"I act like i don't care, but deep down, i swear it kills me. I would say i'm okay, but i'm done lying." - Knight Velasquez
SYNOPSIS:
Knight Velasquez would willingly and silently sacrifice himself in order to protect the people he cared the most about, even if it meant endless trouble and deceit. But his life soon took a quick turn when he fell for the woman who saved him from his world of pain.
*******
To ensure the safety of his beloved brother and friends, Count Knight Velasquez would willingly suffer through his domineering father's punishments. However, just as he reached his limits and desired to give up, a certain Sweet Monday Lopez unexpectedly came into his life and saved him.
Before meeting Knight, SM can be said to be living an ordinary life with a fair share of painful past but they soon realize that ordinary is an understatement and their love comes with a price.
WARNING: WITH MATURE CONTENT
Hi, this is CC. I just want to say thank you for waiting for Knight. I know it's been a long time But before you start reading his story, i have a favour to ask of you.
Kung ayaw niyong mawala sa kuwento niya (i'm not forcing you) please read the following stories before this. I recommend you to read this so you won't be lost in Knight's story.
- Possessive 20: Andrius Salazar
- Temptation Island 5: Desidero Me, Amore Mio
Recommended stories to read (May mga characters kasi na lumabas dito na lalabas sa story ni Knight — and these stories are the introduction to Organòsi, the Organization that Knight is part of)
- The Broken Soul's Plea (Blake Vitale)
- The Broken Man's Affliction (Blaze Vitale)
ߘʠThat's all. I hope you'll enjoy reading Knight and i promise to do my best to not disappoint my CCBells and Inoxentes. Thank you for your support and your love. It means so much to me.
Te amo ❤️
ߑѠߑѰߑѠ
This is an Introduction. Before Prologue.
This happens before Knight meet the other Lunatics. Before his engagement to Iuhence's beloved. He's just 25 years old here— powerless and obedient.
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"There are things in this world that we can't have even how much hard we try."
INTRO
(PRIMERO)
KNIGHT sighed as he looked at the scattered papers and folders on the table in front of him. All of it are reports from the Organòsi's head of the countries under Asia. Lord Vandreck— the boss of Organòsi in Asia who's retiring in three years time— wants to train him and the others like him who's eyeing the position.
There are nine of them who's fighting to be the boss of Asia. Lord Vandreck's position. He has to try harder to stay on top and to get the position.
He has to become powerful. That's his goal. Power. A lot of it.
He'd been eyeing to replace Lord Vandreck's in his position not because his father insisted but because he needs more power.
I need power. I need to be stronger.
At the age of twenty-five, all he could think about was how to become powerful and unbeatable.
Knight sighed loudly. "Fuck..." I should be looking for my sister! Not staying here, in the Palace, like what his father wanted.
But he knew all too well what will happen if he go against his father. Someone will suffer in my stead. Alam na niya kung sino ang paparusahan nito sa lahat ng pagkakamali niya kaya kailangan niyang maging maingat sa lahat ng desisyon at galaw niya.
His father is holding the ace of cards... he has to obey him, no matter what.
"Someone is in a sour mood."
Knight glared sharply at Cloud— his personal butler who's the same age as him and had been serving him since he was fourteen— who's standing just beside his table.
"Piss off, Cloud."
Cloud just smiled sweetly at him. But he knew his butler all too well, it's a sarcastic smile. "Would you care for refreshments, my lord?"
He sighed heavily because it's burdensome. "Refreshment like tea and some other bullshit food that I hate?"
Cloud wasn't fazed by his irritated voice and sharp glare. "Come now, my Lord, you know I hate serving you tea. I don't like preparing them and you hate drinking them. I'm very lucky and blessed to be a butler of such fine, young and handsome gentleman such as yourself, my lord."
He glared at Cloud again. "Stop patronizing me." Napailing siya saka hinilot ang sentido. "Go." Pagpapaalis niya kay Cloud. "Bring me some refreshment that can refresh me. I'm fucking annoyed and fucking irritated that I could beat you up if you continue to piss me off."
Cloud just chuckled, unafraid by his threats. "I'll be right back, my lord."
"When you came back," aniya bago pa makalabas si Cloud sa private study niya, "speak tagalog. It's necessary since i'm taking you with me this time."
"Yes, my Lord."
Ilang minuto siyang napatitig sa nilabasang pinto ni Cloud bago kinuha ang cellphone niya sa kanang drawer ng mesa saka may tinawagan.
Knight frowned when he heard a grunt and then groan from the other line. "Val? Are you having sex?" Nalukot ang mukha niya. "Why the fuck are you grunting?"
"Fuck you." Valerian groaned again making him chuckle silently. "Do you know what time is it?"
"Yeah." Tumingin siya sa relong pambisig. "8AM. Why?"
