Hello, Crowns! Good morning! I hope you are all well. Thank you for waiting patiently. Enjoy reading! ✨

THE EMPIRE HEIRS (formerly known as THE GANGSTER HEIRS) is now published under PSICOM! The orginal Improbus Ille Imperium is now available! I hope you grab your copy! Thank you so much!

Always take care, and have a great day! 🤍

***

#TCS81: The Start

Miracle Silhouette's POV

"How's the plan going?" I asked Biblee, after I sat down on the swivel chair near her. She was so focused on what she was doing that she didn't really look at me, and just nodded with knotted forehead. I chuckled a little because she had the same expression that Cleon was wearing.

I checked the monitor and what they were doing. They were still hacking the Senses system inside the Empire University. They were trying to access their student records, and the other information we could take from them.

Although I gave them the access that Momo and Dada gave me to access the student's identities and personal information, some of the information were removed, and we discovered that the Senses did hack the system so they could protect their own identities. It was fixed immediately by Yvo, but the Senses acted fast, and made another system on their own.

It was a replica of the secured system in the Empire, that was why Yvo was having a hard time dealing with it. Para kasing nakikipaglaban si Yvo sa sarili n'ya. At aminin man o hindi ni Yvo, masyadong maganda at secured ang system na ginawa n'ya na pati s'ya nahihirapan s'yang i-counter 'yon.

Si Biblee at Cleon naman pati sina Luna at Justice ang patuloy na gumagawa ng plano tungkol sa pagharap nila sa Senses. A few days from now, all of their plans would bear fruit, and the school would soon become a home of terror and war.

Other were also scheming their own strategies to protect the students inside the University that would be tangled in the war that was about to commence. Minsan pumupunta ang ilang pasaway sa school nang patago, para ilagay ro'n ang mga kailangan nilang mga bagay para masiguradong walang casualty na mangyayari sa mga taong inosente.

They were also discovering a lot of things while in there, and would report everything. Nalaman namin na mukhang may mga hawak na estudyante ang Senses sa school, at may ilang mga bomba at explosive na nakatanim sa school at maari 'yong pasabugin ng Senses ano mang oras.

That was why Biblee and Cleon were busy. They were tracking down the bombs and explosives, and were trying to connect to their systems to dismantle it. They were confirming all of the positions of those dangerous weapons that would sure kill hundreds, and make a damage that would be hard to fix.

Nadiskubre rin nila may ilang explosives at bomba na mano-mano ang mangyayaring pagdi-dismantle. Hindi pwede through system, at mukhang ancient at bago pa ang mga bomba na 'yon kaya kailangan nila malaman lahat ng posisyon no'n, at isa-isang umalis ang mga pasaway para tingnan ang lokasyon no'n, at aralin ang mga madidiskubre nila.

It was hectic, because they were also preparing on how to lure the Senses out of where they were hiding. It was planned that they would rather pull the Senses out of their places, than find them and start the battle through it.

"Luna and Justice are both focusing on the money, accounts, and riches of the Senses, right?" biglang tanong ni Cleon at inikot ang swivel chair para humarap sa akin. I nodded at him, and he smirked.

"Are they coming back after lunch?" Biblee's voice questioned.

"Yeah, and they already succeeded in transferring some money from the Senses account to our fake bank. They wouldn't know right away, but once they find out about the missing money... they would really search and hack to know who's messing with them," I explained to Biblee and Cleon, and they both chuckled.

"Pretty sure, Luna did send a video of her saying hello to them, once they decided to hack our system, eh?" Cleon cackled while messing with his hair, and I chortled with him. Truth.

I saw Luna recording some kind of video earlier, while laughing and sending finger hearts. She even added some CG editings with money flying around, and shades in her eyes, and a clipart of a cigarette. Tawang-tawa si Justice sa pinagagagawa ni Luna kanina.

Justice was the one who planned that one. Ang gusto ni Justice lahat ng pera at resources ng Senses, imbis na papasok sa banko o safe nila ay didiretso isang fake account na ginawa nila. Pero hindi kaagad malalaman ng kalaban ang bagay na 'yon.

Luna was the one who created the fake account, and the security. Para alam nila kapag nalaman na ng Senses ang pag-ubos nila nang unti-unti sa mga pera ng kalaban. At kapag nagsimula ang Senses na labanan at kunin pabalik ang mga ninakaw namin, imbis na mahuli kami, ang makikita nila ay video ni Luna.

Lakas din talaga mang-asar no'n ni Justice at Luna.

"They would sure show up not because they wanted their money back, but because they are pissed off at Luna's video."

The three of us laughed together because of what Biblee stated. I nodded in agreement. I could imagine their faces heating up because the serious thing for them was just a jest for Justice and Luna.

Pikon talo na lang ang mangyayari sa kanila kapag gano'n.

"Did you locate all the bombs that they planted in the Empire University? How about their information and motives?" I queried both of them, and they halted a little from typing up and trying to remove the protection and security that were covering everything from the Senses.

"The bombs—half of it were dismantled through the system we are using. Pero lumalabas pa rin sina Akira, Pierce, at Caerus para tingnan sa location kung dismantle na talaga. Thorn, Katniss, and Art are inspecting the bombs they are bringing." Napatango-tango naman ako sa sinabi ni Cleon.

"The bombs are all different, and they are powerful. They can blow up a whole building, and no one will be able to survive. May kanya-kanya ring time 'yong mga bomba. Kung nahuli lang kami sa pagdiskubre nyan, paniguradong marami nang patay ngayon." I hissed when I heard that from Biblee. Damn, Senses.

"We are trying to locate the ones that are going to explode soon. And we are good with these kinds. However, there are explosives that we cannot locate. Even Yvo, and Nicasia cannot find it in their system. Senses are the only ones who can point it to us, and disassemble it." Napabuntonghininga ako sa pahayag ni Cleon.

"We are going to bet in finding it by searching the school physically. Kalix, Sven, and Rebel are all working on it. They are able to find some, but not all. I am still anxious because I think the biggest explosive is yet to be discovered, and I am afraid that it will be too late." Bumagsak ang balikat ni Biblee sa pagsasabi sa akin no'n.

