Playing the Demon's Deadly Games

"Here's your pocket lunch, eat it. Be careful at school, too. Listen carefully to your teachers, my daughter. Don't forget to pray and do great with your studies." Mom reminded me.

"Yes mom, I promise. I'll get going now, I might be late for my first class." I said goodbye.

I said goodbye to mom and left. Mom reminded me of a few more things which I immediately agreed to.

I am an obedient child and I am afraid to disobey my mother. Apart from the fact that I really don't want to do something that she won't like, I'm really scared of her.

After I left our house, I met Trinity, my best friend, Trinity Quintos. She always tags me along with all her whatnots and pranks. Others said that Trinity is a bad influence, I just shook my head.

"How are you, my dear Faith? Has Clay messaged you yet? Maybe you don't even like that one." Trinity asked.

"Trinity, you know my mother doesn't want me to have a relationship, especially since I haven't finished school yet. He's also not my type, he is obviously a cheater. He gives off an aura of a playboy. Stop pairing me to strangers." I answered her.

"Oh come on, Faith, you're 18! Aunty is too strict with you, look, if I give you a broom now, you would pass like a witch with what you're wearing. You should learn to style yourself up too. Duh, what a waste of beauty if not exposed. Show your beauty Faith!" Trinity's insults.

My mother made me wear a black knee-length skirt and white long sleeves. I dressed it up with white doll shoes, do I look like a witch? I think not.

"Trinity, there's nothing wrong if I follow mom. It's also for my own good." I preached to her.

"Hays, I brought you some clothes. Change into them at the restaurant we'll pass by first. Put them on, you're not allowed to say no. I don't want you to be looked down upon again at school." Trinity said.

She reached for a paper bag before pulling me to run. Somebody might catch us, naughty Trinity!

We stopped running in front of a restaurant. Fortunately, there weren't many people. It is a Chinese cuisine.

"Hi Jericho, my friend will just change in your bathroom for just a couple of minutes. While you don't have customers." Trinity said to a man who seemed to work here.

Trinity gestured for me to go into the bathroom and change so I just followed. I'm going to hurry because I won't win an argument with Trinity, I don't want to be bullied at the school. I'm getting tired of dealing with them.

I opened the paper bag Trinity handed to me earlier. It consists of a high waist short, printed tee and shoes.

I put on what Trinity gave me. It suits me because somehow my body have a good shape. I also have fair skin and I have blonde hair because of my father. Trinity says I'm beautiful, but she still insults me because she says I dress like an ancient person.

"See, you're beautiful! You should always wear decent clothes!" Trinity greeted me when I left the bathroom.

She even put light makeup on my face. I didn't refuse because I'm sick of being bullied at our school, I'm really sick of it. Even though we are in senior high school, bullies are still trendy.

"That's perfect. I don't know if Bianca the bitch will still insult you. I'm really annoyed by that one, I always feels like she's superior." He says.

Bianca Uytengsu is the Queen-B in our school who has been bullying me. She is poweful because her patents are one of the owners of the school. I'm just a scholar at Women's Union College.

Trinity and I walked our way to school. It's only walking distance from both of our houses so we don't have to ride.

"Do you think you're beautiful because of your new look, Faith? You still look like shit. You're still nothing compared to us." That's what Bianca greeted me after we entered the school.

"Bianca the bitch, can you please stop talking to Faith because it won't do you any good. Unless, you're jealous of her. Right Faith?" Trinity fired back to Bianca.

Fortunately, the bell rang so Trinity and Bianca's evil stare stopped. I don't have time to fight either. My mother always told me to stay out of trouble so I just stayed away.

"You're another poor person, shut up. I'll get back to you two someday." Bianca said before she left with Kate and Trish as her desciples.

Trinity and I went to our first class. We can't be late because Ms. Dionisa Ruller was our first religion teacher. She is also the principal of our school. She's strict and gives low grades. I don't want to lose the scholarship I'm taking care of.

Fortunately, when Trinity and I entered, Ms. Ruller wasn't there yet. We both sat in our seats, side by side.

A few minutes later, Ms. Ruler arrived in our class. As usual, she was still wearing her thick glasses. She's carrying big books again, maybe I'll fall asleep in her class again.

"Good day to all of you." Greetings from Ms. Ruller.

"Good day too, Ms. Ruller." We did not greet her back at the same time.

"What we are going to study today is about 'borrowers'. Do any of you know what they are? Anyone in the class?" Ms. Ruller asked.

No one in our class answered so she just continued explaining. Obviously others are not listening to her.

"Borrowers are people who make deals with demons to borrow life for themselves, or for others. They make deals to bring back the soul of a dead being or extend their life." Explained by Ms. Ruller.

