Sorry for all the errors!
Hope you enjoy reading. And please leave some comments. Thank you and have a great day! ✨
* * *
#TCS39: Of Secrets and Wrong Timings
"Art will be here in a few, so worry not." Luna uttered because we were too quiet. We couldn't even utter a word of shock because of the fast pace transitions that were happening in our faces.
One second, Art was in danger and we weren't even aware! Next, Justice showed himself upon us, yet with a bad news! After, someone saved Art and who the heck is that guy? They seemed to know each other, because Art wouldn't act like that to a complete stranger! And it wasn't finish with that! The twins were with Justice to give a warning to a freaking enemy!
Who in their right mind could process everything in a light of speed?!
"Hey, you okay?" Nag-aalinlangang sabi ni Luna habang nakaharap sa 'min 'yung sosyal na swivel chair na inuupuan n'ya. I nodded like a robot. Unware. Just programmed to respond to a certain query.
Only Luna had the guts to continue after the bombs! Am I surprised? No! This is Luna. And Luna isn't ordinary for Pete's sake. She's mysteriously cold yet bright. Hindi talaga tao 'tong si Luna. Pakiramdam ko alien talaga 'yan, galing kung sa'n mang planeta.
"Is that Caerus?" Mahinang bulong ni Honoka sa sarili na hindi nakatakas sa pandinig ko. She looked at Harper with curiosity in her eyes, the latter nodded to confirm it.
"Woah, there. You know him?" Biglang extra ni Biblee sa usapan ng dalawa habang naka-kunot ang noo. Harper shrugged as a secret code between her and Honoka were completed. "Kinda," she replied nonchalantly.
"Parang ang dami na yatang sikreto sa barkadang 'to?" I suddenly interrupted with a glare. That made Honoka avoid my gaze, as Akira stepped up infront.
"Ask Art, Amythee. Surely, she'll tell us, it's just that the girls are not in the right position to tell these things. And aren't you guilty of keeping a secret that your hands are already covered with other people's blood?" Dire-diretsong imik ni Akira ni hindi ko man lang nakita ang kahit anong pag-aalinlangan do'n.
Kumabog ng husto ang puso ko. Para akong tinira ng punyal sa dibdib. Right. Look who's talking. Didn't know tasting Akira's sharp remarks would be this bitter.
"Akira... can we not add fuel to the fire?" Pierce mentioned as he sighed with the tension.
I bowed my head. "Sorry..." I uttered in almost a whisper.
I heard Akira's light sigh. "Kaya ba nina Justice at ng kambal ang gagawin nila? The said enemies are not... the people you can underestimate." Biglang sambit ni Thorn kaya naman napatingin kami lahat sa kan'ya.
"And, are you sure that Art's safe? It felt a little suspicious. On how smoothly everything is going..." May pag-aalinlangang sambit ni Harper habang nakatingin kay Luna. She went closer to the monitors.
Wala na talagang mga kahit anong kalaban. Napa-isip din ako saglit. Maybe because we were used to obstacles and things not going the way we want it that's why we were a little uneasy? But this is an Evans and Luna we were with... of course, we shouldn't feel bothered.
Ni hindi nga namin mahanap unless magpapakita sa 'min 'di ba?
"The guards who are guarding Art are high class, trained from militaries and different agencies. You can check their profiles if you are still in doubt." Parang may bomba sa puso ko nang pagkakataong banggitin ni Luna 'yun.
I felt scared for my life... if they are in the higher echelon...
That only means one thing. The only one who could defeat them... should be the one who's above them.
"Bakit walang Senses? I don't think they will risk leaving Art behind with just the guards. They finally found a living flesh of the Morbelque." Pierce voiced out critically.
"We've fought one of them, they know their priorities." Biblee added while gritting her teeth. If they escaped with Biblee's watch and Akira's skill, they were surely not someone to mess with.
"We are still investigating that..." Luna sighed in defeat. "Like you we also have tons of suspicions." Natahimik kami sa seryosong tinugon ni Luna. I'm pretty sure, they have more questions than us.
The Senses? I felt goosebumps as I'm thinking of their names. Just who in the world are they? Just how powerful are they that they made the Evans who didn't even plan on showing up in front of us, appear with fangs ready to devour us to make us stronger?
Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at nagtiwala sa kanila. I trust them. I know they were steps ahead of us.
Ilang saglit pa ay biglang bumalik si Luna sa screen at do'n namin nakita na nag-iba ang laman ng buong feed. What we are seeing now, is a building. A high and modern building with vast glass windows.
Lumabo ang ilan sa screen at saka no'n ipinakita ang iba't ibang palapag sa loob at ang paligid. Napakunot-noo ako.
