CLAIRE'S POVKinaumagahan, maaga akong nagising para maghanda sa pag-eensayo. Apat na linggo pa ang natitira bilang paghahanda sa gaganaping tournament. Hindi ko alam kung magiging sapat na ba 'yon para ihanda ang sarili ko. I can't afford to waste my time on some useless thoughts.Naisipan ko munang mag-stretching ng ilang minuto kung saan ay isasama ko na sa daily routine ko magmula ngayon bago mag-ensayo. This is the second day of my training and I don't have an idea what Xian planned on doing this time. Pero kung ano man ang ipagagawa niya, siguradong hindi 'yon madali. Kaagad na akong kumilos para mag-ayos ng sarili ko. After taking a shower, I put on my sportswear and wear my sneakers before going outside my room. Dumaretso ako ng kusina kung saan nadatnan ko si Elaine na katatapos lang maghanda ng almusal sa lamesa. "Good morning!" masaya niyang pagbati na nginitian ko naman. Sabay kaming naupo sa harapan ng hapagkainan at nagsimulang kumain ng almusal. Hindi ko na naisipan pa
CLAIRE'S POVMabilis na lumipas ang mga araw hanggang sa dumaan ang halos tatlong linggo na hindi ko na namamalayan. Wala akong ginawa kundi ang mag-ensayo, ang sundin lahat ng inuutos ni Xian. Naging rutina ko na ang paggising ng maaga para maghanda, mag-ensayo hanggang hapon at pahinga naman sa gabi. I have no choice but to get used to it, kahit na pakiramdam ko ay susuko na ang aking katawan dahil sa pagod. "How's your training with Xian?" Elaine asked before drinking a glass of water. Kasalukuyan kaming nasa harapan ng hapagkainan at katatapos lang mag-almusal. "Wala namang bago, he's strict as usual and he always annoys me every time I lose against him," seryoso kong sagot na ikinatawa naman niya. Ano namang nakatatawa sa sinabi ko?That Xian really gets on my nerves almost every day. He won't let me stay more than ten steps away from him, he won't take his eyes off of me, and he sometimes acts as if he cares about me. Hindi ako komportable sa tuwing magtatama ang aming mga mata
CLAIRE'S POVLumipas pa ang dalawang araw na wala akong pahinga sa pag-eensayo. Ito na ang huling linggo ng pagsasanay at bilang na ang mga natitirang araw para sa gaganaping tournament at sa pagtutuos namin ni Abby. I still have a week to prepare myself. Until then, I will fight and win against my opponent.It's already afternoon and after I've taken a rest from performing the tire training, Xian told me to follow him but he didn't tell me where we were going. Until I noticed that we were heading to the academy's central training ground.Tahimik ko lang siyang sinundan hanggang sa dumaretso kami papasok ng building at umakyat sa ikalawang palapag. This is the seven-story building located at the center of the field and I have no idea why we are here. There are two staircases on both ends of the building, probably for its entrance and exit route. Napansin ko rin na bawat palapag ay may mga bakanteng kwarto na hindi ko alam kung para saan. "This is where the gangster's tournament is hel
CLAIRE'S POV"This will be our last duel, don't hold back and give all your strength to defeat me," Xian challenged and stood in a combatting position. Kasalukuyan kaming magkaharap at nakatayo sa loob ng boxing ring. Habang nakatingin sa isa't isa ay bahagya akong naghanda sa pag-opensa. This is the last day and will be the last part of our training, our last sparring and this time I'll make sure to pay him back! He looked directly into my eyes and initiated the first attacks. His movements are quick as usual but I tried to keep up my defense. Until I made the counterattack and threw an elbow strike which he failed to ward off. Sandali siyang napaatras at malawak pang napangisi sa akin bago muling pumosisyon. He almost diverted my attention when he smirked but I instantly threw punches at him. I alternately made a cross blow and hook then switched to an uppercut with full force. I hit his chin and abruptly struck a kick to his stomach."You sure know how to hold a grudge," he comme
