Katulad nang napag-usapan kahapon. Nakasabayan namin sa tren si Auntie at Uncle but they headed to a different path. Dumiretso kaming tatlo sa dorm namin. Nakatulog ako ng ilang oras sa biyahe habang ang isip ko ay tumatakbo tungkol doon sa pangalang nabasa namin kanina sa journal ni Axl.
Nakaupo ako sa kama ko ngayon. Since umaga na naman, dumiretso ako sa banyo pagkatapos magpahinga para maligo. I wore our uniform and the SS coat. Inilagay ko ang wand ko sa loob ng coat at inayos ang aking gulo-gulong kwarto. Lumabas na ako pagkatapos at nginitian ang mga estudyanteng nakasalubong ko.
Bago ako dumiretso sa classroom, pumunta muna ako sa office para konsultahin si Rick. Pero wala siya 'nung dumating ako. Tanging si Keith lamang ang nandoon. "Looking for the president?" Tanong nito habang nag-aayos ng mga libro. How did he know? I maintain my composure at umayos ng tayo. Nanginginig ang mga binti ko tuwing nakikita ko si Keith. Dahil takot ako sa kanya, Takot ako sa awrang pumapalibot sa kanya. Nakakatakot ang isang katulad niya.
Tumalikod nalang ako at hinawakan ang doorknob ng opisina. "He went to downtown, he'll be back sooner. Just come back if you had an important matter to discuss with him." Tumango ako bago ko binuksan ang pinto at umalis na doon sa opisina. I headed to the hallway to led to my room and I noticed something.
My pearl and Rolex are not responding earlier. Could it be? No. It can't be. He'll never be a good one. He's a wolf! A bad werewolf! He hates humans and he'll never like one. Maybe he's just in the mood to annoy me but I believe he'll never be a good wolf.
"Kanina ka pa namin hinihintay! Late na tayo!" Napa-angat ako ng tingin kay Walter at Victor. They held my arm and we rushed to our classroom. Mabuti nalang pala at si Ms. Fiona ang nagtuturo ngayon. Nasaan na kaya si Sir Jielo? Mahigit isang linggo ko na rin siyang hindi nakikita.
My eyes roam around the classroom and my eyes landed on the new arrive student. The werewolf. Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kanyang mga mata at nakinig nalang sa lesson ni Ms. Fiona. She tackled about types of mortals. Hindi na bago sa akin 'yang klaseng iyan. What do you expect in the immortal world though? It's always about immortal stuff. For them, humans/mortals are nemesis.
After our morning class with Ms. Fiona, we're about to head out from our room to head straight to the cafeteria but the doors slam closed. "Anong nangyayari?" I gasped when the long window started to dim as the curtains started to close on their own.
"Victor!" I called him out. He just headed to the door though and scanned it. "Everyone calms down. It's just Mr. Jielo." He said calmly. "What do you think of my proper welcome?" I scanned my eyes to our spacious room and held, Walter's coat when I saw Mr. Jielo in front.
Rolex vibrated so I hid my arm on my back. "Not proper at all. It causes disturbance to our mentality." Victor replied. Mr. Jielo smirked and pointed his wand to Victor. "I kinda agree with Victor. What can you read from our facial expression though?" Keith inserted in the conversation.
Mr. Jielo pointed his wand too, to Keith. "Precisely. To what I had expected." He replied. He murmured a spell so we hurriedly fished out our wands and pointed it in his direction. Mr. Jielo once again smirked because of our quick movement. I know it's not relevant to point our wands at our instruction but if worse comes to worst. I already have a spell to cast in my mind.
"So quick. Indeed a 1-A" He complimented. He put down his wand and place it on the table. We slowly did the same with our eyes locked on our smirking instructor. Umupo ito sa kanyang upuan at inihipan ang isang piraso ng chalk bago ito inilagay sa pisara. Sinundan namin ng tingin ang chalk hanggang sa makabuo ito ng salita.
"The Thief of the Golden Scheme?" One of our class muttered. Victor, Walter, and Keith just cross their arms. "If you guys had no idea what the golden scheme is. It's a precious gem that got stolen last month and the thief is her." My eyes widened when he pointed his wand in my direction.
"I.... no!" I decline. Mr. Jielo stood up and headed in my direction. I frowned when the door creaked open and Mr. Arson came in. How did I know? Rolex vibrates once again.
Napatingin ako sa pearl ko and it turns white. I swallowed the lump on my throat when the two figures stood ahead of me. Why suddenly pointing my wands at me? What did I do? "Spill the tea. Who told you to steal the scheme?" Mr. Arson asked with his husky tone of voice.
"I don't know what you are talking about-"
"LIAR!"
I stepped back when he pulled out his wand and pointed it to my chin. "Tell the truth or you'll die here, right now." Mr. Arson said.
"She didn't do anything!" Napatingin ako kay Walter and I saw the worries in their eyes. They are turning their hands into fists but Mr. Arson and Mr. Jielo didn't bother to listen to them. I frowned. "I seriously didn't do anything!" I said in my defense.
"Then explain this!" Once again, the room turned dim, a white curtain covered our chalkboard and footage started playing. I squinted my eyes to watch the footage closely and my eyes widened when I saw my face entering the Ancestry Palace. The last time I remembered it's a veiled man who trespasses the palace. Not me!
Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko na hindi mapatawa when I noticed something off in the footage. "Who did this? I mean who edit this stuff?" I shook my head and clicked my tongue.
