Series of Shadows: Khalifa

Mision Eight: Moving On

Early in the morning that day, Janri received a call from Alesha. Hindi niya inaasahan yon dahil umagang-umaga, nagriring at nagva-vibrate ang telepono niya na  nakapatong sa side table ng kama niya.

Pagtingin niya sa caller id, it was Alesha. Naiinis syang sagutin ang tawag  dahil alas sais lamang ng umaga noon.

“Alesha.” she said. Malat pa ang boses nito. 

“Janri, did I wake you up?” tanong nito. 

“Yeah. Big time.” sagot ng babae. “What is it? What’s wrong?” 

Hindi kaagad sumagot ang babae sa kabilang linya. 

“I fought someone last night, in Tyler’s dream.” 

“Why are you wasting your time with that Devour? If is true that they are strong, he does not need your help, Esha.” Inis na sabi ni Janri. ‘First thing in the morning and I hear a Devour’s name, it is irritating.’  

“But Janri, Tyler needs my help.” sabi ni Alesha. 

Huminga ng malalim si Janri. ‘Alesha really has fallen deep.’ 

“That's your decision, be careful Esha. Did you know who it was?” 

“It seems they have an enemy inside their clan. It was a Devour.” 

“Huh? A Devour?” 

Natahimik siya. She’s not comfortable with the situation. 

“Yeah. Anyway, I don’t think he will win against me.” dagdag ng kausap niya. 

“Don’t be so sure, Alesha. That might only be a trap he set for you.” 

“What? I don’t understand.” 

“Listen, Alesha. The Devours, they are sly. Be wary of them. Not all of them are like Donya Milagros, Asty or even Tyler. That clan, you knew very well that they are arrogant in terms of power.” 

Alam na alam ni Alesha ang sinasabi ni Janri, dahil kilalang-kilala ng angkan nila ang mga Devour. 

“I don’t think that man, whoever that is, whom you fought last night, used all his means to fight you. I guess he went to your place to talk to you.” sabi niya. 

Namutla si Alesha. Tama ang sinasabi ni Janri sa kanya. ‘Is it really a trap?’ 

“Why would they go the extra mile to set that trap?” 

“Because you protected him once.” diretsong sagot ni Janri na nasa kabilang linya. “They already sensed something. And if they are strong, they will know who’s clan you are from. They can use that info to their advantage Alesha.” 

Huminga siya ng malalim. When it comes to killing strategies, magaling talaga si Janri. Hindi na nakakapagtaka dahil sa ganoong environment lumaki si Janri. 

“For now, be careful Alesha.” 

“Of course. Bye Janri. Give my regards to Uncle and Auntie.” 

“Bye.”

Paggising ni Tyler, hindi na siya makatulog. The warm light that protected him, hindi niya alam kung saan yon nanggaling. Napahawak siya sa pisngi niya, there was a bruise. 

‘Kung ganon, totoo ang laban namin kagabi.’ 

Napatingin siya sa paligid ng kwarto niya. Wala namang nagbago. Normal pa rin ang kwarto niya. Napahawak siya sa tyan nya. Sa panaginip kasi niya, nasuntok siya ng imahe na yon. Paghawak niya, walang dugo pero meron na itong malaking pasa, at masakit yon.