Sorry for all the errors! Enjoy reading.

#TCS28: The Path That Nobody Walks On

Amythee Hope's POV

"Saglit! Saglit!" Napalingon ako sa bigla na lang humablot sa 'kin sa brason, muntik ko na s'yang ibalibag kung hindi n'ya lang mabilis na tinggal 'yung kamay n'ya bago ko pa s'ya mahawakan. He had his arms up, like he was surrendering but he has something to say.

"Bakit?" Kunot noo kong tanong.

"Do you know this place? Marunong kang makipag racing? Nanalo ka na dati? May experience ka?" I chuckled lightly by his non-stop questions. This guy. He doesn't even look like a Filipino, but he speaks like a local. I mean, he looked more American.

Sumakay ako ro'n sa kotse tapos sumunod kaagad 'yung lalaki. Does he want me to win this or what?

"Akala ko ba deal na?" I asked firmly.

"No, I mean yes, but you know? Answer my questions at least." I laughed softly when I heard him panicked. Sobrang uneasy n'ya. Nakakatawa na lang.

"Okay," I shrugged my shoulders. "First, I'm not familiar with this place, this is my first time."

"Tangina—Seryoso ka?!" Wow, ang lutong n'ya magmura. Nakakaloka.

I nodded, "Ah, yeah?"

"Sheez! How are you supposed to win!? Pa'no 'yung experience? Meron ba?" Natatarantang tanong n'ya. Oh, my gosh, this guy is hilarious! He's a nervous wreck. I thought people in here are you know... evils? Something along those lines.

"Ahm, I have an experience." I told him hesitantly, his eyes widened with surprise. I swear, if this is the definition of those sparkly eyes that they were saying, this will be the perfect example.

"TALAGA!? SAAN?! What's the result?"

"With my friends. Never won, even once."

Jaw dropped. Shoulders dropped. Face palmed. Yes, that's his triple reaction.

I mean, tinuruan kami ng parents namin 'nun when it comes to driving and racing. I'm not really sure but I think we are pretty decent. Or not?

Tapos si Theon, si Akira, si Pierce? Never ako nanalo sa tatlong 'yun! Halimaw 'yun sa racing eh! Pati nga sina Art. Kumbaga, yep, ako kulelat pagdating sa 'min. Nakakainis mang aminin, iba talaga sila eh!

"Goodbye, 5 million pesos..." Sobrang lungkot n'ya talaga kaya naman natawa ako.

"May map ka ng place?" I questioned gently. I need to at least familiarize myself with the place. Para naman hindi ako masurpresa na may corners, hairpins, o straights pala sa landmark na 'yun, baka magasgasan ko pa 'yung kotse kapag nagdrift ako.

Although he seemed like he lost all the hopes, he still showed me the map through his phone. I studied the track. I realized that this place was huge. Almost an abandoned town, not really a city.

Malapit sa mga bundok at saka sa tagong tago. Hindi mo aakalain na may ganitong lugar. Minsan nagtatakha na rin ako ba't alam nina Rebel mga ganitong lugar. The last time, it was Gabby whom we met in an underground city. Now, this.

"What's the race about?" I asked.

"First to cross the finish line." Oh, pabilisan.

"Where's the starting point and the finish line?" I did not bother to look at him, as I am memorizing the track. Downhill. Pretty sure, this race will be downhill. And there are multiple corners and consecutive hairpins.

Not really new. We been racing in tracks like this one. Si Tatay pa mismo at saka sina Tito Jacob ang nagturo sa 'min. I'd probably win this one. Because for once, I wanna win in a car race. I'm always the last when it comes to this.

The guy told me the information I needed, and when the clock strikes, we both looked at each other.

"Just don't die?" He said doubtfully when he was about to move out of the car. "Kargado ko pa bangkay mo 'pag nagkataon." He added while shaking his head lightly. Woah, there. Napahalakhak ako.

"Don't worry, I did not tease the enemy earlier for an empty threat." I uttered with a bright beam. That seemed to calm him down a little.

"If you win, take the 3 million and the car." My mouth formed into a small circle upon hearing his offer. WOW! This will be awesome. I'm gonna play hard with this car on the line!

"Call!" I said as I gestured my hand for a high fived which he received. He also gave me thumbs up after.

Now, time for the game!

I noticed that many people were cheering for the other guy, while on my team, there was no one, aside from him. I just sighed, this made me more motivated. Nauna na 'yung bastos na racer papunta sa taas ng hill track ng magiging race namin.

Sumunod ako nang dahandahan lang. Hindi nagmamadali. Samantalang show off na kaagad 'yung bastos na 'yun. Bahala s'ya maghintay s'ya. Binagalan ko talaga para mainis s'ya lalo kasi hindi naman magsisimula 'yon ng wala ako. Wala s'yang kalaban eh.

I took my time to see the track and all. I calculated and analyzed it. This will be a no sweat win.

I arrived on the starting point and there were also numerous people in there. Nagyayabang na naman 'yung lalaki kasi rinig ko na 'yung engine 'nung kotse n'ya. Heh! Ang taas ng tingin sa sarili! I'll let you feel how painful it is to drop rock bottom.

