SPECIAL CHAPTER

Team Oldies

"WE WILL enter from the south gate, undetected. Only kill when necessary
since my daughter will be pissed and yes, she's scary even when she's
smiling sweetly and that's her order—" napangiwi si Stevan at mabilis na
itinama ang sarili, "—I mean request from me. Our mission today is to
save Bassui Sato, an Orgánosi Scientist who was abducted from the
destroyed Orgánosi's Laboratory here in Japan. He'd been with the Triad
for two days now. We have to act and move fast." Mufasa, then, looked at
Uncle Kee. "Take over."

Uncle Kee sighed like it was a heavy burden before speaking. "There's two
building inside the compound. The one on the left has a basement. Team
Knight will take the right building, team Dominick will take on the left
and our team will take the basement."

"You heard him." Mufasa was back to briefing again. "We're gonna clean
the whole compound without painting the place red, I hope. And I want
every door open and every nook and cranny check. Everyone, stay alert and
don't let your guards down. Our main objective is to rescue the
Scientist. After we secure the mission, we move out—"

North raised his hand to get Mufasa's attention who was giving order. "A
question."

Mufasa sighed and asked. "Yes, North?"

"May I ask what you all are doing here?" North asked. "This is our
extraction mission, right, boss?" North asked Knight who was busy
cleaning his katana on the corner of the truck they're in right now.

Pinaningkitan ni Mufasa ng mata si North na ikinatawa lang ni Knight.

"North, you should be grateful that we are helping your team. We are
legendary! We are the unbeatable! We are the pillar of Orgánosi—"

"And you're old." North added innocently.

Everyone went silent.

"And it's too crowded." North reasoned innocently again with his doe
eyes. "One extraction mission and there are three teams?"

"Come on, kid, don't be like that." Dominick, the former second Arkhon
smiled at North. "We just want to tag along. That's all. Think of this as
part of our tourist itinerary since we're all in a vacation anyway."

"Yes. Tag along." Tumango pa si Mufasa bilang pagsang-ayon kay Dominick

bago tinuro ang sarili nito. "But I'm calling the shots here." Kapagkuwan
ay nilingon siya nito. "Right, Knight?"

Knight shrugged nonchalantly. It's not like he's planning to be the boss
in this mission. His father, his wife's father and his idol were all
present. He would be more than happy to step back and listen to the
legends. "Whatever you say, Papá."

"Good answer." Nag thumbs up pa sa kaniya ang ama ng asawa niya na

sinagot din niya ng thumbs up din.

Knight's father, Ambrose sighed. "Sorry, North, it's just that our King
here miss going to missions like this. We're just supporting his
andropausal stage. He needs moral support more than ever."

Mufasa gaped at Ambrose in shock. "How dare you, Ambrose! How dare you
disgrace me like this! I'm your King!"

Uncle Kee yawned. "You've already been dethroned by your daughter. Stop
dreaming, King with no jungle."

"Ouch!" Napangiwi si Dominick kay Mufasa pero halata namang nang-aasar

ito. "That's harsh."

Ruthgar — part of Dominick's Team — yawned. "I don't miss this. Fuck this
shit." He glared at Dominick. "Why the fuck do you have to drag me here,
huh?!"

"Because I need my tracker, you moron!" Dominick hissed.

"This moron is a genius tracker!" Ruthgar hissed while pointing at

himself. "And a Viscount, not to mention a fucking lawyer."

Tumikhim si Uncle Kee saka nagtaas ng kamay. "I'm a Duke, if that

counts."

Lahat napatingin kay Uncle Kee.

"What?" Uncle Kee asked innocently.

"Who's asking?" Mufasa asked in sarcasm.

Tinuro ni Uncle Kee si Ruthgar. "He was boasting. He said he's a genius
and a lawyer, well, I'm a Duke, Philanthropist, inventor and a peace
loving President of team Swight."

Mufasa dismissively shake his hand at Uncle Kee. "Don't mind him. Back to
my briefing, shall we?

But North raised his hand again. "Why are we in a fish truck? It's kinda
cold — colder than my lair."

"Blame him." Ani Mufasa sabay turo kay Dominick Quinn.

"At least it's cold, unlike other trucks which is hot." Sagot ni Knight
habang nililinis ang katana na gagamitin sa misyon.

"That's my reason too!" Dominick exclaimed and grinned at Knight. "We're

too much alike."
"Oh, please, Dominick, shut up." Mufasa tsked. "My son in law is not a
philandering idiot like you."

Sinapo ni Dominick ang puso nito. "You are hurting me, Mufasa. I'm not an
Idiot—"

"Just a philandering ass." Ani Von Per, ang Hippeis ni Dominick.

Dominick looked at Von Per in resentment. "You too, Von Per the dick?
You're hurting me so much. Ouch. Insubordination!"

"Yes! I feel you, Dominick." Mufasa put his hand on Dominick's shoulder
like he's feeling the same pain. "I'm the boss but they don't listen to
me." Then he glared at his team and pointed his fingers at them
"Insubordination!"

Dominick faked a sob before facing Mufasa. "Only you would understand me,
Mufasa. Only you, my King."

"Yes, Dominick. Only we can understand each other." Mufasa faked a sob as
well.

Napailing na lang silang lahat na nasa loob ng fish truck.

"And here I thought I'm the weird one." Uncle Keegan muttered.

Ruthgar sighed. "Sorry. Nothing can compare to that idiot boss of mine."

Dominick suddenly gasped in shocked then looked at Ruthgar in

astonishment. "Leeeet's paaaarty! Ruthgar called me boss! Yes! Paaaarty!"

"Cue music!" Ani Mufasa sabay turo pa kay Uncle Keegan.

Hinilot ni Ambrose ang sentido. "Should I remind you that we're in a

mission?"

Kaagad namang sumeryoso si Dominick at Mufasa.

"As I was saying, we will enter the south gate—"

"We're here." Anunsiyo ni Shun mula sa earpiece na suot ng lahat na

siyang driver ng fish truck.

"Shun! How dare you interrupt the King of the Jungle?!" Mufasa hissed. "I
was still talking!"

"I'm just announcing that we're here." Wika ni Shun. "I'm opening my
laptop now."

"I'm still not done with the briefing!" Mufasa hissed. "Fuck it! To make
the briefing short. We have to do three things. Rescue. Don't kill if not
necessary and don't die."
Everyone nodded.

"Let's go!" Ani Vent saka binuksan ang pinto ng fish truck.

"I'll guide you through the earpiece." Wika naman ni Uncle Kee sa team ni
Mufasa.

"Same." Ani Ruthgar sa team nito. "You dickheads better listen to me!"

"At least I don't have a problem with my team." Wika ni Shun mula sa
driver's seat.

"You saying something?!" Keegan and Ruthgar both snapped at Shun over the
earpiece.

Shun just sighed and continued setting up his laptop.

"Here we go." Ani Von Per na tinulungan si Vent na buksan ang pinto ng
truck.

The moment the truck door's opened, everyone was ready and pumped up,
everyone had their game face on, but everyone froze when they stepped out
and saw where they are.

Knight sighed before talking to his earpiece. "Singkit, you drove us to

the wrong gate."

Shun frowned hearing The Count's voice on the earpiece before peeking
outside the truck's window. "This is not the south gate?"

Keegan spoke while eyeing the monitor of his laptop. "Hmm... according to
my map here, we're on the west side of the building."

"Oh, crap." Napangiwi si Shun ng makita ang satellite imaging sa monitor

ng laptop nito. "Fuck! I really messed up! I didn't have my digital map
with me. Sorry, sorry. Come back in. I'll drive you to the south gate."

"Just walk." Ruthgar tsked at everyone.

"That's twenty minutes' walk, you dumbass!" Dominick tsked.

"Then run?" Keegan suggested.

"I rather save my energy." Ani Vent Romanov. "Come on. Let's go back to
the truck."

Sighing, everyone went back inside the fish truck and Shun started
driving towards the south gate while everyone except Dominick and Knight
was shivering.

"I like this truck." Ani Knight na tumatango-tango pa. "It's cool."
"I know right." Dominick smirked smugly. "I have one back home. When it's
summer, I let my butler drive it around town while I'm inside, sipping my
coffee."

"Hmm..." Umaktong nag-iisip si Knight saka ngumiti. "That's actually a

brilliant idea! Cloud will be pissed for sure." His smile turned into a
grin. "I'll buy one then."

Nag-thumbs up si Dominick kay Knight. "I'm really your idol! So proud!"

Nag-thumbs up pabalik si Knight. "Yes, you're my idol! Happy to work with

you."

"Hey! That's my daughter."

Nagkatinginan si Dominick at Knight kapagkuwan ay sabay tumawa habang ang

iba ay nakamasid lang sa dalawa na mukhang sila lang ang nakakaintindi sa
joke nila.

"We're here." Anunsiyo ulit ni Shun ng makarating sila sa south gate.

"Are we really in the south gate this time?" Paniniguradong tanong ni

Mufasa. "For sure?"

"Yep." Shun confidently answered. "I checked."

"Okay." Von Per stood up and opened the truck's door. "Let's go!"

Kaagad namang lumabas ang lahat at natigilan ng makitang may security

guard sa labas mg compound na papasukin nila.

"Fuck!"

Mufasa and Dominick immediately shot the four guards outside with their
guns with suppressor when the guards started moving their hands.

Knight, North, Von Per, Vent, Ambrose and Rafael looked at Mufasa and
Dominick questioningly.

"What was that for?" Von Per asked Dominick in annoyance.

"I thought no killing, your highness." Wika naman ni Rafael kay Mufasa.

"Isusumbong kita kay SM." Ani Ambrose.

"I'll tell Happy." Ani Vent.

"Shut up!" Dominick tsked. "They're clearly reaching for their guns."

"They just move their hands." Sabad ni North sa usapan. "Maybe they just
want to say hi?"

"While waving their hands at us?" Mufasa asked flatly. "Unlikely. They're
about to attack us so we attack back. Period."
North sighed while looking at the four bodies. "Please don't make it
bloody." Pakiusap nito sa mga kasama.

"North," tinapik ni Von Per si North sa balikat, "better call your crew.
It's time to start cleaning."

North sighed before nodding and contacting his crew inside the truck
trailing behind them.

"Let's go in." Ani Vent saka maingat na itinulak pabukas ang gate.

Nang makapasok silang lahat, kaagad na nagsalita ang mga tracker nilang
kasama na naiwan sa truck.

"In coming on your front. Head count, five." Mabilis na sabi Uncle Kee,
"heavily armed and I think they're going to give you a warm welcome."

"I'm ready to rumble!" Mufasa smirked.

Ambrose sighed. "I thought no killing. SM will not be happy, Mufasa."

Kaagad na bumagsak ang balikat ni Mufasa. "Fuck. My daughter will kill me

and I'm not the boss anymore."

"Wait for us to clean the first floor," ani Dominick, "then Mufasa's team
can get into the basement."

"Let's go, master. Let's take cover!" Sabi ni Rafael kay Mufasa habang
ginigiya sila patungo sa sa maliit na warehouse sa loob ng compound na
katabi lang ng dalawang mataas na gusali.

Ambrose shook his head when Rafael only guided Mufasa to safety and not
him. "That son of gun! I'll kill you later, Rafael!"

"Left building. Up in the rooftop with sniper guns. Three. Take cover."
Ani Ruthgar.

"Sniper guns?" Dominick frowned while looking up. "How many rounds?"

"How the fuck would I know?!" Ruthgar hissed. "It's a Sniper gun! It can
kill you. Period!"

"I thought you're all knowing." Vent said to Ruthgar mockingly.

"Fuck you, Romanov." Ruthgar tsked. "Hope you trip and fall."

"Take cover, you idiots!" Von Per hissed at his teammates. "That's a
fucking sniper gun, unless you can't die. Now take fucking covers!"

Dominick tsked before running for cover.

"Right building, five guards inside the first floor. Armed." Sabi naman
ni Shun sa team ni Knight. "I'm opening the door's lock to the right
building. Now. Get ready, Knight."

"I'll take care of it." Ani Knight.

