Vance's POV
I ran my hand across the side of Don's large neck, and checked to see if he still avoids being touched, meaning he's in pain.
Like what he did yesterday when I came to bring him treats.
If I didn't decide to bring him his favorite carrots for lunch, then I wouldn't have known that he was injured and only discovered it late in the afternoon.
"Sorry you had to suffer for a couple of hours, Don." Nakatingala ako sa kanya habang hinihimas-himas ang makinis at maitim niyang balahibo. "I should have checked on you early in the morning... but my mind was somewhere else."
Binigyan ko siya ng isang naninimpatyang ngiti bago tinapik ang leeg niya, at tumabi para kay Grey na lumapit sa kanya.
"Vance's precious boy..." An exciting grin curved on his lips as he carefully rubbed Don's coat. "Let's see who broke your foot? Hmm?"
I crossed my arms in front of me and along with Henri and Raphael, waited for Grey to finish looking at the horse's memories.
"They covered their faces." Nilingon ako ni Grey. "They knew whose horse they hurt."
Umangat ang aking magkabilang kilay. "They?"
"Three," he said. "One tied Don's mouth and stopped him from moving, another locked his foot in place, and the third-"
"Broke it," dugtong ko. "When did this happen exactly?"
"At night, Vance," he answered.
Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga.
"Fuck," I whispered. He was in pain longer than I thought.
"At night..." I whispered again, and started to think about it. "And the entire morning..."
Ilang segundo kong pinaningkitan si Grey, bago may nahinuha. "Let's go to the shed."
Pinangunahan ko sila papunta sa shed na katabi lang ng stables. Tumigil ako sa harap ng isang estudyanteng lalaki, ang main caretaker, na may dalang isang basket ng mga gulay.
"Good morning," nakangiti niyang bati sa'min, hindi napapansin ang trance na ginawa ni Grey para itago kami mula sa mga mata ng iba. "How may I help-"
Kusang gumalaw ang kanang kamay ko para suntukin siya sa mukha, dahilan na mabitawan niya ang kanyang dala at napaikot bago matumba.
Letting out a low sigh, I clenched the fist that I used to hit him and walked towards him as he struggled to sit up.
Yumuko ako sa tabi niya, at tinulungan siyang maupo sa pamamagitan ng marahasang paghatak sa magkabilang shoulder straps ng kanyang chiton.
"Were you the one who fed the horses yesterday morning?" Pinihit ko ang kamay na nakahawak sa damit niya sabay hila't hinigpitan ito. "Including mine?"
Fresh blood slowly stained a corner of his lips, and his eyes were still left wide from the shock.
"I suppose you know well enough about horses..." sabi ko. "How come you didn't notice my horse broke his foot?"
His eyes started to twitch uncontrollably and his mouth trembled, unable to answer.
"Answer me," I asked calmly. "Or I will break not a foot, but all of your limbs."
"I-It was not me-" His body began to shake under my grasp. "I didn't- I-It was another student!"
"Who?" usisa ko.
"A G-Gamma!" nangangatal niyang sagot.
I chuckled at his stupidity. "You let a stranger feed the horses before the games?"
"V-Volunteers!" He gasped. "W-We have a lot of v-volunteers t-that help, t-that's why I-I let him-"
"Do you have the names of your..." I squinted my eyes at him. "Volunteers?"
"Y-yes- yes!" Ipiniling niya ang nanginginig niyang ulo sabay pikit. "Please- p-please, it's o-on the t-table..."
"The next time, don't accept volunteers," paalala ko sa kanya. "Especially during the games."
Binitawan ko na siya at saka tumayo. Lumapit ako sa mesa, kay Grey na kabubukas lang ng folder na nakapatong dito.
Hinayaan ko siyang hanapin sa listahan ng mga pangalan ang estudyanteng tinutukoy ng caretaker, at sinundan ng tingin si Raphael na pumalit sa pwesto ko sa tabi ng caretaker na nangangatog pa rin ang nakatukod na mga siko sa lupa, pati na ang nakatupi nitong tuhod.
As Grey continued to scan through the pages, I watched how the caretaker flinched once Raphael touched his jaw.
"Don't worry," he whispered to him with an assuring smile. "I'm here to heal you."
Raphael's hand started to glow with white light as it held the student caretaker's face. Slowly, the student let in a long and steady gasp, before Raphael gently lied him on his back.
"It was, a Gamma."
Sabay kaming napalingon kay Grey na nagsalita. Sinarado niya ang folder at mula rito, tinignan niya ako. "We're looking for a Gamma student named..."
• • •
"We were paid!" sigaw ng lalaking Gamma na bugbog ang buong mukha at nakagapos sa upuan gamit ang di-nakikitang tali.
"Tighten it," I asked Henri who tightened the invisible rope around the student whose shoulders stretched back behind the chair.
"More," I asked again.
Hinigpitan ito ni Henri, sa puntong napaiyak ang estudyante sa dahan-dahang pagkabali ng kanyang magkabilang balikat.
Tinaas ko ang aking kamay upang pigilan si Henri na itupi palikod ang katawan ng Gamma.
"Paid?" pag-uulit ko sa sinabi niya. "The three of you?"
I glanced at his right, where a student laid on his stomach, unconscious and continuously bleeding, from the long sharp glass that protruded from his back.
And on the other side of the floor was another student barely breathing with his back leaned against the wall. His head fell heavy on his chest, as well as his arms that draped on either side... and his worn out face still had its purplish hue, after being strangled until the verge of death.
"Who paid you?" seryoso kong tanong sa estudyanteng iniwan naming may malay pa.
His face was completely beaten up. His mouth and nose bleeding, and his right eye half-closed from the swelling that covered an entire cheek.
Because not only did I discover that he was the one who broke Don's foot.
He was also the one who fed the horses yesterday morning and skipped mine.
So, not only was Don in pain when I found him. He was also hungry.
I took a deep preparing breath, and firmly pressed the knuckles on my right hand to relieve it from the tension of hitting the right side of his face repeatedly.
"Let's do your other side," anunsyo ko.
"N-No, no!" He pleaded with a roughened throat. "P-Please, please! It was-"
Marahas na pumihit ang kanyang ulo nang suntukin ko paangat ang kanyang kaliwang panga.
"Vance," sambit ni Grey. "You're not letting him speak."
