" I still can't believe it."
Napabuntong hininga na lamang SI Devon ng muling magsalita SI Eros.
" How could you be The Underground World most powerful woman. The Queen who rule the Huntress Palace?" Hindi makapaniwala na tanong nito Kay Catalina na nasa harapan nila at kasalukuyang yakap yakap SI Gavin
Dahil sa pagdating Ng Huntress Palace. They leave that place unarm in shock. There were almost half of the Huntress Palace members there that quickly surrounded the whole island.
The Huntress Palace is considered to be the top woman palace in the Underground World because mostly there are women and not just simple women. In terms of brain and power. They are indeed number 1 despite being a woman's palace. They can compete with the Killer and The Assassin Palace who are at the top.
Moreover their leaders are exceptional. It's impossible to capture the Huntress Palace not just because it's the top 3 most powerful in the Underground World but the Competition inside the Huntress Palace is more terrifying.
Yet....
How come a woman like Catalina Abestreu is their queen?
Kahit SI Devon ay Hindi maalis Ang pagdududa na kanyang nararamdaman because that is not the Catalina Abestreu he knew.
He actually grew up with Gavin. So he knew what kind of person Catalina Abestreu was.
" I already told you before. She is different. No one believe me." Marahas na napatingin SIla Eros at Devon sa nagsalita. They both look pissed.
" Stop talking when I'm talking nice. Lander." Banta ni Eros na Hindi na maipinta Ang Mukha.
" It's Lan." Mabilis na sagot nito. " and you're not even talking nice. Eros. You're glaring at me as if want to kill me." Lander rolled his eyes to Eros.
" Isn't it because? You abandoned us?" Eros glared back at him.
" Hey!" Gulat na sambit ni Lander." Bro, I didn't abandoned you okay? I saw the Huntress Palace on the way so I just secure the helicopter. What if those from dark web destroy it. Then we won't leave? You taking my explanation well right? Because I make sense!" Patuloy na paliwanag nito kahit Wala namang nakikinig.
(Chuckle)
" What?" Sabay na sambit ni Eros at Lander and glared at the one who laughed even Devon glanced at who It is.
It's Catalina.
They are looking at them full of amusements.
" What are you laughing at?" The two men glared at Catalina who's still smiling. They obviously hate her and they hate even more that they are being laughed at by the person they hate the most.
" You're quite funny. Huh? I really wanna see Gavin being with you? What do he like when his with friends without the Dremor Clan." May lungkot sa tono ni Catalina as she gently touched Gavin hair who's still sleeping beside him nakasandal Ang ulo nito Kay Leo na kasalukuyang natutulog.
Gavin breathing is normal. The bullet in his body is removed by eros but since he isn't a doctor. There's inspection left, maybe that's the reason why Gavin is still unconscious but they feed him drugs. It must be the reason why he's still okay.
" Ofcourse he is happy." Mabilis na sagot ni Lander. " The Dremor Clan is all about his responsibility and we will do everything to help him fulfill that." There is so much emotion hidden in those words from Lander. It's as if they encounter life and death in just one word..
" Gavin is not just a best friend. He was like god. He helps us to embrace the darkness we have and use that to be stronger."
Devon and Eros nodded in Lander answer.
Their God huh? But where are them before when the Dremor Clan fall and when Gavin Dremor disappear?
In the past. Devon and Gavin never have an interaction. Kaya din ganun na lang Ang gulat nya upon knowing that the both of them are best friends that treat each other as brothers.
Gavin Dremor is always cold. It seems he has a wall against. I never see smile and cry. I thought aside from Eleanor. He doesn't have anyone but now she realizes that she is actually the one who doesn't have anyone. There are a lot of people willing to shield their body In a bullet for Gavin. There are a lot of people who are standing beside him. As always and I was the eyesore in their eyes because the person they wanted to protect so much loved me which only caused him pain.
" If only you don't exist. He will never be like this." Muli siyang napa tingin Kay Eros dahil sa sinabi nito. Puno Ng Galit Ang mga mata nito habang nakatingin sa kanya.
" But if you don't exist. He will never meet us because the path he will take will not be like this." Eros next sentence is still full of anger but with different emotions that are hard to distinguish.
" I can understand that you hate me but you know. I'm trying my best to change so that I can be with him after everything ends." Marahan na hinaplos ni Catalina Ang Mukha ni Gavin na mahimbing na natutulog.
