𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉
𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘺-𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘴

Trigger Warning: The content of the story may contain triggering and/or sensitive event and occurrences. Sexual violence, sexual abuse, assault, and suicide are some topics mentioned within this story. Some readers may find disturbing and/or not be suitable for young audiences. Reader discretion is advised. 

This chapter is dedicated to a friend who usually reminds me to update, dearest xyrievlaise enjoy the long update<33

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A woman heaved a deep breath and smiled before entering the university. Habang naglalakad ay inaayos niya ang sleeve ng damit na suot niya. Tapat man ang araw ay hindi niya ito alintana dahil sa balot na balot ang katawan niya. She greeted everyone with joy and cheerfully talked with her friends. 

Habang nasa klase ay nakatulala lang ito sa kawalan habang nakatingin sa bintana. Every inch of her body aches, and she's tired. Hindi niya alam kung hanggang kailan niya kayang tiisin lahat, pero hanggang may pag-asa pa ay gagawin niya ang lahat ng makakaya niya upang pahabain ang pag-intindi at pasensya niya.

"Amberly! How about lunch?" She smiled upon her friend's invitation.

"I need to go home early, babantayan ko pa ang anak ko," she answered.

Her friend Amy nod her head. Ang iba namang nakarinig ay pinukulan siya ng tingin na animo'y hinuhusgahan ang pagkatao niya dahil bente anyos pa lang ay may anak na siya. She was used to it.

Malandi. Kaladkarin. Pokpok. Nasa loob ang kulo.

She heard a lot of words from the people around her. And that's fine, they could run their mouth not knowing the whole story but that doesn't mean she value their opinion.  Alam niya naman sa sarili niyang wala silang magandang maidudulot sa buhay niya.

What could only be worse for her is when those judgemental words would came out from people who were supposed to defend her. Her family.

She was a diligent child, a consistent honor student. Hindi ito mahilig magbarkada at palagi lang itong nasa bahay para nag-aaral. She was once a perfect role model. Nagkaroon lang siya ng isang pagkakamali at itinakwil na siya ng mga magulang niya. Mataas ang pangarap ng mga ito para sa kaniya dahil siya lang daw ang aahon sa kanila sa kahirapan. Her pregnancy was a huge disappointment for them. 

When they chase her away from home, she seek help from the father of her child. Pinanindigan nito ang bata sa sinapupunan niya at inalagaan siya nito hanggang manganak siya. Ngayon ay mag-iisang taon na ang anak niya sa susunod na tatlong araw. 

She smiled weakly as she stared at the picture of her cute little baby printed at the back of her phone case. Ang munting anghel na lang ang nagiging lakas niya upang ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral. Gusto niyang ibigay rito ang lahat ng gusto niya. She will give him a bright future. 

Dahil sa malalim niyang pag-iisip ay hindi niya namalayang nakabangga pala siya. Naramdaman na lang niya ang sarili niyang nabuhusan ng kung anong malamig na bagay. When she looks up, her white long sleeve was drenched with blue lemonade. Nang umangat ang tingin niya upang makita kung sino ang nakatapon sa kaniya ng juice ay napakurap siya dahil sa angkin nitong ganda. 

Ang una niya kaagad napasin ang kulay pula nitong buhok at ang manipis nitong labi. It compliments her thick brows and doe eyes. Napaka amo tingnan ng mukha nito at aakalain mong isa itong anghel na nagmula sa langit. 

"Miss, are you okay? I'm sorry for ruining you clothes." She sincerely apologized. Nabalik naman sa wisyo si Amberly at tiningnan ang damit niyang nabuhusan nito. 

"A-ayos lang ako. It's okay hindi mo naman sinasadya." She stared at her at halatang hindi ito naniniwala na ayos lang siya. 

"Here, take this." May inabot ito sa kaniyang kulay puting paper bag. Nagulat siya nang makitang ang nakatatak sa labas ng paper bag ay isang sikat na luxury brand. She never owned such thing, and to think this lady is giving it to her as if it's worth nothing. 

"Come on, it's my compensation for ruining your clothes." Amberly couldn't take something worth hundreds of thousands just for her cheap clothes. 

"No, it's fine. Pauwi na rin naman kasi ako. Lalabhan ko na lang 'to saka-" Bago pa niya matapos ang pagsasalita niya ay ginagap na ng dalaga ang kamay niya upang ibigay ang paper bag. 

"I won't take no for an answer. Hali ka na, samahan kita magbihis." Hindi na nakaangal pa si Amberly nang hilahin nito ang kaniyang kamay patungo sa powder room. 

The woman locked the door and entered one of the the cubicles to pee. Naiwan namang nakaharap sa salamin si Amberly habang tinitingnan ang sariling repleksyon niya. She took the soft fabric of clothes from the paper bag and was relieved that it was sleeved. 

Napalingon siya sa cubicle kung saan nakikita niya ang pulang stiletto ng dalagang nagbigay sa kaniya ng damit. She needs to get change as fast as she can before she can come out. Kaya naman wala siyang sinayang na oras at mabilis na hinubad ang basang damit na suot niya. When she took her clothes off, the mirror revealed the wounds and bruises from her shoulders down to her chest and belly button. 

Ang iilan sa pasa nito sa katawan ay bago pa lang at iba naman ay halatang papagaling pa lang. Ibababa na niya sana ang damit upang i-tuck in ito sa high-waist pants niya nang mapatitig siya sa sariling katawan niya. She felt pity that her body had gone through this state. It looks hideous. 

She smiled bitterly as she tried to convince herself that there's still a light of hope. Naniniwala siyang magbabago pa rin ito at balang araw babalik din siya sa dati. By that time, she's willing to forget the past and live a happy life as a mother and as a wife. 

"What happened to you?" Mabilis na binaba ni Amberly ang damit niya nang makitang nasa likuran niya na ang dalagang tumulong sa kaniya kanina. 

"K-kanina ka pa riyan?" Kinakabahan niyang tanong dito. Amberly swallowed a lump on her throat. 

Since when did she came out? 

Ni hindi niya man lang narinig ang pagbubukas ng cubicle. Was it because she was preoccupied by her thoughts? 

"Is your husband abusing you?" Mahina itong napasinghap dahil sa naging turan ng dilag. 

