𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉
Play with Fire- Sam Tinnesz

The content of the story may lead you to be offended due to religious beliefs. We have different religions, opinions, beliefs and practices. The writer does not mean to degrade religions and make the readers feel sympathy towards evil nor an atheist. You may find some topics sensitive and shady and against your own beliefs. Readers discretion is advised.

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Nakaupo sa isang tabi si Lilith habang pinapanood ang mga taong nagsasayawan sa gitna habang sinasabayan ang indak ng musika. The place was full of blinding lights and smoke, people who are having a good time for whatever God forsaken reasons they have. Puro amoy ng sari-saring pabango't alak ang nanunuot sa ilong niya.

Her eyes were fixated on the woman she's with tonight. Walang kahabas-habas itong sumasayaw sa gitna at halos lahat ng kalalakihan ay napapatingin dito. She's pretty and hot alright, who wouldn't turn their heads just to watch her move her body sexily?

Lilith crossed her legs and drank her beer. Obviously, she's in a club. A place where people drink their ass off and have fun to forget about their dramatic life. In her case, she was here to accompany a friend.

Lilith was taking her time looking at the people when she saw in her peripheral vision that someone sat beside her. Mabilis pa sa alas kwatrong iginulong niya ang mga mata niya.

"Fuck off, Asmodeous." He chuckled. Dumampot ito ng maliit na ice cube sa bucket at nginuya-nguya ito sa kaniyang bibig. Nagkasalubong naman ang kilay ni Lilith sa ginawa niya.

"What are you even doing here?" Nananaray na tanong niya rito.

"Lilith, just like before, I should be the one asking that." This time she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at him.

"I am Asmodeous, the demon of lust. This place is reeking in sex and alcohol, it is normal to see me here." Umismid naman si Lilith.

"Yeah right," sarkastiko nitong sagot habang nakatuon ang pansin sa babaeng sumasayaw sa gitna.

"That woman is hot." Lilith scoffed in her head. That's only natural for him. Every woman is hot in his eyes.

While Lilith was busy babysitting that woman, Asmodeus was looking at her as he continued to admire her beauty. She was only wearing a backless fitted dress, and a pair of boots. Nakalugay ang kulay pula at kulot nitong buhok habang nagmamasid sa paligid.

"Lilith!" Susuray-suray na naglakad papalapit ang babae sa table nila kaya naman tumayo si Lilith upang akayin ito paupo.

"Bliss..." And when her name rolled in Lilith's tongue, she laughed bitterly.

"Bliss, huh." Pagak itong tumawa't pabagsak na umupo.

"My name means 'pure happiness' but why the hell am I fucking lonely?" Sinenyasan ni Lilith na lumayas na si Asmodeus pero huli na dahil isinandal na ni Bliss ang kaniyang ulo sa balikat nito.

"Ang bango mo naman, sir." Lilith face-palmed and Asmodeus couldn't help but to laugh mentally.

"You're drunk, Bliss. Let me take you home." Imbis pumayag ay umiling ito.

"Home? Where is home?" Duduling-duling itong pumikit habang nakasandal pa rin sa binatang hindi niya naman kilala. Ang alam niya lang ay mabango at puwede na niyang gawing higaan.

"To your house," makling sagot ni Lilith dito habang pinandidilataan ng mata si Asmodeus.

"It's just a house," Suminok muna ito bago ipagpatuloy ang sasabihin niya,"It doesn't feel like home, not anymore," dagdag pa nito.

Ilang minutong katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanilang tatlo. Asmodeus was just looking at the random woman who's comfortably resting on his shoulder while Lilith just stared at her. Maya-maya'y biglang tumuwid ng upo si Bliss kaya nagulat si Asmodeus dito.

"Let me tell you a story..." Bliss ordered another bucket of beer. Kusa niyang binuksan ang natitirang alak at nilagok ito.

"There was this princess born in a royal family. She was beautiful and smart. The king and queen loved her very much, and they were happy living together," Bliss emptied the beer and took another one.

"That's what she thought." Tumango-tango naman si Asmodeus na nakikinig habang si Lilith naman ay nakadekwatro lang at patuloy na nakikinig.

"But indeed, good things don't last forever."

That's because people cheat, they leave, and die.

"The king was not content with what he had. He cheated on the queen, and he revealed that the princess was not his child. She was only adopted." Sa muling pagtawa ni Bliss ay ang pamumuo ng luha sa mga mata nito.

"That was the time when the princess' world collapsed. She refused to accept the truth. She doesn't want to ruin her perfect family. So she tried her best to hide the king's unfaithfulness to the queen."

And that's pretty fucked up, Lilith thought to herself.

"Unfortunately, secrets are bound to be known, especially the dirty ones. Nalaman ng reyna ang paglolokong ginawa ng hari. She left the castle, and the princess was all alone. From then on, her nightmare began." Nagbukas na rin ng alak si Asmodeus dahil nangangati na ang lalamunan niyang uminom ng alak.

It's not like he was interested in a mere human's life story, he was curious on how the king's selfishness could affect the life of the princess. After all, nothing fascinates a demon more than a sad and tragic story.

"After the queen left, the king brought his mistress to the castle. Woman after another. Ang bilis niya magpalit ng babae. He acts as if everything he did was just normal and okay. It never occurred to him that the princess was having a hard time, suffering, and in pain." Ngumiti ito nang mapakla. Ang namumuong luha sa mga mata niya'y malapit na pumatak sa kaniyang pisngi.

