilis ng tibok, konti na lang pakiramdam ko mawawala na rin ako ng hininga, nanghihina pa ako dahil sa bigat at sakit ng katawan.

It's almost impossible to keep up with this training and it surprises me that we are all still going. Wow, we are strong mentally. I did not realize we can do it.

We completed another ten sets then everyone stopped the whistles.

"Cool down exercise will commence, and after that the partner's command will be effective again!" Rebel stated and we all sighed in relief.

Nag-cool down na kami at nang matapos sinabi ni Luna na pupunta na kami sa may lilong para kumain ng umagahan. 'Nung sinabi ni Luna 'yung salitang breakfast hindi ko alam kung ano 'yung mararamdaman ko.

Kakasimula pa lang ng umaga? Pakiramdam ko kasi maghapon na 'yung lumipas.

Hindi na nga ako makapagsalita nang maayos sa sobrang pagod at kinakapos na ng hininga. I only spoke to command Pierce about eating and that's it. Wala na akong kinausap na iba. I just couldn't... hindi ko na kaya.

Umupo ako sa wooden chair na mahabang mabaha. Wala pa 'yung sandalan. Tinabihan lang ako ni Pierce. Tapos sa kabilang tabi ko si Theon. Dahil sa pagod, wala sa sarili akong napadantay ang ulo sa isa sa katabi.

To be honest, I thought I rested on Pierce's shoulder, but since I'm already so out of it, I just realized that it was Theon's shoulder when I saw Pierce smirking at me. But I did not even have the strength to argue or to talk.

Luckily, Theon just patted my head and just let me rest beside him. Si Biblee nga eh, bagsak na 'yung upper chest at arms sa table. Tapos 'yung trio halos kung na lang humiga sa upuan pero inalalayan naman sila ng mga katabi nilang lalaki partner man nila o hindi para makasandal man lang sa kanila.

Our breakfast is not yet here. May magdadala raw eh. Hindi ko alam kung sino. Okay na rin pati 'yun since may kaunting pahinga kami bago kumain. Baka kasi isuka ko lang 'yung pagkain dahil pakiramdam ko naliliyo pa rin ako.

After few minutes, our food arrived. Sinong nagdala? Eh 'di 'yung Elite 7 at iba pang alagad ni Sven. Akala ko nga si Kalix or si Katniss eh. Pero napa-isip ako na imposible kasi Crown 'yung dalawang 'yun baka matunton pa kami ng kalaban na naghahanda kapag gano'n.

Kaya rin pala Williams ang gamit na apelyido 'nung magkakapatid na Morbelque. Sobrang cautious lang pala talaga nina Rebel. Mahirap na kasi baka may umaaligid sa 'min ng hindi namin napapansin.

We ate in silence and in peace.

This was the first time that we are this quiet. Halos utensils lang talaga 'yung maririnig mo at saka 'yung paligid at hangin lang.

When we finished, Rebel told us that Sven will facilitate the next one.

Mabuti na lang at klase 'yung kasunod! For two hours, we are in a lecture. It was a strict and focused discussion. Sven was a great teacher. Halos nagegets namin kaagad 'yung sinasabi n'ya at nakakasagot kami kapag tinatanong n'ya. The first half was just theories and such and the next were more on hands on.

He timed us with assembling guns and even taught us some useful techniques in physical combat. We even had a light sparring with him. Napangiti na lang ako dahil sa two hours na 'yun kahit papa'no nabawi ko 'yung lakas ko.

"Hey, masyado ka yatang natutuwa kay Sven?" Theon suddenly said.

"May permission ka ba makipag-usap sa iba? Porke nagwashroom break lang si Honoka, ganyan ka na?" Sabi ko sa kan'ya ng nakakunot noo.

"Tss."

"What's with your issue with Sven. I can see that he is a good person. It's just that he is a manipulative and scary enemy. Pero hindi naman natin s'ya kalaban ngayon. Just listen and try to be casual to him?"

"Tss."

Ewan ko sa'yo Theon. Dumali ka na naman sa kaartehan mo.

"Bahala ka. Basta ako, I'm good with him."

I heard him sigh heavily. "I'll try, for you."

Napaiwas na lang ako ng tingin kasi hindi lang mukha ko ang namumula pati siguro tainga ko namumula na rin.