"H-husband?" 

How did she know she's married? 

The woman stared at the wedding ring in her finger. Mabilis niyang itinago ang kamay niya sa likuran. 

"A-abusing me? Mahal ako ng asawa ko." She replied as she tried her best not to stutter with her words. 

The woman went silent. Hindi maipaliwanag ni Amberly kung gaano kabilis ang tibok ng puso niya dahil sa kaba. Matagal na nagkatitigan ang dalawa habang nilalamon ng katahimikan ang apat na sulok ng powder room.

Amberly was about to open her mouth to speak when the woman in front of her smiled genuinely. Nagulat siya sa paraan ng pag ngiti nito.

"I'm sorry for trying to meddle with your life." Lumapit ito sa kaniya sabay hawak ng magkabilang kamay niya.

Her hands were so warm and Amberly somehow felt safe with her touch. It was the first time she never flinched when someone tried to touch her. Maybe it was because the woman in front of her appears to be so kind and doesn't harbor any ill intention towards her.

"If you have any problems, you can tell me." Marahan nitong pinisil ang palad niya.

"After all, BS Psychology 3B ka pala, we're classmates." The woman raised her school ID and showed her they are indeed in the same block.

"Lilith N. Ferno?" she whispered her name.

"That's right, I'm Lilith. Be sure to remember that name." Makahulugan nitong wika habang matamang nakatingin sa kaniya.

"Anyway!" She clapped her hands and glanced at her wristwatch. "I think I should get going. I'll get my shedule to the office." Lilith swiftly opened the door and bid her goodbye.

Amberly couldn't help but envy her a little. What a lovely woman. It was obvious that she was sheltered and loved. Hinihiling niya lang na sana'y hindi maranasan ng babae ang nararanasan niya.

When Amberly got home, she was horrified when she saw her son alone in the house. Nakabukas ang gate ng bahay at kung hindi siya nakarating nang maaga ay baka lumabas na ng bahay ang bata't baka kung ano pang nangyari rito.

Enraged of the safety of the child, she cried. Wala namang magagawa ang galit niya kun'di umiyak lang. How can he leave their son alone when he is sick? May pilay pa ito mula sa pagkakadapa dahil sa paglalaro. Kung iiwan niya man sana ang bata sana pinabantay niya sa kapit bahay o hindi kaya kahit i-lock lang ang pinto ng gate.

"Shh. . . don't cry na baby, nandito na si mama." It was as if the child could feel her grievances that he also cried.

"Gutom ka ba? Hali ka, timplahan ka ng gatas ni mama." She carried him in her arms as she sang him a faint lullaby. 

"Sit ka muna dito baby, ha? Titimplahan lang muna kita ng milk mo." Nilagay niya ito sa crib at nagtungo sa kusina upang magtimpla ng gatas.

Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng pagtitimpla nang makarinig siya ng pagkalabog ng pinto. A few seconds after, she heard the baby crying. Kaagad siyang nagtungo sa sala upang tingnan kung ano ang nangyari sa bata.

When she arrived, she saw him- her husband hila-hila nito ang balikat ng batang nasa loob ng crib. His hair was messy, eyes were bloodshot red. Wala itong damit pang-itaas at nakikita niya ang pangungugat ng kamay nito sa kamay patungo sa balikat nito.

Dahil sa abot langit na kaba ay bigla niyang naramdaman ang panginginig ng mga kamay niya. She attempted to took a step forward, but her feet wasn't cooperating. Pero nang makitang halos mabali na ang braso ng anak mula sa pagkakahila ng ama nito ay pinilit niyang labanan ang takot na nararamdaman niya.

Dahil desperada siyang sagipin ang anak niya, tinulak niya ito palayo. Napaatras naman ang asawa nito. Kaagad niyang kinarga ang bata at inalo ito sa pag-iyak. Paniguradong masakit ang pilay nitong braso dahil iyon mismo ang hinila ng ama niya.

Marahas na napatingin sa kaniya ang lalaki. Nandidilat mata niyang hinila ang buhok nito kaya napaigik na lang sa sakit si Amberly. Karga-karga pa rin nito ang anak niyang patuloy na tumatangis.

"Jason! Jason, please bitawan mo ako! Y-yung anak natin!" Instead of listening to her, he gripped her hair harder and pulled her. Pakiramdam ni Amberly ah matatangal na ang buhok niya sa anit niya.

"Ano ang karapatan mong itulak ako ha?!" Mariin na naipikit ni Amberly ang kanyang mga mata dahil sa lakas ng sigaw ng lalaki sa harap ng mukha niya.

"Ako ang nagtatrabaho rito! Ako ang nagpapakain sa inyong dalawa! Ako ang nagbabayad sa lahat ng bayarin dito sa bahay, pati sa punyetang pag-aaral mong walang kwenta ako lahat gumagastos!" Mula sa pagkakahawak niya sa buhok nito'y hinawakan niya sa batok ang dalaga at mariing iniharap ito sa kanya.

"Kaya anong karapatan mong pumalag sa akin ha?!" Her lips trembled. Hindi niya kayang tapatan ang mapanumbat na mata ng asawa.

"P-pasensya ka na. N-nasasaktan kasi si baby. . ." Nnunubig mata nitong paghingi ng tawad sa kabila ng labis na takot na nararamdaman nito.

When she look in his eyes, she can no longer see the man who adored her so much. Ang nakikita niya lang ngayon ay isang lalaking nawala na sa sarili dahil nalulong sa bisyo. This is not the man she loved.

Lumakas lalo ang pagpalahaw ng bata kaya naman pabalya rin siyang binitawan ng lalaki na kumuntikan na niya ikatumba kung hindi lang siya nakakapit sa malapit na sofa.

Nanghihina nitong hinele ang bata habang tumutulo ang luha. Lalaki ang anak niya, sana sa paglaki niya hindi siya tumulad sa ama niya. Sana sa paglaki niya bigyan niya ng respeto ang babaeng mamahalin niya't kailan man ay hindi ito pagbubuhatan  ng kamay.

"Good boy ka sana sa paglaki mo anak ha?" The baby must've understood her words because he nods his head as his tiny hand reach for her fingers.

