《MADTAKS : Legend of the Four Corners》 1 Chapter 1: Spark It was raining hard and Santi was soaking wet. His body was full of bruises while his clothes torn beyond recognition. He was kneeling down facing the muddy dirt while a foot was pressing his head deeper to the mud. Not far away from them is a ravaged sepak takraw stage with the net full of holes. Cement floors have deep cracks all over the place, burnt shoes are scattered around and an occasional splatter of blood can be seen. The surroundings appeared as if it was currently being demolished. Santi''s eyes were full of burning hatred and determination but his body was barely able to move. "So this is your specialty?" A man around three years older than him was playing a sepak takraw ball. His eyes have weird blue lights shining. He was around two meters tall and his name is Lyan. Santi''s older and only remaining brother after his other eight siblings died mysteriously. "You have been playing sepak takraw for more than ten years and you are still this weak?" The man asked with mocking expression. Santi only glared back as a reply. "I heard you are the perfect player for this game and you have an outstanding undefeated record in every match garnering you the title as the Legend of Four Corners, but now, it seems to me it was all just a joke." Santi''s was about to retort back but the feet pushed his head deeper to the mud stopping him from uttering a word. "Today..." Lyan took his feet away from Santi''s head and sat down before his crippling little brother. "Today is the day that you lost, " Lyan uttered every word slowly while holding Santi''s face up by his palm. "You even proudly declare that you do not need teammates to win any match. yet, you can''t even make a single score against me." He let go of Santi''s face then stood up. "I.. will.... defeat... you.." Santi slowly declared despite the difficulty in breathing. "Today, your title as the legendary so-so is mine." Lyan followed with a menacing smile. "You are weak Santi! I gave you all the time or resources to practice but this is all you got?! I''d rather see you dead like the rest of our brothers!" These words put a heavy impact on Santi. As Santi values the memories of his other deceased brothers whom he lost when he was just still just a kid. Every one of them cherished him as he was the youngest and cutest one. But now, he only has Lyan who seems to have become a person he does not recognize anymore. "You are a waste of our blood! You disgust me Santi." Lyan added. Santi''s undefeated record brought him pride. Wherever he goes, people would respect him. Every sports or competition that requires speed and agility would always be dominated by him. But among any sports, Santi''s favorite was the sepak takraw because of his fun memories of playing the game with Lyan before. Lyan played soccer, basketball, volleyball and every other ball games just for fun but Santi only focused on playing and mastering the sepak takraw. Just like his older brother, the latter seems to have an incredible gift of speed and agility giving him an advantage in sepak takraw. It did not take very long before Santi''s name became famous as ones in a thousand years sepak takraw prodigy. Beating pro teams on a municipal level, regional, national and even international levels. All without a blemish of a single loss in his record. But now, a one on one match against his brother showed him the reality that there is always a mountain higher than you thought. Santi finally mustered a little bit of his strength and he was barely able to stand up. "Brother,...no, Lyan! wait! I want one more match." Santi''s undying determination gave him every strength to muster those words. But Lyan did not spare him a single look. He only walked away leisurely taking his jacket with him. "I said wait!" Santi stomped a sepak takraw ball near him. The squeezing pressure gave the ball momentum to roll back to his right foot. A quick single raise of his toes launched the ball in the air just about 2 meters from the ground and Santi followed it up with a powerful cartwheel. His right foot smashed against the ball with ferocity and accuracy sending and aiming straight to Lyan''s head in a blink of an eye. As if he has an eye behind his head, Lyan countered timely with another summersault that perfectly negates the force of Santi''s spike and even doubled the speed and power in return. "Poouh!~" Santi was hit in his stomach causing him to spew more air together with a little blood. The force carried by Lyan''s counter spike was so strong that it literally "carried" Santi three meters from his original position. He was coughing blood and gasping for air as he tried to maintain his consciousness. "I will give you one year to get a team, train, and face me. If you can win, I will acknowledge you as my family. If not, Don''t ever call me brother again. Starting now, you are just another dead brother for me; just like the rest." With these last words, Lyan has left the place while Santi''s eyes slowly closed and his body gave in from the physical and mental exhaustion. He lay motionless in the ground facing the night sky. The lights have long been turned off so he can see the wonderful display of stars in the sky. Suddenly, he noticed a bright blue star that stood out from the rest of the stars. This blue star gave him a sense of familiarity and at the same time, urgency. Whatever it was, its the first time Santi noticed a very mysterious star. "That must be the star father once talked about. The blue origin star that only an awakened member of our family can see... its beautiful" 2 Chapter 2: A Score For A Million Peso In the small municipality of Madridejos located in the northeast part of Bantayan Island, a humble looking community college is currently in a hot spot. It was only one more day before the school officially opened and it was crowded not because of students trying to register at the school but to witness an event the world has been talking about for nearly two months! Sepak takraw teams from all over the Philippines have come to participate in a once in a lifetime opportunity to win a million pesos! The media people have been covering these events from all over the country and had been one of the most followed sports events in the whole world. People in the Philippines, especially the youngsters and teens love playing sepak takraw in streets and school. However never have been the sepak takraw enthusiasts been so excited to play this game as the only condition to win the million pesos was absurdly crazy. For what purpose, he claimed that he is the best in the world and he did not need a team to win a match. For these reasons, the people, especially the die-hard sepak takraw players, have mixed emotions of respect and hatred against him. Despite the fact that he was a player worthy of recognition, his personality, pride and cocky attitude are an obvious setback for most people. "Is it really true? You win one million if you score a single point against him?" A tall, brown and athletic looking young man asked while staring at a person playing sepak takraw alone in the middle of the field. His hands were tying his new original converse shoes that he just bought just recently. "Yes, indeed it was true. However, It has been two months of unstoppable challenges but not a single team have won against him. The guy is just purely a monster with unparalleled control and speed." A bulky looking uncle around forty years old replied as he slowly massaged the back of one of his players. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, look at him controlling the ball like it was a part of his body! Not a single unnecessary movement while his spikes are all in perfect timing even from incredibly difficult angles! His title really does says something about him." A tv reporter nearby commented while clicking his tongue in amazement. Hearing this, the uncle instantly rebutted: "But I do not believe he is perfect. He may be the so-called Legend of the Four Corners, but today, we will break his unblemished record and put an end to this cocky kid." The uncle has a determined expression as he moved to massage the back of his other players. These athletes are national level players that have won countless sepak takraw championships all over the Philippines and even abroad. Thinking that all it takes is a single point to change his life around, He has fully prepared the conditions of his best players just for this day. "And we will be gaining the recognition to have been the only team to have defeated this legendary existence. Even international teams from Thailand and Malaysia will be trembling in our presence!" 3 Chapter 3: Aura of the Champion There are currently around fifty teams on the waiting list to get an opportunity to face the legendary solo player in the field. All with the same intention to fight against the undisputed sepak takraw champion of the world and a chance to win one million pesos. "Prrrrrt!" In a moment, another whistle was blown and another regu has lost miserably. "Come on, give me a little bit of challenge please," Santi complained as he looked at the leading players replacing the loser team in the court. They came in incredibly excited but left with pale faces. "Neeeext!" The umpire or referee shouted towards the players who came from the very long waiting line of teams. The school''s sepak takraw court have been crowded by spectating players and media alike. Some media personnel were documenting the event while most players have their eyes glued to Santi''s every movement. Not far from the court is a young man around seventeen years old selling balut to the spectating crowd. "Maam and Sirs, don''t play when your stomach is empty! Try some Balut and your body will be healthy! All for just twenty-five pesos each!" An energetic voice and a very positive vibe can be felt from this young man. His name is Chiko who was named after a brown and sweet sapodilla fruit also known locally as ''Chikoos". With the incredible crowd within the school, he was able to sell his products like hot pancakes. He was selling exotic local food called ''Balut'' or a boiled duck egg embryo. While selling, Chiko''s was very curious with the game and the person that caused the commotion and he cannot help but observe as well. Watching the pro players playing, Chiko noticed every motion Santi did was effortless and the ball control was so precise that he almost thought the person was not human at all. He took this opportunity to learn about the game and observe the players intently especially Santi. After the preparations were made, the new regu or team which consists of three players stood in the stage with two more court substitutes watching intently at the side. The one at the back position in court is called a Tekong whos main roles is to serve. Another one is the Feeder who throws the ball to the server, help defend and set killing opportunities while also spike when an opportunity arises. The Killer or also known as the Spiker has the main role of executing volleys as hard as possible towards the opposing team''s court. Similar to volleyball, the game will be played in two sets, and the first team that scores 21 points wins, however it is important to remember that a minimum of a two-point lead is required to win the set. In case of a tie score of 20-20, the umpire will declare an extension to 25 points and the regu that wins two sets win the match. There is a two-minute break in between each set. The battle was obviously unfair and unofficial as it was three against one. However, the people thought it was not the exact case if you are fighting against Santi, the Legend of the Four Corners who was known to have an official undefeated record. No one knows about his match against his brother Lyan. For Santi, it was a match that he will never forget and will never ever acknowledge. "I will prove to you brother, I don''t need any team to beat you. I myself is enough! You just wait!" Santi''s aura suddenly changed. The weight of his presence suddenly increased and the players on the stage felt an impending doom is approaching them. "So this is how you feel when you face this legendary existence." The player responsible as the Tekong thought. 4 Chapter 4: Overwhelming Power! The silence was almost deafening as everyone watched the game intently. The photographers and videographers have their camera in places and capturing every minute mostly focusing on Santi. This once in a thousand-year prodigy is not just a legendary player but has also the looks that can captivate the woman. His blue sparkling eyes emits an out of this world calmness but an aura of fierceness. Not to mention his vast amount of wealth due to his family''s background. Santi''s opponent this time is the famous Blue Eagle team hailing from the mainland Manila who once won a gold medal for sepak takraw in the Palarong Pambansa which is a yearly sports event much like an Olympic event but only held exclusively within the Philippines. The Feeder threw the ball towards the Tekong in a perfect angle and the latter''s eyes were brimming with focus. In an instant, his body slightly slanted and his right foot stretched out revealing his bulging thigh muscles in every inch. Despite being outnumbered he did not dare to underestimate the young man before him so he decided to start with a powerful spike serve! Using his right foot, he hit the ball with incredible precision and sent it whirring towards the very corner in Santi''s court in the blink of an eye. The court''s dimension of 13.4 long and 6.1 meters but the ball reached the opposing court at a speed faster than you can blink your eye! However, as if he has long predicted the attack, Santi had already moved to the spot and effortlessly stomped his foot in the floor stopping a million worth of point. "Nooo!" The coach shouted as if seeing his dog died before him. He was holding his head manically and was about to lose his head in the first serve. he was not sure if he can continue to watch the game. Every spectator was also at the edge of their seat. "That one almost scored!" The reporter thought. One score, one score is all it takes for them to win a million pesos! imagine what you can buy with a million! He was covered with sweat all over as if he was playing as well. Everyone thought that it was their long awaited score but the line man responsible for watching the border lines destroyed their hope. "Good!" The lineman declared. The lineman stood just in the corner and watched the play while sweating profusely, he cannot afford to make a single mistake due to the person before him and the prize money at stake. The ball flew really high in a perfectly vertical direction and Santi looked at the ball with an intense gaze. He seems to be reminded of the time he lost desperately against his Brother. "It was these foot stomping technique that defeated me." He followed the ball with a simple inside kick to relaunch the ball just above his head. "I will not lose to anyone!" With this building emotion inside him, his right foot hit the ball with incredible force and precision. Whapash!~~ Whiirrr~ After an exploding impact from his right foot. The rattan made ball''s body almost deformed from the force and even created a whirring sound as it streaked across the court with the speed two times faster compared when it was served over. 5 Chapter 5: My Baluts! @@Chiko was having the day of his life as he continued selling his Balut to some hungry customers. "This is the best day of my life! Just three more Balut remaining; I never expected that I am about to get sold out today! Who needs school when you can earn this easily!" "Hey! You still got more Baluts!?" A customer inquired while his face was glued to the game. He only glanced towards Chiko once and handed him money to pay. "Sure, this is the last three Baluts sir, but since this is my lucky day, I will give you three baluts for the price of two!" "Hurry! hand me all those three over kid! Wait~ Watch out!" Chiko had the brightest smile as he was about to get the last three Balut to sell to his customer when suddenly, his basket containing the last three Balut was rammed brutally by a sepak takraw ball. Ultimately breaking his last three Baluts into pieces! Chiko''s smiled wethered and his jaw dropped. He looked as if he has aged ten years in an instant. It took quite a time before he was able to get back to reality. Calming himself down, a strong murderous intent flashed out from his eyes as he looked towards the back of the culprit standing in the middle of the court - Santi. 6 Chapter 6: Counter Attack! Not minding the small businessman he has disturbed, Santi had the most confident looks as he has just executed a perfect rolling spike. The crowd was still in a daze from his performance and this adds to his ever-rising pride. He pointed at the ball under the foot of the young businessman from the distance. It seems he was around his age as well. He was wearing a farmer''s hat, a ''barely'' white t-shirt, a blue-red cotton jacket was tied in his waist, black pants and a heavy looking black steel toe shoes he once found in a trash can. The young man looked really poor indeed. He signed to throw the ball over as it was made of incredibly high-quality materials that can withstand hundreds of pounds of force which was just perfect for him. Even a hundred basket of his Balut is not enough compared to his rattan ball''s price. "Hey! Hey Kid! The superstar is asking you to throw the ball back. Go throw it back quick!" The customer that was supposed to buy the last three baluts hurriedly said. His eyes were full of amazement and disbelief but Chiko''s expression was a contrast to the man. Chiko looked smugly at Santi from the distance and this only fueled Chiko''s rage. He picked the ball and gripped it tightly. One can see that the spherical ball bent to its limit due to the strength of his grip. He tested the ball''s weight and it was about 180 grams in weight. It was almost the same weight of the three Baluts he has lost! "Let me see, how did he do it again..." Chiko did not throw the ball back right away. His mind was busily calculating something. "Hey! Threw the ball kid! You cant keep that! That is really expensive!" The man urged him. "Hmm...let''s see." Chiko threw the ball just slightly above his head and in an instant, he jumped from his right foot. His body spun twice mid-air building even greater momentum than Santi''s version because of the heavy black steel toe boots he was wearing. But despite the rugged and uncomfortable looking clothes and heavy boots, the man floated in mid-air like a feather! Santi looked and thought that the man knows a little bit of acrobat so maybe he was just taking this opportunity to show off in front of the crown. With this in mind, he had an even mocking expression. However, his eyes almost popped out the next instant. The man just executed a double-spin rolling spike and at an even faster and stronger than what he had just executed! The ball traveled a distance of around forty meters but the ball reached him like a bullet. WHAPAAMMM!!!! 7 Chapter 7: Unexpected Winner! The crowd was silent and the organizers did not know what to do from the shock. An ordinary balut vendor was able to score a point forty meters away from the court! The ball landed in the floor as if it was an out of the court spike serve. If only it was an official match, the seemingly weak and poor Balut vendor might have just won the one million pesos! The moment Santi stood up, he realized that Chiko was already standing before him with his palms wide open as if he was waiting for payment. Realizing that Santi was not badly hurt, the event organizers heaved a sigh of relief and was about to apprehend Chiko from what he has done when Santi stopped them from approaching with a stop motion from his hand. Realizing that he had done his revenge too much, Chiko has an awkward and complicated expression as he tried to speak. However, he has a firm stand, a business is a business! And a loss because of the carelessness of someone is not acceptable! With this in mind, Chiko steeled his thoughts and said: "Look. Each cost balut that you broke from that last spike cost twenty-five pesos each. Multiply it by three and you owe me...hmm.. seventy-five pesos in total!" Chiko had a firm and clear intention and the watching crowd has gone numb from the absurdity of the events. You get to hit a sports superstar in the face and even get seventy-five pesos! Seventy-five pesos your mother! It took a little while before Santi spoke. He too was unable to believe what was happening and it was the first time he totally forgot he had a face and pride to keep. Santi looked at the man with eyes full of determination and he realized that the person may look simple and rugged but he carries with him a very positive and mysterious vibe! The muscles were perfectly toned and an aura of innocence covered him. His bright brown eyes were very pure and clear that he can almost see himself in the reflection. Santi suddenly remembered himself when he was young. it was the same eyes and innocence that he used when he was with his family. However, the man before him is not a child but a rugged looking farm boy who seems to be the same age as him. And to top it all, he seems to have talent in sepak takraw! Seeing the poor looking person still waiting for the payment, Santi waved to his assistant nearby and told him: "Give this man a million peso check. It might not have been an official match but I still lost to him despite his disadvantage so I think it is fare enough I acknowledge his score." 8 Chapter 8: A Good Day To Do Business! "He won! He really did win!" "I cannot believe it!" "Who would have thought that a dark horse was just among us selling Balut!" The players who have been waiting in line are in disbelief. The crowd was in shock and the media men in disarray. "That Balut vendor won a million pesos!?" The man who was about to buy the last three remaining baluts was also in a daze. The media men started snapping photos and videos of this unexpected winner! "This is huge news! A Balut vendor won one million in an unexpected way!" The newspaper reporters started writing the details and their thoughts were unable to stop their mind for the news they are about to unleash! The check was already signed and when it was about to be given to Chiko, the latter''s open palms closed. "I don''t need a million pesos. I just need you to pay me seventy-five pesos. No more, no less." He said without a change of expression in his faces. He did not even spare a single glance at the glossy one million check before him! "What did he say!?" "Huh!?" "Are you kidding me!?" Another huge bomb has been dropped. Most people cannot believe what was happening. It was just too much. What crazy person would decline a million peso check for a mere seventy-five pesos? Some people instinctively walked forward with their eyes fixed to the one million peso check! You can see their mouth have already drooled. Santi has an even stunned expression. "This farm boy dares to ignore my kindness!?" he thought and took the check from his assistant. He wanted to shove it into the guy''s face! This is one million! Got it!? ONE MILLION PESOS!! "I do not need your kindness. Your eyes tell me that you think you are kind enough to shove that money to me. I''d rather starve than accepting your ''donation. Its full of disgust." Chiko said and every word were all true and aimed perfectly at Santi''s thoughts. Ignoring Santi, Chiko asked the assistant beside him. "Are you his assistant?" "I Ye...Yee.I mean.um.. Yes, I am." The assistant stuttered for a while in the presence of this unpredictable fellow. "Do you have seventy-five pesos?" "Uhm..no... But I do have one hundred pesos bill." "That''s good enough." Chiko took the hundred peso bill, opened his pocket bag across his waist, he then took twenty-five pesos and gave it to the assistant as a change. "I received hundred pesos and here is your change. Thank you!" Chiko smiled while leaving the assistant stunned. Chiko walked out of the court, greeted and passed by the guard who was too busy texting someone. He left home happily and early today. With a big smile in his face, he hopped towards his home. "Today is a sold out day! Granny will be very proud!" Chiko thought happily. 9 Chapter 9: Finding Chiko Meanwhile, back at the court, the media people were still in disarray and one of them have finally realized something big they are missing. "Interview! We forgot to interview him!" "Oh my God! How did we forget to interview that man!" "Quick find him!" The media men chased towards the direction Chiko has gone. However, their attempts were futile as the mysterious young man has long gone right under their nose! Santi took this opportunity to have a break. The events that have unfolded were too unbelievable for him. He called one of his assistants and he hurriedly ran towards him in a respectful manner. "Did you know that person''s background?" Santi asked. "Reporting to master Santi, I did a background check with that guy and he seems to be a famous Balut vendor in these areas." "I know, that is obvious. Anything else? I want to know where he lives." Santi''s tone was obviously disappointed with the report. "Yes, I asked more people and they said that the man lives in a small farm southwest towards the forest. He recently graduated from a nearby high school last year and seems to be helping his family by selling Balut in the morning and evening. Also, he only lives with his grandmother." "Hmm.." Santi appeared to be in deep thought and suddenly stood up facing the crowd who are still waiting to try their luck for the million peso prize. "I have enough of these events. Today, I officially announced that the event has ended." After saying these, Santi left and went inside his white Lexus Rx 450 2017 edition parked nearby. The remaining people have regrets and disappointment painted in their faces. If only they have come earlier, they might had the chance to strike for a million pesos and changed their lives. But now, the host has officially declared its end and they can only watch helplessly as he left the place. The event lasted for two months and not a single team was able to strike a single score aside from the unintentional point the Balut vendor took. "It''s because of him!" Everyone has burning mad thinking of Chiko. If only the latter did not come, the event would not have ended. "Let''s find him and teach him a lesson!" Some hopeless teams who even came from far away decided. "I don''t think that will work here." A local man who had just heard their declaration immediately responded. "And why not? If not because of him, would have not lost the chance to win the million pesos! You heard me!? A million PISO!" The man who led the team retorted asserting his dominance towards the local. However, the local man showed no signs of fear at all. "You foreigns should just leave this place. That is the best and friendly advice I can tell you for now." "Make me." The tall man challenged. The local just sighed and said: "And what is that?" The man asked in a demanding tone. 10 Chapter 10: Mystery of the Blue Star As he said this, the team who had a bad intention towards Chiko finally realized that they were greatly surrounded and outnumbered by the locals. Most of them are males who have bulky bodies and eyes like wolves. Even the women have determined faces. They looked at the team with murderous eyes and was obviously just waiting for them to do the first strike. "Just who was that kid anyway?" The media men who heard everything had nothing but questions in his head. No one amongst the local even gave the exact address of the mysterious young man. They only gave vague direction and that was all. ***** It was around six o''clock in the afternoon and Santi was standing in a balcony. The air has a faint chill and the surrounding has turned dark accompanied by the chirping sounds of the cricket. Santi stood there alone immersing himself in deep thoughts. His face was bathed in a night light and you can see his eyes were full of question. "Why? Why did you lead me here father?" He murmured while staring at the Bright blue star in the sky. The Blue star twinkled as if responding to his question. It has been two months since the first time he has started seeing the bright blue star that never seems to disappear into the sky regardless if it was day or night. Santi once heard from his father when he was just a child that there is a certain blue bright star that is not visible to the ordinary people. Before dying, his father has given him a weird command he must follow in the future. "In the future, if the time is right, a Blue Star will appear in the sky disregarding whether it is day or night. Due to its mysterious presence, only members of our family can see this certain blue star. Whether other people can see this, that I do not know. But... Santi... Follow the Blue star to wherever it leads you. No matter what, you follow it. Whatever tries to stop you, face it. This you must promise to me Santi." it was his dying last words in his death bed and Santi took it seriously. Apparently, this bright blue star only shows itself to members of their family. And in the current case, since the mysterious deaths of his eight other siblings and parents, only Santi gets to see the blue star and probably Lyan as well. It is also said that only "qualified" people can see these certain blue star. What the word ''qualified'' actually means, Santi has no idea at all. One thing was for sure, ever since he had seen the blue star, his body became even stronger and faster. To verify his dead father''s word, he had asked countless people if they can really see the blue star but to his surprise, not a single one of them have a clue what he was talking about. 