Trigger Warning: The story's content may contain triggering and sensitive events and occurrences. Sexual violence, sexual abuse, assault, and suicide are mentioned in this story. Some readers may find it disturbing and not suitable for young audiences. Reader discretion is advised.

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵- 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘴

≿━━━༺❀༻━━━≾

Isang nakakabinging sigaw ang bumalot sa ikatlong palapag na building ng isang unibersidad nang mabungaran ng estudyante ang isang babaeng hubo't hubad na nakabigti sa public comfort room. May lubid na nakatali sa leeg nito at namumutla ang buong katawan.

The fourth-year student screamed and cried in horror, seeing a corpse in front of her early in the morning. Wala itong ibang salita na maapuhap maliban sa panginginig dahil sa labis na takot. Napatikip na lang ito ng bibig nang dumako ang kanyang paningin sa mata ng bangkay na tila ba nakadungaw sa kanya.

When the University President knew about this incident, he did everything he could to keep the image of his outstanding and prestigious school away from the media. Ilang libo ang binayad niya sa mga University Staffs para lang hindi magsalita ang mga ito ukol sa insidenteng nangyari, while those who opposed him will get fired. He spent millions to take down posts and articles speculating that the student was raped and didn't commit suicide.

What he wanted for people to believe is that the student committed suicide because of family problem and financial issues. Ayaw niyang madawit ang pangalan ng unibersidad na ilang taon niyang pinalago.

Naging pipi at bingi ang lahat ng taong nakakaalam ng totoong nangyari. Pati ang mga estudyante ay nagbulag-bulagan at nanatili na ring tahimik sa takot na baka bumagsak ang mga ito. They were silenced. No one has ever brought up that incident once again. Not until one year after, a woman who looks exactly like her transferred in the university.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Ruby Jane. But you can call me Jane." Nagsinghapan naman ang mga estudyanteng nakarinig lalo na't magkapareho ng second name ang mga ito. Even the professor was too stunned to speak. Animo'y nakakita ng patay na nabuhay ang mga ito.

Scarlet Jane and Ruby Jane. Are they twins or are they the same person? Halos magwala na ang utak ng mga ito.

"Y-you may take a seat, Miss J-Jane. . ." Tumango ang dalaga at binigyan ng ngiti ang propesor na naging dahilan upang manlamig ang buong pagkatao nito.

Sinundan lang nila ito ng tingin hanggang makaupo ito sa bakanteng silya sa likod. They still couldn't believe their eyes, not when the resemblance is cunningly identical.

Upang mawala ang tensyon at pagaagam-agam ng mga ito ay tumikhim Ang propesor upang agawin ang atensyon ng mga estudyante niya. He is Gavin, their thirty-two year old Ethics professor. He was Scarlet Jane's former adviser. Kaya naman sa kanilang lahat na narito sa silid ay siya Ang pinakanagulat nang makitang kawangis nito ang namayapang babae.

"Today, we will be having an open debate regarding the most common issues in the society," panimula nito.

"There will only be two groups for this open debate-girls and boys. You can open whatever topics you'd like. Gender equality, for example. I will be grading you according to your rebuttals." An informal debate would be easy, but it won't be thrilling enough.

Ruby Jane raised her hand. Everyone looked at her. "Do you have any suggestions, Miss Jane?" Kaagad na tumango ang dalaga sabay tayo.

"Supposed that the topic will escalate to men versus women, may I suggest that from that point, men have to defend women, and women have to defend men's side?" Saglit naman na napaisip ang propesor.

With her suggestion, men could understand women and vice versa. It will be a one-of-a-kind debate. Kaya naman ay pumayag siya sa naging suhestyon ng dalaga. Both sides chose their representatives, and the first to stand from the women's side was the Class President and the Vice President on the men's team.

They tossed coin and President won. Saglit naman nagusap ang mga kababaihan kung ano ang ibabato nilang topic sa mga lalaki knowing na kahit babae sila ay side ng lalaki ang ipagtatanggol nila. It's just like sabotaging themselves, but they are curious to know how men would try to defend them.

"Women dress for men not for themselves." Napasinghap naman ang mga lalaki sa narinig. Kung tutuusin ay yun naman talaga ang binabato nila sa mga babae, ngayon ay hindi nila alam kung paano ipagtatanggol ang mga ito.

"Women. . ." The Vice President smiled. Mabuti na lang ay siya ang nakatoka para sumagot dito. He grew up in a family where female is dominant. His mom raised him single-handedly. That's why he had so much respect for women.

"Women don't dress for men. They dress for themselves. It's a form of self-expression, self-esteem, confidence, and demeanor. How a woman dresses should not be objectified because no matter what clothes they wear, a man should have decent thoughts." He stated with modesty. Gusto naman pumalakpak ng kabilang panig dahil sa sinabi niya.

However, they must stand their ground no matter how impressed they were. The President crossed her arms and stared at him sheepishly.

"You mentioned the way they dressed is a form of self-expression. That would mean they are what they wear. Because what you wear is how you present yourself to the world." Pangangatuwiran pa nito.

"Take, for example, those women who show and post their bodies on social media. Magpo-post sila ng halos nakahubad na tapos magde-demand ng respeto, where in the first place, if they are high-valued women, they should never show off their body just because they are confident, and just because they can. As a result, they shouldn't expect men to show them respect with decent thoughts because that's how they present themselves to the people." Tumango-tango naman ang mga kalalakihan dahil sa sinabi ng President.

