The Manipulator's Game

Crimes have been so rampant in San Juan. It is highly urbanized and it has the highest volumes of crime in the region. SanJuanpolis is a resourceful police station with the best bluecoats in the country - Arya Oligario's parents are one of those. In fact they have been awarded for their extraordinary heroism.

Arya has long straight black hair and a lean and long body. Her palm-sized face compliments her crane neck. Her waist which is only twenty two inches attracts a lot of attention, especially for men.

Arya's graduation is imminent. She is an ace both in academics and extracurricular activities. Since she is the daughter of two distinguished Police Chief Inspectors, she is respected and admired by most of the students and even her professors. Anybody who knows her says that she was built like a brick and often considered as tough as an ox.

"Arya, make sure your parents will come to our graduation ceremony. They are always missing in action. The Board of Directors and even us, your professors, are so excited to meet them. They have really done a good job raising you."

"Don't worry Sir Warren, they already promised me that they will not miss my graduation since their daughter did a great job on her studies." Arya utters confidently while giggling.

Cylon Pasatiempo, on the other hand, is Arya's finest competitor. His ego was hurt when Arya exceeded his skills, wit and ability. Due to his insecurities and his strong will to become at the top, he asked his brother, Ythan, for a huge amount of money. He is going to use it to bribe the professors and school heads. Ythan didn't have any idea that his brother was going to do something dirty under his nose.

"Cylon, you should pay me back when you get your first job huh! This amount of money isn't a joke. So, where did you plan to celebrate your graduation? You better invite our dad and your mom, of course. I'm so delighted that you got the highest award!"

"Don't worry Detective Ythan. I will pay you twice this amount when I become the youngest Police Captain. Regarding the venue, I will let you know soon. You can also invite your dear mother to my party."

"I bet my mom will not like to be there. You know how much she hates the crowd."

"Sorry. I have forgotten it already. Oh, before I forget, please do invite Divonne okay?"

Ythan just answered him with a smile. He knows how bad his brother likes his comrade.

After Ythan leaves the school premises, Cylon swiftly gathers his closest friends to start his evil plan. Unfortunately, while they are having conversations, Arya accidentally hears all of it. Being an honest and an ideal student, she made a report on the Commission on Higher Education. She didn't let the school management know about the issue since she was very aware of the power and influence of the Pasatiempos. After the investigation, Cylon was proven guilty and the school had no choice but to drop him.

Ythan personally comes to the university to confront Arya. Cylon told his brother that she is the only one who is capable of reporting the issue to CHED. He never considered that his brother may really have made a huge mistake because Cylon lied about it on his face so many times. Ythan wants to protect their family name and businesses more than anyone and anything.

"I know how desperate you are to take my brother's place BUT GIRL you should think first before you act. Did you know that it can stain our reputation? Did you even know that we can lose millions because of that incident? I know that you are smart since Cylon always tells us about you and he's threatened by your presence; but I am disappointed in you. You are SO reckless. "

"I bet you didn't know your brother well. Correction also, Cylon doesn't have anything which I want to snip from him. I am okay with whatever I have right now. You know what; I pity you because you have been his toy lately. I guess money isn't an issue to your family, that's why you can easily give him whatever amount he wants. I thought you were a good detective since my parents are always proud of having you in their team. Oh well, don't waste your energy on me, instead focus on correcting Cylon's behavior. You should know better." Arya rolled her eyes on the Detective and left him speechless.

On the day of Arya's graduation, she was expecting her parents to come. She was disappointed when General Lary called and told her that her parents were assigned to a very important mission. Arya got mad at them because they didn't even call to notify her. Moreover, her professors and the BODs are expecting them to come and just like Arya, they become frustrated. The ceremony was ruined further by Cylon.

"Arya! You are a pathetic loser, a fake and a murderers' daughter."

Everybody, including Arya, was shocked by Cylon's statement.

"Stop making false accusations, Cylon. I know that you are so mad at me because I have reported you to CHED but never disgrace our family's name! You know how exemplary my parents are. I can sue you for blabbering nonsense against my parents. Please step out and I will forget what you have said earlier."

"EVERYBODY LISTEN TO ME! OPEN YOUR MOBILE PHONES AND WATCH THE RECENT NEWS. I AM NOT LYING! ARYA IS THE DECEIVER HERE. SHE SET ME UP SO THAT I WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND DROPPED OUT. IF SOMEONE DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE HERE, IT SHOULD BE THAT GIRL (Cylon pointed Arya)!"