"Is this the Senses' hide out?" I asked, although it didn't even look like a hide out. The building was in a place inside the school, and people goes inside this tower!
"I wouldn't say hide out." Luna answered while her hands and fingers are moving quickly with precision in every equipment that she's handling. "More like the place where they secretly gather if they need to." She continued. I felt my throat dried up.
They knew numerous things about the Senses. They knew who the enemies are, but they are careful around them.
"Why not take care of them secretly? Why not chase them out of this school?" Honoka queried carefully.
"Honoka, you need to keep friends close, but enemies... closer." Biblee's voice was the one who answered Honoka.
"Yeah, Biblee's right, but we also need more information from them. Not everyone from the Senses are inside the school. Half of them are out. You don't want to attack them with uncertain strategies. You need a full force and with enough knowledge. And Kael thinks bringing them down in one blow will be better than attacking them little by little." Luna explained firmly.
"Why?" Thorn asked.
"Because it will cause internal conflict in the Empire. Magiging malaking issue ito sa buong school at 'yun ang iniiwasan ng Crowns." She stated, making us understand how complicated the situation is...
"Imagine... buong akala mo ligtas ka kasi nandito 'yung pinakamalalakas, pinakamauutak, pinakakinatatakutan, tapos malalaman mo isang araw may mga kalaban na pala sa loob ng itinuturing mong ligtas na lugar." Luna told us while looking at the screens, there we saw the fast motor bikes of the three.
"The hierarchy will crumble down; the safety of the students will not be guaranteed anymore. Hindi magandang maisali ang mga inosente sa ganitong bagay kaya kahit alam namin kung nasaan ang Senses, hindi namin sila pwede galawin, hangga't hindi pa 'yon ang tamang oras."
Napabuntong hininga si Luna at saka sandaling humarap sa 'min upang magbigay ng isang maliit na ngiti. Napa-awang ang mga labi ko.
Wow, they were really thinking of everything. The moves they make... everything will be based off that and they couldn't afford to do it recklessly. They need every angle and every plan in accordance for it to work.
Samantalang kami, tanging kaligtasan lang ni Art at ng mga kapatid n'ya ang iniisip. Na handang madungisan ang kamay para sa kanila, hindi man lang namin isinaalang-alang ang mga inosenteng buhay na maaring masira dahil sa 'min.
That made me feel so ashamed.
We still have a lot to learn...
Ang hirap pala talaga. Hindi pala dahil malakas at nakakasabay ka na sa pisikal na aspeto makakaya mo nang makipagsabayan sa kanila. Hindi pala gano'n 'yun... Hindi pala 'yun 'yung basehan...
Ang lapit lapit na nila sa amin... pero sa katotohanan pala... sobrang layo pa rin.
Habang nalulunod sa sariling mga iniisip, bigla na lang bumukas ang pinto sa likod namin at sabay sabay kaming napalingon do'n.
"ART!" Halos sabay na tumakbo si Honoka at Harper sa iika-ikang si Art habang naka-alalay sa kaniya ang isang lalaki na sobrang toned at fit ng katawan. Natigilan kaming lahat lalo nang dumapo ang mga mata sa kan'ya.
He... he's like a general. General of an army.
I gasped when his watchful eyes looked at each one of us. It's like scanning if we are a part of his soldiers or part of some troop of enemies. His stare were bullets. Ready to shot, ready to fire, ready to kill.
Nanghina 'yung mga tuhod ko. At siguradong hindi lang ako ang nakaramdam no'n. Maging sina Pierce, Thorn, Akira at Biblee, hindi maialis ang tingin sa lalaki.
His huge built made him intimidating, and his stoic and dark facial expression added more tension. His eyes were almond—intense and riveted. Natatakpan ng kaunting buhok iyon pero hindi mo maipagkakaila ang matinding awtoridad na hatid no'n. He's... wow, I mean... he's completely different from all the guys I've seen in this school.
"Caerus!" Masayang tawag ni Luna sa pangalan nito.
"Luna." Napa-ayos ako nang pagkakatayo 'nung magsalita ito. Pati boses! Napaka-lagong ngunit tila mababaw. Hindi katulad kay Rebel na akala mo hinukay sa pinaka-ilalim ng lupa.
"Thank you for bringing Art safe!" Luna expressed her gratitude.
"That's my duty." He answered in certainty while his hand remained on Art's small waist. Nakahawak pa rin si Art sa matipunong braso nito. Napansin yata ni Caerus na nanghihina pa rin si Art, kaya sa isang iglap, napanganga kaming lahat!
He freaking scooped Art with one hand to bring her to the sofa, so she could comfortably sit in there! My gosh! Parang unan lang si Art sa ginawa n'ya. Lumapit kaming lahat kay Art, at saka nagpakawala ng hininga.
