CHAPTER 70: UNVEIL MAESTRO'S MYSTERY II (CONCLUSION)
LUCAS
“Why would you ask me that?”
Pinakita ko sa kanya ang nahulog na white mask. “Ang style, texture at hitsura nito ay parehas sa suot ng magnanakaw. Mukhang ito talaga ang sinusuot na aking nakikita sa TV. Magaling din ako tumingin sa ganitong bagay kaya masasabi ko na ikaw ba si Maestro?” diretsahang sabi ko.
“Hindi ako si Maestro” dipensa niya.
Dali-daling kinuha niya mula sa akin ang white mask kasama ang ID. Mahigpit siyang napahawak sabay na galit habang binalik sa bag ang mga gamit.
“And I will never be” he added.
Tinalikuran niya ako pero bago siya makalayo ay may humabol sa kanya dahilan tumigil sa paglalakad. Hindi siya lumingon habang mahigpit napahawak sa braso ang taong humabol sa kanyang likuran.
“Maehara” tawag ng tao sa kanya.
“What?”
“Please, don't do this” a young man with rectangular eyeglasses spoken and hardly grip Slate's arm preventing him to walk. “This is suicide and there's a chance that this won't work so could you please listen to me for a moment here, Slate. I'm begging you to listen”
“Ano naman ang aking pakinggan Krist? Wala na sa akin lahat pati ang mga kaibigan ko tapos wala akong magawa kundi tumunganga lamang. Wala akong kwenta kapag hindi ako gumawa ng aksyon─”
“Pero hindi naman mabuti ang gagawin mo na aksyon na tiyak mas maging mapahak sa'yo!” singhal sa lalaking nagngangalang Krist na bahid sa mukhang nag-alala sa gagawin ni Slate. “Pagisipan mo naman kung mabuti ito o hindi kasi hindi ko kayang mapahamak ka ulit. Makinig ka naman sa akin pwede ba? Bakit ang tigas ng ulo mo! Hindi ka walang kwenta kung wala kang magawa sa kaibigan mo. Huwag mung sisihin ang iyong sarili sa lahat dahil hindi mo naman kasalanan”
“Alam ko iyan pero ako ang leader kaya't responsibilidad kung gumawa ng aksyon!”
Malutong na sampal ang dumako sa pisngi ni Slate pero bago makapagsalita ay may sumunod na namang isang malakas na sampal.
“KALMA KA NGA PUNYETANG MAEHARA!”
Nanlaki ang mata ko sa dumating na isang babae na galing sa isang motorsiklo. Galit na galit itong tiningnan si Slate na napahawak sa namumula nitong sinampal na pisngi. Hindi ko alam kung aalis ba ako o hindi dito pero mas pinili ko nalang na tumingin muna.
“GAMITIN MO MUNA ANG TENGA MO. KUNG WALA NAMANG GAMIT KUKUNIN KO NALANG KUNG HINDI KA NAMAN MAKINIG SA SASABIHIN SA AMIN. GAMITIN MO DIN ANG MALIIT NA UTAK MO KAHIT MINSAN KUNG PWEDE. AT HUWAG KA DIN NEGATIVE THINKING KASI LAHAT TAYO AY NAGALALA KAYA MINSAN KUMALMA KA MUNA DIYAN!” malakas na sigaw ng babae sa kanya dahilan na parang natauhan ngayon si Slate na masasabi kung mabuti naman kung ganoon.
“Ariety” tawag ni Krist. “Good job in calming him in a not-so-good way of yours my dear'”
Nakipagbalikat sabay marahang bumuntong hininga bago lumingon dahilan na magtama ang aming mga mata. Dali-dali ko nalang kukunin ang natumba kung motor ngunit ramdam ko parin ang mga mata niya na nakatitig sa akin. Sa alam ko na kadahalinan ay umangkas na ako sa aking motor sabay aaalis sana sa harapan nila ng magsalita ang babae.
“You look familiar” she commented.
“I think you've mistaken me for someone else” I replied then turned around to meet her eyes and turn back my eyes on the road infront of me. “I often get that many times”
“Hailie Twain's younger brother”
My eyes widened.
I felt a moment stopped when she mentioned my sister's name so simple. I think its been awhile since someone mention her name that it isn't a member of the organizartion which picks my curiousity. I turned around and changed my reaction while she sweetly smiles at me.
