Disclaimer: I do not own anything except for this rabble of words. The names of every individual and portrayal of places are only made from the author's mind, and all the girls in this fic are all property of Sunrise.
A young boy strode through a patch of pristine sand, his eyes set to a conch given by the tide that rolled through the crevices of his feet.
The day was young, with succinct beams only having sprung from the east; where his humble abode laid right at the heart of its wondrous halo of orange and blue.
A mantle of fog obscured the tranquil waters sprawled beyond, while at a distance; the ambience of roosters crowing filled his ears with its nostalgic tune, coupled with the solemn buzz that came from the warm monsoon breeze.
It seemed to be just another day for him to loiter about its edge to scavenge for scraps, yet little did this young man know that the waves brought not only whimsical creatures of the deep, but also vessels laden with invaders that came to enact their nation's will.
Their bolted keels sank deep within its hallowed soil, and the child could only watch in terror as soldiers jumped from its ironclad hide; armed to the teeth, with anchors soldered into their netted helms.
They spoke in a language he had never heard before, nor features that were a far cry to his kinsfolk. Men all clad in green, heavily laden with rucksacks passed by without even batting an eye; keen on taking the prize that lay ahead, a humble town where even businessmen never even dared tread.
Then an unusually large craft approached directly up front, and when it made landfall; its hatch viciously crashed with an ear piercing shriek, and a dreaded machine suddenly bursts into life with caterpillar tracks screeching towards the befuddled lad.
He thought it was the end, as the mechanized menace crawled with hell bent resolve; only to be saved by a marine who violently pushed him off its path, as he advanced with the rest of his clad crew.
Dumbfounded by another shot at life, he sat on the surf aghast under the shadow of its flag; while the conch was gently tugged back to the ocean whence it came, only for it to be squashed by a tanned leather boot.
It was the morning of December 10, 1941. The Japanese made simultaneous landings on the coastal towns of Aparri, Vigan, and Gonzaga, setting the course for Kousaka's mission to liberate the islands from the eagle's sinister claws, and the start of the battle for the pearl of the orient.
Chapter 14: The Green Mile
More than a hundred miles south in the illustrious city of Manila, the morning was abuzz with the ambiance of automobiles and random chatter; as hordes of people darted to and fro its sidewalks gripped with worry when it became clear that there was no stopping the Japanese who captured the northernmost towns few hours after establishing a stronghold at Camiguin. The printing presses were very much alive, feverishly churning copies of dailies from exaggerated tabloids to mainstream news; all with varied headlines, but shared the same thought:
The empire is coming.
Jittery eyes wandered just as their feet restlessly tread, alarmed by the events that unfolded a few days prior; amplified by the paranoia invoked by neatly stacked gazettes on its concrete pavement, and the grievous correspondence blurted on the airwaves. The port was chocked with ships that ferried refugees from the nearby province of Bataan; where they were all crammed like sardines together with their belongings, neverminding the sheer discomfort for the sake of escaping the chaos that was about to spread from Luzon's crown.
Rumors started to spread among the citizens that some airborne units had landed on the central plains and began to disrupt the region's communications, while the intensity of aerial bombardments on various bases never ceased; as the skies were already beneath its crimson rays, and the Far East Air Force having run out of planes.
The bulk of the Commonwealth armies, all concentrated in four lines a few miles off the shores of Lingayen were full of inexperienced cadres; while a brave few stood watch on its beaches, all of them bracing for the storm that was about to pour in a few days time. Men of the elite Philippine Scouts on the other hand were distributed in battalion strength throughout various units in Bataan, with exception of the 26th being assigned in Rosario, La union; right in the path of the Japanese vanguard that may find its way from the Gulf. Marines were also divided in sizeable formations, but are only given to the most critical sectors of the frontlines; together with airmen and sailors who all lost their posts, both of which filled the role of mere infantry. Disparity reigned within the regular's rank and file, their morale in an all time low, the call to arms heeded only by a few who dared; with most conscripted from illiterate and some ill mannered country folk.
Determined to sacrifice credibility than face the shameful spell of defeat, Major Slater was tasked by some shady elements within the echelon to consider the re-enlisment of convicted soldiers; most of whom had spent their early days subjugating Moros in Mindanao and Communists up North, with the premise that their sentences reduced or pardoned in exchange of service but pay and rank equivalent to a private's wage of 15 pesos.
Yet in the time of the nation's dire need of salvation, Eli Ayase and her trusty redheaded sergeant sat on a tram's velvet lined couch as it snaked through a thoroughfare etched right beside Pasig's tranquil waters. They had left Koizumi's hostel earlier that day, and the Russian couldn't help but snooze; for she still felt rather dizzy after being knocked out a few hours back. There, in the middle of sleep's comforting lullaby; a scene from her distant past rolled through, and the blonde found herself running in the middle of a sunbaked field back in the Cordilleras.
It was a time of utmost bliss, and the young Elizaveta wore a smile that was as radiant as the noonday sun. Her worn sandals crackled while it tread on fallen grass, its crisp tune reverberating through the sultry summer air; complimenting a loop of cackles which spelled innocence to every ear it reached.
A hat woven from the thin strands of buri covered a myriad of golden locks, paired with eyes that reflected winter's frozen heart. While a shoddy sleeveless dress exposed the coveted porcelain white hide which turned into a supple shade of pink under the sun, but had nonetheless made all the local girls hiss with envy. She was an outcast among the children of the orient, a little girl whose guise was reminiscent to that an angel; never to lay eyes on the land where her kinsmen thrived.
All she knew was that the soil where her feet stood was home, while the people that lived around them were of her own flesh and blood; even if the color of their skin was much darker, as if lathered in mud.
She may be a foreigner in the eyes of many, but in heart, Elizaveta was a Filipina; her sentience and dreams having spurred in the Pearl of the Orient.
"Eli!" Her mother beckoned from afar, carrying with her a basket filled with suman; a delicacy made with bland sticky rice flavoured with brown sugar, then formed in bars that are wrapped delicately with banana leaves.
"Hold on a sec mom!" The toddler then stopped to watch some dragonflies hovering above the towering stalks of sugarcane which were already ripe for havest.
"Come along now," the matriarch persisted, "Your father's already waiting for us in the shack!"
"Aww, but I still wanna play!"
"There's time for that later, honey."
With a heavy heart, the young Russian exile took one last glance at the whimsical insects; before rushing back to her mother's side.
They made their way through a barren mountainside trail, where a patchwork of rice fields and secluded coconut groves flourished all around; with pillars of smoke brewing about as communities thrived at the foot of brush covered crags that gleamed in gold under summer's merciless rays. Stalks of cogon twice the height of men protected them from its sultry heat, its blades gnashing with an ambience of high pitched whispers and follicle laden seeds aloft by its sultry breeze; a sight that reminded her matriarch of snow, from a land her child may never lay eyes on. "Eli," Her mother then caught one of its delicate seeds and clenched it with reminscence strewn across her faded sapphires.
