UNEDITED, SORRY FOR ALL THE ERRORS. COMMENTS ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED! :) Enjoy reading! Sorry for the late update.

8: Let's Play A Game

Lian Analiz Yoon's POV

"Seryoso ka?" Tanong sa akin ni Kuya habang tatawa tawa. Naka-uwi na kami ngayon sa bahay. Nandito ang buong barkada sa amin.

Nakaupo ang ilan sa amin sa carpet ang ilan naman ay nasa sofa. Sina Kuya at Incess naman ay nakaupo nang prente habang natatawa sa amin. Paanong hindi sila matatawa para kasi kaming nakakita ng multo.

Hindi pa rin kami makapaniwalang nasa harapan na namin sila. Ang tagal tagal namin silang hinanap, tapos parang wala lang sa kanila na nawala sila ng parang bula. Gusto kong mainis sa kanila, pero paano?

Just looking at them happily looking at us, and smiling from ear to ear, we just couldn't question them. They still look young, parang hindi dinaanan ng panahon. They look like a college student couple.

"Tinakasan talaga kayo 'nung mga batang 'yun para lang makapasok sa Empire?" Incess asked us again while chuckling.

"Aren't you being too repetitive, Uno?" Sighal ni Tiara kay Incess.

"Oh, yeah? But Harper got you there, Tiara." Pang-aasar naman ni Incess kay Tiara. Natahimik si Tiara dahil sa pagiging easy going ni Incess.

Alam naman namin na mabait si Incess, but she's really never this carefree. Karaniwan kasi nanakot o nanasakaak na lang 'yan bigla lalo na kapag ginugulat s'ya. Ano bang hangin ang nasinghot nang dalawang 'to?

"Pero saan nga kayo napadpad? Ang tagal n'yo nawala, halos 15 years." Mahinang sambit ko. Natigil ang tawanan ng mag-asawa dahil do'n. Napatingin sila sa akin na nakatungo habang seryoso.

Yeah, I've missed them so much. But... I don't like it. I don't like them, pretending that nothing happened. Of course, something happened, big and bad. Especially because they had to leave suddenly because of the circumstances.

"Because we need to." Maikling pahayag ni Kuya at saka siya kumagat sa mansanas na nilalaro niya kanina.

"Bakit?" Halos sabay sabay na tanong namin.

"Knowing nothing is better for now." Makahulugang imik ni Incess.

That moment Incess answered our question all of the tension that was so light hearted earlier became heavy in one second. It felt familiar... the strong aura, the deadly stares, the hidden words from her mouth.

Nakakatakot. Nakakapangilabot. Nakakapanindig balahibo.

Hindi ko na nagawang magtanong ulit ng tungkol sa mga nakaraang taon dahil alam kong kahit anong gawin namin hindi namin makukuha ang sagot na gusto namin. They won't speak, they won't reveal it.

Although... it turned out to be like this, my heart is happy that they are fine, and well.

"Pero... teka nga, sino nga si Gabby?" Biglang tanong ni Alyx matapos ang nakakabinging katahimikan.

"'Yung bunso namin." Sagot ni Kuya.

"Where is she?" Tanong ni Annicka. "Nasa Empire? Bakit hindi namin alam na nakapasok na sila ro'n?" Sunod sunod na tanong pa nito.

"Now..." Bigla sumeryoso si Kuya Nate, he even smirked.

That oh so playful smirk that always had us anticipating in something mysterious. Kung isa ito sa namana ni Gabby sa magulang n'ya... Jusko, katakot takot nga ang batang 'yun.

"That's the difference." Maikling sagot nito at saka sumandal sa upuan at nilaro laro ang kamay ni Incess. Pabiro naman 'yung binawi ni Incess. Natawa na lang si Kuya.

"Ha? Difference bang?" Nalilitong tanong ni Alyx. Tapos ay nagkaron ng katahimikan.

"Difference between them, and the Evans." Sagot ni Shana sa tanong ni Alyx. Sabay na ngumisi ang mag-asawa dahil sa narinig.

"Our children, even though they are smart and skillful. We still managed to catch them. We could still control them and monitor them." Skyler explained gently while look at us.

"While... the Evans..." Nauutal na sambit ni Thon Thon.

"Yeah, we are playing with them..." Tiara said while gritting her teeth, the image of determination and shame is overflowing.

"Playing with them... huh..." Iiling iling na sambit ni Kurt.

"But we are already in the palms of their hands." I concluded having goosebumps.

Kakaibang pakiramdam ang naramdaman ko. The blood in my veins rushed through. And my heart is beating so fast and hard. I felt ashamed, kasi naisahan kami ng mga bata, pero I also feel proud...