"I can't believe this. Ako pa talaga ang lolokohin nyo? This footage is nonsense. It is obviously edited!" I blurted out. Everyone turned their face to me, excluding Mr. Arson, Mr. Jielo, and the son Keith Arson.
"You are just defending yourself because the truth lies on your hand now." I humped. "Shrug that off, Mr. Jielo. I am the finest student of Blanche, College of Computer Science Wizard. Do you really think I can't point out the errors in that footage?" They turned their hands into fists. I guess that's because something didn't go well according to their plan.
"Blanche, chebla," I whispered and pointed the tip of my wand on the white curtain. I cross my arms as the footage draws backward and error has been pointed ceaselessly from the footage.
"With all the respect sir, I didn't mean to embarrass any of you from this footage but it's actually nonsense. So who did this?" I asked in a serious tone after I recovered from an outrageous state. "That person needs some tutorial from me." I added. Tumingin sa direksyon ko si Mr. Jielo at Mr. Arson. "What a shame. I forgot that you are from Blanche's computer department." Tumabi sa akin si Walter at Victor.
"and that's the saddest part." Walter mocked.
Mr. Arson glared into my eyes deeply. When will I be given a chance to escape from their deadly stares? First, Keith and now his beloved father. Who's next? His mother? He heads to the door and slams it close. I clutch my chest after our intense exchange of stares.
Mr. Jielo turns back our classroom, from dim into bright before he left the room. I swallowed the lump on my throat when I got a chance to digest what just happened within the past 1 hour of this morning. Intense, Cold, Dangerous
"Okay, ka lang?" Tanong ni Walter sa akin. Tumango naman ako. They didn't ask further questions and just guided me on our way to the cafeteria. They volunteered to buy my lunch while I am still spacing out.
Hindi ko lang kasi malaman ang dahilan kung bakit nila 'yun ginawa sa akin. Wala naman akong kasalanan sa kanila. Wala din akong ginawa. Did they really despise me that much? that they are eager to do something unbelievable just to kick me out from this school?
I was waiting for my lunch when a familiar figure appeared in front. The world is so big, with billions of people, yet humanity seems to be cut off. "Alone? I just wanna ask for an apology." Keith said. I just tilt my head to him without saying anything. "I know what he did is inappropriate." He added. Good thing he knows that.
Huminga ito ng malalim bago naglagay ng isang pirasong burger sa harapan ko. "My peace offering. Not for me but for my dad." He state before he left my table. My eyes followed him until he vanished into the woods.
"That jerk. Did he really think that one piece of a burger is acceptable? He should've made it three!" Pagdadabog ni Victor bago nilagay sa mesa namin ang dala-dala niyang pagkain. "Gusto mo bang kainin 'yan, Haz? Kung ayaw mo akin nalang ah!" I smiled at Walter as I nod my head.
Wala naman itong nilagpas na oras at nilantakan ang burger na ibinigay ni Keith sa akin. "can I ask something?" Both Walter and Victor turns their head at me. "Hmm," Victor replied. "What is it?" He added.
"What's the bond between Mr. Jielo and Mr. Arson?" I didn't have any second thoughts regarding that question. Walter took a pause from eating before he turned to face me. "Wala naman silang background story. Tama ba?" I turn my head to Victor for his response to Walter's question.
"Yes." Victor took a pause from eating to wipe his lips. "Sir Jielo arrived first and then Mr. Arson with Keith." He added. Napatango naman ako at nagsimula nang kumain. I paused afterward before tilting my head to them.
"I see..."
"Can I ask something again?" They turned their heads to me before slightly nodding.
"Yesterday, when Mayhem pushes me to the deep well. I dive back to decades before. I saw you and Walter with Emerita...." I can't keep something to these two. Kahit malabo na sagutin nila ang tanong ko. At least tinanong ko pa rin. Tsaka kating-kati na akong malaman kung ano ang nangyari pagkatapos non. "....Confronting. And, a man appears." Napatigil sila sa pagkain atsaka tumingin sa akin. I smile forcibly.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Tanong ni Victor sa akin. I smiled and shook my head. "Kung ayaw niyong pag-usapan, okay lang naman. Gusto ko lang din sanang itanong yung kay Hideux. What does he look like?"
"Walang Mukha, " Sagot ni Walter sa akin. "Like literal na walang mukha. Yung nakita mo sa deep well, yun siya." I frowned at him and swallowed the lump on my throat. "You gotta be kidding me."
"Ha? Ako pa talaga magbibiro sa iyo? Totoo nga. Dati nakikita namin si Emerita na kausap siya, parati naman nakayuko, kaya paano namin makikita ang mukha niya?" He has a point there. "Bakit mo ba natanong?" Dagdag ni Walter at kumain na ulit.
"Just curious," I answered. "Curiosity kills a cat," Victor added. I just return him with a smile before I continue eating.
After we took our lunch, we headed to the forest to our training ground. I turn my head to the other side when my eyes glance to Kieth and just summon my bow and arrow. "Today, I'll be teaching you how to aim your quarry or so as we called it, an enemy in a blink of an eye using the bow and arrow," Rick said. Pumunta siya sa Harapan ko at nag-summon ng bow and arrow. Nginitian niya ako bago umasinta sa target.
Umayos ako ng Tayo atsaka itinaas ang kamay ko. I blink my right eye to aim at my target before I let go the bow. I don't know what happened next because Walter pulls his bow to aim at his target so does Keith.
"Can I have a talk with you later?" Napalingon ako kay Rick atsaka tumingin sa mga mata niya. "Right. I also had some important matter to discuss with you." I replied before I compose myself to start practicing again. So far, I'm loving this practice than the previous training last week.