Minasdan ko ang estudyante na nanghihinang ipiniling ang kanyang ulo sa kanyang balikat, at dahan-dahang ibinaba ang kanyang panga pagitna sa kanyang dibdib.
"I-It..." Tumulo ang dugo mula sa kanyang bibig habang nakayuko. "It was..."
I grabbed a handful of his hair and jerked his head up to stop him from dozing off.
"Name." Binitawan ko siya. "Give me a name. Now."
Umangat-baba ang kanyang lalamunan habang nakatingala sa'kin.
"B-Beta..." he weakly answered.
"I said I wanted a name," I reminded him.
Muli na naman siyang napalunok. "I-I don't-" Napasinghap siya nang makita akong tumuwid sa pagkakatayo.
"You don't know?" tanong ko.
"P-Please..." His bruised lips frowned for a moment. "Please, I o-only saw his c-class pin-"
"You can't give me a name."
"No, b-but wait! Wait!" Mahigpit siyang pumikit. "Wait! I-I know him, I-I've seen-"
"You're testing my patience," puna ko.
"Number five!" he blurted out. "B-Beta!"
Kumunot ang aking noo sa sinabi niya.
Number five... Beta...
"You mean the Beta assigned on the fifth lane of the race?" I clarified. "Which race? Horse or chariot?"
He drowsily straightened his head to be able to breathe and talk more clearly.
"Cha-"
My left fist automatically aimed for his face again and threw his body off the chair.
The Gamma student fell on the floor with a loud thud, and on his side. He rolled on his back with his eyes flickering, before finally giving in to unconsciousness.
"Someone get me Philip of the Beta Class," tugon ko. "Son of Phobos."
Reign's POV
Masaya kong iniunat ang aking mga braso sa higaan.
Ang gaan lang kasi sa pakiramdam na magising nang walang tumutunog na alarm.
Kinisap-kisapan ko ang kisame ng aking kwarto, bago masiglang bumangon at nilingon ang aking orasan.
'12:05 PM'
According to my schedule that don't exist, I have already skipped a few championships, including Zack and Bella's boxing and wrestling competition.
I believe the marathon race has just also ended... but I could still watch the chariot race that will take place in the stadium later in the afternoon.
Or shouldn't I?
Ilang segundo kong pinaningkitan ang orasan, pinag-iisipan nang mabuti kung dapat ba akong manood ng games o bumalik nalang sa pagtulog.
Tapos, naalala kong gusto nga pala ni Celeste na manood ng chariot race mamayang hapon kaya napagdesisyunan kong humiwalay nalang sa aking higaan at simulan ang araw ko nang napakaaga... sa tanghali.
Hindi ako nagmadali sa pagligo, pagsipilyo, at pagbihis, kahit nang nalaman kong mag-iisang oras na simula nang magising ako.
Suot ang chiton ko kahapon na pina-dry clean ko sa gabi, lumabas na ako ng kwarto at bumaba ng hagdan kung saan agad akong napatigil pagkatapos makita ang isang dagger na nakabaon sa pinto.
Lumapit ako rito at hinugot ito.
Nasa kalagitnaan ako ng pagsusuri nito nang maramdaman kong may humatak sa damit ko kaya umikot ako sabay yuko sa batang lalaki na inilahad sa'kin ang palad niya.
"Mikhail?" Nagkasalubong ang aking kilay. "Anong ginagawa mo rito?"
"Katatapos lang po kanina nung marathon." Tumalon siya para kunin ang dagger mula sa kamay ko. "Tas dito nalang din po kami nananghalian kasi sabi ni kuya di na raw siya makakaabot sa Academy."
Marahan akong natawa sa sinabi niya. "So, did he win or not?"
Napatigil siya, at tinignan ako nang hindi kumukurap. "Ate Reign," seryoso niyang sambit. "Pinagdududahan mo ba yung bro ko?"
Magsasalita na sana ako nang mapansin ko ang paghigpit ng kanyang mga daliri sa puluhan ng dagger niya.
Umiling ako. "No..." direkta kong sagot. "Definitely not."
Pagkatapos, maingay siyang napabuntong-hininga.
"Eh, kasi po kanina may nagtulak sa kanya palabas sa lane niya tapos natumba siya," paliwanag niya. "Pero mabuti nalang mabilis din siyang nakabangon."
Unti-unti akong napangiti at yumuko sa harap niya. "Is that why you're easily upset?"
Tumango siya.
"Well..." Kinuha ko ang kamay niyang mahigpit na nakahawak sa dagger. "Sometimes, people can't help but do that, especially in competitions."
"Yan nga po sabi ni kuya," aniya. "Kaya hayaan ko nalang daw."
Napatango-tango ako. "Ang mahalaga siya pa rin yung nanalo, ano?"
Matagal-tagal niya akong tinitigan.
"Pero..." mahina niyang sabi. "Pero paano kung-"
Nanlaki ang aking mga mata nang biglang nabasag ang kanyang boses.
"P-Paano kung-"
Oh, Gods.
Binitawan niya ang kanyang dagger para tuyuin ang unang luha na tumakbo sa kanyang pisngi. "Paano kung hindi siya nanalo-" Kinusot-kusot niya ang kanyang mata. "D-Dahil sa kumag na 'yon..."
"Teka-" Binaba ko ang kamay niya. "Wag mong-"
Bigla siyang humilig sa'kin sabay iyak nang malakas, dahilan na mapayakap ako sa kanya.
"Uhh..." Nanatili akong hindi makagalaw. Ano naman yung ginawa ko?
Nakita ko si Zack na patakbong lumabas ng kusina at napatigil nang makita kami.
Binigyan ko siya ng nagtatakang tingin na ikinangiti niya't napailing.
"What?" I mouthed.
Napabuntong-hininga siya bago lumapit sa'min.
"Nagpapaiyak ka na pala ngayon ng bata, Reign?" natatawa niyang tanong at dahan-dahang tinanggal mula sa'kin si Mikhail na humahagulgol pa rin ng iyak.
Kusang lumipat ang mga braso ni Mikhail kay Zack na maingat siyang binuhat.
Tumayo ako, nang nagtataka pa rin. "Hindi ko alam-"
"Huwag kang mag-alala." Mahina niyang inugoy-ugoy si Mikhail na mahigpit na nakayakap sa kanya. "Kanina pa 'to naiiyak sa galit." Hinagod-hagod niya ang likod nito. "Simula nang pigilan siya ni Paige na batuhan ng kutsilyo yung nagtulak sa'kin, para di ma-disqualify yung marathon."