The legacies had already started their steps? And... we are now... a little behind them.

Hindi kami makapagsalita, naramdaman kong hinawakan ni Timothy ang kamay ko. Looking at their faces, I knew they also felt, what I felt. We've known it since the beginning...

But experiencing it in actual is really different... It felt surreal.

We knew they were powerful... Aren't they? They are the blood of them... the blood and flesh of Princess Light Smith-Evans and Nathaniel Gabriel Evans. But we never anticipated, that... they are this powerful.

Habang nasa ganoon kaming reaksyon ay biglang may tawang pumaibabaw sa amin. Napatingin kami ng sabay sabay sa tumawa. Walang iba... kung hindi si Kuya.

May joke ba kaming sinabi? Anong nakakatawa? Minsan talaga sala ang sense of humour ni Kuya.

"Don't even mention to the triplets and Gabby that you are afraid or even intimidated just because of that... Papalakihin n'yo ulo ng mga batang 'yun aba." He told us while laughing.

"We are not afraid of 'em!" Kontra ni Tiara.

"I'll pretend to believe that lie, Tiara." Natatawang sambit ni Light.

"So, they are really inside the Empire?" Tanong ni Tim sa kanila.

"Yep, and I think they are having fun." Incess stated softly.

"Don't worry, you weren't aware that they are already inside since the school started because we blocked you from getting that information." Pang-aalo ni Kuya Nate sa amin.

"If you say so." JJ remarked.

"How about Silhoue?" I asked carefully.

Kanina pa kami rito sa bahay nagkwento na sila tungkol sa triplets. Kung paanong lumaki ng pasaway ang tatlong abong 'yun, at kung paano rin nila pahalagahan ang isa't-isa.

Pati na rin si Gabby na laging inaasar ng triplets at tinatawag na Pateh. Only them—Evans's family could call Gabby, Pateh. Because Gabby is not someone whom you treat lightly.

But in those funny stories they told us... they never mentioned Silhouette.

"She isn't dead, right?" Diretsong tanong ni Tiara. Halos mabulunan si Kuya sa pagkain ng apple, kaya dali dali s'yang inabutan ni Kurt ng tubig na nasa center table.

"Are you crazy, babe? Of course not!" Sita naman ni Kurt sa asawa.

"Chill, Kurt." Kuya Nate mentioned. Napatungo naman si Kurt.

"I didn't mean it that way... I apologize. I am sorry." Tiara said softly, truly sorry of what she said. Mukhang nabigla rin sya sa sariling sinabi.

"It's fine." Incess stated.

"But we seriously don't know where or what she is doing." Pagpapaintindi ni Kuya sa buong barkada. Mukhang miss na miss na rin nito ang panganay nila dahil nag-iba ang timpla ng mukha nito.

Tumayo bigla si Incess seryoso ang mukha nito ngayon. Ito na naman... ramdam na ramdam na namin ang kaba at takot sa kaniya. Akala ko si Incess lang, pero nagulat ako nang bigla sumeryoso si Kuya na kanina pa nagbibiro at parang walang paki alam sa mundo.

Naglakad ito patungo sa glass sliding door na ang tungo ay garden sa gilid nitong bahay. She looked at the dark sky.

"Miracle is the reason why we showed up, again... when we are planning to never return in your lives again." She stated without hesitation.

I was taken aback. No, we were all taken aback. Surprise will be an understatement to what we feel in this moment.

Sumunod si Kuya kay Incess. Nakatayo sila ngayong dalawa. Medyo nakatalikod sa amin pero kita pa rin namin ang mga mukha nila.

"But let me give you a warning... in case... one of these days you encounter or even meet her." Sambit ni Kuya habang nakatingin sa malayo.

Then he slowly... slowly... and delicately... looked at us with eyes glittering with numerous emotions. It looks sincere, yet it shows command.

"Silhouette. Silhoue." Incess stated coldly, her hand suddenly formed into fist.

"You must never... never... and never... call her by that name." Bawat salitang lumabas sa bibig ni Kuya may diin, may banta at batas. Hindi pwedeng hindi susunduin dahil maaring hininga namin ang kapalit.

"Silhouette never existed, but... Miracle did."

***

Amythee Hope Yoon's POV

Halos trenta minutos na rin simula ng mawala sina Theon. Hindi naman nagtatakha ang mga kapatid namin, pero si Luna nagsisimula nang maghanap sa kanila. Kanina pa niya kami tinatanong at kinukulit kung nasan daw 'yung mga baby loves n'ya.

