#TCS94: Twisted Victory Party (Part I)
Luminous Erina's POV
"Are all the preparations for the Victory Party ready?" I automatically raised my head from looking at the monitor when I heard that voice. I slightly bowed my head when I saw him, and his serious looking face while he was holding a glass as he gulped the water down.
"Y-Yeah," I answered awkwardly, he just suddenly looked so authoritative without intending to!
He went near me and he tousled my hair a little. "You should rest, too," he told me with an eye-smile, and that was when I became more at ease because of his presence! Grabe, para akong nabunutan ng tinik bigla!
Alas and his aura! Nothing would really beat that authority!
"Go down and eat your dinner, I'll finish this," he continued and sat down next to me. Napatitig ako bigla sa kanya. That sharp jawline, and his neat face and hair. Gulay, dito mo talaga mapapatunayan bakit crush s'ya ng bayan.
"Pakiramdam ko mas mabubusog ako kapag nakatitig ako sa 'yo," I murmured absentmindedly. And my eyes widened when he looked at me with that wide gaze. Mabilis kong natakpan ang bibig ko dahil do'n.
"May sinabi ba akong—hindi ko dapat sabihin?" Hindi ako makatingin sa kanya dahil sa bagay na 'yon, pero bigla na lang s'yang humagalpak ng tawa, kaya naman nakahinga ako nang maluwag at sinapok nang slight ang ulo ko.
"Gutom ka na talaga yata, Luna," he declared laughingly.
"Joke lang 'yon talaga, Alas. Baka nga gutom na ako, kung ano-ano na lang sinasabi ko," I said while giggling and shaking my head.
Mabuti na lang talaga kami lang dalawa ang nandito sa monitor room ngayon. Nako, kung nandito si Miracle, tingin pa lang no'n para na akong kakatayin, pagkapatos idagdag mo pa si Kael, paniguradong nakayakap na naman sa akin ang higanteng teddy bear na 'yon.
I rested my back on the swivel chair, and sighed a little. Alas also did the same and glimpsed at me. "Where's Justice?" he asked curiously, his voice was just so soothing to hear. Sometimes it could sound so firm, but it was so soft right now.
"Grabe s'ya, kapag nandito ako kailangan nandito rin si Kael?" natatawang tanong ko sa kanya.
"You are a package deal." Sabay kaming humalakhak dahil sa sinabi n'ya. We also high fived each other while cackling because of it.
"He's out with Law and Rebel. I think, they are making sure that the venue will be safe from any harm and some sort." I shrugged my shoulders, and Alas nodded. He was busy with other things, and the victory party was the last on his list right now.
"Si Miracle?" I inquired back with a peaceful grin.
"She's with Isolde, training," he replied shortly. Napangiti ako ulit nang malugkot.
Kung kami tumitigil ang buhay para sa pahinga, si Miracle? Ang tanging pahinga lang no'n kapag kasama n'ya si Alas.
Kaya nga sobrang pasasalamat ko na lang na nandyan si Alas para sa kanya. She'd been through so much... I hoped she'd finally give herself some slack and rest. She didn't need to carry everything alone.
"Kumusta na kaya 'yon si Kael..." I murmured to myself.
"You really love him, huh?" Alas suddenly mentioned, which caught me off guard.
"H'wag mo sasabihin, sikretong malupit lang 'yon," natatawang imik ko naman sa kanya, habang iniiling-iling ang ulo.
"The triplets would die for you... Luna. Even Silhouette and Gabby," he stated firmly. It wasn't even a question; it was just pure fact. I sighed and lowered my head. I seriously don't want them to give me so much... or anything at all.
"Hindi nila kailangan..." mahinang bulong ko.
"They are the Evans." We softly chuckled at each other. That reason was so enough to justify to why they were going to do that. Hindi ko sila mapipigilan, kahit ano'ng sabihin ko, hindi ko mababago ang isip nila. At irerespeto ko na lang 'yon.
"Luna, you are important to Silhouette, and what's important to her is mine to protect, too," he stated in a mellow tone. I gazed at him and gave him a sincere smile. "Bakit ayaw mo na ibalik nila ang bagay na ibinigay mo sa kanila kahit hindi nila hinihingi?" he questioned with a knotted forehead.
"Alas... all that they gave me... it was already returned to me..." I traced while gazing at the ceiling with a beam that was just happy and contented. I didn't want to wish for more, when I already received enough.
"Justice..." Napalingon ako sa kanya, at napangiti lalo. Ang bilis talaga ng uptake nito.
I nodded at him. "As long as I have him, Alas... as long as he is mine to hold for a lifetime... I will be contented," I stated genuinely in almost a whisper.
I saw in my peripheral vision on how he smiled in purity. "Then, I will surely protect him for you."
Nagkatawanan kami parehas nang mahina dahil sa sinabi n'ya. My heart was just suddenly at peace and without any worries. The words were from him. Ano pang kailangan hilingin? His words weight thousands of promises that could never be broken.
Natahimik kaming dalawa bigla pero ramdam mo pa rin 'yong maayos at payapang ere. We were just smiling at each other. I didn't know why, tomorrow was always uncertain, but with Alas... I knew no matter how much darkness would come to cover each one of us...
He'd do everything to reach us, to give us sunshine, and no matter how unsure the days ahead of us would be, nothing would beat the certainty that he was making us feel.
Alam mo 'yon, kahit nakakatakot s'ya, kahit ang taas-taas ng posisyon n'ya, kahit alam mong kailangan mo s'yang irespeto, patuloy mo pa ring mararamdaman na kayang-kaya mo s'ya abutin, at magagawa ka n'yang protektahan.
That was the most assuring thing that happened to all of us. What should we be afraid about when he was with us?
I couldn't wait for this warm sun to finally wax his light... to finally show his benevolence to his own empire.
"You should really eat now, Luna. Baka magalit si Justice," he told me when I was lost in my own thoughts. Kaagad akong tumango sa kanya no'ng bumalik ako sa ulirat. I stood up from my seat and started to walk to the door.
"Alas, thank you..." bulong ko habang nakatalikod sa kanya.
"Salamat din, Luna," he retorted in a gentle voice.
Lumabas na ako pagkatapos no'n at mabilis na pumunta sa baba. Nasa hagdan pa lang ako rinig ko na kaagad ang ingay ng mga pasaway, kaya naman mas lumawak ang ngiti sa labi ko. "Mga pasaway ko, nandito na ang pinakamagandang Luna n'yo!" I announced loudly and they all looked at me.
"I missed that!" Art exclaimed while clapping her hands.
"Nako, Art, gusto mo yata ng discount sa mga picture ni Caerus," I joked while grinning.
"Luna! I have a lot of pictures na, duh!" she jested while cackling and Caerus who was beside her nodded with reddening cheeks.
"Luna, you should eat na, we already ate, but Gabby, Pierce, Cleon, and Sloane are still in the kitchen," Honoka informed with a gummy smile. I brightened and nodded my head.
Ang gulo nila ro'n dahil naglalaro ng baraha sina Biblee, Akira, Harper, Honoka, Art, Caerus, Theon, Amythee, Thorn at Katniss. Ang ingay ni Biblee, ayaw papatalo. Para silang nagma-mafia game, kesa card game.
Naglakad na lang ako sa kitchen at naabutan na nagtatawanan sina Cleon, Sloane, Elly at Pierce.
"Luna!" Sloane greeted with a smile, her eyes squinting—almost disappearing because of her cat-like eyes. Napangiti kaagad ako kasi ang cute n'ya talaga!
"Kuha mo ng pagkain si Luna, dali!" utos ni Slo kay Cley.
"May kamay na 'yan si Luna, kaya na n'ya—" At ayon nabatukan tuloy ni Sloane si Cleon kaya naman natawa ako sa kanila. Halos sumabog naman ang kinakain ni Elly dahil sa biglang pagtawa n'ya, at mabilis s'yang binigyan ni Pierce ng tubig.
"I'll get my own, don't worry," I mentioned when Cleon got up from his seat with a pout. Ngiting tagumpay naman 'to dahil sa sinabi ko.
"Napakatamad at palamunin mo talaga!" Sloane told Cleon while rolling her eyes heavenward.
"Hoy, Slo, hindi ako may sabi no'n ah, si Luna nagkusa, bakit ako sinisisi mo!" reklamo ni Cleon sa kanya, pero si Sloane pa 'yong naggagayat ng karne para kay Cleon. Natatawa ako sa kanilang dalawa, napakakulit talaga.
