The Grim Reaper
Maharlika, 2019
The night was young and Officer Gilas and Officer Rangal were on their usual night patrol. Despite maintaining an impressive crime rate of just 0.935 in the monarchy, crimes still do occur, albeit infrequently.
Like any other night, it was another quiet and peaceful evening for both officers. Officer Gilas had just stepped back into the cool night air after a quick visit to the nearby convenience store. He held a small bag filled with snacks and drinks, ready to share with his colleague during their watch. Conversations and laughter filled their car as they talked about life and the possibility of Officer Gilas getting married this year to his lifelong partner, Kidlat.
But their quiet night was disrupted by the police radio that informed them about a criminal on the loose, the streets of Tondo were then filled with loud noise coming from the siren of their police car.
Officers Gilas and Rangal were now in pursuit of a motorcycle rider, who had just broken into a house and was last seen fleeing the scene, with speeds that went over 100 km/h.
An accident almost happened when the criminal’s motorcycle skidded down the road. Surprisingly, and probably due to adrenaline, the suspect was able to stand up immediately and ran away from the police officers that were chasing him. Officer Gilas took that as an opportunity to get out of the car and chase the suspect on foot.
“Tumawag ka ng backup.” Officer Gilas told his colleague as he ran towards the criminal. “Bilisan mo, baka makawala na naman!”
The chase continued for a while, with the criminal darting left and right at every corner. Albeit tired, the officer tried to catch up to him. “Tigil!” he yelled, yet the criminal continued running as if he hadn’t heard anyone. Eventually, they found themselves cornered at a dead end.
“Tumigil ka na! Itaas mo kamay mo!” Officer Gilas yelled as he aimed his gun at the man—who complied and slowly turned around to face him.
As Officer Gilas approached to place handcuffs on him, the man suddenly lunged and grabbed the gun from the officer's hands. Officer Gilas fought back against the suspect's attempt to take the weapon until they both fell to the ground as they both struggled to get control of the gun.
A gunshot blared from the distance that alerted Officer Rangal and the other officers that came as backup. They quickly got into their vehicles and drove toward the area where the sound came from.
When Officer Rangal spotted the suspect, he exited his car and aimed his gun into the air and fired a warning shot. The loud noise was enough to startle the suspect that he stumbled by his feet. This prompted the other officers to rush toward the suspect and cuff him.
Seconds later, Officer Gilas ran out of the alleyway where they were from. He heaved a sigh of relief as he saw the suspect getting escorted inside the police car. He sat down to catch his breath.
“Napagod ako doon!” he exclaimed.
Sundo, dressed in her usual formal attire–a black tube top under her black ribbed sleeve bomber jacket and in her black skirt, stands with an amused expression as she takes in the dramatic scene unfolding before her.
“Parang pelikula lang,” she said as she laughed softly to herself.
With a swift stride, she approached Officer Gilas to read his name on the paper in her hand. “Officer Gilas Makusog, tat—” Her words were cut off when the officer spoke.
“Teka lang ah, hihinga muna ako,” the officer said as he took a deep breath, “Hiningal ako dun eh.”
Sundo nodded quietly and stepped back to let the officer catch his breath. An ambulance siren pierced through the stillness of the night, steadily growing louder as it approached their direction.
Officer Gilas was puzzled and wondered if there was an accident occurring in the same area but he brushed it off to entertain the possible inquiry by the young woman in front of him.
“Oh, sige,” he finally spoke as he stood up. “Anong maitutulong ko sayo?”
“Officer Gilas Makusog, tatlumpung taong gulang. Oras ng pagkamatay, 8:47 PM. Ikaw ‘yon, tama?”
“Pinaglalaruan mo ba ako?” the officer said, clearly distraught on why this young woman would joke about him dying.
But Sundo shook her head and pointed to the direction of where he and the suspect were fighting for the gun earlier. There lay his body—lifeless and surrounded by blood. Paramedics rushed to the scene and attempted to revive him, but unfortunately, it was too late—he was gone.
Officer Rangal was crying as he reached to cradle his colleague’s dead body by the head.
She looked at the officer who was trying to process the things that happened tonight.
He sighed. “Patawad taga-sundo, hindi ko po alam na namatay ako.”
Sundo nodded and led the way toward the light into what seemed like her office. Officer Gilas took a seat in the chair in front of the table.
Sundo handed out a drink for him. “Inumin mo ang tubig na ‘to.”
