No Way Out

Chapter 8: Voice

Chapter 8: Voice

Marsha’s P.O.V.

"Kami na lang ang bahala rito," Ally declared, her eyes sharp and focused. The worn leather of the ball was firm in her grip.

"Sige, kung kailangan niyo ako just call me," I said, offering them a weak smile.

I felt a knot in my stomach. My heart aches for the unknown thing that awaits us.

They nodded, their faces grim. Reixel and Ally moved into their positions with determined steps, a stark contrast to my own hesitant movements as I retreated to the sidelines.

Exhaustion clung to me like a damp cloth, both physical and emotional. I sank down onto the cool grass, the blades tickling my skin. The scene before me felt surreal. Reixel, Ally, and French were positioned like chess pieces, ready for a life-or-death game. Team B was at the heart of it all, their time looming over them – 9 minutes and 50 seconds. We had to beat that.

Click!

The timer screamed to life, the digital numbers flashing 0:05…0:04…0:03. The game was starting. The air thickened with anticipation. Ally coiled her body, ready to strike. Reixel stood at the other end, tense.

"Go guys, kaya niyo 'yan!" I shouted, my voice cracking slightly. At least I could offer moral support, even if I felt utterly useless.

My gaze drifted around, trying to make sense of this twisted reality. What was this place? KAMI… it echoed in my mind, a label without context. And the man on the other end of the walkie talkie, his voice still sent shivers down my spine. Ally's cryptic words from earlier resurfaced, snippets of a conversation I still couldn't fully grasp.

"So classmate mo pala si French?"

"What if manalo sila?"

"O-okay lang."

"Oh, you want to risk your life for her?"

"Ally, stop that."

"Sorry, Reix."

"Hey, ayos ka lang?" French's voice startled me. She settled beside me, her presence a momentary distraction from the chaos in my mind. I hadn't even noticed her approach. I must really be out of it.

"Yes, ayos lang ako," I replied, forcing a genuine smile. I glanced at the timer. Only two minutes had passed, and already French was out. The static crackle of the walkie talkie followed, then that distorted, chilling voice.

"Player number 08, you're out."

The voice, distorted by static, added to the unsettling atmosphere. Celestria and Honey were now the last line of defense of our team. Reixel and Ally stood their ground, determination evident in their every move. Celestria was visibly strained, gasping for air between throws. The clock ticked relentlessly – 3 minutes and 40 seconds.

"Magaling 'yong teammates mo, ah," French said, breaking the silence. I simply smiled in response, unable to find the words to convey the anxiety twisting inside me.

"Marsh?" she called, her voice softer now. I turned to face her, and spotted Honey walking towards us, her face unreadable.

"Alam mo ba kung ano ang mangyayari sa atin?" French asked, her eyes searching for mine. I shook my head, desperate for answers. I wanted to know, French, please tell me.

"Reixel is doing great," Honey interjected, sliding down next to French. She turned her gaze at me.

"How's the game?" she asked a little too innocently.