"I'll help you, my disciple!" Sigaw ni Dominick na akmang tatakbo patungo

kay Knight pero pinigilan ito ni Von Per.

"When did Knight became your disciple, you dick?" Von Per shook his head.
"And our mission is to clean up the left building, you idiot! Not the
right building!"

Ruthgar groaned in frustration at his teammates. "You're all not

listening to me!" Galit nitong sigaw. "I said take down the goddamn
sniper on the rooftop! Now!"

Von Per and Vent sighed before running after dragging Dominick towards
the left building's entrance.

"The door is lock from the inside." Ani Ruthgar. "Leave it to me."

Dominick tsked. "Stop your monologue, Ruthgar. No one's asking."

Von Per tsked. "Shut up, Dominick, and pay attention."

Habang nagbabangayan ang Team ni Dominick, nakapasok na si Knight sa

gusali at napatumba na niya ang limang guard na naroon kanina at
nagbabantay.

"I'm in." Ani Knight sa earpiece niya. "First floor secured." Then he
looked up at the ceiling, "four more floors to go."

"That's my disciple!" Dominick hissed proudly. "Show them who's the boss,
Knight."

Ambrose sighed. "Stop calling my son your disciple, Dominick. I'll gut
you."

"Aww. Someone's jealous because he doesn't have a disciple." Nanunudyong

sabi ni Dominick habang nakangisi.

Von Per shook his head. "I'm pretty sure he has a different reason than
that, jackass."

"Don't talk to me, you dick." Dominick glared at Von Per. "Talk to the
hand." He said then move his palm to face Von Per.

Von Per sighed again. "Remind me again why I accompanied you here?"

"Because I'm awesome!" Ani Dominick at itinaas pa ang dalawang kamay sa

ere.

"It's because he begged." Pagtatama ni Vent.

"Oh, yeah." Ruthgar nodded, remembering the reason. "It's because of that
and also because he's old, dumb and a fucking jackass!"

Dominick just chuckled and talking to Ruthgar while fighting. "You still
hate me for that prank, Ruthgar? Come on, it's been years—"

"Fuck you!"

Napailing si Dominick. "So sensitive."

"Focus!" Von Per hissed after he took down two-armed Triad pointing their
guns at Dominick.

Dominick just grinned at him. "That's why I have you, Von Per. To watch
my back as I watch yours."

Von Per looked at Dominick flatly. "Last time I checked, you're not
looking at my back."

"You just didn't see me looking." Dominick said while grinning at Von Per
and shaking his butt and dancing sillily.

"They're bunch of psychos." Komento ni Rafael ng makapasok ang team ni

Mufasa sa gusali dahil nalinis na ng team ni Dominick ang unang palapag.

"Good thing I'm not like that." May pagmamalaking sabi ni Mufasa. "Be
thankful that you have a levelheaded leader!"

Keegan spoke from the earpiece. "Said the guy who's scared of
cockroaches. I'm pretty sure there is one in the basement."

Kaagad na napatigil sa pagpasok si Mufasa sa pinto na maghahatid sa

kanila sa basement. Kaagad nitong naisip ang mga ipis na sinabi ni
Keegan.

"Ahm," tumikhim si Mufasa, "on second thought, why don't I stand guard,
yeah?"

Ambrose sighed and went to grabbed Mufasa's collar and dragged him to the
basement.

"No! No! No! Ambrose, I, the king of the Jungle, will hold you liable if
I see even a single cockroach! I will punish you more than you can
imagine! You hear me?! You hear me—"

"Oh, there's one."

Mufasa immediately shot the cockroach in fear.

Ambrose and Rafael shared a look while Mufasa looked boasting.

"See that?" Mufasa smirked smugly. "Cockroach is no match for me."

Rafael smiled. "Of course, my lord. You're definitely a cockroach
killer."

Ambrose grunted. "Oh, please, Rafael, don't patronize him." Ambrose

groaned. "Keegan, let's switch places please. I can't take this anymore!"

Keegan just laughed. "Come on. You two are 'balae'." Tudyo ni Keegan kay
Ambrose.

"Kahit na." Ani Ambrose na panay ang buntong-hininga. "Tinatakwil ko siya

bilang balae ko. Ayoko sa kaniya!"

"So harsh." Mufasa commented while eyeing for other cockroaches. "Rafael,
help me look for cockroaches. We will annihilate them."

"Yes, my lord." Kaagad na sagot ni Rafael at sinuportahan pa ang gagong

hari nila.

Napailing na lang si Ambrose at pinagpatuloy ang pagpasok sa basement.

Hindi na lang niya papansinin si Stevan na mas kilala sa pangalang Mufasa
para hindi tumaas ang dugo niya.

Yes. That's what I'm gonna do. Ambrose thought to himself.

The whole time, while cleaning up the second floor, Knight was just
listening. The truth was, he was actually happy when SM's Dad asked if he
and his team could tag along together with Sir Dominick's team. He knew
it's gonna be a blast, but this, this was not what he expected.

This. Is. Awesome.

To actually hear the legends argue while on a mission. "Plain awesome."

Knight muttered.

Napailing naman si Shun ng marinig ang binulong ni Knight. He'd been

friends with the crazy ass Count, so he knew what he meant when he said
awesome. "Only you would find their moronic argument awesome."

"That's why it's awesome." Knight grinned. "Because it's moronic."

Shun sighed. "Of course." Shaking his head, he helped Knight maneuvered
towards the third floor.

"Shun, give me a head count." Ani Knight habang tumatakbo patungong

hagdanan na maghahatid sa kaniya sa ikatlong palapag.

"Five."

"And?"

"They have guns."

"That's it?"
Shun shrugged like Knight could see him. "Maybe. That's all that I can
see."

Napailing na lang si Knight saka pinagpatuloy ang pag-akyat sa hagdanan

patungong third floor. Nang makapasok sa ikatlong palapag, wala siyang
nakitang kalaban.

"Where are they, Shun?"

"2 on your right."

Knight immediately ran to his right to meet the enemy when he heard
Mufasa's voice.

"Package is not here. Pull back now."

Knight put his katana back to its sheath. "I think this is a set up. This
building lacks guards. Five guards only per floor, that's too low."

"Agree." Ani Dominick sa earpiece. "We're still cleaning up the third

floor but Romanov already took down the Snipers on the rooftop. We're
pulling back now."

Knight was still bothered. "It's really too easy—"

Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita ng marinig ang pagsabog mula sa gusali kung

nasaan sina Sir Dominick. Kapagkuwan ay narinig niya si Shun.

"Knight! Get out of there! There's a bomb!"

"I knew it!" Kaagad siyang tumakbo patungo sa pinanggalingang hagdanan

pero hindi pa siya nakakalapit at narinig niya ang pagsabog mula doon.
"Fuck!"

Another explosion shook the building he was in.

Fuck!

"Knight! To the rooftop!" Shun hissed while maneuvering for a way out for
Knight. "Take your left! Now!"

Kaagad namang nakinig si Knight at tumakbo patungo kaliwa niya kung saan
ang hagdanan.

"Fuck! Fuck!" Knight kept on cussing while running on the staircase to

the fourth floor.

Nasa kalagitnaan siya sa pag-akyat ng hagdanan ng maramdaman niyang

nayayanig na ang gusali na kinaroroonan niya at may pagsabog na naman
siyang narinig.

"Fuck this!" Knight hissed as he ran.

"Hurry!" Shun hissed. "That building will collapse any moment!"

Knight focuses on Shun's voice while there was chaos on the background.
Each tracker was helping their team to get out from the building.

"Woohooo!" Knight could hear Sir Dominick's gleeful howl. "It's been a
long time since I felt this rush! The running for my life rush! This is
so exciting—"

"Shut the fuck up and run!" Von Per hissed at Sir Dominick.

"Stop arguing, you two!" Vent said to Von Per and Sir Dominick.

And from the other team...

"Run! Run! Hurry!" Knight could hear his father shouting from the
background. "Stevan! Why the fuck did you fucking stop?!"

"There's a cockroach!" Mufasa hissed. "Rafael! A cockroach!"

"The fuck, Stevan?!" Knight could hear frustration on his father's voice.
"The building is about to collapse on us and you're fucking worried of
some cockroach?!"

"But it's a cockroach!" Mufasa hissed.

Gunshots were fired. Then Knight heard his father's voice.

"There. Cockroaches dead. Now, move!" His father hissed angrily.

"Run, my lord." Rafael, Mufasa's butler shouted just a second after

Knight heard another explosion.

"Fuck! What did they do? Surround this whole place with explosives?"
Dominick asked while running towards the rooftop.

"Yes, they did." Ani Vent habang tumatakbo rin.

"Huh! They really want to kill my disciple, huh?" Dominick tsked.

"Again, Dominick! My son is not your disciple!" Ambrose hissed.

"Blah! Blah! You're just jealous."

Knight couldn't help but chuckled while listening to the legends'

arguments. They're all running for their lives but they're arguing like
they're strolling in the park.

"I'm on the rooftop." Anunsiyo ni Knight ng makalabas ng pintuan na

nakakonekta sa hagdanan na inakyat niya. "What now, Shun?"

"Look up." Ani Shun.

Knight did and he smiled seeing a helicopter with rope ladder.

"On it." Knight ran towards the hanging rope, gripped it and as it
started to ascend, he started climbing up.

"We're on the rooftop!" Dinig ni Knight na sigaw ni Von Per at gumalaw

ang Helicopter palapit sa gusali na kinaroroonan ng mga ito.

As Dominick's team grabbed the rope ladder Knight was climbing, the
helicopter ascended again while the whole place was exploding.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Knight sa compound na pinasok nila.

It was a trap for him. Nadamay lang ang team ni Mufasa at Sir Dominick.

"Singkit, who gave us the info of this place?" Knight asked Shun through
the earpiece.

"The Intelligence Department." Sagot ni Shun. Ang departamento na 'yon ng

Orgánsi ang nagbigay sa kanila ng impormasyon.

"Either they're wrong or we have a spy in our midst." Said Mufasa who
barely got out from the basement. "Fuck it. We got played."

"Technically," sumabad si Keegan, "Knight got played. This is his mission

after all."

"No worries." Ani Knight sa kalmadong boses. "I'll find out the truth
soon enough. I'm worried about that scientist though."

"Me and Ruthgar are trying to track his digital footprints, if he has
any." Ani Duke Keegan. "Shun, we'll leave the CCTV footages to you. See
if you can find out what has been happening in this compound for the last
24 hours."

"Yes, Sir." Ani Shun bago nagmaneho at pinausad ang fish truck. "See you
at the command center."

"We'll rendezvous with North." Ani Mufasa na nakalabas na rin sa compound

kasama ang buong team nito.

"TC." Ani Dominick na nakabitin sa hagdanan na gawa sa lubid. "Insert

smiley emoji."

"Oh, shut up already, Dominick!" Von Per hissed, clearly annoyed. "This
mission failed."

Knight sighed and continued hanging on to the rope until they reached
Racini's Hotel's Rooftop.

As they settled themselves inside the Orgánosi HQ below the Racini's

Hotel, Knight went looking for his father and he found him in the
infirmary.

"They got you?" Tanong niya sa ama ng makitang nakabendahe ang kanang
balikat at braso nito.
His father smiled. "It's not a big deal."

"What happened?" Knight asked.

"The bomb. It sent me flying."

Knight sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's okay. Hindi naman maiiwasan 'to kapag nasa misyon ka. I'm
just glad we tagged along. I don't know what to do If you get hurt."

"Dad..."

His father smiled at him. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. This is just a
scratch."

Knight went to sit beside his father on the infirmary's bed and sighed.
"My first mission with the legends and it was a big fail."

His father chuckled. "Don't let it get to you. This is nothing. And trust
me, we had our fair share of failed missions as well."

"Yep. I can't even count how many failed missions we had." Sabad ni Uncle
Kee na kakapasok lang sa Infirmary, dala-dala nito ang laptop nito. "The
important thing is we learn, and we fight again. Shun already located
where the Scientist is being held and we'll move out an hour from now. He
and Ruthgar are making a reconnaissance to make sure that what happened
tonight won't happen again."