Her professors and classmates immediately get their phone to see if Cylon is telling the truth. After some minutes, they started gossiping about the Oligarios. Arya immediately calls Lary to clarify the issue about her parents and the General told Arya to go home but Arya chose to go to church instead. She cried her heart out and prayed for her parents. She didn't want to believe the news. She still trusts them.

On her way home, she saw Cylon and Ythan. Cylon teased her again. This time, Ythan reprimanded his brother and told him to get lost. Ythan showed sympathy to Arya but Arya said she never needed it.

Ythan was the detective assigned to Arya's parents' case. He has black eyes and hair. His bone structure is pretty bewitching -his cheekbones, his jawline - it's almost perfect! He has tattoos on his arm and back. You can be hypnotized by his intense broody eyes if you stare at it closely for a couple of minutes. His looks make him younger than his actual age.

He told Arya that evidence shows her parents did it. Arya shouted at him saying her parents can't even kill a fly. For her, it is very impossible to kill nine policemen at once, using one gun.

General Lary came and begged Arya to call them whenever her parents went home. They fled from the scene and no one saw them since then. Arya begged Ythan and Lary to give her space. Her mind still can't digest what happened. Lary just nodded and told her that she should beg her parents to go to the station for interrogation.

Days have passed and her parents never went home nor contacted her. Arya became distressed and she just wanted to believe that her parents did it. Media followed her wherever she went. The grieving families also started to confront her. They want her parents to be put in jail. Arya took all the blame and she can't even go to the university to get her transcript of records and diploma because her classmates and professors hated her so much. Their school's dean's husband is one of the policemen who died or whom they believed was murdered by her parents.

One night, Arya was awakened by the sounds of gunshots. She quickly ran out of her room to see what's going on. She saw her parents lying on the floor holding a gun, full of blood, while still wanting to talk to her. She immediately gets something to stop the bleeding. She called 911 straightaway.

"SEND SOME HELP RIGHT NOW! MY PARENTS ARE IN CRITICAL CONDITION! HURRY!"

She didn't know what to do. She can't even apply what she had learned in school because she was still shocked by what happened. Tears continuously flow on her precious eyes.

"Aarya... Please ne-ver trust any-one except ... yourself."

"Dad, I'm so sorry, please save your energy. I'm sorry that I doubted both of you. I'm sorry I got mad at you. I only have one wish on my special day and that is to see you both smiling at me because I have made you proud."

"You have never disappointed us. We are so blessed that God gave us a responsible and loving daughter. We are very sorry. We didn't make it on your graduation day. I and Dad love you so much."

"Mom, please tell me who has made you criminals! I will make them pay for this! Hold on. Please stay alive! I still need you both! I can't even imagine living in this world without you."

Arya bursts into tears as she says "Sorry" so many times. Her parents just smiled at her and reminded her to become a good person whatever the situation is. They have died in Arya's arms.

The next morning, the news makes Arya hopping mad. It was announced that her parents' committed suicide due to too much shame in the public. She throws every single thing in her room. Her scream gathered her neighborhood's attention. She wants to kill someone at that very moment.

Arya and Lary are the only ones who attended Mr. and Mrs. Oligario's funeral. Lary allows Arya to be alone beside her parents' wake. He is so sad that his colleagues lost their lives so unexpectedly. Suicide, for him, is never an answer to anybody's problem and dilemma. He looked at Arya in the distance. After a while, he makes a phone call while Arya is busy organizing flowers for her parents' funeral rites.

"Ythan, where have you been? Are you that busy to ignore my calls nth times? I've been calling you since morning!"

"Sorry General. I have been running errands since dawn. There was an arson case here in Escribano last night and the culprit is still wandering somewhere. Almost twenty four people died and many people have been injured."

"Have you checked all the surveillance cameras around the area?"

"All of the wires were cut off before the incident happened. There were also no witnesses since everybody was busy preparing for the feast. "

"Okay. Check the scene and get all the possible evidence. If you are finished there, please let me know. Don't forget to call me."

"Okay General."

Ythan started roaming around the perimeters. He's been thinking about what and who started the fire last night. While taking down notes of the things he had observed, he noticed an old woman who's obviously being nervous.

"Good day Ma'am. Are you okay? I noticed that you have been watching us from afar. Were you there before the fire happened?"

"I.. I am not. There were many customers at our restaurant that time and we had run out of lettuce. I drove my bicycle to get some lettuce on the other street. I'm sorry but I have to go back into business. I have left my husband alone. He is waiting for me."

