Hi, Leanne! Belated happy birthday! 🥳 I wish you all the best and for you to reach your dreams! Keep going and keep shining! ♥️ @leeyaaaaann

Hello, Crowns! Hope you'll enjoy this chapter! Thank you and sorry for all the errors! Hope you'll comment down your reactions! ✨♥️

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#TCS88: Adding Salt to the Wounds

Miracle Silhouette's POV

"Ready?" I looked at the one who asked me that question, and I couldn't help but smile with my eyes. I held his hand, and he chuckled lovingly. He opened the door for me, and I pulled him with me so we could go together.

"I was informed by Law that they are all in the venue," Isolde told us firmly, and I nodded at her quietly. She went to walk forward, and led us to the yacht that would take us to the school, and the venue of the game that I planned.

"Did Law talk to the Senses beforehand?" I asked Isolde, she stopped from advancing forward to face me, and she nodded with a smirk.

"Yeah, he did his part." Napangisi naman ako nang palihim dahil do'n.

"Where's Gabby?" tanong naman ni Akakios kay Isolde.

"She's already at the yacht waiting." Naglakad na lang ulit kami dahil sa sagot ni Isolde, hindi nagtagal nakarating din kami kaya naman sumakay kami dalawa ni Akakios sa yate, at nakita ko si Gabby sa isang dulo.

"Ate," she greeted politely.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Akakios.

"Better," Gabby answer softly bowing her head.

"Let's go," I told them, and she nodded to sit back on her place. Akakios tugged me towards him, and glared at me. I pouted and knotted my forehead.

He pulled me closer. "Stop intimidating your sister, Silhoue," he told me in a gentle tone, and I rolled my eyes. My Akakios was really too soft for this. He was the one against the punishment I gave for Gabby's sin.

"Don't worry, she's owning her mistakes, that's enough," I spoke while cackling, and I seized him to go to the deck of the yacht.

I wasn't really monitoring the Pasaways and the Crowns on my own. I left that duty to Isolde and her underlings. She was the one reporting everything to me, while Akakios and I were dealing with the forces that we were going to lead against the Domain.

We were also communicating with the Improbus Ille Imperium, Apocalypse, and Tita Cassy and Tito Eugene's organization. We were handling all of those, and I left the Senses in the hands of the Crowns, and my siblings.

All things were supposed to be going well. I wanted the Pasaways to deal with the Senses. To make them see that although they were strong, the Senses were strong, too. Also, I put certain limitations to my siblings and Luna.

However, Gabby disobeyed.

And disobeying in this kind of time wasn't going to be a good result. I didn't care if she was my sibling. I knew she did it because she knew from her past experiences how it was like to be hurt and to bleed.

All her life she had that and she didn't want others to have that... but that was unfair.

How would you grow as a person if you won't accept your mistakes, and learn from them?

Bakit pa naging mali ang isang bagay kung hindi naman itatama?

That was why I made Gabby face the consequences. Akakios, the kindest of them all, didn't even like what Gabby had done. Sobrang bait na ni Akakios, pero sa pagsuway nito sa utos makikita mong handa si Akakios na pangaralan si Gabby.

Gabby experienced what it was like to be locked up in the room. Not just simply locked up. With the quiet presence of Akakios.

"I already punished her for what she did, she'll follow our commands from now on..." Akakios metioned then went to my back to hug me from there. I felt his warmth and couldn't help but hold his hand and smile sincerely.

"Takot na takot si Gabby sa 'yo," loko ko sa kanya.

"Well... she disobeyed," kibit-balikat na sagot nito. "Pero, masyado mo naman pinahirapan," he added and I felt him shaking his head because of it.

Imagine. Akakios went in the room where Gabby was locked up just to make her feel his authority, and silence. Hindi nagsasalita si Akakios, pero nanginginig na si Gabby sa takot dahil sa bigat ng aura at nararamdaman n'ya no'n.

She probably reflected a lot on her mistakes.

May mga oras man na nakakalabas si Gabby sa kwartong 'yon, ako naman ang kinakaharap n'ya. I'd spar and would have a match against her. Do'n s'ya masasaktan nang sobra-sobra sa pisikal na aspeto dahil ipinapakita ko sa kanya kung gaano kalayo ang agwat ng lakas naming dalawa.

"She should know that if you don't follow a certain rule, your life could be in danger, or worse could be taken away from you. I hoped she learned that..." I whispered to the wind, and I heard Akakios' sounding laughter.

Hindi naman kasi sa lahat ng oras, kukunsintihin mo ang isang bagay. Kapag bawal. Bawal. Kapag utos. Utos. Kadugo man o hindi, hindi magiging basehan 'yon.

Gabby faced consecutive defeats against me, and sometimes she couldn't even get back up on her feet because of how tiring, and the damage she got from me. She grew each day, but she could never win against me.

Akakios would be soft to that. S'ya mismo ang magbubuhat at tutulong sa walang malay na si Gabby kada matatapos akong makipaglaban sa kanya. S'ya rin mismo ang naggagamot ng mga natatamo nitong galos at sugat sa akin.

Medyo hindi nagustuhan ni Akakios ang bagay na 'yon sa akin. Because I really showed no mercy against my sister. We had a little quarrel about it. But it was fixed in a snap. Akakios wouldn't let a day pass by with us having a misunderstanding.

"This is our life... one rule, one consequence, one life, one death," I stated meaningfully.

I could protect my siblings and family with all my life, but I could also reprimand them with their lives on the line. Buhay ang ibinigay ko sa kanila, buhay rin nila ang kapalit ng bagay na 'yon.

"Today's the last day of the battle with the Senses, you think they will win?" Akakios murmured near my ear, I caressed his hands that was hugging me from behind. I nodded at him confidently. Of course, they should, if not, then they should go back to their old lives without us.

Harsh, but that was the rule in this life of game and death.

"They will, they might be bleeding and growing, but once they put their minds to it, they will. I just hope they would survive the heart ache if they discover the sin that Momo and Tito Sky buried deeply." Napangiti ako nang mapait.

"It's going to be up to them if they want the Mortem back... or if they would really destroy—it even its ashes..." Akakios told me, and I agreed with him.

"Yeah, and once this hill is over, they have another mountain to seize," I muttered straightforwardly.

It wasn't over, it was far from over because once the Senses were done and annihilated, the Domain would wait for them.

Crueler, colder, and more dangerous journey awaits all of us.

"Their physical growth in skills is good, I hope in emotions and in mentality, too," Akakios mentioned, and I couldn't help but nod to his words. Ang gaan talaga sa pakiramdam na napapagsabihan ko si Akakios ng kahit ano.

I remembered when we argued about Gabby. Akakios didn't like that I was treating her like that, when she was already suffering and repenting. That deep inside... Gabby's still a child. And it was vicious, but in our experiences... we never really became one—we never really became children.

And I cried to him... that I was hurting, too. Whose heart wouldn't hurt? You were punishing your own sister; you were making her bleed for her to grow. You were trying so hard to stand up for all of you.

