JONAH
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Konting lakad lang namin ay nakatanaw na agad kami ng baryo sa malayo. Rinig na rinig namin ang ingay mula roon at may mga usok din na nanggagaling sa mga bahay.
Kung may usok... Edi baka may niluluto! Edi may pagkain!
My stomach immediately growls. Katabi ko ngayon si Ate Selene pero mukhang wala naman siyang narinig kasi titig na titig din siya baryo sa kalayuan. I feel my ears and cheeks flush in embarrassment as I hug my own tummy.
Okay naman 'yung isdang nahuli nila Kuya at Liam kagabi. Mataba pa 'nga eh. Kaso sadyang hindi 'yun sapat para sa aming gutom na gutom na.
Isang daliri ang biglang tumusok sa ulo ko. "Argh!" Sabi ko at nilingon si Kuya. Nakasaklay pa rin siya na binigay ni Stefan kanina at mukhang nakukuha na agad niya ang paggamit nito kahit ilang minuto palang niya nagagamit. "Ang sakit naman 'nun Kuya eh." Hinimas himas ko ang parteng dinali niya.
"Hinang nilalang mo naman." Bulalas lang ni Kuya. "Woman up."
Hindi ko siya sinagot at sinamaan lang siya ng tingin, nang nagtanong siya. "Na ano 'yang tyan mo? Natatae ka?"
"Kuya!"
"Sinong natatae?" Malakas na tanong ni Ate Selene. Napalingon tuloy 'yung iba na nangunguna na! "Si Jonah? Pwede dito sa mga damo."
"I have a cape!" Pagpresenta ni Ate Jessa at naglakad na pabalik sa amin. Napatakip ako ng mukha. Ano ba 'yan! "You can use this to cover her."
"Hindi!" Sabi ko na. Nilingon ko ulit si Kuya at sinamaan siya ng tingin. Kung sipain ko kaya 'yung saklay niya? "Hindi po ako natatae. Hindi rin po sumasakit tyan ko. Nagugutom lang po ako!"
Si Ate Jessa naman ay handa nang alisin ang cape niya, kaya dahan dahan niya 'yon binitawan. "Ah." Sabi niya pa at marahang tumango. "Akala ko may natatae na eh."
"I was ready to stand guard." Tumatawa na sabi ni Liam.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of if kailangan mong dumumi." Sabi ni Stefan at pumamewang din na akala ko mo ay isang Math teacher. "We find ways."
I facepalm. "Hindi po talaga ako natatae. Promise. Now can we go?"
Sabay sabay silang tumawa at muling naglakad. Si Ate Jessa ay nangunguna sa amin, guiding us in our route towards the west. There's a comforting warm feeling that shrouds my chest everytime I look at her, or to Ate Selene, Liam, Stefan, and especially my brother. I like how I can depend on any of them.
Lalo kay Ate Jessa. There's so much uncertainty following us in this universe, but her character holds such assurance which can guide us out of here.
I wouldn't even be surprised if Princess Blaidrah is the main character of this storyline.
Liam is cool too, with his silent but fearless attitude that adds up to Hurawn's archery, Ate Selene is unstoppable with her insane enhanced senses, Stefan is basically unbreakable with his unwavering attitude and strong hard scales.
Si Kuya naman ang parang pinakamatatag na haligi namin pagdating sa depensa. Sadyang mabangis na itong si Kuya kahit dati pa, lalo pa ngayong nagkaroon kami ng kapangyarihan. Sadyang masakit magsalita kung minsan.. Pero minsan, iba pa rin ang lukso ng dugo, ano? My brother went through alot, and I am the only one who can understand him in this world.
I want to be just like our Mother.
Finally, nakarating na kami sa bungad ng isang baryo.
An arch made out of wood curved perfectly at the entrance with tall brick walls stretching out on both sides. There are letters mounted at the arc, with faded out white paint. But despite the obvious out-of-date appearance, the words are still cannot be missed.
"Arden Village." I read out loud. Nakatingala na rin pala sila Ate Jessa sa arko at pinagmamasdan ang arko.
Walang nagmalakas na loob ang lumakad ang sugudin ang baryo. Peor mula rito sa pwesto namin, ay natatanaw pa rin ang mga kaganapan sa kabila. Tumayo lamang kami at pinagmasdan ang mga nangyayari.
Matataas ang mga bubong ng bawat bahay na magkakatabi. May mga kabayong nakatabi lamang sa gilid ng kanilang mga bahay. May mga kalalakihan ang humihila ng mga bagon na punong puno naman ng mga kung ano tinatakpan ng mga tela. Ang mga gulong ng bagon na iyon ay tumutunog sa mabatong daanan.
