Sorry for all the errors!

Enjoy reading! ✨ Hope you comment your thoughts about the chapter. ♥️ Thank you so much, and have a great day!

* * *

#TCS38: Burning Cold

Amythee Hope's POV

Tuwang-tuwa kaming lahat 'nung malaman na pupuntahan namin si Justice ngayon. I felt so ecstatic that I was in dazed for few minutes. Is this serious? Is Luna not kidding? What if this is another prank? Gosh, I wouldn't survive another heart ache.

"Seryoso ka talaga? Kay Justice tayo ngayon?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko ulit. Wala naman sigurong masama na manigurado 'di ba?

Luna turned her head at me and she nodded. My forehead automatically knotted because of her reaction. I mean... That's it? Luna... Luna's kind of odd today. She's mostly always hyper and excited about this, but why? Something's wrong.

Napatingin ako kay Biblee, nakatingin din ito kay Luna na para bang ang dami daming gumugulo sa isip nito. I pursed my lips together. Even though, I'm hearing everyone's jolly and excited remarks, I can't seem to be relaxed about it.

Luna and Biblee's air... it's telling me that something is definitely happening, and it is not good. I need to know why...

The game. Was it about the game?

"Did you also play the Witch's Hunt?" They all payed attention to me when I diverted the topic. I know. Ang KJ ng dating ko dahil sobrang tuwang tuwa ang lahat na magpapakita si Justice sa 'min ng walang ibang challenge.

And that is what's making me uneasy!

Evans's don't show themselves that way. They are cunning and manipulative. They don't invite us like: Hi, guys! It's me, and I'm showing myself to you, just because! Welcome! They wouldn't! Never in a thousand years!

They are all hesitant to answer. I looked at Biblee seriously. She noticed that I am already starting to doubt things. She faked a cough and laughed enthusiastically. Nice try, Biblee. Nice try. I wouldn't get fooled by that.

"Oo naman! Ang exciting nga 'nung laro eh, kayo ba?" It was weird that she didn't start telling us her game first. She's talkative, she'd exaggerate things and the likes, but she's taking initiative for the conversation yet not answering the question.

Something's really off.

"Yeah, it was Witch's Hunt too, didn't know we played the same game, but different locations, right?" Natatawang sabi naman ni Pierce. I was lucky that the topic is now going. Might as well listen to their games.

"How was it?" Tanong ko.

"I'm with Pierce." Harper chuckled and they both fist bumped.

"We won." Pierce stated and we cheered for them.

"Of course, we'd win. Who do you think, I am?" Harper told us confidently with her brows shot up, and she crossed her legs.

"Sige nga, pa'no kayo nanalo?" Cleon teased, sinapok naman kaagad siya ni Harper kaya naman nagkasamaan titig 'yung dalawa, pero nagmake face lang si Cleon at saka s'ya inirapan ni Harper.

"We kind of investigated first and they are too noisy." He chuckled while recalling what happened in the game. "To make the long story short, we heard them talking that they are witches, in the end we discovered that all of them are witches, by chance."

Woah! That was easy. I saw how Akira's forehead knotted.

"For short, it was boring because of their mouths!" Pag-aalma naman ni Harper. "Couldn't even get a good fight. We just announced in the end about their identities, and they didn't really fight, they were mostly afraid but not violent." Dagdag pa nito na halata mong frustrated kasi walang labanan na naganap.

"It was an easy win, but yeah, it was more on the thinking game side than action." Pierce added with that manly smirk.

I looked at Luna. I thought she'd interrupt conversations like she always does, however, she's just quietly listening to us. She looks so nervous for some reason. And it's making my heart beat race and my mind tangled.

"That's the exact opposite of ours." Theon commented then suddenly threw a glance at me.

I smiled mutely. "Yeah, it was Theon's idea mostly."

"Anong nangyari?" Tanong naman ni Honoka sa 'min.

"Theon asked them on one on one. Or partners versus partners. In the end, we all defeated them. We only discovered that we are the only citizens when the game buzzer echoed throughout the whole area, because we defeated them all." Pagkwekwento ko sa kanila.

It was tough. The continuous battle we had. The people we fought are not fluke. They are all skilled and they gave their best. Pero sa huli, kagaya ng sabi ni Rebel, isang panig lang ang magwawagi. At nagawa naman namin ni Theon manalo.

"That's so nice. We could have done that Pierce!" Harper exclaimed.

"We'd have more chance to battle others." Maikling sagot naman ni Pierce. "And besides, it's wrong just to act violent on innocent people—" Hindi na natapos ni Pierce sasabihin n'ya 'nung nagkatawanan kami.

Oh, well, what do you expect a good boy to retort?

"Wala pala kayo mga dude, eh." Halakhak naman ni Cleon.

"Bakit? Ano bang nangyari sa laro n'yo?" Akira questioned firmly.

"Ganito kasi 'yan mga dude, may radar kasi talaga ako ng mga treasure hunt." Nagpapahangang sabi nito, kaya naman halos pagbabatuhin namin s'ya ng mga kung ano anong nakita namin. I threw a towel at him.

"Grabe, sila!" Alma n'ya kaagad, nagkatawanan kami.

"Ano nga?" Naasar na tanong ni Biblee bahagyang natatawa. At least, kahit papano, hindi na s'ya sobrang mukhang pagod na pagod at parang may dinaramdam.

"'Yon nga, tanong n'yo pa kay Bebe Art namin. Dahil sa sobrang talino ko, natuklasan namin na may hidden room at do'n namin nabasa 'yung libro." Taas noong sabi ni Cleon. "Oh, 'di ba? Ang talino ko?"

