MGA ANAK NG APOY (APOY Book 2) Ebook preview

Prologue

Sa isang pribadong residential area sa may California, May isang silver Porsche ang pumasok sa driveway ng isang bahay. Lumabas ang isang matanda at matipunong lalake para mag inat. Pinuntahan niya yung passenger’s side, binuksan ang pintuan para makalabas ang matangkad, mas bata at mala beauty queen na asawa niya.

“Do we really have to stay here?” tanong ng babae. “Ivana my dear, you know we have too. I promise you once my name is cleared we can go back to the dream house I built for you” lambing nung matanda. “Henry, look the gate to the back yard is open” bigkas ni Ivana kaya napalingon ang matanda at agad pinapapasok muli sa kotse ang kanyang asawa.

“No I wanna go with you” sabi ni Ivana. Nilabas ni Henry ang isang stainless na baril mula sa kotse sabay kinasa na ito. “Stay close behind me” sabi niya sabay nagtungo na sila sa likuran ng bahay. May nakita silang lalake na nakaluhod sa damuhan at trinitrim yung hilera ng golden bushes.

Tinutok na ni Henry yung baril, “Hey! Put down the cutters and raise your hands or I will shoot” banta niya. Tinaas nung lalake na may buhok hanggang balikat mga kamay niya. Sumilip si Ivana at nakita yung mga peklat sa likuran nito.

“Juan is that you?” tanong niya kaya dahan dahan napalingon yung lalake na balbas sarado. “Ola mister Henry and madam Ivana” bati niya sa mala Hispanic na intonasyon. “Juan?” bigkas ng matandang lalake kaya dahan dahan tumayo si Juan at humarap sa kanila.

“I am so sorry senyor. I needed work, I needed money and I didn’t know where to go. You were not here, your garden was not good looking so I came inside and worked on it. You are my kindest employer so I know if you see I did a good job I know you will pay me. I am so sorry senyor, I did not mean to trespass but I want to be honest senyor and I slept here under the shed because I don’t have any other place to go” sabi ni Juan na dahan dahan na lumuhod at nagmakaawa sa dalawa.

“Jesus…I almost shot you Juan” sabi ni Henry na binaba na baril niya. “How did you even recognize him?” dagdag niya sabay tinignan ang kanyang magandang asawa. Nautal si Ivana saglit, “the garden…the garden it looks so majestic..” bigkas niya sabay hinila asawa niyang matanda para maglibot sila.

Namangha yung mag asawa kaya si Juan nanatili sa pwesto at nakayuko ang kanyang ulo. “Juan did you do all of these on your own?” tanong ni Henry. “Yes senyor, I also wanted to paint your house but I have no money to go buy paint. I am so sorry senyor but I know you are very kind” sabi ni Juan.

“What happened to you? You were gone all of a sudden?” tanong ng matanda. “Senyor I am so sorry but the government caught me and deported me. There is really nothing for me in my country senyor. I just came back here, the money I earn here even if small is enough to feed my family back in my country” sagot ni Juan.

“I see, Juan you got better at speaking English. Last time you were here we could barely understand each other” sabi ni Henry. “Yes senyor, you see my niece in grade school is studying your language so I asked her to teach me too. I said that it can help me if I come back here so that I can talk to people easier” sagot ni Juan.

“So how much do I owe you?” tanong ni Henry. Yumakap sa kanya ang magandang asawa niya, lumapit si Juan at may inaabot na papel. “Senyor I wrote down my work time. I know I get paid per hour so I wrote down the time I worked here everyday. I could not work the other day because I felt sick so zero hours on that day” sabi ni Juan.

Napangiti yung mag asawa, binasa nila yung papel sabay tinignan si Juan na nakayuko ang kanyang ulo. “You have been here for almost two weeks? Where do you get your food?” tanong ni Ivana.

“I got the coupons from your magazine madam. I am so sorry. When I got here I saw so many newspaper and magazines on the gate so I took them all here. The newspaper I used to build fire for the night and borrowed some of your wood from the shaft. The magazines I saw the coupons so I took them and used them, I hope you don’t mind” sabi ni Juan.

“But that is not enough, how did you survive with nothing?” tanong ni Ivana. “I did a little work here and there, enough to buy little food. I enjoy working on gardens and painting houses” sabi ni Juan.

