Chapter 2: "New School, Who Dis? (Transfer Orders Received)

Nighttime. My house. And I'm stuck in a battle royale!

Phylis sips her tea, looking like a queen of sass, while Sylvia glares at her like she's an arch-nemesis. "This tea is lovely..." Phylis says, and Sylvia's face turns beet red with rage!

Sylvia plops down, face-to-face with Phylis, like they're about to engage in a staredown battle royale! Mom's the referee, trying to keep the peace. "So, what did Natalie talk to you about?" she asks Phylis.

Phylis smirks mischievously. "You're the one who hooked me up with this job, but the real tea is... the drama between my sister and Sylvia! And Nat has no idea... yet!”

Phylis continues, "If Nat finds out, she'll go nuclear and blast off here ASAP! I heard from Dad that Nat sees you as a rival, Sylvia, but also trusts you with Alex's life... weirdly enough!”

This is getting out of hand! My mind's racing for a flight ticket to MCKK... or a panic room!

"Umm, I think I'll just go hide in my room now…"

But before I can escape, both Sylvia and Phylis shout, "Alex, sit down!" in unison, like they're trying to trap me in this drama fest!

"Now I'm stuck in the middle of their drama, and it's about to get intense.

"So, Sylvia, what do you see in Alex?" Phylis asked, pointing at me while Sylvia looked at her seriously.

"Because... he recognized me not just as a student, but as a friend," Sylvia said, blushing at me. "I had a hard life due to my biological mother's reputation, and my dad couldn't do anything because he was also trapped. Alex freed me from it, and he's my type anyway.” Just great, Sylvia, make it worse!

Phylis raises an eyebrow. "Interesting... no wonder Puan Mas adores you... and wants you as Alex's future wife!"

Sylvia's eyes widen in shock. "How did you know?!”

Phylis continued, "My mom spilled the tea... she and Puan Mas were gossiping like they're betting on a love match. Am I just a pawn in their game?! Ugh, this is getting messy!"

Sylvia grabs my arm, her eyes blazing with determination. "Alex is mine, I tell you! I love him, not just as a friend, but... more!"

Phylis replied, "That's exactly what I see in my little sister's face - she thinks she's the only one Alex likes, but now... it's getting interesting!" Alarm bells rang in my mind, warning me to avoid this situation.

"Ugh, Mom's making it worse! She says to them, "Phylis, to be frank, I love Nat because she understands me and Alex, and she accepts him for who he is. But when Alex met Sylvia, I was shocked to see someone similar to Nat - lovely and charming!”

Phylis bursts into laughter. "Oh boy, you've got it rough! Anyway, Puan Mas, Mom agrees that both girls need to experience more, and there's plenty of time for them to decide what to do.”

Mom nods in agreement, but I'm thinking, "What about me? Don't I have a say in my own life?”

Phylis continues, "Sylvia, nice to meet you! I already like you - you've got the same vibe as Nat, but without the clumsiness. My little sister's a klutz compared to you!”

Sylvia's somehow managed to ally herself with Phylis and Mom, and I'm left feeling like I'm in a nightmare!

“Then at least I want to know more about Natalie then…” I could see in Sylvia’s face with high anticipation and my instinch say that I should run away.

“Well then, maybe I could hang around here for a while…” Phylis is started to get even worst now, I remember when the time when I was living with Natalie when I was 12 years old she is the type that always teasing and trying to test Natalie’s mental wellbeing,

“Hey Nat, since Alex here why don’t you take his virginity then?” That is what usually Phylis is like making sure Nat is going crazy, I started to understand why Nat is usually wary with her.

I had enough for tonight since I’m leaving soon to MCKK, mom said to me

“Pack yourself okay, since Slyvia and Phylis is having a girl time together tonight….” I wonder Hana is going to take this soon because I didn’t see her for a while. When I head down to my room only to see Hana and Steward is having a study session together. At least they are doing what a student suppose to be.

“Hey Big brother…? She looked familiar, isn’t that big sis Phylis?” That is something

“uh…is my big Sister Sylvia is still talking to her…” Steward seems hiding something from me so I ask him

“Do you anything that I miss?” I asked him and he replied to me

“Well, one thing for sure is that big sis is the type that wanted to find out her rival or interest before engaging them…” so what about me when we meet for the first time, that is what I’m started to question that from Steward.

“So…what about the others then?” I ask Steward again

“umm…especially big brother she did…a lot of digging before taking it deeper…” what is that suppose to mean and I had enough of this bullshit and I head out from the house taking a fresh air to avoid all of this stupidity.

As I stepped outside for a smoke, my phone buzzed with an unexpected call from Soro.

His cryptic message sent a shiver down my spine: "Rally up, usual spot.”

I mounted my bike and headed to the army base, my mind racing with possibilities. Upon arrival, I found Soro, Maya, and Maruk waiting. Something was brewing.