"Hindi ka naman siguro bobo para hindi mo maiisip kung ilang oras ang deperensiya ng bansa natin. 6 hours you dimwit! It's just 2AM here! Unless, of course, you're back from Spain and you are in the Airport as of this moment and you're calling me to pick you the fuck up because you don't have a place to go. If that is so fuck you—" paused for a couple of seconds, "wait for me."
Natawa siya saka sumandal sa likuran ng swivel chair na kinauupuan. Napangiwi siya ng maramdamang ang pagsigid ng kirot sa likod niya pero hindi niya iyon pinansin,
"'Miss me, best friend?"
"You're gross."
"Come on, I haven't seen you for a year." Tumawa ulit siya. "It's not my fault that I express my feelings so carelessly."
"Don't bullshit me." Ani Valerian sa malamig na boses. "Baka nakakalimutan mong isa ako sa iilang taong nakakaalam ng tunay na ikaw."
Hindi siya nagpaapekto sa sinabi nito. He promised this lunatic that he'll be the best lunatic ever— thought it's not that hard. He excels at it.
"Hindi mo ako na-miss?" Pagda-drama niya. "Ouch! I'm badly hurt, Best friend—"
The line died.
Mahinang natawa si Knight saka napatitig sa screen ng cellphone. Ang dali talagang ma-asar ni Valerian. Effortless. And always funny as hell. He's one of the reason why he seldom gets bored these past few years that he'd been going back and forth to Philippines and Spain, secretly looking for his sister who left the palace with her mother two years ago."
Natigilan siya ng makatanggap ng text kay Valerian.
From: Best friend
Nasa Airport ka? I'll pick you up.
Napangiti siya. This man can't really say no. He may cussed a lot and gets irritated so easily but he's actually a nice guy and a good friend. Isa ito sa mga taong kailangan niyang protektahan laban sa ama niya.
His father knew his weaknesses and he will exploit it to make him obedient.
Knight replied.
To: Best friend
Nope. Still in Madrid.
From: Best friend
Don't text me. I hate the origin of your text message.
Knight laughed and shook his head. "He really hates Spain..." he whispered, "that lunatic."
Nabaling ang atensiyon niya sa pinto ng private study niya sa pag-aaring palasyo ng ama niya ng bumukas ulit 'yon at pumasok si Cloud na may dalang gawa sa pilak na tray.
"My Lord—"
"Tagalog, Cloud." Paalala niya sa Butler. "You need to learn that language."
"Oh..." lumapit sa mesa niya si Cloud habang dala pa rin ang tray. "My Lord, if it's translated to tagalog is... Panginoon ko?"
Knight sighed and look at Cloud flatly. "Don't talk to me. If i'm not feeling lazy and irritated, i would have killed you seconds ago."
"Pero tama ako, panginoon ko."
Napangiwi siya ng marinig ang huling sinabi ng Butler niya. "Fuck... i'm having goosebumps."
"Would you prefer if I call you ... Aking Kataas-taasan? I think it's the tagalog translation for 'your highness'. Or should I call you 'kamahalan'? I've watched a lot of English movies and some Asian Movies that was translated to Tagalog and the person with high ranking is always address as such—"
Kinuha niya ang baril sa drawer at tinutok 'yon kay Cloud na ikinatigil nito sa pagsasalita. "Do you wanna die?"
Bahagyang yumukod si Cloud sa kaniya. "Of course not, my Lord. I love my life, i'm young and very fresh and I love having sex so please, spare me."
He sighed and looked at Cloud questioningly. "Did you had sex with the palace new servant? The Mayordoma was very upset the other night. Don't deny it. I know you, you sly animal."
"I'm charismatic, my Lord." Was all Cloud said with a smile.
"Whatever." Bumaba ang tingin niya sa tray na hawak pa rin nito at kaagad na sumama ang mukha niya ng makita ang tea pot at tea cups.
Bumuntong-hininga siya saka kinuha ulit ang baril at itinutok sa butler niya. "I'll kill you if that's tea."
Cloud has a mischievous smile on his lips as he settles the tray on the side of his table. "Wala ka bang tiwala sakin, kamahalan?"
Knight cringed at how Cloud addressed him. "Kung magtatagalog kang tang'na ka, tawagin mo ako sa pangalan ko."
"It would be a disrespect—"
"Wanna die?"
"No of course not, my lord. I value my life so much and of course, I like to have sex."
Knight let out a loud sighed. "Yeah, yeah... i'm getting more irritated."
Cloud chuckle before lifting the tea pot and pouring the liquid inside to the cup. "My Lord, I hope you enjoy your refreshment."
Knight laughed a little when he saw what was inside the tea pot. A beer.
"Nice." He commented.
"And of course," Cloud smiled as he opens the stainless steel food cover to show him the partner for his beer. "Your favourite."
A bread?
He sighed. "Explain, Cloud, before I shoot you in the head."
"It's not a bread, My Lord. You know that I have to conceal and hide the dessert that you love because your father is an asshole. This is actually a mocha cake, pretending to look like a bread to fool everyone. I made it myself, of course because I am a very talented one hell of a butler."
