REIGN OF BLOOD

CHAPTER 7: HEROES HALL

We were brimming with excitement as we stepped out of Ninong Sonny'scar, entering the underground car park of the Elders Hall building. It felt like we were young children who had just escaped from a thrilling theme park. The dimly lit parking area filled with numerous parked cars and more were arriving, possibly accompanied by their parents, just like us.

"Salve, Thor, come on! Follow us and have your citizen IDs ready," Ninong Sonny exclaimed, leading the way towards the glass door, guarded by two tall Security Army personnel in black battle uniforms with thick helmets obscuring their eyes.

Despite our mixed nervousness and excitement, Salve and I politely trailed behind Father and Ninong Sonny, making our way toward the entrance door. The basement area was spacious, providing a sense of anticipation.

"Salve, Thor, pick up your pace," Father called out on us, noticing our occasional hesitation.

"Yes, sir," Salve and I almost simultaneously responded. Sharing a smile, we quickened our gait to catch up with our parents.

Upon entering the entrance door, Ninong Sonny was greeted by one of the Security Army guards stationed in the building. The guard stood tall and saluted Ninong Sonny, who returned the gesture before handing him an envelope containing the names of the Alay. After receiving the envelope, the guard passed it to his companion and retrieved the list from inside. He precisely placed it in his black folder clipboard and grasped the pen. Father and Ninong Sonny proceeded inside, while the two serious-faced Security Police shifted their attention towards me and Salve. The guard, aged between twenty-five and thirty, possessed thick, bushy eyebrows, an unassuming nose, and thin lips that carried a shade of darkness. He scrutinized us from head to toe, leaving me feeling slightly uneasy. Holding the black folder clip and pen, he seemed-to-be discreetly jotting down something on the lists that eluded my vision. His gaze was fixed upon both of us, and his dry lips moistened by his tongue.

Salve and I maintained our composure, though our nerves were palpable. The sound of my pounding heart reverberated through those moments. I nearly stumbled from where I stood when the blaring sirens filled the vicinity, signifying a security threat within the Poblacion jurisdiction. Worried glances were exchanged between me and Salve.

"Let's remain calm. It's merely a problem with the outdated alarm system in Poblacion," reassured one of the soldiers to the four of us. Both father and Ninong Sonny visibly exhaled with relief upon hearing the soldier's explanation.

"How long has it been malfunctioning, officer?" queried Ninong Sonny assertively.

"Sir, it has been occurring for the past few days. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to fix it due to unavailable parts," promptly responded the soldier.

"To whom was the repair assigned, then?" Ninong Sonny asked seriously towards the soldier and shifted his gaze to my father.

The soldier's uneasy swallow and fleeting glance toward his comrade didn't escape my notice. His countenance betrayed an inner turmoil, as though he harbored a secret from Ninong Sonny.

"Sir, permission to talk," one of the soldiers abruptly interrupted, drawing Ninong's attention. The shift was palpable.

"Permission granted, speak now, officer!" Ninong Sonny's response was prompt and authoritative.

"Sir, as of now, there hasn't been anyone assigned to fill the position vacated by Rayja Captain Domingo," the soldier swiftly conveyed to Ninong.

"Vacated? What happened to Capt. Domingo?" Ninong's curiosity was piqued. The exchange of glances between the soldiers did not go unnoticed before us. Especially to Salve, Ninong Sonny's only child. The Security Police's worried gaze first fell upon us, then settled on Salve's father.