Sumigaw nang malakas ang nagmamadaling batang babae. Extreme fear flooded her innocent, pretty face. Her blue shoulder-length hair was decorated with a white silk hairband with ribbons.
I wondered why she was there in the first place. Was she captured by these dragons or maybe an offering to the dungeon master? I shrugged off the thought. Dapat kong iligtas ito at kumuha ng dragon ores. I couldn't see her name above her head. Iyak nang iyak ang bata.
The white dragons had shiny and elegant icy scales. Their mighty forms and deep blue eyes were a captivating sight. Napakalakas nilang tingnan. But no matter how wonderful they looked, they were still vicious.
Mabilis kaming tumakbo patungo sa kanila. The assassins were the fastest, but some white dragons blocked their paths. The assassins fought these white dragons. We were trying to reach the girl pero ang ilan sa 'min ay naharang ng ibang puting dragon.
The girl tripped and fell. The white dragon was already ready to catch her with its claws. Natigilan sa pagtakbo ang iba sa mga kasama namin dahil sa pagsulpot ng iba pang dragon mula sa ilalim ng makapal na yelo. Maraming hindi nakaiwas sa mga matatalim na kuko ng mga dragon. Ang iba ay nasabuyan ng yelo sa mata at pansamantalang nabulag.
Agad kong tinira 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 a critical blow. Matalim na tingin ang natanggap ko mula rito. Ipinagpatuloy ko at ni Silver ang pagtakbo palapit dito.
"Save the girl, Sky. I'll deal with the white dragon," utos ko kay Sky.
Nagdalawang-isip si Sky pero malalim lang siyang bumuntonghininga. "Be careful, Zeus," saad niya at ipinagpatuloy na ang pagtakbo. He was hitting some dragons to get them out of his way. He was also desperate to save the girl. Once he'd saved the girl, he'd hunt for a pet.
Napansin ng dragong tinira ko siya habang tumatakbo si Sky patungo sa batang babae. Akmang susugurin nito si Sky pero pinaulanan ko ito ng combo attack ng twin blazing arrow at bloodlust arrow. Bumaling ang paningin nito sa 'kin. It roared deafeningly. Sky managed to get the girl and run away.
"There's something wrong with the girl's scent," saad ni Silver. Silver transformed back into a child. The others were busy fighting the white dragons. At the end of the island, there was a frozen mountain. Makapal ang yelo roon. Kahit ang malakas na hangin sa buong isla ay nagniniyebe. A storm of snow.
"Maybe because she's an NPC," seryosong saad ko. Lumipad patungo sa 'kin ang dragon nang tuluyang makalayo sina Sky. Pero may isa pang dragon na humabol kay Sky. But I knew Sky could take care of himself.
"No. I can smell the scent of a dragon on her skin," sagot ni Silver. Nilingon ko siya. I heard it right, but I needed time to process it.
"Merge," utos ko. He vanished into thin air and became my weapon and shield.
"There are too many dragons. How can you distinguish where the scent comes from? Maybe the dragon's scent blended with her scent?" sabi ko. I released an arrow and attacked the flying dragon. It was fast and avoided my shot. Sumabay ang paglipad nito sa mabilis na pagragasa ng malakas na hanging may niyebe. Mas maliliit ang white dragons kaysa sa mga naunang dragon, but it was an advantage for their speed.
The dragon released sharp chilling frost spikes towards my direction. They were as long as spears. I jumped high and landed on its back. Mabilis na umikot ang katawan ng dragon upang ihulog ako. It purposely slammed its back on the spiky, icy ground to hurt me. Napangiwi ako dahil sa mga sugat na natamo ko. Narinig ko ang mahinang pagdaing ni Silver sa utak ko. I had to let go of the dragon's back. Pero pinatama ko ang fire arrow of death sa ulo nito. I rolled on the ground and stood up as fast as I could.
"Silver? Are you all right? I'm sorry," wika ko. I was guilty about using him as my shield and weapon. Dapat ako ang nasasaktan at hindi siya. And that just doubled the pain in my heart.
"You're too soft," naiinis na saad niya. "Don't mind me. I'm all right. And about the girl, I'm sure that it is her scent. You need to warn Sky," he added.