"Yung nagtulak sa'yo..." mahina kong sabi. "Na-disqualify ba?"
"Nah," kampante niyang sagot. "Ang mahalaga nanalo-"
Biglang lumakas ang hagulgol ni Mikhail.
"Paano nga kung hindi?!" Tumingala siya sabay sigaw, "Kuyaaaa!"
"Manahimik ka nga!"
Padabog na ibinaon ni Mikhail ang kanyang mukha sa balikat ni Zack, at saka nagpatuloy sa pag-iyak.
"Ayon nga," ani Zack. "Nanalo pa rin naman."
"The other games?" usisa ko. "How was it?"
He proudly snickered. "Panalo lahat."
Napangiti ako. "Good."
• • •
Pagkarating namin sa stadium, dumiretso kami sa pavillion, ang platform para sa special audience, kung saan nakatayo rin ang founders at masayang nag-uusap.
"Bro!" Tumakbo si Mikhail kay Tito Chase nang nakataas ang magkabilang braso.
"Uy, bro!" Yumuko naman si Tito para salubungin siya at agad siyang inangat sa bisig nito. "Anyare sa'tin? Ba't namamaga yung mga mata mo?"
"May nagtulak kasi sa isa pang bro natin," pagsusumbong niya. "Pero okay lang kasi panalo pa rin."
Napangiti si Tito sa kanya pero sandali lang dahil napalingon ito sa babaeng nakakunot ang noo sa kanila.
"Who?" tanong ni Tita Ria. "Who pushed your brother?"
"Wala," nakangising sagot ni Zack na lumapit sa kanila. "Wala pa ring makakatalo sa'kin."
Binigyan siya ni Tito Chase ng mabilis at sumasang-ayong tango. "Bro."
"Tsk." Zack clicked his tongue before saying it back. "Bro."
Ngumiti naman ng malapad si Mikhail, tila namamangha. "Bro..."
Sa likod nila ay si Tita Ria na tumigil ang mga mata sa kanyang bunso na siyang huling nagsalita. Matagal-tagal siyang napatitig dito, at saka inangat ang kanyang tingin kay Tito na nakangisi habang pinupuri si Zack.
Pinaningkitan niya ito.
"Diba, Ma?"
Mabilis na nabaling ang atensyon ni Tita nang tawagin siya ni Zack.
"Right..." aniya.
"Ma!" Iniunat ni Mikhail ang mga braso nito sa kanya. "Ma! May binatuhan ako ng kutsilyo kahapon!"
Kinuha niya mula sa bisig ni Tito si Mikhail. "You already told me that."
"Eh, yung binaril ko po kanina?" tanong nito sa kanya na ikinatigil niya.
Pagkatapos, unti-unting namuo ang isang magaang ngiti sa kanyang labi.
"Did you hit him?" pabulong niyang tanong.
"Ria naman!" biglang reklamo ni Tito na nakarinig pala nito. "Sa susunod ikaw na magbabayad sa hospital bills ng natatamaan n'yan."
Sinamaan niya ng tingin si Tito Chase bago umikot at tinanong si Mikhail kung bakit ito namaril.
"Reign?"
Napalingon ako kay Mama na tumawag sa'kin.
Gumuhit ang isang nahihiyang ngiti sa aking labi. "Hi, Ma..."
She must have seen me standing and staring for quite some time.
Nginitian niya rin ako at sinenyasan akong lumapit sa kanya.
"Di kita nakita kaninang umaga," sabi niya nang makarating ako sa tapat niya. "Sa tanghali ka na naman nagising 'no?"
Ngumisi lang ako sa kanya sabay kisap-kisap ng aking mga mata bilang sagot.
Natawa siya nang mahina at saka panandaliang sinulyapan ang suot kong korona.
"Lapit ka pa nga," utos niya.
Humakbang naman ako papalapit sa kanya at iniyuko nang kaunti ang aking ulo pagkatapos niyang abutin ang headpiece ko.
"Where's Celeste?" tanong ko habang inaayos ni Mama ang pagkakalagay nito sa buhok ko.
"Tingin sa likod."
Mula sa sahig, inangat ko ang aking tingin kay Celeste na nakatingkayad at nakakapit sa railings. Katabi niya si Dad na patagilid na nakasandal dito habang nakatuon sa kanya at nakapamulsa ang isang kamay.
Dad slightly turned his head towards me, the same time Mom finished adjusting my crown.
"Nga pala..." ani Mama dahilan na maibalik ko agad ang aking atensyon sa kanya. "Nakita mo ba yung kuya mo? Di ko rin kasi siya napansin na lumabas kaninang umaga, eh."
Umiling ako. "No idea."
Napabuntong-hininga siya. "Sa'n na naman kaya 'yon..."
As if on cue, a portal appeared beside us, revealing a smirking Grey.
Pinanliitan ko siya ng mga mata siya dahil sa uri ng ngiting suot niya.
"Where'd you come from?" tanong ko.
Nakapamulsa siya nang tuluyang magsarado ang portal sa likod niya at nilapitan kami ni Mama.
"Just took care of things..." sagot niya.
Si Mama na naman ang napasingkit sa kanya. "Gabriel."
He chuckled lightly. "We stopped by the Gamma's dorm, Ma."
"For what?" usisa ko.
"There was a mix up in the race," aniya. "But Vance already took care of it."
Sabay kaming napalingon kay Celeste na lumapit sa'min at tumingala sa'ming dalawa ni kuya.
"She wants to watch the race with you." Dad informed us as he stood behind her. "She can't reach the railings here."
Natawa nang mahina si Grey bago binuhat si Celeste.
"Let's go?" aya niya.
Ngunit bago pa kami tuluyang makaalis, napaharap kaming lahat sa race track dahil sa paglakas ng mga hiyawan na umalingawngaw sa stadium.
"Hoy!"
Napalingon kami ni Grey kay Amber na kinakawayan kami.
"Bilis! Magsisimula na!"
Humarap ako kay Mama. "Ma-"
"Bilisan niyo na," natatawa niyang tugon.
Nagpaalam kami sa kanila at saka nagmamadaling tumungo kay Amber, kasama si Zack at si Mikhail na mabilis niyang kinarga bago naglaho sa aming paningin.
Bumaba kami ng pavillion at sinundan si Amber na nakabihis sa kanyang chiton.
