A Fairy Tale Like World

AFLW 9: The Creepy Mansion

AFLW 9: The Creepy Mansion

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Chase POV

Saturday came but still, I haven't decided if I will ignore the invitation or check it out. I have 4 hours left to decide yet I don't know what to do. I can't tell my friends regarding the invitation since I don't know if it is safe to do that. And most of all I am oblivious of this Dark Circle Organization. I tried to gather information regarding the organization but I found nothing. It seems like it doesn't exist or maybe, just maybe DC Org. is an underground organization and known only in the black market.

Tatlong oras na ang ginugol ko sa pagtanaw sa creepy mansion mula dito sa Sanctuary ko. Makalipas ang ilang buwan nandito ako hindi para alalahanin ang mga masaya at masakit na alala kasama si Shan. Nandito ako para tanawin at pag-aralan ang nasabing mansyon para makapag desisyon ako kung pupunta ako o hindi mamayang gabi.

Walang kakaiba na mapapansin sa paligid nito. Kung anu ang mga nakita ko kapag tinatanaw ko ito ay ganun pa rin. I  sigh, still undecided until there are only thirty minutes left. When I haven't noticed anything peculiar I decided to check it out. Papatayin lang din ako ng curiosity ko kung hindi ko aalamin ang tungkol sa imbitasyon. Besides, it's a great distraction, since I received the mysterious invitation I haven't think Shandra all day. My curiosity is so focused on what is at hand right now.

Ten minutes before seven I arrive at the creepy mansion's towering gate, contemplating whether to buzz or turn back to where I came from. But before I can do the latter the vast gate opens as if inviting me to go inside. I kick my motorbike to start and drive to the large driveway up to the mansion's front door. I can't see any person visible yet the hair in my nape is standing with the feeling that someone is watching me intently.

I breathe deeply to compose myself and to relax before getting my motorbike. Let's get this on! I mentally chanted in order to gain my confidence. I don't have any idea what will happen to me so I need to gather all my confidence or I'll stumble before going inside the large house.

Gaya ng sa gate kusa lang ding bumukas ang front door bago ko pa man ipaalam na naroon ako. This place is thoroughly monitored, not letting anyone pass their eyes. Hindi katulad sa gate na walang tao, pagpasok ko ng front door ay sinalubong ako ng isang may katandaan ng lalaki.

"Welcome to The Mansion, Young Master Scamper." Bati niya sa akin na may imbing ngiti. "Ako ang caretaker ng bahay na ito, tawagin mo na lang akong Mr. Cane."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Cane." I offer my hands for a handshake.

"Follow me." He motion.

Sumunod ako sa kanya sa inaakala kung receiving room na pagdadalhan niya sa akin. But instead, it was an empty dark room. Paglingon ko sa kinaroroonan ni Mr. Cane para magtanong ay hindi ko na siya makita.

"Hey, Mr. Cane where are you? What's the meaning of this?" I hissed.

Hinanap ko ang pinto na pinasukan namin pero hindi ko na rin ito makita. It's was magically disappear just like Mr. Cane. I am now trapped in a closed room. Inikot ko ang buong kwarto sa paghahanap ng malalabasan subalit wala kahit isang butas na makikita maliban sa exhaust fan ng room.

Anong kailangan nila sa akin para ikulong ako dito? Bakit ko pa kasi pinansin ang imbitasyon na yun? Crap, what should I do now?

Bigla akong napatalon ng bumukas ang ilaw ng madilim na kwarto. Tumama sa mukha ko ang liwanag kaya napatakip ako ng mata. Hanggang sa may narinig akong nagsalita.

"Welcome to stage one. In order to be welcome in here, The Mansion, everyone needs to pass the stages of the test. You need to pass all of it or you may end up Dead."

I gasp at what I heard. s**t! What have I gotten myself into? Silly of me to end up in this mess. It's really true that curiosity kills the cat. And in case it is literally.

A touch screen monitor appears in front of me. Nilapitan ko ito at binasa ang nakasulat. It needs information, personal information. I heave a deep breath and enter my name, I don't have a choice but to do so. A message appears, welcoming me to what they called Dark Circle Org. and I am technically part of it.

Biglang may bumukas na bahagi ng kwarto at mabilis akong lumabas para lamang makita na nasa isang panibagong kwarto ako napunta. Paglingon ko sa kung saan ako pumasok ay hindi na ito nakabukas. I sigh and prepare myself, maybe this is the stage one.

Stage one is about intelligence, asking me different info regarding persons, places, or things I'm not aware exist. Stage two is all about decision-making and mind challenges. What the heck! Ano bang koneksyon ng mga ito sa napasukan o sa DC Org.? At ang malaking tanong, ano ba talaga ang DC Org.? Ano ang kailangan nila sa akin?

