Wake me up in 2395

Chapter 34: Back Home to the Mansion in Ancora City

Chapter 34: Back Home to the Mansion in Ancora City

“The ROSE Society aims to finally bring justice... And to topple down this Union that has caused us destruction. There are many people outside the walls who are in constant fear, of the Union and the dead, but this fear has kept us awake, and it made us stronger. It is also time for us to make a place for ourselves inside the walls.”

These words were amplified across the Arena, and I know it was broadcasted live as well, without filter, across the districts. I know the revelation about the truth behind the wall will instill fear towards the heart of people, and that will also make them question the Union for hiding this truth from them. Ako rin ay hindi makapaniwala sa aking narinig, of all that I least thought of and added into consideration, I never knew the outside world will be struck with a zombie apocalypse just because of the Founder and his selfish interest to become immortal through the Immortalix-002 virus that has the components to kill a live human, and bring him back to life but as a flesh-eating monster.

I was shocked and surprised... What more is it that they are hiding from us aside from the fact that there are zombies beyond the wall, and that the people beyond the wall must live in constant fear for their lives because anytime, zombies might attack them?

It gives me more reason to fight back, and to let all those who are outside the walls in, because it is safer inside the walls. Now, I understand why the walls were up there, and why they have built dooms over the cities in order to hide the real sky, because like the real sky that is being copied by a fake and artificial sky-roof, they have to hide it. The Union is good at hiding, but the Society shall reveal all their secrets and expose them, causing their own foundations and pillars to be shaken away.

When the broadcast of Reina was finally interrupted, ang mukha agad ng Empress ang nagpakita sa mga projection. Tila namumutla ito, though she was already fair and pale, this time was different. She looked cold, and her expression showed signs of discomfort. She did not see whatever it is that happened tonight to be coming. Despite their security, the Society still managed to infiltrate them using their own system. Whoever is working behind the scenes under the ROSE Society, he or she is probably a good hacker.

Tumingin ako sa paligid, at nakita ko si Marco na tahimik lang sa gilid. When he sensed my eyes on him, he also looked at me, and a faint recognition hit his eyes, and he discreetly nodded, and then looked away.

He knows I am also a part of the ROSE Society, basing on his gestures.

I rotated my M-ring, and I contacted Chun.

Prim: Lucius will join too.

After a few seconds, my message self-destructed, a sign that he has already read it, and another few seconds, he replied.

Chun: He will be a recruit then—he shall be initiated first before he becomes an official member.

I know Chun and Delilah are just here, somewhere, and the thought that they are hiding in plain sight somehow gave me more confidence in the Society, that perhaps it is not that impossible at all to topple down this very powerful Union who always showcase their strength, power, and authority in order to scare away the people and stop them from thinking of rebellious and deviant acts.

Primrose: Chun, what happens, by the way, if someone fails the initiation of the ROSE Society?

Hindi ko na naisip pa ang posibilidad na ito.

Chun: It shall be under the discretion of the ROSE Society Council.

Primrose: But usually, what happens if they do not pass?

Chun: Their memories regarding the ROSE Society is wiped out using a Memory-Wiper invention that is invented by one of the members.

That makes sense, bigla akong kinabahan na baka papatayin ang hindi pumasa sa kanilang initiation. I looked at Lag after, and I can really see this conviction in his eyes. Namulat na siya sa katotohanan, at alam niyang malaking kasalanan ang pumikit. Now that he knows the truth, he has acted accordingly. Though he remained neutral for a few years, now, he has seen the dirt of the Union, and that caused his loyalty to fall.

Biglang nagkaroon ng malakas at nakakabinging ingay, kaya naman napatakip ang halos karamihan ng kanilang tenga. The speakers then amplified the voice of the Empress.

“It is another absurd attack of the ROSE Society,” bahagyang kumuyom ang kaniyang kamay habang dinedeklara niya ito, “it is a baseless accusation—that the founder, my great, great, great grandfather, caused this ‘zombie’ apocalypse. There is no such thing as that beyond the walls, the reason why we have high walls are to protect us from the hazardous environment and diseases that lies beyond the walls, not because there are zombies who will immediately turn you into one of them with just a scratch or bite.” She declared, but I can see that people are already starting to have doubts after all of what they have seen.

