Chapter 28
Clandestine Stares
Good morning! Please check your email asap. I sent you a file summarizing all the lessons you've missed for the past weeks. Take care, you three!
A small smile rests on my lips.
I glance once again at the screen of my ID. It's a message from Rina, not my innovative device, but Rina from my section back in Immortal City.
She really is the best class president.
Hindi siya nakakalimot na bigyan kami nila Kaoru at Ione ng update kung ano na ba ang nangyayari sa section namin. Despite having her own workload, she still manages to keep us posted. I have to thank her when we go back and have regular classes again in Immortal City.
We have three weeks left until the end of Level 1. The first two weeks were insufferable with the bullying and all. It was like everyone was against us when it should be a competition between schools. I can't wait for this level to end. Though I don't intend to lose, I just hate the animosity directed toward us. Especially toward Luna. She doesn't deserve any of this.
Unang araw ngayon ng pangatlong linggo. Katulad ng regular classes, Lunes hanggang Biyernes ay nandito kami sa pseudo-school ng Di Com. Nasa sa amin kung paano namin gusto palipasin ang Sabado at Linggo. Pwedeng umuwi muna kami sa kani-kanya naming bahay, pwede rin naman na manatili nalang dito.
We in Nameless Organization decided to stay during Saturdays to train, then go visit our homes every Sunday.
Kumpara sa ibang school, kailangan na kailangan namin ng training. I guess it's common knowledge that Division's Competition requires participants to excel not just mentally but physically as well. And with all the bullying we've endured, I'm in desperate need of a power-up.
Tuwing Sabado, kitang-kita ang kaibahan ng mga kilalang school. They no longer need to stay and use their time to train. They're all probably well-trained already.
Ang kapansin-pansin na wala tuwing Sabado at Linggo ay ang kasalukuyang top three ngayon sa rankings—Northvale, Rivendell, and Easton—which I am grateful for because I don't have to look at Easton boys' smug faces.
But today is Monday.
Kaya ngayon ay nasa bus kaming tatlo ni Zairus at Luna papuntang Immortal City where personnel from the Administration will fetch us. Madaling araw palang at kakaunti palang ang mga pasahero. Nasa tatluhan kami, si Luna sa may bintana, ako sa gitna, at si Zairus sa may aisle.
"Ano sa tingin mo ang first clue?" mahinang tanong ko kay Zairus, alalay na hindi magising si Luna na ngayon ay nakasandal sa balikat ko, malapit na tumulo ang laway.
"No idea," sagot niya. "But they will probably reveal it first thing in the morning or later this evening."
They probably will.
Last week, Ethan and Evan explained what we should expect from Level 1. The course of this level is dependent on three clues that they will give us. And in order to obtain the clues, we have to reach the target points needed.
Kada clue ay mayroon kaming isang linggo para makuha.
'Three will end one.'
Iyon ang huling sinabi nila Ethan at Evan matapos ipaalala na ang Level 1 ay 'still a race'. I don't know how it's a race when we're all given the same time span to acquire a clue.
Our points exist to determine our eligibility to gain clues.
The first clue is worth 100 points. Based on the current rankings, all 17 schools have more than a hundred points. Which means we all get to know the first clue.
The second clue is worth 1000 points and will be attainable in the fourth week.
The third clue is worth 1500 points and will be attainable in the fifth and final week of Level 1.
Maraming paraan para makakuha ng points. Kada perfect score sa quizzes, assignments, o tests ay katumbas ng 10 points. Tamang sagot sa recitation ay may katumbas na 1 point. Pero gaya ng sinabi ni Ethan at Evan, kung gusto namin ng malaking points, kailangan namin manalo sa mga duel. At nangyayari lang naman 'yon tuwing PE class. Ang isang panalo ay may katumbas na 50 points.
However, there is an alternative if physical fight isn't your strong suit. Every week, 150 points are granted to the top student in academics, 100 points to the second, and 50 points to the third.
I am pleased to say that Zairus Demafelix earned us 300 points in two weeks for being the top student.
At hindi lang 'yan, Cenon is third overall kaya may additional 100 points pa.
Ayon nga lang, Easton ang second. Pero okay lang dahil si Seine naman 'yon. He's been a good friend to Luna despite the competition.
It's not always gaining points though. We are still in danger of losing points when given a demerit. And lately... we're constantly losing points.
