The Maid's Secret

Chapter 11: The Other Two

"I can't wait to win, pals!" I heard Derek's friend, Niel said as he waves to his pool of fans from the crowd. I guess one of those fans will be given a chance to spend the night with him later, as usual.

Sometimes, I wonder when would the time comes for this guy to get castrated.

"Niel, there's still quite a number of obstacles to face before you could get that shining trophy to your pants," kontra ni Glen habang pinanliliitan ng mata ang kalsadang mamaya-maya'y mapapaligiran ng alikabok at maaari ring mabahiran ng dugo.

And it depends on me whether that blood would be mine, Derek's, his friends', or the enemies'.

"So what are we waiting for?! Let's do this! Racers, on my mark! Ready... Get... Set... Go!"

At sa hudyat ng host, natigil ang mga usapan ng bawat kalahok at hinayaang ang kani-kanilang bilis sa pagpapatakbo ng mga motorisklo ang magsabi kung sino sila at kung ano ang kaya nila. Hindi rin naman ako nagpahuli at binuhay ko na rin ang makina ng motorsiklong pinalit ni Master Phoenix sa MV Augusta F4 na nasira noong nasa Saudi Arabia ako.

I've won this damn s**t for three times using different identities. Having Derek as my priority this time doesn't mean I should let myself be this race's last. It's just won't get approved by my pride. Winning and being the top have always been my goal.

Because that makes Master Phoenix happy and proud of me.

Despite our close distance on the start line, I maintained a certain gap between me and my client. This is, of course, to prevent him from giving me such attention. When he is getting conscious with the riders from his side mirrors, I keep on hiding through the other riders' course. So far, no signs of harm can be found.

Even so, I'm sort of a little uneasy due to the raging screams of the crowd, the conquering dust, and the loud roars of motorcycles' engines. It's somewhat getting hard to keep both Derek on contact and my participation in this race. s**t.

"4 meters away from you, Ishtar. Red Lion. Scanning for concealed weapons... The number of weapons found, forty-seven. Stay away from his right foot."

Naalerto kaagad ako sa impormasyong pinasok ni Vanna. I've checked my side mirrors closely and I found the guy she is talking about. It doesn't take me too long to notice the retractable blade on those shoes. Those steel-made blades could be very lethal, especially if it hit a major blood vessel. A swift kick of death, huh.

"Based from the event committee's database, the Red Lion is the defending champion two years ago. Cunning, dirty-player, and most of all, known for a strong body built."

Tsk. I won't let him come near my master. I'll use burnout.

Binagalan ko nang bahagya ang bilis ng pagpapatakbo ko at sinadya ko na makadikit ko siya bago ko isinagawa ang plano ko. I lay my bike on the side and climb onto it then, I leaned back on the bike while holding the throttle, causing the bike to spin around while doing a 'merry-go-around' type of burnout. When I'm about to finish the spin around him, I used my right foot to reach his motorcycle to kick it out. Hence, making him lose the balance and his vehicle to the dust.

I smiled as some of the other competitors got tangled to that guy's bad luck today. Eventually, I was able to go back on track and compete. Una pa lang 'yan. Paniguradong may iba pang susulpot habang tumatagal ang karera.

"The Red Lion is out! The mysterious lady in black is suiting herself with the 'no rules' tradition of the competition! She kicked the eager lion out, folks!"

If they can play dirty, then I can too.

Habang tumatagal, paunti kami nang paunti sa karera para sa tropeyo at titulo. Hindi dahil sa akin kung hindi dahil din sa maliban pa kay Red Lion 'e may iba pang kalahok na madungis maglaro. Mayroon ding iilan na nananadyang atakihin o salubungin ang mga kalaban nila para lang makaungos sa laban.

The hosts of this event did a great job of picking the venue. With metals, blocks, steels spread, and woods, cement, and rocks scattered, I can somehow conclude that this is a previously a construction site. Therefore, the whole place is surrounded by numerous hazards that could get you off this game or worse, even send you to the underworld. Being careful is too absurd. Playing on the same league and same intensity with the contenders is the thought you have to exert in your mind.

