#TCS83: Pay For Your Sin

Sloane Malori's POV

"Hey, give me one of your personalized explosives," I spoke while walking on the side of the two-storey building. It was dark, and it was dead quiet. Moreover, inside that building was one of the bases of the underling gangs of the Senses.

"How's the range of this explosive?" tanong ko bago ko lingunin si Akira.

We just met each other when I was lurking around finding somewhere filled with enemies. I mean, why would you target those weaklings going around, when you could infiltrate a huge area that they were using? Pasabugin mo na lang 'yong lugar kung saan maraming kalaban.

That would be so easy and cool than wasting your energy in some useless fight, they'd die anyway. Why not make it fancy... and fiery?

"It can blow up more than two rooms." I smirked automatically when I heard Akira stated those words nonchalantly, while shrugging his shoulders.

"Cool," I mentioned, and he looked at me like making it was just a piece of cake. I cackled lowly, and played with the explosive on my hand. I heard Akira tsk-ed because what I was doing was dangerous.

"Hey, Cleon, tell me how many foes are inside this building," sambit ko habang tinitingnan ang paligid dahil baka may makatunog na nandito kami ni Akira. Kagaya nang inaasahan may nag-iikot na mga taong may dalang malalaking baril.

When one was near the corner, I immediately targeted his nape with a knife hand, and punched his stomach as I put my hand over his mouth.

"There are twenty to thirty people in that building. There are also some intels inside doing their work." Napangisi kaagad ako sa narinig ko kay Cleon. "Please don't do reckless things, be careful." I shook my head. He should worry about himself. I could mess things up in a really good way.

"I got this," I murmured with an evil simper.

And pulled a knife from my pocket as I stabbed the one I was holding in his head. Binitawan ko s'ya no'ng matalsikan ako nang dugo. I heard Akira scoffed from how fast I handled the guy. And he saw another one in our hiding post.

Tamad s'yang umabante papunta ro'n, at napakabilis at ingat ng mga galaw n'ya. Ang nakita ko na lang nasa likod na s'ya no'ng lalaking may dalang shotgun, at nagilitan n'ya na 'yon ng leeg. His lazy eyes became so intense when the blood from the man's neck splattered.

Binitwan n'ya 'yon at bumagsak kaagad 'yon sa sahig. "Hey, not bad, eh?" loko ko sa kanya. Pero nagkibit-balikat lang 'to sa akin.

He took the shot gun from that guy and searched for other weapons he could take. I also took the machine gun from the guy I killed, and put it on my back. After that I entered the den of the underling gang.

Akira followed me from behind, and I was greeted by a dark hallway. "They are all on the second floor. But there are some enemies watching the place." Napatango-tango kaagad ako dahil in-expect ko na ang bagay na 'yon.

"Two enemies going in your direction." Nakatinginan kami ni Akira dahil sa narinig sa earpiece namin mula sa sinabi ni Cleon. I crossed my arms, and signalled him that he could deal with them. He sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Why are you making me work?" he asked with one brow raised.

"Nakakatamad eh," maikling sagot ko. "Don't create any noise that could alert those who're upstairs. I want to surprise them as they all burn." He snickered, and scoffed at me, and he walked forward to face the foes who were going in our direction.

Nagtago s'ya sa may bakuna no'ng hallway kung saan lalabas o maglalakad 'yong mga kalaban habang ako ang makikita nila at hindi s'ya. I thought he was going to impale them with a knife, but I laughed silently when I saw him tripped them over instead.

Ang tanga naman no'ng dalawang may mga hawak na bat, patakbo sana para sugurin ako, pero parehas namang nadapa. When those adversaries were on the floor, Akira stepped on their heads forcefully.

Sisigaw sana sila pero sa isang iglap umupo si Akira para maging kalebel sila at mabilis pinaputukan sa bibig ng baril ang dalawang 'yon. It didn't really create an alarming sound because of the silencer, and the blood flowed on the floor.

Akira stood up, and put his gun on his pocket as he dusted off his shirt. I couldn't help but grin because he looked like he didn't want their bloods on his shirt. "Let's go," he told me when I was just there standing and watching him.

Hindi ako gumalaw sa kinatatayuan ko at naglakad naman s'ya pauna. Kaagad kong inilabas ang isang balisong na hawak ko. At mabilis na hinagis papunta sa direksyon ni Akira.

Damn, Akira didn't even move, and I saw how the blade of my knife passed by his side face.

And the knife landed on the chest of the enemy that just showed up from turning at one corridor. I just shook my head because it gave me chills on how he knew what I was going to do that. He didn't move because he was confident that the blade wouldn't hit him.

He put both of his hands in his pockets, and I walked to where he was heading. Nang makaliko kami sa banda kung saan may hagdan, kaagad kaming sumandal sa isang pader, dahil narinig namin na may pababa at nag-uusap.

We heard some instructions about it from Luna, and we both nodded. Mabilis na kumilos si Akira, at bigla na lang n'yang sinuntok at sinipa ang dalawang lalaki na may dalang mga baril.

He didn't waste any second, and the enemies didn't have a chance to say anything nor make noise when Akira touched the sensitive area on their necks, and he pulled out needle like weapon, and targeted their eyes.

Bigla na lang nanginig ang dalawang kalaban, at bumula ang bibig. Kinilabutan ako no'ng tumayo s'ya nang ayos at may maliit na ngisi sa labi habang pinapanuod kung paano n'ya walang kahirap-hirap na nilason ang dalawang 'yon.

"You are cruel..." I murmured at him, when I passed by him stepping on the enemies to go up. I heard him chuckled slowly and softly.

Damn, it gave me creeps.

"Says the one who lives in the jungle of ruthlessness." I shook my head because he was not wrong for saying it. Nauna akong umakyat sa kanya, at may isa na namang kalaban na pababa, kaya naman mabilis kong nakuha ang baril na may silencer at mabilis s'yang inasinta.

He was down in one bullet, nalaglag s'ya sa hagdan, at biglang umurong si Akira at sumandal sa pader para hindi s'ya mapasama sa pagkakabagsak no'ng lalaki, at mukhang diring-diri pa s'ya dahil may butas sa noo 'yon dahil sa ginawa ko.

When we arrived at the second floor, there were noises coming from one room. There was only one room, and one door. And I smirked as I took the explosive that Akira gave me, I walked leisurely towards the door.

"How many second before this explode?" I asked as I held the knob.

"Approximately five seconds." I nodded with a smirk.

"Then position yourself, and be ready to jump to that window," I told him seriously.

"Don't get caught," he mentioned, and walked towards the window. Natawa ako sa asta n'ya ngayon. He was just so lazy, nonchalant, and it looked like he was just passing by in this area, and didn't really care if there was a war going on—he'd just do what he wanted.

Napailing-iling na lang ako habang nakikita ko ang likod n'yang papunta sa bintana kung saan kami tatakas. I opened the knob, and the noise that was happening from there suddenly stopped because of me.

