• “New York had been rumored to be a Red zone. Due to, as they say, blood thirsty mutated creatures called ‘Red Rose’. The Red Roses has been spotted to evolve more and multiply after some civilians dared to explore the forbidden zone. The WWS, or the World Warriors Syndicate, have reported the globe what really happened to stop civilians coming to that place even though it’ll scare the people. The WWS’ spokesperson stated “The troublesome group is now DEAD. “ That simple he announced them as dead. “Where are their bodies?” one of the reporters asks. The spokesperson raised a brow and asks back “Do you want the truth?” Flashes from the cameras were none stop as they wait for the answer. “Very well then” He pauses and loosens his tie a bit. He cleared his throat and said “We don’t know. Maybe the Red Rose/s made their bodies as decoration to their filthy territory.” Everyone gasp. Then a man maybe in his thirties snapped “Don’t fool with us. We want the truth. Tell us.” The spokesperson gave him an evil grin. “Oh my, aren’t you so brave to ask for the truth? I like it.” The man glared at him. He simply laughs at the man’s glare then said with a stern look “Vanished. As far as we know, their bodies turned into ashes.” With that statement, the spokesperson turns his back to the audience, with his cloak following, and walks away. The last thing that the media know the WWS’ spokesperson got engulfed by the thick smog. “”

    “Eh? That’s strange.”
    “What’s strange with that news?”
    “They never wrote the spokespersons’ name, very rude.”
    “Oh please, of course they won’t. Look, just ignore it.”
    “But Ace-“
    “No buts, Shiki. Let’s just go.” I said and stood up from the park bench. “Fine” She grabs her bag and stood as well. “Ready?” Shiki nod at me then we make our way to our destination.


    I whistled after seeing The Gate. “Wow. Just wow. Can you whistle for me?” Shiki said making me smile and then whistled. Shiki smiled at me and thank me. I just nods in reply. “Shiki and Ace. Welcome to The Gate.” An old man dressed in black with a cane said. The two of us look at each other and ask in unison “How did you know my name?” The man laughed and walked near us. “Of course you don’t know me. Silly old me. I am your guide around The Gate. Mitchel Grandole.” Mitchel introduced himself and took off his hat then point it towards the entrance. “Shall we begin the tour?” “Wait. Hold it.” I stated as I pull Shiki by her shoulder. “Wha-?” Said the startled Shiki. “Shiki. You know that we can’t be oh-so-friendly to a stranger.” I said with my eyes on Mitchel. “But Ace. He already said his name.” Shiki retorted.
    “Stop being naïve. “
    “I am not.” She pouted at me.
    I glared at the man and said “Tell us who you really are first before we-“I motioned to Shiki “follow you.” Mitchel smiled. “You act like your father-“I cut him off “Shut up! Never mention that b*****d’s name.” “Ace. I wonder why would he name his son his codename.” Mitchel ignore my intrusion. I clench my fists and murmured “Damn old man.” Shiki snigger at my words. I glared at her making her flinch. “Well then, let’s go.” Mitchel glance at his watch then put back his hat. Mitchel wrap his arms around the two of us and lead us to the entrance.


    “No way. That was it?” Shiki ask in dismay with a frown on her face. Out of the sudden Mitchel laughed like Santa Claus. We stare at the old man and realizing that he sounds and look like Santa Claus. With his white beard and fat body. Our jaws drop. “Hey grandpa Mitchel, are you by chance Santa Claus?” Shiki ask after pulling the man’s sleeve calling for his attention. “You idiot.” I suddenly stated and whacks her head. “OW!” She yelps in pain with her hands on her aching head. “I hate you, Ace.” She childishly said while she tries not to tear up. I immediately apologized and promised her to buy her ice cream later. I pat her head and said “Peace?” Shiki look up to me and slowly nods. I smiled and ruffled her hair. I turned my attention to Mitchel but he wasn’t there anymore. “Whe-where did he go? “ I ask myself and looks around. “That man is so rude, leaving us alone here… inside… the… AHHHHHHHH!!!!! “


