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A New Crime Scene

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NOTHING BUT the long shadows of the three students could be seen casted on the rows of bookshelves, their hushed tones echoing throughout the library walls as the lone teenage boy laid down his plans to the two other girls. 

"So the main gist of what we're going to do is offer distractions that can throw Keira and Sheyna off their tracks, all while criticizing our current system," Ani Enzo, his back straight and his composure relaxed, as if he was just giving a speech to the student body instead of plotting a dangerous scheme that could potentially exile him from his position for good.

"I haven't given it much thought since I've been busy trying to get the two of you on board with this idea, but for now, pangalanin muna natin na 'Operation: Control' ito."

Emerie let out a loud snort as Enzo swiftly pulled out his phone to check his notes.

"As much as I admire your leadership skills Mr. president, you have seriously got to work on your creativity. That's what you lacked in your campaign, by the way," the Castrana girl pointed out, causing Enzo to shrug.

"Well, kaya nga kayo nandito diba? Feel free to be the creative brains to partner my stoic, logical side — or whatever the Gazette wrote about me," he grinned, giving Elysia a knowing look that made the girl scoff and chuckle.

She knew that the president was pertaining to a feature article that was written about him last year, when he was still the deputy president.

"Wala akong kinalaman d'yan, ngayon lang ako na-assign sa student council beat," the feature writer said in defense before waving a hand. "But enough of that, how exactly do you propose we distract the two bitchiest girls in our batch?"

Enzo responded by raising a book in his hand. It was an old, beaten-up copy of the first The Hunger Games book by Suzanne Collins, a book Elysia hadn't seen in a while since it was banned in Castillo High last 2014, when a group of graduating seniors that were intoxicated with drugs, had almost killed another senior during a Hunger Games-inspired halloween party. 

"Through mayhem? Rebellion? Whatever you girls would like to call it," he replied, tossing the book towards a now-frowning Elysia. 

"We'll be making strict and intricate plans of minor destruction throughout the school at a random pace. Since Keira is the vice president whose duty is mainly to organize both internal and external affairs of the school, this would definitely keep her busy. And of course, Sheyna, as a news writer, will be preoccupied trying to cover all these events. She'll most likey think that the more events she'll cover, the closer she gets to that EIC position."

Enzo then snapped his fingers. "But in reality, I'll be putting forward platforms and projects to solve these destructions that can give me the upper hand. It'll destroy Keira's credibility as vice president, as well as show her inability to resolve extreme situations like... ayun, a mysterious rebellious group," he chuckled before nodding towards the feature writer.

"With me and the student council busy, you'll have more than enough material to write for your feature articles on the student government beat. Use it to your advantage," Enzo instructed, with Elysia looking down at the book with furrowed eyebrows, pondering over the president's plans.

"So, pa'no naman ako? What the hell do I get from all of these?" Emerie interrupted, pulling her headphones down and letting it rest around her neck. She had an unhappy frown on her face as she tapped one foot impatiently.

The president let out another chuckle. "I believe this is the perfect avenue for you to release all your pent-up frustration with this 'hellhole.' Para naman tumigil ka na sa pag-disrupt ng mga academic events."

Emerie rolls her eyes and stepped forward, pointing her index finger and pushing it on Enzo's chest. 

"While making this whole empire my very own rage room is a tempting idea, I need something more than that, Mr. president," she remarked, raising an eyebrow. "Hindi naman pwedeng kayo lang ni Miss feature writer ang makikinabang sa mga kalokohan na plano nating gawin. May I remind you guys that I'm on the brink of expulsion while both of your reputations are on top of their game. Give me a better bargain." 

"Excuse me, I have a name," Elysia interrupted, scowling at the library assistant who gave her a challenging look. "Also I don't make writing my whole and only personality thank you very much."

She then turned to Enzo and threw her arms up in the air in frustration. "Enzo why the hell do we need her anyway??"

Sasagot na sana ang binata nang itinaas ni Emerie ang isang kamay, telling him to shut up.

"Elysia, have you ever, let's say, have access to the entire digital system of the campus?" she asked in a daring tone.

"No, do I look like I'm a hacker?" Elysia scoffed. 

