Sorry for all the errors!

#TCS26: Keep Your Aim Locked

Amythee Hope's POV

Two weeks later...

Funny how time flies so fast. It was already two weeks since we started this deadly, tiring and unbearable training, and to tell you, it was more than a surprise that we are still going and we are still alive.

Hindi ko malaman ano bang meron sa 'min at hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin kami nasuko.

The first week was the hardest. Ang dami ko ring iniyak 'nun ng patago at halos ayaw nang sumunod sa 'kin 'nung katawan ko. We have different sets of exercise and training each day. But some of it are repetitive and connected to everything we've done so far.

I thought our first day's training was the hardest, but nope. The second day was burning hell. Inulit namin 'yung first day no'n pero dinagdagan ng mga kung ano anong exercise at lessons. Every day was a level up.

Himala nga rin na parang sanay na 'yung katawan ko sa bugbog. I was getting used to the tiredness. Although my muscles were sore, it felt like it wasn't. The command thing too, we were able to master it.

Even the boys learned how to do it properly. We were beginning to get the hung of it. But there are new challenges every day. I couldn't even count how many times I thought of giving up and just quietly walk away from here.

Ganun kalala 'yung epekto 'nung training namin. Sobrang hirap. Sobang sakit.

But we still kept going... who are we to complain though... alam ko naman sa sarili ko na para sa 'min 'tong ginagawa nina Rebel.

Nagpapahinga na kami ngayon, break time namin. 30 minutes break time, tapos babalik na ulit kami sa set of exercise na ginagawa namin. Which is rescuing hostages and locating the enemies.

Real life situations. Luna and the elite seven are freaking good actors there. 'Yung kabog ng puso ko kapag nakakaharap ko sila sa rescue circumastance tapos sila 'yung kalaban? Pakiramdam ko nalalaglag 'yung puso ko mula sa dibdib ko.

The aura. The power. The terror.

I could feel it strongly. I could feel myself wanting to run away, being stoned in my place, shaking without being able to process what's going on.

Doon ko narealize kung bakit kilala ni Luna ang mga Evans. Kung bakit nagpapakita ang mga Evans sa kan'ya pero sa 'min hindi.

Luna's power was too strong for us. Too intimidating. She was too much too handle. At kung hindi namin mapapantayan si Luna, hindi na kami aasang makita pa 'yung mga hinahanap namin.

It was clear now. After everything. It's slowly falling into place.

I let out a big sigh.

"Tired?" Narinig kong imik ni Pierce. I shook my head lightly.

"Marami lang iniisip." I retorted while looking at the sky.

Masasabi ko na rin na mas kilala ko na si Pierce ngayon kaysa dati. Mas naging close na rin kami. Pati na rin 'yung ibang magkakapartner. Even Harper and Cleon who were always bickering in the first few days, became dependable partners.

Right now, I could see Cleon placing salonpas on Harper's shoulder.

"Like?" Pierce continued his questions.

"When we'll be able to complete this training." I answered honestly, and faced him. He gave me a small smile, and patted the seat beside him. Sumunod ako sa gusto n'ya iparating.

He held my limbs on the legs and I flinched. "Psh, see this?" Medyo tinaas n'ya 'yung uniform ko hanggang sa may knee at saka ipinakita kung bagong sugat sa limb ko. Napangiwi na lang ako.

New part of collection it is.

"I did not even feel it, ngayon lang kasi pinakita mo." I told him while he's inspecting it. He ignored what I was saying and went to a nearby tent. Maybe to take some first aid kit. I only sighed when he left.

Truth to be told, we all have wounds, sores and much more. But our body seemed like used to it. Hindi na namin ganun nararamdaman 'yung sakit unless we became aware that there is some wound or something.

Napapagod pa rin kami pero hindi na ganun kadali. We can last a day doing non-stop training but when it comes to combat, hindi na kaya ng katawan namin. Kinakalaban kasi namin ng one on one ang Elite Seven kaya naman syempre hindi naman namin sila kaya ng pagod kami tapos masakit pa ang katawan.

While waiting for Pierce, I scanned the whole area. Biblee and Akira are sitting side by side talking seriously. Wow, Akira could really make my talkative sister shut up and listen. Whereas, Harper and Cleon are just massaging each other's shoulder and back.

Tapos si Thorn at Art naman parehas bagsak kaya magkatabing umiidlip. Si Honoka naman nakahiga sa lap ni Theon at nakatingin naman si Theon ng matalim sa 'kin. I smiled at him awkwardly.

Why was he looking so intently at me? Because of my wound? It looks like if Honoka weren't resting on his lap he would march towards me, and I would get scolded badly.

Nag-iwas na lang ako ng tingin hanggang sa dumating si Pierce.

