A/N:
So, hello guys! Before reading this chapter, I'd like to say something that will clarify things.
It is about pronunciations.
Paano nga ba i-pronounce ang surname ni Mirus? The Caelum surname.
It's actually pronounced as:
Kai-lum / Kai-loom.
Sa mga Korean K-poppers diyan at kung may bias kayo, Isipin niyo si Kai ng EXO tapos dagdagan niyo ng 'lum' or 'loom'.
Some of you may have pronounced it Key-lum or Kei-lum.
But it's actually pronounced as Kai-lum.
I hope you've learned something new about the Caelums! Don't forget to comment and vote, and spread the story with love!
Enjoy reading! Lovelots!
- estellenum -
Dumating na kami sa Orion, dala-dala ulit ni Rigel ang bag habang tinutulungan siya ni Miahri.
Binati kami ng mga staff at ganoon din ang ginawa namin sa kanila pabalik hanggang sa makasakay kami sa elevator.
Hindi namin napansin na may iba pa pala kaming kasabay kaya nanahimik lang kami.
"Anong amoy 'yon? Amoy patay na daga?"
Napalunok ako dahil kaming dalawa lang ang napunta sa kanal at sa basurahan.
"Oo nga 'no? I can't stand the smell—"
"I'm sorry, but it was our fault. I apologize for causing you any inconvenience." Paumanhin ni Rigel sa dalawang babaeng nasa gilid namin.
"This is what happened to my sister and and myself after we fell into the canal. We should wait for another elevator if you are uncomfortable—" Nag panic ang dalawang babae at aksidente niya tinakpan ang bibig ni Rigel.
"I-it's okay, Mr. Rigel! The smell isn't too bad, we can smell it all day. Hehe." Nagkatinginan naman sila at parehong pa silang tumango.
Hollywood Star 'yan, e. Kahit pa mag swimming pa siya sa kanal, patay na patay pa din sa kanya ang mga fans niya.
"I'm really sorry again." The elevator opens at dito na ang floor namin. "If you'll excuse us. We will be leaving now."
Nakaalis na kami sa elevator at nakita kong nakasimangot na naman si Rigel.
"Okay ka lang?" tanong ni Miahri.
"I hate to admit it, but they are spitting facts! Paano kung sabihin nila sa iba na amoy patay na daga ako?!"
"Ang arte mo, iligo mo lang 'yan."
Tuluyan na kaming nakapasok sa penthouse at nakita kong may message pala si Leon pero hindi ko muna siya pinansin.
"Maliligo muna 'ko. Organize all of the papers and we'll get started after I take a bath."
"Ako din! May mga damit ako diyan, right? Bilisan mo maligo." Utos ni kuya at tuluyan na akong umakyat papunta sa kwarto ko.
Kung sakaling may kasabwat si Devinna at Han Sung Min, sino naman iyon? Nakita ko na ba? Nakilala ko na ba? Imbes na wala na akong iisipin, may dumagdag pa!
Hanggang sa matapos ako maligo, hindi ako mapakali kakaisip kung may iba pa silang kasama. Mas mabuti na ang sigurado.
Pumunta ako sa sala bago ko makita na nakabukas na pala ang basement. Obvious naman na si Rigel ang nagbukas.
Pagkababa ko, sumalubong naman si Miahri na may dalang pagkain at juice habang inaayos niya ang papel na kinuha namin kanina.
Kinuha ko ang malaking investigation board ko, de tulak naman kaya hindi ko na kailangan mag buhat.
Naalala ko kung paano at saan nila nilagay ang mga picture at papel sa board, ginaya ko lang kung paano ang pagkakalagay.
Karamihan sa pictures ay puro ako, hindi kita ang mukha ko dahil may suot akong maskara.
Mukhang may magaling akong stalker noon, ah?
Nang matapos ako, dumating naman si Rigel habang may tuwalya sa balikat niya.
