UNEDITED...
DENISE
Sumisigaw nang malakas ang batang babae habang nagmamadali sa pagtakbo. Extreme fear flooded her pretty and innocent face. Her blue shoulder-length hair was decorated with white silk cloth hairband with ribbons. Her teary blue eyes were begging for help.
Kumunot ang noo ko. I wondered why the little girl was here in the first place. Was she an NPC captured by these dragons to be a food or an offering for the dungeon master? Maybe. I shrugged my shoulder with the thought. Ang dapat kong gawin ngayon ay iligtas ito at kumuha ng dragon ores. But I can't see her name above her head. Mangiyak-ngiyak na sa takot ang bata na parang gusto ng tumigil. Minsan ay napapatid pa ito pero pinipilit pa rin nitong tumakbong muli. She's not stable even her breathing.
The white dragons have shiny and elegant icy scales. Their mighty forms and deep blue eyes made me want to gape for the stunning and captivating sight they offered. I could feel the unmeasurable strength on their auras. Tila napakalakas nilang tingnan. Their glittering white wings were too perfect under the sun. But no matter how wonderful they might look, they were still viscious and unforgiving. Kahit ang maliit na batang hinahabol ng mga ito ngayon ay hindi hahayaang makatakas.
Mabilis kaming tumatakbo patungo sa kanila. The assassins were the fastest but some white dragons noticed their presence so they blocked their paths. The assassins stopped on their tracks and fought these white dragons. Almost all of us were trying to reach the girl and save her. Pero ang ilan sa 'min ay nahaharang ng mga puting dragon.
I gasped when the girl tripped on her foot and fell on the ground. Without second thought, the white dragon was now ready to catch the girl with its claws. My heart was racing and the adrenaline rush on my head started to kick on my guts. Natigilan sa pagtakbo ang iba sa mga kasama namin dahil sa pagsulpot ng iba pang dragon mula sa ilalim ng makapal na yelo. They surprised us with their unexpected attacks. Marami ang hindi nakaiwas sa mga matatalim na kuko ng mga dragon. Ang iba ay nasabuyan ng yelo sa mata at pansamantalang nabulag.
Agad akong tumigil upang asintahin at tirahin nang walang pag-aalinlangan ang ulo ng puting dragon upang pigilan ito sa paghabol sa batang babae. The dragon roared in anger when my arrow hit its head with critical blow. Nagawa ko itong pigilan pero matalim na tingin ang natanggap ko mula rito. The white dragon was too upset but I don't give a damn. Ipinagpatuloy ko na ang pagtakbo palapit dito pero tumigil lang ako nang pitong metro na lang ang layo ko mula sa dragon.
"Save the girl, Sky. I'll deal with the white dragon," seryosong utos ko kay Sky. Tumigil din sa tabi ko si Silver. Halata ang pagdadalawang-isip ni Sky pero malalim lang siyang bumuntong-hininga. He didn't want to argue since it's not the right time to do so.
"Be careful, Zeus," seryosong saad niya at ipinagpatuloy na ang pagtakbo. He was hitting some dragons to get rid of them out of his way. He was also desperate to save the girl. That was his goal for now. Once he saved the girl, he'll do his hunt.
Napansin ng dragong tinira ko si Sky habang tumatakbo siya patungo sa batang babae. Akmang susugurin nito si Sky pero pinaulanan ko ito ng Combo attack ng Twin Blazing Arrow at Bloodlust Arrow. Naiinis na bumaling ang paningin nito sa 'kin dahil sa ginagawa kong pagpigil dito. It was too agitated and frustrated. It roared out loud that could probably damage my hearing if I ever came closer. The dragon did it many times when Sky managed to get the girl and run away.
"There's something wrong with the girl's scent," seryosong saad ni Silver. Silver transformed back into a child. The others were too busy fighting the white dragons. At the end of this island, there's a frozen mountain. Makapal ang yelo roon. Kahit ang malakas na hangin sa buong isla ay nagyeyelo. Yes. It was snowing. A storm of snow.
"Maybe because she's an NPC," seryosong saad ko. Lumipad na patungo sa 'kin ang dragon nang tuluyang mailayo ni Sky ang bata mula rito. Gusto nitong maghiganti dahil sa ginawa ko. Pero may isa pang dragon na humabol kay Sky. Hindi na ako nag-alala pa sa kanya. I know Sky could take care of himself now. Itinuon ko ang pansin sa dragon na lumilipad sa direksiyon ko.
"No. I can smell the scent of a dragon through her skin," seryosong sagot ni Silver sa 'kin. Mabilis akong lumingon kay Silver. Hindi ko masyadong pinagtuunan ng pansin ang sinabi niya dahil sa pagmamadali. But I heard it right but I need time to process it.
"Merge," seryosong utos ko. He vanished in thin air and then he merged with me and became my weapon and shield.
"There are too many dragons surrounding us. How can you distinguish where the scent came from? Maybe when the dragon brought her here, the dragon's scent blended through hers?" seryosong sabi ko sa kanya. I released an arrow and attacked the flying white dragon. The dragon was fast and intelligent to avoid my shot. Sumasabay ang paglipad nito sa mabilis na pagragasa ng malakas na hangin na may kasamang yelo. Mas maliit ang mga white dragons kaysa sa mga dragon na nasa ilalim ng islang ito. But its an advantage for their speed.
