Hello, crowns. Have a good day. Sorry for all the errors and take care. Thank you so much! 🤍

***

#TCS61: Twisted Hierarchy

Amythee Hope's POV

"Oh... my... gosh." Halos ibulong ko na lang ang mga salitang 'yun nang makaluhod kaming lahat at itungo ang mga ulo dahil sa sinabi ni Mrs. Kiseki—ni Miracle.

My head was spinning, I was catching my breath, and my heart was inside my ears. I couldn't really process what was going on. I was so dumbstruck and confused. It was like the world and my brain stopped functioning.

Mrs. Kiseki... the teacher that we always have that was always sleepy, lazy, and tired in class was really Miracle? Paano? Kailan pa nangyari ang bagay na 'yun? I was getting so fucked up while thinking of it.

Then it slowly dawned on me. Kiseki. Kiseki means Miracle in Japanese! What the hell?! Why did I only realize it now?! She was in front of us, she was right in our faces, she was watching us from eye to eye!

Pakiramdam ko mahihimatay ako sa mga nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko malaman ang reaksyon na dapat o sapat para sa nasasaksihan namin ngayon. Kaso bago pa ako mawala sa sariling katinuan, bigla akong hinila ni Theon patayo.

I saw Miracle on the stage, standing in her throne. She was looking so powerful. Gone was the aura we thought that would be invisible... she was shining in a really terrifying way. Nalalamig talaga ako sa nakikita ko!

The oversized gown she was wearing was almost a mess because of the rain, but she suddenly removed it, and we all gasped when we saw her in a golden maroon fitted dress that was only above the knees.

Then her hands automatically took the guns from her leg side pockets. Damn! She looked so beautiful but so scary at the same time! Lalong-lalo na dahil suot n'ya pa rin 'yung Sinner's Crown. I saw her little smirk, looking at the Senses from above.

They were still kneeling down. With some girl in mask, holding their shoulders.

Napalingon ulit ako kay Miracle, she raised her two hands, and pointed at them. My eyes widened! That was so far! And she has someone—an ally—the girl, that was upstairs and was holding Alain and Donovan!

"No... way..." I heard Biblee whispered looking at them.

Manlalaban sana sina Donovan at Alain do'n sa taong nasa likod nila, pero kitang-kita namin kung paano sila walang magawa. They were freaking helpless! But we almost died in their hands back then!

What the heck? What the hell? What the fuck?

Ito ba? Was this the gap in our skills and strengths? Those guys were no ordinary enemies! But with only Miracle and the girl upstairs, they managed to control everything in a snap! Kinilabutan ako nang husto sa nakikita at nasasaksihan! That was insane!

"Creating havoc tonight... also means digging your own grave."

Damn! Shivers travelled through my spine when we heard Miracle seethed those words. She angled both her hands, and I saw in slow-motion, how she freaking pulled the trigger! I held my breath! Sinundan ko pa ng tingin ang mga balang sabay na pinaputok.

"Holy shit! That was unbelievable!" sigaw ni Cleon nang makita kung paanong dumaplis ng sabay sa pisngi ni Donovan at Alain ang bala ng baril! Their cheeks were both bleeding right now! In the freaking same spot! Kaliwa lang kay Alain at kanan kay Donovan!

We all saw how much they winced in pain, how they wanted to fight back, but it felt like there was a gravity weighing them down. Like their knees were tied in chains on the floor! The pressure was so real! Parang bigla akong naawa sa kanila!

"Where are your other people?" mariin at mapanganib na tanong ni Miracle sa kanila.

Their eyes were in fire of anger, but Miracle's cold air was too powerful and overwhelming that they couldn't even ablaze! It was so one sided! It was like they were flickering fires in the middle of a snow storm! Wala silang laban!

The girl that was holding Donovan and Alain, did something, and they were trembling in fear. Parang may sinabi 'yung babae, kaya biglang natahimik at nag-iwas ng tingin 'yung dalawa. Nang tumigin ako muli kay Miracle, nakita kong nakangisi 'to.

Then she titled her head from side to side. She pointed the gun on one side of the room.

"Target locked," she murmured, and she moved the gun's barrel a little. Tila may sinusundan na naglalakad sa crowd.

"What is it? Thou shalt not... smell?" taunted Miracle. And we saw how Donovan and Alain smirk faded.

Inilipat ni Miracle ang nguso ng baril sa isa pang parte. She was now smirking widely.

"How about the... thou shalt not... hear?" Nakatagilid ang ulo na sambit nito sa napakapaglarong paraan.

I swear! Although, it wasn't for me, I felt afraid for my life! Para akong nasa mga palad n'ya at pinaglalaruan n'ya ako. Kakaibang takot at kilabot ang namuo sa puso ko. I blinked several times, because I was seeing so much evil aura in her.

She wasn't invisible... anymore. I couldn't let it sink in from my head. Everything was just so dreadful! Kabado ako. Sobra-sobra. Hindi ko na alam ang iisipin ko. Napalingon ako kayna Tito Nate at Tita Princess.

They were both looking at Miracle. Their eyes never leaving her. Tita Princess's shock eyes, slowly turned into something I couldn't pinpoint, but the feeling she gives off was enough to make me feel weak and feel afraid.

"And... lastly, how about...thou shalt not... see?" Miracle slowly pointed the gun in our direction.

I closed my eyes tightly. I remembered the scene inside my head. A bloody image of Miracle. With a gun in her hand... exactly pointing at me.

Biglang sumikip ang dibdib ko. Kung ano-anong imahe ang lumabas sa utak ko. Kung ano-anong ingay at tawa ang dumagundong sa tainga ko. I was gasping for air, while I could feel my heart breaking to pieces.

I held someone near me. I was shaking. I was sweating. Iniling ko ang ulo ko. Hindi pwede. Hindi pwede. Halos maiyak ako sa pag-uulit ng mga salitang 'yun sa ulo ko. I was trembling in so much fear because of the flashes inside my head.

Naramdaman ko na lang na ikinulong ako sa yakap ng isang tao. Takot lang ang naramdaman ko. Gusto kong itulak 'yun dahil pakiramdam ko masasaktan lang ako, pakiramdam ko makakagawa na naman ako ng kasalanan.

"Amythee!" Napasinghap ako sa matinding gulat. Someone shook my shoulders, and called me numerous times. I gulped, and my lips quivered. Napaayos ako ng pagkakatayo at iniling ang ulo.

"I'm okay, I'm okay..." mahinang bulong ko. Pinapaniwala ang sarili.

Muli kong ibinaling ang pangin sa taong nasa stage. She was now, pointing her guns again to Donovan and Alain, and they still couldn't do anything about the girl on their back. I thought everything would go smoothly... however, it didn't!

A loud bang echoed in the room! It wasn't Miracle's shot!

Napalingon ako sa likod ko dahil do'n namin narinig ang tunog. My eyes widened when I saw someone near us, bloody on the floor.

"Shit!" At napakaraming mura pa ang narinig ko.

Then it was followed by cries. Parang kinuha ang puso at kaluluwa ko nang makitang nag-iiyakan ang mga nakababata naming kapatid. Kaagad akong kumilos para sana tumakbo papalapit sa kanila.

However, Theon grabbed me, and another gunshot was fired! Just right in front of my feet!

Halos mapatalon ako sa matinding gulat! Kaagad akong itinulak ni Tita Princess, at binaril ang isang tao sa isang lugar. Somene was dropped dead again on the floor. Tito Nate started moving and almost swept us all in one place.