Sinimulan na namin ang investigation at sinusuri namin ng maagi at pinagsasama din namin ang naiisip namin.
"Halatang matagal na 'yung mga pictures galing sa hideout nila. Did they abandon their hideout and leave these evidences behind?" Turo ni Rigel sa board.
"Maybe yes or maybe not. I believe they had a reason to abandon everything. Sa tingin ko ay hindi na nila pinupuntahan dahil baka wala naman makakakita na may underground hideout sa ilalim ng cathedral. My second thought is that this evidence was useless. Pati ang CIA ay sinukuan ang kaso na hanapin ako."
Naalala ko sila Vincent, pumunta ako sa monitor at nag tapik ako sa keyboard at nilagay ko ang address sa cathedral.
Mabuti na lang may CCTV camera na nakatapat mismo sa cathedral pero sira, halatang hindi na nagamit higit taon at naisipan ko na ayusin ang camera. Nakita ko si Vincent na may kausap na pulis.
Saktong may hawak na phone ang kausap niya kaya sinubukan ko i-scan ang phone niya saka ko hinack para marinig namin ang pinag-uusapan nila.
"Nakita niyo ba kung sino ang kumuha sa mga papeles? Sa hideout nila?" Narinig kong tanong ni Vincent.
"Hindi, Detective. Masyado silang mabilis kumilos at isa sa kanila ay hinagisan kami nang flash grenade kasabay ang granada."
"Sorry, my bad." Napailing ako habang pinapanood sila.
"Hindi niyo ba nakita mukha nila?" tanong ni Vincent.
"Hindi. Pero 'yung nanghagis sa amin kanina ay boses babae."
"What did that woman say?" I zoom the camera in at nakita kong nakakunot ang noo niya, halatang stress na din ang isang 'to.
"Nice to meet you boys, but I need to run. Ayan po ang pagkakasabi niya."
Napahinga ng malalim si Vincent at kinuha niya ang cellphone sa bulsa niya.
"Hello? Detective Espinoza here. Send in another team to the cathedral. More men are needed to investigate what's going on inside the sewer."
Binaba niya ulit ang tawag at hinarap niya ang pulis na kausap niya.
"Give me the flashlight. I want to see it myself."
Inabot naman niya ang flashlight, sumaludo naman ang pulis sa kanya habang naglalakad na si Vincent papunta sa likod ng cathedral.
Inalis ko na ang pag hack ko sa camera pati sa phone doon sa police.
"Anyway, hindi ba't pinapaikot ka na naman niya? He's a monster when it comes to manipulating." Panimula ni Rigel.
Nakikinig lang ako sa mga sinasabi niya habang ako ay may kausap sa phone ko, no other than my crazy husband.
@Alexeon
Anong lulutuin mo mamaya? Baka may gusto kang kainin? Ramen?
@caerus
Ikaw? Ano ba gusto mo? Para maluto ko agad.
@Alexeon
Uhm, Carbonora for tonight?
@caerus
Carbonara it is.
@Alexeon
Okay, okay, I'm off to work now, love.
@caerus
Same here, love. Mag-iingat ka.
@Alexeon
Mag-iingat ako para sa 'yo. See you tonight xoxo.
xoxo? How surreal.
"Hey, Rus? You listening? Kanina ka pa ngumingiti diyan."
"Sorry? Kausap ko kasi si Rio." Tumikhim ako at binalik ko ang phone sa bulsa ko.
"Baka may iba pang agenda si Han Sung Min? Base kasi sa pagkakasabi mo ay willing ka niya tulungan?" Singit naman ni Miahri.
"I highly doubt that— kung willing siya na tulungan ako, sana hindi niya ako trinaydor pati ang mga member sa Phantasma."
"Phantasma?" tanong muli ni Miahri.
Tinignan ako ni Rigel, mukhang ang gusto niya sabihin ay hindi ko pwede sabihin kay Miahri.
