Death Trap Vendetta

Chapter Thirty-One

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Pandemonium

February 11, 2015; Thursday
Former Pandemonium Hideout
The Void

Apollo fixed the black mask securely on their face and put on the fingerless gloves before looking at the mirror. Pitch black eyes stared back at them. Satisfied that their identity was well-hidden, Apollo brought up the hood of their cloak and left the car.

"Susunduin ko na lang kayo mamaya," sabi ni Hyde na sinimulan nang i-start ang kotse. "Just this once, don't let Grim and Phantom do anything stupid."

Tumango na lamang siya kahit na siguradong walang makakakontrol sa dalawa nilang kasamahan kapag nasa The Void sila. Unless, of course, it was him who intervened. But Apollo knew he was more likely to encourage their antics than reprimand them.

Kompyansa siyang naglakad patungo sa luma at madilim na gusali. Mula sa labas, mukha itong karaniwang abandonadong pabrika. From the barricaded windows to its location just on the outskirts of Azulan City, it was the perfect place for their endeavors. The old hideout of the original Pandemonium definitely has its perks.

As Apollo stood in front of the dilapidated door, that still somehow managed to have a lock, they were reaching for the keys in one of their jean pockets when their phone rang. Apollo answered the call with a sigh as they unlocked the deadbolt.

"Hello, Grim," pagbati niya rito. Pumasok na siya sa building at saka muling isinara ang pinto. "Uh-huh. I just arrived at The Void. Yes, I still remember my other code name. I'll be there in a sec."

Despite the building's pitch black darkness, Apollo confidently moved around, knowing the place like the back of their hand.

Nang makarating si Apollo sa gitna ng gusali, lumuhod siya upang kapain ang mala-sinaunang bunker-type na 'pinto' upang makapasok sa The Void. Apollo carefully descended down the rusty, creaking stairs that were attached to the entrance just wide enough to fit two people at once.

The entrance closed with a thud as they climbed further downward.

Apollo jumped the last three or so feet between the end of the ladder and the cemented ground--a silent yet resounding challenge to anyone who dared venture into The Void.

Those who have guts, jump; for guts it is that shall be spilled in this void.

Apollo bent their knees as they landed, barely acknowledging the slight tingling and stinging of their feet and knees. As they rounded around a corner, they were met with red and green neon lights that lit up the hallway leading to the locker rooms.

May ilang tao siyang nadaanan na may kani-kanilang mundo. Hindi siya pinagtuunan ng pansin ng mga ito. Marahil ay nakilala nila ang suot niyang cloak kaya sila na mismo ang umiwas sa kanya. Ngunit may isang malakas ang loob--o sadyang tanga lang--na nakatayo malapit sa silid na pakay ni Apollo.

The guy let out a low whistle as Apollo walked past him.

"Ooooh, looks like a doll lost her way into The Void," he leered at Apollo, blocking her path. "Honey, I'd be glad to escort you out of this hellhole for a fair price. Seeing that you're all covered up, it would be my absolute pleasure to unwrap you like a present."

His eyes raked over Apollo's clothed form as if undressing her with his eyes.

Apollo felt her lips curl as she instinctively assessed her clothing. She was wearing a figure-hugging black jacket, jeans, and combat boots. Her hooded cloak was covering her whole frame and most of her head. Nanginginig ang kanyang mga kamay--dahil sa galit o pandidiri, hindi niya alam--kaya't napahawak siya nang mahigpit sa kanyang suot upang mapirmi ito.