A familiar color flash in my peripheral vision causing me to snap out of my thoughts.
Dahan-dahan akong humarap kay Zairus bago nagtanong. "Hindi ba delikado ang ginagawa mo? Paano kung may makakita?"
"Nang alin?"
"You and your recollection."
"I'm not trying to remember as of the moment."
"Then why are you like that?"
"What do you mean?"
I'm not sure if it was worry, confusion, or fear that registers in his eyes when I say, "Your eyes are red."
•—⊶◈⊷—•
"In case you guys arrive first, wait for me before you go to class," is what Xaniel said to me and Luna before we all left Immortal City earlier.
Nauna nga kami ni Luna makarating sa Academy—what I decided to call Di Com's pseudo-school. Like Xaniel instructed, we're waiting for him at the entrance before we go to class. He doesn't want to admit it but ever since the bullying, Xaniel has been extra caring and protective of Luna and me... in his own way at least.
Matagal-tagal din kaming naghintay ni Luna bago maistorbo ang pananahimik namin.
"Waiting for your shield?" I hear someone say from my back. When I look behind me, I'm greeted by the person I arguably hate the most.
Dylan Wright is leaning on the wall with his arms crossed, looking as stuck-up as ever.
I choose to ignore him.
"Surely it wouldn't hurt to speak with me to kill time," he says and I sense him walk toward us. He moves close enough for us to know he wants to be seen. "Good morning, Luna," he croons while smiling, "our favorite wild card."
Hindi maipinta ang mukha ngayon ni Luna dahil sa sinabi ni Dylan. I can tell his presence makes her really uncomfortable. And since the bullying, mas naging tahimik si Luna kumpara dati.
Dylan appears to be dejected by Luna's lack of response. "I guess you're as cold as Celestine here. If you could only see how your best friend glares at me right now, it's a real turn on."
"Fuck off," mariin kong sabi at mas pinanlisikan siya ng mata. Pero bahagya lang siyang natawa na mas ikina-inis ko.
I really want to skin him alive right now but I'm holding myself back dahil ayokong mabawasan na naman ang points namin if I go to detention. And lately, we've had lots of it.
The sound of an engine running catches my attention. Napatingin kaming dalawa ni Dylan sa paparating na limousine. In my mind, I pray that it's Xaniel or really just anyone from Nameless Organization.
I wait with hopeful eyes and my prayer is answered when Van and Xaniel get off the limo. The frown on Xaniel's face is evident when he walks in our direction.
I'm startled when I feel Dylan's breath on my neck. "Remember, my offer still stands," he whispers to my ear. "You're always welcome to visit Easton's dormitory." With that, he smirks before he takes a step to leave.
Inalala ko ang sinabi niya sa'kin noong first day of classes sa Academy. He asked me to be part of his collection and in exchange, he'll make things easier for Immortal City.
I shiver at the memory.
"What was that?" Xaniel asks as soon as we are one meter apart. "Did he threaten you?"
I must have looked so horrified for Xaniel to think that way with concern in his eyes.
"No, he didn't," I reply, "just the usual taunts."
He looks me in the eye before asking, "Are you sure?"
I manage a smile and a nod to convince him.
"How about you, Luna? Are you okay?"
Tumango si Luna at atubiling ngumiti. "I'm fine, Xaniel."
"Then let's go before we're late for class."
"How about Julien?" I ask Van because Julien is her classmate. "Don't you have to wait for her?"
"Nah," he replies, "that girl can handle herself better than I can."
And he's probably right.
As soon as we walk past the gate of the Academy, I keep in mind not to call them by their names anymore. We learned the hard way that every point matter and we can't risk having demerits anymore.
Tahimik ang daan namin ngayon papunta sa room namin. Hindi katulad ng mga nakaraang araw kung saan madalas ay binabato kami ng kung ano-ano. It sucks.
Wala namang nakalagay sa rule book na bawal ang bullying. Ang ipinagbabawal lang ay ang physical assault outside the ring—and by ring means the area where we fight during P.E. class. Kaya naman madalas ay kami lang ang nabibigyan ng demerit sa pagpatol namin sa mga pambubulas na ginagawa ng ibang school.
It may be placid, but I still feel the tension in the air, still hear the whispers from the crowd, still see the eyes that shoot daggers in our direction.
"I'll go ahead," sabi ni Van nang makarating na kami nila Luna at Xaniel sa room namin.