All she just wanted is to be with him.
Devon sighed and shook his head. " Catalina, even if you change. You can't change everything." Nakatingin ito Kay Gavin na pinagmamasdan Ng dalaga.
" And why is it that Devon?" Tanong nya. Habang tahimik Naman Sila Eros at Lander na nakatingin sa kanila.
" Once you remember what happened 12 years ago. Please answer me. If what you're doing enough to atone what you did. Because beside the Abestreu Clan you belong. You are the person who destroyed him more than what your family did." Devon's usual cold eyes as he looked at Catalina is now full of disappointment. " because 12 years ago. You're the nightmare that killed him." Na Pailing iling na lamang SI Devon. " So, Catalina you can never change because the pain is also imprinted on us. Just like that." Unti unting lumitaw Ang lungkot sa Mukha ni Catalina.
12 years ago huh? What is the pain that she did to destroy him this much?
" But you know." Unti unting inangat ni Catalina Ang tingin Ng muling magsalita SI Devon. " He loves you despite that."
Catalina smiled. " I also love him so much." Sambit Ng dalaga as he gently stroke Catalina hair.
" So, Don't trust him."
" What?" Hindi makapaniwala na tanong nya Kay Devon while Eros and Lander just shrugged his shoulder na para bang inaasahan na nila Ang sinambit Ng kaibigan.
" Gavin is different when he love. He will do everything to protect you at the cost of everything and when I say everything. Everything." Sa bawat salita Ni Devon ay tila ba may malalim na kahulugan. " That's why it's better for you not to trust him too much because you'll only end up in disappointment once he gave everything he had for you."
" To what extent can he do something for me?
Devon closed his eyes and breathed heavily. " to the extent that he is willing to destroy you. Just like now." As soon as Devon opened his eyes. The helicopter that they were riding began to move out of its direction because it was under attack.
Eros and Lander both glared at Devon. " Are you really not on our side. Devon?" Hindi makapaniwala na tanong ni Eros na tuluyan Ng nawala Ang ekspresyon sa Mukha.
" I'm always on his side but Catalina Abestreu really changed. So before he breaks her. She at least should know. In that way. The pain will never make her go back into his side again."
" I don't understand." Wika ni Catalina na gulong gulo.
" Don't you really understand, Catalina? From the beginning. The both of you should have never love each other." Kasabay Ng mga salitang Yun Ang pagyanig Muli Ng helicopter na sinasakyan nila that made even Leo who's sleeping woke up.
Nangingilid Ang luha sa mga mata ni Catalina as she shook her head. " I told you. Everyone else. You're not the one who could decide our destiny because you are not me." Matatag na sambit Ng dalaga na pilit pinipigilan Ang pagpatak Ng luha sa kanyang mga mata.
She always hear this sentence pero Hindi niya alam kung Anong Sakit Ang Meron sa mga salita na ito Ngayon. Why does it feel like breaking her? Did what she did 12 year old? So terrible that from the beginning. Gavin and her is just so impossible.
No!!!!
" We will go back down. At the cost of our life." Sabay sabay na napatingin Ang apat na lalake Kay Catalina dahil sa naging utos nito sa Isa sa member Ng Huntress Palace na kasalukuyan na piloto nila.
" Miss." Bago pa makapagsalita SI Leo ay muling nagsalita SI Catalina. " Leo, Make sure of Gavin safety. No matter what." Utos nito.
" Yes, Miss."
Lander doesn't know what to feel seeing Catalina Abestreu In Front of him.
She really did change but Devon is right.
The moment she pointed the gun at Gavin 12 years ago. In that exact moment. Both of them already have the destiny of killing each other.
From the beginning. Both of them should have never love each other.
" To what extent will make you give up?" Mula sa Isang seryosong tinig na tanong ni Lander.
Catalina looked at him. " To the extent of what he can do because he loves me." There was a forceful smile on Catalina's lips as she slowly looked at Gavin who was beside him. " and until my heart knows that the person that will stay beside me. Whether in happiness or sadness is Gavin." Natahimik Ang lahat sa sagot nito.
Lander knew that Gavin loved her but did Catalina Abestreu really love him too?
She cared for him but is it love? Or guilt because she's right the person that will always stay beside him will always be Gavin. No matter what...