The dragon released sharp chilling frost spikes towards my direction. They were as long as spears. I jumped as high as I could. I tried to reach the dragon's back and I did. I landed on its back but not safely. Mabilis na umikot ang katawan ng dragon upang ihulog ako. Mahigpit akong kumapit sa leeg nito at napangiwi. It purposely slammed its back on the icy and spiky grounds to hurt me. Napangiwi ako dahil sa mga sugat na natamo ko. Narinig ko ang mahinang pagdaing ni Silver sa utak ko. I have no choice but to let go of the dragon's back. Pero hindi ko hinayaang makawala ito nang basta-basta. Pinatama ko ang Fire Arrow of Death sa ulo nito nang walang mintis. I rolled on the ground and stood up as fast as I could.
"Silver? Are you alright? I'm sorry," mahinang wika ko. I was too guilty to use him as my shield and weapon. That's the disadvantage of our merging. Sa halip na ako ang masaktan, si Silver ang sasalo sa lahat ng mga pag-atakeng tatama sa 'kin. Dapat ako ang nasasaktan at hindi siya. And that just doubled the impact of the pain in my heart.
Silver hissed. "You're too soft," naiinis na saad niya sa 'kin. "Don't mind me. I'm good," seryosong saad niya. "And about the girl, I'm sure that it is her scent. You need to warn, Sky," he added.
I was running to avoid the Ice Spears the dragon threw on my direction. "Damn! It's just normal for me to worry about you. Are you saying that the girl is a shifter too? How is that possible? Can a dragon shift? Hmmm. Or is she a hybrid?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya.
"I guess she's just special," Silver answered. "And it's normal for a pet to fight alongside with you or cover for you. It's our role in this game. That's how we are programmed and made. If I died, I will not hold any grudge. I already knew these truths when you caught me and became my master," seryosong saad ni Silver. "Just be strong and do your best. You're the player and you must succeed by all means."
I hissed. I'm annoyed with those truths. I don't think I could sacrifice him for my sake. I faced the dragon and hit it with couple of arrows covered with fire or ice. I contacted Sky immediately. "Sky, can you hear me?"
"Yes, why? Are you hurt or in danger?" nag-aalalang tanong niya sa 'kin. Tiyak na hinahanap na niya ako ngayon. Napailing ako. I hate it when there are people who worry and care about me. That's the reason why I wanted to become a better person sometimes. To lessen the guilt and be somehow worthy for them.
"No. I'm fine but you're the one in danger. The girl you rescued. She's not normal. She's a dragon according to Silver," seryosong saad ko habang nakatingin sa puting dragon na nagagalit na dahil sa mga pana ko na tumama sa kanya. It was growling in pain and annoyance. Its wings sometimes deflect my attacks. Nagulat pa ako sa malakas na pagsigaw ni Sky. I was distracted. I looked around to find him. He hissed in pain.
Nakita ko ang matatalim na sibat na bumaon sa likod niya. Mula sa likuran niya ay may isang puting dragon na kumikinang ang balat at pakpak sa ilalim ng araw na tila kristal. The dragon's body color almost looks like precious silver. Its long and spiky tail hit Sky's back in one blink of an eye. Hindi ito naiwasan ni Sky kaya tumalsik siya palayo. I gasped when he hit the sharp spiky ground. Some icy spikes pierced through his legs and sides. Humalo ang kulay ng dugo niya sa napakaputing yelo. He gritted his teeth and slightly grinned.
"I guess... you're a bit late," he said and gave me a small laugh. I bit my lower lip. How could he laugh at a time like this? I frowned. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa kanya. Hindi ko na napansin ang pagdating ng kalaban kong dragon. Its claws hit my chest without mercy. I didn't bleed because of Silver's protection but I could hear his scream in my head. The dragon's tail hit my head and my face hit the cold ground. It happened too fast! Damn! I suddenly felt that I'm freezing on this island. My body is already numb because of the island's coldness. Nag-alala ako para kay Silver. Fuck! He's surely bleeding now because of the blood on my clothes.
Hindi pa man ako nakakatayo ay inapakan na ako ng dragon ang ulo ko gamit ang napakalaking paa nito. Its foot crushed my head on the ground. Gigil na gigil ito na tila gustong basagin ang bungo ko. Silver was screaming in my head because of unbearable pain. Fuck! I gritted my teeth in anger and frustration. The dragon was too heavy for me. My body or Silver's body might not endure this any longer. It pained me that he was the one hurting instead of me. Ang mga kuko ng dragon sa paa ay bumabaon sa balikat ko. Naramdaman ko rin ang unti-unting pagkaubos ng health points ni Silver. Soon our merge will not work anymore.
Mariing hinawakan ko ang paa ng dragon at pinipilit na tanggalin ito. But I couldn't. I'm not strong enough to remove its feet. Bumibilis na ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa kaba. Iniisip ko ang kahihinatnan ni Silver. I couldn't let him die here. I wanted to cry in frustration because of my helplessness. Mabuti na lang may narinig akong malakas na pagsabog na nagpaurong sa dragon. Someone attacked the dragon to help me. Sunud-sunod na pagsabog ang narinig ko. I could feel the extreme heat above my head. Walang nagawa ang dragon kundi ang alisin ang paa nito sa ulo ko. Kalhati na lang ang HP ni Silver. My mouth is bleeding as well. Pinilit kong tumayo. The dragon angrily roared at my savior. Fire. Kahit masakit ang katawan ay agad akong tumakbo palayo sa dragon at lumapit kay Fire.