Natatawa na lang kami sa kaniya o kaya sinasabi namin na umalis sila para bumili ng pagkain at maghanap ng pwede naming tuluyan mamaya. Truth to be told, we are already preparing for our parents' wrath.

We knew that we would never be able to escape tonight. Maybe tomorrow night or a week after. Ang ikinakakaba ko lang ay baka ipaassemble nina Nanay at Tatay ang buong kapulisan para hanapin kami.

Lihim akong napatampal sa 'king noo dahil sa naiisip. It is not impossible that they would resort to that option. Knowing them. They are powerful and their influence have no limits at all.

Ewan ko ba bakit hindi pa tumakbong presidente ng bansa ang Tatay, sa totoo lang kayang kaya n'ya naman. It's just that, they have no interest in politics at all, although they have numerous connection in that line.

"Ate Amythee, hindi pa po tayo uuwi?" Biglang lumapit sa akin si Aislynn kaya naman agad ko siyang pinaupo sa tabi ko. I smiled at her warmly and she returned it with a fluffy hug.

"Baka rito muna tayo mag-sleep, Ais." Pagpapaintindi ko sa kaniya.

"Po? Sila Mommy at Daddy pa'no po?" Tingnan mo 'tong kapatid nina Theon, sina Tita Annicka at Tito Sky pa inaalala.

"Don't worry, safe naman lagi si Mommy at Daddy mo, at saka alam kong hindi sila mag-woworry sa'yo dahil nandito naman kaming mga Ate at Kuya mo." I answered delicately and positively.

Ah, sana nga ganun reaksyon nila. How peaceful and fine would that be. We don't need to worry about anything and we could sleep in peace. But that would totally stay as a wish.

"We are seriously not going home, Ate?" Singit ni Liam sa usapan namin. Pati si Athena, Aristle at Nicholas ay napukaw ang atensyon sa amin dahil sa narinig mula kay Liam.

I shook my head lightly. "How I wish we could..." Mahinang sambit ko, then I heaved a sigh.

Ilang saglit pa ay dumating na sina Theon. Agad silang sinalubong nina Aislynn at Blithe. Samantalang 'yung iba ay nagbeso lang sa kanila at saka nakipag-apir.

"Saan kayo galing?" That was Luna's welcome remark to them.

Napakamot ulo si Cleon sa tanong nito. I scanned their faces, and seems like we are not in a bery good deal. Napatayo ako sa kinauupuan at sumama kay Luna sa pag-iinteroga sa kanila.

"Where have you been?" Ulit na tanong ni Luna, seryoso at nagmamasid nang maiigi.

"Pwedeng maupo muna kami?" Bagot na tanong ni Akira.

Luna paved a way to them, and the guys sat down on the sofa.

"It's no use." Malungkot sa sambit ni Cleon.

"Hey, but atleast we sealed a deal." Pierce retorted with a little positivity.

"But that's one week from now." Asar naman na imik ni Cleon. Halata mong nababahala talaga ito at hindi mapakali. Base sa takbo ng usapan nila, may ideya na ako sa kung anong nangyari. I'm pretty sure, that they have a way now so we can go home, but it'll take time.

"Is there no way to escape now?" Artemis questioned gently. His Kuya Theon shook his head lightly, looking so problematic and stressed.

"So we are really staying here, huh? Do we even have a place to spend the night?" Harper chimed in elegantly. Not losing her composure even though we are seriously facing a crisis.

"I'd rather contact Mama and Papa. They'll be so worried about us..." Halos bakas na bakas sa boses ni Honoka ang pagkabahala at panlulumo. Artemis and Harper went to her to hug her.

"I agree with Honoka, we should inform our parents about this. We can't disappear for a week. They'll gather a whole detective and police team to search for us. It'll be a greater mess if that happens." Thorn suggested politely.

I looked at Theon who's really thorn right now between the choices.

Napalingon ako kay Biblee na tahimik at hindi nakikisali sa usapan. Nakayuko ito at pinagkikiskis ang mga palad. She's so guilty kahit hindi niya kasalanan. Siguro ramdam nito na kasalana n'ya ang lahat kahit hindi naman.

In the first place we are all at fault for not being careful and for being rush about this. Tumakas at nagsinungaling pa kami sa mga magulang namin. I felt ashamed to our younger siblings. They are suffering because of us, and we are not even worthy to be their role model. We failed, we totally failed.

"We don't even know how we should contact our parents." Iiling iling na komento naman ni Akira.

"What do you think Amythee? What's the best choice?" Baling sa akin ni Theon. Lumapit ako sa kaniya. I patted his head lightly, he did his best.

