BIEL
"He lost all of his memories." kalmadong saad ni King Light.
The Silent War happened last night and it was a victory for us, though we falied to catch the two enemies with brown cloaks. Everything went back to normal, and early in the morning, I was called by the King. It's Saturday by the way.
Pagpasok ko sa loob ng Royal Chamber ay naratnan kong naguusap-usap sila kasama si Trent na mukhang walang gana sa mundo. Bagsak ang buhok nito at nakapamulsa pa.
Sandaling umangat ang gilid ng labi ko ngunit agad ko itong pinigilan.
I went in with my usual poker face though I'm a little bit glad to see him again.
Wait, is this really me?
They always say I'm a calm and coolheaded woman. Now I'm doubting that.
Just looking at him made my day already.
Agad namang ikinuwento ni Queen Emerald ang sitwasyon ni Trent. Wala siyang maalalang kahit ano at kahit si Queen Emerald ay walang makitang impormasyon sa isip niya bukod sa ang pangalan niya ay "Trent".
How useful right?
At bigla na lang nilang sinabi na habang 'di pa bumabalik ang memorya niya, at habang 'di pa nila alam kung saang lupalop siya galing ay papasok muna siya pansamantala sa Light Academy at ipakikilala nila bilang pamangkin ni Queen Emerald na mula sa Northeast Village.
Surely, no one will recognize him since his face is very different from the day he attacked me. He looks like a monster back then with those dark power looming over him but now he looks...
human.
Umalingawngaw ang halakhak ni Queen Emerald na mukhang binasa ang isip ko. Just what I expected.
"Biel said you look like a human now compared to the first time she saw you." Queen Emerald said which surprised me.
Why dou you have to say that my Queen?!
Nagtakip ng bibig si Queen Emerald at mukhang nabasa niya muli ang isip ko. "Oops, my bad."
Nasapo ko na lang ang aking ulo.
"I'll take that as a compliment." saad ni Trent at nginitian ako.
Hol- whatever.
Agad kong tiningnan si Queen Emerald at buti na lang busy pa ito sa pagtawa kung hindi ay baka nabasa na naman niya ang iniisip ko.
This place is torture.
Tumikhim ako bago magsalita. "Thank you for letting me join the war last night, and thank you for asking him to protect me and thank you for fullfillng your duty." I said and glanced at Trent's direction.
"But we're not a hundred percent sure he's on our side. Don't you think it's too risky to let him walk freely in the academy? And we still need to catch someone." I said, referring to the spy.
I know they get my point.
"What do you think?" King Light said, asking Queen Emerald.
She looked at Trent seriously and I felt a chilling sensation just by looking at her expression.
She eventually smiled and I sighed out of relief.
"We can trust him, I'm sure of that." She said, converting back to her cheerful disposition.
"And Biel, sorry to say this, but you have an additional task." King Light said, with an apologetic smile.
That smile looks like trouble.
"Since you said that there's also the fact that Trent might do something dangerous, though I think that's not gonna happen, I want you to guard and look over him, Biel. He also needs assistance since everything is new for him, right Emerald?"
"Oh yes! Besides, they look good together." saad ng reyna at bumungisngis ito.
No comment.
"I agree. " tipid na reply ni Trent na nakakuha ng atensyon ko.
But still no comment.
"I believe Trent here is a wonderful person and he's too handsome, right Biel?" dagdag pa ng reyna.
No comment pa rin ako.
"I'm okay with Biel looking over me. I know I'm still not that trustworthy so I'll work hard to earn your trust." Trent shortly replied.
"So everything's settled then! I know you two has a good chemistry so you'll do just fine, Biel."
No comment.
"Puno ng no comment ang utak ni Biel," walang ganang saad ng reyna.
"but I'll take that as a yes. Goodluck!"
Gustuhin ko mang ngumiti, sa takot na mabuking ako ay napangiwi na lang ako.
***
Nang makalabas ng Royal Chamber ay tsaka lang ako nakahinga ng maluwag. Wala talaga akong iniwan sa utak ko kung hindi "no comment" kahit sa loob loob ko ay may nagwawalang kung ano.
Katabi ko pa pala si Trent at hindi ko alam kung ba't hindi pa siya umaalis.
"Do you really hate me that much?"
Natigil ako sa pagiisip ng kung anu-ano nang magsalita siya.
I must've offended him a while ago. Kung alam niya lang ang hirap na pinagdaanan ko.
