"Malapit na ang pagdating ng Panginoon! Ang Diyos lamang ang makakapagligtas sa iyo mula sa nag-aalab na apoy ng impiyerno. Kung hindi niyo pa ngayon pagsisisihan ang inyong mga kasalanan, kailan pa? Ang makasalanan ay dapat magsisi bago sila makatanggap ng kaligtasan!"
It's been 3 months since the appearance of the bizarre figures in the sky of Earth, also called as "the codes" by many. The codes can be seen anywhere around the world, but nobody knows of its meaning or what's the mechanism behind it.
Big nations accused each other of doing it, almost leading to another war. But all of them said that they are not capable of creating such grand technology.
Many believe that it's an alien invasion. Some say it's a sign of an apocalypse. And others think that the coming of God is near. But nobody really knows the truth.
To add to the bizarre things that are happening, the rate of catastrophes and natural disasters dropped after the appearance of the figures.
For the past decades, the world has frequently experienced deadly and costly natural disasters that greatly affected humanity. Surprisingly, no super typhoons were reported to have devastated any nations, no fatal earthquakes occurred, the volcano in Hawaii that was predicted to erupt this year calmed down, and the most startling development was the global cooling over the past three months.
"Maybe the government planted microchips inside our heads, that's why we are seeing some weird shits up in the sky."
"That is very unlikely. They'd rather get 'em funds to their pockets than spend it to some microchip BS. Sa tingin ko, aliens talaga may gawa niyan."
"What if they conspired with a strong country and they gave them free microchips? Like China or India or the USA? A country that wants to invade the world."
"Bro, napakaimposible naman na makakapaglagay sila ng microchips sa ating lahat without us noticing. Even sa USA, microchipping needs consent. And 20 years ago, there was a law about it in our country."
"Well, maybe they illegally added it inside our baby vaccines."
"That's already debunked. There are a lot of groups of unvaccinated people that said that they're able to see the codes. Alien talaga 'yang mga 'yan."
"Kung talagang mga alien, why are they not attacking us yet? Even NASA confirmed that there are no sign of movements or life up there."
"Maybe that's like a GPS tracker planted in our planet at papapunta pa lang sa solar system natin ang hordes nila."
"Damn. Your imagination sure runs wild, asshole."
"How about you, Maverick, what do you think is the truth behind the codes?" tanong ni Blaze sa kanina pang tahimik nilang kasama.
Maverick slowly raised his head and looked at him sharply.
"I don't know. And for the love of god, can't you guys stop talking about it and work on your parts first. Sinasayang niyo lang ang oras ko."
Kanina pa naiinis si Maverick sa mga kagrupo niya dahil panay itong nag-uusap tungkol sa mga bagay na walang koneksyon sa project nila. Si Kendo pa naman ang nag-aya na sa isang study cafe sila magmeet para mas efficient daw dahil hindi siya makakagawa sa school nila. Pero sampung minuto na silang nandito, wala pa rin silang nauumpisahan. And they have to go back to school after lunch.
"Chill, bro." sabi ni Blaze "Wala pa rin naman si Jassen, e. Mag-umpisa na lang tayo pagdating niya."
Isa pa 'yon.
Sa lahat ng kagrupo niya, si Jassen ang pinaka may walang pakialam. Hindi niya inasahang may mga ganito pala sa Bouldstridge High, ang pinakaprestigious school sa capital. Akala niya mas magiging competitive at seryoso rito kumpara sa dati niyang academy. Pero second term palang siya sa school na ito, halos magsisi na siya kung bakit hindi siya tumuloy na mag-aral sa States, dahil sa mga irresponsible and dependent niyang classmates.
"Is he even coming? It's best to erase his name from our group. He's not even responding sa group chat." iritadong sabi ni Maverick.
"That's harsh, dude." natatawang saad ni Kendo.
"Para ka namang hindi kaibigan, bro. Alam mo namang varsity boy 'yong tao." panggiguilty naman ni Blaze.
He just looked coldly at the both of them. Maverick never considered anyone of them as his friends. He goes to school to study, not to socialize. But these guys are too dumb to realize that, he thinks. All he's about is his education and his future career. Kaya siya nabully sa dati niyang school, dahil sa attitude niya. But these guys are different, especially Jassen. Kahit pa hindi siya sumasali sa mga usapan at mga gala nila, parati silang dumidikit sa kanya. They would overlook all his rudeness.
Maybe because they see the benefits?
