Heiress (Hanazono Series #2)

Heiress 12: Capture The Flag

Third Person’s POV

Bloody.

Scary.

Chilling.

The place is a complete chaos and it will be more chaotic once the last event of the Callous Exams starts.

Capture the Flag. For someone who doesn’t know what school RFA is, it would sound fun but for the students of RFA, it’s no fun.

It’s dangerous, b****y and sinful. Lahat ng bagay ay maaring mangyari.

Alliances. Betrayal. Hindi mo masasabi at masisigurado kung sino ang kakampi at sino ang kalaban.

It’s only 10AM but the students are scattered around the area. Ang bawat isa ay naghahanap ng kakampi, ka alyansa at meron din namang nagbabawas na ng kalaban nila.

Everyone’s controling their bloodlust for now because once Capture the Flag begins they can go all out. No limitations on who to kill nor where to kill.

The student council has their own alliance. They will be part of the game, because it’s mandatory but if they have a choice, lalo na sina Jaxith at Icarus, hindi sila sasali.

It’s one sided. Yan ang iniisip nila sa tuwing napapatingin sa malaking screen kung saan nakalagay ang apat na nangungunang pangalan.

Unlike the other students who are frantically searching for allies and eliminating enemies, four ladies are currently deep asleep.

They went to bed around 2AM, almost 8 hours ago so they still like to sleep, conserving energy for the last event.

*RING *RING

The loud ringtone echoed on the silent halls of the building. It woke Jess up but the rest remained laying on their bed and only murmured

“Hmm.” Jess groaned because it was her phone that rang

Umpo siya mula sa pagkakahiga at iminulat ang mata. She took her phone and checked the caller ID.

Nainis siya nang makitang si Bryle lang pala ang natawag.

‘This dumbass.’ She thought and answered the call

“What?” she hissed

[Good morning, Jess. Kumain ka na?] Bryle asked cheerfully from the other line

“No. I was still asleep when you decided to disturb my sweet dreams! What do you want anyway?” Naasar na sagot ni Jess at tumayo na

She frowned when she saw that even Chelsea wasn’t awakened by the call.

Nagsuot si Jess ng sandals at lumabas ng kwarto.

[Talaga? Edi boses ko ang una mong narinig?] Bryle asked Jess and the latter shrugged

“Why did you call, dumbass?” Jess asked and took foods for breakfast from their food stocks.

[I want to wish you luck, all of you. Please be safe, Jess.] Suddenly Bryle’s voice became worried

Jess ignored his tone and continued walking to the dining hall and sat there.

“We can do this. Bryle, ilang araw mo nang pinapaalala yan sakin. I’ll be safe, promise. Ich Liebe diech.” Jess said and sighed

[Sige na nga. Ah basta, mag-ingat ka. Papakasalan pa kita.] Jess rolled her eyes before hanging up

Nasanay na siya na laging sinasabi ni Bryle na papakasalan siya nito. Which she consider a joke because knowing Bryle, that guy would never put anything above his younger sister, Carrienne.

“Aga ng landi ah.” Jess rolled her eyes and munched on her sandwich when she heard Irene

She tossed the bread container to Irene and the latter sat in front of her.

“Aga ni Bryle ah. Hinintay mo pa?” Irene said and Jess shook her head

“Anong plano?” Lavalee asked from the earpiece

“Morning.” Irene and Jess greeted her and a little later Chelsea and Lavalee also sat on the table

“So as usual, Chelsea will be on the defense system while we’re on the offense.” Lavalee said and typed something in the air with her keyboard and the girls saw a hologram flashing on top of their nails.

They placed it in mid air using their hands as they study it.

The hologram showed their plan and Irene smirked.