"I think... we should leave a message for them. I don't want them going crazy at the police just to find us." Nakangiti kong sambit, at saka ko hinawakan ang kamay ni Theon para pagaanin ang pakiramdam nito.

"I'll be the one explaining. And I'll bear the responsibility." I added softly. Napaayos ng upo si Theon at saka ako tiningnan ng ayos.

"No. I will be the one responsible for this." Madiing sabi nito sa akin at seryoso ang kaniyang mga mata. Napalunok ako at napaiwas ng tingin. He looked intimidating, cool and manly. Natakot ako nang kaunti sa tingin niya. Ang lakas ng dating.

I heard most of the gang sighed.

"Wait, wait wait! Teka sandali! Wait a minute, kapeng mainit! Huwat is this drama? Huwat is going on? And saang lupalop ba kayo ng earth nanggaling ha? Nagpunta ba kayong Jupiter para magdrama?" Sunod sunod na tanong ni Luna sa malakas na boses.

I chuckled lightly because of her questions. Luna... in one snap washed away all of our current worries. Para tuloy joke 'yung problema namin sa isang segundo.

"At saka ano bang ginawa n'yo, akala ko naghanap kayo ng matitirhan pansamantala? Tsaka anong deal? Anong time? Anong one week? Hoy! Pakilinaw, please." She added looking so confused. But I know she already have an idea about the topic and to where this conversation is leading.

I saw her expression earlier. She looked serious and she even smirked.

"Ah... gusto kasi naming makauwi ngayon, kaso hindi nga pwede kaya naghanap kami ng paraan." Pierce explained some of the details calmly. He looked apologetically to Luna because they didn't inform her about it.

"At anong paraan aber?" Mataray pero pabirong kuwestiyon ni Luna kayna Cleon.

"Ayaw ka na kasi naming bigyan ng alalahanin. Kaya sorry ngayon pa lang kung hindi mo magugustuhan ang isasagot namin..." Thorn was quick to apologize.

"Ha?" Luna questioned looking puzzled.

"We went to the Hierarchy Game Tower." Theon dropped the bomb like it was nothing. I looked at him irritatedly, he'll give Luna a mini heart attack!

Nanlaki ang mata ni Luna. Tapos ay nalaglag ang panga. "You... WHAT!?" She screeched exaggeratedly.

"We bet on a game..." Akira added to clarify.

"Shookt. I am hundred percent shookt!" Luna told us while screaming and looking so paranoid.

"We are not kidding..." Cleon told her.

"Ahhh!" She squeaked. "Hindi ko na know ang gagawin ko sa inyo! Tatanda ng maaga ang feslaks ko! My gosh." Pinaypayan n'ya ang sarili n'ya dahil namumula ang mukha niya. See? Luna's freaking out! Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Theon, grabe kasi sa pagiging diretso.

"Inhale, exhale..." Luna chanted to herself.

Natahimik kaming lahat. Nanunuod 'yung mga bata sa amin. Aislynn and Blithe looked puzzled but I know they are smart enough to know that we are really not in a good situation. While the others, are just observing us, careful not to add any pressure and more worries.

Ilang saglit pa matapos maglakad ni Luna ng pabalik balik at uminom ng tubig ay kumalma na ito. Biblee was there to help her.

"Sino..." Halos mawalan siya ng boses sa pagtatanong. "Sinong kalaban n'yo?" She asked carefully.

"Elite 7." Maikling sagot ni Theon.

"You are all seriously doomed." Iiling iling na sabi ni Luna.

"Bakit?" Tanong ni Cleon.

"Elite 7 are people aiming to be part of the Royals. You see, wala nang tumatanggap sa kahit anong hamon nila sa ngayon." Simulang paliwanag nito. Halos lahat kami ay naging interesado sa sinabi niya. Bakit naman? They are Elites.

"Why?" Pierce asked gently.

"Because people in here are smart and vicious. Tuso at walang sinasanto. Katulad ng sabi ko halos malapit na silang maging Royals. They just need to prove their skills and they just need to earn some aurous..." She said monotonely.

"Sa tingin mo? Maliban sa talunin sila ano pang mabisang paraan para mapigilan mo sila para maging parte ng mga Royals?" Luna asked quizzically.

"Kapag hinarap mo sila sa mas magagaling sa kanila sympre matatalo sila at hindi magiging Royals." Sagot ni Biblee sa katanungan nito.

"Tumpak! Ano pa?" Luna retorted with a high pitched voice. We became more interested.

"If you want them to suffer and if you want to frustrate them so bad..." Harper started with a calm voice. "You just ignore them, and you just never give them a chance to prove their skills and earn aurous." She concluded with a smile.

