•••••Raven's POV•••••

I felt a really cold air touching my skin. I slowly opened my eyes and saw fake stars glowing in the dark on the ceiling. Bumangon ako at napahawak sa aking ulo dahil medjo kumikirot ito. Bumaba ako sa kama para buksan ang ilaw.

When I turned on the lights, I grabbed a tight hold on my pajamas. The cold air from the AC's been embracing me since I woke up. I looked at the alarm clock on my bedside table and it says 2:22 a.m. I travelled my eyes around the room. My room is as spacious as Maura's. I wonder kung ganito rin kalaki ang kwarto ng iba ko pang kasamahan.

Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa pintoan papunta sa dressing room ko. My room has a dressing room like a Hollywood artist's room. The design is gold, in fact, the whole room is painted with gold. All I can say is this is an elite hotel.

Pumasok ako at umupo ako sa harap ng salamin para pagmasdan ang aking repleksyon. My straight, long, black hair is as beautiful as ever. I admire my hair, I really do. I forgot when was the last time I cut it off.

Looking at my reflection made me release a heavy sigh.

“You've killed many lives...” I uttered to myself. “And told many lies.”

I was born to be an assassin. I was born to kill. But what if I wasn't born to be one? Would I still live in this kind of life? Would I meet Blade, Maura, Hades, and Reo? If my eyes wouldn't change, am I gonna live a normal life?

Nakipagtitigan ako sa aking repleksyon sa salamin. I saw how my lips slowly moved as I started singing a song.

“Combat, I'm ready for combat
I say I don't want that, but what if I do?
'Cause cruelty wins in the movies
I've got a hundred thrown-out speeches I almost said to you”

I paused. Kinuha ko ang cellphone na nasa pocket ko. I clicked the gallery to see the photos of me and Ethan that was taken during our vacation. Ethan is always happy when he's with me. Kahit naka-poker face ako sa camera ay palagi pa rin niya akong ine-encourage na ngumiti.

“I've been the archer
I've been the prey
Who could ever leave me, darling?
But who could stay?”

Tumayo ako at lumabas sa dressing room. I was walking back and forth like a ghost while still looking at the photos.

If Ethan's parents didn't adopt me, magiging si Raven Saldoviana ba kaya ako? And if ever his parents were alive, magiging masaya ba talaga kami? Hindi ba ako magiging cold?

I was still walking back and forth like a soulless person in the room at hindi ako nakakaramdam ng pagkahilo.

“I wake in the night, I pace like a ghost
The room is on fire, invisible smoke
And all of my heroes die all alone
Help me hold onto you”

I sang the chorus again as I was still looking at the pictures. I admit, kahit na naiinis ako kay Ethan at kahit hindi ako photogenic, I still treasure every memory we both spend. Siya lang ang taong nasa tabi ko in times when no one else was.

Napatingin ako sa terrace at naisipang lumabas. Paglabas ko ay kaagad dumampi sa aking mukha ang malamig na hangin. I can't really tell which is much colder or better-the cold air from the AC or the natural air from nature.

I leaned against the railing, phone still in hand at pinakiramdaman ang malamig na hangin.

“All the king's horses, all the king's men
Couldn't put me together again
'Cause all of my enemies started out friends
Help me hold onto you
I've been the archer
I've been the prey
Who could ever leave me, darling?
But who could stay?”

Tumingin ulit ako sa cellphone ko and this time, I saw the picture of me and Ethan that was taken 2 years ago in Disneyland. He was so happy and in the picture, inaakbayan niya ako. In fact, para kaming mag-jowa kaysa sa magkapatid.

I smiled looking at it.

I swiped right to see the next at napatigil ako ng makita ang picture naming lima ng mga ka-team mates ko and our mentor. We looked so happy here. But more like a candid shot taken by Reo himself. Balak niya sigurong mag-candid groupie sa pic na 'to. I think this was taken the other day sa isang restaurant na kinainan namin. I believe Maura sent this to me.

“Combat, I'm ready for combat...” Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako matapos kong kantahin ang The Archer.

I placed my phone back in my pajama pockets and looked up at the moon that was also looking at me. Napakaganda niyang tingnan.

Napapikit ako.

Matatanggap pa kaya nila ako 'pag nalaman nila ang totoo kong pagkatao?

Minulat ko ang aking mga mata, huminga ng malalim at bumalik sa loob. Pagpasok ko sa loob ay kinuha ko ang sweatshirt ko at sinuot iyon. Tiningnan at inayos ko muna ang sarili sa harap ng salamin bago lumabas ng kwarto.

Pagbaba ko sa ground floor ay nakita ko ang ibang mga staffs na nakasuot rin ng pajamas habang naghahanda para bukas. I just let them be and got out of the hotel. I think no one noticed me because they were so busy preparing. Which is also a good thing.

Pumunta ako sa garden at umupo ako sa isang malapit na bench. No one else is here but me. However, I can still here muffled voices from the staffs inside the hotel. Masyado talaga silang busy.