“Okay Juan, since the garden seems to be finished…I must agree this house needs some repaint. We just came back from the Bahamas so here let me give you some money and why don’t you go buy the things we need so you can get it started tomorrow?” tanong ni Henry sabay inabutan si Juan ng madaming pera.

“Thank you senyor for the trust and opportunity” sabi niya. “Henry he looks tired. Sorry Juan we cannot offer you food. The maids are going to report later and that is the only time we shall be going to get food supplies” sabi ni Ivana. “Its alright madam, I can go and buy you food then I can go back and buy the supplies” alok ni Juan.

“Do you know how to drive?” tanong ni Henry. “No no senyor, I know but your car is more expensive than my life. Do not worry I can manage” sabi ni Juan. “Okay, we shall be taking a nap. Ivana go get the key to the guest house. Juan once you come back, just store the equipment inside the storage area then you can use the guest house”

“You start work tomorrow. And here extra money, go eat good food then buy yourself some clothes” sabi ni Henry. “Senyor this is too much, I can take my salary from here” sabi ni Juan. “No, Juan, listen to me. Go eat anything you want then buy yourself clothes. We shall talk about your salary later. This not your payment, this is just a bonus” sabi ni Henry.

Naluha si Juan sabay nagpunas ng mga mata, “Sir can I send some to my family, this is really too much” sabi niya. Naglabas pa ng pera si Henry sabay inabot sa binata. “Send them this one, payment for your garden work” sabi ng matanda. “Diyos mio senyor I wanna hug you right now” bulong ni Juan kaya lumapit si Ivana at hinaplos braso ng binata.

“You deserve it. So go Juan, go eat and buy yourself clothes then when you come back the guest house is yours. Get a really good bath” lambing ni Ivana sabay habang di nakatingin asawa niya bigla niyang hinaplos dibdib ng binata kaya nagtitigan sila.

Pagtingin ni Henry agad tumalikod si Ivana at naglakad palayo. “I will go get the key” sabi niya. “Juan while you were here, did you notice something suspicious?” tanong ng  matanda. “What do you mean sir? Like ghosts and aliens?” tanong ni Juan kaya natawa ng husto yung matanda.

“No no no, what I meant was did you notice people looking at the house. Any cars parked nearby that does not belong to the neighbors?” tanong ni Henry. “Oh, I don’t think so senyor but your neighbor has a new wife then they have a new car but its ugly. Then the other night your other neighbor was really noisy doing the boink boink up to three in the morning” sabi ni Juan kaya napahawak sa puso ang matanda at tumindi ang tawa niya.

“Diyos miyo, she was like moaning and moaning and calling out God. Oh yeah oh yeah, she kept repeating so I said maybe they used the little blue medicine to make…orale you get it senyor ahump ahump huh huh” landi ni Juan kaya super halakhak yung matanda.

“But senyor I don’t understand, the wifey looks like a man. If you and madam Stella get noisy like that I will understand but your neighbor..Diyos miyo five blue pills and junior no no go hard” sabi ni Juan kaya naluha na yung matanda sa tindi ng tawa.

Ilang minuto lumipas naglakad na si Juan palayo ng bahay. Sampung minuto pa lumiko siya papunta sa isang liblib na lugar kung saan may nag aabang na itim na SUV sa dulo. Lumingon siya sa paligid, agad siya pumasok sa kotse sabay napabuntong hininga.

“Amazing, just like you said they would take you in” sabi ng isang babaeng agent na may blonde na buhok. “Just a quick question, how the hell did she recognize you with your back turned? You do have long hair now you know” sabi nung lalakeng agent sa harapan.

“She is the reason why I backed out last time. She was getting too close” sagot ni Juan. “What do you mean too close?” tanong ng babaeng agent. “Shiela stop asking, you know what I mean” landi ni Juan kaya nagtawanan yung dalawang lalake agent sa harapan.

“How close?” tanong nung driver kaya napangiti si Juan. “Close enough for her to learn I have scars on my back” sagot niya. “So you went to bed with her?” tanong ni Sheila. “Of course not, well it was going there so I backed out” sabi ni Juan.

“As an agent you know that is part of your cover. As an agent you know that you are trained for that” sabi ni Sheila. “Really? Did you all purposely make me skip that part of my training? I didn’t know there a training for that. I have to go back to Quanteco and undergo that then” landi ni Juan kaya laugh trip yung dalawang lalake agent.

