"Cheers!" Glass mason jars made clinking sounds as the team stood up for the cheers. "Congrats!"

We were used to small celebrations, usually we'd just buy pasta and pizza from the cafeteria. It was a cheap deal, but gotta' say for 10 pesos per slice - the pizza was divine. But since we really lacked a proper celebration, and honorable Governor Alvarillo was generous - yeah, why the heck not celebrate in Shakeys.

"Ba't pala kayo nagpa-iwan kanina?" Jaira was seated across me, she was blowing on a piece of mojo as she asked.

"Had to make sure someone knows the game is done." I answered. And the eyes of those who heard my reply flew to me. "Hindi na ulit sila makakapag-play victim. And Ramos' crimes have been done justice."

Okay, you're probably thinking I was a very very bad bitch for sassing the hell out of the two a while ago. And an even badder bitch for happily chowing down this piece of chicken skin that I stole from King's plate while the two monkeys sulked.

Villains became villains for a reason.

I'm technically the hero of this story, but mind you not all heroes are all glowing halo and white feathers. Most heroes believe in a twisted saying..

The end justifies the means.

Hurt my pack, and the alpha bites back.
And that's exactly why this twisted bundle of white feathers decided to rain holy hell.

"Did she cry?" Arron was seated beside Jaira. He smiled when he noticed me struggling to strip the chicken off the bone.

Seriously, am I the only person who finds this hard? I swear if it wouldn't look like I'm some wild animal I'd just hold this chicken thigh with my bare hands and bite down.

"Oo, you bet she did!" Jack wiped his mouth with a piece of tissue. Queen and I were the ladies, but really, Jack was the most graceful bean in the pod. "Si Ace kasi eh, pagalitan n'yo nga nanay n'yo."

Nanay. I couldn't help but smile. The word meant mother in my native tongue. Arron and Jaira were just colleagues before, two kids who I love to bits because I love their wits and sass.

They used to be someone else's though. Janice Ramos loved to play the image of a mother.. Yes. Play. She never really took it seriously. Seeing as how she chose to abandon and set aside their feelings and opinions for her own selfish agendas.

"Captain.." It was one night that I received an unexpected call. My phone was always with me at home, I could easily pick up calls and respond to messages, plus I'm usually on the phone with King. But tonight a crying Jaira Aryen greeted me.

"Jai? Hello? Dear bakit ka umiiyak?" I almost toppled over from my swivel chair as panic struck me. "Dear ano nangyari?!"

"Masama ba na sinabi ko lang naman yung opinion ko?" She sobbed, trying to steady her voice. Oh God, Oh God. This kid has health issues and she is crying right now. God forbid I'd run to her house wearing pajamas. "Totoo naman kasi 'di ba? Hindi okay si Kuya Jemar. He's rude and I know that he flirts with a lot of girls in and out of the org."

"Oh heavens." I exhaled. I'm shit scared right now, I don't think I'll be able to live with myself if this kid hurts this way. "Bakit? Inaway ka ni Jemar? Nasaan yung unggoy na 'yon babanatan ko s'ya!"

"No, Captain." She sniffed a few times. It made me anxious like crazy since her sniffing brought such suspense. "Si nanay Jan po. Maski si Kuya Arron inaway n'ya."

Okay now that was just wow.

Jaira Aryen Jabson and Arron Rael Castillo were good kids. The former gets bullied almost everyday of her life, but she puts up a smile and goes on with her days like the strong girl that she is. The latter, oh don't get me started, this one needs to get hospitalized before you can make him stop doing group works, and even then he still finds ways to do research on his hospital bed.

Angels. I know, right?
The world needs more Jaijai and Arron.

"Ano, teka.. Paano? What did she say?" My free hand massaged my temples. Janice Ramos just up and left the Debate Team a few days ago, she said she's transferring to the Philosophy Guild because she has more interest in their topics.

Ugh. Lies.

She was of course, going to follow Jemar Felix. And funniest part, just today during dismissal I happened to stumble upon the college department's bulletin board for the orgs.

Janice L. Ramos - Senior Activity Management Committee for Philosopher's guild

Wow just wow.

