Chapter 5.2: "Thy name unspoken shall be heard at last"

"Okay! That's enough! Let's take a break first!" Ryan waved his hands twice before going out the practice room to answer a phone call. I put down my guitar and sat in a corner of the room to rest.

"Maou, dude! Here's your water." Takki handed me a mineral bottle. I took it and drank from it without hesitation. He sat down next to me. "Haaays! Today's a bit tiring isn't it? If only RM's phone didn't rang, we definitely wouldn't have been able to rest."

"I couldn't agree more," I seconded as I placed the nearly-empty bottled water next to me. He just watched me when I did it.

"By the way, how was your exam result last time? Did you top it?"

"You're crazy. What 'top' are you talking about? I didn't even took the tests seriously. And another thing, I don't give a fuck about those stupid academic rankings or anything else from school. Those shits are only for the weak."

He shook his head. "I don't know what to say man, this is the reason why you're still stuck in this lame situation, you're not using your intellect well although you had it. If I'm gonna be in your position right now, I certainly won't waste any chance to get some opportunities along the way. I mean why wouldn't I? Being smart adds up to a man's sex appeal, after all. Those beautiful chick-a-babes will be more captivated by me if that happens. Bwahaha!" I showed a smug look upon my face as I watched this dumbass laugh in a hideous manner. As expected from this chick-addict.

"Oh? What are you guys talking about over here? Can I join in, my buddies?" Out of the sudden, Agasi sat between us and placed both of his arms behind our shoulders. Takki slightly pushed him away with a smirk across his face.

"Rabid people are not allowed to join here, Askal. Get an injection appointment at the hospital first before you come to us. We don't want to get infected by your ticks."

(A/N: Askal is a derivation out of two combined filipino word "Aso" and "Kalye," which actually means "Street dog" in english. It is a term used for local, mongrel dogs in the country.)

"Yeah? If I'm a rabid person, well you're a shit-face who looks like a tofu that has been diagnosed with excessive drug addiction. You should thank me for not telling your girlfriends that you had sex with a stray goat in our Purok the other day."

"Wow, how classic. You're still as good at making up a story aren't you? But don't switch the tables on me dude, knowing that you're the one who fucked with Mr. Tado's daughter who looks like a tikbalang the last time. So what could be any worse if it's having sex with a goat?" Takki stepped up on the bench and then laid his left hand on his chest as if he's delivering a patriotic oath. "Long live, Askal! We are saluting you!" he stated in english.

"What do you mean, 'we are'? It's 'We am'! As in, We am salutes you! You're so stupid as fuck!" The other pea-brained lunatic corrected him.

"Fuck you too!"

"You're more fucked up, idiot!"

"Well then, fuck you with the heart!"

"Damn! You stupid morons! Stay away from me!" I yelled as I pushed these animals away. How annoying, if I weren't just friends with these warts, I wouldn't really waste my time being with them.

(A/N: The term 'purok' is like a subdivision in the Barangays located here in the Philippines. Meanwhile, 'Tikbalang' is a filipino mythical creature that looks like a mix bred from a human and a horse.)

"Great! As if you're the one to talk us out of it when you're also a moron yourself. I meant no offense dude, but who do you think among us is the one who usually gets into street fights like some kind of an action star? Isn't it you?"

"This Tofu-guy here is right, buddy. Did you think we had no idea about the bullying thingy you were doing at school, victimizing that girl who slapped you at the bar months ago?"

"Yeah. We even heard that you shit on her during the exams when you asked one of your underlings to make her look like she cheated on their tests the other day. Perhaps she's still crying now. What a pity."

"I agree man. In spite of all, she's still a woman, a BEAUTIFUL woman and then you'll just treat her like that. You're screwed in the head, Maou. You is the worst!"

"Stupid, it's 'you are' you dumb shit!"

"Are you nuts? What are you saying it's 'you are'? Haven't your kindergarten teacher thought you about the term 'ARE' is only used for plural matters? When did our buddy Maou here increase in number? Use your brain sometimes!"

"No, you use your brain!"

"Argh, will you guys just quit fighting already? There's no point in arguing because both of you are brainless anyway!" I glared at the idiots in exasperation and smack the hell out of their empty heads. Fortunately, they stopped. "Let me tell you this, that girl is NOT pitiable and will NEVER be pitiable. In fact, she deserves whatever the fuck happened to her. She's just acting innocent when in reality, she's also an arrogant and a spoiled little brat like the other rich people out there, who are too many to mention. She was even lucky that she is a woman, 'cause it'd be very nice to rip that stunt's face off if she isn't," I explained in a vindicative undertone.

"Wait, I thought gender is not an excuse for you to beat anyone. You almost killed your female teacher before, did you not?" Agasi asked, making me recall about a certain horny slut who used to grope my balls without my permission.

"That's a different case, Aga. That whore is a transwoman and a bitch. She's not even human."

"How about you man, when did you also became or even acted like a human?" Takki retorted as they both looked at me. I took a deep breath and frowned.

"Aish, that's it! I don't care about what you think of me, I'm still mad at that stunt girl no matter what you both say to me. She took my motorcycle from me so I'm just getting even from her!"