Maruk dropped a bombshell: "Maya's got the green light for the school op. She's going in tomorrow." My eyes widened in surprise.

But before I could process, I revealed my own news: "I've been assigned to the International Student Exchange in MCKK, Perak. Cultural exchange and intel gathering. Briefing tomorrow.”

Soro's expression turned grave: "Coincidence, Maya's on family detail in KK, while we'll be in KL. You'll be at MCKK, and we'll keep you posted. Training is omnipresent, stay alert."

My instincts screamed that something was off. "That's strange, don't you think?" I asked Soro, who exchanged a knowing glance with Maruk.

Maruk's next words floored me: "Remember the files you took? The scientist is dead. But we managed to extract info, including a chilling warning: the Brotherhood is going dark, targeting Vatican members. Incidents in Italy, France, and England have already occurred.”

As Maruk spoke, Mr. Habeeb emerged from the shadows, his presence ominous. A sinister plot was unfolding, and I was now entangled in its web.

Mr. Habeeb's briefing was laced with urgency. "We risked everything to capture the intel, but our own base was breached by a clone unlike any we've faced!”

A photo materialized, showing a hauntingly familiar face - Frederica's doppelganger. Suddenly, a blinding flash and deafening ringing assaulted my senses, and I crashed to my knees. Visions of our last Kudat adventure flooded my mind.

A whisper echoed in my head, "We shall meet again, sister..." I didn't realize I'd fainted until I saw Soro and Maya's worried faces, surrounded by Mr. Maruk and Mr. Habeeb.

Mr. Maruk's voice was laced with concern. "Is this headache a recurring nightmare?" I muttered, still disoriented, "It's Lilith... definitely…"

Maruk pressed on, "Shall we continue?" But I requested a detour, leaving them perplexed.

Mr. Habeeb's eyes narrowed. "What's going on?" I revealed, "I need to revisit the Kudat facility, where we encountered the Brotherhood and Borneo Foundations' emblem. Something's hidden there, waiting to be unearthed…"

A Russian Mil-17 helicopter descended upon the army base, its black hull unmarked and ominous. Mr. Habeeb dropped a bombshell: "That facility was meant to be reduced to ashes. Its existence is a mystery... let's uncover the truth.”

I recounted our previous confrontation with the clones, and Mr. Habeeb's expression turned grave. "This time, be prepared for the unthinkable... you know what I mean.”

Soro's voice was firm. "You must confront your demons." But I trembled, still haunted by visions of blood. "I'm ready, but I still can't face it alone... you and Maya can, but I..." My hand shook, unable to shake off the terror.

We boarded the helicopter, joined by Maruk's elite team. The aircraft lifted off, carrying us into the unknown. Inside, Mr. Habeeb, Soro, Maya, Maruk, Spectre, and I formed a formidable squad.

Soro briefed Mr. Habeeb on our LA encounter, where we fought to save Damien. "The clones are military-trained, and there may be facilities worldwide producing them. My count is 200, with Maya taking down 50.”

Mr. Habeeb's eyes widened. "This is insane... what's their plan?”

Soro revealed, "Detective Tracy uncovered CIA and US black ops involvement. They're using the clones too.”

Mr. Habeeb called Tracy, putting him on speakerphone. "Tracy, any updates?”

Tracy's voice crackled through the line. "Alex's info is spot on. We're raiding the office with Kaia's help. The Brotherhood has infiltrated the US government…"

Mr. Habeeb exclaimed, "That explains everything! We're heading to the facility Alex stumbled upon!”

Tracy warned, "Good luck, and tell Alex to avoid taking lives.”

Soro retorted, "That would make him sloppy.”

Mr. Habeeb made another call. "Faruq, we need extraction and transport to Banggi island, now!”

As we approached the island, missile warnings blared, and Maruk called in reinforcements. "Bomb it!”

The island erupted into chaos, becoming a warzone. Mr. Habeeb was stunned. "Maruk, you brought an army... you're well-prepared... I'm scared just seeing this."

Maruk explained, "Soro's intel indicated sudden activity on the island, like someone activated it.”

I geared up in military attire, armed with an AK47 and pistol. Soro said, "No stealth here, just a battlefield." His words echoed in my mind as we descended into the fray.

Maruk's voice crackled through the comms, "Prepare for a hot landing zone! Jump out and head to the Forward Operating Base on the beach, now!”

I nodded, and Mr. Habeeb, already geared up in military attire, gave me a stern look. "Son, stay strong and focused!”

The helicopter banked hard, and we leapt out into the night air, bullets whizzing past us. The beach was ablaze, explosions rocking the ground as we sprinted away from the chopper, which was scorching from RPG fire.

"Go, go, go!" Soro yelled, as he and Maya dragged me toward the FOB. "Follow us, we need to move!”