11 Chapter 11: Scholarship for Chiko Several kilometers away from the city, In a small house in the middle of a small farm, Chiko was busy eating his favorite fruit: chikoos. He was laying down above big carabao''s back with one hand supporting his head and the munching the sweet and juicy brown fruit. You can see the stars reflecting in his eyes. He just effortlessly laid on the top of the carabao while it was busy munching the hay inside its mouth while Chiko enjoyed the view of the bright and beautiful night sky. "What a really beautiful blue star. I wonder why I have never seen this star before. What do you thing Birang?" Chiko asked the big humble carabao as he took a big bite out from the fruit and fed the other half straight to the carabao''s mouth. The latter took the food effortlessly with a quick grab using its long tongue. In less than five seconds, it was gone in his mouth and proceeded to munch its food stock from its esophagus. "I will take that as an ''I do not know too'' " The carabao could care less to what he says. Suddenly from a distance, he can a mild and gentle voice of an old woman can be heard. "Here you are, Chi. I have been looking all over for you." His grandmother has the most beautiful and calming smile that would never seize to put a smile on Chiko''s face as well. "It wasn''t me Lola, it was Birang who took me here. I was just eating chikoos you know." Chiko tried to put the blame to Birang and the latter seems to have understood him. "mooo~" It gave a low and innocent sounding moo seemingly declaring his innocence. Grandmother seems to have understood it and gave it a light head scrub which it enjoyed very much. "Cry-mooooomy-Birang," Chiko even bullied the gentle giant as he climbed down. "By the way, I have a surprise for you," Lola said happily while showing a piece of paper folded from inside a white envelop. "Really?" Chiko has excitement and curiosity written all over his face. His Lola handed him the white paper and Chiko read the content right away. However, it did not take long for his smiles to fade away. Noticing the sadness in her grandson''s face she asked. "Why are you not happy with it?" "It''s a college scholarship." "Isn''t that great? You can finally get to school! You do not have to work!" "I cannot take this Lola." "And why not?" "You are old Lola. I want to take care of you. I don''t think I have time to go to school." He gave the paper back to her and added. "You are everything that I have left Lola. I want to take care of you" With these words, Santi''s Lola was not able to reply right away. Her eyes slowly turned red as she hugged the young man tightly. 12 Chapter 12: A Star Has Fallen "Now you listen to me my little brown sugar." Chiko''s grandmother said while smiling and wiping Chiko''s tears. "My young sweet Chiko, you see, I am turning ninety years old this year and I am really old and I am really tired. I have lived and am very contented with my life while your''s is just starting..." She said slowly while Chiko has complicated expression hearing it. "So please my child, do me a favor little Chiko. From now on, I want you to enjoy your life and do what you love. As long as you respect everyone, do good things even if others are not." Chiko listened but did not dare to look at her eyes. Somehow, he feels like she is giving him her last words. And it was never a good experience. "You have grown stronger than you thought Chiko. Use your power to protect those who need your protection and fight if you have to. Find friends worthy of your time and..." She stopped as she suddenly heard a sobbing sound. Chiko was unable to hold down his tears listening to her. "Please don''t leave me, grandma." Chiko held her tightly. Not letting her go. Under the beautiful night sky and the long waving green grasses that dances together with the wind, the figure of Chiko hugging his grandmother tightly beside a big carabao was like a work of art. The brightness of the moon drew a beautiful reflection in their figures edges. Under the cold and bright moon gaze, it took quite a while before Chiko and his grandmother have returned to their humble home. "So when are you going to introduce me to your girlfriend Chiko?" Lola asked. "What girlfriend? My Balut business is going well lately Lola, no time for ''girlren-girlren''!" "You never brought your friends over." "Lola I got Birang my strong but slow carrier, Snappy my toothless snake, Toro the mad boar and Pandak the chicken king. Who needs more friends?" "I mean ''normal-human'' friends Chiko," Grandmother asked. "I am happy with what I have currently Lola. And besides, I really cannot trust those other kids. They might not tell me directly but I can see what they are thinking about me. Mostly.... evil." Chiko did not notice the solemness in his grandmother''s eyes. "But you still owe me a girlfriend okay?" "I want to find a woman just like you Lola. And I am afraid I can''t find one right now." They were laughing from silly jokes wholeheartedly as they ride in the wide back of Birang. Grandmother was happily teasing Chiko and they spent the rest of the night talking about their dreams and what lies ahead. It took quite some time before they have finally fallen asleep. The night sky was still shining brightly as it was being accompanied by the bright blue star when suddenly, a beautiful meteor burning brightly passed quietly across their small nipa house. 13 Chapter 13: A Mysterious Working Student and Janitor A month since the new school year in Madridejos Community College has started and students are slowly getting used to the new environment. This new school year has been different compared to before due to the huge influx of the new students and the school''s popularity have gone way up due to a single person''s action. The one-million-a-score event held by the world''s most popular and currently the number one sepak takraw player - Santi. It gave the school a shocking surprise when the latter decided to enroll for Information Technology course. Despite of numerous questions they have in mind, they decided to just let him be. After all, after people found out that a hot and young sports super star became a student of a small community college, people thought there must be something good from the school why the famous guy enrolled there. This caused an almost two hundred percent increase in their new enrolees. More specifically in IT courses. Some young students who enrolled took this opportunity to know and get closer to Santi. While most female students dreamed to became the latter''s girlfriend. Everything would have been a perfect start for this small municipality college when a huge unexpected rumor have left numerous student''s scared and immediately become a hot topic among the students and faculty alike. "Hey, did you hear the latest rumor?" "Do you mean the Aswang? Yeah but I don''t think I should believe it. I mean hello? It''s 2019! Who would believe in such a thing?" "They said there is an Aswang wandering not far from the school''s vicinity and a lot of people can prove it" "Really? Did they saw it with their own eyes?" "The eye witness said it has black long hair, red bloody eyes, with really long and sharp nails!" "That''s scary!" "I know right. Not to mention, they spotted the creature while it was crawling over the rooftop of the School President''s house!" "That''s crazy!" "I know right?" "So what happened next? Did they took pictures of it?" "Sadly they weren''t able to as it disappeared right into the shadows. It was so fast and you can barely keep track of its movements." "Whatever, it''s just a rumor. No pictures as proof? I''m not buying it." "Same here." A group of students was talking about the latest rumors as they walked passing by the school''s library entrance where plenty of students comes to study especially during the early stage of the school year; while some young couple chooses the library to date. A few meters from the entrance inside the library, a young man with a thin-but not-too-skinny build is busy wiping the floor diligently. He has quite a long dark-golden man-bunned hair and a dark brown complexion. He is a very mysterious person and does not like to talk to anyone except for the school president who gave him the job. He was the school''s working student named Yang Dinag. One can see that his ears would twitch from time to time while he was working. Little did they know that despite his silence, no one knows that this person has an incredible sense of hearing that he can basically hear everyone within fifty meters from him. But contrary to the gossip he hears, his face remains the same as if he doesn''t care about anything at all except for cleaning. After cleaning the whole library, he walked towards another building. 14 Chapter 14: Watch Out! Yang slowly enters the cafeteria and the students who noticed him started looking at him curiously. "He''s here." said the school cafeteria serving staff. "Oh no hopefully not again.." said the other staff. They have both been a witness of Yang''s trouble every time he clean''s the cafeteria. "If only he comes earlier to clean up this place." "He does. It''s just a lot of student are too messy so he has to come and clean up like every other two hours. "I just hope he won''t puke this time." "Same.." The other staff said while massaging his head seemingly remembering a tragic memory. Unlike before, with his calm and quiet demeanor, Yang walks inside the school cafeteria while holding the tools for cleaning unable to calm down. His eyes were restless and his steps are slow. He scanned the cafeteria''s menu first and after a little read, he sighed with relief. "Not much meat..." A barely visible smile appeared in his face as he walked a little bit faster towards a stained floor. The two cafeteria staffs have been staring at him and seeing his relieved reaction, they immediately understood what it meant and they smiled with each other. "I really wonder why this kid doesn''t like meat. I mean come on. It''s meat! It''s delicious!" One of the stuff busily serving some students whispered. Yang heard him and seems to figure out they were talking about him. However, Yang never reacted to anything they say about him. Despite the number of students calling him weird, or sometimes, stupid because of the way he dress untidly and act, he would never mind them and continue working without a flinch. The staffs knew that Yang has a very unusual reaction when seeing meat and especially blood. The meat''s smell alone would make him puke and dizzy. So Yang would do his best to avoid people eating meat as he was very sensitive to it. Nobody knows why he reacted in such a way but the school cafeteria staffs has diffinetly learned a lesson or two about him. Apparently, the guy prefers to eat nothing but fruits and vegetables and nothing else! They have made numerous attempts to fire the guy for puking not once but twice when smelling meat while cleaning in the cafeteria. But for some unknown reason, the school principal was adamant for making the guy stay and would defend the mysterious guy no matter what. Yang went back to his usual silent mode as he calmly cleaned the stains in the floor. He put the warning sign for the slippery floor behind him and started cleaning the dirty-stained floor. Except for his meat and blood smelling problem, Yang is known as a very diligent, courteous, and honest worker. He would always bring every lost items and wallet he found to the school''s lost and found station. From this, they knew that the guys have a really good heart. Yang was completely immersed in his task when one of the newcomers suddenly came running and tripped on a wet floor. It seems the male student ran too fast and failed to see the slippery floor warning sign. The man lost his grip with his lunch box he was holding as it flew towards the wet floor. In an instant, with incredible reflex, Yang seems to bend his body a hundred and eighty degrees as he stretched his body to catch the falling lunch box with at an incredible speed. The two staffs had their eyes almost popping out unable to believe Yang''s incredible reflex and flexibility. "What speed and reflex!" Some of the witnesses exclamed. Yang was like a cat that suddenly twisted its body a hundred eighty degrees before landing in the ground from an unfavorable position while not suffering single bone damage! He did not pay attention to the people who were gaping from his incredible athletic performance. The lunch box landed safely in his hands but the horror did not end there as the lid covering the lunch box still went flying away due to the momentum. 15 Chapter 15: An Aswang? The eyes of Yang and the two cafeteria staffs suddenly went big as they anticipated the worst. If the box''s content has meat, Yang would start puking for sure and the witnessing students would lose their appetite in an instant causing damage to the business! Fortunately, the box revealed nothing but rice inside it. Yang and the two cafeteria staffs each took a very deep sigh at the same time. "That was close!" The staffs both thought. The student who just tripped immediately apologized to Yang for his recklessness. And after checking that his lunch box was safe, he thanked Yang again and went to the cafeteria to buy some food. The latter just replied with a nod and continued with his cleaning task. "That was close!" Yang thought. "I can''t imagine the disaster to come if that lunch box happened to have meat!" "Indeed. We''re lucky the student only has rice in his lunch box or we could have witnessed another crappy day losing customers." "Well, I guess God is on our side!" "Hallelujah!" The two were thankful for the misfortune that failed to come. A few minutes later, Yang had finally finished his cleaning task and went to proceed towards the stock room to end his morning shift when a female student suddenly blocked his way and was smiling sweetly. She was blushing and a few more friends of her seems to be cheering her up from the side. She took out a lunch box out she was hiding behind her shyly and she quickly presented it before Yang. Her hands moved fast and revealed four sets of delicious looking food. A quarter of steaming hot rice, crispy looking Chicken Nuggets, Pork afritada and Lechon Paksiw. "Uhm... I see that you have been working really hard to keep our school clean. So..so.. I prepared this lunch just for you. I hope you would like it." The female student who looked a little younger than Yang raised the lunch box higher so that Yang can have a closer look of the delicious food she made but contrary to her expectation, Yang pushed the food away and stepped back from the food. His face has the look of seeing a monster before him. At the same time, the girl felt something suddenly turned hot in her waist. Yang quickly ran towards the closest trash bin and started puking like madly. He was screaming from the inside as his face turned green from vomiting. One of the main reasons Yang never wanted to do with people was that most of them are too kind that they would offer him meat for food out of nowhere almost all the time. Later after that incident, the two cafeteria staffs approached and comforted the female student who tried to get Yang''s attention by giving him food. Her friends also comforted her and she felt fine a few sobs later. Now walking quite far from her friends and completely alone, she suddenly stopped as she seems to have remembered something. She started feeling her waist with her hands and pulled something under her shirt. It was a small glass vial with transparent water inside. It seems to have been boiling a while ago. "Why did the Lana inside boiled a while ago..." She wondered to herself and suddenly realization dawned on her. "Wait could there be an aswang nearby?" She suddenly realized. It is known that the liquid called Lana inside the bottle would react by boiling if there is an aswang nearby. 16 Chapter 16: Chikos Small But Unusual World Part 1 Its Monday morning and the sun is about to rise. Today, he woke up early to do his farm chores. Despite the absence of his grandmother, Chiko would still do his daily chores by himself. It was as if all the house task have been embedded in his daily function. After tending to his carabao named Birang, he went to feed the chickens and ducks followed with feeding a small pond full of palm-sized tilapia. From cleaning the small farmhouse to repairing the barn. He does them all of this by himself. Chiko never met his parents. His grandmother said she found Chiko abandoned under a big Chikoos tree, thus becoming one of the main reason he was named Chiko. His grandmother took care of him like a real son. Disciplining and teaching him important life values like humility, honesty, and respect especially to the animals. This is one of the reasons he was able to tame a lot of animals including wild ones such as a giant crocodile whom hi named Lolong, a wild boar he named Dumog because of his habit of charging and a green phyton he named Hinay. But his favorite was non-other than Birang, the big carabao whom he treats more like a brother. Chiko happened to stumble upon these wild and ferocious animals as he grew up familiarizing the small forest. It took quite a lot of patience, understanding and a lot of risks for Chiko to be able to tame each of them. Chiko was able to tame Lolong, the giant crocodile which is around a hundred years old when he was only seven years old by simply giving it a gentle but courageous body rubs. And for some reasons, the mighty crocodile never harmed Chiko. Not even once. As a matter of fact, Chiko can freely ride in its back easily even to the point of standing stable! However, Chiko knew that despite his amazing friendship, he does not dare to show it to the people because he is afraid of all the troubles that would come once they found out that an eight-meter-long-crocodile is freely swimming in the island''s small rivers and sea. Sometimes, Chiko would use Lolong as his boat when fishing and latter would gladly help him so as Chiko would help him catch fishes easily and fast! This activity did not just provide them both fishes but Chiko would also use this opportunity to increase his resistance, stamina, and lung capacity When Chiko was around 10 years old, he happens to stumble in a wild boar''s territory while getting firewood. This giant wild boar would chase after him until it gets tired. Later on, Chiko was able to tame it by giving it free food. Chiko met Hinay, his four-feet-long green phyton when climbing big acacia tree five years ago. This beautiful yet dangerous creature was once about to die from a wildfire when Chiko saw it cornered in a burning tree. Compassion filled his heart and decided to brave over the burning forest to save the cornered snake. Realizing his intentions, the phyton allowed Chiko to grab its body and get carried out to safety. Since then, the phyton would never hurt Chiko and would sometimes even play with him. All this wonderful miracle friendship was only possible due to Chiko''s pure and kind heart. 17 Chapter 17: Chikos Small But Unusual World Part 2 It is now around seven o'' clock in the morning and Chiko just finished eating his breakfast. He did a final check to the house and the animals on his small farm. Chiko wore a white t-shirt, black pants, and a red cotton jacket he would always tie in his waist, and a heavy-looking black boots. Chiko loved these boots despite it weighing almost a kilo each. He happens to find these shoes thrown in the garbage and after checking it out, Chiko decided to wear it. Before leaving the house, Chiko took one last glance to his grandmother''s picture in the table. "I''m going to school now Lola." He said while waving at the photo. "I will do just like what you wanted me to do. I will take this scholarship and finish college to find a better life. You better watch me, Lola." With a teary eye and a simple smile, Chiko left the house. Birang was already waiting in the wooden gate. Chiko knew that it was waiting for him and it seems to have already understood that he will be going to school starting today. Chiko rode in Birang''s back for quite a distance, When reaching a small river, Lolong was already waiting at the shoreline. It seems to be waiting for him to give him a ride going to school via the river. Chiko smiles seemingly expecting this unusual friend of him. a few minutes later, Chiko arrived at a remote shoreline just outside the forest''s border closest to the school. He made sure no one''s around or else people would found out about Lolong''s existence. Chiko jumped high towards the ground, bid Lolong goodbye and started walking towards the school''s direction. It would still take quite a walk so Chiko started running. Seeing his figure leaving, Lolong''s eyes are still fixed on the young man''s back. A while later it turned around and went back to where they came from. Lolong arrived at the spot and Birang was still there standing. But this time, a green phyton was coiling around a branch of a nearby tree and a sounder of pigs seemingly waiting for his arrival. Lolong slowly opened its mouth and a cold and majestic voice can be heard. 18 Chapter 18: The Guardians of the Forest Part 1 "Ssss-So what now-sSss?" Said the green phyton. Its creepy and slow voice can send chills to one''s spine if a human hears it talking. "grrrr-First of all, I would like to thank everyone for a job well done." Declared Lolong. His voice sounded in everyone''s mind. The wild pigs, the snake, and the big carabao have solemn expressions. "We have grrrr-protected the Maharlican Sacred Sanctuarygrrrr- and the descendant of the Maharlikan King for countless years now..." Lolong looked at each and every one of them. The snake''s eyes are not moving, The carabao took this opportunity to lay down slowly and so did the Dumog and its younglings. Lolong opened its big mouth and continued: "With the old witch''s death, I am afraidgrrrr- our task has also ended; we can''t do anything else but to close the Maharlican Sacred Sanctuary now and give the kid the chance to learngrrrr- to survive and stand on his own in the mortal world just as like what the Mahagrrrr-rlikan king and old witches wanted." With the tone of Lolong''s voice, everyone cannot help but bow down in sadness. A long journey has ended and they have to give up seeing the kid who they took care of since young. "But we can''t just let the kid alone oinnk~! Where is he going to live?! If we close the Maharlikan Sacred Sanctuary, he has no more home to go-iiink! I can''t afford to see the young prince roaming the human streets at night!" The Big boar immediately complained. "The prince-Ssss didn''t know that the small forest with a small farm where he grew up issSss actually the legendary Maharlikan SssSpiritual Sanctuary. It is actually a hidden sSssspace inside a dying fores-ssst! If we clos-Sssse the space now, he would Sss-ssurely be lost when he comeSsss back later!" The beautiful green phyton added. The reason that people can never find Chiko''s house is that it is actually hidden from the human''s eyes by a mysterious spiritual force. If an ordinary human would stumble in the forest at the exact location of Chiko''s supposed to be a farmhouse, they would only find nothing but a giant-long-dead Acacia tree in the middle of barren land. But in Chiko''s eyes, he can see the five-hectare long farm, complete with small rivers, tall trees, big and small animals of different variety and fruits of different seasons! The mysterious animals are actually having a meeting with regards to closing the sacred sanctuary. It is like a little heaven in the land. 19 Chapter 19: The Guardians of the Forest Part 2 Everyone became silent in realization. The cow stood up slowly and started talking: "I think the young prince Chikomoo can survive this testmooo." "He isss-Ss right everyone. With all those years of training his body and mind, I am confident that our Chiko can live!" The snake said. "Indeedmooo- . Although I am not sure if he has mooo- - already figured it out that he has an incrediblymooo- gifted mind and body, but if he mooo- no troubles should be too hard for him. Even if he faces five evilmooo- -- humans, he can finish them all just by using his naturalmooo- - strength that I have nurtured for more than ten years!" The Carabao added. "Well saidooink--. Not to mention I am pretty muchooink--sure that no other humans are faster thanooink-- him. After all, I have been training him-ooink-- when it comes to speed since his younger daysooink--" Said the Boar. "What''s more is that his reflexsSss and instinct are extraordinary. I can barely even hit him anymore even with my lightning quick attacksSs-Ssee." The snake added as if reminiscing old beautiful memories. "Indeedgrrrr-, Chiko have ggrrrr-rown quite a strgrrrr-ong man." The Crocodile nodded in agreement with everyone. "Then it is settled. We argrrrr-e going back to the Hollow World today and reporgrrrr-t to the Maharlikan King! We will come back when the time is grrrr-ripe." Everyone nodded then they all looked up staring at the mysterious bright blue star in the sky. "All rightgrrrr-, I am now closing the Sacred Maharlikan Sanctuary. Everyone, get in.grrrr-" The giant crocodile said and then opened its mouth widely. A green pearl can be seen sitting at the top of its lower jaw. A bright green light shut out from this small green pearl forming a circle bright portal. "Good luck Chiko my Boy-Moo." Birang the Carabao said last time while gazing at the community college''s direction in the north. Then with a slow step, Birang entered the bright circle portal and its image distorted in a while before completely disappearing. The snake and the wild boars followed after it. They all looked at Chiko''s direction in the north with longingness painted in their eyes. After everyone went inside the bright portal, Lolong closed its mouth. As the guardian of the entrance to the Sacred Spiritual Sanctuary, it''s the main job is to protect and keep the secret of the Sacred Spiritual Sanctuary from the human''s and other out of this world forces. Different from its companion, Lolong did not look at Chiko''s direction but its gaze landed to the bright blue star above the morning sky. Its eyes are shining full of hatred. "So they really are cominggrrrr-..." Lolong thought. 20 Chapter 20: The Red Eyes In The Dark Chiko arrived at the school at around seven o''clock in the morning and most classes will start an hour or two. He seems to have arrived too early and that there are barely any students at the school yet. Chiko decided to find his classroom as he was still not yet very familiar with the place. He has already come a lot in the school before and has also finished his enrollment a week before. He has been going in and out the small community college that was composed of just around twenty buildings - all one-story types, but he never took notice of the room numbers so now he has to check each room one by one to find the room he would be taking his first college class. After greeting the roving guards, Chiko went to find the room 0018 which is found furthest from the school entrance. As expected, there are no students around yet. Chiko went closer to the assigned room and heard some noises from inside. Chiko came slowly to the door and slowly opened it. The room was still dark and the windows are closed so he can barely see anything inside. However, Chiko''s eyes were extraordinary sharp and adaptive to the darkness. He scanned the room and saw something he never expected. A tall, muscular, and dark-brown guy around his age was sitting in a corner. His black hair was long and messy dropping down covering bloody red eyes. Its nails are long and sharp and he can see the bulging veins all over its body. Its eyes were full of killing intent. It was facing the door the Chiko was standing at. The moment Chiko''s eyes met the red eyes, the young man showed expressions of shocked and seems to have failed to notice Chiko''s presence. The panicking monster is actually Yang and he seems to have transformed into an aswang! However, despite its fearsome and dangerous aura, the monster seems to be afraid of Chiko as it pushed itself tighter in a corner like a terrified dog. The situation was opposite on what Chiko expected. The monster seems to be afraid of him! "An Aswang!?" Chiko suddenly have an idea on what he is seeing. "P-Please go away...I--II will not hurt you. Please go away!" A raspy but weak voice came out from the terrifying monster. Chiko did not reply right away, he just stood in the door looking at the monster with bright eyes. "Wow! So cool! You guys are actually real! Can you transform into a cat? Or a dog? How about a pig!? can you fly?!" 21 Chapter 21: A Vegetarian Aswang It took a while before Yang finally got back to his senses. He realized that this person before him was not afraid of him at all. Rather he was ecstatic upon seeing him - an aswang. Contrary to popular reaction, this guys even asked if Yang can transform! "Are you not afraid of me?.." Yang asked. "Why should I? Aren''t you the school''s Janitor? I believe you are a good man!" Chiko replied. "But... not because I am a janitor doesn''t mean I am a good person. I am an aswang!" Yang exclaimed with a complicated expression in his face. "And?" Chiko asked innocently. "And - might hurt you!" replied Yang. "But you won''t. Right?" Chiko said calmly. Yang did not know how to respond. The man was just too weird for him. Although he was right, Yang does not have any intentions to harm the man at all. It is just his nature. Despite the curse of being an aswang, Yang only wanted peace and harmony. Contrary to other Aswangs, he is the only one who never feasts on meat or blood and is not abusive of his power. He prefers to live peacefully and his diet is purely into fruits and vegetables only - a vegetarian aswang! Furthermore, his fingers are too sharp. If in any chance he hurt Chiko and sees some blood pouring out from the latter''s skin, Yang would end up puking anyway. "As much as I wanted - no, I do not want to hurt you...But." Yang said as he slowly stood up from the corner. "I only ask one thing from you." "What is it?" Chiko replied like a small child listening to his parents. "Can you keep my secret?" "Yes! Sure! No problem!" Chiko replied excitedly. "Thanks," Yang said. He then finally calmed himself. He took a very deep breath and walked toward''s some chairs nearby. His messy dark brown hair almost covering his whole face. Yang walked out from the dark as his eyes started scanning the area. "Now where is that..." Yang murmured. "Are you looking for something?" Chiko asked curiously. His eyes were glued to Yang. "I am looking for a black hair band. I can''t go out without it." He said while he started crawling across the row of chairs. "You lost it? It''s just a hair band. You can buy a new one outside." Chiko said while he started looking for it as well. "It''s a special hairband! You have no idea how important it was for me." "Really?! Did your special someone gave it to you?" "That hairband is not an ordinary one. It was given to me by my sister who put an ''Orasyon'' on it." "An Orasyon? What is that?" "It is a black magic prayer." "So it was special!" Chiko started getting serious in finding it. "So it seals the power of aswang in you... Is that the main reason you don''t eat meat or blood?" Chiko asked. "No... Since I was a kid, I only eat vegetables and fruits and nothing else because my sister said it was healthy and I need to get used to it. And I did." Yang replied. His face raised up remembering something. "At least, that was what my sister said... I never knew it was actually to train my palate on craving away from meat and blood when I receive the curse.." Yang seems to have long realized this. He checked the time and got worried. More people might come to the room and if they found out that he is an aswang, he can never imagine the troubles he would face! 22 Chapter 22: Yangs Challenge "Thank you!" Yang quickly went and grabbed the black hair band. From the outside, it looked like a normal black hairband but it was actually an aswang-power sealing tool for Yang. He then quickly arranged his hair and with the help of the black hairband, his messy hair turned into a cool looking man bun! His body slowly transformed to normal. His eyes turned back from red to black, his nails shortened and the dark aura disappeared. It was an unbelievable transformation from a scary monster to handsome looking janitor! "Thank you. I owe you one. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask me anytime." Yang said as he faced Chiko with a bright and charming smile. He was just truly grateful this time. He was just casually cleaning the room early in the morning when he accidentally slipped while carrying the cleaning tools and he failed to notice that the aswang-sealing hairband actually flew away. He had been looking for it for almost two hours while in aswang form but his senses failed to find the small object. Chiko''s surprising arrival was actually a blessing in disguise. He is now a completely different person! Who would have thought that this cool looking janitor is actually an aswang? "Cool me Chiko! If you don''t mind, can we be friends?" Chiko asked politely and this invitation surprised Yang the most. It was because of the curse of Aswang that he never wanted to be connected to any persons because he was afraid the friendship would not last if they found out he was an Aswang. "Are you sure.? I am an Aswang did you forget?" "Doesn''t matter." Chiko smiled. His smile was full of confidence, innocence, and honesty. Like a little boy who found a new friend. He was sincere to befriend the very unusual janitor. Yang was actually very happy inside but he realizing the troubles surroundings his life he''d rather spare the man and decline the sincere offer. "I am happy to have met a person who willingly accepted me. But for your sake, I am afraid I cannot be your friend..." Yang said while he walked towards the entrance. "You said that you owe me a favor," Chiko said with a pouting expression like a child. Hearing this, Yang stopped as stepped outside. He looked back at the man behind him. He realized that this person is not ordinary at all. His youthful and lively aura never sizes and he seems to be more than what he actually looks. The smile was full of confidence. "Yes, I did say that I owe you a favor," Yang confirmed. "Then I want you to be my friend!" "Except that. Any help, I am willing to extend, just don''t become my friend." "I insist!" Yang was getting annoyed at Chiko. He looked outside and saw that students have started coming in. His glance landed on a sepak takraw court and an idea flashed in his mind. "How about this..." Yang turned at Chiko and said. 23 Chapter 23: Get the ball! It was still early in the morning but the school''s five sepak takraw court are all loaded with very energetic players. "Spike! Spike!" "Cover the right corner!" "It''s a drop! Don''t get fooled!" "Ooooh!~~!" People would hear the cheers, shouts and sometimes, mockery right after each score. These players were all playing seriously in hope of getting the attention of Santi who actually enrolled in this humble looking school. Many believed that the Sepak Takraw superstar decided to stay and enroll in the school because he was scouting for possible teammates. One can only imagine getting scouted by the Legend of the Four corners who everyone envied. He was not just good at sports, he was also good looking and crazy rich! It was because of these reasons that men and female alike are willing to lick his shoes just to get close to Santi. Reports from media once stated that the latter owned several hotels, high rise buildings, and sports fields! With this motivation, these players who came from different places also decided to enroll in this small community college in hope of getting close to Santi. Who knows, they might actually get the latter''s favor and join him as a team. Another team has just finished a game and two young men came to the stage. One was wearing a white T-shirt with black pants, a red jacket tied in his waist and a heavy looking black boots while the other one was actually someone they were all familiar. It was Yang, the student janitor. "Excuse me, do you mind if we can play here?" Yang approached one of the players who has just finished playing. "Uhm. I am truly afraid mister janitor... no. We would still be playing in a while. We are just taking a small break you see." The leading youth declared. His name is Beethoven and is actually one of the most popular sepak takraw players in the whole region of Cebu. He and his team has won many Sepak Takraw Regional Meet Championships and is also a son of a wealthy politician. His body was well built and he was wearing expensive branded sport''s wear. He also loves to impress many people especially ladies. Apparently, not many players can afford one. And some players have envious eyes as they looked at the proud player''s shoes. "But this is school property and everyone has the right to use the sepak takraw court." Yang reasoned with the leading man but the latter just laughed. "Hahahahaha! Do you want to play here? Do you even know how to play?" The leading youth mocked. "Hey! Bugro! Give the ball to the janitor! He wants to play! hahaha!" The leading man shouted to a big muscular guy who was sitting nearby. His hand''s were so big that he can completely enclose the whole sepak takraw ball in his palm. The moment he squeezed the ball, sounds of snapping parts can be heard. "Look at that grip!" A lot of players surrounding the court knows who Bugro is and how terrifying the fellow can be. This giant is actually thirty years old despite looking forty and is actually the leading youth''s bodyguard. Bugro came closer to Yang while Chiko was too busy picking his nose and observing the players in the other court. He would clap to the sound of cheers from time to time despite not really understanding the game. "Here get it, boy." Bugro held the ball closer to Yang. The players nearby have mocking faces as they looked at Bugro''s giant hand tightening its grip on the sepak takraw ball. 24 Chapter 24: A Balut Vendor Versus The Schools Janitor "What!?" "So fast!" Almost every player was not able to believe the speed the janitor used to snatch the ball from Bugro. It was so fast as a flash of lighting and they were not able to track the hand movement at all. "Hey! I was not yet ready!" Bugro started spouting excuses. "Too late! I have the ball now!" Yang said as he started running towards the court. "Chiko! Let''s go and finish this quick before the classes start!" Yang shouted at Chiko. Hearing him, Chiko also moved inside the court facing Yang. "Hey...I only said you can have the ball. But I never mentioned I am willing to let you use the court!" Bethoveen came in the middle. He is persistent to stop the two from playing. He even brought his other teammates! They walked towards Yang with hostile expressions in their faces. "Let them play." A cold and sudden voice can be heard not far from them. It was a voice full of authority. Everyone looked at the source of the voice to disagree with his request but when they saw the man, nobody was able to talk and say a single word at all. "Entertain me Mr. Janitor and little Balut Vendor..." Santi said while sitting idly in a small chair. His handsome face was glowing in the dark with blue eyes that seem to see through one''s secret. "It''s Santi!" "OMG! He is Here!" "Since when did he come? I did not even notice him." "Same here. I guess we were too occupied with the commotion in the court that we failed to notice a superstar be watching us." "Come on! Toss me a good serve. I need to show Mr. Santi my incredible Takraw Techniques!" Everyone playing in the court starting playing seriously in an attempt to lure Santi''s attention. But the latter never heed a single glace to these players but was only focused at the court in the last. Santi has witnessed how Yang snatched the ball away from the powerful grip of Bugro and understanding the technique Yang did, Santi decided to watch the humble looking student janitor with interest. Not to mention, the Balut Vendor who scored against him was also Yang''s opponent. "This is gonna be interesting." Santi''s eyes were glued to the court. Everyone including Beethoven, Bugro, and the surrounding players also decided to pay attention to the court Santi was watching. 25 Chapter 25: The Janitors Mad Skills! Beethoven and his team sat idly by the court''s side. They have hostile and mocking expressions towards Yang and Chiko who have taken over the court. Some newly arrived students also started gathering near the sepak takraw courts. "This janitor thinks too highly of himself!" "Hmm. Amateurs trying to look cool? Will see about that." "I can crush them just by myself. Even if it''s one versus two. hmp!.." "Hey! Hurry up! Finish your game and get lost!" Beethoven''s team members started shouting from the sides. The time is thirty minutes before eight o''clock and the classes would start. Yang and Chiko have to finish their bet as soon as possible. "Alright! Since we do not have much time, let us do an unofficial match. The first person to score three times is the winner. Do you accept?" Yang asked Chiko confidently. He is holding a sepak takraw ball and has changed to a blue jersey, a black stretchable short and flexible rubber shoes with no heels. His jersey is tucked in and Yang looks like a professional sepak takraw player. On the other hand, Chiko looked like a lost farm boy. He is wearing a plain white t-shirt, black pants, black boots with a red jacket tied in his waist. "Wow, you look cool Yang!" Chiko exclaimed. Yang observed Chiko''s clothes and sighed. "Are you sure you are not going to change your clothes? You are looking uncomfortable with that dress. You need to wear something like a jersey or shorts so you can move easily." "Thanks for reminding me but I am good with these. And besides, I do not have a jersey and shorts with me today." "How about that red jacket? Can''t you remove that?" "Uhm... This jacket?" Chiko pointed at the red jacket tied in his waist. "yes, that jacket!" "Uhm... Is it okay if I leave it here in my waist? I don''t want to take it off." "And why not?" "It''s a long story..." Chiko replied. "Whatever, its just a three-point match anyway. So let''s toss a coin to decide who will serve. What is your bet?" "Uhm..heads?" Yang went closer to the net and took out a one peso coin then tossed it. The coin landed in tails. "Its tails, I decided to serve first. Now you decide which part of the court you will take." "I am good here." "It is settled then. Let''s start!" Yang said as he positioned himself inside the center circle. "Game!" Chiko replied as he also positioned himself. There currently around fifteen people near the court. Most of them are actually Sepak Takraw players with skills on a regional level. "These cartoons wanted to show off in front of Santi? hahaha!" Beethoven mocked while sitting on a bench and all his company started laughing as well. "I bet we will die in boredom watching them fail to hit the ball," he added. "Game!" Yang shouted as he tossed the ball high above his head. His sharp black eyes locked on the ball he watched it fall. His aura suddenly changed and he was like a hungry cat staring at its prey. At at a certain moment, His right leg outside the service circle suddenly stretched out. Yang performed a fast and strong high kick in a backward direction just over his head. His flexibility showcased the firmly stretched muscles. His foot hit the ball with a snapping sound due to the force exerted. The horse kick serve was perfect! ~PAH! The ball went swiftly toward Chiko''s side in a straight line. Yang was aiming at Chiko''s left foot and the latter tried to intercept the ball but he realized he did not know how! Chiko attempted to return the ball but it already went out of the court after hitting his left foot. 26 Chapter 26: Chikos Determination "Is that really the school''s janitor? Was he a sepak takraw player in high school?" "I do not know. I have been playing in regional and national sepak takraw meets but I never seen his face before." "That was probably just a lucky shot." "Dude, that was a perfectly executed horse kick! Did you see his control in the direction?" The spectating players nearby saw Yang''s beautiful spike serve and immediately changed their opinion of this weird janitor. Meanwhile, not far from the court was Santi. The guy was sitting nonchalantly as he watched the play. For him, Yang''s performance is just common compared to the international teams he has faced from Malaysia, Thailand and other southeast Asian countries. "Yeah. Well lets just observe for now. If this guys really is legit pro player, I am pulling him in my team." Some of the team captains said. "Your team!!? That young man is going in my team!" The other team captain heard the conversation and immediately revealed his intention as well. Chiko was stunned by Yang''s serve. "That was amazing!" Chiko exclaimed. "hehe, just two more points and this game is over!" Yang reminded him after picking up the ball. Chiko nodded in response and changed into serious mode. Chiko bent his body down and touched both his knees with his hands while his eyes focused on the ball Yang is holding. "Game!?" Yang asked first before tossing the ball again. "Come!" Chiko looked more serious this time. His determination to get an aswang friend never left his mind. Yang''s aura shifted again from friendly to domineering as he waited for the perfect moment to kick the falling ball and at a certain moment - Woosh~PAH!~ Yang''s foot hit the yellow ball again with even stronger force this time! The ball slightly swerved as it traveled flawlessly past right above the net and towards Chiko''s court. "So fast!" Chiko moved himself to intercept the ball with his knee but the ball''s trajectory suddenly changed direction and proceeded in between Chiko''s legs. "What!?" Chiko was a little upset that he failed to anticipate the sudden change in direction. "Whahahah! That was a goal! It went straight to his legs! Whahahah" "Did you saw that curve!? It was so fast! It probably reached the sixty-five mark!". "His stance and style were similar to Syahir Rosdi''s horse kick spike serve!" "Yes, even I am not sure if I can stop that." The spectating players concluded. "One more and the deal is off." Yang prompted Chiko again. This time, the latter was deep in his thoughts. "He did not move! he is probably shocked. He thought sepak takraw was that easy. The God of luck must have passed behind him that time when he scored against Santi." Beethoven said while sneering. "I heard they have a bet." "Whahaha!" "Come on, hurry up! Lose already so we can play!" Beethoven''s company yelled toward''s Chiko. Chiko took a breather and repositioned himself. He glanced at Yang''s direction and muttered to himself. "Today, I will have you as my friend. No more, no less!" He tightened the jacket sleeves in his waist and bent his foot further apart. "Again, I appreciate your concern, but I am afraid this is it," Yang told Chiko and tossed the ball up high. Yang flexed his legs and executed another perfectly timed horse kick spike serve! His feet were just an inch away before hitting the ball when he noticed that Chiko suddenly moved away from his position towards a certain spot. "Did he gave up?.." Yang thought at that moment but suddenly realized something. Chiko''s movement was too sudden but Yang realized it was too late to stop his feet from hitting the ball! 27 Chapter 27: The Kings Domain! Everyone thought that Chiko already gave up the match as he moved too early before the ball gets inside his courtside but they soon realized their mistake. The ball was so fast that it left a yellow streak as it moved across the court and landed perfectly in Chiko''s right foot and bounced upwards like hitting a trampoline. "He got the ball!" "Impossible!" "How did he know, it was gonna land there!?" Questions and shock filled the spectator''s mind as they witnessed Chiko''s extraordinary counter. Even Santi could not help but stand up from his seat and blinked his eyes for how many times in disbelief. "How did he figured the direction? The spike serve wasn''t even fully executed yet." Santi was filled with questions in his mind. "The God of luck must have passed again," Beethoven reassured himself. The ball was still incredibly high in the air and had just started falling down after how many seconds. Chiko''s eyes were very alert staring at it. "It is not over yet! I need to score!" Determination flashed in Chiko''s face and his presence exuded a terrifying aura. Everyone felt like their blood boiled just by looking at Chiko''s back! The air went cold and the wind started to gather around causing the red jacket in his waist to flap majestically. "Why are the hairs in my skin standing up?" "You felt it too!?" "Why is it that the balut vendor kid suddenly becomes intimidating?" The spectating players were in commotion. "A King''s Domain?! Impossible!" Santi could not believe what he was feeling. "Just who really are you!" his eyes are glued to Chiko. It has been a long time since he has felt the terrifying pressure of the King''s Domain and that was from the only person who has defeated him - Lyan. Facing someone who exuded a King''s domain is like a guaranteed lose! Under this legendary and terrifying aura, a normal person''s senses would numb and his reaction would slow down. The person''s will to fight would significantly drop down like he is being looked down by an absolute authority. In order to acquire such rare ability, only those beings who have understood and applied the law of Natural Dominance can possess such aura. Despite all the commotion in his surroundings, Chiko''s attention was solely focused on the match. He desperately wanted a cool aswang friend on his first day in college! Chiko adjusted his placement and faced his back to the net while Yang calmed himself down and prepared to defend from a possible attack. The black headband in his hair that seals the aswang power is getting tighter which only means of imminent danger ahead. "My turn to attack!" Chiko declared as he flexed his legs. Using his right foot, he sprang up high from the ground reaching the ball mid-air. 28 Chapter 28: First Member Of My Team One must know that a rolling spike requires incredible precision, flexibility, control, and timing to be performed perfectly! "What makes it crazier, is that it landed just a few inches away from the first line!" "A first-line full-scale rolling spike at an incredibly tight position! Is that balut vendor actually a martial artist!?" The spectator''s mouth was gaping wide open trying their best to believe the situation. "So it was not the God of luck at all!??" Beethoven''s eyes were bulging out almost jumping from the socket. It took more than two seconds before Yang was able to react on the ball that has long landed and bounced away from the court. "That was too fast!" Yang was surprised at the outcome. "Yes! I finally have a score! I finally have a score!" Chiko danced awkwardly in the middle of the court in celebration of his first score. Yang sighed deeply and have made a smile. It seems the battle is not yet over. It was his first time to play sepak takraw with a fellow and it was actually fun. Perhaps, having a friend is not bad at all. But until then, the match will decide his decision. Yang has a mixed feeling every time he looked at the simple looking farm boy before him. Chiko may look innocent and a total newb in sepak takraw. But his natural talent, reflex, and skills are already on par with most international sepak takraw players. It took Yang several years of practicing sepak takraw moves and spikes to execute the Horse Kick Spike. It was his undying passion for the certain human sport that he even possessed countless sepak takraw videos of many famous sepak takraw players like Pornchai Kaokaew, Fadzli, Kamal, Anuwat Chaichana, and so on, all for the purpose of learning takraw. Practicing and perfecting the movements until his body becomes too tired. However, the dancing moron before him seems to have natural talent in Sepak Takraw that Yang envied greatly. "Since the score is yours, then it is your turn to serve this time," Yang informed Chiko and the latter happily nodded in excitement. **** "Incredible! To think that this kid has it. It wasn''t because the janitor kid was slow, rather It was his perception that slowed down due to the King''s domain that made him failed to react in time." Santi murmured to himself with excitement filling his eyes. He then stared at the bright blue star shining in the sky. "No wonder you brought me here." His eyes were full of anticipation. "With this kid''s natural talent, I can now use my ability to the fullest. But, I must first train this kid and get him to familiarize the Sepak Takraw." Santi''s body trembled in excitement. 29 Chapter 29: SURPRISING OBSERVATION The score has finally taken a turn and it is now one against two albeit Yang''s one point lead. But this single point allowed Chiko to have his momentum and boosted his confidence. Chiko was able to surprise Yang with his unnatural ability again. Everyone watching was having a hard time gauging this newbie''s skills. Was he really a newbie? Wasn''t he selling balut all summer and tending his so-called farm every day aside from going to high school before? Santi remained unmoving appeared to does not care but his glued shining eyes revealed something else. "I must have this Chiko on my team." He smiled in the thought. ****** Yang was threatened with Chiko''s newly found momentum and became really serious. He must win or this moron would continue to bother him for the rest of his life. He only wanted peace and does not want anything to do with this weak humans he thought. "I just wanted to know." Yang suddenly asked before Chiko could start the serve. "What is it?" Chiko replied curiously. "How did you know where I was aiming the ball a while ago?" Yang said with full seriousness in his expression. He wanted to know what he was lacking and what he failed to understand. "You mean how did I know you were aiming at the left corner line?" "Yes." "Your eyes and body movement said so." Chiko looked up and tried to recall the scene a while before and added: "Your eyes were obviously determined to hit that spot. I can even see the reflection in your eyes. The position of your feet and the angle of your hands point towards it. Also that time, the wind blew a little to the left so you used the timing to gave the ball a fast left spin when you threw it up to give it more momentum. Your spike serve was really strong and paired with the spinning effect with little blew of the wind to the left, you gave it a little swerve. Normal players would only have around 2.5% chance in returning such difficult serve except if you have already figured it out. I realized that you have outstanding ball control and have a little Sepak Takraw pride you probably accumulated while practicing so I can guess that you wanted to show off before finishing the game by hitting the corner line. And lastly, you lost the point because you reacted to the ball too late." Everyone who listened to the explanation blanked out for a while. Chiko''s outstanding explanation was too detailed and they all thought the young man was only making it all up. But recalling the scene before, they too can confirm the latter''s words were actually true. The only question was such an observation skill is actually possible? Santi had the biggest smile in his life. This kid is an unpolished diamond! Yang took out a bandanna and tied it in his head. He pulled some strand''s of his hair out as if pulling some spaghetti. After he did, his eyes showed glints of a crimson color and his body is rising in temperature. His heart started pounding fast and sounds of cracking of his bone can be heard. 30 CHAPTER 30: YANGS COUNTER Chiko prepared to toss the ball for a service when he noticed the almost unnoticeable changes in Yang''s body. The man before him seems to have activated some hidden powers and his aura is fluctuating consistently. "Are you alright?" Chiko asked afraid that there is something wrong with Yang. But the latter has big cunning smiles that would make everyone creep. The spectating players moved away unconsciously after a surge of a scary aura washed over them. "I have never been alright," Yang said as he raised his hand forward, stretched his fingers and gestured to send the ball over already. "Alright then. I''m going to start now." Chiko took a deep breath and murmured: "Two more scores and I will have my first friend. I can do this!." The court was silent and so are the rest of the four sepak takraw courts. Their players have already stopped playing and came over to watch the match of the school''s janitor and the famous balut vendor. "Are you these two are beginners? The way I see it, they have what it takes to compete for regional meets you know." "Same here. I really thought that Yang was just a student janitor. Who would have taught he has the moves and control." "I am still surprised how that balut vendor predicted the janitor''s move." "yeah, the explanation was too much I even doubt if it was true." The spectating players and student''s started growing. Most of them were attracted to the commotion while a lot of the female spectators was there to see Santi who was already standing up watching the match. "Play!" Chiko tossed the ball and decided to give it his all. He recalled Santi''s overhead spike serves and instantly executed it. The ball dropped at perfect timing with his feet and sped toward''s the opposing court. PANG!~ Woooosh~ The horse kick spike serve was done excellently by Chiko and its impact created a crisp sound following a blur of yellow trail. "It''s another spike serve!" "Did you notice that move? His stance and execution even to his hand and body position were similar to Santi''s horse kick spike serve!" "Yeah, he was copying it like it was a piece of cake!" The spectating players were now truly astonished to Chiko''s execution of the Horse Spike serve that greatly resembled Santi''s. Santi, on the other hand, did not seem to bother on Chiko''s move and remained focused on watching the match. The ball traveled incredibly fast almost like a bullet as it flashed past over the net . "It is over, it''s another corner shot! These guys are doing it like it was a walk in the park!" Beethoven exclaimed. Yang''s eyes were busy calculating the trajectory and suddenly a flash of red light came out. His muscles contracted and he flipped back at an incredible speed. "Checked! He checked it!" "Nice!" "What speed and flexibility!" Everyone was surprised by the sudden turn of event. However, they suddenly realized something. "His counter was good but unfortunately he sent the ball too close to the net. Can he follow it up on time?" Bethoveen thought. 