Maverick is smart and diligent, he topped their school's entrance examination last year, and he never slacked off since then. He's always on top of everything relating to his academics. Kung sana hindi by group ang project na 'to, he'd be free from these guys. Well, actually, their outputs aren't bad based on their previous projects, but Maverick prefers doing things alone.
The two continued to grumble jokingly about what he said as if they can't see how annoyed Maverick is. He ignored them and continued to do his part using his laptop, thinking about switching groups if today's meet up will be a waste. Dahil naramdaman ng dalawa ang pagiging seryoso niya ay nagsimula na rin silang magkulikot sa mga laptop nila.
They're working on a game for their major subject. He's their main coder, and the two mostly work on design.
"Damn, dapat nagclose na rin ng schools sa buong bansa kagaya ng Thailand and Japan. Baka the next thing we know, mag-uumpisa na ang mga alien na i-invade tayo." maya-maya pa ay daldal ulit ni Blaze.
"Their schools may be closed, but they still have online classes." Kendo said, while he continued to work on their game's map.
"I'm okay with online classes." nakangising sagot ni Blaze, nakalimutan na na may ginagawa pa siya.
Napatingin sa kanya si Kendo at napataas ang kilay nito. "But the citizens are not." panimula nito. "They don't want another disastrous generation of doctors, engineers, and other professions who graduated online, like what happened during the 21st century." he said to Blaze.
Napaisip naman si Blaze, dahil may punto nga naman si Kendo. Nasa history class nila ito noong nakaraan.
"You guys will be in a real disaster kung uunahin niyo ang pagdaldal kaysa sa gawin ang mga trabaho niyo." singit ni Maverick. Sabay naman na napaprotesta ang dalawa, pero wala na silang nagawa kung hindi ipagpatuloy ang pagdedesign.
+
"Ma, it's only 8am, uuwi rin po ako."
"Kanina ka pa sana pumanhik, anak. Alam mo namang delikado ang panahon ngayon. Gusto mo ba talagang maabutan ng gabi sa byahe? Mabuti pa si Simon nakauwi na, kahapon pa."
Napabuntong hininga si Solomon. It's Friday, and his cousin is getting married tomorrow, kaya inaapura siyang umuwi ng kanyang ina. He cleared his schedule for it, pero may isang meeting pa siyang kailangang taposin ngayong umaga bago bumyahe pauwi sa probinsiya.
Only if there wasn't a curfew, he could just have his flight this evening without the need to cancel his afternoon meetings. But three months ago, the government announced a curfew notice for the entire nation. That received a lot of backlash from the people. But compared to the other nations, what's happening in their country is pretty chill. Some nations are already starting to enlist even their youths into the military, that's why a lot of demonstrations are happening anywhere the globe. The codes in the sky really brought chaos to the people.
Solomon went out of his car after he ended the phone conversation with his mother. Fixing his necktie, he looked up to the sky... It's really strange, he thinks. Para itong malaking projection sa langit, pero natatabunan ito ng ulap, at klarong klaro naman kapag maaliwalas ang kalangitan. He was among those who believed that there had been an alien invasion at that time. It alarmed him, but now he's not sure of what to believe. He just goes on with his life.
"Let's break up."
Hindi na nagpaliguy-liguy pa si Katika. Pagkaupo pa lang ng kanyang fiancé ay sinabi na niya kaagad ang kanyang pakay.
The guy seemed unfazed by what she said. And what else can she expect from Solomon? Her unemotional fiancé, who never showed her affection.
Hindi agad nagsalita ang lalaki. Mataman itong nakatingin sa kanya na parang binabasa kung ano man ang nasa isipan niya. It shaken her a bit. Sa anim na buwan na naging sila, ngayon lang ata siya tiningnan nang mariin nito.
"Bakit?" maya maya ay tanong nito.
Katika sniggered quietly at him. He's really unaware of how shitty he is as a fiancé. Yes, they may be only arranged to marry by their families, but he should have at least tried to work on their relationship.
"I just don't want any more of this." She told him.
Solomon nodded, as if he immediately understood what she meant.
"Alright. If that's what you want."
Katika felt a familiar sting in her chest when he said that. Kahit pa ilang ulit niyang kumbinsihin ang sarili niya na mas mabuting itigil na niya ang kahibangang magugustuhan din siya ng lalaki, hindi pa rin niya maiwasang umasa. Umasang kahit for once ay magpapakita ito ng kagustuhang makasama siya. Pero hindi. In the end, Solomon feels nothing for her.
