Detective Nico Yukishito stood near the entrance, leaning against the wall. Mula sa pwesto niya, madali niyang naoobserbahan ang lahat ng mga panauhin. His eyes scanned the room, alert and aware that if their plan fails, these people would be in danger. 'Who knows what that Heartless Killer has up his sleeves?' Marami nang nahawakan at napag-aralang kaso si Nico, ngunit ito ang pinaka-brutal na kaganapan ng serial killings sa Eastwood.
Well, aside from that Black Ribbon Killer a few months ago. But he thinks it's more of a "paranormal" event. Unfortunately, hindi mahilig ang binatang detective sa mga ganoon. It's stupid and illogical.
Nico took in a deep breath and studied the masked faces surrounding him. 'Mukhang isang eleganteng zoo. Tsk! It's a shame that the admin didn't even think of a better theme,' isip-isip niya't sinilip ang relo. "What's taking her so long?" Napasimangot siya sa kanyang wrist watch. It's Elmo designed face did nothing to assure him. Chilidish, yes. But his patience is running thin. Hindi pa rin tumatawag sa kanya si Scorpio.
'Paano namin mahuhuli ang Heartless Killer nito? Tsk.'
Ibinalik na lang ni Nico ang kanyang mga mata sa kumpulan ng mga bisita. He could still recognize a few persons behind those stupid masks. Flashes of everything came flooding in his head again. Napupuno na naman ang mental storage cabinet niya, nag-uumapaw ang mga impormasyon at alaala. "Damn Sherlock, I hate this." Mahina niyang mura sabay pikit ng mga mata. He was itching to take off his own stupid mask, but it was no use. Kailangan niyang maki-"blend in" sa kanila, o else he'll look suspicious.
Just then, he heard someone talking in monologue.
Nang magmulat siya ng mga mata, napansin ni Nico ang isang lalaking naka-white suit, may kausap ito sa telepono.
'Calling someone at a time like this? Weird.' Nang akmang lalapitan na sana niya ang lalaki, bigla siyang hinarangan ng dalawang babae. Their gowns were fitted, showing off enough skin and curves. The black-haired girl wearing a cat mask offered him a glass of wine.
"It looks like you need some company, handsome. Want a drink?"
"Yeah! We'd love to chat with you." The blonde girl wearing a sheep mask giggled.
These two are clearing trying to flirt with him.
'What in the name of Sherlock? I don't have time for this!' Nico shook his head. Napasimangot siya sa likod ng kanyang maskara. "How can you tell I'm handsome when you can't even see my face? That's an immature conclusion, ladies."
"Immature? Oh my, handsome. You're hurting our feelings!"
"Yeah! And we thought you were a gentleman!"
Then, they both giggled.
Nico sighed. This is exactly the reason why he doesn't want to be associated with the female species. Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng isang imbestigasyon for Sherlock's sake!
"Look, I need to go. Enjoy your evening, ladies." At naglakad na siya papalayo sa kanila. Habang pasimpleng inoobserbahan ang paligid, nabigla si Nico nang may bumunggo sa kanya.
"S-Sorry po."
His eyes found the man in the white suite. The deer mask unmistakable. Nico's eyes immediately followed the weird man as he scrambled off, hurrying towards a certain direction. Masama ang kutob niya sa isang 'yon, at madalas laging tama ang instincts ni Nico. 'He seems familiar.' Pero mahirap itong makumpirma dahil sa suot rin nitong maskara. Stupid masquerade.
Nang dumako ang mga mata ni Nico sa sahig, agad na kumunot ang kanyang noo nang makitang may puting envelope sa kanyang paanan. He picked it up and studied it. "A letter? Did that man leave this on purpose?" Things are getting even more mysterious. Kailangan na nilang mahuli ang Heartless Killer. Hindi maganda ang pakiramdam niya sa mga mangyayari ngayong gabi.
Sa kabila ng maingay na kwentuhan ng mga bisita at musikang pumapailanlang sa event hall, narinig ni Nico ang mahinang tunog ng mga nabasag na wineglasses.
The sound resonated throughout the air, reaching his sharp ears.
Mabilis niyang binulsa ang puting envelope. He spoke into the wireless communication device, hoping that nothing bad happened to her.
"Nova? Any updates?"
Pero imbes na boses ng dalaga ang sumagot, narinig ni Nico ang baritonong boses ni Atty. Lelouch San Andres. Nico's eyes widened, his hands curled into fists. 'No, no, no! Damn it! This isn't suppose to happen!' Mabilis niyang tinahak ang daan papunta sa sentro ng ballroom, kung saan niya narinig ang ingay kanina.
Nova could be in danger!
"Damn, Sherlock! Sino bang nagsabing madaling maging detective?!"
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