"My boss founded Phantasma, a secret organization. And among the notable members were myself, Han Sung Min, and many others."
"Kapag naging member ka sa Phantasma, hindi lang basta-basta. Every member of Phantasma has a tattoo. Bukod sa may tattoo ako sa likod ng balikat ko, I have another tattoo on my wrist." At pinakita ko kay Miahri.
"Huh? Wala naman?" Tinitigan niya pa ng maigi at natawa ako sa itsura niya.
"Corvus, turn the UV light on."
Dumilim ang paligid at napalitan ang ilaw gamit ang UV light.
Nakita ni Miahri ang tattoo at halata sa mukha niya na namangha siya.
"May ginamit silang special ink para sa mga members, sa normal light ay hindi makikita at hindi din halata. Pero kapag napalitan sa UV light, doon naman siya mag a-appear."
The lights changed back to normal after I showed my tattoo, and my tattoo on my wrist disappeared completely.
"Edi paano 'yan? Umalis ka na sa organization?"
"Sabihin natin na ganyan ang nangyari."
Hindi. Nangako ako na babalik ako.
Five years ago... That promise...
— Flashback —
A man on the terrace turns around when he notices a hook on the wall. And then someone pulls the trigger, spinning vertically and safely arriving at the terrace, and the hoodie falls.
"Well, this is unexpected. What is the Scarlet Assassin doing here? Impeccable timing you got there, I'll give you that."
"I think I'd regret it if I am going to let you live, so I'll just kill you right here." And she enters, causing the man to walk backwards.
"I read William Shakespeare's The Tempest beginning with— Corvus, what was the act and scene from the book again?"
"Act 1, scene 2 and page ten." sagot ni Corvus galing sa earpiece ko.
"Act 1, scene 2 and page ten. A specific quote captured my attention. Hell is empty and all the devils are here." I said it completely poetically.
That is completely right, and one of the devils is standing right in front of me.
"Hindi ko alam na book lover pala ang Scarlet Assassin. Noted."
"Let me ask you something, alam mo ba kung anong ibig sabihin no'n? I'll explain it to you." And I scratched my temple using my grapple gun and I aim it again at him.
"There are no devils left in hell because all of the devils are present in society. I think you're one of them. Can you see all of the evils and crimes around you? I know you do because you have also committed heinous crimes. And a devil like you must be punished."
They do not deserve to live in this beautiful but cruel world.
When the curse is lifted, the world will be a better place.
"Bravo! Hindi ko inaasahan na makikita mo pa din ako dito, malaki ang Italy pero nahanap mo ako. Mahusay." tugon niya at pumalakpak siya.
"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. John. But isn't it you on that video? You're the one who is working behind Devorah. How loyal." I said, aiming my grapple gun at him.
"Even though Devorah is no longer alive and you are the one who killed her, I will always be loyal to Lady Devorah! The mistake was made by your boss! The person who started all of this!"
"My boss would never be so bold as to show the cards. My boss and the family members both want the same thing. To maintain and stabilize the system they've created. But Devorah, and all of you... You want to destroy it."
"And the entire world will hold you responsible! As long as everyone blames you!"
He grabs something and it's a gun, I roll my body to the floor, and when I stand up, I pull out my katana and interlock his arm where he holds his gun, and I stab him right straight to his stomach until he vomits some blood that stains my clothes.
His body collapses, and when I look at him, he bursts out laughing while bathing in his own blood.
"The world... The entire world will see how evil you are!" he begins to yell angrily.
"Good or bad? I don't give a fuck about that shit. All that matters is my mission, and my mission is to kill you." I return my grapple gun to my thigh holster, switch it to a handgun, and aggressively cock it in front of him.
"I hope you have more friends on the other side, because no one will miss you here. I, the Scarlet Assassin. I am here to deliver your punishment." Mirus aimed her gun at his chest, making no expressions behind the mask.
"Whatever happens, I will always be loyal to Devorah—" Mirus pulls the trigger before he could finish his last words.
