Run, Run

ZANAYA

I was running.

I could do nothing but run. Run from the fate laid out in front of me. I don’t know where I’m going. I just let my feet carry me to where I should be.

In the distance I ran, I did not realize that I was in the middle of the forest. Nothing could be heard but the chirping of birds, my breathing and my feet running relentlessly trampling the withered leaves making crisp sounds.

The trees stood tall and their thick leaves covered the whole forest. I would no longer be surprised if a snake would fall from its branches.

I’m tired but I didn't want to stop. I wouldn't stop until I’m sure I wouldn’t be chased or followed by Dad’s men.

This is the first time I have disobeyed their wishes. I could no longer handle their dictation of what I would do and the only way to stop it was to run away.

The sky seemed to accompany me in grief because the heavy rain suddenly fell. Well, I guess luck is on my side. The rain just kept pouring along with the continuous tears in my eyes.

I looked up at the sky and saw the dancing lightning followed by thunderous thunder. I don’t care if my clothes will get wet and I will catch a cold. I will only stop when I reach the end of the forest I am traversing now.

This time, the sky heard my prayer. I sat down on a boulder after I looked at the end of the forest. I closed my eyes for a moment.

Feeling the rain dripping down my face. The sky darkened and the rain gradually subsided.

My clothes were very wet. Even the bag I was carrying got wet. I scratched the back of my head. This was probably the consequences for my unexpected escape.

I took out all the contents of my bag and laid them on the ground covered with leaves to dry them. Fortunately, the bread I brought was wrapped in plastic so the rain didn't sip in.

Darkness enveloped the forest. I’ll admit, I was scared. Who knows, a lion would suddenly grab me here and that would be the cause of my misfortune.

It looked like the ones playing in my imagination will come true because I heard a rustling sound. My heartbeat increased and my hands began to sweat. I took the flashlight out of my bag and strained to find the source of the crackle. It was as if a thorn had been pulled out of my throat when I realized that a rabbit was making the sound.

Probably due to fatigue, I was unaware of the heaviness of my eyelids and drowsiness completely engulfed my spirit.

The next morning, when I woke up I did not expect what I saw. Something that could change my life and destiny.

A palatial structure was in front of me.

Why I didn't notice it last night?

It's so spacious and beautiful. You will think you are in Europe because it is made in the Gothic style. I looked around and fixed my eyes on its very high gate made of thick steel.

To my great surprise, I was unaware of a woman approaching me.

"Aren't you coming in yet?"

Huh? Why should I get in there?

I looked at her. She has a skin so white and had a wide smile as if she was boasting that her teeth were as white as a paper.

"I think you're also a freshman like me. I'm Arya. Arya Santos," she said and smiled again, then held out her hand to me, but I just looked at it. My mouth remained shut.

I thought she would be offended by what I did but she still continued to speak.

"You know I really dreamed of getting into that academy."

That palatial structure in front of us is an Academy? Now it had captured my interest.

"My dream is to become a detective. You know what you see on TV? It's like Detective Conan."

If so, is this a school for detectives?

She smiled at me again before speaking, "You're quiet. May I know your name?"

I am still hesitant to tell my name to this woman. It might be a trap for my pursuers to find me. So I chose to ignore her and hesitantly, I grabbed my bag and headed to the academy she's pertaining.

"Wait! Wait for me. I brought a lot of my things here."

She was definitely going to study at that academy. She is carrying a large suitcase and a bag pack.

"Why are you only carrying a bag pack?"

She's so stubborn and couldn't get it that I didn't want to talk or to socialize with her. I ignored her once again and continued walking until we reached the front gate. Above it was a large arch and something was written on it.

ZYFFORD ACADEMY

A tarpaulin was posted on the wall that surrounded it.

WE CAN MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE HERE IN ZYFFORD ACADEMY. REACH FOR THE STARS, FLY MIGHTY EAGLES. THE TRUTH WILL SET US FREE. JOIN THE TEAM IN TEASING OUT THE TRUTH.

WELCOME FRESHMEN!

This was definitely a school. Now, my problem was how will I get in here even though I didn't have the necessary requirements. Anyway, what exactly were the requirements?

I looked at my companion. She smiled again. I don't think if the muscles in her cheeks and jaw ever get tired from squeezing. Or maybe she really just wanted to display her teeth.

Should I talk to her?

I was surprised when she suddenly spoke again.

"OY! Someone's coming. Looks like we're late, we're not in the brief orientation anymore."

I turned around and saw people walking and lined up toward where we are. I think they were students too. A woman in her forties approached us.

"Are you freshmen too? Please, line up at the last line, enrollment is about to begin."

"All right, Ms. Dalia," Arya replied.

Wait, does she know that woman? Arya seemed to hear the question in my mind so she replied, "I saw her name on her ID," she said before pulling me towards the last line.

Now, I’m the last one. Arya is in front of me. I don’t know what kind of enrollment was going on because of how fast it ended and now we’re next.

I noticed that the students did not have any documents, not even the woman in front of me.

"Next."

"Let's go next!" Arya gushed and seemed to be still excited.

“Thumb mark here,” Ms. Dalia pointed at the black tablet.

Arya did so and suddenly various information about her appeared on the screen.

ARYA SANTOS

AGENT 498

OFFICIALLY ENROLLED

This method of enrollment was amazing. With just a simple thumb mark it will identify information about you.

"Next."

As Arya did, I also put my thumb on the black tablet and it showed information about me.

ZANAYA REIGN LOPEZ

AGENT 499

OFFICIALLY ENROLLED