I ran to avoid the ice spears the dragon threw in my direction. "It's just normal for me to worry about you. Are you saying that the girl is a shifter, too? Can a dragon shift? Or is she a hybrid?" tanong ko.
"I guess she's just special," Silver answered. "Also, it's normal for a pet to be of service to you. It's our role in this game. If I die, I will not hold any grudge," saad ni Silver. "Just be strong and do your best."
I hissed. I didn't think I could sacrifice him for my sake. I faced the dragon and hit it with a couple of arrows covered with fire and ice. I contacted Sky immediately. "Sky, can you hear me?"
"Yes, why? Are you hurt?" nag-aalalang tanong niya.
"No. But you are. The girl you rescued, she's not normal. She's a dragon according to Silver," saad ko habang nakatingin sa puting dragon. It was growling in pain and annoyance. Its wings deflected some of my attacks. Nagulat ako sa malakas na pagsigaw ni Sky. I looked around to find him.
Nakita ko ang matatalim na sibat na bumaon sa likod niya. Sa likuran niya ay may isang puting dragong kumikinang na tila kristal sa ilalim ng araw. It almost looked like precious silver. Its long and spiky tail hit Sky's back. Hindi ito naiwasan ni Sky kaya tumalsik siya palayo. Some icy spikes pierced through his legs and sides. Humalo ang kulay ng dugo niya sa napakaputing niyebe. He slightly grinned.
"I guess...you're a bit late," he said and gave me a small laugh. How could he laugh at a time like this? I frowned. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa kanya. Hindi ko napansin ang pagdating ng kalaban kong dragon. Its claws hit my chest. 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 slammed to the ground. It happened too fast! I suddenly felt that I was freezing. My body was already numb because of the cold. Nag-alala ako para kay Silver.
Inapakan ng dragon ang ulo ko. Gigil na gigil ito. Silver was screaming in my head. I gritted my teeth. The dragon was too heavy for me. Ang mga kuko ng dragon sa paa ay bumabaon sa balikat ko. Naramdaman ko rin ang unti-unting pagkaubos ng HP ni Silver. Soon, our merge will not work anymore.
Mariing hinawakan ko ang paa ng dragon at pinilit na tanggalin ito. But I couldn't. Bumilis na ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa kaba. Inisip ni Silver, I couldn't let him die. I wanted to cry because of my helplessness. Mabuti na lang, may narinig akong malakas na pagsabog na nagpaurong sa dragon. Someone was helping me. Sunud-sunod na pagsabog ang narinig ko. I could feel the extreme heat above my head. Naalis ng dragon ang paa nito sa ulo ko. Kalahati na lang ang HP ni Silver. My mouth was bleeding as well. The dragon roared at my savior. Fire. Agad akong tumakbo palayo sa dragon at lumapit kay Fire.
"Are you all right?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Fire. Natigilan pa ako nang pahirin niya ang dugo sa labi ko. Maging siya ay natigilan. Hindi kaya bumalik na naman ang pagkontrol sa kanya? Nag-iwas siya ng tingin at inalis ang kamay sa labi ko.
"Yes. Thanks," sagot ko pero hindi ko inalis ang mapanuring tingin ko sa kanya. Ipinagpatuloy niya ang pag-atake sa dragon. Malapit na rin itong maubusan ng HP pero hindi pa rin ito natinag.
"Disable merge," 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 sabi niya.
"Let me handle this. Here. Eat this," saad ko sa kanya. I gave him food for healing. I shot the dragon with a destructive arrow and a blazing eagle arrow, and it disappeared into thin air. Halos tapos na rin ang lahat sa pakikipaglaban. Sky managed to capture a pet. It was the little girl who could shift into a white dragon.
"Zeus," tawag ni Fire. Lumingon ako sa kanya. Nagulat na lang ako nang mabilis na lumapat ang labi niya sa labi ko. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.
"Be careful next time," he said when he pulled away saka umalis.
My heart raced faster because of what happened. That was not good. Bumaba ang couple level namin ni Sky. Maging ang couple level nina Fire at Queen ay naapektuhan. Pakiramdam ko, nagtaksil ako. Mabigat sa pakiramdam.
"Good, Fire. Mas mataas na ang couple level namin ni Zero kaysa kina Zeus," saad ni Ice nang lumapit siya sa kapatid. But I knew she wasn't actually happy. Hindi nagkomento si Fire. He knew that what he did was wrong.