I leaned my back against the chair as I let the strong, cold air dancing with my hair. Gusto ko lang talagang mapag-isa kapag hindi ako nakakatulog. If my half brother was here, he would immediately prepare a red velvet cake for me. Sadly, he's no where to be found.

“Raven?”

Dahan-dahan akong napatingin sa taong nakatayo sa harapan ko na may dalang isang baso ng kape.

“Simon... Reyes?” I blinked maybe twice. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Gising pa siya at this time? He should be taking a rest.

“What's a very beautiful girl doing in the garden at this time alone?” Lumapit siya sa akin. “Can I sit down?”

I nodded and he sat on the space beside me. That's when I questioned him back, “And what's a handsome and prominent person doing in a place like this alone with a girl he just met yesterday?” At doon ko siyang narinig na tumawa.

“You called me handsome. Am I your type?” He laughed. So, I glared at him. He gave me a smirk. “Anyway, I don't know if I was just imagining but, kumanta ka ba sa loob ng kwarto mo kanina?” Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

“Don't tell me narinig mo?” Oh, shit. First my team mates, and now him? Great, Raven. Just great.

“Well, I didn't mean to. Napadaan kasi ako sa kwarto mo kanina kasi may binigay akong isang file kay Reo-sensei. I just left it at his doorstep, though, kasi alam kong natutulog na siya. Kailangan ko na talaga kasing ibigay ngayon, e.” Biglang nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata at tumingin sa akin. “But, I swear, I'm not stalking you or anything. Oo, maganda ka at maganda rin boses mo but I promise I didn't mean to hear it.” He crossed his heart.

I rolled my eyes at him. Masyado siyang defensive. Tinatanong ko lang naman kung narinig ba niya akong kumanta, e. Tapos ang dami pang satsat.

“Whatever.” Pero sinabihan niya ako ng maganda at nagustohan niya rin boses ko. At least, I'm in the mood to accept his compliment.

Wait, maganda? Type ba niya ako?

“Why are you awake at this time? Aren't you supposed to be resting?” Pag-change topic ko before we get awkward.

Umiling siya at tinaas ang kanyang baso na may kape para ipakita sa akin.

“Can't sleep,” He said. “And don't worry about the paparazzis, by the way. I trust everyone here.” Tumawa siya ng mahina.

With that, I just realized na isang artista at singer pala itong kasama ko ngayon. But I don't feel anyone else's presence, so, no paparazzis.

There was a huge silence after that. Nakaka-awkward. I just wanted to be alone in here, but right now, nakaupo ang isa sa pinakagwapong artista sa buong mundo sa tabi ko.

Should I consider myself lucky now?

Tumikhim siya. Para siguro ma-lessen yung akwardness sa pagitan naming dalawa.

“I had a sister... And she was always with me. Bottom line? We were very close,” Uhh, share mo lang? Bakit ba siya biglaang nag-open up sa'kin? “And I miss her so, so much.”

I examined his beautiful, angelic face. He looks so innocent tonight.

“Where is she now?” Hindi ko na napigilang magtanong pa.

“Dead.” tipid niyang sagot at naramdaman ko ang paghigpit ng hawak niya sa baso.

“I shouldn't have asked that.” His hair is dancing in the wind which makes him look more handsome.

He smiled. “It's fine.” Bumalik ulit ang dati niyang ugali at lumuwag ang pagkahawak niya sa baso. Magsasalita pa sana ako nang maunahan niya ako. “You should sing with me tomorrow, Raven.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “Me?” Tinuro ko ang sarili ko at tumango siya. “At your concert? Tomorrow?”

“We can have a du—”

“You're out of your mind, Simon,” A sarcastic laugh escaped my mouth. “I'm not a singer. Plus, you're my client and it's your concert. I shouldn't intervene with one of the most important event in your life.” I said.

Napagdesisyunan kong tumayo para bumalik na sa aking kwarto. Baka ano na naman ang maisip ng taong ito at maisipan pa na gawin akong isang artista.

Naloko na talaga.

“I'm going back to sleep,” I looked at him by my shoulder, who was also looking at me. “Hopefully, you will, too.”

I saw his smirk. “Sleep is mad at me, Raven,” He leaned his back against the bench and looked at the sky. “It won't let me have peace.”

Hindi ko masyadong naintindihan ang ibig niyang sabihin, so, I shrugged if off at iniwan siya dun na mag-isa. Hindi naman siguro siya masasaktan dun mag-isa, 'no? Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kirot sa ulo ko pero hindi ko na lang yun ininda. But... there's one thing that bothers me.

Why do I feel so connected with someone I just met?

-----

I slowly opened my eyes when I heard muffled voices inside my room. It took a minute para ma-realize ko na may ibang tao na pala na nakaupo sa mini living room sa loob ng kwarto ko.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Dali-dali akong napabangon sa kama. “How did you guys get in?”

“Raisin, you were careless. You didn't lock the door for Christ's sake! Akala ko kung ano na ang nangyari sa'yo.” The hell? Bakit ba ang sobrang worried ni Blade?

“Raven, you have to wear this later at the concert.” Maura handed me a hoodie jacket. Napatitig ako dun sandali kasi parang unfamiliar sa akin ang jacket.