Napangiti si Luna nang nakakakilabot dahil sa sinagot ni Harper. "Beauty with brains, eh?" Pang-aasar nito kay Harper. Harper rolled her eyes and just gave a victorious smirk.

"Harper got it right. Since the Elite 7 are close to becoming part of the Royals, the Elites, Middle Class and even some Commoners agreed silently to make them wait in agony. Walang lalaban sa kanila? Walang pagkakataon na maging Royals sila. People in the Tower don't risk something if they knew, they'd make some players in there live in vain." Luna elucidated softly.

"How... cruel." Akira commented slowly, and mockingly.

"Don't you get it?" Luna queried frustratedly.

"We get it, dahil sa amin kaya malaki ang tyansa nilang maging Royals. But we desperately need this! You seriously have no idea about our fear Luna! Our parents are more scary than this damned school!" Galit na imik ni Cleon. Lumapit si Biblee sa kaniya para pakalmahin ito.

"Agh! Hindi 'yun ang ibig kong sabihin!" Sagot ni Luna pasigaw rin. Lumapit sina Honoka at Artemis sa kaniya para hindi ito ganoong magalit at nagpadala sa init ulo. We are all frustrated. Being angry won't do any good.

"Guys... please, calm down." Saway ko sa kanila. Kahit paano naging ayos naman.

"I'm not worried about the Elite Seven becoming Royals!" Inis na sabi ni Luna. "What I am worried about is you!" Luna told Cleon with emphasis. "All of you! I am so freaking worried about what will happen to everyone of you!" Luna clarified intensely.

Kinilabutan ako sa paraan ng pagkakasabi niya. She cared about us so much already in a short amount of time, that's why she's being so affected in our current situation.

"Bakit?" Nagaalalang tanong ni Pierce.

"Ano sa tingin n'yo, palalampasin ng ibang Elite at Middle Class ang ginawa n'yo? Ano sa tingin n'yo kakampihan kayo ng Elite Seven dahil binigyan n'yo sila ng chance? Of course not!" She snapped loudly.

"You just made the whole school your enemy! You just made everyone looked at your direction! You just made them focus on each one of you! You just dig your own graves!" Madiing dagdag nito. Kitang kita mo kung paanong naiinis ito.

Napaupo siya sa sofa dahil doon. Tapos ay napatakip ng mukha. Natahimik kaming lahat. Walang nagtangkang magsalita. Luna's words hit us like a bullet. She's right because of our recklessness we might just get into a deeper trouble.

Halos ilang minuto ang lumipas, but Luna remained stoic. We could feel her cold aura. And the children are starting to be afraid of her. Kahit kami... nakakaramdam ng takot sa pagiging ganito niya ngayon.

She suddenly went out and slammed the door. We couldn't even stop her. Napasunod lang kami ng tingin at saka napabuntong hininga. Hindi rin kami nakapagsalita at nanatili kaming tahimik at punong puno ng tensyon.

Akala namin babalik si Luna matapos ang ilang minuto ng pagpapalamig ng ulo pero hindi niya ginawa.

Hanggang sa nakatanggap ako ng mensahe na dumito na muna kami ngayong maggagabi na. She even messaged me about the rooms on the second level of this place. Wala na rin akong nagawa kung hindi pumayag at magpasalamat sa kabutihang loob niya.

Pumunta kami sa kwarto sa itaas at laking gulat namin ng mga mga damit na doon at ilang gamit na pwede naming gamitin. I texted Luna to ask if we could use them, and she agreed without hesitation.

Time passed and it's already night. Luna transferred some aurous to my account and told me to text our parents with one message. Mahal pala ang text dito kaya isang message lang talaga magagawa mo. That's why I carefully chose the words to send off. 

Lumabas ako sa may maliit na garden nitong tinutuluyan namin at naabutan doon si Theon na nakapajama. Cute. Napangiti ako ng wala sa oras.

"Oy, gabi na ah, bakit nandito ka pa? Sina Aislynn?" I asked while walking to join him.

He chuckled lovingly and asked me to sit down beside him. I obeyed. "Our three princesses are already sleeping. Mukhang napagod at nastress 'yung tatlo sa nangyari. They are all in the same room." Nakangiti nitong sabi.

"That's good. Liam, Nicholas and Aristle are also in the same room. The room was quiet, I guess they fell asleep early. What a day." Nakangiting sabi ko at saka tumingin sa langit na kumukutitap dahil sa napakaraming bituin.

Biblee and I are on the same room. While Honoka, Harper and Blithe are together. Our saints are also together in one room, and the twins are also in the same room.

"Bakit hindi ka pa nag-sleep?" I asked 'nung hindi ito umimik matapos ang sinabi ko.

