The Crown Sinners

By RenesmeeStories

753K 27.4K 46.5K

BOOK 3 OF IMPROBUS ILLE IMPERIUM [2nd Generation] "No one dared to take their crowns away until the crown sin... More

The Characters
1: The Plan
2: Someone Special
3: Blood of the Ruler
4: Take Their Crown
5: Who Are You?
6: Locked Up
7: Batten Down The Hatches
8: Let's Play A Game
9: Improbus Ille Imperium (I)
10: Improbus Ille Imperium (II)
12: Game Over
13: Welcome Home
14: Back of the Blade
15: Chasing Silhouette
16: Target of Fate
17: Time To Get Even
18: Rebel's Reign
19: The Colours of Deceit (I)
20: The Colours of Deceit (II)
21: The Fallen Name
22: Just Simple Things
23: Unknown Enemy
24: No Count
25: Keep Your Faith
26: Keep Your Aim Locked
27: Up to the Next Challenge
28: The Path That Nobody Walks On
29: Return of the Commoners
30: One Fine Day
31: What is Happening?
32: Bet on Me
33: Little Things, Little Dreams
34: Witch Hunt
35: Thou Shalt Not Speak
36: The Story Continues I
37: The Story Continues II
38: Burning Cold
39: Of Secrets and Wrong Timings
40: Between Staying and Running Away
41: Back on the Game
42: Protecting You
43: The Crown
44: The Lawless Auction
45: Let's Go Home
46: A Moment With You
47: Prophecy of the Sun and the Moon
48: Rightful Places
49: Writing Their Own Fate
50: Twisted Domain
51: A Story From Long Ago
52: A True Love From Long Ago
53: A Curse From Long Ago
54: Losing Game
55: Endless Slumber
56: Blood Tainted Path
57: Welcome to the Empire
58: Hidden Encounters
59: Generations of the Heartless Empire
60: Twisted Icy Rain
61: Twisted Hierarchy
62: Smiles, Sunshine, and Good Nights
63: The Burden of the Crowns
64: Every Moment We Shared
65: Always With You
66: Your Smiles, My Happiness
67: Hoping It Would Never End
68: Rush into the Secret House
69: Twisted Crimson Moon
70: Twisted Hidden Suffering
71: Twisted Scars Each of them Hid
72: Storms Could Be Weathered
73: Training Commence
74: Wheel of Danger (I)
75: Wheel of Danger (II)
76: Wheel of Danger (III)
77: Wheel of Danger (IV)
78: Twisted Core Room
79: To You Who Always Make Us Smile
80: Yours 'Til The End
81: The Start
82: Leave This Life
83: Pay For Your Sin
84: Cracking Pillar
85: Death Explosion
86: Goddess of Hunt
87: The Sinner of their Generation
88: Adding Salt to the Wound
89: The Buried Name
90: Last Battle Between Real and Fake
91: I Promise You
92: Tragically Beautiful
93: Cherishing the Present
94: Twisted Victory Party (I)
95: Twisted Victory Party (II)
96: Our Dream Come True
97: From 1 to 18, I'd Celebrate It With You
98: Fire is Catching
99: Bleeding Thorns
100: Tomorrow's Approaching Fast
101: Nameless Sun's Cry
102: Empress of Eviralle

11: Caught In His Game

12.6K 483 369
By RenesmeeStories

#TCS11: Caught In His Game

Solstice Snow's POV

Nang magsimula kaming pumasok sa Exodus Palace, napatungo ako dahil hindi ko na maitago ang ngisi ko. Everything went smoothly according to the plan. Halos walang tinginan kaming nagsimulang kumilos.

"Hey, Trio!" I called before they could start moving, they all stopped then looked at me.

Binato sa kanilang tatlo ang gamit na ginawa namin ni Cleon nito lang. Halos sabay sabay nilang nasalo 'yun, at nung makita nila kung ano ay napangisi na lang sila at saka ikinabit 'yun sa tainga nila.

That small earring isn't an ordinary earring. That will make me aware of where they are and what's happening to them. A tracking communication device. Cleon and I created thirteen of them, just to be sure.

Tandang tanda ko kasi nung nag uusap usap kami tungkol sa larong 'to, walang sinabi ni Kuya Theon o Kuya Akira tungkol sa bilang ng miyembro na kailangan sumali. They just all want the same number of members in each group.

I expected much worse than ten members, that's why I prepared thirteen earrings, and I even prepared little cameras all around the Palace so I could monitor everything and not just my members.

"Biblee, proceed at the top of the palace." I heard Cleon instructed. Without uttering anything, I obeyed the order. Everything we are doing is according to the plan. But the Trio is not included in that. Those three will be on their own, yet I will also guide them to the fullest of my ability.

Sa totoo lang, walang kaso sa akin kung hindi makasunod ang trio sa plano, kasi sa ngiti pa lang kanina nung trio nang ibato ko ang hikaw, alam kong may sarili silang plano. At kung kung sila rin naman ang nagplano... walang duda na aayon din iyon sa plano namin.

Those three maybe calm, but they are more then just princesses in their own kingdoms.

After running for a while going to the palace, nakarating din ako. Agad din akong dumiretso sa unang palapag nito at saka ko kinuha ang laptop na itinago namin dito. Syempre kailangan namin ito para matrack sila.

Hindi rin nagtagal ay umakyat na ako papunta sa itaas para tagpuin si Cleon. The original plan was... Cleon and I will be separate but when the Trio came, we decided with glances that he and I will be on the same place.

Kung meron mang makakahanap sa amin, Cleon will be the one to fight them, and I will be continuing the tracking and the guiding them about the other group. Because... Cleon and I are the brain and eyes of this group.

"Natagalan ka?" Iyon bungad sa akin ni Cleon. Sinimangutan ko siya. "Ang haba lang talaga ng binti mo, pasensya na kung maliit ako ha?" Sarkastikong sagot ko kaya naman natawa siya.

Without any ado, we started to assemble the technical and the mechanical things we need so we could start giving them instructions. The place where we are right now is dark and kind of old, but it is clean and organize.

May table at may upuan na rin. Parang meeting room sa isang palace kung saan nag-aassemble ang royalties kung sakaling may gagawing meeting. Parang ganun ang hitsura nito.

Cleon and I closed the curtains and locked the doors. He even pushed the table and some of the chairs on the door so it'll be safer.

Hindi kami lalaban ni Cleon ng pisikal kung hindi kailangan, 'yun ang plano. At kailangan manatili kaming tago dahil kapag natapos ang laro, kailangan hindi nila kami magalaw o mahanap para kami ang panalo.

Of course, that plan was only plan A, we still have more plans as we cannot underestimate the enemies.

Ilang saglit lang ay kumunekta na ang laptop na dala namin patungo sa monitor na inilagay namin sa silid na 'to. Hindi naman kasi kakayanin ng isang screen lang lahat ng 'to. Masyadong mahirap kung magiging ganun, kaya naman nag install na kami nito bago pa man magsimula ang laro dahil paniguradong hindi agad agad 'to matatapos.