Umaga na kasi, kaya sabay sabay ang lahat na naglalakad patungo sa kung saan. May nagsasampay ng kung anong damit o tuwalya sa kanilang mga bintana, may nagwawalis sa harapan ng mga kanilang mga bahay.
Lalo kaming napalapit sa usok na nakikita ko kanina pa. At sigurado na akong pagluluto ng pagkain talaga iyon nanggagaling dahil may masarap at mabangong umiihip sa hangin.
"Food." Napahinga si Ate Selene sa tabi ko at napahawak din sa tyan. "Gutom na ako. Gusto ko na makakain nang maayos."
"Oi, you brats." Biglang tawag ni Kuya kila Ate Jessa. Nilingon siya ng mga ito. "You got money? Baka makabili tayo."
Walang sumagot. Nagkatinginan lang kami sa isa't isa. Napakagat nalang ako ng labi, habang kumukulo na ulit ang tyan ko. Naku, kailan kaya ulit kami makakain?
"I can steal those breads," dinig kong bulong ni Kuya habang nakatingin sa malayong kariton na may nakalagay na mga tinapay. "If it wasn't of my useless leg."
"I am not going to let you din." Sagot ko.
"I will not ask for your permission."
Isang boses ng lalaki ang biglang sumigaw mula sa malayo na sinasabayan ng pagtunog ng kampana. "PRINCESS BLAIDRAH HAD ESCAPED THE CASTLE! PRINCESS BALIDRAH HAS ESCAPED THE CASTLE!"
Biglang napatalikod si Ate Jessa at hinarap kami. Halata ang biglang takot sa kanyang mukha. "Let's leave."
She took a step, yet Stefan held her by the arm. "Calm down." Sabi niya. "Only the royalties and the aristocats know the face of the Princess. They won't recognize you here."
Nakikita ko ang marahang magbagal ng paghinga Ate Jessa bago siya tumango.
Hindi ko maiwasan na mapangiti! Kasi kung may taong kayang pakalmahin si Ate Jessa, si Stefan lang iyon. In the short time we had spent in this universe, it's evident that the two had already built a safe place with each other.
They're so cute.
Wala namang nakaka-bahala sa pangalan na 'Arden Village', kaya sinimulan na namin lakarin ang baryo. Ibang iba ito sa baryo kung saan kami unang nagkita nila Ate Jessa. Mas malaki kasi iyon, mas malawak, at para 'bang pinaka sentro dahil maraming tao at mga nagtataasang mga bahay. Dito kasi, mababa lang at karamihan ay isang palapag lang. Wala ring nagtitinda at mukhang mga bahay lang talaga ng mga maliliit na pamilya.
Everyone is minding their business as we walk by. Pero nakukuha ng lalaking nagaaanunsyo ang atensyon ng lahat. "PRINCESS BLAIDRAH HAD ESCAPED. THE THREE PRINCES OF NEIGHBOURING KINGDOMS ARE IN A CLASH TO FIND THE MISSING PRINCESS!"
Wala ng umimik sa aming lahat at naglakad lang, hanggang sa tuluyan na 'nga kaming nakalayo sa nagaanunsyo. His blaring voice faded out into the distance, especially when the road we're taking led us into the market proper of the village.
Napunta ang tingin ko kay Ate Jessa, na ngayo'y nakatanaw kung saan ang taga-anunsyo. I can see the glimmer of fear in her eyes. "Ate Jessa, no one knows you're here. It'll be alright."
She gives me a small smile. "Hindi ko lang ineexpect na hindi pa rin pala ako tinitigilan ng mga prinsipe na iyon. "
"Well, you are Princess, Ate." I remind her since parang lagi niya atang nalilimutan. "You're like.. The successor of a powerful kingdom. Everyone will seek you."
Hindi siya umimik at tinignan lang ako. Hindi ko malaman kung paano ba ipapaliwanag ang kakaibang awra sa kanyang mga mata. Para 'bang ilang taon na napanood ng mga mata niya, ganun! Kaya para sa akin, ang ganda at misteryoso ng dating niya!
"Right," she says and nods. Maybe she really forgot that she's a Princess of a wealthy kingdom.
Tumuloy kami sa paglalakad, at hindi nakakatulong ang napakaraming display ng mga pagkain sa bawat stalls ng palengke. Konti nalang, baka ako pala ang makakanakaw ng mga pagkain, hindi si Kuya.