"Are you fine?" Nag-aalalang tanong ni Biblee.
"Better." Sagot nito. Tiningnan nito nang maingat ang kamay ni Caerus na nakapalibot sa kan'yang baiwang.
Hinawakan n'ya 'yun na medyo naiilang kaya napakunot-noo si Caerus pero napabuntong hininga para tanggalin 'yung kamay n'ya. Pero hindi s'ya umalis sa pagkaka-upo sa tabi ni Art. No one dared to question him! He still gives off dangerous vibes!
"Avii!" Biglang tawag ni Luna.
The hologram that's like a person appeared. "Yes, Lady Erina?"
"Please bring some huge towel or blanket for Art, and yeah, take care of her." Utos nito na kaagad sinunod 'nun. May nagbukas na naman na parang isang pinto at may mga kung ano ano do'n.
Si Caerus mismo ang tumayo para tulungan ang hologram.
Kinuha namin ang pagkakataong 'yun para mas malapitan si Art.
"I'm sorry, Art..." Mahinang imik ko. Umiling ito at saka pilit na ngumiti.
"Wala 'yun, Ate. 'Tsaka baka napahamak din kayo, mabuti na lang hindi..." Malumanay na sagot nito.
Caerus arrived with a first aid kit and towel. Siya na rin mismo ang gumamot kay Art. Although, he completely looked rough and hard, he was so gentle while giving first aid to Art. His somehow menacing energy calmed down.
Hindi ko alam pero sa isang iglap habang nakatingin ito kay Art, lalo na 'nung sumilay ang maliit na ngiti sa labi, para s'yang harmless... parang nerd. Parang may itinatagong talino, pero sobrang awkward. Nerd. Ganun na ganun. Grabe!
Hindi ko na talaga alam!
Ano bang pagkain ng mga tao rito at ganito sila?!
Nang matapos n'yang gamutin si Art naglagay s'ya ng blanket sa likod nito. "Salamat..." Nakangiting sambit ni Art. Nanatili ang mga mata ni Caerus kay Art. Hindi na muling ngumiti pero hindi na rin nakakatakot.
"Guys..." Biglang tawag ni Art sa amin na nanunuod sa kanila.
"This is... Caerus." Nag-aalinlangang sambit nito.
"Yeah, sinabi nga ni Luna." Akira noted.
"Are you a Crown?" Biglang tanong ni Harper kaya naman napalingon kami sa kan'yang lahat. My gosh, Harper! Hindi man lang natakot magtanong 'tong isang 'to eh.
"Yeah." Diretsong sagot ni Caerus na nagpalaglag sa mga panga namin. Holy...
Kaya naman pala ganun na lang eh!
"The Second Crown." Luna made it clearer! My eyes flew wide open because of it! Oh my gosh... oh my gosh... oh my gosh!
"Hey! Here comes another action!" Ni hindi pa man kami nakakapag-react sa sinabi ni Luna, may kasunod na naman. Nakakaloka na talaga! Mababaliw na yata ako rito!
Napatingin naman kaming lahat sa screen 'nung nakita namin na nakapasok na si Justice, Cleon at Theon sa loob ng building. My brows furrowed when I saw them wearing like a tear gas mask.
Woah? Where did that come from? Hindi lang 'yun!
Punong puno na ng parang fog 'yung ibang mga floor ngayon. Naalarma ang ilang tauhan na nando'n at saka tumunog ang mga alarm na nasa buong lugar.
Goodness! What did we miss while looking at Art and Caerus?
Luna went back in commanding. And with that we saw Justice, Cleon and Theon in action. Hiwa-hiwalay sila at kahit gano'n hindi ako makapaniwalang nagagawa ni Luna na bigyan sila ng iba't ibang impormasyon at instruction!
Theon have an enemy approaching on his left, kapag lumiko s'ya sa pasilyo ay paniguradong maaring maputukan s'ya ng baril lalo na at paniguradong hindi n'ya kaagad makikita ang kalaban dahil sa makapal na usok.
Luna gave him orders and with a swift move and nimble hands, he grabbed the barrel length and the enemy fired! "Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed unconsciously afraid that Theon might have been shot. Sa kabutihang palad, sa pader tumama ang bala.
He attacked the guy's stomach and used his elbow to give him a knock in there, resulting in the foe's defeat.
On the other hand, Cleon was walking confidently on the aisle full of smoke when he suddenly sat down, then three opponents appeared on the camera. Hinahanap nila si Cleon, hindi pa man nakikita ay kaagad na natumba na lang ang mga ito.
"Nice, Cley!" Masayang sabi ni Luna.
Ni walang kahirap hirap na napatumba ni Cleon ang tatlo dahil sa mga instruction na sinabi ni Luna. Kaya kahit naka-upo ito at hindi kita dahil sa kapal ng usok ay nagawa nito ang trabaho.