"Hi!" I greeted them with the widest smile, and squinting eyes.

They looked lost and confused with who I was. "I have something for you..." I traced, still smiling at them. May ilang tumayo at gusto sanang lumapit sa akin.

"Who are you...?" I heard one murmured.

"Oh, did I forgot to introduce myself?" bibong tanong ko sa kanila. I gave them my last sweetest smile, and the moment my smile vanished, they all froze on their positions, and everyone suddenly felt the tension that I made them feel.

"I'm a messenger..." I trailed ever-so slowly. "And I have a message for you. Not from the Senses, but from the Crowns," dagdag ko pa nang may blankong mga mata at tingin sa kanila. I saw some of them gulped.

"The Senses told you to fight... for the Mortem, right?" I asked them, and they all knotted their foreheads, while some stiffened.

"But the Crowns wanted to tell you this... face mortem." At nang sabihin ko ang huling salitang maririnig nila sa buhay na 'to, kaagad kong hinagis ang explosive sa kanila, at mabilis na isinara ang pinto.

I didn't hear any kind of noise for the first second, but the moment I stepped forward to leave them as I locked the door from the outside, I heard deafening panics and curses.

I walked towards the window unhurriedly, like I was on a runway, and without caring about anything.

"Three..." I counted down, and I saw that Akira jumped from the window.

"Two..." I murmured to myself, and tilted my head from side to side. Nakarating din kaagad ako sa may bintana, at niligon ang kwartong biglang nasira dahil sa pwersa ng mga nasa loob. They were supposed to run to get me, but I waved my hand at them.

Umakyat ako sa badirilya ng binatana, at humarap sa kanila na halos mag-unahan para lang makalapit o magawa akong saktan dahil sa mga sinabi at ginawa ko sa kanila. I stood straight with blank eyes.

"Farewell." And I sneered at them evilly before letting myself fall back from the window.

And when I was falling from the height, everything just blew up on the second floor, while I was looking at it like it was fireworks. The contentment and the amusement in my emotions and eyes were really powerful.

I liked how the fire ate the second floor without mercy, and I closed my eyes as I heard the agonizing cries of those who were slowly being burned to death.

I smiled victoriously, as I slowly moved my body to make sure that I would be landing properly. When I was back on my feet, I saw Akira who was standing in front of me with a grin on his face. "What a dramatic landing," he mocked, and I held my head high at him.

"Well, ain't gonna be some princess and damsel in distress," I answered laughingly.

"Dramatic actress, is it?" Kaagad ko s'yang nahampas ng baril sa ulo n'ya dahil sa sinabi n'ya. Napaangil ako sa gawa n'ya. Kainis talaga bunganga nitong boyfriend ni Biblee! Ilubog ko 'to sa lupa eh!

"Hoy! Slo! H'wag mo ngang binabatukan ng baril 'yong bibiloves ko!" Bigla na lang ako natawa no'ng marinig ko si Biblee sa linya. Ang bilis talaga ng balita sa maliit na engkantong 'yon.

"Aray naman! Sloane naman! Ako nababatukan dito eh!" Mas lalo akong natawa sa narinig kay Cleon. I stuck my tongue out while cackling teasingly. Akira, on the other hand, was pressing his lips together probably hearing things from Biblee.

"Suits you. You should take all the bullets for me. You told me that, right? Pangatawanan mo!" I spoke laughingly at Cleon, and I could imagine him pouting. Syempre, lakas n'yang pumangako nang kung ano-ano, pangatawanan n'ya lahat 'yon.

"Oo naman, papangatawanan ko lahat ng pangako ko, basta sa akin ka." I hid a smirk from what I heard on the other line, and rolled my eyes.

"H'wag kang malandi, kapag ako ang napahamak. Ikaw ang ipapahamak ko," irap na imik ko sa kanya, kaya naman natawa s'ya nang marahan pagakatapos ay biglang sinabi na mayroong mga kalaban na papunta sa direksyon namin.

Akira was also informed that was why I saw how he readied his long gun to wait for the enemies going in our direction. I also fixed the machine gun that I had, and waited for the impending doom that the opponents were going to face.

Nang makita ang mga lalaking tumatakbo papunta sa amin ay mabilis ko silang pinagbabaril mula sa agwat na layo namin sa lugar na 'to. They were also holding guns, and other kinds of arms and weapons, that was why I ran to one of the post and hid there.

The sound of the gun was blaring nonstop, and I started to run towards the empty building across. Akira also followed because it would be better to deal with them inside the building than on the streets. Snipers around the area could do things in our disadvantage.

The building was dark, old, and narrow. The people who were aiming at us also entered it and based on the heavy footsteps there were a lot of them. I went to one room, and hid there. I was on the side of the doorway.

"Ten enemies approaching. Papunta sila kung nasaan ka. You need to escape there, Slo. They all have guns." Imbis na kabahan dahil na-trap ako sa kwarto na 'yon, napangisi na lang ako kay Cleon. This would be easy.

I heard clicks from the guns, and I knew just one touch on the trigger and all those ten different guns would fire to where I was right now, and looked like Akira was also dealing with the enemies on his side.

Kaagad akong naghanda sa gagawin ko. I readied the two guns on my hand, and I removed the skirt I was wearing. That was why I only have my shorts now. Tss.

Ang ganda pa naman ng suot kong outfit ngayon, 'tapos mangayayri 'to. Tsk!

I heaved a sigh, and felt the surroundings. I closed my eyes as I heard Cleon told me their locations. The position of the adversaries with the guns outside of the room was clearly painted inside my head, and in a snap the plan I was planning would sure succeed.

Mabilis kong sinipa ang isang bagay sa may sahig at bigla na lang pumutok ang sunod-sunod na baril papunta sa direksyon no'n. I couldn't help but smirked because I saw the numerous bullets hitting that small stone I kicked.

I took another explosive that I stole from Akira earlier, and got ready to proceed in action.

Mabilis kong itinapon ang silk tulle skirt ko sa itaas na bahagi no'ng pinto, at mabilis akong humiga pataligid sa sahig malapit sa may doorway at maliksing pinagulong ang bomba patungo sa direksyon ng mga kalaban. I also pulled the trigger from the gun on my hand.

All the shootings, and the bullets aimed at the skirt that I threw in the air instead of shooting me who was at the ground. Mabilis kong ginamit ang distraction nila na 'yon para barilin ang bombang hinagis ko sa kanila.

I saw how the bullet aimed at the bomb as it sparked before it exploded on all of them. I rolled over, and stood back up on feet with a smirk. "Weaklings..." I murmured as I licked my lips, and I took my skirt that was on the floor.

It was damages but it still looked cool. I took the knife, and cut off some damaged parts of it. I wore it after, and I heard Cleon chuckled on the other line. "You looked so badass doing that," he mentioned.