"You're not wrong about that, but you're not right either," Aga opposed. "She didn't take your motorbike from you, you're the one who just didn't retrieve it when she's giving it to you in open arms, because your pride is fucking unreachable and you don't want to accept the fernship she offered in return."

"It is friendship not fernship you stupid Askal!"

"Whatever! As if you're good at math Tofu-boy!"

"JUST SHUT THE GODDAMN UP! BOTH OF YOU!" I berated before face-palming myself. "Fuck, I don't think you understand my point here. You bunk heads should listen to me carefully. That stunted woman is RICH as heck, and I'm even poorer than a farm rat. It's suspecting to know why she insists on being nice to me even though I'm busting the demon out of her. And now, she even wanted to make friends with me? Friends my ass! That woman is just pretending, isn't that how those wealthy hoes do it? They put up a facade to let us think that they're good but those cunts actually have hidden agendas. When you allow yourself to fall into their traps, they will use you and take the upperhand against you."

"Ugh, stop being so skeptical. Did you eat bitter melon for breakfast this morning? Why is you so better?" Agasi patted my back softly as he shook his head. This wiener's low-rated proficiency in English is surely driving me mad.

"Hah, you really sucks man. It's 'bitter' and not bet—" Takki hadn't finished what he was going to say when our band leader Ryan came back in the room which put an end mark to our break time. And just as expected, we resumed in rehearsing again.

The practice ended after a few rounds. I went inside my house and noticed that the lights are still off like how left it earlier, giving me an immediate speculation that my housemate isn't home yet. I took a deep breath and went inside, straight towards my own room.

I leaned the guitar next to the door. I look at my left side and saw our family photo hanging on a slim thread. I couldn't help but to tense up in anger and grief as I recalled some bad memories while staring at the picture. When I couldn't stand it any longer, I averted my eyes and turn my back before I could even think of hitting the same wall that is only made out of thin and brittle piece of wood.

"Hello?" I answered when someone suddenly called my number.

"Maou, lock the gate and the door. I'll come home tomorrow."

"Are you still busy in your parlor business?"

"Hmm, not anymore. But Troy called earlier, he said Cjay is sick. I'm going to the hospital now to meet them."

"Ah," I answered sluggishly as I lay myself down on the bed.

"By the way, I already cooked some porridge for you. Just check it on the kitchen. I also left some money near the TV set. That's for your allowance this week, okay?"

I took a deep breath then nodded. She shouldn't have done that. "All right, I'll take it downstairs. Take care."

"You too babypooh! I love yo—" I turned off the call even though she isn't finished yet and then put the phone over the side table before closing my eyes.

The next time I opened it, it was morning.

"Gah! Another stupid day again." I looked at the clock irritatingly. It's going to be eight o'clock and I still have a damn class. I'm late.

Should I ditch my class today like the usual? Nah, I just remembered that I can't. I promised Chlogna last month that I would never do it anymore. I'm pretty sure she'll pull all my hair out of my freaking scalp if I'd skip school again.

The thing is, I also don't want to meet that stunt inside the school, she will only ruin my fucking mood when she fucking shows up to my face. Fuck that shit.

A couple of minutes passed before I finally reached the campus by just walking. Yes, walking, on my bare feet. I know this is crap but I have no other choice, I don't want to ride stupid public vehicles and that mortherfucking stunt still has my motorbike with her.

Speaking of the devil, a series of memories flashed back into my mind, particularly to what happened the other day inside the school cafeteria. I couldn't help not to frown when I remembered my fight with Bansot. I will never forget the time she threw my burger away which was one of the most rude things she ever did to me. She's such a drama queen, she could have just talked to me instead of venting her anger to my lunch. She even walked out right away without paying or refunding me of what I spent for the food. But how should I blame her? She's born rich so it seems fine for her of course. Tss, How stupid that I even wasted thirty pesos for nothing.

(A/N: "Bansot" is the Tagalog term for "stunt" or "little." It is usually an offensive, local term to call short or 'vertically-challenged' people.)

As for Bansot, she has been absent for two days since we last fought. It's surprising because she's not the type to miss class even before. Even during the time I'm still targeting her, I knew how much she values her name and reputation so as much as possible she wouldn't do something that she could be judged upon.

Maybe she's embarrassed in showing up to me because the truth is, she really can't do my challenge to her?

I grinned and chuckled in an insulting way. I'm telling you, that girl doesn't really know how to keep her words. She should've kept her annoying mouth shut instead of swearing that she'll fucking do the dare, and now look what happened. She hasn't showed up in flesh for two days now. What a deceptive, lying bitch she is.

But meh, as if I truly hope that she's fucking different from what I always thought she is. I don't believe her anyway, I know too well that it won't be long before she gets tired of masking her true persona. She's probably planning now about killing me with their freaking army. When that time comes, I'll just stand my ground without cowering like crap and shit the hell out of them as well.

After the class dismissal, I went straight home and rest for a while. Just like yesterday, I was alone again. I nibbled a little food to stuff my stomach up and took a nap so I had enough energy for our all-night jamming session at Edgar’s bar tonight. I don't have to practice anymore because I already memorized the line-up for the songs to be played later, besides we already rehearsed yesterday. I just really wish that there will be a lot of people who will watch later so that me and the boys can earn a lot. I mean, I still have to pay Judith. You know, the JUDITH on electric bills, water, store debts, and many more Judiths.

