-Alexi-

MABIBIGAT ang paghingang pinakawalan ni Reigan habang nakapako ang tingin nito kay Trevor. I'm seeing that aura again. The aura he's carrying whenever he turned into Al Capone, the badass gangster that everyone fears.There's no emotion in his face but I could feel his rage. His anger is flowing through his fist which curled tightly. Craving to quench his thirst on killing Trevor. Makikita sa lukot na mukha ni Trevor ang pagdaing nito habang pinipilit nitong gumapang palayo. Reigan isn't satisfied on the strike he did to Trevor so he drew near to him and grabbed him by the hair. Binuhat siya nito sa ulo at sinalampak ang mukha sa pader na parang isa lamang itong bloke ng yelo. I gasped in awe.

"You hurt her. Now I have reason to kill you" mariin nitong sambit. Puno ng galit ang kanyang boses. Hindi pa ito nakuntento at sinandal niya sa pader si Trevor at paulit ulit na pinagsusuntok sa mukha. Every punches looks like a hard rock hitting his face. I saw how Trevor's face bleed as he couldn't do anything but to receive his punches. I was stunned. Parang ibang Reigan ang nasa harap ko ngayon. Tila lahat ng nakimkim nitong galit ay bumuhos sa bawat suntok na 'yon. Kusa na lamang akong napasigaw nang may dalawang Ghetto ang papalapit sa likod niya. Ang isa ay may hawak na tubo at ang isa ay jigsaw.

"Reigan. Sa likod mo!"

Agad na bumaling doon si Reigan at bago pa siya mahampas ng tubo ng lalaki ay nahawakan na nito ang kamay niya. Kusang natumba sa semento si Trevor na bugbog ang mukha nang bitawan siya ni Reigan. His face is still blank but his eyes were blazing. His anger is like a fire that whoever go near to him would be burned. Dahan dahan niyang pinilipit ang kamay ng Ghetto na 'yon hanggang sa mabitawan niya ang tubo. He screamed in pain and looked at Reigan as if he's desperately begging him to let go his hand. At this point, he has no mercy. It's like something triggered him to get mad on that extent. Narinig ko nalang ang pag-crack ng buto ng lalaking 'yon at natutula ako nang makitang nakapihit pabaliktad ang braso nito. Did he just break his arm?

Sunod itong lumingon sa babaeng may hawak na jigsaw. Bakas ang takot sa mukha nito nang sa kanya naman bumaling ang atensyon ni Reigan. She concealed it by attacking him with jigsaw but Reigan caught her by the neck. Kinuha ni Reigan ang jigsaw sa kanyang kamay at initsa ito sa maalikabok na semento. The girl is struggling to breath as her blood flow blocked on her throat. Dahan dahan siyang tinaas ni Reigan at tila walang balak bitawan hanggang sa mamatay ito.

"Reigan.."

I called him. With that little voice of mine, it immediately captured his attention. His eyes were glued to me as they softened. He looked like he melted when he saw me in cuffs.

"Alexi.."

He gazed back at the Ghetto girl he was choking and slammed her back on the wall before he let her go. The Ghetto girl passed out. Seconds before I realized, all of Trevor's guards in this place were all knocked down when I looked around them. Lumapit siya kay Trevor na kasalukuyang walang malay at kinapa ang bulsa nito. He took the keys and walked towards me. He hurriedly inserts the keys on the cuffs. As my hands free from the cuffs, kusa na lamang akong natumba dahil sa panghihina ng tuhod ko. Agad akong sinalo ni Reigan at niyakap. At the moment, I feel safe in his arms. I hugged him back as my tears suddenly fell.

I was like a child being rescued. The flood of emotions I was trying to cover went down as I was crying in Reigan's chest. I heard him hushing me.

"Shh..it's okay. I'm here. You're safe now" his voice is soothing. Somehow it calms me a bit. Naramdaman ko ang labi nito na lumapat sa ulo ko. Now he's back being gentle. Malayong malayo sa galit na Reigan kanina. I don't want him to come here but I'm glad he saved me.

"Hey, lovebirds"

Parehas kaming napalingon sa pinanggalingan ng boses. My forehead creased as I saw Coleen standing within a few meters from us. Umangat ang tingin ko kay Reigan. "Did you come with her?"

"She insisted" sagot ni Reigan. "She knew every corner of Ghettos' hideout so I tagged her along"

Coleen paced towards the guy whom Reigan broke an arm with. Hanggang ngayo'y dumadaing padin ito at mangiyak ngiyak sa sakit. Coleen took his pipe and hit his head for him to pass out. "You're noisy" komento nito saka bumaling sa aming dalawa.