"Worry not, I am going to make sure that there will be no huge amount of casualty." Halos sabay-sabay kaming napalingon no'ng biglang may pumasok sa silid kung nasaan kami. He went to me, and kissed my forehead.

"Alas," bati ni Cleon at Biblee. Akakios smiled, and the two returned it. Akakios's effect was so evident because they both suddenly looked so assured, and relieved. Parang nawalan ng tinik sa dibidb. Payapa akong napangiti dahil do'n.

"Why are you so sure?" I smirked at Akakios who sat on his chair, and viewed the situation of the whole school and its map.

"The Senses will be the ones who'd disable all of their explosives and pitfalls for me." He smirked without looking at me, and that freaking small smirk on his side lips, made me shiver. I gulped a little, and the room seemed colder than before.

I saw Biblee and Cleon froze on their seats. They couldn't even continue what they were typing and doing, considering the sudden tension that was in the air. Akakios looked at the three of us, and chuckled.

"Sorry." He smiled with his eyes, and the two exhaled a huge amount of air exaggeratedly. Natawa ako nang mahina. Akakios just suddenly looked so cute because he looked so guilty that he made them panic and quiver for a moment.

"You collected some information about the Senses from before, right?" tanong ni Biblee sa akin. I nodded at her.

"Yeah, basic ones, and that's why we are able to get some money from their accounts, but that isn't enough." Tumango 'yong dalawa sa akin, at saka muling nag-focus sa ginagawa nila. I also looked at the screen to start my work.

The plan was to make the Senses appear in the school and stop their hiding. Further, we needed to know the reason why they were doing this scheme. Why would they want to reignite the fire that was long gone? Why would they want the Mortem to rise back on its power?

Hindi ako naniniwala na para lang 'yon sa kapangyarihan at dahil gusto lang nila ng kapangyarihan. Hindi ko alam pero pakiramdam ko may iba pang dahilan. At hindi maaaring matapos ang gulong 'to nang hindi ko 'yon nalalaman.

"How long do you think we'll face the Senses?" Akakios questioned suddenly.

Napaharap si Biblee at Cleon sa kanya. "One week." I smirked automatically when I heard Biblee answered confidently.

"We'll be at war with them and physically battling them in one week. And after that it will be over." I couldn't believe she was saying it confidently. I pressed my lips to hide my smirk, and taunting remark.

"Underestimating them?" Akakios asked with a puckered forehead, slowly looking away from the screen to look at them. Biblee and Cleon stopped what they were doing to focus on Akakios. I bit my lower lips because of the goosebumps.

During the year and weeks that passed. That was one of the things that they started doing. Not because it was instructed by Isolde, Tita Misha, Tito Takeshi, or Tito Takashi. It was because they feared Akakios, although they tried to hide it from us.

Kung ako pwede nilang kausapin nang hindi tinitingnan o naka-focus pa rin sila sa ginagawa nila. Kapag si Akakios hindi pwede. Kailangan nakaharap o buong pansin nila ang naka'y Akakios. They respected and feared him in the highest level.

Cleon shook his head to answer Akakios. "We didn't want to prolong it..." he started. "It had been how many years since they started, we cannot draw this out anymore. If they want war, we'll give them one—a powerful but short one."

Akakios nodded at the answer. "Are you confident?" he further queried.

"Yeah," Biblee answered directly. "We are targeting the leaders of the Senses not their underlings. We are going for the root, not the leaves. Once we pull out the root and cut its ties, it will be over." Akakios and I looked at each other with a smirk.

"Then... we'll leave it to all of you. Make us see why it will be worth taking you to fight the Domain," seryoso at hindi nagpapakita ng kahit anong emosyon na banggit ko sa kanila. Natigilan sila parehas at mukhang tinaasan ng balahibo.

After a few seconds, they both nodded, and went to do what they were supposed to do. I also went back to what I was doing. I was monitoring the whole school, and doing some errands from Master Gideon and Isolde. Paniguradong gano'n din si Akakios.

Matapos ang ilang saglit na katahimikan, biglang may kumatok. I glanced at the door, and saw Akira in there. I signalled him to enter, and he smiled to thank me. Biblee didn't even look back because she was so busy.

"Hey." Natawa ako kasi halos mapatalon si Biblee no'ng naramdaman n'yang nasa likod ng upuan n'ya si Akira.

She turned around her swivel chair. "Lunch?" Akira asked her. She looked a little conflicted like she wanted to finish what she was doing first.

"Ano'ng gusto mong lunch?" Akira repeated. Napaisip naman kaagad si Biblee. "Hmm. Rice and adobo?" natatawang sabi nito.

"Honoka cooked chicken dishes, 'yon na lang!" Cleon popped in, Biblee pouted.

"Nag-chicken na kahapon 'no! Konti na lang talaga magkakapakpak na ako!" she ranted with hand gestures. 'Tapos ipinakita pa n'ya 'yong likod n'ya na akala mo'y tinubuan na s'ya ng pakpak. Baliw talaga nito!

"H'wag ka mag-alala kapag nagkapakpak ka ibebenta kita sa perya," Akira told Biblee with a straight face.

Bigla kaming humagalpak ng tawa lahat sa sinabi n'ya. Bwisit! Pumapalakpak pa si Cleon sa katatawa habang si Biblee napatulala at hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi ni Akira. Napakurap-kurap pa 'to, pero sa huli natawa rin s'ya sa narinig.

"Hoy, pwede mo rin ipang-sabong 'yan! Palaban 'yang maliit na 'yan, malaki-laki kikitain natin!" Cleon added, and he high five-d with Akira.

I almost choked laughing because of them. My gosh!

"Bwisit kayo!" asar na imik ni Biblee at sumimangot. Akira chuckled and tousled her hair. "Adobong baboy?" he asked her, and Biblee nodded while crossing her arms.

"Okay," simpleng sagot ni Akira, at saka pinamulsa ang mga kamay. "I'll call you again, and by that time, you'll be coming with me to eat." Napatango-tango kaagad si Biblee sa sinabi ni Akira. Medyo natigil na kami sa pagtawa at napangiti naman ako sa dalawa. Cute.

Aalis na sana si Akira, kaso hinigit s'ya ni Biblee. "Kiss ko! Ang daya mo eh! Si Alas kada aalis at makikita si Ate Miracle, may kiss! Wala 'to! Matuto ka naman kay Alas!" I suddenly burst out laughing, and gazed at Akakios.