Nang lumingon ako kay Sky, seryoso siyang nakatingin sa 'kin. Mas kumabog ang dibdib ko sa kaba. How could I explain this? But I knew I didn't have to. Alam niya ang nangyari. He couldn't blame me or Fire. He looked away but his hands were balled into fists. I could feel his frustration. Gusto ko siyang lapitan pero hindi ko alam ang gagawin at sasabihin ko. I felt that it was my fault too.
"Let's head to the dungeon and finish this," 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 naalis ang pagkainis sa mukha ni Sky.
Tumakbo na ang lahat patungo sa dungeon. I cast the worries away. We'll talk later. We could fix this mess. May mga dragong humabol sa 'min at biglang sumulpot mula sa ilalim ng mga yelo. The unforgiving weather slowed us down, but we still managed to make a run towards the last dungeon.
May malaking kuweba sa paanan ng nagyeyelong bundok. Pumasok kami rito. Even the inside 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. Marahang itinayo niya ako. Tumango siya sa 'kin. I sighed heavily and my heart beat so fast. I wanted to talk to him.
Hinintay niyang makapasok ang lahat bago siya sumunod sa loob. Binitawan ko na ang bisig niya at diretsong naglakad papasok ng yungib. Hindi nagsalita si Sky. Sky was as cold as that last island. My chest tightened because he was ignoring me.
Maayos na ang kalagayan ni Silver dahil sa kinain niya. We could still merge, but I was 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. I didn't want to use him for my own interest. Kung simpleng computer games lang sana iyon, baka mas madaling gawin 'yon. "I can't sacrifice you that easily," saad ko.
Silver shrugged his shoulder but didn't say anything.
May napakalawak na bilog na yelong sahig sa loob ng kuweba. May ilang bahagi kung saan may matatalim na yelong maaaring tumusok sa mga hindi mag-iingat. Maging ang kisame ng kuweba ay nababalutan ng makintab na yelong tila salamin. Nakita ko ang lahat-lahat na nag-reflect sa paligid ko. The stalactites were everywhere.
The white dragon was standing in the middle with honor and elegance. Kumikintab ang buong katawan nito. Sa gilid ay isang napakalaking pugad na naglalaman ng mga malalaking itlog ng dragon. May 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 make it till the end," saad ni Sky. I tried to listen but it felt awkward. His tone was scary. Halatang iritado siya. I sighed.
"Be ready to switch when necessary. After defeating the dungeon boss, collect the dragon ores. I'll give orders when needed. Be alert," saad ko habang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa dungeon boss. Nakatingin ito sa 'min, nakangisi at naaaliw. It was standing with might and arrogance. The scales on its tail were forming sharp ice spikes. A horn was in the middle of its head, and its blue eyes were assessing us. The wings had ice crystals on their edges. Too spectacular and elegant for my sight.
"Hmmm. I'm glad to see you all here, but this level will not be easy," saad ng dragon. "Let's see."
Hindi na kami nakapagsalita pa nang mabalot ng makapal na usok ang buong paligid. It came from the freezing ice inside the cave. The dragon was controlling it. Humalo ito sa makapal na usok. Bahagyang naningkit ang mga mata ko upang talasan ang paningin at pakiramdam.
"Silver, can you sense the dragon's presence?" pabulong na tanong ko sa kanya. He was holding my hand. May narinig akong malakas na sigaw at ingay sa paligid.
"We need to merge to enhance your senses," saad ni Silver.
I sighed heavily. I couldn't see anything in that thick fog. "Merge," saad ko.
Silver merged with me. I could then feel and somehow see the dragon through the fog. Walang awang inatake nito ang mga kasama ko gamit ang mga kuko at buntot nito. I must clear the fog.
"All archers hit the dragon, 30 degrees west!" utos ko sa kanilang lahat. May mga liwanag na nabuo sa iba't ibang parte ng yungib. Itinutok ko rin ang palaso ko sa dragon. 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.
Gumalaw agad ang lahat. 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 ibang atake ay naiwasan ng dragon dahil sa malalaking pakpak nitong tila pilak at nagsisilbing panangga. Some assaults were bouncing off its wings and body. 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.
Sky was giving orders. I wondered if he was avoiding to talk to me. I bit my lower lip, because I knew that worrying about our relationship was not the right thing to do then.
