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Battle for the Empire

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"BAKA NAMAN may ginawa ka pala tapos 'di mo namalayan?" Quinn asked the Marquez boy whose head was slumped over the meeting desk in their office. It was past five in the afternoon, and the six of them had decided to stay at their very own headquarters to finish what was left of their move-in and office decoration.

"You know, like, steal his cafeteria food or something? Accidentally copied off his homework?" the dark-skinned boy suggested teasingly, before popping a french fry into his mouth.

His comments were met with a strained whine from the Marquez boy.

"Nagpapatawa ka ba Quinn?? Ni 'di ko pa nga siya nagiging kaklase kahit kailan?!" yamot na sabi ni Jarrell, his voice muffled from his slumped position. He then momentarily raised his head and lazily watched Sera who was changing the curtains of the office into a better type of cloth. 

"'Di kaya crush ako?" he subconsciously whispered to himself as he appreciated the scene of Sera before him. 

Instead of an answer though, he ended up receiving a rather harsh hit at the back of his head from Queenie who was arranging the decoratives on top of the mantelpiece. 

"ARAY!" bulyaw ng binata dahilan para matawa si Quinn at muntik nang mabulunan.

"'Yang energy mo sa pagmukmok, ilipat mo nalang kaya sa paglinis?? Edi nakatulong ka pa?!" saway ng dalaga habang hinihimas ni Jarrell ang kaniyang ulo.

"Ba't ba ang susungit ng mga tao ngayon? Lord, may regla na ba ang lahat?" he whined out loud.

"Huwag mo nalang kasing pansinin si Enzo. He's probably stressed with the whole campaign," Rein shrugged, plopping down on his swivel chair behind his desk. "I heard from earlier that little miss Suarez decided to run, so he most likely has his knickers in a twist."

Jarrell let out a scoff.

"Pfft. Kahit naman 'di campaign season parang palagi pa rin namang mainit ulo n'on sakin," simangot nito. But Rein wasn't paying attention to his friend anymore when his phone started vibrating from the pocket of his pants.

Hades calling...

Rein immediately grimaced with the contact name — one that he had labeled for his father.

"You know you don't have to answer him all the time," Ann said out of the blue, peeking over his shoulder to see the name in his phone.

Instinctively, itinago agad ng binata ang cellphone at saka pinantaas ng kilay ang dalaga. "Ever the nosy girl you are, Lobris," he said defensively, meeting her eyes. "Also, you're one to talk, trying to fulfill your parents' backlogged dreams."

"Careful, Maccio," Ann warned, her eyes turning into slits. "You know damn well I don't have a choice." 

Dahil dito ay saglit na napunta ang isip ng dalaga sa unfinished assignments niya for her Entrepreneurship at Introduction to Accountancy subjects — both of which she had been dreading for all summer long.

"Well that's too bad babe because unfortunately," Rein sighed, standing up from his chair and glancing at his watch. "I don't have a choice either."

He then grabbed the black blazer of his uniform from one of the couches and draped it over his arm. "I guess that makes us soulmates huh, Lobris?" Kindat nito sa dalaga.

This made Ann instinctively make a face. Despite her annoyance, Rein could swear he saw the corner of her lips ghost into what seemed to be a small smile.

"Twin flames is more like it — however disgusting as I'd like to admit," she rolled her eyes, feigning a shiver before replacing him in his seat and plopping down on his swivel chair. The Lobris heir then crossed her legs comfortably, causing Rein to momentarily glance at the bareness of her skin before clearing his throat and turning his head away. 

"Sige na't umalis. Nagsasawa na 'ko sa pagmumukha mo," Ann said with a dismissive hand that caused her rival to scoff.

"Babe, you're lucky to even see this face everyday. Bet you're dying to kiss it," he then pointed towards his chair. "Also, get the hell out of my seat."

"Oh brother here we go," Sera groaned from where she was standing. "Please, hindi ba cease fire na kayong dalawa? Talaga bang 'di niyo na kami bibigyan ng isang minute of peace?"