"Then you've got your answer, sweetie," Emerie smiled, spreading her arms to gesture to the whole library. "Through me, the both of you have access to the entire Castillo High library, which contains not only the most boring books, but also the most important documents in the campus, and of course, the computer system that leads to, let's say, important digital files that you won't be able to obtain without my help."

Elysia blinked in surprise at this information, causing Enzo to shrug his shoulders.

"She's right. Emerie's going to be an asset to our little trio team as the most technologically-adept," tango ng binata bago itinuro ang dalaga. "And you of course, will be our eyes within the Gazette and other student publications. The media after all is one of the most important social institutions in the whole social system."

He then pointed to himself. "And then you have me, representing the student government. We all have our respective roles, and it's the main reason why I chose you two specifically — aside from the fact that both of you have the same burning desire to change certain ways here in Castillo High."

"Exactly," Emerie nodded. "So now I'm asking again, what the hell's in it for me?"

Hindi mapigilan na mapa-buntong hininga ang binata. "Name your price, Emerie. Ano bang gusto mo?"

The young girl then hummed in thought, tapping a finger onto her chin. She then snapped her fingers and smiled at the both of them.

"If I agree to this chaotic plan of yours, then I want the student council's next project to be related to the Org Week," she demanded.

"Excuse me??"

"I want you to convince the OSA to stop limiting the Castillians by only renewing already existing clubs," Emerie then leaned forward with a knowing smile. "In short, Mr. President, I want you to allow the opening of new clubs so that I can finally create my—surprise!—very own animation club," ngiti ng dalaga. "How's that sound?"

Both Enzo and Elysia stared at her, the former in quiet contemplation, and the latter in utter disbelief.

There was a protruding silence that hung in the air as Emerie waited for the student council president's answer.

"Fine," Enzo finally nodded, stretching out a hand for her to shake.

"It's a deal."

---

The sunny weather of the 1st of September did nothing to improve Ann's irritable mood as she walked up the stairs inside the main building, heading towards the Campus Sleuths' office. She was anticipating a graded recitation for today's Organization and Management class, all while still stressing over the fact that neither her nor her friends have found an acceptable, active case that was worth dealing as the Campus Sleuths — both reasons that had made her unable to sleep well last night.

With her bag slung around one shoulder, iikot pa lang sana ang dalaga papunta sa kabilang corridor nang biglang may umakbay sa kaniya.

"Ladies and gents, this is a first in the entire Castillian history," Jarrell exclaimed with a low whistle. "Ann Lobris — late sa klase!"

"I am not late," she snapped, shaking Jarrell's hand over her shoulders. "Ikaw ang late. Don't you have 7 a.m. classes?? Mas maagang umalis si Sera kanina sa dorm namin ah."

"Cancelled," Jarrell, who was in the same HUMSS class as Sera, grinned. "Nagka-emergency prof namin. I'm sure nandyan na 'yan si Sera sa office para tumambay. Pinauna ko na siya kasi naman kinausap pa 'ko ng mga kagrupo ko sa statistics."

"Tsk," Ann rolled her eyes. "Dapat lang. Pabuhat ka eh."

"Ako? Pabuhat?!" exaggerated na sigaw ni Jarrell sabay hawak sa dibdib na parang na-offend. "Sumusobra ka na ah!"

"Boohoo, Jarrell. Pwede ka na sa drama club," the young girl responded dryly. "Where the hell is your annoying best friend by the way? May utang pa 'yon sa'kin," she asked impatiently, wondering if Rein was already at their classroom, ready for the graded recitation that she had stayed up all night preparing for. 

"Oh, ba't mo hinahanap?" ngisi ni Jarrell habang ginagalaw ang dalawang kilay. "Yiee, nagkakadevelopan na talaga kayo ah!"

Dahil sa pang-aasar ni Jarrell ay agad na nag-flashback ang lahat ng pagkakataon na naiwang mag-isa ang dalaga kasama ang binata — mostly highlighting that particular memory of Rein grabbing her by the waist noong chine-check pa nila ang maalikabok na Room 414 na opisina na nila ngayon. 

