Heiress (Hanazono Series #2)

Heiress 8: Game of Survival

Chelsea’s POV

*KRIING *KRIING

I sat up and turned my alarm off. It’s already 4:30AM.

I roamed my eyes in our room, wala na si Lavalee. As always.

I stood up and went out of the room.

May kitchen, 3 bedrooms with bathrooms in it, a living room, a bathroom near the kitchen and dining table tapos kompleto sa gamit.

I took out the instant food we brought.

Sinabihan kami ni Lavalee na magdala ng canned and instant foods, looks like she had known this would happen.

Lavalee is Lavalee, she will never go to a war unaware of what she’ll face. Always two steps ahead of us.

“Morning, Chels.” Bati ni Jess at inilabas ang pitcher mula sa ref.

“Morning, Jess. Aga-aga malamig na tubig agad.” Sabi ko at lumabas siya habang may earphones

“Morning, Chels.” Bati ni Irene tapos lumabas narin.

The next one to wake up were Ethan, Elijah, and Caspian.

“Ako na diyan.” Sabi ni Ethan

“Hindi na. Patapos na.” I said and turned the stove off.

“Nasaan sina Jess at Irene?” tanong ni Elijah

“Jogging.” Sagot ko habang nagsasaing.

Tinulungan nalang ako ni Ethan maghain tapos dumating sina Lavalee.

“Saan kayo galing, Lav?” I asked them

“Sa labas. Catch.” May ibinato siya sa akin bago pumasok sa kwarto

I looked at it and shook my head.

“Ano yan?” tanong ni Ethan at saktong pagdating naman nina Irene at Jess na dumiretso din sa kwarto.

Lumabas si Jess at pumasok sa bathroom na malapit sa kitchen.

Sabay-sabay kaming kumain nung kompleto na kami.

“Mahuli kumain magliligpit. Nakahanda na yung lunch niyo dyan, may pangalan.” I said

We ate in silence, I was the first one to finish eating so I went to our room and took a bath.

I wore a white shirt and black jeans then a pair of converse shoes. I took my lunch bag and went out.

Nauna kaming umalis ni Ethan nung 5:35AM na. Dumiretso kami sa book cafe.

I’ve always wanted to build my own cafe.

I went around the cafe since it’s still early. I rearranged the books based on their categories.

History, Science, Mathematics, Fiction and such.

“Good Morning, ma’am, what’s your order?” masiglang bati ko sa babaeng costumer

“Medium cup of Frapuccino and a slice of blueberry cheesecake.” She said so I typed it.

Yesterday, I was trained to do various jobs here in the cafe.

“For dine in or take out?” tanong ko

“Dine in.” Sagot niya kaya binigyan ko siya ng table number

“That would be 135 pesos, ma’am.” I said

“I received 135 pesos. Have a good day, ma’am.” Sabi ko pagkaabot ng receipt niya

“Good morning, sir. What’s your order?” Sabi ko sa sunod na customer

“Medium black coffee and croissant.” Sagot niya

“Dine in or take out?” tanong ko

“Take out.” He replied so I typed it and then turned to the vending machine and brewed the black coffee and took the tongs and took a croissant then placed it inside a paper bag. I gave him the paper cup and paber bag.

“That would be 65 pesos, sir.” Sabi ko at inabotan niya ako ng 50 peso bill and 20 peso bill kaya sinuklian ko siya ng 5 peso coin.

“Have a good day and come again, sir.” Sabi ko pagkaabot ng receipt niya.

“Order for table number 2.” Sabi nung bartender namin at iniabot yung tray sa may parang small window.

“Order for table number two!” sabi ko at kinuha na yun ni Ethan tapos ibinigay dun sa table number two

“Good Morning, ma’am. What’s your order?” I asked the customer

“Large iced tea and a slice of chocolate cake.” She asnwered

“For dine in or take out?” I asked

“Dine in.” She replied

“That would be 120 pesos, ma’am.” I replied.

Ganoon ang naging takbo ng buong umaga ko. Ang shift ko sa cafe is from 7AM to 5PM kaya a total of ten hours a day.

