[ Chapter 14: Cargo ]
Selene | Selvy
It was a short while before Valan initiated to go back. He didn't continue what he ought to say and I respect his decision. We turned away from the vast expanse of the sea, our steps retracing the path we had taken. The weight of Valan's unspoken words lingered in the air, a heavy presence that cast a shadow around.
As we walked back towards the vibrant gardens and the echoes of laughter and music, a sense of quiet acceptance settled within me. I understood that Valan needed time to process his own truth, to come to terms with the intricacies of his past. Respecting his decision to withhold further revelations. Sometimes, silence can be a sanctuary, a space where introspection and reflection can flourish.
In the midst of the lively festivities, we blended in, concealing the turmoil that churned within our hearts. The sun still blazed overhead, casting its golden rays upon us, but now its warmth was tempered by the cool breeze that whispered through the swaying trees. As we reentered the bustling atmosphere of the garden, surrounded by the joyous revelry of those who seemed untouched by the hidden truths that shaped our lives, I felt a renewed sense of calmness.
"Valan!" Sabay kaming lumingon sa likod ng marinig namin ang halos magkasabay na boses nang dalawa. Both of them expressed relief as they saw their Commander. Parang hindi dapat hayaan na mawala sa kanilang paningin si Valan dahil tiyak na magkakaroon ng problema.
"Don't do that again," Admiral exclaimed. Nauna siyang lumapit bago hapitin ang braso ni Valan at sinabi 'yon. "Kung gusto mong magpakamatay, 'wag ngayon. We need to catch the mastermind of abducting these villagers, and as well suppress the turmoil going on in the West Waters. Isa pa, we have a Mermaid with us!"
Admiral's words hung heavy in the air, laden with a mixture of concern and frustration. His outburst revealed the gravity of Valan's disappearance and the urgency of their mission to unravel the mystery surrounding the abduction of the villagers. However, the true extent of the turmoil and the significance of having a mermaid among them eluded my understanding.
"Shut up," Valan said without falter. Valan, seemingly unaffected by Admiral's passionate plea, tried to free himself from Admiral's grip, his eyes reflecting a complex mixture of emotions
"You good?" Lutch said as he arrived. "Based on the monitor, you have to recuperate at least four days of bed rest."
"I'm fine," he just replied blandly. Valan's response, devoid of any emotion, indicated his unwillingness to acknowledge his own vulnerabilities. It was as if he had built a wall around himself, shielding his true feelings and physical state from those around him.
As an outsider to their world, I couldn't fully grasp the intricate web of relationships, responsibilities, and dangers that bound them together. The depth of their shared history and the complexities of their individual roles were still shrouded in mystery to me. However, the intensity of their interactions served as a stark reminder that there were forces at play far beyond my understanding.
Their arguments continued. Admiral spitting some precautions towards his masters, almost reprimanding him which is odd because it's the other way around. Lutch stood between them, trying to balance the situation. Wala namang sinasabi si Valan at panay putak lang din si Admiral at iniiawat ni Lutch ang kaibigan para tumigil.
"Who's hungry?" I interrupted. "Because I am."
My abrupt interruption broke the tension in the air, diverting their attention from their troubled conversation. A faint smile tugged at the corners of my lips, trying to not froze from their eyes.
Lutch chuckled lightly, his concern momentarily giving way to a more lighthearted demeanor. "This is the first time you talk about food, Selene," he said, shaking his head. "But you're right, we could all use a good meal."
Admiral joined in with a smile. "I've been smelling lobsters since earlier, who wants one too?" he offered, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.
"Exclude me from that, I have to attend a virtual meeting," Valan said before he slid his hands under his pants and started to walk.
May gusto pa sanang ihabol si Admiral, subalit pinigilan na siya ni Lutch sabay iling ng isang beses. It's another unspoken conversation that they both understand while I stood there with crossed eyebrows. Men know their own kind a lot.
We went back to the suite and Admiral ordered the food. When it arrived, my eyes glimmered with so much happiness and I can't even imagine how excited I was to eat these different cuisines. I have been deprived of real food for the last week and this is my first ever proper meal.