Ythan nodded and let the old woman go. Leo runs towards Ythan to deliver some news.

Leo said while panting, "Ythan, we have found this wallet under one of the tables in the bar."

He showed a photo of the wallet's owner. Ythan's eyes widened when he saw the photo. He quickly chased the old woman and when he caught up with her, he immediately showed the wallet. The old lady started biting her fingernails.

"Ma'am, you told us that you have to get out of your restaurant to buy some lettuce, then how come your wallet was found there? Why did you visit the scene after the fire broke out? Why do you have to lie about your whereabouts?"

"I .. I am so sorry Sir. I am just afraid that my neighbors will spread gossip against my daughter. She is working as a part time waitress there at night. As I heard the news about the arson, I quickly found my way to get there since my daughter didn't come home last night. I got so nervous that she is included in the list of the victims."

The old lady shed tears as she was explaining to the detective. She pulled out a photo of her daughter inside her pocket and showed it to Ythan. She also told them her daughter's name. Leo called Divonne, who's in the hospital, to check if the old woman's daughter is alive or not. Divonne was holding a list of the victims who only incurred minor wounds and burns. Fortunately, her daughter is one of the survivors. Leo told Ythan about the good news. They are happy for the old couple.

"Ma'am, your daughter is safe. She only got minor burns. You can go here to check on her. My comrade, whose name is Divonne, will wait for you there."

Ythan gave the name of the hospital to the old woman.

"Thank you Detective. You have erased all the worries and questions inside of me. I am happy to know that our precious daughter is safe. Thank you so much. May God bless you in your endeavors. Here take this bible. If you have worries and if you can't sleep, read this. Pray sincerely if you are sad, troubled or afraid but don't forget to pray also on your good days."

The old lady quickly runs to her husband yelling that their daughter is safe and alive.

Meanwhile, Arya happened to hear Ythan and Lary's phone conversation since Lary accidentally clicked the loudspeaker button a while ago.

Arya utters in a low voice, "They should check all the people who have never left the scene since the arson happened. Arsonists enjoy watching the fire and will never escape the scene easily."

"What's your basis for saying that Arya?"

"I have read so many cases when I was studying. My parents also told me some stories whenever we had a chance to talk. Besides, there is no harm if you tell them about it."

Lary called Ythan to relay Arya's suggestion. After his conversation with the detective, he sat beside the devastated lady.

"Arya, you need to consume some food and you need to take a rest. You have to be healthy. If Ariana and Yael were alive, they would be sad to see you this way." Lary said in a serious tone.

Lary continues speaking even though Arya is ignoring him.

"I am your parents' Superior and I am also their closest colleague. I will not let you ruin your life. Take your time and after we bury them, please come to your senses. I know that you are too young for this but Hija, don't let it smash you! You have a bright future ahead. Don't put your knowledge and skills into waste. You have to use it well to serve people. I am sure your parents also want to see you wear our uniform."

Arya muttered something under her breath.

"Don't act like you care for me. You are not my family. After being discriminatory to my parents, you still have the audacity to call them your closest colleagues. This man is sane."

"Arya, you mumbled something I didn't catch. Can you say it again?" Lary requested.

Arya shakes her head and walks away from Lary.

Ythan follows Arya's suggestion. He put his hat on and walked around as he watched the whole situation with an eagle eye, and it is very difficult for anything to escape his notice. While surveilling, he saw a man in his thirties, approximately 5'3" in height, with a scar on his face- chuckling while everyone was sad about the fire incident. He kept on observing the man and it never stopped smiling as if he was so pleased about the occurrence. To his surprise, he spotted a gun in the man's pocket.

Leo, Ythan's partner, called him to report the procurement of evidence. He confirmed that a bullet was recovered at the crime scene. It was packaged and placed in a small cardboard pillbox and was forwarded to the crime lab for evaluation. Hours later, the man is still there. When Ythan's phone rings, he quickly answers the call.

"Detective, the bullet came from a Ruger SR22. This means that a suspect is just a beginner when it comes to handling guns, a personel at the crime lab explained.

"Thank you for the update. If I am going to find someone who's possessing a Ruger SR22 and was near the scene, how long are we going to wait to know if that bullet really came from it?"

"It is not easy to acquire fingerprints from firearms and bullets, if there is any. It will take us at least three weeks or one month to get it. Since someone can use someone's gun to make him or her guilty of something, we have no choice but to find and check the fingerprints."