Pumuwesto na rin ako sa sasakyan at saka hinintay ang signal ng start. At nang makita kong ibaba na 'yung flag sa unahan, nagsimula na akong magmaneho gamit ang isang kamay at nakapahalumbaba ang isa.

As expected, the guy did not even give me a chance, he stormed out wanting to lose me in the beginning. I remained composed and just followed him.

You will not escape me. I smirked with that thought while watching the back of his car ahead of me.

He accelerated, I did too. I tried to go on the inner lane, he blocked me. My smile only grew wider. Eh? That's it? I mean, Theon, Akira and Pierce's are much more entertaining. This will be over in a few.

I started to manipulate the car for a drift. Since there's a corner approaching. Hindi ko pa rin s'ya malampsan after ng isang corner. We continued racing while he could still block me in while I was aiming to pass him.

Corners are helping him. If this was a straight, I would be ahead now.

Nang malapit na kami sa halos pahuli na mga corners, I did not slow down at all. A slow right turn is coming, so he did what I was expecting from him he slowed down a little, that was a cue for me to pass him. I smirked when I did it effortlessly. One hand drive! Easy! I looked at him from the rear-view mirror and I widen the distance more.

Wait, oops!

Too occupied! There will be a sharp left turn ahead. It will be too late to reduce the speed so...

I tried Theon's trick! I operated the car smoothly as I slide for a next turn, using inertia! It worked! On my first try! I never got to use this trick before! So, this is what you called, inertia drift, huh?

Nang malampasan ko s'ya hindi ko na hinayaan na makahabol s'ya. I drove easily pass by the hairpins. It was not that hard since, we've been trained for this a lot. Kahit na ako magreduce ng speed kaya pa rin.

And in a blink of an eye! Poof!

I already crossed the finish line. Grabe! Wala man lang ganung thrill. Wala naman palang laban 'yung lalaki na 'yun!

Pero!

Hoooray for me! And for my first ever victory!

Lumabas ako ng kotse at masayang nagtatalon. Grabe ha, wala pa rin s'ya. 'Yun na 'yung pinakamabilis? Parang hindi naman mabilis 'yun eh. Ang bagal. Ni hindi nga ako nakagamit ng ibang tricks. Iisa lang, psh!

Lumapit sa 'kin 'yung ka-deal ko nang tuwang tuwa at nagtatalon.

"Wooohoo!"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"You won!"

S'ya lang yata 'yung nagchi-cheer kasi 'yung ibang nanunuod natulala na lang sa 'kin. Nagsimula lang ulit silang mag-ingay 'nung dumating na 'yung lalaki. They expressed disappointment.

"So where's my fucking win?!" Masayang sigaw 'nung ka-deal ko.

"You all placed a bet that she will lose and I'm the only one who thought otherwise! Let me get my money!" He was partying by himself, and I was chuckling.

"Putang ina!" Susugurin na sana ako 'nung lalaking natalo ko. He was about to punch me but I caught his hand and twisted it and I used my strength to bring him down on the ground.

He resisted, but it was easy hurling him down. Weak.

"Bow down to the winner, loser." Nakangising sambit ko sa kan'ya at saka s'ya tinapakan sa dibdib habang nakahiga s'ya sa lupa.

"FUCK!" Malakas na sigaw n'ya pero wala namang epekto.

"Give me your two cars, fucker!" High pitched na sabi 'nung ka-deal ko ro'n sa bastos. Kaya naman pala okay lang sa kan'ya na ibigay 'yung sasakyan na ginamit ko eh! May iba pa palang pusta maliban sa 5 million!

Pero, okay lang! At least I have 3 million!

Ibinigay sa 'kin 'nung lalaki ang isang brief case. I opened it and saw a cheque. 5 million cheque.

"This is not the price we talked about?" I said to him.

"Nah, take it all. I won some bets, higher than 5 million plus two cars."

"Okay." I replied nonchalantly.

I examined the cheque and made sure it was real. And when I was certain about it, I went to the car and quietly drove away from the place. They were still in chaos because of what happened.

Devil's speed my ass. That was weak!

I parked the car first somewhere hidden, then proceeded again to explore the place. It was big, it was massive, and there are different kinds of people. I played games and gambled too. I earned money!

Earned other things too, like golds, diamonds, arts and such! And all that happened in a span of just three hours! What the heck!? I mean, it was so easy! Minsan napapakunot noo na lang ako at napapasabi na 'yun na 'yun?

Why is it so simple?

I just walked out from the gambling area with freaking 10 million! So far I accumulated 15 million already with a car, one brief case of gold bars, a diamond accessory set, and three paintings!

Like how?

Then a realization hit me.

I was so used to experiencing defeat because of Luna, Sven, Gabby, Kalix and Rebel. But now, if we were to face rich ordinary people, it will be a piece of cake! We were trained by iron hands! Be it physical or mental!

That's why!

Woah! As in wow! Grabe pala 'yung resulta ng training? Nakakamangha! And we weren't even done with it!

Binalikan ko na 'yung kotse at kailangan ko nang umalis dito. Hihintayin ko na lang sila sa labas, kasi grabe 'yung panalo ko! Baka mapagkaisahan pa ako, o kaya mapag-initan, mahirap na. Bagong salta lang tapos ganun?

Makatunog pa 'yung mga regular dito eh.