31 Chapter 31: TRIPLE T TECHNIQUE Yang ran at an incredible speed while on four. He looked more like a wild beast than a student with his furious expression and extraordinary speed. He reached the ball that was just about to land on the cement floor just on time! With a quick tap of his right foot, the ball bounced up saving him the point against him. He followed the ball with a smooth toss using the toe cap. The ball was instantly raised just over the net''s height. And in the next instant, Yang''s right foot came in with a slight push tipping the ball just to get inside Chiko''s court were it proceeded to drop. All of these happened in less than two seconds! "Triple T?!" Beethoven''s was surprised to see Yang performing an incredible move despite the difficulty of his position. "Was that the famous triple T Technique?" Bugro was surprised by what he has seen and wanted to confirm it. "You mean the tap, toss, and tip?" Another member was amazed as well. "It''s a quick three-step-move that requires incredible control and flexibility and is incredibly hard to guard against. What make''s it more amazing here is that the janitor kid was able to dissolve his momentum and performed the triple T effortlessly!" Beethoven added. "I won.." Yang declared as he watched the ball fall toward''s the ground when suddenly Chiko''s right foot appeared and stomped on the floor catching the ball and bouncing it up. Chiko followed it with a quick toss of his shoe cap sending the ball more than two meters high from the ground. The ball was a bit higher than Yang''s toss before. "That balut vendor also countered with a beautiful triple T!" The spectators exclaimed. Realizing Chiko''s imitating plan, Yang decided to advance and jumped while leaning to his side to distribute his bodies range to block the incoming tip. But to his surprise, Chiko also adjusted, instead of tipping the ball with his shoe to drop it down, he performed a ''heading'' to send the ball over Yang''s back. Yang''s block failed. Seeing that the ball passed over his flying body towards the service circle, he immediately shifted his weight to drop faster. "It is not over yet!" Yang has only landed his one foot. He did not wait and pushed all his power to focus on this single foot. He pushed himself toward''s the direction of the ball and ever performed a barrel roll just to reach the ball quicker. He swiped the floor with his left foot, saving the ball again. "Wooaah!" "Amazing save!" "That barrel roll though!" Every spectator was impressed with Yang''s ability to adapt and quick decision to make a barrel roll just to save the ball. "Well done!" even Chiko was impressed while Santi''s eyes are now full of excitement. "He is aiming for the right corner!" Chiko realized Yang''s plan and immediately ran in advance toward''s the spot. "He moved in advance again!?" seeing Chiko''s advance move, Beethoven realized that the latter might have seen Yang''s body signs again. However, instead of getting surprised, Yang has a mocking smile in his face. 32 Chapter 32: INJURED! "Tigbas Bola!" Yang shouted as he kicked the ball hard downward over the net. His feet smashed the ball downward with incredible power and force that one could see some tiny''s parts from the rattan ball jumping out from the pressure! "I Won!" Yang celebrated but soon realized something is wrong. Chiko is not actually far as he expected but was in front of him! Yang did not hear the sound of the ball hit from the opponent''s court. It landed behind him instead! Yang was too preoccupied with his winning thoughts when he realized the ball has actually disappeared in front of him and was actually behind him rolling in the floor. "What happened?" Yang was confused. "Did I hallucinate that time? I was pretty sure I sent it down with a hard tapping kick!" "Score is now two against two. One more and I win!" Chiko has smiles all over his face. The spectator witnessed everything that happened and they saw exactly how Chiko got the score. Chiko actually stopped in the middle of his advance and has also predicted Yang''s fake attacking-pose. Chiko countered the sneaky attack with his left knee and follow-swiped it downward a quick. It all happened so fast that the ball landed right after Yang did. "Impossible!" Yang was in disbelief. He was pretty confident in his sepak takraw skills that he was even confident he can fight against Santi and possibly make a score. He clenched his hand and prepared for Chiko''s next serve. Chiko took a deep breath. He focused his eyes on the ball as he stood motionlessly inside the service ring. "Ready? This will be the deciding match." Chiko confirmed while looking at Yang. "Whatever let''s just finish this," Yang replied. "Play!" Chiko launched the ball over his head. Recalling the move again, his lower body stretched as he performed a horse kick spike serve! This time, the power was not as strong as before and Chiko has a pained expression. The ball traveled a little off and almost did not reach over the net''s height. "It is finally kicking in!" Beethoven exclaimed as if he was expecting something out from Chiko. Chiko was also surprised by the sudden drop in his performance. Despite his effort, his body is not responding very well. "My body is not responding well. My thighs and hamstring hurt a lot!" Chiko almost dropped on his knees due to the pain. "You might have exceptional copying ability but your muscles are not yet toned to such sudden flex and exertions. Now you know why practice and stretching are very important." Santi seems to have been expecting Chiko''s unusual performance and knew immediately the source of the trouble. Even to professional athletes, injuries are usually present and are like rituals to become a better player. No one can become a pro right away without paying its due to the law of perseverance and hard training! 33 CHAPTER 33: UNEXPECTED TURN "It''s finally over." "That janitor is going to finish this match with a marvelous rolling spike!" "I actually wanted that balut vendor to win." "Yeah, too bad he got injured" The spectating players commended Chiko of his performance albeit the fact he is about to lose. Seeing the ball passing over the net with a whoosh, Chiko knew he is going to lose this match and an opportunity to have a friend finally will be gone. He gritted his teeth and summoned his strength to jump despite the searing pain of his inflamed lower body muscles. Chiko decided to confront the ball with his head successfull blocking it! "What?!" "He is not going down!" The spectating players were amazed with Chiko''s will and determination to win the game. Despite the handicapped situation, he managed to block one more attack. Yang ran after the ball in his court. He swiped his left foot immediately sending the ball high over the net. He followed it with another axe kick! "Lose already!" Yang shouted in annoyance. He never expected this newb to actually challenge him. WHAMH!~ Chiko actually managed to raise his chest upward to receive the ball and send it back to Yang''s court. Yang caught the ball with an easy inside kick, relaunched it again higher this time and followed it with a sunback kick! WHAAPAM!~ Chiko jumped this time facing Yang with his back causing the loud blocking sound! The ball dropped again inside Yang''s court. Yang gritted his teeth and caught the falling ball. He relaunched the ball far away from the net and prepared for a distant comeback! "Two blocks, no! Three blocks in a row!" Beethoven was in disbelief. Chiko''s determination is just out of the league! "Outstanding!" "Holy Macaroni!" Beethoven''s team mates exclaimed in surprise and amazement. "Not bad." Santi tought. He was very impressed with Chiko''s ability to resist the pain and go with the match. The latter''s ability to adapt in the situation greatly gained his respect. To counter with a heading, followed by a chest against a rolling spike and even successfully blocked an incredibly strong sunback kick! This only shows Chiko''s extra ordinary perception and obervation skills giving him the ability to aniticipate Yang''s every move and counter him perfectly albiet the slow movement. "This huhh..kid...huhhhh. interesting. huhh.. huhh.." Yang was actually impressed with Chiko''s determination to win. "Win!" Chiko have only one thing in his mind and he basically forgot the pain he was suffering. His adrenaline was rushing madly in his blood. "I must say you impressed me with your abilities. But now I know how to counter you. This is where you will lose.!" Yang shouted and he prepared for another spike kill! "This way you will never be able to read my aim!" Yang was confident this time. He have already calculated the ball''s falling speed and his general direction. Closing his eyes in the middle of a spike is like a walk in a park for him! WHAPAAHM!~ 34 CHAPTER 34: NEW FRIEND The ball was sent whooshing across the court as Yang landed in the cement ground with his buttocks. He has was now completely exhausted and unable to stand up right away. He knew this is a great risk but he knew and is one hundred percent sure that he got the score this time! WHAAPOM!~ A crisp thumping sound can be heard and Yang opened his eyes only to found out that the ball is actually rolling inside his court. "What happened? Did I get the score?" Yang was confused. He did not see the ball pass over the net as he has his eyes shut tightly that time. "He lost!" "Wow what a match!" "Impressive! I want to play with them!" Player''s came inside the court as they patted both players. "So who actually won?" Yang asked Beethoven who came forward holding the ball. "Who won? Technically it was you. But does it really matter? You guys are both awesome!" Beethoven replied while inspecting the ball. "So I won huh..." Yang has never felt such exhaustion before. But his heart was light and contented. He just has the most intense moment of his life. He looked towards Chiko''s direction and the latter looked dispirited. "How did I won?" Yang asked a nearby player. "Well, he actually was able to block your last attack." "He did!?" Yang was surprised by the guy''s revelation. "Yes, he did. But before blocking the attack, he was too close to the net that he accidentally touched it which is a foul move according to the rules. I guess the guy was too tired and out of balanced when he did the jump with his injury." The player explaining has bright gaze of admiration toward''s Chiko. "So, if only he did not touch the net I could have lost?" Yang was surprised again. He actually almost lost if not for Chiko''s carelessness and injury! "Yes, absolutely. The guy was actually able to anticipate your attack''s direction. It was just the sudden forward motion of his back when he attempted to block your attack went overboard causing the foul. Nonetheless, it was a pretty good match for two beginners!" Bethoveen came in filling an answer for Yang''s questions. "look at this." Beethoven showed Yang the ball they used to play a while ago. Yang looked at the worn out rattan ball with some broken parts. "And what''s with this?" Yang asked. "You match was simply too intense that the ball almost broke into pieces! Did you knew this is brand new sepak takraw balls we brought from SM City Cebu yesterday!?" Beethoven''s expression turned from ecstatic to horrified. "How am I going to explain this to Mr. Gila? An original sepak takraw ball worth more than one thousand pesos is now barely recognizable with missing locks within a day!! I am so dead! We still have tryouts next week!" He then glared at Chiko who was sitting tiredly in the ground then to Yang. ****** Yang came close to Chiko who was now slowly massaging his legs while sitting in a nearby grassy hill overlooking the school. "You played well." Yang initiated as he sat near Chiko. "Yeah, but I lost.." Chiko has a solemn expression in his face. Yang just laughed slightly while staring at the beautiful scenery of the blue sky hovering over the humble Madridejos Community College and said: "Doesn''t matter. Let''s play again sometimes friend." Yang said with his hands offering a handshake. "My name is Yang. My family name is Dinag. I am the school''s Working Student. I am also an Aswang- but a vegetarian one, so you are safe with me. Nice to meet you." Yang smiled sincerely. From these words, Chiko''s eyes shone brightly and shook his hands with him. "My name is Chiko Cruz. Known as the balut vendor. If you want more balut, I can sell some for you. They''re cheap and I can give you a discount! Only twenty-five pesos each and you will get more discount for bulk orders!" "You call that cheap!?" ******* "By the way. Do you have five hundred pesos?" "What for?" "We broke the ball. Beethoven said we have to pay for it." 35 Chapter 35: TRY OUT INVITATION "Oh no! Wait let me see hmm... " Chiko rummaged all his pockets only to get three pieces of five peso coin and five pieces of five peso coin." I only have twenty here. I have to sell more baluts before I can pay, do you mind I pay them in a later date?" "How long would it take you to earn five hundred?" "Around a month." "Why that long?!" "I need to sell baluts, you know. Also, I only depend on my personal allowance. The money I earn selling baluts is for the house goods and my future savings." "This won''t work." "You have a better plan?" Chiko asked. "Actually I do." "Really!?" "Yeah, Beethoven - the present team captain of the school''s official sepak takraw team, told me after our match that we try the Sepak Takraw try out next week!" "And?" "If we pass the tryouts, we can be official sepak takraw athletes and represent the Madridejos Community College for athletic events!" Yang explained enthusiastically but Chiko still has a blank face. He seems to have not yet fully understood what it means to become an athlete. Yang sighed and added: "In other words, if we pass the tryout, we will become athlete scholars with one hundred percent free tuition fees and would also get some school funds and basic allowances!" "Wait..allowances? Do you mean, I get to save more money?" Chiko eyes shone brightly in an instant and suddenly became excited. "You can put it that way.. that is if we can pass the try-outs though." Yang stood up and patted his pants to remove the sticking grass. Chiko is already in a daze with his hand counting and mouth mumbling something. "If I can pass these tryout... I will get an extra allowance and therefore... I will have more money to save!" Chiko stood up excitedly as well and faced Yang. "Hey! I''m in!" "Good! But you need to practice, although you have a good build and natural Sepak Takraw talent, you need to know more about the rules and regulations of the Sepak Takraw Sport." "Yeah, you are right! But, how do I start?" Chiko asked helplessly. He knows he does not have any experience for a real Sepak Takraw match so he may have to start with the basics. "Well, first we can start by practicing the basics. Meet me here tomorrow after classes and I will teach you what you need to know to prepare for the tryout." Yang said sincerely. "That is so cool! I might have to go now Yang, I still have class." "What course did you enrolled?" "My late grandmother told me to learn the new technologies so I decided to enroll in Information Technology." "So we have the same course!" "That is great!" Chiko replied excitedly. "You don''t have a dream of your own? Like being an engineer or a police perhaps?" Yang asked. Yang was struck suddenly by Chiko''s words. He remembered these exact words from a very important figure from his past. His mind wandered back in time and he can vaguely remember a girl in his hands. She was dying and covered in blood. 36 Chapter 36: MY CLASSMATE IS AN ASWANG Yang snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. His eyes revealed traces of pain and agony. He just recalled one of the most painful memories of his past. Chiko suddenly patted him. "What''s wrong. Something is bothering you?" Chiko asked curiously after observing that his new friend have a pained expression on his face. It was subtle, but his sharp and clear eyes can easily catch every tiny detail. "Oh no, nothing. By the way, I wanna know how did you figure out my last attack a while ago. I know you can anticipate my attacks thru eye and body movement. But it was most probably the eyes that reveal my intention right?" Yang asked as he shifted his attention back to the new friend beside him. He could never measure this guys capability as of the moment. He looked at Chiko and cannot help but wonder. Chiko has this very pure and innocent look but he is actually a natural beast when it comes to his physical abilities which would surprise anyone who would underestimate him. Not to mention his out of this world observation and anticipation ability which is a deadly weapon in the field of sports! "Oh! it was easy. Although your eyes where closed, your eyeballs were still moving inside and I can still see its movement as clear as a day. After observing your closed eyes, its movement inside the eyelids still revealed your intention. Plus, your body angle, feet position, wind speed, and general direction, and weight distribution points to --" "Okay, I got it. I got it. Thank you for telling me." Yang decided to interrupt Chiko''s long explanation as he already knows that the latter would spout an incredibly long explanation. He might get late for the class if he continued listening to Chiko''s full-descriptive report. Since Chiko was honest and treated him wholeheartedly, he decided to help the latter and see where this friendship goes. "It is already eight. The class is about to start. Let''s go!" Yang said after looking at his watch. He ran toward''s the school grounds and Chiko followed closely behind. "By the way Yang, what is our first subject for today?" "It should be English 101 with Mr. Ubear." Yang has said excitedly. "English... I am dead." Chiko murmured. They both continued running as they blended with the crowd towards the rows of one-story buildings. Chiko ran while smiling and thought: "I finally have a friend. And he is a vegetarian Aswang too! How cool is that?!" **** Santi is now inside the classroom. Girls are fawning all over him while some students with big muscles are actually surrounding him. Obviously, these so-called student''s are actually his bodyguards. Every girl in the room looked at Santi like hungry lions. 37 CHAPTER 38: THE REAL WINNER Santi''s reason why he came and even enrolled in this humble community college remained mysterious to the public eyes. He could have chosen the more popular and advanced schools in the country but he chose a very small community college in a middle of an island called Bantayan which is found in the middle of the Visayas region of the Philippines. "So what do you think about that student janitor and balut vendor?" A cool looking and long-legged young man who sat beside Santi asked. His name is Gerald and he is actually one of Santi''s trusted personal assistants. "Hmmm, they''re good. At the very least they know how to spike." Santi replied idly. His eyes are far looking outside the windows. "I personally think you should recruit that janitor kid. He''s got the skills, flexibility, speed, and control. His style might be crude but he is the best I have seen so far." Gerald commented. "You think he is the best?" Santi looked at Gerald with a subtle smile in his face. "He won that really close match and I think he is the best one so far I have seen played here. He might even be a bit of challenge against me." Gerald said confidently. "You really think so?" Santi asked again. "yeah." "Then what do you think happened if the balut kid would remove that heavy shoes he was wearing all those time. If I am not wrong, those are actually special black combat boots. Not shoes." "The kid was actually wearing combat shoes? I thought it was just another black heavy looking shoes. Now that you mentioned it, he was indeed not wearing proper shoes and dress, even wearing black slacks which are very uncomfortable to play with takraw." Gerald said in shock. "And seeing the forceful cracks he made in the floor, they should at least weight around one to one point five kilos each. Now imagine playing a sepak takraw match wearing that boots." Santi explained further. Gerald was left speechless. He realized that Chiko, the famous balut vendor, was actually in disadvantage greatly in that match. Aside from that, he was a newbie in terms of experience; but the latter was able to execute the most complicated and taxing spikes that even pro players would need years of practice to perfectly perform! "In other word''s, it was not his greatest performance yet!" Gerald finally had a realization. "Now imagine if that Balut vendor would be trained properly. With lightweight original Nanyang shoes, stretchable uniform and a conditioned body. What do you think would have happened?." "We would have witnessed a monster! He could have been the winner!" Gerald exclaimed. 38 CHAPTER 39: THAT CHAIR IS MINE While Gerald was shocked to the realization of the true winner, both Chiko and Yang came inside the classroom and everyone looked at this very unusual duo with great interest. Gerald was one of them. The other was the mysterious school''s working student janitor and with him is the famous balut vendor who, despite his lack of playing experience, as actually able to compete and perform well in a high-intensity sepak takraw match! Yang found a vacant spot just beside Santi and immediately walked towards it. Chiko followed him cluelessly. Little did they know that a lot of student before leaving that spot because they were afraid that the big "students" that are obviously Santi''s bodyguards, would give them trouble. Let alone their scary looks and intimidating eyes. Yang stopped at a pair of armed chairs and was about to sit on the one on the left when one of Santi''s guard-student stood up and grabbed the armed chair while glaring at Yang. "This chair is taken." The big student said. He was about six feet high with a solid muscular build. Every time he moves, his biceps and chest would pop. "Wooah~" Chiko''s eyes shone after seeing the muscular man. It was just loaded and really firm! Yang looked up fearlessly and decided to sit on the other chair instead. He does not want any trouble and just wanted to get it over with as peacefully as possible. "That chair is also taken." The man moved quickly and grabbed the other chair. Yang took a deep breath and moved to the chair now closest to Gerald who is sitting beside Santi. "And also those chairs. That, that, that and that. Those chairs are taken." The big student pointed to the other empty chairs close to Santi and boldly claimed. Yang remained to be patient and asked: "You guys are really going to occupy these chairs?" "Not necessarily, we just want them vacant. Did you get a problem? Janitor?" The big guy strongly emphasized the last word. "Actually I do," Yang replied without any hint of fear. Chiko was just following him like a lost kid. "You see, these chairs are maid to be sit upon to. They are not here for decorations, they are for the students who wanted to take classes. And may I remind you, the instructor is on his way right now so we might start in a while. Now if you don''t mind us.." Yang added and sat on the chairs before him. "Do you know who are you offending?" The big guy finally got irritated and two more so-called ''student guards'' came and stood in front of Yang. "Uhm excuses me, sirs, I need to sit too. The instructor is coming!" Chiko said as he forced himself in between the two big guys. The latter wanted to stop him but Chiko pushed them both effortlessly like opening a closed curtain! The two student guards were surprised with Chiko''s effortless push that felt like a giant rock pushed them aside. 39 CHAPTER 40: LOST? "Why would you hurt me?" Chiko immediately responded with very innocent eyes. "You just pushed us!" the bigger man replied while popping sounds from his hand can be heard. "I am sorry sir. But you guys are in the way. I just wanted to sit." Chiko replied. "There is a public community college and not a private one. You should know that every student is free to choose their seats." Yang confirmed defending Chiko. "We told you, those chairs are reserved!" "To whom?" "You don''t have to ask!" The big boys shouted as they started to get more irritated. "Whatever." Yang sat beside Chiko and did not mind the three boys surrounding them. "Alright since you insist, you can have that chair. That is if you can handle these!" The bigger man was very mad. These two did not show them faces at all! They need to establish their dominance! The man held his hand tight and immediately punched Yang in the face. It was too sudden and the punch came out so fast. Yang prepared to block the attack but the punched stopped midway. Another hand stopped the punched. Chiko''s right arm came like a flash stopping the punch from reaching Yang''s face. Chiko''s arm did not look very strong but his firm grip was something that their minds could not understand. "No fighting inside the school grounds sir," Chiko said slowly but seriously. The other two decided to jump in as well when suddenly a cold and very dominating voice came from behind. "Stop. Sit and behave." Santi''s words were very short but it worked like a remote controller immediately stopping the three student guards and who turned around and sat back to their chairs. Their faces are very resentful towards the two newcomers. "Thank you." Chiko and Yang said almost at the same time. Santi did not bother. He was deep in thought. "Fast, strong and has incredible potential. These kids have good potential." Santi thought. Shortly afterward an instructor came inside the room. He looked very formal on a blue upper suit, black long pants and a pair of shiny black shoes. This new teacher has a very friendly presence and is famously known in the school as the smartest teacher. "Hello and good morning everyone. I will be your English 101 instructor for this semester. My name is Ulysses, but you can call me Uly." The instructor said. "Good morning sir Uly!" Chiko immediately greeted with full of energy. Yang remained silent and as well as the rest of the class. Only Chiko was very proactive as it was his first time actually attending a college class and was very eager to learn. "Good thing we have a very proactive student here." Mr. Uly complimented and Chiko scratched his back as he was a little embarrassed after being complimented. ********** If only people would know how far and dangerous his road to his home actually is, they would be shocked. Chiko arrived in the river where he left Lolong. But the enormous crocodile is nowhere to be found so Chiko decided to walk by the forest instead. It took him around an hour and it is now around five o''clock in the afternoon when he reached his home, however to his surprise, the place where he arrived was not the home he was expecting. He double checked his path and he was pretty sure he walked at the right direction towards home. But for some reasons, he cannot find his home or the farmhouse where he grew up. What he sees is just a barren land with nothing but dead trees. 40 CHAPTER 41: HOMELESS CHIKO Chiko looked around and even walked around several times the same path but he failed to find the farmhouse he was expecting. Even the small rivers, the usual big fruit trees, the bustling flowers, the different animals that he used to tend to, the small farmhouse and the wooden fence are missing! "Am I really lost?!" Chiko tried hard to recall if he really did walk the right path and his memories can confirm it. "Aha! I think I know what to do!" Chiko immediately said to himself. He remembered his grandmother''s words that in any case he got lost in the woods, all he needs to do is to take off his shirt and wear it inside out! He closed his eyes and slowly wore his shirt in an unusual manner, the moment he opened his eyes, he realized that he was still in the same place. Chiko is now really confused. He sat on the ground helplessly. His spirits are down and his eyes have tears slowly creeping out. "I don''t understand." Chiko started sobbing. "Where is everybody?" Chiko missed his grandmother so much. It has been a few weeks since she died and was buried in the public cemetery. He missed her care. He missed his grandmother''s touch. The soft and calming voice. The hot food she would prepare every time he comes home. He missed the big trees he used to climb with the green phyton. The small river he used to swim with Lolong the crocodile. The cute oinking sounds of the boar''s younglings. And the distant moos of his best friend Birang. The chickens that used to chase after him when he was feeding them. The barks of his dogs. They are all gone. Chiko missed everything and everybody. He has never been so lonely in his life before. He is just alone, in the middle of the dead forest, with no one to talk to, and no one to listen. It was a creepy and depressing place. "Granny..." Chiko missed his granny the most. Without her, his life feels like nothing. Realizing that even the farm where he used to live with his granny is now gone, Chiko lost his motivation to live. He does not have a clear idea of where to go now. "I want to go back," Chiko said as he sat over a dead tree. "You cannot go back. You have to go forward my prince." suddenly an unexpected voice came from behind. It was an old and calm voice. Chiko was startled and immediately looked at the direction of the voice. An old man is standing not far from behind him. He is a bald man about eighty or ninety years old and was standing with crouching back and a brown complexion. He was wearing a shining white robe with dangling earrings. Chiko can see the tribal tattoos all over the old man''s body except for his head. The man exuded majestic aura and Chiko knows that this person is not just an ordinary person. The mysterious old man smiled at Chiko wholeheartedly as if seeing a king and bowed before him like a slave. 