“I'm not mistaken. Your Hailie's brother and I remember correctly as she tells me a lot about you before” she happily remarked then approached me then stretch out her arm with a sweet smile curved in her pinkish lips. “My name is Ariety Eavenson and your sister's best friend since highschool. Its nice to finally meet you Hide”
“What?”
“You may change your appearance but I know its you from your eyes, voice and body. You look exactly the same as your sister but in a man version” Ariety chucckled.
But her smile slowly faded when she sees my reaction towards her. “I know her secret and trust me I'm not one of them so don't react like that. Also I'm not gonna tell them if ever we're gonna cross paths in the underground world”
"Who are you Ariety?" I asked.
She simply smiled at me and put both of her hands on the back then slightly titled her head while mainting the eye contact.
“A dangerous woman like your sister”
Her voice changes it somehow brings some chills and I can tell that she meant those words. A pretty girl like her is a dangerous one. No wonder my sister became her best friend, they somehow look like each other and even though she's dangerous I can sense some kindness from her.
“Ariety!” Krist called her. “We need to go right now. Both Thompson and Raval needs our help, let's not waste our time─”
“Hide can you help us?” Ariety suddenly asked me with a serious look on her face where it made her companion confused and look to each other.
“Ariety he's a normal young man─“
Slate was cutted off. “He's not an ordinary young man. Your talking to one of the most dangerous higher ups in one of the current powerful organization” she answered sharply to her companion which rendered them speechlesss.
“Actually I was─”
“Yes you were─”
“Which techinically in the past”
“Still you became dangerous”
“And I will never become again”
“But still we need your help”
“On why do I need to help you?” I asked her. “You maybe my sister's best friend it doesn't necessarily mean that I'll help you with anything. I still don't trust you Ms. Eavenson”
She sighed. “Magpayong ka nga Hide. Inuulan ka nang trust issues katulad ng Ate mo” pambara niya sa 'kin.
“Tara na Ariety! Wala tayong mapapala sa lalaking iyan kung hindi siya tutulong sa atin” rinig kung pagsabi ni Slate na mukhang naiinis dahil sa akin. “Magmadali na tayo!”
Sa mga nakalipas na oras parang nalaman ko na kung anong nangyayari dito. Ako'y napaisip sandali habang tinitingnan sila ng mabuti at inalala ang mga aking nakita ng simulang nangyari ito. Unti-unting nag fit kung ano ngayon ay nangyari sa kanilang tatlo kaya sinabi ko nalang kung anong ideya na pumasok sa aking isipan kung bakit ganito sila.
“I know Slate Maehara is Maestro but only the face of it. When I watch a news before I figure it out that he doesn't work alone which somehow proves right now there are atleast four of you behind him which is a not bad group but I know there are more of you. Then the two of your members got captured by your enemies, possibly they were bitten up badly that you wanted revenge on them as the leader of the group. However its not easy as Krist thinks it could be a trap and now Ariety here wants my help to guide you as she propably knew my line of work before because of my sister” I fastly explained.
“What the hell?” Slate exclaimed.
Ariety smirked with her arms crossed infront of her chest and looks like she was proud about my observation. Also there was a I-told-you-so look all over her face. So damn annoying.
“What was your line of work before that Ariety can say one of the dangerous person?” Krist pondered.
“I'm not gonna tell you since I can't trust you” I directly replied which is basically right since they are just a bunch of strangers and kind of dangerous if I tell my identity right away. I need to be careful about it. “But I might help you if you wanted however I need something in return for it”
“Sure, what is it?”
“To be honest if your thinking of money as a payment then it won't work for me since I have already a lot of money right now and I don't need yours to fill it up more” I honestly commented which somehows irritates Slate more and I just mentally laughed.
Sa totoo lang dahil sa dami ng pera ko ay hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko doon kaya tumigil muna ako sa pagiipon. Hindi din ako magastos kaya wala akong problema. Gagamitin ko nalang kapag kinakailangan ko na talaga. At higit sa lahat mas kailangan nila ng kanilang pera kaya hindi ko nalang kukunin mula sa kanila.
“Kung hindi pera ang gusto mo. Ano pala ang iyong gusto?” kunot noo na tanong sa akin ni Krist.
“Answer my one question then I can help you” I smirked and slightly chucckled when I saw their reaction that they are confused. “Don't worry you'll satisfy with the help that I shall provided. Proven and tested with many people like you”
“Ano ba ang gusto mung malaman?”
“Are you all Maestro?” I asked.