I saw him gulped, and blushed. Napakamot sa ulo at mukhang nahihiya. Muntik ko na tuloy batukan si Biblee! Alam ko takbo ng utak ni Akakios! He was probably thinking of not doing it anymore! Nako, kapag tumigil si Akakios, kokonchabahin ko si Akira!

"You wish," Akira rolled his eyes at Biblee, and turned his back. Before leaving the room, and Biblee pouted while crossing her arms.

"Daya!" reklamo ni Biblee. Natawa kaming mga nasa kwarto.

She returned to what she was doing though, and focused again. And after a little while of silence. The monitor that Cleon was using suddenly blacked out and Sloane appeared from the screen. "Lunch na!" she shouted and looked at Cleon angrily.

"Slo, 'yong mga data ko!" Cleon messed with his hair.

"Oo, idi-delete ko 'yong mga data mo kapag hindi ka pa bumaba rito! Akala mo susunduin kita? Umaasa ka!" Biblee was laughing so hard because of Sloane, and Cleon looked like a lost puppy because he couldn't say anything back.

Pagkatapos nawala rin si Sloane sa screen n'ya. Nakahinga s'ya no'ng maluwag nang makita na hindi nabura 'yong mga ginawa n'ya. He stood up from his seat, and stretched a little. "Tawa ka pa!" Kinutusan ni Cleon si Biblee.

"Under!" Akakios and I chuckled because of Biblee's words.

"I'll eat first, Slo's probably counting down, and if I don't arrive on time. RIP." I was shaking my head when Cleon ran while shouting to go down.

"Pinakamamahal kong Sloane! Pababa na 'yong pinakagwapong si Cleon!" Napapailing na lang ako sa mga kalokohang taglay na hindi nawawala kahit pa-stressed at marami silang pinagkakaabalahan ngayon.

"Ayan kasi tinuruan si Sloane mang-hack. Karma," chortled Biblee, and I high five-d with her.

Si Cleon kasi nagturo kay Sloane sa mga technology at intel, ang kaso imbis na sa kalaban gamitin, sa kanya ginagamit. Matatawa ka na lang kasi mukhang masaya si Cleon pero problemado kasi hindi n'ya malaman kung paano aakto si Sloane minsan.

What did he expect about the unpredictable Crown? Sloane might be his girl, but Sloane was still her own identity. And I was happy that Cleon was learning and accepting everything from her. While Cleon might not really see it but Sloane was also adjusting to him.

We went back to our own business. Akakios was quiet but his presence was making us focus and tensed at the same time. He was probably monitoring and seeing the progress about the Apocalypse strength in training and strategy for the Domain.

Bilib din talaga ako kay Akakios. He was the one who had too many tasks on his plate. But he was doing everything with no pressure. He was fast, efficient, and even unbelievable in doing his job. Kahit ano'ng ibigay ni Master Gideon sa kanya, madalas sobrang higit pa sa ekspektasyon ang resulta.

I sighed, and thought about all the things that were happening. Next week. It would be the start.

I was sure that the Senses would move by that time. Not only because we were messing with their records, their plans, bombs, and explosives, and money... but also because we have someone. Alain. We have Alain and he'd be one of the key why they'd move out from their graves.

Senses were strong. They caused hidden turmoil in the Empire University. If the Crowns didn't handle them well the past years, the whole school would be filled with unexplainable terror. But they all managed to conceal the Senses from the school.

Their strengths weren't ordinary, too. They could fight one on one with the Crowns and win. But... there was something that they didn't achieve that well. Team work. The Senses usually act on their own ways, and it would be their doom.

NANG matapos ako sa ginagawa ko. Umalis ako ro'n, halos sabay kami umalis ni Akakios sa monitor room. Saktong balik ni Justice at Luna na nagkukulitan papunta ro'n. Samantalang si Biblee sinundan si Akira na tinawag na s'ya.

When we went downstairs. "Niluto mo 'to?" Biblee's voice echoed loudly.

"Yeah, so eat." Pinaupo ni Akira si Biblee at nagsimulang kumain 'yong isa. Samantalang kami ni Akakios, umupo rin para kumain kasabay si Biblee.

Cleon just finished eating and they were at the kitchen. He was helping Sloane wash the dishes. Sus, if I know, he was just there to flirt, and be sweet around Sloane.

Pagkatapos ng lunch didiretso na rin ang mga 'yan sa training ni Isolde, at nang iba pang nagte-training sa kanila.

Akakios placed a plate in front of me. "Thank you, baby!" I smiled at him, and he chuckled before tousling my hair. He sat down beside Akira, and I was beside Biblee. Aapat na lang kami sa dining. Mukhang nasa training na rin ang iba.

"You already ate?" tanong ni Akakios kay Akira.

"Yeah, I ate with them. I just cooked Adobo for her," kibit-balikat na sagot ni Akira. Looked like Honoka, Art, and Harper didn't really cook Adobo. I smirked at Akira. Gagawin talaga lahat para kay Biblee.

"How is it going these days?" Akakios asked after chewing his food.

"Pierce and I are going to the University later to inspect some locations again. All's fine. I'm just bothered by something..." Akira's expression suddenly changed from nonchalant to focused. Biblee drank her water, and listened.

"I get that the Senses are strong. And they want to use the name of the Morbelque to make their power and authority solidified in the underground world. But... why do I feel like they are nothing but mere pawns?" I stopped eating when Akira stated that, hindi lang ako. Pati si Akakios natigilan.

"I'm suspecting that, too... I mean, there are other names that they can use. But why the Mortem? Why are they messing with us?" Biblee's forehead knotted. "They suddenly lied low too, after... Ate Miracle and Alas showed up to throw their game off."

"Yeah, that too. We have Donovan and Alain back then. They are still part of the pillars of the Senses. They showed their authority. They messed up with the hierarchy in this school, and throw chaos like kidnapping Art, doing the animals that represents their Sense," Akira told us seriously.

"But they suddenly stopped without a trace. Fearing the two of you? Might be... but there's this gut that they are just puppets. That the one who's controlling them told them to stop." Napatango-tango kaagad ako ro'n. I get Biblee's sentiment.