Curious as to what she had in hand, the toddler pried it open; only to see it blown away to an unknown fate, among its majestic sierras.
"What was it, ma?"
"Snow."
She giggled from giving such a soft hearted lie, then took another which was gently placed on the child's delicate hands. With interest piqued at the miniscule object at hand, Elizaveta pinned her petite pair of blues against hers and inquired:
"Snow?"
"Yes."
Doubt soon laced the tot's budding mind, so she took a peek of it and returned to speak of what Ivan taught her.
"But father said snow is cold, and it's nowhere to be found here."
"Is that so?"
Sophia scratched for a bit after realizing that the once naive bundle of joy had already developed into a being that craved for knowledge, never to be fooled by such fabricated lies.
"Well i'm sorry that I lied to you, honey!"
She then took the bundled clump of seeds from her palm and blew, leaving only its bare stalk to be flicked aside.
"Oh mum, papa had always told me to check on everything you're trying to teach me!"
"He said that?"
"Yeah, try asking him about it. You'll see!"
Leaving a sigh, she focused on the road ahead and griped, "Oh I doubt if he'll ever admit telling you about it."
The lush cogon lined path soon gave way to a rice terrace carved onto its earthen mask, and a lone shack next to a mango tree loomed from afar; where the men were gathered with their wives and children, all enjoying a hefty meal with laughter all around. Ivan saw them coming and ran vigorously like a man who had been starved for months, and Eli couldn't help but cackle as he tripped in every step of the way.
"Sophia! Elizaveta!" The hulking patriarch huffed as he waded through a steep incline, his blue long sleeved tees all muddied with sweat stains on its collar and rolled denims covered in muck.
"Papa!" The toddler ran into his arms, and was duly propped onto his broad shoulders.
"Now how's my little princess doing? I hope you haven't been causing your mum some trouble!"
Being the submissive wife she was, Sophia stood beside him and painstakingly wiped his mug clean with a scarf.
"Ivan, you look like a fourth grader." She sarcastically remarked, which the man responded by stealing a kiss on her cheek. "Eew!" Eli covered her eyes, which the two saw and laughed from such blissful innocence.
"Eli!" Another familiar voice called from beyond an otherworldly realm, followed by a smack to the back of the head which woke the blonde from her slumber.
Peeved by such a rude awakening, she blinked feverishly to cast the blurry film which obstructed her view; only to find Maki sitting right next to her with a devilish set of slanted eyes only a few inches from hers.
"Thank goodness!" The firebrand returned to lean on its cushioned seat, "I thought you've already lost your bearings!"
"Well I would've lost it thanks to that slap."
Having come back to reality, the Lieutenant took the time to scan around; only to realize that she forgot the reason why they were there in the first place.
"Uhm, Maki..."
"What?"
"Where exactly are we going?"
The sergeant bluntly stared at the befuddled superior for a few seconds, then gazed at the scene of sidewalk shops which streaked past the window in front of them.
"We're headed to Fort McKinley, as Major Slater ordered."
Still baffled by the assignment at hand, Eli pretended to had remembered the details; nodding from the redhead's statement which was then followed by a very bland "I see, I remember now."
"Oh you better be, for we're mobilizing in a few days time." Nishikino puts up a stern facade, while the blonde busied herself by fixing every crease on her uniform from the glass' reflection.
"The Japs had just took Vigan and Aparri before dawn, and that Slater's orders may have something to do with you taking command of some men."
"Well, it looks like I'll be busy in the days that follow."
"Yep, plus you'll be worrying yourself with more liabilities and headaches whenever someone screws up."
Lt. Ayase smirked from her peer's words, earning a scowl from the orphan which went:
"Hey, hey! Don't you dare give me that look!"
"What?" She faced the fuming subordinate with flustered brows.
"I may fuck up stuff every now and then, but it's all because I was just following your jumbled orders!"
Taking joy from irritating someone who just couldn't take things lightly, the Russian acted all chill and reclined, as if she had dismissed the scarlet's lame excuse.
Meanwhile, being the hotheaded vixen she was; Maki leaned closer, having felt that she was being shut out by the mischievous senior.
"Hey, are you even listening to me? Eli!"
By which the latter gave a yawn in response.
"Oi!"
And it was followed with some gentle rubs on her stomach, with an eye batted towards the pair of raging lilacs.
"Man, I wish I could have a sandwhich right now. I'm starving!"
"Eli!"
"Alright, alright..." Ayase chuckled, satisfied by her fill of someone's misery, "It was my fault. My bad."
Without even realizing that she was being toyed with all along, Maki harrumphed and pompously declared, "Always remember that soldiers only follow orders!"
Now bemused by yet another one of the firebrand's selfish reasons, she wiped that much despised smug; staring at the naiveté with a glare that could melt the thickest of ice.
Looks like someone here lazily follows without using some bit of imagination. . . And out of all people, I thought you were that smart enough to sift through my instructions!
Their carriage then took a steep turn left, and they were treated to a pitiful sight of refugees crowding the steps of bare brick apartments; most of them women and children who carried only a bag woven from buri, their faces jaunt from the days spent in fleeing the northern provinces mostly by foot due to the shortage of good roads and automobiles.
Those who were lucky enough to afford ferry tickets had already left for the Visayas and the more secluded island of Mindanao; while those who had been raised with silver spoons simply left for the States, leaving only the unfortunate to live at the mercy of the city's already terrorized citizens.
"These people. . ." Eli's sapphires rolled through rows of dirt ridden country folk whose eyes had already lost all hope.
"Now you know what it feels like living in fear." The immigrant aptly remarked as the car stopped in front of a bustling mob that held their arms out for alms; only to be ignored by disembarking passengers, with some being pushed violently out of their way.
The redhead then caught sight of a child sitting next to a wall, her tiny, scab inflicted hands clutching onto what appeared to be a ticket. She was all alone, distraught with disease; but then defiantly stared at the orphan's eyes, causing her to look away with teary violets as the tram resumed its journey with no one else left onboard.
"Maki?" Eli pats the paled out scarlet.
"What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Nothing. . ." She then faked a smile, with all attention set towards her befuddled peer.
"It was nothing really, don't worry~"
"If you say so. . ." The Lieutenant turned away, but left a glance filled with doubt.
Soon, they could hear chants being sung; and the pair moved over to gawk out of the window as a whitewashed wall replaced the dull background of shabby apartments with its narrow alleyways.
"We're finally here," the sergeant reached for the cord to notify its operator that their journey is done the moment it scurried next to its iron gate.
Fort Mckinley was the main headquarters of the Philippine Division, a ten thousand strong cadre that formed the core of the United States Armed Forces of the Far East. It was situated south of the Pasig River down to the creek of Alabang, and was surrounded by seedy bare brick apartments; and a downtrodden neighborhood where houses were made of plywood and rusted metal sheets. The fort also served as a boot camp for both elites and regulars alike; and unlike the polluted ambience sprawled beyond its walls, it was a tranquil spot where grasses remained trimmed and gardens well maintained by the boys in blue.