-----
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
" Those damn criminals just keep spawning. Are they some monsters?" Naiinis na sambit ni Eros as one of the enemy that followed them fell down.
" They are obviously monster and the bounty in Gavin's head is too much. Of Course they are willing to do everything. They are criminals afterall." Sagot ni Devon na kasalukuyang nililibot Ang kanyang tingin sa paligid.
" But Catalina Abestreu really is amazing. She's insane." Hindi mo alam kung natutuwa o naiinis Ang ekspresyon sa Mukha ni Lander as he said those words.
" Indeed." Devon sighed. " She is no longer Catalina Abestreu. The Abestreu Clan have. She changed indeed." Wika Ng binata and shot the man who's hiding in the tree near them.
In their eyes. Catalina Abestreu indeed changes. They are supposed to receive injury from the Helicopter falling down but she manages to Land safely as she pilots it. She creates miracle after miracle. Moreover, Does she even learn how to pilot and to fight these incredibly?
Despite the killing Spree is on. A thousand people pointing there gun at us. She remain calm and to capture the most powerful Palace of Identity. The Huntress Palace.
Up until now. The changes scare them.
" Forget about that." Sambit ni Devon as he ignores those questions in his head. " Zero will manage to end the killing spree. Just an hour. It's what he asked. On that time. We must never let Gavin encounter danger again." Muling bumalik Ang lamig Ng boses nito.
" That will be hard." Sabay sabay silang napatingin Kay Catalina Ng magsalita ito.
Isang buntong hininga Ang pinakawalan Ng dalaga bago ipinagpatuloy Ang dapat sabihin. " We are surrounded. It's a bad decision to go down. Since this place----- Hindi pa natatapos ni Catalina Ang dapat sabihin Ng sunod sunod na putok ng baril Ang narinig nila.
" Damn it. Don't tell me!" Devon hissed. Mabilis na pumalibot Ang tatlo maging SI Leo Kila Catalina at Gavin.
" Sa lahat Ng lugar. Don't tell me we fall down to the Assassin Palace hideout----Juan Griego, Venezuela?" Bulalas ni Lander ng Makita Ang pamilyar na mga maskara na suot Ng mga taong papalapit sa kanila.
They are from the most powerful Palace of Identity of the Underground World ---- The Assassin Palace.
" So we didn't leave Isla Margarita at all. We fall to the northern side of the island. Isn't this bad luck? We might escape those criminals but now the Assasin Palace and the Dark Web in one. Isn't that particularly the dead end?" Maging SI Eros ay napakuyom na lamang Ng kamao.
To avoid the people under the Dark Web they escape the center of Isla Margarita but fall under the Assassin Palace. Such bad luck.
" Shit." Devon hissed as the member of Assassin Palace is coming near them.
" Don't panic." Sabay sabay silang napatingin Kay Catalina Ng magsalita ito. " Maybe we have an opportunity." There is something ruining Catalina head right now.
" An opportunity?" Eros asked, keeping his eyes on the enemy who's coming near them.
They are being cautious but why?
" The Dark Web and the Assassin Palace are not in alliance too."
" And not an enemy to. The Dark Web is neutral to each palace of Identity." Lander said na Hindi nagugustuhan na SI Catalina Ang gumagawa Ng Plano.
" That's right. They are neutral but they are criminal still. What if the Assassin Palace hurt them first. Ofcourse the Dark Web will fight back. We just need to create an opportunity to make the Dark Web attack. If they fight. Escaping might be possible."
" How do you plan to do that?" Devon asked as he was busy eyeing the whole place. There must be a sniper hiding. They can't stay like this for too long.
The best possible choice is to split up.
But...
It's still dangerous since the enemy is numerous.
What must they do?
" It's simple. The Huntress Palace--- their queen isn't it me?"
Devon, Eros and Lander looked at each other.
" If your thinking to be a bait it's not possible. We must secure your safety. Catalina." Mariin nasambit ni Devon na tila ba Walang pagbigyan Ang dalaga sa naisip nito.