"Not until the 5th woman came into the castle. She was so kind and thoughtful, akala ng prinsesa they would get along. But just like every cliche Disney story, she was just another evil stepmother. Sa lahat ng babaeng dumaan sa buhay ng hari, none of them could break the princess and the king's relationship. But this time, it looks like everything will just fall apart."

Lumagok ng alak si Bliss at si Asmodeus naman ay kumuha ng panibagong ice cube para nguyain. Lilith on the other hand was just resting her head on the soft couch as she close her eyes, listening to her fucked up story.

"That wicked and cunning woman managed to sever their relationship. Gumawa ito ng girian sa pagitan ng hari at sa totoong pamilya ng prinsesa. Pinamukha niyang walang karapatan ang prinsesa sa kung ano mang mayroon siya dahil ampon lang siya. They made them fight over her for a reason."

Nagmulat ng mata si Lilith at sinamaan ng tingin si Asmodeus. Kanina pa ito naiirita dahil rinig na rinig niya ang pagtunog ng pagkagat niya ng ice cube.

"And so, the princess decided to leave the castle. She wondered in the middle of the night trying to find a place to stay. And the king doesn't pay even an ounce of care towards her at all. He was bewitched by that woman. A woman who obviously only cares about his gold." Tumawa ito. Tuluyang pumatak ang luha sa mga mata niya.

"Years passed, he finally contacted her. The princess was happy. Kahit na malaki ang pagkamuhi niya sa hari, hindi niya maitatanggi na mahal niya pa rin ito at miss na miss na rin niya. He was her first love, and she loved him so much that she already forgave him kahit na tinalikuran siya ng kaniyang ama."

As Lilith continued to listen to her, she was looking at the disco lights inside the club. She's seeing people making out in every corner. Iginulong niya ang mata niya't nagbukas na lang ng panibagong beer.

"But instead of asking how she's been all these years, he asked her what she did that made that witch angry. Ilang taon nanahimik ang prinsesa. She did nothing that involved him or her." Tumango-tango naman si Asmodeus.

"You are no longer there and they still have problems. That means the problem is on them and not you," komento ni Asmodeus.

Bliss lifted her head to avoid her stupid tears from falling pero mas lalo lang siyang naiiyak sa sinabi ng lalaking katabi niya.

"Sa lahat ng gulo ako ang laging naiipit when I wasn't even doing anything wrong. Nananahimik lang ako dahil ayaw ko ng away. I wanted to live peacefully as much as I can pero kahit ano ang gawin ko nakakahanap at nakakahanap pa rin siya ng paraan para ako ang masisi."

"That's the problem, Bliss. You've been silent all through those years thinking it would be peaceful. What would change if you bring out the wildling inside of you?" Lilith's words slapped the reality inside her.

Right, what could possibly change? Nananahimik na nga siya pinipilit pa rin ginugulo. Sana pala'y gumawa na lang talaga siya ng gulo rati pa. Wala rin namang magbabago. Siya pa rin ang sisisihin sa huli. She would only feel bad being blamed for something she didn't do. At least now, she will get blamed for the things she did on her own.

"But let me remind you, your decisions are your own responsibility. Those responsibilities would come from the consequences of your decisions," Lilith reminded her. Para namang walang narinig si Bliss dito.

Dumiretso ito sa gitna para sumayaw. Unlike earlier, the way she danced was even more seductive and sultry this time. Crowd of men started to swarm around her and cheer her. Tuwang-tuwa ang mga ito't hindi maitatanggi sa mukha ng mga ito ang pagkahumaling. Ilan sa kanila ay malalagkit na tingin ang ipinupukol sa kaniya't wala naman siyang pakialam doon.

She was dancing her heart out as if it was her last. A random stranger snaked his hands on her waist and she let him. Unlike Lilith, Bliss was wearing a black criss cross ruched bodycon mini dress. Hapit ito sa katawan niya't kitang-kita ang puson nito. Konting tela lang ang nakatakip sa kaniyang dibdib, at kitang-kita rin ang makinis nitong balikat at likuran.

"Aren't you gonna keep those men away from her?" Tanong ni Asmodeus dito. Imbis sumagot ay nginisihan lang siya ni Lilith. She grabbed her purse and stood up.

"Let's go." Hindi na nagtanong pa ang binata at sumunod na lang sa dalaga.

Of course, Lilith's gonna make her decide on her own. Seeing how Bliss already made the decision herself despite Lilith's reminder, so why would she interfere? Let a human do what she wants.

Habang nagmamaneho naman pauwi si Lilith ay nakatingin lang si Asmodeus dito. He was trying to figure out what's running through her mind. Kanina pa kasi ito tahimik at parang may malalim na iniisip.

Staring at her like that, she looks so domineering. It reminded him of how she managed the Circles of Hell, how she acts like the Mistress of all demons, the oh so ever wicked and ruthless demoness of the Infernal Region.

"Asmodeus," Nabalik sa realid ang binata nang magsalita ito.

"Hmm?" He hummed.

"I need you to do something for me." Hindi na nagtaka si Asmodeus sa sinabi nito. He's guessing that she decided to punish someone in her own ways again.

"Can you make Susanna Rivera fall head over heels with you?" Napakunot ang noo ni Asmodeus.

"Who's that?"

"Bliss' step mother," maikli nitong sagot.

"How old is she?"