Dumating kami sa nakakurbadang section ng stadium na inupuan namin nina Hedone at Paige kahapon. At dito na rin namin nadatnan yung iba na nakaupo sa second at third row.
"Hello, Reign," bati sa'kin ni Raphael nang tumigil kami sa harap nila ni Henri. Inabot niya sa'kin ang dala niyang popcorn. "Would you like some?"
Nginitian ko siya. "No, thank you."
Kasunod niyang ibinaba ang kanyang kamay. "How about you? Celeste, was it?"
Napatitig lang yung kapatid ko sa pagkaing naghihintay sa kanya.
Nilingon niya ako.
Sinenyasan ko siyang kunin ito.
Nilingon niya rin si kuya na napatingin muna sa kanya bago pansinin ang popcorn na nakaabot sa kanya.
Napangiti si Grey, at katulad ng ginawa ko ay sinenyasan rin si Celeste na tanggapin ito.
Muling napaharap si Celeste sa popcorn.
Kukunin na niya sana ito nang daanan ito ni Mikhail na humalakhak habang tumatakbo.
"Hoy!" sigaw ni Zack. "Kay Celeste 'yan!"
Napatigil naman si Mikhail at tinignan si Celeste na malamig siyang sinulyapan bago umikot para maupo.
Grey sighed. "I'm going to buy us popcorn-"
"No need." Ash arrived carrying two buckets of it in his hand. He gave one to my brother before giving the other one to Raphael.
He then turned around to reveal Hedone who carried four more.
Nakasunod din sa goddess ang isang aurai na may dalang isang tray ng drinks.
Binigyan kami ng aurai ng tig-iisang paper cups, maliban kay Mikhail na tinanggihan yung kanya nang naiiyak, na para bang pinaparusahan ang sarili dahil sa ginawa nitong pag-agaw ng popcorn ni Celeste.
Huling binigyan ng aurai si Zack na kinuha ang natirang dalawang paper cups.
Umupo ako sa tabi ni Paige, at ilang sandali pa'y humilig nang kaunti upang silipin si Mikhail na malayong nakaupo sa'min habang mag-isang kinakain ang popcorn niya.
Natawa ako nang mahina, nang biglang napabuntong-hininga si Celeste.
Sinundan ko siya ng tingin nang mahinahon siyang tumayo at dumaan sa harapan nung iba, bago umakyat sa mga upuan at tumabi kay Mikhail na umusog papalayo sa kanya pero agad ding napahinto pagkatapos niya itong pasadahan ng nagbabantang tingin.
Mapapangiti na sana ako kung hindi lang biglang kinuha ni Celeste ang popcorn mula sa kamay ni Mikhail, saka tumayo at naglakad pabalik sa'min.
"Celeste?" nagtataka kong sambit sa kanya nang maupo siya sa pagitan namin ni Grey.
Hindi niya ako binalingan ng tingin kaya muli akong napatuon kay Mikhail na nawala na sa kinauupuan niya.
Lumingon ako sa kabila at nalamang nakalipat na siya sa tabi ni Zack.
"Akin na!" Sinubukan niyang abutin ang kanyang inumin na nakataas sa kamay ni Zack.
"Mag-sorry ka muna."
"Tapos na!" sabi niya.
"Di ko narinig," giit naman ni Zack.
"Sorry, kuya!" sigaw niya.
"Kay Celeste, tanga!"
Napatigil lang yung dalawa nang lumabas ang boses ni Miss Bliss mula sa speakers.
"Good afternoon, everyone..."
Humarap na ako sa gitna ng stadium.
"I would just like to announce that one of the players, unfortunately, has resigned from his position."
Kapansin-pansin ang pagtataka ng mga estudyante sa kunot-noong pagbubulong-bulungan nila.
"For unknown reasons."
"For what?" tanong ko kay Paige.
"Unknown reasons," paglilinaw niya.
"Setting that aside, the rest of our charioteers will now each take their turn around the track for their trial run," anunsyo ni Miss Bliss.
Mabilis na nanumbalik ang ingay sa stadium, lalo na nang unang gumalaw si Vance na nakasakay sa chariot niyang kasingkulay ang kinailaliman ng karagatan, at hila-hila ito ni Don na nakataas ang noong naglakad-lakad, suot ang isang maliit at gintong korona na may trident sa harapan.
Vance already stood out by the fact that he only had one horse pulling his chariot, compared to the rest who had at least two.
Binilisan ni Don ang mga hakbang nito, hanggang sa tuluyan na nga nitong pinatakbo sa normal na bilis ang chariot na lumiwanag sa race track dahil sa sinag ng araw na patuloy na tumama sa ginto nitong mga detalye.
Not only was the chariot glowing gold, it also left a blue flame behind it that thickened the more it gained speed.
"Nice!" sigaw ni Zack.
Sabay kaming napalingon kay Amber na napatingin din sa'min habang sumisipsip sa kanyang straw. Kinisap-kisapan niya lang kami bago muling humarap sa race track.
"Amber's awfully silent today," puna ko.
Grey snickered.
Binalewala ko ang reaksyon ng kapatid ko saka tumingin ulit kay Vance at Don na bumagal ang pagtakbo at huminto bago lumagpas sa starting line.
Sumunod sa kanya si Ivan na sinigawan din ng karamihan ng mga estudyante.
Nakasakay si Ivan sa isang silver chariot na may pulang details. Hatak-hatak ito ng dalawang mapuputing kabayo na mapupula ang buhok.
At kung ang chariot ni Vance ay nag-iiwan ng apoy, sa kanya naman ay nag-iiwan ng mga kislap sa landas nito.
Pumalakpak ulit kami pagkatapos niyang ikutin ang buong track.
The rest of the charioteers confidently ran a lap around the track. Each had their own designs and special effects. Including one that left a trail of ice behind its wheels.
It was not a disqualification, however, as this was considered to be a part of the challenge.
Napakuha ako ng popcorn mula kay Celeste nang panoorin ang pagtigil ng huling chariot sa pinakadulong pwesto nito sa hanay nila.
Nagsimula na akong kabahan, at alam kong hindi lang ako ang nakaramdam nito dahil sa mga kasama kong sobrang tahimik, lalo na ang katabi kong napakunot ang noo.
Sinulyapan ko rin ang founders na nakalinya sa likod ng railings nila.