Our training ended up at exactly 3 pm in the afternoon. Victor was here too, taking Keith's bow and arrow so he can train himsel. Keith didn't bother to interfere since it's Victor. He's afraid of Victor. He can't even look directly into his eyes. It happens so quickly. Keith is a proud man. Himala at hindi niya ako inaasar dahil sa pagiging pure-blooded ko. Ano kayang meron? Nakakabigla naman ang pinagbago niya.
"Hazel!" I snapped back into reality when Walter screamed in front of my face. I scrunch my nose and looked around. "Kanina ka pa tinitingnan ni Rick. Mukhang may kailangan sa iyo." Ah tama! May pag-uusapan pala kaming dalawa. Humikab ako bago ako tumayo sa inuupuan ko at inaayos ang gulo kong buhok.
"May pag-uusapan lang kami. Dito lang muna kayo." Nakangiting bilin ko sa kanya. Tumango naman si Walter at lumapit sa nagta-training na si Victor at sinabayan ito. Tumango ako ni Rick at tumalikod na papunta doon sa tatlong bato kung saan ako parating pupunta pagkatapos kong malaman na doon sa lugar na 'yon ay umiiyak ako.
I sat on the center stone and tilted my head to the gray sky. "What's the important matter you wanted to discuss?" I turned my head down when I heard his voice. "Let's get into yours first. What do you want to talk about?" I replied to his question.
I'm not avoiding his question though. I just need a counterattack to his question and besides, he's the first one who asked me to tackle something. "It's about the notebook. Have you read what's written inside of it?" I thought it'll be something more important. Just that stupid notebook who shows nothing after it shows the first-third entry and only left with-
"Mari. Who is Mari?" without a second thought. I directly asked him that question. His eyes grew wide but it'd come back to normal after he moved on from the shock. "Mari is the son of Lloyd Caballina and Joy Ancient." He walked in my direction and sat beside me. It doesn't make sense. "So, It's Axl's pen name?" Rick nodded his head.
"Precisely." I frowned my brows and tilted my head to the gray sky once again. It indeed doesn't make sense. If Mari is Axl's nickname then why is it written there? Could it be? Is Axl alive? "Did the name show up there?" Rick asked. I nodded my head.
"All the entries are gone and only that pen name is left." I stared into the sky blankly. I can hear Mayhem's voice echoing in my head. "He's around. We can't identify him but he can identify us." Could it be? No. It can't be.
Rick heaved a sigh so I turned my face to him. "What do you want to talk about something important?" I blink my eyes and click my tongue. "As a SS president. I just want to ask if you have a photo of Hideux? The great wizard in Parallel World?" I turned down my voice so it's only us who can hear about this confidential conversation.
"Principal King had. But it's beyond my reach." He replied. I felt disappointed a little so I ended up knowing nothing. Akala ko ay meron siyang kopya nito. "Did you know?" Napalingon ako kay Rick nang magsalita na naman siya. "Winston Hideux is the adopted son of the Ancient? In other words, he's Axl Ancient uncle." He said with his bitter facial expression.
"He is the reason why Axl Ancient was brought up in prison. He's the first person who accused the young lad regarding the poisoning." Nakatingin lang ako kay Rick. He looks so serious. I guess he's remembering the past. I had no idea in the past so I listened attentively. "Innocent Axl Ancient ended up in prison after two-three trials. Winston Hideux bashed his parents for not letting him rule the school." He stated.
"And then, The greats Rowena Mansinades, Robert Gamalo, Mark, Ferdinand Ferdinand, Rico U Jamora and Diane Jamora interdependent to put an end to Winston Hideux. Rowena Mansinades did." I know this story already. Uncle Rico already told me this story when I went to Roscoe and I am proud of my mother. "But something happens. Black magic helped the wizard, Winston Hideux, to live again." He continued.
Nakatingin lang ako kay Rick habang busy ito sa pagsasalaysay. "And he cast an end to my parents." I continued. Napatingin sa akin si Rick at tumango. Ngumiti ako sa kanya atsaka niyakap ang mga binti ko. "I didn't know that Ancient Family has an adopted son. It wasn't written on the history book." I stated. Ayaw ko nang pag-usapan ang nangyari sa pamilya ko. Masyadong masakit.
Rick laughed at my question and beams smiles. "He's the reason why Lloyd Cabanilla accidentally killed The wall of the family." My lips parted a bit. So this is the whole truth. I am hearing it right now! "The Ancient Family hates the fact that their only daughter falls in love with a student. But, as months went on, they started to like Mr. Cabanilla."
"Especially when they figure out that their daughter is pregnant with a baby boy. They jumped out in joy." I frowned. "But the book...." Tumingin sa gawi ko si Rick atsaka bumuntong hininga. "Mr. Jielo revised the book. The old book was in the Ancient Palace." I frowned once again. "So, Mr. Jielo is spreading rumors about the Ancient and Cabanilla couple? And their son? And to the Ancient Family?" My mind can't digest these. It's aching. My head is aching.
"Yes." Nakatingin lang ako kay Rick at pilit na inalis ang sakit na pumaibabaw sa ulo ko. "So all this time, The Ancient Family loved The late Axl Ancient? They didn't hate him?" I asked once again. Tumango si Rick at lumapit ng konti sa akin. I guess he sees my struggle so he helped me massaging my head.
"You could've done something to unleash the truth. " Mahinang bulong ko pagkatapos makapag-adjust ng utak ko. "What else do you know?" Rick turned to meet my eyes before he answered, "Everything." My jaw literally drops when I heard those words from him.