"Are you alright?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Fire sa 'kin. Natigilan pa ako nang marahan niyang pahidin ang dugo sa labi ko. Maging siya ay natigilan. Hindi kaya bumabalik na naman ang pagkontrol sa kanya? Tiningnan ko siya nang maigi. Nag-iwas siya ng tingin at inalis ang kamay sa labi ko. I bit my lower lip.
"Yes. Thanks," sagot ko pero hindi ko inaalis ang mapanuring tingin ko sa kanya. Ipinagpatuloy niya ang pag-atake sa dragon kaya bumaling sa dragon ang pansin ko. Malapit na rin itong maubusan ng health points pero hindi pa rin ito natinag.
"Disable merge," seryosong saad ko. Silver coughed blood. Naawa ako sa duguan niyang katawan. Pinahid niya ang dugo sa mukha at labi niya. "You should have let me fight. I want to return the favor," naiinis na saad niya sa 'kin.
"Let me handle this. Here. Eat this," seryosong saad ko sa kanya. I gave him food for healing. Naiinis na tinanggap niya ang ibinigay ko sa kanya. Itinutok ko na ang pana ko sa dragon. I shot it with Destructive Arrow and Blazing Eagle Arrow to defeat it. I sighed when the dragon disappeared in thin air. Halos tapos na rin lahat sa pakikipaglaban. Sky managed to capture a pet. It was the little girl who could shift into a white dragon.
"Zeus," seryosong tawag ni Fire sa 'kin. Agad akong lumingon sa kanya. Nagulat na lang ako nang mabilis na lumapat ang labi niya sa labi ko. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin habang nanlalaki ang mga mata na nakatitig sa kanya.
"Be careful next time," he said when he pulled away. He walked away without waiting for an answer. My heart race faster because of what happened. And yes. This is not good. Bumaba ang couple level namin ni Sky. Maging ang couple level nina Fire at Queen ay naapektuhan. At pakiramdam ko rin nagtataksil ako. Mabigat sa pakiramdam. Masakit sa puso.
"Good, Fire. Mas mataas na ang couple level namin ni Zero kaysa kina Zeus," naiiling na saad ni Ice nang lumapit siya sa kapatid. But I know she's not actually happy. She's worried but she's not showing it. Hindi nagkomento si Fire. He just sighed in confusion and frustration. He knew that what he did was wrong.
Nang lumingon ako kay Sky, seryoso siyang nakatingin sa 'kin. Mas lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko sa kaba. How should I explain this? But I know I don't have to. Alam niya ang nangyayari. He couldn't blame me or Fire. He looked away but his fist was curled into a ball. Kahit malayo ako ay ramdam ko ang pagpipigil niya sa sarili. Ramdam ko ang inis at galit niya. I could feel his frustration about the things he couldn't do. Malalim na humugot siya ng hininga. Gusto ko siyang lapitan pero hindi ko alam ang gagawin at sasabihin ko. I felt that it's my fault too.
"Let's head to the dungeon and finish this," seryosong utos ni Sky sa lahat. The girl, her pet, held his fist with understanding. Somehow it calmed Sky for a while. Pero hindi pa rin naaalis ang pagkainis sa mukha ni Sky. I bit my thumb. Bakit kasi nangyari pa ito? I was frustratedly guilty.
Lahat ay sumang-ayon at tumakbo na patungo sa dungeon. I casted the worries away. We will talk later. Everything will be alright. We could fix this mess when we survive this island. May mga dragon na humabol sa 'min at biglang sumusulpot mula sa ilalim ng mga yelo. The extreme and unforgiving weather slowed us down but we still manage to make a run towards the last dungeon. Ang ilang dragon ay kinakalaban namin pero mas madalas na umiiwas kami.
May isang malaking kweba sa paanan ng nagyeyelong bundok. Pumasok kami sa loob nito. Even the insides of the mountain was freezing. Muntik na akong madulas sa makintab na sahig na yelo pero may sumalo sa 'kin. I blushed when I saw Sky's face. Hinintay niyang makapasok ang lahat bago siya sumunod sa loob. Mahigpit akong kumapit sa malakas na bisig niya dahil sa takot na baka mahulog sa sahig. Marahang itinayo niya ako. Seryosong tumango siya sa 'kin upang iparating na ipagpatuloy ko na ang paglalakad ko. I sighed heavily and my heart was beating too fast. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to defend myself from what he saw. Pero nanahimik ako at walang ginawa.
Binitawan ko na ang bisig niya at sinunod ko siya. Diretsong naglakad ako papasok ng kweba. This time I watched my step while biting my freezing lips. Hindi nagsasalita si Sky. Sky was as cold as this last island. I hate it. My chest tightened because he's ignoring me. And my heart won't stop from racing and hurting. Maayos na ang kalagayan ni Silver dahil sa kinain niya. We could still do the merge but I'm afraid to hurt him again. Ipinatong ko ang kamay ko sa ulo ni Silver. Tumingala siya sa 'kin at matipid na ngumiti.
"Don't hesitate to use me," he said. I frowned. Hindi madali ang sinasabi niya. And I don't want to use him for my own interest. Kung simpleng computer games lang sana ito baka mas madaling gawin 'yon.
He sighed. "Okay. Let's put it this way. If you happened to be in my place or same situation, will you sacrifice your life for the one you value or love?" seryosong tanong niya sa 'kin.
I smiled. "Do you love me?" pang-aasar ko sa kanya.