Kuhang-kuha ng President ang laging pinupunto ng mga kalalakihan kahit pa babae ito. That's how men usually argues with women. Kaya naman pawang katahimikan ang narinig sa kabilang panig dahil hindi nila alam kung paano ipagtatanggol ang side nila. It was hard for them dahil hindi naman sila babae. Napahinga naman ng malalim ang Vice President dahil dito.

"Social media is wide and diverse. People are free to post whatever they want. Women post such things not for men but for themselves and other women's validation. Because believe it or not, women's validation differs from egotistic men who think every woman is trying to gain their attention." The Vice President put both of his hands inside his pockets.

"Besides, does it take decent clothes for a person to be respected? Women should be respected not just because they were the ones who gave birth to us but because, as far as I know, women live the hardest life." He finished his rebuttal with a smile.

This time, the Secretary stood up. Makikitaan mo ng pagkamaldita ang aura nito at halatang handa ng baliktarin ang sinasabi ng kabilang panig. She was crossing her arms while chewing on a bubble gum.

"Women post on social media for themselves? Social media is a platform where everything is publicized. In other words, you are making yourself accessible to everyone, including men. Halimbawa may nakita kang magandang damit, you post it on social media wearing it, and you claim that you like the dress, but what you really like is the attention." Matigas nitong pahayag.

The Secretary has been waiting for this opportunity. Matagal na niya talaga ito gusto sabihin sa kapwa niya babae na hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit ganoon na ang ginagawa sa social media. Kung hindi naman halos hubo't-hubad na ay kumakaldag, may mga sumasayaw pa at gumagawa ng mga thirst traps na hindi niya alam kung para saan.

As a woman raised in a prim and proper household, she was taught how to become a highly valued woman by her parents regarding her energy, mindset, values, and class. A high-valued woman does not make herself available to everyone. She does not engage in such activities that lower her value and integrity.

"If women dress sultry and sexy for themselves, if they put on make up for themselves, have you ever seen a woman in a provocative dress with make up and heels on before going to sleep? Hindi ba wala? Kasi wala namang tao. They got no one to impress, no one's attention to get." Palatak nito. Napakagat naman ng labi ang mga kapwa niya babaeng guilty dahil sa sinabi nito.

She was taught how to dress appropriately. A woman's confidence is not only measured by how they look and dress. A woman can look pretty by dressing up elegantly with class without taking a booty ass picture. Kung magdadamit ka ng halos labas kaluluwa mo, then you're dressing for male's attention because you love the validation you get from them. You love it when they approach and you reject them. It gives a woman some satisfaction.

And yet you wondered why you're always liked but not pursued?

It's not just about the physical appearance all the time. Real confidence is what you think of yourself and not how people think of you-not what your body looks like. Most women care about body image, they are insecure and that's a given. Ang mga mapuputi gusto maging morena ang mga morena gusto maging maputi. Ang mga petite gusto tumaba at ang mga mataba gusto maging payat.

Her mother taught her that your body doesn't exist to be looked at. So, healing your body image isn't just about changing how you do your body. It is about changing how you value your body.

"I beg to disagree!" The Treasurer stood up. The Treasurer was born male, but he considers himself a female. And so, he can understand women better than men.

"You may argue that confidence is not just about beauty but wits. However, you can't argue the fact that people and society favor those who are born attractive. That's why women want to dress and look good in front of people, but that doesn't mean they want attention. That doesn't mean how she dresses invites people to do her wrong! There goes a saying: my body, my rules. Women are not to be blamed for men's dirty minds! A man can't teach a woman what to wear. They should educate themselves to have appropriate thoughts!" Pangangatuwiran pa nito.

"Women are not to be blamed for men's dirty thoughts? It's one of the contributing factors! Let's say you're in a neighborhood na talamak ang mga magnanakaw, maglalakad ka ba mag-isa sa kalagitnaan ng gabi habang nagwawagayway ng pera? You could've prevented yourself to be a victim but you choose to go that path! You need to have awareness! Kung alam mo na baka mabastos ka sa susuotin mo, kung alam mo na gagabihin ka umuwi, know what to wear!" Gigil na anas ng Secretary.

Hindi naman maiwasang mainis ng mga kapwa niya babae dahil sa sinabi niya. Napaiwas naman ng tingin ang iilan na makakapal ang make-up at halos sa bar na pupunta ang suot imbes na sa paaralan. They can't help but to think the Secretary have a prejudice against her own kind. All her rebuttals have a strong point at parang may pinatutunayan ito. Nakakainsulto ito para sa ibang mga babae, but those who accepts her criticisms remained silent and listened.

"Victim blaming, aren't we? Contributing factors? The danger is not just around the neighborhood. Most of the time, they're inside our homes. Minsan ay mga taong pinagkakatiwalaan mo pa ang titira sayo patalikod," The Treasurer paused and looked around.

"Men are carnivore animals, they want meat! Hindi hadlang ang suot o edad. Have you ever heard of an eight year old girl found in the U.S border with 67 different traces of DNA inside her? She was raped by 67 men until she died! Bata yun, sisihin mo rin ba suot niya? Kahit si Maria Clara ginahasa kahit pa balot na balot ang suot niya. No matter what they wear, they are not asking for it!" Ilang segundong katahimikan ang bumalot sa paligid matapos niya itong sabihin.