“Ano po ito?”
“Tubig mula sa Paraiso. Kapag ininom mo ‘yan, lahat ng paghihirap na naranasan mo sa mundong ibabaw ay makakalimutan mo.”
“Anong mangyayari kung hindi ko po iinumin ‘to?” the officer asked.
“Magsisisi ka. Hindi ka makatawid at mananatili ka sa mundong ibabaw bilang kaluluwa.”
The officer went silent. He stared at the cup he was holding while thoughts were running in his head; his family, his plans, his life partner. He looked up and met Sundo’s eyes.
“Maaari po ba akong makahingi ng maliit na kahilingan?” the officer spoke after some quiet, “Hindi po kasi ako nakapagpaalam kay Kidlat… Maaari po bang mag-iwan kayo ng kahit isang tangkay lang po ng rosas na puti? Iyon po kasi ang paborito niya.”
Sundo nodded and Officer Gilas did not think twice and took a sip of the water. And in an instant, a door on his right opened. Sundo smiled at him as she ushered him toward the door.
Sundo stood in front of Officer Gilas and Kidlat’s home. She was contemplating how to give the white rose in her hand, should she leave it on their doorstep or knock on the door? Her train of thoughts were interrupted when the door swung open, revealing a man with swollen eyes. It was Kidlat. To her surprise, she immediately hid the rose behind her.
“Ay hala, pasensya ka na,” he said, also surprised by her presence. “Hindi ko alam na may tao, magtatapon lang sana ako ng basura.”
“Wala pong anuman. May nagpapabigay nga po pala nito,” she said, and handed him the rose and a small piece of paper.
He carefully examined the rose; the thorns were gone, just like the ones Officer Gilas would give him. He looked up to stop the tears that were threatening to fall from his eyes.
He had a hunch about who the flower was from, but he wanted to give the benefit of the doubt—surely it couldn’t be from his lover, he literally just died earlier.
“Kanino galing?” he asked, determined to prove himself wrong, yet there was no sign of the woman in front of him.
He looked around and called for the girl but not even her shadow was there. A gust of cold wind blew sending shivers down his spine so he went inside. He went to the kitchen, grabbed a jar, filled it with water, and placed the flower inside.
He placed the jar on the dining table, still wondering about the girl earlier. Was she a real person? How did she disappear? Yet those thoughts were brushed off when he saw the small piece of paper on the table.
He picked it up and slowly opened it. “Patawad, sinta ko. Mahal na mahal kita,” the note said, further confirming his suspicions. The paper fell from his hand and tears escaped his eyes as he fell to his knees.
From a distance, Sundo watched as Kidlat sat on the floor, his shoulders shaking as he sobs for his lost love.
She turned her gaze to the firefly, with its soft and golden light pulsing gently, that had been on her shoulder for a while. They stayed there until the firefly on her shoulder fluttered its wings and decided it was time to take flight, leaving a trail of shimmering light behind.
Sundo arrived at her apartment, which she shares with two other taga-sundo. Her day was long and she just wanted to relax, hug her pillows and to drift to sleep inside her room. She was just about to open the door when her neighbor approached her.
“Hi, neighbor!” her neighbor greeted.
Sundo swore under her breath. Her new neighbor has been trying to flirt with her for the past three weeks already. Not that she’s trying to be cocky about it but the girl really is just that obvious.
Normally she would entertain her, but tonight she was exhausted and hungry, and it was already late. All she wanted to do was to rest.
“Alam mo, tatlong linggo na kitang kinakausap pero hindi ko pa rin alam pangalan mo,” she continued.
“Ah, talaga?” Sundo responded, in which she earned a nod from the girl. “Sige, bukas hindi mo pa rin alam. Magandang gabi, Hirang.”
Sundo went inside and left the girl outside whining about how unfair she was being. She chuckled as she placed her belongings on the entryway table.
It’s not that she disliked the girl; she found her adorable, almost like a younger sister. Sundo was not new to this; the flirting and people asking for her name.
For the past 450 years of roaming around Maharlika and doing her duties as the grim reaper, she had been the subject of attraction within the Binaybayon people—even to the souls she had interacted with.
As she entered the living room, she saw the two other taga-sundo patiently waiting in front of the TV, with snacks and drinks spread out on the coffee table. She, however, did not bother asking what they were doing because for the past 100 years that they have been sharing a home, both taga-sundo are fond of watching TV shows and films and are big fans of many artists. It has been one of their hobbies to pass time.