He frowned. "I value you because we, NPCs or Pets, can't possibly love. That's how we work," naiiling na sagot niya. I frowned but he smiled. Nakukuha ko naman ang sinasabi niya. Kung ako ang nasa kalagayan niya handa ko ring isakripisyo ang sarili ko para sa taong mahalaga para sa 'kin. Pero masakit sa pakiramdam kapag may mga taong nagsasakripisyo para sa 'kin o namatay para sa 'kin. Masakit tanggapin at baka sisihin ko pa ang sarili ko.
"I love you that's why I can't sacrifice you. But I will when there's nothing left for me to do. But I'll do everything to avoid that from happening," seryosong saad ko.
"Good," he answered. May napakalawak na bilog na yelong sahig sa loob ng kweba. May ilang bahagi kung saan may matatalim na yelo na maaaring tumusok sa mga hindi mag-iingat. Maging ang itaas na bahagi ng kweba ay nababalutan ng makintab na yelo na tila nagsisilbing salamin. Nakikita ko sa buong paligid ang sarili ko. Nakikita ko ang lahat-lahat sa paligid ko. The stalactites were all over the place.
The white dragon was standing in the middle with honor and elegance. Kumikintab ang buong katawan nito. Sa gilid ay makikita ang napakalaking pugad na naglalaman ng mga malalaking itlog ng dragon. May mga iba't ibang kulay ng dragon ores sa paligid nito. I gulped. This is it. The finish line for this island. Mabuti na lang hindi pa kami nababawasan.
"This is the last island. I hope everyone can still make it 'til the end. Be on your guard. Help those who need your help. Use your power wisely," seryosong saad ni Sky. I tried to listen but it felt awkward. His tone was scary. Halatang iritable ang boses niya kahit pilit niyang itinatago.
I sighed. "After defeating the dungeon boss, collect the dragon ores. Be ready to switch when necessary. I'll give orders once needed. Be alert," seryosong saad ko habang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa dungeon boss. Seryosong nakatingin ito sa 'min. Napapansin ko ang kakaibang ngisi nito at ang naaaliw na tingin nito sa 'min. It was standing with might and arrogance. It seems that it was ready to bring destruction to us. The scales on its tail were forming sharp ice spikes. A horn was in the middlle of its head and its blue eyes were assessing and analyzing our forms. The wings have ice crystals on each edges. Too spectacular and elegant for my sight.
"Hmmm. I'm glad to see you all here but this level will not be easy," seryosong saad ng dragon. "Let's see how brave you are to set foot on my territory."
Hindi na kami nakapagsalita pa nang nabalot ng makapal na usok ang buong paligid. It came from the freezing ice inside the cave. The dragon was controlling it. Humalo ang dragon sa makapal na usok at halos wala kaming makita. Bahagyang naningkit ang mata ko upang talasan ang paningin at pakiramdam. "Silver, can you sense the dragon's presence?" pabulong na tanong ko sa kanya. He held my hand because I'm starting to lose sight of him.
May narinig akong malakas na sigaw at ingay sa paligid. "We need to merge to enhance your senses," seryosong saad ni Silver. I sighed heavily. I couldn't see anything on this thick fog. We really need the merge. "Merge," seryosong saad ko. Nawala ang kamay na humahawak sa 'kin. Silver merged with me. I could now feel and somehow see the dragon on this thick fog. Although it's blurred. Walang awang inatake nito ang mga kasama ko gamit ang mga kuko at buntot. I must clear this fog so we could fight with all that we got.
"All archers hit the dragon, 9 o'clock, 10 meters!" seryosong utos ko sa kanilang lahat. May nakikita akong liwanag na nabubuo sa iba't ibang parte ng kweba. Itinutok ko rin ang palaso ko sa dragon. The arrow was covered with blazing fire and bright rainbow lights. Halos mahawi ang mga usok nang sabay-sabay naming pakawalan ang mga palaso namin. Nasilaw ang dragon sa liwanag na tumama sa ulo at iba't ibang bahagi ng katawan nito. It screamed in pain and anger.
"You can attack the dragon now. Use this chance, now that you know its location," seryosong utos ko sa lahat. I heard Sky giving out commands to his party members. Maging sina Queen at Zero ay gumalaw na. The bards struck the dragon with annoying and destructive melodies. The warriors started to switch positions with some assassins especially with Ice and Heather.
Ang iba sa atake ng mga kasama ko ay naiwasan ng dragon dahil sa malalaking pakpak nito na tila pilak at nagsisilbing panangga sa mga mahihinang techniques. Some assaults were bouncing off its wings and body. Only those strong techniques could give significant damages to the dragon. Mabilis itong lumipad upang itumba ang mga kasama kong archer. Nahawi ang mga warriors na nagtangkang sumugod dito at tumalsik palayo dahil sa marahas nitong mga hampas at kagat.
Sky was still watching and giving orders. I wondered if he's avoiding to talk to me. He's not giving me a single word. I bit my lower lip because I know that worrying about our relationship is not the right thing to do now. I heaved a deep sigh to concentrate on the dragon. I hate the feeling of being ignored. I hate it when he's treating me coldly.
"Fire, stay back and don't come closer to the dragon. Avoid the damages. Scithe, stand by, I'll let you know when it's your turn to move. Ice, coordinate with Zero's party. Zero, I need your party's help. Angel, you're in support too. Rage, shit! Please be careful on releasing your techniques!" seryosong utos ko. I saw that the dragon could deflect Rage's attacks and it was hitting some of our party members.