"Okay! Let's get started!" Nakangiting sambit ko at saka inilagay sa tainga ang headset.

The screens and monitors started to show the whole landscape of the Exodus, then small white circles appeared indicating the positions of the team. Napansin ko na medyo malapit ang Trio sa isa't-isa kaya kaagad akong kumunekta sa kanila.

"Hey, Biblee here." I said.

"What's up?" Harper replied cooly.

"Do you have a plan?" I asked straightforwardly.

"Yes, we have." Honoka retorted calmly.

"Okay, so anything request or anything that you want me to do?" Tanong ko naman.

"Warn us if there's an enemy near us, and tell us some good spots where we can easily see enemies in a long range, and also can you tell us the moves of the enemies?" Sunod sunod na ssambit ni Art.

"Excited mo, Art. Hinay hinay lang." Natatawang singit ni Cleon sa usapan. Napatingin ako sa kanya at nginitian lang ako nito, lumabas ang dimples sa pisngi nito kaya naman napailing iling ako. Basta talaga kapatid ang kausap nito, laging ganito.

"Roger that." I answered Art.

"Do you have some intel about them? Can you tell us some things?" Harper questioned.

"Yep. The three of them aren't part of the Elite 7, but give us some time, since I have their face recognition, I'll search for their intel, and as for the seven, I'll project their intel through the earrings so removed the earrings and put them on your palm, holographic screen will appear and you'll be able to view the intel we collected from them." Paliwanag ko.

"Awesome!" Art remarked.

"Thanks a ton, Biblee!" Masayang sagot naman ni Honoka.

"Then we'll start in our own, don't worry we won't be a hindrance in any of your plans. We will be your dark horse in this game..." Harper uttered confidently, then she started to move.

Nakaramdam ako ng matinding pagkasabik dahil sa sinabi ni Harper.

Based on Harper's tracker she's climbing a huge tree, and based on Art's tracker she's also doing the same yet she's going from one tree to another, and Honoka's tracker is pointing out that she's aiming to go at the top of a tower in a building opposite to the Palace.

Ano kayang pinaplano ng tatlong 'to?

Ilang saglit lang ay napansin ko na ang kilos nung iba naming kasamahan, naririnig ko rin si Cleon na kanina pa nagsasalita, mukhang nagsimula na rin sa plano ang mga lalaki.

"All clear! The plan is smoothly proceeding!" Cleon told me, I nodded my head.

Kumunekta ako sa lahat pati na rin sa Trio at saka nagsalita.

"The other team is starting to make their move, as our time to hide is up, now... we will execute our first move." I told them with confidence and authority.

"Roger." Kuya Theon replied.

"On the move!" Ate Amythee remarked.

"Salute to that." I heard Kuya Pierce uttered.

"Be careful, everyone." Thorn reminded gently.

I just heard a slight smirk from Kuya Akira's line, then Cleon spoke.

"First operation, to put a tracker on the enemy will be on action, in three two..."

"One!" We all said in unison, then their trackers started to move in the directions we gave them.

Based on the intel we collected from the Elite Seven, Aldwin will make orders, and Sven will be on his own, probably making his own plan, his own moves, and his own surprise attacks.

Theon will counter everything about Sven, he had an image training and he even stalked Sven lalo na kapag may libreng oras siya. Hindi ko alam kung nakatunog si Sven, pero may tiwala ako kay Kuya Theon.

Siya ang pinakadelikado naming kalaban, pero gusto ni Kuya Theon na sarilinin siya, wala kaming magawa, at tanging pagtulong lang ang magagawa namin ng ayos.

"Spotted two enemies at the same location." Biglang nagsalita si Pierce kaya naman halos sabay kami ni Theon na naging alerto, kumabog ang puso ko ng sobrang bilis dahil sa biglang sinabi nito.

"Lucky! Number Six and Seven." Dugtong pa nito.

"Nasan sila?" I asked.

"45 degrees from my sight, slightly moving towards the East, their guards are down, I'll start attacking make sure to activate the tracker once I give the signal." Mahina at nag iingat nitong sambit.

"On alert." I replied.

I went to activate the camera near Pierce's location so I could guide him.

"Two more enemies spotted together." Nagkatinginan kami ni Cleon nang magsalita si Kuya Akira.

"Now we are definitely on the secret offensive mode." Nakangiting imik ni Cleon. "Who are they?" Tanong nito.

"Number Five and Number Four." Sagot ni Kuya Akira.

Hinayaan ko si Cleon kay Kuya Akira at nagfocus ako kay Pierce. Nung makita ko kung gaano kalayo ang kalaban sa kaniya ay agad akong naghanap ng lugar kung saan maaring pumunta si Pierce para kahit anong lingon o hanap nila ay hindi nila ito makikita.

I found a tree near him, then a small gazebo that will conceal his presence.

"There's a tree near you, five steps from where you are then an estimated twenty steps to the gazebo. Use the opportunity to fire them the trackers then hide on the tree first then on the gazebo." I instructed.

"Nice." I heard him said.

Nagsimulang kumilos si Pierce at saka mabilis na tumakbo at agad na ginamit ang baril na tanging tracking lang ang nagsisilbing bala, the tracker is a small needle like thing. Babaon iyon sa balat nila at hindi nila aakalain na tracker iyon.

He released the tracker simultaneously without any fear of being caught, he rolled on the ground then hide behind the three.

"Activate!" I heard him whispered, then I click on the enter button so the tracker will start activating.

"Fuck dude, what was that?!" #7 asked #6.

"Success." Mahinang sambit ko kay Pierce. "Standby, they are looking if someone is around." Dugtong ko pa.

"Wala namang 'yung mga commoners sa paligid, baka lamok lang!" Sagot ni #6 kay #7. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi matawa sa usapan nila. Those two aren't really threats but they are nuisance.

"Gago, manahimik ka, kapag tayo nahuli ni Master Sven, baka patalsikin na talaga tayo nun sa Elite Seven, at saka sabi ni Aldwin dalawa makakaharap natin sa mga commoners na 'yun, kaya mag-ingat pa rin tayo." #7 told #6 irritatedly.

Nagpatuloy maglakad 'yung dalawa, pero hindi katulad kanina kita ko na kung paano silang naging alerto.

"They are being alert, at the count of three, move and hide to the gazebo." Sabi ko kay Pierce.

"One," I started to count while intensely looking at the two Elite Seven.

Kitang kita ko sa galaw nila kung paanong titingin sila sa pinagtataguan ni Pierce.

"Move slowly to the other side then dodge." Mabilis na imik ko kahit hindi pa kumikilos 'yung dalawang kalaban para umingon. Pierce did what I instructed flawlessly, and in the timing I predicted I saw how one of them looked at where Pierce was hiding currently.

