CHAPTER 3: The Knights

RAYNE

The Knights in the reign of the first king of the second generation of Sins were the guardians of the king. They were called royal knights and in the reign of the fourth king, a group took inspiration from these guardians and went by the name of “the Knights”. Being one of the oldest and strongest group in the world of Sins, they have proven their authority inside and outside the arena.

Leadership was passed down through generations by the members. Each member is obliged to find an heir to their name, can either be a relative or a successor. They are to be trained and will soon inaugurated as the new members of the new generation by the preceding leader.

The group consisted five members with their specified roles. King is usually given to the physically strongest member. Queen for the most intelligent in terms of language and strategic fighting. Heart for grace and elegance in the battle field. Spade for agility and cunningness. Lastly, Ace for a few who show bizarre characteristics, intellectual and physical.

My father, with the codename King, was the leader of his generation and was famous for his strength and rational thinking. When he found out that my brother was a Sin at the age of thirteen, he immediately trained him as his heir.

Unfortunately, my brother only led for two years before passing it over to his second in command because of personal reasons. Al, my brother’s replacement and also his best friend, was actually the weakest in the group but undeniably the most passionate. After being given the responsibility, he trained hard and was soon able to rule the way a leader should. Then again, without my brother, the group grew short in strength and decided to halt in participating in combats. It was then that they decided to train their heirs to bring back the pride in the name of their group.

It wasn’t long when the other names were given to the newest members. The old ones then moved out of the hide out and the new ones moved in. Al, as the leader, was in charge of looking after the new members until he decides on who to pass the leadership to.

Al then found me and passed the leadership to me at the age of fourteen, making me the youngest leader in the history of the Knights. When I joined in and was announced as the new leader, the other members weren’t happy. Then again, after proving myself, they accepted me.

“We’re home!” a loud voice ruined the silence I was enjoying alone at the hideout.

“Catch!” King suddenly said and threw my mask at me which I caught.

One by one, the three of them took off their masks as they got in the hide out.

The hideout is a house hidden in a private property, in the middle of a 5-hectare land, locked with a 20-feet fence, and armed with electric wires and stunners. Traps and dangerous animals surround the area and f not careful, trespassers can be eaten alive or killed. Biometrics in the gate requires eyes, face, thumbprint, and voice verification. The system automatically changes as the members of the group are replaced. It’s probably the safest hide out since no one has ever tried to find us here. We often stay here late and the twins even sleep here at times, making it our second home.

“You think he’ll stop?” King asked as he went to the kitchen for a drink.

“You saw his eyes. He probably won’t stop until he finds Ace.” Heart said as she was about to enter her room.

I stood up and held her hand, making her stop and look at me.

“How’s your arm… Angel?” I asked as I looked at the arm she dislocated.

“It’s fine—ah!” she exclaimed as I twisted it.

“Clench your teeth.” I ordered as she followed.

I held her arm with both hands and pulled it towards me. The sound echoed in the room as Angel sighed in relief.

“That is… so gross.” Queen commented with her hands crossed to her chest.

“Shut up Ashley. Your face is more disgusting.” King teased as he watched from the kitchen.

“Says the guy with distinguished character. You’re only King because you’re strong, not because you look like one Jacob. You look like a slave.” Queen countered as she stuck her tongue out.

They are the members of the Knights.

Angel Quillan A.K.A. HEART

Ashley Fern Heronimo A.K.A. QUEEN

Jacob Ash Heronimo A.K.A. KING

Originally, we had a fifth member, Spade. He joined the group three months after I joined but I never knew who he was nor saw his face. He never joined us at the hideout and only appeared in combats. Six months ago, he left the group and only Angel knew his real reason. I never had the time to ask nor investigate about him because I was sure Angel already knew who he was and that was enough for me to trust him.

After having dinner with the food I bought at the capital, I sat on the sofa to read one of the books uncle Sam gave me. Angel said she’ll take a shower and Jacob just played with his phone.

“Ow… my body hurts.” Ashley moaned as she crawled her way on the edge of the sofa to me and laid her head on my lap.