"Sorry to interrupt your moment. We need to go. Other Ghettos might rush here any minute"

Reigan and I nodded our heads in agreement and followed her. Before we went, Reigan checked on me. "Are you able to run?"

I gave him a firm nod to assure him. "Yeah"

Ngumiti naman ito at mahigpit na hinawakan ang kamay ko. He intertwined our hands as we started to exit out of that warehouse. We followed Coleen who's carefully walking and being our guide to signal us if there are Ghettos around. Friday is not yet ended so it's still chaos outside.

"How did you know this place?" Reigan suddenly asked Coleen. He did not intend to start a conversation, but he seemed to be wondering why she knew this place so well, like the back of her hand. We stopped by behind the drums layered together. Nasa unahan si Coleen kaya siya ang nagsasabi sa amin kung kailan kami hihinto at magtatago. I thought Ardizonne just kidnapped me in some abandoned places of Sonkan but never knew that it was also part of their property.

"I was a Ghetto member, so of course I knew," Coleen answered, emphasizing the word 'was'.

"So you probably wouldn't mind telling me where their headquarters is so we can ambush them just like what they did to ours, would you?" Reigan sounds sarcastic, but deep down, he may have meant it.

"Whatever conflict you have with my brother, I'm out of it" Coleen glanced at Reigan with a blank face. "Don't get the wrong idea that I'm siding with them. I just don't want to be involved in gang wars"

Marahang natawa si Reigan na may kasamang pag-iling. "It's a good thing that you can still call him 'brother' without throwing up"

Coleen's eyes sharpened. Looking like she'll punch Reigan any moment. "My mom would haunt me in her grave if I don't acknowledge him as a brother so yeah I'm oblige to call him that, unfortunately" saka bumalik ang tingin nito sa labas ng pinagtataguan namin. "Just be thankful I didn't intervene while you were beating my brother's face earlier"

"I don't have to. He deserved it. It's you who should be thankful. I didn't kill your brother even my hands are itching to do so"

Sa pagkakataong 'yon ay sumabat na ako bago pa mauwi sa away ang namumuong tensyon sa kanilang dalawa. "Hey, you two. That's enough. I don't think exchanging random conversation at this time would be appropriate"

Mabuti't nakicooperate naman sila at natahimik. Maya maya'y sumenyas si Coleen na lumabas na sa pinagtataguan at magtungo sa direksyon na tinuro nito. "This way"

We made it alive. We successfully exited the Ghettos' premises. There's no surprise attack on the way knowing it's still Friday and everyone's killing each other. My neck hurts, my head's aching. Pakiramdam ko'y lahat ng parte sa katawan ko ay may dinadaing. Our dorms were locked, so we had no choice but to wander around and find a safe place to stay.

"How's Felicity and the folks with her? Why did you leave them?" Tanong ko kay Coleen habang hinahawi ang mga dahong nakaharang sa dinadaanan namin. I don't know where we are going, but this is where Coleen is leading us. She said she knew a place that the people barely visit, and we could crash for the night, so we'd go there.

"They're fine. Mobs fetch them. I told Kaiden to keep them alive. They're hiding in a safe place now" sagot nito. "You can page them if you want to make sure"

I nodded and smiled a bit. Knowing that put me at ease. "No need. I believe you. Besides, I lost my device"

Napabuntong hininga ito at tinaas ang dalawang kilay. "Okay. Chad can probably make you a new one" binalik nito ang tingin sa malubak na daan. I don't think if this is still part of school premises. "For now, let's take care of ourselves until sunrise"

Tumango na lamang ako sa pagsang-ayon kay Coleen. Hanggang sa may bigla akong naalala. "Where's Fare? Is she safe?"

"She's with the Mobs. Don't worry about her." I glanced at Reigan, who answered. I smiled warmly.

"Andito na tayo" Coleen announced.

Pumasok kami sa isang--inilibot ko ang tingin upang matukoy kung anong silid ito. Napaubo ako dahil sa alikabok. I had to cover my nose so I wouldn't inhale all the dust. It's dark. Yeah, I couldn't descibe the place because I can barely see anything. Reigan's hand tightened on mine, making sure I was on his side. Maya maya'y may liwanag na tumanglaw sa silid. I looked at the hand who's holding a lighter. It was Reigan's. I almost forgot he's a smoker so it's natural for him to have a lighter all the time.

Coleen lit her lighter as well. Dahil sa lighter nilang dalawa ay nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong ilibot ang tingin sa paligid. May nakikita akong shelf na may lamang iilang libro na binalot din ng alikabok, tuyong pintura, blackboard na may crack sa gitna, upuan at iba pang random school materials na tinambak nalang dito hanggang sa maluma.