Mabuti na lang at dumating na rin ulit si Honoka kaya naman nagfocus na ulit ako sa tinuturo ni Sven.

Matapos 'yun bumalik kami sa field training kasama si Rebel.

This time group training ang ginawa namin. We had to carry a log and squat and run with it. Tig-lima sa bawat grupo.

It was one of the hardest. Kasi kahit pilitin 'nung mga lalaki na sa kanila 'yung bigat hindi rin nila kaya. Kaya naman ramdam na ramdam din naming mga babae 'yung bigat. Halos maiyak na ako bigat at hirap buhatin no'n.

Add the squats and the laps we need to do with that huge wood. Palipat lipat na sa left and right shoulders namin 'yung log na 'yun para lang mabuhat namin. I felt my bones being crashed and cracked. But I did not complain.

"One, two, one two!" We counted in unison.

"We can do it! We can do it!" I heard Harper mumbling. Nasa likod ko kasi si Harper tapos nasa unahan ko si Pierce.

Pierce-Ako-Harper-Art-Cleon

Sa kabilang grupo naman...

Akira-Biblee-Honoka-Thorn-Theon

We were doing our best pero parang hindi ko na talaga kaya. I just held my tears. I was stressed, tired and overwhelmed. Habang tumatakbo kami sumakit na lang 'yung lalamunan ko. Kapag kasi naririnig ko si Harper at Art na nahihirapan at halos mawalan na ng hininga parang mas naapektuhan ako.

I just cried silently while the sun was high up in the sky. No one noticed. Fortunately, it was because we were focused on the task and all of us were tired.

After that deadly and tiring round, napasalampak na lang kaming lima sa lupa. Harper did not even mind the dust and the soil. Hinahabol n'ya lang 'yung hininga n'ya at pinupunasan 'yung pawis n'ya.

That exercise was almost life and death!

Kapag mali ang takbo ng paa mo damay buong grupo. You need to be in synch. If you are too strong you need to tone down, if you are too weak, you need to keep up. You need to balance yourself. You need a role in the group. That way it will function smoothly.

While looking at the clouds covering the sun, I realized that what we are doing is more than the physical training.

But although I've realized that it did not lessen the pain and the tiredness in my body. I was just exhausted to the point that I wanted... to maybe... never wished that this thing happened.

Nang magtanghali naglunch kami ng tahimik, of course we still had the command thing.

Akala ko nga babalik kami sa oval dahil may mga gulong akong nakita do'n, I could already imagine that we need to carry and drag that tire while running. Nawawalan na ako ng lakas habang nasa isip ko 'yun.

Mabuti na lang! Mabuti na lang at hindi!

Luna guided us instead to the firing range of this area. In there, she tested our capabilities in firing. It was a good thing that we already have a background in that that's why we did not need to be taught.

Luna was just inside the small room giving us the signal to fire or what target to shoot. When we were all done...

We finally heard the first ever accomplishment!

"All passed."

Instead of celebrating with loud cheers and joy we all just smiled with relief in our eyes. I felt like all the hard work payed off. Even just a little.

Nang matapos kami sa firing range bumalik na kami sa oval. And what we are gonna do was the one that made me terrified earlier. The tire. The oval. The ropes. Yes, it only means one thing. To run while dragging that tire.

And to add more challenge? May time limit na naman.

Sumunod na lang kami kagaya ng nakasanayan. Hapon na. Pero pakiramdam ko isang linggo na ang lumipas.

When the night time came. Luna taught us the grenades. Hindi pa kami nakakagamit no'n kaya naman medyo kinabahan kami. She taught us how to remove the pin and how to throw it with accuracy.

At first, it was hard to control our strength. Sometimes it was too near, and most times, it was too far. Even though, Luna would scare and shout at us, we remained determined to do it right. After several times we finally got the hung of it.

Sven also came to teach us on how to create grenades and other explosives. We were all amazed. Sympre naman hindi naman kasi pwede basta basta 'yang bagay na 'yan tapos tinuturuan pa kami ngayon.

When we finished, we ate dinner.

Akala ko tutulog na. Syempre naman, ang aga naming ginising, kaya ang expectation ko maaga rin matutulog. But nope, wrong.

Rebel gathered us for a physical combat. Us against the Elites that is under Sven.