Meanwhile behind its walls, a pair of blues peeked from behind a layer of blinds; dutifully observing the commotion that became quite the norm a few days since Pearl.
Satisfied by what she saw, the lady dressed in khaki flicked the window shut and picked the phone that rang in fervid beats.
She greeted the man on the other side of the line with a crisp "konnichiwa", her velvet red lipgloss reflecting a faded hue of sunlight that peeked through its niche.
"Rouveryn Ross," The hoarse contact addressed with much difficulty, having switched the first name's letter "L" for "R" and hissed while pronouncing the surname's "S"; the latter trait being a dead giveaway for a Japanese struggling with english.
"Please, refer to me by my name." The girl with bobbed ashen hair wried, by which the guy duly corrected in earnest.
"Watanabe."
"Now that's better," The pretentious staff sergeant then inquired about the sudden call, baffled by the fact that she had already relayed some crucial information a few hours prior.
"What brings you to call me at this time? Haven't I already passed information regarding troop movement and this government's cause of action?"
The line fell silent afterwards, giving her ample time to gaze through the cobbled thoroughfare filled with soldiers all in blue uniforms and tanned boots.
Fed up by the loss of response, and with her befuddled "guests" having walked past its gates; the Kenpeitai's most able spy dropped the call and wore a garrisson cap where the army's golden eagle was pinned on its sides, both clutching a cluster of arrows with the initials U.S emblazoned in a shield found on its breast.
"I guess it's time to run the show." She then went to meet the blonde lieutenant and her trusty sergeant, both of whom aimlessly traversed through a complex where the regulars were neatly lined up.
They were in the middle of their early morning routine, with the sergeant barking orders for them to stand at attention; having noticed that their eyes seemed to had rolled towards the belles clothed in faded browns.
All the boys flinched as the muses strut through its broadway, with some giving them a lustful wink which Nishikino ignored out of disgust.
"Men." The orphan griped, only to carve a jowl when she saw Eli blushing at every step of the way.
"Show some seriousness will ya?" She clicked, "This is a camp, not a cabaret where you can flirt with dogs!"
"Cabaret? What's that?"
Realizing how innocent her superior was when it came to light hearted entertainment centres even if they frequented one back in Corregidor; Maki couldn't help but sigh, and was about to give a scolding when a jeep pulled over with some familiar faces on board.
A fair skinned man wearing a brimmed helm seated up front waved at them, by which the sergeant squinted for a bit and beamed, "Well if it isn't good ol Gunnery Bill!"
"And the king of the road!" Ayase blurted at the private who manned the wheel.
With the acquaintances reunited after quite sometime, her lilacs then caught sight of a fair maiden with grey locks; sitting behind the marine with a folder tucked beneath her sleeves.
In hopes of satiating her curiosity, the redhead leaned towards her mother's close friend and asked, "Who's that?"
"Her?" He stared at the passenger who duly introduced herself to the bumbling duo.
"Staff Sergeant Louvelyn Ross, human resources department." The shady character avoided the subordinate's soul piercing stare and reached to shake the Lieutenant's hand.
"At your service, Lieutenant Ayase."
"Oh," The blonde reciprocated the ashen's amicable gesture, while Nishikino turned to grumble as the former's cerulean orbs latched at the other's with a hint of sweetness.
"Your platoon's waiting for you, ma'am." Ross informed the lass who immediately looked at the neatly lined men whom she exchanged affection with a while ago.
Seeing the gal's response, she duly abridged the statement with a very bland "I'm sorry to inform you, but those aren't the men top brass assigned to us."
"Really?" Eli snapped off her wits and tried to save face, "I mean yeah, I know. . ." then covered her nose with a handkerchief while it became flushed with embarrassment.
"Idiot." The flustered sergeant mumbled, while Bill got down to yield his perch to the novice officer and exclaimed "You're gonna love where we'll meet your soldiers, ma'am!"
"Well wherever it is," the Russian took the spot with a lopsided grin, "I believe they are of good quality, and would serve under my command with utmost obedience!"
With that heard, the old man lets loose of some awkward cackles while the superbly dressed damsel pursed her lips just as the ill mannered China gal clambered right next and Bill after.
"Looks like we're good to go," Eli mused while stealing a glance at Maki who sat with narrowed brows paired with crossed arms.
"Just get on with it." The latter vexed, unable to hide envy's succulent kiss.
And with a quick shuffle of the gearstick coupled by a gentle push of its pedal; the group steadily made their way towards the rendezvous point, where Ayase's first command awaited mobilization in the most unlikeliest of places.
Everyone was silent except for the hum of its engines that fill their ears with its nauseous tune, all eyes wandering through the sea of people which flooded the sidewalks and moved like a herd of cattle.
They were all headed south, taking a shot at refuge on the farthest provinces their blistered feet could reach. A child cried here and there, most of them walking alongside their parents; who in turn carried another behind or cradled a one year old child. Those that are only a hair away from giving birth, crippled, or too old were transported in hammocks or makeshift stretchers made out of blankets, while those who had neither had to make do with tees snuck onto bamboo poles.
The soldiers could only watch as they zipped past, their hearts torn from the sight of faces devoid of warmth or even the slightest glimmer of hope.
The trail of exiles never seemed to have waned in mass during their entire journey through Manila's maze of streets, up until they finally reached their destination; a walled city topped by barbed wire, where the unforgiven thrived within a building styled like a medieval castle at its heart complete with dents where guards peeked from and towers manned around the clock.
What? But this is . . .
Having stopped in front of its gates, the private looked at the officer who had already bled white; whipping up a line laced with sarcasm.
"And this right here is where you'll get down and continue your journey, ma'am!"
"Th-this must be some kind of joke, right?"
Still unable to believe her eyes, Eli dusted it off and tried to read the letters etched above its limestone arch; just to make sure that it wasn't really what she thought it was.
New Bilibid Prison. . . New Bilibid P- Oh hell no.
Then in a bid to find a bit of consolation, she turned towards Maki who nervously twirled a lock; all the while putting up a calm facade which the former saw through.
This girl is really bad at hiding her feelings.
Ross on the other hand simply disembarked, and went to speak with the guards on its barred gate who promptly slid it open for the group to pass while the other remained on its concrete shack to notify the warden by line.
The old marine and his protege followed after that, while the blonde remained glued to her seat; terrified at the thought of delving into a place surrounded by criminals.
Seeing this, the staff sergeant went to her side and said, "Ma'am, your men are waiting for you."
"Ross . . ." She glared, "please tell me that there was a mistake."
"I'm sorry, but this is what the good Major ordered. So please, let us get inside now to have them introduced to their new commander."
"No!" The maiden stammered, "You must be kidding me! Who in the right mind would enlist murderers, thieves, or even rapists?"
The two continued on with their useless chatter; with Elizaveta acting like a cat that was in the brink of being immersed on a tub while the grey haired vixen kept her cool, and kept explaining to her the details as calmly as she could.
