EIGHT. 

WAY TO THE DOORS OF DEATH. 

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Trigger warnings! This chapter addresses sensitive subjects, including hate speech and mental health issues. As the chapter unfolds, you may encounter references to panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety. Please read with caution. Your well-being is paramount; feel free to skip this section if it feels too triggering. Thank you, and you may continue reading.

Mnemosyne Gate. In the realm where the first domain meets the enigmatic Twilight Vale, there stands a formidable barrier.

IT IS said that only those with a true desire to journey through time—traversing the echoes of the past and the whispers of the future—can reach this threshold. Here, destiny weaves its intricate tapestry, guiding the brave who dare to step forward as the trials of fate unfold.

Deep within the heart of the forest, where sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, Saku approached Willhelmina with a newfound boldness. He extended his hand toward her, a gesture that took her completely by surprise. This was an uncharacteristic move for Saku; such intimacy had never graced their interactions before.

Startled, Willhelmina crossed her arms and averted her gaze, her cheeks flush with a hint of embarrassment as she turned away, pouting at the unexpected turn of events.

"Wala ka nang ibang pagpipilian; ako lang ang makakatulong sa 'yo," nginisian niya si Willhelmina.

Napabuntong-hininga nang malalim si Willhelmina habang dahan-dahan niyang inabot ang kamay ng lalaki. Tinulungan siya ni Saku na tumayo, pero muntik na siyang matumba kaya dali-daling nasalo siya nito.

"Kaya ko na!" sigaw ni Willhelmina habang umiwas ng tingin, dahil sa pamumula ang mukha niya, "Tara na nga!"

With a raised eyebrow, Saku's attention shifted to Willhelmina, his gaze fixed on her with a mix of curiosity and admiration.

He slipped his hands into his pockets, silently observing her. At that moment, he confessed with a playful smile, "I could savor that hug for an hour, especially if it's you giving it to me."

Napakagat si Willhelmina sa labi niya. Naguguluhan siya sa mga ginagawa ni Saku. Siya ang nagpasya na lumayo, kaya bakit gano'n ang pinapakita niya? Ang hirap talaga niyang intidihin.

She shook her head, casting aside the intrusive thoughts. With determination, they began to walk, enveloped by an eerie silence that cloaked the surroundings.

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A sense of something ferocious loomed on the horizon, ready to break the stillness.

"That roar..."

There was no mistaking it; it had to be the Minotaur.

As the forest held its breath, a massive branch suddenly crashed to the ground beside them, shattering the stillness that had enveloped the scene. An ominous sense of danger loomed closer, and there was nothing they could do to halt its advance.

In that moment of overwhelming tension, Willhelmina felt a surge of determination. She glimpsed a flicker of light cutting through the shadows, and she knew she couldn't let this opportunity slip away. With resolve, she made her choice.

"Narito na ang ilaw! Tara na!" sigaw niya habang hinahatak si Saku. Agad silang kumaripas papunta sa liwanag na kumikislap sa harap nila.

Pagdating nila, tumambad sa kanila ang lupang wasak at nabiyak, napapalibutan ng nakakasilaw na liwanag.

Sa gitna, malinaw na nakatanim sa lupa ang isang pintuan, hinarangan ng isang matibay na nakaharang na kumikislap na gintong lubid. It seems they've found the barrier, haven't they? They have no choice but to come this way now!

Then, in an instant, they simply disappeared into thin air.

In the flash of a moment, a fierce gale surged forth, whisking them away and casting them into a completely unfamiliar place.

Before they realized it, they found themselves standing amidst the lively streets of Cavite.

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Cavite vibrates with life's sweet pulse, where history and modernity entwine, in every corner, tales of the past, while vibrant futures boldly align. Yet hidden still, like whispers in the breeze, lies a secret age, untouched, unseen, a timeless echo in the heart's deep seas, a treasure that glimmers where few have been.

