A special chapter as my gift for you this christmas! Buhay muna silang lahat dito para maging makulay ang buhay. Inspire from A Quiet Place ba ito hahahaha and you can also see that I used TBAYD as the game's name, kulang lang ng 'back'.

I have a surprise for you in the middle!

-minigame: TAD-

THIRD PERSON

TAD.

Isa iyong acronym para sa minigame na Talk and you're Dead. It was a special game for the RWO players. Pinalaro ito sa kanila the day before the actual beta-testing and they had to use one of those headgears, kung saan you can be transported in a virtual reality world.

Ang common na ginagamit sa mga ganito ay MMORPGs. There are also heaps of such genres in the gaming community, eto ang pinaka-popular kasunod ng FPS games. The third one are MOBA games, where real-time arena competition happens. Ito ang bagong genre na tinry ng BBG. A slasher game in a post-apocalyptic world.

There were no complicated systems or mechanisms. Hindi din kailangan mag-invest ng time o money for upgrading. It was just a minigame kung saan ang time na mayroon ang player ay nakadepende rin sa survivability nila sa game.

The rules were simple. They have to find the key or exit in a post-apocalyptic world, where monstrous aliens are still roaming around. Weapons are scattered around each location and they're free to use anything they like. Kapag nakakakuha sila ng two or three of the same item, they can choose to upgrade it. They can also store it in their backpack with only thirty slots, and discarding the items would provide either food or a healing potion.

Currency wasn't necessary in the game dahil wala namang stores o trading system dito. Ang importante lang ay hindi mamatay sa gutom o uhaw ang character mo, o di kaya'y mawalan ng dugo. There are also healing items and food around the place. Importanteng magaling sa paghahanap ang mga players. They can also exchange items and there are no rules surrounding it.

The most important thing to remember is talking. Hindi pwedeng magsalita ang mga players sa game na ito. They can be instantly killed by the aliens that might hear or by any sensor in the game that may detect the voice. Players also have the option to kill other players, where the items will be transferred to them after.

Habang hinahanap ang exit ng game ay may ranking system na nangyayari sa laro. Points are rewarded to any player who can successfully kill a monster, but it can also be taken away if they are killed. There is also a scoreboard with players who have the highest survivability rate at ito ay nakabroadcast live sa twitter page ng laro.

In the midst of the game, a fan favorite has already appeared. It was the so-called queen of the gaming community, Marcella.

"What the fuck?" marahas at malakas na bulong ni Kairo.

Halos pumadyak-padyak na si Louise sa tahimik niyang pagtawa while Fern was shaking her head in disbelief. Halata naman ang pagka-offend sa mukha ni Kairo dahil sa sinabi ni Eura. Thankfully, there were in one of the undetected places so they could talk. Kailangan nga lang nilang hinaan ang boses.

"Bakit? Ano bang kinakagalit mo sa sinabi ko, Kai? Totoo naman. Kahit na ganito lang ako at reyna-reynahan 'yang si Marcella ay may chance akong manalo sa game na 'to. Pwede akong maging top 1! Napaka-easy lang naman kasi ng game na 'to. Dapat hindi lang tayo magsalita. Oh, 'di ba! Simple!"

Mas lalong natawa si Louise sa litanya ni Eura, to the point na nag-aalala na si Fern sa kaniya dahil baka hindi na ito makahinga. Kairo massaged his temple, already stressed.

"Sa tingin mo ba tahimik ka na sa lagay na 'yon?"

"Alam mo, Kairo, ang dami mong satsat." naiinis na sagot nito. "Kung hindi mo kaya, e'di maggive-up ka. Hindi na nagrereklamo ka sa mga kagaya kong gusto lang magtry. 'Tsaka, oo naman, tahimik ako! I don't even talk a lot."

"Eura, I think you need to do some self-checking." natatawang komento ni Louise. "Sa haba ng mga sinasabi mo mula kanina, walang maniniwala sa'yo."

"Gaga ka talaga! Siyempre mahaba sinabi ko kanina kasi nag-e-explain ako. May iba pa bang situations kung saan mahaba akong magsalita kahit na walang point or hindi naman dapat? 'Di ba, wala? It's because I choose my words carefully. Kung pwede nga lang ay makukumpara na ako kay Sparrow sa sobrang pagkatahimik." sasabat na sana si Kairo pero naunahan siya ni Eura. "Naremember niyo ba noong isang klase natin? 'Di ba napagalitan si Lousie do'n kasi kuwento siya ng kwento? Never pa akong napagalitan dahil maingay ako 'no!"

