BLOODFEUD 1: Giusteo

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The sky was dun-colored. The cloudy day brings brilliant white to accent the blue. Cloudy day. The white blossoms of the sky bring the transitory shade I love.

My eyes narrowed immediately when I saw Giusteo waiting already outside the hospital. He shifted on his stance when he saw me approaching.

My Ducati surely is familiar to him. Hindi pa ako nakakapagpark nang maayos ay lumapit na siya sa direksyon ko.

"Good morning, Storm!" he greeted and smiled.

"You are better than morning."

What could be better... in the midst of rays of sunlight the clouds conspire to let through and the cool wind that blows Giusteo's hair into alluring and artistic swirl.

He looked at me, gaping. I smirked mischievously.

"What the f**k, Storm?"

I chuckled before getting off in my Ducati. He rolled his eyes.

Giusteo volunteered to bring the things I got for Hattie. Hinayaan ko lang siya roon. Magkasunod kaming pumasok ng hospital nang matapos akong magparke.

"Galing na si Leuxia rito kanina," ani Giusteo.

The guards didn't look on us suspiciously when we passed by and entered the hospital.

"Umalis siya agad?"

Tumango si Giusteo.

"Mukhang pag-uusapan nila ang tungkol sa pagkawala ni Hesine."

I nodded without glancing at him, but I can feel his eyes on me.

My sister seems so busy with here missions.

My steps became slow when we are now approaching the elevator. I shut my eyes. Don't f**k up, Azariah. Naughty thoughts inside my head doesn't go with me. I silently cursed.

Halos nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang matantong may makakasabay kami sa loob.

Giusteo glanced at me mockingly when he saw my reactions. He f*****g read me.

"Ano?" iritang tanong ko.

Mahina akong napamura. I should've killed him when he didn't listen with my warn that time. But f**k, I don't need to lie to myself.

Nadatnan naming sa loob ng kwarto sina Hattie at ang mga Bloodfeud. Naroon din si Tasha, kasama nilang kumakain.

"Good morning," Hattie greeted warmly.

"Morning."

I smiled at her and pointed the things I brought. It's her needs.

"Did you eat already, Azea?" Atasha asked.

I nodded.

"I'm done."

Sabay kaming dumiretso ni Giusteo sa gawi nila Tasha. Malaki ang private room na 'to kaya walang problema. Lalo't dalawang pasyente ang nanatili sa loob.

Dumapo ang mga mata ko kay Kaiden. Mahimbing na natutulog iyon.

"Nagising na ba 'to o hindi pa rin?" I asked.

"Hindi pa, Storm."

Tumango ako bago tuluyang naupo. Giusteo was still standing, facing his laptop in a high table.

He looked around a bit before turning to me. My brows shot up. He gestured me to come near.

I immediately nodded when I remembered what he said earlier. It's about the thing I ordered him.

Inilibot ko rin ang tingin at mukha naming abala ang lahat dahil sa pagkain.

"Feed me too, Atasha," Vlast blurt.

"Sure, no problem!" Atasha sarcastically smirked. "Pabaril ka rin muna."

"You are cruel!"

"Can you just shut your mouth, Vlast?" Terviel irritatedly said. "You are disturbing us."

I shook my head on them. Hattie laughed and tried to calm Terviel.

Atasha suddenly stood.

"I'll go now, Azea, since you are here," she said casually.

Tumango ako nang natantong tapos na siyang kumain. Kanina pa rin siya rito kaya wala naman problema. Isa pa, salitan naman ang pagbabantay namin para makasiguro.

"Wait, I'm not yet done!" Vlast exclaimed.

"Hindi ka naman kasama."

She rolled her eyes before going out, hastening.

Bumaling ako ulit sa laptop ni Giusteo nang tuluyang nakaalis si Atasha.

Mas mabuti iyon para hindi kami mahirapan sa pag-uusap ni Giusteo tungkol sa ipinagagawa ko.