Equivalent to 60 hours dahil 6 na araw pa kaming magta-trabaho befor the camp ends.

“Good noon, sir. What’s your order?” sabi ko sa customer

“Chelsea?” takang tanong niya kaya napaangat ako ng tingin

“Hi, kuya Ares. What’s your order?” sabi ko at tumingin siya sa menu sa taas

“Strawberry milktea, okinawa milktea, and three slices of Strawberry cheesecake.” Sabi niya

“For dine in or take out?” I asked him

“Take out.” Sagot niya

“That would be 210 pesos, sir.” Sabi ko at iniabot niya na yung bayad niya.

“I didn’t know you’re working.” Sabi niya

“Temporarily. Part ng activity namin. I received 220 pesos.” Sabi ko habang itinatype ang order niya

“Here’s your change and receipt sir. Please wait for your order to be completed.” Sabi ko

“Have a good day, sir. Please come again.” Sabi ko at iniabot yung paperbag sa kanya

“Tal, mag-lunch ka muna. Ako na diyan.” Sabi ni Ethan at lumapit sa akin

“Tapos ka na?” I asked him at tumango siya

Pumunta ako sa isang side ng cafe at nag-lunch ng mabilisan tapos uminom ng tubig.

“Ako na diyan.” Sabi ko pagkabalik ko sa counter

“Bilis mo kumain.” Sabi niya tapos kinuha yung tray na ibinigay nung Bartender. I think he’s Kuya June ata.

“We’re working.” Sabi ko at pumwesto na ulit doon sa counter.

“Good noon, ma’am. What’s your order?” I asked

“One medium caramel macchiato and one slice of blackberry cake.” She replied

“For dine in or take out?” I asked while pressing it on the screen

“Take out. And please add extra honey on my caramel  macchiato.” She said

“That would be 145 pesos ma’am.” I said

Nagbayad siya ng one 100 peso bill and one fifty peso bill.

“I received 150 pesos. This is your change, please wait for a moment.” I said and handed her receipt and change

“Here’s your order ma’am. Have a good day and please come again.” I said and gave her the paper bag

“You sound so natural, Talia.” Sabi nung manager namin which is actually our student council treasurer, Jaxith.

“Thank you, Jax.” I said

“Bakit nga ba ‘TALIA’?” tanong niya sakin

“CrysTAL ChelseA then LIm.” Sabi ko at tumango siya

“Bakit Blare, Valerie at Jira?” tanong niya

Kumuha ako ng notepad at isinulat kung bakit.

‘BiAnca IREne Lee = Blare

LAVaLEe FlamelInnE Hanazono = Valerie

AndReA JEss Collins = Jira’

“Ang layo ng kay Val. Wala naman siyang R sa pangalan.” Sabi niya

“Siya wala pero yung kuya at yung bunso nila meron.” Sabi ko

“Sabagay. Kumusta na nga pala yung mga yun?” tanong ni Jax

“Hindi ko alam. Si Lavalee at si Kuya Frost lang naman ang nandito sa Seryphil.” Sabi ko

“Boyfriend mo yun?” tanong niya bigla

“Sino?” I asked him

“Ayun. Yung pinapaligiran ng mga babaeng customer.” I looked for Ethan and I saw that he is indeed flocked by women.

“Hindi. Kaibigan lang.” I said

“Talia, order on table number 8.” Sabi nung bartender kaya kinuha ko na

“Order for table number eight!” sabi ko pero walang lumapit dahil busy lahat ng waiters.

“Ang hinhin parin ng boses mo. Still too classy.” Sabi ni Jaxith

“More like mahina. Ako na maghahatid neto.” Sabi ko at binitbit ang order sa table number 8

“Miss, can I have another order of medium Chocolate sundae?” sabi nung lalaki

“Right away sir.” Sabi ko at naglakad pabalik ng counter.

Siksikan dahil pinagkakaguluhan si Ethan.

