MATTHEW'S POV
We got back to the mansion. Once I was in, I swayed back and forth before placing a hand on the door.
Samuel sighed and combed his messy hair back, flattening it in the process. "What was that about?"
I closed my eyes. "No idea."
We managed to arrive with no injuries nor anyone following us again. Thank goodness for that. I don't think I was up for another stalking and escaping.
It wasn't even a week when I started joining the elites and a lot had already happened. Both my mind and body couldn't take it anymore.
"I want a bath." I said. When I saw the pink beverage and round brown snacks, I decided to give these to the girls first.
We walked further into the living room to see Ashley watching television and Samantha playing with her hair. They heard us walked in and eyed us up and down.
"Why are you guys late? Also, why do you look so tired? And why-" Ashley paused and sniffed the air around us. She pinched her nose and grunted. "Ew! You guys smell! What happened to the both of you?"
Samuel and I glanced at each other. We already thought of the same thing.
"Oh, we realized we were late and ran all the way here. As you can see, we're sweaty." Samuel smiled and lied like it was the truth he's saying. Ashley believed him because of how smooth Samuel said that.
"Anyways, I bought you cookies." Samuel gave her the paper bag. Ashley thanked him and took a bite. She looked like she was enjoying the cookie.
Samantha pouted and stared at Ashley in envy, also wanting something. I remembered the strawberry smoothie I was holding and cleared my throat. I walked up to Samantha, and without eye contact, I gave her the smoothie.
I could see Samantha lit up like Christmas lights upon seeing what I had for her. The look on her face was one of the reasons why I bought this smoothie. Whenever she smiled, something deep in my stomach would explode like fireworks, and I could feel myself getting happy and my cheeks warming up.
"T-Thanks, Matthew!" She exclaimed and took the smoothie. She plunged the straw into the hole and took a sip. Her eyes widened and I could see them twinkling. There was it again, the strange feeling when she was happy. It made me happy too, but there was something else hidden behind that happiness. "T-This is really g-good. Where did you b-buy it?"
"Well, there's a cafe nearby called Beanylicious cafe. Wanna go there sometimes?"
Samantha blushed at the invite. And to be honest, I just blurted the words out. I added to avoid the rising awkwardness. "I-I mean... If you want to."
Samantha smiled shyly and nodded. "I-I'd love to."
"Okay!" Samuel shouted and went between us. "Sorry, Sammy. But you don't mind if big brother borrows Matthew for a while, right?"
I stifled a laugh. 'Sammy?'
Samantha puffed her cheeks and looked away. "I-I don't mind. I'll just finish t-this smoothie then!"
Samuel brought me up the stairs and into my room. He checked outside to make sure no one's listening. Deciding it was clear, he closed the door. He sat on my bed and face-planted on my pillow.
'Is this my room or his?'
I waited for him to speak up first. Samuel sat back up after suffocating himself with the pillow. We stared at each other. Samuel broke the silence. "The others can't know."
"Agreed, the principal already has his hands full on figuring out who started the rumor. I wouldn't want to add on his problems and worry the other elites." I said and Samuel nodded.
"But we're still discussing why that man chased us." Samuel pointed out.
"To be honest... I also don't know why he did that. I never did anything bad in my entire life!"
"Me neither. The worst I have done were pranks."
The two of us gave it more thought, rummaging our minds to what could be the reason why that man ought to follow us.
Then, I recalled something. "Hey... Did you hear his conversation on the phone?"
Samuel shook his head. "Nope, I was too busy fearing for my life and wishing he'd leave us alone."
Understandable. "I heard him say that he lost us, especially the main target." I quoted. "So originally, they intend to capture only one of us."
The two of us went back to our staring contest. Samuel squinted his eyes, he was probably suspicious of me. "What did you do, Matthew?"
I blinked and my eyebrows furrowed. "Me? What about you?" I pointed at him. He placed a hand on his chest and spoke, "I never did anything that would get me followed! So, what about you?"
"Well, I didn't do anything either!" I crossed my arms.
"Are you sure?" Samuel pressed further.
"Yes!"
