Prologue: 約束の夜 ♛ A Promise to KeepIUDICIUM Base, Cebu Philippines, 16th October 2009 – 14:42
"I"m telling you, what your planning is suicidal!" An angelic voice who was now wearing a frown echoed the halls.
A heated discussion had just erupted between Rena and the one hailed as the "King of Illusion" and the leader of current "IUDICIUM", Jin. This teenage girl named Rena has had the longest relationship with Jin since he inherited the leadership of IUDICIUM, the gang that championed the rights and protection of the people of Cebu. And as of the moment the same teenage girl could not contain her anger as she faced the "king of Illusion" herself. The other attendants were silent and could only let the two bicker with each other.
"Rena, I"m telling you, we need the strength of numbers in order repel the other gangs that are invading our territories!" Jin gave a piercing look towards one of his most trusted companion. But, he was not about to change his stance over the issue against her reb.u.t.tal.
The gangs of Cebu had begun a great war against each other for the one-ultimate "PRIZE", the land known only by its people as the "Philippines". Although it said "gangs" it was only a battle fought by five, yes only five gangs that seemed to be different from other street-born fraternities who are only concerned of territories. These five gangs had created a big rift in the streets because their battles are fought in a larger scale and more than just pure-brawn-brawl and violent fights. They fought their battles just like soldiers" fight in wars… using cunning and strategies.
Just recently one of the major five gangs the "PHEONIX" left its territory in Toledo City in order to increase their reach towards the capital of Cebu. This gang has the numbers and the skills that rivalled IUDICIUM"s battle prowess. Lead by its young and half-French half-Filipino leader, the "PHEONIX" gang had pushed Jin and the members of IUDICIUM to their original territories.
As if to make matters worse "TRIbal", another of the five major gangs had also taken advantage of "IUDICIUM"s" vulnerability and pushed their way from the north of their territories towards the center, clearly invading IUDICIUMS reach.
This has lead Jin to conclude the current issue and concur that "IUDICIUM" must increase its numbers, to increase the chances against the two invaders. This is the most sound and logical argument that he had presented to his most trusted companions. But, Rena was against the idea; she herself knows and understands the logic behind the proposal. But, she argued that increasing their numbers now is walking a fatal double edge blade. It would have been better if they had done it before the battles even begun, but with people choosing the greater ideal, treachery and betrayal was going to be inevitable, this was something they MUST avoid at all cost.
It was not like "IUDICIUM"s" ideals were weak, nor was IUDICIUM weak itself, if you try to picture it out, IUDICIUM championed the common people and protected its peace. As for battle prowess, even against the greater numbers of PHEONIX and TRIbal, they have yet to taste an overwhelming defeat and stood on equal grounds even if they are greatly outnumbered 1 to 5.
Why were they not popular when gaining new allies?
TRIbal was well financed by a big-shot Business Tyc.o.o.n. Money speaks a greater deal, compared to the poor IUDICIUM. One would definitely choose a place where they can garner money.
PHEONIX is not that rich but the idea of conquering the Philippines by pure strength has allured the activist type of people who are tired of the current state of the Philippines. In comparison, IUDICIUM tried its best not to disrupt the peace of the country and tried to aid its change by protecting people and supporting them, which looked a bit weak for people who want change to happen in a fortnight.
"I told you beforehand that you are too trusting!" Rena reb.u.t.ted. "The same is true in allying yourself with the "Emissary of Death", I admit he is strong, in fact he is too strong… he will definitely bring your downfall." Worry was now painted in Rena"s eyes.
The other attendees begun to feel out of place, this was no longer a discussion between two commanders, but a reflection of a falling out like that of lovers.
Just when hope was no longer an option for the heated discussion, a voice suddenly stopped the two"s bickering.
"Jin, I agree with Rena, on not increasing our numbers. Increasing our number would only give the TRIbal and Pheonix an idea to consider us as a threat."
A gloomy air suddenly clouded Rena"s face, and a bright sun delighted Jin"s. The voice came from Elena, the current co-leader of IUDICIUM, her voice and appearance from the hall made the atmosphere in the entire room changed almost immediately.
"It is true that we are at a disadvantage but this war is not our priority, the people are."
Silence fell from the air… and a vibration from the heart soften not only the one hailed as the "King of Illusion" but also the attendees of that very meeting, even Rena who shared a certain discontent towards Elena made a calm sigh.