Does he know literally everything? how... "I've been in this school for so long. I guess I know enough?"
Rick stood up from sitting beside me and started walking away. "Wait!" I stood up to follow him and grab his coat. He turns to face me and beams a smile. "Hmm?"
"I need your help. I need to see what he looks like." Umiwas ng tingin sa Rick at tumingin sa paligid. He places both hands on his waist before he squints his eyes. "Saturday, Meet me at the train station. 13 pm sharp." He said before turning away from me again.
"Can I bring along--" He cut me off and his chuckle echoed on the stones.
"Yes."
--
It's been two days since the Life VS Death competition happened and I am here in the classroom again listening attentively to Principal King. "The school is not a safe place anymore." Principal King said. He keeps on telling us to stay in our respective dorms and only go out if we have important things to do.
He also told us if ever someone approached us. We shouldn't entertain them. "Why sir?" One of my classmates asked. Tumingin si Principal King sa kanya at tumalikod para may ipakita sa amin. The class turned dim and the white curtain again hovers our green board.
Nakita ko ang pag-flash ng pangalan ng school sa kurtina at muntikan akong mapatayo dahil sa nakita ko. Ang Blanche. Ang village namin. At ang park kung saan ako parati nakatambay. Nagkakagulo.
"There's a dark spirit roaming in the mortal world. And soon it'll be here. Someone already opened the portal." Principal King said. I swallowed the lump on my throat. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko gusto kong umalis muna sa Parallel para puntahan si Aunt Jane. "Who is that someone?" We turned our heads to Walter when he popped a question.
"That's the mystery we are trying to solve. Our purple wizards are trying their best to close the portal but for now, I hope you stay alert and distant from each other. We can't trust anyone right now. Nobody knows what will happen the next day." Principal King answered before everything went back to normal.
I glance at Walter and Victor. They were talking to each other so I had left with no choice but to think about Aunt's safety. I look down into my necklace, the time traveler necklace, and sigh before I close my eyes. I hope. I hope she uses my invention to stay away from danger.
After the class, I and Walter headed to the SS office. Rick presented a meeting for us. I guess it's because of the dark spirits roaming around. I wonder what they look like.
I sat on the tree branch inside the office and leaned my back on the wall. "Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting." We nodded our head to the president and stood up to follow his lead. He places a Map on the table and massages his temples. "This is the whole map of Parallel World." I can turn my eyes to the map and tilt my head to Rick.
"We discuss that probably the first attack of the Black Spirits starts in Homan." Parallel World has Four places including the school. Roscoe was not on the list. I wonder why.
The first place is Homan. The place where the first station was located. The place where I came from. The second is Downtown. I haven't been there so I had no idea what it looks like. Third is the Rogue College and the last one is Madith. A bit away from Rogue College.
Rick places a rock on Homan and places his hands on his waist. "Principal King spoke to me earlier before he warned all of the students. He wants us to secure Downtown thus it'll be the next after Homan." I nodded my head and crossed my arms.
The skies are moving on the map, the ocean too. I squinted my eyes when I saw black shadows circling above the Homan. Could they be? "The dark spirits." I tilt my head to Keith and look down at the map again. "They can possess mortals." He added.
I frowned. Why is he telling that to me? Did he suddenly reflect on his action? Not-so cool for a Keith Arson. "Brace yourself. We'll be going downtown later."
"How about classes?"
"All the classes are suspended until the end of the month Ms. Gamalo. To secure and maintain the peacefulness of Parallel World and Rogue College." Rick deeply stares into my eyes and I can feel shivers down my spine. He has this sort-of Victor manipulating feelings when he tones that way. He sounded like, not the Rick Mal I used to know.
Rick excused himself before he paved his way out of the office. I am with Keith and Walter. Nakakabingi ang katahimikan pero wala naman akong magagawa nito. After a few minutes, Rick comes back with a black bag.
I pick up the map on the table and hold it while the president places the bag on the table. Pulling out our weapons?
"Para saan ang mga ito? Hindi ba mga wizard tayo? We don't need these." Walter had a point. "Self Defense." My eyes followed Rick's hands when he had an Axe. "Here's your domain, Mr. Arson."
"Thanks."
"For you, Mr. Jamora." I smiled when Rick gave Walter a Bow and Arrow. "Here's yours, milady." I smiled when he gave me a bow and arrow. "Salamat."
"And for you. " I frowned when he gave a sword to me? "As expect. You always spare one for me." Napatingin ako sa likuran ko at hindi ko napigilang mapangiti nang makilala ko ang boses na iyon.
He's coming with us! Victor Rough is coming with us!
"Give way, Give way!" The cute voices of fairies announced.
So this is what Downtown looks like. I place my bow and arrow on my back with the help of Walter since it's a burden to carry them using my hands. Some of the creatures are dancing and walking in Downtown, laughing and even pushing each other. I guess they don't have any idea that dark spirits are now roaming in Parallel World.
Keith, walk ahead of us. He glanced at each place and even in the corner. Walter is in front of me while Victor is on my right side.
"Kanina pa tayo palakad-lakad. Hindi ba pwede magpahinga muna? Nananakit na ang mga paa ko." Nakangusong salaysay ni Walter. Me either.
Upong-upo na ako. We've been roaming for one hour already and there's nothing suspicious.
Nasorpresa ako sa mga dwarfs na nakikita ko pero kaagad din naman iyong nawawala dahil pinapakilala ako ni Walter sa kanila. Hindi lang siguro ako sanay sa aking nakikita kaya ganito akong makapag react. Mukha din naman silang mababait at maaamo.