Samuel leaned back on the bed and sighed. "Then what was that about? Did that man just think that 'Oh look, I see two high school boys. I'll just play around with them and pretend that I'm a bad guy. Also, I'll act like I'm working for someone. Tee-hee, it's gonna be so funny'. Samuel made his voice a pitch higher. It would've been funny if only the chilling experience didn't give me goosebumps after remembering it.
I knew there was a reason behind it. When that man was in range where I could feel his dreadful aura, that same spot with the pink rash acted up. I still didn't know what it meant, nor where that weird circle came from. It just appeared out of the blue.
"Whatever the reason..." I looked out the window. There was the same blurry crescent-like yesterday night. The sky was still covered in clouds, making the moon hard to see. "We should be careful. Who knows when that guy might do that again - following us. As you said, someone can achieve their goals if they're determined."
Samuel was quiet, his lips formed a thin line. He stood up and walked closer to me. He also stared out the window. His eyes were stern and I almost heard a captain speak when he said, "Then let's see how determined they are. If the other doesn't wish to back down, you'll need more than determination."
I studied Samuel. At times, you would see him act like a normal high schooler, playing jokes, and studying hard. But what they didn't know that Samuel had another side to him - the serious and captain-like. It seemed like mister Angelo made the right choice to promote Samuel as the captain. He had seen what he was capable of - not only in skills but also in mind. The potential that he possessed was remarkable.
'That's right, I could never amount up to him.'
I balled my hand into a fist. 'But that doesn't mean I can't try.'
"Oh, that's right." Samuel's serious demeanor disappeared. "Even if it's the weekend tomorrow, we still have to go down the Night Fog Forest. So make sure to get a good night's sleep." He patted my back and grinned. "Also, you need a bath. You stink."
I pushed him out of my room after that comment. I could hear laughter from the other side of the door with a "Good night!"
I shook my head and smiled. He really was something. I proceeded to go inside the bathroom. I took my school uniform off and turned the faucet on to fill the tub with water. As I waited for it to fill up, my eyes drifted to the mirror above the sink and onto the reflection of my back. I turned a little bit to my side to get a better view of it. I noticed the spot was a little bit darker than the last time I checked it. It was still color pink, but it was now more defined and more pinkish.
'Uh-oh, is it getting worse? Should I consult a doctor?'
I snapped back to the tub that was overflowing with water. I rushed to turn the faucet off, almost slipping in the process. I immersed myself in the warm water. It allowed my muscles to relax after a long stressful day. I relished the peace, not knowing when I could enjoy it again. But my mind drifted off to the event earlier.
'That man wasn't alone. He may be the only one assigned to track us down, but he is working for somebody. And that somebody wants either me or Samuel dead. I think he isn't a normal kidnapper who takes high school kids. Kidnappers don't make that kind of growl.'
I kept thinking about it, but it resulted in a headache.
Fifteen minutes later, I decided that I should get out of the tub. Wrapping and drying myself with a towel, I dug through my closet for something to wear. I chose a plain white t-shirt and blue shorts that reached past my knees. I plopped on my bed, face down. I snuggled my pillow closer. I was about to drift off to sleep when something vibrated. It was my phone.
I picked it up and checked who it was. My mom's profile popped up. I sat upright, sleep leaving me and it was replaced with worry, happiness, and guilt. I opened her message.
'Matthew... Please... Answer me...'
I covered my mouth. Mom was so worried about me. I was so busy with elite stuff that I forgot about her. I scolded myself for that.
I typed back.
'I'm here, mom.'
A few seconds after the message was sent, she called me. My phone rang its ringtone. The ringtone was my favorite song - Believer by Imagine Dragons.
First things, first, I'mma say all the words inside my head, I'm fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oooh~
My ringtone kept going. I was just staring at my screen. I didn't want to talk to mom, but I missed her so much. I also didn't want to break the news of me being an elite and doing dangerous battles and being chased by a mysterious man. It'd make her lose focus in her job.
I waited for my ringtone to end. But every second was torture. I had to hold myself back to avoid answering the phone. It was harder than it sounded.