Nagkagulo ang napakaraming tao bigla dahil naging sunod-sunod ang putok ng baril sa lugar. I looked at the stage, and saw Miracle firing her gun accurately in different places, aiming for those people creating a huge bloodshed.

"Listen!" My heart leapt when I saw Tito Nate looking so serious, while Tita Princess was protecting us from all those bullets aimed in our place. Sobrang bilis ng mga pangyayari sa mga mata ko at hindi ako makapaniwala sa mga nakikita.

Tita Princess was handling everything effortlessly, like her daughter on the stage, that was still calmly smiling while targeting people who were our enemies.

"Hey!" Napalingon kami nang biglang sumulpot ang isang babae. She was in a golden gown, that was also teared for it to become just above the knees. She smiled at us.

"Follow me. We'll go to a safe place." Nakangiting sambit nito sa amin.

I saw how our parents frowned. "I received orders, Head Emperor of the First Empire." Magalang na sambit nito kay Tito Nate.

"Sinong nag-utos?" Nanay asked keenly.

"Someone above us. The one who controls the other Crowns—the First Crown."

The hair on my arms and the back of my nape stood up because of what she uttered. Instead of questioning more, Tita Shana started to nod, and our parents took their weapons, and protected the kids.

Nagsimula na rin kaming maglakad. Nadadala ako sa kanila. Kahit ayaw kong umalis. Patuloy kong tinatanaw si Miracle sa kinatatayuan n'ya sa stage, at nang bigla s'yang lumingon sa direksyon namin, napansin ko kaagad na mas naging panatag ang loob n'ya.

Then when our eyes met... shivers. I felt shivers. But she smiled at me, and I was... suddenly... out of my mind. It felt like I was in the clouds, somewhere peaceful, somewhere serene. It was so sudden, but my heart felt so complete.

Hindi ko na maintindihan ang mga kasunod na nangyari, basta nagpadala na lang ako sa kanila, at rinig na rinig ko rin ang mga ingay at pag-uusap nila pero hindi yata nagproproseso lahat nang 'yun sa utak ko.

All I saw was a fading image of Miracle on the stage, targeting the Senses, then... a door closed in my vision. Leaving them there.

"I'm going back to Miracle!"

Parang yumanig kaagad, nang nasa loob na kami ng isang kwarto sa biglang sigaw ni Law. He was determined to go back and help his sister. But Sloane and the other girl crown suddenly crossed his path.

Kitang-kita namin kung paano nagalit si Law. At kung paano gustong umalis ni Sloane at no'ng babae sa kinatatayuan, pero napabuntonghininga sila. They wanted to tell Law something but they remained mum, instead, it was Tita Princess who spoke.

"No one's going back to help Miracle."

"Momo!" sigaw ng triplets.

"That's our Ate right there! Facing danger alone!" Gabby protested, looking so frustrated.

Napaatras kaming lahat sa kinatatayuan nang magsama-sama ang mga Evans. The other Crowns even took a step back and went near us. I saw how they looked at each one of us apologetically, like they couldn't disobey the First Crown's orders.

"We can fight together, Dada!" Rebel's voice thundered sternly.

"You'll only slow them down..." sabat ni Sloane, kahit mukhang takot sa triplets.

Napalunok din ako ro'n. Hindi alam ang iisipin, dahil sobrang tensyonado ng silid na 'to. Pakiramdam ko mas delikado pa rito kaysa sa kaguluhan kanina. Napahawak na lang ako ng kamay kay Biblee na katabi ko. Her hands were also cold like mine.

"What? That's our sister there! We can help her, we aren't ordinary!" Justice tried to persuade the Crowns and his parents.

Tito Nate sighed, and shook his head.

"I don't think you'd be able to fight with her, tonight," seryosong usal ni Tito Nate sa napakatahimik pero sobrang nakakakilabot na paraan. His way of speaking was soft, but it hid countless of warnings.

"Why?!" Gabby asked almost wanting to go back to her sister.

"Mira... Mira... was not invisible anymore, even without him."

Para silang binuhusan nang malamig na tubig nang biglang sabihin ni Luna 'yun. We saw how the Evans siblings froze on their feet. Like they just realized it after Luna declared it loudly. I saw how they all looked at each other.

Tita Princess felt so dangerous. She was thinking so deeply. Para isang kalabit mo sa kanya, sa noo mo puputok ang mga baril na hawak n'ya.

"Like what Luna stated... your Ate's completely different tonight. And I think everything was falling according to her game."

Para akong mawawalan ng hininga kaya napahawak ako sa lalamunan ko saglit. It was so true! My skin creeped in terror! I even heard Biblee gasped from what she heard. It was like her mind was slowly analyzing what was really happening tonight.

"The gowns... the suits... are all waterproof. She prepared for the rain earlier. And she knew where the Senses, all of them, all their positions beforehand."

Napayakap ako sa sarili sa matinding pagkamangha. My lips parted with Tita Princess's conclusion. Her stare gave us all the answers to why we needed to be out of that place.

"Every step, every person, every tick of the time... everything was calculated in that place. And maybe... even you as players had been her plan from the start." Tita Princess smirked at us, and at her children.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

"Do you get it know why you are not supposed to help or be inside that place?" tanong ni Tito Nate sa mga anak n'ya na natahimik. Napalingon s'ya sa amin, at wala kaming nagawa kung hindi tumango. I made me shudder thinking about it.

"Damn it!" I saw Law's defeated look, Justice bowing down and massaging his forehead, and Rebel clenching his jaw and fists. Gabby also closing her eyes, and breathing heavily.

"Yeah, kids, you lost the game," natatawang asar ni Tita Princess sa mga anak.

The Evans looked at their mother in irritation like Tita Princess rubbed salt to their wounds.

"And you are even one of her pawns." Tita Princess chuckled, and her children pouted like someone who lost a candy.

Ginulo naman ni Tito Nate ang mga buhok nila. At saka ngumiti rito. Pero halatang nang-aasar din kagaya ni Tita Princess.

"Crazy Evans..." I heard Tita Tiara murmured.

"Just like the old times," natatawang sambit ni Nanay.

"Nasa panganib na... nag-aasaran pa. Hay naku," Tita Dyosa commented while shaking her head.

Nagkatawanan na lang kami at mas naging magaan ang pakiramdam namin. Para namang nakahinga ang lahat ng nandito dahil do'n. Paano kasi, lahat yata ng pressure at nakakatakot na aura galing sa mga Evans.

"Let's go?" Tito Nate said with a smile.

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ni Sloane at no'ng isa pang babae na Crown. They both nodded, and they went to one of the shelves. May book silang ginalaw ro'n at biglang bumukas ang isang doorway.

We all went inside, and the kids were finally calm now after everything. Nandito kaming lahat kasama ang ilang Crowns, pati na rin si Sven, at syempre kaming magbabarkada at ang pamilya namin.

Naglakad kami sa madilim at masikip na pasilyo. Medyo nagugulat din kami kasi nakakarinig kami ng ilang malalakas na pagsabog. Mukhang matindi rin ang labanang nagaganap ngayon. Were they going to defeat the Senses or not? I have no idea...

After walking for I didn't even know how long, we arrived at a door. And when Kalix opened it, we were greeted by the surrounding outside. May mga kotse rin kaagad na nag-aabang sa amin. My jaw dropped because we were guided to enter the cars immediately.