“I see. I’ll handle the traps and hindrances while collecting the flags if the members have it, am I right? Kayo naman ang bahalang kumolekta sa labas.” Chelsea said and made a few adjustments on the system using her own nail keyboards

“Yes, but I’m also thinking of this.” Lavalee said and swiped the hologram to the left side and another plan appeared before Jess, Irene and Chelsea

“Isn’t it dangerous? I mean alam kong kaya ni Chelsea lumaban but how about the system? Si Chelsea lang ang registered at exempted.” Jess asked confused

“That’s why I’m going far from the building to avoid the system detecting me. Hindi ba, Lav?” Chelsea explained and Lavalee nodded

“I’m coming with her anyway so there’s nothing to worry about.” Lavalee said

“But it’s dangerous for you.” Jess and Chelsea almost said in unison the difference is that Chelsea’s looking at lavalee while Jess is looking at Chelsea.

Lavalee looked at Chelsea in confusion before sighing and shaking her head in contradiction.

“Kaya ko. I can do anything. Don’t worry, it’s nothing.” Lavalee said reassuringly

Naguguluhan naman sina Irene at Jess dahil wala silang alam sa pinag-uusapan nina Lavalee at Chelsea.

Para bang may ibang nangyayari na mas delikado kaysa sa kasalukuyang nangyayari.

“Anong meron?” sabay na umiling sina Lavalee at Chelsea sa tanong ni Irene bago umakyat sa taas.

Naiwang nagtataka sina Irene at Jess kaya umakyat narin sila sa taas.

“Don’t ask about it. Magsasabi siya kung kailan niya gusto.” Sabi ni Chelsea mula sa Earpiece kaya napailing ang dalawa.

Naisip ni Chelsea na magtatanong ang dalawa kaya inunahan niya na ang mga ito.

Lumipas ang ilang oras at handang handa na ang apat para sa gaganaping Capture the Flag. Nagdala rin si Chelea ng isang bag na may iba’t ibang laman.

Like Lavalee’s get up during the Pestilent Tag, they’re armored and ready to face anyone. The security system was heightened too tightly that Chelsea lost her exemption, she didn’t tell Irene and Jess but Lavalee knew about it.

“Nice. Sexy niyo ah.” Jaxith commented when the girls arrived on the center ground

All of them are wearing the same thing; short shorts, crop top, an inch below the knee boots, net stockings and a leather jacket. All of them are dressed to kill, even Chelsea has a katana on her back. Their hairs are tied up in a ponytail except for Chelsea who got hers in an elegant bun.

“Death Angels. You four looked like you’re hired to bring souls to the after life with that all black clothes.” Icarus said

“No, we’re not wearing black.” Chelsea said making the two boys knot their foreheads in confusion because as they can see the girls are wearing black

“I’ll explain. Yung top nina Lavalee at Irene sa shorts ko, it’s bistre not black. Chelsea’s top and my boots are Licorice. My top, Chelsea’s shorts and Irene’s boots are onyx, Irene’s shorts, Lavalee’s and Chelsea’s boots are the only thing in black color, gets niyo?” Jess explained but the guys did not understand her explanation

“Shades.” Lavalee explained and the two guys nodded

“Pinahirapan pa kami, pwede namang sabihing ‘Guys, iba-iba ang shades’, diba?” Jaxith said which made them all chuckle especially when he tried to mimick Jess’ voice.

“Loko ka, Jax! My voice isn’t that tinis kaya!” Jess said and hit Jaxith’s arm which made the latter wince

It’s only 3PM and in about two hours Capture the Flag will commence and while the other students are building their large groups, for it seems to be the surest way to assure that they will win that is, Lavalee and her friends are attracting attention not only because they were the top four and they’re with student council officers but also because they are laughing and just chilling while eating.

Other students are getting more envious of them, why?

Because they seem like they didn’t suffer, hunger or sleeplessness these past days. The student council being like that would be understandable but for the four girls, it is quite suspicious but their suspicion won’t lead them anywhere apart from their deaths.

“Good afternoon students!! Are you ready?!” the facilitator’s voice boomed when the clock striked four pm.

‘YESS!’

‘GAME ON!!!’

The can’t wait any longer. Obviously.

