Chapitre 21: La Perle
"Oh, Kumain muna kayo." Nginitian ko si Aunt Jane at kumuha ng fried chicken sa mesa. Kumuha din si Keith at ngumiti kay Aunt Jane. Si Rick, Walter, at Victor ay tahimik lang habang kumakain sa mesa.
Kanina pa sila tahimik pagkatapos kong ipakilala sa Emerita sa kanila. Parang nagkaroon ng realization shock sa loob ng library.
Naging tahimik ang lahat at walang may gustong magsalita. "Uhm, Hazel? Mukhang ayaw ata nila sa akin?" Narinig kong bulong ni Emerita sa aking tenga. "Ha? Eh hindi pa nga nila nakikita ang mukha mo." Natatawa kong sagot. Inilabas ko ang wand ko sa loob ng aking bulsa and produces a light.
Likewise, Walang nagsalita. Nakatingin lang sila ng diretcho kay Emerita hanggang sa kusang lumapit si Keith at ini-abot ang kanyang kamay. "Nice to meet you, Emerita. I'm Keith Arson." Emerita smiled and take his hand for a handshake. Nagsimula na ring lumapit ang iba para batiin si Emerita. Mabuti naman at nakabalik na sila sa sarili nila. Mukhang type nila si Emerita.
After that, I and Keith decided to go out. Hindi ko alam kung sumunod ba sila sa amin or ano. I need to talk alone with this werewolf about why he had a sudden change of heart/attitude towards me. We headed to the court covered with leaves and we both sat on the bench. "Why are we here?" He asked while he's looking around.
"I just wanted to ask you something."
"What?" He turns his head in my direction and raises his brow. I take a deep breath, take off my shades, and look intently into his eyes. "Why did you change yourself towards me? So sorry if this question is confidential, I just wanted to know." I said without pausing. "Why? Is it bad to treat you more like a human?" I cringe my cheeks and laugh.
"Coming from you!" I laughed and mark this day! I heard a laugh from insulting werewolf mouths!
"Yep, coming from a werewolf you say!" Hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko at mapahalakhak ng malakas dahil sa sinabi niya. "But why? I can't answer that question at all. I just had fun teasing you." He said. Napatingin ako sa mga mata niya. Something urges me to do so and now I am doubting that answer.
His eyes. He looks like he's keeping something from me. From us. But what are we in his life though? What's really the exact reason if he's hiding something from us? I hope he won't be sad about the outcome of it. I hope so.
"Where will you guys want to stay a night?" I change the topic. Ayaw kong isipin niyang pinagdududahan ko ang sagot niya. Kahit ano man ang mangyari, ayaw kong makonekta kay Keith. Kahit ngayon na pinipilit niya ang sarili niyang magbago, hindi dapat ako makampanti. Mahirap na. "Sabi ni Victor, sa inyo daw muna." Sagot niya sa tanong ko.
Oh. In Aunt Jane's house? I wonder if they like to see themselves sleeping on the floor since we just had two rooms. "I see."
That's what happened earlier. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko kayang buksan ang bibig ko at tapunan ng tanong si Victor, Walter at Rick tungkol kay Emerita. "About the dark spirits." Tumayo si Aunt Jane at hinawakan ang kamay ko. Tumango ako at hinayaan siya na umalis muna sa hapag. Mukhang nararamdaman niya na magiging seryoso ang usapan namin ngayon.
Nasabi ko na din kasi kay Aunt kung bakit kami nandito at kung ano ang pinapagawa sa amin ni Principal King. Naunawaan naman niya yon at siya na din nag adjust. Tanging kandila lang ang nagsisilbing liwanag sa bahay namin. Wala ni kahit isang bahay ang naglakas loob na buksan ang ilaw sa mga bahay nila, Mukhang nasabihan na din kasi sila at aware na din.
"Emerita told me that these creatures are afraid of lights." I shared. Napahinto sila sa pagkain bago ako tinapunan ng tingin.
"The dark spirits are Principal Spencer's experiment. The spirits should roam inside the school only but someone pricked interest to the spirits and set them free until they are all over the Blanche, and some opened the portal." Pagbabahagi ko. Ibinaba ni Victor ang kutsarang hawak niya at inilagay ang mga kamay sa ilalim ng kanyang baba.
Mukhang nag-iisip siya ng malalim ngayon. Mabuti naman, kesa magmok-mok siya habang kumakain. "Napansin ko din 'yon kanina. Gumawa ng ilaw ang pearl na hawak hawak nung babae na nagngangalang pearl kaya pinalibutan siya ng mga Espiritu." Nakanguyang sabi ni Walter. I noticed it too.
