ANTECEDENT: CHAPTER 26

A FEW missions with his 'team', and Midnight was closed to snapping. He was just holding it in while convincing himself not to be kill a teammate because of his leadership training. To vent his frustration, he would spar with Parisi.

However, Parisi had gone somewhere these weeks, so Midnight dragged Love to the gym.

Love was looking flatly at his boss after a grueling workout session. "Boss, you're not trying to kill me, are you?"

Despite an intense workout, Midnight was not even breathing heavily as he wrapped his hands for boxing. "It's just a little cardio. It won't kill you."

Love's lips parted in disbelief. "Boss, may I remind you that I'm just a tracker with minimal combat skill. And when I say minimal, I mean I can run fast to save my life."

"That's why I'm training you." Midnight said dismissively. "Since you're teaching me hacking, I'll train you in return."

"I don't want anything in return for my teaching!" Love firmly declined. "It's free. Please! My services are for free, boss!"

Love's begging fell on deaf ears. "The faster you develop your combat skills, the faster you can spar with me."

Love showed a horrified expression. "Spar with you? I don't have a death wish, boss!"

Midnight just gave Love a cheerful smile before walking to the punching bag to let off some steam.

While Love was dying on the floor, Midnight was tirelessly punching the punching bag in the gym's corner. After Love recovered for a bit, Midnight was still engrossed in beating the punching bag.

Love just shook his head and grab his duffel bag where his laptop was. It's been weeks since he started hunting for a dependable teammate, but he couldn't find anyone decent.

They're either connected to the fourth Arkhon or already working for someone else. While there were many skilled freelancers, most were unwilling to work for others.

Opening his laptop, Love subtly frowned when he saw an email notification from Dominick's tracker, Ruthgar—one of his mentors in the hacking world.

The email contains a profile of someone named Atticus Lockridge, an ex-member of an elite special forces' unit within the British Army. He was discharged from service due to disciplinary reasons.

Love read further and his frown deepened when he didn't read what kind of disciplinary reason it was. It wasn't written in the report which was odd since the report came from Ruthgar.

Who is this guy?

Love moved to the second page to know more but it only had two words written in bold and large font.

'DON'T KNOW'

Shaking his head at Ruthgar's dry sense of humor, he saved the file in an encrypted folder and made his own investigation.

More than thirty minutes later, Love still hadn't found anything about this Atticus Lockridge guy. It was as if he just pops out of nowhere and had no past to speak of.

People like these were either dangerous or had something to hide. Both reasons were troublesome. However, it was not his decision to make if this guy was troublesome or not.

Thus, after his boss finished beating the punching bag, he showed him Atticus Lockridge profile.

Midnight patiently read the whole page and when he turned to the second page, he saw the bold and big words 'DON'T KNOW'.

He turned to Love. "You said this is from Ruthgar?" He had not personally met the man, but he had been a big help hiding himself from his father.

Love nodded. "He said he doesn't know anything about this guy other than what is written in the first page, so I tried investigating and there was really nothing about him that I could find.

Midnight turned the page back to the first page and his eyes settled on the special unit in the British Army Atticus Lockridge was part of. "That's expected. The elite special forces unit he's part of is treated with confidentiality once discharged. And seeing that the reason for his discharge from service is disciplinary reason, there must be something confidential about it."

"So," Love glanced at Midnight as he closed his laptop. "Are we going to seek him out?"

Since it was sent by Ruthgar, that means Dominick approved of it. Midnight was interested on what kind of person Dominick was recommending this time after Love.

"Where is he now?" Midnight asked.

"Cardiff, southeast of Wales."

Midnight bent over and closed his duffel bag as he contemplates. He can't just leave Rome. He had to inform Parisi first. And what about his training? Could he take a leave of absence for a week?

"I'll think about it." He told Love and slung his duffel bag over his shoulder. "For now, see if if you can find something about him? There must be something we can dig."

"Yes, boss."

Leaving the gym, Love was so relieved. But then, his boss who thinks everyone had a stamina like him, dragged him to the stairwell.

"No." Love firmly put his foot down. "Boss, I am using the elevator!"

Midnight turned to Love who was holding onto the elevator's door. "Stairs is good for you."