Ni isa samin walang nanalo sa kanila. It will be a miracle if even one of us won. We are dead tired mentally and physically. Tapos emotionally we are all struggling. All we heard was hurtful words of failure. The only thing that we heard good was at the firing range.

The rest? NADA.

When it was my turn, I gathered every last bit of my strength. I wanted to give a fair fight but it was all in vain, all in my head. My body couldn't keep up at all. Hindi ko na nga mabilang kung nakailang bagsak, dapa, siko, tuhod, suntok at daplis ang natanggap at natamo ko.

My body was aching all over. Pakiramdam ko ang dami ko ng pasa at sugat. I can feel a stinging pain on my arms and legs. I can even hear some voices from our gang but my head was already spinning.

Pagod na pagod na 'yung katawan ko. Wala na ring lakas 'yung mga tira at sipa ko. Pakiramdam ko nga sa hangin na ako nakikipaglaban dahil wala talaga akong matamaan. I was like a punching bag for the Elite guy.

Konti na lang talaga at kulang na lang sumuka na ako ng dugo. 'Yun na lang ang pwedeng mangyari.

With one last kick on my stomach I was flying and I forcefully landed on the ground, grunting and tearing up. Wala na akong laban. Hindi ko na kaya.

Habang wala sa sarili, I felt my body float. I opened my eyes and saw a pair of gray orbs.

"I can still... do it..." I begged in almost a whisper. I don't want to hear hurtful words from him, I don't wanna hear him say that I am a failure, that he's disappointed. I don't want that... please...

Kahit ubos na ubos na ako, lalaban pa rin ako at hindi susuko.

Rebel did not listen to me. Ang alam ko lang dinala na n'ya ako sa tent kung saan kami nag-i-i-stay ni Pierce at saka niya ako inihiga nang marahan sa kama. Nanlalabo na 'yung mga mata ko 'nung pagkakataong 'yun kaya naman wala rin akong nagawa kung hindi magpaubaya sa kanya.

Bago pa s'ya makaalis... may narinig akong tunog. But the thing is it was not clear. I could not hear it properly.

Maybe because I was too exhausted?

But my day and night ended with that inaudible statement from Rebel. I only prayed for it to be good and not something that would make us give up.

"Keep it up, Ams. Keep growing and fighting. We are all rooting for each one of you. Just keep your faith in us."

* * *

Someone's POV

"Tara sa ice cream shop?" Justice suggested while giggling. I nodded twice while smiling like a kid.

"Leggo!" Bunso raised both of her hands in excitement.

"Wait lang, Pateh." Rebel draped his arms around bunso and got her to be back on our circle. Justice chuckled and knocked lightly on bunso's head.

"Aw, Kuya Hustisya. Leggo please? I want the Chocolate Mousse Royale flavour already!" Fate pouted at Justice and Rebel.

Law nudged at me and chuckled. "Matitiis ba namin ang bunso?" Law spoke with a mischievous grin. If I know, he'd order for all of us and mess up with all of it, he's gonna bring us the flavours we don't even like.

"Ew! Kuya Batas!" Gabby protested.

"I'll order for us!" Justice raised his hand and suggested with a bright beam.

"I'll do it!" Rebel also popped in.

"No! You are a prankster Kuya! You will just order a yucky ice cream for us!" Mabilis na awat ni Gabby kay Rebel. Natawa kami ni Justice dahil sa sinabi nito. Truth hurts. Rebel dramatically acted like he was in pain. Gabby just nudged him on the side.

"I'll do it then." Law volunteered and he started walking to lead us to the shop.

"No way! You are also one of a heck player, Kuya!" Gabby told him and grabbed his arms para pigilan ito.

"Wow. Sobrang hindi na ba kami katiwa-tiwala para sa'yo Pateh ha?" Rebel asked bunso with puppy eyes teasing her, Gabby just stuck her tongue out at him.

They argued like little kids while Justice was in the middle.

Someone just rested his arms on my shoulder. "How about my Ate?" Law wiggled his brows playfully.

"Hmm. Basta 'wag n'yo lang akong iwan." I told him as I playfully draped my long arms around his shoulder then grabbed him lightly near his neck to make him level down beside me. He's too tall.

"And you are telling me that? I'm the only one who never left you, for your knowledge, Ate." He spoke while chuckling. Natawa na lang din ako nang mahina.