"You're right, Walter! Napansin ko din 'yon." Sagot naman ni Keith. Kung Ganon. Yung mga Espiritung nakarating sa Parallel World? Are they part of Principal Spencer's experiment? Mukhang oo, mukhang hindi. Kumain nalang ako ng fried chicken at napabuntong hininga. "I think, we all noticed it." At last. The President spoke after good three hours.
"Yeah." I turned my head to Victor. He is still thinking. "But, why the spirits in Rogue, afraid of the light that my pearl produced?" I curiously asked. I've been bothered by that, I came to my senses just now and my brain functioned its own flashback that makes me recall what happened when we fought the spirits in Downtown.
Something's not right, I conclude.
"I don't know. I had no answer from that yet. Unless we had a book regarding the history of pearls." A book? I snapped my finger in front of Victor's face. "I have it!" They turned their head in my direction, throwing me questionable looks. "Chill! I stole it from the Principal King's office. I just knew that we might need this and I guess this is the right time?"
"Give me." I smiled before they beam a smile excluding the werewolf. "Wait up!" I took the last bite of my fried chicken before I stood up to go to my room. I changed my sweater when we arrived here. I wore a plain white t-shirt inside and a pink sweater.
When I arrived in the room, Hinanap ko kaagad kung saan ko nilagay ang libro. Nilabhan kasi ni Aunt Jane ang sweater ni daddy para masuot ko ulit 'yon bukas pag-uwi. Nag-effort din si Aunt Jane na pumunta sa mall at bumili ng sweaters para sa boys. Kinuha ko ang libro sa mesa ko at nakasalubong ko pa si Aunt Jane nang lumabas ako sa kwarto hawak-hawak ang basa kong sweater.
"Oh! Mabuti naman at nakita kita. Ipapatuyo ko na 'tong sweater mo ah. Tapos ka na bang kumain, nak?" Tanong ni Aunt at inayos ang gulo kong buhok. "Hindi pa po~ Kinuha ko lang po 'tong libro."
"Masosolusyonan ba ninyo 'to? Nagiging malala na din kasi," May halong lungkot sa mga boses ni Aunt Jane kaya hinawakan ko ang magkabila niyang balikat at napabuntong hininga. "Hindi ko po alam pero gagawin naman ang lahat para matapos ang kadiliman na 'to." Binigyan ako ng mahigpit na yakap ni Aunt Jane kaya napangiti ako at niyakap siya ng mahigpit.
I want to ask her if she has any idea who's that Hideux is but maybe she doesn't know who he is and what he is. She seemed innocent when I talked about this sensitive topic with her. Jane Ferdinand. Her husband is Ferdinand Ferdinand, the one who sacrifices himself to save my parents and Walter's parents in their intense confrontation with Hideux.
When she parted the hug. I look into her eyes. All the memories that she had with me reminisce. How many times did I already say, how thankful I am that she takes over in taking care of me after my parent's death? "Bakit ganyan ka makatingin, nak?" She asked, giggling. I smiled and bit the tip of my tongue so I won't shed a tear.
"Nah. Thankful lang ako kasi ikaw ang nagpalaki sakin despite the hate you suffer from your own family because of me, they even degraded you and treated you like a stranger. You disregard those for me." Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko nang maramdaman ko ang kanyang kamay sa aking pisngi.
"Nangako ako kela Rico at Diane na ako ang magpapalaki sayo kahit ano man ang mangyari. Hindi ko hahayaang mangyari sa'yo ang nangyari sa mga magulang mo." Iminulat ko ang mga mata ko at ngumiti. "Mahal kita, Hazel. Mahal na mahal kita. Hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kung may hindi magandang mangyari sayo"
Hindi ko na napigilan ang mga luha ko at kusa na itong bumagsak sa aking pisngi. Pinunasan naman din 'yon ni Aunt Jane at nginitian ako. "Alam kong isa lang akong normal na tao at walang ka-alam-alam sa mga magic magic na pinag-aaralan niyo pero sinisigurado ko na malalapitan niyo ako kung kailangan niyo ng tulong" I nodded my head.
Pinunasan ni Aunt Jane ang luhang bumagsak din sa kanyang mga mata at nginitian ako. "O'sya! Ipapatuyo ko na tong sweater mo!" Natatawang sabi niya. "Sige po, Pag wala ka nang ginawa Auntie, bumalik ka doon ah." Tinangoan niya ako at inayos ulit ang aking buhok. "Ang ganda mo talaga, namana mo sa nanay mo ang kagandahan mo" I smiled.