"You"re… right…, I"m sorry, the ones who are truly at the disadvantage are the people." Jin"s tone was calm.
Was it Jin"s immediate change in demeanour or was it Jin"s change in att.i.tude, no one knows, but Rena begun to walk away from the scene. Elena tried to console her by trying to tap her shoulders but was instantly pushed away. On top of that Rena even gave Elena a fierce-deadly look.
"Rena, don"t take out your anger towards me on Elena!"
Rena without saying any apology rushed outside. The other people present simply could not get the feeling of jealousy towards their popular leader.
"You know it"s kind of your fault, she acts like that." Elena calmly pushed her words as if she herself felt guilty.
"You"re right, I should not have shouted at her."
Displeased looks begun to swell among the attendees, as they started to give off a detestable gaze towards Jin.
"You couldn"t have been too dense, aren"t you?" A young man wearing a black turtle necked over-all coat shot a look against his leader.
"Huh?" was his only reaction.
"Forget it; he is a lost cause when it comes to "that"." The others seem to have agreed. Elena even gave an agreeing smile.
The other matters for the meeting were resolved since Elena had brought her own news from her end. Elena, who just came back as emissary towards "TRIbal" gang, had an agreement with them to consider a non-aggressive pack was successful and bought more time for IUDICIUM to come up with other solutions to their ever increasing problems. But For the time being, they could make this a shield to stop the "Phoenix" from encroaching further in their territories.
"Mall" Cebu, Philippines, 16th October 2009 – 18:07
Rena gave off a deep sigh, she did not meant to completely brush Elena off but, she could not forget the thought that Elena took away the person she loved and thus made that very rush action of walking out and brushing her off. When the war between the 5 Major Gangs had yet to happened, and before Elena was even in the picture, Rena had already fallen deeply in love with Jin, when he accepted her despite her many shortcomings. After Jin inherited the leadership of IUDICIUM, Rena was the first and the one who was completely happy for him. Even before, she knew that Jin"s feeling was nothing more than a friendly affection common between comrades. But she did not care since Jin did not seem to be interested in anyone. For Rena it was enough that she was able to stay beside him. But, everything changed when Jin saved and met Elena. The affection that was supposedly and solely hers was now completely taken from her.
"If only "she" was not in the picture." Rena could only sigh at this wishful thinking.
Although she unconsciously came to Mall, she was not really out to buy anything but she had only realized that she was inside the mall when she had regained her thoughts. After a little while, she had thought that it was a bit late and has decided it was time to go home. But a hand had stopped her, it was the hand of the very person she had came to loathe.
"What do you want?" even though she knows that the girl in front of her is not really at fault, she still could not bring to forgive her, not that there was anything to forgive.
"Would you like to accompany me with the shopping?" Elena gave Rena a warm smile.
"What"s wrong with you? You know I hate you right?"
"Of course, but you are the only girl that I can really relate with."
"Why couldn"t you been born as a b.i.t.c.h!?" Rena"s emotion immediately rose, seeing her being friendly with her. "If you were one, it would have been easier and I would have just kicked you out of his life!" Tears were now falling on her cheeks, Rena wanted to loathe Elena, but in reality she was jealous, jealous that Jin had chosen Elena over her.
Elena just comforted Rena and tightly embraced her. The pa.s.sers-by could only see this as a friendly rivalry of love and just pa.s.sed by them.
After a few minutes of her wail, Rena finally regains her composure and gave Elena the look.
"Not a word about this to everyone, am I clear?" Rena whipping her tears while smearing Elena.
Elena just gave her an understanding smile.
"Really, why did you have to be such a nice person?"
"I don"t know about that but, I really just wanted to be friends with you."
"I still hate you for allowing him to love you."
"I know."
From that moment on the two had been in a healthy relationship of rivalry. Well it was kind of one sided but, still the two were now talking normally, the members of the IUDICIUM found it normal though. Elena was a lovable girl anyone would like to be close to her and Rena was no exemption.
Mall, Cebu Philippines, 06th May 2010 – 08:10
Rena and Elena had been frequent in the malls they would do shopping and just talk about anything, even about Jin. Rena was quite surprised with herself at the same time found it normal. This time around, she would see the side that made this rival of hers the strong person she really is.
"Ate?"
"Alexia, what are you doing in the mall?" a hint of worry was in Elena"s voice.
"Ms. Lanac, our Science teacher is treating us who aced our major examination, but I seem to have gotten lost."