"Keep safe, Twelve," bulong ni Luna.
Van smiles at her and it's probably the first time I've seen a real smile from him. "Don't worry about me, girl. You keep yourself safe." He taps Xaniel's shoulder and says something. I wouldn't be able to hear it if I wasn't paying attention. "Keep them safe."
"I will," Xaniel replies.
Pagpasok namin sa room ay halatang panandaliang tumahimik ang paligid. Ano pa nga ba? Katulad ng mga nakaraang araw, iba pa rin ang tingin nila sa amin.
Dumiretso na si Xaniel sa likuran at ihinatid ko naman si Luna sa sarili niyang pwesto. Tuwing Lunes ay hindi ko siya pwedeng tabihan dahil maraming subject sa ganitong araw na by pair ang activities. At dahil nga pinalipat ako ng isang bwisit na teacher noong unang araw, hindi si Luna ang partner ko. Isa pa, tuwing Lunes, ang first class na teacher namin ay ang bwisit na si Sir Valdez.
"Good morning, Luna," bati ni Seine na sinuklian naman ni Luna ng ngiti.
"Good morning," sabi ni Luna at naupo sa upuan niya.
To me, Seine nods an acknowledgment, "Celestine."
Seine is one of the few students I decided to trust. Panatag ang loob ni Luna sa kanya at nakikita ko naman na talagang inaalalayan niya si Luna.
I smile. "I'll have to count on you again today to take care of my best friend."
He gives me a charming smile only his face can pull off. "So the usual?" he jokes. "Don't worry, I got you two."
"Thank you, Seine. Really."
He looks quite taken aback as if stunned by my sincerity. "Don't mention it."
Bago ako pumunta sa likuran kung saan ako nakapwesto, sinigurado ko muna na maayos na si Luna.
He's here.
Daimon Clyde.
He's on his seat, looking at me while I walk to my place next to him. He never tried to talk to me though. After what happened last P.E. class, he didn't try to get close to me. He just looks at me from a distance, and when I get close he turns away. Like what's happening now when I sit on my seat.
Hindi ko pa rin siya magawang mapatawad sa ginawa niya kay Kaven. I know it's a competition and it has always been dangerous, but he told me he didn't care about any of it. Pero tignan mo kung anong nangyari. Kaven is bedridden in the infirmary. Hindi nakauwi si Kaven sa kanila dahil hindi pa maayos ang kalagayan niya.
I still blame Daimon for it.
But my anger isn't directed toward him anymore. Hindi ko alam bakit hindi ko kayang magalit sa kanya ng matagal. Ang daming rason para kamuhian ko siya pero sa 'di malamang dahilan, hindi ko kaya. I want to hate him but I can't. And that makes me hate myself.
Mabuti nalang ay madalas siyang wala sa klase. Siya lang yata ang nagpapababa ng points ng Easton dahil sa pag-absent niya. I don't know how the rest of Easton's chosen twelve feel about his numerous absences. I guess it's complicated. Tanda kong sinabi ni Seine na hindi naman talaga matagal na nag-aaral si Daimon sa Easton.
Another thing to hate: I don't know who he is, yet I feel like I know him. He makes me feel like I should know him.
"Settle down," rinig kong sabi ng bagong dating na si Sir Valdez bago tumahimik ang klase.
Inayos ni Sir ang salamin niya at tinignang mabuti ang tablet na hawak niya. Napahawak siya sa namumuti niyang buhok at huminga ng malalim.
"Today I'm going to discuss cryptography," the middle-aged teacher says. "This isn't part of our syllabus, but the Administration instructed me to give a short discussion."
Cryptography? Ito ba 'yung parang mga secret message?
"The process of writing and reading it, Number Six."
"It's really nice to have you on my side, Rina."
"As do I, Number Six."
"As participants of this competition, I assume all of you know a thing or two about cryptography. Or even already proficient in enciphering and deciphering codes." I look at my classmates' faces and their bored expression indicates they already know about the topic.
This is bad. I don't know a thing about it.
"Give an example of ciphers you know about," sabi ni Sir Valdez at may ilan na nagtaas ng kamay. "Miss Abrera."
What? Even Tammy knows about it?
"The easy ones I know of are Atbash cipher, Caesar cipher, Baconian, and Polybius Square."
What the hell are those?