"I believe that when we exit this village, we'll reach the hanging cliff. We can stay there for the night as well." Sabi sa amin ni Ate Jessa habang naglalakad. "It's the first landmark I can remember."
Tumango tango lang ako kahit hindi ko naman talaga naiintidindihan 'yung sinasabi niyang 'hanging cliff'. Pinipilit ko rin intindihin kung paano siya nagkakaroon ng memorya ni Princess Blaidrah. Bakit hindi iyon nangyayari sa amin ni Aurixy?
All of a sudden, shrieking of women echoes across the street. It came from behind so all of us turned around. My hand immediately reached out to the hilt of my dagger hanging on my waist.
Ang lahat ng mga nakapaligid sa amin ay sabay sabay na kumikilos para makisilip sa mga nangyayari. Tuloy tuloy ang sigaw ng mga babae sa malayo at may kung ano ano 'pang hinahagis at nagbabagsakan sa mabatong daan.
Nanatili kaming anim sa gitna habang pasimple nang tumatakbo palayo ang ibang tao. Hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa aking dagger at hinanda ang sarili sa maaring umaatake—
Isang itim na baboy na kasing liit ng tuta ang bigla lumitaw at tumatakbo papunta sa direksyon namin. Kahit malayo siya ay nakikita na ang mga nagkikintaban na mga alahas na nakasabit sa kanyang ilong, leeg, at.... Sungay? When did pigs have horns?
"GET HIM!" Isang boses ng babae ang sumisigaw. "HINDI SIYA PWEDE MAWALA!"
But no one tried to run and chase the pig. And I cannot blame the people, the pig ran incredibly fast!
"It's a fucking pig!" Hiyaw pa ni Kuya na akala mo ay hindi namin nakikita. "How can—"
The pig ran between us so fast that I barely saw it, I only felt the swoosh of the wind!
"PLEASE!' Nilingon ko ang babaeng nagmamakaawa kanina pa. Nasa likuran ko na pala siya at naniniliguan ng pawis ang mukha. "I CAN'T LOSE HIM!"
Sa bilis tumakbo ng baboy ay nakakasaga na siya ng ilang mga tao, ang dahilan para sabay sabay na magtumbahan ang mga ito.
Hindi ko alam nangyari. All I knew is I took a breath and ran towards the pig.
"JONAH!" Rinig kong tawag sa akin nila Ate Selene, pero hindi ako tumigil.
An incredible amount of energy surged in my legs that it automatically ran fastly and precisely. The wind whizzed in my ears as everything started to become muted sounds. I recall seeing several stray wagons, cartons, and people in my path, yet my body moved really quickly and avoided everything. The surroundings seemed to blur and slow down, causing me to concentrate just on the running pig.
Alam ng katawan ko kung paano igalaw ang buong katawan para makatakbo nang maayos. And it feels so freeing! Running makes me feel I'm strong, it makes me feel free!
Suddenly, the pig turned left. Agad akong nakasunod sa kanya.
Fortunately, dead end naman pala ang nalikuan ng baboy! Kaya tumigil na ako sa pagtakbo at agad itong nilapitan
Even with the darkness of the small cramped space we're in, the golden jewelleries on the pig are still twinkling splendidly. It jingles on every move it makes. Baka kaya siguro hinahabol siya. Kasi nagnakaw itong baboy?
I let my eyes trail on its two, dark horns that are also adorned with golden chains. Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng baboy na may ganitong hitsura ng sungay!
The pig tried to jump on the wall, but it was useless. Nag-iingay lamang ito at umikot ikot sa sulok. "Wala ka nang takas!" Sabi ko. I stretched out a hand. "Halika na. Masyado ka nang nanngugulo doon."
The pig let out an ugly, blood wrenching shrill when I finally managed to catch it. It wiggled aggressively in my grip in an attempt to break free. Pero hindi ko na siya pakakawalan! Masyado na siyang maraming na perwisyo!
Lumabas na ako sa makipot na lugar na iyon. Inaasahan kong naka-abang na sa akin sila Ate Jessa o 'yung babaeng humahabol dito, pero wala akong nakita.
Tanging mag hindi pamilyar na tao lamang ang nakatingin sa akin, at sa baboy na hawak ko. Hehe. They seemed to be weirded out by a random girl appearing out of nowhere, holding a pig with fine gold jewellery!
Napaikot ang tingin ko sa paligid, and.. Shocks! Hindi ko alam kung saan na ako napadpad. Hindi ko na malayan na sobrang layo ata nang naitakbo ko.