"Here, let's clean that," he stated while bring out the things he needed to clean my wound. Hindi naman ganun kalala 'yung sugat. Parang sugat lang kapag nadapa ka 'yun lang.

"Sabihin mo kapag masakit?" Alinlangang sabi n'ya. Natawa na lang ako at tumango.

While he was cleaning, and doing some first aid, we talked.

"You think we'll be done by the next month with this training?" I asked softly.

"Hopefully, I don't wanna stay in here for another month."

"Thank you though,"

"For what?"

"For everything, being the partner I can lean on."

"Barkada nga 'di ba? We grew up together and we can always depend on each other."

"Whatever you say, silly saint."

"There you go again with your saint tease."

"I get that reaction and it's fun to tease you with that, kasi kapag ibang bagay parang ayos lang, pero kapag ito iba epekto."

"Silly."

"I know."

Natapos n'yang linisin 'yung sugat. He's now putting a huge band aid to cover it. He's so meticulous when it comes to this, you could tell that he's a son of a doctor. But he's always more like a son of a fashion icon.

"I want to know something..." I trailed while he's putting back the things that he used on the kit.

"What is it?"

"Hmm, dapat sasagutin mo ha."

"Para tuloy ayaw ko nang sagutin."

Hinampas ko s'ya sa braso at tumawa lang s'ya sa akin. He put up the kit to my eye level.

"Balik ko lang, 'tsaka ka magtanong."

"Bilisan mo ah."

He nodded and proceeded in returning it first before he came back and sat again beside me. The cool wind blew and it felt peaceful. He combed his fingers through his hair and looked at me with raise brows.

"But you will answer, okay?" I started.

He chuckled lightly. "You are making this a little suspicious, just proceed, Ams."

"Okay, okay."

"Such a suspense question."

""Wag ka nga kasi."

Nagkatawanan kami kasi hindi kami mapunta punta ro'n sa tanong. Epekto yata ng sobrang pagod. Hirap na i-process sa utak ng mga kailangan sabihin. Pero ang bilis naman sa pagplaplano kapag training na. Weird.

"Ano nga?" He urged and nudged me slightly.

"'Wag mo mamasamain ah."

"Amythee." My smile became more wide because he acted like he was frustrated but he could not.

"Ito na nga."

"Listening..."

I looked at the boys first then I went closer to Pierce and whispered, ayoko lang may makarinig, mahirap na.

"Nagka-girlfriend na kayong lahat ano? Kahit hindi seryoso?"

"HAHAHAHA!"

DANG! Dang Pierce burst out laughing, kaya naman tinakpan ko 'yung bibig n'ya pero 'di s'ya natigil sa pagtawa. Napatingin sa amin 'yung iba kaya naman kinurot ko s'ya ng slight sa tagiliran kaya napa-aray s'ya.

He stopped laughing but he still has that goofy smile plastered on his face.

Sarap bigwasan kung 'di ka lang gwapo eh.

"Never thought you are nosy about this." He teased.

"H'wag na. 'Wag mo na pala sagutin." I crossed my arms and acted irritated, but I heard him suppressed his laughter.

I pouted because of it. He cleared his throat and stopped laughing.

"Akira had one." He said, which made me gasped.

"Reaaaallllyyy?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ko, he nodded.

"I'm not the one to tell the story, you ask him if you wanna know more. But it's not serious so yeah." He shrugged his shoulders.

"Cleon had three."

"WHAT!?"

He giggled and shook his head. "Goodness, wanna pray for this sin."

"Crazy! Kaya ka natatawag na santo eh, may papray-pray ka pang nalalaman."

"But it felt like I am exposing their secrets, you know."

"E 'di secret ko na rin 'yun kaya worry not."

"Promise?" He spoke while looking at me gently, he raised his pinky like a child.

I grabbed it and sealed it. "Promise."

"Was it serious? You know Cleon?"

"You think Cleon would settle for a serious relationship?"

"Hahaha, think not."

"You betcha."

"Thorn had one."

"'Yung kapatid mong 'di marunong manakit ng babae? What?"

Woah! Hindi naman kasi kami nanganga-ilam sa love life at relationship ng mga 'to. For us, it's okay to let them explore on their own, because at the end of the day, kami kami lang din ang bagsakan ng bawat isa.

And I know when the time comes, sasabihin din naman nila 'yon.

But it kinda intrigues me right now. They never showed us, the girls, that they have relationships. Ewan ko ba kung bakit. Parang they are sparing us from seeing their ass sides. Hindi naman kasi perpekto 'yang mga 'yan.

And they've got the looks! And our previous school is not that bad. It has tons of pretty and classy girls too.

"That's why he had one, did not know how to reject the girl."

"Hahaha, funny na 'yung kabaitan n'yo."

"Umiyak kasi 'yung babae."

"So he had no choice 'cause he felt obligated?"