Both rivals simply ignored her and in response, itinaas ng dalaga ang isang daliri nito, signaling Rein to shut up. "First of all, shut it with the babe. Nakakadiri. Do you even hear yourself Maccio?? Second, you can kiss your own face for all I care. Huwag nga lang dito sa office ha? So lewd. And third, just to remind you, I'm the Campus Sleuths' president. Meaning, I can sit anywhere I want. Now leave before I kick your narcissistic ass out of here."

Asar-talo. Nakangising sambit ng binata sa sarili. He liked it when Ann became chatty trying to upstage him with her comebacks.

If there was anything Rein looked forward to in the entirety of his day, it was annoying the hell out of Ann Lobris.

"Damn babe that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," he said in exaggeration, a hand over his heart as he opened the door to the office on his way out.

"I swear to god I will kill you with my bare hands, Maccio. Get out!" Ann barked, throwing a pillow at him. With that, he left the office laughing and the door slammed shut in his face. 

Whatever lighthearted feeling he had harbored earlier though, vanished instantly when he arrived at the outdoor parking lot of the campus, the area where the Maccio family car was waiting.

Pagkabukas niya ng pintuan ay nagulat ito nang makita hindi lang ang kanilang family driver, pero pati na rin ang kaniyang ama na nakaupo sa passenger seat. 

"Surprised?" his father said in slurred greeting. He had this all-too familiar devilish smile partnered with his red, drunken cheeks that made Rein feel sick in the stomach.

"Didn't know you still remembered your fatherly duty to pick up your own son?" the younger man asked bitterly as he slipped into the backseat.

"Well, it is the first day of your training, isn't it?" sambit ng matanda sa anak habang umaandar na ang sasakyan papalabas ng campus.

"Training for what, exactly?" Rein asked suspiciously. Deep inside, he knew the answer — but he'd never thought his father would actually dare anoint him worthy to inherit the legacy he had built. Especially now when he was still in high school.

"To be the next leader of Maccio Holdings, of course!" the man replied in a matter-of-fact tone. Hindi na ulit sumagot ang binata, who suddenly felt like he was suffocating inside the vehicle.

By the time they had arrived at the main headquarters of their family business, a tall building with its exterior made out of nothing but glass, came into view. In large, golden, stylized letters were the words, "MACCIO HOLDINGS, CORP." situated across the top.

Rein, who had just stepped out of the car, looked up at the building, his mouth slightly agape. The only time he was ever brought to their headquarters was when he was ten years old — nung buhay pa ang mama niya. The building seemed even taller then, and from what he remembered, the letters were still silver rather than the current gold.

"What do you think, son?" his father snapped out the memory from his mind, squeezing his shoulder tight as if it was a threat instead of a loving gesture. "Ready to learn the real world's business?"

Before he could even reply, he was then thrusted inside the airconditioned lobby — into the sea of pretentious businessmen wearing office wear. 

Soon, he too, would be a corporate slave just like them.

---

"I swear — I had no idea she would be running!" Yenna said in exasperation as Enzo stormed inside his office, slamming the rest of their campaign posters onto his desk.

He was livid, almost close to committing a crime. 

"She's found a loophole," Enzo muttered, one hand leaning on his desk and the other ruffling his hair as Yenna shut the door to a close. He was going to have a meltdown if he didn't start clearing his head. 

"I mean, at least she won't be competing you for president? Hindi ba mas okay 'yon??" Tulirong tanong ni Yenna, dahilan para mas idiin ng binata ang kaniyang kamao sa lamesa.

"Yenna, I need you to gather the others. Kailangan natin ng bagong strategy kung gusto niyo pang manalo sa election," he ordered, causing the fidgeting girl to nod and leave his office in a hurry.

By the time he heard the soft click of the door closing, Enzo grabbed the edge of his desk harshly, holding onto it as if it was his lifeline. Keira's announcement had teetered him over the edge, bringing the traumatic memory of the fire into his mind in bursts of flashbacks.

"That little bitch," he spat out bitterly. He knew there was something off — an irregularity in the air that he couldn't quite explain. Keira Suarez had found that one open slot that allowed her a high possibility rate of winning. 

He couldn't believe he didn't see it sooner.

Keira's plan this academic year wasn't to beat him for the position of the student council president. It was to enter the council — no matter what position, and no matter what cost.

