•••••Raven’s POV•••••

“My brother believes that President Sniper’s princess is here. But it’s impossible since matagal na siyang patay.”

“We call her ‘princess’ because she isn’t just an ordinary assassin. She’s a demon from a royal blood. Walang kahit sinuman ang makakatalo sa kanya.”

“Maganda nga ang mga mata mo. You remind me of her.”

“Anyway, that’s the point kung bakit ikaw ang napili ko na tumulong sa’kin. Don’t worry, hindi pa naman ako magpapatulong sa’yo ngayon. I’ll ask for your help when the time comes and when you’re ready.”

“May sagot ako sa mga tanong na nasa isipan mo at alam kong may hinahanap ka dito sa Blandon High.”

“Hindi man lahat alam ko, ngunit, alam kong makakatulong pa rin itong impormasyon na nalalaman ko sa kung ano man iyang pinaplano mo.”

“I’ll tell you once the time comes.”

“Let’s keep this between us, Ms. Saldoviana. Pakiusap ’wag mo ’tong sabihin kahit sino lalong-lalo na sa kapatid ko. Mas lalo lang siyang magagalit sa’kin.”

“I’ll expect for your help. Wala ng iba pang makakatulong sa’kin.”

“Raven... I need your help.”

“Ms. Saldoviana, please, you’re my only hope.”

I slowly opened my eyes as I started to feel like someone has whispered in my ear. It took me a few seconds before I realized where I was.

“Why am I... in my room?”

I slowly sat down on my bed, ignoring the pain in my head as I was doing it. When I was able to sit down, I looked around my room.

No one else is here with me and the whole place seems so quiet.

“How did I get in here?”

I tried to remember what happened last. My memory was blurry and I was struggling to recall what happened. I closed my eyes to concentrate and took a deep breath.

I would rather suffer in this Ombrophobia than to be with you right now. I have enough of your fake promises already and I just can not stand being an idiot all the time. I have followed your wishes even if I hated you and my whole freedom to meet new people—to meet friends became the prize.

I hurriedly opened my eyes when I slowly recollected what happened. Ethan saw Blade and I at the mall and he was angry. I said something about his fake promises and I was furious at him as well.

I guess I passed out after saying that. Kung ganun, sino ang nagdala sa akin dito sa kwarto ko? Was it Ethan? Was it Blade?

Now it is your time to follow my wishes, big brother.

“Big brother...” It was my first time calling him that and I wonder what he felt about it.

I looked around my room one last time before gently standing up. I also noticed that my phone was not on the table and it was no where to be found.

Hindi ko rin alam pero bakit napakatahimik ata ng bahay? I understand if my room is quiet because it has always been like this. Pero to the point na parang ang buong bahay ang tahimik? Weird.

More importantly, there is one other thing that has been bothering me. Someone was talking in my dreams and that someone felt like a real person. It was a female’s voice and it was recognizable to me.

My mind is surely acting up and it is such a bothersome.

Dahan-dahan akong naglakad palapit sa pintoan. Pinihit ko ang doorknob at lumabas ako ng kwarto. I thought someone would surprise me but no one was standing outside my room. I went downstairs and I still saw no Ethan at the living room watching T.V.

“Where the hell is everybody?” tanong ko sa sarili ko. Napakaweird naman ng feeling. Kahit isang kasambahay, wala. “It is like a ghost town in here.”

I checked the kitchen and still, no one was there. Hindi ko na nakayanan pa at tinungo ko na ang kwarto ni Ethan. Maybe makahanap ako ng sagot doon.

I went back upstairs again. My room is just a few steps away from the stairs while Ethan’s room is only a few steps away from mine.

Pagdating ko sa kwarto niya ay napahinto ako. Para kasing nakarinig ako ng mga muffled voices galing sa loob. Could it be that someone is there with him? I opened the room ajar and saw Ethan’s back facing at me. May kausap siya sa telepono at hindi niya napapansin ang presence ko.

Siguro may tumatawag na naman galing sa kompanya. He is so busy nowadays and it annoys me. Palagi na lang siyang wala sa bahay dahil sa trabaho.

I just sighed. Perhaps I should ask him later.

“I’m afraid of what might happen, master.” I was about to close the door when I heard what he just said.

I am curious now kung sino man ang kausap niya sa telepono. Pero isa lang ang sigurado ako, the one he is talking on the other line is not from the company.

Who is this master that he is referring to? He did not mention something like this to me.

“She will be fine pero wala pa ho siyang malay. She’s resting in her room at the moment.” Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa narinig.

By all means she, ako ba ang pinapahiwatig niya?

“As you wish, master. Hindi ko po hahayaan na may mangyaring masama sa kanya. I will do everything in my power to protect her.” Inayos niya ang mga libro na nasa table niya.

Luckily, he did not turn to look at the door. If he does, he would definitely know that I have already regained consciousness.