"Another pawn off the board. Shame." I watch his lifeless body as his blood splatters across the floor.
Pinagpag ko ang katana ko para matanggal ang dugo niya at ibinalik ko ito sa scabbard, binalik ko ulit sa holster ang baril at ipinalit ko naman ang grapple gun ko.
Tinutok ko ang ang grapple gun sa pader hanggang ang hook ay bumaon sa pader at tumalon na ako mula sa terrace.
After I assassinated the person assigned to me by my boss. I have completed my work.
"We should return to the mansion as soon as possible." My boss's right hand man said as he began to walk away.
I also left the house of the person I killed, and we arrived at the airport an hour later.
The private plane took off quickly in order to arrive in the Philippines sooner.
"Here, you can change your clothes." he said this as I slowly reached out my hand to grab the clothes.
I examine my clothes, which are stained with blood, as well as my body and face.
I arrived inside from the bathroom and began removing my clothes and slowly removing my mask and blood was streaming down my face.
This again, huh?
I feel like I'm trapped in a goddamn loop. Instead of seeing people we killed and there is no end to this nonsense, it only gets worse. Is this what my life's supposed to be? Killing those who blame us when it is their fault?
What is the point of it all?
But I killed them. It was a job without personal feelings.
They aren't innocent.
They called again after I finished my solo mission from Italy and asked me to return to the mansion. The organization's base.
Before we left, I changed into all black clothes and fingerless gloves, including my hoodie cape, and mask. Because my clothing was stained with blood.
My katana hangs from my waist, and inside my cape is a double shoulder gun holster that holds my grapple gun as well as my handgun.
The car comes to a complete stop in front of the mansion, and the bodyguard opens the door for me.
They also opened the large gates to let me in, and all they can hear is the click clacking of my heels on the ground. I kept walking until I got inside the mansion.
"The boss is waiting for you in the main hall."
I saw the boss, as the bodyguard mentioned, standing at the window with their hands on its backs.
The boss turns around and smiles at me, and I kneel on my right knee and lower my head.
I started working as the Chairwoman of Solis Airlines right after graduating months ago. And I've been away from home for five months since I'm the Scarlet Assassin, about whom everyone is talking about.
That I couldn't care less about anything, my vengeance is the only thing that matters to me since I joined Phantasma Organization.
I toss everything that is important to me. I let my selfishness get the best of me. I begin to distance myself from everything. Because I don't want any distractions to cause me to hesitate before killing everyone, especially Devorah.
The Phantasma helped me from everything. I returned their kindness by pledging my loyalty to the Organization, even if it meant risking my life that will cause me to death. I have no regrets.
"John Nick is officially dead." I begin reporting.
When I speak, my mask contains vocal distortion to prevent them from recognizing my true voice.
I assassinated John Nick for a variety of reasons. Except for the fact that he works for Devorah, he is a terrorist and serial killer who kills women of all ages and sells their organs on the black market.
"That's encouraging to hear. We must punish those who are attempting to destroy the world."
"However, Miss Scarlet... I'd like you to accompany me right now. The reason I needed you to return here was because I wanted you to show something."
I turn around to face my boss. This person is in charge of everything in this organization.
"Where to?" I couldn't help it but to ask.
"You'll see."
We started walking, with my boss leading the way and the right hand man following.
"Edward? Nakahanda na ba ang sasakyan?" tanong niya.
"Yes, right this way." sagot ni Edward at pinagbuksan niya kami ng pinto.
"Hindi ka maniniwala sa makikita mo mamaya." Tinignan niya ako at nagawi na siya sa bintana.
Ano meron?
Hindi na ko nagtanong kung anong meron, hihintayin ko na lang hanggang sa makarating kami.
Mabilis kaming nakarating sa pupuntahan namin, hindi ko din napansin na may mga bodyguard nakasunod sa likuran namin.