Sa kabila ng sakit na nararamdaman niya ay nagawa niya pa ring ngumiti dahil sa paghawak sa kaniya ng anak niya na tila ba sinasabi nitong kumapit lang at huwag sumuko kahit ano mang mangyari.

"Huwag ka mag-alala, kakayanin ni mama ang lahat para sayo." Nang makitang unti unti nang pumipikit ang mata ng bata ay hinalikan niya muna ito sa noo bago dahan-dahang ilapag sa crib.

Mariin niyang pinikit ang mga mata niya. This can't go on. Ayos lang sa kanyang siya ang masaktan huwag lang idamay ang anak niya. Sa kabila ng pangangamba sa dibdib niya ay napagdesisyunan niyang kausapin ang asawa niya patungkol dito. 

Sa pagpasok niya sa kanilang kuwarto ay napasinghap na lang siya nang muli na namang hilahin ng asawa niya ang buhok niya. Gigil siya nitong itinulak sa kama habang nanlilisik ang mata. The strength she gathered to talk to him was gone at instant. Nang salubungin niya ang galit at namumulang mata nito ay muli na namang nilukob ng takot ang buong pagkatao niya. 

"Jason!" She shouted when he started to took off his belt. "A-anong g-gagawin mo?" Kinakabahan nitong anas. 

Is he going to force her again? 

"Jason!" Sumampa ito sa kama at ginawaran siya ng malakas na sampal. She instantly felt the stinging pain on her left cheek and jaw. Sa lakas ng sampal nito ay bumaling pa pakanan ang pisngi niya. 

"Wala kang karapatan sumigaw sa akin!" Mahigpit siya nitong hinawakan sa magkabilang balikat. 

Kung gayon ano ay wala rin pala siyang karapatan upang ipagtanggol ang sarili niya? 

"Kanino galing ang damit na suot mo ha?! Sa lalaki mo na naman?!" Binaklas nito ang suot na damit at walang pag-aalinlangang pinunit. 

"Please, Jason. Nakikiusap ako, pwede naman natin pag-usapan 'to 'di ba?" Nagmamakaawa nitong wika habang nagsusumamong nakatingin dito. 

"M-magpapaliwanag ako. . . pagod na pagod ako galing sa-" She choked on her words when his left hand landed on her neck. 

"At sa tingin mo hindi ako napapagod, Amber?!" He said through gritted teeth. Nangingigting ang panga nito dahil sa labis na galit at selos. 

"Araw-araw ako nagtatrabaho para kumita at may maipakain sa inyo! Tapos may gana ka pang manlalaki?!" His hand tightened around her neck. 

Hindi na mawari ni Amberly kung ano ang gagawin niya. Nakahawak lang siya sa pulsuhan ng asawa habang sinusubukang tanggalin ang kamay nitong nakasal sa leeg niya. But the more she tried to struggle in his grasp, the more he's forcing to choke her down. Nakaramdam na lang siya ng panghihina ng katawan at ang unti unting pagbigat ng talukap ng mata niya. 

Is she gonna die? No she can't. Her son still needs her. 

SA KABILANG banda ay prenteng nakaupo si Michael sa isang upuan habang kaharap ang isang babaeng nakaupo sa pinakadulo ng mahabang lamesa. They are inside the Holy Citadel, a fortress hidden from a mortal's eye where the guardian of purgatory resides. 

Purgatory, the place where souls are sent to repent for their sins, the world of mortals. Their body is but a vessel, and the souls inside them are people taking chances to change their course of life. Whether they'll end up in Nirvana or Inferno is up to the way of how they live their life in Purgatory.

"What matters would you like to discuss with me, Eve?" Michael trailed, looking at the woman with a straight long hair. Her beauty is indeed unmatched as what Adam would always brag. Indeed, she was molded perfectly. 

"Going straight into business, aren't we?" She answered, leaning her elbows on the refractory table as she looks at him as if he's some sort of puzzle she needs to solve. 

"You know I can't descend into this world unless it wasn't urgent. So let's get to the point." Eve took an apple from the basket and leaned her back on the chair. 

"How is it that you're so impatient when it comes to me, but so compassionate towards demons?" Michael crossed her legs upon Eve's audacious words. 

He tilt his head. Eve, the first woman to have ever existed in the world. The first sinner of humanity. Thanks to her, mankind lost the ability to be immortal. 

"You're still the same, Eve." Michael paused and smirks at her. 

"Don't forget, you are the reason why it is necessary to maintain a lifetime of suspicion and restraint toward the entire female gender." Dahil sa katotohanang sinabi nito ay napakuyom ng kamay ang dalaga. 

"Because of your sin, your kind are seen less than men. They suffer the discrimination of the world just because they are born as women. And you owe them for your immoral act." Of course she knew what he was talking about. 

He was trying to remind her not to be so proud of herself or question his own principle because she is in no position to do that. She herself was a sinner, and her soul once belonged to hell but Adam pleaded for her. That's the reason why she guards purgatory to repent for her sin. 

Everyday she will witness woman of her kind being abused, stripped out of their rights, belittled and discriminated of their ability because they were merely women. Because of her sin, women are molded just like her. They are obedient, and submissive. She's but a follower who should listen to a man. 

Wala namang naging reaksyon si Michael dahil sa pananahimik ng dilag. As the Angel of Justice and Protection, he would prefer harsh truth rather than sweet lies. Because in order to bring justice to the people who are wronged, he have no need to balance human error. As long as you've sinned, there's an ample of punishment for you no matter how small it is. 

And his leniency when it comes to demons are different, because unlike the other archangels, he knew the truth about the rebellion. So even as a loyal servant of God, his respect for demons still remains.

"I am but a victim, Michael. There's no need to rub it in my face. It was Lucifer who tempted me to sin." Kaagad na umiling ang binata. He already expected her to say that to defend herself. 

"Eve, he didn't tempt you to steal or have an affair. He was merely trying to get you to doubt God's plan." Eve couldn't help but to feel irritated and somehow, ashamed because she couldn't counter his words. 

"I requested for your descend to discuss something with you not to lecture me, Michael." She tsked, annoyed. 

"You brought that to yourself." He replied in unison. 

