1 CHAPTER 1: From Darkness to Dawn
With nimble steps and fearless leaps, I navigate the desolate rooftops, evading the relentless pursuit of the police. I am Hanz, an 11-year-old orphan, and this is my life in Tondo.
This heart-pounding chase has become a way of life in the Philippines, a life I've known since the tender age of three when I was left at the doorstep of an orphanage. Little did I know that this seemingly safe haven was controlled by a sinister syndicate, molding us orphans into a ruthless force proficient in the arts of deception, thievery, combat, and espionage.
Within this harsh world, I emerged as a prodigy among my peers. I possessed unmatched skills—I could hold my ground in a fight, I was swift as the wind, and my loyalty made me the most reliable spy in our ranks. Now, at the age of eleven, I find myself standing at the precipice of change. When I turn twelve, they will remove me from these menial tasks and thrust me into a new role—becoming the personal bodyguard of our enigmatic founder.
But before that transition, I have one final mission, one that will push my abilities to their limits. I am tasked with the assassination of a man known as "Ashong" Nicarsio Rodriguez Salonca, a formidable gang leader reigning over the treacherous streets of Tondo, Manila. His gang is blocking the way of our organization, and he must be eliminated.
The night is upon us, and Ashong lies dormant, unaware of the impending danger lurking in his room. I move like a whisper, my blade poised for the kill. Just as I'm about to strike, the silence is shattered by an earth-shattering bang. Pain engulfs me as a bullet tears through my chest, a searing reminder that danger is never far behind. Darkness creeps in at the edges of my vision, and an icy chill sweeps over me. Is this the end of my journey?
"Hahaha! Do you really think that an amateur assassin can kill me?" Ashong's villainous laugh echoes through the room.
Yet, even in the face of imminent death, a sliver of hope emerges. I find myself whisked away in a speeding car, my battered body fighting to hold on to life. Time becomes a blur, and eventually, the vehicle screeches to a halt. I am yanked from the confines of the car and cast into an abyss—plunging into the unknown depths, tied by the ropes that restrict my every movement. Is this where my story meets its final chapter, swallowed by the unforgiving embrace of a river or the vast expanse of the sea?
(Dogs barking, the sound of roosters crowing, and the vibrant hues of morning wake me from my slumber.)
Where am I?
As I slowly open my eyes, I find myself lying in an old house with a traditional, native ceiling. Aches radiate through my body, evidence of the trials I have faced. The air is filled with a refreshing scent, invigorating my senses.
(My stomach growls, a reminder of my hunger.)
"I'm hungry," I mutter to myself.
"Ah, you're awake, son," a voice calls out from a distance.
I turn my head and see an elderly man approaching. He introduces himself as Leon, the one who rescued me from the river.
"I saw you nearly drowning," Leon explains with a warm smile. "I brought you here."
In his hands, he holds a bowl of steaming soup and a plate of rice, a humble breakfast offering.
"Here is your breakfast," Leon says kindly. "You've been lying in bed for two days. It's better to have
something in your stomach, I guess."
Grateful for his kindness, I eagerly accept the meal and begin to eat. With each bite, warmth spreads through my body, nourishing not only my physical hunger but also my weary soul.
After finishing my breakfast, I gaze out the window. The gentle breeze dances through the air, carrying with it a sense of tranquility. The view before me paints a picture of serenity, and for the first time in a long while, I feel a flicker of hope ignite within me. Tears well up in my eyes, a mixture of emotions released in a single drop.
"This is the beginning," I whisper to myself.
"The world may perceive me as a lost soul, but I know the truth—I am a survivor, no longer an orphan. With unwavering determination, I will forge my own path, defying expectations and embracing the limitless potential that resides within me."
As my tear-stained face transforms into a resolute expression, I understand that this is not where my journey ends; it is where my true odyssey begins.