Pero.. sobrang saglit lang ng tinakbo ko. Sigurado ako doon.
Sobrang bilis ba ng takbo ko?
Napatingin nalang ako sa baboy sa aking mga kamay. Tumigil na ito sa pagwawala at parang pagod na. Its little legs dangle lazily as I feel its slowing heartbeat against my palm.
So ano na ang gagawin ko sa baboy na ito at sa mga alahas sa katawan niya?
Until, a woman came running from the corner of the street. It was the woman who was chasing the pig. The strands of her hair are now sticking on her forehead from sweat while she's running out of breath. Yet her face gleamed when she caught sight of me and the pig. "You caught him!" She exclaims and runs towards us.
Kinuha na niya ang hayop mula sa aking kamay at niyakap ito. The pig seems to love the physical contact, as it lets out a pleasant snort and snuggles closer to her. Cute.
"You're insane," the woman suddenly said.
Napatingin ako sa babae. Ngayon ko lang siya natignan nang maayos at napagtanto ko na ang ganda niya.
Her tanned skin glows in the golden rays of the morning sky. She has honey-colored eyes that stare at me with wonder. Her nose is also sharp, as if she is a Hollywood actress. Her amber hair is fashioned in thick braids held together by floral pins. And just like the pig, she's also decorated with golden jewelries, with the same shades of rubies and emeralds as the ones that the pig is wearing.
Ngumiti lang ako sa sinabi niya. There's nothing insane about running fast naman kasi.
But her face wrinkled, and with that beautiful face, I can't help but feel embarrassed. "Alam mo ba ang hayop na ito?" She gestures at the pig. "This is bagnros. It's a creature known for its fast speed. Kaya 'nga isa ito sa mga hayop na gamit na gamit sa gyera. It's not just fast like an archer's arrow but it can also be very aggressive with enemies."
"Ay, talaga po ba?" Binalik ko ang tingin sa baboy. Kaya naman parang hindi na pamilyar ang lugar na napunta ko! Kasi talaga 'ngang malayo na ang narating ko!
Aurixy's abilities are amazing.
"This is a baby bagnros," muling niyang sabi. "And... It's basically a Holy One for this village. Lots of people like to worship this bagnros and even treat him like a prince too. Because they believe that this little one can protect this village from any war or bad happenings. I shouldn't have left if I only knew that he would follow me!"
"Ahhh." 'Yun nalang ang nasabi ko.
Then her face crinkled again, as if I just said something weird. "Hindi ka taga-dito, ano? Ramdam ko."
Parang bumagsak ang puso ko sa dibdib ko nang tanungin niya iyon. Hindi niya pwedeng malaman na hindi naman talaga ito ang mundo ko! Na may modernong taon na 2020s sa kabilang mundo—
"Halata kasi sa punto mo. Ngayon lang ako ulit nakarinig ng ganyang pananalita. Hula ko, galing ka sa mga kalyeng malapit sa kastilyo ng Shirene, ano?"
"Ah.." My brain malfunctioned. But I nodded. "O-oo tama ka. Doon kami galing."
"Sabi na!" She smiled and.. I want to cover my face because of such a magnificent sight. She's really really pretty!
"Ang pangalan ko ay Jarith, ako ang nakalinyang magmamana ng hindi lamang ng autoridad ng purok na ito, kundi na rin ang kilalang negosyo ng tatay ko."
"Nice to meet you! I am..." Napatigil ako. Sino 'nga ba ako sa mundong ito? Si Jonah, o si Aurixy?
"Aurixy." Ngumiti ako sa kanya. Hindi naman niya napansin ang pag-alinlangan ko dahil ngumit din siya pabalik.
"Well, Aurixy! This bagnros is very dear not only to me, but also to all of the people in this village. What you did is not simple. You shall be rewarded!"
Nabuhay lalo ang dugo ko sa sinabi niya. "Reward!" Ulit ko.
"Yes!" The bagnros also lets out an excited snort. "Anything as long as it is within our power."
"Food." Hindi ko inisip ang sagot ko. "Food. My friend and I need proper food."
"Oh you poor thing." Jarith sighs. "Is that all?"
"A cure too." Sagot ko pa. "A cure for a numb leg."
"Numb leg.." She murmured. "I believe our infirmary nurses know that. Come with me."
Sakto 'nga naman na lumitaw sila Ate Jessa mula sa kanto ng isang kalye. "Jonah!" I heard Liam's voice calling out to me. I wave a hand to them.
"I TOLD YOU SHE CAN CATCH IT!" Sabi ni Liam kanila Stefan.