"Tanga, kailan ka pa nagka-amnesia? E suki ka nga noong highschool sa detention dahil mas mahaba pa sa klase mga sinasabi mo." Louise argued.

Fern smirked, adding to the fire. "They hate and love it when you're reporting too. Naiinis sila kasi ang haba tas ang strikto mo, pero dahil sobrang haba lagi ng explanation mo ay walang nangyayaring tests."

"Oh, 'di ba! May natutunan na sila, hindi pa sila maiinip-"

Natahimik si Eura nang maramdaman ang pagtataas ng kaniyang balahibo. The four of them froze as a loud hiss came from behind and a tentacle-like claws suddenly appeared. They all held their breaths, glaring at Eura whenever they can. Tangina talaga, sa isip nila, bakit ba kasi nakasama nila si Eura sa ganitong klaseng game. Hindi pa naman ito tumitigil sa kaka-dada.

The wall in front of them got destroyed and another monster appeared. Mabilis silang tumakbo mula dito at nagtago. There were two- no, three aliens that was summoned. Two big ones, with bodies similar to an octopus or a squid, and one small combination of a pterodactyl and squirrel. Hindi maintindihan ang mga features nito at parang mga hayop lang na randomly namix.

Kahit na hindi magsalita ang tatlo ay rinig na rinig ni Eura ang mga pagmumura nila sa isipan.

Sa gitna ng pagtatakbo nila ay nakasalubong nila ang magpinsan. Oliver was smiling while showing Caspian his new weapon, na patango-tango lang. Pero agad ding nawala ang ngisi nila nang marinig ang ingay sa gilid.

"What the fuck!" hindi napigilang hiyaw ni Oliver.

"Gago! Tangina! Bakit ka sumigaw, tanga!" sigaw ni Eura sa kaniya.

"Eura, huwag kang sumigaw!" saway ni Louise sa malaking boses.

Dahil sa malalakas na boses nila ay dalawang panibagong alien ang lumabas. Kairo chanted a series of curses in his mind at kulang na lang ay siya na ang pumatay kay Eura. But they didn't have time to blame each other kung gusto pa nilang makaalis sa limang alien na humahabol sa kanila!

The six of them started running very fast, trying to outrun the five aliens who were frantically chasing behind. Nagkasira-sira na ang mga gusali na nadadaanan ng mga ito at may mga sensor nang naactivate sa ingay. Buti na lang at mabilis ang reflexes nilang anim para maiwasan ang mga ito. As they ran, Caspian was briefly wondering how he got into this chaos.

Hindi malayo mula sa kanila ay sina Wes at Dierran na naghahanap ng mga items. Every step was silent. Kahit ang paghinga nila ay nakamute. They've been in the game for hours and they've never activated any sensors or attracted monsters, kaya naman laking gulat nila nang marinig ang tunog ng mga ito.

Nagkatinginan ang dalawa. Agad silang naging alerto at hinanda ang mga weapons. They were holding it tightly, eyes narrowed at the direction of the news. Pero laking gulat nila nang hindi isang pangit na monster ang unang nagpakita,

But a screaming Eura, who is the biggest bad omen when it comes to games.

"Shit!" Dierran cursed, noticing the desperation in Eura's face. Nilingon niya si Wes. "Kailangan nating makaalis bago pa siya makaabot."

Wes nodded. A screaming Eura is a bad sign, at mula sa naiiyak at takot na takot nitong mukha, kailangan nilang mauna sa pagtakbo.

"HOY MGA PUTANGINANG GAGO! TULUNGAN NIYO AKO, HUWAG KAYONG TUMAKBO!"

Mas binilisan tuloy ng dalawa ang pagtakbo dahil sa nakakarinding sigaw ni Eura. The alien behind them started to move aggressively, eliciting another scream. Sina Kairo naman na nakasunod ay malapit nang pumatay ng babae. Pinauna nga nila si Eura para maghanap ng makakatulong, pero ang nahanap naman ay nauna pang tumakbo pa sa kanila!

Eura took off one of her shoes and threw them at Dierran. Sapul ang ulo ng binata at sandali siyang tumigil. Nang lumingon siya'y nakita niya ang mala-toro na si Eura kaya agad siyang kumaripas ng takbo. Wes frowned, seeing his friend run faster than him, but the shrill scream behind made him understand. Mas nakakatakot pa si Eura kaysa sa mga aliens na nandito.