The café bustled with energy, the markets thrumming with animated conversations that echoed in the air. The warmth enveloped everything, casting a golden glow of orange and yellow that mirrored the vibrancy of life all around, a testament to the world in its full, radiant bloom.

At nang nagsimula na silang maglakad sa lugar na 'to, parang may kakaibang nangyari. 'Yung liwanag sa paligid nila, unti-unting nagbago—parang may isang makapal na belo na tanging sila lang ang nakakakita. Ano kaya ang nangyayari?

The shadows stretched into the twilight, lingering with an anticipation that hung heavy in the air.

The once vibrant sounds of life slowly faded into an unsettling silence. The houses in this place bore the weight of time, their ancient walls draped in thick, gnarled vines, as if nature itself sought to reclaim them, wrapping them in a green embrace.

Ang mahika dito ay hindi katulad ng mga kwento tungkol sa liwanag at himala. May isang kakaibang dilim na nakabalot dito, dulot ng mga sugat sa mundo.

Ramdam ni Saku ang presensya ng dilim na iyon, lalo na't nakikita niya ang mga kaluluwang 'di pa matahimik, na naglalakad-lakad pa dito.

Pagkatapos, itinuro niya ang mansion mula sa Maragondon, mistulang nahulog ang kanyang panga at kumikislap naman ang mga mata habang nakikita ang mga bilang ng ilang kadiliman na bumabalot dito.

At hindi niya napigilang lumunok, "Casa del Viento," bulong niya.

"Here lies one of the prison realms of Thanatos. No soul has dared to cross this threshold before us. We must tread cautiously; the air is brisk with an unsettling chill."

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He leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper, "Only the chosen Demigods are permitted to pass."

With a heavy sigh, Saku felt the weight of the moment settle around him. "So... it seems Thanatos has been here," he murmured.

Hindi mapakali si Willhelmina at tahimik niyang iniobserbahan ang kapaligiran, hanggang sa napatingin siya kay Saku. "This is Cavite, isn't it? So the Doors of Death should be around here?"

"There's no going back now," Saku declared, a hint of determination in his voice. With a flick of his wrist, a flicker of magic ignited at his fingertips, warmth radiating through his palm.

In an instant, their garments transformed, morphing into outfits beyond their wildest dreams, reflecting their true selves in every stitch.

Willhelmina gazed at him, her eyes wide with astonishment.

Hindi pa siya kailanman nakapagbihis ng ganitong uri ng damit! Bukod pa rito, ayaw niya sa mga mayayaman, kaya't bakit niya bibigyan siya ng ganitong klaseng kasuotan? And what about yellow? How did he come to discover that it was her favorite color?

Thoughts swirled in her mind, a whirlwind of a thousand questions that she couldn't unravel.

She wore a yellow dress adorned with sunflowers, made from a soft fabric. Underneath, she had a top layered, and around her neck, she wore a charming yellow flower pendant. Her footwear consisted of white flip-flops, complemented by her chic Sibino white leather bag.

Her long hair, dark with pink highlights, flowed gracefully past her waist, and a peach headband topped off her adorable look. What an outfit!

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Why was he gifting her such vibrant clothes? He had always insisted that he preferred girls in more subdued attire, so what was the meaning behind this sudden change? Confusion danced in her mind as she stood there, words evading her.

Ngumiti si Saku habang papalapit siya sa kanya, hinawi ang buhok niya at maingat na inilagay ang malaking salamin sa mukha niya.

He offered her a warm smile and said, "There you are, all set! You look absolutely stunning."

Willhelmina pulled at her skirt, a storm brewing in her eyes as she shot him a piercing glare. She felt overwhelmed by a tide of unspoken words, each one weighing heavily on her heart, leading her down a path of false hopes.

Her cheeks flushed with a mix of frustration and emotion as she chastised him with a fierce intensity.