As we approached the facility, the clones closed in, armed to the teeth. Maya took down multiple targets with ease, her movements swift and deadly, while Soro dispatched others with precision.

"We're heading to the front," Soro shouted above the din of battle. "Stay sharp, we don't know what's inside!”

I struggled to keep up, my heart racing with every step. What had I gotten myself into? Mr. Habeeb's words echoed in my mind: "Be strong." But could I handle this?

We burst through the entrance, guns blazing, as clones poured in from every direction like a tidal wave. I knew the layout, but everything had changed. The once-dormant halls now pulsed with activity, like a beast awakened.

Soro and Maya took point, mowing down clones with precision, their movements a deadly dance. Maya, despite her tender age of 7, fought with a skill that belied her years, her tiny frame weaving between the enemy with ease. I followed close behind, my heart racing with every step, taking down clones with precise shots, aiming for limbs, leaving Soro and Maya to deliver the finishing blows.

"Still sloppy..." Soro teased, his voice low and gravelly, as he took down a clone with a swift kick.

"Shut up..." I replied, my eyes locked on the battle ahead.

We pushed deeper, the air thick with the smell of smoke and ozone, the sound of gunfire and screams echoing off the walls. I had never killed any clones before, only Soro and Maya had, but I knew I had to be ready.

As we turned a corner, the production chamber came into view, rows of bacta tanks lining the walls like a gruesome gallery, each containing a clone in various stages of development. My stomach churned at the sight, memories of my last encounter flooding back.

"Welcome to the birthplace of the clones," Soro said, his voice dripping with malice. "Is this the last place you were last year, right?”

"Yeah... seems to be its been upgraded..." I replied, my eyes scanning the room.

Maya's eyes widened as she took in the sight. "So many…"

I felt a shiver run down my spine. This was where it all began. The clones, the experiments, the horrors. That almost killed me, that clone, even though I did kill it before. Sylvia... my friend was hurt in the process.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, a woman with piercing blue eyes and long, flowing red hair, her presence commanding attention.

"Ah, you…,” she said, her voice dripping with malice. "I've been waiting for you."

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest, my gun trained on her. Who was she? And what did she want with me?

"Interesting, are you a clone as well?" Soro asked, his gun trained on her with precision.

Maya poised beside him, her twin kukri knives at the ready, their blades glinting in the sunlight.

"Seems to be... but don't forget that boy over there," the clone said, her gaze flicking towards me with an unnerving intensity. "He smells familiar... as if he is also one of us..."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as her words hung in the air. What did she mean? Was I somehow connected to these clones?

"Any changes in the body?" she continued, her eyes narrowing. "Like superhuman strength, agility, or the ability to sense danger before it happens?”

I shook my head, incredulous. Did I look like a superhero to her?

"Why are you waiting for me?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

The clone's smile grew wider. "Don't know, but I want to find out…"

Before she could say more, Maruk's men, including Mr. Faruq, burst onto the scene, guns drawn.

"Police! Hands up!" they shouted, surrounding the clone.

But she was too quick. With a swift movement, she drew her own gun and fired, sending the officers diving for cover.

I chased after the clone, my feet pounding the jungle earth as I pursued her through the dense foliage. The only sound was the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath our feet. The moon cast eerie shadows on the ground, making it seem like the jungle itself was moving.

Finally, we burst onto the beach, the darkness of the night sky contrasting with the faint glow of the waves. She sprinted towards a boat, leaping aboard with ease. I followed, my heart racing with every step.

The boat roared to life, and she sped away, leaving me to give chase. I see another boat and manage to after her, I gained on the boat. But she was too quick, and soon she reached the submarine, its sleek body rising from the waves like a ghostly apparition.

As I approached, she turned, gun in hand. "We'll meet again...sister..." she said, her voice carrying across the water.

Then, she fired.

I felt a searing pain as the bullet struck me, and I fell backwards into the sea. The water rushed over me, and I sank beneath the surface.

But I wasn't alone. Soro plunged into the waves, grabbing me and hauling me back to the surface. I coughed up water, my vision blurry.

"Alex, hang on!" Soro shouted, his voice distant.

I nodded, my head spinning. The clone's words echoed in my mind... "sister"... what did she mean?

Soro's voice broke through my thoughts. "That was dangerous...what happened...what's this 'sister' business all about?" He'd overheard my muttering.

I nodded sheepishly. "Yeah...sorry about it.”

Soro teased me again, "Still sloppy, though." I couldn't deny it - that was a reckless move.

Back at the facility, the scene was chaotic. Dead clones littered the ground, and Mr. Habeeb rushed towards me, concern etched on his face. "You're hurt! Get the medic!"

The paramedic took me in, and soon Mr. Habeeb, Mr. Faruq, and Mr. Maruk gathered around me.

Mr. Faruq lectured, "That was reckless. You could have gotten yourself killed.”