Imbis mainis lalo ay mas pinili na lang ng dalaga na pakalmahin ang sarili niya at palampasin na lang ang mga narinig niya na pawang mga katotohanan din na nais niyang takasan. 

"I have sensed powerful demons who ascended from hell." Tumango ang binata. He was already expecting that since the meeting he had with the other archangels. 

Lucifer must've sent one of the archdemons to handle the case regarding the lost souls that failed to cross the River of Death. They knew very well how it would cause a huge threat between the safety of the realms. 

Seeing them doing the efforts to resolve the problem that stemmed from their kind pleases him for his judgement after all, was correct. If he hastily let Ariel and Azrael meddle, the demons would think Nirvana doesn't trust them to solve their own problem. 

"And she is here." Dahil sa naging wika nito ay napaangat ng tingin si Michael. Now he looks even more interested. 

"Who?" 

"Lilith." 

Sa hindi malamang dahilan ay biglang napangiti ang binata. Dahil dito ay nakaramdam ng panandaliang paninibugho ang dalaga. She doesn't understand why a mere mention of that woman's name could bring anyone's attention. 

She's but a sinner, the second woman created by God. Pangalawa lang dapat siya sa lahat. But why does everyone act as if she's better than her? 

"That is interesting. The Mistress of Hell finally left her domain?" He whispered in thin air. Now that makes things even more engaging.

"Interesting? How could that be interesting, Michael?" Nagkibit balikat naman ito. He can smell the rotten scent of jealousy from her. It stinks. 

"If it's her, the issue will be solved in no time." Walang bakas ng pagdududa nitong wika. 

"How can you be so sure she's not here to cause more problems?" Michael's throaty laugh echoed in the corners of the room. 

"Have you forgotten who she is?" He leaned his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his clasped hand as she look at her as if he was taunting her. 

"Lilith, the second woman created by God," he paused to cock his head sideways when she saw Eve's expression change. He can see hatred. 

"But the first woman who have ever spoke her mind and decided on her own," he added. 

"She refuses to accept the fact that she was only created to accompany Adam after you left. She never agreed to be someone who was born into this world to follow a man. Rather than an obedient follower, she wanted to lead. So she tried to murder Adam when she was forced to do something on her will." This time, Eve hid her hands under the table as her fingers began to dug deep on the skin of her legs. A mere mention of her name was enough to get her this angry.

"And she was banished and sent to hell." He finished and smiled at her. 

"You know that tale, right?" 

Sino ba naman ang hindi nakakaalam doon? Everyone in the realm knew who she was and despite being a demon, she gained respect from others even if they won't admit it to themselves. 

"Be thankful for her, Eve. At least half of the women's population aren't as doomed as you think." Malamig nitong turan bago tumayo mula sa kinauupuan niya. 

That's why there are two kinds of woman in the world. One who was born as an obedient and dependent woman. And the extraordinary one's who refuses to be controlled, independent and bold. Some took after Eve, and some after Lilith. 

"Leave Lilith alone and let her do her job so she could return in hell." He said as if he already knew what she was thinking. 

"But-" Nakapamula niya itong nilingon nang may seryosong tingin sa mukha.

"Are you disobeying an order from an archangel, Eve?" Madiin nitong wika. 

Walang naisagot ang dalaga kaya tuluyan ng nilisan ng binata ng lugar na iyon. Eve was left there clenching her fist with her own blood dripping from her nails down to the floor. 

That damn demon! I will make sure you'll regret stepping a foot in my world!

THE LOUD sound of music was very irritable in Lilith's ears but she couldn't care less when the assholes wanted to blow off some steam. Buong linggo niyang naririnig ang reklamo ni Baal sa hirap ng trabaho nito sa kompanya. And this time, Lilith  decided to pass the work on Satan that's why Baal's celebrating. 

"Baal, bar 'to hindi cafe. Can you drink your coffee somewhere else?" Nakangiwing palatak ni Asmodeus habang nag mi-mix ng inumin. 

I know what you might be thinking. From a demon who suddenly became a pornstar, a doctor, and now a bartender. Ang dami niyang oras sa sarili niya, ano? 

"Ang sabihin mo, nagagalit ka lang kasi mas nilalapitan ako ng babae kesa sayo." Asmodeus scoffed and toss an ice cube that hit Baal's head. 

"Hey!" 

"Paanong hindi ka lalapitan? Seriously? Hello Kitty na shirt? You sane?" Kumunot kaagad ang noo ni Baal. 

"What's wrong with Hello Kitty? She's a cute pussy!" Nailuwa naman ni Satan ang whiskey na iniinom dahil sa naging atugal nito. 

"Could you please-" 

"Oy, buhay ka pala Christian." pangangasar pa ni Asmodeus dito. Kaagad na sumama ang timpla ng mukha ni Satan. 

"Kamusta buhay sa simbahan?" Humagalpak ito ng tawa. "I heard you were almost exorcise. What would Lucifer do if he knew you survived living in the church by cursing his name?" Kahit si Baal ay hindi na rin napigilan ang sarili dahil sa mga pinagsasabi ni Asmodeus. What's even more funny is the deadass look on Satan's face.

Satan finished his whiskey and stared at them smugly. "Kamusta naman kita ng pagiging pornstar mo, Asmodeus? Balita ko naka 20 million views ka na. Balatuhan mo naman ako." Dahil sa naging turan ni Satan ay napatigil ang mga babaeng nakaupo sa bar stool na akmang oorder na ng panibagong inumin. 

"Oh, hi. Do you want a link?" He offered to the women. 

"H-hoy!" Sa pagkakataong ito ay nangingibabaw na ang tawa ni Baal. 

Hearing them bickering is really fascinating. Seeing Satan this agitated and Asmodeus flustered was totally worth it. Napasapo na lang ng noo si Lilith habang nanonood sa malayo. Hindi niya muna lalapitan ang mga ito at magpapanggap muna siyang hindi niya kilala ang mga ito. 

"How does it feel like hearing the gospel from those mongrels? Don't you feel yourself burning with the heavenly fires of Nirvana?" Well, honestly it almost felt like nothing. It will only be painful if the people who chanted those gospels have truly been loyal and faithful to God. 