"Way to go, Jonah!" Sigaw ni Ate Selene.
Napatingin sa akin si Jarith. Oops, she heard a different name! "It's a nickname." I assure her. "We have nicknames that only the six of us use."
Lahat sila ay lumapit sa amin. Jarith bows her head. "Aurixy succeeded in catching my pig. As a thank you, let me take you to one of our inns so you can eat!"
"Eat?!" Tanong ni Stefan na tinanguan ni Jarith. He raises a fist in the air. "FINALLY SOME GOOD FOOD!"
Out of the blue, the bagnros in Jarith's grasp starts to growl aggressively.
"My bagnros is hungry." She tries to snuggle the bagnros closer to her, but it keeps on wriggling to break free. "He's uncomfortable as well. We have to go!" At nauna siya maglakad.
Nagkatinginan kaming anim.
Sure, lots of uncertainties here and there.
But... food is the priority.
So we walked together, and followed Jarith.
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"Are you sure we can trust her?"
Nilingon ko si Liam sa likuran ko habang sinusundan si Jarith. "Uhmmm." Nagkibit balikat ako. "Not really sure.. Bakit? Do you feel like we shouldn't follow her?"
Napunta lang ang tingin niya kay Jarith na nangunguna sa amin. I could practically see the thoughts unraveling in the reflection of his eyes. Then, he shrugged as well. "Hindi naman. It's just that she's so genuinely kind and hospitable. It would be really sad if she turns out to be.. You know, a trap or something."
Tinignan ko rin si Jarith. "I.. uhm.. Really don't know. I don't want to assume."
Tumango lang si Liam at hindi na ulit umimik. Liam is one of those unique people who have a strong intuition, napansin ko lang. But.. not all gut feelings are right. I tend not to follow my instincts and try to focus on what's here.
Especially when Jarith is currently leading us to a two-story cabin, with smoke spewing out from its roof. Aja! Dito pala galing ang usok na nakikita ko kanina! The cabin-like structure is huge in width, not height, as it stretches and forms a U shape around us.
"This is the most successful business in this village, and my father owns it." Jarith explains loudly. "Arden Inn became this village's greatest landmark, and many of them think that this is a journeyer's must to see spot! People just can't pass by this small village without taking a glimpse of this place."
Tumigil siya na sinundan namin. Hinarap niya kami habang malawak na nakangiti. "You're really lucky to have a very important person pass. You can stay here for as long as you like, and you can eat whatever you want at the inn's trofigasbord!"
"Ha?" Rinig kong tugon ni Kuya.
"Very important person pass?" Tanong ni Liam
"I think that meant VIP." Sagot ni Ate Jessa.
"But what the hell is a trofigasbord?" Tanong naman ni Ate Selene.
"Eat daw eh." Sabi ni Stefan. "Maybe it's a restaurant or something."
"Wala 'bang trofigasbord malapit sa Shirene?" Jairth asks, face full of concern as she watches us ask each other. "I heard people from your area like to have a trofigasbord events. In fact, it's a special festivity there!"
I was about to answer, when Ate Jessa stepped in. "We don't belong to the higher class of Shirene." I mentally wince at her obvious lie. "So.. yeah. Not really familiar with that term!"
"Oh!" Jarith only exclaims. But then she smiles more. "Then it's going to be a new experience for you! Well, trofigasbord is a meal set out on a long long table, and you will be the one who'll serve yourself! It's a self service meal and you are free to choose whatever food you like, there is no limit to what you can eat!"
"Putangina. Unlimited buffet lang naman pala 'yun." Bulalas ni Kuya. "Akala ko naman kung ano!"
"New terminologies for visitors like us," I say, which they all nodded at.
"Let's take your brother to the Inn's public infirmary first, Aurixy." Napatingin ako kay Jarith. "He needs to be cured as much as possible." And then, she shifts her attention to my brother, who was squinting his eyes as he looked around the place. "I can call maids to bring you a chair with wheels to help you."
"Chair with wheels?" Tanong ulit ni Kuya at halos mapunit ang mukha sa sobrang pagkalito. "Ah, what the fuck, you mean wheelchairs? For fucks sake, no thank you. I can walk perfectly fine with this wooden stick."
Kaya ayun, sama sama na rin kaming lumakad at sinundan si Jarith papunta sa infirmary. Tunay 'ngang napakalaki nitong Inn. Bawat metro ata na ilalakad namin, laging may bagong kanto o hallway ang matatanaw.