"How do we tell our families?" she asked him.
"You came up with the idea of breaking-up our engagement, but you don't have a solution for that?"
Parang nainsulto si Katika sa tanong ng lalaki. Kahit handa na siyang makipaghiwalay sa kanya, hindi niya alam paano ito sasabihin sa mga pamilya nila. Kahit pa sabihin nilang wala silang nararamdaman para sa isa't isa, hindi nila ito tatanggapin kapag galing sa kanya. Ipapakasal pa rin sila. Since in the first place, this is not a marriage for love.
"You know our families will not listen to anything I say. You're aware that they're clearly selling me off to your family. Whatever excuse I give them, they'll never accept it!" Katika splat at him na medyo kinabigla ni Solomon. He had never seen her this worked up.
He has known her since they were kids. They were even schoolmates until high school. At bata pa lang sila, alam na nilang may balak ang pamilya nilang ipakasal sila. Solomon never refused this idea. He just considered it as a responsibility for being the first born in their family.
Growing up, nakaplano na ang buhay niya. His career and his marriage. After inheriting all their businesses, he worked hard to keep up to his family's expectations. Mas lalo niyang pinaunlad ang iilan sa mga negosyo nila in just a year of handling them. Pero sa aspect ng marriage ay aminado siyang wala siyang ginawa para rito, inaantay niya lang kung kailan magiging handa si Katika. Kaya naiintindihan niya kung piliin man ni nito ngayon na putulin ang ugnayan nila. And even though what she said was harsh, he also understands where she's coming from. Katika is a smart and beautiful woman, but she's controlled by her parents. Malaki ang porsyentong tama ang sinabi nitong hindi siya papakinggan.
Naiintindihan niya kaya aakuin niya.
"Then, you can tell them that it's my decision. Or I can tell them tomorrow, at the wedding."
"I don't want to ruin your cousin's wedding, Solo." Iritadong sabi ni Katika.
Solomon pursed his lips as he hid a small smile. He may not have romantic feelings for her, but he genuinely finds her cute. It's kind of a let down that she's breaking up with him. Akala niya parehas silang willing sa arranged marriage na ito, but what can he do about it?
He leaned back to his seat and crossed his arms as he continued eyeing her. Nailang si Katika. Kanina pa nakatingin ang lalaki sa kanya. He won't even break eye contact, parating siya lang ang nag-iiwas ng tingin. But Solomon's gaze is always like that, focused and intense.
"Alright. Whenever you think is the right time, just give me the go signal. Ako na ang magsasabi sa parents natin."
She glanced back at him as he said that. How easy it is for him to agree, habang siya ay kanina pa pinapahupa ang paninikip ng dibdib. Ayaw niyang mahalata ng lalaki na nasasaktan siya dahil dito. Luckily, this guy doesn't know that she has feelings for him or else hindi niya kakayaning harapin ito.
"Ano ang sasabihin mo sa kanila?" tanong niya rito para alam niya kung ano ang buong plano nito.
"I'll tell them that I don't want to get married. I realized that I'm too young for it. And that I want to be able to have the freedom to choose who I want to spend my entire life with. In short, I'll rebel for the first time."
She smiled a little at tumango-tango kay Solomon, senyales na nagustuhan niya ang sinabi nito kahit ang totoo ay hindi. Mas lalong nanakit ang dibdib ni Katika dahil sa mga narinig niya. Of course, he can tell them that without hesitation. Ang sakit lang na purong katotohanan ang mga sinabi nito. Na hindi talaga siya ang pipiliin nitong makasama habang buhay.
After confirming their plan, nagpasya na silang lumabas na ng café. Katika thought that he'd offer her a ride for the last time pero hindi nangyari. She went out first and as soon as she got inside her car, her tears poured down like waterfalls. What a stupid man! But she thinks she's stupider for expecting anything from him.
After some time, Solomon stood up from his chair and took one more look at the empty seat opposite to him before deciding to leave.
His meeting with Katika didn't even last for 30 minutes. Siguro nagkamali siya ng desisyon? Maybe he was too rush about agreeing to break up their engagement? Pero it's what she wanted. He's not the type to force anything to anyone or to deprive anyone of their freedom.
But maybe if he treated her better, she wouldn't want to break up? Well, wala ng silbi pa ang mag-isip tungkol dito dahil nakapaglatag na sila ng desisyon.