Fortunately for him, almost all religious peeps on who came to pray aren't as devoted as he thinks. Some of them only came to pray and only remembers his name in midst of chaos of their lives. If they're well and happy, they don't even come to be thankful. 

They only know him when they have problems, and they blame demons for the consequences they caused themselves. 

How is that even their fault? 

"How does it feel like to have a sugar mommy when you barely have any food to eat back in Paris?" Satan countered. 

Sa kalagitnaan ng pagtatalo ng mga ito ay may lumapit na babae sa counter. Lilith took a sip of her beer when the woman's back was familiar to her. 

"Hello, lady. What would you like for a drink?" rinig niyang tanong ni Asmodeus dito. 

"A-angel shot, p-please." Kapansin-pansin ang pagbabago ng ekspresyon sa mukha ni Asmodeus nang marinig ito. 

"Angel shot with?" Kinakabahan na kumurap-kurap ang babae habang kinakagat ang kuko nito. 

"A-angel shot with lime." Asmodeus nods his head and smiled at her. 

"Who?" 

"B-black shirt on the left na may cap." Nagulumihan naman si Baal at Satan nang matapos marinig ni Asmodeus ang order nito'y imbis na mag mix ng alak ay umalis ito ng counter upang samahan ang babae. 

Asmodeus was supposed to escort her out when Lilith approached them. Halata naman ang gulat sa mata ng babae nang makita si Lilith sa harapan niya. 

"I'll take her with me." Walang reklamong tumango si Asmodeus at bumalik sa counter. 

Sinundan naman nila ng tingin ang dalawang dalagang palabas ng bar. Baal and Satan were still confused. 

"What?" Takang tanong ni Asmodeus sa mga ito. 

"What does her order mean?" Tanong ni Baal. 

"It's a code only bartenders know." And because the two of them were eager to know he began explaining things to them. 

Angel shot is a drink order placed by a customer to alert a bartender that they are in danger and require assistance. Angel shot on neat means to safety escort them to their car. Angel shot on the rocks means to call a cab or uber for them. Angel shot with lime means to call for a police or further assistance. 

"I didn't know you were a gentleman, Asmodeus." Walang ganang komento ni Satan habang sumisimsim pa rin ng alak na kinuha niya mula sa babaeng katabi niya. 

Asmodeus rolled his eyes as an answer and after awhile he and Baal started bickering because Baal wanted to mix his coffee with margarita. 

"Lilith? What are you doing here?" The woman asked her when she had finally calmed down. 

"I should be the one asking that, what are you doing in the bar, Amberly?" She smiled a little. 

"Birthday kasi ng pinsan ko. Hindi ko naman alam na sa bar pala kami pupunta. That's why I ended up there," pagpapaliwanag nito. 

"Ikaw? Why are you here? Kilala mo ba yung bartender?" 

"Ah yes, kapatid ko yun." Lihim na napangiwi si Lilith dahil sa sinabi niya. Last time she said he was her cousin, and now her brother. 

How fuck up would it be if she were to say that he's actually his fiancée? No, na ang tatlong lalaking nasa counter kanina ay mga fiancé niya? 

"Saan ka uuwi? Ako na maghahatid sayo." Hindi naman nakatanggi si Amberly at sumunod na lang patungo sa sasakyan ni Lilith. 

While they were walking, Amberly tripped and almost fell. Luckily, Lilith was able to hold her jacket. Dahil sa paghila niya sa jacket sa bandang likuran nito ay tumambad sa kaniya ang batok ng dalaga na mayroon na namang panibagong pasa. 

Lilith didn't say a word and fixed the jacket herself before guiding her inside her car. On the road, Amberly was spacing out. For sure when she gets home, Jason would refuse to listen to her explanation and beat her up again. Gusto niyang huwag umuwi, pero nandoon ang anak niya. 

"Lilith." 

"Hmm?" 

"I've been meaning to ask, why aren't you saying anything after seeing my bruises again?" Lilith glanced at her before looking at the road again. 

"I won't ask if you won't tell." Isang malalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan ni Amberly. 

Lilith and her had become closer after the day they met each other. For the first time, she doesn't feel alone anymore. She felt like she found a true friend who would stand with her against the people who are bad mouthing her. Lilith was never the type of person to force her to open up. 

She only observes and listens. She probably knows but doesn't dare to ask. 

"I. . ." Napakagat ito ng labi. 

"I was being abused by my husband." Lilith's facial expression was the same. She doesn't appear to be shocked about it as if she already knows. 

"I see, mukhang alam mo na." Payak na wika ni Amberly sabay tingin sa labas ng bintana. 

"Hindi ako bulag, Amberly." Lilith turned the car on the left and focused her attention the road. 

"I was only waiting for you to finally speak." Madiin nitong pahayag na siyang ikinatingin ulit ni Amberly sa kanya. 

Why does she sound like she's trying to suppress her anger? 

"Amberly, isa kang babae. Hindi babae lang." Muli ay umiwas na naman ng tingin ang dalaga. 

"You are given your voice to speak. You have your brain to discern what's right from wrong and decide." And how ironic those words came out from a demon herself. She wanted to laugh because she almost sounded like a righteous angel. 

"Mahal ko siya, at umaasa pa rin akong magbabago siya, Lilith." Dahil sa sinabi nito ay napaismid ang dalaga.

"Such men want in women is not love but obedience, Amberly." Mahigpit na napakapit sa manibela si Lilith nang may maalala. 

"They want you to listen to them and become their pretty little puppet who only obeys them. They will strip you off your rights because you have become their property, a slave to their masculinity." Hindi maiwasang mapaisip ni Amberly kung may pinanghuhugutan ba ito sa mga katagang binibitawan. 

But looking at her eyes, she could feel that Lilith understands her as if she'd been through the same situation. 

"Be a woman, Amberly. Stand up for yourself and the people you wanted to protect." Kaagad pumasok sa isip niya ang imahe ng nakangiti niyang anak. 

"Stand up for the people I wanted to protect. . ." bulong niya sa kawalan. 

"A woman should not just expect a man to build a world for her. Create your own world, Amberly. A world away from your abuser." And when she heard those words, she was enlightened. 