"We need to stay alert. We have no time to rest." The intimidating voice of Rick answered. "Me either. Can we sit well for 5 or 3 minutes only?" Napatingin sila sa akin and shakes their head. I just sigh and follow them once again.
Sa sobrang bigat ba naman nitong pinapasan ko sa likuran ko. Gugustuhin ko mang magpahinga hindi naman sila papayag.
Umupo si Walter sa isang bakanteng upuan sa tabi at minamasahe ang batok niya. Tumabi ako sa kanya atsaka tumingin sa paligid.
The others didn't have any idea that we are secretly resting so they just walk away, fading from our sight in the sea of creatures. "Na-stiff neck na naman ako." Napatingin ako kay Walter nang dahan-dahan at ngumiti.
"I'm hungry. Hindi pa ako nakakain nang pumunta tayo dito." Dagdag pa nito.
"What do you want to eat?" I asked and poke his shoulder. "Yun!" May tinuro siyang tinapay sa harapan namin. I nodded my head before I composed myself to stand and headed to the small store stand. I fished out my wallet and paid for the bread.
"Hazel!" Napatingin ako sa paligid nang may tumawag sa akin at nakita ko si Walter na nakatingin sa entrance ng Downtown.
We've been roaming Downtown three times kaya alam ko na kung nasaan ang entrance at exit nito. Downtown is like a Marketplace. Though it had an underground for other creatures, it's still a marketplace. I squinted my eyes when Walter looked so serious while he was staring at someone... no, something on the entrance. "Ito na po." I smiled at the elf and went back to the bench where Walter is.
"Bakit?" I asked and handed the bread to him pero hindi niya ito kinuha. "Tawagin mo ang iba." Mahinang bulong niya sa akin. "I can't. I don't know where they are. I guess they already headed to the underground. Bakit?" He grabs my wrist kaya napatingin ako sa kanya.
Nabigla ako nang tumakbo siya at makipagsiksikan sa mga creatures na papunta sa underground. Seriously. What is he up to? Why does he look so serious and... afraid? Did he see the spirits? What did he see at the entrance?
Humihingi ako ng pasensya sa mga dwarfs, org, even faries na nababangga namin. Kanina pa kami tumatakbo and there's no sign of Victor, Rick, and Keith. Where are they? Mahigpit ang mga hawak ni Walter sa akin habang kami ay tumatakbo.
"Where are we going?" I can't help but ask him that question. He's been dragging me. Wala kaming tigil tumakbo at halos libotin na namin ang Downtown kakatakbo.
"We need to find the others." I know Walter when he's serious. He'll start talking in English. "Why?" I asked once again. He stopped running to catch his breath and so am I. Inilagay niya ang mga kamay niya sa balikat ko atsaka tumingin sa aking mga mata. "They are here." My jaw almost dropped when I heard those from him. "I saw them." He pants softly and closes his eyes to take a breath. "In the entrance." He added.
Then if that's the case.
"We need to warn everyone." Umiling si Walter sa sinabi ko that frowned me. "We can't make a move unless it's Rick or Victor." Napahimalos siya sa mukha niya and I got startled when the creatures started moving so fast going underground. "What's happening," I asked out of nowhere.
"WALTER! HAZEL!" Agad na itinaas ni Walter ang kamay niya and my eyes followed where the voice came from. Napatingala ako at nakita ko si Victor, Rick, and Keith Fighting the dark shadows. Out of surprise, I cover my mouth when the shadow forced Keith to open his mouth.
The quick danger sense of Rick helped Keith to escape from the shadow. "Hazel! Let's go!" Napatingin ako kay Walter at sumabay sa kanyang pagtakbo. We can't use our weapons yet. The creatures are still on the road and we can't reach our bow and arrow to help them. I covered my ears when Walter kicked the door that was on his side. "Dito!"
"We're trapped." Yun ang nasabi ko kay Walter when we reached the roof of the store that we just sneak in. "Not yet." Iniscan ni Walter ang tindahan and what a coincidence. We are in an Axe shop! "Tumabi ka muna, Ren." Kaagad kung sinunod si Walter at pumunta sa gilid.
He repeatedly hit the roof of the shop para makalabas kami sa loob at matulungan sila, Rick. When he made a hole, He hurriedly jumped off it and waited for me on the roof. When I also reached the roof. My eyes squinted on their own when I saw the boys fighting the shadows with all their might on the other side.
Inayos ko kaagad ang weapon ko at kumuha ng isang bow para patamaan ang aninong kalaban ni Keith. Masyadong malikot si Keith kaya kailangan kong magfocus para hindi siya matamaan ng arrow ko. When I release my arrow kaagad na tinamaan nito ang anino and it reflects a bright light before it fades. Napatingin sila sa akin kaya kaagad akong umiwas ng tingin at kumuha ng panibagong arrow.
I aimed my arrow at Victor's. When he turned in my direction, he swung his head to a different direction so he wouldn't get hit with the arrow before I released the arrow from my bow. Walter helped me with protecting the boys and I look down on Rolex when she vibrates.
"Hazel! Watch out!" I tilt my head to Rick and turn my head to the side. My eyes widened when the shadow is grabbing my weapon from me. Hinila ko ang bow ko sa anino at tumingin sa nag-uusok na mga mata nito.
What kind of creature is this? It's a black shadow and their eyes are burning white. Hugis tao sila at kaya rin nilang manakit kung gugustuhin nila. Parang kanina lang noong nakipaglaban si Keith sa isa sa mga ito. Natatakot ako. Hindi dahil takot ako sa kanila, kundi dahil sa maitim na impact na binibigay nila sa akin.
