128 The Chains of Fate (1/2)

Day 5 – 7:12 AM – Queens Row Elementary School, Queens Row Area A, Bacoor City, Cavite

Suddenly seeing two groups of hard to deal people coming their way the moment they parked their vehicles, Mark frowned. However, noticing that the groups did not seem to have come with ill intentions, his face remained impassive. On the other hand, the lively Emika shrunk back and behind Mark. As a child, she could not handle the natural pressure that people with position exudes. Given the fact that her senses were also enhanced at her mutation, this was not something that a child like her could handle.

Rosamie who was still inside the vehicle wanted to also get out bet she saw that Mark was looking at her while shaking his head once, she refrained from doing so. She was also not worried about her daughter considering that Mark was there. Seeing his feats despite the fact that they had not really interacted for too long, she knew that he was not someone who would put his people into danger.

Nikky and her group however were also bewildered as to why the soldiers were also coming here. The barangay chairwoman and the city councilor was one thing since they had interacted several times before as they were the ones in charge of the welfare of the people in the settlement. The soldiers however were different. Due to the current affairs of the country, the status of the soldiers was elevated even above of the local officials and they were the people in charge of the security of the settlement and search of supplies and necessities. There were barely any interaction between the soldiers and the survivors either.

On the other hand, the group led by the city councilor was also bewildered as to why the soldiers were here. After all, there was no reason for them to come out at this moment and go to this very location. The city councilor and his people were here to communicate with the group of that frequently goes out of the settlement and were also participating in gathering the supplies from the establishments around the settlement but they could not think of a reason for the other party.

”Ma'am Kat, why are all of you here?”

Nikky asked the barangay chairwoman with bewildered expression.

”Actually, we want to speak with your group since earlier but you're group went out too early that we did not manage to inform you.”

”Is that so?”

Nikky looked troubled. She wanted to catch up with Rollan since they had just reunited with each other but for these people to come at the wrong time.

”Nhie. What's going on? Why would these people look for you?”

Rollan approached Nikky and asked while frowning.

”It's a long story Dhie.”

Nikky was really troubled.

Seeing the unfamiliar man speaking to Nikky, the Barangay Chairwoman, Katherine Palabrica, could not help but ask.

”Ms. Faja, who is this?”

”Ma'am Kat, this is Rollan, my boyfriend who I'm looking for these past days.”

Nikky said while putting her right hand around Rollan's arm.

Hearing what Nikky said, Ma'am Kat was surprised, to think that Nikky would be fortunate to reunite with her partner. Then, she saw another man standing not behind them while seemingly on guard and the eleven year old girl with strange green colored hair and seemingly real flower hair accessories.

”They are?”

”That guy is Mark, a friend of ours.”

Hearing the introduction, Mark nodded towards the barangay chairwoman without any notion to speak to her. The chairwoman did not seem to mind as she nodded back but it seemed that the subordinates behind did not take it positively and started to frown while looking at Mark.

Mark on the other hand did not put their hostility into his mind. Seeing that the Barangay Chairwoman and her group were here for Nikky, he was relieved. However, it seemed that it was different from the goal of the other group. It was because as they approached, they were all looking towards the MB Sprinter beside Mark. It was as if they were examining the vehicle for some reason or another.

As the group of soldiers approached, it was Councilor Reynald Palabrica who first greeted them.

”Captain Dela Rosa, is there something you need to come out here at this time?”

The councilor asked the about in his late thirties leading the group of soldiers.

”It's nothing much, I just received from my men that someone we are watching out for might have arrived.”

Captain Dela Rosa replied with a smile. The captain then looked at the woman in her late twenties also wearing a military uniform beside him.

”Mila, what do you think?”

The female soldier called Mila was intently observing Mark and his vehicle. Nodding, she turned back to the captain.

”Captain, it's no doubt positive. A luxury armored van with anti-infected accessories and solar panels covering the roof along with a scary looking man. Everything matches.”

Councilor Palabrica who was speaking to Captain Dela Rosa was bewildered at the two's conversation, no, not only him but everyone who heard them which included Mark.

Actually, hearing the woman's description, Mark's face became dark. Nevertheless, he could only sigh. Just who wanted him to have this kind of face? What bewildered him more was that these soldiers were actually looking for him? He never encountered these people even before the outbreak for sure.

While he was staring at the group, Captain Dela Rosa excused himself from the conversation with the city councilor and made his way towards Mark.

”Do you need something from me?”

Mark asked impassively. Even though he could not detect any ill intent from the leader of the soldiers, there was no need for him to be friendly either, especially with the fact that they seem to know him despite knowing anything about the other party.

”I would like to ask if perhaps you are called Mark?”

Captain Dela Rosa spoke in a humble tone which bewildered everyone including the group of the Chairwoman.

Hearing the other party say his name further bewildered Mark.

”Do I know you?”

Mark asked while frowning.

Fearing that Mark might misunderstand something, Captain Dela Rosa hurriedly introduced himself.

”I'm Captain Edmundo Dela Rosa, leader of the 7th rescue squad under General Miguel Perez.”