"Bola na naman," She just laughed so I started walking to the hallways. I headed back to the kitchen and placed the book in the center of the table. "The Enigma of La Perle?" Walter spoke as he read the title of the book.
We glance at him since he's the one who spoke the title. "Ano? Nabigla lang naman ako sa title!" Natatawa na sabi nito. "Oh, Rick! Ikaw nagpakuha nito diba? Ikaw na magbasa!" Inirapan ko nalang sya at umupo ng maayos sa upuan ko.
I took another piece of fried chicken into the bowl and started eating it. "The book is written by Pearl Kang, a graduate student of Lightex Comco." Rick started.
Napa-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya habang kumakain. Tinaguan naman siya nila Victor. "The pearls she created only work on innocent people. The power of the pearl once used to defeat the Dark God of Wizardry." I frowned my brows, actually, hindi lang ako. Lahat kami.
"It's said here that the pearl can sense danger." I wouldn't be surprised about that. Headmistress Pearl already told me that when he cast a spell before. "Was made out of purity and innocence. The bracelet or necklace or any accessories that each of the students from Lightex Comco created to protect its owner from harm, especially from the darkness."
"Wait!" Sabay kaming tumingin kay Walter nang itaas nito ang kanyang kamay.
"Naguguluhan ako. Ano ang connect ng pearl sa Espirito dito sa Blanche? Medyo hindi ko gets." Nakatingin lang ako kay Walter at napa-isip din. May point siya.
Why are we talking about the pearl's power here in Blanche? The spirits here are attached to lights. Even Rick took a pause from reading the book, Keith also looked confused while Victor was still placing his hand on his chin. What are these guys thinking about? "I agree, Walter. What's the connection between the pearl and the spirits here in Blanche?" Keith Spoke.
"Well, in my theory, The spirits in Rogue are not from Blanche." My lips parted a bit when Victor talked. "They are not part of the experiment?" I asked and he nodded. "Sort-of. Rick, please continue"
"It is known as "La Perle of Truth" The pearl that students from Lightex make was produced by Winter and Snow Tale and the process of the pearl was still a mystery." No more questions about the title of this book. The pearl is indeed mysterious.
"How to use..." I stopped eating when they turned their heads to me. "What?" Seriously? Why are they giving me that questionable look? Did I do something wrong aside from eating my fried chicken leg? Psh. "Listen carefully," Victor said and took away my chicken.
"Excuse you, Mr. Rough. I am listening attentively. No need to take my chicken away!" I lean my back on the backrest and cross my arms. "Then good."
"When the pearl senses danger, it turns into white. Either it's a necklace, bracelet, or earings. It should be placed closer to the eye of the enemy. The light reflects and they lost their eye sights within 5 seconds." Nakarinig kami ng mahinang tawa kaya napalingon kami sa likuran ko.
"Auntie ni Hazel!!" Obviously, Walter.
"Bakit po, tita?" Nagulat din siguro sila kung bakit natuwa si Aunt Jane sa sinabi ni Rick. "Wala! Natatawa lang ako. Napakabilis naman at 5 seconds mabubulag ka na sa ilaw. Wow! Parang magic!"
We gave her a blank stare. "Ay joke! Sabi ko nga may gagawin pa ako."
The serious atmosphere in the dining room got replaced by our genuine laugh. I can't believe that Aunt Jane would have an interest in listening to our conversation (though I told her that she's free to listen) I thought she wouldn't prick her interest in this topic. But anyway, I love how she removes the weight in our conversation.
--
"If the currents are too strong, the accessory can produce bright light." We nodded our heads when Rick continued the discussion. "Just like what happened when we fought with the spirits in Downtown." Keith shared. The three nodded. Well me, I am curious what really happened that moment though they already told me what happened. I still want to see what exactly happens but it's too late.
I can't use my time turner necklace. 24 hours have already passed and we are in Blanche.
"The pearl is more usable in the land than air," Rick added.
"So kaya pala hindi ka na protektahan ng pearl mo kanina." I nodded my head.
Maybe. I don't exactly know what happens. They cover my eyes until we landed kaya wala akong kaide-ideya na hindi pala nag produce ng liwanag ang pearl ko. Basta, rinig narinig ko ang boses ni Dad kanina.
"Can I take a look, Mr. Mal?" I watch Rick and Victor exchange glances before Rick hands the book to him. Victor flipped the book while he's leaning on the chair. Our eyes are fixed on him and we wanted to hear more from the book. Something that might help us. Something that we need to know.