"Twenty seven." Tumikhim naman ang binata. That's a piece of cake for him. No mortal in this world could say no to him.

What he's curious about is what she's plotting on her mind. Knowing what she did these past few incidents, she never fails to amuse him.

"And what do I get in exchange?"

"A car and a house." Demons like him don't need a car but after what happened a few days ago, he was scolded by her to death.

Paano ba naman kasi ay panay ito teleport sa saan mang lugar na gusto nitong puntahan. He was once caught by a CCTV camera in a coffee shop. Paano ba naman kasi'y bigla na lang itong sumulpot sa kawalan. It went viral and people called him a supernatural being. Mabuti na lang ay hindi masyado kita ang mukha niya.

"Try to blend in, Asmodeus. Refrain from using your supernatural powers in front of those human mortals. I don't want Lucifer to find me and bring me back to hell. Most especially, we don' t want to be noticed by the Gifters and Archangels." He nods his head.

He understands he must keep it lowkey to avoid the Archangels and the Gifters, but what he doesn't understand since day one is why she left hell. If what Levi said is true, that she only left because she was undecided who to marry, why would she let him stay by her side?

But like the usual, Asmodeus just kept his question to himself. Even if he asks her there's no way she's gonna tell him anyway. Lalo na't kilala niya itong hindi mahilig magsabi ng problema. Your opinions are even useless for her when she sets her mind to do something. Anyone or anything that would hinder her will eventually get obliterated.

"Any news about those fools?" Dahil sa naging tanong ni Lilith ay napasapo ng noo si Asmodeus.

"About that..." Nahalata ng dalaga ang problemadong mukha niya kaya naman saglit niya itong binalingan ng tingin.

"What's wrong?"

"I found Baal's ring." Kumunot ang noo ni Lilith. Baal, so he must be talking about Beelzebub, that glutton asshole.

"And?"

"His ring was being sold in an auction." Nagtaka naman si Lilith kung paanong napunta sa auction ang singsing nito. Kung nagtataka siya'y mas lalo naman naguguluhan si Asmodeus.

"The ring will serve as their eyes from the Well of Fire. Kung wala ito sa kamay ni Baal, it only means they lose track with him." Kung ano man ang dahilan kung bakit wala ito sa kamay ni Baal ay hindi na importante. Ang mahalaga ay hindi na alam ni Lucifer kung nasaan siya.

"Try to locate Baal. As for the ring, tandaan mo kung sino ang nanalo sa bidding." Like a loyal servant, Asmodeus kept her words in mind.

Pagdaan ng ilang minuto ay nakarating na ang mga ito sa bahay ni Lilith. Bahay pa nga ba ang tawag doon kung mansyon na ito kung ituring sa laki. Lilith throws her car keys in Asmodeus' face like a boss. That only means she wanted him to park the car in the garage.

Umiling-iling na lang ito habang pinagmamasdan itong naglalakad papasok ng pinto. Hindi niya inalis ang tingin niya sa pigura nito hanggang makapasok.

SA KABILANG dako hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Baal habang umiikot-ikot sa lugar na hindi niya alam kung saan. He bought himself branded clothes and a brand new car he eventually crashed on his first ride.

Kakalabas niya lang galing presinto para pagbayaran ang damage sa isang grocery store na binangga niya. Ngayon ay hindi niya alam kung saan siya pupunta. He had enough money to go around, he just can't decide where to go.

Kung paano siya nakarating ng Pilipinas ay dahil doon sa mag-asawang researcher na kumupkop sa kaniya. They were from Russia and they saw him in the middle of their research in the North Pole. He was thankful for rescuing him, providing him shelter and food. Ang kaso ay ayaw niya naman maging utusan sa mga ito.

They went here in the Philippines for their Flora and Fauna research at isinama siya para maging kaliwang kamay ng mga ito. He is part of the research but he just pretended to be interested para naman makakain siya.

Now that he's in the Philippines, he decided to part ways with them. Umalis ito nang walang paalam at sinangla ang ginto niyang singsing para magkaroon ng pera. It was worth billions and he instantly became rich. Lucifer would probably curse him to hell but he needs to survive.

"Mapapatawad niya naman siguro ako. Kesa naman mamatay ako at walang makain." He said to himself as he walked on the streets.

Habang naglalakad-lakad ito sa daan ay may nakita siyang nakahilera ng mga stalls ng pagkain. He had no idea what those are, or what they are called but they all look tasty. Dali-dali siyang pumunta sa pinakamalapit na stall at nagturo ng mga pagkain na ipapaluto niya.

"Kwek-kwek, fried isaw, fish ball, tempura, siomai, siopao saka fries. 'Yon lang ba, ser?" Tumango-tango si Baal. Likas talagang napakatakaw niya.

"Ayaw niyo ba ng BJ sir?" Kumunot ang noo ni Baal.

"BJ?" Ibang BJ ang nasa isip niya't mukhang hindi naman 'yon ang ibig sabihin ng tindera.

"Ano yun?" Tumawa naman ito.

"Buko Juice, ser." Tumango na lang ang binata habang hinihintay ito maluto.

Other people are looking at him with weird expressions on their faces. Sino nga ba naman ang hindi magtataka para sa isang taong bihis mayaman na 'gaya niyang bumibili ng street foods.

Pagkatapos ng ilang segundo ay naluto ang isang tuhugan ng fishball. Mabilis niya itong kinuha at nilantakan habang naglalakad-lakad. Babalikan niya na lang 'yon mamaya kapag luto na lahat.