41 CHAPTER 42: A NEW PATH Chiko was startled with the sudden presence of the mysterious old man. He was pretty sure he was alone in the forest. He did not even hear any kind of footsteps coming closer nor any noise of someone approaching. It was like the man was there all along, its just Chiko hasn''t noticed him. "Who- Who are you?" Chiko examined this mysterious person. He does not look harmless at all. Chiko felt like he knew this person from before. "I am just a nobody my prince. But if you truly wanted to know, please call me Bantaya. I am is a humble guardian spirit of this small forest and I am is here to tell you of the direction you have to take next. I am is to tell you that the road ahead is only going to get harder. and I am must warn you not to trust every human you met right away." The man said with a very mild and obvious way of speaking. "What? I don''t understand. Why are you calling me prince? And you are a guardian spirit of this forest?" Chiko asked perplexed of the things he has heard. "I am is it, my prince. Come have a sit." The old man tapped the small smooth rock beside him. Chiko felt like the man have no intentions at all as he can see from the man''s eyes. Chiko sat beside him and the old man started talking: "I think that you must be looking for the farm where you grew or perhaps, your home. I am correct my prince?" The man said and Chiko nodded silently in reply. "I am is here to assure you that your home is not gone. Rather it is hidden from the mortal''s eye." "hidden?" Chiko got more confused. "Your home is actually a mystical place hidden from normal human''s eyes. Unless they have my permission, no one could ever get inside your home." "What do you mean? My home is actually a hidden place? And what about the prince thingy?" "we call you prince because you are the fourth son of the Maharlikan King." "Maharlikan King?" "I am is to owe you an explanation but I am is afraid that you would not believe me If I just tell you." The man said in a very comforting voice. "Please do. I am all ears." Chiko wanted to know what happened to his home. As of this moment, despite his doubts, this person in front of him is the only one that has a piece of information. "All right then. Please do not be afraid about what I am about to do." After saying this, the old man stood up and chanted some words that Chiko did not understand. After the lengthy and weird chant, the old man before him suddenly shone brightly and the next instant Chiko could only see an enormous crocodile. 42 CHAPTER 43: AN OLD FRIEND Chiko was very surprised and happy at the same time. Seeing one of the familiar figures from his known home at least brought him unexpected joy and hope. This mysterious and old bald man is actually his crocodile friend! "Wow! You can transform!" Chiko said loudly. "I am is flattered, my prince. " Lolong replied and the next moment opened his mouth. Suddenly, a giant marble-like object rolled out of his giant mouth and floated in the air. The next instant, the marble expanded to around 4 meters and revealed familiar images to Chiko. Inside the marble, Chiko can see the lively forest, the big trees he used to climb and the farmhouse where he grew up. His eyes suddenly teared. "My home..." Chiko''s hand moved to touch the rippling image before him but his hand just passed thru like it was just an illusion in the air. "Is this really my home? Is this some sort of a portal that I can use to enter back?" Chiko suddenly has an idea and asked the crocodile for confirmation. "The Maharlikan Sacred Sanctuary is actually a mystical isolated space created by thy Maharlikan King. As of this moment, I am afraid you can never go back." The crocodile replied in a very respectful voice. Chiko was sad with Lolong''s response. "Why? It is my home. I still have my things in there." Chiko said. "I am is afraid you are is to leave it there my prince. The Maharlikan king, your real father has an order for you that you must fulfill first" "I actually have a father? And he is a King?" "It is not just a King, The Maharlikan King is the sacred guardian spirit of this planet. Without the Maharlikan King, this planet would have long gone." "What do you mean?" "It is but a long story, my prince. But when the time is right, everything will be revealed to you. Right now, I need you to trust me my prince and just follow your father''s will. Only if you do his bid that you can get the opportunity to meet him." "I can meet my father? Where? How? When?" "I understand your haste my prince, but The Maharlikan King is not some ordinary mortal you can meet whenever you want. You need to prove your worth if one really wanted to meet him." Lolong revealed. Chiko was confused with all the details bombarded to him. He has a pile of questions that need answering regarding his real identity and his father the so-called Maharlikan King remained a big question. "I want to meet my father. I have so many questions to him. Who is he, where is he, why did he leave me?" Chiko is determined to meet his father and ask the questions he longed to be answered. "I am is expecting that my prince. But as I have said, you need to prove your worth if you really wanted to meet the King." "How do I prove my worth?" Chiko fastened his resolve. "Playing sepak takraw?" Chiko got more confused. 43 CHAPTER 44: CHIKOS PROMISE "Play against the descendants of the Blue Star King?" Chiko wanted to clarify the order his mysterious father gave to him. "It is you heard right my prince. The descendant of the Blue Star King is a cursed human clan that has lived for thousands of generations. They are gifted with extraordinary speed and power among humans. In fact, I believe you have already met one." Lolong said. "I did?" Chiko asked and Lolong nodded. "It is actually you do not have to go find them because they would find you anyway." Lolong transformed back to his human form with a blinding light. "Anyway, can you see that bright blue star?" Lolong asked as his hand pointed up towards the shining blue star in the sky. Chiko stared at the blue moon and said. "That giant blue star was never there since two months ago. I am pretty much sure." Lolong said and Chiko nodded in confirmation. "You are right. It just appeared there out of nowhere." "That star my prince is actually the sign that the Blue Star King is coming back and we must be prepared to his coming." "What do you mean?" "Judging from the blue star''s size, It won''t be very long. We might still have a year to prepare perhaps, but the moment the Blue Star King comes everyone on this planet is doomed. The blue star above the sky is the most obvious sign that he is coming so you must prepare." "How do I prepare? By playing sepak takraw?" Chiko said. "To ordinary people, the sepak takraw is just an ordinary sport, but to us, sepak takraw is a game that decides the future of humanity." "Please clarify it to me." Chiko was unable to completely comprehend where this sudden mysterious order of his father is getting at. "I will explain further in the future as there will be more tests to come. Here is all you need to do for now." Lolong took a deep breath and added: "First learn the art of sepak takraw. Master it if you can. Second, join or create a strong team. Third, find Mr. Gila. He is a school instructor in the community college you go to. He knows what to do with you as he have already received the King''s order to help you in your training. Regarding your shelter, he will be providing you one. And lastly..." Lolong elaborated. Chiko has more questions in his mind but he chooses to listen for now and see what happens next. He is glad that he has a new place where he can stay. "And is lastly... you must compete and become the champion of the incoming Sepak Takraw national meet that is to be held three months from now. If you complete all this task, I will gladly bring you to meet your father the Maharlikan King myself." Chiko remained silent for a while. It took him quite some time to fully digest what he heard from Lolong. "Then I promise under the blue star that I will be a sepak takraw player and will become a national champion this coming national sepak takraw meet. Until then, I hope you don''t back out with your words." Chiko promised. 44 CHAPTER 45: NEW HOME Chiko went back to the school later after he got his direction from Lolong. He was adamant in wanting to know more about himself and his father''s identity that Lolong proclaimed as a mysterious King. Right when Chiko passed on the gate where the school guard was stationed, the guard seems to have been waiting for Chiko all this time. The guard immediately waved at Chiko and the latter approached him. "Chiko! Mr. Gila has been looking for you. Please proceed in his table at the administrator''s office." "Got. Thank you, Mr. Guard." Chiko was about to enter the admin''s office when a gray-haired serious looking guy bumped into him. Chiko fell back hard despite his solid body foundation. This man before him has an intimidating aura. His eyes are dark and full of mystery. Chiko can decern that this person has experienced too much in life much judging from the dark lifeless eyes the man has. The man looked at Chiko with disgust and hate. Chico remained calm whose eyes are fixated in him. "I am sorry bro." Chiko took the initiative to apologize but the man gave him the cold stare and left without replying. From behind, Chiko can see the man''s wide and well built back exuding a very unusual aura and a terrifying presence. "This school is full of weird people. There are the reach and famous Takraw player who decided to study in this very cheap school. There are an aswang janitor and this weird snobbish guy who does not talk." Chiko murmured while he slowly stood up and patted the dust off his pants and red jacket. Chiko proceed to the administrator''s office and saw Mr. Gila on his disk. The moment Chiko arrived, Mr. Gila noticed him right away and waved at him. Chiko went closer and was very nervous. "So Lolong sent you?" Mr. Gila asked Chiko right away. "Uhm yes.." Chiko has a lot of questions in his mind and can not help to spurt one out: "If you don''t mind me asking, how did you meet Lolong?" He added. Mr. Gila smiled and looked at Chiko straight in the eyes. Suddenly Mr. Gila''s voice sounded inside his mind. "I am also a member of the elemental guardians my Prince." Mr. Gila''s voice brought Chiko great surprise. It seems the telepathic ability is common to the so-called elemental guardians. "Now, I know you are a descendant of the Maharlikan King, but I cannot call you a prince in this mortal realm because we have different identities here. Is that alright with you?" Mr. Gila asked. "No problem I understand and I am not used to be called prince. I don''t even feel like one at all." Chiko said honestly and Mr. Gila just smiled back. "Let''s get back to the real purpose you are here. You are to become an athlete of Sepak Takraw that will represent the school in the coming national Sepak Takraw meets. Am I correct?" "Yes. And also." 45 CHAPTER 46: UNUSUAL STUDEN "Really? I have a home? And I get to share it with Yang?" Chiko was surprised to know that he would be soon sharing a house with his new friend Yang Dinag. "I know you already know who he actually is; or safe to say, what he actually is." Mr. Gila looked seriously at Chiko and the latter nodded in confirmation. "Yes I do understand and it is also my responsibility to protect his secret. He is my first friend after all." Chiko replied. "Take this key and he will lead you at your new home after the class." Mr. Gila passed a small room key to Chiko. After receiving the key, Chiko waited for more instructions but Mr. Gila already started focusing on his desk work. "Is this all?" Chiko asked. "Yes. And oh, do not forget that the Sepak Takraw tryouts have been moved tomorrow." "Tomorrow?" "It was moved at an earlier date to give more time for the new Regus to be familiar with each other and prepare as early as possible." "I see, then I will prepare tomorrow." "Be there at six am." "Isn''t that too early?" Chiko immediately responded. "We have already posted it on the bulletin board. Anyone who failed to arrive after six will not be given chances for the tryouts. If they do not have the ability to make even this kind of small discipline then don''t expect that you will be accepted into the team." "I see." Chiko nodded in response. Although the meetup time was too early, he thinks that it makes sense at all. To become an efficient player, you need to have discipline in your body and following rules. "That is all, you may go now." Mr. Gila motioned his hands away and Chiko left immediately after saying his thanks. Classes are about to start and he is actually quite excited for tomorrow. He can feel his stomach boiling with anticipation for tomorrow''s try-outs. ***** Outside the school''s gate, a white Lexus SUV stopped in front of the gate. The sudden appearance of this flashing white car got the student''s attention especially when they saw Santi walked out of the car door which followed by another handsome looking man called Gerald. This time, he did not come with his bodyguards and just entered the school with Gerald as his company. They both went inside the school with ladies fawning all over them. Others were not able to resist Santi''s charm and end up screaming their name. They then noticed that some familiar sepak takraw players are crowding in the bulletin board. "Aren''t those kids the players you have beaten badly?" Gerald asked. "Yes," Santi replied. "It seems there is an important announcement and it should be related to Sepak Takraw. Do you want me to check it out." Santi nodded and Gerald left to check on the bulletin boards. Soon he came back smiling. 46 CHAPTER 47: IRREPRESSIBLE His neck has some obvious ring holes including all over his nose and ears tells a lot about this person. A lot of students can see his hidden tattoos as well and so no one dared to get close to him. least anyone talking to him. Judging from his look and temperament, people instantly assumed this person''s attitude. He is obviously a drug addict or a criminal or something who have done a lot of bad deeds. But what made Santi really interested is that this student seems to be staring at something above. Santi traced the direction of the gray-haired guy''s stare and found out that he was actually looking at the blue star which is only visible to the so-called ''extra-ordinaries'' as what his father claimed. "Interesting..." Santi smiled and walked towards the man. Gerald felt weird after being disregarded and followed Santi all along helplessly. "Excuse me. Is the sun looking too beautiful today?" Santi asked confidently. He was really curious if his guess is right. If the person can really see the blue star, then this person is indeed not ordinary. The man looked at Santi with a cold expression. Santi looked back after he felt the intimidation in the man''s eyes. They both looked at each other as if they are having a staring battle. After a while, the mysterious man looked away and left without giving a single word as a reply to Santi''s questions. "Hey stop. I am asking you." Santi was annoyed with the man''s snobbish attitude and demanded him to stop but the man continued walking away without bathing him an eye. His loud voice garnered more attention from nearby students. They wondered why Santi is trying to converse with the drug addict judging from his look. "I said stop!" Santi got more furious. Nobody dares to disrespect him. He is a superstar. People adore him, girl fawn over him, people would even bow down to him. Yet this nobody dares to ignore him. Santi was never been humiliated before except when he was hit by Chiko''s spike serve. However, the man has expressionless eyes and continued walking towards the school grounds. Gerald decided to run and block the man''s path. "You dare to disrespect Santi? Apologize to him now!" Gerald commanded the mysterious man but the latter remained unshakable. He walked forward hitting Gerald''s burly body. Gerald sneered when he was about to collide. He was very confident in his body and he never backs down when it comes to fighting. This guy wanted to fight? Them he will let him have it! Gerald decided to put some force before colliding with this cocky guy but out of his expectation- BOG!~ Gerald backed around two meters with his tail on the ground after colliding with the gray-haired dude. His face was covered with a pained and shocked expression. 47 CHAPTER 48: ANOTHER WITNESS OF THE BLUE STAR "What''s your problem?!" Gerald stood up and suddenly lunged a straight punch towards the man. Then punch aimed at his face but he suddenly twisted his neck precisely dodging the punch with just a few centimeters. Gerald followed it with more frantic punches but all of them missed. The so-called addict did not retaliate at all. He just keeps dodging each attack effortlessly as if it was a child play. Gerald could not believe that he can dodge everything. He decided to tackle the man from his waist! "I got you!" Gerald exclaimed when he was about to catch hold of the man''s waist but he was surprised to see the man suddenly dodging his clasp with a high jump. The man landed on Gerald''s head and pushed him down with his foot and proceed walking as nothing happened. Gerald, on the other hand, ended up eating dirt with a fuming face. "We entered the school with elegance and charm and then this stupid mute dirty addict dared to humiliate us?" Santi''s eyes widened as he witnessed what happened. The man has incredible reaction speed and flawless movement. It was like fighting was too easy and he can even predict the attack patterns with outstanding precision. Gerald stood up immediately and wanted to chase the man who humiliated him but Santi''s hand suddenly grabbed him telling him to stop. "Enough Gerald," Santi said calmly. "But he humiliated us!" Gerald is still left fuming mad. Not only he missed all his punches, he even ate dirt with a simple kick! "Even if you try your best, you can never get him," Santi told him. "You know that I don''t just play sepak takraw. I also trained in taekwondo and judo, not to mention boxing! I know I can beat that guy! Just give me a few seconds" Gerald insisted. "Exactly. I know what you are capable of. But that guy is different. Just trust me and don''t embarrass me anymore." Santi now has a stern face. Gerald now stopped resisting but his expression remained unwilling to surrender. Gerald''s glare speaks that he will get back with that man someday. "And besides, we are in the school ground. Just now you attacked a student. Do you want me to leave you behind in the mansion just like the others?" With these words, Gerald did not dare to move and bowed apologetically at Santi. "Ss-sorry," Gerald said. "I can still cover for you as I have connections with the school faculty. But the next time you cause trouble, I will not be covering for you." Santi declared. "Yes, I understand." Gerald has a gloomy expression. He really wanted to get back to that man but he has to adhere to his master''s command. He clenched his fist and looked at the leaving man''s direction. Contrary to Gerald''s expression, Santi has a subtle smile in his face. His eyes gleamed with interest and excitement. The gray haired man suddenly stopped and looked at the blue star again. He then seems to have recalled something and started touching his pants in search of something. His eyes grew wide when he found something inside his pocket - It was the latest iPhone! " Oh no.. Not again..." He murmured as he started looking around. After making sure no one sees him,he tossed the iPhone into a thrashcan. 48 CHAPTER 49: GANTES THE GRAY BEAST PART 1 Earlier that morning, normal classes have started and it was Gantes''s first time attending college. He never dreamed that he would be able to attend college. Not after what he has been through. He owes it all to his old man. The instructor started discussing the topic and Gantes tried his best to listen to the subject. He could hear some students gossiping about Santi''s friend who lost his phone while other female students are gossiping about showbiz news. "And by the way, may I warn everyone in being vigilant with their belongings. Apparently, there is a thief in the school that has victimized a teacher and some students. The culprit is still unknown so please be careful and watch your belongings. The school is currently investigating the events and we advise everyone to report if you get any information regarding the culprit or if you found the lost wallet and phones." The instructor warned them. Mark Gantes has been doing his best from resisting his old habit of stealing. Just morning today alone, he has successfully stolen three phones without the owners knowing it. However, despite his efforts to become a good student in front of the instructor, he could not help but yawn in boredom. His tattoos slipping over his sleeves and the futile cover of his white uniform failed to hide the coiling dragon tattoo in his neck. His nose has multiple holes due to the countless piercings all over his body that tells a lot about his past. Because of this, people could not help but suspect him but failed to see any evidence against him. This is just not the kind of life he was used to. His lifeless eyes slowly dropped and his mind wandered to his life before he came in this school. His memories flashed back a few years ago... ******** GANTES! GANTES! GANTES! GANTES! Shouts and cheers can be heard from the dark to the middle of the cage. Piles of bloodied and unconscious brawny men filled inside the barbed cage. In the middle of a spotlight stood a young gray-haired man with a red dragon tattoo that covers his upper body that radiated a ferocious glow. Inside a cage full of unconscious men, Gantes breathed heavily. His sweat mixed with blood dropped to the floor. His hands and face are covered in blood from the knocked people. Some of them are dead while others are disabled with broken bones. His eyes are dark and emotionless. With every breath he exhales, his perfectly built muscles twitch abnormally. He was covered in sweat and blood all over. People would usually think he was a monster in first sight. He is the terror of every underground world fighter. His name is Mark Gantes. In the underworld of drugs and the black market, he is known as the Gray Beast. At seven, Mark Gantes was just a young kid who escaped an orphanage in search of his mother in Cebu. His courage, extraordinary body, and perseverance allowed him to reach far places by foot alone. 49 CHAPTER 50: GANTES THE GRAY BEAST PART 2 Once when he was really sick and was almost dying on the street. he was kidnapped by an illegal organization of criminals that sells human organs. The organ syndicate had the hardest time trying to control Gantes. The kid has extraordinary survivability despite the constant beating and to the point that even chloroform is not strong enough to knock him asleep. Realizing the kid''s incredible survivability as compared to the other kids, they decided to sell him to Jagua to become a slave. Jagua bought the young Gantes at a very cheap price. He won Gantes heart by standing as his new family and father in exchange for working for him. Jagua gave Gantes a home and in turn, trained him to become a drug carrier and dealer despite his young age. It was also thanks to being below eighteen and his extraordinary body that Gantes can survive and escape every police chases and the harsh environment of the underground criminal society. Feeding him with different kinds of drugs almost every day, Gantes was trained to his very limits making him an extraordinary human. Countless years of drugs and body training made Gantes an emotionless killing machine equipped with a body that has incredible pain resistance, indomitability with any common diseases, almost unlimited stamina and sharp reflexes. Growing incredibly strong and fast each day, Gantes ended up doing tasks that would make him mercilessly kill and torture people. He was built to punish and if possible, dispose of as many people as Jagua wished. Gantes grew up learning the tricks of snatching, stealing, beating people and other violent tasks. He later made a name for himself in the streets of Cebu, he was famously known as the unstoppable "Little Beast of Jagua". All these, caused him to lose his reasoning, social sympathy, and emotions as they have long disappeared in his eyes. He only knew two things in his life: Drug Deals and Death! ******* "This Gantes is indeed a champion. One versus twenty men and he only ended with a small chest slice and some bleeding fists. How did you train him?" asked a middle-aged man wearing a shiny black suit. He has a cigarette in his mouth and two sexy ladies clinging beside him. He is another drug lord who based in Manila. He loves to bet on underground fighting and a drug accomplice of Jagua. "It was a long and costly training in terms of resources brother. That kid cost me huge doses of drugs just to quench his thirst! Good thing he brings me money thru fighting, snatching and sometimes extortion." Said Jagua proudly, Gante''s so-called "father" who is also known as a notorious criminal and drug lord in Cebu. It was Jagua who forced the young Gantes to take on drugs with the cover of helping him to survive in the city. "Maybe I should try to train one as well. maybe I can get someone like him soon." "I am afraid that you will fail brother. " "Why do you say so? If you can do it, I can do it too." The other man was displeased. "You see, that boy''s natural talent is a one in a hundred million. If you want, I can sell him to you for ...hmm, forty no maybe fifty?" Jagua boasted. "Really? Fifty thousand?" The other man was doubtful. "Fifty million." Pfft!-- "Are kidding me? Fifty for that little barbarian?" The other man ridiculed Jagua''s pricing. He thought that Jagua was overestimating himself too much. "I think you are underestimating my little beast," Jagua said with a sneer. He raised his hands and clapped twice. 50 CHAPTER 51: I WANT TO CHANGE Jagua waited for a while after clapping twice. He waited for the blood-soaked Gantes to walk out of the ring and stand beside him to show off his dominance over this little beast to his friend. However, Gantes never moved after hearing the clap. Jagua frowned and clapped twice again. This time it was much harder and louder. But then again, Gantes did not move an inch. The viewers have already left so the people left around were Jagua''s armed men and his guest accomplice. "Gantes!" Jagua shouted with a red face. He found it weird for Gantes not to listen to him. He was very confident with Gantes because the latter owed him his life. Jagua''s friend started snickering. He was obviously having fun at Jagua''s humiliation. Jagua looked at his personal bodyguard behind him and nudged his head giving the sign to go fetch Gantes for him. The bodyguard nodded in response. He pulled out a long whip out of his jacket, which he would always use to punish Gantes every time he misbehaved, and walked towards the center of the ring. "It seems that your little beast has gone deaf from too much fighting Jagua." The guest snickered. "Yeah, but sometimes he just needs a little whip," Jagua said whose face was very red from humiliation. He was just bragging awhile ago about how obedient to his order Gantes was and he even offered a price to sell the little beast. Gantes was standing in the middle of the ring unmoving. The spotlight reflected the blood in his skin and his shadow made a stark contrast to his surroundings. His blood-covered face revealed an emotionless eye. "Hey, Gantes! Have you gone deaf!? Jagua is calling you! Why are you not responding!" The man shouted while he walked closer and closer to Gantes. Seeing that the latter did not budge at all, he gripped his whip tightly and whipped the blood-soaked young man fiercely. WHOOPISH!~ The whip created a searing and air splitting sound while it whooshed towards Gante''s shoulder. Suddenly, Gante''s hand moved swiftly and caught the metal-tipped whip easily. A few seconds later, blood flowed out from his hand that caught the slash. The criminal guest was surprised to Gante''s quick reflex and perception while Jagua frowned. Gantes never fought back when punished. Jagua knew there must be something wrong with Gantes and he actually already have an idea in his mind. Jaguar took a deep breath and his hands tapped in his chair while his face lost the cheerful mood as he looked at Gantes seriously. "Is this about that stupid and annoying police who is trying to rescue you? Did he not learned his lessons from us?" Jagua suddenly said towards Gantes and the latter''s eyes suddenly shone a little. Gantes looked up at Jagua and declared boldly: Jagua remained unmoved and did not say anything. "Father, I know that I owe you my life and my strength. It''s been eight years since I started serving you. I snatched, stole, carried drugs and even hurt countless people in my life including innocent ones..." Gantes cold but respectful voice echoed thru the dark arena. "But now, I believe I have made you enough money, and... I would like to ask for your permission. I wanted to change. I want to stop doing drugs, doing tasks that brings more trouble and hurting innocent people..." Gante''s words made Jagua flinched. His eyelids twitched with every word Gantes said. He has never been this mad and disappointed in his life! The other guest started laughing like a madman. Suddenly, Gante''s hand released the whip and he slowly fell on his knees in surrender while facing the ground. 51 CHAPTER 52: HIS PLEAD "Hahahahaha!~ he wants to change?!" "Wuahahaha!~ What did he say? A rehab? Is that a thing!?" "This kid is strong, but his brain probably got hit too much already! Wahahah!