Chapter 3 I’m Dying

Chapter 3 I’m Dying

It was the first day of our training, 040120200800H or April 1, 2020 8:00 AM. We assembled at the grandstand. Those who did not have the required haircut were told to go look for a barbershop. Everything seems to be a serious matter though it is an April Fool’s Day.

I received the text and email for the preparation for training. ”Mom, we are told to bring these things. Help me prepare for these.” “Sure.” My mom gave me the money to buy for the other things. She even accompanied me to the department store to buy for the black shorts, maong pants, white t-shirts and we even bought a new rubber shoes.

We are all emailed and texted to bring the items needed and the things needed to be done but some did not obey. We photocopied our registration forms where our class schedules and other pertinent details are stated. We brought our lunch. We wore the proper attire for our training and brought the necessary items needed for the training. I came prepared. I have said my prayers. I hoped that I will make it.

One week has passed after the enrollment and I memorized barely all the dumbguard knowledges. We were asked to memorize 20 short and long poems and also responses to questions. The title of the poems were Desiderata, Don’t Quit, What time is it?, How is the weather?, Who is your girlfriend?, Soldier’s Prayer, Military Professionalism, Loyalty and a lot more.

We know we are built for this. The corps has a motto, “Only the best fits to see the dawn.”

We are 100 all in all. It was said that look to your left and look to your right, only one of you will survive. Our graduation will be based on attendance, recitation, merits and demerits, intellectual capacity and emotional stability.

First, we have our prayer. The physical test was discussed. Then, there is the dreaded 1 mile run. We can pass it anytime during the one month training. The required time to pass it is 6 minutes. The standing record is 3 minutes. Then, there are the 50 push ups, 40 sit ups, 5 pull ups, 100 side steps, 100 side way jumps, … We have to pass 95 percent of them.

We started with a jog. The pace was not that fast. then, it became faster and faster. “Can you keep up, dumbguards?”, said by Officer Henry Alimorong. Some were not able to keep up. I am one of those. My heart is pumping fast. It is only fifth round around the field. “Can you still keep up?”, asked by Juarde Demetrio, a fellow trainee. “I think I will collapse.”, I said. “You will make it.”, said by Dan Joaquin, a third class officer, “Look up.”

Twenty of the trainees did not finish the required 20 rounds of jogging and running. I only manage to make 6 laps. I was terrible. “Where am I?”, I asked. “So, you are awake. Do you remember what happened?”, asked the nurse, “Drink this.” Immediately, I felt stronger. I also became wiser. It seems that I can recall the past easier.

“What is this that you gave me?”, I asked. “It is a rejuvenating potion.”, said by the nurse. It is the juice of a fruit from a mystical tree Omoron. Then, the nurse disappeared. I told my mom about the story but did not believe me. The doctor said, “Buko juice was given. Good for revitalizing people.”

I was texted, “You can quit the said program if you wish so.” It was a new number. I texted back, “I will not.” “Who is this?” “I forget to mention my name for I thought it would be not relevant.”, “I am officer Eileen Solis.”, she replied. “You only manage to get 6 laps, that was the worst record. Could you finish the entire training?”, she messaged. “I was not that well that time but this time it would be different.”, I responded. I am an average runner. “The training is not for average people. It will be tough.”, she said. “If you want to discuss anything, please feel free to contact me. “Thank you.”, I messaged. “You are welcome.”, She replied.

The following day, “Good morning dumbguards!”, said by officer Alimorong. “Sir, good morning po sir!”, we replied. “Don’t speak in vernacular!”, he said. “Good morning dumbguards!” “Sir, good morning sir!”, we replied. “Who told you to sound off?”, he said. “Sir, permission to sound off sir!” “No!”, he said. Then, we are silent. “Bakit di kayo persistent?”, he said. “Sir, permission to sound off sir!” “Sound off!”, he said. “Sir, good morning sir!”, we said. “Louder”, he said. “Sir, good morning sir!”, we said in a louder voice. “Who told you to sound off?”, he said.

Then, we went to the daily routine: prayer, followed by the physical exercises. I can feel that I am flying. My feet seem lightweight. The potion gave miracles. I am not dying anymore. I can run faster and longer. Running is no problem anymore. There is no pressure anymore. If this continues, I will pass the training.

After the run, I was called to go to the commandant’s office and answer the phone. “You’re father was shot. Come to the hospital immediately.”, my mother Marina said. I was in tears. I need to get hold on myself. I can’t believe what happened. My father is a role model. He is the barangay captain of our barangay. He has no enemies.

“Please call on the family.”, said the doctor to the nurse. “We have done our best but we cannot save Jose.” “He received 5 shots and one shot was in the head directly passing to the brain and that killed him.”

A motorcycle was caught in the camera then it vanished. The suspects were unknown. Have they teleported? The riders wear a devils logo shirt. That is our only lead. Little that we know, they are part of Demonia. Demonia is a secret evil society according to our lead. “Don’t mess with them, they will take your soul.”, said by Detective Khan. Detective Khan is part of the spy association.

“How can we deal and meet with them?”, I said. “You are still too young.”, Khan said. “Do you believe my story?”