Knight nodded.

"And you," tinuro ni Uncle Kee ang ama niya. "You're staying here. You'll
be a dead weight."

Ambrose sighed. "Okay. I'm staying. Make sure to keep Mufasa's safe."

"He can hold his own." Uncle Kee said dismissively before focusing all
his attention on his laptop.

"Why are you here anyway?" His father asked Uncle Kee.

"Stevan is too noisy." Sagot ni Uncle Kee. "He keeps going on about the
cockroaches he saw in the basement of that compound and of course, Rafael
is backing him up. That annoying butler. So I left and was planning to go
to Ruthgar when I realized he's with Dominick, so I decided to settle
here. Dominick is far nosier than Stevan. When I passed their room,
they're dancing to Young, dumb and broke."

Knight chuckled. "He has always been like that."

"I know." Uncle Kee chuckled. "No wonder Ruthgar is always pissed."
"Stevan is just annoying, but Dominick is a whole new different level."
His father shook his head. "I pity his teammates."

Sabay na napailing ang tatlo kapagkuwan ay nagpaalam si Knight sa dalawa

para tawagan ang asawa. Gusto niyang gumaan ang pakiramdam niya at alam
niyang boses lang ng asawa niya ang makakapagpagaan sa pakiramdam niya.

"Mi reina."

"Ayos ka lang ba?" Kaagad nitong tanong sa kaniya.

Knight smiled. "I'm fine. How about you and the kids? Everything good?"

"Hmm-mm." Sagot ni SM. "We're fine. I scolded KN earlier. He'd been

tickling Sweet Mint and she's just one year old."

Knight chuckled. "Well, you know how KN is."

"Yeah, I know. Anyway, when are you going home?"

He was planning to go home tomorrow morning, but because the mission

failed, he had to stay for another day. "Maybe tomorrow evening or the
next day."

"Oh. Okay. Mag-ingat ka."

"Yes, boss."

SM chuckled. "I'm serious, Knight."

"I know. Don't worry. Uuwi ako sa 'yo ng buo."

"Good. Now go do your business. Gusto na kitang makita."

"Yes, boss."

SM chuckled again before saying, "take care."

"I will."

"Bye. Te amo."

"Te amo."

When the call ended, Knight smiled. Feeling calm and ready for battle, he
went back to the Infirmary to talk to his father more before they left to
rescue the scientist again.

"What if this is a bad tip again?" Vent Romanov asked while they're
inside the fish truck again."

"Don't worry. This one is solid." Sagot ni Ruthgar. "This didn't come
from any source. This came from us."
"Good." Romanov sighed. "I don't want to hear another explosion. I think
I'm going deaf."

"No need for explosion to go deaf. Just being with this ass right here is
enough." Tinuro ni Von Per si Dominick.

"Shut up." Dominick tsked while busy with his phone. "I'm playing poker
on my phone. Don't pester me."

Von Per smirked. "I'll tell Happy."

Kaagad na pinatay ni Dominick ang cellphone saka ibinulsa saka nagpanggap

na parang walang nangyari.

Natawa na lang si Knight, pero ang tawa niya at pag-uusap nila ay

napatigil ng tumigil na lang bigla ang truck.

"Shun, you okay?" Knight asked in worry.

"Yeah," Shun answered, "but you better get out of there and see this."

Sa sinabing 'yon ni Shun na narinig ng lahat sa earpiece na suot, kaagad

silang nagmamadaling lumabas ng truck para tingnan ang tinutukoy ni Shun
at lahat sila ay bakas ang gulat sa mukha.

It's the scientist. On the side of the road. But it's not only the
Scientist, but also some higher-ranking official that went missing a week
ago. The Orgánosi had yet to find them or any lead, but here they are.
Alive.

"What the fuck is happening?" Dominick tsked. "Is this some kind of a
trap?"

Inalis ni Knight ang atensiyon sa mga bihag na nasa harapan na nila

ngayon at pinakiramdaman ang paligid.

Each side of the road was a forest. Madali lang makapagtago sa mga 'yon.
And he's sure that these men didn't come here alone. Sigurado siyang may
nagdala sa mga ito rito.

Hearing light footsteps from the right, Knight immediately ran towards
the forest to catch who did all this.

"Knight!" Shun hissed seeing Knight entered the forest. "Come back here!"

"Where the fuck is he going?!" Knight heard someone hissed, but he didn't
heed them any attention. He was busy chasing a shadow of a person on the
woods.

Mas binilisan pa ni Knight ang pagtakbo para maabutan ang may-ari ng mga
yabag na naririnig niya pero mas mabilis tumakbo ang hinahabol niya.

Knight ran as fast as he could, until he reached a cliff where he finally

saw the person he was chasing.
That person was standing on the edge of the cliff, her back facing him.

Yes. It's a woman.

"Who are you?" Knight asked while catching his own breath. He didn't even
draw his katana. "Tell me or I'll catch you. Trust me, the former is
easier."

The woman stilled before slowly, she turned around to face him and
Knight's knees nearly buckled seeing the woman's face.

With his eyes still wide with shocked, the woman smiled at him and said,
"kumusta, Kuya Knight?"

Knight couldn't say any coherent words, all he could do at that moment
was looked and gaped at the woman in front of him, smiling and calling
him Kuya with familiarity.

SM already told him about her, but it's still not one hundred percent
sure.

But seeing her now, there's no doubt.

It's really her.

"Airjem."

CECELIB | C.C.

SPECIAL CHAPTER:
Second Vow

KNIGHT SHOWED his middle finger at his friends who throws and scattered
blue rose petals at him and SM when they entered the reception. He was
about to cuss his friends for annoying him in his wedding when he saw the
whole place.

It had the same color as the decoration in the church— blue and white.
But this was grander with stunning decoration fit for a royal wedding.
From the fabric used to the glass chairs and stunningly decorated tables.
Blue and white rose were the main flowers used.

It wasn't just the church and the reception's decoration, also the venue
where the reception was held.

They're in a freaking high-tech submarine!

Bumaling si Knight sa asawa na nasa tabi. "You really went all out, huh?"

SM was the one who organized it all. She doesn't want him doing anything
since it was him who did everything in their first wedding.
SM smiled, "oh, baby, you ain't seen nothing yet."

He raised his eyebrows. "There's more?"

"Yep." SM grinned at him. "I told you, I'll surprise you."

"I am." Aniya. "First the wedding invitation." It was inside a long
rectangular velvet box and opening it, there's a satin cloth covering the
top and when lift, you'll see a glass cylinder shape container with
velvet cloth as a lid and inside of that glass is a royal blue velvet
scroll with silver lettering on it. Knight huffed a breath. "And here I
thought Cloud and Jacques' wedding invitation was over the top.

Knight shook his head. "And then the church, the suits and dresses. I
never thought there's tons of shades of blue." His friends were wearing
different shade of blue suit. From light blue, to turquoise, to
periwinkle and midnight blue to cobalt blue while he was wearing a royal
blue suit and SM was wearing a light blue dress with leaves and flowers
adorning its train behind her.

"Well, our little lords and princesses couldn't decide what shade of blue
they want so I incorporated every blue shade I knew." Nangingiting sagot
ni SM.

Napailing nalang si Knight habang nakangiti. "I'm impressed."

"Oh, I'm not done impressing you yet, husband." Makahulugang sabi ni SM.

Knight frowned. "There's more?"

"Momma! Daddy!" It was Sweet Mint running towards them.

"Hey, little princess!" Kaagad na kinarga ni Knight ang bunsong anak na

siyang flower girl ng kasal nila. "Nasaan ang mga kuya mo at si Ate Maple
mo?"

Kaagad naman tinuro ng bunso nila ang mga hinahanap saka yumakap sa
kaniya.

NK and KN were with Jacques while Maple was with Parker and their
parents.

"Entering ... the bride and groom." Anang master of the ceremony na
walang iba kung 'di si Cloud.

Kaagad na nagpababa si Sweet Mint ng marinig 'yon at tumakbo ito patungo

sa Lola at Lolo nito, sila naman ni SM ay nagkatinginan sabay ngiti at
magkahawak ang kamay na tuluyang naglakad silang dalawa papasok.

It's their second wedding and like their first, only family and friends
were invited. Knight was happy that his friends were now complete on his
wedding. In his first wedding, Andrius was in a really dark place, but
now he's here and present with his wife.
I'm glad.

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw something playing on the large
monitor on the podium while they're walking towards their seat.

It was photos of their first wedding, photos with friends on their outing
in Khairro's Island, photos with his team and SM's. Photos of him, SM and
their kids. Photos of him and Cloud playing cards, him and Jacques
arguing and him and Kamden having an eating contest. Photos of him and SM
with Midnight, Thanatos and Elizabeth and photos of him and SM with their
parents.

Hindi namalayan ni Knight na napatigil pala siya sa paglalakad habang

pinapanood ang video. His butlers voice brought him back from his
reveries.

"Feeling old yet, boss?" Cloud asked jokingly. "These photos are the
proof."

Knight immediately showed his middle finger at Cloud earning a laugh and
a chuckle from everybody.

"I'm not old, you bastard." Knight tsked. "I have you know I'm still
fresh. Fresher than you," then he looked at his wife, "right, mi reina?
I'm fresher, right?"

SM just chuckled.

Knight faced his friends. "I'm fresher, aren't I?"

"Nope." Sabay-sabay na sabi ng lahat habang umiiling pa.

Sumama ang mukha ni Knight. "How dare you?! May libreng pakain na nga sa
kasal ko, ganiyan kayo. Wala kayong cake mamaya."

Tinuro ni Tyron ang mga cake na nasa isang buffet table. "Alam kong
mahilig ka sa cake, pero para kainin mo lahat ng dalawampung cake na
'yan? I say you'll be diabetic tomorrow."

"Yep." Cali nodded before glancing at Blaze. "You ready the tester, Doc.
You'll have a new patient tomorrow."

Blaze chuckled. "He'd been eating cake for years. I'm really surprise
that he's not diabetic yet."

"Because I'm blessed by God." Knight stuck out his tongue at his friends
then softly pulled his wife towards their table. "Let's go before I
decided not to let those motherfuckers eat free food."

Then he heard Iuhence spoke. "If not for free food, I won't be here
wearing this lame periwinkle blue suit. I look so fucking pale, I'm not
handsome anymore."

Some chuckled and some shook their heads.

"What's the color of this suit of mine again?" Evren asked his wife
beside him.

"Peacock blue." Sagot ni Faith.

Evren sighed flatly. "I don't even know that a color like that exist."

"Well, I'm wearing an Arabian blue color suit." Sabad ni Beckett.

"Fucking awesome name color. Sounds like a royalty."

"Mukhang wala na akong laban." Wika naman ni Reigo. "I'm wearing a

versilia blue suit. I didn't know what that is."

Thorn chuckled. "Good thing I got the sapphire blue suit."

"Why are we wearing this coloured suit again?" Lander asked.

"Kasi 'yon ang nakuha mo sa draw lots?" Patanong na sagot ni Hunt.

"Good thing I was lucky. I got the cobalt blue." Sabad ni Phoenix.

Titus chuckled. "Same. I got the dark blue colour suit."

"And I got cool blue." Umiling si Ream. "I don't even know what that is,
but it leaves me to wonder if there's also amazing blue or smart blue
since there's cool blue."

"There's none, but there's a lot of color under cool blue color scheme.
It has a wide range variety of colors and most of them are leaning to
green." Terron answered Ream and explained.

"As expected from Mr. Duke." Ani Shun Kim. "Could you also explain to me
what Prussian blue is?"

"You should be proud to wear that color." Ani Terron kay Shun. "It's the
color that changed the world. The color maker who accidentally discovered
it was Johann Diesbach but it was Johann Konrad Dippel who sold the new
color back in 1701 and it immediately became a sensation hit."

"Stop complaining or I'll break your bones." Ivy hissed at everyone.

"It's blue. Period."

Lahat natahimik dahil alam nang lahat na kayang gawin ni Ivy ang banta
nito.