I went to the kitchen to get food, and took a sit beside Elly and across Cleon and Sloane.
"Ready na kayo bumalik sa school?" I asked Pierce and Cleon. Natigilan naman 'yong dalawa. We all stayed at the training island after defeating the Senses.
It had been almost two weeks since then, and the Crowns already went back to the Empire to hold funerals, fix damage, and to help the administration in preparing for the students to get back on their lives before the war that happened.
So far it was all good and smooth. The students have some troubles in dealing with the loss of their colleagues, especially those who were close to the casualties. Kaya naman hinayaan sila ng Empire kung gusto nila mag-quit sa school, at nagbigay rin ng mga counseling at kung ano-ano pang bagay.
In that timeline, things were going back to their rightful places. Mabuti na lang din nandito ang mga magulang ng mga Pasaways sa loob ng Empire kaya naman naging mas madali ang lahat-lahat ng pag-aasikaso sa mga bagay-bagay.
Kaso hindi pa rin bumabalik ang mga pasaway sa school sa panahon na 'yon. They were all caught up to their lessons in there. Magkakaklase naman kasi sila sa mga klaseng involved sa underground world, pero sa mga normal na klase na para sa mga higher echelon, iba-iba sila ng klase, pero lahat sila caught up pa rin naman.
They were great at time management, although they had a hard time in the war, and also in the trainings. Pagkabalik nila sa school, paniguradong hindi pa rin titigil ang training nila kahit may mga iba na silang responsibilidad at mga klase.
No time could be wasted because of the Domain.
"Ready na ready na! Ano bang gusto nilang klase ng ready?" natatawang imik ni Cleon at proud na proud pa.
"Yeah, we are ready to go back," nakangiting sambit naman ni Pierce.
"Luna, you should capture the epic fail faces of the students once they see them!" Elly suggested while clapping her hands. I couldn't help but laugh because of her suggestion. I wanted to stare on their flustered faces, not to capture them!
It would be so satisfying to see that! Imagine, 'yong inapi nila sa buong school at ginawang utusan biglang—the last hurrah would never really be on them! It would be on us! Gosh! Sobrang nakaka-excite!
Kumain ako kasama sila habang nagkwekwentuhan kami tungkol sa pagbabalik nila sa school at mga kalokohang plano nila.
"Ako? Sisiguraduhin kong alam ng buong school na taken na si Sloane!" proud na proud na sambit ni Cleon.
Loko-loko talaga 'to! Imbis na 'yong mas seryosong bagay ang alalahanin, 'yon pa talaga ang gagawin. Well, who am I to speak? Kung ako rin naman kalokohan ang naiisip imbis na seryosong bagay.
"Dapat kasi Cleon, kapag mag-a-announce ka nyan siguraduhin mong nasa meeting room ka kasama mga ex ni Sloane," tuwang-tuwa suggest ko sa kanya. Nag-apir naman kaming dalawa, at halos mabilaukan na si Sloane sa pinagsasabi namin.
Pierce gave Sloane a glass of water, while Cleon was laughing at her. Siraulo talaga!
"Good luck Kuya Cleon, maraming ex ang Fourth Crown," Elly said while giggling.
"Mga ilan ba?" tanong ni Cleon habang tinataas-baba ang kilay.
Elly and I suddenly started counting on our hands. Sloane's eyes widened. "Hoy! Grabe kayo magbilang ha! Parang alam na alam n'yo!"
"Oo, Slo, kasi kapag nakikipag-break ka, palaging agaw-eksena kasi may mga lumuluhod, may mga umiiyak, 'yong iba nagbabanta pa," natatawang sagot ko sa kanya. Biglang sumama ang timpla ng mukha ni Cleon dahil do'n.
Tawang tagumpay naman kami ni Elly at saka kami nag-apir. Pierce was shaking his head.
"Talo ka, Cley, naturingan ka pa namang playboy, pero tatlo lang ex mo," Pierce teased with a grin.
"Hoy, Santo! Ikaw sama ka kasi nang sama dyan kay Luna at Gabby kaya kung makapagsalita ka talaga ngayon, ha!" Cleon pouted at him.
"Saka dude, alam mo namang tatlo lang ang official ex, pero maraming fling," proud pa na imik ni Cleon, bago mag-cross arms.
"Paramihan pala ang nais ng dalawang 'to." I laughed at them and they both looked at each other with a challenging gaze, but ended up laughing at each other.
I think that was one of the most admirable thing about Sloane and Cleon. 'Yong para silang mag-tropa lang at walang pikunan sa isa't isa. Pagkatapos kapag nag-aaway sila at nagtatalo ng seryoso, biglang may joke na masasabi si Cleon, o kahit si Sloane, kaya ang ending nila? Tatawanan ang isa't isa. Hanggang sa makalimutan nilang nag-aaway sila.
"Hoy, Luna, ikaw ba't ka may pa-nickname sa magkakapatid na Evans ha? Ang bantot pa no'ng nickname," Cleon suddenly mentioned. Muntik ko na s'yang batuhin ng tinidor dahil sa pinagsasabi n'ya.
"Alam mo, ipapakalat ko talaga sa school mga pangit na picture mo, Cleon," I told him with a sneer.
"Nako, walang bibili for sure," pang-aasar ni Sloane. Nagkatawanan kami kasi kawawa na naman si Cleon.
"I liked Ate Luna's nickname to us! It's cute!" Elly smiled widely at us. And Pierce nodded with a beam.
"Gusto mo rin yata ng nickname galing kay Luna," Sloane teased her boyfriend, and Cleon rolled his eyes on us, which made the three of us laugh in unison.
Nagkwentuhan na lang kami ro'n at nang matapos kumain, si Pierce at ako ang naghugas ng pinggan at 'yong tatlo tamang nood lang sa amin no'ng santo habang nagkukulitan at nag-iingay sila.
Dumating na rin si Miracle at Isolde matapos no'n at saktong baba rin ni Alas mula sa monitor room, kaya naman sabay-sabay kumain 'yong tatlo. Habang kami naman pumunta sa may living room at nakisali sa laro ng mga Pasaways ro'n.
"Mafia game, tara dali!" Biblee encouraged us.
"Mafia si Biblee," Akira mentioned coolly.
"Hoy, hindi ah! Napakasinungaling mo talaga, kagaya ng pagsisinungaling mong hindi mo ako mahal!" Biblee answered so fast.
"Mafia lang sinabi, ang layo na kaagad ng narating no'ng usapan," natatawang imik ko sa kanila. "Hindi na bago," slang na sabi ni Harper, kaya naman biglang nagkaro'n ng halakhakan sa lugar.
Umupo kami kasama sila at nakisali sa laro nila. Sobrang ingay at gulo tuloy. Lalo na kapag nagbibintangan sila sa mga kalokohang taglay. Lakas din maglokohan, tapos ang ending si Thorn palagi ang panalo.
Grabe, lakas ng instinct ng isang 'yon!
"Hi!" We all looked back to see who it was who suddenly appeared and Honoka and Harper automatically stood up.
"Rebel!" masayang imik ni Honoka at sinalubong si Eon.
"Who's your day?" tanong naman ni Harper kay Paeng.
"Grabe, sa kanila may sumalubong, sa akin wala!" declared Kael, and everyone laughed because I hid from him instead of welcoming him. Pero syempre may Luna radar ang isang 'yon kaya ang bilis akong nahanap.
He circled his arms around me and rested his head on my shoulder. Umupo sina Harper at Honoka pabalik sa carpet pagkatapos sinundan sila ni Eon at Paeng. "Ano'ng ginagawa n'yo?" Eon queried with brows meeting in a thin line.
"Laro, dali, sali kayo!" Biblee invited them.
"Did you eat already?" Harper asked Paeng sweetly. Tumango si Paeng sa kanya kahit mukhang pagod.
Kael was quiet and my forehead knotted. "Busy day, eh?" I asked him, and I felt him nodded. I felt his breath on my bare neck. Pakiramdam ko bigla akong kinuryente no'ng maramdaman ko ang dampi ng labi n'ya ro'n.
"Kael," I warned in a low tone. He cackled. "Recharge," he answered shortly.
We continued with the game while the triplets were just quietly resting with our noises. The night passed by like that and it was fun. Silhoue and Alas also gave us the clothes that we would be wearing at the victory party.