“Excuse me.” I kept on excusing myself to pass the women who are flocking over Ethan

“Tal, tulong naman.” He said so I stopped and turned to his direction

“I beg your pardon ma’ams but I believe you are interrupting our waiter’s job because you are flocking over him and it’s causing quite inconvenience to our other customers.” I said politely but I used my cold and intimidating voice

‘Good.’ I thought when I saw that they stopped and went back to their seats

“Medium chocolate sundae on table number 8.” Sabi ko sa counter tapos pumunta na sa pwesto ko

“Good afternoon, sir. What is your order?” sabi ko sa customer

“I knew it. I was right, it was you.” Sabi nung teenager kaya napatingin ako sa kanya

“May I take your order?” I said politely

“Two slices of Caramel cake and large sans rival sundae.” Sagot ni Thunder

“For dine in or take out?” tanong ko

“Take out, ate.” He replied so I typed it.

“That would be 267 pesos, Thunder.” Sabi ko

“You’re also here because of your activity, like ate Irene.” He said and gave one five hundred peso bill.

“I received 500 pesos.” I said on the microphone and opened the cash register

“Here’s your change and receipt. Please wait as we prepare your order.” I said and handed his receipt

“You saw Irene?” I asked

I wonder how Irene reacted when she saw them.

“Yes. Niyakap siya ni Riley kaya nakita rin siya nina Dad. Jess told us they’re here for the activity so I’m guessing you’re also here because of that.” He said

Kinuha ko na yung order niya mula sa window tapos iniabot sa kanya.

“Have a good day and please come again.” I said and he left

Wala na masyadong dumating and most of the time ay puro take out din so kumonti na yung mga customers sa loob ng shop.

*BZZT *BZZT

Kinuha ko ang phone ko sa bulsa at sinagot

“Hello?” sabi ko pagkasagot ng phone

[You’re working in the cafe, right?] nagtaka ako nung marinig ko ang tanong ni Lavalee

“Yes. Why? Is there a problem?” sabi ko

[A big one. Run a full system scan on the place.] sabi ni Lavalee

“On it.” Sabi ko pumunta sa changing room.

I took out my iPad from my bag and hacked into the cafe system. I did what Lavalee told me and my eyes widened when I saw why she told me to do so.

15 unauthorized weapons were detected by the system scan.

SHIT!

Lumabas ako dala dala ang iPad ko at pumunta sa office in Jaxith.

“Chelsea, anong meron?” he asked and I showed him my iPad

“Tulad ng biro ni Irene. It seems na magpapatayan nga ang mga studyante.” I said

“What? Pero may mga civilians.” Sabi niya at nagpanic na rin

He called someone and told the facilitator to lock the place down.

“It is a school of deliquents, Jaxith. Gangsters, mafia and yakuza successors are the students. Tingin mo ba hindi sila gagawa ng ganito?” tanong ko sa kanya

“The lockdown will commence in three to four hours. Kailangan nang mapaalis ang mga non students dito.” He said and we went out of his office

I fixed my eyeglasses and continued to send the lockdown sequence on the whole place.

“Anong nangyayari?” tanong ni Ethan pagkalapit dito dahil bigla nalang sinara ni Jaxith ang shop at pinaalis ang mga nandito saying na may emergency lockdown ang buong lugar.

“STUDENTS OF RFA!” sabi niya at pumunta sa may pinto habang nakaharap sa amin

Apat nalang kaming natira excluding Jaxith. Ako, si Ethan, at dalawang babae.

“Divide the stocks fairly sa ating lima.” He ordered so we did

Mukhang naguguluhan yung mga kasama namin sa nangyayari. We locked the non essential foods like yung mga panggawa ng mga nasa menu. Yung mga pagkain lang na posibleng mapanis ang kinuha namin at lahat ay inilagay namin sa stock room.

May inilagay na parang box si Jaxith sa door tapos may pinindot siya.

“Hackable.” Sabi ko at isinaksak ang iPad ko sa box.

I placed the glitched lock system that puts a glitch virus on any device that tries to hack it. It is glitched because it is just a prototype and we can’t control it yet.