"Alam kong mayaman ka at marami kang tinatagong diamonds dahil anak ka ni Hades, pero huwag mo itong gamitin sa ganitong paraan. Ang OA mo naman!" sigaw ni Willhelmina sa kanya.

Saku flashed a playful grin at her. "That's no longer my concern," he teased, tugging at her cheeks with a lighthearted touch.

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Just like her, he exuded an undeniable charm of his own. He donned a sleek leather jacket that hugged his frame perfectly, complemented by a soft grey shirt peeking out from underneath.

His dark pants added an edge to his look, and the skull necklace he wore seemed to pulse with personality. Beneath the surface, ancient tattoos danced along his skin, their intricate designs giving him an air of mystery that set him apart from the rest.

He exuded an effortless charm, his allure enhanced by a commanding presence that enveloped him like a gentle mist.

"Kanina ka pa nakatitig ah... type mo ba ako?" he asked her and he brushed up his hair smugly.

"Ugh!" Willhelmina spat out, her irritation palpable as she glared at him. "Brad, ilayo mo nga muna 'yang mukha mo, nakaka-distract ka kaya!"

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"Brad?" Tinaas niya ang kilay niya. "Ibig bang sabihin nito, magkaibigan pa rin tayo?"

"Umm..." she hesitated, swallowing hard. "Are we not?"

He offered her a gentle smile, though deep down, he knew he needed to find his composure. It was Willhelmina, after all, who seemed completely oblivious to the situation, wasn't she?

Beneath the surface of that cheerful smile, a swell of frustration brewed within him. Despite his efforts, he found himself trapped in the role of the ever-loyal best friend, yearning for more. Hanggang kailan niya lalandiin ang babaeng 'to bago niya makitang gusto niya ito nang higit pa sa pagiging magkaibigan?

It was clear to her that she was the one who should be leaving, not him! But Willhelmina had no time for his games. With her fists clenched at her sides, she strode away, her anger radiating more fiercely than ever.

"It looks great on you," Saku said, a playful smile creeping across his face. "Remember how much you loved yellow? Those yellow bells you wore in your ears—it's like they've left a mark on my memory. Ever since then, it seems yellow has always suited you." He trailed behind her, scratching his head in a mix of confusion and curiosity. But that only seemed to deepen her bewilderment.

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Why was he always sending mixed signals? It felt like a puzzle with too many missing pieces, leaving her with an endless stream of questions swirling in her mind.

"Mina... bakit ka ba nagtampo?" tanong niya.

She didn't even respond to him.

He recalls how much she adored herself in beautiful outfits. But then, one day, everything changed—she no longer found joy in it.

The way her eyes shimmered with unshed tears at the sight of him was a memory he couldn't shake off. It haunted him, for deep down, he knew it was his doing.

His fist tightened slowly, a silent storm brewing within him.

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Tentatively, he reached out, seeking to grasp her hand, hoping to keep her from moving any further. As she pivoted to face him, she found herself taken by surprise, bumping gently against his chest.

His gaze lingered on her, filled with a deep, aching regret that spoke volumes without a single word being uttered.

"Mina," sabi niya. "Ngayon, tayo na lang ang magkasama, kaya't sa pagkakataong 'to, magpapakatotoo na ako. Just before the long-awaited test made its appearance."

Willhelmina gazed at him, uncertainty swirling within her. This was not the man she had known; he had never been like this in Lyrica's presence. For the first time, he had lowered his guard, revealing the hidden layers of his true self.

It was both a revelation and a question—a glimpse of the person beneath the mask he often wore.

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She had a plethora of questions swirling in her mind, chief among them: what had brought about such a transformation in him? Bakit niya hinahayaan si Lyrica na gamitan siya ng ganitong paraan? Hindi ganito ang pagkakakilala niya kay Saku.

She remembers all too well what happened at the party—that betrayal.

In days long past, within the secretive enchantments of the First Domain, she found herself awash in a wave of exhilaration unlike anything she had ever experienced.