“You missed my point” sabi ni Sheila. “I know what you meant, I was just kidding. Last time it was not worth it but this time with a better offer then its worth it. I still have not seen the written agreement, I want to see it” sabi ni Juan.

“As per agreed, you will get ten percent of whatever amount we confiscate from them” sabi ni Sheila. “Now I really envy you, imagine we agents just go in and risk our lives for the country. You a special case do the same but get a reward too in return” sabi nung driver.

“Oh don’t you worry Dan, once I get my cut the three of you will be on my gifts list. I know you cannot accept gifts but hey were are friends. I know you want a new car for your family and that is the first thing I am going to get you. For you Rob, I know what you want too. Sheila, you can have me” landi ni Juan kaya laugh trip ulit yung mga dalawa sa harapan.

“Will you just drive and lets go get what he needs” sabi ni Sheila. “I need you right now” hirit ni Juan kaya tuloy ang tawa nung dalawa sa harapan. “You that I am gay right and I have a girlfriend” sabi ni Sheila. “She will be a bonus” hirit ni Juan kaya napailing nalang si Sheila.

Ilang araw ang lumipas sa loob ng itim na SUV pinapanood ng tatlong agents yung hidden camera video kung saan nakikita nila si Juan sa labas ng bahay sa second floor at nililiha yung panels ng bintana.

“Hey turn the volume up” sabi ni Dan nang makita nila si Ivana na naka bathrobe na lumapit sa bintana at tinitigan si Juan. “Good morning senyora” bati ni Juan. “Hello Juan” sagot ni Ivana.

“I am so sorry, let me get down so you can change” sabi ng binata. Nagulat yung tatlong agent nang binagsak ni Ivana yung robe niya kaya hubot hubad nalang siya. “Senyora” bigkas ni Juan. Napailing si Sheila pagkat sina Dan at Rob nakangisi at titig na titig sa katawan ng magandang babae. “Damn lucky Juan” bulong ni Rob. “He deserves it, he was the one who found out who they were. If not for him we would be piled up under so much shit trying to look for them” sagot ni Dan.

“Oh don’t pretend you have not seen me naked” sabi ni Ivana kaya nagtitigan sina Dan at Rob sa gulat. “You two are like kids” sabi ni Sheila. Pinindot niya yung comms, “Listen Juan, you have an opening so go for it” sabi niya.

Lumapit lalo si Ivana at hinaplos dibdib ni Juan pababa sa hita niya. Bumaba ng ladder si Juan, nakipagtitigan sa magandang babae sabay huminga ng malalim. “Don’t do that senyora, dont make me create a situation where mister Henry will lose his trust on me” bulong ng binata.

“He isn’t here, he wont know” sagot ni Ivana. “I know that, you don’t have to tell me because senyora the moment he stepped out of the house my imagination started running wild” bulong ni Juan sa tenga ni Ivana kaya napakagat ang magandang babae sa labi niya.

“Such as?” tanong ni Ivana. “Oh it’s a continuation where we left off last time…it’s just sad I got caught senyora but do you want to know the reason why I came back?” bulong ni Juan sabay kiniskis labi niya konti sa leeg ng magandang babae. Tumingala si Ivana, mga labi ng binata dumaan sa buong leeg niya patungo sa kabilang tenga.

Mga kamay ng binata sa baywang ng dalaga, “I have never seen such a beautiful girl in my life…your soft lips that I once tasted..smooth skin” bulong niya palandi sabay mga kamay niya pagapang na sa dibdib ni Ivana. Napalunok sina Dan at Rob, si Shiela napailing sabay napahaplos na sa kanyang leeg.

“What stopped me last time senyora was respect for your husband but once I got deported…I could not stop thinking about you. So much things I wanted to do to you” bulong ni Juan kaya pumikit si Ivana at bigla siyang pinatalikod ng binata. Niykap siya ni Juan mula likuran, tinungo ni Ivana ulo niya at hinaplos mga kamay ng binata na nakahawak sa kanyang mga dede. “Juaaaaaan” ungol niya pagkat labis siyang nakiliti sa paghahalik ng binata sa kanyang leeg.

Biglang tumigil si Juan sabay umatras, tumalikod si Ivana at nagtitigan yung dalawa. “Come inside” bulong ni Ivana. “No senyora, not with me looking like this” sabi ni Juan. Lumapit si Ivana, hinaplos dibdib ng binata. Mga kamay niya humawak sa mukha ni Juan sabay nilapit niya mukha niya at sinipsip labi ng binata.