Kinuha ni Knight ang tinidor saka kumuha ng maliit na parte ng mocha cake na tinapay ang desenyo at tinikman 'yon.
"Tastes good."
Cloud just nodded with a smile then he poured him another cup of beer from the tea pot making him chuckle.
Cloud always finds a way to indulge his likes and wants. He became his butler at the age of fourteen, but they only became close when he became twenty-one. He was very aloof, he doesn't trust anyone, even his own butler and relatives, that's why it took a lot of time to build his trust and friendship with Cloud.
Come to think of it... only Valerian and Shun became his friends in an instant. He even initiate the friendship. Was it because he was very lonely at the time? With those two— he felt like he doesn't need time to figure them out, to know their weakness and to use it against them if they acts out and exploit it like what his father taught him. He doesn't have to pretend to be nice because it just came out naturally.
And those two... they accepted him even though he doesn't deserve anything from anyone.
Ininom ni Knight ang beer na nasa tea cup at kaagad naman iyong sinalinan ni Cloud ng maubos niya ang laman.
"Isasama kita pagbalik ko bukas, Cloud."
Inilapag ni Cloud ang hawak na tea pot. "You're getting desperate, My Lord."
Tumango siya. "It's been two years since they left. I can't use the Organòsi to track her down because Father will know and who knows what he'll do. He's unpredictable. I need more help."
Yumukod si Cloud, "of course, my Lord, but..." worry streaked his face, "but are you okay now? Don't you need more rest after what happened yesterday? Your back... it's not healed yet. You can't go back to the Philippines like that."
Tumiim ang bagang niya kasabay ng pagpikit ng mga mata niya.
His back... it's still throbbing and pulsing in excruciating agony. He's still in so much pain but he can't stay here and do nothing. He has to find her sister! He has to know if she's okay, if she's well and if she's unharmed. If she's studying and having a good comfortable life. He has to make sure that his sister is in good health that's why he won't stop looking for her.
"My Lord?"
Napakurap-kurap siya bago tumingin kay Cloud. "What?"
"Your back... it's bleeding." Anito habang sinusuri ang likod niya, "looks like the bandages around your body is already soaked with blood, it's already soaking your shirt as we speak."
"Hayaan mo na." Aniya. "I can endure a little bit longer. By the way, how is he?" Napuno siya ng pag-aalala. "Father forbids me to go see him."
"Pinuntahan ko siya kanina," Bumuntong-hininga si Cloud, "he's resting now but he was looking for you. Mukhang gumana 'yong sedative na binigay ko sa kaniya. Just like you, his back is also bleeding but you know him, he'll survive. You took half of the lashes for him. Bakit kasi siya lumabas ng walang pahintulot?"
Napatingin siya sa labas ng bintana ng private study niya habang nagtatagis ang bagang. "You can't blame him, Cloud. He exist only to be my shadow... it's suffocating and very burdensome for him. Hindi natin siya masisisi kung gusto niyang lumabas."
"Pero alam naman niyang mapaparusahan siya sa ginawa niya, tapos dinamay ka pa niya. Hindi ba niya alam na nasasaktan ka rin—"
"Don't tell him that I took half of the lashes." Tumiim ang bagang niya. His brother, Midnight, who's years younger that him had been put through hell already. He doesn't need to know this. "He'll feel bad and blame himself so keep it a secret."
"My Lord—"
"Go. Take care of him."
"But your wound—"
"I can endure and I can always call the family Doctor." Ngumiti siya, "bumalik ka nalang kapag maayos na ang lagay niya. Take care of him for me. He needs someone by his side and it can't be me. I have to obey father, or he'll get hurt again."
Cloud sighed. "You have so much burden in your shoulder, my Lord. I even wonder how you can sleep peacefully at night."
"I don't." Ininom niya ang beer sa tea cup, "but I have to endure. I can only end this if I became powerful. And if I have to be cold-blooded, cruel, inhumane, manipulative, brutal and a monster, then so be it. If I have to sacrifice myself, my happiness, and lots of people along the way to protect the people I cherish. I will."
"Is that why you ordered Dimitri to take care of your cousin?" Cloud asked. "Because he hurt one of the people your cherish?"
He smile coldly, "he hurt Midnight. I can't allow that. That's my reason, and because he's my rival. He's also eyeing to be the Boss of Asia and I won't let him have that position... saka inutos ko lang naman kay Dimitri na lumpuin siya, hindi patayin. So... basically, he owes me for not killing him even though he's a piece of shit."
Cloud chuckled. "You're such a good man, my Lord."
"I know right?" He said while chuckling. "I'm such an amazing person—"
"Don't push it, my Lord." Nakangiwing sabi ni Cloud, "i'm having goosebumps."
Natawa siya. "Whatever. Go and take care of Night."
