Anathema (The Academy of the Cursed)

Chapter Five: A Game of Strength and Heartaches (Part Two)

-chapter five-

"Let's start the next match, shall we?"

"If the requesting duo wins this round, they win the match." anunsiyo ni Erika at nag-gesture sa mesa. "Now, please come here and place your chips."

Umatras ako at pinalitan ang dating tinatayuan ni Mikhael. The mad dog looked at me with fascination. Kinunotan ko siya ng noo. Don't tell me the dog was so stunned that he's becoming my fan?

"Ano?" I asked, raising a brow.

Hindi siya sumagot at nakatulala lang sa mukha ko. I frowned. He looked stupid before, pero nadagdagan ng kasalukuyang expresiyon niya. Mahina kong tinapakan ang paa ni Mad Dog, para ibalik siya sa mundo namin.

"If you have nothing to say, go and fight."

Umiling siya. "Paano mo nagawa 'yon? May super strength ka ba?"

I rolled my eyes. "Can identify weaknesses, 'di ba? I know which button to push."

They couldn't hear the latter half of what I said to Gordon, dahil hininaan ko ang boses do'n.

Ngumiwi siya. "I wouldn't want you as my enemy."

That actually made me smile.

"Be grateful we're partners." itinulak ko siya papunta sa mesa. "Now go."

Mikhael sighed and walked towards the table. Nakatayo na doon ang natatakot na si Tanya. I almost scoffed when the gentle dog let Tanya choose which hand to use. He looked at the girl with such soft eyes, sobrang iba sa mga masasamang tingin na ginagawad niya usually.

I crossed my arms and raised a closed palm to partially cover my mouth. The feral dog is tamed. What an adorable thought. Love conquers all and stupid things like that. Nakaka-cringe. Now, let's see how the mad dog will react in battling his beloved.

Right here, Kahel is the risk card that I was gambling. Ang gagawin niya sa match nila ni Tanya ay ang test niya sa pagiging partner ko, gano'n na din sa mga planong kasama nito.

Inilagay na nila ang mga chips sa table. Tanya's hand slightly wavered upon placing the chip. Naningkit ang mata ko. Her demeanor was similar to earlier, but her jerky movements and constant flinches seems to be more genuine. Could she really be afraid now? Or is it being triggered by another emotion?

I won't assume she's weak. She must be pretty strong. Although, not as strong as Gordon but she can survive an arm wrestling game without breaking her bones. Ngunit, the earlier match with Gordon must have damage her to an extent. Mentally and emotionally, I mean.

If Kahel is my risk card, Gordon is Tanya's winning one.

Sinulyapan ko si Gordon na nasa tabi at mukhang tulala pa rin. He's not fit to fight more rounds. If this ends in a draw, then Tanya will have to fight again. If that happens, it's a sure loss.

Depending on the emotions of our mad dog, I guess.

Although, I frowned, she can still use Gordon. If ordered, Gordon will have no choice but to fight. In his current state, it's either he's easy to defeat or will be furiously strong.