Lahat ng studyante ay nakatutok sa mga facilitators na nakatayo sa stage. Sa bawat pagbigkas ng mga grupong nakarehistro ay tumataas ang tensyon.

Ang mga naunang grupo ay may bilang na hindi bumababa sa sampu pero hindi lumalampas sa 15 at habang tumatagal paunti na ng paunti hanggang ang pinakamaraming miyembro ng isang grupo ay pito pero nagbago iyon nang tumapat sa panghuling grupo.

“Last but definitely never the least, DEATH’S ANGELS!!!”  pagkabanggit na pagkabanggit ng pangalang iyon ay umakyat ang apat na nagagandahang mga kababaihan at tinanggap ang isang puting tela.

Inggit. Yan ang pinakanangingibabaw na emosyon sa lahat ng tao sa center habang nakatingin sa apat na kababaihan, tanging ang dalawang lalaki na sina Jaxith at Icarus lang ang proud habang nakatingin sa apat na babae.

‘Death’s Angels.Kinuha talaga nila ang idea ni Jaxith.” Naiiling na naisip ni Icarus

“We are giving you an hour to design your flags uniquely. These flags will be shown later and after the game.” Sabi ng facilitator at bumaba na ng stage.

Agad na nagtipontipon sina Lavalee, Jess, Irene at Chelsea malapit sa Student Council.

“Hoy! Wag kayong gagaya ah!” Sigaw ni Jaxith at umaktong tinatakluban ang banner nila

“Adik mo, Jaxith.” Sabi ni Irene

“As if.” Sabi ni Jess  at umiling

“Kinuha niyo nga yung idea ko na Death Angels eh!” parang batang maktol nito

“It fits them, Jax. Alangan namang ikaw gumamit?” sabi ni Icarus at sumimangot si Jaxith bago ngumiti uli kaya napailing ang mga kasamahan nila

“Magkakakilala pala kayo.” Sabi ng Secretary ng Student Council, si Shone

“Naman!” sabi ni Jaxith at tumayo tapos tumabi kay Lavalee at umakbay

“Tropa kami netong pulang buhok na’to.” Sabi ni Jaxith kaya naiiling si Lavalee at inalis ang pagkakaakbay sa kanya

“Mind your own business, Imperial.” Sabi ni Lavalee kaya tumayo na ulit si Jax at tumabi kay Icarus

“Student council, this is our plan. Iwasan at all cost ang Death’s Angels.” Halatang pagpaparinig ni Icarus

“Gago mo!” sabi ni Irene at binatukan si Icarus

“Language.” Pinanlakihan ni Chelsea ng mata si Irene pagkasaway

“Sawayin mo nga yan, Tal. Ang hilig magmura, parang tanga.” Sabi ni Icarus at may tumamamang bote sa bibig niya

“Language, Icarus Santiago.” Saway ni Chelsea kaya natawa ang iba nilang kasamahan

“Masakit?” pang-aasar ni Jess at nagpatuloy na sila sa paggawa ng flag.

Chelsea brought the paints and brushes and everything they can use to make the flag. The student council has theirs too but they had to share it with all the students so they decided to just share with Lavalee’s group.

After the time has passed, it’s already four pm and it’s time to present their flags.

“The first flag to be presented belongs to our beloved Student Council.” The facilitator announced and Icarus went up along with the other living student council members.

Icarus is beside his vice president, then the secretary and Jaxith as his auditor then the public relation officer, the college representative for third year, and the Student council treasurer, their peace officer unfortunately died during the Death Maze.

As they show the next flag the students can’t help but compare.

Usually, the flags only have their group name imprinted on and small extra designe but the student council’s flag have designes and drawing, it clearly allowed them to be artistic and when the last one was called it made them more envious and belittled.

‘Amin palang naiingit na kayo, paano kapag yung kayna Lav na?’ Jaxith thought and glanced at Lavalee and the girls who are seated on the side.

“Let us now see the flags of our last and final group, Death’s Angels!” the facilitator announced and when they went up the stage, none of the members is smiling.