Both parties sat down after they defended against each other. Next to stood up was Ruby Jane. Napatingin naman ang mga ito sa grupo ng mga lalaki na wala pa ring representative. Pipili na sana ang propesor kung sino ang magiging kalaban ng dalaga nang biglang bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa roon si Peter na anak ng University President.

Nang magtama ang paningin nilang dalawa ay parang binuhusan ito ng malamig na tubig. Tiningnan niya mula ulo hanggang paa ang babaeng nakatayo sa harapan niya. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso nito't hindi nito maikakaila ang kabang nararamdaman. Pakiramdam niya ay binabangungot niya.

Nabalik na lang ito sa realidad nang bigyan siya ng instructions ng professor kung anong kaganapan. Dahil late din siya ay siya ang bagong mag re-represent ng group nila. He needs to defend women. Kailangan niyang depensahan ang kung ano mang ibabato sa kanya ng babaeng kaharap niya.

"If women were sexually harassed, molested, and raped-they should be heard. Justice must be served for them. Throughout history, power, freedom, and opportunities have oppressed women's rights. But in today's generation, aren't they abusing their power too much? If you think about it, is there any law that a woman doesn't have? Nothing. But there are laws women have, but men don't. How does that make any sense to you, Peter?" He was taken aback when she mentioned her name. They even sound the same.

"Women. . ." His breathings hitched. Kinuyom niya ang kamao niya sa kabila ng nanlalamig niyang kalamnan.

"Years ago, everyone witnessed the mistreatment women received. Women have been oppressed throughout history, including enslavement, feudalism, and capitalism. They deserved the laws given to them because, without men, women could walk around in the middle of the night without being in danger and wear whatever they wanted without being catcalled. Without men, women won't have to worry about anything." Saglit itong tumigil sa pagsasalita upang basain ang nanunuyo niyang labi.

"Women d-don't deserve men's cruelty. Injustice must be addressed, and justice must be served for those who wronged them. P-physical abuse and sexual assault are a sin worthy of the death penalty, for they not only trump a woman's worth and dignity but also destroy her mental health. A woman should not be afraid to speak up and defend herself." Dahil sa sinabi nito ay napangisi ang dalagang kaharap niya.

"But how can she speak up if she's already dead?" Ruby Jane countered, making everyone gasp in silence.

𝐒𝐀 𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆 banda ay karga-karga ni Satan ang natutulog na si Loki. Nakatayo ito katabi si Asmodeus at Baal na nakaharap kay Lucas na matamang nakaupo sa sofa habang hinihintay si Ruby Jane. Lilith had told them about the situation. May fiancée na nga siyang pito aampunin niya pa ang jowa ng nag mamay-ari ng katawan na sinaniban niya.

Masyado na ngang komplekado ang kompitesyon para sa mapapangasawa ni Lilith may dadagdag na namang isa. Maliban doon ay isa lamang itong mortal. Sino ang hindi maaaning sa sitwasyong yun?

Hindi naman maiwasang mapakamot ng batok si Lucas dahil sa tatlong binatang nakatingin sa kanya na para bang sinusuri nang mabuti ang buong pagkatao niya. Ruby Jane told him to wait here and he was shocked to see her living in the most expensive village in the country. Not only that, she was living in a four-story mansion. And these three people are her butlers.

"So uhm. . . when is your boss going home?" Gustong-gusto itirik ni Asmodeus ang mga mata niya dahil sa naging tanong nito.

He had enough of this fiasco. Parang noong nakaraan lang pakilala ni Lilith sa kanya ay pinsan niya, naging doctor, naging CEO at bartender-and oh, naging porn star din pala siya and ngayon tangina butler naman siya. Mukhang kakabahan na si Johnny Sins sa paiba-iba ng career niya sa loob ng ilang buwan.

"Li-I mean, madam will arrive sooner or later. Would you like a cup of tea, sir?" Nakangiting wika ni Baal dito.

"Oh, sure. Thank you!" Sa pagtalikod ni Baal ay biglang nawala ang kanyang ngiti.

Should I poison him?

He grimaced at his murderous thoughts. He can't kill him anyway, but he would gladly do it if given a chance. He hates the idea that a filthy human mortal could be around her. If it's not for the sake of their identities, he will never agree to this act.

"How did the two of you met?" Walang prenong tanong ni Satan habang hinihele si Loki. Mahimbing na mahimbing ang tulog nito matapos niyang pahirapan ang tatlo sa pagpapatahan sa kanya.

"She used to be the daughter of our head maid at home. She was my playmate ever since we were kids." Nakangiting sagot ni Lucas sa naging tanong nito.

"Then, what happened?" Tanong naman ni Asmodeus.

"My family shoulders her tuition fee since elementary until college dahil isa yun sa benefits sa ilang taon na pagwo-work ng mother niya sa bahay. I just found myself liking her when we were Senior High. I confessed noong freshmen during the Acquaintance Party, and she also admitted that she wants me, so we have been in a relationship since then." Kuwento pa nito.