I then remembered the TV shows. Those villains who made a deal with the devil to bring their loved ones back to life.

"When a borrower dies, his soul will go to the devil he made a deal with. What's worse, if the borrower borrows his soul for someone else, that person is also involved whether it's good or bad." Ms. Ruller added.

"It's tragic, isn't it?" I heard Trinity whisper next to me.

"The devil with whom the borrowers made a deal can do anything to their souls. They can be enslaved, eat their souls, torture and so on. So you, don't be hasty in making decisions. Don't always give in to emotions because what happens when you die is no joke. Dying is also a part of life, that is the Cycle of Life." Ms. Ruller said.

Our discussion continued until the bell rang again because it was lunch time. We have three first classes in the morning. Even if it's just three it is still exhausting.

"Come on Faith, let's eat first. I'm really hungry." Trinity said so we went to the cafeteria.

There are many people and the queue is long. Trinity and I waited in line until we could buy food. I just bought a Coke for myself and a tuna bread roll.

When we found an empty seat, Trinity and I immediately sat down. Queuing is annoying, if the prices here are not really cheap, I will not bother to queue anymore.

"Oh Faith, you look over there. The cruels are coming!" Trinity shouted so I looked at what she was pointing at.

The heartthrobs are about to enter school. I don't care about them but since I saw their leader Evans, I think I fell in love at first sight.

My fantasy was interrupted when Bianca suddenly approached Evans and kissed my crush on the lips. I suddenly winced.

"They're together? Evans doesn't have a good taste when it comes to girls, he's handsome though." Trinity whispered to me.

"Yes, it's disgusting. He has a lot of choices and he chose Bianca." I whispered too. I was suddenly turned off, what a pity.

"Let's go to the library." I said to Trinity after I put the food I bought earlier in the bag.

"Why? You're jealous, aren't you? You're a lady now!" She said maliciously.

"No, come on. You surely know a lot of nonsense in life." I replied to her.

It's true, it's a turn-off. That witch had a very bad attitude. It's obvious that Evans's pursuit of Bianca is just beauty.

Trinity and I walked towards the library. We went straight to the farthest shelf, our favorite spot.

We sat down and I opened my bag. I was surprised when I saw a golden envelope so I took it.

"Who put it here?" I looked at Trinity because of what she said.

We both looked at each other because we both had envelopes. What is it? Bianca's plan? Is this a prank?

"Let's read it. What is it? Invitation letter?" I asked.

Trinity just shrugged her shoulders so I sighed. We opened the envelope almost at the same time.

Dear beloved Conqueror,

Congratulations! You are invited to the annual Conqueror's Game. Brace yourselves and be ready to fight. Your participation is a must.

Sincerely yours,

The Sinners

"What's this? Are they pranking us again?" Trinity asked after we read.

"Ouch!"

"Ouch!"

Trinity and I screamed at the same time after we were injured by the sharp paper.

The gold paper was stained with blood so our eyes widened as it turned red, and another letter appeared from the blank part of the paper.

"Welcome to the games." I read it here.

"What's happening!?" Trinity shouted.

I looked at Trinity when she suddenly shouted. My eyes widened.

Trinity's left arm turned gray and gradually disappeared. I also started to get nervous when the ash started to rise from my feet.

"Help, help us!" I screamed loudly.

When I turned to Trinity, she was gone. A pawn chess piece was left where she was sitting earlier.

My vision is gradually getting darker. I couldn't even feel my own body until I had completely disappeared.

-

I woke up with someone pulling my legs. My back also hurts a little because of how hard I lie. What happened? I'm still a little dizzy.

"Who- hmp!"

Suddenly this woman covered my mouth. She pulled me behind a big rock. My nervousness is now sky high. What is really going on and where am I!?

"Don't make any noise, they might see us. We will be doomed." She whispered to me.

"What is it? Have you seen it?" A male voice asked from behind where we were hiding.

We heard their conversation and the arrival of footsteps. We hardly breathed because they might hear us. Even though I don't know what's going on, I guess they're evil or maybe they're enemies.

"Come on, let's see there!" The man shouted again.

We heard their footsteps leaving. We waited a few minutes before coming out of our hiding place to make sure they were gone.

"What's going on? Did you see my friend Trinity? She's small but beautiful and brunette. I just woke up and ended up being here." I asked.

"I took an apple earlier from the tree where they were stationed and then they chased me. I'm sorry I didn't see her. You're the only one I came across here. Even me, I just woke up and I am already here. I'm sorry, it looks like we're both victims." She said sadly.

"I'm Faith by the way, thank you for helping me. Do you know how you got here?" I asked and extended my hand.