The aroma of the sumptuous feast filled the room, tantalizing my senses and making my mouth water in anticipation. Plates upon plates of delectable dishes were laid out before us, a feast fit for a king. There were savory meats, succulent seafood, vibrant salads, and a myriad of side dishes that showcased the diversity of flavors and culinary delights.
As I sat at the table, my eyes widened with excitement, taking in the colorful array of dishes. Unable to contain my enthusiasm, I eagerly sampled each dish, relishing in the explosion of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The tender meat melted in my mouth, the seafood burst with freshness, and the carefully crafted sauces and spices enhanced every bite.
With each mouthful, I could feel my energy replenishing, my body rejoicing in the nourishment it had long been deprived of. I savored each bite, savoring not only the taste but also the freedom that came with it. It was a moment of pure bliss, where worries and uncertainties faded into the background, replaced by the simple joy of indulging in good food.
As I glanced around the table, I could see the same contentment mirrored on the faces of my companions. Mukha kaming mga patay gutom at kanya-kanya lamang ng kuha at lamon, ni wala na kaming pakialam sa bawat isa.
It was a joyous event that only lasted for a few minutes when we all heard an explosion nearby, as if another danger had come during our leisure time. Nakita ko pa ang pag-bitaw ni Admiral sa hawak niyang drumsticks at ang pag-buga ni Lutch sa kakainom niya lang na tubig.
Admiral's eyes darted towards the source of the explosion, his brows furrowing with concern. Without a moment's hesitation, he rose from his seat, his instincts kicking into high gear. Lutch followed suit, his expression transitioning from contentment to alertness in an instant.
I could feel the adrenaline surging through my veins, my body tensing in response to the impending danger. The room was suddenly charged with an air of urgency, as we quickly realized that our leisure had been interrupted by a new threat.
Agad kaming lumabas para tingnan ang kaguluhan sa labas. The once serene and idyllic surroundings now seemed tinged with an ominous aura, as if the peaceful facade had been shattered along with the deafening sound. The air was heavy with a mix of smoke and unease, the scent of burning debris lingering in the atmosphere.
Maraming nagsisigawan at nagtatakbuhan palayo sa bahay na biglang sumabog. It was the area where the people laugh and danced happily. Sino naman ang nangahas na sirain ang kanilang masayang pagtitipon?
As we rounded the corner, the sight before us confirmed our worst fears. The once tranquil landscape had transformed into a chaotic scene of destruction. Rubble and debris littered the ground, and the air was thick with smoke, obscuring our vision.
Admiral took the lead, his voice commanding and determined as he rallied us together. "Stay close, Selene" he urged, his voice cutting through the chaos. "We don't know the intruder. Lutch, wala bang napansin ang monitor?"
"It was off when Valan almost burned his core. Alam mong parte 'yon ng Blue Steel at halos masunog na 'yon sa ginawa ni Valan. It's recuperating, but he's not cooperating with the healing process," Lutch replied.
"Bring her to safety," Admiral said. "I will find Valan and we must get out of here as soon as possible."
Hindi ko magawang makapagsalita at nagpahila na lamang kay Lutch nang sundin niya ang sinabi ng kaibigan. We went back to the suite and he was agile at grasping their things before putting it in a bag. I remained standing as I watched him pack.
"Are they after me?" tanong ko ba may bahid na takot ang aking boses. I can't even contain my trembling hands from the tension I'm feeling.
Lutch stopped for a moment and looked at me. "Hindi pa natin alam. It could be either you or Valan. He's not really a friend nor a foe, but most of the time, he makes enemies just because of his position. We will assess that question once we recognize the intruder."
"Hindi ba at sinabi ni Valan na may aasikasuhin kayo sa Daer? Anong operasyon 'yon?" tanong kong muli. Napatigil na naman siya sa kanyang ginagawa, at dinapuan ako ng tingin.
"We've been trailing this case about the missing villagers from Muska, and now we received another tip that anothe transaction has been going on in the State of Daer and the neighboring states. We are usually deployed at sea, but this mission on land is the first mission that Valan took after the exploration."