"But I'm not giving up. I'll make you like me." saad niya na nakapagpaubo sa akin.
"Kailangan ko ng apple juice." 'yun na lang ang nasabi ko dala ng pagkataranta.
***
"Ba't mo ko sinusundan?" tanong ko kay Trent na nakapamulsa. Hindi ko namalayang sumunod pala siya sa akin.
"Wala lang. Gusto ko lang."
Kalma Biel. Kaya mo 'yan.
Dahil andito na rin naman ay binilhan ko na rin siya ng apple juice. Nakasimangot kong binigay sa kaniya ang isang apple juice at ngiting ngiti naman niya itong kinuha.
"Oh, ayan. Now stop following me." malamig kong saad at tinalikuran siya. Nagsimula akong maglakad palayo kahit parang ayokong lumayo.
Ilang minuto na rin akong naglalakad lakad at talagang sinusundan niya pa rin ako. Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ba ako o maggagalit-galitan o ano.
I suddenly remember I was also tasked to assist him. Guess I need to give him some lessons.
Tumigil ako sa paglalakad at hinarap siya. Agad siyang tumingin sa ibang direksyon na para bang nagkukunwaring hindi niya ako sinusundan. May pasipol sipol pa siyang nalalaman.
"Come with me." saad ko at nagpatuloy na sa paglalakad.
Wala pang isang segundo ay nasa tabi ko na siya at sabay na kaming naglalakad.
"Hindi mo rin ako natiis 'no?" pangaasar niya.
Maybe. Pero syempre hindi ko sinabi 'yun.
"Mag-aaral tayo ngayon." sabi ko na lang.
"Sus, palusot pa." bulong niya pero narinig ko.
Tumigil ako sa paglalakad at malamig siyang tiningan. Though I'm quite embarrassed with my actions. It really seems like I'm just making an excuse to spend more time with him? Ewan.
"Joke lang ma'am." nakangiti niyang saad at nagpeace sign.
So cute.
Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad hanggang sa marating namin ang hill na madalas kong puntahan. Agad akong nagindian seat at sumandal sa kaisa isang puno na nandito. Umupo naman si Trent sa tabi ko.
Itinusok ko ang straw sa apple juice at sumimsim mula dito. Ganun 'din ang ginawa ni Trent.
"Let's start." I said as I tried to act like a teacher while pushing my eyeglasses up which I found out of nowhere.
"Yes ma'am!" Masigla niyang saad at nagsalute pa sabay kindat kaya agad akong namental block.
I wish he didn't do that. He's presence alone makes it too hard for me to focus.
"Ah, w-where do I start?"
Tumingala ako na para bang nagiisip kahit walang pumapasok na kahit ano sa utak ko. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko sa buong kingdom, nagbabakasakaling may mahanap na ideya.
"Oh, let's start with the kingdoms." Muli kong saad habang tumatango tango.
Right. Familiarizing about the kingdoms is one of the basics.
Patuloy sa pag-inom si Trent habang nakahalumbaba at nakaharap sa akin.
Okay? Ba't kailangang nakaharap pa?
Fighting, Biel.
"O-okay. So may apat na kingdom sa mundong 'to. Us, at the east, is known as the Light Kingdom. We have formed an alliance with the Might Kingdom, located at the west part while in the south is the Hidden Kingdom. From the name "Hidden", they're obviously hidden and no outsider has ever found that kingdom. They're a living mystery." Mahaba kong litanya.
Tumango si Trent na maiging nakikinig sa akin.
Huminga ako ng malalim bago magpatuloy. Sa tuwing babanggitin ko ang salitang ito ay hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng bigat sa dibdib.
"At ang kingdom sa Northern part ay tinatawag na Crimson Kingdom." seryoso kong saad. Napayukom ang aking kamao. Just saying that word stirs up the anger in me.
Humarap ako sa kabuuan ng kingdom at pinagmasdan ito bago magpatuloy. "Sila ang mga kalaban natin. Noon ay kilala na sila bilang sakim sa kapangyarihan ngunit mas lumala ito ng mga nakaraang taon. They became too hungry with power that they'll do anything for it, even if it means killing people."
"Sila ang umatake nang nangyari ang Silent War kagabi?" tanong ni Trent na mas naging interesado sa usapan.
Tinanguhan ko siya bilang sagot.
"At sila rin ang naglagay ng curse sa'yo. Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko alam kung anong motibo nila sa pagpapadala sa'yo but,"
I paused for a second and look at him with my lifeless eyes.
