"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!"
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!
"We are violating the school rules!" Tinapunan ko ng masamang tingin ang kasama kong si Victor. Kanina pa niya ako tinatanong kung ano ang ginagawa namin sa Mardith. Ang lugar kung saan nakatayo ang Ancient Palace.
Ang lugar kung saan nagsimula ang lahat. Nasa pinakahuling listahan ng barangay ang Mardith dito sa Parallel World.
The palace was abandoned only then, Rogue College Principal, King Ancient allowed his students to come and visit the place. "endormir les géants" I whispered and put the giants to sleep. "Seriously?" I shrugged my shoulders when Victor hit my arm.
Tinakbo namin ang entrance ng Palasyo at binuksan ang pinto. Sininyasan namin si Walter at Rick na sumunod sa amin at sabay kaming apat na pumasok sa loob.
There are no exact words to say when I stepped inside the palace. The chandelier is brighter than my life. Beautiful than me. We headed to the hallway of heaven while I was busy staring at the picture frames that were stuck on the wall.
And why did I say hallway of heaven? The hallway is so long that I can't see where the edge of this hallway leads.
"Here's the Ancient Family tree. It's not done yet according to Principal King." I stopped walking and stared into the frame. I honestly can't say anything because this is not what I came here for. But, I still stare at the frame, looking for one specific person. Hideux.
"I can't see his photo," I muttered. Napatingin sa akin si Walter at Victor pero hindi ko muna sila dinapuan ng tingin. Halos memorize ko na sa kakatingin ang family tree pero wala akong makita maliban sa isang sunog na parte ng frame. Kusa kong naiyukom ang mga kamao at huminga ng malalim. Hindi ma-aari. "He's that one." Lumingon ako ng saglit kay Rick na itinuturo ang nasunog na larawan. "Hazel?" Hindi ko muna binigyan ng pansin si Walter at nilapitan ang larawan para suriin ito ng mabuti.
"Okay ka lang, Hazel?"
"Yeah," I replied before I cleared my throat. I need to shrug this off. Nakita ni Rick ang struggle ko kaya tinuloy na namin ang paglalakad namin. Siniko ako ni Victor at kita kong nagtatanong ang mga mata niya pero ngumiti lang ako sa kanya. Natanong ko na sa kanila ang tungkol kay Hideux at yung usapan nila sa balon pero parang may gusto pa akong malaman. I want more.
Inakbayan ako ni Walter at ngumiti. "Axl Ancient used to live here until he aged 14." Rick shared. Napatingin ako sa kanya at tumingin ulit sa mga picture frame.
Why did he bring up the topic about Axl Ancient all of a sudden? Dahil ba nandito si Victor at Walter? Our conversation flashed in my mind. Is it true that he knows everything? How much did he know? Why is he keeping those? Who are you, Rick Mal?
"Yeah. Then they moved him to prison. I remember the times we used to play in this long-end hallway." Victor replied. I just listened attentively and nodded my head. Such a wonderful childhood memory. I can't relate.
Without further words, we continue walking in the hallway until we turn to the east wing of the palace. They stopped and turned their heads to me so I stopped walking also and smiled at them. "Why?" I asked confusedly. "Do you wish to see him?" I swallowed the lump on my throat.
Napatingin ako kay Victor at Walter and curious drawn visibly in their faces. "Sino? Sino, Haze?" Tinanggal ni Walter ang pagkaka-akbay sa akin bago kumunot ang noo. Hindi ko magawang makasagot kasi hindi ko pa naman ito nababangit sa kanila.
"Are you hiding something from us, Hazel?" And here goes again the chilling, intimidating voice of Victor Rough. I thought for a moment. Am I hiding something from them? I didn't tell them that I read Victor's name in the entry. I didn't tell them that I read the first and second entries of Axl's Journal. I didn't tell them that another entry opened earlier.
Maybe, I'm just occupied with the Dark Spirit issue plus the Spirit of the Witch hovering here in Parallel World that I can't bring myself to tell them everything. I am indeed hiding something from them. "But it's okay if you won't open up to us. We understand but remember always that we're just here beside you whatever happens."