Papalabas na siya ng café ng may lalaking nakasagi sa kanya, nagmamadali itong pumasok.
"Ay, naku, sorry po." The guy apologized to him with an apologetic smile. Nakasuot ito ng familiar na varsity jacket.
"It's alright." He replied coolly and let the teenager pass, saka siya nagsimulang maglakad.
"Repent or perish! Repent now or forever perish!"
Bago magtungo sa parking area, napalingon si Solomon sa matandang lalaki na sumisigaw sa may pavements na nakaagaw ng pansin niya. Kanina pa itong nagsesermon sa labas. Marami siyang nakikitang ganito kahit saang lugar. Simula nang lumitaw ang mga pigura sa kalangitan, nagsilabasan ang mga religious groups na nangangaral sa mga lansangan. He's impressed by their dedication. Sadly, he's part of the 72% adult Filipinos who don't believe in divinity.
+
"Tangina nito. Nagdadasal ka ba, ha? Hindi ka maliligtas ng diyos mo dito sa suntok kong 'to."
Hadeon clenched his teeth, anticipating another blow that landed on his stomach. Humandusay siya sa lupa dahil sa suntok na iyon. His face is already bleeding from the punches he received earlier, ngayon nararamdaman niyang para siyang masusuka. Nasa may maliit silang dead end alleyway at napapalibutan ng mga kaklase niyang madalas siyang apihin.
"Napakayabang nito porke't nakanationals. Tell us the truth, you cheated, right?"
Naubo siya at pumilipit sa sakit dahil sa sipa na natanggap.
Sinipa siya ni Lark, ang lider ng bullies sa classroom nila kaya napaigtad siyang muli sa sakit. Nagtatawanan sa may background ang mga kasamahan nito. Aabot sa anim na lalaki ang nakapalibot sa kanya at meron pang nasa may dulong likod na nanonood lang, hindi siya pamilyar sa mga ito.
"Hihimatayin na ata 'yan, Lark, easyhan mo lang." rinig niyang sabi ng isang hindi pamilyar na boses.
"Hindi 'yan. Matibay 'tong isang 'to. Sanay 'tong sinusuntok sa classroom, e." Sagot naman ni Lark at nagtawanan ulit sila.
"Class F punching bag 'yarn?" sabay tawa ni Anton, kaklase rin niya.
Hadeon closed his eyes as he wished that the pain will go away or that he won't throw up his guts or that these guys will stop already. Seriously, he felt like dying right now. Pero hindi siya pwedeng mahimatay.
Sa lahat ng lugar na pwede niyang daanan, timing pa talaga na andito 'tong mga walang kwenta niyang classmate.
He attempted to get up, may lugar siyang kailangang puntahan at hindi siya pwedeng mahuli. Pero isang sipa ang nagpasalampak ulit sa kanya sa lupa.
He groaned and coughed several times, nalalasahan na niya ang sariling dugo.
"Aba'y tingnan niyo at tigasin talaga. Bumabangon pa, e, alam mo namang sa lupa ka nababagay!" maangas na sigaw ulit ni Lark that earned some laughs from his companions.
Halos mawalan na ng ulirat si Hadeon. Should he shout for help using his little strength? But his ego doesn't want him to do that. Pagtatawanan lang ulit siya ng mga ito. At saka, nasa tagong eskinita sila, na napapagitnaan na mga naglalakihang pader, nobody will hear him. Nobody can save him.
Ah, sana hindi na lang niya tinanggap ang scholarship sa school niya, naisip niya.
Hadeon plays chess well. Mula noong maliit pa siya, sikat na siya sa lugar nila dahil natatalo niya ang mga matatandang tambay niyang kapitbahay. And out of nowhere, when he was on his last year in elementary school, someone scouted him and offered him a full scholarship at a prestigious high school. Of course, tinanggap niya ito. Malaking opurtunidad ito sa kagaya niyang mahirap lang.
At dahil nga mahirap siya ay naging target siya ng bullying sa school niya. Mainly his classmates are his bullies. Suntok, sipa, mga insulto, at pang-aalila ang ginagawa sa kanya. Pero tiniis niya iyon. His tuition is free, his meals are also free, and kapag intense ang training, may free lodging pa. Kaya pinagsasawalang bahala niya lang ang pambubully sa kanya.