The others just stared at the beleaguered pair, with the gnarly gunnery sergeant leaning to his protege who wasn't so surprised with her peer's childish antics.
"Hey Maki, is she also like this when no one else is looking? At first glance, she looks so calm and composed, not to mention a bit too mature for her age!"
By which the redhead nonchalantly sighed,
"Oh Bill, you do not have the slightest idea what I've been through with this gem of a person."
Then finally, after minutes spent on fruitless arguments; Lt. Ayase listened to her assistant's pleads and left the vehicle much to everyone's relief. With the petty officer on point, she followed suit; but not without a favour to ask.
"Let's just pretend that nothing happened back there, okay?"
"Sure! You can always count on me, ma'am!" She then gave her superior a salute, and led the way.
"And the same goes to the two of you." She gazed beyond her shoulder, garnering a blunt response from the scarlet whose face was riddled with disappointment.
"Yeah, yeah. There's no need to remind us that."
"Good." The Russian then entered its premises, and was impressed by the sight of a fountain on its rotunda; surrounded by lush greenery that displayed its miniscule red flowers.
Then her eyes wandered to a group that had emerged from its belly, who all wore grey uniforms complete with ties and spit polished shoes; armed with revolvers and lacquered truncheons hung by the belt.
She was then greeted by a scrawny middle aged man whose coat seemed to had been tailor made for someone much larger, with sleeves rolled halfway yet neatly ironed out and maintained.
Behind him were several, poorly dressed jailers in the same age range as his; with some wearing only tees, faded uniforms, slippers, or the combination of the three.
What in the world . . .
It was evident that they weren't prepared for their arrival, but the man gave them a warm welcome; even if their guest of the day was unimpressed of their get up.
"Good morning! You must be the officer Slater must've sent to pick up the goods!"
Her eyebrow twitched from the shallow comparison of people to just mere "goods", which she duly corrected even if she was disgusted by the assignment at hand.
"Goods? My dear warden, they may already be unforgiven in our eyes, but isn't it a bit too much to just refer to them as something cheap and expendable?"
The guy chuckled from the blonde's narrow minded response, and gave an apology for such uncouth choice of words.
"My apologies, ma'am." He then called for one of the guards to guide them through the prison complex; as he bid them adieu, to retire in his office.
"I must be on my way now, for there are some important matters I must attend to. Please, don't be afraid to venture within my humble abode."
The scrawny figure left thereafter with his escorts, while Eli and the rest of the gang were staring straight into the dead eyes of their host who courteously briefed them about some of the most important prison rules.
"Before we may proceed with our little tour, please be informed that visitors like you shouldn't stare into the inmate's eyes; and keep off the bars or you'll come home either molested, bruised, or a mortician's ticket to a night out."
Everyone except the pretender became nervous after that, with Nishikino whistling her woes away.
"Now that's . . . Kind of encouraging." She gulped, "So w- where am I supposed to pick these convicted soldiers by the way?"
"Right on the heart of this citadel, next to the green mile." He promptly replied, followed by a grim fact.
"But don't be fooled by its beautiful name. For simply put, most of your men are in death row."
They then ascended through its steps, with Eli still couldn't come into grips as to how the Major hatched such a dubious enlistment scheme.
"Wow." She mumbled, "They must be a really violent bunch."
"Brawls are frequent whenever these ex military men come together, due to the rivalry between those from the army and their elite scouts. . . Then add some stray salty dogs on the mix, and you got yourself a terrible batch of inmates chief would happily expunge on the spot if it wasn't for their deadlines to walk the aisle."
Their worries temporarily waned when they tread through its reception hall, its interior painted in light green with chequered floor possessing an ethereal shine; but the centerpiece of it all was its ceiling, adorned with a copy of Michelangelo's dawn of man in celebration of one's rebirth from an undesirable wog.
But the scenery of utmost splendor was put to an abrupt end when they stood in front of a riveted door, where the man simply knocked and a slit slid with a pair of discerning eyes.
Recognizing his dull visage and lifeless set of orbs, the watchmen loosened its locks; then stepped aside as its levered knob was twisted.
"Good ol warden was very happy when a request of re-enlistment arrived, and for days he wore a smile no one could ever match."
He mused, and precariously pushed the heavy sheet of galvanized steel that separated the realm of freemen and the condemned.
What they saw within was a far cry to the dreamy mask moments prior, a gloomy place of penitence three stories high; where a narrow corridor ran through surrounded with cells where denizens lived like livestock, clothed in shabby orange suits with the black letter "P" drawn behind their tees.
The air became foul with the stench of excrement, the peaceful ambience replaced with incessant howls and the ear piercing shrill of mugs clashing against bare iron bars.
Eli felt like she was about to throw up and refused to take a step; while Maki just covered with a sleeve and did her best to brave the unearthly heat that came from bodies crammed into such small spaces.
Ross on the other hand didn't mind it all, together with the seasoned marine who both kept up with their emotionless guide.
"If this isn't what hell looks like, then I don't know what is!" The blonde cried, skulking on a corner where the guardsmen stood.
"The sufferring contained in this place is what sustains me, and my family. So I enjoy my time here in this desolate place, knowing that my children could live for another day."
The guard maintained his pace while the two lagged behind; hoping to find some relief on the other side of its bare concrete hide.
Devious eyes peered from the darkness of their cells, while whispers mixed with hysterical laughter filled the Lieutenant's spine with an eerie chill.
"Look everyone!" A prisoner yelled to his peers, "Old man brought us some toys to play with!"
With all their attention set to the gals in uniform, the entire block erupted into a frenzy; reaching those muscular arms out to tug at anything they could get their hands with, and forcing them all to follow a path that was only a metre wide.
"I want you!"
"Come here baby! Just for a night!"
"I've always wanted to try something fresh, like that redhead!"
The ravenous and depraved ranted till their heart's content, while the firebrand moved on with a pinkish hue next to her violets; clearly hurt by their constant bickering caused by lust.
"Where are you sluts going? We're right over here!"
"Hey Goldie! I wanna speak with you, alone!"
"Oh I wish I could sniff blondie's hair!"
Eli kept those sapphires glued to the road less travelled, while her legs buckled from the hoarse voices that thundered throughout Bilibid's godforsaken bowels.
I promise to never return to this place again. . . All these people, acting like animals smothered in their own fluids on a cell that would might as well serve as their graves.
Then one of them was lucky to grab the lass' sleeve, and for a split second; she stared into the void, the love depraved lens of a convict who hungered for a woman's touch.
She felt powerless to do away from his callous grip, with terror having smouldered what little remained of her dignity paired by majestic blues that shuddered with fear.
"Where are you going, little girl?"
He was about to haul her into the arms of his comrades when the guide intervened, and struck his wrist with the truncheon.
He howled after the blow snapped through flesh and bone, causing him to push the hapless maiden towards those who flailed madly on the other side; all barking like mad to have a feel, but was denied of it when Maki surged for her senior's aid.
"Eli!" With a swift grab of the collar, she pulled the terrified gal and cradled her on its floor.