The expansive halls of the mansion—majestic and steeped in an air of timelessness—resonated with the sound of her hurried footsteps as she raced through its corridors, blissfully unaware that this place was, in fact, often referred to as home.

Then—

What took her by surprise later was the sudden and icy splash of water from the bucket.

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"Natapon," sabi niya, habang ngumisi.

"Sinadya mong gawin 'yon!" Tumayo si Nana mula sa upuan niya, sabay hampas sa platitong may cake, at tinignan ng masama ang lalaki.

Nanginginig sa lamig si Willhelmina, na para bang naguguluhan sa natuklasan niya.

"Akala ko ba...gusto mo akong makita?"

He merely chuckled at her.

"Talagang naniwala ka? Tanga ka ba? O sadyang bobo ka lang talaga?" sabi niya sabay masamang tingin kay Willhelmina at isang mapanuksong ngisi. "Who would want to spend time with some rich kids like you? You make me feel nauseous."

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Napapikit siya, dama ang bigat at kirot ng mga salitang sinabi nito. Yet he pressed on, undeterred by her thoughts or emotions, oblivious to the fact that she was struggling, as if she were sinking beneath the waves at that very moment.

At hindi rin iyon ang una't huling pagkakataon na nangyari. Nagbulag-bulagan si Willhelmina—hindi niya inalintana kung nasasaktan siya sa paraan ng pagtrato sa kanya ni Saku, at pilit pa rin siyang lumalapit dito. Wishing they could become best friends.

Palagi siyang pumupunta sa parke kahit na madalas siyang pinapahiya ni Saku. Nang makita niyang may ibang mga bata na kasama ito at nagtatawanan, nagdesisyon pa rin si Willhelmina na puntahan siya.

"Grabe ka, ha? Para mo namang alila 'yung tao!"

"Pinapakita mo na namang ayaw mo sa kanya, pero bakit and'yan pa rin siya?"

Nang marinig ni Willhelmina 'yon, tila bumalot sa isipan niya at tenga niya ang mga masakit na salitang narinig niya. Napalunok na lamang siya at hindi maikaila ang kirot na nadarama. Napahawak siya sa mukha niya at 'di na napigilan ang pagpatak ng mga luha niya. Is that how he treats her?

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Pero nanatili siyang bulag at nilapitan pa rin siya. "Wala ka bang kalaro ngayon? Gusto mo bang samahan kita? May dala akong laruan!" sabi niya, habang may mga nilabas na Barbie para sa kanya, at para kay Saku naman ay ang mga building blocks.

"You're such a pain in the neck, you know." He spat at her.

"Wait...!" she called out, racing after him while clutching her toys tightly in her arms.

Tinabig niya 'yung laruan na hawak-hawak niya, tapos napahawak sa bibig ang dalawang babaeng kasama niya kanina pa. 'Yung isa, napailing na lang sa ginawa ni Saku. Lumapit ang lalaki sa kanya at kitang-kita ang galit sa mukha niya, "Tangina, hindi mo ba ako titigilan?"

"Gusto ko lang na maging kaibigan ka..." sabi ni Willhelmina habang yumuyuko, "Hindi ako nakapagbihis ng mamahaling damit ngayon at..."

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"Ang pangit mo," sabi niya habang tinignan ito nang masama, malinaw na inis na inis sa presensya niya.

The long sleeves and pants still didn't appeal to him, did they? How could she find a way to make him see her? Hot tears began to pool in her eyes, a raw ache building within her. The moment he had called her ugly echoed relentlessly in her mind, every syllable cutting deep. Insecurities and anguish roared within, each one a reminder of the hurt she tried so hard to conceal.

She didn't realize she wasn't considered beautiful until someone pointed out her insecurities. The negative comments from others can have a significant impact on how you see yourself. While she understood that she was quite simple, being labeled as ugly struck her deeply and was difficult to overlook.