Tumango si Cloud at lumabas na, samantalang siya naman ay kinuha ang tea pot at doon na siya mismo uminom. Napakaliit ng tea cup para sa beer niya.
If his family would see him, they will call him barbaric and uneducated... but hell, he enjoys doing this things. Maybe that's why he enjoys spending his time with Shun and Valerian... they know who and how he is but they don't judge. They just let him do his thing, however crazy it is with no judgement.
Nang maubos niya ang beer na laman ng tea pot, tinawagan niya si Shun.
"What's up?" Shun asked in a cherry voice.
Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay. "You're not grumpy? Tinawagan ko si Val kanina, sinigawan niya ako." Pagsusumbong niya kay Shun, "sinasaktan niya ako, Shun. Bakit siya ganun?"
"Gago. Don't be a baby. I'm going to puke."
Tumawa siya. "Nagsusumbong lang naman ako. He's hurting me."
Shun sighed. "Fuck you. I'm hanging up."
Natawa ulit siya bago sumeryoso ang boses. "Kumusta ang paghahanap? Any luck?"
"Someone is blocking me, Knight." Ani Shun, "someone is utilizing the Organòsi to block me. I can't find her. I'm sorry."
He sighed forcefully. "That's probably father."
Shun tsked. "I can go around it if you want. I'll hacked the Organòsi and—"
"No. Don't do that." Shun will be in so much danger. Hindi pa niya ito mapo-protektahan. He's still not powerful. He still has no say in the Organization. Tatlong taon pa para magkaroon siya ng kapangyarihan na protektahan ito. "Stop looking."
"But—"
"Shun. I mean it. Stop looking for now."
Shun sighed. "I can take care of myself."
"Shun." Matigas ang boses na sabi niya. "I mean it. Sasabihan kita ulit kapag gusto ko na siyang ipahanap ulit sayo."
Shun sighed again. "Fuck this!"
"Yeah. Drop it for the meantime."
"Fine." Shun sighed heavily again. "But I hate this."
Ipinikit niya ang mga mata. "Unfortunately, there are a lot of things we can't have even how much hard we try."
"Fuck you."
"You're very much welcome, Shun." He smiled. "I'll wire you Five Million Dollars."
"Why?"
"I heard you're helping street children to have a bright future. Use it to buy a land where you can build your orphanage or use it for their food." Aniya saka nagpaalam na, "I have to hang up now."
"When will you get back?"
"This week, maybe." Aniya. "Bye."
"Bye."
Nang patayin niya ang tawag, inubos niya ang cake saka lumabas ng private study niya at dumeretso sa kuwarto niya.
He hates being in this palace, but he doesn't have much of a choice as of the moment.
Hinubad ni Knight ang pang-itaas na damit saka sunod niyang inaalis ang bendaheng nakapalibot sa buong pang-itaas niyang katawan na puno na ng dugo at basta nalang 'yong binitiwan dahilan para bumagsak sa sahig ng kuwarto.
Kapagkuwan ay padapang bumagsak ang katawan niya sa ibabaw ng malapad at malambot na kama saka kaagad na pumikit ang mga mata niya. Pero kahit anong pilit niya, hindi siya makatulog. Paulit-ulit na pumapasok sa isip niya ang mukha ng kapatid niya sa isip niya— hindi siya mapalagay.
Damn it!
He had been lashed fifty times for his brother yesterday... he haven't had a sleep since then. He couldn't.
Hell!
Kahit masakit ang likod niya, pilit niyang inabot ang drawer sa bedside table niya para kunin do'n ang sleeping pills niya.
He has to sleep. It's been days since he had any.
Kumuha siya ng isang tableta saka ininom niya kahit walang tubig saka ibinagsak ulit ang katawan niya sa kama.
Slowly, finally, after two days of being awake, he drifted off to sleep.
BECAUSE OF THE sleeping pills, Knight slept the whole day and when he woke up, it was already past midnight.
Habol ang hiningang pabalikwas siyang bumangon dahil sa masamang panaginip na gumising sa kaniya pero kaagad na napa-igik ng sumigid ang nakakangilong sakit sa likod niya.
Fuck!
Knight calmed his breathing and stilled when he saw that his body was covered in bandage again.
Must be Cloud. Sa isip niya bago bumangon saka kumuha ng itim na t-shirt sa closet niya at lumabas ng kuwarto niya.
It was already past midnight and as he wanders around the palace, his feet brought him to a secret passage that'll lead him inside Midnight's room. At dahil tulog na ang mga tao doon, malaya siyang nagamit ang sekretong daanan patungo sa kuwarto ng kapatid.
Nagpakawala siya ng malalim na buntong-hininga ng makapasok sa kuwarto ni Midnight.
He saw his brother sitting on the edge of the bed, fist clenched.
He's in pain.
"Midnight."
Midnight automatically looked up, and when he saw him, he looks relieved. "Kuya..."