Bumalot ng ilang sandali ang katahimikan pagkatapos ay walang nagsalita o gumalaw man lamang nang sinabi ko iyon. Tiningnan ko sila na walang reaksyon kaya't naghintay nalang ako hanggang kung sino ang gustong bumasag sa katahimikan. Napansin ko na sila'y nagtinginan sa isa't isa tapos dumako ang tingin kay Ariety na tumango sabay dumako ang aking tingin kay Krist na nagisip ng mabuti bago tumingin sa akin.
“Yes we are Maestro and─”
“A group with your surnames” I finished off his sentence. “Kinda obvious for me you know so don't bother look susprise”
“Who the hell are you?” Slate questioned.
“I'm Lucas Sancouer” I introduced myself accompanied with a smirked curved in my lips. It nice to finally meet you phantom thieves,Maestro”
“Lucas? I thought your name was Hide”
“Change my name for personal reason and please don't you dare know my real name or else you'll die if ever you heard it” I warned them.
“So how can you help us?” Krist asked.
I smiled and remarked. “Tell me everything you know even the smallest details. If you have a picture or video then a good thing to show me. And let me think for a moment to come up with a plan that surely will be hundred percent successs”
“Paano ka nakasigurado?” biglang tanong sa akin ni Slate sabay matalim niya akong tiningnan. “Ang taas naman ng tingin mo sa sarili baka mahulog ka diyan”
“Matagal na akong nahulog kung concern ka man doon” tugon ko tapos ay ngumisi. “At alam ko sa aking sarili magaling ako sa ganitong bagay. May tiwala ako sa aking sarili. Ikaw ba may tiwala kaba sa iyong sarili?”
Napatakip sa bibig si Ariety habang wala namang imik si Krist na nakatingin sa kanyang cellphone na parang may hinahanap. Ang si Slate naman ay tinalikuran ako tapos ay umupo sa tabi ng kalsada. Lumapit sa akin si Krist sabay pinakita ang mga videos at pictures mula sa nangyari noong isang araw. Maiigi ko itong tiningnan habang nagsimulang magsalaysay sa kwento si Krist.
“May nakaaway kami na group of syndicates. Hindi namin akalain na aabot sa ganito kasi biglaan lamang. Kinuha ang tatlo naming miyembro si Maehara, Thompson at Raval. Nakatakas si Maehara pero napuno naman ng sugat at pasa sa katawan tapos ay nahimatay dahil sa gutom pero tumakas naman ng hospital. Ngayon aming kukunin sina Thompson at Raval bago pa nila mapatay silang dalawa. Hindi namin mahahayaan na ito'y mangyari” paliwanag ni Krist.
“Ano ang pangalan ng syndicate?”
“Tigresse Syndicate” Krist answered.
“Sino ang mga pangalan ng mga miyembro ng group ninyo?” tanong ko.
Kahit nagtataka ay sinabi sa akin ni Krist ang mga pangalan nila. “Kilala mo naman ang dalawa kaya ako nalang ang pangatlong magpakilala. Ang aking pangalan ay Krist Adelstein. Flint naman ang pangalan ni Thompson habang Leige kay Raval. May dalawa kaming ibang miyembro sina Elvis Sevilla at Rintarou Osagawara”
Biglang may nalala ako mula sa isa sa mga taong sinabi ni Krist kaya napaisip ako nang sandali kung hindi ba ako nagkakamali.
“May problema ba Lucas?”
Umiling ako. Hindi ko muna sasabihin sa kanila kung may sapat na akong nakuhang ebidensya doon ko pa sasabihin sa kanilang tatlo kasi alam ko na mabigat iyon.
“Saan sila huling nagtatago?” tanong ko. “Alam ba ninyo ang address?”
“South Western ng Marelibane isa sa mga abandon factories. Sa aking pagkakalala ay factory ng mga sapatos at tsinelas maraming pwede doon magtago ngunit malaki iyon mahirap kung maliit lang tayo maghahanap” sagot ni Slate habang nakatalikod parin sa amin. “Malaking patag din doon. Wala masyadong taong nakatira kasi malayo sa city proper at mahirap makakuha ng cellphone cignals”
Now I somehow get it.
Ipinasok ko ang aking kamay sa isa kung bulsa sabay nagsend ng voice message ng aming conversation sa aking kilalang kaibigan na marunong sa ganitong bagay at makapagtiwalaan. Alam ko na madaling mahahanap niya ang pinahahanap ko. Tanging magawa ay maghintay ng ilang sandali.