Ooh, oo nga 'no? It was the other three who always leave me... well, accidentally. Hindi raw kasi nila ako makita. Natatawa na lang ako kapag sobrang guilty lagi 'nung tatlong 'yun.

Habang nagbabangayan pa sina Gabby, Rebel at Justice, nakarating na kami sa loob ng ice cream shop. Because Bunso grabbed Rebel on the arms he couldn't order for us, and I also never let go of Law.

Bunso smiled cutely at me and I gave her a high five.

Napailing si Law at Rebel nang sabay. "Grabe napagkaisahan na naman tayo." The latter voiced out.

"We are too awesome, says them." Law added while looking at the place.

"Putting words on our mouth, ey?" Bunso replied with a pout.

"Aren't we awesome?" Rebel smirked then posed a pogi sign.

"Ew!" Both bunso and I chorused.

"Bakit wala kang tiwala sa 'min ha, Pateh?" Tanong ni Rebel.

"Tinatanong pa ba 'yan?" I innocently answered.

"Shot to the heart!" Law made fun of Rebel.

"Isa ka pa kaya, Kuya!" Gabby said while pointing at Law. Law laughed looking shocked.

"Bang! Bang!" Rebel joked shooting Law at the heart with his gun hand sign. Both Bunso and I chuckled with their mischievous play. Especially, when Law acted like he was shot.

"Bravo! Standing ovation!" Masayang sabi ni Justice 'nung makabalik sa table namin. The triplets made the famous hand greeting. And Justice gave us, the girls, a flying kiss. We played along acting like we caught it.

"May favoritism si Ate at si Bunso." Pouty Rebel commented when we played along with Justice.

"You can't blame me!" Imik naman agad ni Gabby.

"Bakit naman?"

"Of course! You made me believe that Kuya Justice..."

Although Gabby hasn't finished what she's saying both Law and I laughed happily. Kaagad sumimangot si Rebel tapos si Justice naman ay napataklob ng mukha.

"Not that topic!" Justice pleaded, I couldn't help but pat his head like a fluffy puppy.

"Finish what you started, bunso!" Law urged jokingly.

Justice grunted, Gabby teased them.

"Who would trust you, Kuya Himagsik? You made me believe something hilarious when we were young!" Gabby stated while giggling.

"And what is it?" I probed and teased, joining the fun.

"That Kuya Hustisya is a girl!"

And with that we cared about no one and laugh our hearts out. Even though, Justice was embarrassed about it he still laughed with us—reminiscing the good old memories we had in our childhood.

"What? But he looked like a girl back then!" Rebel defended while laughing, Justice ended up hitting him jokingly with an empty plastic bottle.

"Sira ulo ka talaga! Pakana mong bigyan ako ng bistida dahil sabi mo lahat ng damit nasa marumihan na!"

"What? Sinuot mo naman?"

"Momo saved a picture of you, Just. I still have it." Law pestered the already irritated Justice.

"Ate oh, si Law at Rebel!" Sumbong sa 'kin ni Justice.

Tinawanan ko muna ang kawawa naming Justice.

"Hey, stop na." I told them gently. They stopped but they are still laughing. I smiled while looking peacefully at them.

While we are having fun, the beeper vibrated and Justice went to fetch our order.

"One oreo cookies and cream for Ate!" He gave me the ice cream and I grabbed it while dancing happily. My siblings chuckled softly at my reaction.

"One chocolate mousse royale for Pateh!"

"Yey! Thanks Kuya!" Masayang sabi ni Gabby.

"At 'yun na. Wala. Out of stock na raw sila." I accidentally laughed and the ice cream I was eating slightly touched on the tip on my nose and Gabby almost chocked.

Pinunasan ni Law 'yung ilong ko gamit ang tissue.

Then both Law and Rebel prepared to hit Justice.

"Wow grabe sila. Ang lakas magbiro pero kapag sila binibiro pikon kaagad!" Justice told them wide eye.

I stood up to high five Justice and we both winked at each other.

"Sipsip ka talaga kay Ate, tsk tsk tsk." Rebel said while grabbing his Gold medal ribbon flavoured ice cream.

"Inggit ka lang." And Justice playfully retorted.

"And the Almond fudge para kay Batas." Tatawa tawa lang si Law nang kinuha n'ya 'yung ice cream n'ya.