Napailing nalang si Knight saka pinaupo muna ang asawa sa mesa nila bago
siya umupo. They're in the center of the large circular hall inside a
submarine.

"Good evening, everyone." Ani Cloud na kumuha sa atensiyon ng lahat. "I'm

your Master of the ceremony for tonight and I can't wait to start our
program with cutting of the cake, but before we begin, let's open up the
walls, shall we?"
Kamden stood up with remote in his hand and when he pressed it, the
submarine started vibrating but not enough to shake the whole thing.

Their confusion turned into shock when they saw the submarine wall moving
up, showing a glass wall that enabled them to see what's under the sea.

"What the fuck..." Knight whispered, stunned, while looking at the fishes
swimming.

"Surprise." Anang boses ni SM.

Knight was not the only one shocked, everyone was.

Knight blinked at his wife. "I—I don't know what to say."

She smiled. "I asked Kamden to make this for our wedding. I want it to be
special and since the kids likes aquarium, I decided to make this. I know
this day is supposed to be for you and me, but it's also a celebration
with our kids. They complete us and made our family happy."

Knight closed his parted lips. "Damn ... this beats my garden wedding."

SM chuckled. "Did I go over the top?"

"Nope." Knight grinned. "Only fitting for a Queen."

Napailing si SM. "Knight, how many times do I have to tell you, with you
and the kids, I'm a wife and a mother. Leave the Queen title for work."

"Still a Queen to me, mi reina." Giit ni Knight.

"Now that the walls have opened," Cloud spoke again. "Let's continue the
celebration!"

Everyone applauded and some even whistled.

"To start with a toast," Cloud looked at their three sponsors, "and a
small message from the Sponsors."

Their sponsors — Mr. And Mrs. Dominic Quinn, Tío Charlon and Tía Jada,
Cloud's parents and Ramona, Jacques' mother paired with Uncle Kee —
raised their glasses at them.

It was Uncle Kee who spoke first. "No matter what happens, always
remember that I got your back. I will always and forever be the president
of Team Swight."

He and SM chuckled at Uncle Kee.

Then it was Jacques' mother, Tía Ramona, with her glass raised. "I wish
you a harmonious relationship and may your love grow stronger everyday.
It won't always be a smooth sailing ride, but as long as you understand,
trust, respect and love each other, your marriage can overcome any
hurdles."

"Thank you, Tía Ramona." Ani SM na may masuyong ngiti sa mga labi.

Tía Ramona smiled at both of them. After that, it was Cloud's parents
time to offer a toast.

"SM, Knight," Charlon smiled at them, "I know that you two know that
marriage is not something you find, it's something you make. And my
advice is, keep making it and never ever give up."

"Have faith in your relationship," Jada added, "and it will last."

Then it was Dominick Quinn's turn, his idol. "The best part of marriage
is doing what you two love together — watching movies, cooking, cuddling,
making jokes, annoying the hell out of each other, teasing, talking
nonsense, thinking together and a lot more. And these little things
shouldn't be taken for granted because that's what makes marriage last
long. The little things. I know you know this because you've been
together for a decade, so think of this as a reminder. Appreciate the
little things because a little goes a long way."

Knight grinned. "That's my idol right there."

"May tatlo siyang panganay sa iba't-ibang babae." Pabulong na sabi ni SM.

Napangiwi si Knight. "I idolize his fighting ability and leadership,

that's all."

SM chuckled. "I'm kidding. I know, I know."

Knight pouted at his wife. "It's our wedding. Why are you bullying me?"

SM just chuckled and listened to Dominick's wife's message to both of

them.

"I don't know what to say to you about marriage, knowing that you'd been
together for a decade, but let me share to you what I think of marriage.
For me, marriage is like keeping your house secure. When there's a hint
of fire and you see the smoke alarming you of danger, you fix it
immediately. Buying a new house is never an option. With this, I hope
that you will be able to fix any danger that will come your way and I
also hope and pray that you won't destroy the house to buy a new one."

Knight and SM looked at each other after that message.

"I promise not to buy a new house." Ani Knight na ikinangiti ni SM.

"And I promise to always fix the house with you." Ani SM.

A second passed, Knight and SM smiled at each other knowing that they
would keep their promise.
"Cheers!" Sigaw ng Ninong at Ninang nila.

"Cheers!" Everyone responded with a huge smile on their faces.

As they drink their champagne, Cloud spoke.

"And now we come to the cutting of the cake."

Knight immediately looked at the twenty pieces cakes on the separate

buffet table. All of them were three layers blue and white themed cake.

"Which one of them is our wedding cake?" Knight asked his wife.

SM didn't need to answer him because he immediately saw Nate carrying a

cake while walking towards their table.

It was only two layers, small in size as well, but it was stunning that
he stared at it for a couple of second just to admire it.

The shape of the cake was square and the color was blue, and surrounding
that small blue cake was white wall of cake that resembles a mountain
covered in snow, but that mountain has beads on them and some were
illuminating lights.

And because the light inside the submarine was dimmed, the small lights
on the cake shone, giving the cake an ethereal effect.

It's like a shining mountain of snow under the blue sky.

It was beautiful.

"I designed it and Nate baked it." Ani SM.

"I think my heart will ache if I cut it." Knight said honestly, still
looking at the cake.

"There's ganache inside." Ani SM na parang inaaakit siya na kainin ang

cake. "We also replicated your favorite cake inside. The triple Bavarian
chocolate something cake."

"Okay, you got me at triple Bavarian chocolate something cake." Ani

Knight saka tinanggap ang kutsilyo na iniabot ni Midnight. "Let's do
this, mi reina."

Smiling, SM held the knife, together with him, and then slowly, they
sliced the cake.

Knight gulped seeing the ganache slowly gushing out of the cake.
"Damn ... that looks good."

Knight put one slice of cake on the plate and he fed his wife a fork-full
of cake before he eat the rest.
Tumawa lang si SM sa ginawa niya at kinunan pa siya nito ng isang slice
ng cake. And the next thing he knew, Sweet Mint and Sweet Maple joined
them and now eating the cakes as well, while his two sons were enjoying
ice cream.

"Little princess, this is Daddy's cake since it's Daddy's wedding, so

don't eat too much." Aniya sa anak na nasa gilid ng mesa at sinusubuan
niya ng cake.

Sweet Mint grinned then she just grabbed the whole slice of cake and ran
away.

"Mint!" Tawag ni Maple sa bunso nila at kaagad nitong sinundan si Mint

pagkatapos itong pakainin ni SM ng cake. "Come back here. You'll be dirty
again and Papá Cloud won't let you eat air fried chicken."

Kaagad namang tumigil sa pagtakbo si Sweet Mint at kinakabahang

napatingin kay Cloud na masuyong nakangiti rito.

Sensing danger of not being able to ear air fried chicken, Sweet Mint ran
towards Jacques, fake-crying while pointing Cloud at the stage. Kaagad na
sumama ang mukha ni Jacques kay Cloud na napangiwi.

Napailing na lang si Knight. His kids were scary sometimes. Sweet Mint
knew that the only way to change Cloud's mind was through Jacques.

"Our kids are scaring me sometimes." Aniya habang pinagmamasdan ang mga
anak na ginugulo si Jacques.

Sinubuan siya ng cake ni SM saka masuyo itong ngumiti. "It's okay. We

still have time to raise them right. There's four of us raising them, I'm
sure they'll grow up with good moral."

Knight took a deep breath and smiled. "Yeah."

"And now, the husband and wife will dance to their wedding song." Ani
Cloud at kaagad siyang hinila ni SM patungo sa gitna ng hall at
ipinalibot ang mga braso nito sa leeg niya.

Knight was smiling while dancing with his beautiful and amazing wife, but
his smile turned into grimaced when he saw his friends walking towards
them to pin money on his suit.

"Bastards." Knight tsked at his grinning friends. "Ang mahal na mahal ng

suit ko kaya kung 100 pesos lang 'yan, lumangoy kayo papuntang
dalampasigan. Hindi kayo welcome rito."

"Don't worry, bud," ani Iuhence saka may inilagay sa bulsa niya. "Hindi
naman na papel ang twenty pesos kaya sa bulsa mo nalang."

And then ¼ of his friends put coins on his pocket while grinning, making
SM chuckled.
"Ang mahal ng pinakain ko sa inyo tapos twenty pesos lang? Nasaan ang
katarungan?!" Pagda-drama niya sa mga kaibigan.

"Let them be, Knight." Sabad ni SM. "Kahit magkano basta bukal sa loob."

"See?" Iminuwestra ni Calyx ang kamay sa asawa niya. "Gayahin mo si SM,

Velasquez. Mabait na, mapagbigay pa."

SM smiled sweetly at Calyx. "Of course. Eat anything you like."

Napangiwi si Calyx kay SM. "Bakit parang nakakatakot 'yong ngiti niya?"

"She's always like that." Sabad ni Valerian saka nag-pin ng cheque sa

suit ni Knight.

Kaagad iyong sinilip ng mga kaibigan niya para alamin kung magkano.

"One million?!" Andrius was shocked. "Fuck. Nakakahiya sa 1,000 pesos

ko."

"Tabi." Ani Dark na nakipagsiksikan para makalapit sa kanila ni SM.

"Hindi puwedeng si SM lang ang may mahabang damit at hinihila pa. Dapat
si Velasquez din."

Napailing na lang si Knight sa mga gago niyang kaibigan ng buksan ni Dark

at Terron ang anim na attache case na pera ang laman at lahat 'yon ay
magkakadikit na sa dulo.

Pinaningkitan niya ng mata si SM ng tumawa ito ng malakas ng makita ang

pinaggagawa ng mga kaibigan niya.

The money from the attaché case that was pinned together was too many and
too long that it looks like a cape now.

Knight tsked. "Lunatics."

"Hayan." Ngingisi-ngisi si Terron. "May kapa ka na. Hindi ka na matatalo

ni SM sa pahabaan ng damit."

SM was still laughing so hard.

"Mi reina!"

Still, SM was laughing while holding on to his shoulder. "Y-you have

cape." SM said between laugh. "C-cape."

Knight looked at SM flatly. "Ipapaalala ko lang, asawa mo ang

pinagtatawanan mo."

But SM continued laughing so hard together with his lunatic friends.

"How much is that anyway?" Shun asked Terron and Dark.

"Five million in thousand." Sagot ni Terron.

Andrius sighed. "When people have money to burn. I never felt so poor —
oh, wait, I already did years ago."

"Make way!" Anang malakas na boses na nanggagaling sa likod ng mga

kaibigang nakapalibot sa kanila ni SM.

It was Phoenix with crown made of money and the bastard put it on top of
his head and Titus put a necklace and sash money around his neck. All in
thousand and SM was laughing again.

At ang mga gago, hindi natatapos doon ang ang panggagago sa kaniya.

The Coleman twins made a tube top out of money and put it around his
chest while the Vitale twins made a skirt out of money and they also put
it on him.

Knight just sighed while looking at his wife who's already crouching down
while laughing so hard — actually, everyone was laughing while taking a
picture of him.

Of course, as if that'll affect him. Ang ginawa niya, nag-pose na lang

siya na parang pang-model habang may suot na tube top, skirt, necklace,
sash, crown at kapa na gawa sa pera.

He even did a superhero pose making his wife laughed harder, together
with his kids who also mimicked his moves and poses.

At ang mga gago niyang kaibigan nakisali na rin. Natigil lang ang
kabaliwan nila ng magsalita si Cloud at ibang parte naman ng programa ang
gagawin nila.

"May we call the best man for his message?" Said Cloud as the program
continues.

Tumayo naman kaagad si Midnight saka nagtungo sa podium na nasa harapan

ng lahat at tumingin sa kanila ni SM — nakabalik na sila sa kanilang mesa
at wala na ang mga pera sa damit nila — bago ngumiti at nagsalita sa
microphone.

"It's the best man's job to tell silly stories that would embarrass the
groom, but I don't have any silly stories about my brother. We didn't
have the luxury to do silly things in our early years because we were too
busy surviving and protecting each other. And I'm glad that you two got
married again," Midnight smiled at him and SM, "I was also your best man
the first time, but I couldn't attend because of some circumstances and
call me selfish, but I am happy that you two reserved that spot for me.