"Hanggang sa isang araw, her mother was caught trying to steal one of the confidential documents of our family business. It turns out her mother was a spy sent by my family's rival company. She was fired, and all the benefits she received were withdrawn from her. I tried convincing my parents na walang kinalaman si Ruby sa ginawa ng ina niya pero hindi yun pinalampas ng mga magulang ko." Sa pagkakataong ito ay mababanaag ang lungkot sa boses niya.

"Pagtapos no'n ay wala na akong alam kung ano ang nangyari sa kanila. Her mother knew about our relationship and she forbade us from contacting each other. Ang alam ko lang ay umuwi siya sa kanilang probinsya." Humugot naman ito nang malalim na hininga na animo'y hinahanda ang sarili sa susunod nitong sabihin.

"T-then I heard her mother sold her to an old billionaire dahil nalulong ito sa utang. Ang sinabi sa akin ng ina niya nasa ibang bansa na raw siya kasama ang bilyonaryo niyang asawa. I was so devastated. Until nakita ko siya noong nakaraang araw. I was so happy. Kaya lang hindi niya ako maalala." Sadness was evident in his eyes, but Satan was not impressed by his emotions. He hates it.

Emotions are the reason why humans are not perfected. Emotions make them vulnerable and weak. They are subjected to sin and make mistakes because emotions lead them astray.

"When I saw her again, I thought her mother was lying. I thought I still had the chance to mend what was broken between us. But stepping into this house, I guess a lot has changed after she lost her memories. Everything in this house is not her preference." Lihim na umismid si Asmodeus.

Of course, everything in this house is different. She's not Ruby Jane but Lilith. Her preferences are other than that of mortal, which explains the mansion's interior design.

"I-I just want to ask. . ." Napatingin si Asmodeus dito nang mapansin niyang tila ba nagdadalawang isip ang boses nito't hindi ito mapakali sa kaniyang kinauupuan.

"I-is she really married?" Nagkatinginan naman si Satan at Asmodeus. Hindi sila na-orient kung ano ang isasagot nila sa kanyang tanong.

Maya maya ay dumating si Baal bitbit ang isang tray na may lamang tsaa. He served him the tea with a smile on his lips. Ang ngiti niyang iyon ay napakahinhin tingnan pero alam ni Asmodeus at Satan kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng ngiting iyon. Napailing na lang si Satan at muling hinele si Loki.

"The tea is better served when hot," anyaya ni Baal dito.

Lucas took the tea and immediately took a sip. Naisipan niyang uminom muna para maging handa sa kung ano mang isasagot ng mga kaharap niya tungkol sa tanong niya. Uminom ito nang hindi inaalintana ang init ng tsaa hanggang sa sa hindi niya namalayang nakalahati na niya ito.

Sa huling paglunok niya ng tsaang iniinom niya ay bigla siyang nakaramdam ng hilo. Pag angat niya ng ulo niya ay nanlalabo ang paningin niya. Sa gitna ng pagkahilo niya ay hindi niya alam kung namamalikmata lang ba siya o hindi pero parang nakita niyang mamula ang mata ng tatlong lalaking nasa harapan niya.

Bago pa niya mabitawan ang tea cup at mabasag sa sahig ay sinalo na ito ni Baal na para bang inaasahan niyang mangyayari yun. He powdered Chloral hydrate on the tea, a sedative that would knock him out. Because Baal can't kill him, he'd just make him sleep and he'll pretend he's dead to calm his nerves. Sa ganoong paraan ay mananahimik ito't maiiwasan nila ang mga tanong niyang hindi nila alam kung paano sasagutin.

"When will she return?" Tanong ni Satan habang inaayos ang pagkakahiga ni Loki sa bisig niya.

"I have no idea," sagot ni Asmodeus. Walang gana itong humiga sa sofa habang magkadipa ang mga braso. Tamad na tamad itong lumingon kay Satan habang nakangisi.

"By the way, looking good as a father Satan," pang-aasar pa nito. Rumolyo kaagad ang mga mata ni Satan. Kung hindi lang bata 'tong si Loki ay malamang binato na niya ito kay Asmodeus.

"Shut the fuck up! Magtimpla ka ng gatas!" Bulyaw niya rito. Kaagad naman na umalma si Baal.

"Pota, wag! Baka imbis asukal e asin ilagay niya sa gatas!" Ingos pa ni Baal sabay diretso ng kusina para magtimpla ng gatas.

Nung nakaraang araw ay sinermonan sila ni Lilith dahil sa mga kalokohang pinaggagawa nila sa walang kamuwang-muwang na bata. She taught them what to do when the baby is crying. Tinuruan niya isa-isa kung paano ito magtimpla ng gatas, magpalit ng diaper, magpatulog, pati kung paano ito lalaruin nang hindi pinapakita ang demonyong mukha nila. Iyon ay dahil sa hindi malamang dahilan ay tuwang-tuwa si Loki at mas madali itong tumahimik kapag nakikita ang tunay nilang anyo.

"Have you checked his diaper? Baka mamaya mangangamoy tae na naman buong bahay!" Reklamo ni Asmodeus.

Satan gave him a poker face. Walang ibang ginawa ang hudyong 'to kun'di magreklamo kaya naman hindi siya nagsisi noong tinapon niya ang diaper ni Loki na puno ng mamasa-masang tae sa pagmumukha ni Asmodeus. Kaya nangamoy tae ang buong bahay dahil ginawa nilang icing ang dumi ng bata at pinagpasa-pasahan ito para makaganti.