"So are you saying that even if the bullet really came from that gun, we can't justify that he is the culprit unless we have found his fingerprint on both gun and bullet?"

"Yes detective. He will make up some alibis like his gun was misplaced and can be in someone's possession when the arson happened."

Ythan dropped the call and walked towards the man. He made sure that he would get the gun in the man's pocket without being noticed. Ythan called Leo and he gave him the gun to be sent to the crime lab. Leo forwarded the gun to the forensic team hastily. He requested to have the result as soon as possible since the process might take a long time.

Ythan demands a warrant of arrest against the man named Harold. During the interrogation, the suspect exercises his right to remain silent while his mother is claiming that he is innocent. Harold is the son of Mr. Manalo, one of the richest city's counselors.

"You have no right to do this to my son! Do you know us? We are one of the elite families here in San Juan. What's the name of the detective assigned to this case? Let him face me! You only have 24 hours to prove that my son really did that horrible thing!"

Ythan faced Harold's mother.

"I have found your son at the scene. He is not moving from his place and he is laughing for God's sake! Arson took place and we have found your son LAUGHING. I don't think it is normal to laugh at that time. He didn't even go home that night. I was observing him and it seems like he is enjoying the scenery of ashes."

"You do not have enough evidence. Only six hours are left and you only presented circumstantial evidence. I think my son will be out here soon. I don't need to call our private lawyer."

"Your son can enjoy his freedom until the law takes over. I will make sure that he will be held responsible for the death of those twenty four people and other victims. When that day comes, I will offer my best smile to your son."

Since Ythan can't show primary and strong evidence to hold Harold liable for the arson case, the court decided to release Harold. After the trial, Counselor Manalo warned Ythan.

"You should stop eyeing my son or else you will experience a day in hell."

"Are you afraid that I will find solid evidence against your son? Counselor, I know that you have all the power and influence to save your name from disgrace, but the law and the truth is more powerful than anything. I am not afraid of anyone. I am afraid that more people will die again because of those evil people like your crazy son." Ythan spit on Counselor Manalo's shoes then he waved goodbye.

Harold's parents locked him in his room so that he couldn't go to places. Ythan visits Manalo's mansion almost everyday. While waiting for Harold to come out, Leo called from the Forensic Office.

"Ythan, we have a big problem."

"What is it Leo?"

"The gun was stolen from the crime lab. They already processed the fingerprints on the bullet and we only need confirmation if the gun has the same fingerprints on it."

Ythan quickly drove his way to the National Forensic Office but before he could even reach it, an unknown number called him.

"We have something that you are looking for. If you want to get it, you have to go to the address that we are going to text you. Go there alone, if not, we are going to destroy the evidence that you are looking for."

Before Ythan could even talk, the call ended. He called his partner and instructed him on what should be done.

Leo with the swat team went to the location of the caller while Ythan went back to Manalo's mansion.

He bravely enters the mansion even though he knows that there are many securities in the area. He fights almost five strong men without using any weapon, thanks to his judo class before. When he reached the balcony, he saw Harold holding the gun he was looking for.

That man was smiling while he played with the lighter and the gun. Counselor Manalo reprimanded his son for getting the gun to his men.

"Why did you get that? It was supposed to be dumped in the sea. Are you not even thinking? I bet my name and life to get it and here you are, not using your brain! Do you know how difficult it is to steal it? DO YOU?!"

Harold gazed at his father angrily.

"I DON'T NEED YOUR F*CKING HELP! NOW THAT I BECAME AN ARSONIST, YOU ARE GIVING ME YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION! SINCE I WAS A CHILD, YOU NEVER ASKED ME IF I AM FINE. YOU ARE TOO BUSY LOVING YOUR F*CKING MISTRESSES AND MONEY."

Counselor Manalo slaps Harold.

"Are you afraid that I will ruin your reputation? Aren't you ashamed of yourself too?"

Since Ythan knows that the conversation is getting intense, he gets his phone and records the scene.

"I have been in love with fire, Dad. It's so addictive that I can't help but to start a fire. The bigger it gets, the happier I become. I am sad that some people were hurt and died, but what can I do? They are within those big buildings which I love to see burning."

Counselor Manalo feels some fear towards his son.

"Hahaha, it is so ironic that the warmth that I have been searching for can be found in lighters, matches and gasoline. You can't give me that warmth so I find it somewhere else."