"Kuya, you've always protected me and I'm lucky to have you as my

brother. You're the best kuya in the world for me and to be your best man
is an honour." Then he looked at Sweet Monday. "And SM, I won't be alive
today if not for you and I don't think my brother would survive without
you by his side. What I'm saying is that, stay together for a very long
time. I know that married life is not easy, but I know you two can do it.
You two can flatten any rough roads ahead of you. I believe that."
Midnight smiled again and raised his glass. "Cheers to a decade of love
and more."

"Cheers!" Anang ibang naroon pero iba ang sinabi ng mga kaibigan niya.

"Cheers to Knight for being understanding for a decade!"

Knight showed his middle finger at his lunatic friends who just laughed
at him.

When Midnight left the podium, it was the matron of honor's time to give
a message. It's matron of honor because Elizabeth was already married.

"Hey." Ani Elizabeth na nakangiti habang nakatayo sa harap ng microphone.

"Darn, this is my second time giving a message. The first was in your
first wedding in Spain and now here." Tumingin ito kay SM.
"Nagpapasalamat ako dahil hindi ka nagsasawang gawin akong palaging with
honor."

Everybody laughed at Elizabeth's joke.

"Well, I'm different from the best man. I have so many silly things to
tell." Elizabeth chuckled. "Trust me, matamis na Lunes, I can embarrass
you like hell now, but because I'm the nicest best friend, I won't do
that in front of your kids, but I'll text Kuya later all the silly things
we did when we were teens. Specially the crushes and the boys."

Tumikhim si Knight. "Iba-block kita sa cellphone ko." Wika niya sa

kapatid.

Tumawa lang si Elizabeth na parang siyang-siyang na naiinis siya. "Always

possessive. Anyway, noon, hindi ko lubos maisip na makakapag-asawa itong
si matamis na Lunes. Halos hindi nalabas ng bahay e. Pero mas lalong
hindi ko lubos naisip na kuya ko pa ang mapapangasawa niya. Well, I have
a teleserye-like life, except for my husband part. That was a horror
movie."

Kaagad na sumama ang mukha ni Khairro na tinawanan lang ni Elizabeth.

"Speaking of movie, I remember back when we were college. Matamis na

Lunes and I went to watch a movie in the cinema and someone groped me.
Pero dahil matalas ang paningin nitong si matamis na Lunes, hayon, may
nabalian lang naman ng buto pagkatapos ng pelikula. Yes, action star din
itong si matamis na Lunes."

Everyone laughed.

"But," Elizabeth became serious, "even though she's a badass, she's still
fragile and been through so much that's why I'm happy that she's with my
brother. Alam kong aalagaan siya ni Kuya, dahil kung hindi, may baseball
bat naman ako sa bahay."

Natawa na naiiling na lang ang naroon.

"I already said a lot, I know, so here's the ending part of my speech."
Seryoso itong tumingin sa kaniya. "Kuya, kapag sinaktan mo si matamis na
Lunes, kalimutan mo nang magkapatid tayo."

Napangiti lang si Knight habang naglalakad pababa ng podium ang nag-

iisang kapatid na babae.

"And now, we will call on the eldest daughter, Sweet Maple, for a short
message."

Kaagad namang tinungo ni Maple ang podium saka tumingin sa kanila ni SM

ng nakatayo na ito sa harap ng microphone.

SM made a 'you can do it' cheer for Maple making Maple smile widely.

Huminga ito ng malalim saka may inilabas na nakatuping papel sa bulsa

saka mahina itong natawa na parang nani-nerbiyos. "Sinulat ko 'to last
week pa, bilang paghahanda sa kasal niyo." She took a deep breath again.
"To Momma and Daddy. It's been years since you welcomed me to your
family. I was scared at first, but you've been really good to me, showing
me what family love feels like. Now, I don't have nightmares anymore
because Momma always sleeps beside me and cuddles me when I'm having a
bad dream and I'm not scared of the bad guys because I know that Daddy
will save me and won't let anything bad happen to me. After being with
you, I don't remember my past anymore. It became a distant foggy memory
because everyday, you never fail to show me how much you love me.

"I never feel like I'm different, I never feel like I'm not part of the
family, not even once, because you treat me the same as NK, KN and Sweet
Mint. Not even once did you make me feel that I don't belong. It's the
opposite. You always do things that makes me feel like I belong, and I
feel happy to be your eldest daughter. I'm happy to be called Ate by NK,
KN and Mint. And I'm happy to witness my Momma and Daddy getting married
again. I'm happy to see Momma walking down the aisle and Daddy waiting at
the altar with the wedding dress and suit color that me and my siblings
chose.

Maple took a deep breath again. "Thank you, Momma, Daddy. Thank you for
being my parents. Thank you for spoiling me and giving me anything that
I'll need and want. And thank you for loving me. You're the best thing
that ever happened to me. Te amo, Momma, Daddy."

SM softly dried her tears with her thumb and smiled at Maple. "I love
you, baby."

Knight smiled at Maple. "Come here. Give us a hug."

Kaagad namang bumaba sa platform si Maple at tumakbo palapit sa kaniya

saka yumakap. Kapagkuwan at sumugod din ng yakap si NK, KN and Sweet Mint
at nanatili na ang mga ito sa mesa, kasama nila. Naroon din si Jacques sa
mesa nila dahil nagpapasubo ang masyadong malusog nilang anak, si KN.
"And now, a message from the groom." Cloud smiled at him. "Don't be a
drama king, boss."

"Hey! That's me." Sabad ni Blaze.

"You're a big baby." Ani Happy na asawa ni Blaze. "Shut up."

Kaagad namang nagsumbong si Blaze sa kakambal nitong si Blake.

Napailing naman si Knight saka tinanggap ang microphone na inabot ni

Cloud sa kaniya. Pero sa halip na tumayo sa podium, umupo siya sa gilid
niyon, paharap sa asawa niyang natawa nalang sa ginawa niya.

"Crazy as always." SM commented and Knight just chuckled.

"Mi reina," panimula ni Knight, "I won't say thanks for loving me because
that's already given, I mean, you did marry me, twice."

SM chuckled. "Yes, I did."

Knight smiled at his wife. "There is something I'm thankful for and these
are respect, trust, support and understanding. For me, these four is as
important as love. Without these, we would have never survived a decade
together."

SM smiled at him. "Agree."

"I want to be thankful that we fell in love and stayed together for a
decade, but I'm more thankful to ourselves, for always choosing each
other even after conflicts, arguments and disagreements. It's not just
love. It's us. And we've come a long way." Knight smiled. "But that
decade only feels like a year to me. It went by so fast. Now, I pray, I
wish, and I hope that God will let us stay for more decades to come. I
plan to grow old with you, mi reina. I want us to be together until out
hair turns gray."

"I want that, too." SM smiled with teary eyes. "For the rest of my life,
I want to be with you, with our family."

Knight nodded before raising his glass of champagne. "To our family."

SM raised her own glass of champagne. "To our family."

Knight smiled at his wife who also smiled back at him.

Knight felt complete while staring at his wife's happy and contented
face. SM was beautiful, brilliant and just plain amazing. He was the
luckiest man to have her. He was actually blessed that a Queen fell in
love with him and married him twice.

Standing up, he walked towards his wife, placing both his hands on the
table before leaning into Sweet Monday who never left her eyes off of
him.
"I'm no King, but you will always be my Queen."

SM smiled at him and replied. "I don't need a King. All I need is a
Knight."

"Then you're in luck." Knight grinned. "I'm one fine Knight."

SM chuckled before pressing her lips on his, kissing him softly and
lovingly. In every movement of her lips against his, he could feel her
love and warmth.

Such an amazing woman.

My wife. My baby. Mi reina.

CECELIB | C.C.

SPECIAL CHAPTER:
Kelleon

SOMETIMES, when pain became too much and unbearable, it could twist a
person's mind to became violent and the anger accompanied by pain, shaped
them into something vile — a monstrous being hiding in a form of a man.
Pain, anger, resentment and vengeance, these are only some of the reason
why people act violently and vilely.

But nothing, no amount of reasoning could justify a monstrous deed.

Nothing.

Kelleon knew that, not at first, but as he spent his time here, in a
barren island far away from the civilization, his mind started to wander
and understand.

"Fuck this Islaaaaaannnnd!" The young woman beside Kelleon was trying her
hardest to unclasp the mechanical device around her ankle. "Fuck! Fuck!
Fuck!"

Kelleon just stayed silent while sitting in an Indian position facing the
ocean.

"What's the deal with this fucking Island?!" The young woman cussed
again. "We have to fight for food! No to little water! We can't go into
the water because we'll be electrocuted! And most of all, this fucking
Island Is so fucking barren! No boats passing nearby. Is this even in the
fucking map?! I need to get out of here! I have so many plans! Fuuuck!"

Kelleon sighed and just closed his eyes and focused his attention on the
sound of the waves.

He was already used to new prisoners complaining and cussing, but only in
the beginning. As days passed by, the prisoner would learn that It was no
use cursing, shouting and trying to escape this prison.
Because this barren Island was not called Tartarus for no reason. And he
would know because he was the first prisoner ever brought here.

"You!" The young woman rudely pointed her finger at him. "Why are you so
fucking calm?!"

Kelleon opened his eyes and looked at the woman who had been shouting in
anger since this morning. "You'll see."

"Fuck!" The woman shouted again. "I will kill you, Count Kniiiiiight! I
will kill youuuuu!" The woman shouted again and again and the name she
was shouting made Kelleon froze.

"He was the one who sent you here?" Kelleon asked.

"Yes, and the moment I escape, he will be the first on my list to kill!
He will pay!"

Kelleon couldn't help but chuckled. "If you can."

"What did you say old man?!" The woman sneered angrily.

"I don't think you can make Count Knight pay." Kelleon spoke calmly.
"He's one of the most lethal warriors I know. He has principles. He has a
good heart. That's what makes him a good warrior."

Frowning, the woman looked at Kelleon. "You know him, huh? He sent you
here too?"

Kelleon shook his head. "He didn't."

"Who did?"

"His wife." He answered. She was more cunning than the Count."

The woman tsked, still trying to pry open the mechanical device clasped
around her ankle. "You're too old to be here. What did you do anyway, old
man?"

Kelleon looked at the ocean. "A lot of things." Then he looked at the
young woman. "How about you? You're too young to be here."

The woman grinned, her amber eyes sparkling with pride. "I'm responsible
for seven bombings all over the world with thousands of deaths recorded."
She sounded so proud as she spoke. "It's my legacy. My pride."

Legacy. Pride. Kelleon smiled sadly remembering his life before the
island. He once had a legacy, a pride, but because of his own mistakes,
he lost his only legacy and pride. He lost what matters to him the most.

If only I knew then... Kelleon thought before shaking his head.

"Why are you shaking your head, old man?" The woman was still trying to
outsmart the mechanical device in her ankle. Every prisoner has one. It's
like a tag.

Kelleon answered. "If I were you, I won't do anything with that device
around your ankle. One wrong move and it'll explode. Trust me, it's not a
good sight."

The woman gave Kelleon a doubtful look. "Why do you know a lot of
things?"

"It's because I'm the first prisoner of this Island they call Tartarus."

The woman stilled at that knowledge. "The first?" She gaped at the old
man, "since when?"

"It's been twenty years I think." Kelleon took a careful breathing. "I'm
not sure, but more or less."

The woman's eyes widened. "Twenty fucking years?!"

"Yes." Kelleon nodded. "Twenty years of surviving in this island. Twenty

years of fighting for food and water. Twenty years of paying for all the
bad things I did."

The woman fell on her butt on the ground near him, like her strength was
sucked out. "T-that long? T-there's really no way out of here? Nothing?
Not even a chance?"

"A lot tried and failed." Sagot ni Kelleon. "Trust me when I say that
this island has no way out. You're stuck here until the other prisoners
kills you to save food and water."

As the woman gaped in shock, processing the horrifying truth she just
learned, Kelleon continued looking at the ocean. It was not calming as it
used to be.