Habang abala naman ito sa pagkain ay may narinig siyang nagsasalita sa kalayuan. A certain man was yapping about something. Nang makalapit siya'y nakita niyang may lalaking nakatayo, may hawak itong mic at may maliit na speaker sa tabi.

Baal was curious about what he's trying to do. Sumandal siya sa pinakamalapit na puno habang kumakain ng fishball. The person was talking about salvation. It's about making right decisions in life and never giving in to evil.

Baal as one of the Archdemons in hell, hearing all of this nonsense was ridiculed. He never thought hearing a preach could entertain him this much.

How can he talk about the salvation of other people when he can't even save himself?

"Thou shalt have no other Gods before me!" Halos marindi na sa isang tabi Baal nang isa-isang sabihin ng lalaki ang sampung utos ng Diyos.

"Thou shall not covet your neighbour's wife." Matapos ubusin ni Baal ang kinakain niya'y hinagis niya ang stick sa malapit na basurahan bago lapitan ang lalaki.

Nilinis niya ang konting souce na nagkalat sa gilid ng labi niya bago ayusin ang kaniyang buhok. He stopped in front of that man. Nagtataka naman itong tumingin sa kaniya.

"You mean those ten commandments could save your soul?" Sa naging tanong niya'y tumango ito. He laughed. Nakahawak pa ito sa tiyan niya habang bumubunghalit ng tawa.

Ang mga taong napapdaan naman ay napapahinto upang tingnan kung ano ang nangyari rito't halos gumulong na ito kakatawa. Ang iba naman ay napapakunot ang noo't ang lalaking kaharap niya naman ay nakaramdam ng pagkainsulto dahil wala itong karapatan upang tawanan ang sagradong bagay na 'yon.

"Ano ang nakakatawa?" Uminit lalo ang dugo nito nang makitang namumula na ang mukha ng binata kakatawa.

When Baal was finally done laughing his ass out, his face became serious. Humakbang ito papalapit sa lalaki hanggang ilang dangkal na lang ang layo ng mga ito sa isa't isa.

"Your ten commandments will save you, is that it?" He hissed and grabbed the man's collar before pulling him in closer to whisper on his ears.

"What if your ten commandments are wrong in the first place?" Tila ba nakaramdam ng panlalamig ng kalamnan ang lalaking kaharap niya nang marinig ang malamig nitong boses.

"Does that mean you're all going to hell? You, and the rest of the people who believe in you?" Nanigas naman ang lalaki sa kaniyang tinuran.

"Your so-called ten commandments are lacking something don't you think?" Umaktong parang may inaalala ang binata.

"Oh yes, the real second commandment..."

"Thou shalt not worship any graven image." Kung titingnan sa sampung utos ng Diyos ay wala iyon kaya naman napakunot noo ang mga nakikinig.

"Your ninth and tenth commandment that says 'Thou shalt not covet your neighbour's wife and Thou shalt not covet your neighbour's goods', aren't they the same?" Makabuluhan nitong tanong bago lumayo sa lalaki upang titigan ang reaksyon nito.

"Thou shalt not covet," dagdag nito.

"You removed the real second commandment. Hinati niyo naman sa dalawa ang ika-sampung utos para hindi halatang kulang." Natawa na lamang ito matapos makitang naguguluhan ito.

How come he as a demon himself knew it better than anyone else?

"Why would you do that? Because the second commandment is against your own belief." He spoke with conviction in his voice. It was as if he was so sure about it.

"Do you know in what level of hell you belong with that sin?" Mapaglaro nitong anas habang nakatingin sa mga taong nagbubulong-bulungan sa paligid.

"The Sixth Circle of Hell," Ngumisi ito bago ayusin ang collar ng damit ng lalaki.

"And believe me when I say the demon in charge of that circle is ruthless and more evil than the devil himself." Akmang magsasalita pa sana ang lalaki nang marinig ang tinderang sumisigaw mula sa malayo.

"Iho! Luto na lahat ng mga pagkain mo! Halika na!" Mabilis na lumiwanag ang mukha ni Baal. Ang seryoso at naniningkit nitong mata kanina ay bigla naging maamo nang marinig ang tungkol sa pagkain nito.

Nginitian niya ang lalaki at nakapamulsang naglakad palayo roon, pero hindi pa man siya tuluyang nakakalayo ay muli niya iyong nilingon. Napaupo naman sa gulat ang lalaki. Nanginginig ito sa takot at halos maging papel na ang mukha nito sa pamumutla matapos makita ang pamumula ng mata ng binata.

"Isa kang diyablo!" Nakangising nagpatuloy sa paglalakad ang binata.

Right, he's a devil. Beelzebub, also known as Baal. A demon who would gladly welcome you to hell and watch you suffer with your own set of retribution.

NAGDAAN naman ang ilang linggo ay hindi na pumapasok si Bliss. Her family declared her missing. Ang hindi nila alam ay nandoon lang ito nakikitira sa bahay ni Lilith. She decided to hide after she found out she was impregnated by a random stranger she met in the club that night.

Wala na itong mukhang maihaharap sa lola at sa mga tita niya. Mas lalong ayaw niyang malaman ng ama niya ang nangyari sa kaniya. She doesn't want to see him being disappointed in her over and over again.

"Come on now, Bliss. May check-up ka pa," yaya ni Lilith.