~" The surrounding rowdy men laughed at Gante''s plead. They firmly believe that once a person got involved in the illegal trade of drugs and have done criminal works, it only means that there is no more turning back! For them, pleading to change is the same as going to prison and live their forever. They would rather live while running from the authorities than getting stuck in a room with a bunch of other criminals! Gantes heard their mock but choose to ignore them. He has been thinking a lot about the advice of the so-called "stupid police" named Ricardo. Ricardo is a police officer that has been chasing after criminals and especially youths that have been involved in drugs around the Cebu City area. He was smart, brave and honest police that would make other police officers mock him out of his naiveness. Ricardo was never been so dedicated in his work especially when he met Gantes whom he caught redhanded while he pickpocketing from a woman that was shopping inside SM City mall. Gantes resembled Ricardo''s long deceased little son. It was out of this and his dedication to helping street children that he offered the young Gantes a new life with a new shelter and rehabilitation from drug use. But Gantes chose to follow Jagua whom he owed his life. Despite Gates''s willingness to change, his conscience does not allow him to break his promise to serve his so-called "father". One thing that Gantes value the most in the world is a family that he never found in the foster homes he has been. His longing for family and a father figure made him blindly follow all of Jagua''s request who claimed and promised him to be the new and only family that will protect him. In return, Jagua abused Gante''s extraordinary body and his young age of ten at that time forms a perfect armament in terms of doing drug dealings in the response of the juvenile jail protection system which also exempt him from criminal reliability. In any case that he gets cornered by multiple police, he would never end up in jail but in the so-called rehab centers which deal with juvenile delinquency and even drug rehabilitation. *** "So that stupid police finally convinced you? You are now going to betray me? Your father that gave you life?!" Jagua immediately flaunted his so called authority trying to discourage Gantes from making such plead. "I beleive Mr. Ricardo is right father. It is never too late to change. I maybe have grown under this your banner of protection and I am gratefull with that father." Gantes said as tears slowly fell down from his face. 52 CHAPTER 53: MR. RICARDO Jagua''s face now turned even more furious. He was not only mad but also annoyed by the laughing sound of his guest. He immediately glared at his guest who kept on laughing beside him. His eyes glowed with murderous intent. Sensing the hostile look in Jagua''s face, the guest immediately stopped laughing. "You know that you are breaking my heart, do you? It is true that I have used you to my business, but aren''t we a family?" Jagua decided to use Gantes''s weakness when it comes to family. Gantes gritted his teeth and clenched his fist tighter. He remained his head bowed down while kneeling in the middle of the arena. He is obviously having doubts about his decision. After a couple of minutes, he finally spoke. "I believe that me restarting my life is the best option father and for that, I am asking for your forgiveness for disappointing you, my father..." Gantes said with grim appearance. "Very well. So you want to stop working for me; is that really your final decision?" Jagua stood up with furious eyes. "Yes, father. I am hoping that you would allow me to restart my life. That is all I asked in exchange for my eight years of service." Gantes said respectfully while bowing. After a long pause, Jagua unexpectedly has a wicked smile. "Actually, my dear son, I have long anticipated these to come." Jagua''s mood suddenly changed. His eyes revealed a wicked intention and his smile even stretched wider. "I just did not expect this is actually the day that our paths will diverge..." Jagua walked closer to the ringside with his hands behind him. He stopped just a few feet before the kneeling Gantes. The other men looked at him curiously. Hearing his footsteps getting closer, Gantes instinctively looked up. His eyes revealed fear and shock with what he saw. Jagua is holding a gun and pointed it before Gantes''s head. The people witnessing this event nearby was surprised and at the same time revealed a hint of fear. Jagua truly lived to his ruthless reputation. His decisiveness garnered him fear and at the same time, respect from his people and guests. They did not expect Jagua to smile despite the fact that he is about to let go of one of the most important assets in his illegal business - Gantes the little beast. "Father..." Gantes''s heart broke. His face expressed mixed feelings of confusion, disappointment, fear, and regret. "I will give you one last chance Gantes my son. Work with me or..." Jagua''s words were filled with confidence. His right hand that was holding the gun suddenly shifted in a different direction. Gantes instinctively looked at the direction where the gun pointed and saw a familiar face he never expected to see. "Mr. Ricardo!" Gantes revealed a deep expression of shock, fear, and regret. 53 CHAPTER 54: CONSEQUENCES Seeing this, Gantes'' body started shaking uncontrollably. His eyes were glued to the police officer who offered him hope, freedom and a new life. Before him is a person who showed him unconditional care and love despite his hateful habits and background. The person who offered to adopt him to become his new son which deeply touched and encouraged Gantes. Gantes only wanted a real family. It was the main reason he escaped from the foster homes that took him. All he wants is a family that would accept him. A family that will not depend on what you can give them back; but a family that will love you unconditionally. But now, seeing Mr. Ricardo''s condition, Gantes could not help but blame himself. "This is my fault. I am too selfish. Please let him go, father!" Gantes did not hesitate to defend Mr. Ricardo which only made Jagua even more infuriated than before. "~ No. Gantes boy. Do not be afraid... Do not mind me kid and... just be free okay? Follow your dreams kid. You are not born to sell drugs, you are born to fulfill your dreams!" Mr. Ricardo slowly mumbled weakly while blood slowly dripped out of his mouth. Despite his critical condition, Mr. Ricardo has the brightest and contented smile. Seeing the police officer''s confident smile, Jagua got irritated and immediately kicked Mr. Ricardo hard which forced him to groan in agony from the multiple torture wounds he has accumulated. Tears flowed madly in the eyes of Gantes as he tried to summon his strength to immediately help Mr. Ricardo when suddenly, two big and muscular men pushed him down thru his shoulders. They were obviously there to stop him from resisting! "Gantes, remember what I told you that every action has consequences? There is really no such this as right or wrong. Everything is right; it only becomes wrong when you could not accept the outcome of your choices! As a criminal and drug carrier, you knew that is our golden rule right?" Jagua''s face showed despicable expression while his gun pointed at the police officer groaning painfully on the ground. Gantes could not speak from his shock and grief. He gritted his teeth really hard and his whole body shook. Some men who were watching nearby very entertained instead and even complimented Jagua''s guts. "Now Gantes I want you to make the right choice. Obviously, you already know the consequences. Now choose...you stay, he lives. You go...then." "No Gantes. Don''t listen to him. There is still hope for you my son- Ough!~" Mr. Ricardo mustered his strength to encourage Gantes in making the right decision but the man who brought him suddenly stomped his head knocking his head to the ground. ~Click- Jagua removed the gun lock with a flick of his finger. His smooth action only proves his wide experience in dealing with people using such brutal options. "Well then let''s make this even more fun! Why don''t you do me one a favor?" Jagua wore a sinister smile when he grabbed Gante''s hand and placed the gun forcefully into his palm and made him hold it firmly. He even guided the index finger towards the trigger like a father guiding a child. 54 CHAPTER 55: A FAMILY TO PROTEC Mr. Ricardo raised his head and he can see the gun''s small but deadly barrel being pointed in his face. However, not a single trace of fear can be seen in his face. He then looked at the frightened and blood-covered face of Gantes and smiled with confidence. Gantes made eye contact with Mr. Ricardo and suddenly felt reassured within. Mr. Ricardo''s smile showed an unusual peace and happiness. It was a smile a father would make seeing his child receiving an outstanding award in the middle of the stage before thousands of crowd. Seeing the smile, Gantes felt like time has stopped. It was indeed a smile full of peace, love, and proud which left Gantes unable to stop his eyes from flowing with warm tears. The treatment of the two so-called fathers he knew was completely in contrast. While Jaguar did save him from dying in the hands of the illegal organ syndicate, he was also forced to do the things he disliked such as doing drugs, extorting people, stealing, beating people which made him into a monster he is now. While on the other hand, Mr. Ricardo, a simple but dignified police officer, offered him a new life. It was a hope to start from the beginning and live normally away from drugs, from chasing and hiding, from fighting, and hurting innocent people. Although it would take him a few months or even years to go thru complete rehabilitation, Mr. Ricardo assured him a new home, a new family and would even provide him education just like a normal kid that he could only end up wishing. Gantes would usually mock the normal people because a lot of them failed to appreciate what they have. A family, food on the plate, real friends, and the opportunity to learn and be educated, and to be able to play outside without any worry from police officers or the rival gangs, are usually being overlooked by the people. They called it basic rights, but Gantes called it a blessing. People failing to appreciate what they have and even thirst for more - it was a disease called self-entitlement that most modern people suffer yet failed to cure. It was one of the reasons that Gantes hated society and became hopeless. ''I would rather be mute than talk to this walking garbage'' became his stand. But now, a person willingly gave his life to provide him things he could only dream, a selfless person who is willing to sacrifice for him and never mistreated him despite his dark background. The only person who brought him hope. But today, with the gun pointed in Mr. Ricardo''s head by his own hand, Gantes could only blame himself for bringing such suffering to this undeserving policeman. "No!" Gantes immediately raised the gun up high. His other hand slid towards the magazine release button and the magazine dropped instantly. Gantes then mustered his courage and quickly disposed of the gun by crushing it with his bare hand. Such hand power twisted the gun''s barrel as if it was made of plastic! 55 CHAPTER 56: BETRAYAL OF GANTES Gantes crushing the handgun like it was a piece of toothpick left everyone with gaping mouths including Mr. Ricardo. "Is that young man really a human?" "Did I saw it right? That gun wasn''t fake, right?" "Why would Jagua bring fake guns, you stupid moron?" The rowdy looking men were in still in complete disbelief. They did not expect that the so-called little beast was actually this strong. However, contrary to everyone''s expression, Jagua revealed a little worry and panic. Witnessing Gantes''s real strength, he realized the latter''s value was actually more than how much he originally thought! ''Who cares about Gante''s choice!? I own him!'' Jagua immediately convinced himself. "I must dispose of this police right away or I would lose this amazing beast I have made!" Jagua thought. His eyes immediately scanned some of his men''s body and his eyes locked on another gun. Like a flash, Jagua got a hold of another gun from one of his men. He immediately pointed it to Mr. Ricardo''s head and said: "Let me do this for you instead!" Jagua then prepared to pull the trigger. Gantes did not expect Jagua to grab a gun out of someone and was even very adamant in putting an end to the weak policeman''s life. BANG!~ The shot missed and hit the floor beside Mr. Ricardo instead. Gantes reacted immediately just on time by grabbing the gun out of Jagua''s hand again. Gantes took it out effortlessly like taking candy from a little kid. His hand grip was too strong that the gun''s barrel was not spared at all. It was bent beyond recognition! Everyone panicked with the sudden sound of the gunshot. They all instinctively pulled their gun out of their waist and immediately scanned their perimeter. Frustrated, Jagua grabbed another man''s gun out from his hands but before he could point it towards Mr. Ricardo, Gantes was already blocking his view ready to catch the bullet for the weary police! "Father, you know that we don''t have to do this. But If you really wanted to kill him, you can start with my dead body!" Gantes said firmly. His face still covered in blood and his determined look in his face resembled a ferocious tiger guarding its cub against another predator! Gantes exuded an undaunting aura and a determined expression! "Get away Gantes! Let me do this quickly and it will be over soon!" Jagua tried to push Gantes but the latter was too resilient to be pushed aside. He was like a solid rock of unmovable statue! Not even the two big burly men holding him down a while ago was able to push him! "Alright if that''s what you want..." Jagua unexpectedly backed a little and took a deep breath. "Everyone listen to me!" Jagua suddenly called out to everyone which quickly got their attention. Everyone who heard him became excited. Including the people who were just moving unconscious bodies from inside the ring. They immediately dropped the bodies down and ran close to Gantes. All of them has sinister expressions in their faces like hyenas watching its prey. Some of them were cracking their knuckles. "I am not done yet!" Everyone was about to charge when they immediately heard additional instruction. "Kill that annoying policeman for me. The one who makes the finishing blow gets a promotion and a hundred thousand cash!" Jagua smiled wickedly at Gantes and sat in his chair crosslegged. He pulled and lighted his cigarette and puffed a heavy white smoke in the air. 56 CHAPTER 57: ONE AGAINST MANY Gantes faced a mob of hostile men alone while the weak and heavily breathing policeman behind him tried his best to remain conscious. The eyes of Gantes were full of mixed emotion while scanning the wicked faces of his supposed-to-be allies. The scent of money and promotion got these men high and are more than willing to break their countless years of affiliation. "Today, I will be rich!" "You guys can have Gantes. That man is mine!" "You take care of Gantes. I have always hated that policeman so he is mine!" "Shut up you two. It''s first come, first serve!" The flock of excited men keeps shouting and laughing with eagerness while they rub their weapons. Gantes stood firmly on his ground while covering for the injured policeman. Suddenly, two men belted from the corner with the policeman as their target. They came out dashing while armed with steel pipes. Right when their steel bats were about to hit Mr. Ricardo, Gantes defended him by using his back as a shield. "Arggh!" Gantes groaned from pain after the steel pipes hit him hard from the back. He is this determined to protect this policeman till the end! He steeled his mind so he won''t faint. He swiftly twisted his body to face the two burly men who were both surprised by his reaction. Gantes grabbed their weapons and pulled them closer with his mighty strength. The two failed to let go on time as Gantes immediately knocked them out with quick and strong punches straight to their stomach and face. It was as quick as one-two-three! Everyone who witnessed Gantes knocking those guys was in shock. "It is not a hundred thousand cash if it''s too easy!" "Yeah, I agree." "Let''s get him altogether! He should not be able to take on all of us at the same time!" About twenty armed men charged madly at the same time towards Gantes from different location and angle. Gantes faced all of them with undaunting courage and decided to charge to them not letting a single one get past him. Mr. Ricardo stared at Gantes''s back in disbelief. He never thought that the kid he was trying to save would end up saving him instead. Despite being greatly outnumbered, Gantes never gave up. Shouts and sounds of fighting echoed throughout the abandoned building they were hiding from come be heard from afar. An occasional sound of broken glasses and breaking pieces of furniture can also be heard. Gantes fought with precision and unparalleled speed. Despite the great disadvantage, he manages to hold them on with an indomitable strength! Jagua sat while he quietly enjoyed the view. 57 CHAPTER 58: OVER MY DEAD BODY! Gantes fought madly like he never fought before. Knocking down people one after another with incredible haste while also getting mauled is finally taking its toll. His vision started to blur and he felt a little sluggish. People he knocked down immediately got up and prepared for another charge not wanted to miss on this exciting opportunity. Some of these people are high on drugs and therefore were able to improve their performance during the fight. Some can even take on considerable amounts of pain no normal human can take! Gantes made them puke blood with his bare fist, with an occasional flurry of bone cracking kicks and, skull shaking headbutts painting his face with more blood! It was a sight to behold for every warrior! It did not take long for them to completely surround Gantes. He fought nonstop for a full five minutes until he noticed some people are not coming back for him but are slowly sneaking towards the easier prey who was just laying in the ground helplessly behind him. Gantes tried to push his enemies away but the crowd surrounding him refused to let him go and even continued to fight him despite munching on a couple of hard punches. Their eyes are red and their body refused to listen to the pain. They are rather getting more energized! Mr. Ricardo tried his best to summon all of his remaining strength but his legs are badly injured. All he could do is lift up his upper body with hands and think of something to help Gantes. However, judging from the current situation, it seems like surviving is an impossible task, not to mention running away from this mod of mad people. Seeing more people getting closer to Mr. Ricardo, Gantes decided to focus on rushing towards him in exchange of some heavy blows to his body. "This police is mine!" Just when another person was about to smash Mr. Ricardo''s head with the baseball bat, Gante''s kick came out of nowhere sending the man flying before kissing the cement wall. Gantes decided to focus on using his body as a meatshield for Mr. Ricardo who is laying feebly in the corner. The mad people did not hesitate to rain down their fury with heavy smashes and kicks which Gantes gladly accepted. 58 CHAPTER 59: LAST WORDS "That''s enough Gantes..." Mr. Ricardo pleaded. "No... I am.. getting us... out of here... sir Ricardo." Gantes was barely catching his breath as he tried to fight back the shower of hits. "I said enough!" Mr. Ricardo summoned his last strength to grab on Gante''s back. "Please boy. Stop fighting. You promised me that you will change remember?" Mr. Ricardo added. Gantes remembered that one of Mr. Ricardo''s condition by giving him a new life is to give up his drug habits and stop fighting. Slowly his expression started to hesitate. "Remember when you asked what sports I love to play?" Mr. Ricardo asked with his gentle smile on his face. It was a heartful and bright smile that would make anyone calm. Gantes was taken aback with an unexpected question from Mr. Ricardo. They are in the middle of the fight and this policeman is talking cheerfully about sports? "When I was in high school, I used to play with my childhood friends with sepak takraw..." Mr. Ricardo started telling him a story while Gantes were too busy defending from the attacks in front. Gantes could not help but feel like Mr. Ricardo is actually stating his last will. "In fact, I was really good in sepak takraw that I was able to become a member of the school''s team and reach CVRAA meet!" Mr. Ricardo''s eyes turned red as he recalled his fun and carefree high school days. He missed his teammates, he missed his coach and the feeling of floating mid-air in excitement while executing spikes. He missed being young. "Although we failed to become champions, the memories with my friends and experiences we shared were still worth it. Not to mention, I had my gorgeous six packs those days you know, but now all I have is this.." He added while looking at his limping body and shaking his head. Hearing this, Jagua got, even more annoyed. His eyes started scanning the surrounding seemingly looking for something. Mr. Ricardo missed his son who died ten years ago. His only son who innocently died from multiple gunshots in a crossfire between drug cartels and police officers. His only son, whom Gantes resembled a lot which brought him joy and hope in last few years as a police officer. Gantes listened to him attentively despite the pain he was feeling. Thanks to his incredible endurance, he was able to remain conscious. Sometimes, he wondered if he''s still a human considering his extraordinary resilience. "Just promise me, to be good and study well. And if you could also find a sport you love why don''t you try to~" BANG!~ Mr. Ricardo was not able to finish his last words when a bullet hit him in his forehead. His blood splattered behind his head as the bullet pierced thru. His body lay down motionlessly right after. It was a sight Gantes would never forget his whole life. 59 CHAPTER 60: POWER OF THE MUTATED ADRENALINE Everyone stopped moving when the gunshot was heard. Some even checked if they were hit in somewhere or something. "Hahaha! Hey Jagua, you did not mention what specific method you want us to deal with this police so ending him a gun does not disqualify me for the cash right?" Jagua''s proud looking guest came out of nowhere holding a gun. It was he who shot Mr. Ricardo in the middle of the commotion. "As long as that meddling police is dead." Jagua have a huge grin on his face. He was so happy watching Mr. Ricardo dead as the latter was a big threat for his control over Gantes. Suddenly, the air turned cold and a suffocating aura shrouded the place they were in. Jagua and the others felt their hair standing up with the scary aura they have felt. They all instinctively looked at Gantes who stood there motionlessly staring at the dead police. Jagua can see the veins bulging out of Gantes''s muscles and the ground he was standing from started to crack. Everything seems to become heavy as Gantes''s aura continued to explode. "AAAAAAAHHHHH!" Gantes shouted again but this time with a loud and dominating voice. His violent force has caused all the light bulbs to explode completely darkening the whole place. Gantes''s senses have improved abnormally. He can see in the dark, he was fast as the wind and have acquired abnormal strength and reflexes at the same time. He felt like the more pain and tired he felt, the stronger and faster he becomes! This is the power of his mutated adrenaline he unknowingly acquired after years of suffering. He never knew that his body has acquired an unusual type of mutated adrenaline from different drug experiments done by Jagua to his body. It was also thanks to his incredible natural survivability and will to live that his body was able to withstand the deadly after-effects of drug abuse. Gantes suddenly kneeled before the dead corpse and murmured. "Father, I promise not to kill anyone and live a new life as you always wished. But until then..." The eyes of Gantes revealed his determination and a burning emotion. His muscles started to bulge even bigger as he prepared to attack. The next instant, he became a blur from his unbelievable speed and every man surrounding him started crying in agony and despair while flying. Each attack was deadly leaving behind marks of fist and strong kicks in various parts of their bodies. Bones cracked and blood splattered. Jaguar failed to perceive Gantes''s every move as the latter moved to fast for his eyes to see and due to the dimness of the area. No one can see Gantes, it was too dark but Gantes seems to have adapted to the dark and can sense every person''s location. 60 CHAPTER 61: WIPING OUT THE PAS Shots fired, kicks and punches came out of nowhere and everyone was screaming. Everyone was in disarray and only the flashes of gunshots can give them a momentary vision of what''s really happening. "Hey stop shooting your hurting your guest!" "I was aiming for Gantes!" "You obviously did that on purpose!" "Shut up!" Bang! Bang! Bang!~ It quickly escalated to a gun feast as continues flash of gun flares illuminated the place. But every time they shoot, another one would get hurt or worse. Gantes was very quick to respond and dodge their bullets making them commit numerous friendly fires. His erratic but quick agility made it even more difficult to catch him. He showed no mercy to everyone. "Gantes stop! I am commanding you!" Jaguar tried to use his authority as a so-called father but the next thing he got was a choke to his neck. Seeing that Gantes did not listen to him, he pulled his gun and aimed it at Gantes''s head. BANG!~ Gantes dodged the bullet as it passed just beside his left eye. It left with a scratch about two inches long on his left side of his eyes. Gantes grabbed Jagua by the neck and released all his rage with brutal punches. With a scream full of hatred and pain, Jagua''s life was ended by his own "creation". The sound of pounding and agony can be heard across the room. A few minutes later, everything was shrouded in darkness and silence. An occasional groaning can be heard as well from dying men. The gunshots rang too loud and it caught the attention of the residents nearby. It did not take long for the armed police authorities to come and surrounded the whole place. The next day, shocking news of a mass massacre of two drug cartels brought shock to the community. Police reported that only one young man was able to survive their suspected "bloody conflict" between two drug lords who are both found dead together with their respective gang members. The presence of a dead body of the missing police named Ricardo Dalisay became a hot topic as well. The only survivor who was a minor claimed that he was responsible for all the killings but the police suspected him to have hallucinated due to drugs and may have been lucky to have survived such brutal battle. The news became a hot media topic for many months. Gantes, the only survivor had undergone rehabilitation and community service for two years for all his reported violations. No one believed regarding his claims of killing everyone. He decided to devote his life to realize his promise to Mr. Ricardo before he died - to start a normal life, get educated and stay out of trouble. Gantes finished high school with great struggle. Seeing his bad records, college schools inside the city did not favor for his enrollment. He decided to leave the city and found himself finally accepted in a small community college in Bantayan Island. 61 CHAPTER 62: A STRUGGLE OF A NEW GANTES BRIIIIIIIIIIIINNNG!