Sorry for all the errors! Enjoy reading! :) Please leave a comment! Thank you! Have a great day! ♥️

#TCS29: Return of the Commoners

Honoka Reign's POV

We were now sitting side by side with his hand intertwined with mine. I couldn't look at him. After what happened? I could still feel my cheeks heating up! Oh, my gosh. I mean—I mean, ahh! I couldn't even think properly!

"Why are you so quiet?" Who in their right mind would be so loud after—after that—kis—yeah, whatever it is that happened.

"Ah..." Hindi ako makasagot. My goodness, Honoka! Why are you so awkward? This is not like you. You need to breathe in and breathe out, and be calm.

Ahh! How do you even stay calm?!

I'm freaking out! Hindi ko alam gagawin ko! Should I just walk out? But, I could have done that right after that! Not right now, it's too late, like already five minutes have passed. Gosh! Babaliwin ako nitong si Rebel.

"Do you feel awkward...?" He asked carefully while looking at me, I could see him in my peripheral vision, he's grinning, while I just look stoic and nonchalant although inside my head, I am not calm at all!

"A-ah," Hindi ko alam kasunod na sasabihin. I just kept mum, and then Rebel started to chuckle lightly. It's so soothing to hear. Somehow, my heart and my mind started to calm down because of it.

We remained quiet, I let myself admire the night and the starry sky. My breathing started to become smooth. Peace. It's such a peaceful place.

Slowly, my heart and breathing became steady. Hindi na ako gano'n ka-shock sa nangyari. Mabuti na lang kasi baka hindi ako makabalik sa tent kung sobrang hindi ko pa rin alam ang gagawin ko. Iba kasi epekto ni Rebel.

"I'm not sorry for what I did Reign." I heard Rebel say gently.

"Are we seriously... gonna talk about it?" I asked carefully, avoiding his eyes.

"Should we not?"

"Ang daya naman, bakit ako na-awkwardan, ikaw hindi?"

He laughed heartily. "Gusto mo sagutin ko 'yan?"

My eyes widened when I realized what I asked. "'Wag na pala." Agad na bawi ko kaya naman nakaramdam ako ng pitik sa noo.

He held my face gently, I saw his serious yet serene expression, all my nervousness suddenly disappeared and a small smile formed into my lips. He caressed my cheeks so tenderly like I was a fragile being.

"I've always got a crush on you, since we were kids." He confessed while looking at my eyes sincerely. I gulped and blushed because of his words. 'Yung puso ko na kakalma lang nagsimula na namang magwala.

Woo! I need to breathe! Because the moment he held my face I stopped breathing!

"I will not lie, it wasn't that deep, the feelings I had for you. But I never forgot how I felt happy being around you. I tried to move on with my life. Ayoko kasing bumalik sa buhay n'yo—sa buhay mo..."

The moment I heard the last lines, I'm pretty sure my expression became sad. Napatingin ako sa baba, pero hinawakan n'ya 'yung chin ko para iharap ako ulit sa kan'ya. Ang hirap huminga. Ang hirap titigan s'ya.

"Lots of things happened. But at the end of the day, it always gonna be you."

He almost whispered with a genuine smile painted on his face.

"I watched you from afar for a few years."

"Talaga?"

"Aren't I creepy?"

"Why did you do that?"

"I was afraid you might be put in danger."

"I've never been in danger. Why would that happen?"

"You've never been because I've always block it."

"Huh?"

Then he let go of my face and held my hand with his free hand and the other one was wrapped around me. He told me stories. Kung pa'no n'ya kami protektahan sa malayo. Kung pa'no n'ya ginagawan ng paraan 'yung mga bastos na gusto kaming paglaruan. Sobrang dami palang nangyari na wala akong kaalam alam.

He's my guardian angel. He's my secret guardian angel.

We talked and listened to each other to our hearts content, hanggang sa namalayan namin na anong oras na pala. Kailangan ko nang bumalik sa tent dahil maaga na naman bukas. Hinatid n'ya ako sa harap ng tent namin ni Kuya Theon.

"Good night." He patted my head and held my hand for the last time.

"You should rest, too."

"Sweet dreams."

I smiled at him and waved before going inside the tent. Kuya Theon's already sleeping. Nag-ayos muna ako ng sarili bago humiga sa kama para matulog. Bago ko ipikit ang mga mata ko humiling muna ako.