Agad na uminit ang pisngi ng dalaga sa alaala at saka umiling ng mabilis, pilit na kinakalimutan ito. "Over my dead body!" she yelled before storming inside the Campus Sleuths' office. As soon as she stepped inside, agad na bumungad sa kanila ang isang lalaking natutulog sa main, receiving desk ng opisina.

"What the hell?" Ann frowned in disbelief. Despite the memory still lingering in her mind, the young girl marched towards the sleeping, seventeen-year-old. "Hoy, Rein Maccio!" sigaw ng dalaga at saka sinapak ang kawawang binata.

"Uh, hello to you guys too?" Sera, who was sitting by one of the sofas, greeted the two. Agad na tinabihan siya ni Jarrell while Ann was still pestering Rein na agad namang nagising dahil dito, greeting his rival with a scowling expression. 

Saka niya siningkitan ng mata ang dalagang nakasimangot sa kanya.

"Ano ba?" he asked in irritated manner. Tutulog na sana ulit ito at ibababa muli ang ulo pero piningot naman siya ni Ann sa tenga.

"Ano na?!" Ann demanded, pulling the boy from his slumped position.

"Anong ano na?!" Rein yelled back.

"Tutulog ka nalang ba buong mag-damag hah?!"

"Tsk!"

"Don't tsk me! Binabantayan mo dapat ang opisina in case na may dumating na kaso o problema! You're the Campus Sleuths' vice president!" Ann cried out, half in annoyance with her rival, and half in jealousy that Rein could afford to be chill and still look effortless despite the piling school works and the looming threat on their organization.

"Lobris, relax," Rein yawned. "Tulog lang ako pero 'di ako bingi. I know if a person will enter the office doors and I assure you, walang surprising na nangyayari dito. But fine, if you must know the truth, puro problema tungkol sa love life ang bumubungad sa opisinang ito, masaya ka na ba?"

"That's because you haven't found an active case for us to solve yet!" Ann scoffed in disbelief. 

"Where's the arrogant Maccio who was supposed to keep an eye out for sketchy students??" dire-diretso nitong sabi habang ibinagsak ang bag sa lamesa para hindi na makatulog ulit ang binata. Rein simply groaned.

"Hindi ba sabi ko sa'yo wag kang pupunta sa'kin na empty-handed sa katapusan ng buwan? It's already September for crying out—"

"For the record, ikaw ang pumunta sa'kin," Rein grumbled, trying to avoid Ann's irritated gaze.

"Haaay! Nag-aaway nanaman ang dalawang mag-love birds!" malakas na reklamo ni Jarrell sabay takip sa dalawang tenga. 

"'Di ka pa ba nasanay?" Sera, who was scrolling through her phone, rolled her eyes.

"Away rin tayo, dali," Jarrell urged, scooting closer to his crush at akmang aakbayan sana ito nang biglang itinaas ni Sera ang isa niyang kamao. 

"Sapak gusto mo?" the young girl threatened, prompting Jarrell to whimper like a dog. 

"Edi wag," tampo ng binata habang hinahayaan lang na mag-salpukan si Rein at Ann.

As the never-ending banter between Rein and Ann went on, bigla namang pumasok ang dalawa pang members ng Campus Sleuths na magkapatid. Kakatapos lang ng kanilang two-hour basic physics class sa 11-Chastity kaya naman dumiretso agad ang dalawa sa office para makapagpahinga.

"Oh, musta?" Quinn, who was sporting a rather faded backpack, greeted Sera and Jarrell bago napatingin kay Rein at Ann na nagbabangayan pa rin — wala ni isa ang gustong magpatalo.

"As usual, nakikinig sa away nila," Jarrell remarked with a smirk as he nodded towards the couple. "Foreplay ata nila ang sirain araw ng isa't-isa." 

"Gago ka talaga," tawa ni Quinn sa kaibigan habang ibinababa ang backpack.

"I'm actually honestly close to putting them in an arranged marriage," Sera, who started re-applying her makeup, said dryly. "What do you guys think? Daig pa nila 'yung mag-asawa kung mag-away eh."

"Do it," Queenie agreed, plopping next to Sera. "Baka sakaling tumahimik na ang opisina. Basta kami na bahala sa wedding decorations ha? You boys are a disaster when it comes to designing."