"Two." Pagpapatuloy ko sa pagbibilang.

Patuloy pa rin sa pagiging alerto ang dalawang kalaban, at palingon lingon sa paligid, nakikiramdam.

Hanggang sa tumigil silang dalawa. They looked so suspicious about where Pierce is hiding.

"Pull it off in two seconds, Pierce, if you don't they'll notice you in an instant." I warned him firmly.

I heard a little laugh from him. Bigla yata akong kinilabutan. Si Pierce... si Pierce 'tong kausap ko hindi ba? 'Yung santo sa grupo, 'yung santong anak ni Tita Dyosa at Tito Gwapo.

Bakit parang hindi na yata? Why do I sense an immense excitement and passion right now?

Napansin ko 'yung dalawa na parang nag uusap na puntahan kung saan nagtatago si Pierce. Nang tumungo sila ng kaunti at alam kong wala sa linya ng paningin nila kung nasaan si Pierce habang nag uusap sila ay agad akong nagbigay ng hudyat.

"Three. Move!" Halos tili ko kay Pierce.

Parang palos si Pierce sa bilis. Halos hindi masabayan ng mga mata ko kung paano siyang nakaalis sa pagtatago sa puno at kung paano siya nakapagtago sa gazebo.

Tapos biglang naglakad 'yung dalawang Elite papunta sa piangtataguan ni Pierce kanina. Kahit walang instruction ko, kaagad umakyat si Pierce sa isang puno nang sobrang tahimik habang tinitingnan ang dalawang Elite, tapos ay nagpalipat lipat ito ng malalaking sanga hanggang sa makaalis sa lugar.

Halos matanggal ang puso ko sa kaba. I don't know... but seeing Pierce like that... sobrang bilis at tahimik ng kilos... pakiramdam ko humanga ako sa kaniya nang sobra sobra.

I never thought he could be that badass, because he is a saint.

"Dalawang kalaban." I begun. "Meron na silang tracker." I said.

May mga komento akong narinig mula sa kanila kaya napangiti ako. Ilang saglit lang ay nakita ko na rin sa mapa namin 'yung dalawang lalaki na may tracker na.

"Another two, done!" Napalingon ako kay Cleon nang sabihin niya iyon. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi makipag-apir sa kaniya. Looks like Kuya Akira also finished it smoothly.

Ngayon meron na kaming apat sa kanila na alam namin ang pusisyon.

"Move, Thorn, the two with trackers are moving to your direction, avoid them first." I instructed, Thorn followed without being noticed at all.

"Cleon." Muntik na akong napatalon sa kinatatayuan nang tawagin ni Kuya Theon si Cleon. My gosh! Akala ko kalaban na nakahack sa system namin!

"What's up?" Prenteng sagot ni Cleon, lihim ko siyang tiningnan at mukhang walang epekto sa kaniya 'yung pagtawag ni Theon sa kaniya. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako. Kambal sila eh.

"Turn on the tracker for Sven." Sambit niya.

"Ha? Nakaharap mo na si Sven?" Biglang singit ko sa usapan nung kambal.

"No. I'm still observing things." Maikling sagot ni Kuya Theon sa akin.

"Then... bakit?" I asked. Bakit nya ipapaturn on kung hindi pa naman niya na eencounter si Sven? Baka mamaya malito kami sa tracker kasi nasa kaniya ito at wala sa kalaban.

"The tracker is already with Sven." He told us like it was nothing but a fact! Oh my gosh!

"Kailan? Paano? Saan?" Sunod sunod na tanong ko.

"Earlier at the stage, when we had the confrontation, I injected it to him, he didn't notice, don't worry." Paliwanag niya, para akong nakipaghabulan sa toro dahil sa matinding kaba at takot para kay Kuya Theon.

"Brother, seryoso ka?" Tanong ni Cleon.

"Do I even have a time to joke?" Balik tanong ni Theon.

"He-he-he, sabi ko nga. Okay! Activated!" Sagot na lang ni Cleon, at saka unti unting lumitaw sa mapa kung nasaan si Sven. He is... at the entrance of this place. Hindi siya gumagalaw mula ron.

Walang kahit sinong malapit sa kaniya. Solo lang siya.

Hindi kaya nahalata ni Sven? At natanggal na niya ito? Hindi kaya...

I checked the cameras near him then, he silently walked near a huge tree to climb up, katulad ng galaw niya at iyon din ang naging galaw ng tracker namin. Ibig sabihin, tama si Kuya Theon, talagang nailagay niya nga ng tracker sa kaniya.

Grabe si Theon... ang lakas ng loob at saka ang smooth ng kilos. Kahit ako, hindi ko napansin na ginawa niya iyon kanina, at wala rin akong ideya na kumilos na siya mula pa kanina. Wow. Wow lang talaga.

"Nice one, Kuya Theon!" Masayang sabi ko sa kan'ya. Hindi ko alam pero parang ang lakas na ng loob ko ngayon. Parang gusto kong isigaw sa buong school na 'to na kami ang mananalo sa larong 'to!

Hindi nila kami kilala, at hindi nila alam ang tunay na kakayahan namin! Ipapakita namin sa kanila na maling grupo ang minamaliit at kinakalaban nila!

Bago pa ako mawala sa konsentrasyon dahil sa saya, ay muli kong ibinalik ang tingin sa screen. I checked Sven's monitor and tracker. Napansin ko na bigla 'yung gumalaw, kaya naman mabilis akong naging alerto.

He's walking slowly. I couldn't predict nor pinpoint anything on him. He's just too... mysterious. The intels we've gathered about him are just simply general, nothing specific.

He walked to the Palace entrance, kinakabahan ako, kasi nandito kami ni Cleon, pero mukhang nilampasan niya lang ito, hanggang sa nakarating siya sa hardin nitong lugar. There's a small tower in that garden, hindi ganoon kataas, parang mga tatlo o apat na palapag lang kung gusali ang pagbabasehan.

Umakyat siya hanggang taas, pagkatapos ay prenteng umupo sa tuktok noon habang nakatingin sa paligid. Napakunot noo ako. Hindi ba siya lalaban? Judging by his actions and posture, he's just too open and he is not on his guard. Parang wala siyang paki-alam sa larong 'to.

Hindi ba't kaya siya pumayag sa larong 'to ay dahil gusto na niyang maging Royal? Why can't I even sense a single ounce that he care for the title? Ang hirap basahin nitong lalaking 'to.

He looked kind of harmless so I decided that I should just monitor my members instead of him... but he suddenly took out chess board and pieces from the brief case he's carrying.

"Weird." I murmured. Napalingon ako kay Cleon para sana sabihin ang tungkol dito, but he is busy guiding the other members so I kept it to myself.

I watched Sven as he positioned all the pieces in its proper places. The chess board is too elegant and beautiful. The board and the pieces are made of crystal or maybe diamond.

After positioning all the pieces with gentle care and outmost detail he looked at the surrounding.