Enzo gritted his teeth. Alam ng binata na kahit manalo pa siya as president, having Keira in his council would mean a voice for the opposition that would lessen his control on Castillo High — the very academe he had vowed to make his empire since he was twelve years old.

Enzo needed a plan.

"I need a new approach, another angle to get her off the race," he mumbled to himself. The meeting de avance was already scheduled this Friday, and the student body elections would be done on Monday. He and his party had to move fast if he wanted to overthrow Keira before the battle turned too difficult to control. 

Enzo needed a plan. And he needed it fast. 

---

The angry tension that Enzo had harbored from yesterday seeped to his fellow party members who have grown even more intimidated of the student council president as they gathered in one of the empty classrooms that was designated to their political party.

"Alright, listen up everyone," he clapped his hands twice, a determined, stoic look on his face. "Alam kong pagod na kayo since tatlong araw na rin tayong nagca-campaign, but we need to maximize our time before the meeting de avance. Kailangang ma-realize ng student body na genuine tayo, okay? I don't care if the jingles of the other parties are sung to the greatest pop hits of today. Hindi tayo katulad nila. What matters is, maipapakita natin sa buong Castillo High that we mean business, that we and our platforms are worth voting for." 

He then handed out copies of what seemed like a new batch of posters which included a longer list of each candidate's achievements, and additional details on their party's platforms.

"Uh, hindi ba masyadong info overload 'to, Enzo?" Francesca Martinez, the tenth grader running for the position of P.R.O., asked hesitantly.

"Pa'nong info overload?" Kunot-noong tanong ng binata before shaking his head.

"It'll be good. Mas makikita ng mga students na may actual plans tayo for this academic year at hindi lang taga-gawa ng year-end concerts," he said, disgusted about the latter part as he thought of the past student councils who were events-centered before he had become the president last year.

"Eh Enzo, baka naman hindi na nila matandaan 'yung mga pangalan natin if mas mag-focus tayo sa platforms? You know very well, as much as we hate to admit it, that Filipinos gravitate towards name recall better. Alam mo 'yan," nag-aalalang sabi ni Yenna as she held up the new flyer that Enzo created.

"Relax. This is a good strategy," Pagpupumilit ng binata. "Halos lahat ng ibang parties puro sa name recall at jingles naka-focus. Since kakaiba tayo, magsta-stand out tayo from the rest."

"Um, sigurado ka b—"

"Are you really questioning the veracity of my intent?" Enzo frowned impatiently, causing the others to shut up. Nang wala nang umangal mula sa iba ay pinaalis na niya ang mga ito para ipamigay ang mga bagong flyers.

"Don't forget to visit all parts of the campus. Except for you James. I need to speak with you," the president said, gesturing to a fair-skinned boy with freckles dusted across his face who seemed confused for being asked to stay.

Nang maiwan na ang dalawa sa kwarto ay inabot ni Enzo ang isang folder sa kaniya. 

"You're our vice president," he said dryly. "Therefore it's your job to make sure you win over Keira Suarez who's running for the same position with the DIWA party. Gumawa na ako ng possible script mo that you can practice for the meeting de avance which you can find inside the folder. The meeting de avance will be the best and also your last opportunity to show Castillians that you're better for the position. Gets?"

James Dimacaoli opened the documents, scanning them with a frown. 

"Tatakbo si Keira? Akala ko ba sabi niyo hindi?" tanong nito before shaking his head. "If she's running, then I'm definitely out of the equation. She'll clearly win with the voting habits of Castillians."

Agad na kumunot ang buong mukha ni Enzo.

"What the hell are you saying?" he snapped, snatching the folder back from him. "James, you have a good shot. Kailangan mo lang pilitin."

Agad namang natawa si James, throwing his head back in laughter as if the mere idea of winning was humorous to him. "Enzo, please. Between the two of us, Keira is the more charming and better-looking student. I hate to break it to you, but she'll win."

Enzo couldn't believe what he was hearing. Agad na nagpantig ang mga tenga nito, visibly in denial with what James was saying. "But you're smarter, and definitely more responsible. This isn't a congeniality contest, James."

