DARK TERRITORY: THE BATTLE

Chapter 24

Zell POV

The wired thoughts in my mind never leave me. Sometimes it keeps on bugging and even haunt me in my sleep. To rest my proactive mind, I decided to meditate and exercise to clear my thoughts. It was hard for me to control it. I just had a four hour sleep since we arrived home. The party ended at 12 midnight. Sab and I change when the Gammas release me. Adan has lot of talks to discuss with me but they opt to schedule it some other time. I agreed. The place was inappropriate to discuss private matters. 

I just finished clearing my head when I heard a knock from my door. The servant said that my father were requesting for my presence in his office. Sinabihan ko ang aming kasama sa bahay to give me 15 minute to freshen myself. At dahil hindi pa ako pamilyar sa bahay ay hiniling ko na muli niya akong balikan sa aking kwarto para samahan sa pagpunta sa opisina ni daddy. 

The Moore Residence is like a mini mansion of Master Lee's grand manor. It's been a long time since I live here so I had the struggle to roam around alone. What I remember, I spent my toddler hood here and the rest chapter of my life is in the U.S. Now, I am back stumbled again to begin a new episode here in this country.

The unfamiliarity starts to wrap me again. It gives me goosebumps and the blood on my veins circulate faster that cause the rapid pumping of my heart.

"This is your father's office, Lady Zell." The speed pumping of my heart stop for a second and it continues when the maidservant leave.  

"Thank you." I muttered my gratitude and with a cognizant heart I knock the door three times.

I compose myself before I twist the door handle. 

"Did you cause it?" Those were the exact words that I'd been imagining in my mind that my father will say. I want to be disappointed when I didn't hear those. I'd been preparing for this to happened wanting to show him how cool it was to cause panic and pressure. I'd been dreaming since day one yet when I opened the door...

"You will be guarded." My mouth want to drop but that is unladylike. I want to confirm if what I heard is what I hear but my father continues. "We had a talk with the Abedras and they insisted to let you guarded." 

But why? I am confused. Why would the Abedra do that, crossing the line? They didn't even know me. For Auka's sake, I am not fine with that. I will not let them.

My father knows me too well that he didn't give me a chance to corroborate nor object. "The incident happened on their place. They feel accountable and want to shoulder the responsibility to protect you."

"How about your gainsay? Or did you even make one? I doubt it." I cross my hands over my chest. My voice was calm and full of demur. Thou, I really want to mulish to make my argument. 

He showed me his smirk, a way of challenging me. He really is Master Lee's son. They are both formidable, arduous and unpredictable. I mimic how he smirked at me. Showing I am up to his challenge. I display may most precious blank expression yet he just laugh at me. 

"You are my child. I know you can protect yourself."

That's the confident! I muttered rejoicing in my mind. I even want to dance and shout. We don't need the Abedras. I can handle myself and I believe dad can also protect me knowing his job. 

"However, you still need to be protected. You are too precious for everyone. Especially that they already made a move." His smirk disappeared replace by sober face. Nonetheless, my rejoicing doesn't decrease it adds bemusement in my flattering heart so eager to ask him with lots of query. But I can find ways to solve the mysteries. 

A knock disrupt our conversation. We both glanced at the doorway. Expecting for my father's favored guest. I can sense it. The freedom that I have been holding will be limited by the mere presence of my not so serious adversary.

I can kill for my freedom. I want to knocked them off when I saw their dead face. Well, they are already dead to me. A zombie perhaps. In my parlous mind, I am planning on how I will reap their tongue and pull out their eyes. 

"Welcome, gentlemen." My father pointed them to take their sit and assisted me to join them also for a sweet discourse on the sofa. 

I remember all of them but as for formality my father made a short introduction about me and requesting them to make themselves known.

"Gideon Perkins."

"Torque Abedra Forteza, Lady Zell." Pormal nilang pagpapakilala kasabay ng paglahad nila ng kanilang mga kamay upang makipagkamayan. Malugod ko naman itong tinanggap bilang unang hakbang sa aking binuong plano. 

I noticed that Danill and Terenze where not among the guys who will serve as my lookout. Even Oliver is not here. Good thing! Less enemy. Less work. 

"Sorry Sir, we are late." Ang tinig na iyon ang umagaw sa nananahimik kong kaluluwa at maingay kong utak. Mula sa pintuan ay si Oliver kasama si Mico. 

I knotted my forehead. Why Mico is here? Don't tell me... I immediately looked at my father with disbelief. 

"It's fine, son. Thou, your sister is a bit frustrated its fine." Gusto kong tumawa. Kaya tumawa ako. Nakakatawa naman kasi si daddy. I cannot decipher if my father put a sarcasm or he just really want to pissed me more. Because I am already at my own boiling point ready to burst and splash my hot temper. 

"Laughing is the most priceless thing to do, You should join me." 

Come on, Zell. You are not even laughing. You are annoyed. 

Natatawang anyaya ko sa kanila. I don't even care if they find it weird. I really want to laugh my annoyance. The situation made me irritated and laughed more when I saw how epic their faces were when my father laughed as well. 

He really is my father. He reads all through me. 

Natigil ang mahinang pagtawa ko nang unti-unting mabura sa aking pandinig ang pagtawa ni daddy. "Laughing should come naturally from within, Zell. You are right. It is priceless but you are lacking with emotion child."

I swallowed hard before I clear my throat. I feel embarrassed but that's not the issue. One of the coolest attribute of my father, straightforward. He didn't even care 'the right place right time' to say it. If he thinks that you deserve a lecture even in front of many people, known personality or whatever, he will give it to you without any hesitation. 

"Sorry about that dad. I didn't even know what you are talking about." I stand. I didn't look at my dad when I said those words instead I look straight at Oliver's eyes and to the other gentlemen in the room. Giving them a warning that I am not easy to be handle and I am always out of control.

I walk towards my brother and Mico. I stand at Mico's back and whispered to him, "I guess you are also part of the team. Good luck, my dear. " I moved from his side and kissed his left cheek after I said those. 

"Well, gentlemen. I hope for your good job in guarding me. I am looking forward to it." I smiled then look at my father. "Tell them to never leave their eyes on me or else..." I thrilled before I open the door handle. I wave my hand and bid them goodbye. 

Their first day on guarding me started immediately after my father dismissed them after giving them some instructions and briefings. 

I didn't want their time to be wasted guarding me in this labyrinth house (for me). Luckily, L reminded me about our plan today so it is really a great timing to start their job. Luring them in La presidencia will test how far they can handle me.