~ The alarm sound that signifies session ending echoed across the room. Gantes snapped out from his recollection of his past. He looked at the students that are standing up from their chairs and walked out cheerfully with the other classmates. Gantes remained in his seat. He took a deep breath and gave another deep look to his surroundings. it was already eleven o''clock in the morning and everyone is walking out towards the cafeteria while some students remained in the room and started opening their lunchboxes in excitement. Gantes was inspired by the life of Mr. Ricardo that he took criminology as his course in hope to become a police someday and have the opportunity to help a lot of street children or help those youths who are struggling with drugs. The ray of light that passes from the windows brought a peaceful feeling to Gantes. He is wearing a white uniform that made him look completely normal despite the body tattoos seeping out of his sleeves. He went out of the room to find something to eat outside since he could not afford the food offered in the cafeteria. He is looking for something cheaper as he doesn''t have enough big budget for foods. Aside from his struggle from his unintended snatching of phones caused by his years of experience in the street, his enormous appetite would cost him his monthly allowance to shrink just barely enough for a week. Because of this, Gantes is desperate to find a part-time job to support himself. Just when he was about to out, he noticed the shining blue star in the sky. He is very curious if that star that is clearly visible in the sky even in the morning is actually a new planet or something since he just started seeing it around three months ago. He has asked numerous people about it but he only got answers like ''Stop doing drugs'' or '' You''re just hallucinating''. For Gantes, this bright blue star shining above is a sign that Mr. Ricardo is watching over him. He missed that person who actually brought an unexpected change in his life. That is why he would talk to the blue star pretending that it was Mr. Ricardo - his only family and friend. Gantes was walking towards the school gate when he heard a lot of girls screaming in excitement. He saw that a lot of people are making a great commotion at the school''s bulletin board. Apparently, someone famous was standing at the center of the crowd. Gantes could see that it was the world famous Sepak Takraw player named Santi who actually enrolled in the school. Gantes have obviously heard a lot about this Sepak Takraw prodigy as he was always been the source of every girl''s gossip in the school. Gantes could not help but hear about how rich, cool and, famous this guy is that would leave a lot of girls excited. While staring above, an unfamiliar voice came beside him. "Excuse me. Is the sun looking too beautiful today?" The unfamiliar voice came from the handsome young man named Santi. He has a very confident smile and stood proudly before Gantes. **** Later that time, Gantes have actually got into a little trouble and even unintentionally stolen another phone. Realizing that his usual habits are at it again, he immediately threw the stolen phone in the trashcan despite its expensive brand. Gantes wanted to live normally and vowed not to commit any sort of crime especially stealing which he used to do a lot when he lived in the city. 62 CHAPTER 63: TRY OUT FOR SEPAK TAKRAW Early morning next day, Chiko and Yang came to the school early to attend the athletic tryouts for Sepak Takraw. They both have excited expressions in their faces. The atmosphere was still a bit cold and chilly when Yang and Chiko came. Yang wore blue sports attire with white rubber shoes and a blue bandana to protect his well-maintained hair while Chiko wore his usual white t-shirt covered by his red jacket, black short pants, and a heavy looking pair of black combat shoes. Chiko''s eyes constantly scanned his surroundings as it is his first time to join such an event. Despite the schedule of the tryouts being too early, there are already more than thirty people standing in line awaiting their turn for the tryouts. Chiko glanced towards the front and found Mr. Gila and Mr. Ulysis conducting an initial screening to the aspiring athletes that would represent the school in sepak takraw events. Apparently, a lot of these players have actually experienced playing sepak takraw since they were in elementary while some of them even have experienced playing in provincial and national meets. Scanning the players standing before them, Chiko could not help but gape to the players intimidating athletic bodies and domineering auras. Obviously, the incredibly high standards of players that wanted to join this school''s team have something to do with the presence of a sepak takraw superstar - Santi. While some players are busy stretching their bodies with full split and overhead bending, others are showing off their original converse shoes and their other expensive sportswear. The quality of the players applying this time proves only that the bar has taken an extraordinary standard and this made Chiko got even more nervous while Yang could only fall in a daze with the expensive brands these players were wearing. Seeing the two standing in envy with their body and sportswear they''re wearing, these players raised their head in pride and even scoffed back at Chiko and Yang. Mr. Gila noticed Chiko standing together with Yang and immediately waved at them. Seeing the organizer waiving at them, Chiko quickly pulled Yang with him to the front. The players standing before them were murmuring in the unexpected treatment of the two while others started grumbling. "Where is your third member?" Mr. Gila asked. "A third member?" Chiko asked in confusion. "Aren''t we supposed to be tested individually?" Yang also asked. "But we do not have a third member and we did not know we actually need a third one," Chiko said. "You can try asking some players around. Find ways. That''s a simple problem. Get one from the cafeteria if you have to. You can only register and do the tryouts in a team composed of three players. Now if you excuse me, next!" Mr. Gila called on the new teams in line for registration. 63 CHAPTER 64: SANTIS INVITATION "You guys are good players but I am afraid I already have a team with me so I am sorry" "Piss off," "Unless you are Santi, I am not joining your team." "No thanks." "You are good but my team will beat you." "You guys are obviously newbies in this game. I can also do the hard spikes you did and even better!" Chiko and Yang have tried their best inviting players into their team but no one wanted to join their team. A lot of them actually belittled their inexperiences while other players are too proud to admit their skills are inferior to Chiko and Yang''s performance in their last match. While some players refused to leave their premade teams. "What are we gonna do Yang? No one wanted to join our team!" Chiko asked Yang in worry. It is very important for him to get the athletic scholarship offered by the school mainly because of the monthly allowances that he can save while Yang just wanted to really experience playing sepak takraw in the official stage and not just playing alone in the woods hidden from people. Yang longed to play with real pros in a bigger stage and be recognized as one of the best sepak takraw players in the world. An experience that an aswang like him could only dream of. Despite his hidden curse of Aswang in his life, Yang believed that it does not matter as long as he keeps it well hidden and get to enjoy his favorite game according to his heart and passion. Chiko, on the other hand, is also motivated to get the spot as it is his first step to fulfilling his promise to reaching the international stage and get to know his real father according to his deal with Lolong. "We should not give up. This is just the easy part, let''s go find in other places!" Yang decided to cheer Chiko up and walked together out of the registration area when Santi walked in blocking their way. "Here you are boys, I have been waiting for you!" Santi said loudly and confidently while walking towards Chiko and Yang. He was wearing a black sleeveless shirt and black stretchable short pants and red original Nanyang shoes. The combination of black clothes and the red shoes and the domineering presence of Santi made a lot of players stare in envy and respect. Gerald also walked beside him wearing his black sportswear and white Nanyang shoes. It seems like Santi is also interested in the tryouts of the new players. Seeing Santi and recalling his unforgettable encounter and the belittling stare of the latter, Chiko immediately walked in a different direction to avoid Santi while Yang was rotted in the ground and little confused. Yang stood before Santi and pointed in himself with the right arm. But today, the man whom he could only look in respect from the distance actually took the first move to invite him? "Indeed, I am here to invite you and to be more specific, both you and that farm boy that was with you a while ago. Why is he avoiding me anyway?" Santi asked. Everyone around had their mouths open unable to believe what was actually happening. It was every sepak takraw players dream to be recruited by Santi the legend of the Four Corners! But these two newbies actually got this huge opportunity to play with the legendary Santi! 64 CHAPTER 65: DECLINED! "I do not understand. You actually want me to join your team?" Yang wanted to be sure of what he just heard. "Santi do not have to repeat what he said." Gerald immediately spoke. He does not like the slow and confused look in Yang''s face. He obviously knows how big opportunity it actually is to be chosen to become a team member of Santi. The confused look on Yang''s face and that farm boy that actually avoided Santi immediately has actually started pulling his little patience. Yang stood on the spot pinching himself. A great opportunity to play with Santi is actually just before him right now! However, suddenly recalled that it was not just him who was invited but Chiko as well. However, the latter obviously avoided Santi right in the bat! Knowing the huge event that happened a few days ago between Chiko and Santi, Yang was not surprised anymore with the latter action. For some reason, Yang was actually impressed with Chiko''s determined stand not to accept the million pesos check from Santi due to the latter''s ridicule of his products even calling Chiko''s balut products as stupid rotten eggs! "Hey, Chiko! Where are you going!? Santi is actually inviting us into his team!" Yang immediately shouted to Chiko who was walking towards the exit. "Him? No thanks." Chiko said in response. Everyone who heard Chiko''s reply almost chokes in their saliva. This farm kid actually ignored such invitation from Santi!? Has he completely lost his mind? "Come on Chiko! It''s Santi bro! We got a higher chance to be accepted if he leads our team!" Yang persuaded Chiko while Santi and Gerald have an ugly look in their face. Someone actually dared to decline their invitation! "Sorry Yang, maybe that is a good opportunity for you. But I do not want to do anything with an arrogant and disrespectful person. I admit he is good, but for me, one''s character is far more important than skills." Chiko said as stopped to face Santi. Gerald looked at Chiko with a mocking expression. "You sound wise for a farm kid. Why don''t you go back selling baluts?" Gerald sneered in contempt with Chiko. Yang took a deep breath and started to think hard about his current choices. Would he join Santi''s team which would give him an opportunity and a great advantage to play in the international stage? Or should he continue looking for a third member with his first ever friend who accepted him for who he was? "You must be kidding me right? You are actually having a second thought in joining my team?!" Santi could not help but laugh a little with what''s actually happening. A farm boy and a janitor would actually doubt the quality of his team? This is ridiculous! "So what do you say?" Santi asked Yang. "I am thankful for your invitation Mr. Santi but I would like to join only on a condition that my friend could be recruited as well." "But I am afraid that your friend is not interested," Santi told Yang. "Then I am not joining." Yang walked away following Chiko''s direction. Him walking away have actually left countless nearby players in shocked expressions while Santi and Gerald were in disbelief! Mr. Gila and Mr. Ulysis have slight smiles in their face. 65 CHAPTER 65: NOT LETTING YOU GO! Yang thought about it carefully. Losing a true friend like Chiko in exchange for fame is not worth it for him. Chiko smiled widely at Yang''s unexpected decision. "Why did you declined the offer?" Chiko asked an approaching Yang. "Let''s just say I want to start from the bottom." Yang gave a simple excuse. He would never tell Chiko it was because of him. He does not want the latter to take the blame for his decision and besides, Chiko is a true friend whom he could trust even with his very undesirable secret curse. "So where are we going to find the third player?" Chiko asked. "Let''s go to the cafeteria. Maybe we could spot some willing players there!" Yang responded energetically as he waved for Chiko to follow him. "Good idea! Let''s go!" Chiko followed him immediately. Fifteen minutes later, at the gate of the school. More students have started coming into the school as classes were about to start. The whole school does not have a high rising building but it has a wide area and was surrounded by a three-meter cement wall. Suddenly a dangerous looking young man with tattoos slipping out of his dress jumped over the three-meter fence easily with haste. It was actually Mark Gantes who just vaulted with great speed. In his hand is a five hundred peso bill and he has sweat all over his face. A second later, Chiko also jumped over the fence easily as well with great speed. His expression is full of hate as he was actually chasing after Gantes who sneakily took his five hundred pesos that he earned after working hard selling balut! Around five more seconds later, Yang also jumped over the fence. He was also chasing after Gantes who took Chiko''s money but the two was unexpectedly faster than him when it comes to running! A few minutes before the chase, Chiko and Yang were at the cafeteria''s entrance since Yang refused to get inside the building. They were busy inviting some students that would possibly become their third player when Gantes suddenly passed by while discreetly pulling out the five hundred peso bell slipping out of Chiko''s wallet. Fortunately, Chiko noticed the slight movement in his pocket and immediately went after Gantes who also noticed him. Gantes sped thru the school''s alley with a manic expression. Gantes is an expert in his own art of snatching. He has a ninety-five percent chance to steal from his victim without them noticing his action. His years of living as a street thug and his drug-dealing activities gave him the experience he needed to hone his silent actions as it is necessary to survive in his previous environment. However this time, his target was Chiko. Someone who has an incredible sensing ability and extremely agile body. Gantes never expected that he would fail to steal the money secretly from this distracted and simple looking student! 66 CHAPTER 66: INTO THE FORES Gantes has more than 10 years of snatching experience. And in this countless years of snatching comes his natural training for running through tight places and would eventually resorting to dangerous park-hour chasing moments. However, due to his extraordinary body performance, Gantes has never lost even once when it comes to a running or chasing game. He was deemed not just the Beast due to his strength but also due to his speed! It was because of this confidence that he choose to run the difficult forest track with an unstable road, big trees, and unexpected branches popping out of nowhere when running that would leave those who are not carefull with possible bruises or even something worst like broken bones and possibly - death. For ordinary people, this is a place that is extremely dangerous for running but thinking of this risk is what Gantes is exactly looking for. It excites his blood and can''t help but smile haughly on what is abut to come to the idiot who decided to chase after him! However, little did Gante''s know, seeing that the person who stole his money turned towards the forest actually gave Chiko a confident smile as well. "This is the forest! This is my turf!" Chiko could not help but get even more faster with his steps. This is the perfect opportunity to him to close their gap since no one is even more familiar than this forest than him! Every nook and cranny is already printed at the back of his hands! Chiko is a the kind of person who grew up and travelled almost everyday in this small forest! Yang on the other hand ran consistently and chased after the two patiently. Despite his speed not as fast as Chiko and Gantes, he was able to make up with the difficult and risky road thanks to his outstanding flexibility. Yang also needs to make sure Chiko is safe and get back as soon as possible because they still have attend the sepak takraw try out. Although it really frustrated him that this snatcher just timed to make things even harder, he cant help but shake his head and do his best to help his only friend - Chiko. Gantes ran swiftly in the middle of the forest with almost unending stamina. He made swift turns and went trough tight spots while doing quick cartwheels and ninja- like moves that would leave anyone gape in astounishment! Its only been five minutes since Gantes started to ran away with the money he snatched from Chiko and thinking that he made enough distance after running over multiple dangerous track, he decided to look back only to be surprised by the latter who is persistently tailing after him. 67 CHAPTER 67: CORNERED BEAS "Please bring back my money sir. I worked hard a few nights selling balut to earn that." Chiko replied while puffing a lot of air. He is finally starting to get tired after all those difficult road and this guy seems to be incredibly proficient in park-hour! "I know, that is why you need to catch me - that is if you can!" Gantes put more speed in his legs and like a wild beast, he rolled, jumped, slide and even cartwheeled his way down on the dangerous rocks! "Okay.." Chiko replied seriously and his eyes started scanning the area. The place has a lot of big trees and branches with occasional small hills and mounds of green covers. His eyes glinted with clarity and his footsteps started to become lighter and silent at the same time. He made a swift turn and suddenly banished from Gantes''s sight like a stealth plane suddenly plunging into the white clouds and completely dissapearing in his radar! Alarmed, Gantes decided to increase his speed further pushing himself to the fullest and choosed an even more difficult path to shake off the chasing guy but his instict is telling him its all futile. He would only be more confident if he can see his chaser but its sudden shift to silent mode gave him a hard time estimating its real position so he can make the necessary adjustments. Gantes decided to put his trust on his guts and senses now. Suddenly he heard bustling sound from a certain direction and Gantes immediatly and decisively shifted in its opposet direction! In the next instant, another bustling sound of moving leaves came from his front! Gantes swiftly moved to his left as it looked like a tight spot to go through. He ran away whenever he hears or see something moving from the distance thinking it was the young man trying to catch him off guard! He started to feel pressure and sweated profusely. This time his confident smile is gone and was long replaced with frown and confusion. Gantes suddenly made a turn that later ended up actually as a dead end. His sides are completely blocked by big trees and there is no way he can climb the high rocks that is sorrounding him. Little did he know, Chiko was actually following him silently above the big branches of the sorrounding trees like a stalking monkey thanks to his incredible body control and familiarity with the place. 68 CHAPTER 68: A TRUE FRIEND Every throw of Chiko was timed in advance before Gantes made turns to eventually led him into a corner! He was actually under Chiko''s control the moment the latter dissapeared from his sight! Helpless, Gantes turned around towards where he came from only to see Chiko already standing there with a proud smile on his face. "You do not have any more places to run. So please hand over the money. I do not want to complicate this so just please give it to me. Yang and I has still a sepak takraw tryout to attend to." Chiko said in a hurry. "Also, that money is for payment of the ball I broke, unless I paid my responsibility, I could never sleep peacefully." He added. "You are not mad at me?" Gantes asked in confusion and Chiko just nodded in confirmation. He was expecting the other guy to shout to him and threat him with cases or sorts of but this guy just wanted to settle this peacefully. "I know you have reasons why you are doing this but..." - Kurrrgghgggh While Chiko was talking, a loud sound of a grumbling stomach from Gantes interrupted him. Apparantly, Gantes was actually very hungry since he woke up this morning. He eats too much due to his extraordinary physic that his monthly allowance would barely suffice for his food demands for two weeks and just today, he was desperate for food but lacks the money to buy them. He was walking across the cafeteria when he saw Chiko and Yang walked pass him and Gantes''s eye immediately spotted the five hundred peso bill that popped out from Chiko''s wallet - immediately driving Gante''s inner snatcher instict to steal it which later on ended into this chase. "I see..." Chiko said in realization. "You could have just told me that you are hungry. I am more than willing to lend you some money know." Chiko told Gantes in a calm and respectful tone. "But of of course with a little interest. Five percent well do." Chiko smiled creepily. His innocent smile brought a stark contrast to his seemingly unexpected business offer. 69 CHAPTER 69: CHIKO鈥橲 PROPOSITION Gantes looked at the money in his hands. He remembered his past when he was still living in the city. It was that time when he stole a money from a tourist but was eventually caught by Mr. Ricardo - the kind and most patient policeman he ever knew. He remembered the wise words the unforgettable police answered to his question. "Mr. Ricardo, which is more important. Money or friends?" The young Gantes asked. "I am pretty sure that Jagua have told you that money matters the most am I right?" Mr. Ricardo asked Gantes that left him amazed. Just how did he know? Gantes thought. "Well, Gantes, altough money is quite an important necessity, friends are more important for me. Time will come that you would lose all your money but you will still have that true friend that will stick with you no matter what." Mr. Ricardo spoke with confidence while Gantes looked at his magnificent figure with deep respect and admiration. Then, Mr. Ricardo added: "A true friend will accept you no matter who you are Gantes. They will never judge you and will help you and even protect you in times of need. When time comes that you meet this kind of people, listen to your heart and keep them okay?" The young Gantes nodded in response. ... At present, back in the forest, Gantes has a faint smile in his face. His hand pulled out the five hundred peso bill from his pocket which he stole a while ago and handed it to Chiko. "Here is your money. I am sorry for stealing it from you and thank you for understanding me." Gantes said with a warm smile to Chiko. Despite Gantes''s troublesome nature, he is actually a good hearted man. Chiko''s hand stopped him and pushed the money back slowly while shaking his head. He is convinced that Gantes is still a good man despite of his scary and intimidating appearance. His eyes glowed with respect and admiration with the man''s action. "Why don''t we eat first." Chiko said as he slowly turned around towards the exit. This simple yet meaningful action only means that he harboured no hate nor enmity towards Gantes. He could not help but respect Chiko''s character. "But this is your money, take it first!" Gantes shouted to the leaving Chiko. "You need it more than I do, so it is yours. If you got money, you can pay me later on with additional five percent interest. Mind you, the interest will double after one month." Chiko looked back and started talking about terms and condition for payment which left Gantes in confusion and helplessness. Gantes was taken aback with Chiko''s words. It was the kind of words that Mr. Ricardo would usually say to him, but this time, this simple looking young man before him is spouting those same words. He looked at the latter and his eyes widened in surprise. He can see an image of Mr. Ricardo standing beside Chiko as if the latter is introducing him to the young man. Gantes rubbed his eyes to make sure he is seeing perfectly fine but when he looked back, the image of Mr. Ricardo is gone. However, Gantes already got his message. He has found a true friend in this young man before him. Gantes shook his head in awe of this seemingly business-minded but honest and sincere person. Suddenly, Yang came in from the entrance and suddenly collapsed to the ground while catching his breath. He was too tired to stand and talk after tracking the two for almost an hour in the middle of the forest. Seeing his friend catching his breath on the ground, Chiko seems to have recalled something and a light flashed through his eyes. He turned around to face Gantes and said: "Actually, I have a proposition to you that you might find interesting." Chiko looked at Gantes with interest and the latter gazed back in curiosity. 70 CHAPTER 70: A COMPLETE TEAM! "Sepak takraw try-out? You mean that sport where you kick that yellow rattan ball? Although I do not have experience playing that but, What is it for me? Will that pay me my debt?" Gantes asked in interest. "Don''t worry, I am a newbie in this sports too but it is actually fun and exciting. As long as we do our best and train hard, we could do it too! Not just that! If we pass this try-out and get recruited by the school, we can represent the school for the regional and national sepak takraw meet while enjoying one hundred percent scholarship and a monthly allowance of five thousand pesos! Just imagine the money you can save!" Chiko''s face was fully covered with anticipation and excitement. "Five thousand pesos!?" Gantes was surprised to the amount of the allowance offered for the school athletes. He only have two thousand pesos as his monthly allowance and this scholarship and allowance would surely help him in his current predicament! "It is really five thousand pesos!," Chiko repeated the amount in confirmation. "That''s a lot of meat!" Gantes shouted with his mouth drolling with saliva. "Meat!?" Yang heard Gantes''s shout and he could not help but picture and smell the scent of the meat. Instantly he collapsed while vomiting his guts out. ... A while later, Chiko and Gantes walked out of the forest with confidence and a newfound friendship. Yang is being carried by Gantes in his shoulder effortlessly. Yang is still unconscious after the long run and an empty stomach after vomiting when Gantes mentioned the word meat to the vegetarian Aswang. Chiko also reminded Gantes of some things about him and Yang and the latter''s sensitivity towards meat and his mysterious hair band. "Welcome to the team, Gantes." Chiko said while the newfound team walkedmerrily towards the school. "Thanks brother Chiko." Gantes has never been this happy in his life. He finally have some real friends. He looked at the blue star shining above the sky and smiled warmly. Gantes believes that Mr. Ricardo is the blue star in the sky and is eagerly watching over him. "Let''s hurry up. The try out might have already started!" Chiko decided to speed up and his loud voice woke up Yang who is being carried lifelessly. "Put me down..." Yang muttered weakly and Gantes put him down. "You smell like grass." Gantes could not help but comment in Yang''s scent. His sensitive nose could not carry it anymore. Yang glared at the intimidating and tall body of Gantes . "And you smell like...." Yang could not finish his words. The man reeked of meat and he hates this smell the most. "Hey guys! Hurry! The try out have already started!" Chiko shouted from the distance. The three of them ran across the road full of vitality and excitement. They brought a cool and refreshing aura especially from Chiko who led them. "Let''s get that scholarship and money!" Chiko honestly exclaimed his intention while running. "For the National meet!" Yang expressed himself as well. "For the fluffy rice and unlimited meat!" Gantes responded and Yang immediately fell down unexpectedly. 71 CHAPTER 71: THE JANITOR, BALUT VENDOR, AND A DRUG ADDIC Back at the school''s sepak takraw courts, two teams are already facing each other in an intense match. "Second set! Love, all!" The referee shouted the score which means that the game has already started a while ago. "Waaah!" One of the players in the service circle made a strong spike serve and was received perfectly by the other side. The receiving team fought back with a quick set and a rolling spike! The ball rallied twice before touching the ground and caused the players to shout in rejoice while the team that lost the score also cheered themselves up to prepare for the incoming ball serve. Shouts and cheers would be heard from time to time as the game progressed. There are at least fifty people standing around waiting for their turn to do the try-out as well while some students who have just arrived are also spectating the match nearby. One of the reasons that the event is more lively is because of the presence of Santi who is sitting on a bench observing the matches while being surrounded by two tall men standing by his side. Santi''s eyes would eventually scan the crowd seemingly waiting for someone. At this moment, Chiko arrived together with Gantes and Yang behind him. The trio gasped for air as they went straight towards the registration area where Mr. Gila was waiting. Chiko is now wearing the ussual black steel-toed boots, blue shorts, and white t-shirt and has an excited look on his face while Yang came in with his white sports wear. Gantes on the other hand is still wearing the school uniform and a black long pants with curios looks at the game. This is obviously his first time attempting to do sports. "Look at that!" "Are they here to do the tryouts as well?" "Seems like it. But just take a look at the composition of their team! A balut vendor, a school janitor and a drug addict wanted to tryout for sepak takraw?! Are these people lost?!" "Those guys are really idiots for declining Santi''s invitation just to pick up a dopehead." A lot of the waiting players saw the unnusual team that have just arrived and immediately started mocking them. Despite the fact that Chiko and Yang have good talents in sepak takraw, but the dopehead looking guy is obviously a newbie judging from its curios gazes. Santi on the otherside was surprised and frowned after seeing the trio. These people have obviously taken his attention these past few days and he never expected the three to form a team for this tryout. He felt very offended especially for Chiko after the latter declined his team invitation. He has never invited anyone from the past few years because no players have picked his attention as Chiko and Yang did. 72 CHAPTER 72: I DO NOT LIKE TO TEAM UP WITH SANTI "You guys are late!" Mr. Gila told Chiko as they stood before the registration table. The tryout matches have already started about an hour ago and they are only going to choose three teams out of the twenty that are interested. "We are sorry Mr. Gila, something came up that caused our delay. This will never happen again." Chiko pleaded as bowed. "Of course this will never happen again. You guys have already failed!" Mr. Gila retorted in a very strict manner. "Please, give us one more chance Mr. Gila." Chiko bent closer with an innocent face. He is desperate to get one of the spot to become an athlete and fulfill his promise to reach the international stage. Chiko is firm in regards to his deal with Lolong as a requirement to meet his father aside from earning the scholarship and monthly allowance which he also craved. He is also very confident in persuading Mr. Gila as the latter knows how important this spot for him is. After a long stare, Mr. Gila finally gave in. "Alright, if you are that desperate for the tryout, then you must prove your worth. Normally, to get the scholarship spot, your team must reach at least top three in overall match later but... in your case -" Mr. Gila paused for a while as a smile crept out from his face. "In your case, you can only be accepted if you reach first place or in other words, beat every other team present. Even if you get second or third, I will not accept you!" Mr. Gila added. Hearing his condition, Chiko and Yang''s eyes almost popped out in shock. They are aware that every team that has gathered today are no more newbies. These people came from various places with experiences playing in the regional and national meet. Not to mention, there is also Santi who is dubbed to be the legendary King of the Four Corners which is equivalent to the title as the best sepak takraw player in the world. Behind Chiko and Yang is Gantes who remained oblivious to the trouble their team is facing. He was busy watching the game in curiosity while poking his nose. It did not take long for his eyes to shine in amazement as he watched the players in the court fighting an intense match. He was absorbed by the flexible and powerful spikes done by the players. "If you are afraid that you will face Santi, then fret not because he is never interested in joining our school. He has his own agenda and if I am not wrong, he might be scouting for potential players who would join him in his own team to play internationally." Mr. Gila said and hearing this, all the players nearby had surprised and joyful expressions. This only means that Santi is not here to stay long but actually here to scout for potential members! "I am interested to become a school athlete. Not to become his teammate. I actually do not like his attitude." Chiko said straightforwardly and it left the surrounding players to look at him in hostility. They felt like Chiko''s words is a blatant disrespect for Santi''s title as the number one sepak takraw player! 