"But I'm sure they're up for something."
Nanatili siyang tahimik habang nakatungo na para bang may iniisip. Iniangat niya ang kaniyang paningin at tumitig sa akin.
"So they're target is none other than you. Why?"
His words surprised me.
He's sharp. I didn't know he'll figure that out sooner.
"You're right." I said, smiling bitterly as I avoided his gaze. "I'm their target and all of this mess is because of me. That's why I badly want to help last night. Because it's all my fault."
The reason why I hate myself more than anyone.
In our world, I was branded as a hero, as the 'light' but I'm not doing my role completely. I'm still useless. Just like in the past.
"Why do they want you?"
Muli akong napatingin sa kaniya. Ilang segundo kaming binalot ng katahimikan bago ko napagpasiyahang sabihin ang lahat. Malalaman at malalaman niya rin naman, so it's better say it earlier.
"I have this what I called elemental powers. I don't know if that's the right term but since no one knew about it except for one, I guess, I came up with that word. I can use the four elemental powers which are wind, earth, water and fire. I still can't use the last two elements but I'm trying by training everyday."
"But how in the world did you transfer your power in me last night?" tanong niya ng puno ng pagtataka.
Kahit ako, hindi ko rin alam kung paano. Marami rin akong mga tanong tungkol sa kapangyarihan ko na alam kong hindi masasagot kung hindi siya babalik.
Nanatiling tikom ang aking bibig kaya malamang, alam na niyang hindi ko rin alam ang sagot.
"You said no one knew about your power except for one? Who's that 'one'?"
Because of what he said, some memories of the past came back flooding in me. It was incomplete, disarray, and I only remember a few from the past. I don't know why but maybe, it's because I was always pushing my memories away, in the deepest part of my mind.
I guess I desperately wanted to forget everything that has happened.
"Someone called Wayne." I replied.
All I know is I unleashed my power after an incident that happened involving him. I really can't remember everything but I know he's somewhat one of the reasons. After that, everything that has happened was too painful, I even can't bear to say it.
Bago pa lumalim ang usapan, agad na akong nagsalita at pilit na kinalimutan ang nakaraan.
"Let's move on." I casually said. "Now, let's talk about the academy's system since you'll be attending there."
Mabuti na lang at mukhang naramdaman niyang may mga bagay na ayoko ng pagusapan pa kaya nakisama na lang siya sa akin.
"How old are you?" tanong ko kay Trent na ngayo'y busy sa pagsilip kung may laman pa ang apple juice niya.
Speaking of apple juice, naalala kong hindi ko pa nauubos ang akin kaya dali-dali ko itong ininom bago pa mawala ang lamig nito.
Natigil siya sa pagsilip sa apple juice niya at nagisip isip ngunit mukhang walang maisip.
"How old are you?" pabalik niyang tanong sa akin.
"I'm 18."
"I'm also 18." seryoso niyang saad. Halata namang ginaya niya lang ang edad ko pero hayaan na lang natin.
It's my mistake asking him that question. Wala nga pala siyang maalala bukod sa ang pangalan niya ay Trent.
"Sige. Sabihin na lang natin na 18 ka dahil mukhang magka-edad naman tayo." pagsang-ayon ko sa kaniya.
"If you're 18, then you're in the same level with me. You'll be attending the Middle Class which is for those whose age is 16 to 18. Beginner's Class, which is the starting point is for 14 to 16 years old. The last one is the Upper Class for 18 to 20 years old, in short we stay on the same level for two years."
"Got it." sagot niya. Mabuti na lang at matalino siya. Ba't parang ang perfect naman ata niya masyado?
Bago pa pumasok sa isip ko ang kung anu-ano ay nagpatuloy na ako. Muli akong uminom ng apple juice dahil nagsisimula ng manuyot ang lalamunan ko kakasalita.
Feeling ko ito ang unang pagkakataon na ang dami kong sinabi sa isang araw.
"We also do missions to enhance our abilities. Those in the Beginner's Class are tasked to do rank D missions, rank C for Middle Class, rank B for Upper Class while rank A and S for the elites. Elites by the way, are those who have already graduated and are fully acknowledged by the King and Queen as professionals."
"But," muli kong saad.
"But?" kunot noo niyang tanong.
Ang sarap niyang bigyan ng medal. Nakikinig talaga siya at feeling ko ay isang teacher talaga ako na nagtuturo sa isang bata.