"It's not my fault if the dragon can deflect my attacks and target other players instead," seryosong saad ni Rage. The dragon was acting like a mirror who can deflect and maneuver some attack to hit us.
"Yes, I know. But with the angle of your attacks, you're helping the dragon to hit the players with ease. Attack from its back. We will take care of the frontal attacks," seryosong sagot ko sa kanya.
I heard Rage when he hissed. "This is for the best, Rage," seryosong saad ko sa kanya.
"I hate it when you're giving orders like you know everything," hindi na niya napigilang sabihin. Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga. I wanted to snap but I choose to remain calm as I could be. "I'm giving orders but I never said that I knew everything. When you join this group, I thought you're already aware that I'm the leader," seryosong saad ko. I don't want to argue any longer. This was not the good time for arguments. Lalo na't napapansin ko na marami na sa mga kasama namin ang sugatan at halos hindi na makatayo. Some of the players were impaled with the stalactites above us and the sharp spikes inside this cave.
Sinunod naman ni Rage ang sinabi ko kahit labag sa kalooban niya. I wonder what's happening to him. May kumokontrol din ba sa kanya? Unti-unting kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa pangamba. Huwag naman sana.
"Zeus, I'll be waiting for your command," seryosong saad ni Zero.
"Thanks. I'll do my best," seryosong saad ko. Kailangan ko ring kausapin si Sky at Queen pero nag-aalangan ako. I was still guilty. How could I talk to them? Gusto kong sabunutan ang sarili ko. Nagtatalo ang isip at puso ko. Huminga ako nang malalim. Paulit-ulit kong sinabi sa sarili ko na kailangan ko silang kausapin.
"If you want to talk to me then go ahead," seryosong saad ni Sky kaya natigilan ako. "Our personal conflicts must not affect this fight. It's just between the two of us. Hindi kailangang madamay ng labang ito," he added. I bit my lower lip. But he still sounded scary and serious even when he's trying to be calm. Mariin akong napapikit. Kailangan ko nang kapalan ang mukha ko. Hindi muna ako dapat magpaapekto.
"Good. How about you, Queen? I need your party's cooperation too," seryosong saad ko. Pilit kong inaalis ang pangamba sa utak ko. This will be the last fight. I still have the guts to do this. Queen clicked her tongue.
"Sure. I'll face you later and clear the mess," seryosong saad niya. Muli akong bumuntong-hininga.
"Shoot. We will be divided into three groups," seryosong saad ko sa kanila. Ibinigay ko ang mga pangalan ng mga magkakagrupo. Groups for attack, support and on stand by. "The group's roles will be changed after the attacker's cooldown or the support's cooldown." I gave them orders on where to stand and attack. Mabilis akong nagbigay ng mga utos dahil napansin ko ang matalim na tingin ng dragon sa 'kin. I'm sure that he wanted to kill me first. He wanted to get rid of me to remove the group's acting brain. The dragon released ice blizzard the contains snow that could pierce through our skin like shattered glasses. Malakas ang hangin at bumabagyo ng matutulis na yelo. Ininda ko ang mga yelong bumaon sa katawan ko pero alam kong hindi ako nasasaktan kundi si Silver. Tumakbo ako upang umiwas.
"First Group, attack from behind. Stop the dragon's blizzards," utos ko. The first group was Sky's group. I'm on stand by. Every groups contains three healers - bards and mages. Sky gave orders. The support will be there once the attackers need to boost their skills or switch places. All stand bys were waiting for their chance to attack once the attackers cooled down. I ran farther. I could see everything clearly from afar and analyze the situation more accurately. Sometimes, we just need to stay away from everything to clearly see the bigger picture - the real deal. We just need to run the farthest to realize what we can't see and understand when we are near.
The dragon was distracted by Sky's lance. Buong lakas na itinarak ni Sky ang lance niya sa gilid ng dragon. Freed, an archer, hit the dragon's legs when its claws tried to reach for Sky. Malakas na umungol ang dragon dahil sa inis na nagpayanig sa buong paligid. May mga stalactites na nahulog mula sa itaas ng kweba. Ang iba sa mga kasama ko ay umiwas sa mga ito at nagpagulong-gulong sa sahig.
Heather, the berserker, attacked on the other side of the dragon. Bumaon ang malaking palakol nito sa tagiliran ng dragon. Mapulang dugo ang sumirit mula sa gilid ng dragon. Mabilis na sinakmal ng dragon ang ulo ni Heather dahil sa galit. The group for support started to attack the dragon's head as I ordered them. The dragon released Heather and threw him away like useless puppet. Heather hit his back on the sharp edges of the ice spikes.
Malakas na ice blizzard ang pinakawalan ng dragon upang atakihin ang mga umatake sa ulo nito. "Avoid the damages, second group. First group, advance! Hit the dragon until the last drop of your energy," seryosong utos ko. There were eight players in a group. The three healers were healing and boosting other players energy. The five players on offense were moving with all they've got. Pilit nilang iniiwasan ang mga ice spikes at ice blizzards ng dragon. They were hitting the dragon with all their mights and strengths.
"Don't forget to heal yourself. Retreat if needed. Don't be reckless and don't dare die," seryosong saad ko sa kanila. "Sky attack from behind. Pin down its tail." Hindi nagsalita si Sky pero sinunod niya ang utos ko nang walang pag-aalinlangan. He managed to pin the dragon's tail on the ground. Nagwala ang dragon at umikot upang harapin siya. Mabilis na tumalon palayo si Sky at iniwan ang lance niya na nakabaon sa yelong sahig. The first group started their cooldown.