"I'm not feeling good about them. I don't want to jump in conclusions... do you think, it's the Domain?" Akakios stopped eating, and sipped from his icy water then looked at Akira.

Napaayos nang pagkakaupo si Akira sa tingin ni Akakios.

"Why the Domain?" I queried curiously. Akakios and I discussed about that a month ago. And we were trying to find the connection about and between them.

"I'm not sure?" Akira looked conflicted. Tumango naman kaagad si Biblee. "Hindi namin alam, Ate Miracle, Alas. Basta iba talaga pakiramdam ko, eh. 'Yong mapatay man natin lahat sila... baka biglang may mangyari kahit tapos na."

"We are actually discussing that..." Akakios started. "Pero hindi namin sasabihin muna sa iba. I didn't want to cause another problem, and stress about it." I nodded in agreement. Nothing was sure yet.

"Is there a possibility?" tanong ni Biblee. Akakios and I sighed simultaneously before saying anything.

"There is..." sabay na sagot namin.

"I am thinking that it might be about the Empire. To fight the Empire again, and to gain its power. The Domain had always desired to get the Empire. And they can succeed if they have the Mortem in its full glory. Since there's a history between the two..." I closed my eyes after I articulated it to them.

"Damn," Akira voiced out.

"Grabe, ang tuso talaga ng Domain! Akala ko sa pag-ibig lang nagiging tuso ang tao, my gosh!" Kaagad nabatukan ni Akira si Biblee sa bigla nitong sinabi. Napatayo pa si Akira maabot lang ulo ni Biblee na nasa tapat n'ya.

"Aray ko naman, mahal! Ang seryoso nating apat masyado eh!" reklamo ni Biblee.

"Panira ka talaga," Akira hissed at her, and we all laughed softly while shaking our heads.

"For now focus on what we have. And we'll deal with their reasons, and the depth of why the Senses are doing it once we have them," Akakios mentioned gently, and we all nodded at his instruction.

"Bakit ba kasi hindi nagsasalita 'yan si Alain, kahit ano gawin!" iiling-iling na sambit ni Biblee.

We shrugged. Kahit ano kasing pahirap ang gawin kay Alain, hindi mo talaga mapapasagot ang taong 'yon. Kaya nanatili lang 'yon nakakulong at hindi hinahanayaan mamatay, dahil malaki rin ang parte n'ya sa mga mangyayari at plinaplano nila.

When we finished eating we all separated ways to do what we were supposed to do.

Akakios and I went to the second-floor balcony and just gazed at the surrounding while thinking deep thoughts.

"Are you sure we are not going to help them?" tanong ni Akakios sa akin. I nodded at him, I walked near where he was standing, and took his hands then circled it around me. Naka-back hug tuloy s'ya sa akin sa ginawa ko. Natawa s'ya nang marahan dahil do'n.

"We are already helping them by training them." I shrugged. "Hayaan mo silang talunin ng kanila ang Senses. That way we will see their growth." I felt him nodded with my answer, and hugged me tigther.

"Once the Senses are defeated... do you think the Morbelques will take over and claim the Mortem?" mahinang bulong nito malapit sa tainga ko.

"It's up to them. But I don't think Tito Skyler would want it..." I trailed as the wind blew making me feel so secured in Akakios's arms.

"Hmmm..." Akakios nodded. "After all burying and burning the Mortem is his way of atoning for the sin he committed."

I smiled bitterly with Akakios's words. That was why Sven wasn't fond of his cousins, and their family. Because he wanted the ashes to rise from their hands—Tito Skyler's family were the only main bloodline. Pero ayaw ni Tito Skyler, at mukhang nakuha 'yon ni Theon.

Tito Skyler might want his children to act like the main Morbelques, but it would be a different topic to make them rule the Mortem.

Who knows what would happen. Who knows what awaits each one of us... as we enter the new chapter of our lives. The lives that we all ran from finally showed its real colour to each one of us... and the only thing that we were waiting now... was the commencement of it.

The start of the war.

The start of the terror.

And the start of bloodshed.

***

Amythee Hope's POV

-A week later-

"Hey, good luck." The beat of my heart was hammering loudly inside my chest. We were now going back to the Empire University as this day marked the commencement of everything, and it was because the Senses started to move.

Law, Gabby, Luna, and Justice built a headquarters inside the academy. Do'n namin mamo-monitor ang ilan pang nangyayari, at do'n din namin malalaman ang galaw ng ilang Senses. They also moved Alain to another prison that was inside the school.

All we needed to do now was win this battle in one week.

"See you in a week?" natatawang sabi ni Miracle sa amin habang nagpapaalam kami sa kanila nina Tita Isolde at Alas.

"Please be safe..." Alas told us softly, and we all nodded. "Rebel, Justice, Law, Gabby, Caerus, Katniss, and Sloane. Please protect them too in times of danger," he added, and we chuckled. Si Alas lang kasi talaga 'yong nag-aalala sa kaligtasan namin.

"Kaya na nila 'yan, kapag hindi nila kaya, magtatago ulit ako." Nanlaki ang mga mata namin sa biglang sinabi ni Miracle.

"Ate!" her siblings ranted in irritation.

"Ate Miracle naman..." some of us pouted and looked defeated.

"That's an encouragement!" defensive na imik ni Miracle sa amin.

"Wow, Ate, ha. Ang ganda no'ng sinabi mo," asar na tugon ni Rebel sa kapatid.

"Ayaw n'yo no'n gagawin n'yo 'yong best n'yo para maging tagumpay talaga kasi mas nakakatakot kapag ako 'yong nawala kesa kalabanin ang Senses?" ngisi ni Miracle sa amin, bago s'ya yumakap sa baiwang ni Alas na natatawa sa pinagsasabi nito.

"Touché," Law retorted with a smirk.

Kinilabutan tuloy ako bigla sa kanilang magkakapatid.

Justice shrugged. "Yeah right. See you in a week, and do you want the Senses dead or alive?" tanong pa n'ya. Nagkatawanan 'yong mga Evans pero nanatili lang napapalunok sa usapan nila. Kahit anong brutal siguro namin dahil sa mga training wala pa ring tatalo sa kanila.

"Some dead, and the ones who can give me information, well, I want that person alive." I stepped back from where I was standing because I felt the chills in my body when the glint in Miracle's eyes changed.