"But about Sigrid —"
"We encountered his troops before, and it led to a bad impression. If Sigrid is sniffing you, we will know," he cut me off and after that, he resumed his pace.
There are two problems at hand: first, my situation. I am being chased or whatever, something is going in when I'm around. Palaisipan sa akin ang buong rason kung bakit ako nandito at mukhang bad timing ang pagdating ko dahil may problema silang kinakaharap bago ako sumulpot.
Second, their present case. It's about 50 heads for every transaction. It looks like it was the bridge of how I met the men of Blue Steel. This case is Valan's first mission in land, and I have no more than less information about it. These two problems are intertwining, making both of us adhere to the least possible outcome.
"Holy fuck—" I cursed when the door opend loudly and Valan entered with haste. He roamed around the room and only stopped when he found me. His expression was dim but it only lightened when my presence struck his wandering eyes.
"They are after me?" I asked.
"It's a new group," Admiral said as he suddenly arrived. "It looks like there is a bounty in this Mermaid's head. Sigrid bid a lot of money to have her, and he used all the trackers and smugglers for his advantage."
"What does Sigrid want from me?!" I panicked.
"I received the message of the Queen," Valan broke the steaming silence after my outburst. All eyes locked on his figure and awaits the next thing he will say.
Subalit bago pa man siya makapagsalita ay may biglang pumasok na malaking lupid galing sa bintana at tumama ito sa pader. It's a rappelling rope which alarmed everyone inside.
"Admiral, be the bait," Valan said. He then grasped my hand and pulled me to his side. Nagtaka pa ako sa sinabi niya sumablit unti-unting lumubo ang aking mga mata nang humarap sa akin si Admiral.
"What the—"
"What the fuck, Selene," Admiral said using my voice— not just my voice but he transformed himself into me.
From the height up to every curve I have, he looks like he is my twin. My eyes widened in disbelief as I stared at Admiral, who had taken on my appearance flawlessly. The shock of the situation rendered me momentarily speechless, my mind struggling to process the implications of this sudden transformation.
Valan's grip on my hand tightened. "We need a distraction," he explained, his voice resolute. "Admiral will act as bait, drawing the attention away from us while we escape."
I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and awe at Valan's plan. The audacity of his idea, coupled with the uncanny resemblance between Admiral and myself, sent a shiver down my spine.
Admiral, now wearing my appearance, stood before me, his voice mirroring mine with eerie accuracy. The sight was disorienting, as if I was staring into a distorted reflection of myself. Nakakarindi isipin na kaya akong gayahin ni Admiral. I don't like the idea of this, but I have no choice.
"Let's do this," I said. "But, gusto ko lang klarohin na sana hindi na ito mangyayari ulit."
"Don't worry, Admiral can't transform without the approval of his master," Valan suddenly whispered. What he said gave me relief. "Let's meet at the rendezvous. Lutch, you need to—"
"Take into account that I am Valan at the moment," Lutch cut him off. Hindi pa tapos ang pagkagulat ko dahil dalawang Valan na din ang nakikita ko. Damn this shapeshifters.
"See you two later!" Admiral said and waved using my physique.
Damn, hindi naman ako ganyang gumalaw. Gusto ko sanang barahin ang binata subalit hinila na ako ni Valan palayo. We entered his bedroom and he immediately created a portal for us to leap. Until now, the context of Valan's identity is still confusing, but it's not my concern at this moment.
Parang napapansin ko na na araw-araw na lang may nangyayari simula nang magising ako. I never had a full-day of leisure because of the non-stop flights. It's like all I ever did was thrive not to stumble because tomorrow is another marathon.
"Selvyna..."
Napakurap ako nang dalawang beses ng marinig ko sa boses ni Valan ang pangalan na 'yon. I looked at him with bolts of confusion and shock, but he only glimmer a stoic expression to me.
"I like Selene better," he continued.
"What's that for?" I said.
"The Queen's message, she addressed you as Selvyna," he replied, and that statement piqued my interest. "She also said to bring the cargo to the Palace."
"Cargo...?"
"You are a cargo," he replied instantly.
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