"No! It will kill me!"

Midnight sighed and joined Love in the elevator.

Love sighed in relief while muttering, "thank God."

Midnight heard him but decided to ignore this weak ass tracker of his.

Then Midnight heard his phone inside his duffel bag ringing. He took it out and check who it was.

Blake Vitale calling...

With a subtle frown, he answered the call. "Need something?" He was used to people calling him only when they need something these days.

"Nope."

Midnight stilled. "What's with the call then?"

"Can we not call to check if you're still alive?"

Midnight's lips parted. "Oh." He was not expecting that. Aside from the old man and Silvanus, nobody really checked up on him these days. "...I'm still alive."

Blake chuckled. "Yes. I can tell."

From the background, Midnight could hear Blaze's voice. "Midnight! Come hang out with us. We're in Rome."

For some reason, Midnight felt delighted when he heard that. "Really? You two are in Rome? Where?"

"We have no idea." Blaze answered in the background again with a click of his tongue. "Nasaan ka? Busy ka ba? Sunduin ka nalang namin. We rented a camper van that can fit four people. Bring your Love with you."

Midnight's expression became dry. "Ha-ha."

The twins laughed on the other line before Blake asked, "so? Coming? Bored na bored na si Blaze na ako lang ang kausap niya. Sabi niya malapit na siyang mabawasan ng ilang turnilyo sa utak."

Before answering, Midnight had to consider his training first. "I'll check my schedule. I'll call in a bit."

"Sure. Take your time."

The call ended and Midnight called Parisi.

He knew Parisi was not busy when he answered his call after one ring. "Yes? Need something?"

"Do I have a mission this week?"

Parisi immediately understood that Midnight was not asking because he's excited to do missions with his 'teammates' but because he had something to do.

Strictly speaking, Parisi had a full control over Midnight's schedule while Midnight was training under him, and he could take advantage of Midnight to do all the works he hated. Fortunately for Midnight, Parisi was a laid-back mentor.

"I can give you one week of vacation." Parisi told Midnight while recalling the e-mail he received from the fourth Arkhon earlier this week. "That way, your subordinates could rest as well."

At the mention of 'subordinates', Midnight's expression became flat. "Yes. I hope they continue resting for the rest of their lives."

Parisi let out a short laugh, "now, now, leadership, remember?"

Midnight only sighed.

"I'll give you one week of vacation," Parisi repeated. "After that, I'm sending you to London to manage the headquarters there for a few months and then you're off to Dublin and a few headquarters after that."

Midnight was silent for a few seconds before inquiring. "Will I be taking my amazing teammates with me?"

Parisi had to stop himself from snorting. "Unfortunately, your amazing teammates had to remain in Rome. You'll get a new team in every headquarters."

Midnight was about to let out a relieve breath when Parisi added, "no worries. A new set of amazing teammates with replace them. Good luck."

To stop himself from gritting his teeth in annoyance, Midnight just swept through the tip of his tongue over the edge of his teeth while tousling his own hair. "Alright. Thank you."

Parisi just hummed and bade goodbye. Then he nonchalantly deleted the fourth Arkhon's email once again as if he did not receive it.

The content of the email was ordering him to send Midnight to Orgánosi's Spain's headquarters as part of his training. Parisi, who knew that it was against the rules for the Arkhontes to influence a continental's boss training, sent Midnight in the opposite direction instead.

Only he, the mentor, could decide where Midnight would go and do. And he disliked these people in the upper echelons of the Orgánosi who used their position to bend the rules that they set themselves.

He'd rather be punished than break the confidential rules of the continental boss training. Although he wouldn't be punished this time because he was in the right, that would not stop the fourth Arkhon from nitpicking his work for any mistake to punish him.

But oh, well, it's not like it's the first time he'll be punished.

Concurrently, Midnight received a phone call from Orlando.

Playing the obedient soldier, Midnight immediately answered the call but did not speak unless spoken to.

"Your father wants you to report to the Orgánosi's headquarters in Barcelona." 'Your father' was a trigger word to the old Midnight that would make Midnight obey no matter what.