"Yeah, but in the end, it was the girl who broke up."

"Woah, some guts there." I mean who would break up with a deity? Sobrang gwapo rin kasi nitong kapatid ni Pierce.

"More like, Cleon helped in making the girl break up with Thorn."

"Loko loko at paki-elamero talaga 'yang si Cleon." I said while giggling but he was helpful in this one.

"You?" Tanong ko ulit, at s'ya naman ang tinutukoy.

"Are you really curious about me, or you just don't want to hear about Theon? You skipped him."

Damn, fast. Ang bilis n'ya akong nahuli ro'n ah. I rolled my eyes jokingly at him. "Whatever you say."

"Okay, I had one, too."

I looked at him with jaw dropped and eyes wide open. I shook his shoulder lightly. "Seriously!?" I almost shouted but it turned out into a no voice yell.

He nodded nonchalantly. "Girlfriend? As in? Hindi fling?" Paninigurado ko.

"Yeah."

"How?"

"Curious?"

Sinapak ko s'ya nang kaunti!

Alangan!

I mean, yeah, sa gwapo at sa mukha nito, syempre habulin 'tong lalaking 'to, baka nga may fans club na 'yan dito ng hindi namin nalalaman. Kung do'n nga sa dati naming school meron, hindi na ako magugulat na pati rito.

"Paanoooo?"

He laughed at me. "It was only a day, okay?"

"Wow. Grabe ka naman kabait at pati isang araw kinonsider mo nang relationship." Akala ko naman... May plot twist pala.

"You are funny, Ams."

"I know, right?" Tapos nag-apir kaming dalawa.

"So anong nangyari sa daysarry n'yo?"

"You and your crazy mind. Day-sarry? What is that even?"

"Basta." I answered.

"The girl got cheated on, and me—a stranger— she grabbed, introduced me to her cheating boyfriend as a boyfriend."

"What? Hindi ko nagets? Boyfriend boyfriend what?"

Natawa s'ya sa 'kin at binatukan ako ng kaunti, sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin. "Pinakilala ako ro'n sa cheater, na boyfriend n'ya ako, kasi nga ayaw n'ya raw magmukhang kawawa."

"Ahh, gets."

"The whole day, I accompanied the girl. She was lamenting though; I could not walk away and leave her while she's a mess."

"Ayan ayan masyado ka na naman mabait."

"Nakilala mo kung sino?"

"No."

"Tapos kinonsider mo as a relationship? Wow, nahiya naman ako ro'n sa mga taong parang sila pero walang lebel."

"That's some kind of hugot there?"

"Nakakaloka kasi 'yung kwento mo! Akala ko seryosong relationship tapos gano'n pala?"

"What? Are you underestimating my first?"

"Wow, first talaga ha. Funny! So freaking funny!" Napahalakhak na ako dahil sa kabaitang taglay nito. Lord, 'wag mo muna kukunin ha? Kailangan n'ya pa mahanap 'yung real na relationship talaga.

"As if you are a relationship expert," he said, "when you are clearly not, but just some broken hearted one."

Natigil ako sa pagtawa. What the!?

"Savage!"

"You told me, I was a saint not a savage."

"Silly!"

I shook my head lightly because of our topic. Patawa. Kainis.

"How about him? Aren't you curious?" Natigilan ako sa sinabi n'ya. Pierce being my partner, concluded on his own that I have something on Theon. He dropped me the bomb one day, and he was so nonchalant about it.

Ewan ko ba. Hindi ko na rin alam.

"Hindi na. I know he's hopelessly waiting for someone." I replied while bowing my head down.

"Are you seriously believing that?"

"Bakit? Totoo naman ah?"

He smiled at me playfully. "Pagselosin natin ng malaman mo kung totoo o hindi?" He wiggled his eye brows too.

Kinaltukan ko s'ya sa ulo dahil sa sinabi niya, tinawanan lang ako ng loko.

"Ikaw ba sino ba crush mo?" I diverted the topic, he stopped and acted like thinking then a small sincere smile painted on his lips.

"Secret."

"Ang daya mo! Alam mo sino crush ko, tapos ako hindi ko alam sa 'yo?"

"So you are confirming that you have a crush on Theon?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi n'ya. Goodness! I revealed my little secret to him!

"You little—!"

"Got you, there."

"Daya!"

I was about to throw hands at him when Rebel suddenly came and proceeded in instructing us to line up. Agh! Reality calls!

Habang papunta kami sa hanay namin biglang bumulong si Pierce.

"She's off limits. Bata pa."

Napatigil ako sa pagtakbo dahil sa sinabi n'ya.

OH MY GOSH. OH MY GOSH. OH MY GOSH.

"Amythee!"

"Ay bata!"