73 CHAPTER 73: IT LOOKS FUN! Yang and Gantes noticed the fiery gazed towards their direction and knew instantly that they are in trouble. They looked at the complacent look of Chiko and murmured to themselves. "This Chiko is too honest that sometimes he is too honest to a fault!" Yang and Gantes knew Santi''s achievement as the so-called number one and undefeated sepak takraw player of the world. It was exactly because of these titles that almost everyone in this place his dying to be recruited into his team! But this Chiko straight up spoke against Santi casually in front of them! "Alright. Now, fill in these information sheets first and wait. You are in for a tough ride so prepare yourself. The current match is about to end. If you are ready, start warming up cause you will be playing next! " Mr. Gila said while he started passing papers to Chiko, Gantes, and Yan. Chiko''s team will be playing within a few minutes so they hurriedly started writing down their personal details in the information sheet. After finishing the required papers, they went on the side of the middle court to warm up as instructed. "Gantes, you played this game before right?" Chiko asked Gantes who is still wearing his black long pants and a blue school uniform. "No, I haven''t. What''s this game called again?" Gantes immediately replied. Yang facepalmed after realizing that he will be teamed up with a bunch of newbies. "It''s sepak takraw! It is like volleyball but using your feet!" Chiko said cheerfully. "What is volleyball?" Gantes asked as Yang on the other hand facepalmed again with a look of helplessness written all over his face. He could not help it anymore but to explain to the newbies the mechanics of the game. It took quite a while and Yang finished explaining the rules of the game to both Gantes and Chiko as the latter listened to him attentively. Chiko immersed himself as he listened to the rules and mechanics from Yang that he did not know actually exists. Yang have always dreamt to become a proffesional sepak takraw player so he was very profescient in terms and rules of the said sport. Not to mention, Yang loved the game so much that he have been secretly practicing the spikes alone for how many years already. If not for his secret curse of Aswang, he would have shown his talent in sepak takraw long ago! "I see. No touching of hands, no going over the net, kicking more than three is foul and.." Chiko murmured while he memorized the rules. While Gantes appeared to be absent minded as he nodded to everything being told which made Yang frown in helplessness. "What do I expect from this troublesome guy?" Yang shook his head in dissapointment to Gantes. The current match has finally ended. The referree declared the score and the winner was officially declared. Then, the two teams shook hands and left the court full of sweat. "Are you the next team to play?" "Yes sir, we are!" Chiko responed with respect and promptiness. A mixed feeling of nervousness and excitement boiled within him. This is it! His chance to get that scholarship and his first step to his mission! Yang and Gantes also came closer behind Chiko. Yang had a look full of seriousness and determination in contrary to Gantes who looked nonchalant with eyes still locked to the player executing spikes just beside their court. Yang came closer to Gantes and asked. "Did you remember anything I said a while ago about the rules of the game?" "What rules?- Wow! Did you see that move just now!?" Gantes shouted enthusiastically as he pointed to the player that executed another spike. Yang closed his eyes in prayer for their team''s performance. He have a bad feeling about this. 74 CHAPTER 74: NEWBS VS PROS "Both teams get ready in two minutes!" The referee declared between the two teams which are also known as Regu. as Chiko, Gantes, and Yang walked inside the court, their opposing team also strode in with their head held high and blazing confidence! "These newbies are getting roasted today!" "They are going to face Sawsaw''s team for their first match!? Guess their luck has finally run out haha!" "Sawsaw, their regu''s Tekong is teamed up with Daryn as the feeder and Miko as the striker! I heard these guys have played in Regional meets already!" "I heard they are required to reach the first place in overall matches to get a spot as a punishment for getting late." "That janitor and balut vendor were only lucky last time. Considering they are about to Sawsaw''s team, they are guaranteed to lose!" In order to reach the Regional level, one team must first start from the school or amateur competitions to be drafted for local or barangay level. From barangay level, the team gets an opportunity to represent for the municipal meet where they get to face the best players from multiple municipalities with talents pulled out from the best of each and every barangay. From the municipal level, the team gets another strike to represent in provincial level which the Philippines has eighty-one provinces from seventeen different regions. The provincial level games are held annually and are officially called "Palarong Pambansa" in Filipino or National Games in English. Players attending these games are actually the best of their respective regions. In this case, the place they are competing belonged to the Central Visayas province which is composed of more than a thousand barangays and a few surrounding cities. To sum the level of game stages, students are usually scouted from public or private schools through intramurals activity, especially from high school where the students are very active. It is comparable to the barangay level. From barangay level to municipal meet. From Municipal level to Provincial meet. And from provincial meet to Regional level, and lastly, the national games also known in the Philippines as "Palarong Pambansa". As for the international games where the best players of each country fights, that is called the King''s Cup which is Chiko''s real target. As of these moments, he still has a long way to go. The referee gave each team with the sepak takraw ball which is made in plastic. It was the same kind of plastic balls that Chiko and Yang broke with their intense match last time. "Five minutes warm up!" The referee shouted and he immediately timed in his stopwatch. Gantes looked curiously at the crowd and a lot of them have mocking expressions while others have shaken their heads in pity of them. Their unusual team is composed of an innocently excited one, a dumb looking dopehead, and a serious looking school-janitor. Their opponent, on the other hand, are players with experience playing in Regional meets which is quite already a lot of stages further ahead of Chiko''s team. This match can be considered as a battle of pros and newbies and the outcome has obviously been long decided according to everybody. In the middle of the loud mocking and commotion in the court, Yang noticed that Santi through his peripheral vision that the latter went to the registration table and started talking to Mr. Gila who is responsible for the student tryout registration. "Is he going to do the tryout too?" This has brought a huge surprise to Yang. Suddenly, Santi looked forward to his direction and slowly raising his hand gestured towards him a thumbs down and a wide grin. Santi''s lips moved without releasing a sound and Yang''s eye translated every word he said. 75 CHAPTER 76: YANGS PRESSURE Yang and Sawsaw came towards the referee to do the usual coin toss. Yang was able to decide to guess the coin flip and decide to serve first while the other team was given the priority to choose their side of the game court. The match is about to start and the linemen stood in their respective positions. They are responsible for calling line faults or out of bound balls. The referee is perched atop a tall bench in the outside the middle of the court with a clear view of the area. This way, the referee would be able to closely monitor any faults made by the players. Yang stood on the service circle as the Tekong which is responsible for serving the ball over towards the opposing court he wore a red armband which represents him as the official team captain. From this moment on, Yang will temporarily represent their team with his name - Team Yang. Chiko stood inside his respective quarter circle and so is Gantes. While Chiko looked excited, Gantes still have the curious look in his face and Yang, on the other hand, has the most serious expression. Their opposing team still have the air of confidence written all over them. They have done a casual warm up a while ago and their body exuded faint steam. The official match will be played in two sets. The winner is decided with a team reaching the winning point of fifteen points with a minimum lead of two points against their opposing team. If the score is tied at fourteen - fourteen, the match will be announced as ''Deuce'' and the play will continue to a ceiling point of seventeen. The referee handed the ball to Gantes who will be responsible for throwing the ball to Yang. It was the first time Gantes held the sepak takraw ball. It weighs around 170 grams with a circumference not less than 42 centimeters. He took a closer look at the ball''s smooth surface and found that it was made of one woven layer of synthetic fiber with twelve holes and twenty intersections. Gantes even smelt the ball like a baby holding a new toy. His innocent and cute movement presents quite a stark contrast with his intimidating look. Chiko just looked at him while smiling. Yang, on the other hand, felt the pressure started heaving down on him considering that they have to aim for the first place or lose this opportunity to become an official athlete which he dreamed of. The area surrounding the court is packed by students and athletes interested to watch the match of the newbies against a team on a regional level. A lot of them has actually assumed the impending defeat of Yang''s team. Santi, on the other hand, found a comfortable chair to watch the match as well. His eyes gleamed with sharpness and authority. The other four teams currently playing beside them have noticed them as well and the player could not help but laugh after seeing the unusual team of Chiko, Gantes, and Yang. A school janitor, a balut vendor, and a drug-addicted looking guy actually wanted to try their luck in sepak takraw! 76 CHAPTER 77: FIRST SCORE Gantes knew what to do after observing the players a while ago. Yang raised his hand on the level of his waist signaling him that Yang plan to take it easy first and Gantes knew that he must throw the ball aiming his hand. "Remember, not a single score to this noobs!" Sawsaw shouted to his team and he bent his body in preparation for the incoming serve. "Crush the noobs!" Miko and Daryn exclaimed together. Shoosh~ Gantes threw the ball smoothly towards Yang, however, his aim was too bad and he failed to control his strength. The ball was too high and went towards Yang''s left side instead of his right side! "hahaha! The throw is bad! It''s over already!" "That dopehead does not know how to throw!" The crowd laughed at Gante''s undeniably bad feed and he scratched his head in embarrassment. "Adjust!" Chiko immediately shouted after realizing the bad direction of the ball. Yang immediately nodded in response and shifted from a simple inside kick serve to an overhead spike serve! WHAPASHH! Yang showed his incredible preparation and flexibility as his body stretched into an unnatural position without lifting his other foot from the ground or over the service circle to avoid a fault. He performed an overwhelming spike serve despite the disadvantageous feed from Gantes! The ball went over the net and landed in the opposing team''s court. "Score! One - Zero!" The referee confirmed the point. "Yaaaahhh!" Chiko and Yang shouted in unison after hearing the score while Gantes was a little delayed before realizing they actually scored despite his bad throw! meanwhile, Sawsaw, Miko and Daryn have grave expressions. They failed to react in time since they underestimated Yang''s ability! They even proudly proclaimed not to give their newbie opponent a single score! Santi was surprised to see Yang''s ability to adapt to the changes in the direction of the ball. Only those who have prior experience in the actual game have the ability to adjust that fast. Not to mention, the difficult angle he was able to recover the ball from! Santi''s fist tightened. Yang has shown an enormous potential that he has been looking for. He must find a way to get him to his team. He looked at Gerald who is standing beside him and told him. "Gerald, prepare yourself. We will play after them." 76 CHAPTER 76: YANGS PRESSURE Yang and Sawsaw came towards the referee to do the usual coin toss. Yang was able to decide to guess the coin flip and decide to serve first while the other team was given the priority to choose their side of the game court. The match is about to start and the linemen stood in their respective positions. They are responsible for calling line faults or out of bound balls. The referee is perched atop a tall bench in the outside the middle of the court with a clear view of the area. This way, the referee would be able to closely monitor any faults made by the players. Yang stood on the service circle as the Tekong which is responsible for serving the ball over towards the opposing court he wore a red armband which represents him as the official team captain. From this moment on, Yang will temporarily represent their team with his name - Team Yang. Chiko stood inside his respective quarter circle and so is Gantes. While Chiko looked excited, Gantes still have the curious look in his face and Yang, on the other hand, has the most serious expression. Their opposing team still have the air of confidence written all over them. They have done a casual warm up a while ago and their body exuded faint steam. The official match will be played in two sets. The winner is decided with a team reaching the winning point of fifteen points with a minimum lead of two points against their opposing team. If the score is tied at fourteen - fourteen, the match will be announced as ''Deuce'' and the play will continue to a ceiling point of seventeen. The referee handed the ball to Gantes who will be responsible for throwing the ball to Yang. It was the first time Gantes held the sepak takraw ball. It weighs around 170 grams with a circumference not less than 42 centimeters. He took a closer look at the ball''s smooth surface and found that it was made of one woven layer of synthetic fiber with twelve holes and twenty intersections. Gantes even smelt the ball like a baby holding a new toy. His innocent and cute movement presents quite a stark contrast with his intimidating look. Chiko just looked at him while smiling. Yang, on the other hand, felt the pressure started heaving down on him considering that they have to aim for the first place or lose this opportunity to become an official athlete which he dreamed of. The area surrounding the court is packed by students and athletes interested to watch the match of the newbies against a team on a regional level. A lot of them has actually assumed the impending defeat of Yang''s team. Santi, on the other hand, found a comfortable chair to watch the match as well. His eyes gleamed with sharpness and authority. The other four teams currently playing beside them have noticed them as well and the player could not help but laugh after seeing the unusual team of Chiko, Gantes, and Yang. A school janitor, a balut vendor, and a drug-addicted looking guy actually wanted to try their luck in sepak takraw! 77 CHAPTER 77: FIRST SCORE Gantes knew what to do after observing the players a while ago. Yang raised his hand on the level of his waist signaling Gantes that he is planning to take it easy first and Gantes knew that he must throw the ball aiming his hand. "Remember, not a single score to this noobs!" Sawsaw shouted to his team and he bent his body in preparation for the incoming serve. "Crush the noobs!" Miko and Daryn exclaimed together. Shoosh~ Gantes threw the ball smoothly towards Yang, however, his aim was too bad and he failed to control his strength. The ball was too high and went towards Yang''s upper left side instead of his right side! "hahaha! The throw is bad! It''s over already!" "That dopehead does not know how to feed!" The crowd laughed at Gante''s undeniably bad feed and the latter scratched his head in embarrassment. "Sorry about that," Gantes said. "Adjust!" Chiko immediately shouted after realizing the bad direction of the ball. Yang immediately nodded in response and shifted from a simple inside kick serve to an overhead spike serve! WHAPASHH! Yang showed his incredible adaptability and flexibility as his body stretched into an unnatural position without lifting his other foot from the ground or going outside the service circle to avoid a fault. He performed an overwhelming spike serve despite the disadvantageous feed from Gantes! His years of practice and hard work has finally paid off! The ball went over the net and landed in the opposing team''s court in a breeze. Sawsaw, Miko and Daryn did not expect Yang''s incredible adaptability. Wasn''t he a noob as well? How come he performs like a pro? "Score! One - Zero!" The referee confirmed the point. "Yaaaahhh!" Chiko and Yang shouted in unison after hearing the score while Gantes was a little delayed before realizing they actually scored despite his bad throw! meanwhile, Sawsaw, Miko and Daryn have grave expressions. They failed to react in time since they underestimated Yang''s ability! They even proudly proclaimed not to give their newbie opponent a single point! Santi was surprised to see Yang''s ability to readjust to the changes in the direction of the ball. Only those who have prior experience in the actual game have the ability to comply that fast. Not to mention, the complicated angle he was able to recover the ball from! Santi''s fist tightened. Yang has shown an enormous potential that he has exactly been looking for. He must find a way to get him to his team. He looked at Gerald who is standing beside him and told him. "Gerald, prepare yourself. We will play after them." 78 CHAPTER 78: FIGHTING BACK After a short cheering celebration, Yang, Chiko, and Gantes prepared for their second serve. Their opponent wore serious expressions not daring to underestimate them anymore. They have just lost their face because of their cocky declaration a while ago. The referee threw the ball at Gantes and gave him the go signal. Gantes inhaled deeply. His throw is crucial for the possibility of their score. Considering this is his first time playing an official game, he could not help but get nervous inside despite his blank face. With a slow exhale, Gantes threw the ball towards Yang. This time, Yang is fully prepared for any surprise that Gantes may cause. Luckily, Gantes was able to throw the ball towards his preferred height and spot. "Get ready!" Sawsaw shouted and both his members nodded in response. Their eyes glued to the ball. Yang sent the ball with a simple inside kick. With his prior experience and practice, he was able to send the ball towards the left side of the opposing team''s Tekong. "Easypissy~" Sawsaw commented as he received the ball with another inside kick using his left foot and tossed the ball using his right foot towards Miko for a kill. Yang''s serve wasn''t like any powerful spike serve. It was aimed to reveal the opponent''s familiarity in using the left and right foot coordination. Chiko also noticed Yang''s probing action and understood his intention. Seeing that Sawsaw was able to receive the ball without any complications in using both his foot, Yang confirmed that the man has been trained well. The ball was tossed high right in front of Miko. Chiko moved before him preparing for a block. Miko vaulted towards the ball while facing the net with his back. "It''s a horse kick!" Yang shouted immediately to give Chiko a clue of his next action. Miko is high up in the air and kicked the ball with an overhead kick while facing the net with his back. Chiko responded with a jump and raised his leg to block the attack. WHAPAAHM!~ Everyone was shocked after seeing the ball in Gante''s hand. Miko''s kick wasn''t aimed at Chiko''s side but at Gante''s face who was just standing placidly in the left corner. Gantes reacted by catching the ball with his hand. His face was fuming in anger. "Foul! One point for Team Sawsaw!" The referee shouted. Miko sneered after Gante''s action and huddled with his team for a quick celebration. "You bastard! You want a -!" Yang suddenly covered Gante''s who is about to charge at Miko. Obviously, Yang knew that they are aiming for Gante''s inexperience who is obviously their weak spot at the moment. They knew that Chiko has an extraordinary reaction and decided to exploit the blank looking-dopehead Gantes. 79 CHAPTER 79: GANTES HEAD "Stop it. This is just a game!" Yang said calmly. "But!~" "We are here to play and not to fight. If you want to get back to them, let''s win this fight using the takraw ball and not by the fist. Gantes, you need to remember that we are not allowed to use our hand in this sport." Chiko reminded Gantes. Gantes looked at his fist and closed his eyes. He is trying his best to control his hot temper. He remembered his promise to Mr. Ricardo. "No more fighting..." Gantes whispered to himself and inhaled deeply. The next moment, he opened his eyes and the rage in his eyes has dissapeared. "Remember, why we are fighting Gantes," Chiko told Gantes. "That''s right! I am fighting for the meat and unlimited rice in Mang Inasal!" Gantes thought to himself with a watery mouth. "Yaaah that''s the spirit!" Chiko added. Yang, Chiko, and Gantes huddled together and bumped each other''s fist. "Fight!" The three of them shouted together then moved to their respective circles. Gante''s held the ball with calmness in his eyes. Their opposing team has a wide grin in their faces and eyes locked to Gantes. Obviously, they have plans to capitalize on Gante''s inexperience. Gantes also knew his disadvantage and is thinking deeply in preparation for his next action. Yang''s eyes turned serious again. This is his third and last serve on their turn before the service changes on the opponent''s side. It is part of the rule that each team gets to serve three times despite the team that got the point except only during the game point which is the last three points of the game; any team that gets the score also gets the opportunity to do the serve. Yang''s hand suddenly rose. Gantes was taken in surprise. Yang wanted him to throw the ball high over his head. It seems the Yang is planning for a spike serve! Sawsaw, Miko, and Daryn immediately turned serious. Their mocking look suddenly dissapeared after recalling the fast spike serves of Yang. Gantes threw the ball toward''s Yang mildly. He needs to be carefull in not putting too much strength in his toss. Yang knew that Gante''s is strugling in his feed and that he needs to make any necessary adjustments if he can. However, after two failed feed, Gantes was finally able to aim properly and Yang was able to execute a flawless overhead spike serve! WHAPAAAHSH~ WOOOHHM!~ The ball met Yang''s foot and created a crisp bouncing sound before passing over the net in a zoom. "Daryn!" Sawsaw saw the incoming ball and immediately called Daryn''s attention to intercept the ball. "Got it!" Daryn checked the ball up and Sawsaw received it back with another toss toward''s Miko. Miko was surprised to see Gantes''s head facing him straight. A smile crept in Miko''s face as he continued his horse kick spike. He aimed his kick toward''s Gante''s face! WHAAM--PPONG! The ball landed straight under Miko''s foot. Apparently, Gantes blocked the spike with his head! The sound it made was similar to a ball hitting a metal wall as Gante''s head butt was too forceful! "I may not know how to use my feet and do those fancy kick of yours. But I do know how to use my head in knocking people out!" Gantes shouted as he landed to the ground. 80 CHAPTER 80: CHIKOS BROKEN BALU Everyone was surprised with Gantes''s counter attack. Who could have thought that he would be able to block such powerful spike using his head! It took more than just courage to counter a spike ahead with his head, one must also possess a thick skull and overwhelming balls of steel! "Gantes are you okay?" Chiko asked worriedly. He was afraid that Gantes has sustained any head injuries of any sort. What Gantes did was something out of his expectation since it was too dangerous and only very few people would go to such risk just to defend from a spike. But Gantes showed no hesitation. Rather, he looked very casual with his "Heading". "It was just a headbutt. No problem. He was aiming at my head and so I figured to just hit it with my head back instead ." Gantes said as he casually swiped his hair and repositioned himself. Chiko looked at Gantes''s forehead and not a single wound nor scratch can be seen! What a thick skull this guy has! However, little did they knew, Gantes have cracked more skull in the street fights than they can ever imagine before he became a student. With his uncounted years of gang fights even fighting with people bigger than him proved to be futile against Gantes''s extraordinary physic. "That noob is crazy!" "I know right!? How thick can his skull be!?" The people in that had gathered in the surroundings commented. "Score, one-two in favor of team Yang. Serve Change!" The referee declared and Sawsaw''s team eagerly accepted the ball in their side. They wanted to get back to Yang''s team and it is finally time for them to serve. "I will show you how it''s done!" Sawsaw affirmed himself as he stood proudly in the middle of the service circle. Next, he nodded at Daryn who is their team bowler or feeder. Sawsaw did not raise his hand or gave any sign of how Daryn is gonna serve. He is pretty confident the latter already knows his preference. After all, they have been a team and fought together for a long time. Without raising his hand or saying a word, Daryn tossed the ball high toward''s Sawsaw - their team Tekong and is responsible for the team serves. "Eat this noob!" Sawsaw shouted as he executed a forceful yet elegant spike serve at the start! He is not planning to make his serve too easy for this new team. He wanted to crush his opponent badly and he decided to give his best in every spike! WHAAPSH!~ WHOOOOHHM~ The yellow synthetic fiber ball whizzed across the court in an almost straight line. However, contrary to everyone''s expectation, the ball did not follow its usual route towards Gantes but to Chiko instead! Chiko was prepared and was about to receive the ball using his right knee when the ball made a sudden curve towards his left side. The sudden turn made Chiko unable to receive the ball properly and it went straight to his groin. "Ahahaha!" "What an idiot! Ahaha~" "And here he thought he has what it takes to face a real pro! Now you get what you deserve!" "He broke his Balut! Waaaaahahaha!~ " The spectator laughed at Chiko as he clenched his fist and kneeled in agony. The look in his face when the ball pushed in between his legs was too funny and painful to look at the same time. "Chiko!" Yang immediately came to comfort Chiko while Gantes glared at Sawsaw with a burning face.