Sa kabilang monitor naman ay nakita namin si Justice na may nakasalubong na limang lalaki na may hawak hawak na parang mga baseball bat. Kung hindi baseball bat parang mga itim na metal.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Justice.
"What the heck, aking irog! Hindi mo man lang sinabi na may kalaban?!" Sigaw ni Justice habang nakatingin sa kamera.
"Pft!" Hindi ko mapigilan pero napabulanghit na talaga ako ng tawa dahil sa sinabi ni Justice. Aking irog? What the eff?!
"Ayieee~ Irog pala tawagan n'yo ni Justice, Luna huh?" Pang-aasar pa ni Biblee kaya nagkatawanan kami kahit sobrang seryoso at mapanganib ang nangyayari ngayon. How freaking odd of us!
"Sira ulo ka talagang Kael ka, bahala ka d'yan!" Pagalit na sabi ni Luna kahit tunog biro naman. Akala ko joke lang 'yun, pero talagang tinotoo n'ya, kay Cleon at Theon na lang s'ya nagbigay ng mga coordinates at directives ngayon.
"Ahehehe, mga brad, baka pwedeng pass muna ako?" Justice asked the five brutes slowly nearing to him. Justice stepped back with his arms in surrender.
"'Yung mahal kong baby kasi ayaw yata ng irog kaya ayon, ayaw rin akong tulungan, suyuin ko muna ha? Saglit lang?"
"What the hell?" Natatawang boses ni Akira ang narinig namin, habang tawang tawa sa mga sinasabi ni Justice.
"Hahahaha! Iba talaga trip 'nung magkakapatid na 'yan!" Halos maubusan na ng hangin si Biblee dahil sa matinding pagtawa sa nangyayari kay Justice, habang sina Cleon at Theon naman ay dire-diretso sa astig na pakikipaglaban.
"Oh, my baby!" Justice softly called Luna. And I cringed in embrassment. Justice...what the hell? Magkapatid nga kayo ni Gabby ang lakas ng trip n'yo sa buhay.
"Baby, please, please, tulungan mo na asawa mo oh, sige ka, pa'no na lang kung magalusan 'yung gwapong mukha ko ha? Luna babes!" Daming kalokohan ng isang 'to. Samantalang parang papatayin kami kanina dahil sa matinding awra.
Dahil sa kalokohan ni Justice, mukhang napikon na 'yung limang lalaki at saka mabilis na tumakbo para sugudin s'ya. The foremost also run as fast as he could while screaming, "Babyyyyy! Uuwi na akoooo!"
"Oh my angels?" Maluha-luha na si Honoka katatawa dahil sa pinag-sasabi ni Justice.
Maging ako ay hindi na makahinga at hindi na makita ng ayos ang screen dahil sa katatawa. Napansin ko rin na pa-iling iling si Caerus habang nagpipigil ng tawa habang si Art ay halos mapanganga sa napapanuod. Hindi makapaniwala na si Justice 'yung nagsisigaw at tumatakbo sa kalaban.
"Tulong, mahal, please!" Justice continued while running as he opened a door leading to a huge room like a meeting room, with a huge rectangular table and numerous swivel chairs.
"Sinong niloloko mo?" Natatawang sagot ni Luna kay Justice, 'nung matapos makita na naglalakad na lang ang kambal at wala nang kalaban.
Justice stopped in the corner of the room as the five guys, smirked and played with their bats.
"Tulooong!" Justice yelled as he hugged himself.
"Hey, Kael." Napalingon kaming lahat kay Luna nang marinig namin ito sa seryosong tinig. Tila naiinip sa ipinapakita ni Justice. "Want me to go on a date with you?" Nakangising sambit ni Luna. Justice cleared his throat.
"Saan? Kailan?"
Wow! Iba pala talaga ang landi nitong si Justice. Mas interesado pa ro'n kaysa sa mga kalaban n'yang malapit na s'yang atakihin.
"Your call." Luna answered with an evil smile painted on her face.
"What's the catch?" Justice voice became serious, but he still looked terrified around his foes.
"You know what I want, Kael." Luna replied with finality. And with that Justice dropped his both arms to put it inside his pockets, tilted his head to crack his neck a little, and in one snap, Justice became serious.
"Help?" He suddenly mocked with a playful smile plastered on his face.
"I... don't need one." He trailed with power and dangerous warning. And continued with the line, "But I think, you'll have to call for one."
Halos hindi na masundan ng mga mata ko kung paanong tumalon si Justice sa ibabaw ng lamesa, at saka mabilis na hinawakan ang baston ng isang kalaban at saka mabilis na kinuha iyon para ihampas ng malakas sa panga nito.