Napakalakas ng force nila that I had left with no choice but to turn around before I released my arrow. Napatakip ako sa mga mata ko when the shadow beams a light before it disappears. So that's what they called Dark Spirits.
After I moved on from frightening shock. Umayos ako ng tayo at tinulungan na naman ang boys. Walter did the same but he is making sure that no spirit can harm the two of us. I keep on releasing my arrow quickly the best that I could. They are getting a lot darker each time. Rick gave us a signal to go down but Walter told him that they should go first before us.
Wala namang nagawa si Rick kundi ang sumunod kay Walter. When the other roof is clear that's the moment we start to hop down from the roof. I cast a spell to reload my arrows before we rushed outside.
Hinanap ng mata namin sina Victor at sakto din namang paglabas nila sa isang store din na katapat lang ng sa amin. "Ano yong mga 'yon?" Tanong ni Walter at inayos ang bow niya.
"The Dark Spirits." They are having a conversation but I am spacing out right now. Those eyes. Those kinds of eyes keep on recalling it. Para kasing hinihila ako ng mga matang 'yon. Ngayon lang ako nakasalamuha ng ganong klaseng espiritu. Napapasabak din naman ako sa Blanche pero sa pagkakaalam ko ay kaagad na inaksyunan ni Principal Spencer ang mga 'yon para hindi na makarating pa sa bayan.
"Let's go this way." I snapped back into reality when I heard Victor's voice.
Tumakbo kami paalis sa underground at hinayaan ang mga creature na makapag-tago. Mas mabuti kung nakapag-tago sila sa safe na lugar para hindi sila madamay sa gulong ito.
"Whatever happens. Don't look into their eyes." I gasped when Victor announced it to us. "Bakit?" Tanong ni Walter. Tumingin sa aming mga mata si Victor at inihanda ang espada niya. "They can possess both immortals and mortals. Either you stare into their eyes or they possess using your open mouth and they can control our mind." Sagot ni Victor. I blink my eyes and make sure they won't hear my sigh.
We tilt our heads to the sky when it starts to become darker. "They are starting," Rick whispered. I swallowed the lump on my throat. Napatingin ako sa mga kasama ko, they are discussing what to do again while here I am. Spacing out. And can't mingle in their discussion. My mind is so occupied because of the fact that I stared into the spirit's eye. What will happen to me next?
Someone held my hand so I looked up to the owner of the hand and it was Victor. "You okay?" He asked. I smiled before I nodded my head. He messes my hair before we run back to the fountain Downtown. Rolex is vibrating so much that I shake my hand to stop the vibrations. "Brace yourself..." Rick whispered to us.
Naghanda ako ng dalawang arrow sa bow ko. I close my eyes. I am in the center while they are around me. I tried to calm myself so I can focus on this battle. I even grip on my bow tightly and take a deep breath before I open my eyes.
"They are afraid of lights." Tumingin ako sa gawi ni Keith. The werewolf looks so serious right now. Naging tahimik ang downtown at nagiging madilim na rin. Natatakot man ay pilit ko itong nilalabanan. Hinahawakan ko ng mahigpit ang aking bow and arrow. Ayaw kong mawala sila sa akin. Masyado pang delikado para mawalay sila sa akin.
"A mortal..." I roamed my eyes around when someone whispered in my ear. I even turned myself to glimpse that someone but there's no one. "Focus," Victor whispered. I closed my eyes to forget what I heard and took a deep breath. Calm down, Hazel. Calm down.
"AHHHHHHHHHH!" Napatakip ako sa magkabilang tenga ko dahil sa malakas na sigaw ni Magtanggol at ni No Jams napatingin ako kay Rolex and to check if she screams but I frowned when she stopped working. The moment I tilt my head a dark shadow appeared right in front of me. "Hazel!"
***
I groaned when I came back to my consciousness. I have no idea what happened. I just found myself laying on the ground without my bow and arrow. When I tried to sit up someone grabbed my shoulder to stop me from doing it. Napatingin ako sa paligid and soon realized what happened.
The boys got alarmed by my scream that they turned their backs to me. The quick Victor hurriedly pointed the tip of his sword to the shadow. I am holding my knees after the incident. The lucky thing is that I haven't stared into the eyes directly. Which is a good thing. But the impact is still there. The reason why I lost my consciousness.
"careful." Rick helped me to stand before he gave me my bow and arrow. "Thanks," I beam a smile before I place my arrow on my back and hold my bow tightly.
"Who gave you that pearl, Haze?" Itinuro ni Rick ang Pearl bracelet na binigay ni Headmistress Pearl.
"Bakit?" I asked. Tumingin lang silang apat sa akin so I frowned my brows. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganyan siya makatingin sa akin. Victor held my wrist and take a closer look at my pearl bracelet. Ipinikit nito ang kanyang mga mata para makapag-isip ng maayos habang hawak hawak ang aking kamay. Napatingin ako sa mga kasama ko and they look at Victor, waiting.
"This thing...." This thing? This thing what? Tumingala ako sa kanila and frowned my brows deeply. Bakit hindi nila matapos tapos ang sasabihin nila? Ibinaba ni Victor ang kamay ko at pinagkrus ang kanyang mga braso. I don't get it.
Why did they look so stress right now? Tinatapunan nila ako ng mga ngiti pero alam kong may itinatago ang mga ngiting iyon. Pakiramdam ko ay may itinatago sila sa akin na parang isa itong malaking sekreto. Nakakapanibago.