Sinamaan ako ng tingin ni Pierce 'nung bigla ko na lang nasabi 'yun dahil sa gulat ko 'nung tinawag ako ni Rebel. Oh my! Ako na lang pala ang 'di nakapila! Grabe 'tong si Pierce!

Tinawanan lang ako 'nung nakapunta ako ako sa tabi n'ya at saka kinindatan.

Grabe! Grabe talaga!

* * *

We had our training again for the next few days. It was getting bearable since our body's getting used to it, but it only gets harder and harder each time.

Ngayon, hapon na at imbis na magpractice kami ng mga martial arts at iba pa, nandito kami ngayon sa isang malaking closed gym. Malapit lang dito sa Salvos Castra. Nilakad lang namin. More like nagpaunahan pala kaming magkakapartner dito.

Hindi ko alam pero kinabahan ako sa maaring mangyari ngayon.

I have this uneasy feeling about today. Today marks our fourth week of hell. And this is not good. Every week we have this test kind of thing where we are facilitated by Gabby, Rebel, Luna, and Sven. Ito 'yung araw kung saan umiiyak kami dahil sa matinding stress, pagod at kung ano ano pa.

That's why I do not feel good about this.

Because for the first time even the members of the Elite Seven are here.

The intense atmosphere became more intense when suddenly Kalix arrived while looking serious.

I felt goosebumps. This is serious. For a crown to be here? This is going to be deadly.

The atmosphere felt dangerous and cold. I gulped secretly while looking in front and looking alert. You never know what can happen. Worst comes to worst, the ten of us giving up could be an option.

When Kalix walked to Rebel all we heard was his footsteps. It was heavy and intimidating. I felt so small. Nakakapangliit 'yung aura nila, 'yung ipinapakita nila. Ang hirap nilang abutin.

Sven brought something with him and proceeded in giving it to Rebel. We were wary, all we did was watch. Rebel put that thing on his arms. Protective arm gear. Napalunok ako dahil sa nakita. He also wore a head gear and a vest. Damn, we are getting fucking serious here.

Luna gave Kalix a set of protective gears too. Without any words, Kalix wore them swiftly. When both of them were ready Rebel positioned in the middle, gano'n din si Kalix.

"Today, you are going to learn how to protect yourselves." Luna spoke seriously in the midst of the deafening silence. It added fuel to the growing intense fiery atmosphere.

"And... to kill the enemies mercilessly." 

I felt goosebumps and electricity travelling through my spine. I was stoned to my spot. Did I hear it right?

Kill?

Mercilessly?

The heck are we going to do!? We are not some kind of monsters! We are not going to kill anyone!

I turned to Pierce, for the first time, I saw how his eyes shivered. I saw how nervous he was. Hindi ganito si Pierce, karaniwan kasi sobrang calm n'ya kaya 'yung makita na ganito s'ya? This is a big deal.

We not going to kill anyone! Hindi kami mamatay tao!

I wanted to protest but I could not. Ramdam na ramdam ko na lahat tutol sa ganito, pero walang naglakas loob na magsalita. Lahat yata nang kaba, takot, at kung ano ano pang masasamang emosyon dumaloy sa buong sistema ko.

"You need to learn how to dominate the enemy and protect people." Luna continued coldly, as if she did not mention killing carelessly, as if no life was on the line. How evil... I couldn't see the Luna before; this is not Luna at all.

"Weak heart and weak mindset is not needed here, give up now if you don't want this cruelty." She added while looking at each one of us, when I met her eyes, her cold and dark eyes, I took a step back without realizing.

"If you want become a crown, you bear the weight of wearing one."

"And this is one of the burdens, getting your hands dirty, getting your innocence tainted, getting your hopes shattered and getting your body bathe in blood."

My heartbeat became fast and heavy. With all the sentences, she uttered, I just wanted to run away.

I don't want this... blood... no...murder...

Nanghihina 'yung mga tuhod ko, parang naririnig kong bigla 'yung mga iyak na Silhoue habang duguan ito. Napakagat labi ko hanggang sa malasahan ko ang dugo mula ro'n pero hindi ako nakaramdam ng hapdi.

My knees were about to give in, luckily, Pierce held my elbow tightly, waking me up to reality. With a heavy heart and stinging eyes, I stared in front again.

"Commence."

Kalix brought out a knife. He demonstrated that it was a real knife when he grabbed one of Sven's people and slowly cut his skin on the arms. I was how the guy grunted in pain, but he could not even complain.

Halos masuka ako sa nakita.

How... how could he do that?

My stomach turned upside down when I saw the blood, the thick blood drip down his arms. He run outside from the room. Hopefully, he will get treated.

Kalix played with the knife using his own hands. Parang ballpen 'yung na pina-ikot ikot n'ya sa kamay. Parang laruan kahit may bahid na ng dugo. He carefully approached Rebel who is just standing straight. 