"Thank you..." I mouthed and nodded my head. They continue walking so I take a deep breath. Bahala na kung makita nila kung sino ang pinunta namin dito. "Rick. I wished to see him" Napalingon ulit sila sa akin and Rick smiled. "Okay. Noted that." He replied before turning his back from me.
I don't know where it is but this place looks like an office because of the decorations. The busy eyes of the boys are roaming around the said office. I guess they are familiarizing themselves with the place and thinking if they went here before, but reading their facial expression. It looks like they haven't been here.
"Opisina 'to ni Principal King 'no?" Tanong ni Walter. Napangiti naman ako.
"Yes." Rick roamed around the office with Walter. Hinawakan naman ni Victor ang braso ko at hinila ako sa tabi niya. "I want to ask you something. I am just bothered." Huminga ako ng malalim at tumango sa kanya. Ngumiti si Victor at hinawakan ang dalawang balikat ko.
"Did you read my name on Axl's entry?" I smiled. I guess I am cornered. Katulad na lang nung narinig ko ang pag-uusap ni Victor, Walter at Uncle Rico na napansin ni Victor na may tinatago ako sa kanya, kasi tama naman siya. Hindi ako magtatanong ng confidential na bagay sa kanya kung wala akong nabasa, kung wala akong nalaman.
I wouldn't pique interest in his father's death if he's not the one who shared it himself. I am not that kind of person who gets curious all of a sudden unless it's a doubtful situation.
"The master of equanimity," I answered. "Victor Rough," I added. He frowned his brows upon hearing me and crossed his arms. "That's what I read in the third entry."
"That's all?" I nodded. I actually waited for something to pop out aside from that but nothing more. Then after I read that entry, when we went home, remember the train part? The fourth entry appears and it's only one word, one name, the pen-name of the owner.
He takes a deep breath and nodded his head. "I read another entry earlier." Parang nabuhayan ng dugo si Victor dahil sa narinig niya at binalingan ako ng tingin. "What is it?" Ipinikit ko ang mga ko para alalahanin ang nabasa ko kaninang umaga. Binuksan ko ang mga mata ko at tumingin kay Victor. Nagdadalawang isip ako kung sasabihin ko ba 'to sa kanya o wag nalang muna.
"Tungkol sa pag-iba ng takbo ng kwento sa Ancient History book." He nodded his head. "I know that. Mr. Jielo revises the book." My lips parted in surprise and blinked my eyes. "I, Walter, Rick, Ethel, Franco, Emerita, Dalton, and Warren know the revision but not the reason behind it." He said.
Napatingin ako sa side ni Walter at Rick na nagbubukas ng drawers. "It was said that 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 recall and tilt my head to Victor.
"Sino sa tingin mo ang uncle na sinasabi ni Axl?" Takhang tanong ko kay Victor.
"I don't have any idea. It's either Principal King or Principal Spencer or Winston." My eyes widened. So he also has an idea that the Ancient Family adopted another male in the family? I thought Rick knew all of these.
Kaya naman pala hindi pwedeng maliitin si Victor. He knows everything just like Rick. Ngayon na leader na siya ng number one wand group, Alam ko sa kaloob-looban ko na mas marami alam si Victor kesa kay Rick.
I lean my back on the wooden wall and step back when I step to something.
"HAZEL!" Napasigaw ako nang muntikan akong mahulog sa butas. Humawak ako ng mahigpit sa dalawang braso ni Victor at dahan-dahang tumingin sa ilalim ng butas. There are bunch of pointed tree trunks there that skips my heart from beating. "Hang on there! Don't let go!" He growls.
Ipinikit ko ang dalawang mata ko at huminga ng malalim. Kumakarira sa Bilis ng tibok ang Puso ko. Binuksan ko ang dalawang mata ko at tumingala kay Victor. Beside him was the shirtless Rick. Tying his coat and polo. "Hazel, hang on there!" He shouted. I answered with a nod.
"Humawak ka sa akin, Haze!" I tried to reach Walter's hand but I couldn't do it. I was eaten up with fear. I can't even let go of gripping Victor's wrist. "Walter! Come here! You are too far!" Victor groans once again.