Maglalaro siya ng chess sa lagay na 'to? Wala naman siyang kalaban. Nakikipaglokohan ba siya?

Napailing na lang ako, may sapak yata sa ulo 'tong leader ng Elite Seven, hindi mtantya kung delikadong kalaban ba talaga o wala ang paki alam sa mundo.

He started playing his own game, like he's on his own world, so I ended up viewing a screen for Aldwin instead of him. Hindi naman ako para manuod lang ng sariling chess game niya.

We better proceed to our plan so this game will end quickly. We don't have any time to waste on this.

"A fight is gonna start! Akira, got your back so don't hesitate to take 'em out!" Nagulat ako sa sigaw ni Cleon kaya halos mapatalon ako sa upuan ko. Akala ko kung ano na!

Napantig bigla ang tainga ko sa narinig, teka... ano raw? May laban na?! Agad akong kumunekta kay Kuya Akira at saka ko hinanap ang screen niya. I found it fast, and there, a fight broke out!

2 VS 1!

Kuya Akira VS Two Members of the Elite Seven (#4 and #3).

"Hindi na pinakawalan ni Akira ang pagkakataon para kalabanin 'yung dalawang nilagyan niya ng tracker. Instead of hiding, he wanted to face them." Paliwanag ni Cleon sa lihim na tanong ko.

I just nodded at him, and he started to instruct and notify Kuya Akira about the enemies he's facing.

Ewan ko lang ah, pero parang hindi nakikinig si Kuya Akira kay Cleon.

"Kapag sinuswerte ka nga naman, may commoner na agad oh, tapos mag solo pa!" Natatawang sabi ni #3.

"Oy, pare mukhang minamalas ka ngayon at kami ang nakaharap mo." Uttered #4.

Kuya Akira just smirked, and he started to stretch his neck a little. Rinig na rinig ko ang pagtunog nito na para bang handang handa na si Kuya Akira.

The two elite seven didn't wait for Kuya Akira to start attacking, both of them just went to him with their knives. Parang wala lang naman kay Kuya Akira na may knife 'yung dalawang kalaban n'ya, pero halos mapatili ako, syempre, kahit naman napractice namin 'tong ganito iba pa rin 'yung seryoso na na alam mong papatayin ka talaga ng kalaban mo ng walang pag-aalinlangan.

Hindi gumalaw si Kuya Akira sa kinatatyuan niya at sinalubong pa niya 'yung dalawang Elite. He opened his arms like welcoming them, tapos ang bilis ng pangyayari...

Nasa dalawang kamay na niya 'yung kamay nung dalawa na may hawak na kutsilyo.

He held their arms tightly then he used his foot to knock their knees so they could lose balance, he nimbly moved his hands to twist the enemies wrist then used his fingers to flick the knives from their hands.

After that oh so fast combination of movements he jumped to kick both of the enemies in their stomach, then after he landed his feet on the ground he caught the knives that flew upward earlier precisely.

"Woah! That was sooo awesome!" Hindi mapigilang bulaslas ko at narinig ko ang tawa ni Cleon dahil sa naging reaksyon ko.

Wala ring pag-aalinlangan na nilapitan ni Kuya Akira 'yung dalawang bagsak sa lupa, akala ko bagsak na 'yung dalawang 'yun kaso nung hawakan sila ni Kuya Akira para itayo, umamba silang dalawa ng suntok, kaso...

Akira's reflex is not a joke, so before they could even launch a punch on his face, he dodged it like nothing. Ang resulta? 'Yung dalawang Elite Seven... nasuntok nila ang isa't-isa.

"Hahaha!" Hagalpak na ako ng tawa dahil sa katangahan 'nung dalawang 'yun.

Elite Seven? Elite? Joke ba 'yun? Akala ko ba powerful at hindi mo gugustuhing kalabanin sila? Eh, bakit parang joke lang lahat ng mga panakot na 'yun? Parang mga weak lang naman 'tong mga 'to!

"Biblee, if you are thinking that they are weak... no, they are not. To tell you the truth, I am surprised that these two could still move and throw powerful punches and attacks." Natigilan ako dahil biglang nagsalita si Kuya Akira na kanina pa tahimik.

"A-Ah..." Wala akong maitugon sa kaniya. Ang seryoso kasi, nakakatakot. Pakiramdam ko nanlamig akong bigla.

Bago pa man maipaliwanag ni Kuya Akira ang ibig niyang sabihin ay halos sabay siyang inatake muli 'nung dalawang kalaban, they threw heavy and powerful punches and kicks to him.

Naiiwasan naman ni Kuya Akira ang lahat nang 'yun. Hanggang sa mapa-atras siya sa isang gusali. Wala siyang nagawa kung hindi pumasok sa loob noon, hanggang sa makorner siya nung dalawang Elite.

Nasa loob sila ng isang malaking silid. Hindi ito mukhang abandonado. May ilaw at ang pader ay may istilong tiles na kulay puti. Merong mga iba't ibang kulay puting estatwa sa lugar. At marami ring salamin. Parang isang museum ng mga estatwa.

"These two are tough." Iiling iling na komento nito.

Nilaro ni Kuya Akira 'yung dalawang balisong na nakuha niya kanina sa magkabilang kamay niya, pinaikot ikot niya 'to hanggang sa siya na mismo ang sumugod don sa dalawang Elite gamit ang kutsilyo.

The two Elites were fast and agile, they managed to avoid the attacks. My heart was beating so fast because my eyes couldn't follow on how fast they are exchanging fists.

Nang maghiwalay ang dalawang panig ay parehas silang naghabol ng hininga.

They are all guarded up and they are positioned ready for another blow up fight.

Unang sumugod 'yung isang Elite, nahawakan siya ni Kuya Akira sa magkabilang braso, nag paikot ikot silang dalawa dahil sa lakas ng pwersa nung Elite ay nadala si Kuya Akira, malapit na sila ro'n sa isang estatwa, kaya naman kinuha ni Kuya Akira ang pagkakataong 'yun.

He used his strength to throw the guy to the statue, it happened so fast and the loud shattering sound filled up the whole place and my ears. Napangiwi rin ako dahil halos umagos ang dugo sa likod 'nung lalaking ibinato ni Kuya Akira sa estatwa.

Naghabol ng hininga si Kuya Akira ngunit sinugod siya 'nung isang lalaki mula sa likod. Number 3 hugged Kuya Akira from the back to refrain him from moving and he dragged him to the corner, while kid of punching Kuya Akira's stomach.

Because of #3's strength Kuya Akira could budge, hinayaan niya itong hilahin siya at suntukin.

Napayukom ako ng kamao. Base sa nakikita ko sobrang sakit ng mga tamang tinatamo ni Kuya Akira, hindi ko alam pero hindi ko yata kayang makita siyang ganon. The pain must be killing him, please stay strong...