Maybe because I'm old, but I can't die just yet. Even when he had to
fight for his food and water for survival, even when other prisoners
wanted him gone to lessen the food consumer, he must fight to live and
survive. He just couldn't die yet.

Not yet.

The woman beside him finally pulled herself together and sat beside him.
"This Island ... you're really the first prisoner?"

Kelleon nodded. "This Island was for me. The other prisoners were just
thrown here after."

The woman looked at the old man. "What did you do to be thrown here?"

"A lot."
The young woman sighed. "Fuck this! Of course, there's always a way out!
We just have to look."

"I suggest you don't exhaust yourself from looking for a way out, rather
save your strength for other prisoners. They will kill you because you're
new. Watch out."

The woman exhaled loudly. "Fuck!" She looked at the old man calmly
sitting on the shore, looking at the ocean. "Can I stay here with you? I
think I'll be safe here. The other prisoners are steering away from you.
I need to stay alive 'til I can get out of here."

"Suit yourself." Kelleon answered nonchalantly.

The woman blows a loud breath. "What's your name, old man?"

"Kelleon."

"I'm called Menta." Pagpapakilala nito.

Kelleon just nodded at Menta and went back to looking at the ocean.

"Did you ever try to escape?" Menta asked.

Kelleon shook his head. "No one's waiting for me outside and I don't want
to trouble my son again, he already has so much in his plate. Seeing me
would cause him pain."

"You have a son?" Menta asked, slightly curious.

Kelleon nodded before sighing, "I caused him so much pain. I couldn't see
it before, I was blind to his suffering. I was so focused on my grief and
my own pain. All I want was for him to be stronger, to be powerful, to be
the winner, to be on top, because in the world he lived in, weak gets
trampled on. Weak gets beaten and I don't want that for him. I don't want
him to be like me. I don't want him to experience the pain I felt. I
don't want him to be eaten by vengeance, like what happened to me. That's
why I never liked his wife, I was afraid that that woman will hurt him
like my wife hurt me. But I guess that's just all in my head. Twenty
years in this Island made me realize a lot of things.

Kelleon sighed before chuckling dryly. "My pain was nothing compared to
the pain I caused. Even a lifetime in this Island can't make up for the
pain I caused to my wife, to my kids ... nothing. So, you," Kelleon
glanced at Menta, "if ever, by some miracle, you escaped this island,
please be a good person. Don't hurt other people. Don't hurt the people
you love. Don't hurt your family. Don't be like me. You'll regret it."

Menta stared at the old man who looked sad and lost, "is that why you
don't want to escape this island?"

Kelleon was still staring at the laughing young woman. It's been twenty
years since his mind was stimulated like this, but his mind was still
sharp.
If this woman knew, then there's a mole. Kelleon wondered If his son and
his son's wife were doing okay.

But there's something about the woman that Kelleon couldn't quite point
out.

"Twenty years. It's been a long time already." Menta said while looking
at the water lapping on the shore. "I'm a firm believer that everyone
deserves a second chance."

"I don't." Said Kelleon.

"You don't know that."

"I do." Kelleon said with firmness, "my time here in the island, the
suffering and pain this island has caused me was nothing compared to the
horrible things I've done. Even death was not enough."

"You're regretting that much, huh?"

Kelleon nodded.

"You're too old already." Said Menta. "Couple of years from now and
you'll be dead. Don't you have a wish before you die?"

Kelleon looked at the sea like he was longing for something ... someone.
"I want to see Blythe to tell her I'm sorry. I want to see my sons to
tell them I'm proud. I want to see my daughter to tell her to be always
happy. I want to see my grandchildren even though they're not really
mine."

"That's a lot." Menta shook her head before grabbing the two makeshift
fishing rods in front of Kelleon and started walking away. "Come on, old
man. Let's go fishing. I'm hungry. The other prisoner I asked earlier
said that the food will arrive few weeks from now. We have to survive to
fucking live."

"There's no fish around the island."

Menta froze and turned around at Kelleon. "What?"

"It's a barren Island." Kelleon said. "I'd been fishing for twenty years
and haven't caught a single thing."

Menta blinked. "Seriously?"

"Yeah."

Menta shook her head "...the fuck?"

"But we could try." Kelleon stood up from where he was sitting, "I'm
hungry anyway."
"Okay." Menta nodded. "Lead the way, old man."

And Kelleon did. He guided the young woman towards the part of the island
where he usually hanged around to catch a fish.

"We're here." Kelleon announced but the young woman he was with was
looking at the cave nearby.

"What's in there?" Menta asked.

"That's my house here." Kelleon answered. "Not a mansion, but it'll do."

"Can I see?"

"No—"

It was too late to stop the young woman. She was already running towards
the cave to check it out.

When Menta went back to Kelleon after checking the cave, she had a
stunned face. "You really lived there for twenty years?"

"Just three years if my estimation is right." Kelleon answered. "I

relocated after some prisoners took over my last place."

Menta was looking at Kelleon in pity. "Seriously ... you need to get out
of here."

Kelleon chuckled while shaking his head. "No, I don't. I already accepted
my fate, young miss. I'm okay with It."

"But—"

"Come on. Let's go fishing."

Menta had no choice but to follow Kelleon towards a large rock and mimic
his sitting posture while holding the makeshift fishing rod that was now
submerged in the water.

And as Kelleon and Menta wait for the fish to take the bait, the two
talked. Kelleon shared his past to Menta while Menta just listened and
would ask Kelleon from time to time.

Kelleon was enjoying himself. Menta was a good company. Indeed, she knows
a lot of stuff like she said. She was also wise, smart and had lots of
sense of humour.

Kelleon didn't know why, maybe because Menta was the first prisoner to
ever conversed with him, that's why he finds her company comforting.

"Damn..." Menta tsked while looking at the makeshift fishing rod. "It's
already nearing twilight and still no fish."

Kelleon chuckled. "I told you."

"I'm hungry," Menta whined.

"I have food in the cave. You can have it. Just leave some for me."

"But it's yours and you're old so you need it more."

"Young miss, I'd been in this island for twenty years already. I'm not
going to die that easily."

"Nah." Menta said. "I'm fine."

"How are you going to escape If you don't have the strength because
you're hungry?"

"I'll be fine." Menta stood up and sighed while her hands were on her
waist. "Damn, this island sucks! Gotta go, old man. It's already nearing
twilight. Need to find my own place to crash."

"You can stay in the cave." Kelleon offered. "I'll sleep outside."

"Nah. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself just fine."

Kelleon didn't force the young miss and just let her be. She was already
off the rock and was now walking on the shore when Kelleon called out to
her.

"What did you say your name was?" Kelleon's voice was louder than usual
so the young miss could hear him.

The woman turned around to see Kelleon while walking backwards. "Menta."

"Menta..." Kelleon said the name like he was testing it for something,
then he looked at the woman walking backwards on the shore and shouted.
"Your name ... Is Spanish."

Menta smiled. "Yeah! But I also have an English name, old man."

Kelleon's lips parted in shock as his mind slowly unravelled the English
word of Menta's Spanish name.

"It couldn't be..." Kelleon mumbled as he looked at the young miss who
was now smiling and waving her hand at him.

"Bye, old man! I'll visit you again. See yah!" Then Menta ran towards the
forest.

Kelleon was already old, his body doesn't have the same strength and
agility, but he ran, he ran after the young miss as his mind concluded
and assumed.

Menta in Spanish was Mint in English.

The knowledge Menta possessed about the Orgánosi — her smart mind, her
wittiness, her humour and her face.

Why didn't I see the resemblance?! The eyes — Her amber eyes!

Kelleon pushed himself to ran faster, using his ears to follow Menta's
footsteps, 'til he heard the sound of a helicopter blades.

No helicopter had ever passed the island. It's a black site. A dead zone.
Their food was always dropped by a plane using parachutes.

So this helicopter ... only meant one thing.

Kelleon ran even faster. He didn't care even If he stepped on sharp

objects. He was focused on chasing Menta.

Huffing and catching his own breath, Kelleon reached the edge of the
Island.

A cliff.

And at the edge of the cliff, Menta was there, she was suspended in the
air with rope secured around her waist. And when she saw him, she waved
at him with a wide smile on her lips.

"Bye, old man!"

"Wait!" Kelleon shouted back. "Who are you, really?!"

Menta grinned. "I'll visit you some time. Bye, old man!"

Kelleon didn't know why tears started falling from his eyes as he stared
at Menta flying away with the helicopter. He only blinked when he heard
Menta shouting.

"It's Mint, old man! Sweet Mint!"

With tears falling from his eyes and happiness overflowing inside him, he
smiled and whispered. "Gracias, mí princesita."

CECELIB | C.C.

SPECIAL CHAPTER:
XXV

"I THINK I'm getting old." Ani Knight pagkatapos uminom ng beer sa
mismong bote habang ang kasama nilang kainoman ni SM na si Cloud at
Jacques ay Cognac ang iniinom habang si SM ay sumisimsim ng wine. "I
mean, I know I'm getting there, but this morning, when I woke up, my hips
hurts like fucking hell and that's a sign, people. A sign of aging."

Jacques frowned at Knight. "That's because you are old!"

Knight tsked at Jacques. "And you're not?"

Jacques smiled. "No. I'm three years younger than you are, that means I'm
fresher and more amazing."

Knight showed his middle finger at the Marquess. "Am I talking to you?"

"You're looking at me." Sagot ni Jacques.

"No!" Knight looked at Cloud. "I'm talking to my butler."

Cloud smiled. "No, my lord, you're talking to both of us."

Knight immediately glared at Cloud before cupping his chest where his
heart was. "I'm so hurt. Ako ang boss mo, ipapaalala ko lang. Papalayasin
kita." Pananakot ni Knight sa butler nito.

Cloud just smiled while Jacques snorted. Habang si SM naman ay

napapailing at natatawa nalang sa pinagsasasabi at pinaggagagawa ng asawa
niya. Knight never changed.

"As If you can live without us." Ani Jacques na nakangisi pa kay Knight.

Making a puppy dog face, Knight looked at her. "Mi reina, they're
bullying me! I'm their boss!" He exclaimed dramatically. "I'm the man of
the house! I'm the most amazing! And I was awarded as the Bachelor's
Village most amazing individual!"

A decade ago, Bachelor's Village started hosting an annual party and the
said award was given every year.

SM sipped her wine and smiled at her husband. "I know, baby."

"Then say something." Knight demanded. "Ipagtanggol mo ang asawa mo. 'Di
ba mahal mo naman ako?"

"I was about to when," SM sipped her wine, "you pull out that award card
again. Seriously, baby, that BV's award was like... ten years ago."

Knight acted like he was hurt. "Oh, my heart. Why you do this to me, mi
reina? You're hurting me."

"But it's true!" Jacques glared at Knight. "That award was given to you
ten years ago, but you are always bringing it up every fucking
conversation — for ten years! And It's not even a fucking medal or a
fucking trophy. It was just a fucking plaque, you motherfucking Count!"

"Don't shout at me you motherfucking Marquess! Get out of my house. You

layas-layas my house, Marquess. You layas-layas!"

SM and Cloud shared a look and they both sighed and shook their head
while the two continued their shouting nonsense argument.
SM didn't even bother stopping the two, she just let her butler and her
husband argued. It's always like this. Nothing's new. No used of stopping
them.

It's been twenty-five years since the four of them unexpectedly met,
twenty-five years since they started living under the same roof, but
Knight and Jacques never changed. Still cursing each other — nonstop.

"Buenas noches a todos!" Good evening everyone!

Boses iyon ni KN na nakapagpatigil sa pagmumurahan ni Knight at Jacques

at napunta sa mga bagong dating na kapapasok lang ng bahay ang atensiyon
nila.

"Buenas noches, Momma." Lumapit sa kaniya si KN saka hinalikan siya sa

pisngi. Then KN went to Knight and they did a man-hug, "Dad," then KN
went to greet Cloud and Jacques. "Hello, Pa Jacq, Pa Cloud."