Catalina sighed. " I must turn the Dark Web to the Huntress Palace people that is the only way for the Assassin Palace to attack them first. If we hesitate right now. The Dark Web and the Assassin Palace might formed an alliance. Once they tell that Gavin is on the Killing spree even the Assassin Palace will join that and that is the scenario we must escape." Naging matalim Ang mga tingin ni Catalina. " Even if the three of you belong to the Generals that is beside the Emperor. You're just a human. You three can't possibly handle a thousand people armed with gun and skilled in martial arts." Napa Kuyom Ng kamao Ang tatlo dahil sa sinabi nito because she is right. A thousand people is impossible Lalo na that they consider Gavin safety the top priority.
"Fine, You just need to give us 50 minutes. The killing spree will stop. The reinforcement from the Mafia Palace and the Killer Palace will soon come. Just 50 minutes and everything will be fine." Pagsuko ni Devon.
" 50 minutes huh?" Catalina nodded.
50 minutes is long but she must make it.
" To ensure your safety. Eros and Lander will be with you along with your member." Muling sambit ni Devon na nakatingin Kay Catalina. Wala Naman syang narinig na komento Mula Kila Eros. " Leo and I will make sure that Gavin is safe. Just 50 minutes. You must give us that enough time. Catalina." Naninigurado Na sambit nya sa dalaga.
He is betting this time to trust her.
" Miss! We can't do this. You will be endangered. The Master -------" finally Leo speak na kanina pa tahimik dahil sa madilim na aura Ng tatlong lalaki sa paligid nila.
" Leo, I once told you before. Gavin safety is our priority."
" But Miss!"
Catalina slowly walked to Leo's direction and she gave him a pat on his shoulder." Leo, Protect him at all cost." She said with a smile and moved forward.
" Follow me. Let's do this."
( Caracas, Venezuela)
" The longer we take, put Catalina and Gavin into danger but I really can't do anything. These damn Assassin Palace." Napakuyom na lamang Ng kamao SI Aleana as members of the Assassin Palace surrounded them.
She knows in fact why they do this. To prevent any palace of Identity to meddle into their war. They will never let any palace of Identity to the place where they are.
" What is the Mafia Palace doing in Venezuela?" Tanong Ng Isa sa miyembro Ng Assassin Palace who seems to be at the higher rank.
Aleana sighed. She wanted to calm down but she must saved Gavin and Catalina at all cost. " Back off!" Pigil Ang Galit na sambit Ng dalaga.
" My Queen, We should have not fight the Assassin -----"
" Shut up!" Hindi napigilan ni Aleana Ang pagtaas Ng boses Ng magsalita si Mira sa tabi nya who is stopping her. She knew that it will not help to fight the Assassin Palace but Gavin and Catalina is the most important.
She already has the power to protect them. She is no longer that powerless teenager 12 years ago. She will never let what happened 12 years ago repeat itself.
" I must save them and even the Assassin Palace can't stop me." The determination in Aleana eyes is a symbol in the Mafia Palace that no matter their queen will not back off this time.
" Yes, Our Queen. We will assist you."
-----
" It will take more than 30 minutes to arrive at Isla Margarita."
Al let out a sigh as the frustration hit him.
The generals sent him a signal of danger but what made him anxious is the truth that it's Lady Catalina and Lord Gavin who are in Danger.
The General can't reveal their identity even in death that's why no matter what happens they must fight even the Assassin Palace.
" Faster, We must arrive in Isla Margarita. The fastest."
" Yes, My King."
( Juan Griego, Venezuela)
10 minutes before the Countdown of the Killing spree.
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
Mabilis na pinalibutan ni Eros at Lander SI Catalina makatanggap ito Ng Tama Ng baril sa balikat.
" We succeed in making them point there gun in each other but it backfire to us. Soon." Hinihingal na din na sambit ni Lander na may Tama Ng baril sa likod. " And fuck this injury. Even holding the gun hurts as hell." Reklamo nito pero parang Wala Naman na nangyari dahil Wala pa din emosyon Ang Mukha nito.
" Another group again." Bulalas ni Eros na nahihirapan na din dahil sya Ang may dalawang Tama Ng baril.
They try their best to secure Catalina safety pero natamaan pa din ito.
They killed almost hundred already pero tila Hindi nauubos Ang kalaban.
The Killing Spree is indeed terrifying moreover to the Dark Web who have millions of criminals under it and with the help of the Assassin Palace who's the number 1 in the Underground World. They are indeed terrifying.
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
Boom!!!!