"Fire, don't go closer to the dragon. Scythe, 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. Phoenix, please be careful with releasing your techniques!" utos ko. I saw that the dragon could deflect Phoenix' attacks and these were hitting some of our companions.
"It's not my fault if the dragon can deflect my attacks and target others instead," saad ni Phoenix.
"Yes, I know. But with the angle of your attacks, you're helping the dragon hit the players with ease. Attack from its back. We will take care of the frontal attacks," sabi ko. I heard Phoenix hiss. "This is for the best, Phoenix," saad ko.
"I hate it when you're giving orders as if you know everything," hindi na niya napigilang sabihin.
Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga. I wanted to snap, but I chose to remain calm. "I give orders, but I never said that I know everything. When you joined this group, I thought you're already aware that I'm the leader," seryosong saad ko. I didn't want to argue any longer.
Sinunod naman ni Phoenix ang sinabi ko kahit labag sa kalooban niya. I wondered what's happening with him. May kumokontrol din ba sa kanya? Unti-unting kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa pangamba.
"Zeus, I'll wait for your command," saad ni Zero. "Thanks. I'll do my best," saad ko. Kailangan ko ring
kausapin sina Sky at Queen pero nag-alangan ako. I was still guilty. Huminga ako nang malalim. Paulit-ulit kong sinabi sa sarili kong kailangan ko silang kausapin.
"If you want to talk to me then go ahead," saad ni Sky kaya natigilan ako. "Our personal conflicts must not affect this fight," he added. He still sounded scary even when he was trying to be calm. Mariin akong napapikit.
"Good. How about you, Queen? I need your party's cooperation too," saad ko. Pilit kong inalis ang pangamba sa utak ko. Queen clicked her tongue.
"Sure. I'll face you later and clear the mess," saad niya.
Muli akong bumuntonghininga.
"Shoot. We will be divided into three groups," saad ko sa kanila. Ibinigay ko ang mga pangalan ng mga magkakagrupo. Groups for attack, support, and on standby. "The group's roles will be changed after the attackers' cool down or the support's cool down." I gave them orders on where to stand and attack.
Matalim ang tingin ng dragon sa 'kin. He wanted to get rid of me to remove the group's acting brain. The dragon released a blizzard. Malakas ang hangin at bumagyo ng matutulis na yelo. Ininda ko ang mga yelong bumaon sa katawan ko pero alam kong hindi ako ang 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 was on standby. Every group contained 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 standbys were waiting for the attackers' cool down. I ran farther. I could see everything clearly from afar and analyze the situation better.
The dragon was distracted by Sky's lance. Buong lakas na itinarak ni Sky ang espada niya sa gilid ng dragon. Freed, an archer, hit the dragon's leg when its claws tried to reach for Sky. Malakas na umungol ang dragon na nagpayanig sa buong paligid. May mga stalactites na nahulog mula sa itaas ng kweba. Umiwas ang lahat sa mga ito.
Heather, the berserker, attacked on the other side of the dragon. Bumaon ang malaking palakol niya sa tagiliran ng dragon. Sinakmal ng dragon ang ulo ni Heather. The group for support started to attack the dragon's head as I ordered. The dragon threw Heather away like a useless puppet.
Malakas na ice blizzard ang pinakawalan ng dragon upang atakihin ang mga tumira sa ulo nito. "Avoid getting damaged, second group. First group, advance!" utos ko. There were eight players in a group. The three healers were healing and boosting the other players' energies. The five players on offense were moving with all they've got.
"Don't forget to heal yourselves. Retreat if needed," saad ko sa kanila. "Sky, attack from behind. Pin down its tail."
He managed to pin the dragon's tail to the ground. Nagwala ang dragon at umikot upang harapin siya. Mabilis na tumalon palayo si Sky. The first group started their cool down.
"Stand by, first group. Group three will be in charge of the attack now," saad ko. Itinutok ko ang umaapoy na pana sa dragon. "Group two, you're still on support. Ice, switch places with me," 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 in group two, boosting the attackers' strengths. "Queen, I need a booster. Angel, support Zero's attacks."