Sana maging maayos ang lahat bukas.

Hopefully, the mess that happened will be fixed and everything will be back in its place.

***

Amythee Hope's POV

Few weeks later...

"Ah! Ah! Ang duga mo Theon, eh!" Reklamo ko sa kan'ya tinawanan n'ya lang ako at saka nilapitan para lahadan ng kamay. Tinabig ko 'yun kaya naman natawa s'ya lalo sa ginawa ko. I rolled my eyes at him.

"You lose, Amythee, just admit it." He said proudly and gave a sly smirk.

I breathed heavily and put up my arms at him. He held both of my hand and pulled me. Kaya naman napa-upo na ako mula sa pagkakahiga. Ang lagkit! Agh! Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung pawis sa buong katawan ko.

"Hey, pasaways! Time out! Lunch n'yo na!" Luna suddenly yelled so we all looked at her direction in synch. I heard Rebel laughed and told her, "Yeah, we'll be out in a minute!"

Then he focused his attention on us and instructed us to clean the boxing ring like and change clothes before proceeding for our meal.

"Okay!" Masayang sabi naming lahat at saka nagtulungan.

Pierce and I went back to our tent for our clothes and proceeded to the private tents to change. Buti na lang hindi gano'n kainit dahil sa malamig na hangin kaya kahit papa'no hindi ako gano'n nainis sa panahon ngayon.

Minsan kasi nakakainit din ng ulo 'yung sobrang init.

Nang makatapos ako sa pagpapalit ng damit lumabas na ako at nag-aantay sa akin si Pierce. "Still hot headed?" He asked laughingly.

"Ewan ko sa 'yo." I replied and we walked together to go to the lunch area.

"Tie kaya kayo ni Theon," He stated while gazing at our barkada who are laughing while getting seated on their places.

"Tie?"

"Yeah."

"Saan?"

"Overall battles between the two of you."

"Seryoso!?" Masayang sabi ko at saka s'ya hinarap, kaya natigil kami sa paglalakad.

"Yep!" He informed me with a bright smile. Napatalon ako sa sobrang saya!

Oh, my gosh! Can't believe it!

Umupo na rin kami ni Pierce sa pwesto namin. We joined their chitchats, up until when the foods were served to us. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa nakita. OMG! This is a feast! Sobrang daming pagkain!

"Waaa!"

"This is a party!"

"Ang saaaraaap!"

"Ang bangooo!"

"This going to be epic!"

Kung ano anong reaksyon ang narinig ko sa kanila dahil sa pagkain sa harap namin. We digged in right away and we could not even talk to each other while eating. We are too focused because of the delicious foods.

"This is like Mama's food!" Honoka suddenly said and we all looked at her.

Akira took a bite of his food and, "This is definitely Mama's." He declared with a bright beam.

"Rebel!" Biblee suddenly exclaimed when Rebel sat on his spot. 'Yung sa dulo ng table kung sa'n solo s'ya.

"Is this Mama's foods?" Honoka asked him while munching. Ang cute! Sarap pisilin ng pisngi.

"Your manners, lady." Saway ni Akira sa kapatid. Honoka pouted which made us all laugh, and Akira pinched his sister's cute and fluffy cheeks.

"Yeah." Rebel answered with a smirk and we all cheered!

"Oh my royals! I missed Tita Shana's cooking!" Harper mentioned while slicing a piece of meat.

"Right! I suddenly miss our parents and of course our little sibilings." Art said with an emotion. Nakakatuwa na may emosyon magsalita ngayon 'to ang cute lang. 'Yung regal trio namin naging strong but cute trio na. Hahaha.

"May pa dessert ba dyan, Pareng Rebel?" Hirit naman ni Cleon.

"You are not even done eating, depp!" Harper told Cleon and glared at him.

"Nag-aalien ka na naman eh! Tigilan mo nga akong Harper ka." Kamot ulong sabi ni Cleon sa katabi.

"You understand it, you just pretend to be stuuupid!" She rolled her eyes at him and started eating with poise.

"Kakaltukan na talaga kita d'yan, kaso compliment 'yon magulong pagsasalita mo, so okay na tayo!" Masayang sabi ni Cleon at saka kumain ng malaking subo.

"Akala ko magsasaway na naman ako." Natatawang sabi ni Thorn do'n sa dalawa.