“Understood. One more thing,” I do not know why but I suddenly felt nervous. I have no idea on what will Ethan say but it feels like my anxiety is slowly killing me. “Do you not think it is time for Raven to know the truth?”

My eyes widened in surprise when I heard my name. At that moment, it was very clear to me that Ethan was referring to none other than me. But why? What is the meaning of this? The way that Ethan speaks is different as well. Everything has changed out of the blue.

“Understood. I will be going, then. Thank you for your time and I will never fail you, master Kazen.” He ended the call after that and it was as if the time stopped.

I am confused kung bubuksan ko ba talaga ng tuloyan ang pinto at tanungin siya o babalik na lang ako sa kwarto at maghintay na siya na lang ang magsabi sa akin?

But if I wait, how long will I wait? I know Ethan kept a lot of secrets from me. Pero para bang dumating na lang ako sa point na napapagod na ako kakahintay?

I opened Ethan’s door completely and the surprise look on his face became crystal clear to me. He never hid his phone. Instead, he juat placed it on his table like nothing is wrong. But somehow, I can feel anxiety inside of him.

“Raven,” he called out. “Kamusta na ang pakiramdam mo? Are you feeling well now?”

“I am. So, please, let us cut the crap now.” Tiningnan ko siya diretso sa kanyang mga mata.

“What do you—”

“Who were you talking to on the phone? Why did you call him ‘master’? And what do you mean by it is time for me to know the truth?” I came closer to him as he tried to avoid my gaze. “Look at me, Ethan.”

“Raven, I do not know what—”

“JUST TELL ME THE TRUTH!” I can not help my voice from raising and tears to seep down my face. Nowadays, I have been very vulnerable and I could not do anything about it.

Sumasakit na ang ulo ko from the moment I woke up and dumadagdag pa ang mga tinatagong sekreto sa akin ni Ethan.

Lumapit siya sa akin at niyakap ako ng mahigpit but I did not hug him back.

“Raven, please, don’t cry. Nasasaktan akong makita kang umiiyak.” I pulled myself away from him. Ayokong lumapit siya sa akin. I am so mad at him.

“Pagod na pagod na kasi ako, Ethan. Hindi ko alam kung maniniwala pa ba talaga ako sa iyo o hindi na. I know you have kept a lot of secrets from me and I just came to that point where I have had enough of your shits!” I exclaimed between my cries and it breaks my heart so much. “I heard everything that you told that guy on the phone and I want to know what is happening!” Tinuro ko ang phone niya na nasa table.

Nahihirapan na akong huminga dahil sa kakaiyak but I did not mind it.

“May dahilan ako kung bakit may mga sekreto akong tinatago sa iyo. Raven, I am doing this just for you!”

“Did I not tell you to stop this crap?! Why can you not discern that?! Kung ginagawa mo talaga ito para sa akin, then bakit nasasaktan ako?” Even if my vision was blurry because of the tears, I could see the pain on his eyes. “This is driving me crazy, Ethan. I thought we were brothers and sisters... I thought we were supposed to get through this together? But why do I feel like you are just making me a fool?”

“R-Raven, I’m sorry... Please, I’m so so—”

“Ethan,” Napayuko ako at kinuyom ko ang aking kamao para tumigil ito sa panginginig. “Do you really love me?”

“I do, Raven. I love you so so much at nangako ako sa mga magulang natin na gagawin ko ang lahat para sa’yo.”

Para akong mababaliw every time sinasabi iyan sa akin ni Ethan. I feel so dumb and I do not think my heart will ever mend if I stay in here any longer.

“Then, answer my fucking question, Asano.” Tumingin ulit ako deretso sa mga mata ni Ethan.

I felt how my eyes changed its colors and he was surprised to see them. However, it was only for a brief moment.

He transferred his gaze on the floor. I waited for his response but I guess it took us five minutes in that situation.

“Are you gonna answer or not?” He did not answer me. “I see. How selfish of me. If that is what you want, then I will not force you anymore.”

I walked passed through him and stopped right behind his back. I could not see his expression because he kept his stare on the floor. But I could not care less of whatever he feels.

“I am tired of forcing you to do things for my own selfish reasons. If you wish not to tell me, then do whatever you want. In return, let me also do what I want,” Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago ako nagsalita ulit. “I will leave this house. If you wish to see me again, I hope that will be the time when you are ready to tell me the truth.”

Lumakad na ako palayo sa kanya and to be honest, every step I take still pains me, and every step I take makes my tears keep on seeping down my face.

“Sayonara... Big brother.”

-----

“Raven!” The silly girl Maura gave me a tight hug like we have not seen each other in years. “Thank goodness at ayos ka na! Gustong-gusto talaga naming dumalaw sa’yo kaso bantay-sarado ka kasi ng kuya mo, e, kaya hindi kami makakapunta sa’yo.” She looked at me worriedly.