Kung dati madalas iba-iba ang kulay ng mga damit namin ngayon iba na 'yon. Everyone was given the same colour of dress, and that was when it sunk in that the party was really happening. And the authority in this school, would be thrown in to chaos.
Damn, I couldn't wait.
***
Victory Party Night.
"Kinakabahan ako bigla!" Napalingon kami lahat kay Amythee no'ng sabihin n'ya 'yon. Nasa sasakyan na kami lahat papunta sa venue kung saan gaganapin ang Victory Party para sa kanila dahil sa pagiging successful ng nangyaring laban sa Senses.
Theon who was beside Amythee held her hand. "Nothing will ever go wrong," he mentioned.
"Ay dyan ka nagkakalamali, kapatid!" Cleon popped in while he was shaking his head. Sloane wasn't with us in the car, acutually, all the Crowns were already at the venue. They all left earlier because they should be the first ones to enter the venue.
Nasa may second floor kasi ang seats nila at nando'n sa parang terrace kung saan kita nilang lahat ang pagpasok ng mga Commoners, Middle Tiers, Elites, at Royals. I was sure they also have masquerades because their identities were mysterious to the school, and only some were exposed like Sloane, and Katniss.
May nakakaalam man na Crowns sila, kakaunting tao lang, at hindi buong school. May ilan na kilala sila sa mukha dahil sa pagmo-monitor nila sa school kagaya ni Caerus at Kellon. Si Nicasia at Yvo, hindi madalas nagpapakita sa mga tao, at si Saint, wala talagang nakakakilala sa kanya.
"Kaya nga Theon, so wrong ka ro'n!" Biblee seconded.
Theon's forehead knotted. "It's a party, people, nothing would go wrong." He shrugged in confidence.
"Nahiya naman 'yong nothing could go wrong," Biblee started. "Eh, parang 'yong mga ina-attend-an nating party may mga kung ano-anong ganap na nangyayari bigla." We all laughed when we realized what she said.
"Exhibit one!" she declared. "Gumawa ng eksena katatalon ang Ate Hopya mo! Kahiya ka Ate, nadamay pa si Kellon, eh sa pagkakaalam ko may ibang balak si Kellon no'ng gabing 'yon, grabe!" iiling-iling na imik ni Biblee.
"Hoy, Biblee, patay ka talaga kay Kellon kapag narinig ka no'n." Pabiro kong sinipa ang binti ni Biblee at sabay kaming natawa at nag-apir. May pa-no time for that thing pa 'yon si Kellon, kung hindi namin chichikahin si Katniss hindi namin malalaman ang secret rendezvous no'n.
Hah! Konti na lang kapag nalaman ko kung sino—ibebenta ko na rin mga picture na gugustuhin n'ya! Hmmm... tutal Crown s'ya mukhang pwede akong manghingi ng bahay, kesa aurous! Oh, my gosh! I'm so genius and evil talaga! I could already imagine Kellon calling me an evil spirit! No sweat!
"Ang daya, ano'ng meron ha? Ba't hindi namin alam!" Amythee pouted and crossed her arms.
"Chismis time lang nami ni Luna 'yon!" Biblee and I high fived again at each other.
"Madaya 'tong mga 'to!" Cleon declared and we laughed. Nawala na naman kami sa topic dahil sa mga kalokohang naiisingit.
"Parang wala kang eksenang ginawa no'n Biblee ha," Theon told her while rolling his eyes.
"Bakit naalala mo no'ng mga panahong nasuntok ka na nga ni Luna, nabaril ka pa?" tawa naman ni Akira kay Theon.
"Dude," Theon mentioned shaking his head in embrassment.
"Panalo pa rin si Theon, iyak na si Amythee na akala mo ililibing na s'ya eh," tawang-tawang dagdag ko naman at namula si Amythee at saglit na napapikit nang maalala n'ya ang kahiya-hiya at napakalakas na ngawa n'ya noong mabaril si Theon.
"Gaano kabilis mag-change ng damdamin si Ate, from zero to real-quick!" Biblee joked and we guffawed. Amythee who looked flushed was also laughing with us, realizing on how she reacted back then.
"Napapaghalataan na patay na patay sa akin," loko pa ni Theon.
"Wow, kapatid, kung magsalita ka!" panlalaglag ni Cleon.
"Oh, shut up, you are whipped for Sloane, too. Alipin ka no'n." Irap ni Theon sa kakambal, at nagkatawanan kami kasi totoo. Cleon sulked jokingly, ang lakas ng pitik talaga no'n kahit kailan!
"Let's hope for a party that is not like the other parties that we attended," Akira said and shrugged his shoulders. Biblee nodded enthusiastically with his statement.
Kami-kami lang ni Biblee, Akira, Theon, Amythee, Cleon at ako ang nandito sa sasakyan na 'to at nasa ibang sasakyan ang iba. Pagkatapos magkakasama naman ang magkakapatid na Evans with Alas kaya hindi namin sila kasabay ngayon.
"True!" Biblee shouted. "'Yong exhibit two na party, jusko, nakakahimatay sa shocking events!" She held her chest exaggeratedly while shaking her head vigorously remembering what happened on the party that took place from before.
"The chills!" I hugged myself recollecting that night.
"Grabe 'yong matinding gulat no'ng sa wakas nakita na natin si Miracle! Nakakapanindig balahibo! Mini heart attack!" Amythee reacted with excessive hand gestures. Natawa naman ako ro'n, magkapatid nga sila ni Biblee.
"Paano muna 'yong gulat, Ate?" biglang extra ni Biblee.
"Alam mo, ilulubog na talaga kita!" sagot ni Amythee sa kapatid.
"Paano 'yong lubog?" pangloloko ulit ni Biblee.
"Break mo na nga 'yan, Akira!" pang-aasar ni Amythee. Tumawa naman si Biblee imbis na mapikon.
"Break mo na nga 'yan, Theon!" Biblee snapped jokingly, and we all laughed because Amythee pouted in defeat.
"Nah, I won't." Theon smirked. "Ayieeee!" I teased them laughingly.
"Akira, ikaw rin dali!" naiinggit na pagpupumilit ni Biblee sa umiirap na si Akira.
"Okay, let's break up," Akira stated nonchalantly.
"Hoy, mali! Ano ba 'yan, KJ! Saka hindi ako papayag!" mabilis na sabi ni Biblee at saka pinisil ang pisngi ni Akira. Mukhang bagot at pagod na pagod na kaagad si Akira sa mga pakulo ng girlfriend n'ya.
"Baka dalhin mo pa ako sa korte kapag nakipaghiwalay ako sa 'yo," iiling-iling na imik Akira, kaya nagkatawanan kami. Biblee pouted because I was sure in her head she was planning to do that. Sobrang advance pa naman mag-isip ng isang 'yon.
"Hindi korte, Akira, baka ipakulam ka nyan, dwede pa naman 'yan," pangloloko ni Cleon.
"Hahahahaha! Api ka na naman Biblee," I laughed at her, and she pouted at us.
"Humanda ka mamaya, irereto ko si Sloane sa iba!" Turo ni Biblee kay Cleon.
"Sa akin pa rin uuwi 'yon," Cleon answered confidently.
"Wooohooo!" Amythee and I cheered. And we laughed with all the craziness that we were thinking. And with all the jokes around, I suddenly mentioned on how I wished that nothing bad would happen this party because the last parties we attended were hot and icy messes.
"Unless, you plan on being wasted for tonight, then I think that's the only bad thing that can happen," Theon voiced out and smirked playfully, and we cackled. Amythee punched his arms lightly.
"Subukan mo, Theon," banta nito.
"As if, love. I am gonna watch you. You might get drunk and cry all night." Theon smiled at Amythee, and his eyes were glowing with a teasing gaze. Amythee pouted and rolled his eyes at him, she also took her hand that Theon was holding.
"H'wag n'yo painumin si Ate, jusko! Gagawa 'yan ng eksena kaiiyak, baka bumaha sa venue!" tawa pa ni Biblee, ginatungan ang sinabi ni Theon.
"Lasingin n'yo si Biblee, tatahimik 'yan!" bwelta naman ni Amythee kay Biblee. Nagkatawanan tuloy kami dahil do'n.
"I'll try that," Akira remarked with a smirk.
"Sigurado ka na dyan Akira? Baka hindi tumahimik 'yan, baka mangagat 'yan," pangloloko ko, at nagkatawanan silang lahat dahil do'n.
"Luna naman, h'wag kang nambubuking ng plano!" pagsakay pa ni Biblee sa kalokohan na sinabi ko.