"Don't worry, bro. Close na kami ng malditang 'to, 'di lang halata." Cleon and Thorn high fived each other and we proceeded eating with smiles on our lips. We couldn't stop eating! Ang sarap talaga! Sobrang panalo!

Pati nga si Rebel eh! Kain lang nang kain!

Nakakatuwa lang pagmasdan na ganito na kaming lahat matapos 'yung gabing 'yun. Sobrang nakakagaan sa pakiramdam na naging okay rin tapos mas naging close at matatag pa ang samahan namin.

We also fought one on one battles with everyone. We gave our best. I got bruises, scars, sore muscles, body aches, and tears because of that, but we learned how to fight each other. We also discovered techniques and other details that one of us can do and cannot do.

'Nung unang mga laban namin sa isa't isa sobrang umiiyak kaming lahat, tapos hindi namin magawa 'yung best namin, but as time goes by, we started to think of it as a fun challenge. In the end, we just overcame our fears of hurting each other.

We became more close. We became more united.

Alam namin weakness ng isa't isa sa labanan, pero alam din namin strengths. We also learned tricks and techniques from each other and we learned on how to control our emotions when it comes to fighting our loved ones.

Ang dami naming pinagdaanan.

Ang dami naming iniyak.

Ang dami naming beses naisip na isuko na lang lahat.

Pero sa huli?

We learned so many things. We became really really really strong, emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually. We became the best version of ourselves. And that's the greatest thing we achieved in the long months of being trained under Rebel.

'Yung iniiyakan namin 'nung unang mga linggo namin?

Tinatawanan na lang namin ngayon.

'Yung sakit ng katawan at hina ng loob?

I'm pretty sure, we improved a lot. Because the last few weeks, I did not even feel or complain about any aches, and sores. And I'm always up to whatever challenges Rebel gave us.

We reached a level wherein we are not afraid anymore. Not impressed easily anymore. Because we knew we could do better.

And one of the greatest achievements we had? That I had?

I fought Sven in a gun battle. The result? I won. I won without seeing my nightmares. Without shaking in fear. Without being emotional.

Tapos 'yung tipong kahit sobrang dami naming ginawa at training sa buong araw? Nanalo pa rin kami kapag kinakalaban namin ang Elite group ni Sven.

We can compete with Luna and Sven evenly now! Kung dati hindi man lang kami makatira sa kanila, ngayon, nagagawa na namin silang matalo! Even Kalix! Although, yeah, we struggled so much clashing against him. But we managed to win! Kaso minsan lucky lang kami sa situation kaya kami nanalo, pero luck is also part of the game.

Tapos si Rebel din! We could combat against him! Kung dati hindi n'ya man lang nagagamit 'yung best n'ya para matalo kami, the last few weeks he started to struggle against us.

There are a lot more to improve, I'd confess that. But, we can now fight alongside with Rebel, Kalix, Luna and Sven. We are now almost at their levels. Kahit hirap kami sa pakikipaglaban sa kanila, nagagawa pa rin naming makatapat sila.

I don't even know how we advanced to this kind of skill and power. But everything was all worth it!

We also earned tons of aurous outside the school. We also experienced dangerous situations in the illegal and underground cities, if we were still the old and naïve gang, we would run out of that place! However, now we can deal with the situations better and combat without fear for our lives.

I never thought I had it in me. The excitement, the rush, the fun when facing danger, and doing thrilling things. Hindi ko akalain na magiging gano'n ako kasaya na halos manginig na 'yung kalamnan ko, kapag nakakaencounter ako no'n.

Sobrang saya lang ng ang dami naming napagdaanan pero ang dami rin naming natutunan.

Indeed, this training was heartless, but it was worth it!

Thank you, Rebel...

"Anong gagawin natin pagkatapos kumain?" Biglang tanong ni Theon, kaya naman napabalik ako sa realidad.

"You just need to take some exams and discussions." Luna answered while smiling.

"Okay!" We chorused happily.

Hindi kami late sa mga klase. Kasi tinuruan din kami ng mga itinuturo sa room. We also had quizzes submitted officially to all our teachers. Pati na rin requirements at iba pa, nagagawa namin at part ng naging schedule namin.

It's like we had our own little Empire school here in Salvos Castra.

Katulad ng sinabi ni Luna nang matapos kami nagturo lang silang dalawa ni Sven tapos nag-exam kami ng napakadaming subjects. Hapon na rin nang matapos kaming lahat. Kaya naman nagwawarm up kami ngayon.