“You just ran a few miles. Such a baby.” Jacob scoffed with eyes focused on his phone.

“Excuse me, I am a cheerleader and I practiced yesterday and the day before that and the day before that. Oh you wouldn’t understand the pain because you just dribble around with your stupid ball!” Ashley shouted and I could feel some of her saliva on my lap because I was wearing shorts.

These two just can't help but shout at each other. In the years we’ve been together, they always fought and insulted each other. It’s kind of hard to believe that the known cheek and glamourous cheerleader of P.A. is a spoiled Sin who always fights her twin brother.

“Rayne, I’ll be off now.” Angel said as she got her bag.

“There she goes again. Why can't you spend a little more time with us?” Ashley complained as she got up to look at Angel.

“If I don’t get home before Jiro, he’ll be suspicious.” She explained with a smile.

“How about your bruise?” Jacob asked, still looking at his phone.

“A little make-up will do.” Angel said as she winked at us.

Angel is a model and she’s an amazing make-up artist. Asides from glamming herself for pictorials, she also uses her talent to hide bruises and cuts from combats. Amazing and scary at the same time.

The more reason I always pay attention to her compared to the two. Angel can manipulate anyone with her sweet smile and calming voice. She could say she’s fine after being stabbed and make someone believe it.

“Hey, bet I could beat you.” Ashley suddenly challenged Jacob as Angel left.

“Ha-ha. Game on.” Jacob accepted as they sat on the sofa.

I decided to sit on the single sofa and continued reading my book. Since childhood, I enjoyed reading in silence. Still, if the noise comes from them, it’s fine too.

“Hey, ever thought of what you’ll do if Jiro finds you? I mean, he has your picture and he knows Ace is at Prosper.” Ashley asked as she stared at her phone.

“Not sure. Maybe I'll just have to enjoy his game for a while.” I said and flipped to the next page.

“You never change. Your duality and your creepy psycho games. You look so sweet and innocent outside but is sadistic inside.” Jacob commented.

“Well that’s better that acting all nice but is actually a silent, snob, emotionally unstable, and rude one.” Ashley said on my defense.

“Says the all-mean look but is actually a big baby.” I said which made Jacob laugh.

“Hey! I’m on your side!” Ashley then exclaimed, causing her to lose their game.

“Yes! Now you owe me a hundred.” Jacob celebrated as he stuck his tongue at Ashley.

“This is unfair!” Ashley protested as she threw her phone at Jacob.

And yet another hectic night with the twins.

..

Three days have passed since Jiro said he’ll find me. Three days and nothing happened. For some reason, I feel mad about it. The fact that he made me expect something is getting the best of me.

 “Rayne! Take this to the office!” Phil suddenly shouted and slammed a folder on my desk.

I looked at Phil as he stood in front of me and he suddenly froze. I yanked the folder and stood as my chair hit the desk behind me. I stepped out the room without a word.

“D-did she just glare at me!?” I heard Phil ask as I left the room.

I couldn’t help myself. Just thinking of Jiro making a fool out of me makes my blood boil. I expected Jiro to make a move as soon as Monday but he didn’t come to school. Tuesday came, still no sign of him. Wednesday was no different from the past days and it pisses me off big time. Maybe I’ve been bored since Ray left and expected to have fun with Jiro but this happened. I couldn’t ask his friends, not that I’m hesitant to ask. I tried finding any friend of his but he doesn’t have any friends in school.

“You…”

I turned as I heard someone, as if he was calling me. I looked around only to see students chatting in benches and along the corridor. Seeing nothing odd, I shrugged it off and headed back to our room.

Silence suddenly filled the room as I entered and I saw a familiar guy sitting on the seat beside mine, on Ray’s seat.

“Excuse me. I think you’re at the wrong seat.” I calmly said as I got near Jiro.

“You owe me one.” He said coldly as he scrolled through his phone.

“What?” I asked in surprise.

“Ken told me you punched my face, leaving this cut.” He said as he raised his head to face me.