Natawa siya sa akin. "Cute." He commented, I blushed. Napaiwas ako ng tingin.

"I am wondering about her. Nasaan na kaya siya? I hope she's fine..." He uttered to the wind, almost whispering it so the sound could travel with it, hoping it would reach her.

"Silhoue?" Maikling tanong ko.

He nodded his head. "The only." He replied with a genuine smile on his lips. God, he looked so in love with her. Nakaramdam ako ng pagkailang at saka napatungo at hindi nakapasalita. I scolded myself because of the heavy feeling inside me. This isn't right, Hope.

"Did you inform our parents about our situation?" He asked. Alam kasi nitong ako lang kinakauusap ni Luna ngayon. I nodded silently, looking at my feet, playing with them like a child.

"Yep."

"How did they respond?" He asked.

"Guess what." Natatawang sabi ko para gumaan ang pakiramdam sa aming dalawa.

"Are they freaking out?"

"Definitely not." I answered.

"Seriously?"

"Nah, hindi pa nagrereply." I retorted truthfully. Akala ko nga baka kumunekta ang Nanay sa cellphone eh. Knowing her, kahit sobra sobra pa ang higpit dito, paniguradong malulusutan niya ito.

Kung kami nga ni Biblee posibleng magawa ang bagay na 'yun, siguradong kayang kaya ng Nanay. Pero wala kaming lusot ni Biblee ngayon. Mainit na dugo ng mga estudyante sa amin dito, ayaw kong idagdag sa listahan pati mga nakatataas.

Kung kami lang bang nakatatanda ang nandito panigurado ikokonsidera ko ang bagay na iyon, pero iyong nandito sina Aislynn at Blithe? I won't risk it. Because in everything that we choose and do in here will affect them in a good way or in a really bad way.

"Totoo?" Paninigurado niya.

"Mukha ba akong nagsisinungaling?" Balik sagot ko naman. Natawa siya ng mahina.

"Okay then, I'll believe you, Amythee." Maamong sabi nito at saka tumingin sa langit. Natahimik ulit kami tapos ay nagsimula siyang magsalitang muli.

"I think, it's my fault. Maybe, I am so desperate to see and be with her again, so I dragged you all in this mess." He told me with sadness. Napabagsak ang balikat ko. Minsan lang malungkot 'to si Theon kaya kapag malungkot siya, nakakadala.

"Hindi rin. Ginusto nating lahat 'to, kasi sila ang pinag-uusapan." Sagot ko nang katotohanan. Kahit ilang beses kaming pabalikin sa nakaraan at kahit ilang beses kaming paulitin sa naging choice namin, ito pa rin ang pipiliin naming lahat.

That's how desperate we are to find the Evans. That's how much we long for them.

"Kahit papiliin pa ako ulit, I'd choose going in here over and over. But the only thing, I'd change... is I won't involve the kids in here. Mas gugustuhin ko pang pagalitan nina Nanay at Tatay kaysa idamay sila sa ganito." I told him sincerely.

Sumang-ayon siya sa akin pero alam naman naming parehas na wala na kaming magagawa. Nandito na... kailangan lang naming harapin at hindi takasan ang nangyayari ngayon.

We stayed in silent and we just let the time pass together. After some minutes, I told him that I'll go back inside to rest and sleep. Ayoko namang harapin ng bukas na walang lakas.

Whatever happen tomorrow, I'm sure we could surpass it. Because after all... we are all in this together, and nothing could divide us.

***

[ 5:00pm ]

Our day was bad... it was more awful than yesterday. We just made the school our enemy. Mabuti na lang at kahit papaano hindi ganoong damay ang mga bata kahit medyo hirap sila sa mga nangyayaring pang-aapi sa kanila.

Pero kaming nakatatanda? We just faced the most tiresome and the most frustrating day of our lives.

Kabado na nga kami kasi walang response sila Nanay, binulabog pa nila nang bonggang bongga ang araw namin. Wala silang tigil sa ginagawa nilang panlilinlang at pangaalipusta sa amin.

Never in my life inutus-utusan ako nang ganoon. Tapos para akong katulong sa mga Elite na kaklase namin pati sina Theon! Syempre para iwas gulo, we obeyed silently without complaining.

Hindi rin kami pinansin ni Luna maghapon kaya mas nakakadown sa pakiramdam nung nangyari. Hindi ko akalain na tuso at walang modo pala talaga mga estudyante rito. Akala ko kasi kahit papaano may manners sila.

Kaso wala! As in wala! Hindi yata naturuan kung pa'no maging edukada at edukado. Pero sa klase naman may pinagaralan sila, siguro sobrang init lang talaga ng dugo nila sa amin at siguro dahil na rin transferees kami at wala pang napapatunayan.