Visibly shaken, and pale as a ghost; Eli tried to crack a succinct curve on those delicate pair of lips; only to be hushed by the firebrand who proceeded to stroke her crown out of impulse.
Maki . . .
Tired by the thirst driven antics of the condemned, the guide began to strike at random; finally putting an end to the chaos that was replaced with dead silence.
"Phew, thank god that was over!" Bill then went to help them up, and asked the old man where they could rest easy.
"Say, is there someplace we could sit our asses and relax for a bit?"
"There's a chapel nearby where we could catch our breaths and feel a bit of solace."
"Well then," He looked at the bewildered blonde whose coat was smeared with sweat,
"Can you still walk, ma'am?"
By which she gave a nod, hiding a face visibly shaken beneath those lustrous strands.
With searing lens watching from the shade, they strode through the final length of its damp recesses and took a sharp turn left; to a place where hope resided in a place devoid of light.
It was just a shabby, makeshift shack in a portion of chiseled wall; where rows of hastily hammered benches lined the its barren ground, with an altar made of blackboard that was covered by cheesecloth.
A cross fashioned out of planks painted in white was its centerpiece, and crudely drawn "stations of the cross" in crayons were tacked on its walls for six each side.
It was yet another change of scenery from the disparity that reigned within this walled city, and Ayase sat with a bit of awe; impressed by the determination shown by its builders, and its entire congregation.
It seems faith had firmly rooted itself within such a hellish place.
Her trusty sergeant was right beside, concern riddling those lovely pair of amethysts for the Russian whom she knew for years.
The rest took their place on its adjacent row, tired from the struggle beforehand with sweat cascading down the lines of their guise.
The heavy clouds outside withdrew, and light then seeped through the cracks, turning the place considered to be the bane of craftmanship into a receptacle of its luminous warmth that surrounded them all; with the cross fully embossed on its perch as if Christ had descended to cleanse a convict's heart.
Rendered speechless by such a sight, the young officer's pupils sparkled from sheer delight; while their tourguide, once a man without a soul turned, flexed his arms and exclaimed with utmost pride:
"This is the handiwork of those who live next to the green mile! The most vilest of men who were condemned to die for their faults, but has never given up in redemption even if death is inevitable!"
The orphan was also in awe, but was irked at the thought of a divine being that extended its hands and forgave even the most loathsome of people. Trying to mask her disgust so not to offend the faith ridden blonde, she coughed and crept back to its main hall where the Japanese spy stood by; also with the same sentiment as hers.
Meanwhile the Lieutenant had already forgotten about the prior incident with the inmates and lingered a little longer within its grounds to recollect; just as the old marine went to reunite with his protégé. With the rest of her known entourage having left its premises, she clasped her hands to lean against it as a memory played from days long gone.
The shrills of a newborn filled the refugee's shoddy abode. The young Eli Ayase stood next to her matriarch who slept soundly in bed, exhausted from giving birth to a child cradled by their neighbor.
"Tahan na, anak." (Hush now, my child) The old maid hushed the infant carefully wrapped with cheesecloth, while the toddler stared at her mother; tucked under a sheet with radiant skin reduced to a pasty hue, with faint grays that lined the bottom of her eyes and lips that lost its supple charm.
"Mama?" She raised a brow and reached at her hand that drizzled with cold sweat, hoping that she could notice and respond with a heartfelt smile; a gesture which the maiden would miss for the rest of her life.
"Ma?" The child locked her delicate fingers against the niches of her mother's own, only to withdraw; after a chill crossed over from her weakened husk.
"Eli . . ." She mumbled, with only a bit of strength to let a glint of blues see her dearest daughter.
"Ma!" Eli excitedly lunged in to embrace, by which Mrs. Ayase reciprocated; albeit much slower as she struggled to keep herself up, even if her time slowly came to its end.
Meanwhile, Ivan was out on the fields as harvest drew near; and Sophia could do nothing more than whimper, as she'll be spending the final moments in the company of her children and closest confidant.
Unable to stomach the grief her passing could cause, she decided to lighten the atmosphere and combed through the lustrous strands that adorned the little girl's crown.
Eli giggled from such a feat, and stared back with eyes that glimmered from innocence's lively spell; a sight which drew a succinct crack to her faded mask, together with a ray of hope to be carried over on the other side.
The lynx on the other hand was painfully oblivious of the matriarch's plight, as she looked forward for another stroll with her through the cogon lined trail but with the infant as well.
"Ma, gala ulit tayo sa susunod kasama si baby!" (Ma, let's take a stroll again sometime with the baby!)
But the lady didn't mutter anything in response. Instead, she stopped fondling that sun kissed mane and proceeded to cup her plump cheek.
"Ma?"
Tears then started to flow as burden laden lids steadily drew to a close, and with one last breath; she passed, the moon's endearing light illuminating a smile forever etched in the back of Eli's mind.
"Seems like you have the world on your shoulders, blondie."
Having heard the guard's coarse tone, she looked at him with a smile and replied,
"We all do. Not just me."
The watchman returned his attention to the cross, eager to strike a conversation with his guest; and Eli did the same, enthralled by a person's will to keep believing no matter how grim their fate may be.
Then without further ado, he told her the story of the chapel; and its meaning for everyone fated to walk the green mile.
"A day before their sentences would be enacted, the condemned would come to spend their final hours often in prayer. I've heard it all, and had seen faces filled with hopelessness turned into the sort that had finally found peace. They will tell anything before this shoddy altar; their wishes, aspirations, and even the darkest of secrets. . . But I found it odd at first that sentient beings like us would believe at an unseen force that could bring them salvation, but I guess these people saw something a freeman like me couldn't; especially when death comes knockin on a corner."
The Lieutenant's perspective changed for the better after those words had been sung, and the guy stood up to murmur the chapel's name as he passed.
"Kapilya ng Bukang Liwayway, or the Chapel of Dawn. This is the name of the place fashioned out of materials gathered from our workshops. It's crudely built, but the heart put into this made us sympathize with them."
The figure continued on to rendezvous with her staff, while Eli gazed at its centerpiece one last time; before heading out to fulfill the mission given by Slater.
Hope is such a very expensive commodity in a world filled with despair, suffering, and torment. But it all took was a conviction for them to realize that there's still salvation waiting for them on the other side.
With a new insight in mind, she finally met with her peers who was surprised to see their superior's transition from a nervous wreck to one who posessed a radiant glow; evidenced by a grin that the lass couldn't hide as she strode. Maki on the other hand gave her a glare, with a hand on a pocket paired with a foot that pattered vigorously.
"What's taking you so long? Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"Gee, I'm sorry to keep you guys waiting!" The Russian then stood behind their guide who was on the ready to open a set of doors that led to its recreation grounds where her men were to be found; and expected to had been lined up.
"Well," The man proceeded to twist its knobs, "I wish you all the best, and I hope you and your men would go along well young lady!"