She never knew she needed to hear those words. It never crossed her mind that such words from someone could have a huge impact in her. Ngayon niya lang na-realize na maling-mali ang ginawa nitong pananahimik sa kabila ng pananakit na naranasan niya sa kamay ng lalaking mahal niya. 

Tama si Lilith. Babae siya, hindi lang babae. Walang kahit na sino ang magtatanggal ng karapatan niya bilang isang babae. She had all the rights to demand what she deserves. She had all the power to defend herself. Hindi siya dapat matakot para ipaglaban ang sarili niya.

Those thread of emotions and jumbled words in her mind and heart had finally settled. Sa pagkakataong ito ay lalaban na siya. Lalaban siya para sa sarili niya at sa anak niya. 

"Salamat, Lilith." Nakangiti nitong wika. 

Lilith stopped the car and look at her. "If you need my help, remember to call my name, Amberly." Paalala nito. Napatingin sa labas ng bintana si Amberly at saka niya lang napansin na nasa tapat na pala sila ng bahay niya. 

"Just call my name." Muli nitong wika bago tuluyang makalabas ang dalaga sa sasakyan. 

Amberly waved her hand as she watched Lilith's car. Pinagmasdan niya lang ito hanggang sa mawala sa paningin niya bago pumasok sa loob ng bahay. 

As soon as she entered the door, strong pair of arms pulled her inside. Hindi na siya nagulat pa sa kung sino man ang nagmamay-ari ng mga kamay na iyon. 

"Saan ka na naman galing, ha? Akala ko ba a-attend ka ng birthday ng pinsan mo?" Matalim nitong wika habang naningkit ang namumulang mata. 

"Ano to, Amberly?! Ano ginagawa mo sa bar?! Nanlalaki ka na naman?! Ang landi mo talaga! May anak ka na at lahat nagagawa mo pa rin manlalaki!" Dahil naririndi na rin ang dalaga sa walang katuturan na paratang ng asawa niya ay buong lakas niya itong sinampal. 

"Tapos ka na?" Akmang lalampasan niya na ito nang muli siyang hilahin pabalik ng lalaki. His eyes were livid. Nanlalaki ang mga mata nito sa galit at namumula rin ang kabuohan ng mukha nito.

"Anong karapatan mo para sampalin ako?" Nangingigting panga nitong usal.

"At anong karapatan mo para saktan ako, Jason?" Taas noo niyang sinalubong ang mga tinging hindi niya kayang tagalan noon. 

"Bitawan mo ako!" Malakas niyang hinawi ang kamay nito sa braso niya at walang pag-aalinlangang nagtungo sa kuwarto upang mag impake. 

"Saan ka pupunta?!" 

"Aalis ako sa impyernong 'to!" Amberly took the clothes in her drawer and toss it on the suitcase. 

"Hindi ka aalis!" Walang kahabas-habas na kinuha ng binata ang maleta at hinagis ito sa bintana na naging dahilan upang mabasag ang salamin ng bintana. 

"Aalis ako sa pamamahay na 'to sa ayaw at sa gusto mo, Jason! Isasama ko ang anak ko!" Malalaking hakbang na tinungo ni Amberly ang crib kung saan naroon mahimbing na natutulog ang anak niya. 

May sa kung ano naman demonyo ang pumasok sa isip ng binata't bigla niyang tinadyakan ang likuran ng asawa niya. Dahil dito ay kaagad na sumubsob sa sahig si Amberly. Jason picked her up by pulling her hair and dragged her closer to him. 

"Hindi ka aalis sa pamamahay na'to! Dito ka lang!" Amberly forced herself to smirk at him. Walang takot niya itong dinuraan sa mukha. Kaagad naman siyang sinampal ng lalaki. 

Dahil sa lakas ng sampal ng binata ay nagising mula sa pagkakatulog ang bata. Pumalahaw kaagad ito sa pag-iyak na siyang ikinabahala ng dalaga. Sinubukang pumalag ni Amberly sa hawak ng asawa pero nakatanggap lang siya ng suntok sa sikmura. 

Marahas siya nitong binitawan at kinuha ang pinakamalapit na upuan upang ihampas ito sa kanya. Inangat na lang niya ang magkabilang braso niya upang protektahan ang sarili niya, pero nakakatatlong hampas pa lang ang binata sa braso niya ang nakaramdam na siya ng labis na sakit at pangmamanhid. 

"Demonyo ka! Isang kang demonyong hayop ka!" She managed to shout. 

Hinablot niya ang damit nito kaya bahagyang napaangat ang katawan ng dalaga. Nanginginig na ang panga nito sa galit at tila ba wala na itong kontrol sa sarili. He was not on his sane mind to think what's right from wrong. Ang alam niya lang ay galit siya at gusto niya ilabas ang galit niya at wala siyang pakialam sa kung sino man ang masasaktan. 

"Dito ka lang, Amberly! Hindi mo ako iiwan! Hindi kita hahayaang makaalis sa tabi ko!" He punched her on the face. Saktong tumama sa mukha ng dalaga ang kamay kung saan naroon nakakabit ang singsing ng binata kaya naman kaagad na dumugo ang kanang bahagi ng pisngi niya. 

"Bitawan mo ako, Jason! Bitawan mo akong hayop ka!" She tried to dodge from his attacks but she was so small underneath him. She was weak in terms of strength. So in the end, his punches prevailed. 

The pain she felt from her old wounds and bruises were now numbing all the pain from his punches. Namamanhid na lang siya sa sakit ng nararamdaman niya mula sa panibagong pasa at nagdurugo niyang mga sugat. Hanggang kaya niya sinusubukan niya pa rin pumalag at pumiglas dito pero tuluyan ng bumigay ang katawan niya't wala siyang ibang nagawa kun'di saluhin ang lahat ng pambubugbog nito sa katawan niya. 

If she called out for help would someone come to help her? 

"If you need my help, remember to call my name, Amberly."

And she suddenly remembered those words. Inangat niya ang tingin niya sa anak niyang walang pakundangang umiiyak habang nakatingin sa gawi niya. Her baby doesn't deserve to witness the death of his mother. She wished for him to live as a carefree child who knows how to value a woman. 

