'Throy...' tumingin siya sa akin at muling naupo. Alam ko na rin ang sunod niyang sasabihin kaya hindi ko na siya pinatapos sa pagsasalita.
'I know I can also make that one. But Dad... that's for a special girl and for a special day for me. I also asked you that favor for your blessing as my Father. You know—'
'Alright. That's enough. I got it. ' pagputol niya bilang pagsang-ayon na. 'I'll give it to you the other day when you return.'
'For real, Dad?'
'Yeah. You may go now. Shoo!' halos pagtataboy na niya na nagwave pa ng likod ng palad niya sa direksyon ko.
'Thanks Dad!' mabilis kong tinungo ang pinto pero bago ako tuluyang umalis ay nilingon ko muna siya. "And please make it special!"
Hinawakan ko ang singsing na suot ko matapos kong maalala 'yon at pinaikot-ikot sa kinasusuotan. It's just a simple gold wedding ring na may butas na hugis bituin. May diamond na nakaattach sa butas nun na hugis bituin rin habang ang kay Peres naman ay hugis crescent moon ang hugis ng butas na may diamond ding crescent moon shaped. Ang singsing na gold sa umaga ay nagiging itim sa t'wing sasapit ang gabi, habang ang mga diamond na nandoon ay nagiging glow in dark na kakulay ng greek fire.
"Daddd! Uncleee!" mabilis akong bumalik sa sarili nang marinig ang nakakabinging sigaw ni Comoařa at nagteleport ako papunta sa kinaroroonan niya gamit ang board ko na naglaho rin pagbaba ko dun.
Comoařa was looking at the wall in front of her and her face was full of horror like she's been watching a terrifying movie for a long time.
"Comoařa!" tawag ko nang makita ko siya kaya dali-dali akong lumapit sa kanya pero napatungo siya na sinundan ng sunod-sunod na paghabol ng hininga na parang pagod na pagod kaya napaupo ako sa harap niya para tingnan siya.
Lumitaw naman bigla si Marcus sa likod ko na walang alam sa nangyayari. What's happening?" tanong niya na naglipat ng tingin kay Comoařa, at ang nakakunot niyang noo ay mabilis na napalitan ng pag-aalala.
"Olympus..."
Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang marinig yun pero hinintay ko pa rin ang sunod pa niyang sasabihin.
"What about Olympus?" tanong ni Marcus na parang di gumanda ang mood matapos marinig yun.
"Olympus... is in trouble." dugtong ni Comoařa.
"Today's the blood moon." dagdag ni Marcus na bumubulong sa kawalan. "Argh... bakit hindi ko naisip na ngayon sila posibleng aatake?"
"They've been cornered. Their opponents are strong and powerful enough to beat them. And I can vaticinate the possible conclusion of this conflict, Dad... It's...more horrible than I expected."
Nanginginig ang boses na yun ni Comoařa na ngayon ko lang narinig kaya wala akong ibang nagawa kundi ang yakapin siya.
"No. Olympians won't let that happen." bulong ko sa kawalan.
Damn. This scene is so familiar.
Saglit akong bumuntong hininga pero mukhang mali ang pagpikit ko.
'Daddd! Nooo!'
'Please don't do that!'
'Daddd!'
'Help us!!'
Mabilis akong napamulat matapos marinig ang mga boses na yun at pinakawalan si Comoařa mula sa yakap ko.
"I'll fight with them." tumayo ako pero bigla niyang kinulong ang kaliwa kong kamay sa dalawa niyang malamig na kamay.
"Dad..." pagpipigil niya pero bago mabuo ang emosyon sa mga mata ko ay binigyan ko siya ng ngiti na nagsasabing wala kang dapat ipag-alala.
"Our future's depends on that war. And I won't let the darkness rule this world."
I don't really had the courage to fight when I was still a demigod or to be involve in any kind of war or trouble either. I'm afraid to lose. Afraid to get hurt, and afraid to harm anyone. There's nothing special about me. I'm just a weak demigod and nobody wants to be my friend. My demigod's life was so cruel to me. I always lived in the darkest hours of my life and my heart was full of hatred, until one day I met Peres and other demigods who joined her journey. The smile on their faces, the hopes, beliefs, the laughter they shared, their fighting spirits, the reckless attitudes... they're not so friendly but I enjoyed my time with them. And I cherish all the good and bad moments and memories we had. I don't know how, but they gave me courage to fight. Victoria taught me to always look for the positive side in every negative situation. Ross and Freyr made me realized that no matter how cruel your life is, you still have to laugh and just enjoy the moment. But laughing at something that do not actually funny, or laughing on your own without any reason is not a good idea. Then there's Peres who brighten up my darkness. She showed me that everyone were born special and unique on their own way. She made me realized that whether you win or lose in a battle, atleast you managed to fight till the end and give all you've got. She also made me realized that in this world that full of darkness, detestation, avid, and cruelty... there's still hope and love that can carry away those bad things that dwells in your heart.
She's one of the reasons why I have this courage to fight now. And no matter what happens, I'll fight till this war reach its end.
******
CHAPTER 15: Reason To Fight
Start from the beginning