“Oh, taga-sundo! Nandito ka na pala,” one of them spoke. “Halika, samahan mo kami manood.”
“Kakain muna ako. May ulam pa ba?”
“Ah opo, nandiyan sa ilalim. Bicol express,” the other taga-sundo said and winked at Sundo because if it was just up to her, she would only eat bicol express her own entire life, but that would be too much bicol express for 450 years.
And for the past 450 years, she has blended in with the Binaybayon people and has adjusted well to the current technology. She is fluent in Binaybay, especially its three main dialects: Binaybay Luzon, Binaybay Visayas, and Binaybay Mindanao. All in casual and formal form. In addition to this, she is also fluent in English.
She enjoys the excitement of learning new things, and so she has taken different degree programs on almost all campuses of Maharlika State University under many aliases.
All throughout her lifetime as a grim reaper, she has only been focused on doing her job; and even though she shares a house with two other grim reapers who both share the love for many interests, she never became a fan of anyone nor been invested in any entertainment. She’d rather roam Maharlika than have her face stuck in front of a TV screen.
Sundo opened the food cover on the table and the spicy aroma hit her nose. Not gonna lie, it did make her mouth salivate. She scooped up a large amount of rice on her plate and ate silently. Her two housemates, however, were not as they were discussing the show and the actress that will take on the lead role.
“Sino ba papanoorin niyo riyan at kumpleto kayo sa pagkain at inumin diyan?” She asked curiously.
“Ah.” the taga-sundo sheepishly chuckled. “Debut drama po kasi ng paborito naming modelo. Matagal na po namin ‘tong inaabangan”
“Oh? Taga-hanga rin kayo ng mga modelo? Ang dami niyo talagang kinahihiligan.” Sundo laughs.
It's not just TV shows and films that both taga-sundo love; they are also big supporters of musicians, particularly the most prominent mother-son duo in Maharlika's music scene. The mother, Himig Kantaha, is celebrated as the greatest opera singer of all time, while her son, Berso Himig, is a talented singer-songwriter who composed the national anthem when the country changed its name to Maharlika in 1995.
“Ay opo. Kalahok siya nung nakaraang cycle ng Maharlika’s Next Top Model tapos siya rin ‘yung nanalo!” the taga-sundo excitedly tells Sundo. This was somehow the first time that the grim reaper showed a little interest over something they love.
“Ibig sabihin ba niyan ay maganda siya?”
“Opo! Sa katunayan nga po ay sikat siya sa buong Maharlika! Mapa-magasin o billboard, makikita mo siya kahit saan.”
“Talaga ba? Parang hindi ko naman kasi napapansin.”
“Iyan kasi ‘yung kakaiba sayo, taga-sundo,” the other grim reaper spoke. “Sa loob ng isang daang taon na tayo ay magkakilala ay kailanman hindi ka yata nawala sa pagbibigay-pansin mo sa iyong gawain. Lagi ka lang nakatingin sa harap mo na tila ba ika’y isang kabayo na may takip sa gili— Ano?!”
The grim reaper was interrupted when she felt the elbow of their fellow, which was then followed by a pout; she was pointing at Sundo who looked like she was lost in a trance.
“Patawad, taga-sundo, hindi ko po hangad na saktan ang iyong damdamin.” The grim reaper stood up and bowed down to Sundo.
Sundo waved her hand, gesturing that it was okay. “Wala kang kasalanan, taga-sundo. May mga bagay lang akong napagtanto. Mabalik tayo, ano ba pangalan nung modelo na pinagkakainteresan niyo?”
“Tala Malagu po.”
Sundo felt a pang on her chest, and the food on her throat threatened to come back to her mouth. She coughed and was pounding on her chest a little too hard that both taga-sundo stood up, worried about their friend.
“Okayka lang ba, taga-sundo?” the worried taga-sundo asked while handling her a glass of water.
“Oo, na nabulunan lang.” Sundo grabbed a glass of water that the other taga-sundo handed and immediately drank its contents.
“Hinay-hinay naman po. Baka ano mangyari sayo.”
“Ano pa ba mangyayari sakin, eh matagal na akong patay?” she joked, and earned a hearty laugh from the taga-sundo that stayed standing in the living room while the one who gave her water was facepalming herself.
