The Hunted Luna

xxxiv ◈ defiance

I'm aware about my own ability, I've been trained all my life to control it, to suppress it.

But right now. Can I really help Papà in my current state? How can I help him without me dying? Am I only talk? How can I...in this form...in this collar...in this body...how can I-

"Alissa...sweetheart, look at me." Nahigit ko ang hininga. I was too occupied with my thoughts, I didn't notice I was already lying on the ground.

It must be a side effect. My body is still numb, I don't understand what I'm feeling right now.

"What if Augustus says the truth, Papà?" I asked out of nowhere. "Then...those people who were killed by those monsters will get the right justice they deserve, right?" My throat felt dry. "Ross told me...he showed me the danger of having them on the island. We...we cannot let the past nightmare repeat itself, Papà."

Hindi ko mabasa ang ekspresyon nya. Kahit kailan hindi ko maipaliwanag ang mga bagay na tumatakbo sa isipan nya.

"Alissa." He said in a stern voice. "you must understand that I don't forgive people who uses power for greed and selfish reason..." I avoided his gaze. His eyes is telling me he already grasp the situation. "They made a grave mistake for dragging you here in this point of time. They must face the consequences."

Alam kong tama ako sa una palang, ang pagdating niya dito ay hindi para kausapin ang grupo ni Augustus. I was partly hoping that maybe Meera was right, that I can help them. That using me against him will make a difference. But this is not about what power he held, this man is a father. They should have known better.

"Bill...take my daughter. Jules is probably waiting in the van."

Mabilis kong hinawakan ang kamay ni Papà. My gut is telling me to stay.

"They...they just want to live Papà..." my voice sounds horrible. Mariin akong pumikit, hanggang dito nalang ang kaya kong gawin.

Patawarin mo ako Meera.

"It's...okay Aliss! You don't have to be sorry..." Napamulat ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Meera mula sa malayo. Humahangos syang lumapit sa amin pero agad ring lumayo nang mapagtantong maraming nakabantay sa paligid. "Dapat ako ang humingi ng tawad! Masyado akong makasarili para sabihin sayo ang bagay na iyon. Alam ko ang sitwasyon mo pero hinayaan kong mangyari to! Kung hindi sila dumating, baka...baka hindi ko mapatawad ang sarili ko. Ako ang patawarin mo, Alissa!" She said crying.

I looked at Bill to help me stand up properly.

"Gently," ani Papà kaya ilang segundo ko siyang tinitigan. "Go on, sweetheart..."

Meera...

I heard her gasp while crying. Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko at malungkot na ngumiti habang nakatingin sa bagay na nakapalibot sa leeg ko.

"You don't have to worry about us, we are going to fight our battle as it is! And I want you to fight yours." I hummed as answer but she cried again. "Yes, do that. I want you all healed and strong as ever. I will definitely make friends with you the right way when we get the chance to meet again."

Marahan akong tumango. Yes, lets do that...until we meet again, Meera.

Ibinaling ko ang tingin kay Papà, marahan syang tumango at tipid na ngumiti. "I'll see you at home, sweetheart."

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"I won't say anything." Ani Bill habang buhat buhat ako sa kanyang likuran. "But let me ask you one question."

Tumango ako kahit hindi niya ako nakikita.

"Do you see the world differently now?"

I was silent for a moment. And then realized that the world I envisioned before is not the world I'm currently living on. Hindi ko siya sinagot at nanatili nalang tahimik, hindi narin sya nagtanong pa.