“Hindi mo ba i-tanong kung anong nangyari bago sila nawala?” tanong naman ni Ariety at umiling ako kasi wala naman akong pake sa gaanong detalye.
Kasabay nun ay tumunog ang cellphone ko kaya't agad ko iyon kinuha at ngumisi sa aking nakitang text message. Nag reply ako ng thank you bago ibinalik sa bulsa ang cellphone at hinarap sila.
“Let's go to South Marelibane at the abandon resort near the seacoast. Its the current hideout of the syndicate” I said and hop into the motorcycle then put the helmet in my head. “And also this is how the plan goes”
Mabilis at detalyado kung pinaliwanag sa kanilang tatlo ang naisip kung plano upang makuha ang kanilang mga kasamahan. Maigi silang nakinig at nangako din na ito'y susundin kaya walang problema mangyayari. Uulitin ko nalang kapag makarating na kami doon kung saan may kalayuan mula sa aming kinatayuan ngayon.
Pagkatapos naming pagusap ay kinuha ni Krist ang kanyang kotse na pinarada sa hindi kalayuan. Ako nalang ang nagmaneho papunta doon, binilin ko nalang ang motorsiklo sa harapan ng gate ni Professor.
Pinili ko ang mga kalsada na daanan na walang masyadong sasakyan upang mabilis lamang makarating. Iilan nalang din ang mga sasakyan sa daanan kaya agad lamang naming na-overtake. Halos tahimik na din ang paligiran habang mas umalalim ang gabi. Di ko mapigilang mapaisip kung bakit ko ginagawa 'to, mahina nalang akong napagbuntong-hininga at mahigpit napahawak sa manobela.
“I'm in trouble” I murmered but smiled weakly while looking outside the window.
Nang nakita ko ang sign na malapit na sa South part ng bayan ay mas binilisan ko na ang pagmaneho. Ilang beses na lumiko bago nakarating sa seacoast kung saan nakabingi ang katahimikan at mas malamig ngayon ang simoy ng hangin. Maririnig na din ang malalakas na hampas ng alon. Tumigil na kami ng makita ang malaking resort.
Agad na lumabas silang tatlo at sumunod lamang ako sa kanila. Lumapit sila sa akin habang tinitingnan ang resort na walang ilaw. Bahid sa kanilang mukha na puno nang pag-alala para sa kanilang mga kaibigan. Tumingin ako kay Ariety.
“Do you have a gun?” I asked her and she nodded then easily pulled from her behind then gave it to me. “Thanks”
“Are you sure about this?” Krist questioned me while his eyes was still on the building and hardly his eyes then fall into a deep thoughts for a few moments. “Thank you for helping us. Titingnan ko 'to na malaking utang na loob. Ulit maraming salamat Lucas”
I simply nodded.
Luckily, I brought the night vision glasses that was stucked inside the compartment of the motorcycle. I gave it to Krist and Maehara who will rescue the people named Thompson and Raval. Meanwhile Ariety will stand as a lookout and get away driver. And my position would protect them as they have no idea on how to fight them. I also obtain the building's blue print that I showed them to easily identify all of the exit to escape.
Bago kami makapasok sa loob ng gusali ay tumunog ang cellphone ni Krist kaya't kinuha ito. Pinakita muna niya ito kay Maehara na mas nagalala tapos pinakita sa akin at doon parang binuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig.
“This isn't Tigresse Syndicate doing” I commented and zoom in the pictures then looked at them closely. Fear resurfaces inside me as slowly looking to both of them. “Why did you get in chaos with them? Can you please tell me the reasons?”
“We stole a jewel. Wala sa aming intel na hinahawak iyon nang isang syndicate kaya't hindi naman inaasahan aabot sa ganito. Ang jewel ay Empress Necklace kung saan ay emblem nila at may laman palang flashdrive. Nung isang araw pa namin nalaman at iyon ang dahalin kung bakit kinuha tsaka planong patayin kung hindi mababalik sa kanila ang jewel na iyon” paliwang ni Slate.
“Where is it now?” I asked.
Marahang yumuko si Slate sabay umiwas ng tingin sa amin at napasabunot sa sariling buhok. “Nung tumakas ako ay nawala ko ang jewel at flashdrive kaya't hindi ko mababalik. Dahil sa akin ay mamatay ang mga kaibigan ko”
“Wala kayong copy?”