Mas pinalakas pa ni Queen ang pana ko. Hinawakan na ng dragon ang lance ni Sky upang tanggalin ito. Hindi ito nagbigay ng atensyon sa paligid nito. Ang ilan sa mga warriors ay inatake ito. Pinalipad ni Draco ang blades nito sa dragon ngunit ihinarang ng dragon ang malalaking pakpak nito nang walang kahirap-hirap. Pinakawalan ko na ang umaapoy na pana ko at pinatama sa ulo ng dragon. Galit na humarap ito sa 'kin. May matatalim na yelong lumipad sa direksyon ko pero mabilis akong 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 dual flying blades. Tumalon siya sa itaas ng ulo nito. I switched positions with her. Umikot ako sa ere 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.
Hinuli ng dragon ang katawan ni Zero gamit ang matatalas na kuko at malakas na ihinampas sa 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. Napasinghap na lang ako nang tumama ang lightning ni Phoenix sa tagiliran ni Ice. Pinakawalan ko muna ang palaso ko at pinatama sa ulo ng dragon. Tumalsik si Ice. Lumabas ang dugo mula sa likod niya at bibig. Kitang-kita ang magkahalong galit at inis sa mukha niya. Fire helped and heal her.
"Phoenix! I told you to attack from behind!" inis na sabi ko.
Phoenix hit the dragon's side. Pinilit ni Ice na tumayong muli. Itinapon ng dragon si Zero at binunot nito ang espadang nakatarak sa ulo. Buong lakas na ibinato nito sa 'kin ang espada. Tumalon ako at gumulong sa sahig.
"I'm sorry. I'll attack from behind then," sagot ni Phoenix. Sunud-sunod na tinira ko ang dragon habang pilit nitong binubunot ang lance ni Sky. Nag-cool down na ang group three, maging ako.
"Group two, you'll be in charge of attack. Malapit na kayong mag-cool down. Group one will be your support," saad ko.
Nagsimula na sina Queen na atakehin ng mga nakahihilong musika ang dragon. Scythe started to cut the dragon's wings. Zeal released arrows from afar. Light healed the wounded. Tuluyan nang nabunot ng dragon ang lance ni Sky. The dragon threw it again in my direction. Muli ko itong iniwasan. Bumaon ang lance sa nagyeyelong pader sa likod ko. Buong lakas na binunot ito ni Sky. He was so close, but he wasn't saying anything. Ibinalik ko ang pansin sa paligid. Ice started to move again. I thought she was going to attack the dragon's tail but she hit Phoenix instead. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "Ice!" sigaw ko.
"Oops! My weapon slipped," kibit-balikat na sabi ni Ice nang tumama ang dual flying blades niya sa balikat ni Phoenix.
Napangiwi si Phoenix nang dumaloy ang masaganang dugo mula roon. Walang bahid ng pagsisisi ang mukha ni Ice nang saluhin niya ang armas niyang bumalik sa kanya. But her name changed to an orange color. She's marked as a criminal now for hitting him on purpose. Phoenix 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 HP nito. Mabilis na umiwas ang mga kasama namin sa mga yelong tinira 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 hinampas ng mga kuko nito si Ice. Lumipad siya palayo at nahulog sa mga matatalim na yelo. I sighed heavily. What's happening to my party members? Una si Fire. Sunod si Phoenix. Ngayon si Ice. Naku! Nangingilid na ang mga luha ko. 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," saad niya. Malalim akong humugot ng hininga. "Malapit na nating matalo ang dragon. Kausapin mo sila kapag bumalik na tayo sa bayan," he said.
I nodded. Nag-cool down 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.
"Zeus, use your purification arrow. Group three will be the support now. Get your act together," 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. Group one started to attack. Kung saan-saan humampas ang buntot at kuko ng dragon dahil wala itong makita. Mabilis ang pagkabawas ng HP ng dragon. Ilang minuto pa ay bumalik na rin ang lakas ng group two.
"It's time. Everyone can attack now," saad ko.
Sinunod nila ako. Nagpaulan ako ng mga palaso at halos lahat ay umatake na rin. I disabled the merge when everything was over. Sugatan si Silver pero hindi ko narinig ang mga daing niya kanina. 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.
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 sabi niya.
"You shouldn't have done that," naiiling na saad ko.
"I don't regret anything. He must learn his lesson. I need to tell you something, too. Be sure to visit me," nakangising saad niya.