"May gc kami sa messenger, a family gc." I remember her mentioning that group chat once before, it brought unpleasant thoughts already. "She added Kuya Jemar there. Ugh! Nakakainis ayaw ko s'ya tawagin na kuya!"

Oh this strong girl. She can still bite back even when she's crestfallen. Who the hell would hurt this girl? Let me at 'em!

"It's okay, sige lang, murahin mo kung gusto mo. I'd do it for you if you want." She laughed at me. Well I sounded like I was a gangster-dude trying to pick a fight with my tone. "Anyway, ano meron? Ini-add sa group chat, pero?"

"She asked us before she did that. Kung approve daw ba kami kay Jemar. Kuya Arron and I, and Samantha protested kasi parang ewan naman 'di ba, ando'n si Kuya Ervin sa group chat tapo ia-add din si Jemar?"

Oh.. Ervin Fuente. That kid was good too, family oriented and knows his priorities well.

It became quite a big issue since Janice pretty much went into "depression" (note my air quotes, 'coz really kids today have me riled up with their fake depression) when they split. And now Ervin wants to win her back, and I ain't sure since I pretty much don't care, but to see is to believe, and I saw her entertaining Ervin, still.

"I agree. Ang unfair kay Ervin no'n." I sighed. I really feel bad for Ervin. But if Janice can't woman up, then Ervin deserves better "Have you guys tried to talk to him, at least?"

"Opo. MJ and I tried to talk to him to comfort him." The sadness was dripping from her voice. "Hindi ko maintindihan decision ni nanay Jan. I want to believe in her na totoong okay si Jemar, pero hanggang ngayon nakikita ko na he's flirting with some seniors eh, mga officers ng mga orgs gano'n."

That one text message kept flashing through my eyes.. The one where he admitted shamelessly that he wants to become part of the Student Board.

"We just told her na sana isipin n'ya naman si Kuya Ervin. Na personally ayaw namin sa choice n'ya. Then bigla s'ya nagsend ng message sa gc, kesyo daw wala daw s'yang kwenta at walang karapatan lumigaya kaya aalis na lang s'ya." she continued.

"You've been through a lot, dear." As much as I'd love to burn Janice for being such a drama queen, my bigger concern is Jai's well being. "Baka naman magiging ayos pa? She probably just has too many issues."

"Madami talaga, Captain. Pero para sa'kin 'di enough reason 'yon for her to treat us like we treated her badly." And she was more than right at that.

Never ever. That's when it will be a good reason to hurt the people you love just because you're hurt too. Never ever is it okay to hurt someone who wants the best for you. And never ever is it okay to be a masochist and justify a person's bad behavior towards you. You deserve more than that.

Jai breathed in and out, and I waited patiently for her to continue (honestly though, I've been pacing my room for the entire conversation, can't say I'm calm. He he). "Pansinin mo po, she rarely even attends meetings na, plus parati n'ya kami sinusungitan 'pag nagpaparamdam kami na ayaw namin sa mga ginagawa n'ya."

And she's right again.

Sure, she's not a gifted debater and all, but even most of the newbs or the free loaders still attend org meetings. But this one? Mind you, she knows how badly I burn disobedient members, yet she blatantly skips meetings.

"Captain!" Trish was panting when she caught up to me, she looked like she ran for dear life.

"Oh, Trish ano may marathon ba?" Jack raised an eyebrow at her. Well, as I said, he's graceful and acts princely, seriously Queen and I get an earful from him when we act unladylike.

Trish shook her hear frantically. "May away sa Bonifacio Hall, sila Reginald at Peter po kasama!"

Okay, my turn to run like crazy.

These kids wouldn't come running to me for no apparent reason at all. The fact that Trish came to me instead of any guy or senior or whoever just to stop the fight means..

"Ace! Hay Diyos Mio, may lahi talagang kabayo!!!" Queen screeched but tried to catch up to me anyway. Jack and King's fast strides resonated with her shoes' clicking on the tiled floor.