"Of course, I'm cool unlike you." Mas lalo s'yang natawa sa akin. Pero alam ko namang proud lang ang lokong 'yon.

Naglakad ako patungo kung saan may lalaki pang gustong kunin ang baril n'ya para iputok sa direksyon ko. He was struggling with his burnt body and bloody face. He couldn't even utter a word.

I walked towards him and stood straight in front of him. "Rot in hell!" he shouted in an indistinct voice of agony. It was like he was roaring in anger. I sat on my feet and grabbed his hair. "Shh..." I whispered.

"You shouldn't shout... you'll disturb all these burnt people who are in slumber," I enunciated in a low voice. He literally shook in fear because of my blank expression.

"You targeted me with bullet... guess what the consequence is..." mahinang bulong ko sa kanya.

"Boom!" Matinding gulat at takot ang puminta sa mukha n'ya nang sumigaw ako.

"You shall all explode." I grinned at him evilly, and I took the gun that I have and mercilessly shot his head as the sound of the deafening silence echoed after the bang.

Nagpagpag ako ng sarili habang umaapoy pa ang ilang bahagi ng lugar dahil sa ginawa ko. I searched for Akira while walking on the building, and saw him fighting with two remaining enemies. He didn't even need help, because he both hauled the two of them without sweat.

At bigla 'tong umupo sa pagitan no'ng dalawang nakahiga at umaaray na kalaban. He took two knives and played with it at the same time. "Aaaagh!" the opponents groaned in pain trying to stand up to battle him again.

But Akira just knocked them down again using the back of his hand. Although his hands were with knives, it didn't even touch the enemies. "Putangina!" sigaw no'ng isa, at 'yong isa naman ay kung ano-ano ring mura ang lumabas sa bibig.

"You dirtied my clothes..." Akira trailed and his voiced echoed creepily. He was surely gritting his teeth with his patience running thin because of what he looked like now. He was bathed in blood, and he freaking looked dangerous because of his aura.

Pissing off the person who was always pissing off others, wasn't really a good idea, huh?

"Say hi to the people in hell for me... tell them I am the one who sent you there..." Napalunok ako dahil sa sobrang lalim, at seryoso ng boses ni Akira. He was not even facing me, but I could feel that he was smiling mockingly while saying those words.

"Pay for your sin... and I'll be the judge if you'd be ever forgiven..." he added as he drew something on the chest of the opponent on the right.

My eyes squinted trying to see what he was writing down using the tip of the blade.

"Aaaagh!" the guy yelled in so much pain because Akira was making him face an unbelievable torture before ascending to hell.

"Thirty-three..." Akira murmured. "Do you know the meaning of that number?" he asked innocently, and he looked at the other guy who was shaking in fear.

Akira also drew another roman numeral number on the adversary on the left. "Thirty-four..." he added, and the two guys screamed in pain while he was enjoying what he was doing. I gulped secretly, that was so fucking hot and ghastly at the same time.

The goosebumps on my arms were the evidence on how horrifying the scene I was watching, and it was doubling because of the dark aura surrounding him.

"These... numbers are the numbers of those people who sinned against me..."

Napaiwas ako ng tingin.

Remind me not to ever sin against him or maybe if I did I'll offer Cleon as an alternative.

But... I was the only one allowed to make that Cleon suffer. No one touches nor hurt that man unless it was me. Those who would dare wouldn't face hell, but would face me who could be crueler than their demons.

"And those who sinned would never see the daylight again... enjoy your stay in the darkness of my demons..." Akira whispered with a really low voice.

Shit! That was really creepy! Lalo-lalo na no'ng bigla na lang n'yang saksakin ng ilang beses 'yong dalawa nang sabay sa dibdib nila. Napalunok ulit ako ng wala sa oras dahil sa tindi ng talsik ng dugo no'n.

Then after a while I couldn't help but smirk. Damn. Miracle and Alas really did raise, not just monsters, they raised evil incarnates. And I could imagine how Miracle would be smiling in victory looking at the result of the training that they made us do.

If I were going to be asked if who I'd fear in this battle. I wouldn't really fear the Senses. Nor the Pasaways. I'd fear the ones who made this happen. Why? Because they were the masters of this game. They were the ones who control this game.

Akira stood up while blood was dripping from Akira's hand. "Hey, got something to clean this mess?" he asked nonchalantly, and he wiped his chin with his arm.

"Nothing," I answered with a shrug. He hissed and took a cloth from those who were dead. Then he used it to wipe his hand, clean. He walked near me, and we both walked to move out of the building.

Akira brushed his hair and walked silently. We headed towards another building and we automatically heard instructions from Luna and Justice about the enemies we were going to face in there.

It was an office like building. It was the most modern looking building that I entered so far. Hindi gano'ng mukhang abandonado. Mukhang madumi lang dahil hindi nalilinisan, pero mukhang may nagamit pa.

We both entered and there were people who have their bats, pipes, guns, and knives waiting for us. Nagkatinginan kami ni Akira. "The one who gets a lot of blood spilled will be the winner?" I challenged.

Akira scoffed and shook his head. "Really? In this time and situation?" hindi makapaniwalang banggit nito.

"Why not? It'll be so interesting finishing this. Paramihan. Ang talo magpapahinga sa kasunod na laban," dagdag ko pa. Akira shook his head, and bit his lower lips looking at the mob of foes who were going to attack us in any second now.

"Slo! Stop being a headache! Just fight and don't create games!" I suddenly heard Cleon's voice.

"Alam mo ikaw, puro ka extra! Bubugbugin na talaga kita mamaya!" reklamo ko sa kanya.

"Mag-ingat ka naman," he told me with a sigh. "We are at war with the Senses, Sloane. Stop being stubborn, and follow our commands." I rolled my eyes, and crossed my arms.

"Before you became a Crown, I am already one, Cleon. If you can't handle my temper and my attitude in wars, don't expect me to change it for you. Instead of being worried, why don't you cheer on me?" asar na bulong ko.

"Game," Akira nodded agreeing with the game. I held out my palm, and he high five-d with me.

"Don't fear what could make me bleed. Instead... fear me because I am Sloane."

Nang sabihin ko ang mga salitang 'yon mabilis kaming tumakbo nang sabay ni Akira para makipaglaban sa mga taong nandito. Mabilis kong kinuha ang kutsilyo ko, at mabilis na sinaksak sa puso ang kalabang hahampasin sana ako ng bat.

I slid down and those who were on my way stumbled and fell on the floor. I took that chance to stab whoever was near me on the different parts of their bodies. Some in the arms, some in the legs, and some in the head.

Nagtalsikan na kaagad ang dugo sa mukha at katawan ko. At mabilis akong umikot nang patumbling habang nakaupo nang may magtangkang atakihin ako ng balisong. I hauled him strongly, and took the gun from my pocket to aim on his head.