"Tone down your voice, kapag magising ang bubwit na 'to at hindi manahimik ng ilang oras idu-ducktape ko 'to sa katawan mong tangina ka." Bwiset niyang singhal dito habang nanlilisik ang mata.

Ngingisi-ngisi namang umayos ng higa si Asmodeus. Ginawa niyang unan ang dalawang kamay niya at inilagay ito sa batok niya habang nakatingala kay Satan na hinihele si Loki. There's nothing more satisfying that pissing off Satan. Lalong-lalo na't hindi nito magawang makaganti dahil may hawak itong bata.

"Ano naman gagawin natin sa gagong 'yan?" palatak ni Asmodeus habang nginunguso si Lucas na nakahandusay sa kabilang sofa na walang malay.

"Isako ba natin tapos hagis sa ilog?" Walang gana pa nitong suhestyon.

Dumating si Baal hawak-hawak ang isang bote ng tinimpla niyang gatas. Pinatong niya ito sa mesa at biglang umalis. Bumalik din ito pagkatapos ng ilang segundo at may bitbit na itong lubid at sako.

"Tingin mo kakasya siya diyan sa sako ng bigas, Baal?" Nakangiwing wika ni Asmodeus bago dekwatin ang bote ng gatas sa mesa.

"We can just chop him off and-" Nabitin sa ere ang sasabihin ni Baal nang mapalingon siya kay Asmodeus na dinidede ang gatas na tinimpla niya.

"Hoy!" Parang nandilim naman ang paningin ni Baal dahil sa nakita. Pinaghirapan niya timplahin yun para makuha ang saktong timpla ng gatas na itinuro ni Lilith tapos ang tarantadong 'to ang iinom.

"Putang-"

"Shh! Baka magising si Loki!" Gigil na gigil na nagkasalubong ang kilay ni Baal samantalang nagpipigil naman ng tawa si Asmodeus dahil hindi siya magawang sigawan ng binata.

"Isusumbong kita kay Lilith!" Urat nitong bulong kaya mamatay-matay na nagpipigil ng tawa si Asmodeus.

"Sumbungero!" Baal frowned.

"Demonyong pornstar!"

"Demonyong baboy!"

"Demonyong walang bayag!"

"May bayag ako!"

"Sige nga, patingin!"

Biglang pumalahaw ng iyak si Loki kaya napatigil sa pagbabangayan ang dalawa. Ang sunod na lang na bumungad sa kanila ay ang nagdidilim na tingin ni Satan. Nagkatinginan naman si Asmodues at Baal sabay karipas ng takbo palabas ng mansyon bago pa mabalian ng buto sa katawan ang mga ito.

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐆 nagku-kwentuhan ang mga batch ng alumni na dumalo sa event. The University President hosted the event to commemorate the school's founding anniversary. The staff were also invited. It was held in a classy five-star hotel where everyone was catering to the guest's needs.

Mula sa napakaraming mesa na nakahilera na puno ng masasarap na pagkain at mamahaling champagne, kanya-kanyang pag-uusap ang mga ito tungkol sa mga pangarap na nakamit nila sa buhay. Some are bragging about their achievements in life, there were also people sharing about their married lives, how stressful their work was, and how hard it was for them to find a partner in life.

"Let us all welcome the University President Philip Xanders for his welcoming speech!" Isang masigabong na palakpakan ang kaagad sumalubong sa presidente matapos itong tawagin.

Standing on the stage, he thanked everyone who warmly accepted his invitation. Then he started talking about the good days they spent together and the vision and mission of the university. He extended his gratitude to those successful people who made their name carrying the teachings of his beloved university.

Sa kalagitnaan ng pagsasalita nito ay biglang namatay ang ilaw sa buong dining hall. Impit na napasinghap ang mga bisita dahil sa gulat, at sa pagbukas ng ilaw ay ganoon na lang ang pagsigaw ng mga ito nang makitang may babaeng nakabigti sa gitna ng stage. Her body was pale and naked. They screamed.

Hindi pa man nakakabawi sa pagkagulat ang mga ito ay biglang bumukas ang main door at iniluwa roon ang isang babaeng nakasuot ng kulay pulang evening gown. Her wavy red hair continuously swung as she walk, flexing her thigh in a slit gown. Nang maaninag ang kabuoan ng mukha nito ay parang binuhasan ng tubig ang mga taong naroon.

Those who were familiar with her face gasped in horror and disbelief, while those who were involved with the incident went pale and terrified. Sa bawat hakbang na tinatahak ng babae ay unti-unti nanlalambot ang tuhod ng mga ito.

How is she alive? Nasaksihan nila ang pagkamatay nito. Some of them were even there at her funeral.

Behind her, the University President's son-Peter was wearing a tuxedo. Puno ng galos at pasa ang mukha nito at kapansin-pansin ang pagtulo ng dugo sa sahig na nagmumula sa braso niya.

"P-Peter! Son!" Gulantang na bulalas nito kahit pa halos hindi na ito makahinga dahil nasa tapat niya lang mismo nakabigti ang bangkay ng isang babae.