Then... a fucking jaw dropping and breathtaking thing happened.

I held my breath and could not let it go while I was watching the whole thing.

With a knife Kalix threw a lot of strike to Rebel. Fast. Precise. Deadly. I fucking prayed all the prayers that I knew of while I was watching it!

Sobrang bilis ng mga galaw ng kamay ni Kalix na parang hiniwa n'ya ng ilang beses si Rebel sa dibdib habang nakasuot ito ng protective vest. He stabbed him powerfully! Ni hindi ko man lang mabilang kung ilang saksak ang ginawa ni Kalix kay Rebel.

"Dang, targeted left atrium and right ventricle precisely with those fast movements." I heard Theon at my back saying. I could feel that he clenched his teeth after.

Napalingon ako sa kanila dahil do'n nakita kong hawak hawak n'ya sa braso si Honoka na wala na sa linya dahil mukhang nagtangka itong tumakbo papunta sa kinatatayuan ni Rebel.

I could hear her fast and heavy breathing and I could see how her pupils were shaking. This is a rare sight. A rare sight of Honoka being dead worried.

"Ready to defend!" Luna shouted powerfully.

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

Both Rebel and Kalix squatted slightly. Naglalaban ang tingin nilang dalawa. Kinilabutan ako nang sobra sobra. Para kasing totoong magkalaban sila.

I could smell freaking bloodlust in the air! What the!?

With a signal, both of them started moving. Kalix attacking Rebel with the speed of light. Hindi masundan ng mga mata ko 'yung galaw. Sobrang bilis na tila hindi lumalapat 'yung talim ng kutsilyo sa arms ni Rebel, pero rinig na rinig mo naman 'yung tunog ng swish ng kutsilyo.

Napatitig ako nang sobra sobrang focus sa kanila pero ang hirap makita ng galaw nila dahil sa sobrang bilis. Napapanganga ka na lang. Amazing. It was one of a heck amazing. But suddenly I could see blood.

It was like my imagination added a twist on what I am seeing right now. I saw how Rebel bled from all the defense his arms caught and I saw how it cut down to his skin. I could feel the sting. I could feel the pain.

I shook my head lightly to erase those thoughts and when I looked at them again, thankfully, wala na. Hindi na katulad kanina.

Instead of focusing at the hands of Rebel and Kalix, I tried to pay attention on Rebel's eyes. Kasi hindi ko pa nakikitang tumingin si Rebel sa kamay nila ni Kalix na naglalaban. I was just looking straight at Kalix.

Kaya paano n'ya nadedepensahan ang sarili nang gano'n kabilis nang hindi tinitingnan ang mga galaw ni Kalix?

Habang nanunuod ng masinsinan sa nangyayari, I realized that instead of following the hand movements, Rebel's following Kalix's eyes. And from there he could predict the next attack. Shit! Wow.

Grabe!

Suddenly, Rebel changed his form. And with one quick opening from Kalix, Rebel threw a shot directly at Kalix's face, hindi umabot sa mukha ni Kalix 'yung suntok kasi naka-bend back agad ito, pero grabe! Sobrang bilis na para ng nangyari ang lahat nang 'yun sa isang segundo lang!

While Kalix was off guard, Rebel started attacking with punches, however, Kalix also attack with his knife, making Rebel step back. They exchanged attacks and we were all so focused and I could not even hear someone breathing!

Lahat kami pigil hininga sa nangyayari!

Hanggang sa ginamitan na ni Kalix si Rebel ng pwersa at napatumba n'ya ito sa sahig. Napangiwi ako kasi pakiramdam ko lumindol nang kaunti rito sa sobrang lakas no'n. Pakiramdam ko kinilabutan ako, kasi baka nabalian ng buto si Rebel.

Kalix dominated and straddled Rebel. The foremost was not even contented with what he did and started stabbing the latter again.

Rebel, although he was at a disadvantage managed to parry his blows!

Nasalag n'ya lahat 'yun! Pagkatapos hindi ko na alam ang kasunod na nangyari, Kalix dominated Rebel once again and dragged him up to stand. Kalix positioned at Rebel's back and put the knife on his neck.

"Rebel..." I heard Honoka's voice.

I thought Rebel lost, but in one swift move... everything was over.

Damn!

Rebel suddenly grabbed Kalix's hand that was holding the knife and controlled it, para 'yung kamay mismo ni Kalix na may hawak ng kutsilyo 'yung sumasaksak sa sarili n'yang tagiliran. Habang hawak hawak 'yun ni Rebel.

In the end... Kalix lost. Rebel won.

Napahiga na lang si Kalix sa sahig dahil sa nangyari samantalang nakita namin kung paanong nakangiti si Rebel.

Napalunok ako. At sa wakas nakahinga na 'nung i-offer ni Rebel ang kamay n'ya kay Kalix upang makatayo ito.