"Itatali ko na lang para hindi mangagat," Akira cackled at Biblee.
"Hoy, mahal!" Biblee punched him lightly on the arms, and Akira just laughed at her. Mukha namang whipped na whipped si Biblee sa tawa ni Akira, at bigla na lang natulala sa kanya. Ibang klase talaga 'to, walang pinipiling oras.
Maglolokohan pa sana kami kaso tumigil na 'yong sasakyan at pinagbuksan kami ng pinto, kaya naman bumababa na kami. The moment we went out of the limousine, the cold breeze hugged us, and the bright full moon in the sky welcomed us.
We were all still smiling and playful with each other. The night was young. And looking at them tonight... I smiled proudly.
That's my pasaways... that's the people who... struggled, cried, bathed in blood, faced numerous setbacks and heartaches... but right now... they were shinning in brilliance. And I'd be forever proud of them.
Theon grabbed Amythee's hand and anchored it on his arms. "You look so beautiful, love..." he whispered to her, although dark, you could imagine Amythee's shy blush on her cheeks. She smiled at him.
Ang madaldal na si Biblee, syempre nag-iingay at tuwang-tuwa sa laki ng venue na mukhang kastilyo ng sinaunang panahon. Kaya naman hinila s'ya ni Akira para pumirmi sa isang lugar at inilagay ang kamay nito sa braso n'ya. Natigilan si Biblee na namumula dahil do'n.
Magkapatid nga.
"Aish, asan ba si Slo," imik ng katabi ko.
"Hatid kita mamaya kay Slo, pero ngayon, tayo muna ang partner," natatawang imik ko sa kanya bago s'ya angklahan sa braso. We chortled at each other, and the door opened for Amythee and Theon to enter.
Theon was wearing a black suit with a dark green tie, and Amythee was also wearing a colour green tulle long dress. She looked like a princess with it, especially because her hair was also fixed like a greek goddess with all the flowers on it.
They entered the venue... as Elites.
Akira was wearing white tux with a green pin on his collar, and Biblee was wearing a princess-like deep green dress. Those two looked like guardians or king and queen of the forest because of their clothing that looked royal and elegant.
Si Cleon naman naka-tux na kulay black din pero may bow tie na kulay green. Grabe rin ang gwapo nito eh! Hindi ko tuloy maintay mahawakan ang camera ko ngayong gabi! Nako, tiba-tiba ang kikitain ko ngayon, sigurado na 'yan! Sobrang gwapo at ganda nilang lahat!
Nang makapasok si Akira at Biblee, kami naman ang sumunod ni Cleon. We were welcomed by a huge and royalty like venue. Everyone in formal and regal clothing. It was so mesmerizing because everyone looked so expensive!
The commoners were wearing white long gowns and the men were on their white pin. The middle tiers were flaunting their champagne brown and skin tone dress, and their dark coffee suits and tuxes. Further, the Elites were on their lucky colour green, deep green and its different shades. Also, the Royals were on their stylish and classy blues. And the Crowns? They were up there on the second floor looking down on us.
They were all exquisitely distinguished in the while crowd above because of their masks and position, but also with their golden clothing, sash, and crowns.
Nakatingin ako sa kanila no'ng naramdaman kong tumigil din si Cleon para pagmasdan ang mga nasa taas. "Woah..." he mentioned, and when I glanced at him, I was sure he was looking at the powerful Sloane.
Sobrang ganda pa rin at ang lakas ng awra ni Sloane kahit mukhang bagot na bagot na s'ya sa kinauupuan dahil nakahalumbaba na ito.
Naglakad kami ni Cleon para hanapin ang mga kasamahan namin dahil sobrang daming tao sa lugar. Kitang-kita mo ang karangyaan sa buong school dahil dito. However, you could also see the division in here.
Some commoners were waiters, servers, and organizers of the event, instead of just being guests and a part of it. Hindi mo rin gano'ng makikita ang pakikisalamuha ng iba sa mga hindi nila ka-lebel o ka-rank.
"Ayon sila!" I shrieked and pointed a huge and long rectangular table. Nando'n ang lahat. They were all glowing in green because they were Elites. At kita mo rin na pinagtitinginan ang table na 'yon kaya mabilis mong mahahanap.
"Looks like... we are once again the center of attention, eh?" Cleon mentioned, and I smiled awkwardly. Well, everyone thought that they were kicked out or gone in the school, but they finally showed up again after a year and a few months, so... it was to be expected.
And the stares weren't welcoming... it was hostile. Like they didn't want them to be here.
"Oh, 'yong mga bagong saltang commoners—na feeling elites, nandito pa pala?"
"They fucking started all the mess in here. When they came, the school was thrown into chaos. They should be blamed for what happened recently."
"Mga malas! Ba't nandito pa 'yang mga 'yan, mga salot naman! Papansin!"
Hindi ko alam kung ilang irap ang nagawa ko at muntik pa akong sumugod sa mga maiingay na Middle Tiers, at Commoners. Pati ibang Elites gano'n din! Ang sarap putulan ng mga dila! May ambag ba sila sa school na 'to?!
"Kalmahan mo lang, Luna," natatawang sambit sa akin ni Cleon, at hinila ako pabalik papalapit sa kanya, no'ng muntik ko nang sabunutan 'yong isang Middle Tier dahil narinig kong ipapahiya raw nila 'yong mga pasaways mamaya.
"Masarap manakal talaga! Akala mo mga sinong parte ng high society, wala namang manners, kadiri! Dapat sa mga 'yan pinapatalsik!" I ranted at Cleon while we were making our way to the table where the Pasaways were gathered.
The gossips and whispers around were freaking deafening! Talagang sobrang chismis sila sa mga pasaways. Natitigil lang sila at naglalandi kapag napapatingin sa mga Crowns! Akala mo sino kung makasamba sa kanila. Tss!
"First is here! Oh, my gosh! This is the first event that he ever attended in the school!"
"I hope he removes his mask later! Oh, my! Just look at that demeanour and physique! It's to die for!"
"The Crowns are really the high and honour of this school! I'm so glad I studied here!"
Tamo mga pakitang tao 'tong mga 'to! Grabe mang-api dahil lang sa antas! Tss! Ewan ko sa kanila, bahala sila!
Malapit na kami ni Cleon sa table no'ng bigla n'yang ilapit ang mukha n'ya sa akin—sa may tainga ko. Napakunot-noo ako dahil do'n. Kahit ano'ng gwapo nito, wala pa rin si Kael pa rin talaga nagpapanerbyos sa akin sa ganitong galawan! Pero asa namang aaminin ko 'yon, manigas s'ya!
"Luna... are you an Elite?" he asked me critically, because I was wearing an ombre green dress. I smirked secretly.
"Who knows..." I murmured mysteriously.
Cleon shook his head, and pulled out a chair for me when we arrived. "You look so pretty, Luna!" bati ni Honoka, I tucked my hair on my ear shyly, and laughed. "Enebe," I kidded, and everyone laughed.
The tension in the air lighetened because of our arrival. Umupo si Cleon sa tabi ko at mukhang kumpleto kami rito. Napapatingin din ang ilan sa akin dahil sa suot kong damit.
Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako, bakit inggit sila sa ganda no'n? Order sila kay Miracle at Alas.
I brushed my shoulder with my hand smugly, and they chuckled with the shade that I gestured to those we were busy gossiping and looking at us.
"Luna lang malakas!" tuwang-tuwang sabi ni Biblee.
"I know right!" I agreed laughingly.
The waiter served us some juice and snacks on the table. Natahimik kami saglit dahil do'n at hinayaan ito sa ginagawa n'ya. May mga taong nakaupo rin sa mga golden at mga eleganteng table, samantalang merong nasa open area at nagsasayaw ng slow dance sa classical music na tumutunog sa venue.
When the waiter left, we all looked at each other and laughed a little.
"Ang ganda talaga nitong venue, mas malaki at mas royal ang dating kesa dati!" Biblee exclaimed looking at it. The ceiling was high and there were chandeliers. It was also painted like the sky, and illustrations like the castles in France.
The whole atmosphere was bright and golden. Everything was screaming expensive, royal, and elegant. Even the chairs, tables and decorations seemed like it was made of gold, diamonds and crystals.
The flowers around were arranged perfectly, and it was also magical to look at. It was mostly tulips and roses. It was so regal, and classy!