I know a lot of people want to raise questions, but they were too afraid to speak up, for they may also meet the same demise as of all those who had the courage to tell what was on their mind, bigla ko na namang naalala si Ares Washington. I closed my eyes, recalling the memory that is not so distant. A week simply passed and there were already many events that occurred, all in a flash.

“Introduce yourself and the nation that you represent before stating your concern.” Tunog ito ng isang babaeng robot na tagaanunsyo rin sa arena.

“I am Ares Washington, and I am the appointed mayor of Electro City of Duo... I would like to ask for Your Excellency to address these ongoing rumors regarding the fact that the Imperium Union is spreading lies on what truly is beyond the walls that are covering our cities. There are many conspiracy theories circulating in the ImperNet, and while the Imperium Union is doing its very best to filter these, the number of commentators regarding this theory has drastically increased, and more people are starting to be more aware and curious about the outside world. Is it really true that the outside world is inhabitable? Why is no one allowed to see the outside world? As a concerned Imperial and citizen as well, I mean no offense in your humble and pure intentions of maintaining balance, peace, and order—however, Your Excellency, why is it that those people who are speaking up are also being silenced respectively?”

Biglang nagkaroon ng katahimikan dahil sa sinabi ni Mayor Ares. Tumingin ako kina Mayor Marina at Mayor Elizabeth, they both wore this grim expression on their face now. Halata ang takot na nabahid sa kanilang mukha. Si Lag naman ay bumuntong-hininga lang din.

“Isn’t he the newly appointed mayor last year?” Tanong ni Mayor Elizabeth kay Mayor Marina. Tumango naman agad si Mayor Marina dahilan upang umiling na lang si Mayor Elizabeth, “that explains why...”

“What do you mean?”

“That man is as good as dead by tonight.” Mayor Marina whispered to me, making sure that no system or surveillance is going to be able to detect whatever it is that she has spoken to me. The mere fact that she stated that made my heart leap... “He has broken the code of conduct that the Imperium Union has set—you are not allowed to question the intentions of the Imperium Union, doing it is an act of treason and it is punishable by law.”

“He only asked—”

“Yes, a very sensitive and controversial question. While you may see it as an act of bravery, I see it as an act of stupidity. He has committed suicide the moment he stated those things, mabigat ang parusa niya dahil ang buong mundo ay nanonood. Now, everyone will be aware of whatever it is that the Imperium Union is trying to hide from us...” Mayor Elizabeth said with her very low voice, enough for the rest of us to hear.

“What is your name again?” The voice of the Empress blasted across the entire stadium once more. There was this chill and coldness in her tone, and I cannot help but shiver because of it.

“Ares Washington, Your Excellency.” The man replied.

“I assure you; all of these rumors are just lies spread by Imperials who are against the Imperium Union in order to destroy this peace and order that we have protected for two hundred years since its foundation. In lieu with this, as this event is currently being broadcasted as well around the world, I would like to announce that if you know anyone who belong to the A.U. or the Anti-Union, report it immediately to us and you will be compensated generously. However, if it is found out that you know a member of the A.U. and you did not report them, you will also be considered as an accomplice and a traitor of the Union too and shall be punished accordingly.”

“We shall still commence to the program, and I have to officially close the Foundation Week Celebration.” The Empress said after a few seconds, but she saw how uncomfortable the rest of the audience is already, sobrang nagkaroon ng nakakabinging katahimikan, pati mismo ang musika ay wala na. “Whatever you have heard from this woman who calls herself the leader of the opposition, ROSE Society, it is all a farce in order to instill fear in us. If you just believe their announcements and declarations in regards to what lies beyond the walls and the root cause of it all, then you are a fool. The Union has done nothing but keep you safe and alive, and give you all your needs, if this is how you show your gratitude—then you are ungrateful.”

Biglang nag-iba ang mood ng paligid, as if the Empress has managed to sway away the people once more, just by speaking and telling what was on her mind. She was a good liar, and an emotional and psychological manipulator. She knows the right words to say, at the right place and at the right time.

Biglang nakahinga nang maluwag ang karamihan at saka sila bumuntong-hininga. Of course, since they have not really seen what lies beyond the walls, it is just easier for them to believe the words of the leader. I looked at Lag, and I know he still has the same look in his eyes that were burning with intensity and passion to make change.

“Lag, your parents are working outside the walls, right?” I asked. “How long has it been since you last seen them?”