Minsan ang sarap pakainin ng papel ni Cleon.

"Sus baka naman kung ano ano pinaggagawa mong kalokohan tapos naitulak ka ni Art, kaya n'yo natuklasan 'yun." Biblee teased while laughing at Cleon.

"Hala s'ya! Nanuod ka ba 'nung laro namin at nalaman mo 'yun?" Napatayo pa si Cleon para akusahan si Biblee, kaya naman hindi n'ya napansin na nabuking s'ya at lahat kami nagkatawanan.

Si Luna na parang wala sa sarili ay muntik na mabilaukan dahil sa bigang sinabi ni Cleon. Loko loko kasi talaga 'tong lalaking 'to. Hindi na ako magtatakha na ang nangyari talaga ay natuklasan nila 'yun dahil sa kalokohan n'ya.

"How about you Thorn and Honoka?" Tanong namin kasi hindi nagsasalita 'yung dalawa.

"Ah, mind games." Honoka retorted shortly.

"Details naman." Reklamo ni Cleon.

Thorn chuckled. "We locked them up in the room, and played with their minds. We kind of manipulated their thoughts and messed up their minds to confess their identities. And it worked." He explained plainly like he didn't do something evil.

Napaayos ako nang pagkaka-upo. Para kasing may masamang hanging umihip.

Mental note: H'wag kakalabanin si Thorn, nakakatakot.

"Typical Thorn." Luna finally voiced out. Yeah, that's Thorn. And Honoka. Parehas mabait at elegante. Pero may nakakatakot na side na itinatago.

"Kayo Akira?" Biglang baling ni Theon kayna Akira.

"We won. Obviously." Kibit balikat na sabi nito.

"Why is that your clothes were like that? And you were late." Harper asked curiously. Her hooded eyes gazed at them carefully. Especially at the rarely silent Biblee.

"A-Ah." She stammered which made me more focused on her mannerisms. Napakamot s'ya sa ulo. She's conflicted. Hindi n'ya alam kung sasabihin n'ya ba o hindi pero biglang nagsalita si Akira.

"Something out of the game happened. Two outsiders infiltrated the game. Causing tons of casualties and madness." Napanganga kaming lahat sa sinabi ni Akira. Napatayo ako kahit umaandar ang bus. Muntik na akong matumba dahil biglang pagliko ng bus.

Hinigit  ako ni Theon para maka-upo muli.

"Calm down." Theon added with sharp eyes. Hindi ko s'ya pinansin pero umupo ulit ako sa tabi n'ya.

"Biblee, are you...?" Hindi ko maituloy sinasabi ko. I know she wasn't okay. After what happened... Did they kill someone? Did they witness the killings?

"Don't worry, Ate. I'm fine, just a little tired." She... she was somehow stating the truth.

"D-Did you kill?" Marahas akong napatingin kay Theon dahil sa sinabi n'ya. My sister won't do that! She's not a monster!

Napatungo si Biblee. My hands started shaking. Blood. I saw blood on my bare hands. It shook badly. Pakiramdam ko nagkukulay pula ang paligid ko. Pakiramdam ko naririnig ko si Silhoue... Ang sikip. Ang sikip sa dibdib. Hindi ako makahinga.

"Biblee won't do that..." I almost whispered.

"You don't know me, Ate... I'd do that." Napasinghap ako at kaagad hinawakan ni Theon ang kamay kong walang tigil sa panginginig.

"No!" Sigaw ko, hindi ko alam kung bakit gano'n na lang 'yung biglang pagkawala ng emosyon sa akin. This is not... me. This is not something I'd get angry about. I'd talk it out calmly first... but why am I so heated about this?

"Hindi mo kailangang pumatay!" May galit at diing sambit ko. Halos yakapin na ako ni Theon dahil sa pagpupumiglas ko dahil gustong gusto kong harapin si Biblee.

Ayos lang... ayos lang na ako 'yung mabahiran ng dugo. Ayos lang na sa 'kin 'yung sakit, 'yung hirap, 'yung bangungot! Kaso... 'wag naman si Biblee, 'wag naman si Liam...

"Ate!" Sigaw ni Biblee sa akin.

"Huwag kang magsalita Biblee! Makinig ka sa akin! Huwag kang papatay! Dahil kapag pumatay ka wala ka nang pinagkaiba sa mga... sa mga... halimaw! Sa mga taong..." Hindi ko namaituloy ang sinasabi ko kasi pakiramdam ko babalik na naman 'yung utak sa gabing 'yun...

"Hindi, Ate! Ikaw ang makinig. Hindi na ako bata. Makakapatay at makakapatay ako kahit ayaw mo. Mababahiran ng dugo ang mga kamay na 'to, at hindi na maiiwasan 'yun!"

"Kaya nga iwasan mo hindi ba?!" Halos manginig ang buong katawan ko dahil sa pagsigaw ko. I saw how Pierce defended Biblee from me. Pero sobrang nasa tuktok na yata ng utak ko 'yung emosyon ko. Hindi ko kaya pigilan ang galit ko.

"Pigilan ko?! Pigilan ko hanggang sa may mamatay dahil sa 'kin?!" Galit at naiinis na sigaw ni Biblee.

I used my full force to remove Theon's arms over me. I stepped few steps up until I pushed Pierce out of my way and stood infront of my sister.

I slapped her, hard.

I was shaking and my body gave in. Pierce caught me and Theon carried me away from Biblee. Everyone became quiet as hot tears flowed from my eyes. And on how Biblee's stone hard expression turned away from me.