Dalawa sa kanila'y napapiling ng ulo kay Vance na pinalipot ang renda sa magkabila nitong kamay bilang paghahanda.
Pagkatapos, isang satyr sa labas ng track ang nagtaas ng baril na nakatuon sa kalangitan.
"Putangina! Teka lang! Mananahimik lang sana ako, eh!" Hindi na nakayanan ni Amber ang tensyon. "Di na ako makahinga!"
Samantalang, huminga naman ako nang malalim.
Breathe, Reign.
At sa sandaling umalingawngaw ang putok ng baril, napasigaw na rin ako kasama yung iba hanggang sa maubos ang hangin na hinugot ko ng malalim.
Ash's POV
The entire stadium erupted into deafening screams the moment the chariots sprinted on their lanes.
It was the girls who stood from their seats first, including Paige who watched her brother successfully pass half of the racers, with Ivan trailing just a bit behind.
Kakain na sana ako ng popcorn nang bigla akong sakalin ni Hedone habang tumitili.
"Ash!" Niyugyog niya ako. "Aaaashh!"
Binitawan niya ako sabay pakawala ng matinis na sigaw sa harapan. "VAAANCE!"
"Broooo!" Sinadyang laliman ni Zack ang boses nito nang sumigaw. "Putanginang takbo 'yan! Sana ako nalang ginawa mong gulong!"
Napatingin naman ako kay Reign na napatayo.
"DOOON!" Unlike the others, she cheered for the horse. "PAKIBILISAAAN!" She screamed the last syllable at the top of her lungs, unbothered by the looks she received from his older brother and younger sister.
Mas mahaba namang sumigaw si Amber. "PUTANGINAAAA!"
Biglang umupo si Hedone sa tabi ko para magtago. "I can't- I CAN'T WATCH!" Tumili siya malapit sa aking tenga dahilan na mapangiwi ako. "WHAT'S HAPPENING, ASH?!" Niyugyog niya ako habang nakayakap sa'kin. "WHAT'S HAPPENING?!?!"
I continued to look at Vance whose chariot left a long trail of blue flames. "He's still leading-" I paused for a moment, after sparks from Ivan's chariot appeared in front of him. "No, he's not."
"WHAT?!" Mabilis ang ginawang paglingon ni Hedone sa race track. "WHAT IN THE HEAVENS?!"
Muli na naman siyang napatayo. "I'M GOING TO CURSE THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF THE PHILIPPINES IF YOU LOSE, VANCE!" anunsyo niya. "JUST LIKE WHAT I DID TO JAPAN!"
Napapadyak si Amber. "PUTANGINA- ANO 'YAN, VANCE ELLIOTT?! HINDI KA PINALAKI NG MGA MAGULANG MO NA GANYAN!"
Reign, meanwhile, fell back on her seat and snatched the bucket of popcorn from Grey to cover her face with it. She was also half-screaming and half-laughing, while peeking behind the bucket.
Pabirong tinanggal ni Grey ang bucket mula sa mukha niya, pero umiling-iling lang siya habang tumatawa.
Celeste, on the other hand, was more mesmerized at her siblings than the actual race. She was leaning back to give space to Grey's arm that continued to pull on the bucket of popcorn stuck on Reign's face.
"Kuya, wag!" sigaw ni Reign. "Ayoko na ngang manood!"
"Give it back, Reign!" sigaw naman ni Grey pabalik sa kanya.
All our attention was diverted into the race track as Ivan successfully finished the first lap, followed by Vance who was more focused on Don instead of the chariot in front of him.
And then, the first obstacle came.
The sounds of gates rising echoed around the stadium, and from one corner of the hippodrome, came a black bull running to its full speed to chase the chariot that was falling last on the race.
Tuluyan na nga akong napatigil nang sabayan nito ang huling chariot at binunggo ang tumatakbo nitong gulong.
The last chariot changed its lane to avoid it.
Panay ang paglingon ng estudyanteng nakasakay nito sa hayop na humahabol sa kanya, sa puntong hindi niya napansin ang paglapat ng kanyang kabilang gulong sa gulong din ng isa pang chariot.
The last two chariots continued to swerve together, trying to get unstuck from each other while avoiding the raging bull that's gaining its speed and is almost cornering them.
One of the charioteers finally lost control as his horses raced off the track and stopped before they could hit a statue in the middle. The chariot drifted, and knocked off one of the pillars that broke in half.
Sinundan ko ng tingin ang estudyanteng napabitaw sa rendas nito at tumilapon sa kabilang dako ng race track kung saan patungo sina Ivan at Vance.
Gumulong ang kanyang katawan pagitna, at napahigpit ako ng hawak sa popcorn pagkatapos makitang walang ni isa sa chariots ang may balak na bumagal para sa kanya.
Nag-uunahan pa rin ang mga ito, na parang wala lang tao sa landas.
Bago pa man may makasagasa sa estudyante, biglang umangat ang katawan nito mula sa lupa at mabilis na lumipad patungo sa mga aurai na may nakahanda nang stretcher.
Palihim akong napabuntong-hininga.
The second Ivan passed the finish line, the bull also disappeared, and with one of them gone, the chariots started to separate themselves from each other to take advantage of the space of having two extra lanes.
Padabog na naupo si Hedone sa tabi ko. "I'm going to die..."
"You're immortal," paalala ko sa kanya.
The charioteers easily ran another lap, with Ivan still leading and Vance coming in second.
Then, the sky quickly darkened, for the second obstacle.
"VANCE!" nakakabinging sigaw ni Amber. "ILANG TAON KA NANG HINANDA NI REIGN PARA DITO!"
I thought I was ready for it, but I was not. Because I still flinched in surprise the moment lightning hit one of the lanes, leaving a burnt mark on the ground.
Thick clouds covered the middle of the stadium, casting a shadow on the racers who were forced to slow down, except Vance who looked exceptionally bored as he passed Ivan's chariot.
Sunod-sunod na nagsibagsakan ang makakapal na kidlat sa lupa.
Everyone else panicked, even some of the students who are outside the range of the obstacle.
One of the charioteers pulled on the reins too hard to avoid a lightning and by doing so, forced stop the horses.
While the others were struggling to control their horses from lightning, Vance and Don glided smoothly and even slowed down on the curve so he could glance at us.
But behind them, chaos ensued.
We all sat back and watched how a chariot crashed unto another. Both of their riders were thrown off board. One of them hit a statue while the other screamed in pain, holding his knee that must have shattered during the fall.