They stopped when they reached a dead end. Napamura si Kairo nang makita ito. Wes and Dierran both stepped to the side to avoid the fuming Eura, making her run straight to the wall. Nagkatinginan silang walo at ang anim na alien na ngayo'y palapit na sa kanila.

"There are eight of us. We can probably kill some of them." suhestiyon ni Caspian.

"Oo! Tama si insan. Kaya natin 'yan basta magtulungan lang tayo." Oliver agreed.

"Lagi namang tama ang pinsan mo sa'yo." reklamo ni Eura na hinihimas ang pang-upo. Nadapa kasi siya kanina. "Number one supporter ka nga niya 'di ba. Mage-end na siguro ang mundo kung hindi ka sasang-ayon sa kaniya."

"Alam mo, um-oo ka na lang kasi ikaw naman pasimuno nito. Nasama lang kami."

"Bakit, humindi ba ako? Humindi? May narinig ka bang no o hindi sa sinabi ko kanina? Wala naman, ah. Nagcomment lang ako sa cousin relationship niyo."

"Bakit, gusto ko bang marinig comment mo? Nagp-plano tayo paano malabanan 'yang mga 'yan pero iba pinagku-kuwento mo. May nagtanong, Eura? May nagtanong?"

Nagpalitan ang dalawa ng masasamang tingin, while the rest looked at them with exasperation and amusement. Maliban kay Kairo na mukhang stressed na sa nangyayari.

"Magkaparehas lang kayong dalawa pero nagtuturuan pa kayo. Kung kayo na lang kaya ipakain namin diyan sa mga alien para makaalis kami 'no? Ang ingay niyo."

"'Tong si Kairo makareklamo na maingay kami parang ang tahimik-" Eura stopped, sensing the anger in Kairo. "Joke lang, ito naman 'di mabiro. Nakakasad na nga itong game, ang seryoso niyo pa. Minigame lang 'to, guys! Huwag kayong mag-alala, na kay Marcella pa rin ang korona!"

Just as Eura finished her statement, mas nakalapit na ang mga aliens. Ready na sila na magdepensa o labanan ang mga ito nang isang anino ang nahagip ng mga mata nila. A girl clad in all black appeared behind the monsters, her long and sharp sword glinting in danger. She spinned, slashing her blade on the monster's body, slicing it into two. Napangiwi ang iba sa kanila nang mahiwa ang katawan nito, showing the bloody guts. Sa isang iglap ay natumba na rin ang mga kasamang halimaw.

The eight of them were stunned into silence. Nakatitig sila sa babaeng lumapag na. Ang kaniyang malinis na espada kanina'y nabahiran na ng dugo. The hood of her cloak was hiding her face, but a fraction of her hair was made visible. At nang bumaling ito kaunti sa kanila ay namukhaan nila ito.

It's Sparrow!

Nanlaki ang mata ni Eura at dahan-dahan siyang humakbang palapit. She was about to call Sparrow nang mawala ito. Kasabay ng pag-ihip ng hangin at pagkurap nila ay tinangay si Sparrow pabalik sa dilim. Tanging ang patay na monsters na lamang ang ebidensiya na dumating ito.

"She never shows her face." mahinang komento ni Caspian. "But she's very strong."

"Strong isn't even enough to define her. It's like the games are made for Sparrow dahil ang dali lang sa kaniyang gamitin ang mga 'to." Dierran also shared his thought.

"Bestfriend ko 'yon!" proud na sambit ni Eura, making the rest shake their heads in disbelief.

"Sa lahat ng pwedeng i-assume niyang ulo mo, 'yan pa talaga. Ni hindi nga siguro alam ni Sparrow na nage-exist ka." Kairo fired.

Eura shot a smug smirk, flipping her hair back. "Hindi mo lang alam, bitch. Pero mas close pa kami sa glue."

"That's a fucking weird comparison-"

Kairo was cut short when the ground shook. Sandaling nawala ang balanse nilang lahat, at mula sa mga katawan ng patay na monsters ay nagpakita ang isang malaking mata. The iris moved around in a circle before zeroing in on them. Napasinghap sila't napaatras. Unti-unting lumabas ang higante at madulas na paa ng halimaw. Eura had to fight the urge to puke upon seeing the alien's complete form.