He always reached the regional level for the past years, at satisfied na ang school kahit doon. Pero this year, he qualified for the nationals. Dahil dito malaki ang tyansang bibigyan ulit siya ng scholarship ng school, at ayaw itong mangyari ng mga mayayaman niyang bully. They don't want him to enter at the same senior high school as them.
Ito na ata ang pinakamalalang pananakit sa kanya. Halos hindi na siya makabangon. Gusto niya na lang matulog. Naisip niya ang kanyang lolo, kailangan niya itong bigyan ng pagkain. Kasi umalis lang ito ng bahay nila na walang almusal.
Damn. He just wants to deliver food to his grandfather, pero mamatay pa ata siya on the way.
"That's so lame."
Nagpagting ang tenga ni Lark nang marinig niya ang sinabi ng lalaking nakatayo lang sa likod kasama ang iba pang student ng Bouldstridge High. Mahina lang pagkakasabi nito, pero alam niyang may intension itong iparinig sa kanya ang sinabi.
"What did you say? Lame? Ako?" pasigaw na tanong ni Lark.
Napalingon lahat ng kasama niya kung saan ang lalaking kinakausap nito. Pati ang mga kasamahan ng lalaki ay naagaw rin ang atensyon nila at nakatuon na ang pansin sa kanila.
Rakken looked sharply at the guy who appears so frustrated in front of him and who looks ready to punch him on the face. His gaze then went down to the guy who's sprawled on the ground behind Lark's group, and then he looked at Lark again and smirked.
"Who else?" mariing sabi nito kay Lark.
Mas lalong nainis si Lark at akmang lalapit at susuntukin ang lalaki.
"Aba'y, gago ka pala, e."
"Woah, easy, easy, buddy." Pigil ng kasama nitong si Evan.
Rakken didn't flinch. His friends are beside him; chuckling and giggling at Lark's reaction.
Lalong nanggalaiti si Lark, pero pinipigilan ito ng kasama.
Kaklase ni Rakken si Evan. They became friends this school year nang magtransfer ito mula Crossroads Academy kung saan galing ang mga pinakilala niyang dating kaklase. Pumayag silang ipakilala ng kaibigan ang mga dati nitong kakilala, pero hindi niya inasahang napakacringey nito.
Who the hell would bully someone just because they're insecure of their success? That's such a pathetic move. But actually, it happens a lot.
Rakken isn't righteous. He's also one of those cringey kids who loves fighting. But he doesn't fight the weak. He also doesn't act like a hero that fights for the weak. Lark is just unlucky today.
Dahan dahang naglakad si Rakken patungo kay Lark, napalunok si Evan at hindi alam kung aatras ba o patuloy na pipigilan ang dating kaklase.
Lark was ready to punch Rakken. Ayaw na ayaw niyang naiinsulto siya. Ayaw niyang nalalamangan.
Bumitaw si Evan at umatras nang makalapit si Rakken. Kwinelyuhan nito si Lark na kinabigla ng huli. Gamit ang kaliwang kamay, matibay ang pagkakakwelyo sa kanya. Doon narealize ni Lark kung gaano katangkad si Rakken, he's at least 5 inches taller than him, and Rakken is much bulkier than him, his shoulders are broader and his arms are firmer.
Hindi niya masyadong nakita ang pigura nito kasi medyo madilim sa eskinita na iyon at hindi naman talaga niya tinuon ang kanyang pansin habang pinapakilala sila ni Evan kanina.
"Anong sabi mo, gago ako?" maangas na tanong ni Rakken gamit ang tono ni Lark na kanina pa nakakarindi sa pandinig niya.
Napalunok ng laway si Lark, ngunit hindi niya matanggap na mapapahiya siya dahil lang sa lalaki. Mas marami naman sila ng mga kasama niya. Kaya nila itong patumbahin.
"O-oo, gago ka. Anong k-karapatan mong insultohin ako?" pilit na inangasan ni Lark ang boses kahit naiintimidate siya sa anyo ni Rakken.
Natawa si Rakken sa pinapakitang half-assed na tapang ni Lark. Pinanlisakan niya ito ng mata at inalog ng dalawang beses. Lark felt his strength just by doing that. Pero hindi siya nagpatinag. He swung his arm to punch Rakken, and it landed. It landed on his side pero hindi ito naapektuhan. He surely put his might on that punch, but how come he's not affected? How strong is he?
Yun na ang naging hudyat ni Rakken para suntukin si Lark. He powerfully punched his stomach, and the latter coughed and immediately fallen to the ground, groaning and writhing in pain.