“Lalabas muna ako, magpapahangin lang. Napasobra yata ng anghang yung bicol express.” She laughed.
But she knew it was a lie. It wasn’t the bicol express that caused it, it was the name. She, of course, does not have a memory about Tala Malagu, but something about the mention of her name triggered something in her. Maybe this is something she must ask Kalikasan about.
She went out of their building, brushing her hair as the wind swept it aside. Her mind was still full of questions about what happened earlier. The pang on her chest and how the pain felt way too real was unusual for her because nothing has ever evoked that kind of emotion to her—even crying family members of the souls she collects.
As she walked on the streets outside their apartment, she saw something from a distance that made her stop in her tracks. The entity was blurry, yet she can confirm it wasn’t a human being.
In a blink of an eye, the entity was already in front of her face, grinning widely as if it was teasing her, yet the grim reaper remained unfazed. It was a malevolent spirit that escaped from her one year ago.
“Mukhang may dinaramdam ka, taga-sundo?” he asked, teasing evident in his tone. “Sa tingin ko ay hindi mo ako mahahabol ngayong gabi.”
This spirit has become a pain in the ass for the grim reaper. Aside from the constant provocation from this being, she somehow was having a hard time capturing it. And tonight, she wanted it to get over with.
The spirit let out a sinister laugh that echoed through the night as he drifted away, his ethereal form brushing against the skin of every citizen present on the street. The street lamps above flickered ominously and lights faltered against the dark sky. A chilling gust of wind swept through the air, sending shivers down the spine of every Binaybayon present in the area.
“Parang may masamang hangin sa paligid,” a citizen walking around her commented.
Sundo hid herself in a corner, away from the eyes of the living. With trembling hands, she removed the ring that was dangling on her necklace and put it in on her finger; she’s eager to end this malevolent spirit’s time on earth and place him where he actually belongs.
For four and a half centuries of collecting sinners and malevolent spirits alike, this task should be easy for her; but this malevolent entity stands apart from the countless sinners she has encountered over the years.
She emerged from the corner and yelled, “Sumuko ka na, Tikas! Hindi ka nababagay sa mundong ito!”
The spirit paused briefly and appeared right in front of her with bloodshot eyes, clearly angered by her statement. “Tama nga naman, pero asa mang lingaw ana?” (where’s the fun in that?)
He darted away again, his form melding in the shadows with his sinister laugh echoing in the night, leaving the grim reaper to chase after him. The pursuit continued through the labyrinth-like streets, past sleeping homes and silent shops.
She stretched out her arm to the side, a tingling sensation spreading through her palm as her scythe—used only against sinners and malevolent spirits—materialized in her grasp.
She sliced through the air with determination to hit the spirit, but each time she drew near, the spirit slipped away swiftly. It was maddening for Sundo and her patience wearing thin.
In her final and desperate attempt, the grim reaper swung her scythe with all her might, aiming to slice the spirit in two. But he dissolved into the air, his laughter echoing as he appeared a few meters away from her. He gave a mock bow, a large grin spread across his face.
“Sa susunod ulit, taga-sundo,” he said, before vanishing into the night laughing as he left the grim reaper standing alone in the quiet street, her shoulders and scythe lowered in defeat.
She kicked the trash can near her and screamed. She was fuming and disappointed in herself, but she knew this wasn't the end. They would meet again and she would put an end to this madness.
She spinned her scythe and stretched her arm outward. Her scythe disappeared back to where it was before.
Sundo teleported to the rooftop of the nearest building around her; she needed the air after all. The grim reaper took a heavy sigh, still frustrated from what happened earlier. She took her ring off and placed it back on her necklace. She stayed there until she decided it was time to go home.
While walking back to their apartment, something caught her eye—a massive billboard standing stark against the horizon, its lights illuminating the dark. For a moment, she froze.
As she looked up, the pang she felt in her chest earlier came back. She held her hand on her chest as she clutched it. The person on the billboard was the one whom her housemates were eager to watch earlier.
Tala Malagu.
A tear escaped Sundo’s eyes that caught her off guard. Confused, she lifted a trembling hand to her face and looked at her hand, wetness evident on it. Her eyes widened in disbelief. She blinked, trying to clear the moisture, but another tear followed, and another.
She looked up again to see Tala’s face. Why did it hurt so much? How could someone she doesn’t know inflict this kind of pain on her?
“Sino ka ba, Tala?”