Stage three is a battle. Limang lalaki ang naghihintay sa akin. Ayun sa kanila tauhan sila ng DC Org. Kahit mga ordinaryong tauhan lang sila mamapansin mo pa rin na hindi sila madaling kalaban. It takes almost fifteen minutes to defeat them. I gain some bruises from the fight but I decided to continue. I refuse to die by giving up. Kung sakali man mamamatay pagdating sa dulo nito ang mahalaga lumaban ako. Kahit pa hindi ko alam kung bakit nandito ako at lumalaban.

Bago ako tumuloy sa susunod na room, one of the guy I fought give me a warning. My next opponent are from the elite group of DC Org., he said. Sa pagkakaintindi ko, ang makakalaban ko ang pinakamagagaling na tauhan ng organisasyon.

Two people are waiting for me next door, they will be my opponent, a girl, and a guy. They both wear black sunglasses that covered half of their face, it is most likely look like a mask. Judging by their looks and aura, that guy that warned me is correct, they are not an easy opponent but a tough one. This will be the fourth stage and the final stage.

I ready myself for the attack when a guy stands from his sitting position on the floor. He walks towards me and offers his hand for a shake, which caught me off guard. Why this guy treat me likes this? I sigh, there's nothing wrong with being nice right? So, I accepted his hand.

"So, you are the Scamper, huh." He let go of my hand. "It's nice to actually meet you in person. I'm Pisces from Stella and the girl over there is June from Monath. We are both Keys though from different departments and we are your final opponent."

"I see, but why the formalities?"

"You deserve all the formalities, Chase Scamper." Biglang singit ng babae na tumayo na din sa kinauupuan niya sa sahig. "But you can only get our respect being one of us or being His chosen once you prove your worth."

I look at her confused. "What do you mean being his chosen?"

"That questions will be answered once you pass this test, along with your other questions," Pisces answered. "You want to go first, June?" He asks.

"Sure," June replied and look at me grinning. "Ready now Scamper?"

I nod and ready myself for the attack. She jumps and throws a fist in my face, I block it with my arms cross. But instead of hitting my cross arm, I feel her fist hit my stomach. s**t! It hurts. Napaatras ako dahil sa lakas ng impact suntok niya. I groan in pain. Hindi pa man ako nakabawi ay sinipa na niya ako na kung hindi ako agad nakaiwas ay siguradong tatamaan ako sa dibdib. Kung ganito galing ang babaeng ito siguradong ma's higit na magaling ang lalaking nanonood lang.

Naging alerto ako at pinag-aralan ang galaw ng babae habang patuloy siya sa pagpapaulan niya ng suntok. At gaya ng nauna, ng akala ko ay sa mukha tatama ang suntok kapag haharangan ko ito ay sa ibang parte ng katawan siya susuntok, ganun kabilis ang galaw niya. I relax myself and focus in our fight, I can't afford to lose this one.

Inihanda ko ang sarili ko sa sunud-sunod na suntok at sipa niya. Hindi ko ininda ang sakit sa bawat pagtama ng kanyang sipa at suntok. Hinintay ko ang pagkakataon na lagi niyang ginagawa. Ng akmang susuntukin na niya ang mukha ko ay agad kung iniharang ang mga braso ko. Pero ang mga mata ko ay naka-focus sa isang kamao niya. Dahil sa ginawa kung pagharang sa mukha open ang ibabang bahagi ng katawan ko. Bago pa man tumama ang kamao niya sa sikmura ko ay nahawakan ko na ang wrist niya. Agad ko itong pinilipit sa likuran niya at may kinapa akong nerves sa may leeg niya para mawalan siya ng malay. Isang technique na tinuro sa akin ni Shan kung nais Kong mabilisang laban. Humihingal akong binitawan ang walang malay na katawan ng babae.

"Sigurado akong maaasar siya paggising." Sabi ni Pisces na binuhat si June at inilapag sa isang tabi. "I guess it's our turn now or you want to rest for a bit?"

"No need. I want this to finish as soon as possible." I stated. Kahit hindi ako sigurado kung kakayanin ko pa ba ang labanan siya. I'm exhausted from the previous fights and I can feel my knees weakened.

I staggered backwards the moment he attack me. Ni hindi ko man lang naiwasan ang suntok niya. I groggily stand up and throw a punch at him. Pero pasimple lang siyang umiwas. Swerte ng timaan ko siya ng ilang beses sa katawan at mukha pero alam ko na wala ng sapat na lakas ang mga suntok at sipa na binitawan ko. Isang malakas na suntok ang tumama sa sikmura ko ang huling bagay na naalala kung nangyari bago ako nawalan ng malay.

Dahan-dahan akong nagmulat ng mata. Ramdam ko ang sakit at panghihina ng katawan. Napabalikwas ako ng bangon ng maalala ko ang huling nangyari. Maaliwalas at malaki ang kwartong kinaroroonan ko. This time I can see the door. Inilipad ng mabining hangin ang kurtina at sa liwanag na galing sa buwan nakita ko ang gubat sa labas.