I can’t believe he actually told him. That unthankful piece of---

“And now… you owe me one.” He repeated as he pointed at the cut on the side of his lips.

It was then that I realized that everyone in the room were looking at us intently, with eyes sparkling in curiosity. I was surprised when he held my hand and pulled me to my seat, making some them shriek in a close to mute volume.

“So? Any plans of paying me back?” he said, making me look at him again.

“P-pay YOU back!? You're really out of your mind. Ken didn’t tell you everything so don’t act up. YOU'RE the one who owes me!” I burst in anger.

I couldn’t control my emotions. After making me wait, he ends up showing up and reminds me of how he stole my first kiss. He keeps on triggering my bad side, making me unable to stop from blurting what I want to say.

“Me? Why?” he asked looking all innocent.

Then it hit me. I can't tell him that he stole my first kiss, not when everyone’s watching.

“Tell me. What did I do to deserve it?” he asked with a smirk on his face.

“But why would Rayne punch him? Why and how? She couldn’t even hurt a fly.” One classmate asked loudly.

“Did he steal something from you?” another asked and I could not stop looking as Jiro’s lips.

“Spill it Rayne.” Another one added.

I suddenly felt the urge to kill everyone in the room. A numbing spell would be enough to make them sleep as I kill each one of them.

Wait… was I always this crazy!? I can't believe that I'm thinking of killing my classmates! Keep it together Rayne!

“Well I’ll take your answer as a ‘nothing’. You have to compensate me because of what you’ve done.” He stated, just before Mr. Louise came in.

The class went smoothly as usual. Sir Louise then started writing something on the whiteboard and I took notes. Jiro suddenly leaned closer which made me flinch a little. I was about to lean away but he pulled my hand towards him. He leaned closer to my ear and I could feel his breath on my skin. I rolled my eyes as I already predicted he’ll say something about his ‘compensation’.

He really needs a break. Maybe I can break his neck instead.

I shook my head lightly as I realized I was being drawn to my dark self once again. To my surprise, Jiro suddenly sniffed my neck which gave me goosebumps. I clenched my right hand hard and broke my pen. I glared at him as prepared myself in stabbing him with the edge of the broken pen.

“So next week, I need…”

I quickly came back to my senses when I heard Sir Louise’s voice. I took a deep breath and tried to control myself from killing Jiro. I can't believe he had the courage play with me like this. Ray never treated me this way since we became friends, yet this imbecile dares to even touch me.

As soon as the class ended, I stormed my way out. I’m afraid I might end up killing Jiro on the spot. Maybe he was doing it on purpose to expose my identity. He’s really triggering me. For the first time, I felt this kind of anger towards a person. My heartbeat can't stop rising. The thrill of experiencing anger at this certain level is giving me an unfamiliar rush.

I must be losing it. I need to cool off.

..

“Hi uncle.” I greeted as I got in and seated at the stool near where the cakes were displayed.

The snack bar had cakes displayed beside the cashier and on its left is a long table with high stools for ones who like it solo.

“Rayne. It’s been a while. Glad you paid me a visit.” He said with a smile, wearing his regular uniform and pink apron.

“I'll have a slice of caramel cake please.” I said as I smiled back at him.

“Me too.” A familiar and irritating voice suddenly said from behind.

I turned and to my ‘surprise’, it’s Jiro.

“Seriously?” I asked as I looked at him with unamused eyes.

“Jiro? How’s it going? Did you miss me?” uncle Sam suddenly said as he saw Jiro.

“In your dreams, bakero.” He answered as I tilted my head with what he said.

“Shitsurei. You never change.” Uncle Sam answered as he shook his head in disappointment.

It was obvious that they knew each other but I could feel a deeper connection between them. Besides from speaking in Japanese, which I clearly understand, they also talk very informal.

“Are you following me?” I asked as I turned to Jiro.

“Yes.” He bluntly answered.

“Y-you know people usually make up excuses instead of actually saying that.” I said in surprise.

“So… you want me to lie?” he asked with a sarcastic tone.

I closed my eyes as I, once again, felt furious.

“I don’t know why I followed you. I just wanted to.” He said which made me look at him.