Five minutes and he is still silent so maybe there's nothing more from the book. We just do our stuff, Keith excused himself to use the bathroom, and Walter and I are fighting with the fried chicken left on the plate.
"Akin na'to, Haze! Napaka Dami mo nang naubos oh!" Tinampal ko ang kamay niya at mabilisang umiling. "I took this first so this is mine!" We look intimdately in each other's eyes. Hawak hawak niya ang joints ng chicken leg habang ako ay hawak hawak ang meat part ng chicken leg. "Bitaw, Walter!"
"Ayooko!!" Nakita kong marahang napa hilamos ng mukha si Rick habang tinitingnan kaming dalawa. "Bitaw nga! Akin 'to!"
"Manyeo." I and Walter stopped arguing when we heard Victor say, "The name of the spirit that was discovered in 1990 also called as "Spirit of the Witch '''' He slams the book on the table and massages his temple. Walter also stopped pulling the chicken leg from me to go to his best man.
"They are hiding this information from us. For what?" I smiled bitterly and placed the chicken on my plate and wiped my hands. I headed to their seats and gave him a hug, Rick and Keith also came forward to join.
"What should we do? We need to cope up with a plan." President asked. I blink my eyes. "I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, we shouldn't do anything about this. I think they had a valid reason why they kept that information from us. Not just to us but to all the students in Rogue College." I said, they nodded and heaved a sigh.
I look at each of them and smile. "But we should keep this a secret. Nobody should know that we know this. Not even your father, Mr. Arson. "Keith cluelessly pointed to himself before nodding.
"Noted that."
---
It's already 8 am when we arrived at Parallel World. So far, We didn't encountered spirits in the sky on our way home. It's peaceful. We went different ways when we arrived in Rogue. I headed to the girl's dormitory and the boys headed to the boys' dormitory, obviously.
I lay my back on my soft comfy bed and close my eyes. I am planning to take a short nap since I had nothing to do and no classes ahead.
When I opened my eyes, It's already 12 pm so I headed to the bathroom and took a quick bath. I was alarmed when Rolex vibrated and I don't know why. When I stepped out of the bathroom, I frowned when I saw Axl Ancient's journal in my bed, open and letters started appearing.
What's happening?
Dear Journal,
13-3-15
I don't have any idea that he would revise the story. I thought he was a good man but I'm definitely wrong. I will remember this day, Day 3rd of Trana, 2015. The reason for the book revision of Ancient History.
-Uncle told him to revise it. I can't believe it.
-I don't have any idea why he chooses to publish a lie.
-Jielo Agapito is a pure-blooded mortal who wants to work under the Dark God.
I gasped upon reading the entry. No way!
"Hoy! Kanina ka pa tulala. Saan ba tayo pupunta?" Nginitian ko si Walter. We just finished our lunch and I asked them if they could come with me. Rick is nowhere to be found but I hope he won't delay our meeting today. I anticipated this day, and I hope he won't let me down. "Somewhere," I replied.
I am wearing a hoodie, Walter is wearing pedal shorts and jacket, meanwhile Victor. He looks so formal right now. He's wearing jeans and a white polo. We've been waiting for Rick Mal's arrival in the station since earlier.
Kanina pa din patingin-tingin si Victor kay magtanggol at sabay buntong hininga. "Kung ayaw niyo akong samahan, pwede naman kayo bumalik sa Rogue." I smiled. It's already 13:30 pm and there's no sign of Rick.
Sabay naman silang umiling at inakbayan ako. "Nope! We're coming with you." Napa-irap nalang ako at tumayo nang makita ko na ang pigura ni Rick Mal.
"You're 30 minutes late." I greeted him. He laughs and fixes his coat. "I need to invent a believable reason to Principal King and Ms. Fiona so I can go here."
"Anong rason naman?" Right. I wonder now too.
"I told them, I am going to Roscoe!"
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
calmnclean
calmnclean Just for clarification!
Blanche is the name of Hazel's world. Let's say, for instance, barangay nila 'yon. Sa barangay na 'yon located ang Blanche University. Ang Blanche University ay may apat na school 'yon yung Blanche Elementary School, Blanche High School, Blanche SHS, and Blanche Community College.
Sa Parallel World naman, May tatlo siyang barangay. Homan, Downtown, at Mardith. Feeling ko kasi hindi ko na-explain ng maayos kasi medyo lutang ako. Pero sana nakatulong yan sa mga naguguluhan.
Sorry talaga. Sana nagustuhan niyo 'tong update na 'to. Stay safe mga palangga!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone