53. Surfacing Secrets Part 2

"Why has this popped up now?" Pin questioned as a chill ran down his spine.

"I guess we should check it out, maybe there's something more to this."

Bond and Pin walked into the room and looked at Spence, who seemed to be fine then. His cheeks had lightened and crusts had formed at the corner of his eyes. The best thing however was the fact that his face showed peace and was calm. Maybe it was their last time to see him. No one of them knew why once a stranger from another country had suddenly become so close to their hearts. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was a fantasy. Only god knew.

"Pin, you head out. I'll join you later." Bond muttered as he walked to the bed.

Pin walked out of the room and shut the door with a soft thud. Bond looked back to make sure that no one was looking. When he had been assured that no one was around, he bent down to Spence's tan forehead and placed a moist, caring kiss there.

"Wait Bond." Spence said as he grabbed his wrist.

"Are you fine now?" Bond placed a hand on his hand.

"I... I have something to say."

Bond looked at his hand and his body, which seemed to have shriveled up. "Yes, what is it?" He looked up and saw that Spence had fallen asleep already.

Spence seemed to have murmured something, but it was inaudible. With this, Bond rushed out of the room and locked it from outside.

"Hey Binh, are you fine now?" Bond saw him and walked up to him.

"I wish I am selected for the task today. I am sure they kill everyone down there. I want to die."

Bond had a petrified look on his face but quickly calmed down. "Death comes to those who wish to live." He said.

"Ai Bond, what are you saying to them?" Spence approached them. "Oh, Binh. Are you alright?"

"Yes. I am doing well now." He gave a blunt reply .

They all reached the dreaded place and the gates opened right away, exposing them to the cursed purple hue of that room, with the devil waiting to welcome them. "I don't know about anything but I am sure I'll be hating purple from now on." Spence looked at Bond and said. Bond shook his head in agreement.

"Welcome my dears!" Hatuko, the devil exclaimed in his fake high pitched voice.

"I want to kill him!" Someone from the crowd yelled at him.

"You can kill me all you want, but first complete this task first." His voice went two octaves lower.

"And what is it?"

"Wear those suits and you'll find out soon." Bond could swear he saw Haruko bite his lips.

"What if we refuse?" Spence questioned.

"Then you'll have the same fate as Alejandro and Sebastien." He smirked.

The students had already understood that fighting against these people would be equivalent to a puny insect fighting against a mighty elephant. It was clear that the school could go down to the bottom most levels of hell to get their job done. They all decided to walk to the changing rooms and wore the body fitting suits. This time, they were all black.

"Too bad my favorite one isn't there today." He waved his stick towards Bond, who was inside the soundproof chamber.

"What did he say?" Bond asked to Pin as he glared at Haruko.

Haruko raised his rose gold hat and held it to his chest, as Spence pushed Bond to the other exit along with others. They entered a hallway similar to their dorms. It had the same red and blue hues but this time, there was more red. The doors were comparatively smaller and rooms were close to each other. They all stood inside and waited for the commands to direct them.

"I wonder what it is today." Bond looked at Pin and Binh.

"I have some guesses... But I hope they aren't true." Binh said to them.

"All the students, please head inside the rooms according to your pairs!" Someone suddenly spoke up on the Loudspeakers. It was very evident that Haruko was the speaker.

"Oof, I really don't trust this guy." Someone from the crowd suddenly spoke up.

"What are you waiting for students? Head inside and wait for the instructions."

"Ok Bond, let's do it." Pin tried to cheer him up and console his consciousness. They both walked towards a room but they were stopped by Haruko saying, "Bond will head to the last room on this floor. Pin can head into this one."

Bond and Pin looked at each other, trying to bid each other farewell for one last time. Life had thrown them into enough battles but they both emerged victorious together. Being separated today was even more horrifying than the first time pairs were swapped. This time, life had not promised to be with them.

"See you on the other end then, Pin." He said as his voice trailed away.