We all followed, and we travelled to somewhere. We are all—awfully quiet. Awfully tensed. Awfully pressured.

Even our parents were not saying anything and were just looking at each other. And were trying to explain things to the younger kids. At least... we were able to breathe a little now, after everything.

I sighed... just suddenly so overwhelmed, but still excited to meet her again later.

Miracle... was not invisible anymore, and her power made us all down on our knees, even her parents, didn't bother in questioning her decisions, and how she constructed the game she was playing right now.

A game we were not aware of, but we were all players that was playing for her in her little pull of strings.

What a terrifying game. What a bone-chilling mind. And what a powerful Queen.

***

Miracle Silhouette's POV

WHEN I saw everyone in our family out of the room and the place, I couldn't help but smile widely. Finally! I could start fighting without holding back. I was being careful earlier because the Senses might target them.

Especially the pasaways, and their younger siblings. They could definitely use them against us, and that was not going to happen in my watch. I titled my head a little and stretched my arms while still holding the guns.

I saw Donovan and Alain upstairs fighting Isolde. I smirked. They chose the wrong opponent. Isolde was short-tempered. Baka ako pa ang pumigil sa kanya para patayin ang dalawang 'yun. Hindi pa pwedeng mamatay ang Senses.

Pwede ko pa silang gawing laruan para sa mga Pasaway. It wasn't me who was going to defeat them. If they would fall into ashes, the only rightful one to ablaze them would be the real main bloodline Morbelque.

"Now, let's play..." I uttered as I smirked. I activated the contact lenses that could differentiate the people who were innocent and just students of the Empire, to those people who were under the Senses.

Kaagad akong tumakbo paalis sa stage, habang pinagbabaril ang mga umasinta sa akin. I smirked, when in just one shot they were out of the game. Kaagad akong bumuwelo nang mataas na talon sa dulo ng stage.

When I landed, I landed on someone's arms.

"You really need to calm down, Silhoue." Akakios smiled at me, and put me down on the floor. I chuckled at him. He blended in the crowd so well. He was watching my family earlier, and was protecting them while I was on the stage, removing my cover.

I could still remember the shocked faces of the pasaways. That was epic. They couldn't believe that I was within all throughout.

Pagod nga lang ako lagi dahil wala akong tulog madalas dahil sa trainings, at pagmo-monitor sa kanila, kaya naman kapag nasa klase saka ako bumabawi ng tulog at nagpapahinga. It wasn't worthy to teach those kids that didn't have manners, too.

Kaagad lumapit sa amin ang ilang kalaban, kaya naman kaagad akong naghanda. I let myself face the other way, and leaned a little on Akakios' back.

And when the underlings of the Senses started to attack us with different weapons, like knives, syringes, guns, and pipes, we also started fighting them.

I threw a straight punch on someone's face, at kitang-kita ko kung halos paano tumalbog ang panga at ngipin nito sa lakas ng tama ng kamao ko sa kanya. Someone jumped and lifted up his bat to strike me, but I raised one of my legs really high, and the bat flew in the air. Nanlaki ang mga mata ng kalaban ko sa nakita.

I smirked teasingly at him, and the other tried to land a hit on my face, but I was able to block it with a palm. Kaagad ko rin s'yang tinadyakan sa tyan kaya halos lumipad 'to papalayo. Tinaasan ko sila ng kilay at sinenyasan na sumugod pa.

I jumped when they tried to trip me, and threw a roundhouse kick after. Two opponents flew away with just one kick. Kaagad kong kinuha ang nabitawan nilang kutsilyo at ibinato 'yun sa lalaking babarilin sana kami ni Akakios.

I saw how the blade slowly buried in his forehead with my forceful throw.

Kaagad kong naramdaman na hinahawakan ako ni Akakios sa baiwang at mabilis akong naghanda para magbigay ng malalakas na tadyak sa mga kalabang nakapalibot sa amin, nang iikot ako ni Akakios matapos no'n.

Then Akakios lowered himself, and dodged, as I grabbed the arm of that one guy he evaded, and pulled him closer, as I put him on my shoulders to throw him to those who were trying to get near us.

Kaagad din akong tinulungan ni Akakios at halos ihagis sa ere, para kaagad n'yang ibaba ang sarili, para gamitin ang isang binti at umikot para lahat ng lalapit sa kanya ay matumba.

I also grabbed the opportunity when I was in the air and I got my gun from my pockets to shot those who were trying to harm Akakios while he was fighting and attacking those enemies below. When I was landing back, umayos ng tayo si Akakios.

I landed safely on his shoulders. Hinawakan n'ya pa ang mga ankle ko dahil muntik na akong matumba. Natawa ako ro'n at mabilis na nag-flip palikod para sa kalaban ako tumuntong sa magkabilang balikat nito.

Inipit ko ang leeg n'ya at umikot ako at nagpabigat para mapapunta s'ya sa sahig. I also stepped on his chest with my pointed heels, and he coughed blood before my heels buried on his chest. Napangiwi ako dahil sa talas ng heels na suot ko.

Geez, Tita Misha really knew how to make ordinary things so dangerous. Pati ako kinilabutan. Kay Tita Misha rin kasi ako natuto ng paggamit ng prosthetics para makapag-disguise biglang Mrs. Kiseki. Those fun times.

"Silhoue, catch!" Kaagad akong nag-slide sa sahig nang makaalis do'n at ibinato sa akin ni Akakios ang isang malaking baril.

I started shooting those who were coming near me. Mabilis ang naging putok ng machine gun, at lahat naman ng mga sumugod sa akin, sapul.

I also run to get the hair of one opponent who was trying to stab an innocent student, kaagad ko s'yang hinila at sinuntok sa tyan, at pinilipit ang kamay para mabitawan ang kutsilyo. I used my strength and force to lift him up to my shoulder, before hurling him on the floor.

At kinuha ko rin ang kutsilyong gamit n'ya at mabilis s'yang sinaksak sa ngala-ngala. The student ran out after witnessing everything, and those whom I trusted like some Crowns and Royals, and Elites, guided them so they could move out of the place safely.

Nagkaro'n din ng ilang pagsabog sa buong lugar. But I didn't mind, it was probably some Senses. But Isolde would have the necks of Donovan and Alain. We'd bring them with us. Even just those two, it was more than enough.

Those who were skilled and part of the underground organizations were fighting back to all the Senses's underlings. Kaya naman mas binilisan ko pa ang laban. Akakios went near me, while fighting off an opponent.

Kaagad kong kinuha ang kutsilyong pinansaksak ko kanina, at ibinato 'yun sa kalaban na lalapit sana kay Akakios. I took out my gun again, and shoot those who dared to attack me and Akakios. Samantalang kitang-kita ko kung gaano kalakas si Akakios ngayon.

He was purposely not using his deadly aura and was fighting in his normal aura. Why? Because using that deadly aura would probably make everyone in here shiver, including those students that we wanted to protect and we wanted to escape this place as soon as possible.

"How many minutes more?" I asked Akakios when we were on each other's back again, throwing punches, and strikes on each enemy going our way.

"Half an hour." Napatango-tango ako. That was plenty. We'd be good.

"Isolde, how's the two Senses on your hand?" I asked while firing at those who dared to come near us.

"I'm almost done fighting them. Worry not, I'd bring them alive with us." I even heard her smirk, and I could picture that she was fighting both of them.

Damn, Isolde's really strong to fight them like nothing.