“I kinda find you looking so sexy that way” bulong niya. Hinila niya si Juan kaya ang binata pumasok na sa bintana. Tinaanggal niya shirt niya sabay tinapon papunta kung saan nakainstall yung hidden camera. “Damn it” sigaw ni Dan. “That was the only camera inside the room” sagot ni Rob.

Natawa si Shiela, hanggang audio nalang sila pero ilang minuto lumipas malalakas na ungol ni Ivana narinig nila. “Oh this guy is good” sabi ni Dan. Walang tigil ungol ni Ivana kaya lumabas ng kotse si Sheila pagkat naapektuhan siya.

Trenta minutos binuksan niya yung pintuan, “Are you kidding me?” sigaw niya pagkat narinig niya parin ungol ni Ivana na nagtutuloy. “They have been at it since you left” sabi ni Dan. “Geez” bigkas ni Shiela. “Well you told him to give in so there you go. I must say he is really good” sabi ni Rob.

Isa pang oras lumipas, tahimik na yung audio. “Ivana wake up, look at me” narinig nila. “Focus on me” sabi ni Juan. “Focus on my finger, follow it with your eyes. Follow it, don’t lose focus…follow it as it gets moving slower…slower…” bigkas ni Juan.

“Ivana, imagine your dream house, will you tell me what it looks like” bulong ni Juan at biglang nagsalita na yung babae. “Oh my God, that was quick, he got her quick” sabi ni Dan. “Shhhh listen” sabi ni Sheila.

“Can you imagine me and you at your dream house?” tanong ni Juan. “Yes” sagot ni Ivana. “The problem is, how could I be with you if I don’t know where it is? Henry wont bring me there, so will you tell me how to get there so I can see you again?” bulong ni Juan.

Nagsabi ng address si Ivana kaya tuwang tuwa yung mag agents sa kotse. “Oh my God he really did it” sabi ni Sheila. “Thank you my love, now sleep, once I snap my fingers you will never remember about this talk of ours. Sleep Ivana..sleep” bulong ni Juan.

Inalis ni Juan yung takip sa hidden camera, “Give us a few minutes to verify the address” sabi ni Sheila kaya tinungo ni Juan ulo niya. Isang minuto lumipas, “Juan take down all the cameras and speakers. The address is legit, the warrant is being worked on so for now just stay put. Just clean house” sabi ni Sheila.

Nakita nila si Juan lumabas ng bintana, naupo sa ledge sabay nagsindi ng yosi. “Juan, did you hear what I told you?” tanong ni Sheila. Nakita nila si Juan inalis earpiece niya sabay tinapon palayo. Sumandal siya sabay tuloy ang yosi kaya napailing si Sheila.

“What the hell is his problem now?” tanong ng babaeng agent. “Jesus Christ Sheila, he is a Filipino. What he just did could be against their beliefs” sabi ni Dan. “Nah, he is still a guy, I think he has someone. That is why he feels guilty right now” sagot ni Rob.

“How is he going to be an agent if he acts and thinks that way?” tanong ni Sheila. “That is why he never finished the whole course perhaps” sabi ni Dan. “Oh I thought he was just greedy” biro ni Dan.

“He could have been a really good agent” sabi ni Sheila. “Yeah, everyone likes him. Who doesn’t right?” tanong ni Dan. “Hey look he is going back inside” sabi ni Rob. Napanood nila si Juan inalis na yung mga nakatagong camera at microphones, pagpatay ng video lahat sila napabuntong hininga.

“So what country gets him next?” tanong ni Dan. “I don’t know, he said something to me like after this he is going to have another vacation” sagot ni Rob. “Its fun working with him” sabi ni Sheila kaya napatingin yung dalawa sa kanya.

“Irritating guy but yeah he is okay. I take back everything I said about him” sabi ni Sheila. “Oh come on Sheila, you are too uptight, Juan is a really okay guy” sabi ni Dan. “I know but somehow I feel that he is hiding something” sabi ng babaeng agent.

“Like what? His life is like an open book to us. We know everything about him” sabi ni Rob. “I just don’t know, I feel that there is something more about him that we all don’t know, that no one knows except him of course” sabi ng dalaga.

“Can you imagine how good an agent he could be if he finished the whole course with the skills he already has?” tanong ni Dan. “We would all lose our jobs you know” biro ni Rob kaya nagtawanan sila.