Nang makalabas kami, may nakita akong pamilyar na lalaki at mas tinitigan ko siya lalo, sure akong siya nga iyon.
What is he doing here?
May iba din siyang mga kasama at mga hindi ko kilala o hindi din bodyguards ng Phantasma.
"H-han Sung Min!" Sigaw ko.
Tumalikod ito pero 'yung mga kasama niya ay tinutukan ako gamit ang baril nila na kinagulat ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyayari pero tinutukan din ako ni Han Sung Min.
Lumabas din siya sa sasakyan, nakita kong umiigting ang panga ni Han Sung Min nang makita niya ito.
"Hello, traitor. How's your new job? More bloodier?" Casual na bati niya kay Han Sung Min.
Traitor? The hell's going on?
Iniba ni Han Sung Min ang pagkakatutok niya ng baril, nilipat niya sa katabi ko.
Ang mga bodyguards pati na si Edward ay hinanda ang mga armas nila at tinutok nila ito sa mga kasama ni Han Sung Min.
"I-is this you wanted to show me?" Napalingon ako sa boss.
"Sadly, yes. Ano ang offer niya sa 'yo para traydurin mo ang Phantasma?"
Sinong siya?! I can't follow!
"She made me an excellent offer. So I have no choice but to betray you." Walang emosiyon niyang sagot.
"May bagong boss na pala simula noong namatay si Devorah. Malakas ang loob niya para kalabanin ako."
Nag pintig ang ulo nang marinig ko ang salitang 'yan, how dare he? Kaya pala ilang linggo na siyang wala at kumampi sa grupo nila Devorah!
Kinuyom ko ang palad ko sa galit, hindi ko inaasahan na dumagdag pa ang kalaban namin.
Kinasa ni Han Sung Min ang baril niya at mariin niyang tinutok sa mukha niya.
Hindi napansin ni Han Sung Min na may nakatutok na din palang baril sa sentido niya.
"Put your gun down before I pull the trigger." Pagbabanta ni Mirus.
Hindi siya natinag at nakatutok pa din ang baril sa boss, nakatingin lang siya kay Han Sung Min habang ang kamay niya ay nasa likuran niya.
"There will be consequences for betraying us." Kalmadong saad niya.
Han Sung Min lowered his gun and signaled to his men to do the same.
"Hindi pa tayo tapos dito, magsisimula pa lang ang lahat at lalo ka na." Seryosong tinignan ni Han Sung Min ang Scarlet Assassin ang dating partner niya, ngayon ay kalaban na.
Dahan-dahan niya binaba ang baril na hawak ni Mirus, yumuko ito para bumulong sa kanya.
"You will be forced to commit sins that you do not want to commit, Mirus... Estelle... Caelum."
Si Han Sung Min lang ang nakakaalam kung ano ang tunay na pagkatao nang Scarlet Assassin.
"Let's go." Utos niya.
Sumakay na sila sa mga sasakyan nila at nahinto si Han Sung Min sa paglalakad, tumalikod ito at hinarap niya kami.
"We will retreat for the time being because we are outnumbered."
Pinanood lang namin sila makaalis sa lugar na 'to.
Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko, masyado akong nagulat sa pangyayari na 'to.
Han Sung Min has become so evil that I'm at a loss for words.
Nakabalik na kami sa aming base, at nandito kaming dalawa sa main hall kasama si Edward.
Nakaupo ang boss sa gitnang bahagi ng hall at nakaluhod ulit ako habang nakayuko ang ulo ko. Hinihintay kung ano ang sasabihin niya.
"From now on, Han Sung Min is no longer a member of the Phantasma Organization." Anunsyo niya.
"Should I track him down and kill him?" I propose. I can deploy everything at once kung sakaling mag bigay siya ng signal. Willing akong tumapos sa buhay niya.
Was everything he did to me a lie? Did I fall for his trick and put my trust in him? Kasinungalingan ba ang lahat?