"Don't you dare say that, Solstice Snow!" My voice thundered in the bus.

Theon placed me at the back, just beside Harper.

"Hindi ako kasing hina mo Ate!" Biblee answered frustratedly. "Kaya ko sarili ko. Kaya ko konsensya ko. Kaya kong pumatay para protektahan kayo! Kaya h'wag mo akong sabihan na hindi ko dapat gawin 'yun para sa kapakanan ko..."

I pressed my lips together as whimpers escaped. "I know... Alam kong malakas ka. Alam kong kaya mo. Kaso... hayaan mo na akong gumawa no'n..."

"Ikaw pa?! Ikaw pa Ate? Naririnig mo ba sarili mo? Ni hindi mo nga kayang humawak ng baril noon, hindi ba?" I could hear the pain and exasperation in her voice. "Kaya bakit hahayaan kita?!" I saw how red her face was.

"Bakit?" Seryosong tanong ko habang nakatingin sa mga mata n'ya habang lumuluha.

"Kasi... itong mga kamay na 'to?" I showed her my hands and I saw that it was full of blood. Blood of the past that I couldn't remove.

"Matagal nang may bahid ng dugo... at alam mo hindi lang dugo ni Silhoue 'to..." Nanginginig  na paliwanag ko.

"Dugo rin ito ng iba pang mga tao... na nawalan ng buhay dahil mga kamay ko... at hanggang ngayon, nakikita ko pa rin ang mga dugo nila kapag naalala ko ang nangyari nang gabing 'yun..."

And with those words, the whole gang went quiet. No one dared to speak. No one dared to look at me. Everyone was speechless. They were all jaw dropped but they didn't question anything.

They didn't know this... wala ni isa sa kanila ang may alam.

Tanging si Nanay, si Silhoue, si Tita Incess at Tito Nate lang ang may alam nang nagawa ko. The sin I've committed... at my young age still haunts me up to this very day.

"Kaya hayaan mong ako ang gumawa no'n... kasi matagal nang madumi ang mga kamay na 'to..."

I denied my sin for a long time. Laging iniisip na wala pang napapatay. Na wala pang nagagawang masama sa ibang tao. I believed that lie for a long time that sometimes, I'd really forget how dirty and gruesome my hands are...

Nakakatawag isipin na ako na laging kabutihan ng iba ang iniisip, na takot na takot sa karahasan ay s'ya pa lang matagal ng nagkasala.

"Don't be a monster like me... Biblee." Nagmamakaawang sambit ko sa kan'ya.

But Biblee shook her head. "I'd rather be a sinner with all those dirty bloods on me, than a clean person losing my people."

"Amythee..." Lumuhod si Theon sa harap ko. Dahil sa matinding pag-iyak ko sa dahilan ng kapatid ko.

"It's my choice, Ate. And I choose to fight. I choose to protect. And I choose to kill those who dared to harm us. I'm well aware of its consequences. I might never sleep peacefully again. And I might hurt 'til the day I leave this world, but I'd be in peace knowing that I did it because I want it..."

Hindi na ako nakasagot. Unti unti nawala lahat ng dugo sa kamay ko, nawala 'yung iyak ni Silhoue sa tainga ko. Nawala 'yung buwan na nagpapaalala sa akin kung gaano kalaki ang kasalanan ko.

"And I'm sorry if you don't want my choice... but I'd still do it, especially know that the Morbelques are not safe anymore..." Marahan kong inangat ang mukha ko na hinaplos ni Theon.

"A-Anong ibig mong sabihin, Biblee?" Cleon asked with attentiveness.

"Akira and I fought one of the Fakers, or should I call the Senses?" Napalunok ako dahil do'n at saka tiningnan ang mga mata ni Theon na puno ng pag-aalala para sa 'kin.

"They are not your ordinary enemy." Akira stated carefully. "They are starting to attack and by now, I think... the Morbelque's identity will be revealed anytime soon."

I froze the moment I heard his words.

"Hindi pa ako nakakapatay, Ate. Pero handa kong gawin 'yun para sa pamilya natin... sa buong pamilya natin..." Marahang sambit ni Biblee habang tinitingnan ang buong barkada.

"Alam kong hindi basta bastang usapan 'to kasi buhay ang nakataya, at buhay rin ang maaring mawala, pero handa ako... handa akong pumatay." She smiled as her determination reached them.

Marahan kong napa-iling iling. Hindi ko pa rin gusto ang sinasabi ni Biblee. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganito na lang katigas ang damdamin at puso ko sa usapang ganito, pero hindi ko pa rin hahayaan.

Ayoko...

Hindi ko na lang sinagot si Biblee kasi alam kong mag-aaway at mag-aaway lang kami. Napabuntong hininga na lang kami at pinakalma ang sarili. Nanatili akong nasa likudan, at hindi na muling bumalik pa sa unahan.

MATAPOS ANG ilan pang minuto ay tumigil ang bus na sinasakyan namin kaya naman naunang bumababa si Luna. Sumunod kaming lahat na tahimik pa rin at halos walang kibuan. Hindi ko pa rin pinapansin si Biblee.

Ngayon pa nagkaganito... ngayon pa nangyari 'to...

Napakunot noo ako 'nung makita ko ang lugar... Wait, why are we here? Isn't this place... forbidden for those who are... not...

"Luna, why are we here?" Harper asked as she looked at the high towers and the high trees surrounding the whole place. Everything in here screams extravagance, elegance, and history.