Naputol ang pakikipag-usap ko kay Isolde nang biglang may sumugod sa akin.

I seized his necktie, and pulled him close to me, and strangled him, as I put him on my shoulders, before throwing him on the table. Nabasag ang table at dumanak ang dugo dahil do'n. I looked up again, and someone was aiming a metal pipe on me.

However, Akakios catched it like it was just a stick, and he seized it and hauled it near him. Parang puppet lang 'yung may hawak no'n at nadala nang sobrang bilis sa lakas ni Akakios. Inangat n'ya ang lalaki nang sobrang bilis, at malakas na ibinato papunta sa mga babaril sana sa amin.

I didn't waste time, and took a knife to stab the mouth, and the stomach of those who dared to hurt us. Halos dumanak ng dugo sa buong paligid, at punong-puno na rin ng dugo ang mga kamay ko. I smiled, at least, they were giving me fun.

It was funny how they couldn't even land punch or a slight touch at me. Ni wala pa akong kahit anong daplis o sakit man lang na iniinda. Damn, those trainings with Isolde and Master Gideon are really worth it.

When someone tried to attack me again, I hid a simper, and threw a punch at him. Nakaiwas s'ya kaya ang nasuntok ko ay yung malapit na ice sculpture kung saan s'ya nakatayo.

I rolled my eyes, mali pa nga ng nasuntok. Kaya naman kaagad akong naghanda ng malakas na sa sipa, at hinuli n'ya ang paa ko.

I chuckled, and smiled at him. Napatitig tuloy s'ya sa mukha ko kaya naman nagawa kong makawala sa pagkakahawak n'ya at mabilis s'yang sinipa sa mukha, at mabilis akong umikot para sa isang roundhouse kick na sa mismong ulo n'ya tumama.

He flew to one of the ice sculptures, and I saw how he winced in pain, before I threw him a blade that exactly landed on his forehead. Hindi na rin s'ya nakatayo at mabilis na umagos ang dugo ro'n.

I saw three women trying to harm me, but I was fast enough to counter them with multiple combos of jab, cut, and hook. Sinabunutan ko pa ang isa sa kanila para lang h'wag s'yang makapaglikot, at matadyakan ko sa mukha.

Talbog din kaagad silang lahat at walang nagawa laban sa akin. They were just on the floor bloody, and lifeless. Kaagad akong tumakbo papalapit kay Akakios at mayroon na naman s'yang nakuhang baril.

Ibinigay n'ya sa akin ang isa, at mabilis ko 'yung pinaputok sa mga kalaban sa paligid, kahit hindi sumusugod o pumupunta sa amin. I looked at the surrounding and saw that only a few students were left.

I simpered, and continued fighting. Naghiwalay rin muna kami ni Akakios ng lugar, para mabilis na puntahan ang mga kalaban na umaatake sa mga istudyante. I grabbed the neck of one man, and threw him around.

I jumped, and landed on the table, and those who noticed me, ran to where I was. Mabilis kong ibinaba ang sarili at ginamit ang isang binti para mabilis na bigyan ng tadyak at sipa sa mukha ang mga lalaking 'yun.

When one guy had his gun aimed at me, I slid smoothly on the table, until I was in front of him.

"That was too slow," I murmured dangerously, while I was face to face with the gun's barrel. Mabilis kong sinuntok 'yun pataas, at tinalon para makuha.

When I landed effortlessly on the table, I fired the gun to all of them, while swirling around it like it was an ice rink. Nang lahat sila ay nasa sahig at duguaan na kaagad akong tumakbo sa isang banda, para sabunutan ang isang babae, na sinasaktan ang isang estudyante.

"Aggh!" The enemy grunted, but I hurled her head on the floor repeatedly, until I heard cracks. Nang matapos 'yun mabilis akong sumugod sa iba pa at ang mga naililigtas ko ay kaagad na tumatakbo para makaalis ng lugar.

Every shriek, and screech I heard, I attended. Kaya naman mabilis ang naging pakikipaglaban ko. Napapahid din ako sa noo at pisngi, pero sa huli napangiwi dahil pakiramdam ko mas naging duguan lang ang mukha ko.

I sighed, and saw Akakios fighting a group of men without having a hard time. The battle didn't even last a minute with how strong and powerful he was. And it actually made me laugh happily, when I saw him muttering sorrys!

Oh, my gosh! My baby's still my baby!

Those were enemies, they killed people, and was trying to harm the school! No need to be guilty! But probably for him... they were still people. I sighed, and went to him. Kaya mas nagsasanay ako eh.

This was one of the main reasons why I wanted to be stronger than him, I didn't want him to have more blood on his hands. Because he never deserves even a tiny bit of it. He was pure and I wanted him to still be one, even with everything that we needed to face.

Mabilis akong nakipaglaban sa tabi ni Akakios, at nagpatuloy kami ro'n na parang naglalaro, dahil hindi man lang kami nasusugatan, o natatamaan ng kahit sino sa kanila. It was really easy, and we were growing more with this experience.

Nang wala nang kalaban na sumugod sa amin, hinila ko si Akakios para umupo kami sa isang table. His forehead creased when I made him sit down in front of me. I smiled at him, and he returned it. My heartbeat doubled with that bright and charming beam.

Kinuha ko ang isang tela mula sa bulsa ko sa may gilid ng gown.

"Why?" he was gazing at me keenly. Hindi ako nagsalita at nagpatuloy sa gustong gawin.

I went to a place where was an icy water was pouring because it was melting. Binasa ko nang bahagya ang tela na 'yun at bumalik kay Akakios. I saw our other allies fighting and somehow protecting us, too. I didn't need to worry about those unexpected attacks and strikes.

"Sorry for dragging you to this mess..." I murmured to my Akakios.

He chuckled ever so softly at me. And shook his head lightly. Pero hindi nagsalita.

Kaagad kong kinuha ang kamay n'yang duguan. Hindi dahil sa sarili n'yang dugo, pero dugo ng mga nakalaban n'ya.

I heaved a heavy sigh, and carefully wiped his bloody hands.

I felt him stiffened when I did that. Hindi ko s'ya magawang tingnan at pinunasan lang ang mga kamay n'ya ng tela, para hindi na 'to maging gano'n kadugo. Hindi katulad ng mga kamay ko. I wiped it delicately, and meticously, while his gaze remained on mine.

When I finished, I couldn't help but smile. It still had some taint and little marks, but it was better than before. "There..." mahinang bulong ko sa kanya.

I raised my head to see him, and I saw how his lips were parted and how his innocent dark eyes sparkled.

Nagulat ako nang bigla n'ya akong hilahin papalapit sa kanya. "Aki!" I shrieked when he made me sit on his lap.

Instead of saying something, he cleaned my face that was filled with drips of blood, with a cloth from his pockets. He was smiling at me when doing that.

"I love you..." I felt my cheeks heat up, and my heart rung inside my ears.

I chuckled at him. "I love you, too. My soft baby." I couldn't help but voice out, and he cackled gently. I stared at his eyes lovingly, and he did the same.

Napatingin ako sa labi n'ya... I was tempted to kiss him, but I was holding back myself, but then, it was as if he read my mind, he slowly leaned, and closed the gap between us. His lips touched mine, and I smiled with my hammering heart.

Napahawak ako sa kanya nang mahigpit nang itagilid n'ya ang ulo n'ya at nagsimulang igalaw ang mga labi. I was breathless, and I was going crazy with how soft, and gentle his kiss was! Then I felt someone going to where we are.