"No, you don't have to. Ako ang bahala sa kanya." Pagpigil niya.
"But there is another mission that is suitable for you, Miss Scarlet." saad niya at nakikinig lang ako.
"You may depart from this place. You've already gotten a lot of blood on your hands. You even killed Devorah to save me and got your revenge, but I don't see why you should stay here."
Napaangat ang ulo ko sa gulat dahil hindi ko inaasahan ang sinabi niya.
"But—"
"Marami ka pang kailangan gawin sa buhay mo, panigurado ang pamilya mo ay nag-aalala na. Kahit hindi ko makita ang mukha mo, I am grateful that someone as loyal as you is willing to protect me."
"Don't worry, I'll handle the CIA and make sure you hide your identity as the Scarlet Assassin very well. You are always welcome to return here once they have determined that you are the Assassin. You are, after all, the Phantasma's Ace Assassin." Dagdag niya at dahan-dahan akong tumango.
I bow my head once more in respect and say my goodbyes.
"Even after death, my loyalty will always be with you... Madam." I sincerely pledge my loyalty.
"So, there you have it. I patiently await your return, Miss Scarlet Assassin. See you again."
"Everyone who is witnessing this will know that I, Scarlet Assassin, will return someday."
I slowly stood up, gave her another bow, and exited the main hall until I was at the mansion's gate.
I take one last look around the area before it begins to rain and storms loudly, and I'm wearing my hoodie with attached cape.
Edward approached me while holding the umbrella, and he handed me the keys to my sports bike.
"Whatever happens, the madam will always have your back."
"If I see one of you then, I'll say hello." I tried to change the subject.
I ride my motorcycle and start the engine. And I finally left the place without looking back.
Walang masyadong traffic at binilisan ko ang pagmamaneho ko hanggang sa makarating ako sa Orion. Hindi ako dumaan sa main entrance, pumarada ako sa underground parking pero sa emergency stairs ako dumaan.
Nang makarating ako sa floor na pupuntahan ko, lumabas na ako sa emergency exit at ako lang ang tao dito sa hallway. Halos hindi ko nakikita ang mga kapitbahay ko lalo na ang katabi ko.
Pagkapasok ko mismo sa loob, pinabuksan ko agad ang secret door papunta sa basement.
Kahit sinugatan ko ang daliri ko, wala na akong maramdaman. Dahil ang pinagdadaanan ko ay nauwi sa manhid. Para bang wala nang kaluluwa sa katawan ko.
Bumukas ang ilaw habang naglalakad ako at tumayo lang ako sa kalagitnaan ng basement, tulala. Pagod na pagod na ako sa buhay, when I was on my mission, I tried to kill myself several times but was always unsuccessful.
"Corvus... take the case out..."
"Yes, Miss Caelum."
Bahagya akong napaatras, dahil sa gitnang bahagi ng basement ay bumukas at bumungad ang case display. Binuksan ko ang glass case, at kinuha ko ang katana ko sa likuran, aggresively pulling it out.
Una kong nilagay ang scabbard sa loob, tinignan ko muna ng maigi ang katana ko, ang Scarlet Moonlight.
Hindi lang ito basta-basta na normal na katana, normal lang ito kapag nilagay sa arawan, pero kapag nailawan ito ng buwan, the whole blade will show a crimson color through moonlight.
Dahan-dahan ko naman nilagay ang katana sa loob ng katana case.
At ang huli naman, tinanggal ko na ang suot kong maskara na hindi ko matanggal-tanggal simula nang sumali ako sa organization. But everything is fine now.
Nilagay ko na din ang maskara sa loob kasabay ang katana ko. Tuluyan ko na sinara ang katana case at sa gilid ng case, may maliit na keyboard doo na nilagyan ko nang password.
Unti-unti bumababa ang case na para bang ililibing na ito, tahimik ko lang itong pinanood hanggang sa tumulo ang luha ko.
"The Scarlet Assassin is gone... Long gone."