Ivan also struggled to avoid the lightnings, but he was quick to adjust to the sensation of the skin every time lightning is near.
Nalaman ko ito dahil napansin ko ang pagsulyap niya sa kanyang braso sa tuwing hinahatak niya paliko ang rendas ng kanyang chariot para iwasan ang mga kidlat.
It's common knowledge, especially among us, Omegas, that seconds before lightning strikes, there is static electricity in the air, and it will help to look at the hair on your arms to see if it's standing on one end. And if it is, best run from where you're standing.
Vance did a favor to the remaining racers by finishing the lap first, followed by Ivan soon after.
"WOOOH!" Nagsimula nang mamaos ang boses ni Mikhail. "GALING!"
"HOY GAGO! TUMIGIL KA MUNA!" tinawag ni Amber si Vance nang daanan kami nito. "YUNG GULONG MO!"
Dahil sa sinabi niya, napatingin kaming lahat sa isang gulong ni Vance na umaalog habang umiikot, nagtatangkang matanggal.
Napayuko rito si Vance at napakunot ng noo, nagtataka rin.
"ANAK NG PUTCHA! SINONG LUMUWAG NG GULONG NG BRO KO?!" galit na reklamo ni Zack.
Vance was approaching the line when he waved his hand to signal the satyrs who ran on the side of the track with an extra wheel prepared. He stopped in front of them and let them do a quick wheel change.
He glanced at the founders above him as Ivan swiftly passed beside him and two more chariots, while the other two also stopped to get their wheels fixed.
There was only six of them left, out of ten. And with Vance still in the pit stop while three are freely running, things were not looking good for him.
"ANONG KAPUTANGINAHAN ANG GINAWA NIYO SA CHARIOT KO?!" nangangalit na sigaw ng kapatid ko. "PAPATAYIN KO KAYOOO!"
At sa kabila ay si Mikhail na humihiyaw din, naiiyak ang tinig. "ETO NA NAMAN TAYO, EH! KUYA VANCE! HUWAAAH!"
A satyr gave Vance's chariot one last nudge before he raised him a thumbs up.
Sighing, Vance shook his head and pulled hard on the reins, then roughly bounced it to signal Don to start sprinting again.
His chariot fell back on fourth, and it's a good thing that the next obstacle will not be released until every one of the chariots are running on the track, as he could still catch up to them without hindrances.
"ANG BAGAL, AMPUTA!" sigaw ni Amber kay Vance na sinamaan siya ng tingin nang lagpasan kami.
Vance stretched his neck to both sides as his chariot calmly trailed around the curve of the stadium. He twisted his hands around the reins and leaned forwards, letting the front of the chariot carry his full weight.
I squinted my eyes at him, as he opened his mouth to say something and roughly pulled on the left side of Don to force it to make a sharp turn.
Narinig ko ang malakas na pagsinghap ng iba nang makita ang chariot ni Vance na mabilis na pumihit, dahilan na mapaangat ang isang gulong niya, ngunit mabilis din siyang humilig sa gilid para ibaba ito pabalik sa lupa.
Dalawang beses niya itong ginawa, sa dalawang sulok ng race track. At dahil hindi siya bumagal sa pagliko, nagawa niyang sabayan ang dalawang chariots na nangunguna sa kanya.
Napatayo kaming lahat para sa kanya. Para makita kung kaya niya bang lagpasan ang unti-unting lumiliit na espasyo sa pagitan ng dalawang chariots.
"Speed it up, Vance!" sigaw ni Grey.
"Don!" Vance shouted, quickly leaning forwards to match Don's head that's slowly leveling the same height as the chariot. Its hooves started to pick up for the impossible speed needed to pass in the middle of a narrowing lane.
And we watched closely, how Don continued to be unfazed by the speeding chariots and bravely raced in the middle of them, with Vance carrying the weight of his own chariot.
Nagsilabasan ang makakapal na kisap sa magkabilang gulong ng chariot ni Vance nang daplisan nito ang dalawang chariots sa magkabilang gilid, at sandaling nagawa na nga nitong humiwalay para pangunahan ang dalawa, bumagsak ang pinagsabay na hiyawan at palakpakan sa buong stadium para sa kanya.
Maingay akong napabuntong-hininga.
Patuloy na dumagundong ang stadium para kay Vance at Don na tinapos ang lap na ikalawa, kahit sinimulan nila ito bilang ikaapat.
Napatingin ako sa platform ng mga founders kung saan isang lalaki ang napayuko habang nakasandal sa railings at sa tabi niya, napangiti ang isang babae.
It was Vance's dad who reacted to him anxiously and his mother who wore a proud grin on her face as she continued to watch.
Beside Aunt Kara, though, was my Mom who had both her palms spread apart on the railings while leaning closer to the track, mouth opened and eyes wide with amazement.
Katabi niya si Dad na sinusulyapan siya, binabantayan kung kailan siya hihilig pahulog mula rito.
Sabay na bumaba sina Amber at yung iba mula sa kani-kanilang mga upuan para salubungin ang pagliko ni Vance malapit sa'min.
Masayang tinapunan ni Zack ng popcorn ang chariot ni Vance nang dumaan ito. "GANYAN, 'TOL!" sigaw niya. "PINALAKI KANG GANYAN NG MGA MAGULANG MO!"
Sa tabi niya tumalon-talon si Mikhail habang humihiyaw nang sobrang lakas.
"Let's go, Vance!" nakangising sigaw ni Reign.
"Nice one, bro!" Grey leaned on the railing while punching the air before quickly leaning back to avoid falling off.
Samantalang, napayuko naman si Amber kakatili. "AAAAAH! YOKO NAAA!" Marahas siyang napailing. "PUTANGINAAAA!"
The chariot that got both its wheels fixed finally re-entered the tracks. It was lagging behind a lap but it still ran, meaning the next obstacle will appear on the next lap.
I took a deep breath and then looked down on Hedone who was crouched down on her feet, hugging her buckled knees.
"Are you okay?" nag-aalala kong tanong sa kanya.
Tumango siya nang naluluha ang mga mata.
'I'm just stopping myself from screaming in all your minds,' sagot niya sa aking isipan. 'I'm on the verge of having a heart attack, Ash.'
I reached an arm on the top of her shoulder and gently rubbed its back.
"He'll win..." Napatango-tango ako. "It's Vance."