Ngumiti lang ng misteryoso si Luna pagkatapos ay naglakad. We entered the building and somehow, I felt the pressure. Parang hindi ka kabilang sa lugar na 'to... 'yung parang makwekwestyon ka kung bakit ka aapak sa lugar na 'to.

Sobrang ganda sa loob pero sobrang nakakatakot din.

Walang pakalat kalat na tao, pero mga unipormadong mga tao lang nakatayo sa kaniya kaniyang pusisyon ang nandoon. Akala ko nga 'nung una mga estatwa. Mga parang body guards pala na nagkalat.

We entered an elevator and each one of us were tensed. Hindi namin alam ang gagawin at pakiramdam namin sorbang bigat. Nawala lahat sa isip ko 'nung pagtatalo namin ni Biblee, sobrang kinakabahan na lang talaga ako ngayon.

Hindi namin ganoong naramdaman ang pagbaba o pagtaas ng elevator. At nanatili ring tahimik si Luna.

"Pa'no si Art?" Biglang tanong ni Honoka.

"Nandito tayo gawa ni Art." Luna retorted shortly. I was about to follow up on her statement when the elevator opened.

Nagulat kami 'nung makita ang paligid.

All silver ang kulay. Walls, floor, and ceiling. The lights were dark blue and it was super eerie. Nakakakibalot. Sobrang lamig pa. Pakiramdam ko hindi ako huminga ng ilang minuto dahil sa tindi ng nararamdaman.

Sinundan namin si Luna at nagpatuloy ito sa paglalakad. Hindi ko na nga mabilang kung ilang pinto ba pinasukan namin dahil sa sobrang kaba at kakaibang aura na nararamdaman sa lugar.

Hindi pa rin kasi ako makapaniwala na ang lugar kung nasaan kami ay ang Empire State Building! I mean hello, as far as I remember, ang nakakapunta lang dito ay 'yung mismong mga Crowns!

Crown talaga 'tong si Luna eh! 'Tsaka 'yung mga pinsan namin. Kaya hindi namin mahanap hanap eh! Bawal kaya kami sa lugar na 'to!

'Yun naman kasi 'yun 'di ba? Si Luna na rin may sabi no'n na Crowns lang naman nakakapasok at nakakalabas ng lugar na 'to. My gosh!

Naglakad pa kami sa parang maze na 'to dahil sa sobrang dami naming nilikuan at pinasukan. Hanggang sa natigil kami sa isang lugar.

May tila double door na parang pinto ng elevator.

"Isa-isa muna kayong tumayo sa harap n'yan." Tapos itinuro ni Luna 'yung parang isang sensor sa may pinto.

Nauna s'yang tumayo ro'n at halos mapaatras kaming lahat dahil bilang nakaroon ng ilaw na parang ini-is-scan ang buong katawan ni Luna. Pagkatapos no'n may isang hologram na life size ang lumabas.

Pagkatapos ay umilaw ng green 'yung ilaw ng parang scanner sa pinto.

"Luminous Erina Melendez. Identity confirmed. Permission to enter, granted." Bigla naming narinig 'yung announcement. Napanganga kaming lahat. Oh my gosh! Sobrang galing.

Tapos 'yung hologram biglang nagkashape ng parang body guard na lalaki. At halos malaglag ang mga panga namin sa sahig 'nung magsalita 'to. "Welcome back, Lady Erina. Your handsome and caring husband is waiting for you."

"HUSBAND!?" Halos sabay sabay na sigaw namin dahil do'n.

"Hindi! Oh my gosh! Trip lang talaga ni Kael 'yan!" Dali daling sabi ni Luna habang umiiling.

Para kaming nabunutan lahat ng tinik sa dibdib sa sinabi ni Luna. Talaga naman! My gad, hindi kami makakapayag na kasal na sila ng hindi kami invited ano! Hindi pwede! Dapat maid of honours kami ni Luna.

"Lady Erina, your Hubby—"

"Hay naku! Ipinapahamak mo ako. Sira ulo talaga 'yung boss mo. Hala sige, papasukin mo na ako." Kahit papano natawa kami dahil sa usapan ni Luna at saka 'nung hologram. Grabe! Pakiramdam ko namula ang mukha ko.

Lalo na si Luna, pati tainga namumula at hindi na makatingin nang maayos sa 'min dahil sa nangyari.

Walang pinagbago, gano'n na gano'n pa rin kasweet si Justice.

Pumasok na si Luna gusto ko sana sumilip kaso hinarangan kami 'nung hologram.

"You go first." Theon told me, and I obeyed. Tumayo ako sa tinayuan kanina ni Luna pagkatapos ay may nagscan sa buong katawan ko. Nagloading muna 'yun habang naghihintay 'yung hologram na body guard.

"Amythee Hope Evans-Yoon. Identity confirmed. Permission to enter, granted." The system announced.

"Welcome to the world of the greatest Justice Evans, Lady Amythee! Please wait a second before entering." Napakunot-noo ako 'nung pinaghintay ako 'nung hologram.

Grabe? May favoritism? Samantalang 'nung si Luna. Grabe, mahirap talaga kalaban ang inlove. Sige na, maghahanap na rin ako ng genius boyfriend para naman hindi na lonely ang life ko at nang hindi ko na inaaway 'yung kapatid ko.

Matapos ang ilang sandali biglang bumukas ang pinto at dali dali akong pumasok.

At kaya naman pala ako pinaghintay!

"Ang landi mo Justice!" I exclaimed when I saw him hugging Luna and kissing her face nonstop.