Every one of them has a blank face, not even Chelsea, the calm and cheerful, gave a smile. Lavalee held one side of the flag while Chelse held the other side

When their flag was revealed and showed on the screen like with every group’s flag, enviousness and amusement can be seen from every student’s face.

Who wouldn’t?

The flag used to be white but now it’s in different colors, The flag is divided into four different colors; Red, Yellow, Black and Green but the thig is that in every color their’s a silhouette in white color and there’s music notes desining the sides like vines.

It was a work of art and no one will dare to think that it will be used for a game like Capture the Flag, no the game sounds too easy and fun.

The flag looks too beautiful to be used in a game of life and death where the lives of each participant depends on how good they are in fighting.

There are only 40 groups and it will soon decreased into at least ten because each group has to collect at least 3 flags, the more flags you have and the earlier you get your bracelets scanned, the higher place you’ll be in.

The sky was suddenly filled with different colors the moment the facilitators we’re out of sight. The beautiful fireworks signalled the beginning of the last event.

Lavalee took the flag ang wrapped it around her waist then they went out.

Kabikabila ang mga naging paglalaban. May mga nagbabatuhan ng shuriken, kunais, nagbabarilan meron rin namang naglalaban ng hand combat, nagbabalibagan.

Kasabay ng pag angat ng buwan ay ang pag-unti ng mga kasali.

Irene is facing a man who’s currently using a cutlass. She smirked and manipulated her katana to bend upon her will. The katana looked like a silver ribbon from afar because of how fast and precise Irene is moving it. A little later the clashing of their swords ended because Irene was able to manipulate the sword into falling off from the guy’s hand. It’s her expertise and she won’t let anyone top her on that.

“Weak.” Pang-aasar ni Irene at naghanap ng panibagong kalaban.

Tila mga batang naglalaro lamang sina Irene at Jess at hindi na inaalintana ang dugong tumatalsik sa katawan nila. Nasanay na sila na ganito ang nangyayari sa tagal nilang kabilang sa mundong ginagalawan nila.

Parang minamanipula lang nila ang kanilang mga nakaklaban. Kung may isang bagay mang madalas na mapagkasunduan sina Jess at Irene yun ay ang p**********p sa kanilangmga nakakalaban.

Isa-isa nilang kinuha ang mga flag mula sa bawat leader at member na kanilang natatalo. Ni isa sa mga nakalaban nila ay nabuhay. Lahat ng mga nakalaban ni Irene ay may apat na hiwa at ang lahat ng kay Jess naman ay may tatlong hiwa.

Nakabase sa ranggo nila sa grupo ang bilang ng hiwa. Pang-apat si Irene at pangatlo naman si Jess kaya ganun karami ang bilang ng hiwa.

Apat na agad ang nakokolekta nina Irene at Jess samantalagang sina Lavalee at Chelsea naman ay may ibang inaasikaso. Isang bagay na hindi na dapat pang malaman ng dalawa nilang kasama.

“Sometimes knowing less will save you from the possible pain you’ll get.” Sabi ni Lavalee sa isip niya habang nakikipaglaban.

“I knew it!” sabi ni Chelsea nang mapansin kung anong klase ng tao ang inaatake ni Lavalee

“Shut it.” Malamig na saad ni Lavalee nang marinig si Chelsea. Tinaponan niya ito ng nagbabantang tingin dahil delikado kung malalaman pa ng dalawa.

Agad na nakuha ni Chelsea ang ibig nitong sabihin. Kaya napaiwas siya ng tingin at nagpatuloy sa pakikipag laban/

“Anong meron?” tanong ni Irene nang marinig niya ang sinabi at ang tono ng boses ni Lavalee

“Nothing.” Sabi ni Chelsea at tumulong na kay Lavalee sa pakikipaglaban

‘Kaya pala ako ang sinama. Oh Lavalee.’ Naisip ni Chelsea at nagpatuloy sa pakikipaglaban ng gamit ang distansya

She’s using her whip to whip the ones who are trying to come near her. Lavalee gave her a mask to cover half of her face, she’s only showing her eyes and it’s making things way easier. She removed her eyeglasses which made her unidentified by anyone outside their circle of friends.