"At ano namang alam mo sa kasal aber? Wala ka ngang boyfriend?" taas-kilay na tanong ng kambal nito sa kaniya sabay halukipkip ng kamay. 

"More than you," the spectacled-girl scoffed back. "At least may nanliligaw sa'kin. Baka mauna pa nga akong magkajowa kaysa sa'yo."

Sera and Jarrell couldn't help but burst out in laughter habang uminit naman ang mukha ni Quinn sa kahihiyan, his left eye slightly twitching.

"Pag ako nagka-girlfriend ngayong taon, i-di-disown talaga kita bilang kapatid," simangot ni Quinn.

"Baka sa alternate reality pa mangyari 'yan Q," ngisi naman ni Jarrell.

"Pre akala ko ba kakampi kita?!"

"UGH!" Ann complained in frustration as she threw her hands up in the air, dahilan para mapatingin ulit 'yung apat sa dalawang nag-aaway. "You infuriate me!"

"Hope to infuriate you even more when I get a higher grade in today's recitation than you," Rein smirked, finally standing up from his seat to grab both his backpack and Ann's bag.

"Which by the way, is in a few minutes. Tara na," he said, raising a hand to wave goodbye to their other friends before heading out of the door with Ann's bag suspended across his body — the two bags making him look a traveler.

"H-Hoy!" Ann yelled, running after the young man and causing the four to giggle. "Nakakabwisit ka na nga, magnanakaw ka pa!" rinig na sigaw ng dalaga.

"Rami mong satsat. Gusto mo ba talagang ma-late tayong dalawa?" Rein's voice from outside the office could be heard. There was a muffled scuffle from the hallway bago bumukas ulit ang pintuan at muling sumilip si Ann na nakasimangot. "Hoy, magkikita pa tayo mamayang lunch ha! Wala pa tayong nahahanap na case—"

The Lobris girl was immediately cut off when Rein pulled her arm, dragging Ann to their classroom.

Napahalakhak ang tatlo while Jarrell placed a hand over his chest and sighed dreamily, watching their office door swing back and forth. "Oh how they grow up so fast."

---

Sure enough, nagkita ulit ang anim around noon time, when the hallways and corridors were crowded by students simultaneously exiting their classes and heading towards the cafeteria for lunch.

"Wala na ata talaga tayong matatanggap na cases, Ann. Castillo High is as peaceful as any other regular school in this country," sambit ni Queenie sa kaibigan habang sumisiksik sa grupo ng mga estudyante.

"Sorry Ann but I agree with Q on this one," Sera nodded, dodging a student who was rushing down the hallway. The wavy-haired girl scowled when she wasn't able to avoid him, bumping into his shoulders. 

"What the hell is up with everyone??" reklamo ng dalaga na sinusundan ang iba niyang kaibigan. "Bakit sobrang sikip dito sa hallw—" Hindi na natapos ni Sera ang sasabihin niya nang bumungad sa kanila ang isang scenario na hindi nila inaasahan.

At the rear end of the corridor, makikitang nagkukumpulan ang mga estudyante sa isang banda — tila may tinitignan at pinagkakaguluhan sa area na iyon. Most of the Castillians had quizzical looks on their faces, others whispering in hushed tones. 

"Anong meron?" Kunot-noong tanong ni Jarrell. "May artista ba? Andito naman ako ah." 

Nang nakalabas na sa masikip na daanan ang anim ay nakita na nila ang sagot sa tanong ni Jarrell.

The answer was etched on the very walls of the old hallway, written in bold, dark in.

Bulok ang Castillo High!

Baguhin ang sistEma!

Favoritism ang pinapairal!

Mga walang kwEntang tEachErs!

Lumipat na kayo ng school!

Fuck this placE!

"What in the world?" Ann whispered, blinking in disbelief as she stared at the walls with her jaw dropped. In her more than four years of studying in the campus, ngayon lang siya nakakita ng ganitong klaseng pangyayari.

This was the first time that someone dared vandalize the expensive architecture of the prestigious campus.

