The scene was abuzz with a throng of people bustling around, but they seemed to be aimlessly wandering, almost in a trance. It reminded me of zombies, except—wait! There were no zombies here; these people didn't look like they were out for human flesh. If anything, they moved like robots, as if someone was controlling their every action.
I swept my gaze around. Surveillance cameras were positioned at strategic angles, their watchful lenses capturing every detail. Thankfully, I had refrained from making any sudden movements, for the area around me was shrouded in darkness. My instincts urged me to look behind me, sensing an approaching presence. I pressed myself against the wall and waited cautiously. Suddenly, a woman emerged flanked by two men dressed entirely in black. Who was she? I couldn't figure it out.
"Is their heart already in the freezing room?" I furrowed my brows at her words.
F-Freezing room? W-What in the world!
"Yes, Madam V," one of the men in black responded.
"Alright! Tomorrow we'll train them. Tomorrow we'll begin our plan," Madam V declared before they proceeded to descend.
I gasped and clamped my hand over my mouth, biting my tongue to stifle my surprise. My goodness! So this isn’t a zombie situation? Is it a robot situation? What was happening here?
I carefully stepped out from my hiding spot and glanced back at the dazed crowd moving about aimlessly.
"Finally!" I jumped back as a woman emerged unexpectedly.
My confusion deepened as she brought her finger to her lips, signaling me to be quiet. What was going on? Then she removed her hoodie, and I finally recognized her—it was Joy.
"What are you doing here?" I whispered urgently.
"Mission," she whispered back, serious yet composed.
She gestured for us to head upwards. I instinctively checked my silencer, ready for anything. I ascended the staircase first, surveying the area. I gave Joy a thumbs-up to signal that it was safe before she followed closely behind. When we reached the fourth floor, we entered a dimly lit room that appeared deserted.
"Mini cameras, tiny bombs, and trackers," I whispered the inventory list.
We worked silently, placing each item into the corners of the room. Fortunately, we had stumbled into a closet, making it easier to set up our equipment. Joy cautiously opened the door, but a man emerged, pointing a gun right at her. Reacting quickly, I ducked behind the edge of the cabinet.
"Sino nagpadala sa'yo?!" yelled one of the men in black.
"Why, is there an LBC here?" Joy shot back sarcastically.
"What's with the attitude, philosopher?" the man growled in frustration.
"I'm a person, not a robot! Hahaha, come on, you're making me laugh," Joy teased.
She was truly infuriating! I extracted a small vial containing needle darts filled with poison from my secret pocket. I aimed it at the man in black, then blew lightly on the dart to release it.
Gotcha! MWHEHEHE, GOT YOU!
"Move," I whispered urgently as we slipped out of the room.
Joy led the way with me covering her from behind, not entirely familiar with the building's layout. I had jumped into this without proper planning, and I regretted it! I hated this feeling of uncertainty, not knowing how we would navigate our way out.
"Get in," I turned to see where the voice came from, startled.
"Venn? Why the heck are you here?" Ugh, great.
"I've already planted a tiny bomb in every room on this floor, but we need to locate the freezing area, the controller room, and the equipment room," he explained, glancing at me with an exasperated expression.
"You brat! Why are you here? Have you eaten the food I prepared? Are you resting properly? You really should get some rest!" He spoke with a tone that softened slightly.
"I don’t talk to strangers, so shut up," I replied, rolling my eyes and glancing at Joy, who was smirking and clearly enjoying my irritation. Ugh, the nerve of her!
"Stubborn little brat. Just stick by my side, and I'll handle the rest," he said seriously, signaling to Joy to get on with the plan.
Joy led the way out of the room, and I followed, with Venn trailing behind to keep an eye on me. Honestly, if given the option, I wouldn’t trust that guy to watch my back!
"There, go inside," Venn whispered to Joy.
Joy carefully turned the doorknob while holding her gun at the ready in case of an ambush. I saw her nod, indicating that the way was clear.
At that moment, we were taken aback by a voice coming from the intercom: "AT LAST! YOU CAME, FOR WHAT?"
We froze, and in a flurry of emotions, I felt my heart sink. "Dada!?"
"Dada, where are you?" I screamed into the void, desperate for an answer.
"No princess, just leave. Don't hesitate to save yourself and your friends," came the somber reply.
"NO, DAD! I AM RHAJIE CHIAN NEFARIOUS-TONACCI! NO ONE DARES TO MESS WITH ME!" I yelled defiantly.
“Really?” the voice prompted, and I heard a chuckle over the intercom.
“WHO ARE YOU?!” I screamed, my voice filled with rage.
“Just guess,” the voice playfully taunted before laughter echoed, deepening my confusion.
"Just leave or your dad will die in seconds. I'll count down from ten. If you’re still here, you will hear a bang leading to your dad’s quietus." The threat hung heavy in the air, the voice distorted by a voice changer that made it chilling.
"Let's go!" Joy urged firmly.
"No! What about Dad?!" I cried, tears stinging my eyes.
"Ten... Nine... Eight... Just GO!" That was the last thing I heard as someone struck me at the back of my neck, plunging me into darkness.
When I regained consciousness, I found myself in a familiar room, and there was a woman sitting nearby.
"Thank God! You’re awake. How are you feeling?" she asked, concern etched on her face. But the memories of what had just happened flooded back to me.
"D-Daddy... Daddy!" I sobbed, the weight of the situation crashing down on me as I stood up.
"Hey! Just calm down. Here, drink this," she said softly, handing me a cup of water.
"Mommy, it’s Dad! He’s been captured. I have to save him. I can’t let history repeat itself. Mommy saved us, but it cost her life. Who will save Daddy now? It’s my responsibility!" I wept, desperation lacing my voice as she pulled me into a comforting embrace.
"You're not ready yet. I know my son is tough; he can save himself. Maybe he is just waiting for the right moment," she tried to reassure me, but her words did nothing to calm my racing heart.
"Where are Joy and Venn?" I asked, seeking answers.
"They're in the living room. Don't worry; we will come up with a plan to save your dad," she assured me, placing a kiss on my forehead.
My mother guided me down the staircase, where I found Joy and Venn deep in conversation. I cast a sharp glare at Venn; I knew he was responsible for knocking me out earlier.
Holding tightly to the grand staircase railing, I discovered a hidden compartment housing guns and knives—a treasure trove for our mission. I quickly opened it and threw a knife in Venn's direction, not caring whether he caught it.
"YOU!" I shouted, my frustration boiling over.