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She carried a heavy burden of realization: her father held no love for either her or her brother. To him, they were nothing but pieces on a chessboard, mere instruments of his own ambition. The bitterness in his gaze was a wound she had come to know intimately.

It pained her to see the same haunting shadows mirrored in Saku—a soul grappling with his own demons. When she intervened to save him from the clutches of the syndicate, she sensed the distance in his heart. The scars of his past ran deep, etched into his very being, leaving marks of hurt that seemed insurmountable. But his fierce resentment toward her puzzled her. How could he harbor such hatred, especially after she had risked so much for him? In that moment, she found herself lost in a whirlpool of emotions, struggling to understand the deep rift that separated them.

"Bakit ba parang galit na galit ka sa'kin? Hindi ko naman ginawa 'yon para... para apak-apakan ka. Gusto lang talaga kitang maging kaibigan." naiiyak na sabi ni Willhelmina habang tinititigan siya, halos nauutal sa mga salitang lumalabas sa bibig niya.

"Hindi kita kailangan! Gets mo ba? O sadyang slow ka lang talaga, ha?" sabay tulak ni Saku sa noo niya. "Kayong mga mayayaman, ang hilig niyong mang-api! Noong araw na 'yon, sana hinayaan mo na lang ako dahil ang dumi-dumi ko na na."

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In that fleeting moment, clarity washed over her like a tide. Saku bore a weight of sorrow that had lingered in the shadows, tormenting him silently until now. She remained rooted in place, absorbing every word of his impassioned outpouring, each syllable a reflection of his hidden struggles.

"What just happened?" Wilhelmina inquired, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"Would you believe me if I told you I faced sexual harassment? I was betrayed in the worst way, Mina. I wasn't just mistreated; I was sold."

His words clung to her like a flash of lightning illuminating the night sky, revealing the depth of his anguish. In that instant, she understood. Na kahit kailan, hindi pala talaga sila puwedeng maging magkaibigan.

The heavens wore a shroud of gray, yet clouds grew heavy, and truth held sway, Willhelmina faced the storm inside, as droplets fell like secrets, unconfined. The children's laughter turned to cries, they fled the park beneath leaden skies, while Saku and Willhelmina remained, silent shadows where tension attained. The wind rushed forth, a wild embrace, as rain cascaded, leaving no trace, it pooled in their glasses, a shared refrain, in the tempest's heart, they stood against the rain.

Huminga ng malalim si Saku at lumapit sa kanya. "Alam mo, tara na. Uuwi na kita," wika niya habang inabot ang kamay niya. Pero, mabilis na sinampal ni Willhelmina ito palayo at unti-unting umiwas sa kanya.

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"Uuwi na akong mag-isa," sabi niya habang ang ulan ay dumadaloy kasabay ng kanyang mga luha. "Naawa ka ba dahil sa katarantaduhan mo? Pwes, karma mo 'yan!"

Kahit sa huling sandali, hayaan mo akong tulungan ka."

Willhelmina cast not a glance his way, with tears like rain, she dashed away.

Saku knelt, his knees a fading whisper, and surrendered to the ground, a silent fall, his heart, a fragile bird, caged in despair, and the mask he wore, a fleeting veil of all. 

In that moment, stark truth unraveled, like leaves cast adrift by autumn's breath, he felt the weight of being disposable, a truth he'd carried, the shadow of death. For always, he'd been swept aside, a ghost in the throng, unseen, unheard, in the quiet ache of solitude's embrace, he wore the scars of a life deferred.

"Madali siguro akong iwan." ngumiti siya habang unti-unting tumutulo ang mga luha niya. At sa mga araw na iyon, iyon na ang huli nilang pagkikita at kailanman ay hindi na siya kinausap pa ni Willhelmina.