After a quite while Jess and Irene we’re starting to get bored as the midnight strikes. They eliminated almost half of the participants and they’ve collected 8 flags already.

“Wait for a little more.” Lavalee ordered using their earpiece as she jumped from tree to another like a cat. She’s eliminating the intruders in the game because she knew what they are here for.

‘6 hours left, anong iniisip ni Lavalee?’ Chelsea thought and they continued to fight.

Suddenly, Lavalee disappeared from her sight.

“Nag-iisa ka yata.” May humarang na anim na lalaki kay Chelsea

“Nag-iisa? Tal?” Takang tanong ni Jess

“I can handle myslef.” Sagot ni Chelsea at pinalagitik ang latigo niya

“Anong magagawa ng latigo mo?” tanong ng lalaki at nagulat ito nang bigla nalang silang patamaan ni Chelsea

Maya-maya pa ay patay na ang mga lalaki dahil sa hindi nila napansin na isang dager ang nakatali sa dulo ng latigo ni Chelsea.

“Tal, where’s Lav?” nagtatakang tanong ni Jess

“She has her own business.” Sagot ni Chelsea pero sa loob loob niya ay kinakabahan na siya.

‘Goodness, Lavalee! You have a warning already.’ Naisip ni Chelsea na nag-alala habang pilit na hinahanap ang kinaroroonan ni Lavalee

Umakyat siya sa isang puno at nag type sa hangin. Sinubukan niyang hanapin si Lavalee at ganoon nalang ang pagtataka niya dahil papunta ito sa base nila.

“Magkahiwalay kayo?” tanong ni Irene

“Nagkahiwalay.” Sagot ni Chelsea at nagpunta palapit sa base nila at ganoon nalang ang pagtataka niya dahil walang tao sa base nila. Nakita niyang nagalaw ang tracker na nakalagay sa earpiece nila pero hindi niya makita si Lavalee kaya tumigil siya at nakita niyang tumigil rin ito.

Napaglaruan siya ni Lavalee. Sarili niya ang nata track niya dahil simula palang ay nasakanya na ang tracker ni Lavalee.

‘Bakit? Bakit niya tinanggal?’ naisip ni Chelsea at lumabas ng base nila. May napansin siya sa bag na suot suot niya at nakita niya ang flag nila.

‘Pero ano yung nakatali sa –’ Nanlaki ang mata ni Chelsea sa konklusyong lumabas sa isipan niya.

“Scan your bracelets.” Lavalee ordered using her earpiece and they immediately dashed towards the center wher the scanner is.

Chelsea dashed out and prepare her katana. She did everything to clear her way and immediately arrive at the center.

“Lavalee.” Chelsea called in confusion while she’s eliminating the hindrances to her path.

“Game over.” Lavalee replied sternly and that sent chills to Jess, Irene and Chelsea.

They haven’t heard that tone ever since Lavalee was orphaned. The last time they heard it was when Lavalee was still mourning and wanted to take revenge.

Everyone in the center area suddenly stiffened when they saw Lavalee walking, but it’s not what made them stiffen, it’s the intimidating and dangerous aura Lavalee is emiting and her auburn eyes aren’t helping because they are like burning flames.

The students halted from what they are doing as they pass and when Lavalee stepped on the stage three men appeared and they are shaking. With a swift move the three men we’re beheaded and their heads rolled down the stage. Blood splattering on the asphalt ground.

No one dared to move as Lavalee scanned her bracelet on the acanner. Jess and Irene are confused on what’s happening so they shot Chelsea a questioning look but the latter is also clueless. They watched as Lavalee, like a robot walked and took a microphone.

“GAME. OVER.” She said with authority and intimidation presence while staring into one direction

‘Nice move, young lady. But for how long?’ a man said from the shadows while looking at the young lady.