The crowd's screams and cheer never faltered on any second of the race. But the next pest closing to me sure has one loud mouth and brave soul to speak to me. "Hi, lady in black!" he greeted. I tried to ignore him. Nagbabakasakali na mawala ang konsentrasyon niya habang naghihintay ng sagot mula sa akin. Pero iyon ang inaakala ko.

He maintained the distance between us as if it's the easiest thing that he could ever do in this race. And it f*****g irritates me. The way he stares at me while acting as if there's nothing to worry about this game is infuriating! "What do you want?" I responded, finally.

He almost did a flip to showcase how happy he was when I replied to him. In my mind, I just want to get rid of you, you pest. But I have to calm my nerves or else I'll lose both Derek and this competition. Let's just see what we can do to this flirt so he can no longer be seen by my sight.

"Let's have a date later!" sigaw nito nang panandaliang mas lumakas ang mga hiyawan ng mga manonood sa kani-kanilang mga upuan. Marahil ay may mga umaariba nang mga kalahok sa ngayon at hindi na matago pa ng mga tagahanga nito ang saya nila.

While I'm here, struggling to remove this guy on the track. But then, I've thought of something. Something that will make him regret that he even come near me. In this game where I am trying to protect someone, I shall be the nightmare of everyone who'll try to mess with me. "I would love to. However, I think you've arranged an appointment with a doctor today. Or rather, with the angel of death," I told him and I pointed my g*n ring to him.

It took him off-guard and in just a matter of seconds, an announcement was made declaring the flirt has been severely injured and was burnt resulting for him to leave the venue and be brought to the nearest hospital. I don't know if I'm a sadist or I'm just really satisfied with my opponents getting cut down into pieces. Never mind. Nothing matters more than Derek's safety now. The g*n ring that I wore around my middle finger has a nozzle concealed in my palm, and I only need to flip this thing when I'm ready to shoot.

"What's the condition, Vanna?!" I yelled. It's been a minute when I noticed my guardian is experiencing difficulty in recognizing my voice and assessing my message to her. Based on my alternative navigation device, we're about to reach the finish line. So, it's no wonder the audience has become wilder and more excited about the upcoming results of the competition. Therefore, I have to make my voice louder to Vanna in order for us to hear one another.

"There are seven remaining contestants including you and the client. The three of them were deemed to be with motives of harm. The gap was too far to give an accurate scanning. I suggest you come closer to them."

Damn. The race track is too complicated this year. Even Vanna is facing some problems. Even so, I hurriedly executed her advice. I know this will get me in trouble but I prepared myself for anything that could happen once I get myself closer to them.

And as I expected, the moment they noticed me, they immediately assembled as if they are a team. Hmm, it looks like they share the same motive and purpose, huh.

"They are distracting you. I advice you to use the gravity leveler."

I activated the gravity leveler device attached to my motorcycle by pushing the red button. This is one of the modern inventions published by Phoenix Organization that redirect gravity, enabling a person to stand and maneuver on walls, or even ceilings. Once the activation has been finished in a snap, I drove to the nearest concrete wall possible. Napaalis naman 'yung mga nakapalibot sa akin dahil siguro'y akala nila ay nawalan na ako ng balanse at papatama na sa poste.

Watch me.

"My goodness! The lady at black is driving on walls!"

Ang kaninang hindi mapigilang hiyawan ng mga taong nanonoood ay napalitan ng kakaibang ingay. Ingay na nagpapahiwatig ng hindi pagpaniwala at pagkabilib sa nasaksihan nila. Unti-unti rin itong napawi at kalaunan ay bumalik ang sigawan na pangalan ko na ang laman. As much as I want to be proud and to boast with all the cheers, I can't help but to process the consequences of my action.