Bliss covered her face with a shoal and put her sunglasses on. Balot na balot ang katawan nito't panigurado namang hindi siya makikilala.

"Saang hospital tayo mag papa check-up?" She asked after Lilth turned on the engine of the car and drove.

"Doon sa hospital na pagmamay-ari ng pamilya ko," sagot nito.

Bliss was worried about her being seen by someone. Lalong-lalo na't pinapahanap siya ng kaniyang pamilya. There was even a reward for a person who can find her. Ayaw niyang magpakita at malaman nilang buntis siya sa kadahilanang panigurado naman ay itatakwil siya.

"Salamat, Lilith. I don't know what I'll do without you," pagpapasalsamat nito.

Tumango lang si Lilith habang minamaniobra ang sasakyan. There's nothing she could say about it. Matapos ng ilang minuto ay nakarating na rin ang mga ito sa hospital.

"Ang haba ng pila," ani ni Bliss habang natatanaw ang mga babaeng buntis na nakalinya sa labas Ob Gyn Office.

"Don't worry, we don't need any appointments. Mauuna ka sa kanila." Lilith assured her.

Napatigil sa paglalakad si Bliss nang matanaw ang pamilyar na pigura ng babae mula sa kalayuan. Nang tingnan naman ni Lilith kung sino iyon ay napataas ang kilay niya. It was Susanna Rivera, Bliss' step-mother.

"Come on, Bliss." She lifted her gaze and walked confidently.

Ever since that night in the bar, she changed. Hindi na ito ang dating Bliss na nananahimik sa mga pang-aalipusta sa kaniya. She learned how to stand up and defend herself. Kaya naman hindi na siya natatakot pang humarap dito.

"Excuse me? Hindi niyo ba nakitang may pila?" Napatigil sa pagpasok ang mga ito nang marinig ang maarteng boses na 'yon ni Susanna.

"Ilang oras na kami nakapila tapos mauuna pa kayo sa amin?" pagrereklamo pa nito.

Akmang magsasalita na si Lilith nang hawakan ni Bliss ang pulsuhan niya, senyales na siya na ang bahala rito. Kusang tinanggal ng dalaga ang salamin at sarong sa ulo niya upang harapin ang kaniyang madrasta.

Nag magtama ang paningin nila'y nagulat si Susanna. Seeing her step-daughter was the last thing she was expecting. Matapos itong makabawi sa pagkabigla ay bigla itong ngumisi.

"Look who's here," Tiningnan niya mula ulo hanggang paa ang dalaga habang may mapangmimintas na mata.

"Isn't it my step-daughter, Bliss Janette Romero." Imbis na makaramdam ng panliliit si Bliss ay ginantihan niya rin ito ng tingin.

"Isn't it my father's mistress, Susanna Rivera." Nagtinginan naman ang mga tao rito. Naningkit naman ang mata ni Susanna.

"Anong sabi mo?!" Nanggagalaiti sa galit nitong sigaw.

"Mistress. Kabit. Maninira ng pamilya. Ano pa ba?" Akmang sasampalin na siya nito nang mahagip ni Bliss ang kamay niya. Marahas niya itong itinulak, dahilan upang mapaatras ito.

"Huwag na huwag mo akong hawakan gamit 'yang madumi mong kamay." This was the first time Susanna saw Bliss acting so bold. Parang dati lang ay napakatahimik nito at ni minsan hindi sumasagot sa kaniya.

Subalit hindi siya papayag na siya lang ang mapahiya sa harap ng maraming tao. She needs to drag her down too. She smiled at her mockingly.

"You're here for a check-up, right? Sino ba namang mag-aakalang buntis ka? Sinasabi ko na nga bang nasa loob ang kulo mo," Nanunuya itong lumapit sa dalaga habang naka-krus ang braso.

"Ano na lang ang sasabihin ng ama mo? He will be very disappointed." Bliss scoffed and narrowed her eyes.

"I don't care about him being disappointed. What's more interesting here is, you are here for a check-up." Natigilan naman ito.

"You're pregnant?" Humalakhak ito habang nakatingin sa tiyan ng kaniyang madrastang ina.

"My father is infertile, that would never be his..." Nakaramdam ng malakas na kabog sa dibdib si Susanna.

"My, my Susanna. What would my great father do if he found out?" Umakto itong nag-iisip sabay ngisi rito.

"Ngayon pa lang magisip-isip ka na ng idadahilan mo. Baka kung saang lansangan ka pulutin kapag matauhan sa katotohanan ang ama ko. Kawawa ka naman." Binigyan niya ito nang matamis na ngiti bago talikuran at pumasok sa office ng ob gyne.

Matapos itong makapasok sa loob ay mabilis na napaupo ang dalaga. Nanlalambot ang tuhod niya't nanlalamig din ang kamay niya sa sagutang naganap sa labas kanina. Tinulungan siya ni Lilith tumayo.

"That's right, learn to defend yourself. By the end of the day there won't be anyone left you can rely on but yourself." Tumatak naman ang mga linyang iyon ni Lilith sa isipan ni Bliss.

Lilith is such a good person. She's pure and genuine with her gestures towards her. Ni minsan ay hindi niya ito nakitaan ng pagiging plastic. She knows her boundaries and she did nothing but to support her decisions.

If she's not an angel sent from heaven to guide her, what is she?