"Mukhang may mission ulit sila," ani Giusteo. "Nagpatawag daw ang Domina sa mga hood."

Bumaling din sa amin sina Hattie nang marinig iyon. Dali-dali namang lumabas si Vlast, mukhang susunod kay Tasha.

"Here, Storm," he called.

He manipulated the keyboard. Typing some numbers and codes before a site appeared.

A small map in the side caught my attention. The map of Cavite where the Kaybiang Tunnel in Maragondon was highlighted, the Philippines’ longest subterranean road tunnel.

"Allison Raja owns a resthouse near in a beach resort close to Kaybiang Tunnel. Madalas siyang umuwi rito kasama ang pamangkin."

I nodded, looking at him. It's Yara...

"They are going to a particular place. In the woods of Kaybiang Tunnel. And it seems like a secret place."

My brows furrowed perplexedly.

"Did you get a picture?"

He nodded before typing again.

A huge white building appear. It looks like a laboratory. It's all white but surrounded by a dark brown barricade to camouflage in the woods.

"It's suspicious."

I stared on in intently, observing the surrounding. What's the purpose of this? I badly wanted to know.

"I didn't get any information about that place, Storm. My systems were blocked."

I just gave him a nod.

"It's okay. We'll just go there."

His eyes widened, staring at me. He turned again to the screen.

"You are serious?"

"Oo, kapag nakalabas na siguro si Hattie. Hindi pwedeng maiwan lang siya rito."

Marahan siyang tumango, hindi inaalis sa akin ang mga mata.

My eyes were glued to that white place. It's either a laboratory or hospital, but for what? My curiousity is eating me. f**k it.

I badly wanted to know the connection of this to Allison and Yara. I turned to Giusteo, I met his eyes instantly.

"Did you check the background of Allison too?"

He smirked before nodding. I raised my brow.

"She's not only an owner of casino bar near the Ventura Garage. She's a scientist."

My were almost popping out in surprise. I tried to maintain my stern face. What the f**k?

"There's really something that we need to find out," I remarked perilously.

Giusteo nodded before closing his laptop. I didn't expect it. Ang pagtatago palang ni Allison sa kakayahan niya ay kahina-hinala na. Mahina akong napamura.

"What about Yuno?" I suddenly blurt.

Giusteo lifted his eyes on me.

"I'll leave the decision up to you."

I pursed my lips and nodded.

"Let's keep it in silent for now."

We still need more evidence before concluding. I don't make decisions immediate. I think hard before doing actions.

Hanggang sa dumaan ang araw ay nanatili kami roon at nagbantay. Sobrang dami nangyayari sa paligid kaya hindi pwedeng magpakampante lang.

My head turned to Terviel's direction when he mentioned the Hell in a Cell.

"Venus' member was also missing because of it just this day. You knew Hylex, Giusteo?"

"Yeah," Giusteo nodded with forehead puckered. "That's why I didn't hear anything from her earlier."

I can remember that girl named Hylex. And she's also a member of HA? I see...

"What about it?" Hattie asked.

"It's the mission of Bloodfeuds, Thaleia," Terviel surveyed her.

Agad akong natigilan nang marinig ang tungkol sa misyon nila Leuxia.

"Their mission?" I asked with forehead creased.

Hell in a Cell? How come?

Mukhang tuluyan na nga silang nawalan ng mga fighter sa loob gaya ng sabi nila Bryson noong huling punta ko.

I shook my head incredulously. I can't believe it.

Kahit na matagal na akong pumupunta roon ay hindi ko nakilala ang owner. I don't have any idea.

"Why, Storm?"

I transfixed my gaze to Giusteo. I shook my head lazily.

"Nothing, just... I've been there."

"Always?"

I shook my head without looking at him.

"No."

I can see him on my peripheral vision. He nodded. His lips twitched.

"Storm," he called. "You knew the boss?"

"Hindi rin."

Naramdaman ko ang bahagyang pagtango niya.