"Kaya nga! Bahay ng royalty 'to eh!" loko ni Cleon.
"Bahay ni Alas!" natatawang sambit ko naman, kaya naman bigla silang bumulanghit ng tawa.
"Oh my royals, I should ask Alas to make this our house!" Harper suggested while Honoka and Art agreed with her automatically.
"With all the chocolate fountains and rose gardens," Honoka added dreamily.
"And all the royal sports like polo, archery, guns, gosh! Dream come true!" Art exclaimed with palms clasped together.
"Hoy, gising! Nananaginip kayo ng mulat!" Cleon remarked at them, kaya naman nakatanggap s'ya ng death glare sa tatlo at tinawanan s'ya ng lahat.
"Isang sabi lang naman ni Harper kay Law, hindi imposible," panggagatong ni Amythee.
"We already have a good house, we don't need this massive castle," Pierce murmured at them. Napatingin tuloy ako sa kanya, at feeling ko biglang naging heart shape 'yong mga mata ko! Grabe! Sobrang gwapo!
Ang linis-linis ng mukha, 'tapos 'yong pagkakaayos ng itim na itim na buhok, medyo magulo gawa ng bangs, pero grabe! Nang-aatake ng puso ang dating! Baka takbuhin 'to ni Elly! Mabuti na lang wala pa rito ang magkakapatid na Evans!
"Yeah, we should be contented," dugtong naman ni Thorn sa kapatid. My eyes also widened because like his brother he looked like a greek god that came down to bless mere mortal's eyes with his beauty!
Makalaglag panga ang visuals, grabe! Napatingin tuloy ako sa taas, at nakitang nakatingin sa amin si Katniss—wait for sure, kay Thorn nakatingin 'yan! Isa pa 'yong si Caerus, mukhang minamasdan din si Art!
"When are the Evans arriving?" tanong naman ng gwapong-gwapong si Akira. Isa pa 'to, napakalakas ng dating! Paniguradong hindi 'to papakalawan ni Biblee buong gabi kasi sa white suit nyan? Aakalain ng mga babae na literal na hulog ng langit.
Hindi nila alam hinulog ng langit kasi masyadong matalas ang dila at savage—charot lang!
"Ewan ko rin... wala silang gano'ng sinabi eh," kibit-balikat na sagot ko. Syempre joke lang 'yon. Alam ko kung kailan, pinagbilinan lang ako na h'wag sabihin o kung ano man.
Uminom ako no'ng juice at saka kumuha ng isang cupcake kasi nagugutom ako. Gano'n din ang ginawa ng ilan habang nag-uusap-usap at nagkekwentuhan kami, hindi pinapansin ang mga matang dumadapo sa amin.
"Hoy, h'wag ka ngang mang-agaw!" sita ni Biblee no'ng agawan s'ya ni Cleon ng cupcake. "Sasabihin ko talaga kay Alas na i-evict ka sa bahay n'yang 'to eh!" she added in an irritated tone and knotted forehad.
Muntik na akong maubo dahil sa biglang pagtawa. Inabutan kaagad ako ni Thorn ng tubig dahil do'n at tumawag ng waiter para magpadagdag ng tubig at beverage pati na rin mga snacks at sweets sa table namin.
"Paanong i-evict muna?" pang-aasar ni Cleon.
"Like this," Art suddenly started and cleared her throat. All our eyes landed on her with so much curiosity. "I nominate Kuya Cleon because he's ampon and he's malaking balakid when I want a date with my gorgeous boyfriend!"
Napanganga yata kami at biglang naglahakhakan dahil sa narinig kay Art, muntik namang mabilaukan si Cleon sa narinig sa kapatid, habang halos hingalin kami sa pagtawa sa narinig.
"I also nominate Kuya Theon because he's so maarte and so emo and because he made suntok to Dad! Duh, Kuya, I think you are ampon, too! And you are harang din, when I want my babe time!" inis na imik ni Art habang nakakunot ang noo.
"Ate Amythee, please, make Kuya cry, too, okay?" dagdag pa nito at nag-cross arms sa mga kapatid n'ya.
"Patawan na 'yang mga 'yan ng automatic eviction!" I joked laughingly. Halos mamatay naman katatawa si Biblee sa mga biglang naririnig dahil sa sinimulan n'yang kalokohan.
"Me, too! I wanna nominate, too!" Akira looked at his sister with a cackle when she raised her hand.
"I-nominate mo si Akira, dali!" pangloloko ni Biblee.
"'Tapos ano, susunod ka sa labas with voluntary exit kapag napatalsik si Akira?" agad na pang-aalaska ni Cleon kay Biblee, kaya muntik na s'yang mabato ng tinidor. Ang lakas talaga ng toyo ng mga 'to, manang-mana sa akin!
"I nominate Kuya Cleon, too!" Honoka pouted and we all chuckled.
"Wala na, Cleon, mukhang ikaw ang aalis ngayong gabi!" natatawang pahayag ko naman.
"Hoy, Honoka, ang bait-bait ko kaya sa 'yo!" Cleon told her.
"But you keep stealing my chocolates, my Rebel needed to buy new ones because you of sneaky rat!" Honoka declared, and our eyes widened! Si Cleon pala ang dahilan kung bakit nabitbit ni Eon si Kael para bumili sa chocolate factory, nakakaloka!
"Chocolate thieve!" sabay-sabay na imik namin kay Cleon, at nagkatawanan.
"Next, next, sinong papatalsikin natin?" masayang pang-eengganyo pa ni Biblee. "Ikaw Thorn, sino ha?" she asked while wiggling eyebrows.
Thorn was cackling but then he cleared his throat and with a serious face he started. "I nominate Chewy." Muntik nang maibuga ni Amythee 'yong iniinom n'yang juice dahil sa narinig kay Thorn at kami namang iba ay humalakhak.
"Oh, my gosh! Anak ka nga ni Tita Dyosa!" I exclaimed and they all agreed while clapping.
"Kawawang aso," pangloloko ni Cleon.
"It's Chewy because Katniss hugs and plays with her often now, unlike before." He laughed softly, and we were having so fun in teasing him. Sobrang heaven pakinggan no'ng mahinang tawa ni Thorn sa pang-aasar namin.
"Dapat si Kellon i-nominate mo!" dagdag ko naman, kaya nakipag-apir kaagad si Biblee sa akin.
"So true! He's malaking balakid din!" Art high fived with her bestfriend—Thorn. Kaya naman tawang-tawa kami ro'n kasi umiiling si Thorn na para bang hindi pwede kaya si Chewy na lang.
"Nah, I shouldn't, magpabango dapat tayo, para kapag legal na, you know," Thorn joked while shrugging his shoulders, and we were almost jaw dropped and rolling on our stomach because of his answers.
"Hoy, ang funny mo tonight!" I pointed out.
"I'm just joking!" Thorn put up his hands while laughing. Mas nagkatawanan kami ro'n kasi ang kulit din ni Thorn at mukhang simula no'ng nangyari sa Senses at sa mga magulang nila, mas naging open at hindi na s'ya gano'n katahimik.
Pero, sobrang bait pa rin talaga ng isang 'yan. Hindi na mababago 'yon.
"Ito, ito, kapag kay Theon alam ko sino ino-nominate n'yan!" Tinaas pa talaga ni Biblee ang kamay n'ya para um-extra sa tawanan na nagaganap dahil kay Thorn. Pati si Pierce tuwang-tuwa sa kalokohan ng kapatid.
"What?" Theon snapped his head to ask Biblee.
"Ikaw ang magsasabi o ako?" Biblee challenged, and Theon groaned. Uminom ng tubig saglit bago humarap sa amin para sumagot.
"Hmmm..." Mukhang nag-iisip pa 'to at nagmamasid naman kaming naghintay ng sagot. "I nominate Sven and Donovan because of what they did to Amythee from before," seryoso at madilim ang mukhang sagot nito.
"Ang KJ naman, hindi funny!" Cleon complained at his brother.
"Farmer naman!" tawang-tawang asar ko kay Theon, kaya nagkatawanan ang lahat. Natatawa ring napatingin si Theon sa akin, walang masabi kasi totoo.
"Ako na lang ang gagawa ng funny na nominate kay Theon!" taas-kamay na imik ni Biblee, gusto pa sanang tumayo, kung hindi lang s'ya hinila ni Akira paupo para hindi s'ya sobrang agaw pansin, kaya naman sumimangot 'to pero diretso pa rin ang kalokohan.