Akakios hugged me tightly, and comforted me.

And understood where I was coming from, and I also comprehended his thoughts. That was why we decided to communicate with Gabby thereafter. And Gabby shared her thoughts. She owned her mistakes, and she was showing that she could change for the better.

Kaya ayon naayos 'yong gulo at nangyari. Looked like Gabby really learned her lessons well. Minsan lang medyo on-edge s'ya sa amin ni Akakios dahil sa naranasan n'ya. And she would be able to keep in mind that she wouldn't be able to disobey us ever again.

Ilang saglit pa dumating na kami sa school, kaya naman mabilis kami bumaba. Gabby went to us, and I clung my arms to her, and Akakios walked together with us. Nauuna lang si Isolde para sundan namin s'ya papunta sa lokasyon kung saan magaganap ang lahat.

"You will only watch today, Gabby," I told her and she nodded.

"Thank you for allowing me to watch this!" excited na sagot nito.

"Pierce might get hurt... I am not really the one to speak, because I destroyed people and things when it happened to your Ate, but let Pierce grow on his own," Akakios mentioned and reached out his arm to tousle Gabby's hair.

"Pierce is strong! He'll certainly defeat them, although he might experience setbacks!" masayang tugon nito, nagkatawanan kaming tatlo.

"Looks like our bunso would start to think more often than let emotions rule her, huh?" biro ko rito, and she nodded enthusiastically.

"Pero... Ate, Alas, kapag nanalo sila. Pwede ko sila i-prank sa victory party?" she asked mischievously. Akakios and I looked at each other with a laugh. Napailing-iling kami kay Gabby, lumipat si Gabby ng posisyon.

She went to the middle of us and clung her arms to Akakios.

"By height?" Nahampas ko kaagad si Akakios dahil sa sinabi n'ya, samantalang tawang-tawa naman si Gabby sa akin, kasi naka-by height talaga kami ngayon at mas maliit talaga ako, kainis silang dalawa!

"Ano'ng klaseng prank?" I asked while pouting because the two of them were laughing at me.

"Izza prank na eighteen na talaga ako, 'tapos simbahan diretso ni Pierce sa victory party! Mouhahaha!" Sabay naming nabatukan ni Akakios si Gabby kaya naman napatigil s'ya sa paglalakad para mag-pout.

"Aray! Sumbong ko kayo sa Santo! Hindi na kayo papasukin ni San Pedro!" she protested, and crossed her arms.

"Okay lang, malakas ako sa pwedeng pumalit kay San Pedro! Pwedeng-pwede palitan ni Akakios si San Pedro, eh," confident na sabi ko sa kanila at itinaas baba ang kilay ko habang nakatitig ng mapang-asar kay Akakios.

Namula kaagad ang tainga ni Akakios, at humagalpak naman ng tawa si Gabby. We high-fived at each other, and ran away from Akakios. "Hey, Silhoue! Gabby!" Akakios yelled while running to catch up to us.

"Naglaro ang mga bata," iiling-iling na imik naman ni Isolde habang nakatingin sa aming tatlo.

"Lalakad na talaga kita, Isolde kay Tito Takeshi," I told her while wiggling my eyebrows as I pulled her with me to run away from Aki. Nasapok kaagad ako ni Isolde.

"No need, I can do that on my own, easy," she told me with a playful grin.

"Malandi ka!" I accused her and she lashed out.

"Says the Evans," she shot back with a flicked eyebrow. My jaw dropped, and Gabby and Isolde walked away from me—who was frozen because of the remark.

"Aki!" I screeched when he suddenly hugged my waist and spun me around. "Got you," he murmured laughingly, and I felt myself blushed. Grabe! Bakit sobrang gwapo no'ng dating no'n?!

When he let me down, I cupped his face, and gave him a peck on the lips. "Kulit ng baby," I told him, and I automatically saw his flushed face. I chuckled, and held his hand so we could walk and catch up to Isolde, and Gabby.

Hindi nagtagal nakarating kami sa isang sasakyan. It led us to the prepared building where everything would commence. Naging tahimik kami sa loob ng sasakyan at naging tensyonado. We were suddenly feeling the seriousness that we would soon face.

When we arrived at the building, I looked up to see how huge it was. It was the building next to the hierarchy tower that was like an arena. It was enormous, and you would instantly feel that the atmosphere inside was dreadful.

"What game are you planning Ate?" Gabby asked curiously when she landed on her feet beside me to look at the venue.

"Nah, just something simple. They just need to battle with the Senses, that's pretty much it," I mentioned nonchalantly.

"Pati sina Kuya Batas kasali?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong pa nito. I shook my head as I started to step inside the place with Akakios on my other side, and with Isolde following from behind. I took a turn then went to an elevator.

"No, it is only the pasaways and a Crown..." I murmured then pressed a number when everyone was in.

"Bakit hindi pa kasali lahat ng Crowns para tapos na kaagad?" nalilitong tanong ni Isolde.

I hissed at her. Gusto talaga nito 'yong sobrang bilis na laban, 'yong tipong hindi ka pa nakakakurap, tumba at patay na 'yong kalaban mo. Well, if I were in her position, I'd really like that, but this war was still part of their trainings.

I wouldn't want the worthy opponents like the Senses to go in a waste. They would be a great catalyst for the Pasaways to experience how dirty and how cruel the fight would be against the Domain.

"Who are the ones that will not fight?" Gabby queried with brows meeting in a thin line.

"Saint, Kalix, Katniss, Yvo, Nicasia, Sloane," Akakios recited.

"Ha? All of them besides Caerus?" Gabby's eyes widened.

"Yeah, I actually placed an order for Caerus not to show his whole prowess, and just aid a little," I remarked with a shrug, and the elevator door opened. Naunang lumabas si Isolde habang umiiling-iling.

"It would soon be game over if Caerus were to show his real skills," Isolde commented, and Akakios chuckled with a nod.

"That's what I'm thinking," Gabby seconded.

The Crowns could definitely deal with the Senses if they were just the Senses—alone. However, there were a lot of variables that they needed to consider back then, that was why they couldn't make a move against them.

The lives of the students, and the threatening of the internal conflict would be hard to deal with, than an actual battle. Kapag kasi hindi na-eliminate ang mga estudyanteng hawak ng Senses at gumawa ng move ang Crowns, they would be staking a lot of consequences in the hierarchy, the school, and the organization. Damay ang buong Empire.

And that wouldn't be good. The Empire would once again fuel things like revenge, and unjustifiable actions. Para saan pang itinayo ulit ang Empire kung mauulit ang lahat sa dati? Parang walang saysay at kwenta lang ng lahat.

After all, the Senses were known to be as the real Mortem in the underground world, and they even had the back of the Grim Monarch. Kaya masakit sa ulo i-deal ang Senses, kahit kaya ng Crowns. The Senses weren't just strong, they were tricky.