"Agh! Sabing 'wag munang papasukin, Avii!" Sigaw bigla ni Justice sa hologram. Kaagad s'yang tinulak ni Luna.

"You'll take too much time, Master." Woah! The hologram outside suddenly appeared near the two of them!

"Bumalik ka na do'n!" Utos ni Justice at saka natatawa tawang niyakap ang baiwang ni Luna at saka ako sinabihang, "Pikit ka muna ng isang segundo, Ams." Natatawang halakhak nito sa akin.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit sinunod ko at nagtakip ako ng kamay sa mukha, pero kita ko pa rin naman sa pag-itan ng daliri ko.

Pakiramdam ko pinamulahan ako ng mukha 'nung makita kong mabilis na halikan ni Justice si Luna. Damn! He kissed her lips quickly and Luna slightly hit her head against his.

Grabe! Nakakabitter ah!

Kahit ang ipinapakita ni Luna sa 'min no'n na wala s'yang alam kay Justice, halata mo naman ngayon na miss na miss na rin talaga nito 'yung isa.

"Okay na." Natatawang sabi ni Justice at lumapit silang dalawa sa akin.

Nang sabihin n'ya 'yun, saka ko lang napansin 'yung buong paligid. Sobrang lawak no'n at puro screen! Napakaraming screen na flat na halos paarko ang shape sa buong room. Lahat ng nasa monitor ay nagpapakita ng feed nang halos buong school.

The dark blue lighting made it more look cool and totally on another level. Napaatras ako sa kinatatayuan sa nakita.

Ni hindi ko napansin na nasa tabi ko na si Theon habang pinagmamasdan ang buong lugar. As in wow! This monitor room is so high leveled!

May pinindot na kung ano si Justice sa remote pagkatapos ay napaatras kami ni Theon kasi umilaw 'yung sahig at saka naglabasan do'n 'yung parang mga sofa at center table. Oh, wow! Grabe! Hindi ko mapigilang mamangha!

"Wow!" Pierce exclaimed when he entered the room.

Halos hindi na napansin ng mga kasunod na pumasok si Justice sa unahan namin dahil sa ganda at high tech ng buong lugar.

Nang makapasok ang lahat ay saka lang nila napansin si Justice lalo na ng magsalita ito.

"Welcome." He greeted with a sweet smile on his face, while his other hand kept its place to Luna's small back.

"Justice!" We all exclaimed and went to him.

Luna slowly moved to the side for us to hug Justice one by one. Justice was smiling the whole time. It felt really nice and comfortable around him. His light and kind aura is really showing. Hindi katulad 'nung sobrang kaba namin 'nung si Rebel ang makita.

"Namiss ko kayo!" Masayang anunsyo pa ni Justice kaya naman na-group hug na naman namin s'ya.

Natawa ito sa inasal namin pero niyakap din naman kami.

Grabe, hindi ko akalain na ganito namin makikita si Justice.

"You sneaky brat! You showed yourself again because of Luna? You miss her that bad?" Natatawang sabi ni Harper kaya napatingin kami sa kan'ya.

"Again? Nakita mo na dati pa?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Biblee.

"Yeah!" Naghair flip pa si Harper kaya nagkatawanan kami pati na rin si Justice. "This sugarboy, showed himself because it was Luna's day and he wanted to spend time with her. So freaking whipped!"

"Grabe kang manlaglag, Harper." Natatawang sabi ni Justice.

"I know right!" Tapos nag-apir silang dalawa.

"Eh, 'di ba, may isa pang—" Hindi na naituloy ni Luna ang sasabihin n'ya 'nung biglang tumakbo si Harper sa kan'ya para kurutin ang pisngi nito.

"Is Justice taking care of you, huuuuh?" Harper said in a fake tone. Luna laughed because of her and Justice suddenly gestured us to sit down. Napa-upo naman kami ro'n sa high tech n'yang living room essentials.

"What's up?" Bati ni Cleon.

"Doing good." Justice answered.

"You wouldn't really show yourself if there's nothing, right?" Thorn suddenly popped in.

"I agree. What's happening?" Pierce seconded.

Justice cleared his throat. "Thought we are gonna do some catching up, first." He chuckled as Luna who's beside him tapped him to get him serious.

Nagkatinginan 'yung dalawa. "Oh, yeah. This is Erina. She's mine, by the way." Kaagad nabatukan ni Luna si Justice dahil sa sinabi nito.

"Dude, we knew." Cleon replied laughingly.

"Sinabi mo?" Tinaas baba ni Justice 'yung kilay n'ya kay Luna.

"Ang landi mo ngayon ha. Iba pinunta namin dito, Justice." Nagulat ako 'nung nagsalita si Luna nang seryoso at mukhang naiinip na. Napatikhim si Justice at saka kami napaayos ng upo. Justice.

Looks like, it is getting serious. Kael ang tawag ni Luna kay Justice. And hearing her say his real name, made Justice focus.

Ilang saglit lang napansin naming lahat ang pagtaas ng gilid ng labi ni Justice. At dahil sa ginawa n'yang 'yun, nanlamig ako sa kinauupuan. Pakiramdam ko nagtaasan ang balahibo ko. It felt like the blue lightening in the whole place made Justice looked more intense and cold.

I could feel the hair in my arms slowly standing up because of how heavy the aura from Justice is. Hindi ko alam pero mukhang masamang balita na naman.

Bakit ba kapag nagpapakita sila, laging masamang balita? Sobrang nakakakaba lagi. O baka naman dahil lang talaga sa aura nila?