"Itatayo ko talaga bandera ng mga Evans-Yoon." I heard Biblee murmured while resting on the sofa. Paulit ulit nyang sinasabi iyon. I couldn't but shake my head and chuckle a little. Ang cute talaga nitong kapatid ko. Pursigidong pursigido.

"Ako rin! Papatunayan ko kakayahan ng nga Williams at Morbelque. Sino sila para ganituhin tayo? Lintik lang walang ganti!" Cleon chanted with full of confidence. He even gestured with pride.

"Hey, Cleon careful with your words. The kids are here." Saway naman ni Pierce kay Cleon. Napatakip ng bibig si Cleon at nag-sorry agad. Kahit papaano gumaan ang pakiramdam namin doon.

Halos pagod kami lahat kaya hindi nagsasalita sina Akira at iba pa. Samantalang ang Keep Calm Trio namin ay nagluluto ng makakain namin. Gutom at pagod, talaga namang knockdown kaming lahat.

Hini nagtagal at kumain din kaming lahat at noong naghuhugas na kami ng pinggan at naglilinis ay biglang bumukas ang pinto sa entrada. Alam namin na may pumasok dahil tumunog ito.

Dahil patapos na rin kami sa pag-aayos at paglilinis at mabilis pa sa alas kwartro kaming tumungo sa sala. Doon ay nakita namin si Luna na napakaseryoso ng mukha.

"Who's playing the game? Is there any certain rule you should follow?" She straightforwardly asked the moment she came in. Walang bahid ng pagbibiro sa mukha niya, hindi kagaya ng nakasanayan namin.

"They taunted us and made us feel worthless to battle with them, so we kind of use it as... an advantage." Akira explained carefully.

"There are no certain rules, we just need to meet and battle with them at the Exodus Palace." Theon asnwered Luna's question directly.

"And the prize? The deal?" Luna queried.

"As for the prize, it's the pass for us to go home. All of us. They agreed with this, since their old passes, and their new passes sums up to our numbers. No aurous needed for them, it's in their favour." Cleon voiced out with a steady voice.

"And if you lose?" Luna questioned with a monotone voice, looking at us intensely.

"We give them all of our aurous, which will be enough for them to become Royals. And as for the skills. The game they chose was supposedly and should probe that they are worthy of the title." Akira retorted remaining composed, being cooperative with Luna.

"And what's the game?" Tumaas ang tensyon sa paligid ng tanungin ni Luna ang bagay na iyon. Nasabi sa akin ni Theon ang larong magaganap at iba pang detalye rito.

Luna's cold aura was hard to handle so Theon decided to answer without ado.

"A game of tag with hide and seek."

Biglang nag-iba ang timpla ng mukha ni Luna. Her expression showed us that we are really in a trouble—a dangerous trouble.

"Life and death, huh? They are seriousky desperate to get rid of you and to become Royals." Nakangising sambit ni Luna na nakapaghatid sa amin ng kakaibang kaba at takot.

What does she mean by life and death?

"Life and death?" Halos sabay na tanong nina Honoka, Artemis at Harper.

"There's no such thing mentioned like that..." Pierce tried to comfort the girls. But Luna didn't budge.

"There is, that silent rule. And you just met all the requirements for the game to be in a matter of life and death." Matigas na banggit ni Luna sa bawat salita. Pakiramdam ko hindi ako nakahinga ng mga pagkakataong iyon.

Seryoso ba siya? Hindi pwedeng mangyari ito! Bakit kung pag-usapan nila ang buhay ng tao para lang itong singko sentimo na hindi mo aalalahanin kung mawawala o makukuha mo?

"What are you trying to imply?" Tiim bagang na tanong ni Akira.

"Tell me you are joking Luna." Biblee joined in the conversation with a worried statement.

"As it is, I am telling you the literal consequences because of the decision you've made." Balewalang sagot nito kay Akira na hindi pinansin ang tanong ni Biblee, pero tumango siya ng marahan kay Biblee. Parang pampalubag loob.

"The venue is a palace, which means nothing would ever stop them or all of you in the game, unless the winner is declared. Walang bawal, walang limits. Dahas kung dahas, dadanak ng dugo kung dadanak ng dugo. And you have the tag plus the hide and seek what a perfect combination you chose for your deaths!" She sarcastically told us. I felt goosebumps all over me.

"How can a mere hide and seek and a game of tag involve such gruesome thoughts and deeds?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Thorn. There's still a glint in his eyes that's hoping that this is all a joke.