"Stand by, first group. Group three will be in-charge for the attack now," seryosong saad ko. Itinutok ko ang umaapoy na pana sa dragon. "Group two, you're still on support. Ice, I'll need to swicth places with you," I told her. Kasama sa group two si Ice. Si Zero ay nasa group three. I gave Ice some instructions.
"Fire and other healers, be ready," paalala ko sa kanila. Queen was on group two, boosting the attackers strength and skills. "Queen, I need a booster. Angel, support Zero's attacks."
Mas pinalakas pa ni Queen ang arrow ko. Hinawakan na ng dragon ang lance ni Sky upang tanggalin ito. Hindi ito nagbibigay ng atensiyon sa paligid nito o kahit kaninuman. Gusto lang nitong tanggalin ang lance na nakabaon sa buntot nito. Ang ilan sa mga warriors ay inaatake ito at pinipigilan. Pinalipad ni Draco ang blades nito sa dragon. Ihinarang ng dragon ang malalaking pakpak nito nang walang kahirap-hirap. Pinakawalan ko na ang umaapoy na pana ko at pinatama nang walang mintis sa ulo ng dragon. Hindi na nito nagawang tanggalin ang lance sa buntot nito. Galit na galit na humarap ito sa 'kin at sumigaw nang napakalakas. May mga matatalim na yelo na lumipad sa direksiyon ko. Mabilis akong tumalon upang umiwas. Ang mga archer na nasa grupo ko ay nagpaulan din ng mga palaso nila.
Tumalon si Ice sa gilid nito at pinatama sa leeg ang flying dual blades. The dragon's claws attacked her but she managed to get away. Tumalon siya sa itaas ng ulo nito. I switched position with her. Umikot ako sa ere. Nauuna ang ulo ko sa pagbagsak at mabilis kong itinutok ang palaso sa ulo nito. Nang pakawalan ko ang palaso ay nakipagpalit agad ako ng posisyon kay Zero. Buong lakas na itinarak ni Zero ang espada niya sa ulo nito. Mas malakas ang naging pag-ungol ng dragon. Halos mabitak ang mga yelo sa paligid namin. Pakiramdam ko ay guguho ang kweba anumang oras.
Hinuli ng dragon ang katawan ni Zero gamit ang matatalas na kuko at malakas na ihinampas sa nagyeyelong sahig. Ice tried to save him and jumped in the air. Her dual flying blades hit the dragon's legs. Itinutok ko rin ang mga palaso ko sa ulo ng dragon. Ang ilan sa mga kasama ko ay walang tigil sa pag-atake sa iba't ibang parte ng katawan ng dragon dahil hindi pa nito maigalaw ang buntot nito. Hindi pa ito makaalis sa kinatatayuan. Napasinghap na lang ako nang tumama ang lightning ni Rage sa tagiliran ni Ice. Pinakawalan ko muna ang palaso ko at pinatama sa ulo ng dragon. Tumalsik si Ice at tumama ang likod sa isang matulis na ice spike. Lumabas ang dugo mula sa likod niya at bibig. She gritted her teeth in annoyance. Kitang-kita ang magkahalong galit at inis sa mukha niya. Fire helped and heal her.
"Rage! I told you to attack from behind!" inis na sabi ko. Rage hit the dragon's side that's why the dragon managed to deflect his attack and it hit Ice. Pinilit ni Ice na tumayong muli. Itinapon ng dragon si Zero na parang magaang laruan at binunot nito ang espada na nakatarak sa ulo. Buong lakas na ibinato nito sa 'kin ang espada. Wala sa sariling tumalon ako at gumulong sa sahig upang umiwas sa espadang ito.
"I'm sorry. I'll attack from behind then," seryosong sagot ni Rage. Sunud-sunod na tinira ko ang dragon habang pilit nitong binubunot ang lance ni Sky. Nagcooldown na ang group three, maging ako.
"Group two, you'll be in-charge for attack. Malapit na kayong magcooldown. Group one will be your support. They already regained their strengths. Kapag nagcooldown kayo, they will attack," seryosong saad ko. Nagsimula na sina Queen na atakihin ng mga nakakahilong musika ang dragon. Scithe started to slay the dragon's wings. Zeal released arrows from afar. Light started to heal the wounded and boost their strengths. Tuluyan ng nabunot ng dragon ang lance ni Sky. The dragon threw it again on my direction. Muli ko itong iniwasan sa pamamagitan ng pagyuko. Bumaon ang lance ni Sky sa nagyeyelong pader na nasa likod ko. Lumapit doon si Sky at buong lakas na binunot ito. He's too close but he's not saying anything. Ibinalik ko ang pansin sa paligid. Ice started to move again. I thought she's going to attack the dragon's tail but I'm wrong. She hit Rage instead of the tail. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "Ice!" malakas na sigaw ko.
"Oops! My weapon slipped from my hands," kibit-balikat na sabi ni Ice nang tumama ang dual flying blades niya sa balikat ni Rage. Napangiwi si Rage nang dumaloy ang masaganang dugo mula roon. Walang bahid ng pagsisisi ang mukha ni Ice nang saluhin niya ang armas niya na bumalik sa kanya. But her name changed to an orange color. She's marked as a criminal now for hitting him on purpose. Rage gritted his teeth in anger but he didn't attack her. He didn't say anything.