Hindi nakaimik si Lag, matapos ang ilang sandali ay tumitig ito sa akin. “Three years.”

I gasped, “that is a long time...” Knowing the situation outside the wall, it somehow made me nervous for him, I held his hand, at pinisil ko ang kaniyang palad. “I know they are safe somewhere there.”

“I hope so,” Lag replied. “This is probably why they can never really talk about the outside world, and why I always feel like I am left out—they are very loyal to the Union. After all, my family has been a family of servants to the Astarria Family, and the Astarria family gave us a name for ourselves in return, influence, authority, property, and even power. We owe it all to the Astarria, but finding about the secret they are hiding, I have change of hearts.”

Ah, character development. How nice it is to see that from someone that I admire.

“Dum Vivet Imperium!” Sigaw ng isa sa mga nasa audience, dahilan upang bumalik ako sa huwisyo. There were others who followed the shouter the second time, and more followed in the third time, and as the echoes of voices ran across the Arena, more and more screamed and chanted.

“Fools,” I whispered beneath my breath.

Tinaas na ng Empress ang kaniyang kamay matapos ang ilang sandali, as if she was already contented with how she has managed to control the situation, pero alam kong marami na ang nakamulat ang mata sa katotohanan gaya ni Lag, at kahit anong salita ng Empress, hindi na nila mababago ang kanilang iniisip.

“Now, for the closing remarks...” The Empress stated, “there will be Imperial Knights assigned in every city and district, this is due to the recent terrorist attacks of the ROSE Society, the Imperial Knights are tasked to protect you from harm.”

Pumalakpak ang mga tao dahil sa sinabi ng Empress.

“We also have to consider the fact that the enemy is hiding, their leader too—an opponent that is too coward to even show herself is not a worthy opponent at all.”

Tumawa ang mga tao dahil sa sinabi ng Empress—she has successfully managed to discredit Reina, by just saying those simple words. The power she holds is too much, and I am annoyed of it. As if all efforts that were done tonight by the Society has been for nothing, just because of this b***h who knows what she is doing.

“Now, to address my dear Imperials, I shall require nothing else, and expect nothing more or less, expect your undying loyalty and fealty towards the Union. United we are strong, that is why we have the Union that keeps us all striving and surviving. I have to reiterate it again, that as the Empress, it is my duty and obligation to keep the pillars of the Union to be steady and sturdy, for if one falls, the Union will surely fall into shambles and all hard work for the past two hundred years will be all for nothing. The reason also why we do not allow anyone to see the outside world except for those who are authorized is because we do not want to taint your eyes with an unsightly beauty, you have seen a glimpse of the outside world already during the parade of innovations and inventions, through a missile invention of one of our scientists whereas the missile has been filmed right outside the wall. You saw no zombies, just a centuries old city that is already deserted and lifeless.”

Tumango ang lahat. Tumingin ako sa aming mga kasama ni Lag, sina Mayor Elizabeth at Mayor Marina ay tila paniwalang-paniwala rin sa mga sinasabi ng Empress, lalo na lang si Mayor Elizabeth—I know she is a loyalist type... Bigla kong naalala ang conversation nila noon kung sinong tribute ang ipapadala niya.

“Mayor Elizabeth, who is Maxwell? I thought you will be sending him, not Percival.”

Bahagyang natigilan si Mayor Elizabeth dahil sa aking tanong. If my memory is right, she said Maxwell, not Percival.

“So, who is the tribute or champion that you sent?” Tanong ni Mayor Marina kay Mayor Elizabeth. Naalala ko na ang Caritas City pala ang magpapadala ngayon ng ‘sacrificial lamb’ para sa hinihintay na kaganapan bukas.

“I sent Maxwell.” Nakangiting sagot naman ni Mayor Elizabeth, “we have to retain our crown as the Home of the Champions which is why we always only send the best—and I know Mayor Lucius will agree on that, which is why he also willingly sent some of his people to my city in order to prepare and get trained,” aniya. Tumingin naman ako kay Lag at nagtataka ako.

“Home of the Champions?” I asked.

“Oh, sweetheart... You should know that! We’ve been winning the Battle Royale for a decade already. If we win again this time around, it shall be the 11th time. Which is why there is this big pressure on Tre...” Mayor Elizabeth laughed at me, as if my question was dumb and stupid.