"Art." Parang may nagbara kaagad sa lalamunan ko dahil sa sinabi ni Justice.

"She went out. I texted her, she'll be here in a bit." Theon retorted with confusion.

Fucking shivers travelled down my spine when Justice smirked with a tss. Hindi ko alam pero kakaibang takot ang namuo sa dibdib ko dahil sa inasta n'yang 'yun.

"She won't come." Mahinang dagdag pa nito na lalong nagpalamig at nagpalala sa tensyon sa buong paligid. Parang may kung anong ibinagsak ang hangin. Parang umihip ito ng yelo. At ngayon umuulan na ng nyebe. Ang lamig, pero pakiramdam ko susunog ako. Gano'n katindi 'yung ipinaramdam ni Justice sa 'min.

If Rebel felt like a dangerous bomb that might explode in any minute. Justice felt like a snow storm. Cold and dangerous.

"What are you saying?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Cleon.

Justice snapped his fingers and in a snap, all the screens and monitors in the room showed a feed of Art.

"Fucking shit!" Mahinang mura ni Cleon at Theon na napatayo sa kinauupuan nilang dalawa. Natutop ko naman ang bibig ko nang makita si Art.

Naka-upo sa isang kwarto. Naka-blinfold. Naka-tape ang bibig. Naka-hand-cuff ang mga kamay sa likod ng upuan. At halos punit-punit na ang damit at may mga sugat sa braso at binti.

Napatingin ako kay Theon, ang mga ugat sa leeg ay halos umultaw na sa matinding galit. Nag-aapoy ang mga mata at handa nang labanan ang gumawa no'n sa kapatid. I could feel his rage. Galit na gustong pumatay. Galit na walang kapantay.

"Where is she?!" Tiim bangang na tanong nito.

"Kidnapped." Justice retorted.

Damn it! He'll make the twins explode!

"By whom!?" I freaking swear! Nanginginig akong napatingin kay Cleon! Cleon who have always been playful looked like a devil ready to devour monsters that dared to cross his path! Sobrang nakakatakot!

His aura felt black. Parang nagpro-produce s'ya ng itim na aura at nagtitimpi nang matinding galit. Parang bulkang sasabog!

"Nasaan sya?" Mahina pero sobrang diin ng pagkakabanggit ni Theon sa bawat salita.

"Art's identity of being a Morbelque... is revealed."

Parang tumigil ang oras at mundo ko 'nung marinig namin 'yun kay Justice. Natigil ako sa paghinga at nablanko ang utak. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin o ang iisipin. Napatulala ako.

"She's kidnapped by the Senses."

Dagdag pa nito na parang pumasok sa kabilang tainga ko at lumabas sa kabila. Rinig ko na rin ang kabog ng puso ko. Nanlalamig ang buong katawan ko.

No... no... no...

"We are gonna save her." Halos sabay na sabi ng kambal at saka nagmamadaling nagtungo sa pinto.

Hindi ko alam ang gagawin at napatitig lang sa likod ng dalawa. Kitang kita at ramdam na ramdam ko ang kakaibang aura sa kanila. Hindi tipikal na nakakatakot at maawtoridad. Kontrolado pero naguumapaw. Galit pero nag-iisip. Papatay pero magliligtas.

Hindi ko maipaliwanag pero their aura... it's screaming death but at the same time... it's screaming power.

While I was pre-occupied with the twins.

May kung anong kilabot at matinding pakiramdam ang gumapang sa buong katawan ko. Parang isang kamay ng demonyo. Matalas, magaspang, walang kinatatakutan. At hinawakan noon ang leeg ko. Napakalamig ng kamay na 'yon...

At naramdaman ko 'yun...

Dahil sa tawa mula kay Justice.

Fuck! His laugh made me feel so scared for my life! Even though it wasn't creepy, nor witch-like. It was a simple chuckle. It was almost a quiet laugh. But he made me feel that he contols everything.

And when I say everything, it includes the time of your life!

"Justice..." Namamaos kong sambit.

Luna's eyes were ice cold as she stared at us. Like an ice queen beside his king. Damn. They are giving us nonstop goosebumps! They are both beautifully and... burning cold.

"Where are you going?" Natatawang tanong nito. Tila nang-aasar.

"To fucking save our sister!" Galit na sigaw ni Theon.

"You will not save her." Madiing sagot ni Justice.

"Hindi namin—" Hindi na natapos ni Cleon ang sasabihin 'nung putulin 'yun ni Justice.

"Hindi na kayo aabot." Maikling paliwanag nito habang naka cross legs at prenteng naka-upo sa tabi ni Luna.

"Fuck you! Hindi namin pababayaan ang kapatid namin!" Sigaw ni Cleon.

"Sinong may sabing pababayaan namin si Art?" Biglag tanong ni Luna nang sobrang lamig na nakapagpatigil sa kambal. Napanganga ang dalawa dahil para silang nalamigan sa aura ni Luna. Grabe! Parang unti unti akong kinakain ng yelo!

"Someone's gonna save her but not you." Tumayo si Justice mula sa kinatatayuan habang nakaturo kay Cleon. "And obviously, not you, Theon." Kibit balikat na dagdag pa nito habang papalapit sa kambal.

"Watch." Luna commanded and we all turned our heads automatically on the screen to obey her ice-cold voice.

Nagzoom out ang kamera at nagpakita ng iba't ibang lugar ng gusali kung nasaan si Art sa building na 'yun. Luna slowly went to the high tech chair that's in-front of the huge main screen.