Biblee cleared her throat and made her voice sound deeper. "Ahem, I nominate Alas because he almost became my lover instead of Amythee."
"Oh, my gosh!" tuwang-tuwang hiyaw ko naman habang tumatawa sa pinagsasabi ni Biblee.
"Totoo 'yan!" pangloloko pa ni Amythee sa nakabusangot na mukha ni Theon, pero sa huli natawa rin dahil sa tawa namin at kalokohang pinagsasabi. Kami yata 'yong pinakamaingay na table dahil sa nangyayari pero wala kaming pakialam.
"Ikaw naman, Akira, ano, sino ang papatalsikin mo!" I started the notion, and everyone looked at Akira.
"Si Biblee na 'yan! Para mapaalis na rito!" Amythee cheered and looked at Biblee in a mocking and joking manner. Ngumuso naman kaagad si Biblee at muntik nang mang-away. Tawang-tawa naman si Cleon.
Pati 'yong keep calm trio, walang tigil katatawa sa naririnig nila.
Akira cleared his throat. "Kuya, you should make it funny ha!" Honoka told him, and Art with Harper nodded and encourage him. Napailing-iling naman si Akira at napakagat labi nagpipigil ng tawa.
"Hmmm..." he started and looked at Biblee with a smirk.
"I nominate Solstice." Hindi pa man sinasabi ni Akira ang dahilan n'ya nagpapalakpakan at nagkakatawanan na kami sa pang-aasar kay Biblee. Sira pa ni Cleon, pinapauwi na si Biblee kasi mae-evict na raw s'ya.
"Kung nandito si Sloane, ikaw rin ino-nominate no'n, bwisit ka!" sagot ni Biblee kay Cleon, kaya mas nagkatawanan kami at natahimik si Cleon kasi totoo.
"Bakit si Biblee?" tanong ni Pierce kay Akira.
"'Cause she's noisy, annoying, and clingy. And also, because she kept calling me Kuya back then," kibit-balikat na sagot ni Akira.
"Ang farmer mo, Kuya!" Honoka laughed.
"Mahal na mahal mo talaga ako bibiloves, tara na! Sasamahan na kita sa labas kapag na-evict ka sa bahay ni Alas!" Biblee said wittily, and we were almost crying because of laughing so loud.
"You should ask Pierce, now." Ngisi ni Akira kasi nanahimik ni Pierce at mukhang ayaw matanong.
"Alam ko na ang sagot ni Pierce!" I raised my hand, too, nakaisip kasi ako ng kalokohan. Pinagunutan naman ako ni Pierce.
"What is it?" curious na tanong nito.
"Si Alas!" hyper na imik ko.
"Bakit?" he questioned with a puckered forehead.
"Kasi mas mabait at mas santo na si Alas sa kanya! Nawawalan s'ya ng role!" I declared while laughing and everyone burst out too. Pati si Pierce napailing habang natatawa sa suggest kong sagot n'ya.
"Grabe, Luna, nang-aatake!" gatong pa ni Biblee.
"Pero ano nga Pierce?" loko ni Amythee.
"'Yong sinabi ni Luna," pagkasakay ni Pierce sa kalokohan namin.
"We want the one from you!" Harper demanded while cackling and playing with the glass in front of her. Nag-aabang din ng sagot si Art at Honoka.
"Okay, okay," Pierce started. "I nominate the triplets because they kept going back on their words. Akin na lang daw si Gabby, pero biglang naging mga bakod."
Lalo kaming nagkatawanan sa sinabi ni Pierce. "Nako, kung nandito si Elly, tuwang-tuwa na 'yon sa narinig sa 'yo, baka gawin pa 'tong debut day n'ya. Magpapa-move na talaga 'yon ng birthdate, jusko!"
Hindi na sila makakain katatawa dahil sa sinabi ko habang tumatango. "I'm just kidding. I don't want to nominate anyone. Oh, maybe... the people who kept underestimating us?" Pierce added with a smirk.
"That'd be awesome," Akira seconded. Mga sira, e 'di naubos ang tao sa school na 'to!
"Si Ate naman ang lokohin n'yo!" Biblee cheered.
"I nominate Biblee!" mabilis na sagot ni Amythee. "Kasi malakas manlaglag at maingay!" Aping-api na naman si Biblee.
"Si Theon din pala!" dagdag pa ni Amythee. Napalingon naman ang natatawang si Theon sa kanya. He mouthed 'what' at her but Amythee kept playing around him. "Kasi si Alas ang gustong maging kalaban ko! Ano'ng laban ko kung si Alas ang nais n'ya 'di ba? Wasak ang puso ko!"
We all laughed and Theon rolled his eyes at her before laughing while shaking his head.
"Ako naman, ako naman!" taas-kamay na sambit ni Biblee.
"I nominate myself because I'm so gorgeous, at para makalabas na kami ni Akira, kasi walang simbahan sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya Alas!" Wala tuloy tigil lalo ang tawanan at kalokohan namin dahil sa sinabi n'ya.
"Ay pwede ko rin pala i-nominate si Ate, kasi nakakapagod naming refree sa kanila ni Theon kapag umiiyak s'ya! 'Tapos si Nicholas din! Dwende raw ako?! Hello, ang ganda-ganda ko kaya!" dagdag pa nito. Mukhang balak pa i-nominate ang lahat.
"Tama ka na, tama ka na! Ako naman!" extra ni Cleon.
"Ano naman sa 'yo?" pagtatanong ko.
"Kuya Alas." Kasisimula pa lang ni Cleon pero tawang-tawa na kami sa seryosong mukha nito pero puro kalokohan naman ang sinasabi. "Isang puntos po para kay Caerus kasi no'ng sinabihan ko po s'yang sumama kay Art para masolo ko si Sloane, hindi po pumayag. Epal."
Halos gumulong na kami katatawa sa pinagsasabi ng buang na si Cleon. Talagang seryoso pa s'ya sa lagay na 'yan ha!
"'Tapos dalawang puntos po kay Art, kasi pinagluto n'ya po ng pancit canton sina Theon, pero no'ng ako po ang nag-request, hindi n'ya po ako nilutuan. Nagluto po tuloy ako ng akin... kaso ang ending hindi ko po nalagyan ng sahog kasi nakalimutan ko, pero kinain ko pa rin po. Never again, Kuya Alas, never again."
"Bwisit ka, Cleon!" Halos hawakan na ni Biblee ang tyan n'ya katatawa kay Cleon. Batok naman ang natanggap ni Cleon kay Akira dahil magkatabi sila nito.
Hinihingal na ako katatawa sa kanila! Jusko! Ano ba 'tong usapan namin ngayon! Paano ba kami napunta rito, nakakaloka!
"Hoy, si Harper hindi pa nagsasabi!" puna ni Cleon.
"Oh, I'm ready," confident na imik ni Harper at umupo pa nang maayos.
"I'll bigay my nomination to Rebel." Honoka and Art were already laughing and us were dying because the way she was speaking was already funny. Ito talaga susunod sa yapak ni Biblee sa pagiging effortless sa comedy.
"Because he bato-bato monggo seeds on my head when I was in the Hierarchy Tower! I thought it was Law, but it turned out I'm sawi, because it was Rebel! And it was so nakakairita, and he almost made scratches on my smooth hair and flawless skin!"
Halos palakpakan ko nang standing ovation si Harper sa tawa ko sa pinagsasabi nito. Pati si Honoka tuwang-tuwa rin na mortal enemy si Eon at Harper.
"Nai-imagine ko tuloy kapag nandito si Eon, may comeback agad 'yon sa sinabi ni Harper!" I told everyone.
"Sample!" sabay na imik ni Cleon at Biblee. Napa-clear throat at napaayos kaagad ako ng upo bago magkunot-noo para mukhang Eon na talaga.
"One point kay Batas, kasi kinukunsinti n'ya 'yong jowa n'yang spoiled na gustong mag-uwi ng pating. Buti na lang napigilan ko kasi baka talaga may kumakanta na kamig pating na Sharpey Evans ang pangalan."
They guffawed and started to clap because of my imitation to Eon's funny remarks.
"I have another reason to nominate Rebel!" At talagang hindi papatalo si Harper. "I nominate him because he's an uncultured swine! He called a fish in the aquarium tilapia, and he said nang-oopera daw ang surgeon fish!" stress na stress na dagdag pa ni Harper, kaya naman mas lalo kaming nagkatawanan.