It was absolutely gross. Slime was dripping off its body and the eyes was catastrophically huge. Nag-iisa lamang ito pero parang kalahati na ito ng katawan. And goo is present beneath the eyes, looking like the alien's unshed tears. The arms and legs were long and huge, at parang parte na ng main body ito.

"Next level boss." sambit ni Oliver. "Mukhang mamamatay na tayo diyan."

"Let's split up."

Hindi pa sila nakakasang-ayon sa sinabi ni Wes nang biglang sumugod ang alien. Frantic, their feets fell into a run. Dalawang daanan lang ang pwede nilang pagpilian - kaliwa o kanan.

Wes, Caspian, Kairo, Fern and Louise all took the left side. Habang sina Eura, Oliver, at Dierran naman ay pinili ang kanan. The alien rushed to chase the five. Si Kairo na nakapulot ng baril ay agad na pinagbabaril ang alien at pinauna ang apat. The bullets did not do any damage but it was enough to slow down the aggressive monster.

Nang makaabot sa tatlong magkaibang daanan ay isa-isa silang pumili. Fern and Louise stayed as partners, while Wes and Caspian coincidentally picked the same path. Kairo, who was the last to arrive, did not hesitate to run towards the center. Dahil abala siya sa paglingon para tingnan kung sumusunod pa rin ang halimaw, hindi niya napansin ang taong naglalakad-lakad.

Malakas na napamura si Kairo sa isipan dahil sa masakit na pagkaka-bangga. He glared at the blonde boy who was in the way. Nakatingin din ito ng masama sa kaniya.

"Tumingin ka nga sa dinadaanan mo!" sigaw nito.

Kairo scoffed, now frustrated. Gagong 'to, galit pa eh siya naman humarang-harang sa daan. Tanginang boses, napakalakas pa, parang nasa shouting match.

He eyed him up and down. Parang hindi niya pa nakikita ang taong 'to. His clothes were also a bit off for someone in a game at wala din siyang dala-dalang weapons.

"Tinitingin-tingin mo?!" hamon nito.

"Are you fucking stupid?" Kairo harshly whispered. "Tumahimik ka o mamamatay tayo dito."

"Bakit naman? 'Tsaka ano bang lugar 'to? Pesteng witch 'yon, dinala-dala ako kung saan-saan tapos mawawala."

Sasagot na sana si Kairo nang maramdaman ang presensya ng alien. He dragged the other boy to the side, covering his mouth to prevent him from speaking. But the blonde only bit his palm like some aggressive dog.

"What the fuck, dude?!"

Sumama ang mukha ng lalaki. "Huwag mo nga akong matawag na dude, hindi tayo close. Sino ka ba? Ba't ka nagtatago?"

"Because we'll be killed if we don't."

"Sino naman papatay sa'kin?"

Marahas na napabuntong-hininga si Kairo. Hindi man lang ba nagbabasa ng game description ang lalaking 'to? How is he playing something like this without even knowing the enemies?

"E'di ang alien."

Malakas itong tumawa at parang masusuntok na siya ni Kairo. "Luh, una may mga ability-users, tapos ngayon alien naman. Ano sunod? End of the world na ba?"

Kairo was about to answer when a hissing sound came near them. Nang lumingon sila'y magkalapit na ang kanilang itsura sa alien. It's one big eye flickered between them two, the gooey substance dropping down the ground, just an inch from their shoes. Naramdaman ni Kairo ang paninigas ng lalaki.

"What the fuck." sambit nito. "May alien."

Kairo can't help but roll his eyes. He wants to say 'I told you', pero ayaw niya ring magalit pa ang alien at agad silang makain. Okay na na sacrifice itong tangang kasama niya.

The eye stopped moving and centered on the blonde boy. It stepped forward, kaya mas lalong lumawak ang puddle of slime na gawa nito. Tahimik na napalunok si Kairo at parang 'di na hihinga sa sobrang lapit ng alien. Apart from its horrifying form, it also stinks a lot!

The mouth slowly opened, revealing sharp razor teeth. Halos mapasinghap silang dalawa nang mas lumapit ito sa kanila. Kairo closed his eyes and held his breath waiting, until he heard an explosion.

Nang buksan ang mata, wala na ang alien sa harap nila. Instead, both of them were covered in slime while Depore and a small, frail guy replaced the monster's previous spot. Nakahinga si Kairo nang maluwag dahil kay Depore pero naguguluhan siya sa kasama nito. The guy had a staff in hand and he's in rags. Nakapaa din ito.