An unknown instinct tugged at my brain and told me to remember every turn and halls we take. I know I just claimed that I don't often follow my gut feelings, but this one is different. It can be helpful in foreseen situations, remembering our path is not a bad thing!
Isang mataas at malawak na pintuang kahoy ang nadatnan namin. Hindi pa halos nakakatigil sa Jarith para buksan iyon o kumatok, ay kusa itong binuksan ng mga nurse na nasa loob. Oh, mukhang alam na nilang may dadalhin na pasyente ang kanilang madam!
Inside the infirmary is nothing mind blowing. Maraming mga higaan ang nakalinya at nakatapat sa mga naglalakihang bintana. The place is brightly lit from the high sun outside. It is well ventilated too because of the natural fresh wind that passes through the big open windows.
Walang mga pasyente ang matatanaw namin na nakahiga. Buti naman! It's probably a chill morning for the nurses and doctors!
"A beautiful morning, Jarith." Isang matandang may mahabang puting balbas ang lumitaw kung saan. Nakangiti siya na binati din naman ni Jarith.
"Healer Grullon, a beautiful morning to you as well!" Bati niya. Tinuro niya kaming lahat. "One of them needs your healing, can you?"
"Ofcourse," the healer answers. Kinuha niya ang kanyang salamin sa bulsa ng kanyang puting damit at sinuot ito. "Oh holy, what happened to your limb, dear boy?"
"Isn't that the reason why we're freaking here." Rinig kong sumbat ni Kuya. Nilingon ko siya at sinamaan siya ng tingin. Kailan ba mawawala 'yung pabarang at nakakainis na ugali na iyon ni Kuya? Kahit saan dalhin, akala mo laging naghahanap ng away!
Buti nalang ay si Jarith na ang sumagot nang malakas. "He needs to be examined, Healer Grullon. He needs to be recovered as quickly as possible."
"Then what is everyone standing for!" Naglakad na si Healer Grullon at tumungo sa isang higaan. Sinundan namin siya. The Healer puts on his gloves as he gestures at one of the empty beds. "Come, dear lad, make yourself comfortable."
"I..uh, my clothes are filthy." Rinig kong mahinang sagot ni Kuya.
"It's fine," I assure him. He's really particular about his cleanliness. "This is an emergency."
Hindi ko naman alam kung narinig ba niya ako, basta ay marahan nalang siyang humiga. Ate Selene immediately rushes and fixes the pillow beneath my brother's head. "I'm freaking fine, broomhead." His voice was low and silent, obviously meant for Ate Selene to only hear.
"I'm trying to help." Sagot din ni Ate Selene na halos pabulong.
"The wrapping of bandages and cloths are good," Healer Grullon examines. "Who among you did this?"
"Oh!" Ate Selene proudly raises a hand. "Ako po!"
Pinagmasdan siya ni Healer Grullon habang tumatango tango rin. Napangiti ako sa nagiging tugon niya! "You can be a great nurse, dear lass." Sabi ni Healer.
A good pride raises Ate Selene's chest as she smiles back. "Yes, Healer Grullon. Thank you!"
Nginitian ko si Ate Selene, at ganun din si Ate Jessa. Masayang tinatapik naman ni Stefan ang likuran ni Ate Selene habang si Liam ay tahamik na pumapalakpak.
Pero agad din naman nabago ang mood naming lahat nang nabuksan na ng Healer ang mga nakabalot sa binti ni Kuya... at lahat kami ay halos napaabante sa hitsura ng kanyang binti.
My brother's leg is coated with a strange and concerning shade of purple. Blood oozes out from his shallow cuts. "What the fuck!" Singhal ni Kuya sa nakita.
"Oh my word," halos walang hangin na sabi ni Jarith sa tabi ko. "Ano ang nangyari sa kanya?"
"Mind your tongue, boy." Tugon ni Healer Grullon habang nakatitig sa kanyang binti. "Your poor choices of words can attract bad energy."
"Hindi ganyan ang hitsura nyan kanina lang!" Sabi ni Liam.
"Whatever liquid that was injected to him wasn't fully working yet when Selene wrapped him up," sabi ni Ate Jessa habang titig na titig sa binti ni Kuya. "Buti nalang nabuksan ulit kasi nakita natin kung gaano kabilis pala ang pagkalat non."
"I'm gonna be sick in the stomach." Napahawak si Ate Selene sa kanyang tyan. "Too much, too much!"
"I haven't seen this case for ages," sabi ni Healer Grullon habang nakahawak sa kanyang salamin at pinagmamasdan ang kaawang awang sitwayson ni Kuya. "This one... This liquid that was infused to you is not a typical one."