Nakatingin lang si Kuya Akira sa repleksyon niya mula sa malaking salamin na nakasabit sa pader katapatan nila. Nung malapit na siyang malakaladkad 'nung lalaki sa pader ay siya na mismo ang umatras at nagulat ako nung bigla niyang sikuhin ng sunod sunod 'yung lalaki.

It's like he is punching him using his elbows! Gosh! Halos makahinga ako ng maluwag.

Dahil sa ginawa ni Kuya Akira he had the chance to turn the tables. He faced #3, then he punched him non-stop in the face, then in the stomach. He even landed some kicks in between. He's unstoppable! Where did that monstrous strength came from?!

Halos mapanganga ako sa tindi makipaglaban ni Kuya Akira.

When I thought it was over as #3 was slowly falling down on his knees with his face beaten up, and almost vomiting blood.

#4 suddenly stood up from lying position.

"Kuya! Sa likod mo! 'Yung lalaki!" Hindi mapakaling sambit ko.

Napalingon ako kay Cleon.

"Shit! Pierce just encountered two enemies!" Bulaslas nito kaya naman kinabahan ako.

"Biblee, please take care of Akira! I'll guide Pierce!" Mabilis na sabi ni Cleon, hindi na ako naka-alma at tumango na lang. Kinakabahan ako para kay Pierce, sana hindi siya masaktan...

Napabalik 'yung tingin ko sa nangyayaring laban sa pag-itan ni Kuya Akira at nung mga lalaki. Dahil sa sinabi ko agad napaharap si Kuya Akira ro'n kay Number 4. He went to him fast but #4 also run to his direction.

They met half way then they started attacking each other again. Ang bilis ng laban nila. Hindi ko alam kung paanong nasasabayan ni Kuya Akira ang ganon kabilis na atake, samantalang hindi naman kami sanay sa mga bayolenteng bagay.

Dahil sa mga atakeng binibitiwan nila ng sabay, ay sabay rin silang natumba. Napapunas si Kuya Akira sa labi niyang pumutok dahil nasuntok siya nung lalaki sa mukha.

I saw how his lips formed into smirk. "You dared..." Mahina at mapanganib na sambit nito, halos nagtaasan ang balahibo sa braso ko dahil sa kabang dala ng dalawang salitang 'yun.

#4 picked up the broken arm of the statue beside him, then he stood up and tun to Akira's direction. Hindi tumayo si Kuya Akira bagkus ay nanatili pa itong nag-aabang sa atake 'nung lalaki habang naka-upo at dumura ng dugo.

"The other guy is also starting to recover, please be careful!" Pagmamakaawa ko.

I just heard him laugh a little. "Worry not, lil Biblee." He uttered in a gentle tone.

But... how can I not worry about his situation?

Malapit na 'yung lalaki sa kinauupuan ni Kuya Akira halos mapapikit ako dahil hahampasin na siya sa ulo 'nung lalaki.

"Kuya Akira!" I shouted in fear. Halos manginig ang buong katawan ko dahil konti na lang talaga, halos nasa ulo na ni Kuya 'yung ihahampas sa kaniya, kaunting-kaunti na lang...

Pero...

Bigla na lang natigil 'yung lalaki, hanggang sa napaatras siya mula sa kinatatayuan, halos hindi maipaliwanag ang pagkalito sa mukha niya kung bakit 'yun nangyari. "Ahhhh!" Biglang sigaw niya, ang sakit ay lubhang maririnig mo sa kaniyang tinig.

Then...

Nabitawan niya 'yung hawak niyang kamay nung estatwa... nabasag 'yun sa harap ni Kuya Akira, kaya nadaplisan siya ng kaunti sa may bandang noo. Hindi niya 'yun pinansin at tiningnan lang 'yung lalaki sa harap niya na sumisigaw sa matinding sakit na hindi ko alam kung anong dahilan.

He feel on his knees... shouting and agonizing the unknown pain... tapos bigla na lang siyang napahiga sa sahig. Halos humampas 'yung ulo niya sa tiles. Then he... vomited blood.

Halos magkulay dugo ang tiles kung nasaan 'yung lalaki... walang emosyon naman siyang tiningnan ni Kuya Akira. Natutop ko ang bibig ko... Ligtas si Kuya...

Agad hinagilap ng mga mata ko 'yung isang lalaki at kagaya 'nung isang lalaki ay nasa lapag na 'to habang nagsusuka ng dugo. Halos ginagapang na niya 'yung sahig para lang nakalapit kay Kuya Akira pero bago n'ya pa magawa 'yun ay nawalan na ito ng malay.

I heard a loud sigh from Kuya Akira, a sign of exhaustion.

Then he fell on his back, looking at the high ceiling of the place.

Saka ko napansin kung paanong ang daming basag na estatwa at salamin dahil sa nangyaring mabilis na labanan nila kanina. Pagkatapos ay halos ang daming bakas ng dugo... ang gulong tingnan ng paligid, parang may dumaang bagyo.

"A-Are you okay, Kuya Akira?" Nauutal na tanong ko.

"Yeah. Just tired..." Pabulong na sagot nito.

"Anong nangyari sa kanila?" Tanong ko. Pero gusto ko na agad bawiin 'yung tanong ko kasi pumikit si Kuya Akira, parang gusto munang huminga at magpahinga.

"Just ask... Thorn." He answered almost out of breath.

I checked his surroundings. Baka kasi may kalaban na naman manganib pa si Kuya. Luckily... walang kahit sinong malapit sa kaniya. Nagulat din ako na nadagdagan na naman 'yung tracker namin sa kalaban.

Looks like Ate Amythee succeeded in putting a tracker on Aldwin.

And Thorn too was successful in putting a tracker for the other players.

"Thorn here." Parang gumaan ang pakiramdam ko nung marinig ko ang mala-anghel na boses ni Thorn. Soft and gentle lang, matapos ang halos hindi ko paghinga kanina sa laban ni Kuya Akira, parang nawala lahat 'yung kaba ko.

"Ikaw ba naglagay ng tracker don sa lima pa?" Tanong ko. Hindi ko siya mamonitor kanina kasi busy ako kay Kuya Akira at Sven.

"Nope. I gave the keep calm trio the tracker earlier when I asked Cleon where they are. Sila naglagay ng tracker don sa tatlo. Then, Amythee succeeded in targeting Aldwin, and I did the last one." Pakiramdam ko nakangiti si Thorn habang pinapaliwanag sa 'kin 'yun.

"Then kay Kuya Akira..." Pabulong na sabi ko.

"Ah, he asked for poisons earlier..." Simula niya. "I gave him the poison that paralyzes the entire body for a day, pero dahil imbento lang namin ni Kuya 'yung bagay na 'yun hindi pa namin alam 'yung side effects, kung may dala lang kaming mga gamot at kung ano ano mula sa laboratory ni Dad, sana hindi na kami gumawa ni Kuya." Natatawang kwento nito.