I shot him without batting an eyelid, and when he fell on the floor, another enemy who was aiming the gun at me showed up. I moved nimbly, jumped in the air—to do a roundhouse kick, and the gun that was on my face flew up.

Mabilis kong pinaputok sa leeg n'ya ang baril na hawak ko, at itinaas ang isang kamay kong may hawak na kutsilyo para saluhin ang baril na sana'y gagamitin n'ya laban sa akin. Mabilis ko ring sinipa ang lalaking susugod sana na nasa likod ko.

I threw the knife at him and it thrusted in his forehead.

"Six," I whispered the number of the enemies whom I took down.

Kumilos din kaagad ako para pagbabarilin ang mga susugod pa sana akin. "Seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve!" I counted nonstop because one bullet meant one life gone. Halos wala man lang makalapit sa akin dahil do'n.

At nang maubos ang bala nang dalawang baril na hawak ko, tumakbo ako at sinipa ng angled sa dibdib ang isang kalaban na susugod sa akin ng suntok at sipa. Mabilis s'yang natumba sa sahig, at kinuha ko ang kutsilyo nasa sahig para itarak 'yon sa dibdib n'ya.

When he was lifeless, I stood up and fought again. I gave them different combinations of jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and straights. I also kicked them, and they were flying around with how aggressive and dynamic my moves were.

Napapunta ako sa isang kwarto dahil sa bilis ng pakikipaglaban ko ng mano-mano at pakikipagsaksakan sa mga nagtatangka sa akin.

I have two opponents in that room with me. One of them had a knife, and the other didn't have anything. Mabilis tumalon patakbo sa akin ang may kutsilyo para sana kornerin ako sa silid, pero mabilis ko s'yang nasipa sa dibdib gamit ang isang paa, at nasuntok pagkatapos.

He was now stumbling but managed to get his balance again when his back impacted on the wall.

"Is that what you've got?" I teased, and put out my forefinger to signal them to come and attack me with an open stance. I didn't even need to put up my guard. They'd just be knocked out immediately.

The one without any weapon started a hand fight with me. He was fast in using different punches. Kaya naman puro pagsalag ang ginawa ko sa mga atakeng ibinibigay n'ya sa akin. Then I saw him put his one hand on his back pocket.

My forehead knotted and when he attacked me again, and my eyes landed on my hand that I used as a shield to defend the strike.

Mayroon nang posas na nakakabit sa kamay na 'yon. I smirked interestingly because he managed to do that.

"Tingnan natin kung makalaban ka pa!" sigaw nito sa akin at mabilis na ikinabit ang natitirang kamay ko sa posas.

I remained quiet when my hands were both tied in a handcuff. "Not bad," I mumbled while nodding. "But it will remain useless..." I added as I raised my head that was bowing down with a threatening smile.

Nanlaki ang mga mata n'ya sa takot sa sinabi ko. Mabilis n'ya akong inatake ng mga suntok, kaya mabilis akong umikot para magbigay ng isang mataas na sipa sa mukha n'ya. The other guy with the knife also went near me to help his comrade.

"Futile..." I mocked at them, when I used my hands with the handcuff to knock him out with a single straight punch. Natumba na kaagad ang may hawak ng kutsilyo, at mabilis kong kinuha ang blade sa bulsa ko.

I threw it in the air, and did the roundhouse kick, and that knife flew on the head of the one who was on the floor because of my punch.

I grinned at the guy who put a handcuff on my hand. "Your turn now..." I told him, and I gave him an uppercut, and a jab. Mabilis ko rin s'yang sinipa na parang suntok gamit ang paa ko, kaya't tumalbog s'ya sa pader.

Nilapitan ko s'ya at pinagsusuntok at pinagtitira sa iba't ibang bahagi ng katawan. "A disadvantage could be a good advantage, too, you know? If it's used correctly," I reminded him, and showed him the keys that I got while attacking him.

I unlocked myself from the handcuff. Inilaglag ko 'yon sa harap n'ya. "Die," I whispered, and I took the knife from his friend's head to impale it in him.

Matapos no'n lumabas na ulit ako mula sa silid, at kumuha ng machine gun na nasa sahig at lahat nang nagtangkang lumapit sa akin ay pinagbabaril ko nang walang-awa. Ni hindi man lang sila nakalapit sa akin.

I was bathed in blood, and when I walked to the second floor I saw Akira fighting.

Instead of interfering I just suddenly wanted to watch so I could get my rest whether I win or not. Damn, I'm really a smartass.

I saw how Akira fought all his enemies with a destructive force. Ni walang-wala sa kanya 'yong mga may baril dahil isang tapon n'ya lang nang maliliit na needles n'ya, they were going down to be paralyzed.

It was so fascinating to watch him throw people down on the floor by hauling them down, and how he'd do combinations of punches, kicks, and strikes. May dalawang kalaban na sabay sumugod sa kanya pero sabay n'yang hinayaan makalapit sa kanya.

Result? They were both up in the air from his grip on their necks. He was suffocating them. I saw how his veins protruded on his arms, and hands because of his strength. I whistled while watching him still hiding from him.

Nang mamatay ang dalawang 'yon dahil literal na naubusan ng hangin, ibinalibag sila ni Akira. Another round of enemies went to him all together. There were like six people who went after him with bats, and pipes to hit him. Pero ngumisi lang s'ya.

He didn't even move from where he was standing. And when all those men were a step away from hitting him, all of them... one by one. Dropped on the floor while shouting. They couldn't move their lower bodies.

"Aaaah! Hayop ka!" halos 'yon ang sigaw nilang lahat. Akira just laughed in a mellow tone. Damn, it would only give you a creeping feeling in your skin, rather than be comforted with it.

The remaining ones tried to go near him, but they dropped on the floor like the ones earlier. Napakunot-noo. How did he all defeat them when he didn't even move a single step from where he was. There was no gun, blade, nor bats that could harm them.

Unless... at napatayo ako nang maayos nang mapagtanto ang nangyari. He surely poisoned all of them using those tiny needles that wasn't visible in this distance. Grabe! Ibang klase, ni hindi ko man lang nasundan ang kumpas ng kamay n'ya ng tirahin n'ya ang mga kalaban.

He was probably instructed by Biblee that was why he accurately did it without blinking.

I moved a little to see the whole picture. There were like twenty plus enemies on the floor. Most were still alive, just paralyzed on their arms, and legs. Kaya sigaw lang at pag-angat ng ulo ang nagagawa nila. "Putangina mo! Hayop ka!"

Ilang saglit lang, Akira went to that one who was shouting endlessly and cursing him.

"Don't curse me," he mentioned in an authoritative tone. I pressed my lips together because the air suddenly went dead silent.

Akira pulled out something from his little bag. Napakunot ako ako dahil mukhang may kinuha s'yang pangturok. He wasn't done with them? What was he going to do now? I remained quiet and watched him.