"I'm Queenie. The last thing I remember was receiving a letter, then everything became a blur." She explained and accepted my hand.

"My friend and I also received a letter and then we ended up being here. What's going on here? Why are we in the jungle?" I asked Queenie.

"I don't even know how and why, I'm sorry. Just like what happened to you, I just woke up here in the forest." She said weakly.

"Let's work together to get out of here. But first we need to find my friend. Will you come with me?" I said to Queenie.

"Alright, come on, we have to hurry. I hope she's nearby." Queenie answered.

She pulled me and we ran. It's tiring and breathless but we both have to endure.

"Can I hear some noise participants!"

Queenie and I stopped running when that loud voice suddenly came out of nowhere. How did it happen in the middle of the jungle!?

"Where did that come from when we're in the jungle!?" I asked nervously.

"I don't know either, let's hide first." She said and pulled me behind a tall tree.

She went up so I followed. I'm afraid of what's happening, what's worse is that we don't know where we are. I'm also worried about Trinity, how will she be?

"Are you wondering where you are? Do you want to know? Well, you have to play with me." The girl said, we don't know where her voice is coming from.

"Have we been kidnapped?" Queenie asked.

"I also do not know." I answered.

I don't have any idea. What is going on? Maybe I just fell asleep in class?

Couldn't this be a prank by Bianca since she has Queen B friends in other schools or universities? Then we were thrown in a forest where they would bully us? Hey, I think I'm losing my mind. That is impossible.

"Just think that when you get past this stage, you are officially a participant in the Conqueror's Game." The voice said again.

"What you have to do is survive until the very last stage of the Conquerer's Game. This is the trial stage. All of you participants are over a thousand, but what we need for the next level is only 490 people." She further explained.

"Oh my God. I don't have a good hunch here." Queenie said weakly.

"How can the numbers be reduced? It's simple, you have to kill to survive. It's a do or die competition. It's either you die fighting, or you die not doing anything." The voice added again.

"I-It's not possible. What they're doing is illegal. We have to report it to the police!" I said absentmindedly.

"Enjoy participants. Come on, we're watching all of you. This is Lailanie, let the games begin." The woman said before the sky suddenly darkened.

"Faith, I'm scared. It seems that even if we scream here, no one will help us." Queenie said softly while sobbing.

"I am too, but we have to be brave to survive. Come on, we have to find Trinity, she is in danger. We don't know who captured us so it's really dangerous here." I said and prepared to get down from the tree.

"What if we run into someone? A-Are we going to get killed?" Queenie asked.

"We don't need to kill. As much as possible, let's stay away from the others. Maybe we can talk to them nicely and sort things out. I hope they don't be led by anger and not influenced by what was said earlier." I said to Queenie before going down.

We carefully got down from the tree before walking. Only the sound of our trampling leaves can be heard around. The silence is terrifying.

To this day, it's still a question for me where did that voice earlier come from. But the first thing I have to deal with is, I have to get out of here.

I pulled Queenie behind a tree to hide. I see a shadow in the distance.

"836 participants out of 1066 left." Suddenly, the woman from earlier spoke again.

Is this true? People are killing each other and following a voice that we don't even know who and what!? Gosh, God forgive us. Who is heartless to do this?

"Got you!"

"Ahhh!"

Suddenly, a man grabbed my arm so I kneed his crotch. I'm nervous and panicking.

"Queenie run!" I screamed.

Queenie and I quickly ran away from the man. I'm out of breath because my energy seems to be running out. I'm still a little dizzy from earlier.

"Ahh! You are dead to me!" The man shouted as he chased us one by one.

"801 participants out of 1066 left." Lailanie announced again, that voice that commands everyone.

"Gotcha!"

The man chased us and grabbed me by the hair. His grip was so tight that I couldn't get away. His hand was very painful and heavy. It's like he hates me!

"Let go of me- ahh!" I screamed.

I was weak when this man suddenly punched me in the stomach. Shit, I can't fight back!

"Q-Queenie, run!" I shouted but he didn't listen.

Queenie took a long branch of wood and hit it on the man's head. That man fell to the ground.

"Come Faith, let's run!" Queenie shouted.

Queenie helped me stand up and we ran again. We just ran and ran until the man chasing us was gone.

We stopped for a while to catch our breath.

"Faith the man chasing us is gone! We misled-"

"Gosh Queenie!" I screamed in shock.

My tears fell when an arrow hit Queenie's head. She died knowingly, I didn't know this would happen. Are those people crazy?

"Run young lady run!" A new man with a bow and arrow shouted.

When I turned to him, he was at the top of a tree and sitting. He still had a big smile on his face and seemed to be enjoying what was happening.

"742 participants left out of 1066." Announced the voice that ordered us.