And sometimes... it felt like that either win or lose... the Senses already accomplished their mission. Whether they die now or not, their presence and the havoc they created was a formula to a greater thing that was about to happen.

Isolde walked towards a door and grab its knob.

Kaagad kaming pinagbuksan ng pinto ni Isolde. Gabby and I backed away a little, and let Akakios walked in first. He was the highest, and he should be the one to walk in first. Akakios looked a little embarrassed with it.

I chuckled secretly, my Akakios was really going to be the softest and the purest no matter what.

After that, I followed, and stood beside Akakios as the two of us were welcomed by the vast arena. Nasa taas kami at kitang-kita namin sa baba ang mangyayaring laro, at mano-manong labanan, ng Pasaways at Senses.

From the other side, I saw the Crowns aside from Caerus, and when they noticed us entered, they all rose from their seats—with Saint's lead.

Akakios just signalled them to stand up shyly. Napangiti kaming dalawa ni Gabby dahil sa pagiging cute at awkward ni Akakios. The Crowns were sitting by rank, and it was nice to see.

Naglakad na rin kami ni Akakios papunta sa upuan naming dalawa. Kasunod namin si Gabby at Isolde. When the two of us sat down, a screen appeared in front of us—sa may table—para mas kita namin kung ano'ng mangyayari sa baba. Katabi ko si Gabby at Isolde sa kabilang side.

Ilang saglit pa nakita kong lumabas ang mga pasaway sa baba, kasama ang mga kapatid ko at si Luna. When they saw us, their eyes widened in seriousness, and in surprise. Kita ko rin kaagad ang takot mula sa kanila.

Instead of being welcoming towards them, I only looked down on them with a powerful aura around me. I saw some of them trembled in fear, and in nervousness. I was so happy with their reactions but suddenly—they all smiled, and almost jumped in the air while waving their hands.

Napaamang ako sa biglang reaksyon nila. Kasi parang bigla silang nagkaro'n ng mga bulaklak at mga liwanag at glitter sa paligid nila. I face palmed, and groaned as I saw the culprit to why they suddenly reacted that way.

Akakios was waving, and smiling widely at them! Dalawang kamay pa talaga gamit para kawayan sila. Kulang na lang maggawa s'ya ng heart shape sa mga kamay n'ya. Gabby was chuckling and clapping because of Akakios.

Isolde like me looked frustrated. Seryoso dapat, eh! Kaso kasama nga pala namin si Akakios!

Even the Crowns were smiling and admiring him from afar.

"Bigyan mo na rin ng finger hearts," I told him while frowning, and that was only when he realized what he had done. He suddenly stopped, and looked like a statue that was caught in a crime.

Then he smiled awkwardly, and gave me a peace sign.

Napanganga ako at napakurap-kurap sa kanya, pagkatapos biglang napahagalpak ng tawa! Jusko! Sino ba naman kasing makakatiis sa kanya? He was just your cute one that you would want to protect so much!

I grabbed his hand to make him sit down. Masyado na n'ya na-energize ang Pasaways dahil sa ginawa n'ya.

I looked at Law, and activated my earpiece.

"Did you do what I asked you?" I asked him seriously while looking at him. I saw him pocketed his hands, and smirked at me.

I grinned back, I knew he already finished what I told him, and I was expecting great results. When it comes to commands, and authority, Law would surely be second to Akakios. If Akakios weren't here, he'd hold the highest authority.

"Will they win when they defeat the Senses?" biglang pagtatanong ni Gabby habang nakatingin sa baba. I prevented the slow plastering smirk on my face, but I didn't succeed.

An unhurried, powerful, and eerie smirk appeared although it was so small.

I felt the air suddenly darkened and felt really cold. Gabby even shivered, and I heard Isolde clearing her throat. The Crowns who were across us were suddenly bowing their heads down while I was lazily sitting on the throne with my hands placed on my one cheek looking at everyone languidly.

"Looks like there's a hidden... rule... to win this..." Gabby murmured, the last words almost disappearing with the atmosphere.

I didn't answer, and I suddenly felt Akakios' hand on mine. I looked at him, and he smiled at me warmly. And the coldness of the moon was replaced by the warmness of the sun.

Nanatili na lang kaming tahimik, at pinanood ang pagpasok ng Senses sa isang lugar. Nasa katapatan sila ng mga pasaway. Lahat sila. Mga nakatali ang mga kamay, at hawak ng mga tauhan ni Saint.

With their presence, the atmosphere became close to hell. It was intense, and there was a feeling that a calamity that would soon occur.

Hindi na kailangan mag-intay ng matagal para masimulan ang bagay na 'to. Isang tingin lang kay Saint, alam na n'ya ang gagawin. The stage was suddenly set up, and the stage was like a huge ring with no ropes and corner padding.

There was a huge light making that stage bright. Makikita mo talaga ang mangyayari sa lugar na 'yon. Pagkatapos sa magkatapatan na bahagi ay ang upuan kung saan nakaupo ang mga magkalaban.

I knew that the Senses wouldn't really spill on anything. Their lips were shut even in death. If that was the case then they should die, but before they could die, I could use them first. This was still part of the training after all.

There were spotlights on top of the Senses and Pasaways. Kung kanino matatapat 'yon sa magkabilang panig, sila ang maglalaban. But this wasn't really one on one. It would be two on one. Dalawa sa pasaways ang lalaban sa isang Senses.

Ramdam na ramdam mo 'yong kaba, galit, at kakaibang tensyon sa bawat panig at mukhang hindi na rin sila makapaghintay para magsimula ang bagay na 'to. Kaya naman napatingin na ako kay Akakios. He nodded his head granting the permission to start it.

He became serious, and he looked so stern and hot.

I looked at the other side, and raised my right hand, and snapped my fingers.

And everything stopped. Even the tension and the heavy atmosphere stopped because of what I did. All their attention was focused on me. I could see that the Senses wanted to avoid my gaze, but they couldn't at all, because of my commanding aura.

From being an invisible one to having this much authority, I had really come a long way, huh?

"Commence," I announced, and the spotlights on top of their heads suddenly made it horrifying to watch. Sobrang dilim pa naman sa paligid, dahil mismong do'n lang sa posisyon nila may ilaw, at sa pwesto namin namatay na ang mga ilaw.

Mas lalong nakakaba ang mga nangyayari dahil do'n hanggang sa...

The spotlight shined upon Alain.

I smirked because of it, and the ones who would face him... hmm, sino kaya? Napalingon ako kay Akakios. "Who do you think would face them?" I asked with a cute smile.

"Biblee, and Akira?" He shrugged after mentioning their names. I smirked because I knew why he chose them. Probably remembering their encounter in the Witch Hunt.

Alain took out the weapons he wanted. Kaagad s'yang kumuha ng mga kutsilyo pati na rin bow and arrows para ilagay sa likod n'ya bago pumunta sa stage.

