Chapter 2: In Flames, We'll Drown

The speed of the bus slowed down when it turned in another direction. The rocky grounds of the parking lot show that we finally arrived at our destination.

We were all in high spirits as we walked through the dirt path into the deep forests of Mount Ampacao. Trixie started to harmonize with the music coming from the distance. The closer we got, the louder it became. The Night Cirque was just up ahead.

Its large neon signboard beamed so brightly, successfully luring tons of people.

The whistling sounds of the engine and the joyous screams of people on their roller coaster ride welcomed us when we entered the Night Cirque. The vibrancy of this place really pops out, especially the banderitas. Not to mention that this land is so wide, it even has an entire lot dedicated to the musical festival!

The committees behind this event did an impressive job for making the whole place look enchanting and pretty exciting.

A photo of us, featuring the stamped carnival logo on our wrists would be an adorable remembrance from this day on, so we stopped for a while and searched for a great angle and lighting.

Trixie then immediately ran off to try her luck at the carnival games. Britt dragged Shae and Rina over to the mini roller coaster.

The sweet aroma of cotton candy and popcorn was enough to make my mouth water. So I pulled Vino and Gabby to get some snacks.

The group reunited after almost an hour. Trixie then clings to my left arm with enthusiasm before dragging us to the grandstand where the music festival is going to take place. I couldn't do anything, but to keep up with her speed.

Many have collided with our group. Pasalamat sila I'm still in a good mood kasi kung hindi, tatapakan at tutulakin ko rin sila isa-isa.

The never-ending crowd amassed to a greater degree when we passed by the food court. Red and white striped parasols are all over the place. They hung some of it on an almost invisible string, making the passersby awe with its floating aesthetics.

We strolled into the open field as we reached the grandstand. There are also small booths and food corners set within this area. Merchandises like glow sticks, t-shirts, bracelets, and any various abubots are the common products that sell the most.

Mostly young adults like us are the ones who loiter here, setting up their own blankets on the freshly trimmed Bermuda grass. It's as if they are here to picnic and spend their time on the soft ground rather than engage in the festival. Well, to be fair, I do love their sense of style, though. A classic boho at a musical event.

The next song blasted in full volume. The iconic style of the blended electrical distortion of pitches of guitars, bass, and a drum made us feel wild, young, and free. With Redstone Riots' Eye of the Storm, the people become more hype than before.

In the darkness, we ignite,

A fire that burns so bright.

But beneath the surface, we hide,

A truth we cannot deny.

Living in the eye of the storm,

Can't keep running,

From what's to come,

In flames, we'll drown.

The chorus is particularly intense. It features a powerful and anthemic melody, with the lead singer belting out the lyrics over a pounding bassline and soaring guitar chords.

The clock is ticking,

Time is running out,

Our fates are sealed,

There's no doubt.

Spinning out of control,

The signs are there,

We can't ignore.

End is coming, that much we know.

As the song reaches its climax, the tempo picks up, and the band pushes the tempo to its limits, driving the energy level even higher.

We're living in the eye of the storm,

Can't keep running from what's to come.

Our fate is sealed, we're going down,

In flames, we'll drown.

A group of young guys belted out its lyrics as they jumped and jostled throughout the crowd like a train. Others are simply on their feet, clapping and swaying to the beat. While there's me, trying to capture the crowd's silhouette under the starry sky.

We're all seizing this moment yet I couldn't help but feel something off with the ambiance. Misty strong winds caress my skin, making me shiver a little. Maybe it was such a bad idea to wear a mesh cropped top and not bring a cardigan. However, the truth isn't because the cold bothers me.

I don't think everyone notices it. From the exchanging looks of the police officers, there must be a problem. I don't know whether it's because of a possibility that there might be a drug syndicate somewhere selling drugs or recruiting some drug pushers. Worse, there may be a serial killer out there lurking amongst us. Because if that isn't the scenario, why would they even be here?

Sure, they might just be protecting us from a stampede. It's one of the most common possibilities for rave parties like this, but why do they look so tense, like they messed up big time?

Trixie slightly elbowed me, making me go back to my senses.

First thing I noticed were flocks of birds flying in a dispersed direction. They seem disoriented and make this high-pitched sound, which sends an odd feeling to everyone.

Even Trixie who was usually lighthearted and carefree seemed to tensed up. It was as if peace had nowhere to be found and the fear crept into every corner of the festival grounds.

A piercing sound echoed across the field, diverting our attention to the front. Our eyes were drawn to the middle-aged woman on the stage, her hand clutching the microphone.

Clad in formal corporate attire, she resembled an office worker or a secretary from some company. But it wasn't her outfit that held our attention, it was the blood soiled all over her clothes, spread across her entire being.

"Nandiyan na sila... nandiyan na sila!" The woman's panicked cry was interlaced with bursts of blood that sprayed from her mouth. Her disheveled figure trembled, as if on the brink of collapse.

Die-hard fans of Redstone Riots in the pit, which stood closest to the stage, found themselves drenched in the woman's gooey fluids. Their grumbles blend with the mounting tension that hung heavy in the air.

"Nandiyan na sila!" she repeated, her voice now laced with a threatening edge.

Sinong sila?

My gaze shifted to the approaching policemen, cautiously making their way towards the platform. Their guns were raised, primed and ready to fire, as if the disoriented woman posed a grave threat, on the verge of committing a heinous crime.

"Oh my gods, we have to get out of here now!" Rina's voice was urgent. "I have an idea, but we need to move fast." Her eyes darted around in panic.

With swift efficiency, Rina outlined a plan for us to navigate our way through the exit point of the amusement park. Vino then chimed in with an alternative idea - automatically summonning our car from where we are - but he cautioned that it might take hours depending on the traffic.

A loud groan echoed in the field again, interrupting our discursion. It was the woman on the stage, and she sounded like she was in deep pain before the mic dropped onto the platform.

I strained to see what was happening since the dense crowd around us blocked our view. Clearly, they just stood here, recording the women's distress on their phones rather than helping her.

Suddenly, the sound of a rotor blade shattered the air. Three choppers hovered above us through a single route, leaving us no idea what's going on. It was unclear what they were doing, whether they were there to assist or exacerbate the situation.

Then, a pickup truck abruptly came rushing into the scene, causing its tires to screech onto the ground. A police officer stood in the truck's cargo bed, gripping a megaphone. He's covering his neck with a blood-soaked towel.

With a voice amplified through the megaphone, the officer yelled to run for our lives. It was like a trigger that ignited a chain reaction of fear and desperation.

The once-thrilled crowd now turned into a frenzied mob, scattering in every direction. We were pushed and shoved, making it harder for us to stay together. Trixie and I got separated from the group.

Britt's voice pierced through the noise. "Jane! Trixie! Over here!" She was waving her arms frantically, trying to get our attention. "Meet us at the camping grove!"

I grabbed Trixie's hand and pulled her towards Britt's outstretched arms, but the sea of people won't let us. We've lost them again.

The sky lit up with an orange glow, accompanied by an overwhelming boom that shook the ground. The shock wave rippled outwards, destroying everything in its path.

A frightening wildfire erupts, burning with an intensity that cannot be contained. The uncontrollable flames soared higher that spreads through the trees, creating an eerie darkness. The crackling sound of the fire was almost deafening. Soon, the birds, lions, and donkeys scattered, as well as the people in the area. Everyone's in a state of hysteria, shrieking and fleeing to escape the flames.

The smell of burning flesh permeated the air as charred bodies lay scattered in the wake of the fire. The heat of the flames was so intense that skin melted away and organs burst. Charred limbs and faces were all that remained of those who could not escape.