"I knew you were a klutz but to this extent."
"Hey, that"s mean!" A smile was drafted in the child"s face.
"Is she your sister?" Rena wondered, but she immediately found the facial resemblance.
"Yes, Alexia this is my friend, Rena"
The word "friend" immediately made Rena blush.
"Rena, this is my younger sister, Alexia"
"It"s nice to meet you, Alexia."
"Hallo, Ate Rena."
This made Rena blush even more, she even thought: "How can there be two sweet girls in this world? That"s got to be a conspiracy."
With the things at hand Elena and Rena decided to help Alexia search for her Science teacher in the mall. Rena immediately took a liking towards Alexia as she was sweet as her sister and always hugged her. She even tried to buy things for her but Elena would shot her a scary look. [Though Rena still bought Alexia things in secret.]
It was a few minutes after they had found Alexia"s teacher and cla.s.smates that Rena finally voiced her query.
"I did not know that you had a younger sister?"
"Well, I haven"t told anyone about it." Elena smiled apologetically.
Rena sensed that Elena did not want to be pitied by circ.u.mstances. She wanted them to acknowledge her for her feats not because of the sad fate she has endured. That was how Rena and everyone perceived her. When the members of IUDICIUM were sceptical of her arrangements in the gang, she gave more than a hundred percent to have them acknowledge her. Her brilliant strategies were always the saving grace for them.
"Well, I had told "him" about it."
"Oh, you mean "turtle neck"" Rena was referring to the young attendant who had joined as a researcher for the gang.
"Hmmm, you did not think that I would be referring to "Jin"?" Elena was quite surprised.
"Well knowing you, you probably did not want to worry Jin about it and kept it a secret from him."
Elena was now shocked, Rena was spot-on. And immediately blushed, she was sure she was loathed back then, but it would seem that Rena really has considered her as her friend. Rena too, started to blush on her own.
"Yes, "turtle-neck" seems to be quite good at listening with people." Rena pushed a thought and the two had immediately agreed on it.
Elena had mentioned when she joined IUDICIUM that she was orphaned, and is working for herself. But in reality, she was really supporting her younger sister, Alexia. Everyone had known that she was serious in her job, but no one knew why she was that serious.
"Please don"t tell Jin." Elena asked
"Why? Don"t you trust him?"
"It"s not that I don"t trust him, it"s just that I don"t want to give him needless worry." Elena closed her eyes and gave a serious look on Rena. "Especially, now that he is one step closer to realizing his dreams. I want him to keep looking forward."
Once again Rena realized why Jin has chosen this girl over her. Not only was she selfless, she was also making sure that the people around her were moving towards their desired dreams, without anyone holding them back.
"Besides, I am no longer alone, I have you with me."
"Ok, stop with the mushiness, alright." Rena was sure that everyone could see her red in embarra.s.sment.
That secret was shared only to three persons. And Rena was one of them. She had come to treasure it, as she had treasured Elena.
But the fates were cruel as the tides of fate was blooming a conspiracy, a conspiracy where Elena had accidentally discovered, no… perhaps she was destined to know.
Mall, Cebu Philippines, 08th August 2011 – 10:15
It was on the 08th of August 2011, seven days before the IUDICIUM Rebellion that Elena entrusted a single wish to Rena.
Pale and somewhat fl.u.s.tered, Elena had approached and enticed a simple request to her eternal rival and the one she has considered her only true girl friend.
"Rena, could you please do me a favour."
"You sound so serious, what is it?"
"If something where to happen to me, would you mind taking care of Alexia for me?"
The very topic sent Rena aback; she herself knew that Elena was not the type to joke and the tone of her voice, carried over that very grim issue.
"Ok, that is not funny Elena."
"Just promise me, please."
"I will take care of Alexia, because she is like a sister to me, not because of some stupid joke. Is that clear!?" a sense of anger and worry was mixed with Rena"s answer.
Elena gave Rena a meek smile, as if to make Rena"s load a bit lighter.
"I promise."
And seven days after that very promise, the one battle that the entire Midnight Congregation would eventually call as the "IUDICIUM REBELLION" had caused the disappearance of the two people Rena has come to love – Jin and Elena.
Just seven days after this very promise… will mark Alexia"s journey to search for her lost sister and eventually become involve with the midnight congregation known as KINGDOMs and would eventually become King to Alexandria.