Agile

Confession

Syahmi is feasting on his roti canai. His favourite food so far. The combination of the bread and hot dhal sauce makes his taste buds wanting for more. The weather on the other hand is still the same as just now. A perfect time for someone to enjoy roti canai and a mug of hot tea. Suhaida is also eating the same food as Syahmi. The stall here is famous for their roti canai that tastes good even though they are cold.

"What's your question just now?" asked Syahmi.

"Why did you joined this tournament?" said Suhaida.

"Actually, I'm searching for my missing dad." replied Syahmi.

"Your dad is missing?"

"Yes. During the MAUT Tournament four years ago."

"Four years ago? Wait. I think David had told us a story about an event that happened four years ago."

"What event?" Syahmi is curious.

Suhaida scratched her head, trying to remember the story David told her. "I don't know if this is coincidental. But David said four years ago, after the finals of the MAUT Tournament, he fought with two people at the highest floor of the arena. One of them is once a member of team Slayer and the other is a police officer. Well, atleast that's what be said to us." explained Suhaida.

"An ex Team Slayer member? Is it Cobra?" asked Syahmi.

"Yes. Cobra. So you do know about him."

"What I know is that he went missing with my dad. Me and my friends thought he would show up in this tournament. That's why we joined. Because he is the only clue to find out about my dad. But it looks like, he's not here. And, why would David fight Cobra? What happened?"

"David said Cobra betrayed their team. I don't know if he's telling the truth or not. I actually don't really care. But, David said he managed to push them both down, falling off a four-storey building. Sorry to say Syahmi, but your father and Cobra might be.." explained Suhaida.

"Shit." Syahmi let down a big sigh. The longer he tries survives, the dream of him finding his dad starts to fade away.

"Don't jump to conclusions yet, Syahmi. We don't know if he really is your dad. Maybe it was just a coincidence."

"If it really is just a coincidence, what you explained just now fits my dad perfectly. But.." Syahmi left a huge cliff at his sentence. He wanted to tell Suhaida that he met Cobra a few days ago, but that may not be the best move now. Furthermore, Cobra is labeled as a traitor by Team Slayer it self and Team Slayer thought Cobra is no longer here in this world.

Syahmi stayed quiet to think for a while. If Cobra can survive that four-storey height fall, chances are, his father can survive as well. Syahmi tried to let go of his bad thoughts. It would be such a waste of energy and sacrifice if he's going to give up just because of a story that even he doesn't know true or not.

"How about you? Why did you joined this tournament?" asked Syahmi.

Suhaida giggled. "My excuse is quite cliche. My family had some issues with money, I needed money, and Team Slayer needs a new team member." explained Suhaida. "You don't know who David is, Syahmi."

"Eh, I know him. He's my coach for my taekwondo tournament last year."

"That's what I meant, Syahmi. You don't know him. He can and had been anybody else. He can do and had done any work. He's not a guy you want to mess with."

"You mean, he's a criminal that always changes his identity? That's why every one of your team members use nicknames instead of real names?" said Syahmi while sipping on his hot tea.

"Exactly."

"Oh, so.. David my coach is one of his false identity?"

"Yup. But maybe because he wanted to search for a new member."

"But, how did David manage to meet you?" asked Syahmi again.

"One night, after my part time job. It was late. There are not many people walking in that area too. Suddenly I stumbled across three drug addicts. They started to mess with me. The longer I tried to ignore them, the closer they get. What else should I do? I gave each one of them free kicks to the face. When they are all down, I realized David was staring at me from afar. He went to me and invited me to join his team and this tournament. I thought this is my chance to change the fate of my family. That's why I accepted his offer." replied Suhaida.

"Oh. But, while you're with Team Slayer, did they do anything to you? I mean.."

"Hehe. No. No. I'm fine. They need me to fight for their team. I had to be in one piece." explained Suhaida. Syahmi laughed.

Their conversation paused for awhile. They are enjoying their meals. For a moment, Syahmi felt calm. Maybe because of the taste of the roti canai or maybe because he is with Suhaida.

"Syahmi, can I ask you a question?" Suhaida continued the conversation.

"Sure. Why not?"

"What if.. we have to face eachother tonight? What I mean is, what if I have to fight you?"

Syahmi smiled. He grabbed a piece of tissue and wiped his mouth before he starts to talk.

"I think that's better than you having to face the others. Since my firsy match, when I'm in the court, I can see my how strong my determination is through our fights. We have different objectives. Me, you. And if we meet tonight, I want to fight like you mean it. Don't let anything hold you back, because I won't. My dad once said 'Everybody fights. But the difference is; what you fight for.' When we have a clear objective, a clear dream, then we will fight till our death for it. Me and you, we deserve to win when we fight for it with true strength and power. So, Suhaida. If we meet tonight, let the match decide who'll win."

Suhaida smiled. Speechless. "Syahmi, actually.."

All of a sudden Syahmi's phone rang. A call from Fareez.

"Syahmi, where are you?! We have a huge problem right now!" said Fareez.

"What problem?"

"Ainin is missing, Syahmi!" replied Fareez.

"You guys are still at the hospital right? Okay, I'll be right there." Syahmi stood up. "Suhaida, I need to go. I have an emergency. Here, it's on me." Syahmi placed a RM10 note near Suhaida's hand.

"Syahmi.."

Before Suhaida can even say a word, Syahmi had dashed off to the hospital.

"...I love you."