The slabs of furnished mahogany parted like the red sea after a gentle push, but the ambience wasn't something they liked at all; as it was filled with yells coupled with blunt impacts that came from some thickheaded acts of pugilism.
"Oh my . . ."
Sixteen men, eight Americans and colonials dressed in their branches' uniforms were in the middle of a brawl between khaki clothed scouts, green gaitered marines, and blue dressed army regulars; while the young inexperienced guards watched on the sidelines, scared to quell the riot instigated by battle hardened soldiers.
One of the jar headed marines, a bald, scar faced, seven feet monster of a man picked a scrawny filipino scout by the collar and threw him away; sending the poor fellow to fly halfway through the area even if his comrades latched themselves onto his muscle bound limbs.
Having seen the Lieutenant's sunny disposition drained down the gutter, Maki nudged an elbow and sarcastically remarked,
"They're men. What do you expect?"
Displeased with the orphan's statement, she glared at her for a bit then deadpanned,
"Ha-ha. Very good. Thanks for that wonderful reminder, Maki."
All of the short yet stocky built Filipinos soon worked together regardless if they're from the Army or the scouts to take on the American behemoth who simply laughed as he spun like a carousel, while the rest of his white skinned peers continued to go at each other; even if blood started to trickle from the tip of their brows.
"It sure looks like they're having fun." Bill gave his nape a scratch, embarrassed at how the former marines acted like total neanderthals.
Meanwhile, the vixen with the ashen locks couldn't help but sigh; and simply rolled her sleeve to see what time it was, followed by a succinct peek to her new senior who didn't even dare make a move to control the rampaging soldiers.
Exasperated by the lack of action, she drew her colt, cocked, then strut towards the mass of brawn and beer bellied veterans to fire a shot that landed shy of the giants foot; snapping the convicts from the throes of agression, while soliciting some shocked stares from everyone else.
With her presence duly recognized, Ross returned the pistol to its holster and faced the penal platoon with blues as cold as ice.
"Alright, listen up you wankers! If y'all keep up with those stupid antics, y'all be dead before facing some Japs!"
"Whut?" The bald monstrosity then puts the terrified filipinos down, and leaned over to examine her entirety.
"We won't be following orders from a wench like you!" He growled, yet the staff sergeant never flinched and locked foreheads with him; while the rest approached with caution, as some of the inmates puffed their chests for intimidation.
"Listen here, you dickhead. I have the papers that will guarantee your ticket from this shithole; but if you do not want to follow the Lieutenant or any one of us for that matter, I'll have your chance of freedom forfeited and off you go to the electric chair!" She then panned an index at them and warned, "And the same goes to everyone who will keep acting like a gorilla without our orders!"
An eerie silence commenced soon after she meted out such big words, while the big man withdrew from the shrew's deathly glare and went to his place on the second line; as the men organized themselves for inspection with ten men up front and five behind, while the gargantuan was found below the tenth man to "square" the platoon.
"Looks like my work here is going to be an interesting one." She turned to the blonde who was surprised by the bravado beforehand and gave a salute paired by a voice laced with utmost glee.
"Ma'am, the men are ready to receive further instructions!"
"At . . . At ease." Not knowing what to do, Eli took a deep breath and whispered, "Ross, what now?"
"Huh?" The maiden furrowed her brows.
" This is my first command, and I sincerely don't know what to do. . ."
"Ohhh~" She then gave the folder to her and winked, "Just introduce yourself and express your expectations. You can then dismiss them afterwards."
"And this folder?"
"It's yours to keep. Written there are their names, campaigns, and facts of the case with corresponding individual court orders for conditional parole."
Piqued by its contents, the lass rummaged through its pages and saw that it was all typewritten data without any mugshots at all.
Great. Just great. Looks like i'll have them introduced to me like grade schoolers would.
Noticing the senior's grief exemplified by squinted lens, Watanabe duly apologized for the discomfort caused by the rushed order.
"Sorry about the mugs, the Major's office just sent it to me last night. And to tell you, I was also shocked for the timetable and orders from him."
"What do you mean timetable?"
"We'll be scrambling for the frontlines tonight, specifically as an augmentation force for the 26th scouts on Damortis, a sleepy hamlet in the municipality of Rosario, La Union; and we don't have much time left to dilly dally, so please let's be quick and get this over with."
"But this platoon, what is its designation and parent unit? We can't just march in there and tell the battalion commander that these men came from prison. . ."
After a brief pause, the brunette finally remembered it and replied "1st light reaction platoon, Lingayen Garrison Force. In short, we're well within the bounds of a special forces unit minus the credibility due to them being convicts . . . Not to mention that we're the only unit in the entire garrisson force with the light reaction designation."
"Okay," the still bewildered officer clipped the useless bundle of documents aside and puts up a calm facade; for she knew that men like them respect those who could keep a leveled head coupled with ironclad leadership, due to her growing up at a place where only the strongest gets the affection of the villagers.
Placing a hand over her bust, she paced forth and duly introduced herself to the boys who all haggled from an angel's dreamy visage.
"I am Marine Second Lieutenant Eli Ayase, and I will be your C.O from this day onward."
With the initial phase done, she went on to express her expectations; all the while keeping those ice ridden eyes dead set against the convict's own to solidify dominion over them and to carry the message that she wasn't the type to be trifled with, even if everyone else had just known her as an immature cat that gets frightened by the slightest jolt.
"I expect all of you to be obedient under my command; for your lives will depend on my assessment of your actions and trust me, I won't even hesitate to have you shot rather than to be left to suffer an agonizing death on a chair."
The men became livid after that, and the blonde felt joy for gaining a bit of respect she had always wanted.
"Griping is not allowed, and I do not want to hear any disrespectful words meted towards me or my staff."
But then her face lightened up, and everyone felt at ease.
"But I do encourage speaking your mind, just as long as the approach is amicable and has nothing vulgar attached to it."
With her requirements almost done, she tucked her hands behind and said,
"Respect us, and we will respect you. We are a team against a common enemy, so please set those differences aside and focus with the defense of this land; for if we fail, its not only us that would perish," The officer then looked over to the orphan whom she was very fond of, "But also those we hold dear."
Returning gaze towards the already galvanized troupe, the young Russian exile appealed to them one last time,
"It feels so much for me to ask of something that you had already forgotten for quite sometime, but I could still see the potential for redemption; if only you'll all decide to put your hearts into it and fight as allies in this grand endeavour, for the sake of our children's future."
Having everything expressed, she smiled; and welcomed them under her wing.
"For now, congratulations. You are all free men during the course of this war. We are now a part of Lingayen Force's only light reaction platoon, an elite unit tasked to reinforce the scouts holed out at Damortis. And in the moment that this conflict is over and you are still in one piece, consider all your crimes pardoned and you are all free to reunite with your families."
A minute of yet another deafening bout of silence ensued, then a corporal up front whose nose was bloodied and bruised barked,
"Present, arms!"
By which in a flash, the motley crew of battle worn rogues gave a salute to the girl who promised to be their light, during the nation's darkest hours.