Nang makasakay ako sa kotse bigla kong narinig ang tawag galing kay Rebel. I answered my phone.

"Hello," I greeted politely.

"Where are you? Will pick you up where I left you off earlier."

"Be right there, and I won a car by the way."

"I know. Give the car to me later, I'll register it at the school first."

"Okay."

"Be on time."

"No worries."

He ended the call and I drove fast to the place earlier. Grabe, ipapaayos ko na lang kay Rebel 'tong mga panalo ko. Hindi ko naman pwedeng bitbitin 'tong mga 'to. Baka pwede rin ibenta sa Empire school, e 'di may pambili na kaming bahay.

Para naman hindi na kami nakikitira kay Luna.

When I arrived, I waited for them for a while, then Rebel showed up and got the keys from me.

"It's crowded inside."

"Huh?"

"See for yourself."

Napakibit balikat na lang ako saka nagpunta pasakay sa mini bus at nang makaayat ako paloob no'n ay nagulat ako sa nakita.

"Oh my gosh."

"Hi Ate Hopie! You're awesome in that race!" Masayang bati ni Biblee.

"What are these?" Sabay turo ko sa mga brief case, kahon, at kung ano ano pang nasa loob ng bus! Grabe naman 'to!

"Ah, wins." Akira answered with a smug look.

Napanganga na lang ako. Wow, this is huge! I mean halos half ng bus mga panalo! Akala ko ako lang nanalo kanina, hindi pala! Lahat pala kami may mga dala dala dahil sa pagkapanalo! Pero mukhang ako lang ang nanalo ng kotse.

"All the wins you have, Eon and I will take care of it. Should we put all the winnings in your accounts evenly?" Luna queried with a smile.

Napatingin sila sa 'kin na para bang ako ang magdidesisyon para sa kanila. Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin.

"Luna, kung kaya, sa tingin mo, kapag ginawang aurous lahat 'yan, makakabili na kami ng bahay para sa 'ming lahat?"

"Isang malaking bahay? O isa-isa para sa bawat apelyido?"

"Like yours, a big one, just enough to fit all of us."

"Iiwan n'yo na talaga ako? Ayaw n'yo ba ro'n sa 'kin?"

"Hindi naman Luna, pero kasi nahihiya na kami. Simula yata 'nung dumating kami rito, sa 'yo na kami nakaasa. We just want to lessen the burden you have because of us."

"But you are not a burden at all! Masaya nga ako, kasi may mga maingay sa bahay."

"Nakakahiya pa rin..."

"Alam n'yo, bayaran n'yo na lang 'yung bahay ko ng half. Para magkakasama pa rin tayong lahat."

Nayakap ko kaagad si Luna dahil do'n, wala nang pakialam kahit matumba para lang makapagpasalamat sa kanya.

"Thank you, Luna!" Masayang sabi naming lahat.

"Wala 'yun. 'Tsaka ang hirap n'yong bantayan kapag wala kayo sa puder ko. Lalo na hindi natin kilala ang kalaban."

"Sabagay." I replied.

"May matitira pa sa mga 'yan, maraming marami pa kahit magbayad kayo para sa bahay. Anong gagawin do'n?"

"Just put it on our accounts, and divide it evenly."

"Got it!"

Nagkwentuhan at nagtawanan na lang kami hanggang sa makabalik sa Salvos Castra. Samantalang umalis saglit si Rebel para nga ayusin ang mga panalo namin, tapos si Luna naman ay nagbantay sa 'min habang patulog na kami.

* * *

The next few days went by fast too. Inilalabas kami ni Rebel every other night para makipaglaro sa mga iba't ibang lugar at dahil do'n unti-unti na kaming nakakaipon ng aurous. Sabi ni Luna, kapag nagpatuloy pa 'to, magiging Middle Class na rin kami!

We always divide our wins evenly. It was Luna's suggestion to continue doing it, para raw walang magsuspetsya sa amin about the sudden pouring of aurous in one person's account. This way, it is controlled, and all of us can be in Middle Class without them knowing that we are slowly climbing up the rankings.

I'm excited tonight because we did not go last night to any place! This means that we are about to get money and other things again tonight! It was really awesome, because we haven't had any lose at all! All the training that we are doing really paid off!

"You look so giddy." Pansin ni Pierce sa 'kin. Nasa loob kami nang kan'ya kan'yang tent.

We just finished gambling and mind games plus firing training. Now, we are preparing to go.

"I'm just excited to earn money."

"Hmm. Buti ako mabilis lagpak ng pera sa 'kin, picture picture lang laki na ng kita ko." Napatayo ako at napapalakpak nang makita si Luna na may dalang mga damit na susuotin namin ngayon.

"Huh?" Pierce reacted with Luna's statement.

"Alam mo ikaw, konti na lang pwede na rin kita maging kliyente, kaso scary 'yung trip mo eh." It was my turn to get confused when Luna said that to Pierce playfully.

"Hey, what are you talkin' about?" I asked curiously.

"Secret na namin 'yun ni Pierce, 'di ba, Isaiah?" Makahulugang sabi ni Luna kay Pierce at saka itinaas taas 'yung kilay n'ya.

"Yeah, sorry, Ams, this will be between the both of us, right, Erina?" Luna laughed out loud because of Pierce's statement.