A dangerous intent. Akakios also felt it. Hihiwalay sana s'ya sa akin, pero hindi ko s'ya hinayaan at mabilis na kinuha ang pistol na nasa baiwang ko, at pinaputok 'to sa kung saan ko naramdaman ang panganib.

When we broke the kiss, both of us looked at the direction, and saw a man that was shot on his forehead dropped on the floor lifelessly.

"We shouldn't be doing this... in this situation..." Awkward na sabi ni Akakios.

Tumayo ako sa kinauupuan at biglang humalakhak nang sobrang lakas! Ang cute! Sobrang cute ni Akakios, namumula, at mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin sa akin! He pouted at me, and I just smiled at him to finish this battle.

I wanted it done now... why? Because I wanted the pasaways to meet my lovely innocent Akakios.

"Let's go!" I said to Akakios and he nodded at me. Before we parted our ways, getting ready for the last showdown in this place.

I contacted one of the Royals that was assigned to make sure that every innocent student was properly tended and they were out of the place. Kaagad ko ring natanggap na halos sampu na lang at tapos na rin sila.

Kaagad akong napangiti ro'n. I also asked Isolde about the two Senses, and shed told me that they were both unconscious and they were going out of the place now. Napalingon naman ako sa kabilang banda at nakita ang ilan pang kalaban na pinapabagsak ni Akakios.

The other three Senses were probably already out of the building when the chaos started. Syempre kailangan nilang tumakas. But not completely... I put something on them, they'd never escape me no matter how much they think they succeeded to flee.

"Last ten minutes," I announced through the earpiece, and I all heard their answers.

"Commence."

Tumakbo na ako papunta sa second floor ng lugar, kaso may mga nakasalubong pa akong mga kalaban kaya naman mabilis ko rin silang pinabagsak. Wala akong panahon para patagalin pa ang labanan sa pag-itan namin.

I also took four guns, and put the two on my side pocket. Pinagbabaril ko na lang kaagad ang mga nakakasalubong kong gusto pang lumaban sa akin, kahit alam nilang talo sila at walang pag-asa.

"I'm out, I'm getting the car." I heard Akakios' voice through my earpiece.

"I'm also out with the two Senses, we were going to the meeting place." Isolde informed me, and I pictured that she was smiling victoriously. Hindi ko mapigilan hindi ma-excite sa mga narinig ko mula sa kanila.

When I arrived at the second floor, someone was ready to attack me again, but I was able to dodge, at s'ya na mismo ang nahulog sa hagdan. Napailing-iling na lang ako. Ang tanga lang. Ano ba 'yan.

I ran going to the left. Do'n kasi may labasan, papunta sa isang balcony na nakadugtong ang isang malaking bridge.

"Everyone's out! The place will soon be locked out!" I heard Lindsay, one of the Royals, a friend of Sloane declared.

"Cool," I retorted, and I took out the button like stick.

Dire-diretso akong tumakbo papunta sa balcony, at naramdaman ko ang pagyanig sa lugar dahil sa pagsabog, pati na rin ang pagsasara ng buong lugar na 'yun.

I made sure every underling was inside and those who were going to be escaping in the second floor—like these guys waiting for me wouldn't be able to getaway.

Tumalon ako at halos liparin ang distansya namin ng tatlong lalaking nag-aabang sa akin. Kaagad ko silang pinagsisipa, at pinagsusuntok. I took out one gun, and pulled the trigger repeatedly.

Tumakbo ulit ako nang mabilis.

May malalaking bintana, na istilong pang kastilyong sinauna na walang mga salamin, at parang archway lang sa gilid ng hallway kung saan ako tumatakbo at nakita ko mula ro'n si Akakios na nakasakay sa isang kotse.

"Distance?" I asked Akakios.

"Hundred meters away from the bridge," he answered, and maneuvered the car so quickly.

While running fast, I clicked the stick button, and another loud bang echoed in the place, and I even felt hot and the air impact from the explosion. Kaagad kong pinindot ulit 'yun para mas sumabog ang first floor.

I pressed it again, and I felt the whole place shook because of it. Mas binilisan ko na lang ang pagtakbo habang pinipindot 'yung button, at sunod-sunod na pagsabog ang narinig ko at pagyanig sa babang bahagi.

Even the floor I was running onto, collapsed a little, kaya naman tumalon ako. I looked back, and saw that some posts were crumbling down, and the fire was getting bigger. I jumped, and almost rolled on the floor, when a statue on the side, almost fell on me.

Tumingin ulit ako sa bintana at nakita ang kotse kung nasaan si Akakios, at binuksan nito ang bubong no'n. I felt all the chills in my body with an extreme excitement! Geez! I love this so much!

Tumakbo pa ako nang mas mabilis, at napansin na nagsimula na rin si Akakios na paatrasin ang sasakyan nang sobrang bilis. Halos umusok ang kalsada at ang gulong no'n. I chuckled!

"That was fast, enjoying?" I teased.

"Just making sure I'd arrive on time," he replied with a gentle giggle.

I jumped, and skipped through the falling lamp and small chandelier lights on the hallway, with the post collapsing.

I gritted my teeth while running, and run through it quickly. I pressed the button again, and another loud explosion happened. Ramdam na ramdam ko na guguho na 'yung lugar, at mabilis akong tumalon sa may bintana.

I run on the roof instead, tinaggal at hinawakan ko na lang din ang heels ko, at mabilis nakumaripas ng takbo paliko papunta sa may bridge. I saw Akakios almost nearing in that middle part of the bridge from below.

At nang tumalon ako para mapapunta sa may bridge, pinindot ko ulit ng huling beses ang button, at sumabog ang hallway na tinatakbuhan ko kanina. I run through the bridge, and saw Akakios, nearing.

"Ready?" I asked.

"Never been this prepared." He chuckled.

And I jumped off from the bridge!

I was cackling while falling down, as I saw Akakios from the car maneuvered it quickly to catch my fall.

"Woo!" I laughed, when I landed on the passenger seat!

Akakios glanced at me with a wink and smirk. "How was that landing?" he asked chuckling.

"Excitingly perfect!" natatawang sagot ko. I raised my hand, and we high fived each other while smiling.

"Let's go to the pasaways!" Masayang-masayang imik ko sa kanya, at nagsimula s'yang mag-drive para makaalis kami sa lugar na 'yun.

I pressed the button on the car, and the bridge exploded, while we were going out of that place. And both of us were smiling at each other.

That place was bugged by the Senses. They made that place almost theirs when planning for their supposed to be Mortem Night.

Kaya napilitan kaming pasabugin ang lahat-lahat do'n dahil maari pa nilang magamit ang lugar sa susunod. They place weakened too, because they wanted it to collapse. 'Yung ginamit kong pampasabog, naka-time talaga 'yun sa mga plano ng Senses, kaso minanipula namin, kaya alam kong kailangan kong sirain ang buong lugar na 'yun para hindi na kailan pa magamit ng Senses laban sa amin.

It actually made me sad that we needed to destroy that huge and wondrous place. But thinking about the safety of the pasaways and the whole Empire. It was better to destroy it, and rebuild it. Than maintaining it, with the uncertainty of danger that the Senses might pull using it.

"Wooo!" I couldn't help but raise both of my hands to feel the night breeze.

What a night. But it was really a cool night.

"You, too, baby! Raise your hands, wooo!" I told Akakios, and he removed his hand from the steering wheel to join me.