"Sure," Law mentioned nonchalantly. "Should I finish everything in three days?" he even added that made me jaw dropped.

"Then fight by yourself. Don't ruin my beauty sleep if you want to puyat just to fight them!" Nagkatawanan kaming lahat no'ng batukan ni Harper si Law dahil sa sinabi nito. Law pouted, and caressed his head.

"Tss!" he reacted, and Miracle teased his brother. "Under."

"Nagsalita!" sabay-sabay na sagot ng triplets sa Ate nila. Alas was chuckling at them heartily.

"Don't create a mess in the school," Miracle stated seriously, and we all nodded. "Gabby," may diin na dagdag nito. Napatikom naman ng bibig si Gabby bago sukong napatango sa kapatid. Mukhang may binalak 'tong sariling plano n'ya eh.

"I'll make sure she's not going to cause unnecessary trouble," Pierce popped in, and reassured the eldest Evans.

"That... I trust," ngisi ni Miracle, at nag-alma naman si Gabby. "Ate naman, eh!"

"Well... Pateh's Pateh," dagdag pangloloko pa ng triplets.

"Finish your mission with a blast?" Alas smiled at us, and we all gave him thumbs up.

"Sige na, umalis na kayo. Para masimulan at matapos na. Baka maunahan pa kayo." Pagtataboy ni Miracle sa amin, kaya naman nagsimula kaming sumakay sa may yate na hinanda para makapunta kami sa mismong loob ng Empire University.

Theon guided me to get on the yacht and we waved our hands at Alas and Miracle.

"If you return almost half dead, I won't train you anymore," Isolde told us seriously, and we all gulped and nodded. Si Miracle at Alas lang yata ang natawa sa sinabi n'ya pero sa amin sobrang laking banta no'n.

Ilang saglit pa nagsimula na rin umaandar ang yate, at naging malayo na rin kami sa kanila. I was just sitting beside Theon who was holding my hand. I was nervous about this, but also excited. It was finally time to face them. It was finally time to see our growth in a different level.

"Did they bite our trap?" I asked Biblee, and she nodded excitedly. Magkatabi sila ni Akira ngayon. Tahimik lang si Akira, at si Biblee ayon kung ano-ano na namang walang kwenta ang sinasabi kay Akira.

May pa last will pang nalalaman na lahat ng yaman n'ya kay Akira mapupunta. Wow ha, ang yaman n'ya ha.

'Tapos hindi raw s'ya pwede mamatay, kasi sa isang tao lang s'ya patay na patay. Akira would sigh and roll his eyes at Biblee's words. Jusko, jusko, jusko! Kung may pamalo lang ako, kanina ko pa hinampas si Biblee! Lakas ng pitik!

Napapairap na lang si Akira at tinatakpan ang bibig no'ng kapatid ko. Pero matatawa rin sa huli. Tsaka pipisilin ang pisngi no'ng makulit na 'yon.

"The calm before the storm, huh?" I heard Theon asked, as I felt him rested his head on my shoulder.

"Yeah... but at least they are not that tensed, huh... it was like we are really all waiting for this day." I heard Theon's sounding smirk when I stated that, and he hugged my waist using his other hand.

"I'll protect you, and I'll fight with you, love." I chuckled because of what he told me.

"Me too, love. I will." Hinarap ko s'ya at nanlaki ang mga mata ko no'ng halikan n'ya ako sa tungki ng ilong ko, bago patakan ng mabilis at maamong halik sa labi. Bumalik s'ya sa pagkakasandal sa balikat ko pagkatapos.

Namumula naman ako kasi iba 'yong tingin ni Biblee at Akira sa aming dalawa. Inirapan ko na lang sila! Mainggit sila! Tss!

"Hey, pasaways! The Senses are on the move! They are gonna be going to the area that we prepared for them! Once we arrived we will start hunting them, okay?!" Bigla kaming napaayos ang upo dahil sa sinabi ni Luna.

Bigla na lang nagbago ang hangin sa paligid. Everyone who looked relaxed, started to become serious, and everyone who looked cheery, looked like they were excited for the upcoming hunt. A hunt for the Senses.

"Chase the chasers, huh?" We all gazed at Harper when she suddenly stated that.

"Those who once hunted us... are going to pay for their sins now, huh?" Art smirked evilly, as she placed the gun she was playing with on her side pocket.

"A long bloody night... awaits us, and we are going to be the predators, not the preys." Honoka nodded with a little smile on her lips. The words that came out of her mouth was soft, but its meaning? Definitely cruel and not gentle.

"For sure they will have their force, we'll deal with it in a snap," ngisi ni Katniss habang nilalaro ang dalawang kutsilyo sa magkabilang kamay n'ya. Kinuha naman ni Thorn ang isa ro'n nang walang kahirap-hirap.

"Messing with the school, and messing with us... they chose the wrong game." Napalunok ako sa sinabi ni Thorn, sobrang kakaiba talaga ng awra n'ya ngayon at no'ng mga nagdaang buwan. It was like... I was finally seeing why he was so worthy of being a Fortaleza-Sy.

Caerus smirked and pocketed his hands, while cracking his head from side to side, as he sat beside Art. "We'll all go according to the plan. We'll eliminate all the underlings that they brought. And once they are finished, we'll fight the Senses."

"Yeah, we have our teams. So everything will go smoothly," dagdag ni Sloane sa sinabi nito. Inakbayan naman ni Cleon si Sloane at kinikalabutan ako sa sabay nilang pagngisi.

"Let's finish this night with a good start? Let's make them feel that we are not the same from before?" I announced, and they all looked at me.

"You mean... unleashing the demons, this early?" biglang sabat ni Law, habang yakap mula sa likod si Harper.

"Why not?" Theon grinned in a devilish manner.

"This will be so interesting..." Justice added with a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

And everyone was now smirking like him. Rebel clicked his tongue, and traced his lip with his thumb and nodded so slowly. "I'd like to bet on this winning game..." he trailed proudly, and Honoka rested her head on his chest.

Bigla naman umabante si Gabby habang naka-cross arms, at ngumisi.

"Once the game is over... they would face their catastrophe in the depths of hell."