Ibinalik ni Amberly ang tingin niya sa asawa niyang demonyo na ngayon ay may hawak ng matalim na kutsilyo at nakaamba na ito sa leeg niya. Alam niya sa sarili niya na imposible pero hindi naman masamang magkaroon ng pag-asa kahit hindi na lang para sa kanya kun'di para sa anak niya. Amberly closed her eyes and gathered last of her remaining energy to shout. 

"Lilith! Lilith tulungan mo ako!" Before the sharp knife could pierce her neck, it was stopped by someone's barehand.

Dahil sa gulat ay napakurap ang binata. Pinanood nitong tumulo ang dugo ng estrangherang babae sa kanyang kamay patungo sa patalim na hawak niya. Dahil saglit siyang nawala sa wisyo ay binalibag ng babae palayo ang kutsilyo, dahilan upang tumarak ito sa wedding picture na nakasabit sa pader. 

Lilith look at Amberly who just lost consciousness on the floor. Her face was full of blood and bruises. There are few scratches on her cheek down to her neck. Lilith clenched her fist as she could only imagine what Amberly had gone through within the hands of this man. 

When Lilith bored her eyes to him, he saw how her eyes flared in red. Gusto niyang iwasan ang tingin nito pero sa hindi malamang dahilan ay hindi niya kayang alisin ang tingin niya. His eyes were glued up on her as if she was controlling him. Habang tumatagal nang tumatagal ang pagtitig niya rito ay may ibang imahe siyang nakikita. 

Para bang dinaga ang buong pagkatao nito nang makita ang saglitang pagbabago ng anyo nito. Her eyes was not the only thing that changed, but her beautiful face suddenly turned into a horrendous and gruesome face of a rotten demon. His eyesight was glitching, and he could see a widespread of fire all over the place.

Or was he only imagining things?

"D-d-demonyo!" Dahil sa naging sigaw nito ay natawa ang babaeng kaharap. What frightened him even more was the fact that her voice sounded so low and grim. Tila ba dalawang klaseng boses ang nauulunigan niya, at habang tumatawa ito ay nakakaramdam siya ng labis na hindik na hindi niya maipaliwanag kung ano.

"Ako, demonyo?" She scoffed as her pupil dilated in amusement. Her siren eyes were glaring at him that he could feel her extreme intent to murder him.

"You must have forgotten something since you're under the influence of drugs." Dahan dahan itong umupo upang makapantay ang binata. 

He felt fear in every fiber of his being seeing how worms and maggots flocked into her damaged face. "Let me remind you." When she touched his forehead, memories started to surge in his mind. 

Sa ilang segundong paglapat ng daliri nito sa noo niya ay nanumbalik ang lahat ng masasayang alaala't mga pinagsamahan nila ng kanyang asawa. Naalala niya kung gaano niya ito kamahal, at kung gaano niya ito pahalagahan dati. 

Hanggang sa malulong siya sa sugal at wala ng maipakain sa mag-ina niya. Mas pinili niyang magbenta ng droga upang mabilis siyang magkapera, at hindi nagtagal ay gumamit na rin siya. The usage of drugs had caused him to lose his mind. 

"How does it feel when reality strikes you?" Gumilid ang dalaga upang makita ng binata ang kinahinatnan ng asawa nito. 

When Jason diverted his gaze on the bloodied woman on the floor, he paled. Para bang nanginig ang buong kalamnan nito nang makita ang sinapit ng babae sa kamay niya. Duguan ito't puno ng galos at sugat ang mukha. When he look at his hands, it was full of blood. Dumako ang tingin niya sa singsing niya't nakikita niya pa ang butil ng natuyong dugong dumikit doon. 

The man wasn't able to contain his guilt. When he was under the influence of drugs he was unaware of his actions. He made his emotions took over him and wasn't able to tell what's right from wrong. Kahit pagmamahal niya sa asawa niya ay nakalimutan niya dahil sa impluwensya ng droga. 

Feeling intense remorse, he started to punch his head. He was murmuring inaudible words of how stupid he is. Pabalik-balik ang tingin niya sa walang malay nitong asawa at sa mga kamay niyang may dugo't kapagkuwan ay susuntukin nito ang sariling ulo. 

Regret. It was all regret. 

Dahil hindi niya matanggap sa sarili niya ang ginawa niya ay tumayo ito't hinampas ang ulo sa pader. Lilith who was watching him had no reaction. Pinanood niya lang itong ihampas sa sementadong pader ang ulo niya hanggang may dumaloy na dugo rito. 

Kahit anong umpog niya sa ulo niya ay hindi na niya kailan man mababayaran pa ang kasalanang ginawa niya. It was too late for him to repent for what he did when he had already caused so much damage. 

"H-hindi. . . h-hindi ako ang pumatay sa kanya." Umiling-iling ito habang walang tigil sa pag agos ang luha sa mga mata niya. 

"H-hindi! Hindi ko magagawa yun!" But no matter how hard he tried to deny it, he knew himself that his own wife suffered because of him. 

Dahil hindi kaya ng konsensya niya ang ginawa niya ay tinanggal niya mula sa pagkakatarak ang kutsilyo sa pader at akmang sasaksakin na ang sarili niya nang biglang lumipad palayo sa kanya ang kutsilyo. 

"Please! Gusto ko na lang mamatay! Hindi ko kaya!" aniya habang nagsisisigaw dahil sa frustrasyon. 

Inikot niya ang paningin niya't hindi niya na nakita ang babae. Subalit sa muli niyang paglinga sa kanan ay may bumuhos na kung anong likido sa buong katawan niya. When the liquid touched his skin, he felt a stinging sensation as if his skin was getting burned. 

"A-acid!" He screamed in pain. 

Nasisiyahan namang umikot-ikot sa kanya ang dalaga habang pinapanood itong hindi magkandaumahog sa sakit na nararamdaman. Acid is nothing compared to what he'd done to him. Hindi siya pwedeng mamatay. Death would be too easy for him. She wanted her to suffer for a lifetime. 

Because he was shouting for his dear life, she took that opportunity to grab his tongue and slashed it from his mouth. Lalo namang lumakas ang paghiyaw nito. Now his voice had become muffled and low because he lost the ability to talk.

"See this?" Tinapat nito ang hawak niyang dila saka iwinagayway ito sa mukha niya. Nahintatakutan ito nang makita ang sariling laman niya sa harapan niya. He wanted to push her and run away, but for some unknown reason he wasn't able to make himself distance from her.