It was already seven in the evening when they returned at the walls of fort Mc Kinley, their progress hampered by the need for a physician to assess her soldier's wounds. Trucks were already lined up on its sides, while men clambered onto its canvas enclosed compartments with packs heavily laden with gear.
The Corregidor duo on the other hand watched the commotion from afar with duffle bags slung on their shoulders; for kits were to be issued together with respective firearms once they reached the forward HQ on Damortis' outskirt.
"It seems like we'll be taking the scenic route." Maki remarked, her violets glued towards the road beyond where faint halos of blues that crown the city's metropolitan skyline.
"Eli," She then rolled it towards the convicts who leaned against a transport together with the other two; then to the officer who stood next to her whose sapphires were filled with worry, "Do you think we could entrust our lives to these men?"
"I was wondering too myself." The Lieutenant gazed at the group who exchanged amicable stares with some giving the cheerful Ross a shake as a sign of introduction.
"But if redemption in essence means giving someone a second chance, then why can't I?"
"You know, you're starting to sound stupid as time goes by."
Eli just chuckled from the sergeant's feedback, knowing all too well that its the orphan's way of showing that she cared deeply for her safety.
"Oh Maki," she gave a playful wry, then gently ruffled the latter's crown.
"You're always so grumpy, don't you know that?"
But I wonder what I might've becomr if I haven't met this little tomato? I mean, Maki had always served as my conscience even to the point of being like a motherly figure to me. . .
"Eh? Get that hand off me!" The feisty firebrand tried to do away with it, but the blonde simply withdrew for a bit and pinched her cheeks.
"Eli!"
Exasperated by her senior's mischievous deed, the child held onto her wrists; but the gal wasn't so keen on letting go, and pressed the flustered pair like juicy tomatoes.
"Goddamnit!" Determined to even the scales, Nishikino grabbed onto Ayase's shapely waist; causing the slavic belle to squirm and concede to the subordinate's demands.
"How'd you like that?"
Elizaveta held her hands up in defeat, but went on to giggle from it.
"Alright, alright! I concede!"
"Good." The redhead crossed her arms, "Don't expect me to just remain tame through it all, you big bully!"
"Me? A bully?" She leaned closer with a smug, "Well look who's talking, little miss sourpuss who likes to leave snide remarks every now and then~"
Then right before the pair could drown themselves in senseless talks, Louvelyn approached them and tapped at the C.O's shoulder.
"Hmm?"
"Aren't you going to mingle with your men? They have no mugshots, remember?"
"Oh, right!" She stole a glance at the sergeant who simply looked away out of sheer disinterest. Pursing her lips, Ayase raised those lovely set of brows and beamed, "I'll be over there in a jiffy!" Before turning to grab the tsundere's arm.
"You're coming with me, sergeant."
"Hey! Get your grubby mitt off my arm! I could walk over there on my own you know!"
But amidst the scarlet's protest, the warm hearted Filipina came over to the get acquainted with the group; even if the fuming gal winced at her grip.
"Oh hey! It's the yellow bar and that cheerful lass with chevrons!" A man with weird english accent hollered as they drew near, while the rest of the crew looked at them; eager to introduce themselves especially to the angel that possessed lustrous threads of gold.
"Good evening," She stopped in front of them and sets the red faced cinnamon roll free.
"Cheerful. . ." The chinese immigrant grumbled as she dusted her coat, "more like pissed."
Then another one of the convicts, a dashing fellow in his early 30's; medium built and sported the standard military cut like the rest except for a curled moustache, stood up and kissed her hand, an act that surprised the maiden who wasn't accustomed to a man's touch.
"Uhh . . ."
Meanwhile, the corner of her eye; a searing pair of violets sizzled with jealousy, but reverted to her usual blunt state when she caught sight of cerulean orbs glancing right back.
"Mademoiselle," The shady character that possessed a very suave voice lets go of it and knelt with a hand on his chest , "Private First Class Jacques Fosch, once served in Indo-China before my government became a slave to Nazis. Engineer extraordinaire at your service!"
Flustered by the effort put into the simplest deed of introduction, the novice officer turned to chuckle; while his little show was cut off by very rude jeer that came from a convict with the weird accent.
"But all you did was blow things up, Frenchie! Shame on you!" Followed by some unearthly guffaws.
Having had his honor insulted by a fellow engineer, he rose to confront him; but was ushered to the sidelines by the Americans who gave the spotlight to the guy wearing a brown cocked hat synonymous with the British commonwealth.
And unlike the frenchman, the clean shaven man with grey hair wasted no time and reached for a shake.
"Name's Barry Howe! Former private of the queen's engineer corps, and incarcerated for burning a nightclub during a brawl!"
"Ha! Stupid Aussie guy!" Foch heckled while under the restraint of burly marines.
"Well," She duly reciprocated his gesture of friendship, "Nice to meet you, Barry. But I have a question though."
With the formalities done, the pyromaniac withdrew and raised his brows.
"How did you end up here in the first place?"
"Oh it's simple!" He then gave off some awkward cackles, "I was on a very long leave, and just happened to visit Manila during the final leg of my journey towards Macau!"
It was the American's turn to have themselves introduced, and all four of the navy's elites which included the seven feet tall meathead stepped up to be noticed by the Russian; three of them muscular in build and all well dressed, except for bruises scattered on their well chiseled faces.
The first one to have himself presented was a man on his thirties who was scrawny with a pair of round glasses.
Seeing this, Eli squinted those cold lens of hers; severely unimpressed by his stature. Yet even in the shadows of prying eyes that could figuratively melt steel, the trooper stood at complete attention and yelled his name, designation, and the case he faced.
"Private Mike Mc Coy, marksman. Arrested for the possession of opium and murder."
"That's quite a hefty case you got there, but had you served in some campaigns?"
"Fought some moros for years."
"I guess that'll be enough for you, trooper. Go and get rested up."
The thinly built fellow simply took a step back, and returned to lean against its engine block.
Another took his place, a blue eyed blonde on his late twenties. He had the physique of a footballer, and Eli felt her heart was stung by his unblemished visage paired with a well maintained pair of chests that looked like it was going to rip through its buttons.
I could sense that someone would be upset once I try talking to this hunk during my free time.
"Private Joe Holstein, rifleman. Served on the same unit as Mike, and also charged with the possession of opium and homicide."
"Well hello there, Joe." She muttered with the sweetest tone, then batted an eye towards her peer who pretended to cough in a bid to hide some resentment brewing about her chest.
But I sure do enjoy making her mad every once in a while!
"Ugh," Nishikino recovered from her pointless gig, "This could take forever!"
"Oh be patient will ya?" Eli smirked, and poured all her attention to yet another black haired stud who had just stepped forth as the other retired.
Oh boy, oh boy. . . Looks like i'm into a treat with them around!
"Private Louie Bergmann, rifleman. Participated on some atrocities against natives, and was in the same unit as the others."
"Hold on," the lass pinched her chin, "So all four of you guys had basically served in Mindanao?"