"Because you are here... because you enrolled in this school. Because you entered this place." Makabuluhang sagot nito sa amin.

"Ngayon, kung gusto n'yo pang manatiling humihinga. Sumunod kayo sa akin at itratrain ko kayo para hindi pa kayo malagutan ng hininga." Sambit nito at saka dirediretsong umalis.

Sumunod kami agad. Naiwan muna ako saglitpara bilinan sina Athena tungkol sa mga bata. I trust Athena, Aristle, Nicholas and Liam. Alam kong magagampanan nila ng maayos ang pagiging mga Ate at Kuya sa kanila.

We followed Luna and we took the shuttle bus, until we arrived at the place called Exodus Palace.

It was a forest like place with abandoned and old buildings and castle Iike structure. May malaking gate bago kami makapasok at may mga tika gwardiya na nagbabantay rito. When Luna went in there the guards let her in so we followed her.

Hindi nagtagal nakarating kami sa isang plataporma na nasa harapan ng isang malaking maze na gawa sa bushes.

"So ten of you? But the opponent only has seven." Sinabi niya iyon matapos niyang obserbahan ang lahat.

"The trio will be out of it." Sagot namin ni Biblee ng sabay.

"What? No!" Harper was quick to react.

"That's absurd!" Artemis protested.

"Pa'no kayo? Sasama rin kami." Honoka told us.

Luna shook her head. "Decide who will play, players must be equal on both sides." She said.

"Sasali ako." Matigas na sabi ni Biblee. "Ano kasi... pakiramdam ko hanggang ngayon kami pa rin ni Cleon ang puno't dulo ng lahat... I feel so guilty about this, please let me bear the responsibility for this..." Nagpapaintinding paliwanag nito.

Hindi nakapagsalita sina Honoka, Harper at Artemis. Nanatili silang tahimik.

"Then... we'll be out." Harper told us. Napangiti kami ni Biblee at saka sila niyakap.

Ngayon ang maglalaro ay ako, si Biblee, Theon, Cleon, Akira, Pierce at Thorn. Tumango si Luna at nakita ko ang bahagyang pag-ngisi niya. Tapos ay humalukipkip ito sa amin.

"Now, let's play a game." Nakaramdam ako ng kaba pero may naramdaman din akong pagkasabik.

"Treat this as a normal hide and seek with a game of tag. I'll be the seeker and the tag. Kailangan ko lang hanapin kayo, at kapag nahanap ko kayo, kailangan matap or mahawakan ko kayo, kapag nagawa ko 'yun wala na kayo sa laro. Maliwanag?" Luna directed calmly. We all nodded our heads in response.

"Then... let the game begin." She said while smirking mischievously.

Nagsimula kaming kumilos at maglakad patungo sa maze. Hanggang sa marinig ko si Luna na umimik ulit.

"Oh, I forgot. I'll time myself. I'll get all of you in 15." Madiing bigkas niya. Natigilan kaming lahat.

"15? You mean 1 hour and 5 minutes?" Thorn asked to clarify.

"No." Kunot noong tanong ni Luna.

"15 minutes?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Biblee, pasigaw.

"Yes." Luna replied with a thumbs up.

"Are you underestimating us? In this wide and vast place, and with the seven of us? It's one versus seven right now, Luna." Akira said in a mocking tone.

Tumaas ang isang sulok ng labi ni Luna. "Masyado n'yo naman yata akong hindi pinagkakatiwalaan..." Mapaglarong sambit nito.

"In fact..." She trailed slowly.

"I am overestimating you for setting the time limit of 15 minutes." She informed us as a matter of factly.

"Medyo imposible naman yata Luna." Nagaalinlangang sambit ko.

"Then, prove me wrong." She challenged with full of confidence.

"Because seriously? I think... 7 minutes will be enough to finish this game." She spoke nonchalantly.

Akala ko 'nung una nakikipagbiruan lang si Luna sa mga sinasabi niya. Akala ko hindi ganun kabigat 'yung mga salitang binibitawan niya. Akala ko... may halo pa rin ng biro ang mga nalalaman namin sa lugar na ito...

Pero hindi pala...

Dahil...

Sa isang iglap...

Natapos ang laro... ang unang laro namin kalaban si Luna, sa loob ng...

Labing apat na minuto. At exactly fourteen minutes, we are all out of the game.

And at exactly fourteen minutes... I discovered how dangerous Luna is... and... on how our life was on the line in this game...

I went out of that place... with a shivering body... a heavy heartbeat and... and an arm covered with blood.

This game is seriously no ordinary hide and seek and game of tag...

...because this is... hide your presence, seek for a safe place, and when found—run to survive.

***