I chuckled because we were still going fast, and the car was still going steadily. Nang matapos s'yang matawa ay nagpatuloy na s'yang magmaneho.

"Are you excited to meet them?" I queried at Aki while my hair was smoothly flowing with the wind.

"Nervous," he confessed.

"Why? You've already meet them, without me, they'd love you!"

"Yeah, but they didn't know who I really am, and who I am in your life." Napabuntonghininga s'ya halatang kabado.

"Hey, I have a plan..." Nanliit ang mga mata ko sa kanya.

"Whenever you plan it means trouble, baby." Hinampas ko s'ya sa braso sa sinabi n'ya sa akin. Pero natawa rin ako kasi kalokohan nga 'yung nasa isip ko.

"Please?" I gave him puppy eyes, and he turned his head on me while driving. Natatawa s'yang tumingin ulit sa daan. Walang nagawa kung hindi tumango.

"Your aura! The terrifying one show it to them!" Excited na sabi ko, halos pumalakpak pa.

He groaned, not agreeing with it. "They'd be afraid of me! I don't like that!" he protested, with a cute pout. Kung hindi lang s'ya nagda-drive pinisil ko na 'yung pisngi n'ya at hinalikan s'ya. Tss.

"Aw, that would be so cool! I could already imagine how terrified they'll be!"

He cackled at me. "Tinakot mo na sila kanina, that would be enough for tonight."

Napatango-tango naman ako sa kanya. Baka mahimatay na sila kapag pinilit ko pa silang takutin sa aura ni Akakios. They'd one day experience it. On how you'd rather choose death than feel it.

For now, I'd be glad that they'd meet my angelic Akakios.

Ewan ko lang kay Momo at Dada, pati si Law. They'd surely feel the amount of aura from Akakios that would scream danger and power. Because afterall, being a royal blood and a de Castelian, runs in Akakios' veins.

Hindi nagtagal nakarating kami sa malaking mansyon kung saan ko inutusan ang ilang Crowns para siguradong protektado ang buong pamilya at barkada.

I saw Isolde who just arrived, too, with two unconscious guys on the back of her car.

She smirked at me the moment she saw me. I rolled my eyes, when she looked at me from head to toe! Kainis talaga 'tong si Isolde, hindi pa nagsasalita, napipikon na ako. She laughed at me, but bowed at Akakios. Favouritism talaga.

"You should both change first. They'll faint if they see you that bloody," Isolde informed us while shaking her head.

"They are at the living room of the mansion. They are all okay. I heard the kids are already sleeping." Napatango kami ni Akakios sa ipinaalam ni Isolde.

Tinulungan din namin s'yang kunin 'yung dalawang Senses na hawak namin. We went inside, and went to the basement to lock them up. Literal na prison 'yung pinaglagyan namin sa kanila. Hindi sila makakatakas.

Iniwan namin sila ro'n at ni-lock 'yun. I sighed after it, and went to the back entrance.

Nagtago kami para dumiretso sa West Wing ng mansyon. Tutal nasa East Wing naman sila para hindi nila kaagad kami makita.

I went to one room, and to the bathroom. Kaagad akong naglinis ng katawan. I took a bath, and the scent of rose filled my nose. Nakapahinga ako saglit sa bathtub. Hindi nagmamadali para bumaba.

I kept sighing and thinking about all the possibilities of their reactions when I meet them. Pero sa huli, napangiti na lang din ako kasi kahit ano'ng mangyari, sa wakas, hindi na ako magtatago sa kanila. I was finally free from hiding. And I could be with them again.

But will my siblings forgive me? They already probably realized that I was playing a game, and they were part of the players without them knowing. They don't accept defeat immediately; would they still be happy to see me?

I shook my head and I started to clean myself more, and when I felt contented with everything, inayos ko na ang sarili, at kumuha ng isang white dress mula sa closet.

I blowered my hair, and brushed it. I saw the Sinner's Crown on the vanity table while I was combing my hair. I smiled bitterly. The Crown. My Crown. A crown that was given to me when I was young. It was thrown to me by Akakios earlier.

Napailing-iling na lang ako. I combed my hair and braided it a little, when I heard a knock.

I saw Isolde entering the room after. She had something on her hand. Kaagad n'yang inabot sa akin 'yun nang makalapit. I frowned looking at it. She laughed teasingly. Alam n'yang naiinis ako sa mga gano'n. Lalo na siguro si Akakios.

"Wear it," she instructed. Umupo ako sa harap ng vanity table at hindi s'ya pinansin. I took out the crown hair clip, and pin it on the little pocket sa may dress ko.

Akakios's mother's crown hair pin... I smiled looking at it.

Lumapit si Isolde sa akin, at inayos ang pagkaka-braid ng buhok ko. Hindi ako nagreklamo at hinayaan s'ya sa ginagawa.

Isolde, whether I admit it or not, she was like a mother to me. Kahit madalas s'yang sarcastic at rude sa akin. She clearly respects me too, hindi n'ya lang talaga ipinapakita.

Mas trip n'ya lang talaga akong asarin lagi.

"Kailangan ba nito?" I asked looking at the one she's holding from the mirror's reflection.

She nodded quietly. "Alas is going to wear his, too."

"Why?" tanong ko, nakakunot ang noo.

"The Crowns are also in this mansion. They haven't gone to see your family, but they will be there later." I sighed, that's why.

Isinuot ni Isolde sa akin ang tiara na mukhang baliktad. It looked the designs were upside down. Napangiti si Isolde nang maisuot 'yun sa akin. I smiled at her, too. And she held my hand. "Let's go..."

"You'll show yourself, too, right?" tanong ko nang paalis na kami sa kwarto.

"Yeah," natatawang sambit nito.

At nakasalubong namin si Akakios. I laughed at him when I saw him wearing his crown.

"You look like a real royalty now," panloloko ko sa kanya. He scrunched his nose at me, and held my hand. Natawa si Isolde sa aming dalawa at naunang maglakad.

"I'll call the crowns." Tumango kami at naglakad diretso papunta sa East Wing.

Nasa ikalawang palapag pa lang kami rinig na namin ang tawanan sa baba. Syempre pinapangunahan 'yun ng boses ni Biblee, Cleon, Tita Alyx, at Tito Thon-Thon. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Nervous?" Lumingin ako kay Akakios, nanlalamig ang kamay eh. He nodded at me, and I stopped on my tracks.

"You got this!" I cheered, and he beamed at me.

Nauna akong tumakbo papunta sa may bakuna ng malaking hagdan pababa sa living room. Naiwan si Akakios na mukhang kinakabahan pa rin. Pero sumunod.

Bumababa ako ng isang hakbang at naramdaman ko ang ilang pares ng mga mata na lumingon sa akin—sa amin. I smiled, because the noise also faded.

Hi... pasaways... I'm Miracle Silhouette Smith-Evans... finally back.

***

Amythee Hope's POV

Nagtatawanan kami nina Biblee dahil sa kalokohan nitong kwento nang biglang matahimik ang loko-lokong si Cleon. Nakaupo kami sa carpeted floor ngayon nang sobrang laking mansion na mukha pang itinayo noon sa Pransya.

We were all laughing including our parents, but Akira also stopped chuckling, and gazed to where Cleon glanced.

Dahil nakatalikod ako sa tinitingnan nila, tinaasan ko na lang sila ng kilay. Pero kakaibang kaba ang naramdaman ko.