"Isa pang petty mimic kay Eon!" loko ko ulit. Nakinig naman sila kaagad.
"One point po kay Pierce kasi crush n'ya si Reign dati." Pierce barked a laughter because of my skit, and everyone was applauding.
"Oh, royals, he's so annoying!" Harper retorted with cackle jokingly.
"'Tapos kapag si Caerus ganito!" simula naman ni Cleon at tingnan na nang-aasar si Art na biglang natigil sa pagtawa.
"I nominate Biblee kasi muntik na po akong mapakahamak sa Empress Council dahil sa suggestion n'ya na gamitin ko si Alas para sa selos gaming." Biglang binato ni Biblee ng tissue si Cleon at nagkatawanan kami lahat dahil do'n.
"Paano mo alam 'yon, asar ka!" Biblee yelled at him humourously.
"Mga kalokohan n'yo," Pierce and Thorn chorused and laughed at each other.
"Madaya, ikaw Luna, dapat meron ka rin!" biglang pansin sa akin ni Art. Napaamang naman ako sa kanya. 'Tapos bigla silang nag-cheer na ako naman daw, eh, wala talaga akong maisip sa totoo lang. Ang funny nila eh.
"Oh sige," I spoke with a smile and started thinking.
"I nominate Kael, para mapalabas na po s'ya kasi sobrang clingy at ako na po talaga ang magtataguyod sa amin. 'Tapos magbo-voluntary exit na rin po ako, kasi mami-miss ko po kaagad s'ya at kailangan kong kumita sa aking business!" I told them laughingly.
"Isusumbong ko 'yan kay Justice!" loko ni Biblee.
"Hoy, bawal! Lalaki ang ulo no'n!" mabilis na sagot ko kaya naman mas nagkatawanan kami.
Dahil sa mga kalokohan na naging topic namin, hindi na kami gano'n katensyonado at hindi na namin pinapansin ang mga naririnig naming usapan tungkol sa pasaways pati na rin sa akin. We didn't care about them at all. And we were having the fun in our night.
Keep looking and keep gossiping about us... it would definitely end soon.
There were a lot of programs in the party that happened after. There some performances from the students of the different departments that deals with the so-called normal division of the school, which was mostly consist of the higher echelon in the society.
There were also some kind of classical performances, and dances. The Crowns were just watching to everyone celebrating. We enjoyed all those things that happened despite the whispers, because the air of victory was more powerful.
The Crowns didn't really address anything; they were just watching and enjoying themselves up there. The school knew that this party was held for victory of the war that happened, that was why it was a royally festive event.
If they could only mind their own business, it would be more fun.
Nagsasayaw ang mga Pasaway sa dance floor, at hindi slow dance, doon sa bandang mga cute at oldies na song ang natugtog at nagkakatuwaan sila. Aba't ang lakas pang mag-break dance do'n ni Biblee kaya agaw-pansin.
They were really having time times of their lives. Pati si Harper napapasaway nila nang kung ano-ano. Kita mo sa kanila na sa wakas talaga, masaya at wala na sila gano'ng inaalala. Paano umiyak din 'yang mga 'yan dahil sa mga nasawi ng no'ng nagkaro'n ng mourning kahit wala sila sa school kung saan naganap 'yon.
They were also playing around. And I was sitting on the chair near their dance floor. Also there current dance and singing contest that was happening between them.
"Woohooo! Luna, tara dali, sayaw ka!" aya ni Amythee sa akin, I gave her thumbs up. I wanted them to enjoy everything by themselves.
"Sayaw na Pierce, let's go!" loko ni Biblee, at itinulak si Pierce sa gitna.
Pati si Akira biglang itinulak ni Cleon. Napapalakpak naman ako kasi todo cheer silang lahat sa dalawang 'yon. Hanggang sa sumayaw si Pierce na parang nahihiya pero parang pang-oldies na kasabay sa beat ng kantang nagpe-play sa lugar na 'yon.
"Woohoooo!" sigaw ko dahil pati si Akira napasayaw nila.
Mabilis kong kinuha nang palihim ang camera ko para i-video sila. Sumali rin si Biblee sa pagsayaw at hila-hila si Amythee. Kaya naman nagkakatuwaan sila ro'n. Pati ang trio nagsasayaw rin at naglolokohan.
Si Thorn naman ang nasa spotlight ngayon at mukhang pinagti-tripan nila. At isinalang din nila si Art kaya naman nag-dance showdown 'yong dalawa. "Oh my gosh!" I clapped my hands because they both looked so cool.
Parang nag-practice sila ang galing!
"May hidden talent pala 'tong mga 'to!" pang-aasar ni Cleon. Kaya naman napasalang din s'ya at loko-loko sumaway nga pero 'yong mga tipong para s'yang uod na binudburan ng asin, kaya naman nagkatawanan kami bigla.
Hanggang sa napalingon ako saglit sa likod at napansin ko na mukhang natutuwa rin silang panoorin ang magulong barkada na nagsasayaw. Mukhang mangha rin sa ganda at gwapo no'ng mga 'yon pero kapag nare-realize nilang sila 'yong mga Commoner na biglang naging Elite, umiirap at umaalis sila bigla.
I was clapping my hands and cheering for them, when I saw the Crowns moved out from where they were. May mga hinang tili rin dahil sa nangyari. Lalong-lalo na no'ng biglang nag-iba ang ilaw sa buong lugar.
If it was full of different colours and festives, this time... it suddenly became a fairytale like. It was like there was a glitter that was falling down in the atmosphere, and the music sounded so magical, soothing and lovely. It was so good!
'Yong gitna nang buong lugar, bigla na lang nag-move ang mga upuan at table na nando'n kanina para maging malaking open space 'yon, at nagsimula ang mga estudyante na pumunta ro'n para magsayaw by partner.
It was so cool! Because it was like I was transported back in time of the fairytale dances!
Napansin ko rin na mabilis hinila ni Biblee si Akira papunta ro'n, pero nagulat s'ya no'ng hingin ni Akira ang kamay n'ya at halikan 'to bago sila pumunta ro'n. Grabe! Kinilig ako nang slight do'n! 'Yong maliit na ngisi kasi sa labi ni Akira, para s'yang prince charming, my gosh!
Pati si Amythee at Theon pasimple ring pumunta sa lugar na 'yon. Hanggang sa bigla na lang sumulpot ang mga Crowns! Nayakap kaagad ni Cleon si Sloane no'ng makita 'to. Kilalang-kilala talaga kahit nakamaskara ang Crowns!
"May I have this dance?"
Oh, my gosh! Sobrang agaw eksena ni Caerus! Art's eyes widened when Caerus in his glory and golden aura and clothing that looked like a prince went on one knee to ask her for a dance.
"Oh, my gosh! The Second Crown!" tili ng mga babae sa paligid dahil talagang naging atensyon sila!
Art smiled happily and accepted Caerus hand. I almost squealed to cheer on them because they were so sweet! Ang dreamy ng aura no'ng dalawa grabe! Sobrang elegante ng dating ni Art sa green long gown n'ya na parang pang prinsesa, 'tapos 'yong sobrang dashing lang ni Caerus? Gosh! That was a real fairytale right there!
They both went to the dance floor, and they were suddenly on the center of it!
"Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh!" I murmured giddily watching them dance in the middle like they practiced for this!
"That smile on Second's lips is to die for!" Napabaling ako sa gilid ko dahil sa tiling narinig ko at medyo patalon-talon pa 'to. Natawa ako sa kasi mukhang fangirl ni Caerus, pero masaya kasi may bagay na prinsesa sa prinsepeng Second Crown.
Sloane and Cleon were also scene stealer because they went to the slow dance floor like it was a cotillion. And they danced in the middle, too! Halos ngumanga ang lahat dahil may pinaanyayahan si Sloane sa ganitong sayaw.
Sloane doesn't like doing slow dances in this kind of event. Ni isang ex n'ya dati, hindi n'ya man lang sinamahan sumayaw, pero tingnan mo nga naman! 'Yong akala mong pretend, sobrang seryoso talaga sa isa't isa.
Halos sina Akira, Biblee, Theon, Amythee, Cleon, Sloane, Art at Caerus ang agaw-pansin at nagsasayaw sa lugar na 'yon habang pinapanood sila nang ilan dahil sa tindi ng hatak nila. Duh? The snob Second and the rebel Fourth were dancing, too.
Napalingon din ako sa kabilang banda kasi nakita si Katniss at Thorn na mukhang nahihiya sa isa't isa. Hanggang sa inaya ni Thorn si Katniss na sumayaw.