SAMANTALA hindi naman mapakali si Susanna. Naninigarilyo ito habang nakahiga sa kama't walang kahit na anong saplot sa katawan maliban sa kumot na nakatakip dito. The man beside her was looking at her with a playful smile on his lips.

"Is something bothering you, m'lady?" Binuga nito ang usok na nagmula sa kaniyang sigarilyo bago balingan ng tingin ang lalaking katabi.

"If I cut ties with Reynald, are you willing to spend the rest of your life with me?" Kinuha naman ng lalaki ang sigarilyo sa bibig ni Susanna at kinubabawan ito matapos halikan nang marahas.

"Of course, who do you think I am?" He pinned her down and smirked at her.

"I am Alexis Morgane. The son of a powerful business man in the Philippines," pagpapakilala nito bago muling halikan ang babae.

Lihim na natawa si Asmodeus sa kaniyang isipan habang pinapanood kung gaano mabaliw ang babaeng iniibabawan niya. Bumalata sa mukha nito ang kakaibang sensasyon na nagdadala sa kaniya sa alapaap.

Yes, it was Asmodeus. He took over Alexis Morgane's body to seduce the woman. He intended to make her pregnant with that famous businessman's son. The moment she lets go of Bliss' father, that's when he'll leave Alexis' body.

In either way, Alexis will wake up remembering nothing. He will never remember the relationship they used to have. Sa makatuwid ay hindi niya pa ito makikilala. After all, when a demon possesses a mortal's body, they are forcing their soul to sleep and be trapped in the afterlife for a short period of time.

"Hiwalayan mo na siya. Why would you settle for someone who can't offer much to you?" Marahas itong napahawak sa buhok niya't halos sabunutan na siya nito sa bawat ulos na pinapakawalan niya.

"Which is which Susanna?" He asked, tempting her to answer or else he would not give her the chance to finish.

"Are you gonna choose me, or him?" Biglang bumagal ang paggalaw nito kaya naniningkit na napahawak ito sa kaniyang balikat.

"F-faster..." Imbis sumunod ay inilapit niya ang kaniyang bibig sa kanang tainga nito upang bumulong.

"Answer me first."

"Ikaw! I will immediately cut ties with him after this! So, please! Let me just..." Umawang ang bibig nito. Her nails dug deep on his back when he began moving in fast paced.

After a few more thrust, she made it to the highest peak. Habol hininga itong humihingal habang nanginginig ang mga hita nito. Asmodeus didn't even finish, or should he say, Alexis didn't even finish.

He stood up and grabbed his phone to dial Lilith's number as he was walking to the bathroom doors.

"It's done. The rest is up to you now." Hindi man lang sumagot si Lilith. She hung up the phone without a word.

"Tch, that bossy demon." Nag tuluyan itong makapasok sa banyo ay nagsimula itong maglinis ng katawan.

While he was underneath the hot shower, he couldn't help but to think about the situation in Inferno. Four of the Archdemons are foolish enough to visit the human mainland without knowing what will happen.

Ang pag-aakala nila'y magiging madali mahanap si Lilith, pero akala lang pala nila 'yon. No one informed them that the gates of hell randomly spawned them in places. They have no idea how to go back.

He was worried how they would manage the Circles of Hell with them missing, but now that he's with Lilith, he seems to have forgotten all about it. How could they possibly manage the Circles of Hell and the Hellfire of Retribution without them?

A FEW days passed, Bliss waited for her father in their old house in the middle of the night. Gusto niya sana itong kausapin lalo na't alam niya na malungkot ito. She heard about the news, that bitch left him. 

Matapos ng ilang oras na paghintay ay natanaw niya ang sasakyang papasok sa gate ng kanilang bahay. Inayos niya ang sarili niya habang hinihintay na lumabas sa sasakyan ang kaniyang ama. Subalit naglaho ang natitirang pag-asa niya na magkaayos sila ng kaniyang ama nang makitang may kasama na naman itong panibagong babae. 

Bliss scoffed in her mind. Natatawa itong napasinghal sa katawan. Ano pa nga ba ang aasahan niya sa kaniyang ama? She tossed her for that woman, and now that they're not together anymore, she thought things would change pero nagkakamali siya. It turns out everything would still be the same. 

"Oh? Bliss ana-" She slapped him. Hard. 

"Oh my God!" The woman exclaimed. 

Unti-unting namuo ang luha sa mga mata niya habang nakatingin sa ama niyang mukhang natigilan dahil sa sampal na natanggap niya. Dinuro niya ito habang naniningkit mata sa galit. 

"Huwag na huwag mo akong tatawaging anak!" Imbis masaktan sa sinabi nito ay bahagya pang natawa ang kaniyang ama. 

"Oh? I thought you've come here for money? You are pregnant, right?" Walang pakialam nitong wika habang walang emosyon na nakatingin sa kaniyang anak.

"Ano ang tingin mo sa akin? Mukhang pera gaya ng mga babaeng dinadala mo rito sa bahay?!" Singhal niya pabalik. Nainsulto naman ang babaeng kasama ng kaniyang ama. 

"Are you saying na money lang habol ko sa daddy mo?" Maarte nitong saad. 

"Bakit hindi ba? Tangina ka lumayas ka sa harapan ko!" Nagulat naman ito. 

"Get inside the car, Vanessa." Bliss frowned. Talagang hindi niya pa paaalisin ang babae niya? 