Hindi ko alam pero kaagad ko ng naramdaman ang pagtayo ng mga balahibo ko sa batok, at braso, kasabay ang malamig na ihip ng hangin sa narinig kong sinabi ni Gabby habang walang kaemo-emosyon ang mukha.

We didn't dare to speak after that because the tension and excitement mixed in the air, and I only heard the bell of death.

I looked up in the sky, and the moon was now covered with the clouds, and there were only few stars in the sky.

Hindi rin nagtagal nakarating kami sa patutunguhan. It was dead quiet, and Biblee and her team directly went to the headquarters, while the rest of us, went to the area of abandoned buildings, and a place where there would be no students that they could harm.

Naghiwahiwalay kami kaagad at mabilis na binuhay ang mga device namin. My earrings were now activated to become a key for communication, and position. Hinanda ko na rin kaagad ang baril sa gilid ng legs ko at kutsilyo sa magkabilang kamay.

The dead and eerie air of the abandoned place was soon filled with the little steps and lurks from the enemies.

"Enemies are now entering the place, searching for the vault of the money, and for Alain..." I was sure we all heard Justice's announcement in our ears.

"In three, two, one, let the game begin." And with that cue, I suddenly moved out of my hiding place to run towards a place where I was seeing the position of the cautious opponents hiding form us.

Kaagad akong nagtago sa likod ng poste kung saan may isang kalaban, at walang alinlangan kong sinaksak ang bibig n'ya no'ng makita kong sisigaw na sana 'to. I impaled him on the stomach when he tried to fight me, and I targeted a sensitive area on his neck, and he was now unconscious.

Inilabas ko rin ang baril kong may silencer, at mabilis na pinapatukan ang isang nagtatago sa may poste na muntik na akong atakihin. Mabilis din akong nagpaputok ng baril paiikot sa lugar, dahil sa mga nakita kong kalaban sa dilim.

Justice and Luna gave us contact lenses that would make us see people in the dark, and recognized them if they were enemies. Magkakaro'n ng kulay red na information sa kanila kapag kalaban sila. Almost all the underlings of the Senses have a record of information in the contact lenses.

And a blue information would appear if they were not enemies but alliances. Kaya kahit madilim, ay dire-diretso kami sa pakikipaglaban dahil alam namin kung sino sila. Kapag unknown, yellow ang lalabas, kaya pwede namin kilalanin muna bago umatake.

"Underlings of the Senses approaching the first floor, ten of them. Be careful, Amythee." I heard Cleon's voice and I smirked. That would be a good start up, and stretch. I titled my head from side to side, and ran to where they were located based on Cleon's information.

Sinalubong kaagad sila ng mga putok ng baril, pati na rin ng mabilis na slash mula sa patalim na hawak ko sa kabilang kamay. I was sure four of them were automatically down from my attack, and I was being circled by six enemies now.

One of the enemy have a machine gun that was aiming at me. Hindi ako nag-alinlangan na sungaban 'yon at hawakan ang nguso no'n. He pulled the trigger, and the continuous bullet flowed but I was not even harmed.

Ginamit ko kasi 'yon para puntiryahin ang mga kasamahan n'ya dahil sa lakas na taglay ko, hindi n'ya nagawang manlaban, at kaagad ko ring hinampas sa ulo n'ya ang baril, at kinuha 'yon matapos dumanak ang dugo sa paligid.

I wiped my face that was splattered with blood because of what happened, and smirked while collecting some guns, and knives from them. Pagkatapos no'n narinig ko si Biblee na magbigay ng ilang impormasyon.

I immediately went to the rooftop because I have a rifle with me. "Enemies who have rifles were also at their places, target them, Ate." I heard Biblee and I nodded. Mukhang inutusan n'ya rin si Art at Thorn tungkol sa bagay na 'yon.

Art, Thorn and I were all assigned to take down those who would use rifle. The whole area was huge, but the three of us could maximize our areas, and target those who were gonna try to take our families down through rifles.

May nakita kaagad akong tao sa kung saan ako naka-assign sa pagiging rifleman. Walang alinlangan ko 'yong sinugod. I almost flew at the distance between us when I jumped and angled my feet in attacking his chest.

Natumba kaagad s'ya ro'n. "Puta!" he shouted, and aimed the rifle at me, but I smirked at him emotionlessly. I kicked his rifle, and it flew in the air, and before it reaches the ground of the rooftop, I stomped at his chest that I felt that his ribcage cracked.

And pulled out a pistol on my side pocket. And shoot at his legs, and arms. "Aaaaagh!" he shouted in agony, and I only sat on top of him, as I took out a knife to cut his tongue out. My eyes squinted because of the blood that dabbled on me.

Sinipa ko rin s'ya para mapunta sa isang corner, at no'ng wala na 'tong malay at siguradong hindi na rin tatagal, kaagad kong inayos ang baril na dala-dala ko at kaagad ko ring inayos ang rifle na gagamitin sana ng kalaban.

"Rifle assembled, ready to target adversaries," I announced through our communication device.

"Rifle #1, #2, #3 all ready. Targets will be locked in each of you." Napangisi kaagad ako sa narinig kay Justice. Looked like Art and Thorn were faster than me, huh? But who cares, as long as we could do our job.

"Position, Amythee. Two enemies attacking Pierce on ninety degrees from where you are," Justice continued the coordinate, and when I looked at through the rifle, I saw Pierce fighting two men in a combat.

Nang makuha ang tamang pagkakataon—I pulled the trigger without hesitation, and nervousness. I was just so sure that I would shoot the opponents and not Pierce, and in a snap, I saw Pierce smirked when one of his enemies were suddenly on the floor.

Nagulat ang kalaban ni Pierce sa nangyari at naghanap sa paligid, pero hindi n'ya alam nahila ko na ulit ang gatilyo kaya s'ya naman nasa kinatatayuan ng kaninang kasamahan n'ya. Pierce smirked and saluted at my direction like he knew it was from me, and went inside a building to start fight off the others.

"A rifleman assembling his weapon on your—" Justice wasn't even done with his instruction when I pulled the trigger again, and the rifleman from the enemy's side was eliminated immediately. I heard Justice smirked because of what I did.

Hindi ako naghintay ng mga kasunod na instruction, I just looked around, and targeted those who appeared to be rivals nonstop. Nauubos ang mga bala, kaya naman kaagad akong naglo-load nang walang tigil.