MGA ANAK NG APOY E-book

(APOY BOOK 2)

48 chapters

500 pages

Currently on edit phase 

SAGRADO Ebook Preview

Prologue

“Olan you promised me. Nanghihina na ako sa pamamalagi sa ganitong anyo” reklamo ng isang cardinal. “Konting tiis nalang, hindi nasunod yung unang plano natin pagkat hindi tayo makalapit ng husto sa kanya panginoon” sagot ni Olan.

“It has to happen soon! Nasusuka na ako sa kalokohan na pagiging mabuti. Kasuklam suklam na nakikipag ngitian, nakikipag dasal at kung ano ano pang ritual nilang walang saysay” reklamo ng punong demonyo.

“I know my Lord but please, ayan na o, nakikita mo naman na siya sa TV ngayon. Nakikisalamuha siya sa mga taong may sakit” sabi ni Olan. “What are you trying to tell me?” tanong ng punong demonyo.

“Of course my lord, ginawa kong armas natin ang mga taong may sakit. Inalam ko schedule niya, pinakalat ko ang ating isang heneral upang ikalat sa mga tao ang sakit na siyang pupuksa sa kanyang buhay”

“But you have to understand my lord that we have to make it look normal. This is his last stop, pang ikatlong bansa na niya itong binisita for the past few days. Unang bansa palang na binisita niya nahawaan na natin siya”

“Bawat may sakit na niyayakap niya lalo siya nahahawa so by the time makabalik siya dito saka lang magmamanifest ang sakit na ibibigay natin sa kanya. Do not worry my lord it is all calculated, the moment he steps foot here that is the time makakaramdam na siya ng panghihina”

“They could say that he is just tired. Later on lulubha ang kanyang sakit, they will have him tested, they will find nothing. Sasabihin lang nila na kailangan niya magpahinga. He will grow weaker, hindi nila maiintindihan anong sakit yon kaya sasabihin lang nila due to old age. Once he is at his weakest state then I am sure magsisimula na yung pag uusap ng pagpapalit sa kanya” paliwanag ni Olan.

“Punyeta ka Olan, siguraduhin mo mangyayari yan. Nanghihina na talaga ako Olan. Hindi ko na kaya magtagal dito sa pesteng lugar na ito” sabi ng punong demonyo. “Cardinal Nathaniel, please keep up the act. Konting konti nalang. Pag ikaw ang naging susunod na Santo Papa, mayuyurak na yung paniniwala ng lahat ng naniniwala sa kanya”

“Their faith shall be rattled and shattered, wala na silang panghahawakan pa. Magkakaroon ng rebolusyon, sa tagal ng panahon naniwala sila sa simbahan…buburahin natin yon at papalabasin na kasinungalingan ang lahat. Can you  imagine that my Lord?”

“The so called sheeps will be lost, that is the best time we strike and take over the world. Wala na silang pinanghahawakan pa, malilito sila, their guards will be down so it would be easier for us to invade their minds and souls. Then you can mold the world according to your liking” sabi ni Olan.

Pumikit yung punong demonyo sabay huminga ng malalim. “Yes I imagine that…magtitiis pa ako Olan. If that day does not happen then I will rip your soul into tiny bits then feed on it myself” banta niya. “It will happen, according to your will” bulong ni Olan sabay napangiti.

Samantala sa isang park sa pribadong subdibisyon hingal na hingal na si Bart at inuuga ang kanyang ulo. “Whooo grabe ang pawis ko o” sabi ni Bea. “Ako din super pawis, that was so much fun” sagot ni Tasha. “Ayaw ko na, please tama na” sabi ni Bart.

“Zumbaaaaa” bigkas ni Fie sabay pinalaki ang mga mata niya. “Fie tama na, pagod na kami, bukas nalang ulit” reklamo ni Ayesha. “Zumbaaaaa paaaaa” bigkas ng bata sabay biglang humangin ng malamig sa buong paligid.

“Fie, baby girl this is enough for today” lambing ni Bart ngunit biglang lumutang sa ere ang batang babae, kinilibatutan ang lahat nang makita nila yung mga kaluluwa naglabasan mula sa lupa at nagpaikot ikot sa batang babae.

“Zumbaaaaaaa” dinig nilang bulong sa buong paligid kaya lahat sila napalunok. “Zumba na! Tara na ayaw ko na mahabol ng mga yan at tumakbo nanaman tayo ng ilang kilometro” sabi ni Aryanna. “Sana may trabaho narin ako, tignan mo si bakla wala dito” reklamo ni Bart.