Malakas na tumawa ang dragon at nagpaulan ng matatalim na yelo. "You can't defeat me. The leaders can't even discipline their members," natatawang sabi nito. Wala na sa kalahati ang health points nito. Mabilis na umiwas ang mga kasama namin sa mga matatalim na yelong ibinabato nito.
"Yeah! Shut up and eat my blades!" naiinis na sabi ni Ice at buong lakas na pinatama ang dual flying blades niya sa bunganga ng dragon. Galit na hinarap ng dragon si Ice at malakas na hinampas ng mga kuko. Lumipad siya palayo at nahulog ang katawan sa mga matatalim na yelo. I sighed heavily. What's happening to my party members? Hindi ko na alam ang nangyayari sa kanila. Una si Fire. Sunod si Rage. Ngayon si Ice. Damn! Nangingilid na ang mga luha ko at nagbabadya na itong tumulo. Naramdaman ko ang mahigpit na paghawak ni Sky sa balikat ko.
"Focus. You can't lead them wisely when you're distracted. Natural lang ang pag-aaway-away ng mga members. Maaayos mo rin ito sa huli," seryosong saad niya. Malalim akong humugot ng hininga. "Malapit na nating matalo ang dragon. Kausapin mo sila kapag natapos na ang labang ito kapag bumalik na tayo sa town," he said. I nodded. Nag-cooldown na ang group two. Bumalik na rin ang lakas ng group three. Group one was now ready to attack. Tumakbo na si Sky patungo sa dragon. Kahit kinausap niya ako, ramdam ko pa rin ang malamig na pagtrato niya sa 'kin. Pero kahit paano ay gumaan ang loob ko.
"Zeus, use your Purification Arrow. Group three will be the support, now. Get your acts together," seryosong saad ni Sky. Determinadong itinutok ko sa dragon ang pana ko. Unti-unting nabuo ang napakaliwanag na palaso. I released it to blind the dragon temporarily. Malakas na sumigaw ang dragon dahil sa pagkasilaw. Group one started to attack. Kung saan-saan humahampas ang buntot ng dragon maging ang mga kuko nito dahil wala itong makita. The dragon was just using its instinct. Napansin ko ang mabilis na pagkabawas ng health points ng dragon. Ilang minuto pa ay bumalik na rin ang lakas ng group two.
"It's time. Everyone can attack now," seryosong saad ko. Sinunod nila ako. Nagpaulan ako ng mga palaso. Halos lahat ay umaatake na. I disable the merge when everything's over. Sugatan si Silver pero hindi ko narinig ang mga daing niya kanina. Alam kong ayaw niyang mag-alala ako. I could hear the players shout in victory. Hindi ko na napansin kung kanino napunta ang Last Attack Bonus. Ang mahalaga ay nanalo kami at lahat ay nakaligtas.
Nang maglaho ang dragon ay agad naming kinuha ang pakay sa malaking pugad. Nagulat pa kami nang makita ang mga kumikinang na ginto sa loob nito. Kinuha ko lang ang pakay ko at hinayaan na sa kanila ang mga ginto. They deserved it. Maging si Ice ay kinuha lang ang pakay at naglakad na sa isang tabi. Sinundan ko siya.
"Ice..." nag-aalalang tawag ko sa kanya. Tumingin siya sa 'kin at ngumiti nang matipid. Duguan ang damit niya at pisngi.
"Bisitahin mo na lang ako sa kulungan," seryosong saad niya sa 'kin.
"You should have not done that," naiiling na saad ko.
"I don't regret anything. He must learn his lessons. I need to tell you something too. Be sure to visit me," nakangising saad niya sa 'kin. Huminga ako nang malalim at tumango na lang. Nauna na siyang naglakad patungo sa labas ng kweba. Naghihintay na sa kanya si Zero. Lumapit sa 'min ang batang babae na kasama ni Sky kanina. She was sitting on a corner, watching us while we were fighting. I wondered what's her name.
"Hey," bati niya kay Silver. Ngumisi ang babae. Naglakad si Silver palayo. Humabol ang batang babae at sumabay sa kanya. Masayang nakipag-usap kay Silver ang batang babae. Kumunot ang noo ko. Hindi ko alam kung nagkakaintindihan ba sila. Halos lahat ay nakalabas na ng kweba kaya naglakad na rin ako. Hinahanap ng mga mata ko si Rage pero mukhang lumabas na rin siya. Gusto ko siyang kausapin. I hope he's fine. Tiyak na galit siya ngayon kay Ice. Kumunot ang noo ko nang may biglang humawak sa kamay ko. It's Sky and my heart skipped a beat.
"Wala ka bang sasabihin sa 'kin?" kunot-noong tanong niya. I bit my lower lip.
"Sorry?" nag-aalangang sabi ko sa kanya.
"Sorry lang?" he asked and frowned.
"That's out of my control. Hindi ko 'yon ginusto," mahinang saad ko.
"So everything that can happen beyond our control is alright? Kailangan na lang nating tanggapin? Ganu'n ba?" he asked. "If you can accept that, well, I can't. You should have done something to stop it from happening. Damn! I want to rip his head out of his neck! I'm going crazy! I hate it when you just accept it because of that damn situation he's in!" he said with frustration. Binitiwan niya ang kamay ko at wala sa sariling napasuklay ang kamay sa buhok. Naramdaman ko ang bikig sa lalamunan ko. Nahihirapan akong magsalita at magdesisyon. Mabigat ang pakiramdam ko.