Doctor si Tito Gwapo kaya marami talagang alam 'tong mga santo namin pagdating sa mga gamot gamot at kung ano ano pa.

"Ah... 'yung epekto ba n'ya, mabilis makita?" Tanong ko.

"Yes, you'll see it right away, after minutes, you won't be able to move if you are infected because of it." He retorted truthfully.

Halos mapasandal ako sa kinauupuan ko. Oh my gosh!

Kung ganon na lang pala kaepektibo 'yung gamot na 'yun, ibig sabihin talagang grabe lang sa lakas 'yung dalawang Elite Seven na nakalaban ni Kuya Akira dahil hindi kaagad ito tumalab! At higit sa lahat ang bilis at ang bigat pa rin nilang lumaban!

"Kaya pala ganun na lang sinabi ni Kuya Akira kanina... that those two were strong and tough." They are, indeed. Elites... they are really scary.

"Four down!" Napalingon ako kay Cleon nang sumigaw 'to at sumuntok sa hangin.

Napakunot noo ako.

I checked the monitor and saw that Pierce is at the top of a high place while looking down on two Elites that are down.

"That was hard..." Narinig kong sabi ni Pierce.

"Pierce! Okay ka lang?" Nag-aalalang tanong ko. Hindi ko nasubaybayan ang laban nito. Tapos nang izoom ko pa sa mukha niya ang kamera ay nakita ko ang nagdudugo nitong braso at may daplis pa sa pisngi.

"Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed looking at him. Parang gusto kong umalis sa kinalalagyan ko ngayon at gamutin si Pierce.

"I'm perfectly fine, Biblee." Natatawang sagot nito sa 'kin.

"You are not!" I countered firmly.

I heard soft laughters. Galing don sa dalawang santo namin.

"I'm fine, seriously, so focus, Biblee." Pierce commanded in a gentle voice.

I could only nod. Then I glanced at Cleon who's looking at me intently. "Don't worry too much." He reminded. Nawawala kasi ako sa focus kapag nag-aalala. Kahit alam ko at tiwala ako sa kakayahan nila, syempre may takot pa rin ako dahil hindi basta basta ang kalaban namin.

"How did Pierce defeat them?" Tanong ko kay Cleon.

"Long range battle. Guns are involve." Sagot nito, halos bumagsak yata ang puso ko sa lupa. I checked Ate Amythee's location. Mabuti na lang opposite ang location n'ya sa nangyaring labanan na 'yun.

"It was tough too... magaling din sa baril 'yung kalaban ni Pierce, dalawa pa sila, kaya may daplis ng bala si Pierce sa braso..." Paliwanag ni Cleon. "Kaya kailangan nang matapos ang laban na 'to." Madiing saad nito.

"I don't want to see them suffering anymore..." Pabulong na imik ni Cleon na sinang-ayunan ko.

Bumalik ang tingin ko monitor.

I checked Sven's location but he's still there. Kung nasaan siya kanina, nandon pa rin s'ya. Tiningnan ko pa rin kasi baka mamaya may ginagawa na pala 'tong plano at kung ano ano pa.

But he's still playing chess... ang kinaibahan lang... nanalo 'yung kulay itim sa puti.

Napakibig balikat na lang ako tapos ay tiningnan muli 'yung nangyayari sa ibang lugar. The trio. Agad kong hinanap kung nasaan 'yung trio.

Nang makita ko sila malapit na rin sa kanila 'yung tatlong dagdag lang at hindi parte ng Elite Seven.

I tried to connect to them but they won't accept it. I zoomed in the camera to Harper because she seemed like mouthing something, and I was right...

"We got this." 'Yun 'yung sabi niya. Kahit sinabi n'ya 'yun I still monitored them, mahirap na.

Dahil nasa taas ng puno si Harper ay napansin kong may kinuha ito mula sa isang sanga. My jaw dropped open when I saw her took out bow and arrows. Tapos ay tumingin s'ya sa papalapit na tatlo.

I saw how she... aimed at one guy.

Then she released the arrow. It flew silently, like it was one with the wind, and with great accuracy, the arrow landed on the leg of one guy. Then she did not waste any time, she also targeted the other two and like the first one, it all hit on the right leg.

Napaupo 'yung tatlo. Hindi pa man sila nakakarecover sa ginawa ni Harper, ay nagulat na lang ako 'nung biglang may tumamang bala sa left leg nung isang lalaki, tapos ay sumunod 'yung isang kasamahan nito, hanggang sa tatlo na silang lupasay sa sahig dahil sa bala.

Mabilis kong kinalkula kung saan galing 'yung bala. Then one spot was accurate enough.

"Art..." Pabulong na sabi ko.

Tapos ay nakita ko kung paano niya ayusin 'yung rifle ng may ngiti sa labi.

Halos magtaasan ang balahibo ko sa braso at batok dahil sa kakaibang ngiti sa labi ni Art. Hindi ko rin akalain na ganoon siya kagaling gumamit ng rifle.

Naagaw ng pansin ko na tumingin si Art ng diretso sa kamera at saka sumenyas sa isang lugar. Halos sumunod ang mga mata ko ng kusa dahil sa simpleng gesture ni Art. There I saw... Honoka slowly lurking to where the three guys are.

Akala ko lalapit siya ng sobra sobra pero hindi. She's using a crossbow. Pero may kung anong kakaiba sa arrow niya. I saw how she shot her crossbow at the three guys without hesitation.

She did it consecutively and accurately. It all landed on their arms.

Goodness. The accuracy of the trio are top notch!

Nawalan ng malay 'yung tatlong lalaki dahil sa ginawa ni Honoka. Halos talunin ni Harper 'yung puno pababa para lang makatapak sa lupa at makapunta ro'n sa tinalo nilang mga kalaban.

Halos sabay nakarating si Honoka at Harper sa kinalalagyan 'nung tatlo. Naglabas 'yung dalawa ng blind fold at saka inilagay sa mata nung mga lalaki. Tapos ay nagtulong silang dalawa na itayo 'yung lalaki.

Inilagay nila 'yun sa may puno. Tapos ay itinali gamit ang lubod at chains.

Hindi ko mapigilan mapangisi dahil sa ginagawa nila. Knocking them unconscious wasn't enough? Gusto talaga nila pahirapan pa nang sobra? Grabe.

Napansin ko na hindi pa rin dumarating si Art kaya tiningnan ko kung nasaan siya, she's still at the top of the building kung saan siya kanina. Nakatutok ang rifle niya kung nasaan ang direksyon nina Harper at Honoka na itinatali 'yung mga napatumba nila sa magkakahiwalay na puno.

Looks like they never put their guards down. Art is protecting Honoka and Harper in case another enemy shows up that's why she's not leaving her post and just observing the surrounding.

These three really knows what they are doing. They came really prepared.