Samo't-sari ang naging reaksyon ng mga taong naroon. Shock, fear, confusion-there are even people who acted as if they don't remember who she is.

"I am also one of the alumni's, I'm quite sad I didn't receive any invitations from you, Mister President." Sunod-sunod na paglunok ang ginawa nito nang makalapit ang babae't tuluyan niyang nakita ang hitsura nito.

Hindi niya ito masyado makita kahina dahil may problema siya sa mata subalit nang makalapit ito sa kanya ay halos mapugto ang hininga niya sa gitla. Binalot ng takot at pangamba ang buong sistema niya.

"W-who are you?" He managed to ask to sound indifferent, but he failed.

Who is he trying to fool? Even the alumni's know her. Sino ang hindi makakakilala sa kanya kung gayong laman ng balita sa TV at newspaper ang mukha niya dahil sa insidenteng naganap isang taon na ang nakakalipas.

The woman in a red gown threw her hands in her mouth as if she was in awe that he had forgotten about her. "You don't remember me?" She bit her lower lip, trying to stifle her fake cries.

"How can everyone forget about me?" Bulong nito habang humihikbi.

Nagkatinginan naman ang mga bisita roon. Pinakinggan lang ng mga ito ang pag-iyak at hagulgol niya na umaalingawngaw sa bawat sulok ng malawak na function hall. Walang kahit na sino man ang nagbalak na magsalita o lumapit upang aluhin ito. Not when her cries sounded so eerie and haunted.

Para itong pagtangis ng isang babaeng labis na inabuso at pinagsamantalahan. Babaeng nabigong makamit ang hustisya na nararapat ay maibigay sa kanya. Sa paraan ng pag-iyak nito'y nararamdaman nila kung gaano ito nagdusa at nasaktan. While she was crying, some of them tried to cover their ears. Series of images flashed in their minds about her death. It was haunting them.

"Anyway," Bigla itong tumigil sa pagtangis at walang emosyong pinunasan ang luha sa mga mata niya.

Bahagyang kumunot ang noo ng mga nakarinig. Kapagkuwan ay nabalik na naman ang takot sa mga ito nang bigla itong tumawa. Her ridiculed laugh echoed across the hall at halos maglupasahay na ito sa sahig dahil sa tawa.

"Oh, come on!" She blurted out while smiling at them. Pinalakpak pa nito ang kanyang mga kamay.

"How can you all forget me when everyone of you killed me?" Mahinang napasinghap ang mga ito dahil sa mga binitawan niyang salita.

"I was the woman who committed suicide because of family problems and financial issues, right, Mister President?" The woman gave him a sweet smile that sent shivers down his spine.

"Aren't you glad that I'm alive?" No one spoke. Walang kahit sino ang natuwa dahil buhay siya. Her existence only brings anxiety to them.

"Scarlet Jane, does that name not ring a bell to you, Mister President?" Napatigagal ito at biglang mariin na naipikit ang mga mata. He never wanted to hear that name anymore.

"You hid the truth of my death. To save the image of the university, you fabricated my autopsy. You buried the truth that the results found seven different DNAs inside me! Seven men raped me!" Napatakip ng bibig ang mga ito dahil sa rebelasyon na naririnig.

The huge screen behind her flashed a video of seven men trapping a woman in a stockroom. May isa sa kanilang sinampal ito matapos nitong sumagot, at nang sinubukan nitong pumalag ay sinuntok ito sa sikmura at tinadyakan ang likod. Kitang-kita roon kung sino ang pitong lalaking sangkot sa panggagahasa sa kanya. The faces were not even blurred at kitang-kita ang sarap na dinadanas ng mga ito sa paglalapastangan sa walang malay na katawan ng dilag.

Kaagad na tumalima ang pitong kalalakihan na nandito sa function hall. Katabi ng mga ito ang kanilang asawa at kasintahan. Nang makita ang ginawa ng mga ito ay kaagad na nakaramdam ng galit ang mga ito. As a woman themselves, they symphatize with the victim. And so, mabilis na dumapo ang mabigat nitong mga kamay sa kanilang kinakasama.

"Hayop ka!"

"Baboy!"

"Paano mo nagawa 'yan?!"

"Mistake?! If that's a mistake, your first mistake was leaving your mother's womb! Rapist!"

"Let's break up. I will never trust my daughter's well-being to you!"

"How can you do that to an innocent woman? Wala ka bang nanay, tangina ka!"

"Y-you know I was a victim of sexual assault! You disgusting bastard!"

Walang ano-ano'y kaagad na tumayo upang umalis ang mga kasintahan at asawa ng mga ito. Naiwan naman sila roong nakatulala habang nanlilisik matang nakatingin sa babaeng nakangisi sa kanilang lahat.

"This is slander! You are lying! The video is edited!" Tanggi ng isa sa mga ito.

"Y-yes! You know what modern technology can do these days! Everything is AI generated! Who knows if she's really Scarlet Jane?" Kinakabahan nitong pangungumbinsi sa iba pang bisita.

"Balak mo lang talaga kaming siraan! You should stop now, this is defamation!"

"If something bad happens to my wife and unborn child, I will have you behind bars!"

"Sino ang nagbayad sayo para siraan kami? I will triple the price, just admit you are lying!"

"Do you think people will believe you? You only want attention!"