I was doing everything smoothly, and the satisfaction from taking adversaries down was making me feel more confident. Natigil nga lang ako sa ginagawa no'ng may maramdaman akong presensya at kalaban napapalapit sa akin.

Mabilis akong tumayo, at kaagad hinanda ang machine gun na nakuha ko kanina. I didn't hesitate when the enemies entered the door of the rooftop. Kaagad ko silang pinaputukan ng sunod-sunod nang walang tigil.

Nang mawalan ng bala, kaagad akong tumakbo papunta sa natitira. I jumped, and gave them a roundhouse kick on the face, and endless punches that made them knocked out. Hindi ako nakuntento at pinagsasaksak ko rin silang natumba sa combat. Better sure than sorry.

When I finished that business, I went back and targeted those who were trying to set up a rifle within my area, and the enemies who were just around. The blood that was spilling was not going to be drained easily.

And this bloody night just started, and there would be no point of slowing down.

"I'm out of rifle bullets, and guns. I'll go down to find rifles and bullets from the enemies," I mentioned as I connected to our intels.

"Sure," Luna's voice sounded so proud, and happy. I couldn't help but smirk, as I wiped the blood on my hand using my clothing, and I ran to go down and find those who could be worthy of battling.

Ni hindi ako makapaniwala kung gaano karami ang mga kalaban sa lugar na 'to, pero ni isa sa kanila ni hindi man lang ako nasusugatan o kahit pawisan. It was like I could feel all the energy flowing in my body, and all my senses were heightened.

"Such an interesting and amusing night..." I murmured to myself, and I felt an a few foes being cautious to target me. I smirked, and turned around as I took two guns from my side pocket.

I ducked and I felt a bullet almost damaged my face. "You are wrong!" I told those who were hiding from the dark trying to aim at me. I could see three of them, hiding on each post. Left, right, and back.

"I'm not the prey in here..." I traced while smirking evilly. "You are," I stated codly, and I could feel their fear slowly creeping in their bodies because of my voice that echoed.

I felt that one pulled the trigger, I did a backflip to dodge from it, and fired the gun to his direction while I was in the air. And he wasn't able to see my attack, and guess what? He was now done. Kaagad din akong pinaputukan ng sunod-sunod no'ng dalawa pang nagtatago, pero hindi ako nagpatalo.

I ran going to their direction, while I was evading the bullets from their guns. And I fired my guns at the same time while I was in the air from jumping through their bullets. Hindi ko na kailangan lingunin sila dahil alam kong tumba na rin sila.

I walked to their direction, and I smirked when I saw another machine gun that the other guy was carrying but he didn't use. Tss. Idiot. But it was a good thing for me that they were dumb. Hindi ako nag-aksaya ng oras, at kaagad na kinolekta ang mga maari kong magamit na armas.

Naglakad din ako ulit papasok ng isang building at may nag-aabang na kalaban sa akin. Mukhang may granada pa ngang ibinato, nakatakbo ako papalayo ro'n bago pa sumabog 'yon. Mabilis ko ring pinaputok ang baril na hawak ko dahil alam ko ang kinalalagyan n'ya.

When it was over, I went there and saw that he was carrying more grenades, and other explosives. Damn. They were also trying to put bombs in this place, and leave once they were on position, huh?

"Emergency. Some of the underlings are trying to put bombs on the cabin area of the students. They are also planning to gun some of the students down." I hissed, and cussed under my breath because of the news.

"Worry not, we'll attend to that." Nakahinga ako nang maluwag sa sinabi ni Caerus.

"Caerus, Rebel, and Akira will deal with it." The voice of Luna echoed in my ears, and I felt relieved. Sigurado kasing may mga gising pang estudyante, at paniguradong maari silang maging biktima sa kilos ng Senses.

Pero hindi kami papayag na mangyari 'yon. I was sure the other Crowns were also helping us in protecting the students of the Empire. Because we saw this coming. We knew they were going to target and throw a mess in the whole hierarchy.

And the ones would take all the loss? Commoners.

That was why we also devised a plan about the safety of the commoners. After all, we were once like them. Helpless, terrified, and at the bottom of the hierarchy. We moved most of them at the main building and hotels that could only be accessed by Elites, and Royals.

The Crowns were the ones who moved them. And now Caerus, Rebel, and Akira would make sure that those who didn't leave the premises and were wandering around at the cabin area at this time would be safe from the terror.

The turmoil that they would create wouldn't be effective. Why? Because the Commoners were protected by the Crowns. And the Middle Class were teaming up with the Royals and Elites. Pero syempre cautious pa rin kami. Bakit? Trayduran. Some greedy people would take this opportunity to gain things.

And with that... things could take a different turn. Kaya sinigurado namin na hindi mangyayari ang bagay na 'yon. Hindi nila alam ang tungkol sa Senses, at higit sa lahat, hindi sila pwedeng ma-involve hangga't kaya pa rin naming i-handle ang lahat.

I walked through the dark, cold, and ruthless night with guards up, and I felt someone watching me from afar. That was why I stopped walking. I looked around but there was no enemy captured from my lenses.

However, the eerie feeling didn't leave me. And I got ready to fight. And I almost jumped from my position when someone jumped from the building and landed in front of me. The moment I saw her... her information appeared from my lenses.

I backed away with a hidden grin on my face.

"I am smelling the cause of the torture and distress in this place..." she trailed with a smirk.

"I won't disagree with that," I answered with a straight face. And she chuckled evilly, as she touched her nose a little with her a finger. I felt excited but with goosebumps when I saw how long her nails were. And her aura? Nothing but a dangerous one.

Sobrang walang-wala 'yong mga nakalaban ko kanina sa kanya.

"Where's Alain... Amythee?" she asked directly with a playful snicker on her face.

"Guess... where thou shalt not smell."

She laughed loudly, and evilly because of my remark. It echoed in the place, giving me the feeling of being electrified, and little creeps that were creeping in my skin. Damn, she was so different from what I imagined.

Her short hair that was up to her shoulders shined in the light of the sky. It was deep black, and her eyes were shining in its glory. Hazel soft, but her gaze was piercing through me. Hindi lang 'yon, sobrang puti n'ya rin. She was only wearing a short and a tube. She looked so strong and lean, but a little taller than me. She gives off an aura of seriousness and playfulness.