I pouted in one corner because I did not know what they were talking about. But I have a hint that it is the bata pa thing. This sneaky saint! He would not tell me about it! And he uses Theon against me when I annoy him to tell me who! Psh!

Binabawi ko na! Hindi santo 'tong si Pierce, mabait lang! 'Yun lang wala nang hihigit pa!

"Just be ready for later." She advised seriously. Damn, playful Luna gone. Hello, cold Luna in a snap!

I couldn't get used to it! It's like there are two Lunas!

"Why? Are we going to a more dangerous place?"

"I will not be there, so..." she shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows."

"Why are you not coming with us?" asked Pierce.

"Can't really answer that, just be prepared." Woah, this makes me nervous! Pakiramdam ko tuloy hindi ito katulad 'nung normal na mga pinupuntahan namin.

"O...kay." Pierce and I almost said unison while looking at Luna who went out of our tent. Nagkatinginan kami pagkatapos at sabay na nagkibit balikat.

We both went to the private room tents to change our clothes. This one is a little different than what we wear outside. Mabigat 'to katulad ng uniform namin, pero mukha namang casual clothes lang.

Hindi nagtagal natapos ako at dumiretso na sa kitaan namin kasama si Pierce. Isa isa na rin nagdatingan lahat sa may oval. We are only waiting for Rebel and we are all talking to each other while waiting for him.

After a few minutes, he arrived with the mini bus, of course. We all excitedly went inside when Rebel gave us a blindfold. He did not say anything he just gave it to each one of us. He looked stern and strict.

We followed without questioning. Who in their right mind will question someone who is giving a deadly glare and aura?

Natahimik kaming lahat nang makapaglagay ng blindfold. The bus continued moving.

However, a few minutes later, it stopped. I'm pretty sure we are still inside the school. So, why? Are we going to play in the Hierarchy Tower instead?

"Do not remove the blindfolds."

Tinulungan n'ya kaming bumababa sa bus at saka n'ya kami pinapila para magkakasunod kami sa linya at nakahawak sa balikat ng isa't isa para hindi mapunta sa kung saan at makasunod.

Nang maging maayos, nagsimula kaming maglakad. I don't know if this was because of the log training we had, but we were in sync, we are just walking calmly without tripping or something. We are united.

Maya maya pa ay narinig namin si Rebel na pinatigil kami sa paglalakad at saka n'ya kami tinulungan isa-isa para makapunta sa mga kung saang lugar man n'ya kami dadalhin.

He guided me somewhere and he made me sit down. I felt the coldness of the chair and that was when I realized the heavy atmosphere. There was also a small table in front of me. I started to feel shivers.

Ilang saglit lang bigla na lang akong may narinig na parang nabuhay na ilaw? Hindi ko sigurado pero parang gano'n. I only confirmed it was light when it became warm. Parang spotlight.

I remained sitting straight and I felt my hands shaking because of the unknown.

Hanggang sa...

"Remove your eye covers!" Rebel announced in a mic.

Nang tanggalin ko, nanlabo muna ang mga mata ko dahil sa matinding liwanag ng ilaw, until it adjusted to the brightness, and all I felt was goosebumps when I saw the whole venue.

There was a ring in front of us. We are all seated separately from each other formed in to a circle. Nakapalibot kaming lahat do'n sa ring. Tapos nang ilibot ko ang paningin ko, wala si Rebel.

"What's this?" Harper was the first one to break the silence.

"Where's Rebel?" Followed by another question from Honoka.

"What are we doing here?" Art questioned while looking at the whole place.

While we are still confused about what exactly is happening a screen from all over the place was turned on. May parang apat na screen na nakaform ng square (para kita namin lahat) sa taas ng ring.

Tapos meron din sa bawat taas kung saan kami naka-upo. Parang walang signal 'yung screen tapos bigla na lang nagkatunog ng parang matinis at masakit sa tenga na sound. Nagtaasan ang mga balahibo ko sa batok at braso dahil sa nangyari.

"Now, we will start."

I held my breath for seconds because of Rebel's voice. Tapos nagulat kaming lahat nang ipakita sa screen ang lugar kung nasaan kami, pati na rin kami mismo. Live! Live kami ngayon sa screen. Nagkatinginan kaming lahat.

Mas lalong nangilabot 'nung bigla na lang namatay ang ilaw sa buong lugar.

I felt my heart beating fast. Parang lalabas na rin 'yun sa puso ko sa sobrang lakas. I felt danger in the air. My fists automatically clenched. I gulped because my throat felt dry from the nervousness.

"Here we go." Rebel's voice echoed, and suddenly the spotlight for each one of us opened again and then closed again. I froze too, when the light above me was the only one turned on.

Pakiramdam ko nanginig ako bigla at namawis!

At mas lalong nagtambol ang puso ko 'nung biglang lumipat sa kasunod kong si Akira 'yung ilaw. Isa isang nangyari sa 'min 'yun hanggang sa bumilis nang bumilis 'yung ilaw na 'yun. I was scared to death when the lights rolled over each one of us.

It was like it was spinning and to whom it will stop—it felt like that person will be in danger.

Habang patuloy na umiilaw 'yun paikot sa 'min, parang bumibilis 'yung takbo ng oras ko pati na rin 'yung tibok ng puso ko. Hindi ko na rin malaman kung ilang beses akong napalunok dahil sa tindi ng tensyon.