“Now go home. Wag kayong lumabas at makisali, please lang.” Jaxith said at umalis na yung dalawa pagkalabas namin ng shop

“Paano ka?” I asked him

“May room kami sa Hotel.” Sabi niya

“Right. The hotel. Paano yung mga naka check in doon?” I asked him

“The civilians will be forcefully evacuated habang inila-lockdown ang buong lugar. Don’t worry top notch army ang ilalagay sa bawat borders para walang makalabas. Naglagay narin ng barricades, to be sure.” Sabi niya at umalis na

We went to our apartment at nakita namin na nandoon na sina Jess at si Caspian.

“Anong nangyayari?” tanong nung mga lalaki samin

“Hunger games.” Sagot ng kararating lang na si Irene.

“Hunger games?” naguguluhang saad ni Elijah tapos dumating na sina Lavalee at Jace

“We have an hour to go. Take everything essential we have. EVERYTHING. Be here after 25 minutes. Go.” Sabi ni Lavalee kaya agad kaming nagkanyahan.

Hindi namin ugaling mag-alis ng gamit sa maleta or sa dala naming bags kaya wala kaming problema. Kaming apat na babae lang ang nagtulungan sa paghahanda ng mga pagkain.

We placed all the foods and everything we needed to survive inside the huge bags that Lavalee gave us.

When her phone rang we went out and placed everything to a van that Lavalee and Jace borrowed. Lavalee drove while we explained what’s happening.

“Here. Bilisan niyo ang kilos.” Sabi ni Lavalee pagkarating namin sa lugar

It is a two story building. Walang mga laman pero may mga computers kaya alam ko na kung bakit.

Lavalee and I secured the security system and the rest made sure there would be no other entrance or exit apart from the one in the front.

Biglang may dumating na notification sa metal bracelet kaya binuksan ko iyon.

‘Good day, Students of RFA. A game called ‘GAME OF SURVIVAL’ will commence within 30 minutes. The fireworks in the sky will signal the beginning of the game. Anything you want will be allowed as long as it is within the barricades. It will be registered as your grade according to your performance. EVERYONE will join. Even the student council will and there are no exemptions. ENJOY!’

Lavalee’s POV

“A-ano bang nangyayari?” Caspian asked when we arrived inside the place

“We’re preparing for a game.” Irene replied

“ A game? Anong klaseng laro?” Ethan asked then he read the notification from the metal bracelet

I texted the facilitators about our situation with the police officers.

“Ethan, Caspian, Elijah, Jace, bring your things out.” I said

“Huh? Bakit?” Elijah asked

“Just do it.” Jace said and and then we went out

“Bakit nga gamit lang namin?” Caspian asked

“Amin ang gagamitin namin.” Chelsea replied then a helicopter arrived

“Mr. Scott, Mr. Gonzales, Mr. Sandoval, and Mr. Luar, we are here to inform you that you must come with us. This is a game for women.” Our self defense teacher said

“Po? Hindi po namin sila pwedeng iwan.” Caspian said

“Just go. It is a game for women, Caspian.” Jess said

“Pero bakit po kasali ang student council?” Ethan asked

Why can’t they just follow us?!

“The student council has girl members.” I said and turned to Jace who’s observing the things happening.

“It’s a girl’s game, Jace. Bring your comrades back to the mansion. We’ll be fine.” I said and he immediately pulled his comrades to the helicopter.

“Be safe.” He reminded me and I nodded

“I will be. Don’t worry, I’ll text you from time to time.” I said and they left.

The moment the helicopter disappeared from our sight the sky was filled with different colors. To other people it would be mesmerizing to watch but to us who are currently playing the game of survival, it isn’t.

As the sound of fireworks were heard I can feel the tension building up.

Danger.

We allowed our dangerous aura linger in the place just to give them a warning.

We went inside and ran a security check. Chelsea and I stayed on the second floor while Jess and Irene chose the first floor. They will be the ones to be our defense.

“Chelsea, security.” I said without removing my gaze from the computer.

All our resources are here in this floor. Chelsea brought these computers and gadgets.

“I’ll check on our foods.” I said and went to the Storage room

It’s like a huge fridge because the walls are made of metal and the door is metal.

Good thing all the foods we have doesn’t need to be placed in fridge.

I locked the door and pressed the passcode.