"Hindi ka ba nauubusan ng babae ha? Ni minsan ba inisip mo na babae ang anak mo? Ni minsan ba inisip mo na baka ako ang karmahin sa mga pinanggagawa mo? Anong klaseng tatay ka?" Sukmat niya rito. 

Patuloy na dumadaloy ang mga luha sa pisngi niya't pakiramdam niya'y sasabog na siya. For once, she wanted to let go of her emotions. Gusto niyang sabihin ang lahat ng gusto niya, lahat ng galit at hinanakit niya. 

"I am not your bio-" Muli ay sinampal na naman siya ng dalaga. 

"Yun na nga! You are not even my biological father! You are not my real father but why do I care so much when it comes to you?!" 

"Bakit kahit gaano kalaki ang kasalanan mo, kahit hinayaan mo ko, kahit kinalimutan mo na ako para sa sarili mong kaligayahan, kahit parang tinakwil mo na rin ako, I always find myself forgiving you!" At hindi niya matanggap 'yon. 

"I always want to be a perfect daughter to you. I did my best. I really did. Ginawa ko lahat para maging perpektong anak sayo. All my achievements are for you, to make you proud." She was too naive back then. She's trying to be a perfect daughter to an imperfect father. 

"How can you toss everything that we have for a woman you just meet for a few months?" 

She wanted to hate him. But as much as she wanted to do that, she just can't. She love him too much na kahit hindi pa man ito humihingi ng tawad sa kaniya napatwad niya na ito. Ang lahat ng galit at sama ng loob na kinikimkim niya rito dati ay biglang nawala ng parang bula nang tumawag siya sa kaniya. 

That simple call made her hopes went up. Umaasa siya na na-realize ng ama niya ang pagkakamaling ginawa niya. She thought he came into his senses. Akala niya'y tumawag ito para kamustahin siya at humingi ng tawad sa lahat ng ginawa niya. But then, she was wrong. He made all the efforts to reach her just to blame her for something she didn't even do.

"Bakit? How many times do you have to make me feel so worthless? Masaya ka bang pinaparamdam sa akin na ako palagi ang may kasalanan sa kung ano man nangyayari sa buhay mo?" She blurted out, tears streaming down her face as she breathe heavily in anger and disdain. 

"I used to blame myself as well. Iniisip ko na things would be different if you had a different daughter. Maybe you're happy and all. Kasi pakiramdam ko ako may kasalanan ng lahat. You made me feel that." Natawa ito nang mapakla matapos sabihin ang mga katagang iyon. 

"Now that I realized, you are just as pathetic as you are. You are to be blamed of whatever what's happening in your life. Desisyon mo 'yon e. Naghahanap ka lang ng masisisi kasi hindi mo matanggap na mali ka." Her words hit her father rock and bottom. 

Para itong isang sampal na nagpagising sa kasinungalingan ng kaniyang ama. What she said was the truth. Talaga namang hindi niya matanggap na marami siyang kamaliang nagawa. Hindi niya iyon matanggap kaya sa iba niya isinisi sa pag-aakalang gagaan ang pakiramdam niya. 

"Nandito ako para kamustahin ka. I'm willing to compromise after all the things that you did dahil alam kong kailangan mo ng masasandalan lalo na ngayon. But then, you mocked me by saying I'm only here for your money?" Marahas nitong pinahiran ang mga luhang lumalabas sa kaniyang mga mata. 

"Is money the only thing you could think of? Puro ba pera nagpapatakbo sa buhay mo?" Tumawa naman ang kaniyang ama. 

"Isn't it? Hindi ba't pera ang nagpapatakbo sa mundo?" Her father almost wheezed. 

"When I got nothing, no one came to me. When I got nothing, no one dared to lend me a hand to help me. On the desperate times, not even a single soul have come to be with me when needed." Ang mga mata nito'y mayroong luhang nagbabadyang kumawala. 

"But when I got everything, I was suddenly remembered by everyone! I suddenly have many relatives! Many friends! And women could do anything just to be with me! Isn't that what the power of money holds?" Napipi si Bliss dahil sa narinig sa kaniyang ama. 

When you think about it, money runs everything. In today's world, making money is the priority. Even if you would say money can't buy happiness, you can buy things that made you happy and that's just the same. When you say you can't buy love, in these days you can. Money can do anything in just a snap. 

Have you ever paid your electricity bills with just a hug? Buy a sack of rice just by saying you love a person? It does not.

"But now that you got everything, you became greedy. Hindi ka na nakukuntento sa kung anong mayroon ka," komento ni Bliss. 

And humans are designed to be like that. They will never be contented, because that's just how they are. Inventions and new technologies are made because a person is not contented. They wanted more and more. 

"Hindi ko kailangan ng pera mo, papa. Kailangan ko ng pagmamahal mo. Bagay na hindi mo mabigay sa'kin kundi puro salapi." Umawang ang labi ng kaniyang ama nang makita ang dugong dumadaloy mula sa hita ng anak. 

Bliss felt a sting of pain in between her thighs. Dahan-dahan ay ipinukol niya ang tingin sa sarili niya't nanlaki ang mata niya nang makita ang dugong dumadaloy sa kaniyang binti. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya't kinakabahan itong napatingin sa kaniyang ama. 

"A-anak..." Akmang lalapit na ito upang alalayan siya nang pigilan siya. She raised her hand that made him stop on his feet. 

"K-kaya ko ang sarili ko." He attempted to reach to her but she shoved his hands away from her. 