"Sino 'yan, ate?" hindi niya mapigilang tanong.

Malaking ngiti naman ang isinagot ni Depore sa kaniya bago itinuro ang katabi. "Si Voldmir daw! Ang galing nga! Isa siyang mage!"

Mage? Kairo frowned. May mage ba sa larong ito? Parang wala namang classes na naka-assign.

"Eh sino 'yang bago mong kaibigan, Kai? Woah, never did I imagine that you'd make some friends apart from Eura." pahabol pang insulto nito. "Naiinis kasi sila mostly sa ugali mo."

"Hindi kami magkaibigan." nakasimangot na sagot ng blonde boy. "Si Mikhael ako. Tawagin niyo na lang akong Kel."

"Oh, nakakapag-pasabog ka rin ba gaya nitong si Voldmir?"

"Hindi. But my blood can be converted into strength."

"What the fuck is that?" Kairo asked, frown still in place.

"Fuck you ka rin." sagot din no'ng Kel.

Hindi na lang pinansin ni Kairo ang lalaki dahil mukhang may anger issues ito. He attempted a conversation with Depore using their eyes pero parang over-excited pa rin ito at hindi na gumagana ang utak. He can't help but feel strange around these two guys. They don't look like they're part of this game.

Sana nga lang ay sila lang dalawa ang nandito.

"Ano ba! Bitawan mo nga kasi akin 'yan!"

"Ako unang nakakita nitong kadena kaya sa'kin na 'to, gago! Hindi mo ba alam ang first seen, first mine."

"Anong katangahan ba 'yan? Ganda lang talaga ambag mo sa mundo 'no. Finders keepers ata mean mo, girl? Tsaka, isa pa. Hindi nga 'yan sa'yo. Weapon ko 'yan eh, maghanap ka nga ng para diyan sa kamay mo! Ang tamad mo naman."

"Tangina, ba't ang dami mo nang litanya pwede mo namang sabihin sa'yo 'to? Tsaka, hoy! At least ako maganda, eh ikaw wala na ngang ganda, 'di pa matalino."

"Ha! At least mas mataas ako kaysa sa'yo! Mas malala ka pa ata kay grammar eh, wengya. Ako pa papagalitan mo ba't ang dami kong sinasabi e ayaw mong ibigay 'yong sa'kin. Tsaka bakit asul buhok mo? Ate ka ba ni Minerva?"

"Sino si Minerva? Anak mo?"

"Gaga, e'di anak na din kita kung gano'n. Tsaka I'm so young and fresh pa para magka-anak 'no! Parehas kasi kayong asul at duwende."

"Hindi ako pandak! Bawiin mo 'yang sinasabi mo!"

Oliver sighed and massaged his temples as the two girls in front of him continued their arguments. Tumatakbo lang sila ni Eura kanina nang masalubong nila ang babae. Her cinnamon hair and cat-like eyes were already an attraction, but when she opened her mouth, Oliver found her similarity to Eura uncanny. Sa game na ito na kailangang tumahimik, talagang sila pang maiingay ang nagkasama.

"Guys, the alien is coming near." Dierran warned, pulling another of his arrow for a clean shot.

Although Dierran's aim were very precise, it doesn't deal great damage towards slime aliens. At ang ingay ng dalawa ay mas nagpapalapit lang sa mga halimaw.

"Feyre, stop arguing." wika ng isang babaeng tumutulong kay Dierran sa pagpapa-slow down ng halimaw. She's holding a sniper gun as a weapon.

Pagod na bumuntong-hinga si Feyre. "Tell that to this bubwit, Vesta. Nakakainis! Nasa kaniya ang chains ko!"

"Improvise."

"Oh, ayan! Improvise daw! Wala ka talagang ganito." sabay turo ni Eura sa ulo niya.

"Nahiya naman ang first seen, first mine mo 'no, bubwit. Akin na 'yan kasi para mapakita ko sa'yo ang galing ng isang gamer."

Eura's face crumpled in distaste upon hearing that.

Oliver sighed and attacked the monster himself. Walang mangyayari kung hihintayin niya pa ang dalawa na matapos sa pag-aaway kaya siya na lang lalaban. But of course, even with the help of two long-ranged players behind him, it's not enough to deal visible damage to the monster.