Mr. Maruk nodded in agreement. "It seems like that person knows you, Alex.”

I nodded, still trying to make sense of it all. "Yeah, that's what I want to find out. But she called me 'sister'...I'm confused." The mention of "sister" brought back memories of my mom's explanation about Frederica's donation.

Mr. Faruq's expression turned serious. "We need to keep this confidential. Not even my son or daughter-in-law can know.”

I nodded in agreement. "I understand.”

Once everything was settled, I ventured into the facility, determined to uncover its secrets. That's when I stumbled upon a hidden door, which led me to a shocking discovery - a picture of Frederica.

"Frederica...no...it can't be...she...so it's true..." I felt tears and anger welling up inside me. I needed answers from my mom.

Mr. Faruq's eyes widened in surprise, but Mr. Habeeb seemed unsurprised.

"Because, according to medical records, you were already dead when you arrived at KK hospital," Mr. Habeeb revealed. "I was there, looking after your family. But your mom wasn't convinced, and she did the unthinkable…"

His words trailed off, but I knew I had to be strong. I had to uncover the truth about my past.

"Be strong, remember...this past of yours..." Mr. Habeeb's words echoed in my mind as I struggled to come to terms with the revelation.

As I stood there, my heart heavy with the weight of my secrets, I couldn't shake the feeling that something dark was stirring within me. It was a presence that even my inner voice, the voice of Frederica, dared not confront.

After being patched up, we returned to base, leaving Maruk and Mr. Faruq to oversee the facility. Mr. Habeeb's expression turned grave as he addressed me.

"Listen, son... this time, and only this time, you're the only one who can see this through. Don't drag your friends and family into this. You must face this alone... even if it means embracing the darkness within. But pray to Allah that will guide you through this ordeal.”

My heart swelled, and tears flowed once more as the memory of that haunting picture resurfaced. I felt like a monster, unworthy of redemption.

Mr. Habeeb's grip on my arm tightened, his eyes filled with a deep understanding. "Be strong, okay? You're not a monster. There's a reason you exist, a purpose that only you can fulfill.”

His words offered a glimmer of hope, but the darkness within me continued to stir, threatening to consume me whole. I knew then that I stood at a crossroads, with only two paths to choose from: embrace the light, or succumb to the darkness.

As I returned home, I knew I was late. I quietly hid the bike in the garage, only to find Phylis waiting for me. Sylvia was there too, and I couldn't help but wonder why they were both up so late.

"Seems like you're late again," Phylis said, her voice tinged with concern.

I tried to brush it off, but Phylis noticed my tears. "Are you okay?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

I nodded, trying to downplay it. "Yeah, I'm fine.”

But Phylis wasn't convinced. "Sorry to push you, but Dad knows about what's been going on. He asked me to come here without Nat noticing. He told me about your past, and that dream of yours. Can you tell me more about it?”

I carried Sylvia to her bedroom and laid her down, then joined Phylis at the dining table. I wondered where Mom was, but Phylis explained that she had gone out suddenly and asked her to watch the kids.

I took a deep breath and recounted everything - Frederica's sacrifice, the visions of Lilith and the girl from Medieval France. Phylis listened intently, her expression growing more serious with each passing moment.

When I finished, Phylis took a deep breath. "Seems like you have a lot to take in." I couldn't agree more. The weight of my secrets and the mysteries surrounding me felt crushing at times.

"So, just keep this a secret, okay?" I asked Phylis, my voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded, her expression serious. "Precisely because this is something not everyone can understand. Plus, I believe there's a reason why your mom wanted Sylvia to leave, as if she knows something more…"

I agreed, my mind racing with possibilities. "Yeah, I have to agree... but how's Nat?”

Phylis smirked. "Oblivious, as planned." She chuckled. "She's smart, but she'd find out soon enough. Best she's out of the picture, or you'll have a heart attack soon.”

Phylis then probed me about my love life, her eyes sparkling with amusement. I sighed, recounting my encounters with the girls.

"Prisicilla, the recruit who became a friend... Mika, the charming mirror of myself... Siti, my quirky cousin... and Sylvia, the little sister I never had.”

Phylis raised an eyebrow. "Seems like Nat and Sylvia are the ones, right? But you want Sylvia to move forward without you?”

I nodded, my heart heavy. "Natalie is the one, but I realize their happiness isn't mine. If they move forward, I'm glad. I won't let them sacrifice their happiness for me.”

Phylis's expression turned serious. "So you want them both to have their own happiness? What about you?”

I forced a smile. "I'm fine with it... really, I'm good.”

Phylis smiled knowingly. "We'll continue this later. I'm with Sylvia and your mom on this... I really like her, she's like Nat. If they can be good friends too…"

I nodded, watching Phylis head back to bed. I entered my messy room, preparing myself for MCKK, wondering what other secrets awaited me.