Hanggang sa bigla na lang 'yung tumapat kay...

"T-Thorn..." Nauutal na wika ko sa pangalan n'ya.

I was more scared for him!

"Proceed to the ring, Thorn." Rebel instructed with a deep heated voice.

Thorn obeyed with his head down. Hindi man n'ya sabihin alam kong kabado rin s'ya.

The light begun turning again and my mind went blank. It suddenly played the scene between me and Theon. I could not think properly after realizing what was unfolding in front of me. I was flabbergasted and afraid.

Nagulat kaming lahat nang tumapat at tumigil 'yon kay Art!

Fuck! No!

No! No! No! This is not—this is not acceptable!

I saw how Thorn suddenly stepped back from where he was standing. He held his breath! Like me he could not believe his eyes. Art remain seated staring blankly at the table ahead of her.

Her hands shook a little and her eyes suddenly became watery. She realized what comes next after this!

"To the ring, Artemis." Rebel commanded with an unyielding authority.

Art stood up fast and nervous which made her stumble a little when walking hurriedly to the ring. Theon and Cleon showed their concerns but could not even move out of their seats.

Art and Thorn stared at each other on the ring. I saw how Art tears slowly flowed down to her cheeks. She shook her head aggressively and sat on her feet covering her face. "I can't..." Nahihirapang sabi n'ya.

Seeing the composed, regal and cold Art broke down like that... hindi ko rin kinaya, I slowly looked down to avoid it. I saw myself in her, and Theon in Thorn. Parang 'yung nangyari sa 'min 'noon lang.

I felt my heart slowly being cut. Ang sakit. Ang hapdi.

Art and Thorn were close when we were kids, tapos siguro dahil na rin sa maliit na grupo grupo sa 'min, hindi na sila gano'n ka close nang maging teens kami, pero bumalik 'yung solid nilang samahan dahil sa training.

Kahit nga hindi palagi nagsasalita 'yang dalawang 'yan parang naiintindihan nila ang isa't isa. Tapos ngayon? Bigla na lang silang paglalabanin? This is too much! This is too cruel!

"Prepare yourselves, Artemis and Thorn!" Malakas at matigas na utos ni Rebel.

"No... no... no... I can't... please..." Art pleaded while crying.

"N-Not this, Rebel. H-hindi ko rin k-kaya..." Halos mautal utal na si Thorn na halos parang pinagbagsakan ng langit at lupa. He looked so frustrated yet so heartbroken at the same time.

Napasabunot na lang s'ya sa sarili n'ya at saka nilapitan ang umiiyak na si Art para itayo at yakapin. "Shh... we'll be okay, hush, Art." Pagpapatahan ni Thorn kay Art.

"No..."

"I won't fight, I can't fight." Thorn said in a soft tone, comforting Art.

Napapikit na lang ako kasi parang magkapatid na lang 'yung dalawang 'yan tapos gan'yan. Sino ba naman kasi gugustuhin ang halos patayin mo 'yung tinuturing mong kapatid?

We might act like fighting-— just evading each attack, but we can't fool Rebel with that, he was the one who trained and edified us. He won't fall for such cheap tricks. We were left with no choice; we really have to fight with our everything.

And we are all aware that we have become stronger and we will definitely hurt each other, acting to be defeated will have no effect, we'll just enrage Rebel.

"Are you going to keep up being stubborn?" I could sense that Rebel is getting impatient.

"It is simple. Fight each other like true enemies!" He bellowed and my heart almost jumped out of my chest.

"Not this... please..." Pagmamakaawa ni Art.

Rebel did not respond... Akala ko tuloy okay na, akala ko hindi na n'ya kami pipilitin. Pero nagulat kaming lahat nang may ipakita sa screen si Rebel.

It was Aislynn and Altair!

They are together. Mukhang nakikipaglaro o more like pinipikon ni Altair si Aislynn. Aislynn on the other hand kept minding her own business.

"'Wag mo ngang guluhin si Ais, kupal ka talaga Altair eh!" Biglang pinakita sa screen si Athena na nakacross arms habang sinasaway si Altair.

"Gaspang talaga ng ugali mo eh, do'n ka na kayna Liam, h'wag mo akong pakialaman kay Ais!"

"Kapatid ko 'yan, gugong ka, alangan kailangan kong mangialam!"

"Sows, pakitang tao ka talaga, alam ko naman na palagi mo ring inaaway si Aislynn eh!"

"Ano ngayon? At least ako may karapatan, ikaw wala!"

Umalis si Aislynn at tumakbo papunta kay Blithe para makipaglaro.

"Si Blithe kulitin mo!" Athena told Altair.

"E 'di buminggo na naman ako kay Mader Dragon? Paborito 'nun 'yung little mangkukulam namin ano!"

"Eh kung kay Mom ka kaya bumingo kapag nagsumbong ako?"

"Akala mo naman, mabait si Tita Annicka ano, ikaw isumbong ko kay Mader Dragon, naku ewan ko na lang! Raratratan ka no'n! Panalo 'yon!"

It was supposed to be funny. Supposed to be. However, we could not even feel light at all. The tension only grew heavier. Why... why did they appear on the screen? Why did Rebel show us this?