CLAIRE'S POVDapit-hapon na nang matapos kaming maghanda ni Elaine para sa nalalapit na paligsahan mamayang alas siyete ng gabi. We are wearing our group's attire, black jeans with a white shirt and a black leather jacket, fitted with combat boots. We also have a dagger weapon holder around our thigh, just in case.Elaine also made me wear contact lenses so that it won't cause a problem for me when I engage in a fight. I was irritated at first but later on, it made me feel comfortable since it helps me see perfectly clearly. "Xian..." rinig kong sambit ni Elaine nang buksan niya ang pinto ng aming dorm."Where's my wife?" bungad nitong tanong dahilan para mapatayo ako at nagmamadaling lumabas ng kwarto. Kaagad kong nakita si Xian sa harapan ng pintuan."Wife?" nagtataka namang balik na tanong ni El sa kaniya. Nilingon na lang ako ni El na may nanghihinalang titig saka dahan-dahang ngumisi. "You're dating?" nakataas ang dalawang kilay niyang pag-uusisa. Nag-aalinlangan akong sumagot k
CLAIRE'S POV Ilang minuto na lang ang hinihintay bago tuluyang magsimula ang paligsahan. Hanggang sa naunang pinahintulutan nila Xian ang grupo ng Boys Eagle at Black Girls na pumasok sa loob ng gusali sa dalawa nitong lagusan. "The rest of the groups, you can now go back and stay at the auditorium. The next round will be held after tomorrow," Xian ordered. Nagsimula namang maglakad at umalis ang ibang grupo palabas ng central training ground. While Kuya Jared signaled our group to move into the building. Napansin ko pa si kuya na mabilis akong kinindatan saka ngumiti."Meyn..." Nagsimula akong humakbang pasulong ngunit kaagad ring napahinto at lumingon sa aking likuran.Sinundan ko ng tingin si Xian nang maglakad siya papalapit sa 'kin at bigla na lang akong hinalikan sa noo na ikinalaki ng dalawang mata ko. Pagkatapos ay bahagya siyang lumihis sa aking tainga at may ibinulong, "You look drop-dead gorgeous." Naramdaman ko na lang bigla ang pag-init ng aking mukha. He's so random
CLAIRE'S POV Nang makapasok sa loob ng ikalimang kwarto ay may namataan kaming isang pigura ng babae. Nakatalikod ito sa amin habang magkalakip ang dalawang kamay sa likod. "Congratulations on reaching this level..." Unti-unti itong humarap sa amin. She seems like in her late twenties. Nakatali ang kaniyang buhok at nakasuot ng itim na pants at leather jacket. "I'm the holder of the key, kailangan niyo lang makuha ang laso sa aking braso para manalo. But if I injured your target mark, you lose..." mahaba niya pang pahayag sa marahang boses bago ngumisi. Kulay puting laso ang nakatali sa kaniyang kanang braso. We can't underestimate her, she might be a good fighter that my grandfather has chosen to be part of this tournament."What are you waiting for? Let the game begin..." nangingising usal niya bago naglabas ng punyal sa dalawa niyang kamay. Kaagad kaming naalerto ni Elaine at inihanda ang aming sarili. Hindi nagtagal ay mabilis niya kaming sinugod. Napahigpit ang pagkakahawak
CLAIRE'S POVBumitaw siya sa pagkakayakap at naupo sa tabi ko. Nangungusap ang kaniyang mga mata na diretsong tumitig sa'kin habang marahang hinaplos ang aking mukha. At kahit hindi niya sabihin, alam kong talagang labis siyang nag-alala para sa'kin. Pero sa kabila no'n ay hindi ko rin maiwasang mag-alala because of his circumstance. It made me happy to see him but he's not supposed to be here. What if he suddenly experiences an anxiety attack? I held his hand away from my cheek and looked at him with a worried face. "You... You shouldn't be here, Xian. Paano kung-" he cut me off using his index finger."I'm fine. I don't know why but maybe I overcame my fear because of you..." He moved his face closer to mine and whispered, "You're the only one I could think of right now..." Nag-init ang pisngi ko sa sinabi niya at ilang beses pa akong kumurap ng mata. Ano bang sinasabi niya? That doesn't make any sense to me, is he serious?I wrinkled my forehead when I heard his soft laughter. Ni