"I will make you eat it yourself so you'll remember how you took your wife's voice to speak for herself." Matapos niya itong sabihin ay kaagad niya itong isinubo sa bibig ng lalaki. Akmang iluluwa na niya ito nang takpan niya ang bibig nito. 

"If you spit it out I'll start cutting your limbs and make you eat them one by one." She said firmly. 

"Kainin mo!" Hinawakan niya ang bibig nito't ang kabilang kamay niya'y mahigpit na nakasabunot dito. 

"Nguyain mong tang'ina ka!" Pikit matang lumuluhang nginuya ito ng binata habang pilit na pinipigilan ang sariling humagulgol. 

He deserved it. He fucking deserved it. 

Nang masigurado ng dalagang nilunok niya ang sarili niyang dila ay saka pa siya tumayo upang ayusin ang suot niyang singsing na may malaking dyamante sa gitna. She didn't let him recover from eating his own flesh and started punching him they way he did to her. Sinigurado niyang walang mintis natatama sa pagmumukha nito ang matulis na dyamante sa singsing niya upang maramdaman niya rin kung gaano ito kasakit at matamo niya rin ang kaparehong sugat ni Amberly. 

"Men like you deserved to die!" She released a strong punch that caused his nose to bleed. 

Sunod-sunod na malalakas na suntok ang pinakawalan niya hanggang sa mapuno ng sugat ang mukha nito. His skin was already burned from the acid she splashed at him, so punching him on the face had caused his skin to deteriorate. Ang balat nito banda sa kanang pisngi ay malapit ng matuklap dahil sa walang tigil niyang pagsuntok dito. 

She was about to give him the last blow of punch to end his life when someone from behind her hugged her, and a pair of hands held both of her arms to stop her. 

"Stop, Lilith! You're gonna kill him!" Pigil ni Asmodeus dito na siyang nakayakap sa likuran niya upang pigilan siya. 

"Bitawan niyo ako!" Satan and Baal's grip on her arm tightened. 

"If you kill him, you'll alter their pre-destined lives!" pag-papaalala ni Baal dito. 

"I don't fucking care, he deserves to die!" Satan gazed at her aggrieved face. This was the very first time he saw her this angry like a mad woman who would do anything to kill anyone who'd cross a contact with her. 

And they knew where her anger was coming from, and they couldn't afford to blame her either. What they could only do is to try to stop her. As demons, they are not allowed to kill a human directly for it could cause disarray in the cycle of life unless otherwise their death was caused by another mortal. 

"Yes, we know he deserves to die," panimula ni Satan dito. 

"But Lilith, if you let your wrath consume you—you will break the truce between Inferno and Nirvana. The archangels won't let go of this matter. They will hunt you down." Her expression darkened upon his statement. 

"You think those pretentious archangels would scare me?" Nagkatinginan naman silang tatlo. Her rage was beyond their limit. Hindi nila alam kung anong sasabihin upang pakalmahin ito. 

"I once raze hell in the land of Nirvana, were they able to stop me?!" 

No, they were not able to stop her. 

"Lilith, if you killed him you will give a trace. Lucifer will be able to find you." Doon natigilan ang dalaga dahil sa sinabi ni Asmodeus.

No, he can't find her yet. 

"I've already reported him to the nearest police station. They will arrive in no time. We need to leave, Lilith." Mariin na pinikit ng dalaga ang mga mata. When she opened them once again it wasn't flaring in red anymore. 

When she had finally calmed down ay binitawan siya ng tatlong binata. Baal handed her a lollipop. "Sweets, it helps." He offered. Mabilis naman itong inabot ng dalaga at kinain. 

Hindi na siya nag-abala pang tingnan sa huling pagkakataon ang lalaking nakahandusay sa sahig dahil baka hindi na niya mapigilan ang sarili't patayin ito. She went to the crib and took the baby with her as she vanished in thin air, leaving Asmodeus and the rest of them alone. 

Walang emosyong tumitig ang tatlo sa lalaki. If it wasn't because of the truce, they will let her kill him. Sa katunayan ay tutulungan pa nilang patayin ito sa pinakamasakit na paraan na alam nila. Pero hindi porket pinigilan nila ang dalagang patayin siya ay wala na silang gagawin dito. 

They could never forgive him for what he did. Dahil sa ginawa nito ay muling naungkat ang nakaraan na pilit kinakalimutan ni Lilith. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit galit na galit ito hanggang umabot sa puntong muntik na niya itong patayin.

"You were lucky enough not to receive the rage of the Mistress of Hell," komento ni Baal dito. He bended his left knee and made sure to reveal his true demon form in front of the dying man. 

"As the Demon of Gluttony, I will bestow you a gift. You shall never be satisfied eating a normal meal. You will feed on your urine and feces. And every time you hear the word 'drugs' you will vomit blood, and when you started to crave for it, you will throw up your own intestines along with it." Matapos ng mga katagang binitawan niya ay si Satan naman ang lumapit dito. 

"When you open your eyes, everyone will look like your wife. And even if you close them, you will remember what happened this day. The violence and the pain you inflicted to her will never be forgotten, and the demons you saw this night will haunt you down on your sleep. Thou shall suffer day and night. So receive my wrath, wretched soul." Malagim na anas ni Satan habang nagtatagis ang bagang. 

"From this day on, you are void of feeling any pleasure of life. Every time you have inappropriate thoughts, you will remember how your wife begged you to stop when you tried to force her. If you engage yourself to your urges, your groin will start to decay until you can longer even pee. I hope you enjoy my little gift, bastard." Nakangising wika ni Asmodeus dito. 

Despite the pain, Jason could see them clearly. The real demons who came straight from hell. Hindi niya maatim ang nakakahindik na hitsura ng mga ito kaya naman pinilit niyang ipikit ang mga mata niya. 

His gluttony to drugs caused him to succumb to  his addiction. His obsessive lust for his wife had caused him abuse her. It was his unjust wrath that caused him to get drown by jealousy and kill his wife. 

But it was too late, now she's gone, and he'll have to suffer for the rest of his life. 

GLC| GOLUCKYCHARM