Nahihirapan man ay nagawa nitong talikuran ang ama't maglakad palayo sa kabila ng pagdurugo ng kaniyang hita. Bawat sakit na nararamdaman niya sa paghakbang ng kaniyang mga paa ang siyang muling pagpatak ng kaniyang mga luha. 

Hindi niya alam kung saan niya itutuon ang sakit na nararamdaman niya. Ang alam niya lang ay nasasaktan siya sa pag-aakalang nagbago na ang kaniyang ama. Nasasaktan siyang mapagtanto na kailan man ay higit na mas importante sa kaniya ang pera niya. She was also feeling pain at the thought that she's bleeding and she might have a miscarriage. 

Sa kabila ng lahat ng kaniyang magulong pag-iisip ay nagawa niyang pumasok sa kaniyang sasakyan at dahan-dahan itong nagmaneho paalis ng bahay na iyon. She took a last glance at her father who looks so worried about her condition. She smiled at him weakly and left. 

Napaluhod ang ama nito habang nakatingin sa nagkalat na dugo ng anak. Matapos marinig ang lahat ng hinanakit niya'y natauhan siya. He had such a loving daughter. Kahit hindi niya ito kadugo ay itinuring niya itong parang sarili na niyang anak. He was blinded by his own desire and happiness that he forgot about his own light. The light that made him hope for a better future, and that's Bliss Janette Romero.

"Look at you regretting your own deed." Umangat ang tingin nito nang marinig ang boses na iyon. He was not familiar with the voice at all. 

Mula sa pinto ng kaniyang mansyon ay nakita niya roon nakatayo ang isang babaeng nakasuot ng kulay pulang kasuotan. Walang kahit na anong emosyon ang mukha nito habang nakatingin sa kaniya. She was looking down at him as if he was nothing but a poor peasant in her eyes. 

"Humans..." She laughed. 

"When will you realize wealth is  just an ugly beggar if it is not accompanied by a rich heart." Her words made him realized his mistakes. 

Hindi niya ito kilala at hindi niya alam kung saan ito nagmula pero tila ba wala siyang pakialam doon. He was too drowned with the remorse he's feeling in his chest. 

"Greed..." is what makes a human person. 

"Greed is what made Judas sell your solemn God." Muli ay tumawa na naman ito. His face entertains her. Wala ng mas nakakasiya pa sa kaniya nang makita ang mukha ng isang nilalang na nagsisisi sa kamaliang ginawa nito. 

"The clock is ticking..." Mapaglaro nitong anas habang pinapanood ang gumagalaw na kamay ng wrist watch na suot nito. 

"You have to wait for a few more minutes." Hindi niya maintindihan ang sinasabi nito pero napatingin na lang ito sa sarili niyang wrist watch. Ilang minuto na lang ang natitira at mag aalasais na ng gabi.

And right when the clock ticks at exactly 6'oclock, his phone rang. Dali-dali niyang tiningnan kung sino ang tumawag at napakurap siya nang makitang nakarehistro ang numerong iyon. 

Bliss Calling...

Nanginginig niyang sinagot ang tawag. Nilukob ng kakaibang kaba ang dadamin niya. He cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak, and what he heard next made him numb. 

"Is this Miss Romero's father? Your daughter is announced dead on the hospital after a car crash incident." Nabitawan niya ang phone niya't nanlalaki matang napatingin sa babaeng nakangisi sa kaniyang harapan. 

"I-ikaw..."

"Oh, is that anger?" Sarkastiko nitong wika nang makitang tila ba galit ito sa kaniya na para bang siya ang dahilan ng pagkamatay nito. 

"There you go again, blaming other people of your own decisions." Natigilan ito nang maalala ang mga katagang binitawan ng kaniyang anak kanina. 

"Let your greed burn to shreds and ashes, blame yourself being selfish." Ang mansyon ay biglang sinilaban ng apoy. It started to ignite flames on its own, burning everything on its domain. 

Reynald watch his house getting burned, pero nakatulala lang siya rito. He can see those flames burning everything of his hardwork, but he seemed not to care at all. Ang nasa isip niya lang ay sana naroon siya sa loob ng bahay nang masunog iyon. 

The regrets he felt was combined with his guilt and pain. Hindi niya maipaliwanag ang sakit na nararamdaman niya. He lost his house, along with his money and everything pero wala ng mas masakit pa sa balitang namatay ang nag-iisa niyang anak. Ang natatanging pag-asa niya noong panahon na nilukob siya ng kadiliman. Ang naging kasiyahan niya sa mga panahon puno ng kalungkutan. 

"You made your choice. Now live with the consequences. Regret it until the day you die." Ito ang huling kataga ng dalaga bago ito maglakad upang lampasan siya.

Lilith twirl the ends of her curly red hair as an explosion erupted from the house she just burned. Naglalakad ito sa kalsada't tanging takong niya lang ang naririnig niya sa kabila ng pagsisigawan ng mga taong nasa paligid niya dahil sa pagsabog na nangyari. 

She left hell to relax herself from all her duties and responsibilies. She wanted to have a vacation to ditch that stupid and pointless engagement that she has from that seven assholes, and now she's stressing over these human mortals that does not concern her in the first place. 

She rolled her eyes and turn around. Nakita niya kung paano tupukin ng kaniyang apoy ang malaking mansyon na iyon. Umismid ito't nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. She wanted to make that bastard learn something.

Never trade temporary pleasure for permanent regret. 

GLC| GOLUCKYCHARM