"Classic bitch!"

The woman just crossed her arms, twirling the ends of her curly red hair.Ang mga ito'y hindi napigilan ang sarili upang lapitan ang dalaga. Nakakamangha pakinggan kung paano nila binabaliktad ang sitwasyon just to save themselves. If you good women are so good at turning the tables, then you've never seen a man guilty of the truth who will do everything to deny allegations.

"You should now talk, Peter." Walang ganang pahayag ng dilag na siyang ikinatalima ng University President.

"Son!" He shouted with a glint of warning in his tone. Of course, he should be afraid. Once his son opened his mouth, he was done for.

Peter looked at his father with his guilty sad eyes. Para bang sukong-suko na ito upang kalabanin ang konsensya niya sa mga nalalaman niyang pilit na tinatago ng ama niya sa publiko. Shouldering a secret became a burden for him.

"Sorry, dad. Hindi na kaya ng konsensya ko ang manahimik. Tama na ang isang taon. It's time for everyone to know," matigas nitong pagsasalaysay sa nararamdaman niya.

"The video you saw was not edited, not AI-generated. It was taken from a CCTV. To mislead the police and detectives, he made me delete the footage from the security system. He paid millions just to fabricate the autopsy results. Here is the evidence to prove that what I said isn't just a mere accusation." May dinukot itong flashdrive sa sa bulsa at iniwagayway ito sa ere.

"She was also bullied by the students because she was poor and only managed to enter the university due to a scholarship. She was a working student but the professors never gave her the opportunity to redeem herself every time she passed late because of her work. Hindi siya binibigyan ng konsiderasyon tuwing nakakatulog siya sa klase galing sa puyat sa pagta-trabaho." Napaiwas naman ng tingin ang mga staffs na naroon.

It turns out all of them are guilty. Everyone contributed to killing her. Everyone kept their mouth shut despite knowing the truth and serving her the justice she deserved.

"I-I was there when she committed suicide. S-she begged me to stripped her off her clothes after she hanged herself. She wanted to inform the police that her death wasn't just because she intended to kill herself, but because the people around her made her do it. Pero-" Tumulo ang isang butil ng luha sa kaliwang mata nito dahil sa kakaibang emosyon na umuusbong sa damdamin niya.

"I was afraid. I was afraid to tell the truth because I already blamed myself for letting her just die like that. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako pumayag sa gusto niya. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ko siya pinigilan at kinumbinseng may pag-asa pang makamit niya ang hustisya. In the end, I choose to remain silent to save the school that my father cares about. Kahit sa kamatayan niya, wala siyang nakuhang hustisya." Ang ibang nakikinig sa sintimento nito ay naluha na lang. They could only imagine the pain she'd been through and the guilt he endured for a year.

"N-no! T-that's not true!" Todo tanggi pa rin ng isa sa mga lalaking gumahasa sa kanya.

Mula sa malayo ay matamang nakasandal ang isang binatang animo'y nanonood lang ng palabas sa sine. Kakarating niya lang sa Pilipinas, at sa oras na makarating siya rito ay dito kaagad siya dinala ng mga paa niya, only to find a show orchestrated by the Mistress of Hell.

It was pretty amusing for him. Magdamag ay hindi ito inantok sa panonood. He was enjoying every bit of it. He can feel everyone's fear and regret, the guilt and sorrow. He doesn't understand what's going on, and neither does he know why she's putting efforts to punish the living when she can wait for their death and punish them in hell. But whatever her reasons were, he knew one thing.

She despises men who force women. She loathes rapists and those who were violent because that's the sole reason she left the Garden of Eden. Adam pushed her to have sex, and he became violent when she declined. She fought back and ended up almost killing Adam. That's why she was sent to hell.

"You whore!" Kaagad na tumalima ang binata nang makita ang isa sa mga lalaking lumapit dito upang sampalin ang dalaga.

He immediately conjured his powers to possess Peter who was standing beside her. Bago pa man tumama ang palad nito sa pisngi ng dilag ay mabilis niya itong sinalag sa pamamagitan ng paghawak ng pulsuhan nito.

Everyone gasped when Peter defended her. In an instant, the lights went dim in red. Sinubukang makaalis ng lalaki sa hawak ni Peter pero hindi niya magawa dahil sa higpit ng pagkakahawak nito sa kanya. When he looked at his eyes, he was taken aback when he saw it flaring in red. Shivers went down every fiber of his being when he saw images of himself start to reflect in Peter's eyes. From there, he saw himself suffering in the fires of hell.

"If you tried to hurt her one more time, I swear to the deepest pits of hell, even Lucifer won't be able to find your soul if I damned you in eternal fire." Nanlilisik nitong banta bago pabalang na itulak ang lalaki.

"Belphy?" Marahan itong tumango nang makilala ng dalaga. Kapagkuwan ay tumikhim ito sapagkat kasalukuyan itong nakasanib sa anak ng University President.

"Those who engage in violence with their women, family, neighbors, and friends shall be burnt in hell, suffering in everlasting pain soaked in your victim's boiling blood. You will be thrown in a lake of flesh-eating maggots until you become nothing but bones." Everyone inside the function hall saw a splitting image of themselves suffering eternal damnation. It was an illusion of fear that Belphegor created.