He was thrown aback at the monster's swing, making the two girls alerted. Nakabusangot na binalik ni Eura ang kadena sa katabi. Naiinis siya at naiingit sa weapon na mayro'n ito. Parang ang cool din kasi gamitin ng chains pero hindi niya pa ito nakikita.

However, before they could attack, two long swords split the alien's body into four. Isang babaeng nakatago ang mukha at nakasuot ng all-black ang katabi ng isang napakagandang babae. Her long hair was white and her skin was as fair as snow. Napakahaba rin ng pilik-mata niya na mas pinapaganda ang asul na mata. She looked regal and strong in her white armor and golden sword.

A walking armor bumped into Sparrow, making her hood fall down. Napasinghap ang lima nang makita ang mukha niya. Compared to the unrivaled beauty beside her, they wanted to make this girl into a keychain and bring her to wherever they please. Nakalugay ang itim niyang buhok na mas pinapaputi ang kaniyang balat. Doe brown eyes pinched their hearts in adoration and soft, doll lips made their breaths stutter. She both looked fierce and fragile in her black tights and leather holsters. Like someone who is innocently capable of murder.

"Sorry po!"

Ang pagkatahimik nila sa dalawang bagong-dating ay nasira nang marinig ang matinis na boses. They all looked around, looking for a child. Then Feyre slapped her forehead and stared at the armored person walking towards them. Napapaatras naman si Eura sa takot dito. Parang isang hampas lang at mamamatay na agad siya.

"Ate Feyre, ayos lang po ba kayo? Nakita niyo si Kuya?"

Natigilan sina Eura, Oliver, at Dierran nang marinig ang batang boses na magmula sa malaking armor. Gusto nilang magmura nang malakas pero ayaw nilang masira ang tainga nitong bata.

"Ano ba ako, lost and found para hanapin mo kuya mo? Ngayon ko nga lang nakita si Sol kaya siyempre hindi ko alam kung saang lupalop ng mundo na 'yang si soro. Baka napunta na 'yon sa mga animal channels dahil ang likot. Saka kunin mo nga 'yang head armor mo, nakikilabutan ako sa boses mo."

Well, kahit na puno ng kawalang-hiyaan ang pinagsasabi ni Feyre, at least she's not a curse machine as Eura.

Kinuha nga ng bata ang head armor nito at bumungad sa kanila ang napakacute at gwapong lalaki. He smiled, showing his gums. "Okay po!"

"Feyre, what's happening here? Where are we? Nagka-update ba ang Arth Online?"

Shit, mayroon talagang weakness si Eura sa mga magagandang babae. Parang naghihina ang puso niya habang lumalapit ito sa kaniya. Or is the girl's presence really that strong that they can't help but stare? At parang tumatahol din ang puso niya sa lakas nang tuluyan itong makalapit. Her charisma is overflowing!

Akala nila ay sasagot naman ulit ng pabalang si Feyre, pero sa laking gulat nila ay naging matino ito.

"Hindi ko rin alam, Sol. Pero nang icheck ko 'yong website ng game, parang wala namang upcoming updates. Wala ding sinabi sa'yo si Hiraeth, 'di ba?"

Umiling 'yong 'Sol'. "I wonder what this is. I don't remember playing another game."

"Minigame 'to para sa RWO, 'di ba?" pagsali ni Eura sa usapan nila.

Sinamaan siya ng tingin ni Feyre. "Aba malay ko kung ano ang RWO na 'yan."

"O, o, kalma." pigil ni Oliver nang unti-unting nawawala ang pasensya ni Eura. "Ano ba ang Arth Online na pinagsasabi niyo?"

He's never heard of that before.

"It's the most popular game as of now. Ito ba 'yon?"

Namula si Oliver nang sa kaniya matutok ang atensiyon ng dalaga. Grabe! Nakakatense at kakaiba namang makausap ang babaeng 'to.

"Nn. Minigame for Rogue Wars Online. Never heard of Arth Online."

Halos mapatalon silang lahat nang nagsalita si Sparrow. Her voice was the most beautiful thing they've ever heard! It was sweet and mellow, like it's serenading them to sleep or blessing their mornings. Isa pang nagpagulat sa kanila ay nakalimutan nilang nando'n pa rin ito. It was almost like she had no presence in this game.

"Could it be that we're transported into another world? Walang Rogue Wars Online na nage-exist sa'tin." Vesta inquired.