"Ah, damn," sabi ni Stefan na halos nakatago na pala sa likuran ni Ate Jessa. "How is Christopher not passing out yet?"
"Jarith, my lovely lass, can you call the help of my nurses?" Sabi ni Healer kay Jarith.
Tumango lang si Jarith at halos tumakbo para magtawag. Samantalang ako ay halos manghina sa kaba sa mga nangyayari. Nangailangan na ng tulong ang doktor, masama 'yon, diba?
"Kuya.." Tawag ko. Nakakabilib dahil bukod sa pawis at ilang bahid ng gasgas sa kanyang mukha, ay parang hindi naman siya nanghihina. "Anong pakiramdam mo?"
"Tipikal na sakit lang ng katawan," sagot niya. Nakatitig siya sa kanyang binti at mukhang sinusubukan itong itaas. Pero hindi niya iyon magawa. "Manhid 'nga kasi ang binti ko. Ni hindi ko 'nga maiangat."
"Pagaling ka." Si Ate Selene naman ang nagsalita.
Hindi agad nakasagot si Kuya at hindi magawang alisan nang tingin ang sarili niyang binti. Pero, nakikita ko ang maliit na kurba sa gilid ng kanyang labi.. Ohhh. My Kuya is finally smiling like a real person?
Napunta ang tingin ko kay Ate Selene at pinagmasdan siya. Hindi niya ata iyon napansin. Nilingon ko rin sila Liam sa likod ko, pero wala silang imik at mukhang alalang alala sa sa binti ni Kuya.
"I will recover because I still have to beat you up in a fight." Kuya says, but with obvious amusement in his voice. I should be worried about a man challenging a woman to a fight.
But Ate Selene is not just a 'typical' woman. She is strong and can definitely stand on her own when fighting. And Kuya seems to acknowledge that very well.
Lalo na nakita ko ang pagngiti ni Ate Selene sa kanya. "Keeping promises, that's what I like."
Uhm.. I really wanted to think more about what I just witnessed. What promises? If it wasn't for the arrival of Jarith and two more nurses in white dresses.
"The liquid that was injected into the leg of your friend is a venom from an imperiled snake called chloife," Healer Gruffon explains. "A chloife's venom is called Thalnum Chlofide. The victims of this venom died just short moments after the infusion of the venom to their bloodstreams. But your friend is a very lucky lad." Tinuro niya si Kuya. "The victims are injected at their necks, where the venom will travel faster to reach the brain and paralyze it, which eventually leads to death."
"But." The Healer continues as he and the help of the nurse slowly remove the remaining cloths and bandages out of his leg. "He is injected at his leg instead, making the venom travel slower to reach the brain."
And then, he looks at us one by one. "You are also very smart to immediately bring him here, we still have enough time to stop the irreversible damages this Thalnum Chlofide can cause."
"The idiot aimed at my neck, actually." Sabi ni Kuya habang pinapanood silang alisin ang balot ng binti niya. "The motherfucker really wanted to kill me."
"Words, young boy." Muling paalala ng Healer.
Ang isa sa mga nurses ay may hawak na kahoy na mangkok na may laman na kumukulong tubig. She hovers the bowl in front of Kuya's face, who immediately angled his head away from the smoke. "Ano 'yan?!"
"The smoke has healing properties. Relax yourself and inhale the gas." Explain Healer Grullon. "You need to fall asleep first before we perform the procedure."
"Sleep?" Halos pabulong na tugon ni Kuya at gusto kong matawa. He really battled a strange man earlier, had his leg almost died, but falling asleep in an infirmary with unfamiliar healers seemed to catch him off guard.
Naramdaman ata iyon ni Jarith kaya nagsalita na siya. "I'll bring your friends to the trofigasbord and have them entertained during your healing procedure. You have nothing to worry about but to get better sooner."
"Indeed," sagot ni Healer Grullon. "The healing procedure will also have to take the whole night."
"Buong gabi?" Ulit ni Ate Jessa. "Kailangan po ba talaga umabot nang buong gabi?"
Nilingon ko si Ate Jessa. Mukhang nagulat siya sa sinabi ni Healer Grullon at mukhang problemado rin. May problema 'nga ba?
"You can have the remaining five rooms at the west wing of our inn to stay in the night." Sabi ni Jarith. "Why? Is there a problem?"
Nakita ko ang pagkapit ni Stefan sa braso ni Ate Jessa, probably an attempt to anchor her down to reality, or maybe to calm her down. She then shakes her head and flashes a strained smile. "No-nothing. It;s just.. I was expecting to reach the hanging cliff before the day ends."