Ythan was seen by one the counselor's bodyguards. Ythan was shot in his shoulder and he slipped his phone from his hand. Harold and his father saw him. Harold hastily ran outside while he left his father crying. The counselor realizes that Harold became an arsonist because of him. Ythan picked up his phone and fought all the bodyguards. He manages to escape them and he quickly hopped in his car and followed Harold.

Harold stopped on the bridge and got out of his car. He smiled at Ythan as the detective walked towards him. Ythan was shocked when Harold gets something and pours it on his car. Harold lit the matches then suddenly an explosion happened.

Harold, the arsonist, is an underachiever. He generally has poor interpersonal relationships and is socially inadequate. He is also unemployed. It is discovered that it is not his first time to commit such a crime. He enjoys watching buildings being burned down. Later on, they discovered that Harold is suffering from pyromania. He has an impulse control disorder that is characterized by being unable to resist starting fires. People with pyromania know that setting fires is harmful, but setting fires is the only way they can relieve their built-up tension, anxiety, or arousal.

Ythan still can't believe that Harold burned himself into ashes. Leo called Ythan saying there was no one in the location he gave. Ythan told Leo everything. The media published articles about Harold. It was also broadcast on television and radio. When Counselor Manalo heard about it, he was rushed to the hospital due to shock. The family of the victims were compensated well by the Manalos. Counselor Manalo was sued due to stealing primary evidence and her wife sued him for his infidelity. He is also proven guilty of corruption and possession of illegal weapons.

Years have passed and Arya still misses her parents so much. She sleeps beside her parents' grave often. She even eats her meals beside them. She forgets to have a life after her parents' death until someone sends her an envelope with a note saying "YOUR PARENTS DIDN'T KILL ANYONE. THEY DIDN'T COMMIT SUICIDE. PLEASE BE CAREFUL." That note became her very reason to continue living.

She bravely went to the University to get her credentials. She accepted every single rude word against her and her parents. The sadness that she has been hiding was replaced by wrath and vengeance. She managed to get out of the University unscathed.

Lary became happy when he knew that Arya was already recovering and she was determined to enter the force. He decided to adopt Arya and give her the privilege to be trained well. Arya, being compared to an ox before, finally learns how to get up again after being hit over and over again. This time, she is more determined. She promised her Mom and Dad to give them justice and to bring back their good reputation.

Arya moved into General Lary's house carrying the memories of her late parents. Her personality changed because of her desire to avenge her only family. She became cold and silent. Although Lary adopted and treated her well, she's still cautious. It became hard for her to trust any person.

Lary was alone in his mansion for a very long time so he was so happy to live with Arya, his associate's only daughter. No one sees what's inside his home except Arya. Though Lary was a bit sad about how Arya treated him, still, he was grateful. He will do his best to give Arya a good life since he knows how agonizing it is to lose people whom you love dearly.

"Arya, tomorrow is your first day at work. If you need to know about something or if something is bothering you, don't hesitate to tell me. Are we clear on that?"

"Okay General Lary.", Arya answered him distantly.

"Let's get rid of the honorifics. Just call me Dad." Lary insisted as he drank his coffee on the couch.

"I'm sorry Lary but I am still not comfortable regarding that. Please respect my decision for now. If I am ready to call you that way, I will."

Arya quickly went up to her room to avoid the cold conversation she and Lary had. She still can't call him "DAD'' even though the papers for her adoption have been processed and completed. She still doesn't want to give up being an Oligario even though she is indebted to Lary. After she had prepared her things for her first day of work, she told Lary that she wanted to go out first to unwind. The General immediately agreed.

"Arya, don't stay up late. We are early tomorrow. Also, don't just talk to anyone. Take care."

"Thanks for the reminder Lary but no thanks. I can take care of myself."

Arya took a taxi. She first went to their old house before visiting his parents' grave.

"Mom, Dad, sorry it took me a long time to visit you here. I have been very busy with my training lately. I will also apologize right now because I will be busier starting tomorrow. Hopefully, you are happy wherever you are. I still have not forgotten my promise to you and to myself. I will not stop until I discover the truth about your case and the very reason why you have left me this early. Starting tomorrow, I will take my time to sort out all the questions in my head. And as you wish, I will become an exemplary Policeman."

She wipes away her tears as she walks away from her parents 'grave. She hires someone to clean and to replace the flowers before it withers. She no longer knows where to go next. She wanted to enjoy the last day of her freedom because starting tomorrow; the new chapter of her life will begin. It leaves her no choice but to be tough and to be fearless.

Lary orders Ythan to follow Arya wherever she goes and Ythan agrees with Lary's request.