"Storm..."

I irritatedly turned to him. My brows shot up.

"What again?"

He shook his head and smiled. Bahagya pa akong natigilan bago tuluyang kumunot ang noo.

My eyes narrowed at him.

"Why the f**k are you smiling?"

Agad kaming naging alerto nang may biglaang pumasok. Tatlong hindi pamilyar na lalaki iyon sa akin.

"Sino kayo?" walang emosyon saad ko.

Bumaling sina Terviel doon at bahagyang napatango.

Their eyes darted to my hand when I started playing the gun I'm holding. They raised their hand defeatedly.

"We are visiting Kaiden," a man with a foreign look stated.

Bumaling ako kay Giusteo na nakatingin lang sa akin.

"Kikila mo?"

"Isa lang sa kanila ang kilala kong pinsan ni Kaiden," he nodded.

Kumaway bahagya ang nagsalita kanina.

"Theo," he called. "Mga kasama ko lang na kilala rin ni Kaiden."

Tumango lang si Giusteo. Bumalik ako sa pagkakasandal sa upuan pero hindi inaalis ang nagbabantang tingin sa kanila.

"Are you Kaiden's girlfriend? You seemed protective," he chuckled.

"Relax, we won't harm him," another man added.

I turned them lazily with taunting eyes. They shut their mouth instantly.

"Shut up, Renzo. She's not," Giusteo remarked seriously.

"Really? It's good to hear," Renzo turned to me.

"What did you say?"

I glanced at them lazily.

Tumalikod iyon at sandaling sinilip ang pinsan niyang natutulog pa rin. Bumaling ako sa kawalan pero nanatiling alerto. Ganoon din si Terviel sa tabi ni Hattie.

My eyes darted to the extended hand in front of my face.

"I'm Renzo by the way, do you have a boyfriend?"

"Yes, she's mine." Giusteo answered instead.

My face remained impassive. Renzo suddenly smirked.

"Really? I doubt it, Theo," he laughed.

Giuste raised his brow irritatedly.

"I like you to be my girl, feisty woman," he added grinning.

You don't know who are you talking to, stupid bastard.

"Are you here to visit your cousin or to spit stupidity? You heard Giusteo, right? Save your shit."

"He's really your boyfriend?"

"Are you deaf or dumb?"

Pareho sila ng naging reaksyon ni Giusteo. He tilted his head on me in disbelief.

Hattie's eyes widened and looked at me maliciously. She bit her lower lip to hold her laugh. I smirked.

"What is that? f**k it!" I heard Kaiden's cursed in pain.

Napalingon kami sa kaniya nang matantong gising na siya.

Bumaling sa kaniya ang dalawa pang kasama noong Renzo na nakatulala lang sa harap ko. The other one called a doctor to check Kaiden.

"Throw a pillow on Renzo's face to wake him up," Kaiden laughed a bit.

"Your cousin is disrespecting Storm," Giusteo said exasperated.

"Don't make me laugh. f**k it."

Naging tahimik lang sila nang dumating ang doctor at nurse para i-check si Kaiden.

Doon pa rin ako nagpalipas ng gabi kasama sila. Nakakuha pa ako ng ilang balita tungkol sa mission nila Leuxia lalo't nakakagalaw na agad nang maayos si Kaiden pero limitado pa rin.

Umalis na rin ang bisita ni Kaiden. Mas mabuti iyon dahil hindi kami nakasisiguro.

"Assist him, I'll buy our food."

"Wait-"

Tinalikuran ko na agad si Giusteo dahil siguradong sasama lang iyon. Baka may kailanganin bigla na kung ano si Kaiden kaya mas mabuting may maiwan.

Sa labas lang naman ang bilihan kaya agad din akong nakabalik. I was tapping my hand while waiting for the elevator to reach my floor.

Nang buksan ng kwarto ay naabutan kong tinutulungang magpalit ni Giusteo si Kaiden ng damit.