Krist nodded. “I took a copy just in case”
He show me a folder from his phone and I started looking into it which in my horror it was the documents that I wasn't expecting. A hidden files that was keep for a long time where no matter where I look for it,there are no traces to where it could be found.
“You mess with the wrong syndicate” I commented while keep reading everything that was written in the documents with signs by the members.
“Anong ibig mung sabihin?”
Binalik ko ang cellphone kay Krist na nagugulahan pero hindi dapat malaman niya kung anong totoong nangyayari kundi mamadamay sila na walang kinalaman dito.
“Let's rescue your friends before its too late” I said and took a step inside while they follow me while roaming their gaze around the surrounding.
“You're indeed dangerous”
Lumingon ako dahil sa sinabi bigla ni Krist habang naglalakad at ginagawa ang makaya na hindi makagawa ng ingay. Napangiti siyang tumingin sa akin.
“Walang ingay habang naglalakad” simpleng komento. “Mahirap na gawin iyan at mukhang magaling ka na hindi gumawa ng ingay”
Hindi ko na siya pinansin. Nagtungo nalang kami sa basement kung saan doon ako naniniwalang kinulong ang mga kasamahan nila. Una akong bumaba at ilang sandali ay sumunod sila. Doon naghiwalay kami at ako naman ay pumwesto nang makita kaagad ang lugar kung saan napansin kung may nakabantay.
Mahinang humihinga ang lalaki. Puno ng pawis ang buong mukha na may halong dugo mula sa mga sugat na sigurado ay sapak nang baril at malakas na suntok. Sa tabi niya ay walang malay ang babae,marami din siyang bahid ng dugo sa damit at ngayon nakahiga sa malamig na sahig.
Pinag-obserbahan muna ko sila nang ilang sandali. Tiningnan din nang maigi ang paligid. Nakita ko na ang dalawang nagtatago sa likuran nang malalaking boxes at iba pang mga bagay. May tatlo lamang nagbantay sa kanila kaya't hindi mahirap na puntabahin. Tumingin ako sa kisame kung saan nakalagay ang tanging ilaw 'di ko mapigilang ngumisi at tinutok doon ang baril.
In the midst of the silence I pulled the trigger easily hitting the light bulb. Agad naghanap ng ilaw ang tatlong lalaki habang agad ko silang sinugod. Pinatumba nang mabilis at pinawalan ng malay. Binuhat naman nila Krist at Slate ang mga kasamahan na kanina lamang nilabas.
Lumabas na din ako mula sa basement. Papunta na sana ako sa exit nang maramdaman ang isang baril nakatutok sa likod ng aking ulo.
“Its nice to see you again, Red”
Lumingon ako kung sino ang nagsasalita. Alam ko na hindi niya ako babaril kaya wala akong reaksyon nang makita siya ulit.
“Apricot” I called her codename then she flashed a wide smile that reached from ear to ear. “The same as usual. You always sicken me”
She was about to pulled the trigger when I easily raised my gun and placed in her forehead. My index finger is in the trigger then smirked.
“You always rotten to the core, Apricot. Still a useless pawn to the organization. Aren't you tired? Being the same person for the past years” I remarked.
“Hindi ako madadala sa ganyang bagay” mariin niyang saad. “May gamit ako sa organization hindi katulad mo. Bakit ako makikinig sa isang hangal at traydor? Sino ang mas walang kwenta sa atin ngayon?”
“Still both of you” I replied.
I fastly pulled the trigger thrice from my other gun that I pulled into my left and heard a loud thud. Her eyes grew bigger and she gritted her teeth in anger then her face goes red. While hardly grip her gun.
“I hate you Hide fucking Alcott Twain!” she angrily exclaimed and I could see clearly in her eyes the undescribeable feeling of hatred towards me. “Because of you I became this way. Your always the worst no matter what. You deserve to die!”
Napansin ko si Fallow sa hindi kalayuan. Nakahawak siya sa malapit ng kanyang dibdib at hindi masyado makatayo ng tuwid. Hindi din maitaas ang hawak nitong baril. Ngunit may iba itong natamo na nakuha sa ibang labanan na hindi na gamot kaagad.
“Isa sa kamay, braso at malapit sa dibdib kung saan sigurado akong tumama sa vitals mo” wika ko habang pinagmasdan siyang ginagawa ang makakaya na maikasa ang baril pero binaril ko siya ulit habang nanatiling nakatayo si Apricot.
“A-Apricot...help me” he uttered.