Napangiti nalang si SM ng makitang sa arm rest ng sofa na kinauupuan ni

Jacques umupo si KN saka inakbayan nito si Jacques habang mababa ang
boses na nakikipag-usap dito.

Mula talaga pagkabata ni KN, malapit na malapit na ito kay Jacques, kaya
hindi nakapagtataka na kahit hanggang sa paglaki nito ay ganun pa rin
kalapit ang dalawa.

KN was now nearing 23 years old, he's not chubby anymore like when he was
a kid, but he's still a baby to everyone's eyes, especially to her and
Jacques.

"Hi, everyone." Bati naman sa kanila ni NK at kaagad na humalik sa pisngi

niya at tinapik ang balikat ng ama bago umupo sa pang-Isahang sofa.

NK was now 24 years old.

"Haaayeee, everyone ..." Sweet Mint who just entered the living room said
in a singsong voice while smiling sweetly. "Princess Sweet Mint is home.
Daddy!" Kaagad itong tumakbo palapit kay Knight saka hinalikan sa nuo si
Knight, kapagkuwan ay yumakap ito sa kaniya. "Hi, Momma." Then she went
to hug her Papá Jacq and Papá Cloud.

"Have you three had dinner yet?" Cloud asked, "I'll prepare some for
you."

"Me and KN enjoyed the dinner box you made for us, Papá Cloud." Sagot ni
NK.

"How about you, Little Princess?"

Sweet Mint settling herself in between SM and Knight in the long sofa.
"I'm good, Papá Cloud." Sagot ni Mint saka inabot ang bote ng cognac na
nasa center table at akmang iinom ng makita nito na nakatingin siya rito.
Nakangiwing ibinalik ni Sweet Mint ang bote ng cognac sa pinagkunan nito.
"Sorry, Momma."

"I know you're already 21 years old, but no drinking." May diin at
Istriktong sabi ni SM sa bunsong anak na siyang may pinakamatigas ang ulo
sa mga anak nila ni Knight.

Sweet Mint smiled adorably at her. "Lo siento, Momma."

"Not working."

Mint pulled out her puppy dog face. "I'm not adorable?"

"You are, but you're not going to manipulate me with your adorableness."
SM said before playfully flicking Mint's forehead.

Ngumisi langi si Sweet Mint saka humilig kay Knight na kaagad namang
ginulo ang buhok ni Mint.

"How's the mission?" Knight asked NK, KN and Sweet Mint.

The three just shrugged like it was nothing. Today, she and Knight gave
them a mission for the Orgánosi to hone their skills, mentally and
physically. Since their kids reached adulthood, they had been training
them to be better at everything.

"It's okay." NK said.

"Boring." Ani KN.

While Sweet Mint just yawned. "When is Kuya Parker coming home?" Sweet
Mint asked while pouting and leaning on Knight. "I missed him, Momma."

"He's doing research with your Papa Kamden." Si Jacques ang sumagot saka
humaba rin ang nguso nito. "I miss my son, too. Though he promised me
he'll be home next week."

Chuckling, Cloud messed Jacques' hair. "Hindi naman daw siya aalis na
nang matagal pagkauwi niya. Let's just wait for him, babe."

"Do I have a choice?" Jacques tsked.

"How about Ate Maple?" KN asked. "I miss her cooking."

"Ate Maple called me this morning." Sagot ni NK. "Said she'll be home
next week with Red, Grandpa and Grandma. She's just finishing her
business meetings in Spain."

Jacques groaned. "I missed my little Red. My little chubby cutie. How
about we go to the beach when everyone gets back?" Jacques suggested.
"When was the last time we went to the beach?"

KN grinned. "Three months ago, when Daddy got drunk because he couldn't
take the green juice I made. It was not even potent."
Knight shuddered. "Fuck! That was horrible." Then he glared at KN. "Don't
you dare make that juice again. I nearly died!"

KN laughed. "Dad, you're over acting again. Little Princess right there
drank two glasses and she's okay."

"That's because Daddy is getting old." Sweet Mint smiled sweetly at

Knight when Knight glared at their little Princess who's not little
anymore. "Te quiero, Daddy."

And Knight immediately forgave Sweet Mint.

Napailing na lang si SM bago isa-isang tiningnan ang mga anak at sumali

sa usapan. "Since we're all here now, I want to talk."

Lahat napatingin sa kaniya.

"Is there a problem, mi reina?" Knight asked, clearly worried.

SM smiled at her husband. "I just want an honest talk with NK, KN and
Mint. I'd been observing these past few months, and I've seen a lot. I
didn't pry, I didn't ask because I was waiting for them to open to us,
but I think that's not happening anytime soon, so I want to talk. Is that
okay?"

From time to time, no specific date or month, SM liked to talk honestly

with her kids. It's like their session. She only does this when she felt
like her kids had problems and issues but couldn't voice it out.

"Okay," Knight looked at their children. "What's the agenda for tonight?
Who has troubles?"

"Damn." Jacques tsked. "Better be honest, kids."

Cloud smiled and stood up, "I'll prepare some refreshments."

"I want a red grape shake, Nube." Ungot ni Jacques kay Cloud.

"Sure, babe." Cloud replied before leaving the living room.

SM looked at her second son after Cloud left. "How about you start, KN."

KN frowned at her. "What?"

"You start."

"But I don't have anything to say— "

"You sure?"

Napatitig sa kaniya si KN at siniguro ni SM na makikita ng panganay niya

sa mata at ngiti niya na seryoso siya at alam niyang kaagad iyong nakita
ni KN.
KN sighed heavily, "ahm," he looked at the center table before he looked
at her again. "Momma, I don't think I can—"

"What is it?" Knight was now frowning at KN. "What's bothering you,
kiddo?"

KN glanced at his older brother, then at his father before sighing, then
he spoke. "I don't want to be your successor, Dad."

The living room went silent and Knight was surprised. "KN..."

KN sighed again before looking at Knight. "You pushed the title to me

after Kuya NK said no and I don't like it."

"KN!" NK hissed at his little brother. "Mind your tone."

"Why?" KN frowned at NK, "I'm just telling the truth. Ikaw lang ba ang
may karapatang umayaw, ha, Kuya? And anyway, I didn't ask you this when
you told Dad you don't want the title, so I'm going to ask you now. Why
are turning your back at your responsibility? You know from the very
beginning that you are Dad's heir, and then you said no? Fuck you. You'd
been going back and forth to Spain these past few years to ready yourself
and you just said no like it doesn't mean anything? Before you tell me to
mind my tone, why don't you mind your own? It doesn't mean that you're
the eldest that I will just accept whatever you throw at me. It doesn't
work that way."

NK's jaw tightened. "Mind your manners, KN."

"Why should I?" KN shrugged nonchalantly. "This is a family meeting. I'm

just being honest." Then KN looked at Knight. "And you, Dad, I love you
and all, but when Kuya NK said that he doesn't want the title, you just
took It and rolled over like it meant nothing. Then you passed it to me
without asking If I want it — well, I don't want it. I don't want to tell
you anything because I know you'll only pushed it to me because between
me and Kuya, you have your favorite, but I really don't want to be a
Count. I'm sorry, Dad. I don't want that life for me. I have my own goals
in life and being a Count is not one of them. Lo siento."

Kaagad na hinawakan ni SM ang kamay ng asawa ng makitang bumagsak ang

balikat nito at nawalan ng buhay ang mukha nito.

"I—I don't have a favorite." Knight whispered in a shocked voice. "That's

not true."

KN snorted. "Yeah, right."

this was a family meeting where everyone had to be honest. She'll comfort
her husband later. "I don't have a favorite. I only accepted when NK told
me he doesn't want the title because I don't want to force him."

"So you force me instead?" KN asked in a cold voice.

"No..."

"Save it, Dad. I have eyes." KN sighed while still sitting beside Jacques
who was tapping KN's knees like he was trying to calm him down. "Kapag si
Kuya NK, lahat okay lang, pero kapag ako, hindi puwede. Remember that
time when I borrowed your katana. You were so mad at me, but when Kuya NK
did, you didn't even bat an eyelash."

"No." Knight shook his head. "It's because you didn't have enough
training at the time that's why I was angry. I just didn't want you to
hurt yourself."

"Maybe so, but you have your favorite, Dad." Ani KN sa kalmadong boses.
"And I get it, I understand. Since I was a kid, I'd been nothing but
trouble to you. We all know that. I'm not Kuya NK. Hindi ako sipsip—"

"KN!" NK's voice thundered inside the living room. "One more word and you
will regret it."

KN just chuckled nonchalantly. "What? Is the word 'sucker' hard to

swallow, Kuya?" KN asked in a mocking tone.

In a blink of an eye, NK moved to attacked KN and KN attacked back, but

before the two clashes, Sweet Mint was fast to move between the two and
blocked both attacks.

NK and KN froze.

Sweet Mint tsked and sighed before putting her hands on her hips, then
she looked at her brothers. "Don't fight in front of Momma and Daddy.
Show some respect or I will beat the hell out of you two."

Everyone was silent, Cloud even stopped in the middle of the living room
while holding a tray full of refreshments.

"This is just my observation." Sweet Mint looked at her Kuya NK. "You
shouldn't have declined the title. It's your responsibility from the very
beginning. You were trained since birth for the title and you used Dad's
weakness to make him accept your decision."

"No. I didn't." NK said firmly.

"Sure, you did." Sweet Mint tsked. "You knew how Dad hated forcing us and
when you told him you don't want the title, you specifically told him and
I quote, 'I don't want it, Dad. Please don't force me. It'll hurt me.'.
The words you used was meant to manipulate Dad, but Dad is always blind
when it comes to you, to all of us because he loves us, and you exploited
it. That, Kuya NK, was a bad move."

"I would never manipulate Dad." NK's jaw tightened again.

Sweet Mint raised her eyebrow at her Kuya NK. "Really? Kuya, this house
is filled with mind gamers and manipulators. It had become our second
skin that we sometimes can't tell if we're manipulating or not. We know
the right words to say to get what we want and that's what you did,
Kuya." Sweet Mint sighed. "I know that you're older than me but let me
remind you again. Daddy and Momma taught us to take our responsibilities
seriously, so please, don't be a fucking dick."

"Language, Mint." Mahinahong sabi ni SM sa anak.

Mint immediately smiled apologetically at SM. "Sorry, Momma." Then her

smile vanished as she looked at KN. "I understand how you feel when Daddy
forced the title to you, but please, Kuya, Daddy didn't mean to make you
feel bad. He just thought it was the best thing and you didn't say
anything about it until now. And please, don't say that Dad has a
favorite, it's not like that. Daddy loves us all, equally, and it annoys
me because you think differently. I know we all have different opinions
and we have different train of thoughts, but when it comes to Daddy and
Momma, don't even think for a second that their love for us are not
equal. I'm the youngest, but I will kick your motherfucking ass."

"Language, Mint." Paalala ulit ni SM sa bunsong anak.

Mint immediately grinned sweetly at her and Knight. "Sorry, Momma, Sorry,
Daddy. Anyway, now that we have Kuya KN's issue out of the bag, it's my
turn."

Cloud placed the tray on the center table before going back to his seat
next to Jacques who was still calming KN.

While standing in front of everyone, Sweet Mint confessed what she'd been
doing. "Alam kong alam na 'to ni Momma, wala namang nakakalampas kay
Momma e, pero sasabihin ko pa rin." Sweet Mint smiled. "The truth is ...
I'd been visiting Grandpa Kelleon in Tartarus."

The whole living room fell silent.

"That's my confession." The sweet and calm smile never left Sweet Mint's
face. "Anyway, before you bombard me with your opinion, please hear
mine."

Gritting his teeth, Knight spoke. "Please, Princess, enlighten me why you
did what you did before I lash out on you."

Naglakad palapit si Sweet Mint sa ama nito saka umupo sa sahig paharap
kay Knight saka hinawakan ang kamay ng ama. "Daddy, I know your history
with him and I'm not invalidating your pain by doing what I did. I just
want to understand, and I know you won't share the same opinion with me,
but I believe that everyone deserves a second chance, even him. It's been
twenty years, Dad. I know he did a lot of horrible things to our family,
but he's regretting it now. I'm not saying that we should cut him loose —
I tested him if he want to escape, and he didn't want to because to him,
he deserves to stay in Tartarus, he even said it wasn't enough to atone
for sins — what I mean is, maybe, you can talk to him and hear him out.
That's it."