Naalarma si Jarith at Healer Grullon sa nasabi niya, na lalong nagpalala ng kabog ng dibdib ko. Grabe naman, abot abot na kaba talaga ba ang laging nakukuha ko sa mundoong ito?
"The Kreluskos." Jarith exhales. "You are seeking to stay in that horrific place?"
"We only intend to cross it, Jarith." sagot ni Ate Jessa. "We have to reach that cliff to get to our main destination."
"Kakaiba na talaga ang mga kabataan ngayon." Nakatinign pa sa itaas ang mga mata ni Healer Grullon. "You are bolder and braver, truly a generation full of hope."
Dapat matuwa ako doon, kasi sa mundo namin, laging kaming nasasabihan na puro kabiguan lang kaming mga kabataan. Pero dito, mukhang masaya pa sila na mas may determinasyon kaming maglakbay at matuto pa.
Pero.. para namang bumigat din ang dibdib ko sa sinabi niya. All of them never knew that they were characters of a tragic fantasy novel. There was no hope, only dread.
Umiling ako sa mga naiisip, kaya 'nga kami napunta dito, hindi ba? Isn't that the reason why we have to travel long and unfamiliar lands? To go back home? To leave this world with a beautiful ever after?
"Wala naman 'pong problema kung magstay kami dito." Napangiti ako sa tugon ni Ate Jessa. Yes! This place is good for us to take a rest! "If that is what Christopher needed to heal."
"Bla bla." Kuya rolled his eyes. "Yes. I fucking need to heal, but it wouldn't happen if your asses are still standing there. Now go! I still have a leg to heal!"
"Way to go, Christopher!" Halos sigaw pa ni Liam at nakataas pa ang kamay.
"Wait!" Humablot ng kung ano si Ate Selene sa bag niya. Hindi ko maintindihan ang hawak niya nang nilabas niya ang kamay mula sa bag. It is cylinder in shape, big enough to have her entire fingers to go across it. Pinakita niya muna ito kay Healer Grullon, Jarith, at sa mga nurses bago binaba sa lamesa na katabi lang ng higaan ni Kuya.
"It's your weapon," she says to my brother, despite all of us attentively looking at her. "It's a spear, actually. Gamitin mo nalang mga naglalakasan mong braincells to activate it into a 8 ft long spear!"
"Uh.. Ate," I try to call out. "I really don't know if weapons are allowed in this area."
Pero narinig pa rin 'yun ni Healer Grullon, dahil napangiti siya sa akin bago nagsalita para sa lahat. "I will allow that weapon in my infirmary, for now." He says. "Now, you must go forth and let your friend rest."
"Yes!" I exclaim. "Thank you so much, Healer Grullon!"
Muli kong tinignan si Kuya. Nakatapat na pala sa kanya ang usok mula sa mangkok, at napanood ko pa ang mabagal na pagpikit ng kanyang mga mata, bago tuluyan nang sinara ni Healer Grullon ang kurtina.
"He'll be fine." Rinig kong tugon ni Ate Selene. I looked at her and was expecting her to face me, instead, she had her eyes nailed at the curtains the healer just closed. Turns out, she was talking to herself, convincing herself.
Ohhh...
"Healer Grullon is an excellent healer, your brother will heal before you know it." Naputol ako sa iniisip ko nang nagsalita si Jarith sa tabi ko. Nakangiti siya sa akin habang tinatapik ang likuran ko. Her palm is warm, soft, and comforting.
"Yes." I agree. "Thank you so much, Jarith. You've given us so much."
"Well, hindi pa iyon natatapos." She smiles brightly. Nagsara na ang pintuan ng infirmary sa likuran namin. "Trofigasbord, next!"
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TERMS:
Bagnros (Ban-ros) (with silent g) - A creature that resembles a boar, but with thicker, longer, and sharper tusks that is used for hunting. It is also a common creature used in war. The pig Jarith owns.
trofigasbord (tro-fi-gas-bord) - A place where everyone can eat a variety of foods. Equivalent to 'buffet' in the modern world.
Chloife (kloi-fe) - An endangered snake that is said to live in the far forests. It can grow higher than a giraffe, with width as thick as a fully grown tree. It is also one of the most rarely seen creatures in the world. Its venom is the most seeked out chemical by the academics.
Thalnum Chlofide (tal-num klo-fayd) - One of the world's most lethal venoms. It comes from Chloife, an endangered snake. If this venom reaches the brain, it will kill you instantly.