He suddenly started injecting something on the adversaries. One by one. He was doing it like he was tending and giving them first aid. Napalunok ako nang wala sa oras. It wasn't what he was doing that gave me chills.

It was the aura he was giving off. He was enjoying what he was doing. He was not rushing things. It felt like he was even experimenting. Like he was aiming for a slow death rather than a sudden one.

"Do you know why people like you die?" natatawang tanong nito sa mapanganib na paraan.

"Because you irritated the hell out of me. Don't speak when you are not allowed to... and when I didn't allow you..." I freaking twitched because of his words.

Darn, he must have been so whipped for Biblee. Because if not? Biblee would experience worse from what I was seeing from him. Sa daldal ba naman no'n.

I walked near him, and he was almost done in injecting something to those opponents.

"Done?" I asked casually.

"Yeah," he replied before standing up. Pinanuod n'ya ng may ngisi sa labi ang mga kalaban n'ya.

"What did you do?" curious na tanong ko sa kanya. They were still alive, just paralyzed because of the poison. He should have killed them with bullets or blades.

"Let's go," bale-walang imik n'ya.

"Hindi pa patay! Naawa ka?" Hinabol ko s'ya kasi bigla na lang n'yang iniwan ang mga kalaban at nakapamulsa s'yang naglakad.

"Me? Mercy? Who are you kidding, Sloane?" hindi makapaniwalang sambit n'ya. I pointed those enemies with confusion.

"Ah, they'll die in air embolism," simpleng sagot n'ya at saka nagkibit-balikat. Bumababa kami ng hagdan at wala na talagang natirang mga kalaban dahil sa ginawa namin.

"What?!" asar na tanong ko sa kanya.

"Air embolism," he mentioned simply. "The air bubbles in their blood vessels will block the blood. If they are lucky, the blood vessels will absorb the air bubbles and they will live... but since I am their karma... the verdict was unlucky instead of lucky."

Napayakap ako sa sarili at napanganga sa narinig sa kanya. Damn it!

"They will all die eventually, the bubbles of air will reach their brains, block an artery there that will cause a fatal stroke." Then he snapped his fingers. "Then... they die. That simple."

I literally stopped walking because of the shivers that travelled in my spine because of his words. Damn, bastard!

Hahabol sana ako sa kanya pero natigilan kami parehas nang biglang magsalita si Luna at Justice tungkol sa nangyayari. There was suddenly an attack in the Empire Cabin, and Akira was going to be part to those who would protect the students.

I closed my eyes, and pinched the tip of my nose. "Hey, I'm going. I think I won our game?" he stated nonchalantly.

"Whatever!" I told him and he chuckled as he waved me farewell.

Nang makalabas ako bigla kong narinig si Cleon. "Are you okay?" he asked, I nodded. He was really worried. I smiled secretly.

How long had it been when somebody became worried about me? I didn't know... but I was sure of one thing.

Although I'd make Cleon worry, he would never make me worry about him. Why? Those would try hurt him would die in my hands.

"You and Katniss should proceed to another area to disable bombs and explosives. Please take care, Sloane," he informed me. He sounded so calm but serious. I chuckled.

"Sure, I'll take care of myself... I promise," I replied.

"I love you, Sloane." Natigilan at pakiramdam ko namula ako bigla sa sinabi n'ya.

"Who wouldn't love me?" I laughed at him.

"Tss! Panira! Seryoso ako eh!" reklamo n'ya.

"Hindi na mabiro. Hoy, Morbelque. Pagkatapos nitong laban na 'to h'wag kang mag-alala ikaw pa rin ang mahal ko," natatawang sagot ko na nakapagpatigil sa kanya. Then I also winked at him, and I was sure he was now being teased in their room.

Ha! Sloane for the win!

Tumakbo ako papunta sa lugar kung nasaan si Katniss, at hindi nagtagal nakita kami. "Hey, youngest Crown," I greeted her.

"Hey, rebel Crown," she remarked, and we both chuckled to proceed in doing our mission.

And once this night ends... the sun would declare our victory. That, I would mark on the tip of the dawn.

***

Fate Light Gaebryelle's POV

I couldn't help but smirk and chuckled a little when I looked where I was. Damn, these mice. I pressed my lips together when I saw the one beside me glanced at me. I just gazed at him, and shrugged.

"Ayusin mo, mamamatay ka kapag hindi mo inayos ang pagbabantay!" saway pa sa akin no'ng lalaking kalbo na may hawak na malaki at mahabng machine gun. I looked at what I was holding, and it was just a long gun with limited bullets.

I cleared my throat and changed my voice a little. "Palit tayo," I told him with a knotted forehead.

Nalilito n'ya akong tingnan. "Palit sabi eh, bingi ka?" asar na sambit ko, bago ko kinuha ng pwersahan 'yong baril na nasa kanya.

Aba! Kapag hindi n'ya pa binigay 'yon lahat ng bala no'n uubusin ko sa kanya.

I smiled widely when I got his gun, and looked at it admiringly. I glanced at him, and rolled my eyes. "Hmp!" I mumbled to myself, and he looked at me confusingly. I just shrugged. And listened to the one in front of us—in front of our crowd.

"We will fight in this area; you will kill all those little flies without mercy! We are doing this in the name of the Mortem! Once we succeed in this, we will be part of the most powerful organization in the underground city!" he roared, and everyone followed.

"Rise Mortem! Rise Mortem! Rise Mortem!" they all chanted, and I joined them with a happy smile on my face. I even raised the gun I was holding and yelled while jumping. Yehey! Rise Mortem!

"Kumalma ka nga! Mamaya ka magbuhos ng energy sa mga kalaban nating bata!" saway no'ng katabi ko kasi tuwang-tuwa talaga ako pagsigaw. Syempre! May ganito sila eh! May pa-cheer at may pa-meeting!

Buwisit kasi si Kuya Batas! Ayaw magpaganito sa amin. Kainis! Ako sana 'yong magli-lead sa mga pasaway 'tapos gagawa kami ng magandang chant. 'Yong chant na may sayaw pa! 'Yon cheer pa lang titigil na 'tong mga daga na 'to kasi magagalingan sila sa yell namin.

Kakanta ako ng What is Love? 'Tapos mag-chachant sila ng 'I wanna know, know, know, know'! Bongga!

Ayan tuloy, imbis na kami 'yong may ganito, sa kalaban may ganito! Sabi ko na kasi talaga uso 'to eh. Kaya makikiuso rin ako at dito ako makikisigaw.

Makibaka! H'wag matakot! And I'd be the loudest!

Nag-disguise talaga ako para dito!

I searched to where a gang would gather, and I found this place. I just grabbed a man earlier, and I slashed his neck to get his outfit, gun, and cap. I also prepared a fake mustache to complete the get up!

Charan~! I looked like I was a part of them, and I was able to do what I wanted! To have a cheering before going to war!