We remained standing to wait for the final obstacle.
Ivan was the first to complete the lap, and the moment he did so, the crowd fell into silence, for one of the statues of the Olympians in the middle of the stadium started to break apart from its marble stand and move.
"What the..." I whispered.
"MA! ANG GALING MO!" sigaw ni Amber. "PERO GAGO?! ANO' TO?! ANO 'TOOO?!"
"PAKITULAK NGA 'YANG ISANG ANAK KO!" Mom screamed back from their platform. "YANG SOBRANG INGAY!"
The statue of Ares jumped on the tracks and swung its sword towards one of the chariots, breaking one of its wheels and caused it to crash on the wall of the stadium.
Wala sa sariling kong ibinaba ang popcorn sa aking upuan at napatakip ng bibig.
Isa-isang gumalaw ang istatwa ng labindalawang Olympians para habulin at hadlangan ang limang natirang chariots sa stadium.
"They're allowed to use their abilities for this one, right?" I nervously asked myself.
The last obstacle wasn't about speed and stamina, anymore. It was about survival, with the last standing chariot winning the race.
Napabuntong-hininga ako at napababa na rin mula sa mga upuan para tabihan ang kapatid kong nakatapat ang mga palad sa dibdib habang dinadama ang sariling paghinga.
Everyone in the stadium stood on their seats. A few, fainted.
With only five remaining chariots running, the track was wide enough for them to be able to avoid the statues' attacks.
One of the chariots got chased by the statue of Hermes.
Its' rider, who was a girl, got a good look of it before facing front, where the statue of Athena waited for her with a shield.
She held tight on the front of her chariot and as the shield attempted to hit her, she let go of her reins and jumped high enough to land a feet on the shield before leaping back towards her running chariot.
The crowd regained its energy after seeing the racers try their best to avoid it, and before I know it, I became as tensed as them, and unknowingly wanted for Vance to win it.
"VANCE! DON!" sigaw ni Reign. "MAG-INGAT KAYO!"
Bumagal ang mga takbo ng bawat chariot para iwasan ang labindalawang istatwa na nakakalat sa tracks, pero nanatili pa rin ang mga itong gumalaw, at ang mga nakasakay lang nito ang nagbigay-depensa para sa mga kabayo at chariot nila.
Napatigil kami nang may nagbato ng isang mahabang yelo malapit sa gulong ni Vance.
"LUH! GAGO!" ani Amber.
Moments later, I finally realized that the final obstacle wasn't the statues.
It was the enemy racers who can use what they have to defeat their opponents as they ran the final laps.
They have always been an obstacle ever since the start of the race.
"Behind you, Vance!" Grey warned him.
And he did look back to see a trail of sharp ice following him. But he quickly faced front and pulled the reins closer, in anticipation of the statue of Poseidon sprinting towards him.
"KAYA MO YAN, BRO!" sigaw ni Zack nang nanginginig ang kamay na nakahawak sa popcorn. "OMEGA-MPUTA! KAYANIN MO 'YAN 'TOL! GINUSTO MO 'YAN-" Saka niya malakas na binatuhan ng popcorn ang charioteer na nakasunod kay Vance at siyang nagbabato ng yelo. "HOY BOBO! UBUSIN NIYO MUNA YUNG MGA STATWA! KAYA NAMAMATAY KAYO NANG MAAGA!"
The crowd also began to shout to warn or cheer for their bets.
Vance crouched down to avoid Poseidon's long trident, and urged Don to pick up speed.
Sumabay siya kay Ivan na sinigawan niya at ilang sandali pa'y pinasahan siya ng isang espada.
Bitbit ang espada sa tig-iisang kamay, bumilis ang takbo ng kanilang mga chariots patungo sa istatwa ni Dionysus at sabay nila itong pinutulan ng mga paa.
"THAT'S RIGHT, VANCE!" Grey screamed louder than usual. "FUCKING GENIUS!"
The other racers started to notice their plan of defeating the statues first, and followed soon after.
"NAHIHILO NA AKOOOO!" Humihilig-hilig si Amber sa ledge. "ANG DAMING KALABAAAN!"
Vance twisted the sword in his hand before slicing half of Ares' arm. Behind him, Ivan cut off one of the statue's legs, causing it to fall back on the wall.
The both of them led the race, making sure to pass by the statues as they run around the track swinging their swords, and sometimes avoiding an incoming attack from a couple of the statues.
Unfortunately, two of the chariots didn't make it before Vance and Ivan were able to finish the last statue standing, which was Zeus'.
The first to fall was the girl who stumbled on the ground and rolled on her back with a bleeding head, after one of her horses broke from its reins. The second one, was, to my relief, the student who kept on throwing ice picks at his opponents.
He slid on his own ice trail and hit the wall.
The remaining three chariots ran across debris while trying to separate themselves from each other.
Then, to everyone's surprise, the third charioteer removed his silver helmet and threw it off the course, revealing a girl with long hair.
It was Sylvia, another Alpha, and a daughter of Poseidon.
"PUTANGINAAAA!" Tumili ang kapatid ko. "PUTANGINA TALAGAAAA!"
"Bro..." ani Zack. "BROOOO!"
Nilingon ko si Reign na nakahawak sa kanyang magkabilang pisngi habang nanlalaki ang mga mata. Sa tabi niya ay si Paige na nag-aalanganing napaunat ng leeg nito.
At sa hindi malamang dahilan, nagsimula na rin akong kabahan para kay Vance na unti-unting pinagitnaan ng dalawang Alphas.
Nilingon ko si Hedone na napayakap sa braso ko. "Ash..."
The crowd cheered for both classes, but as for us, we silently took in deep breaths for Vance who just discovered he was racing against two enemies from the same class.
Ivan threw a dagger at Vance's reins as Sylvia attempted to get close to him.
Sabay kaming marahang napasabunot ni Grey sa aming mga buhok.
Ibinaba ko ang aking kamay at napahawak kay Hedone.
Mabilis na nahablot ni Vance ang rendang nagawang putulin ni Ivan. Ipinalipot niya ito sa kanyang kanang kamay at gamit ang kanyang kabila ay marahas na sinuntok si Sylvia na napapihit habang nakasakay sa chariot nito.
Yumuko rin siya upang iwasan ang espada ni Ivan na humilig sa kinatatayuan niya.
Napailing ako sa kaba.