Tumango na lang ako. Nauna na siyang naglakad patungo sa labas ng yungib. Naghihintay na sa kanya si Zero. Lumapit sa 'min ang batang babaeng kasama ni Sky kanina. She was sitting in a corner, watching us while we were fighting.
"Hey," bati niya kay Silver. Ngumisi ang babae.
Naglakad si Silver palayo. Humabol ang batang babae at sumabay sa kanya. Masayang nakipag-usap ito kay Silver.
Halos lahat ay nakalabas na ng kuweba kaya naglakad na rin ako. Hinanap ng mga mata ko si Phoenix pero mukhang lumabas na rin siya. Gusto ko siyang kausapin. I hoped he was fine. Tiyak na galit siya kay Ice. Biglang may humawak sa kamay ko. My heart skipped a beat.
"Wala ka bang sasabihin sa 'kin?" tanong ni Sky.
"Sorry?" nag-aalangang sabi ko sa kanya.
"Sorry lang?" he frowned.
"That was out of my control. Hindi ko 'yon ginusto," mahinang saad ko.
"So everything that happens beyond our control is all right? Kailangan na lang nating tanggapin, ganoon ba? If you can accept that, well, I can't. You should have done something to stop it from happening. I want to rip his head off! I'm going crazy! I hate it when you just accept it because of that damn situation he's in!" he said in frustration. Binitiwan niya ang kamay ko at napasuklay ang kamay sa kanyang buhok. Naramdaman ko ang bikig sa lalamunan ko. Nahirapan akong magsalita at magdesisyon.
"How can I stop that from happening?" mahinang tanong ko.
"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?" tanong ko sa kanya.
"Inside this game, you can't fully trust anyone," saad niya.
"Can I trust you?" naiinis na tanong ko.
"You know why I'm here. You know you can trust me," he answered in disbelief. Napailing ako.
"If I hadn't trusted them, I wouldn't have come this far. Please, let's not talk about this. Don't give me lessons about trust. It's just a kiss...and...this is just a game," mariing saad ko. Pero alam kong may mali sa sinabi ko.
"Oh! 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!" saad niya.
I could feel his anger, disappointment, and frustration. Naglakad na siya at hindi na ako nilingon pa. Parang gusto kong mapaiyak. This game is getting more annoying.
Nang lumabas kami sa yungib, wala kaming pagpipilian kundi ang tumalon sa dagat. Nahuli ako at naghihintay sa 'kin si Silver.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
"No," I frowned.
"Don't keep everything to yourself or you'll lose them all. It's better to lose one than everything at once," saad niya sa 'kin.
Mas bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. Ayaw kong bitawan ang kahit sino sa kanila. I remembered the email before. What if something bad happens to Prius and Frey?
"I want them all to be safe," mahinang saad ko.
"They're not safe when you continue to tolerate their behavior. What you need to do is help them. Do what is right even if you'll hurt them," saad niya.
Mariin akong napapikit. Iniwasan kong saktan sila pero mukhang iyon na lang talaga ang tanging paraan para itama ang lahat. Narinig ko ang boses ng mga kasama kong handa nang tumalon.
"I bet jumping is the only way to escape the island. See you on Aki's boat," saad ni Sky sa lahat. They jumped, and I could hear their shouts of 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 tumatalon?" tanong ko.
"No matter how angry I am, I can't leave you alone here," 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.
Sumimangot lang siya pero nauna na siyang tumakbo. Sky's pet raced him and jumped off the island. Napakamot ako sa ulo. Akala ko pa naman, sabay kami. Lumapit na ako kay Sky.
"Let's go," nakangising saad ko. Mabilis akong tumakbo at hindi na hinintay ang sasabihin niya. I jumped off the island. Sobrang taas ng tinalunan namin. Tumalon na rin si Sky. Medyo malayo siya sa 'kin pero umikot ako sa hangin upang harapin siya. Nakaharap ako sa kalangitan.
"I love the blue sky. Even the gray ones. No matter what the color is, it's beautiful," nakangiti at makahulugang saad ko. 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 heard your heart," he said.
I blushed. Muli akong umikot sa ere at humarap sa babagsakan naming dagat. I wondered if he heard my heart right. Nawala ang ngiti ko sa labi. I could feel that the end was near, and it would not be easy.
***