Midnight slightly flinched when he heard that, but other than the uncomfortable feeling it gave him, it didn't do anything. However, he still had to play the obedient little soldier. "Parisi told me to report to the London's headquarters next week. I will ask him to send me to Barcelona instead."

Orlando hurriedly responded. "No need. Just come here immediately."

Midnight closed his eyes before calmly responding. "Okay."

Although the call ended, Midnight remained where he was, not departing for Barcelona. He was confident in saying 'okay' because he figured his father had already asked Parisi to send him to Spain, as Parisi was his mentor and the continental boss's training was confidential. However, Parisi's decision to suddenly send him to London instead shows his disagreement. And knowing his father's love for saving face, he'll probably retract his order.

Midnight's deduction was spot on.

Orlando called again just after a few minutes.

"Your father ordered you to stay put and listened to Parisi."

"Okay." The call ended and Midnight smiled. He wished his next training mentors would be like Parisi. He really had to choose wisely.

Honestly, he wanted to choose his big brother. But Silvanus' words kept echoing in his head.

Creating a circle without the influence of his father and big brother. A circle where he could be himself, not a shadow of his big brother. A part of him wanted his separation from his big brother, but there's also a big part of him that wanted to cling to the only family he had.

In a state of internal conflict, he gathered a few clothes and necessities. Slinging one strap of his backpack over his shoulder, he went to Love's room.

"Pack up for a few days." Midnight told Love when Love opened the door to his room.

Love frowned. "Huh?" Love let Midnight in. "Where are we going?"

Midnight fell into a short contemplation, hesitated for a short while before answering, "um... friends, um...invited us to hang out."

Love blinked at Midnight, surprised. He might have known Midnight for a few months now, but he knew his boss had no friends. If his boss was not doing missions, he would be in the gym beating up that poor punching bag, or he would study hacking or a new language. But other than that, his life in the Orgánosi was that boring. Nothing changes.

And now his boss suddenly had a friend?

Midnight clicked his tongue at Love's surprised expression that seemed to be asking, 'you have a friend?'. "Pack up. Hurry, before I leave you behind."

Startled, Love immediately started packing and in an hour, the twins were outside the hotel, picking them up.

"Malapit lang kayo?" Tanong ni Midnight sa magkambal ng makasakay sila sa camper van na nirentahan ng mga ito. Kaagad kasi ang mga itong dumating.

"Yeah. Buti nga malapit lang kayo." Sagot ni Blaze saka tinaas nito ang kamay para simpleng kumaway sa kasama ni Midnight. "Hi, Love."

"Hi!" Love, Midnight's ever sociable tracker, immediately became familiar with the twins. Mas marami pa nga yata itong sinabi keysa kay Midnight na unang naging kaibigan ng kambal.

The camper van immediately became noisy. It was mostly Blaze and Love talking while the silent ones—Blake and Midnight—were on the front of the van, silently focusing on the road while talking from time to time.

Hearing Blaze and Love still talking in the back for more than an hour now, Midnight couldn't help commenting.

"I can't believe they're still talking."

Blake, in the driver's seat, nodded. "Ako ang napapagod sa pakikinig sa usapan nila."

Tumango rin si Midnight. "Parang panga ko ang sumasakit sa tagal nilang nag-uusap."

Blake chuckled at that. "At least it's not boring."

"Yeah."

Blake and Midnight thought the same because they know that if it were just the two of them, this would be the most boring roadtrip.

Hitting it of after just meeting, Blaze told Love. "Who named you?"

Blake and Midnight at the front listened to Love's answer.

"My father."

"Really?" Blaze found it unexpected. "Damn. Have you ever felt like your name sounds weird when people call you that?"

"Nope." Love chuckled as he recalled his funny experiences with his odd name. "I actually find it funny when my male friends had to explain themselves to others that 'love' is not their endearment for me but my real name."

Blaze recalled Midnight doing that and he laughed. "That's indeed hilarious."

Midnight, who had experienced it, did not find it hilarious.

"How long have you and Midnight been friends?" Blaze asked. It was a random question which Love did not hesitate to answer.

"A few months." The Love added. "We actually first met the first time he met you guys in Venice."

Umawang ang labi ni Blaze. "Really? That's dope, man."