Nabigla ang mga kasamahan ni Lark. Hindi siya ang pinakamalakas sa grupo nila, pero hindi rin siya iyong tipong mapapatumba lang ng kung sino, knowing he's active in boxing and taekwondo.
Gael, Rakken's friend shook his head disappointingly. Napatingin siya kay Garrison at parehas sila ng reaksyon. Kakatapos lang ng suspension ng kaibigan nila, mukhang madadagdagan na naman. Well, kung may magsusumbong. Pero wala naman sila sa school premises.
Tumawa si Jarvis. Ang grupo nila ang pinakamalakas sa Crossroads kaya hindi niya maiwasang hindi mainsulto sa ginawa ni Rakken kay Lark. Si Lark ang nagsisilbing lider nila dahil sa connections at impluwensiya sa school ng pamilya nito, pero Jarvis is the tallest and the strongest member of Lark's group. At siya ang nagsisibi nilang top fighter. Kaya para siyang nakakita ng worthy opponent sa katauhan ni Rakken.
"Tangina, ako naman." Sigaw nito, as he charged towards Rakken.
Rakken dodged the sudden jab that Jarvis did. Lumaki ang ngisi ni Jarvis dahil sa bilis ng reflexes ni Rakken. Kahit si Lark ay hindi kayang iwasan ang ganoong klaseng galaw niya. Rakken regained his stance and block the powerful hook that Jarvis made next.
Jarvis friends cheered. Their main fighter is so strong na hindi makaporma ang kalaban. That's what they think. After several punches from Jarvis, nainis na ito dahil parati itong na b-block ni Rakken.
Walang magawa si Gael at Garrison kundi panoorin na namang makipag-away ang kaibigan nila. Nag-usap na sila na titigil na sa pakikipag-away, pero talagang sinusubok ata sila ng pagkakataon.
Jarvis lost his cool kaya nang magkaroon ng opening ay malakas siyang binigwasan ng isang rear hook ni Rakken. Ramdam agad ni Jarvis na parang nagcrack ang ribs niya mula sa suntok na iyon. Napaigtad at panaungol siya sa sakit bago natumba sa lupa. Dahil dito, nagalit ang apat na natitirang kasamahan nito at sabay sabay silang nagcharge ng suntok kay Rakken. Gael and Garrison then joined the fight, hindi nila hahayaan ang kaibigan na mag-isa lang itong humarap sa maraming kalaban kahit pa alam nilang malakas ito.
Keeley rolled her eyes as she watched her friends engaged into another brawl. Gosh, akala niya magbabago na ang mga ito. They decided to ditch their school's foundation opening para tumambay somewhere yet they got caught into some bullying scene from Crossroads students, tapos ngayon ay nakikita niyang nagsusuntukan na ang dalawang grupo.
"This is all your fault." Sabi niya kay Evan na ngayon ay namumutla dahil sa nerbyos. Sinusubukan nitong awatin ang dalawang grupo, pero hindi sila nakikinig.
"I didn't think it will turn out like this." Evan regretfully said.
"Keels, they posted na their comeba-." Out of nowhere ay excited na sabi ni Layana, oblivious of what's happening. Nang mapansin ang away sa harapan ay napatili ito.
"What the heck, why are they fighting?" gulat na tanong nito.
"Tsk, don't mind them. Balik ka na doon sa likod."
"What? No! I want to show you something." Layana whined and showed Keeley her phone, na nagpapakita ng favorite boyband nito. "Haki posted na their comeback, OMG!" she exclaimed giddily.
Keeley sighed. "Later na lang, Yans. Kita mong may away sa harap, o." turo ni Keeley sa harapan. Layana just rolled her eyes.
"Watching Legion dance is better than watching them fight, duh." Sabi nito, mentioning her favorite member of the group.
Huminga nang malalim si Keeley at pinagsawalang bahala ang sinabi ni Layana. Tinuon niya ang pansin sa lalaking kanina pa nakahandusay sa gilid ng pader. This guy crawled away from the brawl scene at sinusubukan nitong bumangon. Lumapit si Keeley at kahit tinawag siya ni Layana ay hindi niya ito pinansin.
Nang nasa harapan na siya ng lalaki ay nagtaas ito ng tingin sa kanya. She bent down closely para makita niya ang itsura ng lalaki. Mag iiwas sana ito ng tingin, pero hinawakan niya ang mukha nito. The guy has cuts on his lips and his nose, meron ding mga bruises sa pisngi at noo.