He and Midnight used Tagalog language because it fascinates them. Maybe because the one who taught them the language was their loving step-mother who left them as well.
Naglakad siya palapit dito saka tumayo sa harapan nito at ginulo ang buhok. "How are you feeling?"
He was looking into his eyes. "In pain."
"Nakatulog ka na ba?"
Umiling ang kapatid. "I woke up just after lunch and couldn't sleep anymore."
Umupo siya sa kama nito saka naglagay ng unan sa hita niya saka tinapik 'yon. "Come here... sleep. You need it."
Worry streaked Midnight's face. "Baka malaman ni Papá na nandito ka—"
"Hindi niya malalaman. Come on." He tapped the pillow on his lap again. "Come here. Tumagilid ka lang para hindi masagi ang sugat mo."
Thankfully, Midnight obliged.
Patagilid itong nahiga saka umunan sa unan na nasa hita niya.
"Kuya?"
"Hmm?" He hummed.
"How long... " pumiyok ang boses nito. "How long do I have to endure?"
Hinaplos niya ang buhok ng kapatid. "I don't know, Night. But i'll be a boss in three years time. I will win and get the position. I'm striving really hard so I can get you out of this."
"If you became a boss," Midnight looked at him, "will I be able to go out like you?"
Nagtagis ang bagang niya. "... i'll try my hardest. Just trust me, okay?"
"Okay." Umayos ng higa si Midnight saka ipinikit nito ang mga mata. "my back hurts..."
"I know." He can also feel the excruciating pain on his back that very moment. Pero hindi niya puwedeng ipakita sa kapatid niyang nasasaktan siya dahil inako niya ang kalahati ng parusa nito. Wala itong alam at gusto niyang hindi nito malaman. His brother will feel bad. "Gusto mo bang ikuha kita ng pain reliever?"
"No..." Midnight whispered, "just stay, Kuya."
"Okay..."
Panay ang tagis ng bagang niya dahil sa sakit ng likod niya pero pinanatili niyang kalmado ang mukha.
His brother is suffering because of him... he has to end it. Midnight can't continue like this.
But what can he do? He's powerless. His father holds all the ace of cards. He can't do anything but obey.
Bumaba ang tingin niya sa kapatid na sa wakas ay nakatulog na rin. "I promise, i'll get you out of this. I will become powerful for you. I will be a boss for you. And if I have to sacrifice my self for your freedom, then so be it."
That I promise you... little brother.
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I don't know when i'll update again. I'm still editing the Vitale Twins so it'll be published. But i promise, it'll be sooner. Maybe next week. Thank you.
ߑѰߑѰߑэ
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TIMELINE CLARIFICATION:
This happens before Knight got engaged with Iuhence's wife, meaning, hindi pa niya nakikilala ang ibang Lunatics dito. Hindi pa inaakyat ng mga baliw ang gate ng palasyo niya. Valerian at Shun palang ang kaibigan niya rito . If you have read LUNATICS, Knight was just ninety or twenty there. He's still in College when he met Val and Shun, while this timeline, he's already 25 (meaning Val and Shun is the same age as him) and Midnight is 23 nearing 24. I hope this clears up the confusion.
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"Are promises meant to be broken?"
INTRO
(Segundo)
KNIGHT WAS packing his clothes when someone knocked on the door. Sa isiping baka si Cloud 'yon na mag-aalok ng tulong para sa pag-iimpake niya, hindi niya iyon pinansin. He prefers packing his bag alone and personal. He doesn't like anyone touching and going through his stuffs.
But the person outside knocking on the door was persistent. Definitely not Cloud. Alam kasi ni Cloud na kapag hindi niya ito pinapasok sa unang katok palang ay ibig sabihin ayaw niya itong papasukin.
"Come in!" Aniya sa malakas na boses para marinig siya ng nasa labas.
Bumukas ang pintuan ng kuwarto niya.
Knight zipped his trolly bag before glancing towards the door.
Natigilan siya ng makita ang kapatid na nakatingin sa bagahe niya.
"You're leaving?" Midnight asked.
Tumango siya. "Yeah."
"Ah." Nagbaba ng tingin ang kapatid niya. "I'll get going then. Sorry for disturbing you."
"Wait." Pigil niya sa kapatid saka naglakad palapit dito, "how's your back?"
Midnight smiled. "I'm okay."
Knight can see through his brother. He's not okay. "I told you not to lie to me."
Nag-iwas ng tingin ang kapatid niya. "Masakit pa pero kaya ko naman na, saka pinayagan na ako ni Papá na puntahan ka, pero aalis ka pala. See you again after you get back."
He sighed and messed Midnight's head. "Something's bothering you. What is it?"
Umiling si Midnight saka nginitian siya. "Nothing. Have a safe trip, Kuya."
Napabuntong-hininga siya dahil nakikita niyang pilit na ngumingiti ang kapatid niya para hindi siya mag-alala.