Habang pinapanuod 'yung dalawa sa ginawa nila sa kalaban doon ko napansin na halos mag-gagabi na pala. Hapon sinimulan ang laban na 'to kaya naman hindi na ako nagtakha na halos lampas ilang oras na rin ang lumipas kaya't maggagabi na.

"Everyone, it's getting dark so please be safe." I told them.

Ilang saglit pa ay nakita at napansin ko na merong isang kalaban na malapit na sa isa naming miyembro.

Tinanggal ko ang screen mula sa trio at saka ko inilipat 'yun sa screen kung saan may mag-sisimula na namang laban.

My heart stopped when I saw two people met at one of the rooms in this palace.

"Ate Amythee..."

"Sven..." I heard Cleon muttered under his breath.

***

Luminous Erina's POV

Nangyari na ang kinatatakutan ko.

Si Amythee at Sven ang magkaharap ngayon.

Sabi ko sa sarili ko, kung si Akira at Theon ang haharap kay Sven, malaki ang pag-asa nilang manalo sa larong ito.

The commoners are winning this game. They already brought 7 down from the other team.

Of course, people in the auditorium couldn't believe what was happening, they've showed not just how powerful they are... they also showed how team work, trust, and skills are honed.

But...

With Sven... kahit sampu pa silang natitira at kahit si Sven at Aldwin na lang ang natitira, they could still turn the tables.

Aldwin will be in charge of the physical fight... but Sven... will destroy them.

"So... seven of the useless body guards are already down, huh?" Sven uttered as a matter of factly. Not even bothered a single bit that his men are already down, and there's a possibility that he'll lose this one.

Amythee did not show that she's afraid of him. She crossed her arms but she did not let her guard down. "Really...?" She remarked.

"Let's play, Amythee." Sven told her in a playful voice.

"We are already playing, Sven." Amythee replied, emphasizing his name.

Sven chuckled. I swear, it made my sweat cold.

"Who do you think will win?" Halos mapatalon ako sa kinauupuan ko nung biglang may magsalita!

Akala ko 'yung katabi kong nanunuod lang, pero hindi pala!

"What are you doing here, stick?" The one beside me asked.

Nagkibit balikat si Kellon na nasa likod ko na pala at siya rin 'yung nagtanong kung sino sa tingin ko ang mananalo.

Hindi ako makasagot. Sa totoo lang... hangga't nasa laro pa si Sven... hindi ko masasabing ang mga pasaway ko ang mananalo. Kahit gusto ko na sila ang manalo.

"The commoners are unlucky." Natatawang sambit ni Kellon.

"They are not." Madiing sagot ko.

Tumawa ng marahan si Kellon at saka tumayo mula sa likod ko at tumabi sa isa pang tabi ko, nanatiling tahimik na nakikinig 'yung katabi ko.

On the screen, Amythee and Sven started to have a combat fight. I couldn't focus on their battle because of Kellon.

"Tayo tayo pa ba ang maglolokohan, Luna?" Kellon questioned with sarcasm.

"I trust those commoners." I answered with a firm voice.

Kellon just gave a soft sarcastic chuckle.

"That moment Sven played his chess game... you already know..." Kellon slowly slowly slowly... uttered looking at the screen with watchful eyes.

Napatingin din ako sa screen. Amythee landed some attacks at Sven. I smirked secretly. No... may ibubuga sila. May pagkakataon silang manalo, at hindi lang 'luck' ang dahilan non, kung hindi dahil sa kakayahan nila.

"Tick, tock, tick, tock." Sven started to speak.

Lahat ng manunuod ay natigilan. Maging ako ay natigilan nang husto. Hindi yata ako nakahinga ng ilang segundo.

Damn it!

Sven...

Napatiim bagang ako. Nanlamig ako sa kinauupuan ko.

"Looks like Sven never underestimated his opponents, but instead... he's overestimating them." Kellon commented seriously with a small smile of excitement written on his lips.

"Using that weird countdown of his... will be Amythee's defeat. Kung ako sa kaniya... I'd run out of there... immediately." He said mockingly. Napayukom ako ng kamao.

That bastard Sven!

Iyon ba talaga ang plano n'ya? Ang pabagsakin si Amythee?

"I won't run from that... Sven." Madiing wika ni Amythee, but she's clearly having cold sweat!

"So you know things about the Elite Seven, huh? And more things about me, eh?" Sven ridiculed.

"Luna..." Napalunok ako at napalingon sa isang katabi ko maliban kay Kellon.

"Who do you think will win this game?" He asked while looking on the screen. Ang seryoso n'ya. Nakakapanibago.

Hindi ako makasagot.

"Obviously, Sven will win it." Sagot ni Kellon. Hindi siya pinansin nung katabi ko at nanatiling nanunuod lang.

"If you think that only the commoners have done their research, then you are wrong Luna. Sven won't go into a battle field without preparations." Kellon told me. I know that! Alam ko 'yun! Kaya nga natatakot ako ngayon para kay Amythee!

Agad sumugod si Sven kay Amythee. Nakaiwas si Amythee sa mga suntok sipa at iba't-ibang atake nito. Napapanganga ka na lang kung paanong nakikipagsabayan si Amythee sa bilis ni Sven.

Pero... hindi lahat ay nagagawang iwasan ni Amythee.

"Agh!" She fell on the floor, and blood was slowly flowing from her head. Mukhang napasama ang pagtama ng sipa ni Sven sa ulo ni Amythee kaya siya natumba.

Tumayo pa rin si Amythee kahit kita ko sa kaniya ang sakit. She attacked Sven multiple times and some of her attacks went through, and the result? Sven's side lips are bleeding.

Pinahid 'yun ni Sven at saka niya mabilis na sinampal si Amythee, hindi nakaiwas si Amythee, kaya't bumagsak siya sa sahig.

Halos hindi ako mapakali sa pagkakaupo. Damn! Gusto kong sumugod sa loob ng screen dahil sa nangyari kay Amythee.

Mabilis kumilos si Amythee at pinatid si Sven. He fell down on the floor because of her move. Then instead of standing up and preparing another combat fight with her... he looked at her emotionlessly.

I saw how Amythee felt intimidated by him.

Gusto ko nang isuntok sa hangin ang kamao kong kanina pa nakayukom pero hindi ko magawa.

Si Amythee...

Kahit hindi man sabihin ng buong grupo... si Amythee ang hindi pa handa sa ganito at alam nilang lahat 'yun. Hindi ko alam ang kwento o ang buong pangyayari noon, pero Amythee... seems like... she has a trauma.

Amythee don't like violence. Kaya kahit umaatake siya ngayon kay Sven, meron pa ring pag-hohold back na baka makasakit siya ng husto. Kahit matapang siya, meron pa ring parte sa kaniya na takot at hindi kilala ang sarili niya.

Amythee's the center of their group.

All of them are always obeying Theon... not because he is their leader, but because they know that he is protecting all of them, especially Amythee. At malakas at matatag si Theon dahil kay Amythee.