Lalong-lalo na no'ng pati ang trio tumigil sa pagtawa at pagsasalita at lumingon sa isang banda. Everyone then followed their gazes, and our parents looked so astonished to the one they were seeing.

My heartbeat was violently beating, and I gulped, and gathered some air, because I could already feel that I would be breathless once I glance back.

Hinanda ko ang puso ko. Ako na lang yata ang hindi pa lumilingon.

The strong was presence from my back was making me feel alarmed, and somehow, excited.

Tumayo si Tita Princess at Tito Nate. I bit my lips, because... suddenly they looked so fragile.

They both looked so hurt but relieved too, but it made my heart weak, when Tita Princess covered her mouth and her eyes became teary.

The Evans siblings—the triplets—looked away, with teary eyes, too. Si Gabby halos tumalon, pero kitang-kita ko sa mukha n'ya na para s'yang nakahinga ng maluwag.

Gabby ran. She ran to that person with eyes full of tears, and love. I almost choked. Because it was so heartwarming to see.

Napatayo rin sina Nanay, Tatay, at mga parents namin. Our mothers leaned on our fathers' chest with eyes watering.

The triplets ran, too. Biniak talaga yata 'yung puso ko. Kasi unang beses kong makita silang mahina.

'Yung walang pagpapanggap na kahit ano. Kung nasasaktan, nasasaktan talaga. Kung nahihirapan, nahihirapan talaga.

"Ate..." Hindi ko napigilan. Nagsimulang pumatak ang mga luha ko nang marinig ko 'yung basag na boses ni Law.

Shit! That was so powerful! Waterfalls of tears flooded on my cheeks. Hindi ko magawang lumingon kasi naririnig ko pa lang sila, umiiyak na ako, paano kapag humarap pa ako?

Nagtayuan ang lahat sa barkada, nakikita kong ang mga pinipigilan nilang luha, pati na rin ang mga pagluha ng mga nanay namin. Biblee came to me, and bawled in my chest. Sumikip ang dibdib ko.

I thought... I thought we'd be so happy like what we were with Rebel, Justice, Law, and even Gabby.

I never thought we'd be suddenly having a crying and heartbreaking extravaganza. Iyak nang iyak si Biblee sa akin. Lumapit din si Luna sa amin habang umiiyak. Napayakap ako sa kanilang dalawa.

Si Sven unang beses kong makita na sobrang lungkot ng mukha at napaiwas na lang ng tingin.

Tapos sina Cleon at Theon parehas nakangiti, pero parehas namang pumapatak ang ilang luha.

Pierce and Thorn's eyes were sparkling and red, too. Tapos si Akira. Umiiling para pigilan ang pagpatak ng mga luha.

The trio were together, hugging each other. Honoka, and Art were crying, and Harper was looking at the ceiling trying to prevent tears, but I could see some drops from her eyes.

I heard Gabby's loud sobs. Dahan-dahan akong lumingon dahil do'n habang nakayakap sa akin si Luna at Biblee.

At parang bumagsak ang puso ko dahil sa matinding pag-iyak ni Gabby habang nakayakap kay Miracle. My lips trembled, and I bit my lower lip.

God, why does it have to be this heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time?

Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung pangungulila nila kay Miracle.

"Ate... h'wag ka na aalis ulit please, magpapakabait na talaga ako!" Gabby cried.

I saw the triplet's hugging Miracle too. Pinalibutan nila 'to. Kitang-kita 'yung pagtaas-baba no'ng mga balikat nila sa pag-iyak. I saw how Rebel tried to keep his tears by looking up, and wiping near his eyes, but it betrayed him.

"I miss you, Ate..." Justice choked on his words.

"Ate, you have been fine, right?" tanong ni Rebel, basag at nahihirapan ang boses.

"I love you, Ate..." Mas lalong lumakas ang iyak ni Gabby, pati na rin nina Biblee, at mas nagbagsakan ang mga luha ko sa sinabi ni Law.

I looked at Tita Princess inside Tito Nate's arms, sobbing with her hands covering her mouth. She looked so tired. Tito Nate was crying while watching his children.

Napalingon ako kayna Law. Mukhang ayaw pa rin pakawalan si Miracle sa bisig nila, pero nang makita ang parents nilang nanunuod lang sa kanila, kaagad silang lumayo sa kapatid saglit, tapos biglang tumakbo si Miracle kay Tita Princess na nakabukas ang mga braso.

Miracle entered her mother's arm like a child...

Mas lalong nag-break down si Tita Princess. Nanghina ako sa nakita. Mas lalong naiyak. I saw Miracle's shoulders shaking while inside her mother's warmth. Kinulong ni Tito Nate sa yakap ang mag-ina n'ya.

"M-Miracle..." Halos hindi na makahinga si Tita Princess sa pagtawag sa pangalan nito.

I saw how she kissed Miracle's forehead so gently and so lovingly. I avoided looking at it, because my heart was gripping so badly. It showed how much—no matter how strong and level headed they were—that they missed their first born endlessly, and they felt so relieved that she was fine.

Hinayaan namin sila. Tahimik kaming nanunuod. Tahimik na umiiyak.

Even our parents were so emotional.

Lumapit din ang triplets at si Gabby para yakapin ulit si Miracle, at ang magulang nila. My heart was so full watching them. I hugged Biblee and Luna with tears streaming down my face.

Hindi namin alam kung gaano sila katagal sa kamay ng isa't isa. Nag-usap si Tita Princess at Miracle. Tita Princess was wiping tears from Miracle, and Miracle was nodding, and Tita Princess would hug her from time to time.

Grabe...

Sobra-sobra at ramdam na ramdam 'yung pagmamahal ni Tita Princess kay Miracle.

When they calmed down a little. Miracle looked at us, and excitedly smiled. Muntik na akong maupos na parang kandila sa kinatatayuan, kasi sobrang gustong-gusto kong mag-sorry sa kanya sa lahat-lahat.

She waved her hands at us like a kid, while Law was hugging her—not letting go, while still tearing up.

"Grabe, iyak..." Biblee murmured, trying to stop herself from crying.

"L-Luna!" Miracle stuttered, and like a baby, Luna cried loudly, while walking to hug Miracle.

Lumayo si Law para hayaan ang ngumangawang si Luna. Nang makalapit si Luna ro'n mas lumakas ang iyak nito. At natatawa habang lumuluha si Miracle.

Justice tousled Luna's hair. Ang higpit ng yakap ni Miracle at Luna sa isa't isa. At nang humiwalay kay Miracle, niyakap ni Justice si Luna at hinalikan sa tuktok ng ulo para patahanin.

Miracle wanted to go to us. Kahit sobrang nakakahiya kasi nag-iiyakan kami no'ng bigla na lang s'yang napalingon sa may hagdan.

A guy was there... watching all of us... wait... he looks familiar.

"Alas?" murmured Biblee, and her eyes widened.

No, not just her eyes, but almost all of us! Even our parents! Because he looked like a royal blood! A real one! Nanginig ang mga tuhod ko! Pakiramdam ko kailangan ko biglang lumuhod, o kaya naman 'yung parang bawal s'yang tingnan nang diretso!

The crown on his head suddenly made me nervous.

Miracle smiled at the shy guy. Nahihiyang lumakad 'yung lalaki papalapit sa pamilya nila. Pero sobrang nakakatakot pa rin 'yung dating n'ya. He looked so intimidating... a little overwhelming. Even our parents looked a little alarmed.