Napatango-tango si Solace. Feyre shot a look at Vesta, raising her brow. "Wow, gumagana din pala 'yang utak mo, Vesta?"

Hindi siya pinansin ng kasama.

"Ha!" Eura scoffed. "Hindi naman kasi kayo magkapareho ng utak. Mas may braincells siya sa'yo!"

"Luh, nagsalita ang mas kulang sa braincells."

At naghabulan ang dalawa.

"What a rowdy bunch. Is this your new set of friends, Sparrow?"

Napalingon sila sa bagong-dating. Marcella stood at the side, gazing at them with judgment. Tinaasan niya ng kilay ang katabi ni Sparrow. She doesn't know the girl and it's odd, because that's a face that can never be forgotten.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito, Marci? Akala ko naghu-hunt ka ng aliens?"

"I wanted to look for Sparrow since she's challenging my spot." sagot ni Marcella sa tanong ni Dierran.

Kumunot ang noo ni Finn. Anong spot ang chinallenge niya kay Marcella? Gusto niya bang makatabi si Solace?

Isang malakas na sigaw ang kumuha sa atensiyon nila. Mula sa taas ay isang lumilipad na halimaw ang nagpakita. In its talons was a girl with short hair and red eyes, and her scream was too loud for any aliens in the vicinity to hear.

"Tanga ba siya? Naghahanap ba siya ng kamatayan? Sana sa'kin na lang siya lumapit para ako na ang pumatay!" Feyre angrily said.

"For the first time, I fucking agree with you. Putangina, ba't sigaw siya ng sigaw? Itapon mo nga kadena mo sa kaniya tapos patayin mo na." pagsang-ayon ni Eura.

"Akala ko ba galit kayo sa isa't isa?" Oliver asked.

"Mas galit kami sa kaniya." sabay na sagot nila.

The talons opened and the girl fell. Napasmirk ang dalawa pero agad din iyong nawala nang makitang umaksiyon sina Solace at Finn. Ang saya na naramdaman nila ay napalitan ng inggit. Pero hindi pa nila ito nalalapitan nang masalo na siya ng isang lalaki.

"Ikaw na ba si Mr. Right?" walang-muwang na tanong ng babae.

Mikhael frowned and was about to ask when he was pushed aside. A guy almost the same height as him took the girl from his arms and held her in an almost possessive manner. Alam niya kung ano ito dahil nagawa niya na rin iyon minsan kay witch.

"Gus." umirap ang babae. "Panira ka. Nagmo-moment kami no'ng gwapo eh."

"Do you like falling into just anyone's arms, Vashtianna?"

"Parang 'di rin ako nahulog sa'yo unang pagkikita natin 'no. 'Di naman kita pinagalitan no'n, duh. Hirap talaga maging maganda."

Tinulak siya palayo no'ng Gus. "Asa pa."

"Have you retired from being a mad dog to become a superdog? Napakaheroic mo naman at sumalo ka pa ng mga civilians."

Their heads snapped to the owner of the cold voice. A girl with curly red hair and attractive blue eyes sat atop the flying monster. Nakadekwatro pa ito habang nakaupo. Like it wasn't an alien she was riding, but some random dragon. Her lips slowly curled into a smirk and her eyes narrowed at them.

"What reunion have I crashed into? Is the crimson girl also part of your little group?"

"Makacrimson girl ka parang 'di pula buhok mo. Sana sinabi mo sa'king may expiration pala ang pagpapalipad mo para hindi ako nagpatrial!" akusa ni Vashtianna sa kaniya.

Now that she's closer, they got a closer look at Vashtianna. Her eyes were really a mystery. Red eyes were emotionless despite the playfulness in her voice. Hindi maayos ang pagkakagupit sa buhok niya pero bagay na bagay ito. She doesn't have the extraordinary beauty Solace and the red-haired have, nor the cuteness radiating from Sparrow, but she has this cold and thrilling presence. Na parang mahirap makipag-usap sa kaniya kung gusto mo pang mabuhay.

"Nakakapagod 'pag sasabihin ko pa. Besides, you have the dog in shining armor to save you."

"Huwag mo nga akong tawaging aso, Serena! Saan-saan ka ba nagpunta? Nag-aalala ako sa'yo."

"It looks like you should be worried about other people than me, Kahel." she replied in an uninterested voice. "I don't understand why they kept on killing these cute creatures when they can be tamed."

"Enemies." wika ni Finn. "Not pets."