Then like what Akakios wanted the spotlight on the Pasaways stopped at Biblee and Akira. Akakios looked at me with blinking eyes as he shifted from his seat. I inclined my head on the side, and showed him my bracelet.

I went near his ear and whispered. "I control it, and your wish is my command," I told him teasingly, although I was stating the truth. Hindi naman magiging random ang bagay na 'yan. Nagpailing si Akakios sa akin habang natatawa.

Samantala, walang alinlangan na pumunta ang dalawa sa stage pagkatapos makakuha ng mga kutsilyo, baril at ilan pang armas na pwedeng magamit.

Sumenyas kaagad ako kay Saint tungkol sa magiging laban at ilang rules kung paano ka mananalo sa simpleng labanan na 'yan.

"Here's the catch," Saint suddenly started speaking, and his voice echoed in the whole venue through the speakers. "You will fight in ten minutes. Battle to kill your opponent, if you both party are still standing up after, we will ask both sides if they will switch or will continue to fight."

"Simple, right?" natatawang imik ni Saint. "We'll see who will win," he added mischievously, not mentioning what would it take to be declared as the winner.

In this game... skill and intel weren't the only one tested. Their greed, and their emotions were going to play a huge role in this. Their enemy... would be themselves. I hoped they'd be able to see that, because the Senses will surely have an advantage in this game.

"Then... let the game begins..." Saint announced on last time, and both sides were looking at each other with intensity from both sides of the stage.

When Akira was at the stage, he attacked Alain directly without any warning. The tension in the whole atmosphere doubled. Those who were watching were holding the breathes with the sudden attack.

"Looks like he's going to go head on," Akakios mentioned after observing.

"Let's see..." I answered with a small smile on my lips.

Mabilis nahawakan ni Akira si Alain, at nagawa n'ya itong ibalibag kaagad sa sahig dahil sa biglaang atake. Hindi pa natapos si Akira do'n, at mabilis n'yang kinuha si Alain na nasa sahig at sinakal para itayo.

Alain, instead of being intimidated with what he did, he only smirked with eyes looking so emotionless.

"Talk about the glutton..." Alain murmured dangerously with sarcastic laugh.

Kaagad bumuwelo si Akira para ibalibag ulit 'to, pero hindi nagawa ni Akira 'yon nang biglang sumuntok si Alain, at umikot sa ere at nakawala sa pagkakahawak n'ya. Alain didn't waste any time and he threw consecutive punches. Be it straights, hooks, jabs, and combinations, lahat 'yon sobrang bilis at walang palya.

Akira was defending from it, pero nagkaka-opening s'ya kaya nakakalusot ang mga suntok ni Alain. Hindi pa natapos do'n, mabilis na gumanti si Akira gamit ang kutsilyo na hawak n'ya pero kaagad nasalag 'yon ni Alain gamit ang kutsilyong nasa kanya.

Then he backed away and used the bow and arrow. To target... Biblee. Akira saw it coming kaya mabilis s'yang kumilos para salagin 'yon, at nagawa n'ya, Biblee also started to move to support Akira, but her eyes widened when in one snap Alain managed to grab her and take her as a hostage.

Akira was caught off guard with how fast things happened, and how Alain managed to do it.

"Damn, he's fast," Gabby murmured while watching the extreme battle between them.

"He's the fastest Senses, right? He's moves are not just because of skill, it was mostly consisting of experience," Isolde commented looking at the stage. Hindi makakilos si Akira dahil hawak-hawak ni Alain si Biblee.

May hiwa na rin ang leeg ni Biblee dahil do'n. I could see that Biblee was thinking of a lot of things, but Alain whispered something to her, that suddenly made her stop.

"Yeah. He's one of those who grew up in a harsh environment. Layla and him are somewhat the ones who are tricky because they had been in certain dangers, threats don't usually work on them," napatango-tango ako sa sinabi ni Akakios kay Isolde.

"That's why..." Isolde and Gabby chorused.

"For someone who keeps making fun of the authority of the Sun. You are really shameless, ain't you?" Alain mentioned in a whisper. Some probably didn't hear it but because of the devices with us, I heard what Alain told Biblee.

"Be careful of who you joke around with... the Sun might be kind, but those who are around him aren't... and do you know how ruthless Gideon is?" Alain smirked at Akira because Akira couldn't dare to move because Biblee was shaking her head, and was trembling.

"Gideon are only patient with you because you are friends and families of the moon, if you are not... you'd be like me..." Kakaibang kilabot ang naramdaman ni Biblee sa sinabi ni Alain sa kanya.

"I once told a joke about the sun, and this is what I've got..." And Alain made Biblee face him and make her stare on his face. The 'X' mark on his mouth. And Biblee's eyes showed fear.

Biblee might always joke around and make fun of others, but she knew... she was already warned once by Master Gideon alone. Master Gideon wasn't kind... he was only kind because of Akakios. And that was it.

Hindi na ako magtataka kung magagaya si Biblee kay Alain kapag narinig pa ulit ni Master Gideon ang sinasabi n'ya kay Aki. Maaring biro sa amin 'yon, pero sa mata ng batas at paniniwala ni Master Gideon... it would be nothing but a treason.

"Is... that... real?" Gabby asked and I nodded at her.

"Alas, sorry!" biglang sambit nito at kita ang takot sa mga mata. Akakios just smiled faintly. He wasn't used to it, but he was training to get used to being the highest authority and hierarchy. Lalo na Domain na ang kasunod na kalaban namin.

"That must be Biblee's fear, huh? Being punished because of her mouth," Isolde commented with a smirk.

"And you know... you could be the cause of everyone's downfall. You don't know when to joke and when to be serious..." natatawang imik ni Alain sa kanya, habang nanggigil sa pagkakahawak sa panga nito.

Biblee trembled with the reality that she was facing. "One wrong instruction... and it would be death." Nahugot ni Biblee ang hininga dahil do'n. "Do you want to see... your fears become alive?" Alain asked.

Biblee's facial expression was masked nervousness. She was probably thinking of a plan to be out of Alain's hold. Kaagad inilabas ni Akira ang baril na hawak n'ya, at tinutukan si Alain no'n, kahit hawak ni Alain si Biblee.

"Do it..." Alain mocked Akira with a smirk. "Fire it..." he added with blank eyes.

Biblee was able to think through the situation, and she signalled something on Akira.

"Wrong move," Akakios mentioned, and I grinned evilly to agree.

Dahil intel si Biblee, pinaniwalaan s'ya ni Akira. And that was when they both discovered how freaking heavy the responsibility being an intel was.

Pinaputok ni Akira ang baril kay Alain, pero dahil sa bilis ni Alain, nagawa n'ya 'tong iwasan at sa split second na 'yon nagawa ni Alain pakawalan ang atakeng hindi inaasahan no'ng dalawa. Alain threw two knives at Akira's direction for it to become a bait, para iwasan 'yon ni Akira, at mapunta si Akira sa isang lugar.