By which all of them nodded in agreement.
"I see," The vixen returned to marvel at his form, then duly dismissed so she could be treated with the sight of his shapely butt.
It wouldn't be bad to try flirting though. I am a girl after all. . .
Another glance was given to the gal with the auburn glazed crown who was fed up with her seductive innuendos that she decided to clamber up its passenger's seat.
Man that kid. I just don't get why she'd be upset about it. Maybe I should make up for her before we leave.
The sun's dull rays were soon smeared by a hulking mass of muscle and bone whose breaths sounded like wails from a brazen bull. Realizing that there's one more seadog left to be known, Eli slowly pinned her head to its source and found the bald headed honcho staring down with faded scars written all over its leathery hide; marks of vicious struggles and unsung victories that could drive an average man insane from bitter agony.
Terrified by the cretin's grotesquely marred mask, she was about to take one step back; but decided not to when she remembered that these type of men were very cooperative once they had spotted a leader capable enough to control their primal urges, and that meant standing her ground beneath his beleaguering shade is already sufficient enough to send a message that she's never giving in to his little show of strength.
Everything then went to a standstill,as a brief clash of wits raged between cerulean lens and faded greens. Then in a flash, Ayase broke the barrier between them and sassed,
"So are we just going to stand here till morning?"
The giant was intrigued by her response, then cleared his throat to present a nibble of information to satisfy the maiden's whim.
"Private Ben Jones. Heavy machinegunner. In it for atrocious deeds, and going AWOL."
Her focus then shifted from those malice laced lens to the wounds he bore throughout every bit of skin bared under the sun.
"What happened to you back then?" Eli crossed her arms to show that she was unafraid of him, "Why does your skin resemble like a blackboard scribbled upon by a toddler?"
The overgrown grunt just tapped on his belly and laughed at such a sarcastic comparison; then leaned in to give her a more detailed, and closer look.
Callous scales covered the entirety of his wounds, its jagged lines directed at random with its heart found on the bridge of his nose; bearing the uncanny resemblance to an algorithm's asterisk, except that it was once written in blood and soiled with tears.
"You have no idea what we faced back there, men who tied ropes over every bare extremity ran into us like animals that had just been released from their cage; never stopping until their existence was wiped off by a ton of bullets, or going home with a sworn adversary's head."
"Juramentados," Maki pulled through the driver's seat and stood behind the battle marred veteran, "every young marine who finished basic training at Sangley would be sent on their turf to prove themselves there. All of that just for a red bordered stripe and its coveted patch."
"Maki. . ." The russian mumbled with pity, while Ben looked over his shoulder and wried "Looks like you're tougher than you look. What's your name?"
The sergeant pompously bobbed her scarlet locks and replied, "I'm sorry, but that information is highly classified."
Hearing this he was sent into another set of low toned cackles, before reuniting with his green gaitered crew who were exchanging random chatter on the sidelines.
With Ben out of the way, Maki looked at her with a smug; while the Lieutenant just stood dumbfounded from the tidbit that this seemingly harmless flower had revealed.
On the outside, Maki seemed to be just a regular gal with a spoiled personality; and it didn't occur to me that she had already tried her hands on murder at such a very young age.
Her stomach ached at the thought, for a cinnamon roll like her couldn't even dare slit a chicken's throat nor stand the smell of decay. But war's virulent curse already loomed at a distance, and she must come to terms with it and be willing to take one's life in exchange of her own.
But I too someday would partake on such a gruesome task, an unavoidable chore that lay within my line of duty.
"Is there something you'd like to say, blondie?" Nishikino giggled from her senior's awkward stare, snapping her off it and roll those orbs off those lilacs that fully bloomed with vanity.
"Nothing, it's just that someone here is being full of herself."
"Oh yeah?" The orphan then tapped an index at the tip of her peer's nose, causing the latter to flinch from its ticklish spell.
"While it looks like someone here is a little jealous of it."
"No i'm not." Eli swerved away to hide a blush.
"Oh yes you are. Admit it."
"In your dreams," She then remembered a surefire way to shut everyone who had the same feature as the damsel in front; and eager to put an end to it all with a word uncalled for due to its racist theme, she came back with a wry and mused, "Chinkee."
In a split second, Maki's arrogant facade melted like wax; replaced with anger evidenced by the deep red tinge on her cheeks and dull shade on its guise's entirety, the once beautiful consort now turned into a fuming ruffian who itched for a fight.
"Eli . . ." The tigress laid a hand on her shoulder, with the lovely pair of lustrous violets hidden under the shade of her coveted red strands.
"You do know what that word means, right?"
Still retaining that dubious smile even in the face of fury's incarnate, the blonde was about to agitate her further just for the heck of it when the ashen veiled Ross stood in their midst.
"What's going on here?" She spared some glances at each of them, and scolded with a voice that almost fell into a whisper, "please act decently in front of our men! We are exemplars, not narrow minded bruisers!"
"Don't worry," Eli shrugged the subordinate's concern and towed the befuddled redhead beside to fondle with her crown, a time tested deed of childish affection that had always been effective at subjugating the hot tempered shrew. The tension between the three of them dissipated into thin air as it was turned into a comedic spectacle with Maki flailing madly under the Russian's arm.
"No! not this again! Eli!"
You's uptight demeanour slowly lightened into innocent cackles, while the gold laced vixen enjoyed ruffling those fiery strands; for the fragrant scent of vanilla wafted about in every stroke, sending her to unwarranted bliss at the orphan's expense.
"Goddamnit!"
But when everything was going well for them with two white scouts and eight browns left to be indexed; the driver arrived from McKinley's confines, carrying with him a manifest where their names were to be listed for payroll.
Relieved and at the same time vexed by the sudden interruption, the officer released the teary eyed peer and signalled for the rest to have it filled; which the men duly complied with utmost glee, knowing that their primal urge for battle will be fulfilled in a few days time.
"I can't wait to slap myself some Japs!" Ben beamed like a giddy tot as he took the parchment from the helmsman's hands, while the others fell in line with duffle bags slung on their shoulders; confident that the battle for the gulf will be an easy one, given by the homecourt advantage on familiar terrain and the sheer number of mobilized recruits.
Determined to share their zeal, the two sergeants went on to mingle with the crew; leaving the blonde to ponder from afar, her eyes set to a patch of sky where faded bands of orange still lingered long after sol's endearing warmth perished into Manila de Bay's pristine waters.
I pray that victory comes swift, with this country delivered from the evil rays of the north."
With everyone having such high spirits, the young officer cast all those worries with a deep breath, while northerly winds blew past those sun kissed locks; bringing with it both the age old curse of war and the succinct promise of victory.
Then her thoughts raced towards her father, whom the gal had never seen nor had a letter's response ever since she followed the soldier's path.
Father, my love for you still remains strong; together with a yearning to return safely by your side. There was never a dull moment where I haven't thought of you, even if it appeared that you had already disowned me because I refused to follow your wishes.
Last note: Time flies by so fast.