"Actually," the freckled-face boy clicked his tongue. "It unfortunately is. Deny it all you want Enzo, but that's just how politics work. Either you make me the most charming, good-looking guy in Castillo High—or run a car over Keira I don't know—but until then, it's most likely that the Suarez girl will take this one."

And with that, James then tapped Enzo's shoulder apologetically and grabbed the folder once more. "Huwag ka mag-alala, I'll still practice the script and do my best."

He then said goodbye before exiting the room, leaving a surprised Enzo.

The walk to his house that afternoon was almost unbearable.

Para bang sobrang bigat ang backpack na kaniyang dala habang palabas ito ng senior high school building, passing by one of the tiny grandstands in the field where a small crowd of Castillians had gathered.

"Sa DIWAAA, DIWA parteh! 'Di ka magsisisi sa DIWA party! Kay Keira ang pagmamahal, dapat lang siya na ihalal, para sa posisyon ng VP interrrnal!" A group of students from the DIWA party sang loudly, causing an eruption of cheers as Enzo saw Keira take the small stage. Kahit na maliit lamang ang dalaga ay malakas ang boses at presensya nito.

"Hello my lovely Castillians!! Super honored to be running for the position of vice president! Remember, vote straight for me and my DIWAAAA partyyy!" Agad na naghiyawan ang mga estudyante, at muling kinanta ang jingle ng dalaga.

As much as Enzo hated Keira, he couldn't denyt that her jingle was really catchy. Too annoyingly catchy.

With a grim look, he momentarily locked eyes with his adversary who gave him a gloating look. She was out for his blood and he couldn't do anything about it.

Agad na uminit ang mukha ng binata dahil sa galit at mabilis na nilipat nito ang tingin sa iba, pilit na nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. In his irritation, he kicked out a small pebble in his way, hoping it had hit Keira, or maybe Jarrell's face for all he cared.

---

"Kamusta ang araw mo anak?" 

Ito ang pambungad na salita ng nanay ni Enzo nang dumating ito magaalas otso na ng gabi. Mabilis na tumayo ang binata mula sa pagkakaupo sa dining room kung saan siya nag-aaral, at sinalubong ang nanay pagkapasok nito sa maliit nilang bahay.

"Okay lang po," Enzo lied, reaching out for his mother's hand para magmano. Agad na kinuha ng binata ang bag ng ina at pinaupo ito.

"Kain ka na ma, late na rin. Baka mamaya malipasan ka pa ng gutom," sambit ni Enzo sa ina at agad na kumilos para ayusin ang lamesa.

"Oo nga please anak, hainan mo muna ako. Upo lang ako saglit, ang sakit talaga ng likod ko. Kulang na kasi kaming mga maintenance sa trabaho kaya doble na yung nililinis," his mother sighed, trying to arch her back only to groan out in pain.

Napalingon ang anak sa kaniyang nanay na humiga na lamang sa upuan. Suot pa rin nito ang kulay green na polo shirt na nagsisilbing uniform niya sa trabaho. Sa upper left side ng shirt ay makikita ang bilog na logo na may mga letrang "SEC" na nakapaloob rito.

It stood for Suarez Electric Company. 

Humigpit ang hawak ng binata sa plato na ihahain niya sana para sa ina. 

Enzo hated seeing his mother like this, hated that no matter how much he seemed like he belonged in Castillo High, both him and his mother were at the bottom of the real-life food chain — working for the stuck-up privileged who didn't give a shit about any of them. 

His mother was already slaving away most of her life for the Suarezes just so that they could both survive. He wasn't going to let another one in the name of Keira Suarez take over the empire he had already worked so hard to earn. 

Especially now when his plans for the academe hadn't fully materialized just yet.

I'm going to win. he vowed silently, glancing at his mother while setting the table. I have to win. For her, for us. Whether by hook, or by crook.

---

NOTE: Hi sleuths! More on characterization and politics palang for the early chapters but rest assured that the kick-ass crime-solving will come soon enough! If you like this chapter, follow me on my social media accounts for more updates. You can freely message and post on my FB page, tweet your thoughts to me on Twitter, or show me your fan arts and favorite quotes on Instagram.

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