Arya asks the waiter for Champagne. She just drank her wine while watching what the other people were doing. She wants to forget her obligations and enjoys her life as a woman even just for a night. Ythan secretly peeks at her from time to time. He wants to make sure that Arya will get home safe and dry. If something bad happens to the girl, his General will be mad and will make him accountable for it.

Ythan whispered, "I hope she goes home and will not stay here for too long. I also want to drink and to find a beautiful and sexy woman tonight. Why did I agree to Lary's request? Hay, in fact, this is not stated in my job description."

The detective couldn't resist the urge to drink wine even though he knew that he could get himself drunk and he could also ignore the orders of his General. He barely stood up in his seat when Arya suddenly disappeared from his sight. He became panicked as he started eyeing for Arya. He was surprised when he felt that someone was looking at him from behind.

"What are you doing here detective? Am I the one you seek?"

"Oh! Arya, it's nice to see you here!"

"Don't change the topic. Are you following me?"

"You're too confident to say that. What else am I going to do in this place? Of course, I am here to enjoy myself. Please Arya, don't ruin my night."

"I am not informed that you are just like your half-brother. Liar! I've noticed you since I left home. I just let you do your thing. So, why are you doing this? Care to share?"

"I never thought that you were that good. I followed you because I might get some clues regarding your parents' case. I still can't believe that they were able to kill nine policemen on their own. I am sure they have an accomplice. Did you discover something about it? I know that you have a heart to heart talk to them before they die. Maybe you also know the reason on why did they committed suicide?"

"You were right that they can't kill all those nine policemen because they have a conscience; but you were wrong in accusing them of being one of the killers. You were also right that I luckily got a chance to talk to them before they died; but they didn't commit suicide. I am sure that someone assassinated them."

"Arya, I know how painful it is to lose someone you loved, but you should learn how to accept the facts regarding their death."

"I am not surprised that you didn't believe me. Haul off and don't follow me again or else, you will see the blinding lights in a snap."

Ythan left Arya alone. He can't think of some way to mislead Arya. He was aware that the girl still doesn't trust Lary and he doesn't want Arya to become more distant to his General. After their argument, Arya drank even more. She is so pissed at the detective to the point that she wants to kill him.

"That f*cking bastard!"

"Are you okay, Miss? Why are you drinking all by yourself? Do you want me to join you?" an unfamiliar voice said.

"Get lost. I have no time to talk to strangers."

"You're mean. I am just being considerate. Look around you, people are enjoying and kissing everywhere. Aren't you jealous?"

"I said GET LOST. I DON'T NEED SOMEONE SO GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! FIND SOME BITCH WHO WILL ENJOY KISSING YOUR DIRTY ASS."

The man was about to slap Arya when Ythan stopped him.

"You should distance yourself from my girlfriend Dude. Hey Honey, are you okay?"

"What the f*ck are you doing Ythan? THERE IS NO US. Are you underestimating me? I CAN (Arya knocked the man down) PROTECT MYSELF. I don't need your help."

The man quickly picked himself up and ran away from the two. Ythan stared into Arya's eyes. It was beautiful but it was full of sorrow and wrath. Arya was about to leave the place and go home when she lost consciousness.

Morning came and Arya's head hurt. Lary knocked on his bedroom door to check if she was awake. Even though Lary was rich, he never hired helpers.

"Arya, it's time to eat. Are you awake?"

"Yes I am. You eat first. I will just take a shower before eating."

Arya hardly remembers what happened last night. She keeps on thinking about how she got home safely. While taking a bath, her eyes widened as she remembered that Ythan was with her that night before she lost consciousness. She rubs her body thoroughly thinking that something might have happened between the two of them due to drunkenness.

After she gets dressed, she hurries down to catch up with Lary.

"Why aren't you eating yet? Are you waiting for me to join you?"

"Well, I am going to lie if I have said no. Come, let's eat. I cooked your favorite binagoongan."

"How did you know about my favorite dish?"

"Your parents always tell me about you so I also know a lot about you. How was your day yesterday?"

"It was just like an ordinary day for me. As usual I am missing my parents. Anyway Lary, how did I get home last night?"

"Ythan called me to fetch you there. I was surprised that you went to a place like that. I mean, it's not your kind of thing.''

"Ah I see." Arya smiled after confirming that nothing happened between her and Ythan.

"So are you excited on your first day?"

"Yes Lary. Finally, I will be applying what I have learned in school and in my training."

They have left home. Arya is so excited to start catching wicked and immoral people.