In that instant, she found herself marked by scars that would never fully fade. Despite the pain he had caused her, she couldn't summon the anger she felt she should have. He, too, was harboring his own suffering, battling shadows of his own. Yet, deep down, she knew that his struggles didn't excuse the choices he had made.

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Akala ba niya siya lang ang nahihirapan? Ganun din siya. Saku inflicted deep wounds on her heart. When he chose to betray her, he left her longing for the closure that would never come.

He was gazing at her once more, and the weight of his gaze seemed to envelop her completely, resonating deep within her soul.

Her gaze fell away, unable to meet his eyes in silent reply.

"Ano ba talaga gusto mo? Magpasalamat pa ako kasi pinasuot mo 'to sakin? Para pagtawanan na naman ako? After everything you put me through?" she retorted, her voice barely above a whisper as a wave of emotion washed over her.

Saku took a deep breath, steadying himself as he moved closer to her. He tenderly cradled her cheeks in his hands, and in that moment, she could sense the fear and trembling radiating from him. Then, with a voice that shook just slightly, he spoke the words that had been weighing on his heart.

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"I'm sorry."

She hesitated, the silence lingering between them like a heavy fog. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Sorry for what, exactly? For the scars that still whispered their stories? For allowing others to take advantage of him? The question hung in the air, unanswered, as she grappled with the chaos inside.

Yet, buried within her heart, she understands him completely. She feels a profound certainty that, this time, his intentions are genuine. He means it now.

Huminga siya ng malalim at dahan-dahang hinawakan ang kanyang kamay, "Tara na."

"Pardon?" A delicate flush spread across Willhelmina's cheeks.

Saku clenched his jaw, sealing his lips tightly as he turned to face her. "We have to find the portal immediately," he urged, urgency lacing his voice. "We need to hurry before the monsters track us down."

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Alam niya na hindi madali ang pagpunta sa portal na 'yon. The last time they ventured into the Abyss via the Inferno Isles, they were accompanied by a unique guide—one bound by a pact with Sloth, one of the infamous Seven Sins.

It would be more challenging to uncover an entrance at this point. Ang tanong ay kung saang sulok nila matatagpuan ang portal mula rito.

"Maybe your dogs could lend a help," Willhelmina proposed, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

"Are you referring to Cereberus?" Saku inquired, his eyebrows arching in surprise. "Tch. So, you're not really a princess, are you?"

With a sharpness in her voice, she retorted, "And hardly a true Saintess."

Understanding Willhelmina's nature, Saku knew she could never hold back her words.

He gazed at her thoughtfully for a while, then gently moved his fingers to silence her, pointing softly to her lips. As he did, his eyes filled with warmth, a tenderness igniting in the moment their gazes met.

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As the air crackled with anticipation, he conjured a fiery red circle that pulsed with light. Brilliant sparks of crimson electricity danced around it, casting an enchanting glow.

In that instant, Willhelmina gasped, her heart racing, as the spectacle of magic unfolded before her eyes.

"Is this what beast summoning looks like?" she inquired, a playful smile crossing her lips as she marveled at the magic unfolding before her.

With a flick of her wrists, she raised her arms to shield her face, a blend of delight and intrigue in her eyes.

From the circle, there arose a mighty roar as the three-headed hounds were summoned forth. They howled in response, but before they could flee, a torrent of flames enveloped them, leaving only embers in their wake.

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"Did you summon us, young one?" Cereberus rumbled, a frothy drool collecting at the tips of their jagged fangs."

Isang ngising puno ng kumpiyansa ang gumuhit sa labi ni Saku habang tumalim at dumilim ang mga mata niya sa pagtitig sa kanila.

"You'll obey my commands. Let out a howl, and lead us to the Doors of Death." 

☠︎︎༒︎☠︎︎

𝐂 𝐇 𝐀 𝐈 𝐍 𝐄 𝐃    𝐖 𝐈 𝐓 𝐇    𝐇 𝐀 𝐃 𝐄 𝐒

Betrayal's Game Series #1

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