“Okay okay come on guys, we can do this. Fie last na ito for today ha” sabi ni Ayesha. “Is this punishment for us?” tanong ni Bart. “Ewan ko, basta gawin nalang natin” sabi ni Mika. “Kuya is gonna get mad if you call kuya Tsufi bakla” sabi ni Fie sabay ngiti.

“Okay sorry na. Nakakainggit sila ni Ella, buti pa sila hindi dumaranas ng ganito” bulong ni Bart. “Okay Bea ikaw naman mag lead, come on guys whatever this is for we must do it or else tayo din lang ang kawawa later” sabi ni Ayesha.

Samantala sa tuktok ng isang gusali sa Manila nakaupo si Benjoe at Kamato. “Ano nananman ginagawa natin dito?” tanong ng matandang demonyo. “Tignan mo yung lalake na yan” sabi ni Benjoe sabay turo sa isang lalake na nakasando ng puti at puruntong shorts na nakatambay sa isang kanto.

“O bakit yan?” tanong ni Kamato. “Ang ganda naman ng katawan niya, bakit kaya hindi nalang siya magtrabaho tulad nung isang lalake na yon” sabi ni Benjoe sabay turo sa isang kargador na nagkakarga ng tray sa loob ng isang van. “Freedom, di ba yan ang gusto ng lahat. Malaya siya gawin ang gusto niya” sabi ni Kamato.

“Look at that woman over there, galing siya sa sanlaan, gipit sila konti at kailangan nila pambayad sa tuition ng anak nila na nasa college” sabi ni Benjoe kaya napatingin si Kamato. “Again its freedom, maaga siya lumandi, kaya ayan hirap tustusan ang buhay niya at anak niya” sabi ni Kamato.

“Right, now watch” sabi ni Benjoe. Habang naglalakad yung babae nakita nila yung naka sando na lalake biglang tumakbo ng matulin at inigaw ang bag niya. Nagsisigaw yung babae, may mga lalake na tumulong sa kanya para habulin yung snatcher.

Lumiko yung snatcher ngunit bigla siyang nahagip nung van kaya bulagta siya sa kalsada, nadaanan pa siya ng isang jeep kaya napisa ang kanyang ulo. “You knew that would happen didn’t you?” tanong ni Kamato.

“Yes” sagot ni Benjoe sabay nakita nila na nasoli yung bag ng babae ngunit nagkagulo ng husto sa may kalsada dahil sa kawawang katawan ng snatcher sa ilalim ng jeep. Ilang saglit may nakita silang kaluluwa na tumayo at tila tuliro. Ang kaluluwa pinagmamasdan katawan niya sa ilalim ng jeep at ramdam nila Benjoe at Kamato ang panghihinayang niya.

“Tignan mo siya, tuliro, nakikita niya sarili niya at dahan dahan nag sisink in. Nagsisisi siya bakit niya pa inisnatch yung bag, pero its too late. Wala nang replay at do over. He is ours now” sabi ni Benjoe sabay nakita nila isang alagad ni Kamato na sumusundo na sa kaluluwa.

“So what is your point?” tanong ni Kamato. “Ikaw ano naramdaman mo nung muntikan na kitang pinatay?” tanong ni Benjoe kaya natawa ang matanda. “You know that I cannot die, because I am already dead. I am death himself” sabi ni Kamato. Napangiti si Benjoe sabay natawa konti, “Kailangan mo pa ba talaga magsinungaling sa akin kahit nababasa ko na isipan mo?” sagot niya.

Huminga ng malalim si Kamato sabay inuga ang kanyang ulo. “Fear” bulong niya kaya natawa si Benjoe. “Do you want to know why you felt fear?” tanong ng binata. Di kumibo yung matanda kaya tumayo si Benjoe at nag inat. “Because you are not death, you are not the real one” sabi ni ng binata.

“Oo na oo na, kasi ikaw yung tunay na Kamatayan” sabi ni Kamato. “Hindi rin” sagot ni Benjoe kaya nag titigan sila. “Kamato, ako ang hari ng impyerno dito, pero hindi ako yung punong demonyo ng mundo” bulong ni Benjoe kaya nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kamao.