“This ain't mine.”

“Binigyan tayo lahat ni Simon niyan.” Ngumiti si Maura sa akin.

“Raven, today is the concert. Maghihiwa-hiwalay tayo kaya kailangan nating mag-ingat. Lalong-lalo ka na.” Tinuro ako ni Reo kaya tumango na lang ako.

“Saan ka ho magbabantay, sensei?” Hades asked.

“I will be outside the VIP box. I'm more skilled with a lot of experience than any of you. So, I'll handle it myself.” He sighed and looked at me again. “Ikaw ang inaalala ko, Raven.”

“Don't worry, sensei!” Lumapit si Blade sa akin at inakbayan ako. “I'll protect her no matter what.”

“Blade, wrap your hands around me again and I'll break your hand.” Dali-dali niyang kinuha ang kanyang kamay at tumawa. Jerk.

Reo nodded and we conducted a few plans bago kami nagbihis para maghanda. For the first time in my life, ngayon lang ako kinabahan sa isang misyon.

Matapos naming maghanda ay napagdesisyunan na naming lumabas sa kwarto ko. Only few hours left until the concert starts.

I sighed. I looked at everyone and said, “Fate attenzione. [Be careful.]” They all looked at me, flabbergasted.

Hindi ko na lang pinansin iyon at inunahan na silang maglakad. I could feel the surprised look on their faces behind me. I really am worried.

When we reached the ground floor, “Wait,” Huminto ako sa paglalakad.

Huminto rin sila at nilingon ako.

“May problema ba, Raven?” Reo asked.

Umiling ako. “Pupunta muna ako sa cr. You guys go on ahead.”

“Pero—”

“No buts, Blade. Kaya ko na sarili ko.” seryosong sambit ko at bago pa man sila makapagsalita ay lumakad na ako palayo sa kanila.

“Where is it—Ah! There it is.” Pumasok kaagad ako sa c.r nang mahanap ko ito.

When I got in, no one else was there but me. Pumasok ako sa isang cubicle. Actually, pumasok lang talaga ako dito dahil naramdaman ko ang pag-vibrate ng phone ko sa aking skirt pocket. I had a feeling that I shouldn't let the others know, so, I pretended that I wanted to pee.

Kinuha ko ang phone galing sa aking bulsa at binasa ang message. It was from Ethan.

From: Ethan Jerk

Raven, I know you have a lot of questions to ask. But please, listen to me. I know you're on a mission right now and tonight is eclipse. Please, PLEASE, be careful. You don't know the people around you. I've hid many secrets from you, Raven. Pero kahit ganun, mahal na mahal kita at ginagawa ko ang lahat ng ito para sa'yo. Sana, maintindihan mo ako.

Kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa message niya. Instead of feeling mad for sending me a senseless message, bigla na lang akong nakaramdam ng kaba.

What is he talking about? Anong ibig niyang sabihin? Ano ba ang meron sa eclipse?

Just then, I heard a noise and it's coming towards my cubicle. I swiftly returned my phone in my pocket at pinakiramdaman ang paligid.

There's no mistaking it. Palapit na palapit ang tunog sa akin. Huminga ako ng malalim nang huminto ito sa harapan ng aking cubicle. I can see its shadow below but I can't tell if its human or what.

“Meow.” Wait, what?

Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang pintoan at tumambad sa akin ang isang pusa. But that's not it. May dalang parang isang piraso ng papel ang pusa. Yumuko ako para kunin ito. When I got the paper, the cat immediately ran out of the window.

I watched it until it disappeared. Then I turned back my attention to the piece of paper I'm holding. Binuksan ko ito at nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mabasa ko ang sulat.

The rise of the red moon tonight
Will be the start of your demise
The girl with secrets
And lots of regrets
Will soon drown in the depths of lies

Nanginig ang kamay ko at napako ako sa aking kinatatayuan. I could feel eyes looking at me.

Who the fuck sent this letter to me? Is this a threat? A warning? What the hell is this thing?! This is getting more and more complicated.

Nakita ko sa salamin kung paano marahas na napabukas yung pinto at pumasok si Blade.

“What the hell, Raven?! Kanina pa ako katok ng katok dito! Ano bang nangyayari sa'yo?!” He asked but I couldn't answer him. I didn't even hear him knocking. Napatulala lang ako sa sariling repleksyon and I saw how his gaze dropped on the piece of paper I'm holding. “Raven?”

Nanginginig ang mga kamay kong iniabot ito sa kanya. “R-Read it...” Napalunok siya at kinuha ito.

I could clearly see how shocked he was while holding the paper.

“T-This is...”

Tumingin ako sa kanya. Not at the mirror, but to the real him.

“Blade, it's written in blood. Human blood.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

Some comments may not be connected to this chappy because this was once an author's note regarding this story's hiatus. Now, since the story's back, the note I wrote would be useless. I just made it into a chapter, so, it won't go to waste. That's all. I love you, UniqueKorns! Be red, stay unique. Viva Pit Senyor!