Lugar kung saan nag-iwan ng patibong si Alain. Alain took an explosive, too, earlier, and that explosive wasn't that deadly because it was small, and it was white in colour. Ibig sabihin ibinagsak n'ya 'yon kanina habang nakikipagsuntukan kay Akira. At hindi mo makikita 'yon sa sahig dahil puti rin ito.

At do'n gumulong si Akira. Kaya sumabog 'yon dahil sa naging kilos ni Akira. And Biblee's fear came true.

"Fears to reality..." I whispered.

If Biblee didn't agree for Akira to attack and fire, they could have escaped that predicament, by Biblee fighting Alain head on, and Akira discovering the explosive trap. Kaso masyado silang preoccupied ng pinagsasabi at ginawa ni Alain, kaya naging narrow ang tingin nila sa bagay-bagay.

Akira rolled on the floor a little bloody because of the explosion, good thing he didn't get burn with it. Nakaiwas pa rin s'ya at halos maiyak si Biblee nang makita ang consequence ng ginawa n'ya, pati na rin ang pagkakapahamak n'ya at pagiging alanganin ni Akira.

Her fears and doubts were slowly creeping in.

Alain managed to cut Biblee's arms, and she was still under Alain's hostage.

"Damn, that's a nightmare for an intel..." bulong ni Isolde sa napapanood. Kapag intel ka, hindi lang buhay mo ang hawak mo, hawak mo ang buhay ng lahat. It might seem easy because you were inside a room with monitors, but it was probably the hardest because you were the backbone and the foundation of the attack.

And that was the hidden fear of Biblee.

Failure.

It might have seemed like they were all growing but they had certain fears. Fears that would eat their rationality. And that was what happening with Biblee and Akira. Kahit gaano sila kalakas, kapag takot ang kinaharap mo, mablablanko ka.

"Hey, quiet one," Alain smirked at him, while Biblee was looking so helpless in his hand. Affected with the mental torture she just witnessed, and the emotional pain that came along with it.

"You are a sinner, too." Nakita ko ang pagdidilim ng ekspresyon ni Akira dahil do'n.

"You looked like you are too righteous, right? But you are nothing but a bastard who takes excessive things from those who needs it..." Akira gulped with Alain's words, and he was looking at him angrily.

"Is it pride? Ayaw mauungusan? Kaya kahit mga mahihina kinukuhanan?" natatawang pagsasalita ni Alain. "They need experiences, too, they need to develop other skills, too. But you are taking all of it! Just for you to have it."

"I couldn't disagree with that..." Isolde murmured. "That's what I observed, too, and a lethal weakness that Akira could face." Tumango-tango ako sa kanya dahil do'n.

"Akira tends to come on too strong, and he fights in a destructive force, making him the center of attention, and sometimes, kahit pwede n'ya ibigay ang kalaban sa iba, hindi n'ya ginagawa. Kinakanya n'ya pa rin," dagdag ko.

"And that's going to be a root for selflessness, and selfishness combined." Napatango-tango ako sa sinabi ni Akakios, pati na rin si Gabby.

"And oh, do you know an interesting story?" Alain suddenly mentioned while smirking evilly.

"It's about your dearest Mom." He shrugged while choking Biblee on her neck. Gusto man manglaban ni Biblee, hindi n'ya magawa dahil sobrang clouded ng desisyon n'ya ngayon, at sa takot na kapag nag-attempt na naman s'ya ng gagawin pwedeng maulit kagaya ng pagkakapahamak ni Akira.

"Your mother... owed her life to Nathaniel. So, she'd not be executed because she committed arson to prevent the revelation and to prevent the real owner of the Hoodlum to take back what's hers." Natigilan si Akira dahil do'n.

"Ah, only knowing now, how fucked up the generation of your parents are? Be careful... the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Alain laughed evilly. "Who knows if you want to get them burned too... you like explosives, right?"

What a freaking spot to hit.

He was making Akira think that he'd endanger others, too, instead of helping them. That was a touch move for Akira. 'Yong tulong na gusto n'yang ibigay pwedeng maging dahilan ng pagkakapahamak ng lahat, kagaya ng explosives, at pwede ring maging dahilan kung bakit hindi mag-grow ang iba, dahil minsan ginagawa n'ya ang lahat para hindi lumaban ang iba.

He might not realize it but he could be blocking someone's growth, and he could only create dangers. That wasn't a good spot to touch, huh? Fear. Insecurity. And even his weakness was targeted badly.

Before Akira and Biblee could regain their minds from Alain's words, the echo of the timer rang in the whole place.

Alain laughed and put his hand up in surrender, tuwang-tuwa sa mga nangyari, bago bumababa sa stage. "Concede, other might want to ridicule them more..." he said while shaking his head.

The Senses side looked so victorious with everything. While the Pasaways side was full of heavy, darkened, and fear in the atmosphere.

They suddenly realized the intensity of what they were facing.

Without breaking the rising tension and intensity in the place, the spotlights once again lit up, and I could already feel the tension in the Pasaways, and the taunting Senses. The Senses looked so confident now because of the motion that Alain started, I could already feel their intense focus to the next battles.

The spotlight played on them... and the air became darker when the selected Senses clapped his hand for being chosen.

It was Kinsley this time. I smirked because of it. Especially when Kinsley stood up with that grin on his face as he walked towards the side to get weapons.

Kita ko naman kaagad ang kaba ng mga Pasaway para sa kung sino ang matatapat sa kanila kay Kinsley. I could see Rebel looking at the guy keenly but with hidden threat. I suddenly wanted to play more.

"Who's next?" I questioned Akakios in a nonchalant manner.

"Honoka, and Thorn..." he answered looking at them because of what happened from before.

"Granted," I smiled evilly, as I pressed the bracelet button and in a snap, it was Honoka and Thorn that were chosen.

I saw how my brother's teeth gritted in anger. I was proud of him for controlling himself in this situation. He was impulsive, and he'd take risks with things, he was the one who doesn't easily follow orders, and to make him like this, that was when you'd realize how much he respected Akakios and I.

Honoka heaved a sigh and tried to become less nervous about it. Then she went to get weapons. Instead of choosing her normal things, she just chose guns and knives. Thorn also proceeded with her choosing weapons that were alike.

They both went to the stage. Kinsley welcome them like he owned it and it was his place.

"Welcome, my lady!" tuwang-tuwang sambit nito kay Honoka.

He even went to them, and grabbed Honoka's hand, and kissed it in a flash. Rebel's eyes turned a shade darker. I could see he was controlling his wrath for Kinsley. And Kinsley was probably murdered not just once but ten times inside his head.

Thorn went to them in a rescue, and he placed a blade on the neck of Kinsley to protect Honoka from it. Kinsley only smirked, and daintily grabbed Thorn's hand like it was so disgusting to be touched by a man.

He moved away with a smirk on his face. They didn't attack each other but they were looking at each other with so much tautness.