CLAIRE'S POV"You ready?" tanong ni Daddy bago malawak na ngumiti. Mr. Gonzales, his secretary took my luggage and put it inside the car's compartment. Inanyayahan na rin niya akong sumakay ng kotse at kaagad na tinabihan sa back seat. Nang makaupo sa driver's seat ang secretary niya ay pinaandar na nito ang sasakyan paalis ng bahay. "Are we going straight to the airport, Mr. Wilk?" magalang na tanong ni Mr. Gonzales na tumingin pa sa rear-view mirror. "Yes, that's right," pagsangayon naman ni Daddy sa tabi ko saka bumaling sa'kin ng tingin. "Did you tell your mom that I'm coming back?" he questioned.Kunot-noo akong umiling. "I thought that was supposed to be a secret?" Tumango siya bago natatawang tumingin sa harapan. Napailing na lang ako saka ngumiti. It's been three years since I lived with Dad in the States and just a heartbeat, time went by so fast. I already finished my studies in management and administration a week ago. My stay here feels like an emotional roller-coaster
XIAN'S POVAfter the attack at the parking lot, I accompanied Claire back to the hospital. I lied to her when I said I'm going back to the academy. It was just an excuse. The truth is, I recognized the pin badge that I got from Tita Mathezon. Those men who attacked us were wearing the same pin badge and it reminded me of when I saw it before. I drove back to my family's house and immediately entered when I arrived. Yumukod sa'kin ang mga katulong sa bahay nang makita ako. "Xian, you're here..." salubong sa'kin ni Mrs. Santos, she's in her late forties and the head housekeeper of the house. "Where's my father?" bungad kong tanong sa kaniya. My father has been living here alone since I and my mother stayed abroad apart from him. Matagal-tagal na rin noong huli kong pagbisita rito. "He's not home, he said he won't be going back for a while. Do you want me to inform him that you're here?" aniya na mabilis kong tinanggihan. "Hindi rin ako magtatagal," maikli kong sagot bago siya nilagp
CLAIRE'S POVHindi ko na siya nagawang pigilan nang lumabas siya ng sasakyan at harapin ang mga lalaking 'yon. Mahigit lima ang mga ito at ang iba sa kanila ay may kalakihan pa ang katawan. Xian tried to talk to them and shortly after I saw his smirk, all those guys started coming at him. Isa-isa silang sumusugod kay Xian at inatake siya ng suntok. They seem to be unarmed but they're strong and look well-trained in fighting. Hindi ko inaalis ang paningin ko kay Xian na patuloy lang sa ginagawa n'yang pakikipaglaban. Nagagawa nitong mapatumba ang ilan sa kanila pero muli silang nakababangon. His movements were fast and attentive so the enemy couldn't land a single blow at him. I know Xian is good at this but he will lose if they come at him at the same time.Hindi nagtagal ay nagawa niyang mapatumba lahat ng lalaking ito. I thought it ended but they immediately got back on their feet like nothing happened. Nangamba ako dahil sa sitwasyon ni Xian. He's catching his breath, I'm afraid
CLAIRE'S POV I still remember the day when my foster father died because of me. 29th of August, this day of the year has now come, his death anniversary. Nag-iwan ako ng note sa ibabaw ng bedside table bago tahimik na nilisan ang silid ni Mama habang natutulog pa si Mommy. Hindi ko na siya hinintay na magising dahil siguradong hindi niya ako papayagang umalis ng mag-isa. A beam of sunlight touches my face as I exit the hospital. It's still early in the morning. I called a taxi and told the location after I got inside the back seat. Kaagad namang nagmaneho paalis ang taxi driver habang kalmado akong bumaling ng tingin sa bintana ng sasakyan. Xian said he will be back this afternoon when he left last night. He told me that he's staying at his own residence in their family's hotel. He probably stayed there alone. I felt embarrassed after I misunderstood him yesterday. It's funny how we said sorry to each other after a small misunderstanding. Ilang sandali pa, napansin kong huminto
XIAN'S POVI headed directly to the headmaster's office after I found that Claire was gone from her room. Where did that woman think of going with that weak body? That stupid. "Where is she?" bungad kong tanong kay Lolo Edgar nang makapasok ako sa opisina nito. Sa unang pagkakataon, nakita ko siyang bumuntong-hininga at mapanglaw ang mga mata na tumingin sa'kin. "She's too stubborn so I let her go." He stood up and faced the window. "That's why I need you to look after her and also..." He interlocked his fingers behind his back before turning around. "I want you to do something for me in secret," he requested. Unti-unti siyang naglakad pabalik sa kaniyang lamesa at may kung anong bagay na kinuha sa drawer nito. I stared at a picture and a phone when he placed it on the table. He moved the photo toward me. It's a photograph of an old warehouse. "I ordered to burn down this warehouse six years ago. That's where all the illegal weapons were stored, it was an illegal activity committe