Lahat na ata ng kabastusan at kabalastugan ay naisulat na sa mga dingding ng hallway na iyon. The walls, which were about forty-five years old, were now nothing but full of scribbles and swear words — all inked and spray-painted on its surface.

It was as if the walls, ones that had been taken care of in the past years, were suddenly tainted and turned into a freedom wall na pinapairal ang hate speech. But this wasn't just any ordinary freedom wall. For some reason, the hate seemed to be pointed directly at the school, teachers, and the administration — not to any particular student.

"Huy beh, I've heard hindi lang daw dito sa senior high building!" biglang tumalas ang pandinig ni Ann nang narinig niya ito, immediately glancing to Rein who seemed to have heard it as well.

"Talaga?! Saan pa??"

"Meron din daw sa junior high, pati sa mga pintuan ng faculty rooms. Nagkakagulo na nga 'yung mga teachers! Baka mag-cancel ng classes ah."

"Ay shocks, sana mahuli 'yung culprit!"

"Mahuli? Eh tama naman sinasabi ng nagsulat niyan? Bulok naman talaga sistema ng Castillo High!" Agad na napalingon ang dalaga sa direksyon ng huling nagsalita. It was Briden Armeda, ang kaklase nila sa 10-Fortitude nung nakaraang taon, and the closest friend of class clown Javier Dizon. 

Napasulyap muli ang dalaga kay Rein who was eyeing Briden as well.

"Interview-hin niyo ni Jarrell 'yan," Ann whispered to her rival who scoffed.

"Ako talaga—?!"

Hindi na tinapos ni Rein ang sasabihin when he saw Ann's sharp glare directed at him. Not wanting to further argue with his rival in front of a large crowd of students, tinikom na lamang ng binata ang kaniyang bibig at tumango, bago hinila ang isang nagtatakang Jarrell while the students continued gossiping about the vandalized walls.

"Guys, this must be a new case," Ann whispered, trying to contain her giddiness and excitement. Katulad ng dalaga ay tila nagniningning na rin ang mga mata ng kaniyang mga kaibigan.

"Come on, ailangan nating paalisin ang mga Castillians habang fresh pa ang crime scene." the Campus Sleuths' president urged, at agad namang tumango ang tatlo.

For the first time ever, they can now finally use their Campus Sleuth badges, brandishing it to the spectators and clearing out the area filled with students.

"Campus Sleuths under investigation! Please move away from the crime scene!"

"Unting usog lang po, salamat!"

Nung una ay gulat at hindi sumusunod ang karamihan, especially since this wasn't something that usually happened to the privileged students of Castillo High. But in the end though, dismayadong umalis na rin ang mga ito at patuloy nang naglakad papunta sa cafeteria.

Soon enough, lumuwag na rin ang corridor.

"Yes, get out of here mga chismoso't chismosa," Sera muttered under her breath, sending away the last few curious students before turning to see the others now scrutinizing the writings on the wall as if it were a painting.

"I know that look," sambit ni Sera kay Ann at tumabi rito, placing both hands on her hips. The Madrigal girl too frowned at the vandals.

"Have you noticed?" Ann mumbled, reading and re-reading each writing.

"Noticed what? Na jeje typings 'yung sinulat?" Sera replied teasingly, taking a photo of the writings.

"Not that," the Lobris girl said dismissively with a wave of her hand.

"If you look closely, lahat ng letter E nakacapital," She observed out loud, stepping forward to continue inspecting the wall.

"Well I'll be damned," Queenie whispered, also noticing the capitalized letters as soon as Ann pointed it out. Napasipol naman si Quinn, the four of them staring at the new scene of the crime.

Habang sinusuri ang mga writings, ay hindi mapigilan ni Ann na dahan-dahang ngumiti. 'Yung pag-aalala niya na isha-shut down ang kanilang organization was finally resolved. She could now momentarily be in peace knowing that her legacy as the Campus Sleuths' president won't be short-lived, and that she could still spend time with her friends in their own personal office.

"This is it guys," Ann said with a deep breath. "We finally have a case to solve."

At last, something interesting was finally happening in Castillo High after all.

---

NOTE: Hi sleuths! Ano sa tingin niyo yung symbolism ng letter E?

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