I even practiced impersonating a man's voice, and it paid off! I was having a blast in the den of the enemies! They didn't even know that I wasn't part of them. Ang galing ko talaga! Wala talaga tatalo sa mga plano at naiisip ko.

"Let's go! Let's kill all of them! Let's start with these people that are in the area! Let's start with Caerus Rouche, and Pierce Sy!" the leader announced with a smirk.

"Wooohooo!" everyone started to shout like mad people. While my face started to darken.

"Who?" maingat at nagbabantang tanong ko sa katabi ko.

"Caerus Rouche!" he started with a huge grin. "The fucking Second Crown in the Empire University!" he even added.

"No, the other one. Who's the other one?" My blank expression made him lose the colour of his face.

He backed away a little, but I stepped forward. Everyone was looking so excited with the war, and the one who I was asking was trembling. I saw how he gulped, and I flicked an eyebrow at him.

"Who's the other one?" I repeated with a warning.

"P-Pierce Sy! Hindi mo ba narinig?! Pierce Sy!" he yelled at me and that name rang inside my ears.

"He's a nobody! A commoner! He would be easier to kill than Rouche!" halakhak pa nito na mukhang pilit inaalis ang takot sa pagdidilim ng mukha at awra ko.

"Tara! Papatayin na natin ang hijo deputang 'yon!" He even had the guts to seize my wrist just to convince himself that he wasn't shaking and afraid because of the sudden change that I was exhibiting.

"Wooohoo!" people roared louder. "Kill Rouche! Kill Sy!" they all added.

And because of my patience and how they fucking triggered everything in me when I heard Isaiah's name. I took the machine gun I was holding without hesitation, and with only a blank expression. I pulled the trigger to kill the one in front of me.

All the loud noises vanished in a snap after they heard the bang of the gun.

"Who are you going to kill?" My voice echoed in the whole building, and I removed the cap that I was wearing—my long hair was freed and it swayed. I removed the fake mustache that I had and looked at them.

"You are going to kill my Pierce Isaiah Fortaleza-Sy?" I questioned all of them. And no one dared to answer because of the air inside the room.

The dark, tensed, and killing intent they were feeling wasn't a joke. Yeah, I jest around a lot. But once I snapped on it... they'd face my wrath and hell. They'd be more afraid of me rather than darkness.

"Then it would be my pleasure to kill all of you before you could all do it," I told them while seething my teeth, and preparing the machine gun that I was holding.

Then I sneered while saying...

"Welcome ad infernum."

And I used the machine gun to press the trigger firmly as I shoot everyone who was in my way or sight. Walang tigil ang pagputok ng baril at kada ratrat no'n ay pagbagsak ng mga tao sa sahig na walang buhay.

The blood splattered on my face and body but I didn't care. The ones who were able to move on from my surprise attack suddenly used their gun to target me, but they were too late. Why? They made me mad.

I took two long guns, and used a dead body to shield me from their bullets. I rolled on the floor, and didn't mind the blood on there. I used my two long arms to target them nonstop. And sometimes one bullet would kill three people at once.

Mas lalong dumanak ang dugo dahil sa ginawa ko. Kada mauubusan ako ng bala itatapon ko lang 'yon at kukuha ng panibagong baril para walang tigil na ipaputok sa kalaban. None of them were able to stand up against me.

They all fell on their deaths in a matter of seconds.

When someone fired another shot at me, I was able to dodge it effortlessly. But I played like I was shot, and acted it out. Bumagsak pa ako sa sahig kasama ang mga patay at ang baha ng dugo. I also closed my eyes.

While playing dead, the five remaining people went to me. "Putangina! Paanong nakapasok ang hayop na 'yan dito!" sigaw nang isa.

"Wala na tayong tauhan, puta!" gigil na gigil na sambit pa no'ng kasama n'ya.

"Wala akong ititira sa mga hayop na 'yan! Papatayan ko 'yong putanginang Sy na 'yon!" dagdag pa no'ng isang kalaban.

"Tingnan n'yo kung patay na 'yan!" utos naman ng isa pa.

Pero bago pa nila ako mahawakan, kaagad kong iminulat ang mga mata ko nang sobrang biglaan, at kitang-kita ko ang takot na puminta sa mga mukha nila. They all held their breaths, and they almost had a heart attack.

I took the gun that one was holding, and used it swiftly to kill all of them. They didn't even have a time to react nor voice out their surprise because I ended their lives in a matter of few seconds. When everyone in this room was dead, I stood up.

Sobrang lagkit, at talagang naliligo na ako sa dugo. My hair, face, and body was covered with blood. I gritted my teeth.

"Damn you, Gabby! Why did you fucking remove... our... connection... to... you..." I suddenly heard Kuya Hustisya on the line, and how his voice suddenly debilitated. Probably because of shock to what he was seeing now.

"What the fuck, Gabby?! What the hell did you do?!" hindi makapaniwalang sigaw ni Kuya.

"Damn, Evans," I heard Luna.

"Holy shit! Did you eliminate a fucking whole gang in ten minutes?!" narinig kong sigaw ni Cleon.

"Halimaw ka, Gabby!" Pati boses ni Biblee narinig ko na rin kaagad.

"They threatened that they would kill Isaiah!" sumbong ko kay Kuya at pinadyak ang mga paa. "They all deserve it! I gave them bloody hell!" dagdag ko pa sa inis na inis na paraan.

"Of course, they will! This is a war against all of us! Did you really expect they would not try to kill Pierce?" Kuya Hustisya questioned impausibly. I tsk-ed and rolled my eyes.

"Damn your temper, Evans," he added and I could imagine him shaking his head and clenching his fists.

"Hoy, Elly! H'wag ka makinig kay Kael. Thank you, tapos na 'yong halos fifty katao!" halakhak naman ni Luna 'tapos narinig ko pa ang palakpak n'ya. "Pero teka? Bakit mo nga kami pinag-alala at nag-disconnect kang bata ka ha?!" she added.

"I wanted a cheer, and I cheered with them because you didn't want it!" I pouted. And they went dead silent on the line.

"You mean... you went to the enemy's den effortlessly, and without being caught... because you want to do a cheering start?" I heard Cleon's voice and I nodded.

"Yeah, it's easy," kibit-balikat na sambit ko. "I even joined them in Rise Mortem cheer! Tss! I even jumped around, and danced! Then they said they'll kill Isaiah! That's foul!" asar na sigaw ko.

"And you think disconnecting from us—for your eye-rolling-whim is not foul?!" Naitikom ko kaagad ang bibig ko dahil sa narinig kay Kuya Hustisya. The way he snapped. Damn, he was so going to watch me until the end of this.

Natahimik kaming lahat dahil do'n. I didn't say anything to add more reason to make Kuya angry. At least, I was able to do what I wanted, and even protected Isaiah from all these rats that was trying to harm him.