"That's how you do it."

"It does not matter if you are losing at first, does not fucking matter if you are bleeding already. Enemies will take you down no matter what happen, and be sure to turn the game around because the result is the only thing that will matter."

"You lose, you die."

"You win, you live."

"That is the fucking simple game in this life you are going to be a part from now on."

Rebel stated while looking at each one of us intently. I could feel the burden. I could feel the pressure. I could even imagine myself losing and running away from this.

"You kill before you lose someone while protecting them."

"Your only choice is... kill before you get killed."

"Understood!?"

We all nodded and said yes, kahit na alam kong sa loob loob namin, oo kaya namin manakit kung kinakailangan, kaya naming ipagtanggol 'yung mahahalagang tao sa amin, pero 'yung pumatay? Ibang usapan na 'yun.

We can be cruel, but not to that extent...

"Next! Threaten with a gun or a rifle!" Luna shouted. Hindi pa man kami nakakamove on sa saksakan may kasunod na agad!? Oh my gosh!

Kalix caught the rifle Sven threw and proceeded in threatening Rebel—pointing the muzzle on his chest. Rebel put his hands up, like he was threatened and defeated. Lumakad pa si Kalix at parang pinupwersa si Rebel na maglakad paatras gamit ang baril.

At habang nangyayari 'yun, ngumisi lang si Rebel at saka biglang kinuha ang nguso ng rifle at mabilis na inarko 'yun pataas at kasabay no'n ang malakas na pagputok ng baril.

Halos mapatalon ako sa kinatatayuan ko dahil do'n! Damn! It was real! Rebel could have died on the spot! What the!?

Parang hindi man lang natakot si Rebel sa bilis nang pangyayari, hinablot n'ya 'yung baril kay Kalix at saka mabilis na hinampas ang baril sa kamay nito at saka tinadyakan papalayo. Hindi pa ro'n natapos kasi siniko ni Rebel si Kalix sa may bandang likod at saka tinuhod sa may tiyan.

'Nung nasa sahig na si Kalix saka lang ito tumigil.

Napatulala na lang kami sa bilis no'n. Hindi pa man lubos na pumapasok sa isip ko na totoo 'yung baril, tumba na si Kalix.

What the heck lang! Pakiramdam ko mababaliw ako rito! I could not even catch all the movements with my eyes. It did not even last a minute! Everything was happening in a speed of light.

After the demonstration, they did not even let all the things that happened before our eyes sink in, they just continued teaching us the right stance, the right movement and the right swing to target our enemy.

It was just a short lesson and Sven's army is now face to face with each one of us.

Now, it is definitely starting.

We practiced on defending while they are attacking with freaking real knives. It was nerve wracking! Hindi ko alam kung gaano kami katagal na harapan sa pagprapractice 'nun but the guy I was practing with was blood thirsty!

Sinong hindi? Natalo namin sila sa game 'nun, they would want revenge of course! At ito na 'yung revenge nila! Bugbog kaya kami lagi kada araw gawa nila!

Nakakapagod! Sugod lang nang sugod 'yung mga Elites sa amin, hanggang sa napansin ko na pwede ko naman siguro targetin 'yung kamay n'ya na may hawak ng kutsilyo 'di ba? Pagod na pagod na akong umiwas at sumalag dahil sa takot sa kutsilyo na 'yun!

When the guy attacked me, I followed his eye movement and I predicted where he would land an attack, and with that, I targeted his arm that had the knife. I quickly grabbed it with all the courage that I have and put a weigh on it. Talagang lahat na yata ng lakas ko ginamit ko para lang h'wag makawala 'yung kamay n'ya may hawak ng kutsilyo.

I slowly twisted his arms too that I heard him grunt and in the end he released the knife in his hands at tinadyakan ko kaagad 'yun palayo at saka mabilis na siniko s'ya sa may likod ng leeg at saka tinuhod sa tiyan at mabilis na itinapon sa sahig.

Napa-upo ako agad matapos kong gawin 'yun at tagaktak na ang pawis ko dahil sa ginawa ko.

I was breathing heavily when Luna suddenly went to me with a rifle. My eyes flew wide open and my legs did not have the strength to stand. Tinutok n'ya sa 'kin ang baril at saka ko nakita na i-pu-pull n'ya talaga 'yung trigger.

When I calculated on when she will pull it, I rolled to evade it. Narinig ko ang malakas na putok ng baril, kaya naman pakiramdam ko sumakit ang ulo ko. Not again. Not now.

Nakatayo ako nang makalayo ako kay Luna. I prepared myself. She overpowered me and pointed the muzzle at my mid chest. I quickly grabbed the tip and lowered it down and tried to intimidate her with a shout. 