“What?” tanong ng matanda. “Its true, at isa sa lugar sa buong mundo naglilibot ang totoong Kamatayan” bulong ni Benjoe kaya biglang napahaplos sa ulo niya ang matanda. “Liar” bigkas ni Kamato. “Think about it Kamato, gano naman kaswerte ang Pilipinas kung nandito talaga ang punong demonyo ng mundo”

“Maliit lang na bansa ito, at ikaw ang tinatawag na Kamatayan tuwang tuwa ka na naghahari harian dito?” dagdag ng binata kaya nayanig ang utak ni Kamato. Naglakad palayo si Benjoe, “Kamato, why don’t you go to Visayas, there is a ship that sunked there. Gather the souls that you can specially of those of the captain at its crew” sabi niya.

Tinignan ni Kamato ang binata, napanood niya ito malusaw at naging anino na dahan dahan nawala. Samantala sa tuktok ng isang ulap tulala sina Brod at Brad. “I cannot believe that he told Kamato that” sabi ni Brod. “Ako din, what is he trying to do?” sagot ni Brad.

“Hindi ko maintindihan ang mga kilos ni Benjoe lately” sabi ni Brod. “Yung ginawa niya, it broke the knowledge barrier set upon us demons. Kaya nga meron ganon para hindi mag malabis ang mga demonyo at magbalak na sumakop sa ibang bansa” sabi ni Brad.

“At pano mo naman nalaman yan kaibigan?” tanong ni Brod. “He told me” sagot ni Brad kaya nagulat ang kaibigan niya. “He told you?” tanong ni Brod. Napangisi si Brad sabay tinigna kaibigan niya. “And you didn’t bother telling me that big secret? All this time my friend you never told me” sabi ni Brad.

“Hindi ko naman nalaman yan sa umpisa, nabuo nalang kaalaman namin nung nalaman natin ang tungkol sa grand demon” sabi ni Brod. “Kaya nga, you never told me” sabi ni Brad. “My friend this does not affect our friendship, so what kung alam namin, hindi naman kami magmalalabis” sabi ni Brod.

“Kahit na, kaibigan mo ako so you should have told me. Dito na nagtatapos ang pagkakaibigan natin” sabi ni Brad kaya nagulat ang kaibigan niya. “Seryoso ka?” tanong ni Brod kaya tumawa ng malakas si Brad. “Hindi joke lang no, naiintindihan ko naman”

“Pero aaminin ko sa iyo kaibigan, mula nung kinausap ako ni Benjoe parang may selyo na nabasag sa aking isipan. Oo nalaman natin ang tungkol sa grand demon noon pa ngunit nung kinausap niya ako parang may lock na nagbukas sa aking isipan. Lately I know things that I never knew before” sabi ni Brad.

“Tulad ng ano?” tanong ni Brod. “Hindi ko masabi, basta alam ko madami na akong kaalaman sa aking isipan ngunit…para bang kailangan may trigger muna bago siya maalala ng buo” paliwanag ni Brad. “Kaibigan, baka naman ayaw mo lang sabihin sa akin. Sharing is caring you know” sabi ni Brod kaya nagtawanan sila.

“Hindi ko talaga maipaliwanag kaibigan, para ba akong si Google na kailangan mo pa ng key words bago ako magsabi ng kaalaman. Parang alam ko nasa isipan ko ang kaalaman ngunit hindi ko siya basta basta makuha kung gusto ko” sabi ni Brad.

Biglang hinawakan ni Brod braso ng kaibigan niya. “Kaibigan, sa tingin ko nabulungan tayo ni Benjoe” sabi ni Brod. “Anong ibig mo sabihin?” tanong ni Brad. “May hinala ako, we need help. He did something to us” sabi ni Brod. “What do you mean? You are not making sense” sabi ni Brad.

“Kailangan natin ipulong ang mga taga bulong, yung mga matatanda na retirado na. We need their help” sabi ni Brod. “Para saan? Ano ba nangyayari sa iyo?” tanong ni Brad. “Hindi ko sigurado ngunit may hinala ako, we need their help as soon as possible. I feel that Benjoe didn’t unlock anything inside our minds, he kept something there” sabi ni Brod kaya natulala si Brad.

Samantala sa Los Angeles airport nanginginig ang isang dalaga habang inaantay yung flight niya. Tumunog ang kanyang cellphone kaya agad niya sinagot ito. “Hello mom, my flight was kinda delayed” sabi ng dalaga. “Elaine, are you really sure you are going to the Philippines. You can still back out” sabi ng nanay niya.

