No Way Out

Chapter 6: Punishment

Chapter 6: Punishment

Reixel's P.O.V.

"Walang remote?" Celestria scratched her head, frustration evident in her voice.

"Nag lagay pa siya ng tv dito, wala namang remote, tsk!" I grumbled, shifting uncomfortably on the makeshift bed. The pain in my thigh was still a dull, throbbing ache, making even simple movements a chore.

I saw Celestria suddenly take a step back, her eyes widening. Following her gaze, I looked at the TV. It was flickering erratically, the screen flashing white noise. Someone, or something, had turned it on. A shiver crawled down my spine. Celestria quickly sat down beside me, closer than before, seeking comfort.

"Anong nangyayari?" Ally asked, emerging from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her dripping hair. She hurried towards Honey, a worried frown creasing her forehead.

"Hindi rin namin alam. Baka magmo-movie marathon tayo," French said, her voice laced with forced levity. But her eyes were glued to the TV, a mixture of apprehension and morbid curiosity in them.

"Patayin niyo muna 'yan, masakit sa mata," Honey complained, her voice trembling despite her attempt at nonchalance.

"Hindi ko mahanap 'yong saksakan niya," Celestria replied, her fingers fumbling behind the TV.

The flickering abruptly ceased. The screen settled, resolving into a grainy image of a woman. The camera was far away, making it difficult to discern her features.

"Sino 'yan?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. My heart was pounding, a primal sense of dread gripping me.

Everyone was silent, their attention focused on the scene unfolding before them. The camera slowly zoomed in on the woman, revealing details one agonizing pixel at a time.

"The same uniform," Ally breathed, her voice tight with fear. The school uniform. That horrifyingly familiar school uniform.

My hand flew to my mouth, stifling a gasp of horror. I knew who it was.

"K-Kazianna," I stammered, my voice thick with dread and disbelief.

What was she doing there?

She was sitting in what looked like a metal chair, her hands and feet bound tightly with thick restraints. A complex, menacing machine was clamped onto her head, holding her in place with brutal efficiency.

"Tulong! Tulong!" Kazianna’s voice ripped through the silence, her cries raw with panic as she awoke to her terrifying reality.

"Anong ginagawa ni Kazianna diyan?" Ally’s voice was choked with tears. Honey immediately wrapped an arm around her, trying to offer some semblance of comfort.

"Hello player number 15," a distorted, electronically altered voice boomed from the speakers, addressing Kazianna directly. The voice was cold, devoid of any humanity.

"Kung sino ka man, itigil mo na ito!" Kazianna screamed, her voice cracking with desperation. Tears streamed down her face, reflecting the flickering light of the screen.

"Nasaan siya ngayon? Kailangan natin siyang tulungan," Celestria declared, her eyes blazing with determination. She stood up abruptly, ignoring the cramped space, and rushed towards the door next to French's bed. She grabbed the handle and yanked, but it remained stubbornly locked.

"Kasalanan ko 'to," French whispered, her voice barely audible. Her face was pale, etched with guilt and self-reproach.

"No. Wala kang kasalanan dito French. So don't blame yourself," Ally said firmly, her voice surprisingly strong despite her own distress. She squeezed French’s hand, offering a silent reassurance. Kazianna’s desperate cries filled the room, punctuated by ragged sobs.