Wala naman sinabi si Rebel or si Luna tungkol sa kasunod na training na mangyayari pero nagkusa na rin kami magexercise. Parte na rin yata ng routine namin sa araw araw. Grabe, nasanay pala talaga kami sa mga ganitong bagay.

"Pasaways! Situational crisis and stimulations tayo ngayon!" She screamed, and we all went on formation.

We had a hard time doing the practice because it is too realistic, however with our teamwork, we never backed down so, in the end, it was a successful operation. Marami pa kaming ginawa na iba-iba ang circumastance, pero lahat nang 'yon maayos naming natapos.

When we were done, it was already time for our dinner.

We fixed ourselves first and continued to where we eat. And woah! We are having a barbeque party!

"Wow!"

"Woah!"

"Oh my gosh!"

"Ano pang hinihintay n'yo? Simulan na!" Masayang sabi ni Luna kaya naman halos magtatakbo kami do'n para magsimulang mag-ihaw.

Sobrang saya lang! Ano bang meron sa araw na 'to?

Hindi ko na lang inisip at nang makapag-ihaw ay nagsimula na rin kaming kumain hanggang sa mabusog kaming lahat at matapos ang kasiyahan.

Rebel wanted us to gather in circle with a bonfire, kaya naman lahat kami ay sumang-ayon. We are now sitting while grilling some marshmallows.

We quietly looked at each other and smiled from time to time.

"Aren't we gonna go for a one on one battle?" Theon asked carefully.

"Yeah, I thought we will do that after dinner." Thorn seconded, then took a bite of his well grilled marshmallow.

Rebel smiled at us.

"Your training's finally over."

"WEEHH?!"

"Hindi nga?!"

"Are you serious?!"

Napatitig kaming lahat kay Rebel, Luna at Sven! Natawa silang tatlo sa reaksyon namin. Oh my gosh! OH. MY. GOSH!

Ahhh! We are done! We are done! We are done!

"Guys! Oh, my gosh!" I screamed merrily. "We are doneeee!" I even stood up and clapped because of joy!

Biblee jumped from her seat to celebrate and even did a cute whatever dance. We laughed and had the time of our lives because of Rebel's words! This is why since the moment we woke up we did not have any intense training; it was just a light day!

Nagkasiyahan kami hanggang sa nakaramdam ng pagod dahil sa pagsasaya at umupo ng muli at kumuha pa ng mga marshmallows.

"Babalik na kami bukas sa bahay?" Pierce asked while grinning.

"Yeah." Luna answered with thumbs up.

"And our classes too?" Biblee queried with a high-pitched voice.

Sven nodded at her and my sister punched in the air because of the thrill she's feeling.

"Balik na kami sa dati?" Thorn questioned softly.

"Oo." Rebel replied with a deep voice.

"Hindi ka na ulit magpapakita sa 'min?" I stiffened when I heard Honoka's question. My shoulder dropped and slowly looked at Rebel's direction. I held my breath as I wait for his response.

"You'll still see me." Rebel said with a beam that made us all relieved.

"But," I froze again! Agh! This is driving me crazy and sad at the same time!

"But?" Honoka's mellow tone inquired.

"Not every day. Don't worry I won't hide from you anymore, but I'll be cautious approaching all of you." He explained delicately.

We all smiled satisfied with his answer. At least. We are all good with it. We also understand his situation, even though we are not aware of the reasons.

"Can I ask a question?" Art popped in. Rebel nodded his head.

"Why did you make us do some command thing with our partners?"

Natawa si Rebel nang kaunti bago sumagot. "Sometimes you walk in to battles blindly. You don't know what to expect. Don't know what to do. Clueless. Kaya 'yung intel n'yo or kahit sinong may grasp sa nangyayari kailangan n'yong sundin kahit pa minsan parang ipapahamak n'ya kayo."

"You need to follow every word, and every detail accurately because they hold your lives. You need to trust them fully, and you need to obey them without any second thoughts because they will save you in any way they can."

"Waaah." Halos lahat kaming mga babae 'yun ang reaksyon.

Woah, like we never expected it to be that deep. I mean, for me, it could just be because he wanted us to get to use with our partners and build teamwork.

"How about the ranger exercise and the log carrying exercise?" Tanong naman ni Cleon. Natawa ako at si Biblee ro'n. Obviously...