Kaagad din niyang ipinatong ang isang kamay sa lamesa at mabilis na inihanda ang mga paa para sipain at patalsikin ang kalaban at ang hawak nitong baseball bat. He jumped to the shoulder of one enemy and locked his feet in between the head, and we all heard it cracked.
Napanganga kaming lahat dahil sa isang iglap, tatlo na ang bagsak.
Sumugod ang natitirang dalawa at ngumiti lang si Justice at saka kinuha ang nasa lamesang bat para mabilis na ibato sa isa. Tumama 'yun sa dibdib 'nung kalaban at hindi pa nakuntento si Justice at mabilis na sinuntok ang mukha niyon. Tumba na naman.
Hanggang sa 'yung isa ay parang gusto nang tumakbo sa labas ng kwartong iyon. Ngunit bago pa makatakas, ay nalapitan na s'ya ni Justice para ibalibag sa malaking lamesa at ihampas ang ulo ng malakas do'n.
Nanginig ako sa bangis at tindi ng ginawa n'ya.
Pinagpagan n'ya ang mga kamay at saka prenteng umalis ng kwarto.
Laglag ang mga panga namin sa nasaksihan. Ni hindi na namin nakita kung paanong nakipaglaban din sina Theon at Cleon sa ibang palapag habang tila umuulan do'n dahil sa mga sprinkler na nabuksan dahil sa alarm at usok.
We were freaking focused on Justice!
Ilang saglit tumungo si Justice para hanapin ang kambal. The three of them continued fast paced and intense fights with who ever cross their paths. Ang daming labanan at kalaban. At nang makita ang isa't isa ay kaagad silang tumungo sa isang palapag at pumasok sa isang malaking kwarto.
It's also like a huge meeting room. Malaking table at may mga upuan sa paligid.
Justice took out something from his pockets. Naglabas iyon ng maliit na tila kahon na naging medyo malaking box.
We were all confused when we saw different kinds of dead animals...
"What the fuck?" Hindi mapigilang bulaslas ni Cleon.
"These were already dead, okay? Binili ng patay na ha? Hindi kami pumapatay ng mga hayop. Animal cruelty is not our thing." Paliwanag pa nito.
Nagkibit balikat si Justice at binigyan ng gloves 'yung kambal. "Lagay n'yo sa nang maganda sa table ha. Gawin n'yong shape na letter M." Natatawang sabi ni Justice na mukhang tuwang tuwa pa sa ginagawa.
"Ano 'tong mga 'to?" Theon questioned.
"Animals that symbolizes the different senses." Biblee's voice echoed as she said the exact same sentence that Justice uttered.
Kakaibang kilabot ang umakyat sa likod ko dahil sa narinig. Walang reklamo na sinunod nina Theon ang utos ni Justice. Pagkatapos no'n ay naglabas na naman ng kung ano si Justice sa lumalaking kahon.
Napalunok ako ng palihim ng makitang dugo iyon... hindi ko sigurado kung dugo ng hayop... o tao. Napalingon ako kay Luna. Nanatili nitong pinagmamasdan ang ginagawa ni Justice.
Justice started creating something on the huge white wall. It's like he's doing something artistic... only that this one felt like a huge warning. Nang matapos 'yun ay napanganga kaming lahat sa kinalabasan.
It was the symbol of Morbelque. The word Mortem written in blood.
After his masterpiece, Justice removed the gloves and threw it in the trash can. Gano'n din ang ginawa ng magkapatid. Sinunog iyon ni Justice at saka pinagbabaril ang glass na binatana.
"Let's go." Kibit balikat na sambit nito.
"Are we done?" Tanong ng kambal.
"For now."
"This isn't enough." Theon gritted his teeth while saying that.
"I know, but be patient." Justice retorted.
Tinapik lang ni Cleon ang kakambal sa balikat bago sumunod kay Justice. Tumalon si Justice mula sa bintanang binaril n'ya kaya't nabasag iyon. Kasunod na ginawa iyon ni Cleon at napabuntong hininga si Theon.
Instead of following the first two, he grabbed a dagger from his case. At saka isinaksak ibabaw ng lamesang punong puno ng iba't ibang hayop.
Pagkatapos ay saka lang ito sumunod.
"He really wants them to know that they could never be real, huh?" Biglang nagsalita si Caerus sa katahimikan.
Napalingon kaming lahat sa kan'ya at napansin na mayroon na itong salamin sa mga mata. Grabe, ibang iba ang dating n'ya ngayon kaysa kanina.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" Tanong ni Art dito.