I texted my mom.
'Sorry, mom. I don't think I can speak to you right now. I'm sleepy.'
She replied.
'Please, Matthew. Tell me what's going on. Where were you?'
I closed my eyes. I inhaled and exhaled to try and widen the tightening space in my chest. Guilt hit me like a truck. I knew I should tell my mom about this, but it would just sadden her and make her worried about me all the time. I didn't want that.
Not having the courage to answer her, I left the message on read. I would just answer her questions tomorrow, I was too tired to deal with anything right now. Going to sleep with bad and sad feelings, even when I slept, my problems were in my dreams.
-
My eyes opened due to the cold air hitting my skin. I was shivering, cold breaths of air exhaled from my mouth, creating a small mist. The place was quiet - no, the only sound present were the whistles of the wind and my chattering teeth. My hands were shaking and calloused. It was freezing in here.
I searched around to know where I was. There were dead trees - its leaves cracked on the ground and the thin branches were threatening to snap in two. With the temperature of this place, I was surprised the trees were still even standing at this point.
The place was so dark, I had to blink my eyes multiple times to let them adjust to the darkness. When I could finally see, I saw I was in my school uniform, my red button almost invisible with the darkness. My gun wasn't with me. I looked around and saw nothing but trees - wait, was that a castle from afar? Before I could confirm, I heard growling behind me.
I whipped my head around to see a ventifio already charging at me, its claws and teeth bared. I barely evaded the attack. The ventifio's claws scratched my uniform, three small scratches appeared on my chest, one was bleeding.
I grunted in pain. The scratches may be small but they hurt like hell. I turned to follow the ventifio. The creature was snarling, it was circling me. I secretly unattached the button from my sleeve, my eyes were still on the ventifio. Once the creature dashed forward, I tossed my button up in the air. My eyes widened and my heart stopped. The button didn't transform into a soul protector. It just fell like it was a normal round object.
Because of the failed attempt, the ventifio pinned me to the ground. Its tongue emerged from the back of its mouth, I could see my reflection on the creature's teeth and its glowing red eyes. I stopped breathing. Fear, panic, dread, and anxiousness made my eyes watery. I didn't want to die yet. Not like this. I wouldn't be able to see my friends again if I accepted my doom. And most of all, I wouldn't be able to see my mom anymore or hear her voice again. I still wanted to see my grandparents too.
I squirmed underneath the ventifio, its six arms pinning my wrists down and trapping my body. I knew my efforts were futile, but I still did it and hoped I would somehow escape. The creature's mouth was less than 3 inches from my face when a gunshot rang and pierced my ears. I winced at the loud sound.
The ventifio stopped, its tongue almost touching my nose. Red liquid dripped its head and unto my face. I stared, mouth agape at the ventifio who got off me and wobbled uncontrollably. I peeked from behind me - the direction where the bullet came from. My mouth opened even wider when I saw who it was.
All of my fellow elites stood bravely in front of the dizzy ventifio. What shocked me though was my mom aiming a gun at the creature, smoke rising from the hole. My mom took one glance at me before looking away in disappointment. My heart broke into pieces.
Why? Why did you do that, mom?
Samuel walked to where I was and looked down at me. He stared at me for what felt like hours. He clicked his tongue. His voice was laced with disappointment too. "What kind of elite are you?"
I was speechless. The freezing temperature of this place was nothing compared to the cold tone of his voice. There were times where I would see the captain side of him with a serious voice and there was the happy and jokester Samuel. But this... This person in front of me was not like Samuel.
"W-What?" I stammered, my voice cracked. What Samuel said almost made me cry out.
"I should've never saved you."
Then he proceeded to attack the ventifio. I didn't notice that the creature called for back-up. Now an army of aggravated ventifios were marching in the distance, coming this way. How could I notice? I was too busy comprehending what Samuel said to me.
Should've never saved me...? But if he didn't, then I would be...
I gritted my teeth in realization. I was having trouble breathing properly, my tears might as well be ice in this cold place. I understood what he was trying to say. He regretted meeting me.