His eyes widened.

"Don't enter yet, Storm!"

I shrugged before walking inside.

"Wala akong interes."

"Just move fast, Lardiza!" Terviel shouted, blocking Hattie's sight.

"Threatened ka sa akin, Melendrez," pang-aasar ni Kaiden.

"I'm just taking care of Thaleia's eyes. You are disgusting, Vicente."

It's just a shirt. They were just overreacting.

"What the f**k? Tanggal na kayo agad sa Bloodfeud," bungad ni Zyon nang halos kasunod ko lang pumasok.

"Picture sent to Trevan," Lenus laughed.

"Hindi ka na nahiya, Giusteo. Azea is here," Killian mocked.

Matalim na tingin ang ibinigay sa kanila ng dalawa. Napasigaw sa sakit si Kaiden nang pwersahang isuot ni Giusteo ang damit.

Doon kami nagpalipas ng gabi. Pero hindi napakali nang narinig ang tungkol sa kakaibang babae sa Hell in a Cell.

I couldn't understand anything because I wasn't with them in the mission. f**k it.

"Storm, you should drive slowly and safely," Giusteo reminded.

"I'm the drag queen, what do you expect?"

Giusteo chuckled.

"Why did I even talk?"

I leered before riding my Ducati.

"And wait, I can still remember it, Storm! Boyfriend huh?"

Mabilis akong humarurot paalis nang marinig ang tawa niya. Tss. I shook my head and bit my lower lip.

Nagpaiwan siya sa ngayon habang naghahanda palang sila sa pag-alis. May iilang Bloodfeud pa rin silang kasama roon.

I really thought that Leuxia already found Vielle. f**k it. It's a different person.

Mabilis kaming tumungo sa mga Bloodfeud para makasiguro tungkol doon. Hindi namin pwede balewalain ang posibilidad na si Vielle iyon.

"Aitana," Kaiden slowly read. "She's a cybernetically enhanced woman who possesses super strength, rapid abilities, energy blast and brilliant mind that could wipe out tons of people."

Lahat kami ay salubong ang mga kilay at nakakunot ang mga noo dahil hindi lubos na naintindihan ang impormasyon na 'yon.

Aitana? I didn't hear that name before when I was fighting there... How come?

"Ano?" naguguluhang tanong ni Mako.

"Yuno," Kaiden turned to him.

My eyes narrowed when I heard his name. Mas lalo akong nagbigay ng atensyon. Tahimik na nag-oobserba sa bawat sasabihin niya.

"She's a cyborg," Yuno answered directly.

"Give the full definition," Krade said.

He roamed his eyes on us before talking again.

"It's the short term for cybernetic organism," Yuno said.

"Hindi siya tao?" putol sa kaniya ni Kyro.

"No, she's still a human," he shook his head. "A cyborg is being with both organic and biomechatronic body parts. Biomechatronic is an applied science interdisciplinary that aims to integrate biology and mechatronics."

Science.

I suddenly remembered all informations Giusteo told me. f**k it. It's all interconnected.

"It is common for cyborgs to have physical or mental abilities beyond what humans are capable of. They may have super strength, enhanced senses, computer-assisted brains, or built-in weaponry. Because of the chips implanted in brains, metal beneath the skin... the ultimate merge of a man and machine."

"How the f**k?" I fakely asked with forehead creased.

The laboratory...

Go on and talk for your real identity, Benedicto...

"Example, as the computer chips become smaller and more powerful... engineers and scientists are fitting them with biological sensors and electrons. Devices that tack directly into the senses and deep to the brain itself," he paused. "Another is nanonetwork or nanoscale, a set of interconnected machines through bloodstream and inside the human body."

He continued spitting things about the cyborgs. The science... laboratory... experiments... and his connections.

He was talking but also dropping his real identity... Inilalaglag mo ang saliri mo.

I smirked wickedly

I caught you this early, Yuno Benedicto.

-

LIV