"That dagger was from your Dad, Art. Meaning a real weapon that was created by a real Morbelque." Simpleng sagot nito kay Art at saka tiningnan muli ang screen at do'n ko nakita na nakasakay na muli ang tatlo sa motor pabalik rito, at ang building? Umuusok at sa loob ay tila sira na parang nagkaroon ng gyera.
"Pretend all you want..." I heard Biblee's voice, the tone was hushed, almost like a murmur for the wind.
"Use the name all you want..." Akira added in a really low but quiet voice.
"Create a havoc and confusion affiliated with the Mortem..." Pierce said while blankly staring at the screen that's showing the twins.
"However, when the real one shows up..." Honoka said with a soft yet affirmative tone.
"Kneel down and bow your heads..." Thorn continued with dark eyes.
"Because you shall pay for using their name in vain." Harper seconded while walking confidently towards Art.
"Real ones will take what's rightfully theirs, and ascend to protect the fallen death." I vocalized while looking at Art's mysterious eyes.
She smiled... eyes determined, because they messed with the wrong people, they committed a sin causing the sleeping monsters to wake up and crack the urn that they've buried long time ago.
"Morbelque..." Art whispered. "Mortem..." She continued, while caressing the necklace that Tito Skyler gave her on her seventh birthday.
"Babawiin namin ang pangalang 'yun... at sisiguraduhing hindi na magagamit ng kung sino man..."
Napangiti ako dahil sa narinig mula sa kaniya, tahimik lang kaming lahat at saka napa-upo sa sofa habang inaatay ang pagbabalik ng kambal at ni Justice.
Kahit papaano kumalma na kami at marahan nang nagpra-process sa utak ko lahat ng nangyari.
HABANG tahimik na naghihintay biglang umimik si Biblee kay Luna. Habang umiinom ng tubig si Luna.
"Luna, sa'n ang date n'yo ha?" Halos maibuga ni Luna ang tubig na iniinom dahil sa biglaang tanong ni Biblee. Grabe talaga kumuha ng timing 'tong kapatid ko, kung kailan umiinom ng tubig 'yung isa eh.
Napa-ubo ubo ito kaya naman natawa kami. Kumuha si Pierce ng tissue para ibigay kay Luna. "Grabe ka!" Akusa nito kay Biblee.
"So, kailan, at sa'n?" Usisa pa nito.
"Sama ka?" Luna asked.
"Pwede rin, guluhin ko kayo, alam mo na third wheel ganun."
"Akira, sama ka?" Biglang ganti ni Luna na ikinalaki ng mga mata ni Biblee. I bit my lip to supress my laughter. Oh holy! Luna knows! Akira's forehead knotted because of the question.
"Why would I?" He inquired while arcing a brow up.
"You should accompany Biblee." Honoka even said, while nudging her brother.
Umasim ang mukha ni Akira at saka nagpanic si Biblee. "'Wag na 'no! Gawin pa akong utusan n'yang si Akira." Protesta ng hiyang hiyang si Biblee.
"Nahiya naman ako, sa mga utos mo." Sagot ni Akira.
Nagkatawanan tuloy kami dahil do'n.
"Pero seryosong tanong Luna," panimula ni Pierce. "I've been so curious since who knows when, but who are you? I mean why do the Evans trust you so much?" Napabaling ako kay Pierce.
"Kaya nga! 'Tsaka kailan pa naging kayo ni Justice ha?" Dagdag pa ni Biblee. Nakuha n'ya pa talaga na 'yun ang itanong ha.
"Kilala mo rin si Ate Miracle? Sa'n ka nakatira talaga?" Tanong din ni Honoka.
"Tapos bakit nakakausap mo ang mga Crowns at nakakapunta ka rin dito sa Empire State Building?" Si Thorn naman na kuryoso rin.
"And, most of all, you've been involved in a lot of things. Mind to answer?" Harper demanded.
"You've been keepin' it a secret?" Singit ni Caerus sa usapan. Woah, there! So, Caerus knew who she is?! And Caerus is the second crown, hello?!
"Kilala mo?" Art asked the one beside her.
Caerus nodded nonchalantly.
"Ang lihim mo sa 'min Luna ha." I teased.
"Hindi naman kasi kayo nagtatanong eh..." Dahilan n'ya.
"Sasabihin mo ba?" I probed.
"Konti lang." She bargained.
"Call!" We all exclaimed.
She cleared her throat. "I'm Luminous Erina Melendez, Luna for short. Matagal ko nang kilala ang mga Evans..." Napatitig kami sa kan'ya sobrang atentibo at hindi papalampasin ang sasabihin n'ya.
"Simula 'nung mapadpad sila sa isla na tinitirahan namin ng pamilya ko." Hindi kami nagsalita. Pinagmamasdan lang si Luna.