The next person to look down at me was Samantha. Her usual cheerful, shimmering eyes and shy smile were replaced with emptiness and malice as she spoke, "I should've never spoken to you first. If I didn't, maybe I wouldn't be acknowledged by you and I could've lived a happy life."
No... This is not Samantha. The sweet girl that acted so shyly and cutely around me could never say those harsh words.
The girl joined his brother in fighting the creatures.
I was about to get up but someone pushed me back down. I turned to see who it was and saw a girl with black hair and blue eyes - Ashley.
She had a smirk on her lips and laughed scornfully, but her eyes glinted in disdain. "I was right. You don't have any potential. You're a disgrace to your parents who are both elites."
The word disgrace hit me right in my wounds and fueled my tears even more. I was waiting for it to stop. I wanted this to end. I hoped it was a dream. The words they were saying to me hurt, and I was starting to believe them.
The black-haired girl continued to laugh before fighting the ventifios.
I waited for the next one who would say hurtful words. When I saw who it was, I wanted to cover my ears but I seemed to be frozen in place.
My mom frowned in disappointment. She shook her head and sighed. Her actions made me bite my lip. Every minute that passed, the more I was hyperventilating,
Finally, my mom spoke. "Do you know why I didn't tell you all about this?"
Afraid that my voice might betray me, I just looked at her. "Because I know you'll just be a burden. I don't want anyone to know I have you for a son."
Her words struck my heart, making it bleed profusely. I bowed my head down. My vision was getting blurry and wet. The next thing I knew, tears streamed down my face and landed on the ground. I couldn't stop it. It was like a waterfall. It just kept falling.
My mom joined in on the battle.
The elites who didn't even know me that well also had something bad to say to me. All of them.
Weak
Disappointment
Disgrace
Embarrassment
Useless
Worthless
Mistake
And much more similar to those words. I wanted to stay strong. I needed to ignore them. But the words repeated in my brain like a broken record. There was no off button. My cheeks were wet from the tears, my lips were cracking because of the cold, my mind was torn, my heart shattered, and I felt empty.
Maybe they were right. I was good for nothing. I didn't deserve the elite title. I was just a burden.
I snapped to the battle in front of me. There were too many ventifios and the elites were losing. Their soul protectors seemed less strong than usual. Some attacks were even pointless.
Even after everything they said to me, I still wanted to help them. Maybe I could prove to them that I could contribute to something. It wasn't too late. I looked for my button, but it was nowhere in sight. I kept looking. I stopped when the screams of the elites reached my ears. They were getting squashed by the ventifios. Their guns were taken away from them and the soul protectors were gone. They were crying for help.
I saw mom struggling to get away from the creature's grip, but it was in vain. I was about to rush over and help them. It didn't go through as I was yanked back by someone. I whipped my head to see who was holding me back and I almost yelled in shock when the same man with the black hoodie wrapped his arms around me. He had me in a body lock. I tried to stomp on his foot, headbutt his chin, and more to escape, but it seemed like everything I did was futile.
"Look," His low gruff voice made me stop. Shivers went down my spine and the hair on the back of my neck rose." Watch as your friends and loved ones fall for their demise. All because of you."
I turned my head away from the horrifying scene. The man slapped me back in the direction of the battle, where the elites were losing. I felt the sting on my cheek. Compared to the words that burned on my heart, the slap was like an ant's bite. He opened my eyes wide. I couldn't blink no matter how hard I tried.
I saw Ashley being scratched by ventifios. Samuel was at the bottom of the pile of the monstrous creatures. Samantha's arms and legs had bite marks and bruises. I couldn't bring myself to look in mom's direction.
I wanted to scream. I wanted everything to stop. I wanted this to end. But all I could do was watch helplessly and listen to their screams of agony.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
I chanted in my head. I knew it wouldn't do anything, but I wasn't in the position to do anything.
The man let go of my eyelids. I closed my eyes and cried. It was too much. I felt so helpless. I would very much want to blackout instead of witnessing this scene.
The man pulled out a knife and held it in front of me. He pointed the sharp part right at my chest. Before he could stab me, white light filled my vision, saving me from my misery.