She hardly closed her eyes. “I'm sorry Fallow but this time I can't help you with this” moments later I could hear the police sirens fastly coming towards.
Natumba si Fallow sa sahig. Walang emosyon ang mga mata ni Apricot habang tinitingnan ang kasamahan na naghihirap. Napansin kung maysuot silang earpiece sigurado may ibang order na binigay.
Apricot gulped and slowly she lowered down her gun then faced him. “I only follow orders, Fallow. Their order was to finally abandon you. Thank you for the service” the gun that was supposed to be mine was pointed towards him.
“Farewell Fallow”
The gunshot echoed throughout the building. It wasn't once nor twice but thrice. She shoot in the head and chest where Fallow died in instant then finally closed his eyes as he fall down into the white tiles.
“Siya ang nag lead papunta sa pulis dito. Galing kasi sa isang misyon na palpak kaya sabi ng mga higher ups na patayin nalang” paliwanag ni Apricot habang dahan-dahang binaba ang baril at tumingin sa akin. “Hindi kita mapapatay ngayon kasi iyon ang utos nilang nasa itaas 'lalo na siya”
Tinalikuran niya ako at mabilis na tumakbo papalayo. Ganoon din ang ginawa ko kaya tumakbo ako papunta sa fire exit kaya nakalabas sa gusali.
Maayos na ini-rescue sina Thompson at Raval na ngayon ay ini-sakay sila pareho sa ambulansya. Si Ariety na ang sumama sa kanilang naghihinang mga kaibigan. Kinakausap ng mga pulis sina Krist at Slate patungkol sa nangyari. Hinintay ko lang silang matapos sa pakikipagusap.
Pumasok sa gusali ang mga pulis. May iba pang dumating kaya't mas lumayo muna ako at maigi akong nagtago para hindi nila malaman. Tahimik nalang akong nagmasid sa kanila.
Mga ilang sandali ay nilabas ang tatlong lalaking bantay na wala paring malay at kasunod doon si Fallow na ngayon ay wala nang buhay. Pagkatapos ay kinausap silang dalawa tungkol sa nangyari at nang makalayo na ang police car ay doon pa ako lumabas mula sa aking pinagtaguan at lumapit sa kanila.
They looked surpise while looking at me. From head to toe they scanned me.
“B-Buhay ka?” Krist asked me in disbelief and pointed the gun that was given me from Ariety. “Did you just fired a gun?”
“I did” sagot ko.
Nilagay ko sa aking likuran ang baril. Pansin ko na hindi uncomfortable sa akin si Slate at bahagyang natakot nang makita ang baril. Hindi nalang ako nagsalita at naghintay kung may sasabihin sila sa akin.
“Lucas”
“Yes?”
“Did you kill that man?” Krist questioned and he looked deeply into my eyes. He seems hesitant in questioning me. “You can answer honestly 'cause I'll believe you”
“I shot him but I didn't kill him”
Krist mouth gaped for a moment and lips shaken then take it back. I felt he was about to say something however its like he doesn't want to say it. He remained silent while looking at me. His actions reminds me of someone who wants to know something but still took a step back in order for them not be hurt.
“Can you atleast drive me home?”
Krist nodded and we all walked towards into the car. He droved away easily and during the whole ride we were silent. And they stopped into the same spot we met.
Lumabas na ako sa kotse tapos ay binaba ni Krist ang kanyang bintana.
“Lucas” he called me and flashed a smile. “Thank you so much for everything. You really help us a lot, no words aren't enough to express my gratitude towards you. I really appreciate your help even were both strangers”
“No problem but can I tell you something. A great advice would be”
“S-Sure”
I leaned forward while putting both of my hands inside my pocket and whisper into his ears that made his eyes grew bigger. “Someone already betrayed you. Didn't you notice Krist Adelstein? A snake already invaded in your life and you keep it. I'm sure they put those lives in the line for their sakes”
I smirked. “What such a selfish being right?”
***
THIRD PERSON'S POV
“Isang kidnapping case ang naganap kahapon sa abandon resort sa South Marelibane. Tatlong lalaki na hinihinalang kidnapper ang nakitang wala nang malay habang isa naman ay patay. Gusto ng privacy nang pamilyang na kidnap kaya't wala masyadong impormasyon tungkol nito. Pero ang tanging maibigay na detalye ay lalaki at babae ang na-kidnap ngunit sa kasamaang palad ay wala nang buhay matapos ilang oras sa hospital...”