Rebel chuckled. "Simply for your strength, power, timing and ability. It enhanced your movements and built power for you. Also, for the log, it's for teamwork. You need to see where you stand in the team, if you are lacking you need to step up. If you are too strong, you need to tone down. You need to be in synch, you need to be united. In that way, no casualty, and every one will have their own part in victory."

Napangiti na lang ako habang nag-eexplain si Rebel.

We all followed this brutal, hell and devious training wanting to give up, but learning the reasons behind it? It's just... heartwarming... it's for us.

"Other trainings you had were obvious. Guns. Swords. Knives. Situational. Intel. Mind games. And all those, it will help you in wars, battles, and of course, climbing your way up to the top."

"But the training that we need to fight each other, why did you make us do it?" Tanong naman ni Theon.

"Heartless it may seem," Rebel started while looking at the bon fire. Luna and Sven are just watching him.

"But in the real world, you'll experience it. Amythee is the living example of it..." He stated attentively.

"She and my Ate were tortured to kill each other." His words were straightforward but his tone was very light and conscious. Sobrang iniiwasan n'ya na masaktan ako o makaapekto sa 'kin 'yon kaya naman nginitian ko s'ya at saka ako tumango.

"You might face it too, in worst case scenario. And I need you to think and outwit the enemy instead of breaking down because of it."

"Fight but manipulate the game."

"Hurt each other but think of a way out."

"Do it but once safety is guaranteed, stop and attack the enemy."

"Sa mundong pinasukan at haharapin n'yo, marami pang mas malalang pwedeng mangyari, at hindi sa lahat ng oras aayon sa plano n'yo at kagustuhan n'yo ang lahat. May pagkakataon din na kakalabanin n'yo ang isa't isa at sa puntong 'yun, mas gusto ko na handa kayo."

"Because your friends can be your enemies, and your enemies can be your allies..."

"Be careful of this world where you now belong, but never lose your trust for each other, okay?"

Napatitig kaming lahat kay Rebel at marahang napatango. Nanubig tuloy 'yung mata ko kasi damang dama ko talaga lahat ng binitiwan n'yang kataga.

Hindi ko na rin napigilan ang sarili ko at tumayo ako para yakapin s'ya at dahil sa ginawa ko nagkaro'n tuloy kami ng group hug.

"Awww, ang sweet mo Rebel!" Cleon's voice shrieked.

"Hindi ako makahinga!" Rebel protested while chuckling.

"Okay lang 'yan Rebel, feel our love!" Biblee joked lively.

"We love you!" Masayang sabi naming lahat.

"Eon sagot naman d'yan ng I love you too!" Luna teased laughingly.

"Ewan ko sa inyo!" Asar na sagot ni Rebel.

"Hindi ka namin papakawalan sige!" Banta ko naman.

"Just go with the flow, Rebel!" Akira told him jokingly.

"Kaya nga!" Pierce agreed.

"Hindi na rin ako makahinga." Thorn informed us.

"Rebel, geez, do it!" Pati si Sven nagrereklamo na, kasi nadadaganan din 'yung isang 'yon sa group hug.

"Psh!" Rebel grunted.

"Please, Rebel? We won't really let go!" Art declared with bliss.

"Aww, you are mas maarte pa pala sa 'kin, Rebel!" Harper said teasing Rebel. Natawa kami sa kakulitan ni Harper.

"We love you, Rebel!" Honoka yelled sincerely.

"Okay, okay! I love you too!" Sukong sambit ni Rebel kaya naman nagkatawanan kami 'nung pakawalan namin s'ya. Although Rebel looked shy I could see in his eyes that he was contented and happy.

And that night was one of the happiest night of our lives!

***

The next day...

Nakabalik na kami ngayon sa bahay ni Luna.

Wala 'yung mga kapatid namin kasi may pasok pa sila. Nagpapahinga kami ngayon. It really feels good wearing normal clothes. Ang gaan sa pakiramdam, minsan nga lang parang wala akong damit kasi sobrang sanay na ako sa mabigat na uniform namin.

"Luna! Sa'n ka pupunta?" I asked when I saw her ready to go.

"She have a date!" Harper suddenly appeared from the kitchen.

"Huh?" Takhang banggit ko.

"Shh! 'Wag ka ngang magulo Harper, palibhasa out of reach 'yung ka-text mo!" Sabi naman ni Luna kay Harper.

"Hmp!"