"W-Who?" nauutal na imik ni Nanay. I saw her trembling lips.

"Hello po." Napaatras kaming lahat sa kinatatayuan nang bigla 'tong humarap at ngumiti sa amin!

Oh, my gosh!

A sudden burst of fresh air and sunshine swept all of us in our feet!

Napanganga ako sa kanya, kasi pakiramdam ko talaga sobrang respektado, at sobrang tinitingala s'yang tao! He just looked like a real King. With that crown! Kulang na lang cape! Grabe! Sobrang lakas ng dating!

Miracle wanted to speak to introduce the guy to everyone... however, it was interrupted when Tito Nate suddenly exclaimed.

"Isolde?!"

"Nathaniel! Surprised?" The girl even smiled widely.

Mukhang litong-lito si Tito Nate at hindi malaman ang sasabihin, kaso bago pa s'ya makapagtanong nagulat kaming lahat no'ng lumabas mula sa napakalaking hagdan ang mga taong mayroon mga korona sa ulo at nakakulay gold na suot!

Oh my goodness! They were all shining!

Nanghina ang mga tuhod ko sa sobrang takot at sobrang kaba! My heart was in my ears suddenly! Biglang natapos 'yung pag-iyak ko nang tingnan silang lahat.

Napanganga kaming lahat nang isa-isa silang bumababa sa hagdan.

Miracle walked with the guy who looked like a King to greet those who were going down the huge stairwell, while we were all gawking at them.

I suddenly felt so terrified and flabbergasted!

Biglang nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin!

Katniss was walking dashingly with a little golden tiara on her head. She smiled, and bowed a little before going down on one knee in front of Miracle and the King!

"Oh my gosh!" exclaimed Biblee.

"Oh my pickles!" Honoka spoke.

"Oh my royals!" Harper gasped.

"Oh... my... angels..." Art trailed in surprise.

"Katniss Emeraude Cordonnier, the seventh crown."

Katniss stated her name, and position with full authority while bowing down, then slowly raising her head. Tapos pumunta s'ya sa isang banda pero sa harap pa rin nina Miracle.

Kasunod na bumababa 'yung babaeng kasama namin kanina! Harper told us earlier that she met that lady when she was playing the Colours of Deceit back then!

"Nicasia Belrose, the sixth crown."

Kakaibang kilabot ang gumapang sa balat ko nang mapatulala ako kung paano s'ya lumuhod at nagpakilala! Grabe! Punong-puno ng respeto! She stood up, and went beside Katniss.

"Yvoridge Gray, the fifth crown."

My mouth hanged open, when the man—who have a powerful air around him, and blonde hair knelt on one knee and bowed to Miracle and the King. He was so serious looking but he was full of respect when introducing himself.

Halos hindi kami makagalaw sa kinatatayuan sa nangyayari. Sunod-sunod na lang ang paglunok ko. Kasi ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung nagtataasang balahibo ko dahil sa kanila.

The next one slowly walked towards them. Gone was the playful and the mischievous aura around her. But her face only showed so much respect, and fear was evident in her eyes, especially when she looked at the guy beside Miracle.

Napayakap ako sa sarili ko sa nasasaksihan.

"Goosebumps!" mahinang bulong ni Biblee sa akin.

"Sloane Laville, the fourth crown."

My hands were trembling! And if it weren't for the pressure in the air right now! Biblee and I must be uttering so much curses non-stop! Grabe! Makapigil hininga at nakakamatay! Grabe 'yung takot sa amin ngayon habang speechless na nakatitig sa kanila.

Matapos lumuhod ni Sloane, tumayo s'ya at umatras sa kinatatayuan at pumunta sa kalapit no'ng lalaki kanina—the blonde, Yvoridge Gray.

This time, the proud and rude Kalix when in front of them. Pero kakaibang respeto at matinding paghanga ang mararamdaman mo kay Kalix. Lumuhod s'ya sa harap nila nang hindi napipilitan, bagkus halata mo pang parang honoured pang lumuhod sa harap nila!

Holy sheez! This is soooo freakishly eerie!

"Kalix Etienne Cordonnier, the third crown."

Kalix went beside Sloane, and smiled a little. Tapos biglang sumunod na lumakad papunta sa harap nina Miracle si Caerus.

He looked like a prince! Parang kung tutuusin hindi mo s'ya makikitang luluhod sa kahit kanino!

Pero grabe sobrang tikas at sobrang nagbigay galang s'ya sa pagluhod sa harap nila! Goosebumps talaga!

"Caerus Eliot Rouche, the second crown."

Grabe hindi ko na alam ang sasabihin ko! Lahat yata kami nagkanganga na tapos 'yung mga magulang namin paniguradong hindi rin makapaniwala sa mga nasasaksihan nila ngayon!

I could feel the power that they all hold. It was overwhelming! In a really really royal bad way!

My soul was really almost escaping my body with all of it!

Then we all stared at the last one who went down the staircase.

I shievered, and I felt my sister's hand becoming colder as each second passed by. Nakatungo 'tong maglakad papunta at pababa sa harap nina Miracle. I gulped several times!

His air wasn't ordinary! We felt like we were nothing compared to him! He was absolutely making us all shake in fear!

But slowly... he knelt on knee in front of them!

"Oh... my... god... hindi na kaya ng puso ko!" bulong na sigaw ni Biblee sa akin. Napalunok ako. Nanghina ang mga tuhod.

'Yun bang tipong nakaluhod s'ya kaya kailangan na rin naming lumuhod! I was sure I wasn't the only one feeling the pressure! It was not even directed at us!

'Tapos idagdag mo pa si Miracle at 'yung katabi n'ya! They were both looking so relaxed! Like not even affected with it all! Habang kami gimbal na gimbal ang mundo!

Oh, my freaking hell! Oh my goodness! What the hell!?

The last guy with the most authoritative and dangerous air around him from the crowns, spoke with so much intensity!

"Estevan Vasilion St. Romain, the First Crown."

Literal ako napanganga nang mag-angat 'to ng tingin matapos mag-bow sa harap nina Miracle, lalong-lalo na no'ng ngumiti pa 'to sa harap nila! I freaking gasped! Not just me! But even Biblee and the whole gang!

The crowns suddenly aligned in front of them!

"We greet the Council's Empress and Emperor, the one who control the Crowns."

Matipuno at buong-buo ang malalim at malagong na boses na sambit ng First Crown. Nabato kaming lahat sa nakikita sa harapan namin!

The First Crown's—no, Estevan Vasilion St. Romain's green eyes shined upon us...

And we were left speechless, and slacked jaw with another revelation.

I thought that was it... pero... nawalan yata ako ng hininga at kaluluwa nang biglang humarap si Miracle at 'yung lalaki sa amin!

"Miracle Silhouette Smith-Evans, the Empress of the Council, the moon, and the chosen Empress of Eviralle's real ruler."

She was smiling widely at us, and suddenly the air dropped into a negeative degree when we looked at the one next to her!

Lahat kami awtomatikong napaluhod! Kakaiba ang takot sa dibdib! Pati mga parents namin, lumuhod! Maliban sa pamilyang Evans!

"Akakios Laurentius de Castelian, the Emperor of the Council, the Sun, and the rightful heir to the Eviralle's Domain."

And with that introduction... Tita Princess, and Tito Nate's face became pale... as all the Evans slowly knelt down like us, to give respect to the highest of the highest in this royal and powerful hierarchy.

***