"This used to be an art room until they made it like this" Coleen gave us a little trivia.

Minutes passed, and we found some cushions we could sleep with. Pinangsapin namin ang ilang piraso no'n. We're all tired for this night. It's a long tough night for us. Reigan decided to be our lookout, so he just sat and watched us till we fell asleep. The vacant space is too small in my spot so Coleen had to go on the farther side. Malikot ito matulog kaya may separate bed siya sa dorm namin. Before she finally shut down herself to sleep, may hinabilin ito kay Reigan.

"I know you're gonna take care of her, but I hope I won't hear a cringey sound while I'm sleeping. In short, don't devirginize my friend"

Nanlaki ang mata ko sa huli niyang sinabi at napakurap ng ilang beses. "Coleen" I hissed in embarrassment. Ramdam ko ang pamumula ng pisngi ko.

Narinig ko ang mahinang pagtawa ni Reigan. Nakaupo ito sa sahig, malapit sa pinto habang sapin ang ilang piraso ng karton. He's back is leaning on the wall. I looked at him in grimaced look. I just sighed in disbelief.

"I hope Coleen wouldn't think we're having a thing"

"Well I'm fine if she's thinking that way" Reigan said, playing cool with small chuckles bubbling in his mouth.

Hindi na ako sumagot. I feel guilty that I'm lying in the foam while our companion is sitting on the floor. Maya maya'y tumayo ito at lumapit sa akin. He bent his knees and reached for my head. Lumapat ang kamay nito sa panyo upang ayusin ang pagkakatali nito sa ulo ko. He tied a handkerchief on my head to stop the bleeding earlier. Matapos ayusin ay bumalik na ito sa pwesto niya at ginawang armrest ang isa niyang tuhod. I muttered "Thanks" after.

It's quiet here and dusty. Mabuti't may dalang mga lighter sina Coleen at Reigan, kahit papaano may ilaw kami. I couldn't sleep when it's completely dark.

"How are you feeling?" Tanong ni Reigan para basagin ang katahimikan.

"I'm fine" I stretched my lips a bit to smile.

"Good"

"Thank you" mahina kong sambit, sapat para marinig niya. "For coming to save me"

He smiled warmly while fixing his eyes on mine as if staring at me filled his contentment "Anything for you" nawala din ang ngiting 'yon at napalitan ng blangkong ekspresyon "I'm scared that I would lose you the moment I heard Trevor got you. He probably learned you're special to me. He used to hurt the closest people I have. I'm afraid he would do that to you"

His face may be blank, but his true to his words. That he's scared. His voice is low, almost whispering. He's trying to conceal his agitation by maintaining a neutral face but it can't be hidden by his tone. He sounds worried. I left speechless because I didn't expect that's how I meant to him.

"Don't do that again"

"Do what?" I parroted his question.

"Going alone" he answered. "I'm here. We're a team. You can go with me. I can keep you safe. Even if you go alone to wherever I will find you. Kahit saan pa yan hahanapin at hahanapin kita"

My heart pounded fast.

It's a good thing I'm lying down so I could just stare at the ceiling pretending to have no reaction at all. Hindi magkakasalubong ang mata namin at hindi niya mababasa sa mukha ko ang pagbabago ng aking ekspresyon. I could hear my heartbeat dominating the quietness of this room.

"Why you're being so nice to me?" Wala sa sarili kong tanong.

"Because I like you" he paused for a second. "Since truth or dare"

Silence intervened with us. Flashback flooded my mind when I was first invited to go to a Callista's party with Mobs and had my first kiss there. I stayed silent. I just wait what are the words he's going to say next.

"I was in denial at first but I know I like you"

The first time he confessed to me, I didn't take it seriously. But when he started to be nice and sweet then I was convinced his feelings might be true. Now that he's saying it aloud again, I'm still processing it. I mean I didn't expect him to catch feelings with me. I thought he hated me because I was weak, easy to die, and all. Aaminin ko sa sarili ko na sa unti unti kong pagkakakilala kay Reigan ay hindi siya mahirap magustuhan. I wouldn't wonder if I ended up liking him back in the future. It's just that I'm blocking the possibility. There is better stuff to prioritize than catching feelings with someone.

We're on war. We're in Sonkan. Walang kasiguraduhan kung hanggang kailan kami mabubuhay lahat. I don't think love has a room for it.