Tiningnan ni Jade ang ibang news patungkol doon sa kanyang hawak na cellphone. Maraming nagtataka kung anong nangyari pero wala talaga masyadong sinabi ang media at iilan laman ang articles o videos na lumalabas. Mukhang may nagkontrol dito. Habang nagscroll ay naghintay siya sa bus na dumating.
Ngayon ay araw nang sabado. Wala masyadong magawa sa loob ng kanyang apartment kaya't nagdesisyon siyang pumunta nalang sa kanilang bahay. Pinili niya ang bus dahil nag repair ngayon ang mga trains kaya't bahagyang busy ang kalsada. Nakaupo siya sa bus stop habang naghihintay.
Pansin ni Jade na may tumabi sa kanya. Hindi niya mapigilang mapatingin kanyang tabi at agad niya itong namukhaan. Wala siyang masabi kaya binaling nalang ulit ang tingin sa cellphone.
“ELVIS!”
Ang ibang pasaherong naghihintay sa bus stop ay napatingin sa lalaking sumigaw. Lumapit ito sa tabi ni Jade na lalaking may kaliitan na nakikinig ng musika sa headset nito. Tinangal ito ng lalaki at matalim siyang tiningnan.
“Magusap nga tayong dalawa” wika ng lalaki at napatingin sa mga taong napatingin sa kanila sabay nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga. “Bakit ka hindi sumasagot sa mga tawag namin? Bakit wala kang ginagawa Elvis?”
Mahinang napatawa si Elvis. Tumayo siya mula sa kinaupuan sabay binigyan ng matalim niyang tiningnan ang lalaki at ngumisi. “Ako pa talaga ang walang ginawa? Pero ano naman ang magiging ambag ko diba? Pabigat ako kahit kailan kaya't lumayo nalang ako. Ano pa ba ang gusto mung gawin ko? Diba sa katanuyan ay tapos na ang trabaho ko hindi ba? May kontrata tayo kaya ano pa ang pake mo sa akin ngayon?”
“Pamangkin kita” sagot ng lalaki.
“Tungkol ba 'to sa nangyari kina Raval at Thompson?” tanong ni Elvis dahilan na magulat at halos hindi makapagsalita ang lalaking kaharap niya. “Pinaghinalaan mo ba ako ngayon? Pero ano naman ang magagawa nang isang seventeen years old?”
“Hindi sa ganoon-”
“No, papunta din doon kasi wala ako sa tabi ninyo ng tatlong araw at hindi niyo alam kung anong ginagawa ko. Simple whereabouts ay wala kayong alam. Mabilis din na sila nakuha pero wala ako doon nung nangyari. Kahit pagalala ay hindi ko ginagawa kaya may malaking possibilidad na ako ang nagbetray hindi ba?” saad ni Elvis na blanko ang expresyon nakatingin sa lalaking walang masabi at pansamantalang tahimik.
“Are you dumb or not Krist Adelstein” he commented and Jade glanced at them as she knew they are when they met each other before. “Don't you see? Someone already betrayed us and sell out our members that's the reason I dissappear for a few days to find the truth. Wanna know?”
Hinila ni Krist papalayo si Elvis mula sa mga tao pero bahagyang maririnig ni Jade ang kanilang pinagusapan dahil may kalakasan ang boses ni Elvis kahit sobrang maingay ang paligid. Habang patuloy sila paguusap ay may humintong sasakyan doon lumabas ang iba pa nilang kasama.
“What's going on here?” Slate asked.
“Leader, you deserve to know the truth” Elvis replied and he looked into their reaction. “I accidentally found their true identity while fixing their laptop. It wasn't intentional but curiousity strikes me. A folder contains bank transactions worth millions,written reports about us inlucing what we do everyday that includes some voice recording when we discuss important matter. They send it to someone in return for money or should I say to take away their guilt”
He glanced to the person he was talking about it. Slowly he lifted his index finger and pointed to that person who's eyes widened. All their eyes were fixated into the person.
“Isn't that right Mr. Rintarou Osagawara or should I say Crow” Elvis said.
Jade instantly looked into their direction. Her mind was blown away about the sudden revelation but she has doubts if its the same Crow that Simon mentioned.
“Crow? What's that?” Ariety asked and her eyebrows furrowed. She looked towards Elvis. “What the hell is going on here?”