"Bawiin mo yung sinabi mo!!!" And a punch flew to the face of a freshman Hospitality and Management student. Peter was heaving breaths, his face red and clothes were a mess.

"Ang sabi ko, nananalo lang naman ang debate team n'yo dahil malakas mang-uto mga officers n'yo, lalo na si Archa-" before he could finish I stepped inside the circle that served as their boxing ring, students who love wasting time served as the walls or boundaries of the fighters.

"Really now." My voice drowned every other sound. "I wonder how the school's admin would feel if they hear someone yapping about their decisions being biased."

"Mas maniniwala ako kay Janice kay'sa sa'yo! Kaya s'ya umalis kasi inaapi n'yo yung mga m'yembro n'yo!" he spat on the floor "Itong mga gunggong na 'to?" He pointed to Regi and Peter "Uto uto lang sila kasi magaling ka magpa-ikot!"

"Manahimik ka!" Reginald landed a high kick to the dude's shoulder. God, if that connected with the neck that would HURT.

The boy collapsed but tried to stand again. That was when I noticed there were 7 others within the circle aside from me, Reginald and Peter.

Oh crap. Today is freaking uniform day. I freaking have bad luck.

"Walang joe.. Walo kayo?!! Pinagtutulungan n'yo 'tong dalawang payatot tapos walo kayo?!!" I eyed the taller dudes that protectively placed themselves in front of the big mouthed one. "Aba talaga namang." I shook my head. Slowly shrugging off my coat.

"H-hindi kami papatol sa babae!" The shortest one yelled. Seriously, it's been so noisy but where the hell are the professors? Janitors? Hall ghosts?

"Yeah yeah, tell yourself whatever you want to make yourself feel better." I passed my jacket to King who was nearest to me. I folded the sleeves of my inner polo and silently prayed that I don't ruin it. Holy freaking cow knows I suck at sewing. "Tapos n'yong banatan 'tong dalawa, nahiya pa kayong sa babae pumatol? Fvck your reasons."

A slick image moved in my peripheral vision.

And God, I thank You for fast reflexes, or Peter might be drenched in blood now.

"Talagang wala kayong hiya.." I tightened my grip around the wrist of an extra dude. He wasn't part of the head count, but looks like he's part of the gang. I glared at the balisong in his hand. "Do you know what I can do to all of you right now?" 

The area fell silent. They waited for whatever would come next.

I twisted the boy's hand and he yelped in pain, dropping the balisong. I caught it flat on my palm before it fell to the ground.

Let's see how you fare with threats.

As best as I could in two inch wedge heels and a freaking pencil skirt, I leaped towards the guy in the middle of their protective circle.

"Fvck!" He screamed and held the area above his left ear. He checked for blood but only found hair in his palms.

Their whole gang paled.

"Kung mangga-gago kayo, please know the whole story. I'd happily talk it out, even apologize if I wronged anyone. Pero kung guguluhin n'yo ang mga nananahimik para mag-incite ng away, buong tenga n'yo na ang tatabasin ko sa susunod."

I threw the balisong at their feet and they scrambled as if I threw a snake. Before the owner of the knife could run, I grabbed the collar of his coat.

"Tell me. Do you know the whole story?" I whispered in his ear and he shivered when the skin of my fingers touched the small hairs on his neck. "Alam mo ba na bawal magdala ng balisong or any dangerous weapons at school?"

"Walang patunay na akin 'yan! Masyadong duwag ang mga tao dito para magsumbong at mag kwento!" He tried to keep his voice steady despite his shivering.

Jack picked up the knife and handed it to the dude. "Mas may napala ka pa siguro kung ibinato mo na lang 'to." Oh gods of the cute puppies on earth, is he giving free advice? Dude was too lazy to at least help me intimidate the losers by flexing his knuckles or anything, and now he gives free advice? Ugh, thanks a lot Jack.

I rolled my eyes at them, and something blinking caught my eyes.

Oh~! Well this better teach them a lesson.

I dragged the dude outside the circle, the crowd tried to follow. "Bitawan mo 'ko!"

Yeah go on, lash out. Just move the way your stupid mind tells you to.