"I hope you can stop it," I whispered. "Things are messed up so I don't think---"

"Don't say it. I don't want to hear" he cut me off. "Just sleep. Tomorrow we're gonna nurse your wounds. For now, you need rest"

______

Two days after Friday, we get ourselves together. It's time for the U-squad to work. Gaya ng nabanggit ko sa kanila ay magkakaroon kami ng meeting. Same place. Felicity's secret cabin. The last time we gather here is because of Chad's invention now we gotta face important matter. All of them were present. Well, we're just 8 on the team. Nakatayo ako sa kanilang harapan at hawak ang notebook. Bakas ang pagtataka sa kanilang mukha kung para saan 'yon. Only Coleen is familiar about this and we haven't tell a soul to the rest of the team about Mr. Arellano. Huminga ako ng malalim. Nag-iipon ng lakas ng loob para isiwalat ang lahat. May parte sa akin na nag-aalala dahil baka hindi sila sumang-ayon. But whatever happens, whoever agree to do this will be on my team.

"You're probably wondering what this notebook is all about.." I began. "Coleen and I are working on something, and there is a certain person I met personally. I need all of your ears. He's the person who wrote everything here in this notebook. Before I tell you all of that, may ipapakilala ako sainyo. I don't think you still remember him but he's been with us during purging days"

Humakbang ako patungong pintuan at binuksan 'yon. Sinenyasan ko ang taong nasa labas na pumasok. He played it cool and make his entrance. I invited him to go in the front so I can formally introduce him.

"He's Caleb" I said to them. Para akong professor na nagpapakilala ng bagong estudyante sa klase.

"Oh, I remember him. He's the guy we saw stabbing the monster. Yung lalaking may dalang itak," Shane exclaimed as if we were having a recitation, and she was the first one to get the right answer.

Tumango ako sa pag-sang ayon. "Yeah he's that guy. Kasama natin siya noong pumunta tayo sa Food Hub. You know purging days"

Saglit na nagkaroon ng katahimikan. Mukhang nabuksan ang ala-alang pare pareho naming ayaw balikan. Napatingin ako kay Coleen. Wala man itong reaksyon ngunit nakikita ko ang bakas ng lungkot sa kanyang mata.

"I'm familiar with him" sambit nito.

"He's friend to the person who wrote this notebook" pagpapatuloy ko at tinaas ang notebook para ipakita sa kanila. "He wants to help us, and I invited him to join our team. Since he shows up now, I guess we gotta welcome a newbie here"

Nagpalakpakan silang lahat at bahagya namang yumuko si Caleb. Matapos ang pormal na pagpapakilala sa kanya ay muli naming ipinagpatuloy ang diskusyon. I eyed each one of them and breathed inwardly. Una kong sinulat sa whiteboard ang pangalan ni Mr. Sonkan.

"This is Charlie Sonkan. He's the owner of this school and the one who designed it was his brother. Charles Sonkan. Siya din ang gumawa ng blueprint" panimula ko.

"Whoah, ngayon ko lang nalaman ang pangalan ng Dean" mahinang komento ni Callista.

"May kapatid din pala siya" sabat ni Shane.

"Charlie started to become evil when Charles died. It's another story but the dean hired a doctor. He's a surgeon and he lost his license. He's down and depressed after he lost his job. That's when Sonkan found him. Siya si Dr. Sigmund Arellano. Siya din ang lumikha ng mga clone. Most of Sonkan's experiment came from his brain"

Some of their faces turned abstract with widened eyes, trying to process the first layer of information I was giving to them. Napatakip ng bibig si Fare at napakurap naman ng mata si Shane. I even saw she mouthed 'what' without a sound.

"Sonkan wants to achieve the immortality and this notebook.." I placed the notebook on the desk. "Will tell us the secret of how they're doing that. I already read what's written here so I'll just summarize it all"

I heaved a deep sigh and looked at each one of them, conveying through my eyes to brace themselves. "Remember, there is an age limit to being a student. When you reach 29, you'll be dumped somewhere, or you will be an automatic subject for the experiment. Inhumane experiment." I paused for a moment, letting them absorb the news. "They're trying to fusion the animal genes to human to make them mutant. Some of their tests focus on getting rid the need of human for food without getting sick or catching diseases"

"You mean weaken their appetite?" Tanong ni Coleen.

I gave her a slow nod. "I'm not sure if that's how it is pero gusto nilang hindi makaramdam ng gutom ang tao. Pati sa sugat. They're making multiple tests on how to heal the wounds; I'm talking about lacerated ones. They're studying how those wounds would heal on their own without nursing them. Like if you get stabbed multiple times deep in your organs, you're still alive"

"That's impossible bruh" komento ni Chad.

Nakita ko ang pag-iling ni Callista kasabay ng pagtaas ng isang kilay na tila hindi makapaniwala sa mga naririnig. "When I saw they're making clones and built a fake city underground, I don't know what's impossible for them anymore"

*************

Thanks for reading!