"A-anong ginagawa mo?" tanong Hadeon sa babae. Hindi pa niya narerecover ang lakas niya kaya kung plano man ng babae na bugbugin siya ay tiyak na wala siyang laban dito.
"You look like a mess." Sabi ng babae.
Hadeon tried to remove the girl's hold on his face, pero hindi ito nagpatinag. Umaray siya nang mapisil ng babae ang panga niya.
"You have such a pretty face, tapos hinahayaan mo lang na lagyan nila ng pasa?" sabi nito. Nalilito si Hadeon sa kung ano man ang pakay ng babae sa kanya, pero kailangan na niyang umalis sa lugar na 'to. Habang busy pa ang mga lalaki sa bugbugan.
Tinabig niya ang hawak ng babae kaya tumawa ito. He tried to get up again.
"Hey, you can ask me for help, you know." Sabi ng babae.
"I don't need it." Hadeon refused. Hindi niya alam bakit nag-aaway ang grupo ni Lark at ang kabilang grupo, ang alam niya lang ay parehas ang grupo na ito na up to no good. Kaya kahit ang babae ay hindi niya hihingan ng pabor.
"Even if you can walk, you can't pass there, you know." The girl gestured the fight in front of them. Makitid ang eskinita at sakop ito ng away na nagaganap kaya imposibleng makakadaan siya na hindi napapansin ng mga bully niya. Baka madamay pa siya or pagtulungan kapag nakita siya.
Sinubukan ni Hadeon na mag-isip ng paraan kung paano makakaalis, pero wala talagang iba kundi ang dumaan sa harap ng away.
"Just wait until they're done fighting. My friends will win for sure. I'll tell them to let you off." Sabi ng babae na ngayon ay nakasquat na sa harap niya. Napatingin si Hadeon sa kanya, the girl flashed a sweet smile. Doon niya lang napansin ang itsura ng babae. Maganda ito. Maganda ang kondisyon ng balat, walang marka ng tigyawat sa mukha, at halata ring walang suot na make-up. Mahaba ang kulay itim na buhok at halatang alagang alaga ito. Mahaba ang pilik mata, matangos ang maliit na ilong... plumped lips. Halatang mayaman.
"Are you done checking me out?" the girl smirked. Nag-iwas naman ng tingin si Hadeon dahil sa hiya.
"Am I pretty?" tanong ulit ng babae. Hadeon looked down and pretended that he didn't hear that.
"What, are you shy?" the girl teased him.
Hadeon heaved a sigh. How did he end up in this situation?
Nanatili ang babae sa harap niya, naghihintay ng sagot. His body is still hurting at wala siyang magagawa sa current situation niya kundi maghintay namatapos silang mag-away.
Kahit napuruhan ay sumali pa rin sa rambulan si Lark at Jarvis, kaya hindi naging madali ang laban nila. It's a 6 versus 3 fight, pero mahahalata mong dehado ang grupo nila Lark. Hindi inakala ni Hadeon na makakakita siya ng mga estudyante galing Bouldstrigde na magaling makipag-away.
He looked at the girl in front and he nodded. "Oo, maganda ka." He told her dahilan kaya pinamulahan ng mukha ang babae.
Hadeon is an honest type. Mahirap man ay mataas ang confidence niya sa sarili. Sa pag-aaral, sa chess, at kahit sa itsura niya man. He knows he's got good traits. Hindi man niya ito ginagamit sa school, kahit marami ang nagkakagusto sa kanya, wala siyang pinapatulan dahil alam niyang iba ang antas ng mga tao roon. But he knows how to face girls outside school.
"I'm Keeley." Masiglang pagpapakilala ng babae sa kanya.
"Hadeon." Sagot niya as he touched the corner of his lips, bigla kasi itong kumirot.
"Do you really think I'm pretty?" tanong ni Keeley.
"Yeah. The prettiest girl I've seen in this life." He told her honestly.
Hindi alam ni Keeley, pero bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya sa pagkakasabing iyon ng lalaki. Hadeon got a pretty boy's face, kahit puno ng pasa ay mahahalata mo iyon. And the way he stares at you with his wolf eyes, parang natutunaw si Keeley.
"Will you kiss me, then?" matapang na tanong ni Keeley.
She isn't the type who just kisses some random boys, okay? Sadyang, she thinks she'll regret it if she won't get a kiss from this fine boy. Surely, they won't meet again. Gusto niya lang i-try.