“Osagawara-san, you killed Maehara-sama's parents nine years ago and out of guilt you help him then created this group to catch those people who brings misery to our lives” Elvis remarked and gives him a very sharp glare while putting both of his hands inside his pocket then took a step forward towards him. “What a hypocrite”
The next thing Rintarou knew a punch flew into his face that made him kissed into the ground. All of the passengers looked into the scene and some even took pictures or video but Ariety immediately approached them to take them down also to remained silent and threathen all them. The passengers immediately took the bus while Jade remained her seat that Ariety eyebrow archen.
“Go away now” she said in a cold voice.
“The bus wasn't going into my destination. I need to wait more” Jade replied and Ariety rolled her eyes then roamed her gaze to see if someone watch the scene.
“Fuck” she cursed under her breath and took out her phone to contact someone.
“PUNTANGINA MO RINTAROU!” galit na sigaw ni Slate habang pinpigilan ni Krist na sugurin si Rintarou ulit. Mas pumiglas siya pero hindi iyon hinayaan ni Krist. “BAKIT MO PINATAY ANG MGA MAGULANG KO? ANONG NAGAWA NILA SA'YO? HAYOP KA PINAGKATIWALAAN KITA!”
"Sorry, Slate hindi ko talaga sinadya"
“Hindi sinasadya? Huwag mo akong lokohin. May pumatay ba na hindi sinadya at tinago mo mula sa akin” singhal pa ni Slate na halos pumiyok ang boses sa pagsigaw.
Nagsimulang humagulgol sa harapan si Rintarou sabay lumuhod. “Hindi ko intensyon napatayin ang mga magulang ko. Maniwala ka sa akin”
“Maniwala? Pinaniwala mo kaming lahat na isa kang mabuting tao pero ganito ang ginawa mo? Sinira mo ang buhay ko at hindi iyon mababalik sa isang sorry mo. Hindi kita mapapatawad!” namumula na ang mukha ni Slate sa galit habang pumipiglas parin sa pagkahawak kay Krist. “Bakit ba kita pinagkatiwalaan? Ahas ka lang pala!”
“Hayaan mo akong magpaliwanag” aniya ni Rintarou at walang tigil sa pagiyak.
Nanginginig ang mga kamay na hahawakan ang kamay ni Slate pero tinakwil siya. “Slate, makinig ka naman sa akin. Hindi ko pinatay ang mga magulang mo pero ako ang dahilan kaya naguilty ako”
“Hindi na ako maniniwala sa mga sasabihin mo” umiling siya sabay malamig na tumugon ni Slate dahilan mapayuko si Rintarou.
Rintarou clenched his fist and lowered down his head more. “I killed your father so I won't be killed by them. I sacrificed my friendship in order for me to live. Yes, I admit that I was selfish and greedy but I was naive to believe everything will be fine. I've been a fool, idiot and scumbag to follow their orders but I just wanted to live. I'm sorry, Slate and I know that you'll never forgive me for betraying you and your father. My actions will never be forgiven still I wanted to say sorry even meant to say it over and over again”
“You are selfish” Slate commented.
“I know...” Rintarou replied and bowed down his head then apologized once again. His forehead already touched the ground while supporting himself with his hands. “I'm so sorry Slate for giving you this kind of life. I mean it”
“I quit from this group!” Elvis shouted and glance to them with his eyes filled with anger. “I hate it here. This group is useless, I don't want here anymore and that's final”
He turned his back from them and started to walked away but before he could go farther. Elvis stood frozen for a moment when he heard a very fast motorcycle then in the midst of it a loud several gunshots was heard. All of them gasped that made Elvis turned around then his eyes widened.
“Rintarou...” he uttered.
The old man was bleeding from his head and chest then fall down into the ground. He spit out some blood while catching more air to breathe then bitterly smile while looking at them. He hold his chest and tried to talk more.
“I'm not Crow, its my younger brother” Rintarou remarked as his voice cracked and coughed off more blood. His breathing became more heavy as they approached him.
For the last time he smiled at them and tears escaped from his eyes.
“No need to forgive me...”
Slowly his eyes closed and smile faded then his breathing stopped. They called his name over and over again while crying but they knew his no longer gone. The one who's most affected was Slate who kneel down infront of him and shouted in the top of his lungs.
“Grant!”
“Please wake up!”
“Don't go!”
Jade was speechless. She couldn't move a single muscle. Her mouth gapped and eyes widened. Everything went so fast that she didn't expect that this thing happen.
Slate bitterly smile and muttered that Jade clearly heard that made her eyes grew even bigger.
“Maestro has finally fallen”
#
-Shimamotochan