"Hey, Elly... are you not hurt?" It was Luna's voice that echoed.

"Yeah, I'm fine. No worries. Tell Kuya, I'm sorry..." I murmured, and I heard Luna's soft laughter.

"Nag-aalala lang 'yon. Kakasimula pa lang ng laban bigla kang nawala. He was searching for you and found you like that? Bathed in blood and unrecognizable. Muntik nang umalis 'yon dito kanina para hanapin ka." I sighed, and closed my eyes. Looked like I created a mess again.

When would my Kuyas get used to it? Dada and Momo were used to it. And I think even Ate.

"Elly, they might not show it, but the triplets love you so much. They only pushed you towards Pierce, not because you like him or they think you'd grow alone with your personality... it's just that... he's Pierce. And they think he's the best for you." Napalunok ako sa sinabi ni Luna.

"Sorry..." I made a sad face.

"Don't worry. Ako na bahala kay Kuya mo. You want to know where Pierce's location?" My eyes lit up automatically with what I heard.

"Where?!" excited na tanong ko. Luna chuckled softly.

"Just near you. The next street, and the building across that... please be careful, and never disconnect and create trouble again, okay?" I nodded enthusiastically when she stated that, and I went around the room frantically.

"Thank you!" I told Luna, and she told me some instructions.

Naghanap kaagad ako ng tela sa kwarto para linisin ang sarili ko. I went to one bathroom on the second floor, and luckily there was water. I washed my bloody hair, and face. Then I also cleaned my body and clothes a little. It was better than earlier.

I tied my hair up, and ran towards the location of Isaiah.

When I arrived there, I suddenly saw him sliding down on the floor with two guns on his hand that was crossed against his chest, targeting two adversaries at the same time. In one snap of the trigger they fell on the floor lifelessly.

Isaiah stood up without noticing me, and ran towards the three enemies he was still fighting. Kaagad n'yang sinugod 'to habang nakababa ang itaas na katawan. He was like a bull that hit the stomach of the guy with his body. He brawled him on the floor, and took a gun to shoot the enemy.

Pagkatapos no'n halos tumalon s'ya ng paikot na ilang beses para tadyakan ang dalawang kalaban, at mabilis na saksakin at pagbabarilin. He was moving like he was a feather in the air, and with merciless intention.

I couldn't help but be in awe... wow.

An angel.

Then he suddenly hurled on opponent on the floor, and kicked the other who was trying to attack him on his left side. He went to the other enemy and held him. Then he did a flip with that guy he was holding.

When the two enemies were on the floor, he took the gun and aimed it on their heads before firing it consecutively.

Another three enemies were approaching him while shouting. "Aaaah!" sigaw no'ng mga kalaban. Pero hindi na nila magawang sumigaw no'ng barilin n'ya nag mga 'yon sa voice box nila. My mouth formed a little 'o' looking at how accurate he was when it was definitely at a good distance.

His messy hair was even covering his eyes a little, but he was still able to gun them down without batting an eyelid. A little smirk rose from my lips. Hot. A hot mess.

The one who was on the floor stood up and aimed at him from the back, but when he snapped his head on that direction, then he fired it at him without second thoughts. The blood from the guy he shot who was near him dabbled on his face.

And I swear... that small smirk that rose on his lips made me feel chills on my arms. Especially when the blood landed on his face, the moment he grinned balefully.

When all the enemies were lifeless, he stood up straight, and brushed his hands on his shirt and when his hands were cleaner than before, he messed with his hair a little before collecting some weapons, and arms from those he fought.

Instead of wanting to go to him, I remained hiding. Hindi ko pa kasi nakikita makipaglaban si Isaiah nang gano'n kadugo at kabrutal. He was always silent, and would only damage the opponents without killing them.

Pero ngayon? Napangisi ako. Ayaw n'ya sigurong ipakita sa akin 'yong ganito dahil sa mga naranasan ko dati. Although he didn't need to do that, I think he just wanted me to be safe from everyone... and even from him.

He went out of the building and ran to somewhere a little farther, I kept trailing him while gunning down those enemies who were trying to chase me, and fight me. Hindi pwedeng malaman ni Isaiah na sinusundan ko s'ya. Tss! Mga epal talaga 'tong mga kalaban na 'to!

Minsan ko na lang makitang hot 'yong santong 'yon, mabubulilyaso pa!

Then he suddenly stopped at an empty lot that was beside a building that looked like it exploded—may mga apoy pa kasi sa paligid na 'yon. Marahan din lumabas ang mga kalaban na nagtatago sa lugar na 'yon.

They were all carrying different weapons with them from bats, pipes, guns, knives, and pieces of long woods. They were all circling Isaiah, but instead of being afraid and nervous about the number of enemies, he smirked.

"Marami kami bata sumuko ka na. Talo ka na." The one with the metal pipe on the centre lashed out at Isaiah. He remained quiet and stood straight. I saw his he licked his lower lip, and sneered at him. Probably also scoffing.

"Sinong gustong pumatay sa hayop na 'to!?" Biglang nag-ingay ang mga kalaban dahil sa biglang sinabi no'ng lider nila.

"Get him, then kill him!" they all chanted enthusiastically.

Then suddenly Isaiah put his left hand in his pocket, and he raised the other one. My forehead knotted in interest. Next, he suddenly snapped his finger that was in the air. Napalunok ako kung paano n'ya napatahimik ang lahat sa ginawa n'yang 'yon.

"The question is not who's gonna get me killed... it should be... who's gonna stop me from taking your lives?" The dead and silent atmosphere became more chilling when the wind abruptly blew.

Nanindig ang mga balahibo sa batok at braso ko dahil do'n. Lalo-lalo na no'ng bigla na lang s'yang sumugod sa kanila nang walang takot sa mga mata. His aura felt too dangerous and hot that it actually alarmed me.

It was like I was alerted that a powerful and sinister adversary was around me, when it was him—the one who always made me feel safe.

Sinugod din kaagad s'ya no'ng mga kalaban n'ya. He targeted the one with a metal pipe and hauled him on the cement. Then he took out a gun to shoot whoever tried to get near him. Mabilis n'ya ring pinalipad ang mga kutsilyong nakuha n'ya sa bulsa n'ya sa mga noo ng mga nagtangkang barilin s'ya.

Damn, even his knives were faster than their bullets.

"When you announced that you'd kill me; you should have shot your bullet directly. Because now... you'll never have the chance against me."

Damn! That was so hot! Especially when he suddenly stabbed the knife in the heart of the enemy, and how he wiped his cheek with the blood on his hand.

Mabilis s'yang tumayo at gamit 'yong pipe at pinagpapalo at pinaghahampas n'ya 'yong mga nagtangkang lumapit sa kanya. Then he threw the knife to the foe who was aimig the gun at him. Sa lakas ng pagkakatapon n'ya ng pipe, bumaon 'yon sa tyan no'ng lalaki. Napangiwi ako dahil sa tindi no'ng ginawa n'ya.