Her nose. The piercings in there were like arrows, knives, and different weapons.

"You think I am kidding... Amythee?" I got horripilation because of her deep voice.

"You think, I would tell you?" walang takot na balik tanong ko sa kanya.

Her laugh was so eerie. Ang lalim ng boses, pero alam mong pangbabae. Pagkatapos 'yong pasensya n'ya, parang narahang nawawala dahil sa akin. Pinakiramdaman ko s'ya. She was careful, but manipulative.

"I don't think you will tell me. But I can make you tell me." Pigil hininga ako sa sinabi n'ya lalo na no'ng humakbang s'ya papalapit sa akin.

"Let's do an exchange... Amythee." Biglang kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi nito.

"I'm not interested," I told her straightforwardly, with a defensive stance in case she decided to fight me. I won't back down from her.

"But I think... those listening to our conversation would be interested." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi n'ya. She knew. She knew that we were all monitored by our intels. Natahimik ako at naghintay ng hudyat.

"Let's hear it." Narinig kong sabi ni Justice.

"What is it?" I asked her with a stoic expression.

"Alain... in exchange of information," walang pasakalyeng sagot nito.

"What information?" I questioned critically.

"Something you yearn for... like who's behind us. And what we are planning in taking a risk in going here. You think you are the only ones with a plan? I daresay, not just one would suffer, but hundreds..." Napalunok ako sa paraan ng pagkakatitig nito sa akin.

"Well your plan will be in vain. We are more than prepared." I smirked at her confidently, but she scoffed, and pulled out her gun to aim it on my face. I laughed at her, and didn't flinch. I even put up my hands in surrender.

I looked at the gun and studied it. "Amythee..." I heard Justice warned the way I was taunting her.

Pero hindi ako nagpatalo. "Try me. Try us." Dahil sa ginawa ko, kaagad n'yang hinila ang gatilyo ng baril, ngunit hindi ako umiwas. Pigil hininga rin ako, pero pinagkatiwalaan ko ang sarili ko at nakikita ko.

The gun was empty. It wouldn't create a damage on me. Or so I thought?

"Fuck! An explosion on the cabin area! Three cabins were damage! But the ones who are in there were evacuated already!" Napapikit ako nang mariin at napamura sa isip ko sa narinig na balita. Kaagad akong kinabahan sa nasa harapan ko.

"That was a warning, Amythee..." My eyes widened when I realized what just happened.

I tried to grab her wrist and the fake gun to make it mine, but she was fast enough, and she managed to give me a punch on the stomach. Kaagad kong nahawakan 'yon at napangiwi ako sa sakit na hatid no'n.

She moved away from me and smirked. "Now we are talking," she mocked, and I groaned.

"Don't fight her, Amythee. Ask her what she wants." Natigil ako sa planong pag-atake sana sa babaeng nasa harapan ko dahil sa sinabi ni Justice. I heaved up and down, and calmed my nerves. I needed to get that gun.

That gun was the reason why an area in the Empire exploded! 'Yon ang gamit nilang kontrol!

"What do you want?" Tiim-bagang na sambit ko.

She smirked and walked near me. "Simple," she remarked impishly.

"An eye for an eye. I want Alain." Nakipagtitigan ako sa kanya at ni bakas ng kahit anong biro sa mga mata n'ya ay wala. I let out a huff of air from my mouth. And her forehead knotted with my response to her seriousness.

I flicked an eyebrow at her, and I smirked tauntingly. "I can't believe it... Alain, huh?"

She looked at me quizzically, and aimed the gun that she was holding again. I stood up straightly, but I never back down from her forewarning. I only titled my head to the left with a soft laugh escaping my lips.

"Where is Alain?" she questioned firmly, her grip on the gun tightening.

"Why..." I stepped forward, she only looked at me with that dangerous eyes.

"I didn't expect... someone like you to care about Alain... ah... blood is really thicker than water, huh?" I uttered insolently.

I smirked at her, and I saw how her jaw clenched in irritation. Her hazel eyes became a glint darker, and the piercings on her nose shined because of the reflection of the night's sky.

"Why? Trying to become a good sister now... Layla? Thou shalt not smell trying to rescue her brother, Alain... thou shalt not speak?" I grabbed the nozzle of the gun, and put it on the forehead. While looking at her periously.

"Amythee..." she gritted her teeth.

"Wrong answer, Layla... it's not just Amythee anymore. It's supposed to be... Amythee... the Crown."

"Welcome to the game of the Mortem, Layla. It's your ashes that will burn to death not ours..." I mocked her with no fears in my eyes, as I saw a spark of terror in hers. Wrong move, Sense of Smell. Wrong, move.

Because now... the game was finally on act.

"Hey, Layla... touching my girl?" Napalingon kaagad si Layla no'ng may boses na umalingawngaw mula sa isang madilim na parte ng lugar, at kaagad nanlaki ang mga mata ni Layla sa nakita.

His dark and almost black aura made me feel tensed, and afraid of him. Damn! I couldn't believe the air in here suddenly became suffocating with his presence.

"You want to make the Mortem to rise in its all splendor... do you know how?" The voice echoed in this empty abandoned corner.

Theon slowly walked towards us with  blood dripping from his face. He smirked looking down on Layla. Even though it wasn't directed at me... I fucking felt scared for my life.

"I know how, Layla..." he continued playfully as he went near her, and stared in her eyes.

"Wave the white flag... and start your prayer in begging me." Kakaibang kilabot ang bumalot sa katawan ko nang sabihin 'yon ni Theon habang nakapamulsa at nakalapit ang mukhang may talsik at tumutulong dugo—sa tainga ni Layla.

"Don't be so high. Pride cometh before a fall." Layla gritted her teeth and smirked while answering Theon. "Who do you think you are?" she even scoffed at him looking so mighty, and not backing down.

I snickered with her words, and Theon laughed at it gently. The sky darkened, and Theon's black aura made Layla breathless and flabbergasted.

"Who am I? Bow down, peasant. Bow down, Senses. I am Theon Apollo, the King you should fear, and the ashes that you burned down but ablaze the fire once more..."

"I am the real Morbelque of the Mortem."

***