It’s the first time I sensed sincerity in his words.

“You two eat up. And because you made Jiro come her, it’s on the house.” Uncle Sam said as he happily placed two slices of cake.

I took a sip from the strawberry shake uncle gave with the cake and felt a dark aura got lifted from my body. It’s as if all the rage started to fade into thin air.

“Sorry…” Jiro suddenly said, making me stop from eating.

“Sorry? For what?” I asked with my mouth filled with cake as I looked at him.

He turned to me and stopped as he opened his mouth, probably to say something. He looked into my eyes as I chewed on my food. He then let out a chuckle and before I knew it, he wiped the side of my lip his thumb.

“You can have this.” He suddenly said, pushing the cake near me.

I watched him as he stood and left the snack bar, still dumbfounded with what he did.

Why!? Why did you let him touch you!? He’s been touching me the whole day and I am not having it! I will kill---

“Are you friends with Jiro?” uncle Sam suddenly asked as he wiped a glass cup behind the counter.

“N-no way! Him? Hahaha! You’ve got to be kidding me. He’s just an annoying guy that suddenly followed me around. Hahaha.” I denied with a fake laugh.

I noticed uncle Sam looking as me with a serious face. It’s different from how he looked at me in the past. It’s as if he was worried.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing. I just remembered something.” He said with a faint smile and looked back to the glass in his hand.

“Really? What would that be?” I asked in curiosity.

“Just an old story.” He said and moved to fixing the teabags near the cake glass.

“A story? Would you mind telling me?” I requested.

Uncle Sam knows a lot about Sins and he would often tell me stories written in books and journals. I always enjoyed the stories he told me and couldn’t stop feeling enthusiastic about it. It somehow made me accept what I really am. It made me lessen the hate I felt for myself and my kind.

“Next time… I’ll tell you next time. Promise.” He said and smiled at me.

“Don’t say that. In your stories, those who make promises usually leave before they even fulfill it. You can't die, okay?” I said as I remembered a familiar line from one of his stories which made him laugh.

“By the way, how old are you?” he asked, probably trying to change the topic.

“Seventeen.” I simply answered, eating my second cake that Jiro gave.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket so I got it out to check only to see my aunt sent me a message.

‘Your uncle’s at the hospital. He had mild heart arrest. Could you get some clothes for him? I can’t leave him alone.’ The message read.

"I-I have to go. Aunt's husband is at the hospital." I said as I stood to leave.

"Wait! I wanted to give you something." he suddenly said and got something below the counter.

"I know you love books. These are some of my favorite ones. You can have them." he said as he handed me a paper bag filled with books.

..

Aunt’s husband is very sick. Last year, he was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer. And with his already existing heart disease, aunt had to take care of him more. He often had mild heart attacks making him stay in the hospital for a few days. They also often travelled for his medication. Until today, they haven’t given up on his treatment and still hope for his recovery.

I arrived at the hospital only to see my aunt drying her tears once again. Seeing my aunt breaking down on several occasions, I learned to be strong for her. I had to hide everything with a smile just so she would not worry.

Aunt had to go back and report at their office because she only notified them that she’ll be out for two hours. I walked her to the parking lot and gave her a hug, reassuring her that everything will be alright.

At 10 p.m., I got some cupped noodles for my dinner. I also bought uncle some fruits I saw at the hospital canteen.

“I can do this!” I stopped on my way as I heard a cute voice from a room two doors away from my uncle’s.

I smiled as I saw a little girl in a hospital gown sitting on her bed. She looks oddly enthusiastic for a child in the ward. I went on my way to my uncle’s room and pulled the door open.

“Uncle I got you some---” I stopped as I felt something off.

The lights were turned off and the window was open. Light from where I stood made me see uncle laying on the bed. On the dark side of the room, a figure as hiding. I heard a silent laugh as the intruder walked towards my uncle. He then drew a knife and aimed the edge on my sleeping uncle’s neck. I suddenly felt uneasy as I saw blood-like veins in his arms.

”Peekaboo.”

..