Katniss and Thorn joined the crowd in the slow dance and they were both gawking at the youngest but powerful people together. Unlike the others who looked so serious and dreamy when dancing those two looked like they didn't care at all.
Mukhang natatapakan din ni Katniss ang paa ni Thorn, kaya nagkakatawanan silang dalawa. Thorn looked like he wanted Katniss to just step on his feet and he'd be the one to dance on their place. Such a cute and pure air in them.
I was surprised that Kellon wasn't around them at all. That was why I looked around to see the other Crowns.
It was easy to look for them because they were like literally shining with the golden clothing.
I saw Saint and Nicasia together at the buffet area. Natawa ako kasi mukhang gutom 'yong dalawa at nagtatawanan. Walang makalapit man lang sa lugar na 'yon at pinagmamasdan lang 'yong likod nila.
The freaking power around them.
Nicasia was the mastermind of the games—almost all the games—in the Hierarchy Tower. She was the twisted and mysterious Crown. No Hierarchy Tower would exist in this school if it weren't for her.
And Saint? Saint is the highest and the most mysterious Crown. Those two would surely get all the attention if they were on the dance floor right now. Two golden? That would be a whole news that would never die down in this school.
Hindi ko makita kung nasaan si Kellon dahil nawala kaagad s'ya no'ng umalis ang mga Crown sa kinauupuan nila kanina.
Yvo was sitting on the table with a wine glass, and girls were flocking to him. Napapairap at naiinis na lang s'ya kaya naman biglang tumayo at mukhang balak magtago. Kaloka!
I saw Pierce, Harper, and Honoka together. Mga walang partner kasi wala kang makikitang anino ng mga Evans sa lugar ngayon.
But they all went to where Nicasia and Saint were. Imbis na sumunod sa kanila, hindi ko alam pero dinala ako ng paa ko sa side door, kung saan pagkakaalam ko papunta 'yon sa rose garden at fountain ng lugar.
I went there because I didn't want to stay inside and just... miss someone. Kaloka! Sinanay talaga ako ni Kael na palagi s'yang nakaaligid sa akin, kaya naman naninibago ako na hindi! Goodness, hindi naman ako clingy.
Dapat pala nag-picture na lang ako sa kanilang lahat. Pero may mga camera namang naka-install sa buong lugar na 'yon, madaling i-edit 'yon, kaya maganda-gandang benta pa rin ang mangyayari. Mga candid pa naman 'yon kaya bongga!
There was a guard at the door, but when he saw the pin that I showed him, he automatically opened the door for me.
When I was out, the wind welcome me in a refreshing way, it was bright because of all the lights in the garden, and you could hear the sound of the fountain from afar. I walked on the place, and it was so peaceful but paradise-like.
Dumiretso ako sa may lugar papunta sa maze ng bushes ng mga roses. It was so dreamy and magical.
While I was walking around and my forehead knotted when I saw a familiar golden prince-like attire with all those badges and sash of red. He removed the Crown that was on his head and messed with his hair.
Dahil nasa maze ako, hindi ko s'ya mapuntahan kasi marami akong kailangan daanan, pero nakaupo lang s'ya sa bench kung saan may malapit na ilaw na kulay orange. Sobrang ayaw talaga nito sa mga tao nakakaloka!
He looked like he was resting, but suddenly he was startled when someone from the high-wall full of vines fell! Pati ako nagulat nang sobra-sobra dahil do'n. "Hala!" I exclaimed in a whisper.
Kellon looked at the one who fell, but she was standing on her feet! Pinapagpagan pa ang suot n'ya na mukhang nasira nang kaunti dahil sa nangyari.
A commoner. I murmured inside my head.
She was wearing a white tulle long gown. She doesn't seem like to notice that Kellon was in front of her because she was busy talking to the cat that she was holding. Mukang malnourished 'yong naligaw na pusa, kaya niligtas n'ya 'yon mula sa kabilang parte ng wall kung saan s'ya tumalon.
"Mingming, h'wag ka mag-alala, ligtas ka na!" masayang sambit nito habang himashimas ang ulo ng pusa.
She smiled so purely and it felt like everything was bright. Natigilan din ako saglit dahil sa ngiti n'ya. Wait... she seemed so familiar, she even felt so familiar!
"Oh, my gosh! Caitlyn?!" hindi makapaniwalang bulaslas ko at nagtakip ako ng bibig. At nagtago sa maze.
"You called me?" I heard Caitlyn's voice. And she was looking surprised at Kellon who was sitting on the bench looking at her weirdly.
"Does my voice sound like a girl's?" pilosopong sagot naman ni Kellon kay Caitlyn—or Caity kung tawagin ko.
"Wait... I know you!" biglang imik ni Caity at itinuro si Kellon.
"Who doesn't know me?" mayabang na sagot ni Kellon.
"You promised to bring me my lost Mingming from before, but I waited for nothing. Because of your useless promise... I found Mingming dead the next day!" nakatungo at malungkot na imik nito kay Kellon.
My eyes circled! Oh, my gosh! Si Caity 'yong sinasabi ni Katniss na dapat pupuntahan ni Kellon no'n kaso dahil kay Amythee hindi n'ya nagawang puntahan?
"You are a Crown... but I guess, title remain as titles..." Caity's voice was so sad but she marched away from Kellon who was so shocked on how the commoner talked like that to him.
Well, that's Caity for him.
I met Caitlyn from all the volunteerings that I was doing. Mahilig tumulong si Caity sa napakaraming bagay at nagugulat ako kapag nakikita ko s'ya lagi, kaya naman magkakilala kami, kaso hindi katulad ko na halos sagot ko ang ginawa kong volunteering, si Caity volunteer lang talaga at hindi nagbibigay ng pera o kung ano man, kasi hindi sila gano'n kayaman. Kaya commoner lang din s'ya.
At ayon din kay Katniss, nakilala ni Kellon ang babaeng pupuntahan n'ya dapat no'ng nangyari 'yong kay Amythee at Theon, dahil naka'y Kellon ang pusa ni Caity. At naiwala rin ulit ni Kellon ang pusa, kaya magbibigay ng impormasyon ni Kellon kay Caity, o di kaya'y hahanapin nila parehas.
Ang kaso, mukhang hindi talaga umayon sa kanila ang mga nangyari no'n, kaya siguro kagaya ng sabi ni Caity, namatay 'yong pusa at nahuli ang lahat kasi hindi s'ya sinipot ni Kellon.
Kung naghanap s'ya kaagad no'n at hindi hinintay si Kellon, baka sakalinh buhay pa ang pusa nito.
Uh-oh. Ang laki ng atraso ni Kellon kay Caity. Sobrang bait ni Caity. Kung tutuusin parang babaeng version ni Alas si Caity. Hindi mabilis magalit, mahaba ang pasensya, sobrang pure mag-isip, at kapag nangiti parang lumiliwanag ang lahat.
I was busy thinking about all that when suddenly somenone grabbed my hand. And dragged me away.
Hanggang natigil kami sa harap ng isang malaking pinto.
"Why are you not inside the venue?" Boses pa lang kilala ko na kaagad kung sino.
"Looking for me?" I asked with a smug smile, and he glanced back at me.
"Yeah, because it is time to reveal your place... my Luminous Erina..." And with Kael's words the door opened for us.
It was the back door from the venue. I held Kael's hand tigther, and we were walking on a narrow cemented and old hallway with torches. The warmth of his hand made me feel so safe and secure with everything.
When we arrived at the end of that tunnel like hallway, the door opened and we were welcomed by a bright and golden room.
Napanganga ako nang makita ko kung sino ang nando'n. It was all the Evans and Alas.
"Hey, Luna," Miracle greeted. "We were waiting for you," she added and went to hug me. Mabilis ko rin s'yang niyakap nang may ngiti sa mga labi. Akala ko 'yon lang 'yon pero nagulat ako no'ng bigla n'yang higitin ang isang parte ng damit ko.
At napanganga ako no'ng biglang nag-iba ang hitsura at kulay ng suot ko.
I looked at all of them, and I was in awe. So... we were really revealing this tonight, huh? I heaved a sigh and I hugged Kael, and he kissed the top of my head. And hand in hand we went to another room and the huge screen welcomed us. It was showing a live feed of what was happening in the venue.
And now it was the start... the real colour of the Hierarchy would show its glorious brilliance tonight.
***