"Good," puri ni Sir Valdez at may isinulat sa board. "Now," sabi niya habang nagsusulat, "based on Miss Abrera's answer, can anyone identify what kind of cipher this is."
Nakasulat sa board ang kung ano-anong letra na hindi ko masyadong binigyan ng pansin. Sa halip ay pinagmasdan ko ang mga kaklase ko na mariin ang tingin sa board. Ang iba ay kumuha ng scratch paper at nagsulat.
"Rina, alam mo ba kung ano 'to?"
"Sorry, Number Six. I can no longer assist you from this point."
Ack. Nakalimutan ko na hindi nga pala kami pwede tulungan ng ID during class.
Ngayon ay pinagmasdan ko na ng maigi ang nakasulat sa board.
znoy oy gt kdgsvrk ul igkygx iovnkx
This is . . .
"It's a Caesar cipher," sagot ng isang estudyante ng Northvale.
"Correct," sabi ni Sir Valdez.
Strange.
I've never heard of the term "Caesar cipher" before. But looking at the text on the board, somehow I know that this is an example of Caesar cipher.
"And what does this cipher say?" tanong ni Sir Valdez sa sumagot.
"The cipher translates to: this is an example of caesar cipher."
Bigla akong nanlamig sa narinig ko. Those are my exact words.
I don't know why but I don't feel good about this.
"Very good," sabi ni Sir Valdez at nagsimula ulit magsulat sa board. "Though all of you might know how that came to be, I'll still explain it. The letters I wrote on the board are the substitute letters for this is an example of caesar cipher."
plain: this is an example of caesar cipher
cipher: znoy oy gt kdgsvrk ul igkygx iovnkxz
"Caesar cipher is a simple substitution cipher. The text I encrypted, or the plain text, is shifted six places down the alphabet. The result is the gibberish I wrote earlier."
Nagpagpag ng kamay si Sir Valdez bago nagpatuloy.
"What I showed you is a very simple cipher. Now what I'm about to show you is one of the unsolved ciphers found hundreds of years ago. It has been decrypted to some point, but even the decrypted text is hard to understand. Based on the structure, however, it surely suggests something."
May pinindot si Sir Valdez at biglang may nag-flash na image sa board.
"This is the decrypted text."
There was a sharp intake of breath beside me and then I hear Daimon mutter to himself. "Fucking Ahn ri," he says.
But my focus is nolonger with him because my eyes are now glued to the image on the board,tracing every written letter. And suddenly I feel like crying.
iaskar ri ielmarai hania ad ielma hania damih sa nandra
"I don't expect any of you to understand this—"
"To kill is to not know love and to know love only too well."
I don't know what I feel or what to feel.
The sound of my own voice is too loud for me that it's deafening.
"What did you say?" Sir Valdez wears a troubled expression.
I don't know why but I say it again, slower, softer than before. "To kill is to not know love... and to know love only too well."
I feel all eyes land on me. I now have everyone's attention. Like before, they look at me with confusion and unease. And for some reason, I look at the person beside me.
He's not smiling like before. Instead, his eyes are wide, his lips slightly parted, like he couldn't believe what's happening. And like he waited for it to happen.
And again, I feel like crying.
pain
loss
power
grief
passion
I feel the need to get these extreme emotions off my chest.
I am so consumed by sentiment that I almost didn't hear Sir Valdez.
"Where did that come from, Miss Demafelix?" he asks. His face is intense, as if he's outraged by what I said. "I said where did that come from—!"
"That's quite enough, Sir Valdez."
Lahat ng mata ay napatingin sa may pintuan kung saan may isang mukhang binatang lalaki na nakatayo. He's wearing a black suit, his tie a dark shade of red. He smiles with the corner of his eyes. His hair has the same color as mine, deep brown.
My eyes go wide in recognition.
I know him.
Mukhang hindi lang ako ang nabigla sa dumating na bisita. Halos lahat ng mga kaklase ko ay gano'n din. Hindi rin maitatanggi ang gulat sa mukha ni Sir Valdez.
Pero anong ginagawa niya rito?
I've never seen him in person, only in pictures.
I see him in the old photos in our school. I see him on the walls of our principal's office. I see him in Teacher Sparks' silence.
"He is the current head of the Administration, Number Six."
What?
This guy?
No way.
How did that happen?
One of Immortal City's previous Number Nine, the one who named Nameless Organization.
Mitsuru Aoki is standing before me.