At masasabi ko ring si Theon ang pinakamalakas sa grupo at si Theon ang may kakayahang pantayan si Sven ngayon... pero... kung ang lakas ni Theon na si Amythee... ang mawawala...

Damn it...

Amythee please...

Hindi ko alam kung magagawa pa ni Theon na lumaban.

Mukhang alam ni Sven ang mga bagay na 'yun mula sa pagkalap niya ng impormasyon, kaya si Amythee ang pinuntirya niya.

Napakalaking tuso mo talaga, Sven!

Naglabas si Sven ng baril, at makikita mo sa mata ni Amythee ang matinding gulat at takot. Halos umatraas ito mula sa pagkakalagpak sa sahig at lumayo kay Sven na may baril.

Mas matindi ang bigat ng paghinga niya ngayon kaysa kanina.

Sven fired the gun to the chandelier. Umalingawngaw ang putok ng bala, at nabasag ang ilang chandelier.

"Ahh!" Amythee screamed in fear, she covered her ears and hugged her knees. Her fierce eyes earlier started to sparkle because of her tears.

Dumilim ang paligid at tanging ilaw na lang sa lugar ay 'yung maliliit na ilaw na nasa pader.

Ilang saglit pa ay biglang may isang aninong lumitaw sa lugar.

Si Theon please...

Munting hiling ko.

Ngunit ang pag-asa kong 'yun ay biglang gumuho nang makita ko 'yung isang lalaking parte ng Elite Seven. (Number 5).

Sumenyas si Sven na lapitan siya nung lalaki. Tahimik naman ang ginagawang pag-iyak ni Amythee habang nakasandal sa pader, pilit na itinatago ang sarili kahit wala siyang pagtataguan.

"Huh?!" Gulat na sigaw ng mga manunuod dahil sa ginawa ni Sven.

Sinuntok niya 'yung lalaking kakampi niya. "Master..." nahihirapang sambit nung lalaki, pero ang tinig nito'y nagmamakaawa.

Patuloy siyang binugbog ni Sven hanggang sa magsuka na ito ng dugo.

Ang impit na iyak ni Amythee ay nagsimulang malakas.

She kept covering her ears, as if she's hearing screams and sharp sounds she doesn't want to hear. She's also shaking her head in fear. Her hands are clasped while shaking. Kitang kita mo 'yung kakaibang takot na nararamdaman niya.

Damn! She's having an attack! Paniguradong may kinalaman 'yung trauma niya rito!

Habang patuloy na binubugbog ni Sven kung kakampi niya. Patuloy ako sa pagdadasal na dumating na si Theon bago pa mahuli ang lahat.

Muling binunot ni Sven ang baril niya at itinutok 'yun kay Amythee.

"T-Tama na... please..." Umiiyak at natatarantang imik ni Amythee. Sven just laughed at her.

He fired the gun at the wall near Amythee. Halos mapatalon si Amythee dahil sa putok ng baril. Halos sabunutan na niya ang sarili niya dahil sa matinding takot. Mas lalong lumakas ang kaniyang iyak.

Parang may kung ano sa puso ko na nahihirapan akong huminga ngayon dahil sa ipinapakita ni Amythee.

I know she's strong... but seeing her like this... it's heartbreaking.

"T-Tita..." Halos pasigaw na iyak niya na nakapagpakunot ng noo ko.

"Tito..." She's almost out of breath while crying. Her eyes desperately asking for help.

Hindi ko na yata kayang tingnan si Amythee na hirap na hirap. Kaya napalingon ako sa katabi ko.

"Fuck." Kitang kita ko kung paano niyang sabihin 'yun, at kung paano siyang napatiim bagang.

Napahawak ako sa kamay niyang nakapormang kamao.

"E-Eon..." Nauutal na imik ko sa pangalan niya.

"Told you, Luna... The commoners are gonna lose this..." Narinig kong sambit ni Kellon pero hindi ko siya nilingon.

Nagulat ako nang halos parang gusto nang tumayo ni Eon sa kinauupuan niya kaya naman napalingon ako sa screen.

Nakita ko kung paanong itutok ni Sven ang baril niya... hindi kay Amythee, kung hindi ro'n sa lalaking binugbog niya kanina.

"Look at this, Amythee." Sven told her. Lumapit siya kay Amythee. At niyakap ito mula sa likod. Nagpumiglas si Amythee habang umiiyak, pero nawalan ito ng lakas nang ipakita ni Sven ang baril na hawak niya rito.

He trailed the gun on Amythee's face, and she was trembling the whole time Sven was doing that!

"Sven... is one of the most cruel monster in this school, you should have known that, Luna..." Kellon told me. Mas lalo lang nakadagdag ng tensyon spang sinasabi ni Kellon.

"You know that already... that moment, he played chess..." He said in a whisper tone.

Then he made Amythee hold the gun. Sobrang panginginig ng kamay ni Amythee habang hawak niya ang baril, at hinawakan ni Sven ang kamay nito para hindi ito ganoong manginig.

He pointed the gun at the member of the Elite Seven. Amythee couldn't do anything but follow Sven's hand.

Hawak kasi ni Sven ang kamay ni Amythee na may hawak na baril.

"The commoners are already caught in his game." Kellon stated seriously as Sven positioned themselves to shoot the guy.

"Noooo!" Amythee cried hysterically.

But Sven was merciless. He pulled the trigger and the loud bang echoed as the Elite Seven member fell on the floor bloodily.

"S-Silhoueeee!" Amythee cried hopelessly as she run out of Sven's embrace, and went to the guy who was drowning in his own blood.

Bago pa man makarating si Amythee don sa lalaki ay natigilan na ito na ito dahil sa dugo. Nawalan na yata ng lakas ang tuhod niya, unti unti ay halos bumagsak na siya sa sahig pero may isang braso na nakasalo sa kaniya.

"Forgive me, Amythee... I'm late."

Halos tumayo ako at sumuntok sa hangin dahil sa wakas! Damn it! Shiiit!

Finally!

Theon appeared!

I was rejoicing because of Theon when suddenly I heard Eon's voice.

"This is one of the reasons why we never wanted to appear in their lives again..." I heard the pain and sadness in his tone.

"Eon..." I mumbled.

"Amythee's trauma? It's because of us..." He continued...

"But you know what?" Biglang sambit niya. Tapos ay lumingon sa akin, at kay Kellon.

"Those commoners you call..." Eon said with conviction.

"They will win this game, you Crowned Jerk named Kellon." The tone he used was so sure. It was firm, it was powerful.

"Why are you so sure about their win?" Natatawang sambit ni Kellon kay Eon.

"Because..." Pabitin na sambit ni Eon. Then he moved near Kellon and I.

"I am Leoniael Rebel..." He smirked playfully... I felt so much tension and aura.

Siguradong ramdam na ramdam din 'yun ni Kellon.

"...and Leoniael Rebel, never once lost in a game of bets and gambles."

***

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