All the windows are taped with electric tape and covered with manila paper.

It’s all locked and all the lights are off. I walked back to the security room, as it seems like one.

“Anything?” I asked her

“None. We’re still untraced.” She said and glanced at me

I went to my bag and took our earpieces and threw one to Chelsea

“Connect these to your system. We need a wider visuals.” I said and showed her the spy cams from the bag.

She immediately registered it in the system. She temporarily turned off the traps on the first floor.

“Aalis ka?” Chelsea asked and I nodded

“Yeah.” I said and went out

I went to the first floor and gave the earpiece to Jess and Irene

“Saan ka, Lav?” Irene asked from the earpiece

“I’m going to do some work.” I replied and went out of the building

I silently placed the cameras around the vicinity of the building.

I reached to the distance where the building is no longer visible. Just it’s silhouette.

“Activate.” I told Chelsea while placing the camera

“Activated.” Chelsea replied and I ran away

“Where are you heading, Lavalee? You’re already a kilometer away from us.” Chelsea informed me.

“I’ll place more cameras. We need as much visuals as we can have.” I replied and climbed up a tree

The place really became a battle ground. There are many fight going around the area.

You can’t tell who’s your ally and enemy.

This is the game I’m talking about. The game of tactics and deceit.

Red Fire Academy is a school for Gangsters, Mafioso and Yakuza Heirs, Assassin trainees and such making it the most vulnerable to attacks and war but also the safe ground during Underground wars.

No organization will dare attack the Red Fire Academy because it belongs to the strongest underground Empire. The Hanazaki Empire of Clans.

“We’re going out, Chelsea.” I heard Irene informed Chelsea

“We’re? Who’s with you?” I asked her

“We are. I’m following you.” Irene said

“Location coordinates, Chelsea.” I asked Chelsea so that Irene will know where I am.

“1.7kilometers North of the building, two kilometers East from the point of end, 12 meters above ground.” Chelsea informed

“Roger.” Irene said

I roamed around the vicinity and when I saw Irene she already started fighting with a g**g. This b***h really loves all out fight.

“Irene. Move three blocks ahead.” I informed her and she went to the center of the battle ground

I watched as she cleared her way to the center. When she reached at the center I made my way there too.

“A caliber .39 and 15 kunais detected.” Chelsea informed

We kept on blocking their attacks and a little later we fought back using our combination.

I held Irene’s arm and I smirked when she realized what I want her to do.

She ran around while I’m turning. On aerial view it will look as if we’re just playing but no. Irene’s holding a dagger on her free hand and it’ll hit those that surround us without them knowing because it’s hidden underneath Irene’s palm.

The floor was already colored with the crimson liquid.

“Valerie Kan, acquired 30 points. Blare Jang acquired 35 points.”

That was the notification from our bracelets. SO this is what they meant about grading.

It’s really just a game. A game of survival wherein all the elite members of the underground will be watching.

“Lavalee, code gray.” My eyes widened when I heard that

Uh oh. I’m in big trouble if I don’t get back to the base in time.

“On it.” I replied and I nodded to Irene.

We ran on the same direction. She’s clearing the way for me as I run after her with daggers on my both hands.

When we arrived a kilometer away from the building we climbed up the trees and jumped from one branch to another until we reached the building

I dashed towards the security room. I opened my PC and panted heavily.

I wiped the sweat rolling on my forehead.

“Furamerin hime.” It’s just two words but with his tone I knew what’s going to happen. I’m so dead.

I can feel my heart beat doubled when I heard his voice.

He’s scarier than playing this game of survival.

“Nii-sama.” I said while breathing heavily

“Watashi ga wakaranai to wa omowanakattadeshou?” he asked seriously while looking at me

(Japanese: You didn’t think I wouldn’t find out, did you?)

“Anyo. Eojjaessdeun al-anael geos-ibnida.” I replied and matched his gaze

(Korean: No. I didn’t. I know you’d find out anyway.)

“Chōdo. Ima setsumei shite kudasai.” He said so I sighed heavily

(Japanese: Exactly. Now explain.)

I inhaled before speaking.