"But there are some students who are allowed to do rank A missions." wika ko.
Mukhang mas naging interesado siya at 'di naman imposible kung mapabilang siya sa mga estudyanteng 'yun. With his smarts, he's cut out for it.
"The top ten students in the whole academy is allowed to do rank A missions. It doesn't matter whatever level you belong. As long as you ace the exams given to you, you can be part of what they called the 'Royal Ten'."
Nirerespeto at hinahanggan ng marami ang Royal Ten. In such a young age, they display a high level of abilities in par with the elites. Usually, mga taga-Upper Class ang kabilang sa Royal Ten but looking at Trent, there might be some difference this year.
"BIEL!!!"
Plus si Samh pa nga pala. I'm sure magpupursigi 'yun makapasok sa Royal Ten dahil naideclare na niya kay Ms. Pretty in advance na kabilang siya 'dun. She hates lies so for sure she'll work hard to make her statement, being one of the Royal Ten, come true.
And speaking of Samh, sa 'di kalayuan ay tanaw ko ang imahe niya na nagwawala na naman. Mukhang masama na naman ang gising niya. Gulo gulo pa ang buhok nito at may hawak na mug sa kanang kamay, gatas siguro. Ilang beses niyang isinisigaw ang pangalan ko.
Hindi na ako magtataka kung kilala ako ng lahat ng tao sa kingdom.
"Looks like you're bestfriend needs you. She looks like a mess." saad ni Trent na nakangiwi habang pinagmamasdan si Samh.
"How did you know she's my bestfriend?"
"Huh? Ah, just a hunch?" sagot ni Trent na napakamot sa kaniyang ulo.
"Oh? Okay." sabi ko nalang.
Tumayo na ako sa pagkakaupo at pinagpag ang puwetan ko. Mukhang may kailangan pa akong tulungan ngayon.
"Mauna na ako." paalam ko kay Trent at tumango lamang siya at nginitian ako.
Buti na lang napigilan ko ang sarili ko sa pagtitig.
"Hindi ka pa bababa?" tanong ko sa kaniya. Hindi naman sa gusto ko pa siyang makasama pero parang ganun na nga.
"Nah, I want to enjoy the view here a little bit longer."
Sumandal siya sa puno habang ang dalawang kamay ay nasa likod ng kaniyang ulo. Pumikit siya at napangiti ito ng humampas ang hangin.
Bigla akong napuno ng pagalala.
Kung ganiyan siya kagwapo, malamang ay pagkukumpulan siya ng mga babae sa academy. That's a big problem.
"I'll be watching you from here so don't worry. If you ever miss me, just call my name and I'll be there." he said and winked at me.
Hindi ko alam pero parang narinig ko na sa kung saan ang sinabi niya.
Mas lalo tuloy akong nagalala. Kung ganiyan siya kalandi, mas maraming babae ang mahuhumaling sa kaniya.
Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin at nagsimula ng bumaba. Mahirap mang lumayo, kailangan kong gawin. I guess this is the disadvantage of having a crush.
Pagbaba ko sa burol ay nadatnan ko si Samh na inaagaw ang lollipop ng isang batang lalaki. Mukhang iiyak na ito anomang oras dala ng takot na maagaw ang lollipop niya.
Agad kong binatukan si Samh at pinigil siya.
"Aray! Ang sakit 'nun ah!" bulyaw niya habang nakahawak sa ulo niya.
Sinenyasan ko ang bata na tumakbo na palayo bago pa ulit siya agawan ng bruhang 'to.
Pinagmasdan ko si Samh mula ulo hanggang paa at mukhang wala pa talaga siya sa wisyo. Nakapajama pa ito at 'di man lang nagpalit.
Nakapameywang ko siyang tiningnan at tinaasan ng kilay. "Anong kailangan mo sa'kin?" mataray kong saad.
"Ginagaya mo ba ako?! Anyways, wala ng asukal sa bahay at ang tabang nitong gatas ko, kaya pahingi." wika niya at inangkla ang kaniyang braso sa akin.
Asukal lang pala ang hanap.
"By the way, may nangyari ba kagabi? I was looking for you but your nowhere to be found."
Sandali akong natigilan sa sinabi niya. Diretso ko siyang tiningnan at ngumiti.
"Nothing happened last night." I said.
I know she hates it when I'm lying. That's exactly why I don't want to tell her the truth. I don't want her to get angry at me.
I don't want to lose anyone anymore.