Tumabi sa akin si Walter at ngumiti. "Huwag mo nalang sila isipin. Ayos na ba ang pakiramdam mo?" Tanong nito sa akin. Kaagad naman akong tumango at ngumiti ng tipid. "Ano ba ang iniisip nila?" Well, I more prefer to have a proper conversation with Walter. I know he won't let me down to answer any of my questions. As long as he's not eating.
Bumuntong hininga si Walter bago nagkibit balikat. "Baka pagod lang siguro sila? Halika na, Babalik na tayo sa Rogue."
"But... how about those dark spirits roaming the Downtown?" Naunang maglakad si Rick, Keith, and Victor. They are discussing a serious matter about me. How could I say so? They are glancing at me. So unusual. I really think something happened before I passed out. I know there is.
--
We arrive at exactly 9 pm in the evening. We headed to our respective dorms after we took our dinner and I just did nothing but stare at my pearl until I dozed off to sleep. I wore my dad's sweater when I got up at 5 am. I glance at Axl Ancient Journal which reminds me of Rick. He said I should be at the train station this Saturday. I wonder where we'd go.
I got up from the bed and took a quick shower. After I took a shower, I stepped out of the room, and the speakers in the hallways started announcing that the rest of the days this month will be suspended. There'll be no class until the issue about Dark Spirits/Shadows will be over.
Placing my hands on the sweater's pocket. Nagsimula na akong maglakad papunta sa school hospital. Kailangan kong tingnan kung maayos na ba ang pakiramdam ng aking Uncle. Apat na araw ko na din siyang hindi nabibisita dahil sa patong-patong kong gawain at isipin.
"Mabuti naman at napadalaw ka. Kahapon pa siya nagising, Hindi ko muna pina-alis kasi alam kong babalik ka." Nginitian ko si Nurse Cha. "Salamat po, Nurse." Lumingon ako sa pwesto kung saan nanggagaling ang ingay ng pagnguya. Napangiti ako nang makita ko si Uncle na naka-upo na sa kanyang kama habang kumakain ng mais.
The nurse excused herself so I paved my way to went to my uncle and sat on the edge of his bed. "Insan! Hehehe good morning!" I giggled. "Good morning. Napa-sarap ata ang tulog mo?" Nakangiting tanong ko sa kanya na ikinatawa nito. "May napanaginipan nga ako kagabi! ang gandaa" Sagot niya sa akin. Napanguso naman ako atsaka inayos ang gulo-gulo niyang buhok bago ngumiti. Nakakapanibago ang postura niya ngayon. Parang nung biyernes lang ay halos maging kasing puti na niya ang nyebe pero ngayon bumabalik na ang kanyang dating kulay.
"Bakit ka napadpad dito?" Matagal ko na itong gustong itanong sa kanya pero dahil wala pa siyang malay nong nagdaang araw, wala akong magawa kundi ang tumahimik nalang muna. "Exchange student din ako" Sagot niya sa akin sabay kagat sa kanyang sweet corn.
I swallowed the lump on my throat. I love sweet corn. "Nung makapasok ako dito, tinanong ako ni Principal kung kaano-ano daw kita. Sabi ko pinsan kita!" Nakangiting sagot nito. Hindi ko naman mapigilan ang sarili ko na mapatawa. "Ganun ba?"
"Oo! Madami nga nakakakilala sa'yo dito! Kasi pag naririnig nila ang apelyedo ko, tinatanong kaagad nila ako kung kaano-ano kita!" That's so new. Hindi ko alam na marami pala ang nakakakilala sa akin dito. Siguro dahil 'yun sa brawl. Doon naman talaga ako na-expose sa karamihan. "I see..." Inilabas ko ang wand niya sa aking bulsa atsaka ito nilapag sa binti niya.
Kagat-kagat niya ang kanyang mais bago tumingin sa akin. Alam ko ang tingin na 'yan. "I keep your wand while you are in the state of recovery." Sabi ko. Ngumiti ang kanyang mga mata bago kinuha ang wand. "Did, Uncle Benjamin work your wand?" Tumango si Oishi sa tinanong ko at tumingin sa kanyang wand.
"Oo. Sabi ni papa." His dad. The father of my Dad. "I see."
"Hazel. Gusto ko lang sanang humingi ng tawad." My brows frowned on it's own nang bigla niyang binanggit ang pangalan ko ng seryoso. "Bakit?" Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko bago siya huminga ng malalim. "Kasi hindi kita na-comfort noong panahon na kailangan mo ng comfort. Syempre, bata pa naman ako 'non at wala akong alam kung ano ang nangyayari pero I swear. Sinubukan kong hanapin kung saan ka nakatira. Namin ni papa pero wala eh. Hindi ka namin nahanap."
"Hinanap niyo ako?" Tumango si Oishi at tumingin sa mga mata ko. "Oo, Hazel. Hinanap ka namin. Hindi ka namin nahanap pero laking pasasalamat namin nang malaman namin na si Jane Ferdinand ang nag-alaga sa'yo pagkatapos mawala ng mga magulang mo." He said with a smile on his lips. "Sabi ni papa na if ever mahanap at ma-encounter daw ulit kita. Wag daw kitang pababayaan. Ayaw niyang mamatayan ng apo. Masakit 'yon para sa isang hu---"
"Hazel? Nandito ka!" Hindi natapos ni Oishi ang sasabihin niya nang may kumalabit sa aking braso. Napalingon ako sa likuran ko at napangiti nang makita ko ang malusog na si Franco kasama si "Ethel?" Napatayo ako sa kinauupuan ko at tiningnan silang dalawa. "Bati na kayo?" Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko na hindi 'yon itanong. Tumingin silang dalawa sa akin bago dahan-dahang tumango.