I ran and left Queenie lifeless. Even though it was against my heart to leave her, there was nothing I could do. I have to save myself too.

"I'm going after you young lady!" Shouted the man holding the arrow.

He was about to catch up with me, I was only three feet away. I need to hurry!

I ran and ran until I got out of the forest. A river opened up to me. I'm out of breath and tired.

"Ahhh!" I was surprised.

I almost fell when an arrow hit me in the side. I can feel the pain and the blood flow from the wound.

I pressed the cut part even though it hurts, just to stop the bleeding. I bit my lip because of the pain.

"Got you!" This man shouted. He caught up with me and pulled me by the hair.

"Let me go. Have mercy." I begged and knelt on the floor because of pain and weakness.

"Alright, you said it!" This man shouted. He suddenly let go of me and pushed me to the floor.

I hit the floor and my lips hit the stone. I can taste the blood from the wound on my lip.

"Goodbye baby- ahh!"

My eyes widened when someone suddenly hit the man's head with a rock. Am I safe?

"Gosh Faith!" Trinity!

Trinity hugged me crying. She also has a wound on her arm, the tiredness is obvious on her face.

"What happened to you?" I asked Trinity.

"It's nothing, I'm fine. gosh Faith, I've already killed two people. I want to get out of here." Trinity said and helped me stand up.

"555 participants out of 1066 left."

"Just a little while ago, I was already feeling sick. They are the ones to blame for this, maybe we were kidnapped." Trinity whispered as we walked into the forest.

We entered a cave. There were people inside too, there was another old woman crying.

"Are you okay? I'm Grandma Ching." Introducing the old woman.

Grandma helped me sit on the floor. I looked around at our companions here in the cave. Trinity and I with a girl, a boy and Grandma Ching with us here in the cave.

"What's going on? I'm old, I can't last long in this game." Grandma Ching sobbed softly while wiping the wound on my side.

"Faith, this is Ahlex and that man is Xian. We met earlier before the game started and hid. It's a good thing I heard your voice when you screamed." Trinity said.

"Thank you very much, Trinity. What shall we do?" I asked.

"I don't know, we have to survive. We have to get out of here, for sure our parents are looking for us." Trinity replied.

"498 participants left out of 1066." The voice announced again.

"Many people are dying. What is happening to the youth today? They are only thinking about violence and their own welfare." Grandma Ching said softly.

"The number will soon drop to 490. Shall we just wait here?" Asked the girl with us, I think her name is Ahlex.

"What? Do you want us to go out and kill ourselves?" Trinity asked sarcastically.

"No, I'm just waiting for us to kill each other here!" Ahlex shouted which surprised us all.

"What the hell let it go!" I screamed.

I stopped Ahlex just as she was about to stab Trinity with a broken glass. Is this one crazy? She's a traitor! She has no mercy!

"Kids stop that! Violence is not the answer!" Grandma Ching screamed and Ahlex tried to stop us.

Ahlex and I were fighting over the broken piece of glass when she suddenly pushed me. I took a step back and almost fell to the floor.

"C-Child." We were all shocked when Ahlex stabbed Grandma Ching in the stomach.

"You meddling old woman!" Ahlex shouted.

Ahlex pulled the broken glass out of Grandma Ching's stomach so the old woman's blood flowed out.

My vision suddenly went dark. Tears started to fall from my eyes.

"Fuck you're going to die!" I shouted before rushing to Ahlex and pushing her hard.

She lost her balance and fell to the floor. I was shocked suddenly because of what I did, her head hit the stone. I-I killed somebody.

Oh my! I killed someone. I am a murderer!

"T-Trinity, I don't want to do this and I want to leave here." I wept weakly and sat on the floor. I could feel Trinity and Xian hugging me.

"Sisters, Grandma Ching is gone. Sister Ahlex is also gone." Xian sobbed softly next to me.

"I'm sorry. Don't worry, we'll help each other get out of here." I said between sobs.

We prayed for the bodies of Grandma Ching and Ahlex before we left. Even so, Ahlex is also just a victim of the game we are involved in now.

"Congratulations participants! 490 out of 1066 left. Killing is forbidden again." The voice said that we don't know where it's coming from. She introduced herself as Leviathan. Who is that heartless?

The three of us came out of the cave and looked around. What was last night is now morning. We are like robots that are being played with and made to do what they want.

"Oh horse!"

I was surprised when suddenly there was a flare in the sky. The three of us looked at it.

"Follow the origin of the flare. Welcome to the annual Pawn Games, you are now officially participating in the game. Have a good day." Last announcement before the surrounding voice disappeared again.

Pawn Games? What did I get into? Can we get out of here?

I don't know what to do. I hope it's all just a dream.