Umiling si Knight. "He's just manipulating you."

"He didn't even know who I was." Ani Sweet Mint.

"No—"

"You don't have to decide now, Dad. Sleep on it." Lumuhod si Sweet Mint
saka hinalikan sa noo ang ama nito. "I love you, Dad. So much."

Knight sighed. "I can't, Princess. This is the only thing that you want
that I can't give." Umiling si Knight. "I can't."

SM took her husband's hand and intertwined it with hers and it was enough
for Knight to calmed down.

"Promise me you're not going to go back there." Ani Knight sa bunsong

anak.

Umiling si Sweet Mint. "I can't promise you that, Dad."

"Why are you doing this to me?" Knight sighed.

"Because I love you." Sweet Mint answer was simple. "And I want my Daddy
to move forward without hate in his heart. You and Momma taught me to be
forgiving and not hold grudges."

Bumaling si Knight sa kaniya, kaagad naman niya itong masuyong nginitian

at pinisil ang kamay na hawak. "Sleep on it. Whatever you decide, we're
just here for you."

Knight sighed. "Okay. I'll sleep on it."

Sweet Mint smiled widely. "Thank you, Daddy!" Anito saka niyakap ang ama.

Napangiti naman si SM sa bunsong anak. Sweet Mint was a spoiled kid and
as her mother, she tried her best for her not to become a brat and she
liked to think that she succeeded. But of course, Sweet Mint was still
spoiled, and she cussed a lot. She's just not cussing because she's in
her presence, but outside the house, Sweet Mint was like Jacques and
Valerian combined. She cussed more than her brothers does.

Pero sa apat nilang anak ni Knight, si Sweet Mint ang medyo nalalapit ang
ugali sa kaniya at iyon ang hindi inaasahan ni SM. Sweet Mint was more
like Knight when she was a child, but now that she had grown up, she's
more like her than Knight.

"I take it back." Biglang sabi ni NK dahilan para mapatingin sila rito.

"Take what back?" SM asked her son.

"The title. I'll take it back." Ani NK saka bumuntong-hininga. "I'll be

the Count."

"But you don't want it, right?" SM asked her son. "It's okay. We'll
figure something out if you don't want it."
"No, Momma." NK smiled at her. "Little Princess was right. It's my
responsibility from the very beginning. Sorry for only thinking of
myself. I didn't mean to be selfish."

Umiling si SM saka ngumiti sa anak. "Don't say that. You were just
pressured, and we understand. Lahat naman nadadaan sa maayos na usapan."

Then KN spoke. "Sorry, Kuya, for cussing at you."

"Just don't do it again or I'll beat the shit out of you."

KN chuckled at NK, "if you can," then KN smiled at Sweet Mint. "Thank you
for the enlightening speech, little princess, I appreciate that. As
always, you rock."

Sweet Mint grinned smugly. "Of course, I rock. I'm the most amazing in
this house. Also, the smartest and also the best of the best." Then Mint
started laughing mockingly.

Cloud shook his head. "Refreshment, little Princess. Got your favorite
triple chocolate Bavarian something cake."

Napatigil sa pagtawa si Sweet Mint at kaagad na bumalik sa pagkakaupo sa

sahig, paharap sa center table at kaagad na kinain ang cake.

"Hey!" Kaagad namang reklamo ni Knight. "That's my cake!"

Sweet Mint stuck out her tongue at her Daddy while picking up the plate
with Triple Bavarian something cake then she ran. "Sorry, Daddy! It's
mine!"

Knight glared at Cloud. "How dare you?! That's my cake and I'm your boss!

Cloud just chuckled and fed Jacques a piece of grape.

"Sweet Mint!" Sigaw ni Knight saka tumayo na rin at hinabol ang anak.
"Come back here!"

"Nooooo!" Sigaw ni Sweet Mint habang tumatawa at kumakain ng cake.

Napailing na lang si SM saka tumingin sa dalawa niyang anak na lalaki.

"You two okay now?"

"We're good." Sabay na sagot ng dalawa.

SM smiled at NK. "Don't force yourself, if you don't want it, feel free
to tell me now."

Umiling si NK. "It's my responsibility."

SM looked at KN. "How about you, my little lord?"

KN chuckled. "Momma, I'm not little anymore."

Jacques tapped KN's knees. "We know that, little lord. You're not even
chubby anymore."

Natatawang niyakap ni KN mula sa tagiliran si Jacques saka naglalambing

na nagsalita. "But you still love me, right, Papá Jacq? I'll always be
your little lord."

Jacques chuckled while tapping KN's arms around him. "Of course. You will
always be mine and Cloud's little lord. Always."

KN grinned. "Does that mean you're gonna buy me a new Helicopter?"

"Sure. You want it bigger this time? Or maybe customise?"

KN grinned widely. "You're amazing, Papa Jacq."

"Of course, I'm amazing. I'm a Marquess after all." May pagmamalaking
sabi ni Jacques na ikinangiti ni SM. "How about you, NK, you want a new
plane? Since you're taking back the title, you'll visit Spain often
again."

NK smiled. "Thank you for the offer, Papá Jacq, but my new plane that you
bought just last month was still good as new."

Napailing nalang si SM. "Jacq, how many times do I have to tell you to
stop wasting money?"

Cloud sighed. "I have long given up stopping his spending habits."

Humaba ang nguso ni Jacques. "But it's for the little lord."

"Me, Papá Jacq! Me!" Nakabalik na rin si Sweet Mint mula sa

pakikupaghabulan nito kay Knight at mukang naubos na nito ang cake dahil
wala na iyong laman. "I want a new plane. A new helicopter and new car!"

"Of course, my little princess." Kaagad na sagot ni Jacques. "Anything

you want! We'll buy it tomorrow."

Napailing na lang si SM. Jacques never changed.

"Sweet Mint!" It was Knight. He's back, huffing and glaring at Mint who
was snickering. "How dare you make fun of your Daddy."

Sweet Mint just chuckled before sitting beside her. "Momma, Daddy can't
capture me anymore. He's getting old."

Pigil ni SM ang matawa pero sinaway pa rin niya ang bunsong anak. "Mint,
don't be like that to your Daddy. It's not nice."

Sweet Mint sighed then she smiled at her Daddy. "Fine. I'll replace the
cake. I'll buy you two dozen of Triple Bavarian something cake."

Doon lang ngumiti si Knight. "That's my little princess."

"Hmm-mm." Sweet Mint grinned. "Of course! I'm the most amazing in this
fuckin' house."

"Language, Mint." Ani SM.

"Oops." Sweet Mint gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Momma."

"You say sorry, but I know you're always cussing outside the house." Ani
SM.

Nakangiti lang si Sweet Mint. "I love you, Momma."

Napailing nalang si SM lalo na nang may tinawagan si Sweet Mint.

"Hello, Kaiden?" Kaiden was Kamden's son, Sweet Mint's cousin. "Yes, you,
dumbass! You lost to me last month. I know what I want now. Two dozen of
Triple chocolate Bavarian cake." Sweet Mint grinned. "Wala kang
karapatang umangal, natalo kita sa shooting range. Bye, loser. I want the
cakes delivered tomorrow." Sweet Mint hanged up then looked at Knight.
"Daddy, magiging diabetic ka talaga."

"I don't even know why Daddy's not diabetic." Sabad ni NK.

KN chuckled. "Maybe because he's too sweet to Momma. He's discharging all
that sweetness away."

Pinaningkitan ni Knight ang mga anak nila. "Sige, bully-hin niyo pa ako.
Sisingilin ko kayo ng cake."

KN shrugged. "It's cool. Eiji lose to me in our abs contest. He'll pay
up."

NK shrugged after. "RV owes me lunch. I can convert it to cakes."

Of course, Knight being Knight, he launched himself at her and hugged her
waist, "mi reina, our kids are so mean to me. They don't love me
anymore."

NK, KN and Sweet Mint laughed heartily before saying, "Love you, Dad!"

Kaagad na umayos ng upo si Knight saka ngumiti at inilabas ang cellphone

sa bulsa saka nagpatugtog ng kanta.

It was an old song. 'Livin' la vida loca'.

"Let's dance!" Knight said before standing up and now he's dancing
without rhythm.

KN laughed. "Dad, you in seizure or what?"

NK laughed as well. "Dad, please, have mercy with our eyes. You're the
most horrible dancer I've seen."
But Sweet Mint stood up and danced with her father. The two were the
same, dancing without rhythm.

Napailing naman si Jacques saka tumayo ito. "Motherfucking Count. This is

how you dance!" Umakto itong parang nalulunod. "This is how you do it.
This is drowning dance." Kapagkuwan ay umakto itong parang natutumba.
"This is I'm being shot at dance."

"Sweet!" KN grinned and mimicked Jacques' movement. The drowning and the
being shot dance.

Samantalang si NK at lumapit sa kaniya at inilahad ang kamay sa kaniya.

"May I have this dance, Momma?"

Smiling happily, SM accepted NK's hand and they danced to the rhythm of
the music.

Habang si Cloud ay natatawang nakamasid lang sa kanila hanggang sa

hilahin ito ni Jacques patayo saka pinilit ito at ni KN na sumayaw ng
drowning dance at I'm being shot at dance.

Natatawa na lang si SM habang sumasayaw ang lahat at nagkakasiyahan. And

she didn't know how it happened, but she was now in her husband's arms,
dancing to the fast rhythm of Livin' la vida loca while KN was still
dancing silly with Jacques, Cloud, NK and Sweet Mint.

"Mi reina..."

SM looked into her husband's eyes. She smiled when she saw the emotion in
their depths. After all these years, the way Knight looked at her never
changed. The love in his eyes when he's looking at her was still there.
Never changing. Only getting stronger.

SM wrapped her arms around Knight's neck and pulled him closer. "Twenty-
five years, Knight."

Knight smiled and tightened his hold on her waist. "And for more years to
come."

SM closed her eyes and leaned on her husband's chest, then she opened
them to see her children with Jacques and Cloud, laughing, smiling and
enjoying.

Twenty-five years and we're still together under the same roof. SM
smiled. It felt amazing to looked back and felt proud that her promise to
Jacques was now half-way fulfilled.

She could still remember when she told Jacques that he could stay after
he told her his relationship with Cloud and then she told him that the
four of them, her, Knight, Jacques and Cloud would raise the kids with
bright mind and good moral.

And they did it.

SM looked at her husband. "We did it."

Knight blinked at her. "What?"

"We did it." Ulit niya. "We made a pleasant home for our kids. It wasn't
easy, but with Jacques and Cloud's help, we were able to do it."

Knight looked at Cloud and Jacques who were still dancing silly. "We owe
them a lot. I don't know what we'll do without them."

SM nodded while looking at their butlers who never left their side.
"We're family and we're going to spend the rest of our days here, in the
same house, under the same roof."

Knight chuckled. "We're gonna grow old in this house together. The four
of us."

SM smiled softly. "Yeah. I'm proud and happy that they've become part of
our family."

Knight kissed her forehead. "Likewise, mi reina. I'm glad."

"Momma!" Sigaw ni Sweet Mint saka lumapit sa kanila ni Knight at hinila

sila palapit sa apat. "Come on. Let's make a circle and we'll dance."

Nagpaubaya naman si SM at Knight at natatawang sumayaw kasama ang mga

anak nila at mga butler.

SM couldn't help laughing seeing her butler and her kids dancing silly
without any rhythm at all, same with Knight who looked like he's having a
seizure and he even took off his clothes and dance like a burles King.

Then KN followed his Dad and took off his shirt as well while dancing and
shouting. "I'm the burles prince! Yehaw!"

Everyone laughed including SM.

My family is bunch of crazy-ass weirdos. But she loved them all and she
promised to protect them with everything she got.

She will protect her family, come hell or high water.

CECELIB | C.C
**********