"Hahaha! Bentahan kita, you want?"

"I'll think about it!" Harper answered and went back to the kitchen, Luna laughed like a maniac.

"Think about it pa, pero may napasang aurous na. Hahaha!" Iiling-iling na sabi nito.

"What were you talkin' about?" I queried curiously.

"Hehe, wala 'yon." Luna replied with a huge awkward smile. Natawa na lang ako sa kan'ya.

"Sa'n ka?" I asked going back to the topic.

"Sa Hierarchy Tower."

"Bakit ka pupunta do'n?"

"I have a match today."

"Sa'n ka Luna?" Biglang sumulpot si Thorn at Pierce. Ano ba 'yan! Kailan ko ba masosolong kausapin 'to si Luna, parang mga kabute mga tao rito eh!

"Sa Tower."

"Can we go with you? I wanted to try and level up in the tower." Thorn said.

"Huh? Level up?" I interrupted. Hindi ko pa kasi talaga na-try 'yang Tower na 'yan. Bakit ba sobrang gustong gusto nila ro'n? Pati 'yung trio trip na trip pumunta ro'n. Is that place addicting or what?

"Sa Tower may Level up to 100. Official match, battles or fights can be done and you can reach different levels. Prizes, aurous, and such can be granted."

"Ahh."

"Kaya kung ako sa inyo, pumunta kayo ro'n ngayon, habang wala pang klase at magpalevel up."

"Parang dati ayaw mo kaming papuntahin do'n ah." I teased.

Tumawa si Luna. "Ibang usapan 'yung dati sa ngayon 'no."

"May tip lang ako sa inyo..." She told us in almost a whisper. "'Wag kayong sabay sabay magpa-official match do'n, isa isa lang sa inyo dapat, tapos magtago rin kayo ng identity."

"Why?" Pierce inquired with his forehead creased.

"Basta, para secretly rin kayo tataas sa ranking." Maikling sagot n'ya.

"Hindi pwedeng magshow off kami ng lakas namin?" Tanong ko naman.

"Yeah, we surely would like to show our new abilities so we won't be labelled as newbies, bagong salta, commoners and such." Thorn added seriously.

"No!" We were shocked when Luna exclaimed.

"Eh?" My initial reaction.

"I mean, no. Gusto n'yo bang maging usap usapan sa buong school? E 'di natunton kayo 'nung mga fakers? Jusko po naman!" Luna exaggeratedly told us, wiping her invisible sweats on the forehead.

The three of us chuckled. "Point taken." Pierce declared.

"So, wala na kayong itatanong?" Bulong ni Luna. We all shook our heads.

"Finally!" She screeched and put her hands up in the air. "Late na ako eh, byebye!" Masayang sabi n'ya at saka pumunta sa pinto para makaalis na. Pinanuod lang namin s'ya hanggang makalabas. Kaloka si Luna!

After she went out, the three of us discussed about it with the whole gang and we all agreed in being silent in the Tower while doing matches and games. We planned na kapag may isa sa 'min ang may official match, 'yung other nine ay maglalaro sa iba't ibang part ng Tower para makakuha kami ng aurous at kung ano mang benefit. Tapos isa lang magtatago ng identity sa 'min which is 'yung nasa official match lang.

Baka kasi masyadong maging obvious na kasamahan namin 'yung may official match kapag kami rin may mask. Better safe than sorry.

After our discussion. Si Theon ang unang lalaban sa Tower. Tapos kami naman pupunta ro'n. Pero syempre hindi namin kasabay si Theon. Magpapahuli s'yang pumunta ro'n. Kaya naman lumabas na kaming siyam para magtungo sa Tower.

'Nung nasa mataong lugar na kami ng school. 'Yung field na dadanan mo para makapunta sa Tower, naging hot issue na naman kami. Lagi na lang. But it's always about bad things. I thought it'll change since we've been away for like how many months, but it never changed.

"Akala ko ba kicked out na 'yan?"

"They are still here? They don't even attend classes anymore! This is so bullshit!"

"These commoners are back?"

"Fuck, andito na naman 'yang mga bulok na 'yan?"

"Good for nothing bunch of losers!"

"Welcome back commoners!" Someone yelled so loud and suddenly threw a knife at our direction.

I smirked when Akira raised his one hand nonchalantly, and secretly pressed his two fingers lightly to catch the blade of the knife to protect us from it. Not even one person from us flinched. We just continued walking when Akira hid the knife in his pocket clandestinely.