"News." I grinned. They gladly came to me and gave me a warm hug. "You visit so early," Ethel asked followed with a soft laugh. "Oh right! I would like you guys to meet, Oishi Gamalo." I led my hand to Oishi who was putting down his sweet corn and flashed a sweet smile. Weird. Because of that smile, recollection starts playing in my head. I remember him now! This little kiddo.
"Pinsan mo?" Tanong ni Franco sa akin. I smiled and shook my head but Oishi nodded his head. I just simply rolled my eyes and took the sandwich, Ethel handed to me. "Thanks," I took a bite before I sat on Oishi's bed again.
"He's the son of my Father's dad. So, he's not my cousin at all! but he interferes and calls me as if I am his cousin which is totally fine for me." I explained. They nodded, including Oishi. They sat on the vacant bed beside Oishi's and we discussed a lot of things. I also tackled the issue of The Dark Spirits and they also can't believe what I just had said.
After my discussion about The Dark Spirits, Franco and Ethel also told me how they make up for each other. According to Franco, Ethel asked him first if he was doing fine the moment he opened his eyes. He is shocked by her appearance but moves on after some minutes. Ethel told him that he felt sorry for what happened and then also said sorry for treating him badly when they were still SS officers.
Which is a soft topic for me. After they reconcile they start treating each other as close friends like what they used to be before insecurities take over.
Pagkatapos ng pag-uusap namin, since discharge na si Franco at Oishi sabay-sabay na kaming umalis ng campus hospital. Wala na rin namang dapat pang pagtagalan doon kasi inaaya na din kami ng nurse na umalis na dahil masyadong delikado ngayon. Dumiretso kami sa cafeteria and only few students are eating. Daig pa namin ang mga estudyanteng na lockdown dahil sa nakakalat na airborne virus.
Juice nalang ang inorder ko total binigyan naman na ako ng pagkain ni Ethel kanina sa hospital. Naghanap kaming apat ng table at umupo sa bakanteng upuan sa paanan ng cafeteria. Sobrang tahimik ng cafeteria. Nakakabingi.
Franco and Oishi are chatting about the previous program and he congratulated my uncle for winning the competition. It was said that he is the first mortal who won the Life Vs Death Competition after my mom. I can't help but smile while overhearing their conversation. They are praising my mom's skills and Oishi's skills too.
After we took our breakfast, Hinatid muna namin ang boys sa dorm nila just to make sure that they'll arrive safely. "Mauna na kami. 6 am pa naman. Baka gusto niyong matulog ulit?" Tanong ni Franco nang makarating na kami sa kanilang dorm. "Hindi na siguro." Sagot ni Ethel. Nanatili akong tahimik habang nakatingin sa aking uncle.
"O'sige. Mauna na kami sa inyo." Tumango kami ni Ethel at hinihintay na sumara ang pintuan ng kanilang dorm bago kami umalis. I and Ethel are chatting to each other when someone called me out. Napalingon ako sa paligid at nakita ko ang grupo ni Victor, Walter at Keith na sinesenyasan akong lumapit sa kanila. "Tinatawag ka nila, Mauna na ako." Tinanguan ko si Ethel at inayos ang aking sweater. Inilagay ko ulit ang aking mga kamay sa bulsa ng sweater bago ako naglakad papunta kila Victor. Ano na naman kaya ang sasabihin ng mga 'to sakin?
"Oh?" As expected. Walter wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "Pinapatawag tayong apat ni Principal King." Rick said. Napa-irap nalang ako sa hangin at sumunod sa kanilang tatlo. Nakapalupot din naman ang mga braso ni Walter sa balikat ko kaya wala akong takas sa kanila.
Dumaan kami sa hallway at tinahak ang daan papunta sa office ni Principal King. Gusto ko mang itanong kung bakit kami tinawag ngunit pakiramdam ko naman ay wala rin silang alam kaya nanatili nalang akong tahimik.
"What do you think he'll talk about this time?" Keith asked. I just make a face. "No idea. I guess he'll be consulting about yesterday?" Sagot naman ni Rick. I tilt my head to Victor. He seems so quiet now, what is he thinking though? He is frowning his brows while we are paving in the hallway. It could be something deep then.
"Baka." Walter mingles in. "Or maybe, Hazel's pearl." my brows frowned when I heard my name and my pearl. "Seriously? You guys are hiding something from me. What's with my pearl? I told you guys yesterday, this was given- more like a gift from Headmistress Peal from Blanche. Why make it a big deal?" I can't help my mouth. I've been keeping that question until I fell asleep last night. I want an answer immediately or else I might conclude that they also like my pearl!
Rick, Keith, and Victor turned their faces on me that made me stop walking and cross my arms. "That's exactly the point. Your pearl saved us from the Spirits yesterday. After you fainted, your pearl creates a bright light that ousts the spirits" My lips parted a little, and looked away. "How..."
"That's what we are trying to figure out," Keith answered. "And if ever, Principal King wants to talk about what happened yesterday, we tell him the entire truth and so we can receive an answer from our questions and what's behind your pearl's power," Rick said in front of me.
"I.... don't know what to say." Those are the only words that come out of my lips. I can't say any further. After I heard Victor's statement it puzzled me too. But I am sure, a hundred percent sure that the pearl Headmistress gift to me is for my safety.
After all, that's what she wanted, to ensure me on my way to Parallel World, Rogue College.
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