"Sa tabing dagat kami nakatira. If you are thinking that we are rich... we are not." She gave a small smile. "Doon ko sila nakilala. Akala namin mahirap lang sila noon. Tinulungan namin ang pamilya nila."
"Oo, kilala ko rin si Miracle. Please... lang..." Biglang lumungkot ang boses nito.
"'Wag n'yong tatawagin na Silhouette si Miracle. Dahil bukod sa magiging kaaway n'yo ang mga kapatid n'ya, papahirapan n'yo si Miracle nang sobra..." Lampas sa hangin ang tingin n'ya, tila binabalikan ang mga ala-ala ng nakaraan. She looked so honest and sincere. Parang hinahaplos ang puso namin sa simpleng paki-usap.
"Bakit?" Bulong ko sa hangin. Nilingon ako ni Luna.
"Kagaya mo, Amythee..." Mahinang sagot nito.
Trauma.
Iyon ang tanging pumasok sa isip ko. The name triggers her nightmares, like how guns trigger mine.
"You're lucky Amythee... much luckier than our poor Miracle..." Napansin kong nanubig ang mga mata ni Luna. I don't know, but looking at her, my heart ached. It ached in jealousy, ached in sadness, and ached because of the emotion she's giving us.
"The Evans' helped our family. Kaya nakaahon kami sa hirap. Now, we own huge shipping lines, and businesses like hotels and cruise." Napanganga kami sa sinabi ni Luna. She diverted the topic about Sil—Miracle smoothly.
It's not her story to tell.
"Nakasama ko sila simula pagkabata, hanggang ngayon. Malapit ang mga pamilya sa isa't isa. Kami kami kasi talaga magkakasama no'n."
"How about your position in this school?" Maingat na tanong ni Art.
"What do you think?" She asked curiously. Suddenly becoming cold again after her heartfelt answers.
"A crown?" Malumanay at tumatantyang tanong ko. I mean, it's the only position that would make sense. With all her knowledge and skills.
We heard a chuckle. Kaya naman napatingin kami sa pinanggalingan no'n. At nagulat kami dahil si Caerus iyon. Is that a confirmation?
Nag-antay kami sa sagot. Tahimik. Tensyonado. Nanlalamig. Pero nabitin sa ere iyon dahil dumating si Justice, Theon at Cleon na basang basa dahil sa nangyaring labanan kanina sa pinuntahan nila. Nabasa dahil sa sprinklers sa lugar na 'yun.
"Ang daya! Sagutin mo muna!" Naka-pout na sabi ni Biblee habang nag-aalma.
"What is it?" Tanong ni Justice habang papalapit sa isang bagong bukas na parang walk-in closet. Tumakbo si Luna papunta ro'n at saka ikinuha ng tuwalya si Justice. At saka lumapit dito.
Justice smiled happily and made a cute expression of wanting Luna to dry his hair. Luna sighed in defeat, and she started in drying Justice's hair.
Tumayo si Art sa kinauupuan para asikasuhin ang kambal. Napatitig naman ako kay Theon na nakita kong pinagmamasdan din ako. Hindi ko alam pero sinundan ko si Art para kumuha ng towel.
I hesitantly offered Theon the towel. Instead, he pulled me closer to him.
"Tinatanong kung anong rank ko sa school na 'to." Natatawang sabi ni Luna habang inaasikaso si Justice.
"Hindi n'yo alam?" Kunot-noong sabi ni Justice.
"Magtatanong ba kami kung alam namin? Kaloka ha!" Kamot ulong sabi ni Biblee.
I focused on their conversation, curious of Luna. However, I was distracted by Theon when he held my hand. Inilagay n'ya 'yung towel sa ulo n'ya gamit 'yung kamay ko, at saka bahagyang ngumuso. "Help me?" Nahugot ko ang hininga ko dahil sa ginawa at sinabi n'ya.
Hypnothized by his scent, I did what he wanted me to do.
Damn, Amythee! Hala, sige, gawin mo 'yan, para mamaya, iiyak iyak ka na naman kasi lagi kang asa! Kapag talaga ako natauhan, bubugbugin ko na 'tong si Theon eh!
Iwas tingin kong tinutuyo ang buhok n'ya ngayon habang pulang-pula ang mukha.
"Who are you really Luna?" I heard Harper asked again.
"Girlfriend ko." Balewalang sagot naman ni Justice kaya nabatukan s'ya ni Luna habang tinutuyo ang buhok.
"Nahiya kaming walang lovelife! Kapatid life lang ang meron hays!" Reklamo ni Biblee, kaya muntik na akong masamid sa sariling laway.
Bakit nga ba kasi nauso 'yung ituturing kang mabuti kasi kapatid tingin sa 'yo? Pa-fall! Dahil sa tinatagong inis ko, hindi ko na napansin 'yung ginagawa ko.