Nang medyo makalayo kami ro'n we heard a guy screamed.

"Fuckers, where's my knife! I directly aimed it at your positions!"

Hindi na lang namin pinansin. Kung 'di n'ya nakita ang pagsalo ni Akira, s'ya ang kawawa. Akala ko ba magaling sila? Asan na 'yung galing nila?

Marami pa kaming dinaanan na mga pinag-uusapan kami. Na salot kami rito, na commoners lang kami at utusan. Hindi na lang namin pinansin, ano kasing mapapala namin?

Mabuti na lang nakarating na kami sa loob ng Tower.

At nakita namin si Luna sa isang malaking screen na malaki ang ngiti sa labi na pababa ng isang ring.

"Isn't that Luna?" Thorn said while pointing out the screen.

"Looks like she won a match." Akira stated.

"Gusto kong puntahan si Luna!" Masayang sabi ni Biblee, kaya naman bago kami pumunta sa mga game room dito, nag-elevator muna kami para puntahan si Luna.

When we arrived at the place, it was massive and it was loud. Ang daming cheers at kung ano ano pa! Kahit tapos ang laban ang ingay pa rin.

My eyes automatically searched for Luna.

If I didn't know Luna enough, siguro nagkamali na ako sa taong nakita ko sa isang tagong tabi na medyo may kadiliman.

"There's Luna." Mahinang sabi ko sa kanila.

"Where?" Art asked.

"There." I pointed out.

"Tara!" Cleon lead us to where Luna is, when we suddenly saw a figure who suddenly hugged her from the back.

"OH."

"MY."

"GOSH!"

It was Biblee's slow and loud OH, MY GOSH that made us stop in our track.

"Who's that guy?" Tanong ni Pierce habang titig na titig kay Luna at do'n sa lalaki.

"Our mission." Napatingin kaming lahat sa sabay sabay na sinabi ng trio.

"Huh?"

"That guy?" Honoka's small smirk. Goosebumps!

"That guy is someone so sweet and kind." Art added while looking at them.

"That guy is someone we are looking for." Harper informed us with a playful smile plastered on her face.

"Don't tell me..." Nabitin sa ere 'yung sasabihin ko 'nung naglakad ang Trio papunta sa kanila.

"Yep!" They said in chorus.

"That's our mission's target." They confirmed which made us jaw dropped.

"Ano pang ginagawa natin? Let's go!" Cleon told us in a hurry.

Woah, never thought our mission will start immediately! We just got out of our training!

But, it's here. We have nothing to complain about.

Mission...

START!

Bago kami umalis sa bonfire, bigla na lang nagsalita si Rebel. Kaya naman natigil kami sa pag-iingay at napatitig sa kan'ya. The playful atmosphere became a little heavy because of the seriousness in his eyes and aura.

"Why?" I asked him directly.

"I have a something for all of you." He stated warily.

"Ano 'yun?" Tanong ni Biblee.

"Is this serious and dangerous?" Cleon chimed in.

"Beyond that." Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ko sa narinig. Woah there.

"What is it? The suspense is killing me!" Hindi mapakaling sabi ni Biblee. Natawa lang si Luna tapos napa-smirk si Sven.

"I'll give you a mission." I gulped because of the statement, yet it also made me feel excited.

"Ano?" We all questioned in unison.

"Defeat and find him." I feel like sobrang daming question mark 'yung lumitaw sa ibabaw ng ulo ko.

"Who?" Mahinang tanong ko naman kasi hindi na nakapagsalita 'yung iba dahil sa suspense. Kumakabog talaga 'yung puso ko nang sobra! Lalabas na naman yata!

Tapos 'yung kakaibang ngiti pa ni Luna at 'yung parang mahinang pag-iling ni Sven at halos parang nagdarken 'yung gray eyes ni Rebel! My gosh! I felt myself shaking because of it!

"The kindest and the sweetest guardian of the Evans."

Napatulala kami 'nung malaman namin 'yun misyon namin. Namroblema rin kasi pa'no namin matatalo kung hindi namin mahahanap? Eh may sa palos kaya lahat ng mga Evans! Pero tingnan mo nga naman! There he is!

The guardian of the Evans!

Hugging Luna with the sweetest smile on his face!

We found you!

We found you, Mikhael Justice Smith Evans.

***