“Ah, right... Buti napaalala mo.” Saad ni Mayor Marina, “what happened to Maxwell? Hindi ba at siya dapat ang isasabak mo at hindi si Percival?”

Though it was probably no use talking about dead persons...

“Maxwell suddenly disappeared. I had no choice but to send the second strongest man next to him immediately. It was an emergency, and I did not know Percival was Cassandra’s lover, that both of them had a relationship. I have forbidden it at the academy where champions are trained, but still, they managed to secretly love each other, as if no rules exist that puts restriction on them.” Elizabeth looked at me after, “sobrang talas ng memorya mo, ah? It is something I really want to avoid, but considering the fact that I have already declared who I am sending, and suddenly I sent another person, I guess that makes sense for you to do.”

I nodded, “but when you said Maxwell suddenly disappeared, how did he suddenly disappear?” I asked.

“Parang kanina, kay Mayor Chun Lee at ang babaeng kasama niya na si Delilah, hindi ba’t bigla rin silang nawala? Parang ganoon ang nangyari.” Elizabeth said.

That means there are only a few possible reasons behind it—Maxwell might also be a part of the ROSE Society, and he has used the same technology that made Chun and Delilah invisible... Or another reason is perhaps it is not really connected to the Society at all, and Maxwell may just be scared to fight for his life by killing other tributes and emerging as the winner, which is why he ran away.

I do not know, but the first one sounds more reasonable to me.

“The Bicentennial Foundation Week Celebration of the Imperium Union has ended.” The Empress declared, her voice echoing across the Arena, everyone clapped, and there were hologram fireworks that suddenly lit the fake dome. I watched, mesmerized by the beauty of the hologram fireworks. The first firework exploded, showcasing the Astarria family’s brooch, and another explosion occurred, showcasing the Union’s—a crown insignia with six crosses, marking the five districts and the Imperium Capital.

Then there were five explosions in unison, now showcasing insignias of the different districts with numbers on them.

More fireworks occurred, and when it was over, it was already time to go home.

I looked at Pantaleon who was beside me, he was unmoving as usual, and when he sensed me looking at him, the robot also looked back. I smiled at Pantaleon and grabbed the leash that I made for him, “we’ll finally go home now, Pantaleon.” I smiled.

Umalis na kami sa Arena at bumalik sa Palace upang kunin ang mga naiwang gamit namin. There was nothing much to take, though, since there is the Tech-Wardrobe for the clothes. Speaking of, I decided to already change into a comfortable pants and shirt with an imprint of a rose—this is the insignia of the ROSE Society, but I managed to make it look discreet in order to not be too obvious about it. Ang tanging binalikan ko lang ay ang aking journal din. Matapos iyon ay tumungo na kami sa rooftop ng Palace kung saan naghihintay na ang isang aircraft. Nakita ko rin sina Mayor Elizabeth at Mayor Marina, gaya namin ni Lag ay nakabihis na rin ang mga ito, may kaniya-kaniya kaming mga aircraft na sasakyan.

Nang makita ako ng dalawa ay agad silang lumapit. “Let’s exchange contacts!” Elizabeth said with a grin.

“Oh, okay.” I smiled.

Elizabeth Jane Leviathane III would like to connect. Accept or reject?

I pressed the accept button.

Elizabeth Jane Leviathane III is now a part of your contact. Do you want to leave a message? Yes or no?

I pressed the no button.

Another contact emerged.

Marina Marx would like to connect. Accept or reject?

I pressed the accept button.

Marina Marx is now a part of your contact. Do you want to leave a message? Yes or no?

I pressed the no button.

“An honor to be friends with the most phenomenal woman of all time.” Elizabeth looked at me, admiration visible on her eyes. “Keep in touch.” She said.

I nodded.

I looked at Marina who simply nodded her head and smiled. “See you again next year... Or do come and pay a visit to our cities.”

“Yes, Caritas is a beautiful island city.”

“And so is Fiducia.” Marina grinned.

“Alright, if time allows and permits, I shall come.” I smiled at the two.

Nagpaalam na kami ni Lag sa kanilang lahat, at sumakay na rin kami sa aircraft namin. There was an Imperial Knight who came with us, and they were the pilots. I felt the engine roaring to life, and the aircraft where we are at flew out of the city-ship.

It was time to depart and go back home.