“Do not worry, I am fine,” I assured her. “Anyway, thanks for agreeing to see me. You are the only one I can count on this.”

“Of course!” Tumatango-tango pa siya. “That’s why pinahanda ko na sa mga katulong namin yung isang bahay kung saan ka namin dinala noon nung nawalan ka rin ng malay.”

I just nodded to her. Nasa loob kami ng sasakyan nila ngayon. Maura brought her bags and stuffs with her. According to her, he forced their driver to drive us to the other house that they also owned; far away from the city.

“Did your parents and sister wonder about kung saan ka pupunta?”

“Nope. My parents just agreed with me since they both know na hindi naman ako magkakalat sa bahay,” She handed me a bag of chips, but I declined. “Eli, on the other hand, didn’t care at all. Wala siyang pakialam kung saan man ako magpunta. Besides lang siguro if it catches her interests or something.”

Hindi na lang ako nagsalita. I told Maura that she did not have to go with me as long as she would help me find a new place to stay. However, she insisted on going with me since she was worried. Alam ko naman na genuine ang nararamdaman niya since I can see it right through her eyes.

“Akala ko doon ka hihingi ng tulong kay Blade, Raven?” My attention diverted to her when she asked. “Akala ko do’n ka titira sa bahay nila?”

I raised a brow at her. “Maura, do you think it would be a good idea if a girl suddenly stays at Blade’s place?”

Napaisip siya sa sinabi ko at tumawa ng mahina sabay kamot sa kanyang ulo. Biglang tumigil ang kotse at nakita ko ang isang malaking bahay sa labas ng bintana.

“Ma’am, nandito na ho tayo.”

“Salamat po, kuya. Pakilabas na lang po ng mga gamit namin.”

Lumabas na kaming dalawa ni Maura sa kotse. I surveyed my eyes on the surroundings and on the house itself. It looks good and luxurious. Somehow, I found the place comfortable since I have been here before.

Napatingin ako kay Maura nang halos mag-iba na ang kanyang ekspresyon dahil sa bigat ng mga gamit na kanyang dala. I simply brought a big backpack with me full of clothes and everything I need. Unlike Maura, parang siya pa yung lumayas sa aming dalawa dahil sa dami ng dinadala niya.

“Salamat po, kuya driver! Ingat po kayo pauwi!”

“Salamat po, ma’am!”

Maura closed the door after she waved goodbye to the driver. I was sitting on the couch and she then turned to face me.

“So, Raven, if we go out, I will just book a taxi or car. Just tell me and I will get to it right way!” she said enthusiastically and flopped down on the couch. “So, what happened? You promised to tell me!”

I rolled my eyes. Para siyang isang batang gustong makipag-storytelling sa akin.

“Obviously, lumayas ako, Maura.”

“I know but there must’ve been a reason kung bakit lumayas ka, ’di ba? If I were you at may kapatid akong kagaya ni Daddy Ethan na sobrang hot? I would never leave his side, Raven!”

If only this silly girl knows what Ethan truly is.

I closed my eyes. Thinking about what happened is making my head ache. This is such a troublesome.

“I just... Had enough of my brother’s secrets.”

“Raven,” I surprisingly looked at Maura when she touched my hand and smiled at me. “It’s okay if you can’t tell me the whole detailed story, tbh. Pero gusto ko lang malaman mo na nandito lang kaming mga kaibigan mo sa tabi mo.”

Lumapit siya sa akin at niyakap ako. I hugged her back also. She helped me with a lot of stuffs already.

“We won’t leave you, Raven,” We both pulled away and she smiled at me again. “So, what’s the plan?”

I thought about her questions for a moment. Pumasok ulit sa isipan ko ang napanaginipan ko. It must have a meaning, it might be a lead to what I am looking for.

“Hey, Raven! I found a Supermax candy in one of my bags. Want some?”

Biglang nanlaki ang mga mata kong nakatulala sa binigay na candy sa akin ni Maura.

“What?” She took a look at the candy. “What is it?”

“Super... Max... Maura, you are a genius!” She looked at me in confusion, there is no doubt that she did not get my point at all. “That person might give me the answers I am seeking for!”

Tumayo ako at para bang ang kirot na nararamdaman ko ay bigla na lang nawala.

“Who?” I smirked at Maura who was still drowning in confusion.

“Max Park’s sister, Sunny Park.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

Konnichiwa~ Naka-update na rin ako sa wakas! As you all know, I call my readers/supporters UniqueKorns and I’m so happy of you all asking for updates. Pasensya na talaga if matagal ako mag-update.

Takte, I’m quite embarrased to tell y’all this but, I have other stories. 2 on-going, 1 completed, and 1 poetry book, if you’re into poems. Feel free to check it out on my profile during this quarantine.

Love y’all! Stay safe and Gob bless you. I hope you liked this chapter with its marvel-inspired title. Be red and stay unique!