"Aray!" Halos mapatalon ako sa kinatatayuan dahil sa biglang daing ni Theon. Hindi kasi ako nakatingin sa kan'ya kaya ayon imbis na buhok, eh 'yung mukha na n'ya 'yung halos pagbuntunan ko ng pagka-asar!
Hayan, tama lang 'yan! Masaktan ka gaya ng ginagawa mo sa 'kin. Pa-fall!
"Buti pa ako, maraming lovelife." Preskong pagmamalaki ni Cleon.
"Walang nagtatanong!" Sabay sabay na sabi naming lahat at saka nilukot ni Art ang pagmumukha ng kapatid n'yang makapal.
"Aray ha! Grabe kayo! Mga inggit!" Sunod sunod pa na sigaw nito sa amin.
I chuckled because of Cleon, and felt a pair of eyes slowly melting me. Grabe makatingin si Kuya ha. Naku, dukutin ko kaya mata nito?
"'Wag katingin, Theon." Babala ko sa kan'ya.
"Bakit?"
"Baka magandahan ka masyado sa 'kin, tapos ma-fall ka. Hindi pa naman ako pa-fall." I emphasized every word, and I put force in drying his hair. He chuckled lightly and held my face. I felt conscious as he examined it.
I felt my heart ached.
Pa'no kapag hindi ako nakikita n'ya? Paano kapag si Miracle? Paano kapag...
My thoughts were cut when I heard his voice.
"Maganda nga. Sobrang ganda..." Napatulala ako at natigil sa ginagawa. Titig na titig s'ya sa akin. I slowly removed myself from helping him. Sobrang sikip kasi sa dibdib. Hindi na ako makahinga.
Kaagad akong umalis na pinagtakha n'ya. I sat down from where I was earlier.
"Napakilala na ako kanina ah." I heard Luna's voice. Napatingin na lang ako sa kan'ya pero 'yung puso ko hindi pa rin kumakalma.
"Your state, your rank..." Honoka clarified regally.
"Hoy, Justice, 'wag mo masagot-sagot ng rank one sa puso mo ha!" Inunahan na ni Biblee si Justice sa sasabihin nito kaya naman nagkatawanan sila lalo. I also giggled. Only that, it was half hearted because I could still feel my heart beating loudly, defeaning my ears. I couldn't process what's going on accurately.
"She's higher." Nang marinig ko ang boses ni Caerus ay do'n yata ako nakawala sa lahat ng panggugulo na hatid ni Theon sa utak at puso ko.
"Seriously?" Harper repeated.
"Seriously." Kibit balikat na sagot ni Caerus.
"Higher than you?" Art followed up. Caerus nodded.
"Just what on earth could be higher than a Crown." Harper exagerratedly voiced out.
Hindi sinagot ni Caerus ang tanong pero bakas ang gulat sa bawat isa. I was about to conclude and state my own guess when, suddenly, a phone rang.
"Hoy kanino 'yon! Panira eh! Manlibre ng pagkain kung kanino man 'yon!" Biglang sigaw ni Cleon.
Naghanapan kami kung kanino 'yun pero walang umiimik at nagtangka na kunin ang phone. Hanggang sa mamatay pero nag-ring ulit. Wow, persistent ah.
Isang malakas na buntong hininga at isang curse sa isang lengguahe ang narinig namin. Halos lahat kami nakaabang sa susunod na gagawin ni Harper.
Kinuha n'ya ang phone sa bulsa n'ya at saka inilagay ang phone sa tainga.
"You," Madiing sambit n'ya. "Fool!" She shouted and ended the call which made us so curious.
"Sino 'yun?" Honoka and Art teased.
"Whatever." Harper rolled her eyes.
Babalik na sana ang atensyon naming lahat kay Luna 'nung biglang mag-black ang lahat ng screen sa silid.
Nabato ako sa kinatatayuan. Kabado na naman. Suddenly the black huge screen turned into a message like format.
A name caught our eyes. A beep echoed in the whole room. And we were all jaw dropped with what we read.
Where the heck is Aurora, Hustisya?
Another beep.
I called her and she freaking called me a fool.
Followed by another beep.
What the fuck is wrong with her?
All our heads suddenly turned to Harper in synch. And with all her elegance, she lifted her chin up and put both of her hands in her waist. And flipped her hair like a model.
"Ganda ko, 'no?"
She freaking said with confidence high as a skyscapper, in full tagalog with a huge smirk on her face.
WHAT.
THE.
ACTUAL.
HELL?
And the screen turned black again. Instead of a text format screen. It's now a call.
Nanlaki lalo ang mga mata namin at napanganga nang sobrang laki. Oh my God...
Calling...
BATAS.
"Harper!"
"Oops!"
***