Against the God: End of the Gifteds (HIATUS)

39

[Joker]

7 flat height, body big like a builder, tanned body with pink hair. Wearing a hawaiian shirt and shorts, with sunglasses.

At the top of that...

He has huge ass hands that can literally smash anyone's head with enough force.

Yep... he's definitely that fucker. One of the Dieners, and probably, the most annoying one.

"C-Clover."

Nakaangat ang tingin ko sa kaniya. Literal na tinatakpan niya ang liwanag sa kalangitan. Damn, how did this gorilla get so big? He's already a half bigger than the last time I saw him!

"Heyah, Joker." Tinaas niya ang suot-suot niyang salamin, kung saan sumalubong sa akin ang asul niyang mga mata. I secretly clicked my tongue. I hate his damn eyes.

Principal Helena should be the only one who has blue eyes!

And the fact that this gorilla has natural blue eyes... it's pissing me off more!

Hindi ko tinago ang walang gana at naiiritang ekspresyon ko. "What are you doing here, fucker?"

Clover let out a loud laugh. "You didn't changed one bit! Even your appearance, you're still a fan of that principal?"

He's the only one laughing, I'm expressionless, has tired eyes.

"But... I should be the one asking that..."

His expression changed. He intentionally showed his bloodlust, trying to intimidate me.

"What are you doing here, Joker?"

The temperature suddenly dropped. The chills literally crawled up to my spine.

Still, with a serious expression, not even a single hint of hesitation, I answered him. I didn't even stuttered.

"I'm looking for a herb," deretsong sagot ko.

I caught Clover off guard, he was taken aback.

"E-Eh? Really?"

Of course not, stupid fucker.

"Yes, I'm studying a new drug right now. And I'm looking for a herb."

Hindi maipinta ang mukha ng lalaking kaharap ko. Napatingin siya sa paligid namin, kung saan patay ang lahat ng mga puno at walang mga damo.

"Uhm... here?"

Hindi natinag ang ekspresyon ko. "Yes."

"Then, why are you alone? Without Andina?" muling tanong niya. Bago malipat ang tingin sa likuran ko. "And who's that?" he looked suspicious of me. "I haven't seen him before..."

For a zeptosecond, just a zeptosecond, my expression faltered. But I carry on my act.

"Idiot, how many years has it been since you got back? Of course, I took an assistant."

Kumunot ang noo ni Clover. "You... needed an assistant?-"

"Also, you should know by now what's the reason you came back. Of course, Andina won't be with me. She's busy at the moment, all of her attention are focused on our God now."

Hindi nakasagot sa sinabi ko si Clover, tila napagtanto ang gusto kong iparating. I still maintained my serious expression even though I want to die laughing right now. I'm really getting good at lying with a straight face.

He slowly nodded, convinced. After all, I have no reason to lie...

"Hmmm... I see." The atmosphere slightly lightened.

Stupid idiot. A fucking musclehead. 

"Then, it will be easier for you to find a herb with my people helping you." Sinenyas ni Clover ang likod niya. Dahil sa laki niya, kinailangan ko pang gumilid para lang makita ang tinuro niya.

I looked behind him... to see a dozen of gifteds. Each has a unique and heavy aura, as if I'm a bunny, in the middle of hyenas— strong predators, yet stupid.

Clover brought his whole troop with him. We definitely have no chance against them.

I faked a smile. "Good, now help me so we can go back fast-"

"But first."

Hindi ko naituloy ang sasabihin ko. Muling bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. Pasimple akong napakurap-kurap at napalunok nang malalim. Napunta ulit ang atensyon ko sa lalaking kaharap ko. Umangat ang tingin ko sa kaniya.

"I need to make sure of something first, Joker."

The difference between our heights, between our bodies, our auras... it's pretty obvious who's going to die any minute now. The pressure is holding me down.

Ah... yes. I'm indeed in the middle of hyenas—strong predators, yet stupid... is what I would like to say. But you see... hyenas aren't actually stupid like what most people think. In fact, hyenas are smarter than lions...

And in front of me right now... is a hyena, that can kill me with his bare hands.

"What is it?" I acted confused, despite knowing what he's about to say.

"Uhm... I need a proof first... that you're still one of us."

Sadyang naningkit ang mga mata ko, sumama ang tingin ko sa kaniya. "Are doubting me, Clover?"

"N-No!" Mabilis na umiling ang ulo niya. "I-It's not like I'm doubting you Joker... pero kagaya ng sinabi mo, matagal na 'kong hindi nakakabalik... kailangan ko lang makasigurado."

Fuck it.

"Tsk, so how can I prove it?" taas noong tanong ko. Pinakita ko sa kaniya na hindi ako natinag sa sinabi niya, at wala akong tinatago.

Humampas ang hangin, sumabay ang boses ni Clover dito. Para akong nabingi sa narinig, at hindi kaagad ako nakasagot.

"Just show it to me, and I won't ask for anything else..."

"Show it to me, the symbol of us being a Diener..." Binuka niya ang suot-suot niyang shirt, kung saan bumungad sa akin ang mga kadena na tattoo na nakapalibot sa katawan niya... ang tattoo na meron ako noon.

"Andina's curse."

I stared at his tattoos for a couple of seconds. I then showed a smile.

"Oh, 'yan lang pala. Of course, I can show it to you," I said confidently. Knowing the fact that I don't have that tattoo.

Because I'm not cursed anymore...

Of course, Clover didn't know that. If he knew, he would've killed me in the spot. Because my curse is... I can never leave the headquarters. If I do, I'll explode in a snap.

Each one of us has different curses... and we don't know each other's curse.

It felt like time slowed down, I didn't took of my fake smile. Mababa ang tingin sa akin ni Clover, pinapanood akong dahan-dahang iangat ang sleeves ng lab coat ko, para ipakita sa kaniya ang patunay na kabilang pa rin ako sa kanila.

"Here it is, your proof."

CHAPTER 39
Proof