"You will not fight? Then... I will make you fight." His cold and intense voice demanded.

"See your siblings?" Nagtambol na 'yung puso ko 'nung sabihin n'ya yun.

Isa-isang pumatak 'yung luha sa mga mata ko habang nakatingin sa screen kung saan pinapakita sina Altair, Athena, Blithe at Aislynn. They are happy, they are innocent! This is nothing but a torture! Why would Rebel do this?!

"If you don't obey what I'm telling you to do... they will pay the price!" He delivered with no hint of humour at all.

Napahiwalay si Thorn sa pagkakayakap kay Art. Art could not move. She just stared at the screen while crying. Kitang kita ko 'yung kislap ng mga mata n'ya. Kitang kita ko 'yung takot do'n.

"No... no!"

Halos mabaliw na si Thorn kasi hindi n'ya alam ang gagawin.

His kindness, his pure heart, his innocent soul. Hindi n'ya kakayaning pumili. Mas gugustuhin na lang n'yang saktan 'yung sarili n'ya kaysa iba.

"Hurting yourselves, will only put them in more danger." He warned ahead exactly when I thought of that, he knew Thorn, he knew him better.

"T-That could be fake! Y-You will never hurt our siblings! They are out of this!" Art furiously reasoned out.

Tama, tama... hindi magagawa ni Rebel 'yun.

"Really?" He mocked, sending shivers to my whole body.

And with that... we saw how an arrow was suddenly fired at Altair's direction, and...

"Altair!" We all cried in unison, wishing he would hear our plea.

Altair's shirt on the arm was teared because of the arrow. If Athena did not playfully hold his neck in threatening to leave Aislynn alone, Altair could have been shot!

Altair and Athena were both surprised with what happened, but when they gained their consciousness, they both pulled Aislynn and Blithe with them and run inside the house. Nasa garden kasi sila.

Akala ko magiging okay sila, pero pati pala buong bahay may kamera. Buong bahay delikado rin.

Parang bumagsak 'yung puso ko sa lupa. Patuloy ako sa pag-iyak at hindi na makahinga nang maayos dahil sa nangyayari.

We are now shedding tears, maliban kay Akira at Theon na seryoso pero kitang kita mo ang galit at pag-aalala. Galit sa sarili kasi wala rin silang magawa, tapos pag-aalala para sa mga kapatid namin at syempre kay Art at Thorn.

"How about you, Amythee and Theon?" Nanlamig ang buong katawan ko 'nung marinig ko ang pangalan ko.

"Would you fight in place of Art and Thorn?"

Error. I felt like my mind stopped functioning. I could not process Rebel's words properly. My throat dried up and I could not breathe because of crying and now, this.

My automatic reaction was to shake my head. Hindi na ako magsisinungaling. My heart would break if I was on the ring right now. Liam and Theon? I'd choose my brother of course... pero si Theon 'yung kaharap ko.

Should I fight him? This will drive me crazy. Hurting him, defeating him intentionally?

This is so hard!

We are family! We should support each other! Protect each other! Not this! What's the point of this?! This is only giving us trauma!

"Hindi mo kaya Amythee? Ang hina pa rin ng loob mo..." Ang sakit. Sobrang sakit marinig no'n.

Should I just walk away? Give up on this?

Maybe it will be the best choice...

"Are you seriously doing this Rebel?" Theon's voice suddenly interrupted all my thoughts. Napatingin ako sa kan'ya. His range is now directed at Rebel, hindi na sa sarili n'ya.

"Is this your fucking game with Gabby? If this is then it's fucking bullshit!" He slammed the table and stood up angrily.

"Kayo pa ba 'yung mga kababata namin?!"

"Is this for the sake of your crazy games and crazy kind of fun?!"

"You think it will be easy? Do you like seeing us having a hard time?"

"May galit ka bang tinatago sa 'min? This is unfair! Fucking unjust!"

"I don't see a benefit for following this stupid training of yours!"

Theon continuously vociferated. I saw how the vein in his neck appeared. He was angry. He was wrathful. He was so done with this, and he had enough. I never saw him against Rebel since we were kids, ngayon lang.

"T-Theon..." Nauutal na sabi ni Honoka, habang sobrang lalim ng paghinga ni Theon.

"Don't, Honoka... just please—" He did not even finish what he wanted to say, because of the heated arguments, he knew better, baka kay Honoka madirekta 'yung galit n'ya.

Napabuntong hininga si Honoka at saka napa-iling iling.

At least... at least Honoka's on Rebel's side, unlike all of us...

Theon just burst out what I wanted to tell Rebel.

Just why... I don't see the meaning of this thing...

While we were enveloped with silence for few minutes.

We heard Rebel smirk, like a mocking tss sound.

"I tried to strengthen and build your strengths, skills, be it emotionally, mentally and physically, even enhanced your teamwork..."

"But I think I did not even gain trust from all of you..."

Napahawak ako sa dibdib 'nung marinig kong sabihin ni Rebel 'yun. I covered my face while crying vehemently. Napa-upo si Theon sa kinauupuan n'ya. I could not process it directly, but it felt like my heart was stabbed, not just once, but twice and it was deep.