"Am I not dead, yet?" I murmured.

"Obviously," came a reply from behind. "And congrats, you passed."

Lumingon ako para malaman kung sino ang nagsalita upang magulat lamang sa pamilyar na mukha sa bumangad sa akin. Sa kanyang likuran ay isang magandang babae na nakasandal sa hamba ng pinto at naka-cross ang braso sa dibdib.

"Ikaw? Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya.

"We met two times already but we haven't been introduced formally, though I know who you are. Chase Scamper son of the business tycoon, Rayn Scamper."

"You already met?" The girl frown. "How come?"

"I first met him more than two years ago, I picked up Shandra in CAU. And the second time was the time Shandra lose control again. Right, Chase?" The guy replied.

"Yeah, and I was wondering then of your relation to Shandra, until now. I can't believe Shandra knows someone from this DC Org, that I bet you belong with."

He laughs heartily. "All these years you don't really know who Shandra is. But you are about to unveil that truth later. Shandra's biggest secret wherein you are part of."

"What do you mean by that?" Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero bigla akong kinabahan sa sinabi niya. "Sino ka ba talaga?"

"You're right, I am part of DC Org. My real name is Krazer Hart Fyndell but I am known and called Aries. I am one of the Keys, the Elite Team of the Org. and I am part of Stella Dept.. This beauty here," He motion for the girl. "Is Novienne Saunders known and called as November. Also a Keys but she's from Monath Dept."

"This is the second time I heard about Keys, Stella, and Monath, an Elite Team, but I don't understand it one bit."

"We'll explain it on your way to the Grand Office. He's waiting there along with the Head of the Huddle." November said and started to walk.

I follow their lead, wondering who is this Grand and Head of the Huddle they are talking about.

"The Keys is like I said the Elite Team of DC Organization." Aries started. "It was divided into two departments or groups, the Stella and Monath."

"Stella is specializing in assassination or execution. While Monath is specializing in infiltration and spying." November continued.

"So, I was right all along. DC Org is an underground organization like Mafia's." I growled in disagreement. How do I end up in this place? "Anong kailangan niyo sa akin? At hindi mo pa sinasagot kung ano ang meron sa inyo ni Shan."

"Jealous, aren't you Scamper?" He sigh. "You don't have to, you know. We all know Shandra loves you." He smiled. "We were friends since she was ten. When the palace decided to let her live outside with her parents and siblings. I am the first one to know when she has created the Black Angels."

"Does she know that you are working with this organization?" I snapped, giving him a glare. Alam ko na delikado ang ganitong trabaho. At nilagay niya sa alanganin ang buhay ni Shan. Paano kung malaman ng mga kalaban niya ang ugnayan niya kay Shandra? It's a good thing that Shandra is now safe inside the Imperial Palace.

He looked at me and grin. "Of course, she knew since the start. Shandra is not oblivious of the existence of DC Org, Chase. She knows since she was able to understand what it is."

"How?" I ask quietly. What he said making me more nervous. "Is that related to what you said? About Shandra's biggest secret wherein I am part of?"

"Yes it is, but I'm not telling you. But don't worry, you are about to discover it."

Our conversation is interrupted by November stopping in front of a closed door.

"We're here." She said.

She looks at me before saying something that makes me more curious and confused at the same time.

"Shandra is addressed in this place as Lady Bethany." She started. "Behind this door is the Grand and the Huddle Head waiting for you." She motions me to come in after knocking.

"Welcome to The Mansion, the official Headquarter of Dark Circle Organization here in Philippines, Chase. Welcome to DC Org. as one of the official members. And, welcome to the Dark World, ahead." He said before turning his back together with November

Welcoming me as an official member of an organization that I don't know. And welcoming me to Dark World waiting makes me shudder. At ang kabang kanina ko pa nararamdaman ay lalo pang lumakas. The mystery of this creepy mansion is becoming clearer by the passing minute. And behind this door is a secret about to unfold.

Huminga ako ng malalim bago binuksan ang nakasarang pinto. Readying myself for anything. Pumasok ako ng nakayuko. Guessing that this Grand and Huddle Head that they are talking about is the highest person behind this Organization. But what I'm seeing the moment I look up is beyond what I am expecting. And it makes me held my breath when the realization hit me.

"Daddy? Tito Ethan? Don't tell me ---?" I'm not able to finish what I wanted to say.

"Welcome home, Son." My father, Rayn Scamper sitting in front of the table, said.

"Welcome to DC Org., Chase." Tito Ethan, Shandra's father sitting behind the table and looking at my shocked face, said.

"I, Ethan Arshone Davies, the Grand and the boss together with the Huddle Head, Rayn Scamper, officially acknowledge you Chase Scamper as a member of DC Org." Tito Ethan continued and Dad nodded his head in approval.

This is s**t! So, this is Shandra's biggest secret that Aries is talking about. Being the daughter of the boss of  DC Org and me, being the son of the Huddle Head.