Siguradong sa ginawa kong ito ay kakalat ang samu't saring mga balita at haka-haka tungkol sa akin. Ako na nagmaneho at tinahak ang mga pader. At sa ginawa ko ring ito, mas binigyan ko lang ng patnubay ang mga naghahanap sa akin na nandirito ako sa Pilipinas at nagsasasali sa kung anu-anong mga kompetisyon. Walang dudang sermon din ang aabutan ko kapag bumisita ako sa headquarters. But what can I do? Derek's safety is my top most priority at the moment.

As I keep on seeing myself getting suspended from all of my duties, I tried to push all of them back and pushed another red button for the activation of the auto drive. At the same time, I was able to decide that I won't win this year's race. It's better to win a game against Death rather than going beyond that finish line with a dead man from the back. "Vanna, take care of the vehicle for me first."

"No problem, milady."

I pulled some of my shurikens out of my jacket and threw it swiftly to my opponents' wheels when we passed an area of greater smoke and dirt. In case they insist on going back on the track, I added some more on their wheels. Oops.

Before I turn the auto drive off, I pulled the detonator out to check out the time for the next explosion. I was able to arrange an agreement with the place's legal owner and was able to attain permission to visit and to roam around. That's when I took the opportunity to set a few booby traps for those who wish to send my master off to death. Of course, the booby traps were all controlled and manipulated by a detonator which is under my care.

After hearing a huge commotion behind, I was able to breathe freely at last. The pests were successfully eliminated. I don't have to worry about Derek's safety anymore on this race unless he'll do something clumsy just like what my disguise always does.

"People, have you seen that?! In just a matter of time! With the help of the covering fumes! The Lady at Black had the other three contestants out of the line! Finally, we are nearing the finish line! Sino na kaya ang mananalo? Ngayong apat na lamang ang natitirang mga kalahok, sino na kaya sa kanila ang makapag-uuwi ng tropeyo at iba pang papremyo?!” pagkasabi na pagkasabi nito ng host ay dumoble pa ang hiyawan ng mga tao.

It was like they don't give a f**k to anything except the person who will win the title and trophy. It's as if the casualties are mere add-ons to the entertainment package they have purchased. Crazy people. They are obviously happy watching this kind of contest. I can't really believe how f****d up this world is.

I was about to follow Derek and his friends' trail and accomplish the race when two racers came in out of the blue and blocked my way. I wanted to kick them off my path but they were so persistent so I let them lead me to a particular space where the audience can't see even one strand of our hair.

"And our new champion, the Silver Archer!"

The time the host made his announcement about the winners, it was also the time for me to confront the two who hindered me to finish the race. Now that Derek and his friends are safe, I don't have anything to concern myself about. And while I'm still on it, making these two meet Rieda Fernandez would be a good compensation of not even finishing the game.

Sabay-sabay kaming bumaba sa kanya-kanya naming mga motorsiklo. Mangha ako na ang dalawa pang ito ang naglakas-loob na lumapit sa akin matapos nilang biglaang harangin ang daan ko kani-kanina lang. One wrong move and I assure the two of you... You will be buried without your lovely heads.

"You are also an agent, am I right?" a woman's voice.

"More specifically, a Phoenix Organization's agent," an another added.

The latter took off her black helmet and as well as her shades, showing her wavy golden hair off and shining blue eyes, giving me the hint that she's a foreigner. "My name is Monique Alcantara. I was given the name, Isis. I am currently employed as Daniel Louis Suarez's bodyguard. Phoenix Organization, Regular Category Department," then, she raised her hand towards me as if she's asking for a handshake.

Pinanliitan ko naman siya ng tingin. I'm not convinced. How could I know whether she is telling me the truth or not? Anyone from huge companies' underdogs most probably know about me and the Phoenix Organization so how could I trust this woman as one of my family?

She was able to easily sense that I am not going to believe her anytime soon so she bubbly took something from her pocket, only for me to recognize it as a valid license of a Phoenix Organization agent. When I was carefully looking at it, I can't help but be bothered by her expressions. She looks so strong and well-built from the inside. It's as if she's unbreakable and invincible with that huge smile.