Son of a fucking Judith.

(A/N: JUDITH is a common name for a person here in the Philippines, but in the context above it is used as a pun for the term "DUE DATE," since both of the terms sound alike.)

"Maou! How long have you been? We've been waiting for you in hours!" Ryan asked as we met outside the said location. He's with Agasi and Takki.

"You said it would start at seven. It's still six o'clock this time," I said as I showed them my watch. "You guys are just too early!"

Agasi put his arm around me. "Well yeah, because unlike you we don't have a sugar mommy at home to flirt with!" He smirked before he naughtily wiggled both of his eyebrows. What the hell.

Takki also went up to me and tapped my back. "Hehehe, how's the feeling, dude? Did it take until 12 rounds? Is your manhood still okay this time?"

"Fuck you both!" I smacked them hard while Ryan just laughed on the side because of these two airheads. They're lucky that we have work today, because I probably would have beaten them right away if we didn't. Or maybe tape their fucking mouths to stop talking bullshits.

"By the way, let's do our best later guys. If the result of our performance is good, Sir Edgar will officially hire us to play in his bar every night. And when that happens, we won't be wandering around to other establishments, plus we'll get paid constantly. How's that for a heads up?" Ryan stated as we entered Bigbeard with our instruments. Agasi was the only one who didn't bring anything except for his sticks because his drums were already set on the stage at the second floor.

"By the way, I heard from Sir Edgar yesterday that he installed a bar counter to the second floor. He also said that the bartender assigned there is a freshly-hired female worker! Not a dude guys, but a CHICK!" Takki told us in excitement.

"And you believe him right away huh, Tofu-boy? You didn't even think that Sir Edgar was just fooling around you because he knew you were a womanizer?"

"Heh, I'm not asking for your opinion, Askal."

"Guys, this is no time for games. Let's go upstairs," Ryan scolded them while I remained silent.

We were welcomed by the foreign and rusty ambience of the second floor after the four of us climbed up the stairs. I noticed that the bar has expanded a bit since we last visited here a month ago. It also seems that the gambling stations and vip rooms have been relocated on the third floor, given that this place was renovated last week. There are tables, sofas, and an ample space at the middle of the hall. The size of the stage is still the same though, and on the opposite side you'll see a bar counter similar to what Takki described earlier. There are already a lot of people around but I find it weird because most of the people here crowding at the counter, especially men. Probably to meet that 'chick' bartender assigned there.

"Shit! Takki! Where the hell are you taking me?" I shouted at him when he suddenly pulled me towards the direction of the counter.

"Nah, don't worry. We'll start later, won't we? I want us to see the bartender lady!"

"Well why don't you do it yourself? Let go of me!"

"Oh come on! Don't be a killjoy. We'll just take a short peak!"

"Don't drag me to your shits 'cause I don't give a fuck! Do I look interested?"

"Can you just chill, man? Loosen it up for a bit!" he insisted without releasing my arm. "Set your sociopathic behavior aside even just for a moment, or else you won't get laid with pretty girls for the rest of your life."

"Ugh, whatever you say moron!" I gave up and and just let him take wherever the fuck he wants me to go. I had a smug look upon my face as we blended into the crowd just to check who is the bitch he badly wanted to see.

"The hell! Sir Edgar's right, the bartender he hired is indeed a girl! And she's pretty cute as well! Witwew! This is a jackpot, dude!" he commented with a whistle. "But wait, she seems familiar ah, it's like I've seen her somewhere before."

"What do you mean?" I asked him as I lifted my face.

I turn my head to the direction where Takki is looking at and saw the person he was referring to. I immediately recognized her when our eyes locked against each other.

"Hi sir, what drinks would you like me to serve you?" she politely asked as her lips formed a small smile. My mouth agape out of shock.

"MOTHERFUCKI—WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, BANSOT?!" I hollered at her in response, enough to haul people's attention who were standing next to me. I don't care if they get a bad impression about me, the only thing I can think about this moment is how I'm going to grab this dwarf out. I can't believe her, even here at my future workplace, she still has plans to interfere with my businesses?

"What's happening?" Sir Edgar intervened in the commotion so I confronted him.

"Sir, I don't want to question you out of this but what is that stupid girl even doing here?" I pointed my finger at Bansot's direction while my eyes are still focused at Sir Edgar's. The latter looked at her for a second before facing me again.

"Ah yes, she's the bartender that I told Takki and Ryan the last time we're on the phone. From now on she will be working here in my bar, specifically on the second floor. So, I hope you'd both get along with each other."

My mouth dropped and in a slow motion, I turn to face Bansot who is now grinning like a damn witch in triumph. It was only then that I realized that she is actually wearing a bartender uniform while holding a corked bottle and a mixer. She put the stuffs down before she reached out one of her hands to me.

"By the way my name is not Bansot. I am Taylor Minerva Soriano Cortez, Tamy for short. Nice meeting you, sir!"