Umilaw ng pula 'yung upuan. Pagkatapos ay may kusa na lang nagkabit sa kan'ya ng headphones mula sa silya at saka lumitaw ang keyboard sa harap niya. Halos gumalaw rin ng kanya ang upuan para ilagay si Luna sa isa pang monitor na may parang iba pang equipments.

She manipulated everything skillfully showing us the different locations of the enemies who are guarding Art. Hindi lang do'n natapos 'yun. She suddenly uttered commands and locations. Consecutive. Fast. Precise. And calculated.

At nagulat kami ng may makitang lalaki na bigla na ang nagpapatumba ng kalaban. Ni hindi pa nakakareak ang mga kalaban dahil sa bilis ng lalaking 'yun. Luna continued giving orders and coordinates.

Sobrang galing at propesyonal naman 'nung lalaki sa pagsunod kay Luna. Napapanganga na lang kami sa taglay nitong bilis, lakas at precision. Ni isang kalaban, hindi man lang nakapagbigay ng kahit anong suntok o atake.

Tumba na kaagad sa isang atake 'nung lalaki. Ni wala pa ngang ingay na ginagawa.

Luna, on the other hand, continued her part. I felt shivers as I saw how accurate and skillful Luna is. What we saw on the camp... it was more than that. It wasn't even near that! She's completely out of reach right now.

The guy moved per Luna's instruction. Walang palya. Kikilabutan ka sa sobrang galing at bilis. Ni hindi nga alam 'nung ibang taga bantay na halos ubos na sila.

Hindi nagtagal naubos ang kalaban na hindi man lang nakalaban dahil do'n sa lalaki.

Someone who kept up on how quick and complicated Luna's instructions are... he must be... not ordinary. He must be... a high ranking one.

The guy entered the room where Art is. Kaagad nitong tinanggal ang piring at takip sa bibig ni Art pati na rin ang handcuff nito sa likod. Damn that guy freaking almost destroyed the chair when he tried to destroy the handcuff. Mabuti na lang nag-instruct si Luna na may hairpin si Art kaya 'yun ang ginamit nito para sa handcuff.

Art looked composed yet her eyes were watery. The guy slowly knelt infront of her. And Art, with shaking hands, slowly wrapped her arms around him. We saw how the guy let out a sigh of relief and a small smile.

"Thank you..." Malumanay na sambit ni Art. Halos pumiyok, pero hindi lumuluha.

"Great job of being composed and smart." The guy retorted as he hugged Art back.

The guy scooped Art to carry her out of that place. Sobrang ingat na ingat ito kay Art. At halos makahinga naman ako ng maluwag dahil do'n.

She's safe. She's safe!

"S-Sino 'yun?" Mahinang tanong ni Biblee.

"Caerus." Justice answered and all of our attention was on him again.

"Who?" Sabay na tanong ng kambal.

"He's been watching Art the whole time. Because he knew she's a Morbelque." Paliwanag ni Justice. "Don't worry, we trust him." Dagdag pa nito.

Kahit medyo hindi pa rin kumbinsido ang kambal lalo na kay Caerus, aminin man nila o hindi nakahinga na rin sila ng maluwag ngayon.

Ilang sandali pa, biglang may pinindot na naman si Justice at may nag-open parang pinto sa isang banda. Napatingin kami lahat do'n at nanlaki ang mga mata sa nakita.

May red na ilaw sa bawat box na bumubuo sa cabinet. Kaagad na hinagis ni Justice ang laman no'n kay Theon at Cleon.

"Anong gagawin namin dito?" Tanong ni Cleon.

"You are not gonna save Art, but you are gonna take revenge for what they did." Justice told them seriously with piercing gaze.

His sweet and kind gray eyes suddenly seemed a shade darker. Making it look like a harsh and cruel cold winter. Like the colour of the sky whenever it's still in the morning yet a warning of a storm is shown. Gray and dark. With absolute resolve to pour its emotion of rage.

"Caerus had already started and prepared for it that's why he's kinda late in rescuing Art and why there are no main enemies in that building." Justice continued to explain.

"Why? Where are, we going?" Tanong ni Theon habang tinitingnan sa kamay ang helmet na ibinato ni Justice sa kanila.

Justice smirked as he snapped his fingers twice and slowly a wall opened upwards revealing three big bikes.

"Giving the Senses, a warning." Justice aforementioned as he walked through his bike, giving us shivers.

Sumunod ang kambal sa kan'ya at saka bumukas sa kabilang dulo ng pintong nagbukas kanina ang isang lagusan palabas sa lugar na ito.

"Warning?" Tanong ni Cleon. "How?"

Justice looked back at us, as he smiled coldly.

"Warning that you never mess with the princess of the fallen name called Morbelque." Theon answered his twin, as the three of them rode the bikes out of this place, leaving all of us speechless and petrified.

* * *

Miracle Silhouette's POV

I was rolling my eyes at him. Irritated at his presense as I walked towards the kitchen.

"Silhoue..." Tawag n'ya sa 'kin pero hindi ko s'ya pinansin. Naka-kunot noo ako habang naiinis at naglalagay ng ice cream sa isang bowl. Samantalang nasa likod ko si Akakios at patuloy ang pagsasabi ng pangalan ko at paumanhin.

Psh.

"What should I do?" Mahinang bulong n'ya tila napapaos.

"Go back to your suite." I replied coldly, as I returned the ice cream to the freezer and marched towards the living room with my bowl.

"Hindi pwede... ayokong mag-kaaway tayo..." I could hear tiredness yet eargerness in his voice.