“Mom I really need to speak to him. There are things he should know” sabi ng dalaga. “Elaine it’s too dangerous for you to get involved” sabi ng nanay niya. “No mom, it is written that he will protect me and I will not be alone” sabi ni Elaine.

“What do you mean you will not be alone. Who is going with you?” tanong ng matanda. “I don’t know yet mom but it is written. We shall find each other and we are the ones who are going to help him” sabi ni Elaine.

“What do you mean help him?” tanong ng nanay niya. “It is written mom, please do not worry about me. He can protect me and you know that. This is my destiny, I need to speak to him as soon as possible” sabi ng dalaga. “Okay, please take care. At the first sign of trouble please come home right away” sabi ng nanay niya.

Pagpatay ng tawag agad niya tinago phone niya sabay nagsimangot pagkat muling naadjust yung delay ng kanyang flight. “Maybe you should ask for another flight” biglang sabi ng katabi niyang matanda kaya napatingin si Elaine.

“I really need to get on this flight” sabi ng dalaga. “Then try another airline” sabi ng matanda kaya napatingin si Elaine sa counter. “Maybe I will just wait” sabi ng dalaga, ngumiti yung matanda sabay biglang tumayo at umalis na. Ang dalaga nilabas niya music player niya, bago niya sinaksak earphones niya may isang binatang nakasalamin ang naupo sa kanyang tabi.

“Tsk” bigkas nung binata sabay napailing, “Delayed flight?” tanong ni Elaine. “Yeah, its been delayed twice already” sabi nung binata. “You are Asian so are you going home to the Philippines?” tanong ni Elaine. “Something like that, my mom is a Filipino and my dad is French. I was born and raised in France. I just love travelling the world so I said this time let me go visit the country where my mom was born” sabi nung binata.

“Oh so its your first time going there too like me” sabi ni Elaine. “Yeah, oh I am Gregor” sabi nung binata. “Elaine” sagot ng dalaga at nagkamayan sila. Para silang nakuryente, mula sa kamay nila gumapang ang napaka ginhawang daloy ng kuryente papunta sa kanilang mga utak.

“Its you” bigkas ni Elaine. “What?” sagot nung lalake. Sa malayo napangiti yung matanda habang pinagmamasdan yung dalawa. Tumalikod na siya, lumabas sa airport sabay may tinawagan sa kanyang cellphone. “The seer has met the witness, you can push through with the flight” sabi niya.

“So its really going to happen” sabi ng boses sa kabilang linya. “I am afraid so. I am now heading to the next location” sabi ng matanda sabay pumasok sa isang puti na limousine. “Okay, God be with you my friend. I will tell the others to start the preparations” sabi nung nasa kabilang linya.

“Then end is about to happen, I just do hope they could stop it in time” sabi ng matanda. “My friend are you sure we are betting on the right horse here?” tanong nung nasa kabilang linya. “My gut tells me that they are on the right path” sabi nung matanda.

Pagpatay ng tawag nilapag ng matanda yung cellphone, kinatok niya yung divider window kaya bumukas ito at isang anghel na driver ang nagpakita. “Proceed to the next location, we need to find the rest of them” sabi ng matanda sabay naglabasan narin ang kanyang malalaking pagpak at nagbaga ng puti ang kanyang mga mata.

Sa loob ng isang malaking kwarto nilapag ng isang lalake na nakaputi ang cellphone niya. “The seer has met the watcher, they are going to the Philippines” sabi niya sabay humarap sa kanyang mga kasama.

“Should we really pin our hopes on them?” tanong ng isang anghel. “He is right, we can strike now and stop that demon right away. We are already sure he is from the Philippines so we could all go there and take him down already” sabi ng isang anghel.

“That will be very unbecoming of us. Let us put our trust on our elder. If he says it is what is written then let us believe” sabi nung lalakeng anghel. “So we sit here and place everything on the hands of the human beings?” tanong ng isang anghel.

“They are special, they were chosen” sagot nung lalake. “And what if they fail?” tanong ng isa. “We have emergency measures for that. For now their task is to find out who that chosen one is”

“We still do not know who he is, all we know right now is he is from the Philippines. If the humans fail then we ourselves will take him down” sagot nung lalake. “It might be too late by then” bulong nung isa.

“Have a little faith but at the same time let us prepare for war”

SAGRADO E-book 

(Salamangka Book 4)

As of time of post e-book is still currently being written...