    “Shiki!” I quickly turned around but there was no Shiki in sight. “Shik? Answer me. Where are you?” The lights turn off. I let out a small squeal. “What is this place?” I ask aloud as I try to walk around the dark room. Then I heard footsteps. “Shik? Is that you?” I call out. “Oh. Was that you ‘girlfriend’s’ name? “says by a screeching voice. “What?! Girlfriend?! Are you dumb?!” I retorted as I blush in the dark. “Then why are you blushing, darling?” “What?! You are crazy. Me? Blush? You talk nonsense!” I exclaim. The voice laughed. I grit my teeth in annoyance and yelled “Show your face coward!”
    SWISH!
    “AH!” I yelp and fell on my butt. “You call me a coward? Hah! Well said by a guy who yelps like a lassie!” SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! I crawl away by the unidentified ‘thing’. Then felt his head bump onto a feathery yet musty ‘wall’. I suddenly move away. “AHAHAHAHA! I can’t believe that they sent someone ‘new’. Trainings nowadays are lame. They send young yet stupid kids. AHAHAHAHA!”
    “Shut up.”
    “AHAHAHA! So my little mouse is still alive?” it taunts then scratched my face with its talons. I held my scratched face and muttered “b*****d.” I stood up and gain my balance. “Who are you calling mouse huh, Pest?” it laughs more. ”Oh dear, I made him mad. AHAHAHA! I shall end you now!”

    I closed my eyes and wait for my attacker’s move. “Ready for your death, Prey?” I clench my fist and exclaimed “Maybe you be better ready for your defeat, Pest.” Its laughter echoes. SWISH! The attacker swoop down locking on me. I just stand there, counting. “1… 2… 3… “The attacker is now 50 meters near, but the monster stop. In my curiosity, I opened my eyes. Seeing the monster’s hideous face. Its blood red eyes stares at me. Those fangs looked like they were dipped in a pool of blood.

    “Oh. My. God” Suddenly chains loop around its waist up, covering the monster. It thrash and struggle, trying to break free. “Ace, are you ok?!” I step back from the chained monster and look for the owner of the voice. “Shik?” I call out as I find my way towards voice. FLASH! The lights turned on, making me blind. I cover my eyes with my arm. Just when I realize that Shiki is now beside me, she punch me in the face. I fell. “What is wrong with you?!” I complained while holding my face. “I can’t believe you actually let that monster play with you!” Shiki exclaimed. I stared at her for a second or so. “What?” she ask when she got me staring. I smiled at her and hug her. “Eh?”

    “Alright break that hug you two.” One familiar voice said. I push her away, hard making her fall, and stick my tongue at her. She glared at me and kick my shin. “OW!” I was about to kick her but a man in a white hoodie and black pants ruffled my hair. “Sir Winston!” Shiki and I said in unison. She quickly got up and pats her skirt. Sir Winston salutes at us and we returned the salute. “Good, you two are here. Sorry about that ‘thing’. He just like to fool people.” Sir Winston smiled. “Oh.” Was the only thing I said I annoyance. Hey who would not?! I mean, I was scared to death! Geez. “So let’s go to the meeting room.” He said and motioned us to follow. “Uhm… Sir? What happened to Santa?” Shiki ask. “Santa?” he raised a brow at me. “Oh. She’s talking about Mr. Mitchel Grandole, Sir.” I explained. “I see. Well, Shiki, he got injured from saving you.” Sir Winston explained at the stupid Shiki, who was looking at Sir with an eager look. “I see. I need to apologize to him!” Shiki exclaim and start to run away but, good thing, Sir pulled her by her sleeve. “Now you can’t just barge in the health room. And we have a meeting to attend to. Now, go.” Sir said pat her shoulder and walk towards an elevator.


    “Take a seat you two.” Sir Winston whispers to us and took his seat across us. So we did. I can’t believe I’m here at the meeting room with the leaders of the greatest base in the world of WWS. Sir Lee Wang of China Division, Lady Jane Smith of, of course, USA. Wow. Just wow. “Ace Reyes.” I flinch when Lady Jane said my name. “Shiki Cumin” Sir Wang said with his Chinese accent. “We will send you to the Philippines.” They all said in unison after glancing at each other. And Shiki and I just sat there looking like owls with eyes wide open looking at them.