Pagod siguro sa athletic clubs na sinalihan n'ya sa school. Pa'no kasi sumali sa basketball, football, baseball, at kung ano ano bang ball na 'yan. Pati yata swimming at creative writing sinalihan nito.

"Just go back and do your own thing. You want to experience tons of things, right? Go, no one's stopping you. Might as well, ask help from all the girls who surrounds you." I told him nonchalantly.

"Mag-quit na lang ako..." Malungkot na sabi n'ya. I turned at him and gritted my teeth.

"Don't you dare." Madiing sambit ko. "Tapos ano? Konsensya ko naman ang hindi mo papatahimikin?" Mataray na sabi ko sa kan'ya. I got irritated again, when I saw him surpressing his laughter.

"May nakakatawa?"

"No, no," Halos hindi magkaintindihang sabi n'ya at saka napabuntong hininga.

"You just look like a cute goddess." Pagsasabi pa n'ya na dahilan ng pag-akyat ng dugo sa mukha ko kaya ako napaiwas ng tingin. Galit dapat ako pero konting ganito lang ni Akakios, parang nawawala galit ko. Nakakainis!

Siya kaya paghintayin ko ng dalawang oras sa school?! Dami dami kasing club, ang dami dami ring babae! Tsk!

"Silhoue, I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you." He said while I was eating my ice cream. My eyes focused on the show I'm watching.

Akakios suddenly stood up to block my view.

"Argh!" Reklamo ko sa kan'ya.

"Silhouette." Bigla s'ya sumeryoso kaya napalunok ako. I stood up and placed the bowl of ice cream on the center table.

"I'm sorry." His eyes were blinding although it was dark like the galaxy. His sincerity made me feel light like I was floating. My heart beat skipped like it was full of cherry blossoms in my sight. I was completely out of my mind!

"Hinding hindi ko na gagawin ulit. Alam ko mali ako. Alam ko pinaghintay kita sa labas ng dalawang oras, gayong pwede ka na namang umuwi..." His words were quiet and honest, his sound seriously touched my heart although what he's saying is normal when apologozing. Bakit ganito na lang ang epekto?

"Kaya hinding hindi ko na uulitin. Lagi na rin akong mauuna, imbis na paghihintayin ka." Dagdag pa nito.

Napabuntong hininga ako.

Wala na. Talo na ako.

He slowly reached his hand to the top of my head. Placing his huge palm on there.

"Bati na tayo?" He smiled. And his freaking smile is like a burst of sunshine and all of the sparkles and colourful things! It was a magic of light and all the good things! God, how could a person smile like this?

Without thinking, I automatically nodded my head, blinded and deaf because of his image that's smiling. Kumikislap. Umiilaw. Ang gaan sa pakiramdam. Such a breath of fresh air.

"And what do you think you are doing and holding right there, idiot?"

Halos slow motion yata ako at si Akakios na napatingin sa pinanggagalingan ng boses na narinig namin at halos sabay kaming napa-awang ng labi at nakatitig habang nanlalaki ang mga mata sa nakita.

"H-Huh? Hmm? I'm holding a h-head?" I immediately looked at Akakios who looked so clueless and dumfounded with the people who just arrived.

Yeah, not just one person. But people.

"Pfft!"

"HAHAHAHA!" Gabby automatically laughed like crazy when she heard Akakios answer and expression to Law's question.

"Huy 'wag kang tumawa, seryoso si Batas!" Saway naman ni Rebel sa bunso at saka ito binatukan, kaya naman nagkasamaan ng tingin 'yung dalawa.

Justice smirked at me playfully as he pointed out Akakios' hand on my head. Napatingin ako kay Akakios na mukhang naguguluhan at hindi pa rin makuha ang nangyayari. Kaagad kong tinaggal ang kamay n'ya sa ulo ko.

Pakiramdam ko biglang namula ang buong mukha ko namg mas doble kaysa kanina. Parang nahuli ng mga kapatid sa isang krimen na hindi ko malaman kung ano.

"So... who's this guy, right here, Miracle?" Law asked as he walked towards us with sharp eyes and intimidating aura.

Akakios, stood there looking at him, oblivious to what's happening.

"Sino sila, Silhouette?" Biglang tanong naman ni Akakios na nagpatigil sa lahat ng mga kapatid ko.

They all looked alarmed and in one second, they are all surrounding Akakios like he did some unforgivable sin and ready to strangle him to death.

OH. MY. GOD.

What the heck? How did this happen?!

"Don't you dare, call her that forbidden name!" Rebel warned like a blazing monster infront of Akakios.

Akakios almost stumbled from his position because of the intense aura of my siblings. I sighed and reached for his hand. He looked like a cute puppy with my siblings circling around him like hungry wolves.

Hinila ko si Akakios patungo sa likod ko.

"Don't worry." I smiled at my siblings looking all shocked that I'm fine... fine being called by that name. However, it's only okay if it's him... uttering it.

"Law, Justice, Rebel, Fate..." I called them while smiling. The three didn't even notice that they've been seeing and noticing me without effort.

"This is Alas." Pakilala ko. Naninimbang pa rin ang mga tingin nila.

"Alas," Tawag ko sa parang inaping tuta sa likod ko. I chuckled because of Akakios, reaction when I called him Alas. Nanibago siguro kasi unang beses ko yata s'yang tawagin ng gano'n.

"These are my siblings. Law, Justice, Rebel and Fate." And with that Akakios stepped up infront of me smiling like himself—glowing with sincerity—charming my siblings with his honest personality.

* * *