CLAIRE'S POVI was looking in a daze, my eyes locked directly in my grandfather's direction. He's currently talking to someone over the telephone.Mahigit isang araw akong nawalan ng malay. Nang magising ako kanina lang mula sa hospital ng akademya, nagmadali ako para pumunta sa opisina ni Lolo. He promised to let me go and visit my mother once the duel is done. He refused at first since my body is still recovering but I insisted that I must go right away.Hindi pa alam nina Elaine na nagising na ako. Hindi ko rin alam kung nasaan sila ngayon, kahit si Xian ay hindi ko nakita nang magising ako. Pero mas mabuti na 'yon dahil wala akong balak na magpaalam pa sa kanila.Nabalik ako sa huwisyo nang maibaba ni Lolo ang telepono bago bumaling sa'kin ng tingin. He just called someone who would escort me outside the academy."May naghihintay na sa'yo sa tapat ng entrance gate ng academy. I'll give you two weeks to be with your mother and after that, you have to come back here. I will send som
CLAIRE'S POVDinig ko hanggang sa loob ng waiting room ang malakas at sabay-sabay na sigawan ng mga estudyante mula sa academy's arena. Ngayong araw na gaganapin ang labanan sa pagitan naming apat.Five days have passed since I learned about my mother's accident. Supposedly, the duel should be held two days after that but Lolo gave me time to fully recover. My body is fine but my mind keeps straying, I've been restless these past few days because of too much concern.Nababahala tuloy ako sa magaganap na laban ilang sandali lang mula ngayon. Unang maghaharap sina Elaine at Rachelle bago ako at si Abby. Kaya naman nakahanda na ang lahat para sa matinding pagtutuos naming apat.Kasalukuyan akong mag-isa sa loob ng waiting room ng arena dahil ayoko pang lumabas at magpakita sa maraming estudyante. Meron namang monitor sa loob ng silid. Nakikita ko mula roon ang mga nagaganap sa labas. Maraming estudyante ang nasa kaniya-kaniya nilang upuan para manood. Pati ang mga grupo at mga miyembro
CLAIRE'S POVBumitaw siya sa pagkakayakap at naupo sa tabi ko. Nangungusap ang kaniyang mga mata na diretsong tumitig sa'kin habang marahang hinaplos ang aking mukha. At kahit hindi niya sabihin, alam kong talagang labis siyang nag-alala para sa'kin. Pero sa kabila no'n ay hindi ko rin maiwasang mag-alala because of his circumstance. It made me happy to see him but he's not supposed to be here. What if he suddenly experiences an anxiety attack? I held his hand away from my cheek and looked at him with a worried face. "You... You shouldn't be here, Xian. Paano kung-" he cut me off using his index finger."I'm fine. I don't know why but maybe I overcame my fear because of you..." He moved his face closer to mine and whispered, "You're the only one I could think of right now..." Nag-init ang pisngi ko sa sinabi niya at ilang beses pa akong kumurap ng mata. Ano bang sinasabi niya? That doesn't make any sense to me, is he serious?I wrinkled my forehead when I heard his soft laughter. Ni
CLAIRE'S POV Nang makapasok sa loob ng ikalimang kwarto ay may namataan kaming isang pigura ng babae. Nakatalikod ito sa amin habang magkalakip ang dalawang kamay sa likod. "Congratulations on reaching this level..." Unti-unti itong humarap sa amin. She seems like in her late twenties. Nakatali ang kaniyang buhok at nakasuot ng itim na pants at leather jacket. "I'm the holder of the key, kailangan niyo lang makuha ang laso sa aking braso para manalo. But if I injured your target mark, you lose..." mahaba niya pang pahayag sa marahang boses bago ngumisi. Kulay puting laso ang nakatali sa kaniyang kanang braso. We can't underestimate her, she might be a good fighter that my grandfather has chosen to be part of this tournament."What are you waiting for? Let the game begin..." nangingising usal niya bago naglabas ng punyal sa dalawa niyang kamay. Kaagad kaming naalerto ni Elaine at inihanda ang aming sarili. Hindi nagtagal ay mabilis niya kaming sinugod. Napahigpit ang pagkakahawak