"Yep. I know."

As the two continued their conversation, Blake and Midnight were enjoying a nice Michael Learns to Rock song.

"So, where are we going?" Love actually had no idea where they were driving to. He just followed because of his boss.

"Just driving around." Blake answered.

"Where?" It was Midnight who asked this time.

"No destination."

Walang emosyong napatitig si Midnight kay Blake. Pero malinaw sa mga mata ni Midnight na walang imik na nagtatanong kay Blake kung nasa tamang pag-iisip ba ito.

Nagkibit-balikat si Blake. "Gusto lang mag-roadtrip ni Blaze bago mag-umpisa ang residency niya. A breath of fresh air, ika nga."

Love frowned at Blake. "What language is that?"

"Tagalog." Midnight answered.

"Oh." Love was not surprised that his boss understood. Midnight knew a lot of languages.

"I want to visit the countryside." Blaze announced.

"Countryside it is." Blake agreed without a fuss.

Seeing how the twins get along, Midnight suddenly missed his big brother. Between the twins, Blake was more like his brother. Blake spoils Blaze most of the time. Giving in without question. Ganun din ang kuya niya sa kaniya.

He wondered if a time would come that they'll be able to travel together like how Blake and Blaze were doing now. Would it be fun?

"—night. Midnight."

Napakurap-kurap si Midnight saka pasimpleng lumingon kay Blaze. "Yeah?"

Blaze gave Midnight an 'are you okay' look before asking. "Is going to the countryside okay? You have work, right?"

"It's okay." Midnight said with a shrug. "I'm being transferred to London next week. As long as you drive me to the airport by Sunday afternoon, then we're good."

"London?" Blake glanced at Midnight. "A promotion?"

Umiling si Midnight. "Training for the Orgánosi's continental boss." He knew the twins were connected to the Orgánosi as freelancers, so Midnight had so qualms sharing this information.

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ng magkambal.

"Shut the fuck up." Hindi makapaniwalang napatingin si Blaze kay Midnight. "You? A boss?"

Midnight gave Blaze a dry look and answer with a thick sarcasm. "Yes, Blaze. I'm amazing like that."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Blaze. Mahinang tumawa naman si Blake.

Bumaling si Blaze kay Love. "Are you part of his team?"

Love nodded. "I'm his tracker."

"Damn." Blaze clicked his tongue. "Orgánosi, man. They're everywhere." Then he turned to Midnight. "Which continent will you be managing?"

"North America." Midnight answered. "I'm still in training, so, I'm not managing anything at the moment."

"That means you're an excellent individual to be a continental boss at such a young age." Blake said that made Midnight look at him.

"No, I, um, I'm like this because of my big brother." Midnight unconsciously rejected Blake's praise.

This was how Midnight was raised to believe. Even though Silvanus had fixed most of the brainwashing, a part of it was deeply rooted in Midnight's consciousness that it would never be erased.

Hearing Midnight's response, Blake glanced at the passenger seat before saying, "anong kinalaman ni Knight rito? Aren't you the one working hard here?"

Napipilan si Midnight.

Blaze, who understood Midnight in some way because he had a twin he's always being compared to, told Midnight, "Did Knight train you?"

"No."

"Did he help you get the position you're in right now?" Blaze continued asking.

Midnight unhurriedly answered. "No."

"Then this is all you." Blaze tsked at Midnight. "You have to give credit where its due. And clearly, the credit here goes to you, dumbass."

Midnight felt touched until he was called a 'dumbass'. He glared at Blaze. "You're the dumbass."

"What did you say?!"

"Dumbass! Dumbass!"

"You motherfucker!"

"You motherfucker!" Midnight mimicked Blaze that made Blaze even more pissed.

In the driver's seat, Blake just continued driving with a smile as Blaze and Midnight acted like children, cussing each other.

It was nice to see his twin and Midnight get along, even though they're about to tear each other apart.

Meanwhile, at the back, Love could only sigh and muttered under his breath, "what a rowdy bunch." But he preferred this rowdy boss than the always-alone-boss.

At least, with the twins, his taciturn boss had become lively. Which was a welcome change.

CECELIB | C.C.