Bumilis ang takbo ng kanilang mga kabayo, at lumiwanag ang kinang ng korona ni Don nang bilisan pa nito ang pagtakbo para bigyan ng pagkakataon ang amo nito na harapin ang dalawa sa iisang direksyon.
Vance tightened his grip on the rein. He hung on his horse with one hand holding and controlling the chariot. And the moment Don gave him the opportunity to face the two chariots that raced behind him, he turned around with an irritated look.
But that irritated look soon darkened after a dagger flew past the side of his head and hit Don on the back.
"HOY! PUTA- WAG SI DON!" sigaw ni Amber. "AYOKO NA SA'YO, IVAN!"
Don lifted its head and let out a distracted cry, before sprinting faster to avoid more daggers.
And unlike his enemies, Vance couldn't do the same to the opponent horses. He can't bring himself to hurt one of his favorite animals.
Because he could have already used his ability to control blood to make them stop. But instead, he opted to avoid the Alphas' attacks, and at the same time, used the sword Ivan gave to him to deflect the daggers from reaching Don.
Another dagger wounded Don's side, but he didn't stop from running. He only slowed down.
All their chariots drifted as it curved around the track, leaving smoke and dust on the air.
"DOOOON!" mangiyak-ngiyak na tawag ni Mikhail. "KUYA VAAANCE!"
Napatukod si Vance sa harapan ng kanyang chariot pagkatapos bumaon ang isang dagger sa kanyang tagiliran.
Binigyan ni Ivan si Sylvia ng isa pang espada at binilisan ang mga chariots nila.
"Don!" Napaluhod si Vance para iwasan ang mga ito, at tila narinig ang sigaw niya, iniyuko ni Don ang leeg nito para padaanin din ang talim ng mga espada sa ibabaw nito.
Ngunit bago pa nalagpasan ng chariot ni Ivan si Don, malakas niyang siniko ang nguso ng kabayo dahilan na mapaliko ito at mabangga sa chariot ni Sylvia.
Mabilis namang hinatak ni Vance ang renda ni Don sa kabilang direksyon para giyahin ito palayo kay Sylvia na nagtangkang abutin ang buhok nito.
Dahan-dahang napatayo si Vance sa chariot, nakahawak sa kutsilyong nakabaon sa gilid niya. Napapikit siya nang tanggalin ito at sinalo ang dugo na lumabas mula rito.
Pagkatapos, tinabig niya paharap ang kanyang duguang kamay, kung saan lumabas ang maliliit na tinik ng dugo.
Tumama ang mga ito sa likod ni Sylvia na wala sa sariling napaunat ng buong katawan at kamuntikan nang mabitawan ang kanyang renda.
The whole stadium gasped as Don avoided a dagger from Ivan that landed on the front of Vance's shoulder.
"Vance..." sabay kaming napasambit sa kanya.
"Okay na 'yan..." mahinang tugon ni Amber. "OKAY NA 'YAN, VANCE! PUTANGINA NAMAN, OH!"
But Vance didn't slow down, even Don, who began to pick up speed.
"BROOOO!" sabay na sigaw nina Zack at Mikhail nang lumiko sila sa harapan namin.
Hinugot ni Vance ang dagger mula sa kanyang balikat.
At saka ko nakita ang iilang daggers na nakatipon sa kanyang paanan.
Is he... Nagkasalubong ang aking magkabilang kilay. Is he collecting weapons?
Unti-unting lumiwanag ang aking mga mata nang makitang nabalot sa kanyang dugo ang puluhan ng bawat dagger.
Pumihit muna sina Vance ng dalawang beses bago sabay na umangat ang mga daggers sa likod ng chariot niya at tumuon sa dalawang riders na nangunguna sa kanya.
I chuckled as the stadium burst into cheers at the sight of the daggers racing on their own, behind Vance who smirked and then signaled them to fly towards the two racers who gave him a quick glance before roughly hitting their horses with their reins to urge them to run faster.
Sinundan ko ng tingin ang dalawang chariots na hinahabol ng mga kutsilyo.
Hinawakan ni Vance ang duguan niyang balikat at gamit ang sarili niyang dugo, tinalsikan ang bawat matulis na bagay na nasa landas ni Don.
After completing a lap, Vance raised his bloodied hand, and every weapon of the twelve statues slowly rose to follow his chariot.
Lumakas ang pinagsamang sigaw ng mga manonood.
"DEPUTA! JOKE LANG!" hiyaw ni Amber. "SIGE! TALUNIN MO NANG MGA GAGONG 'YAN!"
Vance's arm flexed as he turned around and controlled the weight of the marbled weapons that also spun to race to the opposite direction.
Lumipad ang mga ito para salubungin ang dalawang Alphas na hinahabol pa rin ng mga daggers.
I laughed hard.
A descendant of Poseidon and Athena, indeed.
"CHECKMATE!" sabay naming sigaw nang kusang huminto ang mga kabayo ng Alphas dahil sa takot na matamaan ang mga ito sa marbled weapons.
Faced with no other choice, the two jumped from their chariots and as they rolled on the ground, the marbled weapons hit the daggers, causing a white-powdered explosion above them.
"VAAAANCE!" tawag ng lahat kay Vance na lumabas mula sa puting usok at mabilis na nilagpasan ang finish line.
Bumagal ang takbo ni Don nang salubungin ito ng mga aurai at satyrs na tumatalon-talon at sumisigaw. Saka lang binitawan ni Vance ang kanyang renda at napahawak sa sugat niya sa tagiliran.
I looked at his hand that he used to hold the reins and saw it all bruised, but along with his wounds, it didn't matter. Because he still laughed as he heavily stepped off from his chariot.
Then he turned around to face his back against us, where he had two more cuts, from daggers that Ivan used to stop him before he could get to the finish line.
Napalingon siya sa likod niya, saka tinignan sina Sylvia at Ivan na napatayo at natatawang tinanggal ang pulbo mula sa mga buhok nila.
Sinalubong sila ni Vance sa gitna ng track.
They exchanged a few words and calmly shook each other's hands.
Vance's name echoed around the stadium and after the Alphas left, he turned to us wearing a sly grin. He signaled us to come down, before attending to the founders that met with him on the track.
Binigyan ko ng huling sulyap ang mga kabayo ng Alphas na naiwan sa track.
He left all four horses frightened, but he never left a single bruise because he never intended to hurt them.
I snickered.
He should really take it slow in scaring away those he actually loves.