Even so, since she was able to prove her identity, I have to treat her the same way I treat my other colleagues. I took my helmet off and my eye cover. "Rieda Fernandez is the name. Master Phoenix named me Ishtar. Derek De Guzman's bodyguard. Phoenix Organization, Special Duties Department," at ako na mismo ang kumuha sa kamay niya upang makipagkamay.

Monique seems so excited even just by the presence and the more I look at her, the more I am having a difficulty of not seeing her as a fangirl who just me her idol. Anyway, I still have one more girlfriend here that I have to meet.

Napatingin naman ako sa isa pa na prenteng nakasandal lang sa motorsiklo niya habang natatangay ng malakas na bugso ng hangin ang maikling buhok niya na kulay berde. "Oh!" napatayo siya nang mapansin niyang nakatigtig na kami sa kanya.

Nag-ayos naman ito at tumuwid ng tayo at saka magalang na nag-alok ng pakikipagkamay sa akin. "Nice to meet you, Agent Ishtar. I'm Estrelle Bermart also known as Agent Fiery, Greg Lenster Andriego's bodyguard. Phoenix Organization, Regular Category Department," pagpapakilala niya at inabot ko na ang kamay nito.

As I look on to Estrelle's chocolate-colored eyes, I can see how she differs from Monique. Glen's bodyguard is more formal, strict, and most of all, she seems to be straightforward in a somewhat graceful demeanor. Regardless, they are both agents. That means they are both deadly and cunning just like as I am.

So... Looks like Derek's friends' families hired personal agents too from the Phoenix Organization, huh. Though praising my employer is out of the question, this kind of circumstance appears to be strange for me. I should take that noted.

"I hope we can have worked good and nicely together. It will be an honor to cooperate with the famous Ishtar, the agent who has the utmost favor of Master Phoenix," Estrelle said and both of them flashed a smile at me which I took long to respond.

How could it be...

Paanong ang lahat ng ahenteng kinuha ng tatlong pamilya ay puros galing sa iisang kumpanya? May koneksyon ba ang tatlong pamilya maliban sa pagkakaibigan nina Derek, Glen, at Niel o may iba pa? Kung walang ibang ugnayan, maaari nga kayang nagkataon lang o may rason kung bakit pinagtagpo kaming tatlong empleyado ng Phoenix Organization?

Recently, it was Mister Romuel who is acting really weird and now, I was able to meet the other two in the story of me helping Derek De Guzman reach the seat of the Chief Executive Officer without even a single wound or scratch in the process.

"Shall we have a little chat? My treat," I offered. The two exchanged looks from one another but they both agreed anyway.

Well then, shall we dig deeper?

****

DEREK'S POV

"Hey, Derek! Hindi ka ba sasama? Halika na! The girls are waiting for us!" tawag sa akin ni Niel na may kinaaakbayan na na mga babae sa magkabilang braso niya. On the other hand, Glen is simply entertaining all the girls and other fans that we've earned today.

Hearing my name as the hailed winner of the race is something that I still cannot believe until now. All I can feel is the cold touch of the golden trophy and the continuous rampage of my heart. Rather than thinking about what kind of party we will have later, I keep on thinking about the female racer they called Lady in Black.

I knew she was a great racer. I knew it! The way she handled her vehicle, it seems like she's been driving this whole track all her life! Though that lady kicked a lot of other contestants, I can't understand why she disappeared all of a sudden without even completing the obstacles. I mean, why join and compete with so much persistence and determination if you're not going for the trophy and title?

Saan siya nagpunta? Bakit bigla na lang siyang nawala? I know I have been on the verge of death numerous times back there but is it just a coincidence that every time that happens, the Lady in Black would arrive and block them all away from me?

Nevertheless, you're a savior, Lady in Black. How I wish I could meet you and thank you personally. Being on the race track with you was ecstatic. Too bad this might be my last race.