I watched how he positioned himself, laying on the floor, and trying to reach my wrist from Victor's wrist.
Hindi na napigilan ng mga luha ko ang pagpatak ng makarinig kami ng mahinang timer at kasabay nun ay ang pagyanig ng butas sa ilalim.
"Damnit! Matagal pa ba yan, Rick!?" I heard no response from Rick while my tears were falling continuously down to my cheeks.
Trumiple ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko ngayon. Napakabilis na kahit anong pagpa-pakalma ang gawin ko ay wala ding mangyayari. "Use your goddamn wand, Rick!" Said Victor.
"The power of our wand can't be cast inside the palace." I opened my eyes to look up to them and look below. The trunks and going up and any moment now, I might get hit by it. The president tied my wrists with his coat and shirt as he tried to pull me up. It didn't work at all but they come up with an idea about working together.
They pulled me up with all their strengths. The click of the time starts to become loud and fast. Rolex vibrated and my pearl turned white. "Pull!" Sigaw ni Walter nang makaluhod na sila galing sa pagkakadapa, they are working so hard that I burst into tears once again.
"Hold tight!" They said synchronized and I can feel myself getting pulled up.
We all groaned when they successfully lifted me up from a near-death experience. The hole closed after I escaped and we are laying on the floor. A bucket of tears starts to stream down my cheeks as I start crying heavily.
"Damn..." They catch their breath while panting.
"Are you okay?" Inabot ni Rick ang braso ko before he gave me a hug.
--
"We need to hurry up. The giants are awake." I reminded them after I recovered from what happened. They parted the hug and even checked my whole body. "I found the photo but just like in the family tree, someone erased his face. Someone burned the photo excluding his body." Rick said before giving me the photo.
"Winston Hideux?" I tilt my head to Victor and Walter then nodded my head. Tinupi ko ang larawan at ipinasok sa bulsa ng hoodie ko. "Bakit mo naman kailangan ang picture niya?" Tanong ni Walter sa akin habang hinihimas ang likod ko. Napadungo na lang at bumuntong hininga.
"He killed my parents." They didn't ask follow-up questions, maybe because they thought that I don't wanna share what exactly happened and why did I accuse this man of the one who killed my parents.
We get startled when we hear big footsteps roaming the palace. "Tara na! Gising na sila." I whispered and they nodded. Kinuha ko ang wand ko and so are they. Rick headed out first and we followed him on our way out. Tumingin ako sa paligid when the footsteps are going closer. We started to run out and headed to the forest.
Walter held my hand as we ran further to the trees. "The giants saw us!" Sabi ni Victor.
I groaned when I felt metal hit my arm. Napahawak ako sa braso ni Walter kasabay non ang pagluhod ko sa Lupa. Today is not my day indeed. "Hazel!" To stop the blood from flowing, I use my free hand to cover my wound. I hissed when the pain started to sink into my body.
Inalalayan ako ni Walter atsaka kami nagtago sa likod ng malaking puno. Tinulungan niya akong takpan ang mga sugat ko at nag murmur ng spell para tumigil ang pagdurugo pero wala pa ring nangyayari. Napadaing ako nang biglang namanhid ang braso ko at nahihirapan na akong igalaw ito.
"Walter, Anong nangyari?" Asked Victor and held my numb arm. I bit my tongue to prevent myself from making a sound. The giant looks like it is hunting us down and we need to be careful to not create a sound so it won't see us hiding behind the tree.
"May pumana sa kanya. Could it be-- pero hindi pwede. Hindi ba sinigurado ni Ms. Joy na hindi na ulit tayo papasukan ng hunters pagkatapos nong nangyari sa tatay mo?" Sagot ni Walter.
Hindi ko na naman napigilang hindi mapadaing dahil sumasakit ang sugat ko.
It feels like a bug digging deeper into my wound. "Ahhh!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. "I'll carry her. Mauna na kayong dalawa. Troll the giant." Tumango si Walter at Rick at tumakbo palayo sa aming dalawa.
Victor gave me a lift as he ran to the different side of the forest. I keep on whining, groaning, and howling because of the pain. I tried to lift my head up and saw a lot of manyeo flying into the sky. "Victor...."