He knows a fake smile when he sees one because he's an expert in faking a smile. And as much as possible, he doesn't want his brother to ever learn how to fake a smile and happiness in front of him. Ayaw niyang maging katulad niya ito na pinag-aral kung paano ko-kontrolin ang emosyon niya sa harap ng mga tao.
He doesn't want his brother to be a fake... like him, even though he's pretending to be him.
Midnight, his little brother, exist only to be his shadow— to be him when it's needed. Masyado silang magkamukha— maliban sa taas nila, mas matangkad siya ng kaunti sa kapatid pero hindi naman mapapansin 'yon kung hindi sila magtatabing dalawa— kahit hindi naman sila magkambal at ginagamit iyon ng ama niya.
In dangerous situations, if there are threats but he still has to make public appearance, Midnight will come out as him— as Count Knight so he can be protected because he's the first born. Only few people knows that Midnight Velasquez exists. To the outside world, there's no Midnight. Except for the people inside the Palace, everyone knows that Lord Kelleon Velasquez has only one son.
Him. Knight Alastair Minrod Gutterez Velasquez.
Midnight doesn't exist. He was made to take his place in dangerous situations. Kapag alam at nakikinita ng ama niya na manganganib ang buhay niya, si Midnight ang palalabasin nitong si Knight para mabaril man ito ay ligtas pa rin siya.
Midnight is his double.
And he keeps on asking himself how can his father do that to his own blood?
How? Midnight is a good kid. Kaya kailangan na niyang maging makapangyarihan para mailayo na niya si Midnight sa buhay na ginawa ng ama nila para rito.
He will give him his identity no matter what.
"Midnight." Pinatigas niya ang boses at nilagyan niya ng awtoridad. "What is it?" Ulit niyang tanong. "Spit it out."
Midnight looked at him. "Don't leave?"
Tinaasan niya ito ng dalawang kilay. "Was that so hard to say?"
"Kinda." Sagot nito. "I know you're busy looking for our sister and I don't want to monopolize your time and attention."
"Stay here. Don't move." Utos niya kay Midnight na nakatayo sa may pintuan saka binalikan ang cellphone niya na nasa ibabaw ng kama para tawagan si Cloud.
"Yes, my Lord?" Kaagad na sagot ni Cloud sa kabilang linya. "The plane is ready."
"I have to cancel."
Cloud chuckled. "Was it the puppy dog eye or the fake smile that softened your cold heart, my Lord?"
He sighed. "Fake smile."
"I thought you miss your friends that's why you're going back to the Philippines?"
"Midnight needs me."
"Okay. Got it, my Lord. By the way, I already get a hold of Mr. Kavotzki, the CEO of KNVel Trading in Italy, who also laundered millions from your Company. What shall I do with him?"
He smiled coldly, "what else? Show him how nice Count Knight Velasquez can be. You have to be hospitable and polite, Cloud."
"Of course, my Lord. I shall use my katana to show how hospitable my Lord is."
"Thanks, Cloud." He ended the call, put a smile on his face before facing Night. "I cancelled my flight. What do you want to do?"
Midnight face instantly lit up. "Really? Yes!" Para itong bata na napasuntok pa sa ere saka malapad na ngumiti. "Ice cream then Billiards and Tennis."
Natawa siya saka lumapit dito at maingat itong inakbayan. "If that's what you want, that's what you'll get."
Night looked at him. "Hindi ba magagalit si Papá? He forbids me to eat ice cream for a month as part of my punishment."
Ginulo niya ang buhok nito saka nagpadala siya ng mensahe kay Cloud na ipagmaneho sila. "Akong bahala. Trust me, okay?"
Midnight nodded with a happy smile on his face. Not a fake one. That's good.
"Lalabas ba tayo, Kuya?"
Tumango siya. "Yep."
"Hindi ba magagalit si Papá?"
"Walang ice cream dito sa palasyo, paano ka kakain?" Tanong niya sa kapatid. "Lalabas tayo. Saka hindi naman tayo makikita ng ibang tao. Sa loob lang tayo ng kotse. Cloud will drive us."
Midnight grinned. "Can't wait."
Natatawang ginulo niya ang buhok nito. "You can eat all the ice cream you want, but no take home, okay? Baka parusahan ka na naman. I hate seeing you in pain."
Midnight nodded. "Yes, Kuya."
"Good."
Magkatabi silang naglakad ni Midnight patungo sa sekretong daanan nila para makalabas sila ng palasyo. Hindi sila puwedeng sa harapan dumaan dahil pipigilan sila ng guwardiya.
Nang makalabas ng palasyo, naroon na kaagad si Cloud. Nakahanda na ang sasakyan tulad ng inutos niya rito sa pinadala niyang text
Kaagad niyang pinasakay si Night bago siya.
"Where to?" Cloud asked.
"Ice cream Parlour." Sagot niya saka dumukwang para silipin ang passenger seat dahil nasa backseat siya at nasa unahan ang kapatid. "Seatbelt on, Night." Aniya habang inaayos ang buhok nito, "bakit ba ang gulo ng buhok mo? Ayusin mo nga."