"Okay." Parang pasukong sambit ni Rebel. 'Tsaka kami nakarinig ng tunog na parang umatras s'ya sa kinauupuan n'ya at saka ang pagbukas at pagsara ng pinto.

We failed. I failed.

Nakakapanghina. Sobrang nakakapang hina.

We were eaten by our emotion, by our breakdown point, by our weakness. We were too engrossed with that and we directed our feelings of anger and frustration to him.

This is a mess. This is nothing but a chaos.

Habang kabadong kabado at hindi ako mapakali, biglang may bumukas na pinto at iniluwa no'n si Rebel. Obviously, we could not even face him, we all avoided his gaze. But using my peripheral view. I noticed his emotionless expression.

"Line up horizontally, in three, two," we all run to line up in one line while facing him. "Three." At the count of three we are all in place in front of him.

Tumalikod s'ya sa 'min at sumunod kami sa isang linya. Without instructions, he went to the bus. We also followed. Sobrang tensyonado namin sa byahe, walang nagtangkang magsalita. I gazed at Theon and saw how he was blaming himself.

As much as I wanted to correct or nag at him for what happened, I knew I was not in the right to do it. I mean, deep inside me, I also wanted to lash out about it.

Hindi ko alam pero ang tagal bago kami nakarating sa Salvos Castra.

Nang makarating do'n Rebel told us to line up in the oval horizontally. There we saw Sven, and Luna waiting for us. I saw coldness in their eyes, also disappointment. Alam nila. Sigurado ako. Napatungo na lang ako.

The tension was lingering in the air. We remained quiet.

Hanggang sa nagsalita si Rebel.

"Are you proud!? Is that what you call your best?!"

"Well, sorry to burst your bubble but you are all just a fucking disappointment!"

"You are all talk! You want us to be with you?!"

"Jokes on you! With this kind of attitude, I hope the rest of my siblings would never show even a fucking shadow in your presence!"

"You are all weak!"

"Almost failures!"

"Don't even understand your purpose of being here!"

"If you are all gonna continue this shit then I suggest you to just give up!"

Natigilan kaming lahat 'nung sinabi n'ya 'yun ng sunod sunod. Ang sakit pala. Pero 'yung ipinarating namin kanina na hindi namin siya pinagkakatiwalaan? Alam kong masakit din 'yun sa kan'ya.

When did it go downhill?

When did we started to doubt him?

Giving up was always the last option. Now, it is my current option.

Rebel's a cold-hearted devil in front of us now. And we were in pain. Do we deserve it? Maybe. Maybe not. His words were too hurtful too. Ang hirap 'nung ganito. Bakit pa kasi biglang naging kumplikado ang lahat? Hindi ba pwedeng bumalik na lang kami sa dati? 'Yung nagtatawanan lang, 'yung pinapagalitan lang ng parents namin. Mas okay pa 'yon. Mas gugustuhin ko pa 'yon.

Honoka suddenly answered Rebel. They had an intense conversation, but to be honest? Honoka, saved me. Saved us from giving up. Pakiramdam ko kasi hindi ko na kaya harapin si Rebel.

Pakiramdam ko kasi hindi ko na kaya 'yung nangyayari.

The cold air hugged me and comforted me a little. My eyes lingered to Rebel.

How hard was it? How hard was it to walk alone? How hard was it to make you toughen this much?

I couldn't imagine.

But now... all I knew was we were walking...

Walking on the path that nobody walks on.

And now I discovered why nobody ever walked on that path.

Pinabalik kami nina Luna at Sven sa kan'ya kan'yang tent matapos ang nangyari. Napadiretso na lang ako sa kama ko habang umiiyak. Ang bigat sa puso.

I wept my heart out. Hinayaan lang ako ni Pierce. But from time to time, I could also hear him breathe in and out heavily as he sniffed.

This is not a good night at all.

I hope... Rebel would forgive us...

I'm sorry Rebel. I'm truly sorry...

Lumabas ako sa tent nang mabilis. Gusto kong kausapin si Rebel. My sorry would remain unheard and worthless. I don't want to end this night with full of regrets.

Nang makalabas ako nakasalubong ko si Honoka na lumabas din sa tent nila ni Theon.

"H-Honoka..." I greeted and wiped my tears.

"Ate." She mentioned. "Where are you going, Ate?"

"K-Kay Rebel sana..." Mahinang bulong ko.

"I think, you should go to Kuya Theon first..." Then she gestured their tent. "I'll go to Rebel, and if you want to say something to him, I can rely it."

I hesitated for a bit. But knowing Theon. He's probably blaming himself too much.

"O...kay."

"What do you wanna say, Ate?" She's so calm. How could she be so calm? Oh, she's the only one who never doubted him.

"Please... say sorry for what happened, and that we will still continue in this path. We are half way through... this is not the time to give up."

"I will, Ate. I know Rebel, he will always forgive us."

"Thank you..." I hugged Honoka tight and patted her back.

I watched her back first as she walked going to Rebel. Then heaved a sigh before going in inside the tent. And there I saw Theon...

A regretful and breaking down Theon...

Nilingon n'ya ako, his bloodshot eyes started to water again. I saw his fists, it was bleeding. Looked like Honoka could not calm him down. I walked to him and he grabbed my wrist. He was still sitting on the wooden chair on the study table.

When I was in front of him, tumingala s'ya para tingnan ako. "Shh..." I murmured and tousled his hair.