"Funny that those who are always looked down upon are the ones facing me who likes strong opponents..." he mentioned coolly while walking back and forth at them while playing with the knife like it was a nail polisher on his nails.

"Shh... I hear things... I hear those who are stronger than the flashy ones. I hear insecurities, and doubts..." Kinsley remarked as he guffawed like it was the most hilarious thing he heard and said. I flinched a little on how crazy he was. Damn.

"Always bowing down, and always used to be underestimated, isn't it frustrating?" natatawang tanong nito kay Thorn. "They look upon you like you are the weakest. Are you really?" he added with jeering tone.

"You envy others... you wish you are strong like them... you envy your brother, right?" Kinsley continued, and Thorn gripped on the knife he was holding firmer.

"No matter how much you wanted to stand out... those greedy destructive ones always take the throne. Aren't you frustrated? Why not tell it how much you hate them?" tuwang-tuwang sambit ni Kinsley, at saka humalakhak. He was even skipping in front of Thorn and Honoka.

"You... I don't hear you," Thorn murmured in a low voice and went to attack Kinsley.

Kinsley, however, knew that Thorn would react like that and he managed to grab his hand that was about to stab him. Kaagad n'yang pinaikot ang kamay ni Thorn, pero mabilis na kumilos si Thorn, he jumped on the side, aiming to kick the side head of Kinsley.

However, Kinsley managed to duck down, and get Thorn on his hand. Mabilis at malakas n'yang naibalibag si Thorn. Susuntukin ni Kinsley si Thorn, pero kaagad naiwasan ni Thorn 'yon nang gumulong s'ya.

He jumped back on his feet and started to fight Kinsley in punches. Sobrang bilis no'ng suntukan nilang dalawa. Pero mabilis na nakakaiwas si Kinsley sa mga binabato ni Thorn. Gano'n din si Thorn sa mga atake ni Kinsley.

Their intense fight was interesting to watch. However, I knew that Thorn was affected by Kinsley's words that was why he was attacking like that. Wala 'yong sobrang accurate na Thorn, at 'yong pag-iisip n'ya ng pwedeng magamit sa laban.

Because whether Thorn admit it or not. He was sick of it. Sick that he was always looked down upon, and on how Kinsley's words were right. He was frustrated that someone pointed out his unsaid insecurities.

"Is this what you've got? I think I suddenly understand why you are the weakest..." Kinsley mentioned while they were fighting with each other.

"Shut up!" Thorn yelled, and they proceeded in attacking each other. Hindi tumigil at nakikita ko kay Honoka at pag-aalinlangan, dahil baka makagulo s'ya sa mangyayari sa kanila, at baka ikapahamak ni Thorn ang gagawin n'ya.

"Thorn's potential is strong to be an intel, and to be a front attack, but he doesn't believe in himself that much, unlike others, right?" Akakios told me, and I nodded at him. Thorn's a dark horse, he could even be jack of all trades.

He might look mediocre in everything but the thing is... he had all the skills.

"Kinsley was bullseye on targeting Thorn's insecurity and weakness, what the heck..." Gabby murmured and I nodded. Minsan nga parang tamad din si Thorn sa mga bagay-bagay, at madalang ibigay ang tunay na lakas n'ya kasi hindi s'ya naniniwala sa sarili n'ya. That could be lethal if you ask me... he doesn't realize his own abilities.

And not knowing oneself would be a great disadvantage because enemies would make use of you.

Habang nakikipaglaban si Thorn kay Kinsley, biglang inatake ni Kinsley si Thorn sa hita, at napaupo s'ya. Kaya naman nagawa s'yang tapakan ni Kinsley sa sahig. Dahil sa bagay na 'yon sumugod kaagad si Honoka sa kanya.

Honoka attacked him in a silent manner. She hid her presence and she managed to give Kinsley a cut on the cheek. Kinsley was shocked, but managed to catch Honoka's wrist, and he suddenly gripped on it to twist it.

"Doubts... too much doubts..." Kinsley murmured, and he almost grabbed Honoka to hug her.

"You are the same with this guy..." Kinsley stepped on Thorn's chest, and Thorn was struggling to move away from him. If Alain was the lightest in the Senses, Kinsley was the heaviest in throwing his attacks and move. He was a steel.

"The weakest of the trio? Someone too soft? Someone who is a burden... you fear that." Kinsley smirked at her, and Honoka trembled because of how true it was.

"Honoka's actually the strongest in the trio if you ask me skill wise," Isolde stated with a smile looking at Honoka. I smirked to agree.

"Honoka can be a silent danger but can also be a ranging wrath, it is just... she's too soft and doubtful of herself," Akakios said while his thumb was wiping his lower lip.

"You are going to become a burden soon... it is bound to happen," Kinsley informed her and Honoka gritted her teeth.

"No, I will not. That, I am telling you!" And Honoka showed her prowess as she hauled Kinsley on the floor. However, Kinsley was aiming for Honoka to do that.

No'ng nasa sahig na 'to, tumawa 'to nang malakas, at tumayo na si Thorn para lumapit kay Honoka. They were both on guard with Kinsley. They wanted to kill him right there, right now. Their eyes were showing no mercy. However, Kinsley's words stopped them.

"Yeah... become strong... and you'll be envied, and once you are envied... you will be the reason why things will break. It is going to be your fault. They will twist it... so you'll be the bad ones. And you will become the greatest burden your gang could ever have..." Kinsley laughed like a maniac.

Honoka and Thorn were frozen to where they were standing because it was nothing but the truth. The ones holding them back isn't just themselves, but the eyes of those who were around them.

Dahil sa galit ni Thorn sa sinasabi ni Kinsley sa kanila, kaagad n'ya sanang sasaksakin si Kinsley na nakahiga lang sa sahig, pero kaagad tumunog ang timer, kaya hindi nila nagawa. Napangisi ako dahil do'n.

Kinsley jumped back on his feet, and went back to the Senses. Meaning he didn't want to continue the fight. And Honoka and Thorn couldn't help it. They backed down because they were furious, and they wanted Kinsley instead of any other Senses.

"They are going to be so frustrated waiting to be matched with them again," iiling-iling na sambit ni Isolde.

"The Senses weren't just physically strong... they are also capable in mind tricks," Gabby murmured on her own looking at them.

My eyes looked at the stage critically, and the lucky chosen ones who would battle next.

The light glowed again, and everyone was holding their breathes. Then, it stopped on Gretta. Unlike the trembling Gretta from the past, it looked like she was ready to do what whatever it was, with nothing but desperation. She looked strong, and macabre. Her eyes were glowing in blood and darkness.

Pinakawalan s'ya sa pagkakatali, at mabilis n'yang kinuha ang gagamitin n'yang sandata. She had a knife that looked like a crescent moon, and she also took a long sword, and guns. She took all the weapons she wanted, and went to the stage.

"She looks stronger today," Akakios murmured, I smirked, of course. She needed to act like that.