"How can I stop it from happening?" mahinang tanong ko sa kanya.
"You're always letting your guard down in front of him, your friends and party members. You're trusting them too much," seryosong saad niya.
"You're telling me to not trust them?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya.
"Inside this game you can't fully trust anyone," seryosong saad niya.
"How about you? Can I trust you?" naiinis na tanong ko sa kanya.
"You know why I'm here. You know you can trust me," he answered with disbelief. Napailing ako.
"If I don't trust them, I doubt that I can even survive this game. Please... Let's not talk about this. Don't give me lessons about trust. Don't tell me who to trust. It's just a kiss... and... this is just a game," mariing saad ko. Pero alam kong may mali sa sinabi ko.
"Damn! Is that it? This is just a game for you and it's not for me! It's just a kiss for you and it will always be different for me!" seryosong saad niya. I could feel his anger, disappointment and frustration. Naglakad na siya palayo at iniwan akong mag-isa. Hindi na niya ako nilingon pa. Parang gusto kong mapaiyak dahil sa sitwasyon namin. This game is getting more annoying.
Nang lumabas kami sa kweba, wala kaming pagpipilian kundi ang tumalon sa dagat. Nahuli ako at naghihintay sa 'kin si Silver. Napailing siya sa 'kin.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"No," I frowned.
"Don't keep everything on your own or you'll lose them all. It's better to lose one than everything at once," seryosong saad niya sa 'kin. Mas bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. Ayokong bitawan ang kahit sino sa kanila. I want to help them all.
"I want them all to be safe," mahinang saad ko sa kanya.
"They're not safe when you continue to tolerate their behaviors. What you need to do is help them. Do what is right even if you'll hurt them," seryosong saad niya. Mariin akong napapikit. Iniiwasan kong saktan sila pero mukhang ito na lang talaga ang tanging paraan para itama ang lahat. Narinig ko ang mga boses ng mga kasama ko na handa ng tumalon sa dagat.
"I bet jumping is the only way to escape the island. We will see you on Aki's boat," seryosong saad ni Sky sa mga kasama namin. They all nodded. They jumped and I could hear their shouts. Shouts with excitement and victory.
Napalingon ako kay Sky na nakatingin sa 'kin. Seryoso ang mga mata niya at alam kong naghihintay siya. Kaming apat na lang ang natitira sa isla.
"Bakit hindi ka pa tumalon?" takang tanong ko sa kanya.
"No matter how angry I am, I can't leave you alone here," kibit-balikat na saad niya. Hindi ko napigilan ang pagsilay ng matipid na ngiti sa labi. Tiningnan ko si Silver. "Let's go. I know you hate water but you have no choice," nakangising sabi ko sa kanya. Sumimangot lang siya pero nauna na siyang tumakbo. Sky's pet race with him and jump off the island. Napakamot ako sa ulo. Akala ko pa naman sabay kami. Lumapit ako kay Sky dahil wala na akong magagawa. Alangan namang deadmahin ko siya?
"Let's go," nakangising saad ko. Ihinanda ko na ang sarili ko. Mabilis akong tumakbo at hindi na hinintay ang sasabihin niya. I jumped off the island. Sobrang taas ng tinalunan namin. Kung sa totoong buhay ito baka namatay na ako sa kaba. Tumalon na rin si Sky. Medyo malayo siya sa 'kin pero umikot ako sa hangin upang harapin siya. Nakaharap din ako sa kalangitan at nasa itaas siya.
"I love the blue Sky. Even the gray ones. No matter what's the color, it's still beautiful. It will always look after me wherever I go," nakangiti at makahulugang saad ko. Mahina lang kaya alam kong hindi niya narinig. Kumunot ang noo niya sa pagtataka.
"Did you say something?" sigaw niya. Marahan akong umiling at ngumiti lang. Ngumiti rin siya. "I hear your heart," he said. I blushed. Did he really connect? I wondered what he heard? I extended my hands to him. Inviting him to reach me. He extend his hands as if he wanted to connect too. Mas pinabilis niya ang pagbagsak upang maabutan ako. Nagawa niyang hawakan nang mahigpit ang kamay ko. Now, we're really connecting. He held my waist to and pulled me closer to his body.
"Galit ka pa?" mahinang tanong ko.
"Yes," hindi ngumingiting sagot niya. I smiled and cupped his face. Hindi ko alam kung totoo ba ang sagot niya o hindi. My heart was beating fast. The air against our bodies added some impact to what I'm feeling. Without any words I kissed him and he kissed back. Wala akong pakialam kung nasaan kami. Wala akong pakialam sa babagsakan namin. Ang alam ko lang, gusto ko ang lalaking kasama ko. Gusto ko si Sky. Gusto ko si Prius. Or maybe I already love him. I don't know. It's too early to realize it. It doesn't feel right. I kissed him hard. Natatakot ako. I could feel that the end is near and it will not be easy. Everything will not be easy.
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TO BE CONTINUED...
Wahaha! Ang epic ng mga sinusulat ko. Tinamad na ako kaya hindi ko masyadong hinabaan. Dapat hindi ko rin isusulat ang last part kaso sige na nga :D hahaha! Ang tamad ko kasi eh. Musta naman ang update ko? Hahaha. Next time ulit. Sana hindi tamadin. :D Bayiee. Lovelots and God bless. Enjoy!