And... I stiffened when he pulled me more.

As he slowly wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his head on my stomach.

"It was my fault... why he said those words... why all of you had to hear those..." He knew his mistake, he's owning it. Ngayon dapat aksyonan n'ya naman. Pero alam kong hindi lang dapat s'ya, dapat kaming lahat.

"Shh..."

"I'm sorry..."

"Theon, don't carry the burden alone... we are here, too."

"Pero—,"

"Stop. Don't overthink. Ako dapat ang nag-ooverthink."

"Amythee."

"Shh... It's not okay now, but it will be okay. We need to prove that we regret it and we will still continue, that is the thing that will matter the most now, clear?"

He did not answer, but his hug tightened, I returned it. Comforting him. Comforting myself.

Now, we should walk on the path that Rebel took—that the Evans' siblings took—because we need to make them feel that they are not alone anymore, as we are here now.

Just wait for us... we will soon meet all of you.

* * *

Honoka Reign's POV

Luckily, Ate Amythee came.

Naglalakad ako ngayon papunta sa tent ni Rebel. 'Nung makarating do'n, tumigil ako sa harap 'nun at nagbuntong hininga. Is it okay to talk to him? As much as I am hurt about the words he uttered earlier, I am still worried.

I sighed.

I decided to open the tent but it's empty. He's not here. I looked around at the outside of his tent. No sign of him.

Where is he?

I walked while looking for him. Because of being occupied about him, I did not notice that Luna was in front of me. If she did not call, I would just pass by her.

"Honoka..."

"Luna..." I called her name softly.

"Looking for him?" She knew. I smiled faintly and nodded.

"Hmm."

"Just go straight and turn left, to the direction of the firing range. Near the cliff, you'll see him."

"Thank you."

"No worries."

I did not wait for Luna to leave, I just run to the said direction. Hindi ko na pinansin na lamig ngayon, hinayaan ko na lang na gabayan ako ng liwanag ng buwan at ng mga bituin sa langit.

When I arrived there, I saw his back. He's looking at the sky. I could feel his peaceful aura, unlike earlier.

Marahan akong lumapit sa kan'ya, and he looked back when he felt my presence. I saw his eyes sparkle. I went to him gently and stand side by side with him while admiring the sky. We did not speak. We just got lost in the beauty of the nature.

I looked at him.

"You are here..." He finally spoke quietly, as if letting the words fly with the wind.

"Will be always here from now on..." I replied softly looking at the stars, on how they are shining.

He did not reply. I took the chance.

"I'm sorry... Ate Amythee also asked me to say sorry to you, also Kuya Theon..."

I was nervous. I could feel my heart beating so fast.

"Wala 'yun..." I heard him say as he chuckled.

"I'm the one sorry for saying hurtful words earlier, for wanting all of you to give up."

Sabay kaming natawa dahil sa nangyari. Parehas nagalit, parehas din nakakaramdam ng regrets. But we learned some lesson.

We were quiet again.

"Are you mad at me?" He suddenly asked.

I shook my head mutely. Why would I?

"I was sad, instead of being mad..." I confessed, I looked at him and saw the real Rebel. His forehead was creased. I tiptoed to him, to touch his forehead and straighten it.

He caught my wrist, staring at my eyes. Searching for an answer.

"Why...?" Mahinang tanong n'ya.

"At first I was irritated, why do you have to be so strict and cruel? Can't you be just the light and playful Rebel?" I started as I put down our hands, hinayaan ko s'ya na hindi bitawan ang pulsuhan ko.

"But later on... I just felt sad..."

"What happened to him—to them that they became like this?"

"What happened to you, that you are enduring and carrying too much burdens alone?"

"What made them hide and show up just to prepare us for the enemies, just to protect us from danger and death?"

"What happened to Rebel for him to toughen this much?"

"Was it hard?" I looked at him eye to eye.

His eyes watered, and his free hand slowly reached for my face.

"I-It was..." And one tear fell down.

I also reached my hand to wipe his one tear.

"I don't know if I can help, but let me share the burden..."

"But I don't want my Reign to suffer..."

I smiled at him and caressed his cheek.

"You don't need to protect me, Rebel, instead I want to fight with you." Nagpapaliwanag na sabi ko sa kanya. Tama na. Tama na 'yun panahon na naging magsolo s'ya. Ngayon, nandito na kami... nandito na ako.

"I'm not a princess, I'm a warrior. And I'll fight with my knight."

"Damn, Reign." And with that he draped his hand on my waist and pulled me closer. I felt his lips on my forehead.

"Eh?"

"Eh?" He mimicked with his nose near the tip of mine.

"Rebel..." I warned.

He smiled genuinely. "Reign." Natatawang sabi n'ya kaya naman hinampas ko 'yung balikat n'ya. Ayan, masaktan s'ya!

I thought he'll complain or play a prank on me, because he's Rebel! But no... he...

He smirked at me and my eyes widened as I stiffened when I felt his soft lips on mine.

"My damn soft warrior." He whispered not leaving my lips and I felt him smile.

***

Note: Sorry for the delay! I was busy! :< But anyways, sana nagustuhan n'yo 'yung update ngayon!

Please do comment alot! <3

Thank you so much! Have a great day.