"Hulaan mo sino makakalaban ni Gretta," I told Akakios with a chuckle.

"Parang naghuhula lang kayo kung ano'ng kasunod na commercial sa TV ah," Isolde suddenly remarked, and Gabby supressed her loud laugh. Napailing-iling naman ako habang nagpipigil tumawa.

"Let us enjoy this," I stated while rolling my eyes at her.

"Tss," she hissed.

"Why are you making me decide?" Akakios mentioned while glancing at them.

"Well, you choose fun matches," I spoke directly. Natawa naman si Akakios.

"Then... Harper and Pierce," Akakios chose while tapping his fingers on his lips.

"Then it's settled," I stated, then suddenly the lights shined on Harper, and Pierce.

"Why... them...?" biglang tanong ni Gabby.

Kita ko kaagad ang pagdidilim ng tingin ni Pierce at Harper kay Gretta. Pero ngumiti lang si Gretta na tila ba nanghahamon ng away sa kanila. Harper and Pierce went to get their weapons. Napangisi ako ng makita kung paano kumuha ng long sword si Pierce at tinaggal ni Harper ang naginata n'ya sa malaking lalagyan nito.

They took little knives and other things with them before going to the stage.

"Pierce... is using sword?" hindi makapaniwalang imik ni Gabby.

"Well, they should explore more weapons," I seconded, and they agreed with me.

Gretta was standing still playing with her unique knife, and how she was looking so dark waiting for them to attack.

"Hey..." Gretta suddenly spoke in a ghostly tone. The goosebumps in the air spread, and I shifted on my seat because I suddenly became excited with it.

"Harper Aurora Villamor... did you know... that you'd only be killed with your attitude in battles, and ah... are you really that proud and high? What a fucking fool..." Gretta laughed like a witch looking so disgusted at Harper.

"Let me remind you... your Mother is only the sei or the sixth... or should I say the weakest in the Apocalypse... and your Father inflicted a lot of pain to Lian, Shana, Alyx... and Princess? Don't act innocent... you knew all those but you are too high to admit it. What a joke you are."

Dang! I felt all the goosebumps and excitement because of the way Gretta was saying those words! She was really mocking the proud and mighty Harper in the wound that would hurt the most! Kitang-kita namin ang pagkagat ni Harper sa ibabang labi n'ya.

Harper's personality was proud, and mighty. And it probably made her piss and greedy to kill Gretta just to prove her wrong. When in reality, Gretta was really stating nothing but truths.

Gretta walked back and forth with eyes not leaving Harper. Harper looked like she wasn't going to let anything pass because of the words she heard. Kita ko ang asar at pagtutubig ng mga mata n'ya sa matinding emosyon.

"You are proud that you are the woman of your Law, huh? But looked like you aren't the only woman." Gretta shrugged, and smirked at Harper. Kung pwede mang umusok ang ulo, siguro 'yon na ang makikita mo kay Harper.

Damn, I had never seen her this mad and pissed.

"Well... the emotions that Law has for Luna... isn't shallow," Gretta started in a mocking tone. I saw how the grip on Harper's naginata tightened with those words, she was looking down, and her eyes were watering.

All the insecurities that Harper was carrying was being exposed.

"If Luna wasn't pursued by Justice... who knows... they might have ended up together. They look great don't you think? Luna's the angel, the saviour, Law's one and only comfort and support in hard times..." Gretta added nonchalantly while spinning her knife on her hand.

"Let's ask him... don't you want to hear him?" Grabe! Hindi man ako 'yong nasa posisyon ni Harper, damang-dama ko 'yong kabog ng puso ko sa mga naririnig kay Gretta.

"Shut... up..." Harper told Gretta while gritting her teeth, still bowing down.

"Hey, Law," Gretta called ignoring Harper. A light shined upon Law who was sitting with arms crossed looking emotionless.

"You liked Luna more than you could ever imagine, right?" I saw how Law's jaw clenched, but his face remained blank. The tension in the atmosphere rose more because of it.

"If it weren't for Justice... would you ever give up on Luna?" Gretta added flicking her brow towards him. Law scoffed with that stern expression.

"Oh, come on, assure your little daring Harper with your words. Tell her Luna was just a simple infatuation, isn't that hard, eh?" Gretta queried while slowly licking her lower lip.

"Answer, in all honesty, Raphael Law Evans." Everyone freaking tensed up when Harper told him that without looking at him! I saw how Law's look darkened.

"Luna... without Luna I wouldn't survive everything..." Law started with a serious expression. "And yes... what I feel for Luna isn't that simple..." I closed my eyes because of how freaking hurtful it must have been for Harper.

And even Justice looked so lost in everything. Hawak-hawak n'ya ang kamay ni Luna, at hindi na makahinga si Luna sa naririnig. Both of them were looking so conflicted with what was ensuing.

"Nagparaya ako kay Luna... para kay Justice."

Damn it! I saw how one tear fell from Harper's eye.

"Oh... my... gosh..." I heard Gabby exclaimed with so much shock and almost breathless. Akakios was looking at everything with knotted forehead.

"Damn... what a mess," Isolde commented shaking her head.

"If Luna and Harper will be on danger... who will you save? You could only save one... who will it be?" Gretta taunted more liking every reaction that she was getting. A smirk slowly rose from my lips.

Law unhurriedly bowed his head. I could hear his breathing, and the whole venue became dead quiet and eerie, as he slowly answered...

"Luna."

"Damn, Evans," I murmured silently, and the pressure increased hundred of times!

Napatingin pa sa akin si Aki sa matinding gulat sa sagot ni Law.

Because of his truthful answer, Harper ran in a flash, and our eyes widened because of how intense it was! She used the naginata in its full form to advance towards Gretta to shut her up with all the emotions overflowing through her.

Gretta laughed so loud because of it. And when Harper ran through her with the naginata attacking her, Gretta just lowered her long sword, and spun around Harper's naginata. Kaya nasa likod ni Gretta ang naginata ni Harper.

And the knife that Gretta was playing with was pointed on Harper's face. Ni hindi man lang nakita ni Harper na gumawa s'ya ng napakadelikadong bagay dahil pag-agos ng emosyon sa kanya, sa pagiging lantad ng mga kahinaan n'ya.

She trembled with the knife on her face. "Really...?" Gretta murmured dangerously, and then started to attack Harper, nagkasugat si Harper sa pisngi dahil sa ginawa ni Gretta.

Harper jumped backwards with so much anger because of it.

"Harper's vision and mind is clouded with anger..." Akakios whispered. "She'd be in danger because of it. This is new to her... her weakness and insecurity were not only exposed, what she's fearing also just had... happened..." he added with a sigh.

"She could have been killed that instant Gretta attacked her," I mentioned in honesty. Mabuti na lang nakalayo s'ya kaagad, kasi hindi pisngi n'ya ang target ni Gretta. Gretta was targeting her carotid pulse.