"Hindi naman ako lalabas." Depensa ni Midnight.
"Kahit na. Ayusin mo ang kuwelyo mo."
Cloud sighed before helping Midnight straighten his collar. "There. Anything else," Cloud glanced at him, "my Lord?"
"Wala na." Aniya saka bumaling sa kapatid. "Which ice cream parlour? Los Alpes or in La Romana? You pick."
"La Romana." Mabilis na sabi ni Midnight na may mapalad na ngiti.
"La Romana it is." Ani Cloud saka nag-umpisa nang pagalawin ang sasakyan.
Mang makarating sa ice cream parlour na napili ni Midnight, si Cloud lang ang bumaba para bilhan ang kapatid. Nang makabalik ito, may dala na itong tatlong klase ng ice cream at lahat 'yon ay binigay kay Midnight.
And before Cloud manoeuvred the car, he looked back at him who's at the backseat. "Where to, my Lord?"
"Just roam around while he's eating. No destination."
"Yes, my Lord." Ani Cloud saka kaagad na binuhay ang makina ng sasakyan at pinagalaw 'yon.
"Kuya, mababait ba ang kaibigan mo?" Kapagkuwan ay tanong sa kaniya ni Night. "Ipapakilala mo ba ako sa kanila?"
Knight took a deep breath. "When the right time comes."
"Puwede ko rin kaya silang tawaging Kuya?"
He smiled. "Of course. It's Kuya Val and Kuya Shun. They're good friends of mine."
Sinilip siya ni Midnight sa backseat. "Sa tingin mo magugustuhan nila ako? Won't they find it creepy that we're look alike even though we're not twins?"
"I'm sure they'll accept you."
Midnight smiled. "That'll be nice." He had a far away look on his face, "except for you and Kuya Cloud, no one wants to talk to me in the Palace. It'll be nice to talk to other people every now and then."
"It will happen, don't worry."
Midnight smiled again. "Okay." He said and went back eating.
Their car roamed around for an hour before it stopped in front of their secret passage way inside the palace. Kailangan na nilang makabalik baka mahuli sila ng ama nila, siguradong parurusahan na naman nito si Midnight.
Midnight looks sad as he stared at the entrance. "Going back again..." he whispered.
Hinawakan niya ang pulsuhan nito. "We have to. There's no point in hiding and running away. They'll find us anyway."
Tumango si Midnight saka nauna nang pumasok sa sekretong daanan nila.
"Kuya, mag-billiard tayo saka Tennis," masayang aya sa kaniya ng kapatid habang magkatabi silang naglalakad. "Hindi ka naman aalis diba? So it's okay if I monopolize your time, right?"
He smiled at his brother. "Of course. We'll play billiard and Tennis but I won't let you win just because you're my little brother."
Midnight grinned at him, "I can beat you fair and square."
"No way, you punk." Natatawang sabi niya, "you can't beat me."
Midnight laughed. "Of course I can. Watch and see."
"Prepare to lose." He joked.
Midnight stuck out his tongue at him. "You'll lose."
Naiiling na natatawa nalang siya.
Nang nasa loob na sila ng palasyo, naglalakad patungo sa entertainment area may humarang sa kanilang apat na guwardiya.
Fuck! Knight cussed before looking at the guards with emotionless face. "What is it?"
"Lord Kelleon requests your presence, my Lord." Anang isa sa mga bantay.
Knight felt his brother froze.
He immediately smiled at Midnight. "It's okay. Ikaw nalang muna ang pumunta sa Entertainment room. Ask Cloud to play billiards with you."
Walang imik na tumango si Midnight at sinunod ang sinabi niya. Siya naman ay iginiya ng bantay patungo sa kung nasaan ang ama niya.
Sa pribado nitong opisina sa loob ng palasyo.
"Father." Aniya at bahagyang yumukod dito.
Pinaalis muna ng ama niya ang mga guwardiya bago ito nagsalita.
"I heard you took Midnight out." Anito na hindi na niya ikinagulat. His father has eyes and ears inside the palace. "You know I forbid it."
"I will take full responsibility of what I did, father." Aniya sa mababa pero matigas na boses.
"I told you to stay away from him. You're soft when it comes to him. I don't like it."
Pasimpleng nagtagis ang bagang niya. "Father, he's sad and—"
"I don't care." Tumingin ito sa mga mata niya. "Or would you rather want me to send him to a place where you can't see him even from a distance?"
Pigil ni Knight ang pagkuyom ng kamao niya.
His father is not bluffing. He can and will take Midnight away from him to a place where he can't see him. Iyon ang gawain nito kapag nagiging malapit na sila ni Midnight.
He was ten and Night was nearly nine when their father first took Midnight away. Taon ang binilang niya para ibalik nito ang kapatid niya. And then when they were eighteen, his father took away Midnight again for the reason that they're getting close than needed. Midnight came back when he was already nearing twenty one.