Serena's eyes centered on her. Isang minuto ding nagstare-down ang dalawa bago ngumiti si Serena. This was new. Most people would avert their gaze or feel small when receiving her stare, but this girl just returns it without much thought.

"I see. Is this some sort of a game? Are you transported here too?"

"No, Serena. It looks like this is their game and we are transported in here. Along with a few others."

Serena watched as Keian walked closer, with three other boys behind him. She can't help but notice that they almost have the same energy. Men who prefer to be quiet in their own, dominant way.

"You're from a world with abilities." wika ng lalaking medyo kulot ang buhok. Wes pointed at Hiraeth, the guy with the long hair. "Hiraeth's from a world like ours, where online games are adamant. Pero magkaibang mundo kami dahil hindi niya alam ito."

"Ah. And this is supposed to be a popular game but it's not known to them. That means their popular game isn't also known to you?"

Tumango sina Wes at Caspian.

"Uhm, so what po ba ang dapat nating gawin?" Minerva loudly asked, making heads turn to her. Awkward siyang tumawa. "Hehe, just asking po. I'm part of Ate Sol's guild."

"I believe we should just follow the game's objectives, right? Siguro 'pag natapos natin 'to, makakabalik na tayo sa totoong mundo natin." Solace suggested.

Serena nodded, pleased at the statement. Akala niya wala nang may brains dito pero mayro'n pa pala.

"Libre ba patayan dito? May gusto lang akong patayin." Vash asked the most unnecessary question.

"Tingin mo ba may kulungan sila dito para sa mamamatay tao? E game nga 'di ba, kaya siyempre pwede ang patayan!" sagot naman ni Eura.

Vash glared at her, crossing her arms. "Aba, siyempre 'di ko alam 'yan dahil wala namang games sa mundo namin eh. Ikaw na lang kaya unang patayin ko. Nasa'n na ba kasi si Pheme?"

"Bakit?" a girl who suddenly appeared asked.

"Hanapin mo si Murphy nang may mapatay ako."

"How bloodthirsty." komento ni Serena. "Has anyone ever told you you're cruel?"

"Oo, ikaw. Makablood thirsty kang baliw ka, parang 'di ka lang nagbefriend ng aliens. Sabi nga no'ng cutiepie, hindi sila pets!"

"Hoy, huwag mong matawag-tawag na cutie-pie si Sparrow! Hindi kayo close!"

"At kayo, oo?" kontra ni Feyre kay Eura. "I doubt you're close with an adorable girl like that-"

"Hindi rin ako naniniwala na kaibigan mo si ganda kung gano'n!"

The chaos unfolded before the large group could even start their quest. Parang ang aliens na lang ang nagdi-disregard ng rules dahil sa kaingayan nila. Ito pa ang natatakot na mapasama sa gulo dahil mukhang anytime ay may sasabog ng tao.

Hex just sighed, watching all of them from afar. Sa totoo lang ay gusto niya ring sumama do'n para makompleto na ang guild nila, pero ayaw niyang makasama ang dalawang Feyre. Baka maaga pang puputi ang buhok niya dahil dito. He also feels pity towards Hiraeth who has to patiently listen to their senseless arguments.

Theo grimaced watching another alien come closer to the group because of the noise, only to make a sharp turn to avoid them. He's never heard of a monster preferring to change its prey because they're too chaotic. Parang napapaiyak siya at napapatawa dahil finally wala siyang kailangang gawin. He can complete this stage even if he's asleep.

Sa gilid naman ay napailing lamang si Seraphina. She glanced at the stoic Nathaniel beside her and at the alien they silently defeated. Alam na niya ang gagawin para makaalis dito, at kahit gusto niyang lumapit para magpakilala sa mga magaganda at gwapo- este para malaman rin ang nangyayari sa mundong ito, nagdadalawang-isip siya sa ingay nila. She also doubts that Nathaniel would enjoy being with them when he prioritizes silence.

Oh well, maybe she can find the perfect timing to join. As of now, she's fine with guarding their backs and defeating some aliens. She's convinced that some of the monsters that retreats are due to her and Nathaniel's beastly presence.

Isang malakas na mura ang narinig niya at natatawa siyang umiling. Sana naman ay makita na nila ang exit.

This will be a very long day.

-special chapter end-

Merry Christmas! Hindi ko alam kung gagawan ko 'to ng part two, hahaha! This isn't connected to the main stories, okurr.