Pierce stepped up because of what was happening and he started attacking Gretta with the sword. Mukhang natuwa naman si Gretta dahil do'n, at halos kalansing ng espada nila ang naririnig namin ngayon.

Gretta was more expert in holding and using the sword, kaya naman napapaatras si Pierce at halos mabitawan n'ya ang espada n'ya sa mga nangyayari. The overwhelming power that Gretta had was showing in their eyes.

Gretta wasn't weak, it was just... she freaking faced the Law.

Napalayo si Pierce at napahawak sa braso n'yang nagkasugat dahil do'n. Napalingon ako kay Gabby at kita ko na nakasarado ang dalawa n'yang kamao, pero nanatiling nakaupo at nanunood nang masinsinan.

"Is that all... Pierce Isaiah Sy?" Gretta queried sarcastically. "Oh... you are the so-called saint of this group, right? Don't act like one... your parents are also sinners."

"Did you know that they raised you so kind because they were both evils? Your mother abandoned her friends to death... and your father was a bystander in deaths and predicaments...of those who are around them. What a combo of sinners, right? Evils are evils no matter how much you deny it..." Gretta told him while laughing hysterically.

Pierce's eyes darkened, as he held the hilt of the sword tighter. "Oh, no monster that would save you, now...?" the red and black eyed woman added with a mad grin painted on her face.

"Where's your monster knight that has the eyes of an Evans?" Gretta added with a laugh. "Oh... probably facing her punishment? Wait... ain't that unfair? You are the one who's at fault, but that little girl is the one facing the consequences?"

Nagdilim ang mukha ni Pierce dahil sa narinig n'ya.

"You want to protect her? Wait... you are aiming too high. You should know your place. She's an Evans. And you?" natatawang imik ni Gretta sa kanya.

"Pity for that child... she experienced a lot of tough things growing up, and she's reliving those experiences because you are too weak for her. You should be guilty about it. You are useless." Biglang nag-iba ang tingin sa mga mata ni Gretta at mabilis s'yang sumugod ulit kay Pierce na natulala at hindi alam ang gagawin.

"Don't pretend to be a saint and a goody-two-shoes..." Gretta told him, when their swords crossed together, and they looked at each other with so much madness and intensity. They were both quivering with it.

"And I have something to tell you... you should be disgusted of yourself. Lust. Wanting a child, and letting a child suffer because of you? How fucking nasty," iiling-iling na sabi ni Gretta at nagsimula silang maglaban ulit gamit ang espada.

Gretta continuous strike towards Pierce was heavy and intense, Pierce was managing in a hanging thread to defend himself against it. Pero dahil sa tinding ng bilis ng tira ni Gretta sa kanan, kaliwan, baba at taas, hindi na sabayan 'yon ni Pierce.

"Looked like Pierce is really affected by what he heard... for someone who's already guilty and blaming himself about what happened to Gabby, it is salt to the wound," Akakios told me, and I nodded to agree.

"His doubts, and insecurities are flooding in his head," I added, and Akakios sighed heavily.

Dahil sa tindi ng atake ni Gretta, nabitawan ni Pierce ang hawak-hawak n'yang espada. At nagawa ni Gretta atakihin ang gilid ng leeg ni Pierce. Kung hindi siguro tumunog ang napakalakas na timer sa lugar, baka hindi lang hiwa sa leeg ang inabot ni Pierce.

"That's not right, that's not right, that's not right..." Gabby murmured in a painful tone. She looked so conflicted and angry, but was controlling herself so hard. She was certainly counting one to ten inside her head.

"Gabby that's the reality of his doubts," I told her straightforwardly, and her shoulders dropped while she caressed her forehead because of what the situation.

"Decide if you will continue or you will allow someone on the next round," declared Saint. Gretta put back her sword and knife inside their respective place.

"I'll sit through the next round, other Senses might want to have fun, you know," she mentioned with that victorious smile on her face.

Harper went down on the stage quietly but with eyes glowing in rage. She was really dead set on having Gretta's neck for her to take. And Pierce was exuding the same aura like Harper. He also went down the stage, but he was going to go back without a restrain once he faces Gretta again.

"Wait... I've been meaning to ask this..." Akakios suddenly mentioned looking at me. "How did the Senses know a lot about the Pasaways?"

Nakita ko kung paano umayos ng upo si Isolde at Gabby pagkatapos sabay na napatingin sa akin, dahil sa marahang tawa at ngisi na pinakawalan ko.

"Fucking shit?" Isolde exclaimed in surprise. "You and your fucking games," kinikilabutan na dagdag nito. Napangisi ako lalo sa kanya.

"Ate..." nanginginig na imik ni Gabby.

"How else would they know...? Of course... I told them," I declared while crossing my arms, and resting my back on the backrest, and slowly smirking only on one side of my lips.

"Ate Mira!" Gabby yelled in shock. "How could you? They could use all those infor against them—against us!"

"Well, that's what's currently happening, right now..." I shrugged at her. "And that's what I am aiming for. For their sins, insecurities, weakness, fears, and doubts... to be pointed out. Not by me, but by people whom they would never want to hear it from..."

Nakita kong napayakap si Gabby sa sarili dahil sa kakaibang kilabot na dala ko.

"You are helping the Senses to win this..." Isolde told me with scoff.

"No, I am tricking the Senses so they would think that they could win this..." I corrected while grinning perilously.

"They are currently fighting with the information I told them. I gave them the motion for revenge against the Pasaways. Who wouldn't be happy if your strong and proud opponents would crumble down just because of the situation and your words?" I cackled softly.

"The Senses took the bait... they are all dying anyway... so why not have a laugh with it...? Iyon siguro ang iniisip nila..." kibit-balikat na dagdag ko pa.

"Damn, evil..." Isolde straightforwardly told me.

"Thanks for the compliment."

"But you are also using them to strengthen the Pasaways, right? You are using them so they could be the catalyst for the growth you are aiming for..." Akakios mentioned as he gradually realized things that was occurring.

I nodded at him.

"Yeah. They fell on my game. I could give them what they want, but I could also get what I want. It's a win-win situation."

"Tell me to never play against you ever again... Ate..." whispered Gabby. I pounted at at her. Aw, I wanted to play games with my siblings more than anyone.

"Nothing's a win-win for you, Miracle," Isolde told me, I shrugged. "You play with the whole setting, the players, the rules, and you control all of them based on the result you want... and that's not a win-win..."

"And what would you call that?" nakangising tanong ko.

"That's... a decided game, and a game where no one could win... but you."

"Well, be my guest..." I answered her, and I looked at Akakios who was smirking at me.

"Looks like things will be more interesting from this point on, my Empress." I laughed gently with him, and he nodded while one side of his lip was curved.

"Once the manipulator of the game makes its desired move..." Gabby murmured looking at the two of us. Sadyang binitin ang mga huling salita para kami ang magpatuloy.

"Game... over," Akakios and I mentioned with a smirk. I don't just play with the game. I play with the people involved in it.

***