Then he suddenly grabbed a piece of long wood and he put it on the fire that was just near him. All the opponents were trying to read what he was going to do. He lowered his body, and glanced at the wood and when it was on fire... he suddenly started attacking them with it.

Hinampas n'ya nang malakas 'yong isang lalaki sa likod n'ya gamit ang umaapoy na kahoy, at kita ko kung paano nasunog ang damit no'n at paano n'ya binaril ang tuhod no'n, para imbis na mamatay sa bala, sa pagkakasunog 'to mawawalan ng buhay.

Then three men tried to attack him all at the same time, and he used the wood with fire to hit and strike them on the head. Nag-apoy ang mga buhok nila, at halos magsisigaw sila dahil do'n. Isaiah simpered evilly, and taunted the enemies.

"Any last words?" he asked them, and they all shouted like they were going to succeed killing him.

But in the end... they were on the floor bloodily. Pinagbabaril at mabilis n'yang tinapunan ng mga kutsilyo ang mga kalaban. The fight was so intense, and it was making me feel so excited with everything.

And when he was done with the enemies he defeated, he went to those who weren't burning. Then, he freaking gathered them together, and he put them on fire. Napalunok ako kasi kitang-kita ko kung gaano kadilim 'yong mga mata n'ya.

Damn... where was the saint that I knew? Where was the Isaiah that was always with me? All I was seeing was... Pierce.

Pierce, the fallen angel.

He went to another place, and he started fighting those enemies again brutally. He was creating a mass murder. May ilan pa s'yang lugar na pinasabog, samantalang ako? Nakasunod lang habang nakikipaglaban din. I was making sure that he wasn't noticing me around.

Then when I finished killing and slashing a neck of one foe, Isaiah suddenly stopped and he looked like he was given some instruction from our intels.

Mabilis s'yang tumakbo at kumuha ng mga rifles mula sa kalaban. Then he went to a building within another area. Sumunod ako sa kanya at umakyat din sa rooftop ng kalapit na building kung nasaan s'ya.

I faced some enemies along the way, and fought them cruelly by gunning them down, and stabbing them to death.

After that I went to run in the rooftop, but catiously entered in there. I saw Isaiah eliminating all the snipers in the area constantly. He was also shooting down enemies who were near him. As far as I know, this was Ate Amythee's place.

Looked like something happened that was why Isaiah took over. His long-range skills showed, and it was so easy for him. What a monster.

When he finished his job effortlessly, I decided to show myself from where I was hiding, but before I could even show myself, I heard him chuckle.

"How long are you planning to watch me fight from afar? Why not fight with me?" My eyes widened and I jumped to stand up with wide eyes open.

"You knew?!" I yelled at him from the other rooftop. He went at the edge, and I also did the same. There was a space separating us, but it wasn't that far. It was just from the next building; I could jump over.

He clicked his tongue, and smiled with scrunched nose. "Of course... you have that distinct presence, you know?"

"I thought you'd not fight brutally if you ever see me." I pouted at him.

"Nah, I know you. You'd be excited than afraid. I purposely did all that cruelty for you to come out, you know..." natatawang sabi n'ya. My jaw dropped at him.

I immediately stood on the railings. "Gabby! Damn!" sigaw n'ya bigla no'ng nakita n'ya ang ginawa ko. Natawa lang ako. Hmm. The distance was good; I could jump over from here.

However, before I could even jump, I felt a presence near me. Siguradong papunta rito sa rooftop kung nasaan ako. I did a backflip going back down on my rooftop. Then I looked at the door, and waited for that someone who felt so different from all the adversaries that we faced.

"Gabby?" I heard Isaiah's confused voice.

And I didn't get to answer him when the owner of that foreboding aura came out.

I saw how her long red hair swayed as the wind blew, and how she smirked the moment we met each other's eyes. And before I could attack her... "Aaah!" I shouted because my eyes suddenly went dark, and it felt like bleeding.

"Gabby!" I heard Isaiah's shout and I dropped down on the floor because of the undeniable pain in my eyes.

Damn! The lady's eye. She only had one eye! Because her other eye was fake! I knew her! Because her real eye was colour black, but her fake eye was red!

Dahil sa sakit na parang napapaso ang mga mata ko. Hindi ko alam ang kasunod na nangyari. Ang alam ko na lang hawak na ako sa leeg nang babaeng 'yon. At may malamig na bagay na nakatutok sa gilid ng noo ko.

"Aaah!" I yelled because I couldn't open my eyes. I wanted to remove the contact lenses I was wearing! Do'n yata galing ang matinding sakit! Kaya ba wala na akong naririnig na instructions kina Kuya?

They were attacked? And now... the system for our information and the contact lenses were malfunctioning or being manipulated to hurt me like this? Damn!

I heard a thud and I could imagine it was Isaiah that jumped to go on this rooftop.

"Drop your gun... thou shalt not see..." Narinig kong banta ni Isaiah, ni biro hindi mo maririnig sa kanya. Sobrang lalim ng boses n'ya.

"I don't take orders from no one." Nangilabot ako nang marinig ko ang matinis at kakatwang tawa ng babaeng may hawak sa akin. I felt her traced the side of my face with the muzzle of the gun she was holding. I was sure it was loaded, and one wrong move it'd fire on my head.

"No one?" Isaiah scoffed. "I'm not no one, Gretta of the Senses..." he warned.

"Drop your gun or you are gonna drop lifelessly on the floor?" he continued in a deep low tone. It freaking gave me shivers and I felt the coldness in the air!

"Really? In a few seconds... thou shalt not... see. Or should I say... wala ka na ring makikita at sakit lang ang mararamdaman mo sa mga mata mo." Gretta laughed evilly like it was her victory.

"Five..." she started to count down.

"Gabby listen." Kahit walang makita at sobrang sakit ng mga mata tumango ako.

"Stargazing, Gabby. That night you wanted milk. Remember?" Biglang bumalik sa alaala ko ang sinabi n'ya. That night... we talked about... certain scenario.

Hostage scenario.

"Four." Napangisi ako nang palihim no'ng sabayan ni Isaiah ang sinabi ni Gretta.

"Three, two..." I held my breath.

"One!"

And with that... I lowered my body—almost sitting on the floor and we all heard a gunshot, but everything was still pitch black! Even the pain didn't subside at all... but instead I felt like it was becoming severe.

"Gabby!" Rinig kong tawag ni Isaiah habang humihina rin ang boses n'ya, at ang malakas na tawa ni Gretta. And Isaiah also started to shout in pain.

Isaiah was in pain... he was in pain.

Biglang uminit ang ulo ko, at nakaramdaman ako nang kakaibang galit sa dibdib.

And that was when everything... flipped inside of me.

Pay for your sin. And you shall never be forgiven, thou... shalt... not... see.

***