“Gomen’nasai, Nī-sama. Watashi ga shita koto ga kikendearu koto wa shitte imasuga, watashi ga machigatta baai ni eikyō o ukeru no wa watashi dakede wanai koto o shitte irunode, watashi ga mubō ni kōdō shite inai koto o chikaimasu. Watashi wa anata ya watashitachi no kyōdai o makikomitaku arimasenga, watashi wa hitori de kōdō shite iru wakede wa arimasen.” I said and breathed heavily

(Japanese: I’m sorry, older brother. I know that what I did is dangerous but I swear I am not acting recklessly because I know that I am not the only affected if I make a mistake. I don’t want to involve you, or any of our siblings but I promise I’m not acting all by myself.)

“Keisatsukan ga mi rareta. Chika no daiichihōsoku o wasuremashita ka?” he asked and I shook my head

(Japanese: Police officers were seen. Have you forgotten the first law of the underground?)

“Anyo. geudeul-i balgyeondoemyeon yongseohasibsio. hyeongnim, dasineun ileon il-i il-eonaji anhgehagessseubnida.” I said

(Korean: No, I didn’t. Forgive me if they’ve been spotted. I will not let this happen again, older brother.)

“Anata wa ikemasen, wakai josei. Anata wa kekka o shitte imasu.” He reminded me coldly

(Japanese: You must not, young lady. You know the consequence.)

I looked at him and averted immediately because I couldn’t stand his piercing gray eyes.

“Yurushite masutā nidoto okoranai.” I said while bowing

(Japanese: Forgive me, Master. It will not happen again.)

“Forgiven. First warning, Flamelinne.” He warned with his dangerous tone and while staring straight to my eyes.

“I understand, Master.” I replied and averted my gaze

When the call ended, I removed my earpiece and placed on the laptop.

I sighed and took some of my clothes then went to the bathroom.

I took a bath and went to the security room and sighed.

“Take a rest. Jess, Chelsea.” I said on the earpiece

“Irene, let’s stay on guard for tonight.” I added and sat on the chair and watched the things happening through the camera. I wore my earpiece again and I heard Jess and Chelsea talking to Irene from outside.

“What happened?” She asked and I forced a laugh

“Don’t worry. It’s nothing. It’s not like you don’t know my brother. He calls when he thinks I’m being secretive.” I said and chuckled but deep inside I’m worried.

First warning.

I got my first warning and it came from my brother.

The Lord of the Hanazaki Palace.

I’m worried not for me but for my brother. I know how painful it is for him to give me that warning.

A warning from the Palace Lord alone is dangerous because it will make the whole Palace council hot on your trails.

“You sure?” she queried

“Yeah. You know Snow. Sometimes, I think that’s the reason why he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Because he worries too much about us.” I said

“Hanapan ko kaya siya ng jowa?” I kidded

“Maji, Lavalee? Lovelife talaga ng kapatid mo ang inalala mo?”she chuckled and I snickered

“Why not? If I have a love life edi yun ang inaalala ko.” I joked

If I were to have someone to love, I will have to let go of the family business because I don’t want my future children to be involve in this. The world where you can only survive by killing someone else. I don’t want my future children to experience what we experience while growing up, all those pain and killing. The nightmares of death.

“Hanapan kita?” Irene asked from the other line

“Aniyo, kwaenchanayo. Mamimili nalang ako sa mga kabarkada ni Nii-sama.” I said and I heard her laugh

(Korean: No, thank you.)

“Sino dun? Halos may mga jowa na yun mga yun ah?” she said and I laughed

“Just kidding. But before you refer me to someone maghanap ka kaya muna ng jowa?” I teased her

“Di ko na kailangan ng jowa.” She said and I shook my head

“Bahala ka. In case you change your mind, I’m only one call away ~~” I teased and sang the last part

I took my phone and texted Jace.

To: Jace the gay

We’re okay. Jess and Chelsea are resting already.

After I sent it I returned my gaze to the screens. When my phone vibrated, I opened it and I saw that Jace replied

From: Jace the gay

Sleep, Lavalee. Good night. Sweet dreams.

I replied ‘I will’ even though I won’t.