" Hey!" Sabay na sigaw ni Eros at Lander Ng mabilis na mawala SI Catalina sa paningin nila.
The bomb that is where Gavin and Devon are hiding.
Their enemy might already find them.
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
" Damn it!" Inis na sigaw ni Eros na patuloy sa pagbaril. " Lander! Follow Catalina! Make sure that Gavin is safe. ----- I'll cover you." Utos nya Saka hinablot Ang rifle gun Mula sa kalaban malapit sa kanila.
Lander sighed. " Cover for me then. " Walang magawa na sambit nito.
" Don't die! Asshole." Babala ni Eros sa kaibigan.
Lander smiled habang patuloy sa pagbaril. " Tell that to yourself. Dumbass!" Sagot nito. " And it's Lan. Kailangan ba talagang ulit ulitin ko" Frustrated na Dugtong pa nito.
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
As Lander ran where Catalina went. Eros makes sure that no one will hinder the path that lander take.
" Let's just die together. Assholes!"
-------
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
" We will change location." Seryosong sambit ni Devon Kay Leo na inalalayan SI Gavin.
" Damn it! Immediately covered!" Malakas na sigaw ni Devon ng Makita Ang isang Granada malapit sa pwesto nila.
Boom!!!!
Cough* cough*
" Fuck, That bomb injured my arms."
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
Not only him received Injury. Due to protecting Gavin. Leo received much more injury.
Now he must carry two out of these places.
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
Mabilis nyang binaril Ang mga lalaking palapit sa kanila but due to his arms injury. The aim of his gun isn't accurate anymore.
" Hey! Leo! Keep yourself awake!" Sigaw ni Devon dito. His injury is severe.
" Yes." Nanghihina na sagot nito. " The master---- saved." His mind is still filled with Gavin.
Devon tried to get up. He must secure the place safety first and then--------
" Shit! Gavin!"
He is so focused In Front. That he forgot something.
Snipers!
There were countless red light pointing in Gavin's body.
He must save him.
But before he could even go near him. A group of people came near them and attacked him.
" shit! Gavin!" Sigaw nya because he knew that just a second later. Gavin will die.
" Why? How?" Devon can't seem to utter anything as he sees someone approaching them.
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
" Catalina! Don't do it! You'll die!" Sigaw ni Devon at pilit binibilisan Ang pagbaril sa mga kalaban pero parang Hindi nauubos Ang mga ito.
Catalina smiled when he finally stopped walking In Front of Gavin. She doesn't mind the loud voice of Devon who is near them.
She made it on time to save him but she can't locate those snipers. It was too late.
She is indeed late maybe it's her karma.
In the past, All she could think about was herself. She felt that the world revolved around her but Marcos and Annika destroyed that world and Gavin gave him another world.
In another world. She changes but the people around her aren't including him ------- He is the only person who stayed beside him at the cost of his life ---- He is the only person who stay true to her when the world betrayed her and --- He is the only person who give him the light to continue living.
The world might tell them from the beginning they should have never loved each other.
But do they even know?
What is the beginning they have?
Maybe their beginning starts with pain but their ending will never be like that.
Catalina sighed. " you all asked me once if I love Gavin?" Catalina stepped forward to shorten the distance between her and Gavin. She do not mind that there are 100 guns pointing in her head right now.
" There was one time when Gavin pointed his gun in my head and killed me. I thought he betrayed me. I feel so painful since he is the person I trust the most but soon ----- I trusted him. Do you know why? ------ because there was also one time when I stop seeing how beautiful the world was but he came ----- the person I hated the most. The person I betrayed and the person that I hurt the most saved me. I thought he is the darkness that swallowed me but he became the light that saved me. ---- Is what I'm feeling really not love when in my heart. He is the world I have."
As Catalina spoke those words. The necklace who seems to stop responding glows. As tears fall from her eyes. The time in the necklace moved and as the feelings in her heart wavered.The necklace response which should not.
The red dots that were in Gavin body earlier are now in Catalina. To protect him and to save him. She is willing to shield her own body for him.
" Hubby, I finally protected you in this life just like what you did to me." Catalina tears started in her eyes as she hugged Gavin tightly. Shielding her body for him. “ Thank you Gavin.” Dugtong pa Ng dalaga as she slowly closed her eyes.
Bang!!!
----- Gunshot sound)
“ No!!!!!! Catalina!!!”