Perigo's Aftermath

Prologue

Change.

This is a life full of uncertainties. Like what others have been saying, change is the only constant thing in our existence. And it is, unfortunately, inevitable. No matter how hard you try to make things permanent, it won't happen. It never will.

Because whether you like it or not, this is a dynamic world. And at the end of the day, we are all bound to change.

Relationships. Bonds. Personalities. Behaviors. And opinions. Everything will change in time.

I've witnessed changes in weather and in the color of leaves. Foods and beverages eventually stale. Plants and animals soon die. Feelings fade.

And people fall apart.

And how are we going to respond with this kind of changes?

Lalabanan ba natin iyon at pilit na pababalikin ang dati mula umpisa?

O mas pipiliin nating sumabay sa agos ng pagbabago... At magbago rin kasabay nito?

"Athena, please..."

I shook my head in disbelief. Tuloy tuloy akong naglakad papasok sa training room at kaagad itinapon sa pinakamalapit na lamesa ang bag na dala dala ko. I removed the leather jacket that I am wearing as well as my cap.

"Come on, Athena. You know why we did that."

I nodded as I glanced at both Sapphire and Hiro. "Of course," I answered him. "You made sure I'd remember it. Every time."

Hiro's lips pursed. Natigilan si Sapphire sa paglapit sa akin nang marinig ang sinabi ko. I sarcastically smiled at them. I'm done here.

"Tapos na ba kayo? Pagod na ako, e. I need to get some sleep," I said coldly.

Hindi pa rin sila nagsalita. They continued staring at me like I'm a puzzle they needed to solve. Huminga ako nang malalim at akmang tatalikuran sila nang may maramdaman akong muling humawak sa braso ko. I pursed my lips and stared at Hiro's hand on my skin. I watched how he immediately removed it because of my reaction.

"Did you read the details of the next mission?" mataman niyang tanong.

I chuckled and looked at him. "Do I need to? E mukhang sa nangyari kanina, hindi niyo na ulit ako pasasamahin ah?"

"You'll join us, Athena." He sighed.

Tinitigan ko siya.

Napilitan.

Ngumisi ako. "That's new. When you two always leave me behind." Tinignan ko si Sapphire na tila naestatwa sa sinabi ko. "Always make me feel left out."

Umiling si Hiro. "You don't understand."

Tumango ako. "You're right. I don't." Pilit akong ngumiti. "Two years since I joined this team and I still don't fucking understand."

Hindi sila nagsalita. Ilang segundo kaming nagtitigang tatlo hanggang sa unti-unti nang kumalat sa sistema ko ang pait at sakit na kanina ko pa pilit na tinatago.

"That mission..." Nanginig ang boses ko. "is so important to me. Ang akala ko alam ninyo 'yon."

Sapphire recovered and tried to approach me but I raised my hand to stop her.

No. Even the thought of staying close to them right now pains me.

Umawang ang labi niya at huminto. I sighed heavily and slowly nodded at them.

"After Louie... they, fucking again, killed one of the most important person in my life. Isang taon tayong nagpakahirap na makakuha ng lead kung nasaan sila. Isang taon akong naghintay..." Tuloy tuloy kong sinabi. "I want justice to be served," mabagal ngunit matigas ang bawat salitang binitiwan ko.