"At syempre para sa akin ang chocolate chip ice cream!" We all toasted our ice cream together like it was a drink, and we all smiled in satisfaction.

The five of us enjoyed our ice cream time together. And we all strolled around the mall with a playful atmosphere.

"I will go the sport's centre. I'll try to see if they have new products." Law announced to us while we were walking looking at stores and other people.

"I'll go with Kuya!" Gabby said then hopped to Law to cling her arms on his.

"Hey, I'll leave Ate to both of you." Law reminded Rebel and Justice.

The two saluted to the older one.

"Where do you wanna go Ate?" Both of them asked.

We went to different stores and places. We even played at the arcade and sang at a karaoke. The three of us are having fun when suddenly...

Or more like...

Accidentally...

I pouted while whispering. "Kasasabi ko lang kanina na 'wag ako iiwan eh."

Wala na.

I lost Rebel and Justice. Wait... no.

Rebel and Justice lost me... again.

I face palmed myself.

Looks like I'll be off on my own. Low batt pa naman ako. Hindi rin nila ako matatawagan. Kung gusto nila ako makita, Justice will have to work on tracking me. But I know how to block their trackers and such.

So... alone time it is.

Since it's already dinner.

YUM! I think I can go to my favourite fine dining!

I went to that place. As always, I need to snap my fingers at the service crew at the entrance to make her notice me and lead me to a table.

I sat on the table and scanned their menu. I wanted to try something and not the usual that I always order here.

Habang ginagawa ko 'yun may umupong lalaki sa katapat na table kung saan ako naka-upo. He had his forehead wrinkled like he was confused at something.

The waiter near him gulped and stepped back because of nervousness, which I found odd. Why is he nervous? Why does he seem afraid of the guy?

I browsed back on the menu and picked one appetizer when I felt an eye on me. Me? Ako ba? Impossible. Maybe the waitress beside me, who's waiting for my order.

Sino naman kasi makakakita sa invisible na kagaya ko?

I looked at the guy across me and I could see how he clearly mouthed the one I ordered.

Hmmm...

I told the waitress my main dish and secretly peaked at the guy again.

Eh?

He ordered the same thing.

I looked at the waitress. Is she somehow relying them the dishes I'm ordering?

I don't think so...

Lastly, I pointed out a dessert. And when I raised my head to see the guy's order... I didn't need to guess at all. It's the same thing again!

Ehhh?

"That's all." I told the waitress and just like how I dismissed the one who's helping me, he also did the same. Napakunot noo ako sa kanya. What's with him?

Huh?

Napatitig ako sa kan'ya ng naka-kunot noo. And instead of giving me the same expression, he smiled... awkwardly.

He still has that confused look and expression. He seemed nervous.

But the odd thing was... although he looked like a person with high authority and deity perfect face, he felt like a lost child.

He was the one who is confused and nervous but he somehow made everyone around him uneasy.

Is he new to this place? Hindi ba n'ya alam pa'no mga bagay sa lugar na 'to?

He's avoiding my gaze and whenever someone else will meet his eyes they will all step back... terrified.

Why? He looked innocent to me.

I just shrugged off all the thoughts about him and waited for my order. After a while, it arrived, and his order too.

I ate silently. Akala ko titingnan ako ulit 'nung lalaki pero hindi. He was just smiling happily while eating. His eyes sparkle like a child kapag isinusubo na n'ya 'yung pagkain. He was so amused about it. Like it was his first time to taste something flavourful.

I couldn't help but smile at his reactions.

And after eating we both looked at each other at the same time.

That was when I was sure that this guy could see me.

He smiled again from ear to ear like a child. And for the first time, I returned his smile. He was a little shock when I did that.

Napaiwas s'ya ng tingin pero hindi tumungo.

He scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. I smiled inwardly.

Interesting. Someone who can see me like it's normal.

He was the first one to stand up. He looked at me again and gave me a two thumbs up which made me chuckle.

What a weird one.

***

To be continued...

Note: Tadaah! Kahit hindi na nakuha 'yung goal. Ito pa rin may update pa rin. Sana nagustuhan n'yo 'to. Haha.

So please do comment your reactions! I would love to read those! Thankies! Comment kayo, ah? 🙏🏻

Hope you all have a great one!

By the way, want spoilers? Marami ako n'yan sa twitter ko! HAHAHAHA. My username is: @RieChantie

<3