"Ouch-!" I dropped his arm and clutched my own.

Bingo.

"Oh shit! Ace!!" King ran fast and Jack quickly disarmed the dude again. Queen followed King towards me, she was fumbling on her pockets, probably to find a handkerchief.

"Baliw ka ba?! Eh kung nasaksak ka at hindi hiwa lang, ha?! You knew he held the knife for fvcks sake Azenith Lawrene!" King didn't miss a beat. He grabbed my bleeding arm gently and took the handkerchief from Queen.

"What the hell is the point of bleeding?" Okay sis, serious mis-choice of words there.

I smiled at them, careful not to smile too widely or the onlookers might notice. I pointed a finger subtly towards the direction of the ceiling near the corner.

"Fvck you, Archangel." Yeap that's King's way of saying I'm awesome.

"You sly evil angel you-"

"Shhhh!" I shushed them, looking at the crowd "They hurt Regi and Peter. The least I could do is send one of the bastards to the President's office."

Speaking of which... Oh holy Maltesers

I wadded through the crowd to find the two. I relaxed when I saw them leaning on the wall, with Jack beside them.

"Ew." I wrinkled my nose "You guys look... ugly." Okay, another episode of wrong choice of words.

They only laughed at me though, slightly wincing from the pain, but they laughed.

"Sinubukan namin maging astig like you, idol. Kaso mahirap pala." Peter jested. "Nasugatan ka.." He noticed the handkerchief tied over my arm and my now torn polo. Great. One less polo. (*rolls eyes*)

"Ate Ace." Regi's face was swollen, he must have taken a punch. "Nakita namin si Janice na kasama yung mga 'yon. Narinig namin na pinag-uusapan nila yung tungkol sa org natin." If it were possible, I think I saw his jaw clench tightly. "Pero nung marinig namin na binabastos ka nila sinundan na namin, at umabot kami dito."

Nope. I am not going to cry.

Nope. Not at all.

You bet I'm not gonna' cry.

"Hala! Gago napaiyak mo si Ate Ace!" Peter got too hyped and shoved Regi "Pre! Ano na, oh shit. Kuya Jack, Ate Queen, Kuya King, kita n'yo naman 'di ba? S'ya nagpaiyak!"

I sniffed and laughed.

Yeah I must look crazy right now.

I've been a very harsh captain to my org mates. I believed in discipline. I knew they hated my guts, but this is...

I extended a fisted hand towards them. "You two are good kids." I sniffled some more. They looked at my hand as if it were gold. Eventually extending their own fisted hand and bumping it with mine.

I don't care if people see or dub me as a villain. Yeah sure, I don't play fair when I'm mad. But really, the only thing that angers me is when bird brains think hurting others and taking advantage over the weak is okay.

"Oh." I was snapped back into the present when King called my intention. His pouting lips gestured to my plate, and I immediately grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"Ipinaghimay ako ng chicken!" My eyes might be sparkling right now.

King may be lazy, but he spoils me a lot. Aaand he knows I won't be able to finish the chicken if he doesn't strip it from the bone for me.

Everyone laughed at my reaction. Jack stood up and put a piece of meatball on my plate. Queen put a slice of pizza on my plate as well.

"Hala!" I put my palms on my cheeks.

No, I am not getting flustered.
Sinabing 'di ako kinikilig eh!

"Ang cute!" Jaira looked at the screen of her phone. She turned it to us, and a picture of me trying to hide the blush in my cheeks by covering them with my palms while the three were smiling at me made us all smile.

"Send mo sa'kin 'yan!" Queen looked so happy "Ipapa-print ko 'yan!"

I may be a villain in someone else's story, but so long as I can keep these smiling faces, I'll forever feel like a hero.

"Oh dito naman, pa-picture tayo!" Coach called our attention and everyone from the side of the table came over to our side.

"Congrats idol!" Regi greeted.
"Hays, ang cute mo 'pag kinikilig Ate Ace." Peter, as usual with his cheesiness.

"Tingin po lahat." A Shakey's crew member held coach's phone "1..2.."

"Cheese!!!!!!"