He is the Sin of Sloth, Belphegor. The master of the Seventh Circle of Hell punishes people who commit acts of violence against others and themselves.

"And for those who engaged themselves in the act of taking sexual pleasure by inflicting pain, those rapists, thieves, and liars, the Eight Circle of Hell awaits you." Nahintatakutan ang mga ito nang bigla itong tumawa. Behind him there was a shadow of a man with horns in his head. Ilan sa mga ito ay hindi kinaya ang kaganapan at nahimatay sa takot.

"You will be punished by walking in a road of thorns and being whipped multiple times naked. Every step you take, you will have an illusion of your beloved ones violated in front of you, just like what you did to your victims." Ang malademonyo nitong tawa ay mas lalong lumakas.

In everyone's eyes, his appearance was glitching from Peter's face to a demonic entity with red eyes and horrendous face. Hindi maatim ng mga tao ang hitsura nito kaya naman isa-isang nagsigawan ang mga ito sa labis na pagkasindak.

"You will be stuck in that loop, Mister President." Nakangisi nitong wika habang nakalingon sa ama ni Peter.

The Eighth Circle of Hell, how unlucky of them. Leviathan rules that circle, and that demon is much worse than Satan if he'd get his mind to it. Among the other sub-circles, he is extra cruel to sexual offenders. And when these people die, he will tell Leviathan to give them the punishment they deserve.

"And may your God have mercy with you, because demons don't." With his last statement, the lights turned off. Nawalan ng malay si Peter at kaagad lumabas sa kanya ang panibagong bulto ng lalaki.

When the lights turned on, the woman who claimed herself as Scarlet Jane vanished in thin air.. Naiwan ang mga tao roong nakatulala at naninidig pa rin ang balahibo sa nasaksihan. Inatake naman sa puso ang University President dahil sa pangyayari at muli na namang nagkagulo ang mga bisita roon.

"Lilith." Sa pagbanggit nito sa kanyang pangalan ay napalingon ang dalaga. Belphegor stilled for a moment when her eyes met his.

"Belphy. . . bakit ngayon ka lang?" Napakamot naman siya ng ulo dahil sa naging tanong nito.

He explained why he arrived so late and Lilith couldn't help herself but to laugh in amusement. Ang makita itong tumawa ay nagdudulot ng kakaibang emosyon sa kanya. Among the seven archdemons of hell, Belphegor was the youngest of them and Lilith have a soft spot for him. She treated him like a baby who needs to be pampered and taken care of. Siya ang bukod tanging nakakapagpangiti at nakakapagpatawa sa kanya effortlessly.

"You should've been more careful. The Gates of Inferno spawns demons in different places. You were lucky you were not spawned in Antarctica like Baal." Pinasidhan ng binata ng tingin si Lilith na bigla-biglang umiirap sa kawalan. Sa hindi malamang dahilan ay bigla na lang itong natawa dahil sa reaksyon ng dalaga.

"I was spawned in North Korea. It was loud and stressful in that country. I never had a comfortable sleep." Nakangiwi nitong kwento habang naglalakad sa madilim na kalsada kasama si Lilith.

"Asmodeus was spawned in Paris, Satan was in Vatican City." Napasinghap si Belphegor sa narinig.

"Vatican City?! Buti hindi siya napulbos doon?!" Pasigaw nitong atugal.

"He almost became the first demon who ever defied all odds to become a saint." Hindi mapigilang muling mapahalakhak ni Belphegor dahil sa mga kinuwkento nito.

Lilith told him everything while they were walking in the middle of the road. Mula sa pagsundo nito kay Asmodeus sa Paris hanggang sa pagkikita nila ni Baal at Satan. He even knew the existence of Loki, and he was thrilled to meet him. Pinaalam din ni Lilith ang dahilan kung bakit niya pinarusahan ang mga mortal na iyon kanina.

It turns out the vessel of her soul, Ruby Jane had a twin sister named Scarlet Jane. Lilith started to investigate her life when Lucas came along. Nalaman niya na totoo nga ang sinasabi nitong boyfriend siya ni Ruby. Aksidente niya lang natuklasan na parehong galing sa bahay ampunan si Ruby at Scarlet.

Lilith tried to find Scarlet Jane, but she later on discovered that she's already dead a year ago. That's when she figured out her death was not normal. Bilang pasasalamat na rin kay Ruby Jane sa pagpapahiram ng katawan nito ay binigyan niya ng hustisya ang pagkamatay ng kakambal nito.

"But when are you planning to go back in hell? Inferno can't hold on much longer without a mistress." Akmang sasagot na si Lilith nang may bumagsak sa harapan nila. Pumagaspas ang itim nitong pakpak kaya nagsiliparan ang ilang balahibo nito sa paligid.

"Avalon?" Banggit ni Lilith ng pangalan nito nang mamukhaan niya ang babaeng sa harap niya.

Belphegor remembered her. She was the bounty demon sent by Lucifer to carry out the mission to bring back the missing souls who never crossed the River of Death.

"As per the Lord of Inferno's direct command, I shall bring you back to Hell to conjure the hellfire retribution and enact your duty as the Mistress of Hell." She announced, ever so proud and loyal. Tumaas naman ang kilay ni Lilith sa sinabi nito.

I would rather get exorcised than go back and serve that asshole!

G O L U C K Y C H A R M