Nagulat si Hadeon sa tanong na iyon. Kahit 17 pa lang siya, meron na rin naman siyang karanasan sa kiss. Pero hindi pa niya nasusubukang humalik ng estranghero and in the middle of a fight at that. At saka bugbog sarado pa siya, is this girl serious about what she just asked?
Dumbfounded, hindi agad nakareact si Hadeon.
"Dugo lang malalasahan mo." Sabi niya matapos mag-isip saglit.
Keeley chuckled. "So, pwede?"
Sasagot ulit sana si Hadeon nang biglang sumigaw ang isang babae sa likod.
"Oh my god, look at the sky!" tili noong isang babae. Napatingala agad si Keeley at si Hadeon. Pati ang mga nagsusuntukan ay napatigil nang biglang dumilim ang paligid.
"What the fuck."
"Damn, patay na ba ko?"
"Is this fucking hell?"
Umaga pa ngayon, bakit biglang dumilim? Total darkness covered the world at that moment. Pero naririnig ni Hadeon ang takot na sigaw ng babae, pati ang mga boses ng mga nagsusuntukan kanina, they are also confused of what's happening. Hadeon reached out and he was able to reach Keeley, nasa harapan pa niya ito.
"Anong nangyayari?" rinig niyang tanong ni Keeley, halata sa boses nito ang gulat.
"Hindi ko rin alam." He told her.
"Sht. I need to get Layana." Tukoy ni Keeley sa kaibigan na maririnig ang iyak at confusion sa paligid. "Sht. Why is my phone not working?". Kinuha ito ni Hadeon at hind inga gumagana.
"No, stay here. Let's wait a little bit." Sabi niya kay Keeley nang nagtangka itong tumayo.
This is such a bizarre thing to happen. Is this a dream? Naapektuhan ba ang utak niya kaya siya wala ng nakikita? Is he dead? Pero ramdam niya ang init sa braso ni Keeley na hawak niya. So, what the hell is happening?
He looked at the sky once again. Naalala niya ang sigaw ng babae kanina bago dumilim ang paligid. Pero wala ring makikita roon.
Ttrrrt... ttrrrt...
A shrilling sound suddenly was heard, until light from the sky slowly illuminated the world. Madilim pa rin sa paligid pero ang mga figures o codes ay biglang nagliwanag.
What the heck is that?
The unrecognizable figures in the sky glitched twice before it changed to readable words.
++
[Planet 14,851: Earth...]
Initializing world-system update...
++
"Am I just seeing things?"
"Hadeon, are you seeing that?"
"Y-yeah. Are you seeing it, too?"
++
Loading Interitus System...
++
"Yes."
++
[0%...]
[...]
[5%]
Initializing...
[Server Number 139...]
++
"Change the language setting to Filipino." rinig niyang bulong ng kung sino.
"What the, ikaw ba 'yon?" Hadeon asked, but no one answered. Sinubukan niyang kapain si Keeley, kung nasa harap pa ba niya ito pero wala na. Doon niya napansing wala na siyang naririnig na ingay mula sa mga nasa paligid niya gaya kanina.
Ah, have he really lost it? Is he hallucinating? Ganito ba magtransition papuntang kabilang buhay?
A lot of things run on his mind as he watches the words in the sky.
++
Planet 14,851: Earth
Interitus System [5%]
Server Number 139
++
Damn. Paano ang lolo niya? Hindi pa niya 'to nadadalhan ng pagkain. Paano na ang nationals? Sigh.
Hadeon started to feel sacred. Ang bilis naman niyang namatay. He stayed helpless there. Just waiting for whatever is yet to come. Habang nag-iisip ng kung anoa no, bigla na lang may bilog na kulay asul ang lumitaw sa harap niya.
Ito na ba ang taga sundo?
"Mabuhay! Ako si Diwa, ang inyong tagapangasiwa para sa kaganapang ito. Maligayang pagdalo sa unang yugto ng mga pagsubok."
Nagtaka si Hadeon sa narinig. Tagapangasiwa sa ano raw? Pagsubok? Pagsubok sa afterlife?
Bago pa man siya makapagtanong ay biglang may lumabas na status window sa harap niya.
++
You have been chosen as a participant in the premier trials.
Will you accept the invitation?
YES or NO?
++
Hadeon wasn't aware at that time that what happens next is far more brutal than the afterlife that he expected.