"I know." He replied softly. I close my eyes to take a deep breath so I won't lose my consciousness. "Your pearl is turning white, Hazel." I heard him mumble. "Hazel? Hazel hangs on there. Don't ever let go,"
He starts to pants between his breaths so I open my eyes to take a look at the sky. "Ang rami na nila, Victor...." I mumbled once again. "I know, I know." He said panting.
I heard a growl in the middle of the forest and turned my face to look around. "What's that?" I mumbled huskily. "Werewolves."
"Keith...."
"Yes."
---
I gasped for air when something tapped into my face.
Iminulat ko ang mga mata ko at iginala ito sa buong paligid para malaman kung nasaan ako. "Gising na s'ya." I blinked my eyes when a male stood up from sitting on the vacant chair beside me. It's Walter.
"Hazel, mabuti naman at gising ka na." Walter greeted. He helped me to sit up from laying in the bed and took the towel on the female's hand and pressed it on my face gently. "Where are we?" He smiled at my question and when he was about to answer, the wooden door opened and a woman in her 20s or 30's greeted me with a welcoming smile.
"Auntie," Walter greeted.
Kasunod na pumasok si Rick at Victor. Victor sat on my bed while Rick remained standing. "Thank God you're awake. Masakit pa ba ang sugat mo?" She asked. I shake my head slowly and smile softly.
"Good." She said and then headed in my direction. I was alarmed but Victor and Walter held my hand and their eyes were telling me to trust the woman in front of me. The woman placed her hand in my arm while my eyes followed her feminine movements
I close my eyes and bite my lower lip before I groan loud when she murmurs a spell. "Ahhh!" I screamed as the boys held my hand tightly so I couldn't move.
A tear of fear drops from my eye down to my cheeks. I keep on screaming, telling the woman to stop because it's killing me but she continues until I pass out once again.
When my consciousness came back, worries started to draw on the boy's face. The woman looks satisfied after what she did to me. I wanted to crush her face with my fist but I'm still weak to do so.
They throw nonstop questions to me like "what am I feeling", "why did I pass out", "is it painful".I guess commonsense left their brain after they saw me pass out for the second time.
Ibinaling ko ang aking tingin sa aking braso at laking gulat ko nang wala na itong benda at wala na rin ang sugat. Sinubukan kong igalaw ang nangangalay kong braso at ngayon ay parang walang nangyari sa akin dahil sa sobrang gaan ng pakiramdam ko.
"Better?" The woman asked. I answered her question with a nod. "Good, I forgot to introduce myself before I did the healing. My name is Mighty Rough, Victor's Mother." She continued.
My lips parted a bit. Nanay siya ni Victor? Kung hindi mo babasihan sa edad ay masasabi mong parang magkapatid lang silang dalawa.
Her intimidating voice plus lively smile, masasabing masasabi mo talaga na nanay siya ni, Victor. They had the same impact on strangers. Chilling and Intimidating.
She walks towards me and fixes my hair before she smiles. "So sorry pala for what I did. My son won't be coming here if it's not urgent." My eyes landed on Victor and he scratched his arm. I wonder if we bothered his mom for healing me. "No dear, you are not bothering me~ not at all. Mabuti nalang at kasama niyo si Rick. He knows me well and my skills." I frowned.
How...
We surprisingly turned our head to Rick and he shook his head denial. I guess he didn't expect this kind of expression from us. "No... No! It's written on Victor's-"
"I wrote nothing, Mr. Mal." I swallowed the lump on my throat. There's something suspicious with Rick and if there is, he is good at hiding those traces. "Walter said it to me though. Last year, didn't you?"
Walter pointed himself and puckered her lips. I even turn my head to Walter and wait for his answer. "Ahh, Oo! Ata!" Napakamot si Walter sa Batok niya atsaka ito lumapit sa akin at kinamusta ako. I answer his question pero bumabagabag pa rin sa akin Yung kay Rick.
Alam kong hindi lang ako ang nakaramdam nito.
But mysteries start to roam around Rick's background story. It looks like he hides a lot of important details from us and most especially, who he really is.
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