But Midnight never complained. He would just smile at him after years of being separated. Kahit ilang taon silang hindi magkita, palaging may ngiti para sa kaniya ang kapatid kapag nagkikita sila. At kapag tinatanong niya ito kung anong ginawa nito, tumatahimik kaagad ito at ayaw magsabi sa kaniya.
He wanted to push his brother to know everything but seeing his worried face, he couldn't.
"Father—"
"Stay away from him, Knight, or I will send him away." His father threatened. "And for what you did today, Midnight will be punish. One hundred lashes."
No! Midnight's back was still hurting!
"I will take full responsibility, father." Pakiusap niya sa ama. "Please—"
"Knight Alastair Minrod Gutterez Velasquez! How many times do I have to tell you not to beg?!" His father's voice boomed and echoed inside the room, making him flinched. "You will become the head of the House of Velasquez! A Count never begs! A royalty never used the word 'please'! You will not beg, you hear me?!"
"Yes, father."
"You want to take full responsibility?"
"Yes, father."
"Then tell me firmly and force me! Don't waver! You want something, then have it forcefully if you can't. Now... Midnight will be punish—"
"No." He looked at his father dead in the eyes, man to man. "Punish me instead. I'm the one who took him out. It was my decision, not his."
"Don't be an insolent child—"
"You can add more lashes for going against your wishes." Dagdag niya. "Punish me."
His father smiled, making his inside die slowly. "Good. That's my son. Take full responsibility like a man... like the head of house of Velasquez."
"I prefer to be punish now." He requested.
May tinawagan ang ama niya sa intercom at nang bumukas ang pinto, nakita niya ang personal nitong tagapanbantay. Si Orlando. His father's personal Ultor.
"One hundred twenty lashes, Orlando. Make it painful." Utos ng ama niya. "Make him feel how painful it is to go against his father. And don't pass out, my son, or else, your brother will be punished severely."
"Yes, Master."
Walang imik siyang iginiya ni Orlando palabas ng pribadong opisina ng ama, patungo sa basement kung saan siya parurusahan.
He's used to this. People thinks that being Lord Kelleon's son is a blessing, but contrary to everyone's knowledge, it's hell. No one knows what happens to him inside the basement. Only a couple of people. Not even Midnight knows and he prefers it that way.
Midnight must not know this. He wants his brother to see him and talk to him without guilt in his face. Hindi niya ito kayang protektahan ng buong-buo, pero sisiguraduhin niyang po-protektahan niya ang ngiti nito para sa kaniya. That's all he can do for Midnight. For now.
That's why he's striving to become powerful and strong... just wait a bit, little brother.
Walang imik si Knight habang tinatali ang kamay at paa niya ni Orlando.
Then Orlando spoke. "Is this what you really want? I can go and drag Midnight down here—"
"I will take full responsibility." Aniya na walang emosyon ang mukha at boses.
Orlando tsked. "Your love for your brother will be the death of you."
"Then so be it."
"You don't have to be punish, my Lord—"
"Just do it, Orlando." Aniya saka ipinikit ang mga mata. "Better me than my brother. I can take it."
Orlando tsked again before holding the whip tightly. "This will hurt."
"I'm used to it." His father likes it when he takes full responsibility or when he takes half of Midnight's punishment. Because for his father, it's a sign of strength, courage, bravery and unwavering determination that a good noble lord and the head of the house of Velasquez has to have.
"Then..." Orlando started moving the whip on his hand, "take it like a man, my Lord."
Knight held back his scream as Orlando lashed him. Whip after whip on his back but no sound came out from his mouth. He held it in, the screams of agony and excruciating pain, until the very end of one hundred and twenty lashes.
"Lord Kelleon will be very pleased to know that you didn't passed out, my Lord." Ani Orlando habang inaalis ang tali sa kamay at paa niya. Kapagkuwan at may tinawagan itong nasa labas ng silid ng basement. "Cloud! Take your master!"
Cloud entered the punishment room in the basement while he sways, trying to balance himself, but couldn't.
Cloud immediately come to his aid.
"My Lord!"
Humawak siya sa balikat ni Cloud para hindi siya matumba at nanghihina na nakiusap dito. "D-don't — d-don't let Night see me like this..."
"Of course, my Lord."
Hearing that, trusting his butler's words, Knight let himself passed out.
KNIGHT WOKE UP weak and his back throbbing in pain. Nakadapa siya sa kama niya at ayaw niyang gumalaw, pero ng makita kung anong oras na— it's 10:30PM— pilit siyang bumangon at natigilan ng makitang nakaupo si Cloud sa pang-isahang sofa na nasa loob ng kuwarto niya.
Naka-bandage na ang likod niya, mukhang nilinis na ni Cloud ang sugat niya.
"Hey..." his voice sounded weak.