Akala ko magagawa ko 'yung ginawa ni Rebel kanina. I followed his every move earlier, but it was in vain. I could not succeed at all. Luna was fast and smart in acting, in the end, I was on the ground with the rifle on my forehead.

I was terrified to the bones with I saw how blank Luna's eyes were. She will not have any second thoughts. She will fire it. And it will be my death.

I just closed my eyes, accepting defeat, when I heard a whistle.

And felt Luna walked away without firing the rifle.

I was catching my breath as I sat down. Damn, that was real. Fucking real.

"Now with what you've learn you will fight against each other, you will not stop until one is knocked out, are we clear!?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi ni Rebel. What!?

Me going against Pierce? No way! Just no way!

Hindi ako sumagot. Walang sumagot pero walang epekto 'yun.

"We will start with..."

"Amythee!"

I flinched in fear and automatically went to the middle. Ni hindi ko man lang alam paano ako sumunod. Basta alam ko lang sumunod ako.

Pa'no kasi si Gabby 'yung nagsabi! May magic kasi talaga 'tong si Gabby eh, susunod ka na lang kahit ayaw mo.

Kahit naman puro biro ako sa utak ko, iba pa rin 'yung kabog 'nung puso ko habang naghihintay sa kasunod na mangyayari. Hindi ko yata kakayanin kalabanin si Pierce. I'd rather lose, and be scolded than this.

Lalo na tunay na kutsilyo at baril 'yung gamit namin. I won't risk it. My heart will forever bleed if—

My inner mind and thoughts was interrupted when I heard Gabby said the next name. I froze, I felt like my world stopped spinning, and the time halted ticking. Everything was in pause... at least for me when his name echoed.

"Theon!"

Like me, Theon automatically went in the middle, right next to me. I knew he never wanted to obey Gabby's command, but we couldn't ignore it.

I felt my chest tightening. Hindi ko kaya. Knowing that this is real. That we are pit against each other. I could fight people, but not them, not my family, not my cousins, not my friends, no...

"You will fight each other. Understood? Give it your all!" Rebel stated sternly.

I could not move. I was deaf to his instructions, Theon too, was not up to the idea. I gritted my teeth as I felt my throat sting and my eyes watered. Not this... please... I'd rather fight Sven and his whole gang by myself. I'd rather be in pain than hurt them.

"Amythee!"

"Theon!"

I was trembling badly when he repeated our names.

"Move to your position!" Gabby's voice thundered, and because of shock I was immediately on the defence position. Ganun din si Theon.

I looked at him, but he was faded in my eyes because of the tears I am shedding. I saw his pained expression, that moment I knew I couldn't, and I wouldn't.

Amythee! Please...

My mind pleaded. I'm torn. I don't want to run from this, but I also do not want to do this. Hindi ko kaya, kahit gustuhin ko, hindi ko kaya.

Amythee! Si Theon 'yan!

Si Theon na sinasaktan ka! Bugbugin mo na rin para patas kayo!

Napa-iling iling ako sa sariling iniisip.

I got some humour there, but in a freaking wrong situation. Grabe, Amythee. Minsan ka na nga lang magkaro'n ng sense of humour wala pa sa hulog. Ibang klase.

"Begin!"

Gabby ordered, I gulped. No. No. No.

Theon and I were face to face; the atmosphere was heavy and fierce. Para bang may nakapatong na sobrang bigat sa mga balikat ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano. Napapikit ako nang madiin.

Hanggang sa bigla na lang...

"Fuck."

Kalix's deep and strong cuss interfered in the deadly scene that was unfolding.

"Fucking hide, now."

Hindi ko pa maproseso kung anong nangyayari at bigla na lang nagsabi 'nun si Kalix, pero sa isang iglap nakita ko kung paanong kumilos ang lahat para magtago nang kaniya kaniya.

Nanatili akong nasa pwesto ko at nakita kung anong nangyari.

Art and Harper was dragged by Thorn, and Kalix. Akira and Biblee went together. Cleon called his twin, Theon but Theon like me was too occupied, so instead he went with Luna.

I saw how Rebel almost flew the distance between him and Honoka. He held Honoka's hand and quickly searched for a place to hide.

Nakita ko rin kung paano biglang sumulpot si Pierce sa likod ni Gabby at hilahin ito para makapagtago.

Hanggang sa kami na lang ni Theon at ang grupo ni Sven ang natira.

"Hide." I saw Sven mouthed. Do'n lang ako natauhan.

I saw Sven's whole team went out on the windows and hid on their own. Si Sven naman ay nagtungo lang sa isang cabinet na malapit sa kinatatayuan niya.

I grabbed Theon's wrist who was puzzled and pulled him to run to Rebel and Honoka's direction.

Nagtago kaming apat nina Rebel, Honoka, at Theon sa utility room. It was small and full of dust.

