WARRIORS (MVManalo)

Banes vs Thugs

Call everyone and give them these tickets, whoever disagrees tell them it's Kyle's and I will kick their butts if they won't go this benefit on Saturday. Got it?, Kyle said.

Got it, boss!, Sancho added and called their boys one by one.

Beatrice thought nobody will come at their benefit. But out of luck and God's grace, the tickets were all sold out. And the kids are so happy to see a lot of food and gifts, Charisma group has bought for them. Kyle and his mates came in and brought the money they have with the sold tickets. He also organized to help the group out but secretly did this just to make Beatrice happy. And that's what he just wants to do, to make his crush so happy that she always smiles when he sees her. Seeing her smile is enough even if he doesn't get to talk or be with her. He had many girlfriends but Beatrice is different. She is someone who give her all for others and that I didn't see before. That, she, will break my heart because of her love for others and God.

Damn!, I thought, when I was drinking the cup of coffee Banes gave me earlier and now it's cold, just like how my heart feels after all these years, icy cold. And So I thought!

I have been stationed in many countries including the Philippines and all are the same. Third world countries suffer from this type of cancer, injustice or what we call corruption. I wonder how people could take stealing money which isn't theirs and claiming authority or power on something which isn't theirs after all. Like diving into stolen government funds which should have been used for the poor majority of a country's economy, food or social needs.

Hmmm....if I would think about the men, women or leaders whom I served with almost the same addictive and greed for power and money, I would lose my marbles. Haa...I just put a blind eye but sometimes I felt guilty and dirty watching them steal and get away with it but what else can I do. I am just a mere servant, follower, why I wanted change and by means of being the head of a militant group, I was willing to make a drastic change, to make the world better, safer, happier. But when all is against you and the odds are limited, my group and I loot from organizations and communities that are wealthy and affiliates from governments so they can help us out with supplies mostly for food and ammunitions. Haa...so what is the difference, I steal too but for a good reason, yet it's still not a good way to live! But better than begging and wasting my life away from alcohol or the 9-5 job as a accountant. Hmm...well, I better hurry, Sister Beatrice and the sisters at St. Clare's need the supplies we took from them.

Sir, we are all set for the day! Are we going to head to St. Clare right away?, Banes added.

No, let's go to a nearby shop where the thugs are now. I bet they are bullying and forcing some of our villagers at Favela for money. We need to put an end to this charade. We are the law in this city now...., I ordered

Yes sir!, Banes said and went out after his salute.

The thugs Fonsi was talking about was still at a local food stall in Favela Market when the Canudos went in with force, two jeeps wheeled over the front of the eatery.

Belle's Eatery is a popular place where all foreigners and local villagers come to enjoy their paella, tortilla and pizza wraps. Three men who are known to bully and mess with the people mostly the small business owners get money from them for "tongs".

Hey you!, Banes called the goon out and he is about 7 feet tall, which is a disadvantage since Banes is just 6 foot 2.

Haaa....what are you doing? Calling me for what?, the tall guy said marching towards Banes. Brown! Stop that, we need to go, man!, a little guy at about 5 in height and thin body reacted, his voice scared and choppy.

Ahh....forget about this Canudos, they are just......, right when Brown was about to finish his sentence, Banes has already punched him on the stomach that made the tall guy threw up blood all over.

Aha....so that's what they call you, Brown! How's the feel down there?, Banes said pulling the enemy's hair. The thin guy and another man scooted out of the shop with the stuff they looted and was out of sight in seconds.

Banes take it easy and bring that filth to prison at the station, I added and went out of the jeep to check on the middle aged lady who owns the eatery. Banes ordered his men to bring the man to the nearest police station for the trial.

Are you okay ma'am, Auntie Belle!?, I said worried while walking fast to the woman's shop.

Yes, oh, Fonsi, how are you dear?, Belle said happily while the cashier and the waitresses picked all the broken glasses and plates that thugs broke and left behind to scare them.

Ah, Auntie, you shouldn't work like this, you should be having fun and vacationing. Where's the money I've been sending you? The kids?, I said smiling now while helping Belle to sit on somewhere where there's no broken stuff.

Ah.... Nerissa is in high school and needs money for projects. Dan is busy with his military courses that some of the money you gave me are spent for their needs and school fees, Belle added happy. Don't worry about me I can manage, besides you are here now. It's been ages since I last saw you. What have you been doing lately, dear?