It was a little dark but I saw how Rebel was ready to fight if something bad happens. Itinago niya si Honoka sa likod n'ya at saka hinawakan nang mahigpit sa kamay. Honoka, on the other hand, held the edge of his clothes and rested her head on his back.

Theon suddenly pulled me closer to him and locked me in his arms when we heard a voice.

"Putang-ina naman!" I pressed my lips together. What was that?

And how did Kalix knew about the voice's arrival? Because of Katniss? I saw him looking at his phone before he declared that we should hide.

We heard numerous footsteps. Theon's arms wrapped around me more protectively but I wanted to see what's going on so I moved a little, enough to see something from the blinds.

May mga lalaki. Apat sila. Isang lalaki na parang lider, hindi ko makita ang mukha.

Tapos 'yung dalawang lalaki pa, hawak hawak 'yung isang lalaki na parang bugbog na.

"I fucking told you to give me a good spy and informant not a fucking good for nothing quidnunc!"

"Hindi namin—"

"Mga tangina! Gagawa pa kayo ng dahilan!"

"Pasensya na boss, hahanap kami ng bago."

"Just fucking make sure! Or your head will be the payment to your lousy service!"

Kinilabutan ako dahil sa pinag-uusapan nila. May pinamamanmanan 'yung lalaking tinatawag nilang boss, at inutusan niya 'yung dalawa n'yang tauhan? Tapos 'yung kawawang lalaki na tila bugbog na ang sinasabi nilang dapat magaling na espiya?

Lumapit 'yung parang boss do'n sa dapat espiya.

"This is your last chance bullhead." He trailed dangerously.

"Give me some information about the Mortem's scion."

Nanlamig ako. Napalunok at saka kabadong kabadong napatingin kay Theon. Napakapit ako sa kan'ya ng mahigpit. I saw how his expression darkened and he clenched his teeth angrily.

Si Cleon... Si Art... Si Athena... Si Aislynn... Damn. Please be safe.

Nakakapangilabot.

"There are... no... scion..."

Hindi pa man natapos ang sinasabi 'nung lalaki 'nung sampalin s'ya nang pagkalakas-lakas. Pakiramdam ko tatalsik 'yung ulo mo sa sobrang lakas no'n.

"Useless." The guy muttered under his breath and the other two stepped back and run out of the place.

Naiwan na lang 'yung dalawang lalaki. Hawak hawak 'nung masamang tao 'yung aawa-awang lalaki.

"Die." He spoke and slowly lift the poor guy up.

I saw how he was strangled up and how he violently wanted to escape from death.

I felt myself tremble in fear. And I saw how the guy pulled out a small knife.

Napa-iwas ako ng tingin at saka tiningnan si Honoka at Rebel. Rebel hugged Honoka and gently put a hand on her eyes to protect her from a possible nightmare.

I slowly turned my head to see it, but Theon covered my eyes.

I did not know what happened next but we heard a bang after.

Nagpumilit na ako kay Theon na makawala dahil matapos ang malakas na tila putok ng baril nagkaro'n ng ingay.

"Damn it!" It was Kalix's voice!

Hinayaan ni Theon na makita ko na ang nangyayari.

"What happened?" I asked.

Si Kalix lang ang nasa labas, at saka 'yung dalawang lalaking nakahiga sa sahig, naliligo sa sariling dugo.

"The guy killed the supposed to be spy and Kalix went out to stop it but it was too late and after seeing Kalix, the boss committed suicide." Maikling paliwanag ni Theon. Napanganga ako dahil sa bilis ng mga nangyari.

Napayakap sa sarili.

Danger.

Survival.

Death.

Lahat nang 'yon nakapalibot sa amin ngayon.

"You see that?" Rebel suddenly spoke. He let go of Honoka from the hug but kept his hands on her wrist.

"No one will save you from the hands of demons. You need to save yourself from its claws." He uttered powerfully and with warning.

"You entered this cruel world, in hopes of finding us. Let me tell you now, welcome to our world."

"Welcome to the cruel world of power." His voice was so quiet yet so deep. Hindi ko alam kung kanino ako matatakot. Do'n ba sa nasaksihan at narinig ko kanina sa mga kalaban o kay Rebel ba mismo?

"Keep your fears and your weakness to yourselves and reveal them to no one."

"Keep your aim locked and don't be fooled." Banggit n'ya sa bawat kataga ay sobrang may diin, na pakiramdam ko hinding hindi ko makakalimutan buong buhay ko.

"Don't get deceive easily by smiles... because they can be playful lies."

* * *

Note: I'm baaack! Finally! Will try to update fast! But please do comment para ganahan ako. Hahaha.

Anyways, have a blessed day!

Thank you for still staying kahit ang tagal kong hindi nakapag-update! Hoping for your comments! Thank you.

♥️